tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62022716405305993412011-12-12T21:43:37.512ZGrowing old in red & gold... (opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Spenborough AC)Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1931100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-25992077796614227072011-12-11T21:01:00.000Z2011-12-11T21:02:08.634Z

Frank and the Pakuranga 5km road raceMost of you will know that I visited New Zealand in October/November. While there I visited Gareth Patchett who lives in Howick, Auckland. Garteth's nearest athletics club is Pakuranga who are based about 3km from his home in a park that contains an historic village and sports facilities for rugby, cricket, hockey as well as a synthetic athletics track and a

Michael Dransfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09854260629362586457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-29566110581147934462011-10-25T19:56:00.002+01:002011-10-25T20:01:53.504+01:00

Hello All,Just a rallying call to everybody to try and make themselves available for the XC this Sat. Looks like we might be a bit short of senior men runners. Please try and make it if you can.It was our best team poisition in the last few years at the last one. Lets try and finish a team in this one.

Michael Dransfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09854260629362586457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-52757012495769917692011-09-10T21:26:00.002+01:002011-09-10T21:35:24.625+01:00

Hello Everybody,Its that time again. West Yorks XC league. First race Sun 9th Oct Nunroyd Park. Aim for this season - finish a senior mens team in all four races. Some new faces and some old ones returning. Strong possibility of achieving this target.Ladies - lets try and get more people out this season.Young athletes - lets hope the Club encourages a lot more participation this time.Sheet is up

Michael Dransfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09854260629362586457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-58988759124444092192011-07-08T14:43:00.000+01:002011-07-08T14:43:30.709+01:00

Hi All, It's  along time since I posted here, but then again it's a long time since I ran, but in my head I haven't quit yet, so you never know. At the moment I barely get enough time to get any cycling done, and that takes priority over running at the moment. Anyway, enough of that. I turned on the mobile templates so the blog should now look great on your iphone, android phone or whatever. I

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-65751973108327266252011-06-14T18:59:00.002+01:002011-06-14T19:16:16.804+01:00

Nope its not April 1st. We have a new president.I didn't even know Donald Ward had died and the next we hear is the next one has been installed. No democratic process (apart from the appointment at the committee meeting), no opportunity for any long standing member to apply for the position if they so wished.Fate accompli.The inner sanctum reigns supreme. Oops, slap my hands for suggesting this

Michael Dransfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09854260629362586457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-41149337395972723222011-05-08T20:16:00.002+01:002011-05-08T20:42:28.231+01:00

The Spenborough senior athletes have a busy few weeks ahead: the Edinburgh marathon, the Northern league, the John Carr 5K's, the Leeds half marathon and coming shortly the Joe Percy 10k. Unfortunately, this year, after the postponement in December of the Calderdale Way due to the busy schedule we have failed to get a full team. Yesterday was the 1st match in the Northern league. With the younger

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-67680700243006109882011-02-20T21:52:00.003Z2011-02-20T22:49:52.459Z

Alton Towers. Not exactly the place you immediately associate with cross country running. However this was the venue for the 2011 National Cross Country Championship.Hopes were running high for for a senior mens team finish. 8 men pre-entered with only 6 to score meant we had a good chance, or so we thought.In the week leading up to the race unfortunately we had some drop outs. Kevin Ogden's leg

Michael Dransfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09854260629362586457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-50537242133054007722011-02-13T20:07:00.003Z2011-02-13T21:37:33.467Z

The 13th February saw 10 senior Spenborough athletes take part in the 16th Liversedge 1/2 Marathon in which 421 runners took part.Kevin Ogden and Tony Bradford were the first Spen runners home in 4th and 7th postion in the time of 78.39 & 81.41 respectivly followed by Gerard Skipins in 21st position with a solid time of 86.59 to collect the team prize for the first club home.Dean Pearce enjoyed a

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-67581455330213997492010-12-27T18:32:00.003Z2010-12-27T19:20:49.564Z

December 27 th... The Hot Toddy road race went ahead despite the icy conditions with 248 finishers, the last one in a time of 63.33.The winner was David Proctor of Rochdale in 29.22.Spenborough had Seven athletes competing first home for spen was Oliver Carter in 41.36 doing a PB of 4.34 min's off last yrs time without warming up being a late arrival having come from the Ribble Valley which was

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-689152563528879742010-12-07T21:32:00.002Z2010-12-07T21:36:03.484Z

As of tuesday the Calderdale Way is OFF due to the weather conditions and ice on the side roads at the legs.Jackie.

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-2438143137880002852010-12-05T19:32:00.002Z2010-12-05T19:58:28.616Z

Well we have a team for Sunday so far, and a pretty good one if I might say so. It was thrust upon me the task of getting a team together when Gareth had said he might not be around to organise things this yr , as it happens Gareth is around and has been very helpful, thank you G!I have been worried about this silly white stuff if it will go ahead - looks like it will now, I shall hopefully fill

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-60774586206477975662010-10-24T16:47:00.003+01:002010-10-24T17:30:37.471+01:00

A little late, but as they say, better late than never.10 Oct saw a return to Nunroyd Park at Guisley for the first WY XC league race of the season.Always guaranteed to be muddy here in some places. It didn't disappoint, but was probably the best underfoot it has been in years and as it happened it was a very warm afternoon.Personally I am bored with this venue since I have run here so many times

Michael Dransfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09854260629362586457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-36254714670240615332010-10-03T20:25:00.002+01:002010-10-03T20:36:26.535+01:00

Hi all, its getting time for the vets race from the club (14th nov) and I am on the prowl for marshals again or any help marking out the course , so if your reading this and not running or otherwise busy please can you spare an hour.Also club presentation night is fri 26th nov usual place etc if you have a trophy it needs to be handed in asap please for the next person.

