Author: Admin

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 4th December, 2015

I will be standing down as Membership Secretary in October 2016. Ada Stewart has very kindly volunteered to take over from me if approved at the next AGM. Alastair Macfarlane has also announced that he’ll be standing down as SVHC Secretary, so we’ll be looking for a volunteer to replace him before the AGM.

MEMBERS

I regret to report that 1 of our members has died recently. Brian Campbell passed away on 26th August, aged 71. He had been a member of SVHC since 1997.

Welcome to the 14 new and 6 reinstated members who have joined or re-joined since 19th August 2015. 55 members did not renew their subs last year and 4 have resigned. As of 4th December 2015, we have 488 paid up members .

For those who have not already paid or set up standing orders, subscription renewals are due now for 2015/16. It was agreed at the AGM to change the annual subscription as follows: £20 for ordinary members, £10 for non-competing members and zero for all aged 80 or over. Any member not wishing to renew their membership should send me a resignation letter by post or email.

NEWSLETTER The electronic version of the Newsletter is now the preferred option. Any member who would rather receive a printed Newsletter must contact David Fairweather (djf@ dfairweather.plus.com), if they have not already done so. Please inform David if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue To: COLIN YOUNGSON TOMLOAN, SANQUHAR ROAD, FORRES, IV36 1DG e-mail: cjyoungson@btinternet.com Tel: 01309 672398

SVHC EVENTS

Stewards/marshals are required for club races. The club appreciate all members & friends who volunteer to act as stewards/marshals. If you are not competing just turn up and introduce yourselves to the organisers.

STANDING ORDERS

Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please remember to update the amount payable, & keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses). If any other member wishes to set up a standing order please contact me.

CLUB VESTS Vests and shorts can be purchased from Andy Law – £18 for vests, including postage and £23 for shorts, including postage. If ordering both together deduct one lot of postage. Or, can be delivered to any of the Club races by arrangement with no postage. (Tel: 01546 605336. or email lawchgair@aol.com)

NEW MEMBERS

NAME JOINED NUMBER TOWN

Neil Smith 28-Aug-15 2272 East Grinstead

Grant Wooler 28-Aug-15 2273 Perth

Brian McGarrity 02-Sep-15 2274 Glasgow

Deborah Roe 04-Sep-15 2275 Glasgow

Colin Hutcheon 08-Sep-15 2276 Linlithgow

Norman Baillie 13-Sep-15 2277 Glasgow

Sheila Lewis 10-Oct-15 2278 Glasgow

Rory Campbell 21-Oct-15 2279 Galashiels

Alex Wood 02-Nov-15 2280 Linlithgow

Billy Gibson 04-Nov-15 2281 Dundee

Paul Monaghan 09-Nov-15 2282 Glasgow

David Cross 10-Nov-15 2283 Edinburgh

Kenneth White 18-Nov-15 2284 Helensburgh

Philippa Millage 24-Nov-15 2285 Glasgow

Jane Kerridge 02-Sep-15 1705 Banchory

Greg Hastie 04-Sep-15 2064 Glasgow

George Black 10-Sep-15 26 Kingskettle

Phyllis Lemoncello 08-Oct-15 1069 Nairn

James Breen 18-Oct-15 2041 Glasgow

Edward Dickson 20-Oct-15 1176 Bishopbriggs

 David Fairweather Membership Secretary

 

 SCOTTISH VETERAN HARRIERS RUN and BECOME RACE SERIES 2014/15

After 16 races spread over 11 months the Jackie Gourlay Trophy for the winner of the Men’s event goes this year to Andy McLinden with 73.5 points, with Colin Feechan 2nd on 69.6 and Willie Jarvie 3rd, 68.4. Andy Law & Neil Robbins made up the top five, covered by 6.9 points.

The Dale Greig Trophy for the winner of the Women’s event goes to Frances Maxwell 61.7 points, with Ada Stewart 58.8, Pamela McCrossan 51.2, and Shirley MacNab 49.1 taking the minor prizes.

The best performance over the series came from Andy McLinden with 9.3 points at both the Clydebank 5km & the Neil McCover ½ Marathon. David Millar scored 9.3 points and Kerry-Liam Wilson 9.2 at the Tom Scott 10mile race.

For those who are new to this competition, each runner’s best 8 performances from the selected races are involved, with age grading utilised to allocate points won. For those who complete more than the required 8 races an additional 1 point is awarded. Over £600 worth of prizes are available along with trophies and competition is always keen. Check the SVHC website for regular updates.

The draft list for 2015/16 is –

18/10/15 SVHC 10K Track Champ Coatbridge

25/10/15 Ruby’s Race 5K Kilmarnock

12/12/15 SVHC Xmas Handicap Clydebank

27/02/16 SAL Cross Country Champs Falkirk

06/03/16 Lasswade 10 miles Road Race Lasswade

tbc Lost Trails Race Falkland

10/04/16 Tom Scott 10 mile road race Motherwell

10/04/16 50th Round the Houses 10km RR Grangemouth

08/05/16 SVHC Walter Ross 10km RR Cartha

04/05/16 Snowball Race 4.8 miles Coatbridge

tbc Bathgate Hill Race Bathgate

01/06/16 Corstorphine 5 miles Road Race Edinburgh

tbc SAL Masters Track & Field 3km/5km tbc

29/06/16 SVHC 5km Champs Clydebank

tbc SVHC Glasgow 800 10k Champs Cartha

tbc Moray Marathon Elgin

02/10/16 SVHC Half Marathon Champs Kirkintilloch

Alastair Macfarlane

 

 OBITUARY: BRIAN CAMPBELL 6th October 1943 – 26th November 2015

 Brian’s clubmate Brian McAusland wrote the following:

Probably the most successful Clydesdale Harriers men’s team the club has ever had, in terms of winning British titles, is the group known as the Three Amigos who went everywhere as a team in the M60 Age Grouping and won just about every British Team Championship they entered, whether on the road or over the country, whether 5000 metres or 10,000 metres, whether straight race or relay race between 2002 and 2008. In that period they won thirteen titles and medalled in four others – quite remarkable!

Each was a very good athlete in his own right but if ever there was evidence of the total being greater than the sum of the parts, this was it. Brian Campbell started out as a school football player after attending a school in Lanarkshire where the heroes were Billy McNeill and Bobby Murdoch. By fifth year he was captain of the school first eleven and, as was usual, played for the school on the Saturday morning and for an amateur team in the afternoon, thereafter repairing to the pub or the dancing for a couple of pints.

He had what he called the ‘dubious pleasure’ of playing against Jimmy Johnstone when he played outside right for St Columba’s Boys Guild and Brian was left back for St John’s!

Athletics became a career purely by chance. At the age of thirty six he had to give up weekly five a side football ‘due to several injuries – broken ankle, dislocated shoulder, broken fingers, fed up wife…’ By the age of forty he had gone up to 11.5 stones in weight and at New Year 1984 his resolution was to get back some fitness.

By January he had started easy runs with some other ‘potential geriatrics’. By April he was running in the Galloway Marathon in 3:26:00 and then three weeks later he ran the Motherwell Marathon in 3:22:00. In his first year he ran four marathons in all – not to be recommended he said!

In 1985 he joined his local club Hamilton Harriers and as his children grew he introduced them to athletics taking three of them to the club twice a week and to League Meetings at the weekend.

In 1986 he went to Inverclyde on a coaching course where he shared a room with one of his heroes, Commonwealth 10,000 metres champion Lachie Stewart, and did some coaching at the club.

!987/88 saw him try some triathlons with a bit of success winning the vets prize at East Kilbride and Cumbernauld. The training demands of three distinct schedules were ultimately too much physically and time-wise and so he went back to road running where he picked up various age group prizes at a variety of distances and venues.

His best performances as a Veteran were: Marathon: 2:49:55; Half Marathon: 74:52; 10 Miles: 54:25; 10K: 33:50.

Brian had known Bobby Young and Pete Cartwright through road and cross country racing plus as members of the SVHC. It was actually at one of the Vets Races in 2003 that he got talking with Pete and the upshot was that he joined Clydesdale Harriers as there were no other over 60s at his club to make up a team.

Like the others Brian had many individual and team successes over the period in question – for example in 2006 he won both 1500 metres and 3000 metres at the Scottish Vets Indoor Championships in Kelvin Hall. In addition, he ran frequently for Scottish Masters in the annual British and Irish Masters Cross Country International.

One of the main ingredients of the success of the trio was that they were indeed The Three Amigos who delighted in each other’s company. Indeed in 2009 they spent six weeks together in Australia and New Zealand: you don’t do that and not fall out if there is not something special in the relationship.

Brian’s great friend Bobby Young added the following: For many years Brian was well known to me and Pete as a fellow runner. From the early 1980s we competed as rivals on many occasions. Brian was a good runner and a very hard man to beat. He was very friendly and always good company. Many a good story, several beers and funny jokes were shared after races.

Towards the end of 2003, as we both approached the new M60 age group, we discussed the potential success Clydesdale Harriers would have on the Masters competitions. Together with Pete Cartwright, we would be a formidable team especially at British Masters level. We had all been successful on occasions individually but together we would be more than the sum of the parts.

So in 2004 we entered the British Masters XC Championships in Durham and won Silver behind Bingley Harriers. Next was the Road Relay Championships at Sutton Park, Birmingham. During the race Brian damaged a calf muscle but typically he struggled on to hand over to myself and we managed to secure Bronze behind Bingley Harriers.

When Brian was fit again we set off into the 2005 campaign in which we entered six British Masters events and won them all, earning the title “The Border Raiders” down South and, at home “The Three Amigos”.

Quite a few more titles followed after that. We spent a lot of time together over the next few years, especially the six weeks touring Australia and New Zealand in January-February 2009.

Brian was a great guy to spend time with, knowledgeable, well read, with a great sense of humour. A constant supply of jokes and funny stories flowed by email. He had a great passion for seeking out and consuming Real Ales, with which I was very sympathetic and helped as much as possible.

After a race in 2014 in Maryport, every pub was checked out for suitable ales, but none passed muster. So off we went north to Lancaster which provided two Wetherspoons establishments which satisfied Brian’s high standards.

Brian was a lovely man who will be sadly missed by family, friends and fellow runners. On behalf of myself, Peter Cartwright and fellow Scottish Veteran Harriers, I would send our deepest sympathies to Jo, the children and grandchildren. He was extremely proud of them and loved them deeply.

GREAT SCOTTISH VETERAN ATHLETES – ANDY COOGAN

(The Maryhill Harriers team which won the 1939 Edinburgh to Glasgow Road Relay, with Andy Coogan in the back row, third from the right. Can you spot other famous Scottish runners: Donald McNab Robertson, Emmet Farrell and Gordon Porteous? Photo courtesy of the Coogan family.)

Andy Coogan’s friend James Munn reports that Sir Chris Hoy’s great-uncle (and inspiration) celebrated his 98th birthday in April 2015.

Andy’s autobiography (‘Tomorrow You Die’) was published 2012, and is a marvellous tale of resilience and survival, especially during three and a half years suffering in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.

Andy Coogan was a very talented middle-distance runner, not only before his military service, but also many years later, once the Veteran Athletics movement was established.

His first club was the famous Maryhill Harriers, which he joined as a youth, and then had considerable success, particularly in the mile and half mile, but also in longer races, including cross country. In 1938 Andy won the Police Mile at Hampden; and then the Empire Exhibition Mile at Ibrox.

He was 21 when the Second World War broke out in 1939, and was called up to serve in the Lanarkshire Yeomanry. In November 1939 Maryhill Harriers led all the way to win the prestigious Edinburgh to Glasgow Relay, with Andy coming in first on Stage One.

In 1940, before embarking for Cape Town, Bombay and Poona, Andy was invited by Bill Struth, the manager of Rangers FC, to take part in an international sports day at Ibrox. In a handicap mile, he was to race against the legendary Sydney Wooderson (the world mile record holder) in front of a crowd of 90,000! Before the event, Andy met Wooderson, who turned out to be an absolute gentleman, happy to chat with the young Glaswegian.

There were eight starters. In “Tomorrow You Die” there is a fine description of the race. “Right from the start, there was a tremendous noise from the crowd. With a lap to go, there were three runners ahead of me. At about 150 yards, I overtook Ian Stokoe of Edinburgh University, the British Universities mile champion. I was excited because I knew that Stokoe was very good. The other athletes were well behind us by this time. The atmosphere in the stadium was amazing. I wasn’t sure where Wooderson was, but I knew he was coming up, by the way the crowd were roaring. I wasn’t racing, using the head; I was just desperate to get to the finish. With about ten yards to go, Wooderson came level, then passed me. I was happy to be in second place and, to tell the truth, just happy to be in the race, as it was a great honour to run against Wooderson……… Afterwards, he was very encouraging. He told me that I had a good future in athletics and gave me his pins and his numbers as souvenirs……That night I allowed myself to dream of running for Scotland and maybe ultimately the Olympics.”

Although Andy Coogan also won a half mile and a mile in Poona, that was to be the end of his senior running career, since despite brave fighting in Malaya, he and his surviving comrades were captured by the Japanese after the surrender of Singapore.

Details of the agonies endured during imprisonment are vividly described in the book. Yet eventually, the war did end and emaciated, starving men were freed. Andy Coogan’s incredible spirit, positive philosophy and inner toughness shines through the narration.

Back in Scotland, after a long period of convalescence, during which he was helped back to fitness by Maryhill Harriers, Andy met his wife-to-be Myra. In 1948 they moved to Carnoustie and Andy founded Tayside Amateur Athletics Club.

As well as coaching and encouraging everyone in the community to participate in sport, he also took part in Veteran Athletics. In 1987 he was pictured leading the World Veterans 800m in Melbourne, in front of Shettleston’s Davie Morrison. Andy won a gold medal in the Commonwealth Vets 800m at the age of 75 and kept running well into his eighties. Aged 82, in the 1999 British Veterans Athletics Championships at Meadowbank, he won the M80 200 metres! Gordon Porteous, Emmet Farrell and Davie Morrison also competed that day.

Andy says that veteran meetings were great fun, although deadly serious! Scottish Masters Track and Field presents annually ‘The Andy Coogan Trophy’ for the best age-graded performance (Indoors or Outdoors) in 800m by any male SVHC member.

In 2012, Andy had a well-deserved honour when he carried the Olympic torch in Dundee. He wrote that he was very moved by the turnout of friends, family and former runners with Tayside Amateur Athletics Club. James Munn reports that, nowadays, this amazing character has good general health at 98, and is an alert, articulate speaker, who lives alone but is supported by regular visits from his daughters.

 

                                                                           PROFILE OF KERRY-LIAM WILSON

                                                         K-L nearing the finish of the 2015 World Masters Marathon in Lyon

Kerry-Liam Wilson has been the outstanding M35/M40 Scottish Veteran Harrier for several years. Only his M35 Ronhill Cambuslang clubmate Robert Gilroy seems likely to rival K-L’s achievements.

Kerry has won: five BMAF titles (two cross-country, ten miles, 10k and 5k); 22 Scottish Masters championships; and nine SVHC.

On August 16th 2015, he contested the World Masters marathon in Lyon, France, finishing fourth overall (3rd M40) after a truly valiant effort. He was first Briton and helped GB to team silver. Now, as he has entered the M45 age-group, he is motivated to train for future European and World Masters events.

Both Cambuslang stars run huge mileages in training. Kerry –Liam’s programme before Lyon was especially gruelling: three months hard, including six runs of twenty miles plus, and seven weeks of over 100 miles, with a maximum 131! Possibly a bit too much, even for an extremely fit 44-year-old. Once he takes just a little more care not to overdo it, and improves nutrition before and during a marathon, it seems very likely that a World or European Masters gold M45 medal is possible. No one could deserve it more.

QUESTIONNAIRE

NAME Kerry-Liam Wilson

CLUBs Ronhill Cambuslang and Scottish Veteran Harriers Club

DATE OF BIRTH Some time during the 1970s but not exactly sure. Being born in Singapore, a birth certificate isn’t something they gave out in those days. OCCUPATION Production Line Operative

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT? Youngest son Caine-Liam went along to the local football club under 7’s. However through time he just became a number, as the club got cliquey and, after I approached the coaches, I was basically told if I wasn’t happy then Caine wasn’t going to get a game.

After that incident we were out a family walk and met Nat Taylor of Girvan AAC and, after he was told the above story his words were “no matter how good or bad you’re at running, everyone gets a number” and invited us along to a training night.

At first I was going along basically to keep an eye on Caine, as I didn’t want him doing anything wrong, and also wanted to see him happy after the football incident. A few sessions passed and I was asked if I fancied joining in with the seniors so, after a bit of juggling with Caine and his wee brother Kalle who was two at this time, when Kate worked a back shift, I went out with the seniors on a Tuesday and Thursday and enjoyed it. Whatever route we did on those days I would reverse it on a Saturday before finally getting more involved.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE?

At Girvan AAC I would say it has to be Nat Taylor and Jack Maxwell, two coaches who went to races a lot and took me along and showed me the ropes. Did a lot of Sunday runs with Jack too and picked his brains when out on those runs. Caine would come along too if he wasn’t racing. Jack’s wife Eileen would look after him, usually in a coffee shop, before supporting us on the home straight of the races.

At Ronhill Cambuslang it has to be everyone! There’s a good team camaraderie, which is a vital part of becoming and staying a winning club. At first it was Stevie Wylie. Jamie Reid and Michael Johnston later on, plus David Cooney, Colin Feechan, James Orr, Owen Reid and Robert Anderson.

Stevie moved to Girvan when he bought a house, and we would do sessions and runs together all the time before his job went onto shifts, but we travelled regularly to races and, not long after that, I switched clubs from Girvan to Ronhill Cambuslang. On training runs again I would pick Stevie’s brains about running, training, diet etc, and then, after meeting Jamie Reid, would delve into his knowledge. Michael is another knowledgeable individual and I have learned a lot from him. Getting lifts from Michael after he spent a day working with athletes, he still gave me the time to answer questions I was concerned about.

 WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT? LIFE!

When I’m training or racing it gives me time to search for things in life that I’ve never had. Gives me a focus and a meaning to be here! I get the chance to mature, be myself and be in a place I want to be, rather than somewhere worse where I have been before. Since I have been let down by many people throughout my life, running helps me to block out those dark times. Growing up without a father has made me more determined to succeed so that my boys can be proud of me. Anger can be channelled into races.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES?

Probably the Scottish Athletics Masters XC win at Kilmarnock in 2012 was my best win, with the way the race turned around at the front many times, before I made the break on the last uphill section. The only time I got my photo in Athletics Weekly.

Also becoming the first person ever to do the clean sweep of all FIVE Scottish Athletics Masters National title wins during the Scottish Athletics Grand Prix Series in that same year, 2012. Winning the 5k, 10k, 10 mile, Half and Full marathons with PBs at 5k, 10 mile and half marathon. I was nominated twice for the Scottish Athletics Master of the Year Award.

YOUR WORST? Hard to pick one out because, if you think you’ve had a bad one, there is usually a positive in there that can help you towards the next race. I’m one of the most negative thinking people you’ll find and always look at the worst possible outcome. Anything better on race day is a bonus.

FIVE people help me tremendously, whether it’s during a meeting, before a race or by email/text conversation. They will remain anonymous but I think of them as: The Boss, The Champ, The Chauffeur, The Coach and The Gaffer. Without them I’d be the first to admit my performances at races would most definitely not have been what they were! I’ve the utmost respect, and owe them dearly for helping me, not only to get where I’m at in my running, but also to help me stay there.

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE?

Just happy to be putting one foot in front of the other!

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES?

Don’t do any other sports. Gave up cycling to/from work after consistently having ITB issues. Most strenuous “away from running” thing I do is a walk in and around Culzean Castle Country Park with the family, but after training has been completed for that day.

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS?

Spending time with family. At first when the boys were young I was travelling the night before and sleeping at friends’ or family’s houses, but through time, with Kate changing jobs and getting a driver’s licence, we now go to races together, meaning not many nights away, unless it’s with the Masters squad for the International XC.

One thing I’ve found that running has brought me is the friendliness of everyone, whether they’re from the same club or another club, although from time to time I still get questioned about why I left Girvan AAC to join Ronhill Cambuslang.

Before I took up running I followed football home and away in Scotland and throughout Europe with my club and International team, causing mayhem and destruction to the body through alcohol. Once the boys came along this was curtailed dramatically, as the money I used to have pre-kids was now being spent on much more important things. During that time I was often hassled for wearing football club colours, but at running THAT will never happen, so I feel there’s a more secure feeling amongst the running network. It is excellent that I get best wishes and congratulations from other clubs, before and after races. Even during races the amount of people that spur you on is great to see. The National XC for example. CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING?

I work from Sunday to Saturday for my week’s training. At my job I’m currently on a day shift/back shift rota with hours of 06:00- 1400 or 14:00-2200 hours, so my training is around those hours of employment.

Day shift week: Sunday will be the long run day. Depending if I’m racing the following weekend it can go between 16 – 20 miles. Normally around 1.45 – 2.10, again depending on race commitments and the route I choose. If in full marathon training I try and do 2 x 25 mile runs in my training schedule. Nowadays these are done on my own, depending how I’m feeling. If I’m feeling sluggish to begin with, and pick up during the run, I’ll turn it into a progressive session. Other long runs I’ll do 2 miles normal pace then do 1 x mile fast, 1 x mile steady x 8 then 2 miles normal giving me 20 for the day and try and have that in or around the 2 hours. Monday 05:00 hrs = 30 minutes to work, anywhere between 4.20 – 4.80 miles in length. Monday 14:00 hrs = 8, 10, 12 miles home in 50-52, 62-64 or 73-75 minutes Tuesday the same. Wednesday a.m. run the same, but the run home is a speed session, either a pyramid session or another type of interval workout. 5 x sets of 1 x 100,200,300,400,500 metres, all with 100 metres run through recovery in a pyramid style. 10 x 800 metres, 20 x 1 minute, 16 x 400 metres, 5 or 6 times a mile. Thursday and Friday the same as Monday/Tuesday. Saturday, if not working overtime, will be another session or easy run of 6 or 8 miles, normally, if racing on the Sunday. Sunday again will again be dependent on racing, but if I have not got anything on the radar, then another 16-20 will be run. Sometimes I might do a 22-24 mile run, just for the sake of it.

Back shift week I’ll start the Monday with 11 miles at 09:00 10pm is the 30 minutes run home from work. Tuesday : 12 noon = 8, 10 or 12 miles with similar times to the day shift week. Wednesday : either a session as stated above or the same as Tuesday. Thursday/Friday: same as Tuesday but, if racing, I tend to taper ever so slightly, with just 30 minutes to and from work. Saturday the same as last Saturday and again, if racing, an easy paced effort. Mileage can be around 75-100 miles but again, as stated, it’s all race dependent. In saying that, I’ve run 100+ mile weeks and been very close to my PB for that race distance.

I’m like most people who work full-time, and who have to fit in training around the job, as it’s the job that pays the bills, not the running which, after all, is “just a hobby, really” – but a serious one!

(After months of intensive training, Kerry-Liam ran the World Masters marathon in Lyon. He emailed his reactions not long after the race.)

A good performance (2.31.01) on a hot day, although under 4 minutes slower than my PB. Mike said afterwards that the results looked good from where he was as, in an ideal situation, I’d have gone out at least five days before the competition to acclimatise. My splits were as follows: 5.21 5.23 5.26 5.25 5.29 5.31 5.27 5.33 5.39 5.34 5.36 5.36 5.40 5.33 5.33 5.35 5.36 5.44 5.46 5.37 5.48 5.52 6.03 6.18 6.34 6.36 2.30 Took fourth overall but third M40 and GB won Team Silver. Two medals in my first ever Worlds can’t be bad, even if it didn’t quite go to plan. Winner was 2.28:42; second was M45 in 3.30:07; third, second M40, was 2.30:33.

The M45 lad, I was with him from about mile 1 to mile 22. I took the lead at mile 24, but this was short-lived, for 300 metres, before winner and the M45 passed me. Was overtaken in the last 300 metres by the second M40, to leave me third.

After first lap I was 20 seconds adrift, second lap 39 seconds adrift, third lap just one second adrift whilst working well with the M45.

Stitch came from nowhere but in saying that, I took the lead during that period. Short-lived, as previously stated. Then the legs just got heavier and heavier with very little leg lift. What I did notice was the three guys all had energy drinks and the M45 had gels. I only had water from the official stations to use, in paper cups which wasn’t ideal. I remember missing the first water station too. Maybe a lesson learned there!

The second M40 passed me and at that time the legs were getting heavier by the second and I knew he was closing me down but couldn’t respond at all. Lost toe nail again, same one as before. Legs stiff but I’ve been worse after previous marathons.

Not doing any other ones this year and won’t make a decision until New Year about a Spring one. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and already thinking of Portugal for the Non-Stadia ones, 10k or half there. Following year it’s the Stadia ones in Aarhus; then the Worlds again in Malaga in 2018.

As for diet, I ate pasta the evening before. Didn’t have any at all in the week leading. Had chicken, tuna on the Friday night. Breakfast was three small bread rolls and two bananas. Energy drink and an SIS bar. Stomach sore with the stitch and I remember during Edinburgh the same happened. I feel fine over 10k or a half but, as in Edinburgh it hurt from 20-23 mile mark. Something again to ponder. Legs feel tight but not planning to run for a few days

One thing that was going through my mind while other guys were going to the feed tables was Nutrition! My psychologist does triathlons and she happened to ask if I took any nutrition on board during the race. At Belfast I just stuck to water. At Lochaber I had three coffees during breakfast to race start time, then Lucozade during the race. Warm conditions that day too but ended up with excruciating stomach pains almost forcing me to stop.

I really enjoyed the whole experience in Lyon, even though it was just three days. I intend still do the Scottish and British races but will possibly aim for European or World Masters Championships as my “A” races throughout the year.

 

MEMORIES OF LYON 2015 by Colin Feechan

 (Colin ran very well to win M55 team gold for GB in cross-country and team silver in the half marathon.)

 I was asked to write some comments on my trip to Lyon for the World T&F champs in August and thought it may be appropriate to focus on what it might be like for others who have thought or are thinking about possible future events, whether they be indoor or outdoor, European or World, as there is always at least one event per year. Whilst some athletes are very comfortable when arranging to travel abroad, for others they may think it’s a step too far, or they have a few concerns.

The first point to make is that all of these championship events are all inclusive with respect to ability, whilst the guys and girls at the front are top quality athletes, there is the usual mix of all abilities that you see back home. As an example I saw one lady being lapped in an 800m race, but she received the biggest applause when she did finish and almost went on a lap of honour!

2014 was my first overseas event, the European Track & Field champs in Izmir, Turkey, and my wife Beth and I shared accommodation with Alan & Sharyn Ramage, who have experienced many of these races, and they guided us through the week, pointing out all of the known characters and their foibles.

Although you can use an approved BMAF travel agent and their hotels etc, most people book up themselves. With Sharyn’s attendance in doubt due to injury, we booked an apartment via Airbnb.co.uk, which is a very reputable world-wide site for renting out homes, apartments etc, at a price that suits your budget. We also booked our flights separately.

We made sure our apartment had Internet wi-fi, was close to the ½ marathon start (as it was a 7am start), and had a washing machine. The washing machine meant we did not have to worry about exceeding baggage allowances, and I thought it would also help my wife feel at home!

Scott Martin of Kilmarnock Harriers was coming over for the ½ marathon only and was going to sleep on the sofa bed for the last 4 days. This worked out well as the dishes were beginning to pile up by this time (well the wife was on holiday as well!), and he had to pay his way one way or another! I even picked him up at the train station to help him get his bearings and took him immediately to the apartment!

Unfortunately, the location for the ½ marathon was changed after we booked our apartment, which meant an even earlier rise, but the metro system was so efficient in Lyon, even on a Sunday, that it did not overly bother us on the day of the race.

As with all new locations, it takes a day or so to familiarise yourself to new surroundings, so I would advise to arrive at least 1 day before your first event. We arrived late Saturday evening / early Sunday morning, with my first race being the cross county on the Tuesday. Archie Jenkins and Lynne Marr usually attend these events and are a goldmine of useful info, but they didn’t make this trip. The Scots and Brits tend to stick together and build up some great camaraderie throughout these events, and we were lucky to meet up with Andy Ronald and Caroline Lawless who were on the same flight out, and again their previous experience was very helpful. Mind you, we did go on some unplanned sightseeing one day when Andy directed us off the bus quite a few stops too early!

Lyon is a wonderful city, with a very efficient public transport system, and we found the Lyonaisse very nice and approachable.

With around 8,000 competitors, around 2,000 of those were from the host country France, it would have been difficult to pick a country that was not represented. As we were competing under the GB&NI banner, all of our athletes had to wear the GB vest, some also bought the tracksuit. This did provide a sense of identity and helped you to mix with other GB&NI athletes, as well as attracting support during the races.

 I competed in three events spread over 13 days (XC, 10,000m and 1/2M) so no heats required. We combined the racing with a bit of sunbathing and sightseeing. We ate out in the evenings and sampled the local cuisine, with only sometimes not knowing what we were eating, but that’s all part of the experience. Sometime we ate on our own and sometimes we met up with other Scots athletes. I even took Beth out on an evening cruise up and down the Rhone and Saone rivers, with a lovely dinner thrown in, the weather was a wee bit warmer than you usually get with a cruise “Doon the Watter”!

By all accounts the results service this year was not up to the usual standard. Once again Alan Ramage provided excellent reporting with a day by day update on all competing Scots via the SVHC’s page on Facebook. He also provided most of the photos which captured the effort and essence of the championships, all of this without media access. SVHC should make representation to BMAF to ensure that Alan is given media access for future events, which will surely help SVHC representation and reporting.

So, for anyone who is contemplating attendance at future events I would highly recommend it. Some of the events last only a few days, some last up to a fortnight, you are sure to find an event suitable for your needs, and will likely visit a city you would never otherwise see. Details of the international events coming up can usually be found on http://bmaf.info/ under “Fixtures”

 

LYON WORLD MASTERS 2015 by Alex Sutherland

 (Alex showed speed and endurance to win M65 team silver for GB in the cross-country and made the top ten in this event, as well as 5000m and 10,000m.)

 I thought I’d better share and pass on this experience while the memories are still fresh and for anyone else who might like to give it a try.

First, Lyon is the second largest city in France and has four fully equipped sports stadiums, any one of which casts the Queens Park in Inverness in a modest light. In fact our politicians would probably close three of the French ones under the guise of improvement!

The city played host to more than 8000 competitors from 97 different countries and they ranged from 35 to 95 plus. The organization I experienced was superb and the support and camaraderie between the athletes was excellent although language could be a problem. At one stage a Chilean and I somehow arrived at a misunderstanding that we were both Turkish, and I would love to have seen the 95 year old pole vaulter in action and been able to communicate more effectively with some of the great Russians who took part in my races.

On day one someone said that the most difficult part of the whole business was getting to Lyon, working out the public transport system (incidentally very good metro and integrated tramways), registering, finding your accommodation, and getting to the start line. Running the race was the easiest part!

My big fear was always going to be the heat, which was expected to be in the mid to upper 20s, but fortunately for the first and my main cross country event at 8 in the morning, it was probably just under 20 degrees and very runnable. The terrain was flat and dry, wood and parkland with tree roots and tight corners, not unlike the Inverness park run but 8 K. I started cautiously and then began to enjoy racing and moving up the field. The first results showed me 9th. and first Briton, but then when the chip info came in I was 8th. equal with a Russian who I didn’t see at the end but he must have been behind in the big mass start. We also got the silver team medal behind a Russian gold but in front of Germany which won bronze.

The medal ceremony was pure theatrics with the Russian national anthem, flags, and podiums which rose about 2 feet into the air as you were announced, but the silver one was catching under the edge of the gold, tipping it over, so you were in danger of being decanted onto the lower stage, plus by this time I had got changed but fortunately managed to borrow someone’s track suit top. No doubt there will be a photo somewhere.

Two days later it was the 5000 metres, only my second on a track, so I wore my new spiked shoes but was the only one to do so, everyone else was in racing flats. [For the 10,000 I used my lighter cross country studs.] I knew it was going to be hot, and it was at 39 degrees so they played a hose across the track in two places and you ran through the water every 200 metres which was some relief. I managed 10th. and third Brit on that one in 20 min 09 secs, which was slower than my last two park runs and the Grangemouth race, but probably to be expected given the conditions on the day.

My last race on the 6th.day was the 10,000 metres on the same track and fortunately the temperature had dropped back again to the upper 20s. Ran it strategically and managed 8th, again in 42 17, two minutes slower than the recent Inverness 10 K, but very glad to reach the end, despite some confusion over the bell ringing for the last lap. I thought I’d finished twice and then had to go back and cross the pad again as I’d veered off too soon to the refreshment stall! The joys of track running. These things don’t happen on the hills and trails where my heart really is!

Anyway, it was all a great experience and one I can thoroughly recommend. I also have to thank Ian Johnstone and the late George Mitchell for their encouragement to try bigger competitions, Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust for their financial help, and of course my family who came to lend such great support along with all the French and their cries of Allez! Allez! which are still ringing in my ears.

Soon after returning from France I needed to take things a bit easier (but managed to fit in the Pollok Park 10K, and a 4th place in the 10 mile Glenurquhart Games trail race) so joined my sister and 30 odd horse runners to run about 85 miles across Wales over 4 days. Lots of rolling hill country, time spent opening and closing gates for the riders and in return I did take a lift on a horse to get across the infant river Severn!

We slept in barns and had a chow wagon following behind, providing great support, and of course it was an opportunity to use ancient tracks and trails on a huge variety of surfaces.

At one point the route was completely blocked by a tangle of wind blown conifers, and the horses had to make a long detour, while I crawled over and under the obstacles and made up 2 hours on the riders.

The highlight on the last day was reaching the 4 or 5 mile stretch of beach at Borth on the West Coast, and running along the wide open sand on the edge of the tide. Looking back over your shoulder and seeing a posse of riders making up ground was the closest thing to being in a Spaghetti Western I’m ever likely to experience!

So what does the rest of the running year look like? I guess staying ahead of injuries, some more study of Chi running, the anorak ambition of trying to get the Park Run time down to 19.47 (my birth year), the Tarbert/Rhenagadal hill race in Harris and of course the cross country season with the Scottish Masters in Forres and the International in Dublin, and I guess whatever other adventures, places and friends that running so often provides.

 

QUESTIONNAIRE – DAVID MILLAR

(David en route to winning the 2015 M45 Scottish Masters title at Kilmarnock. Back in 2008 he was first M35. Recently he was first M45 in the Tom Scott 10 miles, beating all the M40 runners.)

NAME David Millar

CLUB Irvine (was Athletic Club, now Running Club)

DATE OF BIRTH 9/7/69

OCCUPATION Investment Analyst

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT? I initially just started running as way to keep fit in my late 20s. I think I’d made a comment to my brother that a half marathon would be “easy” and signed up for the Glasgow Half when he challenged me to prove that.

Thereafter, in 1997 I started going down to the club in Irvine. For the first couple of years I was also doing some post graduate studying alongside my normal work so was not running as seriously. However, after finishing my studies I was able to start to up my training and get involved in all the races at club level etc

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE? Yes, I think the group at Irvine AC (I’ll always think of it as AC) were most influential – they helped me serve my apprenticeship in the running world. We had a great group of experienced and quality club runners and that helped me build up my knowledge of the history of the sport and all the events plus training methods.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT? Firstly, the fitness and health benefits. However, there is a tremendous social side and I’ve met a lot of good friends and indeed my fiancée through the sport. I enjoy the racing and competition as well – although I’ve always loved training so will always run even when I lose the competitive edge. Living in Ayrshire, it’s always easy to get out into the country or to the seaside and running enables you to get out and enjoy being outdoors in a nice part of the world.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES? I think I’ve been pretty consistent over the years and I’ve won loads of races and titles. It’s difficult to rank preferences but in particular I’ve really enjoyed some of our team successes. Running with a relatively small unfashionable club, we really punched above our weight at times. Some great performances in the old (and much missed Edinburgh to Glasgow Relay) including the Meritorious Award, silver in the West District Cross Country Relay and silver in the National 6 Stage Relays. I remember having watched the top guys in previous years coming flying up the final hill at Livingstone and it was a great feeling to replicate that, coming up in first place after my leg.

I’m pretty proud of my consistent record over the years, my pb at the Glasgow Half in 2007 was a good memory (67’01 and second UK athlete) but looking back and seeing a series of road races where I’m hardly ever out of the top 3 over a sustained period of years is pleasing – I like to think that I always raced hard and gained the respect of my fellow racers in that way.

YOUR WORST? Thankfully I’ve been fairly consistent and not had too many bad runs – for years I was almost metronomic in my 10ks and could almost set my watch by when I would finish! I can’t think of any real disasters, although my only marathon (back in 2000 when I was only really playing about with running) was a bit of an eye opener. I completely hit the wall, finished in 2.45 but that must have been about 20 minutes for the last two miles with rubber legs!

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE? As I said I’ve done fairly well and achieved a fair bit both individually and as a team. I’ve always been driven by times and tried to run as fast as I can – I suppose the only unfulfilled ambition is more of a lingering doubt as to whether I might have been able to go faster if I had started younger. Having said that, starting later has maybe helped longevity. So although acknowledging the passage of time, I’ll still be trying to run as fast as I can and maybe it will be season’s bests as opposed to personal bests that I will have to start aiming for!

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES? I enjoy being outdoors and do plenty of walking (does that count as added training?). I also like cycling but that does play second fiddle to running and tends to be neglected when I’m fit – mind you a year of cycling when I missed all of 2013 with Achilles problems was a great way to keep fit and also a good way of reminding myself how great running is.

In terms of other sports, many of my fellow runners will know I have a weakness in my support for the team representing the blue half of Glasgow.

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS? As I mentioned health and fitness and the social side. Also, it’s a great way to get out and about and you end up seeing a lot of places, from an industrial estate in Clydebank to the West Highland Way (and that’s just this year) – you see it all. I enjoy being part of the running community and have met some great friends.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING? And then I’d have to kill you! Seriously though, as I have a fairly lengthy commute to my work in Glasgow, I have always tended more towards the quality rather than quantity. So I aim to get plenty of bang for my buck in training – as my club mates will tell you I’ve still to learn about the concept of the “slow run”. So pretty unscientific really.

 

LAST LEG OF THE E TO G, 1983

 (David ran his first Edinburgh to Glasgow Road Relay in 1998, when I took part in my 29th and second-last. Here are brief insights into two earlier ones, especially 1983, when the pressure of this great race weighed heavily on my narrow shoulders. Editor.)

November 1966. A skinny teenager waited nervously for changeover at the beginning of the last stage of the Edinburgh to Glasgow Relay. My first major senior competition. Earlier I’d been glued to a bus window, trying to put faces to famous names in the programme – especially the record-breaking Edinburgh University team. Once the cold metal baton was in my hand, I quite enjoyed the run – only a ‘jogger’ to pass and no need for heroics. My team, Aberdeen University Hare & Hounds, finished 12th. I didn’t envy my exact contemporary, Innis Mitchell, Scottish Schoolboys’ Cross-Country Champion, and Aberdeen AAC’s last man. He was handed a precarious second place and, due to inexperience, bad luck and lack of local knowledge, was squeezed out of the medals in the last hundred yards. In his place, I doubt whether I could have managed to run in a straight line, let alone fast!

November 1983. A gnarled, cynical old-timer lounged casually against a wall, waiting confidently for changeover on the final leg of the E to G. No way! I was very worried, despite this being my 17th run in the event. It was much worse than 1966 – I knew that Aberdeen AAC had yet to win a ‘Scottish team title’ at senior level, although many international athletes had represented the club, such as Alastair Wood, Steve Taylor, Mel Edwards, Bill Ewing, and even a couple of very classy ‘Anglos’ called Peter and Ian Stewart. Our best results included a second place in 1968 (3 hours 38 minutes 40 seconds); and the heartbreak of losing first place in the 1967 ‘National’ ON THE COUNTBACK!

We had a very good team this time and I felt that, when Mike Murray handed me a valuable but uncomfortable lead, I had better not ruin this chance of victory, or I might not get a lift home from Glasgow in the team bus – and goodness knows what the outspoken Wood might snarl at me!

The fact that the ‘Best Man’ at my wedding, Dave Logue (Edinburgh Southern Harriers) was 30 seconds behind, and Peter Fleming (Bellahouston), the recent winner of the Glasgow Marathon, 53 seconds, didn’t increase my confidence.

The tactics are traditional in these circumstances – the person in the lead must go off hard, but not quite flat out (to avoid blowing up) and the pursuers have to charge off as if they were running a race half the distance, hoping to catch the leader, gather their energies, and surge past.

A mile into the stage, cheers from a small group of Aberdeen fans had died away, to be replaced by the Bella Bawlers and the Southern Shouters. My former team-mate, Jackie White of ESH (the guy who blew a bugle) gave a blast as I approached. I assumed that he was trying to encourage Dave Logue, so waved a reduced number of fingers at him. As I passed, he looked shocked and muttered reproachfully, “It was for YOU!”

The Bella supporters narrowed their eyes, pressed their stopwatches and said nothing. They were watching the figure of Peter Fleming, rapidly hurtling closer. (My unfortunate friend Dave had pulled a muscle – thank goodness.) Neutrals and East-Coasters seemed to be cheering for Aberdeen, and their comments quickly changed from “Fine, Colin! Keep it going like that!” to “Push it, Lad! He’s catching you!” and “You’ll really have to FIGHT now!” The most worrying yell was from a rabid Bella fan “’At’s MAGIC, Pe’er! Ye’re only 20 secs doon! Ye’ve GOAT him – he’s DEID!”

Just when I was beginning to believe him, a couple of uphill sections appeared (my favourite at that time) and I started to pull away again. Doug Gillon, the Glasgow Herald journalist, drove past telling me to “Slow down – relax! All you’ve got to do is stand up to win!”

Easier said than done on my wobbly legs, but it was into the last half-mile and, after an awkward piece of dodging through a traffic jam, I flopped over the line. What a relief! Thanks to a tailwind, we recorded 3.35.30, the second fastest ever, and 40 seconds up on Bellahouston. In the end, it was a really great day for Aberdeen AAC.

 

QUESTIONNAIRE – RHONA ANDERSON

 NAME Rhona Anderson CLUB Dunbar Running Club

DATE OF BIRTH 25/01/64 OCCUPATION Marketing & Business Development (Veterinary medicines)

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT? I started running in my early twenties when some workmates decided to run the local half marathon, the Wycombe Half (I lived in Bucks at the time) and I decided to join them. It wasn`t as bad as I had imagined! I then joined Wycombe Phoenix Harriers and have been involved with running ever since.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE? My brother in law (Alan Robson – a former Scottish half marathon champion) inspired me to compete and improve in road races – although it would be hard to be as competitive as he was! Also my training partners and friends Rob McGrath (in Bucks), Michelle Beneteau (when I lived and ran in the Paris) and Megan Wright (all better runners than me!) have kept me focussed on training and racing over the years.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT? Keeping fit and the challenge/satisfaction and frustrations of racing and trying to chase down PBs!

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES? Getting my PB of 1h25 in the Jersey Half Marathon some time ago now. More recently – very happy to win the W50 category in the 2015 Scottish Masters Cross Country Championships at Kilmarnock this year. (Along with Fiona Matheson, Beryl Junnier and Pamela McCrossan, Rhona went on to win W50 team silver for Scotland in the 2015 British and Irish Masters International Cross Country in Dublin. Ed.)

YOUR WORST? I had a disappointing run at the Paris marathon last year – I really suffered in the last few miles. Also being out sprinted and losing the team prize as a result in a cross country in France many years ago!

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE? I would love to have got closer to 3 hours for a marathon (my PB is 3h08) but should have started running them before I was a vet!

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES? Coaching junior athletics, camping, ski-ing and socialising with family & friends.

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS? I’ve made some great friends through running and visited all sorts of places. Always having a race to aim for keeps you focussed.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING? When training for a marathon I run 6 days a week (50-60 miles per week) which includes one long run of 15-20 miles, a 10-11 mile run and a hill or speedwork session. It’s less structured outside of marathon training. I train with Dunbar Running Club on a Tuesday.

 

ALFIE HOWIE: DISTANCE RUNNER SUPREME

 

(By Allan Stirling, who was a successful Veteran sprinter from Ayrshire, a former coaching co-ordinator for Aberdeen AAC and 400m club runner. His athletic highlights were: coming second to the legendary professional George McNeill in the 100m; gold for GB in the World Championships (M55) 4x400m in 3.53.02; silver in the South American Championships (M60) 800m in 2.31; and South American Champion (M65) in single sculls. Lives in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro.)

It often comes as a surprise on encountering old acquaintances to find either that they have changed completely or followed a path not too dissimilar to oneself. The formative years at school, I guess, play a part in shaping our attitudes and having a PE teacher of the old school variety did little to foster a love of running for myself at least, and most likely for the subject of this article, Mr Alf Howie, runner, ultramarathoner and record breaker.

As a classmate of Alfie Howie at Ardrossan Academy in the 60`s neither of us were I believe particularly interested in running, however by some bizarre twist it was decided that we should run the half mile handicap, just for a laugh, and accordingly gave ourselves a more than generous handicap. The honours went to me, however this was a pyrrhic victory as I had to suffer the wrath of the sixth formers for a considerable period of time.

Alfie won the race the next year as I remember, with ease by all accounts. Al (or Alf) Howie, as he is better known in North America, took up running to rid himself of his heavy smoking habit in his late 20s and found something which he clearly enjoyed doing, not for the pleasure of winning, although that would come later, but for the sheer joy of running as he was able to run to and from races with relative ease.

For me Alf Howie epitomises the `Alf Tupper` character, the Tough of the Track, and to finish a race or during meal stops with a pint and fish supper seemed like the natural thing to do. Something that Hash House Harriers have been doing for years. Sir John Walker (Great NZ Miler) was partial to a fish supper I understand. Alf`s feats are the stuff of legends and as a result he is no stranger to the Guinness Book of Records. The SVHC Newsletter is too short to list all his achievements which are well recorded on Wikipedia or in the distance running website www.scottishdistancerunninghistory.co.uk both of which make interesting reading.

He is of course best known for his win in the Trans Canada Highway run from Newfoundland to Victoria`s Mile Zero in a time of 72 days, 10 hrs and 23 minutes (coast to coast) a record which looks to be unbeatable, imagine 100km a day for 72 days. His charity efforts from this race raised $7500 for the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for children with special needs, which speaks volumes.

Other interesting records include: the longest non-stop run, 4 days and nights round a track, covering 1422 laps in 104.5 hrs, solely to publicise the Commonwealth Games; and completing the Sri Chinmoy 1300 mile event in a world record time.

In these ultras Alf Howie set the bar sufficiently high for mere mortals to only dream of, and, while a couple of individuals have bettered a few of the records, no single person has put his or her stamp on ultra distance running quite like Alf Howie.

Always a fighter, he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour behind his ear and, instead of submitting to the surgeon`s knife and chemotherapy, he sought alternative medicine, and with the help of a clinic in Vancouver cured the condition in a few months, with a healthy macrobiotic diet free of preservatives and regular shiatsu massage.

In a Trans USA Run he ran across the Mojave Desert but was forced to withdraw due to severe blistering of his feet as he did not have the correct heat-dissipating insoles in his shoes. This he believes led to the onset of Type1 Diabetes some years later. Did this affliction stop him from running? Not one bit. To him it was just another challenge to be met and overcome somehow. The paraphernalia that accompanies diabetes treatment became an everyday part of his kit bag.

Three years after his diagnosis of diabetes he had regained his ultra form once more and won 4 out of 5 races. His last being the 72 hour Across the Years event which started on December 29th and finished on New Year’s Day in Phoenix, a race which he won.

Now 70 years of age, Alf lives in Duncan, Vancouver, and is receiving treatment for diabetes. Whilst Alf Howie has been feted in Canada, he is sadly largely unknown in the UK except in distance running circles. The former pupils society in his old school condenses his profile to a few lines but does, however, make reference to the Guinness Book of Records.

My attempts at raising awareness of Alf`s accomplishments with the local running club in Saltcoats, something which never existed in the 60s, seem to have fallen on deaf ears. Who knows, perhaps I will get a retort from an SVHC member from there, which would be cool.

I do believe that this bairn of ‘Jock Tamson’ is deserving of some recognition in old Scotia. Running side apart, the man is a legend in Vancouver, not only for the running records, but also his views on life, respect for the environment, and willingness to help out charities when the need arises. If there was a Scottish equivalent of the Legion d`Honneur I believe he would have been a recipient years ago, alongside the likes of R.L. Stevenson, another enlightened expat.

AL HOWIE: LOOKING BACK

 (This is a 2007 article, posted on planetultramarathon)

Al Howie’s thick mustache and Scots brogue remain intact. He’s still lean and sinewy, not far off the 135 pounds he weighed in his prime 15 years ago, when he was the greatest ultramarathoner on Earth. But he’s 61 now and wears thick glasses, his vision hampered by diabetes, and his hands quiver. “I’m sorry I’m not in better shape,” he says quietly, in the Duncan group home where he lives today. “But I guess we all have our problems.” Meeting him under these circumstances, it’s hard to believe he once held several Guinness world records — but then again, so many things about Al Howie’s life have been unlikely.

Born in a tough port town near Glasgow (ED: actually, Ardrossan and Saltcoats are more like seaside resorts) he spent all of his 20s as a vagabond hippie, got married twice, fathered two children, and didn’t start running until he was nearly 30 and living in Toronto, trying to work off the aggression from quitting a three-pack-a-day smoking habit.

After he moved to Vancouver Island with his son, his hobby became an obsession; he started entering races, and though he did well in marathons, he found that if he ran in longer contests, he was always way out in front.

To finance his races, he worked as a tree planter; for a while he had a job at a copper mine near Port Hardy and ran to and from work, 12 miles each way.

On the racing circuit, he became famous as much for his unusual style as his victories. Wearing a “Tartan Spartan” T-shirt, he lived on a steady diet of beer and fish and chips — sometimes even during a race. “It drove people crazy. They’d see me knocking back a beer while they were stretching, and the next time they’d see me would be up on the podium.”

On top of that, to keep expenses down, he’d often run to races in other cities, putting his bags on the bus to a distant town, catching up to them and changing clothes, then sending them on to the next stop.

He ran from a marathon in Edmonton to one in Victoria. He ran from B.C. to California for a race, and from England to Italy. And when he reached his destinations, he often won.

But after Howie was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1985 — which he claimed to cure by switching to a macrobiotic diet — he got serious, and set a series of astonishing long-distance records.

At UVic in 1987 he jogged 580 km nonstop in 104.5 hours, the world’s longest continuous run. In 1988 he ran the 1,400-km length of Britain in 11 days. In 1989 he became the first person to finish the Sri Chinmoy 1,300-mile race in New York, beating its 18-day time limit. And on September 1, 1991, he arrived in Victoria, finishing the fastest-ever run across Canada, in 72 days — averaging 103 km, the equivalent of two-and-a-half marathons, every single day.

Why do it? “People walk long distances, and running’s more entertaining,” he replies bluntly. “You see more.” Plus there’s the satisfaction of setting a seemingly impossible goal, planning, focusing, and then achieving it.

Howie’s never talked much about the zen of running, but he did once say his sport was a way of escaping from the materialism of everyday life, from “earning or spending, buying or selling.”

 “I’m in my element when I’m doing it,” he told a reporter in 1998. “All that matters is that you cover ground, eat right. You stop worrying about Saddam Hussein, or that the rent’s due back home.”

But the material world caught up with him. Though he loved talking to people while running, he never cashed in as a motivational speaker. Though he raised thousands of dollars for charities, he often lived in bitter poverty.

As he wrote in a letter to Monday in 1987, during a round-trip run to the Queen Charlottes for the United Way, “Sometimes I run on adrenalin …. more often, I run on resentment, angrily pounding the blacktop. Why must I run on empty? Why do I get no support from my hometown? Mostly, I plod on because I have committed myself to this asphalt insanity and I simply don’t know how to quit.”

His personal life has suffered, too. He’s no longer with his third wife, and lost contact with his son, who was deported back to Scotland after a marijuana arrest. In 1992 Howie realized he had Type 1 diabetes, and though he managed it carefully, in 2001 he suddenly lost his motivation to compete, and started being treated for depression, a common condition for insulin-dependent diabetics. “The talent’s still there,” he says. “But I didn’t deserve quite that amount of bad luck.”

Near the end of this weekend’s Royal Victoria Marathon, runners will pass the statue of Terry Fox, and the sign for Fonyo Beach. But they’ll actually have to stop and look closely at Mile Zero to see the small plaque there, commemorating Al Howie’s own incredible run across Canada. His other records have been topped, but at least he can get some satisfaction knowing that one is literally set in stone. “I don’t think anyone’ll ever beat it,” he says, and he’s probably right.

 

Scottish Veteran Harriers Club AGM 18th October 2015

As usual this year’s meeting was preceded by the 10km Track Championships which were well supported. For a change the slightly slower runners along with the hardy walkers started earlier in a separate race followed later by the sub 40 competitors This seemed to work quite well with less cluttered fields although Hugh McGinlay caused some concern when he collapsed halfway through, Thankfully he recovered quickly .

Some people from the race could not wait for the excitement of the AGM whilst others collected their Run and Become awards before scuttling off. In truth it is not the most riveting event of the year but it is a shame more don’t stay.

Those who did heard reports from the previous year, which included easier to read accounts. These showed the club to be in reasonably good financial health but it was agreed to increase the annual subscriptions for the first time in many years. This will help to support future teams in international or other representative events.

2016 will be a busy year for club members. Apart from the usual fixtures there is a possibility of teams competing in inter area track matches and a new international 10km road race. In November we host the International cross country at Tollcross Park and a special sub committee is already actively planning for this. Hopefully we shall put in a strong performance as it is important for the host nation to do well.

By Campbell Joss

 

LETTER FROM BRIAN GARDNER

A LETTER FROM BRIAN GARDNER

Hi Colin, How’s this for a fairy tale? Two and a half years, several injuries, three operations, and one retirement from athletics after last winning a medal in a Scottish Masters Championship (M55 cross country silver), I win M55 silver in the Scottish Masters Open Water swimming Championships. Unfortunately, that’s all it is: a fairy tale. What actually happened was that I failed to finish the swim, had to call in the rescue boat and spent half an hour in the ambulance with near-hypothermia.

However, although my experiment in championship swimming – which is non-wetsuit – didn’t work, I did have some success in a wetsuit and have loved my first season of open water season.

Here are ten reflections on the similarities and differences between cross country running and open water swimming:

1. Open water swimming is to pool swimming what cross country running is to track 2. For a skinny, ex-Scottish Veteran Harrier, swimming without a wetsuit is like running a cross country race naked and barefoot
2. I felt great running out of the water (see pic) in a triathlon relay (my son cycled and my daughter ran) but half way up the 400m hill towards the transition area I remembered why I had given up running to take up swimming
3. Even after 40 years of running, a year of swimming can change body shape
4. Night Swimming is like nothing else on land or water – amazing!
5. You can make huge improvements in competition swims with small changes to technique in training – my best swims were in July, August and early September (see attachment 4); I like to think that this was down to good coaching and planning as well as warmer water!
6. Swimming with the tide or current e.g. Bournemouth Pier to Pier is like running downhill, wind-assisted
7. Results aren’t everything: some are unofficial and some don’t really matter e.g. my final swim – the Night Swim – was my slowest of the year but the most enjoyable
8. Although I’m competing at a lower level than I used to do as a runner, I’m having more fun: my wife tells me that I come out of the water elated, like a wee boy, unlike many disappointments after running like a donkey
9. There is life after running: you’re never too old to try something new and if you stick at it the rewards can be wonderful Yes, I’m still as thoughtful as ever!

Best wishes, Brian Gardner.

Date Competition Type Venue Distance Position M55 Time

APRIL

1 Sat  18th April Swimathon Pool Calne  LC 5000m (1) (1) 1:35:29nws 2

Wed  29th April KimOswim  series  1 Lake  (31) Cotswolds 1500m (4) (1) 25:59

MAY

3 Wed  13th May KimOswim  series  2 Lake  (31) Cotswolds 1500m (3) (1) 25:25sb 4

Sat  31st May Small  Fry Lake Reading 1500m 4 (1) 25:51

JUNE

5 Wed  10th June KimOswim  series  3 Lake  (31) Cotswolds 750m (2) (1) 11:55pb 6 Sat  13th June Events  Logic Lake (62) Cotswolds 1500m 7 (1) 25:38 7

Sun  21st June Wiltshire  ASA Lake  (32) Cotswolds 1500m  nws 24 1  (2nd M41) 27.35nws 8

Sun  28th June South  West  ASA Sea Weymouth 1500m  nws 36 (1) 32:34nws

JULY

 9 Sat  4th July Big  Cotswold  Swim Lake  (32) Cotswolds 1  mile 12 1  (1st M50) 26:11

10 Sat  11th July Triathlon  Relay Lake Bowood 750m (1) (1) (11:13)pb 11 Wed  22nd July KimOswim  series  4 Lake  (31) Cotswolds 1500m (2) (1) 23:50pb 12 Sat  25th July Big  Swim Lake Nottingham 1500m   24 1  (1st M50) 24:04

 AUGUST

 13 Sun  2nd August ASA  National  Masters Lake Sheffield 1500m  nws 30 4 29:39nws 14

Sun  9th August Pier  to  Pier Sea Bournemouth 1.4  miles (19) (1) (32:02) 15 Sat  15th August Scottish  ASA Loch Callander 2000m  nws DNF -­‐ -­‐ 16

Wed  19th August KimOswim series  5 Lake  (31) Cotswolds 1500m (3) (1) 23:44pb

SEPTEMBER

17 Sat    5th September Create  Swim Lake Bradley  Stoke (2600m) 5 (1) 41:43 18 Wed  9th September KimOswim  series  6 Lake  (31) Cotswolds 750m (1) (1) 12:08 19 Sun  13th September Triathlon Relay Lake  (62) Cotswolds 1500m (7) (1) (23:17)pb 20

 Sat 19th September Big  Cotswold  Swim  2 Lake  (32) Cotswolds 1  mile 17 1  (1st M50) 26:23

OCTOBER

21 Sun  4th  October Lido  Challenge Pool Cheltenham 2000m (1) (1) (33:37) 22 Sat  10th October Night  Swim Lake Oxford 1500m 26 (1) 26:54

British & Irish Masters Cross Country International Santry, Dublin – Saturday 14th November 2015

 This year we returned to Santry Demesne, where the race was held in 2005 & 2010. Most runners chose to fly to Dublin Airport, where free bus transfers were available to the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Travelodge. Travel arrangements were difficult for several runners because of the effects of Storm Abigail, but everyone managed to get there eventually.

Pat Timmons provided us with race numbers, reception tickets and programmes on Friday afternoon, which Archie, Lynne & Colin started distributing before the Team Managers’ meeting.

The race was held on almost the same course as previously, but some minor changes were made because of the waterlogged conditions. In spite of invaluable assistance from Alastair Macfarlane, Ada Stewart Archie Jenkins, #andy Law & Colin Feechan, my Scottish Team Manager’s job was even harder than usual, as our team had several potential medal winners unable to attend & 2 or 3 late call-offs.

However, the team did a lot better than 5 years ago finishing 3rd Women’s team, 3rd Men’s team & 3rd overall out of the 5 competing countries and won 4 silver & 8 bronze team medals. There were 4 individual silver medallists & 1 bronze medallist, but unfortunately no gold medals.

In Race 1, Joasia Zakrzewski finished 3rd W35, behind AnneMarie McGlynn & Natasha Adams IRL, followed 32sec later by 2nd W50 Fiona Matheson, who was once again pipped in the finishing straight by Claire Elms ENG. Sharon Muir, Alison Dargie & Megan Wright were next Scots finishers, 7th, 8th & 10th W40s.

Betty Gilchrist again finished clear of Brigid Quinn, but was pushed into 2nd place by new W70 Dot Fellows ENG, who had a commanding lead of nearly 3min!

Melissa Wylie 8th W45, Isobel Burnett 6th W55, Jane Kerridge 5th W60, Hazel Bradley 4th W65 & Anne Docherty 6th W70 all deserve special mention.

Alex Sutherland was first Scots male, finishing 7th M65, 2sec ahead of 1st M70 Peter Giles ENG. Bob Young & Stewart McCrae finished 5th & 6th M70.

George Black put in a brave run, with the aid of permitted painkillers, to finish 2nd M75 just 4sec behind Peter Covey ENG & 1min ahead of 6th placed Watson Jones. 81 year old Walter McCaskey was 8th M75, 2 min behind Watson.

In Race 2, Neil Thin finished 2nd M55. 23sec behind Tommy Payne IRL. Jim Buchanan 12th M50 was next Scot finisher, followed by 5th M55 Colin Feechan. Andy McLinden & Alastair Dunlop were 7th & 8th M60.

In Race 3 Martin Williams 7th M35 was first Scots finisher, followed by 7th M40, Kenny Campbell. Kerry-Liam Wilson was 7th M45

RACE 1: 6KM FOR WOMEN AND M65+

W35: 3 SCOTLAND Joasia Zakrzewski 3, 22:26, Jennifer Forbes 12, 23:59, Fiona Dalgleish 16, 24:23, Claire Thomson 20, 26:03.

W40: 3 SCOTLAND, Sharon Muir 7, 23:12, Alison Dargie 8, 23:30, Megan Wright 10, 23:37, Gillian Sangster 19, 24:46.

 W45: 5 SCOTLAND Melissa Wylie 8, 23:54, Anya Campbell 16, 24:44, Bernadette O’Neill 18, 25:46, Julia Harris 20, 26:23.

W50: 2 SCOTLAND, Fiona Matheson 2, 22:58, Beryl Junnier 9, 24:54, Pamela McCrossan 11, 25:19, Rhona Anderson 12, 25:49.

W55: 3 SCOTLAND Isobel Burnett 6, 25:08, Sonia Armitage 9, 25:37, Phyllis O’Brien 11, 26:16, Morag Taggart 15, 27:17.

W60: 3 SCOTLAND, Jane Kerridge 5, 27:27, Liz Bowers 7, 28:21, Linden Nicholson 13, 29:51. Jan Fellowes 14, 30:21.

W65: 4 SCOTLAND, Hazel Bradley 4, 28:13, Phyllis Lemoncello 12, 33:47, Ann Bath 13, 34:11.

W70: SCOTLAND, Betty Gilchrist 2, 32:03, Anne Docherty 6. 32:53.

M65: 3 SCOTLAND Alex Sutherland 7, 24:54, Robert Marshall 11, 25:33, Colin Youngson 14, 26:39, Hamish Cameron 20, 28:29.

M70: 2 SCOTLAND Bob Young 5. 26:27, Stewart McCrae 6, 26:36, Pete Cartwright 9, 27:12, Gibson Fleming 13, 28:56.

M75: 2 SCOTLAND George Black 2, 28:51, Watson Jones 6, 29:55, Walter McCaskey 8, 31:56, Bill Murray 14, 34:31

RACE 2: 8KM FOR M50 – M60.

M50: 5 SCOTLAND James Buchanan 12, 28:51, Ted Gourley 21, 29:54, Alan Derrick 24, 30:05, Chris Upson 26, 30:44, Duncan MacFadyen 29. 32:12.

M55: 2 SCOTLAND Neil Thin 2, 28:41, Colin Feechan 5, 29:16, Robert McLennan116, 30:03, Paul Thompson 17, 30:27.

M60: 3 SCOTLAND Andy McLinden 7, 31:06, Alastair Dunlop 8, 31:15, Tony Martin 11, 31:41, Andy Law 14, 32:03.

RACE 3: 8KM FOR M35 – M45:

M35: 3 SCOTLAND Martin Williams 7, 26:34, Colin Thomas 13, 27:33, Brian McGarrity 15, 27:42, David Henderson 17, 28:06, Andrew Harkins 20, 28:38, .

M40: 3 SCOTLAND Kenny Campbell 7, 27:18, Chris Greenhalgh 14, 28:27, Gordon Barrie 18, 28:48, Stephen Allan 19, 28:49, Stephen Campbell 20, 28:53, Louis O’Hare 24, 29:32.

M45: 4 SCOTLAND, Kerry Wilson 7, 27:40, Kenny MacPherson 20, 29:16. Greg Hastie 21, 29:22, David Hogg, 22, 29:30, Ian Johnston 24, 29:41. Howard Elliott 25, 30:12

TEAM RESULTS:

 England Ireland Scotland Wales N.I.

Overall Points:  75 68 46 31 27

Total Overall Position:  1 2 3 4 5

 Next year’s race is Sat 12th November 2016 at Tollcross Park, Glasgow. The Reception and the main accommodation will be at the Crowne Plaza Hotel near the SECC.

After serving 23 years as Team Manager I want to pass on the responsibility to younger members. Although it has been a fantastic 23 years, and I’ve made so many friends I have found the last 2 events particularly stressful, with the increased number of competitors, and I’m also feeling the effects of the advancing years!

By David Fairweather

 

BMAF UPDATE

Masters Athletics Magazine All BMAF members will be able to view the new publication and some previous editions during next month via the BMAF website. Remember to first renew your SVHC membership if it is not up to date. You can still receive a printed copy.

The reason we had to cease production of “Masters Athletics” for all members earlier this year was due to the escalation of costs to more than £20,000 a year. This level of expenditure could not continue. It was therefore decided at the BMAF AGM to go online, with an option for members to purchase a printed copy.

You have two choices in order to receive a printed copy of the magazine for 12 months (4 editions), either • Go to www.bmaf.org.uk and choose Member Login • Follow the instructions to access your membership data • If your membership of the BMAF is confirmed, select the option to receive a printed copy and pay £10 via debit/ credit card or • Print a copy of this message and post it with a cheque for £10 made payable to BMAF to the address of Paul Smith the new BMAF Production Editor: BMAF Magazine, 79a Cotton Road, Bangor BT19 7QH Paul will hold back printing of the December edition until everyone has had a chance to make their decision but if you are too late you will still be able to read the magazine online and your payment will give you 12 months of magazines starting with the following edition. The deadline for printing the December edition is currently 6 January 2016 but this may be extended by a few days – see the BMAF website Urgent News” for any change.

Change of BMAF entry Procedure from AREG to OpenTrack The BMAF is moving its membership management and competition entries over the next few months from AREG to a new system called OpenTrack. This system is being developed by the company Reportlab, which was set up in 2000 to deliver automated document generation facilities to a few very large corporations but has extended its mission to provide systems for managing client data, including meeting the requirements for entry to Surrey county track & field athletics and cross country competitions. This will be used by the members of all BMAF area clubs for management of their member data.

