Caption Competition

Time to test your wit and creativity again! A few recent photos seem worthy of a caption competition. Send your suggestions to me by email and then I'll post them on the forum with a vote to select our winner. As usual, there's a bottle of malt in it for the best one! Closing date for entries: 17th July!

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Team Manners does the LAMM 2009!

A fantastic well done to Ali and Will Manners who completed the 2009 Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon. It is a great achievement for them both, but as Ladies' Captain it is particularly exciting to see another lady pushing their boundaries.

This report was written by Ali soon after the event and posted on the forum, but I thought it should be put onto the blog for a more permanent record of our club members' achievement.

The Highs and ‘Lowes’ of a Mountain Marathon
LAMM – Kintail 6-7 June 2009

After the drama of the OMM in October last year, we decided to try a summer event to give us a better chance of avoiding wild weather. I couldn’t believe my (bad) luck when I received the bad weather warning from the LAMM organisers 3 days before the event, predicting unseasonably cold weather with the possibility of snow showers!! Fortunately this was a very pessimistic forecast and the conditions turned out to be ideal albeit a chilly night at the overnight camp on Saturday.

We found out the event location at 1pm 2 days before the event and Will’s general area prediction proved to be right. The event was held in Kintail on the west coast - a really spectacular area with some steep mountain ranges and dramatic glens.

We had been warned that the organiser Martin Stone likes to keep everyone guessing as to the routes right up until the last minute. Unlike to OMM where you have a fixed start time at a fixed point, with the LAMM you are given an assembly time and told to the follow the signs to an assembly point. Surprises in the previous events have involved getting to the assembly point and then getting on a ferry! This time having walked north of the event centre, we found coaches waiting to bus us who knows where. Having boarded the bus, we then drove back south to the Cluanie Inn, which is where our class race would start.

DAY 1

Day 1 was hard hard HARD!!! Well for me anyway. Despite having completed day 1 of the OMM last year, I had not really experienced a full day as the OMM had been a bad weather course and considerably shorter. Half way through Saturday, it dawned on me that I had really underestimated how tough these mountain events are. Although I probably do most of my training off road, there is simply no comparison to running on mountain tracks to running on tussocky, rocky, heathery, boggy uneven terrain. I found it completely energy sapping and found my reserves running low very quickly. The wrong choice of dinner the night before and having just recovered from a cold probably didn’t help either. Unfortunately this resulted in some communication problems between me and Will who only fully appreciated how exhausted I was, and just how on the edge I had been, when I burst in to tears at the overnight camp at the end of day 1!!

OVERNIGHT CAMP

Fortunately I did not need to do much at the overnight camp as Will put the tent up, sorted out the kit and busied himself with cooking pasta and cups of tea. The location for the overnight camp was at the eastern end of Loch na Leitreach, a really stunning spot. We arrived at 3.30 so had plenty of rest and eating time. The sun was well and truly out by this time and due to a cool breeze was mercifully midge free.

DAY 2

After a chilly night we were woken to the sounds of the piper for the 5 am wake up call. The first leading runners were away at 6am and we set off at 7. I was feeling far more positive on day 2 and fortunately my legs (surprisingly) were functioning ok. The start past checkpoint 1 to checkpoint 2 involved just short of an 800 metre climb to the summit of Raochaig (868m) - a real wake up call and hard slog. As per day 1, route choices were critical and the course planner, Angela Midge, had put in some challenging legs. The going was a little easier for me with more opportunity for running on the flatter sections and downhill but it was still very hard going. Fortunately at approx 1.15 pm we ran back to event HQ and I had finished my first mountain marathon.

IN CONCLUSION...

In the end we finished in a total time of 13 hours 24 min. The winner’s time in our class was 9 hours 35 and the slowest was 22 hours 28. We came 93rd out of 143 finishers with a further 22 starters not completing the course. The total distance was approx 42 km (depending on what route you took) which does not sound too bad, but when you factor in the terrain, carrying all your overnight kit on your back and ascent of approx 2900m– believe you me – it feels like a hell of a long way!

