British and Irish Masters CC International - Trial Race 16th September 2017

Over the last few weeks Alan has mentioned this at the club pre session update.

SVHC are holding trial race on Saturday 16th September in Tollcross Park, Glasgow.  There will be two races to be held; a 6km race for all women’s age groups and for men over 65 will start at 1.00 pm and an 8km race for all other men’s age groups will start at 2.00 pm.

If you wish to be considered for the Scottish International Team entries for the trial races should be sent in advance by email and should include date of birth and first claim club, by Wednesday 13th September. See details on link.

http://scottishmastersathletics.webnode.com/products/british-and-irish-masters-cc-international-trial-race-16th-september-2017/

Entry fee for the races will be £2 for SVHC members and £5 for non-members with payment being made on race day.

Although the trial races are open to all aged 35 or over it should be noted that selection for the team for the International is available only to SVHC members.

Killin 10k

Fine conditions and warm sunshine greeted a record field of over 400 for the 7th annual Killin 10k, starting at mid-day on Saturday. Richard Lawton was travelling through for this race as his big sister lives in Killin and he has competed here several times before. However, it was a surprise to see Russell Couper walking through the car park as I arrived, Russell having decided to enter just before the closing date on Thursday.

This counts as a local one for me although I had never done it before. Therefore the change to the start of the course this year made no difference to me but many who had done it previously were keen to point out that the start was now harder, the old course having been a 1km blast down Killin Main Street and on out of the village whereas the new course started in the park and headed up the main street across the main road bridge at the Falls of Dochart before making a sharp left onto a wide but rough trail onto the route of the old railway line, across the river again and eventually emerging back out onto the main road near the start. This loop meant that it was about 2km before we left the village on the main road and then turned left onto a gently ascending B road up the glen towards the hydro power station.

My intention was to use this as another training race ahead of the national trail championships next weekend and the international team XC trial a couple of weeks later. I hoped to run even effort throughout and feel good. Unfortunately the hope did not turn into reality as my legs were like lead from the start and only got worse at each up hill, of which there were many!  I just did too many hard sessions in training through the week I think. The reality was that the course was not that hilly (89m total ascent compared to over 200m total ascent in the SVHC Pollok Park 10k a few weeks ago) but it was a bit of a roller coaster with little in the way of flat running.

There were a good mix of club and non-club runners in the field and I could see that the large lead pack included many probably inexperienced runners that were going too fast over that first 2k. So, despite not feeling great, I hung off the back of the lead pack and gradually various runners blew up and came back to me when we hit the hills after 2k. At about the 6k mark, the road kicked up steeply past the hydro station but only for a few hundred metres and then we ran around a cone and headed onto a narrow road which gradually undulated back down to the village at the 9k mark. I had been on my own since about 7k, and was grateful to still be on my own for this final km as I was blowing out my ears. Finally, we turned sharp right up a soggy grass bank for 50m or so and into the park with a final 100m blast along an ash path to the finish line. I crossed the line in 8th overall and 1st M50 in a time of 38:02.

After collecting a very nice goody bag and medal, it was not long before Richard appeared out of the finishing chute, suffering a bit with the heat and hills but happy enough with his time of 47:18 in 68th position. We then met up with Richard's sister who proceeded to embarrass her "little brother". Before we knew it, Russell appeared behind us whilst we were watching the line. He must have sneaked in whilst we were chatting. Russell finished in 59:08 and also found the heat and hills a bit tough.

The prize  giving was not until 2pm so we had plenty of time to indulge in the charity soup, sandwich and home baking stalls in the McLaren Hall. I definitely balanced the energy spent in the race with cakes and sandwiches!

The prize winners and main race sponsors, Portnellan

The race prize list was sponsored by Callander's Wheels Cycles (the owners of the hostel we used for many years for the TTC but who are now focusing only on their cycle hire business) and I received a nice Craft long sleeve top (medium unfortunately, so long everywhere on me!). The race was won by Scott Brember of Central AC, an M40, in a course record (even compared to the old course) of 34:11. All in all, a great wee race on an accurately measured course. Just don't expect a PB!
Alan

Don't Mention the F Word!

Milngavie train station…..the beginning of the West Highland Way Race. I looked it up on Trainline. 4hrs 12 minutes, 15 quid! Buffet car, flushing toilets, it’s got the lot. Why travel any other way?

It’s the challenge, they tell you. I love a challenge. My challenges after the race were walking and swallowing (to be explained).

We had a plan back in November. Davie Searil, Ruth Kelly and myself. Let’s do the WHW race. It’s a challenge. This year entry was open for a month to allow people time to enter and entries limited to 265 folk. I think (you’ll note there’s not a lot of actual research gone into this report) about 400 ish people entered and it went to a ballot. 4 weeks later we were in!

We had a bit of a plan. Davie who had run the race twice before would run his own race. Ruth and I decided that we would run together from start to finish and that was the plan.

Ian Rae, another Harrier and legend of the race was also running this year and joined us for the occasional training run. 

Davie’s team was led by the long suffering Alison, Gerry Mullen, and Gordon McInally.

