wrc

Coventry Godiva Midsummer 5

(Warwickshire 5 Mile Championships)
27 June 2007

This odd race was held on a motor racing testing circuit outside Warwick.  The idea seemed to be that if it was fast enough for Jeremy Clarkson then the good runners of Warwickshire should be able to register a decent time too.

From the start the leader sprinted away leaving me in a large group of runners following far behind.  By 2 miles the group had stretched out and I was struggling to maintain about 10^th position.  The track was fairly flat but a stiff breeze helped me imagine some inclines as I contemplated the eternity of the 1 mile straight ahead.  The pace was fast and I repeatedly traded positions with a group of junior athletes who appeared to be gifted enough to overtake me at will but lazy enough to let me creep wheezing past again.  This, combined with the complete lack of scenery, made it difficult to judge my progress as we charged down the long straight.  Finally reaching the bend we were directed through a coned off section of tight loops.  Strangely, this just seemed to be designed to slow us down.  We weaved along before returning to the straight track at the 4 mile marker.

Running into the sun and feeling slightly dizzy, I was probably still on for a good time but the last mile seemed to stretch on forever as my legs tired.  My trademark weak finish allowed another V40 to lunge past me into the funnel – grrrr.  But then I looked down at my watch and saw I’d snuck a PB by 10s.

        1   0:25:10  HAZELL, Scott        Coventry Godiva Harriers        SM

        8   0:27:13  DOWNS, Rob           Wilmslow RC                       2 M40

323 finishers

Full results at http://www.coventry-godiva-harriers.org.uk/Full%20midsummer%20results%202007.htm

The track: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=warwick&ie=UTF8&ll=52.357702,-1.662583&spn=0.018714,0.039911&t=k&z=15&iwloc=addr&om=1

Rob

Daisy Nook

Injury and work commitments have meant that I have been unable to run a summer series race this season to date.

Ironically although I will be in Buxton the day of the next event : 5th July , I have a meeting in the evening in South Manchester !

So its Daisy Nook for me next : Tuesday 17th July : some people were enquiring about this last night : check out : http://www.eastcheshireharriers.co.uk.googlepages.com/

Then visit the link to photos and Black Night charge 2006.Looks nice and trailly!

Nick.

Manchester YMCA 10k

Those who can't get a place in the extortionately priced big Manchester 10k in May end up running this other major 10k in the city, which is essentially a charity event and half the price. That said, there was certainly no charity at the head of the field which was graced by some of Manchester's finest runners (including the awesome Peter Riley). The first six or so were all under 31 mins.

The race is three laps in the streets around SportCity, Manchester City's home, and starts at the neighbouring running track which is now home to Sale Harriers (complete with an impressive indoor track which my 3-year-old greatly enjoyed). The course is surprisingly undulating, while because each lap is progressively shorter in distance you soon find yourself catching the back of the field. By the third lap I was running into some serious congestion and instead of concentrating on trying to keep my pace up, I was trying not to flatten some middle aged woman holding a water bottle and ipod at the same time as also somehow having a conversation with her mate.

Apart from the congestion (why not 2 laps??) the race is on the whole well organised and this year even had a chip on the back of each person's race number. By the time I had got to the other side of the track after finishing, the results were already up! I also won £20 for getting in the top 20.

Two other Wilmslow vests were to be seen. Andy Penney sadly dropped out after 5k complaining of a cold, while Paul Nichols was just outside 40 minutes.

1. Peter Riley 29.24

16. Jim Pendrill 35.25

79. Paul Nichols 40.50

1114 finishers.

