Jog Leader Conference 2011
Following the success of the first ever Jog Leader conference, as part of the annual International Festival of Athletics Coaches, the jogscotland Jog Leader conference returned to the Marriot Hotel, Glasgow on Saturday 29 October 2011.
The line up of guest speakers provided a day packed full of inspirational and informative presentations.
• True Motivation: Bryn Williams (Wobbly Williams) plus special guests
Running for health reasons and for a charity close to your heart are two key motivation builders for runners everywhere.
No one knows this more than jogscotland Inspiration Award winner 2010 and founder of Wobbly Williams, Bryn Williams, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at 36. Through running, Bryn finds he feels mentally stronger to cope with the illness and has now dedicated his time to helping others with the condition.
His team of Wobbly Williams Try Athletes has raised thousands of pounds for Funding Neuro through sporting challenges. He talked about what running means to him and to his fundraising efforts.
• Maximising activity and fuel: Nuffields Health
Jonathan Carpenter is a Health and Wellbeing Physiologist who strives to improve his clients’ health through delivering in-depth health assessments and educating them on various aspects of wellbeing whilst motivating them to improve their health. His background in sports science and in running at the top level, not only allows him to understand what it takes physiologically, but psychologically as well. A firm believer that we were ‘born to run’, he spoke about the various changes the body goes through when running and how we can get the most from our training.
Bethany Aitken has over ten years experience as a physiotherapist and now specialises in obesity following her MSc In Obesity Science and Management. Bethany is keen to promote exercise with every individual regardless of their body shape. As a keen Adventure Duathalon participant (not competitor) she explained the need to push the boundaries without pushing the body past its capacity. Her aim was to guide Jog Leaders on common injuries and simple ways to minimise injuries which their beginners may complain of. In particular she imparted her knowledge about what advice to give joggers who are overweight or obese.
• The 2:09 Journey – From London Marathon and Beyond: Mike Gratton 
Since his school days, Mike has had a passion for running which led to an impressive marathon career spanning the globe. His 1983 London Marathon win in 2 hours, 9 minutes placed him 13th on the UK all-time marathon list. He now runs a sports tours company called 2:09 Events and has been organising camps and tours to overseas races for 20 years.
With expert knowledge in running, training and overseas races, Mike shared his experiences and tips.
• The Sky’s the Limit
Panel discussion with Stephen Bruce, Peterhead jogscotland, Jim Dobbie, Strathclyde Park jogscotland and Susan McDonald, Jogging Buddies
From grass roots, these groups have steadily grown to attract hundreds of running enthusiasts over the years. This interactive session dissected, discussed and developed ideas on how to keep jogscotland groups growing, motivated and attracting new members. From what’s worked to what’s not, challenges, successes and everything in between.
“Our Jog Leaders are the lifeblood of jogscotland. They make jogscotland tick. Our army of fully trained, enthusiastic and patient Jog Leaders has inspired thousands of people across the country to embrace a healthier and more active lifestyle through running.”
- Alistair Currie, jogscotland Manager, Jog Leader Conference 2010