As Kenny would say what a lovely day for a run. Strathclyde park has a habit of being windy but today there was almost none and what there was had no effect. Dry and sunny and about 6 degrees what more could you ask for. With a few call offs with illness and injury we were left with 9 Harriers taking the start line for the Ladies Julie Beveridge, Karen Allen, Alison Lessells and Lorraine Buchanan. Within half a mile the girls were all in front of me and moving away and I had gone under 8mins for the first mile. All had good runs with Julie crossing the line in 1.07.41 and well ahead of all the other Harriers and 5th F35 in a very strong field. Our 2nd Lady was Karen with a good run of 1.14.53 and 2nd Harrier of the day. Third Lady was Alison still on the comeback trail but looking stronger all the time with 1.20.13. Finally for the Ladies was Lorraine not having her best run in her words but still a very admirable 1.25.17 which is a 10min course best.
For the men we had Andy Buchanan, Richard Lawton, Chas Steven, Gordon McInally and Russell Couper. Off we went and Andy was very quickly out of sight and Richard wasn't long in passing me but I was looking to keep it that way with Chas and Gordon behind me. Off round the top of the Loch and feeling a bit heavy legged but feeling strong and maintaining a good pace round to the beach. At this point the race splits with the 6k going straight on to complete a loop of the loch and the 10m turning onto the road to head back to M&Ds. This is where we have the biggest hill on the course and I really felt it and took about 100metres over the top to recover.
Back round the top of the Loch and down towards the water sports centre. 1 full lap of the Loch left and starting to feel the early pace and I pass Andy standing changed at the side having had to pull out with a hamstring injury then Chas who had to pull out at the earlier course split with a recurring injury. This makes me 2nd male Harrier on the course and ive never been at these dizzy heights. Managed to keep a good steady pace round the last lap even manageing to pick it up on the last mile. Richard had crossed the line in 1.15.15 and 1st Male Harrier another one reaching dizzy heights. Then it was Russell 1.26.08 with a new age category PB. My fastest time since 2006. Gordon wasn't far behind and when you consider hes hardly been able to train for 3 months had a remarkable time of 1.28.16 . A wee mention also to ex Harrier Kay Conneff having a good run in a time of 1.13.34 . Thanks to Frances Maxwell for coming along to support it really helps getting a shout from sidelines. To those injured or ill I hope you recover soon.
Russell
All the photos taken by Frances are here.
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Sunday 31 March 2019
Friday 29 March 2019
Tom Scott Road Races
(I have belatedly updated the GP and joker situation, accessed via the usual links on the left. Alan)
As its always difficult to see everyone before the start of this race and to allow me to warm up properly im asking if you could declare your jokers to me in advance either by comment here or by sending me a message. This would help considerably and also if anyone is no longer running could you also let me know so im not looking for you.
Those that are down to run are
Karen Allen, Julie Beveridge,Alexandra Hayden, Lorraine Buchanan and Alison Lessells.
Gordon McInally, Richard Lawton, Alan Cullie, Russell Couper, Chas Steven, Stuart Waugh,
Jim Holmes and Andrew Buchanan.
If ive missed anyone let me know.
Russell
Remember to put your clocks forward.
As its always difficult to see everyone before the start of this race and to allow me to warm up properly im asking if you could declare your jokers to me in advance either by comment here or by sending me a message. This would help considerably and also if anyone is no longer running could you also let me know so im not looking for you.
Those that are down to run are
Karen Allen, Julie Beveridge,
Gordon McInally, Richard Lawton, Alan Cullie, Russell Couper, Chas Steven, Stuart Waugh,
If ive missed anyone let me know.
Russell
Remember to put your clocks forward.
Monday 25 March 2019
Tom Scott Road Races
Just passing on a reminder that the next Grand Prix race, the Tom Scott 10 mile road race this coming Sunday, closes for entries at 12:00 (midday) on Wednesday (on StuWeb). Eleven harriers have entered so far...
Saturday 23 March 2019
National Road Relay (6/4 Stage) Teams
The teams are as follows (legs are alternate short and long, starting with the short leg):
Ladies
1. Sandy Hayden
Men
1. Alan Cullie; 2. Richard Lawton; 3. Billy Buchanan; 4. Davie Herbertson; 5. TBC; 6. Russell Couper.
For the first time in our history, we can't even field a complete men's team. A landmark for all the wrong reasons. I would therefore ask one final time if any of the many eligible reserves (i.e. SA members) that Russell has taken the time to enter would like to step forward to run a short leg (3 miles), could you please leave a comment here or get in touch with Russell or Richard as soon as possible. Otherwise, Russell is moving to leg 5 and leg 6 will be empty (due to Russell's forthcoming London Marathon, ideally I would like him to run leg 6, the last long leg plus an extended cool down).
