Born to run (or jog)

Long stretches of road like this are becoming an increasingly familiar sight. I've just started training (I use the term loosely) for my 3rd Great Scottish Run Half Marathon. It takes place in Glasgow on September 4th so I've got a couple of months to throw some stretches in preparation.

The course starts in George Square outside the City Chambers and the run allows you to take in a few other Glasgow landmarks, you get a sterling view of the SECC as you run along the Kingston Bridge. You'll also find yourself in a number of Glasgow's famous parks - Bellahouston Park, Pollok Country Park and Glasgow Green where the added treat is the finish line!

I really enjoy the actual race, it's just the training that's a bit of a bugger. I'm hoping to improve my time this year, somewhere around 1 hour 57 would be great but I'll have to put in the work.

Now, where did I put that bum bag...

A street with a view

I went for a run yesterday and on defeating my nemesis (the very steep Gardner Street) I was rewarded with a splendid view of the new Riverside Museum which opened this very day. The iconic building certainly makes an impact on Glasgow's skyline.

(Grey wave-like structure towards the back of the shot for those of you not familiar with Glasgow)

My favourite description of its jagged shape is that it resembles the peaks and troughs of a cardiac monitor - will Riverside become the beating (albeit slightly sporadic) heart of Glasgow's cultural body...

British Art Show: In The Days Of The Comet

I took a wonder down to Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art (or GoMA as it's known to its chums) yesterday afternoon to have a look at some of the work installed there as part of the British Art Show. Launched late last year in Nottingham, this is the seventh British Art Show and this year the exhibition, famous for its cutting-edge approach and influence, will also travel to London and Glasgow before finishing its jaunt around the UK in Plymouth.

In the Days of the Comet is probably a reference to the 1906 science fiction novel of the same name by H. G. Wells in which the vapors of a comet are used as a device which transforms perspectives and attitudes. BAS7 certainly challenges our perspectives by encouraging us to question how art exists and evolves over time, like a comet, art does not follow a pre-destined path.

I admit that I'm no art expert, but I know what I like and I'm open-minded to anything that captures my interest and imagination. I can also be drawn in with a good title - I was intrigued to see Brian Griffiths' work ' The Body and Ground (or Your Lovely Smile)'. It's a huge teddy bear head made out of what appears to be an orange parachute. Truth be told it's 'Lovely Smile' looks a little ominous, certainly grabs your attention though - I wonder where its body is?

Set amongst the paintings, photographs and, in true contemporary art style, a female mannequin in a large glass box battling a snake with a stick, Haroon Mirza's beating installation called me over. Combining a record player, table, speaker and strobe light, the installation 'Regaining a Degree of Control' uses previously unseen footage of Ian Curtis of Joy Division fame. Strobe lighting triggers movement and sound, very interesting considering Curtis's experience of epilepsy - the song 'She's Lost Control' details this condition 'Confusion in her eyes, that says it all... she gave away the secrets of her past'.

GoMA also has a selection of paintings and drawings by Glaswegian artist and writer, Alasdair Gray. I'm currently working my way through his novel Lanark so it was interesting to see his illustrations too.

The British Art Show is certainly worth a visit, Glasgow's Tramway and Centre for Contemporary Art are also hosting BAS7 exhibitions until August 21.

A Sunday Eve Westside...

Scottish Fashion Awards 2011: In my PJs

As I sit here, cup of tea in hand, settling down to watch the UK's 'finest entrepreneurial talent' on The Apprentice, fashionistas from all over Scotland and beyond will be strutting down the tartan carpet (yes, really) at the Scottish Fashion Awards.

Glasgow Science Centre will provide the venue, Scotland will provide the fashion and Shirley Bassey will provide some old school glamour and pretty please a rendition of Goldfinger (ah if only) Oh, and Samantha Cameron is going too - sure she'll enjoy a night away from the hubby.

Glasgow has become a bit of a fashion mecca over the last few years. Glasgow boys Christopher Kane and Jonathan Saunders have experienced huge international success and both have been nominated in the Scottish Designer of Year Category.

