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Tuesday 28 December 2010
SVHC Christmas Handicap - Rescheduled
Alan
SVHC Road Relays - Strathclyde Park - Sunday 30th January 11am
Men (35+) 4-stage - £10 per team
Men (50+) 4-stage - £10 per team
Women (35+) 3-stage - £7.50 per team
Calderglen should be to the fore in all these events both in numbers of participants and performances if the recent relay season is anything to go by. So please leave your name using this form and pass your £2.50 on to Russell.
Here are the names so far. (It can take 10 or 15 minutes for this spreadsheet to be updated on the web, so don't worry if your name does not appear immediately, check back later and remember to click the refresh button on your browser).
Looking forward to another mass turn out from the Harriers.
Alan
Monday 27 December 2010
Update on races to enter
First of all the West District cross country on 16th Jan, ive already recieved some alterations from the cancelled date (4th Dec) but any others i need to know by 28th (tomorrow). Any more please leave a comment on the previous Blog or see me at the Club tonight 27th.
Ive also listed on the previous Blog who is now entered along with who has paid could those whove not paid please do so (£4.00).
next up is the 4k cross country at Bellahouston park on the 30th, i will leave entry forms on the club notice board if you can fill them out and return to me by 13th Jan with the entry fee (£4.50). Please note that this event IS NOT A GRAND PRIX EVENT this year as the club will be supporting the Veterans relay event on the same day but those not wishing to take part in the relay or not old enough i would encourage to do the cross country.
On to the Veterans relay then also on the 30th could you please let me know if you wish to compete in this, again by the 13th Jan at this point i dont know the entry fee.
Hope to see you at training this week but if not
Best wishes for the New Year
Russell
Happy Christmas
Sunday 19 December 2010
XMAS HANDICAP
Today the club held its annual Xmas handicap which was another great success. We had a number of kids out doing either 1 or 2 laps of the course and dressed in various costumes, well done to all the kids who came out in such cold conditions. We then had the senior runners running 5 laps. Among the runners we had a couple of Nuns, a caveman, Harry Potter, an Elf, various Santas, Darth Vader, a Punk Rocker, Elvis, Tinky Winky, a Canoeist, Batgirl, Johnny Depp and a beachboy. There was probably a few more but memory fails me. The 1st three across the finish were Russell Couper followed by Graham Ramage then Martin Duthie. Once again this year Martin has donated £100 that the first three can select a charity to recieve a donation of £50, £30 and £20 respectivly so once i hear the charities selected by Graham and Martin we will get the Cheques written and sent away. My selected charity will be Marie Curie Cancer Care Hospice.
Many thanks to all who turned up and helped and supported everyone running as it was a particlary cold day for standing watching but the runners get great warmth from the cheering as we clock up the laps
Well Done all
Thursday 16 December 2010
WEST DISTRICT XC (Royal Acadamy Irvine)
The west district XC cancelled on 4th Dec has now been reschedule for Sunday 16th Jan 2011
We can change entries so i need to know any changes by 28th Dec to allow me to make the changes so i will list the entered names below and assume you still want entered unless i hear different from you either directly or by leaving a comment on the Blog anyone not listed but now wants entered the same applies either see me directly or leave a comment on this Blog again by 28th Dec
The updated entry list is:- R COUPER(pd), A DERRICK, I RAE, G STEWART, C STEVEN(pd), E REID(pd),D HERBERTSON, D WARDROPE, J HOLMES, S WAUGH(pd), A HENDERSON(pd), C FREEMAN, G RAMAGE, K LEINSTER, C BANKS(pd), F MAXWELL(pd), J McEVOY, J BEVERIDGE(pd), M GOLDSMITH.
If your name isnt on the list but want entered let me know or if your on the list but cant make it let me know. Anyone who cant make it will be refunded their entry fee if they let me know before the entries are sent and anyone that hasnt paid yet please see me at the club.
Russell
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Discount Day @ ATHelite this Friday
For the 5th year at ATHelite we are putting on our Santa hats and offering you the following...
25% off all in-store purchases
25% off Sport Therapist Vouchers
(Pre-pay for an appointment for 25% off the usual price or buy as an ideal Xmas present)
Mince Pies
Mulled Wine
Personal Shopper
Gift Wrapping
Come and see us for a Christmas Catch-up - no purchase neccessary!!
Thursday 9 December 2010
XMAS HANDICAP
Please be at the sports club in advance of this to declare your running and allow the handicaps and starting times to be worked out.
As custom dictates fancy dress is preffered and adults please bring a small present.
Wednesday 8 December 2010
Pre-Christmas Sale at ATHelite
25% OFF virtually everything instore this Thursday & Friday only (9th & 10th Dec)
Includes all Running Shoes, Clothing & Accessories for Adults & Juniors.
ATHelite Blog
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Young Athletes Training - Wednesday 8/12/10
Sunday 5 December 2010
FEES FOR 2011
I do appreciate that this is a difficult time of year financially so if you need to defer payment till a later date you must let me know this and we can work payment dates out.
These fees are inclusive of your Sports Club Membership
Family £89 (2 adults and all children 6 to 18yrs)
Ordinary £55 (over 21yrs)
Intermediate £28 (18 to 21 yrs)
Junior £15 (6 to 18yrs)
Retired Family £34 (both Adults must be over 65)
retired Ord £24 (over 65)
Life membership for the Sports Club is £450 for anyone wishing to consider this
Cheques made payable to Calderglen Harriers but i will take cash and if im not at the club please make payment to Frances Maxwell or Andy Henderson
Russell
Friday 3 December 2010
Xmas night out
Thursday 2 December 2010
HARRIERS AGM
AS MEMBERS THIS IS YOUR CLUB AND YOUR CHANCE TO INFLUENCE THE DIRECTION WE GO IN
TRAINING WILL COMMENCE AT 7PM FOR A SHORT RUN ON THE GOLF COURSE OR JUST COME TO THE MEETING
Wednesday 1 December 2010
West District Cross Country Championships - Irvine 4/12/10
THIS EVENT IS NOW CANCELLED. AN ALTERNATIVE DATE WILL BE POSTED ON THE SCOTTISH ATHLETICS WEB SITE IN DUE COURSE.