Alan
Ladies
1. Sandy Hayden
Men
1. Alan Cullie; 2. Richard Lawton; 3. Billy Buchanan; 4. Davie Herbertson; 5. TBC; 6. Russell Couper.
For the first time in our history, we can't even field a complete men's team. A landmark for all the wrong reasons. I would therefore ask one final time if any of the many eligible reserves (i.e. SA members) that Russell has taken the time to enter would like to step forward to run a short leg (3 miles), could you please leave a comment here or get in touch with Russell or Richard as soon as possible. Otherwise, Russell is moving to leg 5 and leg 6 will be empty (due to Russell's forthcoming London Marathon, ideally I would like him to run leg 6, the last long leg plus an extended cool down).
Alan
Friday 22 March 2019
6 + 4 STAGE RELAYS TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
If anyone requires a lift to Livingston on Sunday for the 6 & 4 Stage please meet at Sports Club at 10am to car share. Billy is likely to be there and I am going direct.
Russell will want everyone in Livingston for 11am to allow him to hand out race numbers and adequate warm up for all runners especially early leg runners.
The Men's race starts at 12pm and Women's at 12:10pm
See link to race info
http://events.scottishathletics.org.uk/events/20715-17979-scottishathletics-64-stage-road-relays
See you all on Sunday,
Richard
Russell will want everyone in Livingston for 11am to allow him to hand out race numbers and adequate warm up for all runners especially early leg runners.
The Men's race starts at 12pm and Women's at 12:10pm
See link to race info
http://events.scottishathletics.org.uk/events/20715-17979-scottishathletics-64-stage-road-relays
See you all on Sunday,
Richard
Thursday 21 March 2019
Deeside Way Ultra 2019
A dual ultra report this time although it was initially planned as a triple but someone, who shall remain nameless, didn't say too much...
Davie
Driving up to Aberdeen last Friday morning I mused on the fact that this would be my eighth trip to the north east for the D33 ultra and each one has been unique with the March weather always likely to play it's part in the race experience, for better or for worse. This year was to prove to be no exception.
That night I opted to match the usual pre-race meal of a hero of mine, Alf Tupper (youngsters, ask your parents!) as you can see. If it was good enough for the Tough of the Track...
Jim
The concept is simple. Turn up at Duthie Park, register and run the first section of the Deeside Way to Banchory, check in with the marshall, turn round and run back. This would be the 3rd time I’ve had a go at this race. It’s not the most scenic of routes, the weather is traditionally awful, but the race organisers, who were retiring after 10 years of putting this race on, have made this one of the friendliest races on the Scottish ultra circuit. It’s a short ultra and ideal for those dipping their toes into the world of ridiculously long races. It’s also ideally positioned in the calendar, for a meaningful training run for races like the Highland Fling and West Highland Way Race. I’ve always found it tricky to pace myself around this course, and have previously opted for a nice steady conservative pace. 10 minute miles gets you in in around 5 hours 30. My previous attempts have been 5 hrs 12min and 5 hours 14 respectively. I’ve been running ok recently and decided I’d have a go at a sub 5 hour race. Previous experience however has taught me that expecting to maintain an even pace for 33 miles can be challenging.
Davie
We (Ruth, Jim and I) lined up near the front for a change (we were so high up the field I thought I would have a nosebleed) as you can see from the pictures below
Conditions were excellent, very cold but with only a light breeze - nigh on perfect for running. Most of us had however seen the forecast and prepared accordingly.
Jim
I decided to race on feel and see where it took me. There seemed a general reluctance for anyone to toe the line at the start so I found myself right at the front as the race started. The usual wave of folk went past and I settled into my race. As usual, I found myself isolated and running alone early in the race. There didn’t seem to be more than 30-50 folk in front, and the main pack a reasonable distance behind me. Running on feel gave me opening mile splits of 8 min 11sec, 7:52, 7:45,7:33, 7:35, 7:39 and 7:36. This seemed in my “still feeling ok” mind to be a good recipe for a nice half marathon time, but asking for a long walk to the finish in a 33 mile race. I eased off a wee bit but still managed to get to halfway in 2 hours 14 minutes, well within schedule for a sub 5 hour finish. More importantly I was feeling ok.
Davie
Ruth and I started together and chatted the first few miles away at our usual ultra pace, i.e. slowly. I did ignore Ruth briefly when I spotted a pal coming towards me. I should explain here that, as part of his ten year valedictory challenge, Loon Dod (Boy George in the Doric) had put on the first ever Scottish 100 mile ultra and, not content with that, also staged what he called the 'Double Stupid' which consisted of running the 100 miler in under 24 hours then turning round and starting with us at 09:00 and running the D33 as well! I had promised my friend a hug if I saw her and here she was within three miles of finishing the hundred, utterly fabulous. She told me later that all the D33 runners had given her and the other long distance adventurers such a boost with all our encouragement. A short while later we passed a blind runner with her guide (I learned later it was her dad) which in it's own way was just as inspiring.
