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Dundee Roadrunners
Meet the Roadrunners
This page contains Q&As with club members, where people can share their running stories. If you would like to be featured, please email the club at roadrunnersdundee@gmail.com.
David Baird
Member since: 2022
When did you start running and why?
I tried running a few times but mainly went to the gym or cycled, however after our first child was born I wasn’t finding the time to do either and had also swapped the cycle commute for driving as it now included a nursery drop-off. After putting on way too much weight my decision to run was purely based on the calorie burn per hour and the fact it was a cheap (lol) and easily accessible way to get fit.
Soon after, I signed up for the 2021 Dundee Half Marathon and started running more regularly.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I enjoyed running with a local Run Talk Run group doing 5k on Monday nights, but as I was signing up for races and doing longer distances a few Roadrunners I had met were encouraging me to come along to the club nights.
What do you get out of the club?
There’s a really great group of friendly people in the club which makes getting the training in so much easier than doing it alone, especially when running up some hill on a cold, dark, Monday night in the middle of winter, getting hammered by horizontal rain.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
A bit of everything. For social runs I prefer going on a trail run but for racing I prefer road races between 10k - half marathon distance.
What's been your favourite running event?
Allan Kettles' Gagie Farm Ultra is one of my favourite events since joining the club. I love the change from normal races and more social aspect starting each lap together and just trying to manage more laps than I did the previous year.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Managing to get the results for a bronze standard last year. Especially the Tay Ten 10 mile race.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
On a frosty November morning in 2020 having only done 5k and the occasional 10k runs I thought 'how hard could a half marathon be?' After running it in 2h 15m, I arrived back home exhausted, only to realise I had no house key with me and no mobile phone. I ended up lying on a frosty sun lounger in the garden, dehydrated and cramping. for about an hour till my wife got home to let me in.
Any top tips for new runners?
Just get signing up for races as soon as possible. The atmosphere of a race is perfect for pushing yourself, regardless of your pace. Also, ignore how you feel on the day and just get to the start line. Some of my best results have been on days when I have felt ill or slightly injured, but just pushed through and focused on the getting to the finish line.
When did you start running and why?
I tried running a few times but mainly went to the gym or cycled, however after our first child was born I wasn’t finding the time to do either and had also swapped the cycle commute for driving as it now included a nursery drop-off. After putting on way too much weight my decision to run was purely based on the calorie burn per hour and the fact it was a cheap (lol) and easily accessible way to get fit.
Soon after, I signed up for the 2021 Dundee Half Marathon and started running more regularly.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I enjoyed running with a local Run Talk Run group doing 5k on Monday nights, but as I was signing up for races and doing longer distances a few Roadrunners I had met were encouraging me to come along to the club nights.
What do you get out of the club?
There’s a really great group of friendly people in the club which makes getting the training in so much easier than doing it alone, especially when running up some hill on a cold, dark, Monday night in the middle of winter, getting hammered by horizontal rain.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
A bit of everything. For social runs I prefer going on a trail run but for racing I prefer road races between 10k - half marathon distance.
What's been your favourite running event?
Allan Kettles' Gagie Farm Ultra is one of my favourite events since joining the club. I love the change from normal races and more social aspect starting each lap together and just trying to manage more laps than I did the previous year.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Managing to get the results for a bronze standard last year. Especially the Tay Ten 10 mile race.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
On a frosty November morning in 2020 having only done 5k and the occasional 10k runs I thought 'how hard could a half marathon be?' After running it in 2h 15m, I arrived back home exhausted, only to realise I had no house key with me and no mobile phone. I ended up lying on a frosty sun lounger in the garden, dehydrated and cramping. for about an hour till my wife got home to let me in.
Any top tips for new runners?
Just get signing up for races as soon as possible. The atmosphere of a race is perfect for pushing yourself, regardless of your pace. Also, ignore how you feel on the day and just get to the start line. Some of my best results have been on days when I have felt ill or slightly injured, but just pushed through and focused on the getting to the finish line.
Marcus Sheridan
Member since: 2018
Hi Marcus! When did you start running and why?
I started when I first moved over from Ayr to Arbroath after my teaching post-grad in 2016. I just ran a few 5ks and 10ks by myself. I used to play Gaelic football and handball in Ireland and it was strange not having a sport to play anymore so I just did what I could to keep somewhat fit.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I signed up for a marathon and had never run anything more than a half before. I felt a bit clueless in how to progress so hoped I could learn something from more experienced runners. I remember showing up to my first Sunday run; a 16 miler. There was only 3 members there; Roy McKandie, Graham Christie and Scott James. They were so encouraging and really gave me confidence in completing the marathon.
My lasting memory of that run though was thinking that I had done so well to keep up with the lads before finding out that Scott had already run 5 miles beforehand as he was training for an ultra which I found completely ludicrous at the time!!
What do you get out of the club?
I would say it’s mostly camaraderie but that’s not strictly true. I’ve always been fairly competitive and have always been involved in sport since I started playing Gaelic football aged seven. I love being pushed to get better and that’s probably what I’ve loved the most about the club. There’s always been someone a little bit better than me. I love trying to close the gap and make progress. Just look at what having the likes of David, Nick, Robbie etc has done to raise the standards of the club in recent years. When I first joined I always thought it was pipe dream to go under 3 in the marathon and if I did eventually break that time that would be me completing my running career! However, seeing how others in the club have smashed this barrier has motivated me to constantly update my goals.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
All of them. I’ve been injured so much in recent years that I now constantly try to appreciate every run that I can complete pain-free! Sometimes when I find myself getting completely caught up in hitting times and paces, I like to go back to the hills and trails and forget about all of that stuff.
In the past year I’ve really started to enjoy my 6am runs with club stalwarts Alison and George. It can be such a great way to start the day and chat rubbish (my 2nd favourite hobby.) Making morning plans with mates means that I’ve no choice but to crawl out of bed in the morning and shuffle with my eyes half-shut towards the Balgay gates. This all started in the dark, wet, miserable mornings with the head torches lighting the way. As Robbie Dunlop would often say: “Winter miles, summer smiles.”
What's been your favourite running event?
There’s a few that come to mind here. I’ve recently run the Silverknowes Scottish National 5k champs. It was such a buzz running in a stacked field. It felt like being part of a stampede from start to finish which I oddly loved.
One of the most stunning races I’ve taken part in is the Lairig Ghru which is just over 26 miles. I’ve raced this 3 times now. I got horrible heat stroke the second time which I blame on trying to keep up with the Rodney brothers!! After that horror show, I had to sign up again just to redeem myself!
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
It was probably my 5th marathon where I managed to not get sick crossing the finish line for the first time. My spewing put me in the medical tent after #4. I really do love running, I swear!!
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
When I turned 22 I was living in Galway with one of my best mates. I woke on the morning of my birthday after having a few drinks the night before and decided it was time that I ran a half-marathon. How hard could it be? I’d ran 10km before and was sure it couldn’t be much tougher. So we decided we would do an out and back run to Bearna, a wee village along the coast. When we reached the half way point, both my legs began to cramp. I tried to continue but eventually had to flag down a taxi to bring me home. Mortifying!
Any top tips for new runners?
Ask for advice.... but ignore most of it.
I honestly think that most of running is about trying things out, seeing what works for you and trying not to get caught up with what everyone else is doing.
Hi Marcus! When did you start running and why?
I started when I first moved over from Ayr to Arbroath after my teaching post-grad in 2016. I just ran a few 5ks and 10ks by myself. I used to play Gaelic football and handball in Ireland and it was strange not having a sport to play anymore so I just did what I could to keep somewhat fit.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I signed up for a marathon and had never run anything more than a half before. I felt a bit clueless in how to progress so hoped I could learn something from more experienced runners. I remember showing up to my first Sunday run; a 16 miler. There was only 3 members there; Roy McKandie, Graham Christie and Scott James. They were so encouraging and really gave me confidence in completing the marathon.
My lasting memory of that run though was thinking that I had done so well to keep up with the lads before finding out that Scott had already run 5 miles beforehand as he was training for an ultra which I found completely ludicrous at the time!!
What do you get out of the club?
I would say it’s mostly camaraderie but that’s not strictly true. I’ve always been fairly competitive and have always been involved in sport since I started playing Gaelic football aged seven. I love being pushed to get better and that’s probably what I’ve loved the most about the club. There’s always been someone a little bit better than me. I love trying to close the gap and make progress. Just look at what having the likes of David, Nick, Robbie etc has done to raise the standards of the club in recent years. When I first joined I always thought it was pipe dream to go under 3 in the marathon and if I did eventually break that time that would be me completing my running career! However, seeing how others in the club have smashed this barrier has motivated me to constantly update my goals.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
All of them. I’ve been injured so much in recent years that I now constantly try to appreciate every run that I can complete pain-free! Sometimes when I find myself getting completely caught up in hitting times and paces, I like to go back to the hills and trails and forget about all of that stuff.
In the past year I’ve really started to enjoy my 6am runs with club stalwarts Alison and George. It can be such a great way to start the day and chat rubbish (my 2nd favourite hobby.) Making morning plans with mates means that I’ve no choice but to crawl out of bed in the morning and shuffle with my eyes half-shut towards the Balgay gates. This all started in the dark, wet, miserable mornings with the head torches lighting the way. As Robbie Dunlop would often say: “Winter miles, summer smiles.”
What's been your favourite running event?
There’s a few that come to mind here. I’ve recently run the Silverknowes Scottish National 5k champs. It was such a buzz running in a stacked field. It felt like being part of a stampede from start to finish which I oddly loved.
One of the most stunning races I’ve taken part in is the Lairig Ghru which is just over 26 miles. I’ve raced this 3 times now. I got horrible heat stroke the second time which I blame on trying to keep up with the Rodney brothers!! After that horror show, I had to sign up again just to redeem myself!
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
It was probably my 5th marathon where I managed to not get sick crossing the finish line for the first time. My spewing put me in the medical tent after #4. I really do love running, I swear!!
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
When I turned 22 I was living in Galway with one of my best mates. I woke on the morning of my birthday after having a few drinks the night before and decided it was time that I ran a half-marathon. How hard could it be? I’d ran 10km before and was sure it couldn’t be much tougher. So we decided we would do an out and back run to Bearna, a wee village along the coast. When we reached the half way point, both my legs began to cramp. I tried to continue but eventually had to flag down a taxi to bring me home. Mortifying!
Any top tips for new runners?
Ask for advice.... but ignore most of it.
I honestly think that most of running is about trying things out, seeing what works for you and trying not to get caught up with what everyone else is doing.
Jacqueline McCulloch
Member since: 2002
HI Jacqui! When did you start running and why?
I started running in early 2002 as my friend persuaded me to enter a mountain marathon with her. We were both hill walkers and she was also a runner, but running never really interested me. We were hill fit but I felt I needed to increase my fitness in preparation for this event so she took me out running, or should I say I plodded along behind her. For the event we had to navigate around Loch Katrine and The Trossachs over two days; reach check points in a specific order; carry all our food and gear, and camp overnight. It's still physically the hardest thing I've done. We were delighted to come 3rd overall and 1st ladies team in our category.
I've always loved the outdoors and nature but I wasn't really into fitness until I started working. I played hockey for the school team but I chose Latin as a subject to get out of P.E. classes!
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I discovered that running helped my hillwalking and I was able to walk and talk at the same time. The more I ran the more I enjoyed it so I decided to go along to DRR one night and give it a go. I was really nervous but I was made to feel very welcome and I've never looked back. My first race was Templeton 10 in the November and I honestly didn't know what I was letting myself in for. I wore too many layers but I got round and the feeling when I crossed the finish line was overwhelming. I've kept the big, baggy long-sleeved cotton T-shirt from that race as a souvenir.
What do you get out of the club?
Camaraderie, encouragement, support, but most of all friendship. I struggled in the early days on Thursday training sessions but Charlie Anderson, one of the coaches for a number of years, took me under his wing and encouraged me to keep coming along. I'm very lucky to have several close friends I've made through DRR;
they've supported me through some difficult times. It's a privilege to work with Ged as part of the coaching team and give a little back to the club that has given so much to me.
What times of runs do you enjoy?
I like a mixture of road and trail, and a distance of around ten miles. I love parkrun, I find it sets you up for the weekend and I've made so many friends there. I don't often
run on my own but I always appreciate a solo run as I find it gives me time to daydream and space to clear my head.
What's been your favourite running event?
That's an easy one, my one and only marathon in 2016. A group of roadrunners entered Paris marathon that year; we trained together through the winter months and travelled to Paris along with family members who supported and cheered us around
the route. Their support on the day was fantastic and the whole event was so well organised. Some of us stayed on for a few days afterwards to see the sights and enjoy the food and wine.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Running the Dundee Half Marathon in 2009 and to my total surprise achieved 3rd Female Veteran. That was a shock when my name was called out and I've got a lovely wee trophy to show for it. I also won the club's Autumn Handicap that year in their 25th Anniversary year. That was special too.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I went to Blood Donors one morning then ran in the early evening with friends. It was a very warm day and when we got to the end of the run I felt totally spaced out, Lorraine Dunbar was talking to me and I heard every word but I couldn't reply. Gill Hanlon was quickly summoned and I was laid out on the grass with my legs elevated for a few minutes. I recovered quickly once I had a some water, food and rest.
Any top tips for new runners?
1. Increase your mileage gradually; don't do too much too soon.
2. Just do it, often the hardest part of a run is putting your running shoes on and getting out the door.
3. When you're finding it tough on a run or in a race, just remember every step forward is a step nearer the finish.
HI Jacqui! When did you start running and why?
I started running in early 2002 as my friend persuaded me to enter a mountain marathon with her. We were both hill walkers and she was also a runner, but running never really interested me. We were hill fit but I felt I needed to increase my fitness in preparation for this event so she took me out running, or should I say I plodded along behind her. For the event we had to navigate around Loch Katrine and The Trossachs over two days; reach check points in a specific order; carry all our food and gear, and camp overnight. It's still physically the hardest thing I've done. We were delighted to come 3rd overall and 1st ladies team in our category.
I've always loved the outdoors and nature but I wasn't really into fitness until I started working. I played hockey for the school team but I chose Latin as a subject to get out of P.E. classes!
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I discovered that running helped my hillwalking and I was able to walk and talk at the same time. The more I ran the more I enjoyed it so I decided to go along to DRR one night and give it a go. I was really nervous but I was made to feel very welcome and I've never looked back. My first race was Templeton 10 in the November and I honestly didn't know what I was letting myself in for. I wore too many layers but I got round and the feeling when I crossed the finish line was overwhelming. I've kept the big, baggy long-sleeved cotton T-shirt from that race as a souvenir.
What do you get out of the club?
Camaraderie, encouragement, support, but most of all friendship. I struggled in the early days on Thursday training sessions but Charlie Anderson, one of the coaches for a number of years, took me under his wing and encouraged me to keep coming along. I'm very lucky to have several close friends I've made through DRR;
they've supported me through some difficult times. It's a privilege to work with Ged as part of the coaching team and give a little back to the club that has given so much to me.
What times of runs do you enjoy?
I like a mixture of road and trail, and a distance of around ten miles. I love parkrun, I find it sets you up for the weekend and I've made so many friends there. I don't often
run on my own but I always appreciate a solo run as I find it gives me time to daydream and space to clear my head.
What's been your favourite running event?
That's an easy one, my one and only marathon in 2016. A group of roadrunners entered Paris marathon that year; we trained together through the winter months and travelled to Paris along with family members who supported and cheered us around
the route. Their support on the day was fantastic and the whole event was so well organised. Some of us stayed on for a few days afterwards to see the sights and enjoy the food and wine.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Running the Dundee Half Marathon in 2009 and to my total surprise achieved 3rd Female Veteran. That was a shock when my name was called out and I've got a lovely wee trophy to show for it. I also won the club's Autumn Handicap that year in their 25th Anniversary year. That was special too.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I went to Blood Donors one morning then ran in the early evening with friends. It was a very warm day and when we got to the end of the run I felt totally spaced out, Lorraine Dunbar was talking to me and I heard every word but I couldn't reply. Gill Hanlon was quickly summoned and I was laid out on the grass with my legs elevated for a few minutes. I recovered quickly once I had a some water, food and rest.
Any top tips for new runners?
1. Increase your mileage gradually; don't do too much too soon.
2. Just do it, often the hardest part of a run is putting your running shoes on and getting out the door.
3. When you're finding it tough on a run or in a race, just remember every step forward is a step nearer the finish.
John Bryceland
Member since: 2024
Hi John! When did you start running and why?
April 2020, just a few weeks into the pandemic, the BBC News reported that the London marathon was being cancelled and many charities were expected to lose out so were encouraging viewers to participate in a ‘local’ 2.6 mile challenge and fundraise. I’d always loathed school sports day and had never ran but thought I’d give it a go so I decided to run over the bridge from Dundee to Fife and back everyday for a week and ended up raising around £350 for National Deaf Children Society. I remember it being very tough and feeling relived when it was finally over, but something ‘clicked’ and although I didn’t run again for many months, I sporadically returned to running whenever I felt I needed some mental space. It was a very unexpected and surprising discovery as I’d always thought the benefits would be physical, not psychological…yes, I felt tired and sore, but strangely it made me feel very happy too!
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I was cajoled and coerced into it! I discovered a thing called parkrun a couple of weeks before Christmas 2023. I turned up ready to beat a hasty retreat, expecting a field full of athletes, however I was warmly welcomed by strangers, one of whom turned out to be Ian Clark. The next week he spotted me again and offered to pace me so I could make my first sub 30 minute, I was almost dying by the time I finished but it was the best early Christmas present getting me around in 29:38! As I attended over the coming weeks Ian introduced me to Brian Dunbar, Michael Mitchell and Ron ‘Hill’ Fraser who all played in their parts in persuading me along to the Spring Handicap, under the guise of ‘it’s the same as parkrun, but in reverse’ all conspirators conveniently forgetting to tell me that it’s also a little longer too. When I finished and eventually recovered that was me hooked, everyone seemed so genuinely friendly, welcoming, and interested in how I’d got on, I went home that evening with sore legs, got my bank card out and signed up on the clubs website.
What do you get out of the club?
Meeting like minded people, genuinely friendly and supportive individuals that I would never have had the good fortune to cross paths with otherwise. First time I went to parkrun I knew nobody, now there’s often at least one club member no matter which nearby parkrun I end up going to. I also really loved going up to the Inverness Half Marathon earlier this year, on the ‘club bus’, feeling like part of a team. The camaraderie and sense of belonging is not something I’d anticipated and is really nice when it’s so abundant and freely given by so many club members. I’m not able to get along to club training sessions as often I’d like, work and life generally gets in the way however I’m hoping to make time and pop along more regularly soon, especially when I’m seeing all those updates on Strava.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
That’s kinda tough, I always thought road running as that’s how I started, but since parkrun I find I do quite enjoy the trails too, so much so that I’ve signed up to a trail running weekend festival in Wales in July…which is like absolutely nuts for me! I seem to be planning actual holidays around running events now, which feels more than a little insane to me, yet here I am, doing it! Next holiday to be planned is Spain in late October, coincidentally the same time as I lucked out and got a place in the Valencia Half Marathon.
