May 2012 by Swinton Running Club

Swinton Running Club V O L U M E

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MAY INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

May Marathon Month No 2

The Cake Race

Keswick Half Marathon

Bluebell 10 Trail Race

Mobberley Runway Race

The Island Race

Horwich 5

White Peak Half

White Peak Marathon

Manchester BUPA 10K

Staveley Races

EMF 5K

Edinburgh Marathon

Edinburgh Half Marathon

Blackpool Beach 10K

Sale Sizzler Series 2012

Beginners Group

Up and Coming Races

CLGP 2012

3 Sisters 5K Trail Race Club Championships

ANOTHER GREAT MARATHON MONTH FOR SWINTON RUNNING CLUB

W H I T E P EA K MA RAT HON - 1 9 T H M AY 2 0 1 2

Congratulations to Lauren Marsden - 03:35:48 Steve Hart - 04:23:40

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Ladies Championship

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Championship

Special Offer

Social Events

Race Results

Contacts

E D I NBU RG H MA RAT H ON - 2 7 T H M AY 2 0 1 2

Congratulations to Cara Anderson - 04:16:34 Susan Bean - 05:12:57 Claire Wolfendale 05:44:30

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Race Reviews

The Cake Race - Saddleworth - Saturday 5th May 2012 Doing a quick head count at the finish I had anticipated a top-twenty finish but was pleasantly surprised to find I had finished 9th overall (and 5th Senior Male) in a time of 1:14:35s . I may even have been immortalised in print in the results section of the July edition of Fellrunner Magazine – surely a milestone in anyone’s running career?!!! The cake competition was everything I had hoped for and more with no one keeping tabs on how much cake you had actually eaten – I found by removing an item of upper body clothing each time I went to the cake stand meant my cake consumption went undetected! I may, however, have brought shame upon Swinton RC as I made three final visits, all whilst still wearing my club vest.

The Cakes – truly a joy to behold (note the small round cake in the foreground, second from right which I suspected was actually a Tesco’s Finest Carrot Cake which had been shamefully presented as home made by a fellow competitor) There was a painful reminder for all present at the race of the perils of fell running with two competitors sustaining moderate injuries with a sprained wrist, cuts, grazes and bruised egos. Ironically, one of them occurred within 20yrds of the finish line! However, both runners were fine and received a warm round of applause at the presentation afterwards where some great prizes were handed out including a large number of spot prizes to recognise the efforts of all taking part. I’ve found the atmosphere at many fell races is really friendly whilst still competitive and it makes for a great running experience which I would highly recommend. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable race which I will aim to do again next year, but next time with a home -made cake.

Dan Appleby SWINTON

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The Cake Race - Saddleworth - Saturday 5th May 2012 This was the first time I had attempted this race so what, you may ask, was my incentive for selecting it over the many other fell races available that weekend? Was it the challenge of 10 miles over the scenic Saddleworth Moors with a healthy 1700’ of climb? No, it was the cake competition which takes place afterwards where competitors are asked, sorry, I meant required, to sample the many cakes entered by their fellow runners. My usual “night-before-a-race routine” doesn’t normally include baking a cake and unfortunately, my usual supplier of baked treats (i.e. my children) could not be trusted, not to eat their products and instead save them for Daddy’s race in the morning. This left my dearest wife Carly, who (despite the Dutch courage normally seen after half a bottle of wine) did not feel up to the task of having her cake (predictably a chocolate sponge cake, slightly dry) being scrutinised by a selection of hungry runners posing as “Cake Connoisseurs”.

A Saddleworth “Alpaca” not to be confused with a So I turned up to the race registration, empty handed and feeling slightly sheepish. None the less, I entered anyway and stood on the start line, listening to the many conversations about “Lama”

how much effort everyone had put into their various cakes whilst skilfully avoiding any questions put to me about what cake I had made:

Unknown Runner 1 - “What cake have you made? Me – “Is that a Lama in that field over there?!!” The weather was perfect being sunny and pleasantly warm with a record attendance of 153 runners. The race set off along a farm track and I felt like I was almost re-enacting a scene from Black Beauty as some horses galloped alongside us when out of the corner of my eye, the animal I had previously confused for a Lama also began running alongside the competitors (later confirmed as an Alpaca – see image!) - this race had already exceeded my expectations and we hadn’t even ran 500 yards! The route took us round the Wessenden Valley area and consisted mostly of tracks and footpaths with the occasional section over rough moorland. With the weather being dry it was good underfoot meaning no bogs or marshes to fall into. Having read the route description and gleaned the Fellrunner forums for tips beforehand, I focused on the advice which said the race “finished on a long steady descent”. Distracted by the thought of cakes I took this literally and upon beginning the first significant descent, my brain chose to ignore all logic and rational thinking and told me I must be nearing the finish – I put in my finishing effort to pull away from a group of five runners only to find at the end of the descent was the ascent up the other side of the valley! Post race scrutiny of a map found I had made my error just five miles into the race – a good incentive to use either a watch or GPS system whilst running fell races!! Despite my foolish error, I managed to claw back the three places I had lost after the chasing group skipped past me up the climb and I eventually recognised the route back into the finish which the race had started on. For the second time in the race I put in my “final effort” and galloped along the track to the finish, keeping an eye out for the Alpaca seen earlier.

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Keswick Half Marathon - Sunday 6th May 2012 My Mum in all her wisdom took me for an 11 mile hike across the fells on the Saturday and then to rehydrate gave me wine! Then it was a night camping. All less than ideal preparation for a half marathon but this weekend was not about racing, it was about being outside and enjoying the Lakes. It went through my mind to not bother but Sunday morning I was up nice and early and ready to go. And I am so glad I did . As we are all aware the Greater Manchester Marathon the week before was wet and cold. Just as I arrived to collect my number the rain also arrived and I wanted to weep. After a great deal of umming and ahhing I decided not to run in a waterproof and instead sheltered along with everyone else in the rugby club house which doubled as the race headquarters and the finish. About 15 minutes before the start we made our way outside and walked the mile to the start line at Portinscale. This was a lovely opportunity to see more of Keswick and warmed me up nicely. The start was a mix of runners and spectators and without much ado we were off. Luckily the rain had stopped, just in time for the hills to start. The first couple of miles contained nothing horrific; yes it was undulating but just enough to keep it interesting. Then we came to Stair and maybe the name should have given it away. The climb reduced many to walking but in my mind I was remembering the Heaven and Hell run and had the confidence that I could climb a hill like this for 2 miles without stopping. At the top of the climb the road skirts the Newlands valley and the views were stunning and the valley felt so remote. After a downhill we crossed the beck, past a traditional horse drawn gypsy caravan tucked away (mental note to look up how much it is to stay there) and then we started to climb back up the valley side up to Little Town. The residents were out to cheer us on and it was about this time my watch ran out of battery. Fine by me as it took the pressure off running any specific time and I could just run at a comfortable pace and enjoy the views. Talking of views, we were now looking out of the Newlands valley towards Swinside hill. We ran back in the direction of Keswick with a downhill and then turned a corner (at Stair again) to find another hill, this time climbing part way up Cat Bells. This was a difficult climb and a song got stuck in my head (‘And it will stop, there’s never been a hill that lasts forever, as the contours ease, downhill comes soon after. And I’m sorry if it hurts right now’ (My words to the Levellers song ‘Far Away’.) As we neared the top of this climb there were some supporters out to encourage with the best words ever…this is the toughest climb! And then we were at the top. Above us were people walking up Cat Bells, below us stretched Derwent Water and ahead was a water station. It was perfect running conditions, nice and cool but not raining, and no wind or excessive heat. The route began to drop down into Borrowdale valley, through woodland and the end of Derwent Water. The route approached Grange and people were there to cheer us on as we crossed the bridge to the other side of the valley. Down in the river a dog was swimming and people were playing. It was a lovely scene to observe. As I turned left I knew I was homeward bound and was still feeling good. I’ve driven SWINTON

