One of our posters in Bannatynes in Stepps!!

and next up London!! Sean's post Lochaber views!!

Well the bar has been set!!! At first I was feeling hugely under pressure!! You guys have achieved amazing results and i feel under huge pressure now to do you justice! As I have said continuously you have all ran faster marathons than me and yesterday was immense!!!  I only hope I can match your performance!!!

With time to reflect I now am bursting for Sunday to come around and I cannot wait to get started!!! You have all INSPIRED me to do well and I WILL NOT let you down!!  If I have half the guts and determination you guys showed yesterday I will do ok-only time will tell!!

David Bowie - Heroes

For my team mates!! I love you!!! x

RACE DAY PART 1-LOCHABER!!!

What an amazing day!! The weather was perfect very little wind, bright but cool!!

Pre race breakfast was enjoyed (Jim looked even worse now!!) and we all set off for the start.  The Kirky Olympians were out in force and the atmosphere was building!!

After a quick pre race briefing the 3 amigos joined the 500+ runners who followed the piper and made their way to the start.  The hooter sounded and off they went!!!

What a brilliant race to watch/support!! Sean and the kids in the car, Des on his bike and Moira in her car  all made their way up and down the course cheering, feeding, encouraging, being ignored, grunted at, glared at.....!

All 3 were looking strong with Jim and Sandra working hard together all the way and Carolyn, despite injury set backs looking super strong, smiling all the way (a la Chrissie Wellington!!) and not too far back!!

Sean had a panic when the canal bridge closed and it looked like he wouldn't get to the finish in time to see Jim and Sandra finish but after seeing them at 22 miles he knew there was no way they wouldn't get under 4hrs!! With minutes to spare Sean and the kids got to the finish line and joined Moira, Des and the rest of the Olympian support crew as Jim and Sandra came into view with only 300 metres to go!!! Sean actually had to fight back tears, when he saw them!! OMG the TIME!!!!!!the TIME!!! 3hrs!!! 48!!!! AWESOME!!!!! and well deserved!!!

Now we just needed to get Carolyn home!!! Sean couldn't stand it any longer and ran back to the 25.5 mile mark to find her and ran her back in! (not that she needed it, she was looking so strong although the smile was starting to slip!!!!) and again the TIME!!!!! 4hrs 4 minutes!! With an injury!!! and first time EVER with no stops!!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!  The most frustrating thing being the wait in line to hug her after Des, Liam and Niamh!!!

HEROES!!! LEGENDS!!!!!!

What more can be said!!

You did the training and you believed!!! END OF........!

So proud to be part of this amazing team!!!

No song clue but just built into pre race text!! DON"T STOP BELIEVING!!!!

Pre Race Nerves!!

We all made our way up to Fort William on Saturday afternoon and met at the hotel.  Sean even had a test drive with his new running group before he headed up (DECISIONS, DECISIONS!!!)

The journey was accompanied by our team cd!!

Jim looked like he was going in for a major operation!! (someone should tell him it's only a wee run!!) In fact he looked like this until about 3pm on Sunday!!!

A quick trip to the Lochaber Expo!! After fighting the queues to register and resisting the official merchandise (50p for last years T-shirt anyone!!?) we headed back to the hotel.  The Casey's swam and then joined the team for drinks and food.  Jim still looked like he had a terminal illness!!!! We were joined by Vinny (not my cousin!) from the Olympians and the pre race "guess the time" ritual took place!!

£5 a go! Jim 3.58, Sandra 3.56, Carolyn 4.35 and Vinny 3.17

The mood was very sombre and Carolyn "hustled" us all with her chat about 5 hours etc!!! Sandra looked worried sick (although not as bad as Jim!!!).  Sean and Moira enjoyed a couple of pints, G&T and a few wines and even Des had a Baileys!!-it's a tough life being a supporter!!

Early bed was the order of the day!

Final pre Lochaber run!

As a wee treat we missed training at the Olympians for one Thursday and met at our usual haunt the Boathouse for a gentle 5 mile stroll at very easy pace, although we were having trouble slowing Sandra down!! Carolyn too, although she wouldn't admit it was also running very strong and on reflection probably in better "knick" than she thought!!
Run out of the way, we popped in for a quick coffee and without even the hint of a red neck pulled out a "birthday" cake and asked for plates and a knife!!  We didn't even pretend and sing "Happy Birthday!!" Nonetheless it was very enjoyable and a big thanks to Sandra for supplying the cake, very kind indeed!!
The nerves were starting to show and even a sense of emotion was in the air, as we chatted about what laid ahead.
Finally the hugely thoughtful Carolyn presented us with gift bags containing a cd of all our song clues, which we have all been playing repeatedly (Liam and Niamh were singing Colorado Rocky Mountain High this morning going to school!!!!).  This was accompanied by a DVD-My Cousin Vinny!!! Carolyn had a failed attempt at movie club suggestions and movie of the week and this was her starter many weeks ago!!! Song clue, alphabet game, route planning, blog and even poems!! The movie suggestion was a step too far but I'm sure we will all watch our new DVD in the coming weeks!!!!

At this point the hugely unthoughtful and unkind Sean produced 2!!!! four leaf clover pins for the girls, which he had in his boot and nothing for Jim!!!  Or indeed for that matter FROM Jim!!!

See you all in Fort William!!!!!!!!

Taper time!!

Taper time coincided with various commitments preventing the team from training together! Sean did 10 miles on his own down in the Lakes on Easter Saturday and the rest of the team were joined again by Maureen for their final Saturday morning run.  So nothing of note to report other than we all seemed to miss each other!!!

no armband and no song clue!!

Just for the record this week we had no song clue and it wasn't worth wearing the armband!!!!

back at the boathouse!!

So for posterity must note what happened away from Spain and in a place called REALITY!!!

Carolyn did her run on Friday.  Her plan was for 18 miles.  However her garmin didn't work and she has no idea how far she went!!!!!!!!  (the plan WAS to work GARMIN FREE after the marathons!!!!!!)

The Dynamic Duo were joined by a guest runner (Maureen Reilly).  Hopefully she will survive longer than our other guest runner Ann Marie McGregor, who has subsequently given up running!!!!

