Results from Bathgate

Before we get to the NATIONAL XC next week, here’s a quick round-up of our results from Bathgate last month…

The stand-out performance on the day was in the male under17 category, where James Hammond was our only athlete but was head and shoulders above the competition, finishing a wonderful FIRST PLACE.

Next up was the women race, with LAC athletes in both the senior and veteran categories.
Our athletes finished high up the field, Christine Mulholland: 13th in the vets - being our top performer. Also noteworthy was Siobhan Coleman finishing 29th overall. But it was an all-round strong showing - reflected in the team finishing 5th (out of 23). Superb!

Finally, it was the men’s race, where LAC was competing only in the veteran category
John Redding placed 5th in the vets: Fantastic!
The overall collective performance from the men was highly creditable - finishing 4th (from 18).

10 years of the handicap race

The all important time gaps being calculated

The handicap race is a club institution, now in its 10th year under the expert hand of Alison Marshall. Here is a guide for the uninitiated…
The race takes place on the last Thursday of each month, and is part of the annual programme of club competitions. As the name suggests, faster runners are given a ‘handicap’ - meaning they give the slower runners a head start around the 3.8km route. Alison is the brains of the operation, figuring out when to launch each runner onto the course.

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Runners score points by finishing ahead of their fellow runners. The handicapping system means that everyone is competing on a roughly even basis. The overall winner of the competition is determined at the end of the year, based on points accumulated from their eight best performances.

There also is a ‘winter’ and a ‘summer’ version of the route. In the winter, we benefit from the street lighting around Springfield, and in the summer, we do a lap of Linlithgow Loch.

You can read more about the handicap competition here.

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The first race of 2023 saw eight runners turn up on a cold crisp evening - perfect conditions really. We spoke to the runners before the start, to ask what they think about the race…

Tor Munday is now a committed handicap race participant, having done 7 races in 2022 and showing up again at the start of ‘23. Her strategy is to go out hard and see what happens…

Abhishek Kumar was not over-thinking it. As a first timer, he was here to enjoy the event and run hard. Given that he doesn’t have previous ‘form’ in the race, his handicap was estimated from his Linlithgow 10k time last year.

For Jane Marshall, it was her third run at the handicap race. She was setting off around the same time as Abhishek - this was already shaping up as a duel…

Steven Hunter was also running his third handicap race. After a short break from regular running - it sounded like he was hoping to have not lost form.

We also spoke to Rebecca Smith: another handicap newbie. Again, it was case of Alison making an educated guess of starting times, based on Rebecca’s best 5k time. Rebecca was going into the race with a simple strategy: to go hard from the start.

Club welfare officer, Jill Horsburgh was also running. As an experienced participant, we were particularly interested to hear Jill’s thoughts on how to pace the undulations of the route, but her advice was simple: ‘go for it’.

Jennifer Doig was hoping for a course PR, having done it a few times in 2023. She was being mindful of the hilly start and wanted to save something for the second half.

Leanne Calder’s focus was on making a strong start up the hill, knowing that the rest of the run would take care of itself.

The format of the event means that we often see close finishes, and January was no different - all 8 runners finishing within a couple of minutes of each other.

First placed was Rebecca Smith - she planned to run hard from the start, and that’s exactly what she did. She took the lead around the 3km mark and was just too strong for the chasing bunch.

Here are some photos from the event - to give you a feel for what it’s like.

Thanks again to Alison for making this happen, with occasional help from husband David. That’s ten years of monthly races - with only 2 cancellations due to bad weather in all that time.

Maybe you will come down to Lowport for the next one? Last Thursday of the month at 7:30pm…
(remember, it’s your best eight performances across the year that count: so there’s still time for everyone to make an impact on this competition)

Member spotlight - Karen's story

All of us run for different reasons and some people may never think they’re the kind of person who would join a running club. Jill Horsburgh recently spoke to club member Karen Gallie, and asked her to tell us a bit about herself.
Karen’s story illustrates how a club can not just improve your running but have other benefits too. Read on to find out more…

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I took part in one of the first ‘Let’s Go Linlithgow’ (LGL) couch to 5k programmes. I was made aware of this programme through my dad, Angus Gallie (Linlithgow Athletic Club President).

I have dyspraxia, which affects my co-ordination, however I find that this does not affect me for running. Although I had completed some 10k events before joining LGL, it was great to ‘start again’ by following the programmes, which build you up gradually.

