Paisley 10k

Alison Lessels, John McBride, Sandy Hayden and I headed to Paisley on Sunday morning for their annual 10k round the town.

For me it was a return to racing since my recent back trouble and since not having put in very many training miles I knew that there was little chance of taking advantage of the reported fast course and gaining a PB.

The Paisley event has grown steadily over the recent years to what is now akin to an almost full on Mass Participation event with all the bells and whistles including the local radio station, aerobic warmer uppers and all the tents and stalls you’d normally see at a big event.

With all the local star performers lining up including Callum Hawkins, Robert Gilroy, Tewodle Mengisteab among others, it looked as though this was the course to bring together all the summers training. All in all there were 1276 declared finishers and as usual this was made up from the hard nosed club elites all the way through to the fun runners (and walkers!).

The weather certainly behaved, it being sunny and clear with only a breeze coming out of the west and quite warm in the sun.

The town Centre of Paisley was devoid of traffic enabling the race to start on Gilmour Street, a turn left in to Gauze Street and round Lawn Street bringing us back onto Gauze Street and past the imposing Abbey and Town Hall. From there a right turn down Moss Street and left past the Sheriff Court and out to the West end going as far as the old Linwood car plant before routing on to a cycle path which brought the race back in to the town and down the fast finish of High Street and back in to Gilmour Street. So yes, a fast course with only some minor hills.

With all the runners assembled (the Harriers had taken their respective starting positions following wishes of a successful run) the claxon sounded and off we went. The usual starting stampede saw me do the first mile in sub 6 m/m pace although that soon settled to something a bit more comfortable. Going through the 6k marker my lack of training was beginning to tell and for a while had to labour to keep any sort of pace going although entering the cycle path (which reminded me of some Parkrun courses!) I again settled to a nice pace.

Heading down the High Street with only 400m to run I found myself battling for position with another runner, he passed me and with the line in site I thought I could take him only for him to be gee’d on and warned by the spectators that I was closing which resulted in him sprinting to the finish and beating me fair and square.

After the machinations of going through the funnel – being handed a banana, being handed a bottle of water, being handed a medal and being handed a drinking cup (clearly the 5p polly bag tariff has had wide reaching implications!) and getting my tag pliered off my shoe whilst performing a juggling act I walked round to see the other harriers come in.

Next up was John finishing strong and seeing off some fast finishers trying to out sprint him (he was having none of it though!) then it was Alison again finishing strong on her very welcome return to racing. I waited a while longer but did not see Sandy finish and on scouring the results cannot see her (Sandy please correct this as appropriate).

Callum Hawkins won the race in an astounding 29.24, followed by Kamil Sieraki in 30.41 and then Tewodle in 30.48. Robert was next to cross the line in 30.59.

The contingent of Harriers finished;

Martin Howell  - 138th with a chip of 41.54
John McBride  -   402nd with a chip of 47.55
Alison Lessels -   463rd with a chip of 49.28

As I mentioned I cannot see Sandy on the results.

So some steady performances all round – for me a tentative return with hopes of getting back on form for the remainder of the calendars events. John slightly down on his best but nursing a performance limiting cold and Alison quickly getting back to her form.

The ever-present Kenny Phillips was on hand taking multitudes of photographs; these can be seen on his Facebook page.

Martin Howell

Killin 10k 2015

This is the 5th year of this now regular and growing 10k event hosted by Tay Fitness on Saturday 29th August.  The event has grown in popularity over the last 5 years with this year reaching full capacity of 250 runners and it was added to the new 10k series, The Trossachs 10k series.

 

I lasted did this race in 2013, missing 2014 due to injury and felt quietly confident this year that I would produce a good time.  I have been more conscious this year about the number of races I have been doing, recovering between races and general rest to ensure I can put together back to back training sessions, run injury free and maintain good fitness and running technique. 
 

However best laid plans with having a minor injury in July put a halt to my plan so after missing about 2½ weeks training my August return to the club allowed me pull my fitness back up and general endurance to feel confident to do the 10k.  My last Harrier Thursday session running a little over 9 miles with a 2 mile threshold pace stood me in good stead with my final training run last Saturday at Strathclyde Parkrun running the course in 22:27 gave me confidence of my potential 10k performance .
 

So to the race this started at the west end of the village next to the Acharn Forest Car Park next to the war memorial.  From there the first 2k of the race was slightly downhill & flat took the runners over the Dochart Bridge, running down the Main Street and past the McLaren Hall taking us out of the village and loop up Glen Lochay to the Hydro station before returning to the village and finishing in Breadalbane Park.

 

Half way up the climb from the Hydro Station

The start of the race down the Main Street I took it easy not to get carried away with fast starts knowing I can catch people on the hills and further into the later stages of the race.  Once I was out of the village taking the first left to begin the loop up Glen Lochay to the Hydro station I did stop at the water station as is it was humid and felt my mouth and throat drying out.  At the time I was glad but may have lost a few vital seconds.  Carrying on the route to the Hydro station the road was quite up and down which tested my pace management and technique.  However I felt ok in control and prior to the climb from the Hydro station and took another drink to keep myself hydrated. The climb was steep and certainly tested my strength on the hills and once over the top we ran to the turning point which began a downhill run for the last 3k.  The road was far from straight again it was very bumpy with up and down humps in the road but still allowed me to track and pass other runners comfortably to the end of the road which then took me onto the main road leading back to Killin.  At this point the course was familiar and on the 9k mark I started to increase my pace holding enough back for final burst if required.  Ahead at about 9.5k I could see people turning off the road and heading into the park another way which was different from 2 years ago. When I reached this point my pace slowed as I went onto grass which was uneven that eventually led to ash path around the park which I picked my pace up again passing a couple of runners before crossing the line in 47:27.

