- 29th December 2005
Whinberry Naze Dash, 26th December 2005
I've done this short Rossendale Harriers race on several previous Christmas visits to my sister. It is "fancy dress optional", which means that you are unlikely to be last, given the entry of large fort carried by 8 centurions; but there is the likelihood of being beaten by someone in a ludicrous costume. Mr Blobby beat me a few years ago. Everyone gets a gift from Santa on the summit. Nice weather and fairly good conditions let Andy Norman beat the course record.
1st Andy Norman (Altringhan) 22.13
98th Ian Jackson 35.42
157 finished
Ian J. Jackson
- 28th December 2005
Bangcock Challenge
At the base of Tinto Hill, the east - west watershed between Clyde and Tweed is so flat and low around Biggar that salmon have been known to get across in times of spate when the field drains are running full. The Clyde even flowed this way a long time ago. Tinto Hill sits isolated astride this low divide. One advantage of this curious piece of geography is that you can cycle all the way around the base of Tinto with no significant climbing required. If the lack of climb provides too little challenge, you can always climb Tinto to compensate. Hence Alan Cardwell’s Bangcock Challenge, which involves racing around the base of the hill on the roads, and then racing to the summit and back on foot.
This is a Triathlon Scotland event, and this year there was a mixture of triathlon enthusiasts plus raiders from the hill running camp, mostly Carnethy.
December 27th at first light was bloody cold, and got even
colder driving through Biggar to the Fallburn start. There was sheet
water-ice
on the first few miles of back road. Failing to commandeer a gritter,
the police allowed a course change to use the gritted main roads.
Tinto had manageable ice and a light dusting of snow.
The Carnethy team of Angela Mudge, Adam Ward, John Coyle, Andy Spenceley, Keith Burns, Willie Mykura, Tony Westbury and Susan Gray had a pre-race conference on the relative merits of changing from bike to fell shoes, cleats vs. toe clips, insulation for the bike vs. insulation for the hill, changes of shorts and the risk of serious tangles between saddle and other moving parts – all issues quite familiar to the triathlon specialists, but new ground for us lot.
There was a
Le Mans start on foot for a mile up the hill track and back. This
was to spread us out on the bikes as we hit the traffic and headed
for our anticlockwise 20 mile circumnavigation of the hill. The road
circuit was fine on the gritted main roads, and a Carnethy fast peloton
of Angela, Adam, John and Andy tested their ability at close formation
tactics without breaching the no-draughting rule. The rest of us
ploughed our cold lonely furrows along the badly rutted road surfaces
of Lanarkshire.
Fast changes of footwear at Fallburn (for those who were getting anal about these matters) gave a brief breather before testing bike-paralysed legs on the icy track up the hill. The Carnethy speed team of John, Adam, Angela and Andy were still in quite close formation at the finish, and the rest of us scattered over the hillside concentrating on survival.
There were lots of prizes for the Carnethy team.
A superb and unusual event that we should repeat with a bigger team next year.
1. Steve McGregor, C21 Multisport. 1:44:17
2. John Coyle, 1:50:17
4. Angela Mudge, 1:51:02 1st SF
6. Adam Ward, 1:54:19 1st MV
7. Andy Spenceley 1:54:54 2nd MV
13. Willie Mykura, 2:02:35
29. Keith Burns 2:18:52 1st MSV and MSSV
34. Tony Westbury 2:24:42
36. Susan Gray, 2:27:03
40 starters
Full results at www.shr.uk.com
- 28th December 2005
Forfar Road Runners Plum Pudding Plod
Like Ian, I figured the best way to offset the after effects of too much Christmas Day turkey and wine was to give my new Carnethy vest its first outing at Forfar Road Runners Plum Pudding Plod. For the bargain entry fee of £1 you get a 3 mile run around Forfar Loch, a cup of hot tea at the end, and a Christmas Pudding (if you haven’t had enough already). It was a beautiful crisp morning and I had a really good run – must have been the festive red in the new team colours.
Happy New Year everyone.
Cameron Burt
www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2005/12/27/newsstory7874935t0.asp
- 28th December 2005
Ben Starav Post-Xmas
3 Carnethies (Stewart Barrie,Stewart Whitlie and myself) aimed up to Glen Etive to run around a circuit of 5 munros starting with Ben Starav. Superb frosty-crisp conditions gave wonderful views in all directions (see the photies). 8,200feet ascent over 15.5miles was the ideal balance to the Xmas lunch and also good prep for the Carnethy 5 race.
Steve Fallon
- 27th December 2005
Festive Frolics
On Boxing Day morning we decided to leave the Monopoly board alone, ignore the cold drizzle outside and head to Beecraigs for its Festive Frolicks. It was a good decision, shared by perhaps a hundred others.
Festive Frolicks is a handicap race round Beecraigs' wooded trails with Cockleroy Hill thrown in as the sting in the tail. There's no entry fee, which is a boon after the financial excesses of Christmas; all you have to do is come up with a plausible 10 km time for the handicapper and decide whether you want to run two laps (14 km) or just the one (7 km). We conservatively opted for the latter, which meant we were able to watch the two-lappers disappear in cheery, chatty groups at one-minute intervals. Maybe we should have been bolder, for it was a lovely run: woods, water, limited mud and limited tarmac, a couple of short sharp hills and a view from the top of the Grangemouth smoke.
