A Day in the Lakes Triathlon Relay 26/6/15 - A Harriers' Tale

Martin Duthie - one cycling shoe & one running shoe = 75% power

As some of you may know, a number of Harriers have been participating in the above tri as relay teams for a few years now. Usually teams are discussed and formulated after Brampton in the Star Bar over a few beers, and not unusually when the time comes closer, there is a change in personnel/teams due to either sobriety kicking in or injuries have arisen.
This year was no exception, 3 teams appeared to have been agreed and written in blood, Sandy Hayden had decided after attending the previous years “festivities” that a ladies team was the order of the day, and decided/invited Mandy and Frances as her cyclist and runner respectively.

Alan Derrick was sticking to a winning formula of Martin, brother, Robin, and himself as the swim, cycle, run order.
Billy B enrolled Andrew and Kenny as his stronger links with Andrew swimming and Kenny running.

Andy B exits the water in 8th place.

Well times and teams change, Mandy was persuaded by Martin she should be his bike mechanic or so she tells us, which she proved on the day by pulling out allen keys and bike repairs and bike setup advice with no hesitation at all.

The ladies team was saved from pulling out by Andy Cleland who was sweet talked by Frances into doing the cycle. As Andy is a proper cyclist this was definitely a bit of a challenge to team Billy especially as on paper that made them strong contender for the Harrier team 2 over the line, Alan's  team still being the much fancied option who the betting money would be on.
Well so much for that! Next thing we hear is that Robin was laid low by injury and would be unable to participate for Alan's team.
Kenny was struggling with injury but managed to do some warm weather training in Portugal which convinced him he was no longer injured just short of training mileage but he would definitely be running.
Then the final hammer blow arrived on the day of the Harriers trail race, Frances while marshalling managed to stumble over a tree root causing an injury to her ankle which ruled her out of the running completely.

Billy with some surplus bike parts

When the going gets tough the tough get going, heroes arise, step forward Martin Duthie who volunteered to do the swim and the bike ride for his team, and Frances is some motivator as she talked Andy into doing the cycle and the run. These guys are proper athletes; the thought of doing more than one leg, especially when it includes the cycle, is above and beyond the call of duty – well done to both of you.

Final teams on the day Team Sandy (race number 42)    – Sandy – swim, Andy Cleland – cycle, run
 Team  Alan  (race number 69)   – Martin – swim, cycle, Alan – run
 Team Billy  (race number 125)  – Andrew – swim, Billy –cycle , Kenny – run.

So with all that sorted out we drove down on the Saturday to set up camp and register for the race starting early Sunday morning. Frances deserves a mention here for putting up her “wee But and Ben” first time with no help whatsoever (she had been well coached by Geo in the back garden on how to go about this).

Kenny "Don'cha think my......"
Confused as to how to wear the ADIL buff.

Martin and Mandy (bike mechanic) arrived and as I was getting my trusty steed off the roof of the car was advised that my bike setup needed some attention. I am sure Bradley Wiggins does not have to suffer the abuse, sorry advice I got, your wee under the saddle bike bag is a parachute / pannier get rid of it, what have you in it anyway “a three course meal and picnic set “as well as that my wee spoke reflectors had to go, safety is not an option when speed is paramount (speed! Me! Someone was getting confused here).

Anyway with the bikes setup, Martin decided to leave his in the safekeeping of the big tent with Kenny and I rather than take it back to his B&B (some people like their comforts, especially bike mechanics).

Our swimmers pre-race

The Sunday morning arrived, grey wet and windy and altogether not very inviting, especially as the wind was from the south which would be blowing all the way up the length of Ullswater.
First things first though Martin discovered he had a problem with one of his bike pedal cleats such that his right cycle shoe would not clip in. The solution was clear, strong tape and a running shoe!
Mandy can fix anything. (Sabotage was not engaged in overnight despite allegations made.)
To the race briefing where due to wind and waves we were advised that the swim course was altered from its original format of an out and back route to a still choppy rectangular 2 lap course in the more sheltered bay next to the camp site.
The change in swim route did not cause a problem for our swimmers; Andrew was out with wave 1 and completed his swim leg in  33mins coming 8th out of the water. Martin and Sandy were in wave 2 and did well Martin doing 35mins and first of the second wave, while Sandy did an excellent 42 mins.

