31st March 2011 Birnam Classic Results - Sat 26th March Provisional Results are now available here. Get in touch if you know of mistakes. From these results, an amazing 40 Carnethies were running, led home by ex-captain Jon Ascroft !
31st March 2011 Winter Talk Series - the Mudge and Fallon double act - Weds 30th March The final episode of the incredibly successful winter talk series was held in a new venue at the Pleasance. Once again there must have been well over 40 people present.
First off was Steven Fallon talking about his 14 rounds of the munros, with the best question being Keith Burns's, "Have you seen a doctor about this ?". Steven finished by talking about his life change - giving up his ofiice job to become a mountain guide. Then Angela Mudge took us through the experiences of what it is like travelling round Europe for the summer racing. Talking about her enjoyment of being in the mountains, some of the great races in Europe, how you prepare for racing when travelling all the time etc etc. Angela also covered some runs in other parts of the world, such as Japan and Malaysia. Thanks to both for excellent talks - talks of acheivements that make people in the audience feel ordinary ! Finally a special thanks to Sam Hesling for organising the talks over the winter.
29th March 2011 Carnethy Women run from Margaret's backgarden
On
Monday evening 18 Carnethy women (including honorary women, Bill) ran from
Margaret's back garden to the Pentlands. We followed a narrow winding
trail through Dreghorn Wood, across the Army Polofield and under the
City Bypass. A meandering path took us through another wood and then up
the north
face of White Hill to a great viewpoint over the City. We headed south
to the top of Capelaw and enjoyed a lovely long run downhill from there
to
Dreghorn Wood again. Fortunately, there was just enough light for Margaret
to spot the back of her new house so we could return via the garden
gate.
27th March 2011 Pentland Lowline
Knees getting sore with all those nasty hills?
One leg slightly shorter than the other one? If
this is you then try the Pentland Lowline - an
off-road circumnavigation of the Pentlands. 19
miles, mainly outside the Skyline circuit (and
definitely not inside it), and with a bonus 3,180
feet of climbing. I managed a very steady
3:52 in excellent conditions, with a few
pauses to check the map. However will now
have to repeat in the opposite direction to equalise
my legs. Phil Young
26th March 2011 Birnam Classic Hill Race - Scottish Champs Short Race before...after recorders...
A photo of a select group at the start of Birnam -
less than half of the very large club entry.
Great tough short race with a much longer return than
expected. Steep ascent and long descent where I overtook
Bruce Smith (that deserves a mention if not a prize!)
and finished ahead of Andy Spenceley in the V50 race
(also a first). Good club performance - quantity
rather than quality! Team prize went to
a stong Shettleston team. We will get them in the next
one. Results Gordon
23rd March 2011
Night Run Aberlady kml The largest group this year
gathered in something approaching daylight. It's
not long now! The ladies group set off first
then we trotted off. Cody meanwhile hadn't quite
grasped the concept of 'bridge' and was determined
yet defeated by the creek. After a deal of persuasion
he joined us for game of 'hunt the ladies'
amongst the dunes, with tantalising glimpses
of the their headtorches in the distance. Giving
up on that the main group gallantly abandoned
them and headed off to Gullane, returning along
the great wide wet beach recently uncovered by
the tide. Rocky outcrops claimed a few victims.
Mysteriously the ladies group reappeared and
we all tried charging up the supposed Rangers'
training slope back into the tundra where a ghostly
lone runner confused us. It wasn't one of ours!
It was getting late so we upped the pace to return
in time for a splendid meal in the Ducks at Kilspindie
House. Digby
22nd March 2011 Late snow On the weekend of the equinox, Chapelgill and Criffel,
the higher Galloway hills were under deep new powder
snow, but a long trek through dense forest to get
to it. Keith Burns
21st March 2011 Middlefell Race - 19th March 8 Carnethies made the long
trip down to the Lake District for the Middlefell
Race. The race
starts at The Screes Inn in Nether Wasdale, has
a 2 mile yomp along fairly flat, quiet roads and
tracks to the base of Middlefell, a steady climb
to the summit and then back the way you came -
6.6 miles, 1700ft climb. Why would you make
the 3.5 hour trip to do this fairly short race? Well,
it starts and finishes at a good ale pub and,
on completion, you get a free Tatie Pot (a
potato stew-type thing) to eat - that's enough
to convince me, and 7 others agreed!
From the outset it was quite clear that with 8 runners
we were perhaps the largest group from any one club,
possibly matched by Black Combe Runners who (I think)
were using this race for their club championship. We
had a good crowd, the ground wasn't too wet, and the
weather was excellent: patches of blue in the sky,
light winds, some sun and only a hint of cloud on the
summit. Perfect!
Around 50 starters streamed out of Nether Wasdale,
starting with a steady pace along the valley floor
to the base of the hill. Up at the front was
a bemused Chris Henty, wondering why he wasn't being
left for dust. Chris was followed by hill-racing
virgin Phil Humphries, who was closely chaperoned over
the first few miles by Phil Young. Jim Hardie,
Matt Grove, Gio MacDonald, Jane Jackson, and Oz Oswald
made up the remaining Carnethies jostling for position
in the lengthening field. Chris was the first
of us to reach the summit, in a very impressive fifth
place, but he slowed on the tricky descent allowing
Jim to catch him near the base of the hill and then
eventually pass him on the final mile. Behind,
the rest of Team Carnethy were forming a competitive
clump at the head of the main pack, each exchanging
places for the remainder of the race.
Jim was the first Carnethy home in 7th place, Chris
9th. I've forgotten the other placings and the results
aren't up yet, but the order was: Gio, Phil Y, Phil
H, Oz, Matt and then Jane. Results should be
here (http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/results.php)
at some point. To our surprise, given that some
of us (me) thought this was a thinly-veiled trip to
the boozer, we done well: Carnethy won the team prize,
and Jane got 2nd female! The £40 team prize
was dumped into a kitty to reinvest in the local community,
i.e. buying hangovers for the following day. An
excellent day out, with some fantastic views, and the
Tatie Pot was pretty tasty too! Jim Hardie Middle Fell - the View from the Losers!
The promise of a free tattie-pot for every finisher
was enough to lure eight Carnethies to Nether Wasdale
for the Middle Fell race. Once early cloud had
lifted, and we escaped the clutches of a slightly psychotic
tribe of feral hens at the camping barn, the weather
was great for a meander up and down Middle Fell. The
first two miles across the valley gave a good warm
up, then it was on to the hills, where Christophe Henty
did us proud by staying with the lead group, and reached
the summit in 5th place ("held up by the person
in front"!). Turning for home, Jimbob (not
quite sure of the difference between a roadie and a
groupie) Hardie's additional momentum on the descent
took him past Chris and he led Carnethy home to the
team prize (along with Phil The Young and Gio MacDonald). Jane
Jackson was in soon afterwards, and was also a prizewinner,
finishing as second lady. Generous to a fault,
the winners shared their prizes with the losers (Matt
the Hat, Middle Phil and Oz), on an evening of excellent
ale-age in The Strands and The Screes Inns. A
lovely low-key and very friendly race in a great setting,
and big thanks to the organisers and marshalls who
put on a great day out...and the tattie-pot was suitably
excellent, too! Following a slightly troubled
evening in the camping barn, where everyone suffered
from nightmares triggered by the sight of Jimbob's
blue Jim-Jams (photographic evidence withheld on grounds
of taste), the Sunday morning dawned claggy and damp. It
didn't put half the group off heading back to the pub
for a full fryup though, before a wee jog up Irton
Fell and Irton Pike to clear our heads for the drive
home... Oz
21st March 2011 D33 Ultra - 19th March This weekend I made
my way up to Aberdeen for the D33 ultra, a
33 mile out & back race along the Deeside
Way. The race moto "Pass the Weak and
Hurdle the Dead" didn't seem to bode
well for someone like me whose
last & longest 'flat' race was probably
some 5km affair back at school.
