Langdale Half Marathon 2014 Race Report

 By Sarah Burthe

Hills, hills and more hills!  The Langdale Half Marathon race has, according to the organiser’s website, the reputation of being amongst the toughest road events in the UK, with a very hilly course throughout, and with some parts of the course climbing 1:3. I’d heard good things about the race from Sadie, who ran it last year and so decided to give it a go. Surely it couldn’t be that bad? Could it?

The race takes place in the very beautiful Langdale valley in the Lake District, with the dramatic Langdale Pikes over-shadowing the start and finish. The route goes in an anti-clockwise direction starting in Great Langdale, conveniently close to the pubs for spectators (or mad runners- did see someone swigging a pint at the half way point for the marathon!), and heads through Skelwith Bridge, Chapel Style and Dungeon Ghyll before returning to Great Langdale. The weather on Saturday was pretty perfect, with cloud keeping the sun from making conditions too warm, but dry and with a light breeze. There was a good atmosphere at the start and quite a buzz as we lined up to get going, and quite a nice sedate pace at the start…which was good because I knew that there was a horrible steep hill close to the start! Indeed it wasn’t long before I was panting and wheezing my way up the steep road that head up south of Langdale, a long and evil climb that seemed to go on forever! I was pleased that I managed to run most of it, albeit at a slow pace, so all the hill training on Thursdays must be counting for something. Sadie of course powered off and the gap between us widened. I don’t think I saw her again past about mile 3. The descent on the other side was wonderful!

I seemed to be running either up or down hills for the entire course, there didn’t seem to be very much flat running at all. All the pounding up and down hills on the road certainly sapped my legs. There were three water stations on the course but water was being handed out in plastic cups- I think next time I would take my own bottle. The first time I just managed to throw the water all over my own face and realised that I couldn’t drink and run at the same time, so ended up having  to stop completely to drink, which was annoying. There was another nasty steep climb that I wasn’t expecting (I hadn’t really studied the course) coming out of Skelwith Bridge- think it was a 22% hill. It was one of the few places that I stopped to walk for a short while and eat a power gel- just as a cyclist came past and shouted “go on Penicuik! Dig deep!” to which I laughed and said that “Penicuik has had enough of hills and would like a lie down!” but it did give me a boost to start running again J

I think my favourite part was heading on the nice soft track round the back of Loughrigg Tarn, the only bit that was not on the road. With all the beech trees starting to turn golden, the Lakes was looking particularly spectacular. Coming down the steep descent into Elterwater was definitely the highlight for me, with the amazing panorama of the Langdale Pikes and Crinkle Crags looming at the head of the valley. The cloud had lifted off the tops and the crag-studded hillsides were a vibrant patchwork of colours, with pale-green grass patches of grass looking like velvet and streaks of russet bracken. Luckily I didn’t have to look at my feet too much on the way down! The final stretch along the valley was pretty undulating and was feeling really quite tired by this point- although the last couple of rises were short and not very steep, they felt like they went on forever! The final water station had a very welcome box of haribo and a couple of those definitely gave me a kick for the final stretch! I spotted Mark and Smudge (boyfriend and dog!) about 300m from the finish which also gave me a final boost and I managed a sprint finish (well at least it felt like a sprint finish, it might have been a waddle!) down the last 50m through the field to the finish line. Phew! Met up with Sadie who had finished a few minutes ahead of me.

The race was really well supported throughout with very friendly and encouraging marshalls, and there was also free massage and ice-baths to soak tired legs in at the end- we both went to soak our feet- bliss! I did feel incredibly sorry for the marathon runners- the marathon course is two laps, which is psychologically a killer. The thought of having to carry on and run back up the steep hill at the start was just horrible! And the sun was starting to come out and heat things up a bit. Still, it would certainly be a good challenge to work towards…maybe next year?! Also, having now looked at the results for the marathon I noticed that there were not very many female runners- only 25 female runners so maybe we need to boost the numbers. Very handy having the pub so close (and a very lovely boyfriend to drive me home)- very much enjoyed a post-race pint.

Sadie ran it in a time of 1:59:37 (19^th female out of 91) and I came in at 2:02:43 (28^th female), which considering the hills I was really pleased with. This was a really great race with stunning scenery- I’d definitely recommend it and would come back and do it again!

Jan and I drove down to Newcastle which took about two and a half hours. We stayed at the Cairn Hotel which was quite good and only about a twenty minute walk to the start line. We had a great meal at the Italian restaurant Zizzi to fill up on pasta before heading back to sort out our kit for the race. It was quite a lively Saturday night in Newcastle, which was rubbish since we couldn’t have beer! We looked forward to a cold finishing beer the next day though. 

