Upcoming Harriers Events
Search This Blog
Sunday 29 January 2012
Masters Road Relay - Strathclyde Park
Although the frost had lifted it was still a bitterly cold day in Strathclyde Park for the annual Scottish Masters Road Relays. The course was the usual 3.7 mile single lap of Strathclyde Loch but with the benefit of only a light headwind on the far side and a few icy patches to focus the attention. Even the pedestrians and dogs were well behaved today!
Calderglen assembled one M35+ team (but none of us were in our 30's), one M50 team and an incomplete M35 team. I took first leg for the M35 team and as usual the first leg pace was crazy from the start. The first 4 were off like a shot and I joined a second pack which was also shifting at around 5 minute mile pace. This did not last a mile though. By the end of the loch I had stretched into 5th place dragging the pack along but as we hit the first incline at the top of Strathclyde Loch my legs and breathing buckled and 4 runners streamed past. Although my pace dropped gradually I did maintain 9th place to the finish in a time of 20:35. It felt like a terrible run due to the poor pace judgement but subsequent inspection of previous results showed it to be a pb by around 20 seconds. Mark Saez was able to make a rare race appearance due to the event being on a Sunday and was dropped into a fast paced leg 2. Mark ran very strongly, despite finding the undulating far side of the loch tough and finished in 23:09, an impressive 30 seconds faster than last year. Scot Hill arrived in plenty of time for leg 3 but declared that he would try the Martin Duthie method of motivation which was to do a late warm-up and then strip off in a panic just before his leg. This seemed to work although in the panic he did forget to start his watch. His official time was around 23:33, similar to last year. David Herbertson, still sporting his Christmas Australian tan, steamed around the course, finishing at some speed in a time of 24:27 on the final leg.
For the M50's, full time athlete Stuart Waugh was the oldest and fastest member of his team, recording an excellent 23:41, 15 seconds faster than last year and very happy to beat fellow M60 Andy Rennie of Irvine who he has never beaten before. By the second leg, Gerry Mullen was lying in 4th place in the M50 event and responded well to being advised of this. Gerry finished in 24:31, almost identical to last year, handing over to Andy Henderson. Andy was feeling a little bit tight but even so held 4th place and just behind Gerry in a time of 24:33. Another one which will require scrutiny of the official results! This left Hugh Simpson with the no-pressure situation of having to pull back at least one place for a medal! Hugh likes a challenge (he had his twin grand childrenwith him) and ran very well for his first time at this event. Hugh's time was 26:38 which must be close to the equivalent of a 5k pb. Alas, we don't think we moved up to a medal position but the official results will reveal all (confirmed). Russell Couper was the lone runner for our second M35 team and, despite his recent injuries was competitive with last year's time, finishing in 30:51.
We had plenty of support out on course, with Barry Cockburn doing the video and stills photography and Eddie, Sandra, Maud, Frances and Stephen McIntyre providing the support. Photos from Frances and Kenny Phillips here (see also http://www.roadrunpics.com) and official times now added. Well done to all.
Alan
Saturday 28 January 2012
Masters Road Relay Teams
Teams and running order for Sunday morning's relay are here. The race starts at 11am, so please be at the water sports centre at Strathclyde Park for around 10 to allow time to declare teams and early leg warm-ups (or please confirm to Russell before 10 if you are coming slightly later). There are still 2 places available for M35+ ladies and 3 places for M35+ men, so again please let Russell know before 10 if you want a run.
Alan
Alan
Tuesday 24 January 2012
Update from down under
Billy and I relaxing after the inaugral Tauranga multi disipline event. Lighting the BBQ, opening the beer bottle and wine tasting were all included. A sort of triathalon! This format will I'm sure catch on very quickly within the club as many members are well versed in all disciplines! This event will be held on an annual basis so get your flights booked. This event is a must for the grand prix and should attract maxium points for all.
See you all too soon.
Sunday 22 January 2012
MASTERS ROAD RELAY (STRATHCLYDE PARK)
The SVHC Road Relay will be held again in Strathclyde park on 29th Jan at 11am
This event is for anyone 35 or over and is £3 per head. Team categories are M35+, M50+ and F35+. 4 per team in the men's events and 3 in the ladies.
As this is pre entry please leave your name on this form by Monday 16th or see me at training. Full list of those who have entered is here.
ENTRIES ARE AWAY BUT MANY RESERVE NAMES LISTED SO IF YOU STILL WANT TO RUN SEE ME AT THE CLUB TO CHECK IF YOUR LISTED.
