Check out the latest Performance Award Standards achieved this season using this link. This can also be accessed using the "Current Performance Standards" link in the menu to the left and you can check the standards tables, rules and regulations via the "Performance Award Scheme" item on the menu. This table comes from those results passed on via the blog or by e-mail so if you spot any mistakes or missing times, then please leave a comment.
Alan
Friday 29 May 2009
Clydebank 10K
The second of the Polaroid races brought warm racing conditions, although it didn't look like it. After the rush of last week all the Harriers made sure they were there in plenty of time, leaving a long time to warm up.
Calderglen did have four runners in the field again. The first to finish was Andy Buchanan in 35:56. Next was Stephen Reilly who struggled to hold on to the fast pace at the start of the race, finishing in 37:18. Scot Hill was next to finish 38:11, followed by Jim Holmes, who just missed out on breakng the 40 minute barrier, finishing in a time of 40:36.
Although not the fastest Polaroid race, Clydebank still offered a good, flat course for quick times.
Well Done!!
Calderglen did have four runners in the field again. The first to finish was Andy Buchanan in 35:56. Next was Stephen Reilly who struggled to hold on to the fast pace at the start of the race, finishing in 37:18. Scot Hill was next to finish 38:11, followed by Jim Holmes, who just missed out on breakng the 40 minute barrier, finishing in a time of 40:36.
Although not the fastest Polaroid race, Clydebank still offered a good, flat course for quick times.
Well Done!!
Thursday 28 May 2009
Cancer Research Relay for Life 12/13 June
As a matter of priority could all members of the Harriers please contribute to the tombola that we will have at the above event. Anything that you think is appropriate ( bottles of wine or any unwanted presents) please bring them along on club nights .
FULL DETAILS OF THE EVENT WILL BE POSTED ON THIS BLOG EARLY NEXT WEEK.
FULL DETAILS OF THE EVENT WILL BE POSTED ON THIS BLOG EARLY NEXT WEEK.
Tuesday 26 May 2009
Chatelherault 25th May
Turned up (late) to Chatelherault last night armed with spreadsheet, pen & waterproof bag for times only to end up running half of it alone then giving George a piggy-back for the second half. Needless to say, by the time I got back it was virtually dark & most people were at home in the shower so please drop your times in here or memorise for next time.
Thanks
Colin
Thanks
Colin
Monday 25 May 2009
Kirkcudbright Half Marathon
There was only one Harrier running in the Kirkcudbright Half Marathon. The scenic but hilly course, offered an accurate route (I've been told to say) for runners. But windy conditions did not make it easy for fast times. Scot Hill still managed to finish in 1:23:44 and in 20th position, taking nearly half a minute off his previous PB.
Well Done!!
Well Done!!
Sunday 24 May 2009
Grand Prix - Update
The Grand Prix points have been updated following the DB 10k at Bishopbriggs. In the men's competition Eddie Reid continues to hang on to the lead but Jim Holmes is loitering with intent (and a joker to play) in second place. Mary Goldsmith has a strong lead in the ladies competition but will no doubt be under pressure from Frances and Sandra in the closing races. Use the menu on the left to access the results.
In the men's competition, the next race is the Rouken Glen 10k on 11th June (pre-entry required), followed by Dechmont Law on 14th June and the Vertical Mile on 2nd July.
For the ladies, the next race is the Auldhouse 5k Time Trial on 4th June followed by the races above.
In the men's competition, the next race is the Rouken Glen 10k on 11th June (pre-entry required), followed by Dechmont Law on 14th June and the Vertical Mile on 2nd July.
For the ladies, the next race is the Auldhouse 5k Time Trial on 4th June followed by the races above.
Saturday 23 May 2009
Friday 22 May 2009
Helensburgh 10K
With a new school built, the start and finish of the Helensburgh 10K had been altered, but it still offered a reasonably good course for fast times. But because of the bad traffic travelling through, some of the Harriers were lucky to make it to the start line at all, only getting there 10 minutes before the gun went.
