wrc

Club Do - photos

Don & Trevor's photos from the club do are now on the site in the Members' Area under 'Club Do 2010'.

(Go to the Member's Area and scroll to the bottom to the list of photo albums.  Any problems getting into the Member's Area contact Andy).

Valley Lodge 6

Monday December 27th.

This is your actual time to run the handicap course (i.e. finish time minus start time).

1	.	38:56		Jim Pendrill
2	.	40:38		Rob Downs		22	.	54:17		Chris Cannon
3	.	41:12		Damian Nicholls		23	.	54:51		Don Bullough
4	.	41:33		Mark Bale		24	.	55:18		Ian Ashcroft
5	.	43:51		Matt Perry		25	.	55:40		John Porteous
6	.	44:43		Nick Bishop		26	.	57:13		Steve Russell
7	.	44:46		Richard Hirons		27	.	57:20		Nicky Mowat
8	.	44:50		Tom McGaff		28	.	59:53		Angela Maziere
9	.	45:30		Pete Stock		29	.	1:00:26		Penny Hinke
10	.	46:03		James Eyre		30	.	1:00:32		Carolyn Hirons
11	.	46:09		Paul Garnett		31	.	1:00:45		Mathew Atkinson
12	.	46:29		Mike Cooper		32	.	1:01:16		Sarah Miles
13	.	47:35		Trevor Morris		33	.	1:01:20		Monique Geraghty
14	.	48:25		Andy Watts		34	.	1:01:35		Amanda  Bradbury
15	.	49:39		Chris Watts		34	.	1:02:13		Daniel Kirschem
16	.	49:40		Owen Ashcroft		36	.	1:06:36		Paul Ayres
17	.	50:49		Jarrod Homer		37	.	1:06:46		Trevor Faulkner
18	.	52:33		Andrew Dodd		38	.	1:06:56		Simon Fenton
19	.	53:03		Gavin Mendham		39	.	1:10:57		Julie Lucas
20	.	53:04		Sharon Johnstone		40	.	1:11:51		Rod Coombs
21	.	54:07		Diane Bygrave		41	.	1:15:13		Sharon Jones

Club Handicap

The overnight thaw meant water on ice, absolutely treacherous. Those who ran were brave, those who didn't sensible. Nick won for the second year running, even though he struggled on the ice. He was followed by Owen and Simon Bolton.

Jim won the category for overtaking the most runners but was pushed by Mark. They went past me in the wood and I was amazed how sure-footed they both were on the ice.

Sarah was first lady, followed by Diane and Carolyn.

23 of us can now wear the 'I beat Damian' T-shirt.

Christine had a bad fall but is ok.

1	.	57:19		Nick Bishop		23	.	1:04:14		Andy Watts
2	.	57:38		Owen Ashcroft		24	.	1:04:30		Damian Nicholls
3	.	58:08		Simon Bolton		25	.	1:04:36		John Porteous
4	.	58:38		Tom Watt		26	.	1:04:48		Tom McGaff
5	.	58:40		Pete Stock		27	.	1:05:03		Gavin Mendham
6	.	58:40		Richard Hirons		28	.	1:05:40		Sharon Johnstone
7	.	58:55		Mark Bale		29	.	1:06:53		Monique Geraghty
8	.	59:41		Jim Pendrill		30	.	1:07:05		Trevor Morris
9	.	59:42		Paul Garnett		31	.	1:07:27		Don Bullough
10	.	59:58		Chris Cannon		32	.	1:07:54		Trevor Faulkner
11	.	1:00:05		Matt Perry		33	.	1:07:58		Angela Maziere
12	.	1:00:31		Andrew Dodd		34	.	1:08:13		Penny Hinke
13	.	1:00:57		Chris Watts		34	.	1:08:13		Nicky Mowat
14	.	1:01:16		Sarah Miles		36	.	1:09:13		Steve Russell
15	.	1:01:22		Mike Cooper		37	.	1:09:40		Amanda  Bradbury
16	.	1:01:31		Rob Downs		38	.	1:13:05		Paul Ayres
17	.	1:01:42		Jarrod Homer		39	.	1:13:32		Mathew Atkinson
18	.	1:02:12		Diane Bygrave		40	.	1:14:59		Julie Lucas
19	.	1:02:16		Carolyn Hirons		41	.	1:18:20		Rod Coombs
20	.	1:02:17		James Eyre		42	.	1:21:49		Sharon Jones
21	.	1:03:21		Daniel Kirschem		43	.	1:13:32		Simon Fenton
22	.	1:04:02		Ian Ashcroft		44	.	faller		Christine Geraghty

