Standish 10km - Written by Stephen Coleman

Braving the mud and hilly trails, two A&T runners went to have a fun afternoon run in our neighbours trail race. 235 finnished, John Foulds came in at 71th in 45m 52s and Steve Coleman 55th at 44m 20s.

Southport and Back Bike Ride - By Terry Hughes

Dear All,
Since Brenda pointed out that we're not made of Sugar, we're going to 'throw caution to the wind' (err well, the rain actually) and we will be doing the Southport training ride this Sunday (1st March).
The plan is…
1. To meet at Brenda's at 9:30'ish for a 10:00 start 2. Ride to Southport, keeping together en route (in pairs as a minimum) - stopping occasionally if needed, so we can bunch-up
3. Stop in Southport outside Funland (At the town-end of the Pier) for a rest, hot refreshments & toilet break (Half an hour'ish)
4. Ride back (along same route which is about 26 miles each way).
We'll be going at a reasonable pace (but it's not a race).
Please bring….
Spare inner tube + pump Some showerproof clothing Mobile phone 20p piece (for the toilets) Cash (in case we decide to get the train back) Snacks & drink (to have on the way)
The route is….
Atherton to Wigan town centre (A577) Wigan town centre to Standish Village cross roads (A49 past Wigan Infirmary) Left to M6 and onto Parbold (A5209) Continue on to Burscough (A5209) Left to Ormskirk (A59) Right to Scarisbrick (A570) Continue to Southport Town Centre & Pier (A570)
Looking forward to seeing you at Brendas on Sunday morning :)
Cheers, Terry.

Astley & Tyldesley Vs Swinton R.C Summer Challenge

Summer Challenge Nights

We have arranged 2 summer challenge nights with Swinton Running Club.The home leg will take place at Gin Pit on Wednesday 8th July with the return fixture at Swinton on 26th August.The format of the event has yet to be decided but it will be designed to include runners of all abilities.There is a strong possibility of some social integration afterwards, once the running is out of the way!

Southport and Back Bike Ride - By Terry Hughes

Dear All,

Before confirming the details for this Sunday………

Unfortunately, the weather forecast looks a bit grim for Sunday.
Weather Forecast for Sunday (on BBC Weather Web Site) - It's forecast Showers, Rain & Heavy Rain for most of the route.

(There's not much wind forecast, so that's a bonus - ho ho )

So, what I suggest is that we look at the weather forecast again on Friday, then decide if we still want to go or whether we want to re-arrange.

Please let me know if you’re thinking of coming, so I can let you know the final arrangements on Friday.
mobile: 07906 139986.

Members Profiles ... More Please !

After the blog had its make over in January we advertised for members to fill in the members profile questionnaire and send a picture.

Only 10 people came forward and one of those was 91 yr old Marsha Mella who sadly is no longer with us........she is still alive and well just not with the club !!!

Please find 5 minutes of your time to fill it in and send your picture for publication.

Name -

Date of Birth -

Years Running -

What year did you join A&T -

What is your running ambition -

What is the best thing about A&T -

How can we improve A&T -

Favourite Distance -

Favourite Race -

Sporting Icon -

Latest Road Champ Leagues

Please see latest league positions after race 1 the Lostock 6.

Next race is the Roddlesworth Roller on Sunday 8th March, more ladies please !!

Thank you to Garry Baines for producing the results.

"A big well done for the great turn out on Sunday especially to Gary Atherton showing great potential making his debut for the club" Says Coach Moran !

PREMIERSHIP - male
1 Shaun Moran -30
2 Troy Topping - 29
3 Simon Ford - 28
4 Scott Christey - 27
5 Mark Riches - 26
6 Paul Mannion-25
7 Steve Coleman-24
8 Kevin Wright-22
9 Paul Bohannon-21
10 Peter Mulleady-20
11 Gary Stevens - 16

12 Craig Bradbury-14

CHAMPIONSHIP - male
1- Paul Jackson 23
2 - Mark Ruscoe 19
3- John Foulds 18
4- Alan Webb 17
5 Terry Gardiner- 15
6 Gary Atherton- 13
7 Robert Stevens- 12
8 Paul Butler- 11
9 Garry Baines- 10
10 Steve Foster- 7

