Operation Amsterdam is what my family and friends describe as my approach to my first ever marathon! This is because I had researched so much into my training plan, what to eat, what not to eat, what to drink, what, when, where……that it became my life for four months this summer.

The wonderful idea??????? all started at a lovely night out with my fellow JogScotland members and jog leaders, where after one or two glasses of wine, I thought I would announce to everyone that I was considering doing a marathon. I thought since there were others that had also had a small aperitif that evening that no one would remember that I had mentioned doing a marathon and that all would be forgotten. However that was lesson 1, there is always someone who will remember something that you had blurted out in a moment of weakness!!!

So since I am not one to shy away from a new challenge, I decided to put it in my new year’s resolution, along with giving up drink and not saying anything stupid at JogScotland social events.

My marathon preparation started with a trawl through the many websites about training, the location of various marathons and comments from others who have participated in marathons. I also got lots of advice, direction and encouragement from all of the jog leaders. I eventually decided on the Amsterdam Marathon, yes the flattest, flat, oh did I mention no hills or inclines!!!

The Amsterdam Marathon was on the 19th October 2008 and I decided because it was my first marathon to go for a 16 week training plan which started on the 30th June 2008. From the start of the year up until June I was running on average 4 or 5 times a week, so therefore around 28 – 30 miles. The Saturday run with JogScotland was really good for keeping my mileage up at 8 – 10 miles. My main aim was to try and maintain good fitness.

Week 1 of my training regime was 29 – 33 miles, which meant 6.0 miles with JogScotland Cumbernauld Group on the Monday, 6.5 miles with JogScotland Chryston Group on the Tuesday, 5.0 miles on my own in sunny Kilsyth on Wednesday, 5.0 miles with Jogscotland Chryston on Thursday, a rest on Friday, 8.0 miles with Chryston JogScotland on Saturday morning and a rest on Sunday. This routine went on for 16 weeks increasing the mileage slightly every week until week 12 where this was my biggest week in which I ran 50 miles in one week. By week 12 you are used to the routine, you have bought yet another pair of trainers, put your toes through so many pairs of socks, that incredibly you manage to complete 50 miles by just taking your time and having some patience.

I can’t say that week 8 through to week 13 of the training plan was easy, but it was my first attempt at a marathon. During the toughest period, I do have to thank all of the JogScotland members and jog leaders for getting me through the routine. It wasn’t that I was suffering any pain, I had no injuries throughout my training period, well apart from some bruised toes and feet, but I blame 7 hours shopping on Oxford Street in London for that. The main issue I had when the mileage was high was motivating myself to run 5 days a week. So I looked forward to coming along to JogScotland to run with others who had a story to tell and would get me through another couple of miles.

I really enjoyed training week 14 through to week 16, because I was excited, everyone was asking me about the run and the mileage was back to between 20 and 30 miles per week.

The marathon was on a Sunday and I flew over to Amsterdam with family on the Friday afternoon. On Sunday, I was so keen to get to the start line I turned up at the stadium two hours early and the stadium wasn’t open. So I wondered around and I got a glimpse of the top athletes going out for a quick warm up. Of course I am standing about in my shorts and t-shirt, freezing to death, thinking oh I not going to do a warm up, I am going to be running 26 miles, that’s enough for one day!

Eventually the stadium opened and all the runners walked to the start line and got themselves into the correct grouping. Walking into the stadium and seeing the crowd did make you feel really excited and for a minute I forgot how long I was attempting to run. The start was like any other race, exhilarating and full of emotion.

In the race, my plan was to take my time, try and enjoy the race and have a good look around me, as I was running through areas I had never seen before. As a Town Planner who had studied the Dutch Planning System I was looking at layout, built form, trees etc, I know BORING, hey what else does everyone go to Amsterdam for????

