Park Run...Lake Joondalup!

Having arrived in Australia without a single run in the previous 8 weeks due to a combination of chest infections and work related travel I did what any Harrier would do – immediately start running again. So after three fairly short and less than inspiring runs in the Perth sunshine and heat of around 30 degrees I decided to get the vest out and advertise the club in the recently started Lake Joondalup Park Run sited around 25 minutes north of Perth.

The race here starts at 8am before the heat gets "too" intense which meant a fairly sobering 7.15 departure from the house. No one else took up the offer to come along and support…. Saturday was the 17th week of the event and as you’ll see in the photo I arrived and found a plethora of Santa outfits congregating around a barbeque pit at the park with people going over to show their numbers and pre-register. Thinking this was a slightly different approach I photographed them and then approached with a smile and proferred my Park Run Bar Code. “Eh no, you’ll want the athletes over there then mate”….was the answer. Having been invited not to participate in whatever their event was, I decided to ask no more....

The race is a bit like Strathclyde Park with the out and back route but without the grumpy walkers, the soggy grass and the theme park.

After 1k I was moving along fine but knew that 3-5k be tough as I was still getting back in the groove – and this seemed to be going mainly downhill. By 2k I had been passed by a rather starved looking Santa wearing the kind of tight lycra George would be proud of….this must be how Santa gets thin enough to fit down your chimney at Christmas….anyway I estimated I was in a group of three placed 10th to 12th in the field.

Having turned a loop round at 3k the route back was pleasantly surprising in that it still seemed to have downhills despite the fact I had thought downhill on the out leg. But my lungs were now absolutely on fire with the warm air. In the space of about fifteen minutes the temperature felt like it had gone through the roof so making it back to the finish was a matter of counting down the minutes and the metres in my head to keep it going. In the end I finished in 21:40 and having dropped the other two in my wee pack, ended up with 10th place.

http://www.parkrun.com.au/lakejoondalup/results/latestresults

Despite all the talk of up and downhills in the above my Garmin says the course was as flat as a pancake so who knows, I might even try it again next week!
David

AYR TURKEY TROT

A good turnout from the Harriers for todays Turkey Trot. 8 of us ran today in almost perfect conditions. A chilly morning with clear skies and a very slight breeze. Off we started at noon and the first 3k was into that slight breeze which made it feel colder but knowing you would have the advantage of this on the return. For those that don't know the course is 3k along the seafront then turning inland beside the river Doon then heading back towards Ayr centre, a small loop in a housing estate and back again. Its usually not a race for pb's because of the previous days festivities but would be at any other time of the year. Ian Hughes made a rare appearance and was first Harrier home in 39.12. Mark Saez who has been running consistently well this year chased Ian all the way finishing in 39.44.

We had a small gap after this to Graham Ramage who had been only about a minute off Mark after the turn but finishing in 44.00. Next to finish was Graham Lindsay who given another mile or so would surely have caught Graham R as he had closed the gap after half way finishing in 44.28. Next in was our first lady Karen Allen running a great time 46.16 This is a great run considering Karen has now found out she's carrying twins. Next in was our second lady Ruth Kelly with all the miles shes done this year her performances are very strong finishing in 51.34. Next we move on to our newest madman of the club. none other than David Searil who is now in training for the WHW race in June. This being the case David decided on a full 5k warm up race finishing that in 26.13 then running a faster paced 10k in 52.11. That just left myself and after a good opening kilometre I found I had no energy ( the effects of the day before ) but kept pushing and although I was losing pace throughout I managed to finish in 57.29 which is my fastest for 16 months. Thanks also to Sandra and Eddie for cheering us on at the start and finish.

Many photos of the Harriers from Sandra and Eddie are here. Another Harriers' link in the form of Sandra and Eddie's niece, visiting from the USA, who finished second lady in the 5k. Well done to all.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

Wishing everyone a merry Christmas. Keep the running going and hope to see everyone at the pub run on Monday night.

On behalf of your committee.

Russell

Christmas greetings

Hi to all the Harriers. It's been great following the exploits of the club on the Blog throuout the year. Some great results and performances. Life down under continues to be the best move we have ever made, with the joy of seeing our granddaughter growing up, and the news of an addition to the family in July or there abouts. We continue to meet people who, as soon as they hear a Scots accent, just want to tell you of their ancestors and where they came from. We hope all Harriers and their families have a very peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. Run well and prosper! Malcolm & Carolyn

CHRISTMAS PUB RUN

This years Christmas Pub Run will be on the 29th Dec at the earlier time than usual training at 6pm.
Please be at the club ready to run by this time.
For those that have never done this before we run as one big pack at a social pace stopping off at various establishments along the way. The run itself is about 5 miles but broken into several stages.
Bring money for your drink and it will be done as a kitty.  Those on soft drinks the kitty contribution will be less. Stop number six is the Sports Club.

Russell

Ho Ho Ho!

The Harriers' Christmas Handicap race added a dash of colour to an otherwise bleak, wet and windy morning in Calderglen Country Park. The quality of fancy dress never fails to impress and indeed many of the 19 participating Harriers were completely unrecognisable. So here is a guide to the photo on the left.

First to start the 4 mile course was Russell Couper dressed as an athlete and from there the transformations from Harrier to goodness knows what got even more bizarre. As many top athletes do, Sandra Reid picked this low key race to make her return to racing after an injury induced absence of several years. Unlike most top athletes, Sandra was dressed as a reindeer! The Santa/reindeer combo was completed by Alison Lessells with a very convincing Santa tummy and Andy Henderson as reindeer number 2.

Continuing the Christmas theme, Richard Lawton was a well decorated tree only missing the fairy from the top in the shape of Neil Green. The battery powered pump keeping Neil's costume inflated was fighting a losing battle against the stormy winds and by the last lap the wind had won as a somewhat deflated Neil continued to "manfully" chase down the field. Although the proper Winter weather was missing, the snowmen were out in force with both Frances Maxwell and Jim Mearns choosing variations on this theme. Jim even managed to do some simulated melting as he shed cotton wool snowballs throughout the race. Also missing the snow were our two penguins, Hugh Simpson and Alastair Crawford. Hugh wins the David Attenborough prize for most realistic animal impression after attempting one of those penguin belly slides up the main drive. Unfortunately it works better on snow than tarmac and, modest as ever, Hugh claims he just tripped over his big webbed feet. Spotted chasing penguins and sticks, Eddie Reid had 101 excuses to justify a better handicap but the Dalmatian did the business around the course (just don't tell the park ranger). The Buchanans were well represented with Billy tooled up for DIY and Andy as the fastest Twinky Winky in the west. Not to be outdone by Andy, Sandy Hayden was persuaded (twice, once before the race and again half way through!) to run as a tiger. Martin Duthie returned to Cool Running form, dread locked to the hilt as a fully sledged Jamaican. Late riser Jim Holmes had a minimal costume this year consisting of a bath robe and shaving foam helping him to a nippy (face) run. We were well represented by our juniors with Batman Emma Lawton flying around the course and fine elf Marc McQuade zipping past the big ones. Finally, from the Land that Time Forgot (which he tells me is somewhere near Falkland in Fife), newly elected club president Kenny Leinster performed well as a very hairy cave man.