Calderglen did have four runners in the field though. Andy Buchanan crossed the line in 35:58 finishing in a top 20 position. Stephen Reilly was next to finish and although he started somewhere near the back of the field, finished in 36:51. David Herbertson finished in 44:24 and Ian McKenzie was 46:43. The fact that there was a bit of a rush at the start of the race and there was no warm up at all, I think everyone ran well.
The racing conditions were warm, but the support from everyone along the course kept the runners going.
Well done guys!!
Calderglen did have four runners in the field though. Andy Buchanan crossed the line in 35:58 finishing in a top 20 position. Stephen Reilly was next to finish and although he started somewhere near the back of the field, finished in 36:51. David Herbertson finished in 44:24 and Ian McKenzie was 46:43. The fact that there was a bit of a rush at the start of the race and there was no warm up at all, I think everyone ran well.
The racing conditions were warm, but the support from everyone along the course kept the runners going.
Well done guys!!
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Monklands Half
The Monklands Half Marathon was held on Sunday on an unpredicted good weather day. This was pleasant for the spectators but not so pleasant for the 120 or so who started the race.
Calderglen Harriers had 3 runners in the field. Andy Buchanan finishing in an impressive 2nd place in 1 hour 21 mins 14 secs, wearing new shoes only borrowed from a trusting retailer (although later paid for from the well earned prize money.) Gerry McParland finished 6th overall in 1 hour 24mins 57 secs and Ian Hughes was 10th in 1hour 27mins 11 secs on his return to running after injury forced him to defer his entry to the London Marathon to 2010 (where he assures us he will break 2.45).
As usual the event was well organised and although the course has its limitations (1x3 mile lap and 2x5 mile laps) and is certainly not flat, the race is very good value for the entry fee.
Thanks to Gerry for the race report and to Colin for the alternative race report (see the comments).
Calderglen Harriers had 3 runners in the field. Andy Buchanan finishing in an impressive 2nd place in 1 hour 21 mins 14 secs, wearing new shoes only borrowed from a trusting retailer (although later paid for from the well earned prize money.) Gerry McParland finished 6th overall in 1 hour 24mins 57 secs and Ian Hughes was 10th in 1hour 27mins 11 secs on his return to running after injury forced him to defer his entry to the London Marathon to 2010 (where he assures us he will break 2.45).
As usual the event was well organised and although the course has its limitations (1x3 mile lap and 2x5 mile laps) and is certainly not flat, the race is very good value for the entry fee.
Thanks to Gerry for the race report and to Colin for the alternative race report (see the comments).
Deaf Blind 10k - Bishopbriggs
Think canal bank, think flat, fast course. Wrong! Scenic is the coded description of this nice little race over an accurate 10k distance. 14 Harriers descended on Bishopbriggs Sports Centre on Saturday afternoon in pre-race conditions that ranged from monsoon wet to rain forest humid. The sun was out for the race itself but the preceding rain left the narrow footpath on one side of the canal bank very muddy and slippy. An interesting combination for those wearing flat, racing shoes.
Starting on the pavement outside the sports centre, the course headed up onto the main street before turning back down towards the narrow footpath beside the canal, back to the sports centre, over the bridge and back down the wider towpath on the other side. After 3 or 4k, the course veered off onto a more undulating path beside a golf course before picking up a river bank path and eventually another road. Here the course climbed steadily before dropping sharply back down to the canal bank. From there it was a flat, meandering towpath run back to the golf course bridge before crossing the canal for a final time onto the narrow, slippy path for the final km to the finish.
Alan Derrick, Martin Duthie and Stephen Reilly joined the leading pack for the first km but by the time we hit the single file canal bank path, the leading pack was down to only 4, including Martin and Alan. The eventual winner, M50 Jeff Farqhar gradually stretched away whilst Alan alternated between 2nd and 3rd place through the middle stages of the course and Martin maintained a safe 4th. Having just flown in from Copenhagen that morning, Alan was none too racy and indeed was glad to cruise the final km with friend and club mate Martin. An attempted synchronised, side-by-side finish did not defeat the presumably hidden photo finish equipment and Martin was declared 3rd and Alan 4th in identical times of 36:20. Oh how Margaret Anne, in whose memory many of us were running, would have laughed at that outcome!
