July 2011 by Swinton Running Club

Swinton Running Club V O L U M E

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THIS MONTH 

Race Reports

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Race Advice

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Race Results

Sacramento - World Masters Athletics Championships

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Sacramento

Shifnal Half Marathon

Manchester K-Swiss 10K

Offerton 10K

Forest Park Ladies 5K

Sale Sizzler Race 2

Wizard 5

Fan Dance

Radcliffe 3 Day Challenge Bull Hill Fell Race

Summer Cross Country

Woodcocks Trail Race

Horwich 5 Mile Road Race

Club Flag

Up and Coming Races

Club Championship 2011

Central Lancs Grand Prix

Committee Minutes

Social Events

Anniversary Dinner

Race Results

Contacts

“There‟s gold in them hills” is what the locals say down in Sutter Creek. For this is the place where the California gold rush started in the 1850‟s and is also the venue for this year‟s World Masters Athletics Championships. I didn‟t manage to strike gold here in Sacramento (state capital of California), but a team silver in the 8Km cross country is far more than I expected. As we only had two M50‟s and a M45 in the race, it meant that we could enter a team in the M45 race. As they were running four age groups together (M35-M50) the field consisted of about 90 runners and was ran on quite a testing course that was once a quarry. The race start was 9.00am and by this time the temperature was already in the 80‟s, luckily there was a bit of a breeze. Not having much time to acclimatise, the main thing was getting round the course and finishing, especially as we only had three runners and it is only three to count. As we had quite a decent team, there was always a possibility of getting a medal. In the team was Alan, Martin and myself. Alan was an experienced runner who has been to many of the World and European events before and Martin, who is from Manchester, but lived in the states for 20 years was very good. This was his warm up for the Marathon, in which he ended up winning individual silver in a time of 2.40.

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I saw Martin shoot off at the start, and decided to start steady. I had trained on the course and knew that there was a twisting climb they had introduced on the 2 nd and 3rd lap. In the heat it was not a good idea to set off too fast. After a couple of miles I got on the back of a pack of runners. As all runners are required to wear their vet category on the back of the vest, it means you can identify which runners are in your race. Over the next couple of miles I managed to ease my way past each one, and with one being from Germany (who from checking the entries was one of our rivals for a medal), this was especially pleasing. An American latched onto me for the last mile, so I ended up in a sprint finish over the last 200m to hold him off. This finish also took me past a M35 runner from Mongolia (yes Mongolia?). A nation not renowned for their athletic prowess, this runner obviously didn‟t like being overtaken by a M50 and quite rightly unleashed a phenomenal spurt that would have challenged Usain Bolt. We then waited patiently for the results to come out. After about 30 mins after finishing the results were pasted to a notice board in the park. As usual there was an almighty scramble. I managed to peer from the back of the crowd, to see that in the M45 race, GB where in 2 nd place. Obviously gold was always going to go to the very strong American team being on home soil, and the bronze was taken by Germany. It didn‟t really register at first that I was in the GB team and we had won the silver medal. The positions for this event are calculated on time, i.e. the overall time of each team‟s three runners, and we had a average time of 31.41 minutes. This was enough to pip Germany by 24 secs. They then announced that the medal ceremony would be held back at the main stadium an hour later. This meant a dash across town to get there, and as we had heard of ceremonies starting earlier than schedule with people missing them, this wasn‟t going to happen to me. We got to the stadium fairly quickly, and when the time arrived duly took our place on the rostrum. It‟s a pity that “God save our Queen” wasn‟t playing, but I suppose “Star Spangled Banner” will have to do. This anthem was something that we were to get very used to over the next 10 days. So very happy to receive my first ever medal, after just missing out two and four years ago. I said the temperature was quite hot for our race, but luckily not as hot as the day before in the women‟s race, where the temperature was somewhere in the 90‟s. I had the pleasure of watching that race, which turned out to be a fantastic battle between the legendary Zola Budd and a Spanish W45 athlete. Unfortunately Zola got beat into 2 nd place, and took defeat quite well. She signed many autographs for people, and posed for photographs including one taken with Wendy. Wendy who had been working her way back to racing for this event struggled in the ferocious temperature, but did well to make a huge gap up in the field to get within 1 minute of the runner in front. Wendy was glad to finish but at least could relax now as her event was over. I had one more to do, which was the 1500m. This was run six days later and consisted of 5 semi-finals. An unprecedented eighty runners had entered, and with only the first two going through, plus the next 6 fastest, this would be a tall order to qualify for the final. Last time in Finland it would have been possible to get to the final with 4.40. I was in the last heat, and with the 3 rd and 4th heats being won in a quick time (4.28 & 4.27), I was then resigned to trying to run a seasons best instead. The weather conditions were not good when I set off to the track about three hours before my race. This was the only day in the entire fortnight that it was cold and windy. Having now acclimatised to the heat, I found myself suffering in the cold. I had set a time of 4.45 to aim for, after running 4.49 a couple of weeks before. The first two laps of my race were about on time, but the severe wind down the home straight took it out of me and by the 3 rd lap I was struggling.

