Carnethy Hill Running Club

HITS
since
16/08/06

Next handicap will be Red Moss in June

17th May 2012
Eddleston Handicap - Wed 16th May

The second in the series. It looked unpromising but the leaden sky relented and by the end of the race it was quite a mellow evening. Last run 2 years ago; on that occasion there was a snowfall on the summit just as the race started so maybe the weather wasn't worse this time. A wide spread of runners mostly read the map correctly though Charlotte went haring off in the wrong direction on the descent, followed by one or two others. They would have benefited from a copy of Bill's meticulously compiled map that was almost 1:1 scale. Matt was fashionably late and Oz went... we know not where but he returned eventually. There should be a prize for the most exotic fall, which must be the forward roll and back onto the feet without a pause executed in the boggy bit of the lower field in the speediest part of the descent - though there would be stiff competition from Charlotte, who tripped herself up and went flying in the car park before the race, and Fraser who tripped over Gordon and went sprawling as he launched himself into the run. Another prize for the most inventive number - Patricia's 1026 - which was her handicap time and very easy to find and enter on the start list.
First back and taking full advantage of his generous handicap after a bad run at Boghall, was Andy Spenceley - his first handicap win for 15 years (at Carlops in 1997) and only 3rd ever in the 24 years the handicap series has been held. Winning a handicap is obviously not a once in a blue moon phenomenon, it is much rarer than that - so take your chance when you can! Iain Gilmore finished soon after, with the fastest run (to be confirmed) being John Hammond, just in front in Andrew Gilmore, Adam Ward and Steven Fallon.
Thanks to handicapper Phil, organiser Shane and finish timers Willy & Ronnie, whose task is always harder when the handicapper gets it right! Good fun and food afterwards in the Tusitala. Results to follow. More pics
Digby
15th May 2012
Cheshire Sandstone Trail Race

8:15 am on Saturday morning found me deep in rural England with 190 other runners on the start line for the Cheshire Sandstone Trail Race. This is the second year of the race which runs for 33.3 miles from Whitchurch in Shropshire to Frodsham on the Mersey. After a 3 mile warm up along a canal the course traverses some pleasant rolling farmland, although less pleasant where the numerous cows and 4 days of rain had turned the fields into a sticky swamp. However the majority of the race follows a sandstone escarpment with good runable sandy trails, woods, forests and views to Wales in the west or the Pennines in the east with plenty of undulations giving a total of 3,700 foot of climbing. After about 26 miles I ended up running on my own for several miles with only the odd cow, squirrels and the cheerful drinks station helpers for company. I reached the finish after 5 hours 39 minutes in 16th position and first Scottish runner to finish (and only one to start actually), although rather overshadowed by the winner’s 4:10, a new course record. Definitely worth doing if you are in the area.
Phil Young
13th May 2012
Michael leaves Peebles on last leg of run and completes his run at The Royal Edinburgh Hospital

A big crowd turned out at The Royal Edinburgh Hospital to see Michael and the entourage he had gathered en route from Peebles make a big finish. Well done - what is next?
All Michael's stage reports now in - here

Many congratulations to Michael on a fantastic effort. A group of us gave him a rousing sending off on last leg from Peebles and many joined him on the route to Edinbugh
Gordon
May 13th 2012
Carnethy Women win at British Champs at Slieve Bearnagh!

A week after dominating at Stuc a'Chroin, Angela Mudge won the women's race (and Over 40s) and led the Carnethy team to victory at the second round of the British Championship, which was held in Northern Ireland on Saturday 12th.
" The route over Slieve Meelbeg, Slieve Bearnagh, and Slieve Meelmore with 2800 feet of climb and used in previous championship races was extended with a run back from the sheep pen start back to race registration at Meelmore lodge.
It was reckonned this added eight minutes to the winning male time but the race was still classified as a short. The ground climbing Slieve Meelbeg and at the end of the race was very wet from recent rain. Joe Symonds (Kendal) won the men's race maintaining his Salamon sponsorship wearing shoes resoled by Lancashire Sports Repairs. Carnethy male finishers were Andy Fallas 20th, John Blair-Fish 101th and 6th Vet 60, and Colin Ledlie 106th.
Angela won the Ladies race and the team of Angela, Charlotte Morgan 8th, and Helen Bonsor 11th won the team price. Other female finishers were Hazel Sutherland 15th and Joanne Anderson 19th.
Wendy Dodds (Clayton-le-Moors) first vet 60 finished an impressive 13th with a time bettered by only two male vet 60s.
The small fields for the two races of 117 in the male race and 31 in the female race did not do justice to the challenge of the course."
John Blair-Fish
Results
13th May 2012
Loch Leven Half Marathon
Just for a change I ran the Loch Leven Half Marathon – is that allowed for a hill runner? Very well organized these road runs and when you pay 18 quid to enter I can see the justification. The views of the Lomond and surrounding hills were very pretty to look at as over 450 runners ran around Loch Leven, and the three water stops were welcome on this hot day. I was joined by fellow Carnethies Karen Meikle and Pam Whitlie and we all finished within a couple of minutes of each other. Karen (1:45:48), Pam (1:46:59) and me (1:47:23). Results here. Guess it’s all a bit insignificant really after what Michael Nowicki has just achieved! Many congratulations Michael finishing your epic adventure ;-)
Kate Friend
13th May 2012
Ben Lomond hill race

Won by Kenny Richmond of Shettleston in 1:10:38 with Carnethies James Waldie 5th and Andrew Gilmore 28th taking 1st & 2nd places for male under 23. Steven MacInnes of Carnethy was 8th and Adam Anderson 16th. Gregor Heron & Bruce Smith in 30th & 33rd. 14 male Carnethies ran, but no ladies.
We were lucky in having a weather window on Saturday with lovely warm sunshine down at Rowardennan, and the snow on the tops from the day before largely melted. Knowing it would be cold on top made clothing choices a bit awkward and the heat below changed radically near the summit as a very cold shower blew in with the brisk wind. It's mostly a runnable course with reasonable gradients throughout - though speed can be your undoing as Mike demonstrated with some nasty gravel rash. I had the terrifying vision of Joan's Frankenstein knee in view for most of the descent, and with my own knee complaining was forced to take the steeper grass & peat slowly giving 2 Carnethies the chance to fly past, as did Westy Murdo Macleod who went on to beat me by 2 mins and take the M60 prize. I'd have got 2nd prize if it had existed (as it did last year); an omission I shall campaign tirelessly to have remedied. Results Mike's album More photos
Digby
13th May 2012
Penicuik 10k