Billy head down and kicking up some spray

The bike ride was tough with the wind and rain in our faces heading due south to the first long haul up Kirkstone Pass. I must admit I got off with about 200 mtrs to go to the top, was probably walking faster than I could pedal at that point, but once at the summit climbed back onto the saddle and stayed there till the end, despite a few negative thoughts along the way at some points.
The Shap  climb was not so bad as it appeared the wind and rain had veered a bit in direction and was actually assisting, either that or the gels were kicking in again.


Martin and Andy did both pass me as expected, Martin did shout encouragement to me and I did reply “what kept you” though it fell on his deaf ear; it turned out he had forgotten to take out one of his earplugs from the swim.

Andy must have passed me at some speed or more probably I had my head down struggling as usual, but passed me he did. The sun did eventually break through, the rain stopped and the wind died down a bit. If I had not had about 50 mins to go I may have enjoyed it a bit more but cramp was setting in to the legs taking my mind off the lovely scenery and improving weather.

Eventually got back to transition in 3hrs 43mins 17 secs, which after the bike setup optimisation scenario earlier, was a whole 3 seconds faster than last year!!
Martin was unfortunately disqualified during the bike ride for riding through a red light at some road works, something we did not know about until after the team had finished. A judgement was made by Martin as he rode up to them at in excess of 30 mph downhill; they were at green but then changed when he was too close to risk braking abruptly due to the wet road conditions and had little choice but to carry on through at that point.

Martin had a great time for the ride at 3hrs 6mins and Andy was not far behind at 3hrs 16mins.
Finally the run , Alan was off and running in a flash while Andy spent a wee while in transition changing out of cycling gear into “his/hers” running outfit (ask him). Kenny meanwhile enjoyed some more sunshine waiting for me and I got there eventually to fall down on the spot and get a fine leg massage from Andrew to try and convince me life was worth living (anyone want to buy a bike for next year’s event).

Alan sets off on the run

Did I say it was all sunshine and blue skies for the runners? Typical, a hard 12.5 mls over the hills and Alan did a spectacular run coming in at 1hr 37mins the 2nd fastest overall run of the day. Kenny did overtake Andy and finished in 2hrs 11mins a great performance considering his problems with preparation for this.

Kenny enjoying the best of the weather although into a strong head wind.

As for Andy, what can I say 2hrs 34mins and crossed the line with a smile on his face, brilliant work, but he will not be answering any phone calls from Frances any time soon.
It was a good weekend and no doubt somebody will mention it again in the Star Bar leading to who knows what next year .
Some more photos at this link (and more photos to come from Sandy. Also trying to identify photos of Andy Cleland to add in).
Plenty more official photos on the AWOLadventure.com web site.
Billy

UPGRADED!!! - West District 10k Medallists - Watch this Space

Further to these great performances from club members way back in May, I am pleased to announce that following scrutineering by Scottish Athletics officials, various women competitors have been found to be non-members of Scottish Athletics and hence were ineligible for West District medals. The good news is that Julie Beveridge has therefore been upgraded to Senior Woman Bronze medalist and, wait for it, Frances Maxwell is now West District F50 Gold Medalist!! Well done again to the ladies and to Andy for representing the club so well at this championship event.
Alan

Andy Buchanan and Frances Maxwell proudly displaying their West District Bronze medals.

A great report from Andy on fantastic performances. 

It was clear from the start line of this race that Calderglen Harriers were made of stronger stuff than most.  There were more black and gold vests on show than any other club colours on the start line.  Despite gusting winds, low air temperature and varying formats of rain, 14 harriers awaited the starters horn in jovial spirits.

The  course, although not being particularly fast in terms of elevation or numerous tight turns, did offer plenty of intermittent exposure to the wind with its many direction changes.  The latter perhaps more preferable to long stretches spent battling headwinds.  Two significant climbs, one around 3k, another around 7k and lasting about a mile, were the other challenges popular with post race reflection between runners.

