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18 December 2003 - Invitation to North Pole Arctic Marathon

The North Pole Arctic Marathon 2004 will take place on April 10th 2004 and members of your club are invited to participate. Runner’s World describes the race as the adventure trip of a lifetime and editor, Steven Seaton, will be a participant in the forthcoming event. Also confirmed in the field is a blind competitor from Northern Ireland.

This 26.2-mile marathon foot race will be run from the drifting Russian base camp at the North Pole. Running on moving ice that overlays 12,000 feet of Arctic Ocean, athletes will eventually finish at the ceremonial pole amidst a range of colourful international flags. An award ceremony and photographs at exactly 90N latitude will follow once all have successfully completed the race.

Athletes of any reasonable ability are invited to compete and there is no cut-off time. The race will take place on a circuit of one to two miles, depending on the presence of leads (open water). The challenges will include varying terrain from small hillocks of ice to loose snow, as well as sub-zero temperatures and icy winds.

In addition to the male and female individual titles, teams of three are invited to compete for an exciting team challenge: A unique opportunity for your club or district to win a prestigious team title!

The race is being organised by Richard Donovan of Polar Running Adventures (Ireland). Richard won the first ever South Pole Marathon in January 2002 and then ran a solo marathon at the North Pole ten weeks later.

The entry fee for the North Pole Arctic Marathon is set at US$8,500, payable in instalments and in the Sterling equivalent at the time of payment. Given the current weakness of the US dollar, polar travel will never be cheaper.

Your club members should note the following contact details for more information:

Website: http://www.npmarathon.com

Email: rd@npmarathon.com

Tel: +353-91-566077 (Ireland)

Fax: +353-91-566082 (Ireland)

11 December 2003 - Strider's Charity Dance

The 'committee' made the final arrangements on Wednesday night to next years Strider's Charity Dance. This was a proud moment in my Strider's history as I 'took part' in my first committee meeting. I hope they are all as easy as this one. The details of the dance are.....

Venue....Scout and Guide Hall

Theme....Parisian Frolics!!!

8 till midnight / bring a few bottles there is no bar

Music by ...'Loupin' Larry'

contact Anne Thistlewaite / tickets £10 per body

Stoo

11 December 2003 - What's New On This Web Site?

Ok maybe I have missed a few Wednesday nights running but has the web site suffered? Yes it has. Very occasionally I do play about on the site and make changes and I thought I'd boast of recent additions;

• Meet the committee....Dorothy was installed as Strider's President. I will get a few words from Dot and others on the committee very soon,

• Striders do Tri! .... for those of us gifted in the arts of swimming, cycling and running,

• Strider's Championship 2003....the final results have been posted here for a wee while.

• Strider's Gallery......always being updated with pics.

• Important Dates ......contributions always welcome.

Thanks to all my buds who have contributed to this site.

Hey wonder if you noticed the festive front page. Go on have another look. C U soon.

Stoo

Coaches Report

17 November 2003 - Strider's AGM 12 Nov 2003

Striders have a new president, Dorothy Lucas, who keen as mustard took the chair and completed the remains of this years AGM. Many thanks, all round to Doc Young having served two years in this highest of committee places. The committee made room for a new committee place and the 'web engineer' role was accepted. This should enhance the already high quality of this web site or not. Let's see.

The yearly awards and speeches were made. Most impressive was the coaches 20 minutes address to the masses. Notably the blokes were amassed. Where were the women? This did not affect the result of the Strider of the year award which was won by Rosie. Well done also to Rosie who almost acquired all the awards winning the Coaches Award but missing out on the Championship to Tony T.

Anne T gave us all an insight into the delights of the social side of the Striders. I was well impressed with her plans with nights out to the theatre included. Watch out for the Strider's Dance in February.

The Treasure's Assistant was off on his travels again, so the Treasurer could not delegate the presentation of the healthy accounts. Please note that the Striders subs are now due. Please get in touch with Hilary asap.

Stoo

8 November 2003 - Strider's AGM

Strider's AGM will be held on the 12 November 2003.

Stoo

Tinto 2003 photos click ear!

Strider's Results....ear!!

8 November 2003 - Tinto Hill Race 2003

In true Strider's style 7 blokes went to Tinto and  the women went off in the opposite direction to Glasgow probably to do some early Christmas shopping whilst taking in a pleasant 5k road race.

Kenny Reid, Ewart Gray, Tom Wilson,  Craig Hamilton,  Kenny Blair, Tony Thistlewaite and Stewart Robertson murdered this hill or not.

Stoo

ps rumour has it that some races have gone unrecorded by this excellent web site. Congratulations to Kenny Reid in traversing the border hills and completing the Two Breweries (Sep 2003) with blisters to prove it. Well done.

Stoo's Race report and pictures.

