25th Anniversary West Highland Way Relay

Unbelievably, Saturday the 21st May 2016 saw the Harriers roll up to Milngavie railway station in a minibus at some extremely anti-social hour of the morning to begin their 25th running of the West Highland Way relay. 25 years ago a few members of the Harriers had taken on the organisation of the West Highland Way Race (held in June at the weekend closest to midsummer) after the previous organisers cancelled the race at short notice. We made all the arrangements we could in the time available and called upon the club to provide marshalls for the race. We thought it might be a good idea if the marshalls were completely familiar with the course to help understand what the individual runners were going through and, most importantly, to have some clue as to where to find any that went missing or any diversions that may have been in place. And so we decided that a club recce in the form of a relay would be a good idea a month or so before the race proper. We repeated this every May for the 9 or 10 years that we organised the race although by the end the relay was becoming a social event in its own right rather than a recce for the race. After we handed over the reigns of the WHW race in about 2000 or 2001, the relay was already a permanent fixture on our social calendar and so it continues to this day.

The popularity of the event continues as demonstrated by the event filling up as soon as we announced it. Although it would be great if we could open the relay up to everyone in the club who wanted to do it, the reality is that the route can only be split up into a limited number of sensible legs and the minibus has only 17 seats. This year we had accessed a cheaper but more spacious minibus from the Community Trust after sending our regular drivers on a mandatory course and test to demonstrate their competency.

Pick-ups started at around 4am on Saturday morning and an hour or so later we were at Milngavie Railway station at the start of the WHW. First crisis of the day occurred shortly before we arrived at the start when I announced the first leg runner to be Andy Henderson, only to discover that Andy was not on the bus (it was a very spacious bus; easy to lose someone in it) and was instead joining us with Chas part way up the route. Cometh the hour, cometh Gerry Mullen who "joyously" accepted the challenge dropped on him and made a quick change into his running gear for leg 1. But not before we had handed out the surprise, 25th anniversary T-shirts to everyone with our own confused map of the WHW landmarks. We were also pleased to find Stephen Phimister waiting for us at the station and ready to run, having missed out on a WHW place. He nonetheless decided to drive through to the start and to run as far as Drymen with whoever was doing the first 3 legs. The plan then was to get a service bus back to Milngavie for his car.

Dumgoyne changeover

Then we were off. Gerry (and Stephen) flew through the first leg but could not outrun the rain which arrived with a vengeance just as he arrived in Carbeth for the changeover. Karen Allen was off next on the road to Dumgoyne with an impressive team of navigators accompanying her. It is fair to say that Karen was drukit by the time she handed over to Gordon McInally on his first WHW relay. Most of Karen's escort team carried on with Gordon, including John Boyd (another first time WHW runner) who was officially given the second half of the leg to Drymen. At Drymen, a very wet and mucky Stephen Phimister was denied access to our nice, clean minibus (only kidding Stephen, we weren't going your way) whilst Joanne McEvoy relished the challenge of her favourite leg from Drymen up and over Conic Hill to the changeover in Balmaha. There is always a long wait in the car park at Balmaha and fortunately the rain relented sufficiently to allow us to indulge in games involving throwing and (not) catching various projectiles, courtesy of Jim Holmes. It wouldn't be Balmaha without someone getting stuck up a tree retrieving a frisbee. As Billy was absent this year, it fell to Kenny Leinster to do the ritual sacrifice of an expensive Goretex running jacket whilst jumping down from a tree.

Joanne flys into Balmaha

Meanwhile Joanne came flying in, surprised at the minibus location near to the exit from the forest. After a few anxious moments, she was persuaded to relinquish running duties to Colin Banks and Jim Holmes (discussions prior to Joanne's arrival suggested that neither Colin nor Jim were too sure of the initial part of the route but we did at least expect them both to get out of the car park! Perhaps we were expecting too much). By now the rain was hammering down again and nobody was out skimming stones across the loch at Milarochy this year. Consequently we missed the arrival of Colin and Jim as we all sheltered in the bus. Davy Watt was hastily deployed and set off on the undulating route through the woods to Rowardennan.