From the beginning of the race it was clear the top four would be decided from the pack containing myself and 3 Cambuslang Harriers featuring the eventual winner Robert Gilroy.  By 1km the field let us carry on uncontested judging by the gap back to the next group.  By 2k Robert Gilroy eased away, it seemed the three of us were  happily content to let him go on to break the course record. After the 3rd km came the first main climb that saw Kerry-Liam Wilson pull clear and the 3rd Cambuslang runner give pursuit but with some distance.  I remained in 4th place until 5k gradually reeling back 3rd place and moving clear.  Passing through 5k in 16.12 I felt very strong and comfortable with the only limiting factor being how quick I could turn my legs over, I knew I was on track for another PB.  I finished 3rd overall in 32.43, somewhat flabbergasted to take a further 56 seconds off my previous best set only 2 weeks ago.

Only slightly further back were other medal deserving and pb performances.  Frances Maxwell overcame the conditions and other veteran adversaries to take the bronze district medal for her age group.  Squealing in delight " I never win anything like this!" beside me at the prize giving.  Geo, delighted for his partner, could be heard quipping " you're on the fish suppers on the way home then" in reference to France's additional £20 cash prize.

Sandy Hayden improved her 10k PB in her 3rd outing at this distance to dive under the 50 mark to sprint finish in 49.49.  Martin Howell followed myself in 41.03, despite some difficulty seeing through his glasses in the persistent rain.  Stephen Philister followed one place behind in 41.31.  Julie Beveridge just missed out on a medal finishing 4th overall in the woman's race in 42.31.  Joanne McEvoy finished well in 43.09.  Jim Holmes completed the course in 44.01 and George Ferguson ran a good steady 45.44.  John McBride ran a solid 46.47 and Grand Prix contender Hugh Simpson came home in 49.12.  Ultra runner Davie Searil ran a tenth of his usual race distance in 50.16.  Phil Marshall came through the finish funnel in 51.52 and Russell couper completed the harriers line up keeping himself under the 55 mark with a 54.49.

Massive well done to all harriers that took part.

Andy B.

Hot, Humid and Midgified 5k

A holiday reduced field lined up one by one for a hot and humid July Auldhouse 5k. This time everyone wanted an early start time to avoid being eaten alive by the midges. I can testify that as each runner started off, more of the midges diverted their attention to me and Kenny Leinster.

All the results are here.  First timers John Freer and Joe Sheils had great runs on this difficult to pace course. Yvonne Traynor had her first 5k of the season and will knock lumps out of that time on a cooler night for sure. Fastest time of the night was Mark Saez (Mark, I really didn't forget to add you to the start list, I intuitively knew you would be fastest and hence last to start!) in 19:01 with fast finishing Ian Hughes close behind. Special mention to Graham Ramage for risking his knee with a still respectable lap time and to Billy Buchanan for providing mobile cheer leading to newcomer Joe.

Thanks to all for continuing to support this monthly ritual.
Alan

Ronhill West Highland Way Race 20th and 21st June 2015, part one

Put the kettle on, it's like the race itself - long.

What a weekend we all had so where to start the story? It has to be at Milngavie I guess although the whole adventure really started to feel very real to me when Ruth and Jim came driving along our street on the evening of Friday the 19th (last month already!) with the Team Searil decals prominently adorning both sides of Ruth’s car. See below after transfer to the official team vehicle, it’s just a shame race rules precluded them driving alongside and giving me a wee tow along, just like Le Tour! (which starts Saturday, btw)

 

Designed by our in-house graphic designer, Graham Ramage (thanks Graham, I recognised myself immediately!), I began to realise, with a lump in my throat, just how much this all meant to the rest of the team and not just me, cue lots of hugs and moist eyes even before we set off (and that was just with Jim). A slight problem ensued while we contemplated where to stow Jim's cricket bag (that's what it looked like, it was huge) as we only have a wee Corsa and roof box. While doing so we discovered he had brought along a cricket, baseball and tennis set, clearly preparing for long waits at checkpoints - sound plan.   

Arriving at Milngavie train station in plenty of time, even beating the legendarily early Ian Rae (it would prove to be the last time that happened over the weekend), we were able to park right next to the start and even had time to usher Team Rae into the space beside us.

After registration, weighing (75 kilos), chipping, banding (sadly not all-inclusive), merchandise collection, much chatting and the obligatory pre-race photos we made our way back to the cars where Ian and I tried to get some last-minute sleep in our respective cars. I don’t know about Ian but it didn’t work for me at all as I simply couldn’t relax. 

