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Man on the run

I found true love thanks to a spot of jogging!


Published by: Jemma Gillard
Published on: 26 January 2012

Could I think of anywhere worse to spend my Sunday mornings than a wet, muddy rugby pitch? Nope.
But my son Craig, 7, had begged to join the local club, and I couldn't let him down. And it wasn't like I had anyone else to spend Sunday mornings with...
I'd been divorced for a couple of years, and had got used to being on my own. ‘Who'd be interested in a single mum?' I'd tell friends when they'd said I should try dating websites.
That was how I found myself at the rugby field.
But as he went to warm up, I found something that warmed me up!
One of the coaches was gorgeous - fit, with blue eyes. Catching my eye, he came over. ‘My name's Ross. First time here?' I nodded. His son Bradley, 8, was a regular player.
I was sure there was a spark between us! Ross and I chatted regularly after that. Knowing he was sporty, I wanted to impress him.
‘Are you a good runner?'
‘Yes, I run a couple of marathons each year.'
‘Wow, could you give me some tips?' I chuckled.
He was only too happy to help. But he realised I wasn't as good as I'd said, as I puffed and panted my way to the end of the street!
Luckily, it didn't put him off training with me.
Then one day after a run... Ross kissed me! ‘I've wanted to do that for weeks,' he said.
Two months later, Ross had a surprise for me. ‘What's going on?' I asked, as he led me to the empty rugby pitch. Then he got down on one knee.
‘Will you marry me?' he asked, holding out a ring.
‘What... I... yes!' I said. We married two years later, and celebrated in Paris by running a marathon in kilts and ‘Just married' signs.
Even when I fell pregnant with Lucas, now six, I continued to run. Four weeks after the birth, I was in my size 8 shorts. I never thought I'd end up running my way to love!
Jennifer Laing, 36, Edinburgh