My New Mate - Power Plate

As luck would have it, my gym introduced a new toy, the day after I injured my knee: a Power Plate pro5.

I'm not convinced by some of the claims that the manufacturer's make but I'm always open minded when it comes to trying new things out.

My work based gym is very quiet, despite being very cheap, costing around £4 per month.  This means that I can get on the Power Plate when ever I like.  I've been using it for: stretches; core; strength and massage, working my way through the various exercises indicated on the diagrams posted on the wall beside it. 

  

It's maybe a bit too early for me to review the benefits, or otherwise, of using this latest piece of fitness equipment but I doubt if it is doing me any harm.  In the meantime it's keeping me occupied, at least until my knee recovers enough to allow me to do some serious running again. 

It would be good to hear the opinions from anyone else who uses my new mate.
Power Plate Web Site

Atkins 3k Run on the Green Series

In the absence of Mel, who is on maternity leave, Kilmarnock Harrier, Alasdair Murray has kindly stepped foward to organise the Atkins 3k charirty race series.

The first event will be held on Friday 30 Sept @ 12:30
The second on Friday 28 Oct @12:30
and the third and final on Friday 25th Nov @12:30

Location: McLennans Arch, Saltmarket, Glasgow Green, Glasgow, United Kingdom  Map



Each race costs £2, which can be paid on the day.
If you are free but can't race then think about helping Al out.

He can be contacted at Alasdair.Murray@eu.nabgroup.com

IRVINE AC Marymass 10 K Road Race 21 August 2011- Full Results

Kilbarchan's Derek Hawkins ran a PB to set a new course record of 30:33 but others faired less well in slightly humid and windy conditions at Irvine AC's Marymass 10k held for the first time on a Sunday morning.  Kilmarnock Harrier, Kara Tait won the women's race in a time of 37:55.  The event attracted some 130 runners, significantly down on last year's 211, so don't be too surprised if it reverts back to its previous mid week schedule in 2012.

Posn No Name Cat Club Time
1 48 Derek Hawkins M Kilbarchan AAC 30:33
2 102 Robert Gilroy M Cambuslang 32:10
3 119 Kerry Liam Wilson M40 Cambuslang 32:12
4 128 Jamie Findlay M Irvine AC 34:39
5 120 Billy Richardson M40 Irvine AC 34:54
6 77 Steven Reid M Ayr Seaforth 35:13
7 17 Duncan Cochrane M Unaffiliated 35:18
8 104 Andy Campbell M Bellahouston Harriers 35:42
9 4 Ross Bark M Galloway Harriers 36:21
10 126 Pat Cullinane M Irvine AC 36:53
11 27 Brian Douglas M Bellahouston Harriers 37:27
12 133 James Breen M40 Hamilton Harriers 37:55
13 129 Kara Tait F Kilmarnock harriers 37:55
14 51 John Houston M Unaffiliated 38:00
15 16 Chris Clarke M Glas Uni Hares & Hounds 38:46
16 131 Martin McCrurie M FSR 39:10
17 115 Claire McArthur F Unaffiliated 39:14
18 137 Laurence Baker M50 Ayr Seaforth 39:16
19 132 Stuart McLean M FSR 39:33
20 90 Allan Wallace M Unaffiliated 39:34
21 50 Ian Hodge M Unaffiliated 39:34
22 61 Stuart Maclean M Unaffiliated 39:37
23 110 Jim Sneddon M40 Irvine AC 39:46
24 10 John Brown M Unaffiliated 39:50
25 130 Ruairidh MacDonald M Bellahouston Harriers 40:10
26 44 Gordon Gray M Unaffiliated 40:16
27 109 Gordon Thomson M40 Irvine AC 40:21
28 123 Paul Turnbull M40 Ayr Seaforth 40:43
29 143 Peter Laing M50 Ayr Seaforth 40:51
30 82 Alastair Skelton M Unaffiliated 40:52
31 83 William Smith M Unaffiliated 41:10
32 69 Harry Mulholland M40 Lothian RC 41:19
33 66 Melissa Wylie F45 Unaffiliated 41:32
34 37 Garry Gilmour M Unaffiliated 41:54
35 24 Derek Hill M40 Troon Tortoises 41:56
36 25 Gerry Dodds M40 Kilmarnock Harriers 42:18
37 47 Linda Hardy F Unaffiliated 42:21
38 84 Lyall Smith M Fusion Triathlon Club 42:27
39 76 Fiona Ramsay F Fusion Triathlon Club 42:27
40 94 Ewan Wilson M Unaffiliated 42:33
41 116 Richard Skillen M Kilmarnock harriers 42:51
42 3 Jordi Ballonga M Unaffiliated 43:00
43 5 Clare Barr F35 Motherwell AC 43:02
44 42 Stuart Gray M Unaffiliated 43:03
45 105 Craig Brown M Troon Tortoises 43:10
46 99 Digby Maas M60 Carnethy HRC 43:10
47 7 Michael Bowen M Unaffiliated 43:11
48 121 Tom Coughtrie M50 Jog Scotland 43:30
49 98 Mike Flinn M50 Irvine AC 43:41
50 100 Matthew Watson M Ron's Runners 43:43
51 58 Sheila Lewis F45 Giffnock North 43:48
52 96 Greg Dimmer M40 Unaffiliated 43:52
53 134 James Payne M Unaffiliated 44:00
54 59 David Lowdon M50 Kilmarnock Harriers 44:07
55 33 Kenneth Fowler M40 Troon Tortoises 44:12
56 127 Graeme McFarlane M Unaffiliated 44:14
57 142 Rhona Simpson F35 Unaffiliated 44:27
58 6 Paul Bennie M40 Kilmarnock Harriers 44:34
59 46 Scott Hanvey M Unaffiliated 44:43
60 32 Denise Forbes F35 Unaffiliated 44:45
61 62 Stephen Maher M Unaffiliated 44:47
62 54 Neil Jeffrey M40 Unaffiliated 45:05
63 38 Ian Goudie M50 Kilmarnock Harriers 45:10
64 140 Brian Hamilton M Unaffiliated 45:15
65 113 Darren Ramsay M Unaffiliated 45:16
66 112 Andy Taylor M50 Unaffiliated 45:29
67 151 Brian Darroch M40 Kilmarnock harriers 45:41
68 117 Ian McIlwraith M Unaffiliated 45:43
69 85 Catherine Stewart F Kilbarchan AAC 45:46
70 111 James McMillan M60 Kilbarchan AAC 45:51
71 150 David James M Unaffiliated 45:55
72 67 Christine Milne F35 Lothian RC 45:56
73 45 Fraser Hanvey M40 Unaffiliated 46:06
74 136 Robert Young M60 Clydesdale Harriers 46:16
75 103 Tom Gillespie M50 Jog Scotland 46:24
76 118 Gillian Geates f45 Ayr Seaforth 46:32
77 70 Sarah Munn F Glas Uni Hares & Hounds 46:35
78 60 Lesley Lynn F Unaffiliated 47:15
79 72 Stuart Murray M40 Kilmarnock harriers 47:28
80 92 Marianne Wilson F Unaffiliated 47:31
81 139 Mark Alexander M Unaffiliated 47:35
82 80 Christopher Scott M Unaffiliated 47:35
83 71 Darren Murray M Bellahouston Harriers 47:37
84 57 Dougie Lambie M40 Unaffiliated 47:38
85 148 Colin Hunter M Kilwinning S.C 47:51
86 43 Laura Gray F Unaffiliated 47:52
87 101 Colin Knox M Unaffiliated 47:55
88 135 Jim Dyet M50 Unaffiliated 48:08
89 34 Lesley Gilchrist F35 Unaffiliated 48:15
90 52 Alan Inglis M Unaffiliated 48:17
91 35 Calum Gilchrist M Unaffiliated 48:49
92 138 John Speirs M50 Unaffiliated 48:59
93 18 Gordon Cowie M50 Unaffiliated 49:03
94 108 Bernard Brown M50 Triathlone Ireland 49:19
95 1 Tariq Abdullah M Garscube Harriers 49:23
96 8 Suzanne Boyle F Bellahouston Harriers 49:33
97 89 Mike Turner M40 Unaffiliated 49:42
98 93 Joshua Wilson M Unaffiliated 49:47
99 91 Clare Wells F45 Unaffiliated 50:24
100 147 Craig Simpson M50 Unaffiliated 50:33
101 125 Jessica Gorman F Bellahouston Harriers 50:49
102 78 James Rowley M60 Law & District AAC 50:58
103 40 Scott Graham M jogscotland Cumbernauld 51:05
104 29 David Fernandes M Unaffiliated 51:18
105 114 Harry Sutton M50 Unaffiliated 51:22
106 122 Ian Logan M40 Kilmarnock harriers 51:28
107 75 Stuart Radcliffe M40 Unaffiliated 51:31
108 145 Darren Ridout M Unaffiliated 51:39
109 41 Craig Graham M Unaffiliated 51:43
110 149 Moira Connell f45 Troon Tortoises 51:54
111 64 Craig McLaughlin M Unaffiliated 52:17
112 124 James Winningham M40 Unaffiliated 52:31
113 68 Allan Moore M Paisley Jogging Buddies 52:44
114 144 Gary Cochran M40 Unaffiliated 53:26
115 86 Alan Strange M Unaffiliated 54:59
116 2 Hazel Anderson F35 Unaffiliated 55:28
117 14 Sam Cathcart M60 Unaffiliated 55:44
118 81 Pauline Selvey F35 Unaffiliated 56:19
119 141 John Hutchinson M Unaffiliated 57:20
120 12 Jacqueline Cairnie F35 Unaffiliated 58:35
121 79 Hazel Scott F Unaffiliated 59:15
122 19 Dorothy Cowie F45 Unaffiliated 60:03
123 55 Elaine Kean F35 Unaffiliated 60:53
124 107 Stewart Smith M50 Unaffiliated 61:53
125 95 William Drysdale M60 Law & District AAC 62:44
126 13 Joan Carrigan F55 Unaffiliated 65:42
127 88 Christine Tod F45 Unaffiliated 66:01
128 53 Jane Hill F35 Troon Tortoises 69:24
129 106 Derek Amson M40 Muller Running Club 69:37

