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Stewart Campbell

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My Activity Tracking

131
kms

My target 100 kms

30/10/25. It is not about the time, it is about the time......

It is not about the time, it is about the time......

A great 5am 5k this morning with "Big Mo" Gordon Pitcaithly .  After a bit of remonstration about the "ridiculousness of 5am" (I have heard that a lot over the last 4 weeks...) we headed out from the Musselburgh harbour along the prom.  "This will be like a walk" said Gogs.  No problem, the time is not important this morning I said, then I thought, but spending an hour with you is.

Looking back at previous messages over the last few days, I was reminded of how long it has been since I have clapped eyes on the big guy.  "Happy Birthday, let's meet up soon", have been the order of the day over the last few years but with work, life etc getting in the way the "meet up soon" bit never happened - definitely my fault more than his.

Anyhoo, chat and craic ensued and with no prior prep "Falkirk Farah" was gliding along nicely.  In all honesty the 5k disappeared much faster than I wanted it to and before I knew it we were in our cars and heading off home, but I had a big smile on my face.....at the time spent.   Massive thanks for the company this morning mate, and I hugely appreciate you anteing up and taking on the penultimate run.  Maybe a pint at Staggs next time instead of a 5am 5k?

19 down.....1 to go. Onions and castor oil a plenty. #theonionchafer 

See you tomorrow for a last dance.

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29/10/25. The Pacemaker.....

The Pacemaker......

Ian Archibald messaged last night full of disappointment as the bullet wound in his left calf had not healed up at all from yesterday's 5am 5k.  He then went on to say that because of that "bloody Leith Links Sniper" he would be unable to chum run this morning, and rather dejectedley stated that he feels that over the last fortnight he has turned into a "physical shambles".  He then exclaimed that he had an idea!...and that he would see me in the morning regardless.

5am rolled around in no time and there was a chap at the door.  I opened up to find Archibald standing with his Prophecy Bmx Cruiser, complete with tall seat post and lights stating "I will be your pacemaker!!"......ok....

So me and "Graeme Obree" set off for the hilly 5k.   Words of encouragement were offered as Obree navigated between pavement and road in a rather brisk fashion.  As we hit the half way mark and headed for home the words of encouragement turned to just plain shouting at me to "move it!!", still my lack of breath told me that our pace was quick.  As I stumbled into the final stretch, my lungs were burst and my heart was banging.  The finish line was in sight and my watch buzzed for 5k.  It could not have come soon enough.  As I tried to get my breath, Obree said calmly "that was quick mate, and you know what, I think my calf feels better now....."  

26m 24s.  New record, thanks mate!

18 down, only two 5am 5ks left to go. Looking forward to the penultimate run tomorrow with "Big Mo" Gordon Pitcaithly down in Mussy.  See you in the morning. #theonionchafer 
 
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28/10/25. Friendly fire.....

Friendly fire......

For the first time in 3 weeks I really struggled to get out of bed this morning.  The alarm went off at 4am and I hit snooze.  Fatal.  I woke up 25 mins later in a stress and maybe didnt quite leave the house like my normal ninja self, more so like a blind drunk bull.  Apologies Pauline, who said at 4.30am  "I couldn't take another week of this!"....ok....

A plan was hatched yesterday to meet the Boy Wonder Kenneth Knowles down at the shore for a nice flat 5k at 5am this morning.  Those who know Kenneth will atest to his tardy time keeping, he did have a chuckle though as I rocked up 10 mins late.  Ian Archibald  fresh from "an awfy cauld" showed up as well, full of beans ready for another 5,000 metres.

The Boy Wonder led the way setting a nice wee pace down through the new builds at the old imperial dock and along to Ocean Terminal. Things were going great until we entered into Leith Links, where it became very clear that Ian had been shot in the calf by what could only have been an expert sniper.  This sniper must have been very well camouflaged in the trees, and using a silencer, as nobody saw or heard a thing.  Ian gritted his teeth as Boy Wonder shouted "no man gets left behind!!" and we dragged the wounded soldier to the finish line with words of compassion and encouragement ("hurry up Ian, you are fine") in a respectable 32 mins.  Thanks boys, never a dull moment.

In other news, Falkirk's answer to Mo Farah Gordon Pitcaithly has confirmed a 5am 5k at Mussy harbour for the penultimate run on Thursday.   Rumour has it "Mo", has been prep running since the beginning of October in anticipation of his big moment.  See you soon big guy.

17 down, 3 to go.  Honkin and chafed. #theonionchafer 

P.s. the selfies are getting worse......

