MWR review

With the dust settling following the Millennium Way Relay, it is good to reflect on another great event. Of course, it nearly did not happen and everyone who competed should be grateful to those who took the time to help organise the event. Like many events, it becomes more complex each year with Risk Assessment, busier roads, etc.

From a running point of view, the runs of the day were by Kevin Loundes and Darren Gray. The state of the tracks on the first two legs has deteriorated considerably since the event started and this must make the going tougher and slower.

Kevin was less than a minutes outside Keith Callister’s long standing first leg record but it must rate as least equal to Keith’s effort given the changes in underfoot conditions, that the race is now a handicapped start and the different weather conditions on the day.

With Darren posting the second fastest time on the second leg, it looks promising for the Lancashire Championships on 10th January.

I was pleased with my own effort, especially with training in December disrupted by illness. Having been out or a recce on Sunday prior the race, I was amazed at how much the ground had dried in a few days.

I have been toying with the idea of running the fell race on New Years Day. It should be a competitive field and is always an excellent event. However, I do not want to lose sight of my goal of being on the start line at Blackburn. My legs have been incredibly stiff the MWR and I could see a similar effect after the fell race.

The Lancashire Champs are only 12 days away. Despite losing John Halligan to long term injury, we should have a strong Manx Harriers team. At this stage, we can just hope that everyone in all the age groups stays fit and healthy. The weather looks like it will be cold and dry for a few more days which can only dry out the course.

I will try and post some thoughts on this event in the days leading up the Championships.

Millennium Way Relay

There are now less than three weeks to go until the Lancashire Cross Country Champs. Before then there is the Millennium Way Relay on Boxing Day. This traditional event is one of the highlights of the local sporting calendar and has something for everyone - road runner, track runner, fell runner or cross country specialist - and bring together people from inside and outside the athletics community.

I am due to run the last leg - St Marks to Castletown. After a less hectic than expected night out in Laxey on Saturday I managed a recce over the leg on Sunday. It looks like it will be pretty wet especially on the St Marks - Ballmodha section and through Silverdale. It isn't really a serious event but most people's competitive spirit takes over and with all-time lists over the past 30 years there is plenty to run for. Unfortunately, wear and tear and erosion have affected the first and second legs quite badly so fast times on these sections are harder each year. Of course, the weather can also play a part - a headwind or mist on the hills can slow things down.

After the event is the famous coach trip to Castletown. This started in 1983 (to Laxey) after we had use of a mini bus the previous year. Since about 1989 Castletown via St Johns has been the usual route. If you are looking for a good night out after the day's exertions then come along.

Looking ahead to Lancashire, this remains my own target. I lost over two weeks training with the recent bug and only started running again last Wednesday. I did manage an hour on Saturday but and anxoious not to over-do things - it is a difficult balancing act. I know others have had this bug too and it could impact the team chances too. Hope everyone recovers ASAP.

Brussels - the morning (afternoon anyway!) after

In Manchester just on the way back from Brussels now. What a weekend!!

Great day yesterday at the cross country. Fantastic setting at the Park De Lakken and a wonderful iternational event with supporters from a whole range of countries - GB, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, Germany plus of course Belgium who put on a great event. After a very cold day on Saturday, conditions were excellent.

Keith Gerrard ran a great race givig himself every chance to challenge for a medal. It was not to be but at least her gave it a go. I think he would have liked it to have been a bit muddier too. It was nice too that his mum and dad and brother were there to watch him too. Great run in Keith race by Easter Festival runner Ben Lindsey who came through strongly for fourth place.

The course itself was quite short but had very little flat in it - lots of twists and undulations. In Isle of Man terms the nearest would be Pulrose.

We had a great time in Brussels which is well worth a weekend visit - anywhere where beer, chocoalte, chips and waffles feature on the national diet must be worth a look. Amazingly there are no fat people in Brussels - maybe they keep them locked up - other than Americans. The beers are great if a little expensive, more so with the drop in the value of the pound. I had my most expensive beer ever - over £7 a pint! - and strongest ever - 11%.

I will try and put down some more thoughts later in the week.

Taking the rough with the smooth

After being laid up all of last week I am now up and about but do not feel ready to start training again yet. I know a number of people who have had bugs recently. It is frustrating to first of all miss out on the run at Ramsey and now feel that I am losing preparation towards Lancashire. Still, you have to remain positive and let these things take their course, especially at this time of year.