In the morning everybody was up first thing for breakfast. I was pleased I took my Weetabix with me as they had nothing I was used to before race day. This was great with a sliced up banana. We headed down the road to the start line which was very busy with 57,000 runners all putting their bags into the drop off buses, to be driven to the finish line at South Shields. We got to the start line in plenty time and had a short warm up with the instructor getting everybody to do all sorts of warm up exercises, most of which were impossible to do when you’re shoulder to shoulder in a pen. It was a lovely sunny day but not too hot, the crowds were fantastic for the full 13.1 miles with lots of hand slapping going on as the runners passed. I remember this from my 2011 run but I had forgotten the route was mostly a gradual uphill climb to South Shields. We started off at good pace and wanted to keep it going as long as I could as I was hoping to get a PB. As there was little flat before another gradual hill, it started to take it’s toll on my legs after my previous week’s 22 mile training run for the York Marathon in October. However with a lot of motivation from Jan who was as fresh as ever, we ran on keeping positive about a PB time for myself, not planning on matching Jan’s Edinburgh half time. Running the 2011 race I noticed the crowd a lot more, but this time the race was a bit more of a blur as I pushed on as hard as I could. It was great to see the sea at mile 11 or so, and there was a great downhill short stretch. Jan and I both went into downhill fell racing mode and outstretched our arms, leaning forward for a fast run down the hill, much to the crowd’s amusement. There was then a long flat stretch along the coast to the finish line where the crown were once more fantastic for cheering everybody on. Jan and I then held our hands in the air together for a 1:41:44 finishing time. We picked up our goody bag with medal, T-Shirt etc and then headed to Jan’s charity tent. They were great and we had sandwiches and a Mars bar there before heading down to a great pub by the beach at South Shields for a much appreciated cold beer by the seaside. There was about a half hour wait at the Metro station to get the train back to Newcastle which wasn’t bad considering the numbers coming from the race. It’s good to spend some time in South Shields to avoid the long waiting times right after the race.

We headed back to the hotel for a shower and then out for a fantastic steak at Cafe Rouge to regenerate the muscles. We were really surprised that the town was very quiet. Almost all of the 57,000 runners and family all just go home after the race. The bars around the centre were very quiet too, quite disappointing when we were expecting a crazy Newcastle night out. I had some great local Newcastle ales down at the Quayside area of town though before heading back to the hotel a little worse for wear.

Hi folks, I hope you get this as I’m not really in to this techie stuff, but here goes.

Saturday 6th September 2014 A big turnout of around about 2500 runners at the 1st Scottish Half Marathon in East Lothian. The weather was ideal for the race, very light winds not too sunny, starting at Meadowmill Sports Centre, just outside Prestonpans. I met fellow Harrier Sadie at start in one of the colour coded pens. The run started in waves at 11am sharp heading out to Longniddry through village back streets then out on to main road to Gosford House turning on the road and heading back along Longniddry Bents coast road to Port Seaton and Cockenzie then through Prestonpans following the Edinburgh Marathon route to the finish at Musselburgh Race Course main Stadium. A reasonable turn out of spectators especially in Prestonpans where the locals like at the Marathon handed out jelly babies to the runners. Plenty water and gel stations along course and a better finish in the stadium than at Pinkie Park for the Marathon as the spectators had a chance to see runners come in to the finish.Good medal and finishers goody bag and tech top t shirt on completion, great to see Sadie waiting at finish for me as well.Good PB potential on a flat course.Results are

Sadie Kemp 1:41:59Tracy Philp 1:50:28

She stepped in a puddle right up to her middle and never went there again! Well it was actually a bog anf it went up to my neck and I haven’t decided if I’ll go there again… Think Vicar of Dibley puddle sketch where she goes right in, well that’s what I did when I tried to step on some bright green moss to get me over a bog, poor Chris had to pull me out whilst not falling in himself!

Banddingsgill Round Race, 11 miles round the hills that surround the reservoir, 8 hills but you don’t hit the top of all of them.  Beautiful route with 63 starters (all looking far too speedy) 5 of them being Penicuik Harriers. The ground was not as ‘runnable’ for me as had been suggested it would be, it was very marshy and energy sapping and then in other places very tussocky and heathery.  I was very lucky to have lovely Chris who was taking it easy with his 24th Ben Nevis Race in 2 weeks time and he did all the navigating but I think I did my fair share of the chatting he didn’t have to do all that.

Beautiful views back over to ‘our Pentlands’ from the top of East Cairn and just the most beautiful day for running.  The race reminded me of Dollar especially the lovely downhill at the end, nice that these hills that we go up do come down too – to quote Stu ‘Hill racing would be very boring of it was flat’ 🙂

Thanks for the lift Rob, thanks for the compass and being my chaperone Chris and thanks Stu for the cramp excitement when you got out of the car!!!

Great race but would recommend wearing a divers mask and a wetsuit though 🙂

Finishing order: Stu, Rob, Mike, Chris & Susie.

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By Sarah Burthe
This was only my second hill race (the first being North Berwick Law a week or so ago) and this is my first race report, so can feel smug this week about trying out new things! I live in Peebles so this race was on my local patch and part of the route was one of my regular runs with the dog (not that this seemed to help me run very fast!). This was a new race organised by the Moorfoot running club and 40 runners took part. Turn out by the harriers was good, with Mike, Sadie, Michael and me running.

