tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52682822012-01-31T11:45:04.042ZNormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.comBlogger3321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-7204800880911560162012-01-29T17:48:00.003Z2012-01-31T11:45:04.046Z

16th Glasgow Park Run on Saturday -- but not so sweet, well as regards time anyway. Because of the the icy conditions underfoot the 5k became cross country with three laps round some very muddy fields. Hence the slowest time yet for that particular race of 27.56. Having said that it was probably my most enjoyable Park Run, with a great sense of camaraderie among the runners, which came to the

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-79937659176311646812011-12-24T14:18:00.003Z2011-12-30T14:41:58.324Z

Christmas Eve Glasgow Park Run this morning as part of my nine mile long run. Felt good and pushed it a little. Crossed the line at the front of the veterans pack of Ian Goudie, Watson Jones and Murdoch Rodgers. Ian commented that he wasn't racing today as I passed him on one of the downhills -- that didn't prevent him from breathing down my neck all the way down the finishing straight to the

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-59105285822657251902011-12-18T17:16:00.006Z2011-12-18T17:29:36.066Z

Fantastic, Fun Festive 5k with my Bellahouston Roadrunners Club mates this morning round Bella Park in the snow. Great fun, great costumes, mince pies and mulled wine plus a host of other home baked goodies -- and £120 for a deserving charity. Christmas has officially begun. Oh by the way my time was 25.50

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-50014015698439538752011-12-04T21:22:00.002Z2011-12-08T18:57:08.413Z

Easy week over -- back to work next week building some pace !!! STOP PRESS -- return to speedwork somewhat hampered by the appalling weather -- managed a treadmill session on Monday, but did get out for a short sharp speed session with the club on Wednesday. If the weather holds a 10 miler on Saturday -- fingers crossed !!!

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-52630068309157936952011-11-30T22:08:00.010Z2011-12-08T19:01:01.527Z

Great poster my friend sent me-- done in 1911 -- some folk mightsay it's remarkably up to date..

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-11226357711156065562011-11-27T12:57:00.003Z2011-11-27T13:04:28.497Z

Well what a contrast with yesterday. Bright sunshine and no rain for this annual charity fun run. Very cold and windy though. Trotted round in a pedestrian 27.49, didn't really push the boat out as my legs were a little tired from yesterday's race and my asthma doesn't like these kind of conditions, but it was a great fun day out with lots of mums, dads and families running. I'm beginning to

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-21705388433511556072011-11-26T16:51:00.002Z2011-11-26T16:59:12.860Z

Torrential rain, gales, mud and puddles up to our oxters -- pretty tough conditions for an out and back tour of East Kilbride's more scenic roundabouts and dual carriageways -- and I had a ball. Small field of lunatics took part and there was a real sense of camaraderie. Well done to the local running club for providing plenty of marshalls on the day -- I would much rather have been running than

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-8082940827316128622011-11-13T10:09:00.011Z2011-11-14T13:00:35.043Z

Ran the Jimmy Irvine Bella 10kyesterday in the less than blisteringtime of 46.26 -- over a minute anda half slower than the same race lastyear -- not my best performance.(pic courtesy of Danielle Glendinning)PS the two veterans you see on myshoulder both overtook me in thelast kilometer or so. Watson Jonesrunning for Clydesdale, took theprize for first in the Male 60+category. Great support as

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-60579316148388623952011-11-07T21:30:00.002Z2011-11-07T21:34:44.711Z

Parkrun again as part of a nine mile long run. 2.5 warm up, park run in 23.15 and roughly 3 .5 added on the end. Ran most of it with a couple of clubmates -- not intending to race, and despite a pretty bad cold did better than last week -- no accounting for it ??? PS I reckon Judith, one of my running buddies got a PB -- she was not far behind me. Next race Jimmy Irvine 10k. No more running this

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-35343111560719261842011-10-30T22:50:00.003Z2011-11-02T11:39:45.246Z

13th Glasgow Parkrun in a respectable, if hardly blistering pace of 23.48. Quite deliberately did not race this one -- despite being sorely tempted by Clydesdale's Watson Jones. It added much needed quality to a 10 mile long run. Total of 32 miles chalked up this week. In the wise words of my old sparring partner Ian Goudie -- back from Thailand with a startling hay coloured thatch -- " run the

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-14323088869068567962011-10-15T11:29:00.003+01:002011-10-18T14:38:32.159+01:00

12th Glasgow Park Run this morning. Part of a 10 mile long run with Katie from Bella. Overall pace a little faster than usual at around 7.40ish. Time for parkrun 23.19.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-73710429827697798812011-10-02T14:44:00.003+01:002011-10-02T14:45:47.112+01:00