I was to be supported by my friend Elaine Muirhead, her husband Ramsay, Michael Mullen, and a veteran 3 times WHW finisher (in 20 hours no less) Davie Gray.

Ruth’s husband Kevin stepped up to the plate for her team, and was joined by Hugh and Liz Simpson, and that seasoned long distance runner George Stewart😊.

Ian had his usual dream team in the form of Angela, Frances and Geo. 

I have to mention the other member of Ruth’s team, Noushka, who contributed to the evening by eating Kevin’s sandwiches shortly before they left for the race…bad Noush😊

Training had gone ok and we got to the start line in reasonable shape. I was on antibiotics, Davie had a gammy knee and Ruth a stomach bug!

The race starts at 1am on a Saturday morning when most folk are asleep or heading to bed.  After registration around 11pm, we did what we knew. We caught last orders in the nearest pub. They were welcoming but not sure they were staffed for the sheer demand placed on the Hot Chocolate machine. 

The pre race briefing at 1230hrs was full of useful stuff. Like, don’t take Ibuprofen, or you will die……and will also be withdrawn from the race. The WHW race medical team take no prisoners!

I wasn’t worried about that. I had all the Paracetamol Tesco would sell me without alerting the authorities.

Milngavie to Balmaha    19 miles  Cut off 6am  Arrived 5:15 am (171st)

We started at 1am. Ruth and I had a plan to get to the first checkpoint in Balmaha at around 515hrs. The cut off was 6am. This would give us a nice steady start and not use up too much energy. Our respective crews insisted we pace ourselves correctly and not get there too early as they were planning a wee kip and a bacon roll from the Oak Tree Inn.

Having wished Ian the best of luck, the 3 amigos set off together. It was clear from very early on that something was wrong with Ruth (she had stopped talking). She was suffering badly from stomach pain and nausea. We decided to let Davie go and run his own race. Despite her obvious distress, we got to Balmaha at 515, right on time. Elaine and Ramsay had the coffee ready for me and I managed a wee porridge pot and a croissant. Ruth unfortunately was unable to contemplate food due to the nausea that was engulfing her. 

But we were19 miles in and on schedule.

Balmaha to Rowardennan  27 miles    Arrived 7:30 am  (184th)

 Sadly, the next 7 miles were to be Ruth’s last in the race. Her symptoms became so severe that she was forced to withdraw at Rowardenan. This was obviously a major disappointment to her. It was however the gutsiest (no pun intended) marathon I have had the privilege of watching. She will be back.

I was faced with the prospect of running the rest of the way on my own. So I ate some stuff (you don’t really want to know what I ate at every stop, do you?), gave Ruth a big hug, stole some of her food and her Garmin, and ran to Beinglass farm.

Rowardennan to Beinglass Farm 42miles Cut off 1pm, Arrived 11:50am (168th) 

It’s about a 15 mile run over some of the trickier parts of the WHW. It takes in the Lochside. That’s the part usually given to one of the senior Harriers during the club relay, as it’s a very tough run, walk, crawl sort of route.

I think I left Rowardenan just before 8am, so I had around 5 hours to get to Beinglass. 

It’s a tough wee section but I managed it ok, and got to the checkpoint with about an hour to spare. Davie was having his toes lubed as I arrived in (that was my job in 2015 when I supported him…..ah, happy days!

I had caught up about 25 minutes or so on him but it was obvious he was struggling with his knee. My team of Elaine and Ramsay were amazing looking back. They were so positive about how I was doing (mostly lies) and encouraging for the next section. They always seemed to have the coffee ready and something ready to eat . Eating’s a chore for me at these things. Real ultrarunners seemed to be able to eat anything and run. I struggle big time. Had all sorts of stuff with me including cheese sandwiches, pot noodles, and my own personal favourite, Heinz tomato soup…..always a stalwart when I’m hungover or off my food. If any of you are thinking of doing and ultra, I’d like to give you a bit of advice. Don’t take food that you really like with you, cos there’s nothing better for putting you off it forever, than eating on the run.

I was ready to go before Davie. I was trying to keep my sit down times to a minimum because you begin to enjoy the rest and the chat. I got up to start walking out of the checkpoint and Davie hurriedly caught up with me. I walked for about 500 yards out of Beinglass. I have seen, too often, folk eat something and then start immediately running only to have to stop suddenly lose their lunch….and at that point you’re hoping it’s up the way.

We started running but quickly realised that Davie was struggling. The “ouch” on his first couple of steps and the grimace was enough to tell me it was something he wouldn’t be able to run off. We wished each other well and I ran on without him.  I let him keep his watch.

Beinglass Farm to Auchtertyre  51miles  Cut off 4:30pm Arrived 2:35pm (156th)

The next 9 miles or so to Auchtertyre were fairly straightforward and I began to get into a nice running rhythm (who am I kidding, you’ve see me run). Paracetamol was a big part of my WHW plan, and although I wasn’t sore anywhere I didn’t miss a dose. I was moving well. I was aware at this point that the weather was changing a wee bit and the wind was getting up. I found myself overtaking lots of folk too. It’s different from a 10k in that I discovered that as soon as I saw someone ahead of me, no matter how far ahead, overtaking them was only a matter of time. As I rarely overtake anyone in shorter races, I was rather enjoying this feeling.

