The Award Winners for the season just finished collected their trophies during the annual spring night out. An excellent hot buffet was followed by the presentations. This left plenty of time for those present to strut thir stuff on the dance floor or prop up the bar. A selection of photos from the night. I always thought Kevin was potty!
Summer League Shield - Winners 2006 The Kevin K show hit Fishie last Saturday night. With more revelations than Big Brother has ever managed to reveal, a thoroughly good night was enjoyed by all: or least most of the company. Some perhaps had nibbled too much from the Haggis of Compulsive Truth.
Who is the best runner in the Club at the moment -A debate has began on the relative merits of mens and womens times in recent 10Ks. The performances of Elaine in recent weeks cannot have failed to catch the eye: being unbeaten in, I am told, the last 12 races and a string of PBs to boot. Nevertheless, Charlie Noble keeps producing excellent times and placings without picking up the winners trophies. So who is the better runner? Thinking ahead to the brighter summer nights and the Summer Handicap league - we have a suggestion to increase the number of counting runners to 10 and to have a scratch League running alongside the handicap. All suggestions are invited, and can be given to "the Handicapper"
Lossie turkey Trot pics - click to see full size (courtesy of Forres Harriers) -
See your name in lights -Robbies Summer Report
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Gash Sign reappears. -Bear Scotland have replaced the sign at the Gash which has been missing for some months now. It looks as though they are still concerned in case Charlie runs into it as the finger post sign is about 10 feet off the ground. No need for most of us to duck then!
Diana Ross looking Supremely happy Awards evening guest appearance from Diana Ross and the Supremes The end of Season Awards were presented at the Social held in the BanCar Hotel on Saturday. The Supremes performance was courtesy of Jane, Sandra and Gillian, but the star of the show was Diana Ross, performed by Malcolm Sinclair. Dressed in a body hugging dress with high splits up the sides, it left little for the imagination. It was fortunate that Malcolm had remembered to wax his legs before going out, but it was a pity his choice of undergarments didn't quite match the rest of his outfit. It was a little scarey just how much at home he looked in his high heels. How they managed to find size 12 stillettos at such short, defies belief. Photographs of the occasion are already in the hands of the local paparazzi.
The special award of the JFK Potty went to the member who his colleagues thought had spoken the most cr*p over the course of the year. Nominations were received for Charlie Noble, Michael Thom and Stephen Milne. But by general acclaim, the award was won by Stephen for not only the quality of his contribution, but also to the quantity and volume.
Prophecy comes true!
Charlie kept to his word that not one Broch runner would beat him at the recent Inverness Half Marathon. Unfortunately it wasn't one of his better days as not one, but two Brochers finisher before him. Well done to Keith Buchan (or was it John Davies) and Malcolm Sinclair. Gillian also ducked under the 90min barrier for the first time, which augers well for a good London run. Running with Stephen seems to be working. It kind of makes you think of the rowing coach who runs along the tow path, megaphone in hand as the rowers go through their paces - only Stephen doesn't .................... (no prizes for completing the sentence)
Walkers beat Runners - see below The wind was so strong on January 2, that running into the teeth of a gale along the Broch prom made running very difficult. Charlie showed just how difficult by deciding to walk instead of running and managed to overtake all those trying to run.
In the annual Beach run, Peter Ritchie joined the ever growing band of the "I've beaten Charlie Noble" Club. Peter was strong enough at the finish to hold off a tiring Charlie to pip him at the post. Charlie had however given himself quite a lot to do as he had ran through to Peterhead first before tackling the 16 miles along the sand back to Fraserburgh. Some folks will do anything to save paying for the petrol.
Well done to Sandra and Stephen Milne for organising and ensuring the smooth running of the Broch Half. The weather put a little dampner on the day, even requiring a change of route at the last minute due to the condition of the rail line. Although everyone was soaked and cold - some more than others - they were all treated to the usual Broch hospitality at the finish. As far as I'm aware, there was also no problem with the results, despite the recording sheets also suffering a little from the wet. I hear that Charlie was so badly affected by the conditions that he was almost speaking sense at the finish. Runners beat Walkers every time! Charlie has found a serious rival to the famous Walkers Shortbread. He has christened it Runners Shortbread and has started negotiations to be the premier outlet for it in the North East. It certainly left the plate at a fast pace last sunday.