The full scope of the system is as follows: • A database with BMAF member personal details and athletics interests • An online membership system for BMAF area clubs and registration system for open/overseas competitors • A database of UKA athletics clubs and any others to which BMAF members belong • A competition entry system for both BMAF national and area club events • A competition management system for both BMAF national and area club events • A payment mechanism for members subscribing to printed copies of a magazine • A mechanism for automated email communications with members/competitors • A database of records and rankings, including tracking of records ratification • An online help facility and user guide for the software covering the functionality and its usage by each type of user Online payments will be provided by the Stripe service under the control of OpenTrack.

However, payments for SVHC membership and SVHC competition entries will continue to be via existing methods for now. Not all of the above functionality will be introduced immediately. It will take some considerable time for the full scope to be delivered by Reportlab, but they will all be there in some limited form during the first half of 2016

The timetable for the changeover is: Now until 06 Dec 2015: AREG continues to be used for • member registration and member detail update (All BMAF area club members) • Open competitors registration • membership payments (VAC, SCVAC and MMAC members or athletes wishing to join these clubs) • BMAF, MMAC, SCVAC and VAC competition entry and viewing competition entries 07 Dec 2015 – 01 January 2016: OpenTrack accessible to BMAF members and open competitors progressively to: • review their member data in parallel with AREG • update their member data in parallel with AREG • to read online copies of Masters Athletics magazine (Members only) • to subscribe to printed copy of Masters Athletics magazine AREG continues to be used for all its existing purposes but any member data updates will be transferred to OpenTrack on behalf of the members 02 – 03 January 2016 AREG unavailable whilst final changes to AREG data and current competition entries are loaded into OpenTrack 04

January 2016 onwards: OpenTrack to be used for all existing functions of AREG but new functions will be progressively introduced during 2016 for the benefit of members, membership secretaries and competition organisers SVHC Membership queries should continue to go to Ada Stewart and myself. Other assistance will be provided by the BMAF support team Peter Kennedy/Alex Rowe via the email address memsec@bmaf.org.uk

When you wish to use OpenTrack go to the BMAF website www.bmaf.org.uk MEMBER LOGIN and follow instructions shown there. We recommend that you try out the access to OpenTrack, when it is available so that you can see how simple the access is, and review the accuracy of your data which has been provided by me.

David Fairweather

 

OFFICE BEARERS SEASON 2015-2016

President: CAMPBELL JOSS 25 Speirs Road Bearsden, G61 2LX Tel: 0141 9420731 cdjoss2@gmail.com

Immediate Past President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

Vice-President: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 578 0526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Honorary Secretary: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE 7 Andrew Avenue, Lenzie, G66 5HF Tel: 0141 5781611 almacrun@btinternet.com

Honorary Treasurer: ANDY LAW Euphian, Kilduskland Road Ardrishaig, Argyll PA30 8EH Tel. 01546 605336 Lawchgair@aol.com

Membership Secretary: DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 Powburn Crescent Uddingston, G71 7SS Tel: 01698 810575 djf@dfairweather.plus.com

Handicapper: PETER RUDZINSKI 106 Braes Avenue Clydebank. G81 1DP Tel.0141 5623416 p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

JOHN BELL Flat 3/1, 57 Clouston Street Glasgow G20 8QW Tel. 0141 9466949

MARGARET DALY 24 Strowan Crescent Sandyhills Glasgow G32 9DW Tel. 0141 573 6572

WILLIE DRYSDALE 6 Kintyre Wynd Carluke, ML8 5RW Tel: 01555 771 448

PHYLLIS HANDS 39 Albany Drive Lanark ML11 9AF Tel. 01698 252498

STEWART McCRAE 17 Woodburn Way, Balloch Cumbernauld G68 9BJ Tel: 01236 728783

KEN MONCRIEFF 25 Princes Street Stirling FK8 1HQ Tel. 01786 474978

JOHN SOFTLEY 6 Cathkinview Road, Mount Florida Glasgow G42 8EH Tel. 0141 5701896

PAUL THOMPSON Whitecroft, 5 Gareloch Brae, Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8PJ Tel. 01436 821707

ROBERT YOUNG 4 St Mary’s Road, Bishopbriggs Glasgow G64 2EH Tel. 0141 5633714

BMAF Delegates Alastair Macfarlane Ada Stewart

SAL West District Delegate Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM Ken Moncrieff

Website Ada Stewart

Auditor George Inglis

FIXTURES

December 2015

Sat 12th SVHC Xmas Handicap 1:30pm. Playdrome, Clydebank. G81 1PA

January 2016

Sun 24th LSK Relays Strathclyde Park 11.00 am

Sat 30th SAL Masters Cross Country Championships Forres Moray

February 2016

Sun 14th National Indoor Masters Championships Emirates Arena

Sun 14th BMAF 10 Mile Championships Lytchett Minster, BH16 6JD

Sat 27th National XC Championships Callendar Park

March 2016

Sun 6th Lasswade AC 10 Mile Road Race Rosewell, Midlothian

Sat 12th Sun 13th British Masters Indoor Track & Field Champs Lee Valley Athletic Centre

Sun 13th BMAF Cross Country Championships Bath University Claverton Down Rd BA2 7AY

Tue 29th Mar –Sun 3rd Apr European Masters Indoor Championships – Ancona, Italy April 2016

Sun 10th Tom Scott 10 mile road race Strathclyde Park

Sun 10th 50th Round the Houses 10km RR Grangemouth

May 2016

Wed 4th Snowball 4.8m RR Coatbridge Outdoor Sports Centre, 19:30

Sat 14th BMAF Road Relay Championships Sutton Park Sutton Coldfield B74 2YT Fri 20th –Sun 22nd European Masters Non-Stadia Championships – Vila Real de Santo Antonio Algarve Portugal.

Sat 28th? Bathgate Hill Race, Meadow Park, Bathgate

June 2016

Wed 1st June Corstorphine 5 miles Road Race 7:30 pm. Turnhouse Rd, Edinburgh Sun 19th BMAF 5k Championships Horwich Leisure Centre Victoria Road Horwich BL6 5PY

October 2016 26th Oct – 06th Nov World Masters Track & Field Champs Perth, Australia

November 2016 Sat 12th British & Irish Masters Cross Country International Tollcross Park, Glasgow

 

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 10^th August 2015

MEMBERS

 I regret to report that 2 of our life members have died recently. Bill Stoddart passed away on 10th August, aged 84. He had been a member of SVHC since 1971 and was made an honorary life member in 2003. Bill was profiled in our April 2014 Newsletter. We send our sympathy to his wife Betty, their son Donald, daughter-in-law Josephine and grandsons Jack and Tom.

Our Hon Life President Bob Donald passed away on 16th August, aged 88. He was 1 of the original SVHC Members.

Welcome to the 29 new and 9 reinstated members who have joined or re-joined since 10th March 2015. 57 members did not renew their subs. As of 20th August 2015, we have 473 paid up members .

For those who have not already paid or set up standing orders, subscription renewals are due in October for 2015/16.

Any member not wishing to renew their membership should send me a resignation letter by post or email.

NEWSLETTER The electronic version of the Newsletter is now the preferred option. Any member who would rather receive a printed Newsletter must contact David Fairweather (djf@ dfairweather.plus.com), if they have not already done so. Please inform David if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue To: COLIN YOUNGSON TOMLOAN, SANQUHAR ROAD, FORRES, IV36 1DG e-mail: cjyoungson@btinternet.com Tel: 01309 672398

SVHC EVENTS

Stewards/marshals are required for club races. The club appreciate all members & friends who volunteer to act as stewards/marshals. If you are not competing just turn up and introduce yourselves to the organisers. Thanks to all those who have already helped out.

STANDING ORDERS

Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please remember to update the amount payable, & keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses). If any other member wishes to set up a standing order please contact me.

Please ensure, if possible, that the next payment date is set for 10Nov2015, and annually thereafter.

CLUB VESTS

Vests can be purchased from Andy Law for £18, including postage. (Tel: 01546 605336. or email lawchgair@aol.com)

NEW MEMBERS

NAME JOINED NUMBER TOWN

Alastair Beaton 13-May-15 2246 Inverness

Suzanne Boyle 28-Jun-15 2256 Glasgow

Anya Campbell 18-Jul-15 2263 Galashiels

Justin Carter 21-Jul-15 2264 Glasgow

Sean Casey 13-May-15 2247 Cumbernauld

Alison Dargie 12-Aug-15 2270 Gosforth

Anne Douglas 26-May-15 2251 Balerno

Cameron Douglas 24-Mar-15 2244 Dumfries

Brian Douglas 16-Aug-15 2271 Glasgow

Agnes Ellis 31-May-15 2250 Glasgow

Mark Gallacher 15-Jul-15 2262 Motherwell

Deirdre Hoyle 22-Jul-15 2266 Glasgow

Robert Keenan 13-May-15 2248 Cumbernauld

Margaret Keenan 24-Jun-15 2254 Cumbernauld

Karen Kennedy 07-Aug-15 2269 Dunfermline

Stephen Leek 25-Jul-15 2258 Livingston

John Macaskill 10-Jul-15 2261 Isle of Harris

Kevan McCartney 24-Jun-15 2255 Inverkip

Eddie McKenzie 21-Jul-15 2265 Turriff

Sharon Muir 29-Jun-15 2257 Glasgow

David Nightingale 23-Jul-15 2267 Galashiels

Jennifer Reid 24-Jun-15 2253 Campbeltown

Gordon Reid 13-May-15 2249 Coylton

Graeme Scott 14-Apr-15 2245 Wemyss Bay

James Smith 14-Mar-15 2243 Motherwell

Hylda Stewart 27-Jul-15 2268 Newton Abbot

Colin Thomas 08-Jul-15 2260 Glasgow

Neil Walker 05-Jul-15 2259 Kilmaurs

Neil Young 28-May-15 2252 Leven

Michael Dunn 16-Aug-15 2155 Greenock

Jim Hogg 22-Jun-15 1997 Renfrew

Craig Johnston 01-Jun-15 1973 Falkirk

Peter Laing 13-May-15 1692 Prestwick

Craig McBurney 25-Mar-15 1887 Edinburgh

Gwen McFarlane 07-Jun-15 868 Ayr

Danny McLaughlin 16-Aug-15 2166 Greenock

Robert Porteous 12-Jul-15 1138 Glasgow

Charles Thomson 06-Aug-15 1756 Clydebank

David Fairweather Membership Secretary

 

SCOTTISH VETERAN HARRIERS RUN and BECOME RACE SERIES 2014/15

The Run and Become Race Series is nearing completion, with just 2 events to go.

Current leader in the women’s event is Frances Maxwell 60.3 points followed by Ada Stewart,58.8 and Pamela McCrossan, 51.2.

Leading the men’s competition is Andy McLinden 72.9, with Colin Feechan 2nd on 69.6 and Willie Jarvie, 68.0.

For those who are new to this competition, each runner’s best 8 performances from 16 selected races are involved with age grading utilised to allocate points won. For those who complete more than the required 8 races an additional 1 point is awarded.. Over £600 worth of prizes are available along with trophies and competition is always keen. Check the SVHC website for regular updates.

The 2 remaining races are: –

06/09/2015 Moray Marathon Elgin

04/10/2015 SVHC Half Marathon Champs Kirkintilloch

Alastair Macfarlane

 

GREAT SCOTTISH VETERANS: DONALD MACGREGOR

Donald Macgregor (born 23rd July 1939) is one of Scotland’s most distinguished athletes. He won five Scottish titles (6 and 10 miles on the track and three marathons), ran for Scotland in the International Cross Country Championships, and represented GB with distinction in several important marathons, including Kosice (Czechoslovakia), Karl-Marx Stadt (East Germany) and Fukuoka (Japan).

Donald ran for Scotland in two Commonwealth Games marathons; Edinburgh 1970 (8th) and Christchurch 1974 (6th in his fastest-ever 2.14.15.4).

In 1970 he ran 23 miles 971 yards in two hours on the Pitreavie track – only 100 yards less than Jim Alder’s World Record.

However his finest achievement was (aged 33) in the Munich Olympic marathon in 1972. In preparation for the Maxol Marathon British trial, as well as averaging ninety miles per week, he tried two consecutive 120 mile weeks, a month before the race. In addition, this was his second attempt at the carbohydrate depletion/loading pre-marathon diet. In Manchester it worked perfectly – he passed thirteen International athletes during the second half and finished third (second Briton) in 2.15.06 to secure a surprise place in the British Team.

Having recovered quickly, he managed ten 100 mile weeks, mainly at 5.30 per mile, and spent three weeks at altitude in St Moritz, coming down to sea level ten days before the Olympic Marathon.

In Munich on Sunday September 10th, he paced himself very well and came through fast, moving from 30th at 5k to 8th at 40k. Ron Hill wrote in “The Long Hard Road”: “I glance round and get the shock of my life: there, head on one side (the left), black-rimmed spectacles, grimacing face, it’s Macgregor … He’s ungainly but Christ he’s travelling, he’s like a man possessed.” They passed Jack Foster of New Zealand; then Hill’s desperate sprint on the Olympic track left Donald to cross the line 7th in 2.16.34 – a very fine achievement and one of which the modest Macgregor is rightly proud.

While Donald’s excellent record as a senior athlete thoroughly deserves much more than the above summary, this article will focus on his career after he became a Veteran runner at the age of 40.

In 2010 Donald published a fascinating autobiography “Running My Life” and he has kindly permitted me to select material from this book.

His first target was the 1979 IGAL World Veterans (nowadays Masters) track and field championships, which included a marathon, in Hannover, Germany.

In the 10,000 metres “I covered the first 5000 in 15.10 or so. By that time I had a clear lead, and sped up gradually, finishing 53 seconds clear of Aldelagala (Portugal) in 30.04.2, my best for fifteen years.” In 2015, as far as I am aware, Donald’s time remains a Scottish Masters record.

“In the marathon a few days later (2nd August), I decided to take it reasonably easy, and coasted along in the leading bunch for about 10 km, then headed off by myself. No one came with me, and I waited for John Robinson (NZ) who had been far behind me in the 10,000m and whom I had last seen before the Christchurch CG marathon in 1974.

We ran along happily, and as we got into the last few miles I suggested that we should just run in together. I thought he had agreed, so was a little disgruntled when he took off with about 100 metres to go and sprinted to the tape, subsequently denying that we had agreed to anything. I wasn’t very annoyed as I had my gold medal and had no problem with them being shared out. However, I swore that in 1980 in Glasgow, where the IGAL road 10km and Marathon championships were to be held, I would have his guts for garters. The newspapers back home printed the story about my having lost out in the marathon (we only ran 2.22.50), with a photo of Robinson and me. My superior effort in the 10,000 was ignored.”

 “A year went by, and I prepared carefully for this ‘grudge match’.” On race day “It was a bright sunny morning. I went through the routine of a very short jog, then lay down to talk myself into a positive frame of mind – in my imagination I was back in Tentsmuir forest, coasting along with not a care in the world. I wanted to run. I was here to do my best. Then I got up, jogged around a little and went to the start (at 8 a.m. on 20th August.)”

“The race was over a pretty flat lap which we had to cover three times. We lined up in wide Bellahouston Road, and would finish in Pollok Estate. I’m not sure how many starters there were – in the hundreds perhaps – but there was a group of very evenly matched contenders for the title, including Derek Fernee (England) and the winner from Hannover, John Robinson.

A leading group of 12 formed early on, and stayed together till around halfway. I was always in or around the front, but about 32 km Robinson got away and built up a lead of 100m.

I thought I had lost it but, encouraged by the shouts of supporters – many of them friends and rivals from the past decades – I pulled myself together and ate away at his lead. It was hard work, but after a few kilometres the lead was clearly diminishing, and when we left the streets and entered Pollok Estate with about 3 km to go, I was at his back and accelerated to pass him.

He fell away a little, and I crossed the line in 2.19.23, just 13 seconds up, absolutely delighted to have won – on home soil, and against the man who had sneaked the win in 1980.

He said afterwards that he had developed a sore leg with a few miles to go, but who listens to excuses? Derek Fernee was 3rd in 2.19.41, a mere 3 seconds behind the New Zealander.”

“On the podium, I was presented with the trophy by a Glasgow bailie, accompanied by organiser Bob Dalgleish. I was also handed a bottle of champagne, and in true Grand Prix style I shook it up and sprayed it over all those around, though I don’t think Bob Dalgleish liked it falling on his blazer!”

Donald mentions that “The world champion tag got me some kudos in Scottish veteran running circles” and mentions Davie Morrison and Bill Scally particularly enjoying his win.

Almost three years (and seven marathons) later, on April 24th 1983, Donald lined up for the inaugural Dundee Peoples Health Marathon. He was determined to do well in the race and had trained seriously – averaging 70 miles per week over the late Winter and Spring.

“Bang! A group of a dozen rapidly formed, going at quite a good pace – all the predicted favourites. I stayed in the group for five miles, taking it cautiously, then Richie Barrie and I found ourselves breaking away from Terry Mitchell, Sam Graves, Murray McNaught, Rab Heron, Craig Ross and the rest. Richie told me he would keep going till 15 miles and in fact kept up his helpful pacemaking role as far as 16, when he drew to a halt.

Then I was on my own and had ten miles of mental concentration to go. I don’t think runners who are aiming to run four or five hours for a marathon realise how great is the concentration required to run under three hours, let alone 2.20. You have to stay focussed all the way. It’s possible to exchange remarks for a second or two, but best not to stop. Better to take sponges and drinks on the run, snatching a cup of water or juice and in some cases a special drink from the tables, and pour the water – but not the juice – over your head, wiping head, neck, face, arms and thighs with a well-filled sponge or two.

I got to the top of the big hill at 21 miles with an effort, but after that my cadence became more fluent; I was able somehow to run more smoothly and on the downhill my stride lengthened. Gradually the lead over Terry Mitchell, who had moved into second and had been catching me, increased. At the finish it was over three minutes.

On the video of the race, made by members of Dundee Road Runners, I look to be flying down from Lochee past the Dundee Royal Infirmary entrance, round the roundabout and round the shops into the finishing straight. The crowds had been out in force round nearly all the route except the areas north of the Kingsway, and thousands thronged the last 300m behind the barriers. A colleague, art teacher Sandy Cuthbert, told me he couldn’t believe I had run 26 miles at that speed. I hadn’t, but the pace over the last five or six miles was close to 12 miles per hour.

The photo-finish under the gantry was crossed at between 2.17.23 and 2.17.24, the latter being the official time. It was the fastest time by a veteran in the UK that year. Terry was 2nd in 2.20.50, Rab Heron 3rd in 2.21.26.”

Donald Macgregor’s time remains the fastest by a Scottish Veteran. Only Aberdonian Dave Clark (who moved to Southern England after leaving Aberdeen University) can compare, with his 2.17.30 as 1st Master in the 1983 New York Marathon and a win in the 1985 World Masters 25k road race.

Macgregor continued to run very well for several years, winning Dundee again in 1984 and the Loch Rannoch event in 1985. He completed an impressive 21 marathons as a veteran, and of course was 1st Master in nearly all of them, including Glasgow, Aberdeen, Road Runners Club, Wolverhampton, Essonne (France) and Westland (Holland).

Donald, as is well known, holds the Scottish record for running marathons faster than 2 hours 20 minutes. He completed 24 in all; seven as a veteran, including two after the age of 45.

In 2015, his 2.17.24 is sixth in the runbritain all-time M40 marathon rankings; and the 2.19.01 (achieved when 6th in the 1984 Glasgow Marathon) is top of the M45 lists – four minutes faster than the second man!

In cross-country, Donald won the Scottish Veterans M40 title in 1980 and 1983, M45 in 1985 and M50 in 1991 and 1993 – the latter event taking place in his home town of St Andrews and featuring a battle with old rival Mel Edwards.

He kept on running, jogging and occasionally competing until very recently – but is still engaged in coaching with his beloved Fife A.C.

Back in the early 1980s, Donald Macgregor was President of the Scottish Cross Country Union and then SAAA event coach for the marathon: younger runners were very lucky to benefit from the friendly, crystal-clear advice of this intelligent, droll, self-deprecating man, who had so many years of top-class experience.

 

QUESTIONNAIRE: BETTY GILCHRIST

[Betty (W70) achieved clear victories in both the 2014 British and Irish Masters Cross Country International at Nottingham; and the 2015 Scottish Masters CC at Kilmarnock.]

CLUB: Ferranti AAC (a friendly and supportive club).

DATE OF BIRTH: 20 -9-44.

OCCUPATION: Retired.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN SPORT: I lived in Saudi Arabia for over 20 years and met Ian Wilson who invited me to join his group.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE?

Ian was a fantastic coach who really encouraged us and is still coaching very successfully in Ireland.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT?

Keeps you fit and you meet some friendly people at races – and living in Edinburgh we have great running routes on our doorstep – hills, river paths, canal paths or along the shore.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES?

Hard question but my favourite five races would be: Bahrain Marathon Relay; Brampton to Carlisle; Midnight Sun; Porty New Year’s Day; and of course Parkrun (great for us older runners).

YOUR WORST? Haddington Half.

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE? To run a decent time at Haddington!!! (4th time lucky.)

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES? Gym – swim – walk.

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS?

Friends around the world.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING? Don’t really do any speed sessions any more. Simply go out and run. I had a bad foot injury about two years ago, and later that year had a hernia operation, so mileage and speed have dropped but I am still happy to be out there.

Monday – 3 miles + gym. Tuesday – 5 miles fartlek + gym. Wednesday – 5 miles off-road. Thursday – 5 miles with hills + gym. Friday – 7 miles tempo for me (= steady for my running partner). Saturday – Parkrun or race. Sunday – 90 to 105 minutes Time On Your Feet; or race.

(As one of her five favourite races, Betty names The Bahrain Marathon Relay. Below is some information about this unusual event.)

The Bahrain Marathon Relay, the largest race in the Middle East, takes place at the end of October, and starts at 10 a.m. at the Bahrain International Circuit, home of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Temperatures soar to the mid to high 30s by early afternoon. The 50 km event is undoubtedly an exhausting challenge, given desert conditions, with heat and humidity. There are 16 stages, each approximately 3 km in length. There are eight runners in a team. Each athlete will run either one, two or three legs of the relay. There may be 150 teams competing.

Ian and Teresa Wilson spent over 30 years working in Saudi Arabia and, through their positive coaching methods, succeeded in training seemingly ordinary athletes up to both Olympic and World Championships levels. Teresa is originally from Stillorgan in Co. Dublin. Ian is originally from Sunderland. Eventually, they decided to retire and settle in Co. Laois, Eire, at the end of 2013. Their company is Nuparc Wellness, a business established to assess health and wellbeing of individuals in large corporations. Ian is a UK Level 4 endurance coach; and Teresa a UK Level 2 endurance coach. Even in semi-retirement, they have taken Irish teams to Bahrain.

The Bahrain Marathon Relay, for which the Wilsons have prepared many teams, was first run in 1981 and has grown to the point where the event attracts a large number of teams and athletes ranging from Olympic standard to those who just enjoy a healthy jog and the camaraderie of taking part. It has become an important highlight not only for Bahrain and its neighbouring countries but also for countless runners who fly in from all over the world to compete. There is a good deal of corporate sponsorship and almost two million dollars has been raised for charity, during the 27 years of the relay.

Roads through the desert, camel trains, extreme heat, rainstorms, sudden hot head- or tail-winds – all these aspects add to the uniqueness of this event. The full history of each race makes fascinating reading.

Scottish athletes who have taken part include Phyllis O’Brien (HBT); Ivie Rennie and Gordon Reid (Kilmarnock AC); Janice Madsen, former British Marathon International Lynn Harding, and David, Betty Gilchrist’s son. Betty herself holds the record for most appearances by a woman in the Bahrain Marathon Relay, having run 22 stages. Teresa Wilson and Jackie Newton tie with 18.

 

QUESTIONNAIRE: IAN LEGGETT

(Ian Leggett, pictured in a 1960s Nigel Barge road race, is one of our most durable SVHC runners. He made his debut for Clydesdale Harriers in 1963 as a senior and quickly became a first team runner. Clydesdale won team gold medals in Dunbartonshire Cross-Country relay championships.

Between 1966 and 1969, Ian emigrated to Australia but returned to run Stage Six of the Edinburgh to Glasgow in the latter year.

From then up to 1973 he was at his fastest, running particularly well in the Midland (West) District CC (4th) and the National (31st).

In the 1969 Scottish Inter-Counties CC he had perhaps his best-ever race, finishing second to international athlete John Linaker.

In addition he ran well on the track, won long road races and tackled severe challenges like the Mamore Hill Race and Ben Nevis.

Of course, he was awarded several Clydesdale Harriers championships, for example the 3 and 6 miles track events, and other club trophies.

Ian Leggett raced a great deal more than nearly all athletes nowadays.

As a Veteran/Masters runner, Ian won Scottish middle distance track titles and ran for Scottish Veterans in the annual British and Irish CC International, winning team medals.

His long fight to win a Scottish Masters CC title seemed to be making progress in 1986 when he was second M45 behind the aforementioned John Linaker. It was the same one-two (M50 this time) in 1990. Ian picked up two more silver medals (M60); and a silver and bronze in M65.

At last, in 2011, Ian Leggett won a very well-deserved gold medal in the M70 category, and followed that with, guess what, a silver the following year.

As the article below makes clear, he is not only a role model for ageing SVHC members, but also quite a character!)

 

YOU DON’T NEED TO BE MAD TO BE A RUNNER BUT IT CERTAINLY HELPS

By Ian Leggett

 I don’t usually reply to questionnaires as they usually result in cold calls about PPI or more questionnaires but in this case I felt I was safe enough.

My Name is Ian Leggett, appropriately enough for a runner born and raised in Maryhill, Glasgow, where my allegiance to the famous Partick Thistle (JAGS) was formed. Married to Cathy for 52 years and blessed with 7 sons and 3 daughters (before we purchased a television set).

CLUBS currently Lothian Running club, prior clubs Livingston, Clydesdale, Whyalla Harriers South Australia.

AGE 76

OCCUPATIONS Ex Postman and admin worker.

HOW DID I GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT? During National Service played football and was drafted into athletic involvement – anything to dodge drilling and cookhouse duties.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP INFLUENCED YOU?

My first connection with athletics came as a result of following the Jags around the Glasgow Sports at Ibrox. In those days 5 a side football tournaments were highly contested summer events, but the highlight of that day was an Aberdeen runner by the name of Alastair Wood in the 3 mile race – left the other runners in the field for dead and made a lasting impression on me. He went on to win marathons but probably his finest achievement came in winning the famous London to Brighton race in 1972 and breaking the record.

 Another was Brian McAusland and the Clydesdale Harriers team of the 70s. We had great team camaraderie and absolutely fantastic changing facilities down in the basement of Clydebank Baths, with heated pipes and showers, where many a Bothy ballad rung out on a cold winter night after a training session.

Martin Hyman and the Livingston club of the 80s was another group which kept my momentum going in the sport.

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT OUT OF THE SPORT?

Lots of friends, healthy wellbeing and, through Masters events, travelling to many places around the world I would probably have missed i.e. Finland, Denmark, France, Italy, Slovenia, Australia – and even England.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE?

The last race I ran.

YOUR WORST?

Undoubtedly, as a novice runner, running the second leg of the Edinburgh to Glasgow relay. I was completely unprepared for this type of contest. The second leg usually featured the cream of the best runners and I ended up shell-shocked at the end of the leg and almost called it a day there and then.

WHAT UNFULLFILLED AMBITION S DO YOU HAVE?

To run overseas in a Scotland vest, instead of having to run as Team GB.

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES?

My 13 grand children help me fill up my time outside the sport.

TRAINING DETAILS? No secret! Arthur Lydiard processed the ultimate training schedules. It’s just adjusting your lifestyle to suit whatever your personal ambitions are.

Group therapy suited me best, with the old version of pack runs, adjusting to the season of either track, country or roads – we were all very versatile in those days. There weren’t as many races on the calendar as there are today. When there was a free weekend without a race, there was a culture of going visiting other clubs to have a run and buffet afterwards.

I remember one trip in particular as Clydesdale visited Greenock Wellpark but we had a lot of call-offs on the day. The buffet was enormous, with more than enough Scotch Pies, and we were obliged to eat more than our fair share so as not to offend our hosts. I never thought I would be sick of the sight of a Scotch Pie in my life but that day was pretty close.

ADVICE TO ANYONE IN THE SPORT?

Respect your body, because injury is the hardest obstacle to overcome.

AW RA BEST, IAN LEGGETT

 

QUIRKY RACES

One was a race organised by the notorious Barlinnie Prison in Glasgow to raise funds for HIV testing units within the prison. We arrived at the main gate and were ushered into our changing room which was, the warden who escorted us took great pleasure in pointing out, where the last hanging had taken place.

The race itself consisted of 5 laps inside the prison. The head warden, who was a 6 foot 6inches Texan, started the race with a klaxon (no gun).

A few personalities, including Terry Butcher, a couple of Celtic second-string players, a well-known Glasgow boxer and some privileged prisoners, helped to make up the 50 starters.

The privileged prisoners were conspicuous by their orange plimsolls, white tops and black shorts. At the start we were surprised by a few of the orange plimsolls flying off around the first corner. Then, at the second corner they were leaning against the wall, having a fag.

As the rest of us raced round we were greeted by the rattling of tin mugs against the bars of the windows – it was like a Japanese prisoner of war movie.

After the race we were given a slap-up meal with the prisoners and enjoyed their company. It was an enlightening experience but I gave a sigh of relief as the big double doors slammed shut with me safely outside.

Another race for the archives was in Broxburn, organised by BELL’S distillery, not so much the race itself but the finishing drinks were thimbles of whisky and the prizes consisted of bottles of the amber nectar. Can’t say if it was beneficial to after-race recovery but certainly an enjoyable warm down! By today’s drink -drive regulations we would have been very close to the limit.

Similarly the Broughton Brewery race at the New Year where the first prize was a crate of the local ale, second was half a crate and 3rd was 6 of the best; and a bottle to each finisher warmed the cockles of each heart.

My club was fortunate enough to finish 3rd in a prominent Glasgow road relay and the prize was 4 trouser presses. Not long afterwards, at the annual club Christmas handicap race, nicely wrapped up, were 4 very distinctive trouser presses.

If any readers would like to share details of any race that they found quirky, just send the information to Colin on the back of a twenty pound note!

 

(Ian’s friend and former Clydesdale Harrier team-mate Brian McAusland added the following. “On a two-hour plus Saturday afternoon run down through Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven and back home via The Boule – going out through Dumbarton he switched on his transistor radio (for the Thistle result later on), and there was Victor Sylvester’s music, so he grabbed me round the waist and ballroom-danced me for fifty or sixty yards up the High Street. Wasn’t even legal at the time!

At a Scottish Marathon Club dinner in Glasgow the first course was served, the staff scattered around the room waiting to clear the tables. When they got the nod from the heid bummer, they swung into action immaculately. Leggett grabbed the table numbers from our table and the one beside it, held them up and called out ‘Seven point six!’ a la ice dancing, gymnastics etc.”)

 

CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING WITH PURPOSE – A PERSONAL VIEW

By Brian Gardner

 (Brian has enjoyed considerable success in Masters’ contests – on track and road but especially country. He is a deep thinker about the sport, as the following advice on training will prove. Hopefully, the article will provide inspiration for readers keen to represent Scottish Veterans in mid-November in Dublin!)

Introduction

What’s the point of training? Is it to maintain health and fitness and to remain competitive in later life? Or is there more to it than that? Do we want to be the best that we can be, given our limitations? If so, when do we want to be the best that we can be? And that’s the point of this article. It’s a personal view of how Masters cross country runners can plan effectively to peak at the right time.

Planning the Year

It’s a well known planning technique to start with your most important competitions and work backwards. But which competitions are the most important? Serious masters could have the Scottish or Regional Masters Cross County Championship in February, the British equivalent in March and maybe the European or World Championships, too. So, that’s simple, isn’t it? Work backwards from March.

But wait a minute, the British and Irish Cross Country (Home International) event is in November. How can we be at our peak at the beginning of the season?

But is it the beginning of the season? Not if we divide our year into three seasons:

Cross Country 1: peak for the Home International in November and/or the National cross country relays and, in Scotland, the short course championship; work backwards – start training in August 2.

Cross Country 2: peak for the National (or Regional) championships in February and/or March plus possibly the Europeans or Worlds; work backwards – take a short break after Cross Country 1 and start training again in mid-late December.

Track: peak for the British championships in July, taking in the Scottish or Regional championships along the way; work backwards – take a break at the end of Cross Country 2 and start training again in late March/early April

Objectives An old swimming coach introduced tiered objectives: rather than set a goal which is too high and end up disappointed, or set one which is so easy that we don’t stretch ourselves, set objectives in three tiers:

1. Should – get the training done and we should achieve this objective e.g. top 20 in our most important race
2. Could – put the extra effort in, stay focused and we could achieve this e.g. top 10 3. Just might – in a perfect race this is the dream outcome e.g. get a medal

This way we aim high but it’s not ‘all or nothing’: we have alternative goals to fall back on and can still feel proud of our achievements.

Progression To give us the best chance of achieving our objectives at the right time, the training has to be progressive. And that’s not always about increasing mileage, although that’s important, too.

We want our running to be of the highest possible quality in the most important races. So, we need to improve quality throughout the season.

How? If our most important races are cross country, then our most important training sessions should also be cross country.

And now we come to my own favourite session: cross country reps. Find some fields, preferably with hills, twists, turns and mud: just what you’d expect to find in a race. Try out a lap and estimate the distance e.g. one mile; the exact distance is not important as long as you repeat the same distance on each rep.

At the beginning of the season we might run 4 reps with 90 seconds recovery. The next session in a couple of weeks’ time could be 5 reps with the same recovery or 4 reps with a shorter recovery i.e. alter only one variable at a time.

Approaching the climax of the season we could be running 6 reps with 45 seconds recovery.

Getting really close to the peak race we’ll taper e.g. 3 reps with 2 minutes recovery. Time taken to run each rep should be about the same within a single session but our times might get slower from session to session as conditions worsen throughout the winter. It’s the effort that really counts.

It’s a good idea to have about three different settings for our reps sessions: the courses in our races will vary, so our training routes should vary, too. The above principle applies equally to hill reps.

Weekly Schedule A typical week could look like this: Monday: steady/recovery Tuesday: cross country reps Wednesday: steady/recovery Thursday: cross country reps or hill reps Friday: rest Saturday: race Sunday: long cross country run

An ‘intermediate’ session such as a fartlek (speed play), a wind up run (multiple laps with no recovery, gradually winding up the pace) or a differential run (out steady/back fast or steady/fast/steady) could replace one of the steady runs.

The confusingly named ‘cross training’ could also play a part e.g. swimming or cycling; as could resistance training such as weights, circuits or core stability, all of which should also be progressive. But that’s a subject for an article quite different from this one…

Variation So, that’s Cross Country 1. Cross Country 2 is similar but it’s a shorter period of time, so how do we keep it fresh, rather than regurgitating Cross Country 1?

Well, the pace varies in cross country races, and there are many ways to replicate this in training: a) Vary the distance of the rep e.g. half-mile x2, 1 mile x2, half-mile x2 b) Vary the recovery, even when the rep distance is constant e.g. 90 seconds after rep 1, 75sec after rep 2, 60sec after rep 3, 45sec after rep 4; 30sec after rep 5; stop half way through rep 6, take 10sec rest and complete the second half flat out – it’s different! c) Hill reps are always followed by a long recovery jog back down – right? Not necessarily: why not stop for a short recovery at the top of the hill then run down fast? We can make up a lot of ground in races by descending quickly, so let’s practise it in training. We could also run ‘ladders’ or ‘up the clock’ on a long hill: running further up (and down) the hill with each successive rep. d) Combine cross country reps and hill reps e.g. 3 x (5min rep/90sec recovery/ 3min rep/ 90sec recovery/6x20sec hill/ jog back) x 90 seconds e) And a variation of (d) is: 4x30sec hill in set 1, 6x20sec in set 2 and 8x15sec in set 3

Although this article is about cross country, there are of course many road races including championships, with dates that are not always the same from year to year.

With three peaks throughout the year, there’s a good chance that we’ll be at our best when some of them come around. And then there’s a track season, but that’s another story…

Summary So, there you have it: purposeful (or masterful) cross-country training. We began by questioning what we’re running for. Assuming we are targeting important races at different parts of the year, we worked backwards from them. We split the year into three seasons and planned sessions which are progressive in quality throughout each season, ending with a taper in the final period before the Big Race.

This article is based on personal experience and, to paraphrase ‘How They Train’ from Athletics Weekly, it won’t suit everyone. But I hope it’s been interesting. Your comments via the editor are welcome. Enjoy your cross country training and racing!

 

QUESTIONNAIRE: CHRIS UPSON

 (Chris has of course run for Scotland in the Annual British and Irish Masters Cross Country International; is currently racing better than ever; and has a long, distinguished history as a dedicated hill-runner.)

CLUBs. Ronhill Cambuslang (previously Westerlands 2000-2014).

DATE OF BIRTH. 08/08/1963.

OCCUPATION. Naval Engineering at BAE Systems.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT?

Very gradually… From 5 years old I knew I wanted to run on the hills and explore wild places. Teenage years were spent exploring the English Lake District on foot and bike. Mid 1980s I caught the Munro-bagging bug, and have since climbed all the Scottish Munros and Corbetts. In 1989 I had a near fatal climbing accident that broke my ankle and crushed a lumbar vertebra. In 1990 I came back more determined and climbed Mont Blanc, then Elbrus in Russia in 1993.

I then spent 10 years rock climbing around Britain, Europe and the United States, before thinking about trying a couple of hill races in 2000 with Glen Rosa and Borrowdale.

Since then I’ve completed more than 800 races, plus visiting Nepal 6 times and hiking across the Pyrenees 2 and half times. Races have ranged from 800 metres at the Emirates, to the 10-stage Everest Sky Race in Nepal.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE?

Recently, the stalwart veterans at Ronhill Cambuslang and SVHC Masters have inspired me to keep working hard. Uncompromising runners like Paul Thompson, Colin Feechan and John Thomson show that you can still perform at a high level as a V55. I guess that growing up in the 1970s I’m inspired by keeping things simple, and remembering the importance of physical discomfort.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT?

A sense of belonging. A sense of purpose.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE? Best performance: 1st M50 at Scottish Masters Cross Country at Kilmarnock in January 2015.

YOUR WORST? I don’t remember any worst performances. I think all performances are part of the learning process.

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE?

Sub 2:50 marathon. Possibly a World Masters track medal.

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES?

Playing violin. Playing with my 3-year old son Benjamin.

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS?

That gut-churning sense of excitement before every race. The sense of relief and peace after the race.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING?

Quite ad hoc. At present, just lunchtime runs and weekend races. Occasionally more structure leading up to a marathon.

Career Highlights in hill-running. Won the FRA Long Distance Award in 2003 for Lakes24, a new route in the Lake District that bagged 24 Marilyns in 24 hours.

Favourite Races. My favourite race of recent years is Defi de l’Oisans in France.

My favourite Scottish races are probably Two Breweries and Pentland Skyline.

MOST MEMORABLE RACE Inter Lacs 2003. Restonica Valley, Corsica. 2-Stage event. Very rugged spectacular scenery. Ben Nevis is the most challenging and memorable Scottish race.

OTHER INTERESTS. I also occasionally take photos for the Geograph project; and sometimes play my violin with the Glasgow Chamber Orchestra.

 

FAVOURITE HILL RACES: MEL EDWARDS

 [Aberdeen’s Mel Edwards (M.B.E) is a local legend. He was a top class runner in cross-country, track and marathon; then spent many years racing on the hills; and also became a successful veteran athlete and coach. Here he recalls events which took place long before Chris Upson took part in similar events. Chris reckons that “although the Scottish hills will be much the same, I imagine the flavour of the sport has changed a fair bit, especially over the last ten years. There has been an explosion in popularity of some of the key hill races.” Look up the website scottishhillracing.co.uk for lots of fascinating detail on the current scene.]

 

THE 6 CAIRNGORM TOPS. 40 MILES AND 12,000 FEET ASCENT

It was on 13 July 1985 (at the age of 42) that I, Dave Armitage and Phil Kammer attempted this epic with the aim of completing it in less than half a day!

We set off from Glenmore Lodge at 7am. Good conditions.

Our first stop was at 1 hour 30 at Faindouran Lodge where Eddie Butler had food and water for us.

Then off along the good track along Glen Avon to the footbridge immediately north of Ben Avon. The ascent of Ben Avon was very heathery and we reached the summit at 3 hours, then ran most of the way over to Beinn a Bhuird (3 hours 45).

Then it was back down to Glen Avon, across the river and along the track to Fords of Avon hut where Eddie, his wife Kath and my wife Kareen were waiting. I didn’t feel like eating, and paid for it shortly after with a touch of glycogen depletion.

We reached the top of Cairngorm at 5 hours 45 for another stop (Steve and Sheena Wallace).

Then it was across the Macdui plateau, where I began to perk up a bit, and we reached the summit of Ben Macdui at 6 hours 45.

Then down the Taillear Burn which was quite tricky, to the Lairig Ghru. (Keith Adams).

I had some Nestle’s milk and a banana here and was quite strong most of the way up Cairn Toul (8 hours 35) helped by pumping Dextrosol!.

At Braeriach (9 hours 35) Willie Munro was waiting and this was our final stop. I began to feel strong on the descent, and up the horrendously rough Chalamain Gap.

Then it was on to Glenmore Lodge. The final steep hill up to the lawn was tough but I managed to jog it through sheer determination. 11 hours 39 minutes and 4 seconds. Yes!! Under half a day.

So, a summary. An extremely tough test of endurance, and I have to admit I was the weakest of the three of us physically but I couldn’t fault my mental approach. The glycogen depletion was almost certainly due my inability to eat much when running. Next day was a rest day!!

(With this performance, Mel, Phil and Dave broke the record for this particularly arduous route. In 1999 Alex Keith of Inverness finally set a new mark. For more history, see the website shr. uk.com long distance records.)

 

BORROWDALE FELL RACE. 17 MILES AND 6,500 FEET ASCENT.

In 1983 I was chasing points for the British Vets hill running championship and on 6th August headed for Keswick to try to get “long one” points. I was accompanied by wife Kareen and my mother Joy. My father had passed away suddenly at the age of 80 two weeks previously and Kareen and I thought the break would be good for Joy.

I had been having muscle problems for a couple of weeks so decided to take it easy and just finish. The race was quite uneventful and of the 328 starters I finished in the top 25% in 3 hours 53 minutes.

However, the drama came on the way home. After these long ones I was unable to hold down food or fluid until breakfast the next day, and was prone to stopping the car in a lay-by and lying flat on my back. I did just that and Joy was aghast, thinking she was going to lose the second member of her family in a fortnight. However Kareen put her at ease by saying quite calmly “He always does this. It’s called a lay-by lie-down”.

 

THREE PEAKS RACE 1978.

This was one of my favourite long hill races ( 23 miles and 5250 feet ascent ).

Starting at Horton in Ribblesdale it takes in Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

In April 1978 the conditions were horrendous. As I reached the summit of Ingleborough I was with a Blackheath and Bromley Harrier, easily recognised by the black vest. I turned at the top to descend towards the finish and noticed he was no longer there.

I finished 150th in 3.44 and on the drive home reflected on what I deemed to be a poor performance.

The following day this was put in its true perspective when I read that Ted Pepper of Blackheath had been found dead from exposure. As I left Ingleborough’s summit he must have taken the wrong route, tired and succumbed to the weather.

In 1979 I finished 17th in 3.09 and fully appreciated how lucky I was to still be around.

 

SIERRE – ZINAL

The Sierre Zinal race in Switzerland is one of the most famous mountain races in Europe. It starts in the town of Sierre, in the Rhone valley and finishes in the small village of Zinal which sits below some impressive mountains.

The course is a good test of all-round mountain running ability with a tough climb for the first 10km, followed by around 15km of faster running and then a steep descent into Zinal. In total the race is 31km with 2100m of ascent and around 800m of descent.

One of the best things about the race is the view of the mountains; you can see five of the Alpine 4000m peaks from the course. It is held each August and starts at 08.30.

I have done the event on 4 occasions, 1977, 1978, 1981, and 1988. In those 12 years the number of starters increased by 60% to 1530.

My positions have been:- 1977 99th in 3.22 (won by Chuck Smead of America)

1978 64th in 3.12 (Fraser Clyne finished 57th in 3.10)

1981 109th in 3.16 (won by Craig Virgil of America)

1988 454th in 3.54 (won by Pierre-Andre Gobet of Switzerland).

 

CAIRNGORM 4000 FEET TOPS

[The classic Cairngorms outing is the round of all four 4000ers (Cairngorm, Ben Macdui, Cairn Toul, Braeriach), starting and finishing at Glenmore Lodge (25 miles / 7600 feet of ascent).

Eric Beard made his mark with an impressive time of 4 hours 41 minutes in 1963.

This record was beaten by Mel Edwards on 9th July 1979 with a time of 4 hours 34 minutes 8 seconds.

Edwards’ 22 year record was broken by Dan Whitehead of Cosmics on 13th October 2001. He completed the course in 4 hours 31 minutes 21 seconds.]

Mel remembers: “I had great navigational help from Dave Armitage. Near the end, I was so psyched up, that my spectating father was shocked by my oaths of excitement with two miles to go, as I realized that I was going to take the record!”

Mel went on to advise Kath Butler when she set an inaugural women’s record in 1988. Her husband Eddie ran with her, along with Mel, as she followed the same route as he had, from Glenmore Lodge via the Chalamain Gap to Braeriach, then Cairntoul, a 2400 feet descent to Lairig Ghru, across the Dee, then up the gully of Tailors’ Burn to the summit of Ben Macdui, before continuing to Cairngorm. Her time was 6 hours 45 minutes.

 

SCOTTISH NATIONAL MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS AT GRANGEMOUTH STADIUM ON 11th JULY 2015

Congratulations are due this year to Scottish Athletics organisers and officials, since this one-day event was the best Masters track and field championships for some time. Not only was the programme cleverly set out, but also all events were completed by 4 p.m., allowing everyone to travel home at a sensible time, with no need for the expense of overnight accommodation. The weather was good too – warm at times, but not excessively so, and with no more than a medium strength breeze for middle-distance athletes to cope with. The re-laid Commonwealth Games track felt very comfortable underfoot. Long may such Masters-friendly organisation continue! Hopefully the Indoors will not be on 3rd January again; or clashing with the Cross Country……

In the Women’s events, several athletes performed particularly well. In the 100 metres, the fastest competitor in any age group was Aberdeen AAC stalwart Kathleen Madigan (W45 – 13.78). However, in the 200 metres she was second to Jacqui Hodgson (Durham City – 28.43), who also finished first in the 400 metres.

The outstanding middle-distance runner on show was Hilary McGrath (W50) of Law and District, who won both 1500 metres (5.10.23) and 3000 metres (10.58.94) in fast times.

Claire Reid (W35 Airdrie H) was victorious in Shot, Discus, Javelin and Hammer. Claire Cameron (W60 Ayr Seaforth) was first in the Shot, Discus and Hammer; Jayne Kirkpartick (W40 Nithsdale AC) Shot, Discus and Javelin; and Gwen McFarlane (W60 Ayr Seaforth AC) Shot, Discus and Javelin. Patricia Elaine Phillips (W50 Kilbarchan AC) won both Shot and Discus. Fiona Davidson (W40 Aberdeen AAC) was first in both Long and Triple Jumps.

In the Men’s events, Bob Douglas (M60 Harmeny AC), James Smith (M70 Motherwell AC) and Walter Douglas (M75) won not only the 100m but also 200m and 400m.

Double winners included 100/200 for Mike Tarnawsky (M40 Dundee Hawkhill H), Ronald Hunter (M50 Corstorphine AAC) and Dougie Donald (M55 Midland Vets); 400/800 for Alan Fulton (M 65 Aberdeen AAC); and the incredible M85 Hugh McGinlay (also 400/800).

Steven Wright (M40 Forres Harriers) ran an excellent 800m in 2.03.83; although in a separate race M35 Colin Garrett (Ayr Seaforth AC) was slightly quicker in 2.02.76. Thomas Brannon (M45 North Shield) completed the 800/1500 double. Gordon Barrie (M40 Dundee Hawkhill H) produced the best 1500m performance (4.18.36).

In the 5000 metres, Robert Gilroy (M35 Ron Hill Cambuslang H), who is currently Scotland’s fastest Masters cross-country runner, achieved the clearest of victories in the very good time of 15.29.52. However, on the age-graded tables, Guy Bracken (M50 North Shield) produced the time of the day with 15.40.35. Colin Feechan (M55 RHCH) won his race easily in 17.34.14. Craig Ross (M60 Dundee Hawkhill H) recorded 19.06.70, in front of Robert Wilson (M60 Greenock Glenpark H, who went on to win the 1500m. Alex Sutherland (M65 Highland Hillrunners) found that his new spikes helped him to a fine 19.35.99; and the indefatigable Bobby Young (M70 Clydesdale H) finished in 21.07.20.

Pick of the hurdlers was probably Andrew Webb (M65 North Shield) who ran 100mH in 20.06.

Alan Robertson (M35 Motherwell AC) won the Long Jump (6.09) in front of David Carson Graham (Shettleston H) who was first in the High Jump (1.73). David Carpenter (M45 North Ayrshire AC) won his LJ age-group in 5.90. M55 Steve Wallace (Pitreavie AC) did the LJ/TJ double; and Trevor Madigan (M70 Aberdeen AAC) won both High and Long Jumps.

Star thrower was probably M60 Jim Hogg who won Shot, Discus and Hammer. Stuart Ryan (M50 Gateshead H) was first in Javelin and Shot. Rene Rogers (M40 Dundee Hawkhill H) did the Discus/Hammer double. Bob Masson (M65 Aberdeen AAC) won Discus and Javelin, as did Pete Eddy (M70 DHH). Alexander MacIntosh (M55 Kilmarnock H and AC) finished first in Discus, Hammer and Javelin. Bill Gentleman (M75 Edinburgh AC) won Hammer, Shot and Discus. The M80 throws featured close battles between Hugh Ryan, who won Discus, Hammer and Javelin; and Robin Sykes (Bellahouston H) who was second in Discus and Javelin but defeated his rival in the Shot.

 

WORLD MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS – LYON, FRANCE

By Alan Ramage

 36 SVHC members made the short trip across the channel to Lyon to take part in the World Masters Championships at the beginning of August, leaving behind the chill of the Scottish summer to enter a heatwave that was moving across Europe.

The star of the show was Fiona Davidson (F40), SVHC’s only Gold Medallist from the thirteen days of competition. Fiona had entered both the Long Jump and Triple Jump however made the decision to skip the Long Jump and put all her eggs into the one basket. It proved to be the correct decision as she excelled in a hard battle with a Ukrainian jumper, taking the Gold Medal by a mere centimetre with a jump of 11m 35cm.

As the Scots waited for another individual medal, it was like waiting for buses, another arrived shortly afterwards courtesy of Susan Young (W35) in the 400m. Similar to Fiona, Susan, having been in the habit of doing the 100m and 200m at previous championships, skipped the shorter events this year and duly added a bronze medal to the silver she won in Brazil in 2013 with a time of 59.07 secs.

We had to wait to the final day of the championships, and the longest event, to win our third and final individual medal. Kerry-Liam Wilson (M40), going into the Marathon with the third fastest time, was hoping to upset the apple cart, and set off at a ridiculously early time of 7.30am with only one colour of medal in mind.

Having reached half way in second place, some 40 secs down, he steadily worked back to the Canadian leader and actually led the race at 24 miles.

However, catching the Canadian only fuelled the Canadian and he found a second wind, and having worked hard to get to him it was a psychological blow for Kerry who suffered over the last few miles and allowed the Frenchman to pass him just before entering the track to finish.

Having left everything out on the course, Kerry can be pleased with his Bronze medal in a time of 2.31:01.

Grant Ramsay (M40), making his debut at the championships, finishing 16th in 2.48:31, teaming up with Kerry and a fellow Brit to pick up silver in the team competition.

The Championships started off with the Decathlon where Ian Paget (M40), Derek Glasgow (M50) and Ken Moncrieff (M55) forced their bodies through the 10 events in what were very difficult conditions. Although it has to be said, that Ken only managed three events before having an altercation with the High Jump bar, and as expected came off second best, bringing his competition to an abrupt end.

Given the inadequacies of the results service the final positions for Ian and Derek were not published but both had creditable performances.

The sprints were pretty sparse of SVHC members. However, Bob Douglas (M60) had a very good championships, reaching the 200m semi-final where he finished 7th in a time of 27.53 and then went on to finish 5th in the 400m, narrowly missing out on the final with a new PB of 60.20.

In the 100m, Neil Young (M55) finished 6th in his heat with a time of 14.82. In the 80m Hurdles, Lorna Rogers (W40) made the final where she finished 7th with a time of 12.58. A regular on the International scene, Francis Cannon (M65) ran 62.5 to finish 5th in his 400m heat.

The middle distance events proved to be rather disappointing and frustrating for the Scots with only two finalists in the 800m and none in the 1500m, proving that the hardest thing at this age is staying injury and illness free in the build up to the Championships.

Pride of place goes to debutant, Yvonne Crilley (W50) who, having qualified from the heats after her daughters raced to the other side of Lyon to pick up her numbers to ensure she could run, finished a creditable 7th in a time of 2.37:32, a tremendous performance at this level.

Alastair Dunlop (M60), having won a medal at every World Championships he has competed in, failed on this occasion, finishing 8th in a time of 2.19:36.

There was encouraging performances from debutants Claire Barr (W40), Dean Kane (M40), Craig Johnson (M45) and Gerrard Starrs (M55) however there was disappointing and under par performances due to various reasons, and compared to previous championships, for a number of reasons from Andrew Ronald (M45), Alex Bryce (M55), John Thomson (M55), Francis Cannon (M65), Sharyn Ramage (W50) and Caroline Lawless (W55).

The distance events kicked off with the Cross Country with Colin Feechan (M55) running a fantastic race to finish 14th however finished second GB athlete and helped them to Gold in the team event. Colin then went on to finish 10th in the 10,000m in a time of 36.44:97, with Alan Hill (M55) finishing 51st in a time of 23.45:63.

Alex Sutherland (M60) also helped the GB team to silver medal in the Cross Country, finishing 9th in a time of 33.02 before embarking on a gruelling six days where he finished 10th in the 5,000m and then 8th in the 10,000m.

The Cross Country saw Sharyn Ramage (W50), Caroline Lawless (W55), Andrew Ronald (M45) and John Denholm (M60) finish 20th, 21st, 31st and 45th respectively.

In the 5,000m Walk, Andrew Fraser (M45) made his debut, finishing 13th in a time of 30.30:27.

The final day saw new girl, Claire Thomson (W35) flew directly in from her holiday in Crete to finish 10th in the 2,000m Steeplechase with a time of 8.13:35.

In the field events, Cameron Douglas (M65) finished 18th in the Long Jump qualifying round whilst the experienced Claire Cameron (W55) finished a creditable 5th in the Discus final with a throw of 29.36 before finishing 15th in the qualifying round of the Shot Putt later the same day. Finally, Rene Rogers finished 15th in the Weight Pentathlon on the final day of the championships.

The championships ended with the Relays and the Half Marathon. In the 4x100m, Susan Young (W35) won her second Bronze medal whilst Bob Douglas (M60) dropped down an age group to also win a Bronze medal in the 4x400m.

Fiona Davidson (W40) and Lorna Rogers (W40) made up half the 4x100m team with Sharyn Ramage (W50) dropping down to compete in the W40 4x400m team.

The Half Marathon was run alongside the Marathon and although no individuals medals were won in the Half Marathon, Colin Feechan (M55) added a silver team medal to that already won in the Team Cross Country at the beginning of the championships. Colin struggled a bit today after having already done the Cross Country and 10,000m but still finished first Brit in 8th place with a time of 1:21.04.

Also in the M55 race, Les Hill ran a solid race to finish in 30th place with a time of 1:37.49.

Moving on to the M60s, John Denholm, competing in his third race of the championships finished 37th in a time of 1:42.58, with Les’ older brother Alan, finishing 40th in a time of 1:45.33.

Going back to the younger age groups, debutant Scott Martin (M45) narrowly missed out in a team medal by 23 secs, finishing 4th Brit in 23rd place with a time of 1:18.40.

 In the M50s race, Chris Upson, also making his debut, finished first Brit in 19th place with a time of 1:21.38.

Finally, our only woman runner saw Anne Douglas (W60) finish a creditable 17th in a time of 1:53.54.

To summarise the SVHC Medals –

Fiona Davidson – Gold – W40 Triple Jump

Colin Feechan – Gold – M55 Cross Country Team

Colin Feechan – Silver – M55 Half Marathon Team

Grant Ramsay – Silver – M40 Marathon Team

Alex Sutherland – Silver – M65 Cross Country Team

Kerry-Liam Wilson – Silver – M40 Marathon Team

Kerry-Liam Wilson – Bronze – M40 Marathon

Susan Young – Bronze – W35 400m

Susan Young – Bronze – W35 4x100m Relay

Bob Douglas – Bronze – M55 4x400m Relay

So as the championships closed for another year, it was great to see a number of athletes make their debut, and some old faces returning. I would urge anyone to give it a go and show the rest of the athletic fraternity how good the Masters are and I am sure if you spoke to any of the debutants they would agree that the atmosphere, camaraderie and friendship cannot be beaten.

There is room for everyone, and I will leave you with this thought as we look ahead to Perth Australia for next year’s championships …….there were three over 95 year olds competing in the Pole Vault here in Lyon and the Men’s M90 200m finished in a dead heat !!!!

Who says competition is dead in the Masters scene??

 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR (More wanted, please!)

A Tale of Two Jaffa Cakes

 In mid-March I was running quite well e.g. 21:30 for 5k parkrun. Then on 26th March I flew off on holiday to Auckland NZ to visit Big Sister. I was also looking forward to running the Cornwall parkrun in Auckland as I thought the M70 record was a bit soft. Maybe it was hilly or maybe the Kiwis weren’t so fast.

On the Saturday I drove off from the suburbs on the freeway, in a strange car in the dark at 6.30am. In Australia and New Zealand the parkruns start at 8am. Found Cornwall Park (wrong end) so had a warm-up running across a large park looking for runners. The course was quite hilly but I managed to take 44 sec off the M70 record in 23:42.

After a week or so it was off to Adelaide in South Australia to visit my daughter, who was graduating on May 1st. No records there. Last year I ran 21:21 but Adelaide is home to Peter Sandery, world-renowned distance runner. Peter, now 73, had run 19:26 as a M70! I did manage 21:23.

Another 4 weeks holidaying, with lots of eating and drinking, and it was off home.

Even though I had kept running, it was frustrating that I couldn’t get down to 22 minutes until, after the SVHC 5k at Clydebank, a ‘helpful’ friend suggested I had enjoyed the holiday a bit too much! Nonsense! But a visit to the scales indicated there were 7lbs more of me! The culprits were beer and biscuits! I would have to do something about those biscuits.

So, although my wife dutifully stocked the biscuit tin with Penguins, Kit Kats and Wagon Wheels, they remained untouched. I was off to the shops. Numerous boxes of Jacob’s Jaffa Cakes were stuffed in the rucksack.

As you well know, frequent cups of tea require chocolate biscuits. Now each cup of tea had to make do with just two Jaffa cakes (only 49 calories each).

Two and a half weeks later – and 5lbs lighter – a 5000m in 21:07 was recorded at the Scottish Masters Championships at Grangemouth, followed by 21:11 and 21:10 at parkruns.

Surely the Jaffa Cake Diet represents a breakthrough in Masters Athletic Training Techniques?

By Bobby Young, Clydesdale Harriers.

 

SVHC TRACK 10,000 METRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Outdoor Sports Centre, Langloan Street, Coatbridge, ML5 1ER Sunday, October 18th.

Start Time(s) – Predicted finishing time 40:00 or slower, and walkers 11:30am.

Predicted finishing time sub 40:00 1:00pm.

 The Track 10,000 metres Club Championship is one of the most popular events on the SVHC fixture list. Last year 26 runners and 7 walkers finished the race.

 With this popularity comes a problem for the organizers: that of recording laps.

In order to reduce the problems on the day there will be two races this year; those with a predicted finishing time of 40:00 or slower, and walkers, will start at 11:30am and those with a predicted time of sub 40:00 will start at 1:00 pm. it will be necessary to enter in advance.

In addition we would ask for volunteers to come along and assist as lap scorers. If you intend to run please bring someone along with you to help. No special skills are required, just the ability to count to 25! Entries by email to Alastair Macfarlane almacrun@btinternet.com, with predicted finishing time, to arrive no later than Thursday 15th October.

The entry fee is £2 but that will be collected on the day.

 This will be the first race in the 2015 / 2016 Run and Become Series.

Please note that the club AGM will be held immediately after this event at approximately 2:00pm.

If you are interested in the future of the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club, please make an effort to attend.

By Alastair Macfarlane

 

OFFICE BEARERS SEASON 2014-2015

President: CAMPBELL JOSS 25 Speirs Road Bearsden, G61 2LX Tel: 0141 9420731 cdjoss2@gmail.com

Immediate Past President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

Vice-President: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 578 0526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Honorary Secretary: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE 7 Andrew Avenue, Lenzie, G66 5HF Tel: 0141 5781611 almacrun@btinternet.com

Honorary Treasurer: ANDY LAW Euphian, Kilduskland Road Ardrishaig, Argyll PA30 8EH Tel. 01546 605336 Lawchgair@aol.com

Membership Secretary: DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 Powburn Crescent Uddingston, G71 7SS Tel: 01698 810575 djf@dfairweather.plus.com

Handicapper: PETER RUDZINSKI 106 Braes Avenue Clydebank. G81 1DP Tel.0141 5623416 p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

JOHN BELL Flat 3/1, 57 Clouston Street Glasgow G20 8QW Tel. 0141 9466949

MARGARET DALY 24 Strowan Crescent Sandyhills Glasgow G32 9DW Tel. 0141 573 6572

WILLIE DRYSDALE 6 Kintyre Wynd Carluke, ML8 5RW Tel: 01555 771 448

PHYLLIS HANDS 39 Albany Drive Lanark ML11 9AF Tel. 01698 252498

STEWART McCRAE 17 Woodburn Way, Balloch Cumbernauld G68 9BJ Tel: 01236 728783

KEN MONCRIEFF 25 Princes Street Stirling FK8 1HQ Tel. 01786 474978

JOHN SOFTLEY 6 Cathkinview Road, Mount Florida Glasgow G42 8EH Tel. 0141 5701896

PAUL THOMPSON Whitecroft, 5 Gareloch Brae, Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8PJ Tel. 01436 821707

ROBERT YOUNG 4 St Mary’s Road, Bishopbriggs Glasgow G64 2EH Tel. 0141 5633714

BMAF Delegates Alastair Macfarlane Ada Stewart

SAL West District Delegate Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM Ken Moncrieff

Website Ada Stewart

Auditor George Inglis

 

FIXTURES

September 2015

Sun 6th BMAF Half Marathon Championships – Oxborough, Norfolk

Moray Marathon, Elgin

Sat 12th World Masters Mountain Running Championships – Betws-y-Coed, Wales Sat/Sun 19th/20th British Masters Decathlon/Hept./Throws Pentathlon/ 10K Track + Walks Champs

October 2015

Sun 4th Neil McCover Memorial Half Marathon Inc. SVHC Champs Kirkintilloch

Sun 18th SVHC Track 10K 11:30 & 13:00. AGM 14:00. Outdoor Sports Centre, Coatbridge

November 2015

Sun 1st BMAF Marathon Championships – Newcastle

Sat 14th British & Irish Masters Cross Country Champs Santry, Dublin

December 2015

Sat 12th SVHC Xmas Handicap 1:30pm. Playdrome, Clydebank. G81 1PA See entry form page 17

January 2016

Sun 24th LSK Relays Strathclyde Park 11.00 am

Sat 30th SAL Masters Cross Country Championships Forres Moray

March 2016

Tue 29th Mar –Sun 3rd Apr European Masters Indoor Championships – Ancona, Italy May 2016

Fri 20th –Sun 22nd European Masters Non-Stadia Championships – Vila Real de Santo Antonio Algarve Portugal.

 

 

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 10th March, 2015

MEMBERS

Welcome to the 18 new and 2 reinstated members who have joined or re-joined since 27th November 2014. 6 members have resigned and 63 have not renewed their subs. As of 10th March 2015, we have 431 paid up members . For those who have not already paid or set up standing orders, subscription renewals are now overdue for 2014/15.

Any member not wishing to renew their membership should send me a resignation letter by post or email.

NEWSLETTER The electronic version of the Newsletter is now the preferred option. Any member who would rather receive a printed Newsletter must contact David Fairweather (djf@ dfairweather.plus.com), if they have not already done so. Please inform David if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue To: COLIN YOUNGSON TOMLOAN, SANQUHAR ROAD, FORRES, IV36 1DG e-mail: cjyoungson@btinternet.com Tel: 01309 672398

SVHC EVENTS

Stewards/marshals are required for club races. The club appreciate all members & friends who volunteer to act as stewards/marshals. If you are not competing just turn up and introduce yourselves to the organisers. Thanks to all those who have already helped out.

STANDING ORDERS

Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please remember to update the amount payable, & keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses). If any other member wishes to set up a standing order please contact me.

Please ensure, if possible, that the next payment date is set for 10Nov2015, and annually thereafter.

CLUB VESTS

 Molly Wilmoth is no longer selling SVHC running vests. The Club would like to express their appreciation to Molly for her assistance. Andy Law has offered to take over this task. Vests can be purchased from Andy for £17 (Tel: 01546 605336. or email lawchgair@aol.com)

NEW MEMBERS

NAME JOINED NUMBER TOWN

Andrew Campbell 07-Jan-15 2236 Barrhead

Kenneth Campbell 10-Jan-15 2237 Campbeltown

Vincent Carroll 03-Dec-14 2227 Cumbernauld

Lorna Coyle 05-Jan-15 2233 Gourock

Brian Graham 01-Jan-15 2232 Paisley

David Henderson 12-Jan-15 2238 Gourock

 Elaine Hogg 03-Dec-14 2225 Moodiesburn

David Hogg 03-Dec-14 2226 Moodiesburn

Lorna Mahoney 16-Dec-14 2229 Balloch

Marc Malone 17-Dec-14 2231 Edinburgh

Derek Martin 26-Jan-15 2239 Craigmarloch

Graham McCabe 07-Jan-15 2235 Craigmarloch

Wayne McIntosh 26-Jan-15 2241 Kelso

Robert McLennan 26-Jan-15 2240 Glasgow

John Mill 16-Dec-14 2230 City Quay

Morag Taggart 06-Jan-15 2234 Broughty Ferry

David Tamburini 16-Feb-15 2242 Gourock

Anthony Weir 06-Dec-14 2228 Edinburgh

John Sinclair 05-Dec-14 1996 Falkirk

Joasia Zakrzewski 13-Feb-15 2045 Dumfries

David Fairweather Membership Secretary

 

SCOTTISH VETERAN HARRIERS RUN and BECOME RACE SERIES 2014/15

 The Run and Become Race Series is now well under way with 5 of the events completed at the time of writing.

