May Bank Holiday Tyldesley Pub Crawl

Reminder

We are meeting on Saturday 2nd May in the George and Dragon, Tyldesley for a bank holiday pub crawl after 75 % of the blog voters stated that should be the next club's social night.

Meeting time 8pm but I'm sure some (you know who you are) will be there much earlier !

See Bob Stevens for more details.

My Marathon Experience - By Paul Jackson

Cragsy and I were both delighted to pick up our club places at the Xmas Do for this years FLM. How many times along the 26.2 did we rue that decision to take part?At 8am on Sunday I met Craig at Waterloo as we were both at the Blue start.The sun was getting hot and the tube train sweltering. At Blackheath we both commented on what a lovely day for a gentle stroll with the family, maybe a picnic and an ice-cream, and seriously questioned our sanity.I snook into Pen 1 where Craig was, having being denied access by the FLM Pen Gestapo, and we were very happy to be so close to the front.We convinced ourselves the best policy was to stay calm and work up to our intended race pace.The customary A&T handshake and then hooter went. Off we went at the speed of a thousand gazelles, despite our plan and we had to reign ourselves in a bit, bearing in mind the blazing sunshine. At one point Cragsy mentioned we were doing 6.10 min/miling, this was about the same time that the Runner's World official 7 min/mile pacer flew past us, weaving in and out of the masses (Isn't that what Runner's World tells you not to do in every issue?!- a word of warning to those considering following one at future marathons!)It wasn't long before we were feeling the effects of the sun and we were gelling up alot earlier than planned. My bald swede doesn't help matters in those conditions but I declined the temptation to wear a knotted hankie.Our 10k time was ok and we were settling into a rythm but before Tower Bridge we were both suffering more than expected.Once over half way, you can start the count down which helped psychologically and there was alot of shade to be found in the Isle of Dogs.I croaked last year between 18-20 miles and this was in the forefront of my mind as I pushed on towards the Highway and the approach to the embankment. Once on the embankment the crowds really push you on and everyone, at least once in their lifetime should experience it.My Dad was on a footbridge over the embankment and knowing he would be watching spurred me on more.I gave him a wave then gritted my teeth and pushed for the finish. I'd worked out that my target of sub 3.15 was out of reach but wanted to finish strong. The sight of the Union Jacks on the Mall was a real joy and I was totally elated as I crossed the line in 3.19:02.Real men don't cry they say but I was quite overwhelmed at the finish, probably more out of relief than achievement.I met up with Cragsy, but probably missed Jo as I as blubbing into my foil sheet.We both said 'never again!' then went off to meet our families. When I got home Sarah said 'I saw Nell McAndrew and thought you wouldn't be far behind her'...My real race plan had been rumbled. Well done to the bionic Pete, Steve, Criag and Jo.Thanks A&T for the club place and to everyone for their support and encouragement, but then again you wouldn't expect anything less from this fine club.Also thanks to my sponsors who helped raise more than £1200 quid for our wounded heroes. Until next time.....

Newton Le Willows Triathon - Written by Craig Bradbury

On a glorious Spring morning a record 5 Astley and Tyldesley members made the short journey to Newton-le-Willows for the first Triathlon of the season.First off was Eva,then Terry,then Bob and myself followed by Paul who could sadly only manage the Swim/Bike legs due to a lower leg problem.However he still produced amazing times which actually won his category for Swim/Bike.If he can regain full fitness in time for the Wetherby Triathlon in Three weeks he should do something very special. A Top Finish Paul !!

Terry showed that all his hard work through the Winter has paid off as he knocked an amazing Five minutes off the time when he did the event two years ago.{or was it due to the new Tri Suit he bought the day before !!} Bob finished a creditable third in his category despite not feeling A1 during the race due to a cold he developed mid week.
The performance of the day must surely go to Eva who was competing for the first time since being hit by a car whilst out training on her bike last Summer.Yet despite coming off her bike on a tight bend she still managed to complete the race, and with cuts and bruises she was still smiling afterwards.I would just like to say a big "thank you " to the three fellow competitors who rode straight past Eva after she came off her bike.They must be very proud of themselves.!!.

