lt’s 8.30 on a Sunday morning and I am driving into Glasgow. All sorts of things are going through my head - did I remember my Chip and Velcro strap, where will I park, have I got my water bottle, do I need the loo (again), is there a hill in the course, will I manage to finish. I tell myself its silly, it’s not a life or death situation - just go for it girl, and remember your weeks of training - but I am really nervous. And all because this is my first 10K.

However after parking I made my way to Cochrane Street for the shuttle bus and there I met some of my jogging buddies. Soon the nerves changed to excitement and at times almost hysteria as we laughed, joked, supported and encouraged each other before the big event.

Linda (on the the right) with some other jogscotland Chryston runners

Getting off the bus we paid a final visit to the toilets and made our way to the Green assembly point (Green means you have a predicted time of 65-90 minutes for the race). Being my first race I wanted to take it slow and steady - well really I just wanted to finish. When we arrived at our assembly point in Nithsdale Road there was just a mass of women as far as the eye could see, I had never seen so many women in one place before - not even at the January sales. Music erupted and the warm up began. We danced through some aerobic workouts, sang, clapped and cheered till the start time. Way, way, ahead of us we could hear the race had started. Slowly and steadily we inched our way forward to the start line and the mats which would activate our chips. I glanced down several times to ensure mine was still there - is was.

Hands held high, we smiled at the cameras as we crossed the start mats. There were a lot of supporters around at this point. I do think the people in Nithsdale Road deserve a huge thank you from all of us as they are virtually imprisoned in their houses until thousands of us have jogged passed. I don’ t know the collective name for a crowd of women joggers - anyone got any ideas?

We are still smiling and talking together at this point and wait is that the sound of pipes I hear? - yes we have just completed our first kilometre. The atmosphere and my buddies have helped; I am beginning to feel relaxed and confident. Remember your weeks of training girl, deep breaths, relax those shoulders and just keep going. I didn’t wear a watch so I had no idea of how I was doing but the kilometre markers kept on coming, 2, 3, 4, 5 - half way and into Pollock Park. I have lost my jogging buddies at this point but among the crowds of running women it is no surprise that we got separated. I was feeling pretty good until we got to the dreaded ‘hill’.

Everyone had told me the route was fairly flat until the hill in Pollock Park, which although not steep appeared endless. I was about to see for myself. Now what did Margaret tell you about running hills - oh yes - small steps, lean into it slightly, slow your pace and make those elbows work for you. I kept it going and I have to say (quietly, because I don’t want to admit it) it was not that bad. You see when Margaret and the other jog leaders take you round some of the training routes around Chryston you come across some real hills.

Kirsty in yet another photo

On Dumbreck Road now and passing the 9 kilometre mark, I am beginning to feel a little tired now but with only one more kilometre to go nothing is going to stop me. The body is a little weak but the mind is kicking in now, I am determined to continue. The spectators lining the route thickened as we approached Bellahouston Park and the finish line encouraging everyone with their comments. Crossing the finishing mats I felt tired but excited and a little emotional. I had completed the course in 1 hr 17 min. Ok, so it’s not exactly world shattering but I felt very proud of myself. I had slow jogged all the way round at a steady pace and look forward to my next 10K with the knowledge that I can do it.

I met up with some of my buddies in the park and we did some gentle stretching for a couple of minutes. I felt a bit of a fool doing this but the next day it made it worthwhile. I suffered no aches or reactions to the race. However, a work colleague of mine was ever so slightly stiff the next day. When I asked if she had stretched at the end of the race she said ’stretch - no, I went straight to the pub for a burger and a beer’. Now tell me, who did the right thing?

I have to give a huge thank you to all the jog leaders and my jogging buddies at Chryston who helped and supported me through the race and the weeks of training beforehand. It was all worth it and as for another 10K - BRING IT ON.

Linda Bruce

Apologies to Linda for taking so long to add this to the website - Adrian

The Bank Holiday weekend dawned sunny and bright, as 13 intrepid Jog Scotland runners assembled in Chryston on Saturday morning, ready, not to run, but to drive! We were heading up – and then down – to Campbletown, to take part in the Mull of Kintyre (MOK) 10k and half marathon. I was looking forward to the weekend, though not to the weather; the forecast showed a big black cloud, two drops of rain and winds of 21mph!

However, arriving some 6 hours later, after a long leisurely lunch, the sun was still shining. We checked in to two very comfortable & friendly B&Bs, walked round the town, sampled the local hospitality and fuelled up at the pasta party held as part of the event. We then decided on an early night and, after a bit more hospitality, headed for bed.

Both races set off from the town centre at 10.30am, and with the weather still dry, but breezy, the 500 runners set off, up the hill and out of town. After a few hundred metres, those doing the half marathon kept running straight ahead, while I, and the rest of the 10k runners, went right, heading back to the coast.