I was wearing my new Carnethy vest and was inspired by it to be the first Carnethy home (or maybe I'd given the handicapper an inflated 10 km time?). Camus did even better: he may not have won, but he led his group from the start and nobody passed him. We stood steaming at the finish boosting our egos as Kate Jenkins, Robin Morris, Brad Connor, Mark Johnston and Co. come in behind us.
Thanks to Lothian RC for all the organisation.
IAN
- 26th December 2005
Christmas Day Run
It was a beautiful sunny morning as a dozen Carnethies met up at Woodhouselea for the (becoming) traditional Christmas Day run. We started running at 10:30 and ran along to Boghall before running up Allermuir. The sun was surprisingly hot as we slowly disrobed on the climb and sunbathed at the summit.
The group split at the Allermuir crossing and half continued up Castlelaw before reconvening at Moira's house for pancakes.
Photos
- 23rd December
2005
Carnethy 5 Entries
You can now see who has entered the 'TISO' Carnethy 5 race here. Note that entry numbers are quite high for this time of year.
- 22nd December 2005
The Club Pub Run
We all survived!
10 of us met outside a dark, shut Kings Buildings Union for the annual drunken run, this yeaour fame had spread as we were joined by two Canadian Runners (Neil and Carolyn) who are over on holiday. Another 4 met at Nick MacDonalds house. The run for Nick had started somewhat earlier. He had left his house on his own, wondering why no-one had turned up, run down to The Braidburn and again was on his own. It was only when leaving the pub that he notice that he was an hour early!
We met up at The Braidburn, then on to The Robin's Nest where Moira was waiting to wish us well. Then on to The Northfield, where Olly joined us. Then it was on to The Marmion.
It was at then that we heard the News of the demise of The Gordons, after some consultation and a visit to The Waverley we decided to replace it with two other Pubs. We ran past The Christmas House and on to the site of The Old Bordeaux where we had come mulled wine. Then on over the fields to The Fairmile Inn, The Pavillion, and then we found our way through Buckstone and on to The Stable Bar. After a seat and a rest we headed on to The Balmwell and last of all The Liberton Inn, but alas it was shut.
We staggered on to Nick's for some food and somehow got home from there.
The full run measured 10.16 miles and something about it gave me a hell of a headache the next day!.
photos
- 20th December 2005
The Eskapade
Over 30 assorted Carnethies took part in this years run of river North Esk from Musselburgh to Carlops.
A lovely morning deteriorated to a rather wet afternoon but we all made it in record time.
We were happily supping pints in The Allan Ramsay at 4:15.
A full report will follow and Photos are on the Archive.
- 20th December 2005
Border XC series- 2nd race. Dunbar 18th December
Willie Mykura and I nipped away after 2 hours of Esk running for this short and smelly run by the beach. We only just made it in time as the road we were on ground to a halt half a mile worth of dunes away from where we could see a multitude of other cars parked. The Barnes Ness lighthouse was an attractive focal point in the race but the stink from the nearby landfill and the smoke from the Cement Works chimney were not. Torness formed the backdrop enabling me to think about the current nuclear debate, rather than how bleedin knackered I was feeling.
Willie beat me and I was second lady. Other Carnethies were Mark James, Hilary and Andy Spenceley and Paul Morris. Come along to 3rd in series- Galashiels on 8th Jan. Kate Jenkins
1. Brian Marshall (HELP) 21:21
8. Andy Spenceley 23:12 (1st O/45)
10. Mark James 23:24
24. Willie Mykura 25:33
27. Kate Jenkins 25:47 (2nd Lady)
46. Paul Morris 27:54
53. Hilary Spenceley 28:45 (1st O/45 lady)
80 finishers. Carnethy are now 2nd club in the series behind City of Edinburgh
- 20th December 2005
Pitmedden Forest Race, Fife 17th December
There was a large turnout for this highly runnable forest burn up. Despite bitterly cold but bright conditions I opted for the shorts and vest as I meant business! I'd had undergone a full day's rest in serious preparation! With no prior warning of this miracle, I found myself feeling remarkably strong and enjoyed the new course which avoids the old tarmac sections. First prize went to the massive array of cakes, pies and biccies at the prizegiving. Kate Jenkins
Men
1. Al Hart HBT 34.40
2. Alistair Anthony Central 34.51
3. Steve Irwin Pitreavie 34.53
16 Adrian Davies Carnethy 38.35
Ladies
1 (40th) Kate Jenkins Carnethy 40.57
2 (65th) Leanne Harrison City of Edin 43.13
3 (66) Julia Henderson Helensburgh 43.19
Other Carnethies- Joan Wilson, Mark Higginbottom
- 20th December 2005
Simonside Cairns Hill Race 11mi/ 1420' 11th December
Last Sunday I popped down to a favourite bog and hill jaunt at Rothbury. After Aberdeen I was somewhat lifeless until inspired by a solitary natural spruce tree at the top of the hill which looked rather incongruous amongst heather and rocky torrs in full Christmas attire. I took a bender on the descent to catch a lady and a bigger wobbly still, to catch the next lady in the closing stages. We fought it out until I put on a festive sprint to jolly things up. Sadly my good tidings were rewarded with an all-out face plant, smashing both knees violently onto the car park tarmac with 30m to go. I lost the place and haven't been able to kneel down yet…. Angela Mudge set a new record by a long way in winning the ladies race and I was 5th lady. Kate Jenkins
- 11th December 2005
Glenshee Munros
Five Carnethies (Stewart B, Stewart W, Scott, Lucy and myself) and two dogs headed up to bag nine Munros either side of Glenshee. Early morning thick fog slowly cleared to give a decent set of views by the time we reached our fourth Munro, Tom Buidhe. White hares and winter ptarmigan darted out of our way as we ran over the 19 miles of snow, ice, boulders and wet ground. By the time we ascended The Cairnwell, light was fading, but we returned to the cars with tired legs, though well satisfied with our run and tally of nine Munros !
