AYR TURKEY TROT 10K

Well today was another wet and windy day for running. Nevertheless 3 Harriers made their way to Ayr for the Turkey Trot 10k. After picking up my number I bumped into Phil Marshall and Ian Hughes. Unfortunately David Searil couldn't make it due to injury (speedy recovery David) and Graham Ramage had been put off by the weather and perhaps too much Christmas pudding. Anyway onto the race and with a full entry it was going to be a busy start so I made my way to the start with 10mins to play with just to get my starting position but then it was announced the start was delayed for 10 mins. No choice then it was too cold to hang about and went for another warm up. Finally we were lined up and away. Feeling kinda full I didn't think I would be able to run too well but try I must. I passed the 1k marker in 4.58 which I knew was too fast as my last 10k was over the hour. By this time we were getting exposed to some heavy gusts of wind and Ian had moved out of sight. Through 1m in 8.06 which again was too fast but that was the 1st k. Settled in and through the next 2 miles in 8.38 each and hit 5k marker in 26.00 mins. Ian had passed me on his way back just before I went into the turning loop but knew Phil was still behind me somewhere. Back onto the seafront with 3k to go and I was struggling with the wind but still pushing hard as I knew a good time was on the cards. My 5th mile was my slowest but not by much 8.50. Through the 9k marker I just had to keep pushing and Phil made his pass on me exclaiming he had been chasing me for ages. I tried for about 10metres to stay with him but it just wasn't happening. Approaching the finish and time for one last push passing someone that had not long before passed me finishing in a time of 52.51 which is my fastest for years, with Phil having finished in 52.22. Ian had finished a while before in 40.09 . Thanks to Louise Beveridge for the shout during her warm down.

CHRISTMAS WISHES

On behalf of Calderglen Harriers committee we would like to wish all members, family and friends a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. May you all get what you wish for and all your goals for 2016 come to fruition.


P.S. Remember we have our gentle run round some local hostelries on Monday night starting at 6pm.

Merry Xmas

Please note, our offices are closed from end of business on 24 December and reopen on 5 January (online entries still available during this time).

Enter now! All our National Championship events in the 2016 Indoor Season at the Emirates Arena are now open for entries (select track and field in the filter section at top).

John McBride - 100 Not Out!

Congratulations to John McBride who became one of the select few Calderglen Harriers to have completed 100 parkruns. John reached 99 parkruns back in August and held us all in suspense for several months before completing the ton at Camperdown parkrun on 12th December. Well done John and hopefully you are on the way to at least another few hundred.
Alan

Christmas Handicap - Another Colourful Menagerie

Fast Santa - Alison Lessels

The annual Harriers' Christmas Handicap took place in fine conditions on Sunday morning with 21 Harriers in fancy dress ready to run the 4 mile course and many more out to support and observe the colourful spectacle. Road works had closed off part of the route to traffic which meant that at least half of the lap was totally traffic free. After a last minute course inspection, the route was declared safe to run on with no ice underfoot and we were ready for the off. Everyone had to run 5 laps totaling 4 miles, starting off in reverse order of predicted finishing time.

Santa up the chimney - Jim Holmes

This year we had many of our new members taking part as well as the regulars showing amazing imagination in costume design. As usual there were many variations on the Santa and elf theme. Unlike previous years (and unlike the traditional Santa), all of our Santas and elves (Alison Lessels, Sandra Reid, Richard Lawton, Neil Green) had learned that a big Santa belly was not good for running and they were all remarkably slim and fast this year. The only exception was Jim Holmes who, despite his slim stature, brought the chimney that he was stuck in.

The world of stage and screen small and large was well represented this year with a cast from The Wizard of Oz (Ruth Kelly doing a star turn), what looked like Calamity Jane (Lorraine Buchanan), Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmare (or Psycho, not sure which! Phil Kerrigan), Keystone Cop Criminal (Gordon McInally), a Pirate from the Caribbean (or more likely East Kilbride, David Herbertson)  followed by Wee Willie Winkie (Billy Buchanan type cast again) and, of course, a pair of 118 style runners (Frances Maxwell and Cheryl Simpson).

Ruth Kelly on her way to Oz

2 x 118: you do the maths

This event would not be complete without a male member of the Harriers looking remarkably comfortable in women's clothes. This year that accolade fell to Jim Mearns.

A very convincing Jim Mearns

The animals were out in force too with everything from Martin Howell as a leopard (or a clown but definitely not a cheetah; he wasn't fast enough), Hugh Simpson and Kenny Leinster as cheeky monkeys (say no more) to Eddie Reid trying to find one good leg out of his eight as a spider.

Surprisingly for a running club, there were various types of sporting character represented. Most authentic was David Searil who was the complete baseball player, completing 5 home runs in the course of the race. Martin Duthie was the other Wizard of Oz in his Australian triathlon outfit whilst once again Russell Couper (fresh from a great victory in the SVHC Handicap on Saturday) was an implausible athlete.