As I got closer to my next meeting with the crew at Auchtertyre I  started to think about the next leg; the 9 mile stage to Bridge of Orchy. I would have the benefit of being able to run with support from this point. My first support runner was a guy called Davie Gray. He’s a pal of Gerry's and an amazing guy. He’s run the WHW 3 times (I think his best time is 20 hours). When I met him for the first time he told me I would be the second person he had supported in this race. I asked him how the first had got on. With a straight face he replied “she won”.

I spent a lot of time gently explaining the possibility that I might not make the podium…..and he should not make plans for the Saturday night.

I ran the long drag up the road to the checkpoint in what felt like a force 10 headwind. Ramsay met me and made sure I went straight to the electronic timer, and also to get weighed. 51 miles and hadn’t lost an ounce. I was asked by the marshall  how I felt. I began to worry that they were out to get me and I suspect I was a wee bit defensive and vague in my response. Her follow up question to me was What’s the name of the Prime Minister? Not sure if you you remember June, but I’m don’t think the country had a definite answer to that never mind a man who had been up since 8am on Friday!

My team were ready for me. Incredibly, Elaine and Ramsey had an awning which they had stretched between a couple of cars and sat me down in a little spot of calm, while everyone else was being buffeted by the wind. Can’t remember what I ate. I recollect the guys telling me I was looking great and was the only person who had been actually running coming in to Auchtertyre for some considerable time. They really worked hard at keeping me positive and it was working. Davie was wrapped up for bad weather and chomping at the bit to get going. So off we went. Elaine’s job was to let Majella and Emma know that I was on my way to Bridge of Orchy. They were driving from Glasgow to meet me there.

Auchtertyre to Bridge of Orchy 60miles Cut off 7:30pm Arrived 5:05pm (143rd)

Davie was brilliant. He asked me where I preferred him to run. I really didn’t know. We agreed that he would run just ahead of me but I would dictate the pace. I suspect his legs were fresh after this leg but his neck must’ve been killing him from constantly looking around to see where I was. He told me stories as we ran. He told me about the first time he ran the race back in the day before energy gels and sports science and support crews were used. He told a mate that he was going to run the West Highland Way and asked him if he’d meet him about half way with something to eat. His mate agreed and was dutifully standing waiting for him at the pre determined spot. Davie stopped, grateful to see him. He said “what have you got?” His mate gave him a Mars bar. Davie asked if he had water , to be met with the reply..”You never asked for water”!

95 miles on a Mars Bar….Legend.

He told me about the time he was running a 100 mile race and tore a leg muscle half way through. He finished the race and was promptly taken to hospital and placed on dialysis for kidney damage secondary to his injury. Every time I thought about walking I couldn’t bear the thought of letting this guy down, or ruining his CV.

He earned his money in other ways too. We left Auchtertyre and followed a couple of runners and turned right. After about 50 yards alarm bells were ringing for him as we realised we were going the wrong way. He quickly ran back and established the right way to go. We shouted out to the runners ahead and told them they were going he wrong way. They were very grateful, and as they were now behind me, I had another couple of scalps.

We got in to Bridge of Orchy in good time. It was getting cold and may have been lightly raining. I heard the familiar sound of Emma’s cowbell as she gave me a hug and she and Majella ran the last 100yards with me to the checkpoint. Tomato soup was the plan, and I had made up my mind to put the long skins on . I had always planned to do this as I thought it would help ease the leg aches. The weather was changing a bit and I worried the Rannoch Moor 11.5 mile leg was exposed to the elements. A good decision on reflection.

Ramsey handed me a coffee  and a lovely mug of Tomato soup. He warned me it was hot and to be careful. Majella warned me it was very hot. I told a large gulp and seconds later had a searing pain in my chest as it scalded my oesophagus on the way down. It was 3 days before I managed warm drinks again.

Majella insisted I take a woolly hat with me. I took it and stuffed it in my pocket as soon as I was out of site. I was getting updates on Davie and Ian. Davie was in pain but still moving and Ian was “flying” All good.

Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe Ski Centre 71 miles Cut off 12MN, Arrived 8:15pm (133rd)

Michael took over as support runner for the run in to Glen Coe. The climb out of Bridge of Orchy is a tough one especially as it’s hard to get the legs moving again. At the top before you get on to Rannoch Moor, there’s a guy called Murdo. He sits there under a big Saltire in all sorts of terrible weather. He’s there all day. He’s got a box of jelly beans and insists you take a couple whether you want one or not. He’s a mad crazy fool who sits on a hill in a storm and gives you jelly beans. And a bit of chat. And they call it Jelly Bean Hill. Calling it Jelly Baby hill will lead to immediate expulsion from the ultra running club and humiliation on social media…be warned. I must admit, I’m a jelly baby man, and I may have disappointed Murdo a little by my lack of enthusiasm. Michael and I moved on as the weather deteriorated. Murdo as far as I know could still be there.