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Keswick Half Marathon - Sunday 6th May 2012 along this road (B5289) numerous times and it was such a joy to see it from another perspective. It was undulating, similar to Coniston 14 but that was just part of the fun. Past Lodore Falls Hotel and Derwent Water was back, this time on my left. People were starting to struggle at this stage but as I had taken it easy from the start I was feeling strong and had the rare experience of overtaking people. We neared Keswick again and down a slight drop then round a little loop of housing to drop down to the road to the Rugby Club (family waiting to cheer me on for the final turn) and then the finish across the rugby pitch. The finish just seemed to pop out from nowhere! And then it was over! I have not done the scenery of this course justice; words cannot describe the aching beauty found at every turn. This is now my favourite half marathon and I cannot wait to do it again next year. It is not a PB course; the hills are far too prevalent and tough for that. The atmosphere is not amazing, although this is something I loved. It was freeing just to run in that location, soaking up the scenery and being in the moment rather than rushing and the pressure to get a PB. As a Geographer I was always entertained not by ‘walls of sound’ or cheering crowds clapping but by the glaciated landscape and meanders. The organisation was brilliant and water stations were where they should be. It is cheap to enter and there are no frills. If you want a memento (a slate coaster) then it was £5 extra. A novel idea as there are many who want the cheaper entry and are happy to forego the memento (not me, I did buy one and it is an interesting keepsake with the route mapped on it). It is an annual thing for me and my family to meet ‘half way’ and camp in a nearby valley. This is now going to coincide with this run and I urge more members to join, not to race but to enjoy.

Cara Full results available here

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BLUEBELL 10 TRAIL RA CE - SUNDAY 6

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Mobberley Round the Runway Race - Thursday 10th May 2012 Thursday night saw a small number of runners from Swinton descend on Mobberley for the ‘Round the Runway’ 5.3 mile race. The race is ran over a mixture of terrain including roads, trails and bridle paths around (and under) runway 2 near to Manchester Airport. My sense of direction is pretty useless at the best of times but the minute I start descending south of Manchester it all goes horribly wrong. So wrong in fact I ended up at the departures for Terminal 2 at Manchester airport and had Jessica very excited thinking I was taking her away on a surprise holiday. When she realised it was due to my poor sense of direction and not a secret trip to Disneyland she refused to speak to me for 10 minutes. As I was approaching Mobberley I suddenly got a sense of De Ja Vu as all I could see was narrow country lanes and high hedge rows and had an awful feeling this race was going to be the same as Great Warford 10 mile road race Sharen convinced me to do a couple of years of ago which I hated and had the urge to turn my car round and leg it!. Prior to the race there had been torrential downpours and the field where the cars normally park was closed so we all had to park on grass verges which didn’t go down well with the locals!! After parking up and contributing to destroying the neighbourhood I bumped into Dave Williamson who was racing after a storming run at Manchester marathon who informed me that trail shoes would be the order of the day due to the off road sections being saturated and this information was invaluable! Mike had the job of chief babysitter (Apparently you can hire him out for babysitting duties for a packet of Eccles cakes) and was meant to be walking with Jessica to the finish line but Jessica caught sight of the playground next to the pub and decided it was too much for her to walk to the end and watch us finish. I do think Mike was secretly pleased about this so he could play on the swings as well plus he could always take refuge in the pub once the swings became too much. Waiting to go to the start I met up with Swinton’s own plane anorak Sharen and Julie Whelen. Sharen decided on a last minute jaunt to the ladies and disappeared for a good 25 minutes. She blamed it on the queue…yeah right… we know what you were doing!!!!!! We were all stood right at the back from the start line when plane geek Sharen saw an aeroplane coming into land. She started getting a bit giddy and then a lady next to her asked Sharen if she wanted to know where the plane had been. Turns out she was a pilot’s wife and had some IPhone app that could tell you all the details. Julie, Dave’s and my eyes started to glaze over as Sharen went into raptures over this and starting interrogating the woman each time a plane was coming into land. Julie and I were talking when the gun went off and suddenly realised we were moving. I panicked that I was really far back and if the off road section was as churned up as what people were making it out to be due to the bad weather conditions then I wanted to go out strong and try and get further up the field. The first mile was on narrow country lanes with a slight downhill which was quite a pleasant start and then we turned to go off road where there were oodles of mud and puddles. SWINTON

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Mobberley Round the Runway Race - Thursday 10th May 2012 It was like running in a cross country race and it made me giggle watching the men mincing round the water and mud where I was just bounding through the boggy ground. The off road section was brilliant and made me realise how much I had missed doing cross country. Back on to the road again and this had a slightly dragging uphill which seemed to sap all of my energy and I was watching the pace on my Garmin getting slower and slower. As we headed over the top of the runway we went down a very sharp descent and over a cattle grid. This took us under the runway where you lose all Garmin signal and then straight up the other side. Lauren and Sharen had warned me about this hill and Lauren said even she walked up it last year so with that in mind I started to plod and knew I would be quicker walking. (Hey if Lauren is allowed to walk then so am I!) The final part of the course was track and winding country lanes and as I had lost my Garmin signal in the tunnel and there were no mile markers I got really confused how far I had run and every time I went round the corner I was expecting to see the finish line…and it wasn’t there. We approached a stile and two very kind male runners stood to one side and let me go through before them which I thought showed lovely manners and I am sure their mothers would have been very proud of them. Finally I did see the finish and made some half-hearted attempted for a sprint to the end but a man came past me and I didn’t care at this point. After I crossed the line the man who sprinted past thanked me for pacing him round ‘as it really helped’. Grrrr!!! At the end there was some orange juice offered for some refreshment but no finisher’s memento. The race only cost £5 to enter and all proceeds went to the Alzheimer’s charity which is great and it was for a worthy cause. Everyone did really well; Julie was the first one home for Swinton, followed by me, then Dave and Sharen (who has recently been injured so it was great to see her in Swinton colours again). All of us have shiny new pb’s to show for the evening efforts (Not many 5.3 mile races) and I for one will definitely be back next year.

