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.

Martin Rollo

Member since: 2017

Hi Martin! Tell us, 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!

Carrie Baird

Member since: January 2023

Hi Carrie! Tell us, when did you start running and why?

I had attempted to run years before but never stuck at it and I began running properly when I joined DRR in 2023. My first session was hill reps and I was warmly welcomed and looked after by everyone.
I started running for a few reasons, my husband David Baird was already a member of DRR and he seemed to enjoy it. I had gestational diabetes (GD) during my pregnancy with my youngest son (Rory - born October 2022). When you have GD it goes away after pregnancy but it does mean that you have a 50% chance of developing Type 2 diabetes within the first 5 years post birth. I saw running as a great way to help me lose weight, and also exercise keeps your blood sugars down low.
I also had severe postnatal depression after Rory and the mental health professional who was treating me included exercise in my treatment plan as it is a method to help reduce depression symptoms.

Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?

My husband was already a member and recommended the club, also, I knew a few of the members beforehand which helped me feel more at ease. I wanted a club that would help guide, coach and support me too which is something I do get out of the club.

What do you get out of the club?

A sense of community, friendship and the motivation to help me to continue to compete with myself, trying for those PBs!

What types of runs do you enjoy?

I mostly enjoy runs with my family, my husband, Erik my 6 year old, and Rory my 2 year old. I like when we are all together getting some exercise, going on an adventure and having fun that involves all of us. We have a running buggy for Rory, so he doesn't miss out. I also enjoy 10K races the best, I have done a lot of 10K races this year, and I seem to progress best in this distance time-wise.

What's been your favourite running event?

East Neuk 10K race in September 2024. I set my 10K PB and I loved the route, a nice mix of terrain and since it was an out and back, everyone was passing each other and encouraging each other. I love seeing this.

What's your biggest achievement as a runner?

Being able to complete a half marathon after 12 weeks training from scratch. The Dundee Half Marathon in July 2024. Although I started with DRR in January 2023, I stopped for 7 months from October 2023 due to a family tragedy which left me unmotivated and not very well mentally (I'm in recovery now).
Therefore I started the Couch to 5K programme with the Ardler Running Ladies Club, where I am also a member. I started the C25K in April 2024, and within 12 weeks I completed the Dundee Half marathon. Completing this showed me that all of my hard work and dedication had paid off. Also, a few of my Ardler running ladies met me at the 18km mark to support me by running with me to the finish, and that was the best feeling ever.

What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?

I did a half marathon training run with a couple of my friends a couple of weeks ago and I needed to pee about the 11km mark. It was pitch dark and I went to the bushes at the side of the road to pee. I thought that I had picked a well covered area where nobody would see me, also there had not been a car pass for ages, but you guessed it, a car did pass with its bright lights, exposing my butt to everyone!

Any top tips for new runners?

Start off with the NHS C25K programme, and run with people and not on your own as you have less motivation and less accountability on your own.
Do not doubt yourself, believe in yourself. Do not think that your pace is too slow to be a runner, it doesn't matter your pace, if you are running and cover the ground then you are doing amazing! Focus on you and your achievements.

Brian Dunbar

Member since: 1984

Brian joined DRR shortly after running the Valentines 10 mile run in November 1984.

Hi Brian! Tell us, when did you start running and why?

I started running after I had joined a fitness club to lose weight. I was quite plump back then. The funny thing is that I hated all forms of exercise while at school. I hadn’t even ran when I was challenged to enter the first Dundee marathon in 1983. My first run was maybe a mile along the Perth Road, where I sat down on a bench to get my breath back. A month later I was able to run five miles comfortably and the rest, as they say, is history.

Why did you join DRR?

I joined DRR when I read in the Courier that a new running club was starting up and, being a Lochee laddie, the location of Lochee Baths suited my needs.

What do you get out of the club?

Over the years I have gotten a lot out of being a DRR. Running pals, good training advice, structured training, lots of good nights out, and travels all over to races.

What types of runs do you like?

These days my long runs are in the distant past but I am a parkrun addict, having recently completed over 500 parkruns. I also enjoy volunteering with them.

What's been your favourite running event?