27 October 2003 - KIMM 2003 - Langholm Hills

The Langholm Hills was the venue for this years Karrimor International Mountain Marathon (KIMM). Four hardy Striders took part. In the C Class were Shelley Spencer and Julliette Cassidy and in the Short Score were Alan Douglas and Stewart Robertson.

To the uninitiated this is a two person team event testing the teams fitness, equipment, navigational ability and the ability to traverse mountainous terrain in safety, over a period of two days. From the start to the finish on the second day, including the overnight camp, the team must be self sufficient, responsible for its own safety and well being. Outside help cannot be sought or accepted, unless the team has retired or is seeking help for an injured party.....stolen ish from the KIMM programme.

Over the two days Alan and myself had to make our own course over the hills trying to maximise the score from a selection of 'controls' points on the map. We finished 81 from 200 finishers making a PB score of 185 points. Fantastic. It was definitely tougher than last year with plenty off road and not so many paths to follow. Saturday night camp was Baltic but if you had two sleeping bags (me!) it was scorching! In fact I took two of everything except Alan's food which I left in the car. Oops!!! Alan should have decked me after I told him but I think I made up for it in my map reading. Watch oot for my weekend report and photos soon...

Julliette and Shelley had a predetermined course (which looked longer than ours!) of approximately 10 'control' points to find. I never saw them again after a chance sighting at the start. Hopefully more news to follow fellow KIMMs.....

Stoo

Click here to go direct to the latest table

John

Amsterdam PICS?

20 October 2003 - Amsterdam's Streets Are Hot!

Sunday 19 October 2003 saw Tony Thistlethwaite and Craig Hamilton, international athletes, run blistering times in the Amsterdam Marathon. Too fast by far...Tony, 3hrs 25mins and Craig, 3hrs 29mins(PB). The streets are still smouldering! Well done.

Anne Thistlethwaite ran the half marathon, 2hrs 14mins. (thanks Kenny the web surfer)

Iam promised full race reports soon...watch this page.

Stoo

29 September 2003 - What's Been Happening?

Over the last few weeks I have been absent from the Striders and also on this web site but that does not mean you should stop sending in your news....

St Andrews Hospice 10k at Strathclyde Park (21 Sep 2003) was well attended. I could not find any results so if anyone has them please email me a copy.

Tom caught the Triathlon bug and made the trip east to the Eyemouth Sprint Triathlon. Saraid and Nicola did the Try a Tri and by all accounts did not swear never again.

Also, check out Irene's page on 'meet the committee' and click on Irene's favourite web page below. It's brilliant if too stressed out to go for a run....

http://svt.se/hogafflahage/hogafflaHage_site/Kor/hestekor.swf

Stoo

18 September 2003 - Strathaven Stiders In The News!

Every now and then, probably yearly, a small A3 booklet namely The Scottish Hillrunner falls through my letter box. Interesting reading about a great sport. It makes me dream off long runs into the hills. Ah, pure bliss. The crisp fresh air, the spring of the heather, the silence, the scenery! The only downfall to those of us who do not do that well in races  is that the articles and results are predominantly  about those participants who are always waiting at the bottom of the hill as you are finishing. I take my hat off to them for waiting so long!

So on the bus this morning I took The Scottish Hillrunner to company me along the M8 and yes another handful of races run but only the top ten was in print. One list caught my eye. This was titled 'West Highland Way' and located amongst one Carnethy, no Westerlands, at number eight was our own..... 'Allan Douglas, Strathaven, 21.22.34.' Takes you back to June and the Stirders famous four.

Just like the occasional article in the local paper, The Echoes, its nice to see Striders making the news. I hope you agree.

Stoo

Glasgow Half Marathon

results here!

and updated

7 September 2003 - Glasgow Half Marathon

Like a pack of hunting lions, drooling at the mouth ready for their next lunch or in this case PBs, the Striders travelled many miles, in the yearly ritual to the Glasgow half marathon. Ok some Striders may have other pastimes in the Alps, have sun cream looked out for warmer climates, forgotten what day of the month it was or were offended at paying £20 ish for a 13mile run (me!) but in all the Striders still had a good turnout.

Race news and results will be posted here soon........

Stoo

7 September 2003 - Paisley 10K

In an amazing display of community spirit, Kenny Blair forgot all about the round

Strathaven 50 race and arranged to run the Paisley 10k with some colleagues

followed by barbeque and bouncy castle – excellent.

