Harriers step up efforts for Alloa half marathon
Jenness Mitchell • Published 2 Feb 2012 08:00
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WITH just over a month to go Wee County Harriers are gearing up to take on the Alloa Half Marathon.
Last week members battled it out at the fearsomely named Devil's Burden and now club secretary Graeme Wilson has increased his training to almost 60 miles per week in preparation.
Speaking to the Advertiser, Graeme said, "I'm out five days but I love running. Others don't need to train every day."
The local club caters for different categories of endurance runners and will happily welcome enthusiasts, of any age and skill, who want to get fit and active in a friendly environment.
Graeme joined around six years ago. He has been a runner since his early 20s, but his passion took a dip when family life prevailed.
He said, "I got back into it when the kids got older. I moved through to Alloa with work (Ochil View Housing Association) and it was Trevor Andrews from Art is an Option who invited me to the club."
New members are assigned a running buddy so no one is left behind.
There is no pressure or hassle to turn up to every training session and each run is changed to keep the workouts fresh and to stop the members from getting bored.
Graeme added, "Don't think 'I'm not good or fast enough to join'. If you enjoy running, that's what it's all about.
"I genuinely feel as if I have improved from being a member.
"The structure gives you focus for training, competitions and running with other people - although you don't need to be motivated by competitions."
Last year Graeme was named the club's most improved runner. At 50-years-old he believes that anyone can continue to progress no matter what age.
Wee County Harriers is a very supportive and sociable group.
Over the last few years many members have went on holiday together to run abroad.
Graeme said, "We've been to Amsterdam and Porto in Portugal. We try to pick places that will keep the other-halves and spouses that don't run busy with shopping and sightseeing."
Graeme's substantial 60-mile per week training programme is not only in preparation for the Alloa Half Marathon, but also the London Marathon in April and for his first triathlon later in the year.
Graeme added, "I enjoy running marathons. I've done Alloa more than 10 times. There's always a good crowd and you get a good cheer from local people and it's a challenging course. Menstrie Brae is the most difficult part - you're glad when you reach the top."
In the build-up to the Alloa Half Marathon in March the Advertiser will be following the Wee County Harriers' training progress.
The club has developed a plan to enable a runner to complete the event in around two hours. Ideally running experience is required, however beginners can follow the plan to improve and build on their stamina.
During rest days on the programme, get active in some other way such as swimming, cycling, take an exercise class like aerobics or spin, or even go on a brisk walk. The order of the sessions can be changed to suit your plans.
The club will also provide popular routes to consider as part of your training. This week's suggestion starts at Alloa Leisure Bowl and follows the road to Cambus, crosses the railway line at the pavilions and takes advantage of the traffic-free path to the Aguila roundabout.
Graeme said, "There are two gates on the Cambus to Tullibody section, so please make sure these slam shut behind you.
"At about six miles in length, this route should take about an hour at the pace you'll be making on race day.
"The route follows what will be the last three miles of the half marathon, climbing from the junction of Menstrie Road and Stirling Road and when you pass Lornshill Academy you can allow yourself to feel that the hard work is done and push on to the finish at the Leisure Bowl.
"Imagine how you will feel on race day when these are the last few miles for real."
Full details of the route can be followed at www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5276462.
Wee County Harriers train every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 6.30pm.
All sessions are under the guidance of a qualified coach and begin at the Ring Road Car Park at the rear of the Speirs Centre, Alloa.
Annual memberships start at £22 for an individual, £32 for a family.
The club will warmly welcome any new member who wishes to join them.
To download a membership form, go to the website www.weecountyharriers.co.uk.
The 30th Alloa Round Table Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 18 March 2012. For more information, go to www.alloahalfmarathon.co.uk.
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 01 Feb 12
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