Last of the Summer Wine As the summer racing season comes towards the end, so too will the ritual of the prize giving at the end of the days racing. Once the dining has finished it's time for the wining to begin. Charlie was in top form this week at Buckie when plenty of bubbly debate ensued over who won what prize. It's a good job there are no marks for artistic impression to be added or we would never finish a prize giving. Who is daft enough to organise a race these days? At the end of the day Charlie got his rightful prize, a bottle of barley wine.
The summer BBQ took place on Friday 20 August courtesy of Michael Watt. A quantity of kippers, sausages and burgers were consumed all putting weight on around the middle. That wasn't however the only weight to be considered as Michael Thom challenged all comers to push as much weight above their heads. With the assistance or otherwise of a litle bit of alcohol several of the would be machos attempted to demonstrate how, or how not to, lift weights. How's your bruises Jim? For sheer determination the contest was a tie between Michael and Peter Ritchie, neither of the two would let a smal matter of 36 kg get the better of them.
Does anyone know the whereabouts of the Gash sign at Philorth: ;The Gash sign which indelibly left its mark on Charlie earlier in the year has disapperared. Rumours that it is now hanging in Charlie's bedroom have been denied by Dot. Any information leading to its safe return will be rewarded with a gift token from Bassets.
Dyce Half Marathon: Keith Bannerman and Michael Thom had to pull out early on in the race: Keith after 7 miles and Michael after just 2 miles. Noticing later in the day how quickly his pool performance was affected by only his first glass of lager, Michael explained that exercise had this affect on his ability to handle his beer. If two miles had that affect, please be careful in offering drink to Michael at the end of a marathon - it may refresh parts quicker than you think!
Ballater 10 mile: In the usual warm conditions associated with this race, several Broch runners headed off to Ballater. The debate is still raging over the best and quickest router to get to Ballater from the Broch. The prize for the longest and queeziest route went to Alec Duthie. Several sick stops didn't help his cause. In the actual race, Charlie was the best finisher, followed by Stephen Milne Jim Bowie, Graeme Clark, Keith Bannermanm, Alec Duthie, Michael Thom and Michael Watt. Michael Watt's little sports car attracted some attention from the ladies. Anne Bowie was particularly impressed, but after a test drive said it was good but it wasn't an MG. Better get your cheque book out Jim. This was to be Charlie's first race for some time as a 39 year old until he was persuaded to act his age. So after spitting the dummy out, he admitted he had lied about his age. Not that he had fooled anyone anyway. The organisers had read it as 59. Ythan Challenge June 27: The Broch Broncos team for this years Ythan Challenge were victorious in a race which was a little tougher than previous years. More time was spent in the River Ythan, the bogs were just as boggy and there were more scramble nets and assault course up and over nets to negotiate. Accordingly, everyones times were a little slower than last year. The Whytes have more time on their hands after the Broch 10k race on Sunday 20th June. Elaine won the Womens race and was presented with the prize of a watch. Along with husband Eric, she won a pair of watches for first husband and wife pairing to finish. No longer any excuses for being late for training!
The old adage goes that you are only as good as your last race. Charlie, as we all know, had to pull out of his 50K in Glenrothes with blisters. So top dogs at the moment are Jim Ingram and Elaine Whyte with their respective performances at the Forres 10K on 15 May. Jim is Supervet Series Champian and Elaine is North District Silver Medalist. I assume she has now joined the SAL, as this prevented her also taking a medal for the 10 mile distance at he end of last year.
If anyone offers Keith Bannerman a lift home after training, and he accepts, be sure to check that he isn't holding his car keys in his hand. Michael Thom has returned to his best form of late, starting with a win in the first of the Summer Handicap runs. Has he traded in his trusty Fiesta for a new Ford? He was apparently overheard telling someone that he had go at an Escort, which he had picked up outside Zanre's in Mintlaw. She was apparently in surprisingly good condition, gave a comfortable ride and a bargain at £40. Stephen Milne would like to thank everyone who has said kind words to him during his recent injury. For those that haven't - he's not speaking to them!
Why has none of the fishermen or other seamen in the club not told us about this before Shooting Charlie Noble
Awards and Party Nightout
Kevin and Frances would like to thank through the Web page, all runners and friends who contributed towards the gift for their forthcoming marriage. It was all the more unexpected as they had intended to get married without everyone finding out. However, Charlie had let the cat out of the bag. The gifts were presented during the Club Social and Awards evening at the Ban Car Hotel last Saturday (20 March). The wedding is to take place just before the Lochaber Marathon. The best of luck to both of them for both events.