2 Male and 2 Female places still available
This event is for anyone 35 or over and is £3 per head. Team categories are M35+, M50+ and F35+. 4 per team in the men's events and 3 in the ladies.
As this is pre entry please leave your name on this form by Monday 16th or see me at training. Full list of those who have entered is here.
ENTRIES ARE AWAY BUT MANY RESERVE NAMES LISTED SO IF YOU STILL WANT TO RUN SEE ME AT THE CLUB TO CHECK IF YOUR LISTED.
2 Male and 2 Female places still available
Saturday 21 January 2012
Message from Scottish Athletics
Scottish Athletics have recently appointed a new communications manager, Peter Jardine previously a sports writer with the Daily Mail. The Scottish Athletics web site www.scottishathletics.org.uk now has more reports and stories than ever before.
'Communication is changing at scottishathletics and we want you to be more involved. Check out our website www.scottishathletics.org.uk on a day-by-day basis for all the latest news information on the sport in this country. Our Facebook page will keep you posted, too. Please check it regularly for pictures, forthcoming events and your comments. Thanks for your interest in both scottishathletics and athletics in Scotland.’
Thursday 12 January 2012
Sports Therapy Discount
Calderglen Harriers now has a deal in place with Grant McLullich Sports Therapy for discounted treatments. At the reduced rate of £20 for adults and £12 for children (under 16), you can book in for either an injury assessment and treatment or a sports massage.
Based in Athelite, Hamilton you can contact Grant on;
Tel - 07967543083.
Email - grant.mclullich@btinternet.com
Tuesday 10 January 2012
NATIONAL XC (FALKIRK)
The National XC Championships take place on Sat 18th Feb.
Ladies race over 8k starting at 1.25pm
Men race over 12k starting at 2.30pm
Cost is £4.50 per head.
If you wish entered for this race please leave your name on this Form or see me at training.
Names required by Monday 23rd Jan. Names received so far are listed here.
Russell
Ladies race over 8k starting at 1.25pm
Men race over 12k starting at 2.30pm
Cost is £4.50 per head.
If you wish entered for this race please leave your name on this Form or see me at training.
Names required by Monday 23rd Jan. Names received so far are listed here.
Russell
Monday 9 January 2012
MASTERS XC (Kilmarnock)
This years Masters xc championship will be held on 4th Feb in Kilmarnock.
The event is for over 40s both male and female.
I need names by Monday 16th Jan at the latest.
Ladies (6k) start at 1pm and men (8k) at 1.45pm
cost is £4.50
If you wish entered see me at the club or leave your name on this form. A full list of who has entered is here.
The event is for over 40s both male and female.
I need names by Monday 16th Jan at the latest.
Ladies (6k) start at 1pm and men (8k) at 1.45pm
cost is £4.50
If you wish entered see me at the club or leave your name on this form. A full list of who has entered is here.
Saturday 7 January 2012
Callander Crags Race
No snow this year in the Winter edition of the annual Callander Crags Race but still very scenic (at least looking at the event photos post-race it looked very nice although I didn't notice it at the time, eyes being glued to the ground!). With only a weeks training in the legs and lungs after 2 weeks out with a heavy cold and a further 2 months of achilles tendon injury, I knew this race was going to hurt and I was correct!
With only 15 minutes to go before the start it seemed that the field would not be that big but clearly everyone was hiding in their cars and as the start approached they all appeared from somewhere. It looked like about 80 runners young and old on the line. The council had done a good job of cutting up two massive trees which had been blocking the path at the start but we were warned that were a further 5 or 6 trees down on the ascent to be negotiated. The ascent is one mile long (think Chatelerhault log jam but twice as steep) and now included the added difficulty of hurdling (or stepping over in my case) the aforementioned 5 or 6 tree trunks.
After moving away into what felt a comfortable 4th or 5th position in the first three quarter mile, I struggled as always when the "path" got rougher near the top and lost a couple more places. So it was not looking good for my usual dismal descent. At the top an old friend gave me the helpful advice to use my weight to catch those in front going down and couple more duly passed me as I staggered down the roughest, rockiest and slippiest part of the descent. Another friend marshalling encouraged me with the words that I looked as though I probably should have stayed at home today but despite this I was enjoying being up on the hill with the sun shining and prepared myself for the approaching tarmac road where I knew I was really going to have to push hard to catch back some places. I hit the road just as another runner arrived on my shoulder and I immediately put the hammer down, hitting sub 5 minute mile pace for a 3/4 mile and soon past one runner. The rest were well gone but there was no chance to relax with two runners close behind. I kept the power on all the way to the finish, including the final sting in the tail quarter mile ascent before dropping down to the finish, crossing the line in about 8th or 9th position in 27:51, not my worst time as I had feared (last year was over a minute slower due to the snow and ice) but well down on what I have routinely done in similar conditions.
