Who and Why?

Who: My name is Allan, I live in Law (originally from Glasgow 20 years ago), married to a very patient and understanding running widow with a lovely wee boy who is nearly 5 and desperate to come running with me.

Who: My name is Silke, I am in my early forties, from Dortmund (Germany) originally and have lived in Scotland, now Carluke, for about 12 years. I work as a secondary teacher in Glasgow and share my home with my husband and three lovely cats.

Why do I run: I have always liked exercise, but started running two years ago when I turned up for a class at a gym in Germany, was told it it was cancelled and thought, since I had sports stuff and trainers on anyway, 'I may as well run home then to get some exercise at least'...and since then I was hooked. I love how running helps me to get rid of stress, keeps me calm and fit at the same time.

Who: I'm John, a retired Consulting Engineer. A displaced Englishman settled in Scotland since 1968.  Have a lovely red haired wife, four red haired children and two beautiful, red haired granddaughters - I'm proud of them all!  Oh yes, and one of the cats is red hair too! (it's just a harmless, personal passion ;-) )

Why do I run: Running doesn't come easy to me.  After a lifetime of avoiding exercise, in summer of 2008, Hon Son No 2 challenged me to complete a 10k race with him in Glasgow.  I finished with a Cheshire Cat grin across my face and a determination to run more.  The jogscotland programmes and great banter along the way from fellow joggers helped to build stamina and yes, even pace.  I see my role in clyderunners as that of Father William https://www.poetry-archive.com/c/father_william.html

Who: I'm Paul and I work for the Fire & Rescue Service. I now find myself closer to 50 than 40: happily married with a 19yr old son. My shift pattern at work means that I need to be flexible in being able to choose which days or evenings I can exercise.

Why do I run: I am relatively new to running! Although I have always exercised, I found myself reaching a plateau in the gym and even varying my workouts was finding it getting tedious. Running was limited to 15minutes on the treadmill and was my least favoured part of the routine. However, once I actually got out on the roads with some good company to keep me gee'd up and give me some encouragement and laughs, it's all changed and I absolutley love it! What a difference it makes running in a group and I have also expanded my social circle with some great new friends too!

Who: My name is Karen aka ‘Auntie’and I live just outside Lanark with a running widower and two cats.  When out running with ma buddies I talk too much and if I would just shut up would probably run faster! I’m always willing to run at any time and in any conditions, especially the rain :-)

Why do I run: Over 5 years ago, I watched my brother complete his 10^th GNR and was inspired and in 2009 completed my first half marathon. As a woman of a certain age, I found it a struggle to train on my own.  However, I have now found myself in the company of like-minded individuals, who don’t wish to compete with others (too much) but want to gain PBs or have a fun time when out running.  I’m very lucky to count these runners as my friends.

Who:  I'm Fiona and I am a 32 year old mother of two.  I live in Carluke with my two beautiful children Eve and Max and partner Sam.   
Why do I run:  After having my second child I was struggling to lose weight. I was going to endless spin, body pump and body attack classes getting nowhere. I needed to do something new and I decided that I would like to try running.  I knew I would never go out on my own so I joined a local group....very quickly my running ability got better and I was able to run for longer. On the cold winter nights when I really did not feel like it I always had my buddies making sure I was coming out and really without them I would not be where I am today. I don't like running that much but I love the feeling and the sense of achievement I get when I finish a race, a 10k or half marathon, even just the long Sunday run feels good after I've done it.   It helps keeps me sane. It helps me de-stress from work and a busy home family life. I love the fact my running buddies have become my family and I know I WILL RUN A MARATHON one day.....
 

Who: I'm Jen and I have just recently moved from Carluke to Coulter just outside Biggar. I have 2 boys who seem to think I'm a taxi service and a very patient husband!

Who: My name is Eddie and I am a 40 year young, very amateur runner from Carluke. I am married with 1 daughter and they both keep threatening to start running to see what all the fuss is about.

Why do I run: I have never enjoyed participating in sport of any description until about 4 years ago when I started Mountain Biking. Unfortunately I wasn’t getting out often enough to see a great improvement in my fitness, so about 2 years ago I started running and gradually got fitter and fitter and have now participated in 5ks, 10ks & Half Marathons as well as mountain bike races.  I am now at the stage where I need to get out and run and it has become a very important part of my life. Some people might call it a midlife crisis but I call it a midlife necessity…

Who: Hi I'm Tracey, I live in Carluke, have a busy life with work, 3 daughters and a husband that all like running!  I used to run before the girls were born and I am so glad I am back to it.  It's easy to fit it into a busy life style and there is always someone willing to accompany you on a run no matter  what the weather is like.

Why do I run: I run because I love it, signing up for and completing races is a fabulous feeling.  The friendly people are great encouragement to get my running kit on when I'm feeling like giving it a miss, and I always feel better and fitter for it.