Sports Club Closed Wednesday Night due to Weather

I have been informed by Suzanne Burleigh, Bar Manager at Sports Club, that the club will be closed tonight. She advised there's been red weather warnings so they don't want to take the risk of anyone getting stuck at the club.  Junior session has been cancelled and any Harriers that do circuits there will be no access to the sports club. Alternative you could run round the golf course. 

Richard

EK Sports Club survey

The Sports club sent an email to all on members on the email distribution list on Monday 26th February.  If you didn't get it then give Russell your current email address and he will pass onto Sports Club to ensure you get future newsletters.

As part of a number of applications for financial support, East Kilbride Sports Club is undertaking consultation with 1) sports club members and 2) members of the public about the sports club's activities. 

This is an important opportunity, particularly for members, to share their view on how sports club goes forward. 

We would be grateful if you could complete the survey by Monday 5th March.

Sport Club Members Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JNC392J and

Members of the Public Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RCD27G7

Thanks
Richard

National XC - Solid as a Rock

A preceding week free of rain provided the best conditions on the Callendar Park National Cross Country course that I can remember. In complete contrast to last year's mud bath, the 10km, 3 lap course for senior women and men was firm underfoot and not cutting up significantly except for the uphill stretch through the woods which was sticky rather than the usual slimy. We had a reasonable number of Harriers participating, boosted by a very strong turn out from our ladies. This would also be an easy, sunny introduction for the new, compact club tent.

After a full programme of junior races, the ladies were off in the early afternoon sunshine for 3 laps of the undulating course. A field of around 300 lined up in front of Callendar House for the initial charge towards the first hill and a gentle, curving ascent to the flat top of the hill where the course formed an expanding spiral of almost two loops before descending back towards Callendar House and the nearest end of the pond. A slight curve to the right and left brought the runners to the bottom of the famous muddy hill through the woods where the usual steep followed by gradual ascent stung the legs for the first time. A gentle and firm descent with a nasty off camber left turn through a gate led back into the sunshine and the golf course area which was again, unusually firm. A few hundred metres of good, level running and we were veering right around the end of the ditch and into the next field which was first used last year. This was also remarkably mud free and brought us round in a complete circle to enter the park again and the fast, flat section leading back to the tented village. There we had the visually gentle but physically draining climb past the Calderglen tent to the top of the wall where we turned left and ran parallel to the main road behind the tower blocks as we did in previous years. However, a slight jink to the right took us across a shallow part of the ditch where we continued to the usual turning point at the far end and doubled back towards the main drive. For the first time I can remember, the short sharp climb up the bank for the final stretch towards the main drive was firm and runnable. The main change this year was that the main, red ash drive was only for the final lap. For laps one and two the course cut straight across the drive and continued parallel to the main road before eventually climbing up a steep bank and back onto the hill top plateau for lap 2.

Joanne looking strong

Joanne McEvoy was in fantastic form today and was well up the field from the early stages. Joanne kept her form well to finish in 86th position in 47:30. Emma Craig was looking strong, particularly on the uphill past the tent, finishing in 50:32 in this, her first National Cross Country. Frances Ferguson is very familiar with this course and ran a well judged 51:17. Karen Allen didn't look her usual self today and was perhaps a little down on where her recent form has suggested, finishing in 53:12. Sandy Hayden is piling in the races at the moment, this being her third race in a week, but is looking all the stronger for it, finishing in 60:20. Lorraine Buchanan was racing here for the first time, having spectated previously and picked a good year to make her debut! Lorraine finished in an excellent 64:31 and will have given her strength a real boost.

