Masters XC

This Saturday is the Masters XC at Kilmarnock and those entered should be there at the following times.
The Ladies and Male 65 race starts at 1pm and Frances and Stuart should be there for 12.10pm for me to collect the numbers.
The Male 40 to Male 60 race is at 1.45pm and Russell, Andy H, David H, Chas and Kenny should be there for 12.55pm again for number collection and to support our earlier runners.
If anyone can no longer make it let me know.

SVHC Road Relay 2015

Martin Howell

The first leg runners had the best of the conditions in Strathclyde Park today for the SVHC Road Relay Championships. Starting off bright and calm, the wind eventually picked up accompanied by rain for the later stages. For the second day in a row, the Harriers demonstrated their depth with two full teams and a partial men's and lady's team.

On first leg duty for the M35 team we had Martin Howell, who is very familiar with Strathclyde Park, being a parkrun regular here, even managing to fit one in yesterday too (on a modified course). Martin completed the 3.8 mile lap in 23:26. Andy Henderson ran the first leg for the M50 team. Still suffering from tight hamstrings, Andy completed the lap in a cautious 25:10. Eddie Reid was just out for a run today, so took a spare first leg in our incomplete M35 B team, finishing in 25:25, which was a struggle after yesterday's exploits in Fife. Frances Maxwell was our sole lady and was also just out for a recovery run, finishing in 26:19 and apparently none the worse for having raced two days in a row.

John Freer

On the second legs, Ian Hughes was out to get himself race fit again and seemed to be heading in the right direction, recording a time of 23:16. After an absence of many years due to injury niggles, John Freer made a very welcome return to the Harriers M50 team, running a time of 24:16 and looking very smooth in the process. Our fastest time of the day went to a very in-form Martin Duthie on the 3rd leg for the M50 team, finishing a fantastic 21:25 and leaping ahead of our M35 team. Alan Bow was the unlucky one to come up against Martin on the third leg in the M35 team but still ran a very good 25:10. Finally for the M50's, it was down to Billy Buchanan, "fresh" from the Devils Burden Hill Relay, to hold on to the M50 team's position, which he did with a fine run of 25:19 and a very fast finish. Russell Couper had also been out at the Strathclyde parkrun on Saturday and thought he might just break 35 minutes today. However, he smashed that with a time of 31:46. The M50 team finished 27th overall and 9th M50 team. The M35 team finished 37th overall.

Well done to all for their efforts on a wet and windy day. Thanks also to our mobile supporters, Sandra and Sandy, out for a long run lapping the course in reverse.

At least one photo of all the Harriers are in this album here. (26/01/15 - photos from Sandra now added).
Alan

Devils Burdens Hill Relay - Harriers Spiked!

Stephen Phimister alone in the Lomonds of Fife

Two Harriers' teams travelled through to Falkland in Fife on a bright and frosty morning for the Devils Burden Hill Relay. The 30km course is split into 4 legs and each team has 6 runners, the longest legs (2 and 3) being run in pairs for safety. This year we fielded two evenly matched teams with a mixture of experienced runners and first timers. Team "9" members were Sandra Reid, Stephen Phimister, Alan Derrick, Billy Buchanan, Eddie Reid and Chas Steven. The perfect "10" team comprised Sandy Hayden, Jim Holmes, David Herbertson, Frances Maxwell, Geo Ferguson and Kenny Leinster. The first leg is a hilly run through 7.5km of forest trails. The finishing few km of descent was particularly treacherous due to ice and there were a few fallers but our first leg runners had no such problems with first timers Sandy and Sandra finishing within a few minutes of each other.

This gave Jim Holmes and late substitute David Herbertson a head start over Stephen Phimister and Alan Derrick. We were grateful to David stepping in at the last minute and on the (very) bright side, it did give him a chance to try out his brand new trail shoes of many colours. Stephen was another trialling footwear options and eventually made the correct decision to run in studded trail shoes rather than an older, treadless version. Leg 2 is the toughest, covering only 10km but with two major ascents totalling 2500 feet. To be honest there is not much running in leg 2 but Stephen and Alan did manage to catch Jim and David after a few km and opened up a further few minutes gap which they maintained to the end of the leg, completing in about 90 minutes with Jim and David not far (enough) behind.