I am looking forward to the trip to Brussels for the Euro Cross at the weekend and we are planning to take a Manx flag along as well. I believe the meeting is being shown on BBC interactive - BBC1 and BBC2 - between 10.00 and 15.45 - so there could be good coverage. I think Keith's race will be on at 12.20 UK time so you can have you Sunday morning run, shower and sit down to watch the race live! See www.brussels2008.com for full event info.

Three things to note before then. First of all, the entries close for the Millennium Way Relay. Hopefully there will be a big entry following the appeal for organisers to make their efforts worthwhile.

Secondly, there is a fundraising quiz for the Island Games team on Thursday evening at the South Douglas Pensioners Club, Finch Road. Entry is just £15 per team. I am setting the quiz and asking the questions. I cannot give too much away but their should a good mix of subjects and some different rounds. Hopefully there will be a good turn-out to raise much needed funds for the trip.

Finally, if you are planning to go to Lancashire Cross Country contact Andy Fox as soon as possible.

Keith selected for European Cross

I have been unwell since the weekend so this will be a fairly brief post.

It has been confirmed that Keith Gerrard has been selected for the GB ~Under 23 team at the European Cross Country Championships to take place in Brussels on Sunday 14th December. He has competed in Brussels several times before including the World Championships in 2004 when he finished 45th - I think he was 2nd or 3rd European on the day. The course is usually muddy so it should suit him well.

Keith finished 4th in the full senior trial so could, had he wished, have been in with a chance to be part of the full senior team. I am still a bit undecided about the concept of an under 23 event. Is it a stepping stone through to full senior competition ginving competition to those who would otherwise not be competing at this level or is it a cop-out shielding young athletes from the inevitable rough and tumble of competiton at the highest level?

There are merits in both arguments. Still, I, as I am sure everyone in Manx athletics does, wish Keith good luck in this high standard event.

Life is a rollercoaster

Not a Ronan Keating song but my weekend.

On Saturday I felt good for Sunday's race. My training since Glen Lough had gone as planned and the weather forecast suggested conditions would suit me - firm underfoot. Saturday tea-time and the Keith Gerrard's great run in the European Cross was filtering through - more about that later in the week.

Then, Saturday night, I started to feel achy in the back and shoulders. Woke up Sunday morning and knew running was not a viable option. By now feeling really tired as well so decided the most sensible option was to stay in, keep warm and try and recover as quickly as possible - really disappointed.

I have had a quick update on how it went by Andy Fox - sounds like Kevin and Darren in particular are rounding into good form.

Will try to add a few more comments in the next day or so.

Big weekend - on and off Island

We have a really exciting weekend coming up both on and off the Island. On Saturday, Sefton Park, Liverpool will host the latest round of the UK Cross Challenge and includes, for Under 20s and seniors, the trials for the European Cross Country Championships, to be held in Brussels on 14th December. Keith Gerrard will be lining up in the senior event hoping for either one of the senior berths or, failing that, a slot in the Under 23 race. There has been some speculation as to whether some runners will seek pre-selection i.e. not run the trial. To me, it they are selected, that somewhat detracts from calling the event "a trial”.

The Sefton Park event used to attract a good number of Isle of Man runners. However, the loss of the day trip to Liverpool in winter has made it a more expensive and difficult affair for travelling to and from the event. It is good to hear, then, that Gemma Astin and her younger sister Katie will be lining up in the under 17 girls and under 11 events girls events respectively.

It is fast parkland course but with large fields is bound to cut up with plenty of mud about, especially later in the day. Good luck to Keith, Gemma and Katie.

On Sunday, local action takes place at Crossags Farm, Ramsey in round three of the Manx Gas League. Like Glen Lough it is a farmland-based course. However the lap is considerably longer and for many this is the best course of those used in the series. it is also good to series going to different parts of the Island.

If you have not run there before, for me I look at the course in three sections plus the start finish area. The first part of the course is fairly flat through farm fields. Depending on how wet it is, it can range from very fast to running through water! Then it is onto the hill, first over the agricultural land and then into the wooded area overlooking the farm. At the top of the lung bursting climb there is a stream to cross and then there is a steep, twisty descent to the start/finish area. For spectators there are a number of places to see the runners, especially if you go out on the course around the hill.

