Stride Magazine - Spring 2020

stride

the jogscotland magazine | Spring 2020

Dundee International Women’s Centre steps out Tag Along – join our brand new campaign!

Maternal mental health – getting active safely for your post-natal wellbeing Invergordon jogscotland – pulling together after school fire Plus… the best spring running events for your diary jogscotland.org.uk

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2 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.facebook.com/JogScotty • www.twitter.com/jogscotland

jogworks

Our Junior jogscotland resource pack is full of games to help you show primary school age children that stride physical activity is fun! jogscotland magazine | Spring 2016

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.

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Meet the Jog Crew

Sue Gyford

Colin Hutchison

Angie Sutherland

Carol Robison

Digital communications and press officer

Head of Development

Coaching administrator (Jog Leader course bookings)

Membership administrator

sue.gyford@ scottishathletics.org.uk 0131 539 7350

colin.hutchison@ scottishathletics.org.uk 07983 080 925

coaching@ scottishathletics.org.uk 0131 476 7328

Andrea Gavin

Laura Kirkland

Jo Stevens

Community Strides coordinator

Community Strides coordinator

Development officer

andrea.gavin@ scottishathletics.org.uk 07801 634 198

laura.kirkland@ scottishathletics.org.uk 07960 582 838

On maternity leave

membership@ scottishathletics.org.uk 0131 476 7321

Jog Scotty The Jog Dog! Mascot of jogscotland

Stride – the jogscotland members’ magazine Editor: Sue Gyford

Designer: Adrian Hallam, 3fiftysixmedia Ltd

Photographs: Community Strides at Dundee International Women’s Centre (p21) Alan Peebles for sportscotland Published four times a year by scottishathletics. Copyright©2020 Scottish Athletics Ltd. www.jogscotland.org.uk

www.twitter.com/jogscotland

www.facebook.com/jogscotty

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Welcome!

by Sue Gyford

Stride magazine | Spring 2020 Welcome to the Spring 2020 edition of Stride magazine! If you didn’t know the Scottish running community, you might be forgiven for thinking that winter would be a quiet time for us – not so! The past few months have been so busy we’ve had to squeeze in an extra page of news, and there are more brilliant stories in the magazine than I can manage to namecheck here.

One of the highlights has been the launch of our new Tag Along campaign (p9), where we’re asking jogscotland members to encourage their family and friends to tag along to their jogscotland group and give it a go. We know word of mouth is by far the best way to spread good news, and everyone who thrives at jogscotland is a walking advertisement for the physical and mental benefits of getting active, so we can’t wait to see all your Tag Along messages.

We talk a lot about all the positive experiences our groups share, but it’s also touching to see how groups can be there for each other at the hardest of times. When Dougie Murphy lost 11-year-old son Aaron to leukaemia, his fellow joggers in Dunfermline and Cowdenbeath stepped up and raised money for Jak’s Team, the charity which helped the family through unimaginably hard times (p12).

And when the primary school in Invergordon caught fire, the town was in shock – but members of the jogscotland group have been there for one another, with hugs, tea and biscuits, and a real sense of community (p23).

p9

Tag Along

Dougie Aaron p12 and Grandad

It’s been wonderful seeing the huge strides in fitness and confidence made by members of the jog group at Dundee International Women’s Centre (cover and p21). Having done little exercise before, they started out getting active indoors, and gradually built up their confidence to the point where they felt able to step out and run outside. Now there’s no stopping them!

Happy reading! p23 Invergordon

Sue Gyford, Editor

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Contents News and events

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Tag Along!

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All for Aaron

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In Harmeny

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A measured approach

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Maternal mental health

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Community Strides at Dundee International Women’s Centre 21 Pulling together

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David Syme - Jogging along

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Race directory

25 Just click on a title to go straight to the page!

Design: 3fiftysixmedia.com

sponsor and funder jogscotland magazine

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News and events I’m here hits 700 It’s just over a year now since we launched the I’m here campaign, which sees jog leaders trained in mental health awareness, with the help of partners SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health).

Leaders who’ve been trained are given the I’m here badge to wear to jog sessions, to indicate to their members that they’re happy to chat about mental health and wellbeing.

