The Jimmi Henshite Experiences

Whit’s the possibility?

2023-08-23T16:40:00.004+01:00

Two ugly sisters went doon

to Kilmarnock looking for a dance.

Their likes, you’d never seen.

One dressed in Royal Blue,

the other, in Emerald Green.

They laughed and joked,

and lifted their froaks.

Flashed their legs, and purses too.

Identical twins, through and through,

though one was green, and the other blue.

The local lads, they weren’t impressed,

at how they spoke or how they dressed.

and although they twisted the night away,

they danced alone. All night long.

The Killie DJ, played Paper Roses

but he refused to play Please Stay,

that smooching song by The Crying Shame,

so empty handed they went hame,

those two ugly sisters who looked the same.

Ian Goudie

©Ian Goudie 2023

Alloa Half - depression run

2015-03-17T08:50:00.001+00:00

My original intention was to make Alloa my main race of the year but getting called up from the waiting list for both of the energy sapping Strathaven Half Marathon and Hillbilly Cross Country races had put that in doubt, on top of this a recent calf strain had derailed my training plan. In the end it was a last minute decision to run the race.

I’ve also been unwell for over six months now, during which time my weight has continued to decrease. I’m now less than 12 stone for the first time in memory. Last Wednesday. my Doctor doubled my Temazepam dosage and the week before she upped my Venlafaxine, so it’s perhaps not too surprising with these chemicals running around my brain that things didn’t go quite to plan. Which was now just to get round the 13.1 miles without too much damage.

It was good to catch up with loads of running friends prior to the race, including Toni McIntosh who was making her running comeback. The weather conditions were almost ideal for racing and, stupidly, I lost focus and started way too quickly, running the first mile in 7:02 and the second in 7:03! My PB is 96mins, which equates to 7:20 pace.

The hill at mile three helped to slow me down and the next two miles took 7:45 and 7:25 respectively but by now mydepression was now kicking in and I was mentally struggling and seriously thinking of pulling out of the race. I convinced myself that if I could keep going to mile six, that would be almost half way and I would then need to finish the race. Miles five and six took 7:08 and 7:24.

I knew that I was still running well but my mind was playing tricks with me and I continued to battle against the demons but, at least, I’d now passed the half way point.

However things were put into perspective around the seven mile mark, where the route goes out and back. As we turned left, I saw a fellow runner being treated by the medical staff and clearly heard one saying “he’s stopped breathing”. I’m glad to say that, Dr Allie Chong, realised that the man was having a heart attack, and stopped to give him CPR before the ambulance arrived (hospitalised now but reportedly doing fine).

The Course

I kind of lost it over the next few miles, negative thoughts were flooding my mind and a my focus was now on getting to the tenth mile, when I’d only have 5k to go.

I continued to struggle, whilst a number of friends and running buddies overtook me. The field this year was a lot bigger than my last outing in 2010, when some 977 completed the course, this year 1661 finished. (Although I’m sure the commentator said that 3,200 had registered). I did try to hang on to other runners and it worked for a while but then I’d suddenly realise that they were no longer visible.

I was glad to get the tenth mile under my belt but I knew that the most physically challenging part of the race was still to come as we turned left up the Menstrie Brae to Tullibody.

I’m afraid that I resorted to walking a few steps up the hill and again a bit later. I’m pleased to say that the other racers encouraged me to keep on running. By this stage my legs were also starting to stiffing up and my calf was hurting, so I knew that it wasn’t all in my mind.

Really Struggling….. pic by Gordon Donnachie

The last 5k seemed to go on for ever but I convinced myself to keep going, no matter how slowly. From somewhere, I found enough strength to sprint along the final strait.

Final Sprint

I crossed the Finish Line and, all of a sudden, I felt my legs turning to rubber as I collapsed in a heap. The medical team took care of me.

I hadn’t stopped my Garmin and I had to wait for the results to be published before realising that I had placed 428th out of 1661 finishers, with a time of 98:42. Not a PB but the second fastest of the seventeen Half Marathons that I’ve done. Let’s hope that the eighteenth one is less eventful than the previous two.

On a more positive note, it was great to see so many friends, thebefore, during and after the race. Although I didn’t hang around too long at the end.

As usual, many thanks to everyone associated with the event, not least of all the medical teams.

Mucho Mass Bellas as Bernie Bolts to Victory

2015-02-16T15:51:00.000+00:00

Some of the 49 Bella Harriers at Pollok parkrun

Jack Arnold

As luck would have it both Bellahouston running clubs had a 'mass' parkrun at Pollok Park on Saturday. The 49 Harriers and 24 Road Runners, helped to squell the ranks to 451 participants, one of the largest ever.

Whilst there were no records broken, there were some decent runs in both the men's and women's races. Cambuslang's Gordon Robertson crossed the line first, with a time of 16:24, ahead of Bellahouston Harrier Jack Arnold in 16:37 and Bella Road Runner Ciaran Dougherty in 17:00.

Bernie O'neil

In the women's race, it was a clean sweep for the Harriers, who not only placed 1,2, 3 but also 4,5,and 6 as well. Bernie O'neil led the female Harriers home with a huge PB of 20:21, just ahead of Jennifer Clark (also 20:21), Susan MacRitchie (20:40) placed 3rd, Erica Christie (21:26) 4th, Caroline Cochran (21:43) 5^th and Janine Dickie 6^th with a PB of 21:49.

For my part, I wan't feeling great and had set myself the task of having a steady run, however when Erica Christie overtook me, I immediately increased the pace and returned the compliment, we played leap frog a total of four times before Erica broke away at the 4k point. My strong finish just wasn't quite good enough to catch her for the fifth time and she crossed the line one place and one second ahead of me. I was happy enough to place 71^st in 21:47, my second fastest time since May 2011 and my eighth fastest time, out of 115 at Pollok. I also managed a rare victory over Road Runner Keith Gibb for only the fourth time this decade¬

Erica in hot pursuit

Once again many thanks to all my fellow runners and the volunteers too for making my Saturday morning run a little more fun. A special mention to Bellahouston Harrier Christopher Steward who completed his century of parkruns on Saturday and Dan Maher who ran his 250^th!

Full Results Here

Pics by Brian Douglas

I had a black dog, his name was depression..................................

2015-02-12T15:43:00.001+00:00

and the follow up living with a black dog

Super Volunteers Ensure Victoria parkrun 62 Takes Place

2015-02-03T10:46:00.000+00:00

Runners listen carefully to an explanation of the amended route

It was 50/50 as to whether Victoria parkrun would take place on the last day of January. The ice had taken its toll on the course, particulary on the route through the floral gardens. However the volunteers excelled themselves by not only braving the cold weather but quickly amending the Start and Finish and rerouting the course along the side of the pond, rather than through the gardens. They even managed to grit some of the worst parts of the path before 176 runners descended on the west end park. Whilst the conditions may have deterred a few regular runners, a number of others had made their way westward from the cancelled Pollok parkrun.

After the route changes had been explained to us and we had been warned of the icy undefoot conditions, we reassembled at the amended Start and were set on our way at 9:36am. It wasn't a day for PBs so I settled into a steady pace. I still had to work hard, particularly in the long sections which ran into the Arctic headwind. After three laps, I sprinted down the rerouted final strait, overtaking, sub 20min runner, Chris Furse to cross the line in 21:14, although this was 30secs slower than my PB but I did manage to place 27^th, my highest ever at Victoria park. I was happy enough with my race in two days, considering the conditions. However one person who performed even better was my fellow Bellahouson Harrier, Derek Shand who ran a PB of 21:00 to place 23^rd.