These were the contenders but none of them could overhaul a returning to form Russell Couper who was first to cross the line after five hard laps. Sandra Reid was a close second and was very encouraged by her first hard run back. In third place was Richard Lawton chased to the line by daughter Emma. Fastest time of the day was a very close call (subject to a stewards' enquiry over a costume infringement!) with Andy Buchanan and Martin Duthie both recording 23:31 (the stop watch shows Andy 0.1 seconds ahead which he is claiming as a clear victory!). Third fastest was Neil Green in 26:11 proving the costume to be no handicap. Fastest of the girls was Emma Lawton in 27:21 and despite giving away some years to Emma, Frances Maxwell was second fastest in 29:04. Alison Lessells was third fastest in 31:59, not bad at all considering Alison is running for one and a half.

The Christmas Handicap is a special event for the Harriers but is even more special to the Duthie family who we thank for the generous donation in memory of Margaret Anne. The first three finishers named above shall nominate charities to which the donation will be made.

Many thanks to the supporters who braved the terrible weather (and held on to the club tent) to encourage the runners around the course. Official photos should be in the EK News in the coming weeks, courtesy of John McIntyre but thanks to Mandy for the unofficial photos above.
The next Harriers running event is the Pub Run on Monday 29th December. Watch the blog for more details.


Merry Christmas
Alan

Webscorer - race registration,
race timing, race results

Christmas Handicap

Just a reminder that our annual Christmas Handicap takes place at the Sports Club this Sunday. The juniors are off at 10am and the seniors at 11am, following our traditional 5 lap (4 mile) fancy dress handicap. Handicap adjustments are possible depending on the quality of the outfit (believe that if you will). For the seniors, please be at the Sports Club changed and ready for 11am so I can work out the starting order. As usual there will be a lucky dip prize draw after the race and of course the winner's trophy presentation. To be eligible for the luck dip a) bring a small value prize and b) complete the race!
Alan

CHRISTMAS GIFTS @ RUN 4 IT

Anyone looking for some great Christmas gifts let you family know if your looking for something to compliment your running.

West District XC - An Andy Perspective

Eight Harriers made the journey to Linwood for the West District cross-country.  Weather conditions en route to the venue were not inspiring, dark skies persistent rain and blustery winds.  Arriving at the race around 1pm, I passed by the half dozen club tents sheltering runners whom had already raced.  They stood plastered in mud and shivering in scant shorts and vests but with high spirits. I was glad to at least have an hour before stripping down to racing kit and braving the elements.

The course consisted of different configurations and laps of one large lap, dependant on their gender and age groups, with most races completing at least one full large lap of 2km.  The technical course, though not particularly hilly, presented its challenges with a good range of typical cross-country features.  Tight turns, sections of deep soft mud, and narrow winding boggy sections all requiring strength and good judgement of route selection proving key to save energy, while simultaneously jostling with other runners. Mixed in were a few short hilly drags and short steep sections requiring only 4 or 5 bounds to reach the crests.  A flat firmer section around some football pitches for about 400m also made for faster running or a chance to recover the breathing before moving back to the mud.

The women’s race involved 2 large laps and 1 medium lap to cover a 6400m course already well trodden by hordes of previous younger age category races.  Frances Maxwell ran strongly as is becoming her trait in tough and longer races to finish in time of 30.34. Frances also finished 2nd F50, only 41 seconds behind the top F50 spot.  Karen Allen also ran well to finish in 32.04 and 55th position within the field of 93 making light of the tough underfoot conditions.  When I asked her how the course was I think she replied “its just like running round Bramcumhall”.  I’m not fully inclined to agree with this statement.

The men’s race began an hour later and was to cover 10km consisting of 4 large laps.  I had invested not an ounce of time to familiarising myself with the course and made some tactical errors. Firstly, assuming the first turn was left after the initial start and so positioned myself in the worst possible place as the field swung hard right up a narrow incline.  Secondly, budgeting all my energy towards an 8k race unknowing it was in fact a 10k race.  The first lap, as is usual in a tight winding course, consisted of the usual congestion and jostling for positions amongst the heavy breathing of misguided runners unknowingly plunging deep into anaerobic debt.  Once onto the second and third laps things calmed down with better options available for navigating or skirting the deep boggy sections of the course and taking shorter lines round the numerous tight corners.  After the initial shock of realising I had a further 2km to run I regained myself (just) to finish the course with my second sprint finish of the day in 39.45 and 53rd position.   Next up was Andrew McCafrey proving he must run more than just once a year at the training camp to finish in 42.54.  Next was Andy Henderson in 47.30 and finished 2nd M60.  Jim Holmes completed the course well in 49.07.

Hugh Simpson took no chances with the weather and wrapped himself up head to toe, including wearing his vest over a waterproof jacket, which I found rather amusing. However this was obviously of little hindrance as Hugh finished in 59.09.  Finally Russell resiliently trudged the tough course in 67.39 after three weeks off running and with a back injury but securing valuable points to keep his grand prix campaign dream alive. Thanks to Sandy for the pictures, in the difficult conditions for supporting and photographing!


Thanks to Andy B for the great report and Sandy for the pictures which capture the atmosphere very well indeed! More photos here (note to Andy B; this is Andy McC's second race as he did make it to Cumbernauld..................).

WEST DISTRICT XC

Eight Harriers decided to put themselves through the torture of this years West District xc.
It was a cold wet and windy miserable morning, a day for the duvet really.
Anyway as I said eight of us made our way to Linwood ovder a decade since the last time some of us were there. A new course which consisted of 4 laps for the men and 2.5 laps for the ladies keeping the course within a more confined area. First out the shelter of the sports centre was Frances and Karen with the men staying indoors to keep warm only venturing out when the ladies came past to give a cheer then straight back indoors. Frances kept up her recent good form and ran the 6.4k in 30.34 finishing 41st and 2nd F50. Karen kept on the comeback trail with a fine performance finishing in 32.04 and 55th pos. Apart from any warm ups the men only left the confines of the sports centre 5mins before our start. The course was well cut up by now and the start line was barely visible. Off we went at the usual gallop and as expected I soon seen most of the field in front of me but having not run for 3 weeks it was what I expected and the back wasn't giving me much trouble. I would normally expect to get caught towards the end of lap 2 on a normal 3 lap course but with 4 laps I knew it would be sooner and was getting lapped during lap 2. It was a mostly flat course with a few muddy sharp climbs dotted around and 1st Harrier to complete the 10k was the first of many Andy's.
Andy Buchanan with a time of 39.45 in 53rd, next was Andrew McCafferry 42.54 in 105th followed by Andy Henderson 47.30 in 169th. Jim Holmes kept up some decent form to complete the course in 49.07 in 182nd. We now come to the 2 ever present GP participants for this year. First back was Hugh Simpson obviously feeling the cold as he ran with his jacket on, 59.09 in 220th then Russell Couper 67.39 in 225th. The mens team was 17th. Many thanks to Sandy for taking photos and shouting us on and to the many others that were on the course shouting us on.

WEST DISTRICT XC (LINWOOD)

This Saturday 6th Dec is the West District xc Championship
The Ladies start at 1pm with the Men at 2pm.
Ladies should be there for noon and the men for 1pm.
I will pick up the numbers as usual.
Below is a list of those entered and if anyone is no longer running if you can let me know.

F Maxwell, K Allen.
R Couper, A Derrick, A Buchanan, C Steven, H Simpson, J Holmes, A McCaffery and A Henderson.

