Dr Jennifer Lynch, Senior Research Physician at Glasgow Memory Clinic, talks about what it was like preparing for the first ever Stirling Scottish Marathon that took place on Sun 21 May. Dr Lynch joined more than 7,000 runners to take part in events across the weekend in Stirling, with The Thistles Great Stirling Family Run taking place on Saturday at the University of Stirling, and the Stirling Scottish Marathon kicking off on Sunday morning.
Can you describe a typical day at the clinic?
A: There is no such thing as a typical day! I’ve worked at the clinic for 13 years and every day is different. We have a big research team and work well together. We run clinics, seeing participants ranging from healthy volunteers to those with Alzheimer’s disease. We monitor the participants taking part in the clinical trials and ensure their safety and compliance. We have regular team updates and meetings with sponsor companies, audits, inspection visits etc. We are constantly working on recruiting suitable people for the trials and to increase awareness about research for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Are you very sporty?
A: I’ve always been interested in sport. I played hockey for Scotland at U18, ran the New York Marathon in 2004 and I’ve completed the Glasgow Half Marathon several times. I have always enjoyed running. It clears the mind – the more I have on my mind the longer I run!
3 hrs, 21 mins is a fantastic time. How much training did you put in for this race?
A: I put in as much training as I could fit in between work and three young children. Life is very busy with a seven-year-old, four-year-old and a one-year-old! I had to get up at 5.30am in the morning for training. It was pretty full-on but it was worth it.
Why did you want to run the Stirling Scottish Marathon?
A: Because I live there and it was Stirling’s first marathon – the route goes past my front garden so I’m lucky to have lots of local support.
Supported by Scottish Athletics, Stirling Council and The University of Stirling, the event was set in the spectacular and historic setting of Stirlingshire. As mentioned, the race started in the grounds of the extremely popular Blair Drummond Safari Park. Running legends, double Commonwealth Games gold medallist Liz McColgan and South African and Great British Olympian Zola Budd joined the budding athletes to tackle the arduous 26.2 miles distance.