I must be fair, the first 14 miles of the race were good, I followed a group of people who were averaging between 9 and 10 minute miles. 15 to 18 miles were slower, I was getting dehydrated, lacking sugar and yes wondering why I was doing this!!! Then, THE WALL at 19 miles, it is the first time I have ever stopped in a race, I lost all focus, I was tired and emotional. I stopped, gave myself a good talking to, got some jelly babies out of my pocket, walked for around two minutes and then out the corner of my eye I saw the 4.00hr pacemakers go by. I was determined to start again and keep them in my sight. This was quite easy, they are dressed in green and have huge balloons tied to them. So manage to finish 19 miles, then 20 and then half way through 21 miles my knee started to ache, I couldn’t pick my feet up any more and the knees were getting a pounding. But I didn’t stop, I had come this far, I had all of the focus and determination back, so I carried on. Mile 22, 23 and 24 were tough but at the 25 mile marker there was a much needed water stop. The crowds were beginning to grow and the encouragement for the last mile was superb. As soon as I saw the stadium I was ecstatic, no pain, no tired legs, nothing, I pushed everything to get in through the tunnel and out on to the track. The crowd had doubled from four hours earlier.

As usual when I am finishing a race I am that busy looking for my family and practically walking so that I can see someone I know. Close to the finish line, my parents were bawling my name. What a feeling, before I had even got over the finish line, I thought to myself that was amazing, what an achievement, what’s the next marathon.

I manage to successfully gain entry to the Great North Run in January when I entered a competition in The Guardian newspaper. After finding out that I was in the race, I contacted the tourist information in Newcastle to get accommodation for the weekend. Unfortunately there were only two hotels in the entire Newcastle area which had rooms available on that date and these were priced at £160 per room per night. So a wee caravan site on the edge of Berwick upon Tweed, for four days and the full family coming along to cheer me on was what I did!!

On the morning of the race, we all left at 8.00am to head for a Metro Park and Ride facility on the northern edge of Newcastle. At the Metro Station, the platform was crowded with jittery runners and tired looking relatives/supporters. It took three attempts to get on a train and therefore by the time I managed to squeeze into a carriage at my third attempt it was getting close to 9.30am. As everyone got out at Haymarket Station in the centre of Newcastle, there was a surge of people going in one direction, to the start line.

I got to the start line around 10.15am, just in time to hear Bobby Robson (ex England and Newcastle Football Manager) start the race. Managed to see a bit of that on the big screen which is positioned close to the start of the race. Getting into the assembly area was a battle and I ended up at the back of the group. Anyway I was in position and ready to go. I then realised that I was one of thousands in the middle of a duel carriageway in the centre of Newcastle. The atmosphere was electric, there was a great sense of anticipation mixed in with nerves and excitement. Then, the crowd in front of me started to move forward and we were off!! Well not exactly running, but walking very slowly forward towards the start line. It took around 20 minutes to get from the initial assembly area to the start line. The cheer as we all went through the start line was incredible and we all had to smile for the camera.

For the first mile or so there are four lanes of runners jockeying for positions. There were the usual runners who were in a hurry and others who had stopped already to catch their breath. As the route flowed up and down through Newcastle City Centre and towards the Tyne Bridge there was a group song and chanting, everyone was in such high spirits. Approaching the Tyne Bridge gave me goose pimples, as normally I am watching the race on the TV wishing that I could be in the race and more to the point wishing that I was fit enough to take part in such a race. And there I was running over the bridge with the eyes of the BBC on me.

After the Tyne Bridge, nearly two miles into the run, I decided to try and apply my race plan, which was to try and stick to nine minute miles for at least the first 6 miles. The three mile marker was Gateshead Stadium and I was beginning to settle in to a rhythm and a quick look at my watch told me I was at 27 minutes. Great I was on target!!!

Between the 4 mile marker and the 6 mile marker, the crowds at the side of the road began to thin down but the crowds of people that were running the race was incredible. There was very little room to manoeuvre and when you see one person making a break through the crowds of runners, many people tried to follow. I found two reasonable runners to tag along with and kept following them through the crowds. It was a wee game of cat and mouse, but it kept my pace up and I was concentrating on either following them or keeping in front of them.