An hour and a half later, a field of 700 men lined up for their turn. With the sun beginning to drop behind Callendar House, most of the area behind the start line was in the shade and a freezing breeze. At least that was the explanation that Andy Buchanan and I gave to each other to justify our positions right up the front in row 2 and dead centre! I had visions of being trampled but the start was remarkably smooth until I arrived at the slight dip before the hill and was temporarily airborne. A few pushes and shoves accompanied the crowded ascent and then on the right turn at the top of the hill, I had my heels clipped and did a good windmill arms dive but somehow remained on my feet. By this point Andy was a good 10m or so ahead and powering onwards. Unbelievably given the size of the field, a few moments later I spotted the usual M50 rivals who I have ended up head to head with in every cross country race since the Scotland team trial last September. After over exerting a bit on the first lap and slipping back relative to my rivals, I started to make good progress through the field on lap 2. By lap 3 I had only one of the visible M50's to catch and, as was everyone else, I was pushing up to the red line as the last half lap approached. Somewhere on the golf course section I slipped past and kept pushing making up a good few places on the way. Dropping down onto the drive it was one mad sprint for the line, some places lost and some gained and heart rate through the roof. Andy had extended his lead to about 20 seconds and I saw his sprint being deployed from afar. Andy crossed the line in 41:15 in 214th position and I was 41:38 in 225th (no age group positions available yet).

Jim Holmes, not 55 but 50 years old.

Stephen "stuntman" Phimister was competing here for the first time and did really well until the final turn into the finishing straight where he slipped and fell. Rolling back to his feet, Stephen sprinted to the line in 46:34.  Kenny Leinster stives for every possible means of marginal gain, whether it is physical, nutritional or mental. Whichever combination of those he is focusing on now, it seems to be working as Kenny had a great run to finish in 48:35. This was birthday (plus 1 day) boy, Jim Holmes' first event as an M50 and Jim was glad that at least he would have a fair run on a firm course. Jim finished in 50:38 in the position he hoped to achieve relative to the other harriers. Well done Jim and welcome to the super competitive M50 category! Richard Lawton has made steady progress back to fitness through the cross country season and was pleased with his run and time of 51:42. After a strong performance at the Masters National in Kilmarnock, Geo Ferguson was a little out of sorts from the off today. This was later diagnosed as an overdose of biscuits on the way to the race. Geo finished in 52:22. Russell Couper looked strong and had some close battles with his regular rivals, crossing the line in 58:46. Chas first ran at Falkirk in the 1980's and has been a regular here ever since. So although disappointed with his current form, Chas was at least pleased to be running here on such a glorious day, crossing the line in 66:14.

On a day when most of us were spotlessly clean........... Stephen Phimister

Well done to all the Harriers for supporting this iconic event on the Scottish race calendar. A big thanks to all our supporters, including the Phimisters, Charlie and Eddie.

There is some spectacular footage from the drone of the mens and ladies races. Provisional results are on the Scottish Athletics event page here.

Alan

The Grand Prix has been updated following this race.

NATIONAL XC FINAL INSTRUCTIONS

With the Ladies starting at 1.25pm and the men at 2.55pm I would suggest the Ladies should be at the course for 12.30 at the latest to warm up, recce etc. The men should come for 1.25 to help support the Ladies and do their warm ups etc. I will be at the course before the Ladies to register everyone and I will take the numbers and chips to the course.
Those registered to run are, K Allen, F Ferguson, J McEvoy, L Buchanan, S Hayden and E Craig.

For the Men, R Couper, A Derrick, R Lawton, A Buchanan, C Steven, K Leinster, G Ferguson, J Holmes, S Phimister, A Cullie and A McLellan.

If anybody can no longer make it please let myself or Alan know so I don't register you as a starter.

Parking is at Graeme High School or the Business park to the East of the park.

Some are meeting at the Club at 11am if anyone wants a lift.