A glorious day and not doing Ben Lomond so thought I should do Penicuik 10k since we were one of the sponsors ( Stuart & Stuart ). Having checked last years results and seeing no Carnethies running for the club I entered as U/A.
Then I met Brian Howie and Phil Humphries both of whom were running for road clubs so I had clearly done the correct thing. 208 entries - a record field on a hilly road course to Howgate and back via Wellington School. Lots of well kent faces including Kate and Craig who were both 3rd. I was ambitiously aiming for a sub 40 but I hadn't done a road race since 2005 and my best 10k was 39.48 at Balmoral in 2004(ish). I managed to find a pair of road shoes in my filing cabinet at work! Serious hill at 1k meant I was behind time for the next 7 but the views of the Pentlands and Carnethy spurred me on and there is a great descent back into Penicuik so I made up time and got to 9k in 35.45. Couple of uphills in the final k but I finished much to my delight with a PB of 39.34 in 16th place - just behind Phil who I chased for 4k but couldn't overtake. A great race with a fab range of cakes back at the High School.
Gordon
11th May 2012
Michael Nowicki heading north as planned...
Travelled down to the Borders today and caught up with Michael about 6 miles south of Jedburgh, to say he was surpised to see a Carnethy top was an understatement! He was in good spirits and just full of energy and strength for the task ahead. Over Sutra hill he was running through snow and hail!
In my minds eye I saw a man running with vehicle support crew and loads of back up, in reality he was on his own on the road with a 20kg back_pack with all his worldly goods. I couldn't run with him, travelled down via motorbike, but managed to see him 3 times and safely into Jedburgh. He sees running like this as a 'lifestyle' change! Truly amazing, sorry I can't be there when he finishes.
Andy Lennie
10th May 2012
Wednesday Training

Encouraged by thoughts of bluebells and summery weather, neither of which materialised (though it was quite a nice evening), we set off for Colinton Dell. At Redford Bank road (?) Willy posed the unusual question - "anyone know where we are?". As no-one did, we turned left, which was a good choice. Colinton Dell was delightful, green and echoing with birdsong. Cody tried to drink the river dry, and I was tempted to follow, being excruciatingly thirsty. We emerged at Slateford Rd and transferred to the canal path for a spell, then up the very steep slope behind Craiglockhart Sport Centre, famed for Bill's 'ice axe' ascents using two screwdrivers. Avoiding the golf course and its late golfers we ascended the south face of the quarry by the arete, greeting climbers along the way. Not Mary's first choice of route! And so to beer.
Digby
8th May 2012
Great Lakeland 3 Day
This is a lovely event (details), back after a few years and now organised by Shane Ohly (OMM winner, Dragons Back organiser). Wonderfully low key, we were given a map pre marked with the controls and allowed to start when ever we liked. This meant I got to see the fast boys come past me, since they elected to start later, and it was remarkable not so much how fast they are, but how relentless they move.
First day started in Langdale, went over Blisco, Dow Crag, along the ridge above Coniston, Caw, down through Ulpha, involved an argument with a farmer over access (three cheers for the Scottish Outdoor Access Code), out way, way south across trackless moorland to Black Combe and then north to Dalegarth. 30 miles and 2500m ascent.
Day two took us over a pass to Wasdale, then the haute route from Styhead, Angle Tarn to High Raise, Steel Fell, across to Grisedale Tarn. Snowing in May. I elected to miss St Sunday Crag, and took a long cut down Grisedale to Patterdale. Then over Thresthwaite to Troutbeck. About 32 miles, 2500m ascent. I was wasted at the end, my legs were so gone I face planted trying to climb off a gate and I was struggling to step down from the Portaloo.
I spent Sunday evening pondering how I could most easily get back to Langdale. Lacking the imagination to figure out an alternative, Monday brought me to Caudale Moor, Red Screes, Dove Crag, Fairfield and finally over Blea Rig to return to Langdale. Its amazing the effect a good feed and 12 hours rest can do, I felt strong and powered the ascents and made like a proper fell runner coming off Fairfield and Blea Rig. I even got a nod from one of the old timer fell runners for picking a "good line". High praise! 19 miles and 2100m ascent.
I was surprised to be the only Carnethy taking part in the Great Lakeland 3 Day, especially with the presence of eight Cosmics who'd driven down from Aberdeen. I think they were disappointed by the level of the Scottish competition. I guess there's a lot of events on just now., but I thoroughly recommend this one.
Joel Sylvester
7th May 2012
Arthur's Seat Mayday holiday handicap
With plenty of folk using the may bank holiday as an excuse to get out of the city the hardier (of the 'fool' variety) amongst us partook of a fine afternoons handicapping.
Not being here didn't stop Colin posting another fine time on Friday lunchtime but in the heat of the battle today Digby was a runaway winner (literally as he was first off). His time even knocked a full second off his March 2011 pb so a well deserved victory for him from Gordon. Gordon's 33:07 time getting back towards his better form from earlier in the year, although Digby managed to outwit him this time his handicap is still looking a tad generous, which might make him worth a flutter in the June handicap. RichardB was next man home, despite, or perhaps thanks to the Highland Fling the weekend before he managed to nip inside the one o'clock gun.
Rab and I might also have done if we had started on time, Rab zoomed past me on the way up the crags and then even had the audacity to get to the top of Arthurs before Allister and myself. This despite us both having gone straight up the gutted haddie and Rab going up and over Nether first. I managed to reel in Rab on the descent just before the road crossing and then found myself being chased for the rest of the run for the cheek of it.
All of this helped spur me on to pass Mark coming off the Haggis knowe crags. Sadly the pre-prepared excuses of Allister and me of having had a hard race at Stuc a Chroin were trumped by Rab's 2:07 run in the Ed-North Berwick race, which just makes it look like we were out for a short training run.
Of course if Rab and I had turned up on time it might have meant a closer race with Richard, but at least we had each other to race against, unlike Russell who was chasing his own shadow after starting off about 8 minutes late, so he did pretty well to get so close to his handicap.