I’d never run more than 55 miles before so at 60 odd, we were in unchartered territory. I was beginning to feel glad of the extra layer of clothing I had taken on at Bridge of Orchy. Michael I believe was in shorts!

I think we ran /walked most of the way to the Glencoe Ski Centre checkpoint. Michael was brilliant at keeping me going and we talked about all sorts of stuff. We seemed to be overtaking loads of folk now, and no one had passed us. The wind and the rain were now truly awful, and looking back Michael must have been freezing. 

The wind was swirling in all directions. There’s a funny story that Michael tells when I stopped at the side of the path for a pee. It’s funny how even when you’re in the middle of nowhere in a storm, you go to the side of the path to pee. I did just that. Michael was about 10 metres or so further down the path to my left. I’m not sure I can do this justice, but as I began to pee, the wind took my pee and blew it  back up the path to my right. It was then lifted into the air and as the wind changed,  the direction of flow also changed. Coming back towards me it flew in an arc over my head and down the path to my left. As I looked up, I could only marvel, and watch with pride as it took on a life of its own, and blew down the path towards Michael, who just in time realising what was about to befall him, leapt off the path to safety. It’s not easy being a support runner.

The descent into Glencoe was tricky as the path was now getting treacherous. Michael, despite the fact that he must have been freezing was keeping me going with chat, and a fair amount of encouragement about how well I was doing.

I checked in at Glencoe and the Marshall looked me up and down. She told me to go and get a change of clothes and take my time before heading out again. Couldn’t shake off the paranoia that they would remove me from the race if I showed any signs of weakness. I got to the car where Elaine and Ramsay were waiting. They were keen that I had a change of gear also, and I was forced to agree suddenly realising just how cold and wet I was. Unknown to me the crew were more worried about Michael and had insisted that he had a warm shower and dry gear asap.

Elaine started making coffee and sorting something to eat as I changed in the car. She delegated this job to Ramsay. Elaine and I are friends and also work colleagues but it’s a long career looking over at me in the office with haunting images of me in my undercrackers!

I have to thank Ramsay at this point for giving me his gloves as mine were soaking, and to Elaine for her waterproof trousers. I had bought a pair of waterproof trousers for the race. I bought them on line from Decathlon and I may have under estimated my size requirements. They would have strangled the budgie, if you get my drift. I don’t want to talk about food, but I became aware of an incredible smell in the car. Nope, not me. Elaine had made a Pot Noodle (chicken and mushroom). Best meal yet. 

I tried not to hang about too long in the car because as I’ve previously said it gets hard to get going again. And Davie was limbering up outside trying to stay warm. 

Glencoe Ski Centre to Kinlochleven 81 miles Cut off 5am, Arrived 12:35am (122nd)

It’s exactly a kilometre from the car down the hill to the road crossing. I don’t know what came over me but we were running from the off. Halfway down the hill, I saw Ian Rae with Frances. Not sure if he was just getting ready to leave but we exchanged a bit of chat as Davie and I ran down the hill. 

The team had made sure I had a change of gear and insisted I had the full waterproof gear on. I used to laugh at people who put a jacket on and went for a run. I don’t know if anyone remembers the scene from Friends when Joey wore all of Chandler’s clothes but that’s what I felt like.

The bit to the bottom of the Devil’s Staircase is deceptively difficult, and even a bit cruel. There’s a straight road that’ll get you there in 10 minutes but the WHW veers off up a long rocky incline and down again. Davie was keen to keep me running and I did my best. The Team decided they would meet me at the bottom of the Devil. I remember moaning to Elaine that I was roasting! Not sure I got much sympathy as the rest of the team were freezing!

The climb up to the top was where the nature of the race changed a bit. It was the beginning of the second night and light was starting to fade…as was something inside of me.  I started to feel sleepy. It was all I could do to keep my eyes open. All I wanted to do was sit down and have a wee sleep. I was too scared to show any kind of weakness to Davie who must have been suffering big time in the rapidly deteriorating light and weather conditions. I was moving so slowly, it must have been tough on him. The other thing that stopped me going for a nap was the thought of letting Elaine down. She had given up her weekend to do this for me and I couldn’t fail her.

On the way to the top, there’s an odd sign for a Tuck Shop. 100yards, then 50, and there it was. A small tent with provisions and a price list. Weird.

We eventually made it to the top. The terrain was not only difficult but waterlogged in places and we found ourselves often wading through fast moving water .Well let’s face it, everything was moving faster than me.

The headtorches were back on and I followed Davie as he picked out a path for me. I think this is where the hallucinations started. 

The weirdest one was when I saw a transit van apparently blocking my path. I knew it wasn’t really there but I could not make it disappear. I just kept my eyes on Davie, following his every footstep. On the descent into Kinlochleven we were running again. The man in the tree smoking a pipe seemed to be encouraging me in my efforts. I didn’t dare mention either of these to Davie. Kinlochleven was a welcome site. This had been the toughest section so far.

