bTHEella blethespringr 2008 THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF BELLAHOUSTON ROAD RUNNERS Spring Fever

IT'S FULL STEAM ahead for the spring preparations at the with preparations for the annual club training now-traditional Bella exodus to London camp. The club for the FLM on April 13 well-advanced. returns to Aberfeldy on The colour purple will also be well- March 28-30 and to represented at Paris and Dunolly - our camp and weather conditions will once again base in 2007. Club play a major role in all three events. President Emma Birnie Speculation about the pre-race form told THE BLETHER: of the London entrants has been muted "The feedback after this year but expect a late flurry of last year's camp was gossip now that Honest Al has provided very positive so we've a list of runners and riders with associ- decided to go back to Above: Happy Bellas in London (2006) and Below: For many Bellas the Women’s 10k in May will be their big race ated odds. Around 30 runners are Aberfeldy. It's a perfect likely to come under starters' orders set-up - good accom- although a similar number of support- modation, excellent and varied running ers and assorted camp followers will be routes in the area and we're handy for making the trip to the metropolis to the centre of town. Good weather has enjoy the unique race atmosphere. been ordered too.” Runners will be hoping to emulate the Emma added: “The training camp successes of 2006 when Kenny caters for runners of all abilities and Richmond set the club record you can do as many or as few ses- of 2.31.39 and there were sterling sions as you want; groups go out for performances from Matt Williamson distances of 4 to 16 miles so plenty of and Colin McGill. That same year Elke choice. It would be great to see some Schmidt was first Scottish-based of the recent Bella recruits coming woman and Scott Johnston won many along - it’s a good way to meet people admirers with unrivalled sartorial from other groups. elegance. “This year the focus is on fun, fun, Last year conditions mitigated against fun, and no expense has been spared record times but Kenny still managed a for Saturday night entertainment with time of 2:33:45 while Colin, Matt, Rich the famous duo of ‘Ken & Bren’ scheduled for May and June. The Troon Wild, Scott Kennedy, Peter Gallanagh topping the bill. Expect the usual high Tortoises 10k (May 7), the Resolution and Kenny Macbeth all managed sub 3 standard of cordon bleu cooking and Asset Management Womens 10k (May hour times. For the girls Elke finished some of the best home baking in 18) and the Polariod 4-race series in a sensational 15th place and Helen . (which starts on May 22 at Helensburgh) Stuart finished in 2:53:38. “There will be various competitions all attract big Bella turn-outs. For the In all 28 Bellas battled to the finish throughout the weekend - most drunk, guys the Men’s Health Forum Scotland line on that very hot April day. The worse taste shirt, home baking Gold 10K (June 17) grows in popularity each same effort in 2008 will surely harvest Medal, etc. Still a few places left!” year. more flattering numbers. Meanwhile ‘rank and file’ Bellas will Plenty to look ahead to as the lighter FLM runners will be able to put some be hoping that their winter training will nights approach and thoughts of spring of the finishing touches to their race pay off in the high profile events and summer glory abound.

P4 P6 P2 Spotlighting Captains News Jimmy Irvine Calling

www.bellahoustonroadrunners.co.uk SNIPPETS NEWSDESK Friday Race End Of Hill Opportunity Boom?

ONLY THREE BELLAS (Alistair Robertson, Emma Birnie and Stuart Mathieson took part in this year’s Carnethy 5, one of Scotland’s top hill races. This compares to 13 Bellas who Richmond had called for a 25 strong came under starter’s orders in 2006. purple contingent. Meanwhile the popular short hill race The Devil’s Burdens Relay is a at Tinto attracted an entry of 11, a growing Bella favourite. So there is decline on the 19 Bellas who took part evidence that hill running continues to in 2005. be popular however it seems that On a positive note Elke Schmidt was Messrs Richmond, Schmidt, Birnie, first woman in the Bishop Hill Race on MacMahon, Ross and Taylor may have March 2 and Kenny Richmond finished to mount a propagnada offensive. EVER FANCIED taking in the delights of in 11th place overall. Ruchill while racing for a historic trophy 6 Bellas took part at Bishop Hill Picture shows Cammie Taylor enjoying the (among other fine prizes) in a free Friday although hill racing enthusiast pleasures of the ascent. lunchtime race? A few Bellas have in recent months taken part in the Ruchill Park Mile Handicap, a small event which has been organised by local runners for over 10 years. In fact, the course record is currently Mystery Of the held by Mark Johnston (pictured above), and Mark, Scott Kennedy and Mike Devlin are all regular participants. Left Handed Glove However the race isn’t just for fast runners as the Handicap tag indicates. The race is held around four times per ACE BELLA COACH Oscar Wild may Gore high-spec year, so if you fancy joining in the fun, have to seek inspiration from a major glove but keep an eye on the message board for 19th century literary figure if he is to sinisterly details of the next event. solve the ‘Mystery of the Left Handed (classical scholars please enjoy the pun!) What better way is there to fill a Friday Glove’. This curious case started all are left-handed. lunchtime? innocently when Ian Goudie reported Speculation is rife to the meaning of that he had picked up a glove in the car this bizarre affair - a biological default park. among runners; a Jacksonesque fashion Next Oscar announced that he had a revival; a satanic cult? cache of ‘good quality running gloves in Inspector Wilde is working hard on the top quotes lost property at the ski club’. Each is a case just now. A two piper, perhaps?

