More News and Race Reports
Janet Laing shrugged off illness in the London Marathon to romp home in 3:07:11. Starting in the Elite women’s section (did anyone see her on TV pre-race?), by virtue of a previous sub 3:15 marathon time, Janet took a whopping 5 minutes off her personal best. She was aiming for a sub 3 hour result, and immediately afterwards was not happy with her time!
Looking back though Janet appears happy, particularly when she reflected that she wasn’t even going to make the trip only 48hrs before the start, because of flu like symptoms. She had succumbed to a chest infection in the build up too, but battled through to put in enough training to give her the confidence to complete the 26 miles in a good time. Well done! Oh did I mention she beat Willie for the first time too. You should have seen the smile!
Next over the line was Andrew Jeske in 3:11:50.
A gaggle of Porty runners turned up on Saturday morning at the airport to head down to London for the Big One. There was Scott (Mr Organised) Jarvie and his wife Anne, Willie Jarvie, Janet Laing and myself. We got to our B+B, dumped the bags, negotiated London’s buses and tubes (thanks to the Jarvie clan) and headed to the Expo to collect our numbers.
Low and behold hundreds of other runners had the same idea! The queue stretched from one side of the exhibition centre to the other! Wow! It seemed as though we were going to be there for hours, but luckily it probably wasn’t quite as long as we had expected. Not what you’d plan for the day before a marathon! Numbers collected, we decided to have a quick look round then head back - to save our legs.
No sooner had we got back and it was time to get something to eat. We briefly met up with Ricky and he pointed us in the direction of good food. Pizza and pasta, all you can eat, was the order of the day and Mr Organizer (Scott) must have used up a lot of energy during the day judging by the way he packed it away! Some sightseeing after the meal ensured I was out like a light when my head hit the pillow.
On Sunday we were out the door by about 7 30am. The sun was shining, and even at this time in the morning the sun was warm. A tube to the train station, where we met Ricky, and then we all hopped on the train. We were so lucky that we got on the train at the start of its journey. The number of folk trying to get on at each station was unbelievable. Sardine city! We arrived with barely enough time to give Janet a shout as she warmed up, and then see the start of the Women’s race. It hit home where I was (and what for) when I saw Paula scoot off into the distance. Go Paula!
Scott and Willie made their way to the Green start and Ricky and I got changed. We smothered ourselves in Ricky’s sun cream (and I’m so glad now, that we did!) and took a few photos before we unexpectedly met Neil Rutherford. We warmed up and stretched a bit and headed to the line.
A wave to the BBC’s cameras and we were off! I was aiming for 3hrs and was on track at the half way mark, to be in sight of that magic time. The crowd were fantastic the whole way through. The noise was deafening, and this seemed to help as the mile markers went by quickly. At 19 miles I felt comfortable and was still averaging the speed required to do it, but somewhere between 19 and 21 miles the wheels came off (however comfortable I felt!). Not only had the 3 hour time passed me by, but by now I was struggling to beat my previous best of 3:06. I was disappointed at that, but kept going in a good rhythm. By now I was being overtaken and began to feel slower than probably I was going. I took on Lucozade at their last point and found myself drinking the whole sachet. This was maybe a mistake as I began to feel a bit “spaced out” in the last 3 miles! I’m not sure if the glucose intake had anything to do with it really, but I know even although I had taken on water at almost every stop AND taken some energy drink at previous stations, I needed liquid, and the juice was going down easier than the water would have. Unusually for me, I had felt as though I was going to get cramp in my calf throughout the race. I managed to take my mind off it, but at 25 miles it got me and I found myself on my back, in the middle of the road, leg in the air, pulling on my foot, trying desperately to get rid of it! My immediate thought was that I might not be able to get up again and my run would be finished. Nightmare! My next (silly) thought was I hope I’m not one of those painful images on TV! Luckily my embarrassment would be overshadowed by someone a little more famous than I. I managed to stop my leg cramping but as I moved my legs to get up the other leg threatened to cramp. At this point two fantastic running Samaritans saw me getting up and helped me to my feet. I got an absolutely deafening cheer as I started to run again, it felt almost as loud as Paula would have got, had she been running by, such is the support you get from the London crowd. It’s something I’ll not forget! I felt such relief (not the Paula kind) at being able to run again, and I realised how much just finishing meant. I jogged towards home, hoping not to get cramp again. I didn’t really want to walk, but I would have. A long mile later and I was over the line! Finishing was fantastic! I was so happy!