We’re delighted to say that the number of jog leaders trained has now passed 700 – an incredible figure! That includes existing leaders who have opted to take the online module, and those who are newly-qualified, who now take it as a mandatory part of their jog leader training.

Huge thanks to everyone who has really embraced the I’m here movement – you’re making a real difference!

Achiever of the Year You might remember from our last edition that Bob Strathie, who won Achiever of the Year Award at our annual awards, was sadly unable to attend the awards ceremony in Glasgow. We’re delighted to say that his jog leader Caroline Ness, who attended on his behalf, was able to present it to him at home at a wee surprise celebration organised by his family (pictured). Bob joined FIT Together’s beginner jogging group a year ago at the age of 71 – having never been a runner before. A real inspiration to anyone who thinks they’re too old to start running!

Leadership in Running Fitness You might have noticed a wee change to the title of the jog leader course recently.

We’re now calling the course and qualification Leadership in Running Fitness, or LiRF (pronounced ‘Lerf’). There have been no significant changes other than the name – the equivalent course elsewhere in the UK has always been called LiRF and this just makes things run a little smoother administratively. People who complete the course will continue to be known as jog leaders.

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Time to Talk We marked Time to Talk Day on 6 February, a day when people are encouraged to talk about mental health. Our mascot Jog Scotty visited Tullos Primary School in Aberdeen to promote the physical and mental health benefits of exercise in young people, and also dropped in on Torry jogscotland to help get people chatting (pictured with jog leaders Laura Cummings and Fiona Allan).

Our project worker Laura Kirkland visited the jog group at Dundee International Women’s Centre (see p21) for a blether, too.

Maternity leave for Jo The jogscotland development officer, Jo Stevens, is currently on maternity leave.

During her leave, queries should be addressed as follows – see p3 for contact details.

• G eneral enquiries, including Jog Scotty’s diary, campaign activities, I’m here – Laura Kirkland.

• C ourse booking and leader licence enquiries – Angie Sutherland • S ocial media and Stride enquiries – Sue Gyford • M embership renewals, changes and login issues – Carol Robison.

Quiz time The Annual NorthEast jogscotland Quiz Night took place on 21 February, and it was a close-run contest!

The night, organised by jog leader Alan Millar, was won by just half a mark, with victors Westhill Wonders (above) asking that the £730 raised on the night be donated to the Gathimba Edwards Foundation. jogscotland magazine

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News and events continued

Fife meet-up Jog leaders from Fife got together on 8 February at a special meet-up arranged by Ready, Steady, Go Pitreavie. Nearly 30 leaders from Jogscotland Dunfermline, Jogscotland Dalgety Bay, Jogscotland Cowdenbeath, STAART, Get Fit Falkland, Kick-Start at Calaismuir, Lang Toun Joggers, Anster Allsorts and Ready, Steady, Go Pitreavie attended.

The day kicked off in Pitreavie AAC clubhouse, with leaders introducing their groups and giving an overview of one favourite session they use with their joggers. There was a presentation on social media, and a practical session in the Pitreavie Indoor Athletics Centre.

Organiser Nicola Moriarty said: “Having attended the jog leader conference in November, I was keen to network with other local groups and find out some new ideas for sessions.

We are also keen to promote activity across Fife, and by supporting and promoting all jogscotland groups in the local area, this will help achieve our goal�.

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Tag Along!

We’re delighted to have launched a brand new jogscotland campaign, Tag Along! The initiative will see jogscotland members all over the country writing messages of encouragement to other joggers or would-be joggers, to increase the number of people across Scotland getting active to improve their wellbeing.

All participants have to do is write a message on one of our luggage tags. Each jog group will then tie their tags onto a string of shoelaces, and send them to jogscotland HQ. We’ll assemble them all – let’s see how long we can make our Tag Along thread of encouragement!

Before tying their tag, joggers are invited to be photographed showing the message so it can be posted on social media, and will take part in special sessions designed to encourage more folk along to the group. Your message might be about how jogging makes you feel, what you’ve gained from joining a jogscotland group, dispelling one of the common anxieties around starting with a new group, or just a simple message of encouragement.