Current leader in the women’s event is Ada Stewart with 21.1 points followed by Shirley MacNab,17.7 and Betty Gilchrist, 16.3.

Leading in the men’s competition is Andy McLinden 34.2, with Colin Feechan second on 25.4 and Willie Jarvie, 24.6.

For those who are new to this competition, each runner’s best 8 performances from 16 selected races are involved with age grading utilised to allocate points won. For those who complete more than the required 8 races an additional 1 point is awarded.. Over £600 worth of prizes are available along with trophies and competition is always keen. check the SVHC website for regular updates.

The remaining races are: –

22/03/2015 Lost Trails Race Falkland

11/07/2015 SAL Masters Track & Field Champs Grangemouth

05/04/2015 Tom Scott 10 mile road race Motherwell

24/06/2015 SVHC 5K Champs Clydebank

03/05/2015 SVHC Walter Ross 10K RR Cartha

16/08/2015 SVHC Glasgow 800 10k Champs Cartha

Alastair Macfarlane

 

CHARLES HAMILTON SORLEY (1895-2015) SCOTLAND’S TRAGIC POET AND RUNNER

 

 At the battle of Loos on the 13th of October 1915, Captain Charles Hamilton Sorley, only twenty years old, was killed in action. As the centenary of his death approaches, and because there has been a great deal of media commemoration of the war, it seems appropriate to celebrate the achievements of his short life.

He is generally considered to have been an English War poet; but in fact he was born in Aberdeen, became an enthusiastic cross-country runner and, had he been spared, might even have qualified to run for Scotland in the International Championships.

Charles was the son of the Professor of Moral Philosophy at Aberdeen University and seems to have moved south at the age of five. He won a scholarship to Marlborough College, which he attended between 1908 and 1913.

 

Roger Robinson wrote movingly about Sorley in his highly-recommended book “Running in Literature” and adapted those comments in “The Poetry of Running”, which was published in Runner’s World magazine in January 2004.

With Roger’s permission, I intend to quote extensively from his critical essay on Sorley’s very well known poem:

“The Song of the Ungirt Runners”.

We swing ungirded hips

And lighten’d are our eyes,

The rain is on our lips,

We do not run for prize

We know not whom we trust

Nor whitherward we fare,

But we run because we must

Through the great wide air.

 

The waters of the seas

Are troubled as by storm.

The tempest strips the trees

And does not leave them warm.

Does the tearing tempest pause?

Do the tree-tops ask it why?

So we run without a cause

‘Neath the big bare sky.

 

 The rain is on our lips,

We do not run for prize.

But the storm the water whips

And the wave howls to the skies.

The winds arise and strike it

And scatter it like sand,

And we run because we like it

Through the broad bright land.

“During his high-school years, Charles Sorley loved to walk and run on the hills around the town, and as an aspiring young poet he wrote several poems, impressive for such a young writer, about these outings. The weather in the poems is often wet and windy, because on these days regular sports like rugby were cancelled, and to Sorley’s delight the students were sent out on cross-country runs that they called “sweats”.”

 “When World War One was declared only a few months after he left school, Sorley volunteered for training as a junior officer. “The Song of the Ungirt Runners” was written during this period of training early in 1915.

When he reached the front line later that year, he had time only to write a few powerful poems that angrily condemn the slaughter of the trenches.

“Ungirt Runners” is not a war poem in this direct way, yet it is full of the tumult of catastrophe, the storm, and the tearing tempest of that time. With its images of troubled, stormy nature and disoriented, distrustful humans, it catches perfectly the sense of anxiety, doubt and doom suffered by that unlucky generation of young men who came to adulthood between the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 and marching up the line to death in the trenches after 1914.”

 “Yet through the storm and howling waves and troubled weather, the swinging rhythm of the runners pulses onward. They run forward through the tearing tempest lightly, determinedly, and almost joyfully, without purpose other than the compulsion to run. The opening of the movie Chariots of Fire, with the athletes loping along the seashore in wind and spray, was perhaps inspired by Sorley’s words. The poem affirms that running is an act of nature, and like other acts of nature it needs no motive or explanation.”

 “It is, for a soldier, a poem defiant of authority and reward. They do not run for cause or prize, in a war not their making, but to find freedom, contact with nature, release from that world of strife and loss, and some personal pleasure in a time of imposed control.

And why ‘ungirt’? The British army then wore coarse heavy khaki, encumbered with belts and cross straps, and bound their legs in tight wrap-around ‘putees’. Runners hate such cumbersome binding. Sorley wrote from the front a few weeks later to his old school principal: “O for a pair of shorts and my long loose coloured jersey… once again.” The poem expresses the defiant joy of moving ‘ungirt’, free, instead of marching all day in uniform and in step to someone else’s shouted commands.

The repeated ‘We’ also expresses a human bond among the runners at a deeper level than the world of cause and prizes can forge. The troops in training were encouraged to play sports, with running especially important. Sorley, with his background as a good schoolboy runner, helped train the men of his Suffolk Regiment, mostly farm workers. He prepared them especially for the divisional cross country championship in Kent against other regiments. The favourites were a formidable Royal Fusiliers team that contained (Sorley wrote in a letter) several experienced runners (“exharriers”).

There were 400 starters and 12 teams. Afterwards the young officer/coach reported with glee that “on a heavy course over the rich Kentish soil…..The Suffolks came in an easy first. This has been one of many triumphs.”

It’s good to know that a poem that has been taken to be about runners in a remote and idealised world in fact derived from real training for a particular race, when his guys got up and beat the favourites. It is no stretch of the imagination that a 19-year-old who loved running so much, and who was well liked by his men, would run with them in training instead of just holding the watch. The poem’s “We” surely includes the poet. It expresses a group unity more fundamental than the military separation between lieutenant and infantrymen.

So “The Song of the Ungirt Runners” is both timeless and very much of its time – as the best poems are. It affirms the elemental, its runners swinging through a nature of primordial power, yet it also reflects on its moment in history. Its condemnation is implied, not spelled out. But imagine writing of men who were about to be ordered to march into the dark pit of the trench that: “We run because we like it / Through the broad bright land.”

Charles Sorley was killed by a sniper’s bullet a few weeks after arriving at the front in France. In his pack was found the draft of a poem that has become his most famous, beginning with the lines: “When you see millions of the mouthless dead / Across your dreams in pale battalions go…..”

Within days of writing these lines, this talented young poet was himself among the mouthless dead. It is some consolation that he found pleasure in his last months by running and had time to put that pleasure into life-affirming words that still retain their resonant simplicity.”

Roger Robinson concludes his excellent article by saying “there is a crossing of two foot-tracks high on the Marlborough Downs, about three miles from the town and the College. It is a spot mentioned in one of Sorley’s poems, and thanks to one of the school’s English teachers, is now marked by a memorial stone, inscribed with the initials “C.H.S.” and the dates of his short life. One September I ran there, with my wife and two English running friends, Bruce and Sue Tulloh. After quietly paying our respects, we ran together back across the Downs to the Tullohs’ home, not for cause or prize, but running because we like it, through the broad bright land.”

 

 QUESTIONNAIRE: DOUG COWIE

 (Doug Cowie continues to enjoy a long and successful running career. Nowadays, due to dedicated and varied cross-training, all-round he is the fittest over-60 that the editor knows! At Forres Harriers, he is an inspiration. This profile was written before the 2014 British and Irish Masters Cross Country International at Nottingham, when Doug, along with Frank Hurley, Andy McLinden and Tony Martin, won thoroughly deserved team gold.)

NAME Douglas Cowie

CLUBs Forres Harriers/SVHC

DATE OF BIRTH 16/02/1953

OCCUPATION Leisure Supervisor

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT? A friend and ex- RAF runner David Parsons who is still competing for Oxford City converted me from football to running in 1971.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE? Bob Wallis, my coach for nine years. He was also coach to Steve Jones and a host of other RAF and club runners. Without his guidance especially in the early days I am sure I would not have achieved as much as I have. Donald Macgregor, Gerry Stevens (Reading AC) and Mick Woods (AFD) were all major influences at different stages of my running career.

Being involved with the RAF CX team through the 70/80s was an honour and a privilege for the ‘mere mortal’. During that period I was lining up in races with the best runners in the country never mind the RAF. There was Wild, Goater and Crabb from England, Jones, Jenkins and Hackney from Wales, Dion McNeilly was a regular with Northern Ireland and from Scotland there was Gordon and Steve Rimmer and Colin Donnelly.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT? Personal satisfaction of achieving goals set. Health and Social benefits.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES? Winning the RAF Germany XC Championships when I wasn’t even considered a top 5 finisher. Winning a European Masters Half Marathon silver medal and receiving it from Mrs Zatopek. Winning SVHC XC Championship in my home town. Winning European Duathlon gold medal in 2011.

YOUR WORST? 2ATAF XC Championships 1980. We were competing against the Belgian, German, Dutch and American Air Forces, I was expected to be first scorer for the RAF but had a disaster and finished 9th scorer out of 9!

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE? Steve Prefontaine was my first running hero and I would like to visit Coos Bay, Oregon.

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES? I cycle quite a lot, swim twice a week and enjoy walking with my wife.

 WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS? Through running I have had the good fortune to have travelled the world. In 2004 I was an escort runner when the Olympic Flame went on its global relay. In 2007 I took part in a similar event travelling to 42 cities in Brazil prior to the start of the Pan-Am Games and in 2012 I was involved with the Olympic Torch relay.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING? For 30 years I ran an average of 80mpw, as did most decent club runners of that era but now my training is geared to staying fit and healthy.

Sunday Easy 3 hour cycle or 60-75 minute easy running. Monday 2 hour cycle with a bit more effort. Tuesday Early morning swim and Harrier session in the evening. Wednesday Easy 2 hour cycle/ Water Pilates. Thursday Harrier session. Friday Early morning swim/Thighs Bums ‘n Tums exercise class. Saturday Running or cycling efforts. That’s the gist of it.

As the winter approaches I will do less cycling and more jogging. The best thing I have done in recent years is to cross train, supplement running with swimming and cycling – exercising but recovering at the same time. Pilates and core strength workouts have also proved beneficial.

My Favourite Race. My first serious race was a Services XC league race in November 1971. From that day many races have been run, over many different surfaces and over many different distances. Although I specialised in the marathon XC was always my favourite discipline and my favourite race was the RAF XC championships. I was always taught it was not how you performed in December or January that mattered, more importantly how you performed in the Championships in February. I first contested the RAFs in 1971 finishing in 235th position. The following year I was 68th then 32nd. I did it 21 times, my best position being 13th. That day I was 8 seconds off 8th place with the top 8 being current internationals. My final appearance came when aged 41 when I finished in 25th place.

Marathon Memories My first attempt could have been my last. 1974 Inverness to Forres, got knocked down after 9 miles and woke up in hospital with the doctor sewing my arm up.

Next attempt – 1975, 2.40, was a member of the RAF Kinloss team that won the RAF Team Championship.

1981, Boston! A must for any marathon runner. 7000 runners all had to qualify unlike the London marathon which has turned into the biggest ‘Fun Run’ in the world. I did 2.31 for 372nd place and my friend who did 2.39 was 960th!

1983, RAF Championships, 1st in 2.23, a breakthrough after running 2.30/2.31 five times.

1985, Paris 2.21.14 my pb. 1985,

Aberdeen, 2.26 – represented the ‘Rest of the World’!

1986, Aberdeen, my first Scottish selection.

1987/88, Marine Corp Marathon, Washington DC. 14,000 runners both years and I finished 8th and 9th in 2.27 both years and at the 20 mile mark there was a pipe band playing Scotland the Brave – both years!

1988, GB vest, Singapore. Did 2.30 but considering the heat and humidity was pleased to finish 30th out of 3000+.

2001, Moray marathon, Scottish Masters Champion.

2003, Chicago. My 50th marathon in my 50th year. Did 2.47 which was good enough for an age group silver.

50 marathons of which 34 were run overseas. A pb of 2.21 and a slowest time of 2.47 and 19 times below 2.30.

Favourites; Swinderby 1983 – RAF Champion.

Boston – an unforgettable experience. Marine Corp Washington DC – very well organised and the best road surface, they call it the marathon of the monuments. Singapore – first GB vest. Race was a week or so before Christmas – magical. Frankfurt Marathon – I’ve always said you can’t beat German organisation. 14,000 runners all got hot showers, 14,000 runners and their families all got hot food! Chicago – my last. It was preceded by a week in Boulder Colorado staying with Steve Jones and while there I met former Olympic champion Frank Shorter and former World champion Mark Platjes. The race itself had probably the best atmosphere of them all.

 

                                                                                     SANDRA BRANNEY ON TRAINING

 

                                         Sandra winning the World Masters W50 10,000m in Riccione, Italy

(Sandra Branney is extremely modest about her many achievements over the years. However, the editor feels that he must add the following brief but very impressive summary. She took up serious distance running aged 31 in the 1985 Glasgow Marathon, recording 2.45. Thereafter she won Senior Scottish titles on indoor and outdoor track, road and over the country, as well as enjoying team wins with City of Glasgow AC. Sandra was victorious at all distances from 1500m to the marathon (personal best 2.35.03 at London 1989). She was the 1988 UK 10 miles champion and ran for GB in the 1987 World Cup marathon. Her success in Masters Athletics has been amazing: Scottish CC champion at W35 and W40; British, European and World titles from 1500m to 10,000m. Her best run might well be the W55 3000m World Record (10.13.8) which was rated on the age-graded tables as 103.2%!)

When Colin asked me to write an article about my training, I had a look back through my old training diaries to see if I could find anything significant. They go back to 1986 so there was a lot to go through but what I did notice was that for 1989 and 2009 I had a full set of times from 1500 to 10000 and with the 20 year interval, thought I could do a comparison to see if I could find anything interesting. One thing I did notice was that my training was very similar although in 2009 being 20 years older, I was obviously running a bit slower.

In 1989, the year I was 35, over the Winter I was training for the London Marathon. My mileage averaged about 65-70 miles a week. I could never ever manage any more than that. It was made up of a long run (about 20 miles), two interval sessions of a set of road miles and a shorter track session typically 400s or 300s. The rest of my training was made up of steady runs mainly between home and work. I tried also to fit in two short sessions in the weights room and one swim. In the Summer I cut down to about 50 miles, basically the same but with two track sessions.

In 2009, the year I was 55, over the Winter, my training was much the same as 1989 but a much lower mileage of around 50 miles per week. The Summer was almost identical to 1989 in terms of mileage and content.

In 2009 my sessions were a bit different from those in 1989 because I was training with a different group so can’t do a comparison but from looking at the data, in 1989 I was running 400m sessions at about 73 seconds but by 2009 I had slowed to 78 seconds.

For both years, I had times for 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, and 10000m and I thought I would take a more detailed look. The chart shows a comparison of my average lap times for each. (This compared her lap speed – over 1500m, 3000m, 5000m and 10,000m – at age 35 compared to age 55. 1500m increased from 73 seconds to 79; 3000m from 76 to 82; 5000m from 77 to 85; and 10,000m from 80 to 89.)

Given that I had a five second fall-off in my 400m rep time, these results are probably consistent with this. I never had the real speed needed for 1500 so the six second difference in both 1500 and 3000 times isn’t unexpected. What I think my 10,000 times do show is that in 2009, I didn’t quite have the endurance that I had in 1989 when I had come off a Winter of marathon training.

I then thought it might be interesting look up the age grade of my best times from 1989 and 2009 and plotted the following graph

From this graph my (1500m, 3000m, 5000m and 10,000m) age-graded performance over the 20 years has increased from about 90% to 100%.

Without data from other athletes, it is difficult to give a reason for this but my own interpretation would be that very few athletes who were competing in the late 80s were still competing 20 years later. I can’t think of anyone who was ahead of me in the UK rankings in 1989 who ran against me in a Masters event in 2009 so if this effect was repeated globally this would give a reasonable explanation.

Further to this, my 1989 5000m (16.08) was at the time a UK W35 Masters record. This lasted until 2006 when it was broken by Kate Ramsey (16.04). It has since been totally re-written and now stands at 15.02 to Jo Pavey.

The former Irish Olympian, Monica Joyce has an unratified W50 5000m time of 16.19 with the ratified world record being held by another former Olympian Gitte Karlshoj at 16.51. Looking through the WMA records, there are some former world class athletes who were still able to produce quite outstanding performances well into their 40s and 50s. It makes me think that if more world class athletes were able to train at a reasonable level into their 50s, the records could fall quite dramatically. I slowed by about 9% in these twenty years. Jo Pavey at 35 ran 15.02 and up to now she isn’t showing any signs of slowing. However if she did slow at a similar or more likely a slower rate than I did, at 55 an estimate of what she could run for 5000m is around 16.10 which is substantially faster than the current W55 record of 17.52. The challenge though is to keep injury free so as to maintain a good level of training.

 

 TO PROFESSIONALISM AND BACK

By Alastair Macfarlane

 

 White-vested Alastair Macfarlane poised to overtake and hopefully surge to victory at the 1968 Braemar Highland Games. After regaining amateur status he had a long and distinguished road running career, representing Scotland and becoming Scottish Marathon Champion in 1979, by recording 2.18.03. Our Past President continues to do a tremendous amount for SVHC.

 

The editor, obviously pretty desperate for some words to fill an empty page, has looked in my direction to ask me to reflect on the early days of my running career, especially during a period that couldn’t happen today.

I started running at school in Stirling and was soon invited to join the local club, St Modans AAC, a club no longer in existence but nevertheless a club of some standing in the sixties and early seventies. Club colleagues during my period in membership included Mike Ryan who was to go on and win Olympic and Commonwealth medals in the marathon while representing New Zealand, George McLachlan, a GB decathlon international and Scottish Steeplechase champion Charlie Meldrum.

The adventure began at Hamilton Racecourse, the venue for the National Cross Country Championships in 1963. In dreadful, frozen underfoot conditions I picked up a National silver medal in my very first race. Okay it was a team medal and I was fourth counter in a race won by future Commonwealth silver medallist Ian McCafferty, but I wonder how many people can say they won a National medal in their first race.

Over the next couple of years as I moved into my late teens, being the weakest in my age group, and not making much progress I became a bit disillusioned. Sensing this, a chap called Willie Scott who trained with the club but was a professional runner took me under his wing and advised me to become a professional.

Many people in the sport today won’t understand what this meant in the sixties. Unlike today there was a clear distinction between the amateur and professional codes. There was a huge and thriving circuit of Games, mostly in Fife, the Borders and the Lake District where money prizes were on offer.

Anyone who took part in any these of these meetings was deemed by the Scottish Amateur Athletic Association, the then governing body of the sport in Scotland, and the IAAF, to be a professional and not allowed to be a member of a club in SAAA membership.

And this exclusion even extended to those who had earned money from other sporting pursuits; many people will have heard of John Tarrant, ‘the Ghost Runner’ who had earned a few pounds in a boxing booth. Rangers’ players Willie Johnston and Sandy Jardine were decent sprinters on the pro circuit while Hibs and Stirling Albion winger George McNeill was possibly the fastest man ever produced by Scotland. All of these athletes were denied the opportunity to compete in amateur athletics and in McNeill’s case to represent his country.

However, having decided to start competing on the professional circuit I was in for a bit of a culture shock. Highland and Border Games were mostly track and field competitions and perhaps 90% were held on a handicap basis. Handicap running produces a mind-set in some people where they will try less than their best in the smaller events in an attempt to build a good handicap then having built a good handicap will pounce to win a big money race. So deceiving the handicapper in order to build a better handicap almost becomes a sport in itself. In addition betting was not only allowed but was a major part of meetings. Although many meetings offered big money prizes, especially in the sprints, the real money was to be made from the bookies.

As a naive 19 year old newcomer to all this, I certainly found it a new world. My amateur club background along with my natural competitive spirit meant that I went into every race trying to do my best regardless of any future loss of handicap.

There wasn’t a lot of money at stake in my early days; in my first race at Blackford Highland Games I finished third in the mile to win £2 and a couple of weeks later at Pitlessie, I took home 12/6 (62.5p) for third in the half mile. (Note the pre metric race distances).

After a couple of seasons of doing reasonably well and picking up some prize money, but much more importantly, picking up valuable experience in how to race on the track, I started to make a bigger impact in 1968, going to some of the biggest meetings at places like Hawick, Jedburgh, Peebles and Selkirk and winning.

A new face appearing on the scene that year was GB International Alan Simpson, Britain’s top miler who had finished 4th in the 1964 Olympic 1500metres and was silver medallist behind Kenya’s Kip Keino in the 1966 Commonwealth Games. We became friends, trained together and stayed at each other’s house. Another ‘name’ to show up was former world mile record holder Derek Ibbotson but by this time he was well past his best and was never a serious threat in races.

But the highlight of the pro runner’s season is undoubtedly the New Year Gala, nowadays held at Musselburgh Racecourse but in my time still held at the charismatic Powderhall Stadium in Edinburgh. This is the big one; the meeting for which most runners try to preserve a decent handicap, because of the big prizes on offer.

Having had a good season during the previous summer I was back marker in the mile at the New Year meeting of 1969. Having only just qualified for the final after finishing a distant 2nd in the heat, I managed to get up in the last few strides to win and take the £80 first prize.

That effectively was the end of my career as a professional runner, the next couple of years taken up with getting married and moving house a couple of times.

I had never lost touch with the amateur club scene and started training with Springburn Harriers, whose club Coach was Eddie Sinclair, a former Scottish 3 mile Champion, against whom I had raced on the pro circuit, and decided to see how far I could go in the sport by attempting to be re-instated as an amateur. This had been achieved only once previously to my knowledge, by John Robson, later to become a star at 1500 metres on the International stage.

However, for me that proved to be no easy task. My applications for reinstatement were rejected on two occasions and it was only after two years of trying that I was given the green light and I was officially an amateur again. How times have changed over the last 40 years with people now able to make fortunes from the sport!

I was reinstated initially as a ‘National’ amateur, meaning I was unable to compete in International competition, a condition somehow overlooked when, having reached a decent standard, I was selected to represent Scotland in an International marathon in Tullamore, Ireland.

I suppose this indicates that incompetence from our governing body is not a new phenomenon! However, after I had pointed out their error the SAAA made application to the IAAF on my behalf and I was reinstated internationally and went on to represent Scotland a few times.

My time as a professional runner brought few regrets and many happy memories; I had the pleasure of competing at the same time as and seeing at close quarters people like George McNeill, Stuart Hogg, later to become a fitness coach to some of the country’s top football teams, the multi-talented John Freebairn, for many years for many years a member of the SVHC committee, and John Steede, still a member of SVHC and in his day an awesome sight as he hit top speed!

After reinstatement a whole new chapter opened up for me as I turned from track racing to the roads and competed against some of the best endurance runners Scotland has produced, people like the late Jim Dingwall, our Newsletter editor Colin Youngson and Olympian Donald Macgregor, but that’s maybe a story for another day.

 

 GREAT IRISH/SCOTTISH VETERANS: CHARLIE McALINDEN

 

 Dirrans Sports, early 1960’s. Hugh Mitchell (53), Charlie McAlinden (138), Pat McAtier (52), Bobby Calderwood (-4) and Davie Simpson (51)

 Charles McAlinden was born on the 31st of October 1932. By 1956 he had become Irish half-mile champion; and in 1959 appeared in the Scottish Athletics Yearbook with one mile in 4.20.3. His club was Babcock & Wilcox, Paisley.

For the earlier part of his running career, Charlie concentrated on shorter track races, and avoided running three and six mile events. However, he was encouraged by Harry Fenion, the 1957 Scottish Marathon Champion, to try the 26 mile classic distance.

In both 1964 and 1965 Charlie finished third in the Scottish Marathon, improving from 2.39.22 to 2.25.45 when finishing a meritorious fifth in the AAA Marathon at Port Talbot, when Bill Adcocks was the winner, followed by Brian Kilby, Juan Taylor and Alastair Wood.

Consequently, when he lined up for the 1966 Scottish Marathon, Charlie McAlinden had hopes of running fast enough to be selected by Ireland to compete in that year’s European Championships. Certainly, he was a much-improved athlete and, on form, was capable of a very good run. However, it would not be easy.

The course was an undulating out and back route: from Westerlands in Glasgow, out to Vale of Leven and back. The weather was sunny and hot. Gordon Eadie of Cambuslang, the 1960 winner, was also competing, along with his clubmate Andy Fleming. Newcomers included Donald Ritchie (Aberdeen AAC) who was attempting his second marathon and only beginning his illustrious distance running career (especially as a world-class exponent of ultramarathon racing). Another novice that day was Jack MacLean (Bellahouston Harriers), who took part in sixteen Scottish Marathon Championships in succession, starting with this one!

After a few miles, the leaders began to stretch the field as they maintained a good pace. Hugh Mitchell (Shettleston) had been told before the race that sub 2.25 would be considered for the Scottish team in the 1966 Jamaica Commonwealth Games Marathon, so he moved ahead, accompanied by Charlie McAlinden. Further back, Gordon Eadie was running in a group containing Donald Ritchie.

There was little change in the positions as Singers Industrial Estate, the half-way point, was reached. The runners completed a circuit of the grounds before returning to the roads. After keeping up 2.23 pace to twenty miles, Hugh Mitchell had to drop back, leaving Charlie on his own and feeling ‘hunted’.

An extra problem he had to deal with was that he did not drink at all on this especially hot day. His friend Tony McManus was meant to hand him a special drink at twenty miles, but the officials of that era followed very strict rules about water stations, and Charlie had to carry on without refreshment. At 24 miles, Hugh Mitchell dropped out.

Gordon made an effort to close the gap on the leader and chased hard through 20 and 23 miles. He moved into second behind Charlie McAlinden. However, the strain of racing fast in hot conditions was forcing some runners to give up, and even the leaders were slowing down.

Gordon could not manage to take the lead from a struggling Charlie, who found some strength in the last two miles to move away and win the battle in 2.26.31. Gordon Eadie finished in 2.28.19 and Andy Fleming, his Cambuslang clubmate and advisor, came third in 2.32.47.

The 1966 European Marathon in Budapest was indeed won by an Irish athlete – Jim Hogan, running for Britain! Although the Irish selectors sent home-based athletes to the European Championships, and ignored Glasgow domiciled Charlie McAlinden, he did not give up.

After he turned 40 years of age and became a veteran, he had a great deal of success, racing for Paisley Harriers and winning Scottish titles at 5000m, 10,000m, ten miles and marathon. In addition, although in the 1973 Scottish Veterans Cross-Country Championship he finished second, behind the great Bill Stoddart, Charlie went on to win that prestigious title three years in succession (1974-1976).

In 1974 the World Veterans Marathon Championship was held on the outskirts of Paris near Versailles, on a very awkward course, involving a network of cross-country paths. The clear winner (and first home for the Scottish team) was Alastair Wood (Aberdeen AAC), who reckoned that he did well to record 2.28.40. When a vehicle carrying the film crew got too close to the irritable leader, Alastair remembered that he waved vigorously and yelled, “Allez! Allez!” to make them retreat to a reasonable distance!

Wood was supported by his Scottish team-mates: Charlie McAlinden, who must have been pleased to finish well up in ninth position; and another Aberdeen runner, Charlie Greenlees. The Scottish team finished first and won World Veteran Championship gold medals.

Charlie McAlinden returned to the Scottish marathon rankings in 1980 (2.32.25), 1981 (2.33.59) and, at nearly fifty years of age, in 1982 (2.34.15). Nowadays, these would still be considered very impressive Masters times.

After retirement, Charlie retired to Aviemore, and enjoyed hillwalking.

(This profile is reprinted with the kind permission of Brian McAusland from the ‘Veterans’ section of scottishdistancerunninghistory.co.uk)

 

A FAVOURITE RACE MEMORY: GLASGOW MARATHON 1983

By Colin Youngson

(Colin leading in the 1985 Aberdeen International Marathon. He finished second to Englishman Dave Catlow (number 04).)

[I had reached my marathon peak back in 1975 (2.16.50) so, when I was picked for a three-man Scottish team to take part in the Home Countries International contest during the 1983 Glasgow Marathon, at the age of 35 I did not feel too optimistic. The following account was written shortly after the event.]

Pre-race nerves had been worse than usual: swallowing regularly to check if I had a sore throat; worrying instead of sleeping; wobbly ankles; hot flushes. (Some symptoms must have been because I was half-a-stone overweight after doing ‘the diet’ – it can’t all have been because of old age.)

However, once I settled into the plush Skean Dhu Hotel, just off Sauchiehall Street, and met my old rivals in the Welsh and Northern Irish teams, I started feeling calmer.

The Scottish team manager, John Fairgrieve, was very helpful, let me avoid the pasta party and half the civic reception, organised breakfast for 6 a.m., convinced me I’d better stick to just one pint, and packed me off to bed!

Up at 5.30 a.m. on 11th September 1983, I sorted out my gear, shoved down a white bread marmalade sandwich, then went down for cornflakes, tea and some more toast and jam.

Then back to bed for an hour’s doze, interrupted by some steady drinking (glucose drink) and five visits to the loo.

 At 8 a.m., racing shoes and vest etc safely in the kitbag, I took a seat in the ‘invited athletes’ bus. The Southern Irish were last out. An hour before the start we arrived at the council offices, fifty yards from the first rows of runners. A ‘jobsworth’ janitor wasn’t keen to let twenty skinny characters in tracksuits into his domain, but was eventually convinced that we were genuine.

Jimmy Savile warmed up smoking a cigar – and chatting up everyone – male and female.

After drinking my black coffee (no sugar), I jogged round the block, trying some strides when no one was looking, halting only for stretching, digestion control and shoe-tightening exercises. The sight of Jim Brown and George Braidwood already in the front rank of ‘ordinary plebs’ didn’t make the ‘stars’ feel too confident when we lined up with five minutes to go.

The gun was inaudible, but with a nervous rush I avoided being crushed underfoot by 9600 pairs of shoes and quickly settled down behind the 200 metres specialists.

The next three miles, at a nice steady pace, involved a fair amount of manoeuvring at the front. Several runners (including me) were anxious to wave at their mums (the whole race was televised and I still have the VHS tape!) However as soon as we hit Byres Road, and a headwind, I hid in the pack, just before Brendan Foster, during his commentary, uttered the opinion that only foolish inexperienced athletes were leading so soon.

A group of 18 stuck together and negotiated the twisting, undulating course – sometimes moving uncomfortably fast, sometimes coming to a virtual halt on windwept sections. My left hamstring started cramping up in the chilly air, after only eight miles, and I thought I was in for a bad race, but a few ‘stretching’ motions (on the run) seemed to settle it down.

Some of my opponents tired themselves by putting in a fast burst at every drink station – they seemed to have a desperate thirst for such a cool day. The drinks attendants were so inexperienced that each station turned into a cursing, shoving, rugby scrum of heaving bodies and flying elbows and cups. I plodded up the middle of the road and saved my energy.

Over the Clyde and onto the cobbles, into the second half of the race. Just before Bellahouston Park, Andy Daly and Peter Fleming surged ahead to greet the local fans. I hung on through the hilly little park, cutting corners like mad. The bunch was down to nine as we passed the exit gates.

Then Peter Fleming made his break, and the struggle to the finish really began. George Braidwood, who had been second in the National Cross-Country Championships in February, was the last to drop, but he paid for his effort, losing eight places.

Unfortunately I lacked the speed to hold on to my wonderfully talented young team-mate, but stuck in behind the nearest shelter (a big Englishman) down the wind tunnel of Barrhead Road, and waited until after the tiring paths of Pollok Estate, before making one last effort to break clear of gritty Andy Daly and become the second counter in the Scottish team.

About the 25 mile mark, fighting on grimly, my dazed brain noticed a procession of lightly-clad individuals almost jogging on the spot across the other side of the road. They were heading in the opposite direction from me, and I wondered vaguely what they were doing – until I realised they were also striving to complete the Glasgow Marathon and were twelve miles behind.

Over the cobbles, past the blare of a pipe band, and into Glasgow Green with half a mile to go. I knew that a wee Welshman was closing like a rocket, but managed to raise a last canter to make it to the line in fourth place, two seconds in front of him.

The next five minutes weren’t much fun, but I was on the road to recovery after a cup of water.

Scotland had defeated England (a rare, treasured victory), Wales, Eire and Northern Ireland, so I was left knackered but satisfied that I had run a sensible race, as hard as I could on the day. This event was the first time that the SAAA had obtained kit sponsorship, which allowed each athlete to receive and keep a tracksuit as well as a Scottish vest. After a shower, I donned my new Scotland top and, a happy man, went down to the bar for a slow, reflective pint.

1 Peter Fleming (Scotland/Bellahouston H) 2.17.48

2 Bill Domoney (England) 2.18.16

3 Dic Evans (Wales) 2.18.26

4 Colin Youngson (Scotland/Aberdeen AAC) 2.19.18

5 Mick Crowell (Wales) 2.19.20

6 Andy Daly (Scotland/Bellahouston H) 2.19.30

7 Donald Macgregor (Fife AC – First Veteran) 2.19.34

8 Malcolm McBride (Northern Ireland) 2.19.50

9600 started. 9000 finished.

 

SCOTTISH MASTERS INDOOR ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS REPORT

 2015 has not started well, as far as the organisation of Scottish Masters Championships is concerned. Not only did the main Indoor event take place on the same day as the Cross Country (scottishathletics did apologise), but also the 3000 metres races took place along with a separate meeting on 3rd January. One can only hope that the Summer Track and Field on 7th June at Kilmarnock (again?) will not produce more justified complaints from Masters athletes. Maybe it is time to revert to SVHC organisation, albeit with inferior medals?

The main Indoor Championships were on 31st January at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow. Since this is the Scottish Veteran Harriers Newsletter, I will concentrate on middle distance races. Full results are available on the scottishathletics website.

The 800m produced a close battle between two W50 runners, when Yvonne Crilly (Lothian) narrowly defeated Sonia Armitage (Aberdeen AAC). The winner’s time was 2.31.71.

The fastest time produced by the men was 2.7.02 by Stephen Allen (Law). The indefatigable M55 John Thomson (Fife AC) was well clear in 2.17.52 (and also won the 400m). Alastair Dunlop (M60, Stornoway) recorded a fine 2.26.58.

In the 1500m, Sonia Armitage (W50, 5.18.28) pipped Catherine Ferry (W40, Edinburgh AC, 5.18.94).

Guy Bracken (M50, North Shields), who had won his 800m in 2.10.59) also finished first, with the fastest Masters time of the day (4.16.38), in the longer race.

Gordon Barrie (Dundee Hawkhill) won M40; Stephen Allen M45; Stephen Smith (Preston H) M55; and Ian Johnstone (Inverness H) M60.

Pete Cartwright (Clydesdale H) succeeded in doing his usual M70 800m/1500m double.

The 3000m winners included familiar names from the main meeting: Guy Bracken M50 was fastest with an excellent 9.06.15; Robert Gilroy (Ronhill Cambuslang H) first M35; Gordon Barrie M40; Stephen Allen M45; John Thomson M55 (not far in front of rapid age-group rivals Rob McLennan (Garscube) and Stephen Smith); Ian Johnstone M60; and David Cooney (RCH) M65. Pete Cartwright defeated his M70 friend and clubmate Bobby Young.

 

SCOTTISH MASTERS CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS REPORT

 This event took place at Kilmarnock on 31st January. Unlike in Hawick last year, the weather was mainly sunny and the course featured a range of surfaces including mud, sand, gravel, ice and snow.

The overall winners, both well clear, were Lesley Chisholm (W40, Garscube H) and Keith Hood (M40, Corstorphine AAC).

Betty Gilchrist (Ferranti AAC), last year’s W65 champion, this time won the over-70 title, to add to her outstanding first place in last November’s British and Irish CC International.

The W60 winner was Ann White of Garscube Harriers; W55 Phyllis O’Brien (Hunter’s Bogtrotters); W50 Rhona Anderson (Dunbar AC) after a close battle with Hazel Dean (Central AC) and Mary Western (Carnegie H). The W45 victor, also far in front of age-group rivals and third overall, was Melissa Wylie (Dumbarton AAC).

As has been reported, Lesley Chisholm won W40 gold, with previous W35 title winner Jennifer MacLean (Edinburgh AC) second.

Gala Harriers won team gold, with HBT second and EAC third.

Walter McCaskey (EAC), previously age-group winner in M65, M70 (four times) and M75 (thrice) won M80 this time, in front of his M75 rival Les Nicol (Metro Aberdeen RC), who picked up his own third title.

M70 winner was the redoubtable Bobby Young (Clydesdale H), who has in the past finished first M55, M60 (twice) and M65. [There is little doubt that Bobby has won more Scottish Masters titles, (on indoor and outdoor track, road and cross country) than any other SVHC runner in the club’s history.]

There was an exciting battle for M65 gold this time, with Alex Sutherland (Highland Hillrunners – the winner in 2013) repeating the feat, but only four seconds in front of Andy Rennie (Irvine AC) who landed M60 gold back in 2011.

The main men’s race featured a very clear M60 win for Tony Martin (Fife AC). M55 champion was Ed Stewart (RCH), in front of clubmate and previous winner Colin Feechan. Ed has previously won M40, M45 and two M50 titles.

Chris Upson (RCH) was first M50, twenty seconds clear of Duncan Macfadyen (Inverclyde AC). David Millar of Irvine Running Club was well ahead of age-group rivals to win the M45 category. And second to M40 champion Keith Hood was that most consistent of athletes, Kerry-Liam Wilson (RCH), who has previously won gold medals at M35 and M40 four times – roll on the M45 age-group later this year!

Unsurprisingly, Ronhill Cambuslang Harriers won both the M40 and M50 team races, the former in front of Corstorphine AAC and Greenock Glenpark Harriers.

 

Masters 35-39 Age Grouping

In 2013 Scottish Athletics decided to change road and cross-country events by dropping the 35-39 age group.

Although there was some consultation with clubs they did not contact SVHC at the time for our views. This situation creates various anomalies such as being out of line with IAAF rules and 35-39 masters being able to compete in the BMAF Cross-Country Championships but not in the Scottish Masters.

However, they could compete on the same day this season in the indoor championships as these still include this age group.

It is also unhelpful to our International team as athletes in this age group cannot compete in their own national event.

Alastair Macfarlane and myself met with two member of the Road and Cross-Country Commission last year and, leaving aside all the details of this meeting, it was made clear that Scottish Athletics would only reconsider this matter if it was shown that there was large support to reverse this decision.

As a starting point the views of members are sought and the committee can decide if it is worthwhile pursuing this matter. You are therefore urged to make your opinion known either by emailing myself or posting a comment on our facebook page. Unless there is a sizeable response it is unlikely much can be done to remedy this situation. Campbell Joss cdjoss@tishcali.co.uk

 

 OFFICE BEARERS SEASON 2014-2015

Honorary President: Robert Donald

President: CAMPBELL JOSS 25 Speirs Road Bearsden, G61 2LX Tel: 0141 9420731 cdjoss2@gmail.com

Immediate Past President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

Vice-President: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 578 0526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Honorary Secretary: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE 7 Andrew Avenue, Lenzie, G66 5HF Tel: 0141 5781611 almacrun@btinternet.com

Honorary Treasurer: ANDY LAW Euphian, Kilduskland Road Ardrishaig, Argyll PA30 8EH Tel. 01546 605336 Lawchgair@aol.com

Membership Secretary: DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 Powburn Crescent Uddingston, G71 7SS Tel: 01698 810575 djf@dfairweather.plus.com

Handicapper: PETER RUDZINSKI 106 Braes Avenue Clydebank. G81 1DP Tel.0141 5623416 p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

JOHN BELL Flat 3/1, 57 Clouston Street Glasgow G20 8QW Tel. 0141 9466949

MARGARET DALY 24 Strowan Crescent Sandyhills Glasgow G32 9DW Tel. 0141 573 6572

WILLIE DRYSDALE 6 Kintyre Wynd Carluke, ML8 5RW Tel: 01555 771 448

PHYLLIS HANDS 39 Albany Drive Lanark ML11 9AF Tel. 01698 252498

STEWART McCRAE 17 Woodburn Way, Balloch Cumbernauld G68 9BJ Tel: 01236 728783

KEN MONCRIEFF 25 Princes Street Stirling FK8 1HQ Tel. 01786 474978

JOHN SOFTLEY 6 Cathkinview Road, Mount Florida Glasgow G42 8EH Tel. 0141 5701896

PAUL THOMPSON Whitecroft, 5 Gareloch Brae, Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8PJ Tel. 01436 821707

ROBERT YOUNG 4 St Mary’s Road, Bishopbriggs Glasgow G64 2EH Tel. 0141 5633714

BMAF Delegates Alastair Macfarlane Ada Stewart

SAL West District Delegate Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM Ken Moncrieff

Website Ada Stewart

Auditor George Inglis

 

FIXTURES

March 2015

Sun 22nd Lost Trails 8km race Village Hall, Back Wynd, Falkland, Fife

Mon 23rd –Sat 28th European Veterans Indoor Championships with outdoor events – Torun, Poland

April 2015

Sun 5th Tom Scott 10mile Road Race Strathclyde Park

Sun 26th BMAF 20km Road Walk Championships Downham Market, Norfolk

May 2015

Sun 3rd SVHC Walter Ross 10K RR Cartha Rugby Club, 13:30

Wed 6th Snowball Race 4.8 miles Coatbridge Outdoor Sports Centre, 19:30

Sat 16th BMAF Road Relay Champs Sutton Park,Birmingham

Fri 15th – Sun 17th European Non-Stadia Championships – Grossetto, Italy

Sat 30th Cairnpapple Hill Race, Meadow Park, Bathgate

June 2015

Wed 3rd Corstorphine 5 miles Road Race 7:30 pm. Turnhouse Rd, Edinburgh

Sat 14th BMAF 5K Champs. Horwich

Sat 21st British Masters Outdoor Pentathlon Championships /One Hour Races – Horspath,Oxford

Wed 24th SVHC 5K Champs Playdrome, Clydebank, 19:30

July 2015

Sun 5th BMAF Multi terrain Championships – Bewl Water,East Sussex

Sat 11th Scottish National Masters Championships Grangemouth Stadium

Sun 19th EAMA Outdoor Track & Field Inter Area Challenge – Solihull

Sat/Sun 25th/26th British Masters Main Outdoor Championships Alexander Stadium, Birmingham

Sun 26th BMAF 10km Road Race Championships – Magor, South Wales

August 2015

Tues 4th – Sun 16th World Masters Track & Field Championships – Lyon, France Sun 16th SVHC Glasgow 800 10k Champs Cartha Rugby Club, 13:30

September 2015

Sun 6th BMAF Half Marathon Championships – Oxborough, Norfolk

TBC Moray Marathon, Elgin

Sat/Sun 19th/20th British Masters Decathlon/Hept./Throws Pentathlon/ 10K Track + Walks Champs

October 2015

Sun 4th Neil McCover Memorial Half Marathon Inc. SVHC Champs Kirkintilloch

Sun 18th SVHC Track 10K 1pm. AGM 2pm. Outdoor Sports Centre, Coatbridge November 2015

Sun 1st BMAF Marathon Championships – Newcastle

Sat 14th British & Irish Masters Cross Country Champs Santry, Dublin.

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 27th NOVEMBER 2014

MEMBERS

Welcome to the 7 new and 3 reinstated members who have joined or re-joined since 19th August 2014. 2 members have resigned and 53 have not renewed their subs.

 I regret to announce the death of George Mitchell, and send our condolences to his family.

We have 481 members paid up to 27Nov 2014. For those who have not already paid or set up standing orders, subscription renewals are now due for 2014/15. As of 27Nov, subject to checking our next Bank Statement, we have 246 paid up members, including 130 who have standing orders payable in Nov

Any member not wishing to renew their membership should send me a resignation letter by post or email.

NEWSLETTER The electronic version of the Newsletter is now the preferred option. Any member who would rather receive a printed Newsletter must contact David Fairweather (djf@ dfairweather.plus.com), if they have not already done so. Please inform David if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue To: COLIN YOUNGSON TOMLOAN, SANQUHAR ROAD, FORRES, IV36 1DG e-mail: cjyoungson@btinternet.com Tel: 01309 672398

SVHC EVENTS

Stewards/marshals are required for club races. The club appreciate all members & friends who volunteer to act as stewards/marshals. If you are not competing just turn up and introduce yourselves to the organisers. Thanks to all those who have already helped out.

STANDING ORDERS

Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please remember to update the amount payable, & keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses). If any other member wishes to set up a standing order please contact me.

Please ensure, if possible, that the next payment date is set for 10Nov2015, and annually thereafter.

CLUB VESTS

 SVHC running vests can be purchased from Molly Wilmoth for £17 (Tel: 0141 7764941).

NEW MEMBERS

CHRS SURN JOINED NO. TOWN

Yvonne Crilly 14-Nov-14 2224 Deans

Gerrard Farrell 17-Sep-14 2219 Glasgow

Gary Hester 11-Oct-14 2220 Duke Street

Dean Kane 22-Aug-14 2218 Culloden Moor

James MacGregor 12-Nov-14 2223 Inverurie

Colin Stewart 11-Nov-14 2221 Halfway

Steven Worsley 12-Nov-14 2222 Inverness

Alex Chalmers 06-Oct-14 1860 Bearsden

Hugh Rankin 01-Nov-14 1027 Hurlford

Stephen Wylie 10-Nov-14 2002 Blantyre

David Fairweather Membership Secretary

 

 SCOTTISH VETERAN HARRIERS RUN and BECOME RACE SERIES 2014/15

It may have seemed like something of a marathon in itself to some people but the 2013/2014 version of the SVHC/RUN and BECOME RACE SERIES finally came to an end with the Neil McCover Half Marathon at Kirkintilloch on 5th October.

After 13 races spread over 11 months the Jackie Gourlay Trophy for the winner of the Men’s event goes this year to Frank Hurley who produced probably his best run of the season in the final race to pip Colin Feechan by a single point, as the long time leader John Gilhooly slipped back in the later stages. Willie Jarvie, Bobby Young and Andy Law made up the top five, covered by only 5 points.

The Dale Greig Trophy which goes to the winning woman was retained by Phyllis Hands, winner by a massive 14 points with Pamela McCrossan, Ada Stewart, Frances Maxwell and Shirley MacNab taking the minor prizes.

The best performance over the series came from Hilary McGrath with 9.4 points at the SAL 3000 metre track championship while Fiona Matheson and Paul Thompson (twice) registered 9.3.

The series continues to be very popular and carries an extensive prize list.

There are some changes to the 2014 /2015 Series as we extend it to take in 16 races but retaining the number of scoring events at 8. The demise of the Lochaber Marathon is a great pity but we have included the Moray Marathon, and there are some totally new races to the Series.

The full list is –

19/10/2014 SVHC 10K Track Champ Coatbridge

06/05/2015 Snowball Race 4.8 miles Coatbridge

26/10/2014 Ruby’s Race 5K Kilmarnock

30/05/2015 Bathgate Hill Race Bathgate

14/12/2014 SVHC Xmas Handicap Clydebank

03/06/2015 Corstorphine 5 miles Road Race Edinburgh

22/02/2015 SAL Cross Country Champs Falkirk

–/06/2015 SAL Masters Track & Field Champs

01//03/2015 Lasswade 10 miles Road Race Lasswade

24/06/2015 SVHC 5K Champs Clydebank

22/03/2015 Lost Trails Race Falkland

16/08/2015 SVHC Glasgow 800 10k Champs Cartha

05/04/2015 Tom Scott 10 mile road race Motherwell

–/09/2015 Moray Marathon Elgin

03/05/2015 SVHC Walter Ross 10K RR Cartha

–/10/2015 SVHC Half Marathon Champs Kirkintilloch

Alastair Macfarlane

 

                               OBITUARY: GEORGE MITCHELL

Sadly, George Mitchell died of cancer on 1th September 2014, less than two months short of his 69th birthday.

George (Inverness Harriers and SVHC) was an invaluable member of the Scottish team in the annual British and Irish Masters Cross Country International. Between his M55 debut in Cardiff (2003) and Belfast (2012), when he was in the M65 age group, he never missed a race: ten in succession, a tremendous record and a testament to George’s consistency and ability to peak for each year’s most important fixture.

George watched the Glasgow Marathon in 1983 and, at 37, was inspired to take part the following year. His training was typically dedicated and meticulous and he made an impressive marathon debut in a good time under the three hour barrier.

After that, he was frequently successful in 10k contests and the North District Cross Country League (three M50 Supervet titles).

He first won a Scottish Masters CC Championship medal (M50 bronze) in 1996. His initial gold medal triumph (M55) was at Forres in 2003, when he stayed not far behind Colin Youngson until three hundred metres from the finish, before launching a tremendous sprint, to which his shocked rival (who had foolishly assumed he was well clear) could not respond. It has to be admitted that Youngson was a bad loser and moaned loudly to anyone within earshot. However, once he had eventually calmed down, the guilty Aberdonian made several humble apologies to George, who was magnanimous enough to accept them. Justifiably, George liked to tease Colin about the incident.

Although Youngson gained revenge in the 2004 championship at Cupar, when George Mitchell was third, this was the last time that Colin managed to finish in front of his rival, team-mate and now friend, who was truly a cross country specialist.

In George’s age groups, the only Scot who had much success against him was Archie Duncan of Pitreavie AAC.

Overall, between 1996 and 2013, George Mitchell won four titles [M55 (2003), M60 (2006 and 2009) and M65 (2012)] plus five silver and three bronze medals.

George’s record in the International was perhaps even more impressive, considering that he was racing against the best from the four home countries, plus Eire. In ten races, he was first Scot to finish seven times, and won eight team medals (four silver and four bronze).

Between 2006 and 2009, he finished fourth three times and fifth once, agonisingly close to securing an individual award in this most prestigious event. Then, having turned 65, he finally won bronze at Glasgow in 2010, defeating England’s redoubtable athlete, Martin Ford. In 2012 at Belfast, George ended up third once again, 25 seconds in front of Colin (7th place), who was proud to have been that close to his leader and, along with Stewart McCrae and Hamish Cameron, to be in the Scottish M65 team that came second to the Auld Enemy but in front of the other three nations.

When George emailed the selectors to state that he was not fit enough to run the International in 2013, he wrote “First one missed in ten years. I cannot complain.”

George was a friendly, popular, respected man with a dry wit. One story involves a training companion and close rival who intended to race against George in a long road race. Before the start George gave him some friendly advice about sensible tactics. Then Coach Mitchell wrote on the race number pinned to his own back: “If your name is Danny, and you’re close enough to read this, you’re going too fast”!

Another anecdote is that, when George won the Scottish Masters M65 title, he claimed to be ‘the fastest pensioner in Scotland’!

He trained hard and cleverly, peaked well, was tactically brilliant and could endure a lot of discomfort in races before producing a very fast finish.

In addition, he contributed greatly to Inverness Harriers: committee work, advising and inspiring younger team-mates, and helping to organise training and races, including marking out the course.

He held age-group Parkrun records in both Inverness and Aberdeen.

Before a North District CC League race at Elgin back in 2010, George was chatting to Colin when a younger runner looked at the two white-haired ageing runners and laughingly exclaimed “Jack and Victor!” He referred to the two pensioner friends from the great Scottish television comedy series “Still Game”. Colin (a year or so younger) used to think that he was the one who ought to be compared to Greg Hemphill’s junior character. However, George Mitchell was in so many ways a genuine victor and will be remembered and missed very much by many who were privileged to know him. We send sincere condolences to his family.

 

QUESTIONNAIRE: BRIAN GARDNER

Brian Gardner responded to the questionnaire with typical thoughtfulness. Although injury has now forced him to retire from running, he has found another outlet for his unquenched desire to train and race.

As you will read below, despite numerous operations, he has achieved a great deal during his athletic career. Successes he chose not to mention include: Scottish Masters CC titles at M45 and M50; Scottish Masters track wins at 1500, 3000 and 5000; International CC bronze medals in M50 and M55 to go with his M45 triumph; and first places in BMAF M45 10,000m and M50 ten miles. Before all that, he won the British Masters Modern Triathlon (swimming, running and shooting)! For many years he was an invaluable part of the Scottish Masters team in the annual 5 Nations International Cross Country. At Falkirk in 2001, along with Keith Varney, Gerry Gaffney, Archie Jenkins and Nicol Maltman, he was part of the M45 team that won gold medals. In this fixture Brian also contributed to four team silver medals and one bronze in three different age groups. We wish him the very best of luck in his new sport.

CLUBs Swindon Harriers and SVHC

DATE OF BIRTH 25/03/56

OCCUPATION Active Lifestyles Team Leader, South Gloucestershire Council

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT I always liked running around as a child but when I was invited to trial for my primary school’s area sports team, I was too shy to join in! It wasn’t until I ran cross country for my Boys’ Brigade team that I finally plucked up the courage to join Airdrie Harriers just before my 17th birthday.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE? In my last year at Airdrie Academy, my PE teacher, Bobby MacLean, a former Shettleston Harrier, coached me and helped me believe in myself.

When I left school, Airdrie Harriers amalgamated with others to form Clyde Valley and I joined Tommy Boyle’s group. Under Tommy’s coaching my 800m time came down to 1:57 and I won my only senior Scottish Championship medals: silver and bronze at 4x400m – by age 20, when I left Scotland to study and work in England and became a cross-country specialist.

I’ve been self-coached ever since, although I’ve been influenced by club stalwarts and leaders such as: the late Keith Scott (“You’ll never run faster until you run faster”) of Newbury; Pete Molloy (a World Champion who cited me as an influence in his recent comeback); Howard Moscrop (another World Champion, who also took Swindon into the British League) at Swindon; and SVHC’s Archie Jenkins (always up for it), Colin Youngson (always eloquent) and Davie Fairweather (always there).

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT? In my job I should say health, wellbeing and an active lifestyle but it’s none of those! It’s planning and training to the best of your ability – given your limitations – to race as well as you possibly can in the most important competitions. It’s that proud feeling when you go into work on a Monday knowing that you ran a good race at the weekend, and you keep that feeling to yourself because it’s special to you.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES? Only one contender: winning the ‘home’ international cross country (M45) at Croydon in 2004.

The build up to the race couldn’t have been better for me: I was winning cross country races outright and setting lifetime pbs on the road. I had planned and trained to the best of my ability and this was the most important race. Although I’d never finished higher than 12th overall before, I knew that if I concentrated and held my nerve, this could be my time.

We were held up in the sleet at the start while the organisers found a 1st aider (!) It was difficult to keep warm but I made a cautious start and then threaded my way through the field. With about a mile to go, I knew I was the leading M45 and first Scot overall but England’s Jon Cordingley was trying to get past me. I surged to hold him off several times until I sprinted clear in the home straight. Crossing that finish line was the proudest moment of my life. And it was only after finishing that I learned that I was 5th overall; I had no idea that I’d moved so far up. The support from team mates was heart warming. I’d planned and trained for that win and finally ran as well as I possibly could.

 YOUR WORST? Too many contenders! For every performance I was proud of there were at least twice as many that were a disappointment; sometimes because of injury or surgery but mostly because I ran like a donkey.

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE? I never won a World Championship. But I didn’t win many national titles, either, so maybe I had ideas above my station.

The same season that I won the ‘home’ international I went on to win a poorly supported European Cross Country Championship in Sweden. I felt that I was on a roll and really wanted to try and win something at the next level.

I didn’t run overseas again until 2008, when I was 5th (M50) in the World Cross Country Championships in France. That’s the closest I got.

And I suppose that your last pbs are all unfulfilled ambitions: for instance, in 1984 my 5,000m time came down from 15:09 to 14:58 to 14:53 to 14:44 and I was dreaming about how much more I could improve. But I missed the next four seasons and never ran any quicker.

Track pbs: 1:57 (800m), 3:57 (1500m), 8:28 (3,000m), 14:44 (5,000m), 30:58 (10,000m) – all age 28

Road pbs: 15:52 (5K – age 48), 25:43 (5M – age 48), 32:51 (10K – age 44), 72:01 (HM – age 48) and then there was a doubtful 50:45 for the Tom Scott ‘10’, aged 23, on the old Law to Motherwell course, back in the day when road race measurements were more creative. In the tea bar after the race that day I overheard this comment: “They keep saying that the course must be short but every time it’s measured it comes out as a good, solid nine and a three quarters.”

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES? Swimming; Game of Thrones; walking the dogs (two Springer Spaniels); English Literature; big Rugby League fan; occasional gigs e.g. My Ruin, Wednesday 13, Queens of the Stone Age; lifelong supporter of Airdrieonians…

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS? Team mates, exploring the countryside and mainly the training and competition.

I’ve had to miss a lot of that over the years, having had ten operations. The latest was in May, 2014 and that was the third in just over a year. I’ve had more comebacks than Frank Sinatra but this time – for the sake of the future health of my joints – I’m finally calling it a day… permanently.

However, I have found a new sport: open water swimming! Just six weeks after handing back my leg brace and crutches and buying my first wet suit, I swam my first race in a lake. And did okay! So, I still have team mates, exploring the countryside, training and competition. And I’ve made another comeback, with a difference! There is life after running!

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING? During the cross country season I followed a staple diet of cross country reps, steady runs and a long run on Sundays.

The training was always progressive e.g. adding a rep or reducing the recovery and working towards a peak for the major championships. The track season was similar except the reps would be shorter and at 3-5 different paces e.g. 800m/1500m/3,000m. These sessions were usually on grass rather than on the track. At various times of the year I’d run hill reps, build-ups and differential runs.

During the past twenty-five years or so, I incorporated cycling and swimming, as I could no longer sustain relatively high mileage.

Much of my running has been on the Wiltshire Downs.

There are two training runs I remember most of all. One day, I was on top of Cherhill hill in dazzling sunshine, looking down on a blanket of fluffy clouds with the odd tree or church spire poking up here and there. And I thought: all the non-runners are down there in the fog; you have to run up here under your own steam to See the Light.

Another day, on another hill, I came across a group of people flying model aeroplanes and I asked them: “Spot of flying? Me, too!”

These days I swim 10km per week in five sessions made up of various sets, mostly in a pool but also in a lake.

I also do five or six core stability sessions of around twenty minutes each; these were originally rehabilitation exercises and have developed into an almost daily habit. I wear a pedometer twice a week – once during the week and one day at the weekend – and make sure I walk at least 10,000 steps on each of those days. And I have one rest day per week.

Now that I’ve had a taste of open water competition, I’ll be getting some coaching in the pool this winter with a view to maintaining good health and tackling a full season next summer. I might come back home to swim a race in a loch. Wish me luck!

 

QUESTIONNAIRE: ANNE DOCHERTY

 NAME Anne Docherty

CLUBs Forres Harriers and SVHC

DATE OF BIRTH 11 March 1945

OCCUPATION Retired College Lecturer

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT? I had never been a runner – just couldn’t do it. But I have always been a swimmer of sorts. My husband and I used to regularly walk in the hills and had quite a few Munros under our belts. However, he broke his ankle and it never repaired very well, also he now has 2 new hips, so our hill walking days sadly are over.

I tried the gym for a while, but I am never happy being inside.

With great fear and trepidation one day I stood at the front door, clad in my hill walking gear with old trainers on – heart beating rapidly before I had even started – and I set off for a trial “run” in the woods behind our house. Once out of sight of any one I found I could sort of gently run. I decided that as I was nearly 60 (10 years ago) and retired from lecturing, this could be my challenge, and started to “run” about 3 times a week for about 30 minutes around what is now my “cosy woodland route”. Two neighbours whom I did not know very well, Fran and Jackie, eventually persuaded me to join the Forres Harriers, running slowly and patiently with me.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE? I could not run to the extent that I do without the support of my husband – who is always there to encourage me. Also my family and grandchildren. There is nothing more thrilling than hearing them call “Come on Nanna”, waving their home made banners. Also of course my two friends and neighbours, as above, who are great supporters. However, without the support and friendship of my fellow Forres Harriers and Club Captain Susan, I would be just another old grannie! I am certain that I would not have achieved so much without belonging to the Harriers.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT? An opportunity to get out into the fresh air and explore new places. I am now very brave, and have discovered all kinds of exciting places when running in unfamiliar areas on my own. I also get a feeling of freedom, a sense of identity and fitness.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES? Probably winning the Loch Ness Baxters 10K for F60+ this year. It was my pb and just felt good all the way – topped by a most unexpected win on a perfect day. Also I am very pleased with my recent performance in the Speyside Duathlon, which was just about my toughest challenge so far! Winning this year’s BMAF 65 Ladies Cross Country was just amazing as I am not at all a confident Cross Country runner as I fall over a lot!

YOUR WORST? I always do my best, and therefore don’t ever feel I have a “worst” experience even if times are slow.

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE? None. I just take each day/challenge as it comes.

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES? Swimming and cycling. Triathlon. Quilting. Walking. WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS? The friendship of fellow runners. A sense of fitness which without running would have been difficult to achieve. Exploring both local and new areas. I am never afraid to stop to enjoy the view or experience!

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING? It depends on what I am training for. I always run about 5 days a week. For a marathon up to about 50 miles a week – including one day hills and one day speed. I always follow a training plan as much as I can.

If I am also training for a triathlon I include swimming and cycling as well, fitting everything in as much as possible. I do find that when I fit in swimming and cycling with marathon training, I feel on top form.

I am doing that just now. I hope to run in the Thanet Marathon , my 16th marathon, near Margate in September, and the week after that to take part in the Grantown on Spey triathlon.

 When I am not training for a marathon, I probably run about 30 miles a week.

                                        Anne after the race receiving her British Masters Marathon gold medal

(Shortly after completing this questionnaire, Anne reported as follows. “Have had a great two weeks! Won the W65 gold medal in the BMAF Marathon Championships and was also first W60 in the Thanet Marathon. It was really hot and hilly – probably the hardest marathon I have run, as I just wasn’t expecting such testing conditions. But very well organised and a lovely atmosphere. In the Grantown Triathlon I was first Female over 65, and knocked over two minutes off my previous best – that was the fourth time I have done it. Again I found it hard and hadn’t realised that I had done much better than before.”)

Many congratulations, Anne!

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOHN AND JOASIA

At Hampden on the 22nd of November, Scottish Athletics staged the annual awards event. John Thomson of Fife AC won the ‘Masters Athlete of the Year’, from the other nominees – Jo Butterfield, Hayley Haining and Joasia Zakrzewski.

John Thomson has had a great deal of success in 2014. As well as winning M55 Scottish and British Masters titles at Indoor 800m and 1500m, he finished second in the World Masters Indoor 1500m in Budapest. Then In August he became European Masters Outdoor 1500m Champion in Izmir, Turkey. In the 800m, outdoors John is ranked fourth in Europe and indoors first. In the 1500m outdoors he is ranked third in the World (first in Europe), and indoors second in the World (first in Europe).

As well as representing Scotland in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Marathon, Joasia Zakrzewski has run brilliantly in the ultra-distances. In November she tackled two races in Doha. First, she won a silver medal in the IAU 50km World Trophy and then, only three weeks later, finished third in the IAU 100km World Championship. Along with winner Ellie Greenwood and fourth-placer Jo Meek, Joasia won team gold for GB. To cap it all, Joasia became World Masters 100km Champion too.

 

COMMITTEE CHANGES

New SVHC President Campbell Joss writes: “If you look at the list of committee members in this newsletter, you may notice a number of changes.

After eight years serving as your president, Alastair Macfarlane is retiring from this position, but will not be lost to the committee as he takes over as general secretary. Alastair has undertaken an immense amount of work for the club during this period which I hope members have appreciated.

In taking over as president I shall have a hard act to follow. Andy Law is taking over as treasurer and this is always a challenging task in keeping our books in order. Andy has been on the committee for the last two years so he has a good idea of the work involved.

There are three new members of the committee. Margaret Daly has been a loyal supporter and helper during many SVHC events and will bring to the table this experience and that of her position on the Track and Cross Country Commission with Scottish Athletics.

Bobby Young has been an outstandingly successful veteran athlete for three decades, with so many international appearances.

Ken Moncrieff’s main interest is in track and field, especially in multi-events.

I hope to attend most of the events organised by SVHC and shall always be happy to speak to anyone about any issue affecting Masters Athletics.

Although we have over 450 members, this only represents about 10% of Scottish Athletics registered athletes over the age of 35. In addition, there are of course many unregistered.

The committee will continue to look at ways to develop better contacts with Scottish Athletics and better recognition of our organisation.

 

FAVOURITE RACE MEMORY (by Mel Edwards)

AAA Marathon and Olympic trial.

27 July 1968 One of the toughest, but most satisfying races of my distance running career was the !968 Olympic trial marathon, held in Cwmbran near Newport in Wales.

I had won my first marathon (Harlow, 2.18.24) the previous October, and finished second in the Poly (Windsor to Chiswick) 6 weeks prior to the Trial. That was in 2.19.32 and I was 4 minutes 17 secs behind Kenji Kimihara of Japan, who was to take the silver medal a few months later at the Olympics.

                                                      Mel winning in Harlow in 1967  in 2:18:25 – his first marathon. 

I was working in Southampton at the time and took the train to Newport the previous evening then stayed in a guest house with Alastair Wood and Jim Alder.

At 8 am on the morning of the race I went for a 20 minute run with Alastair and had to hold him back because as usual before a big race the adrenaline was flowing through him!

The course was a hilly 3 lapper and the temperature 22 degrees. The temptation to stop at 2 laps was so great that of the 91 starters, 42 dropped out.

Come the start we had to do 2 laps of the running track and I took the lead.

Just before we left the stadium Ron Hill, Ron Grove and Jim Hogan went past, and a second group formed behind them including Jim Alder, Bill Adcocks and myself. However those two, Tim Johnston and John Linaker pulled away.

The group passed Brian Kilby at 4 miles and I was feeling good and running with John Newsome, Tony Moore, Martin Craven, Eric Austin and Colin Kirkham.

At 7 Miles John came right back.

At 10 miles I (unusually) took a drink, dropping about 30 metres behind Martin, Eric and Colin. However, I felt refreshed after the drink and soon caught them.

Moore was in front at this stage and Kilby came up strongly at 12 miles and passed me. I was hanging on for a bit here but got over it and started to do some pushing. We caught Moore at 17 miles, and Colin and I began to draw away a bit from the rest.

