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Sunday 29 April 2012
Scottish Primary School XC Champion
Alan
Highland Fling 2012 - Seven in a Row
Ian Rae smiles his way to the finish |
Regular TTC participant and occasional pack runner on Harriers' training nights, Graeme Allan of ATHelite Tri Club also completed the individual race, his first ever ultra, in a time of 13:08:15 in 319th position. How tough this ultra event is, was put into perspective by the fact that this is a similar time to Graeme's two Ironman distance triathlons which he has completed so far. Well done Graeme and despite what you said at the finish, I am sure you will do another one!
Meanwhile Calderglen Harriers were running under cover in the relay event (4 legs of 12 to 15 miles). Entered as Speed of Lite, The Mighty Midges and The Oyster Catchers, our two men's and one ladies' team respectively were out to avoid the ribbing we took at last year's prize giving when we entered as Calderglen A, B and C, which apparently was not the done thing. We also had Harrier Benny Rooney out with his mixed team under the name of Rooney's Rogues.
Frances receives the 2nd place prize |
3rd place prize giving |
David Wardrope powers to the line |
Another very enjoyable event in the wonderful countryside we have to run in here. Unfortunately, the introduction of a new sponsor was perhaps not that impressive as the event T-shirts had not turned up and the prize giving by the sponsor was one hour late at 20:30 (as they spent at least a half hour arranging their banners and so on to make the stage ready), by which time most of the prize recipients had left (hours ago). It would have been a better prize giving atmosphere if the prizes had been awarded as and when the finishers came in when there were still hundreds of spectators and competitors around. As it was we were not very happy to be hanging around that long but at least should get some credit for doing so (as we know ourselves from organising races it is not very nice doing the prize giving when prize winners are not there). Just as well our miscounting of the team positions had not been critical and we had still won something too!! (Benny's team won the mixed team prize too but we were so hacked off with the lateness of the prize giving that we forgot to stay to pick up that prize. No doubt it will be in the post along with the T-shirts).
Well done to all the Harriers and supporters for making this another event to remember and look forward to next year (although I doubt we will stay for the prize giving!).
All the results including stage rankings are at this link.
Alan
Monday 23 April 2012
Virgin London Marathon 2012
On the Sunday morning, after expecting a cold wet day, the conditions were dry and much milder. While my dad (Scot Hill) and I were on our way to our allocated pen, we passed Mary Goldsmith to quickly wish her good luck and once we were in our pen, Graham Ramage joined us. So quickly we all gave each other pep talks, posed for official photos and before we knew it, were being guided towards the start line.
So the gun went off, and as the elite athletes ran off into the distance we were only able to jog at this point but soon crossed the start line in about 30 seconds. As the runners started to spread out, it gave a chance for myself, Scot and Graham to move up the field slowly. The three of us were aiming for similar times so we decided to stick together. We went through 1 mile in 8 minutes, which was good considering it took a while for us to get into a good stride. At this stage I was already enjoying the atmosphere, with lines of people on either side of the route shouting and cheering us on. At 3 mile, we were all starting to feel the heat, not expecting it to be as warm as it was. Thankfully a water station was due so we broke formation to collect water for ourselves and then reformed into our pack. The three of us worked together like this for most of the race. The crowds continued to grow but as we turned to go by the Cutty Sark, the sheer amount of support was amazing, which really lifted everyones spirits and the pace quickened.
A cheer of “C’mon Calderglen” from Benny Rooney was a great suprise around 10 miles (he then appeared at 2 other points along the course). And the support just grew from there as we crossed Tower Bridge. We all ran on the right hand side of the road, which prompted people shouting on the ‘bumblebees’, referring to our vests. The noise of the cheering was immense on the bridge. As we passed Denise Lewis, she personally cheered the three of us on and Graham got a high five from her. Coming off the bridge, we all tussled to get to the front of our small pack, so we would look better for nearby TV cameras. We all continued to run together and crossed halfway in 1:38:50.
As we all headed towards the Canary Wharf, the leader of the elite race passed us on the other side of the road, as he was approaching the end of his run. At mile 16, I was feeling good and was starting to think I could run faster. Sadly, after 17 mile Graham started to suffer from cramp and fell off the back of our pack. So my dad and I continued on and at 18 miles, with us both still feeling good we decided to try pick the pace up. Weaving in and out of runners ahead, I was enjoying being able to stride out but this increase in speed was about to have an impact on my legs. At 20 miles, my legs started to seize up and I could feel my dad was starting to suffer as well. Soon the pace was slowing back down and at 22 miles my dad stopped after his knee locked up.
