Totally Tropical

Many great photos from our man in the field, Davie Searil in this album.

Some of the men's team in the foreground and the ladies team behind, with a Harrier of the future showing good speed

In contrast to previous years it was summer attire for the National Cross Country Championships in 2019. Geo Ferguson was in his regulation shorts, nothing new in that you say, however the men with their taps aff are not a common (some would say welcome) sight in February at Callendar park.

Are they supposed to match?

Frances and Richard had left for an early start with the juniors while the seniors (some more senior than others) endured the baking hot midday sun crossing the parched Falkirk landscape to reach the respite of the Harriers' tent. We were met by our coach who had told us that his medical adviser had countenanced against him running due to the risk of heatstroke, either that or he had a virus. Our ladies national medal winner had also allegedly received an urgent message delivered that morning by hand from her national colleague Andy Butchart who rushed over to the Harriers' tent to pass on the news that the national ladies coach had recommended that Frances save her strength for her next international event, the Falesia 5k in Portugal in two weeks time. At the time of going to press, and after some serious interrogation by your intrepid reporter, I can also reveal that the blazers at Scottish Athletics let it slip that the well-known veteran Edward Reid has also been advised to rest in preparation for the same event. An enquiry is now underway, headed by no less than the First Minister, to ascertain if it is now the policy of Scottish Athletics to stop our best international athletes from competing in their National Championships in favour of a third rate scramble in Portugal. The people demand an answer!

Karen Allen powers up one of the hills

Further confusion was sown when Calderglen’s star racer was also posted missing. There was a rumour circulating that a heavily pregnant spectator was heard to say "as Hearts are playing at home there is no chance of seeing my big sister today." No one who heard this could believe that Julie would prefer supporting her beloved team to running round a field three times.

Alison Lessells looks strong on the hill

The roll call of missing runners was offered further intrigue when it was noticed that super veteran Billy Buchanan had failed to appear. On further enquiry it was confirmed that the hard man of Scottish running had been overheard saying " why would I want to get my studs dirty in a 10k romp at Callendar Park when I can be running a half marathon on the trails of Glentress."

Lorraine Buchanan had a frustrating race but made up many places despite shoe lace problems

Away from the duplicity and  high politics of our national sport, it was refreshing to note that a number of our top athletes from Scotland's foremost athletics club had decided to wear the famous yellow and black vest at the pinnacle event in the Scottish racing calendar.

Former Calderglen Harrier, Kevan Harvey, leads the field up the first hill

The ladies team were low in number but high in enthusiasm as they lined up in prime position on the front row ready for a fast start in the sprint to the crucial first bend. Their enthusiasm remained undiminished as the massed ranks conspired to swallow them up and soon the more familiar territory of the middle ground beckoned. Over the hard packed turf they ran for three laps, confidence gaining with every stride. Lorraine Buchanan even managed to stop to tie her laces on each lap in order to let the others catch up. All too soon the final straight was in sight and Karen Allen put her winter hill training to good  use finishing as first Harrier home in a time of 51.39 , followed closely by Alison Lessels in 54.05. Lorraine Buchanan admitted that her strategy had backfired having finished in a time of 61.12 and confided to your reporter afterwards that she really should know how to tie a double knot now that she has recently reached a key milestone in her life.

An impressive sight as the senior men's field is strung out from the start.

The stage was set for the last race of the day and the senior men hobbled to the start line in a confusion of aches and pains. The weeks leading up to this key race had understandably been characterised by intrigue, claim and counter claim. Some would describe this as mind games however given that most of the characters are mindless this would stretch it a little.

Chas Steven in a tough battle

Andrew Buchanan progresses through the field

The thunder of studs and the clatter of spikes indicated that the men's race was in play. Andy Buchanan, having wisely tied his own shoelaces, was soon striding out among the fast guys and found the hard ground suited his recent training. Stephen Phimister, having conducted an options appraisal on the most effective shoes, had a great run and was eagerly supported by family members Frances and Emma. His son Mark had strategically decided to stay at home in case he embarrassed his father further by beating him, as he is now taller, faster and better looking than his dad. Although Stephen still claims that he is the better dancer.

Stephen Phimister puts on the style as he passes the family

The Richard Lawton v Geo Ferguson race long tussle

The mid table (well, OK, mid to lower table) battle was well underway as predicted by those who think they know a thing or two about such vital matters. In a titanic struggle of cat and mouse proportions that ancient veteran, and secret trainer, Kenny Leinster managed to dupe Jim Holmes, Richard Lawton and Geo Ferguson into thinking he was injured and scraped home in front of them with seconds to spare (although Geo Ferguson proved easier to dupe given he didn't realise he had run the course previously until he started the race).

That well known racer of yesteryear, Alan Cullie, who is on the comeback trail kept the rest of the field on tenterhooks. Known for his late surge in races there was some consternation when he retired due to back pain, as manifest in sciatic pain on the hills. Russell Couper is having his own late surge and managed to improve his time this year, reaping the benefit of his marathon training.

Jim Holmes takes an early lead over Kenny Leinster

Alan Cullie before injury stopped him.

That stalwart of Calderglen, Chas Steven, finished his umpteenth  national championships proving that experience and persistance  still counts despite the course. The final times were:
 Andy Buchanan 45.00
Stephen Phimister 49.24
Kenny Leinster 50.57 (your intrepid reporter)
Jim Holmes 51.18
Richard Lawton 53.19
Geo Ferguson 53.21
Russell Couper 57.55
Chas Steven 63.27

Russell Couper running well

Report by your intrepid report, Kenny Leinster. More photos from the spectating coach and Frances are here. A big thanks to Davy Searil for taking on the volunteer marshal duties required of the club and spending the full day out on the course.