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Wednesday 29 September 2010

Houston Road Relay Photos


Colin Banks in Full Flow
Thanks to Kenneth Phillips, prolific race photographer, for sending through photos of some of the Harriers in action at Houston last Saturday. You can see the rest of the photos on this album.

Photos capturing a few more Harriers just added to the album courtesy of Malcolm via Frances.

Alan

Saturday 25 September 2010

McANDREW RELAYS

Next week Saturday 2nd Oct sees the McAndrew relays at Jordanhill
The race starts at 3pm and it would be great if we could get 2 ladies teams out and more gents teams.
I already have some names for this R COUPER, D WATT, A DERRICK, C McDOUGALL,
B McDOUGALL, S HILL, S WAUGH, E REID, G MULLEN, C BANKS, M DUTHIE, J HOLMES,
F MAXWELL, G STEWART, D WARDROPE.

If your names not on the list leave a comment on this BLOG or preferably use THIS FORM or see me at the club this week. (See who is participating so far here).
Again teams will be decided after training on thursday night
Cost for this race is £4.00

Russell

HOUSTON RELAYS

Today saw 14 Harriers take to the streets of Houston in what was near perfect conditions
Making her debut at the relays was Joanne McEvoy who ran an excellant 17.20 so set the ladies up for a good event. next was Mary Goldsmith running a course best of 18.42 and Frances Maxwell completing the team 18.29.
For the gents our A team was also a full vets team and Davie Watt set them off with 14.06
the rest of the team was Eddie Reid 16.29, Charlie McDougall 15.13 and Jim Holmes16.29
The B team times were Brian McDougall 16.31, Ian McKenzie 18.31 George Stewart 18.07 and Davie Herbertson16.58. the C team only had 3 runners Colin Banks 18.38, Davie Wardrope 18.52 and Russell Couper 20.59 nearly 2mins faster than last year
These times are official for grand prix purposes and now available on Scottish Athletics website. Thanks also to Sandra, Malcolm, Mandy and Martin for your support today.

Thursday 23 September 2010

Houston Road Relay Teams - Updated with Teams

The teams and running order for Saturday are listed here. I've assumed that the men's vets teams start at age M40, however if it turns out that they are starting at M35 then both the B and C teams should be entered as vets teams too. Please report to Russell on arrival so that he knows you are there and be there by about 1:45 at the latest so that Russell can enter the teams and also so you have enough time for a gentle jog around the course for a warm-up. If for whatever reason you cannot make it, then please get in touch with Russell on Saturday morning. I unfortunately am in a remote area with no mobile coverage over the weekend so do not text or phone me as I won't get the message in time. Remember to declare any jokers you are playing to Russell before the start of the race. Have a great race!

Alan

Many thanks to all who have entered. The Harriers are going to be well represented for sure. I'm just awaiting confirmation from Russell that no further names were obtained at the club on Thursday night. I won't therefore be able to publish the team running order until after work on Friday evening. Please check this blog post later on Friday or on Saturday morning. I hope you all have great runs and I wish I could be there for the start of a new season!

Alan

Grand Prix 2010 - 2011

A new grand prix season is upon us, kicking off with the Houston Road Relay followed by McAndrew Road Relay, West District XC Relay and the National XC Relays. Further details of the grand prix calendar for the rest of 2010 will follow in a week or so.

Thanks to all who have made themselves available for the Houston, West and National XC relays. Already the numbers of Harriers entering are well ahead of last year, particularly from the ladies which bodes well for a competitive grand prix series. The ladies grand prix format will continue more or less unchanged for this year, i.e. best 11 from 16 races to count, 5 points for first down to 1 point for fifth and 1 point for all others who competed. All the women start with 1 joker except last year's champion Frances, who starts with 0 jokers. A further joker is earned by scoring 3 points or less in a race. The women have no cap on the number of jokers that can be earned in a season. On playing a joker, your points for that race are doubled, on playing 2 jokers the points are quadrupled, etc up to a maximum of 20 points. A new bonus joker system is being added to the women's and men's grand prix this year to further reward those who do a lot of races. On completing 5 races, 1 further joker is awarded, on completing 10 races a further joker is awarded and on completing 15 races a further 2 jokers are awarded. These additional jokers are not subject to the maximum season jokers cap in the men's competition.

