Wednesday 30 December 2009

Devil's Burdens Relays Hill Race

The Devils Burdens Relays is an early season (Sat Jan 23rd) team hill race on the Lomand Hills in Fife and consists of four legs, two of which are run by pairs. (ie. teams of six runners)
The legs vary in length from ~3 miles to ~6 miles; three legs are hill runs, one leg is described as trail.

James has been organising some Moorfoot teams to enter this year - so far we have 17 names - one more required to make up three Moorfoot teams. So far we have:

Johnny, Russell, Fi, Colin, Rachael, Julia, Steve, Wull, Mike M, Darin, James, Mick, Aegir, Kenny, Paul, Laurence, Tom

Still room for a further runner - add a comment to the Blogger or contact James for the final place....

Teams will be confirmed nearer the time, as will sharing of lifts, collection of entry fees (£6 per runner) etc.

Registration on the day starts at 8:30am and first runners are off at 9:30am, so it will be an early start to allow time to get up to Fife (~75 mins drive from Peebles ?)

More details here...

Sunday 20 December 2009

Moorfoot Merry Christmas !

As we head into the Christmas period, and with the weather forecast looking like it will remain 'arctic' for the next few weeks, just a reminder that there will still be a few opportunities to meet up and come out for a run with the Moorfoots during your festive holidays...


Tues 22-Dec 5:30pm Cardrona Village Green - run in the snow with headtorches (slow pace)


Sunday 27-Dec 10:00am Gytes Peebles - the annual run 'to the mast' at Dunslair Heights - all welcome, sociable pace, several options to shorten run to reduce the overall climb as required....
** Update** - still on, even if we have to make some route alterations due to the heavy snow...

Also, informal "Christmas-beers in the Trust" (Bridge Inn, north side of Tweed Bridge, Peebles) on Sunday (27th) evening at 7:30pm ish - all welcome...

Tues 29-Dec 5:30pm Innerleithen (Hall Street) - weather dependent but bring headtorch in case we need to head off-road

Merry Christmas !!

Sunday 13 December 2009

New Book - "Classic Hill Runs and Races in Scotland"

Steve Fallon of Carnethy has written a book on "Classic Hill Runs and Races in Scotland", now available on-line on Amazon - perfect stocking filler for the Moorfoot in your life, and essential reading ahead of your 2010 Hill Running Campaign.

Steve Fallon photo's are a regular accompaniment to SHR's race reports, many of which feature in the book - (if you've done any hill races this year there's a good chance you'll be in one of his many photos !!!)

Moorfoots at Dunbar XC

Pic - Steve cruising in to the final stretch


The temperature was a few degrees higher on the coast at Dunbar than in Peebles, but it was still hovering around freezing, despite the still and sunny conditions at the start of the third leg of Borders XC series.


Many of the Moorfoot 'big guns' were absent this week, so the mid-pack runners had a chance of picking up some 'team counter' positions on the flat but testing course.


The tide was also in, so picking out a route on firm sand was a priority on the outward leg, before a fast run back through the trees on the frozen turf.


First Moorfoot home was Tom Hobbs in 31:18(20th place) with Colin (31:37 23rd)and Steve(31:45 24th) again hot on his heels, reversing positions from recent battles. Russell ran strongly after a few injury affected months to be fourth Moorfoot home (32:54) , trailing Kenny around for most of the race before pulling away from him nearer the end.


Scout ran another 'first lady' performance (34:06 1st FJ, 1st FS) despite the soft sand and lack of hills perhaps not being her favourite terrain. With three of the six races in the series completed, Scout is the senior lady to beat....

Clive (35:15) and Wattie (36:16) were next home, followed by Julia (36:40 2nd F35 !); Dave (42:37) and Mike P. (54:49 2nd M65 !!) brought the Moorfoot team home.

Full set of pictures from Ian Nimmo (thanks again!) here...



Results available here...

Sunday 6 December 2009

Moorfoots ar Glentress Duathlon (Medium Course)

Pic - Julia looking remarkably clean heading into the run

While many Moorfoots were slogging it out on foot at Lauder, Julia and Alison were slogging it out bike and foot at the Glenntress Duathlon, in what were the worst conditions the event has been staged in for some time. "Rain, mud, wind, mud, snow, mud...and more mud' as someone commented.

Alison created a lead of around 1 minute through the transition from cycle to run, but in worsening conditions, Julia pulled back the gap and added a few minutes, coming hom in 1:38:54 to claim 4th place in ther Ladies race; Alison finished in 1:41:57 for 5th Lady and first Lady V40.

Top performances in extremely tough conditions - well done !

The Glentress Duathlon Short Course race is on Sunday 24th January....






Moorfoots at Lauder XC

It was a cold, wet and blustery day for the rather soggy Lauder cross country, however that did not stop the largest Moorfoot contingent that I’ve seen turn out for a race (14 in total, and others were at the Glentress Duathlon). Some very good results showing very good strength in depth in the club.

The women had some excellent performances dominating the results, with Scout Adkin coming in first woman and first junior (31.10), Carol Moss was second woman and first F45 (31.35) and Alex Campbell second junior and fourth woman (33.04).

In the men’s race there were usual strong performances with Darin Dougal first home in 11th in 28.04, closely followed by Mike McGovern in 12th (28.15) and Tom Hobbs in 13th (28.23), ensuring the top ranked men’s team for the event by my calculations, just one point ahead of Corstophine, (and without James Britton who recorded the top Moorfoot finish at the previous round in Norham). There were 3 more Moorfoots, Wull, Steve and me (Colin!) in the top 30 and under 30mins

Results here...

Regards...

Colin

Thursday 26 November 2009

Mighty Deerstalker 2010

The date is now confirmed for the 2010 Traquair based Mighty Deerstalker Adventure Race - Saturday 20th March.

Early bird discount (£4 off) if you enter the before 30-November.

More details here....

Some good Moorfoot performances in last years race - check out the Blogger archives....

Moorfoot Christmas Night Out - Saturday 5th Dec

Moorfoot Christmas Night Out - Saturday 5th Dec

Green Tree Hotel Peebles (next to Eastgate Theatre - parking at Station car park behind hotel)

7:00 for 7:30pm

Price of meal will depend on exactly what you order...see you there....

PS - training at Peebles on Sunday 6th December at 10am as normal, but perhaps 'party revellers' can negotiate a slower pace....

Training and Race Dates - December09

November proved to be quite popular for mid-week training despite the wet weather; a couple of successful night-runs, plus some new locations for interval training at Innerleithen and Cardrona…
December is busy again with some extra ‘festive’ events…keep checking the blogger for updates, and note some of the cancelled training sessions and extra races in which interest has been shown...

Note again the Peebles based training on Thursdays with a 5:00pm start....

Sun 29-Nov Borders XC Lauder 12:00 noon
(Also Glentress Duathlon Medium Route 12:00 start also…)

Tues 1-Dec Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Mile reps x3 over Wells Brae
Thrs 3-Dec Peebles (Gytes) 5:00pm Fartlek Run
Sat 5-Nov Dec Peebles Christmas Night Out (Green Tree Hotel) 7:00 for 7:30pm
Sun 6-Dec Peebles (Gytes)10:00am - easy post night-out run

Tues 8-Dec Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm 2 x 5 x 250m intervals
Thrs 10-Dec Peebles (Gytes) 5:00pm Pre-race run (Fartlek)
Sun 13-Dec Borders XC Dunbar 12:00 noon

Tues 15-Dec Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Night Run with Headtorches
Thrs 17-Dec Peebles (Gytes) 5:00pm 8 x hill reps at South Park
Sun 20-Dec Innerleithen (Hall St) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)

Tues 22-Dec Cardrona (Village Green) 5:30pm 5 x 800m reps
Thrs 24-Dec NO TRAINING
Sat 26-Dec Possible Edinburgh Park Run (5K TT) trip - details TBC
Sun 27-Dec Peebles (Gytes) 10:00am Social run up to Dunslair Mast

Tues 29-Dec Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm 2 x 3 x 400m intervals
Thrs 31-Dec NO TRAINING
Fri 1-Jan Portabello Promathon (4 mile RR)
Sat 2-Jan Greenmantle Dash, Broughton (2 mile 650’ Hill Race)

Monday 23 November 2009

Weekend Roundup 23-November

A few Moorfoots were competing over the weekend 21/22 November.