The race was 6km in length and a good introduction to some of the fantastic hill and trail running on offer in Peebles and the Borders. I may be biased, since I live here, but I think Peebles offers outstanding running, and even after having lived here for five years, I am still finding new routes and exciting places to run. Maybe one weekend I will organise a club trail run to show some of the routes off! Hanging around at the start was pretty chilly, the rain starting about 5 minutes before the race was due to begin… which meant for a bit of shivering in vest and shorts! Wind and rain is a bit of a shock after all the lovely sunny weather we have had lately, though was actually lovely to run in once we got going. The route started on the outskirts of the town, just where the John Buchan Way heads off into the hills. This meant a start straight up the hill, which I found pretty tough!

There was quite a bit of silent cursing and questioning why I was putting myself through this on the first ascent (silent because I had no breath to do anything but wheeze a lot), as I watched Sadie disappearing off ahead of me, before some lovely flatter undulating terrain and a nice long descent before the main hill. I was pretty far towards the back by this point (think I need to work more on my uphill running!) but relieved to not be last. The route up the main hill was very steep so most folk were walking. Saw Michael hurtling down the hill as I was about three quarters of the way up. Bit of a shame there was no chance to enjoy the summit- the wind and rain were howling up there and I got down again as soon as possible. I really appreciated the enthusiasm of the poor marshalls on the summit, who offered kind words of encouragement despite the fact that they must have been freezing!

The route was appropriately named as “the rollercoaster”- there was a lovely big descent, followed by another long ascent and then a whole series of really fun undulating bumps to run over before the final descent down to the finish. I actually felt like I was getting into my stride after about 5km and started over taking people on the last km, then felt like I wanted to carry on running by the finish. Maybe I could try a slightly longer race next time (or do a better warm up!). Fabulous race- think I could get addicted to this hill running lark… though maybe not as much as Sadie who courageously went on to run the Lomonds race the next day!

Results were as follows:

Results were as follows:
Mike Brooks 13th in a time of 32:38
Michael Greens 27th in a time of 40:04
Sadie Kemp 30th in a time of 41:22
Sarah Burthe 32nd in a time of 42:05

At 16kms and 800m of climb, the Lomonds of Fife hill race is a relatively tough mid distance race. This year the route was a little different (highlighted in red) due to logging activities, so the route was a tad longer at 17kms.

http://www.scottishhillracing.co.uk/RaceDetails.aspx?RaceID=RA-0196

Lomonds route and slight diversion

Having slightly pulled my right calf at training on Thursday (ironically I had not ran Caerketton so I could rest my legs!), I was in 2 minds whether I should run. In the end, having missed enough races due to pulled calf muscles this year, I decided to “be more dog!”.

Chris D volunteered to drive up and we were joined by Sadie who had already ran Caerketton (Wednesday) AND the Cademuir Rollercoaster the day before. Maybe all those tattoos gives her the feeling of invisibility. Tough as nails that lass!

The start of the race is ca. 2 kms south of Strathmiglo along a tarmac path into the woodland on the lower northern slopes of the Lomonds. The results are not out yet, but there was at least 100 runners, all constrained along a meter wide path. At 1pm when the race should have started, the organisers wanted to count everybody through from 1 upwards, so all that initial jostling to get close to the start line on such a constrained path was completely buggered up. Basically, if you had a larger number (we were in the 130s), you were stuck nearer the back – no matter how good/bad you were.

I think the race finally started around 1.20. The forecast was for showers to come in around 3pm although there was a little drizzle at the beginning. However, overall the weather was very good, very little rain, quite a bit of sun (therefore very warm), but a stiff westerly wind, which really only hit you on the peaks. I was all set – new running shoes (a fox had taken one of my other ones), new lycra shorts to facilitate the descent off West Lomond, 2 muesli bars and half a litre of water.

The first 2 kms is relatively fast forest track, but due to my calf, I decide to go “all sensible” and took it easy. This did not help and my calf started pulling quite early on. Uh ho! I did not want to pull out of yet another race so I battled on being very frustrated at all the places I seemed to be haemorrhaging. Once out onto the open ridge between East and West Lomond, I settled into a steady minor hobble. The climb up East Lomond was really tough – the steep gradient really put a strain on the calf and I was just waiting to hear a snapping sound. However, I somehow made it up and then turned around for the descent. This was perhaps the ONLY enjoyable part of the race for me. The calf did not hurt at all and finally I disengaged gears and brain and flew down the steep slope passing a load of people. On hitting the level track below however, I was back to my rather bizarre hobbling technique. Hopefully I did not look too deformed as I waved to Sadie and Chris who were together at that point.

Once we passed the check point at the remains of Maiden Castle, the path contours along the upper northern slopes of the Lomonds. It is a thin and uneven track but is generally easy running. It was along this section that I started feeling tired. I could not understand this at all. I had only been running for an hour or so – and at a slower pace than normal! Starting to stumble, I managed to get the “bite” in the cliff (Craigen Gaw) where the final ascent up West Lomond begins. This is the steepest part of the race. Not only was I exhausted by this time but my calf was now screaming. I almost went up on my knees – very tempting. Above the cliff, the route flattens out a little over boggy ground before the final ascent. I started chomping on my muesli bars – I should have done this earlier. I was about 1:27 into the race but already felt that my legs were not behaving well at all. However, somehow I did manage to pass a couple of people going up the final ascent – maybe they were suffering as well.

