FINE DAY FOR A RUN ON THE GREEN

Well Shettleston Harriers did us proud today. They found the only break in February's weather to hold the Allan Scally Relays. We had 2 full Ladies teams and 3 full and a quarter mens teams.
Noon comes around and our six first leg runners are ready for the off.
The following will be the official times not individual watches.
Karen Allen leading off the Ladies A team, Morgan Beaton for the Ladies B team, Stephen Phimister for the M50 team, Richard Beaton for the M40 team, Chris McCarron for the Senior male team and Russell Couper on a solo leg. As expected Chris had a flyer running coming home in 18.18 and our fastest Harrier of the day handing over to Robert Gibson making his relay debut, Next over the line was Stephen Phimister 19.59 and after last week happy to finish in front of Karen in a head to head. Stephen handed over to Martin Howell. Karen wasn't far behind Stephen finishing in 20.35 and handing over to Julie Beveridge. Richard Beaton and Morgan Beaton were having their own family head to head with Richard beating daughter Morgan but its getting close with the times Richard 22.23 and Morgan 22.45. Richard handed to David Wardrope and Morgan to Julie Thomson. That just left Russell on the course still wary of last weeks calf injury crossing the line in 26.13 much faster than anticipated.
5 runners on the course for us now who would catch who. Martin came home first in a time of 20.22 handing over to Kenny Leinster, The Ladies A team wasn't far behind with Julie running 20.15 and our fastest Lady today. Julie handed over to Sandy Hayden. Next in was Robert Gibson having a great run in 22.45 handing over to Gordon McInally. Our hardy Marathon runner just six days after Seville David ran 21.31 handing over to Richard Lawton in his first race for a long time probably about 8 months. Our Ladies B team were next with Julie T running 24.48. Julie was a bit disappointed with this as she can run a lot better but some days it just doesn't happen but still a very respectable time. Julie handed over to Claire McSorley also I believe making her relay debut.

3rd legs all running now would there be any changes to the order. Kenny came in first in a time of 22.24 handing over to Billy Buchanan. I have since found out billy tried to give his number away by asking Stuart Gibson who had ran a solo first leg to run for him. Our Ladies A team were still holding close order with Sandy coming home with a PB of 23.14 and handing over to Alison Lessells. Next in was Gordon in 24.59 just sneaking under the 25 another one a little disappointed but sill a very respectful time all things considered. Gordon Handed over to Kevin Farmer to chase down the field. Next in was Richard making a great return to racing in 23.54 and handing over to Mark Saez also to chase down the field. Claire was next having a great run in 22.56 handing over to Frances Phimister who had kindly stepped up to complete the team.

Would there be any change in the Harriers order. The answer yes Kevin came through to make our Senior team our first finishers in a time of 19.13 and 91st place (1.25.16). Next was Alison catching our M50 team and finishing with 22.05 for 96th place (1.26.11) and 17th Ladies. Next was Billy 23.29 and 97th place (1.26.16) and 3rd M50. Next catching a lot was Mark 19.06 moving the team to 101st (1.26.55)and 14 M40. Bringing the club home was Frances 28.20 (1.38.48) for 133rd place.
There were a total of 151 complete teams and 13 partial teams took part today. Great to see this race rising into a major event again since its move to the green.
Great racing from all the club involved today and some close racing from our teams with less than 2 mins splitting our first 4 teams. Well done all.
Thanks to Frances Ferguson and Alan Derrick for your support today and thanks also to the first aiders who we didn't need today but glad to know their there if we need them.

Photos in this album.

ALLAN SCALLY TEAMS

The race starts at noon and I would like everyone there for 11.20 to distribute the numbers as we have a lot to get through and also allow good warm ups.
I will pick up the numbers and be at the start for this time.
The provisional teams are as follows

(119)    Karen Allen
             Julie Beveridge
             Sandy Hayden
             Alison Lessells

(120)    Morgan Beaton
             Julie Thomson
             Claire McSorley
             Frances Phimister

(121)     Stephen Phimister      M50 team
              Martin Howell
              Kenny Leinster
              Billy Buchanan

(122)    Richard Beaton            M40 team
             David Wardrope
             Richard Lawton
             Mark Saez

(123)     Chris McCarron        SEN team
              Robert Gibson
              Gordon McInally
              Kevin Farmer

(124)      Russell Couper     incomplete team

ALLAN SCALLY RELAYS

I will be doing the entries for this event on Friday morning so please leave your name by Thursday on the future events page.
Recently weve had some members entering races and being injured in the weeks leading up to said events. In the interests of saving you some money for your entry if you know by Thursday that your not going to make it let me know and I wont enter you. You can do this by either contacting me directly or adding your name to the entry list but putting WITHDRAW in the additional info part.