Emma Full results available here

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Island Race, Anglesey - Sunday 13th May 2012 I entered this race as my sister has recently moved to Bangor and I thought I could visit her and keep up the training. I was also tempted as I love this area and it was the inaugural â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Island Raceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and the temptation of running across the bridge was also there. A couple of days before my sister let me down and decided to visit Edinburgh instead (I was not impressed). This meant Jim got dragged to North Wales. Now, I do love this area and have fond memories of camping and walking in Snowdonia. I was green with envy when I heard my sister was moving to Bangor as I remembered lovely trips there. I did not realise how difficult a place it is for a race weekend!! The best hotel I could find was a Travel Lodge at the service station just outside Bangor and after a quick jaunt part way up Snowdon on the Saturday Jim and I were looking forward to a big Italian meal. Could we find one in Bangor?!!? Nope. The place is very limited for runner friendly restaurants so it was a quick meal then to Tesco for a few essentials (I was a fool and had left my bag of gels at home). The hotel ended up being in an ideal place for getting to the start in the morning. Jim dropped me off and I made my way down to the Bangor side of the Menai Suspension bridge. There was a BIG negative about the start. The toilets were far too few for the numbers and I only just got to go a minute or so before the start. This was a bit too close for comfort, although it was chip timing so not the end of the world for those still queuing. The start was across the Menai Suspension bridge then a steep downhill into Menai Bridge town and followed the coast road out to Beaumaris. This was a large part downhill and the sun was shining. The Menai strait looked glorious with the hills of Snowdonia behind. There was a water station once we got to Beaumaris but it was only in cups. I was happy to have my water bottle at that point as it was warm. We ran past the castle (a good example of a concentric design) and then up a hill out into the countryside. This race was publicised as a flat course with PB potential. I felt a bit misled when I came across a hill. It was not a hill in Keswick terms but it was not flat. The route took a little loop round the countryside (up another, steeper hill) and then back to Beaumaris (again up a slope). It was colourful running along this section as flowers lined the grass verges. Then at Beaumaris I had run out of water and had to make do with a cup. The route now took us closer to the castle and through the main street of Beaumaris (past a tearoom I once visited) and then back the way we came. This is where I started to dislike this run. The views were still amazing with the hills and the water but we were now running into the wind and I was starting to feel all the uphill's! I think my legs were just a bit weary but my hip started to hurt and I wanted to finish. I plodded on and eventually got to the town of Menai Bridge again and the organisers were kind enough to have a downhill final half mile. The finish was a very quick right turn and then into a mass of people just standing around. This was another let down as it was difficult to push past people to get to food and water. SWINTON

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Island Race, Anglesey - Sunday 13th May 2012 The memento for this run was a water bottle which was an interesting idea as you then used this to fill up with water at the end for a drink. As I was a fool I’d left all the race information in the same bag as my gels and as such I had told Jim to meet me back where he’d dropped me off at the start. Unfortunately the finish was the Anglesey side and so I started the long walk back (not that far in reality but after a half marathon it was far enough). The recommended car parks were all quite a trek from the finish so something to be cautious off. Luckily I have an amazing man who cares and as I was walking back I came across his car! No sign of him though so I headed back to the finish to try and find him. Still no sign so I went back to the car. Eventually he came back. The melee at the end meant we just couldn’t find each other. Would I do this race again? Yes. With the knowledge it is not flat as a pancake and not to go off too fast at the start (However, you might all do it next year and ask me where the hills are!).

Cara Full results available here

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Horwich 5 - Wednesday 16th May 2012 I joined the running club back in January after making the decision to hang up my Netball Kit and concentrate on training for the Manchester Marathon, assuring my other half that I would only be training twice a week and that with the club being on my doorstep I would no longer be playing late matches and returning home at daft times covered in bruises. Little did I know how popular running actually is and I am amazed at how many races take place throughout the year. The two nights a week has now turned into two nights training and the odd weekend / midweek race!! I rushed home from work and grabbed a lift up to Horwich with Julie H and Sharen. Sharen assured us that the run would be easier than the Trotters 5 and true to her word it was. The race is a two lap course and is a mixture of uphill , downhill and a bit of rock climbing thrown in !!.. The downhill sections were great as I managed to make up time from crawling up the hills. The second lap seemed easier than the first and I will put this down to the fact that the fear of the unknown was behind me or the large glass of Beetroot Juice I consumed before I left the house. I was really pleased with my time for this race and managed to knock nearly 3 minutes of my Trotters 5 time and I am looking forward to running it again in June.

Julie. Full results available here

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HORWICH 5 - WEDNESDAY 16

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HORWICH 5 - WEDNESDAY 16

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White Peak Half Marathon - Saturday 19th May 2012 DAVE AND PAUL ON TOU R, THE SEARCH FOR A BACON BUTTY (AND WHITE PEAK HAL F)

I was a little apprehensive about this race to be honest, It’s virtues had been extolled by people when they insisted you had to get in quick as it sold out quicker than JLS tickets on release day but secretly I was expecting a race full of lithe super slim hill runners with whippet training leads attached to their belts, proof once more that I have an overactive imagination! As we were also staying over in a local Hotel I had a spare place in my room so had coerced an unsuspecting Mr Dave Williamson into coming along, thus lessoning my own shame in front of said armada of whippet runners, I jest of course. I picked Dave up and surprised him by confessing I’d left all the travel details at home, luckily he had a good idea of the destination so we set off in the general direction of the peaks and hoped for the best, the drive it’s self was a rather lovely drive in the country, I’m always impressed about how close the countryside actually is to my city dwelling lifestyle and made a mental note to inflict this newfound greenery on my Girlfriend and her daughter as soon as I could. The drive took about an hour and half and we arrived at the Matlock rugby club which served as both rally point and finish line for the race, arriving with two hours before race start time we had seen on the race paperwork that there would be Bacon Butties on the sell for runners, we quickly ditched the motor and went in search of pig on a roll. Tragedy can only be the word when we discovered that somebody had codged up the order and while we could see mountains of uncooked pig there were no barms to be had! The devastation etched on both Dave and myself was culpable from 3 fields away! Consoling ourselves with brews we settled in to wait for the rest of the Swinton runners. Along with Dave and myself, also running the half were Daniel, Barbara, Carol, Adam while Steve and Lauren tackled the full Marathon. As mentioned before Matlock is the finishing line so the race employs a fleet of coaches to take you to your starting line, before a smaller staging area with toilets and the like. A second chance at going to the loo! Then walking down a narrow patch to the start line where a slightly stressed man urged us to hurry up. Once the gun went off we headed back up the path past the toilets and up onto the Peak way. I have to say this race is fantastic, the course is a lovely meandering trail and has a few climbs with a gradual gradient but when you reached the top the view was spectacular; a few times I wished I’d been there with my Camera. With there being only around 300 people in the race the group spread out quite quickly but you were never alone, I did have to nip for a wee at one point, terrifying a man as I emerged from the bushes which gave me some amusement. As I approached the water station at 5.8 miles I could see Dave who’d pulled up with a dodgy calf, earning his new moniker of 5.8 Williamson for the evening. Shortly after one big selling point of the run came up in front of me, a downhill section that went on for about a mile, it was great fun hurtling down the slopes, I have to say I enjoyed every inch of the course and scenery, especially Dave’s encouragement at mile ten when I heard over my earphones “come on your doing rubbish” Excellent reverse psychology from Coach Williamson there! As we approached the end along a canal that seemed to go on forever I managed just to sneak past Barbara who later lambasted me for being mean and overtaking old ladies in the final mile!