Jog groups are also invited to hold Tag Along sessions, to welcome potential new members along, or share positive messages among members. continues over jogscotland magazine

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Tag Along! continued

Why? We know that one of the most powerful forces in persuading people to take up a more active lifestyle is word-of-mouth. So we’re asking our members to help us spread the word, encouraging their friends and family to Tag Along to their jogscotland group!

For the past two years we’ve been working in partnership with SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) to help people across Scotland look after their physical and mental wellbeing. More than 700 jog leaders have completed mental health awareness training, and our groups aim to be supportive, sociable places where people can feel safe to be themselves. Now we want to help even more people get the message that being active with jogscotland is fun and achievable, and can boost their physical and mental wellbeing.

How? Jog leaders sign their groups up to take part in Tag Along using our online form.

You will be sent a digital Tag Along pack by email, a batch of luggage tags in the post, and a return Freepost address.

Groups will host a Tag Along session between mid-March and mid-April. This might be a free taster session/‘bring a friend’ night to encourage new runners. It might include offering ‘jog buddies’ to support beginners, or offering activites that focus on breaking down barriers and encouraging positive conversations. It’s a great time to contact lapsed members and invite them to come along and try again!

The members of each group will fill out a luggage tag using their experiences to encourage others to tag along with them and take part. Joggers will then post photos of their tags on social media using the hashtag #JSTagAlong and tagging jogscotland and SAMH – tag the folk you think might be most likely to tag along in future! Jog leaders and/or individuals can also send us their photos and we’ll share them on the jogscotland social media accounts.

Sign up via the link above, or visit https://jogscotland.org.uk/tag-along

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All for Aaron

By Varrie Wardrop, jogscotland Dunfermline jogscotland Dunfermline made a fantastic fundraising effort throughout 2019, handing over an impressive £3,250 for a charity that was particularly close to home.

One of the group’s founding jog leaders, Christine Garvie, said: “We chose Jak’s Den this year because one of our members told us about the great work that they do in helping families with terminally ill children and we heard first hand how important this was.”

Dougie Murphy sadly knew about the charity’s work, because he and his family were helped by them when son Aaron was diagnosed with leukaemia. He first fell ill in 2011 and relapsed in 2017, sadly passing away in May 2019 at the age of 11.

Dougie said: “For me and my family what Jak’s Den offers has been amazing.

Childhood cancer affects the whole family.

“Aaron’s sister has some major anxiety while trying to process that her brother had cancer. My wife, Louise and myself both struggled to come to terms with Aaron’s illness returning. Unfortunately as adults we understand the gravity of the situation.

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13 “Thanks to Team Jak, we are able to handle things a little easier. The pain will always be with us but the services they have offered have been a lifeline for us.

We have all received counselling. Emma and Aaron both had music therapy and play therapy.

“We are also able to go to the den when we want to. They offer a list of activities to take our minds away from the hospital and spend some quality time with families in similar situation as ourselves.

The team at Jak’s Den are all amazing and we love being part of the Team Jak family, they continue to support us all as a family and individuals.”

The fundraising was carried out with the help of neighbouring group Jog Cowdenbeath, taking on a triple challenge which kicked off in May with the Hell o’Beath Run, Ride and Climb.

Members of the two groups competed to get to the top of Hill of Beath and back in the fastest time.

The Summer Solstice Run, Ride & Walk took place on the Forth Bridge in June.

Starting at sunset, teams of runners, bikers and walkers competed in a relay to cross back and forth over the bridge before sunrise. The final challenge, in September, saw members climb a Munro, Carn Liath, near Pitlochry.

The club presented the cheque to Dougie on 6 November. It brings the total raised by the jog group since it formed in 2003 to more than £8,500, benefitting charities including Diabetes Scotland, Muscular Dystrophy and Action on Depression.

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In Harmeny By Kim Kenny When Kim tried her first ever parkrun, she was 161st finisher out of 165 and admits she found it “horrific”! But the experience didn’t put her off.

She stuck with it, and now she’s inspiring others at the jogscotland group she leads at her running club, Harmeny AC.