However, it being a perfect running day,
sunny and with the smell of
spring in the air, and with the general friendly
feel of this race, it
was impossible not to enjoy the experience
(n.b. I might have disagreed
with this assessment if asked at around mile
28). As to statistics the
results are not out yet, but there were about
200 starters and the race
was won by Grant Jeans in a new record of
3:29.58. I was home in 3:54.34
to take 7th place (? I lost count on the
way back may have been 6th or
8th), Lucy Colquhoun (also a Carnethy) was
first lady in about 4:05. Konrad Rawlik
20th March 2011 Alloa Half Marathon Carnethy members ventured north of the Clackmannanshire Bridge today
(pictured) in order to compete in the long-standing Alloa Half Marathon.
On a flat,
fast course the top 4 runners were from Shettleston Harriers
- the first 3 of which were all on 1:06 - just about 5-minute-per-mile
pace!
First home of the Carnethies (close-relatives and friends etcetera)
was Craig Mattocks in 1:15.57 for an excellent 13th place and
an average speed of about 5:50 per mile. Craig, this time running
as "unattached" but
I hear that wedding bells are promised and that he'll soon be attached
(or vice-versa) to Kate Jenkins (also running "unattached") ,
in an excellent 1:23.41 for 65th overall and 2nd F35 (6:24 pace).
Tim
Darlow,
in only his second road 1/2 marathon, obtained a PB of 1:24.30 for
72nd position (6:27 pace). Finally Bob Johnson rounded out the "team" with
a 1:26.25 for 92nd overall and 5th VET50 (6:36). The background
to the road-rage endured today is that Tim is preparing for the
Edinburgh
Marathon while the other three are looking forward to the London
Marathon in 4 weeks time. Bob Johnson
20th March 2011 Chapelgill - Sat 19th March & Criffel - Sun
20th March The great thing about hill running is you discover
parts of Scotland you might never have thought of visiting. Two new
races for me and the way my legs are feeling tonight I won't be rushing
back! Eleven Carnethies turned up for Chapelgill in true Borders farmland
around the corner from Broughton Brewery, the race was very short, very
steep and it was very windy on the summit. Thanks to Robin and his helpers.
Criffel on the other hand started from the pretty village of New Abbey south
of Dumfries. Such a shame the hills were clagged in today as I was told the
views out to the Solway Firth are very pretty. I've never run such a boggy
race in all my life and it was with great relief to reach the tarmac road at
the end for the last half mile! A huge thanks to all the marshals and Moffat
Mountain Rescue for their banter and support on the hill. Kate Friend
20th March 2011 Chapelgill Hill Race There were 48 starters for the 28th running of this brutal race. A few Carnethies were there and made a credible showing with James 5th and first under 23 and Joan second lady. After discussion at the start as to which way to ascend I ignored the crowd and followed Des (who won !) and James taking the route to the left. It paid off as I reached the top in 9th place and then lost a few on the fast descent to finish just behind Gregor. It was a great dry day even if a little chilly and windy so we didn't hang about and headed off to watch the rugby. Gordon 16th March 2011 17 minus 2 find that 7 equals 11 The Email said
"Although the mist has come
down, it has been a wonderful day, if it is clear tonight i think we
should head for
Caerketton by the shortest route.
The run ends up about 7 miles. Up from The Steading and down through
Swanston." So 17 runners turned
up for this minor epic. it was a clear night
after all, as we headed across Craigmillar
Park and Braids then Mortonhall golf courses,
then into Mortonhall Estate arboretum (where
we added a few hundred yards on for good measure).
As we passes Morton House the murmerings started. "That is four miles already! are you sure this run
is seven miles". Oh did I not say "Each
Way!"
Joanne and Chris headed off on a shorter route
as the 15 who were "Game
For a Laugh" continued to the The Steading
and up to the summit of Caerketton to take
in the wonderful views over the city. 6 miles
done 1? to go.
A quick scree run off the hill took as a shorter
route back past Swanston and through Braidburn Park, The Hermitage and home to
the weighing room (more on that coming soon).
OK it was 11 miles, so I lied, but we all
had a great run, even Oz who turned his ankle
on the hill. Wondered where we went? Map
here Willie Gibson
13th March 2011 Monday night ladies run on a Sunday!
Today a group of Carnethy
ladies met up at Kate’s house in Ruthvenfield just outside
Perth for an 8.4 mile run (according to Steph’s watch!).
We ran out along muddy tracks towards Pitcairngreen and followed
the River Almond through woods towards Dalcrue before heading
back around Methven Loch to Almondbank and home, where hot
soup and cakes were waiting. The runners were Jane, Joanne,
Margaret, Cali, Steph, Lorna, Lucy and Kate. Kate Friend Carnethy Women had a wonderful run along
the River Almond from Kate's house at Ruthvenfield this morning.
With all the melted snow over the last few days, it sometimes felt
that we were running *in* the river rather than along side it.
Dodging low branches and hopping over fallen tress added to the
excitement. Many thanks to Kate for leading a great run and providing
a delicious lunch afterwards. Margaret Forrest
12th March 2011 Circumnavigation of Edinburgh
In foul conditions
- deep wet, slippy snow; even slippier (and
feet freezing) slush; rain and mud - 8
brave people plus 2 hardy (foolhardy?) cyclists
set out from the Steading on to run clockwise
round the circumference of Edinburgh (about
33 miles). Three, Joanne Thin, Ben Bate
and Matteo Tesser were running the first
half only and took the bus home from Cramond,
while the others carried on as far as Portobello,
before having a cafe stop and deciding,
considering the lateness, whether either
a bus (Rod Dalitz); a more direct running
route back to KB and home (Hilary Spenceley)
or a continuation (Richard Lathe, Digby
Maass, Andy Millard) was the best option,
and the latter decided to go for the whole
tamale. The cyclists (Keith Burns and Nick
MacDonald) were abandoned to make their
own way back to the Steading. Following
a fresh cycle track Digby & Andy
finally arrived, very tired, to be followed
not long after by Richard, equally so, though
we don't yet know whether any cyclist did
get to the Steading. To give you an idea
of the task and to show how much of the
route they did, read the full
report & map.
10th March 2011 Winter Talk No. 5, Cycling - Wed 9th March The fifth and penultimate talk in Sam's series of winter talks was
held on Wednesday night at Kings Buildings. Approximately 45 Carnethies
turned up to hear Stewart Whitlie, Geraint Florida-James and Gary Robson
talk about their cycling exploits. Keith Burns started the night off
by explaining how he sweet-talked John Rawnsley (3-Peaks Cyclo-Cross
organiser) into allowing him to ride the toughest cyclo-cross race
in the world (John's reply: "Ride it but don't die on me").
This
was an excellent evening which
started with Stewart Whitlie (fig 1)
talking about his road racing, hillclimb and time-trial successes
in the eighties. Questions were fired at him from a lively audience
and excellent recommendations were given for winter training (learn
to pedal quickly and smoothly) and spring-time strength training
(climbing hills in a big gear).
Regretfully Stewart forgot to tell us the crackin' story of one spotty-faced
junior (seen pulling wheelies in the carpark before the start) who
ended up beating him into second place in one of the big time trials!
The identity of that junior will have to be held for winter 2011/12!
Geraint
Florida-James (fig 2) started his 30 minute slot with a video of
downhill riders attacking the 2007 Ben Nevis course. Some
awesome (that's "dude-speak" for very good I understand)
slo-mo (slow-motion photography) showed the horrendous loads put
onto these bikes as the riders exceed 50-60 kph on many courses.
