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Saturday 28 November 2015
Harriers' Christmas Dance Final Arrangements
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
Friday 27 November 2015
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/
Thursday 26 November 2015
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
Tuesday 24 November 2015
NEW CLUB 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
Sunday 22 November 2015
Brampton or Bus(t) - you can't have both.
Kay Conneff confirms the number of miles from Brampton to Carlisle |
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 |
Gerry Mullen |
Chas Steven |
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
Saturday 21 November 2015
British & Irish Masters Cross Country International, Dublin
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 |
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. |
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. |
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
Wednesday 18 November 2015
SPORTS CLUB CHRISTMAS FAIR
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.
Tuesday 17 November 2015
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
Saturday 14 November 2015
Brampton Times through the Years
Alan
Friday 13 November 2015
BRAMPTON TO CARLISLE FINAL INSTRUCTIONS
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
Saturday 7 November 2015
MUD, MUD AND EVEN MORE MUD
Friday 6 November 2015
NATIONAL XC SHORT COURSE
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
Wednesday 4 November 2015
Southside Six 2015
SS6 photos here
PS you may need sunglasses to view these, the sunshine was unrelenting!
Sunday 1 November 2015
WEST DISTRICT XC
Its 6.4k for Ladies and 10k for the Men.
This is a straight race not to be confused with relays.
Start times are 1pm for Ladies and 2pm for Men.
Cost is £5.50 per head and should be paid in advance.
I need names on the Blog by Monday 16th Nov as it will be posted away first thing on the 17th.
If you wish entered for this race please leave your name HERE.
Those registered are listed HERE.