As well as the presentation of awards for the Winter Handicap, it was an evening of music and dancing........and Michael Thom. Michael brought new meaning to these words with a virtuoso performance on the floor and with the mike. He got the party going with a demonstation of break dancing: the Windmill, Backspin, the Turtle, the Worm and with a little help from his friends, the Head Spin. Break dancing originated in the Bronx in the 1970's to fill the breaks between music. It became a way for rival gangs to strut their stuff in front of their rivals. Many of the moves come from Kung-Fu. With Michael's interest in Kick Boxing, boxing and Karate, it is no surprise that he also breaks. Having led the way on the dance floor, he then took thelead with the Kareoke. His choice of song was typically, Steppenwolfes 1968 hit "Born to be Wild". Michael gave us a unique, unforgettable rendering of the old classic. For once we were all glad to hear Stephen Milne's voice, as he added his formidable vocal support. Stephen then brought the house down with his duet of Daydream Believer, a hit for the Monkees in 1967. And that was without the Microphone. Presumably to ensure we finished on a high the DJ pulled the plug on the Kareoke and resumed the disco. Well done to the brave ones that took the Kareoke challenge.
Some of the moves on the Dance floor after this allowed the older generation to reminisce about their youth and head banging when they had hair. The prize for the best dancers went to Graeme and Kathleen, by default as Michael couldn't get a partner to follow his moves.
Determined to show that he had moved on from last year, when he had been floored during a Kung-Fu move by a sucker move from Andy Higgins, Michael took on the challenge of arm wrestling with Elaine Whyte. Eric, who knew better, maintained a safe distance. Against all odds, Michael put up a good show before the back of his hand hit the table. Not content with that, he next took on a challenge from Charlie. Again, Michael's hand hit the table , not once but three times. In a last attempt to salvage something from his evenings efforts, he took on Dot. As his hand hit the table again he finally had to admit defeat as none of the kids could be persuaded to give him a chance. So I guess it's back the weights before next year.
The evenings raffle raised almost £150 which was split between three runners running London for Charity: Michael Watt, Keith Bannerman and Peter Ritchie. The star prize was drawn first and was won by Kevin King - the coveted "Blue Jersey". Kevin's joy was there for all to see as he proudly wore the running world equivalent of the Golden Fleece. The "Blue Jersey" is reputed to bring the wearer good luck; great speed and endurance; keep all types of weather at bay while allowing the body to breathe - perhaps through the special ventilation system under the oxter. He certainly won more than his fair share of raffles; showed good speed around the floor early on, but perhaps the endurance is doubtful as Kevin did appear to flag by the end of the evening.
Once again the evening was a great success with everyone taking the chance to let whatever hair they had, down. Thanks to the Ban Car for having us, the DJ for his music, and a special thanks to Sandra Milne for organising and chasing everyone for money and raffles. And finally one last mention to Michael who was the undoubted star: well worth the £6 on his own. See you all again next year. Pictures of the presentation and some of the Cabaret can be found by going back to the Home page.
If anyone missed the Breakdancing, the following link will give you some idea what you missed.Break Dancing Moves
Invalids on the mend
The rumour is going round that a son of Lochaber will be hearing wedding bells on his way to running in the Lochaber Marathon. Loch Ness is the likely venue for the start of hopefully a long, happy run. Warm Weather Training
Sunday 15 February - RAF Lossiemouth Half Marathon - Charlie's Delight turns to Despair Charlie had his best run for a long time in finishing ahead of his Nemesis, Doug Cowie from Forres. Doug has been a target for Charlie for many years. His delight in finally beating him was only tempered when he realised that Kevin had also finished in front of Doug. Congratulations to both Broch runners who posted exceptional times for the Half.
Lossiemouth is turning into a bit of a Bete noire for Elaine, as once again she was the cause of consternation and confusion to organisers in the Lossiemouith Community Centre. Elaine was announced as the second Lady Veteran despite the fact she was 60 miles away in Fishie at the time. I hope she was pleased with her time. Her number had been transferred to another runner at the pre-race registration, but the organisers had failed to update their start records. Third time lucky Elaine. check out the Forres Harriers Web Site for full results and pics (Charlie is still overshadowed by Doug in one of the photos) Lossie Half
Wednesday 04 Feb Winter League - Competition reaches boiling point - On a wet night the efforts of the runners could be seen at the finish by the steam rising from the assembled runners. This however was nothing to the steam coming out of Keith's ears as he learnt that he could yet miss out on a valuable point by the phantom run of Malcolm Sinclair who ghosted round the course out of sight due to his late start. Keith had yet again nibbled some more out of his PB with a "controlled" run. The Handicapper will have to sort this one out. A prescedent had already been set a few weeks ago, when Malcolm was again elevated into the points after missing his start time. Stop Press - Handicapper was let off the hook, as Malcolm could only manage 8th place on the handicap.
