Personally Speaking

Michelle Song started running with Cairngorm Runners in May 2009 and completed her first 10km race in September 2009.

“I started half way through the first beginners session and I was really nervous as I was not sure how far the group had progressed but I thought 'hey- ho the worst that could happen is that I hated it and wouldn't go back'. On first arriving at the session it was quite daunting and I found myself looking for the friendly face of Lisa Lawson who had been my personal trainer for the best part of a year. I think the look on my must have said it all because you just said to me 'Do you want to come in my team? You might be a little ahead of us, but see how you get on.' I remember thinking to myself how on earth do you think I could be ahead? - but she was right again and I loved it. I have not looked back, I have loved meeting all the team leaders who are phenomenal with their patience. There are some Mondays that I can't run for love or money and I feel I am really rubbish but everyone has been so supportive.

Just a couple of weeks ago I ran the Glasgow 10K, however the week before the race, I was so hopeless and Dawn Cranston kept reassuring me and said that even if I have to walk a little I would still get through it and I did! The best feeling was on the following Monday when all of the Jog leaders and members asked how I got even though most had just done the Tri Tri the day before which was much more of an achievement than mine and it was all so lovely!

So now I have the plodding bug, as I call it, as I'm still not a runner but I plod nicely and so I have signed up as you know for the Aviemore half-marathon in October and again i'll be plodding!!!!!!!!!!!

I've have also met such nice people and we have a giggle as well before our runs!!!

Keep up the good work and I hope that we can continue through the winter.”

Michelle

“I was encouraged to take up running just about 6 months ago, mainly to keep fit, particularly to improve my aerobic ability. I'd previously done a reasonable amount of walking but, after time out for a back problem, found I was getting out of breath just walking up hills. I was shocked at how much fitness I had lost in such a relatively short amount of time.

It's lovely to be out in the fresh air, and enjoying the fantastic scenery of the Cairngorms. I previously had been trying to get fit using an elliptical trainer indoors - it was so monotonous and half an hour seemed to be a very long time. Now, if I go running for half an hour, the time flies by and I feel like I have had a real break from being stuck indoors staring at my computer.

It is different every time – I may find the same run harder or easier, there are always different things to see, and different weather to enjoy. I was really surprised how quickly I could see improvements – I started off doing a loop where I ran a bit, walked a bit etc., and soon I could run all the way round, go a bit faster, go a bit further and now I can walk up hills without feeling breathless. It's fantastic. I am trying to run 3 times a week, but I don't always make that, so the Cairngorm Runners is brilliant for me, as it is more of a commitment to try and make sure I get at least one decent run each week. Plus it's encouraging to meet others and realise there are plenty of relative novices like me, plus some much more athletic runners whose performance I can aspire to.”

Natalie