130 39 Janine Graham F35 jogscotland Cumbernauld 70:04

Jammy Henshite

IMG_2985, a photo by busbyvideo on Flickr.

Henshite joins the Jammies

Not So Merry at Marymass 10k

This year’s Marymass 10k was moved from its usual Wednesday night slot to Sunday morning. I’ve run a personal best on my last two attempts at the race, once when it was a short course, and was looking forward to this year’s event.

I was a bit later than planned in getting to Irvine. As I was collecting my race number the volunteer commented that he had seen my name in loads of results, at which I joked “yes but well down them”. I warmed up as I made my way to the race start at Cochrane Street with some Bellahouston Harriers and joined with the rest of the assembled runners outside the home of Irvine Victoria FC. This being a Kilmarnock Harriers Championship Race, I was surprised that there wasn’t much of a turnout from the pride of Ayrshire. Richard Skilling, David Lowdon, Brian Darroch, Ian Logan and myself from the men’s section were wearing the famous blue and white vest, whilst Kara Tait was the sole Killie Gal. Kibarchan were represented by Jim McMillan, Cat Stewart and flying machine Derek Hawkins, whilst Giffnock, Motherwell and Hamilton had one runner each: Sheila Lewis, Clare Barr and Jim Breen. Sarah Munn and Chris Clarke were there from Glasgow Uni Hare and Hounds whilst Cambuslang had Robert Gilroy and Kerry Wilson going head-to-head. Host club Irvine AC and their Ayrshire neighbours Troon Tortoises and Ayr Seaforth were all fairly well represented but again there were a number of runners noticeable by their absence. Together with a sprinkling of runners from other clubs and a number of those classified as unattached took the total number to around 130.

Race Report



After a staged ‘start’ for the local photographer we were set on our way at 11:14am. The first part of the router took us south and slightly uphill along Harbour Road and past the back of the railway station where the road veered right and headed down to Portland Roundabout. My Garmin beeped to reveal that the 1st k had taken me 4:13. “What a surprise”, I thought recalling that 4:13 seems to be the time it takes me to run the initial kilometre in a lot of my 10k races. The extended route, it was previously short, goes uphill at this point, along Beach Drive before a sharp left turn took us on to the cycle path, parallel to Marine Drive. I was disappointed but not surprised to see that my pace had dropped to 4:35. Clare was already well in front and Sheila and David Lowdon had also overtaken me. By the time that Garmin revealed that the 3rd k had taken me 4:32, I had slipped down the pack even further with Jim and Cat overtaken me. The 4th k was even worse at 4:42, Jim and Cat were increasing their lead and the only mystery was why Brian Darroch hadn’t overtaken me yet. I didn’t need to worry for long though as when I stopped to refresh myself at the water station he ran past me and turned left on to Marine Drive for the homeward leg. A guy with a yellow vest (Brian Hamilton) had also stopped for some water and as I chased after Brian Darroch, he overtook me. The 5th k had taken 4:40. I lent some encouragement to a few running buddies who I could see heading towards the turn before the road left the path at 6k. My pace had increased to 4:33 but I wasn’t having any success in closing the gap on Brian. In fact I had actually continued to slip down the field as Andy Taylor and someone else ( Darren Ramsay) had also overtaken me. I could see that Sarah Munn had dropped back a bit and I figured that I could catch her, Jim, Cat, Brian and Andy before the race ended. I made my move and caught yellow vest, Andy, Darren, Brian and just as Jim and Cat caught Sarah, I overtook all three of them. The 7th k had taken a much more respectable 4:23. I left the road and rejoined the path, there was now no-one else in sight and although I was telling myself to work hard, I could hear some runners closing in on me. My pace had dropped to 4:33. Someone cried “keep going Ian” as I rejoined Beach Drive. I could now see some other runners including David Lowdon in front and managed to increase the pace to 4:28 as I ran into a strong headwind. “It’s the same for everyone” I thought as I closed the gap slightly on at least one of the runners in front.  I lost my bearings for a second at the roundabout before a marshal shouted out “this way” and directed me onto the promenade, where I caught sight of the next runner (Neil Jeffrey).  I was chasing after him, along the cobbled road when “arghh” I felt a pain in my right knee. Jim Stevenson advised me that there was about 600m to go, as I decided to grin and bare it. “Nice smile for the camera” commented Gillian Scott as she photographed me just before the final strait. I heard my Garmin beeping as I approached the Finish and crossed the line to the sound of the timekeeper saying “ten”.  The 10th k had taken me 4:17.





Grin and Bare it



Poor Times

I couldn’t fathom why a race that had taken me 42:30 last year had taken 45:10 this year but as I congratulated the other runners a lot of them informed me that their times were also slower than usual.

 I managed a walk/jog back to the Sports Centre with Jim Breen, Sheila and Clare before showering and getting my biscuit and cup of coffee. Unfortunately Irvine is not one of those clubs renowned for its post race spread.


Winners

Derek Hawkins had, as expected, won with a new course record, whilst Robert Gilroy had out paced Kerry Wilson to earn runner-up spot. Kara Tait won the women’s race, with the departed Clare and Sheila winning the FV35 and FV45 races respectively.


Losers

With my leg growing more pain full and stiffer by the minute, I headed back up the M77 for an extremely late brunch and some painkillers before heading back to bed.

Poor Me

Today I can hardly walk, never mind run but I did manage the short cycle into work, hopefully I’ll recover soon as I have a number of races scheduled in the near future, including: the Glasgow Half; the Around Cumbrae 10miler and the Great North Half.



Full Results (to follow)

Great Scott Photos





Strathclyde parkrun #69

I’m running in the Marymass 10k in Irvine on Sunday 21 August so I had planned a rest day for Saturday.  I responded positively to a tweet from Strathclyde parkrun, who were still seeking volunteers late in the week and headed along the new motorway to Motherwell on Saturday morning.  I met up with the other volunteers and 131 runners in the morning sunshine.  After a warm up and a few pre race announcements the runners were set on their way around the Loch, whilst the volunteers prepared for their return.

I had quite an easy task, handing out the bar coded numbers to the runners as they completed their race, of course, as well as the tokens, I also gave them a few congratulatory words for their efforts.  Although the runners are of mixed abilities the expression on their faces, throughout the field, told a story of effort and enthusiasm.