Geo power lifts his fellow leg 3 team mates

Meanwhile a costume drama was unfolding at the leg 2/3 changeover where Eddie's careful preparations were thrown into disarray on discovering that he had brought his cross country spikes rather than his trail shoes! Apparently shoes were seen flying across the road accompanied by some hilarity and a complete lack of sympathy from his team mates. Fortunately Eddie had a pair of brand new fashion trainers to change into post-race and these were pressed into emergency race service. Needless to say they were not so fashionable after 11km of muddy trail, including a detour through a bog on the pre-race advice of Harriers' navigation consultant Kenny Leinster. However Billy Buchanan was not complaining as this kept Eddie's pace in check and both of them ran very well to extend the team "9" lead by some more minutes. Chasing them were Frances and Geo who navigated the perfect route through the various tracks and lanes to arrive at the changeover in Falkland Estate in fine form and looking remarkably clean having gone nowhere near the Leinster bog.

Chas takes the final steps

Eddie and Billy's problems were magnified at the changeover when they discovered that Chas was not there. A few minutes passed before a very out of breath Chas appeared and he was off on the shortest but steepest leg up and down East Lomond. Kenny Leinster had about a 7 minute gap to close when he took over from Frances and Geo and this he did about half way up the ascent. Team "10" in the shape of Kenny were therefore first to finish back in Falkland with Chas only about 5 minutes behind. All in all it was a very close finish for a 30km race with all the Harriers running to the limit and very deserving winners emerging in the shape of  team "10".

It was nice to see former member Kenny Davidson at the leg 2/3 changeover where he was running for his club Moorfoot Harriers from Peebles. Kenny looks to be as fit as ever.

Finally, there are a few photos in this gallery. More will be added as I receive them (26/01/15 - photos from Sandra and Frances now added). Thanks to the team for a great day taking part in a fantastic event.
Alan


Postscript: an internal enquiry may be commissioned to determine if there is a common link between the following episodes which afflicted team "9":

• Eddie's trail shoes turning into cross country spikes
• Kenny (team "10") administering dubious navigational advice to Eddie (team "9") leading to a detour into a bog.
• Kenny (team "10") guiding Chas (team "9") to a parking space in Falkland about as far from the race location as was possible.
• The mysterious transfer of Chas' club vest from his race bag to his car, which, as mentioned above, was about as far away as it could possibly be from the changeover, with the consequence that Chas was late for his changeover (and out of breath).

We shall put the enquiry in the hands of the club president, Kenny Leinster!

Masters Road Relay Teams

Despite a few withdrawals, we still have one full M50 team, one full M35 team and a solo first leg for the ladies team (note that just about everyone in the club is entered as a reserve, we are able to field a second M35 team (no upper age limit on that) and it would be great to complete Frances' team with another two ladies (3 for a ladies team).

The teams are here. Russell would like everyone at Strathclyde Park Water Sports Centre (upstairs) by 10:15 so we can register the teams, issue the numbers and get a warm up. Each leg is one lap of the loch. (Ian Hughes, if you need a lift, Martin Howell can give you one, just leave a comment on this blog post as to where and when Martin can pick you up).

Any further withdrawals or lift requests, then please leave a comment or get in touch with me or Russell.
Alan

East Kilbride AC Open Cross Country Races

East Kilbride AC hosted its open cross-country races on Sunday to a fine turn out of runners from Under 11 to Veteran men and woman.  A total of seven races took place with the final race of the day belonging to senior, vet and under 20 men.  At 1420 three harriers lined up to contest this last race at O’cathian farm, Jackton.
 
Crisp, dry weather without a trace of a wind to disrupt the plumes of breath from those in attendance made for excellent conditions, as long as plenty of layers were worn!  For the most part the challenging four-lap course was excellent underfoot due to freezing conditions. Each landing footfall only gave way as far as a satisfying “crunch” through frozen snow linking to hard ground beneath.

Each lap of approx 1.25 miles began on a generous downhill stretch following onto a left turn along flat ground before beginning the mildest of three substantial climbs to be tackled on each lap.  The only soft muddy section leading through a gate joining two fields, could be covered by little more than a handful of strides to pass over with relative ease.