The checkpoint is in the community centre where I got weighed and was met by the team. The plan was for Macaroni Cheese courtesy of the microwave which was there. At this point I remembered we had planned some mashed potato but this was unfortunately on its way back to Glasgow with Ruth.

Didn’t want to hang around too much at this point. Ate some of the mac n cheese. Frances was also in the centre waiting for Ian to come in. He sat down beside me. It was good to see him. 

We again wished each other well, and I set off with Michael. I think he had learned his lesson and was very well wrapped up …no shorts this time.

We set off in fairly horrible weather for the climb up to the Larig Mor. Michael had taken over from Davie and I was following his every footstep. About 100yards into the climb, we appeared to surprise a couple of gents in the trees. One of them dressed for a night out appeared out of nowhere and Michael almost leapt out of his skin. He began to applaud us. He was quickly joined by a friend in running gear, who attempted to sell me what appeared to be a sachet of Tailwind. They vanished as quickly as they had appeared. I have no explanation for their appearance but I stress that Michael can confirm this episode…..unless we were both hallucinating!

The Larig Mor was tough. The weather was horrendous at this point and we were experiencing winds which we were later informed were gusting at 40km/h.

Michael was aware that I was struggling. He talked to me to try to keep me awake. He kept telling me how amazing I was doing and even convinced me that back to back 30 min miles was exceptional.

The hallucinations were back and at times I couldn’t see the path in front of me for various obstacles. Again I kept this from Michael. To try to keep me awake, he would set targets. He would insist that every 30 min or so I would eat something, usually a chocolate cream, or a piece of fudge.

I became aware of how much he was also struggling when he asked if he could have one of my sweets as his hands were too cold to open his pack. He later told me that he spent so much time and effort keeping an eye on me, that he forgot about himself.

We made it to Lundavra. It’s a fairly desolate place to have a checkpoint. Ramsay and Elaine were there with a coffee as usual. Davie had crashed out in the car. The team had decided that just Michael would accompany me over the final stretch. The original plan was for both support runners to do the last 6 miles or so, but the feeling was that Davie had done his bit. Unknown to me, Ramsay was prepared to walk/jog the last section also depending on how Michael and I looked at this point. Elaine was significantly reassured that we would make it and Ramsay was off the hook. I decided not to sit down this time. I was beginning to think that not only was I going to do this, but that a sub 30 hour time was in the bag. I gave Elaine the biggest of hugs and Ramsay a strong manly handshake and we set off up the hill. 

And for the first time in 88 miles, we used the F word. 

Fort William!

Kinlochleven to Fort William 95miles  Cut off 12MD, Arrived 6:05am (115th)

The first 3 miles or so from Lundavra are tricky with lots of hills. The Forrestry Commision has been very busy undertaking large areas of tree clearing. This made finding the path very difficult at times and difficult to negotiate. When we finally reached the fire road it’s an amazing feeling. I could see Fort William. I remember looking at the watch and thinking I was definitely going to do this. The last 4 miles are downhill as you know, and I had an hour to get in under 29 hours. Unfortunately, I fell asleep!

I was still moving, but had to be regularly reminded by Michael to wake up. As we got down to the Braveheart car park, Michael decided I was finishing in style. Eyes open and running. 

And his encouragement was amazing. He was constantly telling me how close the finish line was. He was running behind me, refusing to get up front with me. I remember Ruth and I doing this for Davie, so I understood what he was doing. With about 500 yards to go I could hear the familiar sound of a cowbell (I’m sure the locals really appreciated this at 6 am on a Sunday morning), as Emma and Majella came running towards me. I admit, I was struggling to hold it together at this point but just about managed. They told me to keep running and tucked in behind me with Michael. The next person I saw was Ruth, coming across to the finish line. She had gone home Saturday, threw up, slept for a few hours and then convinced Kevin to bring her back up. Sensational!

I could see the finish line and Elaine, Ramsay and Davie waiting for me.

I guess there were hugs and tears and stuff but to be honest it all gets a bit fuzzy at this point.

Disappointingly at this point the other face I saw was Davie Searil, who after a heroic effort, was forced to pull out of the race at Kinlochleven, after 81 miles.

He will also be back!

I finished in 29 hours and 5 minutes, 115th of 210 starters. 159 runners completed the race.

Ian Rae finished the race in 31hours and   46min for his 12th WHW finish. An incredible record.

Just for the record, the race was won by Rob Sinclair in a new course record of 13hours 41 minutes….unbelievable effort!

Since the race I’ve been asked if I would do it again.

Ask me in November😊

Jim

SVHC Glasgow 800 10km Road Race - Pollok Park

Having not raced since the Stirling Marathon in May and with the trial for the Scottish team for the British & Irish Masters Cross Country only a month away, I thought I had better start knocking the rust off the legs and lungs and try to get myself race fit. The starting point would be the Scottish Veteran Harriers Glasgow 800 (I don't what that means) 10k road race in Pollok Park on Sunday 13th August.