At this point we were in 7th place, and heard Jim Hogan had dropped out. Could there be a chance of making the team with various permutations possible up front with the 10,000m places?

As we passed the stadium at 2 laps, with about 8 miles to go, I drew away from Colin but my legs began to go. Kilby was in sight up front but I wasn’t going strongly enough to try to aim for him. It was a struggle from here on, but it came and went a bit. Coming up to 20 miles Ron Grove was slowing and I began to go a bit better.

At 21 miles I got a rhythm going, but the strength had gone.

At 23 miles my constant training partner Alastair passed. Now we are speaking about the middle of the Welsh countryside, clearly no spectators, not even any sheep in the fields. And he passed without saying a word!! I thought, “You ***.” Now in 7th place. He didn’t get more than 30 metres ahead.

I perked up from 23-24 miles and thought I could get him at 24 but I was slowly failing, and at 25 (2.13.30) I took a quick drink and then began to die.

However, my last mile and 385 yards in 7.38 wasn’t too bad considering that the winner (in 2.15.26) Tim Johnston took 7.06.

Round the track to the end and stopped, absolutely done. 7th. (2.21.09).

After a minute or so I went over to Alistair who had finished 6th, 40 seconds ahead of me, and was speaking to a group.

I said “Well done, but you might have said something when you passed”.

The never-to-be-forgotten response…”Listen, Edwards. If anybody from Aberdeen was going to make the Olympics it was going to be ME, not YOU”. And he walked away, the adrenaline still flowing through his veins despite the 26 miles.

One of the group said to me in astonishment, “Who’s that??” I replied, “A friend?”

I am indebted to Alastair (who passed away a few days short of his 70th birthday in 2003) for his companionship and advice over the years during some cruel training sessions (including 60 x 200 metres).

He lost count during the session and I had to make him do the exact 60. After he said, “Your problem Edwards is that you’re too rigid. What would it have mattered if we’d done 59?”

I replied, “That’s not the point.” He said, “Then what is the point?” I replied, “The point is you can’t count!” Being a highly intelligent individual, that grated and he didn’t speak to me for a week after! He was a tough cookie and was fastest in the world in 1966.

We finished 1968 ranked 6th and 7th. So, no Olympics. During the Games I was fitter than ever before and doing 115-120 miles a week. I recall a colleague saying to me during a session in Aberdeen, “Right time but wrong place!” Happy days. We are so fortunate to be runners.

 

GREAT SCOTTISH VETERAN RUNNERS – DAVID MORRISON

(This profile is by Brian McAusland and borrowed, with his permission, from the Veteran section of his excellent website: scottishdistancerunninghistory.co.uk)

I was lucky enough to know the original Three Amigos – John Emmet Farrell, Gordon Porteous and David Morrison. They were great characters, genuine role models and wonderful examples of health and fitness in old age.

I first really met David Morrison when I was convener of the SAAA Decathlon Championship at Coatbridge in the mid-70’s. When setting up the organising committee I was strongly advised to ask him to be the Field Events Referee. He had the advantage of living just along the road at Airdrie but that was not why he was recommended: he was a very good, experienced official with a personality that enabled him to get on well with the athletes as well as with the other officials.

He filled the same post when I convened the next two decathlons at Grangemouth and then again in Coatbridge.

We will come back to his officiating but it is as a veteran runner that we will start the profile of this remarkable man.

David was born in Hamilton, his father a miner, on 19th December 1913 and left school at 14. He owned a newsagent’s and later a hardware store in the Alexandra Parade in Glasgow. He held other jobs – a production engineer and locksmith who helped the police out when they had difficulty getting into safes.

 When David joined Shettleston Harriers in 1933 he thought he was a long jumper but soon discovered that he most enjoyed running.

The Shettleston Harriers official centenary history – ‘One Hundred Years of Shettleston Harriers: An East End Odyssey – says: ‘In 1933 19 year old Davie Morrison lived in Shettleston Road and was a member of the Physical Culture Club in Fenella Street. Two of his pals at the club. Jimmy Allan and John Broadfoot, were in the Harriers and it was they who persuaded him to sign on at Gartocher Road.’

One of the Shettleston seniors at the time was Jimmy Flockhart who was the 1937 international cross-country champion and he proved a real inspiration to young David.

His first National medal was won in the 1936 National Novice Championships over the Hamilton Racecourse trail. Unfortunately, he lost the medal in the tram on the way home: he may have lost the medal, but he didn’t lose the pride in the achievement of leading the team home in 14th place.

A year later he made the club team for the National Championship which won silver.

After this race, Jimmy Flockhart gave him one of his own gold medals saying that he had run poorly and that the David’s team medal should have been for first place not second. That was his last national medal until he started running as a veteran athlete.

In 1955 he went to work in Kuwait as a radio engineer and became fluent in Arabic. While there he won the Al Madi Magwa road race when the temperature was over 100 degrees.

He gave up competing for 19 years only coming back as a runner in 1974 at the age of 61. That was the start of a long international career that took him all over the world and won him many medals at championships from national to world level.

Just how good was he as a veteran? I was given a booklet of World Masters Track & Field Records from 1990, produced in America, which gave the world record for every age in every event. Only two Scots appeared and David was there no fewer than six times. They are in the table below.

(Note: The listed times for 3 and 6 miles are the actual times for 5000m and 10000m and should be noted as about 30 and 60 seconds faster respectively.)

Event Age Time Date

3000m 68 11:25 27/6/82

3 Miles 75 20:36.0M 9/9/89

5000m 75 20:36.0 9/9/89

6 Miles 75 42:03.4M 9/9/89

10,000m 75 42:03.4 9/9/89 73 42:52.4 29/11/87

His better known friends John Emmet Farrell, Andy Forbes and Gordon Porteous do not feature in this booklet.

They were part of a very well known group of veterans who trained often together and raced together and travelled the world together. They called themselves ‘the geriatric rat pack’ and the tale is told of one of them falling in a track race – the others stopped and then they all started again in the positions they had when the stumble occurred!

His best race was the one that appears four times in the table above. At Coatbridge on 9th September 1989 in a 10,000m race he set the world over 75 best as well as setting a world best at 5000m en route.

A wonderful run but Doug Gillon, writing in the ‘Herald’ said that although this was his finest moment, “he was perhaps proudest when called on two years ago last month to present his club with the Scottish six-stage relay trophy in their centenary year. He applauded with a justifiably moist eye as they won, then handed over the silverware wearing his Shettleston track suit and a ski hat from circa 1950, knitted in their distinctive blue and gold.”

The reference to Shettleston Harriers is significant. Having joined the club in 1933, he was still a club member when he died in 2006. He was one of a generation of men across the sport who believed in ‘one man, one club’.

Loyalty mattered a great deal to all of them and Shettleston was blessed with a fine group of such men – David, Eddie Taylor, Willie Laing and others all started out as runners but believing that you do what your club needs you to do, they all turned their hand to coaching field events, to administration and to officiating.

At the events mentioned above, David educated me in the ways of the decathlon. Two examples. First, I had been warned not to let the first day run on too long – the previous year it had gone on until after 7:00 pm and everyone was exhausted before the second day.

So I pushed the athletes along from one event to the next until David came along and said quietly, away from everybody else, that ‘we’ were maybe rushing things and that the athletes needed some time between the individual competitions. I had forgotten about the needs of the athletes!

Second, There were two pools for the high jump and for the pole vault. David took one look and said firmly that one landing area for the pole vault was unsatisfactory: there was no cover mat on the beds and any limb going between them could be really badly injured. The stewards setting the equipment out should have known that but I should have known to look.

He had been the chief field event judge at the excellent 1970 Commonwealth Games and would go on to hold the same position at the 1986 Commonwealth Games.

He judged and refereed at national and district championships, and even on the Highland Games circuit. Having started as a long jumper and having coached all the throws – hammer, discus and shot in particular- he was in an excellent position to officiate.

As an administrator and club official he was Honorary President of the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club from 1993 – 2006 having held various other posts including secretary, at Shettleston he was Treasurer from 1970 – 73, and from 1978 – 81. He was also President from 1949 – 51 and Honorary President in 2006.

His sterling service to the sport was recognised by Scottish Athletics who made him an Honorary Life Member.

Among his other excellent races two in particular should be noted. In the Dundee Marathon at the age of 71 in 1985 he recorded a marvellous time of 3:21 but expressed himself mildly disappointed because the world record was held by his pal Gordon Porteous with 3:06!

Then in 1991 in the Kelvin Hall, he broke the World Indoor 3000m record (you can add that to the six in the table above, compiled in 1990!) The report in the ‘Scotsman’ read, “No one present that March day in Glasgow will forget the slight figure in glasses comfortably reeling off 15 laps of the 200 metre track, nor the frantic support yelled by everyone as the possibility of a new world record grew into a probability then an actuality.”

 Some more of David’s highlights: Scottish Championships • 1938 Second Team, National Cross Country • 1981 1st M60 Cross-Country • 1987 1st M70 Cross-Country • 1989 1st M75 Cross-Country British Championships • 1985 1st M70 10K 41:04 (Record) • 1989 1st M85 800m track World Championships • 1980 Glasgow 1st M65 10K road • 1985 Lytham St Anne’s 1st M70 10K road, 2nd 25K road • 1986 Vancouver 2nd M70 10K road • 1987 Melbourne 2nd M70, 1500 (5:36.10), 10000 track (42:52.38), 3rd 800 track (2:47.31)

His Personal Best performances were

Event Time Year

400m 115.13 1999 400m 85.0 1989

800m 2:47. 1987

1500m 5:36.10 1987

5000m 20:36.0 1989

10,000m 41:07 1985

TJ 5.98m 1989

As an indicator of how his performances compare competitively, the Power of 10 Rankings for David on the All-Time List are as follows: • 400m V85 2nd, V75 25th; • 800m V85 2nd, V75 2nd, V80i 9th; V80 18th; • 1500m V85 2nd, V75 4th, V70 13th; • 5000m V75 4th • 10000m V70 5th, V75 3rd • TJ 15th

Note that these are all time rankings as listed at 25/7/13. In 2003 he completed the Great Scottish Run 10K despite having had a kidney and part of his liver removed.

In Shettleston’s Centenary Year of 2004 he completed his final race, the club Christmas Handicap. As he made his way round the course, he was accompanied by Norrie Foster and Eddie Coyle, two athletes that he had coached in the 1980’s.

He died on 16th May 2006 aged 92

Doug Gillon again, “his children, including St Andrews’ computing professor Ron Morrison, gave him a personal computer for his 70th birthday. He defied family predictions, took night classes and mastered the new technology. He was secretary of the Scottish Veteran Harriers and put all their files and records on his database. …

Professor Morrison and his sister Jean discussed how their father would like to go. “So we’ve dressed him in his Shettleston vest and Scotland tracksuit. There might be a race where he’s going…” He is survived by daughter Jean and sons Ron and David.”

 

[Roger Robinson is, in the editor’s opinion, the finest writer about running. He is a close friend of Aberdeen’s Mel Edwards, who he met at Cambridge University back in the 1960s. Roger ran the World Cross Country Championships for England and subsequently New Zealand, where he went to work as a university lecturer in English (and eventually as a professor). He was a world champion veteran athlete and now has homes in New York and Wellington, NZ. Many thanks to him for kindly allowing us to reprint this article from his column in the American edition of Runners World/Running Times. Google ‘Roger Robinson running’ and you should find a wealth of fascinating and thought-provoking articles.]

A Racehorse, a Rock Band, a Mountain and an Asteroid: Runners’ names in popular culture

Here’s a Holiday season quiz for snowed-in runners:

Which famous runners have a racehorse named after them?

Identify a mountain, a rock, and a rock band named after runners. And a cookie, a doll, a pub, a post office, and an asteroid?

Which runners have had songs written for them?

Which runners have had their face on banknotes or coins?

Which runners have become proverbial in their home countries?

I started to explore the internet for runners whose names have gone out into the world beyond running. Then I had the inspired idea of sending Christmas greetings to some wise men, a selection of my most learned international running friends, to ask if they knew of things in their own countries – horses, streets, parks – named after famous runners.

Not things within the sport, I said, not apparel lines, or races (the Zatopek 10,000m in Melbourne, the Gary Bjorklund Half-Marathon, Grete’s Great Gallop), not track meets (Prefontaine Classic, Harry Jerome, Ivo van Damme) not tracks, stadia and running trails (Lovelock Track, Stade Alain Mimoun, Pre’s Trail), but things outside running’s own culture.

For runners to be honored in that way might show what kind of impact our sport has on society at large. How are we valued? Do our heroes cut it in the wider world? I had opened up a treasure house. Has no one thought of this before?

In the festive spirit, here are some celebrations of great runners that I collected, to put under your tree. They are mainly from the English-speaking world, but there are dozens of Stades Alain Mimoun around France, and I haven’t started on Scandinavia, Africa, or Asia.

OK, the quiz.

1. Which famous runners have a racehorse named after them? Racehorse: Millie Sampson (NZ marathon runner who broke the women’s world record with 3.19.33 in 1964), and several decades ago, Brasher, a steeplechaser in Britain named after Chris Brasher, 3000m steeplechase gold medalist in the 1956 Olympics.
2. Identify a mountain, a rock, and a rock band named after runners. Mount Terry Fox is in the Canadian Rockies, named after the young man who lost one leg to cancer, and inspired the nation by his attempt to run across Canada for cancer research. Pre’s Rock is at the spot near Eugene where Steve Prefontaine died in a car crash in 1975. Rosa Mota was a 1990s London rock band. Was one of the band a marathon fan? Or did they simply like the sound of the name of the Portuguese 1988 Olympic champion? Describing one of her races, I once wrote simply, “Rosa motored.”
3. And a cookie, a doll, a pub, a post office, and an asteroid? Ron Clarke cookies were a non-cholesterol health cookie produced in Australia, named for the 1960s multiple record breaker, who often confesses to being addicted to sweet foods as well as world records. The Flo Jo fashion doll, wearing flashy purple one-leg tights, was produced in 1989, after Florence Griffiths Joyner became famous for her outfits as Olympic 100/200m gold medallist. The Lovelock Sports Bar is in Wellington, New Zealand, named for the light-stepping winner of the 1936 Olympic 1500m in a world record. The oldest pub named for a runner is The Only Running Footman in Mayfair, London, where the gentry’s running messengers used to gather in the early 1700s. The Jesse C. Owens Post Office is on Woodland Avenue, Cleveland, OH, one of many memorials to the great 1930s sprinter worldwide. And not just worldwide. Asteroid 6758 Jesseowens was discovered and named in 1980. Beat that, Usain.
4. Which runners have had songs written for them? The first commercial song for a runner (leaving out ancient Greek odes) was Dorando, in which a stageItalian barber laments that he gambled his whole business on Dorando Pietri’s indoor marathon against Tom Longboat at Madison Square Garden in December 1908. “Dorando, he’s a-drop! Goodbye, poor old barber’s shop!” The composer was a young immigrant musician from Russia who soon after took the name Irving Berlin. A reggae song was written to celebrate Jamaican sprinter Don Quarrie, by Joe Gibbs, performed by The Guerillas. And Rod Stewart wrote and sang “Never give up on a dream” for Terry Fox.
5. Which runners have had their face on banknotes or coins? Paavo Nurmi is on a Finnish banknote, and Terry Fox on a Canadian dollar coin.
6. Which runners have become proverbial in their home countries?

Sayings: In Greece, you still hear parents say “Egine Louis!” (“Go like Louis!”) to encourage children, and the phrase has wider meaning as “take off” or “succeed,” as Spiridon Louis did, in winning the first Olympic marathon in 1896. The Greek economy sure needs to go like Louis.

In Jamaica, Don Quarrie is still in common conversational use as the paragon of speed (“I run for the bus like Don Quarrie, man!”). It will be interesting to see if Usain Bolt displaces him.

It took decades for small boys in England to shout something at runners other than “Up two-threefour, come on, Roger Bannister!”

In parts of Kenya, “Run like Tegla!” is a common encouragement, especially among women, after Tegla Loroupe, who won the New York City Marathon in 1994 and 1995.

In matters like naming, there’s the official and the unofficial. I’ll offer a sampling of both.

High Schools are perhaps the blue-ribbon evidence of official endorsement. 1960s sprinter Wilma Rudolph and Jesse Owens have schools named after them in Germany, there’s a Don Quarrie High School in Kingston, Jamaica, and a Bill Crothers Secondary School in Markham, Ontario – though Crothers doubly qualifies, as chair of the York Region School Board as well as Olympic 800m silver medalist in 1984.

Parks named for runners include Glenn Cunningham Park in Elkhart, Kansas (1930s world mile record breaker); Donovan Bailey Park, Oakville, Ontario (Olympic 100m gold, 1996); Edwin Flack Reserve, Berwick, Victoria, Australia (Olympic 800/1500m gold, 1896); and Porritt Park in Christchurch, New Zealand (Arthur Porritt, Olympic 100m bronze, behind Harold Abrahams, as in Chariots of Fire). Paula Radcliffe has her own bridge, in her home town of Bedford, England; Aussie miler Merv Lincoln goes one better with a causeway, linking Victoria with New South Wales, from Wodonga to Albury; Eric Liddell of Chariots of Fire fame, Olympic 400m gold medallist in 1924, has a community centre in Edinburgh; Wilma Rudolph has a residence center at Tennessee State University; Roger Bannister recently acquired a lecture theatre in St Mary’s Hospital, where he was a medical student at the time of the first four-minute mile in 1954; and Steve Prefontaine has a gallery within the Coos Bay, Oregon, Art Museum. Jim Thorpe, the 1912 Olympic decathlon champion and sprinter, has a whole town named for him in Pennsylvania, a complicated story that is currently a matter of some dispute. Tom Longboat, to break my own rule about keeping outside our sport, has a highly active club named after him in Toronto, the Longboat Roadrunners. And there’s a Lydiard Athletic Club, not in New Zealand, but Johannesburg, South Africa, promoting the great coach’s methods.

Streets, like stamps, make almost too big a subject for this preliminary global jog. But here goes. Additions welcome. Don’t beat on me about omissions. This is just to get the discussion going. In USA, Derek Adkins Lane, W.Hempstead, NY (400m hurdles gold medalist, 1996); Jesse Owens Way, Cleveland, OH; Prefontaine Drive, Coos Bay; Ted Corbitt Way, and Fred Lebow Way, New York City; Wilma Rudolph Way on US Route 79, Clarksville, TN. In England, Paula Radcliffe Way, Bedford; Bannister Close, Oxford. (There are three other Bannister Closes in England, but I don’t know for sure that they’re named after the miler.) In Australia, Melbourne alone has (Raelene) Boyle Crescent, (Ron) Clarke Court, (Betty) Cuthbert Court, (Ralph) Doubell Close, (Debbie) Flintoff Court, (Pam) Kilborn Court, (John) Landy Court, and (Shirley) Strickland Drive. In Canada, Longboat Avenue in Toronto (for Tom, the 1907 Boston winner and later professional marathon star), and Terry Fox Way in Vancouver. In New Zealand, John Walker Drive in Auckland. (Another John Walker Drive, in Scotland, is I suspect named after the Scotch whisky, not the Kiwi miler.) The Christchurch suburb of Dallington, sadly damaged in the 2011 earthquake, has a whole cluster of athlete streets, all near Porritt Park: Halberg Street, Landy Street, Lovelock Street, Porritt Place, Snell Place. How Aussie John Landy snuck in there is a bit of a mystery. Maybe some city councillor thought he was a Kiwi. Or confused him with Arthur Lydiard. Or perhaps it was the usual generous sporting harmony between the two countries. And in Kuopio, Finland, there’s a street named after Hannes Kolehmainen, Olympic 5000/10,000m/crosscountry champion, 1912.

But let’s end with the informal. I have over the years named cats as Bannister, Yifter, Ngugi and Pawla. When I told Sir Roger Bannister that I had named my cat after him, he seemed much less impressed than I thought he should be. In the 1980s a Kiwi woman marathoner had a pet sheep named Grete, after her heroine Grete Waitz, and I still wear the hat she knitted from Grete’s wool. The original Grete was much amused. Another friend had a tortoise called Bikila. But he was a 1960s British Olympic marathon runner who hoped the name-magic might slow Abebe Bikila down.

Oh, and in rural New Paltz, New York, our graceful resident does are Lornah and Linet (Kiplagat and Masai) and the speedy chipmunk who races with such zest across the drive is Usain.

 

British & Irish Masters Cross Country International Sat 22nd November 2014, Wollaton Park, Nottingham – Reporter David Fairweather

 This was the first year with W70 & M75 teams, which made the organisation even more complicated.

We started selecting our team in mid-September, and had our usual problems with call-offs, including two in the week before the event. Unfortunately, Ada was taken ill, and she also was unable to travel to the event. We all appreciate the hard work she had put in to get the Women’s team organised. We still managed to field complete teams apart from W55, W65 and W70. 5 genuine M35 runners were recruited this year, with just 1 M40 runner needed to complete the team. There was good representation from all parts of Scotland, plus a few England domiciles.

We had booked a 51-seater Park’s coach, and at first it looked like we wouldn’t have enough seats, until a few runners decided to make their own way to Nottingham.

 We had arranged to meet the coach in Glasgow at 11am, to make it easier for runners to get there in time, but Ian Leggett and Stan MacKenzie both had last-minute train cancellations. Stan was decanted onto a coach from Inverness to Stirling, where he then managed to get a train to Glasgow. He did well to join us by 11:30.

We made good time to Gretna, where we picked up 3 more runners, and had 1 more stop near Wetherby before reaching the Holiday Inn, Nottingham about 6:30pm.

The team managers had their usual 9pm Friday meeting, and I must thank Hazel, Lynne & Theresa for dealing with distribution of numbers and Function tickets while we were away.

Our coach driver was able to take most of the team to Wollaton Park, and we got assembled in good time on the steps of Wollaton Hall for the photo-shoot.

Once again we were blessed with good weather; it was very mild, calm, and almost remained dry. The course was more testing than last year, but was ideal for runners and spectators.

In Race 1 Megan Wright & Fiona Matheson came up the hill on the 1st of 3 laps in good positions, closely followed by Hilary McGrath & Beryl Junnier. Martin McEvilly ROI & Martin Ford ENG were also well up the field. Fiona was being challenged by Clare Elms ENG as the race progressed, and was just pipped on the line. She was closely followed by Melissa Wylie, who had moved up to 4th W45, & Megan 7th W40. Hilary McGrath (5) and Beryl Junnier (9) helped to win W50 silver medals, while Gillian Sangster (13) & Lindsey Currie (15) helped secure bronze W40 medals.

Meanwhile Isobel Burnett finished 8th W55; Jane Waterhouse finished 5th W60, and with support from Liz Bowers (6) and Hazel Bradley (9) won another team silver.

Then Betty Gilchrist W70 came through with a commanding lead of 1:37 over Brigid Quinn NI, and in front of all 3 Scottish W65 runners.

                                                                                          Betty with her gold medal

Alex Sutherland (6) was the first M65 Scot to finish, followed by Robert Marshall (12), who finished 2 sec in front of Bobby Young, who improved 1 place on last year to win M70 silver. Pete Cartwright 5th M70 and Gibson Fleming (11) ensured that their team won silver medals. Les Nicol was 3rd M75, and led 80 years young Walter McCaskey (6), and Bill Murray (13) to team bronze medals.

In Race 2, Stan MacKenzie (8), Chris Upson (11), Peter Buchanan (15) & new recruit Ted Gourley (21) led our M50 team to bronze medals. Paul Thompson & Colin Feechan worked well together, finishing 5th & 6th M55, and also won team bronze with Willie Jarvie (12). Frank Hurley & Andy McLinden came in just behind Willie to win individual silver & bronze M60 medals, with Tony Martin (8) securing team gold for Scotland.

In Race 3, Robert Gilroy had a cracking run, finishing 2nd M35. With support from Martin Williams (9), Graeme Murdoch (17) and Andrew Harkins (19) they won team bronze. Stephen Allan (16) and Ian Johnston (15) were our highest placed M40 & M50 runners.

Overall, Scotland won 1 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze individual medals, and 1 gold, 3 silver and 5 bronze team medals, our best result since 2011.

RESULTS

Race 1: 6km for Women (all age groups) and M65+,

W35: 4 SCOTLAND, 5 Claire Thompson 23:24, 11 Fiona Dalgleish 23:30, 14 Lindsay McMahon 23:42, 16 Claire McArthur 24:04.

W40: 3 SCOTLAND, 7 Megan Wright 22:37, 13 Gillian Sangster 23:07, 15 Lindsey Currie 23:30, 17 Jennifer Forbes 24:07.

W45: 4 SCOTLAND, 4 Melissa Wylie 22:33, 12 Mary McCutcheon 24:24, 17 Sonia Armitage 25:19, 20 Barbara Knox 29:45.

W50: 2 SCOTLAND, 2 Fiona Matheson 22:21, 5 Hilary McGrath 23:45, 9 Beryl Junnier 24:03, 10 Rhona Anderson 24:23.

W55: 4 SCOTLAND, 8 Isobel Burnett 25:12 11 Phyllis O’Brien 26:02, 17 Jan Fellowes 28:07.

W60: 2 SCOTLAND, 5 Jane Waterhouse 26:58, 6 Liz Bowers 27:11, 9 Hazel Bradley 28:03, 11 Linden Nicholson 29:12.

W65: 4 SCOTLAND, 13 Anne Docherty 32:12, 14 Ann Bath 32:53, 15 Sheila Fleming 34:20 W70: 1 Betty Gilchrist 30:49

 

M65: 4 SCOTLAND, 6 Alex Sutherland 24:23, 12 Robert Marshall 25:13, 15 Stewart McCrae 26:02, 20 Hamish Cameron 28:45

M70: 2 SCOTLAND, 2 Robert Young 25:15, 5 Pete Cartwright 25:49, 11 Gibson Fleming 27:37. 17 Watson Jones 30:00.

M75: 3 SCOTLAND, 3 Les Nicol 28:21, 6 Walter McCaskey 29:57, 13 Bill Murray 33:38. 14 Ian Leggett 34:06.

Race 2: 8km for M50, M55 & M60:

M50: 3 SCOTLAND, 8 Stan MacKenzie 27:52, 11 Chris Upson 28:13, 15 Peter Buchanan 28:37, 21 Ted Gourley 29:09, 22 Michael McLoone 29:23, 26 Neil Robbins 29:48.

M55: 3 SCOTLAND, 5 Paul Thompson 28:40, 6 Colin Feechan 28:42, 12 Willie Jarvie 29:18, 15 Ian Stewart 29:47.

M60: 1 SCOTLAND, 2 Frank Hurley 29:21, 3 Andy McLinden 29:40, 8 Tony Martin 29:56, 12 Douglas Cowie 31:27.

Race 3: 8km for M35, M40 & M45:

M35: 3 SCOTLAND, 2 Robert Gilroy 25:08, 9 Martin Williams 25:44, 17 Graeme Murdoch 26:45 19 Andrew Harkins 27:11, 20 Gordon Barrie (M40) 27:28, 27 Darran Muir 29:23.

M40: 4 SCOTLAND, 16 Stephen Allan 27:17, 17 Chris Greenhalgh 27:20. 19 Stephen Campbell 27:44, 21 Greig Glendinning 28:15, 23 Cris Walsh 28:33, 24 Russell Whittington 28:46.

M45: 5 SCOTLAND, 15 Ian Johnston 27:45, 17 David Gardiner 27:54, 23 Alex Chalmers 28:32, 25 Scott Martin 28:48, 26 Paul Carroll 28:49, 27 Kenny MacPherson 29:08.

With racing over, it was time to enjoy the Dinner Dance and medal presentations at the Nottingham Trent Conference Centre. Unfortunately, there was a split level layout, which affected the acoustics, and it was very difficult to follow the medal presentations.

The dancing was also spoilt by the bad acoustics, so most of us were happy to catch our coach back at 11:30.

Our coach driver, Walter, gave us excellent service throughout the weekend, and we got back to Glasgow about 5:30pm on Sunday evening.

Next year’s race is Sat 14th November 2015 at Santry Demesne, Dublin. The race was held there in 2005 and 2010, and was notable for the proximity of the course to the accommodation at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

 

ALLOA TO BISHOPBRIGGS 8-STAGE ROAD RELAY

The Scottish Veteran Harriers Club (and in particular the irrepressible Danny Wilmoth) organised the Alloa to Bishopbriggs in late March between 1984 and 1991. The route changed in 1992 to Alloa to Twechar. In 1993 the event was taken onto traffic-free roads at Torrance. Eventually the SVHC relay became a six-stage affair which is now held in Strathclyde Park.

However, the original Alloa to Bishopbriggs (or to Twechar) was undoubtedly considered better than the comparatively tame six-stager. A to B was the Vet equivalent of the legendary Edinburgh to Glasgow Road Relay (which also featured 8-man teams). The E to G invited around 20 teams; but the A to B allowed free entry and could cater for up to 50! So many runners on narrower roads with closer traffic whizzing past!

To participate in the Alloa to Bishopbriggs 8-Stage Road Relay was a real adventure: dramatic, scary, and (at the front) extremely competitive, yet probably more fun than the E to G, since there was less pressure to succeed. A wide age-range produced widely-varying speed and fitness. But what an experience for all! N.B. A minor miracle: absolutely no injuries were caused by motor vehicles!

FIRST THREE CLUBS TO FINISH

1st 2nd 3rd

1984 Shettleston H. Clyde Valley A.C. Bellahouston H. 3.45.30 3.51.50 3.53.32

1985 Shettleston H. Bellahouston H. Victoria Park A.A.C. 3.47.07 3.48.21 3.48.36

1986 Bellahouston H. Shettleston H. Victoria Park A.A.C. 3.59.14 4.00.02 4.00.58

1987 Shettleston H. Bellahouston H. Pitreavie A.A.C. 3.46.35 3.48.12 3.48.33

1988 Cambuslang H. Shettleston H. Victoria Park A.A.C. 3.49.30 3.53.17 3.54.50 1989 Cambuslang H. Fife A.A.C. Livingston A.A.C. 3.54.44 3.58.50 4.00.46

1990 Fife A.A.C. Cambuslang H. Aberdeen A.A.C. (46 secs down) (another 8 secs down)

1991 Aberdeen A.A.C. Fife A.A.C. Cambuslang H. 3.29.29 3.34.53 3.36.43

1992 Aberdeen A.A.C Fife A.A.C. Cambuslang H. (Twechar) 3.21.39 3.26.43 3.27.15

As can be seen the results above, big clubs from the West of Scotland dominated until a few from the East (or indeed North-East) began to make an impact.

However once the race shifted to Torrance on closed roads, and then became only Six-Stage, Cambuslang regained superiority (although Metro Aberdeen R.C. came second a couple of times).

 I only have two results sheets. In 1989, the fastest stage times were set by: Brian Carty (Shettleston); Stuart Asher (Fife); Tony Ross (Fife); Ian Seggie (Livingston); Peter Marshall (Haddington); Ian Briggs (Livingston); Ian Leggett (Livingston); and Ian Stark (Springburn).

The 1990 information sheet sets out the route from Alloa to Bishopbriggs.

START Alloa Municipal Building 10.30 a.m.

1ST CHANGE Fergait Petrol Station on the A977 5 miles

2ND CHANGE The “P” Parking Place on the straight between South Kersie and Dunmore 5 miles

3RD CHANGE Left turn before Caledonian Cattle Market on the A91 By-Pass 5.2 miles

4TH CHANGE A872 just beyond Easterton Service Station at the Parking Bay 5.2 miles

5TH CHANGE Domestic Appliance Premises, Banknock 5 miles

6TH CHANGE Industrial Estate Cash & Carry, Kilsyth 5.2 miles

7TH CHANGE Industrial Estate, Kilsyth Road, Kirkintilloch 4.7 miles

FINISH Alongside the Forth & Clyde Canal opposite Bishopbriggs Sports Centre 4.7 miles

TOTAL: 40 MILES THE ROUTE: A907 out of Alloa, turn right onto A977, turn right on A88 across Kincardine Bridge, turn right onto A905, via Airth, Dunmore, turn left (South) on A91 Coupar-Stirling By-Pass, continue on the A872, turn right on the A803, via Kilsyth, Kirkintilloch, crossing to the West side of the road to the last changeover at Industrial Estate, Kirkintilloch, continue on the West side of the A803 and turn onto the Forth & Clyde Canal footway at the “Stables Inn” (next to the Glasgow Bridge), thence along the footway to the finish. Follow that (and signpost the junctions) if you can!

The Alloa to Twechar route was as follows.

1st Leg Alloa District Offices to behind Fersait Petrol Station, Kincardine 5 miles

2nd Leg Kincardine to Dunmore Road Sign 5 miles

3rd Leg Dunmore to Fallin 4.5 miles

4th Leg Fallin to one mile beyond Bannockburn Hospital on A( at Airth/Falkirk Junction) 4.5 miles

5th Leg To Commercial Public House Car Park, Larbert 5 miles

6th Leg Larbert to Denny Loanhead Railway Inn 5.5 miles

7th Leg To Lennox Colzium Entrance at Kilsyth 5.5 miles

8th Leg Colzium to Twechar 4.6 miles

TOTAL: 39.6 MILES

The programme for this 1992 race added: “All runners must obey instructions regarding running on the correct side of road – otherwise their team will be disqualified.”

But were you meant to run on the right, facing oncoming traffic, or on the left, in the direction that traffic was moving? Or did it vary? My own memory is of daring manoeuvres made in the heat of competitive zeal and flat-out effort. Maybe drivers simply avoided such obvious lunatics!

ABERDEEN AAC MEMORIES

In 1990 we sent down a decent squad, but perhaps not all of the first team. (After all, AAAC had won team gold medals in the Scottish Veterans Cross-Country Championships three years in succession – 1988-90.)

At the end of Stage One, Graham Milne came in third; Jim Morrison, Francis Duguid, Ben Preece and Davie Grubb maintained our position; with the fastest time on the stage, I moved up to second; and then Ken Hogg and Rod McFarquhar finished a highly respectable third, less than a minute off victory.

My diary notes: “Next year we’ll bring the FIRST team! Apart from running, I drove three different cars! The whole relay was flat-out into a headwind and definitely hilly. Good enough performance but hard. Enjoyed last leg spectator jog, the Stables Bar and peanuts. A decent trip. On the way back we passed the sign for Gleneagles and I promised that if we won the relay next year, I would stand everyone a drink at the posh 5 star hotel.”

After the 1991 A-B, I wrote the following race report – and ‘poem’ for the club magazine!

Aberdeen Veterans had a golden day at this event. The First Team broke the course record by 16 minutes 1 second, beating Fife (last year’s winners) by more than five minutes.

Our Second Team also broke the old record and finished seventh of the 42 teams entered. Every Aberdeen runner went well. Perhaps a particular hero was Bill Adams, who not only gave us an excellent start but also endured a tortuous and lengthy itinerary to get from Shetland to the race and home again in 36 hours. George Sim was speedy and stylish in breaking Fife hearts and also the Stage Six record (by 54 seconds). And Francis Duguid was the star on the same stage for the Second Team. A day to remember!

(First Team was: Bill Adams, Colin Youngson, Charlie Noble, Eddie Butler, Dave Armitage, George Sim, Mel Edwards and Rod McFarquhar.

Second Team was: Ian Fraser, Ken Hogg, Bill Scullion, Ewen Rennie, Davie Grubb, Francis Duguid, George Swanson and Jim Morrison.)

THE BALLAD OF BISHOPBRIGGS

‘Twas 6 a.m. on Sunday morn when Aberdeen set out

 with sixteen eager veterans all keen to run no doubt

 from Alloa to Bishopbriggs an eight-man relay race

 – an early start and long-round trip was what we had to face.

 

Yet all arrived and on Stage One Macgregor starred for Fife

while Aberdeen’s Bill Adams clung to third for his dear life.

Our Postie Bill’s a Viking brave – real tough if middling old

 – he runs his round on winged feet and wins medals of gold!

 

Then Captain Colin took the lead but couldn’t get away

from Stuart Asher – left the rest behind at least, they say.

When Noble, Charlie tried to stick with flying Graham, Tom

 – he ran so fast, that Charlie moaned, “That guy went like a bomb!”

 

Now relay four is mountainous, just right for Hillman Ed

who overtook the Fifer and once more our heroes led!

“We’re pretty sure that Eddie B was fastest,” Dons’ fans yelp

 – “He must have raced much faster than a chap called Smith from H.E.L.P.!”

 

 Next gritty Dave, the orienteer, took over on fifth stage

 – he sprinted hard up all the hills – Fife thought him underage.

George Sim ignored his hangover – gave Fife the coup de grace

 – he chopped the Stage Six record. Macgregor gasped, “He’s class!”

 

With total dedication the enthusiastic Mel

 picked up th’invisible baton and then belted off like, well …..

He handed on to Roddy who, with supercool control,

just eased his way to victory And we achieved our goal.

The relay record was destroyed – no wonder that we smile

 – without exaggeration we had won it by a mile!

 

First Team were Scottish Champions! Team B were 7th and

Ian, Ken, Bill, Ewen, Davie, Francis, George and Jim all joined

The record-smashing band.

The Captain of the Second Team Was dauntless Davie Grubb

Who led the celebrations in Gleneagles Hotel ‘pub’!

 

[I remember that, after the race, when our cars drew up outside Gleneagles, we were all suddenly aware that our garb could hardly be described as formal evening dress.

The other fifteen, many of them my senior, pushed me (as captain) to the front, to ask the ‘superior’ doorman if we would be allowed to buy some alcoholic refreshment.

He indicated politely that the so-called ‘American Bar’ would be the only appropriate venue for customers such as ourselves, said they did not serve draught ale (too common?), but permitted us to purchase sixteen bottles of the most expensive beer we had ever bought.

(Mel split the round with me; then others bought a second one. So much for Aberdonian meanness.)

This venture added class and amusement to a great day.]

In 1992, the Alloa to Twechar was also an exciting contest between Fife and Aberdeen. The former held a narrow lead on Aberdeen for the first five legs.

Then, on Stage Six, George Sim did it again, I extended the lead on the next leg and Francie Duguid brought us home 5.04 clear of Fife.

There were two sets of the results. The second (correct?) version noted fastest stage times from: Charlie MacDougall (Calderglen), Cameron Spence (Spango), Tom Graham (Fife) and Graham Milne (equal), Tony Martin (Fife), Ian Burke (Bellahouston), Jim Dingwall (Falkirk, probably the best run of the day), me (only 13 seconds better than Falkirk’s Dougie McKenzie) and Bobby Young (Clydesdale).

Our First Team was: Bill Adams, Eddie Butler, Graham Milne, Charlie Noble, Ben Preece, George Sim, Colin Youngson and Francis Duguid.

The Second Team achieved a most meritorious sixth from 47 teams. They were: Chris Simpson, Ken Hogg, Davie Grubb, A. McDonald, Kerr Walker, Ewen Rennie, John Ballantine and Mel Edwards.

We reckoned that, if we had shifted a first team runner to the second team and vice versa, we might have finished first and second – but such brinkmanship had to be resisted, since it might also have left us second and third.

A peak performance, one of the last for AAAC veterans and we celebrated this time in Twechar’s own Quarry Inn, which dispensed Maclay’s marvellous 60 and 70 shilling real ales.

(Sadly, both pub and brewery are no more.)

(The photo shows a tired man, who went too fast for the first twenty minutes, bashing away as hard as he can on Stage Seven in 1992.)

 

OFFICE BEARERS SEASON 2014-2015

Honorary President: ROBERT DONALD

President: CAMPBELL JOSS 25 Speirs Road Bearsden, G61 2LX Tel: 0141 9420731 cdjoss2@gmail.com

Immediate Past President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE

Vice-President: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 578 0526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Honorary Secretary: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE 7 Andrew Avenue, Lenzie, G66 5HF Tel: 0141 5781611 almacrun@btinternet.com

Honorary Treasurer: ANDY LAW Euphian, Kilduskland Road Ardrishaig, Argyll PA30 8EH Tel. 01546 605336 Lawchgair@aol.com

Membership Secretary: DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 Powburn Crescent Uddingston, G71 7SS Tel: 01698 810575 djf@dfairweather.plus.com

Handicapper: PETER RUDZINSKI 106 Braes Avenue Clydebank. G81 1DP Tel.0141 5623416 p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

JOHN BELL Flat 3/1, 57 Clouston Street Glasgow G20 8QW Tel. 0141 9466949

MARGARET DALY 24 Strowan Crescent Sandyhills Glasgow G32 9DW Tel. 0141 573 6572

WILLIE DRYSDALE 6 Kintyre Wynd Carluke, ML8 5RW Tel: 01555 771 448

PHYLLIS HANDS 39 Albany Drive Lanark ML11 9AF Tel. 01698 252498

STEWART McCRAE 17 Woodburn Way, Balloch Cumbernauld G68 9BJ Tel: 01236 728783

KEN MONCRIEFF 25 Princes Street Stirling FK8 1HQ Tel. 01786 474978

JOHN SOFTLEY 6 Cathkinview Road, Mount Florida Glasgow G42 8EH Tel. 0141 5701896

PAUL THOMPSON Whitecroft, 5 Gareloch Brae, Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8PJ Tel. 01436 821707

ROBERT YOUNG 4 St Mary’s Road, Bishopbriggs Glasgow G64 2EH Tel. 0141 5633714

BMAF Delegates Alastair Macfarlane Ada Stewart

SAL West District Delegate Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM Ken Moncrieff

Website Ada Stewart

Auditor George Inglis

 

FIXTURES

December 2014

Sun 14th SVHC Xmas Handicap 2:00pm. Abbotsford Parish Church, near Playdrome, Clydebank. G81 1PA

January 2015

Sat 3rd National Masters 3000m Championships Emirates Arena. Glasgow entry on-line SAL website

Sun 25th SVHC Relays Strathclyde Park 11.00 am

Sat 31st SAL Masters Cross Country Championships Kilmarnock entry via 1st claim club or SAL website

Sat 31st National Masters Indoor Track and Field Championships Emirates Arena, Glasgow entry on-line SAL website

February 2015

Sun 15th British Masters Indoor Pentathlon/ South of England/EVAC/VAC – Lee Valley

Sun 22nd Scottish National XC Championships Callendar Park, Falkirk entry via 1st claim club or SAL

March 2015

Sun 1st Lasswade 10mile Road Race Whitehill Welfare FC, Rosewell Entrycentral.com

Sat/Sun 7th/8th British Masters Main Indoors and Winter Throws – Lee Valley

Sun 8th BMAF 10 Mile Champs, Sidcup

Sat 14th BMAF Cross-Country Championships – Ruthin, North Wales

Sat/Sun 14th/15th National Indoor Combined Events Championships Emirates Arena, Glasgow entry on-line SAL website

Sun 22nd Lost Trails 8km race Village Hall, Back Wynd, Falkland, Fife

Mon 23rd –Sat 28th European Veterans Indoor Championships with outdoor events – Torun, Poland

April 2015

Sun 5th Tom Scott 10mile Road Race Strathclyde Park

May 2015

Sun 3rd SVHC Walter Ross 10K RR Cartha Rugby Club, 13:30

Wed 6th Snowball Race 4.8 miles Coatbridge Outdoor Sports Centre, 19:30

Sat 16th BMAF Road Relay Champs Sutton Park,Birmingham

Sat 30th Cairnpapple Hill Race, Meadow Park, Bathgate

June 2015

Wed 3rd Corstorphine 5 miles Road Race 7:30 pm. Turnhouse Rd, Edinburgh

Sat 14th BMAF 5K Champs. Horwich

Wed 24th SVHC 5K Champs Playdrome, Clydebank, 19:30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 18th AUGUST 2014

MEMBERS

Welcome to the 1 reinstated and 12 new members who have joined or re-joined since 19th March 2014. 5 members have resigned and 57 have not renewed their subs. We now have 473 paid up members.

Any member not wishing to renew their membership should send me a resignation letter by post or email.

NEWSLETTER

 The massive increase in postal charges has forced us to change to an electronic version of the Newsletter as the preferred option. Any member who wishes to continue receiving a printed Newsletter must contact me, if they have not already done so. Please inform me if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue To: COLIN YOUNGSON TOMLOAN, SANQUHAR ROAD, FORRES, IV36 1DG e-mail: cjyoungson@btinternet.com Tel: 01309 672398

SVHC EVENTS

Stewards/marshals are required for club races. The club appreciate all members & friends who volunteer to act as stewards/marshals. If you are not competing just turn up and introduce yourselves to the organisers. Thanks to all those who have already helped out.

STANDING ORDERS

Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please remember to update the amount payable, & keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses). If any other member wishes to set up a standing order please contact me.

Please ensure, if possible, that the next payment date is set for 10Nov2015, and annually thereafter.

CLUB VESTS

 SVHC running vests can be purchased from Molly Wilmoth for £17 (Tel: 0141 7764941).

NEW MEMBERS

CHRS SURN JOINED NO. TOWN

 Augustine Cairney 01-Jul-14 2213 Renfrew

Stephen Crane 19-Aug-14 2217 Edinburgh

Andrew Harkins 01-Jul-14 2209 Inverkip

Julia Harris 03-Aug-14 2215 Bishopton

Stuart Irvine 06-May-14 2208 Giffnock

Don Lawless 19-Aug-14 2216 Ashford

Paul O’Hare 30-Jun-14 2210 Lenzie

Karen Robertson 07-Apr-14 2206 Kilmarnock

Jim Scott 26-Jul-14 2214 Edinburgh

Yana Thandrayen 10-Apr-14 2207 Edinburgh

Rhonda White 30-Jun-14 2212 Greenock

Andrew White 30-Jun-14 2211 Greenock

Stan Walker 01-Jul-14 1963 Bridge of Don

David Fairweather Membership Secretary

 

SVHC / RUN and BECOME RACE SERIES 2013 / 2014

With only one race of the 2013 / 2014 SVHC RUN and BECOME RACE SERIES remaining as I write, there are a number of awards still to be decided.

In the women’s event Phyllis Hands looks uncatchable, just reward for her consistent performances as she aims to clinch the title for the second year in a row. It’s very close for second with Pamela McCrossan and Ada Stewart fighting it out while either Shirley McNab or Frances Maxwell could claim fourth place. With awards for the first five there is still a lot to play for.

The Men’s competition has seen long time leader John Gilhooly, looking to repeat last season’s victory, slip to seventh place while Colin Feechan leads.

The leading seven competitors have now completed the maximum 8 races but with one additional point available for completing a ninth race Frank Hurley could overtake Colin for the title while Willie Jarvie could still leap from 8th to 3rd with a good run in the final race, the Neil McCover Memorial Half Marathon at Kirkintilloch on 5th October.

With trophies to the winner of each 5 year age group there are still plenty of awards to be decided. Two weeks later the 2014 / 2015 Series gets under way with the SVHC Track 10,000 metres at Coatbridge on 19th October. The full list of fixtures is not yet available but will follow familiar lines and will be published shortly.

Alastair Macfarlane

 

COVER PHOTOGRAPH: JO ZAKRZEWSKI

Jo was delighted to receive a late call-up to compete for Scotland in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Marathon. Many thanks to Douglas Brown and Dumfries Running Club for permission to use the excellent photograph.

Actually, although Jo ran for Scottish Veterans in the 2012 British and Irish Cross-Country International (over 6km) and in 2013 won the British Masters 10k title, and the SVHC marathon championship, 26 miles is not her best distance.

The doctor from Dumfries is Scottish 100km record holder (silver medal for GB in the 2011 World Championships), has finished fourth on two occasions in the world-famous Comrades Marathon, was also fourth in the 2013 World Trail Event (GB team bronze) and is the 2014 Scottish Ultra Trail Champion.

 Commonwealth Marathon day was rather wet but, after a steady start, Jo moved up the select field of 21 runners to finish a thoroughly respectable 14th in a time of 2.45.29, only one place behind Scottish team-mate Hayley Haining. Susan Partridge ran very well to finish sixth.

The Dumfries club website states “Jo thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and was amazed (and deafened at times) by the level of support shown by everyone en route – family, friends, clubmates and people she’d never even met, cheering and encouraging her on. Most photos from the race picture Jo running with a smile on her face, showing what an amazing time she was having, enjoying the atmosphere…..and she says that it will be an experience she will remember for a long time to come.”

 

JOHN EMMET FARRELL AND GORDON PORTEOUS

James Munn kindly contributed two historical postcards, showing two of the greatest Scottish Veteran Harriers in their youth: Emmet in Dunoon, leading a six mile road race in 1938; and Gordon taking Maryhill Harriers home to victory in the 1939 Edinburgh to Glasgow Road Relay.

As so many of us are aware, once these two sadly-missed characters reached veteran status, they proceeded to win an amazing amount of World Veteran titles in several age groups, at distances from 1500m to the marathon.

Please go to scottishdistancerunninghistory.co.uk and click on ‘Marathon Stars’ for profiles of both athletes. Then go to Brian McAusland’s other superb website – anentscottishrunning.com – for Farrell’s fascinating autobiography ‘The Universe is Mine’.

James Munn emphasised that several of our late, great Harriers – Farrell, Porteous, David Morrison, Jenny Wood Allen, Andy Coogan and many others, were fit and active into their eighties and nineties – perhaps there is hope for us all!

Archie Jenkins states that Scotland Team Jackets should be ordered from him before October 1^st. A cheque for £46 (including p & p) should be sent to: A. Jenkins, 8 Meadow Riggs, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1AP, with name address, email address and size (small, medium or large). The men usually order medium.

The jackets will be sent out in one batch in November in time for the International Cross Country. Orders received after October 1^st cannot guarantee delivery, since they are embroidered to order and not off the shelf.

Archie Jenkins has also written a book about Athletics in the North-East of England between 1914-1918. It is called “Rainbow Led”. I have already ordered my copy. It costs £6.99 (or £9.50 including post and package). To order, contact Archie Jenkins: arch452@gmail.com

QUESTIONNAIRE: ROBERT MARSHALL

NAME  Robert Marshall

CLUBs          Morpeth Harriers and SVHC

DATE OF BIRTH 29^th July 1948

OCCUPATION Retired Director, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT 

In my penultimate year at Strathclyde University I was talked into joining the cross country team. The prospect of free travel to various university venues, followed by convivial drinking evenings was too much to miss out on.

I did little more than make up the numbers, however I did master the skill of standing on my head and drinking a pint of beer.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE?

 I have to give thanks to Innis Mitchell for his encouragement in those early days.

On leaving university I joined Bellahouston Harriers and ran most of the time with Jimmy Irvine. Although I never thought of it as such, I guess Jimmy was my first ever coach, and along with Jim Alder (Morpeth) they have been the two most influential people in my running career.

At that time (early ‘70s) I occasionally ran with a group of “super vets”, on a Saturday afternoon. The group included some of the greats of Scottish athletics……….Gordon Porteous, John Emmet Farrell, Andy Forbes and the irrepressible Jack McLean. The pace was pleasant, quite undemanding, however the conversation was inspiring.

It would have been impossible not to have been influenced by the successes of these three and by the total enthusiasm that exuded from Jack.

Serendipity.  In 1975 my wife and I decided to go and work in central Africa, on the border of Zambia and Zaire. By pure chance there were two other expat runners living in the same town.

One was a runner called Dave Camp, a Morpeth Harrier who had represented UK at the steeplechase. The previous year he had beaten Malanowski (the Polish Olympic champion) in a Europa Cup match.

Through Dave I learned what hard training was all about, especially interval training, and the discipline of running twice a day.

There was no track, we measured out a grassy field, ran mostly barefoot and watched out for snakes. Hippos left big footprints that you could turn an ankle on, but they only came out of the water at night so that was okay.

I returned to the UK a much improved runner.

More luck.  I got a job in the pharmaceutical industry and was based at Morpeth. Early on I met Jim Alder and a young lad called Archie Jenkins (who always seemed to finish just a few seconds in front of me).

At this time, late 70’s and throughout the 80s the north east of England was a great place to be for running. Just about every race was contested by athletes who were truly world class (Alder, Foster, McLeod, Spedding, Cram et al.). They all seemed keen to turn out for the local races. To be merely a good club runner meant that you had to be close to international standard.

Jim Alder and Morpeth Harriers pulled it all together………..I owe them such a debt of gratitude.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT?

The thrill of still being able to run, to compete and to meet interesting and inspiring people. In fact as I’ve got older it’s become even better.

The fun of it all and the memories.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES?

I’m a big fan of the Parkruns. Accessible to all, with an element of competition if you so choose. The volunteers are heroes

Parkruns publish age graded performance, and as you get older it provides an opportunity to make comparisons. Interestingly when I put my PBs, done in the 70/80s, into the age graded calculator on the internet and compare them with now they’re not so different (85-90%). So, I’ve managed to be quite consistent overall, nothing too flash.

So far as individual performances are concerned I’d have to break it down into 3 categories:

Cross Country.

I don’t do mud (see later). To compete in a multi lap, firm course, suits me just fine and with that in mind I think that in this category I’d have to nominate the British Masters over 65 XC, this year.

The race was made easier for me by the hard work of Beryl Junnier and Jenny Forbes. I got some shelter from the gale by hiding behind them (although there’s not too much flesh to hide behind!!). It became a hard fartlek session, attack the hills and glide down the other side, the three of us just stayed together. Thanks ladies.

On the Roads

On time alone I suppose my best would be the Brampton “10” in 50:00….I think of it as a 49:60.

In 1986 I finished 3^rd in the Scottish marathon. I chased Don McGregor all the way up from Leith to Meadowbank and the gap never changed from 28 secs.

On the track.

In 1980 I turned out for Morpeth at Gateshead stadium in a GRE Cup match. I won the 10000m in the morning in 31:30 and then ran the 5000m for additional points in the afternoon in 15:22.  Neither run was a PB but it was a satisfying, unusual, double.

YOUR WORST?

The potential is there any time I put spikes on country.

 I finished about 300^th+ in the Northern XC once, at a place called Pity Me, Co. Durham. Oh how appropriate was that name and how merciless were the gang at Morpeth in mocking me. I’m no fan of muddy cross country (Pity Me probably scarred me for life!).

Worst injury.

 Maybe not the worst, but certainly the most memorable. Somebody ran into my side just as I was going over to the start line at Tollcross this year. I never gave it a second thought during or after the race, but whilst driving home, on the Edinburgh bypass, I experienced an exquisite pain at the top left of my chest. It transpired that I had a cracked rib, although at the time I endured a more worrying self diagnosis

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE?

I enjoy road racing, and most of all road relays. And at the top of the pile has to be the   National 12 man relay at Sutton Coldfield. Despite running for a great club we never achieved medals, such was the standard. Once again, everybody turned out for their clubs and it was a real who’s who of British athletics.

So, the last ambition is to run for an over 65s team and gain a medal at Sutton Park.

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES?

I play occasional golf, but it’s just too time consuming (and I’m not very good!).

From about age 45 to 60, because of business commitments, I had less time to commit to serious running. However, I did keep “jogging fit” and to create a challenge I completed the Munros. Every now and then I get a bit twitchy and think about embarking on the Corbetts.

I’m interested in quantum physics. Even the most unlikely event has a probability of occurrence……….a bit like winning a medal at XC!

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS?

The people, the characters, the training and the competition. It contributes to good health and fantastic memories.

Despite my aversion to mud I have to admit that the Masters’ International is the highlight of my year. It’s just like being a student again…..a hard race, followed by a night of over indulgence and laughter (and you even get expenses from Davie!).

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING?

 It is appropriate now to measure my “mileage” in kilometres, the rationale being that it takes just about as long in training to run a km as it used to run a mile.

In the 70/80s at Morpeth we did quite high mileage, 100 was not exceptional. 80-90 was about average.

I now do about 90-100km per week, some of which is twice a day (4 or 5 times a week). My morning run is a slow 7 km, mostly round the local golf course. I tend to regard the benefit more for injury management.

Training fits into different phases:

Sometimes I’ll just do slow distance runs for a while.

More often, if not racing, I fit in 3 sessions a week, comprising:

A long run of 15-20 kms, a fartlek run of 10k and finally an anaerobic threshold run of about 25 mins at my half marathon pace. The latter is often done on a treadmill, again at age 65 it’s a bit about injury management and prevention.

If more race specific then I replace the threshold run with an interval session of 10 times 2 or 3mins with a 1 minute recovery. I can’t maintain this phase for too long (ca. one month), and I always do one of the two (interval or threshold) on a treadmill.

Any other runs are then done on the roads at a steady pace, not too fast.

Only since I‘ve got older have I bothered with stretching. Now I do about 3 sessions a week (calfs, quads, hamstrings and IT band).  I’m not sure of the benefit, but some people swear by it.

 

It was at this point that I sent off a draft response to Colin Youngson. In typical pedantic ex schoolteacher mode (our very own Ichabod Crane!), he informed me that my grammar and spelling were okay, but the narrative needed more substance.  “Do not feel constrained by the questions”………..so here we go:

 PART TWO.

The ageing process. I mentioned that I got back into racing proper, following a 15 year sabbatical, at age 60. Having made the decision to race I decided to try a few “fast” runs. I measured out a mile using my car and attempted an “eyeballs out” run. I did about 6min 10 seconds. Thinking the distance must be wrong I remeasured it with the car. Still a mile.

So, the car must be wrong, I bought a GPS watch………….the car was proved correct, I had aged. Oh dear, and worse still it actually felt like 4:45 pace.

Running in the 60-64 age group is really tough. No matter how well you run you’re likely to be close to the back of the field (especially in the international). Not good for the ego, and it requires much more of a time trial mentality, a very different mindset.

Moving into the 65+ has been refreshing, it feels like racing again.

Running against the ladies, a privilege afforded to the over 65s.

 I am well accepting of defeat now; however I can recall the first time I was beaten by a woman. The Great North Run in the 1980s. Inside the final mile she just ran away from me, amazing pace. The lady was Rosa Mota, she was most impressive and did win Olympic and European golds.

 This was the start of a slippery slope. Since then I’ve been beaten by Batman and Superman, but never yet a gorilla nor a banana.

On the subject of impressive runs I think the one that made the biggest impression on me was seeing Ian Stewart (of Tipton) running second leg in the E to G, for Aberdeen AC (1972). I believe that Colin has already mentioned this in a previous edition of the newsletter. It really was very special to watch. He was doing about four and a half minute miles and by comparison everybody else just looked pedestrian.

Training.  I’ve seen lots and copied many.

Fundamental to them all seemed to be a high volume of miles; the quality within appeared more varied. Yet from the permutation of approaches there was a standard, lasting over about 3 decades, which we can only reflect upon but no longer witness. Were it not for the times set, and by so many, it could just be put down to the reminiscences of an aged generation.

Many races are now won around Scotland in times that would have been little more than a hard training run.

Try as I might I could never get inside 2:20 for a marathon. Our very own Colin Youngson and Alastair Macfarlane were comfortably inhabiting the region of 2:16 to 2:20, as were another 100 plus runners throughout the UK. And then there was another league of runners probably 30 to 50 (or more?) who could do 2:10-2:15.

It would be churlish to demean many hard training youngsters who are willing to pound the roads, tracks and trails in all sorts of weather, all credit to them. But I am bemused as to how the overall standard has slipped.

                                                                          QUESTIONNAIRE: SUE RIDLEY

NAME      SUSAN RIDLEY

CLUBs      EDINBURGH ATHLETIC CLUB  

DATE OF BIRTH     25/10/65

OCCUPATION     CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT?

In my first year at high school, I was first home in a cross-country and one of the girls said I should join her training group at Innerleithen coached by the late Johnny Robertson.  I did and never looked back.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE?

Both my parents were a great support, especially my dad (until his sudden death when I was 18).  But it is Bill Blair, my former coach, that I owe my successful career to (and the great training group he had).

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT?

I love running.   I have been lucky enough to have competed all over the world (often accompanied by my family) and met some terrific people many of whom are now great friends.   Nothing beats going out for a run in the countryside, whatever the weather!   I have also had the honour of carrying the Scottish flag at the World Mountain Running Championships in Sauze d’Ouze in 2004 and the honour of reading the Athletes’ Oath at the Opening Ceremony of the European Masters Mountain Running Championships in Nowa Ruda in 2014.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES?

Winning the National Cross-Country Championships in 1994 at Irvine was special.   This was during a 5 year period where I had a top 3 placing.   Also, winning the UK Inter-Counties 10km Road Race Championships (after a battle with Sandra Branney) nine months after I took running up seriously and teamed up with Bill and his group.

YOUR WORST?

Not listening to the advice of my coach Bill Blair when he advised me not to compete for Scotland in a 5km at an international athletics meeting in Turkey in 1994.  I thought I may never run for Scotland again if I turned it down so did run finishing just behind Hayley Nash of Wales in extreme temperatures.   I came back with an ME related illness which took about 7 years to overcome and I believe stopped me from fulfilling my potential.

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE?

If I could spend more time training, I’d love to run the West Highland Way or an ultra but most of all I’d love to be able to keep running for as long as I can.

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES?

Looking after my 2 horses, riding, walking, gardening, cooking, DIY, coaching my daughters’ primary school’s running club and any activity involving my family.   I am also treasurer for a local organisation helping people with disabilities take part in music and drama.

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS?

Meeting top class athletes when I competed as a senior and latterly as a vet, former Olympians eg Willlie Banks and a chance to race Zola Budd.   Exciting and challenging races that pushed you to your limits.   The very many happy memories I have of the places I’ve been to and the people I’ve met.   I love the camaraderie and the great sportsmanship shown (especially in masters athletics) but most of all watching people of all ages trying to do their best and enjoying themselves showing that age is no barrier to achievement.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING?

Due to my busy lifestyle and resulting time constraints, I only manage about 25 to 30 miles per week.   I try to do a long run (approx. 45-50 minutes), a shorter run about 30 minutes 4 or 5 times a week in which I try to incorporate a time-based interval session on 2 of these days and a rest day!   As a senior, I averaged around 50 miles a week incorporating a long run, 3 interval sessions (one based on longer reps eg reps of any distance from 600m up to a mile; one based on shorter reps eg reps of any distance from 200m to 500m; hill reps (mainly in winter) or a speed endurance type session); tempo run (winter) and easy runs.  I still played senior hockey which involved weekly league matches and tournaments.

OTHER MEMORIES

I’ve had many great races battling against Sonia Armitage in a 1500m but I think the Scottish Masters Indoor at Kelvin Hall in 2009 (I think) was the most exciting with me making my move on the final lap and having to fight every step of the way to hold Sonia off.  I have a tremendous amount of respect for her and really enjoy racing her.

The 5000m in the Senior Championships at Pitreavie in 2009 also holds happy memories.   Benita Johnson was running and I had been carrying a hamstring injury so was near the back of a group of about 7.  With around 550m to go I just took off as I could sense Benita was getting close and reached the bell just ahead of her.  I continued my run expecting some of my younger rivals to come past me in the closing stages but remarkably they didn’t and I came third with only Emma Raven and I not having been lapped!   At the end, Benita came up to me and said “congratulations, that was phenomenal!”   I still treasure the photo that was taken of Benita, Emma and I.

Another of my favourite moments was during the European Masters Cross-Country Championships in Ancona in 2009 where I had won the W40 cross country and after being presented with my medal, my 3 daughters were invited onto the podium too.

I have competed in some extreme weather from -12 degrees to over 40 degrees, but I think the worst conditions I have ever run in were those encountered at this year’s  Scottish Masters Cross-Country championships in Hawick – I have never been so cold and suffered so much before, during and after a race!

 

THEN AND NOW: TWO SCOTTISH BATON RELAYS COMPARED

(by Colin Youngson)

1970 EDINBURGH COMMONWEALTH GAMES – QUEEN’S MESSAGE RELAY

Instructions were strict. At all times runners must obey Police Officers! White shorts must be worn by all runners and escorts, though club vests may be worn! Girl Guides may wear uniform! On our section, we saw neither Police, Escorts nor Girl Guides!

The Scottish Association of Boys’ Clubs organised the relay. Several formal letters were sent out to ensure it all went smoothly and to thank us afterwards. On Wednesday 15^th July 1970, Aberdeen University Amateur Athletic Club runners were assigned a stretch from Holburn Street at Ruthrieston Road, past Aberdeen City Boundary to Balquharn Dairy, before Boys’ Brigade, Sea Cadets and Aberdeen AAC carried on to Montrose, en route for Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh on Thursday the 16^th of July, when the Games were to open. I was 22 years young.

We were to take over at precisely 14.16 hours and maintain seven-minute miles for five miles. Easy!

Someone took eight photos of our participation. Bob Masson, Ian Hughes (the driver) and I posing in AUAAC gear, displaying a split-new Commonwealth Games kitbag. Taking over from stern-looking runners from a boxing club. Bob, Mike Partridge and I running along, brandishing the beautiful shining silver baton, a streamlined stylised thistle. Staging a hand-over at walking pace. Me grinning as I dodge up a side-street and pretend to abscond with the baton, unscrew it and steal the Queen’s message. Mike laughing as he watches me disappear off-route. More immature giggling as I pass the baton to him. After the next volunteers took over, the three of us (wearing regulation white shorts) getting our breath back while leaning on Ian’s car. If only all the relay runners had such fun!

My friend Innis Mitchell tells me that he ran with the 1970 baton for Victoria Park AAC, along a remote stretch of road in the West of Scotland. Apparently the schedule was really demanding and he remembers that one of his faster team-mates suggested that a slower colleague should only be allowed to carry the baton very briefly indeed, in order to avoid the disgrace of arriving late for the handover to the next relay squad!

Right after my relay contribution, in time to watch nearly all the athletics, Donald Ritchie and I travelled down from Aberdeen on the train and stayed with a former team-mate in the AU Hare & Hounds Club, Paul Binns, and his wife Ceri. They lived in Corstorphine, so Donald and I took the bus right across the Edinburgh to Meadowbank every day.

I have a first-day cover with the three ‘British Commonwealth Games’ stamps, featuring running, swimming and cycling. My cheap camera took only three action photos of the Commonwealth Games athletics: a distant shot of some race; Mike Bull’s winning pole vault; and the joyously chaotic closing ceremony, when athletes of all nations mingled and celebrated together. All the way round the track, spectators could get very close to the action. Tickets were inexpensive and we could often get into the grandstand. I do not remember any officious types or security killjoys.