PAUL Swim 6.45 Bike 41.22

CRAIG 26th Swim 8.38 Bike 47.20 Run 28.16

Overall1.26.13

TERRY 48th Swim 9.20 Bike 48.52 Run 30.58

Overall 1.31.43

BOB 53rd Swim 8.22 Bike 48.23 Run 33.57

Overall 1.32.58

EVA 99th Swim 11.13 Bike 59.01 Run 40.46

Overall 1.54.04

Sunshine, Spiderman and Paul Daniels - Must be the London Marathon - Written by Peter Chan

Well there are very few days in this country when you open your curtains and the sun bursts in and your heart sinks!!

After weeks of anticipation and build up for the athletes to be faced with around 60 degrees at 9am was a bit cruel, but excellent for the spectators of course. Staying out of town near Wembley stadium I set off around 7.30am for the start. It’s amazing how the train fills more and more at every stop with worried looking people. One guy from Cheltenham sat opposite me was giving a detailed explanation on the phone to someone back home of how he had not slept at all and how he thought he had contracted the S**ts as he spent the whole night on the toilet and then had been sick …. I turned my I-Pod up, disappeared into my hoodie and worked hard to keep my shoulders still from the smirking….. I mean …some poor soul had just woken up to this guys phone call.

Red start … I must say the new arrangements for the good for age club runners were really fantastic, our own little pen indeed complete with en-suite facilities … well a plastic porta-loo … AND sure enough Mr Cheltenham was in the queue already… and on the phone again – I jest thee not.
I met a couple of guys I knew at the start so had a good natter about running and how during the ease down this last week how they had picked up everything from Achilles problems to swine flu. When I mentioned I had been in plaster for 6 weeks with a bust ankle they sort of laughed like “Yeah right … that’s a good one…. I’m Brian and me wifes Brian too” …..“No … honest I have” I said …. They checked their watches in the kind of way you do when in the company of a serial liar who has just told a really enormous whopper…. So I changed the subject to the weather.

At 9.45 we were underway…I wonder why after all the expense, hype and build up they think the best starting device for the worlds biggest Marathon is a very loud farty sounding honker??…… The weather had gotten consistently sunnier but mercifully the humidity seemed quite low ie Sunny but not stifling hot, even so by this point you could really feel it warm on the skin and actually feel the heat coming up from the tarmac…. It was certainly a day to forget your race plan and be flexible, there was going to be a lot of casualties in the latter stages today. I made a very steady start keeping everything relaxed and controlled so was pleased to see the time still sub 19mins at 5km …….. around 200mtrs in the distance there looked like someone in a full length running suit …. Surely not!! ……. 5 miles in 30.25 and still ok and then I caught him …. It was some guy wearing a lightweight Spiderman outfit!!! …. Un-bloody-believeable… of course he was getting lots of crowd applause but runners around him were just glaring … it’s a bit like ‘Ronaldo syndrome’ … you don’t mind someone being pretty good but when they start taking the P**s it’s annoying.

Halfway came up in dead-on 81 mins and by then I was feeling already the fatigue building in my legs due to the lack on long runs and probably the heat of the day, so the mental games started … only a 7 mile run and then its 20 done and then you’re nearly home…. No more fancy dress runners thankfully but the fatigue was building and I figured it was more probably due to the heat as from 16 miles I was passing a lot of very low race numbers and AAA championship runners(a number also on their back). Canary wharf came up around 19 miles and I had started to feel a bit better actually. In fact the previous 6 miles had been a mix of feeling tough and feeling ok …. Weird … I noticed also that when in the shade my morale was a lot higher also … the sun was just strength sapping…. I ignored the blue line and tried to find as much shade as possible.