Sunday 28 November 2010
Young Athletes Training Wednesday 1 December 2010
After training we will not have use of the Function Suite due to a meeting taking place and all young athletes should be collected from the foyer of the sports club.
Xmas night out
Sorry about the short notice but time just catches up at this time of year
Russell
Cyprus International 4-Day Challenge: Day 4 - Too Hot for Santa
Race start/finish in the harbour |
Finished! |
Too hot for one Santa |
HARDY HARRIERS ON THE RUN
Harriers being what we are were not put off by this and 14 turned up to do the race with others on the course to cheer us on. First home was Martin Duthie (35.52)and an excellant 4th place, next in Alan Cullie(38.05), Making his debut after a long lay off Neil Green (38.46) followed by Eddie Reid(39.28). Another debut from one of our new members Mark Saez (40.41). David Herbertson (41.38) caused the upset of the day finishing in front of Jim Holmes (41.59).Next in and continuing a lot of steady good performances was Colin Banks (42.54) just in front of Billy Buchanan (43.04). Our only female runner of the day was Julie Beveridge (43.59) which i believe was a PB and in those conditions an excellant performance with surely a lot more to come. The next home was George Stewart (44.30) continuing his return to form (bit to go yet but getting their). David Wardrope (46.40), Richard Lawton (52.19) and bringing up the rear but well enough away from the back of the field Russell Couper (54.38).
Good to see so many out in such bad conditions and many thanks to Frances, Scot, Andy, Chas, Dawn, Mandy and Sandra out on the course cheering us on. Early reports on the GP suggest Jim Holmes is back in the lead and the Ladies remain unchanged but Julie beveridge closes the gap to the 1st three.
Next race in the GP is the West District XC next week and entries are closed. Names of those entered are on the spreadsheet of an earlier Blog.
Saturday 27 November 2010
Cyprus International 4-Day Challenge: Day 3
On the start line I knew I had an 11:47 lead in my class that I could easily lose over the half marathon distance if things went even slightly badly. On the gun I did not go with the pack of 8 or 9 young guns but settled on my own a few metres back. Big mistake as one of the course ambulances immediately passed me to tail the lead pack and I was stuck in a cloud of dust for the next km. Thankfully a tight up-hill hairpin bend gave me the chance to pass the ambulance and I stuck to the middle of the road from there on to keep him behind. The legs were still powerless on the climb as was the case yesterday and the sun was even hotter so this was a steady uphill slog at what felt like snail pace (and leaving my now characteristic snail trail of snot). A few army guys ran past me here (easily recognisable as every limb had a tattoo - now I know what is meant by the Edinburgh Military Tattoo) but no sign of any M45's so when I reached the top of the climb at 10k in around 46 minutes I was reasonably confident that I could improve on the downhill. It didn't really though. I had the ambulance behind me for company all the way down the series of hairpin bends over the 7k descent. Although I managed to pick up the pace to around 6 minute miles, I still lost a few more places and could not stride out as the hills were just too steep. I was however glad of my decision not to wear racing shoes and instead had my regular trainers on which provided some cushioning (and a big blister on my instep) on the pounding descent. However when the course levelled out with 4k to go the legs said no and I more or less jogged over the rocky coastal trail towards the finish. The finish line was visible from about 2k out but worse you had to run past the finish for 500m and then double back on a soft sandy path to the line which I crossed in 1:31:14 in 13th position (the overall winner was finished in around 1:19). Then a litre of water was quickly swallowed and into the sea to cool the legs off (actually the sea was warm so not as effective as a Scottish beach but I am definitely not complaining). Half the British Army also seemed to be in the sea and the other half were relieving the Mr Wippy Rambo ice cream van of its supply of cones.
Jimmy was not lucky. He came to the race having not run for two weeks with a calf injury. Somehow he had got through the first two races without aggravating it but after only 4k today the calf locked up again. He shuffled on to the top of the climb at which point the M60 who had been ahead of him in the series caught and passed him. This provided enough adrenalin to hide the pain and Jimmy was able to modify his stride on the descent to save the calf and to pass and beat the other M60 by a couple of minutes, finishing in 2:01. It is however unlikely that Jimmy will be able to run tomorrow.
Subsequent inspection of the results surprisingly showed that I had extended my M45 lead to over 20 minutes. With only the Paphos 10k Road Race (very flat :-)) tomorrow, this is quite a strong, no pressure situation to be in.
Final report tomorrow.
Alan
Friday 26 November 2010
Cyprus International 4-Day Challenge: Day 2
At 9:30 the field of 220 were set off along the coast on a flat rocky jeep trail for 800m before turning inland for the start of the 11km, 2000 foot climb. My head was spinning today with the strain of the previous day's race on my blocked sinuses and although I was comfortable on the flat as soon as I turned onto the hill the legs were instant jelly. At that point I knew any hope of trying to race today was gone and it was just a case of not doing any damage to myself. Easier said than done as the legs burned with the constant climb and the relentless heat.
Even with sun glasses, the light and heat reflecting off the white sand stone rocky trail was intense. Having initially settled down in around 12th position, I lost a few more places in the first half before a heavy breathing French athlete caught and trailed me from about 6k to 9k. At 9k the road levelled for 500m and I was able to revert to my usual long stride and pull away, passing another two in the process. The final kilometre was through the narrow streets of the mountain village of Pano Arodes and seemed like the steepest climb of all.