Do not ask what your club can do for you - ask what you can do for your club. Marathon Heroine Ally G Jonathan Slow (with apologies to JF Kennedy) A DOUBLE PAGE account of Allison Graham’s fund-raising efforts of behalf of Kidney Reseach appeared in a recent edition of the Edinburgh Marathon Magazine. Allison raised £2,000 for her CONTRIBUTORS WANTED: chosen charity and ran a brilliant time of 3 hours 54 minutes. The editorial team here at the In the feature Allison describes how she was BELLA BLETHER have noticed the motivated to run after a family member had a high quality of personal website and kidney transplant. She also talks about her training blog information written by a number regime and thanks her Bella clubmates for their of Bellas. Any potential contributors support. to the BELLA BLETHER can This year’s Edinburgh Marathon is on Sunday, contact PR advisor Terry Brennan May 25 and the new super-fast course has already through the website. attracted a bumper entry. For details visit www. edinburgh-marathon.co.uk Bella - The South Africa Korps

IN THEIR USUAL attempt Another couple of roasting runs in the interest of everyone in the hallowed purple following days went along the same lines. and white vest. They all seemed to escape the ravages of A bit like running in a giant tumble dryer. genuinely delighted to have someone from the Scottish winter, Scott Then race day came ... so far afield taking part in their local race. Before we’d travelled to South Africa, It didn’t matter to me that I’d run terribly and Linda Kennedy chose Linda had managed to track down an and that things had seemed so bad during to disregard any possible evening 10k race in the Cape Town suburb the race. The warmth of the welcome is of Brackenfell, so we’d decided to include what really sticks in my mind. difficulties arising from a it in our plans. But that was as far as our After some chat with the other runners, I ‘planning’ went. Now, in normal headed back out onto the course to look plane crash-landing at circumstances, we’d have an easy day or out for Linda entering the finish area. Heathrow and the political two in the lead-up to a race, to optimise Unsurprisingly, her run had followed the performance and all that. Not a bit of it same pattern as mine, but again the whole unrest of the Robert here. Our race day wasn’t exactly experience of the event had her smiling textbook ... broadly afterwards. Mugabe regime to holiday We thought we had struck it lucky when All that was left was the lucky dip (all in South Africa and it was cloudy and overcast in the morning. finishers numbers are put into a draw for We drove down to Cape Point and had a prizes donated by the sponsors). For Zimbabwe. No reason stunning hike up to the lighthouse, back anyone who’s sat through the endurance why such trivialities down again, then wandered for another test that is the post-Nigel Barge raffle, couple of hours to the Cape of Good Hope, we’ve found a new challenge (Colin should get in the way of all through dazzling scenery. But also all Shields eat your heart out!), for this was in gradually rising temperatures and surely the longest prizegiving in history. running. Scott takes up clearing skies. They do everything tougher in South the story ... Before we knew it, we were heading Africa. That said, I did win a prize and was back to Cape Town feeling leg-weary, announced as coming “from a close dehydrated, sunburnt and in no real shape neighbour of Great Britain - Scotland.” It ON ACTUALLY seeing the geography of to race. But it was ’only’ a 10k - what rounded off a brilliant evening. Who cares Cape Town, thoughts of sun-kissed runs could possibly go wrong? Rush hour if we both ran our slowest 10k races in along flat tracks, cooled by the waft of a traffic for one thing. After battling through years? gentle Atlantic breeze were soon replaced endless queues on the main motorway out We relaxed in the days following the race by the reality of baking-hot, ultra-hilly trials of the city, we finally pitched up at the race with some glorious hiking on Table of strength. For those who don’t know, the registration with about 10 minutes until the Mountain, though rehydrating wasn’t city is built on the steep slopes gun. By this time it was 85 degrees and particularly easy with temperatures in the surrounding Table Mountain. there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. 90s. A couple of days later we travelled to While Rome and Edinburgh are built on After paying our 35 Rand entry fee Zimbabwe, where conditions were more 7 hills, Cape Town is built on one, and it’s (about £2.30! It was only 15 Rand for conducive to running but the opportunities huge! And as for gentle Atlantic breezes? registered athletes!), we rushed out to the were a bit more limited. The couple of ... the prevailing wind is known as ‘The start line and wished each other well. The short runs we had were memorable Cape Doctor’, apparently since it’s strong gun sounded and off we headed round the though, as much for the impala and enough to blow away all evil spirits or playing fields which made up the start and warthogs who were our running some such nonsense. Personally, I reckon finish of the race. companions, as for anything else. The the name is in recognition of the medical A few cross-country undulations then it warning that running after sunset was attention many need after they’ve been was on to the roads. And they were hilly. discouraged was strictly adhered to, as we injured by debris whipped up by storm And hot. And horrible. The dehydration never planned on becoming lion feed! force winds. Perhaps the warnings of which had crept up on me throughout the To finish our trip, we headed back to excessive wind noise on the website of the day ensured that the cramps set in and the Cape Town where our growing familiarity guest house should have set some alarm wheels fell off somewhere around 7k. I with the city meant that longer, slightly bells ringing? just wanted to get to the finish. flatter runs could be planned. What was Anyway, on arriving at our I usually enjoy finishing races strongly strange to note was the huge number of accommodation in the suburb of Camps and reeling folk in, but it was the opposite runners out and about at 6am on midweek Bay, the sound of the screaming car effect this time as local runners eased mornings, in stark contrast to the empty engine ringing in our ears after it’s struggle away from me. I was powerless to streets you’ll experience here in Glasgow up endless hairpin bends, I decided that a respond. But I just couldn’t help smiling on at such an ungodly hour! short run to stretch the legs was the order hearing the announcer trying to pronounce So all in all, a fantastic holiday with some of the day. 29 minutes later I returned with ‘Bellahouston Road Runners’ as I crossed varied and memorable runs in some great jellied legs, a sunburnt scalp and a the line and received my medal! locations. But we’re left with only one generally wind-blasted demeanour. There I was immediately struck by the question - why do running socks only cost would be no straightforward running here! friendliness of the organisers and the £2 in South Africa when they’re £10 here? Jimmy takes off for his leg in the Edinburgh to Glasgow Relay in 1958 Sandra and Jim at the Blackpool in 2006 Happy Days

Jimmy Irvine is a ‘ken-speckled’ figure in SO WHAT WAS LIFE LIKE FOR THE SHARP YOUNG MAN ABOUT TOWN IN THE EARLY FIFTIES? the world of Scottish running. One of the Well, for some reason I was missed off the invitation list for the Coronation. So instead I hung about with my pals at the leading figures in the establishment of Moderne Cafe in Shawlands and tried not to think about National Bellahouston Road Runners, Jimmy has Service. made a huge contribution to the club’s AND DID YOU SEE SERVICE IN THE BOER WAR? development both as a coach and as an Not quite but I did end up in the Royal Signals and was stationed at Catterick for the duration of my National Service. Fortunately individual who personifies how much my running wasn't curtailed and I had as many chances in the enjoyment you can get from running ... army as I had in Civvy Street.

