Janette Stevenson has undoubtedly been one of the most successful Scottish veterans ever. In the Scottish Masters Cross Country Championships she won eight individual titles (from W35 to W55) plus two team titles with Falkirk Victoria. Her record in the British and Irish International CC is unparalleled, improving from 4^th W35 at Wrexham in 1988 to 3^rd W40 in 1989, 2^nd W40 in 1992 and then winning four titles: 1^st W50 in 2000 and 2001 and 1^st W55 in 2005 and 2006. Only her younger team mate Fiona Matheson looks likely to emulate Janette.

In addition she won the 1995 Scottish Senior 10k title in 35.22 at Cumbernauld, at the age of 46. Her W50 time of 36.25 for 10,000m in June 1999 ranked fourth on the all-time lists. In the 1999 World Veteran Championships, Janette Stevenson won both the W50 5000m and the 10,000 titles.

In 2007 she set a European W55 5000m record (18.25) in Riccione, Italy. At the age of 58 in Dublin on 6^th April 2008 she set a world W55 record of 38.23. Then in June 2009 Janette ran 3000m in 11.20 at the Scottish Masters Track Championship, creating a new W60 world record. In March 2014 (aged 64) she made a fantastic come-back to win W60 gold in the BMAF cross country championships in Glasgow.

CLUBS: Falkirk Victoria Harriers and SVHC

DATE OF BIRTH: 03/05/1949

OCCUPATION  Retired Library Assistant

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT?

Never did any running at school.  In primary school in 1950’s Glasgow the only P.E. I can remember was Scottish Country Dancing and a lot of messing around with beanbags??  At High School in Grangemouth the preferred sports for young ladies were hockey (which I hated) and netball.

I was in the 1^st year netball team and played in centre position as I was too wee to score points.  Once a year in the summer we had the school sports day. I can’t remember anyone training for it we just lined up and ran like the clappers.  It was all 60 metres dashes as I remember and I was usually left standing by the bigger girls. Might have been different if we had to run maybe half a mile or cross country but there were no opportunities for that in those days.  I got involved in running in 1984 there was an initiative between Woman’s Own Magazine and Nike the sportswear company to get women into running.  It was rolled out countrywide in sports centres and was augmented by a weekly training programme in the magazine. It started in April 1984 and the objective was to run a 10K in September.

So I turned up at Grangemouth Sports Complex along with about 20 or so other ladies all keen to be trained.  It was raining of course and we thought

They would let us run round the gym – nice and dry. But the coach I always remember this,  said  “If you don’t run in the rain in this country – you don’t run!”, and he opened the doors and shoved us out to run half a mile round the park.  The training was twice weekly and one of the coaches was veteran  runner Hugh McGinlay.  Most of  us managed to run the 10K and I think my time was 54.09.  After the race Ian Cluggie  a coach at Falkirk Victoria asked us if we would be interested in jogging with the club so I started training and the rest is history.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR  INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE?

Probably as I mentioned before Ian Cluggie the women’s coach with Falkirk Victoria in the 1980’s was the most influential person at the beginning of my running career.   He pushed me to train on the track and persuaded me to enter events which I would not have had the confidence to enter on my own.  We often disagreed over training as I wanted to run 10Ks and half marathons on the road but his background was track running. But therein lies another story.   Also at that time there was a group of female runners within Falkirk Victoria who provided great competition and  companionship.  The only one still running I think is Caroline Lawless.  We were later joined by that superb athlete Fiona Matheson and we enjoyed some success in team events in road and cross country.  Also my husband Andrew who trained with me for a while and was a very patient “bag carrier” and always very supportive in the face of my pre-race nerves and bad temper.

WHAT EXACTLY DID YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT

Self confidence. Discipline.  A lifetime obsession. Physical fitness.

Opportunity to achieve targets.  Travel to races all over Great Britain and overseas (No need to puzzle over where to go on holiday – just find a race or Championship and go there!

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES

Probably winning the National 10K road championships in Cumbernauld as a Master in May, 1995 with a time of 35.22 at age 46.

Also in 1999 just turned 50 in June I took gold W50 in the European 10K road championships in Bruges.  In the same year,  July at the BMAF track Championships at Meadowbank Edinburgh I took gold in the W50 10K then in August I took gold in the W50 5K and 10K at the World Masters Track Championships in Gateshead.

YOUR WORST

Nothing too much.  Just remember running in the Barnsley 6 miler after being awake all night due to loud music and traffic noise outside hotel.

WHAT AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE THAT WERE UNFULFILLED

Not being involved in athletics in my teens and twenties.

Not being able to compete at my best in the W60 category due to ill health.

WHAT DID YOU DO AWAY FROM  RUNNING TO RELAX

Reading, films, television, walking, cycling, cooking, baking, travelling UK and Europe in my motorhome. Visiting grandchildren in Dublin. And I love cuddling up with my Burmese cat Jason.

WHAT DID RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS

Gaining international vests for cross country.  The discipline you get from training.  Running and racing overseas, Spain, Malta, Italy, United States, Belgium.  On holiday you always know the best bars and cake shops as you suss them out on your morning training run. Companionship of like minded people.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAININGWhen I was training seriously the max I have ever run is 50 miles per week. A long run on Sunday probably 10 miles max 13 miles.

Probably in summer 2 track interval sessions plus one LT session.

In winter probably hill reps, mile road reps and one shorter rep session as well as recovery mileage.   Now only running about 25 miles a week, with some intervals and fartlek.

Back to Supervets

Sue Ridley continues to enjoy a long and illustrious running career. As a senior, she was Scottish National Cross Country Champion in 1994 and won four other individual medals as well as four team golds (Edinburgh Woollen Mill 1992 and 1993; Edinburgh AC 2011 and 2013). As a veteran she has secured six Scottish Masters CC titles: W35 in 2001, 2004 and 2005; W40 in 2008; and W45 in 2013 and 2014; plus four successive team golds with Edinburgh AC (2011-2014). In addition she has been an absolute stalwart for Scotland in the annual British and Irish Masters CC International, winning several team medals and an individual gold medal (W35 at Croydon in 2004). Sue has also been a winner on the track gaining outdoor Scottish National titles at 3000m (1992 and 1994) and 10,000m (1993 and 1996) as well as 3000m indoor golds in 2005 and 2011; plus of course umpteen Scottish Masters titles. She is undoubtedly a tough competitor but is invariably modest, cheerful and friendly.

NAME      SUSAN RIDLEY

CLUBs      EDINBURGH ATHLETIC CLUB  

DATE OF BIRTH     25/10/65

OCCUPATION     CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT?

In my first year at high school, I was first home in a cross-country and one of the girls said I should join her training group at Innerleithen coached by the late Johnny Robertson.  I did and never looked back.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE?

Both my parents were a great support, especially my dad (until his sudden death when I was 18).  But it is Bill Blair, my former coach, that I owe my successful career to (and the great training group he had).

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT?