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-63870439785433302292010-08-24T14:10:00.000+01:002010-08-24T14:10:52.692+01:00

I bought this book after catching an interview with the author on Radio 4 (I am an intellectual, honest guv') and was curious enough to purchase a copy for my holiday reading. The book tells the story of a frequently injured runner (the author) who discovers through research that less is more if you don't want to get injured. Not less miles as you might think, but less cushioning in your shoes.

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-4132309416103624392010-08-23T12:20:00.003+01:002010-08-23T12:29:43.629+01:00

This event takes place on 11 Sep at Leeds Met Uni (note change of venue) 2pm start for men.Anyone wanting to take part let me know asap.Tony Bradford will be required.I hope we will be able to turn out a team again in the West Yorks XC league. I am taking the entries for the Senior men. Lets make a big effort and try and do as well as we did last year.

Michael Dransfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09854260629362586457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-33256386686518265162010-08-05T11:32:00.002+01:002010-08-05T11:34:42.996+01:00

Its the 12th December this year.I'm happy to be captain again if no one objects (although I'm happy if someone else wants to have a go!)Please let me know if you are up for doing a leg, either via comments on here or gpatchett@yahoo.comI want to try and improve on last years performance so if you see them please work on Ogden/Bradford combo for leg1!!!Gareth

Garethnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-20792496023758581492010-08-05T11:27:00.004+01:002010-08-24T17:12:39.185+01:00

Just to let everyone know, Stuart Hall has taken over the official web site. I know that most vets/fell/road organising goes on through here but we should still keep the site updated if we can. The formation of the site has encouraged a small number of new members down to the club so its all to be encouraged. Since this blog is 'blogata non grata' with the committee, then please email Stuart

Garethnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-21374212036769242472010-07-28T09:47:00.000+01:002010-07-28T09:47:44.264+01:00

Hi everyone, hope you are all fit and well! Just when I thought I was getting into half decent shape again, I spoiled it all by having my worst ever crash on the bike. For the gruesome details and pictures, check out my cycling blog... http://gonecycling.blogspot.com/2010/07/hospitalised.html http://gonecycling.blogspot.com/2010/07/injury-update.html Keep up with the blogs!

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-25501345232672278502010-07-08T21:28:00.006+01:002010-07-30T13:19:14.570+01:00

Wednesday 7th July A breezy night in Stainland saw the turnout of 8 Senior members of Spenborough for the Helen Windsor 10k. An impressive 200 local runners lined up, also having to juggle between the cycle race flying round at what seemed 40mph. Kevin "the race machine" Ogden flying the flag for Spenborough at what seemed 41mph finished in a very respectable 3rd place (35 mins) having to

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-8719602208852597492010-06-24T21:43:00.005+01:002010-06-24T22:15:41.965+01:00

Tonight six of us ran in this race, This is an off road multi terrain course from the Reindeer Inn nr Wakefield, I have done this for a few years now and it never gets any easier, this year we have a slightly altered course ,for those of you who know the old course we now take a right at the end of the lane at the start omitting the down hill section .I like this route better I think. it takes in

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-40123087091731135222010-06-22T20:35:00.003+01:002010-06-22T20:56:53.991+01:00

You need windows 2007 to be able to view these results. It won't let me copy and paste them into this :-( and I can't work out how to put an attachment into this blog! So here's spen results typed in manually:-2nd place - Kev - 34.248th place - Tony Bradford - 36.1721st place - Tony Bradford again! could this be Gerard? 37.33?27th place - Dan Stuart - 38.36102nd place - Richard Lee - 43.58117th

Hazelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588404391444834628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-57344503612761502722010-06-22T20:10:00.002+01:002010-07-30T13:20:39.887+01:00

Just heard the sad news that John passed away in his sleep on Monday night.John was a well known character in West Yorks athletic circles and a good friend to many people down at Spen.John was passionate about his beloved Leeds City A.C. and would be seen at many events 'encouraging' the Leeds runners to perform to their maximum.What a lot of people may not know is that John was an extremely

Michael Dransfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09854260629362586457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-66907048635122743312010-06-20T14:34:00.002+01:002010-07-30T13:20:31.076+01:00

Just a few lines to let people know that we do have some competing members left, be it that there sport is slightly different to track,and less appealing to some committee members.In total 5 spen runners set off on Friday 11th June to compete in the low alpine mountain Marathon taking place at lock fynne in Scotland this is the connoisseurs event and very popular.Steve Hemingway had to find a

steven mosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222565691619165099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-30023590677004314232010-06-15T18:31:00.002+01:002010-06-15T18:35:35.882+01:00

Many thanks to Jackie for rising to the challenge and getting 15 runners out for the Joe Percy 10k.I know a lot of time and effort went in to making this happen.