The start of my running journey was a parkrun on Boxing Day 2015. If I said I loved it, I would be lying, it was horrific! I puffed, panted, swore and thought about quitting for the whole 5K. I finished 161st out of 165 runners. However, with two children under three, that was the push I needed to become a fitter mummy. The nearest jogscotland group was through a local running club, Harmeny AC and charged a joining fee. The thought of a running club scared me and as I was on maternity leave I didn’t want to spend any money. Instead I challenged myself to run 1000K in 2016 and raise money for charity.

The first few months were tough, I jog/walked in the rain and snow. I devoured running magazines in the hope some tip would make me love running. I tried focusing on my breathing, my foot fall, stride length, I even tried counting trees like one running magazine suggested but running on the Water of Leith that was ridiculous! Then one day it happened, I loved running. It was pouring with rain, I got drenched by a car and a bus but at my normal cut off I didn’t feel tired so carried on. I couldn’t believe it when I got home, and I’d run 9K in just under an hour – I was buzzing. I signed up for a 10K and a 13.1K race and then feeling much fitter I

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signed up for Edinburgh half in May 2016 and that was it, I was hooked.

I can’t believe how much running has changed my life, I feel healthier, more confident and so much stronger both mentally and physically. I’ve gone on to run 11 ultra-marathons and six marathons to date but wouldn’t have got to where I was without the fantastic support of my running club and friends at Harmeny AC. Having been scared to join initially, I tentatively joined in November 2016 after being encouraged along by one of their inspirational members. I love being part of the club, I was never made to feel like I was holding people back or wasn’t good enough. I’ve been able to progress at my own pace while doing lots of social runs with brilliant company, great training sessions and I’ve gained invaluable advice.

When the opportunity arose to take on the organisation of Harmeny’s jogscotland group, I jumped at the chance. I could have done with company and support at the start of my running journey so for that reason and knowing how great Harmeny AC is, I wanted to help promote it. We made it free and advertised with flyers, posters and on social media. I don’t think anyone could believe it when almost 50 people turned up on the first week. Luckily, we have lots of fantastic jog leaders within the club so we can support all abilities. I did the jog leader course in December and the rewards have already been massive. I love seeing members’ confidence, fitness and ability improving and can’t wait to support them at parkrun.

We have so many keen to continue their running journey that I’m now putting a transition plan in place for integrating them into Harmeny AC plus we already have signups for our next jogscotland course starting in April. For anyone considering becoming a jog leader – do it, you won’t regret it!

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A measured approach By Mike Burns Could you become an official course measurer? Find out how…

A Cook-Jones Counter: the main tool of measurement

Have you set a goal of running a specific distance? Do you aim for a PB in target races? If so, you will be aware of the importance of accurate race measurement and may know of the important work the Scottish course measurement team do to ensure that the results of your races are officially recognised.

In 2019, the measurement team certified over 230 courses and helped to ensure that every licensed road race in Scotland last year was officially measured.

Measurements are carried out by accredited measurers using a “Cook-Jones” counter attached to a bicycle, cycled along the ‘running line’. This makes sure that the route measured is the shortest possible and that races are held over the distance advertised. Any race that has not been officially measured will not be licensed and performances in these races will not be recognised by Run Britain and Power of 10.

A colleague and I were once invited to measure Cardiff Marathon. We were provided with a police escort to apply rolling road closures, making sure the route stayed traffic-free while we measured. Edinburgh-based measurer Adrian Stott has more than once measured courses around Edinburgh’s Meadows in the early hours of the morning whilst students still made their way home from their night out. It’s amazing what you can see when out measuring!

All measurers in Scotland are volunteers, and most are also runners. If you are looking for a way to get more involved in road running, training as a measurer might be for you. Getting accredited involves completing a free online theory course, and then a practical session with a graded measurer. The online course can be completed in your own time, and the practical can be arranged to suit you. Anyone who is interested in learning more about course measurement should visit the AUKCM website, or contact me with any questions on measurement@scottishathletics.org.uk Mike Burns is a grade 1 course measurer based in Shetland.

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Maternal mental health

By Jess Parson May 6 is World Maternal Mental Health Day. As the day approaches, Jess Parson, jog leader with Mums on the Run Inverurie, tells us how jogging helps her and the mums in her group with their mental welbeing.

