Strathearn Harrier

Devil's Burden relay, 21 January

2012-01-26T18:13:00.002Z

Saturday 21st saw a convoy of Harriers head for Falkland for the annual outing to the Devil’s Burden relays. With four legs and handover points dotted about the Lomond Hills, this is a bit of a logistical headache and much credit must go to Gordon for his efforts in working out all the required toings and froings of various cars and drivers. Like all good plans, Gordon’s was sufficiently flexible to be able to accommodate assorted complications such as Al’s need to get away early and Wendy’s arrival straight from work!

So we didn’t quite all gather in Falkland for the start. In fact, I don’t think there a single occasion when we were all gathered together until the ceilidh in the evening.

As far as I can tell, Leg 1 seemed reasonably uneventful - Digby and Andy Greaves for the Men’s A team, Gordon and Doug for the Men’s B team and Cathy and Ali for the Women’s team. Digby and Andy did very well, coming in 12th for their leg, less than 4 minutes behind the leaders. Gordon and Doug were a bit further behind, and I think I’m right in saying that Ali and Cathy did their leg faster than Ali’s managed it before, which is very good going. Cathy and Ali were the 16th Women’s team to complete Leg 1.

Leg 2 was a bit of a mixed bag. By his own admission, Andy Gallagher didn’t do very well, having had a disrupted training programme in the lead up to the race. By contrast, Al ran a stormer, inspired by the little demon that is Kaz, sitting on his shoulder refusing to let him walk the hard bits. Al put in the best time of all the Harriers Leg 2 runners (you can read more about Al’s experience on his own blog). Wendy also did very well, only coming into the team at the last minute as a late replacement for Emily, who went away skiing and came back with a dodgy knee. Wendy’s time was the 7th best Women’s time for the leg.

Leg 3 – well, I found it hard work. Not helped by the fact the Al was faster than we’d anticipated, so Phil and I mis-timed our warm-up (in that we’d hardly started before we saw Al coming down the hill and we had to sprint back to the handover point) All of which meant that I was pretty much spent after the first five minutes of relentless uphill slog, and I spent the next 70 minutes swearing at Phil’s back as he seemed to be sauntering along like he was out on a Sunday stroll. Meanwhile, Will and Colin were over the hill and far away. The only slight impediment to their progress was the mud, which captured one of Colin’s shoes and refused to give it back. Without that, they would have improved on their time of 1:01:37, which was still mightily impressive and was the 13th best time for the leg.

And then there was Kerry and Rhian. It sounds like they had a good time. They were apparently eyeing up assorted runners legs and making dates for future races. And they ran really well, on terrain which is not quite Kerry’s thing.

Leg 4 is the glory leg, in that it’s the last leg and it’s the nice fast one. Phil T blitzed it in the 23rd fastest time. Allan might have put in a fine performance, but since he took a wrong turning somewhere, we don’t really know where he ran or how far he ran. Somehow he did get to the finish, from the right direction, and somehow he persuaded the marshals that they didn’t really want to disqualify him for missing a checkpoint. I suspect the fact that he managed to lead a number of other runners astray may have helped! As to be expected, Angela put in a fine finish with the 6th fastest Women’s time, just 18 seconds behind Lucy Colquhoun.

Overall, the Women’s team had a very strong showing to finish in 9th position in the women’s race finishing the race in a time of 3 hours 29 minutes. Both the Men’s teams put in strong performances, with the A team finishing in 23rd position, in a time of 2 hours 51 minutes, and the B team in 54th position in 3 hours 12 minutes. For reasons which probably don’t stand up under scrutiny, I suspect I’ll be back next year.

Broxburn cross-country, 14 January

2012-01-26T17:44:00.000Z

The Harriers’ racing for 2012 got off to a brisk start at the 3rd of the East District League cross-country meetings, held this time in Broxburn. Club captains Phil T and Ali M have been very active in chivvying folk into running these events, and for the first time in some years, we’re had full men’s and women’s teams at each of the three races. Phil and Rhian get extra brownie points for racing in each of the three events. The races have also been very well attended by the juniors in the assorted age categories.

The course at Broxburn seemed to be better used by the local dogwalkers than the local runners. It was mostly flat, or flattish, although there was one evil short and very muddy slope which certainly took the wind out of my sails on the 3rd lap. There was also a very cold wind, so running was in some ways to preferable to standing around getting cold. There was also quite a lot of enthusiastic shouting and support, and I think we’re vying with HBT for the noisiest supporters. I was particularly appreciative of Levi, who positioned himself at the penultimate corner about 400m from the finish, and was a very welcome sight on the last lap!

As always, many thanks to everyone who helped with these events, and particularly the parents who do the driving and don’t even get the satisfaction of running themselves.

Results were as follows:

Under 11 Boys – Levi Sweeney 27th; Kier McEwan 33rd; David Alexander 38th; Finlay Downie 46th; Huw Thomas 47th; Matthew Oates 49th. Team result 9th for the meeting, and 8th for the season

Under 11 Girls – Jessica Martin 31st. Since Jessica was the only runner at Broxburn, we got stung for penalty points and team result reflected this – 14th for the meeting, and 9th for the season

Under 13 Boys – Fraser Lindsay 41st; Andrew MacInnes 43rd; Christopher Martin 46th; Glen Hughes 50th. Team result 12th for the meeting, and 9th for the season

Under 13 Girls – Catriona Roberts 31st; Morgan Oates 37th; Sammy Wake 38th. Team result 6th for the meeting, and 4th for the season

Under 15 Girls – Maddy Watson 33rd. Maddy was the only runner at Broxburn, we got stung for penalty points again and team result reflected this – 18th for the meeting, and 16th for the season

Senior Women – Angela Mackenzie 25th; Rhian Evans 44th; Ali Manners 78th, Kirsty Mackay 90th. Team result 14th for the meeting, and 10th for the season

Senior Men – Andy Greaves 89th; Phil Tipping 105th; Digby Sym 109th; Phil Mestecky 144th; Tony Wayte 177th; Gordon Morrison 189th; Al Nicholl 200th; Jeff Sweeney 214th; Allan McInnes 216th. Team result 22nd for the meeting, and 17th for the season

Once all the team results are collated together, we ended up with the Girls and Women’s team finishing 7th overall, and the Boys and Men finished 10th overall.

New Year's morning run 2012

2012-01-01T17:10:00.000Z

A pleasingly smooth arithmetic progression on today's club run.

31 Harriers and friends, plus a dog, taking part.
20 minutes or so running up from Comrie to the Melville monument
15 minutes at the monument while the famous RB "coffee" was served and views admired
10 minutes to return to the road in Glen Lednock
8 minutes to arrive at the Wee Cauldron
6 brave/daft folk to swim in the freezing waters
1 very enjoyable start to the year!

Run for Simon 2011

2011-11-05T14:03:00.002Z

On a stunningly beautiful Saturday morning, 18 Harriers gathered to run up from the Loch Turret dam to the cairn on Choinneachain Hill, with Simon in mind.

We went up the long way round the hill road, and came down the short way through the heather, enjoying the company, the scenery and the day.

Simon Wake Comrie Hills relay, 11 September

2011-11-03T18:19:00.002Z

This is mostly Phil T's account of the 2011 Simon Wake Comrie Hills relay, with a few added bits at the end.