The descent off West Lomond is rather special. Basically, there is a thin grassy shoot between the dolerite cliffs which is very steep – so much so in fact, that it is basically impossible to run down and quicker to slide down on your backside – hence the lycra shorts under my running shorts. This is vital to stop mud, grass etc entering your nether regions. So – I flew down, passing several people again. The problem being that finally my legs gave up and cramped. So here’s me sliding down with my legs bending in all sorts of strange directions and me thinking (between grunts of pain), shit – how do I stop now. Somehow I did come to a stop. I managed to stand but in rather a lot of pain and then had to wait until my legs stabilised – losing those places I had just gained. Finally, I managed to continue my stumbling descent. Awful. Steep uneven terrain with my leg muscles rippling all over the place trying to cramp up again.

Finally, I managed to stagger round the Bannet Stane (wind eroded sandstone lump) and with 3kms to go until the finish I started the final ascent back up the same bloody slope I had just come down – luckily not back to the top. I would not have made it. This was a slow affair. I was busying finishing off my muesli bars and drank the last of my water in the hope that some miniscule amount of energy might enter my legs. Alas not. The route basically takes the lower slopes of the Lomonds back to the start/finish. There are a couple of route options with respect to the rock avalanche below Craigen Gaw. This rock fall occurred in 1928 – creating Craigen Gaw – and one can go down early and traverse across the rocky/gauzy run out zone below, or stay high and traverse the steeper upper slopes. I decided to try the high route this year. I still believe this is the quicker of the two options as you can follow the sheep tracks, but alas with legs that were not behaving, this was a rather stumbling mess. However, I somehow managed to get down to enter the wood for the last 1.5 kms “sprint” to the finish. Unfortunately, the style over the fence did me in and I wasted more time trying to settle my legs after they cramped when climbing over.

The final 1.5kms was a rather uneventful slow jog of managing extremely exhausted legs. I somehow crossed the line, did not stop and grumpily walked back to the village hall where I knew a cup of tea and a scone was waiting. Sorry to Chris and Sadie for not waiting.

So – what on earth happened. I have not cramped in such spectacular style since the early days of me running the Skyline. Here are some ideas:

1. my new shoes may have been on too tight, cutting some circulation off – my left foot did go to sleep fairly early on. This happened when I bought the same pair back at Yetholm however, so not 100% sure this would have been the cause.

2. I definitely ate less than I usually do – perhaps underestimating how hard the race would be. I blame this on Andrea as she is away in Canada and her sandwiches cannot be replicated.

3. I ran most of the Skyline last Sunday so perhaps my legs were feeling that 3 hr run but I did not feel tired at the beginning and had rested most of the week.

4. Maybe because of my right calf and I was running in a rather odd way, I was simply using my leg muscles in a subtly different way than normal and they tired more quickly than normal.

Whatever the case, it was a pretty horrible race for me. Despite this, I still completed in 2:04, only 8 minutes slower than my PB of 1:56. So not a disaster I guess, especially as the route was a little longer. Last time my knees were in a bad state, so I know I can do much better on this race. Roll on next year although I first need to decide whether to rest or run next weekend!

Rob

This is my first race report for the Harriers; it’s going to be short on route detail (as I was so focused on just getting up the hill!), but here goes!

Sadie, Michael and I travelled together to Hillend, and met up with Andrea and Chris, Rob also joining us (although saving his legs for the Lomonds of Fife), to give us his support and take photos. It was a nice dry night, although a wee bit chilly. The junior race was already on, so off up the hill we went to warm up. At this point, I was as usual getting a bit nervous, especially surrounded by lots of serious hill running types. As a newbie to hill races, I always feel slightly terrified at the start, and the Steading Pub was within tempting walking distance. We saw the juniors coming in to the finish, watched their prize giving, and as there were a couple of tiny runners at the back, we had a slightly delayed start. After we’d cheered in the little ‘uns, we were off!

I felt quite comfortable to start with, as we ran up the grassy track and then onto the steeper slope (at this point, details become vague for me, as I just follow the person in front). I managed to keep running for a while, and then it was hands on knees walking, pretty much following everyone else’s example. The Harriers were quite close together and all making good progress up the hill. It was good to have some support from Rob halfway up, even if he was taking unflattering photos!

As we got to the first ‘summit’, I began to feel my legs failing, but I was trying to keep in mind that this was a short race (and that the kids had managed to run a good part of the route earlier!), and I managed a bit of running on and off until I reached the top cairn and started the descent.

At this stage, I felt I was managing quite well and was trying to keep up with the runner in front, with the hope of passing her (that was never going to happen). Not long after turning, I met Chris, Michael, Andrea and Sadie coming up. For a change, I felt more comfortable running downhill and had enough confidence to speed up. Well, there was my mistake! Talk about timing – as I passed Rob with his camera, I managed to lose my footing completely and tumble over several times…and got back up. Phew – ‘I’m not hurt, I can keep going’ I thought! So off I went, trying to catch up with that elusive runner in front. This plan was going well…until I fell again; my feet just came out from under me and I landed on my behind on a big sharp rock. I did swear – several times, and another poor runner offered to stop and help me down the hill, but the horror of ruining someone else’s race would have been worse than the humiliation of falling again (twice – in one short race?!). I managed to pull myself together, having watched runners pass me while I sat on my bum, and run (rather slower than before) down the last part of the hill to the finish. As usual, I forgot to stop my watch, as I was too busy trying not to cry like a baby ( not with emotion, just a very sore butt).