Russell

Substitute Grand Prix Half Marathon

Looks like there is no objection to this being our "Grand Prix Half" this year, so it is in.
With the cancellation of the Monklands Half (just to clarify, the Monklands Half is only cancelled from our Grand Prix as it clashes with WHW weekend. The race is still on for those not doing WHW) and various other popular half's being already fully booked, we are looking for a half for the Grand Prix that does not clash with one of our other events in April or May.

The one that looks possible given that a handful of Harriers have already entered is the Strathaven Run with the Wind Half which has been re-scheduled to 10th May and still has less than 60 places available. It is the Sunday before the West Highland Way weekend. Does anyone have any objections to this race being in (if you would normally contest whatever half marathon we put in the Grand Prix)? Leave a comment. If you do wish to do it, I would recommend entering within the next week before it fills up. Its on Entry Central.
Alan

A Couple More Grand Prix Events Confirmed

Two more events added to the Grand Prix:

• Tom Scott Road Race (5th April)
• Land O'Burns 10k (27th May).

Details in the "Entries for Future Events" page link at the top of the blog. Both events are Entry Central entires. Tom Scott already open for entries. Land O'Burns opens in early March.
Alan

NATIONAL XC AND MORE AMBULANCES

For those not there today Kirsty took a bad fall and was in a lot of pain. The first responders took very good care of her until the paramedics arrived so many thanks to them. Kirsty was taken to Forth Valley hospital and after a CT scan was given good news that its soft tissue damage but they are keeping her in overnight to manage the pain so hopefully she will be home tomorrow and on the mend. Im sure all the Harriers wish you a speedy recovery Kirsty.

Onto the races. Well what can I say that was some sort of crazy. Next to no grass for the whole course ive never known it to be so muddy and that's saying something because Falkirk is always muddy.

Our juniors where off in the earlier races getting a mixture of rain, hail and snow not to mention the wind. First up was Emma Hutton in the u/13 girls running 3.1k in 16.29. Then in the u/15 girls we had Eve Lindsay running 4.1k in 24.13. Well done girls.

Onto the senior Ladies running what turned out to be a little over 10k. They started in reasonable conditions, well reasonable for today any other day they would be horrible but by the time they got up and round the start hill it started to snow and hail so when they came out from behind the house they had a gale blowing the hail straight into their faces at which point they had to run through a deep puddle. It really was atrocious. It was it this point Kevin had gone to the Tent to discover it in bits. That heavy shower with the wind it brought had snapped the frame so we had to shuttle all the Ladies gear down to the small tent we had up earlier for the juniors, This is when Kirsty had come of the course so we didn't even have the big tent to keep her sheltered but Frances took good care of her keeping her warm along with the first responders. Back to the race and the weather had settled a little but everyone was still finding it extremely difficult going although Karen Allen was running really strong and was well ahead of our other Ladies and finishing in 50.20. Next was Alison Lessells heading Sandy Hayden, Both having strong runs and finishing  in 54.17 and 55.49. Morgan slipped back a little from her earlier position which is understandable given that racing xc over that distance is a new experience for her finishing in 59.18.  Next was the closest Harriers race of the day between Julie Thomson and Lorraine Buchanan, Julie just pipping Lorraine by 3secs. Times where 1.00.57 and 1.01.00. Well done Ladies really proud to see our Ladies out there battling the course and conditions.

Onto the men and with Callum having to go to hospital with Kirsty it left just 6 Men taking the start line. Same course as the ladies and almost identical start weather wise. A flicker of snow as we started and as we got behind the house driving hail into the face. I had to at one point put my hands across my face to protect the eyes. I new the rest where going to be a lot faster than me but I had started well and was running well going through the first mile only about 40 metres down on Jim and Kenny but they where going away from me so it wouldn't be long before they where out of site. After the first lap the weather settled but the course was just a bog now but I was still running strong infact I had picked up the pace on mile 3 and was starting to pass people then disaster. It felt like my calf had been bit by a snake and had to back off losing over 2 mins a mile after that on a long slog just to finish. Meanwhile up ahead Graeme Lindsay doing this for the Harriers for the first time was having a flyer finishing in 49.35. Next making his debut for the Harriers in this event was Kevin Farmer finishing in 50.58. Next was Stephen Phimister finishing in 53.58. Kenny and Jim have had some close races over the last couple of seasons and although it was relatively close Kenny Leinster had quite a comfortable lead over Jim Holmes by the end finishing in 55.42 and 56.24. Finally I limped over the finish line in 1.05.10 and hoping ive not damaged the calf too much. We shall see tomorrow what sort of nick its in.