Results

Up front, Stewarton's Andy McGhee completed the 5k in a time of 18:00 to take Gold, ahead of Keith Wall (18:18) and Iain Littler (18:22).

Antrim's Jo Patterson

In the women's race, Antrim's Jo Patterson ran to glory in a time of 20:16, ahead of Garscube's Aileen Wilson (21:07) and Westerland's Karine Salin (21:46).

In the Super Veteran Category, John Gilhooly's time of 18:28 was enough to beat his Bellahouston RR club mate Al MacLachlan (18:49) with myself (Ian Goudie) placing third.

In the women's 50+ Cat, it was Maggie McKeith who took the honours with a time of 25:30, ahead of Elaine Chellew (26:24) and Jane Scullion (26:35).

Well done to all runners and huge thanks to the volunteers who braved the elements to allow us to run.

Pics by Mary Senior and Ian Goudie Photography

Full Results here

1,2,3 on the icy Green

2015-02-01T09:39:00.002+00:00

1,2,3 for 123 year old Bellahouston Harriers

The inclement weather, which comes with January in Scotland, has made running difficult over the last few weeks and has led to the cancellation, or re-routing, of a number of races, including parkruns. It was no surprise then, that there were concerns as to whether or not the first 3k on the Green of 2015 would take place on the last Friday of the month.

Snow and ice had affected much of Glasgow on the run up to Friday 30^th January but a 9:30am inspection of the 3k course stated: The course is quite icy. The parts that have seen the sun are OK. Turnaround is OK as it's mostly mud and sticks preventing any sliding. Looks like it should mostly clear up for the 12:30 Start of the race. The decision was taken and the race was on!

A number of Bellahouston Harriers had made arrangements, in order to allow them to participate, some for the first time, in the 3k race. They and the others were pleased to get the opportunity to get a race, although a couple of runners decided not to risk the course.

Brrrrr.........

Some 61 runners assembled under the McLellan Arch on Glagow Green and after being reminded that they “run at their own risk” were set on their way at the allotted time.

These were not the conditions for going for a PB, the main target was to get around the course in a reasonable time, without being injured. With a number of runners taking more than 30 seconds longer than usual to negotiate their way around the course, I was happy enough to cross the line in a time of 12:09 and place 29^th. That said, I did have to fight off a strong challenge from the real John Cunningham, particularly around the turning point. I also managed to beat Cambuslang's Eddie Carr for the first time ever.

Up front, Eddie's club mate Shaun Butler placed first with a time of 9:29, ahead of Garscube's Christopher Devine (9:32) and Bellahouston RR Craig Reid (9:40).

In the women's race, it was 1, 2, 3 for Bellahouston Harriers, with Bernie O'neill, on her debut, taking the honours in a time of 11:44. Fellow debutante, Clare Macaulay, earned Silver with her time of 12:03, with Caroline Cochrane, ensuring a clean sweep for the 123 year old club, with a time of 12:19.

Well done to all the other runners and volunteers for making the event such a success. So much so, that the Herald had it listed as one of the Top 10 things to do this Weekend.

Pics by Darren Murray here

Full Results here

First Again! This time at a wind swept Tollcross parkrun

2015-01-10T13:17:00.000+00:00

Victories are like buses you wait for ages then two come along one after another. I had waited 155parkruns to win my first age category last week at Ayr and then I repeated my success today at Tollcross.

I hadn't done a hill session for a while, so I decided to return to the hilly east end of Glasgow parkrun for the first time since May 2014. I ran a course PB of 22:18 in my last outing and was hoping to do the same today but the elements were against me. Gale force winds and rain hadn't helped my insomnia and the signs, were quite literally ominous with Transport Scotland warning of snow as I made my way along the M74.

Tollcross Bandstand

I was aware that a number of parkruns had been cancelled due to the weather but thankfully Tollcross was on, although there were a couple of slight detours across the grass, to avoid large piles of earth on the path. It was good to see some old friends both volunteering and running and to exchange New Year greetings with them before the race. Most people were sheltering from the wind and snow in the bandstand before Christopher McKiddie sent us on our way into the hills and the strong wind.

It was tough going and I was working hard, I found myself playing leap frog with a younger runner in a blue top for the first 3k but then pulled away from him and caught a couple of other runners in the last 2k.

A sprint over the grass on the final strait took me over the line in 14^th place, with a time of 22:26. No PB but only eight seconds off of it, many runners were well over a minute off their PBs today, so I was happy with that and I don't think I could have performed much better in the conditions. The icing on the cake was when I received the results to see that I had, for the second week in succession, placed first in my age group category and second in the overall Age Grade score with a WAVA of 69.69%, only being beaten by the event winner Shaun Butler, who crossed the line in a time of 18:22 and a WAVA of 70.60%.

Fellow Bellahouston Harrier, Darren Murray placed 11^th with a time of 21:54.

Lesley McArdle won the women's race, placing 23^rd overall, in 24:05.

A total of 79 runners braved the elements in this the 89^th Tollcross parkrun, well done to all of them and also to the volunteers who made the event happen.

Full results here

Post Race Note

Great to see that Saturday's performance was good enough to take my handicap down from 9.0 to 8,9. The race was given an SSS of 4.0 and my time earned a vSSS of -0.6. Early 2015 progress.

First Footing and First in Age Groups at Ayr parkrun

2015-01-09T11:30:00.001+00:00

Ayr parkrun

My first race of 2015 was the Ayr parkrun on Saturday 3^rd January. We arrived in Prestwick very late on Friday night from Spain to be welcomed by the wind and the rain. We had left our car at friends in Ayr who also kindly picked us up and gave us a bed for the night. Whilst the wind and the rain had abated by Saturday morning it was still very chilly and the race director pointed out that the course, which is entirely run on trail paths and grass, was heavy going, with a number of puddles and lots of lovely mud.

A decent turnout of 59 runners had made their way to Rozelle Park for the 17^th Ayr parkrun, including Ayrshire based Bellahouston Harrier, Ruairidh Macdonald, and Ayr Seaforth's Toni McIntosh.

Both Maggie and I had particpipated in the inaugural Ayr parkrun, when our race preperation and conditions on the day had been more favourable, neither of us would be chasing a PB today.

As the race started, I found myself in sixth position until the first kilometre when Toni passed me. I could feel myself tiring and wasn't surprised when another couple of runners overtook me. I tried to keep at least one runner in sight over the next 3k and was pleased, when we returned to the pond to see the two runners close to each other ahead. I injected a bit of pace and managed to catch both of them at once. I could spy Toni in front and my task was to try to finish as close to her as possible, whilst ensuring that no-one overtook me. The final kilometre seemed to go on for ages but I was pleased to sprint along the grass and over the line to place 7^th with a time of 23:38. Whilst this was 39 seconds over my previous Ayr outing, I was happy enough with my parformance. One I recovered my breath, I shared mutual congratulations with those around me befor cheering Maggie along the final strait.

