Halifax Town Centre 5K

Before the race we agreed that Matthew would do the write up for this one as it was his first proper road race. However, it's fallen to me as will become clear towards the end.

Having spent the last few days ill since going down with some virus on Wednesday night, I was not all sure about running this one, but there were a few things that twisted my arm

1. I'd already paid (hey, I'm a Yorkshire man!)
   
2. I had to take Matthew in any case
   
3. It would be my first ever 5k race
   

Actually, running when you are still sick is just plain stupid really! I don't advise it.

It was a glorious day, and there was a good Spen turnout, with runners in the 1k fun run and the main race. The race started on commercial street, heading out to the bus depot, before turning left down the hill towards the railway station, then back up Horton Street, to repeat part of the same loop, then on the 2nd loop, continuing on past the station before heading back up towards the town centre, and taking a left to come into the side gate of the Piece Hall. A nice route, with plenty of undulations.

The section towards the bus depot is pan flat, so the start was pretty quick. I managed to keep Keith somewhere in sight for about 2km before I lost him (or he lost me) entirely. The last 2km was when the 3 days of sickenss took it's toll for me and I faded badly. Although finished with 20:07 by my watch, which was ok under the circumstances.

At the finish, I was somewhat surprised to see Matthew already there, since I past him in the first km and didn't remember him coming back past me. He hadn't passed me, he'd dropped out complaining of stomach pain.

Keith was first Spen runner home, followed by me, Tim, Jackie and Amanda.

This is definitely a race I'd do again (hopefully when fit though). Good organisation, good route, and a great finish area in the Piece Hall. The weather this year obviously helped, as it was blazing sunshine, but I'd recommend the race to anyone. It's not a PB course, too much up and down for that, just a cracking race.

Spen Results
9   Keith McGhie   M45 17:50
35  Chris Jones    M45 20:07
59  Tim Wragg      M40 21:18
93  Jackie Carter  F45 23:25
172 Amanda Pearson F40 30:29

234 finishers

Keith and Jackie each won their age categories!
Full Results Here

The reindeer romp, race one.

What a good night it turned out to be for Spenborough. A superb run from Keven aka race machine Ogden(who won the race). Which I think was his fist time running this race( correct me if I'm wrong). Next in was a sprightly Steve Moss, winning the vet 60 category. A good run also from Mick Howard, who was closely followed in by Edward Wilkinson. Both Mick and Edward are new recruits for the reindeer. Me, being the only Spen female winning the first vet 45 category.

Last but not least,Karl, who came in shortly behind. I have being doing this race for quite a few years now. And I have seen some horrible conditions. But tonight was warm and dry under foot. However, sometimes it can be quite badly rutted. But tonight it was pretty good underfoot. A good turn out for Spen and a PB for me. My first race as a 47 year old. Chip butties always go down well afterwards. The bottle of wine I won will too.

Spen Results
1  KEVIN OGDEN      17:21 M
30 STEVEN MOSS      21:41 M60
38 MICK HOWARD      21:59 M45
42 EDWARD WILKINSON 22:30 M45
55 JACKIE CARTER    24:09 F45
64 KARL SPEIGHT     24:59 M

90 Finishers

Full Results Here

Fellsman 2009

Hi to every one.It's taken me a while to put ink to paper, normally I can't wait to put down the successes of my challenges on the blog. You will see that this was not quite the success I had hoped for. As the planning for this event started last year with a possibility of entering a team and been able to stay together for the whole event with the team pulling us through the night on this tough part of the course. Some long training runs took place in order to do the full distance with a lot of help from Chris and some of the others from spen who were using this for the three peaks race (and I hope it helped) Friday night was the time to get every thing in order and check the kit, as on this event they are very keen and check ever one before you get your tally.

Sat morn was a dash to the start as I had forgotten that the check-in is before 8:00am, long queues, as we waited to register with lots of chat as to how we were all going to do (this could be a time to say that I was on my own again as none of the team managed to make the event).

Two mins to go and the field was buzzing with 381 entrants, off went the horn and as the field split in two some going the traditional way and others picking up on the shorter way to the road to ascend Ingleborough. My tactics if you can have any on a 61 mile trek was to try to maintain 4 miles an hour for the first 20 and re-assess later.

The weather report was for stay dry till lunch with some wintry showers in the afternoon drying up towards evening . On leaving Dent, after a good meal of baked beans and soup it looked like we were in for some harsh weather as we climbed up to Fleetmoss, and true to form down came the hail stones, and the wind picked up to drive them on. Lots of people took the shelter of the wall to don all their extra clothes and water-proofs. The pull to get to Stone Houses to get warm and some of that famous spaghetti was all that kept most of us going.