I saw my fellow Harriers come in, and was glad to have their chat to distract me! Thanks to Rob for those ‘lovely’ pictures too . Great race, good atmosphere, well organised and results out quickly! (Also proud owner of a ‘map of the world’ type bruise on my behind:-)).

Results: http://www.scottishhillracing.co.uk/RaceResults.aspx?RaceID=RA-0090&Year=2014

64th 26:48 Gill

77th 28:24 Michael

79th 28:32 Chris

80th 29:01 Andrea

89th 30:42 Sadie

I decided at the last minute to enter this race. I phoned Paddy in the morning and he assured me that if I turned up I would get a place, so off I went to Haddington in my little car, I arrived quite early and got my number then headed off to buy some water and flapjack. The weather was lovely, quite sunny with a little breeze to keep us cool. I bumped into a few fellow harriers before the race and had time for a chat and even to read my book for a while. Feeling organised shortly before the race I went to take my sandals off and put my trainers on, this is when I realised my socks were back at the car. I dashed off and soon after I was at the start line with my fellow harriers, relieved to have got there before the starting gun went off. The race takes an undulating route through the countryside around Haddington and there are plenty of water stations along the way. We all got a medal and there were sandwiches and cakes on offer at the finish.
The results:
19 01:21:59 mark snodgrass
107 01:38:52 michael mccomb
184 01:49:37 sadie kemp
194 01:51:05 tracy philp
278 02:20:17 rachel McGavin

The nine in the title doesn’t refer to kms or miles, if only, but Munros !!, these ones

1. Creag Leacach
2. Glas Maol
3. Cairn of Claise
4. Tom Buidhe
5. Tolmount
6. Carn an Tuirc
7. Carn Aosda
8. Carn a Gheoidh
9. Cairnwell

21 miles and 6000 feet of ascent.They must be completed in order, other than that, you can take any route you like.

I had fancied this one for a while. The really long ones don’t really suit me, but hey you’ve got to tick them of.

Not having done any formal training for a while with the baton commitments, I really was uncertain about how it would go.

I saw that Alan Thornburrow had entered and made the decision to give it a go.

MWIS forecast had improved marginally from earlier in the week, I was worried as there are ample opportunities, to go seriously wrong and get properly lost in the middle of nowhere.

Alan and I headed up with much trepidation, and registered at the Ski Station

Had the usual briefing, and safety warning with a wee aside about lightening in the area.

I was really nervous, I knew if I got round it would probably be between 4.40-5.00 a hell of a long day in the mountains, but my main objective was just to finish it.

Its Probably the toughest on the calendar, reckon only similar would be Arrochar Alps and Jura

Weather was initially very kind with perfect what I like to call goldilocks conditions not to hot not to cold. The first six are on the east side of the A 93, very varied ground, surprisingly bogey in bits A lot of boulderly summits which made it hard going, after number six there is a long descent back to road then the remaining three.

I reached the checkpoint in about 2.50 with a 3.30 cut of.

Over the road and up the near vertical heather clad Carn Aosda.An absolute beast major cramp, in lower left leg and foot, even tried to go backward to relieve it. After what seemed like a prolonged torture session made the summit asked marshall, point in general direction of No 8 it seemed absolutely miles away furthest on the horizon. Then the weather came in, biblical rain all the worse as at that height your in the cloud. I tried to put my jacket on and for the life of me it wouldn’t go on and went into complete rant mode as a three or four runners came past, it would have looked hilarious I’m sure if somebody had managed to film it.

Thankfully the clag cleared slightly to get a view of the last summit, up that and then straight down n the line of the ski lift, to the finish, hallelujah

Well knackered, bumped into Alan at the café unfortunately timed out missed the cut of by about 10 mins, still a hell of an effort.

57^th 4 hrs.55 min 87 finished out of 107 starters

First hill race ever for me!  I’ve been psyching myself up to tackling something of a more vertical nature, and picked this wee beast because it’s a short distance (4.8km), and they allow 10 year olds to take part.  How hard can it be?!

Very.

On waking up to torrential rain, I was somewhat uneasy about the event.  However, the rain cleared, and we arrived to find North Berwick bathed in late afternoon sunshine, looking marvellous!  Registration was quick and easy, though I put that down to arriving just after it opened for business.  Closer to the start time, the queue was down the street.  I found fellow Harriers Sadie, Michael, Gillian, Chris, and Sarah milling about the harbour, and we spend the last 20mins before the race chattering and feeling nervous.  Well, I felt nervous anyway!

The start gun sounded and suddenly we were off!  Straight away you head uphill from the harbour, up the main street, and into the park.  Cutting across the park, I had to remind myself to slow down otherwise I’d quickly run out of juice.  Although this definitely was a sprint, not a marathon, I knew I’d crumble if I went all out too early.  I lost sight of the other Harriers early on (speedy folks, these Harriers!), so concentrated on finding a pace I could maintain.