The race was a good flat whiz around the town which included a nice park, a cycle track, a station and a housing estate where the runners were water bombed by

neds. The start (and finish) was in County Square, by Gilmour street station. About 1,000 runners headed up towards the abbey, around the block a couple of times before heading along Glasgow Road towards Barshaw Park. The field started to spread out at this stage with me hanging in behind the famous lady with the dark hair and all year tan. The route continued up Hawkhead road with some smallish hilly bits and onto Barrhead Road at he top heading back towards the town. Unbeknown to the police, Barrhead Road was extremely busy and when the route crossed it and headed towards the park we nearly lost about 5 folk. After the park and the station, we headed down on to Canal Street heading west before a rather interesting turnaround which involved crossing 4 lanes of traffic yet again. At this point, I nearly got arrested for swearing at a policeman but he looked in no shape to give chase. The race culminated in a brutal but thankfully short hill before heading back to County Square to much cheering from supporters (which is always nice)

All in all a great race with a PB at 41.22

Kenny

2 September 2003 - Tweedsmuir Sports Day

When out visiting the outlaws, a quick visit to Tweedsmuir was requested and not refused. 'I won't be long' I said. Famous last words! A straight forward 2miles with an added 1000ft hill race was the order of the day. It was good just to get the legs going again over some KIMM like terrain. Long tussocky grass made it tough going. After 23mins 17 secs I finished. Family arrived too late to see me run but in time for the rest of the sports. After tea and scones we retired to the adjacent field and boys had a whale of a time. Callum and myself were first in the wheel barrow race, and teamed up with a few other hill runners and were beaten into second place in relay races, egg and spoon relay. Thanks to Dick Wall and friends in Tweedsmuir for a great afternoon. 

Stoo

A FEW PICS HERE!

24 August 2003 - Helensburgh Sprint Triathlon

Three sports in one event. Just swim 750m, cycle 20k and complete a 5k run. Of course it did not take long for Craig and Alan to persuade me to put my bike to good use and enter my first triathlon. It was like doing your first half marathon again. Did not know how I would feel. Anyway I did it and now Iam over the moon. Oh the pressure did get to me in the pool and I forgot to start my watch. Official results will be posted soon.  This was Tom's first Sprint event (done too many longer events) and Alan (~1hr 14mins) and Craig (12mins better than Edinburgh) both got PBs.

Tom says that the Striders will have a breakaway club soon, ' sTRIders'.

Anyone up for the next race?

Stoo

ps OFFICIAL RESULTS - Alan 1:14:35 / Stoo 1:17:14 / Craig 1:22:15/Tom 1:22:38

Stoo's Race Report

Race Results

Mull Pics - Now On Line Click Here

21 August 2003 - Irvine 10k

Four Strider's got PBs at the Irvine 10k, 20 August 2003!!! John Thompson ~39mins / Kenny Blair ~43mins / Nick Kennedy ~44mins / Jane Thompson ~50mins.

Kenny on course description......,'it was flat a bit, then up a bit, then flat a bit with another flat bit'!!!

Stoo

21 August 2003 - Mull Half Marathon

Decided, at rather short notice, to enter the Mull 1/2 marathon last Sunday (August 10th). Great day, if a just ever so slightly warm... Around 100 runners set off just outside Craignure at 12 noon, beneath a cloudless sky. After a loop around Craignure and having negotiated a couple of small 'undulations' which where not too taxing (at that stage in the race at least..), the course heads North along the coast road to Salen. As usual, I set off too fast & had to slow down a bit at 6 miles. Had a rather grim time between miles 10 and 12, but then managed a good pace for the last mile - albeit with a radiator that was boiling over. Finished in 1:45:53 which I was very pleased with - a PB.

Nick Kennedy

PS. Tom was not there to run past me in the finishing stages on this one, but he had sent a couple of pals who did the honours for him...

A few pics click here

13 August 2003 - Devil O' The Highlands

Now we know what its like to be a hamburger on  a barbecue. We were stooing.
Tony the Tiger Thistlethwaite scorched the grass finishing 13th male in
8.19. Robert Chiseler Thomson grilled the line in 8.36. Rosie Bell like a
cat on a hot tin roof took 3rd lady prize in 9.01. Steve the Tumbler Wright
came home in a blistering 9.13. Irene Chocolate Powered Wilson burned up the
calories in 9.29. Dorothy Bigfoot Lucas simmered in with her brother Carl
Foto Faker Smith in 10.22. Tom the Tortoise Wilson overcooked it and pulled
out at Lundavra. Backup from John Moonman Glen, John The Coach McGillivray,
Ann The Puma Thistlethwaite, Hillary  Malt Wright,  Alan Keg Douglas and
Eric Volcano Rice .Shelly Marksun Spencer was Marshall at Kingshouse with
Tony and Alice Guardman Garmen timing us in at the end. Many thanks to them
 

Tom

23 July 2003 - Tomintoul Games Hill Race

On 19 July...A Striders vest (containing quivering wreck) was spotted at Tomintoul Games Hill race. In total 32 competitors (big team from the Army). I was about 10th. It was a relatively short race of about 3.5 miles up, down and round a small but reasonably challenging hill covered in thick heather. Said Strider was knackered by the time the race had left the running track and headed towards the forestry tracks. Very soon it was out on to the open hill at which point the wisdom of the undertaking was in question. From there it was a long pull up and a shaky bounce back down, round a long dusty track and back to the games field to lots of cheering and heckling from the now pissed Army contingent.