What's been your favourite running event?
Until a couple of weeks ago, it would be the Edinburgh Mens 10k in October 2023, my very first ever organised running event where I ran for National Deaf Children again. It was so surreal, people were cheering for me, shouting my name, taking selfies with me, it took a good while for me to realise they knew my name because it was printed on my bib and that not everyone was going to run wearing a kilt. It was doubly special as my mum and daughter were waiting to cheer me at Princes Street Gardens. That was my very first ever medal I received for anything my whole life, so it was handed straight to my mum after I finished where it’s still on her key ring now. I suppose even after recent events down South that event is always going to be very special to me.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Without a shadow of doubt it has to be taking part in the London Marathon a few weeks ago. The original email inviting me to take part in November while I was in Angola I thought was a scam, I followed up on the reminder email to ‘check’ and subsequently discovered it was genuine, the words I shouted and screamed can’t be typed here! . The training during those dark, cold winter months, when I definitely couldn’t be @r$ed, the build up, the pressure of fundraising, people at work talking about me and describing me a ‘runner’ (surely they’re just winding me up and having a laugh?) then the realisation that I probably should have trained more as four months turned all too quickly into four weeks, then only four days, then…I’m getting off the tube at Greenwich and walking with thousands of others towards the start of an event I could never have imagined would be for me, something in my life, that sort of stuff only happens to other people…doesn’t it? How my life has changed in such a relatively short time, crazy, brilliant and loving it, but still crazy!
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
Ermmm, turned up? Apart from that, probably stopping to kiss and hug my mum whenever she’s been at the side of a route to support me and getting cheers from other runners, time with my mum is more important than my ‘time’.
Any top tips for new runners?
Don’t start off too fast! It’s better to run what you can and walk what you can’t and take part, than be like everyone else who is sat at home or in the pub doing nothing. A mile is still a mile no matter how long it takes. But most of all, running is a privilege, many would love to do what we do, so get out there and run like nobody is watching and enjoy yourself!
Hi John! When did you start running and why?
April 2020, just a few weeks into the pandemic, the BBC News reported that the London marathon was being cancelled and many charities were expected to lose out so were encouraging viewers to participate in a ‘local’ 2.6 mile challenge and fundraise. I’d always loathed school sports day and had never ran but thought I’d give it a go so I decided to run over the bridge from Dundee to Fife and back everyday for a week and ended up raising around £350 for National Deaf Children Society. I remember it being very tough and feeling relived when it was finally over, but something ‘clicked’ and although I didn’t run again for many months, I sporadically returned to running whenever I felt I needed some mental space. It was a very unexpected and surprising discovery as I’d always thought the benefits would be physical, not psychological…yes, I felt tired and sore, but strangely it made me feel very happy too!
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I was cajoled and coerced into it! I discovered a thing called parkrun a couple of weeks before Christmas 2023. I turned up ready to beat a hasty retreat, expecting a field full of athletes, however I was warmly welcomed by strangers, one of whom turned out to be Ian Clark. The next week he spotted me again and offered to pace me so I could make my first sub 30 minute, I was almost dying by the time I finished but it was the best early Christmas present getting me around in 29:38! As I attended over the coming weeks Ian introduced me to Brian Dunbar, Michael Mitchell and Ron ‘Hill’ Fraser who all played in their parts in persuading me along to the Spring Handicap, under the guise of ‘it’s the same as parkrun, but in reverse’ all conspirators conveniently forgetting to tell me that it’s also a little longer too. When I finished and eventually recovered that was me hooked, everyone seemed so genuinely friendly, welcoming, and interested in how I’d got on, I went home that evening with sore legs, got my bank card out and signed up on the clubs website.
What do you get out of the club?
Meeting like minded people, genuinely friendly and supportive individuals that I would never have had the good fortune to cross paths with otherwise. First time I went to parkrun I knew nobody, now there’s often at least one club member no matter which nearby parkrun I end up going to. I also really loved going up to the Inverness Half Marathon earlier this year, on the ‘club bus’, feeling like part of a team. The camaraderie and sense of belonging is not something I’d anticipated and is really nice when it’s so abundant and freely given by so many club members. I’m not able to get along to club training sessions as often I’d like, work and life generally gets in the way however I’m hoping to make time and pop along more regularly soon, especially when I’m seeing all those updates on Strava.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
That’s kinda tough, I always thought road running as that’s how I started, but since parkrun I find I do quite enjoy the trails too, so much so that I’ve signed up to a trail running weekend festival in Wales in July…which is like absolutely nuts for me! I seem to be planning actual holidays around running events now, which feels more than a little insane to me, yet here I am, doing it! Next holiday to be planned is Spain in late October, coincidentally the same time as I lucked out and got a place in the Valencia Half Marathon.
What's been your favourite running event?
Until a couple of weeks ago, it would be the Edinburgh Mens 10k in October 2023, my very first ever organised running event where I ran for National Deaf Children again. It was so surreal, people were cheering for me, shouting my name, taking selfies with me, it took a good while for me to realise they knew my name because it was printed on my bib and that not everyone was going to run wearing a kilt. It was doubly special as my mum and daughter were waiting to cheer me at Princes Street Gardens. That was my very first ever medal I received for anything my whole life, so it was handed straight to my mum after I finished where it’s still on her key ring now. I suppose even after recent events down South that event is always going to be very special to me.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Without a shadow of doubt it has to be taking part in the London Marathon a few weeks ago. The original email inviting me to take part in November while I was in Angola I thought was a scam, I followed up on the reminder email to ‘check’ and subsequently discovered it was genuine, the words I shouted and screamed can’t be typed here! . The training during those dark, cold winter months, when I definitely couldn’t be @r$ed, the build up, the pressure of fundraising, people at work talking about me and describing me a ‘runner’ (surely they’re just winding me up and having a laugh?) then the realisation that I probably should have trained more as four months turned all too quickly into four weeks, then only four days, then…I’m getting off the tube at Greenwich and walking with thousands of others towards the start of an event I could never have imagined would be for me, something in my life, that sort of stuff only happens to other people…doesn’t it? How my life has changed in such a relatively short time, crazy, brilliant and loving it, but still crazy!
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
Ermmm, turned up? Apart from that, probably stopping to kiss and hug my mum whenever she’s been at the side of a route to support me and getting cheers from other runners, time with my mum is more important than my ‘time’.
Any top tips for new runners?
Don’t start off too fast! It’s better to run what you can and walk what you can’t and take part, than be like everyone else who is sat at home or in the pub doing nothing. A mile is still a mile no matter how long it takes. But most of all, running is a privilege, many would love to do what we do, so get out there and run like nobody is watching and enjoy yourself!
Gillian Gibson
Member since: 2018
Hi Gillian! When did you start running and why?
I’d tried running a couple of times as an adult and never really stuck with it. By the time my second child came along, I was desperate to find a way to exercise that was inexpensive (how delusional was I?!) and I could fit in around a busy job and two children.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I managed to complete C25K in 2017, and did the 10km at the Great Scottish Run, whilst my partner Ben Gibson did the Half. A few months later, I saw an advert shared on Facebook for the TiGers - a 5 to 10k “transition group” that the club was running from January 2018. I signed up for that thinking it would be a great way to get a bit quicker, whilst running in a group, which I felt I’d benefit from.
What do you get out of the club?
When I first joined, I really valued the accountability of turning up to club sessions. More than that, though, the people really make the club; I’ve met lots of lovely people through DRR. Post pandemic, life kind of got in the way a bit and I found working from home made it quite easy to not come to training. I’d use kids activities as a bit of an excuse to not run; Ben was marathon training blah blah blah (I’ve a whole list of excuses that are pretty flimsy). I was still very much involved in the committee which has been a good way to stay part of the club whilst being less active! Through this, I found my way to officiating, and whilst I’ve kind of fallen out of love with racing, I really enjoy the delivery of races. I get loads of enjoyment out of helping out at the cross country events over the winter months, and late last year I got involved in the new DRR race committee.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
5-10km on the road is my thing. I’ve done a few half marathons and I’ll never say never to a marathon, but if I’m really honest with myself, 10km is probably my favourite distance. Now that I’m back running, I’m really enjoying four/five mile runs listening to a good podcast (I probably look a bit unhinged as I run along, cackling away!)
What's been your favourite running event?
Like others have said, the Tour of Fife was an amazing event. I was lucky enough to do it in 2019 and had such a great time; the DRR race camaraderie was on another level!
Knowing what I know now in terms of organising a race, I can really appreciate how much effort must have gone into staging an event with five races over five days in five different locations across Fife.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
I don’t think anything beats the high that I felt when I finally broke the 30 minute barrier at Camperdown parkrun. I’d been pretty close a few times, but during the TiGers programme, Tim Heilbronn very kindly offered to pace me round and I didn’t get just under 30 - I got 28:41, and by the end of TiGers was sub 27. I was more chuffed with that, than the first time I went sub-2 in a half (so thanks again Tim!!)
Later that year, Ben, Lewis (our then 9 year old) and I did the Beveridge Park 5k in Kirkcaldy. I’d managed to get my PB down to just over 25 minutes and was looking to get sub-25 by the August race. As I ran up the final hill, all I could think of was Jackie Heilbronn's advice of a balloon pulling my head up from one of the TiGers sessions running up some of the horrible hills off Arbroath Road and to drive up that hill. I ended up with a new 5k PB of 23.54. Nearly seven years later I’m still to beat that time so thanks must also go to Jackie for all her technique tips and encouragement.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
There was one Tuesday run, maybe 2022 when it was really warm and not that many of us turned up. I decided to head off on my own shorter run. I duly set off through the uni campus out onto Perth Road. I ended up taking a spectacular tumble outside DCA. I started the 'trip' on the cobbled driveway to what was the old Clydesdale Bank and actually landed somewhere in the vicinity of the signage on the pavement outside DCA.
To add insult to injury, because my knee was a bit bashed up, the next day I decided to go for a bike ride instead, and went and fell off that too…..
Any top tips for new runners?
Don’t be put off thinking that clubs are elitist or just for fast runners. As a novice runner, I found nothing other than support and encouragement from DRR members. And if you’ve had a break and are coming back, it can feel daunting getting back to previous fitness levels. The pride took a bit of a dent on some of my early runs back this year but again, coming along to training and getting that encouragement from fellow members, old and new, has been great.
Hi Gillian! When did you start running and why?
I’d tried running a couple of times as an adult and never really stuck with it. By the time my second child came along, I was desperate to find a way to exercise that was inexpensive (how delusional was I?!) and I could fit in around a busy job and two children.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I managed to complete C25K in 2017, and did the 10km at the Great Scottish Run, whilst my partner Ben Gibson did the Half. A few months later, I saw an advert shared on Facebook for the TiGers - a 5 to 10k “transition group” that the club was running from January 2018. I signed up for that thinking it would be a great way to get a bit quicker, whilst running in a group, which I felt I’d benefit from.
What do you get out of the club?
When I first joined, I really valued the accountability of turning up to club sessions. More than that, though, the people really make the club; I’ve met lots of lovely people through DRR. Post pandemic, life kind of got in the way a bit and I found working from home made it quite easy to not come to training. I’d use kids activities as a bit of an excuse to not run; Ben was marathon training blah blah blah (I’ve a whole list of excuses that are pretty flimsy). I was still very much involved in the committee which has been a good way to stay part of the club whilst being less active! Through this, I found my way to officiating, and whilst I’ve kind of fallen out of love with racing, I really enjoy the delivery of races. I get loads of enjoyment out of helping out at the cross country events over the winter months, and late last year I got involved in the new DRR race committee.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
5-10km on the road is my thing. I’ve done a few half marathons and I’ll never say never to a marathon, but if I’m really honest with myself, 10km is probably my favourite distance. Now that I’m back running, I’m really enjoying four/five mile runs listening to a good podcast (I probably look a bit unhinged as I run along, cackling away!)
What's been your favourite running event?
Like others have said, the Tour of Fife was an amazing event. I was lucky enough to do it in 2019 and had such a great time; the DRR race camaraderie was on another level!
Knowing what I know now in terms of organising a race, I can really appreciate how much effort must have gone into staging an event with five races over five days in five different locations across Fife.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
I don’t think anything beats the high that I felt when I finally broke the 30 minute barrier at Camperdown parkrun. I’d been pretty close a few times, but during the TiGers programme, Tim Heilbronn very kindly offered to pace me round and I didn’t get just under 30 - I got 28:41, and by the end of TiGers was sub 27. I was more chuffed with that, than the first time I went sub-2 in a half (so thanks again Tim!!)
Later that year, Ben, Lewis (our then 9 year old) and I did the Beveridge Park 5k in Kirkcaldy. I’d managed to get my PB down to just over 25 minutes and was looking to get sub-25 by the August race. As I ran up the final hill, all I could think of was Jackie Heilbronn's advice of a balloon pulling my head up from one of the TiGers sessions running up some of the horrible hills off Arbroath Road and to drive up that hill. I ended up with a new 5k PB of 23.54. Nearly seven years later I’m still to beat that time so thanks must also go to Jackie for all her technique tips and encouragement.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
There was one Tuesday run, maybe 2022 when it was really warm and not that many of us turned up. I decided to head off on my own shorter run. I duly set off through the uni campus out onto Perth Road. I ended up taking a spectacular tumble outside DCA. I started the 'trip' on the cobbled driveway to what was the old Clydesdale Bank and actually landed somewhere in the vicinity of the signage on the pavement outside DCA.
To add insult to injury, because my knee was a bit bashed up, the next day I decided to go for a bike ride instead, and went and fell off that too…..
Any top tips for new runners?
Don’t be put off thinking that clubs are elitist or just for fast runners. As a novice runner, I found nothing other than support and encouragement from DRR members. And if you’ve had a break and are coming back, it can feel daunting getting back to previous fitness levels. The pride took a bit of a dent on some of my early runs back this year but again, coming along to training and getting that encouragement from fellow members, old and new, has been great.
Laura McMahon
Member since: 2023
Hi Laura! When did you start running and why?
I completed C25K in 2018/2019 to get a bit fitter and was a member of the club’s 5k - 10k transition group (the TiGers), but could never really get into a groove and packed it in shortly thereafter.
After a few years hiatus, I set myself a goal of running a half marathon in 2022 and have been running pretty consistently since then (touch wood!).
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
After training solo for around 18 months, so many people said to me that I’d get a lot of benefit from running with other people, and I decided to take the plunge and come along to a Tuesday night run at Clatto.
What do you get out of the club?
Definitely the community; the benefit of others' experience, and inspiration. Running on my own, I’d often feel a little awkward at parkruns and races as I didn’t really know anyone, and it’s so nice to have a chat before, during, or after runs.
I don’t get to training as much as I’d like, but have made great friends through the club and feel very much part of things through going to races and other events, as well as all the Strava support.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
Roads runs, preferably flat…
I have tried hard to like hills and trails, but I just don’t think I have it in me. I will keep trying though.
What's been your favourite running event?
Probably the London Marathon; I entered the ballot on a whim, still being pretty new to running and thinking I had no chance. To train for that without really having the first clue what I was doing and finish with a sub-4 was huge for me. The atmosphere was amazing and it definitely spurred me on to do more.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Probably Chester Marathon last year - I’d found training a real challenge and it was tough on the day, but definitely a huge sense of achievement to PB - especially as there were hills!
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I don’t know about daftest, but the most dramatic would be during my recent (abandoned) marathon training block. I wasn’t feeling great but decided to push on and get my 22 miles done. Fast forward twelve painful miles later and I’m crying on the bus home from Arbroath.
Any top tips for new runners?
I still feel like a bit of a newbie, but I’d say enjoy it, be kind and patient with yourself especially when you feel like things aren’t going to plan (easier said than done) and stretch and strength train. I try my best to do the first two, but the third is still a work in progress…
Also, keep your easy runs easy!
Hi Laura! When did you start running and why?
I completed C25K in 2018/2019 to get a bit fitter and was a member of the club’s 5k - 10k transition group (the TiGers), but could never really get into a groove and packed it in shortly thereafter.
After a few years hiatus, I set myself a goal of running a half marathon in 2022 and have been running pretty consistently since then (touch wood!).
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
After training solo for around 18 months, so many people said to me that I’d get a lot of benefit from running with other people, and I decided to take the plunge and come along to a Tuesday night run at Clatto.
What do you get out of the club?
Definitely the community; the benefit of others' experience, and inspiration. Running on my own, I’d often feel a little awkward at parkruns and races as I didn’t really know anyone, and it’s so nice to have a chat before, during, or after runs.
I don’t get to training as much as I’d like, but have made great friends through the club and feel very much part of things through going to races and other events, as well as all the Strava support.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
Roads runs, preferably flat…
I have tried hard to like hills and trails, but I just don’t think I have it in me. I will keep trying though.
What's been your favourite running event?
Probably the London Marathon; I entered the ballot on a whim, still being pretty new to running and thinking I had no chance. To train for that without really having the first clue what I was doing and finish with a sub-4 was huge for me. The atmosphere was amazing and it definitely spurred me on to do more.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Probably Chester Marathon last year - I’d found training a real challenge and it was tough on the day, but definitely a huge sense of achievement to PB - especially as there were hills!
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I don’t know about daftest, but the most dramatic would be during my recent (abandoned) marathon training block. I wasn’t feeling great but decided to push on and get my 22 miles done. Fast forward twelve painful miles later and I’m crying on the bus home from Arbroath.
Any top tips for new runners?
I still feel like a bit of a newbie, but I’d say enjoy it, be kind and patient with yourself especially when you feel like things aren’t going to plan (easier said than done) and stretch and strength train. I try my best to do the first two, but the third is still a work in progress…
Also, keep your easy runs easy!
Gillian Sangster
Member since: 2013
Hi Gillian! So, when did you start running and why?
I started running after having my boys, in about 2011, when I was about 40. I hated cross country at school, but I played hockey and badminton, and cycled everywhere. After I had the boys I felt like I needed to lose a bit of pregnancy weight, feel a bit fitter and get out into the fresh air.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I was encouraged to join by other Camperdown parkrun run directors, the training times suited my working hours and I liked the idea of coached sessions.
What do you get out of the club?
To start with, I was at pretty much every session. I went to lots of races with club friends. Now I’m not at so many sessions but I still love the coached sessions on a Thursday. I turn up at random races and try to do as many cross country races with the club as I can.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
I like everything!! I do like a little adventure every now and then, but I’m happy running anywhere; long, short, fast, slow, on-road, off-road – it's all good. And now I do a lot of running after a swim or bike ride!!
What's been your favourite running event?