I decided to join Linlithgow Athletic Club (LAC), to take advantage of other sessions which were organised by the club e.g. the evening ‘paced runs’. Also it was nice to be a member of the club when I entered events, particularly the Linlithgow 10k. I have made many friends through LGL and LAC and now we have formed social running groups where we meet once or twice a week for a run in addition to ‘club’ organised sessions.

Karen at the start of the GREAT SCOTTISH RUN 10K 2022

(with her dad Angus Gallie)

This has been great for me, since I prefer running with company and in the dark winter nights, I feel safer doing this. Running with my friends makes it feel like a social occasion, we have good laughs and chats, and it helps me mentally too as both parents have health issues at the moment. My dad is doing well, but it is good to chat about my mum whilst running socially. I always feel better after these runs.

My training with my LAC and LGL friends lead me to get an event best in the Linlithgow 10k and a ‘personal best’ in the Great Scottish Run 10k one week later!

Bathgate XC

Saturday 7th January turned out to be a great day for cross country: the weather was perfect for running, and LAC enjoyed a first place!

The location was Balbardie Park in Bathgate: a new venue for East District League meetings, but used previously for Masters XC. The terrain included lengthy stretches of very runnable gravel, but also sections of muddy hills.

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First up for LAC was James Hammond, running in the male under-17 category. James brought his championship orienteering form to the 5.1km course and completely blitzed the opposition.

James led from the gun and progressively extended his lead as the race continued. He finished in first place, in a little over 18 minutes. Super fast! Congratulations James.

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Next up was the senior women’s event. This was also 5.1km, run as two laps. The recent wet weather had saturated some parts of the course. Judging by the reactions at the end, it was a ‘proper’ cross country experience (i.e. equal parts life-affirming exhilaration and grim awfulness).

The LAC team comprised Siobhan Coleman, Lynsey Hay, Christine Mulholland, Tor Munday, Kathryn Holm, Charlotte Moran and Frances Wood.

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Finally it was the senior men, who had the dubious pleasure of running an additional lap, bringing the distance up to 7.8km.

Our mens team comprised John Redding, Martin Maginnis, Martin Hawksey, Paul Dudchenko, Darren Dick, Geoff Pendrill, Innes Chalmers and Graham Burrows.

The Redding years… a temporary blip or a changing of the guard?

Another wee moment from yesterday… Martin Hawksey was finally presented with his haul of trophies for the 2022 championship season (in the scratch competition, the handicap competition and the XC competition). Congratulations Martin!

At the time of writing, the XC results have not been posted yet.
In the meantime, please enjoy some photos of yesterday’s triumph of human spirit over mud:

Annual prize-giving dinner

Linlithgow Golf Club was the venue for the annual prize-giving dinner on Saturday night. It was an opportunity for club members to come together, enjoy a meal and celebrate another great year of achievement and togetherness. Here is a full list of prize winners this year, and some photos from the night.

Club Member of the Year Award went to Yvonne McHugh - for her dedication to Let’s Go Linlithgow, her work with junior athletes and her ‘girls group’ initiative.

The winner of the President’s Award was Jill Horsburgh - for her work as club welfare officer, including her role as covid coordinator throughout the pandemic restrictions and her recent leadership of the Diversity and Inclusion working group.

Here is the full list of prize-winners this year:

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Club Championship (women)

1. Sarah Little

2. Mandy Cazes

3. Frances Wood and Victoria Munday (joint 3rd)

Club Championship (men)

1. Martin Hawksey

2. Martin Maginnis

3. Darren Dick

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Handicap (men)

1. Darren Dick

2. Martin Hawksey

3. Martin Maginnis

Handicap (women)

1. Clair Howieson

2. Mandy Cazes

3. Victoria Munday

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Cross Country Winners:

• Lynsey Hay

• Martin Hawksey

Age-graded competition (WAVA):

• John Redding

• Frances Wood

Congratulations everyone - let’s have a great 2023!!!

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Masters Cross Country

Our head coach, Frances Wood was participating in the Masters Cross Country international at Santry park, Dublin on Saturday. This is a ‘home’ international event (i.e. teams representing the nations of the British Isles).

Together with the other W60 vets in the Scotland team, Frances ran brilliantly, with the team finishing second behind England. We asked Frances for some reflections on her silver medal weekend in Ireland.
Here’s what she said… (thanks Frances)

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I was delighted to run for Scotland in the British and Irish Masters XC International in Dublin this weekend.  The 33rd running of the event saw some of the best masters athletes in Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland compete for individual and team medals over the beautiful XC course in Santry Park.