 

Geo tells me the Friday night topers alighting from the last train from town are usually confused in the extreme by the sight of close to two hundred ultra runners, vans, crews and marshalls wandering around the station environs after midnight, not to mention guys in kilts with micrphones.

 Image by Monument photos

Eventually the waiting was almost over and the runners, supporters and crews all milled around the pedestrian tunnel which is the start of the race, familiar to almost all in the club from our annual relay, although probably not at 01:00 in the morning. After the rather ominous race briefings (there will be weather!) 187 of us were sent on our way by Race Director Ian Beattie, who has completed the race numerous times himself.

Having seen many photos and videos of this I had a good idea of what to expect but it was still a huge thrill to finally be a part of it at last. I was surprisingly calm and had been all week which, as Alison will very readily tell you, is not at all like me - I am normally nervous as a kitten in the build up to a big ultra and equally jumpy. Maybe the long slow build up to this one was responsible as this has been my main target for over two years now (no I didn’t let on to anyone for a while although I suspect Ian may have guessed!)

Image by Monument photos.
Me, very briefly, in front of Ian (note the headgear Graham, living up to the logo)

 

Milngavie to Balmaha, miles 1 to 20

Being mindful of the ninety five miles ahead I was determined not to overcook things early on, as someone very wise once said ‘you can’t win the race in the first twenty miles but you can certainly lose it’. Not that Ian or I had any designs on winning but I was very conscious of having an official support crew for the first time ever and did not want to let anyone down. All the good wishes of friends, family and club mates, while very welcome and, at times, inspiring also left me feeling an additional responsibility to ensure I finished this race, first and foremost.

Those who have run the first leg of the club relay will know there is a right-angled turn to the left within a few hundred yards of the start and, inevitably, about forty of us while busy chatting away missed it completely! We then had to turn about, blinding the runners behind us and being blinded in turn (everyone had head torches on) and eventually we were all back on the right track. Some folk may have become all worked up about that but, personally, I thought it hilarious and so relaxed into the race from that point onwards. It must also be said we wouldn’t have been lost anyway as, apparently, both paths eventually meet up again.

I soon said cheerio to Ian and let him go at his pace and tried to settle into mine. As usual I was finding it difficult to run slowly enough early in the race but for once managed to slow things down after a mile or so. I was probably helped by the humid night air as, although I have been lucky enough to outlast the asthma I’d had for most of my life, I still find breathing difficult when it gets sticky. I also used some ultra friends to gauge where I should be, watching one girl gradually pull away, Lois, who hammered me at the Fling, as did most to be fair, and had a brief chat with Rhona McKinnon before letting her go too. David Meldrum (RD of the John Lucas 50 at Strathaven) drew level and we tacitly decided to run together for a while, agreeing we were still running too fast (clearly a good strategy for David as he went on to run a stormer of a maiden WHWR). Maybe it’s a bit of an age thing as both the ladies mentioned are somewhere between twenty and thirty years younger than I whereas David, I’m sure he won’t mind me saying so, is a lot closer to my age. Having said all that I also had to let go another friend, Stuart MacFarlane, who, surely uniquely among us all, was using the WHWR as a training run! for his attempt to run the Watershed next month. 680 miles and 44 Munros in 34 days from the borders to Duncansby Head, near John O’Groats, all in aid of Funding Neuro, a brain and spinal column research charity. He puts us all to shame, and he’s 62.   

I had a strong memory of arriving at Balmaha very hungry during the Fling so was eating on the bigger hills on the way to Drymen, a banana, a honey piece and jelly beans were all being consumed as we walked up. I was having to be conservative with my fluid intake as it would have been very easy to quaff the whole bottle too quickly. (I never race with a bladder unlike most ultra runners but may have to reconsider this)

David stopped at Drymen to talk to his son while I plodded on. Despite the low level cloud it was amazingly light and climbing up into the remains of the Garadhban forest was able to switch off my head torch and clearly saw a number of bats flying along the edge of the treeline. We, David and I, eventually regrouped and steadily ran on, meeting the ubiquitous Davie Mooney from East Kilbride for the first of many times in the course of the weekend. An amazing number of people come out to support this race in the middle of the night and go through the same sleep deprivation that the runners do, I really don’t begin to understand  how they do it but it is mightily appreciated.