My favourite running event was always the marathon. I have only done 21 but my favourite one was always Dundee and that downhill finish down the Lochee Road. I have also ran New York, London twice and Dublin four times plus all the major Scottish ones back in the day. I also enjoyed the club outings to Inverness for the half marathon which was held in March and was the start of the half marathon season. One year we had three full buses leaving from Lochee at 9am. After the run we always went for a meal and a few drinks.

What is your biggest achievement as a runner?

My biggest achievement as a runner has to be introducing my girlfriend, now my wife, to running which she embraced wholeheartedly and is now much faster than me.

Whats the daftest thing you've done on a run?

I think that the daftest thing I have ever done on a run was tripping over tree roots on a club night the week of a marathon and skinning my knees. Luckily there was no serious damage and I was able to run.

Any top tips for new runners?

To any new runners I would say take it easy at first until your body gets used to running and gradually up the distance, and if you have any niggles rest and let your body repair.

Morag Taggart

Member since: 1999

Hi Morag! Tell us, when did you start running and why?

I started running in 1981 at the height of the running boom. My sister persuaded me that we should follow a marathon plan from a newspaper. She got fed up after a couple of weeks but I kept going and ran my first marathon 3 months later. I was quite fit from other sports, so I thought it would be easy. I managed 3 hours 9 mins, but I honestly thought I was going to die!

Why did you join DRR?

I had been a member of quite a few running clubs when we moved to Dundee and I joined the Hawks at first. But once I found out how friendly DRR were by getting to know people at races, I decided they were the club for me.

What do you get out of the club?

This has changed over time. When I first joined the club, I was a regular at Tuesday and Thursday training and really enjoyed the encouragement of club mates to push myself in training. These days I train more on my own, but get a lot of satisfaction out of being involved with coaching. What has remained the same is the fun and support of going to races as part of the club.

What types of runs do you like?

Very boringly, I like a nice, flat road run where you can get into a rhythm and concentrate on pace. I like to run in the sun with a bit of heat, I really don't appreciate cold, wind or rain when I'm running!

What's been your favourite running event?

I run better the longer the race, so it would have to be a marathon. The City of Dundee marathon was a brilliant event, with fantastic support all round the route and an amazing finish in city square. I've run the Malaga marathon a couple of times recently, and its definitely a favourite. Like Dundee, there is great support around the course. It's sunny and warm, with the added incentive of beer and tapas afterwards!

What is your biggest achievement as a runner?

In the eyes of my family, winning the Dundee marathon in 1986 was my greatest achievement because I came home with the prize of a TV! I have to admit that running into city square in first place was very exciting and emotional. However, I really think that any race where you push yourself to run your best gives you a great sense of achievement!

Whats the daftest thing you've done on a run?

I get lost a lot on runs and also in races! One of the daftest times was, having carefully planned my route, complete with compass bearings for a leg of the Devil's Burdens relay race in the Lomonds of Fife, I ditched my plans and followed another runner off the top of East Lomond because "he looked like he knew the way" Needless to say, we both got very lost, and I cost my team an extra 20 minutes.

Any top tips for new runners?

Try out different types and distances of running and races to find out what you enjoy best. Build up distance and effort very gradually and take a rest day or two if you are tired or have a wee niggle.

Josh McKay

Member since 2016

Hi Josh! Tell us, when did you start running and why?
I started running on 12th August 2015 (according to Strava anyway!) as part of being a Personal Trainer, wanting to keep fit and set a good example for my clients. I’d ran and played football a little bit when I was a kid, but with having asthma, found it really difficult and didn’t do much when I was younger.

Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?

Honestly, because I wanted to get faster and get more PBs at parkrun. I had met and knew quite a few members of DRR at Camperdown parkrun who encouraged me to join and give it a go. I was reluctant to join at first, as I thought I wasn’t good enough for a running club, but I decided to try a reps session on a Thursday night. I really enjoyed the session and got a massive PB at Camperdown parkrun on the Saturday, so that was me sold!

What do you get out of the club?

The main thing is the feeling of being part of an awesome group of runners of many different abilities and having that camaraderie at training on a cold winter’s night or rocking up in our masses at races… it’s a lot of fun! Of course the training and events have all helped me improve as a runner, but the social side of this sport is what I value most.