Michael Dransfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09854260629362586457noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-18168248098407375172010-06-14T22:15:00.003+01:002010-06-14T22:43:13.264+01:00

What a fantastic turn out at the Joe Percy tonight Fifteen seniors made the effort and I would like to thank everyone for turning out for me,The weather was kind to us ,Dry with a little wind .Kevin race machine Ogden had a brill run just being piped to second by 6 seconds young Ben from Halifax harriers was first, another good run for Anthony Bradford chasing in in 8Th position.Our first lady in

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-33850927461524699722010-06-08T20:32:00.002+01:002010-07-30T13:21:19.191+01:00

Unfortunately for the past few weeks there has only been myself and Gerrard turning up regularly for the track training on Thu nights with an occasional visit from others.For these sessions to have maximum effect it requires as many people as possible to attend. Besides the training benefits it is a chance for athletes to meet, socialise have a laugh and organise racing etc.I know its difficult

Michael Dransfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09854260629362586457noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-39881542149242050442010-05-27T22:25:00.003+01:002010-07-30T13:21:47.426+01:00

Joe Percy 10k is coming up 14Th June who's up for doing this race this year lets get a team entered .

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-39815494360034975632010-05-24T11:15:00.003+01:002010-05-24T11:21:42.790+01:00

Kevin Ogden led Spenborough and District AC to a trio of age category victories, while grabbing a fine third place overall in the annual Esholt 5km road race series.Ogden, Tony Bradford (8th overall) and Keith McGhie (11th) all went into the last of the three round championship leading their respective sections and each pulled further clear of their nearest rivals, with in-form Ogden climbing

Supermachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707927616736663501noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-56582865602475928612010-05-22T21:05:00.003+01:002010-05-22T21:10:54.221+01:00

Well I thought I had better write about the big day after the training blogs. As you know from my blogs we had been following a training program consisting of only 3 runs a week ,1 speed sesh, 1 tempo run, 1 long run, with cross training on a couple of other day's. I have normally just built up my mileage with long runs but we decided to try this out, I must say though it was hard only 3 runs I

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-32698350769814048882010-05-12T09:40:00.004+01:002010-07-30T13:20:19.469+01:00

I'm not a prolific contributor but, as I mentioned in an e-mail to Chris Jones - at Spenborough it's always been a case of "If I don't get my own way, I'll spit my dummy out and take all my toys with me," which is the main reason we are short of so many good athletes now when, in 1992 when I joined, we were among the top ranked 3 clubs in Yorkshire (with Leeds City and Sheffield) in pretty much

Supermachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707927616736663501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-38732977973519723602010-05-11T20:24:00.002+01:002010-05-11T21:05:33.081+01:00

I agree with Chris.It is disappointing to see the short sightedness of the committee removing the link to the blog. For me it was a breath of fresh air for the club and encouraged people to contribute articles and information that they never would have done so otherwise.The blog is a forum where members can express there opinions of all aspects of the club whether they be good, bad or indifferent

Michael Dransfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09854260629362586457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-42187119540654136942010-05-11T15:49:00.001+01:002010-05-11T15:50:18.713+01:00

I heard a rumour that the link to the blog has been removed from the club web site by official request. Seems a bit petty to me, since the blog has probably done more to help forge a sense of community and publicise the club than anything else over the last few years. Well, the blog will continue anyway, most hits don't come from the official site in any case, so it will make very little

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-1870493131039060352010-04-13T14:38:00.001+01:002010-04-15T17:15:04.717+01:00

It seems that my previous blog post about why my running is having to take a back seat for a while (link) has upset some people at the club. This was not my intention, I simply wanted to let my friends at the club know why Matthew and myself would not be around for a while. I suppose I should be flattered that more people are reading the blog than I expected, but the negative side is that some of

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-47198380520125399732010-03-15T16:56:00.004Z2010-03-15T16:58:13.829Z

After some serious thought, and many weeks pretending otherwise, I've finally come to the realisation, that for now at least, and for the forseeable future, my running days are pretty much over. Some of you will know that I've struggled with motivation since the problems I had with work last year, and my running has been the major casualty, but that's not the only reason. Some 18 months back, I

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-75563341745444538042010-03-04T23:24:00.003Z2010-03-04T23:34:07.494Z

ENGLISH NATIONAL CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPSRoundhay Park, LeedsSaturday, February 27thIt was just like old times with Jeff Hornby leading the Spenborough team home in the Nationals.Only the now veteran former West Yorkshire cross country winner and top 30 National finisher didn’t have the likes of Lee Warburton, Darren Hansen, Paul Dobson and Gary Damiani in his wake in 2010.Instead he had to

Supermachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707927616736663501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-37604768261401450242010-02-28T18:01:00.000Z2010-02-28T18:01:05.656Z

Facebook Spenborough AC

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-85779145697691848792010-02-21T22:02:00.001Z2010-02-21T22:04:46.420Z

Last weekend was the Liversidge half marathon. We had eight spen runners taking part. I would like to say I had a bad run, but that would be making excuses-so I won't. At home all week Oliver had been winding me up, by saying he was going to finish before I did.(Which he did (to my horror)). The bets were still on me to be first. (Sorry-I tried). It was a lovely day and I was up for it. I got a

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-48420297029330378552010-02-21T21:59:00.000Z2010-02-21T22:00:21.598Z