We stayed together until we reached the foot of Conic Hill where I stopped briefly for a comfort break which let a gap develop which I knew in my heart I wasn’t going to close. Any ascending ability I once had has long-since left me and I must confess I now struggle even walking up the hills. (note to self - must incorporate more hill-walking into my training) A long plod up the backside of Conic was interspersed with listening to the call of the cuckoos over to the east. A very careful and slow descent followed which was still part of the plan to maintain my energy (and quads) for the latter stages of the race. 

Arriving at Balmaha in 4:15, fifteen minutes slower than my predicted time, and in 171^st place I immediately asked my crew to change my socks as I had felt some hot spots developing along the edge of my smaller toes on the long downslope. Jim it was who had the unenviable task of slathering my feet with vaseline prior to the fresh socks going on – a precaution that almost certainly saved me from major difficulties later on. I’ve generally been lucky not to suffer greatly from foot problems during my long runs but have seen some dreadful pictures online of others’ travails. Ruth also tried to put a plaster on my bunion not realising that's what it always looks like! The head torch and spare batteries were jettisoned here, to be replenished for later in the day - I’ve just watched the sunrise yet here my crew are preparing gear for the night ahead, now that is quite a thought. After my Fling fiasco I thoroughly enjoyed my muesli, this time with milk instead of Nuun (sooo much nicer), banana milk shake and coffee completing my pit stop intake. Face and neck washed to remove the midges and insect-repellent layer renewed, eleven minutes were spent here due mainly to the sock change but time well spent, I feel.

Balmaha to Rowardennan, miles 20 to 27

Unusually I ran out of this CP knowing that the nasty wee climb up Craigie Hill was only a few hundred yards away (yes Stephen, the way goes up the hill and not around it!) which would give me the chance to eat my banana and orange segments. Sadly the clouds were still low so no gorgeous view up the loch from the top this time around. When talk turns to the ‘hard’ sections of the WHW everyone speaks of Conic, the loch side, Glen Falloch, the staircase, etc. but no-one ever, ever mentions this wee innocuous one. It’s not long yet has a bit of everything, the whole race in miniature if you like and I have struggled here in the past particularly with the two big climbs but on the day thoroughly enjoyed myself and made good solid progress (not that the climbs were any easier).

Good company always helps of course and here I was running with the legend that is Fiona Rennie, like our Ian, running for her eleventh goblet. The wifie fae Fifie was, as always, in sparkling form and kept me, the above mentioned Stuart and a few others well entertained as the miles sped by. I should point out here that Fiona has had an awful time in recent years suffering a brain haemorrhage followed by cancer yet has only missed two WHW races in thirteen years. A new friend made here was a long-term Ayrshire resident but Mancunian by birth (and accent), a big fella called David Etchells and a nicer lad you couldn’t wish to meet yet I couldn’t help wondering how he was going to last as, well, he was way bigger than anyone I had ever seen during an ultra. He told me he had been twenty one stones when he started out running a few years ago but was now down to his ‘fighting weight’ of sixteen! I later found out this was his third consecutive WHWR and, as it turned out, his fastest to date and beating me in the process. He was affectionately referred to as the human bulldozer on fb later - I really should learn not to judge by appearances.

Both photos by Fiona Rennie 

Simply keeping a steady pace I gradually pulled away from the group and without any notable events motored into Rowardennan in 2:12 another 12 minutes down on plan but feeling fine, now 169^th. Most runners were having to remember what their crew were wearing as everyone in sight had midge nets covering their faces, fortunately Jim was looking out for me. Milk shake again, tuna couscous (too dry to chew easily, won’t be repeating that one) and lots more coffee. No issues to address this time but somehow ten minutes went by before I got my a**e into gear and headed north again.

Rowardennan to Inversnaid, miles 27 to 34

Immediately after Rowardennan is when the support crews finally get some time for proper rest as the next time we will meet again is at Beinglas Farm, a very hard 14 miles away, so where did Team Searil head for? McDonalds! I believe hash browns, pancakes and syrup were on the menu and all this while I was virtuously eating healthily – just as well I didn’t find out until later. Duck Bay Marina was the location of choice for a snooze (blankets and eye-masks included) but I was told later that sleep did not come easily.