MEET ANYBODY FAMOUS? WINSTON CHURCHILL? GRETA GARBO? LET'S START WITH A SONG - HOW LONG HAS THIS BEEN No, but my coach was Ken Norris who went on to run 5th in the GOIN' ON? 10,000m at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics in a time of 29.21.6. I take it you mean running. Close to 60 years. I've been When I was at Catterick I ran in a lot of great events including the running since the day, as a 15 year old, I drifted along to Northern Counties C/C Championships (Junior) where the Royal Bellahouston Harriers and started to enjoy the privileges of Signals team won the team medal back to back with myself and being a member of an established club. One important one Pat McParland from Springburn showing the way. We used to was that the Harriers had the use of Sir John Maxwell-Scott's kid the English guys that they would be nowhere without us. estate at Pollok. Of course, everyone can use Pollok Park today but it was a big deal back then. HOW DID THINGS PROGRESS WHEN YOU GOT BACK TO GLASGOW? WHEN DID YOU GET THE TASTE FOR RUNNNG COMPETI- Good; I was running in a lot of big races for the Harriers. We TIVELY? finished second in the Scottish C/C Junior Championships in I remember in 1951 I ran in the Renfrewshire C/C Champion- 1954 and went one better the following year. There were some ships in the Under 17 age group and finished 6th, as impor- smashing young runners at the club then - Joe Connolly and tantly I was third counter in the Team Medal. Harry Fenion are two that spring to mind. Both were internation- alists and key figures in the Harriers' team that won the Edin- burgh to Glasgow Relay in 1958. The Scottish Vets C/C Championships in 1979

Jim running in the Serpentine 10k on New Year’s Day 1996 THE BIG INTERVIEW

HOW WAS RUNNING DIFFERENT IN THAT PERIOD HALF A YOU MENTION WORKING WITH SANDRA - HOW DID YOU CENTURY AGO? GET STARTED IN COACHING? Well, there were two distinct seasons - track in the summer and I took my level 2 award in 1999 and was working with a group of cross-country in the winter. Cinder tracks and tough conditions mainly women at Bellahouston Harriers. When Bellahouston but you would see some brilliant times. Although I'd dabbled a Road Runners was set-up as a progressive and inclusive club bit in road races in the late 1950s it wasn't until the Sixties that I aimed at attracting people from a broad background I was one started to compete in longer events. of the first club coaches. But it was in my second spell coach- ing at Bella that I think I had my greatest successes. PEOPLE SAY THAT IF YOU CAN REMEMBER THE SIXTIES YOU WEREN'T THERE? ANY RECOLLECTIONS? THAT WAS THE GROUP THAT EMERGED IN EARLY 2005? Not a thing! OK! I did discard my kaftan to run in the 1969 Yes, within the period of a few months a very enthusiastic C Shettleston Marathon - the route used the M8 motorway. I group developed and they were a joy to work with. My running managed 9th place in 2.36.52. experience told me two key things - quality is much more important than quantity, and real progress is gradual. And, of NO THOUGHTS OF HANGING UP THE OLD TRAINERS AS course you have to have fun. I applied those principles in YOU REACHED 40? working with what was essentially a group of new runners. On the contrary I felt that I was in my prime. In 1975 I finished People like Sandra Band, Alison Brown, Allison Graham, Emma 3rd in the Scottish C/C Championships (Vets) and repeated that Grant, Colin Dalgleish, Andy Kerrigan, Karen Clarkson and placing two years later. Back on the track I ran 33.20 in 1978 in Nikki Johnston were core members of a group who made great the Scottish Championships. In 1984 as a 49 year old I ran at progress and most are still prominent Bellas today. London behind winner Hugh Jones in 2.43.52 but I had quite a few of the 20,000 runners behind me. The following year I AND YOU WERE FAMOUS FOR THE IRVINE DRESS CODE celebrated my 50th by finishing best in age group at the I did give runners who wore black socks a hard time and Scottish C/C Vets Championships at Musselburgh. complained when people tied their jackets at the waist. I joked that my old Harrier pals would take the