A good experience but definitely hat off to Stoo and others who run hills regularly.

Kenny Blair

12  July 2003 - Strider's Contact Telephone Number - Updated

A new club contact list had just been issued. Please get in touch with Rosie.
 

Stoo

Go to the Championship

Page Click Here

9 July 2003 - Championship 2003 - Updated

Attached latest championship details. Little change at the top - just a few extra points here and there and some jockeying for position. Who was it said Tony doesn't get PB's? Watch out for all the new names posting points for the first time, looks like competition might be hotting up!
 

John

9 July 2003 - New Photos

Striders official photographer has been busy with his digital again! Thanks Robert Thomson for the photo keep emailing them through.....click below on hyperlinks to see some of his new photos.

• East Kilbride Half Marathon 2003

• West Highland Way  2003

Stoo

ps just got a load of pics from John from WHW, Cowal Way and Striders Dance. Watch this space for some 50 pics!!!

Strider's Calderglen 10k Trail Race Results

28 June 2003 - Calderglen 10k Trail Race

27 June 2003. A Friday night race, unusual? But great way and a great race to start the weekend. It had rained all day and if I was not mistaken the rain stopped for the night at about 7.30pm just in time for the start of this race. Well planned or just masked by the trees.

A handful of Striders turned up for this muddy and loads of puddles trail race. Of course I loved the conditions and better still there were paths to run on for a change. Plenty of undulations (not hills, coach) which made the race even better.

To mention a few Striders..........Is there any stopping Tom Wilson? Fresh from the West Highland Way he ran this race only reporting a wee twinge which soon went away! Remarkable. Kenny Reid finished proclaiming, 'better than any road race.' Robert (WHW) Thompson agreed.

10/10 for the race and 0/10 for the post race midges.

Stoo

Steve's WHW Report

24 June 2003 -  West Highland Way

The weekend of the 21 June 2003 saw more great results from the Striders just role in. A wonderful performance saw all four Striders Alan Douglas, Tony Thistlethwait, Tom Wilson and Steve Wright start and complete this 96mile epic. Well done lads.

Results as borrowed from WHW web site were Alan, 21hr 22mins 34 sec (PB by 3secs!), Tony, 25hrs 14mins 2secs, Tom 28hrs 25mins 30secs and Steve 31hrs 24mins 36sec.

Stoo

ps is Robert doing it next year?

24 June 2003 -  Durisdeer Hill Race

Sunday 22 June 2003 I managed just 10.5miles and 3800ft in this understated hill race. No hill race is easy and this one is no different. The hills seemed a bit steep even after a weekend on Skye. Fortunately by careful navigation the steep bits can be avoided.

Durisdeer is approximately 12miles south of Crawford. Heading off the M74 and taking the A702 south you head into some very steep hills forming the Dalveen Pass.  The Southern Upland Way was not far away either.

Yes, there I go again... apart form the scenery there was a race.  About 80 runners started from Durisdeer, headed north to Black Hill. The sun was out and very hot. After Black Hill the runners now well spread out headed down a steep descent towards and across the A702 into the Enterkin Pass. I was whacked with the heat already. I had chosen to run with the Enterkin Burn before climbing to the coll, (I was thanked by a fellow runner for this move. That's a first), the next control point below Wether Hill.  I did notice a few dead rabbits lying about on this climb. Probably too unfit to make it all the way to the top. This route took us back into a steep sided glen and back to cross the A702.  It did not seem so hot but I'd drunk all my water and now onto a hands and feet climb away from the A702. This reminded me of dodging the rocky outcrops on Skye. At this point my feet protested again and blood blisters resulted, but I was heading home now. Up to Well Hill feeling good apart from my feet and home via Black Hill again.  After 2hrs 33mins I was welcomed home to some good home baking and a well deserved cup of tea. I also got some rays in before heading for home. A magic day. Ta.

This race is already in my diary for next year.

Stoo

24 June 2003 - Edinburgh Triathlon 

Craig completed his first sprint triathlon last weekend, 21 June 2003. All he had to do was complete a 750m swim, 11 mile bike run round Arthur Seat and a 4 mile run. Easy mate. Nae probs. Maybe not when sprint means sprint and even in the pool it took the first guy 9mins to do the 750m swim. Iam still in shock. The cycle bit was tough. A hilly course around Arthur Seat and on the descent once some speed was picked up a few roundabouts had to be avoided.

Craig is currently in training for his next race and looking for a wet suit!