We had a long lie and didn't start till 8am!!  We headed off through Twechar and over to Moodiesburn and back for a steady 13 miler!!  Sandra is on fire (not literally) and running really strongly finishing with an average of 8.19.  Well done too, to Maureen who stuck with her all the way! Sean finished in 8 minute average running a strong second half (was 8.17 at the half way point-so all in the 7minute+ zone)

Breakfast, chat etc and then home.

All good!!

more from Jim!!!

Just read my blog contribution again and notice reference to
squirrels. No idea where that came from, must be the wine and should
have referred to beavers.

And then there were 2!!!

Due to Carolyn's calf and Jim sunning himself in Spain the fantastic 4 ended up as a fab 2 this week.  However in an attempt to feel included Jim emailed over his blog contribution from sunny Spain.......

And then there were two.  We started as the Fantastic Sub Four, became
the 3 Amigos and now it's down to the Dynamic Duo, Sandra and Sean.
This week, as the marathons draw near, the FS4 are completing their
training albeit in their own way, Sandra and Sean keeping the team
together, Carolyn, yes, she's doing her own thing and me swanning off
to Spain for the weekend.
I've planned my weekend around a 13 mile run i.e get it over and done
with and enjoy the food and wine.
Rising early on Friday morning, I set off in the dark (just like our
winter runs). The sun soon appears over the horizon as I run along the
coast taking in the sea air.  This is the life! Only thing missing is
the FS4.
Just think about the variety of routes, the change of scenery and
climate. And what about the breakfasts, lunches and dinners? What are
we waiting for? I know. Reality.  Nice to dream though.
The run itself was challenging, not so much the distance, but the
changing terrain, road, track, sand and alongside the motorway.  There
was even a bit of an assault course where I went A over T and took a
bit of scrape and bashing.
The locals are pretty soft, all ski jackets and hats and there's me in
vest and shorts looking like a sweaty bag of crap.
Certainly missed the chat. No life stories, nothing about Sandra's
pony tail, no squirrels, no leaky bags or body parts and no short
stories.  I must be looking forward to our summer training.  Am I
mad? Missing you loads.

Breathless - Shayne Ward

and another clue from Sandra.....


We all get it at times
A dogs name, a film
In hospital?

Sam & Dave - Hold On I'm Comin'

another of Captain Sandra's song clues.....

What one of us may say
Pals like JIM n Sean? 
This is a 60's one

Example - 'Midnight Run' (Official Video) (Out Now)

and this weeks clue was...


Something we haven't tried yet as a group?
Its hard to do just now
De Niro did it

A few words from coach!!

Guys just wanted to say what a great effort you have all done over the last few months.  Hopefully you have enjoyed the training as much as I have.

Most importantly I think you have all done excellent and have really showed great progression over the weeks!! The pace we are all running at is amazing and I am sure that at the beginning you would not have thought some of the paces would be possible!!!!  Todays run at under 9 minute mile pace for 22 miles tells me that you are all in sub 4hr condition and also comfortably so-you just have to run even pace, run through the pain and BELIEVE!!!!! Because YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!

The challenge in any marathon training is to get to the start without any injuries and unfortunately we couldn't avoid at least one, with Carolyn having some calf problems.  However she has battled on and shown great tenacity to stay cardio fit and has inspired us all with her will to compete and complete!!!  On the day we hope the conditions etc are in her favour and she a) gets to the start line and b) completes.  If neither are possible she has been an inspiration to the team and a valuable team mate-we could not have done the training without her!!  I personally will get a huge buzz out of her finishing-so fingers crossed!!!

So the goals for the next few weeks are as follows; (5 to drive!!)

-stay fit
-stay focused (ease off but still go for quality runs, albeit slightly shorter)
-Carolyn to the start line
-Carolyn to the finish line
-Sandra and Jim in under 4 hours!!

If we achieve all we deserve I will be one HAPPY coach!!!

Thank you for inspiring me!!
x

Last long run!!! The taper starts NOW!!!!

Today was our last long run before we start to taper down, so an early start was the order of the day!!

Captain Sandra requested we be at Boathouse for 7am, which we all duly did! (other than Carolyn who attempted a fake "phone in sick" call, whilst pulling into the car park!!!)

As Sandra had failed to give us a song clue last time it was her turn, she attempted to make up by giving us 3 to guess this week! This was met with a number of moans and groans and in fact Carolyn left us after 2 miles to do her own thing!!! Allegedly because she wanted to only do 18 miles but possibly to avoid more song clues!!!

It was a beautiful morning and we had a lovely route out to Strathblane, away from the traffic and very sociable with loads of chit chat etc until of course we turned and headed home, when as usual the chat stopped and the we pushed for home!!!

Litter lout Jim dropped his gel pouch despite being only 15 metres from a bin-tut tut!!!

Captain Band was on fire pushing the pace on and had to be pulled back all the way (although she only managed to do this for about 3-4 steps and then battered on again-I think she was trying to run the sprint finish out of us!!!)

Jim took the easy option and ran back along the canal, whilst Captain and Coach took the hilly route home!!!

Carolyn and her dodgy calf managed an admirable 18 miles and met us back at the Boathouse!!  We were also met by Moira, Sian and Niamh-so a nice little end to our last long run!!!!!

As well as our last long run, it will be our last run together as Jim is away next weekend and Sean is away at Easter.  What a team though, it has been a real pleasure running together!!!

Candi Staton - Young Hearts Run Free

The weekend started in usual way with Carolyn issuing the song clue for the week.

 

A young SPL Club doing what we do every Saturday, at no cost! And our vocalist is every child’s favourite food on a New York ferry.

We must be getting better at this as Sean guessed correctly within minutes of issue – Candy Staten’s Young Hearts Run Free.

FantasticSub4 Blogger of the Week – Temporary Asst. Coach Jim Pettigrew

This week Coach Casey has bestowed the honour of blog writer to me.  What a responsibility!  It’s just a pity that Sean missed this morning’s run giving me the opportunity to give back to Sean some of what he has been dishing out over the past weeks.

 

As the marathon fast approaches, it was an “easy” 15 miler for the new 3 amigo combo.  Carolyn, this week’s captain, but still suffering from her baby cow syndrome, gave Sandra and I a choice of routes avoiding the summits of Cumbernauld.  Cumbernauld was never really an option for Sandra and I as we had already given Carolyn an ultimatum -  no friggin hills and the first sign of the need for oxygen masks and dummies were being spat.