Competition Information

Event:      Scottish Athletics West District Cross Country Championships
Date:       Saturday 6^th December 2014
Venue:     ON-X Linwood, Brediland Road, Linwood, PA3 3RA

Medals

Individual medals: 1st, 2^nd and 3^rd in each race except Masters Over 50 (1^st only).
Team medals: 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd with 3 to count, except Senior Men (6) and Senior Women (4).
There will be team medals for the 1^st Masters Team only (3 to count).

Important Notes

The Senior, Masters and Masters O50 races are combined for each gender.
All athletes may count in the Senior championship race (individual and team) as well as their own age category, therefore a Masters’ athlete can count in both the Senior AND Masters individual and team races.
However, a Masters athlete cannot compete in both the O40 and O50 individual championships – only their own age category.
In scoring the Masters team placings, only Masters athletes are considered.

Prizegiving

Medals will be presented on the podium (near the Start/Finish area) shortly after each race.
Results will be posted on the Scottish Athletics website.

Directions              

Postcode for Sat Navs is PA3 3RA.
Travelling on the M8 from Glasgow, go past the airport and exit at junction 28A, then merge onto the A737 (Irvine).
* After 1 mile branch left and at roundabout take the exit for A761 (Bridge of Weir, Linwood).
Continue straight into Linwood following the signs for the On-X Leisure Centre.
Travelling on the A8/M8 from Greenock, leave the M8 at Junction 29 then merge onto the A737 (Irvine), then directions are as above (from *). 

Parking   

Please follow the directions of the car park marshals, then when on foot follow the signs to the rear of the centre.
Throughout the day, please enter the ON-X centre from the door at the back, NOT the main entrance at the front.
Buses should turn into the sports centre and will then be directed to the old exit road when they can drop off before proceeding around the loop to park at Clippens School.

Declarations

Declarations are in the indoor sports hall from 10.00am. The hall can also be used as a club meeting area and for baggage. Please remove muddy shoes before entering.
Course maps and race details will be available at Registration and on the Scottish Athletics and Kilbarchan AAC websites one week prior to the race.

Changing and Toilets
Please use Changing Rooms 1-4 (toilets and showers), accessed via the door/corridor at the back of the building.
There are lockers in the changing rooms and in the corridor (£1 coin required).

First Aid

First Aid will be located near the Start/Finish area.

Club Tents

There is ample space for club tents near the Start/Finish area; please follow the signs.

Catering

Hot/cold drinks and snacks will be available from the ON-X café.

Queries

On the day, please address queries about the race to the Referee or Chief Timekeeper.

Many thanks to all the officials and volunteers for their invaluable and much-appreciated help, and to Kilbarchan AAC for generously hosting the event, plus Renfrewshire Leisure and Renfrewshire Council and the staff of ON-X Linwood.

 

West District Road Running Championship Events 2015

A notice from Clare Barr, the West District Road Running Convenor:

Dear all

It is that time of year when many clubs are selecting which races to include in their individual club championships for next year. Please can I ask that you consider the following events, as they have been chosen as the West District Road Running Championship races for 2015. Shiny district medals up for grabs!
These events are all posted by fellow West District clubs and therefore I hope you will support them.

Kind regards
Clare Barr
Convenor
West District Road Running & Cross Country Commission


10 Mile
Tom Scott 10 Mile, Sunday 5 April (Easter Sunday)
Hosted by Law & District AAC
http://www.tomscottroadraces.co.uk/


Half Marathon
Dumfries Half Marathon, Sunday 20 September
Hosted by Dumfries Running Club
http://dumfriesrunningclub.org.uk/club-races/half-marathon/


10k
Land O’ Burns 10k, Wednesday 27 May (evening)
Hosted by Ayr Seaforth Athletics Club
http://www.ayrseaforth.co.uk/

Season 2014/15 Performance Standards

I have updated the list of performance standards achieved so far since the start of this season (1st October 2014). The list is here and is always available at the link in the menu on the left. Please let me know if I have missed any performances and any new performances achieved throughout the season.
Alan

University Road Race 2014

Andy Buchanan was the sole Harrier at the Glasgow University Road Race on Saturday. Andy finished 36th in a time of 29:11 for the two lap, 5 mile course and was listed as representing "Calderwood Glen Harriers"; not quite as catchy as Calderglen Harriers! As always the race was well attended with a field of 213. Thanks to Billy for the information and to Sandy for the photos, more of which are here. Full results here.
Alan

SLAP Re-Branded

South Lanarkshire Athletics Partnership has a new chairman, Fraser MacKenzie, and a new logo as the brand is relaunched. Fraser is keen to develop both the partnership and the relationship with Calderglen Harriers further. You can follow the latest news from SLAP on their Twitter feed @SLanAthletics.

Parkrun PB's

Billy Buchanan reports that he was obeying instructions on pace making duty today at the Strathclyde parkrun where Billy, Sandy Hayden and Martin Howell were in action. Billy finished in 21:13, his fastest of the year which he was quite pleased with, Sandy ran a new pb by 2 minutes of 24:51 and Martin ran a great PB of 19:32, his first park run under 20 minutes and finishing second. I am not sure who Billy was pace making though given that he finished 2 minutes behind Martin and 3 minutes in front of Sandy!. Alison Lessells was in action at Tollcross, running a steady 24:46 to finish second lady.
Alan

Christmas Dinner Menu Choice

Due to a bad phone line (or Eddie's new teeth), I misheard the starter as fruit rather than SOUP. The form has now been changed so SOUP is the starter. For those who have already replied, no need to submit another form unless you do not want SOUP. There is also a main course vegetarian option (not sure what it is yet).
Alan

To allow the caterers to prepare for the Harriers' Christmas Dinner, could you please indicate your menu choice using this form. Please also fill a form in for your guests. The starter and dessert are fixed but for the main course there is a choice of steak pie or turkey.
Eddie

Brampton to Carlisle 2014

26/11/14 The link to the extra photos at the 7 mile point has been fixed.
The long standing annual tradition of the Harriers' trip to the Brampton to Carlisle 10 Mile Road Race took place on Sunday in what could only be described as perfect running conditions; cool, sunny and windless. Numbers on the bus were back up to their usual level this year with around 30 Harriers and friends present. It still seems strange by-passing Gretna on the way down for the early race start (11:30) however that is soon forgotten when the bus draws into the William Howard school car park in Brampton and pre-race nerves kick in. Warm-ups, queuing for the loos and the team photo soon eat into the time and before we knew it we were being ushered down the street to the start line. Somehow I ended up nearer the back than the front of the field of 600 but was not too bothered as I knew I was not in form to go for it from the start. Of course when the gun went, I "went for it from the start" and soon found myself slaloming through the field in the first mile way too fast; in my defence, I had to go that fast to catch and pass Russell.

