• Morocco trip  Sept 21-28  Let Laurie know ASAP

Please email any brief news items (attached as a word file) to Alan at alanwgraham@aol.com for uploading.

    Tuesday night venues

Details of meets for the next few weeks can be found on the calendar.

The ‘Belt up the Bishop’

Yes it’s that time again – it may be painful but it doesn’t last too long!  Laurie Anderson is organising Junior races for 10 to 14’s (up to the half way mark) starting at 1.30pm. Any queries to Laurie (Tel: 01592 756506) with the senior race at the normal 2pm.   Entries are taken in the Portmoak village hall from 12.30 but please enter before 1.30 as parking is limited and late arrivals may have to park some distance away.

Fortunately I will be away on race day but Richard Gatehouse (gatehouse688@btinternet.com or Tel: 01250 875599) ) has agreed to answer any queries and coordinate things on the day. 

Alan Graham

    The Kettle canter.   16th Feb 2010

Gordon, Joe, Richard,  Alan, David O,  Andy, Donald, Pat,  Derek,  Brian L, laurie

Alan led the invited guests on the grand tour of the Kettle hinterland. There would have been great views from the heights of Cults (if it had been daylight) but the village lights and the crescent moon looked bonny. Our high point was Down hill with its iron fort and with the 11 of us flashing our lights, jumping fences, getting lost and generally making a rammy we managed to stampede assorted livestock and alarm some of the country folk who haven't seen outsiders for many a year.

    13th Feb 2010 Carnethy Hillrace

The Lomies that made the trip to Carnethy enjoyed superb conditions for the race - clear and calm with a few snow patches and mainly good going underfoot. Alan and Pat acted as roving press coverage and enjoyed their day on the hill. Adrian somehow managed to finish in exactly 1.00.00! Donald reckoned he went off too fast and suffered on the ascent of Carnethy.  Laurie enjoyed a healthy lead over Gordon for most of the race but Gordie had a storming descent to finish one second behind the 'black magic' man who turned out to be Laurie. David Osborn, Dave Murdoch and Derek's comments on completing the run seemed to be favourable but David disappeared off in a hurry to present his bunch of Aldi roses to his dearest.

Adrian 44th, 1.00.00; Donald 48th, 1.00.26; Laurie105, 1.05.39; Gordon 106, 1.05.40; Derek 220, 1.13.31; Dave M 288, 1.18.39; Dave O 295, 1.19.02

        9th Feb 2010 Falkland

Gordon, Joe, Richard,  Alan, David O,  Andy, Donald, Pat, Brian M, Derek, Dave M, Brian L, Adrian

Tuesday night numbers are getting beyond the capacity of aging brains to compass without muster and roll call and we were enjoying the run up through the Falkland estate and through the tracks in the new plantation until we discovered that somehow Richard had been left behind. There was no option but to carry on but we  soon spotted a light flickering on the side of Falkland hill. No sign of Richard at the top of the hill but we finally found each other on the Craig Mead path. Back to the top for a second sit down and a chance to view the magnificent night sky. We took the long way back via the radio mast and across the moor. Back at the pub we had the pleasure of welcoming Dave Murdoch and Brian Landells who both signed up as new Lomond members.

    3rd Feb 2010  Nightmare no 3

19 hardy souls idiotically ran round Laurie's  course

a great white night out  (great grammar that - or even syntax!)

laurie 2nd (I think)    -   me (pat) 6th 43.27  -  Richard 9th or 10th

smoking joe - the chief marshal mallow

lomie tavern later with david - a good wind down

Pat

    Feb 2nd 2010 Pittmedden

Alan Andy Adrian Pat Gordon Laurie Brian  Derek David Joe

We convened proceedings at the Psycho Tavern in Muchty and  headed  directly up the lane beside the pub, up towards the common, across the road and down the bonny wee path by the burn.  A right turn took us up towards a steep little section of community woodland and into Pitmedden forest. Where Laurie led us then I haven't a bloody clue and I'm not convinced he did either! I do have a suspicion that we visited every tree in the forest - at least twice!  When David and I eventually emerged onto a road we were convinced we were in the rear but discovered Pat was missing.  By the time we got back to the pub Paddy had reappeared. Maybe it was all a dream!

     Jan 26th 2010  Training at Glen Vale

Alan Andy Adrian Pat Gordon Laurie Brian Richard Derek David Dave Murdoch

The skies cleared for us once again as plodded up the path into Glen Vale. After a wee look at the waterfall we spotted Laurie 'flashing' on top of the pulpit and  also found Pat who had somehow become detached from the main rabble. We all made West Lomond safely where we had our usual five minutes of light hearted banter (no one escapes!)

The descent was great fun, leaping and sliding down some of the surprisingly big snow patches and to add to the excitement we found the steepest way down to the moor by the edge of the trees. Instead of the normal route back we followed a wee path along the edge of he plantation and then cut back to the main track.

     The Devils Burdens   Jan23rd 2010

It's the one time of the year that we actually work together!  No blue skies this year but anxieties about reported avalanches on West Lomond turned out to be as likely as our A team winning the race.

Shettleston won overall but our A's did well to finish in 36th place out of 120.  Congrats to Donald who finished his leg 2 in 12th fastest time and lifted them to 22nd place at that point.

A team:   Andy and Brian, 48.21; Donald, 29.58; Gordon and Kenny Mc,1.17.55; Shug 34.03;   overall 3.10.17

B team:  Alan and Richard, 52.04;  Pat, 39.07; David and Derek, 1.24.39; Gordon, 36.45;   overall 3.32.35

Reports please!

Safety, safety, safety!

At Lomond Hillrunners we have had an ongoing debate (heated at times) about the issue of safety in the hills. Opinions have varied from ‘the deil tak the hindmost’ to a slightly more ‘caring’ outlook (LHR can’t afford to lose too many members!).

Lomies run every Tuesday night right through the winter in most weathers and have great fun (see our website - lomondhillrunners.co.uk) but we have had a number of interesting ‘incidents’, luckily with no serious outcomes - so far!

As an awareness raising contribution to safety we would like to invite you to apply your thoughts to the scenario below.

On a cold winters night of rain and gales a dozen Lomies set off for a run over Bishophill. Crossing the plateaux they divide into a slow and fast party. They have great fun but back at the pub Derek asks, “where’s Alan?”

Suggestions please under two headings.

1. How could you prevent it happening (a safety code)?

2. What would you do if it did happen?

Email answers to alanwgraham@aol.com.  We’ll put the best answers on our own website and SHR.  Best answer wins free entry to Bishophill and Lomonds of fife race.

    Pub run 16 Jan 2010  Pittenweem to St Andrews

Robert, David, Pat, Alan, Derek, Laurie, Gordon, John

Once again Pat managed to astound us with his 'out of this world' dress sense and front pocket bulging with 'goodies'. We took the bus to Pittenweem where we started off proceedings with an early pint in the Larachmhor and were joined by Gordon (whose attempt to dodge a pint was easily overcome) and John Donnelly. By the time we emerged the heavy rain has gone and there was the promise of better weather creeping across the Forth.