The weather settled to cold & breezy for the rest of the way to Fleetmoss, and at the time I was glad to get there well on time before pairing up took place (but later to regret being early) and for it to get to dark. The trek across Fleetmoss was very difficult after the rain and sleet, made even worse by the falling darkness and I was beginning to regret being on my own, but made it to Middle Tong in good time. To get to the next check-point proved to be my downfall. On getting to the mire over the fence and straight into a boggy swamp up to my waist in the pitch dark.When I got out my tactic was to follow the fence, cross over and find the lane and Hells Gap. I followed the wrong fence and ended up at Cray missing Hells Gap.

If any one asks me why I didn't go back up, I still couldn't reason it out and as I decided to carry on my mind was set. The rest was just a matter of staying grouped and getting back to Grassington which I achieved in 17h 32 mins.

I hope this helps any one considering this event or any other distance over the marathon that no matter that you know the course always check your direction.

MAYBE NEXT YEAR.

Mo Farah breaks 25 year old British road 10k record

Gareth and me were only saying at the weekend that many of the British records for distance events were set back in the 80's and are still standing, then Mo Farah goes and breaks the British Road 10K record.

Read about it here http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/8066984.stm

Conquering the Matterhorn

Shutlingsloe Fell Race, AS, 2m/900ft

OK, not the actual 'Matterhorn', but the Shutlingsloe, which is nicknamed the 'Matterhorn of Cheshire'. From some angles, it does bear a very slight resemblance, but not from the direction you run at it. This race is not a particular favourite of mine, it's too short for my liking, and I never get that comfortable feeling where you get into a flow after a few miles. This is just 2 miles of real hard work, much of it hands-on-knees. But it is a classic fell race, and very popular and well organised.

Matthew and Sarah were running in the English championship series here as they did last year, and I entered the open race to get a run-out myself. The race starts heading down a field, then crosses a stream, climbs steeply through a Bluebell wood and follows a path up to the summit. Initially the path is tarmac for perhaps 400 yards, then it's onto a well worn path up the fell side. Once at the top you round the trig point, then you are free to choose your own route back down. The general consensus amongst the U16/U18's who had run the same course earlier was that the best route choice was to run along the ridge for a few metres, and go wide down the fell side where it's most runnable. In fact this was exactly what I did last year, and I found it to be a good choice then.

It's steep going down, and there were a couple of casualties, but I managed to stay upright in the main until I reached the Bluebell woods prior to re-crossing the stream, there I slid down most of it on my backside. Finally, its a climb back up the field which is a real drag, and then a traditional touching of the wall at the top to finish.

I was a bit complacent, and took it for granted that I would beat my 2008 time, since I've been doing that all season, but when I stopped my watch I was about 9 seconds slower. I don't think I tried hard enough today (shame on me) because I'm in bettter shape this year. I promise it won't happen again!

epilogue
Funny, 22:10 only got me 40th from 88 last year, but 22:17 was good enough for 29th from 103 this year. I think the overall standard has dropped generally this year, which is inevitable, because the numbers are definitely up in the majority of races.

Spen Results
29 Chris Jones 22:17

103 finishers

Full Results Here

You know you're a runner when...

hello everyone and welcome to my first attempt at blogging. In a break from tradition(race reports/results/post race moaning) thought i would bring you a list i've been compiling. So here is my top 10.

you know your a runner when ?

1. Your toe nails are falling off

2. Your calves are bigger than your biceps

3. You can blow your nose with your index finger(snot rocket)

4. You know the location of all roadkill within a 5 mile radius of your club

5. You've become a professional at popping blisters

6. You have suffered one too many cases of joggers nipple

7. Gatorade/lucozade is your drug of choice

8. You know at least three different ways to tie a shoe lace

9. You can add up miles/meters/yards in your head whereas simple maths you need a calculator

10. The phrase 'moisture wicking' is a regular part of your vocabulary

Esholt 5k Race 3

Fastest Yet

The final race arrived. Plenty of pressure with John Henry making things interesting in our own little battle last week, added to the desire to continue to improve. I thought (hoped) John wasn't there as we warmed up but come the start line there he was, beaming brightly. My confidence was boosted when John kindly poined out that as I had beated him by some 10s in race 1 and he beat by just 1s in race2, that I was ahead on aggregate.

On the off I went quite fast and this time didn't see John in front of me. Was faster at 2k (7min 4s) but started to feel it as we approached the turn. Its funny that in a race series like this you see the same people and use them as benchmarks. Elation at passing someone who beat you last week is soon dashed when the man with the wooden leg (who you beat convincingly in race one) breezes past.

At 4k I new I was looking good as I had 4mins to get to the end. The final burst never came, but I clocked 18.39 (although the official got 18.40). Thats a 15s improvement from race 2 and 25s from race 1.

Its a long way from by PB on this course (16.10) but would like to see sub 18min again one day. Bring on the Hyde Park series.

Gareth

PS Thanks for the competition John

The John Carr (Esholt 5k) series race 3

Having done the previous two I was not looking forward to tonight,

1. feeling very tired, noisy neighbours having a heated debate in the middle of the night
2. I lost my number,
3. queueing traffic.