I have always wondered how we would cope with bad weather. Well this year we found out. The few days before the race were spent looking for a decent forecast. We had to settle for a bad one.
I was down in Comrie at 7.30am and had a quick drive up Glenlednock to knock a few signs in and look at the weather. It all looked OK so a decision was made to run the usual course.
I had the marshals tooled up and ready to go in record time and the hour before the race was as calm as I can remember. The catering was to take place at Comrie Croft so there wasn’t much to do. All the parking marshals did a great job and Gordon was his usual model of efficiency. At 9.45 I gave the race brief which was too long but it is vital to say certain things, so I did.
All leg 1 runners were sent on their way at 10am dead.
All was going fine until a distress call from Richard who was looking for checkpoint 8 at Invergeldie!? We met up and decided it was Karen’s fault and off he went to sit in his car for the next 4 hours, sensible man.
Leg 1 runners all did well. Colin G ran his usual good leg to hand over to Phil and Digby with a deficit of about 3 mins and in 3rd place. Nicola and Karen had a good race with Nicola coming in shortly before Karen.. Tony ran a steady race and seemed happy enough with his run.
Fiona was checkpoint 2 Marshal and did a great job and after tidying up leg 1 proceeded to start tidying up leg 4 before it was gently pointed out to her that leg 4 was still to happen.
Phil and Digby ran a stormer overhauling Deeside to hand over to Will in 2nd place. Theirs was the fastest leg 2 of the day.
Gordon and Doug a now tried and tested duo ran one of their best leg 2s as did that other regular leg 2 pair Cathy and Ali. Grant and Emily were a last minute pairing. I think Grant found it a tough ru, with Emily keeping ahead of him and his scary shorts.
It was a tough day for all the marshals and I would like to thank each and every one of them for all they did. Liz and Tracey did a fine job at the end of leg 1 and the finish. Alastair spent most of the day getting wet and being a beacon of dayglo like a human lighthouse to guide runners to the Shakey Bridge. George was stoical as ever spending hours at the crossroads on the Maam Rd. He decided not to set off lara off for another leg 2 record this year.
Up on the west ridge we had Colin leading 3 women. Colin knows the hills like the back of his hand and carefully placed Julie and Elaine where they needed to be and marched Kirsty up to the top. Kirsty seemed to be having a fine time judging by the regular cheery radio comms. Apparently she did get a bit wet.
Ali and Beth were at their usual post at the leg2/3 handover. No real dramas here but looking up at Ben Chonzie it was anything but calm for the Marshals on leg 3.
Liz T, Seonaid and Alan marched up at breakneck speed with the consequence that they had to wait ages for the runners to appear. Apparently the weather was really terrible and apologies for sending them up there. Seonaid made the most of things making a nest for herself and falling asleep for 3 hours. Not quite what I had in mind. Liz spent 3 hours marching on the spot and Alan stoically stuck it out at the head of the Carroglen burn.
Will was 1st Harrier to appear and the only one to appear from the correct direction. He gave Liz a cheery greeting and went on his way to record another superb time. Andy appeared from the south, Kerry from the north and Graham from the south but at least they all made checkpoint 6.
Poor Kerry redefined what a rabbit caught in the headlights looks like before she set off. Checkpoint 6 was a low point even though it was the highest point for her but things then got better with the descent. Well done Kerry for putting yourself well outside your comfort zone and putting in a good performance.
Andy had a good run and Graham was reported looking v v unhappy at the top but toughed it out.
Meanwhile in the relatively balmy ambience of the leg3/4 changeover Edward was completely in control ably assisted by Karen. Matt had the parking well under control.
We had an interesting exchange with the leg4 Carnethy runner who was handicapped by visual impairment and no glasses. I realised that I was up against Mr Magoo and Mr M went off with a 3 minute lead on me.
After passing the enviable Richard and Rebecca in their warm car I did my best to make up time on the invisible Mr M up front. After passing Alastair I made my up to El Presidente who had an admiring crowd gathered around him. Up to the Monument and sure enough Mr M was heading down the wrong path. I have to admit to a split second dilemma of should I tell him or not but of course being the decent chap I am I hollered after him and up he came.
George informed me on the descent that I was 90secs behind now. I was happily reeling Mr M in when he sailed past checkpoint 10. I then spent some time hollering after him until he eventually turned around before carrying on in the direction of the A85. Ah well I thought, best push on. The rest of my run was fine and I really enjoyed bringing the Harriers in for our 3rd win.
Deeside came in 2nd after a good run from their leg 4 runner and Mr M eventually brought Carnethey in in 3rd place.
We had 4 teams which is a record for us. Our Men’s team was ably brought home by SWCHR debutante John and Rhian had a fine run to finish off a fine performance by our Ladies. Steph had a good run to bring our mixed team home. Well done to all Harriers and especially those running their 1st SWCHR. It does get easier than this I promise.
After presenting HBT women with their winner’s trophy we headed over to Comrie croft. This turned out to be a great venue and credit for the idea is all Phil m’s. Judith had everything well under control with an army of helpers. The cakes were awesome. Judith does an amazing job and I am enourmously grateful to her and Colin who does help in his own way. Thanks to Colin for organising the radios
Then we presented the prizes and that was it for another year.
Again, many thanks to the committee of Gordon, Phil and Tony.

In addition to Phil's account, it's nice to get good feedback from other clubs. Probably the best came from Sam Hesling, of Carnethy:

"Massive, massive, congratulations to all of the Carnethys out at today's relay !! The weather was comically bad with high winds, driving rain and mist you could stand a ladle in. It was awesome. This has got to be one of the best relays on the calender. The combination of stunning location, honest hill running routes, easy peasy logistics, super friendly organisation, bbq burgers, and one of the best home baked cake tables I've ever had the pleasure of raiding blend beautifully to provide an ace day out. The highlight of mine being waking up a dozing marshals close to the top of the hill on leg three, she had somehow contrived to fall asleep in near horizontal sheet rain.... Massive shout to our friends the Strathearn Harriers, you guys rock."

We do indeed rock!

OMM 2011

2011-11-03T18:12:00.002Z

This is Phil T's account of an epic event:

This race was so far out of my comfort zone that it was in another universe. Mountains/bog/heather/tussocks/rain/wind/mud/navigation... but it was great.

I can't say how impressed I was with the whole thing. How anyone organises this massive event is beyond me.

After a week of refining the contents of my new OMM rucsac I met Sam on the Friday evening to make sure we both knew how to put up my tent. His rucsac was mainly full of sleeping bag so he took my old one.

I was carrying 16lb by the time it was all assembled which is more than I am used to running with!

Our start time was 10.19 and our bus left Cultybraggan at 9.20. There were literally buses every minute! Unbelievable. And there were temporary traffic lights to make sure it all ran like clockwork which it did.

We had a great cooked breakfast courtesy of Andrew Scott and his team and set off for St Fillans.

The rain had been falling all morning but started to clear as we headed up the track to the start which left just west of the Four Seasons hotel.

We had 10min to kill and then made our way to our start in B class. 26km lay ahead of us, surely that wouldn't take more than 5-6 hours? We heard that one elite team had taken one look at the map and gone home, hard to believe but true.

Off we went on time. Fortunately Sam seemed to know what he was doing and started up a track, not too bad so far. Then it started to rain and didn't stop for the next 7 hours. We headed west, took in check 1 and then 2 with John King marshalling and doing sterling work in torrential rain. All the marshals were awesome, what a job they had !

Then our 1st long stretch of the day across tussocky moorland. I fell, cramped, fell, cramped then did it all again. Then our 1st significant burn crossing, Chucked the bag across and went for it, got wet, laughed as another runner went in head 1st, applauded as Sam stayed dry. West over a hill, checkpoint 3, hurrah.

Check 4 manned by a late middle aged woman, where do these amazing people come from? It was horrendous for her and all the other marshals. Down to the pipe and wow, some actual running for a bit. So far we had been mainly walking, albeit quickly.

Next the long stretch east over the Corbett, but which way? We spent an age checking, checking getting cold. Made in to Glen Finn and up,up,up. Sam did start to struggle with cold, and uncertainty as to where we should be going. Big hill, gale force wind, horizontal heavy, heavy rain so hard it hurt but we have to keep going, no option really. Eventually we get to the top of something in thick mist and find 2 girls, one in shorts!!! Find others also lost. I take a punt and head along a path and there it is, the long awaited trig point we are all looking for. 857m up and it's about as bad as it gets, so down we go and find check 5 next to a raging burn. Checkpoints are like honeypots with lots of other runners buzzing around them, then it's relative isolation until the next one.

Off we go sniffing the end but it's a long way. Heading for Glenalmond and we go down a long way, sometimes on our backsides, then up again. There it is another checkpoint, this one next to a raging torrent we must get across. None of these checkpoints are easy to find. This is tough.

On we go with a real sense of the end in sight. We get into Glenalmond and slowly pick up numbers 8 and 9.Well done Sam you have got us to halfway, I am in awe.

We finish in 7.09hrs. How can we have taken so long? That isn't even a decent walking pace for goodness sake! However we finish 55/120 or thereabouts, not bad, we are pleased.

The camp is already full of tents so we pitch ours just as the v brief respite in rain comes to an end.

Strip off and get in the tent and try to get organised and warm. We both opt for lying in our bags and doing nothing, hoping not to have to emerge again.

Phil and Rhian are next door and they have had 2.5 hours more fun than us, god help them!

We spend the evening eating and warming up.

At 11pm we try to sleep. I toss and turn all night. Do I sleep? Maybe, but I'm not sure.

The hour goes back at 2am, I hear it above the gale outside.

At 6am we hear a deranged piper doing his thing, is that Rob Bolton?

Come on Sam, up you get, more fun today.

We breakfast and get ourselves together for our 8.53 start. It is a lovely morning, it is a beautiful glen, we are very lucky to be here and to be able to do this. We set off and do some running. More hills, some big ones. We end up on a boggy, peaty, moorland which is good because we can run across this. The mist comes down or do we go up to it? It is dry though and we move along quite well.

Eventually we reach the point when we turn towards Ben Chonzie. We have a fenceline to follow, no compass required, I bolt and run, passing many people and feeling great. We reach the foot of Chonzie and I bonk big time. Up,up,up following a line of runners up a gully. Where is the checkpoint? We follow the crowds and there it is. Then we make our only real error and head over Chonzie. This involves a big climb and loses us a lot of time. I bonk again and Sam gives me one of his precious gels which helps. This event is all fluctuating energy levels for me.

We find the Invergeldie track and head down and across to check 6. Then down and up along the muddiest track in this race which is saying something.

