Ben Lomond Junior Fun Run 2012 →

As the saying goes, never work with children or animals... Well, I work with animals and at home made the mistake of letting the children outnumber us. Trying to get three kiddies dressed in running clothes, spare clothes for when they inevitably fall in a bog or Loch Lomond and out the door meant that we were running more than fashionably late for the Ben Lomond Junior fun run. Driving faster along the road to Rowardennan to make up time was an even worse plan as the youngest was car sick just as we arrived to see the fun run lined up to start. Out the car, grab wailing small child, promise to carry her if she gets tired on the run to get her to agree (fingers crossed behind my back while making said promise), rush for the start and we are off.

Well the kids had a great time and it was me that was sweating at the finish. The route laid out by Don is a great one, with the descent taking in a couple of boggy patches and a stream crossing. The middle kiddie lost her trainer in one boggy patch and that made her race, with laughing the rest of the way. The smallest one ran the whole way in what was her first hill race, bar some uphill walking (well her dad walks in his races...). Then the sprint for the finish and the reward of TWO chocolates and an orange juice each from the organisers and their smiles were even bigger. Plus a certificate to be proudly carried around for days to come.

This is a great event and a brilliant way to get kids keen on hill running and thanks to Don Reid and Martin Hyman for organising it. Particularly to Martin for being so patient and enthusiastic with the little ones. Long may the fun run continue!

Posted by Jacques Penderis on Mon 14 May 2012 | 1 comment

Category Fun run

Ben Lomond 2012 →

Results

Well what a fantastic day out and well organised race! The first thing to say is thanks to all those Westies marshalling at the parking, start and on the hill and making it possible for us to run. I tried to say hello to as many as possible, but you may have noticed I was struggling to breathe a little!

The race started at a fair lick (I was caught out at Dumyat on the Wed before, being held up at the back so I was determined not to make that mistake again). There was soon a regular stream of people passing me on the way up, but I tried to hold on to their tails and let them drag me up, not sure if it worked but at least I stayed far enough ahead to avoid my usual racing experience of being effortlessly passed by Don and Murdo on the way up! Once we were through the trees and onto the open hill I seemed to be in a Westies free zone with no-one else near me that I could see. The weather turned a bit nippy at the top, but luckily most of the snow had melted in Friday's rain and the ground was just soft enough for some good running. Apologies to all if I did not stay to say hello at the top, I was freezing and keen to get going down.

The route change is a great improvement, with the climb up the path more pleasant and running down the steep slope great fun. I topped out in 79th place (I think) and had a great run on the way day passing 13 places without too hairy a run to finish in 66th place (well no fall this year anyway which is always an improvement!). At the end I just ran out of puff, I could see three runners a little way in front of me through the trees, but couldn't get the legs to speed up to catch them. Finally a great hello from Drew and Margaret at the finish, was I relieved to see them, especially not having to sprint as there was no-one immediately behind me.

Thank you again to all those Westies who helped organise the day, what a fantastic running club! And well done to the 12 other Westies who ran on the day, especially to Alan, Chris and Ewan who appear to have had a great tussle up at the front.

Posted by Jacques Penderis on Mon 14 May 2012 | 6 comments

Category Hill Race

Records Galore at Dumyat →

A huge gaggle of westies turned up in Stirling Uni for the 2nd Bog and Burn of 2012, 22 by my count. Weather was a welcome break from the normal Scottish spring of rain/sleet/hail and wind with some people even reportedly spotting a brief glimpse of the sun. The good conditions led to two records being broken, Murray Strain ran a new course record and it was the largest ever field for this race. Results

This is now my 2nd time doing this race... so I knew about the tight corner and gap through the wall just after the start. Despite this I was looking the wrong direction when the hooter went and had to really fight for position up the road to make it through the wall before a queue developed. Down the nice little path and then into the forest of hell I just held my position. I managed to run the entire section through the trees but my legs were in agony. When we left the forest I got a glimpse of what was going on with the leaders. Murray already had about 200m on second (or about 50s). Everybody else was racing for 2nd even though we were only ~2km into an 8km race. Along the rough path I was trying to run hard off the top of each small climb (Nigel you would have been proud) which meant I was catching a few places and reached the top in 10th. Coming down I got caught by a big group of 8 or 9 but managed to hang onto their coat tails and didn't lose much time. Thanks to the 21 other westies for giving me shouts of encouragement as I came down and pointing me in the direction of the best lines. Through the forest I was working very hard but knew I had a little left to give for the last short climb. Up that climb I passed 2 and was right behind another 3... Onto the road and I was working at 100% passed one, passed another... and then caught another just as we reached the finish chute. Sprinted for the line beating my time from last year by 30s. Just after I stopped running the cramps started... I guess I paced it well so. Really happy with my result though.

