Fireworks!

When I started as a leader with JogScotland a few years ago I had to consider that a number of the joggers under my leadership were pretty nervous of running past the assorted neddery that passes as lowlife in the vale of Leven and in the lead up to Guy Fawkes one problem is the use of fireworks as an intimidatory weapon. However, on Guy Fawkes night when there are displays all over the country, there is less opportunity for showing off by the bad boys and running the streets with displays all round was a brilliant experience. Last night being a JogScotland night and Bonfire Night meant I was keen to get out, but most of my group were missing, presumably having been dragged off to displays by their kids and only two of the girls turned out. We did a quick 40 minute run which was enough for one of them, who was not as experienced as the other, so we called it a day after about 3.5 miles, just in time to get to the TV to watch some pub teams playing at Parkhead. The football was probably responsible for the diminished amount of fireworks this year, with half the West of Scotland watching Celtic and the other half watching Man U!
This morning my wife had a dental appointment and I went along as her taxi as she was having a couple out. She wasn't that bad she couldn't go shopping. We were after a dinner service to replace the one we've been using for 9 years, and I was dragged round half the stores in Clydebank, to no avail. However...... TK Maxx did have a pair of Brasher walking boots at £69.99 (RRP £110) and Mairi took so much trouble finding them and pointing them out, that I felt kind of obliged to take the opportunity...... and a couple of pairs of long socks to go with them. Well, I did feel that wearing trail shoes on my last walk was a bit iffy, especially on the rough downhill, so hopefully these will help. Then I had to tell her that I had bought two pairs of gloves and a hat in Achilles Heel on Wednesday. Oh and I'll need a couple of pairs of running tights soon....... see me, see retail therapy. Oh and she did get a new comb for the dog.

To the club tonight for a 7 miler. From the club we went round Burnbrae and then the Polaroid 10k course. We left at 6.15 sharp, leaving Ed behind as he didn't know we were away, and before Steph arrived...... blame Jimmy guys! Jimmy, Geraldine and Garry were my companions for a steady run. Some of us are doing the Glasgow Uni 5 miler on Saturday which is the last race in this years road race championship, and then a 15 miler at 8am on Sunday. Leaving from the club.
A cup of tea and some toast and cheese in the centre cafe with JR who always has plenty of sound advice for me with regard to the WHW. Between Jim's advice and the companionship of the club members, not to mention the WHW group training runs, I will have no excuse for failing to cover the training required. My only worry is injury or illness but, other than taking as much preventative care as I can, that is something I can't control. One good bit of news this week on the club front is that JR's group have decided to enter two teams for the Fling relay. Little do they know how the bug will get them!

On the WHW blog front I was sorry to see that Brian McIntosh has suffered an ankle ligament injury. I offered some advice re strengthening exercises, but his unfortunate accident reminded me of something I read a while back that I had saved for future reference. When I saw the runners at the WHW race presentation hobble up to collect their goblets and the esteem in which they held Dario I thought it would be good to see this on t-shirts to be worn at the presentation. It is an anonymous Gaelic Blessing (in English)

May those who love us, love us
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts;
And if He doesn't turn their hearts
May He turn their ankles
So we'll know them by their limping
Author Unknown