DOWN BY THE RIVER RACES 10k

This race is part of our Grand Prix this year. Unfortunately we don't have an entry list to look at.
In order to make life easier for me recording whos playing jokers it would be helpful to know whos running. If you could leave a comment on this blog saying your running that would be much appreciated or let me know at the club this week.

For anyone that wants to run this race entries are still open but it is online only with no entries on the day. Just visit the Cambuslang Harriers website.

Thanks

Russell

NATIONAL XC

This Saturday we have the National XC.
Ladies start at 13.25 with the men at 14.30.
I will be at the course from 12.30 with numbers and chips for collection.
Can I ask that the Ladies are there for 12.30 and the men no later than 13.30.
Please make travel arrangements at the club on Thursday night and could someone make arrangements to bring the tent.

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

R Couper, A Derrick, D Herbertson, K Leinster, R Lawton, J McBride, J Holmes, C Banks, A J Buchanan, S Waugh, D Watt and J Mearns.

If anyone can no longer make it can you let Alan or myself know so we don't collect your number and chip. Also if anyone is going to be later than the times above let us know so were not hanging about.

Anyone who has not paid the entry fee please bring this along too.

Russell

Islay Open for Orders

The first of our traditional Summer weekends away to open for business is the Islay Half Marathon weekend which this year takes place from Friday 5th to Sunday 8th August. The accommodation cost in the Bowmore Cottages is £110 per person. There are 22 places available, priority given to those running the race and partners.

To secure a place, please provide a deposit of £15/person to Eddie Reid by Thursday 3rd March. Thereafter we will open up a monthly payment plan to spread the cost of this and the other Harriers' weekend away events (West Highland Way Relay, 21st and 22nd May, cost to be confirmed and the Trossachs Training Camp, 9th to 11th September, cost £80).

Any questions about Islay, ask Eddie.
Alan

National Masters XC Championship - Forres - Look, No Mud!!!

Many pictures from Forres now on line here courtesy of Marion and Gordon.

Lesley Chisholm (Garscube) heads for victory in the women's race

Two Harriers, Gordon McInally and Alan Derrick, made the trip north to Forres on Saturday for the Scottish Masters Cross Country Championship. Gordon was on a long weekend break in Aviemore so the venue made for a convenient re-acquaintance with cross country, his first since school days (which I am sure Gordon won't mind me saying was not yesterday). The blizzard conditions made for a more entertaining 3 hour drive for me from Callander, but nothing that I am not used to after working in Sweden for several decades and it ensured the roads were nice and quiet. In fact the A9 was pretty clear, just a bit slushy here and there, the wildest part of the journey being across the Dava Moor from Granton on Spey and down into Forres. However Forres was completely free of snow as the freezing rain and sleet were horizontal and hence had no chance of reaching the ground!

I luckily got a parking space right beside the course and after collecting my number, sat the storm out in my car for a while as the forecast suggested the snow would stop at 1pm which it did. My warm-up lap confirmed what I already knew, there was nothing in my legs. Jogging up the first, long climb my quads were dead and aching; I did too much last weekend and had not recovered my strength. Oh well, I was there to race so I just had to get on with it.

The course consisted of 2 laps of a 4k circuit for the M40 to M60 men and is a great little course. The first 800m was a loop of firm, mud-free (!) grass before ascending into the woods and a big climb up and around the forest paths (which were very like Calderglen and Chatelherault) before emerging back onto the grass for about 400m back to the start/finish. Although there were some soft bits in the woods, a good covering of beech leaves had soaked up the moisture and it was not really muddy in comparison to what we have been running on recently. As the majority of each lap was in the forest and there were many tree roots and stones, the organisers' advice to wear trail shoes rather than spikes was correct.

As I completed my warm-up, I got a call from Gordon to say he had arrived, had his number and was on the course. The team was complete. The same weather app that told me the sleet would stop at 1pm also said that at 2pm the weather would be a mixture of sleet, cloud and sun, just in time for our race starting at 2:15! Just as the large field lined up 10-minutes before the start, the wind and sleet started again, right on schedule. Thankfully we were soon off and running although I was dead on my legs from the word go and slipping back through the field rapidly. Even climbing through the forest I was going backwards which is unusual for me as hills are normally my strong point. However, by the time we emerged from the forest towards the end of the first lap, I had to smile to myself as the sun was now shining strongly (as the forecast had said) and I was actually over-heating with hat and gloves on!