And if you think downhillers can't pedal then be warned because some
of the VO2 (ask Geraint) figures reported were in the seventies!
All aspects of Geraints' preparation work with the Scottish downhill
squad was covered even the pyscological angle of "keeping it
simple". (Geraint explained that the quickest riders spotted
a plausible line and hit it - they did not necessariy scan all others
to find something easier). A master class for all of us who want
to ride downhill faster and, to top it all, a photograph of Lesley
Ingham as well!
The final talk of the day was by Gary Robson (fig
3). Gary is co-owner of BSPOKE CYCLES in Peebles and also has his
own plumbing business.
Gary has won many scottish medals over the last 10 years including
bronze in the British Time Trial champs and team gold in the British
25-mile Time Trial champs (only Scottish team to ever acheive this).
He is still part of the record-breaking 10-mile Time Trial team with
an indivual PB of 19:28 for 10 miles (in excess of 30mph average).
Gary and Ewan showed the basic rules for setting yourself up in the
correct postion on the bike and these rules and various measurements
will be featured in the Carnethy Journal soon. It transpired that
Sam's bike was about right - collective "phew" all round.
Again many questions were fired at Gary and Ewan both on road riding,
mountain biking and cyclo-cross. Seems that tubular tyres by Dugast
(special tyre glued onto a special rim) rule the roost still! Now
where's my Master Card?
Thanks to all three speakers from a very appreciative
audience. Bob Johnson Next and last talk will be by Angela Mudge on Wednesday 30th March - don't miss.
9th March 2011 Latest News from Carnethy's Spanish section - Trail Cabo De Gata - 7th March We have just ran a race called "Trail Cabo de Gata-Nijar".
We left Madrid with a storm of snow last friday (really strange in March) and after travelling 619 km from Madrid (too far for only a weekend) we arrived at Almería. The race started in a beautiful village called Rodalquilar and finished in San José.
Although the landscape is a bit desertic it's beautiful and now it's a good season (in summer is too hot). The villages are lovely in white colour.
The trail was almost 30 km and and not too steep. Technically it was easy but I felt in my feet that I hadn't got enough training. Ana Perez
7th March 2011 Meadows "Marathon" -
6th March Taking part in Sunday's "Meadows Marathon" seemed
a no-brainer for Bob
Johnson with the London Marathon only 6 weeks
away. The so-called Meadows
Marathon is a half marathon consisting of
8 laps on the pavements and roads
surrounding the meadows in Edinburgh. Bob
clocked his time as 1hr 33mins.
Not particularly fast but the run was particularly
tough because of (a) the
cobbles round St Georges square (b) the slight
incline up through
Quartermile and (c) having to run PAST the
excellent Peter's Yard coffee
shop 8 times!!!! Bob Johnson (pic
from last year's London Marathon - sad but
true)
7th March 2011 A Taste of The Chaser - 5th March 24 drinkers turned
up for this years "Whisky
Chaser",
a circular route fromThe Steading covering
6 miles and 5 Malts. Wonderfully organised
by Oz (with help from Andy Millard). A full
report here.
6th March 2011 Falkland Flyer race - 5th March The Falkland Flyer Trail
Race, organised by Fife AC, was rearranged
from December because of the weather. 2 Carnethies
ran, Neil Burnett and Mike Lynch.
This was an age-graded race, so all runners
received 2 times for the race - their actual
running time and their age-adjusted time.
Age grading is a way of putting all race participants
on a level playing field, regardless of age
or gender. Age-graded scores let you compare
your race times to those of different runners,
as well as to the standard for your age and
gender.
Your age-graded time is your finish time adjusted
to that of an open division participant using
a factor for age and gender. Thus, the times
for women and older participants are adjusted
downward, while the times for most open division
participants (such as 25-year-old men) remain
the same.
The route essentially followed the Devil's
Burdens Leg 4 route in reverse up to the point
of the checkpoint, where it looped back and
rejoined in a figure of '6' before the return
back to the duckpond at Falkland. Total distance
was 6 miles (accurate according to Garmin).
We set off in the field of 80 runners in perfect
conditions for running. A mixture of road
shoes and hill studs were in evidence, but
the conditions were actually very dry. In
a fast-paced race, Jeff Farquhar of Carnegie
Harriers won in 35.26, with Neil Burnett 18th
in 41.17 and myself 28th in 43.07. Age-graded
results (Neil and I are both 41) were as follows:
Neil 33rd in 35.44 and me 42nd in 37.06. Jeff
Farquhar again won this prize, as he is 52.
A good spread was laid on afterwards. A race
worth considering in the future.
Some photos here
Full results by actual times are here Full results by age-graded times are here Mike Lynch
3rd March 2011 Wednesday Night Training
- 2nd March A large contingent
turned out to escort Jasmine on her first
visit to Arthur's Seat. It's
this way!
After a beautiful day the temperature plummeted
but it was clear and dry for an exciting rocky
scramble up to the summit. An
unusually restrained use of head torches led
to a cry of 'where are you all' as the group
spread out on the descent, but all safely
regathered at Dunsapie. Then
it was on to Craigmillar Castle, Willie reassuring
us with a tale of punters in the badlands
thinking twice about taking on a large group
of runners. So he sent Joanne on ahead as
a peace offering. Craigmillar was safely negotiated
and passing the gaily lit dump site it was
back to KB. A good run! Digby Maass
28th February 2011 Borders Cross Country The disrupted Borders XC season ended with the race at Dunbar on Sunday. The course was to the east of the town for a change (the John Muir Country Park having been commandeered by orienteers), from White Sands out past Barns Ness lighthouse – or, if you prefer - from the cement works to the nuclear power station and back. It was a mixture of sand, shingle, grass, gorse and an invigorating sea breeze; overall, a bit shorter and faster than the norm for the Series.
Adam Ward finished eleventh to make sure of the M45 runner's-up trophy for the Series; Anne Nimmo was 78th for four wins out of four in the F55s; and Ian Nimmo was 92nd out of 94 (third M65+ for the Series). Neither Hilary nor Andy Spenceley was able to run but it didn't matter for the F50 and M50 trophies were theirs.Thanks to the organisers for a well-run and enjoyable Series with a very efficient results service. Results IAN
28th February 2011 High Cup Nick - Sat 26th Feb Seemed led like a decent day for a trip down to
the North (ish) Pennines to run the High Cup Nick race, starting and finishing
in the village
of Dufton, a little way east of Penrith. The high proportion of lean-looking
whippets at the start made me feel like a bit of a lardy biffer, but
at least the rain had stopped (for now...). The route was cracking -
a gentle start, before heading out on to the fells, which were a chronic
clart-fest underfoot - recent rains were making their presence felt;
Studgill (I'm not making that up) Tarn was way bigger than on the map,
and the crossing of High Cupgill Beck had the feel of a smaller version
of the Tyne crossing on the Traprain Law route. Despite a sharp shower,
the scenic highlight of the route was the run up to High Cup Nick itself,
with a grand fringe of crags on both sides, and a climb that just got
steeper and steeper, to finish with a scramble up by a waterfall...though
there wasn't much love about for the person who'd decided to coat all
the boulders with a fine sheen of slippery soap... Then it was a long
blast back down to Dufton on easy tracks and grass with glorious views
opening out in the afternoon sunshine. The race was really friendly,
the organisation and marshalling were excellent, and there was a cracking
spread of cakes at the finish!