mickey and claim that I SURELY THE IRVINE ENGINE MUST HAVE NEEDED AN was coaching 'joggers'. OVERHAUL BY THEN? I was quite lucky to stay injury free in my 50s and enjoyed my WHAT NOW FOR JIMMY IRVINE? running then. And I got a good boost when I found a new I'm not sure. I'm waiting to have surgery on my problematic training partner - Sandra. But I only agreed to help with her knee and I think it unlikely I'll do any serious running after the training if she changed her name to Irvine. op. However never say never. Either way I've had a fantastic innings - a lifetime in running really and I wouldn't alter one DUBLIN '95 WAS A HIGHLIGHT ... step! Yes - a Scotland vest at 60 in the Home International C/C event at Malahide. That was a proud day made extra special in that I was second counter in the winning team. That’s not to say that the non- Into the New Year, but still offroad, and the nick marathoners have to take a back seat at Bellahouston 'ROAD' Runners fielded an this point – while the 26.2 might not be for incredible four teams in the Devil’s Burdens everyone, there is definitely value in Relays. Great efforts put in by all the teams, joining your marathoning teammates from but a quick special mention to the two chaps of time whatever group you’re in for part or all of who made up part of the mixed team, their long run – build some endurance for Dougie MacGregor and Allan Scott, who your own upcoming goals and show some helped bring the team home in a very AS I WAS reading over the last Blether, support for your training buddies at the respectable 69th place. looking for inspiration for the update this same time! Back on the road, and another huge Bella time, the main thing that struck me is Despite all this long run hilarity, we have turnout was seen at the Scottish Veteran how quickly the last few months have still managed to squeeze in some excel- Harriers Club Relays in Strathclyde Park on gone by! This might be down to the lent racing over the last few months, January 20. As well as huge thanks to Ian Christmas break - which I’m pleased to across a whole range of events and Goudie for organising the teams for this one, note hasn’t slowed any Bellas down! – or terrains. When the weather turns grim some great results from the Bella boys because we are now into that 'marathon' (grimmer?) it is, of course, cross country competing, including an excellent 7th place time of year. Marked by mutterings (XC) season, with good representation for the men’s 'A' team of Glendinning, about target times, and furtive liaisons from the club at both county and district Smillie, Plenderleith, and McIndoe. Also on arranged via the message board, this is level. The Renfrewshire individual XC the hard stuff was the Renfrewshire Road definitely the season of the M-word. back in November saw resident Bella Race championships on Feb 3. There really tech-xpert Richard was a dominance of purple Bella vests at Leyton complete his first this event, which was noted by rival clubs XC – picked a good one and the event organisers, so well done to with some of the everyone who braved the weather to take deepest mud I’ve ever part. raced in – but seemed Looking forward, there’s still everything to to enjoy the experience. play for in the Club Championship. No Also good to see Dave matter where you are in the club or with your Tamburini back in the running, races are the way to measure your purple-and-white for this progress against your training group and race. Sticking with your personal goals, so if you fancy a race cross country but but aren’t sure about the hows, wheres, and moving up to the District whys, have a chat with any of the coaches level was the West or with Claire and I, and we can point you in District Championships the right direction. at Irvine in early The National Road Relays are coming up December, where the on April 5 in Livingston, comprising teams of senior men’s team 6 for the boys and 4 for the girls. Each race finished a very respect- alternates short (3.15 miles) and long (5.8 able 5th. miles) legs. This national championship is a Bella’s finest make final mental preparations before the start