The races themselves could be really exciting too, depending on exactly who is running of course. In the women’s there could be a good battle between Gail Griffiths and Rachael Tewkesbury. Both are improving but Gail’s greater experience may help give her the verdict.

In the men’s event, Kevin Loundes will be favourite after a win in round one and also his recent victory in the Syd Quirk Half Marathon. The real action could be behind him. Last time’s winner Nigel Armstrong is missing as he is off-Island but a number of others including Gianni Epifani, Darren Gray, Andy Fox, Ed Gumbley (if recovered from a sore knee) and Christian Varley will all have aspirations to be as close to Kevin as possible. Not sure if John Halligan is able to compete after his recent injury – he could be another to add to the mix!

This is the last League race before Christmas. Let’s hope for another good turnout in all age-groups.

Finally, I suggest that you arrive early as parking is limited and this will also give you time to familiarise yourself with the course.

Counting the days.....

There are now just seven days until the next Manx Gas League race – this time in Ramsey – and 48 to go until the Lancashire Champs at Blackburn on 10th January. There is no doubt that summer (what summer?) is well behind us and winter well under way with some arctic winds and hail this weekend.

I understand that Andy Fox and his group were planning to go to the sand dunes at Blue Point – not sure how they managed. I did think about going myself but had my week planned out and wanted to keep to that if at all possible. As it was I managed a decent – by my standards at least – week of over 40 miles with Thursday to Sunday being the best part. I know this is far short of what is really needed but I am trying to keep some consistent training going instead of keep breaking down with niggles and injuries.

Although I am keen to run in the local races my goal remains reaching the start line at Blackburn – and ultimately the finish line too! I have three target positions depending on the quality of my training between now and then. If you too are planning to do this race make sure you have submitted your entry, via Andy Fox for Manx Harriers, or directly to the organisers for other clubs.

Looking ahead to next week, I will try and do a preview for Sunday some time during this coming week.

Finally, I was delighted to see that the Millennium Way relay is to be held after all – thanks to those who stepped forward to make sure it takes place. I am looking for a run on either the first or last leg if anybody knows of anyone looking for runners for a team.

Gateshead Cross Country

Many years ago, BBC Grandstand showed two cross country events each autumn – the Gateshead International and the IAC event from Crystal Palace. These gave a welcome break from the usual sporting diet of horse racing, rugby league and wrestling! The events attracted the top stars of the day – in the late 1970s it was the likes of Brendan Foster (yes, he could run a bit in his day before he put on a pound or two), Tony Simmons and Bernie Ford, followed in the 1980s by the likes of Tim Hutchings and Steve Jones. Now the BBC only seems to show events organised by Brendan Foster but that is another story!

The Gateshead course was famous for its punishing hills but over time these events disappeared from the calendar. However, it is good to see that over the past year or so the Gateshead event has been revived and now forms part of the UK Cross Challenge. This took place last weekend and Keith Gerrard had an excellent run finishing 6th overall and 4th British runner.

Things look promising for him for the European Cross Trials to be held in Liverpool on 29th November – less than two weeks away. The European Cross is due to be held in Brussels and myself, Dave Newton and Dave Ronan have booked to go to watch so hopefully Keith will be there as well so we can cheer him on.

As well the challenge of achieving selection for this event, Keith’s other challenge will be to maintain his form through to the main events of the winter and in particular the World Cross Trial/Inter Counties in March. He sometimes seems to fade away in the second half of the winter. Hopefully he will judge his season better this year.

Lancashire Cross Country - entry information

Andy Fox is now in the process of organising the annual trip to the Lancshire Cross country Championships to be held on Saturday 10th Janaury at Witton Park, Blackburn.

Andy, like Joan Powell, before him puts in a massive amount of work to make this trip happen. In recent years Manx Harriers have had great success both for individuals and also in the team events.

At this stage Andy has 25 places booked on the plane to Liverpool and is giving priority to Manx Harriers members. The trip can be either be a day trip or you can return on Sunday.

Entry forms are available at:
www.lancsaa.co.uk/Default_Files/Forms/Entry_Forms/lancs_x_country09.pdf

Manx Harriers membership need to return their completed forms and return to Andy as soon as possible as this trip is usually oversubscribed. Members of other clubs should send off the entry form directly to the event organisers.

It is is not a trip just fot the elite or more serious athletes - anyone from under 13 up to vets is welcome to go along and experience something a little bit different.