The forecast suggested it would be showery and indeed there were some spots of rain on the windscreen as I drove towards Glasgow. However, by the time I parked up at Cartha Rugby Club in Pollok Park, the sun was splitting the pavement. So it was just as well that we were not going to be running on any pavements this year as the race director announced that the course had changed slightly since last year as Glasgow City Council (for health and safety reasons) were no longer allowing the race to use the section of pavement along Haggs Road towards the entrance to the park at Haggs Castle Golf Club. This year the course would be exactly 3 laps of a course entirely on the traffic free paths within the park. For those familiar with the Pollok Park parkrun, the course used various parts of that course, particularly the hilly bits. This was actually a better course as you knew precisely what was coming after the first lap and did not have the final lap diversion onto the main road/pavement as last year. It did mean that the final km was uphill rather than flat but on a course that was extremely hilly, another hill did not make any difference.

Five Harriers lined up (Frances Ferguson, Geo Ferguson, Stuart Waugh, Russell Couper and myself) and with only 40 competitors on the startline, the Harriers made up more than 10% of the field as they did at Islay the weekend before! The race started downhill through the dappled sunlight on the main tree lined path through the middle of the park before looping back up the hill after a km or so and veering into the area known as the glade, where the big climbs start. Eventually we emerged back onto that main drive and ran through the arch at the main gate before doing a 180 degree turn around some cones to head back through the arch and a km uphill back to the start/finish line for the next lap. The leader took off (Josef Farkas, Stirling University) at the start and disappeared. I was in a pack of about 6, including Scottish International and world masters record holder Fiona Matthieson. When the going got tough on that first lap, half of that pack faded backwards and I found myself drifting slowly back from third place Luke Chamberlain but reasonably safe in 4th. With the U turns at either end of each lap, I was able to see that my position was becoming gradually safer with each lap and I was able to maintain a very constant effort. I could also see that Stuart was the next Harrier and, after a fast start, Geo had dropped back behind Frances. As I neared the end of the last lap, I caught Russell at the end of his second lap and put in a bit of an effort for 1k uphill to the finish. Having avoided numerous dogs and prams throughout the race, in the final 20m I nearly lost a game of dodge the Dalmatian as I swerved one way and then the other to avoid this off the lead spotted dug, kind of spoiling my attempt at a long, sustained acceleration to the line.

The winner was out of sight, finishing in an impressive 33:05. I finished 4th overall and first M50 (for which there is a trophy) in a time of 37:22 with one M35 and two M40's ahead of me. Stuart Waugh (a previous winner of the M50 trophy back in 2004 I see) was next Harrier in a time of 45:05 and first M65. Frances and Geo remained close throughout and finished in consecutive positions in 45:48 and 46:05 respectively. Russell was pleased to finish significantly faster than last year despite the heat and despite the uphill finish, crossing the line in 58:52. Well done to all.

The race gave me a good indication of where my fitness is just now and I do need a few more races before the trial. Next one on the cards for me is the Killin 10k, another tough one and then the National Trail Race. The SVHC races are great little races with a good level of competition for the veterans among us (and only a £2 entry fee for SVHC members, £5 for non-members).
Alan

BOWIE TRIBUTE ACT FRIDAY NIGHT

Some Harriers are going to the Bowie tribute night this Friday. Everybody welcome to come along with tickets available from the bar

Scottish Mid-Trail Championships - Strathmiglo - Fife

As mentioned a few times at the club recently, the national trail race championships take place on Saturday 2nd September 2017 at Strathmiglo in Fife. The senior courses are similar to last year, starting on the forest trails just outside Strathmiglo (the changeover point at the start of leg 2 of the Devils Burdens relay for those familiar with that), running back on the forest trails towards Falkland and then back towards the start area again to finish, totaling roughly 10km. This is the sort of running we do lots of in training through the Summer and has always suited the Harriers well. The race is pre-entry only via Entry Central. Further details:
http://events.scottishathletics.org.uk/events/19987-17410-fife-festival-of-trail-running-2017-scottishathletics-mid-trail-championships

and entry here: https://www.entrycentral.com/FAC-Festival-of-Trail-Running
Alan

Trossachs Training Camp Update

15/08/2017
Further to the update below, all 24 places in the cabins are now taken subject to receipt of payments. However, if you have not got your name down yet and you would still like to go, do please fill in the on-line form and you will be added to the reserve list. In previous years the reserves have always managed to go due to late minute pull outs or creative arrangement of the accommodation!
Alan


13/08/2017
With just under 2 months to go until the 2017 TTC, we will soon have to close up the entries and provide the T-shirt and catering suppliers with final numbers. We also have the jig saw puzzle of who goes in which cabin and who goes in which pack to sort out.

Due to a couple of cancellations, we now have two places available again in the cabins, so get your names and payments in fast if you are able and willing to join us. Full details in the original post:  http://calderglen.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/ttc-2017-autumn-appointment.html

For those already entered and paying by installment, we do need all installments to be paid by the first week in September. We have a very large bill to pay for the balance of accommodation (one month in advance of the event) during that week. As Eddie is away for a few weeks, please pay Russell directly or if Russell is not at the club, then please give to me and I will record and pass on.
Alan

Islay Half Marathon

Photos from Frances now added to Kenny's blog post. The full set are here. I feel a caption competition coming on!

