As an Edinburgh running coach and athlete, I just love the summer in my home city. The long days, where it is light when I awake at 7am, and it is still light at 10pm, giving ample opportunity for outdoor living.
Running the 7 Hills of Edinburgh
A few days before the longest day of the year in June, I ran a route in memory of my very close friend and marathon runner Glenn. He had passed away in the run up to Christmas after a year bravely and courageously battling a brain tumour. So, I ran the 7 Hills of Edinburgh in tribute. This is in fact, also an annual race in June. It starts and finishes at the iconic Calton Hill, taking in Edinburgh Castle, Corstorphine, Craiglockhart, Braids, Blackford and Arthur’s Seat. Athletes navigate their own way between and up each hill, with the distance being around half marathon.
It was a grey day and I took my small rucksack with some supplies and a light rain jacket, just in case.
For once, I didn’t focus on my pace, heart rate or overall time. I just ran for the pure pleasure and fun of running, which is what my friend Glenn would have loved. Had he been with me, we would have been at ‘conversational pace’, putting the world to rights. We would be talking about running and the World Cup no doubt! At the summit of each hill, I paused, took breath, took in the view and some photographs. I reminded myself that I should make the most of each precious day. I love the picture above, of Arthur’s Seat, taken from Blackford Hill. After which, I made my way towards the former, Edinburgh’s extinct volcano. 250m high, with panoramic views from the top of the city and beyond.
And it’s Raining!
I got to the summit of Arthur’s Seat, at which time the heavens opened and visibility dropped dramatically. No panoramic views today!
On my backside, I then slid my way back down the greasy stones from the steep section at the top. I then carefully picked my way down the rutted path back down, weaving through throngs of tourists and past the King’s Scottish residence of Holyrood. Unlike the race, I finished at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, before heading home on the tram. I enjoyed my day immensely. Given that I started from home, I ran in excess of 17 miles, my longest run since the Edinburgh Marathon in May.
I did have a tear in my eye on several occasions, remembering all the fun times Glenn and I, along with many other friends had enjoyed. Racing and adventures in Turkey, Italy, Netherlands and Ireland together. In addition, the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and a trip to Rome for a Six Nations Rugby weekend in 2022. In addition many nights out, coffees, lunches and dinners.
An Inspiration
It was Glenn that started my running journey, cajoling me after he ran the London Marathon in the mid noughties. I then ran the Edinburgh Marathon in 2007, vowing it would be a one off. But, here we are nearly 20 years later, and with nearly 150 races under my belt. 20 marathons, 30 half marathons and multiple 10k and 5k’s, along with cross country races, and some track and field too. Thank you Glenn, for introducing me to the joy and freedom running gives me, improving my physical and mental health. Thank you for encouraging me to commence my Edinburgh Running Coach career too.
Here is the link to the fundraising page for Maggies Cancer Centre and Brain Tumour Research. The amount raised so far in tribute to Glenn is over £63000. You can donate and read more about my wonderful friend below;
Team fundraising for Maggie’s Centres & Brain Tumour Research is fundraising for Maggie’s Centres
Taking That Step…
Have you ever wanted to take that extra step to improve your performance to the next level or commence that running journey? Please contact me, your Edinburgh running coach, for more details. I would be delighted to be your inspiration and will put all my efforts in to assist you in reaching your goals.
Services – liveforrunning.co.uk
7 Hills of Edinburgh Race Information
If you are keen to run this iconic race, the link for race information is here;