Ruth kept telling me to go ahead (she seems to think I talk too much. Who moi?) as she seemed to be out of sorts and struggling but we arrived at the first CP together. Catching up to her a few hundred yards down the road (I eat way more than she does) we agreed we should split up and I eased ahead into the increasingly heavy rain and wind, giving her her desired peace and quiet.
Jim
The good thing about an out and back is that you get to encourage runners coming the other way. You also get to see just what it means to people to be part of something so special…to join the Ultra Marathon Club (it’s not really a club… more of a mutual respect society). The bad thing is that for a little while, it does feel like they’re all chasing you down. The second part of any long distance race is where you find out what you’re really made of. The mental calculations will give you any number of potential finishing times. I got to 21 miles and did the sums. I was just about still sub 9 minute miles and worked out that 10 minute miling would get me the sub 5 hour I craved. So I could settle for that. But something else crept into my mind at this point. A fellow ultra runner had posted on Facebook earlier in the week, a 4 year old memory of completing the race in 4 hours 51. So bizarrely, that was the new target.
Davie
The route after the first CP veers away from the old railway line and follows a B road for a few miles. After some ups and downs I lifted my pace again and tried to make good progress down a long descent towards the village of Drumoak. I knew I'd likely walk some of that road on the way back so wanted to make hay while the sun shone (sadly only metaphorically as the weather was following the forecast to the letter with both the wind and rain increasing steadily). I continued strongly for the next four miles to Milton of Crathes where Alison was patiently waiting although just before I got there I was startled to meet Jim, already on his way back. I recall meeting Ian at exactly the same spot, a wee stone bridge over a burn, in years gone by - wow, he was flying today. I carried on to the halfway point at Banchory, guzzled mandarin oranges and rice pudding (I'm sure Alf would have eaten those too if he'd become an ultra runner in The Victor) and started on the long road back to find that, just as predicted, the wind was now in my face and the rain was turning to sleet. Passing Ruth heading for the turn we had a wee hug, mostly for extra warmth, and I mentioned that Alison had dry gloves in the car which she was welcome to use (I could afford to be generous as I knew I would get there first and had plans to pick up my waterproof SealSkinz!) At this point Alison mentioned Jim had gone through here on his return at 11:32 and, as my brain was still functioning, I was able to work out that he had run nineteen miles at an average of eight minutes per mile, flying indeed.
Jim
But I couldn’t slow down too much. My splits over the last 6-8 miles were now 9 min +, but still staying under 10 min miling. The weather over the last 6 miles was pretty awful with, dropping temperatures, snow, sleet and rain. I passed the marathon mark in 3 hrs 45 . I found that over the last hour or so I passed several runners which helps to keep the forward momentum up. The last mile was tough but I tried to keep going until the very end. I crossed the line in 4 hours 51minutes and 5 seconds…..a 21 minute PB for this race, and 27th out of 135 finishers. Following a brief flirtation with hypothermia I was warming myself up with a warm cup a soup when the RD came into the runner’s tent and called my name. I’ll be honest, I thought they were going to tell me some ultra running mishap had befallen either Davie or Ruth. I was amazed to be presented with 2nd Male Super Vet trophy.
To say I was stunned was an understatement as I’m only 28 :-) My first ever prize for running and I’m still chuffed.
I was even more pleased to see my amigos finish the race (in horribly
deteriorating conditions….the weather, not them) safely and with good
performances.
On a footnote….I looked up the time of my Facebook inspiration to find that I
beat her time by 3 seconds…..it’s the small victories that matter!
Davie
There's not much to be said about the remainder of my race other than slogging away into the wind and sleet. It became a battle just to keep moving as my body cooled so fast when walking that running soon became the more attractive option, quite the reverse of the normal desires during the latter stages of an ultra. I still passed a fair few folk as is my norm, perhaps I should be starting a bit quicker and hanging on later.
Coming over the line in 96th place in a time of 6.03.47, one minute faster than last year, I received my medal from a friend of mine who I learned later had to take himself off to the medical tent suffering from hypothermia having spent too long hanging around the finish. I myself was so cold I had to ask a marshall in the finisher's marquee to pull up my left sleeve and stop my Garmin! Those gloves turned out to be less waterproof than I had expected, better get the spray out before the WHWR. Not having seen her for a couple of hours we were all delighted to see Ruth's excellent finish in 6.35.40 and 115th place. A long way down on her 6.19.46 of last year and 3rd FSV placing but a strong and resilient run in the circumstances on the occasion of her fourth successive D33.