Oz
28th February 2011 Success at Glentress Long Race The last race in the winter series of Glentress
Duathlons took place in fine weather yesterday. Jon Ascroft cycling
as past of a team was
the highest Carnethy Finisher in 14th place,Garry Macinnes was 25th
(and 5th V40), Willie Gibson as 40th (and 1st V50), Keith Adams was
3rd V50 and Bob Waterhouse was 2nd V60. Cali Ingham was 1st FV50 and
Joanne Thin completed her first Duathlon just ahead of Cali.
In the series Willie Gibson was 2nd V50 and Bob Waterhouse was 3rd V50
and Cali Ingham was 1st FV50.
24th February 2011 Winter Talk No. 4, the 24 Hour Rounds - Wed 23rd Feb Another very successful talk
with at least 45 people (so many we ran out of chairs!) turning up to hear Olly Stephenson talk about how he completed the three UK classic 24 hour mountain rounds, i.e. The Bob Graham (Lake District), Ramsay (Lochaber) and Paddy Buckley (Snowdonia). In a talk that was part autobiographical, part inspirational management, part plain old fell running, Olly gave a fascinating insight into how to prepare and complete these epic challenges both mentally and physically. Thanks to Sam Hesling for organising and Olly for putting together a great talk.
17th February 2011 Snow for Skis Meanwhile it’s
still winter in the Cairngorms. Photos
on Lochnagar plateau on 10th February Keith Burns
16th February 2011 24 Carnethies taken to 4 Hospitals It was time for the KB Hospital run, a run I had always reckoned was
about 7 miles.
A record? turnout of 24 runners headed up
Blackford Hill from KB then down to the duck
pond and out onto the roads heading through
The Astley Ainslie Hospital, then across
Morningside Road and through The Royal Edinburgh
Hospital towards Craiglockhart. A winding
route took us through Craiglockhart War Hospital
as it was once (some time ago) to the summit
of Easter, then Wester Craiglockhart Hills
before heading round the grounds of the old
City Hospital.
The route back took us through Braidburn
Park and wading/slithering through the mud
of the south side of The Hermitage before
a gentle run back across the Braids Junior
Golf Course and back to KB, 8.5 miles! from
the start.
The miles should help the weight loss! More on that! Willie Gibson
14th February 2011 Arthur's Seat Monthly Handicap Another double figure turnout today, which was not bad considering the
school mid-term and post Carnethy5 effects.
First man home was Richard Bell, taking full advantage of last months
fact finding run and running 2:40 quicker. A close finish for second
saw James Jardine hold off Paul Faulkner, Paul recording the fastest
time of the day to come within a whisker of the getting under the 28minute
mark.
Martin
Hulme also scraped his gorse scraped legs inside his handicap, with
Gordon leading home Andy for 5th place. Mind you, if Andy had arrived
2minutes
earlier and set off at his correct time he would have placed 2nd ;>)
Digby was this months victim of the handicapper, his run last month,
combined with his run at Carnethy on Saturday saw me take a chunk
off his handicap. Despite this he still managed to get to within 30
seconds
of it. Eddie was the only one to have the decency to show the effects
of Carnethy, but even then he still managed to hold off Tom and MikeL
(whose gradual comeback saw him run 7 minutes faster than last month
but still pick up the wooden spoon).
Next month should be on the 7th of March. Bruce Smith
13th Februay 2011 36th Lothian Cycle Club Handicap Foot Race (Cauldstane Slap) This year's race had 13 runners (of whom all completed) the wonderful,
spring like weather the day before had turned to light rain , with muddy
conditions under foot. The only spectators were some bewildered Highland
cows.
This race was postponed from December , but true to tradition an
unofficial race was held on the allotted day - making this perhaps
the 37th race.
Winner for the 2nd time was Rory MacDonald of HBT followed
by Tim Darlow of Carnethy, who also got the fastest time of 38.50
for the
5.3 mile course. First lady was Jan Hart 3rd overall with a time of
47.20.
Other Carnethies were :-Rod Dalitz 5th 51.02, Brian Howie 9th 46.26,Jonathon
Whitehead 12th= 51.22
Rod Dalitz and myself completed the
double of the two oldest Pentland footraces the same weekend- and
I felt it too.
Thanks to Ferranti AAC
for a splendid little race. Brian Howie
12th February 2011 41st 'Tiso' Carnethy 5 Hill Race
This
year's race had 482 runners (of whom 474 completed) and wonderful, spring like weather, though with very heavy conditions under foot.
Two of the pre-race favourites, Tom
Owens (Shettleston) and Robbie Simpson (Deeside) had
a great battle. They were together the whole race until Tom got away on the last descent, for a victory which left him "chuffed". Robbie is only
19, so his time will
no doubt come. 3rd place was Peter Devenport (Bellahouston), leading the rest of the pack, 2 mins down. Angela Mudge (Carnethy) easily won the women's race for
her 12th victory ! There was a battle for 2nd between Clare Whitehead
(Deeside) and another 19 year old, Catriona Buchanan (Ochil), which
once again the older runner won. There were however plenty of youngsters
in the top 10 as Alasdair McLeod and Douglas Tullie both from Edinburgh
Uni H&H were 4th and 8th resp., so Alasdair took the student prize.
There were not as many overseas runners as normal, though a large contingent
from Wales (something to do with a certain rugby match?); the Abernethy
Quaich for first overseas was won by Ryan Stewart (Larne AC). First over 40 was Kenny Richmond (Bellahouston) in a great 5th place.
As if the hills weren't hard enough, Joe Symonds (HBT) finished 6th while wearing a kilt (although he is not the fastest kilted runner ever as his clubmate Don Naylor ran 53:05 in 2003 while wearing a kilt). Special congratulations to the two new members of the 21 race club, Geoff Davis (Northumberland) and Dave Francis (Fife), who were presented with a quaich by Jimmy Jardine. Jimmy, of course, completed his 41st Carenthy race - will this man ever stop!
Despite Shettleston training hard all year for the race and talking
about what they would do with th e Claymore once they won the men's
team, it's performing on the day that counts, :-), and hosts Carnethy
pulled out a great win to retain the Claymore for the 4th year in a
row. Carnethy also won the women's race, in a very close contest from
Ochil Hill Runners. ResultsFull
team resultsScald Law
Junior Results Organisers
Report and all available photos and videos can be accessed on the Photo
Report Page thanks
To Scott Cameron, Allan Hogg, Denis Bell, Bob Marshall, Charlie Ramsay
and Steven Fallon
Histogram
pf the finishing times for this years race
courtesy of Michael
Newton.
10th February 2011 Looking forward to the 41st 'Tiso' Carnethy 5 Race.. With approx 600 entries and a reasonable weather forecast for Saturday, it should be a great day out. There are 150 women amongst the entries, including favourite, 11 times winner, Angela Mudge. Also expected to do well are youngster Catriona Buchanan (Ochils) and Clare Whitehead (Deeside). Favourite for the men, must be 5 times winner Rob Jebb (Bingley), but there are many who could run him close, including 19 year old Robbie Simpson (Deeside), Jethro Lennox (Shettleston), Andrew Symonds (Carnegie) and his brother Joe (Hunters Bog Trotters) and Tom Owens (Shettleston). Also entered, but not necessary expected to be among the front runners, is Jimmy Jardine (Lochaber)...his 41st Carnethy race!
10th February 2011 Club Winter Talk Series No. 3 - Wednesday 9th Feb Yet again there was a packed room (35 - 40 people) for the latest of the winter talks organised superbly by Sam. It started with several short videos and some slides of the 24 hour Strathpuffer Mountain Bike race, then followed a very interesting and wide ranging talk by Casey Morgan on nutrition for athletes.
Lots of information and tips and ideas on how to be in the best energy shape for races and also coping while racing. All excellent stuff.