Normally I get faster at each race, but tonight I wasn't so optimistic but two friends from Pudsey Pacer's made me think otherwise. Gunning for me, they were along-side from the start. Not liking this, I put in a burst and was at the first k in 3.40 nearly half a minute up on last week, though between 3 and 4 k I found I was slowing down (not by choice). As we turned the bend at the top it was rather nice to have some encouragement from the crowd watching, thanks to all for that because I passed three ladies, all this to beat last week by one second, ah well the mars bar was good. The bag ! I've now got five of these, and no the Pudsey girls didn't catch me, this time.

Spen Results
17  Kevin Ogden          M35 16.34
21  Antony Bradford      M40 16:42
74  Gareth Patchett      M45 18.40
87  John Henry           M50 19.15
93  Victor Kolodziejczyk M50 19.31
155 Emma Maguire         F40 21.47
177 Jackie Carter        F45 22.57
207 Les Fenton           M55 24.15
275 Amanda Pearson       F40 29.36

Selected Others
39  Karen Pickles  Pudsey Pacers      F35 17.45

Full Results

Askern 10K - chasing the elusive sub-40

It would be nice to be sitting here writing about how I'd smashed my 10k PB and finally achieved a sub-40, but it was not to be. As a runner, you've got to accept that not everything always works out as you want it to, and it would be quite boring if it did. Goals that are too easily achieved are not worth much.

It's been 3 years since I last ran a 10k. It was 2006, and Askern was my last real effort at chasing a sub-40 time. 3 weeks after I narrowly missed out with a 40:05 at Rothwell, so whilst my form was good, I had another go. However, it didn't work out, and I missed by some margin with 41:01.

But now it's 2009, and I'm 3 years older which can't help, but on the flip-side, I've been running well all year, setting course PB's at a number of fell races, and a few people helped convince me to give a road 10k another shot. I've done very little road training, and only got back into track training at the start of the year after a long layoff. I confess, I had doubts about my ability to achieve the sustained pace I would need to break the 40 minute barrier.

The weather was better than in 2006 when it was pouring rain, tonight it was cool and overcast, but I soon worked up a sweat. I clocked my km splits (then stupidly erased them later) 3;33, 4:09, 3:55, 4:07 - all over the place! I think it was dodgy markers, as I can't have been that wildly out. At 5km I was probably under 20 minutes, although not enough. 5-6km comes the hill, and I clocked 4:27 for that one, wiping out the seconds I had in the bag from the first km. 6-7 should have been fast, but I only clocked 4:00 dead, I needed to get some back there. After that I pretty much ignored my watch and just concentrated on giving it my best effort. In the last km I was tiring, and finally crossed the line in 40:42 (unofficial).

So what can I learn? A lot I think! I've come back from a 3 year road running layoff, and with no specific training, run my 3rd fastest 10km ever, plus I beat my previous best for this course by almost 20 seconds. I think it shows me I'm in pretty good shape, and convinced me that I can break the 40-min barrier.

After the race, I rushed back to Spen and just made it in time for my 1500 debut at the track, but that's another story.

Spen Results
108 Chris Jones M45 40:41

512 runners

click here for full results

Bloggers & Facebookers

Since I know some of you are using Facebook quite a bit, I've added a new feature to the blog template which will make it easy to share articles created here on some of the popular social networking sites. At the bottom of each post, you should see this.

Clicking on one of the links will allow you to share the article.

MOUNT FAMINE (R). AS. 5m/1850'.

The Struggle

Although not part of my plans, Frank tempted me into this Peak district classic. Only 5 miles but 1850ft of climbing. That means no flat bits.

The start is unusual in that eveyone lines up on a track and the race starts sideways straight up a hilly wood side. Its straight up for about 200m and then climbs steadily to a ridge. I see that Frank is ahead but feel too tired already to be bothered. Then follows the usual leg ache, the walking when you think you should be running, the old (well older) men passing you. A steep climb takes you to Mount Famine Top. Then guess what, yes, you come back down again. Then you go back up again (via the back of it). My speciality on Fell runs is the flat bits. This had none. The final 3/4 of a mile descent is not as steep so I came into my own and made some places. Not enough to catch Frank but an enjoyable day out and another classic ticked off.

Frank - 1hr 48s
Gareth - 1 hr 2 min 2s

Meanwood Valley trail race.

Saturday, 16 May 2009.

Edward, Hazel, Dave(new be) and I ran the Mean wood Valley trail race.
Although, I have done this lots of times, however, I never find it easy.
I forgot how many hills there are (especially the rock climb at the end, just before coming into the field).
As a fast start, Edward and Karl got off pulling away from me.
But trying my best, I passed quite a few runners. I eventually caught up with Karl between the 4-5 mile mark. At this point I was feeling strong, I encouraged him to stay with me. We worked together for a couple of miles, but unfortunately I went over on my ankle.
Subsequently, he started to pull away from me.
Overall, it was a disappointing time for me. generally times were down by around 3Min's due to the heavy conditions , not 6Min's like me so its time to pull my finger out i think.