Catriona (2 from left, bottom row) and the rest of the jogscotland Chryston runners

The run was probably the most scenic one I’ve ever taken part in. The green hills and twinkling sea worked wonders, helping me to pick up my feet and distracting me from feeling too knackered. The route took us round the harbour and along the bay before heading inland a little, through a small housing estate and then back – downhill, hurrah! – into the town and along to finish at the sports centre. It was a lovely run, not least because the course doubled back on itself in two places. I had initially thought that this was not ideal; but in actual fact, getting the opportunity to pass your friends, whether in front of you or behind, and exchange a few words of encouragement, was great! The race marshals too, were fantastic. I don’t think I managed to pass one without them clapping or offering a friendly comment. Combined, the two things made the run feel cosy. Hearing my name called out as I crossed the finish line added to the feeling and a sweaty hug from one of the girls made it complete. Happy and sweaty, it was time for a cup of tea and a Danish.

Catriona McDougall

Thanks to Margaret Sinclair for her expert skills in organising our trip, and for recommending those Danish pastries. The best I’ve ever tasted!

Congratulations to everyone who went, and notably to Gemma who came 3rd in the 10k (thanks to all those vodkas), and to Cathy, 3rd in the half marathon with an amazing PB.

(Click here for race and “danish pastry” photos)

I’m going to suggest to race organisers to design a new t-shirt for this race ‘I ran the Balfron 10k - and survived!!’

This is one race where the term undulating was more than stretching the truth.

Registration was between 9 and 10.30, so to ensure I could get a good parking spot and avoid the crowds I was there nice and early. I sat and listened to some of the coverage for London Marathon and while they were sweltering in +20 degrees our temp was a very chilly 10. The sky was thick with cloud and it was drizzling - perfect running temp!

The organisers had laid on stalls for selling raffle tickets, baked goods, juice and fruit. We had the use of the schools Games Hall toilets and shower rooms and the queues were moving quickly - although I must be getting used to this racing malarkey cause only had to visit loo twice - a new PB!

Headed to the start and it was very crowded, there didnt seem to be enough space between the expected finishing times so everyone was was a bit squashed. Then we were off. We did a loop of the roundabout at the school and then out onto Roman Road. The club runners were away very fast and as usual I was nearer the back of the pack (where the fun is!) The road very quickly turned into the ‘undulating’ route that we were promised and from there it never halted to twist and turn and rise and fall before us I lost track of the number of inclines. I was running beside another woman for a wee while but she left me by about 4k, met up with a couple of jogscotland ladies (dont know which group) who have entered there first half marathon in Elgin this year. There was a great camaradarie amongst the runners near the back and the route was our main cause of hilarity!!

Got to 5k and the turning point and I was knackered and the thought of going back really felt too much - but my car was back at the start so had to get there somehow. at this point I was at just above walking pace. I gave in several times and walked up some of the hills. My legs had turned to lead. The runners around me kept passing each other time and again as we all seemed to take turns in walking then running. At 7k there was a water station and they had kids from the Primary School handing out bottled water and they were hilarious, shouting encouragement and telling us the finish was just round the corner - aye right.

There was great support along the route, mainly from people (!) - but we did have a herd of cows watching us as well - god they stink! Finally I could see the houses of the village and knew it wasnt too far, and sure enough I came up to the high school and roundabout. There was another woman running beside me now and she said ‘do you fancy a wee race sprint for the finish’ to which we both started laughing and somehow found the energy to belt it over the finish line together. Hysteria had now set in. I completed the race in 1hr 8mins and 21secs - a new PW!!

Once over the finish line people from the Co-op were carrying big platters of cut up oranges and I have never been so grateful and I kept grabbing one whenever they passed me. Got my t-shirt - which you only got if you had paid for the race in advance, and a medal plus a wee goody bag with a chocolate cereal bar in. Heard a bloke behind me complaining to the organisers regarding the comments on the race website that the route would be suitable for beginners and I have to say that I agree with him, it was a very tough course and if you were just starting out that could put you off.

I am very thankful that our routes on Tuesday nights the previous few weeks had been hilly and round the country roads, otherwise I dont know how I would have managed it.

And I think a wee jogscotland outing to this route would be beneficial for us all - although I am sure on that night I cant get a babysitter!!

Shirley Ann Duncan 

On Sunday 22 April, as it seemed half the world was preparing to line up at the start of the London Marathon I found myself on the opposite side of the English Channel, in Belgium, also preparing to run a marathon, that being the inaugural ‘Antwerp City Marathon‘. As I had done London a couple of times I had fancied a change of marathon venue and combining a weekend in Belgium with running a marathon seemed like a good idea. (How can running a marathon be described as being a good idea I hear you ask!) Anyway……….