I have run since the age of seven, when dad would to take me to the local athletics track. But as I enter my thirties, the reasons why I run seem to be ever changing, not least because of the impact that becoming a mum has had. In January 2017, Finn was born and I’m not sure life has been quite the same since.

Running is now more than chasing fast times - it has become an effective way of coping with the pressures of parenthood.

Before baby arrives you have all these ideas of how you think it’s going to be and the reality ends up being so different. Days can seem long and I felt that I had lost some of my identity. It was at this point that I really started to understand the power of running and exercise on mental health. As time went on, I was struggling to juggle work, parenthood and exercise, so I decided to be brave and make a change.

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In early 2018 I attended a jog leader course and in May 2018 I set up Mums on the Run Inverurie. I had no idea whether anyone would turn up to the first session but I was delighted to be met by half a dozen women who were keen to find out more. Since then we have welcomed over 100 mums (not all at once!) and new mums are continuing to join us each week. We meet in all weathers and the mums appreciate the benefits of exercise and find that the support of exercising with other mums is hugely motivating and makes you realise you’re not the only one experiencing the battles of motherhood.

I hoped that this group would not only help mums return to running safely (I now have pre- and post- natal fitness qualifications and have good connections with women’s health physios) but also provide them with a place to socialise and exercise with likeminded people. We have created a supportive, encouraging community where mums feel comfortable openly talking about the pressures of motherhood. A Mums on the Run session will vary from week to week but normally includes a fun warm-up game to break the ice, some running/walking intervals and we finish off with some toning to help build up strength in key muscle groups. When it comes to ability, it doesn’t matter, it’s just about getting out and moving, especially on the days where you could happily hide under the duvet.

We have a more structured evening group which has helped lots of mums achieve running goals, from completing their first 5K to entering their first marathon. These evening sessions give you time to concentrate on you, which is important when so much of your time is dedicated to other people.

At the end of last year, the group was shortlisted for the SAMH Mental Health and Wellbeing award and the jogscotland Annual Awards, which acknowledged the impact that this group is having, and I hope to continue to help more mums to improve their mental and physical wellbeing through exercise.

Want to return to running after a baby? Turn the page for Jess’s top tips… jogscotland magazine

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20 Maternal mental health continued Are you thinking about going back to running after having a baby?

Guidelines recommend you are able to complete the following exercises without any pain, heaviness, dragging or incontinence before you head back to running: • Walking 30 minutes • Single leg balance for 10 seconds • Single leg squat - 10 reps each side • Jog on the spot for 1 minute • Forward bounds - 10 reps • Hop in place - 10 reps each leg • S ingle leg ‘running man’ (reverse lunge and drive your knee up on the return) - 10 reps each side If you do experience symptoms then hold off your return to high impact exercise a wee while longer, continuing with your pelvic floor exercises and short walks.

Guidelines suggest a graded return to running when a woman is 3 months+ post natal as this helps reduce the risk of injury.

Recommended:

• S tart small. 1-2 mins of running at an easy pace.

• Setting

short term goals – a target distance for example.

• Risk

factors for injury such as breastfeeding (due to increase in levels of the hormone relaxin) need to be identified and addressed and perhaps a more cautious return considered.

• Building

training volume before you build intensity. Walk breaks can be helpful. Couch25K is great for this sort of return.

• B e mindful of heaviness, dragging or incontinence in your pelvic floor area which may suggest that you are exceeding your current training limits. Do not ignore this. Reduce training load and seek professional advice if needed.

• M ild pain which subsides quickly and doesn’t last until the next day is often acceptable, however decisions should be based on the individual and the nature and cause of the symptoms.

Always seek the advice of a medical professional if you have any concerns.

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Our jogging group at Dundee International Women’s Centre has been going from strength to strength. The group is part of our Community Strides project, in partnership with SAMH, which aims to bring the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of jogging with jogscotland to more people from BME (black and minority ethnic) communities.

They’re doing so well that sportscotland visited the group for a photoshoot and interview, and published a great article on their website.