 

David Searil on home base

The finish was tight this year with Hugh Simpson just holding off Gordon McInally to win, making this his "winniest" season ever having also won the Grand Prix. Fastest time of the day went to Martin Duthie in a very impressive 23:28. The fastest ladies were Alison Lessels and Frances Maxwell who dead heated on 29:08. All the results are here (there are still some minor adjustments to the times to be made). However, of most interest is the extensive gallery of photos which is here. A huge thanks to all the photographers Liz, Mandy, Kay, Alison, Andy and the professional, John McIntyre (watch out for a spread in the EK News in the coming weeks).

Alan

In search of one good leg - Eddie Reid

Hugh Simpson being chased to the line by Gordon McInally

Fastest of the Day - Martin Duthie

Grant McLullich Sports Therapy Harriers' Prices

Note that Grant will be increasing his prices from 1st January 2016 (last increase was August 2014) but that Calderglen Harriers are still receiving a £5 discount per session such that we pay £27.

Up to 31st December 2015 it is still £25.

Richard

XMAS HANDICAP RUN

Provisional results at the link below. What a great turn out today. A race report will follow. Could those with photos of the event please e-mail to me or bring on a memory stick up to the club as I did not take any photos today (note that the lap times, particularly for the earlier runners on the first few laps are somewhat erratic as the touch screen on the timing tablet was not liking the sub-zero conditions. It took me a while to realise that it was not recording lap times. Later laps and runners should be OK).
Alan
Click here for results

This Sunday 13th Dec is our Xmas Handicap run at the Sports Club. The better the fancy dress the more consideration Alan will give to you handicap. The hall will be open from 9.30am and our first event will be the Juniors followed by the Adult run. I will update exact start times later.
The Juniors will start at 10am with the adults at 11am.
As usual for the adults its Bring a prize and receive a prize

CARLISLE FLOODS

It was brought to our attention that with all the flooding in and around Carlisle and with Calderglen Harriers having a long standing association with Border Harriers and their Brampton to Carlisle race that we should get in touch. Below is the correspondence.

Richard, 
 I am writing to you having seen the devastation in Carlisle and the surrounding area caused by the recent storms. Calderglen Harriers have been participating in the Brampton to Carlisle race for many years and we enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the race and the warm welcome we receive each year. I wanted to express the concern felt by our club for your members and their families many of whom will have been affected by the terrible flooding in Carlisle and the Borders. Please accept our best wishes to all at Borders Harriers and know that you have our support during what must be a difficult time.

Kenny Leinster
President Calderglen Harriers

Kenny,
 
Your concern and best wishes are much appreciated. After £39m having been spent on defence works in Carlisle since 2005 it came as a huge shock. One of our Committee members has been flooded out of her home for the second time and there are sure to have been other members affected.
 
Eden Bridge - next to the race finish - remains closed pending structural assessment and we anxiously await news of the Sheepmount track, which lifted last time.
 
Thanks again,

Richard


 

WHERE HAS ALL THE GRASS GONE

Well where do I start. With the weather weve had over the last 2 days we knew the West District XC was gone to be tough. Ive seen some tough courses over the years but this one is up there with the toughest. Its impossible to compare courses but it compares well with Inverkip although the mud was deeper then than today but there was no respite today the grass had gone completely to be replaced with a course of mud. First off was our 4 gallant Ladies doing a short lap then 2 full ones. Alison Lessells had tucked in behind Frances Maxwell on the first lap using her as a pacemaker but with Frances having the marathon training in her legs the strength sapping course took its toll on Alison by the end of lap 1 with Frances starting to pull away. A little behind but clearly enjoying herself was Kay Conneff who no matter what you throw at her just enjoys running smiling and waving to the fans all the way. Shortly behind was Ruth Kelly back into xc, unfortunately Ruth has had some hip problems in recent months and this course not being suitable for any strains whatsoever took the wise descision to pull out after the 1st lap. Onto laps 2 and 3 and the Ladies maintained the positions between themselves and worked hard to make places amongst the other athletes with Frances finishing in 53rd place in 34.17. Next in was Alison in 70th place in 35.48. Finishing off our Ladies was Kay in 98th place in 39.07. Well done to all our Ladies.
The last race of the day was the mens to be run over 4 laps but before we even got started there was an equipment failure in the form of Jim Holmes shoe. Jim discovered 10mins before start time the sole was split from the shoe down one whole side. Luckily Richard had some tape which Jim quickly wrapped round and round. I did have a chuckle to myself thinking that's got no chance of lasting 10k on this course and neither it did with Jim finishing with half his foot out the shoe. Onto the race itself and we lined up ready for the off and away we went. By the time we completed the 1st lap I really wasn't sure I wanted to do another 3 laps but carried on anyway as I had Colin Banks and John McBride just in front of me. Lap 2 was the hardest I found and I chose a different route at one point thinking it would be ok to run through a small puddle as I might get more purchase than the heavy mud beside it. How wrong was I, it was merely covering a deep dip and as I stepped into it it was up to my knee and I nearly took a tumble. I wont make that mistake again. My third lap was my best as I caught the pack of 3 in front of me at the same time they where closing on Colin. With a lot of dead turns on the course there was ample oportunity to see your clubmates. I noticed as I turned onto my 4th and last lap that Andrew J Buchanan was only about 50 metres from the finish so managed to dodge that lapping. With the effort to catch the group in front on lap 3 it took its toll and they managed to pull away from me during the latter stages. Onto the finishing order and first Harrier was Andrew J Buchanan 48.12 (105th) then David Herbertson 52.37 (157th),  Kenny Leinster  54.20 (175th),  Jim one shoe Holmes  56.15 (190th),  Stuart Waugh 56.40 (194th), Richard Lawton 57.20 (198th), Jim Mearns  60.46 (212th), John McBride 62.05 (215th), Colin Banks  64.19  (218th), Russell Couper  65.49  (222nd) and Hugh Simpson 67.25 (224th).
Many thanks to all who came down to cheer us on today if I miss anybody here please accept my apology as there was loads of you. Kays family, Neil Green, Martin Howell and family, David Searil, Emma Mearns your support on such a hard day is very much appreciated.
If anyone further up the field wants to drop me a report from further up the course I will add it onto this one.