So many!! I loved the Lhairig Ghru, the Loch Ness Marathon, the London Marathon, the Tour of Fife. I loved racing for Scotland in Ireland. But my all-time favourite, which unfortunately didn’t run this year, was the iconic ladies-only Smokies 10 mile race in Arbroath – a really special race. I hope it makes a come-back.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
I did quite well when I was running fast, so had a few wins and a few Scottish championship medals. I’m quite proud of the silver at the Scottish marathon. Running for Scotland Masters was also pretty cool. And winning the Lhairig Ghru. I’m really happy with my PBs across the distances. But that's all in the past!! These days my biggest achievements are all about taking part and enjoying the running, the fresh air, and the people.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I don’t really do anything daft, I’m Mrs Sensible - I generally just enter daft events, but back in the day, when I was relatively fast, I raced the National Cross Country...with my DRR vest on back-to-front!! There are many photos of it, so I can never be allowed to forget.
Any top tips for new runners?
We are in a very privileged position to be able to get out there and put one foot in front of the other. So enjoy it!!
Hi Gillian! So, when did you start running and why?
I started running after having my boys, in about 2011, when I was about 40. I hated cross country at school, but I played hockey and badminton, and cycled everywhere. After I had the boys I felt like I needed to lose a bit of pregnancy weight, feel a bit fitter and get out into the fresh air.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I was encouraged to join by other Camperdown parkrun run directors, the training times suited my working hours and I liked the idea of coached sessions.
What do you get out of the club?
To start with, I was at pretty much every session. I went to lots of races with club friends. Now I’m not at so many sessions but I still love the coached sessions on a Thursday. I turn up at random races and try to do as many cross country races with the club as I can.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
I like everything!! I do like a little adventure every now and then, but I’m happy running anywhere; long, short, fast, slow, on-road, off-road – it's all good. And now I do a lot of running after a swim or bike ride!!
What's been your favourite running event?
So many!! I loved the Lhairig Ghru, the Loch Ness Marathon, the London Marathon, the Tour of Fife. I loved racing for Scotland in Ireland. But my all-time favourite, which unfortunately didn’t run this year, was the iconic ladies-only Smokies 10 mile race in Arbroath – a really special race. I hope it makes a come-back.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
I did quite well when I was running fast, so had a few wins and a few Scottish championship medals. I’m quite proud of the silver at the Scottish marathon. Running for Scotland Masters was also pretty cool. And winning the Lhairig Ghru. I’m really happy with my PBs across the distances. But that's all in the past!! These days my biggest achievements are all about taking part and enjoying the running, the fresh air, and the people.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I don’t really do anything daft, I’m Mrs Sensible - I generally just enter daft events, but back in the day, when I was relatively fast, I raced the National Cross Country...with my DRR vest on back-to-front!! There are many photos of it, so I can never be allowed to forget.
Any top tips for new runners?
We are in a very privileged position to be able to get out there and put one foot in front of the other. So enjoy it!!
Michael Mitchell
Member since: 2017
Hi Michael! So, when did you start running and why?
I played a lot of sports when I was at school: cricket, football, tennis, golf and even rugby! Most of these sports involved running to some extent, so I would also enter the school cross country championships. In 1984, aged 15 and inspired by the Los Angeles Olympics, I decided to enter a half marathon which was in Anstruther (the East Neuk 10k predecessor). Health and Safety was a bit different in those days, and my training was really just playing other sports. I ran 1 hour 23 minutes and I’ve never bettered it. I still have the pink strip of paper in my parent’s house with my time. However, running (even though I liked it) was never my main sport, and it wasn’t until 2005 when I worked at AEGON in Edinburgh that I started running regularly with a small club formed by work colleagues, mainly just to keep fit.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I had always enjoyed doing the small races around North East Fife, and found in 2016 that I was starting to get involved in good race ‘battles’ with Simon Knox. During the Tour of Fife that year Simon invited me along to Dundee Roadrunners. I was a bit apprehensive of going to a much bigger running club and it took me six months to finally attend my first club training night. That was in January 2017, and I’ve never looked back since!
What do you get out of the club?
I’ve always liked the camaraderie within the club after a race or a training session, and there is plenty of friendly chat and encouragement. Being a member of the club committee has also allowed me to get involved with the running of the club which I enjoy being part of.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
All of them! Quite hard to answer; when I’m running with company I really enjoy the Sunday Long Runs (SLR) as there is always good chat and time just flows by. Training for the ultra marathons solo, I love being out in the country or on coastal paths with hard packed trails and just taking in the scenery: for me it is therapeutic, especially if I’ve had a long week at work.
What’s been your favourite running event?
Another tough one to answer, sooo many races! It would have to be The West Highland Way Footrace from Milngavie to Fort William. The build-up to the race and being on the start line in the dark at Milngavie train station with a head torch on is like being ready to be launched into space. Then to begin a mad explorative journey up to Fort William over all sorts of terrain and undulations is the most unbelievable experience. The atmosphere of the event: the friendship shown by competitors, support crews, and volunteers alike is second to none. Being at the final presentation, which starts immediately after the 35 hour cut-off, seeing the final finisher being presented with their glass goblet by the winner of the race is for me the defining spirit of running.
Notable mentions to Inverness Half Marathon, Strathearn Marathon and Bennachie Ultra.
What’s your biggest achievement as a runner?
Completing the Triple Crown in 2024. That’s the Highland Fling, West Highland Way Footrace and Devil o’ The Highlands in the one calendar year. Whilst I had done all these ultras more than once, I hadn’t done them all in the same year in the 16 week window that the races take place. I recorded my slowest time for each individual race and definitely had quite a few moments when things were getting derailed: a heavy fall in the Fling with seven miles to go and a crushed can of Red Bull dribbling down the back of my shorts; West Highland Way the support car needed to be diverted on a three-hour trip and my heart sank; and doing the whole of the Devil with a cracked rib. For the West Highland Way I will always be thankful to Alison, Jane and Jim for their support in getting me through to the end.
What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?
I went for a run with my sister Claire in a forest in Lossiemouth. Claire had given me her car keys to carry on the run and as we were finishing and approaching the forest car park, I pressed the fob to unlock the car doors. Claire had a red car (that’s my basic car knowledge), but there were two red cars parked beside each other. When I got in the front passenger seat, I got an almighty shock when a voice from the driver's seat said ‘You’ve got in the wrong car’.
Any tips for new runners?
Try to diversify your runs, mix up road running with some trails and elevation to keep things interesting and strengthen the legs.
Hi Michael! So, when did you start running and why?
I played a lot of sports when I was at school: cricket, football, tennis, golf and even rugby! Most of these sports involved running to some extent, so I would also enter the school cross country championships. In 1984, aged 15 and inspired by the Los Angeles Olympics, I decided to enter a half marathon which was in Anstruther (the East Neuk 10k predecessor). Health and Safety was a bit different in those days, and my training was really just playing other sports. I ran 1 hour 23 minutes and I’ve never bettered it. I still have the pink strip of paper in my parent’s house with my time. However, running (even though I liked it) was never my main sport, and it wasn’t until 2005 when I worked at AEGON in Edinburgh that I started running regularly with a small club formed by work colleagues, mainly just to keep fit.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I had always enjoyed doing the small races around North East Fife, and found in 2016 that I was starting to get involved in good race ‘battles’ with Simon Knox. During the Tour of Fife that year Simon invited me along to Dundee Roadrunners. I was a bit apprehensive of going to a much bigger running club and it took me six months to finally attend my first club training night. That was in January 2017, and I’ve never looked back since!
What do you get out of the club?
I’ve always liked the camaraderie within the club after a race or a training session, and there is plenty of friendly chat and encouragement. Being a member of the club committee has also allowed me to get involved with the running of the club which I enjoy being part of.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
All of them! Quite hard to answer; when I’m running with company I really enjoy the Sunday Long Runs (SLR) as there is always good chat and time just flows by. Training for the ultra marathons solo, I love being out in the country or on coastal paths with hard packed trails and just taking in the scenery: for me it is therapeutic, especially if I’ve had a long week at work.
What’s been your favourite running event?
Another tough one to answer, sooo many races! It would have to be The West Highland Way Footrace from Milngavie to Fort William. The build-up to the race and being on the start line in the dark at Milngavie train station with a head torch on is like being ready to be launched into space. Then to begin a mad explorative journey up to Fort William over all sorts of terrain and undulations is the most unbelievable experience. The atmosphere of the event: the friendship shown by competitors, support crews, and volunteers alike is second to none. Being at the final presentation, which starts immediately after the 35 hour cut-off, seeing the final finisher being presented with their glass goblet by the winner of the race is for me the defining spirit of running.
Notable mentions to Inverness Half Marathon, Strathearn Marathon and Bennachie Ultra.
What’s your biggest achievement as a runner?
Completing the Triple Crown in 2024. That’s the Highland Fling, West Highland Way Footrace and Devil o’ The Highlands in the one calendar year. Whilst I had done all these ultras more than once, I hadn’t done them all in the same year in the 16 week window that the races take place. I recorded my slowest time for each individual race and definitely had quite a few moments when things were getting derailed: a heavy fall in the Fling with seven miles to go and a crushed can of Red Bull dribbling down the back of my shorts; West Highland Way the support car needed to be diverted on a three-hour trip and my heart sank; and doing the whole of the Devil with a cracked rib. For the West Highland Way I will always be thankful to Alison, Jane and Jim for their support in getting me through to the end.
What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?
I went for a run with my sister Claire in a forest in Lossiemouth. Claire had given me her car keys to carry on the run and as we were finishing and approaching the forest car park, I pressed the fob to unlock the car doors. Claire had a red car (that’s my basic car knowledge), but there were two red cars parked beside each other. When I got in the front passenger seat, I got an almighty shock when a voice from the driver's seat said ‘You’ve got in the wrong car’.
Any tips for new runners?
Try to diversify your runs, mix up road running with some trails and elevation to keep things interesting and strengthen the legs.
Fíona Canavan
Member since: 2018
Hi Fíona! So, when did you start running and why?
I probably first went for a run when I was 16/17, to keep fit for Gaelic football during school exams when I couldn’t commit to training. I ran verrry sporadically and probably no more than 5km for a good few years. I eventually signed up to Edinburgh Half in 2017 and maybe did one long-ish run and a few 10kms as training, but didn’t quite get the buzz after finishing it. It was really only after joining DRR that I started to enjoy running!
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
My partner Marcus had signed up to the Dublin marathon in 2018 and he joined looking for company on his longer runs, as I had absolutely no desire to spend my Sunday running upwards of 25k (at the time, anyway!). He mentioned that I might actually enjoy club training so I went along to a short rep session on the Riverside pitches. It was 30 second reps on grass, so I was right at home given my Gaelic football background - it was exactly like a pre-season training session.. except that it was sunny, warm and none of the coaches were yelling at you to run faster.
What do you get out of the club?
Pals! Joining a club not long after moving to a new city is a great way to meet lots of people instantly. DRR’s friendly reputation holds up. At my first session, Alison McNeilly and Jennifer Massie immediately introduced themselves - and we’re now good friends. As someone not from here, the club is the source of most of my good friends in Dundee!
I’ve also been privileged/foolish enough to join the committee, and enjoyed contributing to the running of the club for 4 years. I still lead MNTB runs; whether leading or just running, these are my favourite club nights.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
My ideal run is about 2-4hrs long, off road somewhere hilly, either solo or with pals. Luckily, if I want company, I can usually find that amongst the DRR gang. It’s nice to be able to say “anyone fancy a hilly run, about 25-27k with 1000m or so of elevation?” and get a “yes!”.
Getting up some bigger hills in summer time is the best way to spend a sunny day, usually hiking most of the way up and running/sliding down.
What's been your favourite running event?
National XC championships in Falkirk - so many people of all ages running and the best atmosphere! But generally all XC. You’re not running for a time, or a PB, you are running to place as high as you can on the day and beat as many people as you can. Training and racing XC during the winter really makes you strong for whatever races crop up in the spring and summer.
I come from a team sport background, and I love that the team aspect really counts in cross country. Even if you’re having a bad run, often you have to grind it out for the sake of the team, and when you finish you don’t feel like its been a total waste of time.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
I think running the Cateran Trail ultra last year was probably the biggest.
At 90k, it was as a big jump in distance from the previous 60k that I’d done so there was a lot of unknown. But I had put in a decent training block, reccing the route, without overdoing the mileage, and worked a lot at nutrition, practicing up to 100g carb/hr.
I’m probably mostly satisfied with how it all came together on race day. I started the race without being tired and overtrained, and my fueling strategy seemed to work well as I never really died a death and was running properly right to the end. I really enjoyed the experience from start to finish - it being a local race meant that there were some friendly faces spectating! I also managed to come home first woman, which was the icing on the cake!
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
Probably twisting my ankle quite badly 18km into the Lairig Ghru race in 2020 and finishing the race. For the uninitiated, it is 43km and it only begins to get technical around the 16km mark.
Recently, I got a bit lightheaded on a short easy trail run about 3k from the car. It was a busy spot, so I asked the next group of people I saw whether they had any sweets or chocolate, which does the trick. For some reason they only had orange juice and chicken wings - which I happily availed of to get back to the car in one piece!
Any top tips for new runners?
1. Take your time building up the distances you run. You don’t have to immediately jump into marathons and ultra marathons, even if it’s tempting!
2. Sort of contradicting the above, it’s also sometimes good to try something that scares you or something where you’re not sure if you’ll finish. I was so terrified going into the Glenshee 9 a few years ago, and it’s still one of my favourite race experiences (even the climb up from the road, IYKYK).
3. Eat! Anything longer than 90mins I bring food or a gel, and I usually bring one to reps. And if you do plan to do longer things, mainlining sugar for hours on end will in fact keep you going.
Hi Fíona! So, when did you start running and why?
I probably first went for a run when I was 16/17, to keep fit for Gaelic football during school exams when I couldn’t commit to training. I ran verrry sporadically and probably no more than 5km for a good few years. I eventually signed up to Edinburgh Half in 2017 and maybe did one long-ish run and a few 10kms as training, but didn’t quite get the buzz after finishing it. It was really only after joining DRR that I started to enjoy running!
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
My partner Marcus had signed up to the Dublin marathon in 2018 and he joined looking for company on his longer runs, as I had absolutely no desire to spend my Sunday running upwards of 25k (at the time, anyway!). He mentioned that I might actually enjoy club training so I went along to a short rep session on the Riverside pitches. It was 30 second reps on grass, so I was right at home given my Gaelic football background - it was exactly like a pre-season training session.. except that it was sunny, warm and none of the coaches were yelling at you to run faster.
What do you get out of the club?
Pals! Joining a club not long after moving to a new city is a great way to meet lots of people instantly. DRR’s friendly reputation holds up. At my first session, Alison McNeilly and Jennifer Massie immediately introduced themselves - and we’re now good friends. As someone not from here, the club is the source of most of my good friends in Dundee!
I’ve also been privileged/foolish enough to join the committee, and enjoyed contributing to the running of the club for 4 years. I still lead MNTB runs; whether leading or just running, these are my favourite club nights.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
My ideal run is about 2-4hrs long, off road somewhere hilly, either solo or with pals. Luckily, if I want company, I can usually find that amongst the DRR gang. It’s nice to be able to say “anyone fancy a hilly run, about 25-27k with 1000m or so of elevation?” and get a “yes!”.
Getting up some bigger hills in summer time is the best way to spend a sunny day, usually hiking most of the way up and running/sliding down.
What's been your favourite running event?
National XC championships in Falkirk - so many people of all ages running and the best atmosphere! But generally all XC. You’re not running for a time, or a PB, you are running to place as high as you can on the day and beat as many people as you can. Training and racing XC during the winter really makes you strong for whatever races crop up in the spring and summer.
I come from a team sport background, and I love that the team aspect really counts in cross country. Even if you’re having a bad run, often you have to grind it out for the sake of the team, and when you finish you don’t feel like its been a total waste of time.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
I think running the Cateran Trail ultra last year was probably the biggest.
At 90k, it was as a big jump in distance from the previous 60k that I’d done so there was a lot of unknown. But I had put in a decent training block, reccing the route, without overdoing the mileage, and worked a lot at nutrition, practicing up to 100g carb/hr.
I’m probably mostly satisfied with how it all came together on race day. I started the race without being tired and overtrained, and my fueling strategy seemed to work well as I never really died a death and was running properly right to the end. I really enjoyed the experience from start to finish - it being a local race meant that there were some friendly faces spectating! I also managed to come home first woman, which was the icing on the cake!
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
Probably twisting my ankle quite badly 18km into the Lairig Ghru race in 2020 and finishing the race. For the uninitiated, it is 43km and it only begins to get technical around the 16km mark.
Recently, I got a bit lightheaded on a short easy trail run about 3k from the car. It was a busy spot, so I asked the next group of people I saw whether they had any sweets or chocolate, which does the trick. For some reason they only had orange juice and chicken wings - which I happily availed of to get back to the car in one piece!
Any top tips for new runners?
1. Take your time building up the distances you run. You don’t have to immediately jump into marathons and ultra marathons, even if it’s tempting!
2. Sort of contradicting the above, it’s also sometimes good to try something that scares you or something where you’re not sure if you’ll finish. I was so terrified going into the Glenshee 9 a few years ago, and it’s still one of my favourite race experiences (even the climb up from the road, IYKYK).
3. Eat! Anything longer than 90mins I bring food or a gel, and I usually bring one to reps. And if you do plan to do longer things, mainlining sugar for hours on end will in fact keep you going.
Eve Martin
Member since: 2023
Hi Eve! So, when did you start running and why?
I started running in May 2023 as I wanted to create some healthier habits for myself. I used to race bikes as a teenager at a national level but had to quit for health reasons. I struggled to find a sport that brought me the same satisfaction as cycling and found myself in limbo, where all I was really doing was working. I went for my first 5k along Riverside and realised running was super fun.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
Family friend Gail Stirling got wind of the fact that I'd been for THREE runs then insisted I came along to a DRR session. It was somewhat of a baptism of fire because it was 6x400m hill reps at Balgay, but I kept coming back, so I must have got some enjoyment from it.
At this point, I had only lived in Dundee for a year, and didn’t really know anyone, so the opportunity to meet new people was also very appealing to me.
What do you get out of the club?
I've made some friends for life that I now often run and socialise with outside of the club. Also, I had really missed the team element of cycling and DRR has a massive sense of camaraderie which matches that of a cycling team.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
If I'm running alone then I love to do intervals and threshold stuff - I love to listen to some music and focus. If I'm in a group or with a friend I love just yapping on an easy run - I’m a big chatterbox.
What's been your favourite running event?