First in my Age Category

The winner - Alasdair Marshall

As it happens, the two guys that I caught were both in my age group and, possibly for the first time ever, after 155 parkruns, I placed first in my age grade category. Al Maclachlan and/or John Gilhooly normally depriving me. I was also second in the overall Age Grade score, only being beaten by the event winner, Southampton based, Alasdair Marshall, who crossed the line in a time of 20:13.

Toni placed first in the Women's Race, sixth overall,with a time of 23:25 and Maggie also placed first in her age category, 5^th female and 25^th overall, with a time of 28:37

How hard?

The difficult conditions on the day were relected in Runbritain awarding the event an SSS of 5.0! My vSSS being 0.6. Explanation of this here

Many Thanks to the volunteers

We are very grateful to the volunteers who made this event happen: James Andrew, Stewart Bailey, Jason Bell, Euan Bell, Eilidh Cotter, Jenny Ellis, Nicola Fraser, Gayle Glandinning, Gillian Hornby, Kirstie MacKenzie, Faye Murfet, Katherine Paisley, Elaine Sykes and Deborah Telfer.

Thanks also to the staff at the Rozelle Tea Room for the lovely warm fruit scones.

Full Results

Review of 2014

2015-01-07T18:24:00.002+00:00

After missing the first half of 2013, due to illness, my main aim for 2014 was to get back running regularly but I did give myself a few goals, such as running 2014k in the year. Despite falling ill again in September, not only did I achieve this but I ended up running more miles in 2014 than in any other year, 1625 of them, or 2616k (my previous record being 1539 miles/ 2476k).

I also past a number of other milestones, including: clocking up 10,000 miles and 330 races since turning 50 and running my 150^th parkrun.

Whilst quantity was my main priority for this year, I was hopeful that I would get some decent performances too. A couple of sub 44 minute 10ks, a couple of sub 21 minute 5ks and a couple of sub 12 minute 3ks, including a 3k PB of 11:49, will do me fine. My performances were reflected in my Runbritain Handicap, which came down from 10.7 to 9.0 over the 12 months.

All in all a decent year in the running stakes and a further 700 miles done on the bike, just to freshen up things, of course!

Running Crazy in Barcelona on Hogmanay

2015-01-05T20:37:00.000+00:00

I first heard about the Running Crazy organised trip to the San Silvestre 10k, held in Barcelona on Hogmanay, some four years ago when a friend wrote a blog about it. It seemed like a good race, a good way to spend New Year and a good excuse to visit Barcelona.

With the company taking care of all the organising, all we had to do was book a flight from Prestwick to Girona and catch the bus to Barcelona, where we were met by Malcolm. He showed us to our accomodation, the Hotel Del Mar in Barceloneta.

Maggie and Gaudi

Although I've been to Barcelona about ten times, this was my first time staying near the waterfront and exploring the many restaurants, tapas bars, shops and intimate cafes in the lanes and back alleys of the area. With Borne, the Gothic Quarter and the Ramblas only a short walk away it was an ideal base for our stay. The area is also well served by the Metro and buses, including the tourist buses.

Maggie and Goudie

We spent two days of sight seeing and eating and drinking too much – some would say not the best way to prepare for a 10k. Running Crazy had arranged a pre race briefing and had collected our race numbers, chips and goody bags, which they distributed at our welcoming party. I managed a post lunch nap prior to meeting up with the other runners and Malcolm who took us, by way of the Metro, to the race Start and looked after our kit as we joined the 10,000 other runners on Carrer de la Selva de Mar.

I had agreed to pace Maggie and help her to a PB, however I lost her as I did my warm up and couldn't see her in the ranks of the 10,000 assembling at the race Start. I made my way along to our colour coded race pen and was thinking that I would need to actually race the 10k when she appeared.

With Spanish renditions of various Christmas and New Year songs being played over the tannoy we were set off at 5:30pm along the Cursa dels Nassos or Course of the Noses*

The race was extremely busy and it was evident that a lot of runners in front of us were in the wrong pen as we negotiated our way through the field. A sharp right turn took us onto Passeig de Garcia Faria and towards the Poblenou Cemetry and the first kilmotre marker. A sharp left, immediately followed by a sharp right and we were heading along Carrer de Salvador Espriu, around the 3k point the road becomes Carrer del Doctor Aiguader and it was already dark as we turned right onto Pla de Palau and past our hotel, at 4k. A right turn took us onto Passeig d'Isabel II and past the Estacio de Franca. At Park de la Ciutadella, we turned left along Passeig de Picasso and saw the faster runners racing down the other side of the road, a u-turn and we were following them again and running past the 5k marker.

We veered left, along Passeig de Circumvallicio and past the World Trade Centre, through Parc de Carles I and the water station, past the 6k mark and left along Carrer de la Marina and the 7k mark. A right turn along Carrer de Pallars, a left, along Carrer d'Alaba and a right along Carrer de Bolivia and we were passing the 8k point. A left and a right took us on to Avinguda Diagnol, one of the main roads in Barcelona, past the 9k point and onwards back to Carrer de la Selva de Mar and the Finish line. Maggie's pace dropped a little in the middle of the race but she picked it up again in the last two kilometres.

She was working hard and was on schedule to achieve a PB but unfotunately Garmin flashed 10k some 230m before the Finish line!

Final Kilometre

She crossed the line in an official time of 51:33, outside of her PB of 50:51, achieved at the easier River Ness 10k, but she had gone through the 10k point at 50:25. The long course and the lack of medal and food at the end of the race were the only negatives in a great event. We joined the others and changed into warm clothes before heading back to our hotel and then out for a meal and Hogmanay celebrations with our new running buddies.

We would recommend the race and the services of Running Crazy to anyone wanting to celebrate the New Year with a race and/or a trip to Barcelona, we might even do it all again next year ourselves.

Photos provided by Running Crazy Ltd, more here

Full Results here

*La Cursa dels Nassos name is inspired by the Catalan new years tradition of "L'home dels nassos," which means "Noses man." The legend of the Noses man is, that he is a man with many noses who walks the streets of Barcelona on New Year's Day. He has as many noses on his face, as there are days left in the year. Many children think that the Noses man has 365 noses, but of course, New Years Day is the last day of the year, so he only has one nose!

Déjà vu ... ish at Victoria and Pollok parkruns

2015-01-04T22:15:00.000+00:00

At the Coo's Tail

There was a bit of déjà vu on the 27^th December, as I made a mad dash from the cancelled Victoria parkrun to Pollok Park. Two weeks earlier it had been Pollok that had been cancelled and I made my way to Victoria Park. I wasn't chasing a PB but I did want to get another parkrun under my belt and to give my Kilmarnock FC 125 year retro top a rare airing.

Super Killie 125

I thought that I had missed the Start at Pollok as the road was deserted but, after I parked the car, a marshal informed me that today's event was starting on the grass. I could see the runners heading towards the Burrell and I caught the tail runners as they headed up the hill and into the woods. It was extremely congested as I made my way up through the field, taking the time to give encouragement to some of the slower runners.

I realised that didn't even have time to remove my jacket before joining the race and handed it to a marshal at the end of the first lap. By the end of the undulating 5k, I had managed to overtake 208 fellow runners and was content to place 75^th, (66^th male) in a time of 23:56 and get parkrun 154 in the bag.

After retrieving my jacket I enjoyed post run coffee and chat in the Burrell Cafe, where I learned that a few other runners had made their way from Victoria to Pollok Park before the Start.