Davy Watt - drenched

Fortunately the visitor centre at Rowardennan provided toilets and shelter from the torrential rain whilst still offering a view of the inbound Davy Watt. A more drenched runner would be hard to imagine as Davy Watt sprinted to the changeover and as numerous walkers passed us by in full body cover, Eddie Reid set off in a vest and shorts for the toughest leg of all along the lochside to Inverarnan. The rest of us were lucky as the rain had gone off by the time we arrived at Inverarnan meaning a relatively dry walk around to Beinn Glas Farm for the changeover.  We also managed a hot coffee and/or teas in the cafe whilst awaiting Eddie. Chas and Andy also met us there ready to join the relay. In surprisingly quick time, given the conditions, Eddie appeared, running very well and handed over to Frances for the uphill run to Crianlarich. Eddie declared the stretch from Inversnaid hotel to Beinn Glas to be an absolute river underfoot all the way, confirming that this was a leg only for the strong and experienced (to avoid doubt, Eddie is both of these things!).

It is quite a climb up to the changeover at Crianlarich and always a rush to get there in time. This year was no different and we were only there a matter of 5 minutes when Frances appeared in view. Geo and Andy were going to do this stage to the main road at Ewich at which point the plan was for Geo to carry on to Tyndrum. However, Andy was struggling for some reason and Geo used his hill strength to power up and over, arriving at Ewich a few minutes ahead of Andy. Jim Holmes then took up the challenge to stay with Geo to Tyndrum. Sandra Reid is now back to good form after a successful London Marathon and hence was given the good running leg from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy. I decided to ease the navigational pressure on Sandra and to run this leg with her which somehow increased the pressure (I don't know why; I never push anyone beyond the limit, only right to the limit ;-)). This leg had everything; blazing sunshine and torrential rain (and spectacular scenery). However, we both ran well and finished very fast down into Bridge of Orchy where we had the virtual tag across the main road with Chas and a large pack of minders who would do the up and over into Inveroran.

Chas and team descend to Inveroran

Alison Lessells is getting back to fine form and was given the infamous Rannoch Moor leg to Black Rock Cottage. Gerry Mullen kindly volunteered to accompany Alison over this remote stage with Gordon McInally also joining for the first mile or so along the road. By now the sun was shining and we had seen the last of the rain for the day. This is not necessarily a benefit on Rannoch Moor as there is absolutely no shelter from the sun and it is a hard run. However, Alison finished characteristically smiling her way to the line to hand over to Samantha Jamieson who was worrying unnecessarily about her first WHW leg to Kingshouse (and onwards on Russel's leg to the bottom of the Devil's Staircase).

Russell in fine form.

A large pack joined Samantha for encouragement and she managed absolutely no bother at all. Russell Couper has really resumed his game this past year and had already run many miles supporting other runners earlier in the day. This was no hindrance to him as he finished his leg in style. Jim Holmes gladly accepted the Devil's Staircase leg to Kinlochleven and attacked it with his usual enthusiasm. This is another tight one for the minibus to get round in time and once again we only had a short wait by the hydro pipes on the edge of Kinlochleven before Jim powered into view. Although it seems that David Herbertson must have been on the WHW many times, this was in fact only his second year. David needed a full briefing on the first mile of his leg to make sure he actually got out of Kinlochleven and onto the mega climb up to the old military road at the Mamore Lodge. We need not have worried and after another time critical drive around to Lundavra, we soon saw David powering into view. Not having done the leg from Lundavra into Glen Nevis for a few years, I was keen to give it a go to see what effect age had had in the past few years. Although I felt a bit weak on the first few miles of climbing, as soon as the long descent started I was able to maintain a very fast pace for mile after mile and really enjoyed the sensation of speed. I was glad to see virtually the entire team waiting in club vests at the final changeover in Braveheart Car Park and carried on at a reduced pace for the final three quarter mile to the finish en masse. We finished in about 14:27, a good time given the conditions and certainly with a championship level of laughs per minute.

After the usual team photo at the finish, we made our way to the Ben Nevis Hotel where some of us had time for a swim and jacuzzi before heading for an excellent dinner and a night of rehydration.