Look out for more info and updates on this event over the coming weeks.

Glen Lough - the verdict

A great win yesterday for Nigel Armstrong on a tough Glen Lough course. There were two things I noted most about Nigel’s success. First of all, he took time to practice some of the river crossings/features picking out the best lines to use during the race. Secondly he also had a very steady first couple of laps moving through as others tired.

Although conditions were not as bad as they might have been after the recent rain, the course is tough as there is very little let up - even the flat section of the start/finish area was very muddy. Add in the four stream/river crossings, running on a camber and a long hill of about 200m plus each lap.

With it being a fairly short lap there is great scope for spectators and it was really good to hear lots of shouts of encouragement during the lap – runners do appreciate it.

Overall, the result was quite a bit different from Nobles with the first three all missing. However, Gianni Epifani and Andy Fox must have been pleased to be close to Nigel and will see this as something to build on towards the championship races after Christmas.

Run of the day in my view was by James Broughton of Northern AC. He really seemed to be struggling towards the end of the summer and I think he was outside 40 mins on a couple of 10k’s. However, he ran a very positive race and when it looked like he might drop back after the second lap of the six laps, he dug in really well to finish 7th.

From my own perspective, I was pretty pleased to finish 5th. Having been given the all clear by the physio on Thursday I took things quite easy beforehand to give myself the best chance of making the start line. Despite trying to take it easy early on I still found it hard going from lap three on. It was my first race since September and only second race since June so it should have blown a few cobwebs away. Today, I felt very tired and quite sore. I would think I am not alone!

Overall, a good afternoon well organised by Western AC who made sure the course was well marked and everything ran to time.

Next up is Crossags, Ramsey on Sunday 30th November.

Glen Lough

With the next round of the Manx Gas league approaching I thought I would give some thoughts and information on the course at Glen Lough. Assuming it is the same as in previous years the first thing to say is that it is it tough! The start/finish is in a farmers field which forms the beginning and end of each lap and tends to cut up during the racing. The lap is quite short at just under a mile a lap but it includes four river/stream crossings, a long hill, some twists and turns and lots of mud. There is certainly nothing dull about the course

I understand from Andy Fox that most of the runners he trains with are not planning particularly after Sunday's Half Marathon so that could see a slightly reduced field. That would mean no Kevin Loundes or Darren Gray. With John Halligan struggling with an injury, that will mean a very open race. Hopefully Ed Gumbley will be on the start line following a break after his effort in the Berlin Marathon.

It is good to see that the hosts – Western AC have put a timetable on their website so you know what time your race starts and the number of laps you will be running.

As for my own prospects of running, I have had a sore calf/Achilles since last Thursday. It is slowly improving and I managed some light training on the cross trainer in the gym yesterday and today. I will have to see how it goes over the next 72 hours or so before making a decision.

Off road training

If you are not already doing so, it is a good idea to try and do some of your runs off the road. Obviously it is difficult now that the clocks have gone back but perhaps try to schedule something for a weekend. The going underfoot tends to be more forgiving and if you are planning to run cross country it helps you to develop your balance and adjust to the continuous changes in rhythm.

Here on the Isle of Man there are lots of places to go and there is always the opportunity to look for somewhere new. Going somewhere new always tends to make it a more interesting run.

Last Saturday I went up to Chibbanagh Plantation near the Braid Crossroads with Dave Newton, who showed me some of the routes he has developed – lots of different paths and options and some great running underfoot. There are also some short steep climbs as well so it is great preparation for cross country. The weather was not very nice but apart from where it was exposed to the wind it made a great place to run.

I will post some information and thoughts on the course at Glen Lough in the next day or so.

Press coverage

I have now returned from my travels after some relaxing sunshine in Cyprus. I managed a few runs whilst there although things tailed off in the last few days due to an excursion to Cairo. Also, our flight from Cyprus was delayed which resulted in missing our Isle of Man connection, therefore the run I had planned for today did not happen.

I have been looking at the press coverage from last Sunday’s cross country. Whilst I feel that the Chit Chat column is past its sell-by date, I have to say that coverage of local events is generally excellent and is often accompanied by colour photos from the likes of John Watterson, Mike Wade and John Maddrell as well as some “amateurs” from the athletics community. We should be really appreciative of this coverage. A look at a local paper in the UK is likely to see athletics and cross country in particular tucked away.

