- 28th December 2012
The Papa Noel Race
This is what the Spanish get up to at Christmas! Our well known Spanish member, Ana Perez, taking part in the local Papa Noel race (every village has one). She already has a big bag of goodies.
- 24th December 2012
The Eskapade
This year's theme was
Mud! Rivers of it, puddles, lakes, lagoons
and landslips. But Carnethies aren't daunted
by such trivial encumbrances and a good time
was had, with the rewards of great countryside,
bacon rolls in Penicuik and a welcoming pub
in Carlops. More photos and
report. and Video
- 24th December 2012
Tour de Helvellyn
1 Askham viewed
from Barton Fell 2
The Barmaid at the hotel in Carlisle 3
Navigation Error
The Tour de Helvellyn is a 38 mile ultra,
run on the Saturday closest to the shortest
day. It starts and finishes in the metropolis
of Askham on the fringes of the Eastern
Lake District, and heads south West to Glenridding,
to take in a circuit around Helvellyn. The
vast majority of the route is on trails
with just a few miles of road and has 4
tough climbs, the highest of which is to
Sticks Pass at a height of over 2000ft.
Due to injuries and man-flu, the Carnethy
contingent was reduced to me and Phil Humphries,
and, after a healthy pasta meal, we travelled
down to Carlisle the night before. The receptionist
at the hotel did her best to tempt us into
the hotel bar, but strong will power, and
a weather forecast for winds gusting to
80mph with persistent rain, we decided to
rest up for a 6am alarm call.
The following morning was wet, very wet,
but the winds were not as strong as forecast.
The event is timed by Orienteering style
dibbers and dobbers for the 8 checkpoints,
so the 150 starters could choose their own
start time between 7am-9am. We started just
after 8am, fully covered in our waterproof
gear. Phil and I ran the first 8 miles together
before Phil tired of my rank chat and made
an excuse to stop and change jackets.
I plodded on and kept a steady pace, using
my ultra philosophy of keeping my heart
rate low, walking the steep inclines and
running the easy ups, flats and downhills.
The top of cloud covered Sticks Pass was
covered in patchy snow and ice, but thankfully
the gale force winds stayed away. The trails
in places were rocky and waterlogged and
it was hard to get up any sort of running
rhythm. Due to the staggered start there
were always runners in sight and the banter
was good.
All was going well for me until the final
section when I suddenly realised I had taken
a wrong turn on one of the paths on the
mist covered Barton Fell. Totally disorientated
I eventually worked out my position with
my map and compass to take a longer return
into Askham with a leg busting final 2 miles
on a road.
There was soup and cakes a plenty in the
village hall, so much, I ended up overeating
on some great chocolate cake, requiring
a half hour lie down to rest my stomach.
I finished in 8.06 (28th) with Phil 9.10
(75th). The winner was Mountain Hardwear
sponsored runner, Kim Collison, in an astonishing
5.59. Must train harder.
A well organised, friendly event on great
trails and, only a couple of hours drive
away, an excellent way to spend the darkest,
wettest Saturday of the year.
Graham Nash
Good report from Graham, however he failed
to mention his navigational error at the start
of the race which I'll mention purely for the
sake of completeness. Race registration took
place Askham Community hall, and after negotiating
the compulsory kit check and dibbing our dobbers
(was it the other way round?) to record our
start times we were on our way out into the
wild wet darkness, except Graham Nash who map
and compass in hand failed to spot the large
'START' sign next to the back door of the community
hall and instead ran straight into the kitchen.
After some shouting and pot waving from the
kitchen he re-emerged and sped over the start
already several seconds down!
The TDH is a great race, but I felt rather sluggish
from the start and had to be content with just getting
to the finish. The reward for a slow time was finishing
the last section in the dark navigating by map and
compass across featureless moorland/bog in the pissing
rain –still a good experience to have under the
belt . Graham put in a much better performance
- I only managed to keep up with him for about 8 miles
at which point I was feeling a bit like a wet teabag,
and had to stop and swap my light-weight "almost
waterproof" jacket for something more weather
resistant after which I didn't see Graham’s heels
until we were back at Askham. However there was
plenty of banter en route from fellow runners to keep
me going – the hot topic of the day seem to be
along the lines of ‘how many calories does 38miles
with lots of big ups and downs equate to in terms of
consumption of turkey, sprouts, wine etc. – more
than we can eat was the unanimous answer – Merry
Christmas!
Phil Humphries
- 21st December 2012
The Fourteenth Annual International Club Pub Run
What
with 12/12/12, the Christmas party, the Club Pub Run and the upcoming
ESKapade, Carnethy
has contributed
heavily
to 2012's festive
fun. I'm
left wondering how I filled my time before my Carnethification.
The XIVth (but
my first) Annual International Infamous Club Pub Run lived up to its
reputation. Matthew and I pitched up (late, natch) hot and sweaty in our
non-technical
Santa suits at KB. Thought we'd missed the start as the reception area
was devoid of runners, before realising (duh!) that everyone was in
the bar for a pre-run snifter. Essential sustenance for the two minute
jog
to the Braidburn. A couple of rugby clubs followed, and what they lacked
in décor was compensated for in fruit and veg provision. We pressed on
rosy-cheeked and laden with turnips, cauliflowers and inappropriately
positioned leeks.
I'll admit that it already gets hazy for me at this point. There
were more pubs, immense walls to be negotiated, muddy fields, swigs of
whisky mac, yet more pubs, regular patrons demanding to be serenaded, mince
pies and mulled wine (warmed, I believe, by Willie's own body heat), more
carol caterwauling and more pubs. After several hours I realised that Bob
wasn't inexplicably changing clothes every few minutes, but that he has
an identical twin brother, Harry.
Eventually we descended as a ravening
horde upon Al's Kitchen. We feasted. It was heaven. Matthew, Andy and
I set off once more into the night to complete a very early morning Day
20
Marcothon, offsetting our impending hangovers with the smugness of having
engineered a “day
off”.
Huge thanks to Al, Nick, Willie, Gordon and everyone else who helped organise
such a great night. Happy Christmas!!
Mary Lye
Beware the Night Runners my dear,
they also drink beer... find
out more in NIck's report!
- 20th December 2012
The first (and last?)
Christmasicap
With several usual suspects missing at the
start of the month and the wind down starting
now for the end of the year it seemed a good
idea to have a special Christmas handicap.
As Mike Reid normally sets a hard run for the Wednesday
route I borrowed his route and his runners and added
in the normal start times... read more and see the
results
- 18th December 2012
Christmas Party
With a backdrop of fantastic food the prizes
and awards took place at the Christmas party.
Winners were:
A new trophy for the Alternative
Carnethy 5 race series - Harry Gilmore
John Duncan, The "Highland Fling" organiser
sent a case of wine and the Coor's
Cup to
be presented to the Club with the most finishers
who were: Richard Bell,
Steven Yule, Nigel Fawthrop, Graham Nash, Andy
Millard, Alan Colley, Gregor Heron, Ian King
and Ian Frost
The Scald Law Trophy - Charlotte Morgan
The Burns
Scott Trophy - team captains Helen
Bonsor & Andy Fallas
The Club championship, with convoluted permutations
of potential winners decided by the final
race was won by - Charlotte - and there were
18 beer winners who ran at least 6 races in
the series - as per championship
page
The Allermuir Junior Trophy was not contested
this year
Carnethy Radical Runner Trophy - Steven Macinnes
- for 3 Peaks cyclo cross
Wooden spoon - Bob
J vicariously winning for his son. The sight
of his van parked incongruously at precise
right angles across the narrow fisheries road
up to Glencorse Reservoir with its nose buried
in the verge is something the runners on the
Halloween night run will long remember. Willy
came a close second for remarkable misadventures
on the Culter Fell race, which you can read
about in the latest journal. Colin
Pritchard another worthy nominee for having
a proper accident on the first aid course,
the result on view in the next link.
The 12:12:12 photo competition winner
was decided unanimously to be Bob J in a rare
display of... well a rare
display!
Full details of the various awards can be found
on the trophy winners page.
Massive thanks to all the chefs, organisers
and Moira for once again making the party a
huge success.
- 12th December 2012
A day and night of 12 12 12
The challenge was a photo
competition - bring a photo taken at 12:12:12
today with something "Carnethy" in
it, to be judged in the bar after the night
run. As Helen, Willy, Andy and I hopped about
on Carnethy trying to keep warm as the hour
approached, the thought crossed my mind that
Bob J couldn't possibly take all his clothes
off
again, could he? Should have known better!
The hoots from an appreciative crowd in KB
after the night run indicated a spectacular
variation on pole dancing, and possibly the
month of February in a one man calendar.
Full report with photos should appear soon.
Extending the theme of the day, the night
run of 12k enacted the 12 days of Christmas
song with tableaux inventively choreographed
and photographed by Willy, and judging by
the merriment of the crowd the camera lens
wasn't too steamed up, fortunately as we'd
have had to go and do it again.
There was also a fast run with Andy, but we
definitely had the most fun!
12 Days
of Christmas page
Digby
(ps thanks to Helen for the mince pies!)
- 9th December 2012
Carnethy now has 27 new First Aiders
After a busy weekend of indoor and outdoor first
aid training at Kings Buildings, including a real chance to use our skills
(thanks Colin!),
the club now has 27 newly qualified first aiders.
The course, deliverered by Outwardly
Mobile was good fun and very educational,
with realistic outdoor scenarios such as bike crashed, falls from trees,
diabetic colapse and climbing injury.
- 6th December 2012
Wed training - snowy golf
A crunchy cold star
filled night with meteors - the lights
of the fast group runners. The long sought
acheivement of everyone in our group turning
off their head torches may
have led to the unusual result of
losing Gordon & Nick who somehow ran the
same route as us but in spite of our doubling
back to look for them (Cody being no help in
tracking whatsoever), we couldn't find them.
After a loop of the course and heading back
up to the towers the familiar whistle was heard
again. Returning to KB a nice surprise
of mince pies at the bar, but sadly Monday's
guest ale had been drunk dry. 6.8miles and
1000ft. Fast group route here.
