RENFREW’S Lisa Reid was delighted to complete the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run last weekend with the whole of Glasgow behind her.   

The 38-year-old, taking part in the event for the second time, ran the 10k last Sunday in 1:08:05 – 11 minutes faster than last year.  

Having decided to try out her first ever gentle jog only 18 months ago, Lisa was nervous to discover how much progress she had made but, in the celebratory atmosphere on the streets of Glasgow, she thrived.

“I was absolutely delighted to get 11 minutes off my time from last year,” she said.

“It was a great day. The atmosphere was brilliant with so many people there to support. I could hear people cheering my name the whole way – it felt fantastic.

“I think I was more nervous than last year because I had done more training and posted my progress all over social media. I knew I would be faster, but I felt under more pressure as everyone expected me to do better as well.”

Before the race, Lisa signed up for the Bank of Scotland’s Community Challenge, which encourages Scotland to get active by aiming to recruit one runner from each of the 32 local authorities in Scotland to take on a ‘10 week to 10k’ running challenge.

The 38-year-old mum of three admitted it was difficult to fit in her preparation around family and work commitments but adjusted her daily schedule to reach her goals.

“Planning was key,” she said.

“Looking after a family and working four days a week made it difficult, but I just made the time so that I could fit running in. I regularly run into the city centre during my lunch break.”

Now, having represented Renfrewshire at the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run, Lisa claimed the whole experience was the highlight of her running career.

“I am so proud of myself for going from someone who never ran before to running the Great Scottish Run twice and beating my time by a considerable margin,” she said.

For Lisa, the experience transcended sporting achievements as she even got the opportunity to meet double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes on the morning of the race.

“Kelly was lovely. She shared her experiences with us before the race and encouraged us to just go for it and run at our best ability,” she said.

“The whole experience has spurred me on. I want to participate in the Great Scottish Run again next year. I want to keep running and get even faster.

“I’m thinking of going for the half marathon after, but I need to build up to that.

“I’ve helped to encourage other already. A couple of colleagues have decided to give running a go. Running has completely changed everything for me and I am pleased to see others benefitting too.”

Bank of Scotland is celebrating its 10th year as partner of the Great Scottish Run. For more information, visit greatscottishrun.com/community-challenge.