We make the Carroglen track and run through the farm and down the road. I bonk+++. This is awful, I can barely put 1 foot in front of the other and check 8 is up another hill, will this never end?

Finally we find 8 and Sam feeds me some energy bar which does help after 10min. We are on the TDS, OMG we are actually going to finish this. Check 9 is just above the cattlegrid on the Balmuick Rd. We turn onto the forestry track above the golf course and run. We pass lots of people and I start to feel quite emotional. Check 10 and then we race along the river to Laggan park and the finish.

There is Elizabeth, Liz, Kath, Kerry and Nicola. We finish.

What an event.

St Andrews Hospice 10k, Oban half marathon, 2 October

2011-11-03T09:57:00.004Z

More races on a busy weekend for Harriers runners. Following her success at the Pitlochry 10k, Angela once again headed the women’s results at the Saint Andrews Hospice 10k, held at Strathclyde Park. Angela was first woman home in a time of 41:51.

Also running on Sunday was Elaine, at the Oban half marathon. Elaine ran a personal best time of 1:51:15 to finish 8th woman on a course which has a very nasty sting in the tail, with a steep climb right at the finish.

Loch Ness marathon, 2 October

2011-11-03T09:47:00.002Z

The Loch Ness Marathon is the biggest marathon in Scotland and follows a scenic, if slightly lumpy, route from the southern end of Loch Ness to Inverness. We had a good group running, overcoming the logistical challenges of the registration and buses.

Kerry and Nicola did their buddy thing and ran together and finished in the very impressive time of 3:39:10. Beforehand, Kerry had said they'd be running at about 9-minute mile pace, so to actually run at about 8.20-minute pace was a pretty impressive feat. This was only the second time that Kerry and Nicola have run a marathon, and they were delighted to improve their previous best times by more than 10 minutes.

Karen P was next Harrier home, in a time of 3:49:51, followed closely by Allan MacI in 3:53:04, taking about 47 minutes off his time from last year - good effort!. Susan Saunders run her first-ever marathon and finished in a very creditable 4:21:46. Colin T made it round without the help of his regular running partner FionaL, but still managed some sight-seeing while flying the flag for the over-60s with a splendid time of 5:05:42.

Ben Venue hill race, 1 October

2011-11-03T09:41:00.002Z

The Ben Venue hill race was the sixth and final race in the Scottish Hill Racing Championship, and Will was racing for a top ten position in the championship table. Ben Venue's quite a cute hill, but some of the terrain at the top is pretty tough going. We had a hardy group of four runners travelling from Crieff - Will, Gordon, Andy and Rhian - and they were joined by Doug, going awol from a stag-do somewhere nearby.

The weather was pretty miserable, but a good time was apparently had by all. Will finished tenth, in a time of 1:20:21 to cover the 12 kilometres distance and 860 metres of ascent from the bottom of Ben Venue, up to the top and down again. A bit further down the filed were Andy (79th in 1:36:13), Doug (112th in 1:43:25), Gordon (127th in 1:46:13) and Rhian (16th woman, in a time of 1:48:06).

Will’s finish gave him sufficient points to finish 7th overall in the SHR Championship, and 3rd in the V40 category. Last year Will finished 10th overall, so the Ben Venue result rounded off a very successful season in great style.

Ben Nevis race, 3 September

2011-11-01T21:36:00.003Z

The Ben Nevis race is one of the stand-out races in the Scottish racing calendar, not least because it goes up and down Britain's highest mountain! In Adrian Wake, we're fortunate to have someone in the club who's been up and down it more times than most, and whose wonderful achievement of 21 successful races was recognised with the award of a special bottle of whisky from the Ben Nevis distillery.

For this event, Adrian was joined by Ben, who now has a considerable tradition to uphold - good luck! Also running were Will, Colin and Gordon. Will continued his very strong season to finish in 13th position in 1hour 44minutes. Colin wasn't too far behind, finishing in 1hour 57minutes, and Gordon came home in 2hours 35minutes. Fantastic achievement by everyone involved.

Killin 10k, 27 August

2011-11-01T21:27:00.002Z

Four of us headed over to Killin for a new 10k race, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I'm always a bit nervous about new races, because you never really know what the organisation is going to be like, but in this case, apart from a slightly dodgy start into oncoming traffic at the Falls of Dochart, this went really well.

The race route goes through Killin and heads up one side of Glen Lochay to the hydro station before coming back down the glen and back to the finish in the park. It's not quite a pb course, with one slightly unpleasant hill at about the 5.5k mark, but apart from that it's a very nice course.

I was very happy to finish 4th overall. Sadly there were no prizes for first vet, as I would have won that. Elaine was next Harrier home, followed by Kirsty, who managed to pip Rob by 9 seconds!

It's a nice race, and I'll certainly be keen to do it again next year.

Great Scottish Run, 3 and 4 September

2011-11-01T21:17:00.002Z

The Great Scottish Run in Glasgow is one of those things billed as a festival of running with a whole assortment of races for everyone, over different distances. This year, there were races for juniors on Saturday and adults on Sunday.

For the juniors, this was the biggest event most of the juniors had run in, with 1160 boys and girls aged between 9 and 16, from all over Scotland, racing over a 3k course on Glasgow Green. First Harrier to finish was Sol , with a very good time of 11:32. Sol was 60th overall, and 9th in the 11-12 boy category. Not far behind Sol was Andrew (33rd in his age category), followed by Savannah (18th 13-14 girl category) and Levi (115th in his age category).

On Sunday, a convoy headed from Crieff back to Glasgow for the Great Scottish Half Marathon. Eleven Harriers ran this major event, which had nearly 8500 participants. This race attracts international class runners, and the winner this year was Joseph Birech of Kenya, in a time of 1 hour, 1 minute and 26 seconds. Harriers runners didn’t quite match that pace, but they did put in some very strong performances. First Harrier was Phil T in the very creditable time of 1hour 24minutes and 23 seconds. First woman was Kerry, improving all the time with her best-ever half marathon time of 1hour 39minutes and 28 seconds. Elaine Moffat also managed a pb, and all the other runners had a splendid day out: Karen P, Jeff Sweeney, Nicola, Alastair, Fiona L, Colin T, Allan MacInnes and Kirsty.

Comrie Fortnight Hill Race, 4 August

2011-11-01T21:04:00.002Z

So it came down to this, the Comrie Fortnight Hill Race, and the decider for the women's championship! Will had the men's championship sewn up long ago, but Kerry and Angela were separated by a single point, with the final destination of the championship resting on the result of this race. The most important bit of equipment was Phil's calculator!

We had a record 19 Harriers racing, making up a sizeable chunk of the field. From the off, Angela and Kerry stuck close to each other for all but the last mile, when Angela opened up a decisive lead on the Glen Lednock Road and widened the gap as she hurtled through the woods above the Deil’s Cauldron and finished as the first woman back at Laggan Park. But was Kerry's time close enough to Angela's to get her the points she needed?

In the men’s race, Patrick disappeared off into the distance after the first mile and we didn't see him again until the finish. He finished in what is thought to be a course record of 32:18 - such is the charm of the race that quaint notions such as timing are mere pipe dreams. Patrick was eventually followed home by the brothers-in-law Phil T and Phil M, followed by Andy G making a welcome appearance in amongst injuries.

After the race we retired to the Comrie Hotel where Phil did his sums and duly announced Kerry as the women's champion, with Angela in second place in the championship. Nicola finished third woman in the race and third in the women’s championship, with an impressive eight of the ten championship races under her belt.In the men's championship, I'd done enough to hold on to second place, ahead of Phil M in third place.

Crieff 10k, 10 July

2011-11-01T20:49:00.003Z

The Crieff 10k is a highlight of the club season, and this year was no exception. We had nearly 300 runners, including some of Scotland's finest, a man dressed as a grouse, and Rhian's Dad coming all the way from South Wales just to run in our race (seeing his daughter was incidental, of course). Could you imagine a better way to spend a Saturday?

In amongst all the huge efforts that go into organising and catering the event, it's almost possible to overlook the results, but for those interested, the men's race was run by Prasad Prasad, one of Scotland’s finest hill runners, in a very fast time of 33:37, just 5 seconds outside the course record, and therefore saving us having to pay out extra prize money for breaking the record. First woman home was Edel Mooney in 39:05. First local man was Patrick O’Kane, still running as an HBT runner, and Angela was first local woman, in a time of 44:02.

For the first time, a Juniors race was run, over a distance of 1 mile. This was won by Dominic in an outstanding time of 5:45, followed by Matthew in 5:59, with Matthew’s younger brother James finishing 3rd (and 1st in the under-11s race) in 6:29. Daniel du Pon and Andrew McInnes were second and third in the under-11s race. First under-13 girl was Abigail, and first under-11 (and second girl overall) was Catriona Roberts, I find these times from the juniors a bit disturbing - under 6 minutes for a 13-year-old is some going!

