Some great performances tonight in pretty good running conditions. Just a reminder that the form for recording your times is now accessed using the "Enter Chatelherault Times" in the Blog menu to the left of the screen.
Alan
Monday 29 July 2013
Wednesday 24 July 2013
TTC is Full!
Thanks to a wonderful response from the Harriers and ATHelite members, the Trossachs Training Camp has now reached its entry limit of 28 persons (subject to a few payments being made). Thank you all; those of us involved in organising this and other events do really appreciate your support. A waiting list shall now be established in case any participants have to drop out in the coming month. To be put on the waiting list, please use the on-line form provided in the original post.
List of participants:
26/05/2013 23:48:20 Alan Derrick
28/05/2013 00:48:51 Russell Couper
28/05/2013 12:35:51 Billy Buchanan
28/05/2013 18:04:32 Geo Ferguson
28/05/2013 18:34:32 Eddie Reid
28/05/2013 21:19:28 David Searil
29/05/2013 22:09:09 David Herbertson
29/05/2013 22:11:16 Frances Maxwell
30/05/2013 18:53:32 Ian Rae
31/05/2013 10:16:01 Buchanan Dawn
31/05/2013 10:25:16 Matt Williamson
04/06/2013 08:33:00 Alison Lessells
04/06/2013 08:40:40 Phil Marshall
04/06/2013 21:40:22 Kenny Leinster
04/06/2013 22:05:27 Hugh Simpson
05/06/2013 21:02:54 Laura DO NASCIMENTO
07/06/2013 10:17:39 Stuart Waugh
07/06/2013 18:31:32 Colin Banks
07/06/2013 20:47:54 Stephen Phimister
10/06/2013 11:10:02 John Young
10/06/2013 21:23:24 Andy Henderson
10/06/2013 21:28:30 John McBride
11/06/2013 22:45:49 Graham Ramage
21/06/2013 22:49:35 Karen Allen
24/06/2013 23:00:00 Chris Wilson
08/07/2013 23:23:23 Mary Goldsmith
08/07/2013 23:26:47 Andrew McCaffery
20/07/2013 19:03:28 Mark Russell
Alan
List of participants:
26/05/2013 23:48:20 Alan Derrick
28/05/2013 00:48:51 Russell Couper
28/05/2013 12:35:51 Billy Buchanan
28/05/2013 18:04:32 Geo Ferguson
28/05/2013 18:34:32 Eddie Reid
28/05/2013 21:19:28 David Searil
29/05/2013 22:09:09 David Herbertson
29/05/2013 22:11:16 Frances Maxwell
30/05/2013 18:53:32 Ian Rae
31/05/2013 10:16:01 Buchanan Dawn
31/05/2013 10:25:16 Matt Williamson
04/06/2013 08:33:00 Alison Lessells
04/06/2013 08:40:40 Phil Marshall
04/06/2013 21:40:22 Kenny Leinster
04/06/2013 22:05:27 Hugh Simpson
05/06/2013 21:02:54 Laura DO NASCIMENTO
07/06/2013 10:17:39 Stuart Waugh
07/06/2013 18:31:32 Colin Banks
07/06/2013 20:47:54 Stephen Phimister
10/06/2013 11:10:02 John Young
10/06/2013 21:23:24 Andy Henderson
10/06/2013 21:28:30 John McBride
11/06/2013 22:45:49 Graham Ramage
21/06/2013 22:49:35 Karen Allen
24/06/2013 23:00:00 Chris Wilson
08/07/2013 23:23:23 Mary Goldsmith
08/07/2013 23:26:47 Andrew McCaffery
20/07/2013 19:03:28 Mark Russell
Alan
Thursday 18 July 2013
Islay Half Meeting
There will be a 5 minute meeting after training this Thursday for those going to Islay to advise of latest arrangements for transport and rooms, etc.
Alan
Alan
TRAIL RACE PHOTOGRAPER
It would be appreciated if the Photographer that was taking pictures at our recent Trail Races that was asked by South Lanarkshire council to do so could get in touch with us. You can get contact details from our website www.calderglenharriers.org.uk
Wednesday 17 July 2013
Chatelherault Times
Fine weather and a fine turnout. Well done to all. As is traditional, please leave your time, level of effort and comments on this form and see what everyone said here (ps be patient, it can take up to 10 minutes after you submit your times on the form for the results web page to be updated).