 A short trot to Anstruther gave us the chance to enjoy another pint in the Ship Inn.  We had a longer run now to Crail with a chance to enjoy the huge waves and some of the interesting rock formations. In this section we first came across incredible build ups of seething foam driven ashore by the waves.  At Crail soup and bread  washed down by another pint set us up for the run out to Fife Ness. In this section the build up of foam was mindboggling, like something from a Dr Who script, and in places threatened to submerge us.

Alan had already had the thumbs down from the Crail golf club house for a pint but thought he would try to blagg it anyway. We managed to get the bar staff pouring pints before some committee members appeared and spluttered into their G&T's about 'questions will asked at the AGM'.  Somehow we managed to win them round and eventually parted on the best of terms (Och, you'll never make St Andrews!). It was now a race against time and some pleasant running along beaches and the coastal paths led us to an impassable torrent at Boarhills where darkness fell and we had a 1 mile diversion to the nearest bridge. We got a bit muddled trying to find the clubhouse at the Fairmount with a promised pint and ended up splitting for the last section. David, Robert, John and Derek went off to the clubhouse to find it closed and then ran down the road. The others had a nightmare several miles of wading though muddy path churned up by cattle. All was forgotten as we reunited for a meal and a few more jars in St Andrews.

    12th Jan 2010   Training at Falkland

Andy, Donald, Pat, Alan, Laurie, Derek, Gordon, Brian, Adrian, Richard, David

A night which promised little and delivered a lot. The miserable rain and thaw of earlier held off and we had an enjoyable meander up to East Lomond in the deep snow. No-one, including the leader, appeared to know where we were going next but it was great fun. The great snow bounding and arse over titting down from falkland hill was definitely the highlight of another great night out.

    5th Jan 2010    Maspie Den/Falkland Hill

Gordon, Laurie, Alan, Andy, Donald, David, Brian, Derek, Richard

We assembled at Falkland in a blizzard and full of trepidation for what lay ahead.  It turned out to be a night that none of us will forget. Soon after our assembly time Gordie got itchy feet and informed us we would have to set off (Laurie found us ---- eventually!)

We were sucked, like lambs to the slaughter into Maspie Den, with a fairly well beaten track through the deep snow (at least it was well beaten by the time I managed to catch up with them) The photographer was always under threat of being left behind (me!) The icicles and ice formations were mind blowing and included a fully formed lingam. All went well until Creag Mead when we were spat out into deep drifts, spindrift, gale force winds and wind chill of about -20oc (probably an underestimate!)  Laurie sneeked up behind us on the way up EL and we spent a short time at the summit. Alan felt quite cosy wearing nearly all the gear he'd had on crossing the Thorong La at 5400m), others less so.

On the way down Alan was in the rear yet again and decided to find out who his real friends were by pretending to have fallen. From his vantage point half way up the track he could see some lights disappearing into the trees and down to the pub (Laurie) while the other lights appeared to mill about in confusion before setting off back up the hill to find the 'father of the club'.  Thanks Derek, Tara the rescue dog, and others.

Alan

      4th Jan 2010     Happy new year!

We are pleased to welcome our friends from Sweden, Jan and Micheal into Lomond hillrunners and we look forward to running with them in the near future. Contact details will be added shortly for the Swedish section of LHR.

  Greenmatle Dash and Cramond Park Run 

Hi, Pat is back. Just to say Gordon Laurie and myself ran the park run at Cramond.  No results as yet but laurie spotted a new animal- a heron.   A swift sojourn by the 2 nanooks 2 Broughton after the parkrun.  We, that is Pat-and-laurie-arrived-in-time-for-a noon-start.  A-quiet-start-and a-change-of-course-got-us-up-2-the-artic-tundra-that-is-Trahenna.  A-fierce-snowy-descent.  Pat-cut-his-camouflaged-shins-on-the-tightly-packed-snow---undeterred, Laurie-and-Pat-ran-on-in-2-the-finish-2-complete-a-2race-double--in-under-4hrs--pics-2-follow Pat

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     THE BROWN WILLY RUN   1st January 2010

Before you get too intrigued, the explanation is quite mundane! Brown Willy is Cornwall’s highest hill, crowning the rough and bleak Bodmin Moor. An increasingly popular way to start the new year is to run from Jamaica Inn to the top and back- about 7 miles with an undulating climb- in total about 1000 feet. Over 300 set off in icy, but not snowy conditions on a beautiful sunny day. No prizes or places or numbers, it’s just a question of signing in and signing out. Even though I knew no-one in the event it was very friendly and it was fun on the descents as most of the others had no idea how to run downhill fast. At the (uphill) finish I was overtaken by a man being pulled along by two enormous dogs- must be a rule against that!

Richard

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      Maspie Den   -   Training   Dec 29th 2009

Alan, Derek, Pat, David, Andy, Laurie, Rosie and Tara

Reports from first and last and the man in the middle

 

Guiding the Lomond Caravan over the Falkland Glacier.

David,Pat,Derek,Andy and Laurie

 

Mid winter Tuesday was accompanied by the continued snow and ice of the past few weeks. Since it is on David's home territory, he took command in the knowledge that we were accompanied by Lochaber Mountain rescue collie Tara in event of emergency.  a seemingly straight forward climb to the top of the hill, seemed to take for ever due to continual backward sliding and then with a brisk wind on the top we evacuated quickly into deep drifts on the South side of the hill.  Waiting for Pat to circumnavigate the hill to rejoin us a debate ensued as to how far we were actually able to go in these conditions.

David was persuaded that we should avoid forests with mantraps and instead try to find under the weather Alan at the waterfall in Maspie Den. So, down to Craigmead following a norrow trail in the snow then doon the den and sure enough a hermit was ensconsed in the realms of the waterfall.

Taking care not to be lacerated by icicles or slipping into the icy depths of the Maspie, we tip-toed down to Falkand only for Pat to be skewered on a barbed obstacle.

Having been bounding through thigh high snow and ice for 90 mins, Pat then slid into the Lomond Inn and asked for ICE ??? 

Laurie

 

I received a text from Derek saying due to road conditions the meet was being switched to Falkland. Perfect for me to be able to partake of copious amounts of the black stuff with a short stroll home. Derek and I arrived on time thinking we were for a twosome but gradually the late stragglers arrived Alan in resplendent climbing gear no boots but crampons surviving from the Mallory expedition.   (Alan forgot his boots)

So 5 runners 2 dogs set off up East Lomond on a quite beautiful snowy winter's evening. Commander Lawrie in the lead as ever. Let's go up the firebreak piped up David and indignantly our leader agreed but that was the last of that! Progressively deeper snow was negotiated and it was a wonderful playground nearing the summit. Then down even deeper snow to the path to Creag Mead. Pat lagged behind but we were safe in the knowledge that we had a trained rescue dog, Tara, to take over if things went pear shaped.