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White Peak Half Marathon - Saturday 19th May 2012 DAVE AND PAUL ON TOU R, THE SEARCH FOR A BACON BUTTY (AND WHITE PEAK HAL F)

Passing the finish line I picked up my reward mug and joined the rest of the Swinton team along with Rebecca whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d arrived to join us for the evening, we grabbed a brew and finally once the bread rolls had been air dropped that Bacon Butty while waiting for Steve and Lauren to arrive from the Full Marathon, both doing brilliantly. Once the race was over we headed back to our slightly strange hotel for the evening to celebrate Laurens Birthday and have a good old fashioned drink. This is a race I cannot recommend enough, not easy in any sense of the word but I enjoyed every moment of it and will be back next year to tackle this again hopefully.

Paul Shier Full results available here

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White Peak Marathon - Saturday 19th May 2012 I liked the idea of this race last year after reading Runners’ World reviews, all of which were extremely complimentary. However, by the time the entries opened, I had already committed to the Stockholm Marathon and the two events were too close together to attempt both. So, I postponed White Peak to this year and in the meantime, made it my business to gently cajole other Swintoners to join me. The date for White Peak 2012 was announced – 19th May – the day after my 40th birthday. What better way could there be to celebrate the start of a new age category than to run a marathon? So entries were sent off, rooms were booked and training began - not only for this race, but also for the Greater Manchester Marathon three weeks prior. Many of you will have heard me describe the Greater Manchester Marathon as ‘grim’. Without swearing, this is the best adjective I can think of for it; I got a PB, however I didn’t enjoy the experience and was feeling a little negative regarding the marathon distance. Thank goodness for White Peak; it has restored my passion for the great 26.2! On May 18th, Adam, Steve, Carol and I drove to Matlock where we would be staying for the weekend. The Red Lion was not quite the quaint country pub that clever camera trickery had suggested on the website, but it had beds, showers, drink and food. Oh, I must tell you more about the food…one of the meals would probably have been enough for the four of us. All of the food was delicious; however Steve’s steak pie looked like a meal to die for! The Red Lion suddenly went up in our estimations. We didn’t have a late night, but we did indulge in one or two birthday drinks before retiring. The next morning we were all down to breakfast bright and early, so we could be away promptly for registration and coaches to the start of the race. Now, the staff at The Red Lion were lovely, but didn’t believe in rushing. Even I could have prepared poached eggs quicker, and I don’t cook, even in emergencies. Well, you can imagine how jittery we were getting. Yes, all of us, not just me! Adam was sent to get all of the bags, so we didn’t waste any more time. Breakfast duly arrived and none of us did it justice; stomachs were too knotted with nerves by then. We were just on our way out when I happened to notice my footwear – Matalan’s finest pumps! A quick scamper back up to the room to retrieve trainers and finally we were off. Thank goodness I realised…this story could have had a very different ending. We arrived at Cromford Meadows where we met up with Paul, Dave, Barbara and Dan. Numbers were collected, then Steve and I headed to the marathon coach, whilst the others boarded the half-marathon coach. We were transported to the start at Thorpe where general discussion seemed to be about what to wear as the weather looked a little uncertain. No way was it ever going to compare with Manchester, so vest and shorts was the decision for me. A bit of a panic ensued at the start line as I couldn’t get a signal. I might have said the now infamous, “DO SOMETHING!!” to Steve, but thankfully the satellites behaved just in time and we were off. The race follows Tissington Trail, climbing gently up the dales to Parsley Hay and then picks up the High Peak Trail. I paced the race sensibly on purpose, so that I could make the most of the stunning scenery and it was truly worth it. The area is so peaceful and unspoilt; it was an absolute pleasure to run there. The weather stayed dry and cool, almost perfect except for some strong gusts of wind in places. En route, I chatted to several other runners – I thought it was an extremely friendly race with fabulous camaraderie. I don’t usually talk much in races, SWINTON

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White Peak Marathon - Saturday 19th May 2012 but during this one it just felt right to do so. This is not the race for you if you like big crowds, lots of runners around you, people dressed in Bananaman (or similar) outfits etc. There is some fabulous support and great marshals, but also some very quiet stretches – I loved this, but it wouldn’t suit everyone. With about 0.2 miles left to go, I could hear lots of familiar voices shouting my name and the run down to the finish was amazing. Thanks for the great support everyone! I was delighted with my time of 3:35:48, but more importantly, I had loved every minute of the race and can truly say I felt the ‘Runners’ High’. Marathon number nine completed and I was one very happy V40. Steve finished not long after and to my relief, he had also thoroughly enjoyed the race. Well done Steve! So it was back to The Red Lion (now with Rebecca, Dave and Paul joining us) for more food and drinks. After eyeing up Steve’s meal the previous night, steak pie was the order of the day for most of us. Although none of us thought we could eat any more, we managed to make room for birthday cupcakes – it’s the law! We reckoned we deserved them after 13.1/26.2 miles (or 5.8 – sorry Dave!). A superb weekend was had by all. White Peak Marathon was an amazing race that I strongly recommend. I’m still buzzing about how much I enjoyed it and I definitely plan to be back next year. Well done Matlock AC!

Lauren Full results available here

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Manchester BUPA 10K - Sunday 20th May 2012 This was the third time I’d done this 10K race. Yes, it’s expensive and yes it’s huge – about 40,000 people - but there’s something I love about being able to run with a huge crowd of other runners down the middle of the road I travel up and down on most days in heavy traffic and run past Old Trafford where I’ve spent so much of my life. Jean and John were outside the ground this year – I missed them at the time but saw them afterwards on the TV coverage! Some things are the same each year – there’s always a Swinton spectator or two offering encouragement in the middle of Chester Road just where you head back into town (thanks Mike H), the Boon Army stage are always playing the Stone Roses just as I go past and all the way round there are FC United fans singing. The race is divided into a number of coloured waves with staggered start times, in an attempt to reduce congestion. There was also a narrow funnel to get to the actual start line so that, although it took ages to get there, it was much easier to get into your stride immediately over the line (having high fived either Sir Bobby Charlton or Joe Corrigan). The day was cool, cloudy and still – what a contrast to the torrential marathon weather a few weeks earlier and the sun scorched weekend after – and although the elite sprinters in the Manchester games held afterwards on Deansgate were all complaining about the cold, it was perfect for a 10K. There was a great turn out by Swinton - 30 runners altogether. I bumped into Dawn, Julie and Kath on Portland Street before the start and saw a few other Swinton shirts in the "orange wave”, including Andy (who completely ignored me) running back down Chester Road while I was on my way out. The large numbers did necessitate running round people but the course in the main is wide, flat and fast and flanked by cheering crowds. The pavements coming up Deansgate to the finishing line by the Beetham Tower are packed giving you that extra boost for the last few hundred meters. The winning times were Haile Gebreselassie - 27:39 and Linet Massai - 31:35. I was a bit further behind with 52.10 but still very pleased with a PB. Great running from Swinton and quite a few PBS – well done to all.

