Stride Magazine - Winter 2019

stride

the jogscotland magazine | Winter 2019

Meet our Annual Award winners I don’t like running – but I love being a jog leader!

Try Jeffing – the walk/run method to get you to the finish line Raising awareness of visually impaired runners Plus… the best winter 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 | Winter 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.

Meet the Jog Crew

Jo Stevens

Sue Gyford

Colin Hutchison

Angie Sutherland

Development officer

Digital communications and press officer

Head of Development

Coaching administrator (Jog Leader course bookings)

jo.stevens@ scottishathletics.org.uk 0131 539 7341

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

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

Carol Robison

Andrea Gavin

Laura Kirkland

Membership administrator

Community Strides coordinator

Community Strides coordinator

membership@ scottishathletics.org.uk 0131 476 7321

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

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

coaching@ scottishathletics.org.uk 0131 476 7328

Jog Scotty The Jog Dog! Mascot of jogscotland

Stride – the jogscotland members’ magazine Editor: Sue Gyford

Designer: Adrian Hallam, 3fiftysixmedia Ltd

Photographs: Front cover features George Findlay and Christine Neil of Anster Allsorts, by Gordon Donnachie; Annual Awards official photos (pp 8/9) by Bobby Gavin www.thatonemoment.co.uk; Race directory – Turkey Trot photos by Kenny Girvan Photography; North Berwick Santa Run by Bob Marshall Sports Photographer Published four times a year by scottishathletics. Copyright©2019 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 | Winter 2019 Welcome to the Winter 2019 edition of Stride magazine!

One of the highlights of the jogscotland calendar is always our Annual Awards, and this year was no exception. Our shortlisted nominees – and especially the winners – exemplified all the things that make the jogscotland community so wonderful. Determination, selflessness, and an ability to enjoy getting active because we share the experience with others. Read for yourself on pages 8-11!

Linda Sharp’s article about Jeffing will be a great read for many of you – either because you already know and love the walk/run technique, or because you’ve never heard of it and it might give your jogging a new lease of life! Incorporating walking into your jogs doesn’t have to be just for beginners or those who are too tired to keep running – it can help keep you on top form for longer.

I also enjoyed reading John Kay’s confessional! To admit that: “I don’t like running – but I love jog leading!” is a brave thing to do in the pages of Stride, but I love the honesty. I think many of us, however much we appreciate running as a positive part of our lives, have a complicated relationship with it at times. There are days (months, sometimes!) when it becomes frustrating, tiring or notour-favourite-thing-to-do. But even when it’s challenging, there’s something that keeps us coming back, whether it’s the after-run glow, the pride of a medal round our neck, or the joy of inspiring others as a leader.

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Annual Awards

p18 Jeffing

There’s so much more in this edition to inspire and uplift – from Bridge of Don’s visually impaired parkrun, to the refugees and asylum seekers getting out with Charter International Running Club – enjoy reading!

p20 John Kay’s story

Sue Gyford, Editor

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Contents News and events jogscotland Awards 2019 Charter International Run Crew Running ‘blind’ Scottish Women in Sports Awards Jeffing and me I don’t like running, but I love jog leading Jog Leader Conference David Syme - Jogging along Race directory

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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 SPECIAL OFFER We’re delighted to be able to offer Jog Scotties 10% off the cost of entering the 2020 Stirling Scottish Marathon (or half marathon!) on 11 October.

Discounted places are limited to the first 100, so turn to page 13 quickly and check out how to get your money off!

In memory of Mark On 26 September, a defibrillator was placed at Westhill Swimming Pool in memory of Mark Fisher, who was an active jog leader and committee member of Jog Scotland Westhill.

Mark sadly died in a motorbike accident in 2017, and we remembered him in an article in the Winter 2017 edition of Stride. Mark’s parents Carol and Dave invited members of the group, along with Westhill Cycling and St Johns Ambulance, so see the defibrillator in place, a wonderful way to remember a jogscotland member who we know is sadly missed.