All teams stayed at the Clayton Hotel and the excitement was palpable as buses ferried us to the course on Saturday morning for team photocalls then a race programme which started at 11.  The weather was kind – mild and windy but no substantial rain.  Just as well - there were no changing facilities or cover other than portaloos!  (LAC XC runners take note, this was hard core!)

The over 65s men and women got first shot at the quite long virgin grass on an undulating and soft but not very muddy course, with some steep downs and short hills. Then at 11.50 the Women’s 6k race!  Four laps – and I was swept away with enthusiasm in a charge for positions in the first 400m. 

The V60 Scotland women’s team was World Record Holder Fiona Matheson (Falkirk VH), British Record Holder Yvonne Crilly (Lothian RC), Kath Scott (Garscube Harriers) and me.
Fiona was the individual V60 winner and we took team Silver.  What a thrill!   First race of my life where I was towards the end of the field – 13 of 19 V60 women and behind most but not all of the younger athletes – a tribute to the talent of the athletes in the competition. 

I’ll never forget the support on the course and the shout outs from Scottish fans, but also the warm support from all nations there.  We had a fabulous evening of dinner, prize-giving and disco – and great craic at the bar.  Alex accompanied me and met an old Uni friend from Derry - a wonderful V70 runner and part of the NI team.  I was inspired by many of the athletes I met, and made new friends.  All credit to Scottish Veteran Harriers who are the masters athlete organisation for Scotland and make all this happen.  Anyone over 35 can join and I strongly recommend it.

Frances with team mates, Yvonne, Fiona and Kath

Becoming more inclusive

Group members (L to R) Rachel Waugh, Claire Emery, Jill Horsburgh, David Mumford

Linlithgow Athletics Club aims to be fully inclusive, welcoming athletes of any experience and ability. As part of this, our welfare officer - Jill Horsburgh - leads a Diversity and Inclusion group.
Recently all group members completed both the Inclusive Athletics module and Disability Inclusion Training offered by Scottish Disability Sport.

This hands-on course enabled participants to examine attitudes towards disability, experience mobility and visual impairments during sporting activities and consider how training sessions could be adapted for athletes with a range of disabilities.

The group also tried out Boccia (pronounced 'Bot-cha') - this is a Paralympic sport introduced in 1984, and is related to sports such as bowls/petanque.

Participants playing boccia. With Ben Rowlings from Lothian Disability Sport.

Course tutor

Jill said “The workshop was very practical and challenged some pre-conceptions, whilst also highlighting support available to clubs and coaches. We have always been ready to listen to what potential members need, but now feel better prepared.” Group member Rachel added “The course helped us to develop our skills and awareness of the wide range of options available to include everyone with both hidden and visible disabilities.”

Thanks to Scottish Disability Sport and Lothian Disability Sport.

Lothian Disability Sport

About SDS (scottishdisabilitysport.com)

3 things to tell you about

Firstly:

A reminder that tickets for our christmas party and annual prize giving are still available at our wix site here.
But they won’t always be available.
And if you leave it too late, then you will be missing out and will be sitting at home with a massive dose of FOMO.
Perhaps you just got paid last week? - so do it now - before we get deep into the festive season when you will be too frazzled to face another online shopping checkout.

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Secondly:

You should have received an email with subject: Vote NOW for our ‘Club Member of the Year’
The window for voting is not open-ended …we really want to hear from you on this.
It’ll only take a second to jump into your email and send a reply… do it do it do it

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Thirdly and finally:

The club is pleased to announce coaching for youths, age 14-17.
In a nutshell - this is for any 14-17yr olds who fancy training with the club on a Thursday night.
Could this be a young person that you know? It might be a son or daughter (but it’s not restricted to children of members). And it’s free!
There are just a few key facts to be aware of here:

• the first coaching session will be Thursday 10th Nov @ 7:30pm, meeting at Linlithgow Cricket Club car park (same session as seniors attend)

• youths must register through Wix - selecting the ‘YOUTH GROUP TICKET’ option
  https://linlithgowac.wixsite.com/booking

• youths may be unattended by an adult - but only with parental permission to do so

• Our Senior section coaches will lead the training – all have the necessary PVG clearance – with one coach having dedicated responsibility for the supervision of the young people in attendance

Dates for your diary

And it’s mid-October already! Here’s a roundup of dates to take note of…

Club member Geoff Pendrill has organised some spin classes - exclusively for LAC members. The dates are 13th and 27th of November (sundays @ 11:00) and will take place at the Nuffield gym in Gogarburn.
Geoff will is a qualified spin instructor and will lead these classes for us. Spaces are limited though - sign up through the Wix app.
(in case you’re unclear what ‘spin’ is - it’s training on a static bike - a great collective experience with motivational tunes)

