Upcoming Harriers Events
Search This Blog
Monday 29 September 2014
McANDREW ROAD RELAYS
3 x 3.25 m for Ladies and 4 x 3.25 m for Men.
Cost is £5 each.
Race starts at 1pm.
If you want entered add your name HERE. before training on Thursday 2nd Oct.
Those already entered are listed HERE.
Russell
Please make sure your Sal membership is up to date.
Saturday 27 September 2014
Houston - A place in the sun!
First of the newcomers was Mark Saez who led off our vets A team to finish in a strong 16:03. As this was probably the shortest race Mark has done for some years he certainly felt the stress on the lungs! Mark handed over to veteran of this course Jim Holmes who ran to his usual, consistent form, finishing in 17:11. Next of the first timers was Martin Howell who had performed well in recent club 5k time trials but would find this race a short, sharp shock to the system. Martin finished in an excellent 17:32. Finally, Stephen Phimister had quite a lonely last leg, making pace judgement difficult. However, being chased by a loose dog on the course provided the incentive for a brief injection of pace and with the pressure of the whole family along to support, he was only 15 or so seconds away from his fastest time, crossing the line in 16:32.
Our second Vets team was lead off by a very much in form Stuart Waugh who ran strongly to the line in 17:39. Its always difficult to predict David Herbertson's form as he is away travelling so much but on the evidence of today he was worthy of a place in the first team, recording a strong time of 17:18 on the second leg for the second team. Geo Ferguson was another first timer on leg 3 and had the added incentive of chasing down fiancée Frances on the same leg. Geo finished in 19:09 and did not in fact catch Frances for which he should retain some brownie points. Finally, the ever cheerful (especially if he has a cup of tea) Hugh Simpson was on the last leg which was a pretty lonely place to be. Hugh completed the course in 20:15 which is only about a minute down on 2 years ago. With people around him he would have gone faster.
Our third men's team comprised just three runners. Colin Banks was on the first leg and was down a bit on his usual form, finishing in 19:44. Richard Lawton is cautiously making his way back from injury, so was pleasantly surprised to run a new course best of 19:20 on leg 2. However, Russell Couper is coming back from a longer lay-off than anyone and should be pleased that he was slightly faster than last year, finishing in 24:20.
There are unfamiliar names at the head of the men's Grand Prix following this race. Geo Ferguson and Mark Saez are tied for the lead which is hopefully a sign that this will be another competitive season. For the ladies, Karen Allen takes an early lead via a strategic joker and a fine run. All the GP and Club Championship positions are available at the Grand Prix link in the menu to the left. Further pictures of Harriers are here.
Alan
A picture of pre-race contentment |
Juniors Achieve "Club SL" Bronze Accreditation
This allows the club entry to East Kilbride Sports Council Sports Awards, SLLC website sign post/club directory, use of the Bronze logo on club website/promotional material, advice on club development and free use U16 pitches. Also allows the junior section of the club to work with the Active Schools team in South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture who provide more and higher quality opportunities for children and young people to participate in sport before, during and after school. There are silver & gold levels that we can work towards to achieve future higher accreditation on this scheme at a later date.
Calderglen Outdoor Community Sports Hub
The Community Sports Hub are funded until March 2015 by the Scottish Government & Sportscotland and then funding will be under review. Therefore:
1. Calderglen Outdoor Community Sports Hub still has funds to spend on coach education, workshops, courses that will help improve the club and members. Examples are nutrition, motivation.
2. Emergency First Aid at Work course running on Sunday 2nd November 10am to 4pm in the EKSC. 4 places have been taken with 14 vacant places. So if anyone from the senior section can do this to help benefit the Harriers.
3. Just for information. Further away into 2015 we discussed about having a EKSC open day on Sunday 10th May to promote EKSC and sections to recruit new members adults and children.
If anyone wants to do the Emergency First Aid at Work course and/or has ideas to spend Hub funds to benefit the Harriers then please get in touch with me.