Russell

GLASGOW UNI 5 MILER

Five harriers made there way to the north of Glasgow for the Glasgow Uni 5mile road race. The race has changed over the years from course and date. For about 9 years now its been a 2 lap course and the last couple of years its been held early in the year instead of November. The course is mostly good running but with a couple of long uphills mixed with some good downhill sections. The start is on a long uphill just to get the legs going right away but followed with a good downhill on the switchback. It then turns onto the road parallel to the canal which has a gentle incline but as you turn left at the end of the road it has a short but steep uphill to run by Dawsholm park which is a long gentle downhill with a sharp drop at the end of the road taking you down to the river Kelvin. After crossing the river there is a long steep climb up to Maryhill rd which is followed by a long gentle downhill back to Garscube Sports complex and through the finish line for the first time and onto lap 2. Julie Beveridge is at the moment following a Marathon training plan and informed me she was needing a 10k race this month as part of that. With little on the calander  this was the closest she could find and would just add the extra on at the end which she duly did. Her time for the race was 32.51 and way ahead of the rest of us. Next Harrier was Frances Ferguson whos form has been consistant for a while now that shes had a good spell injury free. It makes a big difference to get a long spell without injury. Frances finished in 36.34. Next in was Russell Couper again having a good run with his fastest time over the 2 lap course finishing in 42.22 (No ice today Yippee). Next was Sandy Hayden who said afterwards that she wasn't feeling too great during the run but still finished in a respectable time of 44.23. Our final Harrier was also our youngest Morgan Beaton who is just starting out on her racing career having only done a handful of races. Morgan finished in 51.06. Morgan will improve greatly as she gains experience of racing so we all need to watch our backs shes going to catch us. Morgans father Richard was also running today and finishing in 39.26. Someone sign him up to the Harriers.
Thanks to Christopher McCarron for coming along and giving us all encouragement on the course today. Chris should be over his injury in a few weeks.

Glasgow University 5 Mile Road Race

I first put this on the blog 4 weeks ago and this is just a reminder if anyone is looking for a final race before Falkirk. At the moment 2 Harriers are doing the event, Julie Beveridge & Morgan Beaton.

The Glasgow University 5 Mile Road Race will be held on Saturday 17th February 2018 at Garscube Sports Complex starting at 11am. The address is Maryhill Rd, Glasgow, G20 0SP. Race fees are SA members £7 and non members £9.

Access entries at https://www.entrycentral.com/event/107955 and more info at http://haresandhounds.com/race/

Online entry is available until Friday 16th of February. However there will  be the opportunity to enter on the day at the Garscube Sports Complex.

The race takes place on the outskirts of the City of Glasgow. With the start in the Garscube Sports Complex, it then follows a 2 lap course round quiet roads with a good balance of flat running and some hilly sections.  A map of the course is available at http://www.haresandhounds.com/roadrace.php.

Registration, number collection and entries on the day will be in Garscube Sports Complex, from 09:30am until 10:40am. Changing and showering facilities are available in Garscube Sports Complex. Participants must be at least 16 years old on the day of the race.
 
The prize giving will take place immediately following the race in Garscube Sports Complex where there will also be refreshments available.

Richard

LIVINGSTON ICE RINK (HALF MARATHON )

I Often tell people not to enter a Half Marathon before March. Today I found out why and was left wondering why I hadn't followed my own advice. I found this event on the Scottish Athletics website last weekend and having never seen this event I thought why not. 2 reasons for doing it one that I have only ran over 8 miles once since Brampton and two it would let me see if its a good race. I would say later in the Spring yes but with the weather today it was very tough. The race starts at West Lothian College just behind the finish at Almondvale Stadium. On my wee jog up to the start I discovered this hill was a sheet of ice and the race starts by going down it so a tippy toe start and near the front to avoid trouble. We were soon onto muddy trails along the river Almond for a couple of miles before climbing towards the highest point of the 6 + 4 stage relay course. This was mostly ice on tarmac paths and you find yourself where possible running on the grass verge. Eventually you start to descend and for any that have done the relay long leg its the same path and a bit of relief as although it was still icy this path is always covered in pine needles thus giving a little bit of grip. Turning onto the short leg of the relay then the long leg after the split we where climbing again and soon beyond the hospital again with several Bambi moments ( they fair take it out the legs) before heading back down to the river Almond. The latter part of the course is done on the other side of the valley and again climbing up icy paths but the worst was to come. With tired legs I would normally look forward to the fairly steep descents back towards the finish but with the ice today I had to hold onto railings to stay on my feet at times. Finished in 2.13.01 which compares with last years times favourably on what was a tough day at the office. I would do it again if it where held at a different time of year but all in all it was a good training run.