I love running.   I have been lucky enough to have competed all over the world (often accompanied by my family) and met some terrific people many of whom are now great friends.   Nothing beats going out for a run in the countryside, whatever the weather!   I have also had the honour of carrying the Scottish flag at the World Mountain Running Championships in Sauze d’Ouze in 2004 and the honour of reading the Athletes’ Oath at the Opening Ceremony of the European Masters Mountain Running Championships in Nowa Ruda in 2014.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES?

Winning the National Cross-Country Championships in 1994 at Irvine was special.   This was during a 5 year period where I had a top 3 placing.   Also, winning the UK Inter-Counties 10km Road Race Championships (after a battle with Sandra Branney) nine months after I took running up seriously and teamed up with Bill and his group.

YOUR WORST?

Not listening to the advice of my coach Bill Blair when he advised me not to compete for Scotland in a 5km at an international athletics meeting in Turkey in 1994.  I thought I may never run for Scotland again if I turned it down so did run finishing just behind Hayley Nash of Wales in extreme temperatures.   I came back with an ME related illness which took about 7 years to overcome and I believe stopped me from fulfilling my potential. 

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE?

If I could spend more time training, I’d love to run the West Highland Way or an ultra but most of all I’d love to be able to keep running for as long as I can. 

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES?

Looking after my 2 horses, riding, walking, gardening, cooking, DIY, coaching my daughters’ primary school’s running club and any activity involving my family.   I am also treasurer for a local organisation helping people with disabilities take part in music and drama. 

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS?

Meeting top class athletes when I competed as a senior and latterly as a vet, former Olympians eg Willlie Banks and a chance to race Zola Budd.   Exciting and challenging races that pushed you to your limits.   The very many happy memories I have of the places I’ve been to and the people I’ve met.   I love the camaraderie and the great sportsmanship shown (especially in masters athletics) but most of all watching people of all ages trying to do their best and enjoying themselves showing that age is no barrier to achievement. 

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING?

Due to my busy lifestyle and resulting time constraints, I only manage about 25 to 30 miles per week.   I try to do a long run (approx. 45-50 minutes), a shorter run about 30 minutes 4 or 5 times a week in which I try to incorporate a time-based interval session on 2 of these days and a rest day!   As a senior, I averaged around 50 miles a week incorporating a long run, 3 interval sessions (one based on longer reps eg reps of any distance from 600m up to a mile; one based on shorter reps eg reps of any distance from 200m to 500m; hill reps (mainly in winter) or a speed endurance type session); tempo run (winter) and easy runs.  I still played senior hockey which involved weekly league matches and tournaments.

OTHER MEMORIES 

I’ve had many great races battling against Sonia Armitage in a 1500m but I think the Scottish Masters Indoor at Kelvin Hall in 2009 (I think) was the most exciting with me making my move on the final lap and having to fight every step of the way to hold Sonia off.  I have a tremendous amount of respect for her and really enjoy racing her.

The 5000m in the Senior Championships at Pitreavie in 2009 also holds happy memories.   Benita Johnson was running and I had been carrying a hamstring injury so was near the back of a group of about 7.  With around 550m to go I just took off as I could sense Benita was getting close and reached the bell just ahead of her.  I continued my run expecting some of my younger rivals to come past me in the closing stages but remarkably they didn’t and I came third with only Emma Raven and I not having been lapped!   At the end, Benita came up to me and said “congratulations, that was phenomenal!”   I still treasure the photo that was taken of Benita, Emma and I.

Another of my favourite moments was during the European Masters Cross-Country Championships in Ancona in 2009 where I had won the W40 cross country and after being presented with my medal, my 3 daughters were invited onto the podium too.

I have competed in some extreme weather from -12 degrees to over 40 degrees, but I think the worst conditions I have ever run in were those encountered at the 2014 Scottish Masters Cross-Country championships in Hawick – I have never been so cold and suffered so much before, during and after a race!

SUE RIDLEY INTERVIEWED, November 2018

At Glasgow Airport while waiting for the flight to Derry, I took the opportunity to chat to my friend Sue when she was a captive audience in the café!

She reminded me that, although in first year at secondary school she was involved in hockey, badminton and pony club events, she started running because there was a two-mile cross-country session on a wet afternoon. She finished first, although the second girl was trained by Johnny Robertson at Inverleithen. Sue joined his group and her long career started then.

She joined Edinburgh Southern Harriers as a sprinter (a skill which may have come in useful the day after we talked – see the Derry report). Then she took part in Scottish Women’s Cross Country Union Championships and particularly remembers a race in snow at Lanark – which she loved!

Sue must be the fittest chartered accountant around, quite defeating any stereotype of that profession. She is married with three children and, when she gets home from work, has to exercise several horses, so she has always been very busy. Consequently, she does not run many miles per week but makes the most of a shorter, more intense, training schedule.

This has certainly paid handsomely, especially after 1990 when her coach became Bill Blair. Ten months later, after a close battle with Sandra Branney, Sue won the UK Inter-Counties 10k Road Race title at Moreton-on-Marsh. She was Scottish Champion twice at 3000m and twice at 10,000m, as well as obtaining two 3000m indoor golds.

Then in 1994 she became Scottish Senior National Cross Country Champion at Irvine Beach Park over a famous tough but fair course. Four Senior National team golds were taken between 1992 and 2013. This was during a five-year period when she was never out to the top three.

Later that year she ran for Scotland on the track: 3000m in Israel; and 5000m in Istanbul, where although she ran fast, severely hot conditions depleted her immune systems so that she contracted an M.E. type disease which affected her for seven years and, very frustratingly, prevented her from achieving her full potential.

Nevertheless, Sue Ridley has continued to race very well: in Home International cross country matches as a senior and of course a Veteran/Master. She has represented Scotland on the track, in the country, on the road, and also in the hills!

She ran the European and World Mountain Running Trophy championships several times. Sue won the W35 European Masters 10k road title in Portugal and then finished second in the Half Marathon. She was also victorious in the 2009 W40 European Masters cross country championship in Ancona.
Naturally, umpteen Scottish Masters wins have been secured. The British and Irish Masters XC has been a special favourite, which Sue has run successfully on many occasions, including individual W35 gold at Croydon in 2004.

She is undoubtedly a tough competitor but is invariably modest, cheerful and friendly.

Sue says that, on the track, her favourite event was 3000m. As a Masters athlete, cross country is enjoyed most.

As a favourite race, the annual Lasswade cross country event (which used to be at Bonnyrigg but now takes place in Gorebridge) is nominated. Over many years, Sue has only missed a few of these events, which are run in November. The organisers, competitors and spectators are friendly folk. The course can be muddy, partly flat but otherwise undulating. Sometimes steep climbs and long descents feature. Nowadays, female athletes race 6 k along with under-17 boys.

An accident involving a horse three years ago may have slowed Sue Ridley’s racing speed but, as Derry proved, her success is likely to continue for many years yet!

 remember reading about twenty years ago that Andy had recorded very fast times over 10k and half marathon. Since we had never raced against each other, I assumed those courses were short! How wrong can you be? According to the age-graded tables, Andy is currently better than he has ever been and a major contender for British and International titles. He has seldom contested the Scottish Masters CC but won the M50 title in 2002, during a Glaswegian gale, well in front of Tom Scott and myself. In 2007 he secured M55 bronze behind George Sim and Tom Scott. Then in 2012 he was victorious in the M60 race, after a close battle with eccentric, injury-prone but talented Alistair Murray from Aberdeen.