Down to Creag Mead then into Maspie Den to find Mallory at the waterfall where there was an amazing mass of ice stalactites which provided much amusement.

As a group now (sort of!) we descended the Den only for Pat to run into a barbed wire fence blocking the track bashing his arm. Fortunately no serious wound and after my reassurance that he had not severed an artery all arrived back safely.

David

Mallory, suffering from a swinish flu but otherwise 'exceedingly high' set off up the village street having been waved off by Bob Beveridge. By 7.30pm, up at the waterfall with no sign of Shackleton's group he had visions of calling out the rescue party. There was no sign of the dipper but yard long ice added spice and danger. Back at the Lomond a long icicle which fell out of Mallory's jacket confused the barmaid. Alan made vain attempts to obtain ice for Pats grievous wound!

  Alan

Time then for a pint and debrief of a super memorable evening

Photos by Alan  click to enlarge  (note David checking for frostbite)

    29th Dec 2009

New strategy to win the Burden's will be discussed at Falkland. Please bring  along any friends with swine  flu!   I might not make it myself - I'm feeling a bit ill!  Luckily, on the date in question, I plan to be on the beach in Sri Lanka sipping cocktails and thinking about running over muddy hills in the fog.

Alan

The Law Breaker  Fell Race    :   Tillicoultry    27/12/09

 New member John Oliver ran his first hill race in icy conditions which forced the organisers to create a lower level 3-lap version of last year’s race .

68 runners had fought their way across snow-bound Scotland the day after Boxing Day!.

 They ran 3 laps – starting with an exhausting , steep & snowy 185m climb to the base of  The Law . This was mercifully followed by a flatter “sprintable” section before a fast icy descent down steps !!

  Training on the flat trails of New Delhi had not prepared John for the 45 degree slopes & fast pace of all the other runners !

 “By the third lap I was warmed up & started to enjoy the run .If it had been a few laps longer I might have made up some time on the 56 runners who beat me to the finish !  His time was 54 mins.

 The race was won by the amazing Commonwealth Games hopeful & recent winner of Tinto -  Prasad Prasad !

 It was an exhilarating mix of maximum physical effort , Winter-Wonderland scenery & delicate icy footwork - a perfect antidote to Festive excess !

 The event was very  well organised with a  friendly atmosphere  amongst the runners & organisers…with  good local Tryst ale given as prizes & tasty snacks to refuel in the Centenary Hall !

John Oliver

PS  Thanks for your report John and welcome as our newest recruit. How big is the flat in Dehli!  We are slightly embarrassed at our non attendance but - I may have swine flu, two of the guys set off and had to turn back in the snow, one lad had a migraine because he had been running in a white out on West lomond etc

Alan

    22nd Dec 2009

Final training involved pushing the odd car up the hill from the car-park and getting our head round Alan's latest book project.  Definitely a night to remember.

Laurie Anderson

    18th Dec 2009

Lomond welcomes Kenny McKay from Glasgow to the club - see members page for mug shot. Kenny looked as if he was wondering what he had let himself in for at the weekend trip!

    18th Dec 2009

Ninewells doctors searched in vain for dodgy Mallaig Haggis supper.

Finally turns up in blocked sewer, South Street, Falkland!

    17th Dec 2009

Nightmare at Black rock

Great!  Never saw the rock! Wearing wet socks at the start was a good idea.

Full report to follow.

Results:  1st Chris Russell ; 9th Neill Martin, 17.53; 13th Laurie Anderson, 18.47; 17th Alan Graham, 22.27; 21st Andy Caulkett, 22.35;  ?? Richard Gatehouse, 22.51

    16th Dec 2009

Training at Scotlandwell  - Alan, Joe, Laurie, Adrian, Derek, Brian (others were rumoured to be resting for the second nightmare)

We'd had a great wee run from Scotlandwell. Along the Tetley trail below Whitecraig and then a punishingly steep climb up to the plateaux. Ailing, Alan decided to have a solo saunter while the A-team ploughed on to Bishophill. Reunited at White Craig the lure of our hot tub and our 'visitor' at 8.30 meant a rapid descent.

Fast forward to Brian's pad

It had reached 8.30 in the hot tub at Brian's on a cold starry night. We were chilling out, satisfying our drouth, and as usual contributing nicely to the Irish balance of payments until Adrian informed us that he'd just had Giardia in Kathmandu (a water borne infection) - nice one Addie!  Joe started looking anxiously at his watch. "When is she coming?"   

For full (explicit) report: Lomies please log in and enter password

Login .............     Password ...............

(xxxxxxxx tassles xxxxxxxxxx suds xxxxxx tossing the caber xxxxxxxxxx 38dd xxxxxx lap xxx

xxxxxxxx Joe xxxxxxx filters clogged up xxxxxxx  bubbles xxxxxx babyoil xxxxxxx  y-fronts xxx

xxxx wilted xxxxxxx )

Story by Alan, Photo by Donnie Graham (click to enlarge)

    8th Dec 2009

Training at Falkland - Derek, Donald, Andy, Gordon, Alan, David, Laurie, Richard

As we set off it was noted that none of the drinking squad from Callander had put in an appearance but David did roll up just too late to join us for what turned out to be a very enjoyable jaunt up the cycle track and then up to the summit via the T-woods. Alan achieved his goal  by making his 100th ascent of Falkland hill of the year.  We descended to the mast and then down across the moor back to the trees.

    Christmas trip to Callander  5th-6th Dec 2009

Alan, David, Robert, Jim, Joe, Lucy, Laurie, Derek, John, Moira, Pat, Shug, Kenny L, Kenny McKay

The running party of nine teamed up at Ardvorlich on the south Loch Earn road in dreich rain with low cloud shrouding the hills.  Glimpses of snow patches disappearing into the mists promised extensive snow cover higher up. Spirits lifted as familiar and some new faces started to get acquainted. It was great to see Shug back in action and looking fit after ‘resting’ for a lengthy spell. He had brought along Kenny McKay as our latest member who appears to be capable of giving the old lags a good thrashing (on the hill!)  John Donnelly appeared in more suitable attire this time (see members page) although his pal Moira appears to also have a penchant for pink. It was good to see Lucy again after her worth in the kitchen had been proved at Knoydart earlier in the year (she has been known to run as well!)

There was little pretence at running as we soon reached the snow line and our hillshoe clad feet went through a continuous soak/freeze/warm up cycle. There was a knee deep burn to wade before we stopped below the cloud to plan our route. It was obvious that Ben Vorlich was beyond us so we opted for the Corbett to the east of the track.