I will calculate and post people's running time on the course. I don't have start times for Simon Bolton or Tom Watt. If you know them could you please email ian@ianashcroft.com.

Winners and Losers in 2010 - further analysis

 The strongest feature in the figures is that five (Matt, Christine, Richard, Soraya, James) of the top seven in the list were in their second^*  year with the club. For those in their third^* year, few maintained their second year progress and the majority fell back.

It does seem that, between their second and third years, most runners hit a plateau. Physically and psychologically this is a difficult time because the PBs stop coming and times start to be no better, and sometimes worse, than in the previous year. It is a key point in people's running career and produces different responses:-

• a changed training regime, re-starting the trend of faster times.
• a demoralisation that results in the runner stopping racing or even running altogether.
• an acceptance that whilst in the future there will be periods of hitting new PBs, these will be interspersed with periods when times are slower than in previous years.

My purpose here is not to frighten the stars of 2010 but prepare them mentally for the 'rite of passage' into becoming a runner for life. It is the period when, probably, they need the most support from the rest of the club.

I have everyone's data for 2006 to 2010 and their year-on-year percentage ups and downs  (I've corrected an error in the original, so for some it may differ). If you want it drop me an email.

31 runners have raced for the club throughout the 5 years. Two, Steve Smith and Katy, were running faster in 2010 than they had done at any time in the past. Two more were running as well in 2010 than they had done at any time in the period; Andy and Damian. Six were running better or as well in 2009 as any time since the start of 2006 but have faltered (temporarily?) in the last twelve months; Catriona, Don,  Gareth, Geoff, Jim and Rob Downs. That leaves 21 of us who  appear not to be maturing with age.

To my dismay I find that mine is the second worse performance in the club over the five years.

Ian

* I have not measured the time since people joined the club. I've defined a runner in his/her second year as someone who did not do three club races in 2008 and someone in their third year if they  did not complete three club races in 2007.

Christmas Cracker - Tittesworth, nr Leek

Sunday 19th December 2010

1        Malcolm Fowler        27:10

39      Simon Bolton           34:05

(252 finishers)

Full results :    http://www.ukresults.net/2010/cracker.html

Photos courtesy of Bryan Dale :    http://www.racephotos.org.uk/

In case you were wondering, the Cracker did happen although for the second year running it was changed to the rather enchanting snowy 4.5 mile circuit of Tittesworth Reservoir.  The usual route over the Roaches being deemed not fit for pantomine cows or slow moving ballerinas.  Besides, apart from the wind chill factor, there was sheet ice across the farmyard on the way up there and under the snow on the road back from Roach End.  Slippy!

However, a determined Malcolm went one better than last year to beat the hordes of Santas, reindeer, and other dubious looking characters to win by 6 secs.  Simon in his debut "race" finished a credible 39th.  But, where was everyone else ??

Don

Winners and Losers in 2010

how did your times  compare with 2009?

 

My method of working out handicap times (which has been subject to the usual criticism) is to average people's performance over the 25 or so 'club' races during the year. It is a short step therefore to comparing this year's figures with last and thereby identifying who has moved-on and who has fallen-back in 2010.