Meanwood Valley Trail 2009

"You'll like this it's a nice race not too hilly..." As I tried to keep going round the course these were the words I was remembering and a few choice words for the person who had said it (mentioning no names but initials EW!). This was a tough course!

There was Jackie, Ed , Karl, Dave (newbie) and myself from Spen AC that were doing this today(Sat 16th May).

The first half of the course wasn't too bad (race was 7.5 miler through fields and woods in Meanwood Park). I remember thinking there's a lot of down hill wonder if we're going to start climbing soon - yes we did!

I managed to overtake newbie Dave at the three mile point but as he said afterwards it took me a while to get much distance between us - as I slowly plodded on. Then the steep bits came and came and came - Edward had said only one there were more like 10! - at one point I looked up and thought my god we're doing a bit of rock climbing here.

After 5 miles I was struggling and kept having to walk up the steep bits. One lady said 'I've never had to walk in a race before' another said 'I feel terrible' and I thought yep I know what you mean.

Eventually as always it finally came to an end. Official results not out yet but here's what I recall:-

• Ed Wilkinson 59 mins (last year 61.57)
• Karl Speight 1hr 05 perhaps?
• Jackie Carter 1hr 06 (last year 59.48)
• Me! 1hr 08 mins (1st timer for me this one)
• Dave (oops don't know his surname) 1hr 09

Karen Pickles won the ladies in 49 mins something and was 4th overall I think they said. Wow how does she do it?!

Esholt 5k#2 - View from the midfield

Another intra spen battle

After having pretty poor preparation for the second instalment (an 800 mile round trip to do an extremely hilly bike ride in the Highlands) I was non too optimistic about beating my time from last week. Took it easy early on and noted that infamous fast starter John Henry was quite a way ahead of me as we eased through the first 2k. Was 15s slower than last week at 2k so started to feel depressed. However as the race turned the corner and people started to slow, confidence grew. I know I am the master of pace (years of studying, and being victim to, Frank’s late rallies) so started to pull through the field.

Along the straight the legs start to burn but John comes into view agan and my split at 4k is good. Feeling strong I speed up down the hill and Johns vest looms large. 20m out John looks round as he hears me bearing down. As he panics and sprints for the line I decide I don’t want to look like one of those idiots who sprints in the beat a team mate. However be clear, I could have!

John watch out next week.

Gareth

Esholt 5K #2 Results

Plenty of Spen runners in action again, and improved times for almost everyone over last week. A good battle between Kevin & Antony up near the front, and John & Gareth swapping the honours this week a bit further back.

Antony has done a write up:
Chasing Pavements: Esholt 5k - Stay In Sight Of Blue And White

Spen Results
12  Kevin Ogden          M35 16.31
13  Antony Bradford      M40 16:32
30  Keith McGhie         M45 17.32
61  John Henry           M50 18.54
62  Gareth Patchett      M45 18.56
85  Victor Kolodziejczyk M50 19.54
147 Emma Maguire         F40 22.04
170 Jackie Carter        F45 22.54
266 Amanda Pearson       F40 30.02

Selected Others
34  Karen Pickles  Pudsey Pacers      F35 17.40
114 Chloe Patchett Wakefield Harriers FO  20.45

Full Results

Credit Crunch training tips

Here are some of my top tips for improving your results whilst avoiding the credit crunch..

1. Cancel the running magazine subscription(s)
Pure toilet paper!

The only thing they are any good for are drying out wet trainers, and you can always get a free copy of the Metro which is better for that, and more interesting to read too!

2. Don't buy that GPS/HRM/other stress inducing device
Relax, run faster and live longer!

If you already own one, get it on ebay quick before everyone else realises what a waste of money they are and beats you to it.

3. Energy gels/drinks
Who needs 'em. Those energy gels are just molten Jelly Babies, buy the real thing and save your cash.

And as for energy drinks, if Robinsons Lemon Barley Water was good enough for Pete Sampras, it's good enough for me. If you really must insist though, get yourself down the pound shop and pick up a 4-pack of Lucozade sport for a quid.

So there you have it, just some of the things that have made me the athlete I am today. Anyone else got any pointers to help me towards my next PB?

Leeds Half Marathon 2009

Well done to Tony Bradford and the other Spen runners who completed the course this morning. Tony was running well when he passed me at Lawnswood School. A top 30 finish was looking likely.