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27/10/25. Mix tape....

Mix tape.......

I woke up this morning and took a wee moment when I realised that this is the final 5 days of "5k at 5am".  You would think that fact would be obvious to me, but it genuinely caught me off guard.   I feel happy to be in the home stretch, but also a bit uneasy that after Friday, well.. it is "finito".  Mixed emotions.

Two days of rest over the weekend saw me still pretty sore and banged up for a solo 5am 5k gallup this morning.  I managed to crank it out in a tickle over 28 mins,  which in all honesty was a bit "spruce" for me and I have no idea how the brittle bones managed it.  My old school playlist for this morning had something for everyone, including some motivational bangers to keep me distracted - maybe that's all that was needed to up the pace? After all, Bruce Hornsby and his Range did whisper in my ear at 5.20am "that's just the way it is!"   I guess he is right.

16 down, 4 to go.  Onions leaking from pores I never knew I had and on to the second bottle of castor oil.  #slipperywhenwet #theonionchafer

https://fundraise.autisminitiatives.org/fundraisers/stewartcampbell

24/10/25. Support......

Support......

The photo below shows the physical supports I have had this week, all essential for my creaking, old, onion honking bones.  Two knee supports, an ankle support and a brand new pair of Saucony black puddings all help minimise the aches and pains on the bod.  Helpful? most definitely.  Essential? no..not really.  

On the other hand, the level of emotional support I have had this week by being "accompanied" on all 5, 5am 5ks by old friends that I have not seen for an age, a friend that I see a lot of, and a family member has been monumental.  Chat, craic, laughter and catchups have been truly energising at the ungodly hour of 5am.  Helpful?  Most definitely.  Essential? 100%!!,  because without it I would have fallen hard on my ass, and maybe even called time.

3 weeks and 75k down, 1 week and 25k to go and it is almost going too fast.  I am burst, but I am not sure I want it to end just yet......

See you Monday.

Stew.

P.s. the castor oil is a game changer, can highly recommend. #slipperywhenwet #theonionchafer 

https://fundraise.autisminitiatives.org/fundraisers/stewartcampbell

23/10/25. Lube up...

Lube up....

Ian Archibald rocked up again this morning at 4.56am, nursing a "knackered calf".  Apparently I was to blame for this due to an impromptu sprint finish to a 5k one day last week.  It did not stop the boy though, he dug in and put in a cracking shift as we puffed up and down the hills in a tidy 31 minutes. He may not readily admit it but I think he secretly enjoys the 5am 5k, although he did say that the best part is a cup of tea and chat afterwards at the Crook.  Regardless of the motivation, his presence is hugely appreciated.

In other news, my lovely sister LJ Campbell heard the distress calls all the way over in Ireland regarding the chaifing crisis, and promptly arranged for Jeff Bezos to dispatch a bottle of his finest castor oil to my door.  This has come with very specific instructions for the lubrication of this most troublesome condition.  14 runs in, 6 to go, Bezos might need to send a bigger bottle..... #theonionchafer 

https://fundraise.autisminitiatives.org/fundraisers/stewartcampbell

22/10/25. Love it when a plan comes together....

"Love it when a plan comes together"....Hannibal from the ATeam used to say that on a weekly basis in the 80s.

My plan at the beginning of the month for "company" during the dark morning runs has indeed come together and this week is flying in. 

The 5am 5k this morning was puffed out with 2 old friends Blair Stewart and Simon Clark down in the honest toun.  Both were initially complaining about the early start time, actually it was mentioned more than a few times throughout the 5.5 kilometers and frank opinions given on the ridiculousness of 5AM!  Still, craic and chat followed and we skelped round in a respectable time. 

Coming home in the car I remembered how long I have known these two.  The attached photo is of a dictionary Blair gave me for my 6th birthday, he had pretty good handwriting for a 6 year old,  and I have been mates with Simon since late Primary school.  Long time.

So, I have been spoiled rotten this week with good company and I am now prepping for a couple of lone runs to round off the week.  However, rumour has it that Gordon Pitcaithly is gearing up for a 5am 5k run at some point next week, whilst exact details are still sketchy at this point it is good to have something to look forward to.  No pressure mate.

13 down, 7 chafing, onion honking runs to go.  Hopefully the bepanthen will last till the end of next week.  As Mr T would say "pity the fool".

#theonionchafer 

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21/10/25. Where are my glasses.....?

Where are my glasses.....?

