Today, I received an email from the Scotland Masters Manager Alistair McFarlane telling me that I have been selected for the International against England, Northern Ireland, Eire and Wales at Bellahouston Park on November 26th 2011, 2 days before my 44th birthday.
Now like us all I can remember where I was in momentous or historic occasions, like when Michael Jackson died Derek Reed and I were warming up on the track on a Friday night when we were informed by one of our fellow athletes that ” Michael Jackson had died of a mild heart attack”. It’s always in my memory banks whenever I hear about Michael Jackson and today, around 1230hrs, what was I doing when I checked my emails, was I just warming down after a hard track session or doing some kettlebells.
Oh no I was making a pot of stew and some home made soup !!!!
The email popped up from the Scotland Manager and I fully expected it to say ” Great run on Saturday but a great candidate for next year in the Vet 45 category”. With a dazed expression I read it over and over again, YOUR IN THE TEAM, what size of vest do you want, where are you staying etc”
I am not the most emotional of people but I had a tear in my eye as I wanted this more than anything in the whole world, forget money, fast cars , I wanted that vest.
I am a proud Highlander and have handed down to my son Leodhais the fanatical Highland and Scottish belief and I recall his party trick when he could just about speak aged 2 years
Dad ” What colour is your blood”
Leodhais “Tartan”
He really thought he had tartan blood.
But this is not just about me working hard, its about a band of brothers who trained together and helped me get better and have belief in myself and were there to pick me up when things went wrong, my friends Paul Hilton, David Daniels, Sean Kelly oh and Brian Scott as well as the whole infrastructure at Tyne Bridge Harriers.
I would also like to thank Dave Cooney, Colin Feechan of Cambuslang Harriers and a big thank you to Gordon Rimmer for his internet support.
I will give it my all on November 26th 2011 for Scotland, Cambuslang and Tyne Bridge Harriers.
Kenny Mac
10 Responses
absolutely fantastic news Kenny.. very well deserved and I know you will give it your all and wear that vest with the utmost pride.. Nice One Braveheart !!
Well done Kenny, I’m delighted for you, thoroughly deserved and especially pleased seeing how much it obviously means to you. I’ll still be supporting England mind ;0)
Congratulations Kenny , I know this has been the aim for you since we all started running together about 3 years ago.
I knew this would happen eventually although, like you I thought it would be next year when your in V45 category.
To get picked when your 44 in the age Category of 35-44 is utterly amazing and looks well for the future for you to be a regular Scottish International.
Well done TBHs are proud of you.
I hope you remembered to remove the stew from the stove!!
Congratulations Kenny, thoroughly deserved and an inspiration to all us ‘oldies’ at the club.
Well done Kenny you’ll do your club and country proud.
Fantastic news Kenny. You must be full of excitement and trepidation. Good luck in the forthcoming event. ps you’ll want independence next……
‘Expect the impossible’ should be your motto Kenny. You did not expect to be picked until you reached the over 45 category. A well-deserved call up from Scotland. You were understandably ecstatic tonight at the club training session. You should realise that all of your club mates are lifted by your achievement too. Leading through example is the best form of leadership. Congratulations.
really proud of you Kenny, totally agree with Sean – your achievement has given us all a huge lift. you’re an inspiration Big Mac ….
well done Kenny , as ever leading by example …. now you have 2 international vests in your familly
Huge big congratulations: shows hard work committment and belief does pay in the end! I will be there on the start line in my green and white vest ready to do battle against the Braveheart with tartin blood!