Andy Buchanan was visible in the distance having a strong run as we stretched along the main road and up hill between miles 2 and 3 before turning left onto the back roads. Its a few years since Andy was last at Brampton and he has moved on some since then. He began to feel the strain at about 7 miles (but so you should!) nevertheless keeping the pace going for a new pb of 57:34, knocking a good 1:50 off his previous best from 2008 and finishing in the top 25. As always seems to be the case with hills nowadays, I struggled from that hill at 2 to 3 miles onwards, steadily going backwards to finish in 60:56, my first time slower than the hour and 1:50 slower than last year, a PW. However I was relieved to see that this scraped into an M45 Gold standard. Not only his first Brampton but the first race for four years for Neil Green so this was a shock to his system. A slightly cautious start was followed by a painful middle stage but ended with a strong finish to cross the line in 63:37, a safe Bronze M45 standard. Mark Saez was another first timer and continued his fine Grand Prix season with a time of 64:49, also a Bronze (M40) performance standard. A close, race long contest as illustrated in the photo above ended with Julie Beveridge finishing 6th lady overall in 65:45, smashing her pb and beating the Calderglen Ladies' Brampton record of 67:05 which has stood since 1990! Well done Julie (this was also an FS Bronze standard). Stephen Phimister was pushed on to a PB of 65:46 (M45 Bronze standard), dragging first timer Martin Howell with him in 65:49 (M45 Bronze standard). We could then relax for a minute as Eddie Reid demonstrated his return to form with a time of 66:35 (M50 Bronze). Andy Henderson and Stuart Waugh shared the pace through the race with Andy easing ahead in the final stages to claim 3rd M60 in a time of 67:52 (Gold M60 standard) with Stuart going two places better to win the M65 category in 68:07, a Gold M65 standard. Jim Holmes surprised himself with a great time of 68:23, improving on the last two years. Graham Ramage has had a few encouraging races recently and this was another one, finishing in 70:33. Billy Buchanan outsprinted Frances Maxwell to cross the line in 70:47 (M60 Silver standard), however Frances was the big winner, crossing the line as first F50 in a time of 70:51, a very comfortable F50 Gold standard. I have no idea how Jim Mearns can string so many races together, but "fresh" from his very recent 33 mile ultra, Jim finished in 72:45. Kenny Leinster has missed so much training with injuries recently that he was just happy to be running, finishing in 74:26. In this his 29th consecutive Brampton, Gerry Mullen started to bring the times down again after a terrible year of injuries last year. Gerry finished in 74:31. Now a firmly established regular at this race, John McBride ran a very solid 74:50, only 1 minute outside his PB. Colin Banks worked hard for a time of 79:16. Hugh Simpson has perfect attendance in the Grand Prix this year and helped stretch his lead with a time of 80:56. Mary Goldsmith's initial disappointment with her run soon lifted when she found out her time of 81:15 was only 1 second away from her predicted time, winning the sweep and a Silver F55 standard. Phil Marshall brought wife Liz along this year but did his own thing during the race to finish in 84:04. Also completing Brampton for the 29th time, Chas Steven had a comfortable run of 90:34, very closely followed by newly established ultra runner Ruth Kelly in 90:35. Russell Couper started to reverse his trend of declining performance with a five and a half minute improvement on last year to finish in 98:56, pushed into a fast finish by Liz Marshall in 99:18. Joining us for the race, we also had friends and family in the shape of Ross Mullen (66:29), James Davidson (95:51) and Brian Graham (85:06).

Hopefully I have captured the many Harriers and friends who raced but we must not forget our travelling support in the shape of Maud Waugh and Sandie Hayden. Sandie also got photos of most of the Harriers approaching the line which you can find here along with photos from the prize giving in Moffat, Finally there are some great pictures taken by a spectator at the 7 mile mark here.

Full race results are here and you can also access all previous Harriers' Brampton times here.

With Deepest Sympathy

It is with deep sadness I have to report the loss of one of our former Tuesday night runners and also a supporter of our many functions and events. Although many of you wont have known John many of you will remember John and Briege coming to some of our events like our weekend in Rothesay etc.

Calderglen Harriers sends its deepest sympathy to all Johns family and friends.
Rest in Peace John

LAUGHLIN JOHN Suddenly, while on holiday, on Sunday 9th November 2014, aged only 59, and formerly of The Murray. Dearly beloved husband of Briege, much loved Dad of John and Denise, father-in-law to Hester and devoted Grandpa to Finn and Ronan. Our loss is beyond words. Funeral Service 2.30pm Friday 21st November, St Quivox Church, Prestwick. Thereafter Masonhill Crematorium, Ayr. Family flowers only.

Sports Club Festive Events

Xmas Fayre is being held on Saturday 6th December 10am-3pm
Santas Grotto by pre-booked appointment (list at the bar), craft stalls, tearoom, tombola.
I am aware that Harriers have a race on this day so may not be able to attend but we are looking for donations of bottles for the tombola & home baking for the tearoom, all donations would be greatly appreciated.

Xmas Lunch is being held on Saturday 20th December @2pm
3 course lunch £12.50 per adult £6 per child (under 10).
Soup, turkey or roast beef dinner & gateau
Drink on arrival

Hogmany Party
10pm-2am
Places must be pre-booked at the bar now as places are limited & sell fast.
£10 per adult, Kids FREE

Thanks & regards

Karen Slaven

CALDERGLEN HARRIERS AGM

Just to remind you our AGM is tomorrow night (20th Nov).
Training will commence at 7pm for our AGM to start at 8.30pm.
Please try to attend as important decisions have to be made.

Russell

WEST DISTRICT XC CHAMPIONSHIP ( LINWOOD )

This years race will be held on Saturday 6th Dec.
The event will be held in Linwood about a decade since the last XC here.
Ladies start time is 1pm with men off at 2pm.
Ladies race over 6.4k with the men doing 10k.
Cost is £5 per head and I need names by Thursday 20th Nov.
There is no reserve list with this so make sure your name goes on the list.
If you want entered leave your name HERE.
Those already entered are listed HERE.

Again make sure your SAL membership is up to date.

Forthcoming Races

Looking beyond Brampton, there are a couple of non-Grand Prix races both taking place on Saturday 29th November. These are the Lanarkshire Cross Country Championships at Drumpellier Park, Coatbridge. Further details here, and the Glasgow University 5 Mile Road Race at the Garscube Campus. Further details here. As we have demonstrated in recent weekends, the Harriers are fully capable of spreading themselves far and wide, so hopefully we can support both events in some way.
Alan

Glen Ogle 33

If the Glen Ogle 33 had measured a yard over its advertised distance, I would have been writing to the organisers insisting they change the name. I'm that kind of guy. But somehow as I crossed the finishing line after 32.2 miles, I found it in my heart to forgive.
The week had started well. The thing about telling people you're running an ultra marathon is that you are greeted with a mixture of adoration or utter apathy. And believe me, I told everyone.
I had an eye on the weather forecast. It pretty much said it was going to rain. We got an e mail from the organisers midweek to say that it had rained so much, they had no choice but to change the route, as the usual start line, along from the campsite at Strathyre had been flooded. In fact they decided to run the route in reverse. So we started in Killin instead. Great news for Ruth and I as we were staying in the Killin Hotel.
It's not a great race for spectators but I persuaded Majella and Emma to come through for a bit of support. We had a lovely dinner in the local pub across from the spectacular Falls of Dochart. I've read lots of ultra marathon blogs so I know you want to know what we had for dinner. Cheesy Mac and chips! The girls had a couple of Vinos (Ruth decided to leave the car....in order to hydrate properly).

We went back to the hotel around 9ish to get our gear ready for the morning. The receptionist was lovely but did tell us we were going to be up too early for breakfast but she would be happy to leave out some food so that we could eat at 6. Sounded good. We could have cheese and ham sandwiches or chicken mayo! After a pronged period of negotiation, we agreed on cornflakes.

