“Running has undoubtedly changed my life for the better”

From first lacing up her trainers at age 45, to running for her country, Muriel Macleod’s story is nothing short of inspirational.  

We sat down with the Stornoway-based athlete to chat through her sporting journey and how one decision during lockdown has changed her life for the better.  

Where it all began 

Growing up surrounded by horses, Muriel was always active but would never have described herself as sporty. 

“I tried my hand at a few sports growing up but always found it difficult to stick at anything to be completely honest,” she told us. 

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Muriel found herself becoming less and less active and knew she had to do something. 

“I decided at that point, at the grand age of 45, that I would try my hand at running.” 

Looking back on her first few attempts, Muriel told us that it wasn’t easy but that she knew she had to persevere. 

“I was walk-running for the first couple of months and then after about 3 months, I managed a 5k. 

“I remember at that point thinking, how on earth can anyone run 10k, that’s disgusting.” 

From there, Muriel joined Stornoway Running and Athletics Club and was encouraged to keep upping her distance and speed. 

“It’s funny because I remember being so nervous to go along and convincing myself that everyone would be so much faster than me. 

“In reality, there was such a mix of ages and abilities there and I was completely welcomed with open arms.” 

Taking it to the next stage 

After running with the local club for a few months, Muriel began doing cross-country sessions, and then a year in, entered some local competitions and started seeing results.  

In 2022, Muriel competed at the Lindsays National XC in Falkirk for the first time and placed 32nd in her age group. She returned for the 2023 and 2024 championships achieving 8th and 6th place finishes respectively.  

“It has been great to see that continuous improvement over time and I don’t think I’m done improving yet,” she told us.  

Shortly after her impressive performance at this year’s Falkirk XC, Muriel made another trip across the water, this time to Elgin for the Moray Marathon. In her first-ever attempt at the distance, Muriel crossed the line as the first overall female in a time of 3 hours and 1 minute. 

“That was such an achievement for me after all the hours of training,” she expressed.  

“Preparing for that race all through winter in the Western Isles was seriously tough both physically and mentally.” 

Reflecting on her journey up until now, Muriel shares that there are many moments that she is particularly proud of. 

Alongside race results like the Moray Marathon and running 83 minutes at this year’s Inverness Half Marathon, she told us that being called up to represent the North of Scotland at senior level and just recently, to run for the Scotland masters team has been a huge career highlight.  

The commitment

Back home, Muriel is now training 6-7 days a week, covering 50-60 miles when she isn’t competing. For the last few months, she has been working with a new coach, Ian Crawford, who is based in Cambuslang.  

“With my 50th birthday fast approaching, having a training plan that is more specific to me is really helping me stay focussed and keep seeing improvements.” 

Muriel is, however, still eternally grateful for all the support she has received and continues to receive from coaches and members at her local club. 

“Even though I’m doing my own sessions now I still go along to the club and run alongside them.  

“I just love the social aspect and think that’s a really important part of the sport that I don’t want to lose.” 

When it comes to competition season, Muriel shares that most of her annual leave is now used up by travelling to and from competitions. 

“Because I’m on an island, it’s not just a case of turning up to compete and leaving again; a lot of the time it can be a 3-day round trip just to compete on the Scottish mainland.” 

“Getting off the island also comes at a cost which is where the Athlete Travel Award Scheme comes in - that been a huge help.” 

Just recently, Muriel travelled to Orkney for an Island Games half marathon test event – a trip which required multiple boats, buses, flights, and overnight stays.  

“It’s times like that when I am so grateful for the extra bit of support. Otherwise, I just wouldn’t be able to justify it,” she told us.  

In it together  

With all the long hours of training, often in challenging weather conditions, and extensive travelling that comes with being an island-based athlete, we asked Muriel what makes it all worth it. 

“At my age, there are all the obvious health benefits, both physically and mentally. Running has undoubtedly changed my life for the better.  

“I also think it’s the camaraderie that comes with it. There is simply no feeling like after you’ve finished a race, and everyone is around you supporting one another. 

“In those moments, it doesn’t matter who’s run the fastest or gotten the biggest PB, it’s just one big family.” 

Reflecting on some of those moments, Muriel told us that the feeling of supporting her teammate across the 10,000m finish line at her first Island Games in 2023 is one she’ll never forget. 

“I had never done a 10,000m in my life before I went to the games, and I think my teammate Holly had maybe done just one or two,” she told us.