Scott Sneddon, Stewart Barrie, Lucy Colquhoun, Steven Fallon and Stewart Whitlie on Tom Buidhe
Lucy and Scott running down Carn an Tuirc
Lucy showing the way to cross a burn in spate
Stewart Barrie on the way up Carn Aosda with Carn an Tuirc behind
Running down Carn Aosda to bag the last two Munros
Steven Fallon
- 11th December 2005
East District XC Champs, Aberdeen 10th December
I trundled up the road with the Gala crowd in their minibus and I'm sure the yellow vest was frowned upon after their hospitality! Feeling the usual self inflicted gut churning pressure amongst the more light footed athletes, we tore (I ambled) off on two convoluted laps of the Bridge of Don Accademy fields. With loads of time on my hands over the past few weeks, my 3 runs a day, reps included, proved as expected... fairly blooming stupid... as I chugged, puce, like a clogged up steam train. But it was good fun and of course a good 'burn'! I managed an explore of my old University running routes 'where it all began' but got horribly lost and kept the Harriers locked out of their minibus till I resurfaced with the key. With Lyn's great run and my fair effort we would only have needed a third counter to be about 20th to have won. An appeal to anyone out there who is keen, (also as maybe the Harriers won't oblige a lift again!!)
1 Freya Murray Edinburgh Southern 23.46
2 Lyn Wilson Carnethy 24.24
14 Kate Jenkins Carnethy 26.41
67 ran Winning Team- Central with positions 11,12 & 15 (total 38)- come on gals!!
Kate Jenkins
- 8th December 2005
KB Hill Handicap
Steve Fallon won today's Handicap in a PB of 32:20 from Win Rampen in second and Luke Wadsley in third.
Results
- 8th December 2005
Lothian Cycle Club Handicap Foot Race (AKA The Cauldstane Slap) 4th dec
Roughly 25 took part in this, an almost hill race from Baddingsgill farm up to Cauldstane Slap and back. The weather was reasonably good, the threatened bad weather didn't materialise and the light drizzle went off for the start. The course was water logged and muddy especially for the last 1/2 mile up to the turn.
The race was won by Jonathan Whitehead of COE in 41:32, . Second was Alex McEwan of COE and Nav Raj also of COE was third. Jo Whitehead was first lady in 44.25. Robin Morris was 4th in 44.15. The only other Carnethy runner was Kate Jenkins.
I managed to get the fastest time of 40 mins, in spite of going headlong into the burn halfway up, which was far deeper than I estimated. I also got a row from the organiser for having clocked the slowest fastest time ever.
Brian Howie
- 4th December 2005
Carnethies pack well at the Glentress Duathlon
There were 9 Carnethy finishers in the top 20 in this, the first of the Helly Hansen Glentress Duathlons. Sunday's event was the medium race (short and long categories still to come). Adam Ward finished 5th with Chris Davies and Geraint Florida-James 9th and 10th respectively. It's a great race for hill runners. If you're unsure about the mountain biking you can always team up with some young daredevil biker and just do the running - like Angela Mudge!
More info is here on the Glentress Duathlon website
Results
- 28th November
2005
Nick Macdonald's 50th Birthday Cycle
A large contingent of Carnethy Cyclists joined Nick on Saturday to help celebrate his 50th Birthday. Read Keith's Article
- 28th November 2005
Not the Moorfoot's
While many were running in the Moorfoots, four intrepid explorers were investigating a new journey run in the hills to the north of Innerleithen. The hardest part was finding our way out of the town and on to the hillside. We were soon rewarded with a fine viewpoint which was surrounded by seven pillars topped with sculptures. Steep paths took us up through the forest to the open hillside where we inadvertently discovered the UK’s oldest pumped storage scheme (as one does!) It was built in 1920 to power a textile mill in Walkerburn. We continued higher into the hills until we could see the Bowbeat wind farm, but we couldn’t see the Moorfoots runners. The snow got deeper underfoot so we turned for Scawd Law and descended into the forest for a lunch stop. Delightful green paths took us down through the forest to Walkerburn. We finished off with a run beside the River Tweed before getting lost once again in the back streets of Innerleithen.