Our  long awaited annual  visit to Islay had arrived, as usual we were a collection of the injured, recovering, and, unfit, but  all hopeful of a good race.

The hill at the start climbs all the way to the moon!

Unfortunately the normally fast guys were unable to be with us (except Eddie who came to Islay but couldn't run) however Alan met us for lunch in Inveraray in his classic car, a 1966 e type jag in pristine condition, there were some among us (Billy) who would have sold his soul for the opportunity to have that beast under his command.

Soon it was over the sea to Islay and as the boat docked the cloud loomed ominously low over Jura and the infamous Paps.

It was up early on Saturday morning after an ominously quiet night without the usual urban noise and the background hum of traffic. As the race neared, the warm up took place in hot sun, necessitating a run on sun tan lotion in the Bowmore coop.

We had a great Harriers representation with 15 of the 161 runners wearing the black and yellow. All too soon we were off with Sandy leading us up the first hill until the race thinned out as we left the houses and climbed through farms and crofts with a slight wind on our backs. Andy Buchanan was well up the field and looking strong chased by Stephen Phimister and Joanne McEvoy. As the race took a sharp turn to the right down the hill after 6 miles towards the airport, the wind picked up and stayed with us for the rest of the race.

The prize haul

Eddie  Reid and Hannah McLellan and various Phimisters appeared at strategic points and gave much needed vocal support and encouragement, thanks, it was good to know we had your encouragement just as it was getting tough. It was particularly good to get your support at 10 miles before the second set of hills.
All too soon it was over (liar) and we were putting in that final sprint down the hill to impress the crowd at the finishing line.

Stuart Gibson, the victor and his spoils!

The first runner home was Stuart Gibson who finished in an impressive 1.13.40.

Stephen Phimister and family

First harrier home  was Stephen Phimister in 1.33.52 and led the men's  team to a second place in the team prize, followed closely by Joanne McEvoy in an impressive 1.34.12. Joanne was 3rd woman, 3rd vet and 1st in the team prize. Well deserved after such an impressive run. Joanne is running out of space to keep her prizes from Islay, testimony to her consistency over recent years.

Joanne wins 3rd lady and 3rd veteran

Kenny Leinster finished a minute behind in 1.35.14 and got 3rd supervet and second team prize. Andy Buchanan tied up after 10 miles but held on to finish in 1.39.33 to win 2nd team prize.

Kenny collects the supervet prize

The course record holder, Allan McLellan, who won in an impressive 1.09 28 years ago celebrated his 60 birthday with a return to Islay and finished in 1.40.02. A fantastic achievement which he put down to the medicinal qualities of Turmeric which eased his aching joints in the days up go the race, Allan taking the 2nd supervet prize.

Great to see Allan McLellan back in the prizes in his first Islay for decades!

Jim Holmes, fresh from his all inclusive holiday on a cruise ship managed to finish in 1.42.09.and completed the mens 2nd team prize.

The ladies' team prize, closely guarded by Allan and Ann's daughter Hannah

The battle of the Maxwell Fergusons was won by Frances who is  coming back from injury but still took the supervet 2nd prize and 1st team prize in an impressive 1.42.23  followed by her  consistently strong husband Geo  in 1.45.07.

Billy Buchanan has had his name on the over  60's trophy so often that there is a permanent ring mark on his mantelpiece. However he is coming back from injury and Kate (the race organiser) was disappointed at not getting her usual kiss from Billy however he proved he is on his way back with a time of 1.48.44.

Gordon McNally who has been injury prone over the summer managed a time of 1.51.50 with John McBride coming in at 2.01.36. Well done to John who has been injuired since the winter but has been making a comeback over the summer, Anne McLellan has displayed the benefit of  strong marathon training over the winter and finished in 2.05.14 to finish in the winning women's team.

Russell Couper is another harrier who has had an  up and down season following a good run in the London Marathon but has recently struggled with injury and came in with a time of 2.12.08. Sandy Hayden has been growing fins after all her swimming training and put it all to good use finishing in 2.14.32  and making up the 4th member of the winning women's team. Lorraine Buchanan struggled with an injury early in the race but held on to finish in 2.39.15.

Harriers dominating the ceilidh

Strangely enough, all the aches and pains seemed to disappear as if by magic during the ceilidh and despite an attempted kidnapping by a gang in a Land Rover and Eddie locking 2 of the senior members out of the cottage, we all surfaced on Sunday morning more or less fit and well.
A visit to the nearby pool gave some of us the opportunity to rehydrate and gave Eddie the opportunity to show how even handed he is at competitive sports during a game of water polo.Ha Ha!

The multi-talented Billy Buchanan flying a kite

However Eddie had the opportunity to redeem himself as he directed a highly skilled chef team in creating a barbecue banquet on Sunday night. Stephen Phimister took on the role of games master for the night and orchestrated Islay football, tennis, and  skittles before being chased inside by the midges where he continued to ensure as many of us as possible ended up covered in shaving foam and rolling about on the carpet.