Will I do it again? If you asked me after day 1 the answer would have been ‘no – not even if you paid me a million’. But I guess like childbirth, the pain is soon forgotten and you give it another go. I suspect I will do another but this time, I’ll be better mentally and physically prepared.

Ali.


Again, well done guys and I have no doubt you will do another!

Kaz

Knock Hill race

Only six Harriers - obviously not football fans - ran in this year's Knock race, which unfortunately once again coincided with a major European football final!

The race was won by Joe Symonds in a very fast time of 29.43, with Evelyn Dugdale the first woman in 36.33.

Digby Sym was first Harrier home in a very respectable 36.12, in 14th place overall, followed by Peter Hague 38.39, Fred McCain 41.47, Matt McLay 42.14, James Bussey 43.30 and Cathy Tilbrook 44.39.

Kaz does The Highland Fling 2009

2.50am and the alarm goes off! Thank goodness as I had simply been lying in bed awake aware of every single phantom pain imagineable.

Mum and dad arrived to be taxi for the day and we were on our way to Milngavie by 4am. To be honest, it all felt a bit surreal as the enforced back off from runnng during my taper made it feel so distant.

Fortunately we were able to get parked easily and as us ladies set off at 6am the queue for the loos wasn't too bad. It was nice to see a few familiar faces from recce runs and helped to make it feel real. Before I was able to panick, I got into my kit, had a quick stretch and lined up at the 13 hours estimated time group. 

Milgavie - Beech Tree Inn

6am and the whistle blue. Wow we were off. Now I was running I felt much better. This was quite a strange leg as there were so many people and I have been used to running on my own. I was very worried about going off too fast, but I felt comfortable and so just trotted on until I hit my first checkpoint for comparing times. I was a little faster, but nothing major. By the time I reached 'Team Kaz' as we nicknamed it, the crowds had thinned and I was trotting along with a few ladies who had done loads of Ultras. They were really nice and it was lovely to have a chin wag. I forced down my first juice just before the Inn so that I could swop my empty with Al. A cheery hello and onto my next stage.

BTInn - Parking above Drymen.

My overridding memories of this leg was chatting to Ellen for quite a while; beginning to fully realise I was running the Fling and still feeling apprehensive about mashing my legs too early. I walked a few hills but my legs felt pretty good and as they were warmed up now I started to gently jog more of the hills. I reached 'team Kaz' a little ahead of schedule which took the pressure off my quick shoe change. A quick stretch and I was off to Conic Hill. Woo hoo!

CH - Balmaha

I really enjoyed the run up the hill and was able to take it at a comfortable pace - slightly less agressively than my last training run as my hamstrings had sufferred as a consequence. It was as I climbed the hill feeling r

elatively gazelle like that the first elite men came belting past and 

firmly put my grandiose image of myself to bed!.

My Goodness - unbelievable - it was as if the hill wasn't even there! Coming down was a belter and I was doubly glad I had my innovates on. It is great fun that descent and before I knew it I was in the car park at Balmaha, changing into shorts and T-shirt! 

B - Rowardennan

I did not enjoy this leg. My quads felt heavy and I felt a bit ick. I just kept pushing on and trying to focus on the fact that my hamstrings felt good - I had ralgexed them at B and so I vowed to do the same to my quads at R. I had to wait a wee while to eat as I tried at my scheduled time and my stomach did not appreciate it. By the end of the leg I had a v hot spot on my right toe despite it being taped up. I was glad to get to R in my hoped for time despite feeling all of the above. If I am honest - it was a bit stressful as I didn't expect to feel bad then, but I wasn't backing out now!