At the start of the second lap the gaps in the field were large ahead but an M55 runner cruised past me (age group numbers are worn on the back of the vest in these national championships which is a big help). I hung on and noticed that he dropped back on a couple of grassy banks but swept past again on the initially flat trail through the forest. When we hit the big climb in the forest I did manage to ease away in slow motion and on the first of several hairpin bends was able to see that I had opened quite a big gap which I was determined to hold on to. From the top of the climb, the path descended very gently and was good, fast running (at least it should have been!). This second lap was much more enjoyable as I was not being constantly passed. Emerging onto the grass for the final time, I could see a group closing behind me. There was nothing for it but to keep the pace going for that final, flat 400m, which I did, crossing the line in 33:33 for the 8k course, several minutes behind those I have been head to head with in recent months and in 54th position overall.

By now the cloud and sleet had returned so I quickly got the jacket and leggings on and met up with Gordon's partner Marion who said he had seemed to be finding it tough (so did I!). A few moments later Gordon appeared running very strongly and inside the final 150m, crossing the line in 44:27. Gordon even managed to jog back to where we were standing and looked every bit as though he had enjoyed himself. This was a great event for Gordon's first cross country as the course was very runnable and although the field was reduced slightly by the poor travelling conditions, there was still a wide range of ability and always someone to chase. After taking a photo of the Calderglen duo, Marion then set off to run a lap of the course herself. Naturally, neither Gordon nor I were that keen to accompany her!

Tea and sandwiches were on offer in the town hall but as the queue was almost out the door and 4pm was approaching. I decided it was best to get as far down the road as possible before darkness fell and skipped the refreshments. This proved to be a wise decision as there were blizzard conditions on the A9 from Aviemore southwards and the road was completely covered in a few inches of snow for over an hour of driving. The old workhorse car coped well with the slippery conditions and after an hour or so the snow gave way to sleet and then rain. No problem!

This was another great, championship event. There is an amazing depth of running talent up north who invariably have to travel to most championship events in the central belt, so it was good to see so many of the West and East district clubs taking a turn at the long journey to race in Forres.

Thanks to Marion for her support on the course (a few photos to follow) and thanks to Forres Harriers for excellent organisation. For me, a few weeks off are called for as I have definitely pushed myself over the edge in the last few weeks.

Full results are available on the Scottish Athletics web site here where you will also find links to photos. Lesley Chisholm of Garscube Harriers was the powerful winner of the ladies 6k race and is photographed emerging from the woods for the final time in the photo above.
Alan

KIRKINTILLOCH 12.5K

I entered this race mid-January to give me something to focus on and make sure I get out the door and get some runs in, unfortunately things got in the way of that the past couple of weeks meaning I only got out running once a week. I had done the race once before in 2014 when I was probably at my fittest and I had ran 55:49 then. This time round my aim was sub-60. I parked my car in the housing estate across from the primary school where you collect your numbers. The walk across was pretty icy and I was wondering if the race would go ahead. I collected my number then decided to head out to warm up and check the course out. In the car park I over heard that the organisers still hadn't made a decision on whether to cancel or not. Apparently there was a lot of ice on the route but a gritter truck had just headed round and the sun was also shining which would help melt the ice. I bumped into a couple of guys I know from Tollcross parkrun and went for a warm up jog up to just past the first km and back with them and some others from Cambuslang harriers. There was a large patch of slush/ice just after the start and also on the first downhill stretch - we were thinking they would probably cancel or at least delay the start but when we got back we saw a few Kirkintilloch olympians out warming up and others shovelling the ice away from the start area which we took as a sign that the race would be going ahead. 

I met Russell just before the start and he said he had also been struggling to get runs in lately with his new shifts at work so would be treating it as a training run and was aiming to get round in 75 minutes. The race started and I felt like I was going reasonably well to begin with. The course is ran on country roads (like the ones out at Auldhouse-with just as many hills) then goes round a housing estate before cutting back in so the last 3 km or so is the same road you run out on. I settled into my rhythm and it was like cat and mouse with me and David Stirling from Cambuslang harriers. I would catch him on the hills then he would come past again on the down hills or any icy patches as he was definitely braver than me going over them! A downhill section round about 5k was probably the worst icy section- there was a couple of fallers ahead of me and the girl ahead of me decided to walk in at the hedgerows to get past it. I slowed right down to pick my path through it. David started to pull away from me at this point and I started to struggle. At the really steep hill at 7k another guy I know Rennie came past me and I tried to stick with him as best I could. At 11k him and David were still ahead of me and I thought I really can't have both of them beating me so i dug in-from there it's probably 500m up the last hill and then it's downhill to the end from there. I just kept telling myself just get to the house at the top and it will be fine from there. On the long downhill finish I managed to reel in Rennie and also came past David although he fought back to pip me on the line. I finished in 61:26 so a bit outside my target and well down on my previous time but it's a tough course and when you've not got the training in it shows!

