Mrs Mac's Road to Madness

Jingle Bells

2011-12-01T10:51:00.001Z

December is here. That means one thing, No not the birth of Jesus Christ or gorging on chocolate and mince pies........It's MARCOTHON!!

I gave it a good crack last year, spurred on by the thought of my friend Martin Hooper the Paratrooper who was completing a tour in Afghanistan. Whenever I thought about jacking it I was reminded that he couldn't give up so neither could I. I have to say I'm extremely disappointed in myself that the wheels spectacularly fell off on Boxing Day....right after the Pirate proposed. I'll blame him, it'll take the heat off of me;)

So, 2011 should be my year for Marcothon success.

It's been a pretty shit year, punctuated with some really happy times, so I'm gonna give it my all.

If I can manage to complete three job applications in the one night while my 86 year old granny nips my ear about being too hot, too cold, nothing on the telly, how her sky package is much better coz shes got movies then I should manage this challenge.

It wont be easy, and neither it should be. The time or distance may a piece of piss for the majority of the ultra nutters I kick about with but the real challenge of Marcothon, for me, is fitting it in. Christmas parties, Pirate birthdays and boxing shows all get in the way. Trying to remember it should be fun.

Right, clobber is on, wee dug is champing at the bit, I'm off out to the icy north wind.

Wish me luck.

All the best to fellow Marcothoners!!

Out The Door

2011-11-28T01:00:00.001Z

When the most motivational comment your other half/coach comes up with amounts to
‘get a move on woman!!’ it’s never gonna happen now is it? Really?
Not in my lifetime.
Today I gleaned what might be thought of as some very obvious advice. Well it might be obvious to those who have endless mojo or get up and go, but this girl’s mojo got up and went a long long time ago. The advice? Do something you enjoy. So I did!!

Today I went for a run. A run on a route I know very well. A route full of great memories, the best.

I had been toying with the idea of some sort sharp stair reps at the local war memorial, and highest point of the town. A sort of wake up call for my body. It has gone pretty much unused as I sit at home endlessly filling in online job applications and generally getting more and more miserable. That however would not be enjoyable in the slightest, so it was off to the Specks I trotted.

Within minutes I was up to my ankles in muck and sheep shit, and I was giggling and laughing away to myself. It fair took my mind off how much it might hurt. Down the hill, over the river and back up the other side. It took all my skills as a figure skater to stay up right. The recent storms had turned the yard into a quagmire, up to my knees this time. Negotiated the hill, the one my o/h beasted me up last year, just before proposing!! I enjoyed trying to keep my feet dryish on the top of the loop and eventually gave up all hope on the descent to the waterfall. Ah, the waterfall. It looked magnificent today, full of power and at the same time had me mesmerised with its beauty. I ditched any plans to recover the geocache hidden down there. I have two failed attempts already; today I may have been washed down river. A slip sliding effort to reach the road and it was just a short jog back home.

It wasn’t big, or clever and I will really have to stop comparing my piddly little efforts to those of the crazy arsed friends I choose to hangout with.
I had fun today. Took bit of bullying from you know who to get me out the door, but I’m glad it worked….this time.

Geez a joab

2011-03-15T14:41:00.003Z

I’m glad this isn’t a running blog, coz I’m not a runner. I’m not even the president of a running club anymore. But I am still a marshall, support crew dude and race organiser.
I’m also fatter than the Christmas goose coz……..I’ve been doing no bloody running.

It’s a vicious circle. I’m down and have no enthusiasm, so don’t run. Feeling crap coz I’m getting no exercise…..blah blah I know it’s old and boring, but life’s pretty hectic right now.

In 16 days time I’m out of a job. I am one of the 1000’s of people affected by the massive cuts in public sector funding. I work for an organisation that support people living in poverty to tackle issues in their life which make them unhealthy. It’s an organisation which won the Scottish Health Award at the end of 2010, and still our vital service has been lost. Sounds like a great plan eh?

Not to worry. I’ve got a degree, shed loads of experience and a guid Scots tongue in my heid. I’ll walk straight into something new and exciting, right? Wrong. After untold applications and speculative cv’s sent I’ve had one interview for a job eight grand less than I’m on now with zero responsibility and after making me travel 400 miles on an expensive journey for a second interview they still didn’t give me the job.

Stressed? You betcha.
My car died, they want a grand to patch it back up.
My auntie is ill in hospital after having had a brain tumour removed.
My other half thought it would be a great idea to rescue a mutt from the pound.

But do you know what? I’ve got all that off my chest now.
We’re having a party in a few weeks, I’ll have my dream job when the time is right and I have a great fella, family and friends encouraging me at every turn. I’ve got a pal who offered me a job being chief cake tester at her firm.
Sounds like my kinda job :)

Change isn’t scary. Is it?

Back in the Game

2011-01-26T12:03:00.005Z

Well, it looks like I’ll need to stock up on ProPlus and super strength coffee as the Subversive Runner has had his Patella Reflex Reactionitis repaired and is back in the race. I’m glad to hear Stan the man has confirmed that there is a place still available as I might have found my self at a very loose end one weekend in June.

So, I’ve been around the race for a few years now and learned lots and met some great characters along the way. I’m honored to be doing support with a couple of great guys again this year. We will however be without the fabulous Chris Jenner who is off to fish or some other poofy activity. Me and my name sake Lee Byatt bonded last year, so much so he quickly realised that his roll was to wash pots in the river while I got my head down :)

A new team member for 2011 is the magnificent David Ross, a fellow Strathaven Strider and all round good guy. I have the feeling that a WHWR attempt will be on the cards for him in the very near future. When the Subversive Runners engagement with the race was confirmed this week he informed him by text that ‘he’ll be there to beast him over the Devils’ Fantastic, as this means I neither need to do dishes nor run as I’ve got two strapping blokes for that. So my job will be to mop brows and apply Vaseline to places that don’t normally see the light of day, tell him how brilliantly he’s doing and generally swan around chatting to friends.

His job?……..start at Milngavie and don’t stop 'til Dino gives him a kiss in fort William.
Sounds easy right? I better make sure I fuel the car this year as it takes more than a ¼ tank for the WHWR……oops.

See ya’ll in June
Hasta luego

Wheels Fell Off

2011-01-10T14:51:00.008Z

I tried, honestly I tried really hard. Some night’s at 11.55pm I got out the door. In all that horrible icy, snowy mayhem we had, I still managed my 25 minutes or three miles. I was proud of ditching lunch to run on the Clyde Walk Way, much to the amusement of my colleagues. I was a proper smug runner type.

Then it happened the bloody wheels came off good and proper. It was Christmas Day…..oh I ran on Christmas Day but the Pirate surprised the living daylights outta me by proposing as we stood taking pictures of a rather pretty waterfall. To say I’m chuffed to bits is a huge understatement. I’m thrilled, delighted, cock a hoop, the list goes on. I still sit and look at the rather beautiful sparkly ring on my finger (which he picked all by himself btw) as smile contentedly. Folk are getting a bit bored of me asking if “they’ve seen what I got for my Christmas?”

The upshot being Marcothon was an epic FAIL. ¾’s isn’t too bad but I really wanted to do it. We had to drive back to London on Boxing Day, then himself and the wean were ill with the lurgy so it was nursmaid 1 Marcothon nil. I’ll just need to get my finger out and sign up for some other crazy challenge.

Any suggestions?

I’m busy sorting out this years Clyde Stride, which has recently achieved Qualifying Event status for the UTMB. Entries are coming in, daily emails and phone calls keeping me on my toes. Looks like I’ve lost my co-pilot as a certain hide and seek champ has been promised a place and I returned the favour by appointing a sweeper :)

Well done to everyone who completed Marcothon and all those who have set their goals and targets for 2011.
Me? I’ve a goal to get back to Skye this summer. Spend some time on the WHW and try and run a bit more.

Did you see what I got for my Christmas?

Mrs Mac xx

I must I must.......

2010-11-25T15:19:00.003Z

I’m nothing if not consistent.
Most of my posts start with ‘not done much running’ and this one is no different.
Last proper run I had, and I don’t even know if it warrant’s the label run; was on the WHW a couple weeks ago with the Pirate. You’ll have heard about it already….it’s the one where I lost my key. I know don’t laugh.

Well, last night was my last duty as the Striders President. I handed over the reins to Tom Wilson, a stalwart of the club for more years than nearly everyone but his wife.
It was a nice night and great to hear some inspiring stories, in particular our Strider of the Year who at almost twice my age decided to take up running and has cracked out a couple of 10ks a half and cross country. She puts me to shame.

I‘ve also been inspired by a fellow blogger who has transformed herself by hard work and determination and I have to say a hefty dose of dedication to be confident enough to enter shows such as UKBFF. I don’t aspire to do anything similar but talk of shifting weight and smashing yourself in the gym has some sort of masochistic draw for me.

I decided that over the winter I need to do something more than just plod round the streets of Strathaven and after a comical session in a plush David Lloyd with the Pirate I bit the bullet and joined my local gym. When David the lovely instructor was putting me through my paces he assured me that light weight and high reps would not bulk me up. The poor lad nearly fell over when I said I had no problem with it. Apparently women are scared of a bit of muscle, well not this burd. My good buddy Karen has some crackin guns :)

The comical session was such as the Pirate used to be into all that lark in a big way in a past life and almost pissed himself at the weedy effort I put in.

Undeterred I try my hardest. I really enjoy it. I stay away from all those big clunky machines, as I’d just hurt my self, break a nail or get my hair stuck.
I find it really helps with clearing my head, which needs a good clear at the moment.

It’s been a rough few weeks. Strikes affect all those connected with them. Trying to support from so far away is heartbreaking and very stressful. I’ve been watching BBC London and listening to LBC podcasts to keep up to date. Not bad for a burd from a wee farming town in a Scottish back water. I’ve become a WAGOFF, a kind of underground facebook AA meeting. Magic bunch of girls talking rubbish, great medicine. I've learned that the Toad and his Biatch are vermin and that James O'Brien should be King.

So, tonight I have a date with some piddly free weights. Saturday I have a date with a bit of a trail race and Sunday if it’s not too snowy I’m going to visit a friend in the Playground of Angels, just to say thanks.

Hasta luego xx

Points of view

2010-10-19T23:58:00.010+01:00

I'm sure most folk that read the drivel I scrawl on here are aware that me n him are how would you put it....dating, courting, the gither call it what you will he's my fella.
You will also know if you read his blog that he errs strongly on the side of artistic licence on many occasions and the truth is often stretched to the point of ssssssss in snap!!

His most recent post has caused me some concern and like 'angry from Manchester' I feel compelled to reply.
Oh I'm not getting on my high horse about the eyelash comment. I was there, he was there and so was John Kynason, (although he doesn't know that) we both know the score :)

No, I'm a bit concerned that as a self proclaimed state trained killer he could make such a school boy error.
When babies are lying in a crib current research shows that moving stimulation is good for their development. You know, those mobile thingumyjigs. Black and white are the colours of choice, they can even distinguish between them.

Tell my why then, that a 43 year old adult who is often to be found in charge of a fire engine cannot tell the difference between black and white?!?

Grant Jeans was most definitely dressed head to toe in undertakers BLACK on RAW race day, no sign of any Ku Klux Klan garb on show.
It was back in July Speedy himself decided that Casper the friendly Ghost was a good look for racing;) Who cares? the boy can go like shit off a shovel he can wear what ever he damn well wants.
And hanging round at the arse end of a race shows good character in the boy.

So, the next point. The lack of artistic licence in this post. See the bit where he mentions ' I should have done some training' at every checkpoint.......check it out......hee haw artistic licence

Coming into Sorn checkpoint. The one with the blistered foot!!

Eyelash Bridge.

The finish, and a PB. You can just about make out Casper blethering in the background.

And I do it all for free :)

Ultra Road Trip

2010-10-07T11:13:00.006+01:00

I’m not a complicated person. I don’t need 5 star luxury, first class travel and eiderdown duvets. This summer I have spent my time mostly helping out at races, going to gigs and camping.
All good as far as I’m concerned. Hannah, my wee girl has gotten into the habit of asking ‘what race are we at this weekend Mum?’ She’s a dab hand at the old marshalling lark.

This year the Mac Pirates have been well travelled.
Yorkshire for the Hardmoors in March. ½ of the WHW for the Fling. Glenshee for Cateran in May. ¾ of the WHW in June. The Clyde Walk Way (umpteen times!!) in July for my race the Clyde Stride. A weekend at home for the Round Strathaven 50 in August. RAW & a 2nd Hardmoors in September. Phew! what a season. It’s been fantastic, sharing the highs and low’s, successes and otherwise with an amazing bunch of people.

I thought that was it ‘til the Run with the Wind 10k in November. I’m off on holiday for a week from tomorrow. I have dreams of long walks, long lunches and long lies. I didn’t however account for Richie C running Caesar’s Camp this weekend and as it is only ½ hour away from our Southern abode it would be rude not to go along and cheer him on.

We can’t hang around too long though, as the Pirate and I are off to see Mumford and Sons at the Apollo. Living 400 miles apart aint much fun, in fact it’s a bloody nightmare. However the one thing going for it is when gigs are sold out in Glasgow we have an alternative :)

So far this year we’ve seen Caitlin Rose twice, The Airborne Toxic Event and a couple more to come.

I would like to think that a wee rest is in order. But already I’ve been ‘volunteered’ to start the year as we mean to go on. Jon Steele is hosting an ultra on New Years day. Does he not know I’m Scottish?

Me, Jon Steele and Mike Mason at HM55

The Striders Massive at the Fling. 4 Relay teams and counting.

Karens Cateran Trail Race. The usual suspects less a certain Pirate.

Team Waterman at the WHWR.

Tarholm Bridge RAW 2010.

I am now technically not ‘Mrs’ anything but Ms. Mac doesn’t seem to work the same so Mrs Mac I will remain.

In For A Penny In for A Pound

2010-08-16T12:54:00.004+01:00

Well, another weekend of hee haw running.

Friday lunchtime Scanners picks me up from work and we head westwards for a rendezvous with a Ryan Air freedom bird.
Our timing was precise…..we had to give ourselves plenty of time for some Pina Colada, our habitual drink of choice as we make our way to our respective other halves in the land south of Hadrians protective wall.

What we did not account for was some feckin’ road works coming down the A77 causing a 2 mile tailback. There was a brief moment of panic not that we’d miss the flight, but that sitting here idle was eating into our cocktail hour!!

Disaster was averted as we arrived at Prestwick to be advised of a 1 hour delay. A chorus of ‘ya beauty’ rang round the departure lounge as we set about clearing them out of Pina Colada before moving on to Cosmopolitans ;) This delay meant that Pirate Boy was finished work and in the pub when I arrived.
Oh well…. When in Rome and all that.
Had a nice evening in the company of a mixed bag of Blue Watches’ finest.

I think it’s time I put all this socialising behind me and get on with some proper training.
I take a bit of a slagging about being a running club president but doing very little actual running.
Well, I have just agreed to something that means I really WILL have to do some proper training. PPPPPP and all that.

Anyone got a marathon training plan they can lend me? And no Pirate Boy, I will not be following your training schedule of apply, rest for 6 months, get up and run following 10 pints.

I really must work harder on saying NO.

This wee song kind of fits, enjoy. Mrs Mac x

Strathaven Striders via Findon and the Clyde Stride

2010-08-05T12:40:00.003+01:00

Good God how long has it been since I blogged? About as long as it has been since I did any proper running I guess.

Well I’ve been a little busy you understand.
Since our trip to Skye I managed to clock up 1500 miles of driving.

In the week leading up to the race I was back and forth on the Clyde Walk Way every night armed with spray paint and a shed load of pointy arrows. Not all of which were evident on the day I may add gggggrrrrrrrr.

Race day brought more spray painting by my number 2.
It was a great day, if a little stressful. Not enough to put me off doing it again next year.

I had a week at work to wind down before having a week off.

Packed the kids and enough camping gear in the car to head south for a week.

We, the Brady Bunch had a date at a 120 Rally. I was a little confused but it turns out you can’t have a ‘party’ at a CCC site……but a RALLY is fine!! Lol it was great. Chilling out, loads of kids running free and a lovely family atmosphere. Findon is a strange little village, the essence of English quaintness. The exact opposite of Brighton, where we took a day trip. Probably the most expensive place to park……in the world!!

My number 2 was working the rest of the week so I set about entertaining the children.
*Night out at the flicks for Toy Story 3D, awwwwwww.
*A wander round the Devils Punch Bowl. (Has the makings of a nice wee race. I’ve been told not to even think about it!)
*Day out at the Hard Rock Café, do they not do the wee show thing in London?
*‘Working’ at the boxing. Wtf, I’m on my hols…. That’ll teach me to open my mouth and volunteer for stuff. Quite surreal, a random Scottish burd talking to a bunch of teenagers from Wandsworth about the dangers of smoking and alcohol. I bet they know more than me.
*A trip to Camden had the kid’s eyes out on stalks; they didn’t know where to look next. Defo worth a visit. Good food, loads to see and not expensive.

Finished off with a 400 mile drive north, caught in the M25, loads of tears, a quick kip and then taking the wee yin to Port Patrick for a week with the oldies.

And so, after a week of red wine, kettle chips and cuddles it’s time to get back in the saddle.
I planned a nice little trot round the town with the club on Monday, but as it was the first Monday of the month John the Coach had other ideas. Hill reps Holy Christ, not the best way to kick start your training.
Legs were proper stiff, so last night I ditched them, the club not my legs, put Caitlin on the ipod and had a go at putting one foot in front of the other at speed.
A start is a start and it looks as though I'm gonna have to take the plunge and do some REAL training; Colin Smith has plans for me ;)

Probably better if I do a photo diary of what’s gone on.

Speed Bonnie Boat

2010-07-05T00:07:00.004+01:00

The Pirate jumped in the Bad boy at half past whatever o'clock.
I worked late, or was supposed to.
I waited up til 2am for him to arrive in the Land of Jock.

Early doors the next day we fill my motor full of enough camping kit to open Strathavens very own branch of Millets.
So me, the pirate, the two weans and a pal head north.
Our planned destination?
Sunny Skye.
Wtf? For a weekend that's too far.
That's what you think.

We have a wee stop off to make and it gives the weans their first taste of trotting on the WHW. My son, the big lanky dreip reckons he and his mate are gona 'do' it next year, ha ha we'll see.
Phase one of our secret mission is complete and we continue our journey. I opt to drive, not least as an act of kindness to the pirate for driving 400 miles through the night, but come on all those bodies squeezed into a sardine can Corsa.... I had the best seat in the house.

We finally arrive at our chosen camp site, only after 'sandal-gate' and pitch our tents.

Heaven on Earth.
It truly was. Almost midnight, the sun not quite set against the backdrop of Lewis and Harris. Camped in a large flat meadow. A wide sheltered bay to the left, a ruined castle perched precariously close to the edge of the cliff to our right. I felt lucky to be there. A spot I had often heard about over the past couple of years. And finally seeing it with my own eyes.

The sound of the children laughing hysterically as they raced each other in their sleeping bags, filled me with such a feeling of happiness. At 16 years old it's not cool to play with your sister, let alone enjoy spending time with your olds.

The Quirainge. Or Kerrang if you're 16. Spectacular. I ain't one for heights. Not so much the hight. It's the drop that bothers me. So the girls and I wimp out 2/3rds of the way up leaving the lanky driep to chase the pirates tail. They eventually return, the pirate with that tell tale sparkle in the eye that says my knees are hurting but I just HAD to run. The boy? The one that does hee haw exercise? Hardly broke sweat. Swine.

Next, The Old Man of Storr. WOW. It's amazing what a little bit of work will reward you with. Quite stunning. And a wee extra reward. A run back down the hill. Just for the record I most definitely had the wrong bra on that day. I had to tie my fleece round my boobs to stop them jiggling about.

Children (?) are rewarded with a visit to the pub and a perfect day comes to an end.

All too soon it's Sunday and it's time to pack up and head home. Much to the disappointment to all.
One last walk over some serious moorland leads us to the gob smackingly beautiful cliff top at the Lookout. Possibly the best kept bothy in Scotland. We were not lucky enough to spot any minky or killer whales but my son has found his new favourite place in the world.

Phase 2 of the secret mission is completed on the way home and it is with heavy hearts we arrive back in Strathaven. Tired but touched the weekend we shared.

Was it too far for a weekend?
Never.

I didn't work too late that Thursday. My Dad called me at work to tell my my friend had passed away not half an hour earlier. A young man in his prime with everything to live for. Gone at 33.

Don't listen to those who say it's too far, it's too much. If it's worth doing, do it now. You might not always have the chance.

Defloration of Virgin Backup

2010-07-02T00:05:00.004+01:00

It was nearly two weeks ago and I guess most folk have already told their story, and much more eloquently than I will but this story needs to be told.

DNF??? who gives a flying foxtrot what its called. There are not many eejits out there who could complete 75 miles on the back of two 20 mile training runs. Just because you don't reach the end doesn't mean you've failed. 75 miles is a fuckin major achievement in my book. Some people need to learn it's ok to be proud of yourself.

I was bricking it big time. From a good few weeks before the race. I'm a planner I like to know about order, schedules blah blah blah. I know, I know all very boring but it's what makes me tick.
But when your runner; a particularly laid back pirate type subversive runner couldn't give two hoots about planning, it tends to give one the jitters!!

I waited with baited breath for Ali B's words of wisdom, and nuggets of pure gold they were too. Crackers like -
1.Accept that if anything goes wrong during the race it's always your fault.
And -2. NEVER EAT OR DRINK YOUR RUNNER'S STUFF!

Nuggets stored are ready for recall at a moments notice. I received some fantastic advice from an unexpected source. Real proper serious advice. No messin around jokey nonsence. Maya Lucas is a total legend very professional and maybe if I'd employed just one of her techniques we could have inched our pirate runner just that little bit further.

I wasn't on my own, obviously.?!? that's not allowed, against the rules, and there is no way I'd be involved in any manipulation of the law. No, there was me, the other Lee and big Chris.

My biggest worry was the chaps are used to a jolly boys weekend away with their mucker's from other fire-stations and generally cajagole some other firemen up the WHW. This year they would be stuck with a miserable old bint and their mates burd to boot for 36 hours straight. Sounds like a barrel load of fun, right?
I needn't have worried. They seemed to enjoy themselves. At least some of the time. Mainly around the time that Wee Hannah's home-made fruit scones got handed round.

I'll not bore you with the tedium of a blow by blow account of our weekend. But here are some admissions and highlights.

I packed a couple of tents and doss bags 'just in case' and didn't tell the Pirate in case he thought I didn't believe in him.

I fell asleep at Bridge of Orchy after a nice plate of stew and had to be woken up by my runner.

I was gutted I didn't get the chance to go over the Devils, and felt I had let him down by not getting my shoes on earlier.

After the prize giving I brought Fiona Rennie out to the car even though he didn't want to talk to anyone.

So that's it. WHWR 2010. Not a completion but most definitely not a failure.
Will I be back? Well that depends on my runner.

Beetroot Juice For Backup?

2010-06-09T10:46:00.005+01:00

It seems that Beetroot juice is the new holy water for ultra runners. Elixir, giver of life call it what you will. Is it still Red Bull for backup crews?

There has been lots of talk on the runners blogs about taper niggles, nerves and the like.
I’ve been waiting on Ali B’s words of wisdom for backup crews but she’s in the zone right now and Clark, purveyor of pain is sorting her right out.

So I’m out here on a limb, flapping like a one winged seagull going round in circles.

This year is my first full on attempt at backup for the Pirate. Now, I’ve supported him before on a couple of races.

The first one was RAW 2008, the year of the 30mph sign!!
The Race Princess and my self dawdled up and down the roads of Ayrshire having a jolly old time to ourselves. Shouting the odd word of encouragement and lobbing the occasional mars bar at the boys when required.
The next year was a bit more professional, decent food, plenty fluid and not too much bevy the night before. I even got out and ran a bit.

But the WHW Race is a whole new kettle of fish.

I’m very comfortable with my role as Keeper of the Auchtertyre checkpoint.
Happy with hollering at folk who park in the most inappropriate places.
Happy to insist a runner takes 10 minutes to refuel to keep their weight in check (even if they don’t like it at the time)
And happy to spend hours on the phone to the Race Princess updating her on the comings and goings of the runners through the CP ensuring everyone is accounted for.

I’m a bit of a control freak. I’m ok with that.
The Pirate on the other hand is almost horizontal in the laid back stakes.

I like lists and spreadsheets, not as much as JK right enough.
By now I should have compiled a shopping list; the Pirate is flying up and can’t bring much.
I’d like to have a timing schedule, a very rough one of course.
I’d have liked a wee meeting with ‘Team Waterman’ but no can do.

So, next Thursday evening when three London firemen arrive at my front door I’m likely to implode.

The PLAN? Just turn up and run.

Stressed? Me? never. Scared of cocking it up, Shitting a brick? Quite possibly.

And The Rest Is History

2010-05-13T13:25:00.002+01:00

The Pirates post about natural order got me thinking.

The local authority in which I live is undertaking a huge schools modernisation programme at the moment. It’s been on the go for a few years now.

The school where I spent my teenage years has finally been demolished. All that remains is a smoking pile of rubble. It was used as a decant facility while a number of older schools were rebuilt. Strathaven Academy being one of them, so it meant that my big lanky son attended it for a couple of years. Kind of strange attending parent’s night in your old school.

Anyway, the imminent demise of said educational establishment struck a cord with a former student and prompted the creation on a face book page celebrating the survivors of Ballerup High School.
Now I have been known to spend an inordinate amount of time on that particular social networking site, green dotting until the wee hours of the morning.

My membership of the group has put me back in touch with many an old school friend I had long since lost touch with. I left school and moved away from my hometown with in a month of each other.

I was one of those invisible people at school. Not ultra clever, nor uber delinquent, just sort of flew under the radar. I didn’t go to school discos coz they were always on a Friday and a Friday was a Karate night. God I sound like such a geek. Nae wonder I was invisible.

I got a message the other night from a lad I grew up with and he mentioned an old primary school photo that someone had posted.

Oh no, I thought.
'I don’t want to see it. I’ll stand out like a sore thumb.'

I was always in the back row along with all the boys. Being tall was not much of a laugh when you're 11 or 12.

'No, its ok don’t worry. You’re in the middle row. Ah, but you still might not want to see it.'

Why? said I.

Coz we’ve got the same haircut!!! Remember your Mum used to cut all our hair!?!

OMG I had forgotten all about that, or more like wiped it from my memory. Oh, I shudder at the thought of all those awful school photos.