Paulette Full results available here

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Manchester BUPA 10K - Sunday 20th May 2012 GREAT MANCHESTER RUN 10K - 10 YEARS This month I ran the Great Manchester 10k for the tenth consecutive year and have now completed all ten races held since the first one in 2003. Around 10000 people completed that first race and now over 40000 runners take part each year, a sign of its increased popularity. This year I completed the race in 41.16, only 5 seconds slower than last year managing to start near the front once again. I know that some people have a problem, understandably, with the expensive entry fee, but I have kept up my participation as it was the first competitive race I ran, and got me into running seriously, and led me to join a club. We all have our favourite races, and this is probably one of mine. I would recommend the race, if just for the atmosphere. It is a good one for getting used to running in large crowds, but over a more manageable distance for beginners, and caters for all abilities. Well done this year to the large number of runners flying the flag for Swinton R C, an impressive 30 in total, ranging from our much-welcomed beginners to our more seasoned runners, with some great times posted. Well done at the front by Darren Russell and Chris O'Loughlin, and thanks for Carl Price for keeping me company at the start. Great to see you running. Also thanks to my vocal supporters, Claire, her mum, and Lindsay. Here's to next year, hopefully. PS. Dave Williamson, sorry about the running vest, it had to be done, it might not happen again for another 40 years !

Paul R Full results available here

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MANCHESTER BUPA 10K - SUNDAY 20

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Staveley Race’s - Saturday 26th May 2012 Staveley is a small village located about 10 minutes’ drive from Kendal (I made a mental note to call in on the drive back to stock up on mint cake supplies) and the 26 May saw the 9 th running of the Lakelands trails races here. As with many of the Lakelands Trails series, you have a choice of full or shorter distance over a challenging route – this time either a 10km or 17km race. Both distances include the long climb out from the beautiful Staveley village following a trail high above the Kentmere valley and the final “sting in the tail” - climbing the intimidating Reston Scar before the steep descent back into Staveley village. Niki and Lisa had decided to accompany their friend Ann on the 10K race; Mel, Paulette, Phil, Fiona and myself went for the 17Km challenge (along with friends Bob and Paul). We were joined in the race by Viv who was squeezing in her second race of the day. Cheerleading was led by Dell the Dog. As Sheila the Sat Nav had previously come under heavy criticism when leading an earlier convey out of Manchester we agreed to all make our own way to the Lakes and rendezvous in Staveley village. Paulette and I (and Sheila) arrived last, having taken an interesting tour around some quiet south Lakeland lanes. By mid-morning the temperature was already climbing and the clear blue skies suggested that this would only continue. The 10km race started at 11am. Looking up from the start, Reston Scar looms high above the village and, after only 30 minutes, the first runners could be seen in the distance winding their way down the mountainside. The first male home finished in 35:33 whilst the first female finished in 39:55, astonishing times given the geography and temperature. Niki and Lisa came in in a very creditable 72 minutes. In all 186 runners completed the 10km race. With another 45 minutes to go before the 17km challenge, there was plenty of time for Niki and Lisa to scare the rest of us with tales of the sting in the tail and the relentless climb at the start of the race. I made the conscious decision, therefore, to take it easy at the start to ensure I had something left for those hills. The challenge starts on tarmacked roads though the village but quickly hits a trail that starts a relentless climb out of the Kentmere valley. I managed to keep the pace going but the protests from my legs suggested that this wasn’t going to be one of my better days. After about 6km of climbing, the trail descended steeply into an ancient forest, crossing the Kentmere river before starting to climb out of the valley again. This time the trail climbed steeply and became very rocky underfoot. With the temperature climbing I started to struggle. Running gave way to quick walking which gave way to slow walking. At the water station I stopped to enjoy fully the Kendal mint cake, the isotonic drinks on offer and more Kendal mint cake. High over the valley, the path became grassier and less steep, the magical powers of the mint cake kicked in and I persuaded my legs to pick up the pace again. For the next 5km the trail passed through some stunning moorland scenery, rising and falling continuously, crossing streams that provided some welcome cooling before the dreaded “sting in the tail” started to appear in the distance. The approach is stunning – open fell with only a few posts marking the route as you bound across deep grass. But then the trail starts to rise, gently at first but then with increasing severity until, near the top, only the presence of a cameraman and, bizarrely, a man with a large bell, ensured that I continued to run.

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Staveley Race’s - Saturday 26th May 2012 Gasping for air, I passed over the summit and started the steep descent into Staveley, the sound of finish line music in the distance. After another 10 minutes I was at the edge of the village and, shortly after the finish line was in sight. As I turned into the green it was fantastic to see the Swinton support crew lined up to cheer us all in. In the end the course stretched out to 17.6km and the hot temperatures affected all our times. This is a well organised race over a beautiful and challenging course. The field for the Challenge is limited to 400 (331 finished the race on the day we did it) so it never feels too crowded. There were two well stocked drinks stations along the route and, at the end, as much Kendal mint cake as you could eat (which, it turns out, is quite a lot). We stayed overnight and headed back to Manchester the following day. At the turn off to Kendal, however, suffering from sugar overload and reduced tooth enamel, I focussed on the road ahead and just kept going.

Andy Land Full results available here

Phil reaches the summit “the sting in the tail”

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Edinburgh Marathon Festival 5K - Saturday 26th May 2012 It was an early start on the Saturday of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival weekend. I was up with a group of colleagues to run and raise money for our link school in Zambia. We met at 8am to make our way down to the start for the 10k. Even at that time the sun was blazing and it was warm enough to be out without a jumper on. As we neared Dynamic Earth our excitement was building. We made our way to the start of the 10k and I enjoyed the opportunity to spectate and cheer on my friends as they ran past. There was a big field running in the 10k and that accounts for the 2 hour gap between the 9am start for the 10k and 11am start for the 5k. As the runners came in to finish we were enjoying basking in the sun. Then it was time for the 5k runners to get ready. 15 minutes to go and one of our colleagues hadn’t arrived yet! I had a quick dash around to the Scottish Parliament to find him and bring him round to the start, then pushing past everyone to get to our colour of start. Luckily the 5k field is not as big as the 10k one. This year the route took us clockwise around Arthurs Seat. We set off at a good pace along the flat and then the climb starts. It is basically 2k uphill then 2k downhill! As we made our way up the slope I started to regret my decision to enter this run prior to the marathon. My friend stopped to walk and I kept plodding on, knowing that the hill couldn’t last much longer (I had my new hill song in my head – see Keswick run). On the right were views to the top of Arthurs Seat and to the left the views look over to the Pentland Hills. The road takes the runners round a long bend and for their efforts runners are rewarded with beautiful views over Edinburgh itself. This makes the run worth the pain, especially in the glorious sunshine. By the time I reached the highest point it was incredibly hot and I was dreaming about water. Knowing it was only 2.5k downhill and flat to the end didn’t help; it seemed too long to go! There is not a lot of crowd support around the middle part of this route but down the hill people start to appear again, just in time to help give that final push! My Mum was there camera at the ready but all I was concerned about was finishing and getting some water. ‘How was I going to manage a marathon the next day?’ passed through my mind more than once. As I approached the final corner I heard my friends cheer me on then it was only a short sprint up to the finish. The runners were directed to the path up Dynamic Earth to collect our medal, t-shirt and that much needed water. This course is still one of the toughest 5ks I have done and the weather made it much more difficult this year. I will still be entering next year though as the feeling of remoteness and countryside and then the views, all a short walk from the centre of Edinburgh make this a great start to the Edinburgh Marathon Festival weekend