The three amigos set off in high spirits towards Twechar but split soon after allowing Carolyn to do her own thing, whatever that means.  Sandra and I continued on to Kirky with Sandra picking up the pace almost immediately.  Heading out to Milton of Campsie, it was a very pleasant Spring morning, not that I noticed having to chase Sandra’s (pony)tail all the way round. 

Yet again, even though we had our pace plan, this was blown out the park keeping things on track for a sub 4 marathon.

Carolyn’s brother Gary joined Sandra and I for the last mile or so.  Unfortunately, it made Sandra run even quicker.

Chatter was not really the order of the day today.  Something to do with the pace I think.  Sandra did say this morning “thank god no blog, we can say what we want”.  Couldn’t hear you anyway.  Are we taking this running lark too seriously?  I’m sure post Lochaber and London, we can get back to talking nonsense, embarrassing one another and listening to Carolyn’s short stories.

Carolyn was there to meet us at the Boathouse where we enjoyed our usual breakfast.

It would appear that Sean couldn’t stay away completing a drive past the Boathouse.  Was this just to make sure that we did run or did he miss us?

Sean off to Liverpool today and running the half marathon with Sian tomorrow.  Looking for great times Sean.

Looks like a FanSub4 reunion next week for the “Big 22” and over to Captain Band and Coach Casey taking back the reins of blogger.

For Carolyn!!!

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/asics-target-262-calf-stretch-with-physio-sarah-connors/8058.html

lindisfarne, run for home

this weeks clue from Jim-

This band has a link to last week's clue and somewhere close to Sean's roots.
The song, as always, is something we do, always do, but we can only do it for a fraction of the time.




Too easy though and was guessed in minutes!!!

Skinflats! You asked and I delivered!!!!!

THE TRUTH ABOUT SKINFLATS

It may not be the most poetic name in Scotland; neither mellifluous nor romantic, and yes, it has been described as the ugliest name of any town in Scotland but, to those of us who are thirled to toponymics the name Skinflats is an intriguing one.

Skinflats in 1861

Skinflats in the 1920s

At a personal level, it is one that has become my bête noire: an unhappy circumstance that results from a local tradition which holds that the name was given by Dutchmen who reclaimed the carseland in that area at some indeterminate period. Having done so, we are told, they then looked over the results of their labours and proclaimed, “Schone flats”! Consequently, when involved in any local discussion on place-names someone will ask, 'Do you know what Skinflats means', to which my well rehearsed reply is, 'No, but I think you're about to tell me', and the Dutchmen, as you might expect, make their due appearance. My equally well rehearsed counter-questions follow: (1) when was this done? (2) who paid to have it done? (3) why is there no record of the event and (4) why does the increased value of the land not appear in any valuation? The answers to these are (1) “Dinni ken.” (2) “Dinni ken.” (3) “Dinni ken.” and (4) “Whit?” However, my favourite question is kept for last: “Who paid these Dutchmen to remain here long after they had completed the job? Which they would have to do in order to see the results: the process used to reclaim land from the sea did not produce an instantaneous effect; indeed it could take years and, fiscally speaking, Skinflats is only a very loud hail from Fife. It should also be mentioned that on one solitary occasion I encountered a variation of the story which states that that it wasn't land being reclaimed from the sea that brought the Netherlanders but the draining of an alleged moss.

So let's set the scene and look at the facts. Firstly, Skinflats is a small settlement that originated as miners' rows serving a local colliery. It was built sometime between 1817 and 1861 on a piece of land then known as Skinflat. Presumably, the –s attached through usage as the rows would have come to be known as *the Skinflat's rows to distinguish them from numerous others in the vicinity.

In 1841 the parish minister commented, 'There is no village in the parish, except a small portion of Carron Shore, the greater part of which is in the parish of Larbert'. Skinflats was described in 1861 as, 'Two rows of colliers houses, partly slated and partly tiled. It contains two public houses and one smithy. The parish school is situated near the north end of the village'. The earliest overt record I've recovered for the land on which its stands comes from 1714 when Alexander Johnstoune of Kirkland (of Bothkennar) took heritable possession of 'the parts and portions of the estate of Newtoun called Houkers, the Tiend Yeard, Skimflat and Bamershyre'. In subsequent sections of the charter the name appears as Skamflat. Five years later it reappears as Skameflat and in a sasine that specifies the extent of these pieces of land the notary has entered, 'Skameflat being [blank] acres of land or thereby'. A bit unfortunate on the one hand but, on the other, it is acknowledges that is was measured in acres and, therefore, was arable.

This charter also gives the marches of Skameflat along with the adjoining place known as Tiend Yard which was acquired at the same time. Together, they are said to be 'bounded betwixt the right of way that leads betwixt the ferries of Airth and Carron on the west. The lands belonging to Newton possest be Adam Lidle on the east. The lands possest be John Slanders on the north and the lands of Newton possest be John Rae tenant on the south side'.

Both places are described as having, 'house biggings yards tofts crofts parts [and] pendicles', and so not only was this holding measured in arable units but it had an established steading with the usual arrangement of buildings and associated enclosed areas. This last charter, in dealing with Tiend Yard, has the following clause: 'Excepting from this disposition as it is thereby excepted that piece of ground taken of the said lands for making of ane entry to the school house of Bothkennar'. Although mentioned in earlier records, this is the first document to locate the school and shows that it was situated where the first edition of the Ordnance Survey depicted it in 1861 and, indeed, where the present village school still stands. Both of these places were parts of larger units defined within the charters in oxengates and, therefore, in an area that tradition states to consisted of moss, myre, bog, or saltings we find the land being measured in oxgangs and acres. Now, having ploughed my way (no pun intended) through hundreds of charters and sasines I've yet to see one that specifies the actual extent of any muir or moss let alone one that uses the terminology of arable division for such places.