Digby
- 4th December 2012
Winter Talks Series -
Mountain Bike and training 'special'
An excellent turn out
of Carnethies and visitors (approx 30%) turned
out last night for a Mountain Bike training
and racing "special". Bob drifted in
and out of consciousness with a talk about
the training methods of Graeme
Obree and Kenny Stuart. He also muttered something
about the bike called
"BEASTIE" which Graeme
plans to use to break the Human
Powered Vehicle record (which is currently
held at 82mph).
Geraint Florida-James gave an
excellent description of the relatively new
sport of Enduro racing. This consists of several
timed stages (like a car
rally) with the riders having generous time
allowances for getting from the
end of one stage to the start of the next.
Geraint stressed that all
abilities were very welcome to compete and
that many more of the Carnethies
should have a go. Geraint's plan for 2012
was to be Irish National Enduro
Champion in the Vet40 category and this was
achieved despite various
injuries (but don't let that put you off).
See Figure attached.
The two main speakers were
Elite Mountain Bike racers, Dave Henderson and
Gareth Montgomerie. Bob Johnson first met
Dave doing hill climbing reps on
his mountain bike up Howden Glen (thanks Charlie!)
and then again in the
Andalucia Mountain Bike Stage race where the
Scottish duo were top British
team in 10th overall. Dave and Gareth talked
about a typical year of racing
and training from the Andalucia race all the
way through to the current
cyclo-cross season. Dave and Gareth answered
loads of questions from the
audience and finished with a discussion on
Gareth's 29-er mountain bike
(29-inch wheels instead of the usual 26")
which weighs in at around 20
pounds.
Indebted to Geraint, Dave and Gareth
for such excellent talks and the staff
at the KB Union Building for providing the
Curle room and for making sure
that the Stewart's was back on.
The next talk
will be in January 2013 so watch this space...
Bob
Johnson and Olly Stephenson
- 4th December 2012
December's mighty skitey
handicap
It was a very slippery day out on the Seat
this month. The weekend's frosts had been
covered with snow, which was in the process
of melting. Making it a day for full studs
and proper warm ups. I failed on both accounts,
turning up with a pair of worn trail shoes
two minutes after my start-time meant I was
never in the race. Quite literally as some
of the guys had already gone back to work
by the time I finished...
Read more, see the
results and the stats for the year on the Arthur's
Seat handicaps page
Bruce Smith
Well, that's it for this year - unless
we sneak another wee festive one maybe
the Wednesday before Christmas if there's
the interest?
- 3rd December 2012
Angus Tait Hexham Hobble
Down in Northumberland
for the weekend and stopped the night at the
quiet little YHA hostel of Ninebanks with a
view to doing this race on Sunday. Though local
roads were icing over as we got there I was
wondering if we'd be able to get there in the
morning. A careful and more circuitous route
had us arriving at Allendale in time for breakfast
before the race. Though I nearly missed the
start warming up as they got us off a few minutes
early. The basis of the route is three road
sections; one to take you onto to the moor
(steep), a linking section in the middle (downhill)
and then a final decent to the finish (downhill).
The sun had done enough to melt most of the
icing on the roads but not so on the moor which
was brick hard and iced up. This made for tricky
running and many a pirouette. The only ones
with any assurance underfoot were wearing some
form of spiked shoes, which certainly would
have made a difference. A good quick race and
of course a chance to sample the local ALLENDALE
beers.
Results download
Matt Davis
- 2nd December 2012
7 Reservoirs Race
9 Carnethies completed the inaugural running of the 7 Reservoirs Race in
very icy, but glorious nonetheless, conditions. Gordon Cameron was actually
signed in as 'SoL Run Leaders' which is a shocking indictment from the
club President, and it has been suggested that some form of punishment
is levied at the Christmas Party.
Report and
photos, Results
- 2nd December 2012
Lothian Cycle Club Handicap Foot Race - The Cauldstane Slap
Very icy conditions on the Drove
Road (-4C), especially on the tarmac section, called for a change of route.
A combination of a bit of mapwork
and Debbie McDonald's local knowledge found a reasonably safe alternative
8K Route on some footpaths and farm tracks.
The leading pack however went off course after about 400yds, which
helped us slow ones a bit. Bright sunlight and no wind made it a very
enjoyable event if a bit slippy in parts at the start.
The handicap
was won by handicapper Eddie McDonald ( calls of "fix")
who is seen in the photo presenting a birthday cake to organiser Jimmy
Cooney who celebrated his 80th birthday recently. Jimmy started the
race 38 years ago as an off-season fun run for the Lothian Cycle Club.
Two
Carnethies took part, myself and Rod Dalitz. I had to work to catch
Rod who was less feart of the ice than me.
Results to follow
Brian Howie
- 2nd December 2012
Glentress Bowhill Duathlon - Short
The
first Duathlon of the series at the new and better venue was great fun
and successful for Carnethy.
The ice and snow mixed well with the mud to make the run and bike rather
interesting. The shining sun was warm but didn't melt any of the tarmac
road ice, there was lots to think about as we hared round the course.
Andy Fallas (runner in half a team) came in second, Adam Anderson was
3rd V40, Bob Johnson was 1st V50, Bob Waterhouse was 1st V60, John
Littlewood was 1st V70 and Cali Ingham was 3rd FV50.
Lots of other Carnethies were there too.
A big thanks to Paul and his team from Durty
Events, and to all the staff
at Bowhill. See you again in January.
Willie Gibson
Provisional
Results
- 2nd December 2012
Michael and Charlotte
dominate at 3rd Borders XC - Peebles
Gorgeous frozen weather
for this leg of the series which is the
last this year, resuming again on the 13th
January. The course is an attractive mix
of river, railway, fields and woods.
Spikes were a definite advantage as there
were some icy sections, and Bill, apparently
running as the Christmas Elf, was suitably
shod. The rest of us did the best we could
and I ended up slithering over; happily
without injury. A few faces were missing
from the large field of 218 as the 7 reservoirs
race was also taking place today but there
was still a large Carnethy contingent of
27 running. Michael Reid had an easy victory,
as did Charlotte Morgan, both repeating the
results from the first race at Lauder. Stewart
Whitlie was 3rd (and 1st Over 50) with Adam
Ward taking 2nd M50, while Tim Darlow had
a great run in 7th place overall. Iain Gilmore
was 1st Under 20 and Keith Burns won the
Over 70s (and well ahead of a lot of younger
legs in 81st place!). More photos here.
Results.
Digby
- 29th November 2012
Two Crisp Runs up Arthur's
Seat
With Andy providing a fast alternative
for those that way inclined, two groups of runners headed Arthur's Seatwards.
The
slow group headed for the summit via the Pollock gate squeeze while the
fasties went round the Commie Pool and put in the Radical Road on their
way. The slow runners were overtaken by the fasties on the way up Dunsapie
and then they were gone.
With a muddy horse poo field en route we headed for Craigmillar Castle
and back across Inch Park and for a pint at KBU.
- 26th November 2012
Water of Leith Half Marathon - Sunday 25th Nov
A cool, calm and crisp Saturday morning provided
excellent running conditions for the 12th running of the Water Of Leith
half marathon. It’s a small event, with numbers being limited
to approximately a busload, and to keep the numbers down the entries
are (sort of) invitation only. It’s a handicap start, starting
at Balleny Farm near Balerno and runs along the Water Of Leith walkway,
occasionally dodging some flood works, for a bunched finish on the
shore at Leith. As part of the entry process you provide a half marathon
personal best, or expected time, and that is used to determine your
starting time. Plenty of Carnethies were spotted on the start line,
which probably won’t happen next year due to the scale of the
skulduggery shown by some of our very own sandbagging scoundrels.
Two committee members (our president and myself) tried to request outrageous
handicaps, which were instantly dismissed by the organiser Peter Buchanan.
Neil Burnett, the new Carnethy auditor, successfully managed to get
his own suggested handicap…but the guilt was too great and he
asked for 10mins to be removed when waiting at the start. Jonathan
Whitehead showed little shame as he lined-up with the very first starters.
Phil Young (a black belt, dan 5 in the dark art of handicapping), used
his handicapping-smarts to get a generous (but not too generous to
be noticed) handicap into a team with fellow Carnethy Roddy McCrae
(who had a very generous handicap) and the fastest man on the course,
Colin Feechan. Thankfully we had Mandy Calder, Philippa Iveson and
Kate Fraser were in attendance to restore some respect for the club.
The race was fast, very fast, and the gentle descent from the farm
down along the Water Of Leith walkway encouraged you along with every
step. Light amount of mud and the occasional frost kept you on your
toes, and having to pass packs of children, dog walkers, and one person
dressed as a dinosaur. The race only really gets started once you hit
Roseburn, where you start to see some other competitors, and the terrain
gets trickier with traffic and route finding. From the Travelodge at
Dean Village, the route twists and turns away from the river, over
and under bridges, through traffic, across roads, before finding yourself
on the bike path from Canonmills to the Shore. The handicap system
had worked, and at this point you were running among loads of other
competitors for the sprint finish on Coalhill.
Roddy McCrae won the race, taking 10mins off his handicap time, with
an excellent run from Neil Burnett to get 2nd (he would’ve won
by a clear 7 mins if he kept his original handicap!), and Jonathan
Whitehead 4th. Phil Young took around 4mins off his handicap time.
Mandy, Philippa, Kate and I ran within a minute of our expected time,
and Gordon within two minutes of his. First female was Christina Schmidt,
fastest female was Nicola Duncan. Fastest male was Colin Feechan, who
with winner Roddy McCrae and Phil Young managed to scoop the team prize
of some cupcakes. Shamefully, if Gordon and I were given our original
handicap times, there would have been 5 Carnethies in the first 6 finishers!
Big thanks to the organisers, marshalls and whoever made the excellent
food & refreshments at the finish. Results
and porty
report .