Wednesday 28 Jan Winter League - The Magnificent Seven toed the start line on the worst night of the winter so far. The much heralded Arctic blast arrived over night leaving a course covered with slushy snow and a freezing blow from the North. With hailstones driving into their faces, the intrepid seven battled for the points. With the Chief Handicapper being one of the seven, extra bonus points should be on offer. Points will be shared between: Keith Bannerman, Scott Paterson, Robbie Buchan, Gillian Strachan, John Davies, Michael Watt and Graeme Clark. The Tough of the Track was noticeable by his absence. For younger readers not familiar with TToTT go to The Tough of The Track Winter 5 Mile Handicap-
the race
to knock last years champion budgie (Michael Thom) off his perch
is well underway. Is Keith already dreaming of picking up the
trophy? or will it all turn into a nightmare as the pressure is beginning to show. Charlie opens new shop - Wednesday 21 Jan Winter League - Everyone knows Charlie Noble loves to race, but we didn't think he was a racist. However he seems to have developed a dislike for Poles. Towards the end of last year he ran headlong into the pole which supports the road sign at the Gash of Philorth. Blood rushed from the gash. On Monday while warming down he ran into a lampost on Strichen Road and had to be picked up off the ground. It reminds me of when he ran into a paling wire fence a couple of years back when training with Metro in Seaton, Aberdeen. With his Pole to Pole adventures is he the Broch's answer to Michael Palin? Charlie Noble gets a little excited as he runs into another Pole. A little fairy pointed out to me that Elaine Whyte's recent performances had not been recorded on these pages.
So hopefully the following will put the record straight.
Elaine went one better than Charlie in being first lady in both the White Cow and the Beach runs. Elaine didn't stop long enough to collect her prize at the White Cow race, racing off after the finish, only stopping her car on the way out of the car park long enough to check her finishing time. The time is always more important than the prize. Elaine had an exceptional Festive season run of success having also narrowly missed taking the North District Womens 10 mile Championship at the RAF Lossiemouth Turkey Trot- by about £13. Having also been pipped at the post for the first woman in the open race, she was left quite speechless. Her consolation was another good time. Things might have been different if she had remembered to pack her lucky shorts.
Heart Rate differences
between the sexes? - Charlie posed the question "Should we expect womens
heart rates to be generally slower than mens as they tend to live
longer?" The answer appears to be that womens heart rates
are about 5 - 7 beats per minute faster than a comparably fit man
due to their proportionally smaller heart volume. So why do women
live longer? Does length matter? - It does for this Club. Depite numerous
efforts to agree the length of the Wednesday "5 mile"
course, there still is not general acceptance of its exact
length. Stephen Milne has been spotted several times running
round the town with his wheel, drawing the usual selection of
comments from residents along the run. Charlie Noble has had
several cars round the course attempting to prove the distance is
well over 5 miles. Peter Ritchie was persuaded to get on his bike
while Gillian recently clocked it with her Christmas present
(Timex GPS) - but the official distance remains as 5.05
miles. Here ends the debate. You'll
just all have to run a little faster. 3-2-1.........Go After
getting somewhat caught in the woods before the start, preparing
for the pre race photo, Charlie Noble eventually won his one and
only race of 2003, when finishing in front of Club mate Kevin
Brooks at the White Cow Woods "10K" run on Boxing Day.
This was Charlie's second last chance of the year to keep his
record going of having won at least one race every year since
athletic records began. His last chance would have been on Sunday
28 December, when he tackled the Beach Run from Peterhead to the
Broch. As Darran Strachan was included in the start for the Beach
run, the White Cow was his last realistic chance. Beach Run. Darran
finished well head of the field in the traditional Beach Run. In
atrocious weather Darran finished in 2 seconds over two hours.
His wife was the time keeper - you would have thought that she
might have returned the official time of 1 hour 59 min 59 sec. Charlie finished some way
behind, with Stephen Buchan in close pursuit. Other Broch runners
included, Malcolm Sinclair, Keith Buchan, Michael Strachan,
Robbie MacDonald and Gillian Strachan. I'm sure I heard Gillian
say never again, again. 5K Champ. Stephen
Milne failed to finish a race for the second time in 3 days.