Well its been a few weeks since my last blog. We've had snow and ice, but somehow we have managed to get most of our sessions done with a little improvisation and so far managing to maintain the set times given to the speed session.Week before last was a twenty mile run along the canal from Brighouse. Well ~ I got it to be twenty miles: Liz and Hazel will say 19.8 miles(the garmin police). So

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-1789821356371108232010-02-21T17:40:00.000Z2010-02-21T17:40:33.834Z

Ilkley Moor Fell Race AS, 5m/1260ft It's not the first time I've had reason to be grateful to Steve Moss for getting me off my a**e and prompting me to do something, that (a) I enjoy, and (b) ought to be doing more of. There is just something about his enthusiasm for the sport that wakes up my competitive spirit, and makes me want to get out there and grab a piece of the action. So, after

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-63011316164090730052010-02-13T18:25:00.002Z2010-02-13T18:37:00.731Z

Hello Everybody,Just to let you all know the AGM is on Friday the 5th March 2010 at Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre. 7:30 pm start.Please could all members try there best to attend.We are unfortunately short of officers as well as athletes. It is in the best interest of everybody if we want the club to survive. Please come along with your idea's/opinions good, bad and ugly (I think!) to try and

Michael Dransfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09854260629362586457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-14904699823913664492010-02-13T07:41:00.001Z2010-02-13T07:47:50.579Z

YVAA website opening page Hi folks,I have been asked for some of the dates for the yorks vets races so here they are , lets have more men and ladies doing them this year , some of you will do very well in your age group and if Amanda and I can do them so can you.

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-54002694343815308472010-02-10T16:50:00.011Z2010-02-10T17:14:33.689Z

33rd YVAA Cross Country ChampionshipsWe might never have made it to the venue and there were times during the afternoon I wish we never had.Frank Reddington assured us he had been to Graves Park before, quite recently and that his Sat Nav had a programme which guided you back to previous haunts. Great!Only at one stage, as we crawled through a small but crowded Saturday lunchtime high street,

Supermachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707927616736663501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-69991643361634368412010-02-02T13:19:00.002Z2010-02-02T13:58:54.751Z

Sunday morning on a frosty day, (sounds like a nursery rhyme) six would be spen runners set off to do this tough moorland fell race, 10 miles and lots of hills in condisions that would lead many to tumble and fall on the near arttic conditions,(my self included as usual). The road section comes first then two fields of ice giving a clear picture of what the finish will be like, up hill from here

steven mosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222565691619165099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-28754154082651731072010-01-26T19:05:00.003Z2010-01-26T19:29:57.092Z

Happy new year to all are readers ,its nice to get to a race after all the snow and i thought it would be a good idea to do this race. The splash is a very popular race and getting out of the quarry always seems dificult to see the ground for all those feet,But out you get and down on to the moors in all the mud.The race is very runnerble and you soon find youre self reaching the first crossing

steven mosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222565691619165099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-23738301186620854202010-01-16T16:54:00.003Z2010-01-16T17:25:07.598Z

It's that time of year again and yet again I find myself planning week to week, where and how far, we are meeting up to do our long run. We try and run as a group on the long run as we all find it a great help and motivation. plus, the social aspect as well as we chatter our way round.My Marathon training is very different this year to previous times in marathons I've done normally I just build

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-26004624918903593172010-01-16T14:19:00.001Z2010-01-16T14:22:17.147Z

do any of are runners fancy a go at the 37 miles entrys open

steven mosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222565691619165099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-40998888248135789402010-01-16T13:46:00.001Z2010-01-16T13:47:30.124Z

Three peaks entres are open.

steven mosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222565691619165099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-22909605798709437622010-01-04T17:55:00.006Z2010-01-05T20:04:42.395Z

McGHIE'S REVIEW OF THE BLOOD, SWEAT AND YEARS(OK, so I’m not very good at getting round to these things on a regular basis!)On the final lap of six I was momentarily side by side with each of the Kenyan Internationals who eventually took the top three places in the 12th annual Sao Silvestre 8.45km race in Lagoa, Portugal.Global success at last…after all these years…not a bit of it as it was only

Supermachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707927616736663501noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-10633835306271466562010-01-02T16:33:00.002Z2010-01-04T17:53:10.222Z

Giant's Tooth Fell Race CS, 3m/400ft There are other ways to celebrate your birthday, and clear a hangover, but I like this one. There is usually a pretty good turnout for this race, and there seemed to be more than ever this year. The number of Spen runners was up this year too, with Michael making a welcome return, and Tim making his first appearance in this race. The weather was good,

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-33543196322116301752009-12-24T08:01:00.003Z2010-01-02T16:15:30.326Z

Really pleased with the time that me and Jeff did. Was tough and Jeff murdered me on the last hill. Bring on next year. Here are some photos I have found

Garethnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-77048955812883293432009-12-15T17:35:00.001Z2009-12-15T17:37:16.018Z

Same leg as last year for me, but this time partnered by Gerard Skippings, who was making his fell running debut. Gerard had been kicking by butt over the cross country and on the track for the past few weeks, but I had a feeling that I would be more than a match for him on the fells, so I was confident that it wasn't going to be me who was going to suffer the most (hehe). Gerard was a bit