It was no surprise to me that, now recovered from his Tour of Clydeside success, Kirkintilloch Olympian David Gardiner was the recipient of token 001.  David’s time of 16:59 was 52seconds quicker than runner-up Brian Carrigan, who earned a PB with 17:51.  Teenager Anthony Edgar claimed third spot, with a time of 18:46.  In the women’s race it was Tri-athlete, Naj D’Silva, of Optima Racing Team, who placed first with a PB of 20:07.  In Silver place was Richmond based Karen Weir, completing her 91^st parkrun but her first at Strathclyde.  The Ranlelagh Harrier completing the flat course in a time of 21:53.  Junior Elizabeth Edgar earned Bronze with her time of 23:17.

It was that man Gardiner again that topped the wava stakes with an 81.55 % ranking.

There were some 23 first timers at Strathclyde Park this week and a total of 32 runners went home with new course PBs.  Well done to each and every one of the runners and to all the volunteers who make the event run so smoothly.  If you’re not racing one week then please think about volunteering.

You can get a flavour of what the Strathclyde parkrun is all about in Mike Wards' parkrun-the movie.  

Results 

My Crazy 50th Race of 2011

Pic by Chris Upson

Thursday 18 August was the date of the Kilmarnock Harriers’ Crazy Craigie Handicap Race, which has retained its original name despite being relocated to Fenwick last year. It was also the date of my 50th race of 2011.


I made my way down to Burns’ Country in plenty of time to prepare for the event, although a few of the more weel kent Harriers were not to be seen, there was still a good turn out of some 32 runners, including a decent number from the ‘six o’clock group’. The race organiser, Ian Gebbie was supported by a number of marshals, time keepers and others in ensuring that the event would be successful. Scott Martin had also arranged for the legend that is Sandy Ferguson to be in attendance to take photos for the local newspaper, the Kilmarnock Standard.

I wasn’t sure what the protocol was for the race and had taken both my Harriers vest and my parkrun 50 vest. There didn’t seem to be any hard and fast rule, so I plumped to wear my 50 vest, in honour of my 50th race.

We assembled next to the underpass at the M77 and Ian explained the format of the race and the route. After a couple of group photos, the first runners were dispatched along the footpath adjacent to the A77. We had been asked to submit our predicted times and I, along with some others had said 30:00, however this had no bearing as to when we were set off as Ian had calculated our race handicaps for us. I was a bit surprised to see some of those being set off before me and joked with the organisers about bribes being paid.


Race Report
Gerry Dodds, John Parker and Brian Darroch started as a group and then, 22 seconds later, at 7:12pm I was the solitary runner sent after them. The race starts at 123m above sea level and starts off downhill. I ran along the path and was then, with ‘keep to the right’ ringing in my ears, directed onto the B751 road towards Kilmaurs. I was a bit surprised to see that the organisers had posted kilometre markers around the course and as I reached the first one my new Garmin XT vibrated to inform me that it had taken 4:01. I hadn’t caught anyone yet but after another half kilometre I managed to overtake Rod Pugh and Ian Drummond, who had been given a 72 second start on me, I was therefore a wee bit surprised when Garmin revealed that at 2k my pace had slipped to 4:17.

Pic by Mike Scott

The route then turned right onto an unclassified ‘farm’ road and slightly uphill. My focus was on Brian Darroch but I didn’t seem to be making any ground on him, however I did pass another runner but my pace for the 3rd K had slipped to 4:20. I then lost a place when Richard Skilling passed me, despite starting 53 seconds after me. I reached the farm and saw a slightly bemused farmer as I continued up the quiet country track.

The road continued its steady incline, it zig-zagged a bit but I could still tell that Brian was running strong, unfortunately I wasn’t and my pace slowed to 4:32 for the 4th k. I continued, slightly uphill, and turned right onto the B778 Stewarton Road, heading towards Fenwick. Perhaps the steepest part of the route was the 5th k, I knew that it had taken its toll on me and my pace had slumped to 4:42. Another runner overtook me at this point. A marshal then directed us onto another country road and said “final sprint now ‘til the end”, although I overtook someone here, I knew that there should still be over a mile running to do, as we had earlier been advised that the race was 6.6k.

Another 0.25k and I reached the highest point of the course, some 144m above sea level. However I didn’t have anytime to admire the visa and instead raced down the hill, completing the 6th k in a more acceptable 4:18. I pride myself in being a decent downhill runner but there was nothing that I could do when first Scott Martin and then Iain Connell overtook in the next 0.25k. The route then ascended from 116m to 126m before the final downhill strait took me back to an altitude of 123m and over the line in a time of 29:07. My Garmin measured the course as 6.7k and I could see that other Garmin’s were displaying 4.17miles, so I think it’s fair to say that the course might be a tad longer than advertised. That said, it is the same distance for all runners. I shared congratulations with Brian and the other runners around me before warming down on my way back up to my car at the Kings Arms Hotel.


Good Times
A quick wash and change of clothes and I was in the former 18th Century staging post enjoying post race chat, a hot and cold buffet and a refreshing pint of the black stuff. It must be 30-35 years since I had been in the Kings and I was impressed with its olde-worlde charm.

Eve McClurg was the first person over the line and the tea total, vegetarian won a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates for her efforts. There were similar prizes for Maire Gorman, who won the women’s race, with a time of 28:51, and Iain Connell, who must have caught Scott, as he won the men’s race, in a great time of 23:09.

The organisers weren’t long in compiling all the results and I noticed that my predicted time by the handicappers was 29:08, which was almost spot on my actual time of 29:07, although that one second means that I ran faster than predicted…but only just. I placed 15th out of 32.

Thanks
All and all, a great event and an excellent way for me to mark my 50th race of the year, huge thanks are due to Kilmarnock Harriers and to Ian Gebbie in particular for all his hard work.

Results
Name/ Projected Time/ Handicap/ Total Time/ Race Po’n /Net Time/ Net Pos’n/ Actual v Projected