I made the mistake of reading Davie Searil's race report from last year for inspiration. In it he talks about terrible weather, hailstones,feeling miserable, and I quote " being in the early stages of hypothermia".

Feeling suitably inspired ( thanks Davie), I proceeded to pack 2 rucksacks full of food and spare clothes, just in case. 2 hats, 3 pairs of gloves , 2 jackets, and 2 full sets of fresh kit.
There were 4 bag drops but as its an out and back, really only 2. When I handed the nice lady my bags at the start, she look incredulously at me and asked me if I was serious. She picked up a a little clear bag with a couple of gels in it and said " just for future reference".
She clearly hadn't read your report Davie!

I crept out of my room at 550 hrs trying not to wake the girls, and met Ruth. Registration was just across from our hotel so we went over for 6. Weather forecast looked as if it was holding up. As we stepped out the door, we were greeted by driving rain and wind. It was freezing! We were amongst the first folk at registration. We were just behind a couple of brass monkeys in club vests and space blankets.
After a bit of fatalistic banter, we were back in the warmth of the hotel having cornflakes and preparing for the 8 am start.

It's funny, I had met a couple of folk in the hotel who were also running the race. They were from Malaysia and ultra veterans. One of them wrote in his blog that he was up early and enjoyed a lovely breakfast of chicken mayonnaise sandwiches!
An amazing thing happened in the time leading up the the race. The rain went off and the wind dropped. Marvellous!

We had a quick briefing from the race director and the walked around to the start. It is a race run mainly on trail and forest track, away from the main road. Ruth and I decided to run the first mile together just to get a feel for it. As the hooter went we shuffled off in about last place. It really felt refreshing not to have to get an 8 minute mile in from the off. Ruth soon got fed up with me telling her I was just going to take it easy for the first couple of miles and ordered me to leave her after about half a mile.
The first 3 or 4 miles are on a muddy trail and predominantly uphill. Our end of the field had begun to walk after about a mile, but I was determined I'd come for a run. At 3 miles I walked a wee bit as I realised I wasn't moving very quickly up the trail. At 3 and a half miles I was running and at 4 miles I was on my backside in mud as I failed to hold my footing whilst avoiding a large puddle. Thankfully I avoided landing on my face this time, but landed on my elbow. Looking down, I realised that I was bleeding but essentially uninjured. I considered that I may have to stop at the next first aid station to get a wee plaster. I had confused this with a race which had first aid stations.
The next few miles were very pleasant running alongside the road with beautiful views of mountains and lochs and stuff. I'm afraid I'm not able to document the route much due to my complete ignorance of the area, but I can confirm it was lovely, wherever I was. The miles were passing by very quickly. The first 3 miles had taken 33 minutes but I threw in a couple of reckless sub 8 minute miles and I managed to cover the first 6 in an hour. I had no big targets for this race, but quietly thought if I could average 10 min miles I could get in under 5 and a half hours.
I passed Rob Roy's grave at 13 miles. I felt ok at this point but I suspect history will regard this as a personal worst for the half marathon for Roy!
I largely ignored my drop bags at the first 2 checkpoints, preferring a couple of gels just to keep things ticking over. At about 18 miles the route entered Strathyre. As I was going over the shoogly bridge, I was joined for a hundred yards or so by the legend that is Davie Searil. It provided a welcome boost to see him there and I left  Strathyre buoyed by his words of encouragement.

The 4 miles after this were on rocky paths and steeply uphill. I struggled a bit at this point and was forced to walk the steeper sections. At around this point in the race I realised that I had not been passed by anyone since the start of the race, but had passed several runners. I'm not one for chatting much but I did get chatting to a bloke who after a couple of failed attempts to get to the start line due to injury had finally managed to do so today. I was a little concerned to learn that he had left his 9 and a half month pregnant wife in the car awaiting his return. Presumably with the engine running. As I left him I could only wish him well and hope that he made it back on time.

What goes up must come down, and the rocky descent for the next few miles was a welcome relief.
My first foray into a drop bag was to get a couple of small flapjacks which I figured would be more palatable than the power bars. I have to say they were lovely as I stuffed my face.

After another steep climb, the course levelled out again and it was clear we were heading for home. Passing the marathon mark is odd because your pretty much in unknown territory. Miles 26-29 were psychologically tough in that sense and I began to feel myself tiring. The last drop bag point at 29 miles was welcome for a wee breather and a bit of caramel shortcake. Running off I was informed it was all downhill from here. And it was. Unfortunately a downhill trail finish on dodgy achilles after 29 miles proved to be painful, and I was forced to watch 3 or 4 folk pass me towards the end. As the trail ended and I saw the Falls of Dochart I realised I was almost there. There was no cheering support as we entered Killin, but folk out walking gave me a wee clap as I hobbled by. One guy shouted " come on the Harriers" believe it or not, and just as I smiled back at him and I have to say feeling a wee bit emotional, he followed up with " stop smiling and catch him!"

As I came around the corner the to finish on the playing field I could hear Majella and Emma cheering me on. The last hundred yards were great and  are the reason I run....for that feeling!
I didn't hang around long as the cold was beginning to take hold. A quick sub zero temperature shower and I was back on the start line waiting for Ruth to finish. It wasn't long before we caught sight of her entering the field and heading in completely the wrong direction as frantic shouts from marshals and spectators alike put her back on course. She finished with a beaming smile....and then started talking about the Hoka Highland Fling! Safe to say she's got the ultra bug.
For what it's worth I finished in 61st  place out of 237 finishers  and 11 th in my age group. Ruth finished in  164 th place, 18th in her category.
Russell, we would like you to know we both played our jokers and look forward to the Grand Prix being updated accordingly.

A fantastic report to accompany a fantastic effort! Well done to Jim and Ruth.

BRAMPTON ( Final Instructions )

The bus for Brampton will leave from East Kilbride Sports Club at 8 am prompt.
DONT BE LATE THE BUS WILL GO.
Bring something to eat and drink as we will go direct to Brampton and maybe a wee sandwich for after the run as we will be in Moffat for dinner about 5pm.
Don't forget your running gear and some money for a refreshment or two and dinner.

I will bring the race numbers on the bus.

If anyone can no longer make it let me know.

Russell

HARRIERS AGM / SPORTS CLUB AGM

Dear Members
                     First up will be the Sports Club AGM on the 13th Nov 7.30pm.
Please try to attend as this is your chance to influence the direction that the Sports Club goes in.
We all have had lots to say about how its run and ive heard many great thoughts and ideas from our members over the last couple of years and know the Harriers have lots of clever members that can help the Sports Club and thus the Harriers. I believe they will probably be looking for some freshness on the committee so please consider this too. I don't have any more details at the moment but keep an eye out for any notices.

To our own AGM it will be held on the 20th Nov at 8.30pm. Training will be at 7pm that night with a shorter run. Notice was given last year that some of the committee were looking to stand down so you should have been considering this over the last twelve months. We would like nominations for all posts in writing by the 13th Nov (make sure you have permission from the nominee to nominate them). Any amendments to the constitution should also be made in writing to Andy Henderson by the 13th Nov.

Gold for Andy

In typical unassuming Harriers' fashion, Andy Henderson picked up his first individual national championship today after a long and continuous running career. Andy won the M60 category at the National 4km Cross Country Championship at Bellahouston Park this afternoon, covering the course in a fine 17:05. Well done to Andy.