To get a feel of Glasgow's unique and fun style sneak a peek at www.lesgarconsdeglasgow.com These chaps have been nominated in the Communicator of the Year category.

Oops. Lord Sugar was distracting me...not to mention Nick and his lovely selection of coats. Anyway, I digress, my twitter buddies tell me Jonathan Saunders, a graduate of Glasgow School of Art don't you know, is the 2011 Scottish Designer of the Year, very well done!

In other, less pressing news, Glen has been sacked from The Apprentice - he wasn't very good.

Diabetes Week: Sweetness is my Weakness

I interrupt this blog of all things Glasgow to bring you a public health notice. Tales of my fine city will resume shortly.

Having been pancreatically challenged for the best part of seven years now I feel I should draw attention to the fact that 12-18 June is Diabetes Week. We all sit around and eat cakes in celebration.

I joke.

Those good old chaps and chapettes at Diabetes UK are encouraging everyone to talk about their experiences of diabetes whether direct or indirect. This can only be a good thing. Raising awareness is the best way to erase ignorance of what continues to be a hugely misunderstood condition.

A recent survey exposed a worrying truth that 1 million people in the UK feel under pressure to hide their condition from friends and colleagues. Now considering there are an estimated 2.8 million people in the UK with diabetes that’s quite a percentage (I’m rubbish at maths or else I’d work out said percentage). The survey revealed that many people missed their insulin injections out of worry of drawing attention to themselves – many were concerned that diabetes would affect their employment chances or that others would instantly assume they had brought the condition on themselves. Although saddened by this I can’t say I’m entirely surprised.

I have lost count of the times I have wanted to rip up a newspaper or throw my slow-release- carbohydrate-snack at the TV for the audacity of giving airtime to ignorant pundits or poorly researched documentaries and adverts. Greater differentiation between Type 1 and Type 2 must be made, the types are very different both in source and treatment, there is even a camp that would like to see the types given different names...all suggestions welcome.

Type 1 is an auto immune disease and should be treated as such, it is in no way lifestyle related. Yes, we all know Type 2 can be caused by numerous factors including poor diet and inactivity but it should also be pointed out that this is not true of all cases. The media’s portrayal of the person with diabetes as , please excuse my French, a fat ba*t#rd and a drain on the NHS, is not at all helpful and only fuels prejudice.

I’ve always been very lucky, the ‘betes is not something I have felt I have needed to hide, yes I’ve had the odd stare when shooting up in public, I’ve had the occasional comment that I don’t ‘look diabetic’ and I’ve had hypos in the most inconvenient of places – the Debenhams lingerie department springs to mind, but I don’t have an issue with people knowing I have diabetes and I reckon if we raise greater awareness about the condition any stigma attached will start to diminish.

I, like many others, work hard to manage my condition and this is apparent to the people around me. I lead a normal, active life and have refused to let diabetes hold me back. I always remind myself that, at the end of the day, it is a manageable condition, frustrating as hell at times yes, but it really could be a lot be worse.

So, there you go, those are my thoughts. I hope this year’s Diabetes Week encourages other people to talk more openly about their experiences and helps to improve understanding. Negative stereotypes be gone!

West End Festival 2011

It struck me as I was strolling home from work today, sans rickety umbrella and glued-on frown, that summer is here...yes yes believe it or not, Glasgow does recognise British summer time. And what better way to celebrate the long days and shower tinged sunshine than with a jam-packed, multi-arts festival in Glasgow's leafy west end.

The West End Festival is Sweet 16 this year and has a cracking programme of events organised. Kicking off this Friday (3 June) the Festival runs for 3 weeks and features 600 events and acts which cater for every taste, whim and fancy, from classical music to folk, rock and jazz, dance and theatre, guided walks and gala days...and last but not least, gin tasting.

The opening parade takes place this Sunday in and around Kelvingrove Park and is set to attract tens of thousands of people from all over the city. Festival Sunday features a Mardi gras style parade, craft and food stalls and live music over several stages. There's always a really good buzz, grab yourself a drink and enjoy a spot of people watching on a (fingers-crossed) sunny afternoon.

The full programme is available www.westendfestival.co.uk