The race was won in a new course record of 21:27 by local hill running super star Prasad Prasad (most folk were not even at the top when he had finished)! I was first M40 but had let an M50 get a minute away from me on the rough part of the descent. A great wee race in its 25th official year. Looking forward to the summer, mid-week edition (June 6th, 7pm) where hopefully we can get a few Harriers out.
Alan
With only 15 minutes to go before the start it seemed that the field would not be that big but clearly everyone was hiding in their cars and as the start approached they all appeared from somewhere. It looked like about 80 runners young and old on the line. The council had done a good job of cutting up two massive trees which had been blocking the path at the start but we were warned that were a further 5 or 6 trees down on the ascent to be negotiated. The ascent is one mile long (think Chatelerhault log jam but twice as steep) and now included the added difficulty of hurdling (or stepping over in my case) the aforementioned 5 or 6 tree trunks.
After moving away into what felt a comfortable 4th or 5th position in the first three quarter mile, I struggled as always when the "path" got rougher near the top and lost a couple more places. So it was not looking good for my usual dismal descent. At the top an old friend gave me the helpful advice to use my weight to catch those in front going down and couple more duly passed me as I staggered down the roughest, rockiest and slippiest part of the descent. Another friend marshalling encouraged me with the words that I looked as though I probably should have stayed at home today but despite this I was enjoying being up on the hill with the sun shining and prepared myself for the approaching tarmac road where I knew I was really going to have to push hard to catch back some places. I hit the road just as another runner arrived on my shoulder and I immediately put the hammer down, hitting sub 5 minute mile pace for a 3/4 mile and soon past one runner. The rest were well gone but there was no chance to relax with two runners close behind. I kept the power on all the way to the finish, including the final sting in the tail quarter mile ascent before dropping down to the finish, crossing the line in about 8th or 9th position in 27:51, not my worst time as I had feared (last year was over a minute slower due to the snow and ice) but well down on what I have routinely done in similar conditions.
The race was won in a new course record of 21:27 by local hill running super star Prasad Prasad (most folk were not even at the top when he had finished)! I was first M40 but had let an M50 get a minute away from me on the rough part of the descent. A great wee race in its 25th official year. Looking forward to the summer, mid-week edition (June 6th, 7pm) where hopefully we can get a few Harriers out.
Alan
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Callander Crags Race This Saturday
If anyone is up for something different this Saturday, then the annual Callander Crags race is on at 1pm. Very low key hill race, probably won't be any snow up top this year but still scenic! Its 3.05 miles total and 850 feet of ascent (and of course descent), starts and finishes at the same place. Details from the race organisers below (the registration is from the red VW Camper van which will be parked in Tulipan Crescent. This is the street about 150m past the Tesco Express on Callander Main Street heading north).
Alan
All systems Go! Registration from 11.45am
Race starts 1.00pm
Registration is in Tulipan Crescent, Callander (FK17 8AR). (Usual
Place) Look for the red vanWelcome again to our wee run up the hill.
Remember please that this run is for all ages and abilities and the
emphasis is on each challenge being an individual one.
Check all your times from previous years and calculate if you are at
your peak or just over the hill.
All children under 13 must bring a parent who can keep up.
We hope to see you, and hope you have a really enjoyable run!
Alistair and Sheila
Alan
All systems Go! Registration from 11.45am
Race starts 1.00pm
Registration is in Tulipan Crescent, Callander (FK17 8AR). (Usual
Place) Look for the red vanWelcome again to our wee run up the hill.
Remember please that this run is for all ages and abilities and the
emphasis is on each challenge being an individual one.
Check all your times from previous years and calculate if you are at
your peak or just over the hill.
All children under 13 must bring a parent who can keep up.
We hope to see you, and hope you have a really enjoyable run!
Alistair and Sheila
Sunday 1 January 2012
2nd January Training
As the Sports Club is open on Monday 2nd January then there will be a gentle club run on at the usual time for those that can make it.
Happy New Year
Alan
Happy New Year
Alan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)