11th Glasgow parkrun on Saturday. Ran round with Judith from Bellahouston Roadrunners -- and thoroughly enjoyed the race. Not my fastest time at around 24.20 but as park of a ten mile long run quite happy with that.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-28552350102416320242011-09-25T09:10:00.002+01:002011-09-25T09:18:51.317+01:00

10th Parkrun completed at Pollok Park on Saturday -- run as part of a 10 mile long run. First race since the recurrence of calf problems and the first in my Nike compression socks with gel arch supports in my Asics 1150s. Had a fun competiton with the Fantastic Four, Supervets Ian Goudie, Watson Jones, Murdoch Rodgers and somewhat immodestly -- myself. Finished at the back of the pack this time -

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-68546717788794125392011-09-06T15:49:00.007+01:002011-09-15T15:19:50.383+01:00

Nice morning out photographing the GSR. Lots of good results for Bellahouston Roadrunners -- I had a number for the 10k, but woke up on Sunday with a pounding head and a throat like broken glass. That, plus the calf niggle which developed on holiday made me decide to give it a miss. Just as well because the 8.27 train from Drumchapel , which should have got me in by 8.45ish, went as far as

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-17422649993318451602011-08-13T15:13:00.002+01:002011-08-13T15:24:45.857+01:00

Added the Glasgow Parkrun into my long run this morning. Three mile warm-up, the parkrun in 22.39, three seconds slower than last time, then 6 miles added on at the end -- including three gentle hill reps on the slope beside the ski centre in Bella Park., Legs felt great. First time I've been over 10 miles for a while.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-21556447210294767012011-08-07T18:57:00.005+01:002011-08-08T11:10:09.936+01:00

A visit to the East coast for the Scottish Gas 10k a race of which I have fond memories and one I haven't raced for years. Torrential rain overnight had caused heavy surface water on the roads and the rain continued -- letting up a bit for the race. Strong wind in our faces on the way out, but it died to nothing on the way back. I recorded a fairly pedestrian 45.58. I started on target at 4.10

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-21026045103992280652011-07-31T14:15:00.003+01:002011-07-31T14:23:38.164+01:00

Added the Glasgow park run to my long run this Saturday. Total of around 9.5 miles -- ran the 5k hard -- quite happy with 22.36. Had intended to jog round without worrying about a time but my old pal Watson Jones predicted I'd run it in 22.23 -- nothing like someone throwing down the gauntlet to put a spring in your step !!! Kept Ian Goudie in my sights all the way round and was passed in the

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-86428929165619566832011-07-20T15:17:00.003+01:002011-07-21T15:10:30.695+01:00

60 minutes on the treadmill today -- a new record for me -- never managed any more than 40 before. Stretched every 10 minutes. Good safe environment to test how well my calf has healed -- no problems. Might try 10 miles on the road on Friday.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-30122780295956855772011-07-10T23:08:00.002+01:002011-07-10T23:12:59.650+01:00

Three miles on the treadmill today -- easy 10 minute mile pace. 3 minute warm-up, paused to stretch every 10 minutes, then 3 minute cooldown followed by stretches and calf strengthening exercises -- nice to get some miles on the scoresheet -- first run in over three weeks since the recurrence of my calf strain. Been to the podiatrist who gave me some temporary orthotics -- another appointment in

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-12024357380526057942011-06-12T16:56:00.008+01:002011-06-14T09:40:54.520+01:00

Strangely pleased with a time of 44.54 for this the last and toughest of the Polaroid series. This is the first time I have been able to complete all four races in one season -- cracked the series at last. I have a love/hate relationship with the Vale 10k-- it was my first ever race some 12 years ago -- I had a bad fall one year and cracked a rib -- but still I come back for more -- proof

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-4861219457619471622011-06-03T10:39:00.005+01:002011-06-15T11:53:59.276+01:00

Slightly disappointing 44.15 at the third in the Polaroid Series of 10Ks -- Dumbarton. Felt I was running reasonably ok -- but as my Garmin lost the signal in the trees when we were running the paths I don't have accurate splits. The heat was a problem for most runners -- many of us had slower times. It was also very congested in parts. I was overheating pretty badly on the last kilometre,

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-32832717044346712011-05-27T11:43:00.016+01:002011-06-15T11:51:43.314+01:00

Second race in the Polaroid Series -- the Clydebank 10k and I finished 2 seconds faster that Helensburgh last week with a time of 43.31 -- can't complain at that. Right leg felt a litle tight afterwards -- hoping to book a massage for Monday. This week I'll rest and hopefully be fighting fit for Dumbarton on Thursday. Nice free sunspecs!!!

