The enormously popular womens race in Glasgow on Sunday also included some of the Harriers Tuesday night section who produced some fantastic times. Caroline Dewar and Mhairi Steven both crossed the finishing line on 49 minutes and 53 seconds while Julie Collins was not too far behind in 55 minutes and 25 seconds. Monique McAdams continued to improve and dipped under the hour with forty seconds to spare . Her close friend Jennifer Fegan who came along to the club for the first time last night finished on 65 minutes and 42 seconds.
A special mention goes to mum to be Alice Leigh ( no poetry intended) who understandbly took things a bit easier than usual but with a fine time of 75 minutes and 56 seconds .
An enormous well done goes out to all the ladies and is a sentiment I am sure will supported by all the Harriers.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Friday, 8 May 2009
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Auldhouse 5k Time Trial - 7th May 2009
There is a common theme to this week's running events; poor weather. However, this did not prevent an impressive turnout of 23 for the first Auldhouse 5k time trial of the season. Despite the strong winds there were course bests/pb's for Russell Couper, David Dickson, Ian Hughes, Stephen Phimister, and Stephen Reilly. Biggest improver was David Dickson slicing a full minute off his best time from last year. Fastest time of the day was Andy Buchanan with 17:11 and fastest lady was Frances Maxwell with 22:44. Great to see so many first timers setting times, including Linda White on her first night at the club. What a shock to the system that must have been! All the times can be viewed here.
Troon Tortoises 10k
We thought we may have got away with the weather as we headed towards Troon & a glimpse of blue sky was seen ahead but how wrong we were. Standing next to the sea in vest & shorts as the wind howled in off the coast and the rain driving horizontally up my shorts was far from pleasant, but there seemed a good turnout nonetheless & a good bunch of fast guys up front.
The virtual gun eventually went off & we soon forgot about the weather (for the time being) as we turned at the end of the prom & got the temporary benefit of the back wind. This was only too short lived as every turn after that the wind seemed to become stronger & stronger & more head on. Then it started raining, then raining harder which then became something resembling sleet. If I ever get laser eye surgery I will at least know what it feels like.
First Harrier over the line was Alan Derrick in a respectable 35.23. There is some uncertainty surrounding Alans last 10k appearance but good to see him back in action.
Next up was Colin, somehow pulling a significant PB out of the bag despite the conditions - finishing in 36.39.
Stephen Reilly came through in 37.27, followed by Eddie 38.31 & Graham Lindsay in 43.02 in his first race back following some injury problems.
Mary Goldsmith was sole female Harrier in 48.07 then Richard Lawton came over the line in 50.14.
Well done everyone - that was a tough one.
A couple of downsides for this race were the crammed registration area due to the weather which made it hard to actually get in the building to get your number, and also the fiddly chip timers that mean you have to unthread your laces then re-lace again. Not easy to get off when your pinkies are like mini-milks at the end of a cold race.
Good points - a good cup of sugary tea after & cracking sausage supper from the chippy.
Colin
The virtual gun eventually went off & we soon forgot about the weather (for the time being) as we turned at the end of the prom & got the temporary benefit of the back wind. This was only too short lived as every turn after that the wind seemed to become stronger & stronger & more head on. Then it started raining, then raining harder which then became something resembling sleet. If I ever get laser eye surgery I will at least know what it feels like.
First Harrier over the line was Alan Derrick in a respectable 35.23. There is some uncertainty surrounding Alans last 10k appearance but good to see him back in action.
Next up was Colin, somehow pulling a significant PB out of the bag despite the conditions - finishing in 36.39.
Stephen Reilly came through in 37.27, followed by Eddie 38.31 & Graham Lindsay in 43.02 in his first race back following some injury problems.
Mary Goldsmith was sole female Harrier in 48.07 then Richard Lawton came over the line in 50.14.
Well done everyone - that was a tough one.
A couple of downsides for this race were the crammed registration area due to the weather which made it hard to actually get in the building to get your number, and also the fiddly chip timers that mean you have to unthread your laces then re-lace again. Not easy to get off when your pinkies are like mini-milks at the end of a cold race.
Good points - a good cup of sugary tea after & cracking sausage supper from the chippy.
Colin
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
BUPA Great Edinburgh Run 10 k
The capital city looked resplendant in the May sunshine for the 10 k road race on Sunday . Chas Steven and Don Kennedy were there to represent the club and one of the newest runners at the club Davie Wardrope ( hope I've got the name right) being noticed at the 5 K stage. Chas who celebrated his 49 th birthday the day before completed the hilly but fantastically supported course in 51 minutes and 51 seconds while the ever improving Don reached the Grassmarket finish line on 54 minutes and 37 seconds. Well done to all three Harriers.
ps I can't find the other time on the results Davie - let us know how you got on and we'll get you fixed up for a club vest.
ps I can't find the other time on the results Davie - let us know how you got on and we'll get you fixed up for a club vest.
Sunday, 3 May 2009
Parkrun Update
There have been so many Harriers participating in the Parkrun at Pollok Park the last two Saturdays that the "monthly" report has been brought forward to recognise all the excellent performances.
