A BRITISH champion runner with PH Racing Club has admitted to feeling both surprised and energised by an injury-enforced switch to track racing.

Roger Clark, who has represented Scotland in V45 cross-country and triathlon in an accomplished career as an endurance athlete, is looking ahead to this summer's World Masters Championships after clinching national glory.

In his first season competing over the one-lap distance, he became the British Masters 400 metres champion, in a time of 54.37 seconds, in August last year after an issue with his hip saw him switch from distance running.

Roger, a chemistry, science and computer science teacher at Breadalbane Academy in Aberfeldy – and who once taught at Sir Roger Bannister's school, and later that of England men's football team boss, Gareth Southgate – has credited PH's "brilliant ethos" for helping him achieve beyond expectations.

In addition to his hip problem, Roger has Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), an inherited condition which can lead to the deterioration of kidney function.

As a result, in addition to adapting his training to maximise his potential on the track, he has to keep on top of his blood pressure to ensure there is no detrimental effect on his kidneys.

In a recent interview with Scottish Athletics' PB Magazine – which the sport's governing body have granted Press Sport permission to use – Roger explained: "I had a really good season in 2017 but that’s when my hip problem started.

"It’s the weirdest thing, but when I tried running again I found that there was no pain when I was running super-fast, so I just kept that ball rolling and eventually just thought, ‘What events could we do here?’

"I had run the 400m at school and it’s one of those things, if you’ve done something when you’re younger you’ve still got it in you. I was a good school runner, so I thought, ‘Let’s just give this a go’, and it snowballed from there with my first race at the Scottish Champs.

"I didn’t really have any expectations that I’d be able to run 400 metres quickly but what you begin to realise is that if you gradually increase the intensity, your body can actually cope with it."

Living with PKD is something that V50 athlete Roger, who trains predominantly with his wife, Anna, believes has helped ensure he maintains a healthy lifestyle.

"I've used some of the PH sessions in my training plan but I’ve done a lot of strength training and I’ve listened to loads of podcasts, so I’ve soaked that all up," he continued.

"Without the strength training I tend to find I get little niggles so it’s been a big focus, as well as a lot of mobility exercises."

Describing his masters experience so far as "absolutely fantastic", and one that has inspired him to reset his own goals, and impact those around him positively, Roger said that the "culture of achievement" within PH was something that he has relished.

"We have a brilliant ethos at the club," he added.

"There is definitely a culture of achievement and of going beyond what you thought was possible, and I definitely feel that I’ve bought into that.

"It’s about encouraging each other and pushing each other on to achieve some really fantastic performances."