Full Results Here
(quite possibly the worst results system I've ever seen - Chris)

Talented 11 year olds

Just a couple of points before I start:
1) I'm all for youngsters getting involved in the sport I love. It teaches them about the joys of winning and the hurt of losing, about the benefits of hard work and dedication, the good feeling you get from being healthy and taking part in exercise etc. etc..
2) One of the things that attracts me to road racing is the fact that you can race but you are not racing against the other athletes. Not many of us are actually ever going to win a race so all we are trying to do is run as fast as we can. So in effect you are racing against yourself. Whatever time you post there is only you knows how well you have done.

So why is it that something stirs in me when I get beaten by an 11 year old? In the Esholt 5k last week I was doing my usual sprint finish and this 11 year old lad went flying past me and beat me by 30m. If this would have been anybody else I would just have thought "that guy/girl obviously hasn't worked hard enough for the other 4.8 km if he/she can run so fast at the end of this race".

I'm not even sure what it is that rankles. Of course there must be lots of talented kids out there who train very hard. And all sorts of people beat me - fat/thin, male/female, old/young - and this never bothers me. So what is it when children beat me? Am I alone with these feelings? He did actually beat 67% of the field.

I suppose I could stick to 10 km races and never race against children again.

And they always come from Bingley. Its always Bingley.

P.S. Well done Sam from Bingley who beat me on Wednesday, just congratulations and well done. Honest.

Esholt 5k #1 - back from injury

It was 50 weeks since my last race (Esholt 5k #3 2008). Since then I've had 7 months off injured and 4 and a half months trying to get some sort of fitness back. First step was trying to get my muscles and connective tissues back up to strength. Have tried to be patient as last time I tried to do too much too quickly and ended up pulling all sorts of muscles (you'll be surprised how many different muscles you can pull in the backs of your legs). Have tried to build my mileage up slowly but have found each run a real effort even though they are all supposed to be slow! Squeezed 3 lonely track sessions in so didn't expect too much from the Esholt. The only indicator I had was 5 x 1 km reps with 200m walk. Total time for running bits was about 19 mins. What could I manage without the rests?

On the day of the race bumped into lots of familiar faces and was pleasantly surprised by the genuine goodwill shown by those that knew I'd been off injured. Told myself to start off conservatively but did the 1st km in 3-45. Well it is downhill. Felt easyish for the 1st km but that's what you get in 5ks. The pain kicks in after 1.1 km. Felt pretty cream crackered but think I paced it reasonably OK as I probably overtook more runners than vice versa. Worked harder than I wanted to but the problem with races is that I can't resist the competetion.

For the record I finished in 19-50 but that is really irrelevant. The main point is that I don't seem to have suffered any reaction. I feel healthy and should be able to continue my recovery. I have a benchmark and will be able to judge my progress over the next couple of races.

For results see earlier post from Gareth here

West Yorkshire Track and Field League #2 - Wakefield

Wednesday night saw the second meeting of the West Yorkshire Track and Field league at Thornes Park Wakefield. After a grey and miserable day we were expecting the usual damp night at this location, made all the worse by there being little shelter. ( a stand please any Wakefield Harriers reading this ). Fortunately this weather picked up and we even saw a few glimpses of sunshine.

A reasonable turnout from Spen athlete especially with the Yorkshire champs looming on Saturday and Sunday.

Chris Jones was turning out for his third race in three days (mad fool) and was making his first serious attempt at a track race in 34 years!

Unfortunately, as always the mens middle distance race is almost always the last event, so as most people were packing up to go home and the sun had dropped below the horizon Chris and I lined up for the mens 800m.

Only seven on the start line meant that at least one of us was going to pick up some points. Unsure of pace and Chris only persuading me to run at the last minute meant we settled in at the back of the pack. As the pace was quite moderate we hung on well and were still in contention as we hit the bell. Then the leaders pulled away and Chris and myself fought it out for the last two places but finished in the creditable times of Chris 2min 26.8 and myself 2 min 24.8.

Other performances of the night that I can remember were Sarah Peacock finishing a very close second in the Senior ladies 800m followed in by Emma Rawnsley.

Ryan Dransfield making a rare appearance at 200m having competed at the Calderdale Schools 800m in the afternoon and smashing his PB in 24.5 sec (faster than I ever ran - damn him!).

Matthew Jones growing in confidence with every race knocked chunks off his PB in the 800m finishing in 2 min 36 sec.

Curtis Dransfield also beat his PB in the 80m finishing in 12.6 sec.

Congratulations to all the other Spen athletes many of whom I know put in some excellent performances, with some victories but unfortunately I did not make a note of their names or times.

Bunny Run Relays

3 leg relay 1.5 miles/leg

Howling gales and driving rain met the Jones family team as we got to Haworth for the final Bunny race of 2009. The team consisted of Chris, Matthew and Sarah, who was coming up for her first Bunny experience.

Near to the start of the race we were told that the longer first leg was to be cut short because the extra loop was too muddy. This meant that we were all doing the same distance. So, we picked up the egg and a very cold Chris went to line up for the first leg. 12 minutes later Sarah set off and then it was my turn.