So after running for so long in a pack, I was now running solo. Knowing I only had 4 miles to go, I tried to push on, but my legs continued to seize and soon it was getting hard to lift my legs. At 24 miles, I was starting to get blurred vision and found it hard to run in a straight line. I knew I wasn’t going to beat my target time, so I just wanted to finish. And I knew if I stopped to walk, I wouldn’t be able to start running again. So I pushed through to 25 miles and knowing that only 1 mile remained, I recovered and managed to cross the line in 3:21:21. After recieving the medal and collecting my kit bag, I rested and I saw my dad and Graham walk towards me. Graham had managed to recover from his earlier cramp to pass my dad, who had walked and jogged from 22 miles, in the last few miles of the race. Graham finished in 3:25:28 and Scot was exactly a minute behind in 3:26:28(Pb).
Mary found the race equally difficult as everyone else, not helped by a tumble at 6 miles, which left an injured knee and broken watch. She was running well going through half way at 2:03:11 but started to suffer later on and crossed the finish in 4:31:33.
It was a very tough race, and for my first marathon I am pleased that I ran a decent time. Nothing could have prepared me for the way I felt at 24 miles. But the support shown by crowds helped me get round. Well done to everyone for running their great times. And finally thanks to all the support along the way from Irene Hill, Nicola Reilly, Benny Rooney and Julie Beveridge.
Stephen Reilly
Sunday 22 April 2012
West Highland Way weekend
Even Stephen (Scot and Graham) at Half Way
Saturday 21 April 2012
Deafblind 10K
We arrived early in glorious sunshine but every time a cloud came over you could feel the huge drop in temprature. Plenty of time to relax and get properly warmed up but Frances and Hugh timed theirs wrong as they went up and down the canal to Cadder bridge. On their way back the heavens opened and everyone scarpered into the sports centre for cover and some 10mins later these 2 drowned rats turned up. At 5mins before the start everyone had to brave it and head to the start and Martin and Mandy on hand to support us drove up but never thought to offer a lift, cheers. Anyway as we waited for the off the rain changed to hail and then we were off up the road running through rivers running down the road and having to keep the head down. At 2k your onto the south side of the canal and the hail and rain stopped but had left the path in a state leaving a choice run down the huge puddles in the middle of the trail or run on mud. I tried the mud but nearly went up in the air looking like Bambi walking for the first time so it was down the middle in the puddles after that. As i came towards the canal crossing at the sports centre i spotted Frances just behind Davie Wardrope on the other side, couldnt see Hugh as he wasnt wearing his vest (bad boy). After this the running was fairly good with a few puddles to dodge but weather perfect for running, cloudy with the odd spit of rain. Through 4k i now had no sign of the other 3 but had a few runners in front that were slowly moving away round the golf course and a big gap behind me. When we hit the road Just before 7k to take us back to the canal i put on a spurt and caught 2 going up the hill but took a while to drop one of them and by 8k i had closed the gap on a lady to about 10metres. Alas my spurt was starting to hurt so started to drop back again after this and by 9k was about 30metres down. However even though im slower these days i still have that wee competitive devil inside me and wasnt giving it up and about 500metres out started to close the gap. As we approached the barrier with about 40 metres to go she started to sprint as she could hear me chasing and i had to open up completely and yes ive still got it i caught her. With troubled knees i was happy to post my fastest time of the year so far 53.49. Other times are David 44.42, Frances 45.48 and Hugh 48.04.
Thanks to Mandy and Martin for hanging out the car window getting soaked to cheer us on.
One other result from Saturday. Julie Beveridge down in London to watch the Marathon ran the Mile End parkrun in a time of 20.55 and 2nd lady.
Lochaber marathon report
Thursday 19 April 2012
THE HIGHLAND FLING
We will also be having a discussion about arrangements in the lounge after tonights training (19th)
Russell
Sunday 15 April 2012
DB 10k
This is an event which the Harriers annually support in memory of a friend and supporter no longer with us, so hopefully we get a good turn out.
Alan
Sunday 8 April 2012
Chatelherault Training Starts 23rd April
The route follows a challenging 7 mile circuit which is great training irrespective of whether you run it hard or take it easy.
For your diary, the dates for this year are: April 23rd, May 7th and 21st, June 4th and 18th, July 2nd, 16th and 30th, August 13th and 27th.
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Tom Scott 10mile Road Race
12 Harriers turned up at Strathclyde Park today to race in the Tom Scott 10mile road race. There were problems before the race started, with a large queue to collect the race numbers causing many runners to miss there warm up and in some instances, the start of the race.