DIVISION 1 - male
1 Ray Taylor- 9
2 Mike Reason- 8
3 Mark Crowley- 6
4 Paul Basnett- 5
5 Matthew Crompton- 4
6 Kisson Doctor- 3

PREMIERSHIP - female
1 Mary Anne Tracey Aguera- 30
2 Brenda Wane - 29
3 Michaela Shaw- 28

CHAMPIONSHIP - female
1 Carole Baines- 27
2 Michelle Fairclough- 26
3 Vanessa Thomson- 25
4 Eva Tuer- 24

DIVISION 1 -female

No runners

PB's galore at Blackpool

5 A&T runners travelled to a windy Blackpool to compete in the ever popular Great North Western Half Marathon. The flat and fast out and back course takes you from the start near the Hilton up to near Bispham and back twice.

Steve Eldridge who had already done a 3 mile run at 8am completed the course in a very encouraging 1.34.03 after having a nightmare end to 2008 with injury, lets hope Steve can now show his potential during the 2009 season.

Dan Reason and Mike Newall showed the Edinburgh marathon training is paying off with massive PB's each, Dan clocking 1.40.47 and Mike 1.42.05.

Dave 'Dora the Explorer' Pritchard is taking huge chunks off his pb's and is showing that Coach Bob is getting the best out of his athletes by clocking 1.51.39. Jayne Shea clocked 2.03.13 after missing last weeks Wrexham Half due to illness.

Website Statistics

A few people have been asking how popular is the A&T website.

I have received some site stats from Yahoo who said in January 2009 we received nearly 1400 'unique' hits. This works out at a average of 45 hits per day.

So far in February we have had 1127 hits which is 49 hits per day (increase of 8%).

Yahoo do not host the blog so i am currently trying to get blog statistics but my feeling is the blog probably get double the hits of the website homepage.

A member of Leigh Harriers helped us out with Gin Pit 5 and Gill Pimblott 5km course maps after reading the blog and Swinton R.C have both helped us out with the CRB (Criminal Record Bureau)checks so our coaches will be able to coach under 18's.

Below shows the hit counter for each day in February so far....

Mon 02/23 - 47 (47)
Sun 02/22 - 57 (57)
Sat 02/21 - 24 (24)
Fri 02/20 - 44 (44)
Thu 02/19 - 50 (50)
Wed 02/18 - 45 (45)
Tue 02/17 - 60 (60)
Mon 02/16 -54 (54)
Sun 02/15 - 52 (52)
Sat 02/14 - 36 (36)
Fri 02/13 - 50 (50)
Thu 02/12 - 40 (40)
Wed 02/11 - 54 (54)
Tue 02/10 - 47 (47)
Mon 02/09 - 46 (46)
Sun 02/08 - 46 (46)
Sat 02/07 -40 (40)
Fri 02/06 - 50 (50)
Thu 02/05 - 46 (46)
Wed 02/04 - 52 (52)
Tue 02/03 - 62 (62)
Mon 02/02 - 73 (73)
Sun 02/01 - 52 (52)

Lostock 6 Blue is the colour ! Written by Garry Baines

WOW! What a magnificent turnout.

35 A&T members turned up on a windswept pub car park and braved the blustery conditions and undulating course to take place at the first CLGP race of the season at Lostock. Several runners were either nursing or coming back from injury or illness but still made the effort to represent the club.
A huge thank you to all who took part!

With such a large field it is difficult to list all runners and times but there are several highlights from the race not least the achievement of the ladies team who took 3rd place overall.

Pride of place must go to Coach Moran who seems to be maturing like a Vintage Claret. His time of 35’ 59” sets a benchmark for anyone who has him in their sights.
That said Troy Topping and Simon Ford with 36’ 29” and 37’ 18” respectively were close on his heels and will rise to the challenge as the season progresses.
10 other runners managed to beat the 40’ minute mark but surely the run of the day goes to Mary-Anne Aguera who came home in 39’ 20” not doubt cajoled by partner Paul Bohannon.

Terry Gardiner continued where he left off last season and Gary Atherton, making his debut for the club, got round in 42’ 53”.

Bob Stevens made a rare outing in the Road Championships but showed there is life in the old dog with 43’ 31”. Let’s see more of this Bob!

Brenda Wane showed she is in fine fettle at the moment with 44’ 11”.

