Runwithpackof localenthusiasts

Whether you’re a “walkie-talkie” or marathon runner, St Andrews Adventure Running Team supports members in achieving goals, however big or small, as Gayle discovers

Like many folk, I have a love-hate relationship with running. Living in the wilderness, I run/jog/ drag myself along country roads up to three times a week – always on my own and usually no more than five miles per session. I rarely look forward to these runs; the joy comes at the end, when I catch a sunset, or when a deer darts out in front of me.

Why do it? To keep fit, to feel good about myself and to avoid becoming a giant blob.

I’ve heard it said that reluctant runners enjoy the experience more if they do it with others, so when a colleague asked me to join her at a STAART (St Andrews Adventure Running Team) session, I agree to give it a bash.

On this particular evening, the group is meeting at Craigtoun Country Park and when I arrive after 6pm, the car park is swarming with around 60 members.

PE teacher Neil Stewart is in charge and after grilling me about my running experience, decides I should join the “junner” group.

“What the heck is that?” I ask.

“We cater for all abilities, so there’s everything from ‘walkie-talkies’ (walkers) to joggers, junners (a cross between joggers and runners) and runners,” he explains.

As we split into smaller groups, Neil, who’s leading my “junner” group, kicks off a warm-up session on the grass.

This involves jogging on the spot, windmilling our arms, punching the air and generally limbering up.

Then, we’re off, “junning” through the park and around the outskirts of St Andrews for around 45 minutes.

This includes a session of interval training, during which Neil encourages us – if we wish – to push ourselves.

Some sprint off like bats out of hell while others keep the same pace. Then there’s a slog uphill, back to the start.

Among the runners is Nanette Heaney, fresh from Stirling Marathon at the weekend, and some who did the London Marathon in April.

As I catch my breath, I chat to Mandy Martin, 45. She joined STAART in 2014 and hopes to train as a jog leader this year.

“When I first started, I could only run 100m before I had to stop and walk. Through coaching from Neil and his fantastic jog leaders, I gradually got fitter and more confident.

“I used to say I hated running but running with STAART is great fun, partly because of the different types of training but also because of the fantastic people.”

She and husband Alan are running Loch Ness Marathon in September as part of their 20th wedding anniversary celebrations.

Eric Moran, 63, joined STAART two years ago after a long period of illness that left him weak.

“I was desperate to build up strength and was told STAART caters for all abilities, so I went to a session,” he recalls.

“I was hopeless. I joined the walking group, but couldn’t keep up. I wanted to quit, but a jog leader stayed with me and kept me going. The support was incredible.”

Eric slowly gained enough strength to join the walk/jog group, then graduated to joggers. He just completed a 10K race, became a jog leader himself and is tackling a half marathon in September.

“You don’t have to feel lonely when you’re a part of such a warm and supportive group. The ethos is not to out-perform one another; it’s to support each other in achieving goals.”

Stewart Dillon, 58, started running four years ago in Houston “to get away from the bar stool”.

When he moved back to St Andrews in 2015, he joined STAART.

“I run like a whippet!” he beams. “This year I’m doing the Glencoe Marathon and the Glenshee 9, a race over nine Munros.”

Beautician Joanna Mowbray, 30, joined STAART 18 months ago and did the London Marathon in April.

She said: “I’d never owned a pair of trainers in my life! But when I joined STAART, I got the bug.”