AYE! AYE!, Cap'n Claire reporting for our very own Bella Park! duty! There has been so much going on The previous day, our girls stormed their since the last Blether was published, it’s way to victory in the gruelling Devil’s hard to know where to start. And too Burdens Relays which took place in the many great performances to mention hills around Falkland, Fife. Retaining their them all! title from last year with only seconds to The cross country (XC) season finished spare, this was an outstanding result! Well at the National Cross Country Champion- done to Elke Schmidt, Emma Birnie, Helen ships in Falkirk, on February 23. This Stuart, Helen Palmer (on a break from her followed a spree of Championship XC new life in Norway), Iona Robertson and events. The Renfrewshire XC Champs Debbie Ferns. at Lochinch proved to be the muddiest And lastly on the off-road report, it must course ever, and while it was tough at the be mentioned that Emma Birnie, Helen time, everyone had great fun! Our girls Stuart and Iona Robertson were selected did well with Sarah Dowling, Jackie to represent the West District in the O’Grady and myself winning the 3rd International Cross Country event in team prize. Holyrood Park, and had fantastic runs! Next up was the West District XC This is a great achievement for the girls Champs in Irvine where Iona Robertson and also Bella Road Runners! had a fantastic run finishing 9th overall, The annual club championship is well leading the girl’s team to 4th place in a under way and excitement mounts with the competitive field! Emma Birnie, Sarah Tom Scott 10m, the Women’s 10k and the Dowling and Shona Donnelly, also Polariods coming up soon. In a recent cap’n claire’s secured a 4th team place, at the Masters club championship race Elke turned in a XC Champs in Irvine. great perfomance in the Renfrewshire 5 Special congratulations are in order for mile road race in Greenock. Coming back Louise Gray who made her cross country from injury, she won the race and led the soapbox debut at the National 4K XC Champs in girls’ team to a 1st place finish! THE SLOW WAY