As we passed the switchback at the tower 22/14 miles there was a lot of tired looking faces coming the other way and you are grateful you have 4 to do and not 12 so that is a lift as well and then the crowds lining the Thames embankment really do carry you home … they must be collectively responsible for many a PB as the body really is screaming to rest by this point … Big Ben in sight again, and my concentration was just on keeping everything going as I could feel my quads and calf muscles starting to get those first twinges on cramp and in the Marathon you are never home till you cross the line … the turn at the end of Birdcage walk and the finish in sight …. As I was to say to Shaun on the phone later that day …I really did have a lot of doubts to being here after the injury, but to be there on the Mall and to have managed what turned out to be a tough day was much more than I could have expected. My finish time was 2hrs 46mins and 49 seconds …. Not my fastest Marathon but definitely the most satisfying by a long long way.

That’s my story but also my sincere Congratulations to all my team mates who completed the race, Steve, Paul, Craig, Jo and Liz.

The pics are me passing Parliament Square at just over 25 miles, (note the intense shadow) … and the other is me doing a Paul Daniels …. That pint disappeared in 5 seconds flat ……but as in the words of the great man….. “That’s Magic”

Childrens Xmas Party

We are trying to gauge interest in a kids Xmas party probably early December on a Sunday afternoon.

The idea is to have a Santa Clause, give out kids presents, play games, maybe food and some music.

Brenda offered to do the bulk of the work, if you think its a good or bad idea take time to answer this weeks poll question.

This weeks poll

Last week we asked 'What is your favouite type of race' ?

Out of 27 votes Road won with a majority of 62% with trail/offroad 25%

X-Country, Fell and Track only recorded 1 vote each (3%).

This weeks question is by Brenda Wane please take a few seconds to vote.

Monthly Club Meeting 26/4/09 - Minutes by Terry Gardiner

Attendees – Mark Riches, Bob Stevens, Gary Stevens, Terry Gardiner, Shaun Moran, Brenda Wane, Peter Mulleady, Garry Baines, Alan Webb, Steve Foster, John Lee, Dave Owen, Arnold Melling, Craig Bradbury, Paul Mannion

Meeting started with introduction of Terry Gardiner as new club secretary.

Gin Pit 5 Race – Bob presented the takings for the April race. .
A big thank you to Bob and Gary for all their hard work organising the event.
Bob announced that he is hopeful of securing two new sponsors for the forthcoming races and will he will keep us informed of any progress.

Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride – This event is taking place on 12th July. The club will be taking part in conjunction with Wigan Hospice. They will organise transportation of bikes from Wigan to the start of event and also transportation of bikes from Blackpool to Wigan. . John Lee has offered to transport the bikes from Atherton to Wigan and also to pick them up again on Monday. This is dependant on numbers though (there is a limit to how many bikes he can squeeze into his van)

Cost is £15.00 if interested let Bob know ASAP.

Road Races – Garry thanked the members for the fantastic turnout at Radcliffe – Let’s keep it up for all the forthcoming races. We would also like to encourage more lady runners to take part in races as we feel that we could have a strong ladies team.
Next races are at Haigh Hall on May 13th, Chorley on June 3rd and Burnden (Smithils Serpent) on June 7th

CLGP – The Grand Prix is folding at the end of this season. A&T and Swinton are working together to keep it going. Up to now 8 clubs are interested in being part of a league. Proposals are currently being draw up regarding funding, officials and the structure of the league. Thanks to Garry Baines and Gary Stevens for all their hard work in this venture.

Inter Club Competition – The first of the competitions – A&T v Swinton RC will take place on 8th July at Gin Pit, with the return match at Swinton on 28th August. This will be a FUN event for ALL abilities and will also incorporate a social drink afterwards and presentation of a trophy to the winning club. The format of the event has yet to be decided, but will probably be some kind of relay. Garry Baines (where does he find the time?) is looking at this.

Fell Race – The next fell race is the Belmont 4.5 mile on 9th May. This is the race where Paul Butler famously quoted “NEVER AGAIN” although Peter Mulleady assures us that it is actually quite a nice race.