The cheering crowd were a welcome sight in the village square, one short lap of which brought me to the finish in a time of 57:04. As expected, I had dropped back to 12th in the overall competition (and 12th on the day). However, the age classifications had been corrected over-night and I now find myself as first M45 with an 11:47 lead over the second M45. More in his element today, Jimmy Stewart finished in 1:21:32 and maintained 3rd in the M60 classification. My new team (which I have now found out is called Erdinger Alkoholfrei) is languishing in 10th place. The team consists of a German surveyor, a British Army dentist and me and perhaps could do with some alkohol to improve performance.
A post race leg massage will hopefully have repaired me enough for tomorrow's trail race half marathon with another 1000 foot of climbing.
Alan
Thursday 25 November 2010
Cyprus International 4-Day Challenge: Day 1
The race started from the beach, skirted around the hotel and emerged through the hotel main gate onto the main road. Within that first 500m I had already caught and passed 4 or 5 runners and narrowly avoided being mown down by a local motorist in the hotel car park! However, once out the gate I could finally release the large snot build up in my nose (no spitting or such like allowed within the carefully manicured hotel grounds) and take off on the flat road to the finish 6km up the coast. The long line of runners stretched out in front provided plenty of targets to aim for and soon we were half way in the midst of a banana plantation. A glance at the watch showed 3k in around 10:15; too fast with three more days of racing to come and so on with the brakes. The slightest hint of a climb brought us to km number 5 and then the crowd was in sight on the cliffs ahead. Through the finish line in 21:08, a bottle of water downed and then a seat in the shade of a truck. Some time later Jimmy crossed the line in 29:41 and very relaxed.
Lanarkshire Cross Country Championships
The damp conditions made for some good cross country running and first to the starting line were the Under 11 boys and girls over a 1.2k course. Ryan McParland was the best placed Harrier of the day finishing second in this race only two seconds behind the winner in a time of 3:05. Debutant Jonathon Anderson followed in 3:24 and was closely pursued by Kevin McGurk (3:31) while Jack Nobile (4:03) also put in a fine performance. Ryan,Jonathon and Kevin were further rewarded with the 2nd team prize just behind Ron Hill Cambuslang Harriers.
Emma Lawton running in this race for the fourth year in a row took 29 seconds off last years time taking third place in a time of 3:27. Cliona Campbell continued some excellent running and crossed the finishing line on 3:40 with Kate Kane running consistently in 3:59. These three girls were the second team at the recent Lanarkshire Road Relays and on this occasion went one better to claim gold medals as first team. The girls beat Airdrie Harriers and Ron Hill Cambuslang to the title of Lanarkshire Champions.
In the same age group Anna Fegan surprised everyone running a superb 4:15 while 7 years old Hannah McLellan took part in this event for the first time with a fantastic 4:22 .
Although the club would not win any more medals there were robust performances in the 2.5 k Under 13 races from Caitlin Campbell (10:50),Nicole Sharp (10:55),Lynsey Thomson (10:55),Olivia McAdams (13:47) and Caitlin Kean (13:47).
In the boys race there was debuts for brothers Aaron and Amlar Sumal running 11.00 and 11.32 respectively. Fastest Under 13 boy for the club was Alistair Crawford (9:32) while Drew Gordon (11.02) continues to improve.
The Under 15 Boys were well represented with Paul Mullen (13:27),Andrew McGurk(13:40),Ian Rae (14:01) and Connor White (15:53) over a tough 3.7k course.
The next race scheduled for the young athletes (U13,U15,U17's) on Saturday 4th December at the Royal Academy in Irvine for the West District Cross Country Championships.
Many thanks to all the parents/carers of the club's young athletes for supporting Calderglen Harriers.
Monday 22 November 2010
West District Cross Country Championships - Young Athletes
Under 13 Girls - Megan Brady, Amie Mulholland, Lynsey Thomson, Kirstin McDowell, Caitlin Campbell, Nicole Sharp. This race starts at 12 noon over a distance of 3,200 metres.
Under 13 Boys - Alistair Crawford, Greig Mulholland, Drew Gordon, Fraser Paul, Aaron Sumal, Amlar Sumal, Paul McMonagle,Craig Stewart. Race starts at 12.15 pm and is also over a distance of 3,200 metres.
Under 15 and Under 17 Girls - Lisa Stenhouse and Emma Campbell . This race starts at 12.30 over a distance of 4,400 metres. Both age groups will run the same race but there will be seperate placings and prizes.
Under 15 Boys - Jack Thomson, Ross Paterson, Ian Rae, Paul Mullen, Andrew McGurk. This race starts at 12.50 pm over a distance of 4,400 metres.
Under 17 Boys - Richard Campbell . This race starts at 1.35 pm over a distance of 6,400 metres.
The course is aproximately 400 metres behind the school. Please arrive early to allow enough time for a warm up.
Sunday 21 November 2010
Brampton 2010 - Horses (and Harriers) on the Run
In contrast to last year, the weather conditions on Saturday were perfect for the 59th Brampton to Carlisle 10 Mile Road Race. Fine autumn sunshine greeted the bus load of 29 Harriers and friends preparing to run the race and the small band of travelling supporters. The traditional warm-up to Brampton grave yard (!) and back completed, the Harriers assembled in front of William Howard School for the team photo and all seemed to be relishing the chance of a race without a head wind for a change. Formalities over, the Harriers joined the field of 500 on the start line, seeming to be one of the largest clubs present.
With no floods this year, the course thankfully reverted to the full 10 mile route, although road works on the back roads required an energy sapping 100m diversion along a muddy path. Never the less, the standard at the front was noticeably better than in recent years with the first 12 finishing between 50:33 and 53:35. Host club Border Harriers provided the clear winner, James Douglas, with second place Ian Harding of Morpeth over a minute behind.