As always, massive thanks to everyone who helps with the organisation of the event, from AliB as Race Director to the kids who helped served the juice and tea at the end. Gordon was his usual unflustered self with the results, despite a bit of glitch with some of the times coming n from the finish - it all came good in the end. And thanks to The Famous Grouse Experience for their very generous sponsorship, and their contributions to the goodie-bags for all runners, and thanks to Rob for organising the Comrie Pipe Band who sent the runners on their way at the start and met them home at the finish.

And then we went for a curry, which was nice.

Harriers 5x5 relay and juniors prize-giving, 23 July

2011-11-01T20:34:00.003Z

This year saw the 3rd running of the 5x5 relay. This was set up to mark the club’s 25th anniversary and has become a fixture in the club calendar, and in past years has been followed by assorted shenanigans at Braidhagh or at Fiona and Murray's farm.

The route starts across the Morrison's playing fields and makes its way across the bridge and up Knock Mary, with a first handover at the road down to Strowan. From there, Leg 2 winds through the woods to Auchingarrich and down to Comrie, with a handover in Laggan Park. Leg 3 is the brutal one, up to Braefordie and then on to the Turret Dam. Leg 4 is downhill all the way back to Taylor Park, with Leg 5 reprising the Crieff 10k route.

As usual, Kirsty won the prizes for best team t-shirts with variations on the royal theme, while I was reduced to recycling last years' Tony the Tiger t-shirts. This years race was won by Jayne Martin's team, with a storming run from Josh Murchie on the leg from the Balloch Road, through Auchingarrich, to Comrie, setting up Digby with a comfortable lead for the hard leg from Comrie up to the Turret Dam. Digby extended the lead even further before handing over to Peter for the downhill leg back to Taylor Park, leaving Beth with the glory leg to win with minutes to spare. Josh was definitely the star of the show, with a fantastic run. Then again, he is an international junior triathlete, or something equally impressive.

In the evening, we gathered at Braidhaugh for the annual barbeque and, for the first time, the prize presentations for the junior section of the club. The junior prize winners are:

Club Champion under 11 boys - Lewis Forsyth

Club Champion under 11 girls- Sammy Wake

Club Champion under 13 boys- Dominic Mestecky

Club Champion under 13 girls- Morgan Oates

Most improved boy- Chris Martin

Most improved girl- Catriona Roberts

Runner of the year for boys - Sol Sweeney

Runner of the year for girls - Abigail Johnstone

Clydestride Relay, 16 July

2011-11-01T18:39:00.003Z

The Clydestrde relay was a new outing for us all. The Clydestride 40 is an ultramarathon, run over a 40 mile route along the banks of the River Clyde from the centre of Glasgow to New Lanark. It follows the course of the river from Glasgow through Hamilton and Strathclyde Park to finish at the historic village of New Lanark.The first half of the race seemed to consist of a tour of Morrison's supermarkets, although the scenery did get better as we moved out of Glasgow.

Liz T was running the whole thing, but some of us took advantage of the fact that for the first time, a relay was been added to the race schedule. Phil T ran Leg 1 for the men, and I think LizM ran Leg 1 for the women (apologies if I've got that wrong). Phil ran strongly to arrive at the 1st handover point in Cambuslang in 3rd position, somewhat bemused at the pace of the leading men who were running the whole distance, and handed over to Al. I think Liz handed over to Shelagh. Or was it Karen?

Anyway, we then got lost driving to the next checkpoint at a hotel car park at the entrance to Strathclyde Park, just off the M74. V. scenic. Al was mugged a bit by the fact that his leg was longer than advertised and was feeling a bit bedraggled by the time he got to Strathclyde Park. We were waiting and worrying in case he'd got lost and we were going to have to send out search parties in south Glasgow. But he turned up and and over to me, and off I went.

Meanwhile Shelagh was striding through south Glasgow with the occasional route-finding incident, and also felt a bit mugged by the extra distance - it's a bit disconcerting to be expecting to run 8 miles on an unfamiliar route and still be running after 9 miles. But she made it, and handed over to Karen for the 3rd leg.

Leg 3 was really nice - initially alongside the loch (i.e. nice and flat) and then through assorted fields and woods, still nice and flat. I also had the pleasure of overtaking people, which was a pleasant novelty, and ended up handing over to PhilM as the first relay runner at the second handover, at a random bridge somewhere in South Lanarkshire (perhaps).

Meanwhile, the rest of the women's team were a) getting lost and b) getting sent in the wrong direction by a runner who had dropped out of the race and didn't appear to know where he was or where he was going. Their generosity in giving him a lift was returned with a stony silence when he got out of the car. But they got there before Karen did, which was the important thing. Karen had a good run and handed over to Kerry for the glory leg.

And then we all made our way to New Lanark for the finish. The route from the car park to the finish took us on a big detour, to the extent that although we'd seen Phil racing down the final hill, we arrived at the finish about 15 minutes after him. The Strathearn Stags were the first relay team to finish, and the Strathearn Sirens were the first women’s team to complete the course.

To round it off, beer was provided at the finish! For essential rehydration purposes of course! I think this was probably my favourite day out of the year - definitely one for next year.

Brig Bash, 6 July

2011-11-01T09:14:00.001Z

Nine runners made it to Bridge of Earn for the Brig Bash, a 5-mile road race and the ninth (and penultimate) race in the Harriers Championship. Despite pouring rain most of the day, the race was run in good conditions and was won by Central AC runner Lewis Miller in a fast time of 25:17. At this time in the season, Patrick was still running as an HBT runner, but I think we can claim him as one of ours, since he was 5th overall in a blistering time of 27:53. The first Harriers vest to finish was worn by Will, in ninth position in a time of 28:33. Next was Phil T in 31:20, followed a bit later by me in 32:42. First woman Harrier was Patrick’s daughter Erin, in a fine time of 33:50. Cathy followed in 35:26. Also running were Mary O’Kane, Kirsty, AliB and club president George. Like the Milnathort Dash, the Brig Bash is always followed by a splendid spread.

The position at the top of the Men’s and Women’s Championship remained unchanged, with Will extending his lead in the Men’s competition and neither Angela or Kerry racing. So for the women, it was all down to the final Championship race at the Comrie Fortnight Hill Race.

Phil M at the Lairig Ghru, 26 June

2011-10-31T22:37:00.003Z

The Lairig Ghru race is one of the beasts of Scottish running. It's a hard enough walk, from Braemar to Aviemore through the high pass of the Lairig Ghru, with ankle-snapping boulder fields and the potential for seriously bad weather, even in the height of summer.

So it seemed just the thing for Phil M to run this one. And very well he did too, with a top 30 finish and an outstanding time of 3 hours, 59 minutes and 3 seconds.

The photo shows Phil in the Rothiemurcus Forest at about the 3 hour mark. Being brutally honest, I do have to say that the leading runners did look a wee bit fresher than Phil did at this point.

Milnathort Dash, 23 June

2011-10-31T22:36:00.000Z

For the eighth race in the club championship, eight Harriers made it to the Milnathort Dash. The Dash is a 5.5 mile race on minor roads through pleasant farmland to the north-east of Milnathort, near Kinross. This is the first year the race has been included in the club championship, so it was an unknown quantity for all the Harriers.

Once again, Will was first Harrier home, finishing fourth overall. Angela was second Harrier, finishing 27th overall and fourth woman. Kerry and I weren’t far behind Angela, followed by Gordon, Cathy, Nicola and Ali. In addition to the quality of the racing, this was an outstanding event made memorable by the quantity and quality of the after-race spread – heaps upon heaps of cakes, sandwiches, sausage rolls and assorted post-race scoff. Definitely one for next year!

Not surprisingly, this result cemented Will’s lead in the club championship. The women’s championship was a different story, with just one point out of 80 separating Kerry and Angela, making the results of the final two races very interesting!

Lang Toon 10k, 1 June

2011-10-31T22:31:00.000Z

A record turnout of 18 Harriers made it to Auchterarder last Wednesday for the annual Lang Toon 10k race. This was the sixth race in the Harriers Championship series, and saw some great performances from the runners.

Not for the first time, Will was first Harrier home in a time of 37:17, followed by Phil M in 40:49. Angela and Kerry repeated their strong performances in earlier races, with Angela coming home as second woman overall in a time of 42:18, and Kerry a short distance behind to finish third woman in a time of 43:01.

At this stage in the season, Will had consolidated his lead in the club championship and was well set to retain his title. Kerry moved to the head of the women’s championship, ahead of Angela and Nicola.

Cape Wrath marathon, 21 May

2011-10-31T22:27:00.002Z

Just to show what an adventurous club we are, we had a runner in one of the most remote (the most remote?) marathons in the UK, when Phil T ran in the far north-west at the Cape Wrath Marathon. The original race route, which involves a ferry across the Kyle of Durness, had to be abandoned because of bad weather, so the organisers quickly made alternative arrangements with a route from Durness to Kinlochbervie. Phil ran in difficult conditions to finish in a time of 3:38:56.