Nobody hung about for long and we soon headed to our respective hotels for hot showers and food, in that order. Strangely Jim seemed reluctant and insisted on a group photo before we went our separate ways. I sensed he was up to something but I, along with Alison and Ruth, was genuinely gobsmacked and delighted when he brought out the 3rd MSV trophy from his bag with a big grin having kept it secret from us until then.
The race winners were Brian Sharp of Ochil Hill Runners in 3.42.05 and Charlotte Finch of Dundee Road Runners in 4.24.04. (that's the woman you were chatting to before the start Ruth, told you we were too far up the field) There were 129 finishers, well down on previous years partly down to all the regulars who ran the longer distances. I know of three folk who pulled out but no doubt there were at least a few more given the dreadful conditions, once again dnfs were omitted from the results, my pet hate.
Later that evening a bit of a stooshie erupted on social media and the story eventually made it's way across the Atlantic to be covered by marathoninvestigation.com. I'll make no comment but will let you draw your own conclusions at this link Marathon Investigation
As a footnote the D99 was won by Stuart Ross in 18 hours 24 minutes and Hilary Clinton (no, not her) in 23 hours and 25. In the end no-one opted to attempt the double stupid, probably because of the weather.
PS I trust any harriers currently sunning themselves in the south of Portugal didn't shiver too much while reading this report!
Davie
Driving up to Aberdeen last Friday morning I mused on the fact that this would be my eighth trip to the north east for the D33 ultra and each one has been unique with the March weather always likely to play it's part in the race experience, for better or for worse. This year was to prove to be no exception.
That night I opted to match the usual pre-race meal of a hero of mine, Alf Tupper (youngsters, ask your parents!) as you can see. If it was good enough for the Tough of the Track...
The lemon wedge was the only item I didn't finish... |
The concept is simple. Turn up at Duthie Park, register and run the first section of the Deeside Way to Banchory, check in with the marshall, turn round and run back. This would be the 3rd time I’ve had a go at this race. It’s not the most scenic of routes, the weather is traditionally awful, but the race organisers, who were retiring after 10 years of putting this race on, have made this one of the friendliest races on the Scottish ultra circuit. It’s a short ultra and ideal for those dipping their toes into the world of ridiculously long races. It’s also ideally positioned in the calendar, for a meaningful training run for races like the Highland Fling and West Highland Way Race. I’ve always found it tricky to pace myself around this course, and have previously opted for a nice steady conservative pace. 10 minute miles gets you in in around 5 hours 30. My previous attempts have been 5 hrs 12min and 5 hours 14 respectively. I’ve been running ok recently and decided I’d have a go at a sub 5 hour race. Previous experience however has taught me that expecting to maintain an even pace for 33 miles can be challenging.
Davie
We (Ruth, Jim and I) lined up near the front for a change (we were so high up the field I thought I would have a nosebleed) as you can see from the pictures below
Conditions were excellent, very cold but with only a light breeze - nigh on perfect for running. Most of us had however seen the forecast and prepared accordingly.
Jim
I decided to race on feel and see where it took me. There seemed a general reluctance for anyone to toe the line at the start so I found myself right at the front as the race started. The usual wave of folk went past and I settled into my race. As usual, I found myself isolated and running alone early in the race. There didn’t seem to be more than 30-50 folk in front, and the main pack a reasonable distance behind me. Running on feel gave me opening mile splits of 8 min 11sec, 7:52, 7:45,7:33, 7:35, 7:39 and 7:36. This seemed in my “still feeling ok” mind to be a good recipe for a nice half marathon time, but asking for a long walk to the finish in a 33 mile race. I eased off a wee bit but still managed to get to halfway in 2 hours 14 minutes, well within schedule for a sub 5 hour finish. More importantly I was feeling ok.
Davie
Ruth and I started together and chatted the first few miles away at our usual ultra pace, i.e. slowly. I did ignore Ruth briefly when I spotted a pal coming towards me. I should explain here that, as part of his ten year valedictory challenge, Loon Dod (Boy George in the Doric) had put on the first ever Scottish 100 mile ultra and, not content with that, also staged what he called the 'Double Stupid' which consisted of running the 100 miler in under 24 hours then turning round and starting with us at 09:00 and running the D33 as well! I had promised my friend a hug if I saw her and here she was within three miles of finishing the hundred, utterly fabulous. She told me later that all the D33 runners had given her and the other long distance adventurers such a boost with all our encouragement. A short while later we passed a blind runner with her guide (I learned later it was her dad) which in it's own way was just as inspiring.