Alan showed his leadership skills by setting a compass bearing to a point at which he had 'cunningly planned' (thanks Baldrick!) that it would appear to the others that they were lost.  Kenny L rose to the opportunity and we managed to navigate by map and compass across the arctic wastes to our summit of Meall na Fearna. After summit photos an exhilarating run took us to down to the south side of the pass. Blunderbuss (and mapless) Anderson was restrained from leading the others back up into the clouds and the correct route through the narrow pass was discovered. Another enjoyable soaking session of soggy paths and burn wading took us back to Ardvorlich where we discovered a path leading up a series of waterfalls in spate.

Meanwhile Pat and chums were happily ensconced in a hostelry in Callander oiling up for the Man City game.  Survivors of the snows headed straight to the bunkhouse for showers and to let Derek get to work peeling his 'butternut squash'.  With the wine uncorked we were chilling out enjoyably while Kenny L (off duty from his day job in the Kama Sutra in Suchiehall street) and his skivvies produced a first rate veggie curry with full accompaniments.

 Man City beat Chelsea so it was a happy but incoherent bunch that finally appeared under the long suffering supervision of young Robert (phone childline Robert!). Joe disappeared to bed, never to be seen again and we moved onto the highlight (for some!)  of the evening – the Postman Pat quiz.  Only strenuous efforts to keep him focussed on the actual question we were on and not the question two ahead kept the quiz from dragging onto the following day and David revealed the true state of private dentistry when it became obvious that he had misread the main constituent of dental amalgam at college and we surmised that the entire population of west fife were now walking about with tin teeth.  By this time there was no great urge to return to Callander and we had enough booze in to enjoy the remainder of the evening.

After a night where the snorers slept better than the others a few appeared bright eyed at breakfast but most of us looking decidedly hung-over.  Joe made an appearance to prove to some that he had actually been present on the trip and Derek and Kenny L whipped up a delicious Spanish omelette and instructed Pat on how to make a pot of tea.  Attempts to thwart Alan’s efforts to collect the money for the weekend were made by Pat who had unaccountably handed his over to a barman in Callander and Laurie who had helpfully given Alan's list of who had paid to Rosie to chew on overnight!

After farewells Lucy went off for a 27 mile run up to Balquidder and back (she seems quite normal when you speak to her!), Shug and Kenny M headed south to Glasgow,  Jim and pals headed off for home via another pub or two while the main group geared up for a run up Ben Ledi. The weather was much better today and as usual our running gear attracted looks from the many walkers on the track. Higher up the windchill increased and we had to don all our extra layers before we re-entered the cloud. Luckily, apart from the icy path the snow was soft and we reached the summit without incident. For variety we opted to return down the north ridge and into Stank glen where Kenny L fell in love with Mr Refill and pranksters Anderson and Jabbers were soon up to their usual tricks with Laurie throwing up last nights lager and Derek chewing on some unmentionable part of Laurie’s anatomy.  Roll on next year!

Alan

    1st Dec 2009  

Laurie, Gordon, Donald, Pat, Brian, Richard, Joe, Derek, Alan, David

Training - Winter had definitely arrived so with rain, wind and snow forecast we made our first visit of the year to the school.  We opted for our normal bad weather run up to the trig above Formonthills.  The trig point was reached without incident at which point Bergfuehrer Graham  pulled out a damp map scribbled from Googleearth. A route had been discovered leading up to East Lomond.  It went very well  at first- a lovely track through the trees and then onto a snowy trail but we missed the return track through the trees and took the longer route via the EL car park. It was quite wild by this stage and the time was drawing on so Laurie came to our rescue with a direct route back to Formonthills involving a barbed wire fence and a burn. We straggled back to the school tired wet and muddy but the showers were good.

        26th Nov 2009

Nightmare in Kinghorn

An enthusiastic squad from the club turned up for this first race of the nightmare series.   At the sign-in at Kinghorn a sizable detachment of St Andrews students were limbering up in the car park in ways I hadn't seen before. The route followed the coastal path to Kirkcaldy with the main challenge keeping your feet on the muddy path. The wee loop at the ended caused some confusion and Gordon realised he'd taken the wrong route when he ended up in a bramble bush. Pat caused some alarm by blinding some of the runners with his camera flash.  In spite of this we all made it back safely. It was the first nightmare (see first photo!) I'd had for a while and proved highly enjoyable.

Alan

Photos from Pat

Finishing order:  Neil Martin (1st), Donald Mackenzie, Laurie Anderson, Gordon Pryde, Alan Graham, Richard Gatehouse, Pat Mallett

    24th Nov 2009

Leslie police received reports from a local farmer of suspicious activities in the fields below East Lomond on the evening of 24th November. A large number of lights were seen in the fields moving in fairly random directions. The lights then regrouped and headed up to East Lomond. On their return to the fields they again split up and wandered about as if lost. Some time later police apprehended the suspects at Holl reservoir soaked to the skin and covered in mud. The self confessed gang leader known as Paddy gave a garbled account of their activities. His story that they had been 'out for a run' on what was a pitch black night of heavy rain and gales was dismissed as ludicrous. There is a suspicion that sheep rustling may have been behind the gangs activities but evidence that some gang members have also been spotted in the Cleish hills may point to involvement in 'other activities'.

A concerned citizen

    22nd Nov 2009  - Craig Rossie

For a few years now I've had this wee hill on the northern edge of the Ochils squirreled away for future exploration. With a free Sunday to hand Laurie agreed to come along and we set off from Dunning glen to mount a rear attack on this fascinating corner of the Ochils. We set off under blue skies up Corb glen and then up onto the sheep moors with the new wind farm whirling away to our left. It's a bit of a guddle along the west side of the trees but the little top of Ben Effrey with its triple ramparted hillfort is a fine viewpoint. The main top of Craig Rossie lies just across a dip with the cairn perched on the edge of an impressive line of crags. Below us we could see some impressive landslips which would repay future exploration. We muddled across through the trees to the open top of Rossie law with another hillfort. By this time bad weather was threatening from the south and the trek back along the east side of the trees and back across the moor seemed tough. A well spent 2hours 50 min but definitely better approached from the north.

Alan Graham

    Tues 17th Nov 2009  

Training at Scotlandwell    David, Alan, Derek, Pat, Joe, Andy, Brian, Gordon, Laurie, Richard (late)     

David was given the honour of route finding tonight and with Derek's backing resisted attempts by the usual culprits to hijack his route. And what a route it was!  We followed the usual trail up to Whitecraig and along the tree line to Bishophill.  Beyond the gate the fun started - the cattle had transformed the track into a night attack on the western front complete with barbed wire and Pats torch flickering away in the rear. David suggested a descent of the zigzags - very slippy in the recent rain. As for the traverse to Kinnesswood, lets say it is hard to find and there are plenty of brambles. Gordie shepherded Pat back on the Tetley trail while the rest of us burnt up spare energy with a steep climb back up to below White Craig.  To sum up - a brilliant night!