Ian Hughes |
Wednesday night parent helper, Brian Bourke, found out to his cost that the lack of Harriers' vest makes you invisible to the camera, failing to attract my attention on the home straight but still demonstrating a lot of running talent with a time of 63:20. Ross Mullen continues to follow his father's foot steps (albeit some minutes in front of Gerry) as a Brampton regular, setting a new PB of 65:03. Closest Harriers' finish of the day was provided by Eddie Reid (65:35), Brian McDougall (65:42) and Stuart Waugh (65:50), Eddie coming through from third to first in the last 400m. Brian was biggest improver of the day, setting a new PB by almost four and a half minutes. Stuart had one of his best Bramptons for some years and a very strong race. Scot Hill (66:16) is on the steady road back to fitness but is still some minutes off his best. Jim Holmes (66:47) was just outside his best time and unusually was not involved in a photo finish with any other Harriers. Andy Henderson is not long off the surgeon's table and in his first race of this year also ran one of his fastest times for many years (67:12). This was Andy's 22nd Brampton and he picked up the prize for 3rd M55. Stephen Phimister is another of the long-term injured who this time last year was probably thinking he would not run Brampton competitively again. Not only did he run it this year but he also improved his PB by two and a half minutes, finishing in 68:34. Being chased by a horse which had escaped from a field no doubt helped his time!
First of our ladies was Joanne McEvoy, who in her first Brampton appearance as a Harrier set the second fastest time ever by a Calderglen lady of 68:50. Colin Banks was only 22 seconds outside his PB recording 69:10. Kenny Leinster was a Brampton first timer (70:54) whilst Billy Buchanan (71:24) was not far behind and just out pacing George Stewart (71:33). Frances Maxwell was on target for a pb here but a persistent hamstring injury re-appeared just after 5 miles forcing Frances to limp to the finish in a still impressive 72:08, earning her the 3rd F45 prize. This was Gerry Mullen's 25th Brampton which he finished (by his own admittance) perhaps a little too fresh in 72:50. John McBride continues to improve rapidly, achieving a new PB by 2.5 minutes of 74:44. Mary Goldsmith has had a great year and continued the trend here with a massive PB of 74:56, an improvement of 2:40. This was David Wardrope's first full distance Brampton and his target for future years is now 75:44.
Chas Steven has now completed 26 Bramptons in a row, a remarkable achievement and this year he has started to reverse the trend of slowing times with a time of 84:42. This year's Buchanan timing controversy was courtesy of Dawn who insists that she stopped on the line to talk to Gerry Mullen for some 36 seconds and hence her official time of 86:00 should in fact be 85:24. Alright, I believe you! Kirsty Findlater was participating in her first Brampton and cruised to the line in 86:41, having passed a struggling Russell Couper (87:42). In fact, Russell admits to having started very fast and so most of the Harriers had to pass Russell at some point! Also making her first appearance at Brampton, Laura McConnell was not far behind Russell, finishing in 87:58. Finally, Gerry's friend John Mullan, training for a charity place in the Los Angeles Marathon next March, finished in 92:04 in his longest run so far. Well done to all those who were able to participate and thanks for the support from Frances Steven, Maud, Sandra and Davy Watt. In addition to winning the men's veteran team, our men (3 to count) finished 8th senior team and our ladies were 6th senior team (Joanne, Frances and Mary).
The shortened Brampton course last year left many Harriers without a 3rd event to count in the performance award scheme. Not this year though! The following Harriers achieved performance standards (in addition to the pb's already mentioned): I Hughes (M40 Silver), C McDougall (M60 Gold), A Cullie (M40 Bronze), E Reid (M45 Bronze), S Waugh (M60 Gold), A Henderson (M55 Silver), B Buchanan (M60 Silver), F Maxwell (F45 Silver) and M Goldsmith (F50 Silver). Very well done to all. Further photos are here and this link takes you to the full race results.
Alan
Friday 19 November 2010
BRAMPTON BUS DEPARTURE TIME
dont be late as the bus will leave at this time.
Monday 15 November 2010
CALDERGLEN HARRIERS AGM
Please try to attend as this is your club and your chance to influence the direction it goes in
Please also consider any nominations you may wish to make for the roles of President, Secretary, Treasurer and General committee members or if you wish to be nominated for a role ask someone to nominate you on the night
Any motions should be made in writing and given to the Secretary (A Henderson) in advance
Please make sure your membership is up to date as this is a members only meeting
If you wish a run in advance of the meeting its normal practice for training to begin at 7pm in order to get to the meeting on time.
Sunday 14 November 2010
British & Irish Masters Cross Country International Championships, Dublin
A mud bath on lap 1 |
Dublin provided the venue for the 23rd running of the British and Irish Masters International Cross Country Championship on Saturday. Alan Derrick was the lone Harrier selected for the Scotland M45 team in this prestigious event contested annually by the top men and women veteran athletes of Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Wales. The race programme comprised 4 events starting with an open masters cross country race and then the international championship races for each age group. Although the wind and rain relented for the first three races, by the time the final race for M35, M40 and M45 teams came around the rain was back on and the course was looking decidedly muddy in places courtesy of several hundred athletes from the preceding multi-lap races. At least the wind had died away! Each country fielded a team of 6 athletes in each of the 3 age groups giving a total of 90 runners in this final race.