I was the first Harrier to complete the course finishing around 7th place in 31.50.  Results are as yet to be posted.  Despite a relatively small field I found some vests to hang onto for the majority of the race to pull me along and keep me focussed on running hard.  Overall I was happy with my run and felt I got the best out of myself.  Andy Henderson followed, taking a cautious race reluctant to over-stride on any steeper sections due to a twinge in his hamstring he felt while warming up.  Russell still suffering from a recent illness deserves credit for completing the course despite feeling off par after the first lap.  Russell pointed out he walked his dog in the field next to the race.  Perhaps with the help of his dog, a long lead, some ski’s and excessive shouting of the word “mush” Russell may have completed the course a little quicker.  I am unsure if this is permitted under SAL rules however.  Or if the dog would survive such an ordeal.

O’cathian farm proved a more than adequate base for the race with a warm hall for declarations, changing facilities, and EKAC providing tea and coffee afterwards.
Andy B.

Provisional Teams for Devils Burden Relay

Following today's recce in spectacular conditions, the teams for the Devils Burden Relay have been revised slightly as listed below. I have picked two evenly matched teams to keep it interesting on the day. Both teams will start in the early start.

Russell, can you enter these teams please. Further details through the week.

Kenny has laminated maps for everyone. Meanwhile, check the official instructions and route maps here.

Alan

Teams	Team 1		Team 2
Leg 1 (7.5km - 220m)	Sandra Reid		Sandy Hayden
Leg 2 (10km - 680m)	Stephen Phimister	Alan Derrick	Jim Holmes	Alan McLellan
Leg 3 (11km - 360m)	Eddie Reid	Billy Buchanan	Frances Maxwell	Geo Ferguson
Leg 4 (5.5km - 390m)	Chas Steven		Kenny Leinster

Devils Burdens Hill Relay 2015

Last date for receiving names is 16th January.
This 6 per team hill relay takes place on Saturday 24th January, starting and finishing in Falkland, Fife. We have entered a couple of teams in this event over the past two years and it would be great if we could do so again. This event comprises 4 stages, with legs 1 and 4 being solo legs and legs 2 and 3 being run in pairs. Legs 2, 3 and 4 are serious hill runs across open hillside, run in winter conditions with possibly poor visibility and requiring navigation skills. Leg 1 is certainly hilly but is more of a trail run. The routes for legs 3 and 4 (switching from solo to paired and vice versa this year) have been significantly changed from previous years. Legs 1 and 2 are unchanged. A recce the weekend or so before will be required to minimise the chance of mishaps. Note also that this event is the day before the vets road relay at Strathclyde Park so we should keep vets teams available for that too.

Please leave your name here if you wish to be entered. Names received so far are here. Note that incomplete teams will not be allowed but we should plan to have some reserves just in case of illness or injury on the lead up to the event.
Alan

Calderglen Grand Prix - Grangemouth Round the Houses 10k

Details in of another of our regular Grand Prix races, the fast and flat Round the Houses in 10k in Grangemouth on Sunday 12th April, 12:30 start. Entries now open on Entry Central here. Thanks to Richard for bringing this to my attention.
Alan

National XC ( FALKIRK )

This years National xc will be held on Sunday 22nd Feb
Note the change from a Saturday.
Ladies start at 1.25pm with Men at 2.30pm.
Cost is £5.50 each and should be paid in advance.
I need names by Thursday 29th Jan.
If you wish entered leave your name HERE.
Those already entered are listed HERE.

Calderglen Grand Prix - Balloch to Clydebank Half Marathon

After its popular addition to the Grand Prix last year, the Balloch to Clydebank Half Marathon on Sunday 8th March (9am start) is once again in our club Grand Prix. Enter on Entry Central at this link.
Alan

Golden Birthday Celebration!!!

Please leave your name here if you can attend.

SVHC MASTERS ROAD RELAY

This years Masters road relay will be on Sunday 25th Jan at Strathclyde Park.
Start time is 11am with a lap of the loch each.
Teams of 3 for Ladies and 4 for Men. For the men there are separate age categories of M35+ and M50+.
Cost is £3 each and I need names by Thursday 15th Jan
If you want entered leave your name HERE.
Those already registered are HERE.

MASTER XC CHAMPIONSHIP

This years Masters xc championship will be held in Kilmarnock on 31st Jan.
6k for Ladies & Men over 65.
8k for M40 and over.
Start times are 1pm for the 6k and 1.45pm for the 8k.
Cost is £5 each and should be paid in advance.
I need names by Monday 12th Jan.
If you want entered leave your name HERE.
Those already entered are listed HERE.