Stephen Reilly held on for first Junior despite twisting his knee in the slippy conditions (38:14), with Scot Hill (38:50)and Eddie Reid (39:15) close behind. Frances Maxwell was one of the several Calderglen wounded but finished in 45:51 in her first race for some time. Mary Goldsmith finished in 52:08, confirming the tough conditions. An ill Sandra Reid made the sensible decision to drop out early on, not feeling great.
The Harriers contributed to Calderglen being the biggest club there and finished in the following order: Stuart Waugh (40:54), Jim Holmes (41:06), David Herbertson (44:06), Ian McKenzie (missing from results), David Searil (49:59), Don Kennedy (50:38) and finally Russell Couper (58:24) who sustained an achilles tendon injury early on but somehow kept it going to the finish.
Well done to all and thanks to the Harriers' friends and families who turned out to support this worthwhile cause.
Starting on the pavement outside the sports centre, the course headed up onto the main street before turning back down towards the narrow footpath beside the canal, back to the sports centre, over the bridge and back down the wider towpath on the other side. After 3 or 4k, the course veered off onto a more undulating path beside a golf course before picking up a river bank path and eventually another road. Here the course climbed steadily before dropping sharply back down to the canal bank. From there it was a flat, meandering towpath run back to the golf course bridge before crossing the canal for a final time onto the narrow, slippy path for the final km to the finish.
Alan Derrick, Martin Duthie and Stephen Reilly joined the leading pack for the first km but by the time we hit the single file canal bank path, the leading pack was down to only 4, including Martin and Alan. The eventual winner, M50 Jeff Farqhar gradually stretched away whilst Alan alternated between 2nd and 3rd place through the middle stages of the course and Martin maintained a safe 4th. Having just flown in from Copenhagen that morning, Alan was none too racy and indeed was glad to cruise the final km with friend and club mate Martin. An attempted synchronised, side-by-side finish did not defeat the presumably hidden photo finish equipment and Martin was declared 3rd and Alan 4th in identical times of 36:20. Oh how Margaret Anne, in whose memory many of us were running, would have laughed at that outcome!
Stephen Reilly held on for first Junior despite twisting his knee in the slippy conditions (38:14), with Scot Hill (38:50)and Eddie Reid (39:15) close behind. Frances Maxwell was one of the several Calderglen wounded but finished in 45:51 in her first race for some time. Mary Goldsmith finished in 52:08, confirming the tough conditions. An ill Sandra Reid made the sensible decision to drop out early on, not feeling great.
The Harriers contributed to Calderglen being the biggest club there and finished in the following order: Stuart Waugh (40:54), Jim Holmes (41:06), David Herbertson (44:06), Ian McKenzie (missing from results), David Searil (49:59), Don Kennedy (50:38) and finally Russell Couper (58:24) who sustained an achilles tendon injury early on but somehow kept it going to the finish.
Well done to all and thanks to the Harriers' friends and families who turned out to support this worthwhile cause.
Saturday 16 May 2009
TTC 09
Just to let you all know, the cheques you gave me to book your place for the Trossachs Training Camp, will be deposited into the bank next week. Call me if this doesn't suit you and I can delay it a week or so.
I'll be needing more money soon from some of you so, get saving!
I'll be needing more money soon from some of you so, get saving!
Friday 15 May 2009
EKAC 2 Kilometre Fun Run
This local fun run is for young athletes aged 8 -17 years old . It takes place on Wednesday 3 rd June and registration is at the yellow portakabin beside the running track at the John Wright Sports Centre. You can enter the race from 6.15 pm and the race starts at 7.15 pm.The entry fee is £3. THERE WILL BE NO TRAINING FOR YOUNG ATHLETES AT CALDERGLEN THAT NIGHT.
All of our young athletes must be accompnied by a parent/carer for the duration of the event. The club's coaches and helpers will accompany the young athletes ( mainly Under 8's) around the course. Medals for all finishers.
PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY AS IT PROMISES TO BE A BUSY EVENING.