Sports psychology demands that we quickly pass over the failures and concentrate on those who have succeeded, but where's the fun in that? In any case, one of the problems of success is that it builds standards which are often unsustainable and many of those who have done less well this year had an outstanding 2009; Rob Downs, Rob Gilbert, Mark Bale, Gareth Trimble, Trevor Morris, Don Bullough. Taken a breather, then off again in 2011?

For Sally and Kate the explanation is simple, injury. It must be immensely frustrating for someone as talented as Sally to keep coming back only then to get knocked-down again. For Kate  it's a one-off and, already, she's running well again. Huma is less, I think, a matter of injury, more of life getting in the way of running and Sarah Waite has not yet quite re-found the motivation of a golden six months when every race was a PB. Cat started the year well but lost the sparkle after London. Geoff and Mike have not raced as much this year.

There are a tranche of older runners drifting downwards in the zone where you seem to have to run very fast just to stay where you are; Roy, Gavin, Jamie, Trevor, Ian and surprisingly, given the age-category prizes they pick up, Mick and Tony. In contrast, refusing to acknowledge the passing years, are Tom, Malcolm, Simon and Ray.

The analysis shows Nicky and Owen in negative territory, it is not subtle enough to identify the surge both have made since the summer. Similarly the figures don't do justice to the progress John made before his leg operation. Although Nick is in the upper reaches of the table, his percentage does not properly reflect  exponential progress made in the last two months.

Katy and Julie have edged forward this year. Injury messed-up Clare's 2009. Steve Smith's long run of success has continued through the year. James and Richard were seeing the benefit of their second year in the club, at least until Richard's injury. Steve Dempsey was able to race more often than last year.

Soraya has spent the year gracefully easing her way through the 5/6 pecking-order.  Andy's retirement saw him take on a series of 'impossible' running and cycling challenges, his improvement being something of a challenge to the other old men.  Nina found inspiration. Christine made enormous progress in the first half of the year, then lost it, partly through injury, but is now coming back. Matt spent 2009 labouring in Group 5 and then, almost overnight, discovered he was a runner of a different class.

Mathew Atkinson	-7.1		Ray Eagle	-0.1		Jamie Smith	1.8
Christine Geraghty	-6.2		Simon Fenton	-0.1		Trevor Morris	1.9
Nina Birch	-6.0		Tom McGaff	0.0		Mick Fairs	2.0
Andy Watts	-4.6		Malcolm Fowler	0.1		Gavin Mendham	2.2
Richard Hirons	-4.5		Rod Coombs	0.3		Roy Pownall	2.2
Soraya Mason	-4.2		Stephen Feber	0.4		Catriona Marshall	2.4
Steve Dempsey	-3.8		Peter Watson	0.4		Geoff Gilbert	2.9
James Eyre	-3.6		Penny Hinke	0.6		Don Bullough	3.1
Steve Smith	-3.3		Jim Pendrill	0.8		Ian Smallwood	3.1
Nick Bishop	-2.7		Nicky Mowat	0.9		Gareth  Trimble	3.5
Chris Watts	-1.8		Angela Maziere	1.4		Mark Bale	3.5
Clare Hawkes	-1.3		Trevor Faulkner	1.6		Rob Gilbert	3.7
Martin Wheeldon	-1.3		Ian Ashcroft	1.6		Mike Cooper	4.0
Peter Bannister	-1.0		James Wheeler	1.7		Rob Downs	4.1
Katy Green	-0.5		Steffi Sperring	1.7		Sarah Waite	4.1
Julie Lucas	-0.3		Steve Russell	1.7		Huma Rahman	4.5
John Porteous	-0.3		Owen Ashcroft	1.7		Kate Sutton	4.6
Damian Nicholls	-0.3		Tony Hulme	1.7		Sally Gilliver	5.3
			Sarah Miles	1.8
figures are the % by which your 2010 times have, on average, dropped (-) or increased over 2009

 