Sunday saw a split decision on the bus. Geo and Joanne went for walk up the Lost Valley whilst the rest of the bus headed to Glencoe Ski Centre for some "tubing", chairlifting or coffee and cake devouring.

A huge thanks to Frances for organising our excellent accommodation, to Kenny for the brilliant suggestion to use the Community Trust minibus, to our drivers on the days (Eddie, Kenny and me) and to all the Harriers for their unrivalled enthusiasm for running.

Many photos (there are captions if you open each individual photo) are in this album. Sorry for the hundreds of tubing photos; its a painful process deleting individual photos from the latest Google Photo album app! I will also add a link to the leg times once I have sorted out a few missing times.
Alan

A Double Victory for the Harriers

Congratulations to Julie Beveridge and Charlie McDougall who both claimed first place in the Land O'Burns 10k.
Julie was first lady with Charlie collecting the first M60 prize.



On a great night for running there was an impressive Harriers turn out and some fine performances.
Martin Howell was first Harrier home in 40:41 followed by Stephen Phimister in 41:20.
Julie Beveridge continued her fine form finishing in 42:08 followed by Charlie McDougall in 42:46.
Jim Holmes ran a steady 42:54 and Paul Rooney is enjoying the benefits of being a Harrier finishing in 45:22.
Richard Lawton was next home in 46:10 followed by Colin Banks in 46:45.
John Boyd recorded a PB of 47:06. He must have known John McBride was chasing him down finishing in 47:16.
Gordon McInally has raised his personal bar higher each race this year and for the first time in several races failed to set a PB, narrowly missing out in 47:48.
Phil Marshall stopped his watch on 50:30 but kept running all the way to the chippy! His post race treat to himself each year at this event.
Alexandra Hayden made a welcome return to racing coming home in 51:03 followed by Russell Couper in 54:25.

Thanks for support from Julie's Mum and Dad, and from Neil Green who was also our photographer. See Neil's photos here.

Land 'O' Burns 10k

On a warm muggy night 14 Harriers headed down to Ayr for the lastest GP race. Warm ups done we assembled on the seafront ready for the off. Lots of space at the front of the field which very few seemed keen to go near so never to refuse a challenge I took my spot near the front and lead Harrier which I kept for about 20 metres. We were off 500 metres straight followed by 2 left hand turns onto the promenade heading back past the start. Naturally by this point all the other Harriers had passed me and heading into the distance. Legs feeling quite tired after a hard shift at work I was looking to just get under the hour. After running along the prom we headed into the houses near Alloway before returning to the end of the prom just after 5k then heading up the side of the river. At this point I got a rare glimpse of Phil heading in the opposite direction in the housing scheme just over 2 mins in front of me. At this point I felt quite racey for a change and found myself catching and passing other runners. A good feeling which has been missing in recent months. Continuing up through 7k towards Burns Cottage I remembered to give it a wide berth as I have scratched my head on the low thatched roof in the past. Feeling good with the pace increasing I continued to pass others and eventually running into the park with about 600 metres to go and a final push to the line. Great cheer from some of the Harriers getting me to the line in 54.22 well under the hour I was looking at. A great catch up with everyone to discuss our runs and get the news that Julie Beveridge was the Ladies winner with a time of 42.04 and Charlie McDougall was 1st M60 with a time of 42.43. Martin Howell had a scare on Monday with a tight Achilles but showed no sign of this being the 1st Harrier home in 40.37. Stephen Phimister had a great run after some recent injuries running 41.17. Next in was Julie then Charlie as mentioned above followed closely by Jim Holmes 42.51. Making his debut in the GP was Paul Rooney running a great opener of 45.14 and a big PB. Richard Lawton continued his good form with a time of 46.02 holding off Colin Banks 46.41. Next in another making his GP debut was John Boyd 46.59 and another PB holding off John McBride 47.07 with Gordon McInally not far behind 47.44. A bit of a gap after those close finishes to Phil Marshall finishing in 50.24 with Sandy Hayden hot on his heels 50.56. Then eventually me (Russell) as mentioned above. A great night for the Harriers with most delighted with there times and a couple of 1st places in the mix. Well done to all who ran and a big thanks to Neil and Cameron Green and Dot McBride and Pauls missus (sorry never caught the name) for the cheers running along the seafront.