Ruth kept telling me to go ahead (she seems to think I talk too much. Who moi?) as she seemed to be out of sorts and struggling but we arrived at the first CP together. Catching up to her a few hundred yards down the road (I eat way more than she does) we agreed we should split up and I eased ahead into the increasingly heavy rain and wind, giving her her desired peace and quiet.
Jim
The good thing about an out and back is that you get to encourage runners coming the other way. You also get to see just what it means to people to be part of something so special…to join the Ultra Marathon Club (it’s not really a club… more of a mutual respect society). The bad thing is that for a little while, it does feel like they’re all chasing you down. The second part of any long distance race is where you find out what you’re really made of. The mental calculations will give you any number of potential finishing times. I got to 21 miles and did the sums. I was just about still sub 9 minute miles and worked out that 10 minute miling would get me the sub 5 hour I craved. So I could settle for that. But something else crept into my mind at this point. A fellow ultra runner had posted on Facebook earlier in the week, a 4 year old memory of completing the race in 4 hours 51. So bizarrely, that was the new target.
Davie
The route after the first CP veers away from the old railway line and follows a B road for a few miles. After some ups and downs I lifted my pace again and tried to make good progress down a long descent towards the village of Drumoak. I knew I'd likely walk some of that road on the way back so wanted to make hay while the sun shone (sadly only metaphorically as the weather was following the forecast to the letter with both the wind and rain increasing steadily). I continued strongly for the next four miles to Milton of Crathes where Alison was patiently waiting although just before I got there I was startled to meet Jim, already on his way back. I recall meeting Ian at exactly the same spot, a wee stone bridge over a burn, in years gone by - wow, he was flying today. I carried on to the halfway point at Banchory, guzzled mandarin oranges and rice pudding (I'm sure Alf would have eaten those too if he'd become an ultra runner in The Victor) and started on the long road back to find that, just as predicted, the wind was now in my face and the rain was turning to sleet. Passing Ruth heading for the turn we had a wee hug, mostly for extra warmth, and I mentioned that Alison had dry gloves in the car which she was welcome to use (I could afford to be generous as I knew I would get there first and had plans to pick up my waterproof SealSkinz!) At this point Alison mentioned Jim had gone through here on his return at 11:32 and, as my brain was still functioning, I was able to work out that he had run nineteen miles at an average of eight minutes per mile, flying indeed.
Jim
But I couldn’t slow down too much. My splits over the last 6-8 miles were now 9 min +, but still staying under 10 min miling. The weather over the last 6 miles was pretty awful with, dropping temperatures, snow, sleet and rain. I passed the marathon mark in 3 hrs 45 . I found that over the last hour or so I passed several runners which helps to keep the forward momentum up. The last mile was tough but I tried to keep going until the very end. I crossed the line in 4 hours 51minutes and 5 seconds…..a 21 minute PB for this race, and 27th out of 135 finishers. Following a brief flirtation with hypothermia I was warming myself up with a warm cup a soup when the RD came into the runner’s tent and called my name. I’ll be honest, I thought they were going to tell me some ultra running mishap had befallen either Davie or Ruth. I was amazed to be presented with 2nd Male Super Vet trophy.
Jim trying to look as though this happens all the time... |
It's official, although these results were later amended. More on that later. |
Davie
There's not much to be said about the remainder of my race other than slogging away into the wind and sleet. It became a battle just to keep moving as my body cooled so fast when walking that running soon became the more attractive option, quite the reverse of the normal desires during the latter stages of an ultra. I still passed a fair few folk as is my norm, perhaps I should be starting a bit quicker and hanging on later.
Coming over the line in 96th place in a time of 6.03.47, one minute faster than last year, I received my medal from a friend of mine who I learned later had to take himself off to the medical tent suffering from hypothermia having spent too long hanging around the finish. I myself was so cold I had to ask a marshall in the finisher's marquee to pull up my left sleeve and stop my Garmin! Those gloves turned out to be less waterproof than I had expected, better get the spray out before the WHWR. Not having seen her for a couple of hours we were all delighted to see Ruth's excellent finish in 6.35.40 and 115th place. A long way down on her 6.19.46 of last year and 3rd FSV placing but a strong and resilient run in the circumstances on the occasion of her fourth successive D33.
Nobody hung about for long and we soon headed to our respective hotels for hot showers and food, in that order. Strangely Jim seemed reluctant and insisted on a group photo before we went our separate ways. I sensed he was up to something but I, along with Alison and Ruth, was genuinely gobsmacked and delighted when he brought out the 3rd MSV trophy from his bag with a big grin having kept it secret from us until then.
If Ruth and I look less than pleased for Jim it's only because we were still soaked and freezing |
The spoils |
As a footnote the D99 was won by Stuart Ross in 18 hours 24 minutes and Hilary Clinton (no, not her) in 23 hours and 25. In the end no-one opted to attempt the double stupid, probably because of the weather.