Certainly, in Bothkennar there was reclamation as the parish minister reports in the 1790's: 'Within these few years, a considerable extent of ground has been gained in this parish and neighbourhood from the Frith (sic), which, though defended at a great expense, will soon become a valuable acquisition to its possessors'. This information was restated some fifty years later by his successor who, in 1841, states: 'The Earl of Zetland has reclaimed from the Frith (sic) of Forth, by embankments about 200 acres which have not as yet been subjected to the payment of any part of the minister's stipend. There are still 800 acres which are left dry by the tides twice every twenty-four hours, and which will certainly, at no distant period, be recovered from the sea'. This ties in with the canalization of the River Carron which took place in the years 1767-70 to allow vessels of large burden to reach Carronshore. The Earl's lands lay on the south side of the river, but as a consequence of the straightening, part of these were transferred to the north bank. All of the old course of the river and the substantial estuary were banked and reclaimed and there can be little doubt that this formed most, if not all, of the 200 acres.

A casual observer might perceive the carselands to be as flat as a bowling green but, in fact, there are undulations. Parts lie at only 3 metres O.D., while much of it attains 4 metres and in other places, including the site of the church, it rises to 5 metres, but sitting on the highest point of the parish is Skinflats which is on the 6 metre high summit. It must also be pointed out that Skinflats is located more than one and a half kilometres inland from the coast. Between Skinflats and the coast are several places which have a considerable history. Among these is Newton (1502), the largest estate in the parish and the one that Skinflats is a division from. Also on the seaward side were the smaller estates of Orchardhead (1526) and Stonehouse (1632), both at the shore. Close by Skinflats are (or were) Mains of Bothkennar (1507), Howkerse (1637) and Grange of Bothkennar (1376). Immediately adjoining is Tiends Yard (1637). Another factor that must be taken into consideration is that the Carse of Bothkennar (1359), far from being a morass, was a highly productive tract of arable land from at least the mediaeval period.

Evidence for this comes from the thirteenth century, when records provide unequivocal evidence that wheat was being grown there. Due to the climate and northerly latitude of Scotland this is a more difficult crop to grow than oats or barley. Certainly, it will not flourish on marginal lands of poor quality. As Bothkennar was Crown Land and returned rents in kind to the king, the records indicate the produce. As each and every square inch of the parish of Bothkennar lay on the carse, there can be no doubt that all revenue derived from Bothkennar was the produce of that tract. In 1290 Norman de Arcy, knight and keeper of the castle of Stirling, issued a receipt to the Abbot and convent of Newbattle for 4 chalders of wheat, and 12 merks sterling instead of 6 chalders of wheat, of the ferm (the rents) of Bothkennar. This was probably part of what was due annually from revenues which Newbattle Abbey derived from Bothkennar: it was common for rents and benefices to be paid on two terms yearly and we find a further receipt for 5 chalders of wheat and 10 merks issued by Sir Norman in the same year. It would seem, therefore, that Newbattle paid 20 chalders of wheat per year to the keeper of the castle with half of this being commuted to cash. Newbattle's revenue from Bothkennar was a consequence of an early gift to the abbey and so only represented that part of the produce grown there; it follows that we are seeing in these transactions only a fraction of the wheat production.

King Robert the Bruce issued directions in 1317 to the sheriff and baillies of Stirling to ensure payment to the abbot and convent of Cambuskenneth from the king's tiends of Bothkennar, 'both in grain and money as they were wont to receive them in the time of King Alexander III' (1249-1286). It is worth noting that these had been exchanged at the time of Alexander for certain tiends of the lordship of Stirling which had originally been granted to the abbey by the kings of Scotland. It would seem that the stability brought to the country by the victory at Bannockburn was reflected in the produce of Bothkennar for, in 1328, the sheriffdom of Stirlingshire and the king's ferms from that county were assessed by the auld extent, with the exception of Bothkennar. There a new assessment was made and, it is of interest to note, only two years before, Robert the Bruce petitioning parliament for a grant of money because the crown lands had diminished by gifts and transferences and by occasione of war.

As late as the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries it is common to find in feu charters of lands in Bothkennar the obligation to pay to Cambuskenneth various quantities of wheat. It is equally noteworthy that rents from the Carse of Bothkennar were being paid partly in money in that early period. This tells us that the tenants had produce well in excess of subsistence and were converting the surplus to cash. The very act of commuting rent in kind for money is the most convincing indicator of the valuable nature of the agriculture of the carse at that time. We are told, in 1841, that the main produce of the parish was wheat and beans. Due to agricultural improvements such as drainage and crop rotation the average of crop of wheat was around six quarters per acre, and the best years as much as nine. The rent of the land even than was still reckoned as a grain rent.

In all likelihood the myth origin of the name is tied into several of these factors and events, particularly the eighteenth century engineering of the River Carron. Nevertheless, this does not explain the ongoing part of the legend that it was carried out by Dutchmen. This probably emanated from ill recalled versions of a passage in Sir Robert Sibbald's account of Linlithgow in 1710 when, speaking of a stretch of shore on the south bank of the firth known as Ladies Scape, he states: 'The Dutch did offer some time ago to make all the Scape good arable ground and Meadow, and to make Harbours and Towns there in convenient places, upon certain conditions which were not accepted'.

In the discussions mentioned above, having explained these circumstances to the proponents, they inevitably strike back with their killer punch, which is, 'Well, whit aboot the Dutch Inn then?' This establishment, opened in the 1960's, is a popular eating place in the village. The suggestion that the Dutchmen were Moss Lairds must also be refuted. The Military Survey clearly shows three mosses along the carselands: at Throsk, Elphinstone (now Dunmore) and Letham. The first has been totally drained although it survived into the eighteenth century, fragments of Elphinstone, which was huge, are visible but fragmentary while Letham is still exploited for moss today. The Military Survey indicated that both Throsk and Elphinstone had colonies of Moss Lairds. All three mosses had associated place-names such as Moss-side and Mossneuk. There is not a solitary example of a name having moss as an element recorded in Bothkennar Parish. Further evidence for the existence of mosses arises because feudal tenants had privileges on them and these rights were usually stated within their charters of sasine. Given that Bothkennar is so well documented, had there ever been a moss there within the historical period it certainly would have been noted.

As far as a derivation for the name is concerned, no sense of skim provides any logical derivation but skam is found as an element in names such as the recurring Scam(m)adale ARG, INV and the variants Scammi Dale SHE and Scamodale INV. As far as the Shetland instance is concerned Stewart gives the derivation of the element as ON skammr, 'short' as does Cameron for Scampton LIN. It is also worth noting Skinnaquoy ORK, a name that has developed from Skanaqoy (1595). It may be inferred that the meaning of Skamflat was 'short flat'. Cf. Shortflatt NTB. It is notable in terms of dating names containing the element flat that of the twenty recorded in West Lothian, not a single instance is located on the carselands, which expanse is comprised of land reclaimed in the seventeenth century. Of the seven places quoted by SND, three are recorded c.1240 and the latest in 1327.