For the men's grand prix, the rules remain more or less unchanged with the exception of the bonus joker system described above. Therefore, best 11 from 16 races to count, 12 points for 1st down to 1 point for 12th and everyone else participating. Jokers double your points up to a maximum of 24 points. 1 joker is earned by scoring 8 points or less and 2 jokers are earned by scoring 3 points or less. The jokers assigned at the start of the season and the maximum jokers per season for each person are listed here. If you are not on the list then please leave a comment on the blog and I will update the list.

I'll be happy to clarify any questions on the above. Failing that speak to Russell or David Wardrope both of whom seem to have mastered the system!

Alan

Wednesday 22 September 2010

West District Cross Country Relays - Young Athletes

The following young athletes have been entered the above event which will take place at Rouken Glen Park on Saturday 9 October 2010 :

Under 13 Boys : Alistair Crawford,Paul McMonagle,Greg Mulholland,Drew Gordon,Aaron Sumal,Jason Kerr,Joe McDermott,Mitchell McLuckie and Greg Spence.
Under 15 Boys : Ross Barrie,Ross Paterson,Ian Rae,Paul Mullen,Amlar Sumal,Andrew McGurk,Greg Miller,Adam McDonald and Jack Thomson
Under 17 Boys: Richard Campbell

Under 13 Girls: Megan Brady,Amie Mulholland,Lynsey Thomson,Kirstin McDowell, Caitlin Campbell,Becky Valentine,Catriona MacKay,Carla Graham and Nicole Sharp
Under 15 Girls: Lisa Stenhouse, Lynn Andrew and Holly Valentine
Under 17 Girls: Emma Campbell

The Girls race starts at 11.30 am and the Boys race at 12.05pm. All participants should report to the park for 10.30 am to allow time for team selection and a warm up.
A relay team at this event comprises of three legs each of 2,500 metres . The first leg is for Under 13's only , the second leg is for Under 13's and Under 15's and the third leg is for Under 15's and Under 17's.

As soon as more information becomes available about this event it will be posted on this blog.

Sunday 19 September 2010

Trossachs Training Camp 2010 - High Viz and Fat

The TTC weekend is over and once again a whole lot of fun was had by all. We were lucky with the weather with dry and mild conditions prevailing for the Friday and Saturday and only Sunday brought our first rainy TTC day in 4 years. Even then, this year's fluorescent t-shirts brightened up the day.

Over the weekend everyone ran between about 18 and 30 miles spread over 4 running sessions. Friday evening started with the Coilhallan Wood loop, a 3 to 5 miler with the inevitable significant climb. Saturday started with fine sunshine and a variety of routes of between 4 and 10 miles spread over Kilmahog, The Meadows, The Wood Walk, Bracklinn Falls and Callander Golf Course. Nutrition was a big part of this weekend, both practical and theoretical. Emma Conroy from Edinburgh Nutrition provided a thought provoking seminar on nutrition which turned many of our preconceived ideas on their heads and was the main topic of conversation for the remainder of the day. A fabulous buffet lunch was provided on both the Saturday and Sunday whilst the Friday and Saturday evening meals were to the usual high quality at the Lade Inn. Saturday afternoon's repetition session stretched everyone and the old Callander to Oban railway line resounded to loud puffing for the first time since the steam railway closed.

Finally to Sunday, the heavy overnight rain continued and so the planned "mystery" pre-long run session was cancelled. However once warmed up, the conditions were perfect for a long run. Distances one the Menteith Hills and Achray Forest loops ranged from 9 miles to 14.5 miles and yes, they all involved significant climbs. All completed their runs in fine form.

Thanks to all who organised and participated in this inspirational event. Not so many running photos this year due to to all the coaches running rather than mountain biking but a selection of those we have are available on-line here.