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-27516078689369509422011-05-20T13:26:00.013+01:002011-05-20T13:51:55.078+01:00

Delighted with a time of 43.33 for this -- the first of the Polaroid series. It's my first real serious race this year and only a minute behind my best time for last year -- so a good beginning. Made the classic mistake of starting just a little too fast -- my excuse is that I was running with the clubmates from my group -- but it became clear by the second kilometre that I was ahead of my

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-75688845399798489552011-04-23T17:32:00.006+01:002011-04-24T19:56:24.219+01:00

Pic by Alex BarrYet another Parkrun this morning as part of my 10--11 mile long run Not sure of the exact distance as the Garmin 50 needs calibrated again -- great little system but a bit inaccurate. Completed the race in 22.09 --just 12" outside my PB for that course and almost 30" faster than last time -- as part of a group let by felow Bella Louise Gray -- whose running has come on in leaps

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-977509298407601812011-04-18T15:53:00.005+01:002011-04-24T19:56:40.741+01:00

Balfron VillageFirst 10k of the year -- the excellent -- but notoriously hilly Balfron race. Around 500 runners took part and it was hot. Well organised with chip timing and two water stations. It's an out and back with a fairly tight turn at the halfway. Very happy with my time of 46.04 -- I felt I ran well throughout and my last mile was no slower than my first mile -- always a good sign I

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-3916042057971160412011-04-11T10:19:00.002+01:002011-04-11T10:22:03.604+01:00

Ran the Glasgow Parkrun with Bella clubmates Jane and Mary -- a little faster this time at 22.37 -- benefit of a good warm up. Ran back to the ski centre with an extra loop of Bella Park making about 9 miles in total. Happy with that.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-29117652520706491552011-04-04T15:36:00.007+01:002011-04-24T20:00:14.359+01:00

Finished the Glasgow ParkRun in the relatively sedatetime of 22.52 -- officiallymy first race of injury plagued2011. Thoroughly enjoyed thewhole thing and wasn't caringmuch about the time. Dodgycalves seemed fine afterwards.Good sign. Nice photo of metaken by Ian Goudie -- I'msure he won't mind me pinchingit for my blog.Pic by Ian Goudie

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-70730473178400365952011-03-16T13:13:00.005Z2011-03-16T13:18:58.181Z

A nice easy 4.4 miles on Monday night --two slow loops of Bellahouston Park -- no problems with calves. I'll start building the mileage slowly and easily now. Neutral Gel Asperatus shoes worn for the first time.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-53427633363819152442011-03-07T15:56:00.003Z2011-03-09T20:55:18.145Z

Enforced rest due calf niggle -- right leg this -- time has meant that I have beeen able to catch up with a lot of spin classes and I'm thoroughtly enjoying them. Niggle clearing up nicely -- should be able to get back to running at the weekend. Asics 2160s were not the answer -- too much support simply shifted the problem to the other leg. Back to 1150s, or perhaps straightforward neutral shoes

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-78654733430387409242011-02-22T09:49:00.004Z2011-02-22T10:04:31.071Z

Much needed revamp of the Blog -- cleaner and simpler with a touch of texture to lift it from plain black. Nowt much to report on the running front. Ran last might with my own group for one of the shorter runs -- the Queens Park route. Kept up quite well. Next stage is to get my long run up above 10 miles in preparation for Alloa.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-89399661227366431602011-02-17T12:11:00.005Z2011-02-17T15:54:30.544Z

Been a bit quiet on the blogging front -- nothing to report really -- just getting back to fitness after my Christmas illness and enjoying running with my mates. Back up to twenty odd miles a week, no racing, no pressure. Getting mellow in my old age !!! I have however entered the Alloa Half Marathon and plan to run it as a marathon-paced race. My hope is to run the Moray Marathon in September

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-52799261153820686242011-01-13T11:04:00.007Z2011-01-13T18:32:46.704Z

Better late than never. A bad chest infection -- requiring antibiotics and steroids, for lung inflammation, has slowed me down a little this Christmas so my end of term report is a little delayed. The mileage chart from Daily Mile makes interesting reading -- it is not totally accurate and doesn't reflect my other workouts but it is nevertheless illuminating. Looking back at the year some solid

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-91629239859876032902011-01-05T22:23:00.004Z2011-01-05T22:27:52.121Z

Listening to City to City -- original vinyl on my turntable -- nothing to beat a black plastic record !! And you don't get this kind of artwork with a download.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-2854722045797362202010-12-10T13:39:00.002Z2011-02-22T12:27:41.391Z

Circuit successfully completed last night -- and a bonus was a lovely warm-up run in the snow at Bellahouston Park.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-16557390776719305112010-12-09T09:58:00.004Z2010-12-09T10:01:31.806Z