Iain Connell 00:23:33 00:16:27 00:39:36 19 00:23:09 1 00:00:24 Faster

Scott Martin 00:24:50 00:15:10 00:39:23 16 00:24:13 2 00:00:37 Faster

John Cairns 00:25:05 00:14:55 00:39:56 23 00:25:01 3 00:00:04 Faster

David McLeod 00:25:55 00:14:05 00:39:51 22 00:25:46 4 00:00:09 Faster

John McClarty 00:28:00 00:12:00 00:39:16 15 00:27:16 5 00:00:44 Faster

Richard Skillen 00:28:15 00:11:45 00:39:02 12 00:27:17 6 00:00:58 Faster

Gerry Dodds 00:29:30 00:10:30 00:38:23 9 00:27:53 7 00:01:37 Faster

John Parker 00:29:30 00:10:30 00:38:30 10 00:28:00 8 00:01:30 Faster

George Laird 00:26:26 00:13:34 00:41:44 30 00:28:10 9 00:01:44 Slower

David Lowdon 00:28:40 00:11:20 00:39:33 18 00:28:13 10 00:00:27 Faster

Alasdair Cochrane 00:28:45 00:11:15 00:39:44 21 00:28:29 11 00:00:16 Faster

Willie Duffy 00:29:45 00:10:15 00:38:55 11 00:28:40 12 00:01:05 Faster

Maire Gorman 00:31:50 00:08:10 00:37:01 3 00:28:51 13 00:02:59 Faster

Brian Darroch 00:29:30 00:10:30 00:39:24 17 00:28:54 14 00:00:36 Faster

Ian Goudie 00:29:08 00:10:52 00:39:59 24 00:29:07 15 00:00:01 Faster

Adam Law 00:30:15 00:09:45 00:39:10 13 00:29:25 16 00:00:50 Faster

Matt Dodds 00:30:00 00:10:00 00:39:41 20 00:29:41 17 00:00:19 Faster

David Mitchell 00:30:00 00:10:00 00:40:30 26 00:30:30 18 00:00:30 Slower

Rod Pugh 00:30:20 00:09:40 00:41:26 28 00:31:46 19 00:01:26 Slower

Ian Drummond 00:30:20 00:09:40 00:41:26 29 00:31:46 20 00:01:26 Slower

Bernard Brown 00:32:00 00:08:00 00:40:07 25 00:32:07 21 00:00:07 Slower

Alex McGee 00:33:00 00:07:00 00:39:14 14 00:32:14 22 00:00:46 Faster

Darren Rydock 00:30:00 00:10:00 00:42:52 31 00:32:52 23 00:02:52 Slower

Brian McManus 00:32:00 00:08:00 00:41:12 27 00:33:12 24 00:01:12 Slower

Eve McClurg 00:38:30 00:01:30 00:35:59 1 00:34:29 25 00:04:01 Faster

Liz Paterson 00:38:30 00:01:30 00:37:46 6 00:36:16 26 00:02:14 Faster

Sharon Barr 00:39:30 00:00:30 00:37:19 4 00:36:49 27 00:02:41 Faster

Fiona Robb 00:39:30 00:00:30 00:37:20 5 00:36:50 28 00:02:40 Faster

Colin Crosbie 00:40:00 00:00:00 00:36:56 2 00:36:56 29 00:03:04 Faster

Anne Graham 00:40:00 00:00:00 00:38:09 7 00:38:09 30 00:01:51 Faster

Rebecca Audsley 00:40:00 00:00:00 00:38:12 8 00:38:12 31 00:01:48 Faster

Heather Stewart 00:38:30 00:01:30 00:45:06 32 00:43:36 32 00:05:06 Slower


Mike Scott's Photos Here

Out With the Old and In With the New

My Garmin 410 has given up on me, the result of a couple of simple design flaws and daily usage but what do they expect, the 310 is designed to be worn as a watch and not just a training aid. The cheap looking rubber strap was first to go and the sleek looking bezel didn’t like the rain or sweaty fingers. Although the watch is supposed to be water resistant, rated at IPX7 meaning that it has been tested in water at a depth of one metre for 30 minutes, however lately the inside of the screen has been filling up with moisture, presumably from my sweaty wrist. There’s no way that I would have considered wearing it whilst swimming. Although I love the functions of the device, the GPS didn’t perform too well in Pollok Park, where I do a lot of my running and cycling. I decided it was time for a new training partner and after some research plumped for the Garmin 310XT.

Garmin 310XT

The 310XT has a multisport function and is water proof. This should allow me to wear it whilst, running, cycling and swimming. Although I understand that there are some major issues with the GPS and HRM in water, it is still good not to be able to keep the watch on whilst swimming. Whilst on holiday, I like to go for a morning run, preferably along the beach, and then cool myself down with a swim, either in the sea or in the pool. The waterproof nature of the 310XT should allow me to do this without having to remove and look for a safe place for my watch.

I’ve also been working on my swimming and whilst I can, mostly, count the number of laps I’ve done, I usually don’t record the time taken. The 310 should, at least, help me in this respect.

Not a Watch
Unlike the 410, the 310XT is not designed to be worn as a watch and the clock time display is too small to be considered for such use. Likewise the 20 hour battery is great for training but wouldn’t be suitable for a time piece.

Try a Tri?
Like a lot of runners, I’ve always admired tri-athletes and it would be good to give one a try maybe next year. No, not a full Ironman but a novice one would do me. The 310XT should be ideal for this type of event training.

HRM
I didn’t need to buy a new Heart Rate Monitor, as my old one works with the 310XT.

Footpod
I did however purchase a footpod to go along with the 310XT, which can be used when training indoors.

Expensive
The Garmin 310XT is not cheap; its RRP is £299:99 but I did manage to find one on Amazon for £221.58, free P&P and although I won't be wearing it quite as often as my 410, I'm sure I'll get maximum use out of it.

SCOTTISH VETERAN HARRIERS GLASGOW 800 10K

I had the Scots Vets' 10k pencilled in for Sunday but decided to miss out on a nother race at Pollok Park and settled for a 19 mile cycle instead taken in Bellahouston Pollok and Rouken Glen Parks as well as watching the famous Kilmarnock FC beating Hibernian 4-1, with some excellent football on display.

I understand that there was a bit of an issue with about half the runners being directed the wrong way and having to run a bit more than 10k but no one seemed to be to upset.  Here are the full results:


NAME AGE GROUP AGE CLUB TIME
1 Robert Gilroy M35 35 Cambuslang Harriers 32.12
2 Dave Blackie M45 46 Unattached 34.43
3 Ian Williamson M45 49 Cambuslang Harriers 35.07
4 Kevin Downie M40 42 East Kilbride 35.13
5 David Gentles M40 40 Unattached 36.46
6 Peter Gallanagh M40 41 Bellahouston RR 37.01
7 Andy McLinden M60 60 Hamilton Harriers 37.05
8 James Breen M45 46 Hamilton Harriers 37.12
9 Gerry Craig M40 42 VP City of Glasgow 37.17
10 Robert Rogerson M50 50 Kirkintilloch Olympians 37.19
11 Andy Law M55 55 Mid Argyle 37.29
12 Scott McCulloch M35 39 Unattached 37.43
13 Julia Henderson W35 39 Helensburgh AC 37.56
14 David Black M45 46 Arran Runners 38.05
15 Kevin Ferris M35 38 Unattached 38.16
16 Susan Ridley W45 45 Edinburgh AC 38.26
17 Gary Mitchell M40 43 Kirkintilloch Olympians 38.29
18 Arlene Bristow W40 43 Shetland AC 38.32
19 Hilary McGrath W45 47 Law and District 38.49
20 Jim Sneddon M45 45 Irvine AC 39.29
21 Derek Leitch M55 58 East Kilbride 39.33
22 Campbell Joss M55 58 Cartha Harriers 39.39
23 Claire McCracken W35 36 VP City of Glasgow 39.46
24 Robert Marshall M60 63 Gala Harriers 39.59
25 Sandy Eaglesham M55 58 Cambuslang Harriers 40.18
26 Oonagh Wilson W45 45 Moray RR 40.19
27 Gordon Thomson M45 46 Irvine AC 40.34
28 Beryl Junnier W45 49 Wee County Harriers 40.37
29 George Mitchell M65 65 Inverness Harriers 40.47
30 Alison Winship W35 39 Garcube Harriers 40.49
31 Scot Hill M40 43 Cambuslang Harriers 40.55
32 Alan Dick M40 44 Unattached 41.12
33 Jim Holmes M40 43 Calderglen Harriers 41.15
34 Pamela McCrossan W50 50 Clydesdale Harriers 41.19
35 John Henderson M45 46 Springburn Harriers 41.25
36 Marina McCallum W40 40 Clydesdale Harriers 42.03
37 Peter Dawes M55 56 VP City of Glasgow 42.04
38 Jim White M55 59 Irvine AC 42.28
39 Karl Johnston M40 42 Unattached 42.38
40 Henry Curran M55 59 Unattached 42.39
41 Shona Donnelly W40 44 Bellahouston RR 42.41
42 Peter Cartwright M65 68 Clydesdale Harriers 42.48
43 Graham Lindsay M45 47 Calderglen Harriers 43.12
44 Kenny McVey M60 61 VP City of Glasgow 43.37
45 Stewart McCrae M65 66 Cumbernauld 43.49
46 Bernie O'Neill W40 44 Bellahoustoun Harriers 43.52
47 Anthony McGale M40 41 Springburn Harriers 43.59
48 Neil Thomson M60 63 Unattached 44.08
49 Martin O'Donnell M40 43 Unattached 44.17
50 Marie McChord W50 52 Kirkintilloch Olympians 44.39
51 Murdoch Rodgers M60 60 Bellahouston RR 45.23
52 Michael McGill M40 42 Springburn Harriers 45.24
53 Peter Ogden M60 60 Fire Brigade 45.28
54 Jim McMillan M65 68 Kilbarchan AC 45.49
55 Kate Todd W60 61 Kilmarnock Harriers 45.55
56 Thomas Doctor M40 43 Springburn Harriers 45.57
57 Peter Rudzinski M60 60 Clydesdale Harriers 46.01
58 Fred McCain M60 62 HELP 46.08
59 Bobby Young M65 67 Clydesdale Harriers 46.15
60 Hugh Rankin M75 75 Kilmarnock Harriers 46.58
61 Phyllis Hands W55 55 Motherwell AC 46.59
62 Ian Leggett M70 72 Lothian Runners 47.07
63 Watson Jones M70 70 Clydesdale Harriers 47.39
64 Ada Stewart W45 48 Kirkintilloch Olympians 47.44
65 Frank Kerrigan M40 43 Unattached 49.01
66 Steve Cullen M50 53 Garcube Harriers 49.31
67 John Softley M60 62 Bellahoustoun Harriers 49.46
68 Willie Murray M70 71 Portobello 51.33
69 Shirley McNab W45 47 Kirkintilloch Olympians 55.05
70 Alistair Shaw M70 74 Giffnock North AC 55.27
71 George Inglis M70 71 Springburn Harriers 55.29
72 John Hutchinson M35 35 Unattached 59.15
73 Willie Drysdale M75 75 Law and District 64.29

My 80th parkrun

I ran my 80th parkrun and my 69th at Glasgow today, Saturday 13 August.   I didn’t really plan to race it, given that I’d ran the Bella TT on Thursday and have the Glasgow 800 10k Race pencilled in for Sunday.  However as my training programme had a 4mile steady run scheduled, it didn’t take much for me to change my mind and head along to Pollok Park to run my 16^th Glasgow parkrun of 2011.