Like Jane Waterhouse, he has run consistently well in the annual 5 Nations Masters International CC. Once again, I do not have all his results, but note that in 2002 he was 5th M50 and his Scottish team won silver medals. The M55 age group produced several very good runs: individual bronze in Belfast 2007 and a glorious team victory for Scotland (George Sim 2nd, Andy McLinden 3rd, Archie Jenkins 7th, Ewan Patterson 8th). Swansea 2008: 6th and team silver. Birmingham 2009: 4th and team bronze. Dublin 2010: 10th. By Glasgow 2011, Andy McLinden had improved once more to win an individual silver medal in his new M60 age group behind the almost superhuman Mike Hager of England. Andy repeated this fine achievement in Belfast 2012 and led his team to bronze medals.

Andy writes that he ran all his best times as a veteran. He completed a marathon in 2.39 but reckons that, without the intervention of an unfortunate injury, he was capable of 2.30 at least. (At M55 he ran London in an excellent 2.46). His fastest half marathon was 69 minutes at Arbroath in 1993. He also recorded 15.20 for 5k and 32.20 for 10k.

Looking back at his International cross-country performances, he reckons that, “like a fine wine”, he has matured into a medal-winner! He has won several Scottish titles on track as well as road and topped the British Masters rankings on a number of occasions. In 2011 he had a go at the European Masters half marathon in Thionville in France, winning a silver medal in the M60 category, and “catching (golden girl) Fiona Matheson on the line for a nice wee Scottish double”. He comments that his gold medal in Finland last year was “not bad for a fun runner”! Andy considers that the fact that he has never done a high mileage might be a factor in “getting away with it now”. Recovery has always been an important part of his training.

Name: Andy McLinden

Club: Hamilton Harriers

Date of Birth: 2/4/1951

Occupation: Clothing machine technician (28 years). Postman (last 10 years).

How did you get involved in the sport? The marathon boom in the mid 80s.

Have any individuals had a marked influence? Hugh Gibson had a big influence in my early years at the club and also gutsy Brian Campbell.

What exactly do you get out of the sport? A feeling of well-being.

Best performances? I had a head-to-head battle with the great Jim Dingwall in a 1500m at a track meet in Coatbridge and pipped him on the line before I realised who he was. However I suppose standing on the podium last year after winning the World Masters Half Marathon M60 title in Finland was the pinnacle.

Worst? None really – I just enjoy racing.

Unfulfilled ambitions? When you are over the 60 mark – just to keep going.

Other leisure activities? None. Not much time for anything else.

What does running bring you that you would not have wanted to miss? The competition and the friendship of my fellow athletes.

Training?

Long Sunday run (15 to 18 miles); speed session Tuesday (400s or 800s); tempo run Thursday (four or five miles); easy runs or rest days in between.

On Sunday 22nd September 2013 we were saddened to learn that Bill McBrinn had died, aged 83. Bill had been a member of the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club for longer than I can remember, served on the Committee for many years including 1 year as President (88-89), and was given Honorary Life Membership in 2006. He will be fondly remembered for his McBrinnlets, which were a Newsletter feature from 1989 (or earlier?) until 2008. and his promotion of the annual Snowball® race (originally the Alastair McInnes Memorial Race), where he provided Snowballs® to every competitor, and to all the helpers. He also provided countless prizes at his own expense. He would also often hand out diaries, and more Snowballs®, after the annual 10,000m track race.

Bill was born in Coatbridge, where he lived for the whole of his life. There he met Margaret, who became his wife for 51 years. The other loves of his life were athletics and magic, as well as a bit of acting. He was an Equity card holder, and appeared in many Scottish TV dramas such as Taggart and Edge of Darkness, under his stage name Billy Stevens. He was also a member of the Magic Circle, and in 1975 was President of the Scottish Association of Magical Societies. He would often perform tricks at SVHC social and athletics events, and was still performing 2 weeks before he died.

Bill was a regular competitor in veterans events, and represented Scotland regularly in the British & Irish Cross Country International. He competed at every distance from 800m up to marathon. In the latter he set a British M55 record of 2:34:24 at Greenock on 25/08/85, and a British M60 record of 2:46:36 on 21/04/91 at Fort William. Both these records still stand. The M60 record is exceptional because Bill had suffered a heart attack 3 years earlier.

Bill suffered another heart attack in the BVAF Indoor Track Championships at the Kelvin Hall. He won the 800m, and had qualified for the 1500m final, when he suffered chest pains and had to be taken to the Western Infirmary. He had to be dissuaded from returning for the final, which he reckoned he would have won when he saw the winning time!

He kept on racing into his late 70s and ran 22:50 in the SVHC 5km in 2007, but although the loss of half a lung to cancer curtailed his running somewhat, it didn’t stop him completely and he continued training until just 3 months before his death. In 2010 my wife and I, along with many other SVHC members, were privileged to be invited to his 80th birthday celebrations at St Patrick’s Church Hall in Coatbridge. Bill was in fine form and it was a great night.

Bill is survived by his six children James, John, Steven, David, Mary and Diane, and eight grandchildren.

David Fairweather

It is worth adding that the irrepressible, jovial Bill also ran very well in the Scottish Veterans Cross Country Championships, winning M50 silver medals four times plus one bronze. Once he turned 55 he won the title in 1986 and followed that with two more silver medals. Remember he was competing in his age-group against World Champions: Alastair Wood, Bill Stoddart and Willie Marshall. Bill must have been delighted when his daughter-in-law Elaine McBrinn won the W35 Scottish Championship in 1989.

At senior level, his greatest race was in the 1961 Scottish Marathon Championship, on a route between Falkirk and Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh. Bill devoured large steak at 11 a.m.! After the race got going, he ‘got dog’s abuse’ for having a drink of water at 5 miles (since, back then, this was seen as ‘soft’). It was a very hot day, but this suited him well. Four boastful English competitors had started fast, but by 20 miles were struggling, ‘dropping like flies in the heat’. By 24, Bill was up to fourth place. On the long hill up to the stadium, he overtook two more exhausted runners. The Meadowbank clock showed four o’clock as Bill entered. He remembered that STV was covering the Scottish Championships for the first time, so he put on ‘a bit of a face’ for the cameras, and won a silver medal in his first marathon (2.37.32 behind the winner John Kerr’s 2.36.06). Bill wrote “two Monkland Harriers on the track at the same time, and my son James (aged 7) shouting me on from my Mum’s television”.  The following Monday, when Bill reported for work as a Locomotive Fireman with British Rail, the board for engine numbers had been brushed clean and chalked up instead was ‘WELL DONE T.V. McBRINN!’