Well the weather has been cold enough to freeze the Clyde -- but I hope to make a return to the club tonight -- they're holding the regular circuit class in a local church hall -- I should finish work early enough to get there.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-82506992787869808202010-12-01T22:45:00.003Z2010-12-01T22:47:41.829Z

Out of commission since last Wednesday with a virus -- heavy cold with flu like symptoms. Patience, it will pass -- no running at the moment thought.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-77274638901789524162010-11-20T20:07:00.001Z2010-11-20T20:08:56.297Z

You didn't believe me about the mud ??? Look at the shoes.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-55189144014763914482010-11-20T19:54:00.010Z2010-11-20T20:07:46.546Z

Tough, hilly three lap race, Cold, muddy, fierce wind -- in fact classic cross country. Great fun although it didn't feel like that as I came up the hill at the finish for the third time.. It didn't kill me and I wasn't last -- despite the quality of the field. Job done. The club did well winning 3rd lady, 3rd Ladies Vet and 3rd male. In the team competitions the men’s team came 2nd and the

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-51522353352834800422010-11-17T19:33:00.005Z2010-11-17T19:41:29.753Z

Official time for Jimmy Irvine 10k 44.44. Happy with that as I felt I had a bit more in the tank -- even slowed to take on water twice -- important thing for me was to get sub-45 and see if my newly-healed calf held up. Job done. Not happy with my new Asics 2150s -- they seem stiff and inflexible and seriously hurt my feet -- my Monday club run was spoiled -- my feet effectively went to sleep

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-80964855941311663852010-11-15T00:03:00.009Z2010-11-15T21:51:39.536Z

My favourite photos from the Bella 10k -- taken by Brendan Moriarty -- as clubmate Liam so aptly put it -- I was " sucking diesel " at the end of this sprint finish :-) There is a mistake in my official time -- Paul's time is listed as 44.44, doesn't look like I'm 13 seconds behind him and we're only yards from the line here. Must get it checked.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-8170519395868440402010-11-13T15:22:00.012Z2010-11-15T22:33:24.664Z

Great turnout for the club's anniversary 10k. The event was named after Jimmy Irvine a founder member. So many people turned up at the last minute that the start had to be put back by half an hour. It's my first race since my injury so I decided to try for a sub-45. Ran the first kilometer in 4.15 -- just a little quick for my target -- settled back into the race and ran strongly throughout.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-57765324267308470362010-10-24T00:42:00.002+01:002010-10-24T00:45:38.226+01:00

Great conditions for my first race since recovering from injury. Tough, hilly cross country at Cumbernauld with some of the best runners in Scotland. Slowish 19.56 but happy enough with a consistent pace of around 8.00 minute miles for the distance. Cross country is not my best skill -- I'm a road runner, but it's great winter training and it makes you strong !!

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-29415678509937734452010-10-12T15:22:00.004+01:002010-10-12T19:09:28.459+01:00

After a nice long weekend in London I had a go at my Pacific Drive to Pollok Park five mile lunchtime run. Managed it in 39.01. Pushed it a little. Fine for a training run. Feel I'm getting back to pre-injury fitness at last. PS the picture is a panoramic of the Thames, shot on my iphone with an app called Pano -- it is a stitch of five separate photos. I can do it better on the computer -- but

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-55760183522391962362010-10-03T23:05:00.004+01:002010-10-04T12:34:10.877+01:00

Great day out supporting my Bella clubmates at the Loch Ness Marathon. My buddies Emma and Tonia both did brilliantly in their first marathon. A good turn out of Bellas and some very good results. A bit of nifty driving and crafty navigation from the running club's very own, resident, Lewis Hamilton on energy gels, aka Brendan, got us to the 6 and 19 mile mark via a network of single track roads.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-31696037609097773472010-10-02T14:20:00.004+01:002010-10-02T14:23:47.577+01:00

First ever Strathclyde Park park run this morning. 22.48 almost two minutes better than my last outing. Far from my best but going in the right direction. 20 miles this week , 21 last week. Off to Inverness tomorrow to support my Marathon running chums.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-13640374054763589652010-09-29T17:02:00.000+01:002010-09-29T17:04:42.860+01:00

Ran from Greens at Finnieston over the Squinty Bridge to the Ski Centre, up the hill into Bella Park, through to Mosspark Boulevard, round and into Pollok Park, past Pollok House and along the river path to the Pollokshaws Road gate. Back through the park and home by the road rather than going through Bella Park again. Fighting the conditions almost all the way -- torrential rain and strong

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-1037191635095634062010-09-20T15:33:00.004+01:002010-09-20T15:35:31.459+01:00

Five mile run along the canal and back this morning -- hard to get back after 8 weeks !!! The pic is one of me at the Park Run on Saturday taken by Alasdair Mackay of Daily Mile.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-65199441608990562742010-09-18T12:46:00.006+01:002010-10-02T14:24:22.255+01:00

