Despite the return to a more normal April after the last two weeks of cobalt skies, tonight’s Swanston interval group headed into the cloud and mirk.
This session’s pain was 2 mins uphill segments heading up Caerketton with leaders returning to the 3rd last person for recoveries. A few of us took turns with this position. At the top, with 7 mins left, we ran triangles for a longer set, trying not to be lapped too many time by those fast buggers. Fun fun fun.
Shame the Steading is still shut, but then it is a bit cool and their beer garden is the car park.
Mark Hartree
Archives for April 2021
1st Handicap – Going Viral via Capelaw
Great to be back “racing” again. Last night saw the first running of the mini-handicap following the current covid secure guidelines.
Handicaps naturally lend themselves to this, as the start times are staggered, we even socially distanced for a photo. There was the usual handicap banter of “how did you get that handicap”, “I’m not running well, should have an easier time”, “I did intervals last night, won’t be going fast”, “I did a long run at the weekend, legs still heavy” etc.
It was a cracking evening for being out, clear skies, a light breeze and cool. This is a great course, very runnable, but with some route choice decisions to be made between some of the later checkpoints. Rachael Nash was first back, benefitting from a handicap time based from 2 years ago, the advantage of growing. The rest of us suffering from the process of ageing over the last couple of years.
Back at the finish there was more chat about route choice, and where everyone caught Mark Hartree. The only thing that was missing was a pint afterwards. Maybe the pubs will be open next week, and we can stand outside in groups of six, or is it four? or two? Answers on a postcard please.
Thanks to Andy and Ken for organising.
Graham Nash
Winter talks – Kev Woods’ Winter Munro Round
Thursday, April 15th marked the final Winter Talk of 2021 and what a finale it was! Kev Woods treated the virtual crowd to a great recap of his Winter Munro Round.
The talk really highlighted the level of detail and passion with which Kev approached his attempt. Emotional and inspiring and a great way to spend an hour of your time. Also an opportunity to hear Scottish hill names pronounced confidently and correctly.
Charity link: https://www.justgiving.com/lmrt/Donate
AS Pacidnah Results
The reverse running of the Monday lunchtime Arthur’s Seat Handicap
The weather has been so good this week that the wind of last week seems a distant memory. Thanks for all the reports sent in with your times, most people cursing their choice of either descending the steps or the gutted haddie (I was the latter). The dry ground certainly made the scree climb tough and the wee stones on hard pack down the Haddie like ball bearings.
Not everyone seemed to think so though! We had some very fast times – Kai took the pacidnah record for a day (previously Don Naylor 27.04) in 26.34, before Eóin ran a remarkable 24:57. But this month’s winner (following 1st in Jan and 2nd last month) is Elspeth Bleakley. Well done to anyone beating your handicap on the reverse though.
Welcome to all the newcomers too, including Rececca Rowlings (age 7) who joined last month’s winner Ianthe in doing her first loop (Dad in tow too). Next month will definitely be easier. Wish I’d gone down the steps.
Anthony Hemmings
Link to map http://carnethy.com/club_training_sessions/lunchtime-handicaps/
Results page http://carnethy.com/category/mon-arthurs-seat-handicaps/
Strava Segment https://www.strava.com/segments/1641212
Carnethy ‘Slower’ Social Run: Whinny Hill for Sunset
Unlike two weeks’ previously, when a sudden deterioration in the weather led to a sudden deterioration in participation, last night both the weather and runners turned up in fine form for the evening social run. Lots of other people were out. Many faces look somewhere between confused and annoyed to see larger groups of people running around now. Arthur’s Seat is at its best at this time of year with the gorse flowers out in bloom and aroma.
The paths have dried up incredibly quickly after the wet start to the year. We meandered up and down Salisbury Crags, took a steepish route up Arthur’s Seat, and then aimed to follow the second half of Eóin’s second pandemicap route although on Gio’s recommendation we diverted through an apple orchard to avoid the Duddingston steps.
We arrived at ‘The-Top-of-Whinny Hill-with-a-Single-Gorse-Bush’ just as the sun was setting behind the city, and then enjoyed a swift dry grassy descent down to the car park. It’s so good to be back to these evening social runs. Distance: 4 miles, Elevation: 440 metres
Ken Fordyce
Going Viral via Capelaw – handicap times
The first handicap of the series ‘Going Viral via Capelaw’ runs from 16 Apr – 4 May. Handicap times are here. If you aren’t on the list or have any questions contact handicapper Andy Lamont – hcap@carnethy.com
We are going to trial ‘mini-races’ which fit within the Covid guidelines. These will allow up to 14 people to compete in handicap format – so 7pm + your handicap time is your start time. This will hopefully bring back the feeling of chasing down or being chased down and might just improve your time. For the first pandemicap, these will take place on Wednesdays 21st April and 28th April. This is the sign-up sheet Please put your name and start time here. If we find there is a lot of interest in this, further times can be added on other evenings, or at the weekend. Please get in contact at kenfordyce70@gmail.com if you want to suggest another time/day.
See the handicaps page for full details!
Winter talks – Sasha and Ali’s 24 hour Munro record
On Thursday April 1 the Winter Talk series continued with a special dual presentation by Carnethy members Sasha Chepelin and Ali Masson. They provided us with an entertaining and inspiring summary of their 24 hour Munro record.
Well worth an hour of your time!
Strava link: https://www.strava.com/activities/3858463251
Charity link: https://www.facebook.com/TVMRT (Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue)