NATIONAL ROAD 6 + 4 STAGE RELAY

The National 6 + 4 stage relay will be held on Sat 31st March at Almondvale (Livingston)
Race starts at noon and has the usual format of alternate leg distances, 6 stages for men and 4 for ladies.
Cost is £3 per head and i need names by Monday 12th March.
Please leave your name on this form or see me at the club on training nights. Names received so far are listed here.

Russell

DEVILLA FOREST 15

For those that dont know the Devilla Forest 15 is a 15k trail race held at Tulliallan police college next to Kincardine. Four Harriers took part today in what was pretty good running conditions apart from the trails themselves. Julie Beveridge, George Stewart, David Wardrope and Russell Couper took to the start line which was held up for over 5 mins while they got the megaphone to work then we were off. The first few hundred metres are on twisty roads in the college grounds and climbs slightly. Julie got off fast and had passed me by the first bend but George and David had to wait till we were on the trails to make their pass. Again the trail keeps a gradual climb and after a kilometre and a bit they were all out of sight. With no markers it was difficult to know your pace but it wasnt going to be fast as i would estimate most of the first 8k was a gradual climb with a few wee flat sections and slight downhills on route. Throw in some very muddy and slippy sections this took its toll on all runners with the 8th k being a steeper section of forest track. At around 5k i noticed a timing chip in the mud and stopped to pick it up as there is a financial penalty for runners failing to return them so that was my good deed for the day. The second half is easier as its more downhill than up but again very tough terrain in sections. Although my legs were under a lot of stress about 8k i did find i got a bit of recovery and had a good couple of k on the south side of the reservoir roughly 10k-12k. This was a flat section on a firm forest trail and good for running on and i actually started to pass some that had previosly passed me earlier. The last 3k was mostly forest track and downhill but with tired legs i couldnt take any advantage to catch some more and was retaken by a couple of runners. Finally with just under a k to go we were back on trail then out into the college grounds and road to the finish at which point i found my legs again and pulled back 30m on the runner in front for an easy pass. Places and times are not on the host clubs website yet but George kindly got the times at the prizegiving which are Julie 1:11:25, George 1:12:24, David 1:18:36 and Russell 1:31:53. (Just for the record my good deed earlier in the race cost me 25mins). In all seriousness a very good race albeit very tough but well worth other Harriers looking at it in future. Many thanks to Joanne McEvoy for coming along to support us although not a good course for spectating.

National XC - Race Report

A few Harriers made their National XC début today, not least of which was the new club tent, much admired by other clubs and certainly the biggest on display. A big thanks to Andy and Frances for arriving early to set the tent up in advance of the young athletes' races; it was certainly appreciated by athletes and supporters alike in the changeable weather conditions.

By the afternoon the wind had dropped but the snowy showers persisted right up to the start of the senior ladies race in which we had 4 Harriers competing. The 8k race covered two laps of the challenging Callendar Park course and was won by 6 times previous winner and Olympic marathon hopeful Freya Murray. The Harriers' quartet split into two pairs with Julie Beveridge leading the way chased by Karen Sturgeon on the first lap. Frances Maxwell was a minute or so back followed by Joanne McEvoy. This was Julie's first National XC and by the second lap, armed with knowledge of what was to come, she extended her lead over Karen to finish in 93rd position in a time of 37:04 with Karen (also debuting) only a short distance behind in 100th position (37:14). As Frances had already put her legs through a tough session raising the tent, she did well to hold her lead over Joanne, finishing in 39:15 with a still not really 100% well Joanne finishing close behind in a steady 39:29. This gave the 4 ladies an excellent 17th place in the team competition out of 28 teams. The status quo is maintained in both the grand prix and the scratch championship with Julie leading both. However, positions behind are sure to change come the next race.