In the Falkirk area, over and above Skinflats, we find several such names, all of which are located on the carse. These are: Almond Flat (1399), Carronflat (1542), (which lay a long way from the River Carron having been stranded from it by a change in the course of the river that occurred sometime before 1450), Scotflatt (1655), Reedyflats (1544), Reddoch Flat, (1635), Middleflat (1655), Smallburn Flat (1399), Smoothflats (1805), Wholeflats (1635), Burnsflat (1621), Gallowflat (1569), Ladyflat (1628), Maryflats (Marieflattis), Millflatts (c.1755), Powflat (1700) and Tillyflats (1731).

John Reid (prompted by a local news report …)

We've got the key of the door-never done 21 before!!

Back down to 3 this week, as Carolyn's injury prevented her from joining us. :-(

We opted to return to the Falkirk wheel for our flat route to Airth, with a wee detour to take us up to 21 miles for our furthest training run so far!!!

Jim must have wet the bed or he was just excited to get the captains armband!! The plan was to pick Sean up at 7.30am, however he turned up 15 minutes earlier and Sean was still in his dressing gown!!!!

Jim had even had a new style eagle eyed action man haircut, specially for the occasion!!!

Weather was milder and dry, although at times the wind was strong and in our face.

We decided to run at a steady 9 minute mile pace and as such this made the run much more sociable than in recent weeks with everyone staying together until the 14 mile mark.  No major topics of conversation, although Jim did mention something about his helmet!!!

A wee  (little and indeed urine!)  stop at the petrol station marked our half way point.  Sandra even had to pee in the dark!!

As usual the mood changed on the way back-social on the way out always seems to turn into serious on the way back! We stayed together up to 14 miles, until Sean spotted another runner and used them as a wee rabbit to chase!! Once past he was off!!! Finishing in a respectable 8:49 average.

Jim and Sandra pushed on strongly and finished in 9 minute pace!! A great effort by the whole team!!

We should all be incredibly proud of our progress, although we did look disabled when walking across the car park at the Boathouse!!

The only down point of the day was, that due to a misunderstanding Carolyn didn't join us for breakfast! Turning the corner Sean expected to see her sat in the car park, however no one had confirmed what time we would be there and as such she had breakfast alone at home :-(

The team feels like we are rolling along without our 4th wheel without her but hopefully her injury will ease soon and we will get her back!!

Some awards this week too!!
Best male over 50-Jim Pettigrew
Best male under 50-Sean Casey
Best Female-Sandra Band
Most missed team mate-Carolyn McKeown

Joe McElderry - The Climb (Official Full Song HQ)

This week's clue (which no one got!) was-

Certainly what we're doing tomorrow was covered by a short version of what i am although not of the same sexual persuasion!!!

Fabulous FIVE and a fearsome fifteen!!!

Today the fantastic 4 welcomed back Carolyn and her dodgy calf!  We also had a special guest appearance from Anne Marie McGregor for her first ever attempt over 13.1 miles!!!

We were awarded a long lie from Captain/Coach Casey and set off at a more reasonable time of 8am! For the first time (EVER, if the milky white colour would suggest) the boys wore shorts and the camel backs were also left at home.  Carolyn had forgotten her jacket and wondered whether she should run in her wee cardy!!!

The route was horrific! Hill after hill was followed by hill after hill!! We even had to go up a wee ramp at the Boathouse to get our breakfast!!!  A full and frank apology has been offered by Sean!

The plan was that Carolyn could miss out some loops and still start/finish with us, which she duly did completing a very admirable 10 miles in just over 9 minute mile pace.  A MESSAGE FROM YOUR TEAM MATES!!! GO AND SEE SOMEONE ABOUT YOUR CALF!!!!!!!!

Anne Marie set off at a ferocious pace and dragged Sean along to the half way point at 8:40 average, which certainly made negative split a challenge. (Achieved nonetheless at a painful 8:34!!)  Unfortunately she wasn't wearing her watch, as when she put it on it was in Japanese and possibly this early pace effected her later on.

Sandra and Jim (didn't they live on a barge???-or was that Rosie and Jim??) battled through the hills driven on by cursing and swearing at Sean and his stupid route, finishing in an admirable 8:43!!! What a team!!!

Nothing really funny happened other than a fellow runner who stopped Anne Marie and Sean going around the Balloch loop to tell us that a lady with red, curly hair had asked her to tell us she was taking a short cut! (We couldn't work out who she meant!!)

Hopefully we haven't put Anne Marie off, she would be a very welcome addition to the team! (COME ON, GIVE CHICAGO A GO!)

Roll on our wee 21 miler next week! And no bloody hills!!!

20 miles but only with 3!!

Due to injury the fantastic 4 became the 3 amigos!! No Carolyn "cross training" McKeown this week due to a calf problem.

We set off from the Boathouse nice and early at 7am and Sandra headed off whilst the boys got ready (allegedly we would catch her at the top of the hill!!!).  We didn't catch her till the 10 mile mark!!!!

A quick stop at 10 miles and Jim pulled something out of the front of his pants, just as Sandra was sucking on her tube!!! Oo er!!!  Turns out it was nothing sinister but a bag of jelly, which he duly offered around.  Can't say we were all rushing for a bit of jelly that had been warming around his groin for 10 miles!!

As usual the turn at 10 signalled the sprint for home with Sandra heading the way at incredible pace (definitely a drug test needed!!).  We averaged 9:04 for the first 10 and finished at 8:49 average!!!!

A brilliant effort by the 3 amigos finishing in well under 3 hours!!!

However on a negative side-we missed our team mate!!  We also missed our song clue!!!!!!!!!
Definitely a low budget week-no clue, no Carolyn and nearly no blog!!!

Lets hope Sean and Jim stay awake at the Enchanted Ball tonight!!! Carolyn will be ok (she's probably just getting out of bed!!!!)

Rocky Mountain High: John Denver

What the song of the week SHOULD have been!!!