Jim Hardie
Carnethy's gradual infiltration
of the unofficial Water of Leith Half Marathon finally resulted in a 1st, 2nd and 4th place on Saturday. The race is a handicap with runners starting on the Harlaw road south of Balerno, and finishing on the Shore at Leith, conveniently close to the prize giving in the Leith Beer Company (formerly the Waterline). This year the course was shortened slightly to 13.4 miles because of rerouting caused by the threat of a landslide, flood-works, the trams and various other natural disasters. As
ever the race was excellently organised with superb cakes and some
interesting prizes (Stornoway Black Pudding and cupcakes anybody?).
Roddy McCrae made a rare race appearance to finish first, and Neil
Burnett and Jonathan Whitehead made sure they are marked men in all
future Carnethy Handicaps by finishing 2nd and 4th respectively. Both would have finished higher if the unaccustomed urban surroundings and diversions hadn't led to them both straying off the route somewhere in or near the Holiday Inn on Belford Road. Finally Roddy and myself formed 2 thirds of the winning team (with Colin Feechan, fastest runner and first veteran). Gordon
Cameron, Mandy Calder, Kate and Jim also had good runs but missed out
on the cupcakes this time.
Phil Young
- 25th November 2012
3 R’S Es cape to the Country, or, the November
Edition of the Monthly Road Bike Ride
First R se emingly to appear was Richard Bush, secretary Robert/Bob
was R se cond and last up was, alas, not R se nsible but yours truly. Did
I really write that? Oops.
A grotty morning of very heavy rain, northerly wind and general unpleasantness
meant it was no surprise that there were but three at Kings Buildings
at the allotted start. We called each other’s bluff and the “couple
of laps of Arthur’s Seat” ended up being a splosh out to Gladhouse
reservoir and back via Polton Bank- a new hill for me but sufficiently steep
as to make me wonder what breakfast I will need before revisiting it. For
those of you who have yet to experience the delights of road cycling, I
reckon you get very cold and very wet far quicker than you do on the hill.
Still, the existence of an arrangement meant that we all did far more this
morning than we might have done individually. And not only was exercise
had, but the select few were treated to secretary Bob’s skin care
tips (apparently, working out on his turbo trainer in the garage is good
for his complexion!), some essentials of metallurgy and even a trip to IKEA.
What’s not to like?
Here
is where we went - not the 3-4 hours as billed,
but a good blast for a very soggy day.
Robin Haynes
- 25th November 2012
A Tour of the Tea Shops of Northern England
Birthday celebrations (Jasmin’s) conveniently coinciding with the
FRA Annual Dinner provided ample excuse for a visit to home stomping
grounds in the Peak District. The fun began with a short and sharp race
(‘A
Kinder Bimble’), which, marking the return to running for Konrad,
provided a good opportunity for Jasmin to steal a one off (?) victory
over him. After the jolly ‘knees-up’ that followed, there arose
the question of ‘How to return home?’, two possible answers
being train (Jasmin) and bike (Konrad)…
So began the cycle north. The route, planned in detail the night before
by Konrad, was based entirely upon Google Maps (and ‘intuition’).
Setting off from Hadfield and crossing the Peak District, the Yorkshire
Dales, Northumberland, Kielder Forest and the Borders, provided a ‘pleasant’ (Konrad’s
description) 5 day outing. So as not to be limiting in any way, accommodation
arrangements were non-existent.
Early problems, including lack of food (Jasmin), complete exhaustion
(Jasmin), sore bottom (Jasmin), and complete lack of cycling fitness
(Jasmin), were overcome on subsequent days by inclusion of multiple stops
at suitable
(i.e. any) tea shops en-route. Highlights included misty morning valleys
and high moor crossings on deserted tracks at sunset. Low points included
being blown/rained off the road into Hadrian’s Wall (Jasmin) on a
day of national flooding.
Accommodation worked out surprising well, with the exception of one
night spent in ‘The George Hotel’. Having arrived thankfully
at this establishment at dusk in the driving rain (see above), what
at first seemed a sanctuary soon revealed itself as more of a resting place
for the
elderly (average 80).
On a serious note, the week was great fun (Jasmin!) and is highly recommended
to all as an alternative to the train.
More photos
Jasmin Paris
- 21st November 2012
Bonaly Night Run
A
wonderful cold clear night saw 30 Carnethies heading out from Bonaly.
The three "slow so
need a good start" girls headed off up the hill followed by the
fast group of 10, 9 then 10 again. Then after waiting for the latecomers
the rest of us headed off for Capelaw summit and Allermuir.
A regroup
running off Allermuir was a pleasant surprise but the one section of
the crowd that avoided every one was Matt Grove, who managed to turn
up so late that no one saw him till we were at the restaurant.
Dante's
did a good job of feeding and watering the 24 Carnethies that made
it for afters.
Five running questions were fired at the assembled eaters/drinkers
with the promise of a free drink for those answering correctly. Bob
Johnson read out the
questions (with his usual brummie tone which annoys the hell out of me)
and I was pleased to provide the free drinks as I've just moved some
funds around and made a cool billion or two (and I'm not even sure
what a billion
is - Bob assures me it ten-to-the-nine but I haven't got a clue what
he's on about - wasn't "Seven-of-nine" was that lovely girl
on Star trek so maybe he's thinking about her again)...
Anyway the questions (and
answers) were as follows:
i) Who holds the male record for the Ben
Nevis race (Kenny Stewart,
1984,1:25:34) Winner=Graham Nash
ii) Who holds the female record for the
Ben race (Pauline Stewart, 1984,1:43:25) Winner=James Hardie
iii) What was Pauline Stewart's maiden name? (Haworth) Winner=Keith
Burns (Keith was staggered)
iv) What the connection between the published
route and "MacDonald"? (Windy
Door Nick) Winner=Kath
v) The Pentland Hills Ranger Service produce
a bi-annual magazine - what is the name of that magazine? (Pentland
Beacon) Winner=Win
Rampen
(James a close second with "Mohegan")
Report by: LARRY GREW
Thanks to Bob for a great night run.
- 21st November 2012
Tour of Pendle
Took the opportunity whilst visiting home to pop
along to this cracking race and was surprised to see another Carnethy.
John Ryan migrating south
with the calendar to find something that was on. Weather was cool
but clear for most of the race & times were probably a bit slower
in general due to the heavy conditions. . We both had a relaxing start
to the
run along the lane until it opened onto the fell and into the first
climb; finally
allowing a bit of space to go at our own speeds. The route goes back
and
forth over Pendle Hill and if you've never been there or done it
before, can be quite disorientating. A couple of times I chose to follow
a
local Clayton lad and benefited from slightly better trods, but I
vaguely remembered
most of it, especially the last climb which is brutally steep. Once
back to the initial lane I eased off so as not to aggravate my foot
which still
doesn't like any hard surfaces. Well organised, old school event
with t-shirt to boot. Results
Matt Davis
- 20th November 2012
Carnethy Club Championship
On a very close series, prolific racer, Charlotte Morgan, just mananged to win the 2012 Club Championship on countback from Stewart Whitlie after a good run at Tinto with Andy Fallas a close third. The only onthers who could have beaten Charlotte and Stewart were Gordon Cameron and Cali Ingham but their Tinto results weren't quite good enough, so will have to wait for next year !
As usual the prizes will be awarded at the Christmas Party on 17th December (along with all the other trophies).
- 20th November 2012
Carnethy 5 Race Registration
& Race Dates 2013
There is a new improved
system for registering in this highly popular
race. See the C5
page for details.
See also the Club Races page for provisional
dates for all the Carnethy organised races
in 2013.
- 19th November 2012
Grampian Mountain Challenge
Ready for a challenge
we entered the GMC, a mountain marathon for
softies – it was November after all. We
gave Andy Fallas a lift up to Glen Dye on the Cairn
O’Mount road and registered for the B course. Andy
was doing the A course solo, and fellow Carnethy Jacqui
Higginbottom was paired with Fabienne also doing the
A. Now the great thing about this event is you
don’t carry your tent, sleeping bag or cooking
gear – these are taken by the organisers to the
overnight camp who also supplied a huge pasta meal
for us, more importantly there was beer. Breakfast
was also available to buy on the Sunday. All
we had to carry was a day sack with the required kit. Day
1 started with orienteering in the forest with a 1:10k
map, followed by hill orienteering with a 1:40k map.
Day 2 was similar but we started in the hills (Clachnaben
/ Mount Battock area) and finished in the forest. We
were blessed with blue skies and sunshine for both
days, Andy came 5th, the girls 11th, and I’m
just glad Des and I finished... without falling
out!
A big thank you to the Grampian Orienteers for organising
this event. Results here
Kate Friend
- 18th November 2012
Borders XC - Dunbar
Brilliant sunshine
and a biting wind for the Dunbar leg of the
series. We slowly went numb as the start time
came and went. A tremendous number obviously
didn't go to Lauder, where the registration
was in the warm and there were no queues.
It took well over half an hour after the start
time to get everyone processed and a record
field of 224 (with 28 Carnethies) started.
It might have been an idea to have another
window open on the registration car!. So the
advice for runners next year is to get here
early if you still need to register. 1st lady
was Jill Mykura, seconded by Charlotte Morgan,
who was possibly hampered by falling over
a root after the first beach. Michael Reid
was second and Keith Burns (1st Over 70) continued
his excellent form from Tinto and ran another
stormer beating novices Helen & Catriona,
whose tremendous enthusiasm nevertheless remains
undiminished. Other category placings included
Stewart Whitlie,1st Over 50, Digby 2nd Over
60 and Hilary Spenceley 2nd Over 50. Carnethy
won the team event for the second race running,
this time fron Corstorphine. The course of
4.27 miles, slightly shorter than last year
as the first turn was short of the rocks,
was dry, and it was quite pleasant to finish
with warm feet. No doubt that will be remedied
at Peebles in 2 weeks time. No paddling this
year as the wind was too cold!
