McANDREW ROAD RELAYS

The McAndrew Road Relay will take place on Sat 4th Oct.
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.

Houston - A place in the sun!

A sunny Saturday in late September means it must be the George Cummings Road Relay in Houston and the start of another Grand Prix season for Calderglen Harriers. Despite a slow response to the request for entries, the names flooded in during the last week and once again Calderglen Harriers were amongst the best represented clubs at this long standing event. This year we also had many first timers from the Harriers joining the regulars who come back to this scenic 2.7 mile lap relay every year.
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.

Julie Beveridge is going for the double this weekend, Houston on Saturday, Linlithgow 10k on Sunday, but did not hold back on the first leg for the ladies team, finishing in a new course best of 17:09. Surprisingly, regular racer Karen Allen had never done this one before but paced it well to finish in a fine 17:30. Frances Maxwell is piling in the miles in preparation for the Dublin Marathon but still managed to improve considerably on last year on what must have been tired legs to finish in 18:46, completing our ladies team. Alison Lessells was running a solo first leg and has special permission to take it easy but ignored that to run a very competitive 18:35 on her first time out on this course too.

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

Congratulations to the Harriers' Junior section on achieving South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture "Club SL" accreditation at Bronze level. This is in no small part due to the hard work of Richard Lawton and his representation on the Sports Hub committee. We are now able to display this logo alongside the previously obtained Scottish Athletics Accredited Club Foundation award.

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

From the Sports Hub meeting I attend on Thursday night a few points came to highlight to the seniors.

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

Grand Prix Jokers 2014-15

It is the start of another series of 16 Grand Prix races, best 11 results to count. Houston is the first race in the series, followed by McAndrew, West XC Relay, National XC Relay, Allan Scally Relay, National 4km XC Championships, Brampton and West XC.

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

A good turnout again from the club despite a few illness and injury issues resulting in drop outs (myself included). The teams and running order are listed here.

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

GEORGE CUMMINGS ROAD RELAY

The Grand Prix season will kick off on Sat 27th Sept.
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

WEST DISTRICT XC RELAYS ( PORT GLASGOW )

The West District XC Relays will take place on Sat 11th Oct in 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.

TTC 2014 Gallery

The 8th Trossachs Training Camp brought another full complement of Harriers and our friends from ATHelite Tri Club to Callander for a weekend devoted to running (and eating and drinking). We also brought exceptional weather for mid-September with temperatures rising to the low 20 Celsius on all 3 days. Perfect for running and relaxing.

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

(Nike) London Calling

After the torture of the TTC I was off to London for a few days on a training course. Having previously stayed at some pretty awful establishments, arriving at the hotel late on Monday night I was pleasantly surprised that the room had free wi-fi.   Now had this been one of the other Harriers that I shared a dormitory at the TTC with, bored in a hotel room with free Wi-Fi, the story might have taken a different turn however I put it to good use and looked up somewhere to run. It turned out that the flagship Nike London Town store at Oxford Circus had an organised run on the Tuesday night.

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

Harriers Membership Contact Details Update

As we occasionally have information to distribute to members which cannot be posted publicly on the blog (e.g. matters relating to the AGM or constitution), we would like to bring the membership database up to date with current e-mail addresses and mobile phone numbers. Please use this FORM to record the relevant details. The data entered will not be published and will be restricted to access by the Harriers' committee.
The Harriers Committee.

TTC 2013 - Final Instructions

Bit late with this post, its been a hectic week of late nights with one thing and another.

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!

For Google Map directions from East Kilbride to the Callander, use this link. Then for a more detailed map of the final part from Callander to the TTC venue (Trossachs Backpackers Hostel), use this map. It takes about 1 hour if the roads are jam free. Simpler instructions are as follows:

1. Head North on the M80/M9 towards Stirling.
2. Leave the M9 at Junction 10 and take the A84 to Callander.
3. Continue along Callander Main Street, past the square to the traffic lights at the cross roads.
4. Turn left at the traffic lights onto the A81 signposted Aberfoyle and Glasgow.
5. Follow the road over the bridge for about a half mile to the mini roundabout.
6. Turn right at the mini roundabout onto Invertrossachs Road.
7. Follow this narrow road for about 1.7-mile and you will see the entrance to the Trossachs Backpackers' Hostel on your left.

The web site for the hostel is here so you know what you are looking for. The owners will be pleased to meet you if you are early but please be aware that they give us free reign of the place and do not know who is in what rooms. I will be up at about 4pm with the (ever changing) list of room allocations, so relax until I arrive.