 

I was a bit disappointed as I thought I was able to achieve 46:30 however looking back on my 10k times for this year I have been constantly in the low to mid 47s so should be happy with my constancy and hopefully this will set me up nicely for winter training and the forthcoming Cross Country season.

Here’s the link to Tay Fitness if any other Harriers fancy it next year and 2015 results: http://www.tayfitness.com/killin-10k/

Results: http://www.stuweb.co.uk/race/145

Also Tay Fitness is on Facebook.

TTC Dinner Choices and Saturday Seminar Survey

For those signed up for the TTC, could you please take a few minutes to fill in the following forms:

1. Could you please make your Friday and Saturday Lade Inn dinner choices using this form.
2. To help me customise the Saturday Seminar, please fill in this brief survey.

The menu for the Lade Inn is here (remember your TTC fee includes two courses on each night but if you want a third course then you can pay the extra £3.50 on the night).

All the participants signed up so far will also receive links to these forms by e-mail.
Can you please fill in by the 5th September if possible.
Thanks
Alan

Flash Sale of Half Dozen TTC Places

Due to a few cancellations, we have 6 places left for the TTC. To promote these places to a wider audience, they are up for sale on EntryCentral. Please pass on this link to anyone who may be interested. Full details here: http://www.entrycentral.com/Trossachs_Training_Camp

Meadowbank 10000m Opportunity

Stuart Gibson has made the following request on the Harriers' Facebook page:
Hi guys, as some of you may know, I organise the Whitemoss team in the Scottish Athletics League. The final match this year takes place at Meadowbank on Sunday 30th August. I have 2 spaces available in the 10,000m. The Whitemoss team have a good chance of promotion. In the past, I've trebled up with 800m, 3000m steeplechase AND 10000m. I've included a link to the league web site. If you have run 10km on the track or road in under 38 minutes and fancy a 10,000m race next Sunday, please let me know ASAP. First come first served. I'd be grateful if you could also pass this on to anyone else who may be interested. Many thanks in advance.

PS Islay sounded brilliant though I hope to never ever have to sleep in a car!
Stuart.

Please leave a comment on this post or on the club FB page post if you can help.

Final Chatelherault

Monday 24th August is our final Chatelherault session of this year. We will start sharp at 7:30pm to make the most of the dwindling light so try to be in the Chatelherault main car park early. Depending on light, if it looks dodgy towards the end, then you can always omit the final mile through the forest and cut down the tarmac path or just slow down and enjoy the final mile at an easy, careful pace.
Alan

National Mid-Trail Championships - Falkland - Closing date approaching

Just a reminder that you have only a few days left to enter this 15km national trail race which takes place on Saturday 5th September. Unlike other National Championships, you have to enter this one yourself. Details and on-line entry are here.

Extensive prize lists, individual and team national medals available. If we ain't in it, we can't win it, so lets get as many seniors and veterans out there as possible. The course is the sort of terrain we train on through the Summer, so it will suit us.
Alan

Calderglen Harriers Represented in Poland!

Blonia Park – view towards the castle

1st of August, I visited my ‘old’ city Krakow located in southern Poland. The place where I lived before I moved to Scotland.  I had never run in Poland before and I was very excited about doing it there. Since there is a summer in full swing, not many races are available in these months.  Luckily, I discovered that they have parkrun, an event that is well known in the UK and across the World.

After checking all the organisers’ info, I headed down to Krakow’s Blonia Park, where the run took place. The course there is mostly flat and similar to Strathclyde parkrun.
To my surprise, there was no sign of any usual parkrun set up or volunteers….just too many confusions for my first time there!

Wisla Krakow stadium (my beloved team) in background

After a chat with local runners, I calmed down and the core team arrived shortly to set up the start of the run. Later on, I found out that they were involved in the organisation and participation in a 12hrs Night Ultra Distance Run, which had finished an hour before the start of parkrun.

The day was sunny and dry and, despite the early hours (9:00am), the heat that was coming from the Sun already made the air quite warm. I set off and quickly manage to get my 5k pace, with the aim to increase it towards the finish. I tried to enjoy my run as much as possible, because the Blonia Park is very familiar to me from my studying at university.

Group photo session after the event

 On the podium in my Calderglen Harriers top (no prizes though)

As I planned, I managed to speed up towards the finish and end up with time just a few seconds out of my overall PB, gained a week earlier at ‘Round the Arran’ race. 23:40 is my overall best parkrun’s time (so far) and I am happy that I achieved it in Krakow.