Stoo

Click here for

EK Half Marathon Photos

20 June 2003 - East Kilbride Half Marathon 

Sunday 15 June 2003. It was mint to be fun in Polo city but the sun wis warm and the tarmac hot. Several Striders took up the challenge. First in was the tall new guy   (sorry forgot your name already. Its me age you see) in a time under 1.39, I think. Next was roasted toasted Robert with a neck like a beacon with sunburn. He did 1.40. Next if I can remember was me in 1.48 followed by wilting Nick in 1. 52 then a strong run by Dorothy just a few seconds behind. Irene came in under the two hour mark with first timer at this distance Anne T in 2.17. Just as well this medal wasn't chocolate.

Tom

17 June 2003 - Water Aid - Munro Challenge

Saturday 14 June 2003. I would like to thank all Striders for their support and donations for Water Aid. The scale of Water Aid's task was to place a party of at least four on each Munro in Scotland and some 3000ft and higher hills in England and Ireland.

For my part my team managed successfully to scale Sgurr a' Mhadaidh on Skye. Airy ledges and ridges to say the least. Weather being favourable we went on to scale Sgurr a' Greadaidh and Sgurr na Banachdich. 7 hours later we were off the hill. And in true Striders fashion I ran 4 miles from Glen Brittle over the hills back to Sligachan.

Being on Skye and challenge completed the team went on to scale Sgurr Dearg (the Inaccessible Pinnacle) on Sunday. You don't do that every weekend!

Stoo

17 June 2003 - Edinburgh Marathon

Sunday the 15 June 2003 saw John Thompson and Kenny Blair head east for their first marathons and both successfully took the 26-ish miles in their strides. Easy. The unofficial times were Kenny 3hrs 55mins and John 4hrs 7mins. Both said they could have done better but as the football pundits would say, 'the boys done good'.

Stoo

17 June 2003 - Strathaven Gala - Crags Race

11 June 2003. A night to remember. A race of races. The Striders turned out in their droves to witness and run this spectacular event. Stoo, Race Champion 2002, let me remind you again, handsome as he is, handed gracefully, the title to Alan Douglas.

The Race was started on the 'peep' from Irene's whilst. Who heard the tuneful note? The yearly mad start, with the mad wee people of Strathaven and future members of the local running club were 'aff'. They all appropriately barged over the bridge to get out of the park. Minutes later most stopped for a rest outside the park. 

As for the big peoples race. I managed to see the race unfold from a good vantage point some paces behind the leaders. Taking it 'Robertson Easy' again ofcourse. It was neck and neck brilliant. Sweat, pain and just too fast for a 4mile race. Alan dug deep to take reserves out of his West Highland Way training to take on the first hill. Tony chased, man on a mission swiftly followed by the remaining Striders jostling for Championship Points. Craig was up there too fighting for the yellow jersey and king of the hill. It was not just Striders either.

I managed some sweat just after the Crags, lost my race vantage point and darn thoughts whizzed through my head, ' What was I going to write on the web site now?' I was off the race pace again.

The sun split the sky as Alan ran past the ducks as told by Tony. 'I had him in my sights'. Better than me mate! 

The Striders role of honour for this splendid evening was; Allan  Douglas (1st), Tony Thistlethwait (2nd), Stewart Robertson(5th), Craig Hamilton, Tom Wilson, Kenny Blair, Nick Kennedy, Nick Anderson, Rosie Bell (1st Women). Were there others? Let me know if I have missed anyone. Sorry!

Sun setting..........and it was.........Striders returned to contemplate yet another race towards the club championship. Nice.

Stoo

1 June 2003 - Culter Fell

31 May 2003, Culter Fell Horseshoe Race, 12miles and 4000ft of ascent. For me, this race is a tough one and run through some beautiful border hills hence I keep going back for more!

2pm the race was off and after an energetic burst I soon slowed down to a steady pace up the first hill. It was going to be hot. Sweat and sun cream ran into my eyes. My thoughts as they do whizzed through my head. Had I brought enough water, should I go for the PB or will the last hill finish me off again and will I keep up with the guy in front of me? I decided by the first hill to take it 'Robertson Easy' again and enjoy the race. What ever happened I would be first Strider home. Doh!

With the first hill over, Nether Oliver Dod, and down into the first glen the sun was hot hot and the shirt I wear under the running vest was soon off. I was expecting it to be a lot cooler on the tops. It was just windy and warm.

Strange as it seems most runners ran off on the down hills and whilst going up I managed to close some of the gap. This was a reoccurrence on all the hills even the dreaded last.

Gleenlood Hill, Chapelgill Hill, Culter Fell, Coomb Hill (via Moss Law) and back to Crook Inn (the start and a very welcome pub) via Nether Oliver Dod. Fantastic.

Iam getting to know Chapelgill Hill quite well now. I was running there on the 25 March this year. It was still as steep. When I was going up Iam sure I saw some one come off Culter Fell. That was probably about 2.5miles away and I hate to guess how many more feet of ascent. (Last year there were horizontal hail stones on this hill)

Running off Culter Fell a few moments later the blisters on my feet started to hurt but I was for heading home. This section of the race is harder to navigate with so many hills in front of you. The first year I did this race I followed 5 other runners. When I caught up with them they'd got lost!