As usual, huge thanks to all the parkrun volunteers.

Pics by Brian Douglas

Results here

Christmas Crackers at Pollok Park

2014-12-27T19:19:00.000+00:00

411 Xmas Day Runners at the Start - pic courtesy of Mary Senior

It's now six years since the first Glasgow parkrun Christmas event. In 2009 the 5k had to be run on an alternate, out and back route through the snow, ice and slush. Thirty hardy souls braved the winter weather and Luke Traynor and Toni McIntosh won the race, with times of 17:49 and 19:15 respectively, Toni placed second overall and Jim Buick placed third, in a time of 19:43. I made up the numbers, placing 15^th, with a time of 22:43. Only four of us have raced in every Glasgow/Pollok Christmas Day parkrun. Unfortunately Toni didn't make it this year but the remaining three of us were joined by an incredible 408 other runners.

After a sleepless night, I wasn't looking to chase a PB but checked my 2013 Christmas parkrun time, 22:39, and decided that this would be my target today.

The pre race announcements were much briefer than normal and we were sent off but not very fast, as the large numbers resulted in early congestion and those of us further back had to resort to walking a few steps. However it didn't take long for the field to open up.

I spotted Mary Senior ahead of me, she's had a great couple of years, and I figured that if I could keep her in sight, I would do OK. Although the gap between us widened in the first half, I closed it a bit in the second half and in particular in the final kilometre.

Mary Senior sets the pace

I was extremely pleased to discover that I had crossed the line in 65^th place (55^th man), with a time of 21:12, which was well below my target and was infact my fastest time at Pollok in over four years.

The only downside was that I felt a ping in my groin at the half way stage, which worried me but didn't stop me from finishing the race, although it did put paid to any (slim) hopes I had of competing in the Ayr Turkey Trot - given that I didn't have a place.

Mary finished just six seconds off of her PB, with a time of 21:05, to place 60^th overall and 10^th woman.

Jim Buick, in a fancy dress outfit, placed 42^nd with a time of 19:05.

Ever present -Jim Buick

100 Club

Congratulations to Kenneth Wharton who ran his 100^th parkrun today, dressed as Santa!

Race Results

Men's Race

Six of the Best from Luke!

Giffnock North's Luke Traynor maintained his 100% Christmas record, winning the event in a time of 15:59, for the sixth time in a row! The runner up was recorded as “Unknown” (no barcode!) and Bellahouston Harrier Stuart MacDougall, earned Bronze for the second year in a row, with a time of 17:41.

Women's Race

Far travelled, Claire Somerton of Cambridge and Coleridge AC won the women's event, with a time of 18:26. Annabel Brown was runner up, with a PB 19:06 and Ruth Joss earned Bronze, with a time of 19:40.

Post Race

I exchanged Festive Greetings and mutual congratulations with various running buddies as I made my way back through the puddles to hand in my barcode. There was a wide and varied selection of cakes, mince pies, chocolates and assorted home baking accompanied by hot chocolate, coffee and tea provided by volunteers and runners alike, which added to the community spirit of the day. It all made for a great start to Christmas Day 2014. My thanks to everyone involved: runners, organisers, volunteers, photographers and supporters. Merry Christmas to one and all!

Full Results

Pics by Christopher Quinn here

Mistaken Identity Leads to PB at Victoria parkrun

2014-12-22T12:43:00.000+00:00

Focussed Start.....

I ran my 11^th Victoria parkrun on Saturday 20^th December 2014 and I made sure that I got there in plenty of time this week. It was a bit chilly as I warmed up with Bellahouston Harrier club mates Paul Clawson and John Cunningham. A quick chat with a number of running buddies and I lined up with the other 166 runners for the 9:30am Start.

There were a few puddles but no ice this week as we made our way around the three lap course for the first time. It was a bit cluttered at points but I had a steady lap. I was just thinking that I would settle for beating my clubmate John, when he appeared on my shoulder. I instantly upped my pace to hold him off. I was working hard during the next lap and got a bit confused with how far was to go, a quick look at my Garmin, which said 2,77km, and I knew that I had another lap to go. In the final lap John overtook me but again I increased my pace and immediately reclaimed my lead. I continued to increase my pace hopng to build up a gap on him and started focussing more on those runners ahead of me. As I turned left, towards the Finish, I caught up with Garscube's Kieran McLaughlin, who promptly took up the challenge and we ran shoulder to shoulder until I outsprinted him in the final strait, to cross the line in 28^th place, with a time of 20:43. A PB by an amazing 10 seconds! Although the official result was 20:44, it didn't take any shine off of my performance. I placed my highest in the field ever at Victoria park and earned my highest wava of all time at 75.4%!

Look a Likes

The real John Cunningham

After I reclaimed some of my composure, I turned to see that it hadn't been John that was chasing me but Gary McLinton, who had the same vest, hat and girth as John! Gary finished in 32^nd place, with a time of 20:57, whilst the real John Cunningham still smashed his PB, crossing the line in 42^nd place, with a time of 21:24.

Results

Up front, Paul was only three seconds off of his PB, placing 3^rd, with a time of 17:33. The winner, Del Young crossed the line in 17:12 and Sean Reid placed second in 17:27.

In the women's race, Sharon Muir took Gold, placing 13^th overall, in a time of 19:05. Making her debut, Bristol and West AC's Penny Gardiner was runner up, 21^st overall, with a time of 20:18, whilst Marian Kelly's PB of 20:37 earned her third place, 26^th overall.

Well done to everyone who participated and, once again, many thanks to all the volunteers for ensuring another great event.

Main pic courtesy of Mark Rodger, processed by Ian Goudie Photography.

Full results here

Running with Depression

2014-12-19T19:52:00.003+00:00

What is depression?

Depression is a very common problem - affecting about one in six people at some point in their life. Depression can describe a range of moods and behaviours, from low spirits to a severe problem that interferes with everyday life. People who are depressed often lose their appetite and have difficulty sleeping, feel guilty or worthless, become anxious and tired, and find it difficult to concentrate. Some may also have thoughts about death or suicide.

Sometimes it can be difficult to decide whether you are responding normally to difficult times, or have become depressed. A rough guide in this situation is that if your symptoms significantly interfere with your life and last for two weeks or more, then you may be experiencing depression and should seek help.*

How can depression be treated?

There are several different treatments for depression. The most common treatments include prescribed antidepressant medication and certain forms of counselling, which can help people explore different ways of thinking about and coping with their problems.

Another treatment option is physical exercise. Several scientific studies have shown that a regular programme of exercise can help people to recover from depression - lifting their mood, reducing anxiety and improving self-esteem and concentration.

There's a wide range of reasons why running and exercise can help with depression:

Exercise is believed to increase the release of the brain chemicals that affect our mood and make us feel happier.

Exercise helps us to get active and meet new people. This stops us from feeling isolated

Exercise can give us new goals and a sense of purpose. We have something positive tofocus on and aim for.

Exercise can boost our self-esteem - it can improve the way we look and how we feel about ourselves.