Although the weather conditions were fine, either the underfoot conditions were heavier or the length of the course was increased compared to last year as most of the Harriers times were down compared to last year, despite many of us being in proven good form.

Julie Beveridge and Frances Maxwell represented the ladies and were both well positioned relative to their usual rivals. Julie has been racing longer events recently and found herself lacking in pace but was nevertheless pleased with her time of 17:18. Frances' strength paid off the further into the race she went and had a great run to finish in 18:06.

Andy Buchanan was competing here for the first time but was running to a plan with the intention of running cautiously for the first 2/3 of a lap before piling it on. As it happened, Andy was continuously passing people from start to finish, including and impressive sprint past 6 or 7 on the way to the line. Andy finished in 14:23 and extends his lead in the club championship. After a week off racing with illness, Mark Saez made a good comeback here to finish in 16:01. Stephen Phimister had a long day having been at the park for his daughter's  race earlier in the morning but ran well to the line in 16:36.

Eddie Reid was the only Harrier to improve on last year, finishing in 16:51, some 35 seconds faster than last year. Andy Henderson had broken away from Jim Holmes after a race long tussle, Jim finishing in 17:11. Given that Jim Mearns had run a 33 mile race last weekend, he can take his time of 18:52 to be at least as good as last year's time, Hugh Simpson kept it steady to increase his grand prix lead, finishing in 20:09. Russell Couper had a race on his hands this year with  a handful of runners keeping him company requiring Russell to sprint to the line in 21:45.

Well done to all running and our supporters around the course. A few photos from the day are here.
Alan

A Record Weekend

I could be wrong, but last weekend may well have been a Harriers' record for the most races competed in over the space of a weekend and covering the biggest range of distances. Check the map here. On the Saturday we were well represented at the Allan Scally Road Relay as reported below, the shortest race of the weekend with each leg covering 4.7 miles. Meanwhile earlier in the day, the ultra-Harriers had started off on 33 miles of the tough trails in and around Strathyre in the Glen Ogle 33 Ultra.

Moving on to Sunday, the Harriers were again spread far and wide. Starting in the North, Harriers were in action at Eddie's Lochaber Half Marathon in Fort William. Nearer home a group of Harriers tackled the 16 miles of the South Side Six, quite literally throughout the south side of Glasgow whilst even closer to home we were represented in the Run with the Wind 10k from Whitelee Windfarm to Strathaven.

Overall a fantastic advert for the Harriers which can only be improved upon when race reports are received for the blog (not so subtle hint!). Please let me know if I have missed any races.

Well done to all.
Alan

Nat short course 4K XC (BELLAHOUSTON)

This Sunday is the National short course xc.
We have 12 men and 2 ladies entered.
Races start at 12.10 for ladies and 12.35 for men.
Please be at the course for 11.30.
I will pick up the numbers and chips from the Palace of Arts and bring them to the course.
Below is a list of those entered so if anyone can no longer attend please let me know.

F Maxwell, J Beveridge.
R Couper, A Derrick, A Buchanan, D Herbertson, H Simpson, E Reid, A Henderson, J Holmes, M Saez, S Phimister, J Mearns, J McGregor.

Russell

Brancumhall this Monday

Just a reminder that it is cross country training on Monday 3rd November.
Alan

Allan Scally Road Relay -

Photos from Frances now added to the album. Link at the end of the report.
Nine Harriers made the short journey through to Baillieston today for the 46th annual Allan Scally Road Relay. This week presented a significant step up in distance compared to the first four relays of the season, each leg covering 4.8 miles of an undulating and complicated route around the residential streets of Mount Vernon. Conditions were fine and mild for the time of year, certainly much better than last year's stormy weather.

Andy Buchanan guaranteed a performance by taking a lift to the race today and was well rewarded with an impressive 10th position on the first leg, finishing in 27:15. Also on first leg duty and leading our vets team off was Alan Derrick who had a bit of a struggle from start to finish, dropping 30 seconds on last year to finish in 18th, just behind the leading Shettleston vets team in a time of 28:57. Russell Couper made a slight improvement on last year on the first leg for our incomplete 3rd team, finishing in 45:06.

Martin Howell had not run here before and his exploratory run around the leafy streets resulted in an impressive 31:41 on the A team second leg. Eddie Reid has not had many races recently and had a hard task on the second leg for the vets team, trying to pass the leading Shettleston vets team and whilst also trying to catch Martin who was about 1:45 up the road in front of him. In the end, Shettleston's 2nd leg runner opened the gap and caught Martin whilst Eddie ran an almost identical time to Martin, finishing in a painful 31:44. This meant that the A team still had a 1:45 or so lead over the vets team when Colin Banks took off on leg 3 with Jim Holmes chasing for the vets team. This time Jim managed to catch and comfortably pass Colin but slipped a place down in the vets race. Colin finished in 37:48 with Jim running a strong 32:37, a good 23 seconds faster than last year. Finally, David Herbertson headed off for the vets team, making up several places and pulling the team back into second place vets team with a strong 32:45 culminating in the fastest sprint finish of the day. Hugh Simpson set off for the A team and was fully recovered from last weekend's illness having one of his best races for a long while, covering the lap in a lonely 37:30.

So no team prizes this year but the club continues to excel at raffles, with Jim Homes winning the top prize, a unique bottle of Allan Scally Memorial "Islay Mist" whisky; very appropriate given the Harriers' and Jim's connection to Islay!

Once again the field was down in this famous old race. The expressions on the faces of the Harriers as they cross the line confirm that this is a hard race and really that is what the relay season is all about, putting yourself on the line and learning how hard you can push yourself so that your next race can be even closer to the limit. I get the impression that not many people want to do that nowadays so I am glad to see that Calderglen Harriers are still a club with a significant number of members who are out and out racers who do push their personal limits.

A huge thanks to Frances for bringing the tent through and orchestrating its installation before launching into full supporter and photographer role.

More of my photos here and Frances' photos to follow.
Alan

Harriers' Dinner Dance

The Harriers' Dinner Dance takes place on Saturday 6th December in EK Sports Club. The ticket price of £15 includes a 3 course dinner which will be served at 7pm, everyone to be seated by 6:45pm. Family and friends welcome, admission by ticket only. Please see Eddie at the club for tickets.

Allan Scally Relay Teams

Teams for tomorrow are listed here. Could everyone be there by 1pm to pay your entry fee to Russell (we can't enter the teams until we have all the cash) and then to collect your number from Russell. The race starts at 2pm. Each leg is 4.8 miles. The registration is at Bannerman High School as usual:

BANNERMAN HIGH SCHOOL
BAILLIESTON
GLASGOW G69 7NS

Further details of the course at the link in the post below.
Alan

Allan Scally Relay - New Start Time

Race starts at the earlier time of 2pm. Further details of location and course here.
Alan

The Alan Scally Road Relay

The Alan Scally Road Relay will again be on the roads round Mount Vernon.
To be held on the 1st Nov starting at 2pm
This is legs of 4.8 miles each.
4 legs for men and 3 for Ladies.
cost TBC but probably about £5 each.
I need names by training on Thursday 30th Oct.
If you wish entered add your name HERE.
Those already entered are listed HERE.