Not sure if it was the light, the lack of sleep or the early start but that photo does the two of us no justice whatsoever.  As my dad would say "you would get your money back on the ghost train looking like that".  Can't argue with that this morning.  It's hard to believe but the two heads in the photo were "stunners" back in the day.  Taking the photo was a chore in itself. "does that look ok, I dont know, I can't see, can you? no,  I haven't got my glasses, me neither....."

There is no denying that time catches up with all of us, but the 5am 5k with The Boy Wonder Kenneth Knowles flew in.  Running whilst reminiscing about our younger years, how the world has changed, and how we swore we would never get old made the distance almost seem too short this morning.  Despite age, or the time that passes between catch ups, it is good to know that close friends never change.  Thanks mate.

#theonionchafer 

https://fundraise.autisminitiatives.org/fundraisers/stewartcampbell

20/10/25. The cavalry has arrived.

The cavalry has arrived.

Following on from Ian Archibald keeping me company, and sane, with 3 chum runs last week the offers have come flooding in.  

My forever stepdaughter child offered to accompany "the old man" on the first 5k of the second half. After stating that the 5am start was "just ridiculous", she insisted we run after work.  So we headed out at the back of 8pm to get it done.  A nice gentle pace was the order of the day and we got round easy.  I am very proud of Robyn as she has just started running and to complete the hilly route without stopping was impressive.  A good start to the week.  Thanks Robyn. X

Kenneth Knowles is next up for a 5am run at the shore tomorrow...which is actually only a few hours away.  Then Mr Blair Stewart on Wednesday morning down in the good old honest toun!  Pretty sure that Ian will join in throughout the week, as he is still "buzzing" from last week.   Thanks guys, you have made a happy man very old.

Jeez, look at the time.  Jammies bed and see you in the morning.

https://fundraise.autisminitiatives.org/s/39041/43096/w

17/10/25. 'Hatch!, Hatch!, half time....'

"Hatch! Hatch!, half time...."

Those of you as nerdy about films as me will recognise the above line from one of the best films ever. Escape To Victory.  A wee french boy runs onto the pitch before the start of the match to give the Allied Team goalie Captain Robert Hatch (Sly Stallone) a flower saying "Hatch, Hatch, half time". This is to alert him to the fact that the French resistance would break out the Allied players by digging a tunnel under the stadium and through the big bath tub to escape from the evil Nazis at half time.  The players choose not to escape though, and go back on to the field for the second half where Pele scores the second best goal ever on telly, not quite as good as Archie Gemmil's wonder goal in 78, but iconic none the less.  

I guess this is my half time.  I am 2 weeks in, 50ks done....but I still have a further 2 weeks and 50ks to go.  I dont have any anyone digging a tunnel for me, and I am unable to execute an overhead kick.  I have not thought this through.   I hate football.  See you next week.  #theonionchafer 

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16/10/25. Rinse and repeat.....

Rinse and repeat.....

Chafing, sore hips/ankle/ribs and literally honking of spanish onions.  Just another 5k at 5am.  My running gear smells so bad that the better half stated "that's going to take a boil wash".  Whilst I am not skilled in the dark arts of washing machinery, I know enough that she was not giving me a compliment regarding my "perfume", and that we would be better off just burning the running gear.  

Anyway. another one down, 11 to go , and looking forward to 2 days off at the weekend to rest the creaking bones.

Many thanks to everyone who has donated so far, very, very generous and massively appreciated. Thank you. X #theonionchafer 

https://fundraise.autisminitiatives.org/fundraisers/stewartcampbell

15/10/25. My hips don't lie....

My hips don't lie.......

They don't lie, they ache, they ache bad this morning.  No amount of stretching at 4.45am helped, but as the better half said "what did you expect would happen, is this a surprise to you??!"  Again, why are they always right.  Anyway, I got out and ran the 5k with my ear buds in with a variety of upbeat tunes on for distraction, Cypress Hill, ACDC, Opus.... but all I heard was Shakira playing on a loop inside my empty noggin.  I quite like Shakira,  but not this morning.

In other news I still stink of ripe Spanish onions and I have accumulated more chafing than John Wayne's saddle.  12 more to go.  Pauline, where is the Bepanthen?

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14/10/25. Returning customer??

Returning customer??

Whilst stretching off in the living room at 4.45am this morning, I noticed a pair of eyes peering through the window!  Was it some sort of early morning voyeur..no, it was Ian Archibald again!  "Buzzed" by his 5am 5k yesterday, he rocked up this morning unannounced to keep me company.....no badger this time though.

I had planned to "take it easy" this morning and slow the pace as my old bones are creaking bit.  However, competitive endeavour ensued and we banged in a 30 min 5k.  Sore?....yes, Fun?....definitely!!! Thanks mate, very much appreciated.