Nigel Rose
- 27th November 2005
Moorfoots run
The annual pre/post prize-giving Moorfoots run managed to land on the right day at the weekend! Conditions were great for running - crispy and cold on the tops and almost warm in the valley. Crunching through the snow was magical - just ask Ben! Three of us peeled off and did the shorter course whilst the others went on to enjoy more sun and snow - although they eventually cut the route short when the deepening snow made step-making hard work. Thanks to Keith for leading.
Keith's Report
The annual Moorfoots run attracted 10 enthusiasts (plus hungry dog) on a calm winter morning with crusty snow on the hilltops and distant views of the snowcapped Ochils and Lomonds. The previous night’s half-century birthday party celebrations (and the previous day’s hypothermic ordeal by bicycle) caused a few no-shows. The ones able to get out of bed enjoyed a very fine ascent of Dundreich and Blackhope Scar with crusty snowcover. It was good to see that the hostile no-access notice on the Dundreich ascent have been removed and replaced by sensibly neutral land management notices around the estate.
Off Dundreich, three opted out of further struggle in the breaking crust and took the South Esk Glen route, leaving the rest to continue to Blackhope Scar summit. At the summit, a quick vote led to total collapse of support for the 15 mile option in the frustrating snow. So we set off for Huntly Cot along the NW ridge to the gully above Hirundean Castle. As we dropped down to Hirundean we were welcomed by a small flock of paragliders on the escarpment above Gladhouse, soaring like predatory birds hunting for bite-size snacks of hill-runner.
The early risers were Anne and Ian Nimmo, Paul Ritchie, Bill Gauld, Ian Frost, Joanne Anderson, Kate Jenkins + hungry hound, Rod Dalitz, John Littlewood and Keith Burns.
- 20th
November 2005
Success in the Borders Winter Cross-Country Series at Wooler
While others were enjoying themselves recovering from the various dinners, a small dedicated group went down to Wooler for the first of the Border Winter Cross-Country races. On a fantastic hill top course with beautiful views overlooking Cheviot, Carnethy used their hill running strength with some success by taking the team prize from a stunned City of Edinburgh... the counters were Mark James (6th), Andy Spenceley (8th) and Lucy Colquhoun (15th). Lucy was also 2nd woman, 2 secs behind fellow Carnethy member Marbeth Shiell (who was running for her cross-country club, Edinburgh WM and has been chosen to represent Scotland in the European XC trials) with the two of them neck and neck all the way. Another hill runner, Andy Kitchin of Lothian, who became a father last week (it's a boy called Sam! ), was first man home in 29:30. Race Report from Mark James here
6th Mark James 30:45
8th Andy Spenceley 30:50 (1st M O/45)
14th Marbeth Shiell 32:04 (1st F)
15th Lucy Colquhoun 32:06 (2nd F)
37th Doug Shiell 36:35
44th Paul Morris 37:13
55th Hilary Spenceley 38:44 (1st FO/45)
66th Bill Gauld 40:33
- 20th November 2005
FRA Dinner
There are a few photos of the FRA annual dinner in the photo archive (thanks to Jethro Lennox). The Scots were well represented. Jill Mykura, Stewart Whitlie and Ronnie Gallagher of Carnethy and Jethro (Shettleston) all picked up individual awards along with the Carnethy vets and senior mens teams.
As well as providing the Photos, Jethro Asks :
" What were the Carnethy vets doing the morning after the FRA do?
They were running part of the course for next year's long race in the Howgills. Should manage to retain the title with this much commitment!"
- 19th November 2005
Meall A'Bhuachaille
Conditions were obviously good for fast running (if you chose the right ground!). Angela Mudge broke Jill Mykura's ladies record by a good 4 minutes and was first Carnethy home at Meall A'Bhuachaille on Saturday. Cameron Watson (Pitreavie) beat Don Naylor (HBT) and Dan Whitehead (Cosmics) but didn't quite get Dan's record.
Reports
'There was a few inches of snow on top which made for a very slippy descent between the two summits and I fell flat on my face cornering on sheet ice at the start of the forest. The race was very enjoyable until the 'sting in the tail' - the uphill section through the woods near the end, where I had to keep shuffling in order to escape Nick and his camera! It was good to see Karen Powell running again while baby Lily watched (slept through?) her first race.'
Anne Nimmo
Many thanks to Keith Burns who took course virgins Paul Ritchie and myself for a quick recci round the start and end sections of the race. He emphasised how important it was to get as far up the field before the route left the track and went into the forest. After that it is virually impossible to overtake on the narrow path that ploughs through thick heather. How right he was ! We were also warned by the race organiser to stick to the new path and the sections of steps between the summits, even though a slip could have quite serious consequencies. Marshals would be watching !