IT'S PERHAPS THE most significant Bellas I'd particularly like to hear from issue at the club. It can be contentious are those who've done the Level 1 and emotive. Without it we wouldn't be coaching course - the skills you've the club we are but it can be difficult to picked up will be put to good use as major race for the club, therefore we need deliver what we would like to. part of the rota team. to see a huge turnout of runners at this Of course, I'm talking about coaching The final part of the coaching pyramid one. For those running a spring marathon, - from what's involved in our weekly is a vital one. Everyone in the club has this is the perfect wee sharpener to keep training sessions to the longer term a role to play. Even if you aren't able to your legs turning over during the taper, and programmes that guide us over the commit to leading a group. for the non-marathoners this is a great way winter or on the lead-up to the big races You can really help the coaches and to kick off the spring racing and get the (for example a marathon or the Great group leaders by being aware of what's memories of cold, wet, muddy cross Scottish Run). going on in your group session and country out of your heads. I'm in my third (and probably last!) keeping an eye out for people who may Entries for this event close on March 22, year as Coaching Convenor and when be having a bad night. The first part so names and SAF numbers to either asked about how it's going - I say that it means following the coaches' instruc- Claire or myself as soon as possible please is a hugely demanding job. It can be tions and maintaining the agreed pace - either on the websire or on the sign up very satisfying but also frustrating and and making sure that you don't run sheet at a training night. stressful. However it's at the heart of away from the main body of runners - I’m looking forward to a great spring of what we as a club are all about, and we especially on longer runs. It only takes racing, including the Troon Tortoises race (everyone at the club) have to keep one or two eager runners upping the and the excellent Polaroid 10k race series working hard to get it right. pace for a group to find itself badly later in the year - lots of pb opportunities, I use that word 'we' because I think strung out and a session spoilt. Please and club champs races too, so hope to see that is the key to a successful coaching think before you put your foot on the lots of you there flying the Bella flag! system. The club is fortunate that we accelerator! have some first-rate volunteer coaches Please also look out for others in the - Scott Kennedy, Oscar Wild, Michael group who find themselves struggling or McInally and John Milligan do a superb who pick up an injury. It can happen to Nick job. And in recent years The Mole, all of us and the last thing anyone Jimmy Irvine, Dougie Lamont and Paul wants is to be trailing home along McNally have made invaluable contribu- Paisley Road West on a wet Wednes- tions. The club really relies on them day on your lonesome. OK, enough of the sermon. But if you There has been a lower turnout of Bella and I hope their efforts are appreciated feel you can contribute in any capacity babes in the winter road races such as across the club. An initial analysis of then please speak up. As the weather the Glasgow Uni 5 miler, Nigel Barge the recent coaching survey suggests improves and some big races appear 10K and Jack Crawford 10K. The storms that they are. on the horizon, demand is likely to and freezing conditions were perhaps Another real plus is the handful of increase on training nights. The more only for the brave! But not to be put off experienced members - people like leaders we have the more flexibility we were Maddie Smillie, Julie McColgan and Jackie McGuire, Alan Scott, Alison have. Shona Donnelly, who ran the Hugh Brown, Norman Boyle, Jane Wild and However, I believe that over the last Wilson 10K in East Kilbride, and brought Maddie Smillie - who have led sub- couple of years we have gone a long home the 1st team prize! Shona and groups, or sweep-up, or take out small way to create a very strong coaching Maddie, with the help of Katie Pagdham, bands of runners recovering from injury structure at the club. We've done what also led the girls team home to 2nd place or coming back after a big race or a lay- has been feasible to address concerns overall in the Scottish Vets Road Relays off. Again without their assistance the expressed in a number of coaching in Strathclyde Park. job of the main coach would be im- surveys; we've developed the seasonal Now that brings me to the next team measurably harder. Thanks, folks! programmes that each of the groups event coming up, the National Road You may have noticed my recent work to; we've introduced new ideas Relays in Livingston, on Saturday April 5, posting on the website asking for like specialist marathon mentoring. the week after the Bella Training Camp! volunteers to build up a rota of assist- The proof of the success of the It’s a great event, a fab day out, and it ants who can do the type of jobs I've coaching structure is shown in improv- would be great to get as many Bella described. Having more coaches and ing performances and more ambitious teams involved as possible. It’s not just group leaders provides the opportunity race schedules. That's a real source of for the ‘fasties’ so I would urge you to for people to take an occasional break pride for myself and my fellow coaches. please come along, we will be rounding without compromising the quality we And it's what it's all about - seeing you up for this soon! strive to deliver. There's been a good individuals showing real personal Enjoy your running! response but please don't feel the door is closed. If you would like to play a development and having a whole lot of role please speak to myself, to one of fun along the way. the other coaches or put your name Claire down on the website. JONATHAN SLOW bTHEella blethspringe r2008 THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF BELLAHOUSTON ROAD RUNNERS Races Galore!

