09.20.25
by

Edinburgh Kiltwalk Recap – 14th September 2025


In Which I Do The Longest Exercise I’ve EVER Done In My Life

On Saturday 6th September I was on my way to work when I saw a sign near the train station that was saying that the Kiltwalk was happening soon, the following week to be exact. I’ve heard about the Kiltwalk but never took part in it and was telling myself all the way to work that I really didn’t want to commit to walking a full, 26 mile marathon distance walk, in just over a weeks time.

When I got to work and had a bit of time I looked on the Kiltwalk website to look at the route because if it was signposted near my house, maybe it was going to go in FRONT of my house and I could do some cheering. I was wrong about the distance, the longest one (Mighty Stride) was 21 miles and the map looked like it would pass very close to where I lived but not quite on my road.

Interestingly, they had an 11 mile route too (called the Big Stroll) which took my interest. The start of that one was about three miles from home and so I figured I’d walk to the start and then do the 11 miles and that would give me a total of 14 miles. The part of my brain that does ‘runner maths’ said “well if you’re going to walk 14 miles you might as well do the whole 21 mile walk” and so I signed up for the big one.

Logical. Runner. Maths.

The Kiltwalk is a VERY reasonable entry cost of £20, they keep it as low as possible to make sure that everyone can put the rest of the money towards fundraising instead of worrying about the sign up amount. That includes a medal, food at the end, and pit stops along the way. (There’s another distance, 4.5 miles, which is called the Wee Wander. All are £20 no matter the distance).

The morning of the walk soon arrived (after eight days to be exact). I don’t own a kilt and couldn’t get one at a decent price before the event, but did have a tartan shirt that would help me fit in so wore that tied around my waist. Never done a big walk before so opted for my regular running kit. Packed my rucksack with a raincoat (we are in Scotland after all), sandwiches, water, biscuits, and a few energy gels.

I got the bus into Edinburgh centre and made my way to the start which was happening in Holyrood Park in front of Arthurs Seat. There were a few different start times and mine was 0930 as I’d entered so late, and that meant I had to pick up my lanyard from the tent. Other start times were 0900 and 1000 but I noticed my lanyard didn’t have a time on it so went and lined up at 0845.

There were THOUSANDS of people lined up, most in kilts, some with dogs, all looking happy and nervous in equal measure. There was a stand giving away sunglasses and flags and those big wavey fingers they have at sporting events (I didn’t get any). Just before 9 o’ clock there was a warm-up and a talk from Sir Chris Hoy and then we were off!

Well, actually, about 200 people were off. Then there was another talk from Sir Chris Hoy and a long talk from Sir Tom Hunter and THEN… they let another few hundred people go. They announced that in a few minutes there would be ANOTHER warm up and the crowd groaned, but to the credit of the commentary people they said “We’ve heard the moans, we won’t keep you” and another section of the Kiltwalkers were let go, including myself.

So originally I was due to set off at 0930, but snuck in the start line early to aim for the 0900 wave, and I got going bang on… 0930. That’ll teach me I guess!

Start to Mile 10

Handily, I knew most of the route. My running route home is the same as the first four miles of the Kiltwalk and so I knew what was coming up. The first mile was up hill but then we joined the Innocent Railway Cycle Path and it was down hill for the next three miles. On the hill I overtook pretty much all of my wave (apart from a woman who was MARCHING) and I managed to catch up to the tail walkers of the previous wave. My plan for the whole 21 miles was to go hard, to use the walk as part of my marathon training, and to get somewhere near the Six Hour Average Finish Time.

The second mile was very congested, the cycle path is only maybe two metres wide so there were very few opportunities to over-take and had to stick to the pace of those in front. Got ever more congested when the regular public were walking/running/cycling the opposite way, but didn’t see anyone complaining.

Third mile opened up a bit and at mile four we were near my house about 200m up the road. We went across a stone bridge, along a gravel path, then I saw my house from the opposite end of the road. Tempted to nip in to use the toilet but decided to carry on. A small pit stop was in the park but I didn’t realise that was it was until I’d gone by it. Ate a biscuit.

We approached Musselburgh train station at five miles (which is near where I used to live so again knew the route. Gotta take all the advantages!) We went along the River Esk path for a short while (saw a Deer!) and then we went around Musselburgh and along the path through my sons school. Honestly, it felt like this walk was mapped out with me in mind!

Then, just before Musselburgh harbour, we got to 10 miles and the next pit stop.

10 Miles to 16 Miles

The pit stop was BRILLIANT. There was a huge table filled with snacks and drinks and fruit and you could take whatever you wanted. Plenty of walkers used the pit stop as an actual stop and sat down for a picnic but, marathon training and all that, I used the facilities and kept on going. I was averaging around 16min 20s a mile and was confident I’d get under six hours.