What types of runs do you like?

Hmmm… parkruns?! Almost anything flat, the flatter the better. I really like the 5K and the mile distances, and in terms of training sessions, I like progression runs and intervals, anything between 400-1600m.

What’s been your favourite running event?

Apart from the obvious - and I think I’ve mentioned parkrun enough at this stage – my favourite running event was the Tour of Fife, specifically the 2018 iteration. 5 days of racing back-to-back: 4 miles on the West Sands at St Andrews on Wednesday, 3.5 miles up and over East Lomond on Thursday, 1 mile on the prom in Kirkcaldy on Friday (still my official mile PB), Glenrothes 5K Saturday afternoon (yes, I ran parkrun in the morning), and a 6 mile Falkland trail race to finish on Sunday. Shame that this event will likely never be put on again.

What is your biggest achievement as a runner?

I don’t think I have achieved anything that significant yet to be honest. Probably coming back from a knee tendon tear in 2019 that took a couple of years to get over fully. Anytime I can help someone – whether it’s giving advice or just being friendly or pacing them – is an achievement to be proud of.

What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?

I’ve not done that many daft things on a run, but I once mistook another DRR for my wife at the start of a race, which could have ended up a lot worse than it did... ask me about it the next time you see me!

Any top tips for new runners?

My Strava tagline is “Don’t get hurt, challenge yourself, have fun” which are great rules for physical activity in general. If you can tick all 3 of those boxes, you’re winning. I would also say stop comparing yourself to others if it makes you feel bad about yourself. Finally, I know some things are scary – signing up for your first race, turning up to a session for the first time with a group of strangers, running further or faster than before, maybe being at the back of the pack etc. – but just go for it.

Brenda Doig

Member since January 2018

Hi Brenda! So, tell us when you started running, and why?

I started running in my late 30s (I'm nearly 55) in doing the Race for Life charity run at Camperdown. The 2nd year I did it was where I discovered my first runner's high and could have kept on running way after the finish. I thought "wow, I feel amazing!" However, it was after the breakdown of my marriage that I came to run consistently to help deal with the trauma. After the isolation, the freedom of running and the comfort it gave me, helped me discover who I was as a person. I run for my mental health first and foremost, and if I do well, it's a 'happy accident ' 😊. Ultimately, running is my best friend.

Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?

I joined DRR when I saw a social media post describing their transition group at the time. I wanted to achieve a sub 30 min 5k.
What do you get out of the club?

I get company and camaraderie at the club's Thursday reps sessions. I'm in with the steady abilities and everyone is encouraging. Coaching sessions are fab and you are made to feel safe and welcome. Everyone tries their best on the night.

What types of run do you enjoy?

The best runs are long relaxing ones...either solo or in company. Oh, and ones that have a sweet treat after 😋

What's been your favourite running event?

My favourite events are Glasgow Half and Inverness Half. They have a mixed bag of things to see on the route, different landmarks and nice scenery. They are well supported with spectators. And I like the undulating routes, they are more interesting.

What's your biggest achievement as a runner?

I'd say my biggest achievement is all the training I've done for my 4 marathons. They were solo runs or mixed with company. Also winning the Autumn Handicap ladies' trophy.

What's the daftest thing you've done on a run?

Well, those that run with me know I am a bit of a 'burper' whilst on a run. It's all the air of breathing/ chatting or laughing out loud, you see. Oh, and I always look out for wee coos in the fields I run past.

Any top tips for new runners?

My top tip would be to remember that the first step out the door is the hardest bit of your run... we all feel this whether it's our first week or we've ran for decades... so just do it. And don't be frightened of solo runs. Sometimes they are your therapy.

Michael Richardson

Member since 2023

Hi Michael! When did you start running and why?

It’s a strange one for me in the sense that there wasn’t really a first time that I decided to go for a run as such. In late 2020, I started doing a sort-of walk/jog type thing around my block every night. I was doing this at like 9pm as I was extremely self-conscious about it and didn’t want anyone I knew to see me. There was no real structure to this, I guess it was similar to a couch to 5k programme – I jogged until I started to feel out of breath then walked for a bit and so on and so forth. The distance was probably 5k-ish, I have no idea what sort of pace I was going at and I wasn’t logging it anywhere. I did this exact same thing on the exact same route for around 2 years – I’m very set in my ways!