There are a couple of very long inclines in this section so had plenty of opportunities to eat and drink which no doubt contributed to my decent performance along here. Unfortunately I also wasted a few minutes addressing a wardrobe malfunction which involved the liberal application of more sudocreme in places that will not be mentioned in a family blog. Three or four minutes were wasted just finding it for goodness’ sake, the tiny wee tub having secreted itself away in the lowest reaches of my pack. 

It was somewhere along this section I first met Chris Moon from Strathaven Striders. This remarkable guy lost his lower right leg and arm in Africa while clearing landmines for a charity. He’s completed more and greater endurance events than I even know about and I had the great privilege of running directly behind him on some of the most tricky terrain the WHW has to offer. He told me he was trialling a new prosthetic leg, something he does regularly for the NHS. His, perfectly sound, logic was that if they survive the battering he puts them through then they’ll be fine for other mere mortals. We ran for a long spell with two girls, one from Australia and one from the USA, both of whom had travelled thousands of miles just to take part in the race. Chris and I joked that we were their carbon offsets, having only covered a few miles between us to get to Milngavie.

I suffered my first mishap on the way down from the two small bridges towards Inversnaid Hotel, my left foot slipping on the damp wooden steps resulting in me slapping both hands down behind me to prevent my head being the first point of contact with the ground. Head saved successfully but my left hand was bent backwards further than a hand should be and is still tender as I write (Monday 29^th) After a few seconds on the ground to gather my wits I clambered gingerly to my feet just in time to warn Chris who was coming down behind me.  

I have no idea of my arrival or departure times at all but recall feeling pretty good and devoured my food quickly. It was here I started thinking (never a good idea) of how unpleasant it must be for marshalls at ultra checkpoints what with us participants downing all manner of foods as speedily as possible. What must be even worse is the excessive burping and farting that inevitably goes on during ultras given the amount of air gulped down during eating - it has to go somewhere and there are only two ways it can go… My apologies have already been given to my support crew but I would like to place them on record again here as they, at times, have to go above and beyond the call of duty.   

Inversnaid to Beinglas Farm, miles 34 to 41

This section of the way is reckoned by many to be the hardest of the lot yet once again I was left marvelling at how Chris manages this extremely rough ground. Eventually I politely asked if I could come past (the path is so narrow most of the time here there is nowhere to overtake without someone’s co-operation) as I did not want to accidentally barge him over. Once more I was alone and making good if unspectacular progress along the section that requires more walking and scrambling than actual running. I’m sure most of us could run more here but there are still around sixty miles to go so the underfoot conditions make for a good excuse to walk.

Photo by Fiona Rennie
Finally reaching the top of the loch I slogged my way uphill to Dario’s post. Dario Melarangi was Mr WHW for many years, I think he may have taken the organisational reins from our club in the late 1990s, until his untimely death from a heart attack in 2009 while hill-walking on Lochnagar. His many friends in the WHW family erected the post you can see in the photo below at arguably the most beautiful spot on the whole way and it is often affectionately referred to as ‘the angel’s playground’. I was grappling with my phone hopelessly trying and failing to take a selfie when, to my rescue, up climbed Audrey McIntosh, another first-timer and Loch Katrine Running Festival RD, to offer to take it for me. Salvation! The result is a great deal better than I would have managed, thank you Audrey. It has become a ritual for many runners to touch the post and although I never met the man myself I have heard so much about his personality and generosity that I am very happy to also do so.

Fiona shares a wee dram with her friend.

I haven't mentioned the weather much so far because it was relatively neutral, a light breeze, enough to keep the midges down, warm during the night and very pleasant during the day (so far). I only speak for the runners of course, I heard the crews were being eaten alive as usual.
From the head of the loch I made excellent progress eventually reaching Beinglas Farm in 4:31, 10.59.19 overall and in 158^th place still twenty minutes behind my tentative schedule but a full twenty minutes earlier than the crew had expected me. I had made such good progress since the last CP that only Jim was there to meet me, fortunately with the chair and a drink which I enjoyed while waiting for Alison and Ruth to hurry along with my soup and food. As it turned out the soup flask was in a bag under my feet the whole time but not too much time was wasted although I could clearly see how concerned they were at almost missing me. I sat quite happily munching away at a tub of mixed beans (see previous references to flatulence), a piece, drank another milk shake and yet more coffee. I was here for a total of eleven minutes but don’t recall any wasted time and marched out with a cup of soup in my hand.

