Sport Interviews

Week 2 and speaking with...

Ross Houston

Nearly a month after his emphatic win of the Loch Ness Marathon, Ross Houston tells jaybeesports how he started out in the sport and of his promising future ambitions. The 32-year-old Scottish road runner completed the Baxter's sponsored event in 2:20:24secs - only 11 seconds off the course record set in 2009! Crowned the national men's marathon champion for two years running, Houston really is in the form of his life!



Loch Ness Marathon winner 2012 - what a picture!

Firstly, how did you get into running? Was it through school/ running club?

It was first through an athletics club. I have run for my current club, Stirling - based Central AC since age 13 (that’s a scary 19 years ago!) We had a good group of friends when I was a teenager and as a result I enjoyed it and kept improving. I won a few Scottish Schools 1500 metres races.         

When you went up North to university, did you continue to run seriously?

    Yes, but possibly got a bit too involved in the student life! I did run throughout but I guess I wasn’t fully committed to it. In fact, I don’t think I really started training at a level that is needed to be nationally competitive as a senior athlete until I was about 27 or 28.

     Judging from your results, you have run a wide number of different events. How have these changed throughout your career? 

    I was a middle distance runner as a teenager. 800 metres and 1500 metres. I used to be reasonably (but not very) quick over the shorter stuff. In more recent years it has been road racing which is mainly 10k, half marathons and marathons. At the moment, I focus on marathons once or twice a year and run shorter races for ‘fun’ and to keep up a bit of speed.

Not only did Ross nearly beat the Loch Ness course record but his time was 84 seconds off the qualifying time for this event at the Commonwealth Games 2014!

Now looking to the future, is it your goal to gain the 2014 Commonwealth qualifying time for the marathon?

     Yes, I think it’s realistic for me to get under 2:19:00 which is the standard. I will hopefully give it a shot at the London marathon next year if training goes well. Getting the time will not mean automatic selection because there is likely to be a few others with the time from Scotland.

      So what lies ahead for the winter months?

    Next up is a few cross country races which are usually good club events and give a bit of variety to winter training. There are some relay races over both cross country and road.

And your next big race? 

I guess the next big race will be the East of Scotland cross country championships in December!

I wish Ross all the best in his winter training and beyond and a massive thank you to him for taking time out of his busy schedule - hopefully I will get to watch him in action soon!

Ross's..

Sporting hero: Steve Cram

Sporting accessory: My Garmin GPS watch (Check out Sports Accessory's page!)

Sporting song: I don’t listen to music at all for running!

Week 1 and speaking with...



Jennifer Beattie

A 21-year-old athlete from Glasgow who has already achieved so much in her young sporting career to date. Through the influence of her closest friends, she joined her school's football team at the age of 9 and has never looked back. Around a decade ago, club football for girls under the age of 15 was nowhere near as widespread as it is today and so Jenny found herself playing for a boys team, Hamilton Academical's, up until the age of 14.  Showing great potential at a young age she had her first taste of senior football with Queen's Park Ladies and later with Celtic Ladies. Then in the summer of 2009 she was offered a dream opportunity to join Arsenal Ladies saying her decision to accept was a "no brainer."

Arsenal Ladies are the most successful English woman's football team having won 34 major trophies to date. A real versatile and strong player, Jenny not only plays in defence but also up front with a knack for scoring goals.  At such a well known club her responsibilities are not only confined to the pitch but as a role model for youngsters too. With Olympic fever in the air and the increased media coverage women's football received at London 2012, Jenny said,  "It has been important for us to keep the momentum going after the success of the Olympics and use the attention positively to encourage youngsters to try the game." She then went on to mention the Free Girls Football Festival that Arsenal held recently at Borehamwood Football Club on the 14th August. Girls of all abilities aged 7 to 12 years old were welcomed and had the chance to be coached by some of the Arsenal Ladies' players on hand to offer tips and encouragement. 

On the national front, Jenny is a key member of the senior national side having gained 55 caps and scoring 17 goals for her country. The Scots are experiencing a great run of results lately showcasing a strong squad of players. As previously mentioned, opportunities for girls to play football have developed greatly in recent years further emphasised by the opening of the Women's National Football Academy in Stirling three years ago. This support network allows young talented female footballers to reach their full potential while at the same time continuing their education. The case is no different with Jenny who has recently finished her Business degree at the University of Hertfordshire.

Currently, Scotland have two more qualifying games versus Wales and France for the UEFA Womens Euro's 2013 where they need to gain one point from six to reach the play-offs. On their chances, she says, "We believe as a squad we have a real opportunity to reach the playoffs and if we play well and luck goes our way on the day who knows what could happen." Their second game is at home versus France on 17th September at Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh. £5 for adults, £2 concession/child. 

A huge thank you to Jenny and I wish all the best of luck to the team in forthcoming matches, will be along to support!

Jenny's..

Sporting hero: Jessica Ennis 

Sporting tune: Boyce Avenue 

Sporting accessory: Pre Wrap (Check out Sport Accessories page!)