WEST DISTRICT XC ARRANGEMENTS

This Sunday we have the West District XC at Bellahouston Park.
The Ladies race is at 1pm with the men at 2pm
I will pick up the numbers in the sports centre and take them to the start.
We should have our tent with us so look out for it and me. I want the ladies there by 12.15 and the men by 1.15 but if some can come earlier to help put the tent up and support our ladies.
Kenny will be there with tent about noon.
Those running are.
F Maxwell, A Lessells, K Conneff, J McEvoy and R Kelly for the ladies.
R Couper, R Lawton, J Holmes, H Simpson, J McBride, D Herbertson, C Banks, AJ Buchanan, S Waugh, K Leinster and J Mearns.

If anyone can no longer make it please let me know.

HARRIERS AGM 2015

Our AGM will be held on Thursday 3rd of December at 8.15 pm.
Training on that evening will commence at 7pm.
Any motions should be made in writing to the club secretary before the 26th November.
We will try to get the agenda to you before the AGM
At least one office on the committee will be needing filled so please consider making yourself available for nomination. If we could have nominations for office bearers in advance that would be helpful but we will also take them on the night if need be. If your going to nominate someone please have their permission before doing so. If anyone is unsure about whats involved please ask any of the current office bearers and im sure they will answer any questions you have.

Harriers' Christmas Dance Final Arrangements

A final reminder of the details for the dance next Saturday, 5th December:-
Location: East Kilbride Sports Club
Time: 7pm until late
Finger buffet: please bring along something for the cold buffet
Raffle: please bring something for the raffle/tombola

Tickets still available at £5 from Eddie.
Alan

GLASGOW UNIVERSITY 5 MILE ROAD RACE

As mentioned at Thursday's training this Saturday 28th November is the Glasgow University 5 mile road race. 

It is at Garscube Sports Complex, Maryhill Rd, Glasgow, G20 0SP.  Registration and on the day entry till 1.40pm.  The race starts at 2pm. SA members: £6 / Non members: £8

See link for more details: http://haresandhounds.com/race/

Harriers' London Marathon Ballot Result

In another Calderglen no expenses spared  extravaganza, the single club place for the 2016 London Marathon was drawn by Alison Searil from a mince pie foil cup (empty of course).

The three entries were Jim Holmes, Sandra Reid and Eddie Reid.

And the winner is........
Sandra!
Congratulations to Sandra and comiserations to Jim and Eddie.
Alan

Cross Country: the ultimate conditioner

Great article here highlighting exactly why I emphasize our winter xc sessions and races, no matter what weather!
Alan

NEW CLUB HOODIES

I AM GOING TO PLACE AN ORDER FOR NEW HOODIES
Following on the success of introducing club hoodies a few years ago we have had a significant number of new members and some have expressed a desire to own one. I think everyone that's got one will tell you they are a godsend at the winter races which covers about 11 months of the year.  They are available in black or yellow and the sizes: XS-34, S-36, M-40, L-44, XL-48, XXL-52 and 3XL-56
  The cost will be subsidised and kept down at £10.00.  If you wish to order a hoodie, please put your name down on the list using this form and give the money to Russell. When ordering I would suggest you err on the caution of the possibility of slight shrinkage in the wash  Once we have a reasonable request I will make the order. Orders received so far are listed here.