Exercise is one of the most popular treatments for depression - one survey found that 85 per cent of people with mental health problems who had tried exercise found it helpful. Often people say that exercise feels like a very 'natural' way to respond to feeling down - it gives them a sense of achievement and control, which can help counter the feelings of hopelessness. Furthermore exercise doesn't produce the unpleasant side effects often associated with antidepressants - in fact, it has positive 'side effects', including lower risk of heart disease, strokes, some cancers and obesity. Once the exercise habit is learned, it can become a part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

My doctor signed me off of work with depression in September and since then has prescribed a number of antidepressants, counselling and exercise. I also practice cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. A broad-ranged and balanced plan with a range of different strategies can often be the best way of coping but I must admit that every day is still a struggle and nights are even worse. However I'm condident that I'll recover at some point.

*If you think that you may be suffering from depression then PLEASE contact your local GP asap.

Marrakech Photos

2014-12-15T12:19:00.000+00:00

Here's some photographs that I took on a recent short trip to Marrakech in Morocco, taking mostly in the Medina, or old city.

More photos here

My Sixth Anniversary at Pollok, ...sorry Victoria parkrun!

2014-12-13T19:32:00.002+00:00

Six years ago, to the day, I ran my first parkrun and today I headed back to Pollok Park to run my 151^st. Unfortunately, and unusually, the event was cancelled, due to the icy and dangerous underfoot conditions. I made a quick decision to cross the city and run the Victoria parkrun instead. I knew that I would be lucky to get there in time and it was no great surprise to see the runners making their way around the course as I reached the park. I quickly parked the car and sped through the gates and past the Start line. I pointed out the situation to the marshals as I set off after the other runners, almost two minutes late.

Playing Catch Up!

There was a young lass who had also started late and she was my first target, after her it was the tail runners but it took me one kilometre to reach them. I began to work my way up through the field. At the end of the first lap the Marshals were all enthusiastically shouting my name as I continued my task. Another couple of laps of steady progress and I was making my way towards the Finish line. Having overtaken some 76 runners, I crossed the line in 62^nd position.

My watch time was 22:15 but with no warm up, icy conditions and having to work my way through the field, I was happy enough with my time, of course my official time was somewhat slower at 24:09 but I was pleased to mark my sixth anniversary of parkrunning and to bag my 10^th Victoria parkrun.

Many thanks to all the volunteers and my fellow runners for their hardwork and support.

Pic by Donald Petrie

Full Results here

My 150th parkrun

2014-12-11T17:11:00.001+00:00

I couldn't resist the opportunity to bag my 150th parkrun at the sixth anniversary of the Glasgow (now Pollok) parkrun. I missed the first Glasgow parkrun but I took part in the second one, on 13 December 2008. There's been a big change in the parkrun since those days, when only 24 of us ran the free 5k event, to today where there are numerous events over Scotland, including four in Glasgow itself, all attracting much more than 24, In fact the Pollok parkrun now regularly attracts 300 more runners per week than when it first started.

Not many of the 23 others that joined me in December 2008 are still regular attendees at the south of Glasgow event, in fact only one other ran the event on the 6th of December and that was Dan Maher, who has now completed a massive 240 parkruns, hence his nickname "Dan, Dan the parkrun man"!

Happy Birthday!

Richard Leyton who set up the parkrun in Scotland is standing down and the running community in Scotland owe him a real debt of gratitude for his endeavours over the years in spreading the phenomenon north of the border.

I tend to tour the local parkruns these days and have completed 112 of my runs at Pollok but others
chose to run the same course most weeks and the annual Pollok parkrun awards were presented on Saturday to those that had amassed most points during the previous 52 weeks. Congratulations to Al MacLachlan, who retained the male points competition prize and to Pamela Joss, who won the female points award.

Many thanks, as always, to all the volunteers and fellow runners for making another Saturday morning so special.

10,000 Miles On

2014-12-05T14:41:00.003+00:00

Today's run was cold and wet but I loved it, as it took me through my target of running 10,000 miles since my 50^th birthday on 9^th June 2007. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I'd ever run again after being injured for some 18 months but I was determined to mark my half a century by racing and although I struggled around the hilly Bearsden and Milngavie Highland Games 10k Road Race in the heat and humidy and recorded a Personal Worst of 53:59 the main thing was that I was back running. There's been a number of set backs along the way but there's been more than a few high points too and I'm still running now, some seven and a half years and 10,000 miles later.

I've competed in some 329 races since my 50^th birthday, ranging from one mile to 26.2 miles and I've made a lot of friends along the way. Here's looking forward to making many more along the next 10,000 miles.

Records Smashed on Glasgow Green

2014-12-04T11:02:00.000+00:00

I struggled a bit on my long run on Sunday, both psychologically and physically too, as I managed to get lost and picked up an injury too, that said, I was delighted to have run 15.34miles, (my longest in over a year) at an average pace of 5.15k/min, and clock up my 1500^th mile of 2014 in the process.

The injury, combined with sore and tired legs, had curtailed my training during the week but I had planned on doing the November 3k on the Green and decided to give it a try. A quick check on Run Britain reminded me that my PB, earned more than four years ago, was 11:50. After my warm up, I was asked what my target was for the race “11:49” I replied, knowing what was required to beat my PB. I had run 11:51 in October, in perfect conditions and knew what was required.

Epic finish with Keiran in January 2011

With a tremendous turnout of 79, as compared to 52 at the corresponding fixture 12 months ago, and loads of running buddies, there would be plenty of competition to aid me around the course, not least of all Keiran Morgan, who I had a great race against at the Edinburgh parkrun in January 2011.

I had a chat with Central AC's Lyndsay Morrison who has recently started working in Glasgow and, despite making her 3k debute, was my clear favourite for the women's race.

We assembled under the McLellan arches and I noticed that my Garmin had lost GPS connection, so I quickly changed it to timer mode just before the Start. My legs were sore and I was a bit dissapointed to be overtaken after around 1k by Eddie Carr, who I had held off until the final strait in the October race. I did hold off a runner in a white top for a while but he caught me after the turn a couple of runners up front seemed to be tiring and I was confident that I could at least narrow the gap on them in the final kilometre. Encouragement from some of the faster runners, who had completed their race, gave me a lift and I found another gear for the last 100m or so, I knew that every second was a prisonner, and I was delighted to cross the line in a time of 11:48.8. I had done it, a new PB! Only by one second but that was my target and I'd achieved it, my fastest 3k race ever!

Back to my best.............

I managed to get my breath back before exchanging congatulations with my fellow runners and encouraging others across the line.

Record Breaker Lyndsay Morrison

Up front, the first five finishers had dipped below the 10 minute bar, with Shettleston Harrier, Kevin Brydon, storming to victory in a great time of 9:16, whilst Lyndsay Morrison continued her fine form, which has seen her clock up 10k victories at Balfron, Bellahouston, Giffnock, Helensburgh and Palma de Mallorca! The Central AC athlete took four seconds off of Lesley Chisholm's record, to earn Gold in the women's race, finishing in a superb time of 10:04! (8^th overall).

