How to embarrass yourself in one easy lesson. A few years ago, I entered some Kong Fell Races, clearly I had an inflated opinion of myself that I could race against some seasoned fell runners, people who are made of sterner stuff than me. It was all part of my elaborate plan to prepare for The Dragon's Back Race. I am scared of heights, I can't map read and I'm not used to running up or down proper hills. The only advice that had seemed to stick with me was from listening to Vassos...

Let’s live in the moment. Let’s take advantage of any opportunities that pop our way. Social media is a merciless temptress, fresh from completing the Brathay 10 in 10, my Facebook feed keeps flashing me with unadulterated images of wonderful runs, races and events. After weeks of ‘running porn’, I just can’t say no. With little over six weeks to prepare I succumb to another runner’s plea to take their entry for the Race Across Scotland off their hands. Plus, at my age it’s important to enjoy...

The plan was to enjoy football, enjoy coaching, enjoy making a difference. The best laid plans of mice and men... I thought I could genuinely help, I was an okay footballer, a half decent hospitality manager, with my basic coaching badge tucked under my arm, I thought it would be possible to help a talented bunch of individuals become more of a team, more of a force and achieve something to be proud of. I think I missed a few tricks. I never wrote 'believe' on an A3 piece of paper and...