I eventually got home in 3hrs 6mins ......not a PB this year......and will not make a huge impact on the Strider's Championship either! So apart from the blisters felt good. Maybe a shrink will help me get into race mode soon.

As I headed home, still hyper from the race and Stone Roses blastin' from the radio, the car temp gauge said it was 20⁰C and that was at 6pm. It was certainly hotter down at the bottom of the hills. A pleasant day for a cool beer and sun bathing. Not for me. 

Stoo

ps next race....22 June 2003 Durisdeer Hill Race for those not doing WHW.

Click here for

Cowal Way Photos

20 May 2003 - What's Newz?

For the record.....

On the 10 May 2003 a number of Striders made history by being the first to run the Cowal Way.

The following Sunday 18 May 2003 a number of lady Striders competed in the Women's 10k in Glasgow.

Stoo

As I was about the only Strider to miss the Troon 10K, I thought I had
better explain why I wasn't there. 

There but for the grace of God...Or an alternative view of running on 7 May.

It had been my intention to open my account in the Club Championship with a gentle 10k along the seafront at Troon and, but for a business trip to Tees-side, I would have got the same sand-blasting and drenching that everyone else endured.

As it was, I set off south on Tuesday evening having thrown the running kit into the car more in hope than in expectation.  But the weather improved with every mile and by Carlisle the sky was clear - so while you checked your kit for Troon I got in six glorious miles along Hadrian's Wall with only the curlews and skylarks for company.

Returning on Wednesday evening, I drove up Tees-dale and stopped near Langdon Beck to get another six-mile run along the Pennine Way in the sunshine, this time with golden plovers, sandpipers and mountain hares for company and watching my steps for fear of trampling the beautiful spring gentians that lined my route.  So while you all ran to the pounding of a thousand other feet, I ran to the calls of moorland birds; while you endured the blast of rain and sand, I endured the solitude of the hills; and while you all scored bonus points for a Club Championship run, I still have the
roundest score of all and remain firmly rooted to the bottom of the table.

I wish I could have been with you to share in a Club occasion but work called and I was forced to make of it what I could.

Denis
 

Strider's

Troon Results

(click here)

Just 23 'Striders' ran the Troon 10k on Wednesday night, 7 May 2003. What a turn out. Fantastic effort. Fish suppers at the end of this race keep them coming back for more or was it the distinctive Troon 10k bright yellow tee shirts?

'It was a great race', said Alan Douglas first Strider home in around 39mins. This was despite being buffeted by the wind for most of the race and a spectacular sand storm over the first 1k which runs parallel with the beach. Being sand blasted was ok but where the sand ended up was a bit of a worry.

The race was run despite the conditions and from my perspective I managed to speak to Craig in the first 1k (that's when I got sand in my mouth and eyes!), Chris around 2k, Douglas around 3k (with sore legs from circuit training on Monday night), John around 3k (I forgot my race plan to try and keep up with him!) who ran away from me again, before Steve caught me at around 5k and pushed me on a bit. 'Jim' caught me at about 8k and in a mad run to the line, with the gales in our backs, I managed home in 42mins 50secs! A nice social run !

There was a PB for the night. Yip you guessed it Craig did not let the Striders down. This was a race PB rather than a 10k PB but must be worth some points Coach? John gets faster and managed round in 41mins 5secs. (is this a PB?)

The Doc had his usual bet on with the Lady Striders and lost 2 from 3 bets. Can't win them all was all he said as he tucked into his fish supper!

Other news from around the race was scarce. Everyone happy to get round.

Once I get the results I will post them here. See ya next year? Can only get better!

Stoo

The Fort William Marathon looked as if it was going to be a real wet one judging by the weather on the way up but it turned out pretty good with even a bit of warm sunshine. Tony T just gets faster and faster with another PB somewhere around the 3.20. Mike Dunn completed his very first marathon in 3.41.Watch out for this dark horse. Tom and Irene cruised in around the 4.28 mark cheered on by the Anne T and Tony's Mum.

Tom

For the uninitiated this run is categorised as a short (men's record time under 40mins) hill race. This did not make it feel any better for John Thomson and myself who turned out under the  warm sun and spectacular scenery over Loch Lomond.

The going was soft to boggy with the occasionally well placed rock. John had a great race as he cruised past me at 1.5miles and also leaving two girls in his wake wallowing in one of the many bogs. He did remark that heading up to the trig point was tough. It was true. But what makes his run even more remarkable is that he is currently training for the Edinburgh Marathon and this race was not on his schedule.

Results still to be now confirmed are John, 35mins 20secs 34mins 52secs (even better! and John needs a new watch only 28secs out!) and me, 36mins 38secs 36mins 58sec (no way! I'll wear my watch next year!). Contrary to recent Striders races there were no PBs or extra championship points as this was John's first Whangie race and my PB still standing at 35mins 48secs from last year. For the pundits the race record is 26 mins 32mins.

