This is a run, a challenge, a social catch up but certainly not a race. I repeat not a race. I had been excited about this run for a long time, I had unfortunately missed a few of the previous runs but I was able to attend this one. The thought of beers – good, the thought of running 21 sociable miles – good – combine them together can only be a match made in heaven…let the brew see the dog, let the trainer see the trail.
The organisation of the run was first class, friendly, welcoming and set the tone for the day – relaxed. The lovely volunteers were both helpful and nothing was a problem to them. I was lucky that a few clients and friends were running and I was able to catch up with them with a small beer – NB I tactically went for a schooner over a pint and that seemed to be a good move.
The chief took the briefing, a small history behind the run (we certainly had better weather than he had on the first run), we posed for a picture and then we were off.
Starting at the brew dog at Castlegate then heading to the next Brewdog on College Street , we headed under the Mounthooly roundabout and up split the winds – it was warm in the sun as we headed up to the top of George Street and onto Great Northern Toad. The pace was relaxed and I was able to catch up with Andrew Gordon about his next challenge going from West coast to East coast of Scotland, the two furthest away points.
Auchmill Road came and went as we dropped onto a trail that runs parallel to get away from the cars and lorries for a while, before cutting through Bucksburn and onto Stoneywood Road and further onto Victoria Street in Dyce. I was able to catch up with Hannah and Pete McIntosh – the latter – better known for describing the travel on Northsound One rather than negotiating it – and he tells me he is doing a stand up comedy act on Saturday at the Pub McGintys ( he was set up by co-hosts Jeff and Lauren in the Morning). This will be both fun and a great chance to see his comedy skills in action.
First stop was in Dyce at the pop up stand on the Dyce Railway Line. A welcome stop – a small pee and a beer. My tactics were to go for the Blue Can ( Punk IPA ) versus the stronger Elvis Juice ( Red can ).
From Dyce to Newmachar – I spent time with Chris Meiklejohn ( we travelled/worked in USA together as two hapless lifeguards – it was great to reminisce on this, both our stag doo’s and his upcoming wedding – before we knew it we were entering into the second stop on the outer side of Newmachar. Here I opted again for the Blue can – the atmosphere was brilliant – Phil Mann and Kev Mackie on their bikes and 80-90 of us on foot we made our way towards Ellon.
The last part of the run I briefly caught up with Sarah Milne who has been running very well of late, Rankin ( who had a novel way of transporting his beer while running – genius) and Ali Findlay. It was brilliant to hear of the success of the previous runs including the winter one where the ground was icy so the sides of the trail were the best and only option at times. The group thinned out and I ran with another gentleman, Andrew Ferguson. We talked a little shop about each others work and the importance of a positive outlook on events – how you can view anything one of two ways, as a positive or a negative. It was great to talk being mindful/strong growth mindset and the ability to adapt to any circumstance depending on the frame of mind you approach it with. I love spreading the positivity message and quoting my favourite book – The Brave Athlete.
We soon got onto the chat of our young families, it was refreshing to hear someone who has had the same experiences that I have with trying to keep fit with a new born…its not easy but he passed on some cracking tips and before we knew it the group had reformed as we headed over the viaduct in Ellon and there seemed to be a spring in the step as the pace increased. We were in a group of 8-10 of us as we headed along the river and along the park run route ( great run if you get a chance to run it) and up through a wooded area before breaking through into the Brewdog Overworks carpark road. Amazingly – a piper who Dave had met on the day on the railway piping and asked if he would go to the Overworks and pipe us in for a cheeky beer – was in hand to see us over the line. A lovely touch.
After finishing, and finally plucking the courage up – we negotiated the stairs and found a seat and reflected on the run with the other runners over a few beers. A truly fantastic day. A huge thank you to those that dedicate their time and skills to provide a great run and atmosphere for running. A big thanks to Brewdog too – I have never been to either bar and would certainly venture back.
Thanks Dave, Pamela and the mighty FLJ’s group – the enthusiasm and cheery faces were a great sight on the course. These runs are a great social chance to catch up, shoot the breeze and even talk shop. The run was a fantastic relatively traffic free route with multiple re-group opportunities. The distance shouldn’t put you off, but sign up quick because I now know why the demand is so high to attend.
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“Carlsberg don’t do long runs….but if they did they would leave it to Brewdog.”
Thanks for reading
Run Long and Prosper
James