Slioch Horseshoe hill race, 21 May

2011-10-31T22:25:00.001Z

Not content with racing three days earlier at Kinnoull Hill, Will made the trip up to Kinlochewe for the Slioch Horseshoe hill race on Saturday. This is one of the most demanding races in the Scottish Hill Runners championship, with a route from the head of Loch Maree to the summit of Slioch and back again, to give a total distance of about 12 miles and 3300ft of ascent, much of it over difficult terrain, and on Saturday, in difficult weather conditions. Will put in an exceptional performance to finish second in a field of 150 runners, just a bit under a minute behind the race winner, beating some of Scotland’s best hill runners.

Kinnoull Hill race, 18 May

2011-10-31T22:24:00.000Z

The sixth race in the Strathearn Harriers championship series was the Kinnoull Hill race in Perth. Once again, there was a great turnout from the club, with some outstanding performances.

First Harrier to finish was Will, in 3rd position overall with a time of 27:48. Next home was Phil M in 27th position in a time of 31:22, followed by Andy G in 33:14. Angela was first Harrier woman to finish, just 2 seconds behind Andy, to finish in 4th position in the woman’s race. Kerry was second Harrier woman home in 35:53, with Cathy third in 37:11. Following Cathy was Jim Cahill, competing for the first time in a Harriers vest. A bit further down the field were Nicola, Liz, Alastair and Fran.

Loch Leven Half Marathon, 14 May

2011-10-31T22:18:00.001Z

A strong team of Harriers women Harriers were out in force at the Loch Leven Half Marathon. The race route follows the A and B roads from Kinross round the loch, finishing back in Kinross at the King George V playing fields. It’s mostly flat, but there’s an unwelcome slope in Scotlandwell, at about the 7 mile mark, just when you could do with a bit of help. The weather was kind for most of the race, but a headwind over the closing few miles made the going hard for tiring runners.

Kerry continued her strong start to the season to come home in 10th position in the woman’s race, in a personal best time of 1:41:08 (and just to prove what a good race she ran, she also set a personal best for her 10k time in the first half of the race). Next Harriers home were Julie H in her first half marathon in a time of 1:49:40 and Steph in a personal best time of 1:49:51. Not far behind was Ali M in a time of 1:50:54. A bit further down the field were Fiona McDonald in another personal best time, delighted to come in under the 2 hour mark, Tracey Oates in her first half marathon, Shelagh Wake and Kirsty McKay.

There had been rumours beforehand that club president George Carson was going to run, but in the event, he turned out to do a splendid job of touring round the course in Kirsty’s new car, offering support to all and sundry. So I ended up as the only man running for the Harriers. The first few miles felt okay, but I developed a foot injury and found the last few miles really tough going, and it ended up as my slowest half since the Tewkesbury half marathon donkey’s years ago.

Glen Lednock race, 8 May

2011-10-31T22:08:00.000Z

A torrential downpour an hour before the race start wasn’t enough to put off the 30 adults and 22 children for the Glen Lednock race on Sunday morning, and by the time the race started, the conditions were close to ideal for this annual race run for the Margaret J Gordon Art and Craft Trust. Harriers were out in force, and very grateful for the shelter offered under Graham’s gazebo-thingy. This was the fifth race in the club championship, and we had ten runners competing in the main adults’ race. There were also assorted juniors races and a shortened adults race. All way too confusing.

The adults’ race, run from Carmichael’s Yard at the foot of Monument Road in Comrie up the glen to Invergeldie and back down again, was won by Paul Acari in a very fast time of 45:31 for the 8.5 mile course. I hung on to Phil M’s heels for the first 5 miles or so and then managed to open up a gap on the downward half, and I was first Harrier to finish 9th overall in a time of 57:08, about 5 minutes faster than I’d managed last year. Phil was just under a minute behind, finishing 10th in 58:03, followed by Andy G in 14th position, in 62:29. John Davidson, James and Gordon finished close together in 17th, 18th and 19th positions.

For the Harrier’s women, Angela won the women’s race in a time 59:35, with Kerry second in 63:14, and Nicola fourth in 66:52. Karen G and Jayne M completed the Harrier’s turn-out a wee bit further down the field.

The Junior race started at the same time as the adults race but followed a different route up the steep path towards the Deil’s Cauldron, with a turnaround up the hill to give a 1.5 mile run. The race was won by Dominic M in an exciting sprint finish with Lewis following just 10 seconds behind, with Sol in 3rd place.

In the girls 13-15 race, there were great performances with Poppy Robertson finishing first girl in 6th place followed by Maddy in 8th place with Sav having a great run finishing 10th. The girls 9-11 race was won by Abigail, followed by Catriona and Morgan in 13th and 14th place respectively. There were good performances from all the other junior Harriers, including Chris Martin, Sammy Wake, Levi Sweeney, Daniel Saunders and Jessica Martin.

Stuc a‘Chroinn hill race, 30 April

2011-10-31T21:54:00.001Z

Three Harriers took on one of the toughest hill races in Scotland - the Stuc a‘Chroinn hill race. This brute starts in Strathyre, heads up Beinn Each and then on up to the top of Stuc a‘Chroinn. It’s difficult terrain all the way, with a distance of about 14 miles and a total ascent of 5000 feet. I was watching from the top, and it was pretty remarkable watching the progress of the runners as they made their way along the ridge of Beinn Each and then headed up the spur up to the top. On one of his regular forays north, Colin Glencorse was first Harrier to finish in 19th position, in a time of 2:43:36. Phil M finished in 28th position in a time of 2:49:22, and Lisa MacDermid finished in 131st position in a time of 4:19:53.

Kinross 10k, 28 April

2011-10-31T21:53:00.001Z

For the fifth race in the club championship, ten of us made our way to Kinross for the Kinross 10k race, supported by a pair of Phils, who chose not to run this one. The race is run on a flat course in the grounds of Kinross House and the golf club - it’s flat and fast, but a bit dull, with laps of a parkland course with sharp turns which isn’t exactly inviting. On a perfect evening for running, Will was first Harrier home, finishing in 18th position overall in a time of 38:06, despite running with a broken rib. I was second Harrier to finish in 47th position in a time of 41:05 – bit disappointed, to be honest. Third Harrier, and first woman Harrier was Angela, 10th overall woman in a time of 42:44. Gordon and James had their annual Kinross tussle, with Gordon finishing stronger in to finish in 45:03, followed by James in 45:25.

After running almost side-by-side for much of the race, Nicola won her tussle with Ali, pulling away to finish in 47:08, with Ali finishing in 48:02. A wee bit further down the field were Liz M, Alistair S and Fiona McD.

Newtyle Hill race, 13 April

2011-10-31T21:49:00.001Z

Strathearn Harriers were out in strength for the Newtyle Hill race, run on Wednesday 13 April, for the third of the Club Championship races, with the girls outnumbering the boys. The race is a mix of trail, hill and woodland with the finish through the Dunkeld golf course and back on the Fungarth path to Loch of the Lowes. Confusingly for Gordon and I, who had recce'd the course the previous week, it was decided to run the race in the reverse direction. This did mean the big hill came nearer the start (which may or may not be a good thing), but also meant that there was a nasty wee hill about a mile short of the finish which I really didn’t appreciate.

The first Harrier home, in 13th position overall, was Phil T in a time of 34:56. I was second Harrier to finish, in 22nd position, in a time of 36:50, and Gordon was third, 28th overall, in 38:42.

For the women, Kerry was first home in a time of 39:52. Kerry finished second in the women’s race, closely followed by Cathy, third in the women’s race, in a time of 40:16. Nicola and Liz followed in fifth and sixth positions in the women’s race, with Nicola finishing first in her age group category. For Kerry and Nicola, this race come just three days after they ran the Lochaber Marathon in Fort William – just how hardcore is that!

Somehow, the women managed to acquire numerous prizes, consisting mainly of bottles of wine.

A Busy Weekend in October

2011-10-05T09:02:00.004+01:00

It was another busy weekend for Strathearn Harriers, with runners racing across the country.

Saturday’s action kicked off with the Ben Venue hill race. This was the sixth and final race in the Scottish Hill Racing Championship, and Will was racing for a top ten position in the championship table. Will finished tenth, in a time of 1:20:21 to cover the 12 kilometres distance and 860 metres of ascent from the bottom Ben Venue, up to the top and down again. Also running for the Harriers were Andy Gallagher (79th in 1:36:13), Doug Flint (112th in 1:43:25), Gordon Morrison (127th in 1:46:13) and Rhian Evans (16th woman, in a time of 1:48:06).

Much of Sunday’s action was centred on the Loch Ness Marathon. This is the biggest marathon in Scotland and follows a scenic route from the southern end of Loch Ness to Inverness. Kerry and Nicola ran together and finished in the very impressive time of 3:39:10. This was only the second time that Kerry and Nicola have run a marathon, and they were delighted to improve their previous best times by more than 10 minutes. Karen P was next Harrier home, in a time of 3:49:51, followed closely by Allan MacInnes in 3:53:04. Susan Saunders run her first marathon and finished in 4:21:46, with Colin T flying the flag for the over-60s with a splendid time of 5:05:42.