York 10 mile race. It was my first race back after a pretty serious injury. While I had been back running for a while, coming back to racing was always going to be tough mentally, due to concerns of something going wrong again. In the end, it went as well as it could have in a 40 mph wind! I got to run in a city I had lived in for 4 years, but never ran in, saw old friends and my mum along the route, and walked away with a new PB. The decorations and medals were also pink, which is always a winner for me.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Probably the Glen Clova Half Marathon in 2023. As a track cyclist (velodromes), I'd always put myself in a box of not being a ‘climber’ and I had been warned that the course was going to be challenging with all the undulation. It was my second half marathon and I set myself a big goal of under 1.40. Somehow, I dug in and managed a 1.35 and got my first ever running prize with Alison and Hannah, as first women's team. I didn’t stop smiling for days.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
It wasn’t really on the run itself, but when I had to pull out of the Manchester Marathon, my friend pinched a shopping trolley from B&M (naughty because I work for Morrisons) and pushed me to where I could get a taxi to the hospital. I couldn't put any weight on my left leg and was not capable of hopping the mile to the nearest open road. I kept my head down the whole time, it was mortifying. It felt so dramatic at the time but it turned out I had a pretty serious injury that left me on crutches for over a month, so looking back, not that dramatic.
Any top tips for new runners?
Running is amazing, and can take you to so many cool places, but the likelihood is that at some point, there’s going to be a period where you can’t, whether that’s due to injury, illness, or something else. It’s important to have other hobbies outside of just running, as it can help to ease the feeling of boredom when you go through a rough patch. Also, when you do go through one of those, things will get better. Also, stretch.
Hi Eve! So, when did you start running and why?
I started running in May 2023 as I wanted to create some healthier habits for myself. I used to race bikes as a teenager at a national level but had to quit for health reasons. I struggled to find a sport that brought me the same satisfaction as cycling and found myself in limbo, where all I was really doing was working. I went for my first 5k along Riverside and realised running was super fun.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
Family friend Gail Stirling got wind of the fact that I'd been for THREE runs then insisted I came along to a DRR session. It was somewhat of a baptism of fire because it was 6x400m hill reps at Balgay, but I kept coming back, so I must have got some enjoyment from it.
At this point, I had only lived in Dundee for a year, and didn’t really know anyone, so the opportunity to meet new people was also very appealing to me.
What do you get out of the club?
I've made some friends for life that I now often run and socialise with outside of the club. Also, I had really missed the team element of cycling and DRR has a massive sense of camaraderie which matches that of a cycling team.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
If I'm running alone then I love to do intervals and threshold stuff - I love to listen to some music and focus. If I'm in a group or with a friend I love just yapping on an easy run - I’m a big chatterbox.
What's been your favourite running event?
York 10 mile race. It was my first race back after a pretty serious injury. While I had been back running for a while, coming back to racing was always going to be tough mentally, due to concerns of something going wrong again. In the end, it went as well as it could have in a 40 mph wind! I got to run in a city I had lived in for 4 years, but never ran in, saw old friends and my mum along the route, and walked away with a new PB. The decorations and medals were also pink, which is always a winner for me.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Probably the Glen Clova Half Marathon in 2023. As a track cyclist (velodromes), I'd always put myself in a box of not being a ‘climber’ and I had been warned that the course was going to be challenging with all the undulation. It was my second half marathon and I set myself a big goal of under 1.40. Somehow, I dug in and managed a 1.35 and got my first ever running prize with Alison and Hannah, as first women's team. I didn’t stop smiling for days.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
It wasn’t really on the run itself, but when I had to pull out of the Manchester Marathon, my friend pinched a shopping trolley from B&M (naughty because I work for Morrisons) and pushed me to where I could get a taxi to the hospital. I couldn't put any weight on my left leg and was not capable of hopping the mile to the nearest open road. I kept my head down the whole time, it was mortifying. It felt so dramatic at the time but it turned out I had a pretty serious injury that left me on crutches for over a month, so looking back, not that dramatic.
Any top tips for new runners?
Running is amazing, and can take you to so many cool places, but the likelihood is that at some point, there’s going to be a period where you can’t, whether that’s due to injury, illness, or something else. It’s important to have other hobbies outside of just running, as it can help to ease the feeling of boredom when you go through a rough patch. Also, when you do go through one of those, things will get better. Also, stretch.
Lissa Stewart
Member since: 2020
Hi Lissa! So, when did you start running and why?
My husband Brian took up running a few years before me and I thought "well if he can do it, then so can I" (not that I'm competitive!!) So I downloaded the Couch-2-5k app and haven't looked back.
What do you get out of the club?
I joined DRR about 3 weeks before we went into lockdown. During that time, all the great virtual challenges were such a relief and helped me keep my running up and get outside (within the legal limits of course!) Nowadays I get so much more out of running with other people, even when we are nattering. It's always a good opportunity to explore new routes I never knew existed or wouldn't feel confident doing on my own. And of course Indie can come and join her doggie pals on the MNTBs!
What type of runs do you enjoy?
Anything where there's a small chance of a tail wind at some point (see below....)
What's been your favourite running event?
Either the Arbroath Smokies as it's challenging but rewarding, or a virtual race years ago where the medal was of my favourite movie character "Pennywise"!
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
The Balmoral 15 mile trail race in 2022. It's the furthest I have ever run and such an incredible route (thankfully the weather was very favourable).
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
Living in the vain hope there will eventually be a tailwind! Or hoping that what goes up always comes down....
Any top tips for new runners?
Be kind to yourself, and don't shy away from pushing it a little bit faster or further, as you never know what you can achieve! At the same time, you will have the odd off-day but don't ever give up.
Hi Lissa! So, when did you start running and why?
My husband Brian took up running a few years before me and I thought "well if he can do it, then so can I" (not that I'm competitive!!) So I downloaded the Couch-2-5k app and haven't looked back.
What do you get out of the club?
I joined DRR about 3 weeks before we went into lockdown. During that time, all the great virtual challenges were such a relief and helped me keep my running up and get outside (within the legal limits of course!) Nowadays I get so much more out of running with other people, even when we are nattering. It's always a good opportunity to explore new routes I never knew existed or wouldn't feel confident doing on my own. And of course Indie can come and join her doggie pals on the MNTBs!
What type of runs do you enjoy?
Anything where there's a small chance of a tail wind at some point (see below....)
What's been your favourite running event?
Either the Arbroath Smokies as it's challenging but rewarding, or a virtual race years ago where the medal was of my favourite movie character "Pennywise"!
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
The Balmoral 15 mile trail race in 2022. It's the furthest I have ever run and such an incredible route (thankfully the weather was very favourable).
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
Living in the vain hope there will eventually be a tailwind! Or hoping that what goes up always comes down....
Any top tips for new runners?
Be kind to yourself, and don't shy away from pushing it a little bit faster or further, as you never know what you can achieve! At the same time, you will have the odd off-day but don't ever give up.
Phil Gilespie
Member since: 2022
Hi Phil! So, when did you start running and why?
I ran a lot in my thirties for about five years and ran a number of races including the 2006 Belfast Marathon in my hometown. Life and work got in the way after that and I didn’t start running again until my fifties.
I started running again in 2022 following the death of my wife. We had been together for 31 years. The impact was devastating. I found that running was a good outlet for me to process my grief and trauma, and the feeling of moving my body and emptying my head helped me immensely. There is no better feeling than running with your mind and body in concert with one another. I am also conscious that everyone has a back-story and events that have impacted on them in life.
Running is such a positive experience and promotes a healthy level of wellbeing and contentment. I feel like I am coming out the other end of a difficult time. I am very fortunate to have met Kirsty, who is very special, and found happiness again. We are getting married in the summer.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I guess I joined ultimately to be part of a running community and to train with like-minded people, and to learn from others more experienced than me. Also, the focus on continuous improvement and introducing little areas of improvement into my training has been great. The strength of the club is its inclusive, friendly culture and a group of people who have a love of running as common denominator: why else would we all turn out in the middle of winter to do hill reps?
What do you get out of the club?
Community, solidarity, and running with people who push and encourage you to Improve. I have met so many amazing people in the club who all have their individual stories and motivations for running which is inspiring. I have also learnt a lot from experienced members of the club who have been willing to share tips about training, recovery, nutrition and stretching which I have incorporated. I also think the opportunity to volunteer and help with club races is positive and rewarding, and and I am in awe of the committee who give up their time to keep the club running.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
My favourite distance is probably 10 miles, not too short but a good long and satisfying distance. I also enjoy trail runs particularly in the winter with the head torch. There is something magical about being under the stars.
What’s been your favourite running event?
Probably the Tay Ten. I have done it twice now and both times I felt I ran at a solid and consistent pace and I was happy with my performance and times. I also enjoyed the Devilla 15km based on the varied terrain and and scenery.
What’s your biggest achievement as a runner?
Probably completing the Belfast Marathon in 2006 in my home city. There is something special about a home crowd cheering you on. I also ran with my good friend for half the race which was very special. Also winning the DRR Most Improved Runner trophy in 2023 was great. I had never won anything in my life up to that point and the trophy is probably as big as the Scottish Cup.
What’s the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I have been fortunate not to have done anything too daft, although I have fallen a few times at MNTB trail runs including bruising my ribs and not being able to run for three weeks. In my thirties I ran the Glasgow half marathon and in the last 200 metres I tried to out-sprint a man who was dressed as giant blueberry. The blueberry won and I was the one with the most purple face.
Any top tips for new runners?
I still consider myself relatively new to running, however I would say aim for consistency in your running and you will see improvement. Training runs are a great opportunity to experiment and introduce new things to improve form, strength and stamina.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Like life there will be times when it is a struggle, but keep going as the highs definitely outweigh the lows. Recovery and stretching are key especially as you get older. But most importantly enjoy the freedom that running brings.
Hi Phil! So, when did you start running and why?
I ran a lot in my thirties for about five years and ran a number of races including the 2006 Belfast Marathon in my hometown. Life and work got in the way after that and I didn’t start running again until my fifties.
I started running again in 2022 following the death of my wife. We had been together for 31 years. The impact was devastating. I found that running was a good outlet for me to process my grief and trauma, and the feeling of moving my body and emptying my head helped me immensely. There is no better feeling than running with your mind and body in concert with one another. I am also conscious that everyone has a back-story and events that have impacted on them in life.
Running is such a positive experience and promotes a healthy level of wellbeing and contentment. I feel like I am coming out the other end of a difficult time. I am very fortunate to have met Kirsty, who is very special, and found happiness again. We are getting married in the summer.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I guess I joined ultimately to be part of a running community and to train with like-minded people, and to learn from others more experienced than me. Also, the focus on continuous improvement and introducing little areas of improvement into my training has been great. The strength of the club is its inclusive, friendly culture and a group of people who have a love of running as common denominator: why else would we all turn out in the middle of winter to do hill reps?
What do you get out of the club?
Community, solidarity, and running with people who push and encourage you to Improve. I have met so many amazing people in the club who all have their individual stories and motivations for running which is inspiring. I have also learnt a lot from experienced members of the club who have been willing to share tips about training, recovery, nutrition and stretching which I have incorporated. I also think the opportunity to volunteer and help with club races is positive and rewarding, and and I am in awe of the committee who give up their time to keep the club running.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
My favourite distance is probably 10 miles, not too short but a good long and satisfying distance. I also enjoy trail runs particularly in the winter with the head torch. There is something magical about being under the stars.
What’s been your favourite running event?
Probably the Tay Ten. I have done it twice now and both times I felt I ran at a solid and consistent pace and I was happy with my performance and times. I also enjoyed the Devilla 15km based on the varied terrain and and scenery.
What’s your biggest achievement as a runner?
Probably completing the Belfast Marathon in 2006 in my home city. There is something special about a home crowd cheering you on. I also ran with my good friend for half the race which was very special. Also winning the DRR Most Improved Runner trophy in 2023 was great. I had never won anything in my life up to that point and the trophy is probably as big as the Scottish Cup.
What’s the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I have been fortunate not to have done anything too daft, although I have fallen a few times at MNTB trail runs including bruising my ribs and not being able to run for three weeks. In my thirties I ran the Glasgow half marathon and in the last 200 metres I tried to out-sprint a man who was dressed as giant blueberry. The blueberry won and I was the one with the most purple face.
Any top tips for new runners?
I still consider myself relatively new to running, however I would say aim for consistency in your running and you will see improvement. Training runs are a great opportunity to experiment and introduce new things to improve form, strength and stamina.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Like life there will be times when it is a struggle, but keep going as the highs definitely outweigh the lows. Recovery and stretching are key especially as you get older. But most importantly enjoy the freedom that running brings.
John Mill
Member since: 2009
Hi John! So, when did you start running and why?
Well I did do some in my early army years; cross-country and a couple of ill-advised marathons without much training – but then I concentrated on hockey and golf for many years. By the time I left the Army in 2006 and returned to Dundee I was down to golfing only and that doesn’t keep you fit. I reached 15 ½ stone in weight and thought I’d better do something about it – so from my flat in City Quay I started running along to the rail bridge and back which is just under 5k – it would take me 35 minutes and I’d stop 5-6 times – but I persevered – and next thing I know I’m joining DRR……..
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I was a season ticket holder at Tannadice and I sat beside one of my old Army buddies, Ged Keane, who was a Hawk. We talked about running and the “old days” when we were in green together. He said I needed to join a club but advised me not to join the Hawks as my level of fitness just wasn’t there and I’d simply be left behind. He did say that I should join DRR as they were far more social and catered for all abilities – so I did – and I was hooked! My first couple of races were the old “Nightmare” series over at Kinghorn and I went over there with Ron Fraser - and I enjoyed them so much – after that it was just race after race after race. Oh – and about a month or two after joining when people discovered I was an accountant – I was roped into becoming the Club Treasurer!
What do you get out of the club?
Lots of new friends and an organised structured for training, people to go to races with, and a club to wear the vest for! Thursday nights were always my favourite session, being reps of some kind - you got out of them what you put into them - and I really looked forward to them. It was always great having the coach there to tell you to put your effort into it, so thanks to all the coaches over the years who organise these sessions. Hopefully I put a lot back in to the club as well, I was Treasurer for 8 years and the Chair for a year. Please always think about becoming a Committee member as the club doesn’t just run itself - it needs individuals to make it all happen - so if you have time please do so - you get a lot out of it!
What types of runs do you enjoy?
Well, there is a bit of irony here in that what I enjoy the most isn’t necessarily what I’m good at! Times and achievements will show that I was better on the roads (and the track) but I enjoy the going off-road better, running in the many trail races, cross-country and even the hills. I’m just not built for the hills and muddy trails and tracks but I really enjoy them more than just running on the roads.
What's been your favourite running event?
Probably the same as many others that have completed this - the Tour of Fife! 5 races in 5 days over 5 different disciplines of racing. The atmosphere was great and we always had a healthy DRR presence as well. It’s a pity it has fallen by the wayside, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed. I also enjoy the National Cross-Country through in Falkirk, another fantastic event for atmosphere and although I never do well I always love it. I’ll also mention the old “Nightmare“ series that used to be so popular but has now dwindled (but is still around) running around the forests and trails of Fife in the dark with your head-torch on, great stuff, and again we used to have a good DRR presence at them.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
A few to choose from here! The 4.59 I managed in the Markinch Miracle Mile probably tops them. I was UK ranked Number 1 for M50 for a few months with that run, yeah, I lived off that for a wee while!
I did 29.30 for the Cupar 5 miler one year after getting into a great race with Fiona Bracegirdle from Fife AC: we both just spurred each other on. It’s a pity I couldn’t translate that into a better 10km PB, but I lacked the confidence to push it in the 10ks.
And finally, something we don’t do a lot of in DRR, the track! Every year there is a Scottish Masters track championships and they are not that well attended. People of my vintage should give it a go! In 2014 when I was 50 I tried the 1500m and the 5000m and I got a Gold and a Silver. You have to be there! Go on folks, give it a go! I nearly forgot, I must mention parkrun! I was one of the founding members of Camperdown parkrun nearly 13 years ago and it’s still going strong. I tend to organise more runs than I actually run though in parkrun.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
This is a fairly obvious one: I’ve missed the start on 2 races! I missed the start of the Scottish Mid-Trail Championships through in Falkland one year, as I was taking photos of the women’s race and missed the start of the men’s race. Though to be fair – they had delayed the start of the women’s race by 10 minutes because of traffic issues so I presumed they would have done the same for the men’s race. But they didn’t, it went off on time and I was about 2 minutes later.
I also got my times mixed up running the Templeton 10 one year and sauntered into registration 5 minutes before the actual start thinking I had another hour or so, only for Morag Taggart to explain it started in a few minutes, and as you may know, the start is about a mile away from registration!
Any top tips for new runners?
Just enjoy it. For whatever reason you are out there running (and we all have different reasons) these reasons may stay the same or evolve over time. Whether it’s to be competitive, lose weight, keep fit, attain a standard or to socialise with others, just enjoy it. I’ve met so many people over the years through running and made so many new friends it’s unreal.
And remember, at least you are out there running, and a slow mile is as far as fast one!
Hi John! So, when did you start running and why?
Well I did do some in my early army years; cross-country and a couple of ill-advised marathons without much training – but then I concentrated on hockey and golf for many years. By the time I left the Army in 2006 and returned to Dundee I was down to golfing only and that doesn’t keep you fit. I reached 15 ½ stone in weight and thought I’d better do something about it – so from my flat in City Quay I started running along to the rail bridge and back which is just under 5k – it would take me 35 minutes and I’d stop 5-6 times – but I persevered – and next thing I know I’m joining DRR……..
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I was a season ticket holder at Tannadice and I sat beside one of my old Army buddies, Ged Keane, who was a Hawk. We talked about running and the “old days” when we were in green together. He said I needed to join a club but advised me not to join the Hawks as my level of fitness just wasn’t there and I’d simply be left behind. He did say that I should join DRR as they were far more social and catered for all abilities – so I did – and I was hooked! My first couple of races were the old “Nightmare” series over at Kinghorn and I went over there with Ron Fraser - and I enjoyed them so much – after that it was just race after race after race. Oh – and about a month or two after joining when people discovered I was an accountant – I was roped into becoming the Club Treasurer!
What do you get out of the club?
Lots of new friends and an organised structured for training, people to go to races with, and a club to wear the vest for! Thursday nights were always my favourite session, being reps of some kind - you got out of them what you put into them - and I really looked forward to them. It was always great having the coach there to tell you to put your effort into it, so thanks to all the coaches over the years who organise these sessions. Hopefully I put a lot back in to the club as well, I was Treasurer for 8 years and the Chair for a year. Please always think about becoming a Committee member as the club doesn’t just run itself - it needs individuals to make it all happen - so if you have time please do so - you get a lot out of it!
What types of runs do you enjoy?
Well, there is a bit of irony here in that what I enjoy the most isn’t necessarily what I’m good at! Times and achievements will show that I was better on the roads (and the track) but I enjoy the going off-road better, running in the many trail races, cross-country and even the hills. I’m just not built for the hills and muddy trails and tracks but I really enjoy them more than just running on the roads.
What's been your favourite running event?