Russell

VIRGIN LONDON MARATHON REFUSALS

For those of you that have had your entry refused for the London Marathon the club has 1 place so if you bring your refusal letter up to the club by Thursday 26th November you will be in a draw for the place. Give your letter to Andy, Kenny or Russell.

Brampton or Bus(t) - you can't have both.

Kay Conneff confirms the number of miles from
Brampton to Carlisle

As I arrived at Glasgow Airport on a flight from Dublin at about 8am on the day of the Brampton to Carlisle 10 Mile race, I was disappointed that there was not an earlier flight that would have allowed me to get back to EK in time for the departure of the bus full of Harriers leaving the Sports Club also at 8am for Brampton. Instead, my plan was to drive down to Carlisle, stopping off in Gretna for breakfast, arriving at the finish line in time to be official club photographer for the day. As it turned out, my journey was just about the only one that went to plan.

About 20 miles north of Gretna I watched as a silver Peugeot tailgated me and then pulled slowly alongside. As the passenger window wound down, I saw it was not some boy racers but a pair of old boy racers; Billy and Kenny with Sandy and somebody else as rear seat passengers, waving and shouting furiously. Oh well, I thought I heard Kenny say on Thursday that he was giving Billy a lift. He must have meant a lift all the way to Brampton so I thought nothing more of it other than that they were leaving it a bit late for a good warm-up, especially as they were now following me and I was in no hurry. A few minutes later Stuart Waugh's distinctive Range Rover breezed past with Maud waving at me from the passenger seat. Again, I thought nothing of it as it was possible that Stuart could not stay for the whole day and was bringing his own car. However, the privacy glass on the back windows of Stuart's car prevented me from seeing that there were other Harriers in the back seat too. I turned off at Gretna, followed by Kenny, and, after pulling over at the side of the road to tell Kenny not to follow me as I was going for my breakfast, not to Brampton, I carried on. Then I got the phone call from Eddie and in one sentence I heard that there was both chaos and normality surrounding the Harriers' annual trip to Brampton: "The bus didn't turn up, we are all in cars, what do you want for your main course; steak pie, fish and chips, etc?". All became clear! Apparently numerous Harriers in cars had passed me, waving (you got to get more distinctive cars like Stuart or be more blatant like Kenny if you want to be noticed; I saw none of you).

A bit damp in Carlisle

But the race must go on. The usual pre-race routines of gathering the menu choices and finishing-time sweep stake were completed by Eddie and Russell from "mobile communications hubs" in the back of various cars as they drove down the M74. This is what mobile technology was invented for! Apart from a slightly shorter warm-up than usual (and a few Harriers who had decided not to go to Brampton when the bus did not turn up) it was situation "normal" for Brampton and a still very impressive line-up of 27 Harriers assembled to run the race. Unfortunately I don't think there is a pre-race team photo in front of the bus this year, given the lack of a bus. A few cars and non-running supporters were tasked with driving all the kit bags from Brampton to Carlisle and all in all, the Harriers coped well with the potential disaster.

Ian Hughes

The next problem for the Harriers was Hurricane Abigail which was blowing from Carlisle to Brampton and brought with it "unprecedented rainfall" the day and night before. Five or six years ago the country lanes were flooded and the course was shortened. I had visions of the same situation this year, especially when I saw that the River Eden had burst its banks in Carlisle.

Gerry Mullen

The race started at 11:30 and I arrived in Carlisle in plenty of time to wander a kilometer up the course to find a good place for photography. I can't say much about the race but, assuming that the race had started on time, I knew that the conditions must have been bad given that it was well over an hour before the first Harriers appeared (Ian Hughes, closely followed by David Herbertson). There had been three significant floods between 5 and 6 miles, which were over ankle depth and very cold. To add to that, the wind was right in the face of the runners as predicted. However, it was not raining during the race and it was very mild (13 degrees C).

Chas Steven

The 27 Harriers running this year included many new members and first timers (8 running Brampton for the first time) and this was brilliant to see. However, we also had the two most experienced Brampton to Carlisle Harriers of all, with both Gerry Mullen and Chas Steven completing their 30th Brampton to Carlisle races this year. This was a stunning milestone for both. We all know how difficult it is to stay injury free and healthy at this time of year and to do so for 30 out of the past 31 or 32 years is amazing. Looking at both Gerry and Chas running, I think the half century is achievable!

Brampton is usually a banker for setting 10 mile performance standards but this year the elements were against us. Fortunately, there are always those capable of exceptional performances, irrespective of the conditions. Billy Buchanan continued a fine year with an M65 Silver performance (74:34) and second M65 in the race. First M65 in the race was Stuart Waugh (73:15), setting an amazing Gold M65 standard in the process. Frances Maxwell continued her great, late season form with an F50 Silver standard of 74:39, finishing as 2nd F50 in the race. Richard Lawton has run several 10 milers over the years but never Brampton. This year he established a new 10 mile pb of 77:53, a fine performance. Not surprisingly, no Harriers except first timers, established course bests this year due to the conditions, but encouragingly, Russell Couper ran his fastest time for 4 years, finishing in 1:35:59.