I think I’ll just keep those school memories locked up where they should be. Firmly in the past ;-)

A Wild Weekend

2010-05-12T00:56:00.006+01:00

The conductor breenges through the sliding door and sets about turfing people from their seats.
Make way, move it fatty. Beat it. She rearranges the furniture to accommodate these two geezers and a shit load of gear.

Now I had only moments earlier bagged myself one of those coveted table seats with the socket for my laptop. For I planned to get properly smashed out of my box on pink wine and watch Atonement on DVD.
Alas Atonement went unwatched, but I had one of the most interesting train journeys in a long time.

I had missed the earlier train by 5 seconds. I swear that guy cackled as he flicked the switch and closed the doors right in my face. I had two choices. Gracefully walk back down the platform heading straight for the nearest pub and indulge in a spot of early evening power drinking or crumple in a heap right there and blub like a baby for the next ten minutes. Take a guess dear reader.

By the time I actually got on the train I was ready for a session. I knew it was never going to be peaceful, but these to geezers just took over the place. They had more gear stuffed into rucksacks, soft bags, hard bags and I've never seen so many bungee cords wtf?!?

So my bottle of pink wine is opened and I neck the first glass, ahhhhhh and breath.
I am minding my own business, writing up some notes for the Clyde Stride runners and marshalls. And these two are jabbering on Olympic athletes this photo shoot that and my ears prick up. Oooo that sounds cool. Now it's hard not to listen in, especially when folk are sitting next to you. Honest, Your Honor. Next thing I know we're engaging in a spot of banter. I was warned before that I've not to talk to strange men on trains; it gets me into trouble (more about that later in the year).

Five minutes later this dude casually walks down the carriage. It's only the guy they've just been shooting. He's familiar to me but I can't place him. So he ditches his first class seat to comes and slum it in cattle class with the photographers. The penny drops. Its Leon Taylor Olympic diving silver medalist and mentor to wee Tom Daly. He's into sports psychology and the next thing I know we're blethering about ultra marathons. All very surreal. The rest of the journey passes in a flash while I am entertained with witty banter, political (ahem) debate and stories of frozen hair.

My weekend got progressively crazier. The Pirate and I travelled up town, north of the river no less to attend the most unique gig ever. The incredibly talented Caitlin Rose was gigging in a cinema in Islington and we had standing tickets right next to the bar. For future reference you need more that 5 minutes to drink a whole bottle of wine and still catch the night bus home. It was around this time I indulged in my only running of the weekend. Up and down streets checking bus stops for an N19. She was amazing, if only slightly pissed. Much the same as the rest of us.

A slightly delicate Pirate drove us home from our city crash pad in time for a quick shower and head back up town, north of the river again to Camden. Twice in two days I'm surprised it didn't give him a nose bleed. We were to meet up with a bunch of his old mates from his rockabilly days. Now I've never been to a rockabilly club, I'm too young you see, and not wanting to look out of place I asked for advice on what to wear.
'Aucht I'm only wearing my jeans. You do the same.' I'm so glad I completely ignored this instruction and went for all out glamour. The tightest fitting tiny waisted below knee dress I could find. The reddest lipstick I could lay my hands on and the biggest hair I could fashion.

Talk about double standards. The blokes had followed the Pirates lead and were dressed identically in manky blue jeans, boots, and tee shirts. The girls however......weet woo.
I had a nice time, the blokes were all lovely and made me feel very welcome, but I like my fella scrubbed up well in a uniform ;-)

For your viewing pleasure check out the amazing Miss Caitlin Rose

Ultra Deluded

2010-05-01T00:27:00.002+01:00

It's amazing how surrounding yourself with people who “do” lulls you in to the belief that maybe you could “do” too

Last year, after the Cally Challenge I remember having a conversation about how I should keep the momentum going and get stuck into the next challenge.
I had deluded dreams about having a crack at RAW. Maybe not all of it, but half should be do'able. What I didn't account for was having a training partner who on the face of it would be ideal for motivating me to get my arse in gear, but who would sooner crack open another bottle of 14.5% at twenty to midnight. Managing 12 miles was my limit last year, broken into two legs. If it wasn't for Big Davie the Polis the last leg would have been shorter.

This year it's the Montane Highland Fling. I've been chatting to lots of club mates, first time flinger's and associated mates who are all buzzing about it. I've even been offered training runs already, ahhh the perils of red wine and Facebook :-)
One leg of a relay does not a potential ultra runner make.

My other half hates running, and runners even more; so I've got nae chance of help there.
I said in my last post I was going to stick to marshalling and my new found status as race director.
But do you know what? I'd like to run a bit more..... further I mean.
How do you do it?
Just get out there and put one foot in front of the other?
Is there more too it than that?
Of course there is. The whole mental side is a biggy for me.
I'm an emotional creature. A wreck if you will. I can cry at the drop of a hat.
I need support that nurtures me along. TTFU doesn't work here. U'uh girlfriend. I need there, there, there.

It's a whole year away plenty time to think about it. I guess in the meantime I either get out there and put one foot in front of the other or crack open another bottle.
What-cha reckon?

Mrs Mac x

Ignorance Is Bliss

2010-04-26T22:41:00.004+01:00

Aucht a few wee ups and downs twists and turns. It'll be grand.
Oh My Good God why did no one tell me the truth.
I remember making a phone call and whinging down the phone
“ why did you let me do this, you should have told me, I'm nowhere near fit enough to do this blah blah blah moan moan”
You get the gist.

All for one bloody leg of the Fling.

I was in a team with my fella, my bro and a lassie from my club. The plan was The Pirate would set off a bit earlier with the men and cover the first leg as a warm up. He was supposed to take it easy and arrive with time to spare before taking over for his own leg from Karen. Karen's fella was giving me a lift to the next relay handover and then on to Rowardennan. He took a wee detour via his mates garden centre before arriving in Drymen. The Pirate meanwhile was having a coronary and gagging for a drink.
We duly arrive, sort out the boy and when the change over is done I wave him off with some water, coke and sweeties a little worried coz I'm not going to see him til Rowardennan.

The perils of car sharing quickly became evident when after arriving in Rowardennan I get a frantic call asking where I am as he's out of water and nothing to eat. I am helpless and unable to respond. I begin to worry. The injury which has plagued him for the past couple of months had flared up and was giving him bother.

Time was slipping and I knew he was suffering. I aimlessly wandered around the car park constantly looking at my phone desperately wanting to call but I knew that would be no help, and possibly even more demoralising. I had to wait it out and my ignorance of the route showed again when the call came that he was near, but not yet at the road I had no clue where that was.

I met him with some water and we changed over the sash and the chip. I was on. Mrs W was doing the same leg as me in the second of the Striders four teams so it was good to have some company and to be honest if it wasn't for her I would have ended up a snivelling mess sitting on a rock refusing to move like a stubborn old goat. I knew about the long incline out of the checkpoint and the Pirate described it as the motorway. We chatted and enjoyed the sun. Very aware that time was gonna be tight. I've never run more that a half marathon, so realising what I thought was a 12 mile section was actually 13.6 (13.94 according to Jo's info) gave me my first wobble.

We cracked on passed lots of walkers who looked completely hacked off about having to step out the road AGAIN for a couple of johnny-come-latelys. When we arrived at Inversnaid I was chuffed to see my Maw n Paw and their crazy dug. I was under strict instructions to keep moving and no gabbing.

What the hell is that all about?......in my last post I said I would go like shit of a shovel for as long as I could. Why oh why did nobody tell me that was NEVER gonna happen.
As a marshall for a number of years at various events I am constantly in awe of what people achieve but my experience between Inversnaid and Bein Glas has shed a whole new light on it. I don't know how people keep all the way to Fort Bill.

I fell and smashed my knee and shoulder and launched my phone about 20 feet away. I bubbled and snivelled and whinged some more. My call for a pep talk was a big mistake

“its only 13 miles, get a move on woman, now you know how it feels. Oh I'm just having a glass of wine”

That was enough to boot me up the backside and get moving again. I was still feeling sorry for myself and dragging my feet and out of know where Dario popped into my head. It must have been around Doune Bothy, near where his book is buried, but again due to my ignorance of the route I don't actually know where that is. I got angry with myself and I swore out loud, right ya bastard, TTFU.

I passed a few blokes looking worse for wear and checked they were ok. One guy was really annoyed with himself coz he had to pull out of the WHWR at exactly the same spot. I passed the sweeper and cracked on for the last two miles. Mrs W came back out to meet me for .37 miles. I was so glad to hear I was nearly done. 13.something miles is a piece of piss I'm told. But for me it is all relative.

When I finished I downed a lager shandy and realised that's exactly what I am. A shandy drinker, a lightweight. I'm a marshall I know my place.

The post race ceilidh was magic. The Strathaven Striders lived up to their moto of being a drinking club with a running problem. Boy do they know how to party.

Tonight we had a wee run and a pint. Everyone is still buzzing about it. We had 4 relay teams and 3 individuals. It's already on our list for next years club outing. Just as long as Murdo will have us back, and he lets me have my marshall jacket back again.

Thank you to my team mates Dave, Karen and Chris.
Well done to everyone to took part, marshalled, took care of car park duty, took photies, and cheered and clapped.

Ignorance is bliss.

Having a Highland Hoolie

2010-04-21T16:15:00.004+01:00

On Saturday I will rock up to the Montane Highland Fling along with a gazillion other punters and run like the clappers up the West Highland Way.

Ok so I’m only doing one leg of the relay but it’s a big deal for me. I have only ever run a half marathon, on the road and hated every single solitary minute of it.
My Maw and her bright ideas, eh?

The Fling was one of her ideas too. As was my only real experience on the WHW, the Caledonian Challenge last year. Now that was a different story.
Totally unprepared as far as knowledge of the route goes. Not very prepared physically due to my Da having cancer and the various illnesses I suffered but I loved it.
ALL of it even the horrible bits.

So knowing I have covered half of the Way, going backwards in less than 24hrs I’m sure running 13 miles or so should be ok.

We’ve had a bit of a hiccup and had to replace said Maw with a cracking lassie from the club. The volcanic ash cloud is giving us a bit of grief too. Preventing the Pirate from enjoying a leisurely flight up and replacing it with a train journey north and having to drive his motor south again.
So all in all not the best preparation.

My plan?
Arrive, put my gutties on and go like shit off a shovel for as long as I can.

My goal?
To finish in one piece.

My motivation?
The support of my beloved…..

“As a team we may well achieve mediocrity but we're aiming for something far greater....right team!!??”

I'm looking forward to catching up with lots of friends, and esspecially the dancing at the end. Has the makings of tremendous weekend.

Bring It On!!

For The Love of a Bad Boy

2010-04-20T20:42:00.003+01:00

Ooooo eeee what a whirl wind week.

The Pirate had his big boxing event last week, so me and my mate Scanners caught the last flight out of Prestwick and headed Sarf to live it up in the big smoke.

Scanners is a former footballer who knows a thing or two about busted knees and sports injuries. She played as a regular for Hamilton Accies and was even capped for Scotland. Right up until she ruptured her ACL and needed corrective surgery to put her back together again.
None of this stops her from putting the bevvy away and we did knock back a few cocktails before boarding the plane.

The Pirate met us from the plane and whisked us back to his gaff. The rest is history.

After a day of helping put the ring together and shifting boxing gear time for a wee bit of shopping before getting ready for the main event. Bit of a shame that the on coming station officer didn't know we were there and complained about having “half naked women” in his room. Lucky man I reckon.

The boxing was fantastic!! an excellent display of sportsmanship. For me its a chance to wear a pretty dress, but as someone brought up with combat sport in the blood, I can appreciate a good fight. If you ever get the chance, you gotta experience it. Did I mention my pretty dress????

Next day the Pirates phone was ringing off the hook with “well done mate” and “top night geez” and so it was. It is a very slick, professional event and could rival anything the bigboys could produce. I'm very proud of him.

So we dispatch Scanners to her fella in Colchester and set about chilling for a couple of days.
We were due to head for Bruges for a few days, but the small matter of an exploding bloody volcano meant that that idea was up the proverbial.
We had a fantastically relaxed time in a cracking wee B&B on the south coast.

Scanners and I were due to fly back to the land of Jock on Sunday night. We were so convinced that the whole volcano thing was a wind up by the boys at the station that we didn't take it that seriously. Big mistake...... luckily Dave is not in need of the 1.25l bad boy and I am trusted with her care to make the journey north taking in ¾ of the M25 along the way.

Tonight, well tonight I'm fecked. I crashed out early o'clock last night and my planned trot round the town tonight hasn't happened. Tomorrow I'll run with the club, mainly to firm up arrangements with the late substitution to our Fling Relay team. My Maw, bless her, has bowed out. Right decision, but she's feeling rubbish about it.

You-know-who has decided to do the whole lot, as 400 miles is a long way to travel for 1 leg of the Fling. Crazy dude. And now he has to drive home again too. Aucht well, it'll give him time to become reacquainted with his one true love..... the 1.25l bad boy.

See ya'll on Saturday. Get yer kilts at the ready ;-)

Belated Birthday Blog

2010-04-08T00:31:00.003+01:00

Well it was supposed to be a blog about all the cool things I got up to for my birthday. Like camping in the Lowlands, doing a cracking long run with what's-his-name, having a slap up meal and getting properly smashed on some hideously expensive wine.

But it's no!!

Good Friday
Well, winter decided it wasn't finished with us just yet and ended any notion of a night under canvas.

Saturday
Then spring popped up a day too late, although we did have ice-cream on Prestwick beach while waiting for the Pirates plane to land.

So the Welshes all assembled at my bro's gaff and settled in front of the wide screen to watch the Hayemaker fight. The Pirate cracks on he knows a bit about pugilism but I'm not sure. He reckoned it was gonna crap fight......oh no it wisney!! It was a belter in the truest sense of the word.

Easter Sunday
The day dawns on my 37th birthday and crazy as it may sound when asked what I'd like to do, I still fancied a nice long slow run on the Clyde Walk Way through the Clyde Valley. Bloody winter was back again!! Pirate took one look out the curtains and proclaimed 'f*ck that'.

We made our way to my fave sea food gaff, Peter's for lunch. The rest is history.... I had a gorgeous meal, so did the wean. The Pirate on the other hand ate raw oysters and made himself proper ill.
I spent the rest of my birthday nursing him, poor lamb.
*Just for the record, he's a rubbish patient and wont be looked after.*

Easter Monday
Managed a nice run up to Aberfoyle on Easter Monday......it rained. We had a good giggle at the sheepdog show. A sheepdog herding ducks is a sight to behold.

And so it seems the wheels haven't fallen off completely, merely slackened a little and causing a wobble. My last post was a bit negative coz I had a crap run with the Striders last week. I've since checked the distance and the time wasn't anywhere near as bad I first thought, pretty good for me to be fair. Took me a whole week to find that out!

Hence I've been toying with the thought of saving my birthday money and giving in to one of those Garmin thingamabobs, but tonight's wee jaunt out confirmed I really need to invest in a pair of off road shoes. My shiny Brooks are getting trashed.

I think I may have wangled a run on the WHW at the weekend but I wont get my hopes up just yet :-)

More Torvill and Dean

2010-04-01T16:12:00.005+01:00

That’s it. The wheels have fallen off.

I’ve had such a great couple of months running, really enjoying myself and feeling stronger and stronger. A bit gutted that none of this shows on the scale and I must still have a considerably wobbly bum right enough. But loving it none the less.

I even had a belter of a run on Saturday. The Pirate was faffing with his car, and the wee one (the little monster) was happily ensconced in the house watching Twilight. I decided that the murderous Epsom Downs route was within my capability and even on my own I should be able to navigate my way round.

Earlier on in the day we abandoned a trip to Brighton to go ice-skating as was the little monsters wish. She had been on the ice once before and had loved it, but she is a couple of years older now and is very self conscious, as all little girls become. We, the little monster and me (her Dad is a wuss) spent the next hour circling the rink a grand total of three times. God love the wee soul, she was convinced ‘I’m gonna die, I’m gonna die’ of course I would never let that happen and she breathed a sigh of relief when we left the ice. Asked later if she had fun, she gushed ‘yeah…. It was brilliant’.

While running I was lost in my own thoughts and thinking about how our confidence and belief in ourselef has a great deal influence on how we perform. Take the little monster, she was so sure she was going to fall and hurt her self that she couldn’t enjoy herself. She didn’t ‘believe’ she could do it.

I decided I needed to get over myself a wee bit and stop holding back running down hills. This is a problem for me. I convince myself that I’m gonna do myself an injury or fall flat on my face.

I was moving well, only got lost a couple of times. Mainly because the landscape is changing and there are flowers and trees in bud making it look very different. I even over took a horse and a mountain biker while going UP HILL. Then it happened. Slow motion, the lot!

I kicked a tree root and went flying through the air arse over t*t. I went my full length landing with a thud on the churned up clag that purports to be a trail. No harm done, but if I had performed such a trick a mere two hours previous it would surely have scored me a 5.5.

Cut to last night and a shitey run with the Striders. Nothing much to say. Felt rubbish before going out and it didn’t get any better.

If you’ve read my other half's blog you’ll have heard that he is planning a trip to the docs to get his bits chopped off. He reckons this is a revelation to me.
Well dear reader it is not. Check out the evidence.
We have the same size of feet (yeah yeah no jokes please) He thinks that I leave my stuff down there for convenience. But it’s for him. I’ve known for sometime. When my silky underwear started going missing I sussed it out. The last pair of shoes I left went down a storm. Whatcha think?

Fast Black

2010-03-25T19:31:00.007Z

Turn on the news, pick up a paper and all you'll see and hear is doom and gloom.

Good news doesn't make the headlines. It's just not sensational enough.

But it's not all bad out there.

Last week my 85 year old grandmother had an operation to have a finger removed. I know sounds a bit drastic, but it was the result of her reluctance to attend hospital after a fall a couple of years ago.

A few days ago she could take the cabin fever no longer and called a cab to drop her 'down the street'.

Tea n cake and two bags of shopping later she calls for a lift home. Now Strathaven aint like the metropolis of East Kilbride from where she came. Round here you need to know a week from Wednesday that you'll need a cab.

The lady on the phone politely advises her that 'yes Mrs Anderson, you can have a car at 7pm' a mere 3 and a quarter hours away!!

A young couple over hear her plight and come to her rescue to offer her a lift home. She doesn't know them and they don't know her, but a sense of common decency wouldn't allow them to see her high and dry.

I'd like to be able to thank them but there are probably a few Helen and Jimmy's in Strathaven.

There's more good news..... It's Friday tomorrow.

And tomorrow it will mostly be doing this.........

Sitting on a train heading South with a bowl of pasta, a cheeky wee bottle of wine and a girly mag.

Enjoy the weekend :-)

Hardmoors 55. A Marshals Eye View

2010-03-24T11:24:00.004Z

I wish I had known before hand that miles in Yorkshire are MUCH longer than standard miles.

The day got off to a rocky start due to a slight overindulgence in the staying-awake-late stakes.

Up and out the hotel door early o’clock, much to the surprise of the night porter. The Pirate and I were travelling in convoy and I was elected lead driver. A twisty turny journey to Helmsley took a great deal longer that expected.

On arrival we met up with lots of WHWR friends; Tim Downie, Sharon Law, JK & Doc McIntosh. It was great to finally meet Andy Cole, who ran the whole race in a flat cap. Top man!

Jon Steele, as expected had all the I’s dotted and T’s crossed. Very well organised indeed.

The runners were assembled outside for the start and a geezer from the National Park gave a speech about stunning vistas and dramatic views, none of which would be seen that day.

After the off the Pirate and I cooked up our breakfast on the veranda of the Football Pavilion, who said marshaling was hard work? The smell of sausages cooking in the open air is divine.

We cleared up and packed all the drop bags in to my wee Corsa and headed to Osmotherley Village Hall. Sue Knowles and I were chief cooks and bottle washers, with loads of help from Helen Withams daughter Clare. I didn’t think tea and coffee would be a big hit with the runners, how wrong was I? The freezing cold harsh conditions were beginning to take its toll and most people enjoyed a cuppa, even if it was only to heat up their hands.

The Drop bag facility worked very well here. Some runners were uber professional and had laminated cards with their particulars detailed precisely. Others scrawled their name and number with a biro.

The weather was reeking havoc with expected arrival times, and rather than freeze to death atop a hill The Pirate waited for the first runner to arrive before heading to his next checkpoint. The Pirate was dispatched to Carlton Bank just after 11am.

Given that the conditions were so tough most runners arrived in fine fettle and the banter was great in the hall. JK and Sharon arrived, following a wee detour, and quickly demolished the contents of their drop bags. Sharon was suffering the effects of the cold and struggled with her hands. I had to assist quite a few runners with gloves, zips water bottles and the like. It was then I realised just HOW hard the Hardmoors 55 is.

I saw Tim briefly as I was leaving for my next CP. Felt bad that I didn’t have time for a cuddle, coz I quite like them, but I was meeting Mike Mason, King of the Essex Underworld, and I didn’t want to keep him waiting. I’m quite attached to my kneecaps you know.

Mike and I were the keepers of the Kildale Hall checkpoint, about 42 miles in to the route. More tea and coffee available here and all the biscuits you could eat. Jon’s Mum and Dad were on hand for spotting runners approaching from the hill and taking pic’s. What a lovely couple.

Mike and I developed a system where he would head to the top of a hill check what the runner required and ran back to give me a heads up. This worked very well and again most people took advantage of a hot cuppa. Runners were looking very weary by this stage, and while the banter was still good the buzz was a little more subdued.

It was here that my WHWR buddies came a cropper. Doc McIntosh presented himself to me and declared himself out, along with two others. He was followed soon after by my wee mate Shazza. Sharon is a tough cookie and can handle most things thrown at her, however she arrived in tears and shaking uncontrollably. I was really concerned for her. Luckily, Julia, Helen Withams support had shed loads of spare clothes and we got her changed and into a sleeping bag and placed her next to the radiator. Tim was the next causality. He said it was the first time he thought he might actually die during a race. He made the right decision and I managed to organise some transport for them both back to the finish.

It was about now that the rain stopped and the sun came out. Talk about crap timing.

Mike’s wife Gill and daughter Sian arrived from their day trip armed with fish and chips and helped us clear up the hall. John Vernon was taking over from Mark Barnes as sweeper and I felt for him as he headed of into the dead of night to cross the moors.

I said my goodbyes to the Mason’s and headed off to meet the Pirate at the final CP a mile from the end. He had been there for hours and while I had armed him with copious amounts of food that could be easily reheated he had packed it all at the bottom of his Bergen. He told me once that he gets grumpy if he doesn’t eat…. We sat there in the pitch dark, careful not to destroy our night vision (?) it was like a stakeout. Something I have zero experience of, evidently.

It was eerie to watch the distant light from head torches bobbing along the top of the final hill down to us. As the clouds had lifted it caused the temperature to drop dramatically, but at least the final runners weren’t getting soaked anymore. John Vernon and Flip escorted their two charges to the finish line and we finally called a halt to Hardmoors 55 2010 just after midnight.

Jon Steele looked totally gubbed (sorry J) and relieved that while there were a few DNF’s everyone survived a brutal outing on the moors. A great event. I look forward to returning in the better weather to see those promised vistas.

My experience this weekend makes me thankful that my race, the Clyde Stride, is a relatively flat town and country event in the middle of summer ;-)

ps. I've just about forgiven Steve Walker for calling me a bloke :-)

Hardmoors 55 2010

2010-03-23T00:40:00.002Z

Just a few pics from Hardmoors 55

You can feel the tension building.

Big Jon reminds everyone that they have to drop a can of beer with Dave as the pass the final checkpoint!!

Fake Bake And A Couple Of Tinnies

2010-03-16T13:17:00.002Z

My printer is working overtime at the moment as it reams off all the available information for this weekends Hardmoors 55 trip.

Jon Steele runs a tight ship and as promised the event is being organised as a military operation. I’m a wee bit worried coz my military career is limited to a year in the air cadets when I was 13. Blue wasn’t my colour.

The poor Pirate is deflated not one but twice. His gammy ankle has prevented his participation on the run as a competitor and has been allocated some hefty checkpoint duties instead. Imagine his delight at hearing his main duty was adjacent to a public house. Imagine his subsequent horror at hearing the route has changed and he’s now posted on a disused railway line. I’m sure he’ll survive, although someone better drop by with a bottle of fake tan. He has taken to using it on his hair; you think I’m kidding ;-)

The HM55 looks like a cracking event, quite tough and a real challenge. I think it’s time I set my sights on some goals. Although some of the hair brained challenges I’ve heard about this week are a little beyond me, me thinks.

Mrs Wilson, Striders matriarch and WHWR veteran is just two runs short of her hundredth marathon. This feat will finally be achieved when she completes the Edinburgh marathon in May.

Craig Hamilton, former Striders president completed a double iron man last year, and to give himself a rest but still set a goal he decided to run everyday this year!! And I thought the Marcothoners were mad.

But to top it all, Tom Wilson, husband of above mentioned Mrs Wilson also ran everyday for a year and the next and some of the next. 1000 days of running back to back!!

You’re all mad, loop the loop. How did I ever get involved with you?

Now where is my knitting?

Ups and Downs

2010-03-08T11:27:00.004Z

I think I painted myself in a pretty bad light in my last post. I’m not usually someone who parties hard all weekend. Honest. I like nothing better that curling up on the sofa with nice bottle of red, a big bag of kettle chips and watching a movie with my beloved. Circumstances have conspired against us in the past couple of weeks and have halted any such notion of domestic bliss.

This week I have redeemed myself, well sort of. My new Brook’s have been well and truly broken in. They are most definitely not shiny white any more.

Saturday was the Striders 2^nd annual cross country event, and my first. A club event, open to friends and family. At a quid for members and two for friends you cant go wrong.

There were two options; a short route and a long. I offered my services during the week thinking we always need marshals and was told “I’d prefer it if you ran” ok no probs.

I arrive at the village hall nice and early and chat with the assembled Striders. There are 60 people ready for the start line and there is quite a buzz. It’s a perfect day for it, like spring has truly sprung. It is only now I learn that of the 60 people registered only 6 of us are doing the long route; and the 5.5 miles I thought it was is actually 6.5. I really should pay attention.

It has been about four years since I’ve worn a Striders vest, apart from the Caley Challenge, I couldn’t tell you the last race I took part in.

I just don’t have that competitive streak any more. Years of spending my weekends at Karate competitions knocked that right out of me.

I was looking forward to taking part, and called the Pirate for some words of encouragement.

“Attack the race, no holding back. None of that namby pamby nonsense. Take them out, but don’t set off too fast” he then went into some sort of gobbledy gook about oxygen debt. Yeah yeah like I’d ever be going fast enough for that.