Alan

Wednesday 15 September 2010

GEORGE CUMMINGS ROAD RELAY

The start of the new Grand Prix season is almost upon us and starts with the George cummings road relay on Saturday 25th Sept start time 2.30pm in Houston.
The cost is £3.00 each to be paid on the day before the teams are declared or pay me at the club next week when you give me your name. Please record your availability using this on-line form.
Again please make sure your Scottish Athletics membership is up to date and for any new members make sure i have a record of it.
For new members that are not sure of the format of these types of races its teams of 3 for ladies and 4 for men or part teams 2.7 miles each starting and finishing each leg at the same point
Alan will pick the teams and running order usually on the thursday night after training prior to to the event and will post this on the Blog so you know in advance what team your in and what leg your doing.
Anyone who won t be at training during the week but wishes to take part leave a comment on this blog by thursday afternoon.

Russell

Tuesday 14 September 2010

West District and National XC Relays

Thanks to those who have replied so far (check these links to see who we have for the West and National XC Relays). Can I urge you all to consider making yourself available for these championship relays, both of which are relatively local (Rouken Glen and Cumbernauld). Cross country is a foundation of distance running and even if you are not in it to win it, these 4k relay legs do a lot for your strength without the shock and impact of a fast road race. Both races are vets championships (40 + for both men and women), 3 for a ladies team and 4 for a men's team. To add your name to the lists, please use the links to the on-line forms available a few posts earlier on this blog.

Cumbernauld 1k

Junior Harrier Emma Lawton, age 9, put in another impressive performance in the Cumbernauld 1K fun run on Sunday 12th September. The organisers of the event grouped all the children into their respective Primary School age group, P5, P6 and P7 and ran 3 1K age group races. Emma was 1st P5 overall and 1st Girl with a big gap ahead of the second place boy runner. Her unofficial time (according to Dad Richard’s mobile) was 3.58.65mins, a pb by 2 seconds on her last 1K win at the Harriers trail race.

At the end of the race there was quite a media interest in the winners with cameras from STV and photographers from the Cumbernauld News and Evening Times. The winners were also photographed in promotional shots for the International Children’s Games in 2011.

This was Emma’s first experience of media interest in the success of the young athletes and true to her quietly confident nature she took it all in her stride.

With Emma’s recent tour of performances at the LAAA Track & Field Championships, GSR 1.5K, EKAC 2K Fun Run and now Cumbernauld 1K Fun Run, she is in good stead for running well for the Harriers in the under 11 team for the LAAA Road Relay at Drumpellier Park, Coatbridge in October.

A fantastic performance by Emma who is establishing herself as one of the Harriers' brightest prospects. Thanks to Richard for the report and photos.

Alan

Monday 13 September 2010

Calderglen Harriers Annual Club Dance

The club dance and presentation of awards (Grand Prix, performance awards etc..) will take place on Saturday 23rd October 2010.

This year we plan to have a disco at the club commencing at 7.30pm until 12.30am.

We would be grateful if all members bring food for the buffet and a raffle prize. Tickets are £5 each and can be obtained from Eddie.

Please record the number of tickets you require on-line here and follow up with payment to Eddie asap.




Trossachs Training Camp 2010

Weather forecast for this weekend is warm and sunny with some overcast and rain varying from light to heavy.
You can arrive at the Trossachs Backpackers Hostel from 3.30pm onwards. First run will be at 5.30pm prompt. Please be here and ready to run otherwise it is dinner and no run!
 You will need to bring the following with you;


• 4 run outfits - please check weather and dress appropriately
• waterproof/water resistant jacket
• running shoes (you might like to have a spare pair!)
• running socks - lots (at least 4 pairs)
• casual outfit for dinner
• bedding will be provided but you'll need to bring a towel or two (you may get very wet this year!!)
• water bottle and something to put in it e.g. energy drink for Sunday long run
• your own toiletries
• any medication you require
• and pyjamas (the rooms are dorms)
• a mat/beach towel to put on grass for mystery workshop!!