7th February 2011 Another hazard Here’s a message
I sent the Pentland Ranger services last night:
“I’d urge you to check out my
latest discovery (I came across today) fairly
pronto. Basically a wire loop in the middle
of a fairly well used path, almost a snare-like
trap! I suspect it was flush with the ground
and not really doing any harm; but someone
has possibly tried to pull it up, leaving
a potentially lethal wire loop. I hadn’t
noticed it before, but pass that way pretty
regularly.
Location: From the Black Springs small stone
building (grid ref NT 187641) go over the
causeway, then turn left. Follow the Threipmuir
reservoir path round ‘til just as you
enter the conifer wood, you’ll see it
in the middle of the path. Very close by there’s
a ‘stump’ of a branch sticking
up ~ also potentially nasty; but not as nasty! UPDATE: wire removed on the 8th February location Murdo McEwan
6th Feb 2011 Borders Cross-Country, Norham
Andy Spenceley called this a real old-fashioned (i.e., proper) cross-country race. There was rain. There was abundant mud. And there was the burn, the centre-piece of the course, which was in a brown spate and which we crossed eleven times - twice by bridge and and the rest by immersion. Add in some fences to loup plus a muddy bank to crawl up and you have a great running experience. Adam Ward led the Carnethies home in 12th overall (fourth M45), closely followed by Andy Spenceley (15th and first M50), Hilary Spenceley (80th and first F50), Anne Nimmo (85th and first F55) and Ian Nimmo (106th out of 107- with a bunch that ran an extra 2 fields!). Results IAN The last race in the series will be at Dunbar on 27th February.
6th Feb 2011 Forfar Half Marathon and even more cakes This half marathon, organized by Forfar Road Runners, was a multi-terrain race – part road but mainly off-road. It started at the rugby ground taking us around Forfar Loch, through the village of Lunanhead, and along farm tracks to Balmashanner Hill. They did warn us we would get our feet wet, but I hadn’t anticipated wading through thigh deep water for 200m – I had my ice bath early. Sure beat watching the football on telly. A huge spread of sandwiches, tea and homemade cakes were waiting for us when we got back and so long as you are not looking for a PB I thoroughly recommend this race. Kate Friend
6th Feb 2011 Carnethy success and cakes at Scottish Masters Cross-Country Champs, Kirkcaldy - 5th February The Masters this year was held in Kirkaldy, near Beveridge Park, running along farm tracks, a disused railway and through muddy fields. The start/finish was moved due to an olympic sized pond occupying the original area, but it came in handy afterwards for some athletes to wash off the mud. Angela Mudge, returning to XC, stormed in first winning gold, Jacqui Higginbottom an excellent 9th and together with me as the third counter Carnethy took the team bronze medal. Edinburgh AC were first ladies team and Central second. The prizegiving took place at the high school while eating hot soup, bread and cakes. A big thanks to organizers Fife AC. There were quite a few Carnethy men running, but all for their "other " clubs. Kate Friend Results
5th Feb 2011 Muddy hole update The great mud puddle
has been mended. Big thanks to the Pentland
Rangers who spotted our news item and acted
on it, and a slap on the wrist to us for not
telling them! They would be glad to hear of
any hazards you come across; http://www.pentlandhills.org/rangerservice/rangerservice.html
or contact the club. Digby Maass
2nd February 2011 Flotty Night Run It was a dark night, a very dark night, a dark as in the darkest dark
that dark can be, night.
It was a wet night, a very wet night the sort of wet night
that if you dived into a loch you would get drier, night.
It was a windy
night, a very windy night, a hold on to your pal to stop yourself being
blown away night.
It was a perfect night for a run, the sort of perfect
that only we can understand, night.
A tough run with a split of groups at the Turnhouse Carnethy col, and
a fantastic scree run to Charlie's Loup, and the snow was falling as
we ran back to the well earned pints and meal at the Flotty.
Wonderful!
Thanks to Steph for organising.
31st January 2011 Carnethy Women on the Braids - The Monday Women's Run Wild and windy weather didn't stop nine Carnethy Women running up Cockmylane and along the White Lady's Walk, and then onto the Braids. Great run and delicious soup by Elaine. Many thanks! Margaret Forrest
31st January 2011 Monday lunchtime run Arthur's Seat By the time I've cycled
to Holyrood I'm already freezing. The fast
runners (ie everyone else) turn up in various
states of athletic undress, Gordon sporting
another in a seemingly limitless supply of
Race Crew tops. Even they are feeling the
chill wind so we shoot off up Salisbury Crags,
pause, speed down then steeply up Nether Hill
to Arthur's Seat and no-one's hanging around.
Over Crow hill and down to Dunsapie Loch for
a regroup (ie to let me catch up) and I'm
finally warm. Up and over Dunsapie Crag, down & round
its north side crossing the road to scale
Whinny hill. Another quick regroup and to
a cry of "I'm
going I don't want to get cold" from
the leader we hare off down through the gorse
and scree (less scratchy now thanks to the
secateur wielders Gordon & Martin). Up
the afterthought that is Haggis Knowe and
back to the start. 39 minutes, 3 miles
and 1300ft ascent more or less. It's tough
keeping up but it's great training, especially
with the Carnethy 5 looming. Digby Maass
28th January 2011 Down under running hazards I've just got back
from an excellent holiday in Australia and
New Zealand. I managed
some good runs in both countries, but they
do have some seriously worrying warning signs
on the Australian trails:
And New Zealand has it's own dangers:
Makes Scotland look very safe - just need to worry
about hypothermia.
Cheers Phil Young
27th January 2011 The Burns Supper - 26th January The Burns Supper was held at a new venue - kindly and very successfully hosted by Kate Jenkins and Craig Mattocks. As usual there was loads of food - even the might of Carnethy couldn't eat all the puddings ! Cooks Maggie Creber, Joanne Anderson and Kate Jenkins did us proud, not to mention all who brought the sweets. Many of the club took part in proceedings: Willie Gibson addressing the haggis; James Hardie saying the grace; Colin Pritchard performed the Immortal Memory; Gio Macdonald the toast to the lassies and Jane Jackson the reply. Gio also later recited Tam O'Shanter, replacing Hilary who retired from doing this last year (though Hilary performed Holy Willie's Prayer instead). Music from Bill Gauld (a Burns supper wouldn't be complete without his performance!), Margaret Forrest and Richard Lathe plus songs from Mark James and Jane Jackson. Humorous peices from Barbel Burns and Ann Pritchard.. and even more (sorry if you've been forgotten - mustn't forget Bob Johnson the Master of Ceremonies, though). A great evening.
26th January 2011 How many Carnethies have fallen in this
puddle? It was a few weeks
ago, Jason and I were out for the normal
lunchtime run. An easy one - Flotty,
Woodhouselee and back.
On the way up to Castlelaw farm on the track
I stepped in a puddle and my leg disappeared
up to my thigh.
What a sight, thick glutinous mess, I carried
an extra 2 or 3 lbs stuck to my leg till
the stream where it took 5 minutes to wash
off.
Lucky I wasn't running downhill at the time.
About 2 weeks later I get an email from
Digby!
<< Unfortunately I WAS running downhill at
the time. I was thinking oh, it’s just a bit
of mud, I’ll be a proper hillrunner and just
bash on through. Bit of a surprise as I sank deep
in and went flat, or splat, emerging like the creature
from the black lagoon. Acting as a human muck spreader
I headed back to the mobile conservatory where fortunately
I had some clothes stashed and drove home in old
climbing shoes. Don’t think the beauty treatment
has worked though. >>
Then at climbing last Tuesday Chris Creber
said to me, "I was running with Mags
and Peter over Castlelaw when I stepped
in this mud and ended up up to my thighs.",
"That didn't happen to be on the track between
Castlelaw farm and the Flotty road?"