Another debutant was Michaela Shaw who promises to be a real asset to the ladies team as she registered 46’ 22”. Matt Crompton also ran in the blue colours for the first time and showed he is making progressing under the guidance of Master Bob.

It was also good to see Eva Tuer back on the circuit after her accident last year and she has plenty of time to regain the form from 2 or 3 years ago.

The only damper on the day was the fact that the presentation of the 2008 CLGP awards was postponed until the Radcliffe 10km. Never mind –it just gives us more incentive to turn out in our numbers again at this event.

Athletics Weekly Free to Good Home

I have surplus to requirements 7 issues of Athletics Weekly to anyone wishing to take them off my hands free of charge.

Dated Dec 08 - Jan 09.

Email me if you want them.

Lostock

It’s the Lostock 6 this Sunday at 11am. The first race in the Road Championships and the first race in the Grand Prix. We have all our trophies to defend so it would be great to get everyone out.

It’s the presentation of trophies after the race so we will be sending an all star cast to pick them up! Then it’s a celebration meal in the Red Lion, Atherton at 4 and then on to Gin Pit for 6.30 for the open top bus parade (minus the bus). Then after a few drinks we may end up Tyldesley, Atherton or god knows where.

If you want to meet up before the race a convoy will be setting off from Atherton train station at 9.30.

Best of luck to all the new members racing.

Pete

Wrexham Half - By David Pritchard

Four of us did the Wrexham Half Marathon (Village Bakery) on sunday. 2 of us where spurred on by lack of run in Benidorm! All 4 of us managed to do personal bests which confirms this course is fast! We were rewarded with a fruit loaf at the finish as well! The times were:

S.Colman 83.33 (pos 72nd)
C. Little 86.15 (pos 93rd)
J. Iborra 91.20 (pos 140th)
D. Pritchard 114.32 (pos 407th)

Total number running was 507

Parbold Hill Race

Probably my favourite race of the year saw regular racer and new Fell Captain John Foulds competing in the tough Parbold Hill Race.

John finished 134th in a time of 56 mins 13.

I on the other hand limped around a 4 mile course with another foot injury which makes Lostock very doubtful.

Cross Country Hyndburn - Written by Mark Riches

Cross – country Hyndburn 14/02/09

A&T runners staged their own race prior to this Valentine Day’s Mid-Lancs fixture; who could arrive last! Much to his surprise Peter Mulleady arrived with the Club tent before the rest of the team who had left much earlier. This is despite going to the next town & having to ask directions at a petrol station.

The 4 ladies Mary-Anne, Brenda Wane, Jodie Wagstaff & new recruit Michaela (who ran in Mandy’s number) arrived less than 10 minutes before the start of the race. Mary-Anne had a brilliant run finishing 9th senior lady. Next was Brenda with another great run. Jodie & Michaela finished just 24 seconds apart with Jodie taking the spoils.
Then it was the turn of the men; Troy Topping was keen to get going on this his favourite course. In fact Troy was the first A&T runner despite an unfortunate incident with a tree-root early on. Next was Peter clocking-up his 101st mile of the week! Mark Ruscoe finished next 1 minute in front of Paul Jackson, with an excellent run. Coach Shaun Moran finished just ahead of Craig Bradbury after a steady start. Alan Webb completed the line-up with another solid run.
With one race left we are joint top of Division 4 with Horwich 15 points clear of 3rd place. So promotion to Division 3 looks likely – well done everyone!

Sorry Pete !

Just a note to say 'Commiserations' to Peter Chan from all A&T runners after breaking his ankle on Wednesday night training.

Peter will now be in plaster for 6 weeks before starting his rehabilitation.

Sorry mate I've been there and its not a nice place !

Lady Captain by Peter Mulleady

Hi All

At the AGM the majority of members voted in favour of a Lady Captain. Below is a summary of the role.

'To liaise with all Lady members to ensure they are getting the most out of their running. To work with the race Captains and encourage Lady members to race where appropriate.'

If you are interested in the role please let me know or speak to any Committee member.

Regatta Fell Tops

I have managed to locate some Regatta Fell Tops very similar to picture above (boxed).