    14th Nov 2009

 Glasgow 5k Parkrun – Pollock Park Glasgow

The weather held just long enough to allow the runners to complete this tough little 5k race.  The club was represented by three runners, Shug McGinley, Graeme Aitken and Kenny McKay.

 After the two lap course Kenny McKay emerged victorious in 21.05,(37th) his first attempt at this course, followed by Shug McGinley on 22.02(56th) and then closely by Graeme Aitken on 22.57 (79th) – a bit of a false position for Graeme who is currently nursing an old injury.

Nevertheless it was good to have three Lomond vests on display in the field of 177 runners.

 H McGinley

    10th Nov 2009

Training - Andy, Donald, Derek, Alan, David, Richard

The weather was kind to us once again with the rain clearing to give us a calm evening with a few stars appearing.  In the absence of Mr Refill  Alan led the happy throng on a Laurie style 'grand tour' of West Lomond. We turned into the woods at the Bannet Stane and then traversed round to above the pulpit. By the time we reached the Burdens Derek was completely confused and had no idea where he was! We continued round to the wee quarry on the side of the West and after clambering to the summit enjoyed our usual sit down and natter.

PS The saga of Pat's mishaps continues. Tonight he lost his shed key where he keeps his headtorch and hillshoes.

Good luck to Adrian who is off to the Everest marathon this week.

     7th Nov 2009

Tinto hillrace

Another cracking day of autumn sunshine greeted the race goers. This time Tinto had a small cloud cap but at least it stopped the sun blinding you all the way up- often a feature at Tinto. This exhilarating race is getting ever more popular. It’s a great way to round off the season. An incredible 298 were huddled together on the sodden grass at the start- it felt almost claustrophobic. No such problems for the winner though, Prasad Prasad shot away from the field to win in impressive style. It was like the old days for the Lomonds. Shug lined up with us along with new west coast member Kenny Mackay. Once past the stile the 5 Lomonds held their positions all the way up but fortunes changed a little on the fast but very slippery descent. Derek used his quad power to pass Shug near the bottom - but regretted it next day! Gordon kept his reputation intact catching Kenny at the last gasp.

Richard Gatehouse

Results:   Gordon Pryde 96th, 42.15; Kenneth MacKay 97th, 42.16;  Derek Jablonski 171st 47.05; Shug McGinley 174th 47.16; Richard Gatehouse 207th 49.10

Click to enlarge

    31st Oct 2009

Meall a' Buachaille 

It was a beautiful autumn day for the final counter in the Scottish Championship. The course was altered again, this time to cope with the large numbers. 219 started the race . A run along a forestry track led to a heathery slog up to Creagan Gorm. From there we bounded down a rough slope to an outlying pimple before more heathery contouring to the col before the main peak. Coming off Meall a Bhuachaille was great, but as the track eased in angle and smoothed off, the faster runners made their moves. This was never more true than on the tough run back up another forest trail and a rather lengthy flat run to the finish. Andy Symonds was the clear winner. I was glad to get a run at all after a very slack training regime due to a bad throat and a bad knee! Adrian ran very well to claim 1st vet.

Gordon missed out on this race due to illness but he did 5 out of 6 races and so did I- so that’s 2 mugs for the Lomonds this year! He is also confirmed as 4th in the over 50s.

Richard Gatehouse

Results:  Adrian Davis 12th 56.12; Richard Gatehouse 174th 1.22.44

    27th Oct 2009

Training and AGM 

It was a typical Lomie night of confusion - thirteen of us set off from Falkland, twelve arrived at the monument. Brian became 'detached' on the way up and Pat injured his leg on a tree stump. We cut short the run by descending Maspie Den where we discovered last weeks dipper roosting on the same ledge.

Tonight we welcomed new member Dave Cowan who has just returned from doing the Amazon ultra 6 day event. It was also great to see Kenny and Shug who had made the long trip from the west for the AGM. Back at the Lomond Tavern we enjoyed a fine meal and drinks as we discussed what the next year would bring for LHR. Minutes of the AGM will be available soon.

    22nd Oct 2009

Phone call from a very excited Pat.

"I had special delivery today. Guess what I won at the Manor Water raffle - a live sheep."  Life with Pat can be a bit MontyPythonesque at times but for once I was lost for words. Images of what we could do with said sheep played rapidly through my mind - club mascot, rug, barbecue, sheep-sh--gging. 

"Only joking!" Pat interrupted my thoughts "I really won £20 of Sainsbury vouchers." 

    20th Oct 2009

Training - Falkland   Gordon, Laurie, Pat, Alan, Donald, Adrian, Derek, Richard, Brian. 3 dogs

A typical Lomie night of Keystone cops stuff in the woods. We ended in in three separate groups fumbling about in the pitch dark depths of Maspie den all wondering what the others were up to. Adrian, who had fallen behind for a pee was bemused to find lights flashing all over the place. Reunited at the waterfall I looked up and spotted the magical sight of a dipper resting on an ledge on the overhanging roof a few inches above my head. We continued up to Craig mead and on to Falkland hill for a sit down and blether.

AG

    11th Oct 2009

Pentland Skyline 

I was across at the Pentland Skyline today, and I have to say it was really enjoyable strolling round in the road shoes taking in the views and the 'air'
Amazingly myself and Louise Burt were the only folks from Fife AC / Lomonds in the record field of 170.
Even though the start was in sun there was a stiff breeze making things decidedly chilly, but once up the ski-slope hill we were soon warmed fighting through the congested mud track up the hill. Once on the tops it was clear it was going to be an effort to push through the blustery Westerly blowing against us and so it proved with some severe buffeting going up Carnethy.
Navigation was not a problem on such a clear day and having done the race so many times now I knew the route I would take. There was nothing much to report in the Southern roller coaster traverse other than just maintaining a reasonable pace in view of all my recent injury woes...painkillers were taken en route.
I did keep passing a Northumberland Fell runner on every ascent as he would pass me on the descents, he was muttering something about being 13 stone and that he would need to stop drinking beer and get serious at which point he started motoring to finish 5 mins in front of me!
After the turn at the West Kip the wind was still in our faces which nobody could quite figure and didn't really aid us until the final few tops.
The North side of the Pentlands does not have the big climbs of the South so does not suit my running style (hands on knees walking fast) so although I passed some who were starting to struggle lost a couple of places to the V50 rivals to end up 45th, third V50 in 3hr 10 mins which was only 5 mins off my PB for the course.
Moral of the tale is that The Pentlands is a great introduction to a Long Series Race. Sometimes the old 'Nike Airs' from JJB can be just as good as all the fancy techno fell shoes. I did roll my ankle once but do not have the leg or hip pain I normally suffer from. Lastly the weather in October is now more pleasant for running in the Hills than anything we get in the summer.     comments welcome

Laurie Anderson

     10th Oct 2009

Manor Water       Gordon and Pat went down to Manor Water Dog trials and managed to fit in a race also, don't know details but Colin Donnelly V50 won it outright!