BRAMPTON TO CARLISLE 10miler

This years race is on Sunday 16th Nov at 11.30am.
We will again be running a bus leaving at 8.00am and returning to the Sports Club approx. 8.30pm.
For those new to this we head to Brampton for warm up before start and on arriving at the finish in Carlisle we will be met by the bus and there is changing and showers available in the sports centre. We shall then depending how fast you run have a couple of hours in Carlisle which most people spend in a nice little hostelry over the road from the finish. We then head to The Star Hotel in Moffat for dinner before heading back to East Kilbride.
This is as usual a Grand Prix race
Cost is £15 for the bus and entry fee is £14 attached and £16 unattached.
As usual non runners and spectators are welcome on the bus.

Places on the bus will be confirmed on receipt of £15
Entry forms are on the link below and I need form to me by training on Thursday 30th Oct

Entry forms
http://borderharriers.co.uk/app/webroot/uploads/File/B2C-2014-entry-form.pdf

Russell

Wild and Windy in Cumbernauld

The weather had to break eventually and you could bet it would happen at Cumbernauld. The club tent was a necessity here despite the fact it was in danger of taking off in the blustery conditions. The club were well represented by an M50 team of 3, and M40 team of 4, a mixed team and Russell on a solo leg. The team with the strongest chance of a medal was our M50 team. Martin Duthie was our fastest runner of the day and took the team out to 6th M50 team on the first leg in a fine 16:03. Andrew McCaffery got the worst of the weather on leg 2 as the rain joined the 20 mph winds and the field became more spread out. All the same, Andrew ran a very competitive time of 16:26. Eddie Reid certainly did not have this weather on holiday in Spain the other week and, in his first short race for a while, kept the team in a fine 8th place with a time of 17:19.

Our next team was entered in the M40 category run over 4 legs. Andy Henderson was out on the first leg despite being several age categories beyond M40 and in his first race since a hamstring injury, he ran a cautious 18:23. Jim Holmes has been well raced recently and is coming into good form, finishing in 18:02. David Herbertson is just back from India, so could be excused for not being totally fresh for this one. However, David reverted to his old habit of tying with someone else in the club, finishing in exactly the same time as Andy Henderson, 18:23. Finally, Alan Derrick continued his attempted come back to form on a relatively lonely final leg in 16:24.

Andy Buchanan was on first leg for the mixed team and would have had a really competitive run in this strong field. Unfortunately, the mysteries of Cumbernauld's road network defeated him and he never quite made it to the course. Nevertheless, everyone shuffled up one place and got a run. After the race we found out that Grand Prix leader Hugh Simpson had actually been sick for 4 days and this explains why he was walking up some of the steeper hills, finishing in 21:46. Definitely not his usual self but taking the lead in the Grand Prix none the less. Richard Lawton was trialling new trail shoes which seemed to work well for him, finishing in 19:48. Jim Mearns was using this as a training run prior to a significantly tougher ultra next weekend and was a welcome addition to the team at the last minute, grabbing some useful Grand Prix points to finish in 19:42. Russell Couper had a solo first leg and admitted to really struggling having come off night shift. Russell finished in 25:03 which was considerably faster than last year.

A tough day on a great cross country course. To add another positive to the experience, the course was about 0.1 miles (40 to 60 seconds) longer than last year, there being an extra excursion down into a muddy corner compared to last year (the GPS does not lie) where we cut straight across the corner. So everyone need not be so disappointed to be down on last year.

Some more photos here (not a day for taking photos really). Our juniors were also in action and you can read a report on their performances here.
Alan

RECENT EMAILS

I recently have sent a couple of emails to members with important information. If anyone has not received either of these emails can you let me know asap as they contained important information.

Russell

National XC Relay Teams 2014

Teams for tomorrow are listed here. Note that there is an M50 (team of 3) category in the race and we have therefore entered a team. The M40 and senior teams are teams of 4. See Russell's post below for further instructions. If anyone has to pull out (or any of the many possible reserves listed are able to run), please let Russell or me know before lunchtime tomorrow. There are 3 places available for any reserves who can run.
Alan

NATIONAL XC RELAY

This Saturday is the national xc relays.
We have four mens teams entered and have the twelve names below available.
Therefore there is four spaces available so if anyone from the reserve list want to take part let myself or Alan know by Thursday night.
Also if anyone from the entered list can no longer make it let us know.

Those entered :- R Couper v40, A Derrick v40, J Mearns v40, D Herbertson v40, J Holmes v40, R Lawton v40, A Buchannan, A McCaffery v50, H Simpson v50, A Henderson v50, E Reid v50 and M Duthie v50.

Reserves are :- K Leinster, M Saez, W Buchannan, I Hughes, G Lindsay, P Marshall, J McBride, C McDougall, J McGregor, G Mullen, S Phimister, I Rae, C Steven, G Stewart, D Searil, D Watt.

Mens race is at 2.40pm and I want everyone there at the course by 1.50pm (that includes Martin).
Parking is still at the school but registration is now at the course and chips are being used in this race for the first time so I need to make sure everyone gets the right chip.

NATIONAL SHORT COURSE XC

The National short course XC will again be held in Bellahouston Park
Date is Sunday 9th Nov.
Start times are 12.10pm for Ladies and 12.35pm for Men.
Cost is £5.50 per head.
Distance is 4k and this is a straight race not a relay.
Its pre entry only and I need names by Thursday 23rd Oct.

If you wish entered leave your name HERE.
Those already entered are listed HERE.

Russell

SVHC TRACK 10K RACE

Sunday saw the start of the Masters Annual race series.
Three Harriers went along to Coatbridge to get dizzy doing 25 laps of the track.
On arriving it was clear to Frances, Stuart and Russell this was going to be testing conditions with a blustery wind and a lot of leaves on a wet track. On doing a couple of warm up laps you could feel the grip wasn't there although the more runners that went round you could see lane 1 was getting cleared up. As you hit the final bend on the lap the wind would hit you to make the final straight hard work and in this type of event you know your going to get this every 400 metres. To start time and off we went. I had to pace this right as this was my first 10k in exactly a year (same event last year).
I set a target of 1hr as I had gone over this by quite a margin last year. First lap and everyone settles in to a long string with 30 runners on the track and it wasn't long, lap 3 I think before the leaders passed me for the first of many times. Stuart passed me for the first time I think on lap 5 with Frances a lap later. Frances doing this as another training run for her upcoming marathon was coasting. As the laps count down you just have to try to ignore your going round in circles and it becomes as much a mental challenge as a running one. I did find I had a proper race at this as one of the competitors was behind me by about 100mtr by half way but in the 3rd quarter of the race had closed to 20mtr. Had to dig deep and ran the last 6 laps averaging 10 - 15secs faster per lap than the previous 6 laps.
Stuart was first Harrier in a time of 42.37 and continuing to get in to good shape. Frances ran 45.21 with Russell finishing in 59.03 over 5 mins faster than last year. Its a slow road back but its going in the right direction. We have a lot of Veterans in the Harriers and many more of you should consider joining the SVHC too as they have a lot of veteran only events throughout the year.

Brancumhall XC Training

We will start our fortnightly Monday XC training at Brancumhall on Monday 20th October. We will run from the club to Brancumhall from the club so bring your normal road shoes plus whatever you prefer to wear for XC (trail shoes, spikes or just old road shoes). It will be muddy. Your XC shoes will be transported to/from Brancumhall by car.