Russell

Harriers' 2015 Calendar

In an attempt to make use of the hundreds of photos of the Harriers in action that I have accumulated over the years, I have put together a 2015 calendar. The picture for each month is for an event that traditionally takes place during that month. The intention was to get it professionally printed on quality paper but the costs were too high for the relatively limited number we would need so instead, feel free to print yourself.

You can download the calendar here in pdf format.

Alan

Glasgow Miler Meet

Saturday 3rd January saw the Emirates Arena hosting its now annual Milers Meet before a full stand of spectators and some 200 athletes.  The days racing composed of two 800m races and an invitational 600m race in the morning before following onto the day's central focus of 3000m races. It was these races that Martin Duthie and I had planned to kick off our 2015’s racing with.

The fundamental purpose of this style of meet is to give athletes as great a chance of achieving personal best and seasons best times as possible. To do this, athletes are seeded into paced races with others of similar ability.  Overall there were 12 heats with between 12 and 15 runners battling it out for a good finishing position and fast times.  Across the heats winners times ranged from 8.18 to 10.59.  Incorporated into the day was the Scottish Championships for 3000m.

Each 3000m race, consisting of 15 laps of the 200m track had a designated pace maker who ran each lap to the pace of the target time of each heat.  The quicker athletes (or less experienced) would hang in behind the pace maker while the rest of the field would string out behind and hang in for a gruelling 15 laps of running at their limits.

The 3000m is run almost entirely at Vo2 max pace, in other words as fast as your engine can go over the distance.  I can only describe the experience as setting fire to my lungs whilst simultaneously maintaining strength of mind to keep myself balanced on a rivet of self-flagellation to maintain the pace I set off with.

My heat, one race before Martin's, was paced at 9.15, or 37 seconds per lap, or 4.57 per mile. Whichever way I viewed the numbers, the pace, be it by lap or mile, was certainly not within my reach at this time.  To that end, once the starters gun sounded I swiftly drifted down the first bend to the back of the strung out field of 12.  The plan being to save myself getting sucked into a group running at pace beyond my means. I cowered patiently at the back for the first 800m.  Passing through the half mile in 2.33, albeit at the back, the pace was still very quick.  Fortunately from here on I began steadily moving through the field taking confidence on passing each runner, I drove on as best I could.  From around 1200m the race was something of a blur where I only recall subconsciously slacking off slightly when the pain was getting too much and I lost a place to a runner that came from behind.  Pressing onto the finish that thankfully came sooner rather than later, I arrived in 6th place in 9.42.89.  (A new PB, however only my second attempt at the distance, previously ran on outdoor track.)

Martin, a proven veteran at the 3000-meter race was seeded into a 15-man race paced for 9.45. Martin has enjoyed much previous success at the Scottish Championships for his age group, with numerous medals at V45 and V40.  If Martin was fancying his chances at a V50 medal after 3 years away from the event, he certainly didn’t mention it to me as we were warming up together.  Martin's race was paced more closely to his abilities than mine had been.  This meant he could place himself into the middle of the field around his rivals who shared his age category.  Watching Martin's race he was running almost a perfect even pace, likely dictated by his experience.  Sitting behind a group of 4 runners as the race ticked round each lap Martin appeared to be hanging on, reluctant to drive the pace to overtake, requiring running higher up the banks, he feared aggravating a dormant calf injury. On arriving at the finish Martin was tucked in just behind this group finishing in 7th place and within 2 seconds of the 3 runners ahead of him.  His finish time of 9.53.40 was good enough to add another medal to Martin's collection.  He picked up a bronze medal in the V50 age group.

Thanks to our travelling support of Sandy, Billy, Jean and Mandy who could be heard above the crowd on each pass of the stand!

It was a great day's racing and an excellent way to test your ability to push yourself as far beyond the red line limiter of your bodies’ physiological frontier, as you dare!
Andy B

HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone at Calderglen Harriers
Lets have a great 2015 with everyone running faster and further than 2014.
Training restarts on Monday at the usual time of 7.30pm.

One announcement to make is Sandra Reid has taken up the role of membership secretary.
For those that never took up the option to pay membership fees through standing order, fees are now due and should be given to Sandra ASAP.

On behalf of your committee
Russell