Every day, fresh programmes in booklet form were on sale. I still have three and must have seen lots of events, since the results are handwritten. Most Scottish fans had the same highlights. Lachie Stewart’s victory in the 10,000 metres [as the last lap bell rang, I just knew that his famous (only in Scotland!) fast finish would ensure a gold medal for his country, although my heart sank for my hero Ron Clarke, who had achieved so much throughout his career, but was always to be denied first place in a major championship.] The 5000m: incredible that Kip Keino should be beaten; the wonderful sight of two Scots battling for supremacy (but once again, I was secretly supporting the second man, Ian McCafferty – could he not have maintained his sprint rather than, apparently, easing over the line behind the skinhead Anglo-Scot, Ian Stewart, who battled every step of the way to victory?) The marathon: Ron Hill’s white string vest ‘miles’ in front, setting a European Record, topping the 1970 world rankings and probably running the fastest marathon ever, over a properly-measured course. But what I remember most is the head-shaking exhaustion of our Scottish hero, defending champion Jim Alder, as he struggled for breath and forced himself round the track to salvage a silver medal, while young Don Faircloth of England swiftly pursued him to finish only fifteen seconds behind and win bronze. However I also possess a copy of ‘The Victor’ comic, which was published at the very same time, to read that the winner of the CG marathon in Edinburgh was actually Alf Tupper, who set a new British record after eating a big bag of chips at half-way!

There were only cheers for every competitor from every corner of the Commonwealth – no insults or booing. It was friendly, enthusiastic and the greatest of occasions for spectators. Athletes who were determined to take part and tried to fight through injury received only support and sympathy. Rainbow memories. Although I have been a spectator at one European Indoor Athletics Championship (1974, in Gothenburg, Sweden) and the three International or World Cross-Country Championships held in Scotland (1969 Clydebank; 1978 Glasgow; and 2008 Edinburgh) I have never bothered to travel to the Olympics. Too much hassle; better on television; and anyway, it could never compare to Edinburgh 1970!

2014 GLASGOW COMMONWEALTH GAMES – QUEEN’S BATON RELAY

My son Stuart nominated me to be a “batonbearer” and I was accepted, possibly because I had been a “running role model” for many years in Aberdeenshire, as a fairly successful Scottish distance runner and a secondary school teacher who had advised young athletes. The whole nature of the event had changed drastically (as had society, during the previous 44 years). Now the relay was meant to be a way of giving towns and cities across Scotland a taste of the Commonwealth Games and celebrating local folk who had contributed to their communities in a variety of ways. Most of the 4000 selected had been long-time coaches or charity workers, and as a selfish old runner, I felt rather unworthy.

A package arrived, containing my uniform – a tasteful white, blue and yellow tee-shirt and startlingly bright ‘heritage blue’ trousers – plus detailed instructions. On Sunday the 29^th of June I should report to Duff House, Banff, at 1 p.m., bringing my passport to confirm identity. The short stretch of path assigned to me would be just before Duff House (nothing to do with Homer Simpson’s favourite beer, but a lovely Georgian building set in parkland).

The organisation seemed terribly complicated: officials, security people, shuttle buses, police motorcyclists and even a media bus. The “Factsheet” contained a marvellously exaggerated article, all about the excitement of this “experience of a lifetime”. As the previous runner approaches “you feel the anticipation building – your hands meet – you are now holding the baton! This is your moment in history.” Crowds will be waving and cheering and taking photos as you jog or walk towards “the next batonbearer nervously waiting for you to handover the baton. You greet them warmly and cheer them on their way as they set off for their own time in the spotlight.” Afterwards, assuredly, you will want “this feeling of exhilaration and achievement to last forever.”

Hmm! Hard not to be just slightly cynical. So how did it pan out for me? Well I must say that every QBR team member I met was cheerful, helpful and friendly. The other three batonbearers in my shuttle bus were the same, and we had a good laugh as we waited for the convoy to arrive from Turriff – 20 minutes late. I was concerned to notice that my companions were wearing box-fresh pure-white trainers, whereas I had only shoved on my favourite old running shoes – just as well these had been sprayed with deodorant! Motivating music boomed out, including Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born To Run’ and the Proclaimers ‘500 miles’ – ironic or what? Our section was heavily wooded, which made the live BBC coverage fail to transmit at times. The previous runner had to negotiate quite a few speed-bumps, which I was glad to avoid, because of my dangerously ground-scraping shuffle. I was delighted that Stuart and Andrew, two of my three sons (the other one having the thin excuse of living in Sydney) had driven up from Aberdeen, along with our friend Alex, and plenty of photos were taken, along with a rather funny shaky mini-video of me plodding slowly but happily along for an arduous minute over what was barely 150 metres. There was a bit of a crowd, that seemed to be enjoying the odd spectacle, and Duff House made a splendid backdrop as I passed the baton to the next man. In fact, the brief Batonbearer experience was indeed fun and will make a pleasant, humorous family memory.

                                                            Left to right: Stuart, Colin and Andrew Youngson

SCOTTISH ATHLETICS MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS

WOMEN’S 3000 METRES AND MEN’S 5000 METRES

Well the SAL Masters 3000 metres and 5000 metres Championships did eventually take place! These are events which should be among the highlights of the seasons for Masters athletes, and indeed should be promoted as such by Scottish Athletics, but were totally devalued this year by the failure of SAL to stage the races on the advertised date (for which they had earlier accepted entries).

When the races were run, three weeks later, some of the original entrants were unable to take part but there were nonetheless some excellent performances.

In the Women’s 3000 metres, BMAF Cross Country Champion Lesley Chisholm, just a few months away from moving  into the W40 age group, didn’t have things all her own way, as Hillary McGrath clung on to remain within striking distance until two laps to go. Lesley eventually won in 10.24.0, an improvement of seven seconds on her time when last winning this title in 2011. Hillary’s reward for a fine run in second place was a personal best of 10.35.5.

The Men’s 5000 metres race was also won by a reigning BMAF Cross Country Champion as Robert Gilroy continued his remarkable year by going into the lead at the gun and lapping all but clubmate Jamie Reid in an outstanding personal best of 15.19.2.

W 35-39 3000 metres

1 Lesley Chisholm (Garscube Harriers) 10.23.98

2 Claire Thompson (VP Glasgow AC) 11.06.86

W40-44

1 Catherine Ferry (Edinburgh AC) 11.19.14

W50-54

1 Hillary McGrath (Law & District AAC) 10.35.47

W55-59

1 Phyllis Hands (Motherwell AC) 13.08.72

 

M35-39 5000 metres

1 Robert Gilroy (Ron Hill Cambuslang) 15.19.19

M40-44

1 Jamie Reid (RHC) 16.27.68

2 Stephen Allan (Kirkintilloch) 17.04.83

M45-49

1 James Healy (RHC) 17.52.19

2 Daniel Newman (Fife AC) 18.01.26

M50-54

1 John Mill (Dundee RR) 18.14.05

2 Benjamin Hands (Motherwell AC) 18.35.75

3 Ken Mortimer (Edinburgh AC) 19.02.84

M55-59

1 Colin Feechan (RHC) 17.30.43

2 John Gilhooly (Bellahouston) 19.42.27

3 Tom Ord (VP Glasgow AC) 19.52.11

4 Matthew Newham (Edinburgh AC) 20.40.69

5 Edward McQuillan (Law & District AAC) 21.12.25

M60-64

1 Francis Hurley (RHC) 18.01.33

 By Alastair Macfarlane

N.B. Results of the Glasgow 800 10k are now on the SVHC website.

 

FAVOURITE EVENTS OF A MEDIOCRE JOURNEYMAN

Every time I receive my copy of the Vets Newsletter, I am greatly impressed by the times and achievements of the various elite athletes who grace its pages. I have only won one race outright in my career, as opposed to an age category win, and that was a few years back at the Vets Xmas Handicap, thanks to that inspired handicapper Peter Rudzinski. In a two-lapper at Pollock Park I remember leading at the end of the first lap, expecting to be swallowed up by the thundering footsteps of the baying herd behind me and then, unbelievably, completing the second lap without being passed. As that wise philosopher, Tommy O’Reilly, said to me later, knowing the handicapper, “Enjoy it now for it will never happen again.”

When my wife, after a fourteen year gap, decided to become pregnant again, I felt I had to do something to avoid yet again the drudgery of nappy changing, bottle feeding and burping, so decided to take up running. I was 43 years old at the time and that is now 30 years ago. Running per se did not really appeal to me, but I have a competitive nature, so I took up road running which was then becoming popular, due to the start of the mass marathon boom and, over the years, I completed ten of them.

It is difficult for me to identify a favourite race as I calculate that a conservative estimate of ten races a year would give me 300 races. Since now I can’t remember sometimes what day it is, it would be difficult to delve into the past and pick a favourite. Some, however, mean more than others. May I bore you with them?

Pride of place must go to the seven International Cross Country vests I have achieved. Well, actually only one as mein gruppenfuhrer Fairweather dictated that, once given one, it has to be worn to destruction. The seven occasions have been unevenly spread among three in Scotland, three in Ireland and on in Croydon. This is because on a cyclical basis the terrible trio of Cartwright, Young and Campbell move into my age group, allied to the ability of my nemesis Ian Leggett, who I have never beaten, means I am not selected for that particular year. This combined with the new kid on the block’s arrival in the shape of Watson Jones means the game’s a bogey for me.

I would say my next favourite event was the Sri Chinmoy series of races in the summer at The Meadows in Edinburgh. There are medals for the first six in the main category, but this reduces in the older age groups until in the over-70s only the first receives a medal. This, I have achieved on several occasions – hollow victories since I have been the only competitor! Being a natural hoarder, the year before last I counted my Sri Chinmoy medals, found 48 and became determined to collect 50. This I managed last year. Flushed with success I checked my diary for when I won these medals and found some dates missing. I took all 50 to Run and Become, who sponsor the event, and  they kindly offered to match the dates to the medals. This they did early this year, only to tell me that one the medals was for a 10k event at which every participant received one, and therefore I only had 49 medals on merit!

Of the many times that I competed at The Meadows, the most memorable were when the late great Jackie Gourley competed in my age group. He was in a class of his own.

Another series of races I enjoyed was in Haddington, organised by H.E.L.P. under the guidance of the redoubtable Henry Muchamore. I remember at the prize giving at one of the events that Henry was so miffed by people not returning their trophies from the previous year that he announced that in the current year after trophies were distributed, they were to be returned to him for safekeeping but that, during the course of the year, anyone wishing to see theirs would only have to contact him and they would be available. This must have impressed those winners from the West.

I also enjoyed the Vets 10k on the track, although lack of diligence on the part of the lap counters made life difficult. I remember one year having to do an extra lap with the result that I was ‘beaten’ by a fellow Portobello runner – the ignominy was that this was a woman. I also took part in the famous run when Gordon Porteous broke the M90 10,000m world record in the presence of Doug Gillon of The Herald and a photographer. It was unfortunate that the photo that appeared in The Herald on the Monday showed Gordon, whom I was about to lap, ahead of me, and the photo was blown up and pinned to the Portobello RC noticeboard by a supposed friend, with the caption “Murray beaten by a 90 year old”.

Well, that’s nearly it – but what about my claims to fame? In a 10k race in my home town of Paisley, having just reached the M60 age group, I managed to beat the legendary Willie Armour; and in the Ainster Haddies 10k in Anstruther, with an eyeballs-out burst to the finishing line, I beat former Olympian Don Macgregor!

By Bill Murray (Portobello Running Club)

                                                                          LETTER FROM HUGH McGINLAY

The editor received one of Hugh’s idiosyncratic missives, which began, without apologies to Dylan Thomas “Old age should rant and rage at close of day, rave, rave against the dying of the light, do not go quietly into that long dark night, so here goes.”

He commented on the need to wear SVHC club vests at club events; and for award winners to turn up at presentations. Race Walking is welcomed. Advice is given on how to improve the Newsletter.

Fiona Matheson was again Falkirk Vet of the Year and Hugh himself was recognised for National Service to Sport, although he thought that another recipient, Andy Ronald, was even more worthy of this honour. Hugh is temporarily out of action, racing-wise, but is helping with cross country races and the Round the Houses 10k. However he enjoys over-65 table tennis, which is ‘a tremendous participation sport’.

Hugh sent a copy of a famous poem by one of the countless Scottish victims of the First World War: Charles Hamilton Sorley (1895-1915). He may be best known for a bleak sonnet from the Trenches (“When you see millions of the mouthless dead”) but also left behind some wonderful lines about the joys of cross country running. “The Song of the Ungirt Runners”, is well worth finding on-line.

 

SVHC 10,000 METRES AND SVHC CHRISTMAS HANDICAP

The annual SVHC 10,000 metres Championship will take place on the 19^th of October at Coatbridge Outdoor Sports Centre, Langloan Street, Coatbridge ML5 1ER. The start time for race walkers is 12.45; and 13.00 for runners.

Entries, with predicted finishing time, should be sent by email to Alastair Macfarlane (almacrun@btinternet.com), to arrive no later than Friday 17^th October. Entry fee is £2 to be paid on the day.

The SVHC Christmas Handicap will take place on 14^th December at Clydebank.

 

LANZAROTE 2014

Cameron Spence has sent a lengthy account of the annual Easter trip to the sun.

This year sixteen (SVHC members and partners) travelled to the resort Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. Unfortunately, there is only room for a summary and excerpts in this edition of the Newsletter but the whole saga is on the SVHC website.

Shortly after arrival at the hotel “A training run was quickly arranged for 5.30 p.m. It started off at a brisk pace with John B, Hugh, Pamela, Peter and myself. Peter had checked out possible 5k routes on Google before we has come out. He was the leading runner and after half a mile we came across our first hill. It was steepish and it went on and on. Peter said that the course did look flat on-line – hmmmm! We carried on and finally got to the top and headed down. But it was only gradual.

There were a couple of local women out walking their six dogs. We thought “Oh naw!” They were okay, I’m glad to say. So we plodded on, and plod’s the word after that first hill. I was having my doubts that we were going in the right direction.

Heading north, I thought. I said we should be turning back, since we had covered 3k by this point. Peter said, in the words of George Michael “You’ve got to have faith” and we kept going to our left. The hotel would be there, surely.

At this time, Hugh and Pamela had fallen slightly behind as they were feeling the pace and the heat. Onwards we went and at last we made the outskirts of the town. We reached a dual carriageway as we came off the dirt track. It was one of those roads that you see all over the Canaries, the road to nowhere. The last two miles were tough, for me anyway. There were a couple of mountains, okay, inclines, to get over. Hugh and Pamela had caught up with us. At last we could see our hotel. And guess what, there was a sprint up the last hill into the hotel. See runners!

Call that 5k? Glad to say that the Garmins made it nearer five miles – my longest run in two years (I know, I’m getting lazy). Peter admitted it was a wee bit hard and too long. But the last two miles was a possible course for the 5k race. It would be checked out next day.

As is the traditional way of celebrating our arrival in the Canaries after the first run, we met up with the rest of the group in the nearest bar to the hotel entrance. The first swalley was most enjoyable. After dinner it was down to the Disco bar and a show. Nice way to finish our first day.”

Days 2 and 3 included morning and/or afternoon runs, a darts competition, the pool, sunbathing, a few shandies, Bingo, hotel entertainment and dancing. Day 4 was the day of the 5k race.

“The morning had cloudy skies but more importantly the wind had died down. If it had been blowing, it would have been, in the words of Lachie Stewart “a hinging-in day” – in other words, tuck in behind someone taller or wider! All’s fair in love and running.”

“At 11 o’clock precisely, the eleven runners headed off along the road to nowhere. The pre-race favourite Jude, who is now a true vet at 40, fairly flew off. Hugh, who was another one expected to be up at the front, was caught sleeping at the start when the gun went off. He only managed to get past me after 100 metres. And I start slowly those days.

Within 800 metres the first three had sorted themselves out. Jude, Hugh and the first lady, Pamela. Last year’s over-60 winner, Peter, was being tracked by Christine, with John B, Colin and myself a few metres further back”

“There were a couple of tough climbs on the way back. The first one was steepish while the second one wasn’t that steep but finished about 150 metres from the finish, just as the wheels were coming off. The order of the runners didn’t change over the last half of the course. Negative splits were not possible on this course! So Jude retained the title once more, for about the third or fourth time. Same with Pamela and the ladies’ title.”

The fun continued until the return flight on day 8. Highlights included flumes at the Water Park, a music quiz, a lot more running, climbing a volcano, a barbecue, cycling, dancing and of course more sunbathing.

“So it was another brilliant holiday down in the Canaries. My thanks to Peter for all the hard work in organising. And thanks to Jude and Hazel who were the perfect hosts at the Villa Boulton for their barbecue. And to everyone who went on this year’s trip, thanks for making it such a tiring and enjoyable week. Roll on next year!”

The Scottish Vets 5k Road Race, Playa Blanca, March 11^th 2014.

• Jude Boulton 18.14 M40
• Hugh Laverty 19.37 M55
• Pamela McCrossan 20.30 F50
• Cameron Spence 22.49 M60
• Christine Duncanson 23.05 F50
• John Bannister 23.25 M50
• Peter Rudzinski 23.25 M60
• Colin Gray 24.44 M45
• Hazel Boulton 27.03 F40
• Helen Spence 32.30 F60
• Janet Bannister 34.40 F50

Lady Walkers

• Shirley Rudzinski 42.05
• Janette Robson 43.55
• Briege Gray 45.05

                                                                                    FAVOURITE RACES

 (SVHC members are encouraged to contribute their own memories – boozy or teetotal – of current or past favourite events – if only to prevent the Editor from having to fill blank spaces in each Newsletter with even more personal reminiscences …..)

 One classic road race beloved of Scottish distance runners was in England! (No, not just the London Marathon, which only started in 1981.) This was the Morpeth to Newcastle Road Race, which always took place on 1^st of January, New Year’s Day.

This caused a logistical problem for the drouthier runners – how could they endure a temperate Hogmanay? Some restricted themselves to a couple of drams but some carried on as ‘normal’ and used the event as a hangover cure. However many simply deferred the pagan celebrations until after the race. The best arrangement was to drive down the day before and spend two nights in Newcastle……..

The Morpeth was the oldest road running event in the UK. It began in 1904 and attracted serious competition from all over the country. Originally the distance covered was 13.6 miles but this was later changed to 14.1 miles in 1983. Only as late as 2002 was it standardised as a half-marathon. Sadly, finance for safety precautions (i.e. the cost of policing) became a serious issue for the host club Morpeth Harriers. Tragically, the last Morpeth was run in its centenary year of 2004. There had been 90 runnings. Scots had a lot of success in the event. The most victories (seven) were recorded by Dunky Wright. Local hero Jim Alder won five times. Other notable Scottish winners were Donald Robertson, Fergus Murray, Jim Wight, Allister Hutton (the record-holder for the 14.1 mile course in 1.05.38) and Fraser Clyne.

I first competed in this famous race in 1972, running for Victoria Park AAC. We travelled down by train. I remember reading the big build-up for the favourite Jim Alder, the Geordie Scot, in the local newspaper ‘The Journal’. There was an enormous field (for that era) of 209 runners, who had to be entered by 9^th December. Most of us took the free bus from Central Station, Newcastle, out to the start, and then we left our kitbags in a van which departed for the finish, leaving us ‘warming up’ in the rain. The race started at 1.45 p.m. Once the fast men shot off, the rest of us struggled along as well as possible. My training diary noted: “Raining throughout and quite cold. Not 100% effort but legs and feet sore. Tried fairly hard. A reasonable run, considering my fitness.” Jim Wight from EAC outsprinted Jim Alder by seven seconds to win in 1.05.47. My team-mate Alastair Johnston was an excellent third in 1.05.56. I ended up 16^th (1.09.11) and Willie MacDonald was 45^th (1.13.23), well under the standard medal time of 1.14.30. Vicky Park finished third team and each of us won a frying pan worth £1! What I remember most is that the great Jim Alder, Commonwealth Marathon gold and silver medallist, modest, tough, honest and generous, actually walked his fellow Scots more than a mile to the train station, chatting away in his inimitable relentless fashion.

My next participation was in 1988. I had just become a veteran and fancied having a go at making some sort of a mark on the famous race. Aberdeen AAC sent down a decent team of Fraser Clyne, Graham Milne and myself. The start was at 1 p.m. and the route went from Castle Square, uphill along Clifton Bank, through Stanington, up the notoriously long hill of Blagdon Bank, through Gosforth and down to Town Moor, before turning in to the Civic Centre. There were 1400 starters. The leading pack soon receded into the distance, leaving me hanging on to the second group. A real problem was trying to work out if there were any other veterans in the vicinity! I spent many miles trying to spot potential rivals and eventually thought that one guy in a Derby and County vest had significant wrinkles at the back of his neck. When speeding up during the last mile, I made sure that he was behind me. Right enough, he turned out to be Anglo-Scot Alasdair Kean, a former 2.16.51 marathon runner with a PB one second slower than mine! I was delighted to finish first veteran in 19^th place (1.14.40) with Alasdair second vet, one place and ten seconds back. The Road Runners Club 1^st Class Standard was 1 hour 16 minutes, so we both won gold medals. The winner in 1.08.33 was Paul Davies-Hale from Cannock Chase, a 25 year-old Olympic steeplechaser. Fraser Clyne was tenth in 1.10.39 and Graham Milne 40^th in 1.17.42 (fifth vet). Aberdeen AAAC was pipped by four points for the team title by Bridgend Harriers. On this occasion the value of the prizes (for both 1^st Vet and 2^nd team) had gone up, compared to 1972, to £35!

Unsurprisingly, since I love Hogmanay, I did not return to the Morpeth until 1993, having entered the M45 category. I stayed in Newcastle the night before with Jimmy Bell, a friendly M45 rival from Elswick Harriers. 1071 took part. We made a cautious start into a cold headwind and attached ourselves to the third group. Dave Hill, the M40 25k World Vets 25k champion, was well ahead, and Jimmy and I assumed that we would not see him again until Newcastle. However unknown to us he had stayed up drinking until 5 a.m., got a ‘stitch’ and we passed him on the big hill at seven miles! After 13 miles I tried to surge but could not drop Jimmy. The pace increased during the last three-quarters of a mile, I got a few yards on him, made two left turns and gasped over the finish line, three seconds up. Not only 1^st M45 but 1^st veteran again! My place was 16^th, in a gold medal time of 1.15.25. Mark Hudspith of Morpeth Harriers had won the race in 1.10.24. Afterwards I enjoyed a great real ale crawl in Byker at the Ship Inn and the Cumberland Arms, with Archie Jenkins, Gordon Bell, Robin Thomas and Steve Beattie.

In 1995 I was less successful, finishing outside the first class standard in 1.16.50, fourth veteran and only second M45. However the Byker pubs allowed me to drown any fleeting regret in excellent beer.

My last Morpeth to Newcastle was in 1998. The day before I had driven down from Kemnay, near Aberdeen and had a couple of pints at The Keelman and The Bodega with my host Jimmy Bell. On race day I had a good chat with Jim Alder and then took the bus to Morpeth. 750 took part. It was important to start fast up the hill, since there was a very strong headwind in our faces the whole way. In a press photo, my Metro Aberdeen RC vest can be seen, straining to keep up with the fast men! We turned into the gale at one mile and I rested in the shelter of the second pack. Our pace was pretty slow for six miles, although it seemed tough to hang on at roundabouts and on Blagdon Bank. Only two from the group managed to escape. The final mile turned into a big tactical sprint-out, as we took turns to ‘play at Kenyans’. I finished two seconds behind Archie Jenkins (1^st M45) in 15^th place (1.21.23), but only seven seconds behind tenth place, so I was very pleased despite the slow time. 1^st M50 and fourth veteran overall. The winner was Brian Rushworth of Sunderland in 1.15.30. At the presentation, the great Jim Alder called me ‘his old mate’ before handing over my prize! Afterwards, predictably, it was off with Archie and the usual crew to Byker – The Ship, The Free Trade and the Cumberland Arms. The lasting joys of distance running!

 

OFFICE BEARERS SEASON 2014-2015

Honorary President: ROBERT DONALD

President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE 7 Andrew Avenue, Lenzie, G66 5HF Tel: 0141 5781611 almacrun@btinternet.com

Immediate Past President: PETER OGDEN 16 Springhill Road Glasgow, G69 6HH Tel: 0141 7711950

Honorary Secretary: CAMPBELL JOSS 25 Speirs Road Bearsden, G61 2LX Tel: 0141 9420731 cdjoss@tiscali.co.uk

Honorary Treasurer: STEWART MCCRAE 17 Woodburn Way Balloch Cumbernauld. G68 9BJ Tel: 01236 728783 stewart047@hotmail.com

Membership Secretary: DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 Powburn Crescent Uddingston, G71 7SS Tel: 01698 810575 djf@dfairweather.plus.com

Handicapper: PETER RUDZINSKI 106 Braes Avenue Clydebank. G81 1DP Tel.0141 5623416 p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

JOHN BELL Flat 3/1, 57 Clouston Street Glasgow G20 8QW Tel. 0141 9466949

WILLIE DRYSDALE 6 Kintyre Wynd Carluke, ML8 5RW Tel: 01555 771 448

PHYLLIS HANDS 39 Albany Drive Lanark ML11 9AF Tel. 01698 252498

ANDY LAW Euphian, Kilduskland Road Ardrishaig Argyll. PA30 8EH Tel. 01546 605336

STEWART McCRAE 17 Woodburn Way, Balloch Cumbernauld G68 9BJ Tel: 01236 728783

JOHN SOFTLEY 6 Cathkinview Road, Mount Florida Glasgow G42 8EH Tel. 0141 5701896

PAUL THOMPSON Whitecroft, 5 Gareloch Brae, Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8PJ Tel. 01436 821707

BMAF Delegates Alastair Macfarlane Ada Stewart

SAL West District Delegate Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM Ken Moncrieff

Website Ada Stewart

Auditor George Inglis

FIXTURES

September 2014

Sun 7th BMAF Marathon Championships – Thanet Marathon, Margate

Sun 7th BMAF 10km Road Walk – Leicester

Sat/Sun 20th/21st BMAF Decathlon/Heptathlon Championships – Alexander Stadium, Birmingham

October 2014

Sun 5th Neil McCover Half Marathon (inc. SVHC Champs) 9am Kirkintilloch

Sun 19th BMAF Half Marathon Champs Salisbury

Sun 19th SVHC Track 10K 13:00 and AGM 14:00 Outdoor Sports Centre, Langloan Street, Coatbridge, ML5 1ER Entries to A Macfarlane

Sat 25th BMAF Cross-Country Relays – Moorways Stadium, Derby

November 2014

Sat 22nd British & Irish Masters Cross Country International Wollaton Park, Nottingham

Sat 29th BMAF 20km Road Walk – Hayes cycle circuit, Hillingdon

December 2014

Sun 14th SVHC Xmas Handicap 2:00pm. Abbotsford Parish Church, near Playdrome, Clydebank. G81 1PA See enclosed entry form

January 2015

Sun 25th LSK Relays Strathclyde Park 11.00 am

Sat 31st SAL Masters Cross Country Championships Kilmarnock

February 2015

Sun 15th British Masters Indoor Pentathlon/South of England/EVAC/VAC – Lee Valley

Sat 28th Feb/ Sun 1st Mar SAL Masters Indoor and Combined Events Championships Emirates Arena, Glasgow

March 2015

Sat/Sun 7th/8th British Masters Main Indoors and Winter Throws – Lee Valley

Sat 14th BMAF Cross-Country Championships – Ruthin, North Wales

Mon 23rd –Sat 28th European Veterans Indoor Championships with outdoor events – Torun, Poland

April 2015

Sun 5th Tom Scott 10mile Road Race Strathclyde Park

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 5th APRIL 2014

MEMBERS

Welcome to the 26 new and 5 reinstated members who have joined or re-joined since 25 November 2013. 2 members have resigned and 103 have not renewed their subs. We now have 419 paid up members. Congratulations to Hamish Cameron, who has qualified for the MasterMind Final after impressive wins in his preliminary round and semifinal.

NEWSLETTER

The massive increase in postal charges has forced us to change to an electronic version of the Newsletter as the preferred option. Any member who wishes to continue receiving a printed Newsletter must contact me, if they have not already done so. Please inform me if you add or change your email address.

I’m sorry that many members who requested printed Newsletters did not receive the last 2 editions. I hope the problem has now been rectified.

Please inform me if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue To: COLIN YOUNGSON TOMLOAN, SANQUHAR ROAD, FORRES, IV36 1DG e-mail: cjyoungson@btinternet.com Tel: 01309 672398

SVHC EVENTS

Stewards/marshals are required for club races. The club appreciate all members & friends who volunteer to act as stewards/marshals. If you are not competing just turn up and introduce yourselves to the organisers. Thanks to all those who have already helped out.

STANDING ORDERS

Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please remember to update the amount payable, & keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses). If any other member wishes to set up a standing order please contact me.

Please ensure, if possible, that the next payment date is set for 10Nov2015, and annually thereafter.

CLUB VESTS

 SVHC running vests can be purchased from Molly Wilmoth for £17 (Tel: 0141 7764941).

NEW MEMBERS

CHRS SURN JOINED NO. TOWN

 Robert Adams 20-Jan-14 2192 Gourock

James Baird 03-Jan-14 2186 North East Lane

Nicol Baird 22-Feb-14 2199 Aberdeen

Jude Boulton 28-Jan-14 2195 Greenock

Derrick Brydon 10-Jan-14 2189 Darnick

Liam Conway 01-Dec-13 2180 Glasgow

Gordon Crawford 14-Feb-14 2196 Riverside

Chris Creegan 06-Mar-14 2202 Edinburgh

Mark Davidson 06-Jan-14 2187 Aberdeen

John Denholm 18-Feb-14 2198 Stenhousemuir

Jacqueline Etherington 23-Dec-13 2184

Stanley Alastair Ewen 06-Feb-14 2197 110 Saucel Crescent

Ted Gourley 30-Dec-13 2185 Giffnock

Chris Greenhalgh 05-Mar-14 2201 Busby

Gerry Kane 10-Dec-13 2181 Clydebank

George Lambie 09-Dec-13 2182 105 Hyndland Road

Jill Logan 25-Feb-14 2200 Larkhall

Darran Muir 22-Jan-14 2193 Wishaw

Graeme Murdoch 19-Mar-14 2205 Galashiels

Caroline Mutch 19-Jan-14 2191 Prestwick

Ian Wallace Paget 24-Jan-14 2194 Kilsyth

Graeme Paterson 19-Dec-13 2183 Mosspark

Argy Rizos 08-Mar-14 2203 127 Hutchison Road

John Sharp 06-Jan-14 2188 Glasgow

Jim Wilson 10-Jan-14 2190 Lanark

Steven Wright 10-Mar-14 2204 Elgin

Alex Hay 21-Jan-14 1913 Lanark

Andy Henderson 20-Dec-13 2023 East Kilbride

John McKeown 29-Jan-14 1862 Woodlands of Durris

Janette Stevenson 07-Jan-14 888 Falkirk

James F White 26-Feb-14 788 Kilbirnie

David Fairweather Membership Secretary

 

SVHC / RUN and BECOME RACE SERIES 2013 / 2014

The Run and Become Race Series is now well under way with 3 of the events completed at the time of writing.

Current leader in the women’s event is Ada Stewart with 21.7 points followed by Barbara Knox,15.6 and last year’s winner Phyllis Hands, 15.6.

Leading in the men’s competition is Andy Law,24.7, with Neil Robbins second on 24.0 and Stuart Waugh, 23.4 while the holder John Gilhooly hovers in fourth on 23.2.

For those who are new to this competition, each runner’s best 8 performances from 13 selected races are involved with age grading utilised to allocate points won. For those who complete more than the required 8 races an additional 1 point is awarded..

Over £600 worth of prizes are available along with trophies and competition is always keen. check the SVHC website for regular updates.

The remaining races for 2014 are:

April 6 Lochaber Marathon

April 13 Tom Scott

10 May 4 SVHC Walter Ross 10km Cartha Rugby Club

May 7 Snowball Race Coatbridge

May 17 Bathgate Hill Race

June 4 Corstorphine 5 miles RR

June 15 SAL Masters Track Champs (Men 5K, Women 3K)

June 25 SVHC 5K Clydebank

August 17 SVHC Glasgow 800 10km Cartha Rugby Club

October 5 Half Marathon, Kirkintilloch

Alastair Macfarlane

 

                                                                           OBITUARY – CHRIS CHATAWAY

 Online there are several detailed obituaries of this remarkable man and world-class athlete, who died in January. A particularly heartfelt tribute is on the Thames Hare and Hounds website. It is written by the prominent journalist (and author of several athletics books such as ‘3.59.4’) John Bryant (ex Edinburgh University H&H) and published here because Chris Chataway was such a famous figure in British Athletics and younger athletes should know about him.

“Sir Christopher Chataway, who sadly died this week at the age of 82, became a legend on May 6th, 1954 when he and his close friends Roger Bannister and Chris Brasher raced to the first sub-four-minute mile.

As a young man in Oxford I went up to the University just nine years after Bannister’s record breaking attempt and there was still much talk of what had been done at Iffley Road. Going along to the Thames Hare and Hounds headquarters in those days, complete with its ancient hip baths and pre-war memorabilia, there were echoes everywhere of what Chataway, Bannister and Brasher had achieved.

They had all quit athletics early, even Brasher who went on to win a gold medal in the Olympics of 1956, had hung up his spikes later that year.

For me those legends were more than athletes, they were great boyhood heroes and role models. What impressed me most was how they handled their legendary status – and what they did next with their careers.

Athletics-wise, Chataway not only paced Bannister to a sub-four-minute mile and went on to run one himself, but was named as the first-ever BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1954. Chataway also went on to win the Commonwealth Games 3 miles title in 1954 and completed his Olympic appearances by appearing in the Helsinki games of 1952 and the Melbourne games of 1956.

My most enduring memory of witnessing Chataway’s finest hour was during the televised battle between him and Vladimir Kuts which ended with Chataway taking a last-gasp lead in the finishing straight to finish in a new 5000m world record of 13.51.6. There were no instant replays or recordings in those days. I had watched this on a flickering black and white 12 inch television screen, courtesy of my grandfather. It was staged at the White City with wartime searchlights picking out the two leading figures as they flicked up the dark cinders behind them. This was the most dramatic race I’d ever seen and probably turned me on to athletics for the next six decades.

Subsequently, Chris Chataway went on to be a towering figure with that air of ‘effortless superiority’ of which he often joked. He became, in a dizzying climb up the career ladder, – an MP, a rising star in the Conservative party, vice-chairman of Orion Bank, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, broadcaster for BBC and ITV and chairman of the broadcasting station LBC.

Similarly, Bannister and Brasher used their fame as a springboard to activate great things with their lives.

I was lucky enough to get to know these three legends well over many years. I wrote books and articles about them. They were not only boyhood heroes but they did so much else with their lives.

They grew up in the shadow of World War Two (Chataway had done national service in the RAF where he was a leading member of the cross country team) and they constantly scorned professionalism.

Already well into their chosen careers when they reached their peak, they could often squeeze in just half an hour a day and prepared, under the watchful eye of their coach, Franz Stampfl, using high intensity interval training.

I remember Chataway telling me that when Stampfl left to take up a position as head of coaching for Melbourne, Australia, he used to send him old fashioned spools of recording tape, in those days by post, which Chris used to play over and over again. He found the voice of Franz hypnotic, and this always used to inspire his training.

One of the things that Stampfl had drilled into the brain of Chataway was that running a world record was as much work of art as painting the Mona Lisa – and Chris confided to me that at the time he believed it.

Late in their careers, long after they had officially retired from running, I persuaded my good friends Chris Brasher and Chris Chataway to return to Thames and renew their old rivalries. They brought with them a frisson of their former fame and the hilarious badinage that took place over teapots and pint pots.

Chataway was then induced by Brendan Foster to take part in the Great North Run where he put up the most amazing times in his late 70s.

These boys, just too young to take part in the Second World War, surged around the cinder tracks like Spitfires in spikes and provided instant and lasting inspiration to a generation that had grown up in the 1950s. They were amateurs and proud of it. They regarded athletic success as a stepping stone. And there is much to be learned, even today, from these legends and role models.

Through the years, Chataway always kept up his love of athletics and sparkling sense of humour.

Shortly after Chris Brasher died, he took part in a long-distance relay to raise funds to buy wine for the Mob Match between Thames H&H and Ranelagh Harriers. An elderly lady approached him on Folly Bridge in Oxford, and seeing he was stripped to shorts and vest, asked:

 ‘Aren’t you Chris Chataway?’

‘I used to be,’ Chataway replied with a smile.

‘Ah ….’ the elderly lady replied, ‘Fame never fades.’

In Chris Chataway’s case this was true – we won’t see the like of these amateur legends again.”

 

                                             GREAT SCOTTISH VETERANS; JANETTE STEVENSON

 Janette Stevenson has undoubtedly been one of the most successful Scottish veterans ever.

In the Scottish Masters Cross Country Championships she won eight individual titles (from W35 to W55) plus two team titles with Falkirk Victoria.

Her record in the British and Irish International CC is unparalleled, improving from 4th W35 at Wrexham in 1988 to 3rd W40 in 1989, 2nd W40 in 1992 and then winning four titles: 1st W50 in 2000 and 2001 and 1st W55 in 2005 and 2006. Only her younger team mate Fiona Matheson looks likely to emulate Janette. In addition, she won the 1995 Scottish Senior 10k title in 35.22 at Cumbernauld, at the age of 46.

Her W50 time of 36.25 for 10,000m in June 1999 ranked fourth on the all-time lists. In 2007 she set a European 5000m record (18.25) in Riccione, Italy. At the age of 58 in Dublin on 6th April 2008 she set a world W55 record of 38.23. Then in June 2009 Janette ran 3000m in 11.20 at the Scottish Masters Track Championship, creating a new W60 world record. In March 2014 (aged 64) she made a fantastic come-back to win W60 gold in the BMAF cross country championships in Glasgow.

CLUBS: Falkirk Victoria Harriers and SVHC

DATE OF BIRTH: 03/05/1949

OCCUPATION: Retired Library Assistant

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT? Never did any running at school. In primary school in 1950’s Glasgow the only P.E. I can remember was Scottish Country Dancing and a lot of messing around with beanbags??

At High School in Grangemouth the preferred sports for young ladies were hockey (which I hated) and netball. I was in the 1st year netball team and played in centre position as I was too wee to score points.

Once a year in the summer we had the school sports day. I can’t remember anyone training for it we just lined up and ran like the clappers. It was all 60 metres dashes as I remember and I was usually left standing by the bigger girls. Might have been different if we had to run maybe half a mile or cross country but there were no opportunities for that in those days.

I got involved in running in 1984 there was an initiative between Woman’s Own Magazine and Nike the sportswear company to get women into running. It was rolled out countrywide in sports centres and was augmented by a weekly training programme in the magazine. It started in April 1984 and the objective was to run a 10K in September.

So I turned up at Grangemouth Sports Complex along with about 20 or so other ladies all keen to be trained. It was raining of course and we thought They would let us run round the gym – nice and dry. But the coach I always remember this, said “If you don’t run in the rain in this country – you don’t run!”, and he opened the doors and shoved us out to run half a mile round the park.

The training was twice weekly and one of the coaches was veteran runner Hugh McGinlay. Most of us managed to run the 10K and I think my time was 54.09.

After the race Ian Cluggie a coach at Falkirk Victoria asked us if we would be interested in jogging with the club so I started training and the rest is history

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE? Probably as I mentioned before Ian Cluggie the women’s coach with Falkirk Victoria in the 1980’s was the most influential person at the beginning of my running career. He pushed me to train on the track and persuaded me to enter events which I would not have had the confidence to enter on my own. We often disagreed over training as I wanted to run 10Ks and half marathons on the road but his background was track running. But therein lies another story.

Also at that time there was a group of female runners within Falkirk Victoria who provided great competition and companionship. The only one still running I think is Caroline Lawless. We were later joined by that superb athlete Fiona Matheson and we enjoyed some success in team events in road and cross country.

Also my husband Andrew trained with me for a while and was a very patient “bag carrier” and always very supportive in the face of my pre-race nerves and bad temper.

WHAT EXACTLY DID YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT Self confidence. Discipline. A lifetime obsession. Physical fitness. Opportunity to achieve targets. Travel to races all over Great Britain and overseas (No need to puzzle over where to go on holiday – just find a race or Championship and go there!

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES Probably winning the National 10K road championships in Cumbernauld as a Master in May, 1995 with a time of 35.22 at age 46.

Also in 1999 just turned 50 in June I took gold W50 in the European 10K road championships in Bruges.

In the same year, July at the BMAF track Championships at Meadowbank Edinburgh I took gold in the W50 10K then in August I took gold in the W50 5K and 10K at the World Masters Track Championships in Gateshead.

YOUR WORST Nothing too much. Just remember running in the Barnsley 6 miler after being awake all night due to loud music and traffic noise outside hotel.

WHAT AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE THAT WERE UNFULFILLED Not being involved in athletics in my teens and twenties. Not being able to compete at my best in the W60 category due to ill health.

WHAT DID YOU DO AWAY FROM RUNNING TO RELAX Reading, films, television, walking, cycling, cooking, baking, travelling UK and Europe in my motorhome. Visiting grandchildren in Dublin. And I love cuddling up with my Burmese cat Jason.

WHAT DID RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS Gaining international vests for cross country. The discipline you get from training. Running and racing overseas, Spain, Malta, Italy, United States, Belgium. On holiday you always know the best bars and cake shops as you suss them out on your morning training run. Companionship of like minded people.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING When I was training seriously the max I have ever run is 50 miles per week. A long run on Sunday probably 10 miles max 13 miles. Probably in summer 2 track interval sessions plus one LT session. In winter probably hill reps, mile road reps and one shorter rep session as well as recovery mileage. Now only running about 25 miles a week, with some intervals and fartlek.

 

GREAT SCOTTISH VETERANS: BILL STODDART

(Many thanks to Brian McAusland for nearly all of this profile)

 Bill Stoddart came to most people’s attention when he won the 1969 SAAA Marathon Championship from the unfinished Meadowbank Track. The race was used as a trial for the route to be used for the Commonwealth Games marathon in 1970 and a good field was forward for the event. Bill Stoddart, of course was to become a veteran multi world record holder and champion in track and cross country as well as the marathon. In 1972 at the age of 41 he recorded 2:21:18.

He reports that back in 1969 he was a 38 year old teacher of maths and physics at Reid Kerr Technical College in Paisley. Six weeks earlier he had been silver medal winner in the SAAA Track 10 Miles so he was in good form. However only a fortnight before the Scottish Championship he had run his first 26 miler in the Shettleston event starting too fast and fading over the last two miles. Perhaps he would learn better pacing for this championship.

At halfway (at Spittal, East Lothian) Bill was well in front when he swung round a policeman guarding a bollard first in 70:40, followed by Alistair Matson (Edinburgh Southern) and Hugh Mitchell (Shettleston) in 73:15. Then came Gordon Eadie (Cambuslang), Jim Wight (EAC) and Jim Irvine (Bellahouston).

Bill found the head wind on the way back refreshing on a hot and humid day, but the course seemed boring with long straights to endure. Still, ‘when you win, what does it matter?’

At 23 miles, out on his own, climbing the hill to the stadium, Bill remembers that ‘Willie Fulton, the time keeper was shouting out my time, which I couldn’t hear since I was a bit light headed by then. I vaguely remember shouting back to Willie not to bother with my time but would he please tell me (as in the song) the miles to Dundee.’

Bill Stoddart’s winning time was 2:27:25, second was Hugh Mitchell in 2:31:30 and third was Peter Duffy (Motherwell YMCA) in 2:37:04.

1969 was a very good year for Bill. He had two marathon times in the Scottish Rankings: 2:27:25 at Meadowbank placed him tenth Scot and was the fourteenth time by a Scot that year; he also recorded 2:29:16 at Manchester on 20th July. The faster time placed him at number forty six in the UK; At ten miles his time of 50:55 placed him at number two in Scotland and thirteenth in the UK; he was also number three at Six Miles in Scotland.

There was no way that anyone could regard his run in the marathon as a freak performance. Earlier in the year he had won the Scottish South West Cross Country title for the first time, leading his club Greenock Wellpark Harriers to victory in the team race and in 1970 he competed for Scotland in the International cross country championships. In looking at the rankings you must remember of course that it was at a time when British and Scottish endurance running was at a real peak with Don McGregor, Jim Alder, Alastair Wood, Fergus Murray, Ian McCafferty and Lachie Stewart were all running and in the wider British scene there were athletes like Ron Hill, Mike Freary, Bill Adcocks and Tim Johnston who were all performing exceptionally well.

In the 1971 Scottish Marathon Pat Maclagan won by two minutes in 2:21:17 with Bill Stoddart second in 2:23:31 and Willie Day third in 2:26:07 – good times considering the weather, which was dreadfully wet.

Ten years later, a particularly outstanding marathon for Bill was the very first Inverclyde Folk Marathon in August 1981, when Stoddart stormed through in the last six miles to defeat a field of 500 and record a tremendous time for a fifty-yearold – 2.27.53.

‘Scotland’s Runner’ magazine in November 1992 outlined Bill’s career to that point. NEVER TOO OLD TO STRIKE GOLD

Margaret Montgomery talks to Bill Stoddart in the wake of his gold medal winning performance at the veteran world road racing championships in Birmingham.

With a spritely and alert demeanour which belies his 61 years and semi retired status, Bill Stoddart appears every inch the world veteran champion.

Watching him greet non athletic contemporaries at his regular training haunt – Battery Park in Greenock – the impression of a man with an unusual degree of zest and vitality for his years is even more pronounced. While Bill jogs along with easy grace, those he bumps into are either slowly walking their dogs or watching the activities of boats on the Firth of Clyde from the comfort of a park bench.

This particular lunchtime however Bill was to join the ranks of the park bench pensioners. Taking an hour or so off from a fairly hectic daily training schedule, he managed to sit down long enough to talk about his latest athletic accomplishments and share the goals he has set himself for the coming year.

Fresh from the recent world veterans road race championships where he struck gold in both the over 60’s 10K and 25K, Stoddart is presently on the crest of a wave. Even by his own very exacting standards he has just achieved something rather special. “I really wanted to pull off the double”, he explains, “Although I’ve come first and second in these events in a single championships, I’ve never won both at once before.”

Stoddart’s preparation for double gold was long and arduous. Despite his comparatively advanced years, he was putting in between 70 and 80 miles a week in the run up to Birmingham. On top of that he was racing every other week and doing the equivalent of another five miles a day deep water treading in a local swimming pool.

“I’ve used deep water treading as part of my training for around three years now,” Stoddart confesses. “I started it in my late fifties and my times have got faster every year since. It’s a tremendous thing. It works your cardio-vascular system, tones muscles and prevents shock. People tend to use it when they’re injured but I’d recommend using it as an everyday training aid.”

Bill’s performance in Birmingham rounded off a highly successful season for the Greenock man. At Arbroath in June he achieved a world best in his age group for the half marathon with 75:53, while in August he did, to all intents and purposes, the same thing in the 10K when he clocked 34:51. This however has still to be ratified.

With the world ten mile best in the same age group already lodged under his belt (at East Kilbride and Lanarkshire 10 mile road race in August 1991 he clocked a formidable 57:43) Stoddart’s remaining target is an Over 60 world best in the marathon. This he hopes to have acquired by the end of the year.

“I clocked 2:49:53 at the Inverclyde Marathon last year,” he says “I’ve got 2:42 to beat but I’m fitter this year than I was in 1991 so I think I’m capable of the low forties.”

Whether or not Bill does achieve his marathon goal by the end of the year, he won’t be short of accomplishments to list on his athletics curriculum vitae. Stoddart has won Scottish and British titles in all veteran age groups, Scottish titles in distances from 1500 metres up to the marathon and British in distances from 10,000 metres upwards.

Meanwhile on top of this Stoddart has the distinction of being the only man to have held world bests in all veteran age groups, these being in distances of 5K and upwards. It all adds up to a remarkable career.

What makes it all the more outstanding however is that it hasn’t been developed on the back of an equally glittering senior career. Although he competed as a senior, representing Scotland a number of times along the way, it is only since turning 40 that he has become what is euphemistically known as a world beater.

Stoddart puts his ‘late development’ down to the fact that he was too much of an all-rounder in his early days to concentrate solely on one sport. A county standard table tennis player and a keen junior football player, he only began running ‘for fun’ when he was called up for National Service in 1952.

“I was stationed with the RAF in the Black Forest for two years,” he recalls, “the choice was either to become an alcoholic or a sportsman. I decided I’d rather become a sportsman. I started doing cross country running every Wednesday and eventually became good enough to win a place in the RAF combined team. I suppose I got a taste for running at this time but it was very much a leisure pursuit. I still saw football and table tennis as my main sports.”

By the time Bill returned to civilian life he was 23. His appetite for running whetted, he joined Greenock Wellpark Harriers to which he has remained loyal ever since. Throughout his twenties and most of his thirties, Bill by his own admission was no more than a good club runner. Training just twice a week and competing in only the odd cross country, mile and half mile, he was devoting most of his energy to building up his career as a draftsman while also pursuing his old loves of table tennis and football.

Running was not high on his list of priorities and perhaps would have stayed that way had it not been for a change of lifestyle and a chance meeting at the national cross country championships when he was in his late thirties.

“I met up with Andy Brown who I’d known was in the RAF,” Bill explains. “I’d just come twenty fifth in the national which was quite good, all things considered. Andy came over and said I should concentrate on my running and that if I did I’d make the Scottish team.”

As it turned out he was right. Brown gave Stoddart a training schedule. Bill who had just entered further education for the first time and had more time on his hands than he was used to, duly complied by following it assiduously. Table tennis and football were finally dropped and before long he was representing the SAAA in road races and had made the Scottish cross country team, a feat he managed in four successive years from 1969 to 1972.

“I was known as the old man of the team,” says Stoddart, a veteran of 42 during his last year in the team. In making the national team at this late juncture in his life. the Wellpark Harrier had what he describes as the ‘great honour’ of being part of one of the greatest ever Scottish cross country teams and attending the World Championships in Vichy. Among those he travelled to France with were Lachie Stewart, Ian McCafferty, Ian Stewart, Gareth Bryan-Jones and Jim Alder. It was a team capable of a top three place. In the end however it failed to place among the medals.

“We got caught up in the strikes that were hitting Paris at the time. We ended up travelling overnight and were tired before we even started running. There’s no doubt we could have done better if we had been blessed with better circumstances,” he now says.

Stoddart has also suffered his fair share of injury. In 1974 while competing in the South West Cross Country Championships, he hit a rock with his spikes and was forced to pull out of the race.

 The next week, thinking what was a minor matter had cleared up, he entered another race. In fact he had fractured an ankle and racing again so soon had turned it into a compound fracture.

Out of training and racing for almost a year as a result of the injury, he gave up ideas of continuing to compete as a senior and began from then on to concentrate on the veteran scene.

 “I never got into the County or Scottish team after that injury,” says Stoddart. “That’s when I seriously started to compete as a vet.” Although he thinks he might well have achieved more as a senior had he taken running more seriously at an earlier age, Stoddart doesn’t regret the way he’s done things.

“I suppose I thought I had the balance right at the time,” he says. “There were too many other things to do when I was a young man. Nowadays it is a lot easier to be concentrated on the one thing.”

Certainly, he has packed a lot into his life and has a number of other strings to his bow which might be absent were it not for the fact that he had an all-rounder’s outlook when he was young.

Head of Management and Industrial Studies at James Watt College, Stoddart was one of the first people to complete an Open University degree and can also boast an MA from Strathclyde University in Industrial Relations. On top of this he is a corporate member of the Institute of Industrial Managers, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and the British Board of Management.

Other sports related commitments include the post of chairman of the Inverclyde Athletics Initiative and a place on the committee of the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club. In many ways Bill exudes the qualities associated with old fashioned athletics values. It is only since a more flexible working life and semi retirement came his way that he has made running a major priority in his life.

“I’ve always worked full time,” says Bill. “I’ve never made a penny out of my running.” Although he admits he “wouldn’t say no” to making a small amount from his efforts, Stoddart says he would never go out of his way to look for cash. The fact that a fair number of the people he beat in Birmingham have subvention funds and are managing to make a living from running as a vet is not enough to change his strongly held beliefs on this matter.

“It’s gone a bit too far,” he says. “Take Linford Christie and Carl Lewis. They’re delaying a race until the stakes are high enough. It’s all gamesmanship and professionalism. People are obsessed with it. I remember when people used to be happy to run for a canteen of cutlery or a set of sheets.”

Whatever his views on the sport’s ethics (or lack of them) Stoddart is nonetheless determined to stay with it for as long as he can. “Till death us do part!” He jokes.

Who knows then what the future could hold for veteran athletics?

“I like to think I’ve set standards for others to beat,” says Bill. “And I hope to go on doing so.”

Now in his sixties, he’s one of the few vets in any age category to have dipped below 76 minutes for the half marathon, 35 minutes for the 10K and 60 minutes for 10 miles. He’s also getting faster as he gets older.

There would seem to be little doubt that Bill Stoddart could be setting challenging standards for some time to come.

BILL STODDART FACT FILE

Date of Birth: May 2, 1931

Club: Greenock Wellpark Harriers

 M60 World Bests: 10 Miles: 57:43 (East Kilbride and Lanarkshire 10 Mile race, August 1991) Half Marathon: 75:53 (Arbroath Half Marathon, June 1992) 10K: 34:51(SVHC Championships, August 1992) World Titles 10K and 25K (World Veterans M60 Road Race Championships, August 1992)

Personal Bests                                                 AGED

800m track                2.04                                        41

1500m track              4.10.5                                     41

3000m track              8.52                                        41       

5000m track              14.56                                      41                               

10,000m track           30.32                                      41

One hour run track   18.900m                                 42       

10 miles track            50.52                                      40

HM road                     68.24                                      42

25K road                    1.21.25                                   40

Marathon                   2.22.14

Edinburgh to Glasgow        4.36.13 (record)        39/40 

 

Personal Bests in M60 Age Group

1500m            5.06                60

5000m            17.37              60

10,000m         35.10              61

10K road        34.51              61

10 miles road 57.43             60

HM                  75.53              61       

25K                 1.34.50           61

Marathon       2.49.53           60

 

Where do these times stand in 2010?

At British level, the half marathon time above still stands as at December 2009 as a British M60 age best but Bill ran an excellent 18:18 for 5K Road on 18th June 1997 at Lochinch which was and still is a British record for the M65 age group.

It is a sign of the quality of the times that in an era when veterans and masters athletics are being fought out at a higher level than ever before that times set eighteen and thirteen years ago are still top of the lists.

Daily Training Schedule Morning: Swim, followed by half an hour intensive deep water training

Lunchtime: 40 minutes to an hour easy running and strides. Usually 6 – 8 miles at most.

Afternoon: 4 Mile Run.

(Bill says: “I’m not a scientific runner. I do ten to twelve miles every day but I’m not obsessed by the stop watch while I’m doing it. I aim to keep even pace. Speed work frightens me – at my age particularly it can lead to too many injuries.)

N.B. The above article omits a few relevant details. Bill Stoddart actually won his first World Veterans Championship in September 1972, when he was victorious in the M40 10,000m (30.52.4) in Bensberg, West Germany.

Consequently, he won many World Veteran Titles in marathon, track and cross-country, in several age groups: M45, M50, M55, M60, M65 and M70. So many, in fact, that he cannot recall the total.

No other Scottish Veteran Harrier has come near to equalling Bill’s achievements.

The secret, he says now, is DEDICATION.

 

MASTERS HOME COUNTRIES CROSS COUNTRY INTERNATIONAL

SCOTTISH AGE-GROUP WINNERS 1988-2013

 

                                                            MARATHON MAN’S MIND OVER MATTER by Mark Macaskill

 A 60-YEAR-OLD ultramarathon runner from Orkney who has completed a gruelling six-day race in Arizona told how he hypnotised himself to cope with the ordeal.

William Sichel crossed the finishing line on Friday after clocking up more than 470 miles. Along the way, he set 17 new records, including a world best.

Speaking from Phoenix last night, Sichel said he listened to hypnosis courses on his MP3 player to help to prepare mentally. “I’ve been doing more and more work in self-hypnosis. It helps the brain cope with the overwhelming fatigue and to accept it has to go further than it’s gone before. For most of the race I was in a semi-hypnotic state,” he admitted.

Across the Years is an annual endurance event in which runners aim to complete as many circuits of a mile-long course as they can in time frames of 24 hours up to six days. Competitors are free to walk, stop, eat and sleep but the clock is always ticking.

About 300 competitors took part in this year’s event, which started on December 28 at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Phoenix, a training facility for the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers.

However, only 60 attempted the six-day endurance race.

On Friday, Sichel finished first in his age group and fourth overall with 472 miles under his belt. The winner, Joe Fejes, clocked up 555 miles.

Sichel set a new world record for men in the 60-65 age group. He also collected 16 new British and Scottish records.

Sichel attributed his success to his mental preparation but admitted that the race was “one of the most unusual” he had run. “The circuit was billed as a trail but it was a dusty, rocky, uneven surface and in the first couple of hours I thought to myself, ‘I’m already having trouble running on this surface and I’ve got six days to go.’ My running shoes kept filling up with dust and razor-sharp stones and I suffered ankle strain.”

Sichel said Arizona’s desert climate was also a challenge, with temperatures swinging from 20 to minus 2C in just a matter of hours. “When the sun was high in the sky, it beat down on you and was very uncomfortable. Then as the day wore on, the temperature fell dramatically and suddenly you were cold.”

Sichel can already lay claim to setting 77 long -distance running records meaning his latest haul takes his career tally to 94.

However, his ambition is to have set 165 records by his 65th birthday – leaving him about 4½ years to gather the remaining 71.

“I think I can do it. I run every race as if it’s my last and I push hard to the line. My motivation is self-curiosity to explore the limits I can put my body and mind to.”

Sichel’s success in Arizona comes hard on the heels of a 2nd place finish in an eight-day race around Monaco harbour in November. He covered just over 533 miles and bagged 8 Scottish and 1 British age-group records. More than 9,100 runners took part in the event, which was halted when Cyclone Cleopatra hit the port area of Monaco.

Shona Robison, the Scottish sports minister, described Sichel as “an inspiration for everyone”. from The Sunday Times

 

MELDRUM BARCLAY EDWARDS M.B.E.

Mel Edwards (Aberdeen AAC) became a Member of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace on the 24th of January. Prince Charles made the award, for services to Athletics and Charity.

The ever-enthusiastic Mel is a former international marathon runner with a 1967 personal best of 2.18.24 in the Harlow Marathon. He was also a fine hill runner. He is a UK Athletics Level 4 Endurance Coach and an inspirational speaker who has dealt with cancer on three occasions.

Mel continues to be marvellously supportive to thousands of runners in Aberdeen and elsewhere. His full running profile is under ‘Elite Endurance’ on the website scottishdistancerunninghistory.co.uk. He now refers to himself (jokingly) as MBE squared!

 

SCOTTISH ATHLETICS NATIONAL MASTERS INDOORS CHAMPIONSHIPS

This event took place at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow on Sunday 2nd March 2014. Laura Mahady of Aberdeen AAC maintained world class form by winning the W55 400m (64.29) and 800m (2.30.79).

[Stop Press: At the end of March, Laura achieved the same double at the World Masters Indoor Track Championships at Budapest! Stornoway’s Alastair Dunlop set an impressive new Scottish M60 1500m record (4.39.74) when finishing fifth in Budapest. He was also fifth in the 800m (2.21.15).]

Steven Wright (Forres Harriers) won the M40 800m in the fast time of 2.03.75.

Stephen Allen (Law & District AAC) was first in both the M45 800m (2.07.01) and 1500m (4.20.17), in the latter defeating many younger athletes.

Evergreen John Thomson (Fife AC) also did the double: M55 800m (2.14.54), a runaway win, and 1500m (4.39.40) in front of M50 Ken Mortimer (4.42.60).

Fiona Matheson (Falkirk Victoria Harriers) maintained her outstanding form by winning the W50 1500m (5.01.61) and 3000m (10.31.30), after close battles against W50 rival Hilary McGrath (Law & District), who recorded fast times too: 5.03.65 and 10.36.75.

Stop Press: Fiona Matheson went on to become W50 World Cross Country Champion in Budapest at end of March AND won two silver medals in the Budapest World Indoors, behind Clare Elms of England. Fiona recorded 4.52.43 for 1500m and 10.14.33 for 3000m. In the 3000m, Ian Johnston (Shettleston Harriers) won the M45 title in 9.31.15 and Colin Feechan (Ronhill Cambuslang Harriers) became M55 champion (10.10.04).

 

MY LIFE ON THE RUN by Arthur Walsham

Arthur is the president of Northern Vets. He was a very successful veteran athlete, especially when he won the very first British Vets Cross Country Championship at Hull in 1971 and triumphed in the World Veterans Championships 25k and marathon (gold medals at both M40 and M45).

Now he has published his athletic memoirs in a book introduced by Ron Hill. As well as describing training, triumphs and disasters, Arthur describes how he coped with getting older and slower.

He really knows everything about Veteran Running. All proceeds from this thoroughly recommended book will be donated to Parkinson’s UK. If you would like a copy, send a cheque for £5 (made payable to Mr AJG Walsham), write down your name and address, and send this to Arthur at 31 Thornfield Road, Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire SK4 3LD.

 

Print & Design for Club and Races by runners for runners Clubs and races need print – often it’s done by the hard working secretary or race director on their home ink jet at their expense (ink jet ink is ounce by ounce more expensive than gold!).

Connalmac Design can help with all sorts of print and design needs – from race numbers, to programmes and newsletters like this one or much simpler affairs. We can put together your publication from scratch or print from your file supplied. Fast efficient cost effective and by runners for runners – so next time you are in need of print think of Connalmac we are only an email away and delivery is included no matter where you are

.In Business? Then for all your print and design needsConnalmac can help you too with the full range of business stationery, logo and corporate identity design, brochures, leaflets, banners, exhibition displays design and production.

CONNALmac DESIGN (www.connalmac.com) are delighted to support Scottish Veteran Harriers Club with the production of this Newsletter and with their printing and design needs throughout the year. Email: solutions@connalmac.com

 

BMAF CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS TOLLCROSS PARK GLASGOW

There were some excellent performances from the Scots as they took full advantage of the local venue when the BMAF Cross Country Championships were held over an undulating course which was surprisingly firm after a few days sunny weather, at Tollcross Park Glasgow on March 15th and organised by Scottish Veteran Harriers.

Competition was top drawer with some great racing in very windy conditions.

First race up was the Women and Men over 65 run over 3 laps of the 2 Km course in which Scots outstandingly took 7 of the 12 individual titles on offer.

Right at the front, after some initial jousting over the first half of the race, Lesley Chisholm W35 continued her excellent form of the winter, which has included a 3rd place in the West Districts and a fine run at the Masters International at Cardiff, by pushing on to break clear and come home untroubled with a lead of almost 30 seconds.

After a strong final part of the race Janet Dunbar came through to claim second place overall and first W45, while Shona Robertson, perhaps better known as a hill runner, was in the hunt for most of the race as she took the W40 age group.

Other Scottish age group winners were Hilary McGrath at W50 and Anne Docherty in the W65 race while it was great to see Janette Stevenson racing again after a long layoff taking the W60 gold, following a close battle with Scottish Masters Champion Jane Waterhouse.

In the team race, based on the cumulative times of each clubs first three finishers, North Shields Poly took the W35 – 44 age group with the Edinburgh AC team of Janet Dunbar, Susan Ridley and Sharyn Ramage comfortably winning at W45 – 54.

The over 65 men’s race resulted in a runaway win for former Bellahouston Harrier Robert Marshall, running for Morpeth Harriers. This was an outstanding performance by the Scottish Masters International against top English contestants.

And Bobby Young added to his medal collection by taking bronze in the M70 race and team silver along with Clydesdale Harriers club mates Peter Cartwright and Watson Jones as they just lost out to Bingley Harriers.

The M35 – 64 race held over 8 Km was a high quality affair with last year’s overall winner Philip Hinch M35 of Tipton Harriers, Andy Morgan-Lee M45 of Thames Hares and Hounds and the two in form Ronhill Cambuslang men Robert Gilroy M35 and Kerry-Liam Wilson M40 quickly forming a group at the front with last year’s runner up Ben Reynolds M50 of Thames H&H close at hand.

However, it was the white hatted Gilroy, looking comfortable throughout, who broke away soon after the half distance to come home 10 seconds clear of Hinch with Morgan-Lee, in winning the M45 race, just holding off Kerry Wilson.

Kerry’s consolation was in retaining his M40 title, won last year at Sunderland, as the Scots dominated the age group with Cris Walsh and Jamie Reid taking the minor medals.

Further back Andy Little and Neil Thin had a fine tussle as both got among the medals at M50 while Colin Feechan, still improving, was the M55 silver medallist.

 Ronhill Cambuslang were predictable and comfortable team winners at M35 – 44 and M55 – 64 while the only other Scottish team medallists were Kirkintilloch Olympians whose improving squad took silver at M35 – 44.

It will be understood that an event like this doesn’t just happen, much work goes into all aspects of organisation and in that respect SVHC acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of John Bell, Ada Stewart, Andy Law and Campbell Joss in making the championships a success.

 And it wouldn’t happen without the help and support of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, LSK Supplies, Glasgow Life and Sweatshop.

With the organisation, course and the facilities at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre receiving a big thumbs up from competitors afterwards, it’s fair to say that there will be more Vets events at Tollcross Park.