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Zola Budd and Wendy

I ended up yet again in a race with an American for 5 th place in a time of 4.53. So a bit of a disappointment in the 1500m, but I‟m more than satisfied to medal in the cross country. At least now I can watch some of the other athletes competing. As I mentioned before, I had the pleasure of watching Zola Budd run. For those of you who are too young to know, she was the barefoot South African world record teenage prodigy who switched nationality and ran for Great Britain in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Who then had the infamous collision with America‟s golden girl Mary Decker. Another exOlympian competing was Willie Banks. I saw him in the triple jump, taking the lead with his last jump, only to lose with the final jump of the competition. Willie also competed in the high jump and again won silver. He was fantastic with the crowd, and many of our jumpers were eager to get his autograph and have a photo taken with him, to which he duly obliged. I thoroughly enjoyed being over in California for two weeks. The climate for July is normally about 90 Deg F and is a dry heat but can turn chilly at night. The people are very polite and helpful, despite the irritation of hearing the phrase “ Good Jaaab” every 10 seconds. I found it relatively easy on the wallet for everyday things, and there were great places to visit like San Francisco, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. The only problem I found (and so did many other competitors) is the sheer size of the place. To get from A to B proved to be very difficult despite having a free bus pass. So I ended up hiring a car for the week. Next time it is the Europeans which should be interesting, as it is a tri-nation event. This will be held on the border between Poland, Czechoslovakia and Germany, so not as far to travel and will get to see three countries next year.

Steve Doxey

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Race Reviews

Shifnal Half Marathon, Sunday 3rd July 2011 NO LONGER NAMED SHIFNAL STEEPLECHASE AS THAT NAMED USED TO SCARE PEOPLE OFF!

Hello everyone! This is my first report for Swinton Running Club am not too sure what to write but here's my take on the race. My idea was to go to from Manchester to Shifnal (Shropshire) in the same day. I set off at 08.30 for the 1 and a half hour, 90 mile journey to the race. I put the postcode in my trusty sat nav (Seve to his mates) and off I went. It was quite an easy journey, just all down the M6 and then a 20 minute drive off the Motorway. I only just got to the start in time! I took the Mike Lilley approach of just finding the start by taking a wrong turn and only just arriving for the 10.30 start. Once there, I parked my car at Idsall School as requested. It was a case of abandon the vehicle anywhere you could find a space kind of arrangement and headed off to the start line in the centre of the village. Once l arrived at the start l met with Adam and Lauren and off we went on our merry way around the course. The course was quite a lovely rural course. The start was nice around the local roads of Shifnal - it was along very quiet roads. There was quite a few hills and its was very difficult in the heat (remember the summer?)I think the hardest parts for me were the hill at mile 9 and then there was a really odd part where you went though a style randomly to one side. It was quite easy to miss as the marshals were talking. As with any race l got carried away and went off far too quickly. l was speaking with a fellow club runner - he asked me what my PB was. l told it was 1.57 and he just laughed and told me l was far too quick as he was aiming for 1.40. OOPS! I was really glad to see the finish line. Once l had finished, l saw the familiar face of Lauren sitting in the shade recovering from the event. I asked her what time she got and it was just under 1.50 which l thought was a good time till Lauren told me it was about 14 minutes off her PB. I sat and chatted with Lauren awaiting the return of Adam. l told Lauren then l had found it quite a hard course then she told me about the myth of the South Lakes and that this event was nothing in comparison. Once Adam had finished, I asked him how he felt. His answer was not for publishing! After a sit with Adam and Lauren, they set off back on the journey home. I hung around a little awaiting a sports massage from a lovely looking lady - well it was for charity after all - a fiver well spent! I set off myself on the long journey back to Manchester. I had to stop a few times at the services - once to get something to eat as there wasn't any impulse offering at the end and l do enjoy a naughty cheese burger after a hard race (e.g. Freckleton Half.) Then the 2nd time as my legs where knackered, I just needed a rest. Once l arrived back home, l had a sleep. I didn't mean to though - it was „l will just have a lie down for 20 minutes‟ which turned into three hours. I hope you like my first report. I may have rambled on too much, oh and my photos aren‟t the best either!! Cheers anyway for reading it Philip Waterhouse Full results available here SWINTON

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SHIFNAL HALF MARATHON,

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SUNDAY 3

JULY 2011

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SHIFNAL HALF MARATHON,

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Race Reviews

Manchester K-Swiss 10K, Sunday 3rd July 2011 The Manchester K-Swiss 10 K introduces itself as a “fantastic, local run for everybody around an up and coming friendly cosmopolitan city course in the shadow of one of Manchester‟s premier sporting arenas!” Really? I‟m assuming friendly was written by somebody not coming from Miles Platting, it was a tad rough back in the day, not sure how much the local area has gone up in market, I was suggesting a fire sale the other day might help?! I‟d be willing to offer in a couple cans of Essos finest but in all honesty I jest, it‟s not that bad round there.... I wasn‟t planning to run this one till a couple of days before when Horton the Hamster managed to get me a number from a friend‟s friend who‟d broken her foot, even so I was quite looking forward to it, I enjoy my 10k races. I rocked up on the day early doors in the nice sunshine armed with lots of water and a fresh selection of music I‟d stolen from the internet. Starting point was the Athletics track at Wastelands... Sorry Eastland's which is Manchester City‟s hallowed turf, I met Cara who was rather casually having a pre race read and chill out, together we made a Swinton pair and did the standard pre race thing of queuing for the loo. Walking to the start line inside the track found fellow Swintonian runners, Fiona, Paulette, Paul & Clare among others, after some standard Swinton Milling around we hit the starting line, by now the sun was really up and cooking, not great for a race especially as the announcer kept us waiting clearly abusing the position of tannoy control, did we really need to know that Doris had come up from Brighton to run today?! Did I even care? Finally with a burning neck and head the race finally got underway, quick lap of the track and then out in to the local town where the Police had kindly closed a few roads to stop us getting squashed by lorries, first lap ran down into Miles Platting along Alan Turing way, not many residents of this “up and coming” area were up , assuming most of them didn‟t get back from nicking lead and copper wiring till the early hours I figured we‟d have little chance of being shot, stabbed or mugged. The route was actually quite nice, apart from a very crowded first mile there was nothing to challenging hill wise, weaving through the local housing estates and being cheered along by a few people having a fag in the front gardens dressed in Pj‟s , the sun however was making life a little difficult, I was running with warm water in my bottle and needed a refill. As I approached the second lap it was nice to see the winners cruising past on their final 800 metres, amazing that some people are just that quick. I managed to get my refill of water and dug in for the final stretch, it was more of the same only a shortened route so I picked a couple of guys who‟d just overtaken me and settled in behind finishing as I do with a quick sprint and claiming a few extra places. Not a PB course with the starting bottlenecks but still an enjoyable course, goody bags always a plus, we hung around afterwards waiting for the remainder of the Swinton runners to come in casually watching the heat claim a couple of victims, the Ambulance crews were certainly busy. As races go I‟d certainly do this one again next year, just hope it is a little cooler.