New personal worst time for 5k of 24.37 at the Glasgow Park Run this morning -- but I'm highly delighted -- first proper run in weeks and the calf tear finally seems to be healed. Jogged round in a nice easy 8 minute mile pace -- the pressure was really off. I even had the opportunity to stop and check that my big mate Graham was ok after he took a tumble. I've wanted to give this race my support

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-61138931149494457182010-09-16T21:44:00.008+01:002010-09-16T23:54:52.416+01:00

Just back from covering the Pope's visit at Bellahouston -- spectacular day.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-10382055466974849612010-09-11T17:09:00.000+01:002010-09-11T17:10:08.375+01:00

20 minutes on the treadmill today with no apparent ill-effects. Cautiously optimistic.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-42770993821670548482010-09-09T16:20:00.003+01:002010-09-15T09:51:12.221+01:00

Back on the road again hopefully -- well on the treadmill anyway. Twenty minutes running today split into two 10 minute sessions separated by a gym session. No obvious ill-effects on the calf. I'll wait until tomorrow before I decide If I have got away with it. Next purchase calf guards -- quite a few people have told me to try them. Full 7 weeks from the injury to recovery.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-28380470157000641982010-09-07T14:56:00.005+01:002010-09-07T15:02:01.846+01:00

Sat this one out and had some fun shooting a few pictures -- mainly concentrated on video this year for a change. My physio tells me that the tear in my calf has healed and I should go out and run, but to be honest I am a little nervous of something going wrong again so I'm taking it very easy. Ten minutes on the treadmill today with no apparent ill effects -- here's hoping. Some pictures of

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-45191588504157080442010-09-04T21:23:00.004+01:002010-09-04T21:27:31.398+01:00

Sadly not able to run the Glasgow Half tomorrow -- I've been advised no more than three miles this weekend. The leg is on the mend but I've no real running goals to worry about until mid October so I'm concentrating on healing the injury -- I walked on the treadmill today :-) Number in the bin I'm afraid :-(

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-19129779738144050392010-08-24T15:01:00.000+01:002010-08-24T15:02:23.534+01:00

Well I've got a long way to go before I can tackle open water triathlon swimming :-) -- but hey it's my first adult lesson. The coach tells me I can get through the water not too badly with my crawl but I have to learn to breathe properly -- three strokes, 1 breath -- that's my practice from now on. Swam up and down for an hour, stopping from time to time for a breather -- the most I've ever

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-740999454848392892010-08-23T17:12:00.005+01:002010-08-23T17:30:53.560+01:00

Well the bad news is that I'm out of time to complete my training for Loch Ness -- so the marathon's a non-starter for this year -- the leg tear just took an extra week to heal and it doesn't leave me enough time to complete the training -- I'd only got up to 13 miles and I'm not prepared to take on a marathon without proper training -- also I know the leg will not stand up to the miles required

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-46881935034867228622010-08-20T14:11:00.002+01:002010-08-20T14:17:29.997+01:00

Govan Old Parish Church -- the People's Cathedral.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-25772706983451686182010-08-19T22:56:00.006+01:002010-08-19T23:27:19.258+01:00

Spent a lot of time planning and executing the TV coverage of Jimmy Reid's funeral this week. A job well done even though I say so myself and a privilege to be involved. My personal memory of that time was as a young boy of fifteen being out in the town with my mates and seeing this big march coming down the street -- we joined in of course. That was the kind of thing 15-years olds did in those

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-44010695002543879522010-08-12T14:40:00.001+01:002010-08-12T14:42:29.288+01:00

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-52182447711617617472010-08-11T21:20:00.005+01:002010-08-11T21:27:36.858+01:00

Nice to see the above trophy being awarded for the first time. It is given to the first vet over fifty, in memory of a runner who was a supporter of the Bella 5k. He died last year. The worthy winner was Gerry Montgomery from Clydesdale Harriers.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-40699459442840674662010-08-11T21:12:00.003+01:002010-08-11T21:25:48.507+01:00

Six easy miles round Bella Park with Bella Group B coach Jonathan. He is recovering from a virus so we wanted a nice easy run. Wore a calf support for confidence. Kept the pace easy -- no ill effects -- confidence booster for a ten miler on Saturday. The photo is me having fun with my Iphone -- edited an a package called ArtCamera on the phone.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-55284184952437465972010-08-09T12:04:00.005+01:002010-08-09T20:42:28.269+01:00

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-19830721020807443322010-08-08T19:35:00.006+01:002010-08-08T19:43:04.369+01:00