Darin and Hilary both set PBs in the Edinburgh 5K Parkrun at Silverknowes - looks like a very popular weekly race/time-trial - more details here; more Moorfoots talking about giving it a go; watch the Blogger for further details....


Further north, James was taking in a local XC race in Aberdeenshire at Crathes Castle, coming home in a creditable 4th place.


Lauder round of the Borders XC series next Sunday (29-Nov) and also first round of the Glentress Duathlon Series (also 29-Nov)

Monday 16 November 2009

Social Hill Run - invite from Gala Harriers

Email from Paul Morris at Gala Harriers inviting any Moorfoots who want to join in a hill run up the Gypsy Glen next Saturday (21-Nov) - contact Paul directly for meeting details and last minute arangements (see below)...

"..We'll head out from Gypsy Glen up onto the ridge towards Dun Rig, and head back through Glensax when we've had enough. I would expect we will start running at 9.45am. Those meeting in Gala, swimming pool at 9am as usual. Let me know if you want directions to go straight there. If the weather is really bad we might change venues to Glentress. I will confirm any change by bed time on Friday evening. My mobile number is 077 477 57223, but I'm not that reliable at checking for messages/texts. Paul..."

Moorfoots at Norham BXC Round1

Pic - what mud..?
After the wet and stormy weather on Saturday, it was with some trepidation that we headed to Norham for the kickoff of the Borders XC series, the Norham course being infamous for its 'burn crossings' and 'ploughed fields'.

However, the weather was almost perfect - calm, sunny, actually quite warm - and the underfoot conditions were slippery and challenging in places but not quite the nightmare scenario that Saturdays weather had conjured up.

The good weather brought out the crowds (166 finshers in the senior race, 68 in the juniors) and the Moorfoots were again well represented, but with a few 'regulars' missing through illness and other commitments.

James (24:24 5th), Wull (26:12 17th) and Darin 'the comeback kid' Dougal (26:27 20th) led the Moorfoot team home - not sure the team ranking here yet but strong competition from Corstorphine and Dunbar and Carnethy this year....

The provisional recorded results are a bit 'wonky still' after this, but 'unofficially as yet', next home was Kenny (27:56 xxth ?) ahead of Scout (28:09 46th, first Female Junior and 2nd Female) and then Aegir (28:47 51st)....

Close behind was Carol Moss (28:54 55th) whose strong running was good for 1st in the F45 Category - well done !!

Clive Adkins came back under the 30mins barrier (29:51 64th) followed by Alex (30:28 69th) , whose long trip back from her studies in Stirling was rewarded with a 3rd place in the Female Junior cateory.

Wattie stormed home in 30:56 82nd and Julia stuck to her task in perhaps not her favourite conditions or running terrain, recording a 32:03 (93rd) which was also good for a 3rd place in the F35 Category.

Provisional results here... although they are still a bit wonky.

A few of our runners had not put their club (Moorfoot Runners !!!) on the entry forms so initially they did not get flagged as Moorfoots in the results - I have fed back and had this corrected. Note that this can mess up the Club team and individual category placings you may be eligible for, so make sure you take care in future form filling...
And now with some great pictures courtesy of Ian Nimmo.....

Sunday 8 November 2009

Tuesday Evening Training Opportunity

JUNIOR TUESDAY NIGHT WINTER RUN – help sought.

The Moorfoot Juniors are having a trial of a Tuesday night group run starting from 10 November and are looking for a few seniors to run “shotgun” on the 1.2k loop with the juniors, maybe as an easy warm-down after their own Tuesday night run.

See http://www.moorfootjuniors.org/page4.htm for more info re when, where etc. If you are interested in helping, or are looking for a more modest paced run on a Tuesday night, please contact Gregor Nicholson 01721 723370.

Moorfoots at Tinto

Pic - Wattie (second from left) dressed sensibly for a days hill running in the clouds

A record 295 starters lined up for the annual Tinto Hill Race, on a cool but sunny November afternoon. The recent rain had made the lower slopes a bit muddy and slippery and there was a bit of cloud on the top, but otherwise good conditions for hill runinng.

First Moorfoot home was Mike McGovern in 23rd place (36:32), running well again after some recent chest problems.

Next home, and claiming a number of significant Moorfoot 'scalps', was Scout in a fantastic 40:45, which was good enough for 69th position and second female.

Johnny was close behind in 41:07 (74th) continuing his good performances and Kenny was a minute or so further back in 42:03 (more than 1 minute faster than last year !!).

Alex Campbell bagged a fine 45:04 and well within the top half of the field in 137th place and Wattie brought the Team Moorfoot home in a sub-50 (49:26).

Some strong performances in a strong field and now looking good for the forthcoming Border XC series which starts next week at Norham.

Provisional results here...

Sunday 1 November 2009

Moorfoots Innerleithen Trail Race - Race Report

Pic - yes, it was this wet !!!

The final leg of the Moorfoot Trail Race Club Handicap Series was held on Sunday at the Leithen Valley side of Glentress near Leithen Lodge. Having experienced 'Indian Summer' conditions throughout October, the first day of November, in complete contrast was perhaps the wettest Sunday we have run on this year - very wet, very windy, and generally miserable....

However, thirteen hardy souls ventured out, with the final placings in the three race series still up for grabs over the 7.5 mile course over the forest roads.

First man home was 'hill specialist' Russell, who defended his 80 sec handicap against the main contenders, to take 1st place in the Innerleithen leg and an overall win in the series. Colin chased Russell down all the way round but despite pulling back a minute on handicap, had to be happy with 2nd place on the day - still enough to consolidate an overall second place in the series. Johnny showed some continued good form from his Pentlands Skyline race to secure a 3rd place for both the day and the series.

Other mentions too for Wull and guest runner Graham who started side by side and sportingly finished side by side; Mick, who ran a very commendable sub-1hour time only a week after his Snowdonia Marathon (at least you were used to the weather conditions !!); ..and actually congratulations to everyone who endured the weather - including last, but not least Kirsty who stood around recording the times and serving hot beverages afterwards......

The new Moorfoot jackets were also put through their paces - Mike and Kenny running the full course in their new threads, and can confirm that they are very comfortable, the air-mesh panels seem to work very well at preventing you from 'boiling in the bag' when you are working hard on the hills.

A great wee club series - a big thanks to James and Rachael for the initiative - looking to repeat it again in 2010.

Thoughts or ideas on future formats or courses - leave a comment on the blogger.....

Results here...

Saturday 31 October 2009

Training and Race Dates - November09

Some experimentation with a few new training sessions this month, plus a busy race calendar.
Note again the Peebles based training on Thursdays with a 5:00pm start....

Interested in a sociable night run with headtorches but can't make mid week training..?
Drop a note on the Blogger 'comments' and if there is enough interest we'll schedule a Friday evening 'run & pub' event....

Sun 1-Nov Moorfoot Trail Race - Innerleithen 10:00 am start

Tues 3-Nov Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Night Run with Headtorches
Thrs 5-Nov Peebles (Gytes) 5:00pm Pre-race run (Fartlek)
Sat 7-Nov Tinto Hill Race 2:00pm start
Sun 8-Nov Cardrona (Village Green) 10:00am Long steady run (~ 1hr) - easy post race run

Tues 10-Nov Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Hill Reps (7 x ~90s Wells Brae)
Thrs 12-Nov Peebles (Gytes) 5:00pm Pre-race run (Fartlek)
Sun 15-Nov Borders XC Norham 12:00 noon

Tues 17-Nov Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm 2 x 4 x 500m intervals
Thrs 19-Nov Peebles (Gytes) 5:00pm Night Run with Headtorches
Sun 22-Nov Walkerburn (Bridge) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)

Tues 24-Nov Cardrona (Village Green) 5:30pm Village Green circuit reps (confirmed)
Thrs 26-Nov Peebles (Gytes) 5:00pm Pre-race run (Fartlek)
Sun 28-Nov Borders XC Lauder 12:00 noon