Thanks to Frances Ferguson, Alan Derrick and Andy Buchannan for your support today it was very much appreciated.
Photo album from today is here.

NATIONAL XC CHAMPIONSHIP

FINAL INSTRUCTIONS
Frances will take the small tent for the Juniors to use before the Large tent arrives later
U/13 girls Emma Hutton race start is 11am number should be picked up at the school up to 30 mins before the start
U/13 boys Ben Buchanan race start at 11.16 number should be picked up at the school up to 30 mins before the start
U/15 girls Eve Lindsay race starts at 11.32 number should be picked up at the school up to 30 mins before the start.
Senior ladies @ 12.55 I will pick up the numbers and be on the course for noon.
Senior men @ 14.30 I will pick up the numbers and be on the course for noon.

Kenny will be leaving the Sports club at 11.00 with the tent so anyone wanting to travel as a group be there before 11am 
Can I ask all the Ladies to be there for 12.10 at the latest and the Men 13.30 at the latest althought it would be nice if you could be there to support the Ladies

Entries are now submitted please see below everyone that's entered

U15 Girls
Eve Lindsay

U13 Boys
Ben Buchanan

Sen/Mas Women
Morgan Beaton
Alison Lessells
Kirsty Wilson
Julie Thomson
Lorraine Buchanan
Alexandra Hayden
Karen Allen

Sen/Mas Men
Kevin Farmer
Graeme Lindsay
Callum Wright
Allan Mclellan
Andrew Buchanan
George Ferguson
Kenny Leinster
Stephen Phimister
Jim Holmes
Russell Couper

Also entered direct is Emma Hutton u/13 girl

First UP First Down

In early February I headed up to rural Perthshire for the Strathearn trail and hill running festival. Based only a short run form Crieff Hydro there were races across all lengths from 3k to the half marathon. I was due to run on Saturday evening at the Dark 10K. As night was falling across the Perthshire hills, a dry and calm evening was in store with views over towards Lawers and Killin in the distance. Despite these conditions, I expected a waterlogged and boggy course due to the recent weather. when almost Dark and the warm-up complete the hooter started and we were off, 100 or so daft hill, trail and ultra runners dash into the night. The course began with a lap of the golf course which was very slippy as the man in front of me found out to his cost with a dive that Neymar would have been proud of. Over the golf course and down into the trails we ran, up to knee height in the water at times. The first hill was soon upon us. At this point, I was sitting in fourth place, determined not to blaze away too quickly. A run to the top of the second hill followed at this point I was leading with a small group of five just behind. The next kilometre was fairly flat and I lost the group all but one. I was running easily and freely as the course began to climb and bend, it was just me and one other runner. I could hear his laboured breathing and I knew he was at his maximum. Cat and mouse followed as I began to increase the pace. the final climb over the knock and parent hill was steep and craggy, I ran the entire route to the summit. This pulled me away from the second placer. The descent was slippy and I knew i just had to keep pushing and I would be the first runner comfortably. Leading a race is a strange feeling and as this was night run it was just a trail of headlights. I couldn't tell who was behind. A final climb and fast trail descent followed all that passed me was a very athletic deer. Down to the finish and there it was a 1st place, new Dark course record and a 2 and half minute win. Here's hoping this is first of many. A very tasty Italian followed and another race added to the long list for the year ahead.

Chris

Harriers' Contact Details Update

The Harriers' committee have realised that their database of members' e-mail addresses is well out of date. To bring our members contact details database up to date and allow distribution of private club information to members by e-mail, saving postage costs, it would be appreciated if you could please fill in this form.

Devilla Forest 15k

Despite the dire forecast and other various doom-laden weather warnings Ruth, Jim and I set out for Kincardine on Sunday morning feeling optimistic about what lay ahead. This was to be my longest come-back run to date and the others were planning on doubling up, heading out after they had finished to retrace their steps as part of Jim's WHWR training.

I had a feeling it was going to be a good day when Ruth was directed to park no more than twenty meters from the front door of the Police Scotland training college which was Carnegie Harriers race HQ for the day. We all decided to dispense with our jackets as the Ochils Mountain Rescue Service team informed Jim that the rain was to stay away for the next wee while, what a good decision that was to prove.

Advertising our harriers...