Having been out of training for 2 of the 3 preceding weeks with a cold, Alan was unsure of his strength and decided to avoid the initial cavalry charge from the start, sacrificing position but conserving energy for later in the 5.1 mile race. On the first of five laps the field remained tightly grouped but gradually spread out by the time lap two started. Alan continued to move steadily through the field and was certainly one of the leading Scots by the end of that lap. A race long tussle then ensued with a pair of M45 athletes from Ireland and England, the latter being a former individual medallist at this event well known to Alan from training camps in Portugal and who was clearly struggling with some problem. This battle continued to pull Alan through the field although Alan ultimately lost out to both of them. The course hosted the 2009 European Cross Country Championships and for every muddy section there was also an open and fast section to follow such that the pace swung from slog to flying around every lap. When the bell rang for the final lap the pace surged again and still there were a few places gained as Alan continued to make progress. With 200m to go the runners were directed off the loop along a tree-lined avenue of pine trees, the only mud-free section of the course and Alan even managed to muster a 100m sprint to maintain his position, crossing the line in 29:41, 13th in the M45 competition, 1st M45 in the Scottish team and 4th Scot overall.
Leading Scot in the race was Steven Whylie (M35), finishing 8th overall, followed by Dave Gardiner (M40) and Alan Murchison (M35). In an enthralling race for the overall win, former Irish National Cross Country champion Peter Matthews (M40) emerged from the group of six sprinting for the line. Alas none of the Scottish men's teams in this race finished in the medals. However there were bronzes for the M60, M50, F55 and F60 teams in the earlier races and Scotland finished third in the overall combined team competition (England first, Republic of Ireland 2nd). Highlight of the day was the gold medal won by Scotland's Melissa Whyte in the F45 race in which she also finished third overall behind Claire Martin (F35) and Emma Stallard (F40) both of England.
Scotland hosts the competition next year at Bellahouston Park on 26th November 2011. There are several Harriers men and women who are capable of being selected for the Scottish team and who should be thinking now about establishing a programme of improvement and targetting some high profile races through next year to stake a claim for a Scotland vest.
Thanks to Chris Upson (M45) for providing the photo and to the entire team for being such great company throughout the weekend.
Alan
Club Entries for the 2011 London Marathon
Back in October 3 members who had received rejection letters for the marathon indicated that they would like to be considered for a club entry.
They are David Dickson, David Wardrope and Graham Ramage.
A ballot for the 2 places will be held at the Brampton day out.
If any of the above have changed their mind regarding taking part in the race please let me know.
There are a couple of conditions these club entries.
The first is, as these are club entries the runners are required to wear the club vest.
Secondly if there is a similar situation with entries for the 2012 London Marathon, where there are more runners requesting club entries than we have received, then any runner who gets an entry for 2011 would not be entered into a ballot for 2012.
WEST DISTRICT XC (Royal Acadamy Irvine)
As this is a pre entry event i will need names and entry fees by monday 15th Nov.
Ladies race starts at 13.05 and covers 6.4K
Mens race starts at 14.00 and covers 10K
cost is £4.00 per head
Please leave your name on this form or see me at the club if you wish to be entered.
This race is once again part of the Grand Prix series.
List of entries so far is here.
Names no later than Monday 15th Nov
Russell
Hills,Hell and Happiness
The Parkrun series is proving to be very popular amongst club and unnattached runners and in our own club Russell Couper is leading the way. After setting a pb at Strathclyde Park last week unsurprisingly his time dropped a few seconds this time around to 23:53. It is unique even amongst world class distance runners to achieve pb's in consecutive weeks and Russell will surely be delighted with his improved times of recent weeks.
Talking of improvement John McBride has come leaps and bounds since he started training with the club and this is testament to his own commitment and what our club has to offer distance runners. On Saturday John made his way to Bellahouston Park for the Jimmy Irvine 10 k road race which attracted a large turnout . Running consistently John crossed the finishing line on 45:53.
Earlier on in the day at nearby Pollok Park Chas Steven , having pulled out of training on Monday with an injury, took part in the Parkrun. Thoughts of missing the Tinto Hill race or even worse the "Brampton" had plagued his mind since Monday . Not having run since then Chas used this run to test the right calf strain which has caused problems intermittently over a couple of years . If things didn't work out he would have enough time to contact the Tinto organisers so that they could allocate his place to another runner. Fortunately things went well and as all returning from injury runners know the completion of a race is a great relief and often brings a tear to the eye. Even a slower time of 26:05 couldn't dampen these emotions.
Southbound on the M74 listening to The Who "Live at Leeds" CD he made his way to the quaint village of Symington which despite the distance is still within South Lanarkshire. Collecting his race number at the local hall for race titled the Tinto Tiptoe Hill Fun Run. Tinto Hill at 2,333 ft which in mileage terms is about 4.4 miles is a very popular hill race with the entry limit set at 250 being over subscribed many weeks ago with a waiting list should anyone pull out.
The race itself has plenty of good running and scrambling is minimal. The views on a clear day like Saturday were fantastic . Setting a target to complete the race within an hour Chas was delighted to do so in his first hill race since 1990 with a time of 59:31.
Once again apologies to anyone who may have raced over the weekend who has been ommitted from this report.
Thursday 11 November 2010
Lanarkshire Cross Country Races - Saturday 20 November 2010
Details of the event are as follows:
12 noon Under 11 Girls 1200 metres Entry £1
12.10 Under 11 Boys 1200 metres Entry £1
12.20 Under 13 Girls 2500 metres Entry £1
12.45 Under 13 Boys 2500 metres Entry £1
13.10 Under 15 Girls/Under 15 Boys 3700 metres Entry £1
13.40 Senior Women/Under 17 Boys/Under 17 Girls 5000 metres Entry £2
14.15 Senior Men 10,000 metres Entry £3
First 3 runners to count for First 3 team prizes (except Senior Men 4 to count)
ALL CLUBS MUST PROVIDE A MINIMUM OF 2 VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH THE STEWARDING OF THE RACE - PLEASE GIVE YOUR NAME TO RICHARD LAWTON IF YOU CAN HELP .