Paul S SWINTON

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MANCHESTER K-SW ISS 10K,

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Race Reviews

Offerton 10K, Wednesday 6th July 2011 If anyone has previously run the Woodbank Parkrun or x-country, you will have experienced the delights of the Vernon Park Hill. After a week away eating, drinking and generally doing nothing, I decided that I needed to shock my body back to fitness so as this race climbs “the hill” three times, it was perfect. In spite of the hill, this is a very popular race and 178 runners lined up on the Stockport Harriers track for the start. The weather was overcast and slight drizzle was perfect. Knowing what lay ahead, I took the start very easy and managed to run the entire hill on the first lap. With hindsight, that wasn‟t a great tactic as I had nothing left and still 2 laps to go. Half way round the second lap Ben Fish of Blackburn Harriers came speeding past on his way to a finish of 32mins 21secs. (2mins clear of 2 nd place). I struggled on, half walked, ran, hobbled up the hill the second time and then gave up and just walked up for the third time to finish some 25 minutes or 152 places behind Mr Flying Fish from Blackburn. 57mins 35secs, not one my best times for 10k but I was at least pleased to get under the hour taking account of the walking. It was nice to be the best/fastest Swinton runner in the race and to win a decent running top as a spot prize. I would recommend any races organised by Stockport Harriers as they are always well organised and marshalled, the next I am doing is the Stockport 10 in December. This is part of our club championship and the goody bag is legendary.

Dave Williamson foot note – Mr Flying Fish went on to win the Rivington Jubilee 5 mile race on July 20 th however; he only beat me by 18mins this time so I‟m sure he is really worried about my improving performance! Full results available here

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Race Reviews

Forest Park Ladies 5K, Wednesday 6th July 2011 As anyone who has ever run with me at the track will know (especially if the session happens to involve my least favourite distance of 200m) I have a firmly held belief that I am build for endurance and not speed. However, regular if unspectacular appearances at parkrun have cured me of my phobia of 5kms and as my first "proper" race back after the marathon it seemed somewhat fitting that I should go from the longest distance I'd consider racing to the shortest. I wasn't anticipating a stunning performance given recent training but as they promised a fast, "mostly flat" course mainly on trails plus flowers for all finishers and with a contingent of Swinton ladies planning to attend I decided to throw my hat into the ring and give it a go. First job for the ever glamorous team Swinton was getting everyone's nails painted. Sharen brought along the obligatory red varnish and I think we got through most of us in the car park before the start. I actually made use of a slow afternoon in the office to paint mine at work (I very much hope my boss doesn't read this newsletter!) Once we were all suitably attired we had a quick group warm up jog to the start followed by a much longer session of gossiping (the best pre-race prep I know). For some reason, they gathered us close to the finish funnel and then walked us a short distance to the real start (Sarah's theory for this was that competitive runners would walk quickly focusing on getting a good start and those of us who were less serious would be more likely to have a nice chat and end up starting further back - given that we were having this nice chat on the way to the start she may have been right). Knowing that the first start was a false one we confidently placed ourselves near the front behind lots of very young and fast looking girls wearing very tiny shorts. On the walk down to the actual start we then cunningly allowed ourselves to drop down the pack so that when the gun went we were more sensibly placed. In retrospect, we may have been better staying with the long legged tiny shorted front runners as the start was exceptionally narrow with most of us forced to run across the grass for at least a short period and/or run erratic jog, sprint intervals to pass other runners. From the start, the course quickly took us into the forest. As advertised it was mostly trail and mostly flat (with one notable short but steep little hill near the end for which I berated the poor marshal who happened to be stood at the top!) There was one short section on the road past Birchwood train station which I recognised from the 10km race run by Spectrum Striders later in the year (details at http://www.spectrumstriders.org.uk/our-races/birchwood -10k if anyone can be tempted - more flowers for the ladies plus a souvenir bath towel for all finishers and usually a good Swinton turn out!) but other than that I'd have been hard pressed to say where we were (other than in a forest) for most of the race. Luckily there were km markers out so I was able to keep track of where I was up to. The slightly chaotic start meant that I got a little overexcited and ran far too quickly in the first km or so making the last 3km basically an exercise in hanging on and not being passed by too many runners (and moaning at marshals the moment I was faced with any sort of gradient). I was therefore very pleased to round a corner and finally see the finish up ahead. I made a halfhearted attempt at a sprint finish but as the last 100m were back on the grass this wasn't the easiest to achieve and I focused on simply not being beaten on the line (especially given the lady behind me had been tailing me for at least a mile without actually overtaking!) I was very pleased to finish in a not too embarrassing 24.43 - my first time back below 25 minutes post Edinburgh - and be given my flowers and some water by the obligatory small boy helping out. SWINTON