Probably the same as many others that have completed this - the Tour of Fife! 5 races in 5 days over 5 different disciplines of racing. The atmosphere was great and we always had a healthy DRR presence as well. It’s a pity it has fallen by the wayside, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed. I also enjoy the National Cross-Country through in Falkirk, another fantastic event for atmosphere and although I never do well I always love it. I’ll also mention the old “Nightmare“ series that used to be so popular but has now dwindled (but is still around) running around the forests and trails of Fife in the dark with your head-torch on, great stuff, and again we used to have a good DRR presence at them.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
A few to choose from here! The 4.59 I managed in the Markinch Miracle Mile probably tops them. I was UK ranked Number 1 for M50 for a few months with that run, yeah, I lived off that for a wee while!
I did 29.30 for the Cupar 5 miler one year after getting into a great race with Fiona Bracegirdle from Fife AC: we both just spurred each other on. It’s a pity I couldn’t translate that into a better 10km PB, but I lacked the confidence to push it in the 10ks.
And finally, something we don’t do a lot of in DRR, the track! Every year there is a Scottish Masters track championships and they are not that well attended. People of my vintage should give it a go! In 2014 when I was 50 I tried the 1500m and the 5000m and I got a Gold and a Silver. You have to be there! Go on folks, give it a go! I nearly forgot, I must mention parkrun! I was one of the founding members of Camperdown parkrun nearly 13 years ago and it’s still going strong. I tend to organise more runs than I actually run though in parkrun.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
This is a fairly obvious one: I’ve missed the start on 2 races! I missed the start of the Scottish Mid-Trail Championships through in Falkland one year, as I was taking photos of the women’s race and missed the start of the men’s race. Though to be fair – they had delayed the start of the women’s race by 10 minutes because of traffic issues so I presumed they would have done the same for the men’s race. But they didn’t, it went off on time and I was about 2 minutes later.
I also got my times mixed up running the Templeton 10 one year and sauntered into registration 5 minutes before the actual start thinking I had another hour or so, only for Morag Taggart to explain it started in a few minutes, and as you may know, the start is about a mile away from registration!
Any top tips for new runners?
Just enjoy it. For whatever reason you are out there running (and we all have different reasons) these reasons may stay the same or evolve over time. Whether it’s to be competitive, lose weight, keep fit, attain a standard or to socialise with others, just enjoy it. I’ve met so many people over the years through running and made so many new friends it’s unreal.
And remember, at least you are out there running, and a slow mile is as far as fast one!
Ruth Toller
Member since: 2023
Hi Ruth! So, when did you start running and why?
That was in 1983, a few months after my son was born, and was basically to keep fit enough to go hillwalking when there was someone to look after the 2 small children. I did a few races up to 14 miles but once the kids were big enough to come walking the running tailed off and it was about 20 years later I got into it again when I discovered parkrun.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I’d discovered trail running and the MNTB (Monday Night Trail Blazers) had started. I didn’t know many other people locally who were interested.
What do you get out of the club?
I’ve grown more confident on the trails and made new friends, especially when going to local races. I don't manage to get to as many things as I used to these days due to other commitments.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
Trail runs, and hilly ones, even though I am very slow. It’s great getting to the top and being able to stop and admire the view. I don’t like flat but I do like night trail runs, even if there aren’t any views to admire from the top of the hills.
What's been your favourite running event?
That’s really hard to say. I really like the Lakeland Trail events, they’re friendly, relaxed (if a hilly trail run could ever be called that) and well organised.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Three contenders here:
My first marathon, the Lakeland Trails with 900m of ascent, aged 68.
The Great Wilderness Challenge, in the NW Highlands (which goes very near the point in Britain furthest from a road). “Only” 23 miles but with even more climbing and 3 river crossings, and hot. This was a year later and 3 months after having had Covid.
3 months after that the Dava Way Ultra on an unseasonably warm November day.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
Some of my friends would say the daftest thing was before I’d even started - and that was to enter these mad challenges! (I hadn’t run more than 14 miles until I was retired). Actually on a run was probably continuing my second Lakeland Trails marathon on a day when the temperature was 30°C+ and I fell over at 8 and a bit miles and was battered and bruised with a painful hand - which I later discovered was broken. But I did win my age category - and got free entry to the next year (I didn’t use it!)
Any top tips for new runners?
Do what you want to do and don’t worry about your times. If you have to walk a bit, you have to walk, it still gets you along the course. And don’t worry about the weather - though I seem to be unlucky and have had hot or very wet for many of my bigger challenges.
Hi Ruth! So, when did you start running and why?
That was in 1983, a few months after my son was born, and was basically to keep fit enough to go hillwalking when there was someone to look after the 2 small children. I did a few races up to 14 miles but once the kids were big enough to come walking the running tailed off and it was about 20 years later I got into it again when I discovered parkrun.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I’d discovered trail running and the MNTB (Monday Night Trail Blazers) had started. I didn’t know many other people locally who were interested.
What do you get out of the club?
I’ve grown more confident on the trails and made new friends, especially when going to local races. I don't manage to get to as many things as I used to these days due to other commitments.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
Trail runs, and hilly ones, even though I am very slow. It’s great getting to the top and being able to stop and admire the view. I don’t like flat but I do like night trail runs, even if there aren’t any views to admire from the top of the hills.
What's been your favourite running event?
That’s really hard to say. I really like the Lakeland Trail events, they’re friendly, relaxed (if a hilly trail run could ever be called that) and well organised.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Three contenders here:
My first marathon, the Lakeland Trails with 900m of ascent, aged 68.
The Great Wilderness Challenge, in the NW Highlands (which goes very near the point in Britain furthest from a road). “Only” 23 miles but with even more climbing and 3 river crossings, and hot. This was a year later and 3 months after having had Covid.
3 months after that the Dava Way Ultra on an unseasonably warm November day.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
Some of my friends would say the daftest thing was before I’d even started - and that was to enter these mad challenges! (I hadn’t run more than 14 miles until I was retired). Actually on a run was probably continuing my second Lakeland Trails marathon on a day when the temperature was 30°C+ and I fell over at 8 and a bit miles and was battered and bruised with a painful hand - which I later discovered was broken. But I did win my age category - and got free entry to the next year (I didn’t use it!)
Any top tips for new runners?
Do what you want to do and don’t worry about your times. If you have to walk a bit, you have to walk, it still gets you along the course. And don’t worry about the weather - though I seem to be unlucky and have had hot or very wet for many of my bigger challenges.
Emanuel Corduneanu
Member since: 2023
Hi Emanuel! So, when did you start running and why?
I started running in March 2023. I had been in Dundee since September 2021 and realised I was focussing entirely on work while my social life and my physical form were suffering.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
After completing Couch to 5k and the Nike Running Club half marathon training plan, I was struggling to find the motivation to continue. A work colleague suggested that I should join a running club and, after a few weeks of research, I decided DRR was the one for me.
What do you get out of the club?
Quite a lot; I really enjoy the MNTB, then the race events which I think are amazing, and of course the Thursday reps. There’s also the advice I get from the other runners, and general socialising which I was really needing.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
Probably night time trail runs are my favourite. I feel I can completely disconnect from real life when doing these, so winter MNTBs are a must.
What’s been your favourite running event?
I think that would be the 2024 edition of the Devil’s Burden. That was my first race with the club and probably one of my first trail runs. It felt incredible.
What’s your biggest achievement as a runner?
I don’t think I have any big achievements. Personally I feel that completing the Milan Marathon in the heat was pretty good. I also feel proud of my Barry Buddon 10 km time (43:21), which I still don’t believe I managed to do.
What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?
I’m pretty sensible while running so not sure what to say... Maybe the time I was training for my first marathon and I was supposed to do my longest run from the training plan (around 32k). I didn't have a running vest back them so I decided to leave some water by a bench in Baxter Park, and run around the lower loop. Being an over-thinker, I really struggled with the idea of not being able to complete the marathon so, probably at around 20km, I decided to run the full marathon distance, just to make sure I could do it. So I did 45 laps of the Baxter Park lower loop, each lap passing the café where people were having nice coffees and cakes, and I hadn't even had breakfast.
Any top tips for new runners?
Join a running club, definitely join a running club...and shoes, invest in a good pair of shoes, but try them before buying. 😂
Hi Emanuel! So, when did you start running and why?
I started running in March 2023. I had been in Dundee since September 2021 and realised I was focussing entirely on work while my social life and my physical form were suffering.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
After completing Couch to 5k and the Nike Running Club half marathon training plan, I was struggling to find the motivation to continue. A work colleague suggested that I should join a running club and, after a few weeks of research, I decided DRR was the one for me.
What do you get out of the club?
Quite a lot; I really enjoy the MNTB, then the race events which I think are amazing, and of course the Thursday reps. There’s also the advice I get from the other runners, and general socialising which I was really needing.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
Probably night time trail runs are my favourite. I feel I can completely disconnect from real life when doing these, so winter MNTBs are a must.
What’s been your favourite running event?
I think that would be the 2024 edition of the Devil’s Burden. That was my first race with the club and probably one of my first trail runs. It felt incredible.
What’s your biggest achievement as a runner?
I don’t think I have any big achievements. Personally I feel that completing the Milan Marathon in the heat was pretty good. I also feel proud of my Barry Buddon 10 km time (43:21), which I still don’t believe I managed to do.
What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?
I’m pretty sensible while running so not sure what to say... Maybe the time I was training for my first marathon and I was supposed to do my longest run from the training plan (around 32k). I didn't have a running vest back them so I decided to leave some water by a bench in Baxter Park, and run around the lower loop. Being an over-thinker, I really struggled with the idea of not being able to complete the marathon so, probably at around 20km, I decided to run the full marathon distance, just to make sure I could do it. So I did 45 laps of the Baxter Park lower loop, each lap passing the café where people were having nice coffees and cakes, and I hadn't even had breakfast.
Any top tips for new runners?
Join a running club, definitely join a running club...and shoes, invest in a good pair of shoes, but try them before buying. 😂
Alison McNeilly
Member since: 2015
Hi Alison! So, when did you start running and why?
When we were younger, my twin sister Jane and I were always very active and were orienteering most weekends. We represented the region and ran for Scotland, and I also played hockey for the district, so between those, running was part of life. The village that we were brought up in also had a great outdoor club (GWOAC – Gala Water Outdoor Activities Club), so we would canoe every week. We actually completed a Quadrathlon (13-mile hill run, 5-mile canoe, orienteering course and 13-mile cycle back to the village) when we were eight (Jane and I won).
Unfortunately, I developed an eating disorder as a teenager and spent the next 15 years in and out of hospital (2.5 years on bed rest), so I couldn’t run. When I came to Dundee, I was allowed to start running again, so I joined the Running Sisters and began a Couch to 5km programme. It was slow progress, but I think it has made me appreciate running so much more now than I ever did before.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I had been with the Running Sisters for a while, and Hilary Brown and Elaine Shemilt suggested that I join DRR. I didn’t think I was good enough, so I put it off for ages. I was really nervous when I went along for the first night (an MNTB led by Simon Knox), but I absolutely loved it! I remember phoning my mum to say I’d just been to this random place, in a random car, with random people, and I think she thought I had lost the plot.
What do you get out of the club?
Friendship, fun, camaraderie. I have met some of my best friends through the club, gained a partner, brother-in-law and a godson, and although it sounds a bit cheesy, I can’t imagine life without the club!
What types of runs do you enjoy?
I love the SLR; it feels like you can put the world to rights, talk rubbish, see the countryside, and the miles go by. I really like Parkrun as well (although at the start, I thought, ‘why would anyone travel to run 5km?’) as I love meeting lots of people (and dogs), and although it may only be 25 mins of running (with a few pre- and post miles) once you have added in chat and coffee with everyone, Saturday morning is gone.
What's been your favourite running event?
For local races, the Tour of Fife was the highlight of the year. Five races in five days at various locations around Fife. It’s a real shame that it is no longer on. For bigger races, Jane and I did the Great North Run for about 10 years in a row, and the first time we did it, we were running over the Tyne Bridge, and the Red Arrows flew above us – it was just amazing. I have been really fortunate to run the London Marathon five times, and I don’t think you can appreciate the crowds until you are there. I think crewing for Mike during the WHW (West Highland Way) is another level of craziness. The atmosphere is amazing, and I am in absolute awe of the runners. Seeing them all get the goblet at the end brings a tear to the eye, especially as the winner presents the last finisher with their goblet. It really sums up everything amazing about the running community.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Being Chairperson of the Club and following in the footsteps of the legends that have gone before me has been a huge honour. I have gained, and continue to gain, so much from the Club that giving something back is the least I can do. In terms of racing, it would have to be getting a sub-3 hour marathon. The first marathon I did in 2012, I was aiming for sub-4 and just made it (having broken my foot in training). I remember breaking 3:30 and was over the moon, so I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I could break 3 hours.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
There are probably too many to list, but the highlights are probably:
1) Forgetting shorts for the Great North Run and having to go buy some that were two sizes too big.
2) Taking Simon Knox’s shorts instead of my own to the start of Devil’s Burden and only realising when I put them on.
3) Falling over a speed bump on the way to the start of Templeton 10, breaking my wrist and not making a start – I did meet John Mill, though, for the first time!
4) Falling within 10 metres of the car on some sheet ice and breaking my wrist when running with Fíona in the Sidlaws, and only turning around when I couldn’t get my glove off as my hand was so swollen.
5) Tearing my rotator cuff chasing Marcus and Fíona off a Munro and then carrying on for the next five miles as it was the only way we could get home (it was still a great day out, though).
Yes, there is a theme ……
Any top tips for new runners?
Enjoy it, and don’t beat yourself up about times, pace or position (I am saying this now, and I am bad at doing it myself). We are fortunate to be able to run, and I, for one, only remember that when I can’t. Don’t compare yourself to others; we are all unique (even if you have an identical twin sister) and just getting out there is an achievement in itself.
Hi Alison! So, when did you start running and why?
When we were younger, my twin sister Jane and I were always very active and were orienteering most weekends. We represented the region and ran for Scotland, and I also played hockey for the district, so between those, running was part of life. The village that we were brought up in also had a great outdoor club (GWOAC – Gala Water Outdoor Activities Club), so we would canoe every week. We actually completed a Quadrathlon (13-mile hill run, 5-mile canoe, orienteering course and 13-mile cycle back to the village) when we were eight (Jane and I won).
Unfortunately, I developed an eating disorder as a teenager and spent the next 15 years in and out of hospital (2.5 years on bed rest), so I couldn’t run. When I came to Dundee, I was allowed to start running again, so I joined the Running Sisters and began a Couch to 5km programme. It was slow progress, but I think it has made me appreciate running so much more now than I ever did before.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I had been with the Running Sisters for a while, and Hilary Brown and Elaine Shemilt suggested that I join DRR. I didn’t think I was good enough, so I put it off for ages. I was really nervous when I went along for the first night (an MNTB led by Simon Knox), but I absolutely loved it! I remember phoning my mum to say I’d just been to this random place, in a random car, with random people, and I think she thought I had lost the plot.
What do you get out of the club?
Friendship, fun, camaraderie. I have met some of my best friends through the club, gained a partner, brother-in-law and a godson, and although it sounds a bit cheesy, I can’t imagine life without the club!
What types of runs do you enjoy?
I love the SLR; it feels like you can put the world to rights, talk rubbish, see the countryside, and the miles go by. I really like Parkrun as well (although at the start, I thought, ‘why would anyone travel to run 5km?’) as I love meeting lots of people (and dogs), and although it may only be 25 mins of running (with a few pre- and post miles) once you have added in chat and coffee with everyone, Saturday morning is gone.
What's been your favourite running event?
For local races, the Tour of Fife was the highlight of the year. Five races in five days at various locations around Fife. It’s a real shame that it is no longer on. For bigger races, Jane and I did the Great North Run for about 10 years in a row, and the first time we did it, we were running over the Tyne Bridge, and the Red Arrows flew above us – it was just amazing. I have been really fortunate to run the London Marathon five times, and I don’t think you can appreciate the crowds until you are there. I think crewing for Mike during the WHW (West Highland Way) is another level of craziness. The atmosphere is amazing, and I am in absolute awe of the runners. Seeing them all get the goblet at the end brings a tear to the eye, especially as the winner presents the last finisher with their goblet. It really sums up everything amazing about the running community.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Being Chairperson of the Club and following in the footsteps of the legends that have gone before me has been a huge honour. I have gained, and continue to gain, so much from the Club that giving something back is the least I can do. In terms of racing, it would have to be getting a sub-3 hour marathon. The first marathon I did in 2012, I was aiming for sub-4 and just made it (having broken my foot in training). I remember breaking 3:30 and was over the moon, so I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I could break 3 hours.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
There are probably too many to list, but the highlights are probably:
1) Forgetting shorts for the Great North Run and having to go buy some that were two sizes too big.
2) Taking Simon Knox’s shorts instead of my own to the start of Devil’s Burden and only realising when I put them on.
3) Falling over a speed bump on the way to the start of Templeton 10, breaking my wrist and not making a start – I did meet John Mill, though, for the first time!
4) Falling within 10 metres of the car on some sheet ice and breaking my wrist when running with Fíona in the Sidlaws, and only turning around when I couldn’t get my glove off as my hand was so swollen.
5) Tearing my rotator cuff chasing Marcus and Fíona off a Munro and then carrying on for the next five miles as it was the only way we could get home (it was still a great day out, though).
Yes, there is a theme ……
Any top tips for new runners?
Enjoy it, and don’t beat yourself up about times, pace or position (I am saying this now, and I am bad at doing it myself). We are fortunate to be able to run, and I, for one, only remember that when I can’t. Don’t compare yourself to others; we are all unique (even if you have an identical twin sister) and just getting out there is an achievement in itself.
Shaun Anderson
Member since: 2018
Hi Shaun! So, when did you start running and why?
I started running when I was about 33, I had just stopped playing football and needed something to try and keep some sort of fitness! I wish I had started running when I was a lot younger. I did the couch to 5k but gave up after the first couple of session and just ran the 5k. It’s a great program but I was lucky I had a decent level of fitness before.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
In 2017, I unfortunately had bit of a tricky year with illness. I had been diagnosed with Testicular Cancer that had spread quite aggressively. During my elongated stay at Ninewells, I was fortunate enough to meet a DRR stalwart, Brian Dunbar. Brian is a volunteer in Ward 32 and we quickly got chatting and he spoke about the club with such enthusiasm. Once I managed to get past my chemo and operations, it was one of my main motivations to try and get back running again (the consultant was unsure if I would ever run again).
I was at the Olympia gym doing some rehab, (Ninewells had a program called “Move More” to help people who have had or are currently going through illness). This is to try and regain some element of fitness. When I came out of one of my sessions I saw DRR out on a run and I thought - that’s my target!
What do you get out of the club?
The club is great for any level of runner, no matter what speed you are, you have someone to run with. The club also pushes me out of my comfort zone, I’m not the biggest fan of races but the DRR community promotes friendly competition. I’m also not a great hill fan (as a few people know in the club), the club runs give a great variety of runs and forces me to push myself out of my comfort zone.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
I would definitely rather run longer than shorter! Short runs always turn into a bit of an effort. The SLR on a Sunday is perfect, great spread of pace and a good bunch of people. It definitely makes the miles go in easier. I also run a lot with Graham Robertson, it’s great not just for the running but also the chats, we are like to old men putting the world to rights ha ha
What's been your favourite running event?