Dariusz

RUN 4 IT SALE

SVHC Glasgow 800 10k Road Race Pollok Park

Frances with Geo still "on the leash"

With Summer arriving last weekend, the veteran runners were out in large numbers for the annual SVHC Glasgow 800 10k Road Race on Sunday. Prior to the start, the most common remark heard was that it was too hot! We have just waited all Summer for some sun, so I wasn't complaining, it was the same heat and the same course for everyone (well almost everyone).

A common problem with this race over the years is the conflict between cars on the single track road passing the Police recreation grounds and the mass field starting on that same road with no space to pass cars. Well, for the two SVHC races on this course so far this year, the SVHC have solved this problem by starting the race on the middle road which is closed to traffic and runs parallel to the road originally used. The only disadvantage is that it turns a very flat two and a half lap course into a quite hilly two and a half lap course so fast times are less likely.

The initial start is briefly uphill followed by a slight downhill and then the major climb to the high point of the middle road. At this point we turn left onto the twisty path leading steeply back down to the main drive at the allotments, which we follow out onto Haggs Road and take a clockwise circuit back around to the main gate into Pollok Park. A hundred metres or so into the park we turn left and descend, skirting the edge of the Burrell Collection car park and joining the main drive (past the Heelan Coos). Another few hundred metres later we turn sharp right back up the middle road to complete the first of two and a half laps. The final half lap finishes at Cartha Rugby Club at the Haggs Road entrance to the park.

Four Harriers turned up to race, Russell Couper, Frances Maxwell, Geo Ferguson and myself whilst Stuart and Maud Waugh and Eddie Reid were there to support. Frances was in post injury, pre-marathon training mode whereas I was needing a good performance here as the race was counting towards Scotland team selection for the vets international cross country. I noticed a few of the M50 vets in contention for places in attendance and knew I would have to run well, despite taking a few days off with a strained quad (Islay Half residual damage!). On the off, the initial pace was too fast so I hung back a little. However, by the end of the first km I had drifted through the slowing field to what would be my final position. The first lap was hard but controlled but on the second time up the hill at the start of lap 2 I felt that I had "over reached" and was starting to fade.

Although I was slipping further away from the runner in front, I also seemed to still be pulling away from those chasing as there was increasing silence behind and a comfortable gap between cheers for me and cheers of support for the next runners. Isolated on the second lap, I made the wrong choice at an un-marshalled Y-junction but the marshall was only 10 metres away and shouted me back, so no time lost there. Unfortunately, Robert Gilroy had been so far in front of the field at this point that he beat the marshall and went way off course (for the second time this year on this course). It was not until I was starting the climb for the final time that I heard someone approaching very rapidly. I knew I could not respond as I was crawling up the hill this time but I was relieved to hear a voice behind me say "Haw, Alan, I've gone off course again!". It was Robert rapidly trying to catch up the field and not someone racing me for an M50 position. Funnily enough, the further up the hill I went, the better I felt this time and I started to run quite well again for the final km and was able to cross the line unchallenged in 13th position and, as I later found out, first M50. The time was probably my worst 10k time on record (37:10) but everyone was down by minutes today, so that is not so important. Frances and Geo had been running together but eventually Frances let Geo off the leash, an opportunity which he gladly took. In the final straight, a shout from Stuart and Eddie warned Geo of two fast approaching runners and Geo took off very impressively to out sprint them to the line in 47:19.

Geo responds to the shout of "They're Behind You"

Frances ran in less than a minute later in 48:04, somewhat down on her usual times but not surprising given the significant amount of training missed due to injury. However, these were useful miles of training for the marathon. I knew before the start that the combination of heat and hills would not suit Russell and so it turned out as he, by his own admission, really struggled. Russell finished in 61:57, which is not a fair reflection on the improved form that Russell has been demonstrating in recent months.

Robert Gilroy finished in 10th position in 36:40, two and a half minutes down on the winner (Kenneth Campbell). Given that Robert had been minutes in front when he went of course, this shows how far off course he went. In a day that was unlucky for those named Robert, stalwart of the veteran racing scene and top GB M70 (or maybe M75 now) internationalist, Bobby Young had a very nasty accident when he tucked in behind a runner to run single file past a car and did not see a speed hump which he tripped over and cracked his head on the ground. Two runners stopped to help him and by the time we saw him at the finish, he seemed to be OK but with a nasty cut to the head. Hard as nails these vets, so Bobby will be back racing soon. A huge thanks to Stuart, Maud and Eddie for their support on the course. More of Eddie's photos are here.
Alan

Bobby Young with nasty cut to the head.

Islay 2015 - Part 5 The BBQ/Party Fusion

Sunday was another full on day, particularly for chief chefs Kenny and Eddie. No sooner were they back from Jura and they were hard at work in the kitchen, preparing the BBQ for an estimated 40+ Harriers and guests, hindered ever so slightly by my vegetable slicing and roll buttering skills. Six portable BBQ's were ignited and somehow managed to provide heat long enough to cook everything to perfection. Photos from the BBQ are here. A huge thanks again to Hugh for providing ingredients of the highest quality and to Eddie and Kenny for preparing it to perfection. Billy Buchanan deserves thanks too for washing a serious amount of dishes.