Tuesday 27 October 2009

Blood Sweat & Tears in Wales - the full story



Pic1 - at the start (lovely weather !!!)
Pic2 - dressed for the conditions

I'd travelled down to North Wales the afternoon before with Alan Strain who unfortunately wasn't able to run because of a chest infection (or so he said!).
Saturday morning saw grey skies and as we arrived at Llanberis the heavy rain and strong winds greeted us - it was the sign of things to come. The start of the race was about a mile down the road at Nant Peris so as a "warm up" we decided to walk, subsequently we arrive thoroughly soaked! Still there was lots of folk about and all seemed happy enough when we lined up for the start (by which time I had donned my waterproof & gloves - as was still cold!).
From the start we turned south for a mile before the ascent to Pen-y-Pas, a climb of about 800ft over next 3 miles. I'd settled into an easy pace, trying not to clock watch and made to top quite comfortably despite the gradient. The nest couple of miles were a steep downhill but took it easy being wary of the challenges to come. We then turned towards Beddgelet a steady downward stretch that took us to about halfway, by this time the rain had eased, the waterproof was off and it was almost pleasant (you could almost see the views). Then it was a steady undulating road all the way up until 21 miles at Waunfawr. I felt OK the training seemed to have worked, there was no sign of the dreaded "wall" and the company was very friendly although there were lots of nervous comments about the challenge to come. Those comments became reality as we moved off the main road to begin our ascent of Bwlch y Groes - 2.5 miles of sheer hell, a climb of 900ft up to the summit, lungs bursting, too steep to run in places (95% of us were walking for a couple of hundred metres), and a couple of false summits before the road became a muddy trail just before the top at which time the rain was again torrential and it was blowing a gale. Then it was down, down, down, thighs burning, too steep and too slippery to run properly, eventually into Llanberis. The finish was in sight - apart from some joker decided that we needed an extra 1/2 mile to make up the distance, and guess what, it included another b****y hill! Over that, "sprint" to the finish, totally exhausted but elated - the weeks of long runs had paid off, a time of 3hrs 57 mins was very satisfying on that course (the organisers stated that the hills would put 30 mins onto our times). Trudged wearily to the car and then the pub for an afternoon of rehydration! The race had been voted both the hardest UK marathon and the most scenic, I can vouch for then former, as for the views they kept themselves for another time!
Cheers,
Mick

Monday 26 October 2009

Tinto Hill Race Saturday 7th November

Tinto Hill Race Saturday 7th November, for those who like it short, sharp and painful...

Entry on the day at Symington.

Full details here - several Moorfoots already confirmed as going....

Moorfoot Christmas Night Out Saturday 5th December

Just to let everybody know that the Christmas night out will be Saturday 5th December at
7.30 pm at the Green Tree Hotel in Peebles.

It is not a Christmas Party night (i.e no disco) although there is a Christmas menu along with the normal menu to choose from.

To date, there has been about 20 that has replied to say they are going.

I shall send another e-mail out nearer the time to remind everybody again.

Regards

Mike

Blood Sweat and Tears in Wales....

Just got back from Snowdonia Marathon.

3hrs 57 mins - the hardest thing I've ever done.

Torrential rain, gale force winds unbelievable hills (especially at 21miles!).

Will send a report for the blog in the next day or so.

Cheers

Mick

Sunday 25 October 2009

Moorfoot Trail Race - Innerleithen - Sunday 1-November

Short reminder about the final Moorfoot Trail Race of the 3-race 'series' - Sunday coming, 1-November.

Meet at Leithen Lodge (north of Innerleithen Golf Course on the Heriot Road, about 3 miles out of the town) - first runners off at 10:00am.

Short prize giving afterwards and we have 'tea and coffee' making facilities being arranged.....

Full details on earlier post here...

Glentress Duathlon Series 2009/10

Quite a few Moorfoots expressing an interest in the popular Glentress Duathlon Series.

Full details here....

A couple of the dates clash with the Borders XC series, but the Short Course Duathlon on Sunday 24th January 2010 is 'fixture clash free'.

Get your online entries in quickly (delay not- do it now !) as this is the most popular event and the cut-off of 150 entrants in strictly enforced.

A couple of Moorfoot 'bike & run' training sessions being planned for those interested and there is a spin class on Thursdays at the Gytes which we'll check out, to provide some winter training variation....keep watching the Blogger....

Moorfoots at Jedburgh Half & 10K


Pic1 Fi & Alice; Pic2 - James sprinting for home playing the 'victory air-guitar'

A blustery, grey day with a few pre-race showers, but the sun came out for some of this year's Jedburgh Running Festival, where a strong representation of Moorfoots were participating in both the well established half Marathon, and the inaugral 10K race.



In the the Half, James went off like a rocket (~3min first 1K !!!) and was flying through to the 'turn', before hanging tough on the second half back into the wind to finish in 2nd place on 1:18:05, just 90s behind the overall winner.

Close behind in 4th place, Wull finished in ~1:20, despite some recurring calf problems just after the half way turning point.

In tough conditions, there were also some other strong Moorfoot performances - Rachael was finishing strongly in what looked like a ~1:35; Wattie was a bit further back in the pack heading for another 1:45er-ish time (Wattie - it was the 'Walter Softie' 10K runners in the grey Zafira who 'pumped the horn' at you in the final 2 miles...)

And in her first race in the Moorfoot colours, Fi Williams finished in 1:52- a fantastic run (special mention too for Colin and baby Alice, resplendant in Moorfoot colours, cheering on the runners out on the course...)


In the 10K, Steve ran very strongly in the tough windy conditions to be first Moorfoot home in 38 mins. Mike, still suffering from breathing problems, ran a race best forgotten in 40mins, while Kenny plodded round the course in a well paced 40:35, struggling too with the second half head wind, but not actually being overtaken by anyone...

Scout, in her first ever 10K, finished in a very commendable 43mins, with Julia a minute or so back in ~44 mins.


A tough day on the road for all......


Full/final results and placings still be be published -some partial 10K results here... and Half results here...



Friday 23 October 2009

Borders XC Dates & Venues

Dates and Venues are now available for the Borders XC Series 2009/10.
All events are on Sundays, Junior races starting at 11:30 am and seniors around 12:00 noon.

Norham 15 November 09
Lauder 29 November 09
Dunbar 13 December 09
Galashiels 10 January 10
Berwick 31 January 10
Peebles 28-February 10

Full details here...

Tuesday 20 October 2009

The Nights're faer drawin' in...

With the clocks changing this weekend coming (Sat 24th October) and darkness descending early (street lights came on during Innerleithen training session tonight at 6:00pm half way through our interval session), the Thursday night training sessions will now change to a 5:00pm start time in order to squeeze out a bit of extra daylight.

In order to add a bit of variety into the training during the dark winter nights, we are also going to try changing Thursday night trainings to Peebles, starting Thursday 22-October, meeting at the Gytes at 5:00pm.

Training on Tuesdays remains at Innerleithen (Hall St) at 5:30pm for now....

While these mid week early start sessions don't suit everyone, let us know if you are able to join us of an evening on occassion....and watch the blogger for other one-off winter training events in the coming months....

Sunday 11 October 2009

Moorfoots at the Pentland Skyline

Pic - Johnny showing the opposition a clear pair of heels - not!
Well done to the Moorfoots particiapting at Sunday's Pentland Skyline Hill Race, with James coming home in a very creditable 6th place in a field of 176.

Full results here...

02:42:43 JAMES BRITTON
02:55:56 WULL HYND
03:29:52 JOHNNY HALL
03:35:45 RUSSELL ANDERSON
03:45:25 RACHAEL SMITH

Special mention too for Johnny who came third in the 'Man-or Mouse' competition (aggregate times from Manor Hill Race + Skyline) and Rachael who was seventh and first lady (which is technically 1st place in the 'Wo-Man-or Mouse' competition - well done !!!!)

Saturday 10 October 2009

Moorfoots at Manor Hill Race

The weather gods were with us again today, as the low cloud and leaden skies of Saturday morning gave way to sunshine and a light breeze - perfect running conditions.

With some of the Moorfoot 'big guns' unavailable to participate at Manor, there was a chance for some new faces to lead the Moorfoot colours home.

Eight Moorfoots lined up in a field of 86 runners - the good weather and dry underfoot conditions promising some fast times.