Active Girls Day We were delighted to celebrate Active Girls Day on 4 October, with 18 sessions being held across the country by jogscotland groups, junior jog groups and schools, to help girls get active. Studies show girls are much less likely than boys to be involved in sport, especially during the teenage years, so we were thrilled to have so many people encouraging girls to get up and moving, including groups at Firpark Primary, Motherwell and St. Patrick’s, Shotts (both pictured).

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Mile for Maggies Our mascot Jog Scotty went along to a Mile for Maggies run in Dundee in September, thanks to the links between the Maggie’s Centre in Dundee and jogscotland group TaySmilers. The session highlighted the physical and mental benefits of exercise for people with or recovering from cancer, as well as raising more than £600 for the centre.

TaySmilers baked all the cakes, with their partners as marshals along the route.

Quiz The North East jogscotland Quiz will take place on 21 February, at Mannofield Cricket Club in Aberdeen. The night, organised by Alan Millar of Queen’s Cross jogscotland, is a brilliant chance to get together with other joggers socially, and raise money for good causes. Entry costs £10 and all proceeds go to the charity chosen by the winner. Contact Alan for more information on addmillar@yahoo.co.uk or 07734662522.

Virtual 5K Our Virtual 5K is still open! If you need a little winter motivation, why not sign up and walk, jog or run 5K to earn yourself one of our amazing Jog Scotty medals?

To enter, visit https://jogscotland. org.uk/join-virtual-5k-fantastic-jogscotty-medal/

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Awards 2019 The winners of our 2019 Annual Awards were announced at the Glasgow Hilton on 23 November, at the scottishathletics and jogscotland FSPG Awards Dinner.

We were thrilled to celebrate the very best of the jogscotland family with awards to people who exemplify the determination, achievement and sheer enjoyment that our jog leaders and joggers are a part of across the country, all year round.

It was a special night, with Guest of Honour Paula Radcliffe talking about her own career, the thriving world of running and athletics in Scotland, and the benefits that running can have for people of all abilities.

The winners were –

Jog Leader of the Year: Marie Dobson – Newmachar Running Group Marie previously overcame breast cancer, but was more recently diagnosed with incurable secondary cancer, affecting her bones. She is determined to get the most out of life – and that includes continuing to encourage her joggers. When she was told she could no longer run, the group raised funds and bought her an electric scooter, and now she attends her jog group riding alongside them. She remains one of the most positive people you could meet, cares for everyone else before herself, and strives to make each member of the group to feel good about themselves and their achievements.

Achiever of the Year: Bob Strathie – FIT Together Bob joined FIT Together’s beginner jogging group in February at the age of 71, having never been a runner before. He had always been a keen walker and was eager to join the group and see what he could do. He quickly rose to the challenge of sessions of all types, undaunted by hill reps, fartleks, and the like. By May he completed his first parkrun in a little over 34 minutes – though he was too busy blethering to get an official time! He has since reduced his PB to 28:43. His decision to take on a new challenge and his commitment to improve are a real inspiration.

* Bob was sadly unable to attend but his jog leader Caroline Ness collected his award on his behalf (pictured)

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Jog Group of the Year: Anster Allsorts (pictured above) The Allsorts truly cater for all abilities. This year they established Walksorts, a walking group that enables non-runners, returners, and injured joggers to keep active. They reward achievement at all levels with the monthly Bertie Bassett challenge, offering prizes for the most improved. They take running seriously but the emphasis is on the friendships made, with everyone sharing a cuppa after their run, and initiatives like a book swap between members.

They took part in jogscotland’s I’m here pledge this year, and are also taking part in a research study with University of St Andrews to encourage GPs to prescribe jogscotland groups to their patients.

They also support numerous charities, including an annual food bank collection.