Following her success at the Pitlochry 10k, Angela once again headed the women’s results at the Saint Andrews Hospice 10k, held at Strathclyde Park. Angela was first woman home in a time of 41:51.

Also running on Sunday was Elaine Moffat, at the Oban half marathon. Elaine ran a personal best time of 1:51:15 to finish 8th woman on a course which has a very nasty sting in the tail, with a steep climb right at the finish.

Upcoming races for Harriers’ members over the next couple of weeks include the Kirkintilloch half marathon, the Mersey marathon in Liverpool, the Meall nan Tarmachan hill race, and the first race in the Eastern District Cross Country League.

New Year's Morning run

2011-01-01T13:06:00.001Z

A large group of 21 runners and 1 dog turned out for the 2011 New Year's run from Comrie village up icy paths to the Melville monument and back.

Although the start time was later (more civilised) than in the past, all the traditional ingredients were there - shouts of encouragement from onlookers in the village centre, Rob Bolton's famous "coffee" at the top of the hill, and a dip in the the Wee Cauldron for a hardy few on the way back.

Excellent start to the year!

Simon Wake Comrie Hills Relay 2010

2010-09-16T22:58:00.004+01:00

Tom Wake, son of Simon Wake and watched by his mother Shelagh, presents the prize for fastest Leg 1 to Scottish International Andy Fallas of Carnethy.

A record 35 teams from 18 running clubs across Scotland took part in this year's Simon Wake Comrie Hills Relay, run over a reconfigured course on Sunday 12th September. It’s a tough 40k+ event with over 2,000 metres of ascent, run in four stages by teams of five runners. The highly scenic course starts and finishes at Laggan Park in Comrie and follows a route over the hills in Glen Lednock.

The race is organised by Strathearn Harriers, with support from The Famous Grouse Experience, and is dedicated to the memory of Harrier Simon Wake who died tragically in 2008 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. All proceeds from the race are donated to the fight against this terrible disease.

The men's race, which featured three Scottish International runners, was a real thriller with the lead changing hands between teams from Carnethy, Deeside and Strathearn (briefly) before Deeside’s Robbie Simpson became the first leg 3 runner ever to break the hour and in so doing looked to have put the race beyond doubt.
However, as seems inevitable in the Comrie Relay, a final twist and a couple of missed turnings by the Leg 4 Deeside runner allowed Tim Darlow to sprint across Laggan Park to the finish to snatch victory for Carnethy by just 7 seconds after 40 kilometres and 3 hours 16 minutes of running.

Strathearn Harriers Men’s team – comprising Colin Glencorse, Phil Mestecky, Digby Sym, Will Manners and Phil Tipping – finished close behind in third place in a time of 3 hours 18 minutes 14 seconds.

The women’s race was won by a team from Ochil Hill Runners, while Fife AC won both the Men’s Vet and Women’s Vet categories. Lothian Running Club won the Mixed category, but a Harriers Mixed team featuring Nicola Watson, Angela Mackenzie, Doug Flint, Tony Wayte and Andy Greaves were category runners up in a very respectable time of 3:56:53.

The third Harriers team of Cathy Tilbrook, Adrian Wake, Peter Gaylor, James Bussey and Ali Manners ran well to finish fifth in the Mixed category.

Despite the navigational questions (?!!), Deeside's strength showed in the fact that they picked up two of the fastest Leg prizes:
Leg 1: Andy Fallas (Carnethy) - 46.55
Leg 2: Drew Tivendale and Sam Burgess (Deeside) - 39.04
Leg 3: Robbie Simpson (Deeside) - 59.31
Leg 4: Bill Fairmaner (Fife) - 38.07

An enjoyable day ended with cups of tea, plenty of post-race analysis and a great barbecue sitting in the sunshine in Laggan Park.

As well as being an increasingly popular fixture on the Scottish hill running calendar, the race is very much a community event which brings together many people from Strathearn in a variety of roles. Race organisers Phil Tipping and Colin Tipping were in overall charge but thanks go to many other people who gave their time and energy to organise timekeeping, marshalling, car parking, feeding the runners, marking the course and a myriad of other tasks.

Thanks also go to The Famous Grouse Experience for providing prizes and to those local landowners on the east side of Glen Lednock who this year kindly gave permission for the race to cross their land.

Full results are on the Strathearn Harriers site here: http://www.strathearnharriers.org.uk/ComrieHillsRelay2010resultsv2.pdf
Other pics of the event are here http://picasaweb.google.com/McStecko/SimonWakeComrieHillsRelay2010#

The Famous Grouse Crieff 10k 2010

2010-07-11T14:47:00.006+01:00

There was an excellent turnout of 249 runners for this year's Famous Grouse Crieff 10k and despite some damp conditions before the race it was once again a successful and enjoyable event. Morrison's Academy sports ground was a beautifully manicured green and there was an abundance of food for all.

Results are at www.strathearnharriers.org.uk/Crieff10kresults2010.pdf

First man home was Neil Calder of Edinburgh AC in 35.31, just ahead of Andrew Wright of Carnegie in 35.52. Chris Black of Bellahouston was 3rd in 37.05.

The womens race was won for the second year in succession by Edel Mooney of Lothian in 40.41, with second and third places going to Claire Couper in 42.05 and Strathearn Harrier Angela Mackenzie in 44.02.

Colin Glencorse was first Harrier home in a very impressive 37.54 and 6th place, closely followed by Will Manners in 38.09 and 8th place. Will and Angela collected the prizes for first local runners, including a gallon of whisky each. (So when's the party?)

Special mention for the three bananas who finished the race, in a bunch of course, in just over 65 minutes. This was race number 6 in a series of ten 10ks they are running to raise money for charity- more at http://www.justgiving.com/100kbanana

The club is very grateful to The Famous Grouse Experience for their generous sponsorship of the race, and to Highland Spring and Morrison's Academy too for their support.

Race organiser Ali Beattie did a great job, ably assisted by Colin Tipping and a team of other helpers. Thanks go also to the pipers from the Comrie Pipe Band who spurred the runners on and to Gilbert the Grouse for his performance at the finish line!

Devils Burdens 2010

2010-01-23T16:59:00.006Z

Another excellent day doing the Devils Burdens relay over the Lomond Hills.

After loads of call-offs we had only one Harriers team this year, comprising Jack and James on Leg 1, Gordon on Leg 2, Phil M and Andy on Leg 3 and Kenny on Leg 4. Jack's mum and Seonaid turned out to support.

The access roads were clear and the weather on the day was cool but mostly dry. There was some snow and ice on the hill - some of the snow deep and very hard going - but there was also a lot of easier wet grass and track.

The race entry was up from 110 or so last year to 120 [corrected from first post]. For the first time the race start was split - slower teams at 09.30 and the rest at 10.00. For various reasons the Harriers team ended up starting at 0930, and discovered that this was no bad thing!

Parking was easier at all points round the race, there wasn't a bottleneck of runners going up the hill on Leg 1, and - most unusual but all the more enjoyable - Harriers were first to finish both Legs 1 and 2!!!

Inevitably the 30 minute head start didn't last and the elite runners started overtaking during Leg 3, but it was a good effort and a good run from all the Harriers involved.

The team finished in around 3hrs 30. Inividual timekeeping was a bit disorganised but we'll see the exact times and positions when the official results are published.

Update: Harriers finished 73rd in 3:31:74 - full results now available here :

http://bcruickshank.brinkster.net/DevilsBurden2010Results.htm

Simon Wake Comrie Relay Results 2009

2009-09-13T18:15:00.004+01:00

Well done to Ochils men's and women's teams who won just about everything at this years Comrie Relay.

The men's team set a new course record of 3:17:12 and picked up all 4 leg winners prizes with Prasad Prasad and Ross Houston setting new leg records on legs 1 and 4 respectively.

Ochil Ladies held off the challenge of the home club to win the women's competition b 5 minutes.

First vets team was Carnethy with Beacon retaining their Mixed team title.

The weather was excellent and, I think, a good time had by all.

Thanks to all organizers and helpers on the day.

Here are the results in image format. When Gordon gets back I'm sure he'll tidy this up a bit and post the full excel file, but for now, I hope this is good enough!

I've added some Strathearn-centric photos here but there's also quite a few from other teams too!

Crieff 10k 2009 Results

2009-07-12T14:11:00.009+01:00

Congratulations to all who took part in today's race. Hope you all enjoyed it!

Here are the results which I think are now pretty much final. If you spot any errors please let us know by posting a comment. Apologies for the formatting. Our regular webmaster is away but he'll post a much cleaner version as soon as he's back (meanwhile, some more nicely formatted results are available on Chris Upson's blog ).

Also, we would love to get your feedback about the race: things you liked and disliked and ideas to improve the race for next year. Post your comments below.