Christmas Do – Will be held at Miners Welfare on 19th Dec. The recent poll on the blog regarding a band, came back with a majority of people voting for a new band. There is one suggestion so far – Elephant Juice a local two piece with an excellent reputation. If there are any other suggestions please let Bob know.
There was a view expressed that as A&T have grown to 100 + members that the club may be too small if all members and partners were to attend. This may be the case, but if past years events are anything to go by then it probably will not be a problem as not all members actually attend the party. We will leave things as they are for now and re-evaluate after party if it proves to be a problem.

Benidorm and Keswick – There is a half marathon and a 10k this year in Benidorm. The races are on 29th Nov. The club will be going on 28th and returning on 1st Dec. If you are interested in going then let Peter Mulleady know.

There is also a half marathon at Keswick on 3rd May. Some hardy souls will be braving the elements and camping from 2nd to 4th may and as well as doing the half marathon they will also be scaling Skiddaw and Helvelin. If you are interested in testing yourself to the max and joining them, then contact Peter “mad” Mulleady

If that isn’t enough……..you can also join them on 20th and 21st June for little jaunt over the 3 Peaks Challenge – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon all done in 24hrs. Again…..see Peter for details.

Junior Run – We will be having a junior fun run on 16th May at 9.30, this is for children of club members and will help us gauge interest in having a junior section. The kids must have a parent or guardian with them during the course of the event and not just be left and picked up later. If you would like to bring your children along then please let Peter Mulleady know.

Race Referee – Would anybody like to be our nominated race referee? UK Athletics now insist that we have one for each of our races. There isn’t much to do, it just involves ticking a few boxes on a report after the race and dealing with any disputes (we have never had any at our races) There will be a training course available at the end of next month that will lead to a qualification. If you are interested contact Terry Gardiner

Coaching Courses – Is anybody interested in doing any coaching courses? The courses are for one day and are usually held at Sport City in Manchester. If you are interested then let Terry Gardiner know.

Sat / Sun morning runs – It has been proposed that if you have a favourite run or session then it can be incorporated into a Sat or Sun morning run. This will be done maybe once a month (Peter is banned from this – otherwise we will be running up mountains)

Bank Holiday Social Event – The club will be meeting in the George and Dragon in Tyldesley at 8.00pm on Sat 2nd May. Everyone welcome – please come along and make it a great night.

London Marathon Results

Results - News to follow in due course.

Click on names for split times and position.

CHAN, PETER G (GBR) 2:46:49
COLEMAN, STEVE J (GBR) 3:07:59
JACKSON, PAUL T (GBR) 3:19:02
IBORRA, JOANNE R (GBR) 3:20:32
LITTLE, CRAIG B (GBR) 3:27:42
HAYNES, ELIZABETH A (GBR) 3:57:33

Get well Soon Mainwaring !

If anyone doesn't already know John 'Captain Mainwaring' Lee went into hospital yesterday for his long awaited operation on a torn meniscus on his knee which has been giving him trouble since August 08.

We wish John a speedy recovery and no doubt he will be shouting at us all again very soon.

DIG IN JOHN !!!

Rivington Run - Sunday 26th April by Peter Mulleady

We are planning to go to Rivington for this Sunday’s morning run. Plan is for an easy run on the trails and a few Pike efforts for those that want to. Meeting at 9.15 at the station or 9.30 at Rivington upper barn.

Ian Hesketh Duathlon - Saturday 23rd May

If your looking at trying a Duathlon then i'd recommend this race, i may even do it myself.

This event is run annually in memory of Ian Hesketh who tragically died at the tender age of 27 in 2005. Ian was a member of Horwich RMI Harriers since he was 8 years old and Rivington was his favourite training area. He was a Lifeguard at a Leisure Centre in Bolton and Cycled to and from work every day.
The event centres entirely in the Rivington area, with Rivington Primary School as the Start and Transition Area. This makes for a more secure location than previous years for leaving bikes and belongings. The course suits both beginner and experienced athletes and the scenery is some of the best outside the Lake District.
The two 5k runs are almost entirely off road on tracks and paths and the cycle section is three laps with two small hills on each lap.

See website for more details - http://www.memorialduathlon.co.uk/

Club Library

The club library was opened in Feb 09 after a few people thought it would a good idea for fellow runners to swop/borrow/lend books to each other.

