Saturday 14 January destination Broxburn for the third and final East District League race. Usually known as being the ‘coldest one’ the weather wasn’t too bad – cloudy and dull, yet not too cold or windy. Underfoot it was fairly firm with a few slippy corners compared to recent years when runners had to break the ice on the puddles and certainly firmer than any field or track in Hawick recently!. A small but cheery bunch gathered round the club tent with jokes and wisecracks aplenty! The usual chat about a certain member’s (you know who) night before preparations was had too. First up were the ’wee ones’ Emma Grieve and Ishbel Inglis (11) running in the U-13 category Ishbel coming in at 11.55 and Emma Grieve 13.02. Next up was Louise Mercer running in the U17 ladies coming in 3rd U17 in a time of 16.06. As the men prepared to run there was a loud gasp round the gathering as Bill Knox unveiled a corker of a vest. Not his usual string vest number but a cheeky combo of one third cotton complete with maroon stripe and two thirds string. Discussion followed as the date of origin was explored. Certainly this was a pre-Inglis, pre-Grieve number not sure if Captain Coltman and timekeepers Alan and Doug Carruthers had been present at a previous outing of this amazing garment. The men set off for the start line and the wives, children and dog – Jake- took up various positions on the course to shout for Team Teviotdale. If they had prizes for the loudest kids we would certainly win!
Following 3 laps of this punishing course, the men came in as follows: Craig Grieve 34.06, Alan Inglis 36.12, El Capitano Alan Coltman 43.56 and Birthday Boy (60 – belatedly wishes from us all) Bill (the legend) Knox 47.49.
As the men discussed and compared their times, off the course there was another PB in progress. Sylvia on a strict curfew from Grievo of a 3.30pm sharp departure in relation to their Irish Rovers gig that night was frantically dismantling the team tent. So, it wasn’t just a case of “here’s your coat, what’s your hurry?” but more a “here’s your coat, trainers, tracksuit, flask, picnic….”. A few minutes delay in getting the tent folded down due to lack of practice over the Festive Season suggested a fail but with a little help from a friend the Grieve party got away in good time. Another enjoyable day being a member of Teviotdale Harriers. Here’s to many more.
Report D Inglis
Photographs courtesy of roadrunpics – sadly not one of Bill’s vest.