One of my earliest running memories is taking part in the 1975 (!!) Isle of Man Cross Country Championships at Nobles Park – under 11’s race! The main things I remember about my race are that we ran further because it was the championship and the late Steven Mackie won the race effortlessly because he was very good. I think I was third wth Northern AC timekeeper in second place. I also remember that Steve Kelly won the senior race from Dave Newton and the buzz that pervaded throughout the afternoon. Who knows what impact that had on me as a ten year old but 34 years on that I am writing this suggests it was a favourable one!
This Sunday sees the 2009 edition of the Isle of Man Championships, being held at Pulrose Golf Course. David Griffiths has already provided an excellent preview on both the men’s and women’s races on the manxathletics.com forum. I am hoping it will be the race of the year as its championship status deserves –fine weather, good crowd creating an electric atmosphere, a large field and an exciting race would all go down well. If a few of the fell runners have a go that would add even more spice.
Kevin Loundes has had a great winter and will start as favourite in the main race of the day – the senior men’s race. If he does win it will be reward for hard work over the past three years. However, surprises can happen and Darren Gray is the one most likely to cause an upset. He already knows about upsets in this race - in 2004 Darren was probably the race favourite but Andy Cannell had a storming run to upset the form book to take the honours. I remember afterwards Andy telling me he had carbo-loaded or two days to build up his energy! He proved it was no fluke by winning again in 2005 since when John Halligan has been the man to beat. It looks like we could see a new name on the trophy this year.
It could be quite muddy on Sunday after so much recent rain so that may also have a bearing on positions throughout the field. I will look for internet access on my trip away and see the results on Sunday night. May the best man win!!
Let’s hope for good sized fields in all the age groups and close racing throughout – it is what Championship racing is all about.
I am also pleased to see that Sunday counts as double points for the Manx Gas Challenge – this was something I proposed a while ago to encourage those running the league to take part in the Championship – it isn’t just for those at the front of the field.
Monday 26 January 2009
Thursday 22 January 2009
Catching up
Despite not being able to run since Saturday it has been a busy few days hence the slight delay in recent postings.
First to Saturday - I was out on a nice hour long run around the Conrhennie Plantation plotting my plans for the next few months and all of a sudden flet a sharp pain in my right achilles/calf. I stopped immediately but as luck would have it I was at the furthest point from my car! I jogged/walked back by a slightly shorter route and by the evening it was very sore. I think it is similar to an injury I had about nine months ago.
I have been following the advice of RICE - rest, ice, comperession, elavation - and had physiotherapy today. I have exercises to do and Paul the physio thinks I may be able to start running next week. Having missed quite a lot of December it makes the National on 21st February look at tall order.
We are now only ten days away from the highlight of the local cross country calendar - the Isle of Man Championships. David Griffiths prepared some great information to promote the event on Manxathletics.com - let's hope for a good turnout. I will not be there - not because of the injury - but will be away for a few days grabbing some winter sun! This was planned before the fixture list!
After the excitment of the Lancs Championships, I enjoyed looking at the many country champs results in Athletics Weekly - most went to first 50 men and first 25 women plus junior age groups. I noticed the names of some Easter Festival runners and also noted some decent results from Guernsey runners in the Hampshire Champs including the winner of the womens event. I also did a little exercise to see the time between first and 25th - my position in Lancs - to try and assess the depth of competition. It is not very scientific but it should be a bit of a guide. The likes of Middlesex and Hampshire had shorter gaps but we were on a par with quite a few including Greater Manchester who are a strong county.
Looking to the Inter Counties - hopefully some local runners have now been selected in addition to those who gained selection by right. Travel plans need to be made so early notification is vital to keep costs down as low as possible.
That is it for now - will try and put down a few more thoughts over the weekend.
First to Saturday - I was out on a nice hour long run around the Conrhennie Plantation plotting my plans for the next few months and all of a sudden flet a sharp pain in my right achilles/calf. I stopped immediately but as luck would have it I was at the furthest point from my car! I jogged/walked back by a slightly shorter route and by the evening it was very sore. I think it is similar to an injury I had about nine months ago.
I have been following the advice of RICE - rest, ice, comperession, elavation - and had physiotherapy today. I have exercises to do and Paul the physio thinks I may be able to start running next week. Having missed quite a lot of December it makes the National on 21st February look at tall order.