Please email me if you have any running related books that we can add to the library.

If no books are added i will close it down due to lack of interest.

The A&T Quiz

Back by popular demand and a bit more difficult (and no cheating) please have a go at the A&T quiz.


Only our PM and Jayne got 100% on last weeks quiz although there was a bit of controversy over the Benidorm Go-Karts Champion question, a rematch in Nov 09 will sort it once and for all !



Regards,

Bamber Gascoinge

Monthly Meeting - Sunday 26th April

We are having our monthly meeting on Sunday 26th April at 8pm (committee meeting at 7.30pm). Hopefully we can keep the meeting to around 60 mins before moving on to the far more important stuff..beer !

Agenda reads like this...

Profits on the Gin Pit 5 (Bob)

Contacting unattached runners from the GP5 (Mark C)

Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride - enough interest (Bob)

Xmas do - do we want a band ? (Bob)

Road Races (Garry B)

Fell Races (John)

Benidorm and Keswich trips (Peter)

Would anybody like to volunteer to be our nominated race referee? (Training to follow, when UKA have sorted it)
We need to promote the inter club event with Swinton and try and get as many of the new runners (Tue/Thu) to take part.

Informal junior run on a Sat or Sun for friends / family of members to see if there is any interest (Peter)

AOB

Gary Stevens

A Newbie Runners guide to her 1hr 10km goal - Written by Joanne 'Gadget' Fairhurst

Yesterday I went along to the Derby 10km. My second ever after 12months of running and one of the many steps on my journey to my 1hr 10km goal. Entered this race of 3000 people way back in November last year. Never ever been to Derby before and my first run was through Sefton Park in Liverpool. Being a footy fan, I fancied finishing inside a footy stadium. Only really started training properly for this after joining AT+T way back end of Jan. Mentioned this race to Dave P a couple of weeks after I first joined the club. Should be a good race then if another AT+T member has already done it. Got up yesterday at 6am arrrgg - never got up that early for a run before. Sundays my lie in day, I’m not at work must be bonkers. Am usually an early afternoon runner me. “Am I going to be ok with this, considering I had an Asthma attack last Tue night and barely got a mile and a half down from the station before having to give up and walk back” Arrg nerves. Weather absolutely fantastic for a run. Forecast dry and not going to hit much more than 8 degrees centigrade.
Journey to Derby pretty uneventful. Note to self, chuck Sat Nav in bin, you can’t miss a big football stadium for god sake by nearly two miles. Panic would I find it in time, hmm hope so as I’m there an hour an half before the start.
Early yet, very few people about and a little chilly. Starbucks, great. Big coffee for me and chance to use the loo before the start of the warm up. Outside for the start of the warm up which must of consisted of 15mins of just jumping around like a raving loony. Added in myself a few short jogs and some static stretching. Made my way over to the starting pens and found the 60min plus section. Had a few nice friendly conversations with the locals, basically along the lines of “have you done this before ?” “is it flat ?” “anything I should know about the course” Had read the course description but not knowing the area, was running a bit in the dark. Off we go and over the starting mats. Hmm doesn’t look too bad. But arrg what is that I see at the 1km marker, A HILL NOOOOO. Made my way over that and then dropped down into the city center. Asked another runner if anymore hills and was told, hmm you have to go back over same bridge over railway on way back. ARRG Dave, you didn’t mention the hills sniff sniff. Still making the classic beginners mistake of going off way too fast for the first mile then running out of steam, so keep eye on Garmin and Heart Rate Monitor to keep consistent effort. Two coppers milling around on bikes in between the runners. Arrg panic, I can’t be last yet. Quick check over shoulder. Phewww still plenty of people behind me yet. I so want that bike mister, gimme gimme please. Even though the city center was still very quiet and no shops open, brilliant to see lots of locals supporting the race. Very windy for about 4 km around the city center then past the water station. Downhill now from KM 4.5-5.5. This is more like it J
Whats that in the distance. Am going the right way but lost sight of the group of runners in front. Quick glance over left shoulder. Oh no, there they are going up a huge flyover crossing the river Trent. Up Douggie here we come. Quick check of pace on Garmin. God must be doing something right as average pace not yet deteriorated as in the past. Back over the railway bridge at the beginning and drop down into the industrial estate next to pride Park. 3.5ish Km to go to the end and stadium in site. Some nice person had left the car with the time clock on it on one of the roundabouts. 46mins. Looking good. Pretty uneventful running round the industrial estate and then back along the cycle path towards the stadium. 9km dull aches start to go through left hip, I am so gonna be stiff tomorrow. Nearly there, just the run round the outside and then ¾ around the pitch to the finish. By this point was hurting and was getting to the point of no return. Note to self “its Anfield and your getting roared on by the Kop as you finish”. No time clock on finish so stops Garmin and it read 6.38miles 1hr 10min 2 sec. Hmm thought would wait for chip time as Garmin was probably slightly out, due to weaving around slower runners/walkers etc. Chip time also was 1 hr 10mins 2 sec. Was course a bit long perhaps ?? But what the hell I knocked 5mins 10sec off my time and today I can actually walk properly. Training must be going right somewhere. Roll on Bolton next week J