Another one done, only 13 more to go. 

https://fundraise.autisminitiatives.org/fundraisers/stewartcampbell

13/10/25. Who's getting the badgers ready for the badger parade....??!!

Who's getting the badgers ready for the badger parade....??!!

Huge thanks to Ian Archibald who made the 5k less traumatic at 5am this morning.  In all honesty the smart money was on a no show as he sent me this pic at 9pm last night...but he turned up.all excited at 4.58am exclaiming that "I have just seen a badger running up your street!...first time I have ever seen a badger!!" ..ok then...

Anyhoo, we puffed out another 5k whilst chatting and laughing, which made running at this hour feel less ridiculous.  Thanks mate, very much appreciated.

Another 5k down, only 14 more to go.  I am off to find the bepanthen.... chafing is real. See you tomorrow.#theonionchafer

If you fancy a cheeky wee sponsor follow the link below.  X

https://fundraise.autisminitiatives.org/fundraisers/stewartcampbell

The silence is deafening.... and chafing!

The silence is deafening.....and chafing!

Apologies for the radio silence since Tuesday.  The "speedbump" was a lot more swollen and painful than I anticipated.  A swift "talking to" by the better half followed (why are they actually always right!) which led to some rest days with no running permitted.

However, come yesterday (Saturday) I ventured out to "get square with house" and wheezed out a 5.  Today I managed another two 5s, no idea how I did that, and we are back square for the weekly total at 25 as.  They weren't all done at 5am, they weren't pretty, and I have discovered that I am prone to chafing which is a story for another day....onions and chafing in the same week, who would have thunk it.

Still week 2 begins at 5am tomorrow and I have the pleasure of Mr Ian Archibald for some company, banter and chat all things bmx.

Enjoy the misty pic from tonight.  Lets' boogie. X

Ooooyah!!! It has started!!!

Ooooyah!!!  It has started!!!

What has started you may say?  The 5am, 5k for 5 days a week, each full week in October....started this morning.  Bit of a mouthful.

The ankle and ribs are still a bit "spicy" from the speedbump bmx pumptrack crash a couple of Sundays ago, but the first 5k was "wheezed" out this morning, and I have hobbled about for the rest of the day!  

Back at it tomorrow.  Not gonna lie, this first week is daunting!  Enjoy the picture of the darkness.

Speedbumps and shakedowns....

Speedbumps and shakedowns...

The prep 5ks were going great until last Saturday when I hit a wee speedbump.  The speedbump in question was 2 crashes in 15 mins at a pumptrack on the bmx (thanks Craig), resulting in a couple of sore ribs and a very swollen ankle.  Fast forward 5 days of "resting the ankle" and I wobbled out tonight for a shakedown run, turned out ok, sore and slow but I managed a 5k.

Feeling a bit nervy for the start of 5 back to back 5ks on Monday though.  "It has come around fast," as my mum would say....

My sweat smells like Spanish onions?....

My sweat smells like Spanish onions?.....

Apologies to anyone who has ever been around me whilst I have been exercising over the years but I now realise that when I am overheating and leaking, I smell like a ripe spanish onion.  Not the epiphany I was expecting at 5am this morning.

Anyway, the 2nd 5k has been puffed out, ankle sore, ribs sore, generally all over sore, but I got round.  Slower than yesterday as I stopped to have 8 attempts at a selfie, mid 50s ain't no beauty pageant.  

Follow the link for a cheeky wee sponsor? no worries if not, I love you anyway. X

Lonely at 5am....

I have managed to knock out a fair few 5k prep runs this week at 5am, but jeezo it is lonely.  I said "morning" to a few other early morning joggers on route, some said hi back, some totally ignored me - I guess they were "in the zone", or maybe it was my loud Bermuda shorts which Pauline said were "too much" (and not just for that time of the morning).   I run with earphones in and the Rocky IV soundtrack only distracts you so far from the fact you are on your own, outside, running, when there are few other humans about......

I need a plan....

+ and -

First couple of early morning back to back prep runs done.  The resulting sore quads and tonnes of lactic acid make it difficult to negotiate stairs - especially going down the way.  Still, the sunrises have been worth it...

Nerves?

September is closing out fast and October is just around the corner!  Getting a bit nervy now so I will be out doing some more warm up kilometers before October shows it's face.    Not sure if that is a good idea or not......

5kms, at 5am, 5 days a week, each week in October?