For the senior men's race a record field of over 500 assembled in the biting cold wind and as the starter called us to our marks and raised his gun, his hat blew off causing a moment of hilarity as he chased it across the field. However, with his hat firmly gripped in his hand, he got us away on the second attempt and the field proceeded at a remarkably leisurely pace up the grassy slope (compared to recent years at least). The ground was in much better condition this year for the first km but the hill on the far side of the pond was its usual quagmire and was the first real test. The descent into the golf course was also a treacherous, off camber mud bath but once past this the conditions were quite good until the bottom of the ditch at the Antonine Wall tried to suck the shoes off. Some more good running took us to the tough ascent to the high rise flats where we encountered the strong wind head on. However, this meant we would soon be heading back to the start/finish area with the wind behind us. And then it was round again for another two laps giving a total of 12k. I had a reasonably steady run, gradually picking off places as the race progressed but still struggling with an un-naturally tight chest, finishing (for a change) in 92nd position in 46:18. This was around 30 seconds down on last year but was to be expected given my current level of fitness. Stephen Reilly made his senior National debut, having previously competed only in the relative sprints of the junior races. Stephen had a great run, despite a shoe lace coming undone (Scot to ask Irene to give shoe tying lessons) and finished in 163rd position in 49:00. Andrew McCaffery made himself ill at the Masters XC two weeks ago and probably should not have been running today given the way he was feeling. However, for his first race around Calendar Park without a bike (he has cyclo-crossed here before) he put a benchmark down to beat in the future with a time of 51:42. Scot Hill was next in, a little down on last year in 55:16 but focussing on endurance for the forth coming London Marathon. A large number of Harriers then finished within sight of each other. Ian Rae always does well here but was disappointed to be down on last year's time too, finishing in 55:42, chased hard by Kenny Leinster in 56:09. Stuart Waugh ran it steady and actually started to enjoy the run by the last lap, crossing the line in 56:38. Jim Holmes was another of the Harriers to get a mention on the Tanoy, crossing the line in clear space in 56:53. David Herbertson still has the Aussie sunshine on his mind and was out to have an even paced run around, which he did in 58:55. An ill George Stewart was here for the sake of the Grand Prix and did well to get around in 59:18. David Wardrope was the only improver compared to last year, running a course best of 62:56. Hugh Simpson was a first timer here and so this may well have been the toughest course he has run yet, finishing in 68:24. Russell Couper was also enjoying the experience of finishing a cross-country race and was put under pressure by Chas Steven throughout the race. On this occasion, Russell finished ahead in 71:35 with Chas one place behind in 71:51. This leaves George Stewart still as the GPL but Alan Derrick has made his first appearance in the lead of the scratch championship.

The final session of the day was a team-building exercise, taking the tent down and packing it away. Many hands made light work and it was all packed up within 10-minutes. Thanks to our many supporters on this freezing, cold day. There are a few of my photos here  (Photos from Mrs Simpson added. Andy Henderson's and Kenny Phillips' photos now added. Everyone is captured somewhere) but many more will be added through the week as we had many photographers out on the course. Also see the www.roadrunpics.com web site for even more photos.

As to why most of our times were down despite slightly less muddy conditions and many of us showing improved, recent form on the road, then it is probable that we are missing the many weeks of lapping the golf course in deep snow which we had last year, building the strength which is so important for cross country running.

Alan

NATIONAL XC

This Saturday is the National XC in Falkirk
Ladies start time is 1.25pm with the Gents at 2.30pm.
Those entered are:- F Maxwell, J Beveridge, K Sturgeon and J McEvoy.
R Couper, A Derrick, E Reid, I Rae, J Holmes, G Stewart, A Henderson, D Herbertson, H Simpson S Waugh, K Leinster, D Wardrope, A McCaffery, C Steven, S Hill and S Reilly.
I will collect all the numbers early and be at the course with them. (if you dont find me look for the club tent and i will be there 20mins prior to each race start time).
If you can no longer make the race see me at the club or leave a comment on this blog so im not looking for you.
Once travel arrangements have been made at the club on Thursday i will post them on this Blog.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:- Some are meeting at the club to leave at noon so if you wish to travel in a group or need a lift be at the club before noon

Russell

Ewan Murray - Rest In Peace

It is with enormous sadness that this notice informs the club of the tragic passing of Ewan Murray aged 18. Ewan spent many years as a young athlete at the club. He was a genuine talent with a bright future in the sport. Ewan had strong family links with the club as his grandfather Eddie was a member when the club was formed. I remember taking Ewan to his first race for the club at Dean Country Park in Kilmarnock . In typical Ewan style he didn't just take part he won the race! He was to perform consistently for the club for many years and represented the West District on occasions. Ewan was very popular with all the young athletes, coaches , helpers and parents . He will be sorely missed.
Our sincerest condolences go out to the Murray family.

CLUB FEES OVERDUE

Fees for Calderglen Harriers and East Kilbride Sports Club were due on 1st Jan.
Payment was allowed until 31st Jan unless id been advised otherwise.
At present we have quite a few outstanding who have not advised me when they will pay.
Please let me know this week when payment will be made.
Anyone who is not renewing if you could let me know.