It was a crackin run. I loved every minute of it. A proper hard core route that went something like this.

Down, up. Into a field, down, cross the river, up. Over a stile into another field, down, cross the river, up, back down. Cross the river, up, down, run beside the river. Scramble on your hands and knees up an embankment. Up, down, up, up, up finish!!

You’ll have noticed there are quite a lot of ups and down’s….. Well it’s not called the Avon Valley for nothing!

I’m delighted to announce I was 3^rd lady. Well there were only 3 of us, but it sound’s good.

I still felt strong at the end which pleased me greatly, coz I had a night out with the girls to see Hormonal Housewives to prepare for and a pair of killer heels to wear. The price we pay for glamour ;-)

Mrs Mac x

It's A Small World

2010-03-03T16:16:00.002Z

Monday was supposed to be just a wee gentle jog round the town, given that I had by my own admission ‘over indulged’ a little on the weekend.

Seeing my gaffer confirmed this to me.

Walking in to the office on Monday morning I was met by ‘I hear you can fairly put it away’. Now I’m not sure if that’s the Scottish vernacular; but generally it means I could give Oliver Reed a run for his money.

Anyway, my run. I headed out with a wee group and partnered a girl who is quite new to the club.

You know how you end up blethering and your pace just runs away with it’s self. Running the hills and allsorts I was.

We did the usual bit about what do you do, where do you work blah blah blah.

Turns out she’s Old Bill, CID none the less.

'Oh I met some of your colleagues on Friday' says I.

'Where was that?' She replied.

'The wee pub in Hamilton.' I continue.

'I was there too!' She exclamied.

Uh oh, I think I used the term diddies in my last post.

Better not let her see it then.

Lucky for me she had gone home before we arrived.

She agreed they are indeed Diddies.

It sure is a small world.

Drunken Mayhem

2010-02-28T22:59:00.006Z

I have been accused of getting too serious about running and taking it to extremes by posting piccies of my lovely new shiny white shoes.

Well, as if by magic and as instructed I did indeed have a weekend of drunken mayhem!
It all kicked off on Friday by what is known in these parts as a 'straightfae'. You know when you get on it straight from work?

Well, left the office at 3pm. Our meal for eleven was drastically reduced to seven as a result of illness and injury. Poor Malcolm had to endure the maniacal witterings of six female colleagues who 'aint been out in a while. The baby of the office let the side down badly by announcing that 15:30hrs was far too early to start drinking, wtf!! what is it with the youth of today? One large glass of red wine, a three course lunch, two raspberry martinis and a Morgans 'n' diet coke got the night off to a good start ;-)

Gorgeous Kit is the first to bail. Followed soon after by Malcolm, who cuts away early to tend to his husbandly duties followed swiftly by the gaffer and the baby. I thought these guys were hardcore. I've heard stories of 5am karaoke sessions. It's barely 19:30 and we are reduced to three. Ten minuets later we are plotted up in an old man's pub serving 35ml measures, not all bad.

It's quiet for a Friday, save for a rather rowdy crowd of blokes with suits and ties. Football team? not pretty enough. Rugby team? not buff enough. Just out of jail, or court at least. Almost right, turns out they are CID. Diddies the lot of them.

Another drink girls, don't mind if I do. And so it continued for quite sometime. Voices becoming more high pitched and giggling aplenty. Get a round of shots in, followed swiftly by another. The singing starts. Out of key, out of tune and out of order. My two companions are lightweights and bailed before midnight. Up the road in a cab in a blizzard. Bugger, I'm a night owl and in the absence of my normal late night phone call and online jam session I have a wee bit of greendot action with my antipodean greatmate Corned Beef, who is equally worse for wear.

Saturday sees me having a long walk and a cheeky wee glass of red in the pub with my Ma' n Da'. I meet up with my besto and her bro for a few wee vimto's and the whole thing starts over again. Suffice to say that if you ever come across a bottle of Sailor Jerry you're in for a good night ;-) Have a very short blether with the Pirate at 2am, the poor lamb is on a 36hrs exersice (hence the drunken mayhem....home alone) Get to bed at 4am and worry ever so slightly that I might not do very well on my run today!

I needn't have though. I must have been hanging round with the Pirate too long. Water off a ducks back. Cracking run. I had one last section of the Clyde Walkway to recy and with a wee bit of retracing my steps I managed 10 miles. A mere warm up for all you crazies out there, but for me, an achievement.

So a weekend of drunken mayhem it was. I must be getting old. I had an offer of an evening of nice wine, great conversation, wit, humor and only the merest mention of bottoms and I knocked it back. Two nights back to back is one thing. Three is just plain crazy.
Pass the port ;-)

My new shiny white shoes....... are a lovely shade of muck and shuch. I didn't even tell you about the cows ;-)

Hasta,
Mrs Mac x

And The Winner Is???

2010-02-25T20:10:00.006Z

A pretty major disaster struck and emergency plan B had to come in to play.

My colleague and Yummy Mummy Ann, got herself carted off to hospital last night and dropped me right in the proverbial.

Plan A would have seen her collect the baby of the firm from a road side hotel on the M8 and bomb it along to Embra toon, where I would meet up with them at our conference this morning. We were up for an award and Ann was the man with the plan. She was the one prepped by the organisers to have a speech ready and what it should contain. Shoe in, defo red carpet moment, must remember to thank my agent.

Reality being I had to take a massive detour from my planned bit of back road action and an extra half hour in my scratcher to rendevous at the Dakota (what that all about?? all blacked out and mysterious looking)

Holy shit, 40 minuets to travel a mile and a half!! Nearly two and a half hours on the M8 did not set me up well for my moment of glory. I really should have gatecrashed Corned Beef's gaff and kipped there last night.

A whole days conference of stuff that I already knew for a half hour award ceremony, even my gaffer who travelled East to make the acceptance speech to save me from making an arse of myself was losing the will to live.

Eventually, the music struck up and in flounced a geezer in a tin flute and bow tie and a burd in a floor length sparkly number. It was a physical activity conference?!?

My gaffer and I all dry mouthed and sweaty palmed. Waited in anticipation.

And the winner is............

Drum roll.......

Da Da !!

NOT US

Cue fake smiley faces and muttering under our breath.

So, Ann, the Yummy Mummy who tried her hand at bed blocking, as well as being a project officer; was a podiatrist and physio for a few Scottish fitba teams in a past life.

Asked her to check out my plates of meat a few weeks ago. Rolled up my trouser leg and flexed and stretched a bit.

How does it look Ann?

How the hell can you run? Your feet are f*cked.

So, justly humiliated I take myself of to Athelite with news of my 'severely over pronated' right foot and pleaded for help.

Good service is not often commented on, people like to moan, but the lassie there was brilliant.

I searched for it. But found no trace of ' what's this wobbly bumed wummin doing in my shop looking for serious running shoes' etched across her face. She got me out of Asics for the first time in six years and into a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10. OMG I'm in lurve. They are amazing.

True Romance

2010-02-19T14:49:00.005Z

Oh I’m so bad at this.

I’ve said before how when I’ve got something to say I 'aint got time to write and when I’ve got time I ‘aint got nuttin to say.

Well, blimey have I been busy!!!

That crazy man MacDonald has turned me into a bloody race organiser. Before I had the chance to make my usual excuses I had been convinced about how great an idea it was. So come the 17^th of July I’ll bee standing at Partick Railway Station poised to shout “GO!”

The Clyde Stride has taken over my life in the last couple of months, but I am loving it. Weekends spent reccying the route and trying to prevent the Pirate from getting lost. Quality!!

The funniest thing to happen recently is Jon Steele asking for me to help Mike Mason man a checkpoint on the Hardmoors 55 on March 20^th. OMG can you imagine it? the pair of us shacked up together for hours with poor unsuspecting runners to abuse. I better be on my best behaviour though. I hear he a bit of a face in the Essex underworld :-}

So it was Valentines Day this week. Awwwww how romantic? Gorg red roses (which cost a fortune, or so I’m told) and a lovely dinner .Yeah but before that I was dragged round a mud bath of an 8 mile run, just for fun.

I never used to “do” Valentines. Maybe I had the right idea.

I Like Kids. Couldn't Eat a Whole One Though

2010-01-11T21:41:00.003Z

I always thought I was good with kids.
I've worked with them for years. Coaching various sports, holiday play clubs and the like.
You know the ones where hoards of weans get packed off to massive sport centers all day for two pound fifty a pop. Yeah? you get the idea.
Always though I was quite good at coming up with new games and ideas of daft things to do. A lot of the time involving loads of glitter, copious amounts of non brand stick type glue and quite a few feathers.

Something disastrous has happened. I don't know if it's because my weans are grown up now or if the 'grumpy old' gene has migrated from the Pirate and is now plotted up in my heid, but on Saturday evening I became part of a growing band of 'grumpy olds'.
People like the NCP car park attendant with a limp who shouts at you "Oi pal! ye canny park there"
or the miserable janny that wont "git yer baw aff the roof" or the crabbit granny who forbids you from using her best cushions as steering wheels as you lollop round her living room playing F1 with your wee brother.

Me one of THEM can you believe it?

Picture the scene. Winter is still here. (I know, there's a whole other post in there)
You've travelled 400 hundred miles on a train that got delayed for nearly 2 hours.
Your one and only fails to meet you from the train as promised cos he's oot wi a WHW matey for a few bevvies.
Your nose is streaming like the River Tay in spate.
And yer Maw and Da have just jetted out to Goa for a fortnight (lucky bar stewards)

The snow that hampered your journey has brought London to a standstill. Gritters pah!! whats that. You enquire as to whether there are any 'yellow bins' around and told, No we don't have them here. Only to locate one of said bins not 100 meters from the front door.

And this was it my moment of glory.
The one and only hill in deepest darkest Ashtead is located at the entrance of whatshisnames close. The approach road none the less.
There was I, Mrs Mac. Ski jacket, Berghaus waterproof breeks (minus security tag) buff, gloves the lot!!

Gritting the road........

.......while the kids were STILL sledging on it!!!!!!

I keep checking under my hat, looking for the big white streak.
I think I might be turning into Cruella De Vil.

Mrs Mac x

Big Brother is Watching

2009-12-17T00:05:00.005Z

By the way, I meant to say.
I've been doing a bit of running. Not much but I'm trying.
Life has been getting in the way a bit.
What with galavanting round Embra Toon with the Royal couple and the usual suspects for Festive Fun. Galavanting off to see the Pogues with my fella and chairing my first Striders AGM as El Presidente there hasn't been too much time for plodding round the town.

This week I've had two cracking plods.
Monday saw me trot out with Anne, me team mate from the Calley and Dot, founder member of Strathaven Striders and keeper of the Kingshouse checkpoint.
They had costumes to deliver, so it was never going to be far or fast. We ran the 'loops'- any one from Strathaven will be very familiar with the loops- and stopped at the first gaff. Only a pit stop with Prof & Mrs Rice then on to the main event.
Irene Wilson cried off running tonight, citing too much marking as an excuse. She politely invited us in and offered a refreshment for our trouble.
Tea, coffee, WINE??? my eyes lit up. But we are running.
Aucht well give me a large glass o red and one o those smashing mince pies. Job Done.

Tonight was the infamous Wednesday night coached session. Groans all round. We know its good for us but it stings.

Former El Presidente, (cant be named for legal reasons) scared me witless tonight. We were chatting as you do while waiting on the group to reform when there was some discussion regarding 'continental quilts'. Now this made me smile as its one of those phrases that you don't hear much any more, and it fitted in nicely with the retro theme on my FB this week. Rubik's cubes, Mr. Frosty, Al a carte kitchens etc. His Mrs and I had a giggle. He recons we're posh coz we call them duvets :)

Anyway...... he told us of a burd in his work who's being taken to court over a blog she kept over a three year period where in amongst chatter about cutting hedges was all the salaries of all the big wigs in the company!!! wtf I don't know the detail, but seems like she's looking at a stretch in the clink.
Now I have rarely blogged anything inflammatory or slanderous and don't think I could be taken to court over it but you never know.
Big Brother is Watching.

Hasta la vista
Mrs Mac x

Sweet Revenge

2009-12-14T22:29:00.002Z

I go with this guy, right. Not a bad lad, recons he’s some sort of literary whiz kid who has taken the world of cyber creativity to a new level. I have been the butt of many a joke. With the truth stretched to make a piece just that wee bit funnier. Well, artistic licence is one thing, but this time it’s gone too far. I’m not one for revenge. I’m prone to sitting on the fence and keeping my gub shut. Mrs Mac bites back ;)

This week it was the bold boys birthday. Now, he’s not an easy bloke to buy for. Not one for trinkets or charms, shiny things or bling. A bottle of fruit based alcohol maybe, or water of life; but this would not suffice.

I decided on a wee surprise. A couple of tickets for the Pogues and a child free weekend in a hotel.
As he had spent the week prior on a ‘course’ (read jolly boys holiday) his liver was hurting more than his head. A crazy night on the tiles with dancing on tables til the wee hours was reduced to a Chinese buffet and an early bath. The pre birthday boy was zonked by 11pm. Hardcore, eh?
Should I be worried?

A chilled birthday morning, cup of tea and two biccys for brekky.
I was soooooo looking forward to a nice lazy lunch, glass of wine, maybe a cocktail or two and a wee snooze before the gig. Your choice birthday boy, take your pick. Mmmmmmm fillet steak, lobster, choices choices. Can someone tell me why we ended up in some god-forsaken manky chipy for a fish tea?
Should I be worried?

Picture the scene; we’re having a wee cuddle, letting our lunch digest ?!? Watching a bit of telly and having a wee doze. Heads together like a couple o’ love birds. Awwwwww sweet.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Birthday boy jumps up and I nearly dislocate my neck with the speed he shifted at.

You woke me up!!

No birthday boy, you woke yourself up. That was YOU snoring not me.

Should I be worried?

The Pogues were immense. I was really just along for the ride. I felt like a total fraud standing there jammed up against the crash barrier centre stage.
But OMG is ever you get the chance to see them, jump at it. One of the best gigs I’ve ever been to, and there’s been a few.

Revenge is sweet. And definitely a dish best served cold.
The quote regarding Kirsy McColl, attributed to me is of course a pile of shite.

My revenge………?
for Christmas……… I’ve got him tickets……….
for Sydney Devine ;)

Happy Birthday Waterfairy.
Hope you enjoyed it x

Mrs Mac

Rockin' and Rollin'

2009-11-23T14:15:00.005Z

Glad to see I’m not the only one who is taking it easy on the old blogging front. Apart from the usual suspects who are prolific to say the least. The rest of us mere mortals are taking a much more relaxed approach.

I topped off my crazy week by heading back down to London to see the BWB boxing show at the Clapham Grand on Wednesday. Excellent night; great entertainment value and some fantastic skill and heart shown by all the boys.

Funny how the first time I went along I was given a VIP pass and my very own bodyguard (a certain former Para who is familiar with the WHW) and encouraged to enjoy some drinks at the bar. This time I’m given a ‘staff’ pass and set to work. There are worse jobs I guess; looking after some sweaty firemen who has just done battle in the squared ring and need a little TLC, aw bless. I’m the girl for the job ;)

The biggest problem for me was the weather. Lovely here on the Wednesday morning. Torrential rain and gale force winds in London on arrival. Not the most comfortable of landings I have to admit. Same on the way home. Woke up in the morning to see the trees bent to a 90 degree angle in the wind. Have to admit I wasn’t looking forward to the flight home.

This bit is a bit mushy; avert your eyes if you’re squeamish.
The old ‘distance makes the heart grow fonder’ nonsense, is just that. A load of old tosh.
Distance is a pain in the arse. Cheap flights aint that cheap and ‘it’s just an hour’s' flight’ is crapola.

Decided on a quiet weekend at home with the kids. Two days of long lies in my scratcher and not much else to write home about.
An online karaoke with Captain Jack Sparra saw some crackin tunes murdered to death. The only saving grace was securing two tickets to see the Pogues in Sheffield in December. That's the way I roll ;)

Join in the karaoke-

Busy Busy Busy

2009-11-16T14:35:00.006Z

The problem with blogging is this….

….when you’ve got time to blog it’s usually because you’ve got nothing better to do with your time and therefore have nothing to talk about. On the flip side when you’ve got summit to say you’re way to busy to commit time to putting pen to paper, or in this case fingers to keyboard.

Well it’s been almost a month since I blogged last, I guess that must mean I’ve been busy. And you’d be right ;)

I’m sitting here during my lunch half hour and I’m gonna type like a demented half wit to bring you up-to-date on the true life soap opera featuring Mrs Mac #2

After supporting Ian with his 24hr attempt I felt a bit inspired to do a bit of running. I managed to get out on the Clyde Walk Way on wet n wild Sunday afternoon. The route had been recommended by my Bro who is a secret underground type runner, lurks in the forums and all that.

Any way route is tops, defo recommend it to anyone who can access it. A newly completed walk way covering 40 miles from Clydebank to New Lanark. I picked the day that clocks went back and woops should really have started a little bit earlier. Running through the woods, on my own in the dark got the adrenalin going.

Back to back training nights with club has seen my mojo return with gusto.
Bit of a strange one that. I have been out of the training loop for a bit coz I didn’t feel that I was fit enough to full participate, but it was the support and encouragement from my club mates and a bit of a bollocking from Mrs Wilson that did the trick.

Then it was our Run With the Wind 10km at the beginning with the month. Loads of final dotting of I’s and crossing of T’s took up quite a bit of time. That and hanging round the house waiting for a massive milk lorry to deliver the goods.

Race day was also wet n wild. A great event none the less. Some fantastic feedback from everyone. Well done to all family members involved. Special mentions to you know who for running while suffering from a chest infection which incapacitated him so much he refused a pint (!). Also DQ who has decided that maybe he WILL “get out of bed for a 10k” after all cos marshalling is hard work. The WHW Runner for cracking his sub 40 goal and last but certainly not least our very own Princess for completing her first 10k, ably assisted by the nicest man in the world.

Next a bit of socialising. A night out in the Counting House to say cheerio to Neal Pacepusher. I had been out with my mate during the day and to say I was a little giddy by the time we met the WHW family was an understatement. My mate Scanners is the kinda girl you can take anywhere. Great social skills. Kinda freaky though that she knew someone in the company. WTF she’s a fitballer, no a runner. Got to bed at 4.30am. Hardcore ;)
Awwwwww, Airborne Toxic Event with the Pirate and the Royal Couple and RJSR & her hubby. Stupendous, incredible, fantastic, amazing; words don’t do them justice. Simply divine.

This is where the wheels fell off.
I was hoping to join the Race Princess for her Diet coke WHW training run. Quite looking forward to it in fact. One we problem. I had convinced myself it was a Sunday run. Uh oh missed it by a day, but my car had been acting up and it was gonna be expensive right? Not so, a wee reset on the computer thingumijig and I’m good to go. After the wean went to her Dads I was at a loose end. I thought about doing the run on Sunday on my own, but I really didn’t want to be Nigeled.

So can someone tell me at what point deciding on the spur of the moment driving 400 miles south of the border to surprise the Pirate was a sensible idea?
At 4pm on a Saturday afternoon, when I could have gone for a quite glass of wine, I chucked all my gear in to the now tickety boo motor and started driving.
By the time I reached Carlisle I still wasn’t convinced I was going to ACTUALLY drive the whole way, by Lancaster or Preston though I decided that it was as far to turn back than to carry on and the deed was done.

I arrived in London in 6 and a bit hours after I left Strathaven. I had been blethering to the Pirate on the way down, giving him duff information about visits to Asda and to see some friends but when I called to say I was there he called me a numptie. Now I will not be drawn on that, coz there has been quite enough discussion about numpties on the forum and blogs. To say he was surprised is an understatement. Spent as long driving round the city centre as the whole rest of the journey down to some duff info from a rather squiffy Pirate.
Do you know there are two Horseferry Roads in London? Well there IS; something the Pirate neglected to tell me.
Diddy!
Anyway, a night in a single bed in a place I really shouldn’t have been and watching the march on the Cenotaph was excellent. Well worth the mammoth expedition.

Witnessing serving soldiers who at first glance looked like cadets, followed by former soldier of advancing years interspersed by the very young children of fathers recently lost was very emotional.
Hearing the bag pipes did the job and the tears came. I was very proud of my Pirate.

So that’s it. A months round up. I’m off back down to London for the BWB Boxing on Wednesday night. A whistle stop tour and I’m flying this time.

Time to get the running shoes back on ;) mmmmmm I think I need a new pair.

Mrs Mac x

The Tale of an Old Speckled Hen

2009-10-19T00:13:00.003+01:00

Phew…….
What a weekend!
This weekend The Pirate and I had the pleasure of supporting the WHW Runner on his 24hr Race at Tooting Bec in London.

I somehow rendered my self support by default. My bairns and I have been in London since last Friday, having taken over the Pirates gaff for our October holidays. A whirlwind week of touristy type activities and loads of together time topped off by staying up all night, outside, in the freezing cold of SW17.

We collected the WHW Runner from the airport unscathed. Having completed the 40 minute journey in merely 20!! Our Subversive Fireman sure knows how to operate the gas pedal and just as well the 1.25l bad boy goes like shit off a shovel.
Return to Chez Waterman at a more leisurely pace to feed and water our precious visitor.

Mrs Beattie had had enlightened me into the …… of WHW Runner. She advised that "The night before the race he may be tempted to have 'just one' toast to old friends. He is incapable of 'just one' so abstinence is the best approach. I'm sure his old friend would understand."
So me and you-know-who had his share, hic.
We had a rummage through his gear and had a chat about he style of encouragement he preferred. Transpires he’s a softly softly type character. Thankfully he didn’t have Corned Beef in his corner as "get a move on you soft cock blouse” widney have gone down too well!
You-know-who missed this important team meeting as the boxing was on the telly ;-)

Have some decent kip, although I have had my fair share of it during the week. Quite a few long lies for me. You can bank sleep, right? Then up bright and breezy. Pirate boy has promised WHW Runner some scrambled eggs for brekkie. But he is nowhere to be seen. I locate him upstairs on the computer blogging in his pants…… if only Ian had seen him. Good job he didn’t. The start of Subversive Supporting me thinks.

Our runner is psyched up, primed like a coiled spring. The Pirate has his head in the glory hole of a cupboard under the stairs looking for his tent! An essential piece of kit for our duties. Poor Ian was like a cat on a hot tin roof. He must have wondered why oh why he had accepted this offer of help.

Finally make it out the door and hit the road only 10 minutes behind schedule. Arrive at the track with loads of time to spare though. WHW Runner registers, and we set up camp. It becomes evident that we really should have prepared a little more. While all those around us set up their comfy tents, reclining camp chairs, gazebos, tables etc we make do with a bench nicked from the other end of the track, a 20 year old unwashed doss bag an a table still at Southwark fire training establishment. Welcome to the world of Subversive Support.

And they’re off.
Despite the pedigree of some of the other runners, we were (apparently) the only support crew counting laps. We had been advised to do this by Fiona Rennie. This is a bloody stressful exercise. You really cant take your eye off the ball. Ian had a posties red lacky band round his finger and each lap he clocked he moved it down a finger. This allowed us to take a split every 5 laps.
Factor in my nosiness in getting to know the other supporters and whoops, did we miss him?? My wee lassie came into her own, keeping a wee eye out for our man.
The Pirate was in his element blogging and taking pictures of puke.

I’ll not go into the technicalities of track running. Basically its 4 hours one way, change and 4 hours back the way you came.
The time passed incredibly quickly. Although it was extremely cold. A factor that would scupper a few runners later in the night.

Brian McIntosh and his wee smasher Eilidh came along to offer support. It was great to finally meet them. That wean shows some promise on the track and she’s not event two!

Our man planned to drink every 20 mins, eat every 2 hours and change socks every 6 hours.
It was pretty hard to keep track of how closely he was keeping to the plan coz the feed table was a third of the track away from us and they had lots of tempting goodies on offer.

Main meals were provided, however the MacWatermans opted for a fish supper. Aw man, it was superb. The waft of salt n vinegar must have tormented the runners. Not as much as the BBQ one of the teams enjoyed ?!?
Did I mention a wee glass of wine? Well, yes, we had a small refreshment. Just for medicinal purposes you understand. Internal central heating was required, and red wine is an excellent choice. I had a nice bottle of ale on offer for our runner should he fancy a wee snifter. He told me once of a race where they offer you a half of whisky before hitting a particularly steep hill. So there was method in my madness. Sadly the contents remained in the bottle for the duration.

WHW Runner knocked out the laps and although off his gold medal goal he seemed content to crack on. Words of wisdom and encouragement from WHW family members perked him up no end. But it was occasional blethers with Mrs B which had the biggest impact. It takes just one sentence from someone who knows you better than you know yourself to give you that wee lift. In that respect the Pirate and I were rendered useless.

10.30pm. The wine kicked in and the Pirate took to his bed. I’m a night time person so the weans and I were happy to be on duty ’til 2am.
It was right at this point that our man announced that he wanted his feet tended too in 4 laps time. The Pirate could not be roused, oh shit. I think I bluffed it as our man changed his mind.
He was beginning to struggle a bit. Fatigue, cold and a tendency to puke anything and everything he took onboard. This caused a bit of a frenzy as Hannah and I jogged back and fore across the track to keep an eye on his welfare. A discussion as to whether we should ring Mrs B, pros’, con’s, should we wake the Pirate….. Aucht, the pressure!! Had a word with Alan Young, who offered our man the benefit of his wisdom. Adrian chipped in when the puking was at it’s worst. He was gonna chuck it!!! No way. I couldn’t let Mrs B trust me with her man and then I go and fail her and him. What to do??? Mrs B saves the day and lifts his spirits again. He plans to run 3 and walk 1 and this plan works for a time. He begins to pink up again and looks and sounds much better.

But he’s sneaky. Some time later he announces “that’s it I’m doing 250 laps then I’m done”
I told him it was his call. I had cajoled, encouraged and ever so slightly bullied to the point where I could see he had made his decision, and he was happy with it.

I was gutted for him. But I could see that he was done. The decision me made was logical. 250 laps, 100km in 12:28:22 was some achievement.
I woke the Pirate and broke the news. His words to me, “I go for a wee sleep and look what happens” go figure.

It was a perishing cold night. The cloud cover we had all day had cleared to reveal a star studded sky. Far too cold to walk and not waste precious energy just keeping warm. To do this for another 11 hours would be crazy, and possibly medically dangerous.
One young fella was suffering really badly from dehydration and affects of the cold. He had a support crew on hand and still succumbed. I know there were a number of runners participating without support as all food etc is provided. And while I know that Adrian and his team kept a very close eye on all runners I’m glad we were there for our man.