Saturday 25th April saw the biggest ever Glasgow Parkrun field (238) and, coincidentally, the biggest Calderglen Harriers turnout too. It was another fine, sunny morning although again quite windy. However, as much of the course is well sheltered within the woods, the wind was really only noticeable on the start straight.
On arriving at the start area it was encouraging to see so many Harriers literally appearing out of the woods (individually!). Alan Derrick was the only Harrier not to record a course best finishing in 17:09, 3 secs slower than his first appearance a month earlier although he did manage to secure a comfortable 3rd place overall. Jamie McMonagle was next in 19:07, an improvement of 6 seconds which was no doubt limited by a night out on Friday. Stuart Waugh improved by 19 seconds on his first performance (February) recording 20:10. Stuart was frustrated to just miss out on a Calderglen M60 Gold Performance Standard, however that will surely come next time. Debutant Jim Holmes recorded a solid 20:14, just 1 second outside his 5k pb. David Herbertson raced Parkrun for the fourth time and set his 3rd course best in a row (20:51), an improvement of 4 seconds. John McBride made his debut too but for some reason was missing from the entries database and so the official time is not known. Russell Couper maintained his steady progress on the way back from his operation recording an improvement of 22 seconds (25:36). As noted in an earlier post, Tuesday nighter Julie Collins made her first appearance in the excellent time of 27:14 and can expect to take minutes off that as her experience and fitness improves.
On 2nd of May the field again exceed 200 runners. Jamie sends the following report:
I ran this morning in a p.b. for course in 18mins 42secs in 16th position, improving my best by 25 secs. Bronze Performance standard, ya beauty! Guess what, no cider the night before!Special mention to my wife Jean who took part in her first run finishing in 34mins 32secs which augurs well for the womans' 10k next week. Richard Lawton took part in his first run and finished in 24mins 17 secs and Russell Cooper ran a p.b. for course by 15 secs in 25mins 22 secs so p.b's all round. Another big turnout with 201 runners.
As everyone is demonstrating (except me!), a 5k race is an excellent training session and we can expect to see the benefits carried through to the forthcoming 10k's.
Saturday 25th April saw the biggest ever Glasgow Parkrun field (238) and, coincidentally, the biggest Calderglen Harriers turnout too. It was another fine, sunny morning although again quite windy. However, as much of the course is well sheltered within the woods, the wind was really only noticeable on the start straight.
On arriving at the start area it was encouraging to see so many Harriers literally appearing out of the woods (individually!). Alan Derrick was the only Harrier not to record a course best finishing in 17:09, 3 secs slower than his first appearance a month earlier although he did manage to secure a comfortable 3rd place overall. Jamie McMonagle was next in 19:07, an improvement of 6 seconds which was no doubt limited by a night out on Friday. Stuart Waugh improved by 19 seconds on his first performance (February) recording 20:10. Stuart was frustrated to just miss out on a Calderglen M60 Gold Performance Standard, however that will surely come next time. Debutant Jim Holmes recorded a solid 20:14, just 1 second outside his 5k pb. David Herbertson raced Parkrun for the fourth time and set his 3rd course best in a row (20:51), an improvement of 4 seconds. John McBride made his debut too but for some reason was missing from the entries database and so the official time is not known. Russell Couper maintained his steady progress on the way back from his operation recording an improvement of 22 seconds (25:36). As noted in an earlier post, Tuesday nighter Julie Collins made her first appearance in the excellent time of 27:14 and can expect to take minutes off that as her experience and fitness improves.
On 2nd of May the field again exceed 200 runners. Jamie sends the following report:
I ran this morning in a p.b. for course in 18mins 42secs in 16th position, improving my best by 25 secs. Bronze Performance standard, ya beauty! Guess what, no cider the night before!Special mention to my wife Jean who took part in her first run finishing in 34mins 32secs which augurs well for the womans' 10k next week. Richard Lawton took part in his first run and finished in 24mins 17 secs and Russell Cooper ran a p.b. for course by 15 secs in 25mins 22 secs so p.b's all round. Another big turnout with 201 runners.
As everyone is demonstrating (except me!), a 5k race is an excellent training session and we can expect to see the benefits carried through to the forthcoming 10k's.
Friday, 1 May 2009
London Marathon 26th April 2009
As the alarm sounded in the darkness my pal Bryan & I stumbled round his house simultaneously trying to wake up & eat breakfast at the same time. We somehow managed to join 80 or so Milton Keynes AC members and others on the double-decker bus to Blackheath Common. Along the way the worrying clear blue skies allowed us a great view of the part-constructed 2012 Olympic Stadium in the Lea Valley even if Bryan neglected to waken me as we drove right past it.
Frustratingly stuck at a roundabout only a few hundred yards from the Blue start we had the dubious delight of watching the elite athletes zoom past on their official transport, police motor cycle outriders & all. I suppose I should have been pleased to see them at all as I usually have to wait to watch the TV highlights.