Dirrans Sports, early 1960’s.   Hugh Mitchell (53), Charlie McAlinden (138), Pat McAtier (52), Bobby Calderwood (-4) and Davie Simpson (51)

Charles McAlinden was born on the 31^st of October 1932. By 1956 he had become Irish half-mile champion; and in 1959 appeared in the Scottish Athletics Yearbook with one mile in 4.20.3. His club was Babcock & Wilcox, Paisley.

For the earlier part of his running career, Charlie concentrated on shorter track races, and avoided running three and six mile events. However he was encouraged by Harry Fenion, the 1957 Scottish Marathon Champion, to try the 26 mile classic distance. In both 1964 and 1965 Charlie finished third in the Scottish Marathon, improving from 2.39.22 to 2.25.45 when finishing a meritorious fifth in the AAA Marathon at Port Talbot, when Bill Adcocks was the winner, followed by Brian Kilby, Juan Taylor and Alastair Wood. Consequently, when he lined up for the 1966 Scottish Marathon, Charlie McAlinden had hopes of running fast enough to be selected by Ireland to compete in that year’s European Championships. Certainly he was a much-improved athlete and, on form, was capable of a very good run.

However it would not be easy. The course was an undulating out and back route: from Westerlands in Glasgow, out to Vale of Leven and back. The weather was sunny and hot. Gordon Eadie of Cambuslang, the 1960 winner, was also competing, along with his clubmate Andy Fleming. Newcomers included Donald Ritchie (Aberdeen AAC) who was attempting his second marathon and only beginning his illustrious distance running career (especially as a world-class exponent of ultra-marathon racing). Another novice that day was Jack MacLean (Bellahouston Harriers), who took part in sixteen Scottish Marathon Championships in succession, starting with this one!

After a few miles, the leaders began to stretch the field as they maintained a good pace. Hugh Mitchell (Shettleston) had been told before the race that sub 2.25 would be considered for the Scottish team in the 1966 Jamaica Commonwealth Games Marathon, so he moved ahead, accompanied by Charlie McAlinden. Further back, Gordon Eadie was running in a group containing Donald Ritchie. There was little change in the positions as Singers Industrial Estate, the half-way point, was reached. The runners completed a circuit of the grounds before returning to the roads. After keeping up 2.23 pace to twenty miles, Hugh Mitchell had to drop back, leaving Charlie on his own and feeling ‘hunted’. An extra problem he had to deal with was that he did not drink at all on this especially hot day. His friend Tony McManus was meant to hand him a special drink at twenty miles, but the officials of that era followed very strict rules about water stations, and Charlie had to carry on without refreshment. At 24 miles, Hugh Mitchell dropped out.

Gordon made an effort to close the gap on the leader and chased hard through 20 and 23 miles. He moved into second behind Charlie McAlinden. However the strain of racing fast in hot conditions was forcing some runners to give up, and even the leaders were slowing down. Gordon could not manage to take the lead from a struggling Charlie, who found some strength in the last two miles to move away and win the battle in 2.26.31. Gordon Eadie finished in 2.28.19 and Andy Fleming, his Cambuslang clubmate and advisor, came third in 2.32.47.

The 1966 European Marathon in Budapest was indeed won by an Irish athlete – Jim Hogan, running for Britain! Although the Irish selectors sent home-based athletes to the European Championships, and ignored Glasgow-domiciled Charlie McAlinden, he did not give up. After he turned 40 years of age and became a veteran, he had a great deal of success, racing for Paisley Harriers and winning Scottish titles at 5000m, 10,000m, ten miles and marathon. In addition, although in the 1973 Scottish Veterans Cross-Country Championship he finished second, behind the great Bill Stoddart, Charlie went on to win that prestigious title three years in succession (1974-1976).

In 1974 the World Veterans Marathon Championship was held on the outskirts of Paris near Versailles, on a very awkward course, involving a network of cross-country paths. The clear winner (and first home for the Scottish team) was Alastair Wood (Aberdeen AAC), who reckoned that he did well to record 2.28.40. When a vehicle carrying the film crew got too close to the irritable leader, Alastair remembered that he waved vigorously and yelled, “Allez! Allez!” to make them retreat to a reasonable distance! Wood was supported by his Scottish team-mates: Charlie McAlinden, who must have been pleased to finish well up in ninth position; and another Aberdeen runner, Charlie Greenlees. The Scottish team finished first and won World Veteran Championship gold medals.

Charlie McAlinden returned to the Scottish marathon rankings in 1980 (2.32.25), 1981 (2.33.59) and, at nearly fifty years of age, in 1982 (2.34.15). Nowadays, these would still be considered very impressive Masters times. After retirement, Charlie retired to Aviemore, and enjoyed hillwalking.

2013 Athlete of the Year:

PETE CARTWRIGHT

There is little doubt that Falkirk Victoria Harrier Fiona Matheson (W50) is our female athlete of the year and that Clydesdale Harrier Pete Cartwright (M70) is the most successful male athlete, with no fewer than six individual victories in Championships organised by the British Masters Athletics Federation.

(Thanks to Brian McAusland for much of the following information.) An ex-professional footballer in Manchester, Pete moved to work with the G.P.O. at Stirling University as the resident engineer, and joined in a lunchtime run, as well as playing 5-a-side football. By the time he was 38 he met a very good runner, Derek Easton (nowadays a highly-respected coach), and started training seriously for his debut as a veteran at the age of 40 and joined Falkirk Victoria. Running took over his life, since he covered 70 to 100 miles per week in training with three track sessions thrown in. In the evenings after work he often ran 12 miles from Stirling to his home in Thornhill.

He was very successful. He won a round of the British Adidas Half Marathon series at Wilmslow in Cheshire, followed by what he calls “a streak of title winning”. At 1500 he won the SVHC, the British Telecom National Championship and the British Civil Service Championships plus a bronze medal in the Vets Commonwealth Games in Grangemouth. 1994 was a very good year. He took gold in the WAVA Games in Canada, running for Great Britain; and also won in America over 5 miles and 10 miles. His first individual titles on home ground were secured when he took the 1500 and 3000 on the same day at Kelvin Hall. He then won the 5k Road championship and was pleasantly surprised when his club named him their athlete of the year. Like everybody at the time he continued to race all over Scotland and he won his share of races but the standard of Masters Athletics was so high that hard-fought races did not always end in success. The highest honour of his career was when he won the Athlete of the Year Award for Central Scotland in 1999.

Pete Cartwright raced and trained until he was 55 before he switched to Mountain Bike Racing. Having raced motor bikes as a sidecar passenger in the Isle of Man TT and World Championships for 15 years and gone into SuperKart racing, using his fitness for the thrill of mountain bike racing was irresistible. In his first two years he won the Scottish Masters Series title and became totally hooked on the speed, jumps, single track and adrenalin rush of downhill speed. Like all bikers, however, he had a big accident which damaged several discs in his back and he had to spend six months having treatment. He made his return with the intention of taking on the British Championships against the very best riders from the four home countries. He made it to second in the series and then in the Welsh series he attempted an eight foot drop-off and things went wrong: he ended up with a suspected broken neck. On X-Ray he was told he was lucky that he only damaged the discs in his neck but that was enough for the doctor to tell him that any more disasters like that and there would be no more sport for Peter! So it was back to running.