All the Harriers' times are listed below:
Ian Hughes 01:09:21; David Herbertson 01:09:30; Martin Howell 01:11:25; Jim Holmes 01:12:45; Stuart Waugh 01:13:15; Kenny Leinster 01:14:21; Billy Buchanan 01:14:34; Frances Maxwell 01:14:39; Joanne McEvoy 01:14:47; Joe Shields 01:15:01; Graham Ramage 01:15:59; John McBride 01:17:34; Richard Lawton 01:17:53; Gerry Mullen 01:17:58; Kay Conneff 01:18:52; Karen Allen 01:19:35; Colin Banks 01:23:19; Gordon McInally 01:26:03; Phil Marshall 01:26:35; George Stewart 01:31:12; Alisdair Berry 01:33:56; Russell Couper 01:35:59; Chas Steven 01:38:12; Alison Johnstone 01:41:17; Hugh Simpson 01:42:36; Cheryl Simpson 01:42:36; Philip Kerrigan 01:49:50.

Once again, Calderglen Harriers represented a significant proportion of the field in this fantastic, high quality race which is growing in popularity again with around 550 finishers this year. All the Harriers' times from this and previous years are here.

After the race, a shuttle service back to Brampton soon had all the cars and drivers reunited and the Harriers gathered for a few refreshments in The Turf. By mid-afternoon we were all ready for a feed and the fleet of cars headed north to Moffat, except for Billy and Kenny who headed north and then did a U-turn back to Carlisle to collect Billy's sports bag from the Sands Centre. In a senior moment for which neither is admitting responsibility, Kenny allegedly did not hear or ignored Billy's instruction to take his bag and put it in the boot of the car after the race.

As always, the Star Hotel coped admirably with the large crowd in a narrow space and energy and hydration levels were soon restored. The prize giving followed the dinner as reported elsewhere in the blog. The icing on the cake was that the money saved by not having a bus paid for the dinner and petrol; so smiles all round. Congratulations to all who carried on regardless and ran the race. To our newcomers, hopefully you got the Brampton Bug. You can look forward to being even fitter and faster next year when hopefully the conditions are more favourable. A big thanks too are due to Eddie for carrying on regardless with arrangements when his bus didn't turn up, to Russell for coping with the extra stress in very good spirits and to Kenny who apparently was the mastermind coordinating the car sharing plan.

All my photos from the day are here (there are half a dozen or so photos before the first Harrier appears as I was initially getting the camera set up for the dark conditions and subsequently wondering if any Harriers were coming at all so thought I had better get some photos anyway!). Apologies for missing some of the new members; all I look out for are Harriers' vests approaching in the crowds. So no vest, no photo. Good excuse to get a vest.
Alan

British & Irish Masters Cross Country International, Dublin

Turning 50 earlier this year and an encouraging return to better form than I have had for 2 or 3 years gave me all the motivation I needed to aim for selection for the Scottish M50 team for the annual British & Irish Masters Cross Country International. This year's event was to be hosted by the Irish Masters Athletic Association in Dublin on Saturday 14th November. A good series of results in various championship and veteran races through the Summer did the trick and I happily received the e-mail in the first week of September confirming selection for the M50 team of 6. I had two and a half months to continue working on the fitness, staying injury free and staying healthy; the first one is easy, the second two are always a bit of lottery with me as time would eventually prove!

In the month leading up to the race a calf strain held me up for a week or so and then two weeks of overseas work travel involving a total of 10 flights of seemingly predominantly ill people brought on the runny nose. However, I was generally in not too bad shape when I got the early morning flight over to Dublin on Friday 13th. I had checked into a nice airport hotel which was only 2 miles from the race venue, providing a perfect pre-race day of relaxation (aka power naps) and a stress-free, 2 mile jog to the race course for the first stage of the warm-up.

Pre-race, already soaked.

Although Friday was a beautiful but windy sunny day in Dublin, the tail end of hurricane Abigail was due to make race day very unpleasant. Unfortunately the forecast was accurate and I woke to the sound of wind and rain lashing against the room window on Saturday morning. Nothing we are not used to though. Following a relaxed breakfast, I got changed into the Scotland kit, which thankfully included the full waterproof jacket and trousers, and set off at 9:45 for a relaxed jog along the dead straight road from the airport to Santry Park to meet up with the rest of the team, get my number and pose for the official team photo at 10:30. As is often the case, the weather seemed worse from inside than it actually was when I was outside although it was definitely windy and it was definitely raining. It was the perfect warm-up run though on a billiard table smooth cycle path which took me straight to the park. By the time the Scottish team of about 100 (ages 35 to 75+, men and women's teams) had lined up and the photographs were taken, the warm-up was history and I was frozen. The race HQ Crowne Plaza Hotel was on the edge of the park, so I plonked myself down on a comfy chair in reception there for another hour to continue a warm-up and dry-out of the static kind.