A link to the form for entering your Chatelherault times has been added to the menu to the left of the Blog screen, making it easier to find the link.
Alan
A link to the form for entering your Chatelherault times has been added to the menu to the left of the Blog screen, making it easier to find the link.
Alan
Monday 15 July 2013
Kayaking for Runners - a tempter
Alan
Following are the addresses for recent kayak / camping trip pictures I took at Lismore (island off coast just up from Oban) on 6th ,7th and 8th July, as some of the Harriers have leanings in this direction I thought they may like to see them, and possibly generate more interest for further Harrier diversification . If you could put the info on the blog that would be appreciated. I warn you in advance there are a lot of pictures.
Thanks,
Billy
6th July
7th July
8th July
Clyde Stride 2013
On the hottest day of the year, so far (ever the optimist!), 108 runners lined up near Partick station for the start of the fourth running of the 40 mile Clyde Stride ultra. After a slight delay to accommodate a couple of late arrivals we were sent on our way by a blast from an air horn which probably doesn’t go down too well with the locals at nine o’clock on a Saturday morning!
Ian Rae & I were representing Calderglen, my first but Ian for the fourth consecutive year. He had been informed earlier by Lee McLean the race director that he was now one of only four ever-presents at the CS, a consistency beaten only by him being the sole ever-present at all eight Highland Flings - sorry Angela, that means no holiday at the Fair weekend for a few more years.
Slow and steady is usually the order of the day at any ultra but with the temperature somewhere in the low twenties at 9am slow meant even slower than normal. We plodded along past the Riverside Museum, through Glasgow Green, past the Commonwealth Games athlete’s village at Dalmarnock, Celtic Park, Bothwell Castle,the David Livingstone Centre and, in my case, reaching the second checkpoint at the 19 mile mark in Strathclyde Park quite comfortably. Up to that point a lot of the route had been in the shade but the long straight down past the Watersports Centre under blazing sunshine and with almost no wind was a big effort and the wheels start to come off not long after, somewhere around Baron’s Haugh RSPB reserve. As some of you will know my training hasn’t been ideal of late with visits to hospital and a minor operation (sorry Ian) over the last few weeks so I had expected to struggle over the latter part of the route but it was depressing to toil this early. A couple of unscheduled stops involving non-sticky elastoplast, a painful nipple and Sudocrem (yes it’s for big babies too) slowed me even further and the walking sections became longer and longer.
Stop Press: I seem to have recovered quicker than expected so should be at Chatelherault tonight although I may miss out the loop at the end.
Davie Searil
Well done to Davie and Ian on another stupendous effort and thanks for the report.
Alan
Sunday 14 July 2013
PB Saturday @ Glasgow Pollok parkrun
After running a course PB on Thursday’s Auldhouse Time Trial by 36 seconds in 23:15, I thought I would be in good form to have a go at challenging my stubborn 5k PB of 23 mins which I did at Strathclyde Parkrun in July 2011 and do the Glasgow Pollok Parkrun.
With the temperature around 20c, Emma and I made our way to Pollok Park to tackle our PBs. When we arrived we went for warm up run and bumped into Big John McBride to make it a trio representing the Harriers at the event. We all lined up near the front of the run despite the announcer stating the runners at the front will run about 18 mins, we decided to stay at the front to ensure a good quick start.
After a quick start keeping up with the main pack Emma and I slowed to ensure I had a good chance for PB and by about 1k Emma was out of sight. Then between 1k and 2k Big John went passed me despite his pre-run complaints about stiff legs from Moffat and Auldhouse Time Trial. So like when I do Chatelherault with John, I dug deep and stayed close to him as much as I could around the next 3k.
1st Harrier home was Emma with a 3 second PB time of 21:52. Despite a PB she felt she could have lowered her time further, as about 250 metres to go she pulled up to be sick. With the help of a marshall who offered her a tissue to clean up, she quickly dusted herself down and got back on her feet as she thought her old Dad would be on for a good time and blasted the last 200 metres as a sprint finish to ensure she was quicker.