The course is held mainly on the pathways around Strathclyde Loch. The hilliest part of the course is between 3 and 4 miles as the route heads towards its highest point on the road. However, as the majority of the course is almost flat and traffic free, it gave an opportunity for fast times. A strong wind on one side of the loch made this harder to achieve though.
First across the line was Stephen Reilly in 62:44 (U23 Bronze) followed by Scot Hill in 66:31 who both used this race as a final preparation for the London Marathon in 2 weeks. Stuart Waugh was not far behind in 67:38, running well to finish first in the M60 category and well inside his gold standard.
David Herbertson was next finishing in 69:07. Graham Ramage set out to run at his marathon pace in preparation for the London marathon but picked the pace up about half way round to finish in 70:36. Julie Beveridge crossed the finish line next with a time of 71:06 with Graham Lindsay not far behind in 71:27(with the help of Eddie as a pacer).
Frances Maxwell was next in 74:12 but was unable to keep up with her pacer (Stephen). John McBride followed in 78:18 and Russell Couper rounded up the field of Harriers in 94:58.
Sadly the some Harriers had to pull out of the race due to injury, with Mark Saez injuring himself at the start of the race and Hugh Simpson’s back pain not allowing him to finish.
But their support at the end of the race was greatly appreciated as they joined Joanne, Maud, Eddie and Sandra in cheering on the runners over the finish line.
Thursday 5 April 2012
WEST HIGHLAND WAY WEEKEND
Cost for the weekend will be £65 and possibly a small contribution to fuel if your going on the bus or £45 if your going to travel independently.
A deposit of £20 is required to secure your place on the bus (no deposit no place)
Frances will take deposits from tonight at training and there are only 17 places available on the bus.
These places could go fast so dont delay.
For those new to the club the weekend consists of early morning pickup on the bus (approx 4am) then everyone will get a leg to run between Milngavie and Fort William although your free to run with others on their leg. Dinner Bed & Breakfast in the Ben Nevis hotel and a gentle activity on the Sunday morning (bring swimming costume) before returning to East Kilbride by Approx 6pm
ONLY 1 PLACE LEFT ON THE BUS
Tuesday 3 April 2012
Livingston - Oh Dear!
The story of the National 6/4 stage relays on Saturday was all about the first, short leg (at least according to some). The result of that leg is fully described by the photo on the left. There are winners and losers. Julie Beveridge was very much the winner, finishing the 3 mile leg in 20:19 to bring our ladies home in an excellent 10th position and the fastest Calderglen short leg time of the day (men or women). Not only that, Julie dismissed B team lead-off runner George Stewart (20:35) who himself triumphed over the heavily jet-lagged Jim Holmes (20:45) who was leading out the A, vets team. So it was an unusual sight to see Davie Watt chasing down Colin Banks and Frances Maxwell on the second leg, trying to get the A team back in front. This Davie accomplished quite near the start of the 5.8 mile leg, which he finished in 34:06 bringing the team up to 36th position. Meanwhile Colin Banks caught and passed Frances, finishing in 41:37 with a somewhat under the weather Frances finishing in 42:33. Andy Henderson took over on leg 3 for the A team and ran a controlled effort to finish in 20:51. Russell Couper was out on this leg for the B team and despite being mistaken for Andy Henderson in the results (an easy mistake to make) was awarded a time of 25:27 for the 3 mile leg. Joanne McEvoy was feeling full of energy on the third leg for the ladies, overhauling Russell to finish in an excellent 20:42, one of her best runs for a long time.
Karen Sturgeon had her first outing at Livingston and was put under pressure immediately by being set off alongside Scotland veteran internationalist, Sue Ridley of Edinburgh AC on the last leg. At this point the pre-race pep talk to Karen of ignoring all the men who would be going too fast at the start and just sticking with the ladies seemed to be bad advice! However, Karen stuck to the task and finished in 43:46 (note that Sue Ridley went round in 37:24, so Karen was probably dragged along too fast at the start). The team finished in 19th place, our best position ever in what is becoming an ever more competitive ladies field at this event. Well done ladies.
Fourth leg for the A team was handled by Andrew McCaffrey who, despite carrying a knee problem, was very satisfied with his run, finishing in 35:22. Hugh Simpson ran this leg for the B team and was delighted with his time of 44:58. The A team carried on with David Herbertson on the 5th leg. David finally set George straight by setting our fastest men's time of 20:22. The glory leg went to Scot Hill, deep into his London Marathon preparations, who brought the A team home in 37:39 in 38th place and 8th vets team, confirming our veterans' strength in depth. Well done to all (except me who clearly inflicted a tragedy of justice upon George by selecting him for the B team :-))
Many photos from Joanne, David Herbertson and me are in this album with many more on the www.roadrunpics.com web site.
Alan