All in all, the race is well organised. The water and drinks stops are excellent. Even showers en route. It is a busy race, so it’s not ideal for a clear run. I’d probably go down on the Friday next time and collect my number on Friday night or early Saturday morning.
I hope to do it all again next year! I recommend it to you all!
Willie Jarvie rolled in next. Another of us aiming for sub 3hrs but Willie was not without his problems. He got a stitch, tried to get rid of it by leaning to one side, and managed to tweak his hamstring! Willie battled home in 3:14:39 He did have some luck along the way though. He saw Nell McAndrew……twice! Once when he overtook her at 5 miles and again…erm…..when she overtook him at 20 odd miles! (oops, sorry Willie!). Nell also finished in front of me but I must have missed her, just like I missed the London Eye, Big Ben, and well……all the other sites really! Illness also interrupted Willie’s training for two weeks so well done Willie!
Ricky was next in. 3:23:41. Trying for 3 15, this was a bit slower than he was hoping for but he was happy to stay under 3 30 considering his interruptions to training due to injury.
I’ve no idea what Scott was aiming for but he achieved a good 3:25:29. At the risk of repeating myself, Scott was out for a couple of weeks during the build up also, and has only been back for a few weeks prior to the race. Well done Mr Organiser!
Neil Rutherford has also been injured (we’ve not been a lucky club have we?). He did his knee in and has been out for ages but said, when we met him before the race that he was just going to “go for it”. I think he managed that extremely well, finishing in 3:34:36 Well done Neil! All I can say is, if this is you when you’re unfit I hope you’re not back too soon………..I mean erm we wish you a speedy recovery!
I not sure if I’d know the next person if they jumped out and bit me. Lucy MacIntosh also ran in London and completed the 26.2 miles in 5:24:45. If this is your first marathon Lucy welcome to the marathon club! Congratulations!
Ten of us headed for a Chinese meal near Leicester Square on the evening of the race. A good night was had by all, but I do remember being short changed in the banana fritter stakes! But that might be part of Janet’s story! Some folk who shall remain nameless (Janet) also managed to go dancing into the wee small hours and still look fresh as a daisy early the following morning! Red wine and vodka must be good for you, that’s all I can say!
Report and Photos Andrew Jeske
Now, the other day Mr. Jeske drew my attention to a photo of the marathon on another website that had Paula at the start of the race with Janet just visible behind. Thinking this would be a good image for this website I approached the company that supplied the photo who, despite promises of links to their website etc. said it would cost us a minimum of £30. So in the cause of thrift I present my own interpretation of said photo which I think you'll agree is just as good as the real thing if not even better...
Those in doubt can see the original - ask me to email a copy, but frankly I wouldn't bother. In fact I'm thinking of leaving the camera behind for future meets and just doing sketches, later, from memory. As always any reports from races are welcome. pb
On Saturday 23rd April Portobello were represented by 3 runners at this HBT game for a laugh run. There was Tony Stapely who only runs in the hills as he cannot run on the road, Alan Jambo Aitchison and myself. The weather was sunny but a bit cold on the hill tops. Also in attendance were the Portobello quartet of chanters. Three were wearing Hibs tops; this was the Henderson clan who decided to exercise their tonsils before the Edinburgh Derby, and Karen “I hate a chippy” Young who had also been let out for the day.
After 50m I thought I was on another planet as I was dizzy by the X Country type start. Managed to compose myself as I knew from the previous year it is a tough little course. The route is you start near St Margaret's Loch then head up Hunters Bog then turn back on yourself near the top for 60m or so, take a left, then a really steep climb up to the top of the Crags, turn right and back towards the start. At the bottom of the Bog were the Porto choir who do give you a lift with their natural enthusiasm. Through the start you go the opposite way. Then it is a left up alongside the main road until you reach the Radical Road. At this stage one is feeling it, but managed to run this part reasonably well and moved up a place but it is difficult to climb the RR. Then it is left into the Bog and again the big climb up the same narrow path to the top of the Crags. About 80m from the finish I heard the Porto roar. I was now a new runner and managed to make up 30m to steal a place.
Alan then came into sight with one of the Henderson girls showing how to break down social barriers, as
standing in her Hibs top screamed “Come on Jambo” as Alan finished the race in 40.46. Tony managed to finish in 42.35. I took 90 seconds off last years time (33.58) so it was a decent run by the 3 of us. Robin Thomas of HBT then started to hand out the usual obscure prizes that take the piss. There was one for the best Taliban look a like - where were you Paul Eunson. Carnethy got a prize for best web site, maybe next year Peter.