This weeks poll

Thank you to the 31 people who voted this week when Bob asked 'What group should we have for the Xmas do'

81% wanted a group compared to 19% that didn't.

The 2008 band Glamorize got only 9% with the 2006 & 2007 band Asis getting 16% with 54% wanting a new band.

Personally I'd like the Pussy Cat Dolls !

Moving on to this weeks question by me, please give it a go.

Latest Road Champs Standings after Radcliffe

See latest Road Champs Leagues kindly supplied by
Garry 'The drugs don't work' Baines

Next race is the Haigh Hall 4 - Wednesday 13th May

PREMIERSHIP - male

Simon Ford 116
Shaun Moran 84
Paul Mannion 84
Troy Topping 82
Mark Riches 78
Steve Coleman 75
Kevin Wright 65
Craig Bradbury 58
Gary Stevens 50
Arnold Melling 49
Peter Mulleady 39
Peter Chan 29
Scott Christey 27
Malc Collins 22
Paul Bohannon 21

CHAMPIONSHIP - male

Paul Jackson 75
Alan Webb 74
John Foulds 60
Terry Gardiner 46
Mark Ruscoe 41
Paul Butler 38
Garry Baines 31
Gary Atherton 31
Craig Little 26
Steve Foster 23
Robert Stevens 20
Steve Eldridge 17
Rufus Bennett 15
Terry Hughes 10

DIVISION 1 - male

Dan Reason 47
Dave Pritchard 35
Mike Reason 26
Mike Newell 23
Ray Taylor 20
Ian Hamilton 20
Paul Basnett 14
Mark Cheetham 10
Mark Crowley 8
Matthew Crompton 7
Kisson Doctor 3

Vets
Shaun Moran 84
Troy Topping 82
Mark Riches 78
Paul Jackson 75
Alan Webb 74
Steve Coleman 74
John Foulds 60
Arnold Melling 49
Terry Gardiner 46
Peter Mulleady 39
Paul Butler 38
Dave Pritchard 35
Garry Baines 31
Peter Chan 29
Scott Christey 27
Steve Foster 23
Malc Collins 22
Ray Taylor 20
Ian Hamilton 20
Robert Stevens 20
Rufus Bennett 15
Paul Basnett 14
Terry Hughes 10
Mark Cheetham 10
Mark Crowley 8

PREMIERSHIP - female
Name
Mary Anne Tracey Aguera 90
Brenda Wane 58
Michaela Shaw 56
Joanne Iborra 30

CHAMPIONSHIP - female
Michelle Fairclough 108
Carole Baines 80
Jodie Wagstaffe 56
Jayne Shea 54
Vanessa Thomson 49
Eva Tuer 24

DIVISION 1 -female
Sonia Gadsby 25

Vets
Carole Baines 80
Brenda Wane 58
Sonia Gadsby 25
Eva Tuer 24

Radcliffe 10km Thank you's by Brenda Wane

As Lady Captain i would like to say a big 'thank you' to all the lady runners who turned up and performed for the club at the Radcliffe 10km.