Hooray ran 5k easy.. easy.. easy.. pace -- no damage to the calf. Nice to get some miles chalked up again. Lovely day helping out at the Bella 5k. Afterwards when everybody went home I ran 5k round Bellahouston Park -- I even finished on the running track - same as the race. No ill effects appparent at the moment. Tomorrow I see my physio for a final check up and hopefully everything will be ok

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-63229726996121530832010-08-07T15:57:00.003+01:002010-08-07T15:59:02.695+01:00

11 very nervous minutes on the x-trainer today -- injured calf held up...whew. A good ten minute warm up on the x-trainer and a good 10 minute cool down on the same machine helped. Two or three miles easy on the road tomorrow after the Bella 5k.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-10676672288060251862010-08-02T14:34:00.002+01:002010-08-02T14:39:02.302+01:00

Well I've discovered the rowing machine !!! Physio is very pleased with the healing of the torn muscle. Says there's nothing much more he can do. Swimming, rowing, x-trainer and bike are all allowed. I've never used the rowing machine before and I'm quite enjoying it -- it's helping burn a few calories -- first run scheduled for Sunday -- easy couple of miles -- no more.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-13813296764047969372010-07-27T10:19:00.004+01:002010-07-27T10:23:56.997+01:00

One week down -- perhaps only another to go before I can begin some recovery runs. The injury is responding to lots of rest, ice and intensive laser therapy -- costing a fortune -- but as a young friend of mine said only the other day -- " you're worth it. " Meanwhile the garden is tidied within an inch of its life, hedges cut, plastering, blinds and tile grouting fixed and I managed to endure

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-20607950993005689352010-07-20T17:27:00.003+01:002010-07-20T17:31:01.040+01:00

Bad news is I've torn my left calf muscle. Don my osteopath and sports injury man tells me I'll be running again in 3 weeks -- that'll play havoc with the marathon schedule. When I get back I'll train for the Glasgow Half and see how I feel about the marathon after that. In the meantime I can go to the gym -- so I've got three weeks to produce an iron hard core.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-35292914495196695902010-07-19T16:31:00.004+01:002010-07-19T16:33:45.887+01:00

Off for a bit of massage from Oscar tonight for calf pain which developed-- out of the blue -- after a really nice 13 mile run on Saturday. Got a bit scared as it was in the same area where I tore the muscle two years ago -- it appears to have settled down over the last couple of days -- hope the massage will sort it out. Plan to run with the guys afterwards -- got to keep the mileage up.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-88940445353911881012010-07-13T20:49:00.005+01:002010-07-13T20:52:48.956+01:00

Interesting article from the BBC website which not only extolls the benefits of running but dismisses some of the myths we regularly hear about the so-called damaging effects of running. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7554293.stm

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-9443323479793693982010-07-11T20:01:00.007+01:002010-07-12T20:25:11.291+01:00

Drove back from holiday in Cornwall yesterday in time to take part in the Girvan Half. Tough, hilly little race organised by the local running club. Great camaraderie, good organisation and lots of prizes made this a winner in my book. A slowish 1.40.57 -- a more than 4.00" slower than my last outing at that distance -- it was very hilly and I had planned it as a fast hard training session to

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-51064550375252607932010-07-01T00:11:00.003+01:002010-07-01T20:46:54.768+01:00

Ran the Bellahouston Roadrunners President's Cup 5k tonight in a pedestrian 21.05 -- almost 40" slower than my last outing at the same distance. Huge fun though with a large part of the club taking part -- and a great feed of goodies afterwards.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-17290383565577612012010-06-27T16:40:00.004+01:002010-06-27T16:42:00.979+01:00

Particularly good pic of me and Karlyn at Glasgow Green by Claire Thomson. The low angle adds a real dynamism to the composition.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-89568166074557900242010-06-23T22:28:00.006+01:002010-06-25T11:24:24.817+01:00

Best 5k in a while tonight. 20.26 at Jog Scotland's Glasgow Green event. Happy with that. Managed to catch up with a few running pals on the night. PS The result was enough to win me first place in my age category Male Vet 55-59. Very happy with that !Great pic of me and Karlyn Forsyth-- thanks to Danielle Glendinning.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-22089640891995981682010-06-21T13:42:00.002+01:002010-06-21T13:43:54.925+01:00

Going for the race face of the year with this pic from the Men's Health Flickr page.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-86957321387982040542010-06-20T13:11:00.003+01:002010-06-20T13:25:34.172+01:00

Supremely enjoyable run this morning at the Men's Health 10k in Glasgow. Scorching hot day meant it was not a PB run for most of us. Going well until 5k -- bang on target at around 21.05 when I got a horrendous stitch -- really painful and I had to slow right down -- thankfully I managed to clear it by a combination of stretching and breathing and was back on the pace by 6k but it must have cost