Richard
Friday 26 September 2014
Grand Prix Jokers 2014-15
The jokers for the start of the season are listed here for the men. Anyone joining through the season and not on the list will be added to the list as and when required. For the ladies, everyone starts with one joker as usual. An extra joker (and increase in total allowed jokers) will be added on completion of 5 and 10 races. 2 extra jokers will be added for anyone competing in 15 races. The jokers double the points achieved during the race. If anyone is in doubt of the rules, just ask Russell or I.
Last year was a very competitive season in both the men's and ladies championships with positions changing right up to the last race. However, to win it you have to be in it as the saying goes and that means doing as many races as possible.
Alan
Houston Teams
Could we have everyone there at Houston Church Hall, Main Street, Houston by around 1:15 to allow numbers to be distributed and a warm-up. The lap is short enough (2.7 miles) for a nice gentle lap to warm-up and re-familiarise yourself with the course, the hills and the wind direction.Course map and further details here.
Some are meeting at the club to share cars, leaving at 1200. As usual, if for whatever reason you have to drop out or are going to be late, please leave a comment on this blog post or send me a txt as early as possible so that we can adjust the teams if necessary.
Finally, note that this year there is to be no competitor parking in the streets around the village on instruction of the police. The Gryffe High School car park a few hundred yards from the start is to be used.
Alan
Thursday 25 September 2014
GEORGE CUMMINGS ROAD RELAY
Its the George Cummings road relay in Houston.
Race start time is 2.30pm.
Teams of 3 for Ladies and 4 for Men.
Distance is approx. 2.7 miles each.
Cost £5 each
If you want entered please add your name HERE.
Those already entered are listed HERE.
Names required by training on Thursday 25th Sept
Russell
Please make sure you Sal membership is up to date
Wednesday 24 September 2014
WEST DISTRICT XC RELAYS ( PORT GLASGOW )
3 x 4k for Ladies and 4 x 4k for Men.
Race start times are 12.40pm for the Ladies and 1.40pm for the Men.
Cost is £4.50 each.
Names are required on this Blog by Wednesday 24th Sept 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.
Sunday 21 September 2014
TTC 2014 Gallery
Friday evening was the usual gentle warm up through the neighbouring Coilhallan Woods, covering just over 5 miles. I didn't have the heart to tell those who thought this run involved a big climb that Saturday's ascent was considerably greater and Sunday's even bigger again. Probably best not to know! The Lade Inn once again provided dinner and refreshments to the usual high standard and fun end to the Friday. We even discovered that we had a poacher in our midst (or at least Russell discovered that) when big John scoffed Russell's haddock and chips.
Saturday morning, pre team photo, was the big T-shirt reveal, an event that had been preceded by a 3 week long campaign of misinformation and red herrings by T-shirt supplier Eddie. Somehow many had got it into their heads that the T-shirt was going to be a green and white striped affair and emotions were running very high with many already consigning the T-shirt to the bin before they had even seen it. Surprise, surprise, the T-shirt was a much less conspicuous hi-viz yellow number to the relief of many and just as well given the Saturday morning mist!
A variety of routes were planned for Saturday morning for the 4 packs but due to some misunderstandings, disorientations, etc, a different variety of routes to that planned were actually run. In the end, the first 3 packs all ended up doing improvised versions of the longest 10.7 mile route and big ascent. Frances' pack didn't really mind the extra miles and altitude and Eddie's pack really enjoyed seeing the golf course!
A new caterer provided the buffet lunches this year and was very well received. Post lunch was very busy with a seminar titled "Training Broken Down" followed by power naps in the sun, followed by running drills and core stability (followed by more power naps in the sun), followed by a threshold session on the railway and finally (for some) a swim in the river. Everyone was definitely ready for the Lade Inn that night where game keeper Russell kept very close tabs on the poacher.