Colin was fastest Moorfoot of the day (and first Local - there is a Broughton Brewery Prize for this !) with a fast 1:21:54 (18th place), some six minutes faster than last year...
Steve and Kenny were not too far behind (well, actually we were...) in 1:24:23 (21st) and 1:25:17 (25th), again some three minutes faster than last year; Jonny's 1:28:23 hopefully leaves something in the tank for the Pentland Skyline on Sunday.
Julia's 1:32:06 was good for fourth lady and Rachael was close behind in 1:34:19 (5th lady) - a good warm up for the Skyline on Sunday!
Andy McLeod (1:48:26) and Dave (1:55:52) brought the Moorfoot team home.

Good luck to Jonny and Rachael in Sunday's Skyline Race and in the Man or Mouse competition for those running both Saturday's and Sunday's race.

Good luck also to James, Russell and Wull who were keeping themselves fresh for Sunday's Skyline race.

Full Manor results here...

Check out Colin Donnelly's (Lochaber AC) 1:08:50 winning time - only 36s outside the course record - and this from a MV50....fantastic !

Wednesday 7 October 2009

Jedburgh 10K and Half Marathon - Sun 25th October

Jedburgh Running Festival at the end of October (Sunday 25th) features both a 10K and Half Marathon this year - details here...

Online entries to be in for 18th October, so get organised and enter now....

Looks like a few of us are entering the 10K - lifts available.....

Monday 5 October 2009

Training and Race Dates - October09

October training and race dates....

The dark winter nights will be upon us soon - some discussuion about how we can keep winter training interesting (occassional bike night ride, time trial with Penicuik Harriers, track session at Tweedbank, Yoga Class ?) - if you have any ideas, add a comment to the foot of this post....

Sun 4-Oct Peebles (Gytes) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)
(Post race recovery for 'Breweries runners...)
Tues 6-Oct Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Thrs 8-Oct Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Sat 10-Oct - Manor Hill Race (1:00pm)
Sun 11-Oct Cardrona (Village Green) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)

Tues 13-Oct Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Thrs 15-Oct Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Sun 18-Oct Innerleithen (Hall St) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)

Tues 20-Oct Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Thrs 22-Oct Peebles (Gytes) 5:00pm Intervals & Speed Work
Sun 25-Oct Walkerburn (Bridge) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)
Also Jedburgh 10K and Half Marathon

Tues 27-Oct Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Thrs 29-Oct Peebles (Gytes) 5:00pm Intervals & Speed Work
Sun 1-Nov Moorfoot Trail Race - Innerleithen (see separate posts)

..and before you know it, the Borders XC series will have started again !!!

Manor Hill Race - Saturday 10-October

Pic - Steve in a 'zen like trance' at last years race

Another of our 'local' races - the Manor Water Hill Race - this Saturday (10th October) at 1:00pm, held in conjunction with the Manor Water Sheepdog Trials. (chance to win a sheep in the raffle)

A long uphill grind to the summit of 'The Scrape' and then a fast downhill retracing the outward route - ~10 miles.

Those who like a full weekend of punishment can also run the Pentland Skyline Race on the Sunday and enter for the 'Man or Mouse' prize, which combines the aggregate result of both races.

Friday 2 October 2009

Public Service Announcement - 2009 WHW Race on Adventure Show (Sunday 4-Oct BBC2 7:00pm)

Thanks to Russell for this one - get your video recorders set !

" The ADVENTURE SHOW" this Sunday 4th October 7.00pm will featurecoverage of this summers West Highland Way Race, At 95 miles Scotlandslongest permitted event. It features some stunning shots of the route,together with "travelling soundbites" and interviews with runners andhelpers.About 50 of this years competitors and helpers were treated recently toa slightly "uncut" version of the coverage by Triple Echo, the production company, which recieved a standing ovation, so impressed werethey that it captured the spirit of the event so well !! "

More details at the BBC website...

Sunday 27 September 2009

Moorfoots at the Two Breweries Hill Race

Pic - gratuitous image of the sponsor's product





A fantastic turnout of ten Moorfoots took part in this years Two Breweries Hill race (Traquair to Broughton) in good underfoot and general weather conditions, with the sun making a welcome appearance about fifteen minutes before the race start.

James was first Moorfoot home in 3:02 (7th place overall), with Wull a further eighteen minutes or so back (3:20)

Mike managed to lose his way just after Stobo, and then lost his 'mojo' on the slopes of Trahanna, so had an interesting tussle with Colin and Russell before their final placings were resolved at the Broughton Brewery finish line. (Russell 3:43, Mike 3:44, Colin 3:47)

Kenny, in his first 'Breweries race achieved his sub 4 hour goal (3:52 for the record !) while Johnny was unfortunate to finish just a minute or so the wrong side of 4 hours (4:01), in what was also his first 'Breweries run. Steve and Julia were close behind, a few minutes further back (Julia 4:07, Steve 4:08)
Aegir unfortunately had to retire when hit by stomach cramps at Glensax - this 'retirement' involved progressing over Hundleshope, Stob Law and then the descent to Glenrath (official 'drop out' point). His 'lift' home to Peebles, then got to Edston Quarry and remembered that they were actually heading for Broughton, so he had to walk back from here !
Special prize then to Aegir for heroic endeavour....

Full results here; some great initial pictures here...

Report on SHR site..

Well done to all the runners, and also Pete Baxter and his team of marshalls, mountain rescue folks and the ladies back at the village hall for the 'most excellent' nosh afterwards....

Moorfoots at Great North Run

Alan MacDonald and Watt Barrie travelled to Newcastle for this year's Great North Run..trip reports below:

Alan:

Just a quick line to let you know that Watie Barrie and I travelled to Newcastle last Sunday for the Great North Run. It was a very early start (0530 at Selkirk) for the journey to South Shields, followed by queues for everything else that day, including the start. Fortunately the weather was just right.This was Wattie's third half marathon in just over 2 weeks, and he had had a slight problem with an achilles tendon strain earlier in the week, but it seemed to be okay for the race. Wattie ran 1hr 47.23, while I ran 1hr 44.30. Given the crowds and congestion, I think both times were pretty good. I managed 3600th, while Wattie was 4708th, so in a little under 3 minutes there were approximately 1100 finishers!As to whether or not I would do the race again? It is one of those, got the t-shirt jobs. Great experience, great enthusiasm from the crowds and runners, great organisation, but biggest (54000 runners) isn't always best. The Red Arrows at the end put on a spectacular display, which was breathtaking.

Wattie:

Just to let you know how things went on the Great North Run. What an event! Alan and myself met in Selkirk at 5.30am and arrived in South Shields at 7.30 ish. After taking the bus to the start I then stood in the toilet line for at least an hour!!. The race itself was an experience not to be missed though, over 54,000 runners, what a sight. Anyway at about mile 10/11 I started to slow so Alan headed of in front and finished well in front of myself. I finished in time of 1:47:42. With a time of 1:46:58 at Hawick and 1:42:28 at Glasgow thats me finished for a while, otherwise I might find myself using the services of the sweeper bus!!!.

Well done to both...

Thursday 24 September 2009

REVISED DATE Moorfoot Runners Innerleithen Trail Race - Sun 1-November

REVISED DATE - now rescheduled for Sun 1-Nov due to large number of club members unavailable for the original date. Updates to follow....


The final leg of the Moorfoot Trail race series will now take place on Sunday 1-Nov at the Leithen Valley side of Glentress forest, accessed off the B709 (Innerleithen- Heriot road) just beyond the Innerleithen Golf Course.

Those who have taken part in the Cardrona and Glentress races will remember that it is a handicap format, with slowest runners off first, starting at 10:00am (so try to be there for 9:45).

The race is open to Moorfoot members and 'guests'.

Map of route here...

James wrote:

"..This will probably be the last race in the current handicap series so we'll need to anoint a winner. The top 3 places are currently held by Russell who leads Colin by 1 minute 31 seconds with Jock another 30 seconds behind.
Please park at point A (on the verge close the "Private Road" sign and we'll start from point B). I promised a flat course for the 3rd race........well I lied, however the route is no where near as steep as the Glenntress route. Start times to follow next week. .."

The first two races were very enjoyable and very sociable, so try and get along to take part and a catchup....