SAMH Mental Wellbeing Award - Jill Spink – Marie Curie in Edinburgh Having herself been bereaved when her mother passed away on Christmas Day 2017, Jill has a first-hand understanding of the impact that grief has on mental health and wellbeing. As a runner, she also knows that being physically active and connecting with others can have a positive effect on emotional health. She set up a running group with Marie Curie Edinburgh specifically for bereaved people, to provide support and companionship, as well as the benefits of exercise. One member says: “The group helps reduce my anxiety, is a valuable opportunity to socialise & helps me stay healthy for my children. Jill is that rare type of life-affirming person who helps us honour our departed loved ones by doing the exact thing they would want us to do, and that is to live, rather than just be alive.” jogscotland magazine

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Awards 2019 We were also delighted to celebrate the shortlisted nominees in each of our awards categories: Group of the Year Jiggly Joggers Jiggly Joggers was created by Elaine Leitch to offer a supportive place for plus size women to start running, after her own bad experiences with exercise groups. The group started with an advert to members of a slimming group and has grown through word of mouth. One member wrote: “I see you as my long lost family.”

TaySmilers TaySmilers recently established a walking group, and their sessions feature innovative ideas to encourage people to focus on teamwork over times. One of the group’s jog leaders recently started a group within Dundee Maggie’s Centre and the group organised a fundraising Miles for Maggies run. Jog leaders have taken the I’m here pledge to support the mental health of their members.

Jog Leader of the Year Maureen Burke – jogscotland Castlemilk Maureen has dedicated many years to helping people enjoy running – one nominator who jogs with her now was first coached by her 21 years ago! She has encouraged hundreds of people to start and continue running, and is as enthusiastic today as when she first started. She is described as “caring, kind, supportive – yet kicks backsides when needed”!

Jim Taylor – Lang Toun Joggers Jim has an infinite amount of patience and encouragement, creating a welcoming space for his joggers. He also promotes fitness and healthy living through Greener Kirkcaldy, leading two cycling groups, and was recently race director of the first Kirkcaldy Half Marathon.

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11 Achiever of the Year Lizzie King – Inverness jogscotland Lizzie started jogging with Inverness Jog Scotland in 2016 but shortly after received a cancer diagnosis. She took the news in a brave and practical manner, maintaining a positive attitude as she underwent both chemo and radiotherapy. After her treatment, she started again, always turning up with a smile.

She this year trained for the Baxter’s 10K. She is described as “a powerhouse of inspiration”.

Michael Mullan – Ready, Steady, Go Pitreavie Michael joined Ready Steady Go Pitreavie just over a year ago, and in that time he has halved his 5K time from 50 minutes to under 25 minutes. He has also lost 3.5 stone, and is training for his first ultra. He always takes the time to encourage and reassure new members, sharing his own experiences and offering to buddy them.

SAMH Mental Wellbeing Award Kirsty Ross – Alness Area jogscotland Kirsty has been through several bouts of depression, but eventually plucked up the courage to go along to her local parkrun and then to Alness Jog Scotland. She ran Edinburgh Marathon to raise money for charity Health in Mind. She is now maintaining her own mental health well with the help of physical activity.

Mums on the Run Inverurie Mums on the Run Inverurie provides a chance to socialise and get active, for mums who might otherwise feel isolated and overwhelmed. Jog leader Jess Parson guides them to make sure their postnatal return to exercise is done safely and gradually. Mums support one another and share their highs and lows. jogscotland magazine

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Charter International Run Crew Our Community Strides project continues to extend the benefits of jogscotland to more people from BME (black and minority ethnic) communities. Project worker Andrea Gavin tells us more about one of the groups she’s been working with.

It was a rainy Wednesday in the East End of Glasgow when I met with some of the runners of The Charter International Run Crew. The group is intended to support folks from BME communities, especially those who are refugees and asylum seekers, and the group that came along to meet with us were recently arrived people to Glasgow. It is an incredibly supportive environment.

We sat in the café of Tollcross International Swimming Centre, who have generously given the use of the changing facilities and lockers for free. While getting to know each other, I ask “What’s your favourite thing about Glasgow?” the replies included words like friendly, happy, welcoming. Exactly what we wanted to hear!

It is the brainchild of jog leader Paul Wilson, who saw the need for this type of jogscotland group in the area and set it up. With the help of a running gear amnesty at Springburn parkrun, the group can make sure that members are ready to run (especially on rainy Wednesdays!).