After the park, and a more level run through a more residential area, we were into the parkland that surrounds the base of the Law, and then quickly onto the single track path up the Law itself.  There was no easing into this: you were relatively flat, and then you were going up at a very steep gradient.  Although I stopped running at this point, I maintained a good ‘pounding’ pace; quicker than walking, but not quite trotting.  I did get a bit frustrated at being stuck behind some slower competitors, not their fault, but as I say that track did not allow for easy overtaking.  I got past people where I could, and was surprised at how quickly I reached the top.  I guess when your head is down, and you’re concentrating on not stopping, and keeping breathing, you just get it done.  We collected bands from marshalls at the top (which proved we’d made it), and then it was on to the descent.  I think the views were beautiful, but honestly, I didn’t really lift my eyes long enough to take it in.

The descent.  Oh my days!  I don’t have a lot of experience in steep running descents, but this seemed pretty serious to me, and while I’d have loved to have simply hurtled down the slopes (like some mad HBT runners that passed me on their way down), I was too afraid for my ankles to throw caution completely to the wind.  The rain had made the mud slippy in places, and a few folk definitely bit the dust.  The rocks, however, were dry, and I was thankful I’d put my trail shoes on rather than my road runners, as I stuck easily to the rock, and was able to pick up the pace a bit.  I saw Sarah on the descent, and tried to match her pace.  Not sure where everyone else was, ahead of me somewhere!

I felt great on the descent, confident I’d left enough in the tank for a speedy sprint home, but this was misguided.  The gradient of the hill gave me a lot of momentum, but when I hit the flatter sections I really had to fight to keep going.  My legs felt heavier than they have ever done (hello lactic acid!), and I felt really quite sick at one point.  However, the spectators were really great at providing encouragement, and I slogged on to the park, from where it really was all downhill!  A few shouts of “Come on, Penicuik!” from the marshalls helped even more.  The best part of the entire race, though, was running through the park gates and into the High Street.  Hundreds of spectators had gathered, all of them were cheering, and there was even a pipe band playing!  I think this was coincidence rather than planned, but at this point I just started feeling goosebumpy and smiley, and willed my legs to run the last few hundred metres to the finish.

Finish I did, and was handed a medal, and traded my band from the top of the hill for the best bottle of water ever.  It had been a very hot run, and my face felt like (and resembled) a Belisha beacon.  I met up with the other Harriers, who all looked similarly pleased, and then met some runner friends from other clubs for a well earned chippy and bottle of Coke (ok, not the best recovery I know, but it WAS North Berwick!)

This was such a fun event, the community of North Berwick were brilliant, and I felt the organisation was spot on.  Not sure about official results, or where or when these might be released, so watch this space.  I reckon I was somewhere in the 30min mark, give or take a few on either side.  Thanks to fellow Harriers for the encouragement, and to Susie for loaning me her vest!  Wearing the Harriers colours did make me feel part of something really quite wonderful, and who knows, maybe I’ll even do another hill run 🙂

There’s a reason why I got nominated (by Rob) to write this race report………let me enlighten you all 🙂

It was 6.00 am in the morning.  I had a trip to make to Middlesborough and back, with my work, and then I had the Newtyle Hill Race to look forward to………..I was super hyper.  I was getting the bug for hill races in nice weather 🙂 I headed out for the day, to whizz around my appointments and get back.  Gillian was picking me up at Hillend at 5.25 pm, along with Sadie and Stuart who were coming along also.  Rob had decided to make his own way there.  We headed off in the Perth (not Australia) direction.  Newtyle Hill race is at the Loch of the Lowes in Dunkeld.  The race is 7.8km long, and Newtyle Hill is 300m in height. The race was at 7.30 pm and we arrived in plenty of time.  Rob was in the car park by the time we arrived, and had already registered.  Registration was at the Taybank Pub, in Dunkeld.  As the weather was warm and sunny, people were sitting out in the beer garden.  But not us, no way……….we were ready to race!  Registration was quick, with the usual count of runners, nervous chat, stomach churning etc, etc.

The race starts approx a 5 minute walk from the Taybank Pub in Dunkeld.  It starts at an area known by the locals, as “the field”.  Adrian Davis, the event organiser, had given us our briefing before the race.  I had printed out the maps and distributed them to the other harriers.  Adrian advised that the route wasn’t marshalled, but was marked out with bits of red and white tape every 15 metres or so.  My head was in overdrive mode at this point, because I was only half listening to the brief, due to those nerves that I get in every race.  Also, I was only half scanning the map……….big mistake.  It’s a pretty fast hill race, more cross country I would say, with good trails through woods and on undulating roads.  The hill is saved until the end, when you’re a bit tired.  We lined up at “the field”………..there were approx 40 runners.  We were off……….running as fast as we could, through forest, trails, paths, Dunkeld Golf Course, and then on to Newtyle Hill.  Stuart was off like lightning, followed by Rob.  Gillian was now out of sight, and Sadie was right behind me.  As I was climbing the hill, Stuart came down, followed by Rob.  I greeted them with a High 5, and carried on up the hill.  Boy I wish I was on the descent, I thought.  I got to the top, and took a quick glance.  There was a fantastic view of the village Birnam, and the bridge over the River Tay.  Beautiful.  As I started to descend, there were approx 10 runners just behind me, including Sadie.  I said hi, and headed on down the hill as fast as I could.  Then I was on my own 🙁