R - Bein Glas

It was crazy busy at R. Luckily 'team Kaz' had all routes covered with mum, dad and Al all at different spots to catch me. They were great at this spot as I had to re-tape my toe as well as get food. It must of been hilarious viewing as each of them had their hands full with food, water, clothes or blister kit. Some flat coke and rice cracker smothered in honey went down a treat - not a stomach flip felt. I swopped my t-shirt for my vest as I was really hot and ralgexed my legs like a mad woman in the hope it would help.

Off I headed for 3.5 hours on my own. Not long after I set off I heard, "hello fellow harrier." I turned to see Phil T on my right. It was great to see him and he looked really fresh. His pace was too speedy for me so it was a brief chat, but it was really nice to see a team mate. I was worried this leg would drag, but as it worked out this lovely lady - who was also hoping for sub 13 - and I had a great hike togther up the hills. Our pace was pretty much exactly matched and I felt so much better after the food, ralgex and feeling cooler. We ran together for a lot of this whole leg which really helped as it was great fun to have a good old gossip. Unfortunately she headed on just as we dropped down to BG, as, well .... I wished to inspect a nearby bush. My left knee had started to niggle over the whole of this leg, but I really started to feel it as I had to descend. That all said and done I arrived at BG at my earliest hoped for time.

BG - Carmyle Cottage

I arrived to find my mate Morna had joined 'team Kaz'. It was such a boost. I was really quite hungry here, but I poss ate a bit too much as it sat in my tum and caused yucky cramping for quite a wee  while. That was not the worst thing about this leg. I knew it would be tough as there is quite alot of up, however my legs were OK with those. It was down and flat that was a nightmare. My knee was screaming whenever I ran. It was SO frustrating because my legs wanted to run but it was so sore. I was having to grit my teeth and force my self to run for 50 or 100 steps. I did have a crisis of confidence because I knew I needed painkillers and I didn't have any. I will admit to having a little whimper and then, like an 'Angel sent down from Heaven above' Liz Tipping appeared in front of me. That wonderful woman with her goody bag of pills pumped me with paracetamol, anti nausea and anti inflammatory pills. It turns out that despite being a bit pucky after all that food it meant I could tolerated the drugs. As I hobbled away from Liz, Colin and Ally I saw Ian was just arriving. Like ships passing we didn't get a chance to say hello but it was good to see him none the less. Within 5 mins or so the edge had been taken off the pain and after 10mins my confidence had been restored - I could carry on. V frustrating though as I had lost a bit of time on that lg as I knew I could have run more without the pain.

CC - Bridge before Kirkton Farm

I grabbed coke and rice crackers from Al to go into my bag as I couldn't face anything yet, ice sprayed my knee and headed off. This was a good leg as the pain gradually receded to a dull ache and I think the pills must have eased all my other niggles too. The mud past the stinky farm was pretty solid so that was a pleasant surprise and I really like the leg through the forrest as it is 'Narnia' pretty. 

The worst thing about this leg: tripping over a rock and so v nearly going for burton. Despite preventing a full on face plant I did managed to burst my blister on my right toe. 46 miles and my first sweary word burst forth from my lips! I even stomped my  foot in high dudgeon! Thank goodness I was on my own. I was just so cross as I had removed my knee pain and the my blister which had been fine threatened my race. I have to admit I was so cross I stomped on banging my foot firmly on the ground with each step telling it (yes, out loud) that: "you are not going to hurt, you stupid toe". Well it seemed to listen because after a couple of mins and a bit of wiggling my toe into a better position in my shoe it was fine.

The best thing about this leg: seeing Ali Manners running up the hill in the forest to meet me for a wee run to the bridge. Thank you so much Ali, it was such a lovely boost.

Bridge - Tyndrum

A quick water and ice spray of knee and off. Wow! I am going to do it! Just after leavng Al, Ali and Morna the heavens opened, but fortunately it didn't get too cold. As I came up to the campsite I could see someone filming, and as there was no one behind me I realised it was me being filmed. I was a bit confused and then realised Colin had driven up from his previous spot with Liz Tipping and Ali B. He too ran along with me for a wee stretch as I took on my last juice to get me through the last 2.5 miles. I nearly beat 'team Kaz' to where you cross the road but was able to get a last ice spray and just kept pushing on. I was overjoyed to be still running most of the time and even the last litle drumlins before Tyndrum didn't seem too undulating. Through the forrest and then that last final straw - sorry stretch - to the white cottages. My heart was absolutely pounding, but I managed a last push to finish strongly.