Yet again another fantastic hill race, too short for Robert Thompson though.

Whangie Results

Stoo

The Spayside Way 50k and London Marathon have now been included. No change in top three positions, just a few more points and PB's added, though Craig and Tony closing in on Rosie. Some notably upwardly mobile since last count - Irene up 2 to 4th ; Allan Douglas up 1 to 8th; highest climber Shelly up 6 to 10th . In the previous table Hillary should have been 6th - two PB's had been omitted, but others have moved ahead of her since then, but she will no doubt make it up again at Troon.

Cheers John

P.S. I am compiling a table of PB's so can I ask everyone to provide me with their PB's at 10k, 10mile, 1/2 marathon, full marathon and all those other "odd races" that you take part in i.e. Spayside Way, Carnethy 5 etc. These should be your PB within your present age category. If you move into a new age category your first recorded time in the new age group, for each race distance or "odd race" sets your PB for that age group and race distance or "odd race" , so can I have these as well so that you are awarded appropriate championship points when you better these times. The age categories are : Senior Male 18 - 39; Male vets 40 -44; 45-49; 50-54; 55 - 59; 60 - 64 and The Doc. Senior Female 18 -34; Female vets 35-39 and so on.

14 April 2003 - London Marathon 2003

HELLO FROM SUNNY LONDON TONY IS FAST 3 25 a pb I CAME IN AT 3 46 A PB BY 50 seconds

CRAIG

14 April 2003 - Neways Speyside Way 2003

Thanks to all for making Speyside a great weekend.
Alan Douglas 4.44
Robert Thomson 4.55
Tom Wilson 5.02 pb
Steve Wright 5.06 pb
Rosie Bell 5.16
Irene Wilson 5.18
Mike 5.40
Jules+Shellie 5.45

Robert

8 April 2003 - Strider's Championship 2003

Latest version of the championship including the Tom Scott has just been added to the web site. I will be checking out all the claimed PB's - any cheetin' and I will deduct 50 points! unless some other arrangement can be made ?

Cheers

John.

7 April 2003 -Tom Scott 10mile Road Race

4 intrepid Striders took to the roads of North Lanarkshire to compete in the 40th Tom Scott Memorial 10mile run. Blessed with ideal running conditions the going was good to firm and the odds were on Alan Douglas for a fast time. He was so fast he was tooting his horn at the rest of us as we finished and as he left for home. We didn't get a chance ask what his time was. Tom Wilson 73.05, Rosie Bell 75.0 and Margaret Alison 80.30

It was the same for us all--after a good start it all went downhill.

Tom

ps Alan Douglas claims to have checked the times on the web site......... ..........Alan 65.4 / Tom 73.05 /  Rosie 75.18 / Margaret Allison  81.44  

Alan

Don't miss the 'diet Coke' East Kilbride Half-Marathon on Sunday, June 15.
This is the fourth year of the race, and we're delighted that it has been
awarded the 2003 official Scottish Half-Marathon Championships.

The course is traffic free, due to road closures. And it's a serious
personal best route: the major advantage of the East Kilbride course is
that it is very flat. All finishers will receive a medal and T-shirt, and
there will be a number of spot prizes to be won. Full changing facilities
with showers/toilets will be available.

The Sports Village will be operating again with special offers on a range
of running equipment from Asics, Berlei, Brooks, Mizuno, New Balance,
Nike, Saucony and View From, plus many others.

There is no charge for spectators and we would like to extend a welcome to
everyone. After the race has started there will be fun games including
sack races and a welly boot throwing competition.

This year £1 from every entrant will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis
Trust. Find out more and enter online at http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/cl.asp?cn=81
Or telephone 01698 476118.

The entry fee is £12 / £14 prior to May 30 2003 and £14 / £16 after this
date (plus £2 for instant online entries, with no SAEs).

See you there!

John MacLean
Diet Coke East Kilbride Half-Marathon

Sunday 23 March 2003........Alloa wis great!
Tony led the way with Craig hard on his heels. PB for Craig again. We need to handicap this guy--has he tried Guiness yet. Rosie ran a blinder taking a couple of minutes of her PB. Tom ran the same as Stranraer but what could he have done if Robert had been there? Irene cruised round and claims to have a sun tan. Hilary crushed her previous best by so much she had to have a blood test after. Traces of a rare brand of Malt Whisky were found.

Tom

Saturday 22 March 2003....and then there was one stupid individual who was into hill running. This the first of the Scottish Hill Runners Championship Race was short to say the least at 1.5 miles but  1400ft. I was that person who took 29mins 27secs to run/walk/fall/complete the 1.5miles. (79th from 104 runners) Oh well, I enjoyed it. See u there next year.