PS I trust any harriers currently sunning themselves in the south of Portugal didn't shiver too much while reading this report!
Sunday 17 March 2019
6 + 4 STAGE RELAYS
We have entered 2 male teams and 1 ladies team. This means we have 5 spaces for men and 3 for ladies. Ive entered a load of reserves so if anyone fancies taking part check with me and I will let you know if your listed.
Russell
Russell
Saturday 9 March 2019
One For The Ladies
February 9th 2019 and Arbroath is playing at home to Stranraer. Around 10 minutes in and the keeper takes a goal kick. He boots it up the park only for the wind to catch the ball and blow it back and out for a corner kick. This was a sign of things to come on March 3rd 2019...
The Arbroath Smokies 10 miler (ladies only race) was a race I had my eye on for a number of years and with not having a spring marathon this year I thought it would be the perfect time to give it a go. The corresponding weekend last year had seen the race postponed due to the Beast from the East. No snow this year but gale force winds instead.
The route felt like a run around Auldhouse with a few farm houses here and there and a primary school out on its own (but no sign of a pub!).
The race started on a main road and continued into a residential area, still running on the road. The next mile or two resembled Leaburn Road in Auldhouse (an up and down road and you can see for miles ahead!). As soon as we had turned about half a mile into the race the wind was hitting us...hard. The first five miles were hilly and with the wind hitting us it made for a brutal run. Joanne who was also running the race ageeed in that at times you could hardly get up any pace as the the exposed countryside meant there was no shelter from the wind.
After about 2 miles you come to a village called Arbirlot and from here you do roughly a five mile loop around this area. Miles 2-3 were hilly. Miles 3-4 were a bit flatter but still had the wind battering you. I probably felt by this stage that I had put a lot of energy into the race already between the hills and the wind and I just could not get into a comfortable rhythm on the flat sections. I had also been running on my own from about 2.5 miles and this was not helping either.
It was only when we got to the second water station at mile 5 that the race turned, wind dropped and the wind was also behind me. If anyone was to look at my Garmin splits you would see that kilometres 9,10 and 11 were much faster now that I had the wind behind me and I was also on a downhill section (I sometimes like to run some of my mile races in kilometres for the split times - don’t ask me why as I do most of my training in miles).
At about 7.5 miles I came back into Arbirlot and there was a steady climb back out before having roughly a 2 mile run back to the sports centre. The wind had certainly calmed down on this stretch since I had run on it earlier on the way out but I was heavy legged from the first half of the race.
I finished in a time of 1:13:45 - 8th overall. I knew I would not be as quick as Brampton as the Brampton course is no way near as hilly and the field is bigger at the front so less chance of you running on your own. However I was disappointed with how it went and I feel if 2018 was dominated by hot races then 2019 looks like being dominated by windy races (having done the windy Strathaven half marathon two weeks before). Joanne had also joined me up at Arbroath and she finished in a time of 1:15:23 - 13th overall.
With this being a women only race the race t-shirts were sized for women (and not generic small, medium and large) and while I have received the odd bottle or two of beer after a race this race had a small bottle of wine in your bag at the end. The spread that Arbroath Footers put on afterwards was brilliant - sandwiches, sausage rolls and cakes - all from a local bakers (I think that is what I look for in a race now - not worth doing it if there is not a good spread afterwards!)
I did finish off my day with a lovely dinner in Arbroath and a local gin down by the sea front. Thanks to George and my mum & dad for the support on the day.
Julie
The Arbroath Smokies 10 miler (ladies only race) was a race I had my eye on for a number of years and with not having a spring marathon this year I thought it would be the perfect time to give it a go. The corresponding weekend last year had seen the race postponed due to the Beast from the East. No snow this year but gale force winds instead.
The route felt like a run around Auldhouse with a few farm houses here and there and a primary school out on its own (but no sign of a pub!).
The race started on a main road and continued into a residential area, still running on the road. The next mile or two resembled Leaburn Road in Auldhouse (an up and down road and you can see for miles ahead!). As soon as we had turned about half a mile into the race the wind was hitting us...hard. The first five miles were hilly and with the wind hitting us it made for a brutal run. Joanne who was also running the race ageeed in that at times you could hardly get up any pace as the the exposed countryside meant there was no shelter from the wind.
After about 2 miles you come to a village called Arbirlot and from here you do roughly a five mile loop around this area. Miles 2-3 were hilly. Miles 3-4 were a bit flatter but still had the wind battering you. I probably felt by this stage that I had put a lot of energy into the race already between the hills and the wind and I just could not get into a comfortable rhythm on the flat sections. I had also been running on my own from about 2.5 miles and this was not helping either.