All of our young athletes must be accompnied by a parent/carer for the duration of the event. The club's coaches and helpers will accompany the young athletes ( mainly Under 8's) around the course. Medals for all finishers.
PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY AS IT PROMISES TO BE A BUSY EVENING.
Thursday 14 May 2009
Chatelherault Times 11th May
See the link below for the updated Chatelherault times from Mondays session.
Let me know if I have missed anyone or recorded incorrect times or names - that was a huge turnout of about 30 with a couple of new faces & it is tricky recording times whilst getting ravaged by midges!!
Chatelherault
Colin
Let me know if I have missed anyone or recorded incorrect times or names - that was a huge turnout of about 30 with a couple of new faces & it is tricky recording times whilst getting ravaged by midges!!
Chatelherault
Colin
Tuesday 12 May 2009
Ignis Asset Women's 10k
The enormously popular womens race in Glasgow on Sunday also included some of the Harriers Tuesday night section who produced some fantastic times. Caroline Dewar and Mhairi Steven both crossed the finishing line on 49 minutes and 53 seconds while Julie Collins was not too far behind in 55 minutes and 25 seconds. Monique McAdams continued to improve and dipped under the hour with forty seconds to spare . Her close friend Jennifer Fegan who came along to the club for the first time last night finished on 65 minutes and 42 seconds.
A special mention goes to mum to be Alice Leigh ( no poetry intended) who understandbly took things a bit easier than usual but with a fine time of 75 minutes and 56 seconds .
An enormous well done goes out to all the ladies and is a sentiment I am sure will supported by all the Harriers.
A special mention goes to mum to be Alice Leigh ( no poetry intended) who understandbly took things a bit easier than usual but with a fine time of 75 minutes and 56 seconds .
An enormous well done goes out to all the ladies and is a sentiment I am sure will supported by all the Harriers.
Friday 8 May 2009
Thursday 7 May 2009
Auldhouse 5k Time Trial - 7th May 2009
There is a common theme to this week's running events; poor weather. However, this did not prevent an impressive turnout of 23 for the first Auldhouse 5k time trial of the season. Despite the strong winds there were course bests/pb's for Russell Couper, David Dickson, Ian Hughes, Stephen Phimister, and Stephen Reilly. Biggest improver was David Dickson slicing a full minute off his best time from last year. Fastest time of the day was Andy Buchanan with 17:11 and fastest lady was Frances Maxwell with 22:44. Great to see so many first timers setting times, including Linda White on her first night at the club. What a shock to the system that must have been! All the times can be viewed here.
Troon Tortoises 10k
We thought we may have got away with the weather as we headed towards Troon & a glimpse of blue sky was seen ahead but how wrong we were. Standing next to the sea in vest & shorts as the wind howled in off the coast and the rain driving horizontally up my shorts was far from pleasant, but there seemed a good turnout nonetheless & a good bunch of fast guys up front.
The virtual gun eventually went off & we soon forgot about the weather (for the time being) as we turned at the end of the prom & got the temporary benefit of the back wind. This was only too short lived as every turn after that the wind seemed to become stronger & stronger & more head on. Then it started raining, then raining harder which then became something resembling sleet. If I ever get laser eye surgery I will at least know what it feels like.
First Harrier over the line was Alan Derrick in a respectable 35.23. There is some uncertainty surrounding Alans last 10k appearance but good to see him back in action.
Next up was Colin, somehow pulling a significant PB out of the bag despite the conditions - finishing in 36.39.
Stephen Reilly came through in 37.27, followed by Eddie 38.31 & Graham Lindsay in 43.02 in his first race back following some injury problems.
Mary Goldsmith was sole female Harrier in 48.07 then Richard Lawton came over the line in 50.14.
Well done everyone - that was a tough one.
A couple of downsides for this race were the crammed registration area due to the weather which made it hard to actually get in the building to get your number, and also the fiddly chip timers that mean you have to unthread your laces then re-lace again. Not easy to get off when your pinkies are like mini-milks at the end of a cold race.
Good points - a good cup of sugary tea after & cracking sausage supper from the chippy.
