Stride magazine - Autumn 2022

Our fun, friendly jogging groups are perfect for people who want to get active for the first time, or more experienced runners. Nobody is “too slow” to join jogscotland –total beginners welcome!

Mums on the Run helps mums enjoy the physical, social & psychological benefits of being active outdoors. You can take your wee one to class with you in the buggy too!

Running has never been so easy!

Whatever your age, whatever your ability Morning, noon and night • Towns, cities, villages Parks, pavements, trails, woodlands, beaches, schools and workplaces For more information visit www.jogscotland.org.uk or call 0131 539 7341

www.twitter.com/jogscotland jogworks

Our Junior jogscotland resource pack is full of games to help you show primary school age children that physical activity is fun!

Encouraging employees to be more active makes good business sense. Jogworks can help avoid some of the physical and mental health issues affecting the workplace.

Welcome!

by Sue Gyford

Well, what a summer we’ve had! It’s been our 20th birthday year, and you’ve really helped us celebrate in style. Up and down the country, groups and individual runners have taken to the streets for our sell-out 20th Birthday Virtual 5K (p8), earning their celebration medals and wearing them with pride. As you can see above, I’m no exception!

There were also lots of birthday parties, with cakes being whipped up for our Birthday Bake Off, and groups posing for our 20-themed photo competition – congratulations to our winners, Alness Area jogscotland (on the cover) and jogscotland Westhill for their winning entries (Westhill’s cake pictured right)! It’s been a truly fabulous celebration – thanks to everyone who took part. We’re now building up to our Annual Awards (p16), and as you can see the nominees for this year represent all the things we love about jogscotland – the power of groups to support one another, the power of jog leaders to inspire, and of the way being physically active can really boost our wellbeing. A huge thank you to everyone who nominated – we really appreciate you taking the time to tell us about your jogscotland heroes. And of course congratulations to all those on the shortlists – we look forward to celebrating you at the 4J scottishathletics and jogscotland Annual Awards on 29 October.

Enjoy this edition of the magazine – we’ve some great stories –Jean tells how our Menopause Friendly campaign kept her from giving up on her active lifestyle (p14), and we’ve an activity for jogging groups to get involved with, to mark World Menopause Day on 18 October. On p24, Mark tells us how taking up jogging changed his life – he’s sharing his story to encourage people to support the charity Athletics Trust Scotland, which will help many more people experience the benefits of being active. We hear from one of our first ever jog leaders - Toni on p10 – while on p20, joggers from Lanark pay tribute to their own leader Hazel who recently passed away – and pledge to carry her energy and enthusiasm forward in the group. Thanks to everyone who has shared their stories in this issue.

Sue Gyford, Editor

News and events

Jog Leader Conference

We’re delighted to announce that our keynote speaker for this year’s Jog Leader Conference will be ultrarunner James Stewart. Ten years ago James was grossly overweight and drifting towards significant health problems. Then he discovered the power of running. Since then he has won iconic races like the West Highland Way and Rocky Racoon 100 and won team silver at the 2018 24 hour European Championships. We’re delighted to hear his story at our conference. The event will take place at Stirling Court Hotel on 15 October, with updates from jogscotland and our partners SAMH, and plenty of time to chat and share experiences with other jog leaders. Tickets cost £10, including lunch, from http://

jogscotland Hazlehead

Runners from jogscotland Hazlehead successfully completed the Great North Run in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK, with a superb fundraising effort across the team. They have collectively raised more than £3,500 for the charity, inspired by a group member who is a regular GNR runner but unable to compete this year as they are themselves undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Listen in!

Monkton Milers jog leader, Rachel Cox, joined Jane Lewis on BBC Radio Scotland Sportsound recently to offer up some tips for people wanting to take up running. Her advice was the same as Eilish McColgan’s (who also appeared on the programme!). They both advised joining a group or club, especially to help you get out when the weather is bad! It’s a good listen – to hear what both Eilish and Rachel had to say,

Reminder: Jog Leader licences are compulsory for all jog leaders

We’d like to remind all jog leaders that they must have an up-to-date Jog Leader Licence from UK Athletics in order to lead at a jogscotland group. Once you have completed your jog leader course, you’ll receive instructions for applying for your first card, and you’ll then receive renewal reminders every three years. Licence issue and renewal requires you to complete several steps including a safeguarding self-declaration, an online safeguarding course, and the uploading of an up-to-date photograph. You can find guidance here https://jogscotland. org.uk/jog-leaders/safeguarding-licensing-jog-leaders.