I stayed at the finish area to watch Russell come in-he also finished just outside his target time in 77:42. He said he had also struggled and felt like his legs didn't have anything. But we were both pleased to have got out and done it and use it as a good training run. 

Its a tough course but well organised and supported - the race capacity was increased to 400 this year and it sold out the capacity a couple of weeks prior to the race. I'll definitely be back another year to take it on again when I'm hopefully fitter - and it's less icy! 

Alison

13 days till Falkirk....

Yes that's right folks only 13 days to the glorious National XC Championships in Falkirk on Saturday 27th February.

 

This year we have a squad of 18 (12 men and 6 women) cross country fanatics pitting themselves against every other club in Scotland along with the unforgiving course.

 

Those kind folk at Scottish Athletics have put out the course map in advance for final preparations and to tell us there is a course change.  For 2016 they have taken away the stretch out beside the high flats but the big hill is back.  This means for the men that's 3 times we need to tackle this and the women twice. Come on we can do this!

 

Richard

 

See link to Scottish Athletics news article for all the details you need:

 

http://www.scottishathletics.org.uk/lindsays-trophy-and-national-xc-course-map/

OCHIL'S 8 HILL RELAY

Hello Club Member,

 

Can you please pass on the attached information (race flyer attached)  to members of your club  or anyone you think may be interested in this new Hill Relay Race held in the Ochils at Alva on Sunday 24^th July. More information found in email below and on the website

 

http://ochils8relay.simplesite.com/

 

Thanks for your help with this.

 

Kind regards

 

Edel Mooney and Gary Fraser

On Behalf of Ochil Hill Runners

Comprising 3 legs each run by a separate runner:

Ochil’s 8 Hill Relay

Sunday, 24^th July 2016

Start: at 12 mid-day

Entry to the race is by pre-entry postal application only

Leg 1 - 740m ascent/descent  6.7km 

Leg 2 - 437m ascent/descent  4.6km

Leg 3 - 970m ascent/descent 11.4km

This new, exciting hill running relay event will be run around the scenic Ochil Hills surrounding the spectacular Alva Glen. The relay comprises of three legs (each of which will be run by a separate competitor) with each changeover taking place at Johnstone park, giving spectators and competitors an exciting view of their teams progress.

The first leg is a 6.7km run, running into the picturesque Alva Glen, then onto The Nebit before progressing onto Midhill, Wee Torry, then finishing back at the park for handover. There are five checkpoints to negotiate on this leg.

The second leg is shorter at 4.6km with runners heading through the length of Alva Glen to the 'Smugglers Cave' viewpoint, before running up a steep ascent to Torry and back to the park again where runners handover to their final leg runner. There are three checkpoints on this leg.

The third leg is the longest leg at 11.4km, run over some beautiful, exquisite areas of the Ochils. Competitors will run into Alva Glen, then onto The Nebit, Craighorn, Midhill and Wee Torry before the finale in Johnstone park. There are seven checkpoints on this final leg.

For more detailed information on race guidelines, routes and safety instructions please check out the website attached on the flyer above.  Hope to see you and your team there for some fun, team spirit and camaraderie.

Don’t miss out on this new exciting team event situated in the lovely hills of Clackmannanshire. There is still time to go and recce the course and see what we mean…

Teams can comprise runners from one or more hill running club and do not need to be solely from one club only.

Entry Forms to be Returned by 12th July 2016

 

 

 

 

30th Anniversary Commemorative Hats

In 2014 Calderglen Harriers celebrated its 30th Anniversary. As part of those celebrations we got commemorative hats made for members.

 

I have a stock of 34 commemorative hats which are available at a cost of £3.50.  If any new members, existing members, friends or family wish to purchase such a fetching hat then just speak to me on a club night.

 

Richard

SPORTS INJURY PREVENTION WORKSHOP

 

 

Dear Affiliated club/partner,

 

Carluke Community Sport Hub is hosting a Sports Injury Prevention Workshop this March. 

 

This workshop will explore common injuries, their treatment and their prevention.   Learn the importance of a warm-up cool-down in injury prevention, and when it is necessary to seek specialist assistance.   The workshop will explore simple exercises and protocols to reduce injury and assist recovery.  