Even though Manchester Marathon broke me last year (I had been carrying an injury going into it). Being able to get to the start line and get around was fantastic. The atmosphere from the crowd was so much more than I expected as well. Also, even though it wasn’t an event - running around Central Park in New York is pretty special! I definitely want to do the New York marathon now.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
It will probably sound corny, but just being able to get back out running again after my illness. When you’re going through something like that, you need to try and focus on end goals to try and get you through what is going on.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I was on a work trip to Tucson and went out with some colleagues for an early morning run. Let’s just say I had a bit of a dodgy stomach and arrived back at the hotel with one sock less than I started with! Safe to say, it was the talking point for the rest of the meeting ha ha
Any top tips for new runners?
Don’t push it too hard. It’s taken my quite a few years but it’s definitely true, run easy and throw in the occasional faster run. When you get to a certain age, you definitely become more prone to injuries and pushing all your runs all the time will just make you break down. 80/20 is a great thing to keep in mind.
Also, we are not all going to be elite runners, just enjoy the ride and the health benefits (both physical and mental) being a runner brings!
Hi Shaun! So, when did you start running and why?
I started running when I was about 33, I had just stopped playing football and needed something to try and keep some sort of fitness! I wish I had started running when I was a lot younger. I did the couch to 5k but gave up after the first couple of session and just ran the 5k. It’s a great program but I was lucky I had a decent level of fitness before.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
In 2017, I unfortunately had bit of a tricky year with illness. I had been diagnosed with Testicular Cancer that had spread quite aggressively. During my elongated stay at Ninewells, I was fortunate enough to meet a DRR stalwart, Brian Dunbar. Brian is a volunteer in Ward 32 and we quickly got chatting and he spoke about the club with such enthusiasm. Once I managed to get past my chemo and operations, it was one of my main motivations to try and get back running again (the consultant was unsure if I would ever run again).
I was at the Olympia gym doing some rehab, (Ninewells had a program called “Move More” to help people who have had or are currently going through illness). This is to try and regain some element of fitness. When I came out of one of my sessions I saw DRR out on a run and I thought - that’s my target!
What do you get out of the club?
The club is great for any level of runner, no matter what speed you are, you have someone to run with. The club also pushes me out of my comfort zone, I’m not the biggest fan of races but the DRR community promotes friendly competition. I’m also not a great hill fan (as a few people know in the club), the club runs give a great variety of runs and forces me to push myself out of my comfort zone.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
I would definitely rather run longer than shorter! Short runs always turn into a bit of an effort. The SLR on a Sunday is perfect, great spread of pace and a good bunch of people. It definitely makes the miles go in easier. I also run a lot with Graham Robertson, it’s great not just for the running but also the chats, we are like to old men putting the world to rights ha ha
What's been your favourite running event?
Even though Manchester Marathon broke me last year (I had been carrying an injury going into it). Being able to get to the start line and get around was fantastic. The atmosphere from the crowd was so much more than I expected as well. Also, even though it wasn’t an event - running around Central Park in New York is pretty special! I definitely want to do the New York marathon now.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
It will probably sound corny, but just being able to get back out running again after my illness. When you’re going through something like that, you need to try and focus on end goals to try and get you through what is going on.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I was on a work trip to Tucson and went out with some colleagues for an early morning run. Let’s just say I had a bit of a dodgy stomach and arrived back at the hotel with one sock less than I started with! Safe to say, it was the talking point for the rest of the meeting ha ha
Any top tips for new runners?
Don’t push it too hard. It’s taken my quite a few years but it’s definitely true, run easy and throw in the occasional faster run. When you get to a certain age, you definitely become more prone to injuries and pushing all your runs all the time will just make you break down. 80/20 is a great thing to keep in mind.
Also, we are not all going to be elite runners, just enjoy the ride and the health benefits (both physical and mental) being a runner brings!
Alison Gelly
Member since: circa 2017
Hi Ali! So, when did you start running and why?
I started running when I was 40, mainly for mental health. I was going through a stressful time with wider family, and finding my two preschool boys hard work, so I needed some headspace. I was going out for walks, but it didn’t quite get there, and one day I just broke into a run. It seemed to clear my head much better, so after that I went out with the intention of running. I could only manage about 500 metres at first, but walked/ ran a nice circular route and gradually increased the running until after 3 months I could run the whole thing. I found I really enjoyed running so just kept on doing it.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I was persuaded by a friend (Fiona Dutch, I’m looking at you! 😂) . I’d been running myself for a few years, and I thought the clubs were full of super fast serious runners and not for the likes of me. Then Fiona joined through Tigers and said it wasn’t at all like that, it was very friendly and supportive, so I plucked up the courage to go along and was made very welcome straight away.
What do you get out of the club?
I really enjoy the camaraderie, meeting other runners, finding out about interesting races, trying out things like XC which I’d never be able to do otherwise. The Thurs training sessions are very good too, and definitely help me improve if I can get to them consistently. And of course, MNTB is the best! A great way to discover new trails, and they are always fun and friendly.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
Trails, trails, trails! I avoid tarmac whenever possible. A bit of mud and bog is a bonus 😂Runs in the middle of nowhere, with no time pressure, so I can go off and explore interesting looking paths (more often than not they lead nowhere - but when they do make a route it makes me very happy😁).
What’s been your favourite running event?
Bennachie Ultra in 2022 was fantastic. I ran it with my friend Gill, and we had a brilliant day. Everything was perfect. The weather was amazing, the views were awesome, we weren’t after a time so just took it easy and enjoyed it. I’ve thought about doing it again, but I kind of don’t want to, in case it’s not as good and I spoil that memory.
What’s your biggest achievement as a runner?
I never thought I’d be able to run the distances I can. When I started running I thought that one day I might, maybe, possibly, if I was lucky, manage a 10k. But never ever a half marathon. I’ve done quite a few short ultras (30-34 miles) now, and while that’s nothing to speak of in the ultraworld it’s a big personal achievement for me.
What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?
Lots to choose from. The really daft one, though, was leg 4 in Devils Burdens when I had to go up East Lomond and down the other side. It was very misty and I could only see a couple of feet in front. I had a written note of the bearing I had to take from the top, but instead of getting out my compass and checking, I saw the vague figure of someone heading over so just followed them. And another 6 people followed me! When we got to the bottom and were below the cloud we realised we were on completely the wrong side of the hill 🤦🏻♀️Never follow me in a race!
Any top tips for new runners?
I would say to new runners not to try and run too fast. Just go nice and slow, conversational pace, then you won’t run out of steam in 5 mins and get disheartened. Walking is fine, especially uphills. Aim to enjoy it, not kill yourself. And don’t be afraid to get out on the trails! 😁
Thanks, Ali!
To share your story, please DM me (Laura Darling-Brackenridge) or email roadrunnersdundee@gmail.com
Hi Ali! So, when did you start running and why?
I started running when I was 40, mainly for mental health. I was going through a stressful time with wider family, and finding my two preschool boys hard work, so I needed some headspace. I was going out for walks, but it didn’t quite get there, and one day I just broke into a run. It seemed to clear my head much better, so after that I went out with the intention of running. I could only manage about 500 metres at first, but walked/ ran a nice circular route and gradually increased the running until after 3 months I could run the whole thing. I found I really enjoyed running so just kept on doing it.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I was persuaded by a friend (Fiona Dutch, I’m looking at you! 😂) . I’d been running myself for a few years, and I thought the clubs were full of super fast serious runners and not for the likes of me. Then Fiona joined through Tigers and said it wasn’t at all like that, it was very friendly and supportive, so I plucked up the courage to go along and was made very welcome straight away.
What do you get out of the club?
I really enjoy the camaraderie, meeting other runners, finding out about interesting races, trying out things like XC which I’d never be able to do otherwise. The Thurs training sessions are very good too, and definitely help me improve if I can get to them consistently. And of course, MNTB is the best! A great way to discover new trails, and they are always fun and friendly.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
Trails, trails, trails! I avoid tarmac whenever possible. A bit of mud and bog is a bonus 😂Runs in the middle of nowhere, with no time pressure, so I can go off and explore interesting looking paths (more often than not they lead nowhere - but when they do make a route it makes me very happy😁).
What’s been your favourite running event?
Bennachie Ultra in 2022 was fantastic. I ran it with my friend Gill, and we had a brilliant day. Everything was perfect. The weather was amazing, the views were awesome, we weren’t after a time so just took it easy and enjoyed it. I’ve thought about doing it again, but I kind of don’t want to, in case it’s not as good and I spoil that memory.
What’s your biggest achievement as a runner?
I never thought I’d be able to run the distances I can. When I started running I thought that one day I might, maybe, possibly, if I was lucky, manage a 10k. But never ever a half marathon. I’ve done quite a few short ultras (30-34 miles) now, and while that’s nothing to speak of in the ultraworld it’s a big personal achievement for me.
What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?
Lots to choose from. The really daft one, though, was leg 4 in Devils Burdens when I had to go up East Lomond and down the other side. It was very misty and I could only see a couple of feet in front. I had a written note of the bearing I had to take from the top, but instead of getting out my compass and checking, I saw the vague figure of someone heading over so just followed them. And another 6 people followed me! When we got to the bottom and were below the cloud we realised we were on completely the wrong side of the hill 🤦🏻♀️Never follow me in a race!
Any top tips for new runners?
I would say to new runners not to try and run too fast. Just go nice and slow, conversational pace, then you won’t run out of steam in 5 mins and get disheartened. Walking is fine, especially uphills. Aim to enjoy it, not kill yourself. And don’t be afraid to get out on the trails! 😁
Thanks, Ali!
To share your story, please DM me (Laura Darling-Brackenridge) or email roadrunnersdundee@gmail.com
Adam Hart
Member since: 2019
Hi Adam! So, when did you start running and why?
In July 2018 I did my first parkrun at Camperdown. My dad had done it the week before so it was initially a bit of an ego thing of "well if he can do it, surely I can" to be honest. Before that I was pretty inactive so it was a shock to the system! I’d dabbled with other sports in the past but none ever stuck and for at least the few years prior to that, I considered myself completely unsporty - past me would be very confused seeing present me! Looking back now, I think maybe realising how non-existent my fitness was was the motivation to keep it going after that.
Back then I spent most of my time in Edinburgh and it just became a habit that Saturday mornings were for parkrun at either Cramond or Portobello. That was the only running I did until I joined the club.
Why did you join DRR?
I was interested in running more but didn’t really know where to start and was a bit clueless in terms of training. I got speaking to people in the club during parkruns while I was back in Dundee for a few weeks over Christmas time in 2018 who talked me into signing up. It seemed like a nice duo of building my running and being a social thing. Going along to a few club nights got me doing more miles and actually running more than once a week, which I didn't really do before, as I felt silly going out on my own. Joining DRR then gave me the confidence to join Portobello Running Club, who I trained with through 2019/20, which I absolutely never would have had the nerve to do before.
What do you get out of the club?
Biggest things are structured training and company! Having sessions from Ged and the coaching team or people's Stravas to copy is brilliant as I still am a bit clueless training by myself so would otherwise be winging it. That and getting to be a part of a team at events that I would've never been to or known about if not for the club makes the whole thing more fun. It’s also great getting to know such a variety of people and watch them develop and improve as runners.
What type of runs do you like?
I like a bit of everything! Tarmac, trails, cross country and hills (though hill races are still a “like in progress”) are all enjoyable on a nice day. I do quite like a long, steady run though where I can just switch off from everything else. Even better with company; either a group or just someone on my shoulder on a Sunday morning makes the miles disappear much more quickly, as being out for 2+ hours on your own is always a little bit of a slog!
What's been your favourite running event?
Bit of a random one, the Graham Clark Memorial Race at Knockhill race course in August 2024 was a recent standout. I had a bit of a rubbish time over the summer with a wee niggle in one leg: it didn't stop me running but meant I didn't feel like I could push properly at races, or train how I'd like to. The Knockhill run was the first time I'd felt good and enjoyed a race since earlier in spring, and generally felt like myself. Plus it was just cool to run on a race track! I’d recommend this one if you’ve never done it!
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Obvious answer, running the Manchester Marathon in spring 2024. Great experience, brilliant atmosphere and a time that exceeded my target and qualified me for a London place in 2025. Can't fault any of it, even the training for it was enjoyable at times!
Getting across the finish line was a much different experience than any other race I’d done before. I think purely due to being a far bigger build-up and focused training block than anything before made knowing it was actually done just that little bit overwhelming. I still glance at my medal occasionally and think “did I actually do that?”.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I'm sometimes accused of underdressing in winter which I don’t always agree with... There's plenty of other daft things anyway - like running in the Pentlands during Storm Dennis a few years back, or taking myself out of action for months during lockdown - but a recent one would be while I was on a camping trip in Aviemore last year and went for a run through the Lairig Ghru pass...
It’s not somewhere I’d been before so I was navigating by maps and Strava heatmaps and thought I’d planned and nailed a well-travelled route. Got so far in and came to this boulder field between two hills (which I later found out is called the “Chalamain Gap” and is quite famous apparently). My options were to go back the way I came (boring), detour and risk it being dark before I got back, or just go through it with no solid idea how far it went. Naturally I went with the last option and scrambled over. If you’ve ever seen the film 127 Hours, that crossed my mind once or twice, as both the boulders and gaps were chunky. But with a bit of caution I got through it fine. Still probably wouldn’t recommend it though.
Any top tips for new runners?
Aside from trying to enjoy it, which is the best starting point, decide what you want and just go for it. I think a personal motivator is the best way to push yourself on. Whether the aim is to run a certain time or distance, beat someone at parkrun, or just get fitter.
I like a "why not?" mindset, so for me it's about testing my limits and setting wee goals to chase throughout the year. It's important too to focus on your own running - we're all at different stages, and comparing yourself to others does nothing for you.
Also, stretch. No, really. Stretch.
Hi Adam! So, when did you start running and why?
In July 2018 I did my first parkrun at Camperdown. My dad had done it the week before so it was initially a bit of an ego thing of "well if he can do it, surely I can" to be honest. Before that I was pretty inactive so it was a shock to the system! I’d dabbled with other sports in the past but none ever stuck and for at least the few years prior to that, I considered myself completely unsporty - past me would be very confused seeing present me! Looking back now, I think maybe realising how non-existent my fitness was was the motivation to keep it going after that.
Back then I spent most of my time in Edinburgh and it just became a habit that Saturday mornings were for parkrun at either Cramond or Portobello. That was the only running I did until I joined the club.
Why did you join DRR?
I was interested in running more but didn’t really know where to start and was a bit clueless in terms of training. I got speaking to people in the club during parkruns while I was back in Dundee for a few weeks over Christmas time in 2018 who talked me into signing up. It seemed like a nice duo of building my running and being a social thing. Going along to a few club nights got me doing more miles and actually running more than once a week, which I didn't really do before, as I felt silly going out on my own. Joining DRR then gave me the confidence to join Portobello Running Club, who I trained with through 2019/20, which I absolutely never would have had the nerve to do before.
What do you get out of the club?
Biggest things are structured training and company! Having sessions from Ged and the coaching team or people's Stravas to copy is brilliant as I still am a bit clueless training by myself so would otherwise be winging it. That and getting to be a part of a team at events that I would've never been to or known about if not for the club makes the whole thing more fun. It’s also great getting to know such a variety of people and watch them develop and improve as runners.
What type of runs do you like?
I like a bit of everything! Tarmac, trails, cross country and hills (though hill races are still a “like in progress”) are all enjoyable on a nice day. I do quite like a long, steady run though where I can just switch off from everything else. Even better with company; either a group or just someone on my shoulder on a Sunday morning makes the miles disappear much more quickly, as being out for 2+ hours on your own is always a little bit of a slog!
What's been your favourite running event?
Bit of a random one, the Graham Clark Memorial Race at Knockhill race course in August 2024 was a recent standout. I had a bit of a rubbish time over the summer with a wee niggle in one leg: it didn't stop me running but meant I didn't feel like I could push properly at races, or train how I'd like to. The Knockhill run was the first time I'd felt good and enjoyed a race since earlier in spring, and generally felt like myself. Plus it was just cool to run on a race track! I’d recommend this one if you’ve never done it!
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Obvious answer, running the Manchester Marathon in spring 2024. Great experience, brilliant atmosphere and a time that exceeded my target and qualified me for a London place in 2025. Can't fault any of it, even the training for it was enjoyable at times!
Getting across the finish line was a much different experience than any other race I’d done before. I think purely due to being a far bigger build-up and focused training block than anything before made knowing it was actually done just that little bit overwhelming. I still glance at my medal occasionally and think “did I actually do that?”.
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I'm sometimes accused of underdressing in winter which I don’t always agree with... There's plenty of other daft things anyway - like running in the Pentlands during Storm Dennis a few years back, or taking myself out of action for months during lockdown - but a recent one would be while I was on a camping trip in Aviemore last year and went for a run through the Lairig Ghru pass...
It’s not somewhere I’d been before so I was navigating by maps and Strava heatmaps and thought I’d planned and nailed a well-travelled route. Got so far in and came to this boulder field between two hills (which I later found out is called the “Chalamain Gap” and is quite famous apparently). My options were to go back the way I came (boring), detour and risk it being dark before I got back, or just go through it with no solid idea how far it went. Naturally I went with the last option and scrambled over. If you’ve ever seen the film 127 Hours, that crossed my mind once or twice, as both the boulders and gaps were chunky. But with a bit of caution I got through it fine. Still probably wouldn’t recommend it though.
Any top tips for new runners?
Aside from trying to enjoy it, which is the best starting point, decide what you want and just go for it. I think a personal motivator is the best way to push yourself on. Whether the aim is to run a certain time or distance, beat someone at parkrun, or just get fitter.
I like a "why not?" mindset, so for me it's about testing my limits and setting wee goals to chase throughout the year. It's important too to focus on your own running - we're all at different stages, and comparing yourself to others does nothing for you.
Also, stretch. No, really. Stretch.
Paul Reed
Member since: 2015
Hi Paul! So, when did you start running, and why?
In the last century when I was a student/pre-family I was pretty fit doing lots of team sports etc, but never a runner. Life happened for 20 years, and as I approached my 40th birthday we got a brand new shiny spaniel. As I started to walk him more I realised it was 'get fit now or it will be even harder later in life' so I randomly went for a short (probably 1 mile) run with him, and enjoyed it. I then told a colleague at work, who very helpfully informed me the Dundee half marathon was in 8 weeks time and I should enter!! Not having much of a clue I naively looked up an 8 week HM training plan and followed it exactly to the letter, and completed my first DRAM in just over 2 hours.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
As a lot of people do these days I made my way to parkrun regularly. I knew Richard and Ruth Toller already and Richard invited me along to DRR. I still distinctly remember my first club night doing hill reps in a loop around Shaftesbury Avenue. From there I just kind of found myself going regularly and getting hooked on the camaraderie and challenges of races etc.