Alastair Macfarlane

 

INDIVIDUAL AGE GROUP MEDALISTS

WOMEN 35

1 22:20 Lesley Chisholm Garscube Harriers 2 23:06 Claire McManus North Shields Polytechnic 35 3 23:16 Avril Mason Shettleston Harriers 35 1 23:34

WOMEN 40

Shona Robertson Shettleston Harriers 35 2 24:05 Jennifer Forbes Gala Harriers 35 3 24:13 Wendy King Chelmsford AC 1 22:49

WOMEN 45

Janet Dunbar Edinburgh AC 45 2 22:55 Elaine Leslie Jarrow & Hebburn 35 3 23:28 Susan Ridley Edinburgh AC 45 1 23:37

WOMEN 50

Hilary McGrath Law & District AC 2 24:10 Beryl Junnier Falkirk Victoria Harriers 45 3 24:28 Heather Robinson Jarrow & Hebburn 35 1 24:47

WOMEN 55

Ruth Magill Lagan Valley 2 25:15 Isobel Burnett Carnegie Harriers 35 3 25:43 Penelope Barber Tipton Harriers 1 26:49

WOMEN 60

Janette Stevenson Falkirk Victoria Harriers 45 2 26:53 Jane Waterhouse Central AC 3 27:13 Christine Kilkenny Cannock & Stafford AC 1 32:14

WOMEN 65

Anne Docherty Forres Harriers 2 32:45 Elizabeth Gilchrist Ferranti 3 34:22 Sheila Thomson Westerlands CCC 45 1 37:48

WOMEN 75

Pam Jones Ilford AC

 

MEN 35

1 25:46 Robert Gilroy Ronhill Cambuslang 35 2 25:56 Philip Hinch Tipton Harriers 3 26:29 Malcolm Muir Ilford AC 

MEN 40

1 26:04 Kerry-Liam Wilson Ronhill Cambuslang 35 2 27:30 Crispin Walsh Bellahouston Harriers 35 3 27:42 Jamie Reid Ronhill Cambuslang 

MEN 45

1 26:01 Andy Morgan-Lee Thames Hare & Hounds 2 26:53 Steve Cairns Tyne Bridge Harriers 45 3 27:27 David Lockett Salford Harriers 

MEN 50

1 26:23 Ben Reynolds Thames Hare & Hounds 2 27:31 Andrew Little Shettleston Harriers 3 27:34 Neil Thin Edinburgh AC 

MEN 55

28:46 Paul Merrison Sunderland Harriers 2 29:05 Colin Feechan Ronhill Cambuslang 55 3 29:08 Richard Drage Tavistock AC

MEN 60

1 28:30 David Butler Billericay Striders 2 29:43 Stanley Owen Salford Harriers 45 3 29:55 Paul Elliot North Belfast Harriers 

MEN 65

1 24:09 Robert Marshall Morpeth Harriers 2 24:46 Roy Treadwell Oxford City AC 3 24:55 Michael Mann Dulwich Runners AC

MEN 70

1 25:57 Gordon Orme Carmarthen Harriers 2 26:11 Les Haynes Bingley Harriers 65 3 26:39 Robert Young Clydesdale Harriers 65

MEN 75

1 26:45 Fred Gibbs Bingley Harriers 65 2 29:41 Steve James Southport Waterloo AC 3 29:51 Ian Barnes Darlington Harriers & AC

MEN 80

1 31:44 Geoffrey Oliver 100km Association 2 34:21 James Pittillo Teviotdale Harriers

 

50 SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS

 Recently I trudged dourly through sleet and freezing gale to reach the end of the 2014 Scottish Masters Cross Country in Hawick. Half-fit and slower than ever at the age of 66. Why bother? Arguably, to record my fiftieth consecutive season of finishing at least one Scottish Championship.

Mind you, what can be considered a Scottish Championship? There is no doubt about the National CC, indoor or outdoor track and marathon. Then there are those drama-packed relays – four-stage CC and six-stage road – which guarantee extra pressure to run your heart out for mates, no matter how successful the team.

But sometimes injury restricts participation to only one major fixture in a year, such as the late-lamented Edinburgh to Glasgow road relay – well that always felt like a national team championship to me. And back in 1965, as a novice runner from Aberdeen Grammar School, my so-called sequence started with the Scottish Schoolboys CC round muddy Motherwell. They all count as far as I am concerned, so there, don’t care what anyone says!

I have completed more than 170 Scottish or Scottish Masters championships. Yes, I am pleased to have been reasonably fit for so long, although retirement beckons seductively.

But what has been so addictive about championship racing, when there are so many alternatives – not only events in Continental Europe, England and Ireland but hill-running, city 10ks, half marathons, marathons, tough guy events (no chance!), parkruns and fun runs?

Admittedly, one reason has been ‘pot hunting’ – the chance of adding to a vast, rusting medal collection, mainly Masters of course. Gaining a good ‘gold medal’ (which might lead to a coveted Scottish vest) still feels like real achievement – my best-ever performance was setting a championship record to win the 1975 Scottish Marathon – but there have been lots of mediocre runs too, despite considerable effort on the day. All part of the sport.

Chasing and sometimes defeating old rivals/friends could be an incentive – most runners beat most other runners at least once if they compete for long enough!

Improving personal best times or race positions may be the motivation. Or force of habit – I took part in 30 Edinburgh to Glasgow Relays, 13 Scottish Marathons and 20 Masters Cross Country Championships in a row. Why not run your favourite events every year, if you can?

Surely the glamour of prestige events must be a factor? After all, cross country championship courses range from friendly golf links, to mudbaths, virtual fell races, and snowbound ski-slopes, in every conceivable type of weather.

Racing a track 10,000m or a marathon in a heatwave is a different challenge from battering through a severe headwind.

And think of the venues – every Scottish city and smaller places like Currie, Coatbridge, Glenrothes, Irvine, Livingston, Falkirk, Dumfries, Troon, Linlithgow, St Andrews, Elgin, Cumnock, and Forres. Admittedly some of those lack the svelte luxury of the Emirates Arena!

It has all been character-forming. Championship racing has an intensity that surpasses everyday normality. You have to peak at the right time, cope with nerves and problems during the event, accept defeat graciously (which is not always possible, alas) and avoid boasting if you have the luck to do well.

Sheer pig-headedness and resilience will be developed. Your own physical potential will be explored thoroughly.

Few will be interested in all this but it will matter to you and sometimes to team mates. It is important to do your best.

Running is the finest of sports – enjoy it for as long as possible!

Colin Youngson Forres Harriers

 

OFFICE BEARERS SEASON 2014-2015

Honorary President: ROBERT DONALD

President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE 7 Andrew Avenue, Lenzie, G66 5HF Tel: 0141 5781611 almacrun@btinternet.com

Immediate Past President: PETER OGDEN 16 Springhill Road Glasgow, G69 6HH Tel: 0141 7711950

Vice-President: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 5780526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Honorary Secretary: CAMPBELL JOSS 25 Speirs Road Bearsden, G61 2LX Tel: 0141 9420731 cdjoss@tiscali.co.uk

Honorary Treasurer: STEWART MCCRAE 17 Woodburn Way Balloch Cumbernauld. G68 9BJ Tel: 01236 728783 stewart047@hotmail.com

Membership Secretary: DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 Powburn Crescent Uddingston, G71 7SS Tel: 01698 810575 djf@dfairweather.plus.com

Handicapper: PETER RUDZINSKI 106 Braes Avenue Clydebank. G81 1DP Tel.0141 5623416 p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

JOHN BELL Flat 3/1, 57 Clouston Street Glasgow G20 8QW Tel. 0141 9466949

WILLIE DRYSDALE 6 Kintyre Wynd Carluke, ML8 5RW Tel: 01555 771 448

PHYLLIS HANDS 39 Albany Drive Lanark ML11 9AF Tel. 01698 252498

ANDY LAW Euphian, Kilduskland Road Ardrishaig Argyll. PA30 8EH Tel. 01546 605336

PAUL THOMPSON Whitecroft, 5 Gareloch Brae, Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8PJ Tel. 01436 821707

BMAF Delegates Alastair Macfarlane Ada Stewart

SAL West District Delegate Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM Ken Moncrieff

Website Ada Stewart

Auditor George Inglis

 

FIXTURES

APRIL 2014

Sun 13th Tom Scott 10 miles road race. 10:00 am. John Cumming Stadium Carluke MAY 2014

Sun 4th Walter Ross 10km road race. 1:30pm. Cartha Rugby Club.

Sun 4th BMAF 10km Road Championships Kings Lynn

Wed 7th Snowball 4.8m road race 7:30 pm. Townhead Community Centre.

Fri/Sun 13/15th EVAA non-stadia c’ships Thionville,Yytz, France

Sat 17th BMAF road relays. Sutton Park, Birmingham

Sat 17th Bathgate Hill Race.

JUNE 2014

Wed 4th Corstorphine 5 Mile Road Race 7:30 pm. Turnhouse Rd, Edinburgh

Sun 8th BMAF outdoor pentathlon/10km track. Tilsley Park, Oxford

Sun 15th SAL National Masters T & F & Relay Champs, Pitreavie Athletics Centre BMAF 5km Road Championships Horwich

Wed 25th SVHC 5km road race c’ships. 7:30pm. Playdrome, Clydebank.

JULY 2014

Sun 6th BMAF Multi-terrain Championships – Bewl Water, Sussex

AUGUST 2014

Sat/Sun 9/10th BMAF Track & Field Championships Birmingham

Sun 17th SVHC Glasgow 800 10km Cartha Rugby Club

Fri22nd – Sun 31st European Vets Track and Field Championships Izmir Turkey OCTOBER 2014

Sun 5th SVHC Half Marathon Champs Kirkintilloch

Sun 19th BMAF Half Marathon Champs Salisbury SVHC Track 10K and AGM Coatbridge

NOVEMBER 2014

Sat 22nd British & Irish Masters Cross Country International Wollaton Park, Nottingham

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 25th November 2013

MEMBERS

Welcome to the 22 new and 3 reinstated members who have joined or re-joined since 29 August 2013. 1 member has resigned and. 2 members have died, We now have 493 paid up members.

2 members, Bill McBrinn and David Bauchop, have recently passed away. We send our condolences to their families.

.NEWSLETTER

The massive increase in postal charges has forced us to change to an electronic version of the Newsletter as the preferred option. Any member who wishes to continue receiving a printed Newsletter must contact me, if they have not already done so. Please inform me if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue To: COLIN YOUNGSON TOMLOAN, SANQUHAR ROAD, FORRES, IV36 1DG e-mail: cjyoungson@btinternet.com Tel: 01309 672398

SVHC EVENTS

Stewards/marshals are required for club races. The club appreciate all members & friends who volunteer to act as stewards/marshals. If you are not competing just turn up and introduce yourselves to the organisers. Thanks to all those who have already helped out.

STANDING ORDERS

Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please remember to update the amount payable, & keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses). If any other member wishes to set up a standing order please contact me.

Please ensure, if possible, that the next payment date is set for 10Nov2015, and annually thereafter.

CLUB VESTS

 SVHC running vests can be purchased from Molly Wilmoth for £15 (Tel: 0141 7764941).

NEW MEMBERS

CHRS SURN JOINED NO. TOWN

Craig Brown 12-Nov-13 2177 Newton Mearns

Andrew Buchanan 04-Nov-13 2175 Airdrie

Peter Buchanan 30-Aug-13 2159 Edinburgh

Isobel Burnett 01-Nov-13 2173 Charlestown

Steven Campbell 25-Sep-13 2161 Gourock

Emilio Cosimo 02-Sep-13 2160 Muirhead

Lindsey Currie 21-Oct-13 2170 Dumbarton

Fiona Dalgleish 04-Nov-13 2174 Galashiels

Elaine Davies 23-Nov-13 2178 Edinburgh

Gillian Duncan 04-Oct-13 2165 Forbrae Park

Karen Kealey 12-Nov-13 2176 Blair Drummond

Gary Leek 25-Sep-13 2162 Shotts

Angela Lyttle 25-Nov-13 2179 Blackwood

William McFadden 17-Oct-13 2168 Kirkintilloch

Danny McLaughlin 05-Oct-13 2166 Greenock

Michael Murray 27-Sep-13 2163 Edinburgh

Phyllis O’Brien 14-Oct-13 2167 Edinburgh

Gillian Sangster 29-Oct-13 2171 Carnoustie

Ruth Watson 30-Aug-13 2158 Haddington

Martin Williams 21-Oct-13 2169 Dudley

Frances Wood 31-Oct-13 2172 Linlithgow

Melissa Wylie 28-Sep-13 2164 Dumbarton

Fred Cowan 23-Nov-13 74 St Leonards

David Dickson 03-Oct-13 1915 Glasgow

Bernadette O’Neil 30-Aug-13 2036 Newlands

 David Fairweather Membership Secretary

 SVHC / RUN and BECOME RACE SERIES 2013 / 2014

After a close fought finish the first three men and women in the 2012/13 competition were John Gilhooly, Colin Feechan and Andy Law, and Phyllis Hands, Claire McArthur and Pamela McCrossan.

As will be seen from the fixture list elsewhere in your Newsletter, the 2014 version of the very popular Run and Become Race Series has one or two alterations.

We are adding the Lasswade 10 miler thus giving participants the opportunity to run an additional 10 mile race.

As the Moray Marathon in September is hosting the BMAF Championship we have also included this in the Series.

And of course the BMAF Cross Country Championship will replace the SAL National. There will therefore be 14 races to choose from with each runner’s best 8 to count. Another small change is that 1 bonus point will be awarded to each runner completing more than the required 8 races regardless of the number of additional races.

The RUN and BECOME Series goes from strength to strength and with a prize list valued at over £600 this is hardly surprising so it would be great to see another season with record numbers taking part.

Alastair Macfarlane

 

                                                                                                               OBITUARY

                                                                      William McBrinn, 30 July 1930 – 22 September 2013

On Sunday 22nd September we were saddened to learn that Bill McBrinn had died, aged 83.

Bill had been a member of the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club for longer than I can remember, served on the Committee for many years including 1 year as President (88-89), and was given Honorary Life Membership in 2006.

He will be fondly remembered for his McBrinnlets, which were a Newsletter feature from 1989 (or earlier?) until 2008; and his promotion of the annual Snowball® race (originally the Alastair McInnes Memorial Race), where he provided Snowballs® to every competitor, and to all the helpers. He also provided countless prizes at his own expense. He would also often hand out diaries, and more Snowballs®, after the annual 10,000m track race.

Bill was born in Coatbridge, where he lived for the whole of his life. There he met Margaret, who became his wife for 51 years.

The other loves of his life were athletics and magic, as well as a bit of acting. He was an Equity card holder, and appeared in many Scottish TV dramas such as Taggart and Edge of Darkness, under his stage name Billy Stevens. He was also a member of the Magic Circle, and in 1975 was President of the Scottish Association of Magical Societies.

He would often perform tricks at SVHC social and athletics events, and was still performing 2 weeks before he died.

Bill was a regular competitor in veterans events, and represented Scotland regularly in the British & Irish Cross Country International.

He competed at every distance from 800m up to marathon. In the latter he set a British M55 record of 2:34:24 at Greenock on 25/08/85, and a British M60 record of 2:46:36 on 21/04/91 at Fort William. Both these records still stand.

The M60 record is exceptional because Bill had suffered a heart attack 3 years earlier.

Bill suffered another heart attack in the BVAF Indoor Track Championships at the Kelvin Hall. He won the 800m, and had qualified for the 1500m final, when he suffered chest pains and had to be taken to the Western Infirmary. He had to be dissuaded from returning for the final, which he reckoned he would have won when he saw the winning time!

He kept on racing into his late 70s and ran 22:50 in the SVHC 5km in 2007, but the loss of half a lung to cancer curtailed his running somewhat. It didn’t stop him completely and he continued training until just 3 months before his death.

In 2010 my wife and I, along with many other SVHC members, were privileged to be invited to his 80th birthday celebrations at St Patrick’s Church Hall in Coatbridge. Bill was in fine form and it was a great night.

Bill is survived by his six children James, John, Steven, David, Mary and Diane, and eight grandchildren.

David Fairweather

 

LETTERS PAGE

(Only one this week. More wanted!)

Age-group prizes

 As we runners get older we have to face up to tricky questions like “why am I still doing this?”

Well, in my case (now 66), I have a two-part strategy:

1. a) competing against my own age-group; and
2. b) trying races which I have never done before….

Plenty potential here, as new events seem to spring up every second week these days.

Of course, for age-group competitions to be meaningful, there have to be prizes in all age categories.

Some events are good in this respect, others not so good. I’ve taken part in a few recently, where MSV (i.e. M50) was the oldest category on offer when you filled in the entry form. Well, I like a challenge as much as the next oldie, but being expected to beat guys who’ve just turned 50 is not the real world! These people are still young, for goodness sake!

So, whether the age-groups are going to be in 5s (preferably) or in 10s, they should go up to M70 at least, and the female equivalent.

And it’s good if the pre-race notes state clearly which age-category prizes are on offer.

As organiser of the Seven Hills of Edinburgh Race for many decades, I have the honour of presenting the M70 prize to Bill Gauld every year.

As he came up to collect this in 2013, I asked him what age he is now. Eighty, he said! (Still got round in under three hours.)

So there will have to be an M80 prize next year, leaving the way clear for younger up-and-coming runners to claim the M70 one.

Roll on the first M100 prize!

Alan Lawson, Dundee

 

SVHC ATHLETE PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE: JANE WATERHOUSE

Jane Waterhouse looks serious and races hard. Nevertheless she is very friendly and supportive to other runners. Her modesty hides the fact that she is one of the most successful Scottish Masters cross-country runners, female or male, EVER.

I base this assessment on her incredible record in the Scottish Masters CC: Jane has won thirteen individual titles, all by clear margins!

She started off in 1997 with the W40 championship; won three W45 gold medals between 1999 and 2001; added three more at W50 (2003-5) plus another in 2007; then secured four W55 titles in 2008 and 2010-12; and started her W60 campaign with gold in 2013.

She did not compete in 1998, 2006 and 2009, and suffered her only defeat in fourteen races when she could ‘only’ obtain bronze in 2002!

In addition Jane has been a stalwart team leader for Scotland in the annual 5 Nations CC Masters International.

I do not have all her results, but note that in 2007 she was 7th W50, but improved to 5th W55 in 2008 (behind the winner, England’s Susan Cooper).

 As she states below, her finest performance was at Birmingham in 2009, when her strong finish ensured that she overtook the long-time leader, Susan Cooper, and gained revenge by sixteen seconds to win a rare individual gold medal for Scotland in this very prestigious event. Her team won silver medals, only five points behind the Auld Enemy.

In 2010 in Dublin, Jane finished fourth (only ten seconds behind third) and led her team to bronze medals.

2011: 5th and another third place for Scotland; 2012 9th and another team bronze.

In the recent 2013 International in Cardiff, she came very close to equalling her 2009 achievement, finishing second W60, only nine seconds behind the winner, England’s Janice Needham. Jane trained especially hard for this race and was justifiably pleased with her performance, especially since she led the Scottish W60 team, who packed very well indeed, to silver medals.

 

Name: Jane Waterhouse

Club: Central AC

Date of Birth: 01/02/53

Occupation: Manager Medical Practice

How did you get involved in the sport? Through my two daughters. I used to sit and watch them train and then someone suggested I join in. I have never looked back!

Has any group had an influence? My training group at Central have always been a big part of my life. It is a very mixed group with a huge age span but always encourages us oldies.

What exactly do you get out of the sport? Lots of friends, lots of laughs, some stress (I hate racing) and being able to eat lots of cake.

Your best-ever performance? Winning my age group at the 5 Nations International Cross-Country at Birmingham in November 2009. It was my finest hour!

Your worst? Plodding around in last position in an interleague cross country down in the South of England – and they were pulling down the course while I was running.

What unfulfilled ambitions do you have? I would like to run another marathon alongside my two daughters but am not sure my knees are up for that any more.

Other leisure activities? Singing in a choir. (That is my sensible side.) Walking in the mountains. Looking after my wonderful little grandson Fraser.

What does running bring you that you would not have wanted to miss? Keeping fit, making lots of friends from all over Scotland and from all walks of life and being part of our running group.

Can you give some details of your training? I train with Central AC twice a week. These sessions consist of repetitions of different distances from 400 to 1000 on fields or track in the summer. I run by myself on the weekend, doing a tempo run on Saturday and a longer slower run on Sunday.

 

                                                       SVHC ATHLETE PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE: ANDY McLINDEN

 

 I remember reading about twenty years ago that Andy had recorded very fast times over 10k and half marathon. Since we had never raced against each other, I assumed those courses were short! How wrong can you be?

According to the age-graded tables, Andy is currently better than he has ever been and a major contender for British and International titles.

He has seldom contested the Scottish Masters CC but won the M50 title in 2002, during a Glaswegian gale, well in front of Tom Scott and myself. In 2007 he secured M55 bronze behind George Sim and Tom Scott. Then in 2012 he was victorious in the M60 race, after a close battle with eccentric, injury-prone but talented Alistair Murray from Aberdeen.

Like Jane Waterhouse, he has run consistently well in the annual 5 Nations Masters International CC. Once again, I do not have all his results, but note that in 2002 he was 5th M50 and his Scottish team won silver medals. The M55 age group produced several very good runs: individual bronze in Belfast 2007 and a glorious team victory for Scotland (George Sim 2nd, Andy McLinden 3rd, Archie Jenkins 7th, Ewan Patterson 8th). Swansea 2008: 6th and team silver. Birmingham 2009: 4th and team bronze. Dublin 2010: 10th.

By Glasgow 2011, Andy McLinden had improved once more to win an individual silver medal in his new M60 age group behind the almost superhuman Mike Hager of England. Andy repeated this fine achievement in Belfast 2012 and led his team to bronze medals.

Andy writes that he ran all his best times as a veteran. He completed a marathon in 2.39 but reckons that, without the intervention of an unfortunate injury, he was capable of 2.30 at least. (At M55 he ran London in an excellent 2.46).

His fastest half marathon was 69 minutes at Arbroath in 1993. He also recorded 15.20 for 5k and 32.20 for 10k.

Looking back at his International cross-country performances, he reckons that, “like a fine wine”, he has matured into a medal-winner!

He has won several Scottish titles on track as well as road and topped the British Masters rankings on a number of occasions.

In 2011 he had a go at the European Masters half marathon in Thionville in France, winning a silver medal in the M60 category, and “catching (golden girl) Fiona Matheson on the line for a nice wee Scottish double”.

He comments that his gold medal in Finland last year was “not bad for a fun runner”!

Andy considers that the fact that he has never done a high mileage might be a factor in “getting away with it now”. Recovery has always been an important part of his training.

Name: Andy McLinden

Club: Hamilton Harriers

Date of Birth: 2/4/1951

Occupation: Clothing machine technician (28 years). Postman (last 10 years).

How did you get involved in the sport? The marathon boom in the mid 80s.

Have any individuals had a marked influence? Hugh Gibson had a big influence in my early years at the club and also gutsy Brian Campbell.

What exactly do you get out of the sport? A feeling of well-being.

Best performances? I had a head-to-head battle with the great Jim Dingwall in a 1500m at a track meet in Coatbridge and pipped him on the line before I realised who he was.

However I suppose standing on the podium last year after winning the World Masters Half Marathon M60 title in Finland was the pinnacle.

Worst? None really – I just enjoy racing.

Unfulfilled ambitions? When you are over the 60 mark – just to keep going.

Other leisure activities? None. Not much time for anything else.

What does running bring you that you would not have wanted to miss? The competition and the friendship of my fellow athletes.

Training? Long Sunday run (15 to 18 miles); speed session Tuesday (400s or 800s); tempo run Thursday (four or five miles); easy runs or rest days in between.

 

ARTICLES WANTED!

 Any editor will struggle to fill the next edition of a newsletter, unless readers send in articles. Any topic might be considered, for example: running memories; profile of a clubmate or indeed your club; reasons why you started running and why you continue; race report; training hints; the official’s viewpoint etc.

Don’t be modest if writing about yourself – we all have good days and also very bad ones! On page ?? is a new regular feature “Favourite Races”.

Please contribute by emailing the editor, Colin Youngson – cjyoungson@btinternet.com or by post to Tomloan, Sanquhar Road, Forres IV36 1DG.

 

OXBRIDGE SCOTTISH RUNNING BLUES

 The Oxford versus Cambridge Inter-‘Varsity CrossCountry race is one of the oldest inter-club matches still in existence and has a rich history. Barring the war years, it has been held annually since 1880. Many world-class athletes feature amongst the winners, including Jerry Cornes, Jack Lovelock, Roger Bannister, Chris Chataway, Tim Johnston, Julian Goater and Richard Nerurkar.

The only two Scottish winners I can spot were Alasdair Heron (Cambridge) in 1964 and Neil Thin (Cambridge) in 1981 and 1982 – Neil’s team won both races too.

Alasdair Heron (Edinburgh Southern Harriers) had a brief but successful running career. In 1962 he won the Scottish Junior CC title in front of Craig Douglas and Mike Ryan; and finished a very good 11th for Scotland in the Junior International CC at Graves Park, Sheffield. His team won bronze medals in this prestigious event. In 1964, after securing fifth place in the National (when he led ESH to the Scottish team title) Alasdair Heron was third counter (39th) for Scotland in the Senior International CC at Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin. In the Edinburgh to Glasgow Relay, Alasdair won two silver medals with ESH in 1962 and 1963 (when he was second fastest on Stage Two, behind Scottish Internationals Callum Laing and Fergus Murray respectively) and bronze in 1964.

Post-graduate students from Scotland took part in Oxbridge Cross-Country and Athletics fairly often, for example. Alastair Wood (Oxford), Martin Craven (Oxford), Fergus Murray (Oxford), Mel Edwards (Cambridge) and Doug Gunstone (Cambridge). Several coveted ‘Blues’ were awarded. I remember that Ally Wood and Martin Craven were both justifiably proud of their double blues for Athletics as well as Cross-Country.

But how tough was the training for such a prestigious event? We have a good idea how hard the rowers train for their annual contest. What was the selection procedure? What sort of courses were tackled? Surely not modern, flat, emasculated ones. What tactics were employed? How cut-throat was the competition? After the race, did runners celebrate, commiserate and drown their sorrows? On what basis were blues awarded? Scottish athletes have a range of memories.

Mel Edwards had developed into a very good runner during his years at Aberdeen University. His best performance was in February 1964, when he won the Scottish National Junior CC at Hamilton Racecourse, after a thrilling battle with future Commonwealth Games medallists Ian McCafferty and Lachie Stewart. Subsequently he was a scorer for the Scottish team in the Senior International Cross-Country Championships at Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin.

At Cambridge University he became friends with Mike Turner, who became England’s cross-country captain.

Mel recalls “Early morning 10 mile sessions in the Cambridge mists and 16×800 in the evening produced a second place and a blue in the 1964 Oxford v Cambridge cross-country race at Roehampton.” (The course at that time started and finished at the Big Holly Bush, close to where Roehampton Lane met the A3, and stayed completely on the Common.)

Mel remembers “Selection in 1964 was by trial and the course was chosen to replicate the Roehampton one as closely as possible. We sussed out the race course a few weeks before but I was still surprised by the toughness of the ‘Toastrack’ on the day. I recall one of our team had not turned up ten minutes before the start and our reserve was all warmed up and ready to go. The latecomer arrived and our captain had a difficult decision. He went for the latecomer, who proceeded to have a poor run.

Shortly after the start Alasdair Heron and I were chasing Dai Davies of Oxford. We closed him down and I remember Alasdair saying “You pass one side, I’ll pass the other. It’s the best way.” We did so and Alasdair went on to win with me second in 38.41, 28 seconds behind.”

Unfortunately, Mel lost the 1965 season to Achilles tendonitis, which was cured by osteopathy in early 1966, and he was selected for the Cambridge team for the 3 miles versus Oxford at the White City.

“There were four in the field, including the late Henk Altmann, the South African 3 mile record-holder, so it was a tough task. I was tipped to finish third, which meant a whitewash for Oxford. My colleague John Baggaley was dropped early on and Henk, John Waterhouse and I battled it out.

Just before the bell Henk went for it. Decision time. Do I go with him or fight it out with Waterhouse for second? I went after Henk, my legs fell off with 200 to go and I got third in 13.52, four seconds off my best, and twelve seconds behind Henk. At least I tried.”

Fergus Murray studied for a Dip Ed at St Catherine’s College, Oxford during 1966-1967. Previously he had enjoyed an extremely successful running career while at Edinburgh University: representing Great Britain in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic 10,000m; and winning three consecutive Scottish National CC titles. Inevitably he had secured EU full blues for both cross-country and athletics.

He trained very hard (100 miles per week), eventually became injured and had a cartilage removed in August 1966.

Consequently, he did not run in the first team crosscountry contest versus Cambridge, but did compete for the second team (Oxford Tortoises v Cambridge Spartans), finishing first equal with his team-mate Tim Taylor.

The 1967 athletics season was very successful for Fergus. He placed second in the AAA 10 miles track after a close contest with Ron Hill, the future marathon great. Murray’s time was 47.45.2 (a Scottish record), only 6.6 seconds behind Hill.

Fergus was training a lot with John Waterhouse, who made up a formidable three mile Oxford track pairing with Henk Altmann, so Fergus was not disappointed when he did not run in the match against Cambridge.

However, he reduced his best six mile time to 27.42.96 when placing sixth in the AAA race and then won the famous Polytechnic Marathon from Windsor to Chiswick in 2.19.06.

During the week following this long but apparently not exhausting race, Fergus won the two miles for a combined Oxford/Cambridge team v Harvard/ Yale at the White City in 8.44; came fourth in another two miles in Reading in 8.38.8; and won the British Universities 6 miles on the Saturday in 28.38.2!

Fergus remembers victory against the Americans with particular pleasure, as well as being in the St Cats team that won Cuppers (an athletic contest against other Oxford colleges) in 1967. There was a wager on the result between the Bursar Charles Wenden (also Treasurer of the British Universities Sports Federation) and the Master of St Catherine’s, the illustrious historian Alan Bullock. Charles asserted that St Cats would be known for Sport rather than Academia!

Neil Thin writes “the Oxford-Cambridge Varsity CrossCountry has been run on neutral territory in Roehampton Park since the 1890s.

Cambridge training in the early 1980s was, it must be admitted, typically rather boring for anyone from Scotland, given the lack of any accessible hills. To get even a moderate gradient you had to run about six miles each way to the Gog Magog golf course, and this being an English institution, there was always the risk of being shouted at.

Otherwise training was on flat commons in town, or occasionally in the sticky grey mud of nearby fields and marshes, or on the cinders athletics track. Almost no one did any gym training in those days, so everything happened outdoors.

Cambridge and Oxford runners rarely went head-to-head in pre-Varsity races, and selection for the blues fixture was mainly based on performance in local races a couple of weeks beforehand, including occasional contests against astonishingly good local teams with world-class runners like Julian Goater, Chris Garforth, Mike Turner and Tim Hutchins.

Sometimes a very enterprising captain might seek out inside knowledge about rival team standards, but generally you just waited to see how things went on the day.

I remember going as reserve in my first year to watch the Cambridge team being heavily defeated, and returning the next year to not only an individual win but also a rare ‘whitewash’ victory over Oxford (i.e. all six scoring runners came in ahead of the opposition).

Full blues were awarded to all who ran in the cross country Varsity race, but only the most status-conscious and thick-skinned of the Cambridge team would actually invest in the virtually unwearable duck-egg blue blazer!

The dinner in London after the race was a very grandiose affair attended by various ex-Oxbridge runners, including significant numbers of former Olympians.

To get your full athletics blue you had to compete in the first team at the Varsity athletics match, and attain a high standard time (e.g. 3.53 for 1500m or 14.45 for 5000m).”

(The editor recalls that in the 1960s the Aberdeen University blues blazer was a startling powder-blue, and that only the elegant Scottish international steeplechaser and cross-country runner Bill Ewing was ever seen to wear one, ignoring critical banter which insulted his fashion sense!)

(N.B. Brian McAusland’s excellent website www. scottishdistancerunninghistory.co.uk includes lengthier profiles of Alastair Wood, Martin Craven, Fergus Murray, Mel Edwards, Bill Ewing and Doug Gunstone, under ‘Marathon Stars’ or ‘Elite Endurance’ or ‘The Chasers’.)

 

SCOTS CORNER

 Noo, tho roon aboot the Steen Age ah wis een a yon prefects at Aiberdeen Grummar Skweel and hid a decent eddification an a’ that, an warked in muckle an supposedly ceevilized cities like Glesga an Aul Reekie, as weel as oot in the sharny sticks, ye can tak the loon oot o’ Aiberdeen bit ye canna tak the Aiberdeen oot o’ the loon, ken fit ah mean?

Neist is a wee screev frae yon Falkirk chiel Shuggie McGinlay, still game, fa we a’ ken fine.

The peer aul mannie canna maintain the Quine’s English fir lang, let alane dee punkchewashun, bit maun keep lapsin intae a kinna dialect that isna even the Doric!

Bit, fit wy div ither folk nae coaryspond in their ain wy, mibbie in a letter or a race report?

Cum oan, Fifers, Borderers, Teuchters, Shetlanders, and even posh types frae Kelvinside or Morningside – efter a’, we’re cried the SCOTTISH Vets, are we no?

Aal coantributions gratefully prented, an at’s nae lee.

 

Sir, I am an OAP, a Senior Citizen, an octogenarian, an many would aver a crabbit auld git, if they say sugar, I say sand, but it would seem the race has been run, the medals won, you’ve had it son.

Three physios have treated my Achilles and would have me running, all to no avail, but a NHS qualified has given me the most exhaustive exam, and will tell me in a few weeks’ time if the game is done, took months to have that service, but he, a runner himself, commiserated with me.

Noo, jist fit fur whye am a writin yese. It is Veteran! Master, a rose by any other name is jist the same, well it is not, it is chalk and cheese.

I have been both, as a Master I am given every respect, consideration, a top-class international rep. I do not spectate at our national indoor centre, I run, participate, compete, against the watch, and am supported by thousands, they being the mums, dads, grandparents of the juniors of our scene, the organisation of their relays perfection of the highest.

On the outdoor track, ditto, minus the support.

Unable to compete on the road, I cannot comment on that scene but would think it is well organised.

The NHS bod enquired of me what was your best memory from racing years. It was Perpignan. We were a club par excellence, we ran for Scotland and were welcomed.

Anither souvenir is a quaich from the Japanese marathon.

The British Vets Champs in England with my Scottish Vets vest.

Our promotion of the British Masters disquiets me, we are a voluntary amateur club and it shows, let us have Scottish Athletics serve us, is that not their remit?

As for the polis, I am having discourse with my MP on that issue, and not just on the athletics front, just suggest something and they are procrastinating the problems.

Doug Gillon wrote a good article in The Herald recently (‘Train heavy, race light”) about the great amateur athlete Jim Alder, who, to my mind epitomises veteran athletics, tremendous, I can personally relate to this!

Hugh McGinlay

 

British Masters Track and Field Championships Report

 Very few SVHC members made the trip to Birmingham for this belated event on September 14th and 15th. Nearly all of them won medals, however.

World W55 record holder Laura Mahady (Aberdeen) won the 400 (64.6) and 800 (2.34).

Fiona Matheson (Falkirk W50), who is Britain’s overall No 1 in her age-group, continued her outstanding year by narrowly outsprinting the W40 victor to win the 1500 (4.58.42); and then ran away with the 5000 (17.33).

Fiona Davidson (Aberdeen W40) finished first in the long jump and triple jump.

In the M70 category, the star Scottish performer, as mentioned below in his profile, was Clydesdale’s Pete Cartwright, who recorded clear victories in the 800 and 1500 and also finished third in the 5000m.

The durable Bill Gentleman secured silver medals in the hammer and the weight.

John Thomson (Fife M55) recorded impressive wins in the 800 (2.16) and 1500 (4.39).

Alex Bryce (Falkirk) fought his way to a bronze medal in the M50 800 and fourth place in the 1500.

The excellent photographs on this page and many of those from the British and Irish Cross Country International in Cardiff were taken by Jeremy Hemming, who for a long time has contributed to Athletics Weekly. His address is 7 Emmerton Court, Wynter Street, London SW11 2DJ, email address is hemming@dircon.co.uk and phone 0208 871 9989. If you would like to buy a photo, the following print prices include postage and packing. 6×4 = £4; 7×5 = £5.50; 9×6 = £7.50; 12×8 = £17.50. Jpeg by email for personal use = £7.

 

                                          SCOTTISH MASTERS MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: PETER CARTWRIGHT

 There is little doubt that Falkirk Victoria Harrier Fiona Matheson (W50) is our female athlete of the year and that Clydesdale Harrier Pete Cartwright (M70) is the most successful male athlete, with no fewer than six individual victories in Championships organised by the British Masters Athletics Federation. (Thanks to Brian McAusland for much of the following information.)

An ex-professional footballer in Manchester, Pete moved to work with the G.P.O. at Stirling University as the resident engineer, and joined in a lunchtime run, as well as playing 5-a-side football.

By the time he was 38 he met a very good runner, Derek Easton (nowadays a highly-respected coach), and started training seriously for his debut as a veteran at the age of 40 and joined Falkirk Victoria.

Running took over his life, since he covered 70 to 100 miles per week in training with three track sessions thrown in. In the evenings after work he often ran 12 miles from Stirling to his home in Thornhill.

He was very successful. He won a round of the British Adidas Half Marathon series at Wilmslow in Cheshire, followed by what he calls “a streak of title winning”.

At 1500 he won the SVHC, the British Telecom National Championship and the British Civil Service Championships plus a bronze medal in the Vets Commonwealth Games in Grangemouth.

1994 was a very good year. He took gold in the WAVA Games in Canada, running for Great Britain; and also won in America over 5 miles and 10 miles.

His first individual titles on home ground were secured when he took the 1500 and 3000 on the same day at Kelvin Hall. He then won the 5k Road championship and was pleasantly surprised when his club named him their athlete of the year.

Like everybody at the time he continued to race all over Scotland and he won his share of races but the standard of Masters Athletics was so high that hard fought races did not always end in success. The highest honour of his career was when he won the Athlete of the Year Award for Central Scotland in 1999.

Pete Cartwright raced and trained until he was 55 before he switched to Mountain Bike Racing.

Having raced motor bikes as a sidecar passenger in the Isle of Man TT and World Championships for 15 years and gone into SuperKart racing, using his fitness for the thrill of mountain bike racing was irresistible.

In his first two years he won the Scottish Masters Series title and became totally hooked on the speed, jumps, single track and adrenalin rush of downhill speed. Like all bikers, however, he had a big accident which damaged several discs in his back and he had to spend six months having treatment.

He made his return with the intention of taking on the British Championships against the very best riders from the four home countries. He made it to second in the series and then in the Welsh series he attempted an eight foot drop-off and things went wrong: he ended up with a suspected broken neck. On X-Ray he was told he was lucky that he only damaged the discs in his neck but that was enough for the doctor to tell him that any more disasters like that and there would be no more sport for Peter!

So it was back to running. That’s when he joined Clydesdale Harriers, teaming up with Bobby Young and subsequently Brian Campbell with the avowed aim of trying to bring some M60 British team titles back to Scotland.

The Three Amigos trained hard – individually and as a group – travelled a lot and had a great time winning gold medals. Between 2004 and 2008, the trio contested seventeen BMAF M60 team championships and won an amazing thirteen of them.

Their peak year was 2005, when they were undefeated and victorious six times: the CC Relays in Norwich; CC Championships in Bangor; Road Relays in Sutton; 5k in Horwich; 10k in Strathclyde Park; and 10 miles in Bishop Stortford.

Their final team gold medals were secured in 2008: the 5k Championship in Horwich.

By then, Pete Cartwright had started a very successful M65 career, including a silver medal in the British and Irish CC International at Belfast in 2007.

However, 2012-2013, after Pete Cartwright’s 70th birthday, has been a year of even greater individual success.

In October 2012 he won the BMAF 10k (41.30) and the 10 miles (71.03), with both events taking place in Essex. In November he was a close third in the British and Irish Masters International CC in Belfast. Then in March 2013, on the Lee Valley Indoor Track, Pete won the 1500 (5.31) and the 3000 (11.23). In August’s 10k road race in Glasgow he won a team gold medal, along with his Clydesdale Harriers chums Bobby Young and Brian Campbell. On the Outdoor Track at Birmingham in September, he won the 800 (2.45) and the 1500 (5.31) and was third in the 5000m (20.46). Oh, and he also won four Scottish Masters titles: cross-country, indoor 1500 and 3000m and 10 miles (70 minutes exactly)! In the Scottish Masters cross-country championships, Pete won the M55 category in 1998, M65 in 2008 and M70 in 2013, plus silver medals at M55 and M65 and two bronze at M60.

Pete adds: “I have won all the M70 SVHC or SAF races this year – from 1500 to half marathon. In the Polaroid 10k road series I was first in all 4 races and was awarded the overall title, despite having to drop down to the M60 category since there wasn’t an age-group for me.

The British and Irish Masters International CC will take place in Cardiff in mid-November. The Scottish M70 team has four competitors: Bobby Young, Brian Campbell, Watson Jones and myself, all from Clydesdale Harriers! I’m not sure this has happened before – all the runners from one club.

I put in about 50 miles training a week (including two track sessions) during the summer. In the winter I like to up the mileage a bit, cut out one track session) and put weight sessions in three times a week. I’m ranked No 1 M70 in the UK over 1500 and 3000 indoor plus 1500 outdoor and second over 10 miles road. I’m ranked No 1 M70 in Scotland from 800 to half marathon.

I think the most pleasing thing this year was doing the track treble: winning the three major 1500 titles (SAF Indoor, BMAF Indoor and BMAF Outdoor). I think that’s the first time that has been achieved in the M70 age group.”

Now in spite of all the achievements celebrated above, Pete Cartwright is a modest, cheerful man who deserves every success, since he trains exceptionally hard, has keen tactical awareness and a wicked change of pace.

(Drug testing reveals one secret: he never even drinks alcohol, which some consider tantamount to cheating.) He is almost too good to be a role model – the temptation for his rivals is to retire immediately!

 

FAVOURITE RACES

 Over a fifty year ‘running career’ I enjoyed a wide range of interesting races. The important ones I ran most often included the Scottish Marathon championship, the Scottish National (and then Masters) crosscountry and the British and Irish Masters cross-country international, but my favourite event was undoubtedly the late, great EDINBURGH TO GLASGOW ROAD RELAY.

The last time I wrote about this in the newsletter was three years ago and I return to the topic, to start off the FAVOURITE RACES feature, which I hope readers will add to in the near future!

As any old buffer will insist, the E to G was a wonderful race (although it is a shame that it was an all-male event), anticipated for months, specifically targeted, trained and tapered for, full of nervous intensity, flat-out effort, drama, triumph and disaster.

It was a chance to watch Scotland’s best distance runners in action, including outstanding international athletes, Commonwealth Games and Olympic participants; and a real social occasion as well, with plenty of bantering, pints and parties afterwards.

I was lucky enough to race it on thirty occasions, representing five clubs over this time: Aberdeen University, Victoria Park AAC, Edinburgh Southern Harriers, Aberdeen AAC and Metro Aberdeen RC. (I always ran for the club nearest my home.)

The Edinburgh to Glasgow Road Relay took place every November from 1930 to 1939 and then from 1949 to 2002. Entry was by invitation only, and usually the best twenty Scottish teams took part.

To be selected for the E to G was considered an achievement in itself. For many years the fixture was sponsored by the News of the World newspaper, and then by A.G. Barrs (famed producers of Irn Bru).

Free buses transported many runners from Glasgow to Edinburgh, deposited them at the start of their stage, picked them up afterwards and took them back to Glasgow.

By the 1970s, clubs tended to use their own vehicles to ensure that each runner was set down and, after their stint, helped, exhausted, back inside. Supporters shouted loud encouragement (and occasionally abuse) from pavements and verges and out of windows.

There was an atmosphere of constant suspense, excitement, delight and disappointment.

To be in a winning or medal-winning outfit was a tremendous thrill, but no matter the finishing position, every runner tried his utmost for the team.

This fantastic event possessed unparalleled magic. It was axed by the police, the health and safety buffoons and the killjoys.

Nowadays many organisers continue to fight to ensure that their race continues, despite severe constraints. Relays tend to take place on cross-country or closed road courses like Strathclyde Park.

Yet, although a small number of E to G runners did ‘argue’ with cars, absolutely no one was injured seriously.

Vicky Park was absolutely obsessed with the race. The club had a tremendous record in the event, especially in the 1950s, and when I joined for two years from 1971 the fastest guys all performed best on road (and occasionally track) rather than country.

Discussing selection for the next E to G started shortly after the previous relay finished! It was made clear to me that the second most important yearly fixture was the club TRIAL before the great race.

But who might be most suitable to tackle particular sections? The Edinburgh to Glasgow was an eight-stage relay.

In my day, the event started at the gates of Fettes College. Stage One (5 and a half miles) negotiated a series of long hills before descending to Barnton roundabout and turning left en route to Maybury and right onto the Glasgow Road.

Two (six miles) was a long, flat, fast route with an uphill finish into Broxburn.

Three, to Wester Dechmont Farm, was a hilly four and a half miles.

Four, to Armadale, five and a half miles.

Five, to the long-gone Forrestfield Inn, (where runners who had already played their part grabbed a quick pint) a tough, exposed, undulating five and a half.

Six, the longest at seven miles, eventually finished at Airdrie War Memorial.

Seven (5 and a half) was one for downhill specialists and ended at Barrachnie.

Eight (5 miles) was mainly flat, with one significant uphill and downhill, and finished outside Glasgow Town Hall in George Square, after more than 44 miles of serious endeavour.

Down the decades the route did not vary much (until the final two races) but starts and finishes were tinkered with, so that the distances (and record performances) for each stage occasionally varied.

Clubs without strength in depth might put their best man on Stage One, but real contenders usually chose their fastest man for Stage Two and their strongest for Stage Six.

Tremendous battles took place during each section and often all the way to the end of the race.

The basic philosophy of road relay running was: “RUN TILL YOU DROP – EYEBALLS OUT!”

Occasionally tactics might enter into this form of competition e.g. when operating into a headwind, or when jockeying for position on the first leg, or trying to go for a medal on the last one. It was vital to avoid a complete ‘blowup’ that would deprive your anxious team-mate of the baton. But, in normal circumstances, if you fell over the line with one extra ounce of strength in you, then you had failed, and would be well advised to tell no one!

I ran for some good teams, that finished first several times, and managed a few fastest times on some of the less-prestigious legs (but never the elite Stages Two or Six).

On the other hand, one of my clubs ended up third-last, with me second-slowest on Stage Five!

Never mind, we did our best on the day and it was a genuine privilege to take part.

Statistics suggest that the number of good, fast Scottish distance runners was greater in each year from the mid-sixties to the mid-eighties, compared to nowadays.  A major reason is the loss of Scottish participation in the World Cross after 1987.  Another is the demise of the Edinburgh to Glasgow Road Relay, which motivated so many runners to develop speed, stamina, determination and ambition.

Colin Youngson

Older readers! Why not send in brief accounts of your most memorable E to G moments – good, bad, sad or funny?

The same could be done (by any SVHC member) for memories of other favourite races.

The newsletter will publish every one!

 

HUNTSMAN SENIOR GAMES, UTAH, U.S.A

(John Ross has been an outstanding multi-events athlete for decades and is now in the M75 age group. He recently recovered from injury, returned to form in the British Masters and then competed successfully in America.)

After a barren year due to injuring my calf muscle at the Scottish Masters at Grangemouth, I had some treatment from a physiotherapist and was advised to train only on grass. This resulted in my competing at Birmingham in the British Masters, where I won gold in the javelin and 400m plus silver in the 200m. This gave me the confidence to try my luck in the Senior Games for people aged 50 and over in the U.S.A.

This event, which takes place in St. George, Utah, is very well organised indeed. St. George can be reached by various means, but I believe that the best way is to fly from Manchester Airport direct with Virgin Atlantic to Las Vegas. The competition is held over two weeks and always starts from the first Monday in October.

I stayed in Las Vegas for two days before catching the shuttle bus to St. George, a two hour drive north. The Utah open marathon is always held on the Saturday before our Games start and beds are difficult to get until after this, which this year attracted 7700 runners. The race starts at 6.30 a.m. as the temperature at midday is around 25 centigrade and the atmosphere is very dry.

Our Games had over 10,000 competitors this year, with entries from 61 countries taking part at various first class venues. As well as track and field, there were road races over 5k, 10k and half marathon distances. Other sports included: triathlon, volleyball, tennis, archery, swimming, table tennis and soccer.

The opening ceremony is always a great night’s entertainment. A prominent sports person is invited to carry the torch round the track and light the flame to start the Games.

Getting around to your venues is very easy as they have a transport sponsor with a fleet of mini buses at your disposal. You just have to phone the transport desk and request a lift to the competition site and they collect you from the hotel or motel.  These lifts can be booked the day before.

This year the athlete invited to open the Games was Jason Lezak, Sydney Olympic Games swimming gold medallist in the 4x100m relay. He also took individual silver in the 100m and anchored the 4x400m relay team to gold at Beijing.

In my own events I had the good fortune to win five gold medals and one bronze. The golds were for 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m; and the bronze was for the javelin.

I met up with a friend from Fairbanks, Alaska – Jim Madonna, a great distance runner. Jim asked how long my journey over took and I told him the flight took ten hours. When I asked him how long his journey lasted, he replied that he drove down from Alaska in his motorhome and it took five days. That is dedication for you, as Jim is also 75 years of age.

There were quite a few athletes from the Caribbean, in particular Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. We are always entertained at a western dinner dance with a live band and an attempt at line dancing.

I hope this gives some insight into what goes on at these Games. I like the place and the people and have now taken part six times.

The important people who make this great event possible are of course the organisers, officials and the 2500 volunteers.

I managed to squeeze in two days at Las Vegas before coming home and took in a show with a Bee Gees tribute band that was terrific.

 

British & Irish Masters Cross Country International Sat 16th November 2013, Bute Park, Cardiff

 As in 2012 we started selecting our team at the end of August, and aimed to complete the selection by end September. We had our usual problems with numerous call-offs, including two just 2 days before the event. We still managed to field complete teams apart from W55 and W65. Michael Thomsen was our only genuine M35 runner, with 5 M40s making up the rest of the team.

We had good representation from all parts of Scotland, plus a few England domiciles, but the 2 travelling the greatest distance were Arlene Bristow from Lerwick, Shetland and Liz Bowers from Nizas in southern France.

The team managers had their usual 9pm Friday meeting, and I must thank Hazel Macfarlane for dealing with distribution of numbers and function tickets while we were away.

Scotland had last year proposed the inclusion of an M75 team, and this year it was agreed to also include W70s. These proposals will be discussed at the next BMAF meeting.

It was also announced, with reservations expressed by Ireland and Scotland, that the 2014 event will be held on the early date of 25 October, at Wollaton Park, Nottingham.

(Ada arrived when these discussions were almost over, having walked to the Mercure Centre instead of the Mercure Holland Hotel!)

The Cardiff weather was ideal – calm, dry and relatively mild. The course was flat as a pancake, dry and firm, which promised some fast races, though not hilly enough for some of our runners.

In Race 1 Lesley Chisholm, Fiona Matheson, Rob Marshall and Bobby Young all came round the 1st of 3 laps in good positions, but Lesley and Rob dropped back a bit as they began to feel the effects of the fast pace.

It was good to see Bobby back on form after struggling for the last 3 years. He finished strongly to win M70 bronze.

Fiona strengthened her position as the race progressed, drawing clear of Lesley and moving into a dominant W50 lead and 5th position overall. Hilary McGrath (5) and Beryl Junnier (8) helped to win W50 silver medals.

Meanwhile Jane Waterhouse finished 2nd W60, and with support from Liz Bowers (6) and Hazel Bradley (7) won another team silver.

Linden Nicholson made her team debut finishing 8th W60.

Robert Marshall kept going to finish 4th M65 and with Alex Sutherland (7) and Stewart McCrae (14) won team bronze.

Pete Cartwright 4th M70 and Brian Campbell 10th ensured that their team won bronze medals. These 2 have both made good recoveries from major health problems.

Paul Thompson was our only individual medallist In Race 2, finishing 3rd M55, but the M55 and M60 teams both won bronze. New recruit Stan MacKenzie was 5th M50.

In Race 3, Kerry-Liam Wilson finished 3rd M40, 2 places higher than 2012, and 6th overall. With support from Gordon Barrie (10), Gareth Jenkins (17) and Robert Turner (21) they won team bronze.

Despite winning 1 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze individual medals, and 2 silver and 5 bronze team medals, the Scottish results were a bit disappointing, but once again a lot of runners were unavailable for various reasons.

Race 1: 6km for Women (all age groups) and M65+

W35: 4 SCOTLAND, 5 Lesley Chisholm 21:17, 13 Avril Mason 22:52, 17 Claire McArthur 23:27, 18 Rachel Fagan 23:57.

 W40: 5 SCOTLAND, 14 Alison Winship 23:11, 15 Fiona Dalgleish 23:16, 19 Sarah Knox 24:58, 20 Marina McCallum 25:14.

W45: 5 SCOTLAND, 12 Sue Ridley 23:31, 16 Arlene Bristow 23:40, 19 Michelle Hetherington 23:48, 20 Lorraine Brown 24:32,

W50: 2 SCOTLAND, 1 Fiona Matheson 21:05, 5 Hilary McGrath 22:24, 8 Beryl Junnier 22:56, 14 Pamela McCrossan 23:48.

W55: 4 SCOTLAND, 7 Isobel Burnett 24:38 14 Phyllis Hands 26:43, 18 Jan Fellowes 28:17.

W60: 2 SCOTLAND, 2 Jane Waterhouse 25:24, 6 Liz Bowers 26:10, 7 Hazel Bradley 26:13, 8 Linden Nicholson 26:44.

W65: 8 Anne Docherty 30:18, 15 Ann Bath 32:50

M65: 3 SCOTLAND, 4 Robert Marshall 22:57, 7 Alex Sutherland 23:38, 14 Stewart McCrae 24:43, 17 Hamish Cameron 25:12

M70: 3 SCOTLAND, 3 Robert Young 24:42 4 Pete Cartwright 26:29, 10 Brian Campbell 28:20. 13 Watson Jones 28:53.

Race 2: 8km for M50, M55 & M60:

M50: 4 SCOTLAND, 5 Stan MacKenzie 26:11, 17 Peter Buchanan 27:36, 19 Michael McLoone 27:51, 21 David Thom 28:04, 23 John Stevenson 28:11, 29 Benjamin Hands 30:45.

M55: 3 SCOTLAND, 3 Paul Thompson 27:10, 9 Colin Feechan 28:17, 10 Ian Stewart 28:30, DNF Alex Chisholm.

M60: 3 SCOTLAND, 7 Frank Hurley 28:11, 8 Andy McLinden 28:36, 15 Douglas Cowie 30:22, 19 Archie Jenkins 34:41.

Race 3: 8km for M35, M40 & M45:

M35: 4 SCOTLAND, 13 David Gardiner (M40) 26:00, 15 Grant Ramsay (M40) 26:04 16 Stephen Allan (M40) 26:10, 23 Michael Thomsen 26:54, 25 John Bell (M40) 27:22, 28 Paul Carroll (M40) 27:42.

M40: 3 SCOTLAND, 3 Kerry Wilson 24:38, 10 Gordon Barrie 25:39, 17 Gareth Jenkins 26:08 21 Robert Turner 26:29, 22 Alex Allardyce 26:36, 25 Greig Glendinning 26:58.

M45: 5 SCOTLAND, 18 Scott Martin 26:43, 21 Ian Johnston 27:13, 24 Kenny MacPherson 27:31, 28 David Watson 27:53, 29 Gary Mitchell 29:15. 30 Colin Brown 30:15.

With racing over, it was time to enjoy the Dinner Dance and medal presentations at the Mercure Holland Hotel. Unlike last year, the meal service was abysmally slow, and the medal presentations not much better. The team and individual medals should have been presented together, like last year, and photos should have been taken away from the main presentation area. It was 11:30 before the dancing started, and many of us had lost the mood for dancing by then!

David Fairweather

 

SCOTTISH RACE WALKERS NEWS

 Andrew Fraser and others have been encouraging participation in several race walking events. The central contact email address is scottishracewalkers@outlook. com and the mobile phone contact number for Andrew Fraser is 07881373060.

The main UK Race Walking website, which lists many events in Northern England, is http://www.racewalkuk.com/EventsB.asp

The Strathclyde and Edinburgh parkruns have been used for race walking, with post-event brunches used for social and coaching purposes.

In addition, nine walkers took part in the SVHC 10,000m track championships at Coatbridge on Sunday 20th October. They started 25 minutes before the runners and then completed their stint in the third lane. After the 25 laps were completed, the walking judges offered coaching tips to improve technique.

Future fixtures are as follows.

Winter Gathering

8th December: Challenge Scotland Edinburgh Christmas 5k

14th December: Strathclyde parkrun

15th December: Scottish Vets Christmas handicap 5.8 miles (Cartha Rugby club 13.15 start for walkers) entries to Andrew Fraser by 12th December – bring wrapped £5 Secret Santa gift.

22nd December: LSD session (South Queensferry, 08.30, contact Andrew Fraser) 1st January 2014: Portobello Promathon 4 miles (Portobello Gymnastics Centre) 18th January: Edinburgh parkrun

15th February: Strathclyde parkrun

15th March: Edinburgh parkrun

Summer Gathering

12th April: Strathclyde parkrun

10th May: Edinburgh parkrun

14th June: Strathclyde parkrun

12th July: Edinburgh parkrun

16th August: Strathclyde parkrun

13th September: Edinburgh parkrun

 

Scottish Veterans Harriers Club 10km Track Championships Coatbridge, 20 October 2013

                       WALKERS

 Time Gender Position Athlete Club Minutes: Seconds

M 1 Andrew Fraser M47 Portobello / SVHC 56:51

M 2 Bill McFadden M52 Scottish Veterans Harriers Club (SVHC) 65:18

M 3 Dave Evans M66 Lancs RWC 65:23

F 1 Gill Donald F42 Unattached 69:37

F 2 Pat Evans F62 Lancs RWC 69:45

M 4 Crawford Brown M38 Unattached 71:34

M 5 John Softley M64 Bellahouston 71:55

M 6 John Payn M80 Lancs RWC 74:24

F 3 Jenny Law F28 Unattached 75:35

 

OFFICE BEARERS SEASON 2013-2014

Honorary President: ROBERT DONALD

President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE 7 Andrew Avenue, Lenzie, G66 5HF Tel: 0141 5781611 almacrun@btinternet.com

Immediate Past President: PETER OGDEN 16 Springhill Road Glasgow, G69 6HH Tel: 0141 7711950

Vice-President: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 5780526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Honorary Secretary: CAMPBELL JOSS 25 Speirs Road Bearsden, G61 2LX Tel: 0141 9420731 cdjoss@tiscali.co.uk

Honorary Treasurer: STEWART MCCRAE 17 Woodburn Way Balloch Cumbernauld. G68 9BJ Tel: 01236 728783 stewart047@hotmail.com

Membership Secretary: DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 Powburn Crescent Uddingston, G71 7SS Tel: 01698 810575 djf@dfairweather.plus.com

Handicapper: PETER RUDZINSKI 106 Braes Avenue Clydebank. G81 1DP Tel.0141 5623416 p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

JOHN BELL Flat 3/1, 57 Clouston Street Glasgow G20 8QW Tel. 0141 9466949

WILLIE DRYSDALE 6 Kintyre Wynd Carluke, ML8 5RW Tel: 01555 771 448

PHYLLIS HANDS 39 Albany Drive Lanark ML11 9AF Tel. 01698 252498

ANDY LAW Euphian, Kilduskland Road Ardrishaig Argyll. PA30 8EH Tel. 01546 605336

PAUL THOMPSON Whitecroft, 5 Gareloch Brae, Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8PJ Tel. 01436 821707

BMAF Delegates Alastair Macfarlane Ada Stewart

SAL West District Delegate Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM Ada Stewart

Auditor George Inglis

FIXTURES

DECEMBER 2013

Sun 15th Xmas Handicap 5.3 miles 1.30pm. Cartha Rugby Club. Pre entry Pollok Park

JANUARY 2014

Sun 26th SVHC Open Masters Road Relays Strathclyde Park Motherwell 11:00am Pre entry

FEBRUARY 2014

Sat 1st National Masters Cross Country Champs, Hawick

Sun 23rd BMAF 10 miles Champs Netherhall Cumbria

MARCH 2014

Sun 2nd Scottish Masters Indoor Championships – Emirates Stadium Glasgow

Sun 2nd Lasswade 10 miles SVHC Champs Rosewell. 12:00 Pre-entry via a down-load or on line. www.lasswade-ac.org.uk

Sat/Sun 8th /9th BMAF Indoor T & F Championships – Lee Valley

Sat 15th BMAF Cross Country champs Tollcross Park, Glasgow

25th /30th World Masters Indoor Championships – Budapest

APRIL 2014

Sun 6th Lochaber marathon 11.00am. Fort William

Sun 13th Tom Scott 10 miles road race. 10:00 am. Strathclyde Park

MAY 2014

Sun 4th Walter Ross 10km road race. 1:30pm. Cartha Rugby Club.

Sun 4th BMAF 10k Road Championships Kings Lynn (Gear 10k)

Wed 7th Snowball 4.8m road race 7:30 pm. Outdoor Sports Centre, Langloan Street, Coatbridge

Fri/Sun 13/15th EVAA non-stadia c’ships Thionville,Yytz, France

Sat 17th BMAF road relays. Sutton Park, Birmingham

Sat 17th Bathgate hill race. TBC

JUNE 2014

Sun 8th BMAF outdoor pentathlon/10km track. TBC.

Wed 4th Corstorphine 5 Mile Road Race 7:30 pm. Turnhouse Rd, Edinburgh

Sun 15th BMAF 5km Road Championships Horwich

Wed 25th SVHC 5km road race c’ships. 7:30pm. Playdrome, Clydebank. TBC

JULY 2014

Sun 6th BMAF Multi-terrain Championships – Bewl Water, Sussex

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 23rd August 2013

MEMBERS

Welcome to the 30 new and 4 reinstated members who have joined or re-joined since 14 April 2013. 3 lapsed members have now paid. 1 member has died, We now have 471 paid up members.

I’m sorry to report that our Honorary President, Bob Donald, and our Secretary, Campbell Joss, are not well. We wish them speedy recoveries.

1 member, James Christie, and 1 retired member, Sandy Duncan, have recently passed away. Also I’m sorry to report that Bill Scally has passed away after a long illness. He was not a member, but was well known to many members. We send our condolences to all their families

.NEWSLETTER

The massive increase in postal charges has forced us to change to an electronic version of the Newsletter as the preferred option. Any member who wishes to continue receiving a printed Newsletter must contact me, if they have not already done so. Please inform me if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue To: COLIN YOUNGSON TOMLOAN, SANQUHAR ROAD, FORRES, IV36 1DG e-mail: cjyoungson@btinternet.com Tel: 01309 672398

SVHC EVENTS

Stewards/marshals are required for club races. The club appreciate all members & friends who volunteer to act as stewards/marshals. If you are not competing just turn up and introduce yourselves to the organisers. Thanks to all those who have already helped out.

STANDING ORDERS

Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please remember to update the amount payable, & keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses). If any other member wishes to set up a standing order please contact me.

Please ensure, if possible, that the next payment date is set for 10Nov2015, and annually thereafter.

CLUB VESTS

 SVHC running vests can be purchased from Molly Wilmoth for £15 (Tel: 0141 7764941).

AGM The AGM is being held at Coatbridge Outdoor Sports Centre, Langloan Street, Coatbridge at 2.00pm on October 20th.

TRACK 10,000 METRES Members running in the track 10,000 metres at 1.00pm on October 20th should get entries to Alastair MacFarlane by October 18th with £2 entry fee to be paid on the day

NEW MEMBERS

CHRS SURN JOINED NO. TOWN

Ray Aiken 30-Aug-13 2156 Buckie

Angela Carson 26-Jun-13 2137 Paisley

Thomas Crombie 23-Aug-13 2157 Dumfries

Jack Davies 10-Jul-13 2144 Glamis

Ian Donaldson 28-May-13 2132 Stenhousemuir

John Duffy 15-Apr-13 2128 Cumbernauld

Michael Dunn 23-Aug-13 2155 Greenock

Sheila Fleming 27-Jul-13 2145 Lochcarron

Jennifer Forbes 30-Aug-13 2153 Melrose

James Gallacher 10-May-13 2130 Millerston

Keith Haining 01-Jul-13 2139 Stewarton

Scott Hunter 01-Jul-13 2135 Rutherglen

Elspeth Jenkins 27-Jul-13 2148 Elgin

Gareth Jenkins 27-Jul-13 2147 Elgin

Mark Johnston 16-May-13 2131 Linlithgow

Thomas Leeson 10-May-13 2129 Crathes

Donnie MacDonald 09-Aug-13 2149 Muir of Ord

Duncan MacFadyen 02-Jul-13 2136 Port Glasgow

Mitchell McCreadie 07-Jul-13 2143 Dundee

Lindsay McMahon 01-Jul-13 2141 Kilmarnock

Edel Mooney 26-Jun-13 2134 Knightsridge

Cornel Neil 09-Aug-13 2150 Kirkintilloch

Linden Nicholson 21-Aug-13 2154 Edinburgh

Alan Pettigrew 01-Jul-13 2138 Saltcoats

Alan Robertson 27-Jul-13 2146 Airdrie

Roddy Simpson 28-May-13 2133 Linlithgow

Brian Sweeney 15-Aug-13 2151 Newton Mearns

Michael Thomsen 01-Jul-13 2140 Choppington

Claire Thompson 01-Jul-13 2142 Glasgow

Crispin Walsh 15-Aug-13 2152 Glasgow

Andrew Kirkhope 24-Apr-13 2022 Edinburgh

Peter Laing 01-May-13 1692 Prestwick

Louis O’Hare 18-Aug-13 2003 Chryston

Alison Winship 19-Nov-13 1808 Milngavie

 

RUN and BECOME SERIES 2012/13

The Run and Become Veterans Race Series is based on the International Age Graded tables and has 8 scoring races from 12. Runners can gain merit points by completing more than 8 races, an additional point being awarded for each race beyond race 8.

There is a very generous prize list including the Dale Greig Trophy to the first woman and the Jackie Gourlay Trophy to the winning man.

Last season’s winners were Fiona Matheson and Stewart McCrae, with prizes going to the first 5 men and women and trophies to the winner of each 5 year age group.

With such an attractive prize list there is plenty for everyone to aim for!

After 11 races the leading contenders are John Gilhooly, Willie Jarvie and Sandy Eaglesham in the men’s competition and Phyllis Hands, Claire McArthur and Fiona Matheson in the women’s.

The 1 remaining race for 2013 is the Half Marathon at Kirkintilloch on October 6. Further details will appear in your Newsletter and on the SVHC website.

 

OBITUARIES

Alexander (Sandy) Duncan, 29 December 1923 – 1 June 2013

Honorary Life Member of the Scottish Veterans Time Trials Association. Sandy Duncan was from the north-east of Scotland, being born in Strathdon.

He served his country in the uniform of the Royal Air Force and was stationed in the Middle East.

When it was time to leave the forces, he travelled the world with the Merchant Navy as a cook.

Meeting and marrying his wife Ann, he came ashore to start a family and became a Cook/Chef in Belvedere Hospital in Glasgow.

In 1967 Sandy joined Chryston Wheelers and he tried a few time trials. He also joined the Scottish Group VTTA and in time attempted some of the Group’s Place-to-Place records.

In the years 1972/73, he collected five age records, which stand to this day.

He continued to cycle the Stirling – Glasgow road to and from work until one day he was run down from behind by a car; he ended up in hospital encased from head to toe in plaster, having received a broken back.

Through time, when back to good health, he resumed his cycling, although to a lesser degree.

Then disaster struck again, he was mowed down from behind as before and again he fought back to good health, but this time cycling was taking a back step.

Sandy took up running, travelling far and wide entering hill running and events under the flag of Stornaway Athletic Club, the town from which his wife Ann hailed.