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-14071715035022853502010-06-20T12:57:00.007+01:002010-06-25T11:28:17.301+01:00

Chernobyl 5k Race HQ Found a great little 5k on holiday at Ribby Hall in Lancashire-- the Chernobyl 5k at Preston. No medal or uaseless t-shirt -- the nproceeds went to the victims of Chernobyl. £5 to enter and a pie and peas at the race HQ the Weslome Inn afterwards. Tricky course with a couple of gates some awkward bollards and a couple of hills. Met a bunch of runners from Strathclyde

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-26723953307170142432010-06-09T21:36:00.012+01:002010-06-10T15:49:03.399+01:00

Pursued to the line by Bernie O'Neill of Bella HarriersThanks to Bryan Lamb for the photos.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-30386839715811381492010-06-04T10:10:00.003+01:002010-06-07T09:37:17.463+01:00

Another good strong run at Dumbarton last night. At 43.02 the slowest of the three Polaroids this year. Set off well with a target of around 4.10 a kilometer allowing a sub 42 with a bit of margin for error. Analysis of the Garmin afterwards shows me pretty well on target for the first three miles -- then an unaccountable dip to 4.27. Back on target for a mile then a dip to 4.29. Picked up for

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-46567016607468552032010-05-28T09:49:00.005+01:002010-05-28T15:58:12.246+01:00

Good, strong, consistent run at Clydebank last night -- a bit slower than last week at 42.36. I was a bit worried that it was a race too far after racing the Helensburgh 10k last Thursday and the Edinburgh Half on Sunday -- but I was ok. Started a little too fast. I felt the pace was a little too quick but I was confused as I'm sure we reached the the first k marker early. The first mile was

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-48307032963411905292010-05-25T10:33:00.008+01:002010-05-27T13:39:04.972+01:00

Couple of good pics from the Edinburgh Half -- shot by my old pal Ian Goudie on his new Canon digital SLR. Main photo me and Emma -- the other runner is my other B group mate Tonia.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-21951131642973017762010-05-23T22:29:00.009+01:002010-05-25T14:30:15.944+01:00

Good result at the Edinburgh half marathon. 1.36.36 -- just 30 seconds outside my PB. Very happy with the result given that I raced on Thursday. My pal Emma who ran with me got a cracking 3.00 minute improvement on her PB with a stunning 1.36.46 -- my other mate Tonia ran a brilliant 1.39.40. Lots of guys suffered out on the marathon course. The race started a little later than usual to

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-18784055786640905392010-05-21T16:34:00.002+01:002010-05-21T16:36:17.880+01:00

Nice atmospheric shot of Helensburgh in the mist shot on my iphone and manipulated in Mobile Photoshop -- not al all bad for a mobile phone.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-65137752882430210002010-05-20T22:45:00.005+01:002010-05-20T23:31:33.287+01:00

Best 10k in two years at 42.23 (chip time to be confirmed). Never run this race before -- hilly in bits with a long boring finish -- but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Set off a little fast but settled into a consistent sub 7.00 pace by mile 2 -- picked up on the last mile to 6.36, so the slightly fast start didn't cost me -- very happy with that -- next outing Edinburgh Half Marathon on Sunday.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-59930041105934680972010-05-09T15:40:00.010+01:002010-05-13T19:03:21.418+01:00

Bella coaching supremo Oscar at the start line.Great Day out at the women's 10k in Glasgow this morning. 14,000 runners af all shapes sizes ages and conditions -- inspiring. Bella ladies did well, so also did my pals Kath and Marina from Clydesdale. The Bella boys provided sterling marshalling and support -- great pic of coaching supremo Oscar pacing the line at the start.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-81030426902630460592010-05-08T21:24:00.002+01:002010-05-08T21:26:17.453+01:00

Lunch with my brother today and a great cheesecake to celebrate the election being over.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-41471247607423824342010-05-08T11:28:00.004+01:002010-05-09T17:32:35.600+01:00

early morning at PQ ...the day afterWell it's over. My General Election coverage programme is done -- months of planning -- weeks of working on nothing else -- 30 hours solid without sleep -- I can no longer use the excuse -- " I'll get that done after the election. " There is the horrible possibility there might have to be another election soon -- hope not. Back to running with the club on

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-11030355984339847182010-05-05T22:13:00.004+01:002010-05-05T22:18:11.286+01:00

Here's the original of the wheechair athlete treated in Photoshop by my mate Steve Brodie who's a bit of a wizard with the software --- It's really good. I opted for the single crop as it makes a really striking image but the composition, the addition of blur and the careful tweaking of levels has made something really special of the original. It's quite different from my treatment -- I think

