The title is taken from a line in Tam O'Shanter by Robert Burns. There was a point in the Edinburgh marathon when the miles were dragging and I suggested to someone that they had measured out the course in Scots miles - in that jokey kind of way you do when your legs start to … Continue reading The Lang Scots Miles
Author: Derek Lee
I was born in Croydon, South London and eventually settled in Northamptonshire. After more than 30 years as a clinical psychologist in the NHS, my welcome retirement finds me dabbling in bits and pieces - e.g., writing, running, martial arts and photography.
Beyond Musselburgh
Musselburgh, on the East Lothian coast, has long been famous for its golf links and racecourse. It was also the finishing line for the 2018 Edinburgh marathon. I am not a golfer or a jockey, but I see myself as a marathon runner. Perhaps it would be more accurate to describe myself as a marathon … Continue reading Beyond Musselburgh
Running to Musselburgh and Beyond
It is Saturday night. A week ago was the eve of the 2018 Edinburgh Marathon. I made a quick photo blog of the event earlier in the week, but due to low levels of inspirational juice I did not attempt what would be the last post under the category of McRunning Man. The juice levels … Continue reading Running to Musselburgh and Beyond
Running Late…
Many apologies for being late with this post, but I have been a bit busy this weekend, what with driving the 300 plus miles to Edinburgh, taking part in a bit of a running race, and then driving home the following day. My brain is a bit low on inspirational juice at present, so I … Continue reading Running Late…
Running Up Around the Bend
Welcome to the penultimate post about my Edinburgh marathon adventure. This time next week it will all be over. There is one more post to come, hopefully giving a vivid account of the big event. After that, what on earth will I have to write about? Will my life be devoid of purpose and meaning? … Continue reading Running Up Around the Bend
Running into the Wall
I missed a trick with last week's post when I literally ran into a wall - well, at least kind of stumbled against it. This week I had an encounter with the metaphorical wall that elite endurance athletes like myself try to avoid. Yesterday was my last long run before the big event. I approached … Continue reading Running into the Wall
Running in a Straight Line
My posting schedule is about as reliable as a poorly run train service. Keen observers will have noticed there was no Sunday service. This was not due to planned engineering works. Other commitments meant that I had to take a swerve (not exactly a straight line, then - more later) and again risk incurring the … Continue reading Running in a Straight Line
Running Behind Schedule
I skipped my Sunday long run this week - as in missed it, not that I actually skipped and gamboled like a lamb for several miles. That would be something to blog about! My plan was to do a Monday long run instead, but that didn't quite happen either. Quite happen? Let's be honest, it … Continue reading Running Behind Schedule
Running with Jelly Babies
This is a sign of things getting serious - 35 days out from the big day and I'm turning my attention to my nutritional strategy. I have dabbled with dates, fiddled with figs, and today I've been jogging with jelly babies. They pack a good carbohydrate punch, and with correct pacing of their consumption, can … Continue reading Running with Jelly Babies
Running with Hydrogen Legs
Today's long run was not as long as I had hoped, and it took me a bit longer to complete than last week. Back on Brampton Valley Way, this time in the mist, which had mostly cleared when I took the photo at the end. I tried to use the running style improvements I practised … Continue reading Running with Hydrogen Legs
Psychologist on the Move 