What felt like the entire field went past me before the forest path, including Angela at some speed. The steps further up were covered in snow, but not too slippy. A couple of bits of confusion on the route through the forest and a head-plant into the heather didn't stop me having an enjoyable race.
Steve Fallon
Results
- 18th November
2005
Increased sponsorship for Carnethy 5 Race
We are pleased to announce that Run 4 It, who are a fast expanding running shop, have joined Tiso, the well known outdoor retailer, as sponsors of the Carnethy 5 race. All the more reason to get your entries in soon !
- 16th November 2005
Carlops Night Run
It was a clear cold night as 15 of us gathered under the rock at Carlops for the second night run of the season. We headed up the farm track (past a couple of bulls) for a mile or two before heading up to the summit of The Mount, scaring a few cows on the way. It was a wonderful night with no need for torches. We turned south and followed the ridge over Grain Heads to the trig at Mount Maw before descending East down past Carlopshill and back to the pub for a well earned beer and to meet the wimps or injured waiting in the Alan Ramsay.
Thanks to Kate Jenkins for leading the run.
- 12th November 2005
Tinto Hill Race
A record field of 193 took part in today's Tinto Hill Race. The weather was windy and misty on top but that didn't seem to put anyone off.
The race was won by Alasdair Anthony of Ochils in 30:57, who had a clear lead at the top. Second was a fellow member of the New Zealand World Trophy team, Jethro Lennox of Shettleston in 31:27, with Murray Strain of Lothian third in 31:37, those postions having swapped on the descent. Showing the quality of the field, Euan Jardine of Gala, another New Zealand World Trophy runner, crossed the line in 4th. Angela Mudge of Carnethy was first lady in 15th position overall, recording her 6th win at Tinto. Adam Ward of Carnethy was first O/40 (in exactly the same time as he last won the O/40 in 2003, so he's not slowing yet !). Interestingly for those who are worried about the lack of younsters in hill running, there was only 1 vet in the top 10 this year compared with 7 last year.
Here's the best of the photos taken below the cloud!
Junior results
Senior Results and if you want to compare your time results from previous years
More Photos can be found in our Photo Archive
- 11th November 2005
Kings Buildings Hill Handicap
Although the field was diminished due to injury, 5 runners set off on the KB Handicap, Mike Browne and Jamie Taylor were 5 minutes late for the start so that made 7, then Colin Pritchard arrived 35 minutes late to make 8, but at least he still ran the route. Hilarty Holding was seen 45 minutes late running in the worng direction.
Despite all that , the race was won by Steve Fallon in a PB of 32:34, with Jason Hubert second in 39:35 and Lucy Colquhoun third in 39:04.
- 8th November 2005
No bonking on the Beeftub
The 205km Muckle Trauchle Audax on Saturday provided a mind-concentrating incentive to sort out bike maintenance and inner resolve to survive wind, rain and night-time sensory deprivation (all the things I gave up Karrimors to avoid). This was no mass participation event. Just under 30 cyclists set off from Peebles to do a circuit via Tushielaw, Samai Ling, Langholme, Wamphray, Moffat, Broughton, Biggar and back to Peebles.
Pete Baxter, his bike buddy, Stuart, and I intended to pool resources (although we had never ridden together before and Pete and Stuart would be in unknown-reserves territory beyond 50 miles).
The southern leg to Langholme took in Blake Muir and the Wisp over to Tushielaw, then Eskdalemuir Forest to a café stop in Langholme. A dull dreich morning grew steadily wetter, with a head wind. We stopped briefly at the Samye Ling Stupa for spiritual uplift.
The mutual support was working well,
with Stuart’s Abdujaparov-build powering us over the short climbs. Northwestward
to Wamphray, the rain was bouncing off the road and wet leaves were making
the cornering hairy. Mental resolve was deteriorating in the appalling
conditions – slightly offset by the fuzzy impressions of a glorious landscape
through the gloom. We had occasional brief encounters with other riders
absorbed in their own struggles.
With the wind now on our backs we descended Wamphray Glen. Great shafts of sunlight floodlit the hillsides and it stopped raining! The pace lifted to Moffat, where we stoked up on hot food before the climb up to the Beeftub. Mutual support fragmented briefly on the longer climb as we provoked Stuart’s aerobic limitations. It worked! We re-grouped at the top, with me wondering about the damage I might have sustained on the hard push up the hill.
A long fast cruise down to Broughton lifted our spirits and combined tactics were restored as we got increasingly droopy. It was dark by Biggar and we attempted to get some service from the grumpiest pizza shop (E side of High St) in Scotland, which objected to being disturbed by potential customers.
The Dreva climb back over to the Tweed restored Stuart to prominence and me to near collapse. My descent speed was limited by a head-mounted Petzl with Pete and Stuart using Monte Carlo rally lights. This led to more hairy cornering with too little evidence of where the edge of the road was. A final sprint down the Tweed lifted our average to 14.3 mph for the 205km circuit. Good teamwork had lifted the pace very well.
This is a superb circuit for a hard day, or a pleasant two days on the bike.
