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.
Sunday 30 November 2008
Thursday 27 November 2008
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.
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.
Sunday 23 November 2008
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.
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.
Thursday 20 November 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday 12 November 2008
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.
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.
Monday 10 November 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday 4 November 2008
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