Mid-race MUD

As the M50 to M60 8km race was due off at 12:20, I stayed inside until about 11:45 and then headed out for a more intense warm-up and to get the spikes dirty. This wasn't difficult as the rain continued to pour and the first race (women and M65+ men) was already churning the 2km lap up considerably. It was whilst doing my final few, vigorous strides at about 1200 that I heard the shout "come on Alan Derrick!" and turned round to see a drookit but smiling Frances and Geo. They had secretly organised a day drip to Dublin to support me and I was absolutely delighted and very surprised to see them. A few photos and laughs later and it was time to head for the start line. I opted (wrongly) to keep the long-sleeve top on under my vest as I was still cold.

The field lined up 3 deep and about 30m wide and the race started right on schedule. This was my 5th Scottish masters selection and I had run this course 2 times previously (M40 and M45) so I knew that the course narrowed after the first 250m and establishing a good position from the start was important. I went fast from the start and was sitting just outside the top 10 when we hit the first turn. Unfortunately I had forgotten (age related) that this was a very sharp turn across a steep, and now very muddy downhill bank and I was going too fast to make the turn. Fortunately one of my Scottish team mates had just arrived on my outside at this point and I was able to bounce off him and around the corner! We were now on the first of 4 x 2km laps and it was a sea of mud already. I was also over-heating and regretting the top under my vest.

Still moving well at the end.

There was not much to say about laps 1 to 3 as I paid for my fast start, literally slipping back places rather too regularly. My plan was to try to gather some strength and make a charge on the last lap. This wasn't really much of a plan given the quality of the field but I did at least re-take one or two places on the last lap and was able to finish strongly when we hit the finishing straight which was off to the side of the lap and mud-free.

I crossed the line in 30:06 as third Scottish counter with four to count for the team but in 24th position overall. Although disappointed with my overall position and pace judgement, comparing with my time from 5 years ago, I later saw that I was only about 30 seconds slower, which, given the mud this year and my age, was quite satisfying.

After a few more team photos, I soon found Frances and Geo again and we decided that the best post-race cool down would be in the hotel bar. I changed back into the Scotland waterproofs in the hotel toilets and warmed myself up by sticking my head under the hot air hand dryer for a minute or so (this running for your country thing is not as glamorous as you might imagine). Frances and Geo soon had the drinks lined up (hot chocolate for me and a pint and a half pint of Guinness for Geo and Frances). The bar was absolutely mobbed with team members and supporters and it was still only just after 1pm! After an hour, it was time for me to attempt the 2 mile run back to my hotel for a shower and to leave Frances and Geo to perhaps take a trip into Dublin or to continue enjoying the bar before they headed back to the airport for the evening flight home.

Definitely done.

The event dinner and prize giving was back in the Crowne Plaza at 7pm and was quite a lavish but drawn out affair given the number of age categories to which medals would be awarded. As I was on a 4:30am Sunday start to catch the first flight back to Glasgow followed by a drive to Brampton, I bailed out as soon as the prize giving finished at 11pm. However, not before I saw many of the Scottish team in other age categories pick up many silver and bronze medals. No golds this year unfortunately but some impressive individual and team performances.

It is a great honour to run for your country and there is no doubt that I actually enjoy the stress of the weeks building up to the race and the whole competitive atmosphere on the day and, as a racer since school boy days, racing in a Scotland vest is a great feeling. It is even better when I have the support of our great club and I could not thank Frances and Geo enough for their surprise support (and all the photos you see here).

Next year Scotland host the event in Tollcross Park and I will be striving for selection again on home soil (or more likely mud). There are certainly other Calderglen Harriers who should be putting themselves in the frame for selection too, so let's do it. You quite literally are never too old for this event!
Alan

2015 Harriers Prize Giving

Club President Kenny Leinster presents prizes to all the category winners.

Congratulations to all the Harriers who received awards from our various club competitions through the 2015 season. The presentations (to those who were there) were made after Brampton last Sunday in the Star Hotel, Moffat. Prizes were awarded to our Grand Prix and Scratch championship winners:
Ladies' Grand Prix
Winner: Julie Beveridge
Runner-Up: Joanne McEvoy
Ladies' Scratch Championship
Winner: Frances Maxwell

Men's Grand Prix
Winner: Hugh Simpson
Runner-Up: Jim Holmes
Third: Russell Couper
Veteran: Martin Howell
Men's Scratch Championship
Winner: Andy Buchanan

Performance and PB award prizes were also presented.
PB Awards
Julie Beveridge
Performance Standard Awards
Frances Maxwell F50 Gold
Stuart Waugh M65 Gold
Stephen Phimister M45 Bronze
Andy Buchanan MS Silver
Andy Henderson M60 Silver
Alan Derrick M45/50 Gold
Billy Buchanan M60 Bronze
Martin Howell M45 Bronze

Finally, the shield for the first Calderglen Harrier across the line at Brampton was also presented, the winner being Ian Hughes.