When you’re new to hill races, you don’t think about taking the map out, that you’ve neatly tucked into your shorts.  You just think about running as fast as you can, and trying to catch some fellow runners. Plus I hadn’t been paying attention to anything on the way to the foot of the hill, because I was so preoccupied of placing my feet correctly, without twisting my ankle. I was trying to follow the red and white tape, but was then getting worried why I hadn’t seen anybody for about a mile or so.  I was kind of hoping that Sadie was right behind me……….why didn’t I wait for her at the top??  Why did I head off on my own??  It suddenly dawned on me that I was well and truly lost………what a muppet!!  I ran up and down wrong routes for another couple of miles, then I saw a house in the distance……..result, I thought……..civilization.  I knocked on the door, and a nice man answered.  I explained that I was lost, and had been running a hill race, and asked if he knew where “the field” was.  He said that there were plenty of fields around………..don’t think he quite knew what I meant.  He said I could just go the easy way back, and follow the main road……….but I wanted to finish the race……….so he pointed me in the right direction.  I eventually spotted some red and white tape, and I was back on track.  It was starting to get dark, and I was dressed in just my shorts and harriers vest………..plus I was starting to get cold. No phone with me, no whistle, no bum bag, no extra layer……….a true muppet!  I was tired.

Meanwhile, back at “the field”, everyone had finished the race and were having sandwiches and drinks.  The presentations were happening.  Gillian won 3rd lady and got some beer as her reward, but my fellow harriers didn’t stay for the presentations as they had all headed back out towards the hill to look for me.  I was starting to wonder if I would ever make it back to the finish.  I had covered 12.8km, and the race was 7.8km.  Having travelled 600 km by car the same day, I was kind of getting fed up counting km’s!!  As I was near the finish, this man and his daughter had also come to search for the missing harrier……….I caught glimpse of them and was so pleased to see them.  I asked if I was last (stupid question), and he said yes.  I passed them, and shouted out that I would never make it in Celebrity Jungle…….he chuckled.  Even when my head is down, I still have my humour 🙂  I ran to the finish……….there was no finish………everyone had gone home, apart from Adrian.  My fellow team mates were out searching for me.  I got in Adrian’s car to go look for them, and just as I did, I saw Gillian and Sadie heading towards me.  I’ve never been happier to see anyone as much in my entire life!!  They phoned Rob and Stuart, and we were all reunited again.  A happy ending.  I had a lot of apologising to do, and a lot of appreciation and thanks to give out.  They are my true mates and were extremely supportive…………especially when I felt so embarrassed.

It was a beautiful hill race, on a beautiful day, one that I hope to do again (but not until I have done a course on navigation and map reading).

Newtyle Hill Race may have beaten me yesterday, but it hasn’t broken me……….see you in 2015 Newtyle 🙂

Thanks to Rob, Stuart, Gillian and Sadie………..well done for completing the hill race and well done to Gillian (aka mountain goat) for 3rd lady.

At 7.2km long and 330m high, this was my kind of hill! Having previously done Tinto, Red Moss Kips race and Largo Law, I knew that this one would be for me. I met Rob at his house in Penicuik, to discover that it was just him and I running this one………Andrea had to work late. No pressure for me then………having to keep up with the Robster hill legend! We set off by car with our Maoam’s in plentiful supply. It was a beautiful day, about 23c and warm at approx 5.00pm……….it was a roaster 🙂

The journey to Muirkirk was beautiful, even with Rob’s fast driving, and the conversation was flowing. We arrived in Muirkirk in time for our 7.00pm race, and in time for a much needed toilet stop. Race registration was the usual for me……..stomach churning, quickly count the number of fellow runners, talk like a budgie to everyone and anyone in the vicinity because I’m full of nervous energy, ask if it’s going to be marshalled, and say over and over in your head “please don’t let me be last”. The Cairn Table Hill Race runs from the village of Muirkirk to the peak of Cairntable, one of the highest hills in Ayrshire, and back again.  Out and back hill races are my favourite hill races, as my navigation skills are a lot to be desired (that’s another story).

About 50 runners lined up at the start. We were off. It was a fast start, and as usual I tried to keep up with the proper hill runners…………not the wisest decision. The first mile was very boggy in sections (as I discovered big time), with a series of wooden duck boards and bridges to ease progress over the worst of the mud. For some reason, I never found these wooden boards or bridges 🙂 Most of the rest of the route is on good paths, which get rockier as you reach the summit. The summit is topped with a huge cairn, triangulation pillar and direction indicator. Rob passed me on the downhill, as I was making my way up the hardest bit of the hill………..I think I was walking, but as soon as I seen Rob’s purple and white vest tearing towards me, I started to run (to look cool). I reached the top, glanced at the Isle of Arran and Ben Lomond in the distance, and then got myself ready for my favourite bit of any hill race……….the downhill section. After flying down the hill I arrived at the finish line, was greeted by Rob and his smiley face, and given a medal and a bottle of water for my efforts. I can recommend this hill race to everyone…………the views are to die for at the top, especially on a roaster of a day that we had the pleasure of getting 🙂

Race results to follow (once they’re posted)

If you are looking for some useful facts on the actual route then sorry, jog on, as they say. I’m truly hazy on the race details, but feelings? I’m brimming over with them.