Full Results

1 Kevin Brydon Senior M Shettleston 00:09:16

2 Craig Reid Senior M Bellahouston Roadrunners 00:09:31

3 Iain Stewart Senior M Westerlands 00:09:50

4 Steven Prentice Veteran M Bellahouston Harriers 00:09:53

5 Rob Mclennan Super VeteranM Garscube Harriers 00:09:59

6 Mark Gardner Senior M Lancaster & Morecambe AC 00:10:02

7 Brian Douglas Veteran M Bellahouston Harriers 00:10:04

8 Lyndsay Morrison Senior F Central AC 00:10:04

9 James Stewart Senior M 00:10:07

10 Mark Alexander Senior M Kilmarnock Harriers 00:10:15

11 Ted Gourley Super Veteran M Giffnock North 00:10:17

12 Alan Heron Senior M Dumbarton AC 00:10:25

13 ? ? ? ? 00:10:29

14 David Mackintosh Senior M Kilbarchan 00:10:36

15 Ian Thurlbeck Super VeteranM Westerlands 00:10:38

16 Darren Murray Veteran M Bellahouston Harriers 00:10:39

17 Alastair MacLachlan Super VeteranM Bellahouston Roadrunners 00:10:40

18 John Gilhooly Super VeteranM 00:10:40

19 Neil Farnell Senior M Bellahouston Roadrunners 00:10:47

20 Andy Law Super VeteranM Victoria Park 00:10:49

21 Kevin Cameron Senior M 00:11:03

22 Rob Mussett Super VeteranM Central AC 00:11:05

23 Ewart Gray Super VeteranM 00:11:17

24 Gordon Gallacher Veteran M Bellahouston Harriers 00:11:20

25 Tony McGale Veteran M Springburn Harriers 00:11:22

26 Allan Mooney Veteran M Clyderunners 00:11:25

27 Madeline Robinson Senior F Helensburgh AC 00:11:28

28 David Mooney Veteran M 00:11:30

29 Craig Torgersen Senior M 00:11:33

30 John Brown Veteran M 00:11:34

31 Stephen Scheuerl Veteran M Wee County Harriers 00:11:34

32 Eddie Carr Super Veteran M Ronhill Cambuslang 00:11:37

33 Keith Gibb Super Veteran M Bellahouston Roadrunners 00:11:38

34 David MacIver Veteran M 00:11:39

35 Ian Goudie Super Veteran M Bellahouston Harriers 00:11:49

36 Christopher Doak Senior M Bellahouston Roadrunners 00:11:51

37 Paul McGunnigle Senior M 00:11:54

38 Iain Crawford Veteran M 00:12:02

39 Richard Leyton Veteran M Bellahouston Roadrunners 00:12:08

40 Alasdair MacKay Veteran M Garscube Harriers 00:12:09

41 Kieran Morgan Super Veteran M Carnegie Harriers 00:12:10

42 Caroline Cochran Veteran F Bellahouston Harriers 00:12:12

43 Alan Dempster Senior M 00:12:19

44 Erica Christie Super Veteran F Bellahouston Harriers 00:12:22

45 Iain Boyce Veteran M 00:12:25

46 Graeme Pert Super VeteranM 00:12:25

47 Carlos Campos Senior M 00:12:26

48 Alan Strang Veteran M 00:12:28

49 Michael Young Super VeteranM 00:12:32

50 Scott Fergus Veteran M 00:12:36

51 Claire Gilchrist Veteran F Ferranti AAC 00:12:38

52 Richard Filippi Veteran M 00:12:48

53 David Edelman Super Veteran M 00:12:51

54 Joyce Allardice Super Veteran F Clyde Runners 00:12:51

55 Tony Breslin Veteran M Bellahouston Roadrunners 00:12:59

56 James Curry Junior M Central AC 00:13:14

57 Keith MacKenzie Veteran M 00:13:26

58 David Stirling Veteran M 00:13:30

59 Amy Beckett Senior F 00:13:41

60 Paul Chapman Senior M 00:13:42

61 Michael Lithgow Senior M 00:13:53

62 Laura Ritchie Senior F Bellahouston Harriers 00:13:54

63 Ken Cunningham Senior M 00:14:01

64 Julie Docherty Senior F 00:14:16

65 David Sutherland Senior M 00:14:17

66 Alison Curry Veteran F Central AC 00:14:41

67 Red T shirt F 00:14:54

68 Tom Keenan Super VeteranM Bellahouston Harriers 00:15:07

69 Carol Keenan Super VeteranF Bellahouston Harriers 00:15:07

70 Catriona Gourley Super VeteranF 00:15:19

71 Ellen Curry Junior F Central AC 00:15:24

72 Carole Spy Super Veteran F Bellahouston Harriers 00:15:34

73 John Softley Super Veteran M Bellahouston Harriers 00:15:36

74 Celia Thompson Super Veteran F 00:15:51

75 Heather Angelopoulos Super Veteran F 00:16:06

76 Lynsey Williamson Senior F 00:16:12

77 Victoria Devoy Senior F 00:17:22

78 Paula Petersen Senior F 00:17:43

PBs @ Victoria parkrun

2014-11-15T14:48:00.003+00:00

Lap 1

I noticed, a while ago, that I was averaging every second parkrun so it was no surprise that my 149th one should co-incide with the 300th staging of the original Scottish parkrun being held in Pollok Park. However I decided to give the tri centeneral parkrun a miss and instead chose to race in the 54th Victoria parkrun in an attempt to get a fast time.

This was my my ninth outing at the west of Glasgow event and my Course PB was an acceptable 21:07. I'd worked extremely hard to get that time but I was confident that my running had improved and I was hoping to beat that today. If truth be known, I was actually hoping for a sub 21 minute 5k.

There were some good runners today with Elaine Omand travelling down from Dundee, for the second week in succession, on her tour of Scottish parkruns, being my tip in the women's 5k. With fellow Bellahouston Harriers, Jack Arnold and Cris Walsh favourites for first and second place in the Men's race.

Although there were some 227 runners participating, there weren't that many that I usually 'race' against, apart from the new slimmed down version of Graeme Aitken, who wasn't feeling 100% this morning. My training's been good and I was confident enough, not only to be wearing my club vest but to tell a few friends that I was going for a course PB.

Lap 2

Lap 3

I positioned myself nearer the front than usual and worked hard right from the off. I ignored the beeps from Garmin and never checked my pace at any stage, deciding instead to give my all and hope that it would be good enough to get a PB.

Encouragement from Marina McCallum, on marshalling duties, Donald Petrie and Gavin Harvie helped me to focus on the job at hand. I sprinted down the final strait knowing that every second would count and I was delighted to cross the Finish line in 39th position, with a time of 20:53, some 14 seconds off of my course PB, under my 21minute target, and my fastest 5k since January 2011!

Results

My pre-race predictions had been correct, as Jack Arnold stormed to victory with a PB of 16:27, Chris Walsh earned Silver with a time of 17:02 and Elaine Omand won the Women's Race (14th overall) with a PB of 19:05.

Maggie Reid McKeith, continued her great improvement, which saw her taken 28 seconds off of her PB in her last outing, by taking a further 13 seconds off to win the Women's 50+ race in a time of 24:30!

Unlucky for Some?
Congratulations to Hamish Barbour, who ran to a great PB of 18:48 in his 13th parkrun.

Thanks

Once again, many thanks to the organisers and volunteers for giving up their time and putting on such a great event and to my fellow runners for the race and pre and post race chat.

Pics taken by Donald Petrie and edited by Ian Goudie Photography.

Full Results here

2015km in 2015

2014-11-14T19:03:00.001+00:00

The challenge is simple, to run 2015 kilometres in the year 2015. An average of just over 5.52km each day.

For those who prefer miles this equates to 1252.1 miles and an average of only 3.43 miles per day.