Keith Burns
- 5th November 2005
Braid Hills Cross Country
The Braid Hills' bridle path was as muddy as I've seen it for the annual hare round the Braids. There was a smattering of recognisable hill faces in amongst the young speed merchants - notable front runners Tracey Brindley who was 2nd in the women's event and Alasdair Anthony (EUH&H) and Don Naylor (HBT) 2nd and 3rd in the men's event. Cameron Burt was the only Carnethy vest, finishing 100th in a field of almost 200, but Mark Johnston was there in his City of Edinburgh guise and finished a commendable 21st.
Results
- 31st October 2005
Lomond Hills Run
Seven brave runners set out from Craigmead on Sunday for the Maspie Den run. The forecast was horrible and the weather was even horribler. It started to rain the instant we left the car park and soon the mist descended and the gale force winds sprang up. At the top of West Lomond Willie decided he didn’t have enough clothes to keep warm and turned back for a lower run. Visibility was so bad we had to navigate with GPS to find the Devil’s Burdens. Even when we got there we could only see their vague outlines in the sky above us. The rain eased as we ran through the forest by Harperleas reservoir and on by Ballo reservoir. On the way back towards East Lomond we stopped to admire the well-preserved lime kiln and to read the interpretive notice boards.
We should have gone over the top of East Lomond but the weather was so horrible again that we tried to skirt round the side. This led to a slithering, slippery slide down through bracken to the track at the bottom. Our run through the woods to Falkland was carpeted by a thick layer of golden leaves. We passed a tea shop through the town but no-one had brought any money and we were probably too wet to be let in. We had a rest stop in the park where Karen and Shane tried out the swings. We headed on past the House of Falkland, stopping to admire the ornate building and the spiral stone chimneys. Santa Claus would be dizzy by the time he got down those. We ignored the signs for the Pillars of Hercules and carried on into Maspie Den, crossing over and under many ornate stone bridges. One advantage of the rain was that the waterfalls were in full flow. Shane hadn’t believed me about the tunnel so he was rather surprised to have to shuffle through the dark to continue our journey. Higher up we passed the limestone crags before having a photo stop behind the top waterfall. As we walked the last half mile up the road to the car park, the rain stopped, the sky turned blue and the sun came out.
Nigel Rose
- 31st October 2005
KIMM
Olly Stephenson and Chris Davies 21st in Elite
Mick James and Steve Watkins 26th in Elite
A very long day on the hills on Sat. coming in in the dark after 10hrs 19mins. Good runnable territory for the first 3 hours and we went off way too fast only for me to spectacularly blow up after about 2hrs 30mins. Then a set of big climbs, like being back in Scotland, and finally a real kick in the nuts over tussocks for the last 3 hours and lots of stumbling around in the dark trying to find the last couple of checkpoints. The overnight camp was a relief, and even a very windy night couldn't put me off my sleep. Sunday didn't start well, lying in our tent at 8.01 we re-read our split times to confirm our start time - shown in big type at the top of the sheet as 8.32 - however, down at the bottom after a load of stuff about - if you are fat and slow and come in after its dark then you are in the mass chasing start- we saw that we had been given a new start time of 8.05. I guess there's a moral there to always read the small print. We finally started at 8.12 - not bad considering that 11 mins earlier we'd been in our sleeping bags! Day 2 was shortened for bad weather - even Elite - so we feared the worst, and after about an hour Ming the Merciless appeared on the scene and set too to make things as difficult as possible with very high wind, driving rain and low cloud. This would have been not too bad only we had to run against the wind to our far checkpoint and then thankfully turn for home and get blown back down High Street. We had a much more even run on Day 2 and the last 3 hours were actually fun (so we were clearly not trying hard enough). Lots of good Scottish success with Tim Lenton and Claire Gordon (HBT) coming in to win the Elite Mixed and 17th overall.
Mick James
- 30th October 2005
Jedburgh Half Marathon
A number of Carnethies took part in the Jedburgh Half Marathon today: 2 Kates, Joanne Anderson, Colin, Murdo, Paul, Rod, Janet and Martin with Ian and me (hope I haven't missed anyone!). Heavy rain began just before the start and didn't stop until well after even I arrived back at 2:16. The highlight of the race for me was listening to the brass band just before the half way mark. A huge thank you to the players and the marshalls who stoically endured driving rain and wind, in order to cheer us on.
Margaret Forrest
Results (638 runners)
Paul Ritchie 1:25:05 (32nd)
Kate Jenkins 1:25:48 (37th) (5th lady)
Murdo McEwan 1:30:28 (79th)
Colin Pritchard 1:39:06
Ian Forrest 1:44:24
Kate Friend 1:44:57
Rod Dalitz 1:45:16
Joanne Anderson 1:47:09
Margaret Forrest 2:15:42
- 25th October 2005
Tui Palma Half Marathon Sunday 23 October
My target was sub 90 mins so I avoided the wine and beer on Saturday night ! It was slightly cloudy early on and about 20 degrees at the start. Both marathon and half followed same route along the port road and back for 10k and then 10k winding through the streets and alleys of the old town where we were shaded from the sun. Then the route split and the full marathon runners did another 20k to airport and back in blazing sun. We finished below the cathedral. I was 67th finisher (out of 901men) in 1.29.33 and 6th in my age category so I was well chuffed. I also beat my City of Edinburgh rivals ( Peter Heatley, Peter Paterson and Bill Begbie ) by over 12 minutes athough Bill was 3rd V55. My Mizuno Wave Nirvana 2 shoes which I won in the Run 4 It prize draw the week before were perfect for the job and so they should have been at £90 ! It was a really well organised race even if over 80% of participants were German (I was 2nd Brit.) but it did mean we all got a cold beer (non alcoholic of course! ) to go with the donuts at the finish. I had a painful massage from a Spanish masseuse which I hadn't had after a race before--not sure whether I would recommend it !