That’s when he joined Clydesdale Harriers, teaming up with Bobby Young and subsequently Brian Campbell with the avowed aim of trying to bring some M60 British team titles back to Scotland. The Three Amigos trained hard – individually and as a group – travelled a lot and had a great time winning gold medals. Between 2004 and 2008, the trio contested seventeen BMAF M60 team championships and won an amazing thirteen of them. Their peak year

was 2005, when they were undefeated and victorious six times: the CC Relays in Norwich; CC Championships in Bangor; Road Relays in Sutton; 5k in Horwich; 10k in Strathclyde Park; and 10 miles in Bishop Stortford. Their final team gold medals were secured in 2008: the 5k Championship in Horwich. By then, Pete Cartwright had started a very successful M65 career, including a silver medal in the British and Irish CC International at Belfast in 2007.

However 2012-2013, after Pete Cartwright’s 70th birthday, has been a year of even greater individual success. In October 2012 he won the BMAF 10k (41.30) and the 10 miles (71.03), with both events taking place in Essex. In November he was a close third in the British and Irish Masters International CC in Belfast. Then in March 2013, on the Lee Valley Indoor Track, Pete won the 1500 (5.31) and the 3000 (11.23). In August’s 10k road race in Glasgow he won a team gold medal, along with his Clydesdale Harriers chums Bobby Young and Brian Campbell. On the Outdoor Track at Birmingham in September, he won the 800 (2.45) and the 1500 (5.31) and was third in the 5000m (20.46). Oh, and he also won four Scottish Masters titles: cross-country, indoor 1500 and 3000m and 10 miles (70 minutes exactly)! In the Scottish Masters cross-country championships, Pete won the M55 category in 1998, M65 in 2008 and M70 in 2013, plus silver medals at M55 and M65 and two bronze at M60.

Pete adds: “I have won all the M70 SVHC or SAF races this year – from 1500 to half marathon. In the Polaroid 10k road series I was first in all 4 races and was awarded the overall title, despite having to drop down to the M60 category since there wasn’t an age-group for me.

The British and Irish Masters International CC will take place in Cardiff in mid-November. The Scottish M70 team has four competitors: Bobby Young, Brian Campbell, Watson Jones and myself, all from Clydesdale Harriers! I’m not sure this has happened before – all the runners from one club.

I put in about 50 miles training a week (including two track sessions) during the summer. In the winter I like to up the mileage a bit, cut out one track session) and put weight sessions in three times a week. I’m ranked No 1 M70 in the UK over 1500 and 3000 indoor plus 1500 outdoor and second over 10 miles road. I’m ranked No 1 M70 in Scotland from 800 to half marathon.

I think the most pleasing thing this year was doing the track treble: winning the three major 1500 titles (SAF Indoor, BMAF Indoor and BMAF Outdoor). I think that’s the first time that has been achieved in the M70 age group.”

Now in spite of all the achievements celebrated above, Pete Cartwright is a modest, cheerful man who deserves every success, since he trains exceptionally hard, has keen tactical awareness and a wicked change of pace. (Drug testing reveals one secret: he never even drinks alcohol, which some consider tantamount to cheating.) He is almost too good to be a role model – the temptation for his rivals is to retire immediately!

George on top of Cairngorm

George Mitchell (1945-2014) ran for Inverness Harriers and SVHC. He was an invaluable member of the Scottish team in the annual British and Irish Masters Cross Country International. Between his M55 debut in Cardiff (2003) and Belfast (2012), when he was in the M65 age group, he never missed a race: ten in succession, a tremendous record and a testament to George’s consistency and ability to peak for each year’s most important fixture.

George watched the Glasgow Marathon in 1983 and, at 37, was inspired to take part the following year. His training was typically dedicated and meticulous and he made an impressive marathon debut in a good time under the three-hour barrier. After that, he was frequently successful in 10k contests and the North District Cross Country League (three M50 Supervet titles). He first won a Scottish Masters CC Championship medal (M50 bronze) in 1996. His initial gold medal triumph (M55) was at Forres in 2003, when he stayed not far behind Colin Youngson until three hundred metres from the finish, before launching a tremendous sprint, to which his shocked rival (who had foolishly assumed he was well clear) could not respond. It has to be admitted that Youngson was a bad loser and moaned loudly to anyone within earshot. However, once he had eventually calmed down, the guilty Aberdonian made several humble apologies to George, who was magnanimous enough to accept them. Justifiably, George liked to tease Colin about the incident.

Although Youngson gained revenge in the 2004 championship at Cupar, when George Mitchell was third, this was the last time that Colin managed to finish in front of his rival, team-mate and now friend, who was truly a cross-country specialist. In George’s age groups, the only Scot who had much success against him was Archie Duncan of Pitreavie AAC. Overall, between 1996 and 2013, George Mitchell won four titles [M55 (2003), M60 (2006 and 2009) and M65 (2012)] plus five silver and three bronze medals.

Racing hard in Belfast

George’s record in the International was perhaps even more impressive, considering that he was racing against the best from the four home countries, plus Eire. In ten races, he was first Scot to finish seven times, and won eight team medals (four silver and four bronze). Between 2006 and 2009, he finished fourth three times and fifth once, agonisingly close to securing an individual award in this most prestigious event. Then, having turned 65, he finally won bronze at Glasgow in 2010, defeating England’s redoubtable athlete, Martin Ford. In 2012 at Belfast, George ended up third once again, 25 seconds in front of Colin (7^th place), who was proud to have been that close to his leader and, along with Stewart McCrae and Hamish Cameron, to be in the Scottish M65 team that came second to the Auld Enemy but in front of the other three nations.

 When George emailed the selectors to state that he was not fit enough to run the International in 2013, he wrote “First one missed in ten years. I cannot complain.”

With Team Mates at the Dublin International

George was a friendly, popular, respected man with a dry wit. One story involves a training companion and close rival who intended to race against George in a long road race. Before the start George gave him some friendly advice about sensible tactics. Then Coach Mitchell wrote on the race number pinned to his own back: “If your name is Danny, and you’re close enough to read this, you’re going too fast”! Another anecdote is that, when George won the Scottish Masters M65 title, he claimed to be ‘the fastest pensioner in Scotland’!

Colin and George

He trained hard and cleverly, peaked well, was tactically brilliant and could endure a lot of discomfort in races before producing a very fast finish. In addition, he contributed greatly to Inverness Harriers: committee work, advising and inspiring younger team-mates, and helping to organise training and races, including marking out the course. He held age-group Parkrun records in both Inverness and Aberdeen. Before a North District CC League race at Elgin back in 2010, George was chatting to Colin when a younger runner looked at the two white-haired ageing runners and laughingly exclaimed “Jack and Victor!” He referred to the two pensioner friends from the great Scottish television comedy series “Still Game”. Colin (a year or so younger) used to think that he was the one who ought to be compared to Greg Hemphill’s junior character. However George Mitchell was in so many ways a genuine victor and will be remembered and missed very much by many who were privileged to know him.