Results
Digby
- 15th November 2012
Wed training - hospitals run
Where we went... well
where the social run went! Those inclined
to speed zoomed off with Andy Fallas to scale
Allermuir and returned in a state of advanced
muddiness. The rest of us, 16 in all, went
for the hospitals run. Despite some deep puddles
and squelchy mud underfoot the sky and
the air cleared leaving crisp views of the lights
of Edinburgh. 8.34miles and at least 1000ft
of climb, definitely deserving of a rare opportunity
of actual beer at KB. Still no nuts though.
Read more about the hospitals from a previous
run here
Digby
...and where the fast group went.
- 14th November 2012
Sunday Cycle
On Sunday five Carnethties "braved" some lovely autumn sunshine
for a scenic road ride to the South of Edinburgh. Joanne Thin, Sarah
Emslie, Judith Young, Ben Bate and Richard Bush enjoyed the rustle
of leaves under wheels on some smooth tamac. The route allowed a couple
of the riders to discover "new roads" which will no doubt feature
in their future rides. The next "gentle ride" will be on the
second Sunday in December i.e. the 9th.
Richard Bush.
- 13th November 2012
Fox Lake Cyclocross - Sun 11th Nov
Up to now I'd always suspected
that Cyclocross was a quick way to ruin a
good run by carrying a bike, or spoil a mountain
bike ride with silly narrow tyres. However
somehow I found myself on Jamie Thin's older
bike ("it's
been a few years in the shed in Ireland but
I decided to bring back over") on a start
line in a muddy field near Dunbar. Seven
laps later I was feeling more positive, and
definitely more knackered. An interesting
and varied course, with enough climbs, speedy
hard track and woodland single track descents
to make it exciting, and plenty of mud for
everybody. And
they treat veterans with the respect they
deserve - we got to ride with the women and
juniors. It's
also a good family event with team members
participating in the under 12 (Anna) and youth
events (Sinead, Ellie and Oonagh) in the same
venue.
Results
Thanks to Bob Marshal for the picture
Phil Young
- 11th November 2012
The "Run and Become" Tinto Hill Race - 10th November
A massive field of 259
finished this year's race held in very heavy
underfoot conditions, i.e. plenty of mud! Andy
Fallas was first to the top, but Shettleston's
Matt Sulllivan had a great descent to take
the win with Andy coming in 2nd. Angela Mudge
was first woman in an amazing 7th place; she
was also the first Over 40 runner to finish
from either sex! There were Carnethy club vests
in abundance as it was the last of the Carnethy
Championship races for this year. Charlotte
Morgan, by finishing 2nd woman (and more importantly
first senior woman), just took the championship.
There was also a very large number of Lomond
Hill Runners as they were celebrating their
25th anniversary at this race.
The
results are a bit compromised this year
due to actions of some runners. At least 2
and possibly 3 ran the route unofficially
and a few left the finish funnel by stepping
over the tape rather than wait in line to have
their number properly recorded. Not only does
this cause errors in the results, it is potentially
dangerous as it causes problems with the race
safety system. Also please
note that next year the pre-entry and waiting
list system will be strictly adhered to! Any corrections should be sent
to the race organiser Cameron Scott.
With the heavy conditions, there was no change
to the All
Time List but Andy Fallas's run was 8th
on the Carnethy
all time list and Angela's 9th on the Female
all time list (and not even a female vets record !).
A big thanks to Adrian at Run and Become,
all the marshals and helpers (from Carnethy
and elsewhere) and the staff at Symington
for helping to make this another enjoyable
event.
Results.
A few
more photos here and
Kevin Ramage's Flickr album here.
- 11th November 2012
Final Corbett - 10th November
One small step for man as I reached out to touch the summit cairn for my final Corbett on 10/11/12 ~ Beinn Chuirn, to the west of Tyndrum. Little planning or forethought had gone into the day apart from the date, and the hill in question, to go with my final Munro, Ben Lui (just alongside Beinn Chuirn) back on 9/9/99. The miserable weather, a ptarmigan fly-past, and gold mine core sampling works, helped make the day memorable ~ along with the celebratory beverages and accompanying team, comprising stalwarts Jo, Matthew and Roderick.
Murdo McEwan
- 9th November 2012
Allermuir orientation
plate
A number of club members
have commented about the stainless steel plate
that was fixed to the stone pillar at the
top of Allermuir. I reported this plate
loose/damaged some 6 months ago and rang them
again when it went missing
some months ago. I rang the Pentland Rangers
again today who insisted that
the National Trust of Scotland had the sign.
I therefore rang the National
Trust and they assured me that it left them
2 weeks ago and that it had gone
back to the Pentland Rangers. I rang the Pentland
Rangers again (still with
me?) and they are due to ring me back to me
regarding (a) the whereabouts of
the sign and (b) the work going on this morning
which seems to be using
Monty-Python-like "rotating blades" to
clear the Gorse bushes at the bottom
of Allermuir... I'll keep you posted and perhaps
(?) we could use club funds
to make the sign secure again.
Photo of Roly "guarding" the
sign from potential vandals.
Bob Johnson
- 8th November 2012
November reversicap
Reversing the route seems
to produce as many route variations as there
are runners. Chapel or scree? Slippery steps
or the long way off Arthur? The order of tops
around Arthur's Seat? Hug the crest of Salisbury
Crags or take the lower track then ascend?
Interesting puzzles for the Monday race. Results
- 8th November 2012
Wed training
A very muddy run over Blackford summit, through Hermitage and up towards Fairmilehead, through Braidburn Valley Park and returning via the Arboretum and lots more mud. As if in anticipation some parts were similar to the Christmas pub run. Only more sober.
- 8th November 2012
First
of the winter talks - embarrassing lack of
support - what happened?
The first of the Winter Talk Series was held
last night (Tuesday 6th
November 2012)
at the KB Union Building. Presumably Edinburgh
was attacked by aliens or had
too many
fires raging from firework accidents or such
like because we only had 13
members
turn up.
I'm indebted to those that did venture
out to witness three
fantastic presentations: the first by Joel
Sylvester (Utah Desert Race - see
Fig 1),
the second by Helen Bonsor (Salomon 4 Trails
- see Fig 2) and final one by
Paul McGreal
(mega-tough adventures from all over the world
- see Fig 3).
If people have a spare moment
perhaps they can email comments to me
supporting
these talks or not. Perhaps we don't have
the right evening? Perhaps you'd
rather
watch tele and you're not bothered about what
your fellow club members get
up to?
Perhaps you think the Curle room, or even
the Student Union block itself, is
the wrong venue?
Maybe the IPA has been off so long that you've
given up on the bar
downstairs?
All your ideas and suggestions would
be good.
Bob Johnson
- 7th November 2012
Club Championship Finale
Tinto is the last race in the 2012 Club Championship.
it is now an exciting four way battle between Gordon Cameron, Cali Ingham, Charlotte Morgan and Stewart Whitlie, but is, of course, more complicated than that!
- If Gordon wins his category (Over 50) at Tinto then he wins
- If Cali wins her category (Over 50) at Tinto (but not Gordon or Charlotte) then she wins
- If Charlotte wins her category (Senior) at Tinto (but not Gordon or Cali) then she wins
- If Cali and Charlotte both win their category at Tinto (but not Gordon) then we have a tied winner between Cali and Charlotte
- Stewart can only win if none of Gordon, Cali or Charlotte win their category
(Stewart does not need to run at Tinto)
Which basically means : don't waste money betting on Gordon (100:1) - nae chance!! Cali has an outside chance
(12:1) depending which other Over 50s run; Charlotte is favourite at 3:1; Stewart
can't do anything
(apart from finish) but is second favourite if Charlotte doesn't win and with odds of 6:1 is worth a punt.
- 7th November 2012
Loch Ossian weekend 2/3 Nov
Twelve Carnethys journeyed
to Loch Ossian YH last Friday and walked in
from Corrour Station under moonlight, stars
and bright white snow on the hills. We
were welcomed by Jan the new warden and basically he
left us to it. Over the weekend there were various
adventures up snow covered munros, corbetts, hills
and glens and three folk attempted the sub one hour
run around Loch Ossian. Andy Fallas time was
about 45mins, Michael Wilkinson 70min but had to walk
a bit due to a tight calf, and new member Helen Wise
ran a very courageous 63min having aleady walked for
9hrs the previous day and climbed Beinn na Lap Sunday
morning!
I really enjoyed my weekend away in this remote part
of Scotland and thank you for your company Eric, Keith,
Andy, Paul, Kirsty, Helen, Michael, Maggie & Chris,
Ian & Sally. Cheers!
Kate Friend
- 7th November 2012
Haglofs Pentlands Open 5 Adventure Race
This is the first time
an Open 5 event has ventured north of the border
and being in my own backyard, I couldn’t resist the challenge. My
previous attempts at these races in the north
of England have been hampered by punctures,
chain breaks and getting lost so with local
knowledge and ‘Skyline’ fitness
I hoped to do better. The race is based on
a Score orienteering format with 5 hours to
visit as much of the 15 MTB/ 15 running controls
dotted around the Pentlands as possible, with
the base/ transition point at Bonaly Primary
School. There is no set route and all
the points have different scores so is a mental & physical
challenge. There were 160 racers amongst
the 100 teams (M/F solos/ pairs / mixed pairs)
with quite a number having come up from down
south including quite a few ‘elite’ teams
sponsored by large sportswear companies. I
opted to run first for 2 hours then see
what I had left for the biking stage in
my legs and was closely shadowed round my route
by ‘Team Haglofs’ which included
Mark Beaumont ( the record breaking round the
world cyclist). My running route took
in Harbour Hill, Capelaw, and Allermuir & Caerketton
summits as many points off the beaten track
as I completed 13/15 run controls. The biking
route took me over most the ridable (& some
barely ridable) tracks in the pentlands and
I completed 12/15 controls finishing with 5
minutes to spare before time penalties. My
score of 535 surprisingly placed me as 2nd
male solo behind Kim Collison on 570pts of
Team Mountain Hardwear and 5th overall. Even
better, I won the prize draw for a new Haglofs
gortex jacket so was well worth the £30
entry fee!