Talking Heads - "Road To Nowhere"

This weeks clue, provided by Captain Carolyn....

Barrack and david chatting and speaking in tongues. The destination is anyones guess and only get there once in a lifetime

Jim guessed immediately and Sean inadvertently guessed it at his lucky Twechar point!!!!

SANDRA BAND and her pals do an 18 miler!!

Today we were captained by Sandra's good friend Carolyn, who despite injury planned the route.  She planned the route around availability of phone boxes as she wanted to be able to phone for a taxi if she could not go the distance (this despite the fact that she actually runs with her mobile!!!)

We met up at our usual spot (although it was 2 weeks since we had been there!! So much so that Sandra's friend Sean could not even get his usual parking space!)

Before we set off Sandra presented Carolyn with the newly purchased "Captains Armband", which had been purchased by Sandra's friend, Jim.

As we got on our way we saw a wee white bum, bouncing around in the field!!!  However it was not, as promised Sandra having a jobby but a lovely wee bambi!!  In fact during the run we saw 4 wee white bums!!! All bambis and not the team dropping their breeks!!!!!

At 5 miles Sandra's pal Carolyn had to pull out, due to her young cow (sorry I mean calf!).  All seems rather suspicious as a) it was just as we passed her sister in laws house and I am sure we could smell bacon!!! and b) the route she had planned had more hills than a joint family party for Harry and Jimmy Hill!!!!

Carolyn passed the captains armband on to Sandra, who made the decision to continue on with her good friends planned route rather than take the easy option of doing an out and back route, which would have meant downhills all the way home!

So Sandra and her 2 male escorts Sean and Jim headed off for the final 13 miles on their own!!  The hills kept rolling but the pace was ferocious and 3 musketeers pushed on!!!

Weather was cold and windy, then dry and sunny and even ended with hail stones!!!

Incredibly the team all completed in sub 9 minute mile pace (target was 9.17).  A great effort and noticeable improvement from all concerned!!

Back at the Boathouse we contacted Sandra's pal, Carolyn who was at this stage happily cross training away oblivious to the torture she had put us all through!!

Sandra headed home and her 2 boy friends headed for breakfast together! At last, the chance to have a manly chat, without the ladies they thought.  Jim had it all planned, we would discuss birds, booze and maybe even diy!! Alas after 5 minutes peace D'artagnan phoned (probably from a phone box somewhere!) "Get me a coffee, a dry roll with potato scone and egg-I'll be there in 5 minutes" oh and don't forget the green cheese!!!!!!!!

Sandra having retained the arm band will now be planning our 20 miler for next week!!!

Blanket!!!

We even sorted Carolyn out with a blanket this week!  Although it was a bit noisy!!!  Maybe a tartan travel rug would be better!!!

We

Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill - Official Music Video

This weeks clue provided by Jim and guessed by the girls....

Got that friday feeeling
Must be pop quiz time
Killing 2 birds
Putting it in rhyme

Was going to get up to date
Maybe some dance fever
Instead, let's get back to nature
But it's not that damn beaver

Is it found in the hand
Or is there more than just one
Not a negative incline
It's all we do, for a bit of fun

Off we oregano!!! 13 miles and a smig!!!

So this week we had a huge step down, to recover from all the hard work we have put in over the last few weeks. Only 13 miles at a target pace of 9:02-EASY EASY EASY!!!

Captain Jim selected another new start/finish point with breakfast the main factor.  We even got messaged the full breakfast menu.

Oregano Breakfast £7.95
Full Scottish Breakfast with tea or coffee, round of toast and fresh orange juice
Vegetarian Breakfast (v) £4.95
Eggs as you like, vegetarian sausage, hash brown, mushroom, potato scone, grilled tomato,
beans and fried bread
Filled Morning Roll
Sausage, fried egg, scrambled egg, potato scone, black pudding, bacon
One Filling £1.95 Two Fillings £2.95
Scrambled Eggs £3.95
Served with brown or white toasted bloomer
Why not add Scottish Smoked Salmon? £5.50
Freshly Made Porridge £3.95
With strawberries, banana, jam or maple syrup
Round of Toast £1.50
With butter and preserve, choose from brown or white bread
Breakfast Martini £5.00
Bombay Sapphire Gin, Fresh Lemon juice & orange marmalade
Bloody Mary £5.00
The ultimate breakfast, the only question is….how hot?
Add tea or coffee to a Full Scottish or Vegetarian Breakfast for just 95p

This planning has got more thorough as the weeks go on!!

We were told to take it easy on the first half, as the 2nd half was going to be tough!! (think a bit of reverse phycology was in play there and in fact some of us are still waiting for the tough bit!!!)

To take our mind of things Sean gave us his full life story from birth to current day (in fact there was still even a bit left to cover over breakfast).  Who's story will we get next??

As the pace picks up we are having less and less material for the blog-no pee stops, sucking etc!!! At this rate, the blog will deteriorate at the same speed as our running improves!

Everyone is running with such obvious strength and improvement and hills are becoming less and less an issue!!

Carolyn had a problem with her calf but hopefully just a minor set back!

The finish was strong with the boys doing last few miles in sub 8 minute mile pace!!! With everyone sub 9 minute mile average!!!! WELL DONE ALL, GREAT RUNNING!!

Breakfast was good with nice venue, nice food and a grumpy old b@@@ard as a waiter!

Where oh where will we wonder next week???

Oh and we even got a free running mag from Sandra!!!!

SISTER SLEDGE - We Are Family (1979)

As a wee treat for Sandra!!!

song clue......female siblings, snow toy-we are related closely!!

Flat 20 miler out and back to Airth from the Wheelhouse!!!

Untitled by sean.casey67 at Garmin Connect - Details

Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run

Song 2 the clue...

really what we all are and definitely who i am!

The Captain

Song no1 with the clue;

more than iffy but you should know who i am!!

20's plenty-to the end of Airth and back!!

This week's run was a wee adventure with a drive to our starting point and a new route!

An early start was the order of the day with Jim at Sean's for 7.15 and the girls collected 5 minutes later.  No one knew where we were going, however all was revealed as we pulled into the car park at the Wheelhouse, Falkirk (the sister of our usual haunt the Boathouse!)

Song No1 was guessed en route (more of that later).

