Devil's Burden relay, 21 January

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.