I lined up with 307 other runners, including my old adversary Norman Boyle for the pre race announcements.  We were advised that parts of the course were flooded, whilst others were muddy.  No real surprise to me, given the weather that we have been having.  The state of the course suited me, as I didn’t intend to race today but to do a good steady run.  I didn’t even wear a watch, never mind my Garmin.  

The only thing that was likely to change my race plan was if Norman was to catch me.  However this was not the case and I was happy enough with my run.  I increased the pace near the end, with the intention of crossing the line alongside the guy in front of me (Alan Gibson) and taking my time from his watch but it didn’t take me long to catch him so I maintained the quicker pace, catching another runner before crossing the line in 82nd place.

I congratulated the two runners and then William McAllister and Norman, who weren’t far behind.  Norman placed 88^th with a time of 22:39, whilst William, who had used me as a pacer, managed a huge PB to place 87^th with a time of 22:33.

I did my warm down with Jennifer Healy before doing an interview with Local News Glasgow, who were reporting on the Glasgow parkrun as an example of a positive community event, and then heading to the Burrell for post race coffee and conversation.

Full Results

Bella Two Mile Time Trial - Final Race of the Summer Series

I was reminded earlier this week of the Bellahouston Harriers (open) Two Mile Time Trial which was being held on Thursday 11 August, I already had the Kilmarnock Harriers Crazy Craigie Handicap Race pencilled in for then but when this was rescheduled until 18 August I decided to do the Bella TT.  I was quite pleased about that as this would be the final of the three race summer series and I had run the two previous ones, on 9 June and 7 July.  That said, this is one of the hardest training weeks in my plan and I had to amend it to the fit the race in.  this meant that I would follow up Monday's 8.2mile brisk run @7:19 pace, with a slower 9mile run on Tuesday @8:34 pace and a hard pyramid session on Wednesday.   This meant that I had my interval training planned for Thursday (1m @8:34, 2m @ 7:25-7:05, 0.25@ 9:22, 2m @ 7:25-7:05,0.25@ 9:22, 1m @8:34), I figured that a 2mile TT with accompanying warm up and warm down would be a suitable alternative.



I had been reading up on positive thinking and motivation in an old running magazine and noticed a tip advising runners to look up when they are feeling negative.  I knew that when I struggled up the final hill at Dundonald, that my head had been down and thought I'd take this on board when running up the hills in the second part of the course.

My plan was to grab a quick nap and to head along to Pollok Park in plenty of time for a decent warm up.  However I slept longer than I should have and although I got to Cartha Rugby Club in time to register, my warm up was somewhat curtailed.  However I did manage a wee jog along the road with Howie Scott and a few stretches before the 7pm start.

I had originally planned to start fast and to work hard at maintaining my pace but it didn't take long for my legs to tell me that they were a bit sluggish and that I'd need to ditch plan A.  I settled into my run and after the first kilometre I could hear the sound of Howie running beside me and shortly after that the sound of Alan Dempster.  I didn't need to look at either of them, I could identify them by the sound of their tread and breathing.  What I couldn't do was to keep up with them when they both overtook me.  It wasn't long until Richard Leyton joined them in passing me, as I tried to persuade myself that I was working hard.  I kept my head up, both physically and emotionally, as I ran up the first hill.  I was still looking up as I ran down towards the glade and thought for a moment that I was seeing a mirage, as I could see a reflection of the trees where the grass should be.  The heavy rain over the last few days had turned the glade into a loch.

The next hill was much longer than the first one but I was doing fine.  I couldn't hear anyone behind me and I was gaining some ground on Richard.  A left turn took us down hill and through a narrow gateway back onto the first part of the course.  I didn't feel that I could give much more but was confident that if I kept up my pace I would get closer to Richard, as it happened I crossed the line just after him in a time of 13:29.  Five seconds slower than in July and 22seconds slower than in June.  However I wasn't dishearted, of course it would be good to get progressively faster, rather than slower, but my training is aimed at a half marathon in four weeks time.  From what I could tell, everyone seemed happy enough with their own performances and I felt good as we warmed down as around the course in the opposite direction.    

Unfortunately I missed out on the after race soup, which wasn't good as I'd also missed out on my dinner/tea, and had to settle for a pint of Guinness instead, topped up with a few more in Sammy Dow's on the way home.  Of course, if I was to cut down on the Guinness and red wine I'd have more chance of running faster but heh life may be a lot more boring.

Full Results

Place Name Age Club Time

1 Tommy McDonald 18 Bellahouston Harriers 10:34
2 Steven Prentice 37 Bellahouston Harriers 11:01
3 Shazad Hazeem 32 Cambuslang 11:03
4 Mark Paterson 35 Bellahouston Harriers 11:08
5 Matthew Brown 20 Bellahouston Harriers 11:09
6 Brian Douglas 38 Bellahouston Harriers 11:16
7 Crispin Walsh 39 Bellahouston Harriers 11:18
8 Makonan 16 unattached 11:31
9 Tom Lauckner 29 Bellahouston Harriers 11:34
10 RV MacDonald 26 Bellahouston Harriers 11:35
11 Graeme Gemmell 46 Bellahouston Harriers 11:42
12 George Adams 41 Bellahouston Harriers 11:43
13 David Martin 28 unattached 12:04
14 Sandy Eaglesham 58 Cambuslang 12:25
15 Keith Gibb 48 Bellahouston RR 12:25
16 Suzanne McMahon 40 Bellahouston Harriers 12:39
17 James McIvor 49 Bellahouston Harriers 12:56
18 Alan Dempster 35 unattached 12:57
19 Craig Ferguson 24 unattached 13:01
20 Erica Christie 54 Bellahouston Harriers 13:04
21 William McAllister Jnr 22 unattached 13:10
22 Brian Barr 47 Bellahouston Harriers 13:13
23 Howard Scott 60+ Bellahouston Harriers 13:16
24 Richard Leyton 38 Bellahouston RR 13:28
25 Ian Goudie 54 Kilmarnock Harriers 13:29
26 Kristina Greig 20 Bellahouston Harriers 13:35
27 William McAllister Snr 47 Bellahouston Harriers 13:40
28 James Cargill 33 unattached 13:50
29 Tom Henery 39 Bellahouston Harriers 14:04
30 Jim McMillan 60 Kibarchan 14:15
31 Ian Macleod 54 Bellahouston Harriers 14:25
32 Michael Healy 33 Bellahouston Harriers 14:37
33 Jim Byers 38 Bellahouston Harriers 14:41
34 Mel Ronald 39 Bellahouston Harriers 14:48
35 Zanda Viksna 21 Bellahouston Harriers 14:52
36 Hari 38 Bellahouston Harriers 14:56
37 Katy Smith 41 Bellahouston Harriers 14:56
38 Suzanne Boyle 31 Bellahouston Harriers 15:04
39 Allan Moore 30 unattached 15:25
40 John Softley 62 Bellahouston Harriers 15:31
41 Tarlok 41 Bellahouston Harriers 15:34
42 K Macleod 51 Bellahouston Harriers 15:39
43 Charanjit 55 Bellahouston Harriers 16:20
44 Lisa Montford 33 Bellahouston Harriers 16:35
45 Liz Gordon 46 Bellahouston Harriers 17:00

Tour of Clydeside 2011 - Cumulative Results and Final Placings

Canal Canter 042, a photo by Heilster Hieroglyphics on Flickr.

Congratulations to the 35 runners who completed this year's Tour of Clydeside, consisting of four races over five nights. Kirkintilloch Olympian won the men's tour, with Garscube's new recruit Katie White winning the women's event. A special mention to Katie's club mate, John Murray (above) who also joined me at Dundonald on Wednesday and then ran the Dawsholm 5K on Saturday and the Helensburgh Half Marathon on Sunday, to complete 7 races in 7 days!