Beinglas Farm to Auchtertyre, miles 41 to 51     

As many of you will know the route up and out of Glen Falloch is relentlessly uphill so I wasn't running particularly fast when I tripped over a loose rock and thumped both palms down onto the stony surface. I also landed my right arm on yet another stone resulting in a bruised forearm which is also still hurting, especially while typing at a laptop. Once again grateful for having saved my good looks I was still extremely annoyed with myself and not a little shaken, this time standing for a while before walking on slowly and taking a few minutes to regain my composure.   

After I had run some two or three miles I could once again see Fiona’s club vest in the distance. Someone in Carnegie’s history has had the bright idea to combine the two most distinctive emergency services’ colours, high-visibility orange and yellow, to form the only club vest in Scotland more distinctive than ours. Today, however, it was becoming a source of annoyance as I was spending miles catching, chatting and then passing her only to have to do so all over again after each stop. I occupied my mind for quite some time as to how I could broach this subject with my crew the next time I saw them without having food or soup thrown over me in response. I finally remembered talking to Fiona’s sister as I made my way out of Beinglas Farm and she was going in the opposite direction, having walked out with her sibling as she ate and drank, bringing back any cups, bags and wrappers to be disposed of later – saving time hanging around at the CP, doh! That had been our plan too but it hadn’t happened once yet. Support crew are allowed to travel a quarter of a mile in either direction from a checkpoint to assist their runner but we were not utilising this opportunity for efficient time-management.  

Leaving Fiona behind (again) and well out of earshot I sensed an enormous sneeze coming on. With no one around I had the childish satisfaction of letting it rip yet, from force of habit, immediately said (out loud) excuse me! With that I started laughing away to myself and was thankful I was alone as anyone listening or watching would come to the conclusion I was cracking up. I wouldn’t just be pulled out of the race but taken away wearing one of those white coats that button up the back! The musings of the long distance runner, discuss.     

Approaching that vicious wee sheep creep under the railway (scene of a nasty head smack and probable concussion during a training run a couple years ago) I fell into conversation with Linsi who told me that she had DNFd at Kinlochleven the previous year with seven hours still to go until the cut-off. When I expressed my surprise that she hadn’t taken some time to refuel, rest and then carry on she agreed and told me a combination of getting her nutrition hopelessly wrong (she suffers from coeliac disease which, when gluten is ingested, causes the absorption of nutrients to diminish – clearly a major drawback during endurance vents) and ignorance/naivety of her and her crew led to them collectively making a poor decision, one which they have all regretted since. She was back to get the goblet she should have last year. I wished her well, as she drew away from me heading up into the forest above Crianlarich, little realising how close I would come to emulating her, more of which later.

One of the nicest things about ultra running is the time we all have (apart from the front-runners I suppose) to chat and get to know one another as we make our way through some of the loveliest parts of this wonderful wee country of ours. I can even become quite emotional at times talking to folk and looking around me, frequently stopping to enjoy the wonderful views, wildlife or just laughing myself to a standstill at something very silly indeed. At times like these it just feels wonderful to be alive and that alone is my justification for running these distances which are simultaneously stupendous and stupid.

The rollercoaster in the forest seemed to speed by and in no time I was approaching Auchtertyre (probably known better to us as Strathfillan Wigwams). I was looking forward to the company that Ruth and Jim would be providing from here onwards and arrived here with a split of 2.34, 13.33.47 overall and now in 144^th place. I don’t recall overtaking many others so I assume my improvement in position was mostly due to dropouts, but as Russell would say - a scalp is a scalp, they all count! This was the first weighing point and I was concerned to note I had dropped 2.6 kilos already. The guy there said that was only 0.4 above the  warning mark and advised me to drink more. More? I’d probably spent around quarter of an hour so far just peeing and he wants me to take more on board? Bl**dy hell! First thing I did of course was drink my milk shake although strangely don’t remember what I ate. I had warned the team previously that I intended changing shoes and socks here as this was near enough the halfway point of the race and I was aware many runners did this. The theory being that different shoes have different pressure points on the feet so relieving those places which had been under pressure for the first 51 miles. Ruth was the unlucky one this time to daub my feet and then discover my white socks had shrunk in the wash and had an awful time trying to get them on. My Garmin was briefly charged here and my phone battery also checked. This CP is situated in a field and it seems the crew had been having great fun with the baseball bat and tennis set Jim had brought along with him.