Whilst the chef's were slaving over a hot stove, tennis stars in the making, Joanne and Frances, were participating in the inaugural Bowmore Beach Tennis tournament, fully justifying their joint top seeding for the September 6th Calderglen Harriers' Tennis Grand Slam (seeded places still available; present your credentials to the tournament promoter Billy Buchanan or check the blog post). However, I do think Billy will have something to say about their standard of dress which must improve before the Calderglen tournament. Further photos from the tennis are here.

With everyone well fed, various sporting and non-sporting activities kicked off in the quadrangle involving the young, old and the old who think they are young. There were notable performances by Julie Beveridge and Eddie Reid in the "Kick the Ball into the Wheelie Bin" half-time entertainment and from Mrs Holmes for defeating everyone in the cricket match, whilst still wearing high heels. On the evidence of these photos, we really should stick to running!

Geo isn't necessarily going to hit that ball.

Eventually failing light ended play outside but there were still many hours of entertainment indoors, most of which is not so easy to put into words.

The many "shapes" of the Harriers

After proving that the children could cartwheel better than the adults (I think we knew that anyway), the traditional game of spin around the football 16 times and walk 10 feet in a straight line followed. Despite some of the Harriers having decades of practice, they weren't very good at that either. Half-time entertainment was provided by the ritual soaking of Eddie and Stephen by Jim Holmes, who has a remarkable selection of party games in his repertoire. We also saw further evidence of Kenny Leinster's ability to adopt all sorts of shapes on the dance floor.  The Hand of Friendship indeed! The party in pictures is here.

However, the finale of the party was a competition which demonstrated the style, sophistication and athleticism of the Harriers to the full. This competition required toned glutes, coordination, a strong core, posture and a small quantity of loose change, attributes which the Harriers possess in abundance. If you are intrigued by the picture below, then there are more of a similar quality here. I can't tell who the winner is, the quality is so high.

Perfect Posture

Compared to the preceding days, Monday was a totally uneventful journey home but that did not matter as this was probably the best Islay weekend ever.

Thanks to all who made this weekend so memorable, particularly Eddie Reid who organised the whole weekend and CalMac who gave this weekend a completely different start to any of those in the previous 25+ years. Eddie has already booked the Bowmore Cottages for next year (first Saturday in August 2016), so watch this blog for the launch.

So what next? It was such a long blog report that it could almost have been made into a reality TV series (as suggested by Stuart Gibson) or a movie .......... and it has! A huge thanks to Davy Herbertson and family for recording and editing many hours of footage (could have been more if Kenny knew how to use the video camera on Jura) to this 12 minute future classic put to music. Enjoy and form an orderly queue for next year. 

Alan

Islay 2015 - Part 4 Expedition to Jura

Craighouse Harbour, Jura

Surprisingly most of the Harriers did make breakfast on the Sunday morning. Plans had been hatched a year in advance to make a trip to Jura as few of us had actually been there despite many trips to Islay. Unfortunately the weather was not looking too promising for the Sunday but the rain does not deter a Harrier; well at least 8 Harriers were not deterred, the rest deciding to visit distilleries, go to the beach (even more hardcore than going to Jura) or rest in our luxury cottages.

We were up too late for the planned 1030 ferry from Port Askaig but arrived in plenty of time for the 1200 ferry. Davy Watt was returning home today from Port Askaig, so he accompanied us to the port whilst 2 cars of Harriers drove onto the small landing craft that is the Jura Ferry. Fortunately Geo had been to Jura before and recommended at the last minute that we take the cars over otherwise we would just have had to stand on the slipway on the other side for 2 hours waiting on the ferry back! There is nothing except a slipway on the Jura side! Our intention was to walk in the initial stage of the route to the Paps of Jura. In typical Harriers style, none of the Ordnance Survey maps we (Kenny) had brought extended quite as far as the start of the path in to the Paps, so we reverted to an AA Road Atlas for navigation (no signal for Google Maps either!).

A 10 mile drive along a single track road brought us to the head of the path where our first obstacle was a ramshackle style. We then walked a few km through a bog in very difficult, clumpy under foot conditions and climbed up 100 feet or so to a vantage point for the lunch break. The Paps were completely enclosed in cloud so no spectacular views but still a wonderful wilderness.

We had various episodes along the way, mainly relating to a lack of balance from a certain member of the party (check the photos). The going was not easy! After a brief stop for our packed lunches overlooking the sea, we retraced our steps. It was during the descent, just after Sandra had fallen, that there was a synchronised scream of "SNAKE" from Sandra and Jean. They had indeed seen a black and yellow snake (club colours by the way) which was most likely a venomous adder and which was variously between 6 inches and 2 feet long depending on which version of the story you listen to.

Harriers gather around the spot where the snake had since departed

The Harriers rushed around for a look as you do when confronted with a poisonous snake. Fortunately Kenny Leinster had borrowed David Herbertson's video camera for the trip and gave a live running commentary to every moment of action, including the snake episode, like a true pro. David Attenborough move over. Or maybe not, as we subsequently found out that, unlike a true pro, although Kenny had switched the camera on and could see a picture on the screen, at no point did he press the record button, so the video was completely blank!

