Ready, Steady, Santa Dash!

With so many festive events to choose from, we caught up with Roger (73)  from Linlithgow, West Lothian, to hear why he chose a local charity run as part of his Christmas build-up plans.

How does running support your wellbeing in later life?

I am 73. I’m no athlete but started running at 50. I did my first marathon within the first year. I ran for Sale Harriers Manchester and moved to Linlithgow in 2012 , joined Linlithgow Athletics Club and continued to run clocking up 27 marathons including two ultramarathons.

I have done 200 Parkruns (5K), recently I ran the rather hilly Linlithgow 5K On Friday morning as Jog Scotland we do 5K runs around the town followed by a cafe. It includes a runner in her 80’s,  I believe she may have been the oldest in the Santa Dash this year. 

What motivated you to take part in the Linlithgow Santa Dash?

Some in the running group have joined from the 'Couch to 5K' initiative. It is very sociable and supportive. One week, we decided that we would have to do the Santa Dash. A lot is happening on running around the town. There's an informal group of those over 70, too. We get out every week, and there is no sign that we will stop.

The Santa Dash was a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. Rather than being passive, it was an active experience, with a large, friendly group all participating in the same positive activity, including a group warm-up, music, and lights.   

How do you prepare - physically and mentally- for running during the winter months?”

It is more difficult in winter, but the Friday morning group and Parkruns mean we get out at least twice a week. Both runs cancel if the ground conditions are icy. What we each do depends on what we are capable of and having the motivation. So, running with friends and adding more Parkruns to our name helps.

Both become automatic, every week - it is what we do.  The group does warm-ups and warm-downs to reduce the risk of injury. We have jog leaders who are qualified to lead the groups and operate safely. I'm lucky and do not get injured. I warm up by running gently. I do feel the cold more than I used to, so I do put layers on and wear gloves. However cold it is, once you are running, you do not feel the cold (honest!). A strong wind is the enemy. Cold and wet does not need to stop the running; a cold, strong wind can. On my own, I go out early, which sets me up for the day. 

What does being part of a festive community event like the Linlithgow Santa Dash mean to you?

Although I used to do weekly club runs, I did most of my running on my own. Now, the great benefits of running in a group are more noticeable. You do not even need to talk to anyone; just being in it is good. You can really dress up, and no one can know who you are if that is what you want. The communication can be non-verbal. Evolution tells us that we are social beings; we work together to live and survive.

Doing such runs leaves a positive effect, like a warm glow.  The weekly Parkruns, or Parkwalks have it too.  It is firstly about being out and being active as group, the personal performance is secondary. It does get to be addictive in a good way.   

Have you noticed any changes in your health or lifestyle since taking up running later in life?

I had been reasonably active, but the running made the difference. I have been running continuously for 25 years. I started with seeing the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games Marathon. There was such a buzz about it that I wanted some of that feeling. The biggest cheers were for the one who came last, but unlike many others, he finished.

Running is great when you don't have much time. The kit is minimal, and you can do it anywhere at no cost; you do what suits you. I found it that it makes you relax. The movement automatically relaxes, particularly in the shoulders; the tension has to go. The body relaxes, and with the mind. I found that I always found solutions to work issues while running, and it did so in an easy, unforced way.

The way it sets you up means that other potential problems could be handled too. Running gives a different environment to be in, free of the daily binds. So, when you return, you are much better able to function with the daily routine. It works on so many aspects. It does energise, lifts mood, helps mental ability, and boosts confidence. I cannot imagine finishing a run such as one of 3km and being tense, stressed, or in a low mood. For my work (patient and maternity safety), I need confidence, and running gives me that. 

What advice would you give other over-50s who might be hesitant to try a charity fun run?

Just do it. It depends on the distance; a fun run needs some preparation to get the most enjoyment out of it. The 3km Santa Dash was a run, and I had to work at it. I had already done a Parkrun in the morning, which wasn't the best idea!

There should be a Parkrun relatively near to most of us. Go along -you can watch it, walk it, jog it, run it. You get the feel of it. No one is last as there is a tail-walker. Go online, get registered, get a barcode; it is free. It is friendly.

It could quite easily change your life for the better.  Then you will have the confidence to do a fun run like the Santa Dash.

David Main-Read, Linlithgow 10K said:

“This was our third year running of the event and we go from strength to strength with over 300 taking part this year (+50 participants from last year). We have over 60 runners aged 50 years or older, our youngest is 5 years old so a true community event. We almost doubled the money generated year on year, split equally amongst three charities.

The Santa Dash complements our existing LAC 10K and junior fun run - and of course we have our local Linlithgow Jogscotland group where we facilitate social running throughout the week or Linlithgow Athletics where we cater from social runs through to track sessions - we welcome all to either group or visit Jog Scotland for running groups nationwide.”