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Race Reviews

Forest Park Ladies 5K, Wednesday 6th July 2011 Catching up with the faster Swinton ladies who had already finished I was pleased to hear they'd all performed well as usual. Coming in first for Swinton and fast overcoming her aversion to the mud (we will have her running cross country by October) was Vicky in 22.02 - so close to sub 22 minutes! - followed by Emma and Sarah in 23.34 and 23.51 respectively (and apparently they went off even faster than me setting off at 6 minute miles!) The ladies behind me I was able to offer some subtle encouragement at the finish (by screaming "sprint" at them as they came past me). Next in was Sharen looking far too happy as always in 27.05 followed by our honorary Swinton runner of the night Emmaâ&#x20AC;&#x;s friend Gemma in 28.27 (I made her wear my training vest and then yelled at her at the end where she managed to win the closest sprint finish of the night - the fact that she survived and was still talking to me proves she is suitable Swinton material). Claire managed what I think was a new PB of 29.23 and finally it was great to see Gaynor finishing in 32.41 after all her recent injury trouble (although we were suspicious of what she might have been doing in the woods given the spate of murders which seem to conveniently occur whenever she is working lates!) Our all conquering Swinton teams finished a very respectable 9th and 16th (out of 20 teams) - I suspect some teams consisted entirely of the tiny shorted variety of runners which is clearly an unfair advantage. I'm planning to be back next year to see if I can do any better - it would be great to see if we could get a third ladies team out so hopefully lots of you will be joining me.

Rebecca Full race results available here

Race Reviews

Sale Sizzler 5K, Thursday 14th July 2011 Thursday 14th July saw the second race of the Sale Sizzler 5k series. It was a warm evening as 329 runners took on the fast and flat 5k course through Wythenshawe Park. I attended the race with Lisa Ottiwell, and we were both aiming to improve on our previous 5k times. The race went well for both of us, and we achieved PBâ&#x20AC;&#x;s , Lisa in 26:15 and myself in 28:51. I was really pleased as I was just over a minute quicker than the first race in the series. I was even happier to see myself further away from the bottom of the results sheet ! There were good runs from both Chris Oloughlin (19:31) and Sue Bean (27:30) in their second races of the series. Well done to Sue on her V60 3rd place. A super run also from Darren Russell, under 18 minutes again, in 17:53. I would recommend the race to anyone looking for a quick time on a fast course with the added bonus of starting and finishing on the track. It is a good race for new runners looking to gain confidence, as the race attracts people of all abilities. I particularly enjoy the friendly atmosphere and you are guaranteed a friendly few words, or a joke or two from the race organiser and starter Fechin McCormack of Sale Harriers. There are two further races in the series on the 28 th July and August 11th and I have entered both with the aim of completing the 4 races series for the first time. If any more Swintoners want to keep me company, the more the merrier!

Claire Full race results available here

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Race Reviews

Wizard 5, Thursday 14th July 2011 After being advised not to do the Radcliffe fell race (thanks Becs, def the right choice) I decided to do the Wizard 5 instead. The race was to take place on a very sunny and warm Thursday evening in the National Trust Park in Alderley Edge. Deciding to go straight from work and without the benefit of a sat nav I proceeded to completely disregard my map and directions and get lost and stuck on a never ending bypass. Eventually after a little back tracking I came across a sign saying race car park so screeching to a halt I pulled in and calmed down before collecting my number. Number collected, pinned with precision to my top and trail shoes on I then met up with Phil and Fiona. We were soon joined by Andy and Tony. When all numbers were attached we headed back to the car park for the obligatory team photo and a jog round to warm up. On the start we were advised to run as fast as possible as there were a number of styles to climb over and they can get quite congested. At the off Tony had long since disappeared and I very soon lost sight of Andy and Phil. Setting off there is a small loop that takes you back past the start line. On the second lap we headed out into the fields and over the first of 3 styles in a row. Being a little slower than most of the participants I had a couple of people in front of me but welcomed the little breaks to catch my breath before heading off down the farm paths. The route headed out to a section on the road which was slightly reminiscent of Great Warford with dull hedgerows on either side of the road but we soon turned left and back into farmland. Numerous fields, hills and woodland trails were included en route before the trail headed back the way we had came. Crossing one field I was a little concerned to hear cows mooing and thought a bright red running top and angry bovine are probably not the best of combinations but it did encourage me to pick up the pace a little. The course is undulating with a reasonable hill back to the finish line. Having overtaken a pair of south Cheshire runners on the hill who I had been tailing for a few miles, thank you very much to the guy who let me cross the style in front of him, I was determined not to let them pass on the final flat section so gave it all I could on my tired legs. Tony came in first for Swinton in 13th position overall and second in M45 category with a very impressive time of 32mins 3 secs, followed by Andy in 38,05 and Phil in 42,36. I finished in a time of 47mins 14secs which I was happy with and pleased to be racing as noted by the big smile on my face at the finish, closely followed by Fiona in 51,09 who was most disappointed to find that there were no chocolates this time for the finishers. Overall the race was enjoyable and the marshals were friendly but the best thing in my opinion was on the drive home as I reached the runway tunnels at Manchester airport just as a plane was taking off, awesome!! Full results available here

