Grangemouth 10K

On Sunday nine harriers made their way to Grangemouth for the latest round of the Grand Prix
M Goldsmith was uncontested in the ladies race but still managed a very good time (47.21)
S Hill was 1st harrier home with his 2nd fastest 10k ever (38.06) despite Grangemouths usual windy conditions but he was chased all the way by youngster S Reilly (39.03) who kept E Reid at bay (39.21). Next in was a young S Waugh who was listed in the results as a senior great to see him shedding a few years (40.41). J Holmes kept his good record over D Herbertson with times of (41.48) and (42.27) respecfully. D Searil kept his marathon training on track with a consistant (49.43) and to round of the day R Couper (56.41) to mark the start of my comeback.

The next race in the GP would normally be Kilmarnock 10k but due to date changes this will change so keep your ears open at the club and your eyes on the BLOG

Races for Young Athletes - Information for Parents/Carers

There are two races which require the club's young athletes to pre-enter. On Friday 26 th June we host our own Trail Races and as in previous years all you have to do is complete the form and return it on a Wednesday training night to get a free entry. All details of the event are on http://www.calderglenharriers.org.uk/



The next race is the Junior Great Scottish Run on 5 September 2009 (minimum age 9 years old on the day of the race). Entry forms can be picked up at training and send with the entry fee to the appropriate address. You can also enter online at www.runglasgow.org

These two races will be the focus of our training in the summer months so to make it all worthwhile it is hoped most ,if not all ,young athletes will take part in these events.

Club recognition

In the latest edition of Scottish Athletics PB magazine, Calderglen are recognised for the recent Club Mark achievement. With our 25^th anniversary celebrations well underway, this is another reminder of what we have achieved in the past years. Who knows what we can make of the next 25.

Malcolm  

ALLOA HALF MARATHON

Two of the club's Tuesday night section took part in the Alloa half marathon on Sunday. Caroline Dewar finished the race in 1 hour 56 minutes and 33 seconds and Mhairi Steven ( no relation the the Club President) was three minutes behind in 1 hour 59 minutes and 34 seconds. These were two excellent times for conditions in which runners endured strong headwinds for most of the race. The next race of this distance targeted for the ladies is the East Kilbride Half Marathon in June.

Also taking part at Alloa were Scot Hill (1 hour 25 minutes and 37 seconds ), Eddie Reid ( 1 hour 27 minutes and 2 seconds ) , John McBride
( 1 hour 47 minutes and 36 seconds ) and Davie Searil ( 1 hour 53 minutes and 32 seconds ) .

Calderglen Country Park - Spring Clean

The Rotary Club of East Kilbride and the Country Park Rangers are organising a clean up on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th April. Local clubs and organisations are invited to help out this important task within the park. Anyone interested ( families will be very welcome) should report to the Ranger Station ( next to Torrance House ) at 10 am on either or both days. Anyone needing further details should post a message on this blog or contact Roddy Shanks on club nights.

South Lanarkshire Secondary School Cross Country Championships

This event takes place on Wednesday in Biggar and a number of our young athletes will be taking part. The club wishes them well and hope they all bring success to their school. As soon as the results become available they will be posted here.

National Junior Road Race Championship - East Kilbride

It was a typically cold and windy day today in EK for the prestigious National Junior Road Race Championships. A compact course starting from the John Wright track twisted its way between the Whitemoss, Birniehill and Murray roundabouts and back again, all on pavements.

Calderglen Harriers were well represented across the age groups. Star performer was Ewan Murray, finishing 16th in the U15 Boys 4.5km race in a time of 15:54. This was particularly impressive as Ewan had competed the day before in the Scottish Boys Brigade championships (3000m), finishing second. Very well done to Ewan. In the same U15 boys race, Richard Campbell finished in 17:48. Amie Mulholland was the sole Harrier in the U13 girls 3km race, finishing in 13:52 and Emma Campbell represented the Harriers in the U15 girls 4.5km race (20:56). Alistair Crawford, Ross Paterson and Andrew Ritchie pulled each other through the U13 boys race (3km), finishing in 13:45, 13:57 and 16:16 respectively. The last race in the programme was the 7.5km U20 mens race in which Stephen Reilly and Ben Ferguson (see photo)tracked each other closely over the two lap course. Ben eventually edged away in the final 1km to record a time of 27:12, followed by Stephen in a time of 27:32, finishing in 22nd and 23rd places respectively.