After the run, we went to The Charter, which looks onto Tollcross Park where the group run, and had a cuppa. I asked: “What is your favourite thing about this group?” and the answers blew me away: Friendly, encouraging, supportive, motivating and accepting. Everyone agreed that Paul was the glue that held the group together. They’ve also now trained a new jog leader, Yacoub, so we’re looking forward to seeing the group go from strength to strength.

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RUN THROUGH THE HEART OF SCOTLAND AND RUN THROUGH HISTORY

THE STIRLING SCOTTISH MARATHON OCTOBER 11th 2020

First 100 Jog Scotland members get 10% off open registration in the marathon OR half marathon with code “JogScot10”

The two day Festival of Running also includes the Stirling Half Marathon (Oct 11th), a 5km run (Oct 10th) Junior 3km run (Oct 10th) and a free to enter Family Mile (Oct 10th).

A “Community Corporate Relay Event” for teams of four is also included in the full Marathon event.

E N T E R AT

www.thestirlingmarathon.co.uk In Partnership with

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Running ‘blind’

by Linda Watt, jogscotland Bridge of Don I am a runner who has MS for quite a few years more than I care to remember. Due to my illness I lost my field of vision for a while. For somebody who is quite independent to have to rely on other people is pretty scary, so when I see people out running with a visual impairment or another disability, I take my hat off to them.

One day on the parkrun discussion group on Facebook, somebody mentioned it was World Sight Day on 10 October and they were encouraging people to help raise awareness. I had an idea that our jogscotland group could do a visually impaired (VI) run at Aberdeen Beach parkrun – we would pair up and one person would run blindfolded and the other person would act as the guide.

So, I went back to my jogscotland group and suggested it, and lots of them volunteered to take part. I contacted Granite City Guided Runners, a group of VI runners and their guides, and they gave us advice on what we should be doing with tethers, high vis and so on (tethers are small straps – the VI runner holds one end and the guide holds the other). I got some old climbing rope, researched tethers online and made some myself, and some signs to go on people’s backs to tell other runners behind us that they were VI runner and guide.

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Ten of us took part. We arrived at parkrun a bit early on the day and Ben and Leona from Granite City Guide Running gave us a demonstration of what we should be doing and how to make it as realistic as possible. One of our jog leaders Callum Smith was the Race Director and he explained to all the parkrunners what we were doing and why.

The people who were taking the role of VI runners wore buffs or sleeping masks as blindfolds and the guides wore hi vis, with signs on their backs, and the pairs swapped over halfway so that everybody would get to experience it.

It was a great and somewhat a bizarre experience to run in a crowd of people but not be able to see them, but still sense that they are around you. At one point I was informed by my guide that there was some sand on the pathway and I automatically lifted my feet higher. You do rely 100% on your guide that they won’t let you bump into something or someone – there is a lot of trust between the two of you, it was well worth doing and I would do it again.

A lot of people, including Granite City guys, were grateful that we brought some awareness to the club and to the experience of VI runners.

I would like to thank Shallene, Chery, Jeanette, Ian, Danny, Fiona, Amy, Craig, Christine for volunteering and Ben & Leona from Granite City Guide Runners for helping us keep it realistic.

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Scottish Women in Sport Awards

Pictured: Jo, Andrea and Laura from jogscotland, with Robert from SAMH and Fatima & Vaqar from Dundee International Women’s Centre.

jogscotland was honoured to be presented with the Frame Innovation in Sport Award at the Scottish Women in Sport Awards on 8 November. It recognised the I’m here mental health campaign, our Community Strides project, which brings the benefits of jogscotland to more people from BME (black & minority ethnic) communities; and jogability, which targets girls and young women with disabilities or additional needs. That’s in addition to the day-to-day work of helping Scotland enjoy getting active with our supportive, sociable jogging groups. The jogscotland group at Dundee International Women’s Centre, which is part of Community Strides, was also short-listed for Kubenet Communities Club of the Year. Thanks to Scottish Women in Sport for the recognition, and to the whole jogscotland community for being a part of it!

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Jeffing and me

by Linda Sharp, Tay Smilers I first discovered Jeff Galloway’s run/walk technique through injury. I started running at the age of 58 using a couch to 5K app and did my first 10K event, Lumphanan Detox, in January 2017, running continuously.