We are now only ten days away from the highlight of the local cross country calendar - the Isle of Man Championships. David Griffiths prepared some great information to promote the event on Manxathletics.com - let's hope for a good turnout. I will not be there - not because of the injury - but will be away for a few days grabbing some winter sun! This was planned before the fixture list!
After the excitment of the Lancs Championships, I enjoyed looking at the many country champs results in Athletics Weekly - most went to first 50 men and first 25 women plus junior age groups. I noticed the names of some Easter Festival runners and also noted some decent results from Guernsey runners in the Hampshire Champs including the winner of the womens event. I also did a little exercise to see the time between first and 25th - my position in Lancs - to try and assess the depth of competition. It is not very scientific but it should be a bit of a guide. The likes of Middlesex and Hampshire had shorter gaps but we were on a par with quite a few including Greater Manchester who are a strong county.
Looking to the Inter Counties - hopefully some local runners have now been selected in addition to those who gained selection by right. Travel plans need to be made so early notification is vital to keep costs down as low as possible.
That is it for now - will try and put down a few more thoughts over the weekend.
Thursday 15 January 2009
Lancashire Cross Country - the good, the bad and the ugly
This week has been one of recovering from last weekend's race. I have done a couple of sessions on the cross trainer and a couple of runs as well. There has been quite few comments already on the Lancashire Cross Country - I thought I would note a few personal thoughts:
The good:
Six medals
Three in the the top seven in the senior race
Eight runners receiving letters for possible Inter Counties selection - hopefully we will have at least four in action at Nottingham
Gemma Astin - won by a mile
Young athletes experiencing off Island competition for the first time
Overall organisation - everything ran to time
Quick results on the day
Hot showers - less runners and less muddy this year so probably not used as much
£2 for a hot drink and home made cake in the cafe afterwards - bargain! Not quite textbook recovery food but very nice!
Our arrangements - all seemed to run very smoothly on the day both there and back (except for one small problem - see comments below re Flybe)
Local media coverage - do the Blackburn and Blackpool runners manage the same level of publicity in their local press
The bad (disappointing):
Keith not winning as expected. I don't think his heart was in it - last year he had a 15m lead after 800m last year
No senior womens team
Not enough younger lads in our teams
Injury to Mike Garrett - before and during the race!
The turnout in some of the age-groups
Too many vets and not enough seniors - 65% vets in the senior race
My shoelace coming undone - twice
Small turnouts from some clubs
Flybe - trying to charge for hold baggage when these where already included in what was an expensive fare
The ugly:
The underfoot conditions - only ever a foot plant from serious injury on certain parts of the course.
This is a great event as it is a level where we can be competitive. Whilst Backburn do a great job with hosting the event, it would be nice to see it return to another venue at some point - Lancaster was used several times in the past and was a popular course.
Manx Harriers provide a great subsidy for the trip. However, I would like to see the club select some of the junior teams and give more of the funding for the trip to help the younger athletes. I am sure this would encourage more of them to go rather than just asking "who wants to go " as we do at the moment and hopefully provide more teams and possible medals in the younger age groups.
The good:
Six medals
Three in the the top seven in the senior race
Eight runners receiving letters for possible Inter Counties selection - hopefully we will have at least four in action at Nottingham
Gemma Astin - won by a mile
Young athletes experiencing off Island competition for the first time
Overall organisation - everything ran to time
Quick results on the day
Hot showers - less runners and less muddy this year so probably not used as much
£2 for a hot drink and home made cake in the cafe afterwards - bargain! Not quite textbook recovery food but very nice!
Our arrangements - all seemed to run very smoothly on the day both there and back (except for one small problem - see comments below re Flybe)
Local media coverage - do the Blackburn and Blackpool runners manage the same level of publicity in their local press
The bad (disappointing):
Keith not winning as expected. I don't think his heart was in it - last year he had a 15m lead after 800m last year
No senior womens team
Not enough younger lads in our teams
Injury to Mike Garrett - before and during the race!
The turnout in some of the age-groups
Too many vets and not enough seniors - 65% vets in the senior race
My shoelace coming undone - twice
Small turnouts from some clubs
Flybe - trying to charge for hold baggage when these where already included in what was an expensive fare
The ugly:
The underfoot conditions - only ever a foot plant from serious injury on certain parts of the course.