After waiting quite a long time in the quarry where you start I thought the wind had died down a bit. As soon as I got out of the quarry I was nearly blown back down again. I knew I was going to have fun. I seemed to be having a good run and I felt alright. Then, at about half way round, the rain turned to hail and the run became painful in more than one way. When I was finally near the the end and I turned to face the wind again, my cheeks were inflating with air.

Overall I had a good run and my Dad also had a great run. Sarah didn't enjoy the race much but did well for her first Bunny.

Spen Results
35 JONESEY'S JOGGERS 43.06

Leg 1: 21 CHRIS JONES   12.49
Leg 2: 41 SARAH JONES   16.59
Leg 3: 23 MATTHEW JONES 13.18

61 Teams

Full Results Here

Esholt 5k - Race 1

Where did that speed go?
Been a few years since I have done these, but with Chloe coming out of retirement (sadly with a Wakefield vest) it encouraged me to give it a go. I knew that the 16min glory days were in the past but was interested how quick the old legs could turn.
Good spen turnout (just to add to the pressure) with Jackie, Amanda, Vic, Emma, Tony B, Kevin, John Henry and Keith added to the great sight of Les back in his colours.
Was shocked by the fast start but paced myself. Found my heart and lungs were strong but the old legs were not happy with the speed. Managed to hit 3.5min k's and kept to that. John Henry was in sight all the way, and fortunately for me he 'died' more rapidly.
Finished in 19.00 dead so hope to improve with the series especially with the promise of a track turnout.
Nearer the front Kevin got one up on Tony in the battle of the fast boys.
Well done to all the spen brigade, see you next week

Spen Results
16  Kevin Ogden          M35 16.50
21  Antony Bradford      M40 17.03
36  Keith McGhie         M45 17.39
76  Gareth Patchett      M45 19.00
85  John Henry           M50 19.16
101 Victor Kolodziejczyk M50 19.50
131 Dennis Hoey          M55 20.41
189 Emma Maguire         F40 22.47
203 Jackie Carter        F45 23.10
231 Les Fenton           M55 24.18
299 Amanda Pearson       F40 30.33

Selected Others
20  Paul Hallas    Wakefield Harriers M50 17.00
40  Karen Pickles  Pudsey Pacers      F35 17.56
155 Chloe Patchett Wakefield Harriers FO  21.33

Full Results

Rothwell 10k - Monday 4th May - Report by Frank

The Rothwell 10km road race was held on Monday 4th May in cold and damp conditions; ideal for racing! Anthony Bradford lead the six Spen male runners home in 28th place in a time of 34 mins 29 secs. Eight days after a strong London Marathon race Kevin Ogden stretched his recovering legs to finish 38th in 35m 07s. The rest of us still had a mile or more to go by the time these lads finished. Steve Peacock was next in 220th place and a time of 41m 50s followed by Frank Reddington 267th 43m 07s, Mick Howard 272nd 43m 13s and Peter Scanlon 605th 53m 16s. Mixing among the men Steve's daughter Sarah Peacock finished 275th overall in a time of 43 mins 20 secs. Our first three men were 19th of 80 teams with the 'B' team in 62nd place. Andy Pearson from Longwood harriers won the race in 30m 35s. For the results go to

http://www.ukresults.net/2009/rothwell.html

Rothwell 10k - Spen runners out in force!

Spen Runners were out in force at the Rothwell 10K on Bank Holiday Monday. Superb performances from Spen AC's top road runners Antony Bradford and Kevin Ogden. Steve Peacock getting ever closer to the magic sub-40. Click the link below to read Antony's account of the race.

Chasing Pavements: Rothwell 10k - Sub 35 Again.

Spen Results
28  Antony Bradford    M40 34:29
38  Kevin Ogden        M35 35:07
220 Steven Peacock     M45 41:50
267 Francis Reddington M55 43:07
272 Mick Howard        M45 43:13
275 Sarah Peacock      F   43:20
605 Peter Scanlon      M60 53:10

Full Results Here

Coiners Fell Race

It's always good to hear good race info after the event (if only Chris had mentioned the stile after 500 metres) Waiting at the stile was like a toilet queue at the three peaks, maybe he had a plan. Still I got off to a reasonable start (saving myself for the biggy this weekend where I will line up with a full field of hopefuls in the Fellsman long distance ultra at 61 miles.) Chris seems to have covered the race very well, and its nice to read someone's view of the same race. The race is well marked out and well organised, but if you do it next year it's a long walk uphill from the car park
at the community centre. The finish is one for the downhillers with lots of soft boggy mud and peat to get caught up in.

If you fancy this type of run I can recommend the Hutton Roof on May 23rd or the Austwick Amble on Bank Holiday May 25th. Both have a small gala and are only 7-8 miles long.