Stoo

Better late than never with this fantastic piece of news. A gaggle of Striders ran the Stranraer Half Marathon on the 1 March 2003 and came through the 13.1miles triumphant yet again. Irene, Rossie and Juliette became professionals as they picked up a big cheque for the FIRST placed WOMEN'S TEAM. What else can I say...but well done, brilliant, congratulations.

Irene also picked up the FIRST WOMEN'S place.

In the land of PBs Craig Hamilton pulled yet another out the bag completing the course in just over 1hr 33mins a whisper behind Tony.

Stoo

(ps sorry for the lack of details I did not manage to get to this race. If anyone would like to provide the results or better news please do not hesitate to email me)

See the latest in the 2003 Results Table now!

Attached the latest club championship results. A few interesting points to note - No surprise Rosie is leading, watch that man Steve is 2nd and Tony in his usual 3rd place - but of course they have all done three championship counting races. Leading those with 2 races under their belt (or is it shoes) is Hilary. I think the odds will have to shorten on the Doc. As he leads those with 1 race (but will he do any more?), completed and of
even more significance, leads Craig with the same number of races and PB's. It's all down to being 3rd in his class (over 60) at Grangemouth.

However early days yet.

Cheers

John

See Steve and Tony working out.........Click here!

Thanks to Steve

What a start to the Striders running year. On Sunday the 16 February 2003 ten Striders ran  this race in Grangemouth.

Results = Tony Thistlethwait 41.51 / Craig Hamilton 42.07(PB) / Robert Thompson 43.50 / Steve Wright 44.53 / Nick Anderson 45.14 / Alan Young 49.09 (PB)/ Rosie Bell 50.21 / Hillary Wright 55.10 / Anne Thistlethwait 57.27(PB)

Those underlined ran in the Carnethy race the previous day!!!

Get the results from www.runningresults.freeserve.co.uk/houses/2003.html

Stoo

Eight hardy Striders turned out for this 5 hill epic race on the 15 January 2003.  The race was run to commemorate the battle of Roslyn where the English were beaten three times in the same day. Shame.

The weather which plays a large part in any of my hill races could not have been better. There was a bit of frost on the dark side of the hills which was a wee bit slippy under foot otherwise class conditions. 

So, with a kilted man giving the countdown from '10' the race started as the claymore hit the grass. 459 runners, some kilted, were off. A few cries went up from the running gathering but did I hear as cry from Strathaven Striders, Alan Douglas? Yes, there was well known company close by. Two strides latter I was running through a bog and yip I found myself knee deep in mud! Everyone else had missed it. Steve Wright told me later he had found the same smelly hole.

I eventually met Alan near the bottom of the first hill along with Steve. I left them for dead and kept on running. Maybe this was going to be my day as Alan was getting very little training in and had just taken up the good sport of rugby again. He also had bruised ribs from his last game. However, had I gone off too fast. I felt good!  I kept it easy and kept on going. Four hills latter and on the long run to the last hill Alan gave me a friendly hello before going on his way. Keep cool I thought I'll get him on the last hill. But as with Tinto the lad just kept on going. Darn, maybe next time.

Last hill came all too fast and then the killer the final decent. The legs were spent and I only fell twice. The run home was easy in comparison and managed to take a few places back. Alan was nowhere to be seen, until giving me some friendly encouragement to overtake another runner just on the line.

Fellow Striders running, once finished all relished the moment. Another great race under the belt. I think Dave would have done it all again if he had the time.

Striders results = Alan Douglas 68.43 / Stewart Robertson 70.21 (race PB) / Dave (Flag) Mateer 73.24 (race PB)  / Steve Wright 78.35(PB)/ Tony Thistlethwait 81.58 / Robert Thomson 86.37 / Rosie Bell 87.43 / Graeme Campbell 106.10.

Full result from the race at www.carnethy.com lets see who's winning the championship now coach.

Stoo

ps Striders Men were the 24th Team...well done.

With the Striders enjoying their running so much and small groups of runners going out as never before the Striders year is definitely gearing up to be as the say 'one helleva year' The number of races run must be increasing. I wonder if its time someone started taking formal records to be witnessed is say five / ten years times. Who remembers Tom's remarkable achievement when he ran every day for a year and more!

The experience in the club over various race distances in incredible. It's like going along to a 'running library'. The books are these guys having spent an hour running round Strathaven  are found supping their pints, exchanging news, down the Star Bar on a Wednesday night. Anyway I have been short of news recently and decided to do a bit of surfing. A useful site for those planning longer runs this year is www.ultrarunning.com. Enjoy.

Stoo

It's that time of year again when the wise men and women of the committee plan the Striders Dance. This year it's taking place on the 7 February in the Upper Ballgreen Hall. The theme is 'RED' this year. I have other arrangements so my red underwear will have to go back into the drawer till next time. However those lucky enough to have a free night can get their tickets from the committee, as listed in the award winning contacts page on this site.

Stoo