Sharen xx SWINTON

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Race Reviews

Fan Dance, Saturday 16th July 2011

The Fan Dance is the SAS endurance test and can be taken by civilians once a year. The event involves climbing Pen y Fan and then down the other side and back the same way with 16kg excluding water, in boots with survival kit a total of 22km (no water stops) within 4 hours. I thought we would take the tourist route, but this is the SAS too easy. The event took place on the 16th July 2011 and was organised by two serving members of the SAS and the weather was wet and very windy. Sixty of us, 40 serving military or ex military walking around in the pouring rain in shorts and t shirt as if it was normal. Forgot to say Jon (ant) was ill all week!!!! so he had to pass on the test. I asked at 9.00am if it was safe as visibility was below 20m, I can not repeat the response, let just say I got bullied into it. The race starts with a 1km climb 400m ascent and then a 300m descent and then up 700m to Corn Du and down 100m and then to the summit of Pen y Fan (876m). Time taken so far 1 hr, I then dropped down for approx 4 miles to the turn around point, got my ruck sac weighed and then off gain ( 1hr 45 mins), a 4 mile climb in driving rain and wind with a 100ms on hands and feet back to the top of Pen y Fan. Having been sick several times and seen regular soldiers in tears (3.15 mins gone). Feeling not well, back to Corn Du. I had a decision to take, do I the path the safe but slow way or the parallel ridge very quick but very dangerous. Ridge it is, off I go seeing double, tears rolling everywhere. Not sure if it hurt, I just wanted to make the 4 hr cut off point. Nothing else mattered the pain or my family. Ran down the 700m and crawled up the 300m, finishing in under 4hrs was possible. I had 25 mins to go and I could see the finish 1km away. I could not feel my legs or feet, down I went sick again, 50m left, relief, 17 mins left. I walked the last 50 metres and finished in 3.45 mins. I had passed the SAS endurance test. Gav the organiser then weighs you in and tells you not bad for a civvie. Only 15 people completed in the allotted 4hrs. This time I mean this never again, this was the toughest test ever. It made Coniston look very flat. This was extreme racing, where the mental and physical fatigue makes you rationally risk your life to finish in under 4 hrs. The test really did break everybody physically and mentally, even us sub 4hr boys. But in typical Ian and Jon style I had a few beers and a cigar before getting changed and a night out in Merthyr Tydfil which makes Swinton look sophisticated. I write this two days later still in pain from head to toe, the day was epic, truly epic , up there with the day I got married and the day Alfie was born. The sense of achievement indescribable. Ticked another box just finding the next mad event, any ideas????

Ian & Jon Dec & Ant http://www.fan-dance.info/index.htm

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Race Series Review

Radcliffe 3 Day Challenge 14th - 16th July 2011

BULL HILL 5.5 MILE FELL RACE - THURSDAY 14TH JULY

Thursday evening was the start of the Radcliffe three day challenge and the first race was the Bull Hill fell race in Hawkshaw, Bury. I was looking forward to the challenge of my first fell race as it is something I have always wanted to try but rather reluctant to enter as I assumed you would need to be proficient with a map and compass. Anyone who knows me well will know I get lost in my own home never mind letting me loose on the hills and moors! Anyway it was a fully marshalled course which was billed for beginners so I thought it would be a good experience to dip my toe into fell running and find out what it was all about. My drama started on the way to the actual race as I had to find my own way there and that proved to be little traumatic in itself A few wrong turns, an illegal U-turn and some abuse for Google maps not being accurate (It can‟t be me being unable to map read obviously!) I pulled up at the Wagon and Horses pub in Hawkshaw. Upon arrival I debated carrying on driving; I have never seen so many thin, wiry people whose veins were on the outside of their bodies. I kid you not, they must have weighed six stone dripping wet- these were hardened racing snakes! We had been warned that it was a bit of a walk to the start. It wasn‟t- it was an expedition which left Dave W and I wondering if we would be able to actual get round the course as we had been killed off by the walk there. Whilst warming up, Dave pointed to some far away mountain top and told me that was where we were running and if I looked carefully I could see the marshals at the top. I didn‟t believe it was possible for humans to be up that high without oxygen and assumed they had put high visibility vests on the sheep. The start of the race takes you up a road and up a very gradual incline. After running for approximately 400 meters we had no choice but to start walking as the paths are that narrow and the people in front had slowed down and were walking. This was because we had approached a stile and there was a queue to get over it. Once over this there is a stretch of downhill on decent terrain and I thought „here we go, I can make some time up now‟. How wrong I was! The road veered off to the left and we had to scramble up some ridiculous hill. At some points I was on my hands and knees grabbing tufts of grass to stop me slipping back down the hill. As we were all bunched so closely together, I seemed to become very acquainted with the backside of a lady from Bolton Harriers. I prayed she didn‟t fall backwards onto me as she would have without doubt taken me out. At the top it was back on to very rocky terrain on a very narrow path. It was here I went over on my ankle and fell quite hard. Common sense would have been to drop out as my ankle ballooned very quickly but as I couldn‟t see a marshal so I plodded on thinking SWINTON