I was then building up to a 10 mile event and had got to 8.5 miles in training when I got injured and wasn’t able to run for a while. During this enforced lay-off, someone in an online group I’m a member of, asked if Jeffing would allow me to get back out running again. I had never heard of it, but did some research and thought it would be worth trying.

Jeff Galloway, who developed this technique in 1973, is an American Olympian who ran the 10K in the 1972 Olympics. Jeffing involves alternating running and walking and is a structured run/walk strategy employed from the start and maintained throughout the run, rather than walking when you are fatigued.

You periodically do a timed mile (called the magic mile) to check the most appropriate run/walk ratio for you, which can differ depending on the length of run. continues over jogscotland magazine

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Jeffing and me continued

Once I recovered from injury, I started practising run/walking and soon discovered that it allowed me to build up distance without further injury and that my recovery following long runs was much quicker. When I first started, I used much longer running segments, but quickly learned I got better results using shorter ratios. My favourite ratio is 30:30 (30 seconds run, 30 seconds walk), but I use lots of others too.

In October 2017 I did my first half marathon in Glasgow with a 15:30 ratio. I have since completed several 10Ks, another five half marathons and Stirling Marathon all using this method. I don’t believe I could have completed a marathon without using this technique. I never run continuously now and love Jeffing.

If you are considering Jeffing there are a few things you should be prepared for!

1. Shouts of encouragement when you are on your walk segments. Things such as “Walking already?”,”Come on hen, keep running”, “Don’t stop now” “You’re never going to get there if you’re walking already”. People are sure I’m tired and flagging when in fact it’s all part of the plan. My advice is to see the humour in it and accept the encouragement in the spirit it’s intended!

2. In the very early stages of a race, you might drop back a bit as you do your walk segments. In my case I see people take off into the distance, but in the words of Corporal Jones in Dad’s Army: “Don’t panic!” This is a temporary state of affairs. You will soon find your pace and be back in the throng.

3. Take runners behind you into consideration and stay to the side of the road so that they can pass when you walk. If it’s very congested, raise your hand or alert them in some way, to the fact you’re about to walk. I sometimes wear a T-shirt with “Run Walk Run Repeat” on the back ,so that folk know what I’m doing.

4. P eople assuming you are a beginner, or building up to continuous running again after injury. You may be, but you may never want to do continuous running again and still achieve great things!

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19 Some people consider it not to be “proper running”, however I and many other people I know, are faster using this technique and recover more quickly, so it suits me well.

I am not a fast runner, but it is a myth that this technique is only for slow runners.

I am a member of a few online Jeffing groups and there are many examples of excellent times being run.

I know of marathon runners going under 4hrs, a good for age entry to London Marathon for a 65-year-old who only took up running at the age of 60, and a lady who completed seven marathons in seven days, achieving first female finisher of the series and getting faster with each race! She completed her seventh marathon of the series in 4hrs 34mins. The list of amazing achievements goes on.

My philosophy is to do what works for you, and for me that’s Jeffing.

I have been a member of TaySmilers jogscotland group since it was founded, and the jog leaders and other members have really welcomed me and encouraged and my alternative way of running. I bob back and forth alongside other runners, with my beeper telling me when to run or walk, joining in the chat as I go! It’s such a friendly, inclusive, welcoming group where I have made lots of friends and really feel at home. I have a few events booked for next year and am tentatively contemplating signing up for another marathon! Whatever I do I’ll be Jeffing them all. http://www.jeffgalloway.com/about/ https://www.rundisney.com/running-expert-jeff-galloway/

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I don’t like running – but I love jog leading!

by John Kay, Carluke jogscotland OK, hands up, full confession – I don’t like running! There, said it. Never mind what others say, in my book running is hard. It’s not just running, I have no interest in any sport, of any kind – never have. In school, I would spend the first half of games lessons successfully working out how to get out of the second half.

“How can you hate running and be a jog leader?” you may ask. Easy, firstly I don’t hate anything, and secondly, I love the fulfilment and enjoyment which follows from having had a run. A jog leader can highlight this to others and share their growing success.