Looking at last week’s results it was encouraging to see a good turn-out in the Short Course event – let’s hope this continues in the coming rounds.

Tomorrow night – Monday – I am planning to attend the Tribute Night being laid on for local cycling stars Jonny Bellis and Mark Cavendish. I hope that there is a good turn-out for them after such incredible success in 2008. We can only envy at the success in local cycling and wonder how we can try to emulate some of this success in athletics. This is a theme I will return to at the later date.

Cyprus calling!

I am currently on holiday in Cyprus so watching from afar. It looks like Kevin Loundes had a good win in the first round at Nobles Park. Kevin has workerd very hard over the last few months and could be the man to beat over the country this year.

Nobles Park

I had planned to run in the Western 10 this morning. However, some niggles during the week along with a general assessment that I was not quite fit enough to race flat out over 10 miles made me change my mind. Instead I ran to Nobles Park for a look over conditions before next week’s race.

Despite the recent rain it was not as muddy as I expected it to be. Yes, there is some mud but not some reasonable sections as well. As the park evolves, there has been one of two modifications to the park which may impact on the route. The main one is that there are some barriers at the top of the dog walking area – previously the golf course. These will either need to be opened up or the race route altered slightly.

The struggle on the hills confirmed I had made a good decision not to race. As I ran I reflected that to me Nobles Park is perhaps the spiritual home of cross country running on the Island. It isn’t the best course by any means but has been used for 30-40 years. Some people rate it an “easy course” but there is actually very little flat and with some potentially boggy sections on the golf course, if you find it easy you are not trying!

Two final points on slightly non-cross country related matters. First of all, I was saddened to read in Athletics Weekly about the sudden death of Liverpool Harriers runner Keith Hatton. Many in the Manx Harriers Track and Field team from the 1990’s may well remember him competing. He was a good team man, always running lots of events during the course of an afternoon and clearly had great enthusiasm for running.

Secondly, good luck to Gemma Astin and Tom Richmond who leave the Island this week to compete in the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India next week.

This will be my last update for a few days.

Life's a (Manx) gas

There is just over a week until the first race of the new cross country season. The Manx Gas Challenge has reinvigorated interest in cross country over the past few years. Related to this have been some great off-Island performances right up to National and even International level.

There are five rounds to the league on a variety of courses. You have to score in four rounds and the Championship race counts as double points so it is possible to do just three rounds and still count in the league.

The good thing about cross country is that can be all things to all men (and women!). Whether you are a road runner, fell runner or track runner there are benefits in running cross country.

As with any new season this brings lots of interest and excitement. John Halligan was the main man last winter but he had health problems over the summer and Kevin Loundes will be out to make sure he does not have things all his own way this year.

The Workplace Challenge sounds like a great idea to attract new blood into the sport. It’s only about three years ago that this sort of initiative brought Kevin Loundes into the sport. Now Kevin is one of our leading endurance runners and has represented the Island in the Island Games. Who knows what talent might be unearthed this time.

The following might be useful advice for first timers:

· Allow plenty of time to register, collect your number, etc.

· Confirm what time your race starts

· Find out how many laps you have to do

· Try to walk or jog the course beforehand

· Have training shoes with good grip. Running spikes or fell running shoes are best

· Have a jog beforehand to “warm up”. Make sure you are not too distracted by chatting to everyone and then find out the race is being called to the start line!

· Bring a change of kit so that you have something warm to change into afterwards

· Have a slow jog to warm down afterwards – it will help reduce stiffness the following day

· Don’t have your Sunday lunch beforehand!

As for my own efforts, I was hoping to complete the league myself this year having built up my training over the past few months in between a few aches and pains. However, I am off Island for the first race and will also be off-Island for the rearranged Isle of Man Cross Country Championships. This means I will only be able to score in three rounds so will not complete the league.

My target for the year is to be on the start line for the Lancashire Cross Championships so I can still use the other two rounds before Christmas as preparation for the Lancs Champs.

As I mentioned I will be away for the first round of the league but will try and check out the results and if I have the chance post a further update.

Hello

Welcome to my cross country blog. I have been persuaded to set up this blog to talk about all things cross country on the Isle of Man.

Look out over the coming weeks for news of what's coming up, what has happened. I will try to be informative, interesting and perhaps sometimes thought provoking!