The run started brightly and indeed we had a little sing along about the weather, which started with "oh what a beautiful morning" and finished with "why does it always rain on me" and "the windy city" (how appropriate as this pretty much mirrored our conditions with bright and dry on the way out for 10 miles and then running into strong wind and rain on the way back!)

Song No2 (yes, 2 songs this week!) was guessed at about 3 miles with some heavy clues given!

As a wee treat, the route was flat although fairly uneventful (which may be good for the legs, but no use whatsoever for the blog!!!)

We stopped at a petrol station for a pee and Carolyn bought a Mars Bar-67p!!!!. Unfortunately she only had 57p but the nice lady let her off with the 10p and said she could pass on the kindness to someone else! WE"RE still WAITING!!!

As we attempted our reverse split technique for the second week, we turned at 9:27 average pace.  We may need to think this through, as for the second week running we started the first mile of the second split as though we were Kenyans sprinting for the line and pushed for home!! Particularly Kip Pettigrew, who put in a potential man of the match performance!!  We finished with a 9:18 average!!

We tried to converse on the way back but between wind (not Jim, this week!) and steely determination this was not top priority!!

Great effort by everyone, with the heaviest session of miles behind us now and some strong performances all round!

Best laugh of the day came in the Wheelhouse though!! Breakfast ordered and all settled discussing our splits, with Jim basking in his glory (that doesn't sound right!!!) Carolyn asked the bemused waitress if she had a blanket (probably a first ever such request!!!).  You could almost hear the shout of "weirdos!!!" from the kitchen!

Roll on next week and our easy peasy 13 miler!!! Will feel like a wee short run, after the last few weeks!

some more good quotes for the team...

‎"'No shortcuts'. For me, that means don't skip any hills, and don't take an easier route. It's harder at first, but I can tell I'm getting stronger." – Runner's World Challenger Matthew Palmer describing his running mantra


Avoid the Wall! In one US study, participants who said that they expected to hit the wall were three times more likely to do so. Try this... imagine strings pulling you to the finish line


‎"What I learned from the miles of uphill my coach put before me was the simplest bit of maths: The faster you run it, the sooner you're over it. – Sara Corbett, RW writer


‎"Running is about slowly conditioning your body and everyone is different. With consistent and smart training come results." – Tim Rowe

Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)

This weeks clue_

Git yir gun!
And
Nite nite

Bard or barred? You decide!!

Carolyn's "poyem"! on reviewing Sandra's route


I think it looks grand
Ms Band!
You think that it's hilly??
Don't be silly
And what does is matter
If we've got the the chatter
And we'll have a night on the tiles
If we manage the 18 miles
Hope sean doesn't got in a "tiz"
when we start the quiz
Or for poor Jim to get a fright
and need a ****
What I'm looking forward to most
Is the fabulous French Toast...


to which Sandra replied


Hey Carolyn! 

Ur a poet

N didn't know it

U kept that quiet

What ur on a diet? 

It's only half a stone!

So dont moan!

Look at this rain

Oh wot a pain

Think we will get soaked 2nite?

Oh what delight

N run like a rabbit

God what a bad habit

I'll go for now

Time to take a bow!

Out and back-just for the craic!

Despite the "we don't do out and back" rules, Captain Band picked an out and back route for our 18 miler this morning.  The planning for theses runs is getting more meticulous by the week, with song clues, poems, motivational texts and emails.  In fact the run is now becoming the easiest part of the exercise!!

Ignoring our "get to bed early instruction" Sean was at a party till 1am (drinking water :-( !) and as a result had 5.5hrs sleep and was incredibly grumpy.  Carolyn on the other hand was all Greased up (i'm not sure that sounds right!!)

We started with a hill up to Croy, which we were offered to WALK up.  However common sense prevailed and up we ran, although at a conservative pace.

Jim had a blockage (not for the only occasion on the run!) and had to stop for a suck of his tube and after an almighty suck, he shot fluid all over the place.  Fortunately, enough was left in his sack for the rest of the run!  We wouldn't want him dehydrating!

Despite slipy/icy conditions we got out to the 9 mile turning point in an average pace of 9min:30sec (although Captain Band did attempt to have us turning at 8.69 miles due to the fact she is blind and can't see her watch-not the only sight affected member of the team, in fact it's like running with Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder at times!)

This was our first week at attempting a negative split and as a consequence we pushed on as soon as we turned.  Sean frequented a bush and then had to run kenyan pace to catch up the 3 amigos-if you didn't know better you would think they were trying to get away from him!!!

Anyway, as I'm not allowed to mention something Jim did on the way back there is not much incident to report on our return journey.  We really went for the negative split big time and actually did the back 9 in sub 9 minute mile pace, although I don't think Carolyn will be doing Body Pump on a Friday again!!

The miles are starting to hurt a little bit as we build up our legs but everyone should be incredibly proud of how we are all doing.  The average time and the second split time in particular should fill everyone with immense confidence!!

And the best news of all is SANDRA'S SHOES ARE NOW DIRTY!!!

Song of the week!

This weeks clue was the politically incorrect "legless wummin's man's classic". Jim got it before the run and Sean who didn't get it, started singing it as we ran up the hill into Twechar-totally by chance!!

The "Hill Hater"'s Hilly 20 miler!!

So this week Carolyn was given the task of planning the route for our first 20 miler and she responded with relish!!  Self appointed as team captain, she threw herself into the task with fervour.  She even drove round the route in the car, to check the distance (it must have looked lovely in the car!!)

Friday night we were delivered our motivational text including song of the week clue (more of that later!)

The start time was brought forward to 7.15am (not because of anything to do with running, but so that we could finish in time for breakfast at the Boathouse-I think Carolyn could do a 3.5 hour marathon if the medal was made from a tat tie scone!!!

Unfortunately Sean's bowel movements meant that he was slightly late, much to the teams disgust (that won't happen again!).  They even set off without him, whilst he sorted out his garmin etc.  Suspiciously this meant he needed to do a 6 minute mile for the first mile, in order to catch up (were they trying to take the speed out of his legs for later on?!)

The mood was certainly less jovial than in previous weeks and there was definitely a steely determination about everyone.

Considering Carolyn hates hills, the route was brutal with hills a plenty but everyone dealt with each and everyone with ease-mucho respect all round!!