The race started and ended in Loretto Playing Fields and felt well organised. I had received an email with my number a few days before the race – although I know others did not- so registration was pretty quick and seamless. After registration, I wrestled with attaching my number to my vest and then attaching a small electronic chip to the front of my trainer. Once that was done I was good to go – or at least – good to wait. I had turned up almost an hour and a half early. To other newbies I say, don’t arrive too early. It was far too long to hang around with my tummy playing host to a kaleidoscope of butterflies, surrounded by seriously fit looking people in athletics club vests. I was relieved to see some friendly faces arrive: Amy and Tracy, then Julie and Lou. Dave also joined our merry band and it was great to chat and relax before the start of the race. I will be forever grateful to Amy for pointing out the handy drawstring in the waistband of my new shorts as I loudly complained I would have to pull them up to my ears like Simon Cowell to keep them from falling down. All the gear and no idea, right enough.

Wardrobe malfunctions aside, the starting gun sounded and we were off. We ran around the playing field and down the prom towards Portobello then looped back. From then the route is a slight blur. I know there was a river.

Earlier on, I had observed to Amy and Tracy that wearing a Harriers vest felt like being a learner driver in the front seat of a Porsche. Too many expectations from others! I was probably over egging it a little (who moi?) but at around 3km, a voice did say: “Come on Penicuik, don’t let a codger like me pass you,” as the self-proclaimed codger in the Portobello Running Club vest did indeed sail pass me. He was having none of my protestations of being new at this game and quite rightly so. He kindly suggested I could fall in behind him but I couldn’t keep up. I think at this point, I was running slightly too fast and was rewarded for this foolishness with a furious stitch that lasted until about 7km. I took Dave’s sterling advice from the Tuesday before and ran with my arms above my head to try and ease it, whilst hoping that I had not fallen for a running club coach’s equivalent of sending me on a message to buy some tartan paint.

Once the stitch eased off, something miraculous happened: I started to pass people. I even looked for the kind Portobello Club Vest Codger to see if I could catch up with him. No such luck as I could see he was already on the other side of the river. At this point a marshal shouted, “come on you lot, you look far too comfortable,” and this was really helpful as it made me think, can I go faster? I decided I could. Before I knew it, I could see the 9km sign then we ran back into the Playing Fields. I got into a wee passing game with a different Portobello Running Club chap (there was a lot of them about) but I finally sprinted past him as I heard the Harriers shouting for me. What a fantastic feeling. I immediately got torn into my free Di Rollo ice cream and necked the bottle of water that was in the goody bag.

The atmosphere at the race was really positive and relaxed; there was a fabulous big spread of sandwiches and cakes, teas, coffees and juice. Happy days. I really would recommend this race for someone who is new to running races as it was fairly small and felt like a good mixture of running club types and, you know, real people. It also felt family-friendly and there were plenty of spots along the route for people to shout encouragement.

I’m pretty sure it was PBs all round for the Harriers and my official finish time was 52:40. I was really delighted with this for about half an hour until I started wondering if I could’ve been quicker. I’m seeing this as a positive sign that the ol’ running races bug has bitten.

Race results as follows:-

Amy           95th         43:56
Tracy        140th         47:28
Louyse      155th        49:03
Ezmie       191st        52:40
Julie          212th        54:28

It was PB’s all round for the girls!

Big thank you to Dave, and family, for their support on the day…….it is so appreciated 🙂

Brilliant race – so well organised and we struck lucky with the weather. An all girl turn out from the club!

The grass sections I must say made me feel like I was wearing lead boots.

After my bad year with injuries etc I set myself an ambustious target of getting under 50 minutes and did so. So inspired I went home and immediately entered the Frankfurt Marathon on 26 October (14 weeks and counting!). I couldn’t do the Loch Ness this year as I have to accompany my 13 year old daughter to The Vamps in Glasgow. Roll on her 14th birthday and she can go on her own.

Sorry but can’t do the Haddington Half. I registered and only then realised that hubbie and me are off to London to the hallowed grounds of Umpton Park to see West Ham United play. Still in the Premiership. Their theme song is “we’re always blowing bubbles” which ends with the lines “but they fade away and die”. Kind off sums up West Hams playing. But Atleast they usually finish mid table. Hubbie has been a massive fan all his life – indeed it was West Ham that won the World Cup! Anyhow this is their last season at Umpton Park as they move next year to the Olympic Stadium. Come on you Hammers.

My hubbie has some video snipets of us running at Musselburgh. He wasn’t just some random guy who really favoured the Harriers. Not sure how to up load these to our site. Any suggestions?

Cheers

Lou x