A friendly, well organised event that I would
highly recommend but all the others involve a lot
more travelling. Website and results
Steve Best
- 6th November 2012
Dumyat Dash
Jacqui Higginbottom
was first lady and just behind Gilmore triplets!
http://www.shr.uk.com/RaceResults.aspx?RaceID=RA-0611&RaceYear=2012
- 6th November 2012
The Southside Six
The Southside Six is
a fairly recent addition to the running calendar,
a 16 mile run round Glasgow’s leafy south
side. The race is very similar to the
Seven Hills of Edinburgh, with a circular route
along open roads and through parkland, but
instead of hills each checkpoint is in one
of Glasgow’s south side parks. Another
major difference to the 7 Hills is that the
route between each park is fixed, so no sneaky
(Willie Gibson-esque) shortcuts allowed. I
thought was the only Carnethy on the sign-up
sheet, but I spotted the Carnethy vest of Simon
Johnston just before the gun went. I
also met Phil Humphries who had entered under
Edinburgh Running Network (the swine!).
The race kicked off near the highest point
within Queens Park, for a nice downhill then
straight onto some main roads. The police
kindly held-back traffic for us for the first
mile or so, allowing everyone to string-out a
bit, and then directed us onto pavement. From
here on you would occasionally hear a distant
beep from a car horn, reminding some of the runners
about the green cross code. A steep incline
took us into Kings Park, and along some slippy
leaf-strewn paths, then out to Linn Park. At
each checkpoint we were given a sticker to stick
to our race number to prove we’d been there
- I don’t think
this was amazingly successful, as the stickers
seemed to peel off almost instantly, and the
coordination required to get the sticker from
the marshal and then onto your race number was
a bit too much for many, especially me. However,
it did provide a bit of comic relief for everyone
watching.
Linn Park led to Rouken Glen, then to Pollok
park. The wheels started to fall off at Pollok
Park, I could also hear a small clump of runners
forming behind me – not
good for my dwindling spirit and rapidly-breaking heart. With
my running starting to fail, I was given an opportunity
to perform a darting manoeuvre through traffic across
the M77 sliproad junction to put some space between
us. Result! On to Bellahouston park, with a nasty
(almost cruel) flight of steps to the checkpoint, and
then a grinding run back to Queens Park. The
now legendary sting in the tail of this race is the
climb up to the finish within Queens Park: an
increasing gradient from the Victoria road entrance,
on to some steep steps and another nasty climb after
that...and then an uphill sprint to the finish line. Ouch! Thankfully
there was a voucher for a free beer at the
local microbrewery to ease the pain.
I managed to keep ahead of Phil, finishing
1:45ish, 9th overall. Phil was 6mins behind
in 26th, and Simon was a bit further back
(he’s
not listed on the preliminary results, but
I definitely seen him finish). Prelim results,
photos
and website.
A great route, a great laugh, and a cracking
atmosphere. The
marshals: truly excellent! Loads of support from
the general public too. For a race with so many
twists and turns, it was really well marked, and they
had tonnes or Haribo and gallons of water at every
checkpoint. A great fun race, well organised,
with great soup at the finish. Many thanks
to all.
Jim Hardie
- 4th November 2012
Glen Ogle Ultra
6 Carnethies ran the
Glen Ogle race (from 150 starters), although
across the board few club vests were on show,
which seems to be the way for the Ultra crowd.
I was running my first Ultra so wasn't sure
what to expect, but I was correct in assuming
that it would be a relaxed and friendly event
throughout.
The weather was perfect for distance running, with
temperatures hovering around the low single-figures
at the start of the race, a light dusting of snow in
places, and, given the relative elevation of the course,
temperatures didn't really dip too much until the finish.
It's a great route, in beautiful surroundings and,
with the exception of the final 5 miles from Balquhidder
to Strathyre, traffic-free.
The route was altered slightly this year and the start
involved a testing gradual climb which made the bunch
spread out fairly quickly. After a sharp, short climb
at around 8 miles, the section up the Glen and over
the viaduct itself is very gradual. Most of the climbing
is in that short section and at that point the racers
were high above Lochearnhead. My Garmin told me that
there was 2,400 feet of climb overall, so not insignificant.
The race was well organised, and marshaled, with 4
check points/drop stations and a nasty sting in the
tail with an undulating road section and snaking finish
through woods, over the Shoogly Bridge and into the
picnic area at Strathyre. A goody bag awaited us containing
a branded bottle of beer and other treats.
144 finished and the race was won by Craig Reid in
3:41:22, with first lady Alison Wilson in 4:31:49.
Graham Nash put in his usual solid performance in long-distance
races by finishing 18th in 4:29:06, myself 31st in
4:46:00, Michael Nowicki 48th in 5:03:25, Colin & Joan
Wilson 62nd and 63rd in 5:22:47 and Joel Sylvester
106th in 5:58:50.
Results are here and
there are some shots of finishers here
and some pictures from Michael Nowicki here.
Mike Lynch
- 4th November 2012
Michael and Charlotte win at Borders XC series - Lauder
What better way to spend
a glorious sunny Sunday than
to get ridiculously wet & muddy in the first
of the winter Borders XC Series. Proper
cross country, with mud so viscous it sucked
the sole off Bill Gauld's shoe. Recent signing (from Moorfoots), Michael Reid was in superb form and led from the gun, to take first place and an early lead in the series. It was a Carnethy triple (at least!) as Charlotte Morgan was 1st woman and we were first team, with Michael 1st, Stewart Whitle finishing 3rd and Andrew Gilmore 5th. We had other category winners as well in Stewart (of course!) and Bill.
The large Carnethy contingent enjoyed the great course with steep descents, a steep (and very muddy) climb, loads of stream crossings (a few even had bridges, but most didn't), a long climb on the southern Upland Way, but the memory will be of the mud (and sun).
Stats and results here. More photos here
- 3rd November 2012
Journey run from Traquair
Those not on any of
the many other events today made the right
choice in Nigel's journey run from Traquair
along the Southern Upland Way. We were scathing
about the forecast of full sun as it was
snowy, freezing and the clouds were covering
the tops. But it was stunning, and although our
feet were wet and cold we enjoyed the wonderful
scenery, even though we couldn't see it. After
lunch the clouds finally lifted and we completed
the rest of the run with blue skies and
sunshine, and finally we could enjoy the view.
The glowing coal fire in the Traquair Arms warmed
us and good beer, tea and cake went down very
well. Report with
lots of photos.
Digby
- 31st October 2012
Daleks, Battlefields, Test-tubes, Cars in ditches,
Paranormal Activity, Sprained Ankles, Witches and Fireworks it must be
the Carnethy Halloween Night Run
Luckily the late arrivals
added to the 13 runners setting off from Flotterstone,
and as we approached the wooden bridge over
Glencorse Burn the vision of smoke lights and a
large Dalek was a surprise to most.
Having
avoided extermination we ploutered through the
muddy fields to the Rullion Green Battlefield
Memorial (info
here) and then across the fields to the waterfall
below Glen Cottage and a stop for some test
tubes full of Whisky-Mac.
Fuelled up we had
a failed attempt
at extrication
of Sam Johnson's van from the ditch (the dangers
of Dalek delivery).
With time running short the climb of Castlelaw
was aborted for a dash across the firing range
to Castlelaw Hill Fort and Earth House (info
here) where we found the Earth house already
occupied by the Local Paranormal Society! Cody
is obviously a channel to the underworld as they
exclaimed - "when the dog entered it spiked".
Then it was on to the woods and past the army
trenches to the Tyler Memorial with a stop en-route
to administer First Aid to Lindsey Donald after
turning her ankl slipping off a treacherous
tree root.
The memorial was the sight of a Woodhouselee
Witches Coven in full spell casting mode, where
luckily the cauldron was full of hot Glühwein
which was dished out liberally.
While one witch took care of the injured Lindsey, the rest of us returned
via a wonderful Fireworks display and Castlelaw Carpark and on to The
Flotterstone Inn for some well earned food and beer and a reunion with
all the helpers
and the injured.
A great night was had by (almost) all.
Thanks to Bob and Sam Johnson, Graham Nash, Cali Ingham, Moira Stewart,
Bob Waterhouse and Nick Macdonald for all the entertainment.
Willie Gibson
- 31st October 2012
Meall a`Bhuachaille
Charlotte Morgan won the ladies race after an exciting
finish in a straight sprint against another
runner. Her record time was 76.39.
Second was Shona Robertson in 79.06, Eilidh Wardlaw
third in 82.08. Fourth was Jacqui Higginbottom.Results
- 30th October 2012
Jedburgh Running Festival
After realising there was
a glut of road, or mainly road, races coming up,
I thought it would be a good idea to get some road
practice. Thankfully
Jedburgh was still open for entry a few days before
the event itself, so it was perfect for a last
minute entry. The festival consists of a
10k, a half marathon and for the first time a 38mile
Ultra – it seems that they didn’t fancy
the obvious next step of a marathon and plumped
for an Ultra instead. I bumped into Paul
Faulkner near the start, who was doing the 10k
run along with Nathan Beard (seen in the results). I
also met Simon Johnston who, like me, was also
doing the half. Michael Nowicki and Phil
Humphries were both doing the Ultra, they started
at an ungodly 8am and would be rapidly approaching
the Eildon Hills by the time my own race started
at 11am.
A bit of confusion at the start line meant I started
quite far back in the field and facing the wrong way,
but it did allow me to get a little close and personal
with a marching band. The opening few miles were
fairly undulating with a couple of sharp climbs, then
the route joined some closed A-roads for some straightforward
fairly flat running. The 10k and half routes follow
the same course but the 10k turns back earlier. It
barely felt like the race had started before Paul had
turned and thundered past on his way home to an excellent
5th. Nathan soon followed in 23rd. The
half continued along some closed roads to a small loop,
then back the way we came. A steady climb at
around 11 miles sapped the legs of many and allowed
some places to be gained. I finished 47th in
1:28ish, Simon soon followed in 1:41ish and I see
in the results fellow Carnethy Rosie Allister at around
1:45 - all well inside the top half of the field.