It seems quite bizarre to look back on given where I am with running now, but at the time I truly had no interest in progressing or improving- I didn’t even see it as a hobby. It was purely a way of getting out and staying fit. I probably would have done this forever if not for a friend in my work asking if I’d consider training for a half marathon at the start of 2023. It was only then I started to time my runs and increase my mileage. What I was doing was still extremely unstructured, I’d say I only really started to grasp what running training should look like around August of last year.

Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?

I realised that I should get involved with a running club as soon as I started to compete in races and noticed I was pretty much the only one around me not in a club vest. I decided DRR was the club for me as I started to recognise the same faces at parkrun and local races. Actually joining was another thing altogether though. I struggle a lot with social anxiety and continually put it off despite encouragement to give it a go from my friends and family. Finally, I signed up for Templeton 10 2023 with two goals in mind: to run well, but also to pluck up the courage to speak to some members after the race.

One of my favourite things about racing and the associated ‘runners high’ is that, after sharing the experience with others, conversation becomes easy, and talking to people I’d never met before no longer felt so daunting. Off the back of this, I came along to my first DRR Tuesday the following week, and have rarely missed one since. It’s funny to think back on how difficult I found introducing myself to people I now consider among my best friends, but I guess that shows how much the club has helped my confidence as a whole.

What do you get out of the club?

Company during easy runs on Tuesdays is definitely the biggest benefit for me. I don’t really mind doing sessions solo, but often find easy runs to be a serious slog while alone. Having people to chat to really helps with that – finding people that seem to tolerate the nonsense I chat has been nice also!

What types of runs do you like?

I enjoy running fast, but still being able to go about my day afterwards, so threshold runs suit me perfectly.

What’s been your favourite running event?

Any event where I can get my race number in advance so my parents can help me pin it to my vest is my favourite. But in all seriousness, there isn’t an obvious answer to this for me. I try to treat each race as equal in significance in my own head. In training, my aim is to keep myself at a level where I can be competitive as often as possible, rather than to focus on peaking for one goal race. I find this helps to keep me motivated all year round. I guess the downside to this mindset is that I’ve never really had the feeling of all my training efforts coming together to meet one particular goal and, as such, I don’t really have one event in particular that stands out to me. I would say though that I have the most fun in races that are an unconventional distance or undulating courses, as the only concern becomes actually racing others and testing yourself against runners of a similar ability. A few that spring to mind are Templeton 10 2023, Graham Clark Memorial Race 2024 and Forfar 10k 2024 – I feel a lot more relaxed in these type of races, as I don’t have to worry about hitting certain splits or breaking some sort of time barrier.

What is your biggest achievement as a runner?

Definitely navigating and coming back from my calf strain. The drawback of revolving your weekly routine around running is that when you suddenly can no longer do it, you find yourself a bit stuck. I’m very proud of the fact that I managed to channel my frustration into something positive and focus on maintaining my fitness during my time off.

If anyone’s curious of the specifics of my cross-training, I essentially simulated my usual running week on an elliptical machine (cross-trainer). I found that it was relatively easy to get my HR into the same zones they would be while running. I did 4 sessions per week keeping my HR somewhere between 140-160 (easy running zones for me) then a further 2 where I would throw in something like 5x5 minutes at a threshold effort (HR in the 170s).

Mentally, it was still tough as, while I did have some indications that I was gaining fitness (resting HR going down) I had no way of seeing how it would translate to running fitness and there was always the fear that, when I started running again, I’d be back to square one. To combat this, I looked to some pro runner success stories for inspiration. 6x NCAA champion and now Olympic 10,000m runner Parker Valby runs only 30 miles per week, completing the rest of her training on an elliptical machine to combat injuries. Last summer, Grant Fisher broke 13 minutes in the 5k off of mostly cycling after coming back from a stress fracture. Neil Gourley ran a 3:47 mile at this year’s Pre Classic after missing a whole winter of running but doing a lot of double threshold work on the bike.