Dinner on the first night is at 7.30pm in case you're running late.
Allow enough time for travelling the road can be very busy if you are travelling at rush hour.


There will be a welcome board at the main reception, on this will be room information, pack information and a reminder of what you've ordered for dinner!

DIRECTIONS

Sunday 12 September 2010

Cumbernauld 10k

Ian Hughes chose a relatively flat race for a change today but reaped the benefit of all the hard races and hard training he has put in this year to set a massive pb by over a minute, finishing in 6th place out of a field of 500 in a time of 36:11. The weather was warm and the race scenic, starting at Broadwood Stadium and going around the loch with only a few slight inclines. The race was won by Robert Gilroy despite running into the back of the police motorbike escort!

Very well done to Ian for this big step up.

Trossachs Training Camp 2010

TTC update;

Thanks to all who have submitted their meal choices. I am still waiting for the following people;

Colin Banks
John McBride
Kenny

If anybody sees them can you let them know please. I need them by Monday evening - or I'll have to choose for them!!

The menu for Friday and Saturday evening dinner is here. Please make your menu choices using this on-line form. If you have any problems using the form then send an e-mail to genevieve@athelite.net .

I'll post an update shortly about arrangements for the weekend.
Thanks.

Wednesday 8 September 2010

NATIONAL XC RELAYS (Cumbernauld) 23rd Oct

Im now also taking names for the National Cross Country relays on 23rd Oct.
Ladies and Gents are both 4k.
Ladies start at 1.40pm and Gents at 2.30pm.
Cost is £4.00 each.
Again Scottish Athletics memberships must be up to date.
Leave your name on this FORM or see me at the club.
Names required by 4th Oct.

Russell

WEST DISTRICT XC RELAYS (Roukenglen Park)9th Oct

Im now taking entries for the West District Cross Country relays on 9th Oct.
Ladies and gents are all 4K each and cost £3.50 each.
Ladies start at 12.40pm and gents at 1.30pm.
Please leave your names on this form or see me at the club.
Remember you have to have your Scottish Athletics membership up to date.
Names required by Monday 20th Sept

Russell

Tuesday 7 September 2010

On yer bike!

Stevie Marzella and I were back on the bikes again for another Cal Mac tour of the Scottish Islands. Our journey started on Friday morning with a relaxing train ride to Fort William where the serious cycling started. The weather being as it was, sunscreen and shades were the order of the day. After all, it was Scotland in September, what else would you expect! We had a great bike ride through some stunning scenery. Once we passed Glenfinnan, and some welcome tea and buns, the going was somewhat tougher with a few testing climbs. Onwards to Mallaig for our 1st overnight stop. Our overnight accommodation was unfortunately located in the same venue as “Mallaig’s Got Talent” or not as the case might be. Sleep was limited to any time after midnight, so our departure on Saturday morning was somewhat lacklustre. Onto our 1st ferry of the weekend for the sail over the sea to Skye. Yes we all know the song! More sunscreen and shades. The journey up to Portree was again full of great scenery and provided a welcome stop for more tea and buns. After that on to Uig for our 2nd overnight stop at the youth hostel (yes the “youth” in youth hostel does extend to a wide age group) and hopefully a better night’s sleep. Sunday morning, yes more sunscreen and more shades, and another ferry this time to Lochmaddy on North Uist. The weather although warm, promised a south easterly 20mph wind. Not good went you are heading south and east. Some tough cycling for almost the whole day, but relatively flat. Lochboisdale was a welcome sight and the last overnight stop. Monday morning saw a distinct change in the weather for the worst, and with a 6 hour sail ahead, the full Scottish breakfast was not the best decision I made over the weekend. Onwards to Oban with a brief stop at Barra (land of my forefathers) a great end to our travels. A train ride back to Glasgow saw the end of a great weekend of cycling and sight-seeing. Looking back at the weather we had on our week up the West Highland way and last weekend’s sunshine, please let me know when you wish to holiday up north and I’ll provide the most appropriate dates.
Malcolm

Monday 6 September 2010

Great Scottish Runs and Strathclyde Park Run

It was an exceptionally busy weekend for the Harriers with the above races which meant all age groups within the club were participating . Club President Frances Maxwell secured a well deserved firstfemale in the 5 k Strathclyde Park Run in a time of 21 :35 . Also taking part in this race were father and son Scot and Stuart Hill . Scot completed the course in 19:29 ( 7th overall)while young Stuart ran a fantastic 27:54 opting for this event rather than The Great Scottish Junior Run.