Next in was Big John with a 34 second PB of 22.02 showing that he is on fine form this year and then there was me. As I was approaching the last bend to the final climb towards the finish my watch was about 19.30 so I dug in to ensure I could get a good time and as I crossed the line I was frightened to look at my watch....my time was a smashing 22:24. My previous best Glasgow Pollok parkrun was 23.23 in March 2010.
Emma’s official parkrun result was she finished in 54th place and the 2nd Lady out of a field of 333 parkrunners and came 1st in her age category JW14.
Richard
With the temperature around 20c, Emma and I made our way to Pollok Park to tackle our PBs. When we arrived we went for warm up run and bumped into Big John McBride to make it a trio representing the Harriers at the event. We all lined up near the front of the run despite the announcer stating the runners at the front will run about 18 mins, we decided to stay at the front to ensure a good quick start.
After a quick start keeping up with the main pack Emma and I slowed to ensure I had a good chance for PB and by about 1k Emma was out of sight. Then between 1k and 2k Big John went passed me despite his pre-run complaints about stiff legs from Moffat and Auldhouse Time Trial. So like when I do Chatelherault with John, I dug deep and stayed close to him as much as I could around the next 3k.
1st Harrier home was Emma with a 3 second PB time of 21:52. Despite a PB she felt she could have lowered her time further, as about 250 metres to go she pulled up to be sick. With the help of a marshall who offered her a tissue to clean up, she quickly dusted herself down and got back on her feet as she thought her old Dad would be on for a good time and blasted the last 200 metres as a sprint finish to ensure she was quicker.
Next in was Big John with a 34 second PB of 22.02 showing that he is on fine form this year and then there was me. As I was approaching the last bend to the final climb towards the finish my watch was about 19.30 so I dug in to ensure I could get a good time and as I crossed the line I was frightened to look at my watch....my time was a smashing 22:24. My previous best Glasgow Pollok parkrun was 23.23 in March 2010.
Emma’s official parkrun result was she finished in 54th place and the 2nd Lady out of a field of 333 parkrunners and came 1st in her age category JW14.
Richard
Great performances from all 3 Harriers, making the most of the fantastic running weather we are now experiencing. Funny to see that Emma had a fantastic potential excuse that a senior harrier would have been proud of for not getting a pb and yet she still got a pb and was second lady! That's the Harriers' spirit!
Alan
Friday 12 July 2013
Newburgh 4.23 (!) Miles
I made my normal journey again to Fife for this one. It's junction 9 on the M90 to Perth, so a bit further up.
When I arrived I walked down to look at the silvery Tay, rippling in the breeze. There were paths in both directions and it resembled a canal run. Not the usual hills by all accounts.
Looking at last years photos it seemed to start and finish on a road, but the runners were all covered in mud?
I asked what shoes to wear at registration while parting with my £3! Defo road as its bone dry I was told.
7.30pm arrives and we are off - along the river bank for 200mtr, then we hit a trail going in the opposite direction, it becomes very narrow, so we are all in single file (it stayed that way the whole way round for me anyway). We hit a small stretch of road then round a big field (I mean big, long sides were probably close to a mile each).
Definitely should have worn trail shoes as the tractor ruts we were running on were dried in hard mud and with my glass ankles, I had gone half over a few times.
Anyway, once round the large field, its back the way we came. I had run behind a young girl since the start, it was either staying with her or trying to pass on uneven ground. I did pass her twice when the opportunity arose, but she overtook me again, so I just stayed where I was. The last part of the trail was narrow and all over grown with some plants that look like rhubarb with giant leaves covering most of the ground. Look where you are going again boy! But once clear of that I was able to sprint away from anyone that was close by for a 31.28 time in 35 place out of about 80.
All in all.. just ideal. Over 4 miles in a warm night, leg and the rest of me all still functioning.
It's often the same faces you see at these races. Lots of good young runners, no wonder when they are racing most weeks! And a strong team of vet 60's and 70's who have probably been doing them all their lives. Get out racing, somewhere! There's nothing like it!
George
Well done to George on continuing to present the "Public Face of the Harriers" in the Far East.
Alan
When I arrived I walked down to look at the silvery Tay, rippling in the breeze. There were paths in both directions and it resembled a canal run. Not the usual hills by all accounts.
