When Linda Dawson was at school, she would do anything to get out of PE.
Even throughout her adult life, going to the gym was always a chore that Linda dreaded.
But all that changed at the age of 49, when she took up running during lockdown.
“Growing up, I really wasn’t sporty, in fact my mum always laughs because one of my school reports from primary school said ‘Linda likes physical education as long as it’s not too physical’,” laughs Linda, who lives in Aberdeen.
“As an adult I had a gym membership but it was always a bit of a thought, I wouldn’t go into the gym skipping.
“But when the gyms closed during lockdown, my daughter Frances encouraged me to go out running with her.
“So I reluctantly gave running a go and I thought it was OK.”
Fit Like Joggers: Aberdeen running group for all abilities
Getting into her stride, Linda enjoyed running so much that she joined the Fit Like Joggers, a free Aberdeen based running group aimed at all ages and abilities.
“The Fit Like Joggers has totally changed my life,” says Linda.
“The group were so supportive and I noticed that my fitness was rapidly improving.
“I always laugh as when I first started running I had a wee drawer in the house where I’d keep my running gear.
“Now my wardrobe is full of running gear.”
From 10ks to marathons
Feeling both physically and mentally fitter than ever, it wasn’t long before Linda took the plunge and signed up for her first ever running event.
“The group has been the big motivator as I always have FOMO (fear of missing out) when other people sign up for running events so it makes me want to sign up,” says Linda.
“The first event I signed up for was the Run Balmoral 10k.
“I was really nervous about it so one of my running buddies offered me her place in the 5k instead as she couldn’t do it anymore.
“But I enjoyed it so much that I ended up doing the 5k and the 10k.
“That’s when I realised I could run for longer than I thought.”
Going the extra mile
Inspired and motivated by her fellow running buddies, Linda upped her mileage to half marathon distances.
“A few guys started talking about doing a half marathon and even then that was a huge thing for me,” says Linda.
“I spoke to my family as I knew I would need some support as I would be running a lot more than I was.
“So I did my first half in September last year.”
Encouraged by her running buddies, it wasn’t long before Linda was signing up for her first ever marathon.
“I did the Loch Ness Marathon last month,” says Linda.
“The last 14k was hard going but I had trained for it so I was determined to finish it.”
Huge health benefits from running
Since taking up running, Linda, 52, has noticed huge differences in her health and wellbeing.
“I definitely think it motivates me to eat healthier and to make better food choices,” says Linda.
“Running outdoors is also definitely good for my mental wellbeing as I feel so much calmer after I’ve been out especially if I’ve had a stressful day.
“Running washes your stresses away and puts everything into perspective.
“It also hugely aids sleep and I definitely think it helps women in menopausal years, I’ve definitely felt a benefit in that area too.”
Joining the Fit Like Joggers has also had an impact on Linda’s social diary.
“It’s funny as I’ve always had a good social life and now I’m even busier with all the running social events,” says Linda.
“They talk about golf widows but my husband is probably a bit of a running widow.”
Linda, who has two grown-up children, Jessica, 28 and Frances, 26, plus two grandchildren Hudson, six and Darcy, three, hopes that by sharing her story it will prove that you can take up running at any age.
“Running has been life changing for me as I just feel so much better,” says Linda.
“The Fit Like Joggers are such a supportive group.
“The most we do is up to 10k but there’s always people in the group doing longer runs so you can always stick something on the Facebook group or in the WhatsApp chat and there will be somebody that is up for going out running.”
Linda, who runs a vehicle body shop with her husband Graham, now has some fresh running goals to work towards.
“We’re considering doing the Barcelona Half Marathon in February,” says Linda.
“And I’m also considering the Edinburgh Marathon in May.”
The Fit Like Joggers meet outside the Hammerton Store on Great Western Road every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
For more information check out their website fitlikejoggers.com
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