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In case you haven’t spotted the previous message about the annual party / prize-giving… this will be Saturday 10th December at Linlithgow Golf Club. Again - signups will be through the Wix app, where you will be able to buy tickets. We expect to have this live soon - look out for an update

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If you fancy getting some cross-country experience under your belt, Lasswade Athletic Club are running a day of XC on Sunday 30th October. This is an ‘open’ meet - signup is via Entry Central: https://www.entrycentral.com/festival/706

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You may have heard of the ‘Shale trail’ - a 25km trail run through West Lothian? Our friends over at Lothian AC have organised an event on Sunday 11th December: https://www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk/shaletrail25km/

You could use this as a way to clear your head after the club party the night before!
There are options to run the whole thing as an individual, or as part of a 3-runner relay team.
There’s even an option to run the whole trail as an ‘out and back’ - turning it into a 50km ultra.

September news

Stirling 10k

Sunday 11th September brought the Stirling 10k - the first of two 10k club championship events this September (the other one being Linlithgow).
The weather for this one was very fine - perhaps just a couple of degrees warmer than optimal running conditions. We had a very healthy turnout: 15 athletes - and some very excellent performances.
It’s also fantastic to see that the male/female split was as close to 50-50 as you can get (with 15 people).
Special mention goes to the women, who had enough representation, and enough fast performances - to make it into 6th place overall in the team competition.
Also noteworthy, is the fact that Frances Wood was placed 4th overall in her category. Bravo Frances! (we love this photo of Frances - looking totally in control - with the Wallace Monument as backdrop).

View fullsize

In other news… some headlines:

• The Linlithgow 10k is almost full - and that’s after the team released ANOTHER 200 additional places. So that means this year will be the biggest ever - by quite a margin.
  (approx. 50% bigger than ever before) Amazing!

• The West Lothian cycle circuit is just about to start becoming real. We will see spades in the ground any day now… Get in!

• Roberta Whyte ran the mountainous Keswick Trail 15km on 3rd Sept, in a time of 2hr 36mins.

• parkrun roundup: we had 21 runners across 7 parkruns:

  • Palacerigg:

    Malcolm HUGHES 22:30

    David MAIN-READE 23:36

    Adeline ARMSTRONG 27:19

    Ian FYFE 27:20

    Laura ROSS 29:03

    Graham CHAMBERS 29:03

    Alison MARVEN 31:51

  • Polkemmet:

    Jill HORSBURGH 25:52

    David MUMFORD 26:12

    Melanie SPENCER 34:43

  • Lochore Meadows:
    Tor MUNDAY 24:06

  • Haverfordwest:

    Neil Graham ANDERSON 49:09

  • Falkirk:

    Martin HAWKSEY 22:20

    Ian BOXALL 25:24

    Helen BOXALL 26:48

    Tamsyn SLOAN 26:51

    Roy FAIRLEY 26:53

    Roddy SIMPSON 28:11

    Jemma MILNE 29:48

  • Canterbury:

    Scott CUMMING 26:54

  • Edinburgh:

    Mandy CAZES 24:18

Summer social and BBQ

The club is pleased to announce details of the forthcoming summer social / BBQ party at Beecraigs park…

This will take place on Sunday 28th August at 13:30, and will be open to all club members (adult and junior) plus parents/families/partners.

Previous years have been lots of fun - a chance to socialise with other club mates, participate in some games, and enjoy some good food. The cost is part subsidised by the club - therefore the cost to you is only £5 (adult) £2 (child) or £10 (family). Tickets available on Wix at http://www.wixevents.com/viewEvent/v2/a63b1880-740f-4fd8-80bd-d199399f79a7/7339ad5e-26dd-4b9d-98cc-5767decb668c

Club Championships: Mile race

Tuesday 9th August saw the annual mile race at Craigswood track - part of the annual club championships.

The weather was very pleasant - probably hotter than the runners would have preferred - and we had a good turnout in both the junior and senior races.
Both races were won with commanding front-running performances - both Richard (juniors) and Louise (seniors) led from the gun - and both quickly established a gap of around 30-40 metres to the chasing pack. Impressive stuff.

A note on Louise - our winning senior runner… Louise joined the club recently, and is - wait for it - the Cani-Cross British Champion for the past 3 years! Blimey. Hopefully she can represent LAC at some of the winter cross-country events.