IT SEEMS to be a ‘true’ Bella you have to run in a ‘long’ or ‘tough’ race in an ‘out of the way’ part of Scotland, preferably with a sea crossing to the start line. And Claire Thompson is the chief advocate of this burgeoning Bella tradition ...

WHAT IS IT about Cap'n Claire and already noted the date Sunday, August races in remoter parts of Scotland's west 10 and the Mull Half Marathon in their coast? Recently Claire has been heard diaries. exhorting fellow Bellas to sign-up for the However ex-Bella Dougie Lamont Kintyre Way Relay on Saturday, May 10. would surely recommend the Barra Half The main event is an Ultra Relay Run - on June 28. This was Dougie's descrip- 66 miles, starting at Tarbert at 6.00am tion: (yes, that's 6 o'clock in the morning) and "This one, more popularly known as heading to Campbeltown. Teams are the Barrathon, should be subtitled 'how from 2 to 6 runners and there is a novice to fall in love with an island'. The wee relay run of 35 miles, starting at place is absolutely idyllic and I really had Tayinloan at 9:30 with teams of three to drag myself on to the ferry back doing 13 + 8 + 14 miles. Race organis- yesterday morning. The lady whom ers are selling this event with the added Averil and I were staying with lent us her attracton of 'no midges - apparently they car on Friday evening to explore so we PICK AN don't appear until Mid-May. made the most of the glorious weather The Kintyre Way is Scotland’s newest and the 11.30 sunset. Found a deserted ISLAND long-distance path and the Ultra Relay beach on Vatersay where all we could route includes stunning scenery with hear was the lapping of the waves on the views across the sea to Arran, Islay, shore (oh, and a corncrake!). HALF Jura, Gigha and Bute. The running "The course itself can best be de- terrain is varied from hill paths and scribed as undulating (ok, hilly) with a MARATHON forestry tracks to beaches and seaside killer climb between 10.5 and 11.5 miles. rocks. Luckily after that it's downhill all the way Sat 24 May At the end of the run you can enjoy a to the finish at Castlebay School This Stornoway - Stornoway, Lewis traditional ceilidh. If you're interested year a strong headwind and driving rain had to be contended with too, but Sun 27 Apr speak to the Lochgilphead Gazelle . Orkney - Finstown, Orkney Continuing her role as an unofficial organisation and marshalling is superb trade envoy for Argyll and the Hebrides, and the post race care has to be seen to Sat 7 June Claire has also been reminding Bellas be believed - wonderful buffet lunch Benbecula - Benbecula (including two whole salmon!), great that the 2008 Club Championship season Sat 14 June sees the introduction of the option for medal in the shape of the island, really Skye - Portree, Skye ANY Scottish Island Half Marathon good t-shirts and souvenirs to buy and a counting as one of the two long events ceilidh in the evening for only £6! Sun 15 June Hoy - Island of Hoy, Orkney required. Bella traditionalists will have "Special features included digital photos taken of every runner during the Sat 28 June race being projected while we were Barra - Castlebay School, Barra waiting for the lunch/prizegiving (not that Sat 5 July Found a deserted some of us wanted to see them!), a Harris - Tarbert, Harris folder containing finisher's certificate and “beach on Vatersay full category results (including age Sun 6 July Arran - Blackwaterfoot, Arran where all we could hear adjusted - good for me!) available to collect at the ceilidh, and the local priest, Sat 2 Aug was the lapping of the Father Michael, being on hand at the Islay - Bowmore, Islay finish to administer last rites if required - Sun 10 Aug waves on the shore (oh, I'm not kidding - he actually said this at Mull - Craignure, Mull the start! Mercifully his professional and a corncrake!). services were not required, but he did Sat 23 Aug hand out the medals!" Coll - Arinagour, Coll