For those interested (I am..!), James has also promised....

"..If there's enough interest I'll organise an off road duathlon later in the year, initial thoughts were Cardrona Forest - 3 mile run, 6.5 mile bike (similar to the handicap route but without the nasty single track sections) and then finishing off with a 3 mile run.

Tuesday 22 September 2009

Two Breweries Roll Call

Pic - Wull in action at last years Breweries race

A few days to go until arguably our toughest local race, the Two Breweries.

Sounds like a good Moorfoot entry again this year with perhaps up to ten runners flying the 'red and blue' colours.

Weather forecast looks good with sunny spells and a light westerly (head) wind - sounds almost perfect.

My supporters are planning to be at Stobo with the 'jelly babies', so smile as you pass and grab a handful....

See you on Saturday....

Monday 21 September 2009

Russell flying the Moorfoot Flag

Pic - Russell takes 5th and first M50 at the 2009 Merrick Hill Race despite despite the handicap of carrying an imaginary beachball

Russell Anderson has been stringing together some impressive top10 performances recently in various hill races.

A 7th in the Devil's Beeftub Race; a 5th in the Caerketton Doonhiller; a 5th in the Merrick Hill Race (and first M50 !)

Full results here on the SHR website...

Get down to the bookies and place a bet on Russell for a sub 3:30 at the Two Breweries next weekend...

Tuesday 15 September 2009

Weekend Roundup 13-Sept

Pic - feeling the heat (20C !!) and the pace at 3 miles...
More Moorfoots out and about this weekend as the weather took a turn for the better and we started experiencing our BBQ Autumn.....
Kenny did the Calderglen Harriers 25th Anniversary 10 miler at east Kilbride, coming in 20th in 67mins in a field of about 100. Great race and perfect running conditions.
Mike and Watty were at Hawick on Sunday, taking part in the BLST organised Hawick Half Marathon. On a hilly course, Mike managed a 3rd place in 1:23, after leading the race for a time. Watty was on leg 2 of his 'three half marathons in 3 weekends', coming home in 1:49 - the hills taking their toll in comparison to the pancake flat Glasgow course of the weeke before.
Coxy took part in the Salomon Turbo-X Trail Race at Mugdock in Milngavie Glasgow, completing the course in 1:31, in a huge field of ~400 runners. A late tactical error prior to the start in going for a warm up away from the start area meant that he started right the back of the field, where overtaking opportunities on tight trails were limited...
At Moffat, Russell was taking part in the BeefTub race, coming home in 7th place and first V50.
Again elsewhere, more Two Breweries reconnaisance was taking place, the second half from Glenrath to Broughton getting checked out.
..and with the Snowdon Marathon five weeks or so away, there were a few Moorfoots out doing 20 milers....

Sunday 6 September 2009

Weekend Roundup 6-Sept

Lots of Moorfoots in action recently...

Russell Anderson completed the Ben Nevis Race in a fantastic 2:09 (very impressive !) for 144th place amongst almost 500 finishers, including some strong International competitors.

Dave 'Road Warrior' Wardman was in Perth for the Perth 10K, recording a a sub-50 time of 47:49 and fourth place in the M60 category.

Alison Caw was at the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon in Glasgow, finishing in a time of 1:43:46, and edging closer to that 100 minute target time.
Wat Barrie was also taking part in Glasgow, recording 1:42 and removing a whopping 8 mins off his PB....

Colin Williams, Rachael Smith and James Britton swapped the 'trainers' for bikes and took part in the PCC Tour of Tweeddale cycling sportif, Colin flying round the 50 miler to be home for lunch, while James and Rachael completed the full 90 miler later in the afternoon. Well done to all...

Elsewhere, there was lots of pre-Breweries hill race training going on, in the low swirling cloud around Birkscairn Hill, Hundleshope Heights and Glenwrath. Early reports confirm that the heather is deep, the mud muddy, the burns high and the cloud wet (oh, and the wind was very windy !)

Missed something ? Send me a quick email and we'll update the blogger.....

Tuesday 1 September 2009

Roll Call - Calderglen Harriers 10 mile Road Race (Sat 12th-Sep)

Less than two weeks (Sat 12th September) until the Calderglen Harriers 10 mile road race in East Kilbride, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the club.

Two confirmed Moorfoots (Kenny and Dave Wardman) participating so looks like we will be struggling to field a 'team of ten' for the team prize (ten runners to include a minimum of three ladies).
Update on the prize money up for grabs...
The prize list is as follows:

1st team - £150 (£15 each)

1st male/female - £40
2nd male/female - £30
3rd male/feamle - £20

1st vet male(40) - £20
1st vet female (35) - £20

The closing date for the race is Monday 7th September.

Early race start (10am), low cost entry (£2), free transport (for the next five Moorfoots to confirm their participation - contact Kenny) and a great course around the country roads of Auldhouse....good preparation for the Jedburgh Half Marathon in October...go on, give it a go...

Full details here...

Let me know if you do plan to participate and I can arrange to give you a lift...
(Plan to leave Peebles around 8:00am and should be home for early afternoon)

Regards...

Kenny

Moorfoots at Teviotdale 10K

With injuries and other sporting commitments somewhat reducing the planned attendance at Hawick, only two Moorfoots took part in the Teviotdale 10K on Sunday, in a relatively small field of 72 runners.

Tom Hobbs took sixth place in 37:26 while Andy Cox came home in nineteenth place in 41:26, and still looking to crack to 40 min barrier.

Full resuts here...

Monday 24 August 2009

Training and Race Dates - September09

A busy September schedule coming up....

Sun 31-Aug Fifth Sunday of month...let us know what you want to do...
Also Teviotdale 10K at Hawick on the 31st
Tues 1-Sept Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Tues 3-Sept Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Sun 6-Sept Peebles (Gytes) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)
Also PCC Sportif on Sunday 6th and Great Scottish Run on Sunday 6th
Tues 8-Sept Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Thrs 10-Sept Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Sun 13-Sept Cardrona (Village Green) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)
Also Calderglen Harriers 10 miler on Sat 12th and Hawick Half Marathon on Sun 13th
Tues 15-Sept Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Thrs 17-Sept Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Sun 20-Sept Innerleithen (Hall St) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)
Tues 22-Sept Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Thrs 24-Sept Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Sun 27-Sept Walkerburn (Bridge) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)
Also Two Breweries Race Sat 26th
Tues 29-Sept Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Thrs 01-Oct Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work

New Moorfoot Running Jackets

As per earlier email of 23-August to Club Members, orders and size confirmation to Mike Pearson this week please, such that the orders can be placed.

Those who did not receive Mike's email, check your contact details with Club Treasurer Mick Warrington to ensure that your email address is valid and that there is an up to date record of you having paid your 2009 club membership subscription....

Sunday 23 August 2009

Moorfoots at Gytes Duathlon

Pic - Kenny & Colin battling it out in the final 5Km (Lap2)

Three Moorfoots took part in Sundays Borders Sport & Leisure Trust Gytes Duathon (based at the Peebles Swimming Pool) in damp and blustery conditions.

The course was a 5Km run (two laps of three bridges course), a 20Km cycle (Peebles to Howford Farm and back) and a final repeat 5Km run.

In the first run, there wasn't much between Kenny and Colin; Colin coming out of cycle transition 2 secs ahead, only to be overtaken on the bridge while doing some shoe 'faffing'. Andy 'Coxy' Cox was only some 2o secs behind, having chosen a 'one pair of shoes' strategy, shaving time from his cycle transition.

On the cycle leg, Colin and Kenny changed places several times until the final big hill on the way back in where Kenny pulled out a 40 sec lead into the final run transition. Coxy on his first ever road bike outing ("...how hard can it be - it's like running but sitting down...") followed closely behind only some 30 secs further back.

On the final 5Km run, Colin pulled level after lap one, showing good strength to maintain the pace and finish ahead by 25sec in a total time of 1:16:04 and 15th place; Kenny following him in on 1:16:31 for 16th place. Coxy faded a bit on the final run but still finished a very creditable 26th place on 1:19:03.

A good local event, somewhat down in numbers this year (49 finishers) due to the poor weather forecast and slightly expensive entry fee (£23 !), but worth a go.