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-39929260790999066292010-04-30T14:36:00.005+01:002010-05-01T12:55:27.749+01:00

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-19936575468991312672010-04-30T13:52:00.008+01:002010-05-20T23:33:37.887+01:00

Some nice snapshots here; http://www.flickr.com/photos/49502988481@N01/setsThere's a general London Marathon set and a separate one for the few Bellas I managed to capture.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-69112423136965602032010-04-26T21:06:00.005+01:002010-04-26T21:14:15.976+01:00

Had a great weekend in London catching up with family -- taking in a show -- Priscilla Queen of the Desert -- an absolute hoot -- and spectating at the London Marathon. Well done to all the Bellas who ran -- a couple of significant PBs in there. Saw most of the guys through at 10 miles and headed for the ferry to go to the 15 and 19 mile points to be told the crew were on a scheduled break -- so

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-90223513244584834532010-04-11T19:25:00.010+01:002010-04-11T22:09:55.963+01:00

Thanks to Ian Goudie for a great action pic. Managed to pass the two Bellahouston Harriers and hold them off until the end of the race. Karlyn Forsyth who ran with me for most of the way finished 20" or so behind me, another PB, and Linda Kennedy (at the back of the group in this picture) ran a great PB -- and she reckons she was first vet over 40. Also thanks as usual for great support Ian.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-20973094472852583622010-04-11T16:09:00.007+01:002010-04-11T22:10:57.400+01:00

Checked the archive -- 1.10.48 in 2002 on the road -- memorable tussle that one with Marie McChord, I seem to remember.. Given that I'm 8 years older and the course is definitely slower with assorted children dogs and prams to be avoided -- I'm quite happy with that. Feel I deserve the Golden Boot.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-40403812939987448632010-04-11T15:14:00.004+01:002010-04-11T17:45:49.911+01:00

New PB of 1.10.35 -- official time confirmed -- for the Tom Scott 10 miler today. Definitely a PB for the lochside course -- must delve into my records to find out my time for the only occasion I ran it on the old road route. More info to follow. Great little golden running shoe trophy instead of a medal.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-47830103696975896322010-03-28T21:55:00.002+01:002010-03-28T21:56:56.538+01:00

Guess what ?? I was second in my age category at Grangemouth. Quite pleased about that.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-84641585600802269912010-03-28T16:53:00.013+01:002010-03-28T17:11:02.939+01:00

Solid enough performance at Grangemouth today 42.58 -slower by over 20 seconds from last year. The wind was fierce. I felt it particularly over the last mile. Pretty good pacing throughout apart from a dip in the middle and I did lose a bit of time running that psychologically difficult last kilometre and a half into the wind. Mixed results for the rest of the Bellas -- but a big congrats to

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-78860872334343516062010-03-21T20:27:00.002Z2010-03-21T20:29:11.210Z

Are the hills around Aviemore not just beautiful ???

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-19679559962809113462010-03-15T15:27:00.003Z2010-03-15T15:30:51.648Z

Great pic of a bunch of Bellas at the start of the Balloch to Clydebank Half. Shot by Brendan Moriarty -- he has a great eye. I have no qualms at all in stealing it for the blog :-)

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-8837265971283120062010-03-14T21:26:00.009Z2010-03-16T10:11:01.526Z

Official result from Balloch to Clydebank 1.37.23 Happy with that. I had hoped for 1.37.30 so everything went pretty much to plan. Targeted five runners during the race who I though had gone out too fast and overtook four of them. My final target Jill O'Neill from Garscube had a great run and beat me by 8". Finished 172nd out of 479 runners. Pic by Richard Leyton

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-27937947018109984612010-03-14T20:25:00.022Z2010-03-14T21:25:41.250Z

Wee snack to be going on with until I get my tea.

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-1073579197052788352010-03-14T13:25:00.006Z2010-04-17T22:00:50.277+01:00

Try starting your watch with gloves on and you'll probably get into the same mess as me. Ran the above half in around 1.37.13ish. Had a couple of goes at getting the Garmin started -- I'm blaming the gloves, but my ineptitude with watches is well known !!! So official time to follow. Nonetheless I had a great run. Most runners took off far too fast on the first mile -- I ran with a snall group of

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268282.post-25734180636159558712010-03-07T21:45:00.004Z2010-03-08T21:52:51.213Z

Fifteen miles at the perfect pace this morning -- just under 9.00 minute miles. Along the Forth and Clyde canal from the house, through Clydebank. Past the beautiful Bowling Basin, and onto the Lomond cycle path turning at a point just beyond the dog and cat facility at Milton -- almost where the road turns left into Dumbarton. A cool start, turning into a warm sunny morning -- fairly burned away

Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14357578146708841182noreply@blogger.com0