Supporting on a track event looks on the surface like a walk in the park. Well it AINT!! Its bloody hard work. Dave said himself that he would have struggled if he was on his own with Ian.
But Team Beattie gave it their all.
Well done Ian. You made the right decision at the right time. We are very proud of Our Man.

Ps. And what of t he bottle of Old Speckled Hen?
Packed as hand luggage, the attendant at Heathrow offered the WHW Runner 3 options.

1, Recover his hold luggage and store for later.
2, Hand it over for them to dispose (aye right)
3, Drink it…

So she shows him where to sit, and appears with a cup and a bottle opener. Result.
All’s well that ends well.

Mrs Mac x

Time for a Plan

2009-10-15T10:18:00.004+01:00

Wow, I didn't mean to leave it so long since my last post.

I have been running quite well lately and while not eventful would have definitely deserved a mention.

However, I was involved in an incident that I cant go into at the moment, that has kind of taken over my thoughts on what sort of society we live in. A society where a a woman; in obvious distress as a result of the action of another is left to fend for herself while they (society) busy themselves with texting their mate, reading the paper or other such mundane tasks. Anything to avoid involving themselves in the situation unfolding before them.

I have been in London since Friday night. It's not been the most relaxing October break as other domestic issues have contributed to my current state of fuckedupness.

Children are having a ball though. Yesterday we spent the day at the Science museum.....and still didn't manage to see it all. FREE entry is always a draw to a canny Scot, but this place is awesome. I even heard my Lanky 15 1/2 year old laughing, and I saw him smile on more than one occasion. I have photographic evidence but that'll need to wait 'til I find the wire for my camera, doh!

My focus now lies solely on Ian Beatties epic adventure at the weekend. The Pirate and I intend to support our socks off and Ian will reach his gold medal goal of 500 laps (200km) I have been formulating spreadsheets like it's going out of fashion, with a little help from Fiona Rennie & Pauline Walker. One thing I diddn't consider was the amount of miles WE'LL cover!!!

Ian arrives tomorrow evening. the Waterman household; already full to bursting will flex at the seams. I can assure any worried reader (Ally) that Mr Beattie will have a bed to himself and not be made to top n tail with any of the weans!!
We are assured of a mystery guest for the day; a man of much education, who I have yet to meet. It's gonna be one helluva 24hrs. Keep an eye on Ian's 24hr blog for updates. We, the Luddites will attempt to keep you posted.

Mrs Mac x

Off Road, On Road ???

2009-10-03T00:21:00.003+01:00

I’ve been sticking to Tomo's prescription and by Jove I think it’s starting to pay dividends. To be honest I’ve forgotten the prescribed formula I’m supposed to follow but I’m managing to get out the door four times a week. I know that i'm supposed to do one ‘long’ run of up to 10 miles. Yeh yeh I know….. piece of piss.
Well not for me, I aint no natural runner. Stick a pair of white jim jams on me and wrap a black belt around my waist and I’ll have ye. But running, pah that’s hard work man!

Saturday saw me and the Pirate lollop round Horton Country Park. We were a bit short of time coz we were meeting the Downies in London Town for luncheon. I reckoned though that I had four or five in me. Eek not so. I think I may have eaten something too rich and spent the whole run bursting for the loo. The Pirate informs me it was only three. Bugger! It was faster than normal, so I guess that was good.

Tuesday short of time again. Weans home alone. Half an hour of running up and down the hills at Strathaven’s War memorial. Some guy and his dug kept me company. Well, he blethered on the phone while the wide mouthed slabber chopped mut chased me up and down the steps.

Last night I fancied something a little longer. The Glassford Loop. Home to Sawney Bean and the like. It’s not a place to stop too long. As it’s getting dark early again I took a chance coz I got home early from work.
I headed up passed the ROAD CLOSED sign. Well, I running, not driving it’ll be fine. Uh oh, slight mistake. Bloody road workers ACTUALLY working on the road and after 5pm too!! WTF. The road was all chopped up, I ran for about a mile on scallpings. That horrible unstable stuff they use to resurface the road.

Oi hen, keep to the right. They’ve sprayed the ither side.

Christ almighty it was strange. Like running off road, ON the road. Then a good bit. A brand spanking new section of fresh laid tar macadam. Virgin road. And I was the first EVER person to run on it. That gave me a wee buzz.

So no country park running for me this weekend :-(
I’m meeting up with my mate during the day Saturday and planning a long run wi ma Maw on Sunday. Although, as I type the wind is howling down the chimney and it’s lashing with rain. Winter has arrived in Sunny Strathaven. Give me Ashtead any day.

The Lanky boy son of mine still has a want to join the Army. I am still ‘supporting’ him but tried to get him to watch the Wounded documentary that was on TV the other night. He missed it but I watched both episodes back to back. All credit to the two young lads featured, as the injuries they sustained where utterly horrendous. The Pirate lives very close to Headley Court where the lads received their rehabilitation. He commented on seeing a young fella being wheeled round the town by his girlfriend in his chair. The boy, not more than 20 had lost both arms and legs.
Do the Army accept boys who wear glasses?

Mrs Mac x

I Don't Do Cows

2009-09-20T17:57:00.003+01:00

My crazy Maw has decided that *we* need a goal. Something to work towards, bit of a challenge and all that. After her last bright idea that saw us yomping down the WHW the wrong way and costing us a bloody fortune in fundraising I have to admit I was a little nervous. So while she muses over what torture filled event she’ll sign us up for we decided on a wee trot out today.

It was such a gorgeous day. One for brunch in the garden, leafing through the Sunday papers and a lazy day of chatter with a loved one. As mine is at work 400 miles away running on the River Ayr it is. My Bro was gonna join us but the poor lamb is ‘on the nightshift’.

We planned to access RAW from a farm to the East of Sorn. Dino and I noticed it last week as we rallied up and down the road. We parked the car and got kitted up. No packed lunch, just bananas, jelly babies and Maximuscle diluted correctly.
There was a half-mile walk to reach the route so we headed off through the farm.
We reached a kissing gate with a sign that announced ‘Bull in Field’ now I don’t *DO* cows but we carried on regardless. We’ll be fine, just follow the track and then we’ll be on the way.
Uh oh!,not so. We found our selves knee deep in cow shit having a staring contest with one massive lump of beef.
I asked; do you think we can get form this gate to that one before he can get to us?
I don’t care, lets get the flock out of here came the reply. Seems that Maw doesn’t do cows either.
All the while the farmer is scooting round the field on his quad. I bet he was pissin himself laughing at the nick of two burds dressed in luminous running gear bricking it over a few coos.

We finally got underway and had a very pleasant 13.5-mile jolly on the route and finished up in Mauchline. I managed to convince my Bro that while he IS a hero and a lifesaver (that’s what he tells his kids, he’s a paramedic really) he would be my hero if he’d pick us up. I’ve got this thing about running back the way you came. It was right about now our Maw announced that WE were entering a relay and he was one of the four and that the 3rd leg had his name written all over it. Control freak my Maw? I wonder where I get it from :-)

Tiaraidh an dràsda

Mrs Mac x

Cairn Table

2009-09-18T23:45:00.003+01:00

Should really be going to bed. I have a new race to marshall tomorrow.
Strathaven Striders are having their first club Hill Run the morra.
Bill Ion has done a grand job at producing maps and setting out a number of routes to choose from. Hopefully the weather will stay kind and make for a good day. Cairn Table here I come.
Short notice but click here for more info.

I'll need to wait till Sunday to set my longish outing squared away.
Back to Ayrshire for the 7th time in 9 days!!!.... whats that all about?
Plan to run out from Sorn for a bit. I'll try and not take the detour that the Pirate took last week ;-)

It dawned on me a few weeks ago that I hangout with some crazy people that do crazy things. I have a mate though who got on my case big style when I started running reckoned I should stick to Karate as running is bad for the knees?!? Anyway, I think there is scope for him to cross over into the darkside yet. He took a challenge to compete in a white collar boxing event a couple of years ago having never boxed in his life. Looks like running aint so bad after all.

TTFN
Mrs Mac x

Don't Mock The Afflicted

2009-09-17T23:55:00.001+01:00

Its true, I knew it would happen eventually. DQ said there was no escaping it. It’s catching.
I have a gay knee!!

I dropped my other half off at Prestwick airport last night and rather than go home to an empty house I decided a run on the beach was the order of the day. We arrived in plenty of time, as it was possible there may be some bag searching to be done. And done it was. The Pirate has highlighted himself to Glasgow’s finest boys in blue by attempting to bring ammo north of the border on his journey here. Discussions regarding the nature of his business and whether he was in the army were had. He must have satisfied the duty polis that he was as much a threat to national security as I am to Lucy’s WHWR record.

It had been such a lovely late summers day and developed in a perfect evening for running. The beach was quiet, very few people around and even fewer dogs to get in my way. Now I’m a dog lover, don’t get me wrong. But when Rover decides to smash full pelt into your legs as you’re casually bumbling along it can get messy.
My third run in five days, uh oh I’m in danger of becoming a serial runner here, may be even accused of doing some training. I ran with the Pirate for a bit on RAW at the weekend, and then my Maw and I had a trot round the town on Monday. I noticed my knee was a bit stingy after my last effort, but was none too worried about it. As I skiddled about on the beach it became a bit of a nuisance. Pain was alleviated by running with my foot turned in, or out or by running backwards. As they say in these parts I must have looked like a right ‘warrmer’. Glad it was getting dark.
I watched the Pirates plane take off and headed home.

In other news my first-born son and heir and all round lanky big dreip has announced that he is joining the army. WTF!!! Where did that come from? Well I have an idea. The Lanky one is not known for his enthusiasm for school and I have been on his case to pull his finger out and get some bloody work done. This was met by a derisory grunt, mump and moan. He reckons I’ll stomp about and give him allsorts. Well no, I’ve called his bluff and told him I’ll support him as long as he works hard at school.
What Mother would be happy to see her son willingly sign up to being sent off to some god-forsaken country to offer himself up as cannon fodder in a war that he knows nothing about? Next stop Hamilton Army careers office. If he’s serious he needs all the facts and gory details. I asked him tonight how he’ll cope with being shouted at and ordered to clean up after himself – they don’t do that in basic training Mum, was his reply. So naive, so much to learn.

On a brighter note. I had a bit of a laugh today. Joe Calzaghe, built like a brick shit hoose boxing extraordinaire and all round handsome dude is taking part in this seasons dancing strictly with a broom up yer arse and glitter in yer hair show. Imagine hearing on the news this morning that he might miss the first show coz he’s fractured an eyelash or summit. This man is Britain’s only undefeated world champion boxer and he gets laid on his arse with a bit of sequence dancing, pure quality!!

Adios

Mrs Mac x

Write Up Re RAW 2009

2009-09-15T13:47:00.003+01:00

Slightly different preparation for this years RAW. The Pirate demonstrated that he does in fact possess will power and restricted his intake of dark coloured liquid with a white foamy head to only three pints. Early to bed and up bright and breezy to pickup Rosie Bell and Irene Wilson.

Arrived in Glenbuck in plenty of time. Greeted by the sight of half a dozen blokes lined up indulging in some synchronised wee weeing. What a sight. Met many family members and soaked up the atmosphere. Good to see the Downies, with wee dug. Stan ‘the nicest man in the world’ Bland. Davie and Sharon, bouncy and smiley as ever. Notable for their absence was the WHWR Royal family, the Queen and the Princess. Talk of being stuck behind horse boxes etc didn’t wash as we all know it was down to forgetting his makeup case and the light not being flattering enough ;-)

I am delighted to announce that Louise, the race director, has graduated from a folded bit of paper in her back pocket to a real live clipboard. East Ayrshire Leisure are safe in the knowledge that any thing is possible when you give a lassie a clipboard. Although she had a wee problem with a few walkers missing a checkpoint and eventually being located in a pub. I think the Pirate may have influenced this misdemeanour.

Tea was taken at Kames, even a bottle of WKD was procured, eventually. These new licensing laws have really dented Stans habit for alchopops at 9.34am.
A loose plan of where to offer support was made and subsequently lobbed out the window. The princess and I made the fatal error of following the Race Director without actually knowing where she was headed. An unscheduled visit to Cumnock meant we had to take a rather long detour to make the first checkpoint…… we failed! Well we did meet Irene and Rosie but they weren’t our intended victims.

Roared off down the country lanes of East Ayrshire to reach the village of Sorn. Drama Queen was first to arrive, none to happy that the Princess had nipped of to the ladies room and was not on hand to tend to his every whim. A theme that was to be developed throughout the race. The Pirate was fed and watered and sent off on his merry way. Next stop Failford. A village wae a pub that offers great beer. A light lunch and a half pint of something tasty was panned, but thwarted. Dino the Princess advised there had been a major accident and the road was closed. I was hoping to run for a bit from here, so when I arrived and Big Davie the Polis offered to park my car I jumped at the chance. Quickly got changed and trotted off with the Pirate for a bit. Was really enjoying it, even thinking about carrying on til the end when I remembered I had Davie Bells car key. I had to abandon himself and head back. Being met by the Big Glesga Polis was magic. A big mooth fae a watter and I was gibbering like a budgie.
My next stop was Tarholm Bridge, this bridge hold a very special place in my heart. I planned to meet the Pirate there and was hoping to run with him again for a while.

Got a call form Davie Bell to say he'd pulled out at Stair and could I pick him up. Eeeek, I really wanted to be there as the Pirate arrived. Jumped in the motor and satnaved my destination and raced there and back in double quick time. God love my Maw and Da, they had driven down to see how it was all going, I gave my Maw my keys and sent her off to the finish with my car. Pirate boy and I ran the last section together. Not much chatter but it was nice. It was as we approached the last stretch when Mrs Mac came to the rescue. I’m not known for my map reading or navigational skills, especially if being driven at break neck speed. but put me on a long distance track moving at a more leisurely pace and I'm dynamite. Picture the scene-

We just go over this bridge and follow the river for a bit.

Ok, that sounds grand.

Right this way, follow me.

Eh, Dave this is a source to sea route.

Yes, I know.

Then shouldn’t we be following the flow of the water?

Mmmmmmm oh yeah, maybe your right (with a hint of I think your talking shite)

Oh look, there’s a RAW post pointing this way…..

And this guy used to drive tanks for a living. God help us all ;-)

So it’s all over for another year. More than a dozen of us stayed for some dinner and a few drinks. Nice end to a great day. Didn’t get chatted up by a one armed man this year but no too disappointed. Met up with the Royal couple on Sunday for a walk on the beach and an afternoon in a beer garden. I could get used to this.

I’d put this event on your things to have a go at. It’s a lovely event with good organisation and great banter. Go on, you know you want to.

Mrs Mac x

RAW 2009- pre match report

2009-09-11T15:28:00.001+01:00

It’s the back of three in the afternoon. I’m at my desk at work. The Pirate has been collected from Glesga Toon and deposited at my gaff to ‘write a report’ aye right, like that’s gonna happen.
When I left to return to work you could almost see the giant ZZZzzzzzz emanating from his body. Well it’s been a long journey for the boy and he’s got a big race tomorrow.

I have had the pleasure of organising a wee soirée for after the River Ayr Way challenge tomorrow. Shame that a few familiar faces will be absent but looking forward to catching up with a fair few family members. Not sure what the race organisers will make of us all. I hope their illusions aren’t shattered when they discover that ultra runners can fair put the drink away and eat like its going out of fashion. Should be a giggle. And the weather wow what a change. The ground should still be soft underfoot, but the flood waters should have abated.

I have heard a quite a lot of ‘I’ve not done much’ or ‘I’m just taking it easy’ but the best I heard was a conversation between Rosie Bell and Irene Wilson.

Rosie, do you fancy a girls day out?

Eh, ok. What do you have in mind Irene?

Well how about doing 44 miles, nice and easy. We’ll take a packed lunch!!

Yep, I’m up for that. Is there a blue WKD in it for me?

Of course Lee’s doing back up. We can stop for wine anytime you like :-)

Pretty much the theme for the day.
A bunch of mates out of a wee run together. I’m really looking forward to it. Dino and I have the support cars sussed out. Better than last year at any rate.

See you tomorrow if you’re around. If not stand by for a report on the lassie with a folded bit of paper in her back pocket and a wummin wi chains roon her neck.

Cheeie,
Mrs Mac x

Not So Good With 3

2009-09-08T22:27:00.004+01:00

This is the post that should have appeared two days ago.

Its been a weekend of firsts for me.
My first ever vineyard visit. My first ever Lego house visit. My first ever attempt you use mobile broadband. And my first ever KFC!!!

I say attempt, as this was not entirely a successful exercise. It was sold to me as a super dooper wee gadgety gizmo type thingumyjig that would work ‘perfectly well’ on the Virgin pendelino for our journey South. A very frustrating four and a half hours later and I was ready for lobbing the blasted thing out the dammed window. I’m on the journey back to Gods country and I’m ready for a repeat performance. This is one gadget that does not do what it says on the tin. I think I may be off to visit a well known chain of computer store tomorrow.

I’m glad to say the visit to KFC was a greater success. The Pirate decided that the time had come for me to sample the delicacy that rendered him incapable of completing the WHWR 2008. I must admit I had a brief thought of why he was so keen to expose me to such potentially lethal chicken based fast food. I have read stories of blokes bumping of their loved ones in strange circumstances. But KFC, Surely not?
For lunch I dined on a boneless banquet with a side order of corn. I'm such a newbie I had no idea what to order and left it to the far more experienced KFC connoisseur Mr Subversive Pirate himself to choose for me. I am pleased to report this was an excellent choice. the chicken was succulent and tasty. the fries were crisp and by no means limp like other fast food outlets. And the corn was some of the best I've tasted anywhere. Sweet, juicy nibblets of golden loveliness.
If i were to develop a taste for fast food, then this would be it. How glad am I that there aint one to be had in a ten mile radius of Sunny Strathaven.

My tentative return to running is still tentative. I managed three wee runs as per Tomo’s prescription. The long one alas fell foul to my regular visit to Englandshire and a date with four weans and a Harry Potter movie. Cracking film, defo recommend it if you’ve not seen it. It was SO good I managed to stay awake through the WHOLE thing, and its more than two and a half hours long!!
So, undeterred I will crack on with the plan. Three wee runs followed by one longer one. I plan to go for broke next weekend and aim for 6 or 7 on the RAW on Saturday. My delusions of grandeur have faded fast and reality has hit home. A wee trot on an important day followed by some dinner and a wee drinky sounds much more achievable.

On another note. My friend, fellow serial marshal and wag Princess Geraldinio sent me an interesting item by email today. I think it is highly likely I may invest in one before our next big event. Check it out here.

So as I travel north on a train full of women drinking red wine and eating platters of St Michael sandwiches spare a thought for me and my quest for uninterrupted internet connection. Any thing is possible.

Adios,
Mrs Mac x

So, it all becomes clear, cryptic non existent blog posts etc. I should add that as I tried to save this bloomin post on the weans new fanggled wee laptop me-doofer it wouldn't cut and paste in to blogger. When i managed to retype the WHOLE thing on my laptop it decided to reboot and I lost the lot!! I am a Luddite.
it took a step for a hint from the bloody Pirate to get me going. I'll never live it down.

I was thinking. I wonder how many folk know exactly why he's called the Pirate? mmmm I wonder?

2009-09-06T22:31:00.001+01:00

Maximuscle Overdose

2009-09-02T22:21:00.004+01:00

I know I know it sounds a bit dramatic given that tonight was only my second run in about two weeks.
I did what I said I’d do. I knew if I said it publicly then some one somewhere would pull me up on it. Debs MC, you the man!!

Monday night I forced my self out the door. That was after forcing my self into my running breichs. I know they have Lycra, but there is only SO much give. Months of living it up Pirate style without the metabolism of a Pirate has taken its toll. I’m back on the light weight Gin and diet lemonade or big girls blouse pink wine at a measly 9.5%.

Once I’d exited the warm cosy house I was met by failing light and dreich drizzly rain. Now I don’t mind running in it, I just hate starting in it. Hey ho, I was out there having a go at that putting-one-foot-in-front-of-another-at-speed thing. Not so much at speed, maybe slightly faster than snails pace. I was trotting along feeling my head clear as I did. I noticed the light was failing really fast now and the route I was on had no street lighting. Not too much of a hassle as I had on the brightest shiniest hi vis I could find. It was proper dark now and the rain was getting progressively heavier. Bullocks were making the strangest mooing noises in the fields as I past. It was then I decided maybe it wasn’t the best idea to run on a country lane in the dark on my own without a mobile. I was starting to have one of those crazy conversations with myself about how there are no murderers in Strathaven, I would be FINE. As I neared the top of the hill approaching Sandford I scared myself witless. Arrrghghg WTF who’s that scary girl staring at me??? I proper crapped it. I don’t know why I didn’t turn on my heels and head for the hills. I kept going, straight towards her, don’t ask, I don’t know why I make myself do these things. She looked like a pretty wee thing but there is something spooky about her face, I’m drawn to her. As I close in I realise my mistake. It aint a creepy Sandford wean, it’s an advert on the side of a phone box, what a tit!! I don’t know what surprised me more; realising what a div I am or that you still get phone boxes in remote parts of South Lanarkshire.

Anyway undeterred I ventured out again this evening. I’m not going mad, again. I’ve picked up on something on Tomo's blog. A programme a mate of his gave him. Summit about 3 short runs a week more that 1 mile less that 3 and a long one more than 6 less than 10. I think it might just be do-able for me. I want to entice my mojo back. Not scare the bloody thing off. It was raining again, it was darker than Monday, but I did it. It’s not big, it’s not pretty. But I’m trying.

I met Mrs Wilson on her was back in with a new member of the club, the rest of the troops hot on her heels. Had a quick blether. Delighted to hear that she and Rosie Bell have entries accepted for RAW. A cracking girls day out is planned.

BTW I really did OD on Maximuscle. First time I tried it, yuck. The Pirate gave me it once when we ran round Richmond Park. I am now the proud owner of my very own tub of the stuff with matching bottle. Given to me by my mate Wole in return for teaching him a new buzzword. So I feel the need to use the stuff. Any way the other day I made it up according to the instructions on the tub. Double yuck!! I force it down, but it’s bloody awful. Later that night I’m feeling a bit sick. Did the same tonight, but read the side of the bottle first. It has different dosage amounts on there. HALF of what’s on the tub. Can you imagine it? Death by Maximuscle. You couldne write it.

Hasta
Mrs Mac x

Cha'mone Hee Hee - Malky Jackson

2009-08-31T19:39:00.006+01:00

My mojo is still AWOL, but it’s ok. I know where it’s at.
Mrs pacepusher is looking after it for me. Good to know its in safe hands till I’m ready to have it back.

Tonight I’ve decided I’m gonna give myself a good talking to and drag my sorry ass out the door. The weather is bloody awful. It’s raining like the sky has fallen in and doesn’t look like its going to stop anytime soon. I quite like running in the rain but I don’t like starting in it?!?, I know, go figure.
So tonight’s the night.
I really need it. Running helps me clear my head and sort all my worries.
I’ve had a busy 10 days.
Hannah’s party turned out to be a great night. After running around like a looney sorting all the tinsel and baubles, munchies and entertainment and an overpriced DJ. Collecting the Lahndan contingent from the train station and welcoming all the wee girls done up to the nines I actually enjoyed myself. The highlight of the night was my bestest buds wee boy giving his well-practiced rendition of a Malky Jackson routine!! I kid you not, the wee man is only three and not quite up to speed on the pronunciation of iconic recording artistes handles. I need to acquire some video evidence of this quality display of dancing he is superb.

Cue my sister in law and a bottle of tequila and it’s off to mine for a party. Skoosh!! bottle of wine necked and a spot of dancing on the tables. Hey ho, no worries for me I aint running 50 miles in the morning.
Round Strathaven 50 passes with out much drama. Pirate makes a sensible decision and calls it a day after 32 miles. Head down to carryout presidential duties and award the prizes. Even managed to wangle a marriage proposal, I think. Don’t fancy being Mrs Valdimir though ;-)

Monday was smashing. Lunch in the sunshine in the company of four gorgeous blokes, how lucky am I? Slight concerns about one of them though, but I’m sure you know why…..
A couple of hours lying under a tree in Princes Street Gardens was bliss. You know one of those moments where you want to freeze time.

A crazy week at work and fast-forward to a crazier weekend.
I am separated from those I wish to spend time with by 400 miles and I try to ensure that I fill my time to capacity to dull the ache of enforced separation.
Friday was my old bosses leaving do. She and her hubby are off to live in Spain in a few days. A night at the horses was on the cards but the weather put paid to any racing on a waterlogged course. So it was cocktails on the deck instead. A very civilised night as I was back home by 1am.
A slightly less civilised night on Saturday when me and the mother of Malky Jackson got on it til 3.30am. I’m getting old. 2 nights in a row have left me proper gubbed. Can’t handle the pace any more.

Another busy week but a good weekend to look forward to. Quiet, no running around like a mad woman. Just a civilised train journey with my weans and a bottle of vino callapso. I wonder where Martin Hooper the Paratrooper is???

I’ve just noticed that it is a whole year since I started writing this god-forsaken thing.
It all started with a reccy of the start of RAW. How time has flown. I could never have foreseen just how different my life would be 365 days later.

Hopefully my next post will have some running content. Fingers crossed wish me luck.

Hasta,
Mrs Mac xox

Where Has My Mojo Gone?

2009-08-18T21:27:00.002+01:00

Right after the Cally Challenge is was bouncing like the revellers of the Hacienda in its heyday. Full of enthusiasm and misplaced ideas of grandeur and ability. Stating publicly that I’d like to do a bit, if not all of RAW. How then have I gone from that eager enthusiast to wine swilling, kettle chip munching couch potato? Whose activity levels have dropped below those achieved when suffering a debilitating back injury?

My mojo has well and truly upped and offed.
I knew it was a bit pie in the sky to have a crack at RAW, but I thought half of it might be do’ able. Ok, so I had a bit on an injury to overcome, but that’s sorted long since.
I talked about a lot setting goals and entering events (note the absence of the word ‘race’) none of which I have done.
Does my lack of interest in any form of competition prevent me from being an achiever? Am I doing myself a dis-service my not being goal driven? Or am I just a lazy b*****d?
My body works, my mind says I want to do it but my lassie faire attitude keeps me in the house making excuses.
I am an eternal pre contemplator. One of those ‘one day’ people.
I talk a good game. Love to encourage others to reach for the stars. Make them believe in themselves. I just can't do it for myself.