This is a great event as it is a level where we can be competitive. Whilst Backburn do a great job with hosting the event, it would be nice to see it return to another venue at some point - Lancaster was used several times in the past and was a popular course.
Manx Harriers provide a great subsidy for the trip. However, I would like to see the club select some of the junior teams and give more of the funding for the trip to help the younger athletes. I am sure this would encourage more of them to go rather than just asking "who wants to go " as we do at the moment and hopefully provide more teams and possible medals in the younger age groups.
Tuesday 13 January 2009
Lancashire Cross Country - first thoughts
A quick post after the weekend. After reading Dave Griffith's report on www.manxathletics.com forum it is hard to add too much more.
A succesful if cold day at Blackburn. I will very pleased with own effort. I had been targeting the race for a few months. Back in October I set an "optimistic" target of top 30 requiring everything to go really well with a more "realistic" target of top 40. Even taking into account the reduced field on previous years I felt that 25th was a good effort. I think the firm going suited me although it was really too hard for spikes - in hindsight short trackspikes might have been best. Having said that, those in fell running shoes also reported problems as well.
The large number of Manx Harriers runners provided lots of races within the race. Also, I did have a problem with my shoe lace coming undone towards the end of the second lap. After a steady start initially running with Russell Collister, Mike Garrett and Christian Varley I felt I was making good progress picking off some quicker starters. When my lace came undone - I had checked it three times before the start - I was just ahead of Christian and Andy Fox. Both went past me and I had to be careful not too chase after them too quickly. I think in all I probably lost 15-20 seconds in stopping, loss of concentration and momentum plus also lost the chance of a "tow" from runners further up the field. I had to run at my own pace virtually all the way to the finish.
Then just after I caught them again the same thing happened. This time I just kept going hoping my shoe would not come off. Entering the main field with 600m to go I caught Gianni Epifani and had a big final effort into the finish just holding him off on the run in.
I hope Mike is ok now after turning his ankle badly on the rough ground.
I will post some more detailed thoughts of the day in general over the next couple of days
A succesful if cold day at Blackburn. I will very pleased with own effort. I had been targeting the race for a few months. Back in October I set an "optimistic" target of top 30 requiring everything to go really well with a more "realistic" target of top 40. Even taking into account the reduced field on previous years I felt that 25th was a good effort. I think the firm going suited me although it was really too hard for spikes - in hindsight short trackspikes might have been best. Having said that, those in fell running shoes also reported problems as well.
The large number of Manx Harriers runners provided lots of races within the race. Also, I did have a problem with my shoe lace coming undone towards the end of the second lap. After a steady start initially running with Russell Collister, Mike Garrett and Christian Varley I felt I was making good progress picking off some quicker starters. When my lace came undone - I had checked it three times before the start - I was just ahead of Christian and Andy Fox. Both went past me and I had to be careful not too chase after them too quickly. I think in all I probably lost 15-20 seconds in stopping, loss of concentration and momentum plus also lost the chance of a "tow" from runners further up the field. I had to run at my own pace virtually all the way to the finish.
Then just after I caught them again the same thing happened. This time I just kept going hoping my shoe would not come off. Entering the main field with 600m to go I caught Gianni Epifani and had a big final effort into the finish just holding him off on the run in.
I hope Mike is ok now after turning his ankle badly on the rough ground.
I will post some more detailed thoughts of the day in general over the next couple of days
Thursday 8 January 2009
Lancashire Cross Country - the final countdown
It is less than two days to go until one of the winter highlights. As I write I am still aiming to reach the start line.
It will be an early start on Saturday morning as we need to be at the airport at 06.00 - an hour before my alarm normally goes off! It is also eight hours before the senior mens race so it is long day. Do not forget your ID and remember to put your spikes in a bag to go in the hold of the plane.
We usually stop for a breakfast on the way to Blackburn - I will make an extra special effort this year to avoid the temptation of a fry up at the service station (will try and save it until Sunday). I will buy some water as well to avoid becoming dehydrated. On arrival it will be a mixture of obtaining our numbers, looking at the course, supporting the runners in the other races and resting all before warming up!
I have bought a new club vest and shorts in order to look the part. An inspection of the course will determine what length spikes to use.