This applies to all leaders, no matter when you first qualified. If you do not have a licence, you are not a jogscotland jog leader and are not covered by our insurance.

jogscotland

Hatton

Members of jogscotland Hatton did a great job of spreading the word by hosting a stall at the Blue Light Health and Wellbeing Open Day at Buchan House, Peterhead, in July. Group members Cat, Sandra and Gavin had a great time imparting their running knowledge and enthusiasm to numerous interested visitors to the stall –great work!

Happy 20th Birthday jogscotland!

It has been truly wonderful to see groups across the country celebrating jogscotland’s 20th birthday this summer. Hundreds of you have taken part in the 20th Birthday Virtual 5K, earning our special celebration medal, and there were lots of brilliant birthday cakes tucked into, as groups entered our Birthday Bake-Off –including the winning entry from JogScotland Westhill! We also held a 20-themed photo competition, won by our cover stars, Allness Area jogscotland. They held a black tie run to celebrate, and jogged through the town in their finest outfits, creating a fun-filled video and the photograph you see on the front of Stride. Thanks to everyone who took part, baked, and organised – happy birthday!

Winning cake!

Happy 20th Birthday!

– Toni’s Tigers

Toni McIntosh was one of the first jog leaders to be trained when jogscotland launched 20 years ago. Still active with the group named for her by her joggers, she looks back on two decades with jogscotland.

As I read about the 20th anniversary of jogscotland and found myself reminiscing about my own journey, I realised I can’t remember a time when it wasn’t part of my life! I first heard of the initiative in 2002 when I had just finished uni. I was competing at a fairly high level at this time but have always been passionate about encouraging others to get involved in this wonderful sport so I was immediately interested. Christina Boxer – the manager at the time – came to meet me to tell me all about it; I attended a course along with several likeminded and wonderful people, and planned to set up a group in Ayr. However life threw me a curve ball when I was offered a job in Stirling, so I moved up there to work (and further study) at the university.

I was working in the fitness centre and when I found out the annual Race for Life event took place in the university grounds, I thought this would be an ideal opportunity to introduce members of staff and students to the joys of running; and raise some money for a great charity at the same time.

I advertised a beginners group for staff and students to train for the 5K and was overwhelmed when over 50 ladies turned up for the first session (including the principal of the university)! Everyone paid a fiver which we donated to Cancer Research. We followed the jogscotland plan, and every one of those ladies completed the race. I’ll admit I had a lump in my throat as I watched each of them

Taking an original jogscotland T shirt to Kenya

With the Cheeky Girls!

cross the line. I had wanted to get t-shirts made up for the group and asked for suggestions for a group name. A few were submitted and went to a vote – and that’s when Toni’s Tigers was born!

After Race for Life I expanded the groups to include members of the public, and added an intermediate group. These grew from strength to strength and I loved watching people (re) develop a love for running and make new friends into the bargain. That’s one of my favourite things about jogscotland – its ability to bring together people from all walks of life and to forge long-lasting friendships that go beyond the jogging track.

I won runner-up jog leader of the year at the first annual awards and remember meeting the event’s special guests the Cheeky Girls (remember them)? I was really sad when I moved back to Ayr and had to leave my joggers behind, but I’m pleased to hear some of the original members are still going strong and I actually travelled to Stirling a couple of years ago to surprise one of them on her 70th birthday!

I did a bit of moving around, but once I settled back in Ayr in 2009 I decided to start up some new groups. My mum came along to my first beginners’ group – I think mainly to support me – but she absolutely loved it and became a much loved member (and latterly assistant coach) of the group. I think being in the group

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With mum when the Tigers nominated me to carry the Olympic torch in 2012

A parkrun takeover

Rhona

together brought us closer, and I remember beaming with pride when she finished her first race (before going on to win a clutch of age group prizes)! Mum sadly died a few years ago and only one of that original group still attend but the others know all about her, and I award a trophy every year in her memory to one of the Tigers who has been inspirational to the others (like mum was – and still is - to all of us).

I used to have three separate groups (beginner, intermediate and advanced), however as life got in the way I’ve been unable to dedicate so much time, so we now just have one group which is suitable for all abilities apart from complete beginners.