Jim

Lymm 5k - 23rd June 2007

1	00:16:10	HATCH, Mike	Sale Harriers Mcr	Senior Men
6	00:16:30	HALMAN, Michael		Senior Men
7	00:16:39	DOWNS, Rob		Male Vet 40
20	00:17:39	MORRIS, Trevor		Male Vet 45
21	00:17:42	TAYLOR, Graham		Male Vet 40
47	00:18:47	JOHNSTONE, Robert		Male Vet 40
48	00:18:50	BALE, Mark		Senior Men
49	00:18:50	EAGLE, Ray		Male Vet 50
50	00:18:51	FAIRS, Mick		Male Vet 55
60	00:19:09	COOPER, Mike		Male Vet 40
88	00:20:14	GILBERT, Geoff		Male Vet 55
99	00:20:31	BULLOUGH, Don		Male Vet 50
104	00:20:41	AYRES, Paul		Male Vet 50
106	00:20:43	SUTTON, Kate		Lady Vet 45
109	00:20:46	MENDHAM, Gavin		Male Vet 55
124	00:21:26	TRIMBLE, Gareth		Senior Men
128	00:21:34	PRICE, Sally		Senior Ladies
129	00:21:36	ASHCROFT, Ian		Male Vet 60
133	00:21:49	MADDOCK, Sally		Senior Ladies
146	00:22:06	WATSON, Peter		Male Vet 60
147	00:22:08	WHEABLE, David		Male Vet 40
155	00:22:29	POWNALL, Roy		Male Vet 55
158	00:22:31	AVES, Joanne		Senior Ladies
159	00:22:37	HINKE, Penny		Lady Vet 45
163	00:22:45	PORTEOUS, John		Male Vet 50
165	00:22:49	ASHCROFT, Owen		Senior Men
178	00:23:19	GREEN, Katy		Senior Ladies
188	00:24:02	GILBERT, Louisa		Senior Ladies
206	00:25:18	FAULKNER, Trevor		Male Vet 60

282 finishers

Full results at http://www.spectrumstriders.org.uk/races/lymm5k/2007/lymm5kresults2007.htm

5k is too short.
I start too fast,
Pace won’t last
I get caught.

I’d not run a 5k for over a year.  Partly because they fail the “longer to drive there than it takes to run it” rule but mainly because a sustained 5k sprint is just so hard.  With a downhill start and an uphill return Lymm promised to enforce the classic “out too fast, stagger back” experience but series points were needed.

In the event it turned out to be rather more of a race than a sprint with pollen playing a bigger part than the hills.  We certainly started fast enough and at 1k (2:57) I was happily leading the second group.  Mike Halman was with the leaders about 50m ahead.  I expected their lead to increase and Mike to disappear as we started to climb but by halfway, as we turned back onto the country lane, I was instead getting closer.  I could feel the hayfever in my nose but Mike was really struggling with his breathing and was just hanging on to the leaders. 

Soon I was within spitting (or rather sneezing) distance of Mike but I could also hear more runners pounding up behind me.  At 4k four guys came rushing past us both and as Mike chased them he opened the gap on me again.  We lowered our shoulders for the last 400m and managed to pull back one of the places lost. 

Staggering away from the finish area I managed to miss the real race action of the day as Group 2 provided a sprint spectacular.

Rob

Thrills, Spills and sharp inclines : Its official

NATIONAL XC CHAMPIONSHIPS 2008

There has been speculation recently that the 2008 Nationals were to be held at Alton Towers !!

Its now official !!

"The next National Cross Country Championships will be held on 23^rd February 2008 at Alton Towers in Staffordshire and promoted by Midlands Athletic Association in conjunction with the English Cross Country Association"

http://www.englishcrosscountry.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3&Itemid=10

Thanks to Ray Eagle for the research.

Plenty of time to plan ahead !

Nick

The Roaches

14^th June 2007

Only a couple of days after moaning that I couldn’t make any of the mid-week Summer Series fixtures a change of work plans left me with a chance to brave the Roaches.

Anyone outside the running community would not have believed the scene at the foot of the Roaches.  What seemed like hundreds of runners squeezed into the parking field.  Then, while wind and rain lashed around them, they joined the long shivering queue to sign up for 6 miles of full exposure to the elements.  Of course the Wilmslow runners were snug, warm and totally dry in our stylish WRC jackets.

As we ran off up the road I took the lead at what seemed like a comfortable pace.  I knew only that the course was road-fell-road-trail.  I thought that if I could get reasonably positioned and survive the fell I could push on in the second half.  I knew that it wasn’t a good idea to be in the lead as far better Wilmslow runners than me have taken a wrong turn on the Roaches in better conditions than this rain and clag.  So I was relieved to see Ian Yates from Trentham stride up as we left the road.  I knew that he’d won the series last year so surely here was a man who knew the way.  Just tuck in and follow.  Or not.  Five minutes onto the moor we looked back to see the rest of the field climbing up the hill having turned left 200m behind us.  I gnashed my teeth as I joined the back of the queue on the steep path up into the mist.

But by the top of the hill I had already cheered up.  I could just see Jim and Graham and there was the revised challenge of trying to make up the ground in between.  We ran up and over a couple of Roaches on nice stony paths.  Pushing on I caught up with Graham then Jim and Stuart appeared on the summit rocks ahead.  Down the other side the flag stone path suddenly looked rather too slippery.  I slowed down thinking that I really didn’t want to fall over up here in the freezing wind and rain.  I could see that Stuart was taking a similar approach.  But not Jim who came storming past somehow conjuring grip out of his racing flats.