The next section was through Joppa and Portobello and Portobello threw me a bit. Again, I’ve trained a lot along that way, but the rest of the route was full of Kiltwalkers and this section was packed with tourists, day trippers, the public, and beach users, and was hard to see other walkers. A few times I was wondering I’ve I’d gone the right way but kept noticing others with the green lanyards and kilts so on I went. Another pit stop turned up around the 13th mile and I had a smile that I’d reached half marathon distance. Had some of my sandwich.

From here to the end I was in uncharted parts of Edinburgh (to me anyway). I’d never been down this way and while I’d gone through on the bus or in a car it wasn’t enough to know the route. The walk was signed all of the way but if you weren’t in sight of another walker some of them could be easy to miss, so made sure my eyes were peeled.

Victoria Park turned up at 16 miles with the biggest pit stop yet, LOADS of snacks, a band, and plenty of supporters cheering on. I was feeling a bit achy in my hips but over-all felt good.

Miles 16 to the End (21 Miles)

It got a bit tough, I’d put that down to the fact that I didn’t know the route so it’s a bit harder to judge how far there is to go, even though I was tracking it on my watch. That makes sense, right? Had the rest of my sandwich while I was walking and thought about some crisps but decided I’d save myself for the food at the end.

I’d been taking bits from each pit stop, a packet of crisps or a chocolate bar or some sweets and as my bag was getting heavier with it all I decided I didn’t need any more. Had plenty of water too because I’d brought two full bottles of my own and had taken two along the way.

My watch was about to die at mile 18 so had to stop that, upload to Strava, get my phone, then start tracking on there instead. As I’d slowed down (didn’t want to drop my phone) I got a few “come on, you’re almost there” supportive comments from people going by. Was going to tell them I’m only slowing to sort out Strava but thought that might make me sound over-confident so decided to re-over-take them (without making eye contact, didn’t want to seem smug).

The last pit stop arrived and I made use of the facilities but didn’t take any snacks from the table, my mind on the end. Three miles to go, then two, then Murrayfield Stadium (the end) was in sight but still had a mile to go, so dug down deep and crossed the finish line.

5hrs 37minutes. Chuffed! Not too bad to say I’d only entered the thing eight days earlier.

Medal in hand (around my neck really) I made my way to the food tent and handed over my food voucher in exchange for the most amazing burger I’ve ever eaten. (On a normal day I’d describe it as ‘shitty’ but after walking 21 miles it was like heaven).

Ate the burger then headed for the tram back in to Edinburgh. A couple offered me their seat so I must’ve looked knackered. My hips were aching, my legs were sore, but I was feeling good. I made my way home and had a shower, a few celebration beers, and a load of junk food. What a day!

Next Up:

YORKSHIRE MARATHON FOR THE 12TH TIME BABYYYYY!!!!

08.18.25
by

Scottish 10k Recap – 17th August 2025


A Local Race For Local People (and not locals too)

Going back over my stats and medals, this would be the sixth time I’ve run the Scottish 10k, and what a mixed bag of results it’s been! It’s been the race where I’ve got one of my slowest times (1hr 3mins) but it’s also the place where I got my PB back in 2019 (47min 15s). HUGE varience!

This year I wasn’t going in to it with any ideas of zoom zooming around the course and told myself it was just another training run for Yorkshire Marathon, although this training run would have a few thousand others and a medal at the end.

The Scottish 10k is run on the same day as the Scottish Half marathon, they both finish at the Musselburgh Racecourse (races for horses, but today for people) though they start separate. The 10k starts and finishes at the racecourse but the half starts a little way away at Meadowmill Sports centre. Never actually done that half (and judging by the kafuffle at the start of the half I’m glad I didn’t!)

Left home at 0800 and got on the bus at 0815. Got into Musselburgh at 0825 then headed to the racecourse and got there at 0835. Reading that sentence back I think I might’ve missed my calling as a travel writer?

Had my little support crew (of two) with me so gave them both a hug and I got into the starting line up. I was in the Gold section (second from last) because I’d put an hour (I think) when I entered. I’ve been staying nice and steady with my training over the summer but I’ve not been training for speed so sub hour seemed doable. The race count down counted down and we were off!

The route of the 10k is a nice, pretty much flat, out and back along the East Lothian (few miles outside Edinburgh) coast. You don’t get to see a lot of the sea (Firth of Forth) because it’s a little built up along the way but it’s still nice and scenic. My plan was (because it was HOT) was to walk the water station but otherwise stick to running and other than that just to get round.