Results (Juniors)

1. Richard Norton (7:29)

2. Ewan Emery (7:46)

3. Imogen Howieson (8:03)

4. Mason Ewing (8:03)

5. Amelia Ferrario (9:29)

6. Sofia Ferarrio (9:32)

Results (Adults)

1. Louise Mitchell (5:41.7)

2. Martin Maginiss (5:52.9)

3. Paul Emery (5:59.1)

4. Kirk Ollason (6:02.9)

5. Scott Cumming (6:06.8)

6. Sarah Little (6:11.7)

7. Darren Dick (6:24.2)

8. Claire Howison (6:25.6)

9. Stuart McHugh (6:38.5)

10. Tor Munday (6:43.5)

11. Frances Wood (6:58.2)

12. Shona Banks (7:51.3)

13. Alex Wood (7:53.9)
    

Summer news toot

Just back from holidays and time for some headlines…

Firstly, congratulations to Paul Dudchenko on completing the West Highland Way race. It looked incredibly hard - the weather was tough, and Paul was struggling with knee pain from about a third of the way into the epic 95 miles. It was pure grit and determination that got Paul to the end, beating the cut off by a couple of hours. Gutsy!

Many of you will also know Paul Ward - he is dipping his toes into the world of race organising/directing with a brand new 10km event on Sunday 6th November - the Bridge of Orchy 10k. Described as hilly trail race with outstanding scenery, signups are open on EntryCentral (a chance to become the legendary winner of the inagural event perhaps?).

Another member of the club doing great things is Malcolm Hughes, who is cycling from Lands End to John o’Groats. Starting TODAY (14th July). The rest of us will normally use some mode of motorised transport when going on our holidays, but Malcolm is opting to power this journey with muscle alone. And this isn’t just about saving money on the garage forecourt… no, this is about raising money for a very good cause: First Step is a Linlithgow based charity that provides support services for individuals affected by alcohol and substance misuse. You can support Malcolm’s fundraising at the following link

Finally, at this time of year, it’s fun to see the Strava feed coming up with a bunch of running tracks in exotic locations:

Enjoy the height of summer people, and hope your travels go well if you’re heading off somewhere…

Club Champs Update

Happy Marches everyone!

As we approach the summer solstice, this update is mostly about the standings in the club championship.

Before we get into that - a quick note regarding the BEGINNERS track training session at Craigswood next Tuesday (21st Jun) from 6pm - 7pm. This is for anyone aged 14 plus (or 11-13 with a responsible adult) of any running level or experience level who is NEW to running on track or wants a refresher. Head coach Frances will give you the basics on track running benefits and etiquette then participants can choose from an easy, social run; a short reps session of 2 x (3x400)=2400m; or joining in the ‘broken eights’ main session – 3x(5mins@5k, 3mins@3k) [90 secs,3mins].

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE

Paul Dudchenko is kindly organising the data on the club championships, and he has released some interim results as we near the halfway point. Note - these are the standings in the ‘scratch’ competition only. There is a handicap competition running in parallel (we can chase Paul for some details on that - once he recovers from the West Highland Way race).

These standings reflect 4 races, plus some marathon results from Edinburgh:

Women’s competition:

1. Mandy Cazes 395

2. Charlotte Moran 391

3. Claire Rice 291

4. Lynsey Hay 200

5. Rosemary Gallagher 100

6. Maggie Noble 100

7. Sara Little 99

8. Kathryn Holm 99

9. Clair Howison 98

10. Gayle Hamilton 98

Men’s competition:

1. Darren Dick 489

2. Paul Dudchenko 295

3. Geoff Pendrill 291

4. Graham Chambers 284

5. Michael O'Hara 198

6. Scott Cumming 192

7. Neil Halliday 190

8. David Mumford 186

9. John Redding 100

10. Martin Maginnis 100

There are several races still to come: Dechmont 10k, 7 Hills, 1 Mile Club Race, Stirling 10k, Linlithgow 10K, any half marathon, any full marathon and Falkirk Parkrun in November. The scoring is 100 for the fastest club finisher, 99 for the second fastest, etc. The best 5 races count.

News Roundup 12th June

Firstly, a couple of dates to take note of:

The mile race (part of club champs) is now scheduled in for 9th August at Craigswood track. Kick off at 18:00. 1,609 metres between you and glory.

The ‘East District’ half marathon (part of Scottish Athletics annual road race schedule) will take place on 18th September this year. It’s being run as an event within an event - as part of the Scottish Half Marathon. Sign up here:  https://www.scottishhalfmarathon.com/half

At the Linlithgow Marches fun runs (yesterday, 11th Jun) the LAC junior team absolutely smashed it, coming joint first and just generally being amazing, despite the fierce weather (photo above).