Next race may well be on the 4th of June - but if there's too many folk taking advantage of the very long weekend we might reschedule. Results
Bruce
7th May 2012
Carnethy in the prizes at Stuc a’Chroin - Saturday 5th May
26 Carnethy runners finished in the field of 168 in this 24th edition of the Stuc a'Chroin race. Angela Mudge was first woman (and 1st Over 40 woman) in 7th overall; Stewart Whitlie 3rd overall and 1st Over 40 man; Jacqui Higginbottom was 2nd Over 40 woman and Carnethy easily won the first team prize with Stewart Whitlie, Steve MacInnes (6th), Angela Mudge (7th) and Adrian Davis (11th).

"Brilliant views and perfect weather conditions for this (my favourite) hill race. Many Carnethy women turned up for this tough race of 14 miles & 5000ft of ascent. Angela Mudge held her title and Prasad Prasad (winning man) was so far in front on the return that I missed him, he was already heading down Glen Ample. Angela M, Jacqui H, Joanne A, Joan W, Lucy H, Lorna A and myself were all flying the Carnethy flag for the girls. Sadly, Joan (who was having a stormer of a run and on for a PB) took a bad fall in the forest before the track home and gashed her knee open. You'll be glad to hear she’s now home after a night with the NHS! Get better soon Joan :-) ".
Results here
Kate Friend
Had a nice race at Stuc a Chroin on Saturday. As it was my first long run for ages and it was so nice I took my camera too to force myself from overdoing it.
Pictures (not all of them in focus I have to admit)
Bruce Smith
6th May 2012
The Whisky Chaser

Clearic, Tormore, Tobermory, Glen Garioch, Bunnahabhain. Some amazing whiskies (and one pre-whisky fresh off the still) on a beautiful evening run, with food in the steading. Report. Lots of pictures on the Carnethy Facebook page.
6th may 2012
Black Rock 5 - 4th May

With all the serious hill races going on at this time of year this race makes a nice change and is something a little different. I think the race is a little under the five miles suggested in the name and starts and finishes in Kinghorn with a wee run along some streets, over the sand and around the rock and back again. The course is flat and fast with the exception of the finish which is straight up a very steep street so at least we had one hill to contend with. Depending on tides it can get somewhat wet around the rock though this year you could pretty much run on sand or an inch or two or water so no swimming was involved!
The weather was cold but clear and made for great running conditions, so over 700 runners lined up at the start of which 10 were Carnethy runners. I somehow managed to be race number 5 for the Black Rock 5 - kind of cool! Jim Hardie was in his first race after an injury enforced rest and he shot off from the start and I pretty much didn't see him again until after the finish where he was first Carnethy home in 64th place with 29:09. Jane Jackson also shot off and I was trying my hardest to keep her in sight on the way out to the rock. The sand was very rippled so wasn't that great to run on, or at least that's my excuse and I'm going to stick to it as I was struggling to move at any real pace on the outward leg. Things picked up a little for me on the way back as my legs finally woke up (perhaps my pre-race pint kicked in?) and I started reeling folk in who probably overdid the first half. Jane was still in my sights and I finally got past her on the long steady climb up from the beach, probably no more that half a mile to the end and I was always expecting her to glide past me again before the end but more by luck than design that never happened. My favorite bit of the race was the final hill for one main reason; an HBT guy had just about caught up with me at the bottom and two HBTs who had finished shouted to him "you've got him" which was all the extra I needed to sprint up the hill and hold my position, not something that normally happens to me :o) A bottle of Williams beer awaited all finishers and more was available for two pounds a pint in the pub after.
Jane had a great run and won the FV35 category in 30:14 and 94th place overall, much kudos and beer to her. The race was won by Kris Berry from Corstorphine AAC in 23:02 with club mate Micky Breen second 27 seconds behind him with the hosting club HBTs Don Naylor third.
There were some travel woes due to signalling problems on the train line which spoiled things a bit but it was still a great laugh so if you find yourself at a loose end on a Friday night next May it's worth the trip over.
Andy Millard
Low tide on 4th May heralded the annual 4.5 mile dash from Kinghorn, across the beach, around the Black Rocks and back up the steep road to the finishing post. Bananas and beer were administered to all runners.
Despite train signalling problems, and ScotRail's bewildering travel updates, there was a good turn out from Carnethy. Jim Hardie, Andy Millard, Jane Jackson, Matthew Jones, Lindsay Sugden, Jim McWhinnie, Philippa Ivison, Dave Gibson and Mandy Calder all ran, probably with more speed and efficiency than the Fife Circle line. This year's winner was Kris Berry of Corstorphine AAC with 23.02, and Jane Jackson took fastest F35 with 30.14 (congratulations!).
Mary Lye
29th April 2012
The Fellsman