Of course, there’s no substitute for actually running, but I consider proving to myself that all hope is not lost if you get an injury to be a big achievement.

What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?

I feel everyone is already well versed in my countless tales of getting lost so I’ll go for something different. The first time I went to get my running gait analysed was also the first time I’d ever been on a treadmill. I pressed the stop button without really slowing down and went flying forward and fell down in the middle of the shop. Massive kudos to the guy that was helping me as he kept a completely straight face in a situation where I definitely wouldn’t have been able to. I've been terrified of treadmills ever since.

Any top tips for new runners?

Don’t feel as though there’s a certain pace you should be hitting on easy runs based on your ability. Just keep it chill.

Don’t absolutely exhaust yourself during sessions. When I first started doing reps or intervals I often found myself going way faster than I ever could in a race just because I could with the extra recovery time. However when it was time for the actual races I'd have nothing left! Now I try to keep my workouts as realistic and race specific as possible.

Since really committing to both of these things in training I’ve had a much easier time with recovery and managing fatigue.

Gill Hanlon

Member since 1984. Gill joined DRR soon after the club was formed out of The Valentines Harriers Club (est. 1983).

Hi Gill! When did you start running and why?

I started running in late 1982 when my second child was about 9 months old. I had never run before but had always been quite active doing other things. After having 2 children I felt I needed to tone up a bit and running was something that I could and did fit in of an evening and at odd times during the day. I started off literally running around the block and gradually increased that as I increased in confidence and fitness.

Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?

I joined the club, as by 1984 I could run a wee bit further and thought that company would be nice on a run. It was also great to hear other people’s experiences and socialise at the same time. Charlie Anderson, who is an old friend, was in the club then and he was keen for both me and Ged to come along.

What do you get out of the club?

Too many things to document here but friendship, camaraderie, competition. Seeing how new club members grow and develop in strength and confidence is a lovely thing for me. The club has always been there for me in my personal running experiences and it is partly due to the way the club trained that helped me achieve successful results. We ran in groups, both men and women together, working hard and pushing each other over our 10 or 8 mile Tuesday runs. Great tempo runs developing speed and stamina and endurance. Thursday was always some sort of rep training, mainly hills but again fantastic camaraderie and enthusiasm. Thursday session is always one I don’t want to miss as I feel I still get immense benefits from the structured training even at my great age! The club is constantly evolving and hopefully will always do so. I still get as much out of the club now as I did when I was younger, it’s just different!

What types of runs do you like?

Now, I enjoy more trails and social running although I still get butterflies before a race.

What’s been your favourite running event?

Black Isle used to hold a festival of running weekend each year; marathon, 1/2 marathon and 10k races. We hired a bus and went as a club, some of us took our families along and any non-running partners were there to offer childcare while the races took place. It was a great day and the club always did well. The year I was 1st lady in the marathon was a proud achievement, and my prize was a carriage clock! Haha!

What is your biggest achievement as a runner?

1st female vet at the Highland Cross

1st FV40 at East District X/C as DHH (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers)

Being picked by SA 3years in a row for the team to represent East District at X/C as DHH

What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?

Apart from falling I can’t think of anything really. On a recce of Devil's Burdens in 2007 I fell and broke my ankle. I needed to be carried off the hill and taken to Dunfermline hospital where I was operated on the next day. Took a while to get back running then. More recently, a fall in Templeton Woods due to too much chat and not enough attention resulted in an eyebrow laceration and a black eye. Not to mention the bruising and cuts on my hands, arms and knees.

Any top tips for new runners?

I would suggest getting to know how your body responds and reacts to running. Everyone is different and it will also depend on your background of fitness. Improvement, in terms of speed, stamina and endurance will all develop in time if you’re willing to put in the work, and consistency is the key. New runners or even lapsed runners coming to the club are often carried along with the goals and desires of the more experienced runners and this can end up causing an injury. Too much, too soon. It’s good to be keen but have a bit of care too. Stretch, stretch and stretch! Can’t do too much of it. So, Thursday sessions are great for new and old runners as the sessions are crafted to help get the best out of each person, no matter their age or experience. New runners are encouraged to join an appropriate group for their ability to allow them to participate and perform in safe conditions. Always the opportunity is there to move up or down a group as ability or body dictates.

