No 'I' in team

Running is a team sport - it’s a community, it has moved a long way from being a solo sport! The Speed of Light adds weight to this statement. On Monday evening we returned to Arthur’s seat, well where else would we go on a Monday! Up on the hill we bumped into Kristi and Paul, who were out running one of their colours. Once again we opted for running both our colours without the choreography and working on our fitness as a priority. For a change this summer it was a lovely evening for running.

This month I have been on a mission – my aim – to run every day in July, at least 3 miles or 25 minutes. Those of you who signed up for the Marcothon for the last two Decembers will be familiar with the concept. The Marcothon challenge was set up by Utlra runner Debbie Martin Cosani after her husband Marco challenged himself to run every day in November 2009.  Debbie then followed it by running every day in December 2009.  Debbie posted the challenge in various social networks and running forums and before she knew it there was a group of runners equally eager to take up the challenge. I found the experience last December got my fitness levels up, so for the Speed of light I challenged myself to my very own Jammython – run 3miles or for 25 minutes every day in July.

In December the toughest week was the third week so I was expecting this week to be the most difficult. True to form that’s how it turned out. Wednesday and Thursday were particularly difficult to get my tired legs out for a run. But we got there! It’s times like these that your fellow runners get you out and running, whether it’s the company or not wanting to let someone down you find the inspiration or motivation to get out there and do it.

On Saturday, Moira ran her 51^st parkrun resplendent in her coveted red 50^th parkrun running top. No PB for this run but it felt good running in my new top. John took his place in the Strathclyde parkrun ‘Dream team’ competing in the Clyde Stride Relay race. The Clyde Stride is an ultra-marathon running along the Clyde walkway from Glasgow to New Lanark a distance of some 40 miles. The dream team were Pat Smith, Neil Robbins and Anthony Butler and me. The plan was to meet up at Strathclyde Park at 8:00 am and head off to Partick in Glasgow. Neil, however, stayed behind to set-up ‘his parkrun’. It therefore fell to Moira to make sure Neil got to the changeover point on time. We felt a little unprepared as we headed into Glasgow for the 9:00 am start. We just had time to pick up our numbers, have a quick chat with familiar faces including Gavin (Sweatshop) and Helen (Falkirk parkrun Heartbreakers) and attend the pre-race briefing and before too long it was time for Pat to head off.

Once seeing Pat off, Anthony and I made our way to Cumbuslang Bridge for the first changeover point. Contrary to Anthony’s blog ( Blog) we arrived with no detours, perfectly navigated and in plenty of time. The wait for Pat was agonising – I just wanted to get my leg underway. All too soon I got my wish and I was on my way – leg 2 of the Clyde Stride, destination Strathclyde Park. I had opted for my Trail shoes and it was an inspired choice as the terrain was mainly off-road. 

Fortunately, there wasn’t any scope for overtaking between mile one and mile three allowing me to warm-up slowly and ease my way into my leg. By mile four I was running strongly and continued to feel strong all the way to Strathclyde Park. I had a few wrong turns but got back on course pretty quickly. As I ran into Strathclyde Park it was great to see the parkrun regulars there to give a rousing reception. Moira, Ross, Ian, Jon, Neil, Pat and Anthony were all there. Neil didn’t waste time and was quickly off the mark as soon as I reached the changeover point.

For the rest of the day I could relax and just enjoy the spectacle and that’s what I did. Moira, Pat, Anthony and I made our way to the next changeover point. Maudslie Bridge was packed with runners and support crew. Neil appeared and we now had something to hold onto, 3^rd place. Anthony set off on the glory leg in with a chance but he would need to be at his best. This was the time when the support would be vital so the support team stopped off at Crossford Bridge to cheer Anthony there, we then caught up with him again at Kirkfieldbank. Unfortunately this was at a cost, we got held up in traffic in Lanark and arrived just in time to see Anthony finish in the distance – he’d done it we were third.

It was great to be placed in a race and even better to receive a trophy for our efforts. It wasn’t exactly expected but very welcome and we probably milked it a bit too much (you don’t say!!!!! Moira).  It was a happy team that arrived back at Strathclyde Park already planning next years race.

On Sunday, in a change to the plan, Moira and John returned to the bikes and managed an impressive 22 miles. This of course, meant that I had not done the planned long run and had to fit in a quick 4 mile run in the evening, so the Jammython is still on with one week to go!