While most fellrunners flocking to the Yorkshire Dales this weekend were there for the fast and furious 3 Peaks race, a small bunch of us
- well actually some 450 odd - made their way to Ingleton for the more sedate stroll that is the Fellsman. The Fellsman starts off with two of the 3 Peaks - Ingleborough and Whernside - before continuing on a horseshoe over the high moors to Great Whernside and eventually, after some 61 miles, the finish at Threshfield in Wharfedale.
Very much to my surprise I found myself leading the event for most of the first 20 miles or so, after everyone else in the lead group had stopped at the first road checkpoint for some biscuits after only 1h on the move. Eventually however Jez Bragg, who had set the current record last year, caught up and pulled ahead, although it was fairly clear that the strong and chilling north-easterly headwind meant that no new record would be set this year. I then settled down in a pair with a friend of mine for the rest of the day and we plodded along nicely, swapping places within the chasing pack which comprised positions two till seven. Despite the hard going due to wind, we unexpectedly were making better progress than I had last year and were having a very nice day, making full use of the excellent catering provided at the regular road checkpoints. We eventually finished together in 11:31 as joined 3rd - me beating my previous time by 40 minutes and my friend taking over the fastest novice trophy which I had won last year. Not unexpectedly, Jez won in a time of 11:02 and Nicky Spinks defended her ladies title. Full results should appearhere
in the near future.
However, while we then had the pleasure of a warm shower, being provided with more food than even we could eat and eventually a lie down, conditions on the fells were not improving and with increasing numbers of runners arriving at the checkpoints with hypothermia the event was abandoned at 2am. It is a testament to the excellent organisation, that although a majority of competitors was still out on the course - even in good years the average finishing time is about 20hrs - everyone was soon brought home safely.
While I had assumed I was the only Carnethy running, it now transpires Matt Davis got a late entry and also finished in a time of just under 15 hours.
Konrad Rawlik
4th May 2012
Carnethy Road Cyclists April Outing
6 braved a grotty morning of strong north easterly winds and rain to make the rendez-vouz at Kings Buildings on Sunday. All seemed to be persuaded by my idea of going into the wind on the way out in order to be blown back, so we headed off out of the city. Barely 2 miles out and I had become rather concerned that all I could hear whilst pedalling up Kirk Brae was Harry Gilmore freewheeling behind me. How does that work? Anyway, we pressed on through Dalkeith and climbed out on the old A68 into the wind. Jane Robertson seemed determined to deviate back onto the bypass, but we re-grouped and headed off on blissfully quiet back roads through East Lothian to Gifford. From there it was to Haddington, a climb up to the Garleton hills and then the payback began as we hoisted spinnakers and were blown swiftly home with the strengthening wind. Other participants were Henry Cruikshank, who also seems to worryingly untroubled by hills, new attendee Derek Bearhop who was showing off his new super comfy sit up and beg bike and Professor Brian Cox whose preparations for a forthcoming Lands End to John o’Groats endeavour meant he had nipped out for a swift 20miles before the 9.15 start. Next outing Sunday May 27th - Whit. Whit?
Here is the route – 48 miles return to Kings Buildings.
Robin Haynes.
1st May 2012
Hoka Highland Fling Ultra - 28th April

A 53 mile multi-terrain ultra run along the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Tyndrumhttp://www.highlandflingrace.org
There was a great turnout of nine Carnethies for this year’s Highland Fling Ultra in pretty much perfect conditions. I’d been looking at the weather forecast since the previous weekend and it was amazingly accurate, and lucky, that with the hideous preceding week of showers and wind that we had sun, no wind and coolish temperatures for the entire route.
I started for the first mile or two with Nigel then after about five or so miles started running with Ian King and non-Carnethy Colin Meek which was great as Ian had a plan for pacing to get round in about 11 hours which would have done me just fine. Ian’s knee was being somewhat troublesome and it slowed him on the way up Conic so me and Colin went on ahead. It was great to see Murdo marshalling at Balmaha, tempting to stop for a wee chat but managed to get going pretty quickly! I ran with Colin for pretty much the rest of the route, he was great at dragging me along when I was beginning to get cramping twinges on and off for the last twenty miles! At Inversnaid I found Ian Frost sitting in the sun, having a wee rest before the rough top half of the loch side. By that time I was having trouble trying to eat and as it was getting a little warmer I was getting through quite a bit more water than earlier in the race.
It helped when I was getting tired just to look at the views on the way along the route, simply stunning. Stopping at the top of Loch Lomond at Dario’s post for a couple of minutes to look back down the loch was very worthwhile and it gave me a bonus rest!
First of the Carnethies home was Richard Bell in 9:33 with Graham Nash also beating the ten hour mark with 9:42. At the sharp end Scott Bradley from Carnegie was first home in an astonishing 7:23, beating the Hoka team member Ludo Pommeret by ten minutes. In the womans race however the Hoka team were victorious with Emma Rocca finishing in 8:23 with a ten minute lead over Sharon Trimble from Garscube.
Gregor had a great run to get round in 10:16 though he has the official time of 11:16 as he wanted to run with Steven who he’d been training with. Steven was starting with the young boys at 8am instead of the 7am us aging MV40s had to start at so Gregor’s first official hour involved standing around at Milngavie! Shame his time couldn’t have been adjusted accordingly but at least from the results it looks like I actually beat him for once...
I managed to get round in under 10 hours 30 which came as a bit of a surprise to me with all nine starting Carnethies making it to the end with 362 finishers in total. Soup, rolls, a bottle of bubbly and Wiliams beers (very nice too) awaited us at the end of the race, a very pleasant experience. I was extra lucky that my wife had pitched our tent and stocked it with beer about 70 metres away from the finish line, result!
The Carnethy teams managed to come in 5th, 7th and 13th though I think it should have been 4th, 9th and 13th had there not been any differences between Carnethy Hill Running Club and Carnethy Hill Runners!
The race is well organised, has a great atmosphere and is just fantastic fun, many thanks to John and the rest or the organisers and marshals for making this such a great event and I highly recommend it to anyone who fancies a longish race.
The Carnethy runners completing the course were Richard Bell, Graham Nash, Andy Millard, Steven Yule, Alan Colley, Gregor Heron, Ian, Nigel Fawthrop and Ian Frost. Results
Andy Millard
30th April 2012
Petrofac 15 Mile Multi-Terrain Challenge, Balmoral

