From 5ks to Ultra-Marathons

Karen McIntyre reflects on her running journey.

I joined British Military Fitness in August 2009. I started at beginners level and worked my way up to the next bib colour. I then started running 5k’s and then a couple of 10k’s.

I heard about Glasgow Frontrunners as my friend Stuart Comrie ran with the club. In February 2016 I came along to the Rainbow Run. It was so much fun and was great to meet so many runners. Later that month I joined GFR as I wanted to get better at running and be involved with the running club. I was running 10k’s and was building my way up to half marathon distance, I always said that’s the most I would ever run.

Over time something changed – friends said “Kaz you could run a marathon” so I said “I will do it if you do”. I signed up for my first Marathon – Stirling 21st May 2017. I trained with the GFR marathon training group and made it up to 20 miles. The marathon was the toughest run I had ever done. I hit a wall with the last 5 miles to go but I completed it (4:18). I was so proud of myself. There were even tears at the end as I had just ran my first marathon.

A week after the marathon I had another challenge ahead, run/walk The West Highland way over 4 days (96 miles) with MacMillan cancer support. I then completed my First International race over in Amsterdam (Half) May 21st 2017.

It did not stop at that…crazy lady. I decided to sign up for Glen Ogle Ultra Marathon which was 33 miles & totally loved it! Mixed terrain, taking 6 and a half hours, I never thought it was possible. GFR members were at the end to cheer me on. What a feeling….more tears.

My biggest challenge this year will be The Highland Fling on April 28th 2018. I will be running 53 miles along the West Highland Way from Milngavie – Tyndrum. I have started Marathon training and also mixing it up with some Trail running and Hills with fellow runners.

Personally I have found that joining GFR not only enabled me to do these things but the support from everyone there has enabled me to go further than I thought I ever could.