Having entered the White Cow 10K, he pulled out at the half way
mark. He was rewarded for his discretion with the first prize for
the mens 5K. The first time he has won a race he never even
entered - or so he says.
1st - Stephen Buchan
2nd - Alison West
3rd - Allan Watt
Winter League Shield - Winners 2006/07
1st - Lisa Stephen
2nd= Carol Massie and Keith Bannerman
Gents Best Scratch Performances - Summer 2006
1st - Charlie Noble
2nd - Malcolm Sinclair
3rd - Stephen Milne
Ladies Best Scratch Performances - Summer 2006
1st - Elaine Whyte
2nd - Gillian Strachan
3rd - Lisa Stephen
Gents Best Scratch Performances - Winter 2006/07
1st - Keith Buchan
2nd - Charlie Noble
3rd - Malcolm Sinclair
Ladies Best Scratch Performances - Winter 2006/07
1st - Elaine Whyte
2nd - Lisa Stephen
3rd - Gillian Strachan
Wrinklies Shields - Awarded to athletes for the greatest effort
throughout
the year.
Ladies winner - Carol Massie.
Gents winner - Michael Thom.
Duncan Brown Shield - Awarded to athlete for the most improved over the
season.
Winner - Keith Buchan.
Fortunately, there are a set of tables which claim to provide a comparison of the performances between men and women athletes.
So with apologies to both Elaine and Charlie, I will provide the following for you to chew over or choke on depending on your view point: I take the Dyke 10K as an example. Elaine's time was 38'20" and Charlies 36'39". The tables tell us that Elaine's time equates to a mans 10k time of 34'18": over 2 minutes ahead of Charlies time.
However it does need a genius to see that there is a distinctive age difference between the two, so what difference does that make?
Elaine's time of 38'20", works out at 80% of the Womans Age Graded Standard for her age (37'24"). Charlies time of 36'20", works out as 86% of the Mens Age Graded Standard for his age (31'35"). So on this basis Charlie is zooming ahead. For comparison Keith Buchan's Age Graded standard is 79.5% based on his time of 33'55"
To sum up if we convert the times to remove the gender allowance and age, Elaine's time becomes worth 33'43" and Charlies 31'21".
Let the debate continue.............
Well done also to everyone who helped on the day or supplied home bakes etc.
The Broncos Team was strengthened this year by the inclusion of Gordon McAllister in the place of Michael Thom after an allegation of doping. Not because as someone suggested that he is a bit of a dope , but because of high levels of nicotine in his body from that pre-run ciggie.
Other Broch Runners were Elaine Whyte, Keith Bannerman, Graeme Clark, Peter Ritchie and Gillian Strachan. Gillian's times would improve if she didn't stop so often to fix her hair for the cameras.
Charlie Noble created last minute confusion just before the announcement of prize winners when he questioned the organisers decision on the allocation of prizes between the various age categories in the Mens and Womens races. Even though Charlie got his way, he has now decided that in future he will enter all open races giving his age as 39. Bassetts may be getting a visit from the Trades Desciptions Officers if they get to hear about this blatant piece of "clocking" - would you buy a second hand car off this man?
As we all know, he is not one to moan, and has been suffering in silence these last few weeks. Now that he is getting better, you can bet that it will be everyone else that will suffer, but probably not in silence.
If anyone understands what this is all about, please write me a note, put it in a bottle and throw it into the sea.
The news is that Gillian is now free of the stookie which has been slowing her down recently. It is also good to hear that Jane has had her small op. and will soon be running in straight lines again. Everyone at the Club wishes both girls will soon be back chasing PB's.
The following are a few words from "Chief Handicapper" who has been doing some warm weather training. Any other runners thinking of doing the same, might want to speak to Rob.
Holiday in Tenerife flying from Aberdeen
Staying in Hotel Gran Adeje. Location On the same stretch as Christianos Americas and Fanabe. (Fanabe Side)
Facilities 2 excellent pools.
Nudist Area well cordoned off. Did not particapte in this. Enough _ _ _ _ _ _ their without me going.
Exercise room with 3 running machines
Half Board. Meals excellent and a good choice.
Rooms excellent
Location 10 minutes from beach.
Running : From the hotel 10 minutes to the sea front then you can run in either direction along a well kept promenade.
I run each morning from 7 to 8. Various runners out at that time but difficult to get some one who could keep up with the Chief Handicapper!!!.
Weather excellent all week.