The great thing about Calderglen is that there is something for everybody. As the list of prize winners shows, you don't have to be elite or the fastest in the club to win something in this club. You just have to do your best, train hard, show some improvement and have a go at a good number of races. As the old saying goes, "you gotta be in it to win it!".  All of the competitions above are underway for the 2016 season. Have a look at what's involved using the various links on the left of the blog or ask Russell or me and we will (try to) explain.

Individual photos of the prize winners in Moffat are at the end of the Brampton album here.
Alan

SPORTS CLUB CHRISTMAS FAIR

The Sports Club Christmas Fair will be held on the 5th Dec from 11am till 3pm.
They are looking to raise enough funds to improve the seating in the function hall.
They are asking for donations for prizes for the Tombola etc and would appreciate any bottles, bath goods or home baking. These can be donated anytime up till the date of the event and it would also be great if as many Harriers as possible could pop along on the day to support the event. This is all about improving our facilities so lets see if we can help make it a success.

Beer Mile

Now that I've got your attention, quite an interesting and useful article for the festive season runner:
http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/the-four-best-brews-for-running-a-beer-mile?cid=soc_runnersworld_TWITTER_Runner%E2%80%99s%20World__Races

ps Calderglen Pub Run provisionally on Monday 28th December.
Alan

Brampton Times through the Years

Just a reminder that you can view all the previous times set by Calderglen Harriers over the past 30+ years at this link. A combination of too many years and failing eye sight makes it no longer practical to fit this results summary on a sheet of A4 paper.
Alan

BRAMPTON TO CARLISLE FINAL INSTRUCTIONS

The bus will leave the sports club on Sunday at 8am prompt. Don't be late the bus will go.
There are no stops till we get to Brampton where there will be ample time to warm up and stretch.
As there are no stops you should bring something to eat and drink with you.
It may be an idea to bring a sandwich or something with you to eat after the race too as dinner in Moffat will be approx. 5pm.
I will have the race numbers with me and will hand them out as we approach Brampton.
The weather forecast is poor but remember skin is waterproof.
See you all on Sunday morning.

Russell

MUD, MUD AND EVEN MORE MUD

Well after todays race im sure weve all got beautiful skin. Never had a mud pack like that and it took a long shower to get it all off. After lots of rain and bearing in mind that Bellahouston park likes to hold water the cross country course was to put it nicely WATERLOGGED. First off was our Ladies with 4 Harriers taking part. A slight change to course midweek due to some digging going on this gave us a slightly downhill start heading to the centre of the flattish area of the park and what we can now call the deep end. It wasn't long before the Ladies faced there first deep puddle which the whole field ploughed through on their first of 2 laps. They then headed up towards the corner of the park and onto the usual route at the far end. This was its usual cut up route which had been made worse with the earlier junior races. Definitely a day for making sure the laces where tight. As they headed back towards the end of the 1st lap the field was getting well strung out with Scottish athlete of the year Laura Muir leading a very competitive field. Our first Lady to pass by was Joanne McEvoy getting back to some good form after the disappointment of Cumbernauld. Next by was Frances Maxwell side by side with Alison Lessells and not much later was Kay Conneff making her debut in this event and clearly enjoying the mud as she had a big smile on her face. All on lap 2 now and the mud getting deeper all the ladies kept a good pace going with the finishing order being Joanne (17.22) 82nd place, Alison (18.04) 98th place,  Frances (18.06) 100th place and Kay (19.28) 128th place from a field of 173. Next up was the Men with 9 Harriers taking part. Andrew J Buchanan was unsure how to pace this race and was disappointed the Alan couldn't make it today as he planned to use him as a pacer. Advice given to keep it comfortable and go for it on the 2nd lap seemed to work as Andrew was the 1st Harrier home. As we lined up on the start Hugh and big John nearly missed the off and found themselves starting next to me which is a bit harsh as I normally get a wee starty on them. Through the big puddle we went with some runners grunting a bit as the cold water got in everywhere. Not long after this we had the first incline which needless to say was muddy and I felt the twinge in my calf that I had felt at the start of the week and thoughts were running through my head aw no. I canny have my calf go with Brampton next week. Just had to maintain a good pace without putting too much pressure on it. I felt really strong in the mud so was able to maintain a good pace without damaging it as its ok now. The field was stretching out by now and after a slowish start Colin Banks was moving through well having now passed Hugh and big John. As we moved onto the 2nd lap I found myself in an unusual position in this event with plenty of runners strung out behind me. yes you read that right, behind me. I had one beside me but he was clearly struggling and by half way round the lap I had dropped him. I had a gent from Giffnock chasing me towards the finish so that kept me honest as I was not going to allow anyone passed and had a good strong finish. The finishing order of the Harriers today was Andrew J Buchanan (15.31) 191st place, David Herbertson (16.35) 263rd place, Jim Holmes (17.21) 288th place, Stuart Waugh (17.55) 299th place and 1st M65, Richard Lawton (18.30) 311th place, Colin Banks (19.12) 322nd place, John McBride (19.33) 327th place, Hugh Simpson (20.15) 333rd place and Russell Couper (21.00) 334th place from a field of 339. Many thanks to Maud and Kevan for coming along to support us and the many other supporters on the course cheering us on.

