Forehill PS 5k Race

My 60th year has been special. In July I ran a 10K with my daughter Helen and today I ran a 5K with my grandson Rhys. Both were firsts. Apart form odd breaks I have done various forms of exercise since being a tad older than Rhys.  As teenagers my daughters showed no interest in any sporting activity. In these later years this has changed and it gives me great pleasure in taking part in recent events.

The weekend was very wet but it was decided to continue with the race.  The course was very muddy in places but the sun was out for the afternoon. I had a really enjoyable run. Even after numerous tellings Rhys would not keep a steady pace and he kept running hard until he had to walk.

The Start: Rhys and I on the right

The course went form behind Kyle Academy by the riverside to the footbridge. Along to Dam Park, up into the University grounds and a loop back to the river. We then went towards the golf course before returning back to the footbridge over onto the south bank and returning to the school fields.

As I expected Rhys perked up for the finish and we had a competitive sprint for the line. Rhys crossing first to big cheers from the support volunteers, his Mum and Grandmother! It was one of my most enjoyable feelings of the year, stride for stride with Rhys and a big grin on his face.

Surprisingly each finisher received a medal. That will be pinned on the notice board behind my PC.

The rain returned as we got back to the car, perfect timing!

Tom's 60th Birthday

Tom joins the exalted group of bus pass owners.  He is having a holiday next week for his actual birthday so we sprung a surprise at the start of our cons meeting.

For a birthday - the perfect working environment met Tom as he came to work this morning.  There was just enough room for his brown fruit scone which is collected from the restaurant at 08:32 each day. As with all ageing Ayrshire folk regularity is critical in all things.  Another treat provided by the secret desk designer was a "Killi Pie" an essential footballing accessory.  (Those outside the West of Scotland may have to Google the significance of the previous sentence. )

Following on with the football theme a personalised Kilmarnock shirt was well received.

Lynsey presented the highlights of Tom's family and working life using  photos to trigger some of Tom's most renown tales which mainly included bare backsides and drink.  Several presents to help Tom through the coming years followed.

We all went to the Fox and Hounds for a celebration lunch. A birthday cake awaited our return to round of the early afternoon and on to more con-calls!!!

Further photos of the presentation can be seen HERE