Sunday was overcast but mild. Perfect for the long runs. Russell's pack was driven to the furthest away point of the route at Brig O'Turk and left to run back, a task they managed happily as they avoided the great ascent. The other packs were on either a 13 or 15 mile circuit of Loch Venachar, making use of the brand new (but high altitude) path which now allows a complete circuit of the loch rather than an out and back run as in previous years. The big ascent came at about the 8 mile point of the run and was a challenge for all but at least got most of the climbing over with in a short distance. Once up on top, the views of the loch and the route we had just run were stunning. Several people pointed out to me that they thought it strange that although the route had to be overall downhill from that point, there was still a lot of climbing. Welcome to the Trossachs! It couldn't have been too bad as the swimmers were back in the river again at the end of the run. With everyone back and accounted for, soup and sandwiches arrived and were devoured. Another successful TTC was over.
Thanks to our club sponsor, EKGTA Ltd, we continue to be able to put this weekend on for a reasonable price. However, we could and would not put it on at all without the support of the members and the club's coaches, Frances, Eddie and Russell, who put considerable effort into planning and preparing for this event. Thanks also to Janet and Mark who give us free reign over their fantastic hostel for the weekend, a better venue would be hard to imagine.
The first batch of photos from Frances and me are in this gallery. If anyone else has photos to add, then please pass them to me on a memory stick at the club.
Alan
Thursday 18 September 2014
(Nike) London Calling
After the first day of the course I jogged about a mile from the hotel over to the store. Running in London is a bit of a nightmare at rush hour as neither traffic, cyclists nor pedestrians give way. At the store there was a large group of maybe 50 of more, mainly the iPod / Nike fuel band generation and I don’t think there are too many Masters at this event. I felt a bit embarrassed by my lack of manufacturers gear, wearing Brooks trainers, Karrimor socks and a freebie t-shirt from Grangemouth 10k – only the Nike shorts ‘ticked’ the box. After registering there was a group warm up – which I’m never keen on but even worse under the bright lights in the shop. It was quite an achievement to do a dynamic warm up in a confined space.
There were groups for 5k, 7k and 10k. Obviously I went for the 10k and we had a group of about 15. After a quick walk up to the BBC we set off on a warm up towards Regents Park. The main course was to be 2 laps of the Park, but it was on the roads around the outer perimeter so not too scenic. Not wanting to grab the limelight I let the group settle but within the first k I was second without trying too much. The pace ramped up but the guy at the front was too far away to catch and I fell in with a guy from Newham who was moving at a decent pace. The first lap at least had an element of interest but the second lap just became a bit of a hard slog, nothing much to look at but still working hard at around 4:15/km. After the run it was back to the store for a much appreciated bottle of water and a chat with my new Nike+ LDN friends.
I learned that there was also a running group from the Covent Garden store (River Runners) on the Wednesday night so the following night it was another run of just under a mile from the hotel.
This was a smaller group but still 30 or so. A short warm up down to the Thames and realised that the guy I had met the previous night (Prakash) was pacing the 10k run. The course was to take us over Westminster Bridge, eastwards along the south bank, cross back at Tower Bridge and back on the north bank.
The pace started OK but a girl appeared and took it on at 3:45/km. Now the gauntlet was down. Right away we dropped two pretenders as the 3 of us hammered past the London Eye and across the bridge. I would honestly have missed the Houses of Parliament if Big Ben hadn’t struck 7 bells just as we were passing. Some tourists on Westminster Bridge might have some unexpected photos.
The pace eased but even at 4:30/km its hard work ducking and diving between people. At one stage near the Tate Modern some fancy footwork seen me sidestep a group of tourists only to run slap bang into a rather large lady who fortunately for me had brought own air-bags !
By now the girl was struggling so we did the decent thing and dropped her as the two of us pushed on towards Tower Bridge. There was no let up going up the stairs and Prakash took me across the bridge on the wrong side of the traffic barrier, with only the width of the kerb to run on and the traffic too close for comfort.
Back down onto the north bank and past the crowded pubs but keeping the pace going, only slowing when we had to leave the Embankment so that the last K became a jog back to the store.