No Position Name Club Cat Total
125 1 David Gardner Kirkintilloch Olympians MV40 01:51:29
92 2 Gavin Harvie Kirkintilloch Olympians MV40 01:53:44
99 3 Chris Upson Westerlands CCC MV40 01:54:08
81 4 Christopher Moses Helensburgh AAC MS 01:54:53
127 5 Michael Craig MR25 Singapore MV40 01:58:07
126 6 Gary Mitchell Kirkintilloch Olympians MV40 01:59:52
100 7 Robert Rogerson Kirkintilloch Olympians MV50 02:00:46
122 8 Scott McCulloch Unattached MS 02:01:13
84 9 Paul Hughes Jogging Buddies MV40 02:01:34
129 10 Kenneth MacBeth Bellahouston RR MV40 02:01:52
93 11 Katie White Garscube Harriers FS 02:05:09
135 12 John Murray Garscube Harriers MS 02:05:55
98 13 Stephen Phimister Calderglen Harriers MV40 02:06:00
88 14 John Gilhooly Unattached MV50 02:07:34
115 15 Craig Nichol Unattached MS 02:09:29
89 16 Gordon Gallacher Kilbarchan AAC MV40 02:09:42
137 17 Stephen Cole Milburn Harriers MV40 02:10:33
74 18 Pamela McCrossan Clydesdale Harriers FV50 02:11:15
79 19 Stephen Jones Maryhill Harriers MS 02:13:14
97 20 Robert Allison Kilbarchan AAC MV50 02:13:14
119 21 Brian MacFarlane Unattached MS 02:13:48
77 22 Erica Christie Bellahouston Harriers FV50 02:15:52
85 23 Craig Brown Garscube Harriers MS 02:16:18
86 24 Kathryn Scott Garscube Harriers FV40 02:16:45
78 25 Caroline Jones Maryhill Harriers FS 02:20:27
76 26 Jim McMillan Kilbarchan AAC MV60 02:23:33
95 27 Denise Forbes Unattached FV40 02:25:14
140 28 Kristina Greig Bellahouston Harriers FS 02:27:26
139 29 Richard Darroch Milburn Harriers MS 02:28:42
120 30 Gavin Fairhurst Unattached MS 02:29:01
136 31 Ian Currie Milburn Harriers MV40 02:30:12
96 32 Dougie Lambie Unattached MV40 02:31:00
91 33 Kirsty Grant Ronhill Cambuslang H FS 02:38:10
117 34 Colin Gray Clydesdale Harriers MV40 02:40:32
118 35 Stuart MacFarlane Unattached MV50 02:41:29

Spot the difference?

Bella Belter 2011, Full Results

Pic by Suzanne McMahon

Pos Time First Name Surname Club Cat
1 31.54 Stuart Gibson Ronhill Cambuslang H MS
2 34.49 Thomas McDonald Bellahouston Harriers M18
3 34.58 David Gardner Kirkintilloch Olympians MV40
4 35.25 Andy Campbell Bellahouston Harriers MS
5 35.41 Gavin Harvie Kirkintilloch Olympians MV40
6 35.41 Shazad Hakeem Ronhill Cambuslang H MS
7 35.48 Christopher Moses Helensburgh AAC MS
8 35.51 Chris Upson Westerlands CCC MV40
9 36.09 Steven Prentice Bellahouston Harriers MS
10 37.00 Michael Craig MR25 Singapore MV40
11 37.18 Andrew McCall Greenock Glenpark H MS
12 37.20 Andrew Callan Springburn Harriers MV40
13 37.24 James Breen Hamilton Harrier MV40
14 37.28 James Healy Unattached MV40
15 37.30 Gary Mitchell Kirkintilloch Olympians MV40
16 37.34 Graham McCabe Kirkintilloch Olympians MV40
17 37.39 Robert Rogerson Kirkintilloch Olympians MV50
18 37.49 Paul Hughes Jogging Buddies MV40
19 37.53 Kenneth MacBeth Bellahouston RR MV40
20 38.30 Tom McAra Scottish Vets MV50
21 38.31 Paul Elliot VA Runners MS
22 38.35 Hugh Kerr Unattached MS
23 38.42 Kevin Ferris Unattached MS
24 38.48 Scott McCulloch Unattached MS
25 39.02 Scott Lawrie Kirkintilloch Olympians M17
26 39.02 John Murray Garscube Harriers MS
27 39.07 Ruairidh MacDonald Bellahouston Harriers MS
28 39.13 Katie White Garscube Harriers FS
29 39.26 Matthew Brown Bellahouston Harriers MS
30 39.47 Stephen Phimister Calderglen Harriers MV40
31 39.51 John Gilhooly Unattached MV50
32 39.51 Derek Martin Kirkintilloch Olympians MV40
33 40.05 Bobby Rossborough Garscube Harriers MV50
34 40.18 Kenneth Lind Unattached MS
35 40.22 Peter Walsh Unattached MV50
36 40.30 Christopher McKiddie Bellahouston R R MS
37 40.33 Stephen Cole Milburn Harriers MV40
38 40.40 Gordon Gallacher Kilbarchan AAC MV40
39 40.45 Laura Devine Garscube Harriers FS
40 40.48 Graham Robertson Unattached MV40
41 40.59 Craig Nichol Unattached MS
42 41.11 Pamela McCrossan Clydesdale Harriers FV50
43 41.27 Robert Allison Kilbarchan AAC MV50
44 41.30 Robert Rossborough(Jnr) Cambuslang H MS
45 41.35 Chris Bell Bellahouston RR MS
46 41.41 Robert Shaw Inverclyde AC MV50
47 41.53 Stephen Jones Maryhill Harriers MS
48 41.54 Mark Daly Unattached MS
49 42.03 Colin Duncan Unattached MV40
50 42.28 Craig Brown Garscube Harriers MS
51 42.30 Brian MacFarlane Unattached MS
52 42.34 Erica Christie Bellahouston Harriers FV50
53 42.50 Kathryn Scott Garscube Harriers FV40
54 43.19 Craig Ferguson Unattached MS
55 43.21 Gerard Scullion Bellahouston RR MV40
56 43.36 Neil Ramsay Kirkintilloch Olympians MS
57 43.39 Jim MacGregor Moray RR MV50
58 43.44 Julia Harris Bellahouston RR FV40
59 44.15 Ian Goudie Kilmarnock Harriers MV50
60 44.22 Caroline Jones Maryhill Harriers FS
61 44.32 Jim McMillan Kilbarchan AAC MV60
62 44.41 Murdo MacLean Unattached MV50
63 44.49 Sameer Zuberi Giffnock North MV40
64 44.59 Martin O'Donnell Unattached MV40
65 44.59 Robert Pattinson Motherwell AC MV40
66 45.00 Murdoch Rodgers Bellahouston RR MV60
67 45.03 Denise Forbes Unattached FV40
68 45.21 Alasdair MacKay Garscube Harriers MV40
69 45.31 Kristina Greig Bellahouston Harriers FS
70 45.59 Paul Ford Bellahouston Harriers MV40
71 46.13 William McAllister Bellahouston Harriers MV40
72 46.19 Gavin Fairhurst Unattached MS
73 46.24 Kenny Yancouskie Unattached MS
74 46.46 Thomas Keenan Bellahouston Harriers MV50
75 46.48 Tom Henery Bellahouston Harriers MS
76 46.49 Richard Darroch Milburn Harriers MS
77 46.49 Ian Currie Milburn Harriers MV40
78 47.10 Dougie Lambie Unattached MV40
79 47.23 Jim McKenzie Milburn Harriers MV50
80 47.23 Craig Shanks Unattached MS
81 47.35 William McAllister (Jnr) Bellahouston Harriers MS
82 47.37 Catherine Stewart Kilbarchan AAC FS
83 47.46 Kirsty Grant Cambuslang H FS
84 48.19 Rhona Martin Kilbarchan AAC FS
85 48.25 Ian MacLeod Bellahouston Harriers MV50
86 48.39 Michael Healy Bellahouston Harriers MS
87 49.24 Melanie Ronald Bellahouston Harriers FS
88 49.28 Colin Gray Clydesdale Harriers MV40
89 49.38 Suzanne Boyle Bellahouston Harriers FS
90 50.03 Iain McCarry Sweatshop, Glasgow MS
91 50.18 Allan Moore Paisley Jogging MS
92 50.29 John Mullen Unattached MV40
93 50.36 Neil Ash Unattached MV50
94 50.37 Stuart MacFarlane Unattached MV50
95 50.43 John Softley Bellahouston Harriers MV60
96 50.51 Jessica Gorman Bellahouston Harriers FS
97 51.20 Ziv Dotan Unattached MV40
98 52.20 Graeme Aitken Sweatshop, Glasgow MV40
99 52.21 Jennifer Healy Unattached FV40
100 53.38 Kathleen MacLeod Bellahouston Harriers FV50
101 54.09 David Hay Bellahouston Harriers MV50
102 54.14 Carlo Ventisei Unattached MV40
103 55.52 Karen Craig Kirkintilloch Olympians FV40
104 56.34 David Lamb Unattached MS
105 56.34 David Watt Unattached MV40
106 1.02.05 Gillian Jones Glasgow Run Network FV40
107 1.02.05 Craig Russell Unattached MV40