Chris also had a good run getting in ahead of Alan (who managed to out descend him last year), he also showed his supreme consistency in running exactly the same time as last year.

I can't wait to hear about Brain Brennan and John Quinn's battle... Finishing on exactly the same time.

Posted by Niall McAlinden on Fri 11 May 2012 | 5 comments

Category Hill Race

Strathkinness to Blebocraigs 2012 →

Strathkinness to Blebocraigs

2nd May 2012

Race info including results and course map

Having been garrisoned to the Kingdom of Fife of late, I’ve been a bit out of the Westy loop, so was delighted to see this wee race taken place last Wednesday evening.

In a few weeks time, some colleagues and myself will be running the Edinburgh Marathon Relays – it’s an expensive race but there’s a staff v. students rivalry to pay for and that’s priceless. So ¾ of my team – Alex, Rory and myself, turned out for a bit of race prep.

Strathkinness is a small village outside of St Andrews set in truly scenic countryside. The race organisers call this an “undulating course”. I’d dispute that. There are two devilish hills to encounter along the way. Subtle it ain’t. Starting in Strathkinness, it’s a quick “What’s your name? Where do you come from?” and £3 registration fee at the church hall. This equally reflected the start, no airs or graces for the Fifers, just a “Right then, watch oot for motors and… er… aye… Go!”

Off we went… Fifers, Taysiders, Unattacheds and one Westy. I started off a bit too quickly, possibly due to one runner beside me who sounded like he was wheezing a bit too much for the first few hundred metres. This made me feel a bit tense and could also be down to me not participating in any races for a while. Anyway, the first section towards Blebocraigs was pleasant as we raced down a country road, whizzing past a wonderful plethora of smells and a group of indifferent cattle.

8 mins in we were off the road and up a gravel path hitting the first challenging hill head on. Tackling this, my heart sank. I did stick in but lost a good few places and was overtaken by my colleague, Rory. Reaching the top was something of a relief and the field was noticeably spread out now. We then followed through a muddied, puddled route, which gave way to a track through Kemback Wood. From here I began to relax and felt more comfortable, taking back a few more places. Reaching Blebocraigs we turned back towards Strathkinness along a country road, which eventually led to the second hill, short and sweet it was much better than my first hilly encounter. Bounding over some fields for the concluding stretch, this part involved a bit of sidestepping to avoid some large murky looking puddles. Careful not to slip so close to the finish I sprinted towards a crowd who were forming in the distance. The end! Done! Finished! Relief…

I really enjoyed this race and will certainly recommend it to anyone who happens to be in the area. Bit of a trek from Glasgow for a 4.5 mile race but nice to run somewhere different for a change and there were few if any motors to watch out for! Back at the church hall there was a welcoming spread of sandwiches, cakes and tea for the runners, which was a nice touch and echoes much of what Grim said before in his friendly Fifers memo.

Final results:

1. Zach Delaney Fife AC 24.51 MJU20
2. Chris Russell Fife AC 25.16 MV40
3. Neil Graham St Andrews Uni 25.35 MS

25. Morgan Windram-Geddes Fife AC 28.55 FS

46. Ciaran McDonald Westerlands 31.16 MS

Posted by Ciaran McDonald on Thu 10 May 2012 | 2 comments

Category road race

Stuc 'a Chroin 2012 →

Stuc a' Chroin -- the race I love to hate. Start with a long slog up the forest track, followed by a walk-jog up Glen Ample with its rewarding but brief descent, and then the day really gets underway with the seemingly endless climb up Beinn Each. By the time I reach the summit I'm just about ready to sign a pledge never to go hill running again. The "ridge" across to Stuc is a technical challenge, rough enough to prevent settling into any sort of rhythm. It's only on the return past Bealach nan Cabar, with a grassy slope, that I get a chance to stretch out and pick up a few places. Glen Ample provides a late challenge, and then it's all down hill to the finish. One by one, I pass exhausted runners as my legs find unexpected reserves of energy. I pick up six places before the final turn, and come in at 3:38, a seven minutes improvement over last year.