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-15773736797101163942009-12-15T08:58:00.001Z2009-12-15T17:36:41.877Z

Buying a pair of trail shoes and running up Beamsley Beacon during October half-term somehow made me think I could be a fell runner- how wrong I was!! Even 2 cross countries this winter didn't prepare me sufficiently for leg 3 of the relay. Asking for the shortest leg unfortunately also gave me me the steepest leg and I was left puffing away and walking quite a bit as I struggled to get up that

John Gallagherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02423496178506727156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-62658822809823682992009-11-15T14:33:00.004Z2009-12-12T18:17:02.800Z

This race for those who don't know is part of a series of races for the over 35 s, which there is some stiff competition amongst the competing clubs, this year was another good turn out with 174 runners one being a vet 80, not bad eh! I wonder if I will be still plodding at 80, I think not; With the greenway closed Steve and I had to do a slight detour, I jogged round with Steve on Monday

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-32755661607562146212009-11-08T19:03:00.004Z2009-12-12T18:14:02.386Z

It has been a while since I've done a blog , but today I thought I would have a bash at the cop hill, my way of getting back into it not having run really since the Robin hood marathon , I set off at the back of the field and as we got going wondered why I was putting myself through it,the conditions were muddy and cold ,my legs felt like lead but I kept going although it felt slow , making my

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-34680362160499126922009-10-24T20:51:00.001+01:002009-12-12T18:16:11.552Z

At the fourth attempt Steve Moss and Frank Reddington finally completed an Original Mountain Marathon on the weekend of 24th/25th October. The two day event was held in the Elan Valley, just north of Builth Wells in Wales. Steve and Frank completed the B Class finishing 134th of 201 finishing pairs with a further 27 pairs not finishing the course. After last years infamous storm and world

Garethnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-58516658496651220602009-10-11T20:27:00.003+01:002009-12-12T18:17:31.026Z

The opening cross country of the season began with the West Yorkshire League at Roils Head, Halifax. Previous events at this course had told us it wasn't a place to be in adverse weather conditions being situated on exposed moorland. Yet again we weren't to be disappointed with a very strong wind whipping across the course. The Spen men were hopeful of finishing a team as a big effort had been

Michael Dransfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09854260629362586457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-52186100448231933622009-10-05T09:58:00.003+01:002009-10-05T10:22:06.023+01:00

I'm clearly better at running than cyclingI was pursuaded to do this by some colleagues at work. 'Its only a low key event!' I was told. So when I turned up to be confronted by men and women in skinsuits and with carbon rims all over the place (and thats not counting the bike wheels) I knew it was more serious than I had expected.The event is 4 miles run, 23 miles cycle and then another 4 miles

Garethnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-18023520347620534022009-09-30T19:12:00.003+01:002009-12-12T18:15:52.854Z

Postman called to day and left me one suspicious parcel in my mail box (could it be the medical kit ordered for my chickens some weeks ago or just another mail order package for Sandras expanding wardrobe), No it was a kind letter from the wernside fell race anouncing that although we didn't stay for the presentation i had won 3rd vets place and they had posted it forth -with. This prom ted me to

steven mosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222565691619165099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-68155226420047624722009-09-27T17:40:00.001+01:002009-09-27T17:51:44.224+01:00

I did this race back in 2004, about a year after I‘d started running. I’d previously done the Abbey Dash and Wakefield 10K, both fairly flat, and finished them in around 46 minutes. Netherthong however is quite a hilly course, and I ended up recording my Personal Worst of 52:53.So I thought it was about time I gave it another shot. The only other Spen runner that I could see was Dan Stewart, who

timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667533507911203871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-38448844115043019512009-09-26T17:40:00.008+01:002009-09-26T18:12:04.309+01:00

Whernside Fell Race BM, 12.1m/2972ftMy fell running guru and mentor Steve Moss convinced me at fairly short notice that this was a race not to be missed by enthusing about the great run-in to the finish area and all-round good course. Despite some misgivings that I was stepping up the distance a bit too quick, I decided to give a go.The weather was glorious, no need for multiple layers, or long

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-18343507827839983092009-09-25T19:08:00.002+01:002009-09-25T19:13:59.295+01:00

Not being satisfied with just the one blog, Jackie creates an entirely new one for every race she enters, and has asked me to post a link to her dedicated Nottingham Marathon blog here, so here it is...Jackie's Robin Hood Marathon Blog

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-58722169881919589512009-09-21T09:55:00.004+01:002009-09-21T10:15:42.649+01:00

Viking Chase Fell Race BM, 8m/1500ftSlowly I'm starting to get back into my running after the summer lay-off. Although still suffering from some lack of motivation, I'm gradually getting the better of it, and this week I returned to the fells following Matthew on the final round of the FRA Junior Championships.This was my second outing at this race, as I also did it in 2008, when we had glorious

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-3949039390973393112009-09-14T19:17:00.008+01:002009-09-26T18:14:26.219+01:00

Hi everybody! For anyone thinking about starting to race mm, this is the one to start you off. This year the venue was Eskdale and the weather was wall to wall sunshine in a splendid lakeland setting, with mountains galore, lots of boggy ground, heather and bracken. I had an over-night stay at the very good youth hostel, with a good evening meal laid on. Out of the window on the lawn, was the

steven mosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222565691619165099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-84854933786081961782009-09-14T18:01:00.003+01:002009-09-21T09:40:35.812+01:00