Hi, planning to run 5kms for 5 consecutive days, each week of October ...oh, at 5am.  100kms in total for the month.   Should be fun, sore, both?!  Any donations will be greatly appreciated. Muchos gracias. x


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Thank you to my Sponsors

£500

Blair Stewart

5am! Erse.

£318

Gordon Ogilvie

£259

Red Mcgregor

Great effort matey…

£110.60

Anonymous

£106

Ian A

I’ll be thinking about you 😴

£75

Rohan

Good luck Stew!

£63.80

Mum & Dad

You will do it no problem

£58.56

Monksie

Some boy Stew ! 5am used to be home time after a night out. Power on Brother 💪👏👏👏👏

£58.56

Pauline

Good luck Stew xx

£55

Robyn

The most selfless man there is! Well done Stew xx

£53.32

Chris Dallas

You’re some man!

£53.32

Ann Thomson

Good luck Stew!

£53.32

Cal Mcfarlane

Brilliant effort! Good luck!

£53.32

Audrey Watson

Good luck! Thank you for everything you do at Number Six.

£52.12

Tom Carter

Well done Stu sounds like a tough challenge. Hope the weather is kind to you! Good luck !

£50

Isobel

Good luck Stewart x

£50

Denise Conlan

You are thee most amazing human! Good luck, not that you’ll need it!

£50

Emma James

Good luck Stew, thanks for everything you have done for me

£42.79

Angie Skene

Good luck Stu, a great challenge I'm.sure you'll breeze through. Stay off the BMX tracks until November.

£36.63

Kenneth Knowles

5km at 5am … only Storie Campbell. Outstanding effort mate (almost up there with Liverpool - Edinburgh 😜) Keep up the good work - finish line in sight ! (Lack of 20/20 vision helps)

£33.61

Gordon Ogilvie

£32.23

The Robbos

Wow ! what a man. Good luck and hope the weathers kind to you. Sure P will gladly massage your aching tootsies after your done each day 😂

£32.23

Matt Betts

May both yer hoops make it ya wee onion smelling gadge

£32.23

Christine Mckain

Good luck Stewart! You can do it!

£32.23

Jimmy

Good luck Stewart. I’m sure you’ll smash it.

£30

Maddy, Ib And Sushi

£30

Anonymous

£30

Jane, Jonathan & Robert

What a challenge! Wishing you all the best x

£30

Mary

Keep going Stu!

£29.15

Ross Kennedy

You got this stew🏃🏻‍♂️💪

£29.15

Linsay Steel

Gogogo Stew !! Best of luck you can do it for a great cause. Lins

£29.15

Graeme Atkinson

£29.15

Colin Campbell

Amazing! All the best.

£27.05

Tim Hather

You're obviously crazy Stew

£23.91

Liza Mcguinness

Not a bother on ya xxx

£23.91

Coralie Colburn

Very impressed Stewart! All the best Coralie & Robert x

£23.91

Rob Tuck

£23.91

Carol Stovell

Good luck x - run Stewart run! 🏃

£23.91

Stretchy Bawbag Wayne

£23.91

Rod Kirk

Good effort mate, but 5am?! Rather you than me!

£23.91

Louise Sutherland

Good luck Stew!!! I’m sure you’ll do a great job xx

£23.91

The Mccrums

Well done young man big love from the McCrums x

£22

Daniel Farrell

👍

£22

Ali Scott

Great effort pal.

£21.84

Anthony Shek

Did I ever tell you that you're my hero...

£21.84

Amanda Reid

Amazing Stewart…. Well done from The Reid’s 👏🏻

£20

Anonymous

£16.56

Anonymous

£16

Ania

Thanks for everything, Stew x

£16

Gail Watson

Good luck Ste, you’ll smash it

£13.46

Scott Mcguinness

£13.46

Florence Mckie

Good luck from Scott’s aunt Pat

£13.46

Marta

😁

£13.46

Zara Deans

£13.46

Trish Wright

always like to support autism causes good luck

£13.46

Kristiano

Hopefully the bionic body holds up pal, proud of you 👏

£13.46

Kerry Brydon

Go for it!

£13.46

Alan Young

You'll smash it Stew

£12

Angela Nimmo

Well done Stewart and good luck!

£11.33

Julian Allen

Just keep it rubber side down ya bonny wee raj!!

£11.33

Warren

£11.33

Tanya Ross

Awesome!!!

£11.33

J Mcleish

£11.33

Anonymous

£11.33

Emily Reid

£10

Brenda Bristow

Good luck 👍 Stewart from Brenda,

£10

Cotty

£10

Suzanne

Keep going x

£1.53

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