I hung around for the Ultra finishers, but they were
taking ages and I had to head home (sorry chaps, duty
calls). Apparently conditions were quite
tough due to mud, but I see on the results Phil stormed
round to finish in an amazing 13th position (6hrs 54mins),
and Michael romped to an excellent 45th (8hrs 13mins).
Despite a fairly low Carnethy turnout for a running
festival that's quite close to Edinburgh, I think the
club was very well represented by those who made the
journey. An excellent wee race, well marshalled and
well organised.
All results here <http://www.jedburghhalfmarathon.org.uk/
Jim Hardie
The inaugural Jedburgh
Ultra-marathon was certainly a tough one - at the finish
several hardened
ultra runners said "it was like a 30+ mile border
cross-country race with Scotlands most southerly Munros
to climb over in the middle!" Only a slight exaggeration,
but still I think everyone enjoyed it, and me especially...
the fields and trees, the autumn colours, the fantastic
views from the top of the Eildon hills... oh and all
the ankle-deep mud too! It was a low key event
with no fuss, but enough organisation and route marking
to keep everyone safe and on course - hope they put
it on next year.
Phil Humphries
- 29th October 2012
Carnethy Roadies October
Cycle
4 intrepid cyclists met
on Sunday for the October cycle, with a little
trepidation as it was my first foray into group
cycling, Andy Lennie, Simon Titmuss, Robin Haynes
and Richard Bush.
The forcast wasn’t great but it was actually
a lot warmer than predicted with a stiff westerley
wind. I was given a quick run through of group etiquette
and off we went heading for Dalkieth and the sharp
climb over to Edgehead, Ford and Pathhead. On to
Crichton and a fast blast to Humbie taking advantage
of quiet roads and strong tail wind.
The ride route was “fluid”, we elected
for a cracking road hugging the Lammermuirs from
Humbie to Garvald via Pishwanton Woods, this
had everything an Autumn Sunday ride out should
have, strong tail wind!, extremely muddy, slippy
leaf strewn roads, fantastic views and colours a
glorious Scottish autumn day could only give – you
had to be there. At this point I was quite
smug, being the only one to have mudguards
fitted and therefore a dry back.
No gain without pain – as we headed on
the home run – into the wind, and here’s
where I had a moment, go riding in a team
and share the wind!, a revelation!!
A distinct lack of cars all through the ride,
Robin counting them – 5 cars in a 35mile section.
A cracking day out.
Next ride will be the easier group ride on
Sunday 11th November, details to follow
Link to Sundays ride http://www.gmap-pedometer.com?r=5721982
Andy Lennie
- 28th October 2012
Superb runs by Carnethy teams at OMM Elite, Howgills
Andy Fallas and Helen Bonsor were 1st Mixed and 4th
over all in this years OMM Elite Class, they were closely followed by Jon
Ascroft and Jasmin Paris
who were 5th over all.
Posn |
Time |
Team |
Day 1 |
Day 2 |
1 |
11:21:01 |
Björn Rydvall / Aaron Prince |
6:08:38 (1) |
5:12:23 (2) |
2 |
11:29:51 |
Duncan Archer /
Shane Ohly |
6:18:32 (2) |
5:11:19 (1) |
3 |
12:35:39 |
Nick Barrable / Darrell High |
6:33:39 (3) |
6:02:00 (3) |
4 |
13:15:26 |
Andrew Fallas / Helen Bonsor (Mix) |
7:02:26 (5) |
6:13:00 (5) |
5 |
13:28:37 |
Jasmin Paris / Jon Ascroft (Mix)
|
7:20:14 (7) |
6:08:23 (4) |
Well done to both teams for what are outstanding results.
Full Results
OMM home page here.
Having sent out a help message last Friday
afternoon for a partner for the following
days OMM was hugely surprised to get any response
let alone "If
you still have nobody I'm in" from John
Ryan Preston.
A huge thank you to John, without whom I would of sat
on my behind moping all weekend.
We drove down to the Howgills on Saturday to a glorious
day on the hills finishing the c course in 5 hours
08 minutes, 36th place. The following day was "not
so nice" to go "Bobbing" across the
Howgills and this time it took us 5 hours and 13 minutes,
in 14th place. We were 21st overall and I can't thank
John enough for partnering me and dragging me with
him over 10 long hours.
Thank you John and Thank You Carnethy
Tim Doyle
- 28th October 2012
Beachy Head Marathon
Just completed the Beachy Head Marathon for the seventh
time. This year I ran with my sister, Linda and Ali,
my cousin. We completed it 8 minutes faster than
last year at 7:12 hours. Very bright and sunny with
a biting wind.
Margaret Forrest
- 27th October 2012
OMM Elite Overnight Results
At the overnight camp at this years OMM our Carnethy Captains team of
Andy and Helen are 5th over all and first mixed with Jon and Jasmin 2
places behind
1 6:08:38 59 Björn Rydvall & Aaron
Prince
2 6:18:32 60 Duncan Archer & Shane Ohly
3 6:33:39 57 Nick Barrable & Darrell High
4 6:48:34 38 Dave Wilby & Steve Birkinshaw
5 7:02:26 3 Andrew Fallas & Helen Bonsor Mix
6 7:12:02 53 Stephen Pyke & Jon Morgan Vet
7 7:20:14 2 Jasmin Paris & Jon Ascroft Mix
- 25th October 2012
Pre AGM Wed training run
A diminished field set out
in the lovely pearly dusk for a short shake out
before the AGM
- 25th October 2012
Carnethy AGM - Wed 24th
There was a very large turnout for the AGM - perhaps enticed by a free drink! The minutes should be in the next Journal, but the main committee changes are that Andrew Lennie replaces Kate Friend as Membership Secretary, and the new Ordinary committee members are Robin Haynes, Mary Lye and James Hardie. The new commitee is as always on the Meet the Committee page (under option 'Club') or here.
- 21st October 2012
Run of the Mill Race
A good contingent of Carnethies made it up to Alva
for the superbly organised 15km Run of the Milll race. Many, no doubt,
were checking out
what will
be a Scottish Championship course next year, some there for the race itself,
others though just enjoying the fantastic autumn conditions with warm
air,
blue skies and not a sniff of a breeze. The fast flat start saw the field
string out with Andrew Wright (Carnegie) leading the pack from the start,
but with new Carnethy Michael Reid not too far behind. However, it's not
until turning up the steps at Tillicoultry that the race starts in earnest.
From there it's a long haul with not much respite until the summit of
Ben Cleuch followed by a fast descent, first on a grassy trail but then
a stony
track to the finish. Andrew held on for a strong win, Kenny Richmond (Shettleston)
was just ahead of me in second, and Claire Gordon (HBT) claimed the female
prize. If there had been a male team prize Carnethy would have won, but
everyone was just happy sitting with drinks and biscuits in the sunshine.
Results
Paul Faulkner
- 21st October 2012
Scottish Hill Climb Championships!
Conditions could hardly have been better for the
Scottish Hill Climb Championships down in Stow on Sunday morning. "What?
No-one told me about these championships!" I
hear Carnethy chorus in unison. Ah, but these are the type you do on
a road bike. The type that last less than ten minutes. The type that
have you coughing for an hour afterwards. It was my second taste of
such an
event after doing the Stirling 'up the kirk' hill climb a few weeks
ago. Stewart
Whitlie, who has a history of winning such things, had suggested a few
of
us might give them a go, and he'd told me they were tough but addictive.
He was right. He was also notable at both by his absence. Like hill
running it is somewhat of a niche sport, with only 40 on the start list
for this
the national championship race. That said, the number of shaven legs,
turbo trainers and expensive bikes in the start area had me worried
I'd made a
terrible mistake. The event started at 10am with each rider setting
off on the 1.4 mile course at one minute intervals, and at 10.03 I was
off,
with Nathan Beard (the only other Carnethy) starting next, one minute
later. It
was over in a lung bursting blur, with the great support up the hill
and the thought of Nathan catching me spurring me on, and 7 minutes
and
4
seconds later I crossed the summit line. Nathan finished (just over!)
a minute
later.
It was only then that we noticed the fine views and weather, and soon
enough we trundled our way back down. For me it was then straight into
the car for
the drive up to Alva for Run of the Mill, coughing all the way. Nathan
hung around for the cakes and results and we were both happy with our
12th and
13th places. One more Carnethy and we'd have got on the team podium,
maybe next year! Results and Report
Paul Faulkner
- 20th October 2012
Tre Cime or Drei Zinnen race
An alpine classic in the northern Dolomites, 17.5
Km and 1350 metres climb to over 2500 metres altitude.
Tre Cime - Three Peaks in Italian or Drei Zinnen
- Three Battlements in German, the main language
in the Sud Tyrol.
Was only able to restart running for the year
a month before so did not expect to be up to this
but having done a reasonable time in a vertical
kilometre race after a week decided to chance the
Tre Cime to make it three years in a row. Not expecting
to be up to racing when leaving the UK I didn't
have even my old yellow Carnethy vest to wear but
did invest in some studs which arrived the day
before .
The weather was again brilliant, as was the
scenery as shown in the panorama shot of the Tre
Cime taken from the race helicopter. This also
carried up spare togs to the finish for the walk
after, down a shorter route.
Starting in Sesto (Sexten), a lap of the town
was followed by a gradual climb on tarmac then
gravel tracks for about 8 Km. Taking it easy
on this part, or rather plodding as fast as possible,
I must have looked to be struggling already
as there were well meaning comments from some passing
runners that if I could keep going I should
see them at the top. Then the real climbing came,
up a narrow rocky zig-zag track and I passed them
long before the top. Fabulous views as we climbed
past two refuges with extensive range of drinks
laid out and large crowds. Managed to pass about
180 runners on this part up to the tiny Rifugio
Cengia at 2500 metres. Then over the top and
the descent of 200 metres which l’d been dreading.