Monday morning saw us at  Port Ellen being educated in the finer arts of crab and lobster fishing by a crusty old sea dog before getting on the ferry and tucking in to a fried breakfast.

A quick stop in Inveraray for tea and  scones  was a good end to another great Islay weekend.
Kenny

A ferry exhausting weekend of fun!

Finally a sub 22 5k

After taking longer to recover from Stirling Marathon due to shin splints, I finally achieved a sub 22 5k. With June being a low key month for mileage and concentrating on strength and conditioning and nursing along my poor left shin getting a sub 22 5k seemed way off. Feeling the recovery was progressing in the right way by the end of June I was able to put back to back club sessions and a few Grand Prix races. However by the start of July I could fully commit to full training with consistent back to back club sessions and long easy runs. This all paid off on Thursday night when I unexpectedly ran my second fastest time at the club Auldhouse Time Trial achieving 22:32. So this spurred me on to tackle Strathclyde 5k Parkrun to go for sub 22.

Being the first Saturday of the month I forgot they had pacers which turned to my advantage initially and at the end. Stuart Waugh was there as well so I felt if I could stay close to Stuart I was in with a shout. The starter shouted go and we were off.

I ran out hard to get a clear start with plenty of room and running the long straight route to the top of the loch I could see Stuart and the 21min pacer so I thought I am doing alright. At this point the 22 min pacer ran by me bursting my bubble but I just dug in thinking its still early doors and not even got to the turning point. As I got this point and ran round to the 3k mark I was feeling the intensity of the pace but kept a level head pushing keeping close as I could to the 22 min pacer.  I got round the top of the loch heading in towards the final stage of the run. This point I felt I was running eye balls out and was thinking I need to stop but I could see the 22 min pacer was slowing so does this mean I was getting faster, it didn’t feel like. Approaching the 4k mark at the bridge I thought 7 mins are so to go you can do this. I remember doing 8 min efforts in Auldhouse recently and thought I have done those I can hang in there.  The 22 min pacer was still ahead and I thought just keep pushing and even if I get a low 22 it will be an achievement. The 22 min pacer finished his 5k with me about 10 seconds behind. A very tired runner was delighted and amazed when I looked at my Garmin with 21:47 recorded which gave me a nice boost.

Strathclyde Parkrun #367 - 05/08/17

My official time was 21:50 finishing 46^th place and was the 46^th male out of a field of 336 runners. 5^th in my age category, VM 40-44.

Results: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/strathclyde/results/latestresults/

Richard

August Auldhouse 5k

With a large contingent of Harriers participating in the Islay Half Marathon this weekend, the field for Thursday's Auldhouse 5k time trial was split into those doing a gentle reverse lap to save themselves for Islay and those really going for a time as usual. Once again Julie Beveridge was fastest of all and demonstrated impressive consistency with a time of 19:53. Julie has done all of the time trials this Summer and they have all been within 6 seconds of each other and all significantly faster than last year's best.

It was a night to demonstrate how our young Harriers are developing as proven by Chris McCarron setting the second fastest time (21:38) which was his course best. In third place was our youngest competitor, Lewis Moir who had been set off just 30 seconds behind his granddad, Stuart Waugh, chased him down over the first few km, passed and opened the gap to finish in 21:56, his course best by a minute.

Having only turned up at the Harriers for the first time on Tuesday, Emma Craig was hottly tipped to set a good time, even though this was her first attempt at the Auldhouse 5k time trial. Not only did she make a great effort but it was also a personal best 5k time for Emma, finishing 4th fastest in 22:15. Jim Mearns is gradually getting speed back into his legs after his amazing performance in the West Highland Way Race little over 6 weeks ago. Jim set his fastest time for a couple of years, finishing in 22:22. We then had a very close grouping of runners. Richard Lawton (22:32) set his second fastest time ever on this course, Stuart Waugh was another Mr Consistency with 22:38, all this season's times being within about 30 seconds of each other and all in the 22's. Andy Henderson was our next over 60 with a time of 22:47, another consistent performance, with Paul Rooney only a short time behind in 22:55 which was Paul's fastest of this season by a long way.

Michael Mullen had a list of excuses as long as he is tall before the start but still managed his fastest time on this course (23:28). Julie Thompson had never run this course before (nor a 5k) and wasn't even sure where she was going let alone how to pace it, so did very well to record 25:19, a very good benchmark 5k time. Colin Banks is getting back to running gradually and set his fastest time of this season (25:45). This was Holly Rankine's second Auldhouse Time Trial, so still very new to the course and had the added pressure of being set off first. Holly recorded a good time of 26:31 and would have easily gone faster with someone ahead to chase.

This month's results are here and you can see all previous results using the Auldhouse Time Trial Times link in the menu on the left of the blog.

One more to go this year. The September event will be the first Thursday in September, starting from Auldhouse this time due to the darkness.
Alan