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