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I will drop out a bit later on. There was another long slog of uphill on uneven ground. My ankle was taking a severe beating and if anyone from any other club who raced is reading this then I apologise for my terrible language as each time I twisted it a full volley of swearing escaped. Although I was in agony I really was enjoying the race and I decided I was going to continue and suffer the consequences at the end as it would have been a pain to make my way back down the course as the only way back would be to walk back from where I had just been . Finally I noticed we were starting to go downhill- the thought of that sounds very easy but the reality was horrendous. I couldn‟t keep my balance and I was so scared of falling I minced down the hill. If ladies (and possibly some gents-who am I to judge) can imagine wearing the highest heels and running downhill over cobbles it should give you some idea of the ground. We approached a ridge and the marshal pointed that we were to go down it. It was a sheer drop and my reaction was to scream like a girl, whilst waving my arms windmill style (not a very good running technique) all the way down whilst lunatics hurtled past me. The next couple of miles were a mix of running through long grass, steep hills (which I was notably better at running up) and more debris laden paths which would not have looked out of place in Jurassic Park. The route brought us back into a loop towards where we started and there was one more downhill to tackle and I could see the field where we finished. This was where I decided to „go for it‟ and let the momentum of the hill take me. Next thing I found myself on my bottom sliding/ falling/ squealing down the hill at an alarming pace in full view of Carol, Daniel and Megan. (I would like to add in here that Steve Hart did exactly the same i.e.; sliding / falling / squealing down the same hill!!!) I crossed the line in 1hr and 3 minutes with a feeling of great achievement but disappointed that I couldn‟t compete in the rest of the 3 day challenge. Thank you to the St Johns Ambulance who patched me up and to everyone from the club who assisted me in hobbling back to the car. Well done to all Swinton Runners who competed as nearly all of us were fell novices!!

Emma

SUMMER CROSS COUNTRY 5 MILE RACE - FRIDAY 15TH JULY

Friday evening was looking a bit grey after the fine night we‟d had for the Bull Hill Race the night before as I headed out to find the Great Seat Scout Camp for the cross country section of the challenge. As I hadn‟t done anything calling itself cross country since I left school I wasn‟t sure quite what to expect. As usual for me challenge one was finding the venue but this time even Google Maps was letting me down. Luckily I ran into Louise who was also circling the garden centre looking lost. She charmed a local gent walking his dogs and he drove up the road with us to show us the way with only minutes to spare. There were less runners than for the fell race but Swinton had a good turn out, providing 8 out of the 36 competitors (Does that mean there isn‟t much to do in Swinton on a Friday night?)

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The track consisted of four loops of a circuit, not as pretty as day one but the four loop circuit meant that you could get to know the course well and judge how hard to push yourself on the hills. We all started by circling a small field to give us a false sense of security before descending into the woods for a rollercoaster of hills and even the chance to get our feet soggy in a small stream. Without proper trail shoes I soon found myself keeping my fingers crossed that the rain wouldn‟t get heavy and turn the course into a set of mudslides but luckily for me the weather held. By loop 3 it was getting to be hard work but I realised the added advantage in running laps around the same circuit was the extra cheering from the Hart family to keep us going. Louise and I both finished second in our age categories giving us an extra reason to be pleased we found the race (though I did hear she also got lost on the way back).

Grace WOODCOCKS 5 MILE TRAIL RACE - SATURDAY 16TH JULY

Day 3 of the challenge was always going to be tough but at least it started out with a lie in for me and some idea of where the race start was. There were more runners than the previous day and this time Swinton provided 9 out of the 56 runners. Everyone can be pleased with the good turn out (apart from Sharon who unwisely offered to buy the round of tea and bacon butties afterwards). It was a rainy start to the day but the weather brightened up once we got there and by the time we reached the starting line the sun was out. The course mainly followed the same route as the Radcliffe 10k but missing out a small loop and a steep hill and some steps near the start. It felt good to know what was ahead of us and for most of the race I managed to push myself to keep pace with Sharon. After leaving the lane where the race started we headed though an area of wooded paths before joining a country road then heading uphill along a high sided lane. I remembered how much of a sun-trap this lane was from the 10k race. As it got hotter we splashed through muddy puddles to cool down (and not just cos we are big kids who enjoy getting muddy). Following this section the route heads downhill to rejoin the side of the canal and the largest section of the race then follows along the muddy canal bank. When we eventually left the canal bank and headed up onto a small lane there was only 400m to go to the finish along the side of the running track. Sharon had pulled ahead by this stage to beat me at the finish but I was still pleased with my time after 3 days of racing. Overall 25 runners completed the 3 day event, 5 from Swinton. Steve Hart, Daniel Bird and Anthony Golding won the Men‟s team prize over the 3 days, Steve Hart also won the Men‟s V50 prize too, and I won my age category so not a bad result. We finished with our own answer to a Grand Prix celebration, cooling off under the spray from a dropped can of lager- a classy end to the 3 day challenge.

Grace SWINTON

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Results available on-line for the Radcliffe 3 Day Challenge Results for Day 1 - Bull Hill Results for Day 2 - Summer Cross Country Results for Day 3 - Woodcocks Trail Race Series Results after 3 days

Winning Mens Team of the Radcliffe 3 Day Challenge, beating Rochdale Harriers by just 16 secs.

