CAAC veteran Martin Caldwell is living proof that age is just a number as he continues to lace up some of his vast collection of running shoes at 70.
Martin, who joined the club in 1993, was a relative latecomer to athletics but still loves to stretch his legs four or five times a week and is often found taking part in the Oriam parkrun.
He has also completed every Great Scottish Run staged since 1988, with the only years he didn’t take to the streets of his home city of Glasgow being the Covid-cancelled races of 2020 and 2021. As the new year begins, Martin is showing no signs of slowing up.
He says: “I joined CAAC in 1993, when I was 40. Running never seemed to suit me at school but I started jogging for fitness when I was 30. After 10 years, I had run a few 10Ks and half marathons and was as good as I could get on my own, so I needed some coaching and structured training.
“I immediately found CAAC to be friendly and supportive to all levels of runner. It gave me the coaching I needed to take two-and-a-half minutes off my next half marathon time.
“It was a small club back then, so small that I knew who everyone was in every age group and we could all do warm-ups together in the Scout Hall. Now we are far bigger, have made our name one to notice, and the leadership has moved on.
“Many clubs, of all sorts, collapse when their founders retire, but I’m proud to say that CAAC has been taken over by a new generation and led to even more success.”
Martin cites the influence of coaches and fellow members for inspiring him to improve as a runner – as well as making firm friends along the way.
He adds: “In my early years I was coached by Dave Law, who pushed me, despite my half-hearted protests, to run faster, steeper and harder. He introduced me to cross country, which I had always thought was too messy, but the secret is that mud washes off!
“I started to chase Paul O’Brien and hoped that I could still see him in the distance as we finished. It was a great day for me when, after several years, I finished almost beside him.
“I run four or five times a week when uninjured. Missing out due to fitness is more frequent now but a set of stretching helps. This also helps in everyday life. Sprinting to catch a bus then presenting my bus pass gives me a cheeky wee smile.
“The social side of CAAC is also very important. My whole family now knows my running friends and their families.”
Martin’s annual entry into the Great Scottish Run is a great source of pride and he insists he’ll keep adding to his 34 consecutive races – no matter how slow he has to go.
He says: “I was born and grew up in Glasgow, so the big race in my home city is a special event. For many years I combined my run with a family day out but now the race is an event itself.
“Having never missed a Great Scottish Run since 1988, and having boasted about it, it would be very hard to stop. I imagine I will continue even when I can only walk. Only two people have finished more often than me and we have met at a press briefing.
“I also have a large collection of coasters from the Seven Hills of Edinburgh Race, though not yet 34. This marvellous event has a bit of everything: road, cross country, hill and navigation too. You would think that by know I ought to know the best route, but things change all the time!”
With the dawn of a new year, many people’s resolutions will be centred around health and fitness. So what advice does Martin have for those taking up running or looking to join an athletics club?
“Running, within reason, brings great health benefits at any age,” he says. “Don’t expect overnight success, however. For me, this is not a fitness programme; running is for life. Running makes me feel stronger, more able and simply happier. It’s a great reason to get out and enjoy the open air. “The Scottish winter can be a challenge. Before joining CAAC I would give up every winter and restart in March… well, May, to be honest. CAAC has taught me the advantage of maintaining fitness all year round. I now understand that there’s no bad weather, just wrong clothing. Cover up as necessary and you can run in any weather.
“My wife jokes that I have more shoes than her. That’s not true. I do, however, believe that shoes are the only truly essential piece of kit. I can run in any old vest and shorts, but my shoes are worth choosing carefully for different terrains. I have new ones for race days and old ones for training runs.” He adds: “It helps to have a sensible attitude and not compare yourself to club-mates half your age. When I look at my times over the years, I know I’m on a steady downhill slope, but at least I’m still on the slope!”
At a few years younger than yourself Martin, since you turned 50, along with our old friends Paul, Martin H, Ian C , you have inspired me to ignore age! It’s tricky as everything heads south, but I learnt to run to enjoy, and see past achievements as achievements not targets.
Here’s hoping to see you in future cross country races, maybe in the National Vet champs up north next month!