A separate blog post gives an indication of what to bring with you.
Alan

Harriers Meeting after Training Thursday 11th September

Russell has asked to announce that there will be a further meeting of the Harriers at 9pm in the Sports Club after training this coming Thursday to update you on and discuss the latest Sports Club committee meeting held last week. Please attend if you can. It is in your own and the Harriers' interests to have good attendance.
Alan

Great North Run 2014

This was a race I went down to Newcastle to watch in 2013, having viewed it many times on TV. As I sat on the Metro from South Shields to Newcastle looking at all the runners I thought this was something I would like to take part in.

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

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

Strathaven 50 Mile Relay in Pictures

More photos now available from Frances here.

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

Now for something completely different...... report from Billy:

Link to photos from above at Balloch Castle. Harriers taking part were Andrew and Martin, with Martin taking podium place No1 for his class. Could you put on blog so Martin can see photos as Mandy did not take any ! (She says she has plenty of him anyway). It was a lovely morning, sunny dry, no wind perfect conditions. I was nearly !!! wishing I had entered myself, the thought  lasted about 5 seconds till sanity came back.

Thanks,

Billy

Photos here.

Well done to Andy, Martin and Sandy.

Alan

Islay 2014 - Better Late than Never

A 50th birthday party for a Bowmore local the same weekend as the Islay Half meant that Bowmore was fully booked and accommodation was difficult to come by this year, severely limiting the number of Harriers participating. However, Jim Holmes' mum came to the rescue and via her local contacts, B&B was found for 6 of us. The withdrawal of Kenny through injury reduced us to 5 in B&B in Bowmore whilst Andy B and girlfriend Sandy were staying with Andy's friend in Port Ellen. The forecast for the weekend looked iffy with torrential rain possible on Saturday and Sunday. We did not expect to be overheating during the race this year!

So on Friday afternoon, 3 sets of Harriers and support converged on Inverary for a lunchtime rendezvous at The George. A pleasant onward drive to the ferry terminal at Kennacraig (construction work and re-modelling now complete) followed, although the queues for the ferry did seem smaller than usual. A few hours later we disembarked in Port Askaig. With the address of the B&B programmed into the sat nav (a rather vague address which variously confused the sat nav or the driver, or both) we headed off in convoy. We knew that the B&B was near the hospital, a location I was all too familiar with, and after a brief diversion into the grounds of the hospital (sat nav!), we parked up outside the B&B. Of course the B&B was at the highest point in Bowmore and I made a mental note to save some energy post race and post ceilidh to get back up there. Room assignments were equally confusing, particularly as one of the rooms had so called "Jack &Jill" doors into a shared, en-suite bathroom - endless confusion for some wondering which room they would exit the bathroom into!

Almost all the Harriers

Race morning, true athletes that we are, we all postponed the Full Scottish until Sunday, had a light breakfast and then a nice downhill run to registration and the start line. Andy B made his first late appearance of the weekend and had a very limited warm-up as a result. Runners appeared from all around and the field looked at least as big as usual. Conditions were perfect, overcast and windless. The race started right on schedule and we charged up the hill and out into the wilderness. I could not go with the pace of the lead pack of 7 but Davy Watt stretched them all out and Andy followed.

The relentless climb during the first 6 miles split up that lead pack and I could see Davy, Paul Thomson and an unknown (to me) newcomer breaking away with the remainder split into individuals and pairs. Meanwhile, I was dropping a couple more places but at least still running consistently. As we hit the finishing straight (only 5.5 miles to go!) I managed to stabilise the 20m gap to the Shettleston Harrier in front and then the drizzle started too. Years of experience of this course came into play and I gradually started to overhaul  the isolated runners in front. Andy B was one of them and I tried to encourage him to tuck in behind me at about the 9 mile mark but he had blown up. The leaders, including Davy, were out of sight by this point. On the final ascent at about 12 miles I passed two more and was closing in on the next one but there was just not enough uphill left. As soon as the course turned downhill in the final half mile I could close the gap no further and ended up sprinting(ish) down the hill about 10m behind Terry Coyle, a long-time rival on this course. Davy was third, I was 6th, Andy 10th and Jim 41st (Billy was 26th but as usual at Islay, we had to declare our 4 counting runners in advance), so it should have been good enough to claim the team prize for Calderglen. However, as has caught us out a few times over the years, a composite team consisting of individuals from various clubs, most of whom were in the top 10 took us by surprise and we had to settle for second team. Anyway, the prize haul was still extensive as the photos show. Full race results are here.