Winning time this year was 1:04:52 (18:10 (5Km+transition); 29:00 (20Km ); 17:42 (5km + transition), the final leg here being a particularly impressive run.

Some pictures here...

Official results here...

Monday 17 August 2009

Moorfoots at Lomond Hills Race

Pic - Tom in action

Tom Hobbs and Russell Anderson were in action this weekend at the Lomond Hills race in Fife, Tom taking 13th place in 1:51 and Russell 33rd in 2:06 over the 11 mile/3400' ascent course.


Results here...

Some Quick Updates...

There were few Moorfoots racing this weekend, but there was a good turn out to Sunday training (eleven starters) at Innerleithen, where the 'Two Breweries' race preparation has kicked off in earnest, with the training run being the Innerleithen 'Five Peaks' which tested everyone over the 2hr + run (and some 'walky & talky' bits too...)

Some updates and dates for your diaries...

  • Thirlestane 5 mi multi terrain trail race appears to be cancelled this year -lack of sponsorship apparently...let's hope it's back again for 2010
  • James Britton's Moorfoot Trail Race Series continues on Sunday 4th October at Cademuir - more details to follow but get the date in your diary; this is a very sociable wee event for the club and the first two races at Cardrona and Glentress were very successful..see you there !
  • Online entry for Two Breweries race on 26th September now open...Sunday training now being geared towards this event, so if you like long runs and hills....

Further race dates in the Blogger Race Calendar....

Wednesday 12 August 2009

Moorfoots at Idle 10K Trail Race

Pic - Dave outsprinting the local ladies at Idle
The 'Idle 10k trail race' is run on the outskirts of Leeds. The course was quite flat for the first three miles two miles being along the towpath of the Leeds/Liverpool canal but once away from the canal, miles four and five where quite tough and hilly over trails and footpaths. Mile six was flat on grass to the finish line. My time of 52-27 2nd in MV/60 category finished 114th out of 254 runners..

Cheers..


Dave Wardman

'On yer bike' - PCC Tour of Tweeddale Cycle Sportive

The local Peebles Cycling Club host their annual Tour of Tweeddale Cycle Sportif on Sunday 6th of September - choice of 50/70/90 milers.
This is a 'mass participation' event rather than a race or time trial, and a great opportunity to take in some of the 'big country' on our doorstep. You don't need to have a fancy road bike - in fact a mountain bike gearing could be beneficial in a few places...
There are a number of check points to report in to and a 'broom wagon' follows the 50 mile route should you have a problem...

Good 'cross training' opportunity - the climb from Talla over to Meggat being something of a test piece that you have a go at sometime in your cycling life.

Online entry here..

More details on the PCC website here...

See you en route...

Sunday 9 August 2009

Weekend Roundup

Lots of Moorfoots in action this weekend....north, south, east (and still to get confirmation of any Moorfoots in actions in the west...)

Alan Strain and Mick Warrington took on the Haddington Half Marathon, both recording very respectable sub 1hr 40mins times in hot conditions on a hilly course. Talk of some future big races...could be an 'ultra thing' going on here in 2010....

Down in the borders, there was a Moorfoot one-two at the Morebattle Games Hill Race, with Mike McGovern coming out on top as winner, ahead of Darin in second. In the ladies, Alex Campbell ran uncontested to take the top spot.

Further north at Tyndrum, Paul Nichol was taking on the De'il o' the Highlands ultra race (Tyndrum to Fort William on West Highland Way - 43 miles), finishing in 90th place in 10hrs 15mins - well done !!!

***Update**
I did manage to track down some action from the 'west' - well, St Mary's Loch and the Durty Triathlon from the weekend of 1-August, where a few Moorfoots were secretly in action...

Well done to Johnny Hall for a 4th place in the Senior 'Short Fast Durty One' , Laurence Carvalho for a sixth place in the 'Short Fast Durty One' Relay.
Andy Cox was also running as part of a Relay team - can't find your name (and didn't know your team name), but he tells me he ran 'a blinder' in the offroad 10K....


Let me know if I've missed any recent race action....

Saturday 8 August 2009

Training and Race Dates - August09

August tends to be a quieter month for races, with most people either holidaying or easing themselves back in to their training regime after a mid summer break.

The Teviotdale 10K takes place in Hawick on the last Sunday of the month - a good race to use as a target for your post summer 'come back' and preparation for the busy Autumn running season....

Sun 9-Aug Cardrona (Village Green) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)
Tues 11-Aug Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Thrs 13-Aug Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Sun 16-Aug Innerleithen (Hall St) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)
Tues 18-Aug Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Thrs 20-Aug Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Sun 23-Aug Walkerburn (Bridge) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)
Tues 25-Aug Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Thrs 27-Aug Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work
Sun 30-Aug Fifth Sunday of Month !!!
(Teviotdale 10K Road Race Hawick)

Wednesday 29 July 2009

Haddington Half Marathon (Sat 8th August)

Mick Warrington and Alan Strain are heading through to Haddington on Saturday 8-August. Room in the car if anyone else is interested in going...

Race details here....

Tuesday 28 July 2009

Calderglen Harriers 10mile Road Race (Sat 12th Sept)

My old club Calderglen Harriers celebrate their 25th Anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion, are hosting a 10 mile road race on Saturday 12th September.

The race will be held on the quiet country roads around the village of Auldhouse to the south of East Kilbride.

Although there are the usual individual age category prizes, there is a special Anniversary competition for club teams - ten runners to count, and must include at least 3 ladies.

It would be great if we could get a team of ten Moorfoot Runners to participate - seven weeks to build up your training to ten mile race pace, and perhaps a good 'stepping stone' for the popular Jedburgh Half Marathon in October.

Race is pre-entry only - entry form and further race details at this link...

Entry is only £2, and we should have a number of cars heading through to share lifts and keep travel expenses down.
Early start for a 10:am race start but perhaps an opportunity for a 'pub lunch' on the way home...?

Regards...

Kenny

Monday 27 July 2009

Upcoming Races - Summer/Autumn 2009

I've compiled a short list of races that a number of Moorfoot Runners are planning to participate in over the next few months, and the dates for your diaries.

Please see online spreadsheet
(Note that this link is permanently available under 'Useful Links' on the lefthand side toolbar under 'Moorfoot Race Calendar')

Let me know if there are other races or key dates that you want to add....
Dates for the Borders XC Series will be added once they are confirmed.

Regards...

Kenny

Moorfoots at Ballater

Rachael and I were running in Aberdeenshire again at the weekend at the Ballater 10.
I came in 2nd in 57:28, just under a minute behind teenage hill running sensation Robbie Simpson. Rachael was 7th lady in 71:52 minutes. The course is underlating and spends a couple of miles on muddy farm tracks / footpaths giving me no chance of getting close to the 56 mins that I was hoping to run.

Cheers...

James & Rachael

Sunday 26 July 2009

Moorfoots at Musselburgh 10K

Four Moorfoots made the trip to Musselburgh for the 10K on a flat and fast course. The weather was sunny with a slight breeze and the conditions underfoot were good despite heavy rain on the Friday - good times were expected.

Darin (and his now famous blister) was first Moorfoot home in 36' for 16th place in a high quality field. Mike had a wobbly moment in the first few Kms and actually pulled up before deciding to continue on for a lacklustre 37'.

Kenny got his early Km pacing right and drafted in the head wind sections to put in a season's best 38'; Dave was strong through 5Km but faded a bit in the second half but still recorded a good 47' and 4th in the MV60 category.

The post race tea and cakes were first class - worth the entry fee alone - a well organised race on a fast course - worth a look again next year.

Results here..

Some very good pictures here..

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Musselburgh 10K (Sat 25-July)

A few Moorfoots will be heading through to Musselburgh this Saturday for what I am promised is a flat 10K course. Early start (10:30am) so cars will be leaving before 9:00am...

Race details here...

Moorfoot Victory at Lee Pen Hill Race

Pic - Darren with his trophy, his 'missus' and a selection of Moorfoot 'weans'

About 20 runners took part in the Innerleithen games Lee Pen Hill Race on Saturday on the brutally steep course.

Darin and Mike fought it out for top honours with Darin pulling away on the descent to win by about a minute, and picking up the big trophy and the prize money (for both winner and first local !)

