As I am generally fit with a regular exercise program anyway I had a head start when it came the training, so I started training for the walk about five weeks ago. 

Week one went really well. Started off on Monday and Tuesday with 6 mile runs. Rested Wednesday and Thursday was a slow 5 mile run in prep for the big 13.2 mile run on Friday. This was really tough on the legs but the ice bath after the run was just as hard!

I spent the following weekend walking about like John Wayne, my legs were so tight. 

The following two weeks training was much the same adding a mile to each distance each day.

Week four was the worst and hardest week of training so far. Monday began with 9 miles, Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11, Thursday 12 and finished off the week with a nice hard 15 mile. 

I took the weekend and Monday to recover!

I now have two weeks of training left and I feel I am right on track for the walk; I just need to get some sponsorship. 

After speaking to the rest of the Bhoys from the Arthur McKenna Lochgelly CSC at the Dundee Utd game I think it’s fair to say we are all buzzing about the walk and can’t wait to get going.

The JTMC is a registered charity (SC042476) and have ambitious plans to build a multipurpose sports and recreational centre which on behalf of the community as a permanent tribute to the Prince of Goalkeepers.

JTMC welcome donations in the following formats:

Online – Just Giving

http://www.justgiving.com/johnthomsonmemorialcommittee

Text donations

Text a donation by texting ‘JOHN31 £amount’ to 70070 (example: JOHN31 £10)

Pilgrimage Walk

Friday 2nd September – Sunday 4th September

Celtic Park – Cardenden

A group of Thomson admirers will re-create the walk many fans took 80 years ago to attend John’s funeral.

For more details www.celticgraves.com or www.johnthomson.org.uk

Commemorative dinner

Saturday 3rd September

Lochgelly Town Hall

Arthur McKenna Lochgelly CSC will host a dinner dance to celebrate the life of John Thomson.

For more detail email arthurmckennalochgellycsc@live.co.uk

28th Annual John Thomson Primary School football tournament

Sunday 4th September 11.00 am. – 2.30 pm at Moorside Park, Dundonald

followed by prize giving ceremony from 3.00 pm in Bowhill War Memorial Club.

Primary school children from Kinglassie, Bowhill and Cardenden area compete for the John Thomson trophy.

Wreath laying ceremony

Sunday 4th September 4.15 pm (approx)

Bowhill Cemetery

Wreaths laid at John’s graveside.