It was a good friendly crowd although the majority tend to run at a slower pace. That said it was much appreciated and great to get out of the hotel. Both nights gave me a good workout. Met some decent people and explained the Yes / No thing more than once !
They have Nike runs in a number of cities, including Glasgow, so if you are ever away and looking for a run then you could do worse than look up the Nike running stores.
Just Do It !
10k River run route attached. Play sightseeing bingo if you want.
Phimi
TTC Leftovers
TTC'ers, I received a phonecall from Janet at the Backpackers' Hostel today. Some items were left behind which I will collect at the weekend:
A pair of walking boots in one of the gent's dorms.
A pair of perfectly good running shoes in one of the bins (somebody didn't take a positive message from the TTC!!).
If either of these items belong to you, please let me know at the club or leave a comment on this post.
Alan
Tuesday 16 September 2014
Harriers Membership Contact Details Update
The Harriers Committee.
Thursday 11 September 2014
TTC 2013 - Final Instructions
Latest weather forecast here. Should be dominated by high pressure for the whole weekend and dry! It may be misty in the mornings though, so bring a warm layer or two.
You can arrive at the Trossachs Backpackers Hostel from 3.30pm onwards (however you won't know what room you are in until I arrive with the sheet at about 4pm). See the separate blog post for directions to the venue. First run will be at 5.30pm prompt. Please be here and ready to run otherwise it is dinner and no run! Please let me know if you are not going to make the run (or dinner) on 07867863741. If you are not going to be there at all, then please let me know; I can then re-shuffle the room allocations to make things a bit more spacious.
You will need to bring the following with you;
• 4 run outfits - please check weather and dress appropriately
• Waterproof/water resistant jacket - just in case.
• Running shoes (we strongly recommend you bring a spare pair!)
• Running socks - lots (at least 4 pairs)
• Casual outfit for dinner
• Bedding will be provided but you'll need to bring a towel or two.
• Water bottle and something to put in it e.g. energy drink for Sunday long run
• Your own toiletries
• Any medication you require
• PYJAMAS (the rooms are dorms!!)
• A yoga/gym mat or large towel to lie on when doing the conditioning sessions.
Dinner on the first night is at 7.30pm ....if you're running late.
Allow enough time for travelling, the road can be very busy if you are travelling at rush hour.
There will be a welcome notice at the main reception on this you will find:
1. room information
2. pack information
3. and a reminder of what you've ordered for dinner!
Otherwise, just ask Frances, Eddie, Russell or me when we arrive (at about 4pm). Note that the hostel owners, do not know who is in which rooms, so no point in asking, just wait till I arrive.
Alan
TTC 2014 - How to Get There!
- Head North on the M80/M9 towards Stirling.
- Leave the M9 at Junction 10 and take the A84 to Callander.
- Continue along Callander Main Street, past the square to the traffic lights at the cross roads.
- Turn left at the traffic lights onto the A81 signposted Aberfoyle and Glasgow.
- Follow the road over the bridge for about a half mile to the mini roundabout.
- Turn right at the mini roundabout onto Invertrossachs Road.
- Follow this narrow road for about 1.7-mile and you will see the entrance to the Trossachs Backpackers' Hostel on your left.
A separate blog post gives an indication of what to bring with you.
Alan
Harriers Meeting after Training Thursday 11th September
Alan
Wednesday 10 September 2014
Great North Run 2014
Fast forward to January 2014 and I put name in the ballot for a place in the race, mainly because Louise had entered the ballot and I did not want to go and watch it for a 2nd year in a row. Much to my surprise I was successful in getting a place in the race while Louise missed out!
2014 was to be a special landmark for the Great North Run. It would have its one millionth finisher, something I did not realise when I entered the race.
On race morning I found myself in the 2nd start pen and I took about a minute to cross the start line. Anyone watching this race on TV would have seen how congested it was at the beginning and if you had asked me after a mile would I do this race again I would have said no as I could hardly get into a rhythm as there was nowhere to move. However I kept going and after a few miles I began to find more space.