For the first time in a few years the Spenborough men manage to turn out a team for the annual Don Valley event.Looking at the entry list it was disappointing to see so few teams entered (18) and we knew it was going to be a long hard afternoon as only the top teams were there.Dave Lane got us off to a decent start coming in at around 14th (23:54).Ryan Dransfield followed on the second leg on

Michael Dransfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09854260629362586457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-87114803093873366502009-09-08T22:15:00.006+01:002009-09-21T09:42:15.839+01:00

A jolly good routeThis June me and some of my colleagues did a walk for Wateraid. The plan was to do Blencathra via the famous Sharp Edge. Sadly the weather put paid to this so when we saw this trail race from Keswick it seemed a good opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.The weather was only marginally better, but fortunately the wind wasn't quite as bad so Saturday saw me clinging to a

Garethnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-25076867350153148162009-09-08T17:12:00.004+01:002009-09-08T17:23:52.198+01:00

Good news!Last Friday I attended a club committee meeting and proposed that the road records we have been accumulating get accepted as the official club records. It was seconded by a couple of people and accepted by the committee.So next step is that I clean up the document and send it for posting on the official web site. I will continue to update the document, and hope that we can improve it

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-32292822361094908972009-09-03T08:05:00.002+01:002009-09-03T08:15:48.533+01:00

It's been a while since the last update, partly due to my procrastination, but also because I suspect we are getting somewhere nearer to having a fairly accurate set of records, and the input of new entries is drying up somewhat.However, thanks to Vic, who discovered some new results on the Askern & District RC web site, we have new records in the V50 and V55 category for Keith Williams over 10K

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-44452757227501596592009-08-27T22:08:00.004+01:002009-08-28T17:29:51.528+01:00

There was a massive turnout tonight, with 37 teams taking part , it was also a new course due to rd works , as always a fast start down the track then right on the road as the left turn past the farm house was closed ] i thought we were doing it in reverse but we did a left into a corn field which brought us out on the rutted path just before the wooded section up to this point i was running well

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-53786824335266186082009-08-24T18:28:00.004+01:002009-08-28T17:38:13.207+01:00

Hi readers good to have a report for you, this race is very tough and the weather didn't help. With lashings of rain and wind, a race of 14 miles with 6000ft ascent and navigation. Sunday started with the wait for transport and having to endure Roberts driving with him unable to see further than his speedometer and he can talk for England, still a ride is a ride As we passed through Ingleton the

steven mosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222565691619165099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-89044806108073116882009-08-22T17:41:00.006+01:002009-08-22T18:16:10.409+01:00

Darwen Gala Fell Race AS, 3.7m/930ftLike Steve Moss, I've been struggling with motivation for a couple of months. In my case, it's been mainly due to work-related issues, but the effect has been the same, I just haven't been running! I found that whenever I tried, I just didn't have the mental capacity to "override" when the training got tough, and without that, there's little point in bothering

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-76404603296392559112009-08-17T10:58:00.004+01:002009-08-22T08:24:31.244+01:00

Well, i have accidentally discovered i may be a 400m runner!Having competed in a sprint triathlon recently, i had no option but to run a 400! I came away with a time of 51.3. With no prior training for 400m, i am pretty sure that a decent time can be achieved.I then raced in the last Northern league meeting at spenborough and achieved a time of 50.9 almost 3 seconds ahead of second place!So, i

Steve Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13233251611976469654noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-81931273094382361522009-08-14T19:54:00.001+01:002009-08-22T08:23:22.436+01:00

After a phone call from James asking if I was doing the race(which I had forgotten about) and wondered if I should or should not, due to the fact I had done a track session of 5x1500 the previous night and the fact that I have an head injury. Well it was either a 10 mile run or a 6 mile race. So I found myself on the start line. This race is two laps with a hilly section between 1-2miles and 3-4

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-75939458225440007422009-08-06T20:01:00.003+01:002009-08-22T08:22:38.766+01:00

After a bit of gentle persuasion from Tim (or it may have been me persuading Tim?), decided to have a go at the 2nd Hyde Park 5K. My training seemed to have stagnated a bit so I thought this might be a bit of a test to tell me how well my recovery was going. The weather was nigh on perfect - warm, humid and still. As I arrived I met up with the ex Spen stalwart Steve Carter and we warmed up

old gimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17060878821406305511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-8201936371574932022009-08-02T18:20:00.005+01:002009-08-22T17:40:45.209+01:00

Round Hill Fell Race CM, 9m/1100ftHi folks, seems along time since I did any blogging or running, but after the poor do at the LAMM I felt a little down (most people who know me might be a little surprised) But after a good Saunders, coming third vets team with a great partner, it was time to rethink why I actually did run. I came to the conclusion (that most of you know) that I am just a pot

steven mosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222565691619165099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-25270003986246037172009-07-31T19:08:00.002+01:002009-07-31T19:31:48.327+01:00

Wednesday 29Th July 2009.I trooped off to Knavesmire to do race7/10 of the Yorkshire vets monthly GP.A half past seven start, the heavens opened, it was the most torrential down pour.As this is an off road run from the race course, through fields, tracks and paths it was muddy to say the least.Of course being around in York it is fairly flat. Even though the weather was horrid 186 runners turned