I was in the Aboyne area at the weekend, so I fancied this new event, organised by RunBalmoral and sponsored by Petrofac.
Starting and finishing on the road adjacent to the cricket pitch the route follows the banks of the River Dee before climbing through the Balmoral Estate to Glen Gelder. It was billed at a 15 mile race (and there were mile markers to prove it!) but my Garmin indicated a shade under this. There were wonderful views of a snow-capped Lochnagar throughout, with the route itself being a tough mixture of hard-packed mud trails, rough rocky trail, soft mud and forest fern. There was a relative amount of shade throughout the Balmoral forest, but also an exposed open moorland section before descending through a pine forest back to the river Dee. The amount of climb was not to be underestimated too, with 1,020 feet, according to my Garmin. Indeed, at mile 14 we had a nasty sting in the tail, where, instead of a fast descent to the finish, the marshals directed us upwards through a steep forest track, with deep mud, before the relief of the final descent.
I noticed a few familiar faces at the start including Robbie Simpson (Deeside), Murray Strain and Kate Jenkins (HBT), so clearly there was some interest in the winning prize of a road race trip to Ethiopia for the winning male and female. Second prize, two trips to Ethiopia?
As for the race itself, Scottish internationals Robbie Simpson and Morgan Windram-Geddes (Fife AC) earned their trips with winning performances. Robbie was followed all the way by East of Scotland cross country champion Murray Strain, but eventually, at around the 11 mile mark, the 20 year-old Deeside athlete began to open a lead which he extended to 36 seconds by the end. Robbie finished strongly, posting an impressive time of 1:21:11sec for what is undoubtedly a testing course. Strain wasn't far behind in 1:21:46sec, while Oleg Chepelin (Shettleston Harriers) finished third in 1:26:24. American-born Windram-Geddes, who is based in Dundee, will be accompanying Simpson to Ethiopia after winning the women's race in 1:37:44. World over-50 age group 10,000m and 3,000m record holder Fiona Matheson (Falkirk Victoria Harriers) was runner-up in 1:39:37 while Great Britain orienteering international Tessa Hill (HBT) was third in 1:40:36.
As for me? I think I was the sole Carnethy runner (at least I didn't spot any other vests) and began fairly strongly on the easier first half, at sub 7 minute miles, before feeling it a bit around mile 10, where the London Marathon legs were coming back to haunt me. Alan Smith of Deeside passed me at this point, on his way to winning first Super Veteran, with a pat on the back and the words "Don't worry Carnethy, there's a hill coming up soon." As if I was supposed to be pleased about this news. In the end I won and lost a few places in the final stretch to finish in 1:50:30 for 33rd place and 9th Veteran, out of 218 finishers.
A well organised race, in a great setting and a nice medal a technical t-shirt to boot. Recommended. Results are at: http://www.runbalmoral.com/results/search.aspx
Mike Lynch
30th April 2012
Michael's run - Stage 1 London to Hertford
So finally I started my big London to Edinburgh run. The first stage started in London Parliament square in literaly monsoon weather, it was all low key with 2 close friends and family. The way out from London was like getting out of a large maze, it just dragged on and on. The rain kept on pouring, a few drivers found it funny to splash me with large puddles. Once i got out of London, the sun started to shine, happy days. The last 4 miles were quite hilly indeed, so i just walked up and ran down. Once I got to Hertford, it was meeting family, food and goodbyes to my family. Now its me myself. Next stage is Hertford to Sandy 28 miles. Next report Monday evening. Follow Michael's progress here
Michael Nowicki
27th April 2012
Wednesday training

Where you went!
23rd April 2012
Alternative John Muir Way

Coast, cake and aching legs. A grey morning turned into lovely sunshine for the intrepid runners & cyclists on the annual running of the AJMW brilliantly organised by Keith. 34 miles around East Lothian with a feast (thanks Bärbel) at around 23 miles. To whoever donated the thickly chocolate covered rice crispy cake that was quite irresistable a big thankyou. Hopefully the 3000 calories expended on the run burned it off. Bit of a shame that I was the only running finisher (not sure if Richard completed), with a slightly anticlimactic end in the empty car park - but I was glad to see Keith who waited for me to plod slowly in. More photos.
Digby
The Alternative John Muir Way continued its streak of near ideal weather yesterday. The start was cloudy and chilly, but by the time we reached the Biarritz of the North after 2 hours, conditions were – Biarritzy. As the sag wagon parked, the ice cream van pulled alongside and runners and bikers drifted in from the Dirleton dunes. At Yellowcraig we saw how a golf resort developer Caledonian Heritable Ltd. (http://www.archerfieldgolfclub.com/real-estate/ ) could destroy acres of sea-buckthorn in a SSSI, even with the local authority’s knowledge and lack of subsequent action. The developer had previously erected a hostile boundary fence designed to stop residents and golfers from, er, damaging the SSSI.
The beaches, cliffs and coves between North Berwick and Ravensheugh were bathed in sunshine with a cool NE breeze preventing overheating on the occasional strenuous scrambles up the slopes. By the time we were breaching the defensive ditches around Tantallon Castle the 23-strong squad had spread over many diverse routes suited to foot or wheel.
It was so warm and sunny at Ravensheugh that Gio sought the cooler water and gently lapping waves for a swim. The rest of the bikes emerged from the van and we continued via Binning Wood to the East Linton lunch break at 37km. The full-distance runners were getting a bit droopy by then, their droopiness amplified by too much tea and over-eating. The River Tyne was in spate from earlier heavy rain but had, at least, retreated into its banks as far as Hailes Castle. From there, we climbed Pencraig Hill for the old highway through the coconutty broom to Barnes Castle and the Garleton Hills. A few cyclists opted for alternative tarmac, and the survivalist runners grimly pursued the off-roaders to the prime at Hopetoun Monument. As usual the rocky descent from the summit thwarted all attempts to stay on bikes. From Hopetoun the end game is fast and easy for bikers; not so for remaining runners Digby and Richard who were by now locked into their separate lone routes back to Aberlady Bay.
21 started and finished most or all of the 56km circuit.
Many thanks to helpers Bärbel (lunch), Peter (driver), Tom and Philippa (van provision), all who contributed food and the girls who cleared up after lunch.
Keith Burns
23rd April 2012
Teenager with Altitude and Anniversary Waltz