What do you get out of the club?
Probably motivation and friendship are the main things. The regular coaching is good, but having someone to chat to on a run and during the hours pre and post, and travel to races, are often the best part of a race! It’s hard to describe the impact the club has had, (more to come later) but I’ve literally travelled the world to run now, which I can’t ever think I would have done without the base the club has laid down for me. I really enjoy the standards and Grand Prix, and try to complete it each year. It’s a good mixture of races and helps me build a race calendar for the year without me having to think too hard about it.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
All types really, but probably trails, and my go-to run is the Wormit/Balmerino riverside/forest. I’ve slowed a bit in the last few years so although I do like to run faster it’s not so much of a priority now.
What’s been your favourite running event?
Unfortunately it is not happening at the moment but the Tour of Fife is my favourite. For those that don’t know it’s 5 very different races on 5 consecutive days in July with each race's time added together. As well as the challenge of beach/hills races and a 1 mile all in sprint, having a 'rival' over the 5 days was great fun. My favourite marathon was Budapest, my slowest time by far, but the most enjoyable route. I’m fortunate that my girls have been regular supporters at races which helps balance running and life. Funnily they didn’t complain much when they got to come and support me in Budapest, Paris, Belfast, and even Africa for one of them!!!
What is your biggest achievement as a runner?
Running a marathon in Kenya and then an Ultra in Rwanda the next year is definitely the highlight of my running career. Both were an aid of Compassion, a charity that sponsors children to attend school and receive an education. Each time I was there I went for a week and got to meet the sponsored children and experience the culture before the run. Running in Africa is just amazing including the race route being changed an hour before the start due to hippos on the road! Having my then 16 year old daughter in Rwanda is something I will cherish forever. I’ve now completed maybe 12/13 marathons or longer. Because we spend so much time with regular runners, it's easy to forget the 'only 1% of people do a marathon' stat and actually how much of an achievement each one is. Being part of the Run Director team at both Camperdown and Baxter Park Junior parkrun is also a highlight for me, being able to be part of enabling so many adults and children to have regular exercise is always a joy.
What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?
Fortunately, I don’t have too many stories to tell on this one, but I have lost a car key on a run, which was rather an expensive mistake.
Any top tips for new runners?
Don’t compare yourself to other runners: there’s a difference between racing an equally matched competitor for any given race and trying to do what other people are doing. Enjoy where you are at the moment, running is all relative to what is going on around you in life, sometimes you’ll be faster and run longer, other times you won’t, but each time you run there will always be a benefit. Lastly – if you are struggling on a run…. Just ask Speedy McNeilly a question and then listen to the answer for the next 20 minutes.
Hi Paul! So, when did you start running, and why?
In the last century when I was a student/pre-family I was pretty fit doing lots of team sports etc, but never a runner. Life happened for 20 years, and as I approached my 40th birthday we got a brand new shiny spaniel. As I started to walk him more I realised it was 'get fit now or it will be even harder later in life' so I randomly went for a short (probably 1 mile) run with him, and enjoyed it. I then told a colleague at work, who very helpfully informed me the Dundee half marathon was in 8 weeks time and I should enter!! Not having much of a clue I naively looked up an 8 week HM training plan and followed it exactly to the letter, and completed my first DRAM in just over 2 hours.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
As a lot of people do these days I made my way to parkrun regularly. I knew Richard and Ruth Toller already and Richard invited me along to DRR. I still distinctly remember my first club night doing hill reps in a loop around Shaftesbury Avenue. From there I just kind of found myself going regularly and getting hooked on the camaraderie and challenges of races etc.
What do you get out of the club?
Probably motivation and friendship are the main things. The regular coaching is good, but having someone to chat to on a run and during the hours pre and post, and travel to races, are often the best part of a race! It’s hard to describe the impact the club has had, (more to come later) but I’ve literally travelled the world to run now, which I can’t ever think I would have done without the base the club has laid down for me. I really enjoy the standards and Grand Prix, and try to complete it each year. It’s a good mixture of races and helps me build a race calendar for the year without me having to think too hard about it.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
All types really, but probably trails, and my go-to run is the Wormit/Balmerino riverside/forest. I’ve slowed a bit in the last few years so although I do like to run faster it’s not so much of a priority now.
What’s been your favourite running event?
Unfortunately it is not happening at the moment but the Tour of Fife is my favourite. For those that don’t know it’s 5 very different races on 5 consecutive days in July with each race's time added together. As well as the challenge of beach/hills races and a 1 mile all in sprint, having a 'rival' over the 5 days was great fun. My favourite marathon was Budapest, my slowest time by far, but the most enjoyable route. I’m fortunate that my girls have been regular supporters at races which helps balance running and life. Funnily they didn’t complain much when they got to come and support me in Budapest, Paris, Belfast, and even Africa for one of them!!!
What is your biggest achievement as a runner?
Running a marathon in Kenya and then an Ultra in Rwanda the next year is definitely the highlight of my running career. Both were an aid of Compassion, a charity that sponsors children to attend school and receive an education. Each time I was there I went for a week and got to meet the sponsored children and experience the culture before the run. Running in Africa is just amazing including the race route being changed an hour before the start due to hippos on the road! Having my then 16 year old daughter in Rwanda is something I will cherish forever. I’ve now completed maybe 12/13 marathons or longer. Because we spend so much time with regular runners, it's easy to forget the 'only 1% of people do a marathon' stat and actually how much of an achievement each one is. Being part of the Run Director team at both Camperdown and Baxter Park Junior parkrun is also a highlight for me, being able to be part of enabling so many adults and children to have regular exercise is always a joy.
What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?
Fortunately, I don’t have too many stories to tell on this one, but I have lost a car key on a run, which was rather an expensive mistake.
Any top tips for new runners?
Don’t compare yourself to other runners: there’s a difference between racing an equally matched competitor for any given race and trying to do what other people are doing. Enjoy where you are at the moment, running is all relative to what is going on around you in life, sometimes you’ll be faster and run longer, other times you won’t, but each time you run there will always be a benefit. Lastly – if you are struggling on a run…. Just ask Speedy McNeilly a question and then listen to the answer for the next 20 minutes.
Lorraine Dunbar
Member since: 1995
Hi Lorraine! So, when did you start running and why?
I started running when I met Brian Dunbar. He was involved in Dundee Roadrunners and initially he would take me out to his races to watch. As I was always into keeping fit (cycling and gym work) I am not good at being on the sidelines and not participating, so I decided to see if I could handle running. Brian met me one day from the gym, which incidentally was on the Perth Road, so I was introduced to Blackness Avenue almost immediately.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
After the Tuesday Club run some of the members would meet in the Ancrum Arms for drinks and sandwiches, so I tagged along with Brian and listened to all their stories of the previous weekend races, handicaps, PBs etc (I never really knew what that meant at the time!!) Anyway, their enthusiasm was catching, and I was asked by members to join. At that time in the Club, you had to be comfortable running six miles. There was my challenge. I signed up for Smokies ten miler and by the time I joined DRR I was running over ten miles very comfortably.
What do you get out of the club?
A great deal, for sure. I have met some lovely people over the years and developed great friendships with them. I have travelled to lots of countries taking part in marathons and half marathons, and of course parkruns. Some of the travelling consisted of going in groups of runners from DRR so it was grand to have the support of your Club. The Club has been my life for nearly thirty years. It's a great way to spend your time with like-minded people being involved in the sport you love.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
I have run distances from 5k to Ultra, and distances in between. I loved the training for marathons and ultras, but I have to say the half marathon as a race is my favourite, not too far and not too short.
What’s been your favourite running event?
I think this would be the Tour of Fife in 2016. I really thought I would be on my knees come the end of the week, however, it did not work out that way, and amazingly I got fitter!!! Also due to the camaraderie of the Club, the event was made into good fun with lots of challenges.
What’s your biggest achievement as a runner?
Oh, most definitely Speyside Way (a 50km ultra). The first time I ran it in 2003, you started in a very small group, but it soon fizzled out until I was running with only a few people in front or behind, and sometimes no runner to be seen. It was such a sunny day, and the scenery was a bonus. The course terrain was mixed which I like. I had nightmares leading up to the event, thinking I would get lost, but the course was well marshalled, and I finished a lot quicker than I thought. A great achievement for me.
What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?
Oh well, if you speak to Brian, he will tell you it was my Loch Ness Marathon. I really worked hard at training. I was also doing it for a charity, so I wanted a respectable time. However, I am not good on nutrition for running (so don’t ask me for assistance on that subject!!). Well, I reckoned if I took six jelly babies, I could have a gulp of water and a jelly baby every mile for the last six miles. Yep, all went to plan, until I was on the end stretch of the race, and I dropped my last jelly baby. Now I know I could have coped without it, but this was my nutrition plan! So, I ran back for it and ate it, of course losing valuable seconds to boot. Nevertheless, when I came onto the track and finished at 3.50.06 I was grateful. However, Brian never lets me forget by saying I could have been under the 50 minutes.
Any top tips for new runners?
A tip I was given when I first joined the club from an older fellow runner was to listen to an experienced runner when they give you running advice, and give it a go. It may not work for you, or part of it might work, but there is no harm in trying.
Hi Lorraine! So, when did you start running and why?
I started running when I met Brian Dunbar. He was involved in Dundee Roadrunners and initially he would take me out to his races to watch. As I was always into keeping fit (cycling and gym work) I am not good at being on the sidelines and not participating, so I decided to see if I could handle running. Brian met me one day from the gym, which incidentally was on the Perth Road, so I was introduced to Blackness Avenue almost immediately.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
After the Tuesday Club run some of the members would meet in the Ancrum Arms for drinks and sandwiches, so I tagged along with Brian and listened to all their stories of the previous weekend races, handicaps, PBs etc (I never really knew what that meant at the time!!) Anyway, their enthusiasm was catching, and I was asked by members to join. At that time in the Club, you had to be comfortable running six miles. There was my challenge. I signed up for Smokies ten miler and by the time I joined DRR I was running over ten miles very comfortably.
What do you get out of the club?
A great deal, for sure. I have met some lovely people over the years and developed great friendships with them. I have travelled to lots of countries taking part in marathons and half marathons, and of course parkruns. Some of the travelling consisted of going in groups of runners from DRR so it was grand to have the support of your Club. The Club has been my life for nearly thirty years. It's a great way to spend your time with like-minded people being involved in the sport you love.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
I have run distances from 5k to Ultra, and distances in between. I loved the training for marathons and ultras, but I have to say the half marathon as a race is my favourite, not too far and not too short.
What’s been your favourite running event?
I think this would be the Tour of Fife in 2016. I really thought I would be on my knees come the end of the week, however, it did not work out that way, and amazingly I got fitter!!! Also due to the camaraderie of the Club, the event was made into good fun with lots of challenges.
What’s your biggest achievement as a runner?
Oh, most definitely Speyside Way (a 50km ultra). The first time I ran it in 2003, you started in a very small group, but it soon fizzled out until I was running with only a few people in front or behind, and sometimes no runner to be seen. It was such a sunny day, and the scenery was a bonus. The course terrain was mixed which I like. I had nightmares leading up to the event, thinking I would get lost, but the course was well marshalled, and I finished a lot quicker than I thought. A great achievement for me.
What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?
Oh well, if you speak to Brian, he will tell you it was my Loch Ness Marathon. I really worked hard at training. I was also doing it for a charity, so I wanted a respectable time. However, I am not good on nutrition for running (so don’t ask me for assistance on that subject!!). Well, I reckoned if I took six jelly babies, I could have a gulp of water and a jelly baby every mile for the last six miles. Yep, all went to plan, until I was on the end stretch of the race, and I dropped my last jelly baby. Now I know I could have coped without it, but this was my nutrition plan! So, I ran back for it and ate it, of course losing valuable seconds to boot. Nevertheless, when I came onto the track and finished at 3.50.06 I was grateful. However, Brian never lets me forget by saying I could have been under the 50 minutes.
Any top tips for new runners?
A tip I was given when I first joined the club from an older fellow runner was to listen to an experienced runner when they give you running advice, and give it a go. It may not work for you, or part of it might work, but there is no harm in trying.
David Webster
Member since: 2021
Hi David! So, when did you start running and why?
At school I was always the child who tried hard but wasn’t very good – I remember coming last in a 100m sprint by several seconds (I still can’t sprint even now, if I’m going to outkick anyone I have to start a kilometre out!). By the time I got to uni I had reasonable general fitness and a few friends and I ran the 14km City2Surf from the centre of Sydney to Bondi Beach each year.
Then one day a friend told me about this new thing called parkrun that had recently started up near where she lived and we started going along each week. What I got out of that was a challenge – to run 5k in under 20 minutes, some friendly rivals who I’d race against each week, and a new group of friends, with whom we started going to some local races and an evening running club. Those reasons for starting running – challenging myself to get faster, being competitive, and the social aspect, are the same reasons I run today, 13 years and 400+ parkruns later.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I think we’re really lucky with the running club culture we have in the UK. In Sydney that doesn’t exist so much and the evening runs I went to were based around a Nike shop. I enjoyed it, but there wasn’t the same atmosphere of being part of a community and a team that we have at DRR.
When I first moved to the UK, I was posted down to Newcastle for work, so split my time between there and Edinburgh (where my wife worked). It was a new city and I didn’t know anyone, so I joined a local running club (Jesmond Joggers). It’s a club with a very similar friendly vibe to DRR and I really enjoyed running with them, to the extent that I spent some of my Saturdays travelling from Edinburgh to Newcastle for cross country races.
It was that experience that made me choose DRR when I moved to Dundee instead of the Hawkhill Harriers, which might have seemed a more natural choice for me. Once again I had moved to a new city where I didn’t know anyone and the most important thing was finding a club that had a sense of community, and that is very much DRR. Although we certainly do also have a culture of improvement and competitiveness that I enjoy as well. It’s been incredible to see how much everyone has improved over the past couple of years. The times I was running when I joined the club, which were good enough for 1st or 2nd then, would barely put me in the top 10 now!
What do you get out of the club?
Friends. People who push me to improve. A team to go to races with. A reason to do things that I would never otherwise do (I’m very much not a hill or trail runner!). All the things I’ve mentioned in the other sections, but I also love being on the committee and helping make things happen for the club. I get a lot of satisfaction from maintaining the fastest times list and seeing everyone’s sense of achievement when they get their standard times, I enjoy calculating the times for the handicap races and seeing someone who might not normally win a race finishing first, I take pride in the club when people enjoy the events we put on, or we turn up in our masses at our Grand Prix events.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
I love racing, to the extent that I do it more often than I should! I enjoy the Tuesday night social runs, but also like just going out by myself and getting lost in my own thoughts. I like tempo runs with the wind along the Riverside when it feels like I’m flying. I enjoy parkrun whether I’m running it hard or just jogging around chatting. Actually I like most of my runs, which is lucky given how much running I do!
If I had to pick a single workout, it would be 3 or 4x3k at around 60-90 minute race pace, with 2 minute recoveries at no slower than normal easy run pace (adjust it to 3 or 4x10-12 minutes if 3k takes you more than 12 minutes). The short recoveries make it like a broken tempo run, where the heart rate stays high, but it’s mentally easier because you know a break is no more than 10 minutes away. It’s a great workout for anything from 10k to marathon distance, so I do it all year round whenever I don’t have anything else planned.
I’m mostly a road runner, but also enjoy XC. It’s a running joke that I never wear trail shoes, for me it’s either road shoes or XC spikes!
What’s been your favourite running event?
I mentioned the City2Surf above, which is one of the biggest running events in the world and was my first race. I happened to be back in Sydney in August and was lucky enough to get an elite entry and start at the front of 80,000 participants. It was just how I’d remembered it, incredible support on the course, a tough hill and then the distinctive smell of the sea air when you get to the top of the hill and know it’s all downhill to the beach. In my uni days we’d then have fish and chips on the beach, sometimes go for a swim (even in winter!) and it was always a great day.
Closer to home, the National XC is always spectacular and the QA 5k is also great – a 7-lap course with graded races so that you’re racing runners of similar ability and you’re also able to support those in other races and be supported by them in turn. I also like relays and being part of a team, so the Hartley Cup is a lot of fun as well. And of course there’s parkrun – 422 runs at 68 different events so far, all around the world – I rarely miss a Saturday.
What is your biggest achievement as a runner?
In terms of setting an ambitious scary time goal and executing a training plan and race day perfectly, it has to be running sub-2:30 at the Valencia Marathon. As a mid-30s club runner who had been running for years, I didn’t expect to make such massive jumps, but going from 2:52 (my first ever sub-3) in 2021 to 2:29 in 2023 shows what can be possible if you put consistent work in and have a bit of luck with staying healthy and not getting injured.
When it comes to racing, I’m proud of becoming East District half marathon champion at Loch Leven in 2024. Obviously I was lucky that the elite runners didn’t turn up, but it still feels like a big achievement to win a championship race with about 800 runners. Certainly 15 year-old me, who was super nerdy (I still am), too uncoordinated for most sports (also still true), was never picked for teams (unless chess counts), and tried hard at school XC but was never anywhere near the front, would never have believed it.
What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?
In the early days there were plenty – missing a sub-20 5k because I hadn’t tied my shoelaces properly and had to stop to re-tie them comes to mind. More recently I’ve gone the wrong way a few times in races, usually to Marcus’s benefit if the John McInally (where I also managed to lead Andy the wrong way, so Marcus went from 3rd to 1st) and White Tops (where I managed to fall chasing him down the hill after going the wrong way earlier in the race) are any guide!
Apart from that, I managed to end up finishing my leg of the National Road Relays covered in mud. Somehow, despite the course being entirely on pavement, I slipped and fell sideways into the mud. No harm done and my team found it funny, even though we missed out on going under 3 hours by a few seconds.
Any top tips for new runners?
Do what you enjoy, don’t forget that running is meant to be fun. I could probably optimise my training more by running fewer races, or by doing two separate runs on Tuesday instead of a workout followed immediately by the club run. But I like racing and I like being at club on Tuesdays, so that’s what I do.
Try different types of running and don’t have preconceived notions on what distances or terrain you’re good at or should do. I never would have thought that I’d like XC until I tried it – coming from a country where the biggest challenge is the heat, running in the mud was an entirely foreign experience! Talk to people at the club, and they’re sure to be happy to tell you about where they run, what events they do and how you can get involved.
The best way to get better is to be consistent. Don’t worry too much about the details or get hung up on making every run perfect, at exactly the right pace etc. The way I improved was by gradually building up my mileage and keeping it up all year round. I’m sure the specific workouts I do to train for races, all the marathon pace runs I do before marathons etc. help, but they wouldn’t be possible without the base fitness I have from years of consistent running.
Hi David! So, when did you start running and why?
At school I was always the child who tried hard but wasn’t very good – I remember coming last in a 100m sprint by several seconds (I still can’t sprint even now, if I’m going to outkick anyone I have to start a kilometre out!). By the time I got to uni I had reasonable general fitness and a few friends and I ran the 14km City2Surf from the centre of Sydney to Bondi Beach each year.
