Runners urged to sign up for Harriers' race round the Dam
Jenness Mitchell • Published 9 Feb 2012 08:00
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WEE County Harriers are looking for runners to compete in their annual Gartmorn 6.
The event takes place on Sunday 11 March, the week before Alloa Half Marathon, and is a brilliant opportunity to meet members and sample the famous post-race refreshments.
There will also be a two-mile race for under-18s on the same morning.
Speaking to the Advertiser, WCH runner Lynn Irvine (41) said, "I'll be marshalling at Gartmorn 6. It's got a good reputation and is a nice course. It's a good race to start off the year and the food afterwards is excellent."
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.
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.
Gartmorn 6 will give those interested in joining a chance to speak to members, some of who are qualified coaches with JogScotland.
Lynn, one such instructor, added, "I was nervous when I first went along. It was really nerve-wracking because there were different levels of runners and people of different ages, but they had loads of experience to share.
"Don't be put off. Come and try, you won't lose out. It's a good way of getting healthy, it's got a good social side and you will meet good friends."
Lynn, from Alva, started running around 10 years ago when training alongside a team at Stirling's Rainbow Slides for a Race for Life.
She was encouraged to join WCH after meeting fellow member Jane Binnie.
She said, "I wanted to run a 10k and the club engaged with what I wanted to achieve. Since joining my times have got faster.
"I've done the Alloa Half Marathon many times. The first time I completed it in 2hrs 12min. The last time was 1hr 52min."
Lynn enjoys working out. When not running she likes to spin and cycle.
She added, "I've always been in to aerobics and walking. I've done a lot of hill walking and conquered many Munros."
Lynn bought a new road bike last year and took part in the Highland Perthshire Challenge (a 50-mile cycle contest) as well as the Corrieyairack Challenge (a gruelling 43-mile race in the Highlands).
This year she is hoping to compete in the Etape Caledonia Closed Road Cycle Challenge (an 81-mile cycle race, starting and finishing in Pitlochry), the DIVA100, (a 100k and 50k women-only ride fronted by TV personality Davina McCall, starting at Tulliallan Castle) and the Ben Nevis Race (one of the most daunting competitions in Scotland with the roughest toughest descent).
Lynn said, "I've started my training and I'm hoping to do my first triathlon. I like to push myself and my ambition is to eventually take part in the Comrades Marathon (one of the world's top ultra-distance races; a 90k run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in South Africa)."
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 follows the route of the Gartmorn 6.
Starting on Carsebridge Row, turn right and then left to follow the path beside the Brothy Burn. This path can be very muddy, with some exposed tree roots and a steep drop, so please watch for hazards as you run. After a mile and a half the route emerges from the trees onto the path that circles Gartmorn Dam. There are fine views of the Ochil Hills here.
Keep the dam on your left as you go around anti-clockwise. When you pass the Visitor Centre, re-enter the woods and follow the path again in the reverse direction to take you back to the start.
At six miles this route covers some varied terrain with some muddy sections, which is an extra training benefit for the legs.
Full details of the route can be found at www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5283148.
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 or to enter Gartmorn 6 2012, go to the club's website www.weecountyharriers.co.uk.
Gartmorn 6 2012 will take place on Sunday 11 March. Enter online via www.entrycentral.com. Race fees are £9 for adults, £7 for SAF members and £2 for junior runners.
The 30th Alloa Round Table Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 18 March. For more information, go to www.alloahalfmarathon.co.uk.
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 08 Feb 12
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