We’ve reproduced an excerpt here – you can read the full piece at https://sportfirst.sportscotland.org.uk/articles/jogging-on-together/

The jogging group meet at the Dundee International Women’s Centre weekly. For many of the women taking part, it was the first time they had exercised in public. It was a big leap for many of them, which has taken courage. Now around 15 women are active in the newly established running class, one of the participants is Nasreen (above left), who wasn’t involved in any sporting activity before joining the class.

Nasreen, 49, was concerned that her fitness levels would hold her back in the class. But after plenty of encouragement in the early weeks from the jog leaders she is feeling the benefits and is even considering taking up swimming. She said: “The only active thing I was doing was walking. I wasn’t really aware of sporting opportunities in my area, I’m not really a gym person. I always felt that I should be more active but didn’t know what to do. continues over jogscotland magazine

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“I had never done anything like this before, even remotely, so I was worried about it. My fitness level was a huge worry, but I seem to be able to do it.

“The jog leaders have always been so encouraging and friendly. It’s like being out with friends. Everyone looks out for you and has lots of praise, even when you are the last one.

“It’s really helped me. I feel good and very positive after a run. I feel that I can actually achieve things if I set my mind to it. Myself and my sister have been out for a run on our own a few times too. I feel that my overall health and breathing have improved.”

Community Strides project worker for jogscotland, Laura Kirkland, said: “Seeing the joggers at Dundee International Women’s Centre really embracing our new jogging group has been absolutely brilliant. We know a lot of people can feel a bit anxious before starting a new physical activity for the first time, and they were no exception.

“But jogscotland is designed to be really supportive, as well as sociable, and they’ve absolutely flourished. Seeing how determined they are, and how far they’ve come, is really inspiring.”

Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH said: “We know that participating in physical activity can improve confidence, self-esteem, and mood; but that there are often barriers to taking part and that it can be difficult to get started. It is therefore fantastic to see the impact that this group is having in Dundee within the BME community.

“We hope that the Community Strides project will help to provide accessible activities to more people than ever before, and look forward to continuing to work with our partners on this.”

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Pulling together

By Jennifer Mccreadie, jog leader, Invergordon Jog Scotland On 24 February, our local primary school, Park Primary in Invergordon, suffered a devastating fire and our group was unfortunate enough to run upon the scene as it was unfolding. Thankfully everyone was evacuated quickly and safely and all of our children came home to us.

We were due to have our Couch to 5K graduation two days later, but had to postpone it for a week as everyone had so much to deal with in the aftermath.

The following Wednesday, we had the belated graduation along with a special get together with lots of tea and treats and a whole lot of hugs!

The ladies have supported each other immensely through a really difficult time, and it amazes me to think that it was jogscotland that brought them together and created that support network. We had six ladies running their first 5K together, plus Lauren, who couldn’t make it but did her 5K herself a few days later. Then seven of us represented Invergordon Jog Scotland at Nairn 10K. It was lovely to see all the other jogscotland clubs out in force, they’re always the best cheer squads at the finish line, and a great reminder that jogscotland is about community, not just running. jogscotland magazine

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Jogging along

by David Syme

In praise of parkrun For a while I thought that a parkrun was beneath my dignity. For one who has run much further, and who enjoys the solitude of a solo run, what does a 5K event with a horde of jolly joggers have to offer? Well reality is dawning; now I find 5K quite a wee challenge, and the urge to achieve a decent time has gripped me.

I welcome the buzz of consorting with runners of all abilities and am determined to lower my times, whether they are exact or not. I am also determined not to be overtaken next time by those two children who look to be not long out of nappies.

Yes, I am hooked. After one parkrun I start to look forward to the next, and am trying various tactics to improve my running.

I am looking carefully at my stride. It seems to have become shorter recently. My default pace has become an energy-saving trot, OK for a solo run while admiring the views, but slow – desperately slow. I am therefore making a conscious effort to run with a more athletic, loping stride; the stride I have always adopted for a few metres if I encounter another runner out in the countryside. Now I am trying to keep this up for much longer – head up, chin out, tummy in and lookin’ good!

I’m also working on the problem of feeling exhausted after 3K. This should not be! I must do longer training runs, and focus on good breathing, arm pumping and a proper footfall. I might even lash out on a new pair of road trainers to add to the “one shoe fits all terrain” pair I use now.