It was only when we got to the second water station at mile 5 that the race turned, wind dropped and the wind was also behind me. If anyone was to look at my Garmin splits you would see that kilometres 9,10 and 11 were much faster now that I had the wind behind me and I was also on a downhill section (I sometimes like to run some of my mile races in kilometres for the split times - don’t ask me why as I do most of my training in miles).
At about 7.5 miles I came back into Arbirlot and there was a steady climb back out before having roughly a 2 mile run back to the sports centre. The wind had certainly calmed down on this stretch since I had run on it earlier on the way out but I was heavy legged from the first half of the race.
I finished in a time of 1:13:45 - 8th overall. I knew I would not be as quick as Brampton as the Brampton course is no way near as hilly and the field is bigger at the front so less chance of you running on your own. However I was disappointed with how it went and I feel if 2018 was dominated by hot races then 2019 looks like being dominated by windy races (having done the windy Strathaven half marathon two weeks before). Joanne had also joined me up at Arbroath and she finished in a time of 1:15:23 - 13th overall.
With this being a women only race the race t-shirts were sized for women (and not generic small, medium and large) and while I have received the odd bottle or two of beer after a race this race had a small bottle of wine in your bag at the end. The spread that Arbroath Footers put on afterwards was brilliant - sandwiches, sausage rolls and cakes - all from a local bakers (I think that is what I look for in a race now - not worth doing it if there is not a good spread afterwards!)
I did finish off my day with a lovely dinner in Arbroath and a local gin down by the sea front. Thanks to George and my mum & dad for the support on the day.
Julie
Tuesday 5 March 2019
Allan Scally Road Relay - Harriers Out in Force
Excellent form from Alan Cullie |
The forecast was for the conditions to deteriorate later on in the race but for the 12 noon start the weather was almost perfect for running; overcast with a wind that was largely blocked by the trees and meandering grassy banks and bridges. Our first leg runners were Kirsty Wilson and Morgan Beaton in the ladies' teams, Alan Derrick, Stephen Phimister, Davie Wardrope, Paul Rooney and Colin Banks, all of whom lined up behind the starting line in a very compact group. With only about 10m of total ascent in the course, this was going to be a fast (and painful) blast around the park. As I have said in all of my recent race reports, I wasn't really sure how I would react to a fast pace as I am still working myself back to hard training. This was going to be a voyage of discovery as I had no idea what pace I could sustain for 5km. I chose to start a good few rows back in the heart of the field as I remembered that I couldn't live with the early pace of the students 3 or 4 years ago so I had no chance now. Then the bell rang and we eventually realised that was the signal to start! After an initial 50m surge, I eased back to around 3:25/km pace. I had thought that 3:30 average would be a good target, which would give me 17:30 so I wasn't worried about trying a little too hard for the first km, so long as I eased back then. Indeed this was OK for the first 1.5k but when we turned up the gentle slope from the McLellan Arch to towards the People's Palace, it suddenly felt quite tough and my pace slipped a little. Between 2 and 3km there were 3 or 4 quite sharp turns which required a little bit of extra effort to accelerate back up to pace.
Legs like lead in the final 500m! |
Although I was gradually picking people off in the first half, in the second half I was wilting and started to drop a few places here and there. I was on the absolute limit and definitely in hanging on mode for the final 2km. Inside the final km and the finish is not in sight as the path follows the long, almost 120 degree curve of the river around to the Polmadie foot bridge and the finish line. This curve seemed to be never ending as me and those around me started their final surge for the line way too early, wondering when the line would come. Suddenly the line was visible 20m ahead of us and I joined the group of bent over double runners, all of whom had given their all. My watch showed 17:54 and a 3:34/km average so happy enough with that. However, we shall go with the official time of 17:56, the first leg runners suffering from the delay realising that the bell we heard was actually the start signal, so we were all a bit late starting our watches. A check back showed my previous 5k had been 17:40 at the equally flat Perth parkrun last June, so I haven't lost too much, although it is probable that my right lung was already damaged then too, following my fall on the WHW in May and my post-race Strava comments about not being able to breath then either.
Stephen P - nothing wrong with that running style |
Kirsty closing Davie down. |
Karen flying |
Karen Allen is really returning to form, recording our fastest lady's time of 20:37 and edging towards her sub-20 form of old. It won't be long before Karen is back below 20. Alison Lessells is also making a steady return to form, heading back into the low 20's territory with an excellent time of 22:09. Lorraine Buchanan had a bit of a lonely time out on the 4th leg but ran a very even paced 23:16, just missing out by 9 seconds on a PB set previously at Victoria parkrun. Julie Thomson has not run many 5k's but paced this one well to finish in 24:13, not far outside her best set last year also at Victoria parkrun. Morgan Beaton had only recently started back on fast reps and with youth on her side, had the speed to get carried away with the fast early pace on leg 1, suffering a bit later on to finish in 24:45, a time that Morgan will smash by many minutes later on in the season. Sandy Hayden was only seconds behind in 24:48 but more importantly, paced it to perfection, maintaining an even pace throughout.