A restful day at the bar

Steve & Chris battle the Swamp Monsters!

Coiners Fell Race (BM, 7 miles, 1100ft)

After watching the 2nd in the FRA English Junior Championship series in the morning, and gradually freezing to death, I was wrapped in my waterproof wondering why I'd paid my entry fee. So I was greatly pleased to see Steve Moss bounding across the field towards me, all ready to go. After sheltering by the tents for a while, it was soon time to line up at the start. This was my second outing at this race, having run here first in 2008, but for Steve it was a new race. At the time I ran it last year, it was the boggiest race I'd ever run, but I think I've had a couple of races that surpassed it since. I had a feeling that based on recent form, there was a chance I could dip under the hour, since last time I'd finished in 1:01:27.

It's important to get off to a good start in this race, as after a short run down a lane there is a stile where there tends to be a big queue before climbing up through some woods onto the tops. I had maybe 6 or 7 people queuing before me going up, but the further back you are the worse it tends to get. Out onto the climb, and I was going OK, but was still the first to start walking, I few passed me, but I knew that at the top it crossed a stile onto a lane where a flat section would enable me to pick up the pace.

Heading up the second climb to Stoodley Pike, I started to feel more comfortable and passed a few runners. Rounding the monument, and starting the descent, I saw Steve on his way up, but not too far behind, but now we were onto the fast part of the course, where it's difficult to make up places. I was caught and passed by the ace V60 runner from Dark Peak - Dave Tait at the next stile, and was then chasing a small group down through a wooded section before dropping down to the next section.

Then we reached the bog! The swamp monsters were out in force, sucking your legs down and refusing to let go. I could hear cries and curses from behind as I trudged my way through. Finally reaching a murky pool where I took lead from the runner in front of me and just went straight through. The swamp was easily up to my shorts, but the alternative routes hadn't looked much better.

Once out I was onto the narrow sheep track and some fairly steep drops through heather where I went over on my right ankle, but not too serious. Finally reaching the top of the start field, and a short fast run along a track before a steep descent of the field to the finish. There were a bunch of us within a few seconds at the line, and a quick glance at my watch showed me that I had made it under the hour with a time of 59:11. Job done!

Very shortly afterwards, I saw Steve descending the field and into the finish. We chatted with runners around the finish area before heading back to the car park. A good race, and one I'd recommend, made all the better by having some good company. I have to say that I enjoy it far more when there are team-mates around.

Spen Results
44 Chris Jones V45 0:59:11
58 Steven Moss V60 1:02:27

129 finishers

Full results here

Northern T & F League Match 1

Despite initial concerns about how many athletes we could field for the 1st Northern League match of the year, Spen performed magnificently to finish 2nd overall and things can only improve from here. Thanks to Jackie and Amanda for taking on the difficult post of team managers but the troops rallied round and supported them. The performances of the day had to come from the throwers and our male sprinters. Nick Crimmen- on a welcome retun back, Richard Martin, Jack Bellwood, Carly Beanland, Sheila Bolland & Sarah Roberts out-performed all other athletes to gain maximum valuable points. On the track, Josh Cayenne eased to victory in the 100 & 400m and then ran, what one spectator called "poetry in motion", a blinder of a 3rd leg in the 4x400m relay to bring Craig Yates into an unbeatable position. There were other valuable victories and point winners throughout the day: Ryan Dransfield a very respectable 2nd in his 1st A string 800m for the senior men coming home in 2:06.00; young Lewis Hamilton making his senior debut with wins in the B 400m and running a superb final leg in the 4x100m to overtake Andy Cooke of P&B on the finish line; Chris Ward making his 1st appearance in Spen colours in the short sprints; Chris Mounsey for his Bob Beamon performance long jump and Becky Rowlands & Emma Rawnsley for scoring valuable points in a much depleted ladies' team. Despite all these great performances it is sad to report that we had no competitors in the men's steeplechase, 5000m, 110mH and the ladies' hurdles and pole vault: this is where valuable points are lost and will make the difference if we fill these posts if we are to overtake leaders Trafford at the next match. As for me: HJ, PV, TJ, 400mH and the slowest 1500m on record show it is time to call it a day very soon. Apologies if I have omitted any good performances. If I have please can someone add these comments.

The Bluebell Trail 3-5-09

Bluebell Trail - More Hills than Bluebells in the Heartlands of Stainland Lions Lady Vets!

"Voted 36th out of top 50 best races for 2006 by readers of Runners World Magazine"

After the trials of the three peaks it is back to earth for some less mad adventures. A 'bluebell trail' race in Halifax is just the ticket. I have accepted that my glory days of being an average club runner are behind me, but I now find myself amongst the knee bandage and cellulite brigade. So is the Bluebell Trail, a 10.3 mile trail race frequented by those 100's of Stainland Lions / Pudsey Pacers runners who enjoy a run out on a weekend. The unfortunate truth is that many of them are very good.