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-54090790324879205972009-07-27T16:25:00.004+01:002009-07-28T22:10:54.350+01:00

Not one for a PBAfter success at Ingleborough, my colleagues at work persuaded me to do this one. Never done it before so hey, why not?I know the course well due to early years of horses, then MTB combined with training over this area with the great Jamie Warburton. Therefore I knew what to expect. I was surprised that I was the only spen runner at the start (where were the ever present race

Garethnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-89612156031091112002009-07-19T08:18:00.017+01:002009-07-28T22:11:53.387+01:00

Then there were 4After the magnificent Spen turnout in 2008 is was a surprise that there were only 4 out this year. I wasn't feeling very fit but it's become a yearly ritual now. Weather was ideal although I was mindful of the heavy rain that we had had.I started steady and as usual tried to run as far as possible before breaking into the walk, I was amazed that I was still running at the 'Les's

Garethnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-38632014009411044582009-07-16T13:51:00.005+01:002009-07-16T14:45:42.310+01:00

I'm a real advocate of training smart, and paying close attention to what my body is telling me. but sometimes I have a lapse, and do the exact opposite. Often this short period of reckless stupidity is in response to some guilt feeling brought upon by the fact that I've missed several training sessions, and this particular stretch of madness was just a case in point.The background, was that due

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-23093121377680177822009-07-15T08:32:00.004+01:002009-07-15T08:39:23.625+01:00

Just a couple of updates, which are verifications of Graham Walsh's V50 10K and 10M records. This means if we can get verification of Graham's 20M records (which is somewhat embarrassingly the Spen 20) then apart from the 5K record which belongs to Steven Moss, Graham will have a clean sweep of the entire distances in the V50 category. So pound for pound (or year for year) it could be argued that

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-30674052789767062682009-07-13T22:30:00.004+01:002009-07-16T15:09:04.115+01:00

With Ingleborough just days away I decided to start training. I thought a race would be a good way of getting in a good session and since my colleagues at work have been dying to have a go at beating me this seemed like a good adventure (its also on my way home). I consulted the Richard Lee book of "Races where you can be sure no one will know you" (note not the recently released "When will I

Garethnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-83196696978416395602009-07-12T14:11:00.001+01:002009-07-15T08:32:28.110+01:00

This race was actually on Thursday 25Th June and the weather was hot that week and i was in two minds weather or not to do it due to the fact i had raced Tuesday night at mean wood in the Yorkshire vets race and not sleeping too well due to the hot weather , as I'm sure was the same for everyone, i just felt so tired and running was the last thing i wanted to do , a bit of sunbathing was more

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-82046449709016192912009-07-06T21:46:00.011+01:002009-09-21T09:45:48.438+01:00

It's only a month since the LAMM and I'm racing again in the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon - Kirkfell Class, this time with Anthony. I've competed in this SLMM class twice before with different partners and finished 16th in 2007 and 20th in 2008. Another good finish was a possibility particularly as Anthony is fairly fast, a good navigator and is also tall and can see over the top of

Chris Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896534076214040436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-7007454152628436862009-07-06T07:31:00.003+01:002009-07-06T20:11:34.724+01:00

Yesterday, in glorious sunny conditions at Leeds Carnegie, Spen finished a respectable joint second in the penultimate league match of the year. There was some good performances from many of the athletes who appeared. Top scorers of the day were yet again our throwers with Richard Martin & Carly Beanland scoring a hat trick of 1st "A" string wins. Richard had competed in Bournemouth only the day

John Gallagherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02423496178506727156noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-49512819719848492922009-07-05T20:02:00.003+01:002009-07-06T20:11:57.215+01:00

As an experiment today I weighed myself before and after I went for my long run. It was an 11 mile run and the temperature was probably in the low 20s. I lost 5 lbs and 10 ozs. My first thought was that this was all due to sweating in which case it equates to 4.5 pints of water if my maths is correct.I then thought that this might be a too simplistic way to look at this. I seem to remember

old gimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17060878821406305511noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-5815835132822710792009-06-30T17:42:00.004+01:002009-06-30T17:51:27.091+01:00

Has everyone stopped running for the summer or what?The last few posts have all been about the club records I've been trying to collate, surely some of you have been doing some running? What about the Reindeer Romp #2? Let's hear about it!There were at least 3 Spen members in action on 2 wheels at the weekend, tackling the various course options of the White Rose Challenge. I know some of you

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-43935674374138362482009-06-27T14:59:00.002+01:002009-06-27T15:13:29.585+01:00

Thanks once more go to John Henry for poring over the Athletics Weekly archives and both verifying and uncovering more top performances from Spen athletes past and present.Spen road records - draft 9We still need more records to be verified, so come on folks, we know you've got old news clippings, athletics weekly mags in your closets. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone! You can even send them to

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-49542278396445626932009-06-19T16:34:00.006+01:002009-06-19T16:57:42.365+01:00

Yet another update, and I'm starting to fade a bit! But here's the latest:-I've put in actual race dates, not just the year, where it's been possible. This is so we can resolve any age category disputes laterI've also added the source of where the time was verified, or in the case of the "pending" records, who supplied the informationChris Drake has provided me with results from his archive, some