Colin
The virtual gun eventually went off & we soon forgot about the weather (for the time being) as we turned at the end of the prom & got the temporary benefit of the back wind. This was only too short lived as every turn after that the wind seemed to become stronger & stronger & more head on. Then it started raining, then raining harder which then became something resembling sleet. If I ever get laser eye surgery I will at least know what it feels like.
First Harrier over the line was Alan Derrick in a respectable 35.23. There is some uncertainty surrounding Alans last 10k appearance but good to see him back in action.
Next up was Colin, somehow pulling a significant PB out of the bag despite the conditions - finishing in 36.39.
Stephen Reilly came through in 37.27, followed by Eddie 38.31 & Graham Lindsay in 43.02 in his first race back following some injury problems.
Mary Goldsmith was sole female Harrier in 48.07 then Richard Lawton came over the line in 50.14.
Well done everyone - that was a tough one.
A couple of downsides for this race were the crammed registration area due to the weather which made it hard to actually get in the building to get your number, and also the fiddly chip timers that mean you have to unthread your laces then re-lace again. Not easy to get off when your pinkies are like mini-milks at the end of a cold race.
Good points - a good cup of sugary tea after & cracking sausage supper from the chippy.
Colin
Tuesday 5 May 2009
BUPA Great Edinburgh Run 10 k
The capital city looked resplendant in the May sunshine for the 10 k road race on Sunday . Chas Steven and Don Kennedy were there to represent the club and one of the newest runners at the club Davie Wardrope ( hope I've got the name right) being noticed at the 5 K stage. Chas who celebrated his 49 th birthday the day before completed the hilly but fantastically supported course in 51 minutes and 51 seconds while the ever improving Don reached the Grassmarket finish line on 54 minutes and 37 seconds. Well done to all three Harriers.
ps I can't find the other time on the results Davie - let us know how you got on and we'll get you fixed up for a club vest.
ps I can't find the other time on the results Davie - let us know how you got on and we'll get you fixed up for a club vest.
Sunday 3 May 2009
Parkrun Update
There have been so many Harriers participating in the Parkrun at Pollok Park the last two Saturdays that the "monthly" report has been brought forward to recognise all the excellent performances.
Saturday 25th April saw the biggest ever Glasgow Parkrun field (238) and, coincidentally, the biggest Calderglen Harriers turnout too. It was another fine, sunny morning although again quite windy. However, as much of the course is well sheltered within the woods, the wind was really only noticeable on the start straight.
On arriving at the start area it was encouraging to see so many Harriers literally appearing out of the woods (individually!). Alan Derrick was the only Harrier not to record a course best finishing in 17:09, 3 secs slower than his first appearance a month earlier although he did manage to secure a comfortable 3rd place overall. Jamie McMonagle was next in 19:07, an improvement of 6 seconds which was no doubt limited by a night out on Friday. Stuart Waugh improved by 19 seconds on his first performance (February) recording 20:10. Stuart was frustrated to just miss out on a Calderglen M60 Gold Performance Standard, however that will surely come next time. Debutant Jim Holmes recorded a solid 20:14, just 1 second outside his 5k pb. David Herbertson raced Parkrun for the fourth time and set his 3rd course best in a row (20:51), an improvement of 4 seconds. John McBride made his debut too but for some reason was missing from the entries database and so the official time is not known. Russell Couper maintained his steady progress on the way back from his operation recording an improvement of 22 seconds (25:36). As noted in an earlier post, Tuesday nighter Julie Collins made her first appearance in the excellent time of 27:14 and can expect to take minutes off that as her experience and fitness improves.
On 2nd of May the field again exceed 200 runners. Jamie sends the following report:
I ran this morning in a p.b. for course in 18mins 42secs in 16th position, improving my best by 25 secs. Bronze Performance standard, ya beauty! Guess what, no cider the night before!Special mention to my wife Jean who took part in her first run finishing in 34mins 32secs which augurs well for the womans' 10k next week. Richard Lawton took part in his first run and finished in 24mins 17 secs and Russell Cooper ran a p.b. for course by 15 secs in 25mins 22 secs so p.b's all round. Another big turnout with 201 runners.