Glasgow Parkrun 5k - Update

The Harriers continue to be well represented at the Saturday morning Parkrun 5k races in Pollok Park (every Saturday at 0930, free entry, register once only online). David Herbertson was tempted out for a second time this Saturday and joined a field of 133 for the 16th race in the weekly series. Perhaps more familiar with the course this time and definitely getting fitter, David improved his course best by 31 seconds finishing in 21:14 and 31st position.

Mary Goldsmith has been the most prolific Harrier at this event, competing every fortnight since the end of January. In the 4 events completed, her best time so far was 22:23 in her third event, a time that puts her well up the age group rankings.

Stuart Waugh, Stephen Phimister and Davie Searil have each made one appearance recording times of 20:29, 19:42 and 24:07 respectively. 

This is a great way to monitor your fitness improvement in a competitive environment without taking too much out of yourself. The times also count towards the Harriers Performance Awards, so lets see the Harriers continue to support this event.

Alan

West Highland Way Weekend Update

The balance for the week-end will be due on 30th April. The total cost will be £50. This is made up of £39 for diner, B&B at the Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club and £11 for the cost of the mini-bus. For those not on the mini-bus, you can do the maths. If you wish to pay any instalments or the full amount, I’ll be at the club most Thursdays. Please remember, if you are paying by cheque to make it payable to myself and not Calderglen Harriers.

Malcolm

Trimpell 20

Another report from Harriers on tour. Thanks to David Searil for this report from the seaside. Well done to Ian and Davie:

Last Sunday, on a beautiful sunny Lancashire spring morning, around 500 runners set out on a 20 mile pre-London race. Starting at the Trimpell

 Sports & Leisure Club in the seaside town, the route wound it’s way around a variety of surfaces from dead straight former railway tracks to rather desolate empty-looking factory estates and onto the dappled sunshine of the glorious River Lune riverside trail. The course is mainly flat, mostly off-road & as picturesque ( in parts, the route does go under the M6! ) as you could want.

With finishing times ranging from 1 hour 50 to 4 hours 14 it catered for all abilities and is highly recommended by a number of Harriers who have completed this race in the past as part of their Spring marathon training.

A member of the Harriers’ support team braving the Atlantic winds the 

day before the race

Ian Hughes was the Harriers’ leading runner on the day, by a distance, finishing in 2.09.51 – only nine seconds away from his pre-race target. He finished 37th overall and 25th senior man. Not quite as accurate, although pretty close, was Davie Searil on 2.58.23. This was a minute and a half faster than he meant to be which he put down to missing mile markers 15, 16, 17 & 18. A rising mild panic led to him pushing the pace towards the end in case he went over his predicted time. At least he now knows for sure his stamina is not in doubt over the longer distance by finishing faster than he started. Davie finished 367th overall from a total of 493 finishers and 33rd MV50.

Even the local football team wore the Harriers’ colours in support! 

Some of the Scottish contingent required only vest & shorts in the mild March weather although Ian wimped out by wearing a short-sleeved tee shirt under his vest. The two Harriers representatives attempted a high-five as they sped past each other on the out-and-back course but their combined speed was so great they missed! They also missed each other at the finish as Ian was tucking in to the generous spread laid on by the hosts while Davie sped away to Morecambe seafront looking for a pub showing the League Cup Final!

25th Anniversary Dinner Dance

The Club dinner dance with ceilidh band, to celebrate the club's 25 years will be on 12th September at 6.00pm. At the moment to allow all club members to attend, it is proposed that tickets should be allocated to 2 tickets per member. The cost of the dinner/dance will be £20 per head with a deposit of £5 per ticket to be paid by the end of April. The balance should be paid by the end of August to allow for caterers and the band to be paid. (If anyone wishes the balance can be paid up in smaller amounts to Eddie.)

Eddie

Scottish National Young Athletes Road Race Championships

Further to a previous post the following Young Athletes have been entered for the above races which start and finish at East Kilbride Stadium ( beside the John Wright Sports Centre).

Under 13 Girls 3,000 metres 11.30 am - Amy Mulholland

Under 13 Boys 3,000 metres 11.50 am - Ross Barrie,Ian Rae, Ross Paterson,Alistair Crawford, Andrew Ritchie, David McMonagle, Greg Mulholland, Connor White, Paul Mullen

Under 15 Girls 4,500 metres 12.10 am - Emma Campbell

Under 15 Boys 4,500 metres

Under 15 Boys 4,500 metres 12.40 pm - Ewan Murray, Richard Campbell, Daniel Mullen, Stuart Hill, Josh Ladds, Ross Jarvie

Under 20 Men 7,500 metres 2.15 pm - Stephen Reilly, Ben Ferguson, Jamie Wood

All athletes are to report to the running track at least 30 minutes before the start of their race.