Monday 8 November 2010
Singles and Doubles
The Strathclyde Parkrun 5K was to bring the best out of Russell Couper who recorded a pb of 23.29 in his 28th Parkrun. Making his third appearance at this type of event Ian McKenzie crossed the finish line on 22.50. At the Glasgow Parkrun in Pollok Park John McBride rediscovered some form and completed the undulating course in 22.53 while Chas Steven took 17 seconds of his previous run with a time of 24.47.
Not content with one race Chas then made his to Garscube for the KPMG Glasgow University 5 miles road race . Once a classic road race of one lap the race has suffered in recent years in having to be two laps due to safety concerns which have been further complicated by a gate closure within the first few hundred metres of the race causing a congestion of runners exiting a single gate. Fortunately this latter problem was resolved this year and Chas finished not surprisingly slightly slower than last year in a time of 41.55.
On Sunday the appropriately named, considering the weekend weather, "Run with the Wind" 10k hosted by Strathaven Striders attracted Graham Ramage who ran an excellent 41.53 (pb ?) while Julie Beveridge (44 minutes exact) and Mary Goldsmith (44.15) also put in fine performances. It is also worth noting that former Calderglen Harrier Stuart Gibson now of Ron Hill Cambuslang won this
10 k in a time of 31.32 the day after being 5th at the "Uni" in a time of 25.07 .
Well done to everyone who raced at the weekend and apologies to anyone I may have missed in this report.
Sunday 7 November 2010
Giffnock North AAC Primary Schools Cross Country Races
Emma clear in the lead. |
Ryan with his class mates who together won the team prize. |
Well done to all for taking part in the races and especially to Emma & Ryan for first class performances in their age group races.
Wednesday 3 November 2010
West District Cross Country Championships - Young Athletes
Age Group Start Time Distance
Under 13 Girls 12 noon 3,200 metres
Under 13 Boys 12.15.pm 3,200 metres
Under 15 and
Under 17 Girls 12.30 pm 4,400 metres ( please note this is one race with seperate age group teams and prizes)
Under 15 Boys 12.50 pm 4,400 metres
Under 17 Boys 1.35 pm 6,400 metres
All the age group young athletes of our club who are Scottish Athletics registered will be entered for this race .
Tuesday 2 November 2010
Grand Prix Races - November to December 2010
- Brampton 20th November
- EK 10k 27th November
- West District Cross Country, Irvine 4th December (pre-entry only, see Blog post)
Alan
Saturday 30 October 2010
Brampton to Carlisle 10 Mile Road Race November 20th
Alan
Allan Scally Road Relay - Harriers Galore
You can count on the Harriers |
Four and a bit mens' teams and one ladies teams set off on the 4.8 mile loop around the leafy streets of Mount Vernon (in fact all of the streets of Mount Vernon!). Joanne McEvoy was a first timer on this complex course but was once again our fastest lady with a time of 32:29 handing over to Julie Beveridge in only her second race for Calderglen. Julie paced the race well despite a lack of company and recorded 34:39. Frances Maxwell was our only lady to have run this course before and improved by an impressive 40 seconds on last year to finish in 33:28. Frances maintains her lead in both the club Grand Prix and scratch championships.
The men's vets team were chasing the veteran title for the second year in a row. With plenty of vets to choose from, the Harriers fielded another very strong team with two changes from last week. Davie Watt established a big lead on the first leg with a time of 26:38 in 13th position overall. Alan Cullie had another consistent run on leg 2, only 18 seconds or so down on last year in a time of 30:15. The strong winds do not help small, light runners but the experienced head of Charlie McDougall made the best of the conditions and maintained the lead on leg 3 in a time of 29:07. Finally Martin Duthie had a lonely final leg, seeing no one but as a result bringing the Harriers vets team home first in a time of 28:18 at his first attempt on this course. Another great result for the Harriers in another of the classic winter season races. Well done to the team.
Another four Harriers' teams lined up at the start. Jim Holmes was another to improve on last year, recording a time of 31:27, the 6 second improvement worth much more given the conditions. Ian Rae took 26 seconds off last year's time, crossing the line in 32:07. Colin Banks was a first timer here and has now established his benchmark at 33:23. Russell Couper was looking for a sub 40 time today and so his time of 42:00 was tinged with some disappointment despite the fact he was the biggest improver, taking 1:06 off last year's time.
On the second legs, Eddie Reid had less pressure this week but is still not feeling 100%, recording 30:49, a bit slower than last year. Stuart Waugh established his first time for this course, stopping the clock at 31:39, still within sight of Jim Holmes' time as usual this season. Kenny Leinster last ran a road race 16 or 17 years ago he thinks but hopefully we can coax him out again in around 21 days at Brampton as he is obviously running well, finishing in 34:34.
On leg 3, Stephen Reilly is gradually getting himself back into racing shape and was pleased with his time of 30:59. George Stewart put on the most dazzling display of the day (or at least his new racing shoes did) recording his second solid performance in a row with a time of 33:23 (yes George, you did beat Frances).
First timer Richard Lawton looked strong at the end of his 38:38 leg and definitely has the stamina for the forthcoming Brampton 10 miler.
Due to the cold, biting wind, the remaining final leg runners were all set off together, making more of a race of it. Scot Hill is in a bit of pain with sciatic nerve problems these days but it seems that pinning a number on (presumably through his skin rather than his vest!) takes his mind off it and he therefore ran 10 seconds faster than last year, finishing in 30:35. Brian McDougall had a hectic day even before he arrived at the race but left him with enough strength to improve by 31 seconds on last year, finishing in 31:09. Finally David Wardrope is getting back to last year's form, dropping only 6 seconds on last year with a time of 34:55.
Jim Holmes stays at the top of the club Grand Prix whilst Martin Duthie makes his first appearance in the lead of the scratch championship. Both competitions remain tight.