Some support on the course by the locals but it’s not really set up well for family/friends to cheer on the route, told my support to just hang around the start/finish and have a nice relax. I’m nice like that. At 3km the lead runners were already coming back (so they were at 7km) and everyone gave them huge cheers.

I got to 5km in just over 29 minutes (29.12) so sub hour was looking good, and I’d run the whole way so far. Oddly the water station was placed around 7km (not the usual half way point) which I guess is to line up with how the half marathon runners need to take on water? Or maybe they just forgot and added it in late? Anyway! As planned I walked the water station (means I can concentrate on filling my bottle) and then set off running again.

I used to live along the course so I know the route well and it’s a nice boost knowing what’s coming and how far there is to go. Obviously you can see the distance left on your watch or by looking at the signs, but when you’ve run the parts before then you get to visualise the rest of the race.

The Racecourse was in sight, I could hear the commentators on the mic, and before I knew it I was over the line and done.

Official time of… 58.02. Damn those three seconds…

Got my medal, finisher pack (that included t-shirt, energy tabs, water, and a flap jack bar) then met up with my crew and my son claimed the flap jack bar. Good job he’s cute. That’s pretty much it! Made our way for the bus, got home, and had a picnic in the garden (because it was even hotter!) and even cracked out the paddling pool.

Medal number 91 (I think) is proudly hung up and the next race I’m entered in is the Yorkshire Marathon (12th time) in October. See you on the start line yeah?

P.S.

The kerfuffle at the Scottish Half was due to a problem with the transfer buses, so the race was delayed by a fair bit. Not ideal when it’s baking hot!

P.P.S.

I’m looking for readers! I’ve got two (TWO) books releasing (self publishing) in late September, both non fiction, one about ghosts of York and one about ghosts of Edinburgh. If you’d like a free e-book copy sending please let me know which you’d like.

Now, I’m not allowed to ask for reviews on Amazon (I don’t think) and don’t want to fall foul of them before I even drop the books, so need to make sure that you know that receiving a copy of the book doesn’t mean you need to leave a review.

In other news, I hope I manage to get reviews on my books when they release.

08.07.25
by

So That Was July!


I mean, it ended a week ago but I’ve been a bit busy ya know

July felt like a bit of a return to form to me, for me. I got a few blog posts written up, stuck to the healthy and the fitness, and lost some weight too. It’s honestly one of the best months I’ve had for my health in a long while. I ran more in January this year, sure, but I don’t think I stayed on track with the healthy eating and weight loss and blogging.

The last week of July was decent enough, I finished the month on 45 miles run and 15lbs lost in weight. I’ve put a few back ON since the weigh in at the end of the month though because I’ve had family visit and so I’ve only run once in August (so far) and had a fair bit of food (and beer).

I’m allowed it every now and then though, so I’m making sure I’m not beating myself up (though if I did beat myself up Fight Club style I bet that’d shift a few calories). It was my sister and nephew that visited, he’s in his early 20s so we stayed up til the wee hours watching rubbish, having a few beers, and generally chatting about everything.

Now that they (and the first week) of August are away, it’s time to get re-focused. Next race is next week so I’ll be constant for the next 10 days and see how I do on the day. I’m not expecting miracles, but I’m wanting to knock a fair few minutes off of the last 10k I did.

That’ll probably be the next update I get done, it’s still the school holidays in this part of the world so I’m only getting out running a couple times a week. He’s back at school soon and so that’ll be the time I FULLY commit to the Yorkshire Marathon. Times flying!

See you on a start line!

07.23.25
by

Happy Runnerversary To Me!


My Running Is Now A Teenager, Does That Make Me A Runner Yet?

I started running in June 2012, but yesterday marked the 13th anniversary of my first ever official event, which was the Great North 10k in Gateshead (England, for all of you confused right now). I was asked after the race if I now thought of myself as a runner, and I said I didn’t, but I’m sure I will one day. I’d only been running a month and to be a runner you have to commit long term, compete in multiple races, and be fast, don’t you?

I’d started running as an aid to weight loss and because of the motivation I got watching the Lanzarote Ironman Triathlon (that’s in Lanzarote!). My entire aim was to train for, and finish, the Great North Run Half Marathon which takes place each year in Newcastle (still England). That was happening in September for me and so I’d entered the above 10k because I’d been told it would be a good idea to get a few races done before the big one.

As you can see from the picture, I didn’t really have a clue. I didn’t have shorts I had longs, and I had not one but TWO bottles with me, water and an energy drink. Plus that dopey looking expression? Ah no wait I still have that.