Just two spen vests on show (Chris Jacobs) and two former members (Alison Pickup and Karen Pickles) amongst the crowds waiting for the start. I decided to start slow (with the option of slowing as the race progressed).

Up and down along pleasantly soft woodland paths, the canal, and some backroads of Halifax and then onto the horror that is Trooper Lane. Foolishly on the lower slopes I was running well and passed many a walker, only to discover that they had paced themselves and walked past me nearer the top.

Then a couple more ascents of Southowram Hill and off down the valley back towards Elland. Disappointingly the 3 peaks came back to haunt me as I suffered a couple of minor cramp attacks, nothing serious though. A fast canal section saw me pick off a couple of super veterans and then all finishes with a crossing of the river back to the Rugby Club.

Showers in the Rugby club kind of unisex and alfresco which made things interesting.

Oh and I think I did 1hr 25mins which is fairly rubbish. Will update results when I get them

and I think Karen was first lady

Here are the results

More sports books worth reading

Gareth reminded me of another book I liked, and made a further suggestion. Here is a short run-down.

Running Free
By Sebastian Coe. For anyone who thinks ability and success is all natural (Gareth)
p.s. This seems to be a bit difficult to find now (Chris)

Put Me Back on My Bike: In Search of Tom Simpson
Chronicling the career of whom many regard as Britains greatest ever road cyclist, from his humble beginnings to his untimely death in the 1967 Tour de France. It's a moving story, I'll say no more than that. All cyclists should read it. There is also a documentary film based on the book that appears from time to time, watch out for it during July when the TdF is on TV.

In Search of Robert Millar: Unravelling the Mystery Surrounding Britain's Most Successful Tour De France Cyclist
The story of Rober Millar, ledgendary Scottish cyclist and winner of the Polka Dot Jersey (best climber) in the Tour de France. Robert ended his career and mysteriously disappeared from public. The book chronicles his cycling career, and goes out to track him down.

Northern League meeting

Today some of the spen athletes were at Stretford for the first meeting in the northern league, and Amanda's and my first task as team managers. Hopefully we didn't do too bad. I did find it a bit stressful at first, having to alter team sheets.

18 athletes took part, with some doing quite a few events. At times we were 5th but we worked hard and finished 2nd overall with the relays coming to a superb end both the 4x100 and the 4x400 men taking first place the ladies 4x400 finishing a respectable 3rd. It would have been another first if not for Amandas gammy knee! and me being tired from the marathon and the 3,000 + 1500.

Overall a good day and at the next meeting we should have more choice of athletes , thankyou to all of you - Jackie.

The Three Peaks Fell Race (Chris K)

I always find that the weeks leading up to the Three Peaks fly by much too quickly to get in all the training I would like to do. So as usual, I lined up at the start of the race and thought 'Oh my giddy aunt' (not my exact words but you will get the gist). Anyway, too late now but at least the sun is shining.

My race strategy for sub-5 hours was to take it as steady as I like up Pen-y-gent and then try and make up time on the descents leaving enough in reserve to still be able descend off Ingleborough at a decent pace. For once, everything went according to plan. Got to the top of Pen-y-gent much slower than in previous races but I was not even feeling even slightly out of breath so it was now time to try and eat up the miles and make up the time without overdoing it.

From the top of Pen-y-gent, I started to overtake people and eventually caught up with Paul H (work colleague) and ran with him up to Ribblehead. I made sure I drank plenty and ate an energy bar before the worst part of the race which is the ascent of Whernside. Psychologically for me, once the top of Whernside is attained, the race is more than half done. This year I climbed the hill quite well, didn't get cramp at the top and then descended like the jaws of Cerberus were snapping at my heals. Top of Whernside to the Hill Inn only took 25m 47s which is the fastest I've ever done it.

At the Hill Inn, I was very surprised to catch up with Gareth and Mike but they set off before I had finished getting another energy bar and some fluids inside me. I had expected them to be miles ahead. I don’t find ascending Ingleborough too bad because most of it is across the flagstones and there is only a short steep section at the end. Got to the top of Ingleborough at 3h 59m 55s which was a whole 5 seconds ahead of schedule so I knew that I should easily beat 5 hours.

I can run downhill over rocky terrain quite well because I am light, agile and a bit dim at times so caught up with Gareth and even overtook him for a couple of minutes near the bottom of the steep bit. However, as soon as it levelled out again he was off again and my little legs had nothing left for a final effort. It was just a case of head down and endure.

Getting to the col where you can finally see down to Horton-in-Ribblesdale was a very welcome sight and the last half-mile went quite well although I’d forgotten about the 10 metre uphill slope after the railway bridge which reduced me to a walk. I’m sure someone has built it up a bit since last year. I finished the race in 4h 48m 45s so was pleased with my result but I will do more training next year (I’ve said that before I think!).