These sessions will carry on every second Monday until further notice unless cancelled via a notice on this blog. So please check.

Running on soft ground makes higher demands on strength than on roads and is a key part of making you a better runner.
Alan

Lanarkshire Amateur Athletics Association

Dear Members please read the below letter from the Lanarkshire Association committee.
As you will read the existence of the association is in jeopardy and as long time members of it we are looking for at least one member to step up and get involved. As you will see they are looking for a new committee as the present committee have served a long time. I think but im not 100% that they meet quarterly. If anyone is interested please let Frances, Andy, Richard or Russell know.

LANARKSHIRE AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

                                     TO ALL CLUBS

At the AGM on 13^th October, we failed to form a new committee, and as a result we
will be holding an EGM on Monday 3^rd November at East Kilbride. If we cannot form a
committee then, we will have to consider the future of the Association.
The duties of the committee could be shared by clubs to spread the workload.
At present, the Secretary applies for permits,  books venues, organises helpers,
notifies all clubs about arrangements. The Treasurer is responsible for collecting
money from events,annual fees from clubs, payment to venues, banking and
keeping a record of all transactions. The President chairs all meetings and represents
the Association at other meetings.
We would like to see every club represented at the EGM.

Willie Drysdale

Walter Ewing

West District XC Relay - Here we Kilmacolm

A late change in venue meant that the hundreds of runners lining up for the first cross country of the season were given an easier ride around the perimeter of a picturesque little park in the heart of Kilmacolm rather than what should have been an agricultural course on the outskirts of Port Glasgow. The reason for the change of venue? The long, dry summer made the ground hard and rutted and hence posed a health and safety risk! Only in Scotland. Anyway, I didn't hear any Harriers complaining as the two lap course around the park suited us just fine.

Our ladies are a force to be reckoned with nowadays and finished an impressive 10th overall. Julie Beveridge got the team off to a strong start, flying round in 15:52, handing over to Karen Allen who is approaching her old form, finishing in 16:23. Finally, Frances "Marathon" Maxwell built on her superb form to finish in 16:52, beating the time of many of her regular age group rivals in the process.

Andy Buchanan was the star of our men's teams, leading the senior team off in 13:16. Hugh Simpson was put under pressure for the second week in a row, being asked to hold off the Calderglen vets team. It is always difficult to pace a relay when you are starting off amongst faster runners and this is the situation Hugh found himself in, even forgetting to start his watch. The official times reveal that Hugh finished in 18:11, handing over to Richard Lawton. Richard has made good progress in the last year, despite a recent injury and finished in 17:09. Finally, Russell Couper had a good training week and this run was to be the final session in that week, The time was unimportant but for the record it was 21:12.

The Calderglen vets team comprised the ever improving Mark Saez (14:53) on leg 1. Jim Holmes had the task of hauling in Hugh Simpson, which he did comfortably in 15:54. A still fragile Martin Duthie nursed his calf around in a fine 14:14, whilst a jet lagged and flu suffering Alan Derrick did the stupid thing (running), finishing in 14:39, placing the team as 8th vets team.

Well done to all. It was a great day in the sun. If anyone has photos, please pass them on. The GP and club championships are up to date now.
Alan

NATIONAL XC RELAYS ( CUMBERNAULD )

The National XC Relays will talke place on Sat 25th Oct in Cumbernauld.
3 x 4k for Ladies and 4 x 4k for Men
Cost is £5 each
Race start times are 1.40pm for Ladies and 2.40pm for Men.
Names are required on this Blog by Wednesday 8th Oct or see me at the club before this date.
to add your name please add it HERE.
Those already entered are listed HERE.

Russell

Please make sure your Sal membership is up to date.

Glasgow Half Marathon 2014

Bling it on! In a surreal moment at the end of the Glasgow Half Marathon I was wearing two gold medals and a silver! And was photo bombed by Haile Gebrselassie! We can but dream…
Stephen Phimister had a dream run, setting a PB of 01:28:36 on the new half marathon route. Julie Beveridge also clocked a PB of 01:30:36 and must have dreamt she passed a large banana near the end which bore a remarkable resemblance to her sister Louise!
The ever improving Martin Howell put his harriers training to good use finishing in 01:33:17.
Jim Holmes took a minute off last year’s time with 01:34:57. Graham Lindsay was happy with 01:38:50 and Graham Ramage clocked a steady 01:39:19.
Jim Mearns used his 26 mile warm up last weekend to finish in 01:39:34. The ever dependable John McBride produced another solid performance with 01:42:17. Alan Bow finished in 01:43:03 and John Mullen showed the junior harriers he can run finishing in 01:43:38. No administration problems this year for Colin Banks who completed the course in 01:44:05. David Wardrope must surely be delighted with his run, battling injury all year and dramatically improving on last year’s time with 01:45:33. Mary Goldsmith finished in 01:53:36 and Ruth Kelly was another using a full marathon last week as preparation to finish on 02:00:40. David Searil had a tough run but experience brought him through in a time of 02:05:34 in his 22nd consecutive Great Scottish Run.
Thanks to Sandra, Eddie and Andy for support on the way round and to all those who shouted, “Come on Calderglen.” It really does help.

Further photos of the Harriers in action taken by Sandra and Andy are here.

Alternative Half Marathon

The first of two reports from Kirkintilloch last Sunday. Thanks to Frances and Stuart for keeping us in the picture. Fine performances all round.

If you didn’t manage to get an entry or merely did not want to do the GSR on Sunday 5th October an alternative race to the GSR was held at Kirkintilloch courtesy of Kirkintilloch Olympians.   This race was the Neil McCover Memorial Half Marathon which was extremely well organised by the Club.  This is a tough hilly course taking in great views of the Campsies.  The race is also part of the SVHC grand prix and 3 Harriers were there to take part.  It was an early start of 9.00am and the chill in the air made it feel more like November.  A short warm-up left your hands ice cold and wondering if you should have brought gloves!   Although cold at the start the conditions were just perfect during the race.  Stuart Waugh was first Harrier home in an impressive time of 1.32.37.   Frances Maxwell was next in a time of 1.36.44 and taking 5 minutes of her previous half marathon at Loch Leven earlier this year.  This time also earned her the 1st FV50 category.   Kenny Leinster who is also training for the Dublin Marathon crossed the finish line in a time of 1.44.44 and was pleased that his injury did not flare up again.  The hospitality at the end of the race was great with loads of homebaking on sale for a small donation and all the proceeds going to The Teenage Cancer Trust.  One for the diary…..

Frances

On Sunday 5/10/2014 3Harriers (Frances Maxwell, Kenny Leinster and Stuart Waugh) made their way to Kirkintilloch for the annual Neil McCover Memorial Half Marathon Road Race , which also doubles as the SVHC Champs event. Very early start at 9am - cold compared to recent weeks, but otherwise conditions fairly good.

Very tough and challenging course - for those of a certain age you may remember the old Luddon 1/2 M course - every mile has hills , very undulating with miles 2 , 5 and 10 particularly uphill and a nasty short, sharp climb 3/4 mile from the finish.

Nevertheless all 3 Harriers survived to tell the tale with times of Stuart -  1:32:37 , 47 place ; Frances -  1:36:44 , 62 place ; and Kenny -  1:44:44 , 85 place.

Good preparation for Frances and Kenny for Dublin Marathon in a few weeks time.

Stuart Waugh