As the years have passed I’ve faced several personal challenges, from ongoing injury to battles with my mental health, and the Tigers has been a reassuring constant during times of uncertainty. One long-standing member in particular – Rhona - has been invaluable to me over the last few years. She recently completed her jog leader training and now takes charge of most sessions, which allows me to take more of a background role and focus on my own health knowing that the group is in great hands. I actually feel a bit uncomfortable with the group name as the Tigers is about far more than me, but the gang assure me they will always be Toni’s Tigers!

When I started that first group 20 years ago, I had no idea it would become such an integral part of my life. I’m proud to have been able to contribute to such an amazing initiative, and to have had an impact on so many lives throughout the years; but truth be told, I have got far more out of my jog leading than I’ve put in. Like any good race, my running journey has been full of ups and downs and twists and turns, but I hope I have a few more miles left in me; and I hope that my Tigers will be with me all the way.

First aid training

We are delighted to announce that all our newlyqualified jog leaders are now receiving first aid instruction as part of their training. The mandatory online first aid module has been introduced by UK Athletics for people taking the Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) qualification. It aims to ensure our jog leaders are better prepared to cope with injury or illness among joggers during their sessions, and to give extra reassurance to joggers that they are in safe hands.

The cost of the course is included in the overall £130 charge for the LiRF qualification. We are currently taking bookings for LiRF courses through to the end of this year – please visit

for more details.

The Menopause Friendly campaign kept me running

By Jean McInnes

Our Menopause Friendly Campaign is launched

When we launched our Menopause Friendly campaign a year ago, we really hoped it would help joggers with menopausal symptoms stay active with jogscotland, rather than dropping out. We were delighted to hear that it did exactly that for jog leader Jean McInnes, of Jog Scotland Arran. She tells us her story…

We are delighted to have launched the new jogscotland #MenopauseFriendly campaign, to help our joggers learn about running through menopause, and help our jogging groups become as menopause friendly as possible.

We want to change the script around menopause. We can’t alter the physical facts of it, but we can help those going through it. We want to create a world where jogscotland members going through menopause:

• Can feel strong, confident and proud of themselves, even when they’re facing difficult physical and mental challenges.

• Feel free to talk about their experiences without shame or embarrassment.

• Are informed and empowered, so that they can get the support they need from medical practitioners, friends and family.

• As a result of those things, stay active through menopause and beyond, at whatever level suits them.

My menopause journey started a number of years ago with symptoms gradually worsening over a period of time. One of my main symptoms is extreme fatigue. I found running was becoming more challenging as each week passed. Although exercise is said to help ease menopause symptoms, I found just getting through the day could be challenging and exercise was becoming out of reach. It’s mentally tough being the jog leader who is struggling to run, and I had pretty much decided to hang up my running shoes.

As our #MenopauseFriendly campaign launched on 22 November, we published on our website three pages full of useful information for joggers and jog leaders:

• Running and Menopause – introduction

• Menopause – advice for joggers

• Menopause – advice for jog leaders

Around about the same time, jogscotland launched its Menopause Friendly campaign and that sparked something in me to keep going. I started thinking about other people who may be feeling that same way. So I decided that rather than giving up, I would step up. The jogscotland Meno-pause Friendly campaign gave me motivation and a reason to keep going.

For those reading the print edition, just visit https://jogscotland.org.uk/active-living/menopause-and-running/ and follow the links.

The resources we are launching have been put together with the help of a small focus group of jog leaders with lived experience of running through menopause, our partners SAMH, and sharing information from the NHS Inform pages on menopause

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jog

So what’s changed? Well, nothing dramatic, just some subtle adaptations to demonstrate that we are a Menopause Friendly group, like using the Menopause Friendly logo, being open about my personal journey and respecting that everyone’s menopause journey is unique. I place an emphasis on being a social running group and try to make our sessions suitable to as wide a range of abilities as possible; I’ve found “out and back” sessions particularly good as it pretty much means we all start together and finish together.

I’ve posted a few messages on our facebook page about being a Menopause Friendly group and some conversations take place during our runs if people want to chat about how they are feeling but of course it’s completely optional.

I’m exceptionally lucky to be part of a diverse supportive running group where the camaraderie is second to none, and this made my decision to keep going and open up about my experience much easier.

I would say to any groups out there who are wondering whether to sign up to the Menopause Friendly campaign, that they will be delighted by how warmly this act of kindness will be received. With 51% of the population going through the menopause at some stage in their lives and with many of the remaining 49% knowing someone who will, it is a conversation worth having.

Are you, or members of your jogscotland group, running through menopause?