At time of writing I don’t aspire to wear a T-shirt with the parkrun logo and 500 on it, but who knows what the future holds? Next Saturday I will be up early, nervous pee, one of the first to arrive at the parkrun, short warm-up, then I’ll give it my best shot.

In short, parkrun has rescued my running mojo from a slow death.

David has produced two collections of short stories about running world-wide: “Running Away From Home” and “Running Home and Away”. All proceeds from sales go to support Tong-Len UK, a charity for street children in Northern India.

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Race Directory There’s an event for everyone, go to events.scottishathletics.org.uk for full details.

Why not try parkrun? Free, weekly timed runs at 78 locations around Scotland, 5K events at 9.30am every Saturday and 2K junior events 9.30am every Sunday. See www.parkrun.org.uk for locations.

Sat 14 March

Sun 29 March

Benbecula 10K

Alloa Half Marathon

D33 Ultra Marathon

Moray Road Runners 10K, Miltonduff

King’s Buildings 5 Mile Road Race Newburgh Dunes RC - Beach Bash 10K Sun 15 March Balloch to Clydebank Half Marathon

Sun 19 Apr Round The Houses 10K (East District 10K Championship) Grangemouth Stadium Run Balmoral Trail Races

Sat 21 March

Sat 25 Apr

Craig Dunain Hill Race, Queen’s Park

Highland Fling Race & National Ultra Trail Championship

Sun 22 March

Sun 26 Apr

Crinan Puffer

Bluebell Trail Runs, Dalkeith

Sat 28 March

Isle of Arran Ormidale 10K

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Sun 3 May

Sat 23 May

Mulberry Bush Montessori Balfron 10K

Stornoway Half Marathon and 10K

Wed 6 May Troon Tortoises 10K

Mull of Kintyre Half Marathon and 10K

Thu 7 May

Sat 30 May

Babcock Helensburgh 10K

Kayleigh’s Wee Stars Barra 10K

Sat 9 May

Sun 31 May

Kintyre Way Ultra

Babcock Shettleston 10K

Loch Leven Half Marathon

Mabie 10K, Dumfries

Penicuik 10K Road Race Bog Road

Fri 5 Jun

The Brew Toon Longside Loop

Metro Aberdeen Beach 10K

Mon 11 May

The Black Rock ‘5’

Loch Eribol Half Marathon

Sat 6 Jun

Tue 12 May Two Lochs Run

Mull of Galloway Trail Marathon and 10-miler

Thu 14 May

Sun 7 Jun

Babcock 10K Road Race Dumbarton

Portobello Beach Race, Edinburgh

Sun 17 May

Roon the Toon 10K Road Race and Wheelchair Race, Ayrshire

clubsportnl (Monklands) Half Marathon & 5K plus kids’ fun runs

stride jogscotland magazine

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Spring 2020

Sun 24 May

Rattray Blair Half Marathon

Strathearn Marathon

27

When it comes to weightlifting, most gym-users tend to fall into one of two camps: either they love it or they hate it. Whether it’s down to a lack of knowledge or a bit of ‘gymtimidation’, a lot of people stick to cardio and bodyweight exercises, thinking the weights area is exclusively for bulking up.

Don’t let this stigma fool you into thinking that weightlifting isn’t for you. There are a number of amazing health benefits that come with choosing dumbbells over the treadmill -- and some of them may surprise you - for a bit of inspiration, why don’t you try the new High 5 Challenge https://www.dwfitnessfirst.com/ challenges/high-5/ at one of the DW Fitness First gyms using a free 3-day pass – visit https://www.dwfitnessfirst.com/guest-pass-pages/scottish-athletics/ to get yours.

To help show you the value of weightlifting, DW Fitness First have also debunked the myths and created a list of what you could gain by adding weights to your workout. www.dwfitnessfirst.com/inside-track/fitness/why-everyone-should-lift-weights/

jogscotland magazine

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stride Spring 2020

Walk, jog, run with jogscotland Get fit and have fun with our sociable, supportive jogging groups for all levels – beginners welcome!

Affordable, friendly sessions with trained Jog Leaders.

Find your nearest group at www.jogscotland.org.uk/local-groups