On arrival we were a bit miffed to find ourselves in pen 8 (second-last pen yet a predicted time of 4:30? I don’t think so) not far in front of the silly-costume runners. Throughout the day we were to see, in no particular order, Elvis, a giant nurse, two Baywatch babes (both male, sadly) Wonderwoman, Supermen, a Smurf, two Santas, rabbits, Tarzan & Jane, a canoeist! an elephant, a real-life bride & groom who were married during the race, in a church on Fleet Street, six (?) Beatles carrying a yellow submarine, soldiers with tackety boots and 40lb. backpacks, a giraffe, a tree, her Majesty the Queen in gown & crown and, amazingly, only one rhino. What is it about marathon running that brings out the latent cross-dresser in so many men? NB In case anyone is in any doubt I was in shorts and vest as usual.
I ran the whole way with my first-timer friend Bryan, who was running for HelpforHeroes. After starting steadily we managed to continue that way, partly thanks to encouragment and jelly babies from our wives at mile 14. However the last six miles, as usual, seemed like a marathon in themselves - we both struggled badly to the extent that I had to stop and stretch to avoid my calves cramping up completely between miles 22 and 23. There were only 441 dnf’s, surprisingly few given the temperature & the many people we saw walking, in total there were 35,306 finishers.
We crossed the line together in 4:31:47 and managed to stay upright long enough to pose together with our medals, who knows, I may change the habit of a lifetime and actually buy that photograph.
To quote coach “ the first Harrier at the UK’s biggest race” although those of you in the know will be aware I was also the only Harrier as Ian Hughes sadly had to defer due to knee problems.
We did at least beat Katie Price & Peter Andre who finished in 7:11 although I’m so out of touch Bryan had to tell me who they were to stop me from growling at some of the kids who were dashing in & around us to take photos as we went past them.
Bryan has already uttered that well-kent runner’s phrase - never again. I’m saying nothing, which makes a change.
Your roving reporter
Davie S
PS If anyone is thinking of entering the ballot for next year’s first Virgin London Marathon a club or charity entry is the best you can hope for as the maximum number of ballot entrants, an amazing 120,000, was reached by Tuesday only three days after the website opened.
PPS I must also mention Major Phil Packer who, covering his medically recommended maximum of two miles per day due to injuries sustained in Basra, isn’t expected to finish until a week on Saturday. Beside his commitment and effort I feel hopelessly inadequate.
Anyone wanting to keep an eye on his progress or donate to HelpforHeroes should log on to http://www.philpacker.com/
Frustratingly stuck at a roundabout only a few hundred yards from the Blue start we had the dubious delight of watching the elite athletes zoom past on their official transport, police motor cycle outriders & all. I suppose I should have been pleased to see them at all as I usually have to wait to watch the TV highlights.
On arrival we were a bit miffed to find ourselves in pen 8 (second-last pen yet a predicted time of 4:30? I don’t think so) not far in front of the silly-costume runners. Throughout the day we were to see, in no particular order, Elvis, a giant nurse, two Baywatch babes (both male, sadly) Wonderwoman, Supermen, a Smurf, two Santas, rabbits, Tarzan & Jane, a canoeist! an elephant, a real-life bride & groom who were married during the race, in a church on Fleet Street, six (?) Beatles carrying a yellow submarine, soldiers with tackety boots and 40lb. backpacks, a giraffe, a tree, her Majesty the Queen in gown & crown and, amazingly, only one rhino. What is it about marathon running that brings out the latent cross-dresser in so many men? NB In case anyone is in any doubt I was in shorts and vest as usual.
I ran the whole way with my first-timer friend Bryan, who was running for HelpforHeroes. After starting steadily we managed to continue that way, partly thanks to encouragment and jelly babies from our wives at mile 14. However the last six miles, as usual, seemed like a marathon in themselves - we both struggled badly to the extent that I had to stop and stretch to avoid my calves cramping up completely between miles 22 and 23. There were only 441 dnf’s, surprisingly few given the temperature & the many people we saw walking, in total there were 35,306 finishers.
We crossed the line together in 4:31:47 and managed to stay upright long enough to pose together with our medals, who knows, I may change the habit of a lifetime and actually buy that photograph.
To quote coach “ the first Harrier at the UK’s biggest race” although those of you in the know will be aware I was also the only Harrier as Ian Hughes sadly had to defer due to knee problems.
We did at least beat Katie Price & Peter Andre who finished in 7:11 although I’m so out of touch Bryan had to tell me who they were to stop me from growling at some of the kids who were dashing in & around us to take photos as we went past them.
Bryan has already uttered that well-kent runner’s phrase - never again. I’m saying nothing, which makes a change.
Your roving reporter
Davie S
PS If anyone is thinking of entering the ballot for next year’s first Virgin London Marathon a club or charity entry is the best you can hope for as the maximum number of ballot entrants, an amazing 120,000, was reached by Tuesday only three days after the website opened.
PPS I must also mention Major Phil Packer who, covering his medically recommended maximum of two miles per day due to injuries sustained in Basra, isn’t expected to finish until a week on Saturday. Beside his commitment and effort I feel hopelessly inadequate.
Anyone wanting to keep an eye on his progress or donate to HelpforHeroes should log on to http://www.philpacker.com/
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