Protein comes from many sources

For some, the transition is trouble-free, but for others it can involve symptoms that intefere with the ability to enjoy running.

Fortunately, we’ve lots of information on our website to help. Visit https:// jogscotland.org.uk/active-living/menopause-and-running/ and you’ll find advice and resources for both joggers and jog leaders.

Groups where the jog leaders read all the information provided and pledge to make some simple changes so their sessions are welcoming to those going through menopause, can use our badge to brand themselves a Menopause Friendly jogging group.

World Menopause Day falls on 18 October this year, and we’re encouraging our groups to hold a special session during that week. We’ll provide resources – you just make the time and space to chat. For more details and to sign up, see https:// jogscotland.org.uk/sign-up-for-world-menopause-day-activities/

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4J Studios Awards 2022

The jogscotland Annual Awards will be presented on Saturday 29 October at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow, as part of the 4J Studios Annual Awards Dinner. The night will see the very best of both scottishathletics and jogscotland celebrated, with the event hosted by Bryan Burnett.

Guests of Honour this year will be none other than Geoff Wightman and Katharine Merry, two of the voices of athletics in Britain and beyond. The pair are renowned for commentating together on track and field events all over the world – with Geoff particularly in the spotlight this year as he commentated on son Jake’s World Championship 1500m win in Oregon in the summer. Read more from Geoff and Katharine on the scottishathletics website.

We received an incredible 171 nominations for this year’s jogscotland awards, across the four categories – huge thanks to everybody who took the time to make a nomination. We look forward to celebrating the recipients of our Jog Leader of the Year, Group of the Year, 20th Anniversary Achiever of the Year, and SAMH Mental Wellbeing awards.

Tickets are on sale now at a price of £50 per head, via https://jogscotland.org. uk/4j-annual-awards-2022-tickets-on-sale-now

Our shortlisted nominees are: jogscotland Leader of the Year

Tony Beacom (jogscotland Hatton) Despite facing his own health issues this year, Tony has been a dedicated jog leader to his group, checking in with members through messaging and social media whenever he was unable to attend a session. He is described as “the linchpin of our group and community,” and members of his group have greatly valued his support on their journeys from non-runner to runner.

Rachel Cox (Monkton Milers) One Monkton Miler said Rachel’s ”enthusiasm and energy is electric”. She is a dedicated jog leader who supports her group members and gets involved in a wide range of jogscotland initiatives. On top of being a mum and working full-time for the NHS, Rachel is a selfless jog leader who can challenge and encourage every member of her group regardless of their background or ability.

Sheila Johnston (Callander Saturday Morning 5K) Sheila has created a fantastic group to bring together people of all ages and abilities to run or walk on a Saturday morning. Her enthusiasm is described as “infectious”, and she is the biggest cheerleader of the group’s participants. She helps all group members equally, and helps members to complete challenges they would never have dreamed of before meeting her, often travelling to support them at events.

SAMH Mental Wellbeing Award

Irvine Running Club The jog leaders of Irvine Running Club openly encourage members to talk about mental health as much or as little as they feel able to or want to, and offer support in a non-judgemental setting. They are also open about their own mental health challenges and are willing to share their own experiences of how running has changed their lives for the better.

Gavin Matthew (jogscotland Hatton) When Gavin joined jogscotland Hatton in February, he quickly found that running lifted his mood, socialising with the group was enjoyable, and he was very open with group members about the mental health challenges he has experienced. He came out of his ‘buckie’ and grew in confidence as he racked up the miles, even completing his first half marathon in August. He is now an enthusiastic advocate of the mental health benefits of running, talking publicly about his own journey to encourage others.

Catriona Whitelaw (Milestones jogscotland) Catriona is a popular jog leader who has supported joggers through beginners’ nerves and anxiety to build their confidence in their running. She has helped members through difficulties such as illness and bereavement and always makes time during sessions for joggers who want to chat about their mental wellbeing. She and the group regularly fundraise for charity, most recently raising over £2000 for the hospital ward where a group member has been receiving treatment.

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4J Studios Awards 2022

jogscotland Group of the Year

Buggy Fitness Group Dunfermline - A friendly, welcoming group, inspiring and supporting the parents, carers and children who attend. From stretches to beep tests to timed runs, the group enjoys a variety of activities, while also helping and reassuring each other when dealing with toddlers on the move or comforting crying babies. Members feel they have made friends for life and youngsters learn that physical activity is fun. jogscotland Aquithie - Founded in 2020, jogscotland Aquithie began with solo runs during lockdown as the community grew on social media, and gathered in person as soon as regulations allowed. As a group, members set themselves the challenge of training for and completing a half marathon. Despite personal set-backs, the group supported each other to complete their winter training. They crossed the finish line together and raised £3000 for Mental Health Aberdeen.