Most UK hill runners would have relished this but
with water filled eyes and again getting stuck
behind an even more cautious local l was passed
by 30 or more runners. Twinges of cramp going down,
due probably to lack of running then a tumble near
the bottom. Regained a few places on the final
1 Km climb to the finish at Rifugio Locatelli.
Time of 2 hrs 37 mins was only 6 mins more than
last year though 15 more than in 2010. Quite pleased
considering I’d done only 48 miles running
this year. Ironically I had still been able
to ride a bike, falls from which caused my injuries,
so cross training is beneficial provided you
don't fall off too often!
Finished 650/975 and again first over 70 and
oldest competitor so given two baskets of local
produce later in Sesto. For the first time in 5
years Jonathon Wyatt (now a vet) was beaten by
a local in 1 hr 26 mins! Managed the descent after
with sticks smuggled up in my bag for the helicopter.
Again a great spread of cakes and drinks at
the finish the another generous meal down in Sesto
with the race video on a big screen. Walked back
up to the Locatelli next day for two days walking
with Linda. Glorious weather and views including
the spiky Cadini Range shown in a recent report
by Mateo Tesser. Must try that next year, at least
walking it!
Brian Waldie
- 18th October 2012
Medals galore in Scottish Hill Running Championships
Carnethy had four first
places in the 2012 Run-4-It Scottish Hill Running
Championship. Stewart Whitlie in the Over 50's,
James Waldie in the Under 23's and both the
men's Senior and Over 40's teams. Second places
were achieved by Paul Faulkner in the Senior
Men's, Charlotte Morgan in the Senior Women's,
both Jacqui Higginbottom and Stewart Whitlie
in in the Over 40's, Andrew Gilmore in the Under
23s and the Senior Womens team. Also, John Blair-Fish finished 3rd in the Over 60s. On top of that
15 people in the club earned a valuable SHR mug
for completing the championship.
Scottish Champs results and report
In the other major Scottish Championship, The Long Classics, Jasmin Paris won the Womens, Joanne Anderson was first Over 40 and Stewart Whitlie first Over 50, while club captain Andy Fallas finished 2nd in the Seniors.
Long Classics Results
- 18th October 2012
Monthly Steady Bike Ride - Sunday 14th October
Four riders signed on for the first on the monthly gentler road bike rides. Kirsty Loudon, Ben Bate, Jane Robertson and Richard Bush headed east as far as Drem before turning towards the coast for the return route to Edinburgh. Having taken a minor detour, which allowed us to admire a field of very fine looking cabbages, Kirsty wished she’d brought her camera. I will leave it to Kirsty to explain whether these two facts are related! Ride time on my widget was a touch over 3 hours and the distance was about 47 miles. We did what we set out to achieve which was a steady ride of about 15 to 16mph average. See you all again on the second Sunday in November... Sunday 11th.
Richard Bush
- 16th October 2012
Langdale Horseshoe Fell Race - Saturday 13th October
With over 300 runners,
the race start near the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel was the usual congested
hubbub. The minute's silence in memory of Darren Holloway was a dramatic
contrast
and very moving. Then we were off in a flurry of limbs. By the time we
had puffed up past Stickle Tarn and scrambled to the top of Thunacar Knott
the
cloud had lifted and bright sunshine dazzled. The soggy terrain and occasional
waist deep bog kept the legs cool. Sleet arrived on the approach to Esk
Hause and did the same for the rest of the body. After that concentration
was devoted
to following the technical trod around the rocky flank of Esk Pike, and
then through the bouldery & intricate terrain of Bowfell and Crinkle Crags. I
fancied I might catch the Borrowdale runner in front and learn the best race
line from the spectrum of options, but he kept slipping away out of sight,
and by the time I’d got around Crinkle’s Bad Step he’d disappeared for good.
Fast running down the fell to Pike of Blisco aerated the lungs before the
final climb. Then the route needed sniffing out again through crags and marshes,
until the trod down to the road became defined. Cajoling oneself to keep
speed up, the final descent was exhilarating, and thankfully not troubled
by anyone catching me.
Ambleside runners filled most of the top positions,
with Ben Abelnoor winning in about 2h13. I finished in 2h27 & 14th overall,
not quite a pb but still pretty pleased, particularly as I scooped second
MV40 prize (though still whipped by MV50 & MV45 runners) and a generous helping
of Pete Bland vouchers, to go along with the pasty and pint. A truly great
race on proper rough terrain.
Results to follow at http://www.amblesideac.org.uk/news.htm
Jon Ascroft
- 14th October 2012
Record field for Pentland Skyline race
The race was framed this
year by moving tributes to the fallen runner
in the Ian Hodgson mountain relay. JBF called
for a minute's silence and Jasmin, who was personally
involved, described the care by fellow runners
which sadly was ultimately unsuccesful; and
expressed the hope that fell running would always
take place in a spirit of companionship and
generosity. There is an article here in
the Westmoreland Gazette.
There was a very large number (267) starting
the race as it was a Scottish Championship counter
as well as a Carnethy Championship race. Hector Haines of HBT pulled steadily pulled away to win in a fast 2:27 for the conditions with Andy Fallas 2nd, a superb run considering he had won Manor Water the previous day. Jasmin Paris went one better as she won the Skyline having also won the day before.
The
numbers caused a bit of a crisis at the drinks
stations as the water ran out for the last runners,
and a numbers of cyclists generously donated
theirs at the third station - thanks guys! The
mist wreathing the hill cleared to warm sunshine,
though it wasn't too long before a sleety shower
rolled in, which saw many layers being added.
250 completed the gruelling course, including
46 Carnethies, as the sunshine returned - easily
a record number, the previous
being 186 last
year.
More
photos.
Results here,
and list of prize-winners here.
MAN(or) Mouse
21 runners completed the tough MANor MOUSE challenge this year, i.e. the Manor Water/Pentlands Skyline double.
The MAN was Andy Fallas in
a new record of 3:42:11 with Mark Harris of Fife next in a fast 3:53:49. The next 3 runners were all Carnethy women:
Jasmin Paris, Jill Mykyura and Helen Bonsor . The Mouse was John Telfer
of Northumberland in 5:51:59.
Results
- 14th October 2012
Sron a'Clachain Hill Race, near Killin
Recovering from a cold, I decided that the last thing my body needed was a 3 hour race on the Pentland Skyline. However, with not working on this weekend, I still felt something was needed. I noticed that the short hill race up the hill overlooking Killin was on Sunday - perfect, and we could visit my folks in nearby Lochearnhead!
Arriving at registration, I wasn't expecting any other Carnethies and was pleasantly surprised to see Angela Mudge. Many other friendly and well kent faces were there.
The race is short and steep and follows the line of the Highland Games Hill Race. Local Steven Rawlinson led from the start, with Angela, myself and two others trying to keep him in our sights, the rest of the field trailing some distance behind. Some position changes on the descent, but Steven Rawlinson maintained his lead finishing in 22:59, with myself, Gary Fraser (Ochils) and Angela coming in over a minute behind him - it will be interesting to compare his time with his Highland Games time. I enjoyed a great splat, slide and tumble on the last slope, fortunately on soft grass - I'm looking forward to seeing the photos.
This race and the previous day's Tarmachan are great events. Small, sociable and raise lots of cash for cancer charities. The organisers are hoping to host the same again next year, and will try to avoid conflicting with the Manor Water/Pentland Skyline. Count me in! Steven Fallon
- 13th October 2012
Carnethy Win at Manor Water
Andy Fallas won today's
Manor water race and Jasmin Paris was first lady
with Jill Mykura 2nd and Helen Bonsor 3rd.
There were 66 finishers.
Results and Summary
- 13th October 2012
East Highland Way run - 6th to 8th October
On
Saturday a merry band of 15 runners set off from
the Commando memorial near Spean Bridge for a run
based loosely on the East Highland Way route. The
weather was sunny and dry as we went over the moors
to the Wade bridge at Highbridge. We continued
for miles along the south side of the River Spean,
pausing to admire the Monessie Falls, before finishing
near the south end of Loch Laggan. The minibus
took us back to the bunkhouse at Tulloch station
for a convivial evening marred only by Bill falling
in the shower and cutting his foot badly.
The second day started sunny but
cold, requiring ice to be scraped off the minibus
windscreen. We returned to Moy and took an idyllic
route past the two lochs of Lochan na H‑earba,
on to the beach at Kinloch Laggan then through
the Black Wood to Spey Dam before hopping on the
minibus for a few miles to avoid road running.
We had a wonderful sunny run through the hills
to Dalballoch and down Glen Banchor, with a golden
eagle circling overhead, before finishing with
another convivial evening in Newtonmore.
On the third day we bussed
to Ruthven Barracks then had various adventures
in the hills before finishing at Loch an Eilein.
A great weekend was enjoyed by all.
Nigel Rose
- 10th October 2012
Le 28e Marathon du Medoc, Pauillac, France - 8th September
The format is quite simple; it’s a real marathon (26.2 miles), its mainly off-road (running through 50 of the finest Chateaux and vineyards of the Bordeaux region), but with a slight twist – along the route runners can choose (or not) to partake of up to 23 “degustation” stops (sample tastings of some of the finest red wines in the world – including several Premier class Cru Bourgeois offerings), and then in the last 5 km they are treated to a 5-course “meal” consisting of Jambon de Bayonne, fresh Oysters, Entrecôte, cheese and ice cream – all with accompanying wines.
Two Carnethy members, Garry MacInnes and Sheena Marshall somehow completed and survived this ordeal - a full account will be in the next journal (although it must be said, that Garry did not set a marathon PB!)
- 8th October 2012
RabMM 6th -7th October
Keen to do something new
to celebrate turning 30 and the arrival of grey
stubble, I ventured south with Alex this weekend
for the RabMM, this year in the Cheviots. Having
ran together once in April, I promised I’d be fitter by October. I lied.