Cara Full results available here

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Edinburgh Marathon - Sunday 27th May 2012 Hot hot hot hot hot hot hot hot hot hot hot hot hot hot hot hot hot hot . Do I need to say anymore?! We’d had a brilliant weekend. A lovely day on the Saturday, relaxing in the sun (the pain of the 5k had been forgotten) and finishing with a fabulous meal at my favourite Italian ‘Centotre’. Then back to the hotel for an earlyish night and a discussion about the run with two friends, Ross and Stefan. I started to remember last year and went to bed remembering I had quite a task to do. The nerves had definitely arrived (mainly because Ross and Stefan are ultra-competitive and had been telling me for weeks we were going to do it under 4 hours and Stefan particularly saying the race was on, despite him having an Achilles tendon problem!) The Sunday morning was hot. We were a merry group walking along to the start. My colleagues who ran on the Saturday were fairly smug and relaxed but were good enough to come along and cheer us off on our way. Half of the marathon runners went to the Regents Road start (Ailsa, Alison and Martin) while Stefan, Ross and I went to the London Road start. I really needed the toilet but the queues were massive. The loud speaker then announced there were public toilets just past the start with bare queues (took me a while to remember bare actually means ‘not much’ instead of ‘a lot’ like in Manchester land) so we trotted on to them and they were spotless and empty. A good sign. We made it back to the start just in time and I deliberately started away from Stefan and Ross. I wanted to run at my own pace and not feel under pressure to go at theirs (as had been the case on some training runs). It was a good start but I missed the bagpipes from the previous year. The start was fast and I was down at Holyrood Park in no time. We did a small loop around a roundabout and on my way I saw Ross and Stefan about 300 m behind me. I kept on at my pace but fully expected them to overtake me soon. Just before the first water station I saw my friends Lynsey and Colin out to support me. All I could say was ‘it’s so hot!’ This was only at mile 3. The next three miles seemed to fly by and at the 10k point I was on track for an okay time. At every water station I drank the entire bottle (only 330ml) and immediately felt like I could drink more. I also had my first gel earlier than I normally would. The route along the coast was amazing. It was quite magical the way the sun hit the haar (sea mist) and runners appeared to run into it and then disappear. I was a little bit disappointed to see that Fife across the river was hidden but towards the end I was rewarded with the summits of East and West Lomond Hills being revealed (my old stomping ground). The heat was getting more and more intense and there was no shade whatsoever. The children lining the streets with water guns were having a ball hitting runners as they past and they were little godsends! Similarly the residents with garden hoses and sprinklers were much appreciated. At about mile 9 I realised that my inner thighs had been chaffed to bits so passing a first aider I grabbed some Vaseline and was very unladylike as I smeared it all over my legs! It was annoying as the same shorts were perfect at Barcelona but failed me here. At the half marathon point I was on track for under 4 hours but I couldn’t care less anymore about my time. I managed to keep running until mile 16. All the way up to this point I was hoping there would be some shade but it never materialised. When running out along the road I thought the hedges and trees would provide some relief from the sun but no such luck. At the water station at mile 16 I just wanted to enjoy drinking the water. Then I plodded on again. I was still expecting to be overtaken and had assumed I’d missed the guys passing me so I gave up. Just before the gate into the grounds of Gosford House I spotted Ailsa and Alison. They were looking strong and it lifted my spirits to see them. I then

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Edinburgh Marathon - Sunday 27th May 2012 started preparing myself for when they overtook me! When I turned into the grounds of the country house there was another water station so I walked again. My hip and knee started to hurt a bit and burnt (and Jim to get grumpy!). so I stopped to stretch. The loop around the grounds was lovely and the Macmillan supporters were brilliant. In fact they were brilliant all the way round. At each water station I then started to walk, drink my water and then try and run again. I started to think the pain in my left leg was not in my head and was actually sore. The heat was also unbearable and I felt like my skin was going to start melting away! I was in a dark place. Then at mile 20 I spotted Stefan. He was going in the other direction and walking. I ran up to him and gave him a big hug, only just stopping myself from crying. I asked how he was as his leg was strapped up. He was not doing well and had walked from the first aid tent at about 12 miles. Ross was somewhere ahead of him. Claire went flying past at that point as well saying hello. Stopping and chatting (and getting some encouragement) motivated me to keep going. I managed to do this for about a mile then it was time for another rest. Normally I feel okay at this stage because in my mind I’m thinking it’s only 10k left, that’s easy! At the 23 mile point I normally pick up the pace and think of it as only 5k, I do this most Saturday mornings. Not today though. I stopped to walk and stretch. Then run a bit. Then stop. It was too hot, too sore and I was sulking. Then something in my brain gave me a kick up the backside and told me to get a move on. I managed to run the rest and nearing the end the crowds got more vocal so that gave me an extra lift. It was a bit soul destroying running past last year’s finish point and not seeing this year’s finish in sight. I picked up the pace; it’s got to be here somewhere! Then there was a turn, yes it’s here. No it’s not. Where is it?!!?!!?!!? Then a final turn and there it was. The finish far surpassed last year. There was no pushing and fighting to get past broken runners. There was plenty of space to make our way to collect medals and t-shirts. Outside the runners only area there was plenty going on and it was all spread out. I made my way to the agreed meeting point (A for Anderson, A for Amazing, A for Aargh!!!). Once reunited with Mum and Jim I finally had a chance to refuel and we waited for the others to arrive. Jim often comments that runners are good at milling around. Unfortunately he had plenty of this to do as we waited for the others to finish. Ross came in at a respectable 4hours 50mins (brilliant considering he’d been off work with tonsillitis only a couple of weeks before) and Stefan limped home in 6hours 10mins. This gave me plenty of time to get roasted and burnt (and Jim to get grumpy!). In summary, the changes to Edinburgh Marathon since last year were great and really helped at the end of the race. The atmosphere along the route was amazing and without the public watering us it would have been much more difficult. The organisers cannot be blamed for the ridiculous heat, seriously – that heat in Scotland in May!!!!!!! Not fair. And Becky, I take it all back. I would rather have rain and cold than that level of sun and heat. I would rather have Manchester conditions again. You were right!

Cara Full results available here SWINTON

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Edinburgh Marathon - Sunday 27th May 2012 HOW HAD YOUR MARATHON TRAINING GONE?

I followed a beginners training plan with the longest run being 20 miles. Everything went fine until the final 3 weeks when I picked up an injury. I spoke to my physio who provided advice and treatment. She told me to take it easy and reduce my training. Initially this worried me but friends reassured me I'd be ok as I had completed all the long training runs. I had struggled a little getting the hydration part right and working out if I was drinking enough and would suffer sometimes with headaches. Overall training went well, I ran four times a week, twice with the club, ran home from work every Friday and did a long run on a Sunday. I enjoyed the training more when I was with friends especially when the training got tougher! HOW DID YOU FEEL BEFORE THE RACE?