It's been a good day for many, although Prasad's victory by 14-minutes pushed all the percentage times down. Manny posts an impressive PB of 2:28 (and second M40), just ahead of Iain Stewart (2:31). James is third Westie home, in 3:09, then Murdo (3:20, first M50!) followed shortly after by David Aikin (3:33) and Alasdair Duke (3:36) before I brought up the tail.

After soaking my legs and a ritual immersion in the Balvag, I enjoy some late afternoon sunshine with a satisfying feeling of tiredness. It may be excessively marked and marshalled, but Stuc is still a great race.

Posted by John Hamer on Mon 7 May 2012 | 6 comments

Category Hill Race

Black Crock 5, Kinghorn →

This was my first run of any kind since the Darnley/Dams run a month ago, and I didn't want to miss a grand evening out in Fife. However, the Fates were conspiring to turn a commuter rail trip to Kinghorn into something more problematic: more like Hamilton (Seemples!) trying to get to Edinburgh on public transport. Waverley station at 6pm was a sea of anxious faces as Fife trains were cancelled or re-routed due to damaged power-lines. However, the 6.15 train miraculously set off and arrived on time, disgorging Boggies and joggers in time for the 7.45pm start. I'd been hatching a plan for the race: it's about half roads and promenade, and half tidal sands. Passing the Black Rock, it was clear that the tide was exceptionally low - so my plan (to run barefoot on the sands) could be achieved. Off we went down to the beach, when my lace became untied and I struggled to re-tie it. Bad move - a sea of runners swept past. However, stashing my shoes below the doggy-doo bin by the beach, I found my (bare) feet and stamina to be in good shape. For the next 2 miles round the Rock, I gained places steadily, and indeed decided to continue barefoot up the prom towards the finish, to ironic cheers and snapshots by the locals. "Zola Budd!" shouted one. "Fergus Murray!"(my barefoot running role-model in the 60s)I shouted back. However, the organisers had tagged our feet for finish times, so I lost more time trying to re-shoe near the finish (where were my Reebok zippers when I needed them?). For the final 200m climb, off came the shoes and I kicked them across the sensor mat at the finish. Post-race was the usual rammy, as tired runners and locals searched in vain for shared experience in a booze den called "Carousel". I slunk back to the community hall, where an aroma of burnt beef offered temptation. Sure enough, here in a side-room were polis and marshals tucking into stovies, so I grabbed a plateful, only to learn that it was for race officials! Too late...yum yum. The final adventure was still to come: the evening trains suffered more cancellations, and a relief bus took us on a mystery tour of the north Forth towns, finally disgorging several exhausted runners at Inverkeithing to wait for a train. "Into the Firth of Forth, Ran the eight hundred". It was Grim...but I feel great afterwards.

Posted by Graeme Orr on Sat 5 May 2012 | 1 comment

Category beach and promenade novelty run

We Kaim, We Ran, We Did OK →

A short post on the short Kaim Hill Race. (Apologies for the lateness.) A fair crew of Westies turned up, everyone put in a good performance and the club was well-represented in the upper results. For my part, I was the first Westie to the top (about 6th over all) but on the way down I was passed by the marauding gang of Owen, John & Alan and later on by Luke down at the burn crossing. It's 'cause I was tricked see; a devious Glasgow University runner conned me in to following him off the flagged trail, thus squandering my unassailable lead. After all, it's not like the rest of the Westiepack are better descenders or faster runners than me or anything. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable evening with beautiful weather and a top atmosphere. A final point - be sure and pick up your very own 'Westie sweat-band' while stocks last!

Posted by James Callender on Sun 29 Apr 2012 | 3 comments

Category Hill Race

Highland Fling →

I was one of only two Westies out at the Highland Fling yesterday - Eleanor was also running though I never saw her. It was my first attempt at a run of 40+ miles so I was quite apprehensive sitting on the train out to Milngavie. But with only a slight hint of a frost on the ground and clear blue skies I knew I was in for a magical day.