With the excitement over, we returned to the very picturesque Craighouse for a coffee and cake before driving the 10 miles back for the return ferry. A worthwhile trip indeed. Further photos of the trip to Jura are in this album.

Meanwhile, the Holmes and Phimister families were separately checking out the beaches of Islay. There is no denying that the beaches on Islay are amongst the most picture perfect anywhere in the World, but the photo below of the Holmes family confirms that the weather challenges the perfection!

Waterproofs, wind swept, umbrellas; all words associated with an Islay beach

The final installment comes tomorrow where the BBQ, Beach Tennis, Cricket and Party are exposed.
Alan

Islay 2015 - Part 3 Party Time

With the race over and our accommodation only 50 metres from the finish line, most of the Harriers had a quick shower and changed from Calderglen vest to Ardbeg T-shirt to prepare for the prize giving. We had to forego our usual pre-prize giving swim as the pool was out of order unfortunately so for once, all the Harriers were on time at the prize giving. The Bowmore village hall was packed and the prize table overloaded as usual thanks to the generosity of the sponsor, Ardbeg. The prizes won by the Harriers made and impressive (and highly flammable) sight indeed.
Davy Watt - 3rd overall, 1st M50
Alan Derrick - 5th overall, 3rd M50
Stephen Phimister - 5th M40
Julie Beveridge - 2nd Lady
Joanne McEvoy - 5th Lady, 4th F35
Billy Buchanan - 1st M60
D Watt, A Derrick, S Phimister, D Herbertson - 1st Male Team
J Beveridge, J McEvoy, F Maxwell, E Jamieson - 1st Ladies Team
Geo Ferguson - spot prize!

The Calderglen Prize Haul

Further photos from the prize giving are in this album. Well done all.

A very full day continued with an afternoon of relaxing followed by a dinner in the Lochside Hotel and The Ceilidh from 21:30 till late. For the dinner we were very lucky to secure a booking for a table for 24 plus another table for Jim and his family! The restaurant is not exactly huge. Most impressive sight of the afternoon was three grown men struggling (but eventually succeeding) after several pints (and the prize giving free bar) to do the mental arithmetic to work out the bill for the pre-selected menu choices for 24 people. A great evening was had by all and still the sun was shining! Some photos from the dinner are in this album.

And finally we were off up the hill to the ceilidh. A quick glance at the race results will show that this was a truly international field which meant that there would be a whole load of people who didn't know their Dashing White Sergeant from their Gay Gordon and many more who were not fussy. Unusually the Harriers seemed to be among the most expert of dancers at the ceilidh. Another first!

Kenny Leinster gets special mention again for continuing tp extend the "Friend of Handship" very impressively to anyone who would listen whilst Eddie Reid extended his coaching skills to the dance floor, maintaining law and order during a Strip the Willow. Stephen Phimister maintained his sartorial elegance throughout, wearing the team winners' tie over T-shirt and despite this managed to make friends with a group of Americans over on a whisky trade mission; a nice gig if you can get it.

Not too many photos of the ceilidh due to the poor light but here is an album of what we have.

Part 4 follows tomorrow with news of the Harriers' Expeditionary Party to Jura whilst others enjoyed various beaches and distilleries around Islay (note that some more race day photos have been added. Check the link on yesterday's blog post).
Alan

Ladies Night

The ladies of Calderglen Harriers have organised a wee get together at the sports club on Saturday 22nd August to help those with credit on their membership card to spend it at the bar! All welcome to attend - even the men-don't want to be sexist and according to Davie Herbertson Eddie should fit right in! 
Time TBC but probably from 7.30/8 pm onwards 
Alison☺🍻🍷🍹☺

Als

Islay 2015 - Part 2 Ready to Race?

(contd)....... would big John McBride split his sides laughing at the predicament his stranded team mates were in? How many times over the course of the weekend would Russell tell us we should have taken the early ferry like him (actually we did open a book on that one; Jim Holmes won with a guess of 7)?

Standby queue - Kennacraig

And so with day break long past, the Calderglen ladies arrived at the ferry terminal with stories of luxury accommodation, hot showers and jammies whilst the homeless squad remained in a disheveled state, car engines now running and heaters on full blast (to her credit, Sandra did buy me a coffee from the machine, my loose change having expired the night before). One by one the cars and, more worryingly, 3 or 4 arctics were crammed into the ferry. At this point I will note that Jim Holmes (or perhaps his sister) had managed to re-book his car onto the 7am ferry when the cancellation was first announced, a detail that Jim failed to mention when he had phoned us to advise of the cancellation the night before. There were quite a few envious onlookers as Jim's car was one of the first to disappear into the boat! Having talked himself out of the first team, it now seemed that Jim was in fact now an automatic selection. Finally it was just the standby queue left. The ferry load-master strode towards the first car in the queue, leant through the window........ (in the style of X-Factor, Strictly, etc, there was a definite pause)....... and took the tickets. Next it was my turn, he approached, bent down to my window ........ and took my tickets, I was on, who knows what was happening behind me, but I could see that I was parked very near the back of the boat. As I squeezed out of my car, Eddie drove up behind and then.....Billy. We were all on. The BBQ was saved but unfortunately, it looked like we were going to have to run the race! Only one more car was allowed on behind Billy, so we made it by the skin of our teeth. Had we not "slept" in the cars, we would not have got on (only as foot passengers) and there is no way we could have carried all that grub as hand luggage. Another sacrifice for the Club!