Final Grand Prix Race Dates

The final two races in our Grand Prix will both be in the last week of June on regular club nights:
Chatelherault World Championship Monday 27 June
Vertical Mile Thursday 30th June

Alan

A double

Helensburgh 10k

Last Thursday saw the start of the 30^th running of the Polaroid 10k Road Race Series. I had entered, mainly for nostalgic reasons, before the announcement in February that the Vale of Leven Polaroid/Safila factory would close in 2017, only two years after celebrating it’s 50^th anniversary – an irony no doubt noted bitterly by the 107 affected staff whose jobs are being transferred to China. The organisers hope that this will not be the last in the series as a result of the loss of their title sponsor and I, for one, hope their optimism is justified.

779 runners lined up for the start just along the road from Hermitage Academy, an impressive new edifice since I last took part in this spring race. Being right in the middle of the most intensive part of my WHWR training I entered Troon and this series of four in an effort to keep up my speed (no, don’t laugh at the back!) during the week while piling on some miles at the weekends. So far I am feeling strong and yet still running decent times, for me, over the shorter distances.

Noteably the race starters were Lachie Stewart, the 1970 Commonwealth Games 10,000 metres gold medallist, local resident and, amazingly, still the Scottish record-holder for the distance along with Derek, the elder of the Hawkins siblings, recently named in the marathon squad for Rio later this year and third placed Briton at the recent London marathon.

Lachie Stewart and Derek Hawkins with air-horns at the ready

Having accidentally left my GPS at home (a habit I really must break) I once again ran on feel and from the start felt I was moving faster than my usual 10k pace. The only fly in the ointment came in the shape of the previously unnoticed westerly coastal breeze which slowed everyone down after the turnaround point at the 5k marker. Having genuinely thought I was heading for a sub-47 or thereabouts I was extremely disappointed to see 48 minutes plus on the clock as I approached the finish line in the school grounds.  

Having recovered a little I soon reasoned that sub-49 was still ok and well within my original target so there was no reason to beat myself up about it. Later at home I found out I had run 48:59, exactly the same as Troon last week! After checking I also noticed it was only 5 minutes more than my course best of fourteen years ago.

The men’s race was won by Paul Sorrie of Shettleston Harriers in a time of 32.27 and the female winner was Jennifer Wetton of Central AC in 36.35

Derek Hawkins from Kilbarchan AAC finished in 35.44 for 13^th place and oddly for a 10k race there would appear to have been two DNFs as there were only 777 finishers.

The spoils...

Loch Leven half marathon

Less than 48 hours later I lined up in a side street on an industrial estate in Kinross waiting the start of the Loch Leven half marathon. The weather forecast had been ok but cetainly did not predict the glorious day we were about to have. I set out for Fife with some extras due to said forecast including a cap, a pair of light weight gloves, a short sleeved tee shirt to wear under my harriers vest, a hoodie and even a beanie – certainly no extra water or suncream! Needless to say all of the above were left in the boot of the car as the day warmed up.  

Unusually I started at the back of the field, having been too busy chatting to a couple of ladies who had run the Southside Six last year (me chatting? I know, it’s unheard of) to notice the race was about to start. Consequently rather than being passed near the start I was mostly doing the overtaking for a change and, as a result of this unfamiliar situation, went through the first mile marker in 8.23, too fast for me, or so I thought. Despite actively trying to slow down the next two miles went by in 8.15 and 8.19 (you will have gathered by now that I remembered to bring my watch this time!) and so, realising I was feeling quite comfortable at this pace, decided to relax mentally, go with the flow and allow the chip timing to do it’s job (more on that later).  Time would tell how strong I was and how long I could keep up this pace. It also resulted in some unfamiliar mental arithmetic for the remainder of the event as I normally calculate how far under or over 9 minute miling I am at each marker - I haven’t had the opportunity to use my eight-times table for a quite a few years! 