Young Mark ran well finishing in fourth place and Colin picking up the final cash prize in sixth.

The ladies had a cracking race with Julia being pipped on the line (literally) by Alex after a final 50 yard shoulder to shoulder sprint; Carol ran in a few seconds behind. Chris follwed them home shortly afterwards.

Well done to all who took part....and to Jock who marshalled on the summit !

(A wee write up on the Carnethy website here - Darin's mega-blister on his heel even getting a mention...)

Saturday 18 July 2009

Moorfoots at Tillicoultry Bog and Burn

Johnny and Russell ran in the Maddy Moss race at Tillicoultry last night.

This was no.8 out of 10 in the Bog and Burn series and good value at 3 quid for over an hour's racing.
The first half was brutal, solid climbing with a long steep section up the Law followed by a long gentler section to the top of Ben Cleugh. A down and back up traverse to Andrew Gannel Hill, then downhill all the way to the finish, mostly on a fast but tricky path where balance was everything.

Results should appear soon here: http://www.shr.uk.com/Home.aspx

The last two Bog and Burns are nearer home, both in the Pentlands: Turnhouse (7.15 from Flotterstone Car Park next Wed 17th) and Caerketton (7.30 from Hillend Ski Centre Wed 12th August).

Cheers. Russell

Moorfoots at Moffat Gala Road Race

A big field (over 200 finishers) at the midweek Moffat road race, with a good representation from the Moorfoots.

Mike and Darin in the top ten, Steve close on their heels and the return of Colin Williams with a strong run just over the hour mark for 15Km. Julia took second lady vet and Dave came home just outside 5min/Km pace.

Full results here...

Sunday 12 July 2009

Moorfoot Postcard from Wiltshire

Travelled to Wiltshire on holiday with the family. As well as visiting those well known prehistoric sites of Stonehenge and Silbury Hill I managed to fit in the Downlander 10 on Sunday 28/06/2009. This was the first year of this 10 mile off-road event held on Marlborough Common and run over the Marlborough Downs. The weather was scorching and temperatures rose to the 80's. Fortunately, the organisers quickly doubled the water stations from 2 to 4 and then cheerfully added that the course was actually 10.2 miles long!
The route was undulating, rather than hilly, although the last mile to the finish was all uphill. From the 180 or so starters, 178 finished. The winner, Darren Jordan (Cheltenham Harriers) completed the course in 1:06:26. I hoped to complete the race in under 90 minutes, but the heat, extra distance and final hill were too much for me and I finished in 1:32:01, 64th place overall.
The route had fantastic scenery, great support from the many marshalls and I'd certainly recommend the race to anyone travelling to the area.

Alan MacDonald

Moorfoots at Kelso Crawlers 10K

**Update** - Moorfoots did win the team prize; Wull picked up first Vet and Julia first Lady Vet - well done all !

Kelso Crawlers is a relatively new club, and having 'piloted' a low key 10K last year, launched their 'new-improved' 10K for the masses, with a route change to host most of the race within the grounds of the Floors Castle Estate. This meant that course was perhaps more 'trail' than 'road', but it did make for a very enjoyable course.

Heavy overnight rain meant that there were a few puddles, but the sun shone and a light breeze kept the muggy conditions bearable for the runners.

The Moorfoots were out in force, with three or four car loads descending on the Poynder Park rugby ground for registration.

There was no team prize, but the Moorfoots did manage to get three runners in the top 10, with James (34:41) pipped for first place by six seconds to local Kelso runner Darrell Hastie.
Wull came home in 36:32 in sixth place and first Vet, and Mike in ninth place in 37:19.

Steve showed continued good form with a 38:52 and Kenny managed another solid 39:28.

New member Andy Cox found the early pace hard but hung on for a very respectable 41:49. Julia, with a half marathon still in her legs from last weekend came home in 43:23.

Dave by his own admission had a bit of an off-day, finding he initial uphill start hard going but dug in deep only just failing to beat the 50min mark (50:05).

A number of 'friends of Moorfoots' also took part in the race, witth some very respectable times recorded, making the high thirties to low forties 10K time band very competitive - looking forward to to you joining the Moorfoot Club chaps !

Provisional results here...

Lee Pen Hill Race (Sat 18th July)

Pic - Lee Pen
The Lee Pen Hill Race is the 'curtain opener' race at the Innerleithen Games on Saturday 18th July. Race starts at 2:00pm (ish) so be around to register from ~1:30pm onwards...

Entry on the day - route is pretty much straight up (say hello to Jock marshalling at the top) and then straight back down....

Why not make an afternoon of it and take in the Innerleithen Games......

Moffat Gala Week Festival of Running (Tues 13th July)

Looking for a post holiday mid week race ?

Moffat Festival of Running is on on Tuesday 14th July at 7.15. It is usually well supported by the Moorfoots ; several Moorfoots from Peebles and Innerleithen planning to go, so contact Mike McGovern if you want to share a lift...

For info it is a 9 mile/15k road/trail race staring and finishing in the main street. The route follow the floor of the valley for @ 3 miles following by a mile long steep incline up the valley side to the main road then its a lung busting 5 mile downhill "sprint" back into the town.

Entry is available on the day.

Moorfoots at Carnethy

Five Moorfoots ran in the short Carnethy midweek hill race last night in cool drizzly conditions. Mark McLeod was top Moorfoot, finishing 11th (and first M18) in 30:15.
Russell Anderson finished 13th in 30:53.
They had been level at the top of Carnethy but Mark proved to be far quicker on the descent. Johnny Hall's experiment in going too fast early on didn't work as well as he had hoped but didn't stop him finishing well inside the top half of the field (27th in 33:31). Andy and Chris McLeod completed the Moorfoot Five with 46th in 38:05 and 59th in 46:40 respectively.
Overall winners were Al Anthony of Ochils and Claire Gordon of Hunters Bog Trotters.

Results here:
http://www.shr.uk.com/RaceResults.aspx?RaceID=RA-0422&RaceYear=2009

Cheers. Russell

Monday 6 July 2009

BSLT Peebles Duathon - Marshalls Wanted

The Gytes Lesiure Centre are hosting the annual Peebles Duathlon on Sunday 23-August.

The Gytes kindly provide our Beltane 10K race with some staff to support the marshalling, so we would like to reciprocate and provide some Moorfoot Marshalls for their event.

If you can spare on hour or so on the morning of Sunday23-August, please contact Dave Wardman dwardman@hotmail.co.uk

More details on the event here

Sunday 5 July 2009

Kelso Crawlers 10K (Sunday 12th July)

Just to let you know that the Kelso Crawlers 10K race which is on Sunday 12th July will be taking entries on the day.

Costs are £8 for runners and £6 for members of Scottish Athletics.

Registration is at 9am at Kelso Rugby Club and race starts at 10am.

Map and further details are on www.kelsocrawlers.org.uk
Please ignore all other publicity – this email has the correct information.

Running on the West Highland Way

A bit late (just back from holiday...!), but note future training opportunities for you ultra running fans...

Paul Nichol and Richard Leeson are running from Bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven (21 miles) over the West Highland Way route on Saturday 4th July and have a couple of spaces in the car.

It is part of Paul’s training for the Devil ‘O’ the Highlands. Pace will probably no faster than 12 min miles. The only cost will be the share of a taxi from Kinlochleven back to Bridge of Orchy which will be about £9 per head with 4 of us.

We will be leaving Peebles about 7.30 for a 10 o’ clock start. If you are interested email me at pnichol@quista.net.

There are likely to be more training runs over the route in the coming months as Paul and Richard are planning to do the Highland Fling and the West Highland Way races next year. If you are interested in coming along or might be willing to support then let me know.

Thanks Paul.. -- J. Paul Nichol
paul@nicholfamily.plus.com
01721 721131
07920 252528

Training and Race Dates - July09

Phew - June was a busy month with the long summer nights giving lots of mid week race opportunities, with some Moorfoots doing seven or eight races last month...!

July is typically holiday time for most of us, but training and races continue, if in a somewhat sporadic form...

Sun 5-July Peebles (Gytes) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)

Tues 7-July Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work

Thrs 9-July Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work

Sun 12-July- Cardrona (Village Green) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)

(Kelso Crawlers 10K 0n Sun 12th so training turnout at Cardrona expected to be minimal)

Tues 14-July 5 Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work

(Moffat Running Festival so Tuesday training turnout expcted to be low...)