It’s amazing my team even spoke to me after I blurted out, in my usual tactful manner, that we were lagging behind Fiona’s team at each and every CP and we needed to do better. What I forgot was that Fiona had told me earlier that between her and a club mate who was also running she reckoned the two teams had forty goblets between them – in other words I was making unflattering comparisons between us first-timers and the most experienced team in the entire race! Apologies were offered later and are offered again in public here, sorry guys. Despite my big gob once again they showed remarkable consistency in getting me turned around and out of there in eleven minutes. Ruth was all geared up now and finally ready to get some running with me, hopefully having washed her hands first!

part two to come…

A brief postscript to part one;

While running with Fiona I mentioned to her that she would go over the one thousand miles for the WHWR during the day. We figured out that with ten races already completed equalling 950 miles plus another fifty on the day would approximate to the checkpoint at Auchtertyre. Her crew arranged a very 'official' looking certificate for this milestone, see below.

It also turns out that Fiona now holds the female record for number of finishes at eleven beating her twin sister and one other who both have ten..

Unfortunately I forgot that the very same one thousand mile circumstances applied to Ian and so I assume that he missed the passing of his milestone. I'm sure he knows now anyway...

 

TRAIL RACE FULL RESULTS

The Full results from Fridays Trail Race will be online when fully scrutinised. If there are any errors on it please feel free to contact us and we will have a look at it. There was an issue with the 3k when some of the runners went off route. This will be looked at when we meet to go over all of the nights events and remedies will be put in place. All other races appear to have gone well despite the new courses.
Many thanks to all the Marshalls, those doing results, registration etc and all the other work that needs done. We cant put these events on without everyones help.
Many thanks to all the runners that came along to take part. Without you we have no event.
Many thanks also go to our supporters, RUN4IT, EKGTA, EKES and ACTIVE ROOT.

You may have seen Active Root between the start and Sports Club. They are a new drinks company with a Root Ginger drink. Keep an eye out for them at other events.

Run4It where also between the start and Club and have kindly helped us with vouchers some of which were handed out on the night. The rest will be posted in due course.

East Kilbride Group Training Assoc and East Kilbride Engineering Solutions for financial support that allows us to have a large prize list.

Its great to see so many running in Calderglen Country Park, a place our Club takes for granted at times but it is such a wonderful place to run.

Everyone at Calderglen Harriers invites you back next year to do it all again and in the meantime wishes every one of you all the best with your running till we meet again.

Russell Couper
Race Director

Preliminary Trail Race Results

The preliminary results from the 2015 trail races are now available at the following links:
1k
3k
5k
10k

Calderglen 10k Trail Race Live Data

We are trialing live posting of provisional results during the Calderglen 10k Trail Race tonight. Follow these instructions (note the race will only appear on this site once the race has started).

How to follow LIVE results on Webscorer.com:

1. Navigate to http://www.webscorer.com/findraces?pg=results
2. If you can’t see your race on the list (Calderglen Harriers 10k Trail Race):
   • Race with LIVE results will appear only after the race has started
   • The page will auto-refresh so you can wait for the race to appear
   • You can use the map and sports filters to narrow down the race list
3. Once you find your race, click on the race name
   • In a race with multiple distances / categories, click on the distance / category you want to follow
   • Tap “View splits” for split times in a race with laps
   • The results page will auto-refresh every 60 seconds so you can wait for the racers & times to appear

You can also see the pre-entry list (will be updated with all the entries once the race has started):



You can also follow live finish line results by downloading this free app Webscorer FAN:

Once you have downloaded the Webscorer FAN app follow the 10k race "live":

• Live results will be posted to Webscorer.com during the race, within seconds of each racer finishing
• Webscorer FAN can follow such a race live, all you need in an active internet connection.
• Once started, you can find the the live race on your Webscorer FAN by tapping Download races / Recent results
• You can stay on the Recent results panel waiting for the live race to appear - the panel updates itself automatically
• Tap the race to download it, then tap the distance / category / lap you want to follow and just watch the results appear automatically
• By default, the app will check for live results every 30 seconds; you can change this to every 10 seconds via the Settings toolbar option
• Note that there may be a few gaps in these provisional results, particularly for close finishes but these will be corrected at the end of the race.

Alan