Killie Striders - Killie Striders has been operating for 10 years but since leader Rosie McGrane took over a year ago, membership has gone from 30 joggers to 100+. The group is described as welcoming, encouraging and friendly, with new members put at ease within moments. Joggers wait by the finish for the final runner to cross the line no matter how long it takes. The group fundraise for two charities each year.

jogscotland 20th Anniversary Achiever

George Findlay (Anster Allsorts) - The driving force behind Anster Allsorts, George’s enthusiasm motivates the entire group. From an initial 8 joggers, George has grown the group to over 90 members over the past 10 years. He gets the Allsorts involved in many jogscotland initiatives as well as innovative events of his own devising. He has established groups for all levels of jogger as well as Jeffers and walkers, and has raised thousands for charity.

Jim Glennie (On The Run Cumbernauld) - Jim has been an inspiration to runners in Cumbernauld since the early days of jogscotland, initially leading a group with North Lanarkshire Leisure, then setting up the independent OTR Cumbernauld 10 years ago. His quiet, unassuming manner is described as very supportive and encouraging to the hundreds of joggers he has led over the years. A runner himself since the early ‘80s, Jim has decades of experience and shares it generously.

Toni McIntosh (Toni’s Tigers) - Toni was one of the first jog leaders trained when jogscotland launched 20 years ago. She has faced injury and mental health challenges but talks about them openly to make others feel less alone. She now enjoys seeing Toni’s Tigers thrive under the guidance of new jog leader Rhona, and remains a great supporter of the jogscotland ethos, having herself helped so many people to get active over the years.

Hazel McGregor – a tribute

By Lisa Davidson and Jean Telfer

Jog Lanark founding member Hazel McGregor sadly passed away earlier this year. Hazel started the jogscotland group in South Lanarkshire in August 2017 and was instrumental in developing and nurturing it to become the successful, welcoming and friendly group it is today.

Hazel (or Hilly Hazel as she was affectionately known by her fellow leaders and joggers due to her love of hilly routes and saying “hills are our friends”) was passionate about running and the jogscotland ethos. She loved nothing more than helping people realise and achieve all their running goals and she done this with humour, great motivational skills and true dedication. Her sense of adventure and fun attitude made her a perfect role model as a jog leader and she loved seeing people’s love of running develop through the jogscotland programme. Her commitment to Jog Lanark was unwavering and this saw her expand the group by putting numerous members of her joggers through their jog leader course. End of block was always a big celebration of achievement with great Jog Lanark logo mementoes such as t-shirts, buffs, sweat bands and there was always cake! Hazel was a fantastic organiser and motivator and never said no to a challenge. She arranged great raffles with prizes from local businesses as well as arranging virtual runs and scavenger hunts during lockdown. In 2019 “Beat the Street” came to Lanark, an initiative for getting people out and

active. When you registered, you received a card (very like a credit card) which when out walking/running/cycling, or indeed any sort of exercise, you tapped boxes that were attached to lamp posts etc. There were maps provided to point out where these boxes were. Every time you tapped you got a point.

Hazel was in her element and motivated the groups and leaders to get tapping whilst out jogging. Hazel’s encouragement saw Jog Lanark winning 1st place in both overall and community points securing an excellent financial boost which Hazel put to great use in expanding Jog Lanark.

Hazel achieved many personal running accomplishments on her own and with group members including many half marathons, marathons and charity races including raising money for SAMH which jogscotland is in partnership with.

It was a tough time after Hazel’s passing and we certainly already knew how much she put into our Jog Lanark group but it really hit home when it was decided to carry on with the pre summer block. We are extremely proud of her dedication, determination and love of our group and that’s what kept up going throughout that session - it was a learning curve for us all. The bond we made during this time is another legacy that Hazel has left.

We are now well into our next block, late summer - autumn, rejuvenated and ready to run, with jog leaders taking up new roles - using apps to complete paperwork, payments and a noticeboard for groups to post group chats etc. Some of us are still trying to get to grips with that technology!