THE ALLAN SCALLY ROAD RELAY

Note that this event is part of the Calderglen Grand Prix.
49th Allan Scally  Road Relay 4 x 5km
Certified IAAF Course and SA Permit
(Inc Scottish Universities Relay Championships) 3rd March 2018 Start time 12noon
Race Headquarters: Glasgow Green Football Centre, 
28 King’s Drive, Glasgow G40 1HB
Cost of pre – entry £28 per 4 person team ( £7 per head )
Prize Structure for Male and Females 1st 4 team £160, £120, £80, £60 1st M/F40 Team £60 1st M/F50 Team £60 Fastest laps for 1st-3rd £50, £30, £20
Fastest U/20 -£20, U/17- £20, M/F40 -£20, M/F50 – £20 Corporate 1st Male team, 1st Female team and 1st mixed team of 2 +2. 15% discount voucher for Run4it
Organised by Shettleston Harriers SC046812

Note I would like to use this relay to take the guess work out of choosing the teams (ladies and men, senior, vet 40+ and vet 50+) for the National 6/4 stage road relay which is about 3 weeks after the Scally. The more we have from the club, the more accurate the selection will be!

I need names by Monday 26th Feb.
If you wish entered please leave your name HERE.
Those already registered are listed HERE.

NATIONAL XC CHAMPIONSHIP

This years National will once again be held in Falkirk on Sat 24th Feb.
Race start times are 13.25 for Ladies and 14.55 for Men.
Cost is £7.00 per head and both races are 10k.
I need names by Thursday 8th Feb and please make sure your SA registration is up to date.
If you wish entered please leave your name HERE.
Those already listed are HERE.

Scottish Masters XC Championships - Brutal!

The Scottish Masters XC Championship always manages to be a challenge, never an easy course, never pleasant weather! Today was no exception (OK, the weather was alright). The course at Dean Castle Country Park in Kilmarnock is familiar to many of us and it was with some trepidation that a large group of Harriers joined a record field in the muddy field on the edge of the park. It also was great to see that the council had been doing some ground works along the start/finish straight as I don't think the course was muddy enough otherwise!

Frances gives Allan the low down on the course

The ladies race over about 6k was off first. One large lap taking in the big hill and a small lap to finish. Frances Ferguson and Alison Johnston were our two representatives in this race. Frances had raced here before but Alison was a bit worried, having heard that both Russell and I had failed to complete the course last time the event was held here (not to worry, it was illness and injury respectively that knocked us out, not the course).

Before we started, the course was already well churned up by runners warming up. After a fast 200m gently downhill, the route made a sharp, muddy U-turn, providing the first opportunity for fallers, of which there were many. However, both Frances and Alison stayed on their feet, used to the muddy training we do in EK. By the end Frances had worked her way through to 14th F50 in a time of 30:11 which Frances declared was the hardest cross country race of her life. Alison kept a steady pace throughout and was moving well, crossing the line in 39:06. As Alison managed that, she can manage any cross country race!

Alison strides out the finish

Alan Derrick airborne

The men's race included age groups from M40 through to M60 and started with one small lap followed by two big laps giving a total distance of about 8km. We had a field of near 250 in this race meaning that if the course was not muddy enough at the start, it would be by the finish. After a steady start, I found myself struggling a bit by the end of the small lap and dropping back from the competitors in my age group. I thought the big hill on the large lap would suit me and I would make ground back up but that was not to be and I was toing and froing with the same few runners without making any real progress through the field. However, by the last lap, my strength was finally beginning to tell and the last time up the hill I made up many places including 3 or 4 M50's and managed to muster a long sustained effort from the hill to the finish (with a minor trip on the big log we had to jump in the woods). I was happy enough with 10th M50 overall in 34:33, although several minutes off the leading M50's. I'm not strong enough for that amount of deep mud unfortunately.