Keirra Small

Member since April 2024

Hi Keirra! When did you start running and why?

I reluctantly started running in October 2023 to lose a bit of weight for my wedding. I was honestly surprised that I actually enjoyed it! After the wedding, I decided to keep going. I’ve tried a few different activities over the years, but none of them survived more than a couple of months. Yet here I am, a year later, still running and still enjoying it. I didn’t see that coming!

Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?

I always thought running clubs were only for fast or serious runners so would never have considered joining until my husband joined before me. He convinced me to try it as there were all ages and abilities in the group and everyone is so welcoming and encouraging and he knew from going to parkruns with me that I always do better when there’s other people around me to keep me going. I love that it's something we can do together now.

What do you get out of the club?

I push myself much harder when I am with other people. When I am running alone, I can give up pretty easily (too much time to think up excuses to stop for yet another break) but the encouragement from the others in the club make a huge difference for me. I really enjoy taking part in races too which is something I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do before and its great to be part of the team. I’m still working out how people manage to chat while running though - how do they do it?!

What types of runs do you like?

I really enjoy the ones I can watch on the telly from the comfort of my sofa... ha! But in all seriousness, I do struggle with hills, so I prefer anything nice and flat. It’s something I’m working on, but for now, give me a flat route any day and I’m happy!

What’s been your favourite running event?

So far, it’s the Edinburgh half marathon 2024. At the time it was the furthest I had ever gone before and not something I ever thought I would be capable of when I started. It was such a massive event, with so much going on to keep me distracted! The support from the crowds was incredible and I was so caught up in the atmosphere that I was almost at the finish line before I realised I was tired.

What is your biggest achievement as a runner?

I’m still really early in my running journey but I’m proud every time I hit a new personal best, I am so competitive with myself and love all the little wins. Over the last year I’ve taken a huge chunk off my 5K time so I can’t wait to see where I am in another year.

What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?

At one of the club's galaxy runs recently, I got a bit too distracted chatting at the start and didn’t sort out my music until I was already running. I noticed it was quiet and muffled, but it took me about 2km to realise my headphones weren’t actually connected. I’d been blasting my music straight from my phone speaker! No idea what people must have thought hearing me and my VERY questionable music going past, especially since I was wearing headphones the whole time, completely oblivious

Any top tips for new runners?

Join a running club and give parkruns a go! You don’t have to be fast or experienced and running with other people makes such a difference. It’s so much more fun, and somehow the runs feel loads easier when you’ve got company. It's nice to spend time with the experienced runners too and get their tips.

Richard Cleary

Member since 2016/17

Hi Richard! When did you start running and why?

My first race of any distance was the 1983 Glasgow Marathon. I was 18 when my brother signed me up as a birthday present and I had no idea about marathon training, fuelling or hydration and thought 20-25 miles a week training was more than enough thank you very much.

It all went reasonably well until around 20 miles when the wheels came off and only when I saw a t-shirt with “oldest runner in the race” ahead of me, I picked up and crossed the line in just over 4 hours. It didn’t put me off though and I then ran the Edinburgh and Aberdeen marathons the following year before deciding to play rugby instead!! Oh, and I beat my brother by around 40 minutes.

Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?

In 2015 my brother was very ill with prostate cancer and I decided to raise some money for the charity. It felt like one race was not enough to justify the sponsorship so I started with my first ultra marathon (never done one before and not having run anything like a marathon for over 30 years so why not!!), plus a marathon, 3 half marathons and an 85 mile Etape (cycling). Having completed all that (and really enjoyed it) I figured I might as well take this running thing a bit more seriously (and now too old to play rugby/looking for a new sport). I was working in Dundee at the time so DRR seemed like a great fit and I haven’t looked back. Basically all my brother’s fault.

What do you get out of the club?

Initially the structured training and tempo runs helped me massively and I quickly hit PBs on every distance I have ever run – not bad for someone in their mid 50s at the time. Also running with other people makes all the difference to focus, mental well being and just a wee bit of competitiveness. Whenever out on a race (particularly a Grand Prix) I know who I want in my sights as targets to try and beat (or at least come close to). DRR is also a super friendly club and I always enjoy meeting up with other runners and seeing who is competing in similar races.