It was a cold day for spectating but we as always had strong support with Maud, Mandy, Angela, Ian Jnr and also Julie's sister there to cheer us on. Thanks and well done to all. More photos from Phrances the Photographer here. Photos of all the Harriers from Kenneth Phillips now added to the album.
The next Grand Prix race is the big one BRAMPTON in 3 weeks.
Alan
Friday 29 October 2010
Allan Scally Teams 2010
Lots of Calderglen teams again this week. The teams and running order are here. As the teams have to be paid for on the day it would help if you could be there for 1pm to give your money to Russell. Let Russell or I know by 12 tomorrow at the latest if you have to pull out. Race starts at 2pm.
Thursday 28 October 2010
ALLAN SCALLY ROAD RELAY GRAND PRIX #6
The race starts at 2pm and cost at this point is unknown but probably 3 or 4 pounds.
Please leave your name using this form if you want to run and teams will be selected after training on Thursday. Names received so far are here.
Please be at Bannerman High School, Bailliston by 1pm on Sat to pay so we can register the teams and go to the course.
Sunday 24 October 2010
National XC Relay Report
National Cross Country Relays
First off were the girls with Under 13 Amie Mulholland running the first leg in a time of 12 minutes and 56 seconds. Lisa Stenhouse (Under 15) took over and ran 13:40 while on the third leg Emma Campbell (Under 17) finished on 13:32 giving a total time of 40:08. The winning club in this race was Edinburgh AC with a total time of 31:59 and leg times of 11:06,10:50 and 10:03.
In the second race of the day the boys "A" team consisted of Alistair Crawford (Under 13) who ran 11:52 in the first leg and handed over to Andrew McGurk (Under 15) who completed the undulating course in a time of 12:07 before Richard Campbell (Under 17) showed some consistent form in 10:44 . The cumulative time for the "A" team was 34:43.
The "B" team started with Greg Mulholland (Under 13) completing the course in a time of 12:55. Greg was followed by Drew Gordon(Under 13) who ran an excellent 13:19 before handing over to the newest member of the boys squad Jack Thomson (Under 15) who finished in 13:48. The "B" team had a cumulative time of 40:02.
The "C" team was incomplete however two boys were undeterred by this and Paul McMonagle (Under 13) ran 15:40 . Roadworks and traffic congestion meant that Ian Rae (Under 15) just made it to the course on time otherwise he would have ran in the "A" team. His team of 11.08 was a just reward for the young athlete who stayed in the park to cheer on his dad and all the other Harriers in the Senior races.
For the record the winning boys team was Victoria Park Glasgow AC in a combined time of 26:59 with legs of 9:45, 8:49 and 8:25.
Once again many thanks to the parents/carers of the young athletes for supporting the club at this event.
Friday 22 October 2010
NATIONAL XC RELAYS
Can the men collect the numbers from me at the school up to 1.15 thereafter i will head to the course and you can collect your numbers there but please be there by 2pm to allow time for warmups etc
See teams on BLOG below
Russell
National XC Relay Teams
Parking/changing/registration/refreshments are at Cumbernauld High School, South Kildrum Ring Road, Cumbernauld G67 2UF about 1 mile from the race course. There are major road works on the A80 and in Cumbernauld, so leave plenty of time. Click here for a map.
Alan
Lanarkshire Cross Country Races - Young Athletes
12 noon Under 11 Girls 800 metres Entry £1
12.10 pm Under 11 Boys 800 metres Entry £1
12.25 pm Under 13 Girls 2400 metres Entry £1
12.35 pm Under 13 Boys 2400 metres Entry £1
12.50 pm Under 15 Girls 32oo metres Entry £1
12.50 pm Under 15 Boys 3200 metres Entry £1
1.15 pm Under 17 Girls 4800 metre Entry £2
1.15 pm Under 17 Boys 4800 metres Entry £2
If you intend taking part in this race give your name and Scottish Athletics number to Richard Lawton with the correct entry fee. Names will be taken up to 17 November. Please arrive at the park at least 30 minutes before your race start time to collect your number and allow enough time for a warm up.
If you have any questions to ask about the event please post a comment below.
Lanarkshire Road Relays
Under 11 Girls 1200 metres : "A" Team - Emma Lawton 5 minutes exact, Cliona Campbell 5:20, Kate Kane 5:24. These three girls were the second team overall this age category. Running as an individual Carla Graham ran a time of 6:38.
Under 13/15/17 Girls 2000 metres: "A" Team - Caitlin Campbell 8:19,Amie Mulholland 8:14 and Lisa Stenhouse 8:31. This trio were 10th team overall.
"B" Team - Kirstin McDowell 10:41,Nicole Sharp 8:50 and Emma Campbell 8:31. This team were 14th overall.
The only disappointment on the day was that we did not field any complete boy's teams . However there were some fine performances from those who did run as follows:
Under 11 Boys 1200 metres: Jack Nobile 5:32 and Conall McDowell 5:39.
Under 13 Boys 2400 metres: Calum Stewart 10:19 and Greig Mulholland 10:25
Under 15 Boys 2400 metres: Ian Rae 9:34 and Jack Thomson 13:04
Once again well done to all the young athletes.
COMING SOON TO THIS BLOG - DETAILS OF THE LANARKSHIRE CROSS COUNTRY RACES ON SATUDAY 20 NOVEMBER AT DUMPELLIER PARK IN COATBRIDGE.
Sunday 17 October 2010
Harriers,Hearts and Dons.
Our best wishes go to Craig and Andrew in their football careers.