I had a long chat with Irene Wilson, founder of Strathaven Striders & WHWR veteran, a few days ago. She talked at length about the affect Dario’s death had on her. Irene is due to complete her 100th marathon next year and was toying with the idea of Marathon de Medoc as a club run so we could all celebrate with her when she achieves this momentous feat. She, like me has lost all interest; I was surprised at first to hear of this, as she is such a driven person. I’m no psychologist; I can’t begin to understand why. But at least I'm not alone. Maybe, no maybe about it, definitely- significant events such as Dario’s death make you look at things in a different light. My/our light is just burning a little bit dimmer just now.

If you find my mojo can you stick it in the post and send it back to me. I’ll be glad to be reunited with it.

Mrs Mac x

A Wee Do In The House

2009-08-15T20:44:00.003+01:00

This time next week I’ll be in the throes of a 12 year olds birthday party.
None of your jelly and ice cream and a game of pass the parcel. No, no my daughter has taken the throw away comment of “have what ever you want” and run with it. Quite literally.
So, the wee hall is booked up hence she now has a massive hall to fill with her nearest and dearest, and a few mates from school. The wee madam hasn’t even considered that she is starting high school in a few days and there is a whole…… new group of friends out there.
So, after work today (I’ll get to that in a minute) she whisked me of to the local party prop shop for STUFF.
Who ever knew a 12 year old needed so much junk to make their party perfect. I remember a ‘do’ in the house with a few buddies from my street and my aunties and uncles dropping by with gifts in ribbons and bows. Well, maybe not exactly, but you get the gist. We will have a spectacular festival of tinsel and baubles on show next week and I’ve not even started on the DJ. Lets hope my purse can survive.

So, work on a Saturday. Me, can you believe it? The last time I worked a weekend shift All Saints were top of the charts. Leonardo Di Caprio was still baby faced and I still thought Marti Pellow was ‘aw right’.
My new job requires me to cover the odd weekend health check event. As this was my first one I made sure I was sans hangover. Didn’t think it would be too braw if I turned up stinking of booze and trying to convince the good people of ‘Whitehill’ that 14 units really are sufficient for the week. These events are guaranteed to make you smile. Our stall (providing health checks and lifestyle intervention advice) was set up right next to the one offering chocolate covered kebabs!!

Weekend work prevented me from making my way south to the now comfortingly familiar sights and sounds of Lahndan town. Little did I know this time last year what a difference one wee email would make. Don’t forget.
Take each day as it comes.
Expect the unexpected and if you don’t live life on the edge your taking up too much room.

Laters,

Mrs Mac

Pirate Plans Alternative DoH Weekend

2009-08-11T00:33:00.004+01:00

This weekend I was planning a wee spot of camping and some ultra groupie action at the Devil o The Highlands race.
A swift change of plan and I waken up on a deserted beach at the opposite end of the country.
If someone had suggested that it would be fun to make a 1000-mile road trip in 48 hours I would have laughed in their face.
So, the Pirate was handed all responsibility for our alternate DoH weekend and I remained stress free throughout.

16.54hrs and Richard Branson’s railroad carriage departs Motherwell station. I am usually sorted with some drink and nibbles for the journey, however traffic delays threatened to cause me to miss the train and I had to opt for over priced pink wine and a bag of Skips from the onboard shop. At least the wine was cold. Quickly scoffed and I get my head down for a wee kip.
Some nasty bint woke me up by sitting down next to me. Note to self- sit in the aisle seat and occupy both seats for the duration of the journey.

Half way through the journey I get a bit restless and plan another wee visit to the overpriced offy. A quick comfort stop on the way me thinks.
I can hear voices outside and deduce there must be a queue forming. As the door to the lavatory swooshes open I am confronted with a familiar face.
Oh, hiya,
hiya,
WTF HIYA!!!
Martin Hooper the Paratrooper is standing in from of me. I thought for a minute there was a problem with the train engines and he had been drafted in to propel the train forward, coz he could you know. The man moves earth when he runs, well according to Corned Beef he does. He was returning home from a week in the Lakes.

The second half of the journey passes in a flash as I am instructed by the Pirate “ better get on the p**s then”

Next day a long lie and no rush to get anywhere. A leisurely journey south, with only a slight map reading misdemeanour. And we’re on Weymouth beach just after 5pm. Crackin beach, proper seaside town. Really clean and lots of good family attractions. Note the distinct lack of tattooed f***wits as we lie down and people watch for a bit.
Find a beltin Greek restaurant (eventually) and enjoy some fresh seafood for dinner.

A little bit of subversiveness was required next. We hadn’t booked anywhere to camp so we sought out a suitable spot.

The main reason for such a long drive was to see Chesil Beach. OMG this place has to be seen. Spectacular!! We drove to the top of Portland and took some photographs. As the area is a nature reserve there is no camping ANYWHERE d’oh.

I can’t tell you where we ended up pitching our 2.4kg tent but let me just say I have never, ever, ever camped anywhere so stunning as this. It took a bit of serious dedication and some superior night vision (I was not allowed a head torch. I had to pick my way down a cliff path in the pitch dark with only moonlight for guidance)
Tucked away in a wee corner our camp was set. Red wine was drunk at midnight under the stars and with the moonlight reflecting off the sea. Very special.

An early rise and time to break camp. Breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled egg was had at the bistro at Lulworth Cove. Fab, fab, fab. Pretty good value considering it was such a tourist trap. A wander round the visitor centre for some education and learn about how all the rocks were formed. Probably the most perfect way for me to spend a day. A short nap on the beach and some more people watching and all too soon it was time to leave.
I was sorry we didn’t have more time in the area, as Dorset is absolutely stunning. Our whistle stop tour was over. I would never have thought it would be worthwhile travelling so far for such a short break. Well, I will never say never again. An amazing weekend. We managed to cram such a lot in to so few hours but it didn’t feel rushed.
I will return, soon I hope.

Ps. Nae runnin.

Mrs Mac x

Me, Myself and I

2009-08-06T23:26:00.004+01:00

In the space of a day my life went from being filled with 14 people to nil.
For almost two weeks the Waterman/Maclean Brady Bunch were in full swing.
I spent most of my time feeling like I was back working for play services. Counting children at every opportunity, making sure there was an adult at the front, an older child in the middle and me bringing up the rear doing an impersonation of Mary Poppins, a very grumpy stressed out Mary Poppins by all accounts.
Just a day later and there is no child like chatter going on in my ears, no Muuuuuummmmmm or “but he did it first” Nothing, zilch, nada.

My children are off with their Dad to sunny Carluke (?) and the Pirate fireman has evacuated his weans and transported them 400 miles south.
So to anyone else this may seem like heavenly bliss, but to me its utter crapola.
I’m a sociable character, I like company. I might be a miserable mare sometimes, but in general I’m happiest when I know the kiddywinkles are close at hand and the Pirate is faffing with his blog on my laptop.
I’ve been rattling round the house like a petulant teenager.

Staying in the house on my own doesn’t bother me that much. When the weans were wee their Dad often worked away, so I got used to being on my own. The other night though I scared my self half witless, I nearly had to sleep with the light on.

As bedtime approached I thought I’d lock up the house and watch the news in bed. I switched off all the sockets down stairs (I’m a bit obsessive about that) locked the front door and put the chain on and made my way up the stairs. One thing I forgot to do was put the hall light on. As I approached the top stair I heard this almighty GROWL coming from one of the kids rooms. Oh shit!! I stood there like a startled rabbit. Trying to quickly decide the best course of action. How the f**k had a dog, a f&*kin’ massive dog gotten inside my house? Now I’m a dog lover, my own German Shepard, who aint a wee yap, is being looked after by a very kind friend. But honest to god I crapped it big style.
I ran back downstairs and into the kitchen. Opened the back door and stood for a minute. Picked up my phone and wondered to call. The Pirate? He’s a fireman; he’ll know what to do. Oh but those bloody 400 miles again. My Da? Mmmm gammy arm, if the dug gets his other one he’s goosed.

So I grew some baw’s and headed back up.
What’s that noise? Some diddy outside is revving his motor full pelt.
Then it dawned on me.
What a prize tit.
The eejit outside has one of those baked bean tins things on his exhaust. I felt like such a clown. So there wasn’t a big f*&k off dug under the bed after all. But I’ll tell you this; it took quite some time for the adrenalin to wear off and for my heart rate to return to normal.
The joy of living by ones self.

Jimmy Choos For Me Too?

2009-08-03T22:22:00.004+01:00

First day back at work today.
Normally a day of post holiday blues. But for me it felt like I was the new girl all over again.I started my new job just three weeks before my hols. An induction period with some great help from the girl I'm taking over from. A burd who I would love to work with. I was sad to head away knowing that she would be off on her maternity leave upon my return.

Crackin lassie, mad as a brush and even given her advanced state of gestation arrived for work every day fully colour coordinated top to toe. Nails, shoes, jewellery, lippy. The lot. This is in stark contrast to the sports therapist side of her who runs on to footie pitches with a heavy sports jacket and a pair a fitba bits. Sometimes you meet people you just click with instantly, well Ann is one of them. I wish her all the best with her new bambino.

During all this time the gaffer was on holiday so I didn't meet her properly until today. I needn't have concerned myself. An equally crackin burd. I was well impressed by her.

I left a wee message on Allybea's blog whinging why I cant wear Jimmy Choos. Well, my new gaffer is like me; not exactly vertically challenged and she laughs in the face of the tallist and wears heels to die for. Maybe I can learn something her ;-)

So, a bit about running.
I've not managed much recently. A wee canter round Ashtead Common the other week. A wee donner round Strathaven including a few hill reps (for the Pirate not me). Still dogged by an ITB pain. Today I donned my kit, even though it was raining and forced myself to place one foot in front of the other a pace akin to dashing to a campsite lavy. Hail Hail, no ITB issues. Maybe I can be a runner after all. Is it a bit sad of me that I WANT to be?

Catchya,
Mrs Mac x

Making Memories

2009-08-02T22:10:00.002+01:00

Ah that’s better.
Tea from a china mug, summer duvet on the bed, toilet less than 20ft away and no screemin weans from the tent adjacent.
Makes camping sound like a lot of fun right?
Mmmmmm, well I have been a camper since I was knee high to a grass hopper and my wee lassie had her first encounter when she was but a babe in arms around 9 months old. I have some crackin memories of running around camping fields in my jammies and trying to locate my tent with a million-candle torch!! My Dad was always a sucker for over exaggerated advertising.

Camping with the Brady bunch was always going to be a military operation. Add in a few Welsh’s for good measure and that’s a serious amount of mobilisation required. Oh and I forgot to mention the presence of Billy the Bank and his missus and he’s in a wheelchair!! WTF, are we mad?
Holiday – break, rest, retreat, escape.
My experience was none of these. I have since learned that camping with children is – a series of tasks linked by sleep.

The site; Haven by name hell on earth by nature is a melting pot of tattoo stamped, cigarette smoking, footie shirt wearing f*%k wits with a penchant for flashing lights and bad karaoke. I might sound like a total snob but this was not my idea of a blissful family holiday. We reckoned that as we were gonna have 6 or 7 children ages ranging from 6 to nearly 16 then a venue which on the face of it would cater for all tastes would be a smart move.
The reality being the older weans ran about like eegits playing with the wee ones and thoroughly enjoyed themselves too. No need for organised clubs and activities.

Its funny though, how the mind works. A bit like childbirth. You swear at the time you’ll never do it again. But then the good things, the nice memories take hold. Like sitting on a beach miles and miles long. With a partially blue sky and a wind that could knock Nelson off his column watching children laugh and giggle as the dare each other to submerge themselves in the frosty waters of the North Sea. Or seeing the look on a child’s face when they become totally captivated by history and education. Who new archaeology could be such fun?
Life for a parent is about making memories for your children. I take a lot of pleasure out of doing that for mine and those close to me.

So, my lot are off with their Dad for a week. The Pirate and I are hoping to squeeze in a fly weekend of wild camping and WHW route bashing. Now that sounds more like fun to me. Either that or a big fluffy duvet and room service in some secluded country house hotel somewhere. What are my chances???

Mrs Mac x

It's OK to laugh too

2009-07-20T03:09:00.001+01:00

It’s silly o’clock in the morning. Not far off the time when I posted the last.
When I posted last week I was still in a state of disbelief of the news that had filtered its way down to me.
By then I had consumed a generous amount of vino calapso on the instructions of one absent Pirate. We had spent the evening in near constant contact with only short breaks to be the bearer of bad news to our numerous WHWR family.
This is how our week was to continue.
Both of us making very difficult calls to friends, often blissfully unaware that we were trying to track them down. Enjoying family time on holiday with loved ones. Oblivious to the news we would deliver to them a few short hours later.

It’s is a terrible thing to do. Be the person who brings about an almighty blow to your almost perfect evening of merriment making and joviality.
The person who contacts you out of the blue to inform you of an incomprehensibly heartbreaking event that it stops you in your tracks.
I put myself in their shoes and asked my self would I rather know now or wait until I was home?
I’m sorry if I made the wrong decision troops but I thought you like me would rather know sooner rather than later.

I have read somewhere, possibly from Keith that it is beginning to sink in what has happened. I agree. While I still feel that it is a surreal situation, I am slowly accepting the fact that the wee man won’t be on the phone to me next week venting his spleen about some catastrophe or other.

I also like how the forum, while still full of beautiful comments and memories, is tentatively regaining its sense of humour. Over to you DQ & Tim.
I have never hidden death from my children. I have always allowed them to be aware of the sadness and that it’s OK to cry. But equally in time it’s OK to laugh also.

The Pirate and I live 400 hundred mile apart. A distance that is over come by a 4hr 24 min train ride on one Richard Branson’s finest railroad carriages. A distance that often causes friends to enquire “how does that work then?” I usually reply that it just DOES. Well this week the bloody 400 hundred miles might have well been 40,000. When you experience a week like last week you yearn for the mileage to shrink and to be comforted by your loved one. It’s just not the same down a telephone line. Patience IS a virtue.

So, Thursday will bring together many friends and family members in a place that will be alien to them. For a ceremony no-one could have foreseen. I will be lucky enough to have my Pirate next to me.

Sombre black or my pink fleece? I can’t decide.

Mrs Mac x

He has gone. We have lost him.

2009-07-13T00:54:00.000+01:00

This evening I learned of the death of a very dear friend. A man known to the majority of the readership of this blog as the Race Daddy.

This afternoon, while out in the hills training with friends Dario Melaragni suffered a massive heart attack and died.
There is no need for flowery language or clichés. He has gone we have lost him.

Dario and I clicked right away. I guess he picked up on my weakness for saying YES and agreeing to volunteer for stuff without fully considering the implications.

He broke us in gently, Mum and Me. He gave us a checkpoint next to the shops, cool!
What he didn’t tell us was that the shopkeeper was a miserable old so and so and he would call the police to us on two separate occasions.

That same year he tried to make up for his lack of truth telling by giving my Mum his car. That sounds a bit extreme but its true. You know when you look in your goodie bag to check out the contents and feast your eyes at the latest buff? Well, can you imagine Mums delight when there, at the bottom of her bag was a glint of silver and a mat black key fob. She was thrilled, winning some sort of prize draw that she never knew she’d entered. She quickly ran round the car park to find her prize.
It didn’t take long to workout what had actually happened.
While the dumplin was filling the goodie bags his bloody keys fell out of his pocket right into my Ma’s treasure. She made a big show of it at the prize giving by presenting the back to him. I seem to remember a story of getting a lift back to Blackford to retrieve the spare set. Numptie.

The next year he decided to up the anti and hit us with a double shift through the night.
This year he topped it off by having me on duty beginning middle and the end. And glad to help I was. The thing with Dario was he asked in such a way that you couldn’t say no, he just assumed you’d do it. He used to say to me “when your in your in” “you don’t get out unless you replace yourself!” I never got the chance to tell him, I was still building up the courage……. Dave wants me to support him next year. Can I have the day off please?

My friendship with Dario existed out with the race. Although, our telephone conversations often included reference to how “the race” & “the family” helped us through tough times. As it has tonight.

I’ll miss him in my life.
He showed me a world; a way of life, a group of people I never knew existed. A world I feel part of now.
A world that will mourn his loss with many tears.
I have in my hand a glass, a crystal type glass, with engraving. It contains a generous amount of red wine. A glass I will raise to a friend lost much too soon.

To Dario,
Slainte Mhath

53 weeks

2009-07-11T01:06:00.000+01:00

This post is not for the faint hearted. If you are at all squeamish I suggest you avert your eyes now.
Humour me while I indulge myself.
I was once told "it’s your blog, write what you bloody well like”
Well here goes.

Today marks a year and a week since my world turned upside down. My soon-to-be-ex husband went out on a Friday night and forgot to come home. Fast forward 3 days later there I am flat hunting with him for his new pad.

As I was just coming to terms with my new found status and within four weeks of my marriage break up the second major blow struck.
My beloved Da was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer and the cards looked stacked against him. Thoughts of my own trials and tribulations seemed insignificant by comparison.
It was about this time I started this blog. Although it’s titled my road to madness, in reality it’s running that keeps the madness at bay.
A number of running buddies commented at the time that I was running like a demon. This was neither intended nor appreciated at the time. It was purely a means of release.

During this period of severe turbulence I was encouraged by my family and friends to continue with planned events and attempt to keep life “normal”.
Hence my attendance at the River Ayr thingy. An event that will have a special place in my heart forever more.
I formed a bond with a woman, who through a shared life experience could understand the rollercoster of emotions I was experiencing. Instantly I knew I was alone no longer. Isn’t it funny how you can feel an instant connection with someone?

This same weekend was to bring me the man I would instantly fall completely in love with. I tried to convince myself, somewhat unsuccessfully that it was all in my head and that it was improper of me to dare to find happiness in a time of such highly charged emotion.
Again, with the support of my family I was able to make tentative steps into my new life.
My phone bills will never be the same and the share price for Ryanair and Easyjet have rocketed.

Around Christmas time I became unwell. My body kind of gave up. All the stress of the last six months had taken its toll. And I was out the game. As you know I was to struggle with shingles over the next few months. I was feeling very much out of sorts at work too which wasn’t helping.
Having someone who would listen to my woes and share ideas and opinions was a revelation to me. I felt the time was coming to make changes.
How can a new relationship survive the onslaught of illness, ex’s and 400 miles? Well somehow, and I’m not quite sure how but it has and it is.

After the drama that was Shingles; I injured my back at work. Another bloody set back.
My training for the Calley was dealt a serious blow. Right up until two weeks before the event I was in serious pain. And then out of nowhere I felt a million times better. All the while I was being bolstered with positive messages of “its in the bag & piece of piss.” Having my Da and Dave working together on our support for the event made getting to the finish line an absolute joy.

This achievement marked a turning point for me. I felt like I had truly turned a corner. Gentle persuasion, on the verge of bullying prompted me to apply for, and successfully secure a new job. One in which I should be able to develop my skills and engage my brain a little.

So here I am a year and a week later. A new person? Probably not. Feeling more positive about the future? 100% yes.
My Da is doing really well right now. Latest check ups are looking good. He’s just taken charge of his slightly adapted new motor and is looking like a child on Christmas morning.
My children are a joy to me. Even the 15 year old who is chancing his arm.
I have a new job, which has given me a new lease of life.
And I have a pirate fireman to call my very own. If only we could do something about a distance reduction machine.

Much love,
Mrs Mac x

Not so witty ditty

2009-07-08T21:28:00.000+01:00

I was going to write a really witty ditty about all thats been happening in the last week or so. but I've spent soooooo long reading all the other blogs that it's getting too late. So I'm gona make like a Race Princess and do It bullet point style.

No 1 son off camping with mate & family.
Dished out a few awards at the beginners/returnee’s night at the Striders.
Tried to run.
Failed to run miserably.
Family holiday for extended Brady Bunch booked.
Last week at work, good.
Last day at work, sad. Children/staff made a card, cried.
Got a train to Lahndan.
Stayed up late til 2nd eldest pirate daughter home safe.
Fire station open day with most of Brady bunch.
Wound up the high heid yin about mis quote in the paper.
Ate cheeseburgers.
Won to prize in the raffle !!!
Considered handing it back (only coz I didn’t think we had a John Lewis here, I live in the countryside. I know….. div)
Drove home from Lahndan…. Myself……in the daytime…..and it was busy!!
Had a water fight with the children, neighbours hate me already ;-)
Family movie and lottttttts of popcorn. No PirateL
Early bed.
Frantic cleaning…… not by me.
Most expensive pub in Surrey.
2nd most expensive pub in Surrey.
Return from Lahndan
First day in new job, get a massage. I love this job.
2nd day in new job, tea and cake, this job was made for me.
Tried to run.
Failed to run, miserably.

Got that?
Good!!
Game over

Mrs Mac……..
xxx

Resistance Is Futile

2009-07-01T21:55:00.000+01:00

Is it true?
Can it REALLY be?
Something strange is happening to me.
I fear the worst. I thought it might happen. Although, I did try to resist.
First sign of trouble occurred a few weeks ago when I discovered to my horror I was sporting a BLACK toenail. Good god in Govan how did that happen?

Now, being the president of a running club does not a runner make. Indeed, I am pleased to tell anyone who’ll listen that I am not a runner; I’m just someone who runs.

But now I think I’ve gone and done it.

On Saturday evening, following the Beattie's BBQ, I was meeting up with some workmates in the Toon for a few drinkies. Well they were drinking, I was driving.
When I happened upon my learned colleague Douglas, who to his credit is a sports therapist amongst other things. He was also slightly worse for wear and I was a little nervous. So I rolled up my trouser leg and asked him to take a look.
“Here mate, my leg is goupin’. Really sore at my knee, on the outside”
He launches in to some Latin drivel and I switch off. Then he ponders, puts his finger on the side of my knee and asks me to bend it.
“Is THAT sore?”
"Ouchhhhhhhhhh bloody hell YES".
“Auch” says he. It’s your ITB.
Well blow me. I first heard those three initials three years ago in Lochaber Leisure Centre when some fella who had just completed the race complained to the physio that his knee was sore. When she said it’s your ITB the guy questioned “and have I got one of them? An ITB?” “ooooooo I’ve got an ITB,” said chewing the fat stylie. Funny as, although not so good in the retelling. I have a video of it somewhere. But there is a bit of footage at the start of my Maw and Me at the wigwams with a bottle of 14.5% vino callapso. So maybe not for public viewing.

Anyway, I’m burbling on. So ITB problems, black toe nails, thinking that doing 54 miles in 23odd hours is enough to get me through RAW. I must be losing it. Either that or I am being taken over by those infectious people I choose to hang out with this weather and I am morphing in to a real live runner. Eeeeekkkk.

Ok so RAW is a bit over ambitious. I was either drunk or still high after completing the Cally. Probably both. But I do want to continue with training and I plan to set some targets for myself. Something I left in a past life when I was quite competitive. Tim & Muriel were talking about challenges they could do together. Something which appeals to me. So if I get the opportunity I’d like to put a plan into action. Just need to get the pirate to stay awake long enough to sort it out.

Catch ya,
Mrs Mac

Put To Bed

2009-06-28T12:45:00.000+01:00

That’s it official.
My adventures on the West highland Way are over for another year.
Ian & Allybea have had the BBQ so that’s it put to bed.
I don’t have any connection to the Devils so after the Fling, the Cally and the WHW race I’m done. Quite literally!!
Didn’t get out my bed ‘til gone 12 o’clock today. Partly down to an absent Subversive Runner blethering down the phone wanting a blow-by-blow account of the afternoon’s proceedings.

I arrived, eventually, after my sat-nav decided the Beatties house didn’t exist and my back up sat-navs’ DQ & CB gave me duff directions. It took the intervention of the WHW Runner himself to guide me home.
As I had been charged with delivering the remaining goblets to the BBQ my attendance was vital. Great to see all the usual suspects and actually have the time to catch up. I brought a bottle of “Pink Bubbles” as Dino and I have been dreaming about them for weeks. Corned Beef did the gentlemanly thing and popped the cork for us and toasted us in to the bargain. I said a few words of apology from the absent SR who was unable to attend due to a mixture of James Bond duties and the possibility of infecting us all with Swine flu.

Party was in full swing and general merriment making was done.
Dino and I put the world to rights, as usual.
Spent ages explaining “how does that work then?” …..400 miles isn’t really THAT far. Lots of chat about who’s running next year, who’s taking a break but will marshal, who’s taking a break from marshalling but might run and a newly formed crack backup team who are looking for a runner. Carpeted van included!!

Great to see wee baby Cairn, who aint so wee any more. I think he had been at the burgers before I arrived. Glad to see that DQ #2 had almost normal shoes on, but I’m sure there was some poly bag action going on there. Tell you what though, they were nothing compared to his missus shoes. That girl’s got class. Top girl Mrs Pacepusher.

Food was fantastic, Allybea is an angel. Supported by Jean and George, of course, proving indeed that “you can’t do it without backup”. Ian did say that George’s contract was a weeklong one and it didn’t stop when the running did he he he.
Those caramel cupcakes were blinding.

I have to say though that the funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time was JK putting up his tent. Now, Sharon Laws fella had theirs up in jig time and there was one “prepared earlier” so John made a start. He seemed to be at it for a long time when Allybea came in to the kitchen announcing, “John has put his tent up INSIDE OUT, everyone come and watch him lol!”
God love him, the poor bloke must have felt like a caged animal in the zoo with people pointing and laughing and taking pictures.
Got there in the end though with a little help from Neal (DQ #2) Pacepusher.

I think Dino is on commission from the Connemara Marathon. She spent quite sometime singing it’s praises and encouraging the troops that it could be nice wee get together next year. Sounded great till she mentioned it was 4 quid a pint. Now I know I’m Scottish and all that but I’m not that much of a skinflint. I do however have a subversive runner as my other half and you know how much he loves a drop of the black stuff!! Lets just say, we’ll see Dino.

Crazy George and Ian B had a long chat about their next adventure; I think it’s their 600th ultra this year. It might as well be, bam pots the pair of them. And there was a bit of chat about the River Ayr Way, which is coming up in September.

Then before I knew it, it was time to leave. By then I didn’t want to go and I was sorely tempted to take up the offer of a spare tent. I had however another engagement to attend and had to head south to the Glasgow Toon.

So, we talk a lot about the WHW family, yesterday confirmed, if it was needed, the true extent of it. I was a little concerned about being on my own. I needn’t have worried. I was made to feel at home and wrapped in the security blanket that is the West Highland Way Race Family.

Thank you one and all.

Mrs Mac xox

There's gonna be weather

2009-06-24T21:19:00.000+01:00

Memories from a Race Marshal (beware! this post is huge!!)