Impressive results for our club captains in the Lake District on Saturday, with a 1 and a 2 for Andy Fallas and Helen Bonsor respectively at the Teenager with Altitude race. An extended version of the popular Anniversary Waltz, the route goes over five tops before merging with Waltz route on Robinson, and clocks up 15 miles and 7,600 ft. Andy tagged along with Steve Pyke (Staffs Moorland) and Andy Schofield (Borrowdale) until he was sure where he was going and then sped off to finish in 2h54. Judith Jepson (Dark Peak) was first woman, then Helen who managed to keep just seconds of Hazel Robinson of Ambleside. Jon Ascroft finished in 6th & 3h07, having watched Carl Bell (Howgill Harriers) glide past him to comfortably win the Anniversary Waltz. Before long Gregor Heron too finished the Waltz followed by Steven McFarlane, Stephen Yule & Cameron Scott. Great Lakes racing, well organised with pretty decent weather, plenty of atmosphere and lots of post-race beer, hot food, and cake.
Results to follow at http://www.anniversarywaltz.co.uk/
Jon Ashcroft
23rd April 2012
London Marathon

Many thanks to Carnethy for my place in this year's London Marathon! It was a great day with blue skies and sunshine almost all the way. The heavens opened just before mile 25 for me and so I got a bit wet for the last stretch. But, hey, who cares about the rain at this point in the race?
I saw Bob J going with the wind when he had just completed 22 miles and I was approaching 13. I called out, "Carnethy! Bob!", but there was just to much noise to hear. In fact all along the route there was a massive amount of noise and support from thousands of spectators. Very impressive.
I came in hours and hours after Bob, but I'm still pleased with my time of about 5:45 because it was better than the 6 hours I was aiming for (my last marathon was 7:20 at Beachy Head last October). I was especially pleased because at mile 18 or 19 there was a risk I would be finishing in over 6 hours, but I managed to get my skates on just in time to break the 6 hour barrier ;o). I'm also pleased I managed to keep running (jogging) all the time, apart from a 10 min break for chocolate and to refill my water reservoir on my back.
I got cold very quickly at the end because of the rain, so no photo of me then. However, here is a shot of my top complete with medal after we got back to my cousin's house.
Thanks so much, Carnethy. This has been a goal of mine for years and I'm so pleased I've now completed the London Marathon.
Margaret

Carnethy were represented in the Virgin London Marathon yesterday by Margaret Forrest, Mike Lynch and Bob Johnson. All proper hill-runners will no doubt think "How sad is that?" but Lochaber had 5 runners in the race, two more than us! Bob was passed by either Oliver Blomfield (3:10:31) or Niall McBeath (3:12:57) with a conversation along the lines "Seen any hills yet?" at about 20 miles out. Bob eventually finished pretty finished in 3:13:17 for his 12th London on the (so-called) trot. Mike Lynch (unrecognisably slim due to so much training) finished with a great time of 3:25:07 with Margaret Forrest fulfilling her dream in 5:44:37. As per Margaret's earlier report there were heavy showers later on in the afternoon. All three experienced very strange weather conditions where rain was experienced at 9 and 18 miles - very localised though - rain which only seemed to affect one half of the road? A tough race as there were muddy sections to contend with (well muddy shoe prints at mile 21) and a really nasty puddle at about mile 16. Back to the green stuff for another year methinks...
Bob Johnson
21st April 2012
Hunters Bog Trot

Not suprisingly the race was dominated by HBT who won most of the categories although Konrad Rawlik finished 2nd student and Hilary Spenceley was 1st LV50. Usual warnings at the start about tussocks and grand canyon to cross for health and safety purposes didn't put off a field of 115 including a large Canethy contingent on a pleasant warm lunchtime. I had my my usual battle with Kate Jenkins who got the better of me and Charlotte Morgan on the second climb of the Crags and I failed to catch them in the mad descent to the finish. Results
Gordon
19th April 2012
Boghall Handicap - Wed 18th April

The first handicap of the season was won convincingly by Jill Mykura with Willie Gibson 2nd and Paul Ritchie 3rd, although he was stopping to open gates from me.
41 runners took part and there were over 30 at The Steading for the food afterwards. Andy Fallas ran the fastest time, with guest, Sarah O'Neill from HBT, fresh from finishing 2nd at the British Champs race at Coledale, storming round to be second fastest.
Results.
Details of next handicap are here.
Willie Gibson
18th April 2012
Cragside 10k - Sat 14th April

