I've had the most amazing day. I started "work" at 8am this morning as one half of the commentary team at this year's Great Scottish Run. If I sound a little hoarse on the show tomorrow it's because I have spent four hours shouting encourgement at 18,000 athletes.
Being part of the build-up of Scotland's biggest mass participation sporting event is great fun, but standing on the pavement talking while all your mates are running is a bit frustrating. So, this year I decided to perform my commentary duties until 9:59am and then join the field for the 1/2 marathon.
The Glasgow 1/2M is significant for me as it was the first race I ever ran. I love the course which goes over the Kingston Bridge, through Bellahouston Park, into glorious Pollok Park before finishing on Glasgow Green.
I got some fantastic encouragement from family and friends who turned out to cheer me on - even one dressed head to toe in a Spiderman outfit! There was great support all along the route. Special mention must go to the good folk of the south side of Glasgow and the Scottish Sikh community, who set up their own unofficial water stations to help keep the 18,000 runners hydrated.
As my race commentary was unbiased, I felt I couldn't draw attention to the amazing support from my own running club (C'mon Bella!) and I thought it was big of me to plug our rivals, Radio Clyde who had several runners taking part.
大象传媒 Radio Scotland were well represented with myself and Fred both taking part. I also noticed Karen, who produces Let's Do The Show Right Here was lined up on the start line with one of the producers from Smooth Radio. I'm hoping that Karen beat him, but he was dressed as an ostrich, so that should have given her a bit of an advantage.
As for me: I'm a tracksuit wearing, radio DJ who like to run half marathons....OMG, I'm turning into Jimmy Saville!
(Pic by Gordon Ingle)