Back to Supervets

The questionnaire below appeared first in the Scottish Vets magazine and is reproduced with the permission of editor Colin Youngson.

(Doug Cowie continues to enjoy a long and successful running career. Nowadays, due to dedicated and varied cross-training, all-round he is the fittest over-60 that the editor knows! At Forres Harriers, he is an inspiration. This profile was written before the 2014 British and Irish Masters Cross Country International at Nottingham, when Doug, along with Frank Hurley, Andy McLinden and Tony Martin, won thoroughly-deserved team gold.)

NAME Douglas Cowie

CLUBs Forres Harriers/SVHC

DATE OF BIRTH 16/02/1953

OCCUPATION Leisure Supervisor

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT?

A friend and ex- RAF runner David Parsons who is still competing for Oxford City converted me from football to running in 1971.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE?

Bob Wallis, my coach for nine years. He was also coach to Steve Jones and a host of other RAF and club runners. Without his guidance especially in the early days I am sure I would not have achieved as much as I have.

Donald Macgregor, Gerry Stevens (Reading AC) and Mick Woods (AFD) were all major influences at different stages of my running career.

Being involved with the RAF CX team through the 70/80s was an honour and a privilege for the ‘mere mortal’. During that period I was lining up in races with the best runners in the country never mind the RAF. There was Wild, Goater and Crabb from England, Jones, Jenkins and Hackney from Wales, Dion McNeilly was a regular with Northern Ireland and from Scotland there was Gordon and Steve Rimmer and Colin Donnelly.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT?

Personal satisfaction of achieving goals set.

Health and Social benefits.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES?

Winning the RAF Germany XC Championships when I wasn’t even considered a top 5 finisher.

Winning a European Masters Half Marathon silver medal and receiving it from Mrs Zatopek.

Winning SVHC CX Championship in my home town.

Winning European Duathlon gold medal in 2011.

YOUR WORST?

2ATAF XC Championships 1980. We were competing against the Belgian, German, Dutch and American Air Forces, I was expected to be first scorer for the RAF but had a disaster and finished 9^th scorer out of 9!

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE?

Steve Prefontaine was my first running hero and I would like to visit Coos Bay, Oregon.

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES?

I cycle quite a lot, swim twice a week and enjoy walking with my wife.

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS?

Through running I have had the good fortune to have travelled the world.  In 2004 I was an escort runner when the Olympic Flame went on its global relay. In 2007 I took part in a similar event travelling to 42 cities in Brazil prior to the start of the Pan-Am Games and in 2012 I was involved with the Olympic Torch relay.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING?

For 30 years I ran an average of 80mpw, as did most decent club runners of that era but now my training is geared to staying fit and healthy.

Sunday             Easy 3 hour cycle or 60-75 minute easy running.

Monday           2 hour cycle with a bit more effort.

Tuesday           Early morning swim and Harrier session in the evening.

Wednesday     Easy 2 hour cycle/ Water Pilates.

Thursday         Harrier session.

Friday              Early morning swim/Thighs Bums ‘n Tums exercise class.

Saturday          Running or cycling efforts.

That’s the gist of it. As the winter approaches I will do less cycling and more jogging.

The best thing I have done in recent years is to cross train, supplement running with swimming and cycling – exercising but recovering at the same time.  Pilates and core strength workouts have also proved beneficial.

My Favourite Race.

My first serious race was a Services XC league race in November 1971.  From that day many races have been run, over many different surfaces and over many different distances. Although I specialised in the marathon XC was always my favourite discipline and my favourite race was the RAF XC championships.  I was always taught it was not how you performed in December or January that mattered, more importantly how you performed in the Championships in February. I first contested the RAFs in 1971 finishing in 235^th position.  The following year I was 68^th then 32^nd.  I did it 21 times, my best position being 13^th.  That day I was 8 seconds off 8^th place with the top 8 being current internationals.  My final appearance came when aged 41 when I finished in 25^th place.

Marathon Memories

My first attempt could have been my last. 1974 Inverness to Forres, got knocked down after 9 miles and woke up in hospital with the doctor sewing my arm up.

Next attempt – 1975, 2.40, was a member of the RAF Kinloss team that won the RAF  Team Championship.

1981, Boston! A must for any marathon runner. 7000 runners all had to qualify unlike the London marathon which has turned into the biggest ‘Fun Run’ in the world. I did 2.31 for 372^nd place and my friend who did 2.39 was 960^th!

1983, RAF Championships, 1^st in 2.23, a breakthrough after running 2.30/2.31 five times.

1985, Paris 2.21.14 my pb.

1985, Aberdeen, 2.26 – represented the ‘Rest of the World’!

1986, Aberdeen, my first Scottish selection.

1987/88, Marine Corp Marathon, Washington DC.  14,000 runners both years and I finished 8^thand 9^th in 2.27 both years and at the 20 mile mark there was a pipe band playing Scotland the Brave – both years!

1988, GB vest, Singapore. Did 2.30 but considering the heat and humidity was pleased to finish 30^th out of 3000+.

2001, Moray marathon, Scottish Masters Champion.

2003, Chicago. My 50^th marathon in my 50^th year. Did 2.47 which was good enough for an age group silver.

50 marathons of which 34 were run overseas. A pb of 2.21 and a slowest time of 2.47 and 19 times below 2.30.

Favourites;     Swinderby 1983 – RAF Champion.

                        Boston – an unforgettable experience.

Marine Corp Washington DC – very well organised and the best road surface, they call it the marathon of the monuments.

Singapore – first GB vest.  Race was a week or so before Christmas – magical.

Frankfurt Marathon – I’ve always said you can’t beat German organisation.  14,000 runners all got hot showers, 14,000 runners and their families all got hot food!

Chicago – my last. It was preceded by a week in Boulder Colorado staying with Steve Jones and while there I met former Olympic champion Frank Shorter and former World champion Mark Platjes.  The race itself had probably the best atmosphere of them all.

Robert Marshall running for M65 Scottish Masters 2013

NAME  Robert Marshall

CLUBs  Morpeth Harriers and SVHC

DATE OF BIRTH 29^th July 1948

OCCUPATION Retired Director, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT 

In my penultimate year at Strathclyde University I was talked into joining the cross country team. The prospect of free travel to various university venues, followed by convivial drinking evenings was too much to miss out on.

I did little more than make up the numbers, however I did master the skill of standing on my head and drinking a pint of beer.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE?

 I have to give thanks to Innis Mitchell for his encouragement in those early days.

On leaving university I joined Bellahouston Harriers and ran most of the time with Jimmy Irvine. Although I never thought of it as such I guess Jimmy was my first ever coach, and along with Jim Alder (Morpeth) they have been the two most influential people in my running career.

At that time (early ‘70s) I occasionally ran with a group of “super vets”, on a Saturday afternoon. The group included some of the greats of Scottish athletics……….Gordon Porteous, John Emmet Farrell, Andy Forbes and the irrepressible Jack McLean. The pace was pleasant, quite undemanding, however the conversation was inspiring.