As for the race itself, with the cold dry weather it should be reasonably firm going and therefore quite fast running. There are still normally some muddy gateways and the downhill section after the hill can be very rutted. The junior events also cut up the course. I commented the other day that there are 4 of the 6 hills in the second half of the race so that is something to note when making a race plan.
I have been doing some extra preparation during the week - going to bed a little bit earlier than usual to help with the early start. I also checked last year's results to look at the level and depth of competition - I noted that around 5-7 athletes finished per minute.
I set myself some targets a while ago. I wanted to reach the start line. After that I had an optimistic target based on training going really well, a realistic target and then one just to finish (I will reveal these next week - honestly as well!). Training over the past few weeks has been disrupted and I have only done about half of what I planned to do. I ran quite well on Boxing Day but the hills of Blackburn will be a different proposition.
I expect there to be lots of races within the race with a number of Manx Harriers in close proximity and predicting a finishing order of between the Harriers runners is very difficult. To win the team race we will need to try and finish six runners in the first 30.
It is easy to look at the negatives leading up to a race - missed training, etc. I will try to be positive - I have built my fitness up over the past 12 months and I feel I as fit as I have been in the last five years, I have run the course several times so know what to expect, my diet is the healthiest it has ever been and I am the lightest I have been for around ten years.
Good luck to everyone taking part on Saturday.
It will be an early start on Saturday morning as we need to be at the airport at 06.00 - an hour before my alarm normally goes off! It is also eight hours before the senior mens race so it is long day. Do not forget your ID and remember to put your spikes in a bag to go in the hold of the plane.
We usually stop for a breakfast on the way to Blackburn - I will make an extra special effort this year to avoid the temptation of a fry up at the service station (will try and save it until Sunday). I will buy some water as well to avoid becoming dehydrated. On arrival it will be a mixture of obtaining our numbers, looking at the course, supporting the runners in the other races and resting all before warming up!
I have bought a new club vest and shorts in order to look the part. An inspection of the course will determine what length spikes to use.
As for the race itself, with the cold dry weather it should be reasonably firm going and therefore quite fast running. There are still normally some muddy gateways and the downhill section after the hill can be very rutted. The junior events also cut up the course. I commented the other day that there are 4 of the 6 hills in the second half of the race so that is something to note when making a race plan.
I have been doing some extra preparation during the week - going to bed a little bit earlier than usual to help with the early start. I also checked last year's results to look at the level and depth of competition - I noted that around 5-7 athletes finished per minute.
I set myself some targets a while ago. I wanted to reach the start line. After that I had an optimistic target based on training going really well, a realistic target and then one just to finish (I will reveal these next week - honestly as well!). Training over the past few weeks has been disrupted and I have only done about half of what I planned to do. I ran quite well on Boxing Day but the hills of Blackburn will be a different proposition.
I expect there to be lots of races within the race with a number of Manx Harriers in close proximity and predicting a finishing order of between the Harriers runners is very difficult. To win the team race we will need to try and finish six runners in the first 30.
It is easy to look at the negatives leading up to a race - missed training, etc. I will try to be positive - I have built my fitness up over the past 12 months and I feel I as fit as I have been in the last five years, I have run the course several times so know what to expect, my diet is the healthiest it has ever been and I am the lightest I have been for around ten years.
Good luck to everyone taking part on Saturday.
Monday 5 January 2009
Lancashire Cross Country - countdown
There are just five to go before one of the highlights of the local cross country season – the Lancashire Championships. These will take place at their now usual venue of Witton Park, Blackburn. No doubt many are hoping that all their aches and pains and sniffles will go away before Saturday.
It is a massive exercise and commitment to keep sending squads over the event each year. However, in recent years this has been rewarded with medals throughout the age groups.
There is no doubt that since Manx Harriers starting competing in the event in 1993 – in those days held before Christmas – that there has been a great improvement in both individual and team honours.
For some this event is just a stepping-stone towards other events including selection for the Inter Counties Championship events, for others the highlight of the winter. Some are experienced at competing off-Island whereas others will be competing in England for the first-time – something that can be a nerve-wracking experience. A look at the names in the information provided by David Griffiths of previous events on the Manxathletics.com forum highlights the importance of the event helping to develop young talent.
With the recent cold, dry weather we can expect the course to be firm and fast. This will suit some more than others. However, the notorious hills including the famous “Saucer” will still be there. In the senior race, we do two small and two large laps. As the longer lap has an additional hill, this means you have four hills in the second half of the race so a steady start might be worth considering.