We have also recorded a large number of new members turning up each week. We go out every week with a spring in our step knowing we are carrying Hazel’s energy and enthusiasm on throughout our groups - and also the inevitable hill to seek out just to keep her in the forefront of our mind.

Gone but certainly not forgotten, Hazel is sadly missed by everyone at Jog Lanark as well as the local running community, she was a supportive, dedicated and encouraging Leader as well as a great friend to many members. RIP, Hilly Hazel.

Book corner

Jog leader with Anster Allsorts, George Findlay, dips into the ever-growing genre of ‘books about running’ and reviews some of his favourites.

26.2 Miles to Happiness by Paul Tonkinson

Paul Tonkinson is a comedian, radio presenter, television personality and club runner with London Heathside. As you would expect this book is very funny, with some laugh out loud moments giving a truthful insight into the mind of a dedicated runner, as Paul prepares for the London Marathon.

The reader is taken through his quest to break the magical three-hour barrier, after several failed attempts. It relates his training and self-sacrifice, forgoing red wine and the temptations of an allinclusive holiday to Cuba. The book’s chapters follow Paul’s attempt on marathon day. These are interspersed with autobiographical chapters on his troubled childhood, mental health issues, therapy sessions and career path. The narrative reads like a thriller, a cliff-hanger, with an unpredictable end. I found myself willing Paul on with each step of the marathon, being tempted but afraid to skip to the end of the book to see if he was successful. I resisted even looking at the centre photographs just in case it gave the outcome away. The tension really builds up in the last six miles as time is in the balance.

Was all the sacrifice worth it? Can Paul come through the pain and fatigue? Will he break three hours? To find out you will have to read the book! This is one of the most enjoyable running books that I have read this year, probably because it resonated so much with my own sub three-hour attempt in the 1997 London Marathon. I thoroughly recommend this book.

Jog On: How Running Saved My Life by Bella Mackie

This funny, moving and inspirational book tells the story of how journalist, Bella’s life changed through jogging after her battle against overwhelming anxiety and depression. From childhood, Bella struggled with anxiety, severely limiting her confidence, experiences and enjoyment of life. The book is a very frank account of the seemingly insurmountable difficulties of her mental health and how running saved her life.

By the end of her twenties Bella was divorced and struggling to get her life back on track when she decided to try jogging. The book charts her journey towards better mental health from the first steps of a three-minute run, taking her way out of her comfort zone up to 16k by the end of the book. In the process, Bella very gradually runs from home in nearby streets into the unfamiliar surroundings further afield in London as she battles her anxiety of the unknown. In one chapter Bella explains some common anxiety disorders such as OCD, panic attacks, phobias, social anxiety, PTSD and Generalised Anxiety Disorder in an understandable way and the effects these can have on an individual’s life. Near the end Bella doesn’t shy away from her own struggles when running but also highlights her achievements, including running every day for a year and running in every country and city visited since she started. Bella’s message is “Jog On” through life’s difficulties. This is a motivational book of triumph over adversity and well worth a read.

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Miles to Happiness

Jog On is

Transforming Lives

Athletics Trust Scotland is a charity that aims to support the development of athletics and running in Scotland through fundraising activities. This summer, ATS launched the Transforming Lives project to increase participation in areas of higher deprivation and within underrepresented groups in Scotland. The charity hopes to access grant, corporate and legacy funding support.

It is sharing inspiring stories of people whose lives were transformed by running, including Mark Gallacher. Mark, who joined jogscotland Ravenscraig/Strathclyde park in 2013, and later Cambuslang Harriers, has shared his story to demonstrate how running is indeed capable of transforming lives.

How and when did you initially get involved in running or athletics?

I ran as a youngster, from 1982 -1990. Then I became an overweight chain smoker, finding it difficult to deal with certain aspects of my life. I stopped running until 2011 when I ran a 10K to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care after my Dad and sister both died of cancer within one year. After a couple of years of back injuries and trying to stop smoking, I joined jogscotland in 2013.

How has it helped?

Running didn’t just help physically. It gave me an entire lifestyle change – 20 odd years of smoking stopped, binge drinking stopped. But most importantly it gave me confidence and belief in myself which has gone into other areas of my life.

How would you describe the running and athletics community?

On the whole it’s the most supportive network I have come across. A diverse range of people who wouldn’t have become friends without this shared interest, and common goals. The vast majority are there to help and encourage each other. Running has enabled me to meet so many people that I wouldn’t have otherwise as I am a very shy, reserved person. Through running and writing my blog on my experiences I have made so many good friends.