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-75579388778212204092009-06-17T16:53:00.004+01:002009-06-19T16:55:01.015+01:00

Hot on the heels of draft #6, we have the next instalment.1997 Nottingham Marathon results courtesy of John Henry and Athletics Weekly means we have new mens marathon records for the Open and M40 categories, those now going to Darren Hanson and Dennis Hoey.John has quite an archive of Athletics Weekly's so we might be able to verify some more results!John - can you take a look at the last page

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-90260904306175991922009-06-17T14:11:00.003+01:002009-06-19T08:04:36.865+01:00

Whilst randomly searching the net for anything and everything, i came upon this article which might be of interest to some of you;http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/speed-age.htmlSome worthy quotes...'Weight training is crucial for mature sprinters determined to hang on to as much zip as possible, particularly after 50 when muscle mass begins to decline more steeply. Training with weights set around

Steve Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13233251611976469654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-4975997326727895912009-06-17T09:55:00.003+01:002009-06-19T08:04:55.842+01:00

Monday nights race was the Joe Percy 10k. A team of 10 Spen runners braved warm but damp conditions to do this hilly 10k. The race was run from a small cricket club in the village of Farnley Tyas. We only just managed to get the 10 runners needed to qualify for a team. At £3.00 entry fee one cannot grumble in these 'credit crunch times' I really enjoyed the run as the last few weeks have been

Antony Bradfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11090787187350447584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-2219042064999251992009-06-16T09:03:00.004+01:002009-06-19T16:55:15.190+01:00

A few changes since last time, and a status update.Chris Drake is still looking into Kath's timesFrank has a copy of draft #5 which he will analyse and compare to any results he has on recordGraham Walsh takes the M50 records by storm This begs a question...At the moment we have a number of records which are "pending verification". What I mean by that is that, I have not been able to find an

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-71841672893490572009-06-16T06:32:00.005+01:002009-06-19T16:54:15.059+01:00

The last time I ran this race was 2006 and my time was 51.25, this is a closed race which means clubs are invited to enter a team, this being a local race for us I felt we should support it and you know what I'm like (spen vests out in force) ,I actually managed to get a team of ten together of which I'm chuffed about driving across we had some torrential rain and we were all thinking what on

jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519973322298825068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-55597202865191129252009-06-12T16:35:00.000+01:002009-06-13T08:31:14.642+01:00

After last year's Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon, I vowed never to do the 'B' category ever again. We were last out of the teams who actually managed to complete the course and I was suffering from heat exhaustion. However, I found myself yet again driving up to Scotland to put myself through 45km of pain and midges and the forecast was not good with wintry showers and strong winds predicted. It

Chris Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896534076214040436noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-84017554804697514502009-06-12T13:42:00.005+01:002009-06-12T14:17:09.201+01:00

Answer: meOr at least it's easy to mistake one of us top athletes for another.During the registration process on the UK Athletics Power of 10 web site, I entered my details as requested, and it came back with:-"based on the details you have provided we think you might be one of those below."This was followed by a list of 11 athletes including Jackie, Linford and myself. What more can I say?

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-14214667967242313202009-06-11T20:18:00.002+01:002009-06-11T20:43:44.015+01:00

I thought about calling this blog "chasing the elusive sub-40 10k" but I think someone has copyrighted that one!After doing the 3 Esholt 5ks I decided to have another go at the Greenway 10k. I ran 19-30 in the last Esholt and had a further couple of weeks of good training so wondered if I could break 40 mins. A bit of a tall order but you've got to have a goal.Heavy rain was forecast but it was

old gimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17060878821406305511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-49291183049517378832009-06-11T09:52:00.006+01:002009-06-11T13:11:29.072+01:00

A very wet, miserable evening greeted us at Wakefield for the WYTFL meeting number 2.This is essentially a league for the young athletes, and the turnout from Spen this year has been poor. This is a real pity, that so many of our young athletes seem to have abandoned the very league that gave them their first taste of track competition, I'm not sure of the motives for this, it's certainly

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-4750126220191652672009-06-10T10:19:00.006+01:002009-06-11T13:09:57.580+01:00

Photos by (c) 2009 - Dave WoodheadClick the photos for a bigger picture

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-19509921200531333142009-06-09T14:49:00.002+01:002009-06-09T14:56:34.039+01:00

Last night at the track, 4 of us did 8 x 300m reps, and I was at the back on each one. I wouldn't care about that if it wasn't for the fact that I was running pretty much flat out, and that made me question why I can't generate the same amount of speed (or even close) as some others.I don't believe it's strength or fitness, but rather I'm convinced there is something inherently inefficient with

Chris Jonesnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-14912134695862790792009-06-08T07:16:00.006+01:002009-06-08T17:45:24.109+01:00

Sunday saw Skyrac host the second Northen League match on a cold and extremely windy day at Leeds Carnegie, Headingly. Despite fielding more athletes than the 1st match, Spen could not produce the same kind of results and ended up in 4th place (now 3rd overall). There were some good winners from Nick Crimmen, Richard Martin, Lewis Hamilton & Emma Rawnsley as well as good performances and

John Gallagherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02423496178506727156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202271640530599341.post-2495684319279546102009-06-07T22:24:00.005+01:002009-06-08T17:46:12.835+01:00

John Gallagherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02423496178506727156noreply@blogger.com3