I do not think that we will win as many medals in recent years due to the absence of having teams in some of the younger age groups which is disappointing. However, there are some strong candidates for individual honours. Keith Gerrard has won the senior race in previous years so must have a good chance. However, there is potentially some very strong opposition from a number of areas so he cannot afford to be complacent. Gemma Astin has won medals in the past and will look to repeat this again. Her younger sister Sarah has won gold on each of the last three years. She is not in great shape at the moment following recent injury but is hoping to run and gain selection for the Inter Counties in March. Hopefully one or two others will join them.
We have a strong Senior Team. As well as Keith, we have Kevin Loundes in his best form ever and Darren Gray is running at his best for three or four years. I expect Nigel Armstrong to run his usual strong race after a cautious start and be fourth member of the team as well as challenge for a medal in the Vets category. With six to score, after that it could be two from a number of runners many of whom have had illness or injury problems in recent weeks. The importance of “packing” in cross country is vital for team success.
The race has been my own personal target for several months. My main aim has been to reach the start line for the first time since 2003. After just missing out with a sore throat on the day in 2007, I am taking nothing for granted. Preparation over the last few weeks has not been ideal. Indeed, a freak knee injury on New Year’s Day caused me to miss three days training including a planned long run on Friday. I managed 30 minutes on grass at lunchtime today so hopefully it will not give further problems.
I will try to give a bit more info on my own preparation for the race before the weekend.
One final point – there is a televised International Cross Country event in Edinburgh this weekend. Why is this held on the same day as one of the biggest days for club cross country runners – and potential viewers? Incidentally, Keith Gerrard was invited to take part in the Edinburgh 4K race but will be supporting grass roots athletics instead.
It is a massive exercise and commitment to keep sending squads over the event each year. However, in recent years this has been rewarded with medals throughout the age groups.
There is no doubt that since Manx Harriers starting competing in the event in 1993 – in those days held before Christmas – that there has been a great improvement in both individual and team honours.
For some this event is just a stepping-stone towards other events including selection for the Inter Counties Championship events, for others the highlight of the winter. Some are experienced at competing off-Island whereas others will be competing in England for the first-time – something that can be a nerve-wracking experience. A look at the names in the information provided by David Griffiths of previous events on the Manxathletics.com forum highlights the importance of the event helping to develop young talent.
With the recent cold, dry weather we can expect the course to be firm and fast. This will suit some more than others. However, the notorious hills including the famous “Saucer” will still be there. In the senior race, we do two small and two large laps. As the longer lap has an additional hill, this means you have four hills in the second half of the race so a steady start might be worth considering.
I do not think that we will win as many medals in recent years due to the absence of having teams in some of the younger age groups which is disappointing. However, there are some strong candidates for individual honours. Keith Gerrard has won the senior race in previous years so must have a good chance. However, there is potentially some very strong opposition from a number of areas so he cannot afford to be complacent. Gemma Astin has won medals in the past and will look to repeat this again. Her younger sister Sarah has won gold on each of the last three years. She is not in great shape at the moment following recent injury but is hoping to run and gain selection for the Inter Counties in March. Hopefully one or two others will join them.
We have a strong Senior Team. As well as Keith, we have Kevin Loundes in his best form ever and Darren Gray is running at his best for three or four years. I expect Nigel Armstrong to run his usual strong race after a cautious start and be fourth member of the team as well as challenge for a medal in the Vets category. With six to score, after that it could be two from a number of runners many of whom have had illness or injury problems in recent weeks. The importance of “packing” in cross country is vital for team success.
The race has been my own personal target for several months. My main aim has been to reach the start line for the first time since 2003. After just missing out with a sore throat on the day in 2007, I am taking nothing for granted. Preparation over the last few weeks has not been ideal. Indeed, a freak knee injury on New Year’s Day caused me to miss three days training including a planned long run on Friday. I managed 30 minutes on grass at lunchtime today so hopefully it will not give further problems.
I will try to give a bit more info on my own preparation for the race before the weekend.
One final point – there is a televised International Cross Country event in Edinburgh this weekend. Why is this held on the same day as one of the biggest days for club cross country runners – and potential viewers? Incidentally, Keith Gerrard was invited to take part in the Edinburgh 4K race but will be supporting grass roots athletics instead.
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