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.
Thursday, 8 January 2009
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.
Monday, 29 December 2008
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.
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.
Monday, 22 December 2008
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.
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.
Monday, 15 December 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
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.
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.
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