We arrived on Saturday late afternoon and having picked up our running numbers etc. found ourselves ready to experience the Saturday night attractions of Antwerp. As many of you will know, Belgium is famous for (amongst other things) the quality of its chocolate and beer. Although I have been known to sample a chocolate or two in my time I am probably better known for my passion for the latter of these two products. Possibly a difficult evening lay ahead and this proved to be the case as the very welcoming bars of Antwerp did their utmost to lure me into indulging my interest in the science of Belgium brews. However, with 26.2 miles looming the following morning and temperatures of 25 degrees C. forecast, I managed to restrict my intake to some moderate tasting, and it was off to bed at a fairly respectable hour.

The morning of the marathon brought sunshine, clear blue skies, and, as predicted, unseasonably high temperatures. As the residents of Antwerp prepared to do whatever Belgian people do on a sunny Sunday morning they were confronted with the sight of myself and around 1000 other allegedly sane individuals preparing to run 26 miles (or 42 kilometers in Belgium money). As the starters pistol sounded at 10am, it was already very warm. it was clearly going to be a day for cautious running.

The first 5 miles or so are run on the west bank of Antwerp’s river, the Scheldt, and pass through some attractive residential suburbs before crossing under the river to the east bank on which the city centre and larger part of Antwerp is situated. This crossing is done via the mile long Waslaand Tunnel which briefly provided an unusual running environment as well as offering a very welcome period of shade. On emerging back into the bright sunshine, I passed the 10K point still feeling O.K. and felt I was making fair progress. The route was predominately flat and the event seemed well organised with excellent traffic management and water stations at every 5K. I continued to run steadily and reached halfway without too much distress. By this time we had passed through the historic centre of the city (to which we would return at the finish) and were now out in the eastern suburbs where many of the residents had come out to cheer the runners, with some even setting up impromptu water and food stations.

I had passed the 35K point (22 miles), which marked the turn towards the city centre and the finish. Although tiring I managed to make steady progress and entered the last mile or so to the sound of cheering crowds. A last effort brought me through the finish line on the Grote Markt (Antwerp’s main square). Having received my medal, T-shirt etc. it was time to quickly head for a shower. After all, I had a hangover to organise………….Cheers!

Enjoying a well earned drink

N.B……I would definitely recommend the Antwerp Marathon as an enjoyable alternative for a spring marathon. The route is almost 100% flat and although being predominately urban does take in a couple of local parks as well as passing through some attractive residential areas where local people offered enthusiastic support and encouragement. If a full marathon isn’t your thing the event also includes a 10mile and a 5K run. The city of Antwerp, particularly the medieval centre, with it’s magnificent cathedral and town hall, plus it’s overwhelming selection of restaurants and bars, proved to be an excellent choice for a weekend break………..Maybe see you in Belgium next year.

Sam Green

Question…

Finally, you have some well-earned time on a Sunday to spend exactly as you wish. What would you choose to do? Would you…

a) Call some friends and arrange to meet for lunch with a couple of glasses (or bottles) of wine, or

b) Grab the credit cards and hit the shops for a retail therapy session, or

c) Rush off to the east coast of Scotland in order to run 10 miles up and down hilly country roads with a biting North Sea wind blowing in your face.

Well would you believe that 45 members of Jogscotland North Lanarkshire choose option “C” (Whit are they like?), and on the 4th March headed up to Arbroath to tackle the “Smokies 10″ ladies race organised by Arbroath Footers. This excellent event is now well established on the running calendar and is particularly well known for it’s superb apres-race buffet.

However, this was far from the minds of our intrepid Jogscotland team of cake samplers, (sorry, Athletes) as they arrived in Arbroath in their luxury coach totally focused on the challenge, which lay ahead on the roads around the town.

‘The Smokies’ is run on a challenging 10 mile route to the south west of the town which the host club diplomatically describes as ‘undulating’. (Anyone who has ever done a running event will know exactly what that means!) However, enthusiasm and expectation was much in evidence as the starters pistol released approximately 300 runners on their way. The race to be first back to the buffet had begun for the ladies from North Lanarkshire.

Despite windy and chilly conditions, not to mention those undulations, the race invariably went well for all our Jogscotland team as they reaped the benefit of regular training throughout the preceding months. This had been the 4th time that Jogscotland North Lanarkshire had attended the ‘Smokies’ as a group and many of the ‘veterans’ of the race had improved upon their times of previous years. However a number of the group were tackling 10 miles for the first time and all were successful in completing the run. (Just goes to show that Jogscotland schedules work!)

It was time for a shower, a change into warm clothing, and a discussion of race experiences whilst attacking the now legendary ‘buffet’, both healthy and slightly less healthy options.

The Jogscotland North Lanarkshire group is grateful for the support of North Lanarkshire Council particularly their provision of transport for the group to this event. The success of Jogscotland in North Lanarkshire is reflected by the fact that this has increased from a 12 seater minibus in 2004 to the need for a 50 seater coach for the visit. We also take our hats off to Arbroath Footers for their organisation of this superb event.

Well then just goes to show that using your precious time to run 10 miles up and down hilly country roads with a biting North Sea wind blowing in you face is much more enjoyable than a boozy lunch or retail therapy……………..Well maybe.

Margaret Deas