Finally, don't forget the Comrie Relay is planned for Sunday Sept 13th details here http://www.strathearnharriers.org.uk/comriehillsrelayrace.htm.

CRIEFF 10K - SUNDAY 12 JULY 2009
RACE RESULTS (PROVISIONAL)

POS NAME CLUB CATEGORY TIME
MIN SEC

1 MURRAY STRAIN HUNTERS BOG TROTTERS M 34 59
2 ROBERT GILROY RONHILL CAMBUSLANG HARR M 36 42
3 TONY JACKSON PERTH ROAD RUNNERS M 37 18
4 EWAN MCCARTHY UNATTACHED M 37 42
5 MICHAEL HARVEY CARNEGIE HARRIERS M 37 54
6 CHRISTOPHER O'BRIEN CORSTORPHINE M 38 0
7 CHRIS UPSON WESTERLANDS M 38 6
8 COLIN GLENCORSE STRATHEARN HARRIERS M 38 30
9 LINTON SCARBOROUGH PERTH ROAD RUNNERS M 38 33
10 CRAIG NEAL UNATTACHED M 38 37
11 DONALD PETRIE KILBARCHAN M 38 38
12 EDEL MOONEY LOTHIAN F 38 39
13 ALEX KEENAN PITREAVIE M 39 22
14 JOHNNY LAWSON PORTOBELLO M 39 33
15 ROBERT ROGERSON KIRKINTILLOCH OLYMPIANS M 39 37
16 BARRY PATERSON FALKIRK VICTORIA HARRIERS M 39 46
17 CAMPBELL HUTT CARNEGIE HARRIERS M 39 56
18 PETER KADOBINSKYJ EDIN RC M 40 5
19 ALAN TORGERSEN GLASGOW UNIVERSITY M 40 7
20 IAN ROBERT JOHNSTON CARNEGIE HARRIERS M 40 8
21 EUAN MACKAY GARSCUBE HARRIERS M 40 9
22 NEAL MUIR PERTH ROAD RUNNERS M 40 13
23 KENNY CROSS UNATTACHED M 40 41
24 ANDREW MACKENZIE STIRLING UNIVERSITY M 40 59
25 STEPHEN FERGUSON PERTH ROAD RUNNERS M 40 59
26 PHILIP SWEENEY CENTRAL M 41 0
27 CHRISTOPHER MCHARDY CENTRAL M 41 13
28 ANDREW CULLEN STIRLING TRI M 41 40
29 WILL HENSMAN CENTRAL M 41 45
30 MEGAN MOWBRAY HUNTERS BOG TROTTERS F 41 50
31 RICHARD DAVIDSON DUNDEE RR M 41 52
32 BILLY MITCHELL STIRLING TRI M 41 53
33 FINLAY FINLAY UNATTACHED M 41 54
34 TOM BARR HUNTERS BOG TROTTERS M 41 57
35 JOHN MCLAUGHLIN SPRINGBURN HARRIERS M 42 1
36 DANNY FAIRLIE HUNTERS BOG TROTTERS M 42 5
37 ROY PATERSON KINROSS M 42 6
38 ALAN HUME CENTRAL M 42 10
39 ALISON WINSHIP GARSCUBE HARRIERS F 42 15
40 PETER EDGERTON KINROSS M 42 19
41 ANDREW MILLINGTON PERTH ROAD RUNNERS M 42 25
42 MICHAEL GALLOWAY DUNDEE HAWKHILL HARRIERS M 42 35
43 STEPHEN KILPATRICK GARSCUBE HARRIERS M 42 36
44 YAMUNA THIRU ELSWICK HARRIERS F 42 37
45 MICHAEL LOUDON UNATTACHED M 42 40
46 KEVIN JUDGE PERTH ROAD RUNNERS M 42 55
47 GARY MITCHAL KIRKINTILLOCH OLYMPIANS M 43 2
48 ALAN DUNN UNATTACHED M 43 18
49 JIM OGILVIE KILBARCHAN M 43 20
50 SEAN REID UNATTACHED M 43 28
51 DAVID JONES UNATTACHED M 43 50
52 COLIN THOMSON FALKIRK VICTORIA HARRIERS M 43 56
53 ELLIE HOMEWOOD WESTERLANDS F 43 59
54 JOHN BAYNE KINROSS M 44 8
55 DAVID SIDEBOTTOM UNATTACHED M 44 25
56 ALLY MILLAN HUNTERS BOG TROTTERS M 44 34
57 STEPHEN OLIVER FALKIRK VICTORIA HARRIERS M 44 40
58 GAIL BEATON UNATTACHED F 44 57
59 IAN FINDLAY UNATTACHED M 45 7
60 BRIAN COOPER PERTH ROAD RUNNERS M 45 12
61 SCOTT SHARP PERTH ROAD RUNNERS M 45 13
62 ALISTAIR CURRIE JOG SCOTLAND M 45 18
63 JOHN DENHOLM FALKIRK VICTORIA HARRIERS M 45 21
64 ANGELA MACKENZIE L STRATHEARN HARRIERS F 45 25
65 DUNCAN BAKER HUNTERS BOG TROTTERS M 45 26
66 ROSS CROMBIE UNATTACHED M 45 28
67 DAVID HERBERTSON CALDERGLEN HARRIERS M 45 29
68 JOHN PRITCHARD L UNATTACHED M 45 32
69 PAUL O'BRIEN CORSTORPHINE M 45 34
70 MARTIN PURVIS L UNATTACHED M 45 56
71 NEIL ANDERSON UNATTACHED M 45 59
72 DANIEL MESTECKY L UNATTACHED M 46 4
73 BOB BROWN PERTH ROAD RUNNERS M 46 9
74 PHYLLIS MITCHELL HUNTERS BOG TROTTERS F 46 11
75 KENNETH STEWART PERTH ROAD RUNNERS M 46 12
76 FIONA DUNLOP UNATTACHED F 46 17
77 JOHN FLYNN UNATTACHED M 46 18
78 CRAIG TORGERSEN UNATTACHED M 46 21
79 FIONA ANGUS PERTH ROAD RUNNERS F 46 23
80 ALAN ROBERTSON LOTHIAN M 46 27
81 PETER BROWN BEACON RUNNERS M 46 31
82 DAVE TORGERSEN L UNATTACHED M 46 35
83 GRANT STRACHAN PERTH ROAD RUNNERS M 46 39
84 JIM MACGREGOR MORAY M 46 46
85 JOHN HAGEMEISTER BELLAHOUSTON HARRIERS M 46 48
86 DAVID RUSSELL UNATTACHED M 46 53
87 CHARLES ROBERTSON L UNATTACHED M 47 11
88 NEAL ADAM UNATTACHED M 47 14
89 JUDITH DOBSON KINROSS F 47 15
90 MATTHEW MCLAY L STRATHEARN HARRIERS M 47 22
91 OWAIN WILLIAMS PITREAVIE M 47 30
92 CHRIS CAMPBELL UNATTACHED M 47 31
93 MARIE MCCHORD KIRKINTILLOCH OLYMPIANS F 47 33
94 BRIAN SHARP UNATTACHED M 47 51
95 ALLAN KEMP UNATTACHED M 48 0
96 JONATHAN CAMPBELL UNATTACHED M 48 6
97 BRIAN GROGANS UNATTACHED M 48 8
98 NORMAN BOYLE BELLAHOUSTON ROAD RUNNERS M 48 12
99 DAVID BUNYAN FALKIRK VICTORIA HARRIERS M 48 13
100 EDWARD REYNOLDS L UNATTACHED M 48 16
101 LINDA PHILP UNATTACHED F 48 18
102 AMY GREIG PERTH ROAD RUNNERS F 48 22
103 THOMAS MCCHORD KIRKINTILLOCH OLYMPIANS M 48 36
104 CHRIS WOOD UNATTACHED M 48 41
105 IAN GOUDIE BELLAHOUSTON ROAD RUNNERS M 48 45
106 ANNMARIE MCCAFFREY KIRKINTILLOCH OLYMPIANS F 48 51
107 PETER RITCHIE PERTH ROAD RUNNERS M 48 59
108 CAMERON CAMPBELL CENTRAL M 49 0
109 JONATHAN WATTERS UNATTACHED M 49 11
110 JOHN DAVIDSON L UNATTACHED M 49 12
111 STEVEN OSPREY UNATTACHED M 49 17
112 SHEMANE MURTAGH UNATTACHED F 49 19
113 LEE MELLOR PITREAVIE M 49 19
114 GORDON SHAW UNATTACHED M 49 26
115 ERIC SIDEBOTTOM L STRATHEARN HARRIERS M 49 28
116 KEVIN GREENHORN UNATTACHED M 49 35
117 ALASTAIR MARTIN UNATTACHED M 49 41
118 SUSAN ADDISON KIRKINTILLOCH OLYMPIANS F 49 45
119 JEFF SWEENEY L UNATTACHED M 49 46
120 ALAN LAING L UNATTACHED M 49 50
121 STEWART DAVIDSON FIFE M 49 59
122 PATRICK MACKLIN UNATTACHED M 50 1
123 ANGELA PARK PERTH ROAD RUNNERS F 50 2
124 GRANT WOOLER PERTH ROAD RUNNERS M 50 8
125 NIGEL WORSNOP UNATTACHED M 50 9
126 ANDREW HARKER UNATTACHED M 50 12
127 ROBERT THORNTON PERTH ROAD RUNNERS M 50 18