Morgan still moving well |
Paul Rooney has been absent and injured for a while but made a good return to racing with a time of 22:30, homing in on his previous mid-21 form. However, the biggest come back performance was that of Colin Banks who has been out of action since last Summer with a knee injury and who threw himself in at the deep end by taking on the Scally. Colin's time was 30:22. This is just the first step back for Colin and we want to track steady progress as he gets back into regular training.
The battle for victory in the flat v hilly and long v short challenge was contested between Davie Searil and Billy Buchanan, both of whom had raced at Glen Tress last weekend (marathon and half marathon respectively) with thousands of feet of climbing and hours of running and here they were on a 5k course a week later with only 30 feet of ascent. Unfortunately I don't know what the formula is to rank Davie's 6:28 severe terrain marathon and 24:40 5k at Glasgow Green with Billy's equally severe 2:28 half marathon and 23:10 5k. Lets call it a draw!
Davie takes any distance in his stride |
Jim Holmes separated himself from the back by running an excellent 20:54, back into the 20's again and setting himself up for a deserved afternoon on the town, fuelled by a deep fried half pizza and smoked sausage supper, the fuel of champions (just ask Laura Muir)! The pack behind him was indeed tight. Richard Lawton triumphed in 21:16, pulling out an unassailable 3 second gap over Kenny Leinster (21:19). This was close to a pb for Richard and one of Kenny's fastest times over a distance he does not run very often. Not far away (21:27), Alan Cullie found the flat terrain suited his back injury better than last week's national cross country course, whilst Geo Ferguson took 10 seconds off his 5k PB to finish in an excellent 21:30. Richard Beaton was out to keep his daughter company and running for the Harriers for the first time. Richard ran 23:31, a time which I am sure Morgan will be targeting in her next 5k race! Russell Couper continued to demonstrate returning form and powered round in a fine 24:27, amongst his best times of recent years (and followed up with the tough Lasswade 10 mile the next day). Chas has done all the Scally courses over the years and was here to sample the latest edition with a solid 27:01, easily Chas' fastest 5k time for many years.
Jim Holmes adopts a familiar post-race pose |
Thanks to Frances for support and photography, to the Harriers who made light work of bringing, setting up and packing away the tent and to Russell for suffering the stress of race registration on behalf of us all. All of Frances' photos are here (there are lots, plus a couple from me).
Alan
Monday 4 March 2019
NATIONAL 6 + 4 STAGE RELAYS
3rd March 2019 - ENTRIES CLOSE ON MONDAY 4th MARCH. WE HAVEN'T GOT A SINGLE TEAM YET! My name would be down but due to Portugal training camp being 1 week later this year, I am not back in time. Alan
This years National road relays will again be held in Livingston on Sunday 24th March.
Mens 6 stage is off first at noon with the Ladies 4 stage starting at 12.10pm.
Cost is £5 each and should be paid in advance.
Stages are alternate legs of 3.1 and 5.8 miles.
I need names by Monday 4th March.
Entries for those born before 1/09/2001.
If you wish entered please leave your name HERE.
Those already registered are listed HERE.
Please make sure your Scottish Athletics number is up to date. They will reject the entry if not or inaccurate.
This years National road relays will again be held in Livingston on Sunday 24th March.
Mens 6 stage is off first at noon with the Ladies 4 stage starting at 12.10pm.
Cost is £5 each and should be paid in advance.
Stages are alternate legs of 3.1 and 5.8 miles.
I need names by Monday 4th March.
Entries for those born before 1/09/2001.
If you wish entered please leave your name HERE.
Those already registered are listed HERE.
Please make sure your Scottish Athletics number is up to date. They will reject the entry if not or inaccurate.
Sunday 3 March 2019
GRAND PRIX RACE - LAND O BURNS 10k
The Land O Burns 10k race has been a firm favourite Grand Prix race for the Harriers and this year is know different.
The 2019 edition of Land O Burns is on Wednesday 22nd May starting at 7.30pm and the race is now open to take entries. The closing date is Monday 20th May and is pre entry only costing £9 (SA discounted cost)
Entry Central link
https://www.entrycentral.com/LandOBurns10K
The 2019 edition of Land O Burns is on Wednesday 22nd May starting at 7.30pm and the race is now open to take entries. The closing date is Monday 20th May and is pre entry only costing £9 (SA discounted cost)
Entry Central link
https://www.entrycentral.com/LandOBurns10K
Saturday 2 March 2019
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