Do you have any advice or come across any hurdles?

We need to encourage people and have the courage to call out people doing the opposite. Runners need to stand up for each other and call this out. It has almost made me stop my journey on a number of occasions.

Has it changed your life?

Turned my life around? Of course it has. I am a different and better person. I have a new and wide circle of friends and running buddies. I have focus. I have an outlet to clear my head when things are tough, breathing space can be a powerful thing. I am in good shape physically and mentally. I have used it to set my own targets as I went along, from having the focus to stop smoking and lose weight to being able to run to the next lamp post, to joining jogscotland, to a sub 50 10k, sub 45, sub 40, sub 36, having the courage to join a club, even joining different clubs to suit my circumstances (me having courage to change cannot be underestimated!).

Where are you now?

All this gave me the belief I could enter national champs, then the belief I could medal, then the belief I could win a title, break a record and represent my country for the first time since 1989 (a 32 year gap). I got an award for my blog (https://markgallmac.com/) at the O2 in London.

• Find out how you could support ATS through legacy, partnerships, fundraising or donation: https://athleticstrustscotland.org.uk/support/

Great groups –Harmeny AC

Harmeny AC is a busy athletics club with dozens of athletes of all ages training at Saughton track in Edinburgh. With many parents waiting on the sidelines while young athletes trained, the club saw an opportunity to get them active too – and a new jogscotland group was born! The club’s Kim Kenny tells us more…

I took over the coordinating of Harmeny AC’s jogscotland groups in 2019 and we have seen them go from strength to strength. We run free beginner groups a couple of times a year on Sunday mornings in Balerno to tie in with our main Sunday club run. Each group sees around 20-30 people continue their running journey with us and it’s been fab to see so many runners progress their running from joining our jogscotland groups to go on to run with the club and take part in 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and beyond.

jogscotland Penicuik is one of our menopause friendly groups

Knowing we had around 130 juniors training at Saughton track on Thursday evenings, we thought what better place to start up a new group than Saughton Park? This has proved really popular and has meant not only have we attracted parents who would otherwise be hanging around at the side-lines killing time while their kids train, but also new runners from the local area. We have had 40 people sign up to the new group and only three weeks in I’ve heard chatter of parents contemplating entering cross country alongside their kids in the future, although they are under strict instructions not to come on to the track for a victory lap – which I think is just what we’ll do on week 10!

Jogging along by David Syme

Tips for togs

The joy of our sport is that you can jog anywhere, any time in most forms of dress. Those of us who plan to jog regularly will probably invest in a pair of trainers, and add other items to their jogging kit as they progress. Here are some of my “tips for togs”.

Our weather is unpredictable; we often look to the skies for guidance before setting off, but we often get it wrong. Cagoule or not? If you are planning to buy a cagoule, choose a light one which can be crammed into one of its own pockets and attached by its carrying strap, rather than have it tied round your waist, flapping at the back like half a kilt.

The neck tube, or buffy is a “must have” for me. This light, thin tube of stretchy polyester can be hat, headband, scarf, glove, wrist band… It is easy to put round the neck and pull it up when needed, or you keep it on the wrist until needed elsewhere. In winter I take two.

There’s no need to call off a run because of snow on the ground, running in fresh snow is a delightful experience. If it is icy underfoot use snow grips, which are put over your shoes. I use clips to secure them, having lost a few in the past.

My brother ran once in pouring rain with his electronic car key in a pocket. Back at his car, it wouldn’t work, and he needed roadside assistance. I keep wee sealable plastic bags which keep the key dry and prevent this from happening. Mostly the bags come when you buy small items, or with spare buttons for a shirt or jacket, or in the covid test kits – well worth keeping.

In warm weather it takes me a long time to cool down. As I usually drive to and from the start of a run, I have a top made out of towelling material. My wife bought the material and took it to a dressmaker, who insisted on some pattern to work from. My bright green towelling top looks uncannily like the top of M&S XL pyjamas, but, as the Americans say: “If it looks stoopid but it works – it ain’t stoopid”

My last tip is a great one! I picked this up from a German marathon runner. To avoid a shoelace malfunction, tie a simple bow knot, then tuck the bows under the cross-lacing over the arch of the foot. This is so simple, and so effective. If you are jogging through heather or hoping for a good time on a park-run you should consider this method to avoid a lace issue. An additional bonus is that it is much easier to untie than a double knot.

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