Further down the path became easier and dropping out onto the road I was able to work my way past Jim and Stuart before closing down the other runners ahead.  But hang on where was Tom?  As we approached the turn off onto the limestone track I could see him far ahead, arms pumping chasing down the race leader.  Meanwhile I managed to misjudge the end of the race, tripping over a cattle grid and not seeing the finish until I was practically in the funnel.  In the process I rather weakly let a couple of fell runners sprint past.

Tom was grinning from ear to ear having won the race.  Jim, Graham and Stuart piled over the line just behind me in a classic Summer Series dash for points.  We had to agree that it had been the best race between us for a good while.  And somehow it didn’t seem so cold anymore.

I’m sure that there are lots of epic tales to follow from those who enjoyed even more time on the tops.

1	TOM	McGAFF	MV50	38.56
7	ROB	DOWNS	MV40	40.22
8	JIM	PENDRILL	SM	40.27
11	GRAHAM	TAYLOR	MV40	40.35
12	STUART	PARROTT	MV40	40.44
13	JEFFREY	CAPPER	SM	41.09
30	STEVE	DEMPSEY	MV40	43.45
36	PETER	CARNE	MV45	44.25
48	GAVIN	MENDHALL	MV50	45.44
49	DON	BULLOUGH	MV50	45.49
51	SALLY	GILLIVER	FV45	46.07
74	GEOFF	GILBERT	SM	48.54
92	KATE	SUTTON	MV40	50.58
95	IAN	ASHCROFT	MV60	51.12
104	OWEN	ASHCROFT	SM	51.47
105	SALLY	PRICE	SW	51.53
125	PENNY	HINKE	MV45	54.31
128	CLARE	RAFFERTY	FV35	54.35
140	CATRIONA	MARSHALL	FV40	55.38
143	ROY	POWNALL	MV60	56.31
156	TREVOR	FAULKNER	MV60	58.5

Full results and some great photos at: http://www.staffsmoorlands-ac.co.uk/summerseries.html

Rob

Banbury 5

12 June 2007

I’ve not managed much Summer Series action this year what with work keeping me away from midweek races and our family holidays coinciding with all the weekend fixtures (must remember to hide the WRC Newsletter in future).  As I’m in the Midlands most weeks, I’ve decided to try to crash some of their evening races, to at least manage a bit of racing. 

I didn’t know the area but the Banbury 5 sounded fairly flat and friendly and I could get there by train and bike.  Within half a mile of the railway station I was already sweating, pushing my Brompton up a 10% gradient and re-thinking the town’s PB potential.

The storms had held off leaving it hot and humid as we lined up.  This was race 5 in the East Mids GP.  For many local clubs it was a double counter for their own series and large crowds of matching vests milled around in team Wilmslow fashion. 

From the start I tagged along with the leading group but after a few hundred metres we began to bunch as they looked around checking out who was there.  Sensing an opportunity, I snuck out into a 20m lead.  I could hear some panicked muttering behind but ran on stretching the lead through the 1 mile marker in 5:13.  However, the local lads had the advantage of knowing that there was the first of several short sharp hills just round the corner, and by 2 miles they’d all run past me again as my marathon-ready legs began to reject this new tempo pace.

By now we were running along undulating country lanes.  It was a bit like Whitley but more hilly.  I settled into a more sustainable pace and resolved that nobody else was coming past.  So it continued until a sharp dip and rise at 3.5 miles when two runners burst past me including the leading lady who was really flying.  Again local knowledge would have been handy as the final 1.5 miles was almost flat and it seemed everyone started a long charge in from this point.  I chased after them and managed to regain my position and hold it on the run in to the finish.

My next Midlands race is a guest appearance at the Warwickshire 5 Mile Champs which is apparently held on a completely flat motor racing circuit.  Not quite the fun of the Staffordshire Moorlands but should be an interesting challenge for the travelling Wilmslow vest…

8 Rob Downs 28:11 1MV40

338 finishers

Full results at: http://mcs.open.ac.uk/mkac/07emgpbanburyall.htm

(Some impressive women’s results here: L35 right on my tail and L45 not far behind.)

Rob

End of season "XC Hot Pot "Photos

Please note that an album has now been uploaded with photos from the end of season XC bash.Scroll to the foot of the albums : Thanks to Don for the pictures and to Kate for loading .

Nick.