Laurie Anderson 

 Results:   Gordon Pryde 23rd 1.25.05; Pat Mallett 59th 1.40.22

     3rd Oct 2009

Ben Venue      Gordon braved the gales sweeping the country to try out the inaugural Ben Venue race. The race was curtailed at the col but Gordon still managed to win the over 50 in spite of stopping to play in the mud.

 Results:     Gordon Pryde 22nd, 1.01.00 1st SV

    4th Oct 2009

Newtyle Hill    Laurie and Gordon both went along to Adrian's new race which explored some of the tracks from Loch of the Lowes around Dunkeld and up the hill. The intrepid pair finished as first and second over 50 with Laurie enjoying a back view of Gordon round the race.

 Results:     Gordon Pryde 7th 31.49; Laurie Anderson 8th, 32.10

    Training weekend 2010

The bunkhouse in Kinlochewe has been booked from Friday 23rd  to Sunday 25th April.  I have booked all 12 beds for the weekend.

     29th September 2009

Training  - Benarty hill

Laurie -  "a miserable damp run up the best wee hill in Scotland - okay it was only Benarty"

For Pat with his camera  it was an exciting - "'TRIP' into a the world of 'lochores luminous flying jellyfish' and 'Pat Vader trigging the light fanbasquetic' "      (injoke for david)

Rosie  'woof - why is that woofing bugger taking me up there - he'll not be running up hills when he's 94'

   26th September 2009

The Pyrenees trip - see REPORTS for a full account

Alan, Laurie and Gordon return unscathed from a memorable week exploring the peaks and valleys around Gavernie. The undoubted highlight was a tough two day trip from Gavernie through the 2800m Breche De Roland, down to the Ordessa canyon and then up Monte Perdido.

    15th September 2009

Training on Bishophill      Alan, Gordon, Laurie, David, Andy, Pat, Richard

The skies had clouded but that didn't spoil our run up Glen Vale and up to the top of Bishop. After a seat at the top some idjit led us down the route of maximum boggyness  into the unexplored hinterland of Bishophill - a land of virgin forests and steep grassy ridges - where we discovered a new species of homo posty speaking a language akin to Basque and living in primitive wooden shelters. A specimen was captured, taken down to the Gateside inn and force-fed Guinness.

    Saturday 12th September 2009

 Saab Salomon Turbo X Trail, Mugdock, Glasgow

The sun shone as club member Shug McGinley made the short trip to Mugdock Country Park in Milngavie, near Glasgow, to compete in the Turbo X 10 mile trail race.  This was a particularly tough slog, including being dragged through forest trails, mud bogs, hills etc but in spite of very rough terrain, Shug had a very good run, finishing in 103rd Position overall; 5th V50; in a field of around 500 runners.  Time - 1 hr 40 mins. 

A great day was had by all, with Graeme Aitken looking on from the sidelines, wondering what he’s let himself in for as a LHR’s newest west coast member.

    5th September 2009

The Ben Nevis Race     A day to be long remembered! Unrelenting rain and strong winds  gave a chill factor of 3 below at the summit. Our three first timers, Donald, Andy and Pat must have wondered what lay ahead - from my own memories of 25 Ben races I can't remember it being worse underfoot. The little rivers of slurry that were running down the screes, the bodies flying down the green wall, the mud wall and the burns raging white all added to the fun - and then there was the dreaded road!

 In spite of this we were all quite pleased with our performances apart from Gordon whose 'brain stopped talking to his body' near the summit. In my own attempts to eats handfuls of jelly babies on the way up I only managed to slobber out a trail of sugary body parts.

Our lads turned in some great performances showing true Lomie grit. Pat picked himself up after a nasty fall near the summit and survived the descent to finish with a smile. I later spotted him leaving the first aid tent wrapped up in tin foil like a roasted chicken. Whoever has his red bum-bag please email me. Donald showed his class with a fine time in the awful conditions. Richard and Bob both had fine runs to set them up for next years Connochie plaque. David surprised himself with a decent run after a 6 week lay-off with Achilles trouble - well done David!  Laurie, Derek and Kenny all had excellent runs, revelling in the awful conditions. Andy was fair chuffed with his first Ben finish to round off a great year with successes in the Tranter round and West Highland way race. Alan continues to promise that this will be his last race but it has been pointed out he has said this before. Of course conditions are bound to be better next year!    

 Alan Graham

Lomond results:  Donald MacKenzie 41st, 1.53.17; Laurie Anderson (Fife) 135, 2.07.14; Gordon Pryde 154 2.10.12; Derek Jablonski 215, 2.18.46; Kenny Leinster 221, 2.19.24; Andy Caulkett 294, 2.33.29; Alan Graham 336, 2.39.38; David Osborn 364, 2.45.18; Richard Gatehouse 378, 2.47.59; Pat Mallett 431, 3.05.01; Bob Beveridge 443, 3.12.07

Click to enlarge

    1st September 2009

Training at Collace   -  Derek, Pat, Andy, Alan, Gordon, Laurie, Richard, Bob Thornton

We parked at Collace and enjoyed an easy saunter up Dunsinane and then along to Kingseat via Black Hill. After mixed weather during the day we ended up with another fine evening in the Sidlaws with stunning sunsets and fine views.

Talk was mainly of the Ben race with nearly the entire club running this year. Alan declared that his number 25 would be his last hillrace. Pat, Donald (our great hope!) and Andy are all virgins (of the Ben race). Gordon plans to reclaim his 3 seconds over 2hours from last time. Laurie is quietly confident. Richard and Bob are both on number 20. Derek claims he is going to take it easy. David and Joe (ended up in casualty trying to surmount a pavement!) are walking wounded. Good luck to all!

    22nd August 2009

The short Wilderness challenge   Adrian Davis shows there's life in the old dog yet with a comfortable win in this 13 mile foray into the boggy wastes of the Fisherfield forest. Well done lad!

    18th August 2009

The Chain walk at Elie - A select quartet of Alan, Richard, Andy and Gordon (where were the rest of you!)assembled at Largo for the run along Largo bay to sample the delights of Scotland's only Via Ferrata round Kincraig point. There's lots to see - seabirds, wartime emplacements, interesting geology and the opportunity to get wet if the tide is in.

Click to enlarge

    New Lomond 'hinger-on'

 John Donnelly was asking recently why he hadn't been included as an honorary Lomie 'hinger-on'. He has been duly elevated and agreed to try out our new lomond jogging suit after a few jars at our post Lomonds of fife piss up.

See members page!

    16th August 2009

Lomonds of Fife Hillrace -  Early gales, mist and driving rain lifted on cue to give us a superb bright and breezy day for the race. This year we were particularly pleased to welcome Michael Lonn and Jan Ackesjo who had flown over from Sweden specially for the race (in spite of viewing the youtube clip of the bum-slide doon the gully - or maybe because of seeing it!) and also Nardelli Loris Maximo from Italy.