As everyone is demonstrating (except me!), a 5k race is an excellent training session and we can expect to see the benefits carried through to the forthcoming 10k's.
Saturday 25th April saw the biggest ever Glasgow Parkrun field (238) and, coincidentally, the biggest Calderglen Harriers turnout too. It was another fine, sunny morning although again quite windy. However, as much of the course is well sheltered within the woods, the wind was really only noticeable on the start straight.
On arriving at the start area it was encouraging to see so many Harriers literally appearing out of the woods (individually!). Alan Derrick was the only Harrier not to record a course best finishing in 17:09, 3 secs slower than his first appearance a month earlier although he did manage to secure a comfortable 3rd place overall. Jamie McMonagle was next in 19:07, an improvement of 6 seconds which was no doubt limited by a night out on Friday. Stuart Waugh improved by 19 seconds on his first performance (February) recording 20:10. Stuart was frustrated to just miss out on a Calderglen M60 Gold Performance Standard, however that will surely come next time. Debutant Jim Holmes recorded a solid 20:14, just 1 second outside his 5k pb. David Herbertson raced Parkrun for the fourth time and set his 3rd course best in a row (20:51), an improvement of 4 seconds. John McBride made his debut too but for some reason was missing from the entries database and so the official time is not known. Russell Couper maintained his steady progress on the way back from his operation recording an improvement of 22 seconds (25:36). As noted in an earlier post, Tuesday nighter Julie Collins made her first appearance in the excellent time of 27:14 and can expect to take minutes off that as her experience and fitness improves.
On 2nd of May the field again exceed 200 runners. Jamie sends the following report:
I ran this morning in a p.b. for course in 18mins 42secs in 16th position, improving my best by 25 secs. Bronze Performance standard, ya beauty! Guess what, no cider the night before!Special mention to my wife Jean who took part in her first run finishing in 34mins 32secs which augurs well for the womans' 10k next week. Richard Lawton took part in his first run and finished in 24mins 17 secs and Russell Cooper ran a p.b. for course by 15 secs in 25mins 22 secs so p.b's all round. Another big turnout with 201 runners.
As everyone is demonstrating (except me!), a 5k race is an excellent training session and we can expect to see the benefits carried through to the forthcoming 10k's.
Friday 1 May 2009
London Marathon 26th April 2009
As the alarm sounded in the darkness my pal Bryan & I stumbled round his house simultaneously trying to wake up & eat breakfast at the same time. We somehow managed to join 80 or so Milton Keynes AC members and others on the double-decker bus to Blackheath Common. Along the way the worrying clear blue skies allowed us a great view of the part-constructed 2012 Olympic Stadium in the Lea Valley even if Bryan neglected to waken me as we drove right past it.
Frustratingly stuck at a roundabout only a few hundred yards from the Blue start we had the dubious delight of watching the elite athletes zoom past on their official transport, police motor cycle outriders & all. I suppose I should have been pleased to see them at all as I usually have to wait to watch the TV highlights.
On arrival we were a bit miffed to find ourselves in pen 8 (second-last pen yet a predicted time of 4:30? I don’t think so) not far in front of the silly-costume runners. Throughout the day we were to see, in no particular order, Elvis, a giant nurse, two Baywatch babes (both male, sadly) Wonderwoman, Supermen, a Smurf, two Santas, rabbits, Tarzan & Jane, a canoeist! an elephant, a real-life bride & groom who were married during the race, in a church on Fleet Street, six (?) Beatles carrying a yellow submarine, soldiers with tackety boots and 40lb. backpacks, a giraffe, a tree, her Majesty the Queen in gown & crown and, amazingly, only one rhino. What is it about marathon running that brings out the latent cross-dresser in so many men? NB In case anyone is in any doubt I was in shorts and vest as usual.
I ran the whole way with my first-timer friend Bryan, who was running for HelpforHeroes. After starting steadily we managed to continue that way, partly thanks to encouragment and jelly babies from our wives at mile 14. However the last six miles, as usual, seemed like a marathon in themselves - we both struggled badly to the extent that I had to stop and stretch to avoid my calves cramping up completely between miles 22 and 23. There were only 441 dnf’s, surprisingly few given the temperature & the many people we saw walking, in total there were 35,306 finishers.