He regularly competed in the Hebridean 3 Race Challenge (To finish at least 3 of the 5 Western Isles 1⁄2 Marathons), and managed all but the Skye race when he last ran in 2004 at age 80.

Sandy was a long-time member of the SVHC and was a well-kent face in our events until 2004. He was a member of his local Parish church and performed his duties as Church Elder. Sandy Duncan was small in stature but had the heart and strength of Samson.

He is survived by his wife Ann and daughters Jean and Annette, to whom we send our condolences.

 

James Christie, 20th June 1931 – 13th July 2013

Jimmy Christie joined Victoria Park AAC on 28th May 1946 and in 2006 his son Jonathon proposed he be awarded life membership on the 60th anniversary when he was 74 years of age and still competing.

Jonathon kindly provided the following information: Jimmy’s first experience of competition, was as a 14 years old schoolboy when he took part in a 4 x 220 yard relay, in front of a full house at Hampden Park, which in those days was routinely attended by crowds of 80,000 people. The crowd would be provided with this type of entertainment during half time of a football international or cup final.

Jimmy served his country in numerous British and Scottish championships during his long athletics career, whilst always remaining a member of VPAAC.

His early years were dominated by track and field athletics with his main interests being 100m, 200m and Long Jump.

Jimmy was Chief Coach and Team Manager in the late 60s and coached teams which went on to achieve success on the British stage at championships in ‘67 and ‘70 with his sprint medley teams as well as at home.

He went on himself in the late 60s-early 70s to become Vice President and President of VPAAC.

The next challenging athletics period he entered was Veteran athletics, which provided him with a new lease of competitive life. His natural first choice given his knowledge and expertise was to take up the pentathlon in which he achieved Scottish championships and British medals.

He was equally interested in encouraging the take up of sport by all. With this in mind he supported the Scottish Epilepsy Association at which he coached athletics and swimming for approximately a decade.

This served as a stepping stone to further coaching which he embarked upon at Kelvin Hall, for children and adults with special needs, from all over Glasgow, which provided them for the first time with all the benefits that track and field had to offer.

This coaching programme was then extended to include the opportunity for all of Glasgow’s schools to participate in weekly specialised coaching sessions at the Kelvin Hall, in all of the track and field disciplines, and Jimmy continued to play an active coaching role for a further decade.

At a personal level he continued to compete in Veteran competitions attaining more Scottish and British medals and titles as well as completing Glasgow Marathons and Half Marathons.

Jimmy was also a long time member of the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club. He was still competing in July 2012 at the grand age of 81 years throwing the Javelin and Shot Putt in Pitreavie at the Scottish Athletics Masters Championship, where he set an M80 CBP.

Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends.

 

                                                                            SVHC ATHLETE PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE

 NAME: Sonia Armitage

DATE OF BIRTH: 27.10.60

CLUB(s): Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club, Cosmic Hillbashers.

OCCUPATION: Chartered Physiotherapist

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT? I always ran everywhere as a youngster. As a teenager, was a competitive swimmer, so had good basic fitness. I then got into school cross country running, doing well in local races, which led to being approached by a member of Aberdeen AAC to ask if I would consider joining the club. That was back in 1975, and I have not looked back since.

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE? My Grandad; my Dad’s Dad, was a great sprinter, who competed at Powderhall. My other Grandad, my Mum’s Dad, was a great footballer, who was briefly goalie for Celtic FC, then later went on to play for Cowdenbeath FC.

In AAAC, Hunter Watson and Mel Edwards have had a marked influence on my running; then especially in the years running in Masters events, Terry Kerr has been a great help to me.

However, above all, I have always had wonderful support from my husband Dave, himself, a very successful hill runner and orienteer.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT? I get so much from the sport; firstly, there is the obvious physical benefit; then of course, mental relaxation, which I always enjoy, no matter how fit I am.

I have always enjoyed the competitive challenge. Running in Masters events has allowed me to continue enjoying first class challenges continuing on from my senior running career; the standard of running in Masters women in this country and around the World is incredible.

I also love the social interaction with like minded people both locally and internationally. I have met so many wonderful people through my athletics career. I have been very fortunate to enjoy my athletics with Dave and our two daughters, Hilary and Rachel.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES?

1980. as a younger athlete To gain selection to run for the Scottish Senior Cross Country Team to run in the World Cross Country Championships, in Paris, in 1980. b) as a hill runner I have had many good runs in the Scottish Senior Hill Running Team, running in both World Trophy and European Trophy races; including finishing 13th in the European Trophy at Snowdon, and 3rd team at the World Trophy in Malaysia in 1999.
1981. It was very exciting finishing 24th in the World Trophy race when it took place at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh in 1995 in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. Another memorable run for me was the International Snowdon Race in 1998, which was my first international race back, following suffering a pulmonary embolism in February 1997; I finished second in my fastest time ever, in 1.22. Lastly, but not least, one very special run has to be winning the W40 race in the World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Poland, in 2001.
1982. as a Masters athlete My best ever Masters performances, I would have to share between three. Firstly, winning the W40 race in the World Mountain Running Championships in 2001, as I mentioned above. Secondly, my W45 1500m gold medal at the World Masters Indoor Track and Field Championships in Clermont Ferrand, France, in 2008. Thirdly, W45 gold in both the 800m and 1500m at the World Masters Indoor Track and Field Championships in Kamloops, Canada, in 2010.

YOUR WORST? 2013 Scottish National Cross Country Championships in Falkirk; the first time in my 38 years of running that I have voluntarily pulled out of a race! I simply didn’t have enough energy for the race that day. I think a mixture of getting up very early for the journey to the race, and also being fairly busy as Aberdeen AAC Women’s Cross Country Team Manager. Too much for an old lady!!

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE? I really just want to stay healthy and enjoy running as long as I can, in both track and hill running. Maybe complete 1 or 2 more Mountain Marathons with my husband, Dave.

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES? I enjoy many other sports such as cycling, swimming, cross country skiing, occasional wind surfing.

However, my main passion outside of running is music; in particular, my saxophone, which I play most days. I enjoy a mixture of music, including classical, jazz, contemporary, and popular.

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS? Running has allowed me to see some of the most beautiful areas in Britain and around the World. I have also met many special people throughout my career, both here and all over the World, which I would not have wanted to miss for anything. However, most importantly, I met my husband, Dave, through my running!

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING? Generally, I do 6 sessions a week. These include usually 2 interval sessions, which are sometimes on the track in Aberdeen, or on a football pitch near home, or fartlek on the trails near home. I have a longer run at weekends with Dave, which is very often on the hills. Occasionally, I go out on my bike as an alternative to running. In the winter, when conditions allow, I sometimes cross country ski instead of running.

 

 

SVHC ATHLETE PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE

 (Neil Thin has been Scotland’s best M50 in the last two British and Irish CC Internationals. In Glasgow 2011 he was squeezed into the bronze medal position, only six seconds behind the winner. In Belfast 2012 he fought very hard to finish a close fifth.

Back in the 1980s Neil ran for Edinburgh Southern Harriers, was in their winning team in the 1985 National CC and won two team silver medals in the Six Stage Relay. In the 1985 Edinburgh to Glasgow Road Relay, ESH finished 43 seconds behind ‘The Kangaroos’, guests fielding athletes from the USA and Wales. Hopefully Neil and his team-mates received the gold medals!)

NAME: Neil Thin

CLUB: Edinburgh AC

DATE OF BIRTH: 31.07.60

OCCUPATION: University Lecturer

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT? School and university clubs

HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAD A MARKED INFLUENCE ON YOUR ATTITUDE OR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE? Never had a coach, and would have run anyway, but my interest in serious training was originally inspired by the sheer brilliance of Graham Williamson in 1978 (I came in more than half a minute behind him in Scottish Schools 1500m), and then by clubmates like Allister Hutton and John Robson which whom I used to run in the E to G, and in the European Clubs Cross-Country Championships in Portugal in 1985. Enjoyed sessions in The Meadows, Edinburgh, with Martin Craven et al.

After a ten-year lay-off, inspired to return to running in late 40s by seeing that Brian Kirkwood was still running fast in his 50s.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU GET OUT OF THE SPORT? Mainly the intrinsic joy of getting out for a run at lunchtime, and the occasional glee of racing at speeds not too much slower than I used to run in my 20s.

Apart from the obvious benefits to health and mental wellbeing and the intrinsic enjoyment, there are two advantages that I think distance running has over just about any other sport: 1. A very clear relationship between effort and performance; 2.the possibility for just about anybody to take it up and pursue it to an excellent standard in most environments, with minimal cost or disruption to anyone else’s life. Most other sports require expensive infrastructure, complicated equipment, time-consuming training, and many require individuals to be supported by family and friends.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST EVER PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCES? 30.20 in the Edinburgh 10k road race in about 1984; more recently, 32.06 in 2008 Stirling 10k.

Had some enjoyable wins: twice won the Oxford-Cambridge cross-country as an undergraduate in 1981 and 1982; won the BUPA Great Winter Run (5k round Arthur’s Seat, admittedly when most decent runners were warming up for the international races) at the age of 48 in 2009.

Some reasonable track performances: 14.35 for 5000 at Crystal Palace in 1982; 8m 27 for 3000 same year; 30.45 approx for 10,000 got me a silver medal at British Universities in Birmingham around 1985.

YOUR WORST? Dropping out of National CC with a stitch in 1984.

WHAT UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS DO YOU HAVE? Wish I had gone under 30 minutes for 10k. Very keen to set Scottish age-group bests at various distances, though I don’t know if records exist.

OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES? Walking and various casual sports with the kids – football, tennis.

WHAT DOES RUNNING BRING YOU THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO MISS? Pure relaxation and rehabilitation every day. Plus guilt-free eating and drinking.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR TRAINING? When not injured (less than 50% of the time nowadays) I try to do up to 70 miles per week, of which 2 days per week would include some long reps or hills. Normally, however, 40miles per week mainly moderate running.

 

HIGHLAND FLING 53 MILE ULTRA RACE, APRIL 28^th 2013 (Cut-off 15 hours)

I was very lucky to have an entry to the Highland Fling confirmed as I had thought the waiting list might be full, so I felt I could not turn it down. It is a 53 mile race over the first part of the West Highland Way, with 5800 feet of ascent. I knew 2 of my Scottish Veteran Harrier friends were doing it, and I was told it had some technical sections, but I did not inquire what that meant!

On the Hoka Highland Fling website, the views look stunning, and I have often travelled on the West Highland train from Fort William to Glasgow after running the Lochaber marathon.

The “Fling” is an unsupported run, and you make up your own 4 drop bags with any items you want to eat or drink, clearly labelled with your number. Water is available at check points. However, there is no guarantee that clothes etc will be returned, and since weather in the Highlands can change so rapidly I didn’t feel happy leaving expensive items such as spare jacket / gloves etc in the bags. This meant I was probably carrying more than I might need. A foil blanket was mandatory and I made sure I put extra items in plastic bags although rain wasn’t expected.

The website had a useful calculator based on last year’s check point times: put in your finishing target. Optimistically, I put in 12 hours (knew really I’d be longer as my Scottish friend did 12.33 last year and is much faster than me). The hills would make quite a difference (this was what “technical” really meant).

The first flat section was predicting 6.4 mph, which dropped to 4.5mph for Conic Hill part, then only 3.7mph (hang on that is less than power-walking pace!) and 4mph for the last 12 miles.

I stayed with my Aunt in Glasgow and the night before the event took a train out to Milngavie to register and pick up my timing chip (no numbers).

Through the Fling facebook page I had liaised with 3 others to share a taxi to Milngavie and I booked it for 4.50am! I woke at 4am and consumed my usual oats and bread and marmalade, plus a beetroot shoot. Checked my rucksack and sorted out enough drinks and especially food as only water was available between the start and 19.8 miles. Met the others and arrived with lots of time for the 6am start.

Registration looked very easy with no queues so could easily have left that till the morning. The Station café was open so I had an expresso and my usual diluted tonic water (find this helps prevent cramps). Made sure I put my drop bags in the correct vans.

So off at 6am (the relay teams went off at 7) and the first part to Drymen 12.6 miles was virtually flat with just a few climbs, topped up my water there, then off to Balmaha, 19.8 miles, called out my number to the marshals and was rapidly given my drop bag. Had put far too much in it, grabbed a few items, topped up water and it was only 7.4 miles to my next drop bag.

Really enjoying the trail and the weather was glorious, sunny, and the climb up Conic hill was amazing – seeing people in the distance it went on and on, apparently it has been improved with steps since last year, which made the very steep descent safer. Wow – the views at the top of sparkly blue Loch Lomond were incredible – saw them all the way down – but still had to concentrate on my footing as the steps were quite steep for my short legs! I’ve always said I’ve inherited the Dawson legs – my Granny’s were really short and my Uncle Hamish’s also quite short, but did not stop him getting 23 caps playing Rugby for Scotland – childhood memories of being glued to the radio to hear his name (had no TV then!)

The scenery is stunning. Then off to Rowardennan 27.2 miles. Going along the banks of Loch Lomond and running along a beach – I wasn’t expecting that!

Then the “technical” section – nothing had prepared me for what was to come! I didn’t do a lot of rock scrambling as a child sadly, no wonder the average pace predicted was so low – I was probably doing 2 mph!

Re-reading the West Highland Way handbook afterwards, it says “anyone who has “walked” (jungle bashing) in Rwenzori or New Guinea will feel at home”!

Clambering around fallen trees, scrambling above deep cold water (one ledge was particularly daunting, narrow with a sheer drop to the left and nothing to hold onto on the right, just a smooth vertical rock.) Scrambling up, of course, felt much safer than going down! Then I took a nasty tumble going down and swore loudly as my left calf went into spasm and I bashed my ankle – stretched out the calf and waited for a runner to pull me up – luckily the cramp went away but ankle a bit sore.

Then I seemed to be leading a group of ladies. I said please go ahead but they said no! Then the occasional relay runner would pass. Could feel my ankle a bit more so took it steady – remembering I had a road 24 hour in 2 weeks time! The scrambling seemed to go on forever and my ankle was hurting more, so take it very easy on any technical bits.

Eventually we came to an actual runnable section and I found my ankle hurt less when running. Then get to Inversnaid 34.3 miles and get my drop bag and water, only 6.6 miles to next check point.

I chat to a lady in pink who I suspect is in my age group (the organiser is incredibly generous in giving prizes to first 3 in each age group) and try and pass her fast, and get ahead which I manage on the next flatter sections.

Get to Beinglas 40.9 miles and have really dropped off the pace! Know I could take 3+ hours to do the last 12.1 miles so I load up with lots of liquids as nothing available in-between. Then see the lady in pink again and realise she has got ahead. Don’t think I can catch her, but keep her in sight, but then get to a field full of cows suckling their calves – keep thinking of the person trampled to death last year in England. In the south some farms with public footpaths have put up signs “don’t go near cows with calves”. So circumvent them, no one else around at present, then the route goes under a small bridge and a cow suckling her calf is right by the gate!

Try unsuccessfully to scramble over a wire fence then a male runner comes up and says “Watch me, I’ll just hit her and she will move.” Okay it worked then the cow went straight back into position. No other option but to do the same – I realised all the other runners must have got through – what a wimp I am! Certainly, much more placid than cows in England!

So off to the finish and it has taken me forever! Overtake a young girl which gives me a spurt, (later she overtakes me,) get in near the cut-off (oh dear this is getting a habit, 2 in a row!) and the pipers are still there! My friend Ada gives me a huge hug and the race director gives me a silver plaque and bouquet of flowers – how embarrassing to be so slow yet get 2nd in my age category! And then an amazing goodie bag with bottle of sparkling Prosecco, lovely medal, technical t-shirt, beer, all for £25, incredible value!

Should have run faster as missed the soup and oatcakes and massage! So finished in 14.43. and found out my my much faster friends took 12.40 and 13.14, so how I kidded myself I could do it in 12 hours I’ll never know (I’m the eternal optimist of course).

So now it is 9pm, and I go into my friends’ huge camper van, then off for a shower in the bunk barn. I’m in a room for 4 and luckily have a lower bunk otherwise I’d be on the floor – no ladder climbing for me!

Back to the camper van and they’d got me a takeaway veggie burger – none of us go to the Ceilidh, which we had booked. Then it starts raining heavily, have been so lucky with the weather and sunshine!

Sleep very well, at 8am buy a pot of instant porridge and get the 9am bus to Glasgow – enjoy the views across Loch Lomond – it seems such a long way we have run!

Get train to Irvine and met by my other Aunt and spend a lovely day with her and my cousin Fiona. Sadly, Dorothy and Margaret are widows now and I missed very much not seeing my Uncles. Then back to Glasgow and the Sunday night sleeper back to London. As usual slept very well.

So overall it was an amazing experience, and just so lucky with the weather, glorious sunshine and such incredible views. Running below the snow-capped mountains too was just gorgeous.

In hindsight it really was too hilly and technical to do two weeks before a 24 hour, where my dream goal was 185K (PB176K last Sept) but it didn’t go to plan, ankle started playing up, just went slower and slower, and despite incredible crowd and runners support only managed 148K, a huge PW.

However, I don’t regret running the Fling, as another year the weather could be awful, or misty, so no views, but I have learnt a big lesson in leaving enough time for recovery between big races!

by Ann Bath

                                                                           GREAT VETERAN ATHLETES: ALAIN MIMOUN

The term ‘Masters’ has only recently been considered preferable to ‘Veterans’, when referring to older athletes. The majority of current Masters competitors took up the sport in their late thirties, forties or fifties. However, a few were stars at their ‘normal’ physical peak in their twenties and still redoubtable racers much later on.

One of the greatest died in June 2013 at the age of 92: Alain Mimoun.

The Guardian obituary called him “the most inspirational French athlete of the 20th century. In the years following the Second World War, he would, but for the presence of one phenomenal rival, have been the most feared, most famous and most garlanded runner in the world. However, Mimoun competed from the mid-1940s to the mid-1950s in the shadow of Emil Zatopek, and not until the Olympics of 1956, with the great man at last in decline, did Mimoun win the gold medal that he had deserved for so long.”

Born in French Algeria in 1921, he fought with the French army in the Second World War until in 1944 a shrapnel wound in his left foot at Monte Cassino almost caused the amputation of that leg.

After the war, he began his athletic career and became friends with his rival Emil Zatopek.

In total, Mimoun represented France 85 times, including eleven International Cross Country Championships between 1949 and 1964 (four individual gold medals, two silver plus six team gold).

In the 1950 European Athletics Championships he was second in both 5000m and 10,000m. He competed in four successive Olympic Games, from 1948 to 1960, took part in the 5000m once (silver in 1952), the 10,000m three times (silver in 1948 and 1952) and the marathon twice (gold in 1956).

His European and Olympic silver medals were all behind Emil. In fact, Alain Mimoun was referred to as “Zatopek’s shadow”.

However in 1956 at Melbourne, Australia, having finished only twelfth in the Olympic 10,000m, Alain Mimoun lined up for his very first marathon. Despite doubts about the pace he was setting, he kept on steadily as opponents faded.

Mimoun led on his own for an hour and finished a minute and a half in front of Franjo Mihalic.

Alain waited for Zatopek to arrive in sixth place. The marvellous Czech saluted the victor and they embraced. Mimoun said later “For me, that was better than the medal.”

When Zatopek died in 2000, Alain commented “I haven’t lost an opponent, I’ve lost a brother.”

Alain Mimoun won 32 French National titles: 8 at 5000m; 12 at 10,000m; 6 marathons; and 6 cross country. His final win was the marathon in 1966, at the age of 45.

Alain never stopped running, and was an inspiration during the boom of the 1970s and 1980s. At the age of 51, he completed a marathon in 2.34.36.

As late as 2012, he still held seven French Veteran records: M50 5000m (15.31); M45 and M50 10,000, (30.16 and 32.14); M40/M45 20k (1.03.34) and M45/M50 one hour.

At the age of 80 he continued to run daily, up to 15km in distance.

In 1999, the magazine Athletisme proclaimed him “French Athlete of the Century”, rather than Guy Drut, Marie-Jose Perec or Michel Jazy. He became a Grand Officier de la Legion d’honneur in 2008.

 

WERE YOU RELUCTANT TO START MASTERS ATHLETICS?

Laura Mahady, the world record-holder for W55 800m, who was profiled in the May Newsletter, was disappointed to read recently that many young women believe older (i.e. 35 plus!) women may be reluctant to participate in sport. A number of ‘reasons’ have been suggested, below.

“A large majority of women prefer quiet home activities such as Yoga and Pilates as opposed to getting involved in a sports team.”

“From our early to late 20s, our bodies begin to show changes. Cognitive and brain changes (atrophy) can begin to occur.”

“Over-emphasising physical activity to women tends to have an adverse effect. This is due to early and mid-thirties being a busy time in women’s lives. The fear of being put on the spot with fitness triggers anxiety as opposed to excitement.”

“There will be many pregnancies in women over 35 years….”

 “Most sports clothing is skin-tight lycra, suiting the toned, skinny females, not the average 35 plus female, who may have let herself go a bit, following birth of children, marriage ….”

 “A lot of women over the age of 35 feel they are too old to take part in any type of sport. They feel that once you reach a certain age it’s time to give up. They no longer see themselves as ‘spring chickens’.”

“From the ages of 30 to 60 years of age, muscle loss is around half a pound a year.” “They feel a bit silly in exercise clothes and may think they look silly doing exercise.” “They may not be so bothered about the way they look. This may especially be the case if they are in a happy stable relationship with a partner who is also not body conscious.”

“Older women may have grown up in more traditional roles and may believe that sport is usually only for men. These women may also be scared in case they fall and injure themselves. They may also have the opinion they are too old for sports.”

Laura suggests that the youngsters who hold those opinions ought to meet some SVHC women to put them straight!

Now we all lack confidence at times, but is it true that many women (and men) older than 35 (or 50 or 60 etc) are scared to compete or even take exercise? Surely things are different in the health conscious 21st Century compared to back in the 1960s, when major Scottish marathons often had fewer than 20 participants, all male?

What about the so-called inspirational legacy of the 2012 Olympics?

Alternatively do you not care at all what others think or actually enjoy ‘strutting your stuff’ in public?

Please consider writing to the Letters Page if you have views on this issue.

 

IT’S HAPPENED . . . . IT’S HERE!

What a delight it was to have the first race walking event on Scottish soil in about 30 years (or so we think).

On Wednesday 26 June 2013, in Clydebank, just west of Glasgow , history was made when 4 race walkers completed the Clydebank 5k road race (organised by Scottish Veterans Harriers Club).

It was a night of firsts: • First time most runners had ever seen race walkers ‘in the flesh,’ so to speak. • First-ever race walk race for Gillian Donald and Jenny Law. • First race walk race on Scottish soil in about 3 decades (please correct us).

Although it was not a judged event (Scottish Officials out there . . . . want to become a race walk judge?), it was with much excitement that we started 5 minutes ahead of the runners (this was pre-planned thanks to the willingness and acceptance by the SVHC race organiser, Peter Rudzinski, and SVHC President, Alastair Macfarlane: You’re stars!) around the 3-and-a-half lap course.

It was great because the runners cheered us on, as they sped past us: Thanks for the words of encouragement everyone!

So this is the start to firmly putting race walking back on the Scottish Athletics map. As you can probably well imagine, there are many things to address to get all things race walking really growing in Scotland .

But most of all we need you: Join us! Have a bash or spread the word for us: • Race Directors, such as Robert Rogerson (Race Director for many Kirkintilloch races): Invite us in, especially for races from 1500m to 10 miles, initially (although any track or road race will do). • Clubs: Cater for us / Engage with us / Encourage / organise races for us: It’s a win-win situation for everyone (just like it is for Falkirk Vics). •

Coaches: Help me to coach the increasing numbers (there were 4 race walkers competing at Clydebank. We have already added 6 names since then, folk from Edinburgh, Linlithgow, Glasgow and Perth ) • Scottish Athletics: Help us / support us • Ex-race walkers out there: Get in contact: We’re back! •

Athletes: Good athletes / Injured runner / Athletes that say: “I’m no good at running” / Athletes wanting injury-free cross-training

Ultimately, though, we need races. Race walk races, that is. Or running races officially catering for race walkers.

At present, any Scottish-based race walker wanting to take part in any race walk event, needs to head of to England : Not a great way to encourage participation or healthy competition.

We want / need Scottish races for Scottish race walkers on Scottish soil . . . help us make that happen.

For the record, the official race walkers’ results for the Clydebank 5k: Andrew Fraser (Portobello & YRWC) M47 25:55 Gill Donald (unattached – Edinburgh ) F40 33:54 Ian Donaldson (now Falkirk Vics & Lancs RWC) M58 35:25 Jenny Law (unattached – Edinburgh ) F30 39:48

At present, we have coaching in the Grangemouth area every Tuesday evening 18h30 and in Edinburgh or Meadowbank area every Wednesday evening 18h30.

We have started to meet immediately after the Strathclyde parkrun in Glasgow every second Saturday.

Ad hoc training takes place as organised amongst ourselves. Join us: You’ll be made very welcome.

Andrew Fraser (contact person) Email: afmacguppy@yahoo.com Tel: 07881 373 060

 

Race reports / experiences from the other athletes participating at the Clydebank 5k:

Gill Donald: My thoughts on race walk race: Our first ever racewalk at a Scottish veterans’ event provided encouragement for all participants: both walkers and runners. For, despite we walkers starting 5 mins ahead of the runners, the runners all passed us. So, even the slowest runner had the encouragement of having passed several people (some runners lapped us – and perhaps more than once!). And for the walkers, it was our first participation in an official race in Scotland. We were delighted to have been given the opportunity to make a little bit of history and encouraged by the reception we received. Thanks to the organisers, a positive event for all concerned! Andrew thanks for all you continue to do for us, I really appreciate it.

Ian Donaldson: Clydebank……………… Taking part in the first racewalk in Scotland for thirty years felt really special. I have only been racewalking for 9 months but already I am excited about the prospects for Scottish racewalking in the future. The enthusiasm and warm reception shown by both runners and officials at Clydebank was exceptional. I would vigorously encourage anyone looking to participate in a new athletic sport or add to their running prowess to consider racewalking as it offers all round fitness coupled with competitive races if you wish to enter that particular arena. My fellow racewalkers are a great bunch, filled with enthusiasm and camaradereie. The future of Scottish racewalking is looking brighter by the day!

Jenny Law: The Scottish Vets Clydebank race was my first race event. In fact, it was only my second 5km event. I had planned to use the race to learn about my race walking technique, but what I actually learned was the importance of a good warm-up. I didn’t quite believe it, when I was told a few weeks earlier, that your warm up should be at least the distance you are going to race. I arrived at the Clydebank start line with only a few minutes to spare; just enough time for a few stretches before we were off…………it wasn’t long before my legs started to ache. It took until around the 4km mark before I began to feel like I was ready to start the race. Unfortunately, by that point most of the other racers had already finished! I would like to thank Scottish Vets for letting the race walkers take part in the event……..and for allowing me to learn this valuable lesson!

John Softley ran on the day, but has, since the Clydebank 5k, already started race walking training): After finishing the running event, I was pleased to see Gillian, Ian and Jenny finish the race walk – let’s hope it’s not too long before we have official race walks in Scotland ! My training is going well but I’ve a long way to go before I can do a race. For the runners at Clydebank it was probably the first time they had ever seen a race walk! The last race walk I remember in Scotland was Commonwealth Games 30km in 1986 where I was a course steward.

RACE WALKING RESULTS:

 Wednesday 4 September 2013 Self Transcendence 5km race (The Meadows, Edinburgh) 88th position Andrew Fraser (Portobello RC) M47 28:11 96th position Ian Donaldson (Falkirk Vics) M58 35:39

Sunday 8 September British Masters 10km Road Championships (Race Walking): Leicester (Abbey Park) Andrew Fraser (Portobello RC) M47 58:24 (2nd in M45 (Silver medal) / 8th overall)

Ian Donaldson (Falkirk Vics) M58 1:14:44 (8th in M55 / 37th overall)

NEXT RACE WALKING EVENTS:

Wednesday 11 September Self Transcendence 2-mile Race (The Meadows, Edinburgh)

Saturday 14 September BMAF Track & Field Championships: Alexander Stadium, Birmngham – 3000m Race Walk

 Sunday 15 September BMAF Track & Field Championships: Alexander Stadium, Birmngham – 5000m Race Walk

Sunday 20 October SVHC 10km Track Race (Coatbridge)

From October A 5km Race Walking Series taking place once a month, aligned to parkrun events at Edinburgh and Strathclyde Park

Winter series starts on Saturday 12 October at Strathclyde parkrun at 09h30: Walkers simply register and participate as a parkrunner (including their own parkrun barcode). 6 events from October 2013 until March 2014.

Summer Series is exactly the same from April to September 2014

 

SVHC TRACK 10,000 METRES CHAMPIONSHIP

 Outdoor Sports Centre, Langloan Street, Coatbridge at 1.00pm on Sunday, October 20^th

 Over the years the Track 10,000 metres Club Championship has proved to be one of the most popular events on the SVHC fixture list. With 40 runners in last year’s race it was the best supported event of its kind in Scotland. And with this popularity comes a problem for the organisers, that of recording laps. In order to reduce the problems on the day, for this year’s race, to be held as usual at Coatbridge Outdoor Sports Centre on Sunday October 20tht it will be necessary to enter in advance. Entries should be sent, preferably by email, to – Alastair Macfarlane at almacrun@btinternet.com to arrive by Friday 18th October. The entry fee is £2 but that will be collected on the day.

This will again be the first race in the 2013 / 2014 Run and Become Series. In addition, we would ask for volunteers to come along and assist as lap scorers. If you intend to run bring someone along with you to help, no special skills are required, just the ability to count to 25!

Please note that this event is followed by the AGM. If you are interested in the future of the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club, please make an effort to attend.

Alastair Macfarlane

 

SVHC GLASGOW 800 / BMAF 10K CHAMPIONSHIPS POLLOK PARK, GLASGOW

 When the SVHC were asked to host the British Masters 10K Championship the obvious thing to do was utilise our annual Glasgow 800 10K.

Although BMAF events are always well supported locally when held north of the border there is always the fear when organising such an event that competitors from outwith Scotland will be reluctant to travel.

However. there should have been no such concerns surrounding this event held on August 18th at the impressive venue of Pollok Park Glasgow. The event was embraced by competitors from near and far with almost half of the 241 entries being non Scots. By comparison, when the event was last held in Scotland, at Strathclyde Park, Motherwell in 2005, there were 147 finishers. And of course this race was also the penultimate event in the 2012 / 2013 SVHC / Run and Become Race series.

But it wasn’t just the numbers which were impressive as there was quality on show right through the age groups.

Overall winner of the race was Ben Hukins, just four weeks beyond his 35th birthday, in a fast 31.22. Kerry-Liam Wilson, winner of the M40 age group at the BMAF Cross Country Championships in March this year, had another excellent run in 2nd place and with SVHC Marathon Champion Robert Gilroy running 33.46 in 12th place, the M35-44 age group was comfortably won by Ronhill Cambuslang.

The M45-54 age group was won by the same club who are in the process of establishing a formidable record in Masters events with Dave Thom, Colin Feechan and Ian Williamson finishing within 5 seconds.

The Women’s race was no less classy with SVHC Marathon Champion Joasia Zakrzewski, recovered from her excellent run in the Comrades Marathon winning from the ever remarkable 52 year old Fiona Matheson with great running also from Lisa Finlay and Lesley Chisholm to dip under 37 minutes.

There were many others worthy of mention; it was great for example to see Paul Thompson recovered from his health problems and winning the M55 age group, and there were fine performances from SVHC newcomers Robert Turner, Crispin Walsh and Gordon Barrie all finishing near the front end of the field.

Another new member of SVHC Stan MacKenzie from Forres ran a fine 34.56 to take the trophy for first SVHC runner in the M50 age group while the evergreen Clydesdale trio of Peter Cartwright, Bobby Young and Brian Campbell picked up the BMAF Gold medals in the M65-74 category.

And there was Scottish success in the Women’s race as Gala Harriers won the W35-44 event and Edinburgh AC took the W45-54 age group.

Scottish Veteran Harriers who organised the event would like to record their thanks to LSK Supplies, Sweatshop and the many volunteers who turned out to ensure that event was a success.

 

SCOTTISH ATHLETICS NATIONAL MASTERS TRACK AND FIELD GRANGEMOUTH ON 16th JUNE 2013

In conjunction with the Senior 10,000m and Young Athletes Relays, the Masters Championships took place on a dry but blustery day.

As usual, invaders from south of the border did well. The most interesting one was Andrew Webb, who ran 400m Hurdles for Scotland in the 1970 Commonwealth Games at Edinburgh. He is the father of Shirley Webb, the hammer thrower. Currently representing North Shields Polytechnic, Andy won four M65 titles: 300m hurdles, sprint hurdles, 200m and 400m.

Carl Haley from South Shields Harriers was first in the M45 200m and 400m as well as the 100m, in which he recorded the same time as the M40 victor.

Alasdair Ross, a very well known athlete from Windsor, Slough and Eton, won the M60 100m and 200m.

The prolific Kathleen Madigan (Aberdeen AAC) was first in the W40 100m, 200m and Hammer!

Despite a headwind, Susan Young (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers) ran fast to win the W35 200m (26.81) and 400m (59.53).

Robert Stevenson (Ayr Seaforth AAC) claimed M60 gold in the 300m hurdles (46.46).

Fiona Matheson (Falkirk Victoria Harriers) continued to produce outstanding performances, easily winning the W50 1500m (4.54) and 3000m (10.23). Behind her, Sue Ridley was first in the W45 1500m and 3000m.

John Thomson (Fife AC) was the outstanding middle distance male athlete: M55 800m (2.15) and 1500m (4.31).

Greg Hastie (Ron Hill Cambuslang) won M40 gold in the 800m (2.01.40), defeating the M35 runners.

Grant Noble (Dunbar Running Club) was victorious in the M50 800m (2.15).

World record holder Laura Mahady (Aberdeen AAC) romped away with the W55 800m (2.27.05) and 400m (65.82).

Barney Gough (Ron Hill Cambuslang) won two titles: M60 1500m and 5000m; while Colin Youngson (Forres Harriers) overcame slow starts to overtake age group rivals in the M65 1500m and 5000m.

Former Scottish international cross-country and steeplechase athlete James Burns (Shettleston Harriers) defeated younger rivals to win the M55 5000m, as well as gaining silver medals in 800m and 1500m.

Old campaigner Bill Gentleman (Edinburgh AC) may have won silver medals behind James Sloan (Annan and District AC) in the M70 Shot Putt and Discus, but he triumphed in his favourite event, the Hammer, by throwing the best distance of the day (43.55) well in front of rivals from M35 upwards! James Sloan also won the Javelin.

Other athletes who did well in the field included Bob Masson (Aberdeen AAC) who won M65 Discus, Javelin and Pole Vault; Ron Todd (Central AC) M50 Pole Vault and Discus (37.25, the best distance from all age groups); Claire Cameron (W50 Hammer and Shot Putt); and John Ross (M75 Javelin).

The best performance of the day may well have been produced by the peerless Bobby Quinn (Kilbarchan AAC) who displayed tactical and physical superiority in winning the M45 5000m (15.49.41) from younger runners.

One worrying aspect of the day was the ridiculously extended schedule. A Masters 1500m runner had to sign in by 9 a.m. to race by 10 a.m. If he took part in the 5000m as well, he could expect to finish that event by 7.30 p.m, too tired to drive home, if he lived several hundred miles away.

This was due to an endless series of relays for Boys and Girls in the Under 14 and Under 16 categories, plus Men and Women (Under 18, Under 20 and Senior).

When a complaint was put in to the organiser, Ross Cunningham, he stated that no age group, even Masters, got a stand-alone competition.

However, he said that the committee would look at the long day and consider rescheduling in future.

(One idea might be to push Masters Track events into a long morning. After all, even 1500m and 5000m runners only need about an hour’s rest in between events.)

 

(In the May Newsletter, Colin Youngson described how he began competitive distance running and started improving. This month he describes producing his best times (in 1975 at the age of 27) and then slowing gradually en route to 2013 and the M65 category.)

To the Peak (and the Plateau).

You return to Scotland, a different city and the best club in the land so personal bests continue to get faster.

After a year of serious, good-quality training, 80 miles per week, including repetitions (short, long and hill), fartlek, steady recovery sessions, many races and seriously competitive long Sunday runs, you break through and win a significant marathon in a fast time. You will always rate this performance the best of your career. International vests ensue. Most of your ambitions are achieved.

Then you train too much and get sciatica. Physiotherapy is ineffective and you are never quite as good again. So it goes. Get over yourself.

Nevertheless, over the next ten years, despite having to train more cautiously, you maintain a good level and run well enough in most races in several countries.

You move back to your home city and continue to train mainly on your own. Club success there is especially sweet.

Then marathons start to give you up, as battered legs cannot keep up high mileage. You concentrate on shorter distances but occasionally try out slower ‘adventure’ events like the Lairig Ghru race. In the National CC, you try to ensure that no one in front is older.

The veteran category approaches, as your fortieth birthday looms. Can you be successful in a different way, against age-group rivals?

Motivation: Addiction. Appreciating the privilege of fast, co-ordinated motion, often in pleasant countryside. Masochistic enjoyment of ridiculously tough races. Championship success. International experience. Fulfilment of potential. Improved self-image.

You have become a real runner, still nervous before races but tactically aware, bolder, stronger, more confident, better able to cope with highs and lows. These are life skills.

Young Veteran to so-called Master. This summary of my running experiences was meant to be like a four-stage relay. Perhaps the final leg should be divided into several sections, as you get dramatically slower and eventually require the use of a zimmer. Some day you will drop the baton. In “Watership Down” by Richard Adams, when a rabbit dies, the others say, “One of our friends stopped running today.”

As a new vet, you find fresh championship challenges exciting. Maybe you can be a Scottish or even British champion? Possibly win European or World medals. Better late than never.

The marathon makes its final appearances. You race everything over track, country and road, from 1500m (outdoors and even indoors) up to 25k. The medal collection expands to a vast, rusting phenomenon.

You try to treat age-group success with irony and a sense of proportion but it is fun and rather satisfying. Better than bowls.

According to your flattering friend the age graded results calculator, you are almost as good at 45 as you were at 28.

Then the slide gathers speed. Injuries affect worn-out limbs and tendons. The answer is reduced mileage, which means reduced stamina and speed. Eventually you have to change your running ‘style’ consciously, to a lower-impact patter.

Avoidance of injury is paramount, although a cautious form of speedwork is essential. Add a bit of cycling, pushing hard uphill.

The marvellous British and Irish Masters International CC, every November, just after your birthday, often allows you to wear some sort of a Scottish vest in every age-group.

Baron de Coubertin was right – merely taking part is very important.

Never compare current times to real personal bests. Run as well as you can every year, setting short-term, achievable goals and trying to get round new courses.

Do what you can on the day and laugh about it with younger runners. Match strides with medium-fast women!

You may not live extra years, but you will have enjoyed better health and explored your physical limits most thoroughly.

Running continues to be the finest sport in the world. Enjoy your luck.

Motivation: New championships to chase; age-group rivals become friends for life; even older guys are role models; continued adrenalin and intensity in races, despite much slower times; keeping fit enough to drink beer; the joy of still taking part; just being able to get out in the open air every day, in all weathers; spotting birds, squirrels, deer, flowers; living in the moment.

(The Newsletter welcomes articles of any length. What about describing how you started running or the highs and lows and laughs experienced as a ‘Master’?)

 

OFFICE BEARERS SEASON 2013-2014

Honorary President: ROBERT DONALD

President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE 7 Andrew Avenue, Lenzie, G66 5HF Tel: 0141 5781611 almacrun@btinternet.com

Immediate Past President: PETER OGDEN 16 Springhill Road Glasgow, G69 6HH Tel: 0141 7711950

Vice-President: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 5780526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Honorary Secretary: CAMPBELL JOSS 25 Speirs Road Bearsden, G61 2LX Tel: 0141 9420731 cdjoss@tiscali.co.uk

Honorary Treasurer: STEWART MCCRAE 17 Woodburn Way Balloch Cumbernauld. G68 9BJ Tel: 01236 728783 stewart047@hotmail.com

Membership Secretary: DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 Powburn Crescent Uddingston, G71 7SS Tel: 01698 810575 djf@dfairweather.plus.com

Handicapper: PETER RUDZINSKI 106 Braes Avenue Clydebank. G81 1DP Tel.0141 5623416 p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

JOHN BELL Flat 3/1, 57 Clouston Street Glasgow G20 8QW Tel. 0141 9466949

ROBERT DONALD 3 Manse Road Bearsden, G61 3PT Tel: 0141 9422971

PHYLLIS HANDS 39 Albany Drive Lanark ML11 9AF Tel. 01698 252498

ANDY LAW Euphian, Kilduskland Road Ardrishaig Argyll. PA30 8EH Tel. 01546 605336

PAUL THOMPSON Whitecroft, 5 Gareloch Brae, Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8PJ Tel. 01436 821707

BMAF Delegates Alastair Macfarlane Ada Stewart

SAL West District Delegate Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM Ada Stewart

Auditor George Inglis

FIXTURES

SEPTEMBER 2013

Sat/Sun 14/15th BMAF Track & Field Championships – Alexander Stadium, Birmingham

OCTOBER 2013

Sun 6th Neil McCover Half Marathon (inc. SVHC Champs) 9am Kirkintilloch http://www.entrycentral.com/index. php?raceID=101212

15th /27th World Masters Track & Field Championships Porto Alegre, Brazil

Sun 20th SVHC 10km track 1:00pm. Entries to Alastair Macfarlane at almacrun@btinternet.com before Fri 18th Oct. Entry fee £2 on day SVHC AGM 2:00 pm. Coatbridge Outdoor Centre.

Sun 27th BMAF Marathon Championships – Newcastle

NOVEMBER 2013

Sat 16th British & Irish Masters XC Champs Cardiff or Swansea TBC

Sat 23rd BMAF Cross Country Relay Champs Moorways Stadium, Derby

Sat 30th BMAF 20k Road Walk Championships – Hillingdon

DECEMBER 2013

Sun 15th Xmas Handicap 5.3 miles 1.30pm. Cartha Rugby Club. Pre entry Pollok Park

JANUARY 2014

Sun 26th SVHC Open Masters Road Relays Strathclyde Park Motherwell 11:00am Pre entry

MARCH 2014

SUN 2ND Scottish Masters Indoor Championships – New Emirates Stadium Glasgow Sat 15th BMAF Cross Country champs Tollcross Park, Glasgow

25th /30th World Masters Indoor Championships – Budapest

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 23rd April 2013

MEMBERS

Welcome to the 15 new and 4 reinstated members who have joined or re-joined since 26 Nov 2012. Despite 2 emailed reminders, 31 members have not renewed their subscriptions and will be removed from the membership list. 19 members have resigned, We now have 434 paid up members.

NEWSLETTER

The massive increase in postal charges has forced us to change to an electronic version of the Newsletter as the preferred option. Any member who wishes to continue receiving a printed Newsletter must contact me, if they have not already done so. Please inform me if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue to: DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 POWBURN CRESCENT, UDDINGSTON, G71 7SS e-mail: djf@dfairweather.plus.com Tel: 01698 810575

SVHC EVENTS

Stewards/marshals are required for club races. The club appreciate all members & friends who volunteer to act as stewards/marshals. If you are not competing just turn up and introduce yourselves to the organisers. Thanks to all those who have already helped out.

STANDING ORDERS

Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please remember to update the amount payable, & keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses). If any other member wishes to set up a standing order please contact me.

Please ensure, if possible, that the next payment date is set for 10Nov2015, and annually thereafter.

CLUB VESTS

SVHC running vests can be purchased from Molly Wilmoth for £15 (Tel: 0141 7764941).

BMAF ANOUNCEMENT

British & Irish Cross Country International It is with deep regret that we have to re arrange the venue of the British and Irish Cross Country International, scheduled for Colwyn Bay on Sat November 16th. The new venue will be at either Cardiff or Swansea with no date change. As it is short notice for us, we will confirm a venue ASAP with accommodation packages etc.

BOB DONALD I’m sorry to report that our Honorary President is not well and is currently in Gartnavel Royal Hospital. I’m sure he would welcome visitors.

NEW MEMBERS

CHRS SURN JOINED NO. TOWN

George Balmer 21-Dec-12 2116 Eastbourne

Joanne Clark 18-Dec-12 2115 Cartland

Anne Docherty 06-Feb-13 2123 Forres

Edward Gerrard 02-Feb-13 2121 Broadford

Anthony Hall 21-Feb-13 2124 Paisley

Sarah Knox 23-Jan-13 2119 London

Allison Law 15-Apr-13 2127 Lenzie

Clare Macaulay 15-Dec-12 2114 Langside

Stan MacKenzie 21-Mar-13 2126 Dingwall

Jennifer MacLean 06-Feb-13 2122 Edinburgh

Claire McArthur 01-Feb-13 2120 Hamilton

Anthony McGale 09-Dec-12 2113 Torrance

Colin McGill 18-Jan-13 2118 Edinburgh

Richard Meade 18-Jan-13 2117 Edinburgh

Alex Sutherland 07-Mar-13 2125 Errogie

Connell Drummond 18-Jan-13 1968 Kilmarnock

Hugh Gibson 05-Mar-13 555 High Blantyre

Craig McBurney 04-Feb-13 1887 Paderborn

Annmarie McCaffrey 05-Apr-13 1840 Annathill

 

 RUN and BECOME SERIES 2012/13

The Run and Become Veterans Race Series is based on the International Age Graded tables and has 8 scoring races from 12. Runners can gain merit points by completing more than 8 races, an additional point being awarded for each race beyond race 8.

There is a very generous prize list including the Dale Greig Trophy to the first woman and the Jackie Gourlay Trophy to the winning man.

Last season’s winners were Fiona Matheson and Stewart McCrae, with prizes going to the first 5 men and women and trophies to the winner of each 5 year age group.

With such an attractive prize list there is plenty for everyone to aim for!

After 4 races the leading contenders are John Gilhooly, Sandy Eaglesham and Peter Cartwright in the men’s competition and Phyllis Hands, Ada Stewart and Fiona Matheson in the women.

The remaining races for 2013 are:

May 1 Snowball Race Coatbridge

May 5 SVHC Walter Ross 10km Cartha Rugby Club

May 18 Bathgate Hill Race

June 16 SAL Masters Track Champs (Men 5K, Women 3K)

June 5 Corstorphine 5 miles RR

June 26 SVHC 5K Clydebank

August 18 BMAF 10km Champs (inc SVHC Glasgow 800) Cartha Rugby Club October 6 Half Marathon, Kirkintilloch Further details will appear in your Newsletter and on the SVHC website.

Alastair Macfarlane

 

LETTERS

San Sebastian Thoughts

 There are always good points and bad points about these international events…….. The bad points are invariably administrative issues like the time it took on day one to get registered. Some people reported three, even four hours, but we got through within 30 minutes.

The most significant thing is to remember that this event ran over 6 days of competition, non stop from 09:00 till 21:30, so the efforts and dedication of all the volunteer officials and the admin support personnel cannot be overestimated. They always deserve thanks.

It was a shame the competition schedule meant that the cross country running and the 1500m track competitions ran consecutively on the same day, meaning the men especially could not do both events. I do not understand why that had to be the way it was and would suggest that is something to be avoided in the future.

Big thanks need to go to Maurice Doogan the GB&NI Team manager……..he had very little additional help and was an ever present in the stadium dealing with various issues and problems. The 3,000m races were particularly problematic with large fields and a big range of ability which resulted in some errors with lap counting……these events were on the first morning, so maybe the track officials were a bit underprepared, but on a 200m track, the challenge is significant.

As Athletes all know, to be successful requires a fair bit of selfishness. Competing does not lend itself to supporting your friends and other team members in their events, but the GB&NI team did manage to provide plenty volume in the stadium and that always helps a lot. San Sebastian itself is a lovely location.

Although the weather was a bit Scottish in the first few days, it did warm up and brighten up towards the end of the week. Lots of nice bars and restaurants to visit and it was really easy to get around from place to place.

Ian Joy

Veteran, Master, Harrier, Athlete, a rose by any other name is just as sweet, an tae tell the truth a’ hae been/am the hale jing bang show an a’ wis a late entrant tae the runnin’ scene! came in via the marathon boom via the Fa’kirk Vics an wi’ the late Jimmy Kelly, The Scoattish Vets. We lined up wi’ the elite, Jimmy sayin’ we are the elite.

I am a road runner a’ else is a bonus, I enjoy the challenge of the road, the cameraderie of the packed dressing rooms, before and after.

The track I came to, in some measure to get out of the slipstream of Willie Marshall. I had done the miles had the strength, the stamina so why no the track, it wis a breeze a’ a’ had tae dae wis suss oot the field hing in ahint taking the pace an then belt it fur the tape an a’ did no too bad at that, even at British level.

The X/C, noo that is a different story, it wis a’ hard work an a’ wis at the tail end, aye even wi the lassies, bit yin event at Cupar lives wi’ me; demanding course, the weather inclement in the extreme, runners packin a’ o’er the place. Jean worried tae hell aboot me, whar wis a’, hoo wis a’ getting oan, she wis reassured I was being monitored personally through the hale course, tremendous.

You disappoint me, you aquiesced (ma Higher Englis), lay doon, hid intransigent (Highers again) polis destroy the road racing scene, changed courses, unsocial start times introduced.

The Rt. Hon Dennis Canavan, a title richly deserved, is a quality road runner, records better times than I, agreed wi ma disquiets; unsuccessful in remedy, bit then he had a helluva load oan his plate.

Our government sought tae house the Tour de France. a’ve written ma MSP tellin him that if they so minded then let’s resuscitate the Edinburgh to Glasgow Road Relay, noo jist let’ a’ youse yins dae the same, an dae we nae hae professionals whom we pay tae dae the same?

The Scottish Athlete of the year is undoubtedly Fiona Matheson.

A’ve tell’t oor committee ma disquiets re 9am start, noo a’ ken it’s no easy administerin bit a suggest a 1:30pm start fur The British lOK a la Xmas H/Cap gie a’body a chance tae participate, try getting frae Edinbro Toon withoot a caur oan a Sunday an that’s jist Edinburgh, there’s Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen etc.

Finally The Scoattish Vets his enriched oor lives in so many ways we are hingin in, hence the letter an’ thanks again.

Hugh McGinlay Falkirk Victoria  

 

 SVHC ATHLETE PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE

 Name: Laura Mahady  

Date of birth: 20.02.58  

Club: Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club  

Can you list your PBs? 200m 28.7; 400m 61.05; 800m 2:19.5; 1500m 4:50.73; 1mile 5:26.00  

How did you get started in the sport? I have always enjoyed running, and ran daily for years just for the feel good factor it gave me. I began running competitively in 1996.  How did you get involved with your club? In 1998 my children and I took part in a local race, I was first lady, and my children were first, second and third respectively in the children’s race. We were approached by a member of AAAC and asked if we would consider joining the club. A few weeks later we joined the club..

What do you feel you get out of the sport? I get so very much out of the sport: there is the feel good factor which comes with running; I love a challenge; I enjoy the training; athletics has given me a social life with like minded people; it is something my son and I do together – we are in the same training squad; there are the achievements and the sense of fulfilment; athletics has become part of my identity; it has changed my career and working life….10 years ago I moved from being a lecturer in Psychology, to being a lecturer in Sports Psychology.

What would you not have wanted to miss about being involved in the sport? I wanted to run competitively as a child, my parents were approached by members of Hawkhill Harriers but my mother blocked all suggestions that I start spending time training; she feared my school work would suffer. I always told myself I would do it some day. I would hate to have never have had the opportunity.

 What has been your best / most satisfying performance? Finland 2009, World Masters Championships, W50 800m. I felt like I was taking on the world. I was so determined, but also rather fearful. My mantra was: ‘This is mine’. I would rather have died (but only once I got over that finish line first) than let anyone beat me.

The first lap I was very controlled but when I heard the bell go I knew it was time to see what I could do. I clocked 2:19.5 and set a new European record.  

And your worst? My first international event was the World Masters Indoors in 2008 in Clermont Ferrand. I felt completely overwhelmed by it all. I ran in the 3000m and the 1500m. I achieved bronze in the 3000m but ran 30 seconds slower than I had done just weeks earlier.

Can you give some details of your training? I do 9 sessions a week, three or four of these sessions are completed with coaches, Joyce and Ken Hogg. I do an easy recovery run on a Tuesday and a 9 to 10 mile off road run with friends on a Sunday. My other three sessions are spent in the gym on the machines and using weights.

Has any individual or group had a particular influence on your running or attitude to running? There are many people over the years who have inspired me; my father was a competitive sportsman until he was 64 so I have never seen age as an obstacle. Several years ago at a Scottish Masters Championship I witnessed a jaw dropping performance by Esther Linaker. I was told that day that she was the fastest woman in the world in her age group. I thought that was the most amazing achievement, and it was something I immediately aspired to, but never thought I could achieve. My coaches, Joyce and Ken Hogg, have made me the athlete I am today, their dedication and hard work is reflected in our squad, and we are all very supportive of one another.

Do you have any running ambitions that are still unfulfilled? I just want to keep training, running and competing for as long as I can.

Are you or have you ever been involved in other sporting activities? I was THE sporty child at school: netball, gymnastics, hockey, athletics. I could never get enough. A few years ago I did some cycling and competed in a few duathlons.  

You have run the Masters Cross Country International a few times, what are your memories of the event? The camaraderie amongst the team is great, you are running not only for yourself but for the team and for Scotland. Wearing that Scottish vest makes me feel proud.

What are your views on the administration of the sport in Scotland? I am always humbled by the efforts that everyone in the sport puts in. So many people giving of themselves in terms of time and resources. The outside world has little idea that the sport is run by volunteers.

Is there anything you would like to see from the SVHC that is not there at present? I would like to see more SVHC athletes encouraged to take part in these big international events. In particular, Scotland has produced some world record holding female masters athletes, eg Esther Linaker, Janette Stevenson, Fiona Matheson, Sandra Branney . It is unfortunate that some of these ladies have not attended these events and claimed their rightful place on the podium.

Tell us about your day job. I lecture in Sports Psychology at the University of Aberdeen. Filling this post came about as a direct consequence of being a Psychology lecturer who ran and competed.

What do you do to relax? I have a real problem relaxing. Going for an easy run along the River Don with my dog is my idea of relaxation.

 

Track & Field Review

 Another Indoor season over and a very successful one for Aberdeen’s Laura Mahady, the new world record holder for the W55 800m. Laura set a new Scottish Masters best performance of 64.20s in the W50 400m at the Scottish National Open in the Emirates Arena on 19th January but really hit the headlines after her 55th birthday in late February.

At the European Championships in San Sebastian, Spain Laura ran 2:27.84 to win the W55 800m bettering the world record of 2:29.66 she set when winning the BMAF title at Lee Valley less than a fortnight earlier.

Laura also set a Scottish Masters W55 best of 64.11s when winning silver in the 400m at the Europeans bettering her time of 64.22s set when placing second behind Caroline Powell’s world record at Lee Valley. Powell just missed her world record when winning in San Sebastian and it was no surprise when both girls were later members of the GB 4 x 200m relay team gold medallists and new championship record holders.

Laura therefore ended the championships with one world record, two gold medals, a silver medal and a share of a championship record. A fantastic performance.

Whilst Laura dominated, several other Scots enjoyed success at the European Championships with Stephen Allen (Law & District) winning silver in the M45 800m, Sue Ridley (Edinburgh) silver in the W45 individual cross country and W40 team silver, Susan Young (Dundee) gold in the W35 4 x 200m, Sharyn Ramage (Edinburgh) silver in the W50 team cross country, Ronnie Hunter (Corstorphine) gold in the M50 4 x 200m and Ramsay Sloss (Larkhall) gold in the M60 4 x200m. Anglo Scots Joss Harwood, silver in a British medal clean sweep in the W55 60m hurdles and Alasdair Ross, silver in the M60 60m and gold in the 4 x 200m, helped boost the medal total.

Liz Bowers narrowly missed a medal finishing fourth in the W60 1500m but her time of 5m 55.25s is a Scottish Masters best performance bettering the time set by Jocelyn Ross some 23 years ago.

Other Scottish competitors I noticed were Fiona Davidson (W40 Aberdeen), Angela Kelly (W50 Giffnock North), Janice Hardcastle (W50 Milton Keynes), Derek Watson (M50 VPCoG), Alex Bryce (M50 Falkirk), Alan Leiper (M50 Aldershot), Derek Leitch (M60 East Kilbride), Ian Johnstone (M60), John Thomson (M50 Fife) and Jim Sloan (M70 Annan).

Of the ten individual world records set at the championships five were credited to British athletes.

Full results can be found on the EVAA website and will also no doubt be published in the next edition of ‘Masters Athletics’.

Although the turnout for the Scottish Masters Championships was disappointing given the opportunity for athletes to experience the magnificent new Emirates arena six Scottish Masters and fourteen championship best performances were recorded.

Amongst the record breakers was Shettleston stalwart John Scott who set a British record and championship best of 12.74m in winning the M70 shot before improving the British mark to 12.75m competing for NVAC at the BMAF Championships a month later.

Other Masters bests were set by Fiona Davidson in the W40 long jump (4.60m) and triple jump (10.85m), Joss Harwood in the W55 60m hurdles (10.32s), Lee Notman in the M35 400m (53.68s) and Hugh McGinlay in the M85 400m (1:48.12).

Ian Paget (Shettleston) set a Masters best for the M40 long jump with a distance of 6.18m whilst placing second in the Masters age graded heptathlon on 9th/10th February. As first Scot in the event with 4154 points (Brian Slaughter M55 from Eastbourne won with 4877 points) Ian was presented with the Steedman medal. Full results can be found on the Scottish Athletics website.

The 30th British Masters Open Indoor Championships and Winter Throws Championships were held at Lee Valley, London on the weekend of 9th/10th March with some nineteen Scots athletes participating. I’ve already mentioned John Scott’s gold and Laura Mahady’s gold and silver but other ladies deserving a mention are Fiona Davidson with gold in the W40 triple jump and silver in the 60m, Claire Cameron (SVHC) golds in the W50 shot and discus and silvers in the hammer and weight throw, Joss Harwood (VAA-NE) with silver in the W55 60m hurdles and Liz Bowers (SVHC) who set a Scottish Masters best of 2:59.27 in claiming bronze in the W60 800m.

In the male events Pete Cartwright (SVHC) won both M70 1500m and 3000m, Jim Sloan (NVAC) gold in the M70 discus and bronze in both shot and weight throw, Ian Miller (EVAC) three golds in the M75 shot, hammer and weight throw, Ian Johnston (VAC) silver in the M45 3,000m, Ian Johnstone (SVHC) bronze in the M60 3000m, Allan Leiper (SCVAC) gold in the M50 pole vault and Alastair Ross (SCVAC) gold in the M60 60m and 200m.

Full results can be found on the BMAF website and will appear in the next edition of ‘Masters Athletics’.

Outwith the major Championships another couple of performances should be highlighted.

After a couple of fantastic years since turning 50 Fiona Matheson (Falkirk) was again prominent when she set a Scottish Masters best of 4:48.70 in the W50 1500m whilst competing in the Scottish National Open at the Emirates Arena on 19th January and Dougie Graham (Edinburgh) finished 2012 strongly by setting new figures for the M35 pole vault by clearing 4.10m at the Glasgow Open on 27th December.

 In total 29 Scottish Masters track & field best performances, 15 outdoor and 14 indoor, have been improved or set since 1st April 2012 and, hopefully the next twelve months will produce at least the same again.

Updated best performance lists can be found on the SVHC website.

My apologies to anyone who should have been included in my review but has been inadvertently overlooked.

Although not strictly a review of track & field I would like to take this opportunity to mention an event in which I am involved and may be of interest to some of readers.

City of Edinburgh Running Festival was set up by a group of runners with the aim of holding a top class ‘Open Athletics’ running event in Edinburgh.

 ‘Open Athletics’ is the term used to describe the athletics circuit currently operating each summer throughout Fife, the Scottish Borders and North of England.

Competition is on a handicap basis and entry is open to all competitors over the age of nine. We will be staging a range of races from 90m to 1600m for Juniors (9-12), Youths (13-16) and Seniors (over 17) with a total prize fund of some £7500 on offer and a top prize of £3000 for the winner of the Senior 110m sprint sponsored by Ortholink (Scotland) Ltd.

The event will take place on grass at Meggetland, Edinburgh on Friday 5th July 2013 commencing at 6pm and for more information check out our website www. cerf.org.uk or contact me at mikeclerihew@yahoo.com or by phone on 0131 331 2412.

By Mike Clerihew

 

Race walking (a double Olympic event 20km and 50km)

 What is race walking? An Olympic sport, known by many names, such as heel toe and speed walking. It isn’t correct to call it ‘power walking.’ My personal description is that it is: An enjoyable, whole-body, challenging, technical, injuryfree exercise suitable for anybody of any age.

What are the benefits? Why race walk?

• Incredibly good all-round body exercise (makes you very strong and powerful for running, by the way) • Great cross-training activity for running • Prevents injury (or great as an injury recovery ‘mechanism’): massive reduction in knee impact, let it be noted. • It’s a life-long activity • It’s a challenge (physically and technically) • The race walker community naturally tend to be incredibly supportive • It burns heaps of calories and that means you can eat tons of cakes (and have a clear conscience)! • Women, it needs to be said, are by far, more genetically-designed as race walkers than men. • Training should be familiar to you: You’ll follow all the same training principles as running. Just add regular ‘technique’ sessions into the programme, and you’re on a winner. • Requires a great deal of (constant) concentration and focus (so it’s great for keeping the grey matter healthy) • Have fewer ‘bowel’ issues • Beating runners while race walking could be your ultimate goal • It’s a cross-generational sport: Allows the entire family to participate on the same level playing field.

What makes race walking a ‘technical’ event?

Race walking is judged according to 2 main rules: 1. One part of one foot must remain in contact with the ground at all times (not doing this is known as ‘Lifting’).

Example of lifting (breaking ‘contact’)

2. The ‘lead’ leg (the ‘front’ one) needs to be straight at the knee from contact to push-off (not doing this is generally referred to as ‘Bent knee’)

This is achieved in numerous ways, most notably the use of the arms and the hip ‘wiggle.’ Together they allow a race walker to optimise their speed and stride length. All of these factors (in association with differing body – skeletal / morphological – differences) contribute to multitudes of styles. Regardless of the race walking style that a walker uses, they must contain themselves within the 2 main rules above.

 What happens if they break the rules? In one word: They will get DQed (disqualified).

To be DQed, a walker would generally receive 2 red cards and will then get pulled off (only ever by the Chief Judge) should they receive a 3rd red card.

Any judge can issue a red card (also called a ‘warning’) for either ‘lifting’ and / or ‘bent knee.’

 A judge is only permitted to use their naked eye for judging (so, for example, would never refer to a digital photograph).

A walker will know they have received a red card because a judge will (while announcing the offending race walker’s race number at the time of the offence) show them a small yellow baton with a symbol on it that identifies whether the athlete is ‘lifting’ (~ symbol) or has ‘bent knees’ (> symbol)

Judges can, and frequently do, give walkers cautions (these are not red cards): This is just telling the ‘infringing’ walker that they are in jeopardy of breaking the rules (but only a wee bit).

Red cards appear as big red dots on ‘The Bad Boys Board’ (as it is fondly known) adjacent to the specific individual walker’s race number. This board is visible to all (and is usually placed just before the lap marker / start-finish line).

These rules apply in all events, over any distance (which usually ranges from 3000m to 50km, generally-speaking).

 ‘A’ and ‘B’ races Events can be listed as ‘A’ category or ‘B’ category races. Essentially, all major championship events and ‘important’ races will be ‘A’ races: Rules are strictly applied to every walker in the field.

More ‘socially-embracing’ events are ‘B’ races, in which the judges are far more lenient, and will only really dish out red cards and DQs when a competitor is consistently breaching the rules, or if they are simply making a mockery of the game (running, for example).

‘B’ races tend to be ones in which participation is the number one goal / purpose of the event.

Recruiting (is this where you start ignoring me?) new race walkers usually occur around a training environment or in ‘B’ races.

Be prepared, though: Prepare to receive huge amounts of mutual support and encouragement (and coaching tips)! You will be rewarded with these whether you like it or not, whether you come first or last: There! You heard it first here!

Do I need any special equipment? Running kit is perfectly suitable for race walking.

Do I need a special training surface? Race walking can be done almost anywhere. However, you’ll soon discover that ideally you should aim for the following:

• A relatively flat surface (even minor hills, unnoticed by runners, become mountains for a race walker, down- hills included) • No / little camber, wherever possible • A more solid surface is preferred Etiquette (the un-written rules) for those unfamiliar with race walking: • It is rather impolite to tell a race walker they are ‘running’ • ‘Walker’ is a perfectly acceptable term to use • On a track, it is accepted etiquette and practice to allow faster walkers to take the inside lane. • Accept all judges’ cautions and warnings graciously (it’s probably a call to fine tune your technique and / or to get fitter). • It is extremely common for competitors to warm up and warm down together (regardless of their club / regional associations) • It is acceptable practice to thank the judges and officials at the end of the race (as long as it does not impede their duties, of course). • It is extremely common for walkers to wish all other walkers good luck, and just as common to congratulate every other walker at the end. • It is common to invite / suggest to anybody making remarks about the nature of the sport to have a go at it (but never turn it into a ‘challenge’)

Where can I find out more information?

The following websites are good for starters: www.racewalk.com www.racewalkuk.com

Andrew Fraser Portobello Running Club

(Editor’s Note: If you would like Andrew’s contact details for more info please email me – djf)

 

The Scottish Vets trip to the Canaries 2013

Day 1 Where does the year go? Fuerteventura this year. There is nearly 30 going once again to get some warm weather training in and of course the usual rush to the swimming pool to get some Vit D and a bit of colour.

We arrived on time, and disembarked 2 hours later at our hotel in Caleta de Fustes. We agreed to meet at 5 o’clock for the reckie run. John Bannister, who is out in Fuerteventura quite a lot suggested that we run along the cycle path, which starts at the hotel entrance and goes along next to the main road, as starting point to explore the area for suitable routes to run on.

After about a mile on the cycle path, we had to go round a roundabout and there were a couple of junctions as well, we headed down towards the beach and the promenade to see how it was.

With the run over we had out traditional start to the holiday. We found the nearest bar in the hotel. A few had missed the run and were already well lubricated with the local aperitifs, beer, wine and hotel’s special cocktail, the “Elba”. Not sure what was in it but the ladies fairly took to it.

 The standard of the food was impressive. The veggies on the holiday, the Mac’s, said the choices for them wasn’t too bad.