At the half way marker, a reggae band was playing, there was a drinks stop and a big clock telling you what your time was. I was doing well 58 minutes gone and half way to the finish. There is a slight incline between the 7 mile marker and the 10 mile marker, but just before 8 miles the music blasting out of a bank of speakers was, ‘Can’t stop me now, I’m having such a good time!!’ Yes it was Queen blasting out for all to hear.

Climbing up to the 12 mile marker was the point at which my legs were tiring, my time was getting worse, I was running out of water and feeling quite sorry for myself. However at the top of the incline, with massive crowds of support, the sight of a pub and then a steep downwards section, I was off again. After the 12 mile marker, you see the sea and you know you are nearly there. The last mile did feel like two or three miles because of the tired legs, but this section is very flat and the roars from the crowds allow you to keep moving. The finish line is a wee bit complicated there are different lanes which you are ushered into and your time is recorded. After the finish line it is chaos, there are so many people and the family reunion area is massive. Just as I got the reunion area, the Red Arrows flew over the finishing area, it was a great end to a great race.

The important thing for me was that I enjoyed the race, the atmosphere and the occasion and I also took 2 minutes off my Glasgow Half Marathon time.

My rating for runners running in the Great North Run 10 out of 10. My rating for those trying to get to the finish line to see you complete the run 1 out of 10. My advice is ensure that those who are supporting you head straight for the finish line around 10.00am and then after the race enjoy South Shields taking in a few hostelries as you have a long wait trying to get back to Newcastle.

At last! The day had finally arrived! Sunday 9th September 2007 – and my first 10K! Although i had only been training for the past 3 months, it felt like I had been waiting for ever to have a go! Would all the training all be in vain, would this result in a public humiliation? Would I crawl back to the safety of my couch defeated? – today I would find out!

The training had been good fun. 3 months ago following an article in the Cumbernauld News I ventured along to my first training session at Chryston – alone – Billy No Mates. I didn’t need to worry, every one was very welcoming and i settled in quickly. Such was my enthusiasm that I told everyone about my new pursuit, and shortly afterwards I was accompanied by Jackie (my daughter), Bruce (her boyfriend) and Kevin (a friend). Everyone at Chryston encouraged each other, towards our one goal – the 10K. At home my wife Liz made it quite clear there was no giving up – after all I just spent our hard earned cash on brand new running shoes!

The run was due to start at 10am, so we arrived at Broadwood Stadium at 9.30 in preparation. The usual Sunday breakfast of Bacon Rolls had been banished and I had consumed the obligatory banana instead! Quickly we met up with some of the others from Chryston, and all chatted about the run – everyone agreed time didn’t matter, just finishing is what matters! The morning was dry and overcast, so probably ideal for what we were doing. Some of us were familiar with the route as we had completed a practice run over the course several weeks before. This really helped and although I didn’t tell the others, I was determined to beat my previous time of 62 minutes!

Before setting off i had a quick look around and noticed there was the full range of runners, from complete beginners to obviously some professionals – almost 400 runners in total.

Just after 10am, the run set off initially skirting the edge of Broadwood Loch, quite scenic but lets concentrate on the matter in hand! I linked up with one of the other runners from Chryston and as is my reputation chatted non stop for the first 20 minutes or so. This probably annoys the hell out of others, but it takes my mind off the running! After the loch we ploughed up several gradual inclines (not hills apparently!) and seemed to be making good time. I kept going and deliberately pushed myself a bit faster than i was used to and after about 40 minutes arrived back at the loch. The route then concluded with a 3KM run round the edge of the loch which was a bit disconcerting as it meant running away from the stadium and finishing line rather than towards it. By now my legs were feeling quite weary and it was a case of gritting teeth for the last stretch – the crowd and stewards were great in their encouragement. The final run up to the finishing line was great as the larger crowds cheered us in. – 54 minutes! I was delighted!

At the finish line

Everyone did really well and there was great relief as we all collected our mementos, took photographs and relayed our stories. It really did feel like a great achievement, and I think we all felt quite proud!