Billy's car 2nd last on to the ferry (photo by Jim Holmes)

The voyage seemed to pass more quickly than usual as we tried to get ourselves woken up with a light breakfast and the legs stretched. Despite being at the back of the queue driving off the ferry towards Bowmore, we were able to park right outside the cottages in Bowmore 45 minutes before the race start. A quick change into running gear, registering our presence with Kate and a feeble attempt at a warm up along Shore Street and back and it was time for the obligatory team photo. An impressive team line-up indeed with faces old and new, first timers and old timers (just don't zoom in too close as there are bags under a lot of these eyes).

A field of around 150 lined up outside the distillery for the 10:45 start. The Ardbeg General Manager was in charge of the hooter and right on time he blasted us off the line. Davy Watt took off to the front and I kind of staggered forward. 50m later as we turned onto the hill, I knew this was not going to be a race for me but a 13 mile slog as the quads were tight and aching as soon as I started the climb. Not a good sign on this course, should have included a hill in my warm-up. Davy took a Campbeltown runner off with him and I settled into a second pack of 3. Immediately on leaving the village we were climbing and into the very strong wind, s nightmare for a lightweight such as I. However, I knew the second half had to be better with wind assistance. The others in my pack gradually pulled away on the long climb and effectively for the rest of the race I was alone in 5th.

Davy Watt takes an early lead

As the wind swirled into a cross wind by the top of the climb, my pace was dropping and I couldn't wait for the steep descent to the airport 6 miles later to let my legs run free. Unfortunately, as I got to the turn down to the airport, the wind direction had changed and was blowing straight up the hill, so we were even having to fight the wind downhill! Most of the airport straight was a sort of cross wind with a slight tail component. But it was enough to be beneficial and my pace picked up to sub-6's again and gradually I was closing down the big gap to 4th place. Davy was out of sight! As we climbed again from 11 miles, I really was closing fast on 4th. Just before the 12 mile water station, the heavens opened briefly (I think those behind caught the worst of it) which kept the temperature under control. There are a few steep climbs before the finish and I thought I might just use them to catch 4th place. The idea was good but the legs did not want to know as the first half of climbing had killed them. On the final run down to the finish I had the runner in sight but too far ahead to catch and I crossed the line in a 1:22:55, not a fair reflection of the form I have been in this season for sure.

Alan Derrick turns down to the airport at 6.5 miles

Davy had arranged with the eventual, young winner, to share the work into the wind on the way out and had stayed in contention until around 11 miles  on the way back when he too ran out of steam, finishing 3rd in 1:20:53. The winner was 23 year old Stuart McGeachy from Campbeltown (1:18:37), who Davy had established during the run was now coached by one of his old adversaries Gordon Crawford, with Craig Mattocks from Edinburgh 2nd (1:20:31). One to confuse the spell checkers, 4th place was Krzysztof Klidzia from, you guessed it, Surrey (1:22:38). Definitely a race for the old guys as 2nd was an M40 and 3rd, 4th and 5th M50's!

Stephen Phimister was a first timer at Islay and perhaps we had over exaggerated our pre-race descriptions of the course as Stephen finished saying the course was not that tough. Stephen finished in 11th place in 1:30:33 and 5th M40. Next Harrier in was an in-form Julie Beveridge, 2nd lady and an excellent time of 1:35:52, leading our ladies team. David Herbertson followed Julie to complete the winning male team of 4 in a time of 1:36:26.

Julie Beveridge inside the last few miles.

Joanne McEvoy and Billy Buchanan worked together throughout the race but, in a society where there is a growing lack of respect for our elders, Joanne blew Billy away in the last couple of miles to finish as 5th lady in 1:38:03. Joanne was very happy with her strength and Billy confirmed that Joanne was indeed strong as he finished in 1:38:32, winning the M60 title for the 3rd year in a row! Meanwhile, Billy's buddy and club president, Kenny Leinster was not too far behind (1:39:22) but still disappointed to be trailing Billy. Even though the immortal phrase had not yet been uttered, Kenny soon forgot his disappointment as his weekend of extending the "Friend of Handship" kicked off for real as soon as the race finished. Jim Holmes had indeed made an accurate call with the team selection as he finished where he predicted behind David, Billy and Kenny in a time of 1:40:24, still suffering from a recent fortnight in Florida.

Joanne prepares to make her move on Billy a few miles out.