The 10k went fine (original race report is HERE) and although I was new to the sport, and the day went well, I remember being a bit disappointed with my time of 1hr 8mins. So no, going back to the first paragraph, I didn’t see myself as a runner, not yet anyway.

I went on to finish the Great North Run in a respectable(ish) time (for a new runner) of 2hr 38mins. “Do you feel like a runner now that you’ve done a half marathon?” Not really, no. But I’m sure I will one day.

So the next obvious question was “when are you going to run a marathon?” Never. No thank you! I’d absolutely zero intention of running 26.2 miles. The 13.1 were hard enough! If I was carrying on with running I was going to stick to the 10k distance. Then January came around (as it does every year) and my friend Rob told me he’d entered Blackpool marathon that April. 12 weeks away. On the VERY SAME DAY it was announced that Yorkshire was starting it’s own marathon in October in my favourite city in the world, York. So, sensibly for someone that didn’t like doing a half marathon and said they’d never run a full, I signed up to both. Did I think of myself as a runner, signing up to a 26.2? No, but maybe one day after I’d ticked one off I would.

Between then and now I’ve done (so far) 16 full marathons. I’ve done Blackpool, London, Las Vegas, and Edinburgh (twice). More smugly, I’m one of about 30 people that have run every Yorkshire Marathon since it started in 2013, a total of 11 and counting. (#12 is in October, already signed up of course).

I’ve run about 12 half marathons, a few 5k races, and… roughly… 70 10k races. Somewhere in the last 13 years of running people started asking me for advice (and they listened to it! Fools) and I got known as “that guy at work that runs, not just runs, but runs marathons.” I’ve got about 100 medals, somewhere in the region of 80 finisher shirts, and a few nice (ONE nice) race photos. So now when people ask if I think of myself a runner I can honestly answer… “Not really, no.”

But I’m sure I will one day.

07.20.25
by

Mid To Late July Update


Because I can’t always think of a decent blog title…

Another two weeks of July has gone by (that’s three in total!) and August is fast approaching. That’s good in some ways (got the Scottish 10k in August) and slightly worrying in others (when it’s August there’s only two months until the Yorkshire Marathon) but I can only do what I can do and you know what? I’m doing quite well.

First week of July was recapped (here!) and I’m chuffed to say that I’ve stuck to it for the next couple week. Healthy eating has stayed with me, and I’ve been out and about with plenty of running. Got a bit daft and ran home after a 12hr night shift too just to make sure I was on track.

I’ve been having a mixture of meals but been including a load of veg/salad in place of the slightly less healthy stuff. Still been having the odd slice of pizza and a burger (separate meals) but made sure that the other stuff on the plate was extra healthy.

I’ve run eight times in the last two weeks which brings my total of runs for July to 11 so far. Next week will take a hit though, it’s the school holidays here and as a single parent that means that I won’t be able to just nip out for a few miles. Going to try get my boy out on his scooter (weather permitting) and so I’ll be able to do a bit of jogging alongside him. He’s only six, so probably won’t be doing a massive effort.

The week after I’ve got family visiting so the healthy eating will take a slight knock, as will the no alcohol streak. As of today I’m 21 days alcohol free which wasn’t entirely intended, it’s just been a nice aside to the watching what I eat and run commuting home. Hoping for decent weather, it’s been a mix in Scotland this month of sunny days, rainy days, and fog.

Other than that, just got to keep on keeping on and let the miles add up. On yesterdays run I started to notice a difference, much longer between walking breaks and more pushing myself up the hills. Tomorrow is a rest day, and so tonight is a (VERY) uphill five miles, then home to collapse.

If you’ve got a running/health blog, add a comment and I’ll get following. Same for instagram, drop your @ or follow mine (clicky here) and let’s get some motivation sent!

See you on the start line?

07.07.25
by

15 Weeks And Counting To Yorkshire Marathon


Comes Around Quicker Every Year!

As the title says, it’s 15 weeks until Yorkshire Marathon 2025. Time to get planning, time to get serious, time to get training (he says at this time, every year…!) Here’s my first week of July recap:

I’m week one into my 16 week training plan already to be fair, and its going well so far. Had a good solid week of healthy healthy with my food intake and pretty much stayed aware from (what I call) boredom munching. Trying to get my brain to take a moment and have a think when I’m wanting a snack. “Am I actually hungry or am I just a bit bored?” Nine times outta ten the answer is “just a bit bored.” I think that being a bit more aware of when and why I’m snacking is doing wonders to cut down on said snacking. (SO far).

I’ve had zero alcohol this week (or this month so far!) and my meals have all been mostly healthy (apart from the Friday night cheat meal from the fish n chip shop but that was WELL earned).