Oh My Goodness! I had done it in 12 hours 11 mins and 53 secs - well under 13 hours! I can't tell you how proud I am of myself! To think I was so ill a few years ago that somedays I didn't have enough energy to get out of bed... Well...it means alot. In addition, to know I have raised enough money to feed 1.5 children per mile for a year (£380) so far makes all the pain I am in today worthwhile, and believe you me I am in pain - my blister had burst - atleast that rock has saved me another trip to the hospital to get it aspirated like I had to do 3 weeks ago! 

The finish was great; loads of commaradarie and congratulating of people you had run with at various stretches; a great goody bag (champagne, medal, bottomless coffee cup for the Good Food Cafe, beer, lip salve); free massages and, although we didn't stay, a ceilidh. A huge well done to Phil T and Ian B. Just knowing you guys have been going through the same training and racing pain too has helped me to keep pushing on.

I do apologise if this post is deadly dull and a bit too much, however it may be the only ultramarathon I ever do so it will be nice to have a record of it. Who knows, it may even inspire someone else to push their boundaries.

If you haven't sponsored me, but would like to, please visit www.justgiving.com/karennicholl . It would fab to get my total up to atleast 2 children / mile fed for a year.

New Year's Run 2009

A fine new day and new year dawned as fifteen Harriers and friends, plus two dogs, began the club's annual New Year's morning run.

At just after 8.15 the group set off from the centre of Comrie with shouted encouragement from a couple of folk clearing up the Flambeaux debris.

Frozen ground made for good going up Glen Lednock, and by ten to nine the runners were at the Melville monument, enjoying the views and Rob Bolton's famous "coffee" (or a low-impact alternative recipe for the less adventurous).

On the run back down to Comrie a small group branched off to the Wee Cauldron, where after a short discussion three Harriers - Phil M, Will M and newbie Peter Hague - did the daft but traditional jump into the water.

Brrrrrrrrrr!

Mince Pie Run 2008

Fifteen folk were out this morning for what proved to be a very enjoyable Mince Pie Run on the Ochils.

Despite Jeremiah-like predictions from some quarters, the weather was breezy but dry and mild, with some pleasant blue sky and sunshine.

There seemed to be some minor navigational difficulties in finding the start point at Glensherup car park, but the group was assembled and ready to run by 10.15. The forest track took us steadily uphill and then out onto the open hillside with good views towards the Firth of Forth and the Lomonds of Fife.

At the top of Innerdownie hill we met the full force of the wind and standing upright did become a bit tricky. Fortunately there was a fine stone wall on hand to provide shelter.

From Innerdownie we dropped down a grassy track into the head of Glenquey for mince pies and coffee. Then on along to Glendevon from where a group of keen ones - Karen, Al, Will, Colin, Ben and James - took the high road back over the hill while the rest of us completed the circuit along the riverbank.

Approximate stats: 10.8k for the circuit with 470m ascent, a bit longer and a bit more climb for those who went back over the hill.

A special Sunday run

Many Strathearn Harriers and friends got together today with members of the Wake family for a special Sunday run up to a tall cairn that stands on Choinneachain Hill above Loch Turret, one of Simon's favourite places.

A large group of runners reached the cairn and took a quiet minute to remember Simon.

After coffee and biscuits, the group set off back down the hill, through mist and stinging hail, to emerge back at the dam, refreshed and invigorated by a run that Simon too would have enjoyed.

The weather was interesting to say the least, especially for those of the Wake clan who are more used to sunny climes, and the routefinding was of the usual Harriers standard (!), but we all felt the better for the outing.