"Yes - and Peter took some pictures!" Willie Gibson
ps Another one bites the puddle!
From Harry Gilmore
"
Just before all the
snow came in November I was out for a hill walk with some pals heading
from
Nine
Mile
Burn to the Steading. We
were effectively walking the first half of the Pentland Skyline
in reverse. I already knew about this sink hole because I'd been
running there the week before and had stepped in it although fortunately
it
was half frozen.
As we were approaching the Grimpen Mire from Flotterstone I
shouted out to my friends to be careful and avoid the muddy
patch. It had
no effect and my mate Frank was sucked in up to his knees!
Maybe we should get a warning/danger/skull & crossbones
sign erected there!"
23rd January 2011 Berwick - BordersXC The second of the four surviving Borders xc races was held at Berwick on Sunday. The rocks at the far end of the beach section that had been exposed last year by a high tide were covered again in sand (plus a dead kelt), and the cliff-top section was appropriately muddy. Mike Reid (Moorfoots) warmed up for the race by running leg 3 at the Burdens the day before and won easily. The Carnethy contingent consisted of Adam Ward (7th, first M45), Andy Spenceley (22nd, pipped by 4 seconds for first M50), Hilary Spenceley (72nd, first F50), Anne Nimmo (93rd, first F55) and Ian Nimmo (105th, first and last M70). IAN
23rd January 2011 A Winter Bob Graham completed by Jason Hubert Jason Hubert has just completed a winter Bob
Graham in an excellent time of 23:04. He departed Keswick at 6am on
Saturday 22nd January 2011 and was running an anti-clockwise schedule.
This is a remarkable achievement given that winter Bob Graham’s
are very rare (20 completions from a total of ~1500 completions to date),
and he did it with an absolute skeleton support team comprising road
support from wife Kirsti and a max. of one support runner per leg; some
legs, including the challenging Wasdale-Dunmail leg were run largely
solo through the night and in low cloud! Conditions underfoot were said
to be good. Jason has now also joined a group of 30 people that have
now completed all three of the classic British Rounds (Ramsay in 2008,
Paddy Buckley in 2010 and Bob Graham in early 2011).
Warmest congratulations
Jason! Report by Jason is here
22nd January 2011 Carnethy at the Devil's Burdens
Pos
Team
Cat.
Runners
Leg 1
Runner
Leg 2
Time
Runners
Leg 3
Time
Runner
Leg 4
Time
5
Carnethy
A
Open
Konrad Rawlik
37:39
Tim Darlow
29:31
1:07:10
John Mitchell
58:15
2:05:25
Sam Hesling
27:22
2:32:47
Jon Ascroft
Andy Fallas
9
Carnethy
B
M 40
Adam Ward
38:40
Bruce Smith
27:19
1:05:59
Stewart Whitlie
59:11
2:05:10
Gregor Heron
32:38
2:37:48
Steven Fallon
Adrian Davis
28
Carnethy
C
M 50
Willie Gibson
52:05
Andy Spenceley
29:36
1:21:41
Bob Johnson
1:08:06
2:29:47
Digby Maass
32:55
3:02:42
Nick Macdonald
Gordon Cameron
29
Carnethy
D
M 40
Olly Stephenson
40:56
Chris Henty
32:41
1:13:37
Cameron Scott
1:18:49
2:32:26
Gio Macdonald
31:09
3:03:35
Mick James
Steven McFarlane
46
Carnethy
Ladies A
F
Joanne Anderson
49:00
Helen Bonsor
35:51
1:24:51
Jasmin Paris
1:16:23
2:41:14
Jane Jackson
34:13
3:15:27
Joan Wilson
Angela Mudge
52
Carnethy
E
Open
Harry Gilmore
49:50
Brian Howie
35:05
1:24:55
Keith Burns
1:21:18
2:46:13
Mike Lynch
32:41
3:18:54
Russell Sommerford
John Blair-Fish
87
Carnethy
Ladies B
F
Cali Ingham
1:06:01
Kate Friend
38:08
1:44:09
Joanne Thin
1:38:09
3:22:18
Lorna Ashcroft
39:53
4:02:11
Margaret Forrest
Karen Meikle
Shettleston won the Burdens this year, our senior team was 5th and the men also finished first Over 40 and 2nd Over 50 teams. Results Results from recent
years with leg start times and diy predictor spreadsheet
(download) or
view as pdf
The Carnethy Web Team would like a short report from each runner to
compile a report page. Reports so far Google
Album
Please email reports to Webteam at Carnethy.com.
19th January 2011 Swanston Moonlit Night Run
The powers that be decided that headtorches were a thing of the past,
one massive one in the sky was enough for all, well almost, Matt decided
that a red torch was a good idea, it seemed to cover the brightness in
a dark red glow, but he was happy.
21 of us were following the Swanston
handicap route past some rather large highland coos, it was a fine night,
the cold of the car park was lost on the first climb, but we did find
lots of mud. After lots of regrouping we reached the outlier of Capelaw,
by which time the hard work was over.
With the wind on our tails we summitted Allermuir and ran on to descend
the Caerketton Screes and were back at the cars by 8:25.
Gio and Olly turned up having chased us round (separately) and most
of us went to the golf club for a pint and a lovely meal.
As Frankie Vaughan almost sang
"Give me the moonlight
Give me the grill
And leave the rest to me
" Willie Gibson
19th January 2011 Club Winter Talk - Tues 18th January There was a full house at Kings Buildings for the second talk of the winter, given by Tom Owens and Andy Symonds, covering adventure racing around the world and mountain running in the Alps, particularly the TransAlp race. Lots of tips and lessons that they have learnt were given out and despite all the high tech equirpment and food, the marmalade and cheese sandwich still rules (plus tin of tuna at the end) ! ...oh, and make sure you jump into the nearest freezing fountain as soon as you've finished, ice baths are the thing. Thanks to Tom and Andy for an excellent and interesting talk.
17th January 2011 Sam wins at Strathpuffer 24 hour mountain bike race, Contin, 15th - 16th
Jan 2011
Like
so many decisions I make this one sounded like a great idea at the time.
Henry Blake - "fancy doing the 'puffer", Me
- "Aye". That was September 2010.
Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap.
Keeping up a high cadence I was pulling away from the field over
sheet ice thanks to studded ice tyres. That
was lap 1 at 10am on Saturday morning.
Sometime in the small hours
he came staggering into the campervan, white as a sheet and gibbering
about riding quickly. He had just
pulled off a 35 min lap of the course in pitch darkness with the
ground under wheel rapidly turning to slop. That was Henry, by the
look in his eye he had waited his entire life for this moment.
We
had lapped the opposition, victory was in the bag. All I had to
do was remain calm, cycle safely, finish my lap before 11am and
the race was ours. Completely whacked I pointed the bike uphill
and set off for the final instalment of 'puffer 2011.... or almost.
The whole team had put everything into the race and the image of
Tom cranking up the hill shouting my name at the changeover played
in my mind, and sent all caution to the wind. Using my remaining
strength to crank the pedals the bike set off at what felt like
a furious speed. By this time I was merely an observer floating
about 6 feet above a reckless cyclist careering through the course.
The adrenaline fuelled final five minutes, topped up with regular
watch glances, saw the bike plough through the mud close to the
finish and hurtle into the finish tent. That was me at 23:57:36,
less than two and a half minutes to spare before the 24 hour cut-off,
which gave our team the chance to bag an extra lap before 11am and
claim a 2 lap win over Nevis Cycles. Oh yes.
"
You should probably go and put something warm on Sam". That
was my Mum 15 minutes after my last lap, apparently I looked very
ill
indeed.