Looking at last years photos it seemed to start and finish on a road, but the runners were all covered in mud?
I asked what shoes to wear at registration while parting with my £3! Defo road as its bone dry I was told.
7.30pm arrives and we are off - along the river bank for 200mtr, then we hit a trail going in the opposite direction, it becomes very narrow, so we are all in single file (it stayed that way the whole way round for me anyway). We hit a small stretch of road then round a big field (I mean big, long sides were probably close to a mile each).
Definitely should have worn trail shoes as the tractor ruts we were running on were dried in hard mud and with my glass ankles, I had gone half over a few times.
Anyway, once round the large field, its back the way we came. I had run behind a young girl since the start, it was either staying with her or trying to pass on uneven ground. I did pass her twice when the opportunity arose, but she overtook me again, so I just stayed where I was. The last part of the trail was narrow and all over grown with some plants that look like rhubarb with giant leaves covering most of the ground. Look where you are going again boy! But once clear of that I was able to sprint away from anyone that was close by for a 31.28 time in 35 place out of about 80.
All in all.. just ideal. Over 4 miles in a warm night, leg and the rest of me all still functioning.
It's often the same faces you see at these races. Lots of good young runners, no wonder when they are racing most weeks! And a strong team of vet 60's and 70's who have probably been doing them all their lives. Get out racing, somewhere! There's nothing like it!
George
Well done to George on continuing to present the "Public Face of the Harriers" in the Far East.
Alan
Moffat 15k
On a very hot night, when lying down in the shade and relaxing was so tempting, three Harriers made their way to Moffat for a very testing race. The first 3 and 3/4 miles are undulating, then the real test of fitness and sanity a climb of over a mile to gain a total ascent of over 200m to gain nearly 350m overall. On a night like this everyone struggled; this is followed by a downhill finish of 4.6 miles. First Harrier home was myself Ian Hughes in 60.42, 2 mins slower than last year, but up 6 places to get 9th. It could have been 8th but his team mate shouted a warning. Even the winning time was over 3 mins slower. Next home was John McBride in 76.00 who at first declared never ever again! But eventually said he would be back next year. Hugh Simpson came in at 82.10 exhausted but happy. Almost 30 Dumfries Harriers did this race as part of their grand prix championship. The winning time was 54.27 by John French of Eden Runners. Plenty of water stops and sponges. At registration we were warned to take it easy and not to try for a PB.
Well done to all three Harriers and thanks to Ian for the report.
Alan
Well done to all three Harriers and thanks to Ian for the report.
Alan
Monday 8 July 2013
Half on the Edge!
On Saturday 29th of June. 2 Harriers, Honorary Member's Niece and I took part in the most westerly of the UK Half’s and the most popular of the Hebridean Half Marathons, the Barrathon. Online entries closed within 6 minutes of opening and all 250 spaces filled. I had to wait till a month before and get my entry from the reserved list. It is very well organised and the scenery is fantastic especially from the top of the 800ft climb (between mile 10 and 11), you can appreciate this view as you run downhill into Castlebay however when you reach the bottom, with 1 mile to go, everything is aching.
First Harrier home was Graham Lindsay in a time of 1:42:05, almost 8 minutes quicker than last year. A great run as this year was harder due to a stronger wind. I think the fact he was been chased by my brother Alan who finished 10 second’s and one place behind helped push him on. Next Harrier was Gerry Connelly, who is in the process of moving to Lewis. His time was 1:46:45. Malcolm Buchanan’s brother, sister and their families where on holiday on Barra and Malcolm’s Niece Emily Jenkin completed the race in a time of 2:21:43, she won the prize for the youngest runner.
This is a great event: race, Ceilidh and Buffet! It’s worth doing it just for the buffet: All the usual buffet stuff plus too many fish types to name. (All fresh)
Race report from Scot Hill (1:37:32)
First Harrier home was Graham Lindsay in a time of 1:42:05, almost 8 minutes quicker than last year. A great run as this year was harder due to a stronger wind. I think the fact he was been chased by my brother Alan who finished 10 second’s and one place behind helped push him on. Next Harrier was Gerry Connelly, who is in the process of moving to Lewis. His time was 1:46:45. Malcolm Buchanan’s brother, sister and their families where on holiday on Barra and Malcolm’s Niece Emily Jenkin completed the race in a time of 2:21:43, she won the prize for the youngest runner.
