As we approach International Women’s Day it’s worth taking a few moments to find out more about some of the inspirational women in our club. Here, Frances Wood and Siobhan Coleman tell their very personal stories about what running means to them and how it has helped them through difficult times. As Head Coach Frances will be a familiar face to most club members, Siobhan maybe less so to newer members, for reasons which she explains. Grab yourself a cup of tea and sit down to read about just two of the very many inspirational women we have in our club.
Frances’ Story
Running has brought me great joy in my life. Marathons were all the rage in the 80s, and I was hooked, running my first of six in 1983 in Edinburgh, and the last in London in 1985. I kept running through some of my two pregnancies and it helped me recover more quickly from childbirth. I liked the sense of independence, strength and achievement it gave me.
After having my children, I had a few years out with injuries then moved to shorter distances. I set lifetime personal bests from 5k to half marathon, developing into the competitive runner I still am today. Injuries continue to dog me, but I’m always determined to get back as I love running so much. There is nothing like the feeling of pushing yourself to the max in a race, feeling the pain and effort every step of the way, and being glad when it’s over!
Frances Wood
Representing Scotland in the British & Irish Masters event in Dublin last year.
The highlight of my Masters (over 40) career to date was representing Scotland in the British and Irish Masters Cross Country (XC) International in Dublin in November 2022, bringing home women’s 60+ team silver.
I’ve also had the thrill of winning age group medals in Scottish Championships on the roads from 5k to 10 miles including road relays, and at the short-course XC championships.
As time passes, I spend increasing time involved in the running world without actually running! I volunteer as Head Coach at Linlithgow Athletic Club where I am also a Trustee, and as a UK Athletics endurance official at Scottish Athletics events – both very enjoyable.
Why do I love running so much? It’s great for escaping the stresses and tensions of everyday life, or to enjoy the countryside, explore holiday destinations, or just get from A to B. It’s a shared family interest with my daughters and husband and we love meeting up at events and supporting each other. It keeps me in good mental and physical shape to cope with work, family, life’s challenges – and to enjoy lovely food and drink! When I’ve been depressed or anxious, running has been an outlet and a therapy, giving structure to my life and a sense of regaining some control. I’ve also made many friendships. Whether it’s running or volunteering at a parkrun or competing or spectating at national championships, I always meet people I know, or who know my children, and we have a good catch-up.
I’ve always preferred to train alone, though I do the odd session with others. I love the solitude and the headspace this gives me. I’ve seldom felt uncomfortable as a woman running alone, whether in remote country areas, busy cities or abroad. I haven’t been put off by the occasional sexist remark or less than friendly dog. I feel empowered as an older woman who runs, confounding other people’s expectations of what older people should look like or be capable of!
I’d recommend running to anyone. It’s such a natural thing to do. It doesn’t require much equipment, just a comfortable pair of trainers which needn’t be expensive. It’s great for your mental and physical health and you can compete against others or just with yourself – or not at all. Why not set yourself a challenge to try running, perhaps through joining in our Let’s Go Linlithgow jogscotland groups? No-one minds if you’re fast or slow – what matters is you’re a runner and that’s the common bond we all have!
Siobhan’s Story
I’ve been running since the age of 9. My Dad is a former member of the Linlithgow Athletic Club and Falkirk Victoria Harriers, so it’s in my blood. I can remember my first race, I was 10. It was the Linlithgow Fun Run as part of the 10K event. I’ve no idea where I finished, I just remember beaming from ear to ear afterwards. The buzz running gave me was like no other. I ran a bit more, I seemed to be good at it and I enjoyed it, it even got me out of school sometimes to travel to competitions across the rest of the UK.
The running community is like no other; friendly, encouraging, supportive and always there for you. This is something I’ve become all too aware of in more recent times. I went through a real love-hate relationship with running for a few years, it suddenly became difficult, I wasn’t enjoying it the same, I was sore all the time, exhausted and just not feeling myself.
Eventually I found out I had an advanced stage cervical cancer and the prognosis wasn’t great. I was advised to stop running once I got my diagnosis and that was a difficult a thing to process. Running gives me the freedom to explore new places, to enjoy the fresh air and scenery around me and to clear my head and I also love the raw competition of it all. Running has taken me to places I would never have visited before and suddenly it was being taken away from me.
Once the initial part of my treatment was completed in autumn 2021, the first thing I asked was “When can I start running again?”, I was told to take things easy and only attempt something under supervision. Within 6weeks of my treatment ending I was attempting some walk-jogging, albeit feeling more shoogly than I’d let on. Slowly over the next few weeks and months, I felt less shoogly and managed to break 21mins 30 for parkrun. I couldn’t believe it! My cancer team couldn’t believe it either. My sense of purpose was returning, I was starting to feel better, I was off exploring new running routes again, clearing my headspace and feeling more positive and better within myself than I had in a while.
In late spring 2022, I was told my tumour was still in situ and worryingly had started to grow again. My prognosis was even less encouraging than previously. In summer 2022, I underwent life changing pelvic and abdominal surgery but finally I was cancer free! “When can I start running again?” I was told I might not be able to run again. “I’ll show them!” I said.
Siobhan Coleman
Running at the Allan Scally relay races in Glasgow last weekend
I need to run, running is me. 12wks post-surgery, I attempted my first walk-jog, feeling even more shoogly than at my last attempt but what a thrill to be back out doing something I loved. During my recovery Linlithgow Athletics Club were incredibly supportive and for that I am extremely grateful. I’ve managed to sneak under the 20-minute mark for parkrun only eight months post-surgery and I finally feel the best I have in years.
I have no idea what the limitations of my new body are but every day I learn something new about it. I’m enjoying the process and grateful to still be managing to put one foot in front of the other.
What does running mean to me? It means everything and right now, I’m running for my life!