Martin Duthie powers to the line

Also 10th in his (new) M55 class was Martin Duthie making a relatively rare appearance on an individual cross country race. Martin looked really strong at the finish, crossing the line in 36:40. Harriers run of the day came from Allan McLellan who, despite still not feeling 100% well, used his strength, experience and cross country ability to turn in a fine 38:02 and 11th position in the M60 class. Allan is short of racing (and training) at the moment and will definitely move through the competitors in this age category as he continues to get race fit.

Stephen Phimister showing gritty determination

Stephen Phimister put on a brave face but clearly was not inspired by the conditions pre-race. However, once he got going he had a fine run with a strong finish, crossing the line in 39:47. Kenny Leinster put his foot through his trail shoes at training on Monday and much to his dismay, his new ones had not yet arrived. So he was reduced to wearing a pair of very slick looking road/trail shoes. This makes Kenny's time of 41:53 particularly impressive as I have no idea how he stayed on his feet! This was Alan Cullie's first XC race for years and only his second race of any kind in the same time span. Obviously Alan is not afraid to throw himself in at the deep end, entering this event and many other forthcoming races. Alan crossed the line in 42:26. This absolutely is not Martin Howell's surface, being very much a road racer. With the further disadvantage of wearing glasses to run, this was going to be a real trial for Martin. However, he will definitely have got a strength boost from this and I was impressed with his time of 43:06. Geo Ferguson rarely does cross country and so this was an admirable performance by Geo, who admitted to feeling sick during a race for the first time due to the physical effort involved in his time of 43:15.

Good running form from Geo

The Jim Holmes Life and Sole award goes to Richard Lawton who was surprised to see the sole of his shoe overtaking him at one point on the course. Unfortunately the sole was neither attached to his shoe nor his feet at this point but fortunately it landed in front of him so he could pick it up and keep it for posterity! Well done Richard on completing the race in 45:30 with only one shoe.

Richard Lawton puts his best foot forward
(whilst holding the other one)

Gordon McInally had no mishaps but is very much in apres-ski mode as he gets back into running form. Considering Gordon's first appearance at this event (in Forres) was two years ago, Gordon has made excellent progress and will continue to improve. Gordon's time was 47:55. This was John Boyd's second cross country race ever. He had the twin advantages of being an Ayrshire lad and wearing brand new spikes (not looking so new now though). Both John and Alison always look as though they are enjoying themselves during a race, even today and John should be particularly happy with his time of 47:55. Russell Couper is steadily improving again and progressing gradually away from the back of the field with every race. Russell was therefore pleased with his run of 49:24, despite his legs seizing up on the first big climb. An easy run tomorrow and some stretching will soon fix that. Chas Steven has done dozens of Ayrshire cross country races over the years and was relishing these typical conditions as he strode to the line in 58:28. Not sure what aspect of the race Chas is describing in the photo below, but caption suggestions are welcomed!

Chas Steven sets up today's caption competition!

I am pleased to say that our M50-M60 trio of Alan Derrick, Martin Duthie and Allan McLellan were 5th team in that class. Not bad for a National Championship.

A huge thanks to Kenny, Gordon and their assistants for dragging the tent onto and off the site. It was a welcome shelter from the drizzle. Also a big thanks to the Howell family for capturing most of us in photos. There are some great action shots in there. All the photos are in this album.

Note that the above times are all from the provisional results and are subject to change.
Alan

Arrangememts for Saturdays MASTERS XC

With the ladies running at 1pm and the Men at 1.45pm I would suggest the women should be there for 12.10 and the men at 12.50 so they can cheer on the Ladies. If you want to meet at the Sports club I would suggest you meet for an 11.40 departure and if someone could bring the tent that would be great. I will pick up everyones number and bring them to the start.

Replacement Half for Grand Prix

After a good suggestion by Richard, I have put the Monklands Half on 13th May into our Grand Prix. Entries on https://q-buster.co.uk.
Alan