This is a great event: race, Ceilidh and Buffet! It’s worth doing it just for the buffet: All the usual buffet stuff plus too many fish types to name. (All fresh)
Race report from Scot Hill (1:37:32)
Thanks to Scot for the report and well done to all.
Alan
Sunday 7 July 2013
Vertical Mile Results
Perfect conditions greeted us on our Monday evening running of the Vertical Mile. A gentle 3 mile run to the start warmed everyone up for the testing 1 mile uphill race and after a short recovery we were ready for the off. Ian Hughes was first to appear around the final bend and once again retained the men's title in a time of 6:39, starting off a winning week for the family (son Evan winning the 1k Trail race on the Friday). New member Chris Wilson was an excellent second in 6:50 and even confessed to finding it an enjoyable race (the benefit of youth). Jim Holmes needed a good performance to boost his Grand Prix chances and third in 7:02 was indeed a great run, chased hard by Stephen Phimister in 7:07. David Herbertson lead a tight group in next, finishing in 7:36, just ahead of Neil Green (7:42) and Billy Buchanan in a new pb of 7:44. Julie Beveridge was first lady in 7:46 with Gerry Mullen close behind in 7:50. Giving the time keepers time to breath, Andy Henderson came in at 8:02 with second lady Joanne McEvoy just behind in 8:04. John McBride continues to make good progress, finishing in 8:20 with Alison Lessells setting a new course best in 8:28. Phil Marshall was making his first appearance on the Vertical Mile and set a time of 8:53 which he will surely smash in years to come. Finally, Russell Couper nursed his injured legs up the hill in 10:32 (fortunately just inside the 10:33 cut-off time) to secure the Grand Prix title.
Well done to all for the great enthusiasm displayed in competing in this tough little event. Thanks to Eddie for assisting with the time keeping which would otherwise have been very tricky.
Alan
Well done to all for the great enthusiasm displayed in competing in this tough little event. Thanks to Eddie for assisting with the time keeping which would otherwise have been very tricky.
Alan
Grand Prix and Club Championship Winners
After weeks of international scrutiny (at least I was thinking about it whilst on my travels!) I can now officially declare the results of this year's hottly contested Grand Prix and Club championships.
For the women there were swaps at the top all the way through the season as one injury or illness or another temporarily sidelined each of the Harriers in turn. In the end it was tight in the Grand Prix but the Club Championship was more clear cut with Julie Beveridge featuring in both. Julie was the clear winner of the Club Championship with 46 points to Joanne McEvoy's 37 points. Karen Allen was sidelined for the tail end of the season but still finished third with 33 points. In the Grand Prix however, Julie and Joanne were tied on 56 points and 10 races each. Following the usual rule of one champion per competition, Joanne therefore wins the Grand Prix trophy with Karen in 3rd again. Well done to all the ladies who made this one of our largest and most competitive championships ever.
In the men's Club Championship, injuries and illnesses also played a part. However, despite being out of action since the 11th race of the series with an injury, Stephen Reilly had established such a lead in the early part of the season that he retained the Club Championship with a total of 123 points. So very well done to Stephen. Eddie Reid chased hard but a series of setbacks held back his challenge in the later part of the season as he finished second. David Herbertson continues to improve and this was confirmed by a well earned third place. The Grand Prix was a much more difficult one to predict with several changes in the lead throughout the season. In the end it was the omnipresent Russell Couper who triumphed, having completed every one of the 16 races in the series. Not only that, I am informed that Russell has only missed 2 races in his entire Grand Prix career (and one of those was because he was in hospital). A remarkable record. Whilst we are on the subject of records, Russell's total score of 198 points was the highest winning total ever in the Grand Prix (however this does mean that there will considerably less joker assistance next year!). A great effort by Jim Holmes, particularly on the final event of the year (Vertical Mile) secured second place for Jim with 191 points, pipping Eddie Reid by a single point.
Well done to all who competed regularly this year. The final results tables are available via the usual Grand Prix links in the menu to the left.