Ian

Tatton Yule Yomp 10K

Sunday 12th December 2010

1        Malcolm Fowler            37:27
20      Tony Hulme                 43:15    1st M60
58      Kate Sutton                 46:03    1st L40
166     Simon Fenton              50:59
300    Catriona Marshall         55:54

(652 finishers)

Full results :    http://www.ukresults.net/2010/tatton.html

Stockport 10

Sunday 12th December 2010

1        Matthew Clowes (Staffs)        50:34

10      Rob Downs                            57:55    1st M40/45

16      Olivia Walwyn                       59:16     1st L

101    Sharon Johnstone                  68:00     2nd L35

114    Paul Garnett                          68:34

145    Geoff Gilbert                         71:11           

152    Paul Norris                            71:34

154    Nicky Mowat                         71:44    2nd L50

223    Don Bullough                         74:52

242    Patrick Grannan                    75:50

(686 finishers)

Full results :    http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2010/stock10.htm

A good race as usual but freezing conditions meant slippery surfaces most of the way round, particularly in Woodbank Park, on pavements, and on the quiet residential roads - hence the slightly slower but still very respectable times! 

Don

Boggart Hole Clough

Results are now out at http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2010/index.php

There are some photographs at http://www.darkstarphotos.com/group11308.html

Andy

Boggart Hole Clough Round Three Manchester XC League

After all the speculation in the 48 hours leading up to the race , the all clear was given late afternoon Friday : The race was to go ahead !

Following a slow start at Heaton Park , we had an excellent turn out at Sherdley Park and an equally excellent performance from all.

To get amongst the medals both by team and individual , we could afford no slip ups in the remaining races starting with BHC .....With the league holding a presentation Hot Pot in the Holiday Inn after the final race at Clayton Vale on 12th February , we needed to repeat our Sherdley Park performance .......And the result ......Again , both men and women finish 3rd team and both win their vets events . Another race down and two to go ! Fantastic ! 

BHC is traditionally the muddiest of the courses but this time had the added element of the slippery snow and ice : with the weather at 3' it was a little milder but testing for the runners . Despite the conditions , we had an excellent turnout and the new club gazebo was there for all to enjoy .

Our ROTM , Clare Stevenson led the ladies home in 8th with Louise right behind in 13th : Stalwart Katy Green was 22nd and Captain Kate saw the team home in 28th. Two seconds separated Nicki in 33rd and Sharon in 34th with an even closer margin of one second between Janine and Christine in 51st and 52nd and Huma 59th : 111 finishers.  

Damian nursing a head ache (?) made up ground after a subdued start with Malcolm doing his best raging bull impersination with a storming last 200 yards to be our first two counters.....10th and 19th : Trafford and Salford on their own course were out in force , we needed a good packing for our next four counters .Rob 27th and Jim 31st were next in with Graham 33rd and Tom 38th completing the counters .Rob in 88th , Ian 99th , Andy 127th , Paul G 143rd , Peter 153rd , Paul N 171st ,Jon 182nd , Gavin 183rd , Ian 211th and Trevor 235th completed the placings .

Another fine effort . Well done all and thanks to Dave , Paul , Nina and George for the support : Every place counts in a team event and the cheers helped everyone on : Its appreciated .

Next race at Woodbank Park , Sunday 2nd January .

Nick.   

Boggart Hole Clough Race three

To ensure no confusion RACE TODAY IS ON : SPOKEN WITH BRENDA AT THE COURSE .

See you there ...........And we did see you there !!

With a slight thaw and less severe conditions the races went ahead : Results not yet out but well done to the by my reckoning 26 that ran . The new gazebo looked good .

Thanks as always to Paul , George , Dave and Nina for your support ......those cheers do make a difference.

Report and pictures to follow. 

Nick.

Welsh Castles Relays June 11th/12th June

I have now heard from the organiser of the above event : Its a classic : Malcolm and Clare Hawkes in previous clubs have both run it .

We will be sent entry details in the New Year and can sit down and plan etc.

http://www.lescroupiersrunningclub.org.uk/castles/

Nick.