Looking back now the slower start probably helped me overall. I only looked at the early mile splits after the race but I could just feel that the pace of the race was too slow for my liking. I think at this point I thought the whole race was going to be too congested. This was confirmed by the fact I covered the first mile in 7.06 mins but once more space opened up I covered the second mile in 6.26 mins.
As the race progressed I found it a bit hard going due to the heat. I was still a bit concerned with my pace and after mile 5 I finally looked at my watch for the first time only to discover it had taken me 7.22 mins to cover that last mile. I think by this stage I decided that a fast time was not going to happen today and I began to relax as I took the pressure of myself. I began to notice the crowds lining the route and the atmosphere was brilliant. I remember at one point passing a pub and there was a band playing on the roof. This was one of many bands playing along the route.
Around about mile 12 there is a downhill stretch towards South Shields promenade. Many folk would probably welcome this but I prefer uphill running and therefore I found it sore on the legs as I approached the promenade. Louise had warned me not to start sprinting once I was on the promenade (thinking that the finish line was in sight) as there is a full mile to cover before you reach the finish line. However the amount of people out supporting the race in South Shields was unbelievable and this helped me along the final mile. I crossed the line in 1.33.30 which, albeit by 10 seconds, was a PB. I also discovered from my Garmin that the distance I had run was 13.28 miles and not 13.10 miles (which was probably caused by me zig-zagging around about people earlier on in the race).
Looking back now I am glad I ran this race and got to run past some iconic sites, none more so than running across the Tyne Bridge. It was also a good preparation for the London marathon next year where I will inevitably experience similar crowds at the beginning.
Well done Julie on a great performance despite the congestion. A pb is a pb. You can't ask for more than that.
Alan
Monday 8 September 2014
Not Chatelherault Tonight
Note that our Chatelherault sessions have finished for this year due to lack of daylight. Training is at the club tonight.
Alan
Saturday 6 September 2014
Strathaven 50 Mile Relay in Pictures
A map is not usually the first thing one associates with Billy but this is indeed the first photo in an excellent set which Billy has sent through. The rest of the photos are here (please read the captions to understand what is really going on). Thanks to Billy for the photos (and the captions). However, given that Billy is now injured again, it suggests that he did miss out on the recommended "professional warm-up".
Alan
Tri Scotland Aquathon
Islay 2014 - Better Late than Never
Almost all the Harriers |
Portnahaven |
Port Charlotte |
Auldhouse TT 2014
Alan
Monday 1 September 2014
Calderglen Buddies 10k
Three Harriers (Andy Buchanan, John McBride & Julie Beveridge) headed to Paisley on Sunday to take part in the town's 10k. Given that Paisley is not a million miles away from Motherwell you can guess from Stephen's race report that we all experienced similar hot weather conditions for running.
This race both starts and finishes in Country Square, in the centre of Paisley, with closed roads around Paisley town centre. The first kilometre of the race involves a loop around the town centre before heading out towards St Mirren's football ground. This part of the race is run on pavements and this continues up to the half way point where the race turns, just before the Phoenix Retail Park, to head back towards the town centre (although a different route back). Kilometres 6-9 are run along the cycle path. Apart from the slight climb at mile 9 as you head up towards the High Street, I would say this race is relatively flat and the downhill finish on the High Street (before taking a sharp left) makes for a fast finish.
This race was chip timed and full results can be found on the sports systems website.
All finishers received a medal and water bottle (and you could have a free swim in the Lagoon leisure centre upon presenting your medal or 3k fun run number - there is also a 3k fun which takes place on the same day but after the 10k).
I struggled yesterday around about the 3km mark and lost a bit of time. However once I felt better again I ran the rest of the race comfortably and I had a good strong finish on me as I sprinted down Paisley High Street. My final time was 41.46.
Thanks to Julie for the report. Andy was 36:22 and John 47:17. Well done to all.
Alan