The jogscotland programme works. Asking for nothing more than a determination to try at the beginning, those initial stages progress in incremental steps to deliver real improvements in fitness. Of course, progress requires commitment and effort to bring betterment in time on feet, distance run, pace and knowing that hills, despite their demands, really are our friends. Yes, the rewards from jogscotland membership are real.

My background? From avoidance of exercise through school and youth, at age 25 I discovered the discipline of yoga and was fortunate to study with some inspirational teachers over the years which followed. Even with considerable gaps in practice when competing time pressures demanded, yoga served me well in building internal strength. However, at age 50, the horror of a widening middle-age-spread dented my not inconsiderable vanity which demanded a

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review of my lack of fitness. Gym membership was bought, attended for only a few weeks then discarded, but did allow access to fitness classes, which banished the expanding belly!

In May 2008 I was in Belfast to watch my son Stephen run his first marathon.

Immediately post run, out of nowhere, he says: “Dad, on Fathers’ Day, in Glasgow there’s a 10K. I want us to run it together”. Shocked? I’ll say I was. 10K is more than six miles! What emotional blackmail was this? No way I was being bounced into anything. As someone old enough to remember being at school to be told the King had died (no, not Elvis - Google it!), I was in no hurry to start down this road to madness. However, after long reflection and against my better judgement, I succumbed and agreed to take part. On the day, Stephen paced, encouraged and guided me to within sight of the finish line before pushing me to “Go for it”.

Sub 60 mins (just)! I collected my finisher’s medal and sported a grin as wide as a Cheshire Cat for the rest of the day. From that day, I was hooked.

Great start, but who could take my new found interest forward? Fortunately, Strathclyde Park jogscotland took on that role. Their friendly jog leaders, using a good cop/bad cop approach, pressed, pushed, and motivated in ways that brought me exhaustion, fun, laughter, friendship and a facility to vent lots of bad language. In 2011, Carluke jogscotland was formed, delivering jogscotland benefits closer to home. I’ve been a jog leader with Carluke jogscotland for some time now, and focus on the early parts of the programme where I take real delight in encouraging joggers to give of their best.

There is a drawer at home which holds a bundle of medals from 5K, 10K and half marathon events. These days, I’m less interested in adding to that collection and more in running just for fun. “What’s that?”, you say. Yes, running for fun!

Running remains hard, but that feeling at the end of the run takes some beating. jogscotland magazine

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Exclusive 6-month winter training offer Join your local DW Fitness First club on our 6-month deal and get rest of the year for free!

Get ahead on your winter training – join now on a January to June 2020 pay monthly membership and get the rest of 2019 absolutely free. The team at DW Fitness First can help with training plans and personal recommendations to ensure you achieve your goals, ready for your summer season. Visit https://www. dwfitnessfirst.com/joining-pages/homenations/ and enter the promo code RUNJOIN This offer is exclusive to our Home Nations athletics and running partners. Terms and conditions apply.

All the (winter) gear, good idea As temperatures get significantly lower and mornings and evenings darker, the latest range of high-visibility gear and warm winter layers from DW Sports could help you carry on with your training throughout the colder months. We’ve also got some top tips for winter workouts to try and motivational tips to help you get out there and run like the wind!

Remember you get 10% off at DWSports.com.

Use the code EBGW-DHCV-77 at the checkout (online only at DWSports.com). https://www.dwfitnessfirst.com/inside-track/ fitness/the-best-winter-running-gear-forthis-season/

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Jog Leader Conference

Around 50 jog leaders and jogscotland staff gathered at the Altens Hotel in Aberdeen on 2 November for a superb day at our annual Jog Leader Conference. There was a keynote speech from Commonwealth Games marathon medallist Robbie Simpson on goal-setting and the coach/athlete relationship. Robert Nesbitt from SAMH gave a session on Holding Mental Health Conversations – pointing out we don’t have to dive into talking about mental illness. Just chatting about how jogging helps us feel good, can create a space where people are more comfortable talking about their state of mind. There were also sessions from jogscotland and scottishathletics staff. Huge thanks to everyone who came along and created such an inspiring, enjoyable atmosphere.