Belter of a Race at Bella

I decided to rest my camera on Friday and to put my hamstring through another painful experience instead.  I headed down to Pollok Park for the Bella Belter 10k road race, which is the final race in the annual Tour of Clydeside four race series.  I did the whole series last year and included the Dundonald 10k, in the rest day, to make it even more challenging.  This year I had to content myself with just the Dundonald and the Bella races, I hadn’t even trained since last Sunday as my hamstring was so tight.

Start of Lap Two - I'm in my yellow Scottish Vets Vest

Anyway after the usual pre race warm up and chatting, I lined up with the strong field to head clockwise around Pollok Park.  There was a feeling of déjà vu as I had earlier this year run the same course in the Brian Goodwin Memorial 10k.  In my 47^th race of 2011, I decided to change tactics a little.  I had noticed that, when racing 10ks, my first kilometre was always about 4:13 but then dropped significantly.  My intention tonight was to start slower and maintain my pace for the first 5k and then hopefully up the pace.  I started cautiously and was running behind Kilbarchan's Jim McMillan but when Maryhill’s Caroline Jones past me after about 700m, I decided to chase after her. The result being that my 1^st k took me 4:15!  Well I can still ensure that I don’t slow down by following her round, I thought.  She opened a gap of about 200m on me but I managed to keep in touch with her for the first lap, aided by the fact that I knew that Jim wasn’t too far behind me. 

Getting Closer

 I was feeling positive and, unusual for me, never at any moment thought about pulling out of the race.  I slowed to a walk at the water station and took a drink, poured the remainder of the small cup of water over me and set off to complete the second lap.  Unfortunately there wasn’t the spark in my legs that I was looking for but there was a gradual increase in my pace.  I didn’t seem to be getting any closer to Caroline but I was catching other runners, including one in the claret and amber of Motherwell AC.  However as I ran past Lochinch, a fly caught in the back of my throat, always a danger if you breath with your mouth as I tend to do, see my photos!  I wouldn’t have minded if I’d swallowed the creature but it just lodged itself in my throat.  I coughed and spluttered as I ran along and then told myself just to ignore it and concentrate on my race.  I refocused and as I ran up the hill past Pollok House I managed to catch Caroline.  She kindly congratulated me as I overtook her but I wasn’t sure if I would be able to keep ahead of her as there was still 3.5k to go.  I was running strong, though, and I almost immediately caught the next runner, a guy in a white top.  The next target was another guy but in a blue top.  I chased after him, though the remainder of the park and then along Pollokshaws Road.  I caught him and looked ahead to see who my next target would be but there was no one else in sight.  I guess it’s me against the clock then, I thought and kept pushing myself as I made my way along Haggs Road.  I heard, race winner, Stuart Gibson shouting encouragement as he warmed down along the other side of the road.  He must be used to this type of running, I thought, as when he’s leading there’s no-one for him to focus on.  

I was working hard and I was feeling good. However I then started to feel physically sick, ‘don’t you dare you lazy bugger’ I shouted in my mind. ‘Keep pushing, there’s not long to go now, you must be working hard, you can be sick after you finish.’

Running Strong at the End

A quick left off of Haggs Road and another, saw me sprinting along the rugby club’s driveway and over the line.  I was shattered and I made my way on to the grass for a brief lie down.  I looked at my Garmin expecting to see a great time but was disappointed when it revealed 44:14. (Official time 44:15 and, in a strong field, I placed 59th out of 107).
I had run a great race but not in a great time.  I took a drink of water and joined the faster runners and volunteers in cheering the other runners home before heading over to my car to collect my bag.  I vomited a little before heading for a shower and change of clothes.

Bellahouston Harriers had put on a decent spread but I was wary of testing my stomach too much and settled for a pint of Best from John Gilhooly instead.  Caroline, Jim and others congratulated me on my run and in particular my great negative split.  Caroline didn’t know it at the time but she had earned the third FS prize in the Tour.  Her Ayrshire born husband Stephen was awarded a special prize, a bottle of wine, for beating his wife, in a running sense of course!

I stopped off at Sammy Dow’s on the way home where my energetic dancing only served to amplify how sore my hamstring was.  Another great night in Glasgow’s sou’side. 

Pics by Kenny Phillips and Chris Craig. 

Full Results 

Great Scott Photos

Garscube Gallop Slide Show

Garscube Gallop

Garscube Gallop, a photo by Heilster Hieroglyphics on Flickr.

The third Tour of Clydeside Race is the Garscube Gallop, multi terrain race through Dawsholm Park in the north of Glasgow.  It's a hard race to run and it's a hard race to photograph, with my tight hamstring, I chose to do the latter.


Photos here

Dundonald 10k 2011 Full Results

Exactly 100 runners completed the Dundonald 10k this year.