Day 2 All things bright and beautiful on the first full day of the holiday. There wasn’t that many out to enjoy it at 8 o’clock for the run and walk. The task this morning was to find a suitable route for the 5K race. Jude Boulton and myself headed along the prom and the sandy/gravel path which looked promising as it went back onto the prom again and headed for the town center and the harbour. The harbour looked ideal for the turning point.

I reported back to Peter Rudzinski, this year’s race convenor, about our findings. He would head out later with his Garmin® on and check it out.

An uneventful day spanned out but come late afternoon when it became slightly cooler the 5 o’clock club were gathering at the hotel entrance ready for the run and walk. There were 14 runners. I can’t remember such a big turnout.

The evening saw a few of the group form a team to try the music quiz down in the Broadway Bar. Then we all headed back up to the foyer to listen to a young lady who was singing and also played the saxophone in the Kenny G style. She was very good. Nice way to finish the night.

Day 3 It was very hot at 8 o’clock this morning. There was a big turnout. I ran with Jude to finalise the 5K course. The rest went along the dirt trail, which headed out of town. It was 3 miles out and back. A nice change from the usual tiles which is so common in the Canaries.

The hot weather didn’t last long. By lunchtime the clouds came over and the wind picked up as well. Got a bit chilly. A few of the squad were getting restless, so darts was suggested. We had Brian (our video man), Mark Rudzinski, new groupie Colin Gray and Stuart. playing Round the Board.

When I arrived about 1 hour later, Colin, Brian and Stuart were trying to finish on the bull. Mark was still on 8. 15mins later not much had changed, though Mark was now on 11. An agreement was reached with the bull chasers. They would have one dart each and nearest the bull would be declared the champion. Colin won the contest by a 1⁄2 inch. This was his first Scottish Vets sporting title.

The entertainment at night was very good. Elvis was back in the building. The lad didn’t try to impersonate him though his hairstyle and clothes were very Elvis. He sang his songs and his patter was very entertaining as well. Most were up dancing, but the star turns were Laurie and Jannette Pearson. Boy can they two jive. After about 5 encores Elvis had left the building. A very enjoyable night.

Day 4 It was slightly overcast as we went down for breakfast. The 5K this year could be run in cooler conditions for the first time in many years. We started to gather in the foyer at 10.30am. The 5 lady walkers were asked for their predicted finishing time, as would the runners before their race.

Off went the walkers at 10.45 with Shirley making her intentions known. She was going for gold. She was well in front at halfway. Her finishing time of 42:56 showed she could fairly move. Helen and Janette Pearson were next to finish. Their tongues looked well worn out. This was definitely the case when Eileen and Jannette Robson finished.

Now on to the runners. From the gun the big 3, Jude Boulton, Gerry Montgomery and Hugh Laverty were pushing on at a fair pace. Pamela McCrossan the ladies champion for the last umpteen years wasn’t that far behind them though. At the 800 metre mark and as you left the prom onto the sandy, gravelly 400 metre stretch of the course Jude started to pull away.

 I started out with Davy Mitchell, and Jimmy Mac who are both getting towards their 70’s. I would struggle, but they would struggle even harder. Who would be an athlete?

Up front at the turning point, Jude was pulling away from Gerry. Hugh was dropping back.

In the ladies race Pamela was finding the fitness she was getting from her London Marathon training was paying dividends. She wasn’t that far behind the leaders. The surprise package was Hazel Boulton who was looking on course to set a PB for her in the Canaries. Christine Duncanson was still chasing down Hazel.

The last runner to the turn was John Robson. He has lost a lot of fitness over the last 2 years. Still he was trying very hard in his usual manner.

Jude finished in 1st place as the sun started to come out and the temperature rise. His time of 18:42 wasn’t his fastest but he was pleased to retain his Breakaway title. Next home was Gerry, only 23secs behind. Hugh hung on to be only a further 21secs back. 4th place saw the return to racing of Mark Rudzinski. A bit heavier these days but he was pleased to hold off the fast finishing Pamela. Her time was 20:45. 2nd lady was Hazel, and 3rd place to Christine 17secs behind Hazel.

 In the battle of the 60’s, Peter was the first to finish. He won this age group title for the first time. His time of 22:54 was not his fastest but it gave him great satisfaction getting the better of his rivals.

A word of thanks to our two timekeepers Laurie and Janet Bannister. And the video man Brian. A job well done. Nice touch from Ian the rep, who presented a bottle of Cava to our two winners, Shirley and Jude.

Day 5 Today would be the Annual Quiz. The questions were a joint effort from Stuart and Christine. They had 25 questions each to ask. 24 turned up. There would be 6 teams of 4. Each team was asked to give themselves a name and nominate a captain. The captain would have the final word with any answers.

After the first two rounds out of the 4, there were still 4 teams in contention. The 3rd round would be the one that would sort them all out. The question which had them all pulling their hair out was “Which Benedictine Monk Invented Sparkling Wine?” It took a Clydebank man to know this. And you thought the only drink they knew about was Buckfast. It was Dom Perignon. Brian’s team got it right.

Christine was giving us the questions for the last round. Most of the teams got more than 50% correct but The Brains (Eggheads) of Fuerteventura 2013 were Brian and his motley crew with 30 correct answers out of 50.

Day 6 Tennis would be today’s Fuerteventura Championship after the morning run. There were 6 volunteers who would take up the challenge. It would be a doubles contest. John Bannister would supply the free passes to the players, his winnings from the quiz. Colin & Mark, Brian & Jannette Robson and Stuart & Jude.

If you won your game you would stay on the court and take on the next pair. The ones with the most wins would be champions. Simple.

From the early games Brian and Jannette were the ones that were difficult to remove from the court. It must be said the standard of tennis wasn’t great but very entertaining.

The standard was to drop even further when Hugh Watson and Christine wanted a piece of the action. Someone had told Hugh it was dead easy, just hitting a ball over a net. Hugh might have been a good runner over the years but his hand eye co-ordination wasn’t that good. But he was fairly entertaining the large group of spectators. Well two of us. You had to feel sorry for Christine. She wasn’t bad at all. Getting a few serves in and the occasional return. Not like Hugh. He did start to get the hang of it eventually. His crosscourt volleys were starting to land in the playing area but most ended up in the volleyball court over the fence. They wouldn’t win a game. By 12.30 they all had had enough. Was getting warm so it was handshakes all around.

There wasn’t a clear winner. Stuart the organiser had lost count.

A wonderful turnout at 5 o’clock. Some of our ladies, the colour co-ordinated Marie and Marina let it be known this was their 2nd session of the day. Even Buffalo Bill was spotted in the crowd of runners. Where has he been hiding all week?

Day 7 This was turning into a very quiet day for everybody. This week’s frivolities must be catching up on us.

Well it was until Stuart and Brian got restless again. It was now French Boules on the beach across from the hotel. The usual suspects got involved, Stuart, Brian, Colin and Mark. And for walking by at the wrong time John and Jannette. John is a wiry old fox. His years of chucking boulders around the beaches of Stonehaven would come in handy. As he says, “It’s the same thing really”, really! Stuart had other thoughts, jammy burger or something like that. Stuart and burgers, you know what he is like.

John managed to hold off Brian as the contest came to an end. Brian wanted a championship to his name this year. It was all down to last end. John had 5 wins and Brian 4. Wasn’t to be, Colin sneaked in to win it. The rest were on 3 wins except Stuart who had 1 less than 1, not his sport.

After dinner everybody headed to the Broadway Bar. There was soul music. A couple of lads called Soul to Soul were going to take the stage. They were really good. A first class act. Only thing was they were only on for 45mins. They had everybody up dancing and the group continued strutting the floor even after they had finished. The latest sounds had the younger ones up. Well the ladies anyway.

Day 8 The sun was rising nicely in the sky as the runners headed out for the last time in Fuerteventura. There were no walkers. The ladies decided they would like a long lie and start packing the cases.

From the start Jude and Hugh Laverty were making the pace. I was struggling to keep up with them. This was to be the downfall for Hugh, literally. Half way across the sandy, gravely beach between the two proms he came a cropper when he misjudged his footing and went down quite hard on his hands, knees and elbows. He was quickly up but we could see some blood trickling from a few cuts.

The morning run saw Marina tackling this year’s 5K course on her own. She had missed the race on the Saturday either due to too much food, too much drink but likely too much sun. As we headed off for our run she was doing her warm-up. At 8.15 she took off in her Clydesdale vest. I was heading back when she passed me on her way out. She was fairly shifting. She knew where the turning point was so there was no need for anybody to be there. We trusted her. Most of the lads who were out made their way to the finish to give her support as she came up the finishing straight. She stopped the clock at 21:24. A great time that would have put her 6th in the race.

That was the holiday over. There was the usual hassle with the pick-up, even worse this year due to a double decker bus, and the check-in.

Highlight on the way back was Pamela winning a free drink in a raffle for those who filled in the questionnaire.

This year’s holiday was another great success. The weather stayed fine for the whole week. Haste Ye back.

Cameron Spence.

Caleta de Fuste 5K Road Race

March 9th 2013 Fuerteventura

1st J Boulton M35 18:42 Inv AC

2nd G Montgomery M50 19:03 Clydesdale

3rd H Laverty M55 19:24 Clydesdale

4th M Rudzinski 20:38 Clydesdale

5th P McCrossan F50 20:45 Clydesdale

6th M McCallum F40 21:24 Clydesdale * Ran separate time trial

7th M King M40 21:53 Clydesdale

8th P Rudzinski M60 22:54 Clydesdale

9th S Allison M45 23:11 Clydesdale

10th C Spence M60 23:19 Inv AC

11th H Watson M60 24:15 Clydesdale

12th H Boulton F35 24:21 Inv AC

13th C Duncanson F50 24:38 Clydesdale

14th D Mitchell M65 25:15 Clydesdale

15th J McMillan M65 25:27 Bellahouston Harriers

16th C Gray M45 26:40 Clydesdale

17th B Robertson M50 27:00 Clydesdale

18th J Bannister M50 27:26 Inv AC

19th J Robson M70 38:15 Stonehaven Harriers

 Lady Walkers

1st S Rudzinski 42:56

2nd = H Spence & J Pearson 47:11

4th = E McMillan & J Robson 57:06

 

SVHC Spain Holiday 2013, Hotel Palma Sol, Benalmadena

Reporter: David Fairweather

We were back at the Palma Sol this year, but our group was down to 12. It was pleasantly warm when we arrived on Monday 25 February, but we had to make the most of the good weather as the forecast was pretty dire.

We were able to sit round the pool for most of the day on Tuesday. After dinner we went to Carlos’ Pub. This is one of the few good places still open, and we went there most evenings, as we always got excellent service and were made very welcome.

The 5km race was held on Wednesday morning, by which time it was cold and very windy. It was the usual course along the Torremolinos prom, with a turn at the far end, then back to finish near Burger King.

The sea was breaking over the harbour wall near the start, so we had to be careful on our warm-up. We didn’t have a marshall at the turn, but we all had a rough idea where it was.

Theresa was the only walker, so she started 5min in front of Willie, who was given a 10min start before Roy, with me following 7min later.

The promenade was quite busy as usual, despite the cold conditions. I saw Willie returning, well clear of Roy, but no sign of Theresa. I wasn’t sure where to turn, and probably went a few yards too far, but with my handicap it didn’t make much difference.

Willie finished in 32:07, followed by Roy 26:00 and me 23:22. We then had to go back to find Theresa, who had walked well past the official turn almost into the next bay! So her time of 63min was probably for about 7km!

On Thursday we enjoyed a few games in the hotel garden. These were played with the usual hilarity and lack of expertise. We started with boules, which was won by Bob Burt. Willie won the darts. Then Tommy Tracey won at skittles.

Finally, we attempted croquet, though none of us knew how to play. We made up our own rules, and Allison was declared the winner. All of these provided valuable points for the first 3 in each event.

Friday was probably the best day. We managed to sit round the pool in the sun though it was still only about 15oC. At least it was warmer than Scotland!

On Saturday afternoon 5 brave fancy dress contestants paraded round the pool at 3pm, and one of the waiters judged the event.

Roy was the undisputed winner, as an android. Allison & Ann were 2nd as the Olympian double sculls winners, Katherine Grainger & Anna Watkins.

After dinner on Sunday we had our party night in a private hotel room.

Willie was presented with the 5km road race trophy and Theresa won the trophy for the overall points winner.

We were a bit low on numbers for entertainment, but Roy provided guitar accompaniment and sang a few songs. Theresa and Bob recited a few poems and jokes. A guest, Eric, was again invited to join us and sing a couple of songs, and a good time was had by all.

 

HOW IT STARTED FOR ME Stage One:

Striding Out

You’re a skinny young boy who really enjoys all sorts of sport. Yet, no matter how hard you try, genuine sprinting speed, robustness and agility are lacking – so you’re rubbish at football (a natural hacker) and too fragile for rugby. Never mind. Every opportunity is taken to rush down to the park and rush around enthusiastically with your friends.

At weekends or in the school holidays, apart from running home for lunch, before hurrying back to the park, it can be virtually non-stop from dawn to dusk. Cricket, rounders, football, tennis, putting. What else? Table tennis, hockey, golf, cycling, climbing hills. Everyone walks everywhere. No lifts from parental taxis in the self-reliant, unafraid 1950s.

Pity you never do well in the annual school sports. Dad says that he had some success in mile races before the war and afterwards in cycle time-trials. He’s even thinner than you, with boundless energy. So you make a real effort to impress in the primary school hundred yards, clawing the air desperately as everyone else sprints away from you. Too slow, alas.

Then, one summer, boys from your street are taking on lads from another in what, nowadays, might be termed a multi-events challenge. After hours of competition, the score is tied at three-all.

What trial can be devised to decide the champion street? Someone suggests a ‘marathon’ – running twice round the outside of the park, an enormous, ridiculous distance! (In retrospect, maybe one and a half miles.) Everyone must start and whoever finishes first will clinch the glory for his team.

They charge away as usual, while you trot along behind. Then something mysterious happens – they all slow down and, keeping the same steady pace, you pass every single one. In fact the second lap is a solo performance and your mates shout, “Well done!” or “You must be mad!” as the imaginary tape is broken. You have never heard of genetic inheritance, but at nine years of age, certainly have something to think about.

At Secondary School, the Sports deserve a capital letter. There is a properly-marked 440 yards grass track and a wooden mini-grandstand for guests and posher parents.

Several days before, heats are run, and you manage to battle through to the First Year 880 yards final. Sadly, you finish eighth and last on the great day.

In Second Year, your time is fifteen seconds faster, but the result exactly the same.

Third Year, however, will be different. At 15, you are permitted to enter the Junior Mile.

Dad race-walks from his work in the city centre and spectates on the final bend, upwind of grandstand gentry. The gun is fired and you launch into full racing stride! Yet a crowd of athletes and rugger heroes barge away from you. It is impossible to go any faster, but you bash on regardless, despite being last after one lap.

This position is maintained at half-way, goading your exasperated father to bawl “Come on, you lazy sod, you can do better than that!” causing shock and chagrin amongst the seated select!

Miraculously, one pace runners can make progress: most of the strongly built optimists crumble and you plod through to a respectable third place in five minutes five seconds. Dad forgives you and strides back to work. Maybe, one day, you will be a proper runner!

Before subsequent Sports, “sneaky training” is discovered. You are already fairly fit, from regularly taking part in a range of sports, but decide to build up for the school mile.

Early diaries note remarkably brief sessions: ten-minute jogs on the playing field; a few hardish laps; and sometimes, before the evening meal, flat-out pavement time-trials round the block, using a normal watch, starting on the minute then, about four minutes later, gasping under a street-lamp, trying to squint at the moving second hand to see if the record has been broken.  Add an occasional competitive two mile road run with school athletes and there is a feeling of increased fitness: leg muscles supple, breathing controlled – a general glow.

In both Fifth and Sixth Year, you actually win the Senior Mile and do well in track races against other schools.

You find more pleasure than pain in pre-event nervousness, the warm-up routine, the hard effort and thrill of racing, the satisfaction of success derived from coming first or setting a personal best.

Then you discover cross-country. This is a much tougher prospect. You have to cope with mixed terrain, bumps, mud, obstacles: bad enough at training speed, over three or even four miles, but horrendous when you try to run fast. That lack of agility does not help.

Initial experience of championship racing is gruelling, as you slip, stumble and pant while trying to overtake at least some of the faster starters and strain to maintain effort to the temporary exhaustion of the finish.

Close rivals identify themselves, some of whom will be uncomfortably competitive for years.

School awards ‘full colours’, which transform you into a peacock in a fancy blazer. Some girls admire this.

Coping with disappointment must be learned, although resentful outbursts cannot always be suppressed, even if you feel ashamed afterwards. But there is enough progress to keep you hooked. Running potential should be explored further.

What has motivated you so far? Curiosity, testing yourself, beating others, improving times, prestige.

by Colin Youngson

(The Newsletter always welcomes articles from any SVHC member. Not many of us started this long ago, but why don’t you write a few paragraphs – about how you started running and some early experiences – and email them to us?)

 

Ridgeway Challenge 85 mile Trail Race 2012

By Ann Bath (RRC 13798 and 26.2RRC/SVHC)

 This is a beautiful long distance trail, with over 9000 feet of ascent. It would be my second off road Ultra, having completed the inaugural Thames Path 100 miles from Richmond to Oxford in March. However, this was relatively flat as it followed the Thames for most of the way.

I really enjoy running them in stages both as training and to check the route, and realise what amazing areas there are in Britain available for us to run.

Training for this race also included running some of the North Downs Way, as I had agreed to mark out about 34 miles of it over 2 days for the 100 mile race on 11th.

In retrospect this was excellent training as I had to carry a heavy box of tape, plus a lot of water and food as in places there were no convenient refreshment stops. I had run the Ridgeway in stages from Ivinghoe Beacon to Streatley, realising this was going to be a tough race! There were no course markers, you followed the acorn of the national trail which is well signposted. But I was pleased to have run it previously as I had gone wrong a few times.

It wasn’t really possible to run the second half of about 43 miles in stages as no convenient Stations nearby, so I decided to take my mountain bike on the train to Streatley on the Monday 5 days before the race.

The second half is all bridle way so bikes are allowed, unlike the first half. It was a gloriously sunny day and the views were amazing, although I realised that I’d be running this part in the dark so would miss a lot of them! There were some very rutted sections from the off road vehicles that are allowed at certain times of year.

The forecast for the race weekend unfortunately was rather dire, so I sent off for a new waterproof jacket that folds down to a small ball, a new rucksack that takes 2 bottles, lots of useful pockets and place for my jacket, and a new pair of very light shorts again with useful pockets, to wear over my compression tights. So broke all the rules of wearing new things in a race without practising them first as they only just arrived in time!

Waiting at Tring Station for the pick-up (I had opted for the 12 noon start as really thought I would get in under 24 hours) I saw the early starters going past!

After registering and leaving my drop bag (I was running unsupported) we had about a mile to walk up to Ivinghoe Beacon. It started raining and the chalk was already very slippery.

Off at 12 noon and my aim was to run about 10 –11 min miles to start and then about 12 min miles. Was feeling good at 1st check point and my aim was to have water and some food on the hour and an energy drink on the half hour.

 Analysing the splits afterwards at check point 3, 24.5 miles had averaged 12:12 minute miles.

As predicted the weather got a lot worse: heavy rain, wind, thunder and lightning. Then I reached the huge field full of cows with their calves – when I’d checked out this part I had done a long detour to avoid them but now had to run through. As they seemed to not be spooked by the thunder and lightning I guessed I’d be safe! I was very thankful for my expensive new jacket.

At 31.7 mile check point about 12:30 min miling so all going OK, and soon crossing the manicured fairways of Nuffield golf course and into the famous Grim’s Ditch.

Running and chatting to a young guy but on nearing North Stoke he said “I’m stopping here, there’s a pint of cider waiting for me in the pub!” I thought silently “mine’ll be a red wine please!” but sensibly went off alone to South Stoke, where it looked different at night and got confused ending up in a car park, stupidly didn’t get the compass out, saw the Ridgeway sign and carried on a good mile, then saw a runner coming towards me who said I was running back to North Stoke! Moral: what’s the point of carrying a compass and not using it if unsure!

So I stuck with him and saw where I’d gone wrong. Eventually, rather later than planned and very wet, got to Goring aid Station. It was dark and I’d been using my smaller head torch but got my really bright new Pezel one from my drop bag. Had jacket potato, beans and cheese then sponge and custard and coffee. Changed my socks but rather pointless as back into soaking wet shoes (I didn’t bring a spare pair as thought drop bags needed to be small, although saw one as large as my “round the world” huge rucksack!).

Kept hearing talk about people not venturing out as weather so awful – in fact it did appear from the results that a lot packed at the half way point.

So off again, met up with a runner who also cycled, like me, so we had a good chat, then later met up with the chap who had earlier saved me from going the wrong way! He was a Ridgeway regular and knew it very well, so I ran / powerwalked with him during the rest of the night.

I knew my partner Steve would be pleased to know I had company. At the 61.5 mile check point he said “should be on for 23 hours”. I realised by now I wouldn’t get my ideal goal of 22 hours , or if not achievable then goal 2 was to get under 24 hours. But by the 69.4 mile check point we seemed to be slowing and he changed the “ETA” to 24 hours. It was great having the company and chatting a lot, but realised we seemed to be going slower and slower, and at 79.9 miles said to him we’d taken nearly 4 hours to do 10.5 miles, and it was 11.18am at CP 9.

Theoretically it is 5.1 miles to the finish but I’d measured it as nearer 6.5 to Avebury village. So using this distance I said that at the pace we’d just done I was seriously worried now that we could miss the 26 hour cut off at 2pm.

I had spoken to Steve who had driven down in the morning and said he’d see me at the last check point at Barbury Castle. So as we neared it I took off my jacket, head torch, extra night clothes and other items ready to give to him, but I couldn’t see our car or Steve anywhere in the car park. So I put the clothes etc back tied round my waist and items back into my rucksack.

As it had been great to have his company most of the night I felt a bit guilty when he insisted I go ahead at my own pace. Amazingly I was able to start running again and felt remarkably strong and was able to run virtually all the way to the finish, overtaking a few on the way which is a great boost!

I did this final section only 7 minutes slower than the first lady Sandra Bowers who finished 8 hours faster than I did!

 During this last section I finally saw Steve on his mountain bike, but no pannier or rucksack so could not off load anything to him. Great to see him but I asked him to carry on back up the course and give encouragement to the man who I had left walking slowly, I told Steve what number he was wearing.

It was a lovely mainly downhill run to the finish, I really felt I could push it hard as now had a goal of getting in under 25 hours, finally did 24:54 to a lovely welcome where Anthony the organiser asked “did I handle the cow field OK?!” Then he presented me with the Gold Medal for my W60 age group as it was the National Trail Running Championships.

Offered food and drink and then Steve arrived, he had cheered on David, so I went out hoping to see him come in, waited while Steve went to get the car, felt remarkably good and not at all “queasy” as I had after the 24 hour track race.

My finish time was a lot slower than I’d hoped for, but it was a very hard race in often bad conditions, but I had learnt a lot from it.

Later I heard that David had not finished and sadly had to be picked up not far from the finish so I felt so disappointed for him.

Then we went off to Devizes where we’d booked into a lovely old Inn, our room backed onto the church where they were practising ringing the bells very loudly, but I promptly fell asleep for about 3 hours, nothing would keep me awake! then after a soak in the bath went out, and had a lovely huge vegetarian roast dinner!

 

THE YEAR SO FAR

 In reviewing the first few months of 2013 it’s clear that there have been some outstanding performances by SVHC members.

On the men’s side Kerry-Liam Wilson followed up his great 2012 season by posting the fastest individual leg at the SVHC Relays at Strathclyde Park in January. Then came an excellent run to win the M40 age group at the SAL Masters Cross Country Championships at Forres, followed by repeating this feat at the British Masters Cross Country at Sunderland. Into April and Kerry’s great form has continued with an impressive 51:39 at the Tom Scott 10 miles race.

Also well worthy of mention is Kerry’s ubiquitous clubmate Robert Gilroy who produced an outstanding solo performance to finish overall winner at the Lochaber Marathon in 2:33:19.

And Stephen Allen, while not matching his outstanding season’s best of 2:02.26 in the indoors 800 metres, still came away with a fine silver medal at the European Veterans Indoor Championships in San Sebastian.

However, marvellous as these performances may have been, I think it’s the women vets who have topped the bill so far this year with some breath-taking performances.

First mention must surely go to Laura Mahady, who is featured elsewhere in your Newsletter.

Laura moved into a new age group in February this year and, as many do, has used this as fresh impetus, and to full effect. She took the British Masters W55 Indoor 800 metres title in early March in a new World record of 2:29.66 only to improve the record to 2:27.84 when winning the European Indoors title two weeks later.

And of course no review could ignore the redoubtable Fiona Matheson as she claimed the headlines yet again with another superb performance at the Tom Scott 10 miles road race.

Already a world record holder at various distances, both indoors and out, Fiona demolished the existing UK Age group record with 58:08.

Second in the Tom Scott with a fine 58:18 was the multi-talented Joasia Zakrzewski. Seemingly at home over any distance, she continued her preparation for this year’s Comrades Marathon in South Africa with a runaway victory in the Lochaber Marathon. On a day which wasn’t designed for fast running, Jo broke the course record by over 4 minutes, winning in 2:45:55.

 With a PB of 2:41:21 one imagines that with the proper guidance Jo could get inside the Commonwealth Games qualifying time of 2:40.

Alastair Macfarlane

 

 OFFICE BEARERS SEASON 2013-2014

Honorary President: ROBERT DONALD

President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE 7 Andrew Avenue, Lenzie, G66 5HF Tel: 0141 5781611 almacrun@btinternet.com

Immediate Past President: PETER OGDEN 16 Springhill Road Glasgow, G69 6HH Tel: 0141 7711950

Vice-President: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 5780526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Honorary Secretary: CAMPBELL JOSS 25 Speirs Road Bearsden, G61 2LX Tel: 0141 9420731 cdjoss@tiscali.co.uk

Honorary Treasurer: STEWART MCCRAE 17 Woodburn Way Balloch Cumbernauld. G68 9BJ Tel: 01236 728783 stewart047@hotmail.com

Membership Secretary: DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 Powburn Crescent Uddingston, G71 7SS Tel: 01698 810575 djf@dfairweather.plus.com

Handicapper: PETER RUDZINSKI 106 Braes Avenue Clydebank. G81 1DP Tel.0141 5623416 p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

JOHN BELL Flat 3/1, 57 Clouston Street Glasgow G20 8QW Tel. 0141 9466949

ROBERT DONALD 3 Manse Road Bearsden, G61 3PT Tel: 0141 9422971

PHYLLIS HANDS 39 Albany Drive Lanark ML11 9AF Tel. 01698 252498

ANDY LAW Euphian, Kilduskland Road Ardrishaig Argyll. PA30 8EH Tel. 01546 605336

PAUL THOMPSON Whitecroft, 5 Gareloch Brae, Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8PJ Tel. 01436 821707

BMAF Delegates Alastair Macfarlane Ada Stewart

SAL West District Delegate Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM Ada Stewart

Auditor George Inglis

 FIXTURES

MAY 2013

Wed 1st Snowball 4.8m road race 7:30 pm. Coatbridge Outdoor Centre. Convener Ada Stewart

Sun 5th SVHC Walter Ross 10km 1:30pm Cartha Rugby Club

Sat 18th Bathgate Hill Race, 2:30pm

Sat 18th BMAF Road Relay Champs Sutton Park, Birmingham

Fri/Sun 24/26th EVAA Non-Stadia Championships – Upice, Czech Republic

JUNE 2013

Wed 5th Corstorphine 5 miles RR 7:30 pm. Turnhouse Rd, Edinburgh

Sun 16th SAL National Masters T&F champs SAL National 10,000m champs Grangemouth Stadium

Sun 16th BMAF 5k Road Championships – Horwich

Sun 23rd BMAF Pentathlon and 10k Track Walk/ Run Champs – Horspath, Oxford

Wed 26th SVHC 5km road race. 7:30pm. Playdrome, Clydebank

Sun 30th BMAF Throws Pentathlon Championships – Allianz Park (Copthall, Barnet) TBC

JULY 2013

Sat/Sun 27/28th BMAF Decathlon/Heptathlon, 10k Track Run (men) – Horspath, Oxford

AUGUST 2013

Sun 18th British Masters Athletics Federation 10 km Road Race Championships (Incorporating SVHC Glasgow 800) 11am. Cartha Rugby Club

SEPTEMBER 2013

Sat/Sun 14/15th BMAF Track & Field Championships – Alexander Stadium, Birmingham

OCTOBER 2013

Sun 6th Neil McCover Half Marathon (inc. SVHC Champs) 9am Kirkintilloch

15th /27th World Masters Track & Field Championships Porto Alegre, Brazil

Sun 20th SVHC 10km track 1:00pm. Entries to Alastair Macfarlane at almacrun@btinternet.com before Fri 18th Oct. Entry fee £2 on day SVHC AGM 2:00 pm. Coatbridge Outdoor Centre.

 Sun 27th BMAF Marathon Championships – Newcastle

NOVEMBER 2013

Sat 16th British & Irish Masters XC Champs Cardiff or Swansea TBC

 

 

MEMBERSHIP NOTES 4th September 2012

MEMBERS

Welcome to the 15 new and 7 reinstated members who have joined or re-joined since 18 Apr 2012. 54 members have not renewed their subscriptions, so we now have 444 paid up members.

If you have not set up a standing order, renewal subscriptions are due from the AGM date 21st October. Please pay promptly. Annual subscription is still £15. Men o/65 & women o/60 £12.

NEWSLETTER

The massive increase in postal charges has forced us to change to an electronic version of the Newsletter as the preferred option. Any member who wishes to continue receiving a printed Newsletter must contact me, if they have not already done so. Please inform me if you add or change your email address.

Please send photos, news, letters, articles, etc for the next issue to: DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 POWBURN CRESCENT, UDDINGSTON, G71 7SS e-mail: djf@dfairweather.plus.com Tel: 01698 810575

If any member would like to take over the editing of the Newsletter, I would be very happy to hear from them.

SVHC EVENTS

Stewards/marshals are required for club races. The club appreciate all members & friends who volunteer to act as stewards/marshals. If you are not competing just turn up and introduce yourselves to the organisers. Thanks to all those who have already helped out.

BRITISH & IRISH CROSS COUNTRY INTERNATIONAL I have reserved 25 twin/double rooms at the Europa Hotel for Fri/Sat 9/10 November 2012. These are rapidly being taken up, so I might have to apply for more. The race will be held at Stormont.

STANDING ORDERS

Thank you to the members who have set up standing orders for membership subscriptions. Please remember to update the amount payable, & keep me informed if your membership details change (especially email addresses). If any other member wishes to set up a standing order please contact me.

CLUB VESTS

SVHC running vests can be purchased from Molly Wilmoth for £15 (Tel: 0141 7764941).

NEW MEMBERS

CHRS SURN JOINED NO. TOWN

Stephen Allan 24-Aug-12 2099 Cumbernauld

Rhona Anderson 10-May-12 2086 North Berwick

Gordon Barrie 08-Jun-12 2088 Invergowrie

David Black 20-Jun-12 2092 Whiting Bay

John Blair 27-Jul-12 2096 Edinburgh

Howard Elliott 03-Sep-12 2100 Kirkintilloch

Mark Foster 08-Aug-12 2098 Swanston

Greig Glendinning 07-Aug-12 2097 Johnstone

Patrice Jumelle 08-Jun-12 2087 Edinburgh

Alasdhair Love 26-Apr-12 2090 Aberdeen

Stewart Mulholland 12-Jul-12 2095 Govan

Robert Phin 23-Jun-12 2093 Renfrew

Michael Tanner 17-Jun-12 2089 Romsey

Robert Watson 04-Jul-12 2094 Kildrum

David Watson 17-Jun-12 2091 Penwortham

Beverley Chalmers 08-May-12 1863 Bearsden

Alexander Chalmers 08-May-12 1860 Bearsden

Caroline Lawless 01-Jun-12 1129 Polmont

David MacIntosh 19-Aug-12 528 Glasgow

Mike McErlane 20-Jun-12 1884 Bowling

Ken Moncrieff 21-Jul-12 1875 Stirling

Ludwig Ramsey 20-Jun-12 1993 Granton

David Fairweather Membership Secretary

 

 RUN and BECOME SERIES 2012

With one race remaining in the 2012 Run and Become Series the leading contenders are Stewart McCrae, Gerry Montgomery and John Gilhooly in the Men’s competition and Fiona Matheson, Pamela McCrossan and Phyllis Hands in the Women’s competition.

There has been a slight change to the scoring this year with more emphasis being placed on the Age Graded Tables element. Merit points will in future only be gained by athletes who finish more than the counting 8 races, an additional point being awarded for each race beyond race 8.

The remaining race is:

Sunday 7th October BMAF Championship/ Neil McCover Memorial Half Marathon Kirkintilloch

The first race of the 2013 Series is the SVHC 10,000m at Coatbridge Track on Sunday 21st October, immediately before the AGM. (See the important note about this race on page 13 of this Newsletter.)

 

Olympic Torch – Derek Fraser

I was informed that I had been nominated to be an Olympic games torchbearer last Autumn. I had to wait a few months until the organisers had made their decision. I finally got the phone call from LOGOC that I was to carry the Olympic flame through Selkirk on day 27 of the relay 14 June 2012 as part of its journey to London.

On the morning of the Borders leg I met up with the other Torchbearers including Alan Wells, and Chris Paterson Scotland’s most capped rugby player.

After our briefing the shuttle bus took me to my designated exchange point.

With hundreds of onlookers it was my moment to shine carrying the torch. I had a metropolitan police escort beside me as I ran and it seemed like the whole town had turned out. There really was a buzz in the air and I got a real sense of the occasion.

I think it showed what the Olympics is all about bringing communities and people together to celebrate.

We ended up at Netherdale in Galashiels where a mini-mascot Olympic Games took place in front of a crowd of two thousand.

It was so fantastic to be involved in the Olympic torch relay in the Borders a privilege and an honour as well. It will give me treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

I got to keep my Olympic Torch and it has a good place in my home and will remind me of my big day. I hope the Olympics will inspire a generation to take part in sport.

 

 WHY DO WE RUN? – Young Kate Todd

Do we run to keep fit, less time to do housework, keeps the weight off or are we just NUTS?

We Veteran runners are indeed a breed of our own. Let’s all proudly admit to it, we welcome running with open, sweaty arms, ugly toenails, and firm hamstrings not to say anything of our butts.

Some have been known to take lengthy showers in new Gor-tex suits to test its water resistance- you mean you have not? Well maybe I am NUTS.

We know every cure for an injury from our big toe, calf, knee hamstring etc. Take Ibruprofen, ice, WD 40 (loosens the joints), but never never REST.

We even have a language of our own, we talk about hitting the wall, runners’ high, carbo loading and fartleking .

We over-train, inadequately taper for a race, we unflinchingly violate every present day rule of proper race preparation. Who else would be exhilarated by sheer Exhaustion?

A few simple facts: If you run hard enough, you will be tired, if you run long enough you will be tired if you do both you will be tired, however I am sure when you recover there is nothing like the feeling of the runners’ high.

Who else would get up on Sunday morning at 6am to run 20 miles in the pouring rain and howling wind and enjoy it?

I am sure we all have our own reasons for running, I run because I enjoy the challenge, the freedom and mostly all the friends/people I have met and continue to meet at my club and races.

What drives us to train, race, sometimes with success, more often disappointment, only because we put pressure on ourselves to run faster, have a P.B.

It was once said ( I think it was Yeats) “Personality was born out of pain.” If that is accurate then runners must be quite a personable bunch of characters.

I RUN therefore am I Nuts?. Enjoy your running.

 

 LETTERS

SVHC Proposed Name Change

Firstly, thanks for the Newsletter.

Turning now to the Club`s title, I feel it would be more relevant to members if you would concentrate on having the entrance fee to our Track Champs reduced from the extortionate £9.50 per event to a more reasonable charge in line with other Vets` Associations in U K and Ireland.

Most veteran competitors enter 3 or more events and, in my case usually 5, so the cost is really becoming very expensive when you include travelling etc.

Additionally, if you are good, or lucky enough to win a medal then all you get from S A L is a cheap and tatty medal which must cost them all of 20 pence, if that (and then you only get them if they remember to take enough medals with them to the meeting!!!!).

I remember when SVHC dished out medals that you were proud to compete for. For the first time ever I am really in doubt about entering our own Champs as I feel we are being treated like second class citizens and I know I am not alone in feeling this way.

Can you not prevail upon the S A L to reconsider their stance on both entry fees and quality of medals for the future?

I also feel very strongly about the T&F Champs always being held in Pitreavie or Edinburgh now. Both Inverness and Aberdeen have excellent facilities and they should be considered in the future.

Going back to the Club title, after some considerable thought, I feel the title should remain as at present. Personally, being called a veteran athlete has always sounded better than a master which was forced on us by the Americans.

The S V H C has a long and proud tradition and this should be protected and cherished for as long as possible as well as looking to ensuring all disciplines within our sport are fairly treated and not disadvantaged in any way under its auspices.

Trevor Madigan Aberdeen AAC

 

 The Comrades Marathon – Joasia Zakrzewski

The “Comrades Marathon – the Ultimate Human Race”……those words, or a few bars of the “Chariots of Fire” music, is enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end if you have ever taken part in this awesome event. If you have, this article may bring back a few memories, and if you haven’t, then it may inspire you to enter next year.

The Comrades Marathon is the world’s biggest ultramarathon, with up to 24,000 people on the startline, all having run a sub-5 hour marathon to qualify. It has been fully live-televised nationally in South Africa for years and may be followed on-line worldwide.

It first took place in 1921, with 34 runners starting outside the City Hall in Pietermaritzburg, and has occurred annually ever since, skipping the war years of 1941-45 so that this year was the 87th. It has grown in popularity year on year, so it is now an event that captures the imagination both of the entire nation (you will hardly meet a South African who has not either run it, dreamt of running it, or had a family member/friend run it), and of runners worldwide (with British, US and Russian winners to mention a few).

The race alternates direction every year, with an “up run” going from coastal Durban to Pietermaritzburg at an altitude of 650m (>2000′) with about 2000m (6,600′) of ascent and 1400m (4,700′) of descent, and a “down run” doing the opposite.

There are five major hills (known as “The Big Five”) en route, with many other unnamed hills and other points of interest also negotiated.

The total distance varies slightly (between 87 and 91km) from year to year, depending on roadworks and road closures, and due to the fact that both races start along wide roads and finish in a stadium, which means that the course cannot be simply reversed as each race requires a different start/finish area.

Some of my fellow Dumfries Running Club clubmates and I made the trip last year as novices for our first “up” run, and I was lucky enough to be invited back this year to run for Nedbank International in my first “down” run (Nedbank is one of the biggest South African running clubs).

Everybody I had spoken to prior to the trip told me to treat up and down runs as completely different races, but there are some constant features that characterize a Comrades marathon.

The numbering/bib system, for example, is unique to the event, and bibs are worn front and back so all runners and spectators can see them. First timers, foreigners and locals have different coloured bibs to make them easily distinguishable to the massive crowds.

As an international runner, your blue bib (which also gives you access to the international tent afterwards for free food and beer) states your name and country of origin.

 I was entertained along the route last year by people trying to say my name in encouragement and then just switching to “Go Lady”, and also by runners with strong Afrikaans accents who, on reading “Scotland”, attempted to speak to me with a Scottish accent.

Previous winners and those who placed in the top 5 in the preceding year, wear their name on their bibs instead of a number.

This year my number was orange to signify that I was going for a “back-to-back” medal, awarded to runners who complete their first up and down runs in consecutive years.

There is also a “green number club”; green numbers are for those who have completed at least 10 Comrades (or won 3 times, or gained a gold medal 5 times – more on medals in a minute), so it is a great honour to become a member of the club and means that you may keep that number forever, so nobody else will run Comrades under that number.

Runners wear a yellow bib on their first attempt at a 10th run, so they get extra support and encouragement along the way, as everyone knows they will then earn their green number on the finish line.

 A green stripy number is then worn by a runner on their 20th run (going for a double green) etc.

Medal categories (6 in total) are also fixed from year to year (though there are obviously separate up and down records), and are earned as follows:

MEDAL Gold Wally Hayward Silver Bill Rowan Bronze Vic Clapham

Gold Silver-centred surrounded by gold ring

Silver Bronze-centred surrounded by silver ring

Bronze Copper

CUT-OFFS

Top 10 men and top 10 women

11th position – sub 6hrs (only men qualify though women are theoretically eligible)

6hrs – sub 7hrs30

7hrs 30 – sub 9hrs 9hrs – sub 11hrs

11hrs – sub 12hrs

Anyway, enough of that and on to the actual race.

You will NEVER forget the start of your first Comrades. It’s chilly in the floodlit pre-dawn blackness (the race starts at 5:30am), you’re nervous, you wonder if you’ve tapered enough, you wonder if you’ve trained enough…..but mostly you wonder what you’re doing there.

Suddenly a hush descends and the air becomes electric with expectation. Thousands of voices then take up the words of the local song Shosholoza (the song sung at the end of “Invictus”) and it is sung with great emotion and intensity. You think of what lies ahead of you that day, and wipe away the tears you find running down your cheeks. The music then changes to the iconic theme from Chariots of Fire, which you will never hear the same way again.

The last note dies away, you hear a cockerel crow to signify the start and you’re off, trying to hold back as adrenaline urges you to run fast even as your head is reminding you how far you have to go.

The closest thing to which I can relate the start, is a controlled riot. It is dark, everyone is wearing a black liner over their coloured vests (given to you at the expo so you can try to keep warm at the start of the race), and then suddenly there is a surge of thousands of runners all heading down the main streets of the city.

Start pens are now seeded on qualifying times, but as with every race, there is a melee of runners going various speeds, jostling each other and leaping over discarded black liners, until they settle into their rhythm. The top runners have “seconds” along the route, who are friends/team members/supporters that they have arranged to meet at specific points on the course, to get drinks/gels/sunglasses/food/anything else they might require along the way.

There is strict drugs testing before the gold medals and any prize money is released, so these athletes will only take drinks/nutrition from people they recognize to avoid any chance of doping.

There is a strict “stand and hand” rule enforced so that seconds are not allowed to run on the course for any distance.

For ladies, the rules can be even more strict, as they can be disqualified if seen to run with a specific man for a period of time, as they are then thought to have been paced.

The vast majority of runners do not have “seconds”, though family and friends (and complete strangers) will be along the route offering support.

They run using the “tables” – 47 refreshment stations along the route, spaced about 2km apart. It seems crazy when you watch people jostle to get to the first table, as they’ve only run 2k of the course. All the tables offer water and energade (or whatever the sponsored drink is), which are served in rectangular sachets. This is a great idea as you can easily pick up several from outstretched hands and then either run with them in your own hand, or bite off the corner and drink from them.

 There is actually no need to run right alongside the tables (which stretch along both sides of the road) as a runner between you and the edge will pass you sachets without you even having to ask.

Further along the race, the tables start to offer other goodies, such as chocolate, cookies, coke, and my own two favourites – cold, salted pieces of boiled potato, and portions of banana. That may sound like a very strange thing to like, but when you’ve been running and perspiring for hours, there is nothing like a salty bit of solid (non sweet) carbohydrate washed down with a sachet of water.

I was very lucky to have a good friend from Durban seconding me this year – he knew every shortcut on parallel roads that he needed to take to keep turning up ahead of me, as he is a true veteran of the race, having both run and supported runners countless times. I got a couple of gels from him, and my sunglasses as the day started to heat up, but the main thing was the joy of seeing a friendly face with encouraging words. I chose to have my friend second me, rather than the official guys from Team Nedbank, as I much prefer to see someone I know (and who knows what I need to hear) but it was very useful to hear the distances to the girls in front from the Nedbank Chief.

I did, however, mainly use the tables to keep me going, as this is a big part of the race for me……and how I longed for that first potato before I got it.

The only problem with the overwhelming friendliness of the other runners, was trying not to offend male runners who tried to help me by picking up sachets and passing them to me. I had to refuse politely and grab my own, in case it appeared that they were “assisting” me.

Even on a “down” run, the descent is mainly in the second half, so you really need to be conservative and save your quads for later; thus the aim at first is to run “comfy” and enjoy the ride.

Initially, the main thing is not to trip over cats eyes in the road, or get stuck on poor surfaces as the road can be crowded and it is still dark.

After descending the first steep hill, it starts to get light, but this means the temperature also plummets (partly as you are down in a pocket, but partly as it is just pre-dawn), so another thing to beware of is not to throw away extra clothing/gloves too soon.

People camp alongside the road with fires and barbecues even at 6am, and then go along picking up discarded clothing. As a lady running further up the field, many people start to use you as a pace maker, so you sometimes feel as if you are driving one of the famous “buses” (these are groups of people running together to make a certain finish time, led by a very experienced Comrades runner – the bus “driver”, eg the 11hour bus). Being treated this way gives you quite a special feeling and also means that you can have great chats along the way with people from all over the world, if your breathing permits it.

The race is not marked in a way that is familiar to most of us, as the Km markers count down the distance to the finish, but once you get your head around this, it actually works very well as you can split the race up and imagine differing race distances as you go along, though I did find myself thinking once on the up run, “just 3.5x10K races to go” as I passed the 35K sign.

I had moved into the top 10 by the halfway point and was feeling really good at this point, but had to stay relaxed as I’m not a very strong/confident downhill runner and I knew this was all to come. I’d been told many stories of people at the sharp end of the field having to walk up the hills and then walk down the later hills backwards, and I certainly did not want to have to do this.

The race distance just passes you by without you realizing it, and you start to enjoy the atmosphere more and more. Schoolboys line up outside their school to cheer you on, dancers and singers appear, and members of a school for the disabled come out to “high five” you as you pass (story has it that some runners jump into their swimming pool, swim a length and then carry on).

Many local women encourage you with “Do it sister” as they ululate alongside you for a few metres, and the closer you get to Durban the noisier it becomes, the number of people ever increasing to the extent that it sometimes appears hard to find a way through.

I found myself enjoying the hills and to my surprise, heard myself whispering “only a half marathon to go now” when I caught sight of the sea by Durban.

I completely surprised myself with how well the race went – I was just enjoying it and picking off a few runners the whole way, but expecting some of the more experienced ladies to come by me down the big hills and especially on the long run through downtown Durban.

The last 2Km must have been some of the longest kilometers of my life. I was running alone as I could see a man about 100m in front of me, and I refused to look back, convinced another lady was bearing down on me. All I wanted to do was stop and walk, but again the crowds were several deep on the pavements cheering me along so I realized there was no way I could give up in front of them.

The stadium entrance was such a welcome sight! As I turned in, I was handed a single red rose, which at first I proudly held high. (Roses are handed to the top 10 finishers to run in with signifying their positions to the watching crowds – apart from the race winner who is given a scroll to carry as a message of friendship from the mayor of the start city to the mayor of the finish city).

Unfortunately, there was still a way to run, past a screen, round corners and under gantries. At every corner my arm dropped lower and lower, but then finally I could see the line and I knew I’d done it. I raised both arms and crossed the line with a smile on my face, proud in the knowledge that I’d put injury niggles behind me and completed the course over 40minutes quicker than the up run last year, and in 4th position overall.

It was an amazing feeling, and both the Nedbank Team and Dave, my brilliant second, were there to greet me, while I knew my friends and family at home had been watching it online.

The great thing about the event is the atmosphere and experience – last year was special as it was my first Comrades, and I ran with friends, so we could cheer each other in (the international tent has a huge screen showing everyone crossing the line), and this year was special in a completely different way.

I had not known much about the dramas going on at the front of the field – the first South African winner since 2005 (with the 3 pre-race favourites finishing 5th (the record holder), 6th(the winner of the previous 3 years) and a DNF), and the amazing battle in the ladies’ field between the eventual Russian winner (her 7th win) and a good friend and amazing runner Ellie Greenwood (British, living in Canada) – but at home (after massage, drugs testing, food and drink) you can watch the TV coverage to see exactly what had happened ahead of you, and also watch the finish cut off with the bouncers rugby tackling the first person not to make the 12hour gun.

Comrades is a race I would recommend to every runner, as words fail to convey the emotions that surface just thinking about it, and for me it stands head and shoulders above every other race that I have done.

 

Scots Decathletes Take On A Few Challenges – Ken Moncrieff

Over the weekend of 4/5th August three Scottish Masters Decathletes (Ken Moncrieff – FVH, Colin Christie – Montrose & District, Ian Paget – Shettleston) made the journey south to compete in the UK BMAF multi-event championships at the Horspath Stadium, Oxford.

This particular competition had the added zest of incorporating the biennial Transatlantic Trophy match between GB & USA.

Unfortunately, this year the USA put up a relatively small team to be matched by age group and performance against the UK entrants.

None of the Scots competing were required to line up against a USA competitor but each played their part in encouraging the highly entertaining competition which took place over the 2 days and ten events.

A notable element of most multie-event meets and particularly Decathlons is the comradeship and mutual support which develops through the competition.

Ken & Ian gladly brought down several vaulting poles for the USA team and welcomed the constructive feedback from various competitors on their techniques!

The 3 Scots entered a mini competition amongst themselves and after day 1 only 102 points separated the trio, with Ian leading Ken by 18 pts.

Colin’s long jump of 5.40m yielded a satisfying 637pts whilst Ian notched up 729pts for his day 1 best performance in the same discipline.

Ken announced he was saving his powder for day 2 – a risky strategy given the rain, thunder & lightning which gave all the competitors, officials and audience a few soakings on day 2!

Undoubtedly inspired by the amazing gold performances by Mo, Greg and particularly Jess on the Saturday night, Ken came out and ran a pb in the 100m Hurdles setting up a strong 2nd day performance – as promised!

Perhaps impacted by having to travel to another stadium to undertake the pole vault or maybe it was the torrential rain, Colin again threatened but failed to clear 3.00m; next time perhaps.

Ian meanwhile achieved the creditable vault of 3.40m to win his M35 category in front of the wonderfully named USA participant Jefferson Souza.

The day wore on and as the javelins fell to earth all Decathletes’ thoughts turn to that final wee jog – 1500m.

This was particularly true for Ken as he knew he needed to yet again give all he could to defend his category lead.

The rain stopped and the sun came out as the tenth event was completed, finally, by all ~50 competitors across the various age groups.

The statisticians used their abacus and worked out the final scores.

GB won back the Transatlantic trophy despite several strong individual performances by the USA and as far as the Scots trio were concerned the long trip home was eased by the sight of 2 gold and a silver medal and listening to more Olympic performances.

Name Age Total Points Result Age Adj.Points  

Ian Paget M35 5272 Gold 5729

Colin Christie M45 5056 Silver 5187

Ken Moncrieff M50 5244 Gold 5800

 

2012 Outdoor Track & Field Update from Mike Clerihew

BMAF Pentathlon was held in Oxford on 27th May. Three Scots competed with Jon Ross (Edinburgh AC) recording the best performance of the day in winning the M70 event with a total of 3311 points. Ken Moncrieff (Falkirk Victoria Harriers) placed third in the M50s with 2583 points an event won by Allan Leiper, a Scot competing for Southern Counties Vets, with 3035 points.

BMAF Weight Pentathlon was held at Hendon 1st July. Two Scots took part with Claire Cameron (VP-Glasgow), the only SVHC member, winning the silver medal in the W50 category with a total of 3001 points, well up on her 2759 from 2011. Highlight of Claire’s competition was her new Scottish Masters best performance of 11.21m in the weight throw. Claire has since improved to 11.39m at a meeting in St. John’s, Canada. The other Scot was Ian Miller, competing for Eastern Vets, who won gold in the M75 category with a total of 3478 points.

Scottish Masters Track & Field Championships: Pitreavie 24th June.

Track performances were badly affected by the windy weather with gusts of over 5 m/sec blowing in the faces of athletes in the home straight. However Fiona Matheson (Falkirk Victoria Harriers) still managed to set new championship bests in the W50 1500m and 5000m as did Susan Young (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers ) in the W35 400m and George Hunter (Pitreavie AAC) in the M65 800m. In the field 14 new bests were achieved and one equalled with Bob Masson (Aberdeen AAC) achieving 3 in his first championship outing as an M65 with wins in the pole vault and discus, both also Scottish Masters bests , and javelin. Jimmy Christie (VP-Glasgow AC) set new Scottish Masters bests in the M80 shot, discus and javelin, the latter also being a championship best. The 6th Scottish Masters best was set by Janet Lyon (Aberdeen AAC) in the W50 pole vault. The SVHC Ladies trophy for the best age-graded track performance by a female SVHC member was won by Fiona Matheson for her time of 10:22.45 in the W50 3000m equating to a 95.68% grading. The equivalent trophy for male members, the Jubilee Trophy, was won by Alastair Dunlop (Stornoway Running & AC) with his M55 800m time of 2:17.20 equating to 90.55%. The Century Cup (Female) awarded for the best age-graded field performance by a female SVHC members was won by Janet Lyon with her 2.60m vault in the W50 category equating to 71.43% and the Century Cup for the best male performance going, for the fifth year running, to Bobby Stevenson (Ayr Seaforth AAC) for his M55 triple jump of 10.73m equating to 80.97%. The Steedman Shield awarded to the Scottish club with the highest overall points total was won by Aberdeen AAC with a total of 66 points from Edinburgh AC with 45 points. This is the 10th year running and the 12th in the 14 year history of the shield that the award has gone to Aberdeen. The Masters Combined Event Championship held over 23rd and 24th June attracted only two athletes but produced a very exciting decathlon competition with Colin Christie (Montrose & District AC) edging out Ken Moncrieff (Falkirk Victoria Harriers) by a mere 16 points. The competition was tight throughout with Ken actually leading by 16 points at the end of day one. (For details of the BMAF Decathlon Championships see Ken’s report elsewhere in the Newsletter).

B.M.A.F. Track & Field Championships: Derby 21st /22nd July.

A total of 23 SVHC members competed in the event, in much better conditions than those experienced at the Scottish Masters, with some very notable successes. Although I competed in the event when it was last held in Derby in 2003, I could remember little about the venue and was pleasantly surprised by the facilities on offer and the helpfulness of the stadium staff. I was Clerk of the Course on the Saturday and spent most of the day driving around on a golf buggy transporting implements – perhaps we should encourage stadiums in Scotland to provide automated transport. Successful thought it was in Derby it is likely that the event will return to Alexander Stadium, Birmingham in 2013.

Top performances came from Fiona Matheson with gold in the W50 1500m, in a British record time, and the 5000m and Claire Cameron with three gold and one bronze medal in the W50 throws when a guest competitor is excluded. Other gold medal winners were Fiona Davidson in the W35 triple jump, Janet Lyon in the W50 pole vault, her 2.60m clearance equalling her own Scottish Masters best, Ken Moncrieff in the M50 high jump, Ludwig Ramsay in the M50 800m, Jim Sloan in the M65 javelin and George Hunter in the M65 800m. Top of the ‘other Scots’ was yet again Rosemary Chrimes, competing for Midland Masters, with four golds and a silver in the W75 age category.

 European Veterans Championships: Zittau (Germany), Hradek (Czeck Republic) and Bogatynia (Poland): 16th – 25th August.

A total of 3936 athletes from 38 countries entered a total of 7812 events in the championships staged over the three neighbouring countries. Only nine SVHC members and three other Scots competed winning a total of seven medals. Economic conditions and low profile locations clearly had a significant impact on the number of Scottish competitors, as numbers were much lower than I can recall at any European or World Championships outdoors over recent years. Susan Young from Dundee was easily our most successful athlete winning individual silver in the W35 200m and bronze in the 400m then adding gold in the 4 x 100m relay and silver in the 4 x 400m relay. Will MacGee won bronze medals in the M40 200m and 4 x 100m relay and Alastair Dunlop won silver as part of the M55 4 x 400m relay team. There were several other notable performances with Alastair narrowly missing out on medals placing fourth in both M55 800m and 1500m as well as the 4 x 100m relay, Sharyn Ramage finishing fourth in the W50 1500m, Eddie McKenzie fourth in the M50 throws pentathlon and Allan Leiper fourth in the M50 decathlon.

 

SVHC TRACK 10,000 METRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Over the years the Track 10,000 metres Club Championship has proved to be one of the most popular events on the SVHC fixture list. With over 40 runners in last year’s race it was the best supported event of its kind in Scotland. And with this popularity comes a problem for the organisers, that of recording laps.

In order to reduce the problems on the day, for this year’s race, to be held as usual at Coatbridge Outdoor Sports Centre on Sunday October 21st it will be necessary to enter in advance. Entries should be sent, preferably by email, to – Alastair Macfarlane at almacrun@btinternet.com to arrive by Friday 19th October.

The entry fee is £2 but that will be collected on the day.

This will again be the first race in the 2012 / 2013 Run and Become Series.

In addition, we would ask for volunteers to come along and assist as lap scorers. If you intend to run bring someone along with you to help, no special skills are required, just the ability to count to 25!

Please note that this event is followed by the AGM. If you are interested in the future of the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club, please make an effort to attend.

Alastair Macfarlane

 

British and Irish Masters Cross Country International 2012 Saturday 10 November 2012, Stormont Estate, Belfast

Teams: Women 35-39, 40-45, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+ 4 to run, 3 to score

Men 35-39, 40-45, 45-49, 50-54 6 to run, 4 to score

Men 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+ 4 to run, 3 to score

Men up to M60 will run 8km; all women & M65, M70 will run 6km

As there will be little opportunity to assess fitness in cross country races before the event we thought we should make prospective team members aware of the selection criteria.

These are – 1. A previous record of achievement in cross country races

2. Current form in 5km and 10km races and similar events prior to the selection date, which will be 4th October.
3. Performances in SVHC races

SVHC makes a contribution of £40 to each competitor towards travel and accommodation expenses.

The selection committee is: Ada Stewart – Women, Alastair Macfarlane – Men 35 – 49, David Fairweather – Men 50 +

We have made a block reservation for 25 twin rooms for Fri 9th Nov & Sat 10th Nov 2012 for the Scottish Veterans team at the Europa Hotel, Belfast, where the evening reception is also being held. These will cost £90 per room per night including breakfast. Anyone wanting to stay there should contact David.

Alternative cheaper accommodation is available at Jury’s Inn, Days Inn and Ibis Hotel, which are all in the same area of Belfast, but you should make your own arrangements if you don’t wish to stay at the Europa.

All hotels are about 10 – 15 minutes from the CITY AIRPORT and there is a bus stop by the Europa hotel.

The International Airport is about 20 miles away. Many regional airports fly to the City airport.

It is also possible to travel from Edinburgh & Glasgow by bus/ferry to the Europa bus terminal. The hotels are about 4 miles away from Stormont estate so buses have been booked to provide transport from Belfast City Centre to Stormont on the day.

The course is flat parkland with only a few inclines.

Those wishing to attend the Saturday evening reception should inform David Fairweather and include any special dietary requirements. Tickets cost £28 and will have to be paid in advance.

If you require a Scotland running vest please state size.

Work has already begun on selecting the Scottish team, but If you are an SVHC member (or wish to join SVHC) and feel you are worthy of consideration, please contact the appropriate member of the selection committee.

SCOTLAND TEAM JACKETS Fully waterproof/windproof. Order with £44.00 (payable to A.Jenkins) required NO LATER than 24th October to: A.Jenkins, 8 Meadow Riggs, Alnwick Northumberland, NE66 1AP Including name, address, email address and size.

Last year most of the men ordered medium and the ladies small. Check the product out on the FASTRAX website (Team Allan). Further information from archiemeadowriggs@btinternet.com

 

 Experiencing the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – Robert Rogerson

Was it the best Olympics ever? Will it leave a legacy and inspire a generation?

Both of these are difficult to answer in the immediate aftermath and euphoria of what has been a summer feast of sport at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

What I can say with certainty is that the four days at the Olympics was one of the best sporting moments I have ever experienced.

My wife and I had the luck (and forward planning) to get tickets for seven sessions – ranging from the football at Hampden before the Olympics started in London and then athletics, hockey, beach volleyball, fencing and tennis during the middle week of the 14 days of sport.

Being at the first morning of athletics in the stadium was special. As 80,000 rapidly filled the venue by 10am on Friday morning, there was an air of anticipation and a buzz that we were in somewhere special. And then the events started. The qualification rounds for the long jump, the shot put, and the men’s hammer all took place during that morning and between times, the eyes of the crowds were focussed on these.

But these were, unfortunately for the athletes involved, side shows. There was only one main show that morning – the first two rounds of the heptathlon.

The 100m hurdles started it all off. The first heat got off to a blistering start with a winning time of 13.22 giving Karolina Tyminksa more than 1000 points.

As the stadium commentator said, “we knew the track was fast but more than 1000 points is superb”.

Then in heat 3 all of the runners surpassed 1000 points, including Louise Hazel!. Wow. And in heat 4, Katarine Johnson- Thompson participated, equalling her PB. The welcome she received was incredible and clearly shocked her.

But that was nothing to the cheer when Jess Ennis took her place in the last heat. Unbelievably 80,000 could make even more noise a few moments later when Jess set a world best time for the event – all of East London must have known the outcome.

And from then on, Katrina Johnson-Thompson and Jess Ennis captivated the audience. Every time they participated in the high jump, the other events came to a halt. No one could compete with the absorbing, inspiring and awesome performances, which had the audience on their feet repeatedly.

This set the tone (and volume) for the rest of the session. Lee McConnell and Christine Ohuruogu both got the ‘crowd treatment’ and as Lee told me afterwards it was astonishing – nothing from previous Olympic or Commonwealth Games could prepare her for this.

And as we know it got even better over the rest of the Games as Team GB rose to the challenges set and netted more and more medals, PBs, SBs and some world records.

The patriotic spirit was infectious and at each of the venues there was a similar reception to GB competitors.

At Wimbledon, the semi-final with Andy Murray and Laura Robson capped a glorious day on the Saturday as they played twice to get through to the final the following day.

Although my knowledge of fencing or beach volleyball is limited, the crowd cheered the Italians as they won the men’s sabre team fencing bronze medal at the Excel and with the help of some informative commentary and absorbing performances, the beach volleyball won me over as I appreciated the sporting endeavour.

Beyond the sport, much has been said of the outstanding organisation of the events, the venues and the logistics of getting us all round a city which can for the visitor be intimidating and at times unfriendly.

The 2012 Games transformed London. People shared stories on the tube and trains. Signs and Gamesmaker volunteers ensured we all had a smile and made it impossible to get lost. The sun shone and Londoners embraced the world. The Olympics was the only show in town… and it was completing absorbing.

And the answer to the questions at the start? Well I am not qualified to assess whether it was best; this was the first time I had been at the Olympics but I trust the judgement of the athletes who (almost unanimously) say yes – and showed that in their performances.

Will it have a lasting legacy? As someone involved with shaping the legacy of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games I know that much more has to happen beyond the Games themselves to generate that.

But London 2012 was inspirational and augurs well in changing sport and physical activity in the coming years. Just imagine what effect thousands and thousands of people walking for miles could have on their lives.

Getting around the Olympic Park ensured that one of the wider aims of the Olympics – getting people to engage with physical activity – could be met. Being more than a mile long, on our second day we walked well over 7 miles between venues, food stalls, along the stunning wild flower strewn pathways, and the 1.5 miles to West Ham station. Others did the same without a murmur of complaint!

Let’s hope that such engagement with physical activity and sport results in us seeing many more people of all ages taking up our sport of athletics or trying out others. Roll on Glasgow 2014 – we have much to look forward to.

Robert Rogerson is Legacy Research Coordinator for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and a member of Kirkintilloch Olympians

 

 OFFICE BEARERS SEASON 2011-2012

Honorary President: ROBERT DONALD

President: ALASTAIR MACFARLANE 7 Andrew Avenue, Lenzie, G66 5HF Tel: 0141 5781611 almacrun@btinternet.com

Immediate Past President: PETER OGDEN 16 Springhill Road Glasgow, G69 6HH Tel: 0141 7711950

Vice-President: ADA STEWART 30 Earlsburn Road, Lenzie, G66 5PF Tel: 0141 5780526 stewart2@ntlworld.com

Honorary Secretary: WILLIE DRYSDALE 6 Kintyre Wynd Carluke, ML8 5RW Tel: 01555 771 448

Honorary Treasurer: Honorary Treasurer: MIKE CLERIHEW 57 Society Road South Queensferry EH30 9XP Tel: 0131 331 2412

Membership Secretary: DAVID FAIRWEATHER 12 Powburn Crescent Uddingston, G71 7SS Tel: 01698 810575 djf@dfairweather.plus.com

Handicapper: PETER RUDZINSKI 106 Braes Avenue Clydebank. G81 1DP Tel.0141 5623416 p.rudzinski@ntlworld.com

Committee Members:

ROBERT DONALD 3 Manse Road Bearsden, G61 3PT Tel: 0141 9422971

JOHN FREEBAIRN Colzium, Stirling Road Kilsyth, G65 0PQ Tel: 01236 821678

CAMPBELL JOSS 25 Speirs Road Bearsden, G61 2LX Tel: 0141 942 0731

BMAF Delegates Alastair Macfarlane, Mike Clerihew

SAL West District Delegate Willie Drysdale

SAL Delegate at AGM Ada Stewart

Auditor George Inglis, Stewart McCrae

 

FIXTURES

OCTOBER 2012

Sun 7th SVHC/BMAF Half Marathon Champs, Kirkintilloch http://www.bvaf.org.uk/fix/fix.asp

Sun 14th BMAF 10km Champs, Ashford, Kent

Sun 21st SVHC 10km track 1:00pm. Entries to Alastair Macfarlane at almacrun@btinternet.com before Fri 19th Oct. Entry fee £2 on day SVHC AGM 2:00 pm. Coatbridge Outdoor Centre.

Sun 28th BMAF 10 Mile Championships, Tiptree

NOVEMBER 2012

Sat 10th British & Irish Masters XC Champs, Belfast

Sat 17th BMAF Cross Country Relays Derby [PROVISIONAL]

DECEMBER 2012

Sun 9th Xmas h’cap. 5.3 miles 1.30pm. Cartha Rugby Club. Pre entry Pollok Park JANUARY 2013

Sun 27th Scottish Veteran Harriers Open Masters Road Relays Strathclyde Park Motherwell 11:00am Pre entry

MARCH 2013

Tue/Sun 19/24 European Indoor, Cross-Country, Road Championships San Sebastian, Spain

MAY 2013 Wed 1st [PROVISIONAL] Snowball 4.8m road race 7:30 pm. Coatbridge Outdoor Centre. Convener Ada Stewart

Fri/Sun 24/26th EVAA Non-Stadia Championships – Upice, Czech Republic