KEY BENEFITS:
- Excellent moisture transportation
- Lightweight
- High-elasticity fabric allows unrestricted freedom of movement
- Good shape retention
- Non-pilling
- Odour resistant
- Rapid drying time

These retail at £19.99 but i can sell to club members at £3.00 and £5.00 to none members.

I will also be selling these at the GP5 for a fiver.

We only have mens medium, large and a couple of extra large.

Fantastic value for money.

Just remember to wipe the tyre marks off the packet where they fell off the lorry !

I should have them by the end of the week.

Gin Pit Sponsorship

All,

As race organiser i am on the look out for some new sponsorship to the Gin Pit 5.

We have lost a couple of sponsors recently and need some fresh sponsorship coming forward to enable us to spend money on better prizes etc.

At the moment our two sponsors are the Miners Welfare Club who give us a cash donation every year and Start Fitness who heavily discount products for the race.

I understand that its not a good time for companies but any donations would be most appreciated.

I am happy to discuss what we can do for our sponsors in return.

Gary.

Physio by Mary Anne

A&T members can get a 10% discount at David Roberts physio, usual price is £32 so that makes it £28.80.

Click here for more information about David Roberts http://www.davidrobertsphysio.co.uk/

Winter Duathlon Race 3 written by Craig Bradbury

Above - Craig Bradbury, Bob Stevens, Brenda Wane and Terry Hughes

Above - Terry Hughes

How do i work this watch?

Above - is he lost ???

Above - Craig Brabury and Brenda Wane

In this corresponding race last year,there was only Bob and Eva ,so to see it doubled to four A & T members was great.The very open Rainford Bypass was a cold place to be with the mercury down to -2 as we prepared for the first run!!
As we made our way to the pre race briefing we couldn't help but look at some of the other competitors' bikes as they were probably worth more than most peoples' cars,so we realised what we were going to be up against!! However we all did fine and really were a credit to the Club. It was Terry's first attempt at Duathlon and he was using the event as one of a few stepping stones to his main goal of completing a Half Ironman Triathlon in late July.He can take great heart out of his performance, although his decision to wear shorts rather than leggings on the bike was very brave or very ????.
Brenda showed her usual courage even to get through it as she had been struggling all week with a lower back problem which required acupuncture but she still got herself a bike PB.
Bob looks like he is now over the virus that forced him to miss this race last month and looks in the sort of form that will see him go into the upcoming Tri Season where he finished last year __ winning his respective Vets age group! I was made up with my performance as well.
There is one discipline that Bob would leave anybody standing in,and that is being first to the Cake Man for post race snacks! He was on his third slice by the time Brenda,Terry and I had even got changed!!!

Winter Duathlon Race 3

4 of A&T's hardcore travelled to Rainford to compete in the 3rd Winter Series Duathlon.

This race consist of a 3 mile run, 10 mile time trail bike ride then a 3 mile run.

Craig Bradbury once again showed improvement finishing 22nd overall and for the first he beat Bob on the bike !

Bob himself finished 37th just in front of Terry Hughes who himself is showing vast improvement finishing 39th. Brenda Wane finished 48th overall in her 2nd ever Duathlon.

Full results - http://www.epicevents.org/downloads/WD3%20R%202009.pdf

Blackburn Winter Warmer 10km

Three brave A&T runners travelled to Blackburn in sub freezing temperatures to compete in the tough Winter Warmer 10km.

Peter Chan who has had a few injuries over the past couple of months ran 38mins 36 in his first race of 2009 2 weeks before he starts his campaign in the Road Champs and Central Lancs.

Dave 'Bear Grylls' Prichard 51.25 and Jayne Shea 54.53 both just missed out on PB's.

Curry Night - Saturday 28th February

As we have so many new arrivals to the club we thought it was time to show them the 'Social Side' to Astley & Tyldesley by organising another curry night for Saturday 28th February.

The plan is to meet in the Bluebell on Bolton Road, Atherton from 8pm onwards having a few drinks before heading to the Far Pavilion for 9 - 9.30pm.

Anyone who wishes to come please inform Sharon Adair on 01942 878791

2009 Subscriptions by Bob Stevens

To all people wishing to re-new subs for 2009 who have not already done so please can you pay your £30.00 asap as they are now overdue.