Position  Name    Cat    Club                Time

1 Stuart Gibson    M RH Cambuslang    32.12
2 Richard Burch   M         u/a                 34.55
3 Steve Reid        M      Ayr SF              35.44
4 Colin Glencorse M Kilmarnock Harrs  36.39
5 Ian Berryman M50  Irvine AC             37.50
6 Claire McArthur F        u/a                  38.45
7 Calum Webster M40    u/a                  38.52
8 Stephen Speirs  M40 Kilbarchan        39.08
9 Craig Miller      M Stornoway RAC     39.18
10 Mark Livingstone M  Irvine AC        39.23
11 Gary Kilpatrick M40   u/a                39.35
12 Stuart McLean M      FSR               39.41
13 Martin McRorie M   FSR                 40.03
14 John Murray  M  Garscube Harrs    40.18
15 Laurence Baker M50 Ayr SF          40.48
16 Robert Lynch M20 u/a                    41.11
17 Peter Laing M50 Ayr SF                 41.20
18 Richard Skillen M Kilmarnock Har  41.24
19 Wm MacRury M Stornoway RAC  41.42
20 Norman Kowalski M50 u/a             41.54
21 Louise Manson F35 u/a                   42.00
22 Steven Connel M40 Irvine AC        42.13
23 Natalie Fleming F Troon T              42.21
24 Melissa Wylie F45 u/a                    42.40
25 Norman Baillie M60 Garscube        43.08
26 Eddie Gilfillan u/a                            43.14
27 Ronnie Todd M u/a                        43.18
28 Matt Watson M Ron's Runners       43.20
29 Louise Hill-Stirling F20 Ayr SF       43.23
30 Andrew Stewart M40 u/a               43.24
31 Gerry Dodds M40 u/a                    43.25
32 Jen Tucker F u/a                            43.51
33 Adan Mathieson M u/a                  44.17
34 Lorna Todd F35 u/a                      44.43
35 Ian Goudie M50 Kilmarnock H     44.48
36 Alan Swan M40 u/a                      44.51
37 Roddie Pugh M50 Kilmarnock      45.02
38 David Lowdon M50 Kilmarnock   45.14
39 Matt Dodds M50 Kilmarnock       45.21
40 Ian McNee M50 Troon T             45.28
41 Paul Bennie M40 Kilmarnock       45.32
42 Stephen Maher M u/a                   45.33
43 Corrie Roberts F Corstorphine     45.36
44 Andy Taylor M50 u/a                    45.50
45 Richard Dobson M u/a                  45.55
46 Greg Dimmer M40 u/a                  46.07
47 Kate Todd F55 Kilmarnock  H        46.17
48 Stewart Mc ? M u/a                      46.18
49 Anne Noble F45 Troon T             46.41
50 Stuart McHarg M40 u/a               47.20
51 Jim Mearns M40 u/a                    47.46
52 John Walker M40 u/a                  47.51
53 Bruce Walker M60 Troon T        47.56
54 David Mitchell M40 Kilmarnock H  47.57
55 Chris Lennox M u/a                     48.00
56 Ian McIlwraith M u/a                   48.02
57 Jean- Pierre Charon M40 u/a       48.07
58 Mark Alexander M u/a                48.19
59 James Mc Gill M40 u/a               48.37
60 Pam Porteous F35 u/a                 48.50
61 Ben Johnston M20 u/a                49.00
62 Sarah Prior F u/a                         49.08
63 Rosie Hepstonstall F35 u/a          49.23
64 Ken Brearley M40 Strathaven     49.29
65 Jim Dyet M50 u/a                       49.35
66 Stuart Young M u/a                    49.41
67 Ian Johnstone M u/a                   50.05
68 Jack Maxwell M60 Girvan AC    50.12
69 Lorna Sloan F35 Kilmarnock Har 50.18
70 John Speirs M50 u/a                     50.20
71 Brian McManus M Kilmarnock Har 50.21
72 Moira Connell F45 Troon T            50.27
73 Claire McCulloch F u/a                   50.33
74 Bernard Brown M50 Triathlon Ireland 50.50
75 Karen Robertson F35 Troon T                 50.59
76 Derek Middleton M50 Kilmarnock Har 51.03
77 Niall McPherson M60 Troon T                 51.10
78 Gordon Dobbie M60 Troon T               51.19
79 David Leslie M u/a                                 51.30
80 Kirsty Finlayson F u/a                            51.35
81 Jacqueline Neil F Kilmarnock Har       51.40
82 Sasha Ratcliffe F35 u/a                   51.45
83 Allison Mc Call F35 u/a                  51.49
84 Brian Connor M40 u/a                   51.51
85 Steven Gilmour M40 u/a                52.18
86 John Connel M40 u/a                     53.43
87 Chris Nicol M u/a                          53.48
88 Brian Armour M40 u/a                  53.48
89 Melissa Donald F45 u/a                 54.12
90 Nicola Cochrane F u/a                   54.19
91 Sandra Johnston F45 u/a               54.50
92 Hayley Januszek F u/a                   56.26
93 Grant Whytock M50 u/a                56.29
94 Peter Easton M u/a                        56.53
95 Angus Johnston M20 u/a                57.09
96 Peter Trenchard M60 Girvan AAC 57.51
97 Hannah Dean F55 u/a                    61.21
98 Lisa Smith F35 u/a                         62.07
99 Susie Manderson F35 u/a               62.08
100 William Drysdale M60 Law & District 62.28

Great Scott Photos here

Diverted in Dundonald by Miles and Miles

I changed my treatment regime, for my hamstring, from rest and ice, to race and ice and headed down the M77 towards Dundonald. I say ‘towards Dundonald’ as when I approached the neighbouring village of Gatehead, I was diverted along the B751 to Crosshouse and then the B7081 via Springside to Dreghorn and finally along the B730, via Drybridge, to the venue for the night’s race. Not surprisingly, I was a bit later than I had hoped for but after registering and changing into my racing gear, I made my way to the town’s 14th century castle and the Start of the race. 


Although a number of regulars were noticeable by their absence, there was still a decent turnout from Kilmarnock Harriers, as well as the other Ayrshire clubs: Troon Tortoises; Ayr Seaforth and Girvan ACC. Members from various West of Scotland running clubs, a couple of far travelled runners from Stornoway RAC and a healthy turnout from the locals would all play there part in making the event competitive.

As I warmed up, the organisers announced that the race would be delayed by ten minutes due to the difficulties caused by the road diversions. The majority of runners took advantage of this delay by extending their pre race chatting. My self included. I told a number of running buddies, including Natalie Fleming, that as I had problems with my hamstring, I wouldn’t be going for a time tonight. However as it’s a Kilmarnock Harriers’ championship race I would be trying to beat as many club mates as possible. Just before the Starting Gun fired, Kilmarnock’s Kate Todd introduced me to her niece, Lorna.


Race Report

At 7:39pm we set off, heading southwards, along the main street. A right turn, followed by a sharp left turn, took us into the Ayrshire countryside and up the first hill of the course. After about 800m, I was running side by side with Natalie, at 1k my Garmin beeped to inform me that my pace was 4:13. That seems to be the norm for my 10ks but unfortunately I can never maintain that pace. Tonight was to be no exception as the hills started to slow me down, Natalie maintained, or increased her pace and left me well behind. However when a fellow Kilmarnock Harrier overtook me on one of the hills, I made sure that I returned the compliment on the downhill section. This pattern repeated itself a couple of times with the Harrier, accompanied by Kate’s niece and a local runner, passing me on the uphill section and me catching them going downhill. On the last hill into Symington the Killie Harrier maintained his form and opened up a sizable gap in front of me, although I was struggling, I managed to hold off the challenge from Kate’s niece and the local runner. 

I was hoping to close the gap on my Kilmarnock competitor as I made my way through the pretty Ayrshire village. However my legs had other plans and not only did he increase the gap but Kate’s niece and the other runner caught me once again. The hills and the heat had taken their toll and I was finding the race both physically and mentally difficult but a cry of encouragement from Connell Drummond who had chosen to support, rather than race, helped me to regain my focus.

I knew that the second part of the course was generally flat and fast and that some respite, in the form of a water station, would soon be forthcoming. As I continued to play leapfrog with the local runner, Kate’s niece left us both behind and managed to catch my championship competitor. The water station seemed further along than I remembered which made me even more relieved to see it when it finally appeared. Although the local runner was in front of me at this point, I had taken the decision to stop and have a small drink, rather than risk choking myself. I poured the remainder of the cool water over my head and set off to catch the local runner. I was confident that I wouldn’t be long until I caught him and I was running well as I passed him. However he was not for giving up easily and he increased his pace, tucking in just behind me. I could hear his heavy foot steps but tried to focus in on catching the Harrier in front. At 7k, I caught him on the inside and he congratulated me on my running as I passed him.

Although I say 7k, there are no ‘k’ markers on the route, somewhat bizarrely for a 10 kilometre race, there are mile markers instead but the organisers fail to inform the runners of this and, as the markers don’t give the unit of distance but just the number, it can be very confusing for runners.

I made sure that I built up a considerable gap on my fellow Harrier but I couldn’t rid myself of the local runner, whose foot steps remained a constant reminder that he was in my trail. I thought positively, convincing myself that he would love to be in my place and that the reason that I was in front was because I was faster than him. However it was still in the back of my mind that he might out race me by overtaking me in the final strait.

I concentrated on Kate’s niece in front and, as we approached Dundonald, I managed to find an extra gear. The sound of footsteps behind me faded as I made chase towards Kate’s niece. I was closing the gap on her as the marshals directed us off of the main street and up towards the castle built by King Robert II. The race finishes on the grass playing field and I sprinted over the line to hear the timer saying “48”.

I congratulated Kate’s niece, Lorna, the local runner and the Kilmarnock Harrier, who turned out to be hill specialist Roddie Pugh, before cheering the other runners home.


Selected Results
Natalie had placed 3rd woman, Kate Todd 1st FV45 and Louise-Hill Stirling 1st FJ

Stuart Gibson repeated last year’s achievement of winning the race, with Claire McArthur winning the women's race.


Full Results 

Reflections

Although the records reveal that my time was a lot slower than last year when I finished in 44:09, I was still delighted with my time of 44:48 and with my race performance. I had held off the challenger, I had finished strongly, had completed another club championship race and had managed to beat those Harriers of a similar standard.


Post Race Review

I met a couple of runners back at the Race HQ, the local primary school, who asked me where the prize ceremony was being held. I advised them that cash prizes and spot prizes were awarded to the runners as they crossed the Finish Line. They had hoped for a medal and/or a t-shirt but for £5 for SA members they were maybe asking for a bit much. I’m sure most would settle for kilometre rather than mile markers, maybe next year?

Running Pics by Great Scott Photography