Having managed to become separated from the others I went for an extended warm up and caught sight of what I assumed to be a new start line, it was only on returning later I discovered it was in fact the 5k start line and that the 15k start was a good 400 meters along the road, ironically in the usual place. I continued my warm up at a much faster pace only to hear the hooter go while still about 100 meters away. Feeling a bit sheepish (I do have previous form having done something similar at Strathclyde parkrun a couple of years ago) I made my belated way over the line much to the amusement of the assembled  marshals even offering to take the hand of the tail runner who had had the good sense to look around before starting and had seen me coming.

15k route

5k route

Carnegie Harriers had to curtail the route due to a problem up at Peppermill Dam which meant we ran the lower loop followed by the 5k route instead (leading to a reduced 8.54 miles) but the notoriously and gloriously boggy section remained, see below;

And to think Jim was a confirmed, dyed-in-the-wool road runner until he met me.

Ruth, carefully avoiding a face-plant/mudpack

At times we were up to our knees in mud and sliding all over the place but all too soon we were back out onto the forestry tracks which, to our dismay, had been relaid with fresh stones since Ruth and I last ran this race two years ago. So fresh that the only smooth running was a single, presumably bike-made, track which resulted in a ridiculous looking single file of runners for hundreds of yards all in line. As if I wasn't suffering enough the soles of my feet are still loupin from running on that horrible surface.

The wind may have howled but the rain (mostly) stayed away as we finished in the expected order, as you can see...

Jim was a little discomforted later at the prize giving to find that the MV50 runner he'd overtaken and managed to beat by around a minute turned out to be the MV70 winner!

A few other photos of the day are at this link here Devilla 15k

The winners were James Waldie of HBT in 49.30 and Lynne Allen, unattached, in 59.27. There were 331 finishers and 6 dnfs, presumably still trying to climb out of the bog.

My compadres were a bit too knackered to go back out (I think they might have got lost anyway!) so we had a shower, a piece and a hot drink to revive ourselves before the journey home, all in all a grand wee day oot - as someone I know would say.

Grangemouth Round the Houses 10k

Just a brief reminder that this Grand Prix race takes place on Sunday 19th April. Although it is a long way off, the race is filling up fast (Russell tells me there were less than 130 places left as of yesterday). This is probably because the race incorporates the British Masters 10k Road Race Championship this year. Presumably a certain number of places have been set aside for British Masters entries.

If you are a member of Scottish Veteran Harriers, then you can enter the British Masters Championship (age 35+ on the day of the race) via the British Masters Athletics web site here: https://bmaf.opentrack.run/comp/642/

Otherwise, enter via Entry Central here.

Let's look for strong teams in all age categories. We came very close to individual and national team medals the last time the BMAF 10k championship was in Scotland (Pollok Park).

You can leave your name using this form if you are intending to enter so the team captains can see who we have. Those names we have so far are here.
Alan

Vets in the Wind or Wind in the Vets.

It was a small but select group of Harriers who made our way to Johnstone for the Masters Cross Country on Saturday. Russell Couper, Gordon McInally, Geo Ferguson and Kenny Leinster were braving Storm Ciara supported by coach Alan Derrick who  managed to survive the biting wind by shouting his positive encouragement  on the course.

The course was 8k over a twisting route with many turns and switchbacks  giving a look at those in front but also those chasing you. Gordon, after an early stop to retie a lace ran a tactical race sitting behind Russell seeking protection from the prevailing wind and passing him shortly before the finishing straight. Geo ran a steady race and found the third lap hard work, however celebrated his first race in his new age category. Kenny struggled to get any pace but ran consistently on each lap.

It was a good race to get some preparation for the National XC in 2 weeks time

The times were as follows.

Kenny Leinster 40.33

Geo Ferguson 42.03

Gordon McInally 43.37

Russell Couper 43.41

More photos here.

LASSWADE 10 MILE ROAD RACE

HI All

I am just passing on some information for the upcoming Lasswade Ten Mile Road Race. I have attached a word and JPG document, which I am hoping you will be able to share among your members.

This years race will take place on Sunday 1st March, and will cover the same Ten Mile Route as previous years. Online entries are open on Entry Central using the following link / address. 

https://www.entrycentral.com/Lasswade-Road-Race

Prices and further information can also be found at this address,

Thanks in advance

Craig

MASTERS XC

This Saturday is the Masters xc in Johnstone. We have 4 men running and Kenny will be leaving the club at noon if anyone wishes to travel with him. The mens race is at 13.45 over 8k. I will arrive early and collect the numbers.
Those running are
R Couper, K Leinster, G McInally and G Ferguson.
Entered but not running Alan Derrick and A McLellan.