It would have been impossible not to have been influenced by the successes of these three and by the total enthusiasm that exuded from Jack.

Serendipity.  In 1975 my wife and I decided to go and work in central Africa, on the border of Zambia and Zaire. By pure chance there were two other expat runners living in the same town.

One was a runner called Dave Camp, a Morpeth Harrier who had represented UK at the steeplechase. The previous year he had beaten Malanowski (the Polish Olympic champion) in a Europa Cup match.

Through Dave I learned what hard training was all about, especially interval training, and the discipline of running twice a day.

There was no track, we measured out a grassy field, ran mostly barefoot and watched out for snakes. Hippos left big footprints that you could turn an ankle on, but they only came out of the water at night so that was okay.

I returned to the UK a much improved runner.

 More luck.  I got a job in the pharmaceutical industry and was based at Morpeth. Early on I met Jim Alder and a young lad called Archie Jenkins (who always seemed to finish just a few seconds in front of me).

At this time, late 70’s and throughout the 80s the north east of England was a great place to be for running. Just about every race was contested by athletes who were truly world class (Alder, Foster, McLeod, Spedding, Cram et al.). They all seemed keen to turn out for the local races. To be merely a good club runner meant that you had to be close to international standard.

Jim Alder and Morpeth Harriers pulled it all together………..I owe them such a debt of gratitude.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT?

The thrill of still being able to run, to compete and to meet interesting and inspiring people. In fact as I’ve got older it’s become even better.

The fun of it all and the memories.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES?

I’m a big fan of the Parkruns. Accessible to all, with an element of competition if you so choose. The volunteers are heroes

Parkruns publish age graded performance, and as you get older it provides an opportunity to make comparisons. Interestingly when I put my PBs, done in the 70/80s, into the age graded calculator on the internet and compare them with now they’re not so different (85-90%). So, I’ve managed to be quite consistent overall, nothing too flash.

So far as individual performances are concerned I’d have to break it down into 3 categories:

Cross Country.

I don’t do mud (see later). To compete in a multi lap, firm course, suits me just fine and with that in mind I think that in this category I’d have to nominate winning the 2014 British Masters over 65 XC.

The race was made easier for me by the hard work of Beryl Junnier and Jenny Forbes. I got some shelter from the gale by hiding behind them (although there’s not too much flesh to hide behind!!). It became a hard fartlek session, attack the hills and glide down the other side, the three of us just stayed together. Thanks ladies.

On the Roads

On time alone I suppose my best would be the Brampton “10” in 50:00….I think of it as a 49:60.

In 1986 I finished 3^rd in the Scottish marathon. I chased Don McGregor all the way up from Leith to Meadowbank and the gap never changed from 28 secs.

On the track.

In 1980 I turned out for Morpeth at Gateshead stadium in a GRE Cup match. I won the 10000m in the morning in 31:30 and then ran the 5000m for additional points in the afternoon in 15:22.  Neither run was a PB but it was a satisfying, unusual, double.

YOUR WORST?

The potential is there any time I put spikes on country.

I finished about 300^th+ in the Northern XC once, at a place called Pity Me, Co. Durham. Oh how appropriate was that name and how merciless were the gang at Morpeth in mocking me. I’m no fan of muddy cross country (Pity Me probably scarred me for life!).

Worst injury.

Maybe not the worst, but certainly the most memorable. Somebody ran into my side just as I was going over to the start line at Tollcross this year. I never gave it a second thought during or after the race, but whilst driving home, on the Edinburgh bypass, I experienced an exquisite pain at the top left of my chest. It transpired that I had a cracked rib, although at the time I endured a more worrying self diagnosis

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE?

I enjoy road racing, and most of all road relays. And at the top of the pile has to be the   National 12 man relay at Sutton Coldfield. Despite running for a great club we never achieved medals, such was the standard. Once again, everybody turned out for their clubs and it was a real who’s who of British athletics.

So, the last ambition is to run for an over 65s team and gain a medal at Sutton Park.

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES?

I play occasional golf, but it’s just too time consuming (and I’m not very good!).

From about age 45 to 60, because of business commitments, I had less time to commit to serious running. However, I did keep “jogging fit” and to create a challenge I completed the Munros. Every now and then I get a bit twitchy and think about embarking on the Corbetts.

I’m interested in quantum physics. Even the most unlikely event has a probability of occurrence……….a bit like winning a medal at XC!

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS?

The people, the characters, the training and the competition. It contributes to good health and fantastic memories.

Despite my aversion to mud I have to admit that the Masters’ International is the highlight of my year. It’s just like being a student again…..a hard race, followed by a night of over indulgence and laughter (and you even get expenses from Davie!).

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING?

It is appropriate now to measure my “mileage” in kilometres, the rationale being that it takes just about as long in training to run a km as it used to run a mile.

In the 70/80s at Morpeth we did quite high mileage, 100 was not exceptional. 80-90 was about average.

I now do about 90-100km per week, some of which is twice a day (4 or 5 times a week). My morning run is a slow 7 km, mostly round the local golf course. I tend to regard the benefit more for injury management.

Training fits into different phases:

Sometimes I’ll just do slow distance runs for a while.

More often, if not racing, I fit in 3 sessions a week, comprising:

A long run of 15-20 kms, a fartlek run of 10k and finally an anaerobic threshold run of about 25 mins at my half marathon pace. The latter is often done on a treadmill, again at age 65 it’s a bit about injury management and prevention.

If more race specific then I replace the threshold run with an interval session of 10 times 2 or 3mins with a 1 minute recovery. I can’t maintain this phase for too long (ca. one month), and I always do one of the two (interval or threshold) on a treadmill.

Any other runs are then done on the roads at a steady pace, not too fast.

Only since I‘ve got older have I bothered with stretching. Now I do about 3 sessions a week (calfs, quads, hamstrings and IT band).  I’m not sure of the benefit, but some people swear by it.

It was at this point that I sent off a draft response to Colin Youngson. In typical pedantic ex schoolteacher mode (our very own Ichabod Crane!), he informed me that my grammar and spelling were okay, but the narrative needed more substance.  “Do not feel constrained by the questions”………..so here we go, PART TWO.

The ageing process. I mentioned that I got back into racing proper, following a 15 year sabbatical, at age 60. Having made the decision to race I decided to try a few “fast” runs. I measured out a mile using my car and attempted an “eyeballs out” run. I did about 6min 10 seconds. Thinking the distance must be wrong I remeasured it with the car. Still a mile.

So, the car must be wrong, I bought a GPS watch………….the car was proved correct, I had aged. Oh dear, and worse still it actually felt like 4:45 pace.

Running in the 60-64 age group is really tough. No matter how well you run you’re likely to be close to the back of the field (especially in the international). Not good for the ego, and it requires much more of a time trial mentality, a very different mindset.

Moving into the 65+ has been refreshing, it feels like racing again.

Running against the ladies, a privilege afforded to the over 65s.

