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/
Upcoming Harriers Events
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Sunday 30 November 2014
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
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
Alan
Saturday 29 November 2014
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
Alan
Friday 28 November 2014
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
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
Saturday 22 November 2014
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.
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.
Thursday 20 November 2014
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.
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
Wednesday 19 November 2014
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
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
Monday 17 November 2014
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.
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.
Saturday 15 November 2014
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
Alan
Friday 14 November 2014
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.
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
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.
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.
Sunday 9 November 2014
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
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
Saturday 8 November 2014
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
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
Wednesday 5 November 2014
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
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
Sunday 2 November 2014
Brancumhall this Monday
Just a reminder that it is cross country training on Monday 3rd November.
Alan
Alan
Saturday 1 November 2014
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
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.
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