I still cant quite believe it. The only thing that can make something
like this possible is the massive level of support we had at base
camp. We were cooked for, nursed, made to eat, kept warm and handed
our bikes back at the start of each lap in as new condition. Our
job was simple: tap tap, tap, tap, tap...
Sam Hesling Solo and Pairs
“ Hats off to Sam and his team mates for
winning the Puffer outright and beating the Nevis Cycles guys into second
place – an awesome performance! The quality of the field in all
of the race categories was particularly high this year, and the course
conditions particularly challenging – making their win even more
impressive. It should be noted however that Andrew Patience
had to effectively stop after his 12 laps with only a little over
12 hours of the event
completed – due to irreparable bike problems – having
spent much of the first half of the event in second place in the solo
category – and on a single speed! Myself and Angela toughed
things out in the pairs in more ways than one – our “base
camp” not quite in keeping with the relative luxuries Sam’s
team (and many others) enjoyed – having to make do with a back
packing tent and the boot of my car! All good fun, but I’m not
sure Angela will be volunteering to do this event again……………….” Garry MacInnes
P.S. Andrew Patience was 19th in the solo category and
Gary MacInnes/Angela Mudge, 16th and 6th mixed in the pairs Results
and event website.
16th January 2011 Glentress Duathlon - Short
Posn
Time
Name
Club
Cat
Report
1=
00:46:54
Colin May
Edinburgh RC
Senior
The snow
disappeared just in time for the short race. 107 runners/bikers
took part on a warm day but with a fair amount of mud about.
It was exciting and hard work and Carnethy Cycle shirts were on display as a
few faster Carnethies were at The Strathpuffer it was up to the oldies to collect
the prizes. There was a dead heat for first and Jon was first Carnethy in 7th,
Bob
Jonhson
was
10th
over
all
and
1st
V50,
I
was
3rd
V50 with Richard Woollcombe 4th V50. Bob Waterhousewas 1st V60 and Cali Ingham
was
1st
FV50.
It was great fun and only 6 week till the Long. Willie Gibson Full results are on the Glentress Duathlon Website
1=
00:46:54
Ewan Taylor
Perth Road Runners
Senior
3
00:47:35
Tom Hobbs
V40
7
00:51:22
Jon Ascroft
Carnethy HRC
Senior
10
00:51:57
Bob Johnson
Carnethy HRC
1st V50
15
00:53:48
Adam Anderson
Carnethy HRC
V40
37
00:59:21
Willie Gibson
Carnethy HRC
3rd V50
46
01:00:40
Richard Woollcombe
Carnethy HRC
4thV50
62
01:06:16
Bob Waterhouse
Carnethy HRC
1st V60
93
01:19:14
Joanne Thin
Carnethy HRC
FV40
95
01:21:43
Cali Ingham
Carnethy HRC
1st FV50
13th January 2010 Wednesday Run from King's Buildings It was one of the most dangerous runs of the winter,
with sheet ice, fallen trees and hidden wires. We lost one before we
got anywhere
(Paul tied
his shoelace and we had gone!),Angus fell three times while I tripped
over a "Ground Under Repair" fence and
ran
into
a waist
height
wire.
We still managed to enjoy the 6.5 miles round Mortonhall and
had the weigh in follewd by a nice pint (still no IPA though).
As
for the weigh in, I am a little upset that I am the only overweight
wednesday night runner!
Name
Height
Weight
Target
BMI
Digby Maass
5'10''
142.5
142
20.4
Normal
Gordon Cameron
5'10''
150
146
21.5
Normal
Nigel Fawthrop
5'10''
151
151
21.7
Normal
Ian Oswald
5'4''
133
130
22.8
Normal
Michael Wilkinson
5'9''
159
150
23.5
Normal
Fraser Gibson
5'6''
154
147
23.7
Normal
Richard Lathe
5'11'
170
160
23.7
Normal
James Hardie
5'9''
167
160
24
Normal
Matt Grove
6'
181
176
24.5
Normal
Willie Gibson
5'8''
174
160
26.45
Overweight!
The weigh in will be on wednesday 16th March. Willie
Gibson
9th January 2011 Borders Cross-Country, Paxton House After the first 3 races had been cancelled due to snow, at last we were able to race a Borders Cross-Country, and on a new course, no less. However what would have been a really nice course was a frozen nightmare - large ice patches on the paths and roads, either frozen snow or frozen rutted ground (where the cows had been) on the rest of the course. A small Carnethy team survived, with Adam Ward 11th (3rd Over 45), Andy Spenceley 17th (1st Over 50), Robin Sloan 82nd (2nd Over 60), Anne Nimmo 92nd (1st Over 55 F), Hilary Spenceley 97th (2nd Over 50 F) and Ian Nimmo 110th (1st Over 70). Results.Next race is 23rd Jan details here.
9th January 2011 Junior/Senior Relay, Flotterstone With no Junior Runs for the last year as our youngest regular junior
was heading to University! I was unsure ho many would turn up for this
years race. But with Olly Stephenson and Nigel Fawthrop turning up with
7 kids between them I had no need to worry.
The ever changing format changed once more to accomodate the lack of
enough seniors. Peter was a sole Junior and the others ran in pairs.
Giving us 5 teams with 19 runners in all. Peter's team won. Full report
8th January 2011 A day at the races
Even
Craigmillar looks good in the snow so I decided to run from Danderhall
to marshal at the Bupa Great Edinburgh
International
XC
at the Queen's park following Shane's plea for victims, er... volunteers.
With an expedition's worth of warm clothing packed I arrived to join
the dozen or so hardy Carnethies hopping from foot to foot to keep
warm. My -30° down jacket was great for body warmth but the extremeties
were suffering. The next two Carnethie marshals down the course
had the added diversion of swans crash landing on the ice. The free
lunch was a life saver and from time to time lithe and barely clad
whippets flew past to the applause of the crowd
and the drone of the helicopter. The leaders were not impeded
by the weight of legs as we know them. More like very lightweight sticks.
After
dismantling the course we headed for our complimentary jackets, and
in Shane's case, a belated free lunch. None in our size unfortunately,
but hopefully more in the way of sustenance for Shane. The return
run back over Arthur's Seat got the blood flowing again, and to follow
a plod back home. Digby Maass
6th January 2011 First Wednesday Night Club Training Run
of 2011The first run of the New Year saw
a turn out of ten plus a dog. We tried to avoid the worst of the
ice
on Blackford
Hill and headed
for the
Braids Valley Park. Amongst the yelps of pain as runners ran
into trees that had come down onto the path under the weight of
snow,
Willie G took us along a path I had never used before and
round onto the Braids via the "slippery route" (don't
try it in summer folks).
There was talk of the New Year weigh-ins starting
again when KB reopens and various new years resolutions around race
participation and serious
training. Will it wear off?? Join us next week to find out. Steph Moss
5th January 2011 Greenmantle Dash, Broughton - 3rd January 2011 The Greenmantle Dash is a traditional way to welcome in the new year
and this year was no exception for me and 90 others. After last year's
sledging opportunities on the way back down Ratchill all the snow had
disappeared this year but the overnight cold had kept the fields and
hillsides frozen solid.
The river crossing was back on with leading pack of Mike Reid, Chris
Upson, Tom Smith and James Tullie the first to ford the icy stream.
I was back in the pack just trying to keep going - this being my first
race since Tinto.
When we hit the hillside I made a mental effort to keep running until
the junior's turning point - In doing so I just nipped past Pete frae
Porty and could consequently hear him breathing heavily behind me as
we walked all the way up to the turn. Tom and James turned first with
Mike in 3rd place and Craig Mattocks just behind, further back Chris
Upson and Cameron Burt were just a couple of places in front of me,
Cam's new (ladies) Westie vest, acting as an attractant to my red Carnethy
vest.