The afternoon was a complete washout, at least that is how it seemed from the relative dryness of the Lochside Hotel Bar. This passed many hours with the added benefit of a wide screen TV to watch the Commonwealth Games and only a few steps to our pre-booked table for dinner. The evening ceilidh was absolutely mobbed as the 50th birthday party had planned their evening around the dancing too. No sooner had we walked in and I was grabbed for a dashing white sergeant and from then on I was the Harriers' nominated dancer for the night whilst the rest of the Harriers kept the bar in business. By midnight I was burnt out and a few of us made the ascent back to the B&B leaving raffle specialist John McBride in charge of all the raffle tickets (and Davy).

Sunday was another sunny morning although the TV revealed torrential rain in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games cycle race. Full Scottish dispatched, we decided on a drive round to Portnahaven to find a beach and announced our intentions to our hostess before checking out. Meanwhile Billy was turning his room upside down and paid a further visit to the swimming pool looking for his trunks, but to no avail. Oh well, no swim for Billy. We were advised that John the shepherd had told the B&B hostess that the weather would be good (I think he has an iPhone with a weather app) so the top went down on the car and we set off in our small convoy. Its about 15 miles to Portnahaven and half way along as we approached Port Charlotte, a people carrier came flying past at great speed. What an idiot I thought, must be late for church. A couple of bends later and the people carrier is in a layby and the driver is out in the middle of the road waving at us. It was our hostess waving Billy's trunks! Apparently they were in the bottom of the wardrobe although as the B&B lady was putting a washing out as we left, there is a sneaking suspicion that Billy had put all his gear in for a full laundry service and the trunks had been missed! The swim was back on for Billy. Just as well we did not change our mind and head for some other part of the island or Billy and his trunks may not have been reunited. 

Portnahaven

What a beautiful place Portnahaven turned out to be, despite having to endure a party political broadcast on behalf of the local conservative candidate (who owned the shop) whilst trying to buy a Magnum. The beach was too enclosed and residential for a swim though so after a relaxing half hour, we headed back towards Port Charlotte. There we found another fantastic, sandy beach and the intrepid Billy, John and Jim donned trunks and swam to their hearts' content (or hypothermia set in). This is definitely a beach to return to! All too soon it was time to return to Port Askaig and the ferry. Plans were hatched over a coffee to do Jura next year. As ferry time approached, we noticed that Andy and Sandy had not yet turned up. Some minutes later Andy made his second late appearance of the weekend, driven by his pal. Apparently the car had run out of petrol and petrol stations are few and far between on Islay, let alone open ones on a Sunday. Finally we were onboad and another Islay weekend was almost over. It was only a few miles past Inverary that I hit the torrential rain. Its amazing how the weather could be so different a short distance away on Islay.

Port Charlotte

Thanks to the guys for excellent company and Jim for stressing himself with the B&B arrangements. Thanks to Sandy for putting up with us old guys and taking the photos. Many more photos have been added to the album here. Roll on next year!

Alan

Auldhouse TT 2014

Another well attended season of Auldhouse 5k time trials is now over. Last Thursday's final event started and finished at the Auldhouse Arms as is now traditional. Conditions for the run (except the darkness) were amazing for this time of year with the temperature holding up at 17 degrees and no wind. Good times were therefore possible if the pace could be controlled. After some debate over where the start line should be, the 15 runners were set off at 30 second intervals; quite a small field for the last event of the season. Conditions were also perfect for the bigger than usual team of time keepers and spectators; no midges and shorts and T-shirt conditions. After the usual 20 minute wait the runners came in thick and fast despite the fact this was not a handicap race just an equal interval start. I was delighted to see that many season's best results were achieved and where that was not the case there was an obvious reason; either getting back from injury or some other condition. Those achieving season's bests were: Neil Green 18:56 (an absolute course best and a Bronze performance standard), Jim Holmes 20:55 (dead heat with Karen Allen), Martin Howell 20:36 (a massive 1:18 improvement), Frances Maxwell 22:12 (Bronze performance standard), Eddie Reid 19:26 (Bronze performance standard) and Stuart Waugh 21:23. All the results are at the link on the left from which it is clear that everyone is running well as we head towards the short relay and cross country season. Many thanks to all those who turned up to support and assist with the time keeping, including Jim Mearns, Charlie MacDougall, Sandra Reid and Andy Buchanan.
Alan

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