This was always going to be a strange one for me.
Over the years I’ve gotten to know quite a number of WHW family members pretty well. Quite a few I would even regard as friends. In the beginning it was a great buzz anticipating the arrival of fellow Strathaven Striders to my checkpoint, now the list is massive. It feels like I cuddle at least half the field. Who said marshalling didn’t have its perks?

This time however I had one Subversive Runner to consider. There was some discussion as to whether I’d be allowed to abandon my duties in favour of attending to the Subversive ones every whim. I decided though that I wasn’t quite ready for surviving the testosterone fuelled toxic mix of half a dozen London Firemen and a white van!! I may be tough but I’m not THAT tough.

So, this year I have a bit of a split personality. Part marshal, part backup, and part party planner. At one stage I was doing all three at once.

This year would be my first time at the start of the Race. I normally spend the Friday night plotted up in the Wigwams wi ma Maw and a bottle of the finest grape juice we can find.
9.00pm Railway Station car park Milngavie
I get there at a silly time, as I’ve had to collect the remaining goblet delivery from the supplier in East Kilbride, just along the road from me.
SR is en route from Fort Bill where he has ditched the crew to collect the scales from Dr Chris. I arrive with my two bairns all excited and in plenty of time. He is stressed to the eyeballs, as he got lost near Drymen.

Registration over and try to get him to go for a wee sleep, but he’s like a cat on a hot tin roof.
I really enjoyed the buzz in the car park; even my 15-year-old son was getting right into the spirit of it all.

Meet up with DQ who is his usual chirpy self and after spending 10 minutes winding my wean up about boyfriends we head back outside to blether with Corned Beef, Ian & Angela Rae, Jon Steel and his mate and a host of other well kent faces.
Bump into a couple of guys from the Striders and discover that Irene Wilson has worked her magic again and convinced two unsuspecting club mates that the WHWR is the business. David Ross and Ewan are doing backup for a guy they’ve never met or even spoken too. They wander round the car park looking for a guy “with a yellow hat on”. How in gods name does she does it?

SR is getting a bit flappy. The van load of London’s finest fire-fighters are in no rush to reach the start line and with another runners kit to be packed he starts to wander round muttering to himself, I never knew there were so many expletives. Told the children to cover their ears and never to repeat anything they heard coming out of SR’s mouth.

12.30an Race briefing
Now I understand how people get confused. Mr Race Director stands in a car park wi a skirt on and shouts down a megaphone and still no one can hear. There were quite a few naughty boys giggling and laughing nervously amongst themselves as he spoke.
Lord of the Bridge took over and uttered the quote of the weekend for me. “Let me talk about weather -you’re gonna encounter some out there” Pure quality man.

And they’re off. We stood on the embankment on the south side and watched as the runners all disappeared into the tunnel and they’re gone.

Knowing I had an early start and a busy checkpoint. SR had asked if I would see him at one stop before hearing to Auchtertyre. The stop was Beech Tree. Now as you know my challenge was north to south so I’m not familiar with the early checkpoints. So he said “just follow the van”. Hmmmmmm that would be fine if I didn’t have a load of gear to collect for my checkpoint. By the time I was finished with the Lord of the Bridge the car park was empty. And I mean EMPTY. I hadn’t even paid attention to the general direction of the departing traffic. There I was a lonely figure with two sleepy kids at 1.35am stranded in Milngavie. Totally lost, my son typed Tyndrum into the sat nav and I headed north. I pulled over in a lay-by and blubbed as I text to say we wouldn’t be there. I had failed in the one and only thing he asked of me.

3am arrived at the wigwams and sorted the children out for a night sleeping in the car.
Woke up 3 and half hours later and managed to untangle myself from where the sleeping bag got caught in the steering wheel.
A quick shake down and I was off to meet Murdo Mc at Carmyle Cottage with some barrier tape he was promised. Arrived with my jammie trousers still on and didn’t even feel silly.

Back for a quick shower and it was time to set up our checkpoint. I have to thank the kindly gents who assisted my Maw and me with putting up the Eco Tent. You may have noticed the large white canopy with Strathaven Striders splashed up the side. I was quite a feat to erect but we got there in the end. It came into its own when we had three sports therapists to house too.

Really busy checkpoint as usual. Recruited an extra couple of helpers in the form of my Aunt and Uncle. Auld Chris (uncle) did a sterling job with directing the traffic, so much so he’s already booked time off next year. My kids are old hands at it now. Wee Hannah Mac is the tattie queen.

Great to meet a bunch of new people and I apologies if I was a bit distracted. Soooooooo many people congratulated Mum and I on our Cally. Loads of people I didn’t even recognise. Sorry Mrs Pacepusher, but you look different in the flesh ;-)
Thank you all.

Some people were moving too fast to stop for blether, but they didn’t escape the SCALES!!! Some people forgot it was a race and bleathered for ages. I was in the car when I heard the unmistakeable voice of Big Davie the Polis. I just had to go and say hello.

I got permission to abandon my post to track down the Pirate. It had been such a long time since I’d seen him and I had failed miserably by not being at Beech Tree. Also during our phone chats he sounded really down so I really wanted to see him. Came in to my checkpoint and got weighed in a fanfare of pirate hats. All family had donned them in his honour. Bloomin funny. Then handed him over to the crew.

Before I knew it he was off and so were we. Stopped of at BOO for 10 mins followed by a tea break at Kingy. Then off to Fort Bill for a couple hours shut eye. My sis in law Arlene and I were manning the finish from midnight til 6am. And my bro, Chris was sweeping from Kingy at 11.30. Drove him back there and hoped that I might catch the Pirate and The Hooperman there before I left. Only a chance conflab with Dot and Hils, marshals, led me to them in the back of the van. They had made great time since they left me at Auchtertyre. Shared a coffee and the pirate had a wee forty winks on my lap. Sorry if this is a bit soppy but it was nice to have a wee bit of time before knowing they were off up the Staircase. Bro was primed the Pirate and the Hooperman had to finish come what may and he was to boot them in the b*ll*cks if need be.
Raced back to Fort Bill to relive Mum. She had stepped in for me for a bit. Just as well!!! About 20 runners finished in a very short space of time (all trying for sub 24) and the poor doctor doing the bloods was overwhelmed. Add to the mix an ill runner and you can imagine the chaos. Luckily Mum is the gaffer at the blood transfusion service donor suite and jags folk for a living. I think she’s just talked herself back in to a nightshift stint next year.

Great to see DQ, Corned Beef, and Big Stoo etc when I came on shift. Not so good being sworn to secrecy re CB hair brained idea to continue up to Inverness. To say I was slightly concerned is an understatement. Panic set in when I realised he still had a tracker and it wouldn’t be a secret for much longer. All came good in the end though, Crazy Aussie Well done CB.

The night passed quickly and we were soon heading back for a couple hours of shuteye. Got word that the boys had left Lundavra. So got ourselves together and headed back to the finish. Was sorry to have missed the twins and big Davie the polis finishing.
Before long I couldn’t contain it any longer. Standing about was winding me up. Headed out the path towards Braveheart. Just before reaching it I happened upon man mountain Big Al escorting one tired Pirate. I thought it strange that he kept asking how far we had to go. Given that he has been on the Way so many times. As we reached the houses he decided he wanted to run. This is the ONLY time I have ever been quicker than him. As we approached the centre I saw all the crew, my family and lots of our friends. It was really emotional and quite a reception. Even people in the houses were cheering. He was filmed as he ran in, and I held back. As I entered the centre he was necking a rather large half that the Race daddy had offered. At this point tiredness and a rollercoaster of emotions took over and I blubbed AGAIN. What is it with this bloody race it makes me cry all the time. I was just so pleased that he was home safe and managed to banish the demons of last years DNF. Time is immaterial.

So, a strange one? Yes it was. But definitely the best so far.
And what of next year? A marshal, backup, party planner? Who knows? But I can tell you this it wont be long before the plans start all over again. The Pirate has more to give, he’ll be back, but maybe next year I will enforce an early to bed rule.

And what of the post race party. Well I enjoyed myself. A wee bit more sleep deprived than I would have liked. But a nice meal followed by a few drinkeys is always good. Glad to hear Jody has forgiven me for making him stop longer than planned at Auchtertyre. Even though he had no idea it was actually ME.
Glad too to hear that Dave is not the only one to need help with his pants. Sonic, your secrets safe with me;-)
Loving DQ’s new bag. Had a laugh with Jeff whatshis name fae Ireland re phoning his granny last year. A bit gutted that I missed Debbie MC and Sharon trying to make the Pirate dance but getting robotics in return

Two weekends, two versions of the WHW, too knackered for anything.

Thanks to everyone who made this weekend what it is. I truly do feel like I have an extended family.

Mrs Mac x

Up for it?

2009-06-18T23:08:00.000+01:00

Slightly delayed, I know. But it has taken me all this time to get my hands on the laptop. A certain pirate fireman has taken over my house in the last week with promises of cutting grass, fixing a wee girlys bike and general home making duties. Any of them get done, did they chook.
Quite a lot of blogging has gone on though, none of it by me you'll notice.

Anyway, I ramble.
The Cally Challenge.DONE!!
What a way to spend a Saturday, fan-bloody-tastic.
Probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. But in a strange way also the best.

Preparations began in a 'subversive' manner. I've been hanging out with this geezer too much me thinks.
Arrived in Fort Bill early evening, with plenty time to spare before registration.
Only one stop on the road north for a pint at Murphy’s Bar in Tyndrum. Only a coffee for me as I was driving from there onwards. The pirate and my Da were dancin around like a couple of schoolboys let out of school early.
Booked in the hotel and off up the High Street for some tea (dinner)
Ben Nevis Bar, venue for the WHWR après drinkys was devoid of red wine, so a quick one was downed and off in search of some grape juice.
Found, 1, 2 maybe 3 glasses later it was time to meet with the rest of the 'Team'
Walked to the Leisure centre to meet them. No sign?!? Hmmmmmm I wonder why? As we soon discovered we were at the wrong venue. Oops. Phoned a taxi to take us to the high school to discover that that too was not the venue. Arrived only 2 mins late at the Nevis Centre, and think we managed to bluff our way through registration with out our 2 team mates realising we were shall we say, a bit pissed?
Another glass of vino callapso and off to bed at 10.30. Perfect preparation for "The Walk of My Life"

6am.... awake.....bing. Feels good, weather outside is foul. Proper dreich.
Breakfast scoffed and off to the start line in Gairlochy. Only 1 support vehicle allowed in the official car park. So I wont ask how the Pirate managed to be there to see us off.

10am Team Strathaven Stragglers are off!!
Tony T, my Da and Subversive runner wave us off with smiles on their faces and thoughts of now where is the pub?
Cut to about 2hrs and 1min later and the trio are flapping about coz we arrived to soon!!! That will be the first and last time that will happen lol.
First 8-mile section is totally flat. Following the towpath along the Caledonian Canal before going along the main road to the high school.
Amazing organisation by the event team. Brilliant set up. I seem to remember making my own sandwich at this checkpoint. My feet were attended to with expert precision. Bag was packed with lots of goodies and we were sent off on our merry way.

Next section was strange. Through a housing scheme for a few miles before heading up a track and into hills. Up up up up WTF I forgot about the hills. Through the woods and we managed to have a couple of wee runs through here. The crowds of people had been preventing us from doing so before now.
Reached Lundavra, not a checkpoint but a drink station and blue porta loos. We had been told at registration to refrain from taking a pee in the bushes and use the loos where possible. Funny as!

Off we go again heading for Kinlochleven. I was quite excited about this as I've never been there and was thinking about my wee race princess buddy being holed up there next weekend.
That was a long bloody stretch. I'm so glad we have insider knowledge in our support crew, coz when I called and said 'we're coming round a bend' I was told ' that bend goes on for evvvvvver' When you know to expect something it is less of a hassle or so I thought.

Arrived at Kinlochleven feeling fantastic. Really buzzing. Our support was well in to their stride by now. We had a three-course dinner, feet treated expertly again and I remember a wee rub on my shoulder. Left feeling up for it. Warned that the next section was tough, and near vertical at the start.
Ok, so I knew what to expect, shouldn’t be a shock then. OMG how wrong was I. up up up up up up. Jesus, thank the lord for poles. It was much tougher than I was expecting. Mum was having a bit of a rough patch, she had felt great and put a spurt on and taken too much out of her self. It was at this point we pretty much lost touch with our 2 teammates. We were coming up the back of Devils Staircase when we had the only rain of the whole event. About 20 mins worth. We got pretty wet, but we were so lucky. We had been warned that thunderstorms were highly likely and torrential downpours would accompany them. Oh joy. Very lucky I know.

Top of the Devils about 10.30 pm ish. Blinding, totally worth it. I think I have a vid on my phone. Took a min to take it all in, as I really wanted to enjoy it and remember the experience. Call the support to advise them on our position to be told they were just leaving the Clachaig after watching a crackin band. Eh, and here was me thinking they were here for us.
We could see the next checkpoint all lit up in that distance, but knew it was a good distance away. Crack on down the Staircase and Mum and I are giggling like schoolgirls. Really enjoying it now, but remembered we were supposed to stop at the top for a snack. Big mistake.
Just as we get to the bottom I empty some gravel from my shoe, and as I go to head off, I head over and fall on my hip. My full length head first doon the hill. Stung a bit but I was ok. A lovely gent heard the commotion and check I was ok. My Maw put her nursey hat on and made me take a minute.
Met up with Anne and Lorna (team-mates) at the drink station briefly before heading to Kingshouse.

Support had stopped there for another 'pint'
Told them to wait there for us, and had a great section along the roman road. Walked a bit too quick and realised we hadn’t eaten in 4.5 hours. Arrived at Kingy bursting with energy and burstin for a pee.
Mum started to feel really sick so we dumped all our stuff apart from water and headed for the White Corries checkpoint. 34 miles, 12.30am. The last bit up that hill was torture for her.
I had some soup, really wanted malt loaf but couldn’t manage to chew it. Sorry Dave.
Mum lay down on a thermareast and got wrapped up. Dad and Dave were really worried about her. Talk of pulling her out. I said ' give here 10 mins, she'll be fine' She couldn’t manage the chicken soup she was longing for. Tea with 20 sugars, chocolate and any number of jellybeans later and she was good to go!! I know that our lack of training may take its toll, but my Mum is the most determined person I know.

Off over the Moor at 1.15am. I'm afraid to say I didn’t ever realise we were on "Rannoch Moor". It holds mysterious place in my head, I had visions of a vast expanse blah blah. It was dark, I had a head torch on and I had taken some painkillers, which do strange things to me. Maybe not the best idea I ever had.
I did make a point of trying to enjoy this bit. Looking back over my shoulder and watching for daylight coming was nice. The silhouette of the mountains was beautiful. I was just a wee bit spaced out.

Middle of nowhere these lights appear. Scout association guys manning a drink station. Like knights on horseback. God love them, I was grateful to see them. Took a cup of high five and it was magic. Commented that it tasted great to be laughed at. Apparently I was the only person to say it.

Somehow we managed to get to Vicky Bridge. This was a big feeding station, as our support weren't allowed to meet us there. There were quite a few cars though. Got a text from Tony to say our teammates were cracking on. Felt pretty tired, but it was daylight now and I was hungry. Mmmmmmmm that looks like a big pot of soup. Oh my mistake. At the back of 4 in the morning we had the choice of chilli, or mushroom stroganoff (sp) eh maybe not. Large plate of jam rolly polly and custard and a hot choc. I'm not sure I'll ever get the hang of what to eat during an ultra event.

Quite a few people dropping out at this point. This was the silver medal point.
Just as we left I caught sight of a vision in Lycra. One subversive runner, magic!!
So, no support allowed eh? Well this lot didn’t account for us having a crack team of elite ultra runners for back up who could get into the tightest spots. Just what we needed. We were tired, but sill quite a way to go. We got bullied up that hill towards Bridge of Orchy. Not even allowed to stop and marvel at the deer in our path. Just as well. Time was getting a bit tight, and we were gubbed.
A quick stock up and strip off of kit at B of O and we were off again.

Starting to get quite warm again, need to keep drinking and warned to keep eating the jellybeans. We bleathered quite a bit as we rose up towards Tyndrum. But time was becoming quite a concern. There was a horrible bit where we went under the railway through what felt like a drain, and then quite a steep bit. My legs were done. Glad of the poles again. At the top though I got my 2nd or 3rd or 4th wind. Felt strong again and running was in order.

I was really hoping Dave was on his way up to meet us, the encouragement was needed. But he called saying he was in the car park :-( but that Karen D and Big George were coming up to meet us. Yeee haaa this was a fantastic boost. Surge of energy and we were off like a rocket, ok more like damp squibs but you get the picture.
Seeing the guys coming up the hill was magic, the fact my Da and Dave were there to made it double special. There I am introducing everyone when we are close to the 24hour golden hour. Was quite emotional. Got shot of a load of gear at Brodies store and the Subversive one sent us packing across the road shouting 'RUN THE WHOLE WAY' tube!! Who invited him? This was the hardest 2.5 miles of my life. Really hot, and burstin for a pee. It's like bloody Sauchiehall Street out there.

Last 3/4 of a mile we came in with the guys. Was really nice. As we passed under the road on approach to the Wigwams it took all my will to stop my self from blubbing.
Tony T appeared with his camera and told us the girls arrived half an hour before us.
Mum and I held hands and each other as we approached the finish. Even managed a sprint finish. 23 hours 27 mins and 50 seconds.

We did it!!!!
Couldn’t hold back the blubbing any longer. The tears came and I didn’t really have the energy to stop them. Cuddled Mum really tight. So proud of her, Dad and Dave too. Couldn’t have done it without them.

Before that day the furthest I had ever gone on my feet at the one time was 20 miles. The thing that got me round was the knowledge that all I had to do was keep putting one foot in front of the other. One step closer. Yes it was hard, yes I was tired but I chose to do it. I had my Dad with me every step of the way, and the memory of what he battled last year make my battle a walk in the park.

I can't thank Dad and Dave enough for everything they did for us troopers to the last.
Fantastic experience, not to be repeated anytime soon. I will however plan to do something. I'll just need to be careful in my choice.

Thank you to everyone who called, text, emailed, facebooked messages of good luck and encouragement it was a great lift to hear them when the going was tough.

So good luck to you all in 24 hours time we'll be in Milngavie waiting for the off. And it starts all over again.

Mrs Mac x

Gala Day Tapering

2009-06-06T19:15:00.000+01:00

It's the back of eight on a Saturday night. I'm home alone, no kids and I'm sitting at my laptop blogging. How sad.
Well that's how things go when yer bloke is out working playing at being James Bond and is too far away to come home for his dinner.

This time next week I hope to be nearly half way through my Caledonian Challenge. For 24 hours I'm going to be (to quote Keith Hughes) a p***k with a stick. Well do you know what......I'll be glad of my sticks, I think they will be mental and physical crutch for me what with all the grief I've had with my back.

I have been introduced to a new concept in the last few days; tapering. Now I have never been involved with anything remotely long enough that requires taper. To me its something to light your candles with.
Training has not gone anywhere near to plan, and I feel like I'm cramming for my exams. I spent weeks last year telling my 2nd year development students that there was no point staying up to 4am trying to squash in that last bit of theory, and here I am almost doing the exact same thing. That was of course before the voice of reason chucked his two peneth in. I know, I know it's hard to believe but the Subversive Pirate does know a thing or two about training. So, my Maw and Me binned the idea of 25 miles on the trails around Cairn Table and opted for a leisurely 14 in and around the villages and towns adjacent to Strathaven. What we didn't account for was the fact that Gala Day season is now upon us and as we reached the 30 mph sign in Stonehouse the pipe band struck up to mark our arrival at the half way point. We walked headlong into the oncoming parade of floats and fancy dressed school kids.
It was a crackin day though. Much cooler than last week but damn windy.

So that's it, training is all done. No point worrying about it now. Still got a wee bit of fund raising to do, but we have until the end of July so should be ok. On that note I received a donation today in the post from someone who I'll not name here, as I wouldn't want to embarrass him, but I would like to thank him for his generosity. It's greatly appreciated, you know who you are.

So to all you serious mentalists taper like it's going out of fashion. I'll see you all in two weeks where you'll be champing at the bit and I'll be trying to walk without looking like I've done something in my trousers ;-)

Mrs Mac x

Tick tock tick tock

2009-06-03T19:55:00.000+01:00

Oh my, its been such a long time since I posted.
It has been commented upon on more than one occasion.
My problem is two fold; I like to have a wee think about what I'm gonna write about, and while I'm doing it have a wee nose at everyone else's blogs. So if its after a big event, I tend to find that I'm too slow off the mark and someone else says just what I was thinking. The other thing is that I can concentrate on two things at the same time without saying inappropriate things, and as I spend quite a bit of my free time on the phone the blog gets sidelined.
Anyway, I ramble on.
We made a great profit on the Christopher Brookmyre night, just short of a grand in fact. And bag packing in the Co-op netted us just short of three hundred quid. Not bad for a days work.

The next big days work I've got is in less than 9 days and four hours. The Calley Challenge is fast approaching. I've managed to put in a couple of long distances in the last few weeks, and this week I have plans for a thirty miler. Another month and I'd be really confident, right now I'm just hoping to finish. Having said all that, its was looking pretty doubtful that I was ever gonna start due to my longstanding back issues. I am recovering well and my physio has given me the go ahead but to make sure I don't lift anything. Who does she think I am, some crazy squaddie who fancies humphing a 75kg Bergen........not.

We have a great support crew; who between them have all the skills and resources to get us through the 24hr challenge. A WHWR veteran of many finishes who will sort all our nutritional needs and happens to be quite handy as a sports physio too. My paramedic Da who has his kit replenished and has all manner of goodies at his disposal. The blood giving set made me a little nervous right enough. The final member is an infamous pirate who's' attendance in not in the bag yet, but I have offered up a deal to the gods that he arrives on time. His skills lie in the treatment of blisters I'm told. Why was super glue mentioned in the kit list? I'm also holding out for a cuddle or a kick in the arse where required.

To be honest it's just getting in the way of my excitement for WHWR weekend. It's gonna be really different for me this year. It will be the first time I've seen the start of the race. In fact I've only EVER seen the start of one ultra, the Fling back in April. I usually spend the evening in a wigwam with my Maw and a bottle of vino callapso. going to bed at 1.01am precisely. When I informed the Race Daddy that I'd be there at the start to see my boy off he just about jumped for joy. "oh so I can give you a job then?" that not quite how I planned it. But then again not much goes to plan in my life.

Got some good news today about the parking situation at my checkpoint. We're gonna have a whole extra field to play with. That should really take the pressure off and make our job a wee bit easier. How ever I'm gonna have a couple of extra helpers this year, although they don't know it yet. Daryl Jacobs is gonna be put to work by Mrs Mac. I hope he doesn't make me take my eye off the prize like I did to him recently. At the BWB boxing event last week we both missed the knockout blow that put Stu MacDonald on his back. All because the lighting guy asked me to move the big man...... oops 3,2,1 yer out!!

So its half eight now. Cool enough for a wee run me thinks. Blogging and running in the same day, now that's progress.

"Progress, of the best kind, is comparatively slow. Great results cannot be achieved at once; and we must be satisfied to advance in life as we walk, step by step.”

Samuel Smiles

Catch ya
Mrs Mac xox

ps. I've just been reminded that I have in fact seen the start of TWO ultras. How could I forget that fateful day where Dino, Murdo MacDonald and I waved off a coulpe of steamers to cover 44 miles in a haze of red wine fumes and the distant whiff of lastnights Guinness. You gotta love the RAW. There is a really pretty bridge I keep meaning to revisit.

A big boy did it and ran away.

2009-05-10T17:52:00.000+01:00

Aw man what can I say, Christopher Brookmyre is an absolute legend.
The man gave up his time for free, read to us, generally entertained us and swore even better than AllyBea when shes had a bad day with the knitting needles!! The only other swearing aficionado I know often punctuates sentences with F*$@in' instead of a full stop or capital letter. So to hear a man explain how the BBC required him to reduce his use of expletives in his radio play for a late night slot; that he had used F&*k 40 times and he was only allowed 15 F@*k's. In a nutshell he had too many f@*k's. Well you can imagine the uproarious laughter.

Hysterical, he read from a book titled "A tale etched in blood and hard black pencil". He explained how there was a strong autobiographical element to the story and that almost everything had actually happened when he was at school. His colourful description of how children sitting on a hard wooden gymnasium floor have the instant urge to fart and the subsequent contortions of trying not too. It is not funny in the retelling, certainly the way I retell it but he had the place in stitches as we all recalled episodes of our former school years and that exact situation.

It was a fantastic night and we raised a pretty penny. The wean is as we speak sitting at the table counting the proceeds from our bag packing expedition earlier on in the day.
Big thanks must go to Anne and Tony T. Anne for her contacts (she knows CB) Tony T for running round like a headless chook. Scotmid in Strathaven for letting us pack shopping for fun(!). The people of Strathaven for being so generous, given that RBS was emblazoned across our t-shirts. Also Stratheven Striders, family and friends for supporting us in our venture.

PS...... nae runnin'.
Physio is going well. I can walk and run a bit, physio said to do what I feel comfortable with. But cant sit for too long or bend over. Go figure.

Mrs Mac x

It's all over now

2009-05-01T11:28:00.000+01:00

Its been nearly a week since the Montane Highland Fling.
Nearly a week since I put a tent up with the Subversive Runner for the first time.
Nearly a week since I went for a pint with Corned Beef and he drank juice (?)
Nearly a week since one of the best weekends I've had in ages.

It was fab!! Early rise and a late night to follow but it was a fantastic atmosphere and I'm glad I was there for the start. Meeting big Davie, who looks nothing like his picture. A proper big Glesga Polis. Wee baby Cairn and his gorgeous Maw. Seeing the guy from the pub the night before and killing my self laughing when he heard Dave talk about running in June. All not to be missed.
The dancin in the evening; seeing a London fireman dance his 2nd and 3rd Gay Gordons (ever). Being made to do some crazy Indian wifeys dance round a guy with a kilt on(?). I had my naughty head on and had to talk my self out of looking up his kilt just to check. I don't think his Mrs would have been very pleased.

So its all over for another year. I'm off camping again this weekend with The Welshes (my family) no subversive Runner this time :-(

Next marshalling duties for me are in two weeks time at the Cateran Trail Race. I'm sure I see some of you there. There are places still available for runners if you fancy it.

But before then, next Saturday the 9th of May I have some tickets left for "An evening with Christopher Brookmyre" Christopher is a Scottish crime writer, general funny guy and sometime football pundit. I'm told he supports St Mirren. Anyway he has kindly agreed to donate his time for us and read from his latest novel and have a bit of banter. All to help us raise the money for our little walk!!!