Gordon Cameron
- 23rd October 2005
Circuit of Manor Water
Five brave souls (John Blair-Fish, Nigel Rose, Neil Paton, Trevor Collins and I) set out on a very wet Saturday morning to run the circuit of Manor Water. An 18 mile and 5000ft climb over some lovely hills - if you can see them.
It continued to rain till halfway when I took the option of the quick way home. After I left, the mist lifted from all but the highest tops but the rain came on more heavily.The whole round took 5¾ hours.
In spite of the bad weather everyone seemed to enjoy the day out.
Thanks to JBF for organising and Nigel for the weather.
Willie Gibson
- 20th October 2005
Hillend Night Run
18 Carnethies met up for the first night run of the season. We ran from The Steading up Hillend, Caerketton, Allermuir and Castlelaw, then descended to Woodhouselea and traversed back to the pub. It was a bright moonlit night, if a little blowy on the tops.
The run was followed by a good feed at The Steading.
The next Night Run is from Carlops on 17th November.
- 16th October 2005
FRA Relay Championship, Alva
Dark Peak were clear winners at the FRA Relays at Alva from Pudsey & Bramley with Ambleside coming in 3rd, while Carnethy Ladies completely dominated their category to win by 17 minutes from Ilkley. Pudsey & Bramley went one better, though, in the Male Vets with a narrow win over Carnethy, hanging on to win by 40 secs (6th and 7th overall). Carnethy Open A came 13th overall and Carnethy Open B was first B team in 25th place overall.
Full results and Leg 4 Hill Photos added 19/10/05 and A marshal's view - photo report Organisers report
- 13th October 2005
Club AGM
Robin Haynes was voted in as President and Joanne Anderson as Ladies' Captain at the AGM last night. They replace Anne Nimmo and Jill Mykura who both stood down after two years of service. Cali Ingham was also replaced by Shane Bouchier on the committee. All other committee posts stay the same as last year. John Blair-Fish will take over from Joanne as club interviewer. The club voted in the updated constitution which can be viewed here. There was an almost unanimous vote to change club colours but there were only two votes separating the two designs on show (Note: the actual sample vest came in the post today - 13th!). The winner is below. Your old yellow vests will soon be collector's items. Keep them.
- 10th October
2005
The Bronte Way – Sunday 9th October
This year we deserted the usual Carnethy calendar events for something different. Taking the opportunity to meet up with Friends in Haworth – we took part in the Bronte Way – 8 miles across gentle Yorkshire moorland. We arrived on the Saturday to wind and rain but thankfully it went further north (in the direction of the Pentlands) and race day in Yorkshire saw clear skies. Starting in Wycoller and finishing in Haworth - the race was well organised, with excellent views, gentle hillocks & the odd stile in between. A total of 198 started & finished the race, all receiving a bottle of the famous Timothy Taylor ale after the final sprint up the main street. We had the luxury of staying with friends but a race highly recommended for the scenery, gentle slopes & the chance to explore parts of the Bronte Way. Ian Holmes knocked a few minutes off his last year’s time to take first place in just over 50 minutes, Kate, Paula and myself finished not long afterwards.
Full results can be found on the K&C website.
Joanne Anderson
- 9th October 2005
Pentland Skyline
One day later - and the weather had taken a turn for the worse! By the time the runners reached Scald Law (where I was marshalling) the weak October sun had disappeared and the summit trig was being blasted with horizontal rain that was pretty close to being hail. There's not much shelter behind a trig but - as the marshal on Bell's Hill said - there's none at all on Bell's Hill! Luckily, (or unluckily for me) the worst was over by the time the last runners came past.
Joe Symonds (Dundee) showed 'a clean pair of heels' winning by 8 minutes from Stewart Whitlie (Carnethy). If he'd known the way he would have been even further in front and pretty close to the record. Simon Peachey (Carnethy) was 3rd and Carnethy got the team prize. Jill Mykura (Carnethy) was first lady and was given a run for her money by Two Breweries winner, Lucy Colquhoun (Carnethy), who finished just over a minute behind. Sarah Legge (Carnegie) was third.