Either pay a committee member or post it to my address,

Bob Stevens
24 Highfield Avenue
Atherton
Manchester
Lancs,
M46 9RH

Haigh Hall Relays - By Garry Baines

Hello fellow runnersLast year we entered 3 teams, each with 4 runners, for the Haigh Hall relays made up mainly of the Tuesday/Thursday group members.The race consists of each team member running 4 miles and then handing over to the next team member.I have to be honest and say that it won't be the easiest 4 miles you'll ever run (or at least the last 2 miles won't be) but it's good fun and there's plenty of support around.The relays are taking place again on 21st March this year so we have to decide fairly quickly if we going to enter or not.Please let me know as soon as possible by e-mail if you're interested so that I can get the entries confirmed.

Regards, Garry

email - garrybaines@aol.com

Lostock 6 - by Garry Baines

Lostock 6

We’ll it’s just over 2 weeks till we start the defence of our various CLGP titles at the Lostock 6 race on 22nd February.
We’ve already heard on the grapevine that several clubs are looking to oust us from the number 1 spot this season, especially as it could be the last one for the CLGP.
Of course whichever club wins the trophies this year gets to keep them so there is an added incentive to repeat our success.
Apart from the fine performances by our runners, one of the main reasons behind our success in 2008 was the sheer number of blue A&T vests which could be seen in each race.
With many new members now on board, it should be possible for us to surpass the entry levels we saw last year. Remember the more runners who enter, the more points we score, with fewer available for our opponents.
Please try and make it to Lostock on 22nd February if you can. It would show everyone that our club is getting stronger and stronger and that we’re not going to be easily beaten in 2009!

Southport and Back Bike Ride - By Terry Hughes

A date has now been agreed - The date that suits most people is 1st March (Six people have confirmed. Bob is also a possible).

This ride is geared around people who want to do Triathlons/Duathlons and will be at a steady pace so please bear this is mind.

The plan is for us all to meet up at Brendas by 9:30'ish, ready for a 10:00 start.
In preparation for the day, can I suggest that everyone gets hold of a spare inner tube and/or a puncture repair kit to bring with them.

I'll confirm a meeting place in Southport for us to get hot drinks, chips & toilets at the turnaround point. There's a suitable place at the town-end of Southport Pier (It's a regular meeting place for mature 'motor'-bikers).

If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, I'm happy to go with the flow.

Club Celebration Day/Night - Sunday 22nd February

Shaun Moran is organising a celebration day/night on Sunday 22nd February following the Lostock 6 race and trophy presentation.

Meeting at the Red Lion, Atherton (click here for map) at 4pm for food before heading to the Gin Pit Welfare for a few drinks before heading back to Tyldesley or Atherton.

Anyone wishing for food in the Red Lion MUST tell Shaun in advance due to very limited space in the pub, if there are a lot wanting food two sittings maybe arranged.

AGM 01/02/09 - Minutes by Peter Mulleady

Attendees - Bob Stevens, Terry Hughes, Shaun Moran, Mark Riches, Peter Mulleady, Paul Butler, Paul Jackson, Garry Baines, Carole Baines, Alan Webb, Brenda Wane, Mandy Baxendale, Mark Crowley, Kisson Doctor, Joanne Riches, Laura Riches, Alan Steeple, Michaela Shaw, Steve Coleman, Malcolm Collins, John Lee, Terry Gardiner, Craig Bradbury, Dave Pritchard, John Foulds, Simon Ford.

Meeting opened 8pm.

Presentation of Gill Pimblott charity money to Dr Prasad (in Dr Harlands absence).
Annual reports from Committee members.
Shaun Moran on success in the CLGP and also the Captain Mannering award to Paul Butler (presented by John Lee). Award to Laura Riches for UK fell U15 champion.
Mark Riches Cross Country report and also reports on Website, Race Organisation and Road in Gary Stevens absence.

Peter Mulleady Fell report.

Bob treasurers report including discussion about free tops with annual subscription. Members voted that from next year free tops not included in subscriptions.

Review of annual accounts. Profit of £460 on the year heavily dependent on the race income. Effectively subsidises member fees.