SCOTTISH ATHLETICS MEMBERSHIP CARDS MUST BE UP TO DATE TO TAKE PART IN THIS RACE.

Algarve Training 2009

Escaping from the frankly rubbish Scottish weather in March to get some quality and quantity into the training has been a priority for Alan Derrick and long-time former Harrier Jimmy Stewart for the last 11 years. This year was no exception and they were joined for the second year in a row by Stuart Gibson on the 2:09 Events Algarve Training Camp from 5th to 14th March.

Located in the secluded resort of Falesia, 400m from one of the Algarve's most famous beaches, the Spring training camp has been organised for the last 26 years by former London marathon winner Mike Gratton and his company 2:09 Events. Geared mainly as a pre-London training camp, the participants reflect a wide range of running abilities from relative beginners to seasoned veterans and club runners (and non-running partners there for the holiday). The regular coaches include Mike himself and 1963 European 5000m champion Bruce Tulloh (still a formidable runner at the age of 73). This year the coaching staff were boosted by the addition of Paul Evans, two times Olympic 10000m finalist (with a sub-28 minute 10k pb), winner of the Chicago Marathon (2:08), 2nd at New York and 3rd at London and a thorougly nice chap. Paul's job was to take the "fast" pack which included Stuart and I. The final element of this camp is the weather and once again we were blessed with wall to wall sunshine, cloudless skies and temperatures between 18 and 25 degrees C. Before leaving for Portugal on Thursday 5th March, my final session on Wednesday evening was a speed session, teetering around the icy road within Calderglen Country Park. What a difference a day makes!

The training comprises a morning run (8am before it gets too hot and to give plenty of recovery time) of 5 or 6 miles on dirt tracks and paths along the cliff tops, through the orange groves or along the beach (photo shows Stuart in the blue vest and shorts and Paul Evans in black on the left on a steady training run). The rest of the day is holiday time by the pool, on the beach, visiting the local attractions, eating ice cream, cakes or whatever else takes your fancy. The afternoon session is at 4pm, the first of which is a 1-mile time trial on the track to rank everyone into an appropriate pack for the rest of the training. Stuart was the class act here, improving his pb by 6 seconds to record a time of 4:39. Meanwhile, I hit a major milestone from the wrong direction, failing to break 5 minutes for a mile for the first time in my life (5:05). It was no great surprise on current form. Former sub 4-minute miler Paul Evans mysteriously recorded a time of around 5:27 (in his defence, he is 47 now and suffering from years of marathon training).

Two further afternoon sessions were taken up with tough pyramid sessions on the undulating Almond Blossom cross-country course and a third afternoon session was a 6 x 600m track session at mile pace (was supposed to be 5k pace but runners will be runners!). Yoga, core-stability and pilates sessions were also organised most afternoons for those who fancied giving that a try.

Towards the end of the first week, a 5 mile cross-country handicap race takes place in the morning. By this time many of the runners were decidely second-hand, especially me, having covered many more miles than usual during the week. The handicap is based on the mile time trial with some recognition given to previous 10k pb's and previous history at this event. It was therefore no surprise that Stuart found himself running off scratch, starting two and a half minutes after me and some 33:30 after the first runner away, 79 year old Norman Bowers (who has been to all 26 training camps). It was more of a surprise to find the aforementioned two times Olympic 10000m finalist, Chicago Marathon winner, sub 4 minute miler, etc starting two and a half minutes in front of me (I will hear no more complaints about my Xmas handicap handicapping!). Anyway, it all unfolded quite well with the faster guys all closing up towards the end. In terms of scratch times, Stuart was fastest (27:30ish), I was second (29:51 another big pw) and first M40 and Paul Evans was 3rd.

The prize giving BBQ is held in the evening of the race (photo shows Stuart being presented with his prize by Paul Evans) before retiring to our "local" the Neptuno Bar for a mega Karaoke session. Having set a high standard last year, Stuart had no option but to take centre stage again this year and to raise his game. This he did with the benefit of a kilt, displaying the versatility of a middle and long distance runner by covering a Bon Jovi number for starters and finishing with a wee blast of Abba. I meanwhile provided backing vocals to a wide range of artistes.

Over the 9 days, I completed 14 running sessions, covering 72 miles and, amazingly, came back feeling well rested (although my long-term foot injury is not surprisingly somewhat worse). There is no doubt that health and injuries allowing, we will all be back again next year.

Alan

Red Nose Day

Stuart Hill took part in a Red Nose Day Fun Run at his school Duncanrig Secondary yesterday. In the S2 race he came in 5th place overall. Well done to the Harriers young athlete and to his shool who raised over £3000 with numerous events taking place throughout the day.