On the fitness side I’ve been out for three runs so far in July (three out of six days is a decent start) and while I’m not burning up the local routes, I’m keeping consistent with it. According to my stats I’m averaging a little over 12,000 steps a day which is decent enough too.

The runs have been a two mile, a four mile, and a 3.1 mile (5k). I’m still settling in to my new house and the new area but it’s giving me a nice way to explore the new roads around where we live and finding some nice new routes to run along.

As for races I’ve not done an official one since the Edinburgh half back in May due to picking up an injury in that run. I took a few weeks to recover and have just signed up to the Scottish 10k in August, and the Stirling 10k in September. The first is nice and local and the second is about an hour away, both nice and flat. Then after that it’s the big one, back to Yorkshire for the marathon for the 12th time!

My new mantra for when I’m running is:

“If you want to do well, keep doing what you’re doing. If you want to do great, push yourself harder”

Other than that I’ll be back to regular updates as my marathon training season progresses and I’ll see you at a start line, or if you’re insta-savvy I’m at Run Hemingway Run (original name I know…)

06.13.25
by

Edinburgh Marathon Weekend Recap – 24th/25th May 2025


In Which I Get Hurt, But Carry On, Like The Hero/Idiot I Am

Saturday 24th May 2025

Edinburgh Marathon Festival Weekend is here AGAIN. Seems like it’s only been about a year since the last one! As is our routine, my son (now six) runs one of the kids races and I run one of the adult ones. (Was gonna make a joke about how I should enter the kids one and I’d have a chance of winning but watching some of the speed that they go at? No chance)!

As my son is now six he had a choice, he could do the 1km (for ages 3-6) or the 1.5km (ages 6-8). He wanted me to run it with him (I could win that!) and so we’d entered the 1km. On your own next year kid! This was his fourth time running this race, he first did it when he was just three and has done it each year since.

It’s always such a nice day watching the kids run, they (mostly) seem to enjoy it so much (few tears here and there, including from the parents). As we were getting to the starting pen he saw a friend from his class who was also in the race and they had a pre-race brief. (HI! HI! Are you running? Yes. Me too. Bye. Bye).

Then the countdown was on and we were off. It’s a nice route they choose (slightly different start to last year but not by much). It’s an out and back and you run in the shadow of Arthurs Seat, in front of the Palace of Holyrood, and there’s always so much support. We zoom zoomed all the way and finished the 1k in 6min and 19seconds. Brand new PB for him!

They all get a medal and a finishers shirt along with the usual water and snack bar, and then his school were having a photo-op for all the kids that had taken part in any race that morning so we headed to Dynamic Earth to meet up with the others and (after a lot of rounding up excited children) they had pictures taken from about a hundred phones by proud parents. Me included.

Sunday 25th May 2025

Early early EARLY start. The Edinburgh Half Marathon (my race) starts at 8am (full at 10am) and so I was up and atom at 5.45am. I had my usual microwave burger for breakfast (only usual on race day, it’s not like it’s my everyday start to the mornings) and a coffee then it was already time to head out.

I got chatting to a few runners at the bus stop and gave advice to one concerned mother about the best way to get to the finish line, then the bus turned up and I tuned out for half hour. The half/full start in the centre of Edinburgh (close enough to call it the centre anyway) and finished a few miles away in Musselburgh (in my sons school grounds, handily) and for those that are here for the first time or supporting it can be a bit of a stress to get to the end if you’ve watched the start.

The start is ten minutes walk away from my work (again, handy), so I got off the bus and went to work to use the facilities and have a bit of a relax. Chatted to my colleague for a while then made my way to meet my lass and have a catch up before the race began. Bored her for a while about race strategies and all that nonsense and, after saying goodbye, got into my start pen.

When the training was going well and I was full of the confidence of the naïve, I’d put a finish time of 1h 45m. Since then, with moving house, illness, all the joys, I’d re-input my finish time as 2hr 15m. BUT, looking around the rest of my pen, I was amongst a lot of very fit looking people. No matter, I was going to run my own race and stick to the plan and if that made me look slow in the middle of them all then so be it. (Didn’t stick to the middle, started at the side so that I’m easily overtaken).

Then, as seems to happen a fair bit this weekend, the sounder sounded and the race was on. It starts on a place called Potterrow then goes along George IV Bridge, in front of the National Library of Scotland (hi work!) and winds its way down the Mound and through Princes St Gardens. You then run by Waverly Station and join on to the Royal Mile to Holyrood palace and and out and back section before following the kids route from the day before.

I was feeling fine at this stage, nothing was getting pushed and I was sticking to around 9.30min/mile which was too quick for the (lack of) training I’d done so at 5km I made myself slack off a bit. We aimed for the coast the looks out to the Firth of Forth and found it at about 5 miles, then it was a long stretch through Portobello, keeping the beach on the left.