AA Routefinder maps also lied regarding travelling
time to Wooler, and we were still convincing ourselves
the sun had risen when we arrived. A beautiful
day with clear skies followed and we set off keenly.
Day 1 was a struggle, with lots of climbing and
very little bobbing around on the tops. In an effort
to save weight and money, my electrolyte replacement
option was of a variety produced for the management
of diarrhoea in young calves. This solution was
soon to be known as calf blood, and tasted no better.
Steady struggle on my part, and the patience of
a large hospital on Alex’s part saw us get
back in good time, finishing 19th overall in
the standard class on day 1.
Having done all possible (or obvious) to minimize our
weight for the weekend, we had both sneaked some whisky
into our packs, which warmed us up nicely for the night.
Our wet socks froze on the tents’ rigging.
A good start on Sunday raised our moods again, in a
crisp frost. My lack of fitness allowed Alex
enough time to navigate flawlessly. Like any good team,
we complemented each other well. Alex had speed, fitness,
navigational and map skills, shrewd decision making,
as well providing motivation on the amicable side of
bullying. I provided the rest. Strangers saluted
me by name as I passed them, having heard Alex calling
me along, as a cow calls her calf on a foggy morning!
There was not a cloud in the sky all day.
Once again, we (Alex) timed things well and played
things safe to finish with 14 minutes to spare, to
finish 7th for day 2 and 12th overall in the standard
class.
A very enjoyable weekend, in great conditions.
John Ryan
- 8th October 2012
Angela wins at Kielder Marathon - Sun 7th October
Runners at the Kielder
Marathon were treated to some glorious autumn
sunshine. Angela Mudge displayed
her class once again, finishing 8th overall, and 1st
lady in 2:59:28, - 27 minutes ahead of the second lady
(Mel Rotherham), and Kate Jenkins in 3rd a few minutes
later. Pam Whitlie of Carnethy also had a brilliant
run to complete the course in 4:03:12. The race
was won by Ceri Rees in 2:39:26. Full results here: http://www.racetimingsystems.com/public/results.aspx?raceid=2584
Helen Bonsor
- 7th October 2012
Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay - Sun 7th October
Despite the splendid autumn weather and setting
treated to the IHMR, this year was unfortunately a mixed day of hard fought
competition
and tragedy for the event.
Carnethy ran three strong legs over 1-2-3
(Gregor Heron and Harry Gilmore, Leg 1; Jon Ascroft and Steven Fallon
Leg 2;
Matt Davis and Helen Bonsor, Leg 3), and the batton was passed over
to the wonder team of Adrian and Jasmin for the grand finale of leg
4.
Sadly
they were to be some of the first on the scene to a collapsed runner
from Pennine Club, along with Manny Gorman and Brian Bonnyman from
Westies. Matt and I arrived a little later. It goes without saying that
the Carnethy
and Westies teams, along with some others, withdrew from the race
to assist. In very tragic circumstances, it is a tribute to the runner,
and to the fell running community as a whole, as to how calmly and
collectedly
the individuals at the scene administered CPR until the air ambulance
arrived, and safely got back down to the finish. I hope his family
can drawn some comfort in their loss from the care and support he received,
and I am sure Pennine will be there in force next year.
Helen Bonsor
- 7th October 2012
Ben Venue Hill Race - Sat 6th October
Here
are photos from Neil Campbell. Jacqui Higginbottom won the women's race, with the men's race being won by Tom Owens ( Shettleston). There is a report and results on Scottish Hill Runners here.
Aye!
- 4th October 2012
Wed training
A perilous path through mud and gorse brought
us to the golf course for an 18 hole sprint.
7 miles beneath the rising moon.
- 3rd October 2012
The hunt for red, October
Handicap
With the voices of Sean Connery and Alec
Baldwin ringing in our ears we set off up the crags.
The proud front-runners bearing the red standards,
the chasing pack hunting them down in pursuit
of the glory and red rewards.
A fine autumnal day greeted the runners this
month, with the grassy bank up the steep side
of the crags almost providing traction for
a change. The (HMS) vanguard of Andy and Neil
soon relinquished the leaders trophy. After they
had passed through a variety of hands the one
with the flag and the polka dot leaders cap at
the finish line this month was (r)Eddie.
A couple
of newbies and some late (or early) starters
have slightly skewed the official results
however those on the day know that the first
of our small group was Ed. Miniband of runners
or maxiband next month? Who knows, but I think
we'll try and reuse the polka-dot bunnet. The
red flag might have to wait until the 1st of
May to fly again.
Spreadsheet results show some
fast times and Neil is still rapidly improving
as is Chris, although initial temporal variances
(they didn't start on time) allowed Eddie
to claim the spoils this week.
The results are
missing one of the newbies whose name and time I
don't yet have, so if you're the Euskadel coloured
runner drop me a note and I'll update them.
I'm open to suggestions for themes for next
month, I've so far heard requests for another reversicap
and a black November. As it'll be the 5th
of the November any guy Fawkes related themes will
obviously need to be careful with the use
of live gunpowder given the proximity to our current
seat of government.
See you next month
if not before...
Bruce Smith
- 3rd October
2012
Three Peaks Cyclo-Cross Sunday 30th September 2012
Three
club members submitted semi-valid excuses to Robin Haynes as why they
couldn't attend the club cycle ride on Sunday. Those
finally excused from
the road ride were Steve MacInnes, Bob Johnson and Jamie Thin with their
notes reading: "Sorry Robin - got a better offer - riding in the three-peaks
Cyclo-cross this weekend xx ".
The three-peaks cyclo-cross race is billed
as one of the toughest cyclo-cross races in the world the weather plotted
to make it even harder with high
winds, deep puddles and lots of glorius mud. Assorted general photos
are shown below. Photos featuring the club riders will be added to the "display" later
in the week. The race takes in the three north Yorkshire peaks of Ingleborough,
Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent in that order. The race covers 38 miles, 8
of which is thought (known) to be unrideable. The course has 10,000ft
of up
and down to contend with.
All times were well down with record holder
Rob Jebb only (!!) managing
3:09:21 in comparison with his course record of 2:52:22. The star of
the show for Carnethy was Steve MacInnes in a fabulous 7th position
- equalling his best ever finish. Steve features in the top twenty shown
here as well as the separate table made for members and friends (in
this
case Simon Parson).
The race tactics employed by Robb Jebb are to lead from the front
and kill all comers on the first ascent - this shows in the times
attached here - he put 10 minutes into Steve MacInnes on the first
ascent and
then
only another 10 minutes for the whole of the race. Rob Jebb received £800
plus the trophy - Steve didn't tell me how much he received.
First
lady was Victoria Wilkinson in 47th place overall just under the 4hr
mark. More
information to follow.
Next home was "gramps" Bob
Johnson in 4:09:24; followed by Simon Parson in
5:15:04 and Jamie Thin in 5:34:19.
Bob was "jumped" for 4th place
in the VET50 category on the way down the last hill taking 5th place
by some 14 seconds.
Thus a word
or two of advice: watch out for old grey-haired men trying to creep
up behind you!
Bob Johnson (more
to follow later in the week)
Here!
- 1st October 2012
Three "W's" strike
Carnethy Road Bike Outing
Where were you all? I thought
I was the fair weather cyclist, but the combination
of it being Wet
and Windy, allied to a general
outbreak of Wuss-iness, saw the
peloton diminished to just 2 for the September
edition of the monthly road bike outing. OK,
it was pretty foul for the 9.15 start time,
with a strong south west wind driving fairly
heavy rain falling on already wet roads, but fortune
favoured both the brave and the soaked. The
hardy twosome elected to have the rain on their
backs for the outward leg, so we headed off along
the coast to Longniddry before turning north to
Haddington by which time the rain had stopped.
From there we looped back into Edinburgh via Bolton,
East Saltoun and Dalkeith. About 45 miles- I could
have done with some help in trying to keep up
with Richard (Bush). Keen cyclists have 4 weeks
to purge themselves of weakness before the next
outing on Sunday October 28th. Those with more
complete characters, looking for something less
intense, should come along on Sunday October 14th
for the first of what we hope to be a regular monthly
bike outing aimed at the rather less serious cyclist.
More details nearer the time.
Robin Haynes
- 30th September 2012
Andy and Jasmin win at Morebattle Monster....Helen
gets lost
A good number
of Carnethies went down to Morebattle for this new addition to the Scottish
Long Classics this year. Blustery wet conditions didn't
dampen enthusiasm. The course gave a variety of fast running over
undulating hills with track and road sections in between, and plenty
of gate crossings. A total distance of 34 km (if you go the right
way). Andy lead the Carnethies home coming first in 2.48, beating
Mark Harris after a close race round. Jasmin continued her good form
and ran another strong race to win the ladies in 3.14. Neil Burnett
and Alex McVey had good races too finishing in around 3.20. I decided
34 km wasn't long enough, and got spectacularly lost, dropping off
completely the wrong side of the hill inbetween check points 3 and
4, and added in a extra hill and few km. I didn't manage to catch
Alex or Neil after this, finishing about 5 mins behind them in 3.25.
Lesson to self - read the map!
Results
Mary Lye also took on the race, and Karen Meikle, Aurore and Becky
completed the 25 km version. Great effort from Carnethies all round.
Helen
Bonsor
- 30th September 2012
Cadini Sky Race
A couple of weeks ago I raced in the Cadini
Sky Race (14km, 1200m ascent). The race
started from "La Baita" restaurant
in Misurina, passed from rifugio Fonda Savio
and after 5 forks, hard like Scottish hills,
we rounded the Cadini peaks (not as popular
as the nearby 3 Cime di Lavaredo) and after
technical descents we arrived in Misurina.
The day was stunning, probably the last one
given that on the following two races it rained!
For this reason I would like to share the
following photos and
a video:
the race had only 120 runners but despite
that, or maybe for this reason, they realized
a high quality for promoting the next edition!
its a bit like a commercial but it deserves
a view!
ciao,
Matteo Tesser
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