 

Course: Sports Injury Prevention Workshop

Venue: Carluke Leisure Centre

Date: Tuesday 1^st March

Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm

Cost: £10 (£5 for sport hub clubs)

Booking: 01698476262

*Please note: If there is insufficient numbers, course may be rearranged, postponed, cancelled, or merged with other similar courses.  

 

 

For further details, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

 

Regards

 

Craig

 

Craig Allardice

Community Sport Hub Officer

South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture

North Stand

Cadzow Avenue

Hamilton

ML3 0LX

 

Mobile: 07825583977

www.slleisureandculture.co.uk

 

   

Kenny Leinster Club President

 

 

 

 

 

TOM SCOTT ROAD RACES

 

 

Entries filling up for Tom Scott Road Races 2016 View this email in your browser Enter 10 Mile The 10 Miler will once again host the Scottish 10 Mile Championships, as well as the West District 10 Mile Championships - guaranteeing another tremendous field in a truly national race.   The SVHC have also elected the Tom Scott Memorial 10 Mile Race as one of their Championship events for 2016. Enter 6k With a course which is almost completely flat, the Round the Loch 6k is a competitive race for those who prefer a shorter distance. Want to challenge yourself over the unusual 6k distance? Enter now to guarantee your space. Prizes are available, and there is also the somewhat unique novelty of the possibility catching the closing stages of the 10 Mile after crossing the line!   Thank you to those who have already entered, we're really looking forward to having you back once again. On Sunday we revealed a breakdown of entries by running club for the 10 Mile and we've now updated the numbers, which you can see above. Since Sunday, we've received entries from members of Giffnock North, Shettleston Harriers, Strathearn Harriers, Garscube Harriers, Dundee Hawkhill Harriers, Bellahouston Road Runners, Motherwell AC and Kirkintilloch Olympians! Last year we set a record for the number of entrants and participants in the 10 Mile race and following some short analysis we have more entries to date this year than we did at the same stage last year - so we're on course to break the record once again! Fingers crossed, and looking forward to meeting you once again on Sunday the 10th of April! Facebook Website Copyright © 2016 Tom Scott Memorial Road Races, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

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Midsummer Highland Relay

Another race (recently opened for entry) some in the club may find interesting/tempting is the Midsummer Highland Relay, a three leg (not legged!) 43 mile relay over the upper section of the West Highland Way. It takes place as part of, and on the same day as, the full 95 mile Ronhill West Highland Way Race.
Should you be interested futher information can be had from the WHW Race website here which also contains a further link to the entry website.
However please be careful, I am aware of at least one guy who took part in the relay last year and is now on the start list for this years' full race, you never know where it may lead!   

DOWN BY THE RIVER RACES & CHATELHERAULT EASTER TRAIL RUNNING FESTIVAL

I have put blog posts on the junior blog regarding the up coming Down By The River races which is a Grand Prix event for us and a new event at Chatelherault hosted by South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture that would suit all levels of runners within the club.

See links to junior blog reports to get further details.

Down By The River races
http://calderglenjuniors.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/down-by-river-races-cambuslang-3k.html

Chatelherault Easter Trail Running Festival
http://calderglenjuniors.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/chatelherault-easter-trail-running.html

Richard

Run The Blades

Run the Blades 10k, half marathon and 50k ultra

Two additions to the ultra event from last year, all happening right on our doorstep at Whitelee Windfarm.

http://www.breakingstrain.co.uk/events/run-the-blades/

NATIONAL XC CHAMPIONSHIPS (FALKIRK)

This year the National XC will be once again held at Calendar Park Falkirk.
Date is Saturday 27th Feb
This will be the last time men will run 12k and women 8k as from next year the distances will be 10k for both.
The ladies start will at 13.25 with the men at 14.30.
Cost is £6 per head and should be paid in advance.
I need names no later than Thursday 4th Feb.
Please make sure your SA number is up to date.
If you wish entered please add your name HERE.
Those registered are listed HERE.

Troon Tortoises 10k

A new record for Troon, just over a day and all entries are gone.

Just a quick post to say that entries are open for the Troon 10k on Wednesday 4th May.

From the Tortoises website;

The 31st Troon Tortoises 10K will take place on the 4th May 2016. Entries for the race will open on the 1st February and can be made via the link below, so please check back again when the event is open. The 10K has sold out within a few days in previous years so book early to avoid disappointment.

https://bookitzone.com/troon_tortoises.html

If I remember correctly all places went in less than two days last year. So much for the days when all you had to do was roll up on the night at the Walker Hall, fill out a form, pay your five quid and run!