Russell

Remaining Grand Prix Races

The remainder of the races in our Grand Prix series are listed here. Please note that some of them are pre-entry only so check the race web sites for further details.
Alan

Scottish Masters XC - Kilmarnock

Frances making steady progress

[Photos from Kenny Phillips added to web album]
The weather forecast predicted snow for Saturday afternoon but the reality turned out to be much worse, driving, freezing rain turning the day into a survival exercise rather than a race. At least snow would have been dry! Club president Frances Maxwell was our only lady competing and having completed a warm up lap with Frances about an hour before her race, the verdict was that the course was tough but the underfoot conditions seemed quite good with the exception of a section of twisting, single track footpath through the woods which was very muddy and treacherous with hidden tree roots, rocks and overhanging branches and tree trunks to divert the attention. However, at this point it seemed unlikely that I would be starting the race as my heart rate was within a few beats of my maximum even on the gentle warm-up and my legs were dead, confirming that the coughing and sore head through the week were not my imagination! Frances was also struggling to shake her New Year cold. What are we like!

By the time the ladies race started the rain was heavier and the underfoot conditions deteriorating. This did not deter Melissa Whyte (F45) of Inverness Harriers who ran away from the field to win the 6k race in 22:54, 6 seconds clear of Angela Mudge (F40) and 20 seconds ahead of Fiona Matheson (F50). Frances finished 35th in 29:31 but is clearly still under the weather as a few of those in front normally only see the back of Frances.

Conditions for the men's 8k race were atrocious as the rain was turning to sleet and the wind was gusting strongly. None of us looked enthusiastic, Andrew McCaffrey, Andy Henderson, Jim Holmes, Chas Steven, Russell Couper, Benny Rooney and Kenny Leinster all looked like they were on their way to a firing squad. There was no way to warm-up properly in this. Doing strides was fine wind assisted but at some point you had to turn back into the wind and rain to get back to the start and instantly froze with the wind/rain chill. Finally the starter called us to the line where the packed runners generated some heat and shelter but all too soon the race was off (from this you will gather that I had foolishly decided to start the race and put myself up near the start line).

The hooter signalled the start and we were off on a soft and spongy course. The narrow, ideal racing line was now occupied by the pack, so some hurdling was required to clear low bushes to the side before hitting the first, slippy, twisting descent. Even now I couldn't get a breath and was feeling panicky because of this but moved through a few places just to get a view of where I was putting my feet and perhaps to relax a little. The men had one short lap and then two long laps to do. Within the first km it was obvious I was not going to be able to finish without doing some health damage. I thought about stopping at the end of the short lap but carried on a hundred metres beyond that hoping that I would suddenly feel better. As I turned into the biting wind and rain, I couldn't get a breath and stopped, maybe only the 2nd or 3rd time I've dropped out a race in my life, so not a happy feeling. I caught a glimpse of Jim Holmes, Andy Henderson and Kenny Leinster all close to each other and running well, a situation that they maintained till the end. Andrew McCaffrey was some distance ahead of this group and Benny, Russell and Chas were battling on further behind. Russell was then to have an accident, twisting his ankle badly which forced him out of the race too (I know that Russell will be claiming this as a technical victory over me because he got further into the race than me before he dropped out but I will want to see all the video evidence independently scrutinised before I accept that). I meanwhile was wishing that I could have carried on because the torture of trying to get out of my spikes and into trainers for the 400m walk back to the school was sending me very close to hypothermia and my body was shaking violently. To misquote that well known Stratford Harrier, William Shakespeare, "A tent, a tent!  My Kingdom for a tent....".

By the finish the Harriers were in the following order: A McCaffrey (M45) 34:14, J Holmes (M40) 38:06, A Henderson (M55) 38:24, K Leinster (M50) 38:33, B Rooney (M55) 43:00 and C Steven (M50) 46:14 and were 19th team (4 to count). The race at the front was close, being won by Kerry Liam Wilson (M40) 28:35 followed by Bobby Quinn (M45) 28:44 and Kenny Richmond (M40) 28:47. Just to rub salt into my wounds, at the point I dropped out I was lying second M45 a position I should have been able to maintain under normal circumstances. Oh well, roll on the National (and the tent). Very well done to all who turned out to run in a brutal cross country race. I doubt there will be any photos of the race to follow as the conditions were only suitable for underwater photography.
Alan

MASTERS XC

The masters xc is this Saturday.
Race start times are 1.30pm Ladies and 2.15pm Men.
Please be there at least 30mins prior to start and i will be out on the course with the numbers.
the course is approx 400m from St Josephs Academy.
If anyone thats entered cant make it please let me know in advance so im not looking for you with a number. Either call me or leave a comment on this Blog.
Those running are F Maxwell, R Couper, A Derrick, C Steven, A McCaffery, B Rooney, K Leinster, J Holmes, A Henderson.
PLEASE SEE CORRECTED START TIMES ABOVE