Brian Marshall held a good lead to win with Jon Ascroft in second place. Manny Gorman had a good run to finish third and first vet. Martin Laing of Fife turned in a great performance to finish 7th as first SV with Tom Ross first over60. Rachel Fagan of Gala was first lady with a good lead over Ellie Homewood in second place. Fife runner Jocelyn Scott finished third and also first SV. Hilary Ritchie was the second over 40. We had eighty starters with one drop out.

Carnethy took the men's team prize with Carnegie first ladies team.

Lomond results: Laurie Anderson (Fife) 16th 1.56.09; Gordon Pryde 23rd 2.00.26; Derek Jablonski 35th 2.08.32;Alan Graham 59th 2.22.02

Many thanks to all the timekeepers and marshalls who make it possible for the rest of us to run.

Alan Graham

Click on photos to enlarge

    8th August 2009

Largo Law Race -  Mark Harris won in a time of 48.02. Laurie Anderson had a decent run in 54.33 (for a man of his age!)  with Derek Jablonski being pleased to beat his best time for the new route by two minutes. Pat Mallett claimed he didn't get dressed in the dark - what IS your excuse then Pat? The best part of this race is the pint down at the Station inn.

Results: Laurie Anderson 10th, 54.33; Derek Jablonski 24th, 59.25; Pat Mallett 31st, 1.01.06

Click to enlarge

     7th August 2009

Latest medical research should give Lomond the edge in upcoming races! 

Claims that drinking beetroot juice is reported to reduce blood pressure and boost stamina which could help people exercise for up to 16% longer.

Clicking to enlarge not advised!

     4th August 2009

Auchterhouse training - Pat, Adrian, Richard, Laurie, Derek, Alan, Donald, Gordon, Bob from DHH

The mist lifted just in time to give us a superb training run over the treetopped Auchterhouse hill and across to the multi-masted Craigowl. Great views of Fife and into the highlands. We finished with a run round the quarry (Pat - "where's the quarry then?" Gordon - "that was it!") and then back to Auchterhouse and Guinness at Birkhill.

Click to enlarge

    26th July 2009

The Gathering - Gordon Pryde adds another  SV victory at the Nairn's hillrace on Arthurs Seat. Laurie Anderson finished not too far behind.

Results: Gordon Pryde 15th 39.33, Laurie Anderson 20th 40.54

    22nd July 2009

 TURNHOUSE HILL RACE

The Turnhouse Hill race is a grand, tough little outing. You run along the base of the hill and cut back to the summit via a steep climb. There’s a ridge run followed by a really fast descent to something called the ‘biscuit tin’. A boggy contour leads back to the outward track, final descent and finishing straight. It was the penultimate ‘bog and burn’ counter, attracting 116 runners with a high overall standard. Murray Strain won in a new record time. I was 89th and although it rained much of the time, conditions were good for running.

Richard Gatehouse

    8th July 2009

 GLAMAIG HILL RACE

I was the lone Lomond for the long, slow drive to Skye. The reward was surprisingly good conditions for this marvellous, rough, steep struggle and exhilarating descent. There were a few hefty chunks of rock flying past on the ascent which added to the atmosphere. This must be the most serious ‘A Short’ on the calendar. This being my 15th Glamaig you might think I’d have worked out the right way across the moor on the way back, but no! Having clattered past quite a few competitors coming down the scree run I saw some of their gloating smiles at the finish line as they had sneaked a cleverer line on the home run!  Still, it was an enjoyable race. I was 80th in a field of 115 led by Brian Marshall.

Richard Gatehouse 

    15th July 2009

Maddy Moss - A big party of Lomies turned up for this excellent tough medium replacing our normal Tuesday night run. It stayed dry after earlier downpours but which left slippery conditions in places. Mist over Ben Cleuch added to the atmosphere. Murray Strain added another victory to his tally with our own Donald Mackenzie still on the way up getting to the summit fourth and finishing eighth as 3rd vet. Pat impressed us all with his tremendous climbing but spoilt it all by losing his shoe on the way down.

Lomond results -  8th Donald MacKenzie, 57.25; 28th Gordon Pryde, 1.02.35; 34th Laurie Anderson, 1.03.04; 76th Andy Caulkett, 1.11.57; 78th Derek Jablonski, 1.12.08; 84th Pat Mallett, 1.13.42; 98th Alan Graham, 1.16.12 (knock off 5 min for taking the photies - joking!)

Click on photos below to enlarge

      14th July 2009

I've just heard the shocking  news of the untimely death of Dario Melaragni on Lochnagar a few days ago. Many of our Lomond runners have been involved in the WHW over the years and have benefited from his tireless enthusiasm. On behalf of all the Lomond hillrunners that knew Dario I would like send our condolences to his family and close friends at this sad time.

Alan Graham

     11th July 2009

MEALL AN T-SUIDHE HILL RACE    

Three and a half miles and 1500 feet doesn’t sound very impressive but gives no indication of the effort of body and will required to compete in this excruciating short event. A brilliant, sunny day saw the runners driving past some of the best hill areas in the country. After finishing many agreed that a leisurely hillwalk would have been much more pleasurable, even Brian Marshall who finished third after another blistering descent. I could barely jog on the road and track at the finish but was encouraged to hear other, faster runners say exactly the same thing. It was another counter for the Scottish Championship. Adrian was 7th, Gordon 25th, John Donnelly 28th and Richard 74th in a field of 109 runners. The winner was Prasad Prasad.  With just one counter in the championship left (Meall a Bhuachaille in October) it looks like Gordon is going to finish 4th in the O50 category- a great effort!

                                                                                                                                         Richard Gatehouse

    8th July 2009

Newburgh - An amazing 177 runners turned up at Newburgh for this race. Joe had another fantastic run to finish well ahead as first over 60. It was also great to see Shug running again in a Lomond vest.

Results: 1st Mike Carroll of Perth RR in 24.57; 24th Gordon Pryde in 29.57; 27th Joe Holden in 30.11; 61st Pat Mallett in 33.18; 85th Hugh McGinley in 34.59

    4th July 2009

Dollar hillrace - Hot and sunny conditions didn't stop Joe Symonds of HBT winning in a good time of 1.13.10. A decent Lomond contingent competed even if the last two felt obliged to enter under false names.

Results: Gordon Pryde 30th -1.37.35; Laurie Anderson 34th - 1.40.16; Eddie Balfour (former lomie) 42nd - 1.44.11; Derek Jaernsky ????? 57th - 1.51.46; Aloysious Marllett 83rd - 2.11.58 ???? (We know it's you Pat!)

     3rd July 2009

The Sandy Slither - the original run from Largo to Elie has become a circular route from Elie along to Shell Bay and back. Pat was the only Lomie to make it this year and slithered round in a time of 44.48  to finish 43rd place out of a big field of 102.