I was scared, I was worried about everything, had to force my breakfast down, but once I was on the start I calmed down and took in the atmosphere. HOW DID YOU FEEL AT THE END?

Tired but I didn't care, I had made it to the finish and got my medal, couldn't stop smiling! WHAT WAS THE WORST MOMENT OF THE RACE?

When I had to walk around 23/24 mile mark due to pain in my hip, I felt fine otherwise and had got my hydration and gel intake right on a hot day. Also I didn't like seeing people struggling at the road roadside due to the heat. WHAT WAS THE BEST MOMENT OF THE RACE?

The support from the crowds, shouting Wolfie and hi-fiving me was great but it was extra special seeing Paul at mile 10, then again when I was struggling at mile 23/24. He walked along with me and encouraged me to carry on again by running with me! Seeing fellow runners Zoe, Gail and Cara gave me a lift too, unfortunately I didn't see Sue Bean but Paul told me he had and that she was ok.. WHAT'S THE FUNNIEST/ODDEST/MOST INTERESTING THING YOU REMEMBER FROM THE RACE?

I saw a runner wearing a giant teddy bear suit at the start, couldn't believe it as it was boiling, don't think he beat me though! WOULD YOU RUN ANOTHER MARATHON?

Yes! I have entered the London Ballot, so fingers crossed. WHAT, IF ANYTHING, WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY NEXT TIME?

Get my insoles sorted and find some better socks!

Wolfie Full results available here

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Edinburgh Half Marathon - Sunday 27th May 2012 After completing the White Peak Half a week earlier I was in high hopes for a good time on the 2012 Edinburgh Half, this was a course I’d run before and knew it wasn’t too challenging beyond the actual fact of it being 13 odd miles long, I was eager to get back under two hours. Mike and myself had travelled up the day before, well, I drove while mike slept, amusing me by waking himself up snoring a couple of times, after an easy drive we dropped the car at a friend’s house then caught a bus from the local prison bus stop into town, checking in to the hotel we stayed in last year we lucked out with a nice room in the basement looking up on street level. As the weather was gorgeously sunny it was a nice drive up but the downside was that Edinburgh was heaving, last year the weather was pretty grim so most runners hid in their hotel rooms, this year it appeared the world and his wife had come to run and thus eat pasta the night before, several Italian eateries confirmed they were fully booked before we managed to grab a cancellation slot as long as we agreed to be fed and out for half eight. Happily fed and after bumping into Cara who was in the same restaurant we headed back to our hotel to relax the rest of the evening away and for me to get sorted for the race. The Half race starts at eight am on a Sunday morning, so the alarm kindly dragged me from my sleep about half six to get sorted, kitted up and with porridge to warm me along we made our way to the start line, Mike being injured had decided not to run his Marathon and save it for another day was on watcher duty, armed with his bus pass he headed off to near the finish line while I joined the rest of the gold wave to get ready for the start. I took my place alongside three mere slips of girls decked out in Glasgow Uni colours and got ready for the gun a quick check of the sky showing a cool overcast, not the flamethrower weather of the day before, few seconds more and we were off. With so many runners I tend to find getting a right pace hard at the start of big races, the first mile or so is down and out away from the city centre, I spend a lot of this time weaving around people and vice versa but then the crowds thin out a little and things become easier, I put myself quite happily in a rough nine minute mile pace and took in the local scenery, it’s a nice race with people lined up all along the route cheering you along, at the first water stop at 3 miles I had to have an emergency loo break which was a bit of a bugger, I lost a good 5 minutes there with the queue and all. Once past the first water stop the course winds around the outskirts of Edinburgh and along the coastal path to Musselburgh, which according to its sign is “The Honest Toun” slightly ironic for a town with a racecourse in it but that might just be me! By this time the sky had well and truly cleared and the sun was out in force again, normally I’d be all for a bit of sun but not when I’m running! As I came around the bend that brought you onto the racecourse and usually where you can at least see the finish I was starting to flag, especially as the buggers had moved the finish this year and I couldn’t see it, spotting mike on the side cheering me on gave me a boost, it’s always nice to have people with you when you’re away running races, for the final few miles the run for me was just a steady pace while keeping myself hydrated, the heat was getting to a few people and allot of folk had started to walk, some had pulled up and were being assisted by the medics dotted around the course,

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Edinburgh Half Marathon - Sunday 27th May 2012 Finally reaching the end of the course I found enough energy to pick up the pace for the last couple of hundred feet, I was disappointed to have gone over my two hour target but still happy to have finished in a reasonable time, with the sun being well and truly out now I spared a thought for my Friends running the Marathon who would have only just set off. Rather them than me in the nicest possible terms of course!

Paul Shier Full results available here

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Blackpool Beach 10K - Sunday 27th May 2012 Oh I do like to be beside the seaside….. Yes if it is on some exotic beach in a beautiful country and not some god forsaken hovel that is Blackpool. Even the scorching temperature didn’t brighten up this dreary town with its dazzling array of tat that it has to offer! As you can sense from my tone this is not going to make for a happy race report as Blackpool is my least favourite place, it stinks, it is tacky and the whole place is stuck in a time warp from about 1950. Factor in 85 degrees heat and I am in for one treat of a race!! Why did I choose this? For the challenge factor of racing on sand! I set off to Blackpool on my own as no one else was doing this race that I knew of and I had no support crew in tow either so I left the house 3 hours early (you did not read that wrong) to navigate myself to the Solaris Centre at the posh end of Blackpool- who am I kidding, there isn’t a posh end but it was before the illuminations and they have redone the beach promenade and added a glitter ball feature so in terms of Blackpool it was posh. After paying for my place and putting my bags into the baggage area (Manchester Marathon take notethis was a highly organised affair) I decided to have a wander on to the beach front to have a recce of the sand and try and get a warm up going. Walking down a ramp leading on to the beach I tried to jump across a pool of water but ended up slipping and soaking my right foot in scummy sea water. You just know when it is not your day. Anyhow, down on the beach and the sand was really compact and it was good going under foot and an added bonus it was shaded. I seemed to be struggling on the warm up as I couldn’t pick my pace up despite trying to so I decided I would do my warm up on the promenade but I felt pretty confident for the race. Back up on the top and the sun was blazing down and I was finding it difficult to breath. Again during my warm up I was really struggling with 9 minute miles but put it down to the nerves and I would be fine for the race. I went in search of some shade to do some stretching and observe the runners to see if I could see anyone I knew. I didn’t see anyone although I was amazed to see a couple of male runners wearing sweatshirts, a man wearing plimsolls and several ladies clearly not wearing sports bras. I did notice a lack of club tops and quite a few charity vests but what got me was watching how many runners were sun- bathing before the start!!! With about 10 minutes to go I wondered over towards the start line and was suddenly covered in lady birds. You see one lady bird and you think of Beatrix Potter and all things nice but when there is a swarm of them it freaks me out and makes me think I will get eaten alive. Before the race started we were briefed by the race marshals who said that the course was an out and back route from the glitter ball, down on to the beach, turn round at St Ann’s pier and straight back. If it looks like the tide is starting to turn then the route is changed and instead of coming back in on the beach we will be redirected onto the promenade. A whistle went and off we went down the ramp, through the scummy water and on to the nice firm sand, or so it was for about 100 meters then all of a sudden we were thrust out of the shade and onto fine soft sand that you didn’t even leave a trace in. I suddenly realised that this was going to be a tough race as I ground to a holt. The field spread out quickly and everyone just seemed to get their head down and trudge through the sand. Every now and again SWINTON