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Jogging along

by David Syme

“I’m not sure…”

I read an article last month that claimed that there is a link between jogging and reduced mortality risk. It claimed that ”those who jog just once a week had “far lower death rates.” I think I know what she wanted to say - that jogging is good for you - but that’s not going to catch the reader’s attention, while “jogging lessens the risk of you dying” will. I am sure that we readers of Stride know jogging is good for us, but we all know people who are happy to hide behind one excuse or another for not running.

Let’s look at people who agree that jogging is beneficial to health, but are not quite positive enough to go for it – the switherers.

A shake of the head and “I’d love to, but it’s not for me” might stem from that switherer’s image of a jogger as a finely-tuned athlete dressed in sexy lycra, loping along, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. “Me? Jogging? I would look ridiculous!” Most running magazines promote the glamorous image with their photographs, only Stride shows real joggers, and in Stride they are all smiling. Such switherers should spectate at a parkrun, where all shapes and sizes take part and enjoy it.

Another problem for the switherer is “the others will all be faster than me” He or she is frightened of being shown up as too slow. Well there are three ways to overcome this fear; firstly by finding a mentor, a person who can steer the nervous starter away from the rocks of failure. Secondly a private way of conquering beginners’ nerves is to start jogging solo with a Couch to 5K app.

Following graded instructions with timings, the switherer can start jogging whenever and wherever. Thirdly, possibly the best way, the switherer should find a buddy with the same aim. Jogging with a buddy is more fun, safer, and, because buddies make arrangements, more disciplined.

When we meet switherers it is easy to shrug the shoulders and move on, but I think we have a duty to the NHS to encourage jogging. It promotes longer life, we are told, and it is completely free!

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.

Sun 15 Dec Lossiemouth 10 Mile Turkey Trot North Berwick Santa Run Thu 26 Dec Ayrodynamic Turkey Trot 10K Citadel Leisure Centre, Ayr Beecraigs County Park Bash Fun Run & Festive Handicap Sat 28 Dec Tilli 10K Devonvale Hall Tue 31 Dec Trossachs Trail Marathon Thu 2 Jan Beith Harriers New Year Road Race Lenzie Jog jogscotland magazine

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stride Winter 2019

26 Sat 4 Jan El-Brim-ick Dash Tyrebagger (4.8K) Sat 11 Jan Great Stirling Castle Run (7.4K) Sun 19 Jan Nigel Barge Memorial 10K Road Race Sat 25 Jan Buchlyvie 10K Sun 2 Feb Forfar Multi Terrain Half Marathon

Free parkrun events (5K) every Saturday at 9.30am Junior parkrun events (2K) for four to 14-year-olds every Sunday at 9.30am Aberdeen

Duthie junior

Linwood

Queen’s, Glasgow

Alness

Edinburgh

Livingston

Rouken Glen junior

Aviemore

Eglinton

Loch Leven junior

Ruchill

Ayr

Elgin

Loch Leven

Springburn, Glasgow

Barshaw junior

Ellon

Lochend Woods

St Andrews

Battery Park junior

Falkirk

Lochore Meadows

Stirling junior

Bressay

Fort William

MacRosty junior

Stonehaven

Camperdown, Dundee

Ganavan Sands

Meadowmill

Strathclyde

Girvan Prom

Montrose

Strathmartine junior

Craigswood junior

Greenock

Mount Stuart

The Meadows junior

Crathes Castle

Hay Lodge, Peebles

Oriam

Thurso

Crichton

Hazlehead, Aberdeen

Perth junior

Tollcross, Glasgow

Dean Castle Country Park

Helix junior

Perth

Troon

Inverleith junior

Drumchapel

Inverness

Drumpellier Country

Jacks Road junior

Duloch junior

Kirkcaldy

Dumfries junior

Kirkwall

Portobello, Edinburgh

Victoria, Glasgow

Dunfermline

Lanark Moor

Prestwick Oval junior

Vogrie

Plean

University of Stirling

Polkemmet Country

Ury Riverside

Pollok, Glasgow

Victoria junior, Glasgow

Find out more at parkrun.org.uk

jogscotland magazine

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stride Winter 2019

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