The MANor Mouse competition for fastest and slowest combined times from the Manor Water and Pentland Skyline races went to Steve Fallon (Carnethy - Man) and Aly Powell (Carnethy - mouse). MANor Mouse results
Skyline Results (or if interested in previous Skyline results see this page)
AN
- 8th October
2005
Manor Water
Graham Pyatt laid on perfect weather for the Manor Water which attracted a good field of 54 or was it 55 runnners (there was one junior ran half way)? Mark Whitelaw of Annan won from Nigel Scott of Westerlands with John Kennedy of Clydesdale 3rd. Angela Mudge was first Carnethy home in 5th place overall and first woman in a new record of 75 min 38 secs. Sue Ridley (Edinburgh Southern) was 2nd lady and Kate Jenkins (Carnethy) 3rd. Some who were thinking of running the Skyline tomorrow are beginning to chicken out! Look out to see who the 'real' men, women and mice are. Half the field seemed to win beer or wine but there was some disappointment that none of the runners won the sheep in the raffle.
Results Photos
- 4th October
2005
Loch Ness Marathon
I was awoken at 6am in sheer excitement. I couldn't believe that D-day had arrived after years of looking in awe and disbelief at other marathon runners. The moment had finally come to reverse the roles of the viewer and the endurer.
A timely departure of the buses to the start line, told me this was a well-organised event (and so it was). After meeting fellow club mates Hilary Holding and Margaret Forrest at the start line, it reminded me that I was running for Carnethy and it was with the help of that club I had got so far.
The yoga exercises at the start consisted of legs and arms flying uncoordinatedly combined with smiles and uncertainty. The race began at 10am. Hilary and I running together initiated company and encouragement. Sounds like a good recipe for my first potential cap as a marathon runner. Hilary already ran this marathon, very well, last year.
Scenic and peaceful roads, cheering friendly locals and fine running weather quickly transformed this event for me from a state of unknown to a state of exhilaration.
Meanwhile, junior Carnethy member and fit birthday boy, Lewis Holding, set the example for his fellow club mates by finishing the River Ness 5K in 33 mins. Congratulations Lewis on a great first 5K!
We passed the half way mark at 1:47 we were both feeling fine. Hilary's concerned Dad magically reappeared about five times during the race (Hilary- What litre engine is his car?) like a bodyguard with an eager eye for any abnormalities in Hilary! Well Done Pops!
Approaching Inverness and my body feeling ok meant a one time dream was about to become a reality on Highland soil. When approaching the stadium I became ecstatic, like a child who had just been given his weekly pocket money! Occasional checks for Hilary reassured me that part of the Carnethy team was about to finish the 2005 Loch Ness Marathon. Immediately behind us was fellow member Sinead Reynolds. A finishing time of around 3:44 was taken very gladly to finish a day of jubilation and a marathon memoir. Graeme Carrachar was first Carnethy home in 2:57, making the top 30 !
Shane Bouchier
results
Inverness 10K
There was also a 10K race in conjunction with the Loch Ness marathon and Fun 5K. Ian, Ailish and I travelled up the day before and stayed in the Inverness YH which was full of racers! We recced the route the night before. It was a lovely, leafy run across country up to the side of the River Ness and then into the wind for the last 3K. My main problem with these big races is always how far back to stand at the start, now that I'm getting slower. I got it wrong and got trapped for the first 2K in the narrow lane so decided not to look at my watch. There were as many runners in the 10K as the marathon. Ailish ran a PB and we were all rewarded with T-shirts and goodie bags stuffed with tins of Baxters soup and chutney. That sorts out the food shopping for the next few days. Other Carnethies included Garry MacInnes in 35 mins
Anne Nimmo
- 2nd October 2005
Carnethy successes in the Ian Hodgson Relay, The Lake District
This Sunday was the last Hodgson Relay organised by the Hodgson family and so we had to be there - and didn't do badly ! . Our mixed team of Andy Spenceley & Mark James (leg 1), Ali Powell (a very last minute replacement for the injured Jane Robertson) & Lucy Colquhoun (leg 2), Angela Mudge & Jill Mykura (leg 3), Willie Mykura & Crawford Oliphant (leg 4) had a great result to finish second mixed team in 4 hours 37 minutes, to Borrowdale Fell Runners and came somewhere in the top thirty teams. They all won rather fetching Hodgson logoed thermal tops ! (with Angela & Jill winning another one each as fastest females on leg 3 ! ). Meanwhile, the Carnethy Open team took a top ten place thanks to runs from Es Tresidder & Adam Ward (leg 1), Brad Connor & Paul Ritchie (leg 2), Stewart Whitlie & Captain Aidy Davis (leg 3), Ronnie Gallagher & Simon Peachey (leg 4). Again, Borrowdale won the event - for the tenth consecutive year ! The weather stayed fine, the tops were clear and over 60 teams took part in this great event. The good news is that the Hodgson will return next year under the organisation of another Lakeland club....so we look forward to another trot round the Patterdale countryside. For some this event served as a good 'warm up' for the FRAs in a fortnight. Teams will be getting sorted out this week, so if you haven't already shown an interest please contact Aidy or Jill.
Full Results on SPORTident website.
Photo courtesy of Chris Upson's page Photos courtesy of Borrowdales web site
News: October-December 2005
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)