In other news, taking a wander through the various feeds on Strava and Social Media…

Frances Wood seems to be ageing in reverse, running her fastest time in 5 years (22:39) at the Blast 5km at Cramond. Amazing.

Claire Howison ran the Skye half marathon in a highly creditable time of 1:49, but here’s the thing: the weather was insanely tough. In Claire’s words ‘absolutely the most brutal run of my life’. What doesn’t kill you…

Ann Allman scored a new PB at Falkirk parkrun yesterday (11th June) - going below 29mins for a course PB. Fantastic Ann!

Elsewhere, Roberta Whyte ran the Coniston 15k Lakeland Trails race. This included a wrong turn in the hills, adding to the total mileage, however Roberta still managed a solid 2:46.

By the next time we speak, Paul Dudchenko will have tackled the West Highland Way race (17th / 18th June). This is the big one: the grandaddy of all trail ultras. We wish you well Paul. You’re super strong, mentally and physically. You’ve got this.

April Club Training

From track nights to hill reps and repetitions. Not to mention our paced and social runs. Club coaching nights have something for everyone and cater for all levels of runners. Why not give them a try or get back into it if you’ve been away for a while? And we always welcome prospective members!

From 18 April 2022, all ticket bookings for Tuesday or Thursday sessions will close ONE HOUR BEFORE the session starts. This is to allow coaches to plan the sessions and to be able to contact attendees in advance if necessary. If you do miss the deadline, please message requesting a late place via the app - but participation can't be guaranteed if you don't book by the deadline. You also no onger need to email us to cancel if you can't attend.

We also have our Monthly Handicap Race for a bit of competition at the end of each month.

Further details on Wix and bookable here:-
https://linlithgowac.wixsite.com/booking
or on Wix mobile app.

Celebrating our amazing female runners on International Women's Day!

To help us celebrate International Women’s Day we wanted to share a couple of stories of two of our newer female members, Laura and Shona. So often women are reluctant to take part in sport because of a lack of belief in themselves and fear that they won’t be fit enough or fast enough and these stories reflect this but also show the power of not giving up.

Laura Ross…

Laura, in purple, at the Shail Trail race.

Laura took up walking not only to become more active and healthy but to get outside in nature. Her favourite place to walk is Polkemmet Park. But in 2019, she saw an advert about a meeting that was taking place at the park. It was encouraging the community to find out more about a potential new parkrun in the park. She remembers to this day the parkrun ambassador asking her a question: “what’s your running experience?”, she had no experience, she had never ran before. By that evening she had signed herself up to be a Run Director for Polkemmet parkrun. Thinking, ‘what on earth am I doing?’ Undeterred, the following week she went to Livingston for her first parkrun, afterwards she knew she was going to be hooked!

It wasn’t long after that Laura met with David Main Reade and Graham Chambers, that’s when her running career took off! Laura remembers: “I felt quite reluctant in joining a group of runners, I always thought I wouldn’t be able to keep up, I would frustrate the others as many of the runners were very experienced”. However, 5k runs turned into 7k, then 10k. She couldn’t believe her improvement. Some days she wanted to stay at home but with constant encouragement, motivation and sometimes being told(!) she ended up going along. After months of coach David persuading her to join the club, she signed-up… She’s convinced he was on commission!  

By her own admission, Laura didn’t think she was fast enough for the weekly track sessions or experienced enough to attend the handicap or paced runs. She remembers: “I always thought I wouldn’t be able to keep up, I would frustrate the others as many of the runners were very experienced”. But everyone made her feel welcome at the sessions she attended and there is always a pace that she felt comfortable with. The group has not only made her achieve things she never thought she could, but many are now lifelong friends and that is something special.

Laura’s biggest running achievement was the Shail Trail in December 2021, she ran it with a great bunch of people and her longest run to date. Reflecting on the race, Laura said: “I am very grateful to have met two other inspirational women Adeline Armstrong and Gemma Holloway, we completed Vitality 10k together along Linlithgow canal back in June 2021. We definitely stick together!” 

Volunteering at the Linlithgow 10k was another personal highlight in 2021. Giving something back to the community was so rewarding and she is looking forward to helping out again this year.

Lastly, “a big thank you to David Main Reade and Graham Chambers for inspiring me!”