We had all achieved our goal, now we can chuck this madness in and relax,…. but hold on, didn’t somebody mention a 10K coming up at Strathclyde Park – Oh! No! have we got the bug?!

Andy Locke

(All Cumbernauld 10k results can be found here)

My first half marathon and the nerves had set in the week before the race when I received my race pack through the post. I don’t know why, I had done all the training beforehand, rigidly stuck to my 12 week training plan, well apart from the bit about drinking less alcohol! Anyway for all the nerves and anxiety seven days in the lead up to the race, on the start line, I felt fine and ready to go.

Jimmy Savile waved us all off at 10.10am and the runners snaked through Glasgow City centre streets. My tactic for the race was as normal, take it easy at the start, don’t let the occasion get the better of me and run comfortably for the first few miles, hoping to do 10 minute miles. The first mile was really slow, at walking pace going over the Kingston Bridge in parts. However it was good to settle the nerves and get the right tunes on my i-pod. The next three miles went by in a flash and believe it or not I was really enjoying the race.

Heading back down towards the Clyde and Paisley Road West, the streets were getting busy with vehicles, pedestrians and of course runners. Paisley Road West is quite a long road which stretches out as far as the eye can see. All I could see were thousands of bobbing heads. The support along the road was great as shopkeepers and residents came out to cheer us on.

Between 4 and 8 miles, the route snakes around Bellahouston Park and then into Pollok Park, all too familiar route if you participate in the ladies 10K run in May. However, the quiet tree lined paths around the parks were welcomed at this point in the race. The trees provided much needed shade from the sunshine and the paths meandering through the green space were reasonably quiet apart from a few thousand runners puffing their way to the finish. The slight incline (not hills) in the park also separated the men from the boys and there were a few who decided it was time to walk. At the end of Pollock Park it is back out on to the bustling Glasgow streets and a welcome cheer from many supporters who lined the streets at this section. Having looked at the map in the race pack before hand I knew if I got to this point then that would be nearly 9 miles, it was a great psychological boost. The tired legs and negative thoughts which were creeping in completely disappeared and the head was down and the march to the finish was on.

From 9 miles to 12 miles it was a carnival atmosphere, supporters at the roadside, the stewards controlling the traffic and giving out water were giving us great support, people giving out oranges, soaking us with water, local radio stations blasting out music, it was great.

Pollockshaws Road is another long street, where again runners stretch out in front of you and at this point I could feel the legs tiring. However I got a welcome boost when I bumped into a few familiar faces from jogscotland and then saw the 12 mile marker, only one mile to go, how hard can it be!

The last mile was horrible, I could hear the cheers from the finish line but it made no difference, the legs were tired, lots of runners had stopped or started to walk. Just when I thought about stopping, a jogscotland member flew past and gave me some encouragement and I was away again. I didn’t catch her but she did help me find some rhythm again and I managed a sprint finish. My watch stopped at 2 hours, 7 minutes and 41 seconds, not bad. Now the countdown and all of the preparation starts again for my next race, The Great North Run!!!

Sharon Marklow

This was the first time that this race had taken place and was advertised as a fun run, aimed especially at new runners and ‘race novices’, offering a friendly atmosphere and a relatively gentle course around Broadwood Loch in Cumbernauld. So with this in mind, a few of us thought we would swap our usual Thursday jogscotland session for a run around the loch and surrounding area. Gordon, Greg, Carol, Lindsey, Kirsty, Bruce, Andy, Kev and I were all there – numbers pinned, laces tied and water in hand.

As we arrived we gathered together discussing the route and how many ‘undulations’ there was likely to be. Watching the ‘professionals’ warming up, some of our group began to feel a little nervous and intimidated.

Eventually we were called to the start and were off! Before long we were disappearing up the hill towards Westfield and in next to no time after turning the corner we were plunging back down towards the loch. Around the loch was a relatively flat run and very scenic. All in all it was a very pleasant route and a good evenings running.

In high spirits, our medals sitting proudly around our necks, clutching our goody bags, we left exultant planning our next excursion into the world of road running.

Val McDonald

Congratulations to all of our runners