So much of the half marathon is supported amazingly well, crowds and signs and cheers all through the run. I bet from the 13 miles there’s cheering for at LEAST 12 miles of the route. Coming through Portobello we reached halfway and then into Musselburgh (where I live, could almost see my house) where we winded a bit in and out and over the river, then round the racecourse and VERY near the finish line. Shame then, that that was only 10 miles for us and we had another out and back to do before getting to go over it.

Also a shame was the fact that my left calf muscle had started to pull at about mile nine and it didn’t seem to want to shift. Never mind, I’ll walk/run for a while and when it goes away I’ll get my head back in the race. It didn’t go away. Nowhere NEAR going away. Full on pulled muscle and ideas of having to stop came into my head. But, probably not the best thing in this situation, I’m no quitter and I was going to finish. Plus I knew I had my best little supporter yet to see on the way to the end so that kept my head right.

I’d slowed all the way down, one of my slowest miles looking back was just over 12mins. But what can you do? I knew I was going to finish and decided it didn’t matter what time, I’d had zero aspirations of anything under 2hrs 15min and it looked like I was going to be right. Carried on to the turn around, picked up more water, and then headed for home. 1.5mile to go, run walk hobble hobble run walk hobble.

Distance was getting ticked off bit by bit and then a massive boost came, I saw my son at the side cheering me on (wearing his finish shirt and medal). How could I not be spurred on by his little face? I stopped for a quick chat (he was with his Granny and Grandad) and then I said my goodbyes and headed for the end. By the racecourse once more (in the right direction this time) and then turned into the school playing fields, down the impressively supported finished chute and done.

Official time of 2hr 21min 24sec.

Post race was a struggle to the bus stop then a struggle walk along my road home. My leg stayed sore for about a week before I tried to run again then I re-hurt the muscle so had another week rest. Happy to report it seems to be fine now so can start looking at serious Yorkshire Marathon training!

That afternoon was all about junk food and junk movies. My son stayed at his granny’s to let me recover so all I did all afternoon was eat, drink, and relax. What a Sunday!

I’m working on changing up my blog a bit to represent more of an overview of things and projects I’m doing, so they’ll be some recipes, book reviews, my writings about being a parent, a more rounded kinda blog. Please stay, I quite like you.

03.04.25
by

Meadows 10k Recap – 2nd March 2025


My first race of the year (2025, that’s THIS year!) was a bit later than usual. Normally I’m at Mad Dog 10k in February but this year I’d already used up my holiday entitlement at work so waited for a race that fell on my days off, and even luckier – it was local!

The Meadows Marathon (clicky) has been going on since 2007 and is organised by the Edinburgh Students’ Charities Appeal. They have a 5k, 10k, half and full marathon option and the races are run in laps around the Meadows in Edinburgh. I’d signed up for the 10k which consists of four laps of the Meadows (the full is a dizzy-inducing 18 laps) and is mainly flat but has a quick up/downhill section at the end of each lap.

Handily, Claire lives on a street right next to the Meadows so it was her flat that I invited myself to use as a base. Myself and Finn got the bus into Edinburgh just after 9am because my race wasn’t starting until 1120am. We went to race HQ after getting off the bus (imagine if we’d tried to take the bus through) and the number pick up only took a few minutes. We then made our way to Claire’s (10 minutes walk) and got my boy settled in for a visit. (He’s six so a bit young to cheer on by himself).

At 11am I said my goodbyes (they were staying in until about 12pm, no need to watch the whole race when you live next to the course) and I made my way back to race HQ for the start. Quick toilet visit then made my way to the start (right outside HQ) and saw a couple of people from work, so wished them luck (I’m nice like that) and did a bit of the warm up. Then it was go time!

The marathon had started at 1020am so there were already quite a bunch of people on the route. The Meadows is always a popular place for (non event) runners and cyclists (of which there were plenty) so that all added to the atmosphere of the race. From what I’ve read over the whole event there’s about a thousand people running.

First lap went by quickly enough, I used to live near the Meadows myself so I’m well used to the route. There were two water stations (seemed a bit close together) but as it was 1.5mile laps you weren’t ever too far from one.

On the second lap I felt myself flagging a bit, which I put down to a poor training month in February. January went well, 74miles total, but picked up an injury at the end of the month so Feb only had about seven miles run, and I could tell! BUT, I’d already told myself that this was a race just to get the year going and had no dreams of PB’s. Anything around an hour, I’d be chuffed.