Anybody else involved in RND - running or other events ?

Balloch to Clydebank 1/2 Marathon

As Coach is away in Portugal (or a Spray Tan Booth in the Village), a quick note regarding the Half Marathon on Sunday. Unless I'm mistaken, just the 2 Harriers ran - Andy Buchanan, who belted round in 1.20.22 (a PB I would think?) & Davy Searil in 1.47.59. Good result, well done guys.

It should be noted that Andy Buchanan is also on the provisional results as finishing in 2.12 but I hazarded a guess that the 1.20.22 is the correct one?

Colin

West Highland Way Weekend Update

We now have a full mini bus with 16 runners. If there is sufficient additional interest, I will look at hiring a 2nd mini bus and negotiate addition rooms. If you are still undecided about the weekend, let me know ASAP and I will compile a stand-by list. I have negotiated with the hire company that we can return the mini bus on Monday so there will be no mad dash back to EK on Sunday afternoon. This will give us lots of time to swim in the warm tropical waters and soak up the west coast rays!

Malcolm

HAMILTON PRIMARY SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY

Megan Brady a P6 pupil at Woodside Primary in Hamilton took part in this race last week. She regularly attends the Harriers Young Athletes training on a Wednesday night and performed brilliantly over a very muddy course at Hamilton Palace Sports Grounds claiming 14 th place overall in the girls race.

Further to my previous posting on the East Kilbride Primary Schools Cross Country also taking part in the P7 boys race were Alistair Crawford (Hunter PS) and Connor White ( Long Calderwood PS) .

Best wishes to club newcomer Olivia McAdams (Fernhill School) who will be taking part in Glasgow Primary Schools race this Friday.

Peebles Beltane 10K - Sunday 14-June (12:00 noon)

Greetings from Peebles...

The Moorfoot Runners annual 10K road race is now confirmed for Sunday 14-June (12:00 noon start time). There is also a Junior 3K race which will be run beforehand.

Online (Runners World) or postal entry....

Hope to see a few Harriers vests down for the day to take part and I'll see if I can reciprocate by bringing some Moorfoots through for the Calderglen Trail Race.

More details on the Moorfoot website and our Moorfoot blogger

As we approach the better weather, also let me know if any of you fancy joining the Moorfoots for a Sunday runs- typically trail running on the forest roads - good practise for your forthcoming West Highland Way run....

Regards...

Kenny

Proposed redevelopment of the trail path

If you can remember back at the AGM, I spoke about the proposal by Sainsburys to create a new path to replace the one which passes alongside the wind turbine. Well, in this week’s EK News buried in the list of planning applications is their planning submission. I went in the civic centre today and looked at the plans. They are going ahead with their original route i.e. along the pavement until you get to the new path through the woodland next to the sub-station. At the meeting I went to, they were asked to consider keeping the path off road and behind that farm on the left. They probably had no intentions of changing as it will cost more. I spoke with the planning department today and the person who is dealing with the application is going to phone me on Monday. If we as a club and also as individuals want to object then we probably only have next week to write in as I don't know when it will go to committee. I will form a draft letter which members can submit. Watch this space.
Roddy

EK PRIMARY SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY

Some of the club's young athletes were representing their schools on Friday at Brancumhall. There were some fine performances by Paul Mullen ( St Leonards ) who was third in the P7 Boys 1.5 km race. In the same race Greg Mulholland (Halfmerke) was 19th which was excellent for a boy who has only trained with the Harriers for 2 weeks. Amy Mulholland ( yes they are twins) was fourth in the girls race having only recently recovered from tonsilitis.

If a full set of results become available I will post them on this blog

25th Anniversary Club Album

We are trying to put together an on-line album recording the history of the Harriers in pictures, newspaper race reports, the old club newsletter, etc. David Herbertson has kindly offered to collate all the information and to upload it in a suitable format. To help with this, please gather together whatever you have, particularly information from the 80's and 90's and give it to David. If you have paper documents, David can handle the scanning. If you have items in electronic format, then probably best to bring them up on a memory stick or CD. Whatever you bring up, please provide a description of what, where and when it is and, for photographs, the names of the Harriers pictured. Remember to put your name on any originals you need returned.

Thanks
Alan

Web Site Makeover

Our web site isn't quite 25 years old but as part of the Harriers' 25th celebrations, I have given the web site a spring clean. The interface is simplified (no Java menus) so it should load a bit more quickly. However the main reason for the changes is to shift the emphasis towards the Blog for all our news and race reports and to leave the web site just showing static information that does not change much.
Alan