I am well accepting of defeat now; however I can recall the first time I was beaten by a woman. The Great North Run in the 1980s. Inside the final mile she just ran away from me, amazing pace. The lady was Rosa Mota, she was most impressive and did win Olympic and European golds.

This was the start of a slippery slope. Since then I’ve been beaten by Batman and Superman, but never yet a gorilla nor a banana.

On the subject of impressive runs I think the one that made the biggest impression on me was seeing Ian Stewart (of Birchfield) running second leg in the E to G, for Aberdeen AC (1972). I believe that Colin has already mentioned this in a previous edition of the newsletter. It really was very special to watch. He was doing about four and a half minute miles and by comparison everybody else just looked pedestrian.

Training.  I’ve seen lots and copied many.

Fundamental to them all seemed to be a high volume of miles; the quality within appeared more varied. Yet from the permutation of approaches there was a standard, lasting over about 3 decades, which we can only reflect upon but no longer witness. Were it not for the times set, and by so many, it could just be put down to the reminiscences of an aged generation.

Many races are now won around Scotland in times that would have been little more than a hard training run.

Try as I might I could never get inside 2:20 for a marathon. Our very own Colin Youngson and Alastair Macfarlane were comfortably inhabiting the region of 2:16 to 2:20, as were another 100 plus runners throughout the UK. And then there was another league of runners probably 30 to 50 (or more?) who could do 2:10-2:15.

It would be churlish to demean many hard training youngsters who are willing to pound the roads, tracks and trails in all sorts of weather, all credit to them. But I am bemused as to how the overall standard has slipped.

Laura Mahady at the 2013 European Veteran Indoor Athletic Championships in San Sebastian.

She won the W55 800m in 2.27.84, bettering the world record 2.29.66 she set when winning the BMAF Indoor title at Lee Valley less than a fortnight earlier.

Laura was also 2013 W55 World 800m and BMAF 800m and 400m Champion Outdoors.

1. Name:Laura Mahady
2. Date of birth:20.02.58
3. Club:Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club

4.         Can you list your PBs?

200m 28.7; 400m 61.05; 800m 2:19.5; 1500m 4:50.73;

1mile 5:26.00

5. How did you get started in the sport?

I have always enjoyed running, and ran daily for years just for the feel good factor it gave me. I began running competitively in 1996.

6.         How did you get involved with your club?

In 1998 my children and I took part in a local race, I was first lady, and my children were first, second and third respectively in the children’s race. We were approached by a member of AAAC and asked if we would consider joining the club. A few weeks later we joined the club.

7.         What do you feel you get out of the sport?

I get so very much out of the sport: there is the feel good factor which comes with running; I love a challenge; I enjoy the training; athletics has given me a social life with like minded people; it is something my son and I do together – we are in the same training squad; there are the achievements and the sense of fulfilment; athletics has become part of my identity; it has changed my career and working life….10 years ago I moved from being a lecturer in Psychology, to being a lecturer in Sports Psychology.

8.         What would you not have wanted to miss about being involved in the sport?

I wanted to run competitively as a child, my parents were approached by members of Hawkhill Harriers but my mother blocked all suggestions that I start spending time training; she feared my school work would suffer. I always told myself I would do it some day. I would hate to have never have had the opportunity.

9.         What has been your best / most satisfying performance?

Finland 2009, World Masters Championships, W50 800m. I felt like I was taking on the world. I was so determined, but also rather fearful. My mantra was: ‘This is mine’. I would rather have died (but only once I got over that finish line first) than let anyone beat me. The first lap I was very controlled but when I heard the bell go I knew it was time to see what I could do. I clocked 2:19.5 and set a new European record.

10.       And your worst?

My first international event was the World Masters Indoors in 2008 in Clermont Ferrand. I felt completely overwhelmed by it all. I ran in the 3000m and the 1500m. I achieved bronze in the 3000m but ran 30 seconds slower than I had done just weeks earlier.

11.       Can you give some details of your training?

I do 9 sessions a week, three or four of these sessions are completed with coaches, Joyce and Ken. I do an easy recovery run on a Tuesday and a 9 to 10 mile off road run with friends on a Sunday. My other three sessions are spent in the gym on the machines and using weights.

12.       Has any individual or group had a particular influence on your running or attitude to running?

There are many people over the years who have inspired me; my father was a competitive sportsman until he was 64 so I have never seen age as an obstacle. Several years ago at a Scottish Masters Championship I witnessed a jaw dropping performance by Esther Linaker. I was told that day that she was the fastest woman in the world in her age group.  I thought that was the most amazing achievement, and it was something I immediately aspired to, but never thought I could achieve. My coaches, Joyce and Ken Hogg, have made me the athlete I am today, their dedication and hard work is reflected in our squad, and we are all very supportive of one another.

13.       Do you have any running ambitions that are still unfulfilled?

I just want to keep training, running and competing for as long as I can.

14.       Are you or have you ever been involved in other sporting activities?

I was THE sporty child at school: netball, gymnastics, hockey, athletics. I could never get enough. A few years ago I did some cycling and competed in a few duathlons.

15.       You have run the Masters Cross Country International a few times, what are your memories of the event?

The camaraderie amongst the team is great, you are running not only for yourself but for the team and for Scotland.  Wearing that Scottish vest makes me feel proud.

16.       What are your views on the administration of the sport in Scotland?

I am always humbled by the efforts that everyone in the sport puts in. So many people giving of themselves in terms of time and resources. The outside world has little idea that the sport is run by volunteers.

17.       Is there anything you would like to see from the SVHC that is not there at present?

I would like to see more SVHC athletes encouraged to take part in these big international events. In particular, Scotland has produced some world record holding female masters athletes, eg Esther Linaker, Janette Stevenson, Fiona Matheson, Sandra Branney . It is unfortunate that some of these ladies have not attended these events and claimed their rightful place on the podium.

18.       Tell us about your day job.

I lecture in Sports Psychology at the University of Aberdeen.  Filling this post came about as a direct consequence of being a Psychology lecturer who ran and competed.

19.       What do you do to relax?

I have a real problem relaxing. Going for an easy run along the River Don with my dog is my idea of relaxation.

Laura’s list of achievements in the sport is quite remarkable and it is maybe appropriate to list them in tabular form so that they can be appreciated – major records have been added at the end in red.

* This record was broken twice!   First at the British Indoors, then at the Europeans.

When asked about her favourite races, Laura replies that the 800m in Finland in 2009 when she achieved her first world title and European record.   Also rather special was the Aberdeen Sports Village Mile in 2009 when she ran on home soil and, with the support of family, friends and Aberdeen AAC clubmates, she won in a British record time.   The European Indoors in San Sebastian, in 2013 is also memorable in that she achieved an age-group world 800m record the week before travelling to Spain  with the result that she was so scared that someone would run faster in the European Championship that she went out really hard and kept running as hard as she could – and improved on her own world record!

Given her talent and enthusiasm for the sport (and the 10 mile Sunday runs with runners of the calibre of Mike Murray, Peter Wilson and Peter Jennings, the table will need extending ere long.