On the third lap I dropped in behind a couple of people and used their pace as my own (I’m horrendous at pacing myself) and stuck with them the whole way to the uphill, on which I had a bit of a walk and a bit of a rest.

Final lap! I’d asked Claire to set off with Finn about 12pm because I figured I’d see them just as I started the last loop, and I did. Love it when a plan comes together! I saw them as they saw me and Finn ran up to give me a hug and a “super boost” and then I was on my way to the end. Water station. Play park. Water station. Tennis court. Final uphill. They were waiting at the top of the hill and on the way down Finn started running next to me shouting “I’m faster than you!” (thanks) and as I turned towards the end of the race I told him to come hold my hand and we ran over the line together to a load of cheers (bet not one was for me).

And… DONE! Claire caught up and we went into HQ to collect my medal (86th) and then we went back to Claire’s so I could get a shower (and less smelly) then headed out for recovery pizza. What a Sunday!

My first time doing any of the Meadows events but I’ll definitely be putting it on my calendar each year. Very well organised, well supported, and mainly flat. What’s not to love! Told myself I’d be happy with about an hour and finished in 1hr and… 51 seconds. Can’t complain with that.

Next Up:

Wakefield 10k on the 16th March. Two days after my birthday… Gonna have to stay off the beer until then! See you at the start line?

01.07.25
by

New Year Resolutions Update: So Far So Good!


ALREADY the first seven days of January have gone. Well, we’re on the 7th January but ya know, pretty much done with. How are those resolutions going for you? Did you make any? Comment and let me know, I love hearing how you’re all getting on!

New Year Day Run

So far I’m sticking to mine, and quite laser focused I am too! I mean, I’ve had a few extra snacks that I didn’t need to have but they were a reward for sticking to everything else. I think that’s allowed, no?

I’ve run five out of the seven days of 2025 and that was exactly what I had planned. One of the runs was a little shorter than my calendar said, but that’s because I’d done one a bit longer the day before (and added HILLS). Two (needed) rest days weren’t completely restful because I’m a single parent. We went to see Sonic 3 (it was for my son, honest), we’ve been out and about around Edinburgh, and I’ve cleared the house of all Christmas lights and decorations (BOOOOO).

Of the five runs I did, two were five milers. two were 5km hill reps, and one was four miles with a hill in the middle. I’m not taking prisoners (or excuses from myself) this year. My eating has been healthy, I’ve had a decent mix of salads, pasta, and an afternoon of cinema snacks.

My stats (so far) for 2025 are:

Times run: Five

Total Distance: 20.2miles

Total Time: 3hr 24mins

Elevation Gain: 732ft

It’s weigh day tomorrow (just to keep track) and if I’m down around 2-3lbs I’ll be chuffed. That means I’m perfectly on target. Loads of tooting my own horn and patting myself on the back in todays post, but if you don’t support yourself, who else will?

I’ll check in again next week!

01.01.25
by

Lanzarote – Santa Suits and 10K Hoots


Thursday 5th December

I woke up early and got my boy ready for school. Today was holiday time (for me) but school day for him. His grandparents looked after him for the next few days while I was away, didn’t just leave him to fend for himself or anything. Although he IS six already so might try that next time?

I took my suitcase with me to drop off as I was planning to go straight to the airport after I’d said goodbye. While he was lining up to go in he told all of his classmates “My Daddy is going on a trip but he’s not taking me.” With heartstrings fully tugged, I waved goodbye as he went in and I went off for the bus.

Bus into Edinburgh took around 30 minutes which wasn’t too bad considering the time of day. I met up with Claire (and her own suitcase) and we got a takeaway coffee then jumped on the tram to the airport. (Note: don’t jump on the tram while you’re on the tram, they tell you off).

Tram was another 30 minutes and we got to the bag drop pretty much just as check-in opened. There was no queue at all! Straight through, straight to security – again no queue – then into the airport bar for an airport beer and before we knew it they were calling our gate. We were delayed 20 minutes or so getting on but it wasn’t so bad. Boarding began, seats were found, belts buckled, and we’re off!

Beeeeer

At the other end of the flight we landed in Lanzarote, which was good because that’s where we’d paid to be. Again it was stress free getting off the plane and getting our bags, and even though there was a huge queue for the taxis there were so many turning up that we didn’t wait long at all. Landed at 6.15pm, got to the apartments at 7.15pm. Can’t get much quicker than that.

View From The Room

My sister (Lisa) and nephew (Thomas) were waiting for us when we arrived. They’d flown in from Manchester earlier in the day and were there to support the races and also drink alcohol (Nephew is 21, it’s allowed). We dropped our suitcases off then went out to pick up my races numbers, find food (pizza) and a few drinks (beer and cocktails) then it was bedtime. Race day tomorrow ya know!