What types of runs do you like?

Anything that takes me somewhere different and somewhere challenging. I love ultra running as you get out to places you would never otherwise get to. For me, the wilder the better. Winter running in the hills (especially the Lomonds) or just long runs in the countryside (I am not a fast runner but if I finish anywhere near mid pack I am usually very happy). Hill running is a new challenge (very different to just running 'in the hills') and something I hope to do more of going forward.

What’s been your favourite running event?

It has to be the Tiree Ultramarathon. I have run this 9 times solo and 1 as a relay now. 15 beaches, loads of trails, tracks (a few bogs), some really wild places, a few roads and just the occasional hill, over 35 miles around the island. Waves crashing in off the Atlantic onto the beaches, stunning scenery, and all the weather the west coast can offer in September – anything from glorious sunshine to 50mph horizontal hailstones. It is a special place to run and holds some great memories for me. The ultra community is also super friendly and inclusive and I have made some great friends over the years.

What is your biggest achievement as a runner?

I set myself a target when I turned 50 to be as fit in my 50s as I was when playing rugby in my 30s (albeit not as physically strong). I have since completed 17 ultras, 6 marathons and goodness knows how many half marathons and other races. Longest run to date The Highland Fling – 53 miles of the West Highland Way. Currently 1 failed attempt at the full West Highland Way but plotting out a potential re-run as DNFs just make me want to try harder.

What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?

Funnily enough on the Highland Fling. Just over 50 miles in, my watch battery starts to die and I pull out my portable charger and plug in my watch. While doing this with my head down and not paying attention I miss the final turn to Tyndrum. It only added just under 2 miles overall but, believe me, the last thing you want to do at this point. My legs were extremely unhappy with this mistake and told me so (I also had a few strong words with myself at this point and told myself what a jolly silly idiot I was. The language might have turned a wee shade of blue at this point). Even though I still knocked over an hour off my previous year’s time it would have been so much better if I had not missed that turning. D'oh!

Any top tips for new runners?

Just be yourself. Everyone is different with different goals and targets. It always helps to have a target to aim for and team up with people of similar capabilities as you will keep yourself better motivated this way. Oh, and come along to as many of the weekly sessions as you can, especially Tuesday and Thursday, as you will really improve – it certainly worked for me.

Laura Darling-Brackenridge

Member since July 2023

So, Laura, when did you start running and why?

I started running in 2022 to improve my fitness. I’d always despised running, but I forced myself to run a short route every morning, very early, so nobody would see me! It was really tough, and I thought at best it would become a hateful habit. Quite quickly though I realised I could go further and not feel any more dreadful. I can still remember the day I ran for long enough to catch my breath and actually feel comfortable running. An epiphany!

Why did you join Dundee Roadrunners?

I liked the idea of discovering new routes around Dundee and meeting other people who like running.

What do you get out of the club?

I work on my own a lot, so it’s great having company on a run, and everyone’s so friendly and supportive. Sometimes I run at a chatty pace, and when I want to push myself, I just listen to other folks’ conversations.

What types of runs do you like?

I love undulating routes with varied scenery. I prefer roads and proper paths as I like to look about for wildlife or nosy at peoples’ houses and gardens.

What’s been your favourite running event?

Tay Ten 2024. With over 60 DRR members taking part, there was a great atmosphere and I felt part of a team. Having more experienced runners to chase was really motivating and helped me pace myself. I was delighted with my time (1:17:00 if you’re curious) and I didn’t feel like I was going to die at the finish.

What is your biggest achievement as a runner?

I think my biggest achievement is continuing to run regularly. I’ve improved my speed and upped my distances, but for me, forming a consistent healthy habit is something I’ve never managed before.

What’s the daftest thing you’ve done on a run?

In the Club 5 Mile Race I took a corner too fast in the rain, fell flat on my face and split my chin open. I needed 3 stitches and could only eat mashed potato for a week.

Any top tips for new runners?

Comfy running socks are worth the money. And running is the best (maybe only) hangover cure.

Brian Dunbar