Report Graham Henry
A week in the life... 23/4/05 ~ 1/5/05
First up came the ‘Hunter’s Bog Trot’. I knew it was going to be tough but with it being on my doorstep and my best friend being a ‘Trotter’ I felt I should run. I was disappointed there were only three Portobello runners taking part. Graham ‘The Machine’ Henry, Tony ‘who’ Stapeley and myself, though there was plenty vocal support from Karen, Rab and his two daughters.
I found it really tough from start to finish but managed to finish in 40:46 which was two minutes better than the previous time I had run it, so I was quite pleased (even though I burned my scalp). Graham finished in 33:58 and Tony in 42:35.
I then went to the ‘classy’ Holyrood Tavern with the Trotters. After a few drinks you realise that they are not a running club but some weird brown cult, ‘Trotting’ is a way of life.
Second stop was Kinross on the Thursday night for a 10K. I had heard it was a short, fast course so I hoped for a good time to give me a boost. There was Phil Cunningham and myself from Portobello and I don’t think either of us was very pleased with our times. It was very wet and windy and I was told later that the course was 6.5 miles, so that’s my excuse for running 44:38. Phil ran 42:??. The bonus was the food at the end, I have been to weddings that haven’t had as good buffets!
Third and final step was Aberdeen on Sunday for the Aberdeen AC, ‘Garthdee half marathon’. This time I was on my own so I knew I would be first Porty runner finished and club record holder for the course, ‘ya beauty’ the pressure was off!
It was a cold and wet morning but with no wind the conditions were fine. I feel better running this distance than I do the shorter ones and was feeling good up until about 10.5 miles when I felt my legs a bit; but I’m sure I could hear Graham Henry shouting ‘come on Alan’. I dug in and kept pushing. The only steep hill in the race was at 12 miles but I stuck at it and finished with a PB 92:57. I was delighted.
After three tough races in a week I was happy with two of them so it has been quite a good week.
Can anyone tell me that if I’m running an average of 95 minutes for a half, how is it taking me 3 hours 50 for a marathon?
Report Alan Aitchison
Well another week another dollar. Never run this one as it normally clashes with Edinburgh to North Berwick but have always wanted to as I had a feeling it was going to be a real tough test. This was confirmed before the start when HBT couldn’t muster a team. Seemingly after the Bog Trot it went on until 2.30 on the Sunday morning with Phil Mowbray the winner getting refused access to various establishments.
The course is 5000ft of climb over 14 miles and starts in Strathyre just 6 miles up from Callender. The Pentland Skyline is over 6000ft of climb and 16 miles so before the race I thought I would be quicker and my best time for Skyline is 3.10.54 so sub 3 hrs should be possible. First problem was what to wear. It was mild at the start but thought I would wear a top and vest since I was going to be out for 3 hours. As it turned out I have never sweated as much on a cloudy day in my life. The first two miles are a steady climb up a forest track which I ran at a comfortable pace but felt terrible. I had taken on a lot of food and water and with the bum bag I felt heavy. I had no concern over this as I knew I wou
ld start to get into it.
Soon we were climbing up some steep hills and running on ground that was boggy and no path. Eventually started the climb up Beinn Each and this turned out to be the hardest climb I have ever done in a hill race due to steepness and length. After that one it was across then up to the Stuc which in comparison was much easier although it is higher.
The race is well flagged, the most marshals I have ever seen and they had water, jelly babies, chocolate and marsh mallows. It was needed but managed to have a strong finish and took at least 3 minutes off those around me in the last two miles. Finished in 3.10.31 which due to the underfoot conditions was reasonable and hopefully next year I can do it again.
At the end I lay on the grass and got cramp in both thighs on the inside, the crazy horse was well and truly knackered but it is now all about trying to recover in time for Edinburgh to North Berwick.
Report Graham Henry
Graham tells me that is not a walking stick he has in his hand. From the look of the photos the course could be descibed as "undulating." Thanks to Scottish Hill Runners website for the use of their photos.
Kirkcudbright Half Marathon 28/5/05
Going to Kirkcudbright to visit friends and take in the Half Marathon seemed a good idea until Saturday morning. Rainy and windy, we made an early start for the three hour journey to Kirkcudbright. The rain continued as we drove down and when we stopped for a coffee at Abington I was all for turning back.
