Although I am slower now, every race feels like an achievement

when I started w women who uld achieve a d place because ere only a unners.” on belies her y which has me impressive d at 24-hour as far as you and on her t in 2003 in first lady. mpleted 14 races presenting d European times in d twice in Italy. Pauline said: “I hope in the next few years to achieve the same – although I have just over 30 to do.”

She also represented Scotland twice in 24-hour events in the Commonwealth Ultra Distance Championship.

On that occasion, Pauline was part of the bronze medal winning team alongside Fiona and fellow Carnegie Harrier runner Lynne Kuz in 2009, and repeated the bronze achievement in 2011 with other top Scottish runners Debbie Martin-Consani and Sharon Law.

Overall, Pauline has broken her 24-hour Scottish record three times. At the Perth Ultra Festival in 2008, on her way to a personal best distance of 130.34 miles, she set Scottish records for 24 hours, 100 miles and 200km. Despite recording an average of more than 2000 annual running miles for 24 years, Pauline has suffered few injuries.

She said: “I’ve been very fortunate. I believe in rest and recovery as well as consistent training miles and I include yoga and swimming into my regular routine.

“I have got slower as I have got older but I now see my running as more of a social outing.”

Pauline also believes in a “good, old-fashioned” diet and fuelling.

She said: “I don’t follow any special eating regime and in races I drink ginger beer – left to go flat – and eat sweets or biscuits.

“When I started out in ultra running, the modern style of sports drink and gels was nonexistent, so I have never tried them.

“I like snacks such as macaroon bars, fudge and dark chocolate digestive biscuits.

“A good cup of tea works wonders for me at checkpoints, or a plate or soup or pasta.

“I don’t have any secret foods, I just eat what I fancy and I seem to be able to keep going.”

She has also never grown tired of racing.

Pauline said: “I still love ultra running as much as I did when I started and although I am slower now, every race feels like an achievement.

“There are now so many more ultra events to do and many more women runners.

“Running is one of the best ways to see the Scottish landscape and to spend time with friends. “To be honest, I can’t see a day when I will stop running because it is so much part of my life.”

And doing it together is a massive draw for both sisters.

Fiona said: “We do a lot of running together and we always enjoy a good chat.

“We ran her 100th ultra together and it was great to be there with her for that.”