This was a pleasant circuit of the grounds of the historic Cragside House near Rothbury in Northumberland. I was quite pleased with my 42:42 given the 159m of climbing but this conveniently ignores the net 65m of descent over the whole course. The forecast rain held off and it didn't snow until we decided to go for a bike ride the day after ...
Phil Young
17th April 2012
Highlander Mountain Marathon - Torridon 14th/15th April
Congratulation to Mark and Jacqui Higginbottom for winning the A class!
Well done to Fraser Gibson & Conor Comrie 10th in the B class, Alec McVey and partner 3rd in C Class and Maggie & Chris Creber 11th in C class (3rd vets). The result for Andy and Sam in the A class simply says 'w3' which sounds unpromising. We await elucidation! There may be other Carnethies to mention but clubs aren't listed in the results. Report
16th April 2012
Coledale Horseshoe - Sat 14th April
This was the first British and second English championship race with 381 male finishers and 126 female finishers. The weather was cool and hail showers held off till just before the prize giving. There was congestion after the start where we left the road and climbed steps, and also when we caught up the ladies race which started fifteen minutes ahead. I was asked where all the Carnethy vests were when ascending Eel Crag on hands and knees, and with the congestion the feet had to watch others' hands and loose stones. I think we were all disappointed and for me even more on the finishing line where I lost two places and was being asked if I was the first vet 80 finisher. I just know to enjoy Championship races one has to be fit, rested, and not suffering a slightly twisted ankle or more lingering injuries.
Joe Symonds won the men's race. In 1988, Joe's father won the race when it was the World Cup Open race and I finished 16th.
Conrad was 104th, I was 295th and 17th Vet 60, and Colin Ledlie 347th. Roy Lee was the vet over 80 and finished 380th. Men's race result
In the Ladies' race Lauren Jeska won the race from Sarah O'Neill of HBT. Charlotte Morgan was 14th and Helen Bonsor 23rd. Angela Mudge unfortunately had spasms in her back warming up and did not compete. Ladies' race result
John Blair-Fish
16th April 2012
Newtyle Hill Race - 8th April
The fourth running of the Newtyle hill race proved most popular with a record 67 competitors. The wintry showers and full on hail storm 1 hour before the race made the conditions very cold and slippy underfoot and it was therefore essential to carry full body cover with waterproofs this year. It still amazes me how many don’t have the correct kit and are prepared to carry it but this was just the night you really may have needed it if there was a fall and someone got cold.
The race winds its way up Newtyle Hill from Loch of the Lowes into birch then pine woodland before emerging above the trees to a viewpoint in deep heather. The fast descent is a good mixture of heather, steep grassy descents, forest track and trails through the oakwood down towards Dunkeld. The winter storms had brought a lot of tree damage and broken branches to navigate around which made it more tricky this year. Robbie Simpson dominated winning in a new record 27.04 well inside the old record set the previous year by Mark Harris. Nick Barrable from Tonbridge AC and Brain Bonnyman first vet 40 followed him home. Paul Dugdale from Kendal was fifth overall and second vet 40 and good to see the Thug back competing over the Easter break. Sarah O’Neil from HBT dominated the ladies race in a new record of 32.44 with Morag McCracken in 2nd in 33.52. Eilidh Wardlaw finished 3rd lady and Hilary Ritchie from Fife AC was first lady vet 40 in 38.09. A few people went wrong and it seemed like follow the leader but most people seemed to see the tape which was every 50m. Thanks for the support from the marshalls, Scottish Wildlife Trust and Athol Estates we can’t do it without you. Once again the Nicols’, Bill Melville and Louise Davis who also made the excellent cakes. And thanks to Geoff Simpson of HBT for collecting the controls and tape in. And those who completed the results and who helped make it such a memorable day. Results
Adrian Davis
16th April 2012
Irish Gravity Enduro Series: Rd 1 Wicklow Mountains 7th-8th April
Following ligament damage to my ac joint from smashing a tree at the first round of the British Enduro series I wasn't sure if I would be able to make the start line of the 1st round of the Irish Enduro Series. Travelled to the venue Djouce Woods in the Wicklow Mountains with current British Champion Gary Forrest and fellow vet Richard Hamilton from Innerleithen. Took us a while to find the venue on the Saturday but once there I decided to give practice a go with some heavy strapping to my shoulder. The 5 stages were cracking and well worth the trip- shoulder held up although still sore. Organisation was excellent and this along with super tracks persuaded me that I would race on the Sunday. Strapped up again I had 5 good runs and pleasingly took the vet win by 20s. (Gary had a blow out and crashed ending up with concussion but still took 11th.) All in all a fantastic event and will head back for Round 2 in June as a result. Results here and video of the event here: http://www.gravityenduro.ie/
Geraint Florida-James
12th April 2012
Wednesday training

The weekly mystery of our route revealed!
11th April 2012
Grandtully Hill Race

Probably the smallest and most informal hill race I have ever entered but also one of the most fun. This year's entry of 14 was down on last years 28 (and nearly half of the entries were my family, friends or friends of friends). We also provided the timers in case the organiser Stuart Simpson didn't finish first - and in the event he was narrowly piped at the post. Traditionally held after the Easter Canoe Slalom at Grandtully it was fitting that a canoeist (Tony Smith from Winchester CC) made a brave attempt at an all time record for the course - nearly breaking the hour barrier for the 6.4 km. Stuart then provided an eclectic mix of unwanted Christmas presents to reward almost all the runners in some unexpected way.
Phil Young
10th April 2012
Norman's Law Hill Race and Emily Hill Junior Races
Unable to make Clachnaben, I headed up to Fife on Sunday for Norman's Law. I found myself leading the pack away from the start soon to be passed by the Fife duo Chris Russell and Russ McFarlane. I lost a couple of other places before hitting the climb of Norman's Law itself. There was no marked route for the climb so I took the direct steeper approach and rounded the trig point in 3rd place.
Route choice was open for the return, I followed Chris Russell (who went on to win) and thought 2nd place was mine until Ryan Stewart of Dundee Hawkhill appeared on the skyline over Emily Hill and just pipped me to the finish line.
First female was Alison McGill of Fife, the only other Carnethy was Mary Lye who finished in 50th place.
Superbly organised race with a great feast in the village hall afterwards. Male prizes were much appreciated Fyne ales and chocolate Easter bunnies!
John Hammond

I'm reporting back after a lovely family day out at Luthrie. My seven year old daughter, Rosie, tested her legs on her first ever hill race. There seemed to be a good turn out of juniors, and Rosie (accompanied by her Dad) had a great time, despite coming last. A packet of Starburst was deemed to be a good reward for the mile-long run.
The seniors' race started from the cowsheds (two year old Solly's verdict on the noisily mooing cows: "bit scary").The runners set off at a pretty feisty pace, so I contented myself with settling in
towards the rear of the herd. The first couple of miles of road, bridlepath and gentle undulations allowed me to nudge ahead a bit, before the vigorous walking and panting to the top of Norman's Law. Then it was a jelly-legged hobble past the cairn, and a glimpse of the Tay before heading back down with a helpful tail-wind to a sugary Fife feast at the Village Hall. Apparently times were a bit slower this year, due to a slightly altered route, with Chris Russell of Fife AC taking the top spot at 32.26, and Carnethy's John Hammond coming third at 33.54. Thank you to Fife AC for a very well run and enjoyable family event.
Mary Lye
Results
9th April 2012
Clachnaben hill race