We arrived in Kirkcudbright 11.45am. Time for a quick bite, registration, warm up etc before the start at 1pm. There was a great atmosphere around the Academy where the race is organised from. Walkers doing the Half had set off at 11am and loads of children were buzzing around eager for their fun run at 1.15pm.
We were piped off at 1pm and for the first mile and a half seemed to be going round in circles! We then crossed a bridge out of the town into the countryside and started running up the side of the river Dee. The scenery was fantastic, the rain had stopped but unfortunately the wind had picked up. This course is in every sense of the word ‘undulating’ although at this point there certainly seemed to be more ups than downs.
At about 3 miles I was joined by a runner who had done the course a couple of times before. He started to warn me of the “hills at Twynholm”. Twynholm was about the 8 mile mark and by the time the other runner had left me I was dreading reaching the place. Twynholm is a little village set on a hill. The route takes you around the village taking in a few hills. It’s a bit weird because there seemed to be runners coming in all directions. It wasn’t as bad as I’d feared. Out of Twynholm and a nice downward hill.
At this point I suddenly had a gripping pain in my stomach.
Into the bushes. And again 100 metres up the road and again!! (Turned out I had food poisoning and was to spend the next 24 hours in bed.) All the starting and stopping gave me cramp in my calf muscles. Things were not looking or feeling too good.
Luckily for me there was a long downhill stretch which took us to a water station and the 10 mile mark. Only 2 miles to go . Before you all write in I know it was really 3 miles but I'd lost the power to think! I’m not quite sure how I made it to the end but I did.The finish line did not come quick enough and off to the loo again!
Scott, Willie and Keith took the 3rd team prize. Well done guys.
Apart from my misfortunes this was a great race. It was well organised and a lovely route. The marshalls and police along the way were very supportive as were the many onlookers. The £5 registration fee got you a medal and a lunch ticket for some grub and drinks after the race. A real bargain - now I know why Willie Murray likes this race!
Report and Photo Karen Munro
Kirkcudbright Half Marathon 28/5/05
Four Porties made the start this year, Willie and Scott Jarvie, Karen Munro, and Keith Mayfield. It was Karen's first time around this scenic but lumpy course, but the rest of us were making return visits. On previous occasions we had found the course to be surprisingly (perhaps suspiciously) fast given its undulations, but the gale force wind this year made sure that this wouldn't be the case this time. Our times were 3 - 4 mins down on last year, with Willie coming in fastest with 1.21, Keith next with 1.25, followed by Scott in 1.28. (All times are approximate and from memory cos we're still awaiting our snail mailed copy of the Galloway News for the full results, not to mention the all important cattle prices.)
Meanwhile Karen was experiencing a torrid time courtesy of a dodgy yoghurt the night before. Her 1.54 time included 3 'Paula' stops, plus a massage in the back of a police car! Once the results had been collated we were gratified to discover that Willie, Scott and myself had finished as third team, behind Edinburgh Triathletes and Dumfries RC. So if you spot us sporting new socks/underpants (!) you'll know that's how we spent our prize of M&S vouchers.
Report and photos Clan Mayfield
Dunfermline City Half Marathon 29/5/05
What a great way to see out my twenties! My first half marathon in Dunfermline, the place I lived in early childhood before moving down to Norfolk. I had hoped to run round the course recognising Halbeath Road and other parts of the town but Pittencrieff Park and The Glen are well remembered and I just had to clamber on the old train outside the Pavilion before the race!!
I suppose it's only natural to feel nervous before a race but I had heard others say that the first three miles were up hill so I was a little worried. That was all scare mongering because the first six miles were effortless and it was only in lap two, which diverted along the way, that became harder on the legs. I'm not sure why the last three miles were slightly more difficult but the roads continued to stretch out before us and you could see into the distance. I suppose that seeing the route you have to run again makes it a little harder.
There are lots of newly built houses so I didn't recognise the area... it was only in the car on the way home that I saw Pitreavie Athletics Club and that long road we used to walk along in the pram! Was it Texus bars or Camel bars we used to chew in the rain?!
Thank you Karen for all your encouragement and support before and after the race.. I went for a well deserved champagne lunch at Stobo Castle to rest my weary legs on my thirtieth birthday the next day so all good fun and I look forward to my next half marathon on the Isle of Man!Full Results here
Report Claudia Davies