NATIONAL XC RELAYS (Cumbernauld) 23rd Oct
Ladies:- K Findlater,F Maxwell, M Goldsmith, L McConnell and J McEvoy
Men:- R Couper, A Derrick, C Steven, C Freeman, D Wardrope, G Stewart, E Reid, S Waugh, R Lawton, C Banks, I Rae, M Duthie, J Holmes, S Hill, D Herbertson and D Watt
There is one space left for the ladies team and reserves have been entered so if anyone is interested let myself or Alan know at the club by thursday night
Teams will be selected after training on thursday so if you have to withdraw let us know
Youth notification is on the Blog below this
National Cross Country Relays
Under 13 Girls - Megan Brady,Amie Mulholland,Lynsey Thomson,Kirstin McDowell,Caitlin Campbell, Catriona MacKay and Nicole Sharp.
Under 15 Girls - Lisa Stenhouse
Under 17 Girls - Emma Campbell
Under 13 Boys - Alistair Crawford,Paul McMonagle,Greg Mulholland,Drew Gordon,Aaron Sumal,Amlar Sumal,Jason Kerr,Robert Griffiths,Joe McDermott,Mitchell McLuckie, Fraser Paul
Under 15 Boys - Ross Barrie,Ross Paterson,Ian Rae,Paul Mullen,Jack Blair,Andrew McGurk,Greg Miller,Adam McDonald,Jack Thomson
Under 17 Boys - Richard Campbell
If for any reason you are going to be late to the event could you contact me on 07815420752.
SVHC TRACK 10K
This was certainly a surprising and strange experience being the first time ive raced 25 times round a track (still feeling dizzy) Tempretures were a little down in Coatbridge compared to the day before for the relays and there was a strong breeze between 220m to 300m. Scot Hill, Stuart Waugh and Jim Holmes broke away from myself within the first 100m as expected but within a couple of laps Jim was struggling to hold on to Scot and Stuart and they started to move clear Stuart looking to reverse Saturdays result. Scot was setting the pace with Stuart tucked in behind all the way looking to pounce at the end. While this was going on i was still plodding round lap after lap and trying not to be lapped too often but to no avail althought i did some lapping myself. In the end Scot held off Stuart 40.01 to 40.03 good close race while Jim stayed on the same lap to finish 41.00 although Scot is hoping the official times might give him a couple of seconds off. I eventually crossed the line in 52.37 and hoping the official results will take off about 15mins. Good event well worth all our vets trying as its completly different from a 10k on the road.
Grand Prix Update after Race 4
Grand Prix: Women Men
Scratch: Women Men
Saturday 16 October 2010
Wood you Believe it 2 - Champions!
Calderglen's men fielded an impressive 4 and half teams. The first team was the same vets team as last week but in a slightly different running order. First off was Alan Cullie, still not quite back to his best form but recording a respectable 14:46 in about 8 or 9th position. Eddie Reid is keeping Alan close company this year and again was only seconds slower on leg 2, finishing in 14:52. Martin Duthie is sharpening up with every race and this week pulled the team back to 5th position with a solid 13:40 on leg 3. Finally a slightly feverish Alan Derrick set off on the last leg and predictably was never breathing comfortably but maintaining 5th position in a time of 13:23, a few seconds down on last year. Of course the future of our club is youth as demonstrated by the many young athletes running earlier in the day and by under-17 Richard Campbell, making his first appearance in a senior team, he was assigned a no-pressure first leg in the incomplete men's 5th team to give him a bit of experience. Pace judgement comes with experience and Richard probably went off a little quickly, being leading Harrier for a few hundred metres but only faded a little to come in just behind the 2nd team in a time of around 15:20 (estimated). Well done to Richard. Jim Homes set the second team off, this time avoiding any photo finishes by finishing in a clear 15:14 (another personal best). Stuart Waugh, in his first of two planned races this weekend, was not holding back on leg 2, recording 15:38. Making his relay debut, Graham Ramage was pleased to see that no baton changes are required in road relays (we distance runners can't do anything complicated like that) and probably found pace judgement the most difficult part of this largely solo effort, finishing in a fine 16:21. David Herbertson had once again just jetted in for the race, this time from Europe, but improved substantially on last year to finish in 16:01, not a pb but heading back in the right direction. We are certainly giving Ian Rae's slow twitch fibres a rest before next year's West Highland Way race training begins by exposing him to these "sprint" relays. This week Ian was on first leg duty for team three, recording 16:15. Leg 2 went to George Stewart who although still some way off his best looked in better form this week, finishing in 16:34 and avoiding a third successive defeat by Frances (much to her relief as after three wins she gets to keep George). Ian McKenzie was under no such pressure on leg 3, setting a time of 17:15. Final leg duty went to Colin Banks who had a tussle with a Springburn runner throughout which helped him to a 16:41. David Wardrope was on the first leg for team four and got quite close to last year's time, recording 16:28. Another first time relay runner today was the ever enthusiastic Michael Daly who had some competition all the way around his leg, finishing in an estimated 18 and a half minutes. Chas had a long day looking after the young athletes and then returning as keen as ever for leg 3 which he finished in 20:49. Richard Lawton was on leg 4 and seems to be over his injury, recording 18:35. Russell was on leg 2 for the fifth team, taking over from Richard Campbell. Russell was delighted to improve by 1 minute and 12 seconds on last year with a time of 19:34.
This was a very healthy display by the Harriers, old and new. Thanks and well done to all. Thanks also to our supporters and photographers Sandra, Maud and Mandy and to Andy Henderson who fulfilled the club's marshalling duties throughout the day. This link takes you to the photo gallery. Roll on Cumbernauld!
As a footnote, Drumpellier Park is a great venue for races (when the weather is nice!) and it surely must have been inspirational to regular park users to see so many people young and old doing something so positive, running their hearts out. But not to one jogger who rather than being enthused by the fast, fit runners around him, hurled abuse at marshalls (not once but twice) who politely asked him to jog to one side of the path in the start/finish area. Only in the West of Scotland I am ashamed to say......
Alan