The civilised team members called into Tesco for a pee stop, although another just dropped her breeks in the garden of a lovely rural cottage.  Apparently the owner called the RSPCA concerned that a beaver was so far away from the canal!!

If the hills weren't tough enough, just as the terrain levelled out the weather turned against us!  Seems like only 10 minutes after Carolyn said "hopefully the wind will die when we hit Kilsyth", the heavens opened and we ran head into a strong wind with the rain horizontal into our faces!! Carolyn however had better ideas and dropped of the pace-not because she was tired, not because she didn't want to talk! No, our team captain chose to seek cover from the wind by running behind Sean's big arse!!

The last mile was ran with the wind finally at our back and a good pace was achieved by all, even by Jim who "hurt everywhere!" and was running/fast walking like he'd shit himself!!.  Most importantly we made BREAKFAST! (which for the record finishes at 11.30 and not 10.45, something our team captain had failed to check!!)

Great effort by all!!! Well done!!

As I type our team captain has just sent us all our well done text and handed over the "armband" to Sandra!
Can she live up to Captain Carolyn-will there be hills, will the distance be right, with she motivate the troops and most importantly will she get us to breakfast!!?

Today's song of the day!!

Jim's 17 perfect planned 17 miler!

Untitled by sean.casey67 at Garmin Connect - Details

17 miles of fun!

The fantastic 4 completed second long run as a team this morning and a good 17 miles it was.  On what was a cold morning 3 of the 4 set off jacket less (southern softy Sean, opted to keep his on!).  Now I'm not saying it was cold but it took 20 minutes in a hot bath for him to regain his testicles, so those 3 are really tough!!!

Sandra's trainers still managed to keep clean despite a stretch along the canal and Jim's look like he did his 17 on the treadmill they are so clean!! Sean's on the other hand look like something from the Battle of Ypres!!!

Another alphabet game was disastrous and played with a real lack of interest!!  Does anyone know a girls name beginning with Q!!!?

The route was well "planned" by Jim-might need to apply the rules from school homework and give points for evidence of "workings out"!!!

In terms of the running all completed the challenge well in an average pace of 9:32 v plan of 9:54 with the last miles again strong!!  (there are some worries re next weeks 20, but faith is needed and maybe a slight drop in pace required).

On a final note we probably need to be better prepared for on-run fuel, as we all ended up fairly hungry and in need of replenishment.

The run was capped off with a wee coffee and "boggin" tuna toasty!! and a view of Jim's parachute jump (or is that fall!!?)

Good work team-a wee drink tonight to reward ourselves and then roll on next week!!

Just to prove to Carolyn that if Sean is set a challenge he will always find the answer!!

http://www.pythagorastheorem.co.uk/

Argent ~ Hold Your Head Up (1972) for Carolyn!

Route and details from sat 7th Jan

The route and details from Saturday 7th Jan-from Garmin Connect

Some quotes

Firstly from Runner's World Magazine a quote for Carolyn-


What I learned from the kilometres of uphill my coach put before me was the simplest bit of maths: the faster you run it, the sooner you're over it." – Sarah Corbett


and finally a funny quote which needs recorded for posterity-


Whilst trying to get Carolyn to conquer her fear of hills and break them down into smaller sections in her mind, Sean asked her if "she could eat an elephant?" to which she replied "No. I'm vegetarian"!!

The Importance of Even Pace and how we achieve it.

Running at an even pace is very important and something that not all runners can achieve.  During our first long run we appear to have managed this very well and have also established a good way to control the pace. (although at this point only Sean and Sandra know what it is!)

However he is our pace control strategy-if we can no longer hear Carolyn's voice (something we would never want to do) it means one of two things-either we are going too fast and she cannot speak or we have gone too fast and she has dropped off too far at the back.  (this is particularly prevalent on hills!)  In order to correct this Sandra (who has complained that her name is last on the list of people involved, despite always being at the front) is asked/told to slow down! Easy!!

and just for Jim!

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/general/big-heart-rate-training-index/177.html

Couple of questions that need answering from yesterdays run!!

Country beginning with O = Oman!!

And Argent sang "Hold your head up"

The first long run!!

Due to other commitments over Christmas and New Year week one was not done in the group and our first long run took place Saturday 7 Jan.

It was a cold morning but not too bad. Just as well as Carolyn had no jacket, due to her car being repaired and said jacket being in the car! Jim, Sandra and Sean all had colds!!

Everyone was nervous about 15 miles so early in the programme.  However with the pace controlled well by Sean (had to keep pulling Sandra "Paula Radcliffe" Band back!!) all achieved with some to spare. Finished at 9:32 pace and last 3 miles were some of the fastest after the reins were let off.

The biggest challenges on the route were as follows;
Keeping Sandras new shoes clean-despite Sean's best efforts!!
Finding a toilet for Carolyn (I think she just wanted a sit down!)
Thinking of a country beginning with "o" in Sandra's alphabet game! Which ended up being towns/cities or indeed meat products beginning with ...... i.e S is for Sweden, Sunderland, Sausage!!!

All finished off with a bizarre zig zagged run around the car park to take us to 15 miles (which Carolyn tried to quit!)

Roll on 17 miles next week!!!!

The Training Plan

With Carolyn, Jim and Sandra training for Lochaber Marathon (April 15) and Sean doing London a week later, the plan is geared towards Lochaber.


We are adopting the First Plan (based on Furman Institute-Run faster, run less). This incorporates running 3 times each week-1x speed session, 1x steady pace run and 1x long run.  The first 2 sessions will be based on training at Kirkintilloch Olympians on Tues/Thurs evenings.  the long run is as follows.


week 16-31st Dec 13miles @9.39
week 15-7 jan 15 miles @9.54
week 14-14 jan 17 miles @9.54
week 13-21 jan 20 miles @10.09
week 12-28 jan 18 miles @9.54
week 11-4 feb 20 miles @9.54
week 10-11 feb 13 miles @9.24
week 9-18 feb 18 miles @9.39
week 8-25 feb 20 miles @9.39
week 7-3 march 15 miles @9.29
week 6-10 march 21 miles @9.39
week 5-17 march 15 miles @9.19 (I will be doing Liverpool half marathon with Sian)
week 4-24 march 22 miles @9.24
week 3-31 march 13 miles @9.09
week 2-7 april 10 miles @9.09
week 1-14 april Race day (lochaber