Grace and Steve both won their respective age categories SWINTON

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SUMMER CROSS COUNTRY 5 MILE RACE - FRIDAY 15TH JULY

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WOODCOCKS 5 MILE TRAIL RACE - SATURDAY 16TH JULY

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RADCLIFFE 3 DAY CHALLENGE PRE SENTATIONS - SATURDAY 16TH JULY

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Race Review

Horwich, Jubilee 5 Mile Road Race, Wednesday 20th July Lauren had entered the Horwich Jubilee race series, the first race being back on May 18 th. That night Lauren was the only Swinton runner. Race Two and the numbers had swelled with Steve Hart, David Williamson, Paul Shier and my good self joining the mix. Race three came around and was also a C.L.G.P. & club championship race. A certain Mr Shier had offered transport to the venue and a 6pm collection had been arranged. 6.05 came and still no Paul; this would not normally be a problem but Lauren doesn‟t see things that way. To her credit Lauren wasn‟t showing any signs of stress and Paul soon showed up. We sped off down the motorway scorching past flashing speed cameras (joking) and soon got to the venue. We parked up and went to register. I soon realized that Swintoners had turned out in mass as a sea of red descended upon Rivington. Swinton Club were joined with big turn outs from all the other local clubs especially A&T and Bolton. It was a great feeling having our pre race photo taken as everything came to a stop due to our great numbers (some still missed out on the photo). The race itself was delayed slightly as two horses and riders cantered past and down the fairly narrow lane we were about to race down. Thankfully they had moved from our path by the time we started although they had left behind 3 to 4 large deposits to make things even more interesting - natural hazards we call them! We set of on this two lap course all bunched up and slow moving at first but soon started to string out as we went up our first incline. From my race position at this early stage I could see Paul Shier, Steve, Rebecca, David Batty, Mike, Phil Summers, Louise, Paul Robinson and Lauren (just). Also in my sights were the blind runner and his guide. I mention the blind runner (he is amazing) as he has plagued Steve Hart and myself through many races past, so much so that in fact that we always look out for him as he runs at about our pace. In race two he got the better of us both! With the first lap over (including THAT HILL) I settled into lap two. I had gone past David Batty (who was hampered by a groin strain due to Monday‟s track session) and could see Phil Summers ahead of me with Louise ahead of him and the blind runner in front of Louise. The big hill was approaching for the second time and I caught Phil and we both started to close down on Louise. Once the big hill was done, then it was simply get to the finish. I was then on the shoulder of Louise (not literally of course) thinking she must be getting tired. Just then she looked round to see who was making the horrible gasping noises and that was it - she quickened her pace and sped away from Phil and me. Phil and I then exchange places a few times (Phil‟s Rivi pike training proving useful) but I just managed to get in front before the last section. Down the last hill and over the bridge ready for the final turn and I sprinted to the line. Damn! I could hear someone right behind me (Phil I presumed) so I was going to have to sprint for sure. SWINTON

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Race Review

Horwich, Jubilee 5 Mile Road Race, Wednesday 20th July Turning the corner I saw Louise way in front but the blind man was not far ahead. I took my chance for glory and went past him on the outside, still some way to go though and I could hear his guide telling him to sprint for the line (I wished he would shut up.) I held on JUST. I joined the many Swinton runners who had finished before me in cheering in the rest of us. Great finishes from many including our new girl Gemma who flew through the finish line. We all waited until our last runner finished and then made our way back up the fly infested road. Great runs by all on the night. First back was Darren Russell followed by Steve Doxey (just back from running in Sacramento) then Mark Birchall. We found out later that Lauren and Louise had won category prizes (wine) so well done to both. Great support from Emma, Dawn, Carl, Jess and Daniel. A record 28.5 runners turned out on the night (Ian Thomas being the 0.5 as he started but had to retire due to injury) Next up Chorley 4.4 where Rick will have his number checked by Sharen „spirit level‟ Roberts. I think we have some photographic evidence of Rick‟s number breach.

Ads Race results available here Series results to date available here

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HORWICH, JUBILEE 5 MILE ROAD RACE, WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY

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HORWICH, JUBILEE 5 MILE ROAD RACE, WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY

Many Thanks to Andrew Coates for the photographs SWINTON

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HORWICH, JUBILEE 5 MILE ROAD RACE, WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY

Many Thanks to Andrew Coates for the photographs SWINTON

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Club Flag The club flag has now been ordered , ready for us to fly at this seasons Cross Country events. So there will be no excuses now why you cannot find us.

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Up and Coming Races Wednesday 4th August Chorley 4.4 Mile Trail Race (CLGP)

Sunday 4th September Hilton Blackpool Half Marathon

Sunday 7th August Idle 10K Trail Race

Sunday 11th September Worsley Woods Trail Race

Thursday 11th August Reebok Manchester 5K Sizzler 4 of 4

Sunday 11th September Hell Runner

Sunday 14th August N.V.A.C. 10K (CLGP)

Sunday 18th September English Half Marathon - Warrington

Sunday 14th August Great Warford 10 Mile Road Race

Sunday 18th September Garstang Half Marathon

Wednesday 17th August Horwich Jubilee Series 4/4

Thursday 22nd September Ron Hill‟s 73rd Birthday 5K

Sunday 21st August Birchwood 10K Road Race

Sunday 25th September 2nd Swinton 10 Mile Road Race

Sunday 28th August Fleetwood Half Marathon

Tuesday 27h September Dawn Taylor Cown Reservoir Race

Please confirm any dates before entering, just in case of any typos

Hell Up North - Brooks Hell Runner Delamere Forest Park Sunday September 11th 10:30am Join the many runners from Swinton who are running the HellRunner as a FUN event Heaton Park - Park Run Every Saturday at 9am this 5km run is organised - free!!. All you have to do is let them know you're coming in advance. It has been suggested that it could become a Swinton regular event on the first Saturday of each month. Web page link Lucozade Sport have a van at the run every 4 to 5 weeks, giving away lots of freebies and advice.

Race Calendar Web Sites Look for all those local and not so local races on these web sites  Swinton RC Forum  Fetch  John Schofield  SoftSport SWINTON

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The wonderful Fetch does it all (running log, routes, race log, leagues, logs shoe miles, blogs, fetchmail & more!!) its a great place full of nice running types, a proper online community, its the place to see and be seen, AND its free!! King Fetch (Ian) is very good at responding to member requests about new site content and there are now a total of 13 Swinton Members using the site! Fetch (in my opinion Fetch has the Class!). Andrew

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Club Championship 2011 This was set up to try and encourage competition between club members at all levels and to be sure of a good turnouts at events in the area: seeing Swinton runners competing at events throughout the field is the best advertisement for the Club. This year will see a slight change to the championship: ď&#x201A;ˇ

For the men there are 13 events of which 9 races will score.