John McBride had a great run, no doubt on a high of laughter fueled endorphines at the predicament of his team mates the night before. John finished in an excellent 1:44:30. Despite sleeping in a not very big car, the big man, Geo Ferguson ran a pb of 1:46:49 and immediately announced his retirement from racing (application rejected by the coach). Colin Banks had one of his best runs of the season, and his form has been really variable in recent months, to finish in a creditable 1:49:56. Nobody thought that Frances Maxwell would be running here due to her ankle injury sustained a month ago but the need to start training for the October Amsterdam Marathon convinced Frances not to race this but just to do it as her first long run back. Frances finished in 1:51:18 and was the third member of our ladies team, 4 to count. Russell Couper did not sleep in a car but was complaining of the same back ache that those of us who did had when he finished in 2:09:16. By his own admission, he struggled big time here. But out on the course, two half marathon first timers were being encouraged around all the way by their injured coach, Eddie Reid. Jim Holmes' sister Elizabeth Anne Jamieson and her daughter Samantha were both running in aid of her charity "Live it for Lee" and doing a great job. Elizabeth Anne and Samantha finished together in 2:38:06. Despite her disbelief at being selected as the 4th member of Calderglen's ladies team, Elizabeth Anne was the vital counter, securing team victory for Calderglen over the Helensburgh AC team. And that is not all. Completing the final 10k of the course in stilettos (no, not the former GPL), Mrs Holmes escorted by grandson Craig (not in stilettos) who was also raising funds for Elizabeth Anne's charity. A fantastic endeavour in pouring rain for a cause that deserves everyone's help.

Elizabeth Anne, Samantha and Eddie on the road

As you will have realised, we had about as many non-running supporters on the trip this year as runners and they were all much appreciated with their shouts of support, company, hilarity and the photographs you see here. I won't mention anyone by name as there were so many but thanks to you all and here are the photos from Part 1 the Journey to Islay and part 2 the Race.

The story is by no means over (we were there until the Monday after all). Next installment covers the prize giving, Lochside Dinner and, of course, The Ceilidh. (to be continued.....).
Alan

Islay 2015 - Part 1 Stand by for Islay

A Fair Trade - Bread in, Whisky Out

Calderglen Harriers have made the trip to Islay on the Friday preceding the first Saturday in August for most of the 29 occasions on which the Islay Half Marathon has been held. 2015 would be no exception and with 24 places secured in our favoured accommodation again (Bowmore Cottages) this looked set to be another great Harriers' weekend away. This year we had booked the cottages from the Friday through to the Monday with various groups of Harriers arriving on either the Friday afternoon or evening ferry. At least that was the plan. As usual, I had opted for the evening ferry, allowing for a relaxing drive through the day, a rendezvous with other Harriers in Inverary for lunch and a short drive onward to Tarbert and Kennacraig for the 6pm ferry. This year we were planning a BBQ for around 40 Harriers and guests on the Sunday. Thanks to Hugh Simpson's trade contacts (unfortunately Hugh was unable to go to Islay this year) we had been supplied with copious quantities of chicken and burgers which were filling the boot of Billy Buchanan's car in freezer boxes whilst Eddie Reid had converted the boot of his car into a bread van. Eddie and Billy were also on the 6pm ferry. It seemed like a "fair trade"; meat and bread into Islay in exchange for whisky brought back (assuming our runners performed well enough to win the liquid prizes).

From around 1pm, the 3 Harrier's cars booked on the late ferry all arrived at Inverary's public car park within about 20 minutes of each other. So far so good. A table for 10 was quickly arranged in the George Hotel and we enjoyed a nice lunch. The first signs of a problem came at the lunch table when Davy Watt declared that he had forgotten to pre-enter the race due to a family bereavement. We knew from past experience that there would be no entries on the day, no exceptions as Kate, the race organiser, was particularly strict about this. A quick check on the half marathon FaceBook page confirmed that Kate was already harassed with last minute questions about safety pins and water stations so none of us had the bottle to call Kate to ask for a late entry. As Davy was expected to be the first Harrier home, this was potentially a serious set back to our prize haul ambitions.

A glimmer of hope was that Sandra Reid had entered the race but was not running due to a recent injury. But simply giving Sandra's number to Davy and having him run as Sandra was not an option for obvious reasons (the moustache). Our saviour arrived in the form of Jim Holmes' mum who was also travelling to Islay with Jim and his family. Mrs Holmes is a close personal friend of Kate's and we thought that a phone call to Kate from Mrs Holmes would allow us to do a formal swap of Davy for Sandra; another fair trade. After a tense 10 minute period of negotiations and explanations over the phone, the deed was done (except that Sandra had to go back to the car in the pouring rain to find her number so we could relay that to Kate) and Davy's details were transferred over. Thanks Mrs Holmes and Kate! We had now played our "Get Out of (Inverary) Jail Free" card but could carry on to the ferry contented.

On checking in at Kennacraig ferry terminal nice and early, we were advised that the ferry had a technical problem on Islay and would be at least an hour late arriving at Kennacraig. After conferring with the check-in staff, we got the OK to return to Tarbert for an hour or so as Kennacraig ferry terminal is hardly Disneyland in terms of entertainment or facilities (neither is Tarbert for that matter but it least it has the shows and pubs/cafes). We entertained ourselves with a walk up to the atmospheric Tarbert Castle in the pouring rain; a really impressive castle in an equally impressive location. A top quality tennis set was also purchased to enable practice (we need it) for the forthcoming Calderglen Harriers Tennis Tournament (entries still being accepted).