Thrs 16-July Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work

Sun 19-JulyInnerleithen (Hall St) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)

(Lee Pen Hill Race on Saturday as part of Innerleithen Games - details to follow...)

Tues 21-July Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work

Thrs 23-July Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work

Sun 26-July Walkerburn (Bridge) 10:00am Long steady run (1hr +)

Tues 28-July Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work

Thrs 30-July Innerleithen (Hall St) 5:30pm Intervals & Speed Work

Moorfoot Victory at Earlston 'Black Hill' Race

A quick update from a short second hand conversation in a car park, but by all accounts, Darin won the Earlston Gala Week Black Hill Race last Tuesday, beating reigning champion Mike McG into third place, after he apparently ran off course (or possible alien abduction...) resulting in about one minute of unexplained time loss.

Send in further details via the 'Comments' if you have any further updates....

Moorfoots at Calderglen 10K Trail Race

Pic - Mike cruising towards the finish line
My old club Calderglen Harriers host an annual trail race, which in numerous previous years I have supported as a marshall and various other behind the scenes roles. So as a Moorfoot this year, I had my first ever opportunity to actually participate in the race.

We managed to round up two or three car loads of Moorfoots and friends and made the drive through to East Kilbride on a hot but overcast evening.

Good running by all on a tight and twisty course (which was never going to produce fast times), secured the men's team prize, and it was good to see a few of the west of Scotland club runners asking around as to who the blokes in the red and blue kit were...

Full report on Calderglen Harriers' blog here...including finishers pictures

Results here

Thanks to all who supported this race - Calderglen were very appreciative of the support and the distance travelled to participate...still working on getting a bus load of Harriers down to our race next year.

Wednesday 24 June 2009

Jog Scotland Dryburgh 5K

Well done to Kirsty and Hilary who both completed the Borders Jog Scotland 5K event, on a hot evening on a very hilly course, in and around the grounds of the Dryburgh Hotel near St Boswells.

There were quite a few runners from Peebles and Innerleithen taking part from various Jog Scotland groups, so probably some scope for a future local 5K fun run type event on a flatter course !

Monday 22 June 2009

Moorfoots at Glen Rosa Horseshoe (Arran)

Johnny Hall and I went to Arran yesterday for the Glen Rosa Horseshoe race. The day was unpromising as we crossed on the ferry, with cloud down on the hills and rain threatening. But the cloud lifted and it gradually turned into a fine afternoon.Johnny continued his improving hill running with a very respectable 12th place in 3:25:26. I just managed to crack the 3 hr barrier with a 2:58:34 4th place, definitely my best long race yet. Stuart Whitlie of Carnethy won the race in 2:34:34 and Ellie Homewood was first woman home in 3:26:24.


These results put Johnny in 3rd and me in 8th in the Scottish Long Classics series:


Cheers. Russell

Sunday 21 June 2009

Moorfoots at Edinburgh Seven Hills

James and Wull were the Moorfoot representatives at the the Edinburgh Seven Hills Race, which this year had a record entry of 330 runners.

James came home in 1:48 for 6th place and Wull was a couple of minutes back in 1:50 for 7th place.

Moorfoots at Eildon Hill Race

While Peebles was enjoying the climax of the Beltane week, Melrose was also having its red-letter day which included the Eildon Hill Race.

Six Moorfoots travelled down to the Greenyards to race up and down the twin peaks.

Mike McGovern found some good form taking third place in 32:22, with young Mark McLeod coming home in 35:06 for an excellent seventh place. Steve Martin's 36:15 (12th) was good enough to secure yet another team prize for the Moorfoots.

Elsewhere on the course, Julia was upsetting the men on the ascent with her strong running, but found the slippery descent less to her liking, returning back to the Greenyards in 40:42 (37th), with Alex Campbell close behind in 42:22 (41st).
Dave Wardman had another good run, breaking the 50min barrier with his 49:15 (63rd).

Full results here...

Friday 19 June 2009

Moorfoots at Lauderdale Limpers Two Pubs Race

This was a great little mid-week race with a very successful format, where 84 runners participated across the full running spectrum of joggers to racers.

We registered in Lauder, and were then bussed up to Oxton for the start and the run back to Lauder over a 4.6 mile 'multi terrain' course (road, hill, railway, pavement)
Handicaps were allocated based on 10K times, and runners set off in reverse order (slowest to fastest).

Jock was first Moorfoot home on handicap in ninth position (39.12) with Dave not far behind in 35.87 for twelth place.

Miles further back, Mike and Kenny finished in 39th (28.20) and 32nd (29.21) respectively (both top 10 on scratch time..)

I calculated that I actually had to overtake 46 runners to get from my starting position (78th) to my finishing position (32nd) - likewise Mike, who started last, overtook 35 runners...

A good, fun, not too serious race format with a nice buffet and free drink at the end....I think we'll be back !

Monday 15 June 2009

Weekend Roundup

There were other races taking place this weekend.....

Johnny was up at the Loch Lochy Munros Race, finishing in 3:07 and 38th place. Russell was at Durisdeer Hill Race - still no results published.

Up in Skye, Mick and Alan were doing the Skye Half Marathon, both completing the course in 1:39 and 1:44 respectively.

Earlier in the week, the Moorfoot 'Raiders' stormed the Biggar 10K and plundered a handful of prizes.

Drop me an email if you have any other results you want to add to the Blogger.....

The Beltane 10K - Runner Feedback

One of the advantages of the Runners' World Online Entry is that your entrants can give feedback and a rating of your race - OK if things go well !

This years race has been rated by a couple of folks so far - both saying they would do it again...which is always a good measure of success.

Here's a few excerpts:

"..Good, well organised race in a nice location. "

"..Very nice little race."

"..It was pretty hot, and definitely wasn't the pancake flat race I'd read about. But there were no killer hills, the scenery of the Moorfoot Hills all around was great, and the fact I actually ran a PB means it must be a fairly fast course!Nice to be a part of Peebles Beltane week too - always enjoy these community races where the local community turns out to support.Good organisation and very hospitable. I'd definitely do again.Real shame that it clashed with the Dechmont Law 10K and the Mabie Forest 10K, cos they're also great local races and I'd do them all if they were on different days. "

More ratings and feedback here..

The Portobello Running Club report here (this is a mega blog !!! lots of pictures !!)

FYI - Dechmont Law 10K Trail Race had 153 finishers and Mabie 10K Trail Race 115 finishers, so I think our 169 finishers (+ 12 pre-entry 'no-shows') was an oustanding turnout...

Sunday 14 June 2009

Moorfoot Runners Beltane 10K 2009

Pic - "...and they're off.!"..Steve Cairns leads out the 2009 Beltane 10K
The 2009 Moorfoot Runners' Beltane 10K proved to be a 'belter' with the sun shining on the field of 169 finishers in the senior race and ~30 in the junior race.

Steve Cairns of Hunter Bog Trotters won in a convincing 32'08" with Moorfoot runners making up the 2nd (James), 3rd (Wull), 4th (Darin) and 5th (Mike) places to take the team prize. First lady was Melanie Henderson (38'32") from Portobello Runners, who brought down a 'bus load' of runners to swell the ranks.
A big thanks needs to go to Dave Wardman and Mike Pearson who did a huge amount of the organisation behind the scenes, and also to the large band of volunteer marshalls from both within and outwith the club, without whom this race just could not take place.
A special mention too for Beltane Queen Rosie Bowick who did the presentation of the prizes, adding a nice touch to the proceedings.
Several runners commented on how much they enjoyed the race, how well everything was organised and how much they enjoyed their visit to Peebles....well done everyone !
More pictures available to view here...
Full results here...

Friday 12 June 2009

Moorfoot at Rouken Glen 10K

I was through in Glasgow on Thursday, so took the opportunity to catch up with my old club mates at Calderglen Harriers at the Greaves Festival of Running Rouken Glen 10K.


Perfect running conditions on a tough course - I managed an 'OKish' 39'43" (which was about 2 mins faster than the previous year where I had a bit of a nightmare...)

Regards...
Kenny