The frozen grass was pretty reliable for running on, as long as you
kept to the slightly longer stuff, but I made the slight mistake of
aiming for the rocky stuff which was solid and had no give at all which
meant extra concentration to avoid going over my ankle.
Back through the fields and onto the road I caught up with Chris in
my effort to catch Cam and he then speeded up, I dropped behind him
for a bit before digging in for the last quarter mile and pulled away,
but still failed to catch splitter Burt in the last few yards.
First home was Tom Smith - following up his second place at Aonach Mor
to start the year in fine form. Craig came through for second and Mike
held on for third. First lady was Emma O'Shea in a new female record.
I ended up in 8th place which is my best time for a wee while on the
race - helped no doubt by the firm surface and the magnetic qualities
of Cam's vest.
Turns out I was 1st V40 and Cam picked up
my case of beer, so I hereby withdraw any comments in the above
that could be construed as anyway
derogatory ;>)
A total of 9 Carnethy vest's were racing... results Bruce Smith
2nd January 2011 Carnethy Christmas Party 2010 - December 20th Switched to CaliBob's as Moi's boiler had not
been installed a large number trekked up the hill from the A702 and
Willie led a run in the
snow before retuning to the house for an excellent buffet meal including
the whole salmon making another appearance. After too many desserts
the prize giving started. In the Club
Championships there were congratulations
for the 15 finishers - Jackie H., Ronnie, Bruce S., Andy F., Stewart
W., Gordon, Steven, Joanne A., Colin & Joan, Adam A., Willie G.,
Bob W., Gregor and the Winner Keith Burns.
The Allermuir
Junior Trophy went to
Peter Fawthrop for being the first Carnethy junior in the Caerketton
Downhill.
The Scald
Law Trophy was awarded
to Olly Stephenson for completing the Ramsay Round, Paddy Buckley Round
and Bob Graham Round - a feat achieved
only by a very select few.
The Burns
Scott Trophy was awarded jointly
to Gordon Cameron and Andy Spenceley.
After
a few celebratory drinks we returned to frozen cars on a beautiful moonlit
night after another excellent Carnethy Xmas party. Gordon Cameron
1st January 2011 Allermuir 2011 At 11:30 we were leaving for
the annual treck/run to Allermuir Summit to see in the new year.
Bob
with his searchlight led the way (well his way), I headed off my way
to avoid the blinding light. After a regroup (almost Cali was a little
behind still) at the broken sink col of Woodhouselee the race was on
for the summit. The minutes were ticking away as we passed Allermuir
crossing. A searchlight "Bob"bing along ahead, me chasing on the other
side of the fence, Moi a few hundred yards behind and Cali? only 5 minutes
to go.
No time for waiting we single mindedly made our seperate trails to
the top, Bob made The Bells , I was 30 seconds behind but we saw the
fireworks going off, Moi was a minute later.
As the four minute Firework
Exrtravaganza came to an end the moving mists alternately covered and
then displayed the beatiful sight of the lights of our fair city, with
small firework displays all around.
The hip flask was handed round , but what of Cali?
A lonely figure approached the summit open bubbles bottle in hand "some
new year half way up the hill on my own, I thought BU***R YOU LOT! I
am having some bubbles".
Reunited with her once-loved ones Cali shared the rest of the fizz around
and then we all ran back to Woodhouselee Cottages for a whisky or two.
HAPPY NEW YEAR Willie Gibson
29th December 2010 Not The Wednesday Night Run With KB shut and no pint to lure out the Dear
Leader I had to get rid of the surplus energy alone. Decided to run from
Duddingston by the Loch
and packed the microspikes just in case. The pavements clear at last,
ran up to the double roundabouts above the commonwealth pool and then
right to gain the path under Salisbury Crags. This virtually clear of
ice and far below in the mist the only things visible the streetlights
and the subterranean spaceship of the Parliament buildings. Down and
along for a bit then right and up the lip of the Crags for another misty
view. The traversing path off the highest point was ice free but muddy
and slippery, making progress difficult. Stumbling back down to the col
with the vague shape of the Lion's Haunch looming above then took the
traversing path above Hunter's Bog, accompanied by the strangely distorted
sounds of a match at the Easter Road stadium; up and around to scale
a very slippery Arthur's Seat, Hillend Ski slope masquerading as an inbound
aircraft. Over to Crow hill then back down to the Queen's Drive and so
back to the van. The microspikes not needed anymore (sadly, as they are
the D's Bs on sheet ice), and the home made reward of hot spiced rum.
Can't get that at KB! Digby Maass
24th December 2010 The Annual International Club Pub Run More photos here
19th December 2010 The Great Eskape 2010 After spending the night waking and looking out of the window to see
if it was snowing, I was rather relieved when I left Roslin at 7:10
and headed for Carlops in a very slight sleet. I was glad to see Paul
and the minibus waiting but where were the rest of the troops?
After a couple of minutes the cars started appearing and after the odd
phone call all expected people were in the bus and heading for Penicuik.
Joel, Harry and Rod were picked up enroute to Musselburgh and a 8:30
precisely we were at the start and met up with the rest of the troops
and with the snow gently falling and a slight tail wind we were off!
The new snow covered the the icy track well allowing a steady pace into
Dalkeith Estate and after a snowball fight with a few triathletes we
met up with Digby. He was a little concerned that he was about to run
further that he had ever done before but he was sporting a large smile.
With the mobile ringing constantly with messages from expected runners
dropping out and others joining in we were soon through Lasswade and
enjoying hot juice at Polton.
We met WIn, Mike and Jamie in Roslin Glen and after thinking we had
lost 5 at the Gunpwder Mill we were soon on the Railway run and got
to The Royal Hotel in Penicuik at 1:20. Meeting Cali, Bob, Moi and Joanne
we all scoffed our Bacon Rolls with lashings of hot tea and coffee.
losing 5 and gaining 4 we headed on through Penicuik Estate in to the
snowy wilds.
The
views were stunning if the pace was a bit trudgy, and the weary legs
took us over the snow covered wastes to a Beautiful Amazon dean
and on to a warm welcome in The Allan Ramsay.
What a spectacular day with a great group of happy people.
As for the bad weather, it was WONDERFUL! The Whole Way Team : Willie Gibson, Nick Macdonald, Jasmin Paris, Gregor
Heron, John Littlewood, James Hardie, Jane Jackson, Rod Dalitz, Paul
Ritchie, Matt Davis, Jason Hubert, Gio Macdonald, Joel Sylvester, Brian
Waldie and almost all Digby Maas. To Penicuik only : Ben Bate and Harry Gilmore Roslin to Penicuik : Jamie Taylor, Mike Browne and Win Rampen Penicuik to Carlops : Bob Waterhouse, Cali Ingham, Moira Stewart and
Joanne Thin Willie Gibson full
report with more photos
before...after 
recorders... 
kml
Carnethy members ventured north of the Clackmannanshire Bridge today
(pictured) in order to compete in the long-standing Alloa Half Marathon.
On a flat,
fast course the top 4 runners were from Shettleston Harriers
- the first 3 of which were all on 1:06 - just about 5-minute-per-mile
pace!
It's
this way!
Histogram
pf the finishing times for this years race
courtesy of Michael
Newton.
After a regroup (almost Cali was a little
behind still) at the broken sink col of Woodhouselee the race was on
for the summit. The minutes were ticking away as we passed Allermuir
crossing. A searchlight "Bob"bing along ahead, me chasing on the other
side of the fence, Moi a few hundred yards behind and Cali? only 5 minutes
to go.
)
)
)
)