Join in the challenge by Liking the Facebook page

Best Ever WAVA @ Glasgow Green 3k

2014-11-01T17:15:00.001+00:00

Focussed Racing

I've not been racing for a while, due to illness, but I have been training well and had a couple of decent tempo runs around Pollok parkrun, so I was feeling quite confident when I turned out for the October 3k on the Green Race. I had managed a time of 11:58 on my last outing in March and I knew that I'd need to work hard to match that time. Conditions were almost perfect for a good run, with no wind and unseasonal temperatures. There was a great turmout of 78 runners, boosted by 18 from the local Blackfriars Primary School. Although there were a lot of running buddies participating, most of them are out of my class and there was no-one that I could challenge myself against. Instead, it would have to be a race against the clock today. That said, I did try to keep Al MacLachlan and Charlotte Fortune in sight for as long as possible, which wasn't that long! The noise from the footsteps of runners behind me kept the pressure on and other and helped to ensure that I kept working around the, out and back, course. Although I was a little dissapointed not to be able to hold of the challenge from Eddie Carr, Although I was shattered, I was also elated to cross the line in 35th place, in a time of 11:51. Seven seconds faster than my last race, my best time in 4 years and only 3 seconds off of my PB, I was even happier to discover that I had recorded my highest race WAVA ever, at 75%.

Many thanks to the organisers and fellow runners for their support in this great wee event, which also helpe to raise funds for the Helambu Project.

Results

Up front, it was two of my friends who took the honours in their first outing, with Cambuslang's Shaun Butler, swapping the Tollcross park hills for the much flatter Glasgow Green, winning in a time of 9:30. With Linlithgow's Charlotte Fortune earning Gold in the women's race, with a time of 10:52.

Pics by David Mooney.

Full Results:

1 Shaun Butler Senior M Ronhill Cambuslang 00:09:30

2 Craig Reid Senior M Bellahouston Roadrunners 00:09:34
3 Simon Fraser Senior M Glasgow Tri Club 00:09:44
4 Stuart MacDougall Senior M 00:09:48
5 Peter Mackie Senior M Shettleston Harriers 00:09:49
6 Chris Upson Super Veteran M Westerlands 00:09:56
7 Steven Prentice Veteran M Bellahouston Harriers 00:10:03
8 Richard Cooper Veteran M 00:10:05
9 Ted Gourley Super Veteran M Giffnock North 00:10:07
10 Euan Craig Senior M Kirkintilloch Olympians 00:10:17
11 John Connaghan Veteran M Shettleston Harriers 00:10:22
12 Dave Thom Super Veteran M Ronhill Cambuslang 00:10:24
13 George Taylor Super Veteran M 00:10:30
14 Gerard Scullion Veteran M Bellahouston Roadrunners 00:10:31
15 Kevan McCartney Veteran M Greenock Glenpark Har'rs 00:10:32
16 Darren Murray Veteran M Bellahouston Harriers 00:10:33
17 Raymond Farrell Veteran M Bellahouston Roadrunners 00:10:33
18 Alastair Andrew Senior M 00:10:40
19 Justin Carter Veteran M 00:10:40
20 Neil Farnell Senior M Bellahouston Roadrunners 00:10:41
21 Alastair MacLachlan Super Vet M Bellahouston RR 00:10:44
22 Henry Merriweather Veteran M Bellahouston RR 00:10:44
23 John Hagemeister Veteran M 00:10:45
24 Fergal Duffy Veteran M 00:10:49
25 Charlotte Fortune Senior F Linlithgow AC 00:10:52
26 Barrie Johnstone Senior M 00:10:54
27 Jonathan Scales Super Veteran M 00:11:10
28 David Murphy Veteran M Shettleston Harriers 00:11:14
29 Paul Taylor Veteran M 00:11:30
30 Hilary Robinson Veteran F 00:11:40
31 Bruce Henry Senior M 00:11:44
32 Duncan Leitch Senior M 00:11:46
33 Eddie Carr Super Veteran M Ronhill Cambuslang 00:11:47
34 Stephen Scheuerl Veteran M Wee County Harriers 00:11:50
35 Ian Goudie Super Veteran M Bellahouston Harriers 00:11:51
36 Alaister Jeffrey Senior M 00:11:53
37 Steven McCarley Senior M Glasgow Frontrunners 00:12:06
38 Mike Donohue Super Veteran M 00:12:10
39 Jennifer Duru Senior F Garscube Harriers 00:12:12
40 John Appleton Senior M 00:12:14
41 Alan Dempster Senior M 00:12:20
42 Russell Paton Senior M 00:12:23
43 Greg Crockart Senior M Glasgow Frontrunners 00:12:25
44 Scott Fergus Veteran M 00:12:41
45 Graeme Pert Super Veteran M 00:12:48
46 Joyce Allardice Super Veteran F Clyde Runners 00:12:50
47 Robbie Robinson Veteran M 00:12:51
48 Pauline Wallace Veteran F 00:12:58
49 Michael Young Super Veteran M 00:12:59
50 Alasdair MacKay Veteran M Garscube Harriers 00:13:02
51 Anne Scott Veteran F 00:13:35
52 Angela Campbell Senior F Bellahouston Harriers 00:13:48
53 Margaret Hutchinson Veteran F 00:13:53
54 Graham Whitfield Senior M 00:13:54
55 Russell Morrison Super Veteran M 00:13:58
56 Colin Stewart Veteran M Shettleston Harriers 00:13:58
57 Aidan Adams Junior M Blackfriars PS 00:14:00
58 Yomna Yamani Junior F Blackfriars PS 00:14:00
59 Martin McCormack Senior M Blackfriars PS 00:14:03
60 Catriona Gourley Super Veteran F 00:15:14
61 Scott Wilson Junior M Blackfriars PS 00:15:26
62 Medina Keran Junior F Blackfriars PS 00:15:27
63 John Softley Super Veteran M Bellahouston Harriers 00:15:30
64 Ailsa Smith Super Veteran F 00:15:58
65 Hayden Fisher Junior F Blackfriars PS 00:16:47
66 Marco Wright Junior M Blackfriars PS 00:16:48
67 Jay McGinlay Junior M Blackfriars PS 00:17:42
68 Caro Kawa Junior M Blackfriars PS 00:19:29
69 Shaleeya Kawa Junior F Blackfriars PS 00:20:34
70 Charlotte Baker Junior F Blackfriars PS 00:20:36
71 Walter Ewing Super Veteran M Shettleston Harriers 00:21:07
72 Liam Smith Junior M Blackfriars PS 00:23:36
73 Kaiden Stevenson Junior M Blackfriars PS 00:23:42
74 Paris Burton Junior F Blackfriars PS 00:23:52
75 Alfasa Janzada Junior M Blackfriars PS 00:24:03
76 Holly Blair Junior F Blackfriars PS 00:24:03
77 Afifa Bukhari Junior F Blackfriars PS 00:24:03
78 Dylan Cleugh Junior M Blackfriars PS 00:24:34

Lainshaw's link to Slavery, the Free Kirk and the War

2014-10-30T15:32:00.002+00:00

Lainshaw House

I grew up in the Lainshaw part of Stewarton, as a child I played in the Lainshaw Woods and then worked at Lainshaw Farm and Lainshaw Farm Eggs. I once sang for a local church choir to the elderly residents of Lainshaw House, I enjoyed much of my time in Lainshaw but I was unaware of much of the estate's history and its link to slavery and religion.