Friday 6th December

Race day today ya know! The Lanzarote Santa 5k to be precise. In which you run 5km in Lanzarote… in a Santa suit. Now, it’s not my first race dressed as Santa, don’t be fooling yourself (my third actually. Why though) but I’ve never run in a Santa suit in the heat. Going from a wet and windy Scotland to the sunny sunny island of Lanzarote is a bit of a change. And the suits were BOILING.

Me (right)

I decided I wouldn’t wear the beard because it would be too uncomfortable. Also decided to make the trousers into shorts and cut the sleeves off of the jacket, because I’m smart (and sweaty). I went and lined up with the other few hundred Santas and before long we were off!

At home I never take water for a 5k. Or a 10k. But with the temperature being in the mid 20s I wasn’t chancing it, and glad I didn’t, because I actually ended up running out of water towards the end. The route was pretty much flat (couple of inclines) and was an out and back. I wasn’t used to the heat and so told myself I’d take it easy, especially as I had another race the next day.

The race stuck next to the sea and I was very happy to reach the turn around and head back for the finish. It was such a nice race, seeing everyone in the Santa suits and getting cheered on by holidaymakers the whole way. Not a bad way to spend a December morning!

Not Me

I finished in 30m 58s and honestly, there was no way I could’ve pushed it today. Got back to the apartment (five minutes walk) got a beer, got in the shower (with the beer), then we all had a few drinks on the balcony before heading out for food. Race day tomorrow ya know!

Saturday 7th December

Race Day tod… you get the idea…!

The Lanzarote Marathon Festival has three distances on the Saturday. A 10km (mine), a Half, and the Full. Originally I was down for the Full but a months long chest infection took that out of my mind and I dropped down to the 10k. We got up early and went to the start line to cheer on the marathon runners. They were starting at 8am, the half was starting at 10am, and the 10k at 12pm.

What with it being Lanzarote though, and a slower pace of life, the Full didn’t actually get going until 8.25am. Twenty five extra minutes stood still in the sun? Ugh. After they (finally) set off we went for breakfast and I got carbed up.

The last bus to the start of the 10k was leaving at 10am so I boarded one about 9.45 and got taken to the start, which was in the capitol of Lanzarote, Arrecife. We got there at 10.20am. For a 12pm start. Ah well. Used the facilities then found a shaded bench to people watch and I heard a familiar voice. I looked over and saw Duffy (original running buddy from 2012 who I’ve not seen in person for years. Well, I actually saw him at the marathon start that morning but it’s more dramatic this way. Plus we hadn’t arranged to meet so there).

Hung around together catching up and talking about previous races along with his missus and finally was time to line up. We were delayed. Almost half an hour. Which, by my count, meant we’d been knocking around the start line for TWO HOURS. At least we’d found shade though.

Me Again (right)

Then, we were off! The 10k is point to point so you start in Arrecife then head straight for the finish back in Costa Teguise. It pretty much hugs the coast the entire way but nips in shore here and there. If anyone tells you the Lanzarote races are flat, they’re lying. Just before you reach the first mile there’s a lovely long uphill stretch and other bits here and there to test your legs.

Plenty of water stations along the route so I took every opportunity to top up my bottle. Keep in mind though that if you don’t take your own bottle, the water is given out in little cups (not bottles) so no chance of running with it. Top tip.

My plan was to run/walk the whole way, I wasn’t going for a time or anything so settled in to enjoy the scenery and the race itself. Just as with the 5k, there was loads of support along the way to give much needed boosts because it was another hot hot hot one.

Long, Big Hill

I was looking forward to getting back to familiar territory and kept my eye out for where we did the turn around the day before, but that never happened because it went a different way for the last 2.5km. Still, I knew the area so was spurred on by almost being back. The crowds in Costa Teguise itself were amazing, so much cheering and motivating by everyone.

Then before I knew it I was approaching the final turn, saw the finish line, saw my supporters sitting (SITTING!) in the stands and I was done. Brand new shiny medal and another destination run ticked off. In a Personal Slowest time of 1.08.58… A finish is a finish though!

We hung around for about 45 minutes to cheer on more runners then, as tradition dictates, I got back to the apartment, got a beer, and got in the shower. Followed by more drinks and lots of food.

Earned THAT

Sunday to Tuesday

We still had a few days left in Lanzarote (planned it well) which were full of relaxing and holidaymaking. I ate way too much, drank a lot of Happy Hour beers, and had an all round great holiday. Plans are already in place for Lanzarote 2025 and (chest infections permitting) I’ll be lining up for the FULL this time. Followed by beer, of course.

See you at the start line, yeah?