Running a marathon hardly seems the way to erase the memory of yesterday’s cruel Hampden heartbreak.
Stenhousemuir left-back Ruaridh Donaldson has 26 miles today to reflect on what might have been after Odsonne Edouard’s double sank Hearts’ hopes.
The Jambos fan will take on the Edinburgh Marathon – his first crack at the distance – after a 45-game season that ended in relegation to League Two.
While a niggle in the season’s run-in saw him scale back training in his bid to beat a three-hour target, Donaldson was relishing hitting the road if not sitting inside Hampden yesterday.
Standing on the steps of the National Stadium before kick-off, he said: “It will be difficult to watch Hearts v Celtic – or Celtic demolish Hearts – sober. That would be a tough one if I’m honest.
“We’re big Jambos, all of us. I hummed and hawed about whether to go to the game or not but you don’t get the opportunity to go to a cup final very often.
“It’s a strictly sober affair unfortunately, which makes it infinitely harder.”
The 25-year-old wasn’t short of motivation given the chance to boost the near £78,000 fund already raised for The Brain Tumour Charity in his mate’s memory. Less than two days after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in February 2016, family friend Duncan McLean, from Gullane, died.
Ruaridh, the oldest of four brothers, including Caley Thistle defender Coll, said: “He was my little brother’s age but we played competitive rugby, football, golf with and against Duncan from my earliest memories of being in North Berwick.
“Duncan was a brilliant guy and was loved throughout, not just in a sporting sense, he was just a great guy to be around and so much fun. I’ve really fond memories of Duncan and it is the least I can do.
“There has been great support across the whole area because of Duncan and because he touched so many people.”
It’s not been the most memorable of months for Donaldson.
He went down via the play-offs with the Warriors, then watched from the stand as Coll’s bid to reach the top flight via the play-offs unravelled, then endured yesterday.
He said: “In comparison to football there is a lot more going on and a lot more important things.
“You can get caught up in it when you’re in that world but it’s good to take a step back sometimes and just realise what is important – family, friends… and golf.”
●RUARIDH can be sponsored for today’s Edinburgh Marathon at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ruaridh-donaldson
