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.