Many Westies and Glasgow Hash runs have taken me a long various parts of the West Highland Way but I'd never connected them together so many parts were unknown. I set off at a very steady pace with the intention of enjoying all 53 miles. That meant keeping my pace controled and trying to maintain a constant effort rather then a constant pace. Within 400m of starting had already had a good giggle with a guy who, busy adjusting his Garmin, ran square into a lamp-post - not the best start for him.

My even effort plan meant that even before reaching Mugdock I'd had my first walk up a sharp wee climb - this ultra thing is very different to hill racing!

Once leaving Mugdock behind Earls Seat came into view with a fresh dusting of snow across it, which made it quite a surprise that when Ben Lomand and the Arrochars came into view they only had small patches of spring snow. Conic Hill was the last challenge before the first refueling stop and I was feeling great here and really enjoyed the trot off the back, more than happy to let gravety do it's job. 19 miles down and feeling great and well in control. From this point north I had no idea what to expect having never been on these parts of the WHW. But what a treat, it really is a beautiful route.

Rowardennan past quickly where I got a great cheer from a uni friend who I hadn't seen in 8 years. And Inversnaid came and went very quickly too - that part of the route was such a pleasure to run on. The very north part of Loch Lomand was pretty tough as you are picking your way up and down on quite a broken path, but I just took my time looking forward to my salty nuts and sandwiches at Beiglas Farm.

On reaching Beiglas Farm with 12 miles to go I was delighted to still be feeling good, so I set off with towards Tyndrum with the sun warming my back and a huge smile. Much of the next 7 miles was a long, gradual climb, but knowing I was still in good shape I allowed myself to trot the uphills as well as the flat and down. And, of course, the views were superb - Ben More was looking spectacular too as it has a propar deep covering of snow crowning it. And once into the wood and across the A82 I knew I was nearly home so let out the throttle and let myself run. Ok, it wasn't 5 minute miling but it felt good to be stretching the legs.

I crossed the finishing line at 9 hours and 52 minutes to have a beer thrust into my hand - and the best bit was I could sit in the evening sun and savour it. It really was a great day out - a beautiful day, a fantastic route and I was delighted to remain so incontrol.

Posted by Cameron Burt on Sun 29 Apr 2012 | 3 comments

Category Trail Race

3k on the Green →

27th April 2012

Event website | Results

I was looking for a Whizzy race and with no Whangie to Whizz around then this one was an obvious replacement. It's now got its own website (see link above) and seems to have found a regular slot on the last Friday of the month rather than arriving in batches of 3 as a short series. I've run it once before (in May 2011) and it's been frequented by JD2, with Niall taking 3rd spot in the January event. No other Westies today but good support from Russell and Beryl from the 'Glasgow Lunchrunners' training crew.

This is a hard race. Note, hard race as distinct from inherently hard course. It's fast and flat, and to be in the game you've really got to motor all the way. In good weather, I set off behind 1980's Westies captain Dave Thom but was happy to let his leading group power on at a rate I wouldn't have been able to sustain. Ciaran Dougherty of Bellahouston Road Runners claimed victory in 9.55 with Dave taking 4th and first V50 in 10.04. I spent most of the race swapping 8th and 9th places with Raymond Farrell of BRR before his finishing burst took him 3 seconds clear.

I was delighted to lower my PB from 11.11 at this time last year to 10.28. There's certainly room for improvement but I felt there wasn't anything more to give today. Once over the line I was reduced to my knees, gasping, after what seemed a very long drag to the finish with a stitch creeping up on me and having to fight hard to maintain my running form. Post-match analysis showed a heart rate peak of 181 - a very rough guide to max is 220-age, so that would suggest 184 for me and it's not often I can push as hard as that.

After being away on holiday and not having run since Sunday, this was certainly a brutal reintroduction to racing.

Posted by Johnston Orr on Fri 27 Apr 2012 | 4 comments

Category road race

Gallangad Trig Point Run →

25th April 2012

A few photos from last night's club run, courtesy of Gaynor Gillespie.

Posted by Westies Admin on Thu 26 Apr 2012 | 5 comments

Category club runs