NATIONAL XC SHORT COURSE

Saturdays race starts at 12.10 for ladies and 12.35 for men.
I will pick up the numbers and chips at registration about 11 am and be around the start area from 11.30.
Can I ask all to turn up for 11.30 at the latest and if the weather is bad I may be in the sports centre till about 11.45 so probably best to meet me there.

Those running are K Conneff, F Maxwell, A Lessells and J McEvoy.

R Couper, A Derrick, H Simpson, R Lawton, J McBride, D Herbertson, A J Buchanan, S Waugh, C Banks, J Holmes.

If anyone cannot make it or are going to be late let me know.

Russell

Southside Six 2015

On a glorious autumnal Sunday morning three hundred and twenty two souls lined up near the flagpole in Queen’s Park for the start of the fifth Southside Six. Previous SS6’s have had very decent weather for November but this year we were blessed with by far the best yet.

The usual madcap dash down the hill and out of the park gates was followed by the even steeper descent down Battlefield Road. As always the southside public, out for the Sunday papers, just taking a stroll in the morning sunshine or still heading home from the night before, looked on bemused as we streamed past. You could almost imagine them saying to themselves ‘didn’t realise it was that time of year already’. The event may only have been going five years but that has been more than long enough to firmly establish this race as probably the premier running event in Glasgow. Yes I know there’s another, bigger, brasher event the previous month but that doesn’t have the same local, homely feel as this one. In many ways this is the Glasgow run for Glaswegians (plus a few invited guests). More popular than ever, this years’ event sold out (400 entries) last February in an astonishing 30 minutes, six minutes faster than the previous, record-breaking, year.

On a personal level and despite the perfect running weather I struggled to find any sort of rythym or cadence right from the start and, although not being a ‘steady’ type of course, consisting as it does of constant ups and downs all along the route, was disappointed with my eventual time of 2.27.38. Later I was temporarily pleased to find I was a minute quicker than two years ago only to be subsequently deflated by the realisation that in 2013 I had run a 33 mile race the day before! All in all not a good day at the office but it leaves me very ready for my ‘off-season’, a drastic scaling down of my mileage over the next two or three weeks. 

  

Not surprisingly the leading harrier on the day was Ian Hughes, 33^rd overall and 17^th veteran in 1.52 dead, followed by Ian Rae in 2.03.06, Graham Ramage in 2.11.29 and, in a triumphant long-distance comeback, Alison Lessells in an excellent 2.12.35. Alison is now undoubtedly ‘back’ and was calmly posing for photos with Becca only minutes after her finish, see below. I'll leave it to you to decide which of them looks the happier! I trailed in a quarter of an hour later followed by Alison Crooks in 2.40.40.

Other finishers some of you may know were Louise Beveridge, 6^th Female and 2^nd FV in 2.00.21, Davie Mooney of EK in 2.01.24, Mark Russell in 2.08.14, David Wardrope, just holding off Graham, in 2.10.44 and George Haining in 2.12.25.

Highly appropriately there were wins for two southside clubs, Jack Arnold of Bellahouston Harriers taking first place in 1.34.55, improving by two places on last year and also Mary McCutcheon of Giffnock North AAC, winning in 1.51.22 coming home in 30^th place overall.

Probably due to the wonderful weather there seemed to be more supporters out on the course than ever and huge, heartfelt thanks from all the harriers must go to Alison, Frances, Geo, Russell (although I wish you wouldn’t stand at the top of those stairs in Stamperland waiting to see me walking!) Martin and his wife (sorry I’ve forgotten her name), John and Becca and not forgetting Kay and daughter Brooke on marshalling duties in Rouken Glen. I didn’t see them myself but I’m told the rest of the Wardope family were shouting us on too. Apologies if I’ve missed anyone out, my memory is worse than ever these days.

I’ve added a few photos from the day, for which credit goes to Alison Searil, John Lessells, Marc Blane, Rachael Goslan, Frances Maxwell and Martin Howell (I don't actually have Martin's photos yet but will add them later)

SS6 photos here  

PS you may need sunglasses to view these, the sunshine was unrelenting!

Postscript, I have now added Martin's photos to the end of the album which suits nicely as all five are of the finish line. Apologies for missing out Julie and Mrs. B.from the long list of supporters.