Then it was back to the ferry terminal to be told by the staff that the ferry had not yet left Islay and it would be at least another 2 hours. With a morning race, it would be too late to have dinner on the ferry as originally planned so once again, we confirmed with the CalMac staff that it was OK to return to Tarbert again for something to eat. We got a table for all of us at the excellent Anchor Hotel where most of us had a high tea of fish, chips, a slice of bread and a cup of tea. Very traditional! It was during dinner that we received our second piece of bad news; Jim Holmes phoned to advise that the ferry had been cancelled! The hotel staff soon established that there was no accommodation within a 40 mile radius with this being a holiday weekend. After much FB'ing, phoning around and pleading, we managed to get somewhere for the ladies to stay but the men were homeless. I decided to drive back to the ferry terminal to sleep in my car and Eddie and Billy soon followed on with Geo, Davy and Kenny. Next shock was that the CalMac staff told us we should have stayed at the terminal to re-book and that we were now on standby for the morning ferry with another 40 cars. It seemed unlikely that we would get on the 7am ferry with the cars and, most importantly, the 2 car loads of rolls and meat for the BBQ!

Homeless team before being evicted from Kennacraig ferry terminal

A restless, cold night of not much sleep followed (I can confirm that a sports car is not a motor home) for all of us. Hardcore hero of the night was Eddie Reid who had a sleeping bag with him and discovered that it was in fact more comfortable sleeping outside on the ferry terminal door step than in his car! The seagulls were up bright and early (4:30 they started I think) but none of us were in as good voice when we got up (maybe something to do with the carry-out and not just the lack of sleep). However by sleeping in the cars, we had at least got ourselves in 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions in the standby queue. The bad news was that the ferry terminal was very busy and all the cars and arctics booked on the 7am ferry appeared to have turned up. Calderglen's operation "McStack" appeared to have failed. So what next?

Would the Harriers crack(ed) veteran team make it on the ferry and to the race and would they be capable of running? Would the Harriers have the energy to storm the ferry? Would the Harriers have to stowaway in a Cooperative refrigerated arctic (the BBQ supplies would be in good shape though)? Could the BBQ go ahead without rolls, meat and disposable BBQ's? Would anyone take pity on Kenny, as he extended the "Friend of Handship"? Answers to some of these questions in the next installment. To be continued.........
Alan

The Friend of Handship - all donations gratefully received.

Killin 10k

Hi folks,

 

I have entered the Killin 10k, which is on the border between Stirlingshire & Perthshire, on Saturday 29th August starting at 12pm.  I am travelling up alone and wondered if anyone else would like to do it and travel through with me. Please leave a comment here or let me know directly. Closing date is 28th August and there are 41 places left as of 8th August.  Full details of the race are here:

http://www.entrycentral.com/killin10k

Thanks
Richard

August Auldhouse 5k Results

......are here. Well done to all, especially those on tired legs from the weekend.
Alan

Lost luggage...

Hi everyone
Just to let you know that before we left the cottages the cleaning ladies handed us a pair of jeans/shorts and a black body warmer found on the first floor of the Old Bakery flats. If anyone wants to claim them I have said items, if not, I'll model them at the first opportunity. Given they may be ladies items, that'll make for a new blog thread altogether.
David

Scottish Running Guide

The Islay half marathon makes the running news;
http://scottishrunningguide.com/news/mcgeachy-blows-competition-away-islay

Harriers' Tennis Tourney

      Well maybe not quite but close!!

Sunday September 6^th Sports club 10.00 am

A “fabulous “opportunity has arisen for the Harriers on the above date. Inspired by Wimbledon we have procured the Calderglen Country Club Tennis Courts Arena on an exclusive basis for the chance to try out or renew old skills, such as short sprints and hand / eye co-ordination.

Yes , dust down your old tennis gear , if you have any, though equipment will be provided on the day and come along and participate on what is sure to be a few hours of “serious training”, with possibly a few laughs and giggles thrown in.

We have a bona fide tennis director in Alan McClellan from the tennis section attending on the day to give “umpire decisions” on rules and conduct if required, and to spot any budding talent which he may wish to recruit at the end of the session.

The format will be as close to a tennis match as we can manage and depending on numbers could include , singles , men’s doubles, ladies doubles, mixed doubles, or anything else that comes to mind to get the ball over the net more than twice in a row.

Requirements on Day.

1. Men – white shirts.

2. Ladies – short skirts.

3. Sense of fun and fair play.

4. Absolutely no previous experience is necessary.

We have spoken to few top players who have agreed to appear and grace us with their presence and superlative tennis skills.

Top seeds for the men are,

David Searl – admits to having played “x” number of years ago, and Alison confirms he was good and could beat his sons no bother even though they were only 8 at the time.

Hugh Simpson - stated he once played doubles against some older guys and was soundly “cuffed” so he should fit in no bother.

Alan Derrick – remembers (but only just) that he once played when he was 5 or 6 at a very high level in his back garden.

Top seeds for the ladies are,

Joanne McEvoy – admits to owning her own racquet with a very high string tension.

Frances Maxwell - had tennis lessons at one stage in her “early” sporting career.

Sandra Reid – not playing but needs to be mentioned as she was talked into doing the tea and cakes afterwards.

Anyway all are welcome regardless of ability so come and have fun and sign up here.

Entry list so far is here.

Billy