Tickets are £10 and include a buffet. There will be a bar and a silent auction.
7.30 - 11.30 in the Ballgreen Hall Strathaven.

If you would like tickets or can help with a raffle prize or can help in anyway let me know.

TTFN
Mrs Mac xox

Subversive Saddling

2009-04-07T23:05:00.000+01:00

Right folks, first things first....you're thinking this is a stable, level headed, strong willed Scottish woman at the key-board, right?

WRONG!!! This is the Subversive Runner on Mrs Macs's blog doing some bloggin' action. This was an idea I came up with and the rules are simple and as follows:

1. I write Mrs Mac's blog.
2. She writes mine.
3. The blog recipient is not allowed to delete or amend anything the other party has written.
4. The blogee can write anything.

So, if you're a reader of both blogs you've either already read the flowery, sugary-sweet nonsense Mrs Mac has written on my formerly pristine blog; or you're about to experience that dubious, but undoubtedly sickly, pleasure.

So....allow me to speak for Mrs Mac. Well, on a hierarchical list of priorities she's a burd that puts blog writing at a level below cleaning wax from her ears, so enjoy a post from a master (and a geezer that has so little going on in his life he manages an average of 15 posts a month).

You ought to know that after a significant period of illness and a lack of running Mrs Mac has re-emerged upon the sport of putting one foot in front of the other quickly re-invigorated and ready to kick arse.

She knocked out a 4 mile run with her fella this week on a route that was tough going under-foot, mainly off-road and with the type of hills that road-runners cry about and ask for their mothers.

Then she cracked on out tonight alone into the darkness of South London and ate up the local streets like a woman possessed (that sounds bad, doesn't it? Imagine that sentence in another context....I should state categorically that she was out running).

I reckon she's en route to get properly stuck into the 53 mile Caledonaian Challenge in June, after getting her marshalling fix from the Highland Fling, of course. She's also en route to gaining a mental database of all the finest films that her delicate sensibilities disallowed her access to, prior to being Subverted (!!!).

We saw a film tonight that left her completely puzzled, but it's on the list Dear Reader....check it out.....No Country For Old Men.

Not for burds.

Laters.

Be Beep: Hello?

2009-03-30T11:43:00.000+01:00

Ok so I can't run. I'm sitting at home with my blasted laptop, joined far too many forums to talk rubbish with random people I have only the slightest conection with. But I'll tell you what I have never laughed as much in ages. check these out. I dare you to try and not giggle.

Lots a love,
Mrs Mac x

Baby Steps

2009-03-27T10:08:00.000Z

So you know I've been whingeing on about shingles for months, and how I've ended up with Post Herpetic Neuralgia well its becoming a right pain in the neck. (no pun intended lol)
I have been off work for 3 weeks, the meds I've got make me sleep for 15 hour's a day and I'm getting a bit worried that my training for the Calley challenge has gone down the drain. So on Monday I took my first tentative steps back on the road to recovery. I had a wander round Ashtead Common last week, supposedly just a wee walk, but it was such a beautiful day that I was out for two hours. Who would believe that this is London?

Monday night is a Striders club night. Anne T and I were having our piccy taken in our Calley tee shirts for the local paper, to promote out fundraising events(more about this later). We have to raise 2 grand as a team!!!! bloody hell that's more of a challenge than the event its self. Anyway, the money is for the the Scottish Charities Foundation so that's good.
Back to Monday; It was a really cold night, felt wintry and I was conscious about not over doing it. Just wanted to see if I had lost all my fitness. Didn't go to bad, Lynn was good company. Missed Wednesday training due to the weans performance in the Little Mermaid. Yesterday I spent the day clearing out cupboards and gutting out rubbish. Great how you can clear your head at the same time. So last night in a howling gale and hailstone blizzard I headed back out. I was just planning to get some air in my lungs, but I felt great, knee good, hip good, back good and Martha in my ear. Magic!! Ran four and a bit miles and was buzzing that it was easy. Confident I can get back to running some decent mileage. Maybe the Calley is not a lost cause after all.

Got an email from Murdo Macdonald last night with the logistic plan for the Fling, cant believe it's so soon. I remember that night when I heard myself volunteering to help out and thinking to myself, D'oh!! I've done it again. I thought I was gonna be making soup and stovies for three hundred, but alas no. Me and Dino are gonna be shacked up together at Bein Glas Farm on timing duties. We will no doubt have our trusty score cards too. You know the ones where we give runners marks out of 10. Extra points for shorts, double points for extra short shorts and good legs lol.

There has been quite a bit of taking the mickey out of Mrs Mac on other blogs in the past few days. I have decided to ignore them, avoid tit for tat and just remind those involved that come June 20th I will be responsible for deciding if you're able to continue on from Auchtertyre Farm. Oooooo I can see massive weight fluctuations for some people. Ahhhhhhhh the power, love it!!

Mrs Mac x

ps, I'm off to Tescos now to buy myself a gymball as per the gaffers instructions. He is requesting video evidence........ eeekk a bit of practice first me thinks lol.

.....and the winner is.....Oh No!!!

2009-03-11T09:24:00.000Z

Wow what a week.

Monday 5 m time45min

Tuesday5.5m time 55min

Wed slow run no time

Thurs hill reps 4x2 2x3 6x1 1 min recovery.

Fri rest

Sat 8m slow (blethering)

Sounds the part, doesn't it?

'Well the reality is I'm GUBBED, well and truly. I haven't had my trainers on for running purposes since I found those legs last week.

I'm oot the game with Post Heptetic Neuralgia. All down to the bloody shingles. The pain in my back is a nightmare still, although the shooting pain behind my eye is improving.

So I've been ordered to rest, my gaffer has banned me from work. Just as well the Doc agreed.I have been resting, sleeping mainly. All down to some heavy drugs man.

Saturday was a bit of a rush around right enough. It was the Strathaven Striders Charity bash.

And as I'm El Presidente I had a few duties to carry out. Subversive Runner, Drama Queen and Race Princess were all in attendance. Although the latter two were fashionably coz RP wanted to come in her fleecy jimjams.

Atmosphere was great and the vino callapso was going down a treat when I remembered I had those duties to carry out....... better call a halt to the quaffing me thinks.

I was in charge of the silent auction for the evening. In the end we raised about £900 on auction items. RP confirmed her new status as full blown runner by bidding on a garmin forerunner 350. She was unlucky, but some lucky begger bagged a bargain at £150!!

I also had a presentation to make to our retiring Race Directior Irene Wilson. Now Mrs W is not known as a woman of few words but for some reason her acceptance speech was incredibly short. Two words to be precise....... "Oh No" she shouted down the mic as she headed back to her seat. Later she explained she was so taken aback at receiving such a beautiful decanter she was dumb struck. Nothing to do with copious amount's of wine and an HMI inspection at school then, eh?

It was also my Da's birthday, so I abused my power and got everyone to sing Happy Birthday as my Mam presented him with some cake. It was lovely. Strange thing happened though. Without even discussing it Subversive Runner and my Da turned up in almost identical dark blue striped shirts. Aucht well one fashion faux pas cant be criticised, can it? But twice in the same week!!! Holy mother of God........ my fella dresses like my Da!!

I only have one pic to post as evidence. There may be more. Is it a crime to go out with someone who dresses like your parent???

Mrs Mac x

The good, the bad & the ugly

2009-03-04T19:59:00.000Z

I'm in a right miserable mood so this aint gonna be pretty.
Last week I managed to find some running legs. they were just lying around so I gave them a go, pretty good. Made me run the Wednesday night 5 mile time trial faster than I've ever run the distance before EVER. The Monday run had been good too, and not just coz I was blethering the whole way.
This week is a different story; Monday night I was delivering a staff development session at work and didn't get home til 9.45pm, so no running.
Last night my back was a bit icccy and tonight it is gowpin'!!! The bloody shingles has left me with back ache worse than when I was in labour and a shooting pain behind my eye. So much so that my gaffer has banished me and I and now house bound and instructed to recover properly this time before returning to work.
Anyway there has been some other good stuff in Mrs Macs world this week. My Dad had a full body scan the other week as baseline for monitoring his cancer in the long run. It was a pretty scary time as although the tumor was removed completely when his shoulder was taken away there is a potential for "splinter" cells to regrow. Anyhoo, the result was very positive and things are good for the moment.
This made for a party atmosphere as I made my way south with Maw & Paw to watch the Subversive Runner get bashed up..... oh sorry, box in Portsmouth. SR himself has a detailed report, as you'd imagine, so I wont bore you with detail. Suffice to say I got carried away with the vino callapso on the Friday coz I was chauffeur on the Saturday. Whhhoooooops.

So, I'm crabbit, sore, and home alone. I never thought I'd say this but I'm really missing running.

Hasta, Mrs Mac x

Bloodsucking Brady Bunch on tour

2009-02-22T11:13:00.000Z

A pretty slack week of running, mainly due to being on my hollibags for 5 days but the dreaded shingles are back for the 3rd time in three months, whats that all about?!? Maybe I AM allergic to the Pirate like DQ suggested. Anyway, I only get a wee rash on my head that makes me look like Harry Potter, but its the back pain that floors me and puts the kibosh on the running.

So, half term with the children and we hop on the 10.15 Ryan air flight to Lahndan. Let me say at this point Stansted is NOT London, in the same way that Prestwick isn't Glasgow. A great flight with the kids, I'm getting used to doing it on my own but having company made the flight go really quickly. J & H were really excited and it was a giggle.

The Subversive Runner was collecting us for long drive home. I had asked for some suggestions for things to do, but the weans had their own ideas (no surprise there).

A trip to Hamleys via Battersea Fire Station and a rainy Trafalgar Square saw us loaded up with teddy bears and sherbet straws. H & I were off to see S harleen Spiteri at the Hammersmith Apollo so we were set loose on the underground to fend for ourselves. Gig was tremendous, Texas were the first band I ever saw at the Barrowland almost 20 years ago. I had a wee tear in my eye. Music is pretty important to me and the album Melody was the theme tune to my summer last year. Each song seemed to mirror what was going on in my life. Anyway, Melody has been put to bed. The Airborne Toxic Event has replaced Sharleen.
Next day we headed to the Imperial War Museum. It's pretty good having a guide who has a first in History and knows the museum like the back of his hand. My two really enjoyed it.
The followinf day 4 children working in cahoots decide that the Natural History Museum comes a poor second to London Dungeon, so up to London we head to be met by a two hour wait on the street to get in!!! I don't 'do' queueing so while we swithered over what to do my son gets nabbed by a guy dressed as a goul and before he knows it is head is in the guillotine. So bloody funny, Jay Mac took it all in good humor and bagged free passes for a visit to the London Bridge Experience. Billed as the scariest attraction in London. Great day out defo recommend it. There is some videoevidence that I may have landed a job there due to my cackle like laughing. It is not true, it wisney me, I was set up lol.
A successful trip south of the border. Great company, lot of laughs & not too much vino callapso.

So today I fancy a wee trot some where nice. I'd better get myself motivated and move my butt.

Catch ya, Mrs Mac x

Ps. My Da,
As you know my Dads chemo got stopped coz it was knackering his kidneys. This week he had a whole body MRI. He had to have it done twice coz he was fidgeting anyways we need to wait a whole week for results. It's back to feeling mixed up after having a few weeks of near normality. At least we have something to look forward to. My Maw and Da are coming with me to see SR put his dooks up and mince around the squared ring in Portsmouth next weekend. Bring it on. x

Jay Mac gets his head chopped off and a couple of freebies in the process.

Ginger Dan demonstrates the art of pole dancing for the trainees.

Oh yes , it can be done....

2009-02-08T22:56:00.001Z

...... running with a hangover, it can be done. My esteemed friend and much better qualified runner, DQ had to ask if it had not been proven to me already. I'm sure your familiar with the event to which he is referring. If not scroll through my old posts til you fine the ones regarding RAW 2008. That wasn't hungover..... that was still drunk. I don't think I'm up to that standard just yet. Anyway, yes It had been proven, I just needed to put it to the test.

I awoke this morning, and it was morning, with a surprisingly clear head. The same couldn't be said for my early morning alarm call provider who I believe was slightly delicate. I had expected a wee bit of fuzziness, but nae, it was tip top. Pretty amazing really since I had been out since 1pm and drank Baileys during the day, red wine with my meal and topped it off with few spiced rums and diet coke (you gotta laugh). Oh, I forgot about the 2 Bacardi Breezers we had on the bus to Hamilton, which yours truly opened with her teeth!!!!
"the dancin" was avoided and in the words of my dear mate Scanners "they'd stab ye as quick as look at ye" and we were in a taxi home the back of 1.

So up this morning bright and breezy to a fair morning. A cup of tea and some toast. Scanners had a date with a body combat class and I was right up for it.
Don't ask me the mileage, I couldn't tell you. I don't own any fancy gadgets to measure it. Don't ask me how long it took coz I didn't check the time. I know I ran farther than the normal route. I know it was quicker, coz my heart was working overtime and my lungs were bursting. But I fair enjoyed it. I did the Specs run........ twice!!! and an extra couple of loops in Sandford. Good job well done and all that.

I spent the rest of the day chillin in the house. Kids were off doing their thing and I just faffed. Tonight, apart from enjoying a long blether on the phone, I have been watching Green Day 'v' Blink 182 on Kerrang. A top 20 video countdown thing, you know the type. So..... No1 Green Day Basket Case. Very apt for this blog and sums up how I've been feeling this week........enjoy.
Mrs Mac x

Nasty cheese burgers

2009-02-07T11:45:00.000Z

You may have gathered that I am not a very competitive person, but even I can see that following the Race Princesses school of race preparation may scupper my plans for a successful Calley challenge. My training today consists of a 1pm lunch with one of my oldest girlfriends (without alcohol) and a 7pm dinner with one of my newer girlfriends (with alcohol and possibly dancing til the wee hours). This does not constitute effective race preparation in any ones books unless your name is Dave, Martin or Mark!!

Well at least its not as bad as wandering round the camping show at the SECC which would see me buying even more stuff I don't need for my camping box and eating nasty cheese burgers. On the subject of camping I was hoping to get under canvas sometime in March, but trying to fit in a 4 on 4 off shift pattern with a standard work week and a charity dance is making it tough. Anyone got any cool places to visit? The current list includes places such as Arran, Eigg, The Lakes, Chesil Beach....

This time next week I will have arrived in Lahdan with my kids for a few days of tourist activity. They have been getting more and more excited in the last couple of weeks. So, things to do in London, unusual ideas please. My wee lassie and I are off to see Sharleen Spiteri next Sunday thanks to a very generous gift ;-)

So, tomorrow I need to run...... and run well. I have been spoiled though, last weeks run on the WHW was such a treat. Im tempted to go back. It just wont be the same.

TTFN, Mrs Mac xx

Two 21st's and an 18th

2009-02-03T22:34:00.000Z

There has been a lot of talk quite recently on the WHWR forum regarding virgin status. Race virgin of course. Not any other type you understand........ anyway I'm blethering on and I haven't even got to the point yet. So, virgin, I would class myself as one. Not in the way that Dario has classified them, no. I am a true WHW virgin, never set foot on it, well apart from at my checkpoint, never mind run on the blasted thing!! Well people I have some news....... I am a virgin no more yipeeeeee. I said in my last post I'd need to get a shift on with kick starting the old Calley Challenge training.

So our wayward London fireman was making a flying visit and before I know it I'm speeding out of Glasgow airports short stay car park and heading for the A82. My suggestion was a nice wee lunch in the Drovers and somehow that morphed into "we could have a wee run first, oh and how about some shadow boxing at the half way point" how on earth did I get my self into this???

Anyhoo, It was terrific. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Weather was mild although it was wet and quite boggy underfoot in places. Was it worth an hour and a half's drive for a few miles on the Way...... you betchya. I will gladly repeat the journey.

Its been a busy January for Mrs Mac. I was visiting the concrete jungle last week. My visit to Lahndan coincided with the 3rd BWB boxing event at the Clapham Grand. Ooooohhhh what a night. Now, I know NOTHING about boxing, but even I can appreciate the bout between Ed Haines and Justin Hudson. Class act, excellent display of craftsmanship. Looking forward to a possible rematch in May.

On my return from the boxing I had a party to prepare for. My Aunty Joan had two 21st and an 18th..... (I promised i wouldn't divulge her age). Great wee night, nothing wild, but a wee sing song was had. Cue my Da'.

I hear its been snowing somewhat in the land over the Scottish border. QB was telling me tonight that there is a foot and a half of the white stuff. Well I think he has been taking the Darth Vader thing a bit too far. Coz there is hee haw snow in Strathaven!!

Ok troops. I've finished blethering. Time for an early night.

Mrs Mac x

Tales of the Unexpected

2009-01-15T16:31:00.000Z

So the middle of January is upon us New Years resolutions are fast becoming a distant memory. I haven't made any for some years because I know how bad I am at sticking to them.

I think I have managed to run a whole 20 miles so far this year. I really would have liked to have done more. The will is there, but my body is broke!! After the triple wammy before Christmas I thought I had put Winter illness behind me. Not so..... a wee sniffle and an itchy throat started last week and as much as I have tried to ignore it, it has floored me today..... not only that but the shingles has re-appeared. D'oh, who have I upset?
I don't think it helped my that I almost got blown off my feet by the 100 mile an hour winds which battered Beachy Head at the weekend. The Subversive Runner thought I'd appreciate the beauty of this natural wonder, and he was right. Stunning. The setting just makes you want to run, my companion however is crocked at the moment and we were prevented from donning our shoes.
You would think that leaving a damp dreich Glasgow airport heading of the big city of the south would bring some respite from the cold. Well, you'd be wrong!! Reduced visibility at Gatwick delayed the inbound flight by half an hour. Freezing fog and a ground temp of -7 kept us in a holding pattern for 20 mins above Gatwick and wait till you hear this............ defrosting planes on the ground, scrapping the windscreens kept us on the tarmac for 40 mins. WTF a wee bit of frost and London grinds to a halt!!

So before my cold kicked my a^$e I managed to make it to our new training session. Ian Pitt has started a new 13 week programme for complete beginners and returners. 24 people turned up for the first week and we were all really excited by the response. Week 2 and a slight drop off was expected. Well, nobody told the residents of Strathaven; 41 runners and 8 helpers hit the streets of our quiet little toon. Has Strathaven become the running capital of the UK? Well done Ian.

When I started writing this blog earlier on today I was gonna update about my Dad having had a bit of a rough time in the past couple of weeks (ending up in hospital again with another infection) and how if his bloods were ok today he might be allowed to have his next cycle of chemo on Monday.
But as I was typing away, Mum came in and told me the Oncologist had advised them she was stopping the chemo!!!! Now this news came as a bit of a shock, as he should have 5 more cycles to go. It turns out that although his kidneys are recovering after the chemo, they recover less and less each time :-( So, weighing up the risk of a recurrence of the sarcoma against the potential for kidney failure the decision was made. I still don't know what I feel about this news yet. Happy he doesn't need to endure the torture of having toxic chemicals pumped into him for 48 hours and the subsequent fallout. Scared of the unknown....... Cancer is a lottery. None of us know if or when we will develop it. And treatment is also a lottery, some people respond very well with few side affects others can be very sick. We just gotta take what we are given and deal with it. He will be monitored every 2 months and can pretty much get on with living his life, albeit without a right shoulder and limited range of movement. He is positive and glad to be getting back to "normal". Watch this space.

And finally,
Strathaven Striders annual Charity Dance- date FINALLY set.
Troon Tortoise 10k th May. 1 bus booked- looks like we need 2 !!
1st Striders xcountry club run arranged.
And if my ailments improve I'm gonna have my first run on the WHW this weekend. Calley training needs a kick start lol.

Catch ya, Mrs Mac xox

2009, Bring it On !!

2009-01-02T00:29:00.000Z

Happy New Year everyone.

It's 00:30 hrs on the 2nd of Jan. Its still a public holiday here in Gods country. I really should be in bed coz I've got visitors coming to stay for the weekend, but I had a wee rest of my eyes ant 8.30 and now I've got my second wind.

So Hogmanay has come and gone. Spent the evening in the Beatson with my Da, who was high as a kite, for although he was in over the bells, had just been told he'd be out by lunch time on the 1st. One Happy Bunny.

You may have gathered the my Da quite enjoys a small half or 2 so when the lassie came round with the dinner menu and asked him for his drink of choice his face lit up like a bolisha beacon. Hhhhmmmmm he thought, couldn't decide. When he enquired after the choices he was offered ONE can of beer or a sherry, well f*%k me he exclaimed "i don't think I'll bother" My Maw didn't help matters, for when we arrived team handed she left it to his granddaughter to produce the goods. His face lit up again..... TWO bottles of becks woop woop. Slight problem, he didn't have his specks on to read that they were non alcoholic ...... oops.

Anyway he is home safe now. We start the year as at least the first half will continue. Bloody chemo at the centre of it.

It was not all doom and gloom as may have been expected. The women in my family know how to party, I felt sorry for Jay Mac my 14.5 year old son who had to endure us lot partaking of the vino callapso as if we were about to die. Apart from my Da, who was IN the hospital, the other men in my life are all employed in the emergency services, and believe it or not the were all bloody NIGHTSHIFT.

Jay Mac, our first foot. Bottle of Jura, and a pack of toilet roll. the boy's got class.

Cue the girls.....

All the best, Mrs Mac xox

Ho Ho Ho

2008-12-28T12:59:00.000Z

Belated Merry Christmas everyone.

As my last post says I've been a wee bit ill over the last few weeks and as a result no running got done therefore nothing of much interest to post. Having a kidney infection, shingles and tonsillitis all at the onetime isn't too clever.

In the past few weeks a few cool things have happened.

I think there may have been a wee drop of bevvy involved at a committee meeting one night coz somehow I got elected as the newest President of Strathaven Striders. I have since had a couple of official duties and thoroughly enjoyed it. My First Lady has been in attendance for all of them so far, I'm not sure how sustainable that will be.

The first event was the children's Santa Run on the 20th of Dec. This involves a bunch of local kids chasing Rudolph around the park. Rudolph was a little concerned as a few years ago he was nearly caught by an 11 year old boy!!

The following day brought the Strathaven Striders Christmas Handicap 5km. A couple of invited guests and an international star gatecrashed the proceedings which saw the Jackson 5, Marylin Monroe and the most realistic pirate EVER trot round the town. It was great to see the First Lady and WHW Runner rise to the challenge. The local K9 population are obviously very territorial and decided that the interloper needed sorting out....

The after party at Mr & Mrs Wilsons house was a bit of a messy affair the resulting video can be seen here.

So Christmas has come and gone. 2009 is fast approaching. I took the chance to christen my new Brasher shoes yesterday and stretched my legs on the Specs run. It was such a beautiful day it was a shame to waste it. My body needed a kick start I hope it noticed that I tried.

I'm hoping for a gentle start to the year and that Tony T hasn't planned too tough a training programme. Oh! I don't think I've mentioned on here that in June I have a bit of work to do..... Exactly one week before WHWR myself, my Maw, Anne T and her mate are having a bash at the Caley Challenge........ Don't shout at me, Race Princess has already chastised me, but I have spoken to the gaffer and he has given me permission.

And finally, My Da.

He is doing pretty well at the mo, his spirits are high. Mainly due to the high level of spirits he's consumed. I seem to be getting all the blame for it at the moment, an evening with the Subversive Runner had nothing to do with it, not!

Back to hospital tomorrow for his 3rd post op chemo. He is hoping to be home for the Bells, but hey ho, no matter what I'll be there with him.

All the best to you all,

Here's tae us,

Mrs Mac xox

Mrs Mac isney well :-(

2008-12-15T16:40:00.000Z

Back soon folks........

Run With the Wind 2009

2008-11-23T21:17:00.000Z

Just a quick post coz I've been put under pressure.

More pictures that words at the mo, but for some readers of this forum that's normal form......

Fantastic event again this year. Credit where its due...... mainly to my 11 year old daughter who is fast turning into a top event co-coordinator. She received praise from all corners, her talents are not confined to dishing out baked potatoes on WHW Saturday.

Ah...... then there is our good friend Dario who made an appearance, not one he will forget in a hurry. I know most of you crazy people wouldn't get out of bed for a measly 10km but my oh my it was a blast. The after party is worth it in its own right.

The start at Ardoch Rig. Wind Farm. Chris Moon starts the race.

about 1.5km in. My Maw and Da'

Dario the Dare Devil. The space hopper in question.

this is the queue for SOUP.

Not much of a post I know, but I'm a little tired and emotional.

More to follow......

Mrs Mac xxx

Do NOT look under the bed!!!

2008-11-13T21:09:00.000Z

I'm killing time trying to avoid the inevitable.

The time of year is here where children's rooms need to be cleared of the old years rubbish to make room for what ever rubbish the ask for for Christmas.

I am numbing the pain by treating myself to a SMALL glass of Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cab Sauv.

It is a small glass and I'm not drinking it as if I'm about to die.

The reason for the anesthetic is the fact that I have a 14 and a half year old son and much as I've tried to encourage, (read, bully) him to complete the task on his own he has resisted and I can wait no longer. I had a quick look this morning and after I tripped over his electric guitar, stubbed my toe on the amp and waded my way through a waist deep pile of Kerrang magazines I decided the time had come.....

This must have freaked him out as he has emptied some drawers into a bin bag, but that's as far as he got before disappearing with his mates. I was advised this week to do myself and him a favour and avoid looking under the bed. I'll need to remember that. I have no desire to see what a 14.5 year old stores there. Homework it is not!!

I was also parents night tonight. For the 11 year old daughter. Usual mix of Maths, good. English, good. A little chatty at times but THE look normally puts a stop to it. I nearly ended my self laughing..... I know THAT look, I wear glasses and use it all the time. Tilt the head forward and stare over the top of them... works every time!! Shes off to stay with her Dad tonight, mmmm, maybe I should have tackled her room. No nasties in there, but glitter everywhere. Shes her mothers daughter.

Got some good news tonight. Your friend and mine, the race director managed to secure a job with the aid of my ample knowledge....well maybe not. But it is good news and I am very pleased for him. Well done gaffer.

My Da'. If you read the last post you'll know he went back to hospital yesterday and underwent some tests to check his kidneys before the next round of chemo. The last lot gubbed him good and proper. Resulting in acute kidney failure. Anyway, tests were positive and he is able to receive 1st line chemo, which means the most effective chemo for his type of cancer. More good news is the surgery was pretty good and there is no evidence of cancerous cells in the margins of the tissue. Technical talk, but I'm told its all good! The rubbish bit it that coz they are going in softly softly its gonna take longer, until May 09 at least. My life is going to be ruled by three week cycles from now on.