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Blackpool Beach 10K - Sunday 27th May 2012 you got the odd little patch where the sand was wet and the occasional large puddle but that was it. It seemed an age before the leading runners came past and even they looked fed up running in the huge sand bunker. I got to the 3.1 mile point (or on my Garmin the 2.8 mile point) in 26 and a bit minutes and was hoping that if I stared at the sea long enough the tide would turn and we would be redirected off the beach. It didn’t work but my highlight of the run came when I got my bottle of water. We were told to try and put them in the bins as we went past and as I finished mine I did a side throw and BINGO in it went!!! As I slowed down even further I could feel my head get even hotter. It was a real ‘Scooby Doo’ moment when I felt like my legs and arms were pumping quickly but I wasn’t moving anywhere. Towards the end of the race I managed to catch the child in tracksuit bottoms and long sleeved top who had acquired an ice lolly from somewhere and then I caught another bloke who started playing football with a little girl- you can see from this that a lot of people had lost interest at this point. Just before the ramp back to the finish a tall bloke over took me but then I overtook him on the uphill, on the final 50 meters he decided he was going to channel his inner Usain Bolt and sprint for the line. I didn’t care because at this point I was wondering how I was going to coerce my mother into making me a Sunday dinner as I was starving. As I crossed the line I saw my time 49.17- that was ok for a 10k on sand but when I checked my watched I had only ran 5.58 miles. I know I didn’t enjoy the race but I felt like I had cheated as it was half a mile short and this was definitely not a 10k!! Mr Usain Bolt cornered me after I got my medal and was telling a fellow runner how we had battled to the finish line. I looked at him bewildered as I hadn’t battled, I was thinking of Sunday dinner. He kept shaking my hand and saying how great it was! A swift exit was called for and I got to my car to change when Mr Usain Bolt appeared again with his father as he wanted to show his father the lady he did battle with (I DID NOT DO BATTLE- I WANTED FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) All in all it was a pretty grim experience and although I enjoy a challenge, this is one I won’t be repeating!

Emma Full results available here

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Ron Hill Sale Sizzler 5K Race Series 2012 Hi! I hope you’re looking forward to the 2012 Sale 5k Sizzlers - that series of four 5k runs in Wythenshawe Park for every ability regardless of shape size or speed that you (hopefully!) enjoyed last year. I attach the entry form that’ll give you all the information you need (except the time that was omitted (!) but is at 7.30pm as in previous years). This year (Olympic Year) we’re working to make them even bigger and better and will be most grateful for your assistance to promote them among your friends and in your workplaces and in your clubs and pubs, etc. This year, we want to have 500 finishers in each run. The bigger the better. The final one on August 16th is going to be very special. Taking place four days after the Olympics end, I’m gathering together as many of the regions ex-Olympians as I can (I’ve already got six) to grace the event and the event will incorporate the North of England 5k championships. Don’t let that put you off, but excitedly look forward to meeting many of the North’s top runners. Please note my email address on the entry form is soon to change so if you have an enquiry, email me on this address fechinmccormick@saleharriersmanchester.com. Yours in running Fechin Mc Cormick (Race Director)

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Up and Coming Races Saturday 2nd June Hollins Green 5K

Tuesday 3rd July Rochdale 10K

Sunday 3rd June Longridge Lions 7 Buxton Half Marathon

Sunday 8th July Catforth 10K Road Race “Eddie Cheetham” Memorial 7K Trail Race

Thursday 7th June Bowden 5K

Radcliffe 3 Day Challenge

Thursday 12th July Bull Hill Fell Race (Club Champs) Friday 13th July Giants Seat Cross Country Saturday 14th July Woodcocks 5 Mile Trail Race

Sunday 10th June Marsden 10 Mile Wednesday 13th June Three Sisters Trail Race (CLGP)

Thursday 19th July Sale Sizzler 5K (2/4)

Sunday 17 June Freckleton Half Marathon

Sunday 22nd July The Moonraker 10K

Wednesday 20 June Horwich 5 Mile Road Race

Sunday 29th July Idle 10K Trail Race

Sunday 24 June We Love Manchester 10K

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

July 12th-13th-14th

Radcliffe 3 Day Challenge Swinton Ladies won the team prize in 2010 Swinton Men won the team prize in 2011

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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Race Series

Central Lancashire Grand Prix Series 2012 This years Central Lancashire Grand Prix races are fast approaching, with new races and another one new club Leigh Harriers. 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.

The next race in the series is the

Three Sisters 5K Trail Race on Wednesday 13th June 2012

Date

Race

Sunday, 19th February

Central Lancashire 5K

Sunday, 5th March

The Trotters 5

Sunday, 15th April

Radcliffe 10km

Wednesday, 16th May

Horwich 5

Wednesday, 13th June

Three Sisters 5K Trail Race

Wednesday, 1th August

Chorley 4.4 Trail

Sunday, 12th August Sunday 9th September Sunday, 30th September

NVAC 10km at Bisham Pennington Flash 5Mile Trail Race 2nd Swinton 10 Mile Road Race

Sunday, 7th October U S E FU L CL GP LI N K S Central Lancashire Grand Prix Web Site Swinton Running Club Website UK Results ( on-line entries ) SportSoft ( on-line entries )

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Race Series

Swinton Running Club Championships 2012 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. For this year 2012 will see a slight change to the championship: ď&#x201A;¨ For the men there are 13 events of which 7 races will score. ď&#x201A;¨ For the ladies there are 14 events of which 7 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 (now 7 races for both sexes)

Date

Race

Sunday, 19th February

Central Lancashire 5K

Sunday, 5th March

The Trotters 5

Sunday, 15th April

Radcliffe 10km

Wednesday, 16th May

Horwich 5

Wednesday, 13th June

Three Sisters 5K Trail Race

Wednesday 12th July Wednesday, 1th August Sunday, 12th August Sunday 9th September

Bull Hill Fell Race Chorley 4.4 Trail NVAC 10km at Bisham Pennington Flash 5Mile Trail Race

Sunday, 7th October October TBA

Gin Pit 5 Self Timed Run

Sunday 4th November

29th Through the Villages Race

Sunday 25th November

City of Salford 5.25 Ladies Race

Sunday 9th December Further details can be found on the Club Website SWINTON

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Stockport 10

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Ladies Club Championship 2012 - Results to date

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Men’s Club Championship 2012 - Results to date

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

Pie Night Next one 27th June 2012 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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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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