Alan
For the women there were swaps at the top all the way through the season as one injury or illness or another temporarily sidelined each of the Harriers in turn. In the end it was tight in the Grand Prix but the Club Championship was more clear cut with Julie Beveridge featuring in both. Julie was the clear winner of the Club Championship with 46 points to Joanne McEvoy's 37 points. Karen Allen was sidelined for the tail end of the season but still finished third with 33 points. In the Grand Prix however, Julie and Joanne were tied on 56 points and 10 races each. Following the usual rule of one champion per competition, Joanne therefore wins the Grand Prix trophy with Karen in 3rd again. Well done to all the ladies who made this one of our largest and most competitive championships ever.
In the men's Club Championship, injuries and illnesses also played a part. However, despite being out of action since the 11th race of the series with an injury, Stephen Reilly had established such a lead in the early part of the season that he retained the Club Championship with a total of 123 points. So very well done to Stephen. Eddie Reid chased hard but a series of setbacks held back his challenge in the later part of the season as he finished second. David Herbertson continues to improve and this was confirmed by a well earned third place. The Grand Prix was a much more difficult one to predict with several changes in the lead throughout the season. In the end it was the omnipresent Russell Couper who triumphed, having completed every one of the 16 races in the series. Not only that, I am informed that Russell has only missed 2 races in his entire Grand Prix career (and one of those was because he was in hospital). A remarkable record. Whilst we are on the subject of records, Russell's total score of 198 points was the highest winning total ever in the Grand Prix (however this does mean that there will considerably less joker assistance next year!). A great effort by Jim Holmes, particularly on the final event of the year (Vertical Mile) secured second place for Jim with 191 points, pipping Eddie Reid by a single point.
Well done to all who competed regularly this year. The final results tables are available via the usual Grand Prix links in the menu to the left.
Alan
Friday 5 July 2013
Sandy Slither Race Report
Made my way to a small car park at the end of the village of Lower Largo (apparently where Robinson Crusoe was born)!
My first task was to kadge a lift back here, as it was a "point to point" finishing in Elie. I soon had a lift from a vet 70, sorted!
So off we went - quarter of a mile through the village on to the sand (wet, smelly, rocky and slippy in parts), but if you run as close to the waters edge it saves a few cm (that's where I headed). We came off the beach (the first one) at 3 miles, up a hill like West Lomond (but like a wedding cake with a mast at the top, so a bit of run/walking), down along the cliff tops on to the second beach (maybe close to a mile and white sand this time), through a golf course and on to the third beach (maybe half a mile curving to the right) and towards the (can't come quick enough) finish!
I hung about waiting on my vet 70 (new pal) to crawl over the line, but he was soon to reveal that although his car was at the finish...he had forgot his bloomin keys!! I put on my charm and luckily 2 blokes form a new running club Leven Las Vegas (I'm joining them with a name like that) agreed to take me back to my car!!
Overall one of the best races that I have done, great scenery, a tough race with more strength than pace, a friendly bunch and as I said earlier, for £4!!
Newburgh 4.23 mile next Wednesday if anyone else fancies it.
George
Well done George.
My first task was to kadge a lift back here, as it was a "point to point" finishing in Elie. I soon had a lift from a vet 70, sorted!
So off we went - quarter of a mile through the village on to the sand (wet, smelly, rocky and slippy in parts), but if you run as close to the waters edge it saves a few cm (that's where I headed). We came off the beach (the first one) at 3 miles, up a hill like West Lomond (but like a wedding cake with a mast at the top, so a bit of run/walking), down along the cliff tops on to the second beach (maybe close to a mile and white sand this time), through a golf course and on to the third beach (maybe half a mile curving to the right) and towards the (can't come quick enough) finish!
I hung about waiting on my vet 70 (new pal) to crawl over the line, but he was soon to reveal that although his car was at the finish...he had forgot his bloomin keys!! I put on my charm and luckily 2 blokes form a new running club Leven Las Vegas (I'm joining them with a name like that) agreed to take me back to my car!!
Overall one of the best races that I have done, great scenery, a tough race with more strength than pace, a friendly bunch and as I said earlier, for £4!!
Newburgh 4.23 mile next Wednesday if anyone else fancies it.
George
Well done George.
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