The forests at the foot of Clach na Beinn are unusually pleasant, open mature woodland. The Beinn itself is a dramatic granite tor rising in convoluted folds upon the top of the hill. In between lies a morass of peat and heather suiting those who like hard wet going, mixed with forest trails and stepped stone ascent. The stream crossing soon after the start was not actually waist deep (oh you jesters!) and there was a bridge to keep your feet dry though having dry feet didn't last long. The reward for the large field finishing was a large spread of cake, and a very tasty barrel of Deeside 'Macbeth' ale. As usual for a Carnethy and Scottish Championship race the turnout was high. The prizegiving saw Carnethy men's team take the prize, and Stuart Whitlie 2nd male vet. That's all I can remember until the results come out, apart from some of the more unusual prizes - the dirtiest finisher, who won a towel; the most Scottish name - won by Murdo Macleod; spot prizes for the easter chicks to be found round the course; and the 1st over 60 female prize briefly held by our own Jean Jumelle, in an unfortunate misinterpretation of french language gender rules.
Digby
The route was changed from previous years two weeks before the race to make the race "more runnable". It was shorter and with less climb. It can be debated whither championship races should be more runnable and whither a race selected with a known course should remain a championship race with a changed route. In the old days 30 years ago a race could not be used as a championship race unless the route had been run before. So the route did not suit me, struggling to pass runners in the heather after the fast start and then losing out on the bouldery snowy descent
and fast run down the forest roads. I seem to be ahead of none over 60 rivals but do not know if I was ever near the over 60 winner. Jean Jumelle was awarded the over 60 Ladies price till it was pointed out he was a French man. I travelled with Jean and Gordon but it seemed otherwise to be no coordination of lifts and carbon points. Nevertheless a selection of fast Carnethy faster men appeared and won the men's team prize. Jacquie Higgingbottom won the first vet Lady.
John Blair-Fish
Results. More photos on Carnethy Picasaweb
4th April 2012
Carnethy Vest on the Olympic Track - March 31st

Down to Englandshire at the weekend to take part in an event to test out crowd management in the Olympic Park. I was lucky in getting a place in a highly over-subscribed 5 mile race around the Park, finishing on the track in the Olympic Stadium. The route looped around the Park, past the buildings which I'm sure are familiar to many already; the pringle-shaped Velodrome, the Aquatic Centre with the ugly temporary wings, the Copper Box. However, with the Games 3 months away they are still sitting in an unlandscaped building site! Great to enter the stadium through the tunnel, though, and turn on what passes for a sprint these days down the finishing straight.
It seemed a shame to go all that way just for 5 miles so the next day we headed down to Kent for the Paddock Wood half-marathon. From the conversations around it seemed almost everyone in the race was tapering for the London Marathon. I'll use the previous day's exertions as an excuse for Sally beating me, yet again, over an endurance distance. Our friend Clair Steward was first LV55+. Sally Cross, 34th (of 150) LV45-55, but at a disadvantage being at the top of her age group.
Results are here
Ian Jackson
3rd April 2012
Glasgow to Edinburgh ultra

The last big test before my London to Edinburgh run was about to start. This time Glasgow to Edinburgh ultra marathon, first its a un-Carnethy type race as its flat as a sheet of glass. I stayed over at my mate's house in Glasgow which saved me the train journey in the morning of the race. We came to the registration nice and early, I was happy to see a fellow Carnethy Phil (forgot surname). So horn was blown and off we went. I set of very slow as I was entering new territory over 50 miles of running, a huge task. The Forth canal was 23 miles long and I have to say never ending. I approached check point 1, refilled and off I went. The next check point was in Falkirk wheel, nice location and 23 miles done. Time to set off on the Union canal, this was very familiar to me. I did this route few weeks back. I head towards the Falkirk tunnel, out I get my head torch, some random guy asks me can he borrow my torch, I say point blank no as I'm running to Edinburgh. He said " you crazy fool", I just ignored that. Anyway back to the race, I started to approach Linlithgow check point 3. I started to suffer for the first time. I knew though that few miles ahead I'll have my dear friends Helen and Emma from the Footworks running group, which was a relief to know. I met them and of we set off on our journey back home. We approached checkpoint 4 and it was in Broxburn, I started to suffer and I knew that I'm not far away from home. The next check point was Ratho, yes the last one before the finish. The girls were really encouraging me, I was completely gone at 4 miles to go. So I was run/walking. One mile left and girls set off to meet Monika and Greg. During the last mile I gathered all my thoughts together and thought this is it, my last race before the big one. I crossed the line and emotions got bit better of me. Greg gave me the usual cheer. Overall I was very pleased, 10.41. Phil did great and it was great to see him. Emma and Helen were fantastic in helping me and huge thanks to them. I will be back next year for this race. So next it's London to Edinburgh, can't believe it's coming so soon.
Michael
2nd April 2012
April Reversicap
As a sure sign that it was handicap day the weather duly turned from last week's hotter than July to this week's cold as Christmas. Still it didn't deter the faithful from turning out. Matteo could not make the run today so posted the time for his run in the fine fine conditions of last week. Perhaps we should call him Meteo as the cold drizzly rain made the rocks and short grass as slippery as glass.
Inspired by his Kilian video from last week Paul bounded down the gutted haddie and cut through the field to give him the day's best time. Instead of an inspirational video most of the rest of us looked closer to the ice-pond scene from bambi as we tried to descend the rocks on the summit and the steps.
Newbie Colin Muir took to this run like he was born for it, not only finishing first but getting lost along the way a couple of times. Under my obscure and undocumented rules newbies have their debut runs taken to be their next handicap, which officially means a win for Mark, quite fitting then that he knocked another couple of seconds off his pb on a wet and windy pacindah.
Despite taking the tourist route round the last descents Mike made use of his quite generous handicap to nip inside his allotted time. Next home was Tom, only just falling outside 1 o'clock. Digby was close on his heels, and he was virtually followed by Matteo, then actually by Gordon. Paul actually passed Cam on the final climb (as well as me) but as Cam set off late his second fastest run of the day statistically has him following in 8th, all the same, not bad for someone who had run from Glasgow to Falkirk the previous day. I managed to avoid posterior to surface contact by keeping to the long grass on the last descent and in doing so overhauled Chloe and Tony. JBF and Russell both set off late but oddly both would have finished at the same time if they hadn't. Results
Well done to Mark, Colin and Paul who can all argue some form of victory.
Back to the normal way round next month for the daring buds of May.
Bruce