ď&#x201A;ˇ

For the ladies there are 14 events of which 8 races will score.

Scoring is done the same has in the Central Lancashire Grand Prix, 1 point for first, 2 points for second, 3 points for third etc. etc. etc. Prizes will be awarded for the first 3, and also in each of the vet categories. Only one prize per member. To be eligible for prizes, competitors must have taken part in the minimum number of events. The Swinton 10 Mile Road Race as been excluded this year as it was felt to be unfair on the members who had to marshal that race. If you find any mistakes in the scoring or the results please let Steve Hart know. CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 2011 CALENDAR

February 20th March 6th April 3rd May 11th July 14th July 20th August 3rd August 14th October 2nd October TBA October 22nd November 6th November 27th December 11th

Central Lancashire 5K Trotters 5 Radcliffe 10K Haigh Hall 4 Bull Hill Fell Race Horwich 5 Chorley 4.4 Trail NVAC 10K Gin Pit 5 Self Timed Run Heaton Park Cross Country 28th Sweatshop Through The Villages Race City of Salford 5.25 Ladies Run Stockport 10

Next Club Championship Race

3rd August 2011

Chorley 4.4 Mile Trail Race SWINTON

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LATEST MENS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011

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LATEST LADIES CLUB C HAMPIONSHIP 2011 SCORES

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Race Series

Central Lancashire Grand Prix Series This years Central Lancashire Grand Prix races are fast approaching, with new races and one new club. The website is http://centrallancsgrandprix.blogspot.com although a new catchier address and site are coming soon. There will be a results service around the site and each club is expected to provide race reviews of its own races at least. Other contributions will be gratefully accepted by Gary Stevens.

Date

Race

Sunday, 20th February

Central Lancashire 5K

Sunday, 6th March

The Trotters 5

Sunday, 3rd April

Radcliffe 10km

Wednesday, 11th May

Haigh Hall 4

Wednesday, 20th July

Horwich 5

Wednesday, 3rd August

Chorley 4.4 Trail

Sunday, 14th August Sunday, 25th September

NVAC 10km at Bisham 2nd Swinton 10 Mile Road Race

Sunday, 2nd October Next Grand Prix Event

Chorley 4.4 Trail Race Wednesday 3rd August 2011

U S E FU L CL GP LI N K S Central Lancashire Grand Prix Web Site Swinton Running Club Forums UK Results ( on-line entries ) SportSoft ( on-line entries )

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Committee Meetings Regular meetings are now being held on the second Wednesday of every month at the club after pack runs. Notes from the May meeting below. The minutes for June will be approved at the July meeting and appear in that months Newsletter. Remember any member may sit in the meeting.

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Social Events Pie Night - Last Wednesday of the Month Last Wednesday of every month

Pie Night Next one 31th August Special Offer’s to Members Special Discount Rate for Swinton Running Club Members To match the offer made by both Prestwich and Leigh Road Physiotherapy Clinics, our very own Shirley Duckworth-Oates has lowered her rates. Shirley Duckworth-Oates MBCA, MSTAT, MATI Bsc Hons(Healthcare);Bsc Hons (Chiro); Msc.(Psych) Doctor of Chiropractic and Teacher of the Alexander Technique Telephone 0161 773 3395 Treatment rate for Swinton Running Club members: £25 (normally £35)

Special Discount Rate for Swinton Running Club Members

The usual price per session is £35, SRC members, on production of a current English Athletics card, will only pay £25. This offer is available at both the Leigh Road and Prestwich clinics. Anyone who wants to access the service but does not yet have their card can contact Barbara who will contact the clinic on their behalf. Please check there website for more details

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Social Events

Anniversary Dinner - Saturday 22nd October

Our 35th Anniversary Dinner is being held on Saturday 22nd October, so keep those diaries clear. Full details are yet to be arranged but there will be a sit-down dinner, disco and presentations, and many other possible forms of entertainment. Pricings have yet to be confirmed, but should be between ÂŁ15/ÂŁ20, which should include at least one bottle of wine per table. Further details and tickets will be available soon. SWINTON

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Race Results Corner Full race results can now be found on both the Swinton Running Club Website and the forum If you have ran a race and cannot find the details on either site please let me know.

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Secretary Steve Doxey Treasurer Ian Thomas Membership Secretary Barbara Bayliss Social Secretary Jonathan Mellor Club Captain Steve Doxey Ladies Captain Rebecca Mills Web Site & Forums Steve Hart Swinton Running Club is proud of its friendliness and welcomes newcomers to come down and meet us for a run, to see if we meet your expectations. We meet at 7:30pm on Mondays and Wednesday at Swinton Moorside Cricket Club. The club can provide you with the opportunity to train and compete at whatever level you choose. We are affiliated with England Athletics for Road, Fell and Cross Country running. We have members from fun runners up to International level - all enjoying taking part in a sport that provides the chance for everyone to find the event that suits them best. We regularly compete in local races at all age and ability levels. Some members just come down to the club to run and don't want to enter races, but prefer to train with like minded people and enjoy the social side of being with a club.

We hope that you enjoy this occasional newsletter. If you are sick of it clogging up your in box, let me know and I will take you off the circulation list.

Steve If you have any race reports, photos, announcements or any news that would be of interest to the others members please let just know.

Lauren Website Forums

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