Shona Banks

Shona Banks, 55 and running again - who’d have thought it?! Remarks Shona. She started running originally when her kids were wee (they’re 24 and 22 now). It was more of a social escape with a good friend, a couple of times a week, than any kind of attempt to run far or fast. She was never in any running club or had any coaching. She had always thought of herself as ‘dumpy’ and a ‘sport avoider’. ‘You’ll never be a ballet dancer!’ her Dad told her at a young age, being better at 3-legged or egg and spoon races at sports day, than anything else, so never aspired to try much.

Fast-forward a few years and she has ran a number of 10ks and even a handful of half marathons (A highlight being the Great North Run in 2011 - raising money for the Samaritans, for whom she has since volunteered). Her work for the Samaritans is very dear to Shona and has given her a full appreciation of the vital role they play.

As it tends to do, however, life then intercepted her brief drift towards fitness and about 10 years slipped past with virtually no running. Then came Covid-19. By this time the life stuff had resolved and she was very happy, newly settled in Linlithgow. Among some other new endeavors, Shona decided it was time to lose some weight and get out the house for some sanity seeking time.

Her running started with a ‘painful’ and ‘wobbly’ jog around Beecraigs. Shona also has 2 beautiful big dogs who need a lot of walking so sometimes they would join her. As time progressed, the jogging and a healthier lifestyle started to help each other. By the time she had lost 10kg the jogging was less wobbly and quite a lot less painful!

Shona’s husband is a hill runner and suggested that a good way to improve is to take on some speed work. Keen to try it out, she joined the Linlithgow AC in 2020 - she also found it a good way to meet people in Linlithgow. During the pandemic, it was also one of the very few available opportunities for gathering with others. Like many women, Shona doesn’t like running in the evening so the 6pm weekly track sessions was ideal. Now, for those who know Shona, she is a pretty bold individual but it was still pretty scary. However, ‘big girl pants’ went on …. and she still giving it her best shot. Things are definitely improving and by her own admission, still reliably at the back, her fitness is dramatically different.

Shona has set myself the challenge this year of re-running the Great North Run for the Samaritans in September, but in a better time than in 2011 (that was just over 2hrs). She has also signed-up for 4 x 10ks and the EMF Half to keep her working through the year towards that goal too. On her challenge, Shona said: “We’ll see what happens after that, but for now I’m finding it fascinating just to keep trying and see what this old woman’s body can do, and for how long”.

Lastly, on her fellow members: “All the lovely people who make up LAC have been phenomenally supportive and encouraging - without fail - and, in particular the presence of such incredibly inspiring other older women - such that I feel that I want to keep pushing onwards … After all, I’m fitter, faster and slimmer now than I ever have been - no ballet dancer it’s true, but certainly a little less of the shot putter material than of old.”

Scottish Athletics & JogScotland Annual Awards: Group of the Year!

The 4J Studios scottishathletics and jogscotland Annual Awards 2021 were presented at the Glasgow Hilton on 9 October 2021, with host Bryan Burnett and Guest of Honour, five-time Olympian, Jo Pavey MBE. The club’s own jogscotland group, Let’s Go Linlithgow (LGL), was shortlisted in the ‘Group of the Year’ category…

LGL celebrated its third anniversary this year and in that time it has grown from a single jog leader running one session a week, to having 15 jog leaders leading five sessions a week. The group is now very much part of the club, offering joggers (and the wider community) the opportunity to attend paced 5k runs, beginner track sessions, and has helped grow the club membership, provided pacers and new coaches to the club.

For the 3rd year in a row the Club was shortlisted but this time we won! Club President, Angus Gallie, was delighted to pick up the award on behalf of LGL and the Club. Special mention also to Lorna Simpson who started the group and without her hard work and dedication, the group may not have existed. A proud moment for all involved.

Photo credit to Bobby Gavin and Ann Gallie.

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Virtual Club Championship - Summer Results!

We have now come to the end of both our summer virtual series and our overall virtual series for 2021.

Before we get to the results. Many thanks to all who have participated and helped to keep the running and (virtual) racing going over the last year. We are now starting to see events come back on the calendar and we expect to be back to our usual Club Championship competition for 2022.

In the women’s competitions, quite a few 10-mile performances to count. Clair Howison ran 1:21:33 to sneak the fastest 10-miler by just 2 seconds from Charlotte Moran. Mandy Cazes was just a minute or 2 behind in 1:23:18, and then Gayle Hamilton in 1:25:25. Roisin Murray makes up the last of the 10- milers with her 1:30:34.

There are some very speedy milers out there with Gayle Hamilton running 6:35 for the fastest mile time and Charlotte Moran added to her previous 3k and 10-miler with her 7:21. Roisin Murray added to her 10-miler with a 14:31 3k.