Club fees set at £30 with free top for 2009.
Review of constitution. No changes suggested.
Election of Officials. The following were proposed, seconded and elected.
Chairman – Peter Mulleady
Secretary – Terry Hughes
Treasurer – Bob Stevens
Mon/Wed Coach – Shaun Moran
Tue/Thu Coach – Bob Stevens
Membership Secretary – Mark Crowley
Cross Country Captain – Mark Riches
Road captain – Garry Baines
Fell Captain – John Foulds
Event Organiser – Bob Stevens
Race Organiser – Gary Stevens
Website Manager – Gary Stevens
Due to the size of the Event Organiser and Race Organiser roles more support is needed in these areas. Terry Gardiner, Jayne Shea and Craig Bradbury have volunteered to support Gary in the Races. Sharon Adir and Debbie Laverick will support Bob with Events.
The position of Lady Captain was also discussed and the majority of members thought we should have one. The Committee to revert with details of what the role will entail.
Other business.
Bob Stevens and Shaun Moran were elected Honorary Members due to their outstanding and long term work for the club.
Grand Prix celebration meal and evening on the 22/2 (after Lostock 6 race and presentations). Shaun organising.
Discussion about juniors and the club. Garry Baines has done a lot of work on this. Still need committee sign off but we are in the process of setting things up so that we can accommodate anyone aged 15 or over.
Looking into what coaching courses are available for all coaches and assistant coaches.
Looking to offer free club membership for first unattached local runners in our races.
Open day was a great success. Over 70 people turned up.
Talk by Peter Riley & Stewart Stokes to be arranged. Probably at the March meeting.
Extra care to be taken on the roads particularly at busy junctions. Wear high viz tops at night and luminous armbands if possible.
Craig Little was arranging some first aid training. Will follow this up at the next meeting.
Shall we try for Runners World club of the year? We fulfill all the criteria apart from a junior section.
Peter Mulleady to follow up what potential funding we could obtain. The objective is to try and get some facilities at Gin Pit that we can use for juniors.
Swinton want to have a running night with us. Garry Baines to come back with details.
Haigh Hall relays coming up soon. Are we going to put some teams in?

Meeting closed 9.45pm.

New Triathlon Section

As well as being a running club Astley & Tyldesley have many members who compete in Triathlons and Duathlon's during the year.

If you are interested in running, swimming or cycling we can accommodate your needs with regular sessions during the week.

The club swim at Horwich baths every Sunday at 5.30pm venue link as well as bike rides which are arranged at weekends.






Our athletes compete in the North West Championships Parbold Duathlon, Rosemere Duathlon, Winter Training Duathlons and the Epic Events Triathlons click here for more info

Upcoming Triathlons...

26 April newton le wilows...

11 may wimslow....

7 June rossendale...

21 June chester

Tri Club Contact

Craig Bradbury

Mobile : 07742 433759

email : Bradrorynan@aol.com

Heaton Park X-Country - Written by Peter Mulleady

On a lovely sunny day (we must have brought the Benidorm weather with us) 8 A&T runners made it to the final South East Lancs cross country race at Heaton Park. No points at stake, just honour. It was great to see 2 new faces at cross country, Jayne & Michelle, and hopefully we’ll see them at plenty more in the future. It wasn’t as muddy as usual (though Jayne still managed to find a good patch to fall in!) but the course is still pretty tough with plenty of ups and downs and a stream crossing. All the men waited at the stream crossing for the first lap of the women’s race to cheer them on (or were we there to see who might fall in the stream or mudbath at the side?!). They were all running well and safely negotiated it (shame, could have been some good pictures for the blog!). Brenda had a super run finishing ninth. Michelle was next in with a great first outing in her bargain Mudclaws closely followed by Carole and Jayne next in with an excellent run. The men’s race was an exciting affair with 3 different leaders. I led after 1 lap then Mark Ruscoe took it on. I went back into the lead including a stage where I was racing the train (local fun train) and lost. On the last lap Coach Moran showed his speed on the flatter bits and his fast improving cross country technique (I knew I shouldn’t have given him my spare fells shoes) to close me down and take a good lead. I managed to catch him again through the woods and then he let me past coming up to the stream. He did the same with Mark Riches at the last cross country! Anyway after that I just put my head down to the finish and managed to hang on. Shaun was next closely followed by Mark Ruscoe who had an excellent race. Alan Webb had his usual sprint finish just beating a Horwich guy. Worth going as I also got given 20 tickets for the league presentation dance on March 13 with Disco, Bar, Raffle, Supper.