Having had a light breeze in our faces for the first two and a half miles we turned east to find ourselves heading into a slightly stronger headwind along the southern edge of Loch Leven and it was along this three mile section we encountered the worst infestation of flies I have ever had the misfortune to run through. Way bigger than midges there were neverthless billions of the wee bandits getting into every available orifice. It must have looked quite comical to any passing motorists to see the various methods we had of coping with the blighters, runners trying to make progress while waving both hands in front of their face or running with one hand clamped tightly over mouth and nose or, in the case of one man, reduced to shouting at them!

Having survived the insect onslaught we again turned ninety degrees to head north towards Scotlandwell, a lovely wee village nestling at the south western corner of the Lomond Hills. I should perhaps point out here that no mountain rescue helicopters were spotted by this correspondent during the entire day! I should also say that I continued to make up ground through the field for the entirety of the race which was very satisfying, so much so that I may start at the back more often!

Sadly the field found themselves running into a wind which, once again, felt stronger than before which made the first proper wee climb of the day out of the village all the more arduous. You may be beginning to sense a theme here and, of course, ascending the road may have brought a smashing view over the Loch but also meant that the wind speed increased further. I consoled myself with the thought that we were bound to have the wind with us over the final few miles as the route turns steadily westward then veers south west. Yes, you’ve guessed already, the wind stayed against us all the way back to the outskirts of Kinross. I sense Loch Leven may have a lot in common with Loch Vennachar, see coach's previous post regarding circular winds.

Coming near the entrance to the High School I picked up the pace to overtake a number of runners over the final closing hundred yards or so and targeted one runner in particular, telling myself I could take him and then coast home to the line. What I hadn’t anticipated was someone else finishing even faster (an Irish lad who had passed me a few times but by now I thought I had dropped him) and overtaking ‘my’ targeted runner on the other side which resulted in my fastest finish-line sprint for many years. Ooooft, that hurt but I beat him - yesss!! 

Alison has done very well in capturing the finish on her mobile.    

If you follow the sequence of pictures you will see myself and the Irish lad gaining rapidly on the 'target'

then passing him on either side simultaneously

before leaving him trailing.

So overwhelmed was I by my competitive instincts over the closing last mile when I finally recovered enough to glance at my watch I was slightly stunned but mostly chuffed to bits to find I had come home in 1.49.34, finishing 206^th in a field of 492 - my fastest half marathon in five years (not counting Aviemore which is overall downhill) and only 29 seconds slower than my only previous run here all of nine years ago!

Gubbed but happy with my effort and about to be even happier when I look at my watch

The male race winner was David Limmer from Portobello RC in 1.14.11 and the female winner was Sheena Logan 1.25.28. A very poor effort from the timing company (DRT - Digital Race Timing), no club, only 30 results per page, slow and unresponsive website and to cap it all they posted gun times only, a mistake which still has not been rectified as I type this on Monday evening. Where is the point in wearing a chip? It may be time to go back to paper and pencil.

The race was just a part of the Kinross Festival which includes a Pipe Band competition, Highland dancing (the sight of which which took Alison back to being ten years old again!) craft stalls and a kiddies Fun Run. All in all a cracking day out, made even better by the weather and a great run.

 

Chatelherault Training Tonight 16th May

Just a reminder to go to Chatelherault tonight instead of the club. I am away with work so won't be there.
Alan

Brian Goodwin 10k June 17 At 7 30pm Cartha Rugby Club

Dear Hugh I am writing to you in your capacity as secretary of Calderglen running club. Bellahouston harriers are hosting the brian Goodwin 10k on the above date it incorporates the west district 10k championship and is beginning to fill up fairly quickly.

The race offers a flat 2 lap course chip timed extensive prize list including cash prizes for the first three finishers junior cash prizes and extensive vouchers for those over forty supplied by our sponsor Achilies Heel.

All runners in the race will also have a free burger and beer. We aim to ensure that the atmosphere for the runners and spectators is warm and welcoming. I would be pleased if you would bring this to the attention of your members many thanks Tom Keenan

 

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