We crossed the line together in 4:31:47 and managed to stay upright long enough to pose together with our medals, who knows, I may change the habit of a lifetime and actually buy that photograph.
To quote coach “ the first Harrier at the UK’s biggest race” although those of you in the know will be aware I was also the only Harrier as Ian Hughes sadly had to defer due to knee problems.
We did at least beat Katie Price & Peter Andre who finished in 7:11 although I’m so out of touch Bryan had to tell me who they were to stop me from growling at some of the kids who were dashing in & around us to take photos as we went past them.
Bryan has already uttered that well-kent runner’s phrase - never again. I’m saying nothing, which makes a change.
Your roving reporter
Davie S
PS If anyone is thinking of entering the ballot for next year’s first Virgin London Marathon a club or charity entry is the best you can hope for as the maximum number of ballot entrants, an amazing 120,000, was reached by Tuesday only three days after the website opened.
PPS I must also mention Major Phil Packer who, covering his medically recommended maximum of two miles per day due to injuries sustained in Basra, isn’t expected to finish until a week on Saturday. Beside his commitment and effort I feel hopelessly inadequate.
Anyone wanting to keep an eye on his progress or donate to HelpforHeroes should log on to http://www.philpacker.com/
Frustratingly stuck at a roundabout only a few hundred yards from the Blue start we had the dubious delight of watching the elite athletes zoom past on their official transport, police motor cycle outriders & all. I suppose I should have been pleased to see them at all as I usually have to wait to watch the TV highlights.
On arrival we were a bit miffed to find ourselves in pen 8 (second-last pen yet a predicted time of 4:30? I don’t think so) not far in front of the silly-costume runners. Throughout the day we were to see, in no particular order, Elvis, a giant nurse, two Baywatch babes (both male, sadly) Wonderwoman, Supermen, a Smurf, two Santas, rabbits, Tarzan & Jane, a canoeist! an elephant, a real-life bride & groom who were married during the race, in a church on Fleet Street, six (?) Beatles carrying a yellow submarine, soldiers with tackety boots and 40lb. backpacks, a giraffe, a tree, her Majesty the Queen in gown & crown and, amazingly, only one rhino. What is it about marathon running that brings out the latent cross-dresser in so many men? NB In case anyone is in any doubt I was in shorts and vest as usual.
I ran the whole way with my first-timer friend Bryan, who was running for HelpforHeroes. After starting steadily we managed to continue that way, partly thanks to encouragment and jelly babies from our wives at mile 14. However the last six miles, as usual, seemed like a marathon in themselves - we both struggled badly to the extent that I had to stop and stretch to avoid my calves cramping up completely between miles 22 and 23. There were only 441 dnf’s, surprisingly few given the temperature & the many people we saw walking, in total there were 35,306 finishers.
We crossed the line together in 4:31:47 and managed to stay upright long enough to pose together with our medals, who knows, I may change the habit of a lifetime and actually buy that photograph.
To quote coach “ the first Harrier at the UK’s biggest race” although those of you in the know will be aware I was also the only Harrier as Ian Hughes sadly had to defer due to knee problems.
We did at least beat Katie Price & Peter Andre who finished in 7:11 although I’m so out of touch Bryan had to tell me who they were to stop me from growling at some of the kids who were dashing in & around us to take photos as we went past them.
Bryan has already uttered that well-kent runner’s phrase - never again. I’m saying nothing, which makes a change.
Your roving reporter
Davie S
PS If anyone is thinking of entering the ballot for next year’s first Virgin London Marathon a club or charity entry is the best you can hope for as the maximum number of ballot entrants, an amazing 120,000, was reached by Tuesday only three days after the website opened.
PPS I must also mention Major Phil Packer who, covering his medically recommended maximum of two miles per day due to injuries sustained in Basra, isn’t expected to finish until a week on Saturday. Beside his commitment and effort I feel hopelessly inadequate.
Anyone wanting to keep an eye on his progress or donate to HelpforHeroes should log on to http://www.philpacker.com/
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