Luv, Mrs Mac x

An unopened bag of Kettle Chips....

2008-11-10T23:14:00.000Z

Another post about running.

Don't be scared readers I've not lost my marbles, I have not become a "runner" I am still most definitely just "someone who runs"

I was given a couple of options; a route full of hills, or a flat route round a beautiful park. Now I know some of you are shouting at the screen...."hills hills hills" but come on it's Mrs Mac here. I subscribe to the Irene Wilson school of running and her first words to me were walk the bloody hills. Now if it works for Mrs W then it'll work for me!

I learned something this weekend.... don't drink tea, however expensive, right before a run.... it makes you feel sick. I only drank the bloody stuff coz the rain started bucketing down as we arrived at the park.
Anyway a slack 7.1 miles round Richmond Park.... I cant believe I passed on a 10k and ended up doing this. Imagine a huge wide open space, with beautiful trees all the colours of autumn, people on bikes, kids on scooters and other crazy people mainly running the opposite direction all of this in the centre of Lahndan!!(said with a fake cockney accent) After the sick feeling passed I really enjoyed it. Not much chatter going on, more quiet contemplation. Far removed from my usual running companions who giggle more than run. My excellent guide stopped to point out green parakeets, the building where ALL the poppies are made, apart from the white ones, and glanced in the general direction of where Mick Jagger lives. (Edit:- turns out the Subversive Runner is not as clever as he thinks he is...... OUR Scottish poppies are made here in Scotland at the Lady Haig poppy factory in Embra.)

I saw a deer, and as I slowed(even more) as to not disturb it my guide pipes up "if we don't see any at least we've seen one"??!!?? WTF ,this is an educated man we're talking about, doh!

As the end approached I got a call from my Ma. She, my faither, aunt & uncle had hightailed off to Aviemore for the weekend. She announced it was SNOWING!! I'm a bit of a fan of the white stuff, she reckoned I'd love it up there. This is true, but there is nowhere else I'd rather have been. The day was rounded off with a roast chicken dinner, an unopened bag of kettle chips and a lesson in how to drink vino calapso.....responsibly!!

Ps, my Da is pretty good this week. He is back at the Beatson on Wednesday for the next phase of this cancer treatment. More chemo... yuk. He only just started shaving again after 6 weeks! now its gonna all fall out again!

Mrs Mac

No RAC required.......

2008-11-02T22:13:00.000Z

A whole post about running!!
Today was the most beautiful day. Other than spend it on a west coast beach with those I love there was only one other thing to do…. Get out there and run.
That’s exactly what I did. Kids were with their Dad; dog was still in bed after a heavy night barking at fireworks. So it was me on my own with Paolo in my ears for company. Following a transport update to calm my nerves I jumped in to my runners and skipped out the door. I am lucky enough to stay in a very cute wee town with rolling countryside in every direction. I took a risk that the cows would be absent from the field and set out to do the Spectacle E’e Falls route. Not the scary fanged cows that Karen D is familiar with but I don’t DO cows, regardless.Anyway I'm not gonna say too much, I took loads of photies and a wee video I hope they do it justice.

Doh!! Eh, this'll be the way then.....

Looking towards Stonehouse.

The River Avon

Looking back across the bridge towards Strathaven.

Looking back towards Strathaven.

Not the best quality but it was nice being there.....

Pictures are not up to Sarah Ridgways standard but I had to try.

Don't worry the usual rubbish will return shortly don't think I've gone all sensible and serious about this running nonsense, coz I aint!!

I have no idea how far I ran and no real clue how long it took, maybe an hour and 45 mins.... pretty long for me. Debs mentioned before about being called "one pace Debs" well that's me! I really will need to try and sort that out...... That quote might be a lot of rubbish but I've got someone in my ear telling me to post it even if its not true. Answers on a postcard with guesses...

see ya LMx

A little bit of drizzle....

2008-10-26T21:57:00.000Z

Good evening from a rather rain lashed, wind swept not so sunny Stratheven.

Well, It seems a few people read the tile of my last post and got a little mixed up. You were supposed to do something that scared YOU!! not for you to scare ME!!

So I get a text last night telling me about the nightmare on the OMM telling me about some WHW family members who are there. Scary stuff. Cut to this morning and I get a text from my Ma asking if I've heard from Rosie Bell, whw'er, strathaven strider, and bloody good friend. She and Tony Thistlewhaite are both doing OMM and I knew nothing about it !!! Holy crap. A frantic frenzy triyng to google OMM, news of OMM etc to no avail.

Sometime later I'm informed that Rosie and Tony are safely back in Strathaven via a hospital in the Lake district and Hairmyres hosp too. Rosie being the skelf of a girl that she is got blown away by the light breeze which was gusting and only saved from being washed away in a torrent by her hero Tony T. Rosie now has a fractured wrist to reminder her of her weekend away to the Lakes. Same time next year guys?

As could be expected my Da' scared me this week. Not for the reason you may think. Mainly due to the fact that following his epic 8 hour surgery to remove the monkey from his back he has looked and indeed been fantastic. A little bit sore, but on top form. It was my Maw and Da's anniversary on Monday and 4 days post op we took the party to him. NA wine, munchies etc, you know the form. All good. A surprise visit from an old friend, Paul Jenkins, a guy my Da' taught Karate to from the age of nine. In he comes and promptly hugs my Da' putting his arm round his shoulders..... eeeeekkkkk DONT TOUCH HIS SHOULDER as my Da' tries to slink under the blankets. He has not to move an inch for the next 6 weeks as the muscles "knit" around what bone is left in his arm. Anyway, not much sympathy from Paul, a big burly bouncer type, more stories of the good ol' days of Karate competitions all over the UK. Good times.

I also got a bit scared this week when my sat nav sent me up a road that was closed, in a city I had never driven in and I had to be somewhere at a particular time. Cut to a one sided telephone call of " where are you", "what can you see", "where are you near" to be met with the reply....."a dunno" All's well that ends well.

I did learn something this week. Think about a question before you ask it. You never know, you might be able to answer it yourself. Or at the very least save yourself a ribbing for the next 6 months....

TTFN, LMx

Do something that scares you......

2008-10-14T20:51:00.000+01:00

So, I've said before that to be a marshall or whatever there is no real need for actual running but I do try sometimes. Just to stave off the madness you understand.

This week though has been a bit rubbish and its only Tuesday.

Friday was a bit of a crazy night with the Dream Team so Saturday running was binned. Replaced by some gentle retail therapy with my Maw and Aunite, swiftly followed by a couple of Baillies for medicinal purposes.

My little girl wanted her wee cousin to sleep over so the morning of my first anti-versary I wakened up to this wee face.

I decided that as it was such a strange day I would take the dog for a run. As I had the kids it had to be something that included them. So off to the local park which has a mile loop around the perimeter. A whole 3.5 miles later I had to jack it in!! The dog kept running off to play with the kids or random folk with prams taking up the whole track. It wasn't to be, but at least I tried. The rest of the day was some more strangeness. I spent the evening downloading videos from my phone. Its amazing what you find on there.

My daughter is a feisty wee 11 year old. She was the little blond girl dishing out the baked potatoes and coffee at Auchtertyre (whw checkpoint) this year. Feisty and gobby but not very confident. So I have come up with a plan. We have a deal that we need to do something that scares us whenever we can. So when we were up in Aviemore a few weeks ago we gave it a good go.

Crazy girl. She makes me laugh

This is the Landmark Centre at Carrbridge. We were here last year at Easter. She and her brother made it to the top but were not very happy about it. Different kettle of fish this time!!

Just a quick update about my Da. He is going in tomorrow and his op is on Thursday. We are all going around like headless chooks right now. If you pray: pray hard. If you meditate: send positive thoughts our way. If you don't do any of that keep us in your thoughts, it gives me/us strength.

PS, did you see that wee skinny Eton guy on LMS? he's got nae chance!!

Mrs Mac xxx

All well the ends well.

2008-10-09T21:42:00.000+01:00

It's been a while but I'm back.

There's lots been happening in the madness of the Mac household.

I couldn't decide whether to go for multiple posts a la Tomo or all in a oner a la Mike Mason UTMB.

So.... are you sitting comfortably? I would go for a quick pee and get a glass of something before you sit down, this might take a while....

Anyway, RAW: the final chapter. I have a new best friend in the form of one lady race organiser. I must have stated my case with enough gusto that she relented and allowed me to attend the presentation. Either that she was feirt if she didn't I would continue to stalk her and she would need to take out a restraining order. Made it just in time for Pirate Boy to receive a medal and certificate and no mention of a 30 mile marker. All runners and walkers received their awards not from the "wummin wi chains roon her neck" but a bloke this time. I wonder if they share the chains or if they have a set each. Do you think the sit at home in the evening and compare chains? mmmmmm I wonder.

The following day a trip to Sunny Prestwick was in order to return some DVD or other to DQ's maw, lovely lady, very hospitable giving up her house like that to a bunch of random vagabonds.

Rather windy affair but beautiful none the less. There is something about the sea when it's crashing against the pier walls and spraying water everywhere.

September weekend : galavanting off to Aviemore wi the weans +1 -2 for a nice jolly. Not the best start when my Da landed up in the hospital the day before we left. Weather was changeable but gorg at night time, how flamming big is the sky. Orion was in top form.

No running, apart from a wee jog into town, but lots of walking. The dog loved it. Sitting on a rock looking across to Cairngorm bathed in sunshine divine.

Good running on the Monday and Wed sessions, good banter wi the girls, talking utter rubbish as usual!!

Its October, how the hell did that happen. I was only WHW weekend a couple of weeks ago.....

So its off to rural Perthshire. Me and my mate Scanners for an outward bound weekend with 11 of our staff. OMG 2 girls, an old guy and 8 testosterone fuelled 18-21 year old boys (and they ARE boys regardless of what they think!!) An afternoon of team building exercises saw Scanners and I become the butt of many a practical joke. Great dinner and a DVD. Pleads of please can we go to the pub, its only a mile away fell on deaf ears. Scanners told me to beat it I'd need to manage for one night without a liquid refreshment. The troops were disappointed in me for not pulling that one off I think!

They seemed to manage fine though. Playing at chases at 2am around the landings did not make them most popular with Scanners or me. We took revenge at 7.45am by playing Clubland classics at full blast!!! sweet revenge. A great morning of mountain biking with a superb guide, everyone had a blast. It was great to hear the guys reaction to being is such beautiful surroundings. If the rest of the Cateran is anywhere near as nice as the section I saw its gonna be a memorable race May 09.

Its been a bit rubbish here too. It's not all good for Mrs Mac.
I have had a few requests for updates on my Da, so here goes.

He came through the first cycle of chemo pretty well. Was feeling ok and was quite upbeat. Fast forward 4 or 5 days and he's got a dose of the trotts and the pukes. Puts it down to chemo. Next day more of the same. My Bro chibs him and gets a drip up and fluids iv. 1st bit of good fortune, if it wasn't for the family business he'd be in trouble. Next day a trip in the works van to Hairmyres Hospital and the start of 9 day spell detained at the pleasure of the NHS. Turns out he has renal failure as a result of chemo and dehydration. If he wasn't sorted by my Bro though, It would have been multi organ failure. Oh joy. Anyway he's been "unlucky" to have a stomach infections which is a bit crap to say the least.

So the here and now is this- his kidneys are not strong enough to cope with more chemo so its straight to surgery. His mantra over the past few weeks is "i just want the monkey off my back". the call came today to say into the GRI on Monday and surgery on Thursday. Good your thinking, not Fast Eddie, it freaks him out. As of tonight is on a proper downer.

If you've read this far you either know me or a bit of a sadist. As Ronan would say life is a roller coaster.... how true that is. There is light at the end of the tunnel, its a bit dark right now but I know its there, Tick Tock.

Thank you all for your concern and words of support.
Mrs Mac x

I proper luv ye's man xoxox

101 ways to hack off a race organiser

2008-09-23T21:29:00.000+01:00

I thought I was finished with RAW for the year, but this post has been a couple of weeks in the making.

You might have read my previous post giving my version of events of that weekend early in September. Well the following account details a series of communications between the race organiser and myself.
No names have been changed to protect the innocent, but heads may roll.....
So, Sept 9th Subversive Runner decides to email the race organiser to thank her for putting on the race and to say how enjoyable it was, all good so far. The problems started for me when she was then advised to read his blog and MINE for good measure. Now while I was not critical of the race (far from it) I did refer to said RO as "the lassie wi a folded bit of paper" not the most complimentary, I know. She read the blogs and seemed to take them in the manner intended.
I however felt that as a fellow local authority leisure trust employee I should maybe set the record straight.

This is a shortened version of our communication-

11/9
MM- Wanted to apologise if you were offended by any of my comments, the ultra community are a bit of a warped bunch. We really enjoyed the race. Well done!

RO- Cant speak now.... still too upset !!!!

12/9
MM- If I spread the word of RAW at Perth ultrafest will you forgive me?

RO-Hmmmmmm..... maybe?

15/9
MM- Sorry, didn't make it to Perth, but SR was spreading the word in Ashtead. Which he should be, it was he who got me in your bad books.

RO- You did it all by yourself!! ha ha . Will you be running next year?

17/9
MM- U havin a laugh, Me? Run? don't think so. I would like to come to the presentation though. I think it would be nice to see.

RO- But you're BARRED!!

19/9
MM- GUTTED !!

You will see that RO is a woman of few words. I don't think she likes me very much. But if she is reading this. Please Miss RO, may I come to the presentation? Pretty please.

MMx

He can organise a P***up in a Brewery

2008-09-20T19:31:00.000+01:00

What about this then...

Get the troops together for a few beers, free beers at that, a BBQ and a good bleather.
Sounds good so far, until you factor in that Mrs Mac had her bloody car and was unable to partake of said free beer. Doh!
Not to worry a never ending supply of Diet Coke was on hand to make me feel sociable.
And sociable it was.

I've said before how I/we don't get the chance to meet people properly on WHW weekend, well this was the perfect opportunity to engage in the banter with eejits, sorry runners, that are friends I've just not met yet.

And so to my new friends, a gent called Jim. A former member of Strathaven Climbing club, who was either impressed or surprised that I know professor Rice. Not a man unfamiliar to most WHW'ers. Jolly nice chat about the benefits of living in Newtonmore.

A lovely lady by the name of Eilish with whom I had a discussion on whether her 11 year old son should kiss his 12 and a half year old girlfriend before she gets braces !!! who'd have thought it.

Then a 1/3 of my RAW compatriots, it was rather quiet as some of the others were otherwise engaged, mee maw mee maw. I have photographic evidence QB...... but banter was had none the less.

And the infamous Jim Drummond who protested his innocence about swearing at me at Auchtertyre this year.

I met lots of really nice people, and driving was not a problem. I think however I have manged to get roped into another little outing that will see some of the extended RAW family get together sometime in October yee haa. Dino and I in the back of Darios motor, drinking Gin and pretending to do backup (again) LOL.

Friday saw the end of my Da's first cycle of chemo. Well he actually got home on Thursday evening, major happy bunny. It took me all my time to convince him that no, he was not fit enough to head up to Bridge of Allan for a swift one as there were two problems with that scenario. 1. he has to avoid confined spaces with lots of people (and it was confined, I'm sure someone moved me by my bottom!!) and 2. He has lost his sense of taste to the ale would be wasted on him.

A good end to a strange week, did it all actually happen.

LMx

Metta Bhavna

2008-09-14T13:23:00.000+01:00

Being a Marshall or backup requires little or no training. On occasion it requires some time in the boozer to get you up to speed with the drinking capabilities of your charges.

No running is required for the duties requested of me but I do like to try.

I like most find that chucking my runners on and getting out in the fresh air helps to clear my head and stave off the madness which is chasing me. This week a nasty cold has kept me indoors (apart from Monday when Irene W ran the back legs off me) which will explain why I had a wee wobble yesterday. The madness is catching up!

This week I have been gladdened to find that kindness and thoughtfulness can be found in the most unlikely places. My Da is being admitted to hospital tomorrow to start his chemo. He hit out with a cracker yesterday, "my a**e is makin buttons" he said when asked how he was feeling about his impending hospital visit. Anyway the goodness... yesterday he sent me a copy of an email he received from Nagpur in India. A place he visits annually on behalf of the FWBO charity. They held a training session and mass meditation to send him Metta Bhavna (loving kindness) cue rivers of tears...... Mrs Mac was a shambles. Add to this the news that my friends mum in Ireland almost burnt the chapel down with the amount of candles she lit. I am thankful to know there are people out there keeping us in their thoughts regardless of distance in years or miles. TY

So if I cant run, music is my therapy. Usually really loud, heavy drum & guitar music. My Ma & Da have passed on some strange musical tastes to the young impressionable Mrs Mac. I share a favorite song with my Dad. Take a minute, sit quietly and listen to this beautiful song.

And finally, I read some really interesting things this week on the WHW forum. The thread entitled "why do we do it" has given me some joy. I particularly enjoyed DQ response "i don't want to be a fat b*******d" but my favorite has to be Fiona's, its deep but I like it. I think it applies to many things, not just Ultras, " if you have to ask the question you wont understand the answer" luv it!!

Hasta la vista,

LMx

Zammo says.....Just Say No

2008-09-09T15:43:00.000+01:00

As mentioned elsewhere on this blog I have a slight problem.

I am a sucker for volunteering for stuff that I know little or on occasion, nothing about.

Someone must have had a word in Mr Murdo Macdonalds shell like coz he seems to caught wind of my affliction. Cut to the night before RAW, a lighthearted discussion of race organisation and learning from experiences. How good it would be to have a big plate of stovies at the end of an ultra. Much better than pasta "coz that 'll turn to mush". Then, I hear my own voice, "what about a plate of scotch broth..... mmmm that would be lovely" and the deed was done. Mr Macdonald was in there like a dug eatin stew. Next thing I know I've got my diary out and I'm penciling in 25/04/09. I will add the Fling to my list.

While I've been away at RAW some fellow strathaven striders have been out there doing some great things. Tom Wilson (whw) and his old muckcer Alan (Doc) Young are cycling LE-JOG. From what I can gather they are doing the first few days with out motorised back-up, and they lost the itinerary before the start. They will be joined later in the week by John (the coach) McGillvary with his motor. I learned last night from Irene W that they are raising money for a prostate cancer charity and ACT. Irene received a call yesterday from a local lady who offered to double what they raised. Well done guys, enjoy your trip.

Also the infamous Mr&Mrs Smith who embarked on their first 1/2 marathon and 10k respectively, on Sunday. The Smiths had signed up some time ago, but when my dad was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer recently, they decided to try and raise some money. They set a £300 target, which was promptly reached in the first night. The running total is around £1500. Guys I am so proud of you!!

If you ran the WHW this year my Da weighed you at Auchtertyre, he has an Osteogenicsarcoma in his shoulder. A cancer usually found in children and young people and on long bones. He is getting lots of mileage out of this, cracking on that he's been telling us for years he's only 19!!! (hes actually 56). Treatment starts on Monday. Im sure he will be there June 09, scales at the ready, now that he knows how to work them lol.

LLx

Rite up Re RAW

2008-09-07T20:17:00.000+01:00

Following a late arrival to the Friday evening rendezvous point it went down hill from there.

Messers Waterman, Hooper and Hamilton tested a new form of ultra preparation with varying degrees of success. 10 pints and an hours kip will not suit everyone, do not accept race advice from any of these individuals. To do so may cause you permanent injury or at least a very sore head in the morning.

The day started well as Teams Hamilton & McVey were transported to the start in an orderly manner. Directions delivered in nearly military fashion by DQ. Much to the annoyance of the lead driver.

Arrival at the muster point to be met with a distinct lack of people. Registration was a relaxed affair with names being ticked off on a folded bit of paper from the lassies pocket. Soon enough the area was filled with familiar WHW family members. Numbers duly distributed and a short walk to the loch for a motivational speech from a "wummin wi chains roon her neck"

They're off.... 21 runners followed thereafter by 40 odd walkers.

Most folk opted for a self supported 44 mile trot. But in time honoured fashion Mark Hamilton opted for a substantial team to pander to his every whim. Said support was dispatched and with local knowledge took the short drive to Muirkirk to source tea and chocolate. A quick stop off to have the first look at Team Hamilton saw all runners through safely and close together. Couple of Londoners were looking slightly worse for wear but chirppy enough. First meeting with the ever present RAYNET and then off to the next stop. Water, sports drink oranges and chocolate were on offer at the next checkpoint, the wonkey bridge.

The lovely (ahem) village of Sorn was the first real feeding station for messers Hamilton, Waterman and Hooper, to be referred to hence forth as Hawdit Dawdit and Bawjaws. Scoff was scoffed and off over the bridge to Catrine.

Catrine swiftly bypassed, and on to Failford for a spot of lunch for the support crew. A nice portion of fish n chips for Dino and a shady bowl of wallpaper paste (soup) for LL. Just a cup of tea for Mr MacDonald. Disaster was averted as Chris our new RAYNET BFF was ordered to give us a shout as out runners approached. Bawjaws stopped for a mo stuffed his face and skipped off up the hill. Followed sometime later by Hawdit and Dawdit who followed the face sutffing lead but couldnt quite manage a skip, more of a hobble. Enthused by words of support akin to "get your sorry a**e up that b****y hill ya pair a numpties" they seemed fairly happy. Support were feeling a little sleepy following lunch, but as they are a hardcore pair manged to stave off any thoughts of a wee nap.

By now Bawjaws was giving it laldy and as requested was getting the job done to facilitate a speedy start to the evenings festivities. So much so that he reached the checkpoint at Annbank a fraction before said support. No worries as our RAYNET friends were on hand to offer necessary pandering if required. By this stage the gap between Bawjaws and Hawdit and Dawdit and widened and support were forced to make a decision between attending to Bawjaws at the finish or our Londoners. A conflab between LL & Dino and the decision was taken and we headed back to Annbank to meet our runners. DQ would need to cope without adulation for the moment.

Unfortunately route markers and accurate mileage was not a feature of this run and when Hawdit was advised that there was somewhere between 10 and 14 miles of running still outstanding LL nearly got her head knocked off!! So, only our airborne chap remaining and eventually a call was patched through to ascertain if an emerg evac was required. A tired but cheery chappy said he was fine to continue and obtain water from our RAYNET contact.

And off to the finish we sped.

Bawjaws by this stage was foaming at the mouth in anticipation of a bottle of ale. LL engaged her teeth and the bottle top was swiftly removed. One happy runner.

Some time later in strolled Hawdit, followd soon after by Dawdit. It has to be said that although delayed Bawjaws did receive a hearty reception from the whole team as he accompanied our final runner on the last stretch of the way.

All in all a good days work. Lots of laughs, and some good prep work done for WHW 2009. Dario will be pleased.
Cut to 9.30pm in the Bank in Prestwick a band of merry WHWers dissect the days proceedings and enjoy a congratulatory sniffter or 3.

A fantastic weekend, very little sleep and a whole load of new friends.

Thanks for the memories troops.

LLx

RAW

2008-08-31T21:07:00.000+01:00

Went for a wee run to Glenbuck today to check out the start point for next weeks race.

Glenbuck is the site of the source of the River Ayr. The Loch at Glenbuck is quite beautiful, even on a dreich day in August.

Glenbuck village (ahem, not quite) is set back off the main road in a wooded hillside approx three miles from Muirkirk. Entering the village feels like your on someones driveway!

Parking is limited, 15-20 max in an anglers carpark next to the loch. Add to this, race day registration and there wont be room to swing a cat. There are also NO facilities at this site.

The start of the race looks as though it follows the driveway back down toward the main road. As mentioned elswhere the signage was not very obvious. This first section was a tarmac road on a slight downhill and it was quite slippy today.

**Warning** anyone intending to access Glenbuck via the B743 Strathaven - Muirkirk DONT. The road is closed from 01/09/08 til 10/09/08. for up to date info click here- http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/devser/roadstrans/road_works.asp

There is not much else to say, as its not a big place. I hope they have told the anglers, coz I dont think they'll be best pleased about being invaded. When I got back to my car around 5pm they were ready for the off. One of them had a bottle of the Scottish national drink (not Irn Bru). Sounds like my kind of fishing!!
Very last word, promise. Glenbuck is the birthplace of Bill Shankley, Im afraid that news was wasted on me, as I dont know who the chap is. There is a nice memorial in the village which I thought was a nice touch.

See you next week LMx

Mrs Mac's Road to Madness

Jingle Bells

Out The Door

Geez a joab

Back in the Game

Wheels Fell Off

I must I must.......

Points of view

Ultra Road Trip

In For A Penny In for A Pound

Strathaven Striders via Findon and the Clyde Stride

Speed Bonnie Boat

Defloration of Virgin Backup

Beetroot Juice For Backup?

And The Rest Is History

A Wild Weekend

Ultra Deluded

Ignorance Is Bliss

Having a Highland Hoolie

For The Love of a Bad Boy

Belated Birthday Blog

More Torvill and Dean

Fast Black

Hardmoors 55. A Marshals Eye View

Hardmoors 55 2010

Fake Bake And A Couple Of Tinnies

Ups and Downs

It's A Small World

Drunken Mayhem

And The Winner Is???

True Romance

I Like Kids. Couldn't Eat a Whole One Though

Big Brother is Watching

Sweet Revenge

Rockin' and Rollin'

Busy Busy Busy

The Tale of an Old Speckled Hen

Time for a Plan

Off Road, On Road ???

I Don't *Do* Cows

Cairn Table

Don't Mock The Afflicted

Write Up Re RAW 2009

RAW 2009- pre match report

Not So Good With 3

Maximuscle Overdose

Cha'mone Hee Hee - Malky Jackson

Where Has My Mojo Gone?

A Wee Do In The House

Pirate Plans Alternative DoH Weekend

Me, Myself and I

Jimmy Choos For Me Too?

Making Memories

It's OK to laugh too

He has gone. We have lost him.

53 weeks

Not so witty ditty

Resistance Is Futile

Put To Bed

There's gonna be weather

Up for it?

Gala Day Tapering

Tick tock tick tock

A big boy did it and ran away.

It's all over now

Subversive Saddling

Be Beep: Hello?

Baby Steps

.....and the winner is.....Oh No!!!

The good, the bad & the ugly

Bloodsucking Brady Bunch on tour

Oh yes , it can be done....

Nasty cheese burgers

Two 21st's and an 18th

Tales of the Unexpected

2009, Bring it On !!

Ho Ho Ho

Mrs Mac isney well :-(

Run With the Wind 2009

Do NOT look under the bed!!!

I Don't Do Cows