Liverpool Tunnel 10k, Sunday 3rd June

I remember walking through the tunnel before it first opened 35 years ago, so was keen to run this one – also an excuse to take the family and get a free lunch at my Dad’s afterwards.

Quite a warm day and reasonable course despite the tunnel incline. The race consisted of 1.5 miles or so round Liverpool, 1.5 miles through the tunnel, then 3 miles along the seafront with a slight tailwind to finish in New Brighton, Wirral.  Unlike the Wincle run and despite the seaside finish, there was no fish in the goody bag for this race.

9 Trevor Morris  37:18   PB

1426 finishers

A great race for the statisticians, as this was also part of a 3 city challenge with the races being run in relay and average times of all runners being calculated – Glasgow won, Liverpool second and London last.
Overall from the 3 races, I was 25th out of 3,559 and having clearly beaten me in the London Marathon, Liz McColgan ran the Glasgow race, but this time I narrowed the gap to 7 seconds.

Trevor Morris

Some memories and inspiration from the past

Tie up those laces and get out there training : Thanks to Ray Eagle for the supply of the attached fascinating piece .

http://web.mac.com/runprovidence/iWeb/runprov/Home/4B89AF2A-9FF9-4A31-8C32-2AD607CAF34A.html

Two interesting points : I dont know the meaning of the word "can't " ...wow , how good is that !

Sounds like WRC , his training group : " A great bunch with loads of camarederie !!...In modern talk converts to be prepared to have the p--s taking out of you by supposed mates !!

Enjoy the fresh air and get out there !

Nick.

Bowdon 5k

2 Mike Halman M 15:41 points 50
7 Malcolm Fowler M40 16:06 points 49
14 Jim Pendrill M 16:39 points 48
42 Graham Taylor M40 17:33 points 47
48 Steve Dempsey M40 18:00 points 46
54 Ian Smallwood M40 18:18 points 45
62 Mick Fairs M55 18:28 points 44
67 Mike Cooper M40 18:35 points 43
73 Peter Carne M45 18:48 points 42
79 Paul Nichols M 18:59 points 41
83 David Quinn M45 19:13 points 40
96 Gavin Mendham M55 19:37 points 39
102 Sean Barry M 19:42 points 38
104 Sally Gilliver F45 19:44 points 37
107 Geoff Gilbert M55 19:46 points 36
122 Kate Sutton F45 20:29 points 35
123 David Wheable M40 20:30 points 34
135 Don Bullough M50 20:50 points 33
145 Ian Ashcroft M60 21:05 points 32
151 Sally Price F 21:17 points 31
164 Rod Coombs M55 21:36 points 30
165 Owen Ashcroft M 21:38 points 29
166 Peter Watson M60 21:39 points 28
170 Jo Aves F 21:53 points 27
180 John Porteous M50 22:08 points 26
183 Roy Pownall M55 22:11 points 25
202 Simon Fenton M60 22:55 points 24
206 Louisa Gilbert F 23:11 points 23
227 Julie Lucas F40 24:18 points 22
230 Trevor Faulkner M60 24:35 points 21

I think this moves Geoff, Don and Louisa into the podium positions in the Summer Series

Bowdon 5k

The North Cheshire 5k web-site is not working, start time is 7:15 and, at the potential cost of some Summer series points, directions below.

The race headquarters (including car parking, registration, and presentation) is The Stamford Arms Pub. To get there, exit the M56 at the junction signposted M6/Altrincham/Tatton Park/Dunham Massey. Follow the A56 towards Altrincham (NOT the A56 towards Lymm). After a mile or so, you come to a church just after a sharp bend. Turn right here (St Margarets Road). Follow this road to the T-junction and turn right. The race headquarters is the Stamford Arms (parking next door at the Bowdon Rooms) which is on your left after a couple of hundred metres. The race start is around the corner, details will be provided at registration

Ian

Club Update

2012 Summer Series
Basic Rules > Please enter as " Wilmslow RC " only, every time - this saves a lot of time when filtering and collating results. And, like all Cheshire Grand Prix events, blue & gold club vests/tops must always be worn to earn points. Don

2012 Race Schedule  ( PDF version)

2012 League Tables (after race 7 of 22) > Main / Ladies / League2 / League3 / League4  27 May
 Alternatively, as PDFs : Main / Ladies / League2 / League3 / League4 

See Previous Years results.

Malcolm's Races for 2012
Thursday 12th July at 7:30pm - The Wizard 5
Sunday 29th July at 10:00am - Great Warford 10