     3rd July 2009

White Tops Race - Donald McKenzie continues his fine run of form to finish in fourth place (38.41) in this scenic wee race in the Sidlaws. Not too far behind leader Dan Whitehead of Cosmics (35.17) and within spitting distance of third place.

     27th June 2009

Arrochar Alps hillrace - Well done Gordon!  Completing one of the toughest races in the  calendar to finish as second over 50  is a great achievement but from now on we'll also have to salute your great navigational skills!

Results: 1st Alasdair Anthony, Ochil -3.30.42, ;   Dave Scott, Ochil - 4.10.10, 1st SV

Gordon Pryde -Lomond 4.21.40, 2nd SV

     24th June 2009

Red Moss revolution - Derek Jablonski was the solitary Lomond presence at this Bog and Burn race at Balerno on a fine night. Murray Strain broke the record in a time of 35.03 and Derek did well to get round in 50.10 after partying on Schiehallion the night before.

     23rd June 2009

Double birthday celebrations on Schiehallion - A merry throng partied on champagne and cake at the summit to celebrate Laurie's 50th and Brian's 48th.

    21st June 2009

Falkland hillrace

The Falkland Hill Race took place on a beautiful, sunny afternoon. Though very short compared to other events the same weekend it’s a hard blast with no real chance to coast along in comfort! The club was well represented with 5 members and another Tuesday nighter. Lars Ottermoller won but had a substantial summit lead impressively reduced by a fast descending Steve Fallon. 53 competitors took part. Gordon came in 9th, Joe 19th, David 22nd, Pat 24th, Richard 30th and Bob 33rd. If you’ve never done this race give it a go. The whole village seems to turn out and give every runner a cheer and a clap and a shout of encouragement as they make a final effort along the road to the fountain.

Richard Gatehouse

    20th June 2009

West Highland Way race - With perfect race conditions apart from the voracious midges  Andy Caulkett impressed all with his grit and determination to finish first over 24 hours. Well done Andy! Andy's own account of the day can be found in the report section. Commiserations to Adrian who was going well but was forced to retire with a twisted knee.

     18th June 2009

Is the clock 'ticking' for you?  Call in Lomond tick removal service. No crevice left unchecked!

    17th June 2009

Richard was the only Lomond at the short, rough but brilliant Ben Sheann race at Strathyre. The evening was dry but it had rained all day making the course unnervingly skiddy at times. You need your nerves because after the steep grind up you’re faced with a rocky plunge, a bog, a tussocky contour and then a steep run in the dark through dense trees with wet rocks and tree roots. This race is famed for its voracious midges. They appeared a few minutes before the start, sending the runners into something resembling an ethnic dance- scratching, waving and slapping, and shouting at the starter to get a move on! In a field of 64 headed by Prasad Prasad, Richard was 46th.

Richard Gatehouse

    10th June 2009

Cort-ma Law - The Cort-ma law race took place on a beautiful sunny evening and attracted a competitive field of 99 runners. A cool wind kept the midges away - too bad about the poor sod marshalling the penultimate checkpoint - a sheltered hollow beside a burn! The course was boggy, but not as spongy as usual. one rival had to be hauled out of a swamp - he went in to mid thigh with both legs and looked set stay there!

Results: Gordon Pryde 27th - 56.47 4th supervet; John Donnelly 59th; Richard Gatehouse 72nd - 1.09.30

     6th June 2009

Gargunnock - Resisting the temptation of caber tossing Gordie and Pat opted for this varied short hillrace. Anyone finding a pair of sunglasses and a sunhat on a post please return to Pat Mallett care of LHR.

Results: Gordon Pryde 14th - 37.31; Pat Mallett 42nd - 43.14

     6th June 2009

Glas Tulaichean -the only way is up! Another great result for the young lad finishing in 6th place in 44.36.

Results: Donald McKenzie - 44.36

   3rd June 2009

Hill of Tarvit - An excellent club turnout at this great wee Fife AC race. Joe left the young lads trailing with an excellent 39.05 for 1st over60.

Results:  Joe Holden - 39.05; Pat Mallett - 43.17; Derek Jablonski - 43.27; David Osborn - 46.32

  May 29th - 30th 2009

Alan and Laurie enjoyed superb weather for a short foray over the six munros west of the Lairig Ghru in the Cairngorms. On Friday evening, after a chance meeting with Mannie Gorman and Alan Smith on Mannie's Corbetts run, we took two hours for an easy run up to the recently renovated Corrour bothy. After a decent night (interrupted only when a camelback on the top bunk burst and soaked the two guys below and Laurie had to spend two hours stroking Rosie to keep her quiet - at least he thought it was Rosie he was stroking!) we climbed the Devil's point and then headed round the snow bedecked rim of the Garbh Coire over Cairntoul, Angels peak and Braeriach. We lunched on tuna at the Lochan na Sturtaig below Monadh Mhor and took in Beinn Bhrotain before descending on wearying legs to White bridge.

Alan Graham

  May 20th 2009

Kinnoul Hillrace  - Donald showed his class again (and the benefit of a younger pair of legs) with Laurie not too far behind and Derek and Ian not disgracing themselves a few trees in the rear.

Results: Donald McKenzie - 18th 29.49; Laurie Anderson - 31st 32.18; Derek Jablonski - 35.48; Ian McCubbin 90th 40.05

  May 12th 2009

Ben Vrackie - Richard's century

Richard Gatehouse's 100th ascent of Ben Vrackie was celebrated on a brilliant evening with a cake carried to the summit and then drinks back at the Moulin.

  May 6th 2009

Dumyat hillrace   Freshfaced students and and mainly ageing hillrunners competed in the driech but highly enjoyable run up Dumyat. The steep wall of mud in the trees provided sport on the way down and proved the worth of a good pair of studs. Richard, Alan and Derek all did well but honours to Gordon with his first over 50 victory.

  April 17th -19th 2009

Training Weekend - Knoydart

One of the best!  We assembled at Mallaig  on the Friday night with the advance party stopping for a trot up Rois Bheinn while David and Pat tore into dodgy haggis suppers and guinness in Mallaig. After a whiz in the speedboat across to Inverie we set off in brilliant sunshine for a run along the Ladhar Bheinn ridge with the fitter members taking in an extra Corbett or two. A great night ensued back at Inverie with top class grub, wine, women (Lucy!) and song.

David spent the night ruing the haggis but the rest of us slept soundly to wake to blue skies again.  Back up the Barrisdale track again to the Meall Bhuidhe - Luinne Bheinn ridge and an unforgettable day of superb running and views. Back down at the col Andy and Donald still had the energy to run down to Barrisdale for a bag of mussels.

After another night of carousing in Inverie, an easy stroll along the village with a visit to the coffee shop and a brilliant cruise back via Tarbet rounded off an unforgettable weekend.

Alan Graham