The Lainshaw estate can be traced back to the 15^th century and the lands were owned by the Eglinton family until 1778, when the 10^th Laird of Lainshaw, Sir Walter Montgomerie-Cunninghame was forced to sell up, after losing a fortune as a result of the American War of Independence.

Kilmarnock born, William Cunninghame, had fared somewhat better than Sir Walter, the merchant who grew wealthy importing, processing and selling tobacco and sugar produced by enslaved Africans, had a record of exploiting market conditions to his own benefit.

Initially he had taken advantage of distressed tobacco growers, buying their crop as much as 10% below the market value. He was quick to realise the possibility of increasing his fortune, even more, during the civil war. When his business partners were concerned about the impact of war, Cunninghame stepped in, buying their entire tobacco stock for sixpence a pound and when the war disrupted supplies, he sold at three shillings and sixpence a pound! Making a huge fortune.

He was to use £26,200 of this money, an immense sum as the time, to purchase the sequestrated estate of Lainshaw and significantly developed Lainshaw House into his country retreat. He also bought land in the Cow Loan, Glasgow, which he renamed Queen Street, after the wife of George the Third, and in 1780 built a large mansion there in the neo-clasical style at a cost of £10,000, now the home of the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).

Two years later (1780) Cunninghame retired as a merchant. He married three times and had a total of fourteen children. He disinherited his eldest sons, Thomas and Alexander and his third son, William Cunninghame, inherited Lainshaw when William senior died in 1804.

William junior, who had been influenced by William Carey, the Baptist Missionary, during his time working in India, was to become one of a group of British biblical interpreters of the period, who included millennislism with a more traditional historistic reading of prophecy. He served as minister in the Stewarton congregational church, from 1827 until 1839, when he began the “Stewarton case” which directly led to the Disruption of 1843 when after a bitter conflict, 450 ministers broke away over the Church's relationship with the State to form the Free Church of Scotland.

Whilst most of the principles on which the protesters went out were conceded by Parliament by 1929, clearing the way for the re-union of that year, the national Church of Scotland never fully regained its position after the "Stewarton case".

The Stewarton Case

The eccentric, William junior never married and on his death in 1849 Lainshaw passed to his half brother, John Cuninghame of Duchrae. Whilst Lainshaw was to remain with the family until 1947, it had been used as an army camp from 1941 to '45. A number of regments were stationed in Lainshaw, including the Lancers, the Royal Engineers, the Rifle Brigade and the Lothian and Border Horse. Concrete roads were laid to cater for the Crusader tanks

Whilst Howie of Dunlop took over the farm and some of the land, the Local Authority took over the House and the rest of the land, using it for the post war expansion in council housing. Some streets, such as Lothian Road and Crusader Cresecent take their names from the time when the area was an army camp. Whilst Morton Road, Sim Street and Thomson Terrace were named after sets of local brothers who had died during the war.

Lainshaw House became a care home for the elderly, and then a ruin, before being restored and converted into a number of apartments. I wonder how many of the residents know about the house's past and its links to the slave trade, religion and the war.

Crusader tanks were once common in Stewarton

Great Scottish Run Photos

2014-10-10T14:31:00.001+01:00

Where's Haile? The Elite Men Battle it Out

Callum Hawkins

No racing or pacing this year at the Great Scottish Run for me but I did pop out for a while with the camera to capture some photos and in particular get a couple of running legend Haile Gebrselassie racing the Half Marathon. I was stationed around the 3 mile point for the 10k race and around the 4 mile point for the Half. Unfortunately Haile didn't make it to the 4 mile point, having dropped out a few hundred metres before reaching me. I hope that there's no long term problem for the Ethiopian athlete. In his absence, South African, Stephen Mokoka took Gold, completing the new course in a time of 1:01:25, Kenyan, Stephen Chemlany was runner up, with a time of 1:01:32 and his compatriot Mark Kiptoo placed third in 1:01:34. Kilbarchan's Callum Hawkins was the top Scot, placing sixth, with an impressive debut time of 1:03:06.

Edna Kiplagat

The Women's Half Marathon wasn't quite as tight as the Men's, with Kenya's Edna Kiplagat earning Gold with a time of 1:07:57, almost one minute in front of her fellow countrywoman Caroline Kilel (1:08:53). Ethiopia's Tiki Gelana earned Bronze with a time of 1:10:37. Susan Partridge was the first Scot, placing fifth woman, in 1:12:12.

Susan Partridge

Wheelchair Races

Simon Lawson

Carlisle's Simon Lawson won the Wheelchair Race, the ex motorcross racer earning Gold with a time of 23:39, Paralympian Jade Jones won the Women's Race, the Teeside University Law Student completing the 10k in a time of 29:10.

Jade Jones

10k Races

Sean Fontana

Scots were more successful in the other 10k races with Sean Fontana catching early leader Luke Traynor to win in a time of 31:03, six seconds ahead of his Glasgow rival.

There was an even bigger surprise in the Women's Race where the elite runners placed behind Edinburgh Pharmacist Laura Dunn, who completed the new course in a time of 35:17, more than one minute ahead of Central A.C's Lyndsay Morrison (36:20).

Of course there were many other winners among the mass ranks on the day, many of which I managed to photograph. It was good to see so many running buddies and happy faces.

Photos

10k (including Wheelchair) Photos Here

Half Marahon Photos Here

2014 in 2014

2014-09-25T14:40:00.001+01:00

One of my goals this year was to run as many kilometres as there are years in the date, so I joined in with others aiming to run 2014k in 2014. Today, 25th September, I've managed to reach my goal.

Achievable targets provide something to focus on when the going gets tough, if you're a runner, they can help motivate you to overcome negative thoughts and the challenges of the weather, they can also help you, quite literally, go that extra mile. Despite injury and illness, with support from friends and running buddies, I've managed to fulfil this particular challenge, there's still plenty of time for you to reach yours.

The Jimmi Henshite Experiences

Whit’s the possibility?

Alloa Half - depression run

Mucho Mass Bellas as Bernie Bolts to Victory

I had a black dog, his name was depression..................................

Super Volunteers Ensure Victoria parkrun 62 Takes Place

Results

1,2,3 on the icy Green

First Again! This time at a wind swept Tollcross parkrun

Post Race Note

First Footing and First in Age Groups at Ayr parkrun

First in my Age Category

How hard?

Many Thanks to the volunteers

Review of 2014

Running Crazy in Barcelona on Hogmanay

Déjà vu ... ish at Victoria and Pollok parkruns

Christmas Crackers at Pollok Park

100 Club

Race Results

Men's Race Six of the Best from Luke!

Women's Race

Post Race

Mistaken Identity Leads to PB at Victoria parkrun

Look a Likes

Results

Running with Depression

What is depression?

How can depression be treated?

Marrakech Photos

My Sixth Anniversary at Pollok, ...sorry Victoria parkrun!

My 150th parkrun

10,000 Miles On

Records Smashed on Glasgow Green

Full Results

PBs @ Victoria parkrun

Results

Thanks

2015km in 2015

Best Ever WAVA @ Glasgow Green 3k

Results

Lainshaw's link to Slavery, the Free Kirk and the War

Great Scottish Run Photos

Susan Partridge

Wheelchair Races

10k Races

Photos

2014 in 2014

Men's Race

Six of the Best from Luke!