Then one day a friend told me about this new thing called parkrun that had recently started up near where she lived and we started going along each week. What I got out of that was a challenge – to run 5k in under 20 minutes, some friendly rivals who I’d race against each week, and a new group of friends, with whom we started going to some local races and an evening running club. Those reasons for starting running – challenging myself to get faster, being competitive, and the social aspect, are the same reasons I run today, 13 years and 400+ parkruns later.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
I think we’re really lucky with the running club culture we have in the UK. In Sydney that doesn’t exist so much and the evening runs I went to were based around a Nike shop. I enjoyed it, but there wasn’t the same atmosphere of being part of a community and a team that we have at DRR.
When I first moved to the UK, I was posted down to Newcastle for work, so split my time between there and Edinburgh (where my wife worked). It was a new city and I didn’t know anyone, so I joined a local running club (Jesmond Joggers). It’s a club with a very similar friendly vibe to DRR and I really enjoyed running with them, to the extent that I spent some of my Saturdays travelling from Edinburgh to Newcastle for cross country races.
It was that experience that made me choose DRR when I moved to Dundee instead of the Hawkhill Harriers, which might have seemed a more natural choice for me. Once again I had moved to a new city where I didn’t know anyone and the most important thing was finding a club that had a sense of community, and that is very much DRR. Although we certainly do also have a culture of improvement and competitiveness that I enjoy as well. It’s been incredible to see how much everyone has improved over the past couple of years. The times I was running when I joined the club, which were good enough for 1st or 2nd then, would barely put me in the top 10 now!
What do you get out of the club?
Friends. People who push me to improve. A team to go to races with. A reason to do things that I would never otherwise do (I’m very much not a hill or trail runner!). All the things I’ve mentioned in the other sections, but I also love being on the committee and helping make things happen for the club. I get a lot of satisfaction from maintaining the fastest times list and seeing everyone’s sense of achievement when they get their standard times, I enjoy calculating the times for the handicap races and seeing someone who might not normally win a race finishing first, I take pride in the club when people enjoy the events we put on, or we turn up in our masses at our Grand Prix events.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
I love racing, to the extent that I do it more often than I should! I enjoy the Tuesday night social runs, but also like just going out by myself and getting lost in my own thoughts. I like tempo runs with the wind along the Riverside when it feels like I’m flying. I enjoy parkrun whether I’m running it hard or just jogging around chatting. Actually I like most of my runs, which is lucky given how much running I do!
If I had to pick a single workout, it would be 3 or 4x3k at around 60-90 minute race pace, with 2 minute recoveries at no slower than normal easy run pace (adjust it to 3 or 4x10-12 minutes if 3k takes you more than 12 minutes). The short recoveries make it like a broken tempo run, where the heart rate stays high, but it’s mentally easier because you know a break is no more than 10 minutes away. It’s a great workout for anything from 10k to marathon distance, so I do it all year round whenever I don’t have anything else planned.
I’m mostly a road runner, but also enjoy XC. It’s a running joke that I never wear trail shoes, for me it’s either road shoes or XC spikes!
What’s been your favourite running event?
I mentioned the City2Surf above, which is one of the biggest running events in the world and was my first race. I happened to be back in Sydney in August and was lucky enough to get an elite entry and start at the front of 80,000 participants. It was just how I’d remembered it, incredible support on the course, a tough hill and then the distinctive smell of the sea air when you get to the top of the hill and know it’s all downhill to the beach. In my uni days we’d then have fish and chips on the beach, sometimes go for a swim (even in winter!) and it was always a great day.
Closer to home, the National XC is always spectacular and the QA 5k is also great – a 7-lap course with graded races so that you’re racing runners of similar ability and you’re also able to support those in other races and be supported by them in turn. I also like relays and being part of a team, so the Hartley Cup is a lot of fun as well. And of course there’s parkrun – 422 runs at 68 different events so far, all around the world – I rarely miss a Saturday.
What is your biggest achievement as a runner?
In terms of setting an ambitious scary time goal and executing a training plan and race day perfectly, it has to be running sub-2:30 at the Valencia Marathon. As a mid-30s club runner who had been running for years, I didn’t expect to make such massive jumps, but going from 2:52 (my first ever sub-3) in 2021 to 2:29 in 2023 shows what can be possible if you put consistent work in and have a bit of luck with staying healthy and not getting injured.
When it comes to racing, I’m proud of becoming East District half marathon champion at Loch Leven in 2024. Obviously I was lucky that the elite runners didn’t turn up, but it still feels like a big achievement to win a championship race with about 800 runners. Certainly 15 year-old me, who was super nerdy (I still am), too uncoordinated for most sports (also still true), was never picked for teams (unless chess counts), and tried hard at school XC but was never anywhere near the front, would never have believed it.
What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?
In the early days there were plenty – missing a sub-20 5k because I hadn’t tied my shoelaces properly and had to stop to re-tie them comes to mind. More recently I’ve gone the wrong way a few times in races, usually to Marcus’s benefit if the John McInally (where I also managed to lead Andy the wrong way, so Marcus went from 3rd to 1st) and White Tops (where I managed to fall chasing him down the hill after going the wrong way earlier in the race) are any guide!
Apart from that, I managed to end up finishing my leg of the National Road Relays covered in mud. Somehow, despite the course being entirely on pavement, I slipped and fell sideways into the mud. No harm done and my team found it funny, even though we missed out on going under 3 hours by a few seconds.
Any top tips for new runners?
Do what you enjoy, don’t forget that running is meant to be fun. I could probably optimise my training more by running fewer races, or by doing two separate runs on Tuesday instead of a workout followed immediately by the club run. But I like racing and I like being at club on Tuesdays, so that’s what I do.
Try different types of running and don’t have preconceived notions on what distances or terrain you’re good at or should do. I never would have thought that I’d like XC until I tried it – coming from a country where the biggest challenge is the heat, running in the mud was an entirely foreign experience! Talk to people at the club, and they’re sure to be happy to tell you about where they run, what events they do and how you can get involved.
The best way to get better is to be consistent. Don’t worry too much about the details or get hung up on making every run perfect, at exactly the right pace etc. The way I improved was by gradually building up my mileage and keeping it up all year round. I’m sure the specific workouts I do to train for races, all the marathon pace runs I do before marathons etc. help, but they wouldn’t be possible without the base fitness I have from years of consistent running.
Dominic Williams
Member since: 2018
Hi Dom! When did you start running, and why?
I started running sporadically during my PhD. I was aiming to try and get fitter as I was going mountaineering on holiday with my sister. She was running marathons at the time so I wanted to be able to keep up with her. I'm not sure my occasional 4km around the park actually made much difference.
I started running a bit more seriously after moving to Dundee when I also started running in the hills for the first time.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
Me and my partner Amy had started doing hill races and discovered most other people were wearing club vests. Then at Falkland hill race Ron Fraser came up to us and told us we should join DRR. We joined the Facebook group then, but it was several months later that, during a cold, snowy March with Amy away in Borneo, I turned up to my first club session, a head torch-lit MNTB run to Dronley woods.
What do you get out of the club?
First and foremost people who like running trails on a Monday night, whether it's dark and raining or a sunny summer evening. Generally running is better with company so the club runs are good for that. It's also a good place to find people willing to carry potatoes up a hill for you or keep you company when running up Munros in the dark.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
Hills. I started running to get fit to walk up hills but now have discovered running as a way to cover more ground faster in the hills. Some of these runs may involve quite a lot of walking but I enjoy the freedom running in the hills gives you. Of being able to cover ground faster and see a summit and then just be there an hour or two later.
What's been your favourite running event?
The first event I ever did was the Glen Clova duathlon (cycle round the glen then run up Mayar and Driesh) which I really enjoyed, and have done a few times since. My absolute favourite is hard to say. Trottenish ridge race in 2022 was also pretty good. The sunshine probably helped but it is a great route, 27km linear route along a great ridge on Skye.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Almost certainly the Ramsay Round I did this year. This is a 24 hour hill running challenge visiting 24 summits around Glen Nevis. It was the cumulation of several years planning and training and is a great route. I had a good group of supporters from the club and beyond to both keep me company running and also provide me with custom feed stations on the hills. I had not been certain I'd get it under 24 hours before starting but managed it in just over 23 hours so was comfortably within the time limit (and 5th fastest of 22 sub 24 hour rounds this year).
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
Doing the Ramsay Round is pretty daft really. Beyond that it was probably when I was relatively new to running and decided to run to the Royal Highland Show. I was doing a stand for work and had heard parking at the event was a right faff. So I decided to park at Ferry Toll park and ride and run the rest of the way to the show ground, avoiding the show traffic. The run there was fine, with some great views running over the bridge, but after running there, then standing up for most of the day, the run back to my car at the end of the day was very hard.
Any top tips for new runners?
Potatoes! When running nutrition is important and potatoes are a great snack to keep you going for longer. Also don't be afraid to venture out into the hills. Dundee is a great place for hill running from the Sidlaws close by to longer routes in the Angus glens. My first run over 10km was actually my first run up a Munro going up Mount Keen. The great advantage of hill running is you will always need to walk some of it and it will always be faster getting back down the hill in the second half of your run. The club handily has trail runs every Monday night, so see you there soon.
Hi Dom! When did you start running, and why?
I started running sporadically during my PhD. I was aiming to try and get fitter as I was going mountaineering on holiday with my sister. She was running marathons at the time so I wanted to be able to keep up with her. I'm not sure my occasional 4km around the park actually made much difference.
I started running a bit more seriously after moving to Dundee when I also started running in the hills for the first time.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
Me and my partner Amy had started doing hill races and discovered most other people were wearing club vests. Then at Falkland hill race Ron Fraser came up to us and told us we should join DRR. We joined the Facebook group then, but it was several months later that, during a cold, snowy March with Amy away in Borneo, I turned up to my first club session, a head torch-lit MNTB run to Dronley woods.
What do you get out of the club?
First and foremost people who like running trails on a Monday night, whether it's dark and raining or a sunny summer evening. Generally running is better with company so the club runs are good for that. It's also a good place to find people willing to carry potatoes up a hill for you or keep you company when running up Munros in the dark.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
Hills. I started running to get fit to walk up hills but now have discovered running as a way to cover more ground faster in the hills. Some of these runs may involve quite a lot of walking but I enjoy the freedom running in the hills gives you. Of being able to cover ground faster and see a summit and then just be there an hour or two later.
What's been your favourite running event?
The first event I ever did was the Glen Clova duathlon (cycle round the glen then run up Mayar and Driesh) which I really enjoyed, and have done a few times since. My absolute favourite is hard to say. Trottenish ridge race in 2022 was also pretty good. The sunshine probably helped but it is a great route, 27km linear route along a great ridge on Skye.
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
Almost certainly the Ramsay Round I did this year. This is a 24 hour hill running challenge visiting 24 summits around Glen Nevis. It was the cumulation of several years planning and training and is a great route. I had a good group of supporters from the club and beyond to both keep me company running and also provide me with custom feed stations on the hills. I had not been certain I'd get it under 24 hours before starting but managed it in just over 23 hours so was comfortably within the time limit (and 5th fastest of 22 sub 24 hour rounds this year).
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
Doing the Ramsay Round is pretty daft really. Beyond that it was probably when I was relatively new to running and decided to run to the Royal Highland Show. I was doing a stand for work and had heard parking at the event was a right faff. So I decided to park at Ferry Toll park and ride and run the rest of the way to the show ground, avoiding the show traffic. The run there was fine, with some great views running over the bridge, but after running there, then standing up for most of the day, the run back to my car at the end of the day was very hard.
Any top tips for new runners?
Potatoes! When running nutrition is important and potatoes are a great snack to keep you going for longer. Also don't be afraid to venture out into the hills. Dundee is a great place for hill running from the Sidlaws close by to longer routes in the Angus glens. My first run over 10km was actually my first run up a Munro going up Mount Keen. The great advantage of hill running is you will always need to walk some of it and it will always be faster getting back down the hill in the second half of your run. The club handily has trail runs every Monday night, so see you there soon.
Lucia Tisnes
Member since: 2016
Hi Lu! When did you start running and why?
The start of my running goes back to when I was in primary school. My mum and I used to go out running together on our farm in Argentina. Being one of seven daughters, I treasured that time, which meant I had my mum to myself for an hour. During our runs, I would tell her about the books I was reading! I loved it. I continued to run throughout my entire life as a way to keep fit, but I didn't really start training until I joined the club.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
In 2016, life looped me into a group of friends who also happened to be my friends in different circles (volleyball, counselling, etc). I did a "fun" race with them, and they convinced me to join the club.
What do you get out of the club?
Having many running friends with whom I have different runs and adventures.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
Adventure runs! Muddy, windy, rainy, hilly runs! My favourite day is one spent with friends running round in the beautiful hills of Scotland. If I have to run on roads, then hills are my preferred option!
What's been your favourite running event?
This year, I was lucky enough to run the West Highland Way with a group of friends. It wasn't an organised event, but it was such an amazing journey, and I absolutely loved it! It was the perfect combination of running, company, location, weather: everything lined up!
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
This year, I ran the Devil of the Highlands. I loved it so much. There were hills, wind, rain, and a ridiculous distance that I never thought I could complete before. And yes, I did the WHW twice this year!
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I don't do daft things during the runs. I do daft runs! I once asked Dom and Amy if I could join them on their outing. All I cared about was the fun and the adventure, and I did not appreciate what I was getting into - 12 Munros in a oner. The God of bad weather had mercy and we had to abort and only do 6. It was still epic, and I loved it deep down!
Any top tips for new runners?
Do what is important to you, and be okay with it! Never use running as a way to beat yourself up for not running as fast as others. Running is a privilege, be grateful for what your body lets you do.
Hi Lu! When did you start running and why?
The start of my running goes back to when I was in primary school. My mum and I used to go out running together on our farm in Argentina. Being one of seven daughters, I treasured that time, which meant I had my mum to myself for an hour. During our runs, I would tell her about the books I was reading! I loved it. I continued to run throughout my entire life as a way to keep fit, but I didn't really start training until I joined the club.
Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?
In 2016, life looped me into a group of friends who also happened to be my friends in different circles (volleyball, counselling, etc). I did a "fun" race with them, and they convinced me to join the club.
What do you get out of the club?
Having many running friends with whom I have different runs and adventures.
What types of runs do you enjoy?
Adventure runs! Muddy, windy, rainy, hilly runs! My favourite day is one spent with friends running round in the beautiful hills of Scotland. If I have to run on roads, then hills are my preferred option!
What's been your favourite running event?
This year, I was lucky enough to run the West Highland Way with a group of friends. It wasn't an organised event, but it was such an amazing journey, and I absolutely loved it! It was the perfect combination of running, company, location, weather: everything lined up!
What's your biggest achievement as a runner?
This year, I ran the Devil of the Highlands. I loved it so much. There were hills, wind, rain, and a ridiculous distance that I never thought I could complete before. And yes, I did the WHW twice this year!
What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I don't do daft things during the runs. I do daft runs! I once asked Dom and Amy if I could join them on their outing. All I cared about was the fun and the adventure, and I did not appreciate what I was getting into - 12 Munros in a oner. The God of bad weather had mercy and we had to abort and only do 6. It was still epic, and I loved it deep down!
Any top tips for new runners?
Do what is important to you, and be okay with it! Never use running as a way to beat yourself up for not running as fast as others. Running is a privilege, be grateful for what your body lets you do.
Martin Rollo
Member since: 2017
Hi Martin! When did you start running and why?
I started running, well really jogging, back in 1995. No racing, just a bit of weekend jogging at Tentsmuir Forest and beach, and a few miles around Dundee after work. I think I did it for two reasons: stress relief from work and to enjoy being out and about in nature at the beach.
Why did you join DRR?
A friend suggested I should join a running club, so I did. Not like me as I have never before joined anything! I tried it and loved it! One of my best decisions.
What do you get out of the club?
Lots! I love running, training and racing. Also, friendship, days away racing, and visiting places I would otherwise never have gone to. Social events too.
What types of runs do you like?
I really look forward to training on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tuesdays with headphones on listening to my favourite 80s and 90s music and having what I call my whoosh! This is when sometimes I feel energetic at the same time my favourite songs come on, and I up the pace a bit. Whoosh! I feel I am running fast even if I am not! Doesn’t get much better than that! And Thursday is the satisfaction that I turned up and did it!
What's been your favourite running event?
Not really one event, but the Fife mid-week series. I look forward to it all winter. If I had to choose one….the Balmullo Hill race maybe. But really they are all brilliant….even The Hill of Tarvit!
What is your biggest achievement as a runner?
I would say to have got my bronze standard for the last few years would be my biggest achievement. That and maybe being in a winning Twin Peaks team.
Whats the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I think that would be turning up to the Forfar 10K this year without my shorts! I panicked a bit, then remembered there was an Asda store in Forfar. Problem solved, new shorts bought!
Any top tips for new runners?
Enjoy your training and racing…and avoid being injured. (I am not doing too well at the not being injured bit just now!) Do not get too hung up on PBs. Doing my best at any race is enough happiness for me. If I manage to PB at the same time…well that's a bonus!
Hi Martin! When did you start running and why?
I started running, well really jogging, back in 1995. No racing, just a bit of weekend jogging at Tentsmuir Forest and beach, and a few miles around Dundee after work. I think I did it for two reasons: stress relief from work and to enjoy being out and about in nature at the beach.
Why did you join DRR?
A friend suggested I should join a running club, so I did. Not like me as I have never before joined anything! I tried it and loved it! One of my best decisions.
What do you get out of the club?
Lots! I love running, training and racing. Also, friendship, days away racing, and visiting places I would otherwise never have gone to. Social events too.
What types of runs do you like?
I really look forward to training on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tuesdays with headphones on listening to my favourite 80s and 90s music and having what I call my whoosh! This is when sometimes I feel energetic at the same time my favourite songs come on, and I up the pace a bit. Whoosh! I feel I am running fast even if I am not! Doesn’t get much better than that! And Thursday is the satisfaction that I turned up and did it!
What's been your favourite running event?
Not really one event, but the Fife mid-week series. I look forward to it all winter. If I had to choose one….the Balmullo Hill race maybe. But really they are all brilliant….even The Hill of Tarvit!
What is your biggest achievement as a runner?
I would say to have got my bronze standard for the last few years would be my biggest achievement. That and maybe being in a winning Twin Peaks team.
Whats the daftest thing you've done on a run?
I think that would be turning up to the Forfar 10K this year without my shorts! I panicked a bit, then remembered there was an Asda store in Forfar. Problem solved, new shorts bought!
Any top tips for new runners?
Enjoy your training and racing…and avoid being injured. (I am not doing too well at the not being injured bit just now!) Do not get too hung up on PBs. Doing my best at any race is enough happiness for me. If I manage to PB at the same time…well that's a bonus!
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