Glasgow Green was the venue for the GSR Junior Run which for the second year had races at 1.5 km and 3 km. In the shorter race Emma Lawton was 15th in a time of 5:24 followed by Wren Millar in 6:52 then Kirsty McMonagle in 8:02. All three girls are 9 years old.

In the 3k race Ian Rae (14) crossed the finishing line in 12:05 and was 89th. Next was Alistair Crawford (12) only thirty nine seconds behind. Lewis Miller (11) produced a fine 13:08 and Drew Gordon (11) followed in 14:24. The only girl from the club Emma Phimister (10) reached the finish on 16:56 while Mark Rae (11) followed on 21:36.

As the Indian summer continued from Saturday to Sunday there was great anticipation amongst the Harriers ranks. Choosing the 10 k race another father and son ,this time Charlie and Brian McDougall , departed the start at George Square amongst 10,000 other runners. Charlie clocked 36:50 at the finish on Glasgow Green while Brian on 40:45 will no doubt be running a sub 40 minute 10 k very soon. Also running the 10 k were Ann McLellan (71:19) and Elizabeth Ann Jamieson (69:) who are both mothers of two of the clubs young athletes, respectively Hannah and Lee.

The main event of the weekend was the half marathon which this year proved to be more popular than ever and with thousands of supporters lining the streets it was reminiscent of the marathon boom years of the early 1980's.

Jim Holmes running this race for the 17th consecutive year can now see a sub 90 minute half marathon in his sights finishing on 1:32:57 although he would agree there is a bit of work to be done yet. Also running for the same number of years (or is it 18 consecutive years ?) Dave Searil ran a consistent 1:56:18. Whether or not they can match such a feat the race also so half marathon debuts for Stephen Phimister (1:39:40), Michael Daly (1:52:01), Laura McConnell (2:04:58) and from the Tuesday section Jennifer Fegan (2:25:43). Familiar faces at this race and also from the Tuesday section Caroline Dewar (1:57:12) and Mhairi Steven (1:58:29) found to conditions to their liking.

It was also fantastic to see Julie Beveridge who only came to the club last week running a fine 1:45:49 and some old faces like George Haining (1:36:04) and Ivan Field (1:35:09) running with the current Harriers like Graham Lindsay (1:39.01),Colin Banks (1:39:41) , John McBride (1:49:04) , Mary Goldsmith (1:49:33) and Davie Wardrope (1:50:31).

Comfortably below 2 hours were Alison Crooks (1:55:00) and Ian McKenzie (1:52:31) while just outside it were Chas Steven ( 2:02:35) and Claire Brady (2:05:58) . This race marked the 25 th anniversary for Chas since he ran the 1985 Glasgow Marathon an event which introduced him to distance running and to Calderglen Harriers . A journey which he claims has been very rewarding. He would have been only 14 years old back in September 1985 and more interested in looking like Lloyd Cole ( if recent Facebook comments are anything to go by) but Graham Ramage cast aside any nerves on the day and ran a superb 1:40:34.

Husband and wife Brian and Carol Bourke , parent helpers on a Wednesday night, were delighted with thier times. Carol ran 1:58:41 while Brian ran a stunning 1:27:47. The only message to them is get signed up to the Harriers now !

Please accept my apologies if I have missed anyone out from this report and feel free to add your name and time in the comments box below. All I can say is with all these adults running we should not have any problem selling all the dance tickets or filling the Brampton bus .