Metro Aberdeen’s George McPherson recently achieved his Good For Age for next years Boston Marathon. George has given a fantastic insight into his training and his running , which only started when he was 41. In true George style – look out for his cobra, this marathon spotlight is both a funny read and educational. Thanks to George and we are all behind you when Boston rolls around.
Marathons completed?
12
PB Marathon time?
I don`t know, I haven`t run it yet ! Currently it`s 2:58:05.
Favourite marathon and why?
London is great – I`ve run it 8 times, it`s organised like clockwork, and well supported throughout. After not making Boston this year through injury, I`ve qualified at Edinburgh to try again next year – that might become my favourite.
Worst marathon memory and why?
Maybe London 2014 – I was hoping for sub 3 hours, but after 6 miles it just wasn`t happening. The last 20 miles of a marathon when it`s going Pete Tong is a lonely place! At the Edinburgh a couple of weeks ago I had to stop in a portaloo in Portabello – in my haste I forgot to lock the door behind me. It was certainly that poor woman`s worst marathon experience !
Marathon plan 80:20, Pfitz, Hal Higdon or other?
No specific plan. The older I get, the longer it takes to recover, and the more I need to cross train and stretch. Ali Mather`s yoga class has really helped me. You`ve never seen anything quite as impressive as my cobra !
Usually I have a long run or race on Sunday, cross train and stretch on Monday, 6-mile run to work and back on Tuesday, treadmill and stretch session on Wednesday, Metro reps on Thursday, rest Friday, Parkrun and yoga on Saturday.
Funniest Training Moment?
Running along North Deeside Road one afternoon, I heard a small car coming up behind me being driven in too low a gear. I braced myself for the usual verbal volley of abuse from the Neanderthal occupants – this time it was accompanied by a bag of chips which hit me on the shoulder. Not a bad shot ! Pity the chips were cold though. Another time I was running down Miller Street near the harbour in a manky T-shirt and shorts when a `lady of the night` asked if I was `looking for business, Luv`. Clearly business was slow that evening, and her usual clientele aren`t very sophisticated.
At a 10k in Inverurie a few years ago I got called a ba$tard by Chris Chittell, AKA Eric Pollard off of Emmerdale – can any of your readers beat that for celebrity abuse ??
Crisps or Chocolate?
Both, with beer, wine and an occasional dram thanks.
Hydration & Nutrition snack of choice on long runs?
Energy drink. Come to think of it, I accidentally bought low-calorie Lucozade Sport in Asda last week – I must be really thick, because I thought energy drinks were supposed to provide, errr, energy ?
Shoes – minimal or maximal ?
Lighter for racing, more cushioned for training. And don`t wear the same shoes all the time.
What is your Mantra?
When things get uncomfortable in a marathon, I think of unfortunate people who can`t walk or run, but would love to. That soon stops me from feeling sorry for myself. I also try and enjoy every run as though it was my last – one day it will be !.
Fly Solo or flock together? ( Run in a group or on your own)
Both. I do my long training runs by myself, but really enjoy the company and banter at Metro sessions, Parkrun and races. At reps on a Thursday you`ll find young kids and codgers even older than me, and people from all different backgrounds all doing the same thing, with the same purpose, and all encouraging each other to be their best. I find it very inspiring and motivational. I didn`t start running until I was 41, but it is a way of life for me now – I`ll keep going until I finally conk out, one way or another. I hope that maybe some younger folk see running as sport and recreation for life when they see fossils like me still at it.
Terrain – trail, track or tarmac?
I run on grass when I can, but the majority of my running is on tarmac. I must get off-road more often. Rob and Peter at Metro organise great off road runs which I must do more of.
Top 3 runs ( routes or events)
Any event organised by Metro ! We`re lucky in that there are many well organised races locally without having to travel too far. Can`t beat the Broch for hospitality.
I`ve only raced abroad twice in the Route 66 Half in Illinois, and the Mumbai Half – both great experiences.
You don`t have to go far in Scotland to find somewhere great to run – Wester Ross is great, but just run faster than the midges.
Top tip for #projectRUN ?
Don`t over train – you may just end up constantly lethargic. Make every run have a purpose. I think speed work is just as important as long slow runs for marathon training. If you only run long and slow, you get good at running long and slow!. So mix things up with reps, tempo runs etc.
Thanks George for your insights and humorous tales. All the best with your training and preparation for Boston.
Thanks for reading
Run Long and Prosper
James