128 MADELEINE SMILLIE BELLAHOUSTON ROAD RUNNERS F 50 30
129 ANDREW SMILLIE BELLAHOUSTON ROAD RUNNERS M 50 31
130 PETER THOMSON UNATTACHED M 50 32
131 MALCOLM MCDONALD UNATTACHED M 50 37
132 DUNCAN ROBERTSON UNATTACHED M 50 42
133 MARK THOMSON UNATTACHED M 50 43
134 JOHNNY CAMERON UNATTACHED M 50 44
135 CHRIS DALTON L UNATTACHED M 50 46
136 TRACEY NEWMAN UNATTACHED F 50 49
137 ALASTAIR McCALLUM FALKIRK VICTORIA HARRIERS M 50 50
138 GRAHAM MUIRHEAD UNATTACHED M 50 53
139 TOM FARRINGTON UNATTACHED M 51 4
140 DONALD MACLOED UNATTACHED M 51 11
141 CAROL PAXTON UNATTACHED F 51 13
142 KERRY SWEENEY L UNATTACHED F 51 26
143 PHILIP BARLOW UNATTACHED M 51 34
144 NICOLA WATSON L UNATTACHED F 51 41
145 PAUL DAVIES CARNEGIE HARRIERS M 51 44
146 JOHN MAUCHLINE L UNATTACHED M 51 48
147 MURDOCH RODGERS UNATTACHED M 51 53
148 STUART GRAHAM L UNATTACHED M 52 24
149 CHRISTINE EADIE FALKIRK VICTORIA HARRIERS F 52 27
150 PATRICK LEASK BEACON RUNNERS M 52 28
151 LOUISE DALLAS PITREAVIE F 52 30
152 GEORGE MCHARDY CENTRAL M 52 31
153 ISABELLA CARMICHAEL KINROSS F 52 32
154 MANDY SCOTT UNATTACHED F 52 36
155 GORDON MCKENZIE UNATTACHED M 52 38
156 MICHAEL MCKAY UNATTACHED M 52 47
157 VERONIKA JURANOVA UNATTACHED F 52 44
158 CATRIONA HUSSEN UNATTACHED F 52 46
159 GRAHAM DOUGLAS UNATTACHED M 52 57
160 ANNETTE FORSYTH L UNATTACHED F 53 11
161 HAMISH GORDON UNATTACHED M 53 18
162 NORRIE SWAN UNATTACHED M 53 24
163 PAMELA PARKER KIRKINTILLOCH OLYMPIANS F 53 26
164 MARK TALBOT UNATTACHED M 53 27
165 NEIL GREWAR UNATTACHED M 53 28
166 GILLY MARSHALL UNATTACHED F 53 32
167 CHRIS BAYNE UNATTACHED M 53 34
168 PATRICK ANDREWS L STRATHEARN HARRIERS M 53 35
169 TANIA GREENHORN PERTH ROAD RUNNERS F 53 37
170 CLAIRE BRISBANE CENTRAL F 53 40
171 GORDON COCKBURN UNATTACHED M 53 45
172 LINDA O'NEILL PERTH ROAD RUNNERS F 53 48
173 SUE WOODS CENTRAL F 53 50
174 MCGILLVARY JAMES UNATTACHED M 54 13
175 GRANT CARSTAIRS L TAY VALLEY ORIENTEERS M 54 17
176 GRAHAM MACNAB UNATTACHED M 54 19
177 ELAINE THOMSON FALKIRK VICTORIA HARRIERS F 54 21
178 DAVID BAUCHOP SCOTTISH VETS M 54 42
179 DAVE BARCLAY METRO ABERDEEN M 54 46
180 DOUGLAS SMITH UNATTACHED M 54 49
181 DAWN SYME L UNATTACHED F 55 7
182 CARLYN STEWART UNATTACHED F 55 22
183 LEA COWAN UNATTACHED F 55 28
184 KAY GREENSHIELDS UNATTACHED F 55 30
185 DAVID FOORD UNATTACHED M 55 31
186 ELIZABETH MARSHALL UNATTACHED F 55 36
187 DONNA GALLOWAY UNATTACHED F 55 38
188 SHONA STEWART HARMENY F 55 41
189 VICKY PARK PERTH ROAD RUNNERS F 55 42
190 HUGH MCGLASHAN UNATTACHED M 55 43
191 SHEILA BAUCHOP SCOTTISH VETS F 55 44
192 DAVID DENT L UNATTACHED M 56 17
193 ROB LITTLEJOHN UNATTACHED M 56 37
194 NICOLA LESSELLS PERTH ROAD RUNNERS F 56 41
195 JACQUI MCDONALD UNATTACHED F 56 43
196 GRAEME BAIN UNATTACHED M 57 0
197 ADELE OSBORNE BEACON RUNNERS F 57 2
198 CATHERINE RAMSAY UNATTACHED F 57 10
199 DEBBIE JACKSON PERTH ROAD RUNNERS F 57 14
200 CAROLINE MACKAY UNATTACHED F 57 33
201 LINDA FERRINGTON UNATTACHED F 57 37
202 LESLEY KEMPSELL UNATTACHED F 57 38
203 BRIDGET HALEWOOD OBAN ATHLETICS F 58 31
204 FRAN LOOTS L STRATHEARN HARRIERS F 58 49
205 ROSEMARY LEIPER UNATTACHED F 58 58
206 PATRICIA WHITELAW BEACON RUNNERS F 59 5
207 KATHLEEN BOTHAMS UNATTACHED F 59 16
208 MARGARET DAVIDSON UNATTACHED F 59 33
209 ANNE BARCLAY JOG SCOTLAND F 60 12
210 PETE PHILP UNATTACHED M 60 31
211 JUDY-JANE BOYLE CRIEFF HYDRO SOC CLUB F 60 32
212 ROSYLN GHAREH UNATTACHED F 60 36
213 COLIN CRAWFORD L UNATTACHED M 60 40
214 DEREK STEWART UNATTACHED M 60 48
215 SALLY ARNOTT BEACON RUNNERS F 61 15
216 DANIELLE PIERONI JOG SCOTLAND F 61 18
217 DEREK CARSWELL FETCH EVERYONE M 61 22
218 SUSAN LYNCH UNATTACHED F 61 26
219 KENNY ROBERTSON L STRATHEARN HARRIERS M 62 0
220 ANTONIA BARLOW UNATTACHED F 62 42
221 CECILIA MCINTOSH TAYSIDE RUNNING SISTERS F 63 14
222 ELAINE DAVIDSON L UNATTACHED F 63 30
223 AILEEN FLETCHER HUNTERS BOG TROTTERS F 63 35
224 JASON FLETCHER UNATTACHED M 63 35
225 KAREN WALTERS PERTH ROAD RUNNERS F 63 51
226 ANNE HAMILTON TAYSIDE RUNNING SISTERS F 63 25
227 KEN CHARLESON L UNATTACHED M 65 8
228 KAYE GROGANS UNATTACHED F 65 50
229 KATHERINE LAKEMAN UNATTACHED F 66 35
230 ALAN HAZARD UNATTACHED M 67 1
231 KATY SMITH UNATTACHED F 67 11
232 FIONA MORRISON PERTH ROAD RUNNERS F 67 26
233 JOHN FLYNN UNATTACHED M 67 40
234 CAROLYN SIMPSON UNATTACHED F 67 45
235 ERIC WALLACE UNATTACHED M 68 9
236 JILL LEASK BEACON RUNNERS F 68 10
237 ERIC MCKAY UNATTACHED M 68 45
238 JOHN BOTHAMS UNATTACHED M 68 46
239 KAREN WELLS UNATTACHED F 69 6
240 ELAINE SANDEMAN UNATTACHED F 70 2
241 ALAN PRINCE UNATTACHED M 70 3
242 DENISE TAYLOR JOG SCOTLAND F 70 41
243 LOUISE PEACOCK JOGGING BUDDIES F 71 2
244 RICHARD CROMBIE UNATTACHED M 71 45
245 MIKE ANDREW UNATTACHED M 72 39
246 LEAH HAZARD UNATTACHED F 76 37
247 PAT HARKER UNATTACHED F 77 25

Caption Competition

2009-07-06T08:34:00.003+01:00

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!

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Team Manners does the LAMM 2009!

2009-06-15T13:35:00.002+01:00

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

2009-06-01T15:41:00.007+01:00

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

2009-04-26T06:16:00.007+01:00

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

2009-01-01T13:39:00.002Z

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

2008-12-21T15:19:00.008Z

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.