Our Summer female results are: 1st – Clair Howison, Joint 2nd - Charlotte Moran & Gayle Hamilton and 3rd - Mandy Cazes

Not much change for the men’s side as Paul Dudchenko finished off his virtual season in 1:14:07 for 10 miles and 6:35 for the mile. Alastair McFarland joined in the virtual running for the first time with his 14:30 3k.

Our Summer female results are: 1st – Martin Hawksey, 2nd - Geoff Pendrill and 3rd - Scott Cumming

In the Handicap competition, Roisin Murray’s equivalent 1:08:39 for 10 miles was the fastest with Clair Howison’s 1:09:24 2nd and Mandy Cazes’ 1:12:16 3rd. Gayle Hamilton’s handicap time was 1:15:12 for her 10 miles, however, Gayle has got some great speed in her legs with her equivalent 5:48 mile for the fastest handicap. We had a dead tie for the handicap 3k with both Roisin Murray and Clair Howison at 11:00 flat. Mandy Cazes the only other new time with her equivalent 12:02. Charlotte Moran finished off her series with her 6:43 mile.

Our Summer Handicap female results are: 1st – Roisin Murray, 2nd - Clair Howison and 3rd - Gayle Hamilton

For the men, Paul Dudchenko’s handicap mile time was 5:31 and his 10-mile was 1:02:11.

Our Summer Handicap male results are: 1st – Neil Anderson, 2nd - Geoff Pendrill and Joint 3rd - Scott Cumming and Paul Dudchenko

Well done again to everyone who has competed, improved and logged their efforts. We’ll be announcing the overall winners for the overall Club Virtual Championship shortly. Watch this space.

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The return of the Linlithgow 10k!

This Weekend saw the much-anticipated return of the Linlithgow 10k. The 2021 race promised a fresh approach With a new-ish team at the helm but still retaining its focus on the community.

The race didn’t disappoint. In complete contrast to the washout of 2019, the sun was out this year making for hot conditions for runners. It was also another record turnout for the Club, both in terms of those running but also for members who were part of the army of volunteers who helped put on a first-class running event. All in all, a perfect day to remember former 10k Race Director Graeme ‘Spikey’ Lawson.

For the 4th year, Central Athletic Club’s Alastair Hay (00:31:31) was the fastest male runner. For the 3rd year, Edinburgh Athletic Club’s Rebecca Burns (00:37:55) was the fastest female finisher. In the Fun Run, Mark Pashley took first place (00:07:12) for the boys and Jemma Macleod of Cumbernauld Amateur Athletics Club for the girls (00:07:51), and also a 2019 winner.

For Linlithgow AC, Martin Hawksey and Mairi Watts were the first home for the Club. Again, for the 3rd year, Mairi has finished fastest woman for the Club, showing great consistency, especially given the lack of racing of late.

In age categories, Frances Wood (00:50:10) finished 1st V60. In the Fun Run, 23 of the Club’s junior runners took part. James Ellis was the first boy home for LAC (00:08:29) and Cori Outram first for the LAC girls (00:09:21).

The remaining LAC finishers were as follows. Lynsey Hay finished in 42:36 (4th overall woman), Scott Hyslop in 44:32, Jude Moir in 44:59, Malcolm Hughes in 45:08, Ian Boxall in 45:15, Scott Cumming in 46:10, Colin Hutcheon in 46:41, Neil Halliday in 47:39, Liam Cavin in 49:41, Roisin Murray in 49:43, Claire Jamieson in 51:11, Louisa Cockburn in 51:45, Tracy Curle in 52:26, Claire Rice in 52:28, Salma Windle in 53:18, Martin Maclennan in 53:46, David Mumford in 53:53, Tara Bruce in 55:17, Graham Burrows in 55:35, Helen Boxall in 56:10, Alex Wood in 58:03, Shona Banks in 59:13, Caroline Munro in 01:05:14, Roddy Simpson in 01:05:23, Alison Marven in 01:12:06, Roberta Whyte in 01:13:10, Linzi Matheson in 01:25:49 and Celine Addie-Lagorio in 01:25:50.

Last but not least, well done to our pacers John Redding, Martin Maginnis, Paul Dudchenko, Neil Anderson, Kathryn Holm and Yvonne McHugh. All showed great restraint to get in on time and resist the urge to race!

Until next year, over and out.

You’ll find the full results at Perfect Timing Scotland.

Photos credit: Sharyn Ramage and Frances Wood

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