Long may it continue.

Radcliffe 10km Race Report - By Garry Baines

Well the Central Lancs Grand Prix finally, almost begrudgingly, let us have our trophies.
It was nice of the committee to organise such a slick awards ceremony.
Earlier in the day, over a third of our members (37 in all – another new record) competed in the challenging but enjoyable Radcliffe 10km.
Horwich appear to be setting their stall out to re-capture the number one spot from us and their runners occupied the first 3 positions in the race. This trend was broken by Paul Mannion, who came in 4th overall in a PB time (by one second) of 35’24”.
Peter Chan, still only a few weeks without his pot, and with the London Marathon looming, came 10th overall in 36’ 20” with Simon Ford and Shaun Moran, making up the team finishing 2nd overall.
Mark Riches ran consistently as ever for 38’ 44” followed by Troy “I am not a number” Topping whose beery exploits on the previous evening probably took their toll on the undulating course.
Arnold Melling took yet another V60 prize, with Craig Bradbury, Malc “Lotus Man” Collins and Steve Coleman hot on his heels.
Mary Anne produced another cracking performance with an excellent time of 40’ 50”, to finish as 2nd lady overall.
In his first 10km Rufus Bennett came home in 42’20”and Terry Gardiner clocked up another PB with 42’52” closely followed by an improving Paul Butler.
Yours truly got back to some racing after pounding the long miles and I was please to knock over 3 minutes off last year’s effort. Similarly Brenda Wane recorded her best time for this course.
Michaela Shaw and Jodie Wagstaffe fought out their own battle and whilst Michaela just got the nod on this occasion, Jodie grabbed a PB in 48’15”.
A delighted Dave Pritchard smashed his PB to record 48’48” and the smile was still on his face around the pubs of Atherton in the evening –maybe the beer had some influence on this too.
Carole Baines improved her 2008 time considerably and Matt Crompton continues to show signs of improvement with 51’07”.
A huge thanks to our members for their continued fantastic commitment to this competition. We must be the envy of many of the other running clubs competing in the area.
Next GLCP race is the 4 mile night race on Wednesday 13th May at Haigh Hall

http://www.ukresults.net/2009/rad10k.html

Club Quiz

Try our club quiz by clicking the box on the right.

Note there is a bug on question 10, if you get the right answer it will say you got it wrong but it does correct itself at the end.

Power of 10 - UK Rankings

Click on the link below to find out which Astley & Tyldesley Road Runners feature in the UK Athletics Power of 10 Rankings.

Question - Who is our current best 'pound for pound' runner of 2009 ?

Answer - Stephen Coleman (90th best runner in the UK and 11th best V45 over Marathon)

http://www.thepowerof10.info/athletes/athleteslookup.aspx?surname=&firstname=&club=astley

Club Meeting Sunday 26th April

It is our monthly club meeting on Sunday 26th April 8pm.

If you would like to add a topic to the agenda for discussion please email terrygardiner123@yahoo.co.uk

Rivington Pike Fell Race - Written by John Foulds

RIVINGTON PIKE FELL RACE
The second Club Fell Championship Race took place on a gloriously sunny Easter Saturday afternoon, 11 April 2009.
Seven A&T runners took up the 3.25 mile challenge, which doesn’t sound like much, but it is more or less up to the Pike and down again!
With Craig Bradbury, Alan Webb and Brenda Wane running the Salford 10K and me running the Calder Vale 10 mile the day before, I think we were all questioning our sanity!
The race started at the Cenotaph at Lever Park Avenue, turned right just before Rivington and Blackrod High School, then straight up to the Pike and back the same way.
The support from A&T members, Gary and Carole Baines, Ian (bacon mon) Hamilton and Steve Foster half way up the hill was very welcome.
The results were:
1st Rob Hope Pudsey & Bramley 17.25
59th Steve White V40 22.44 (1st A&T)
68th Mary-Tracey Ann Aguera L 23.11 (2nd A&T)
83rd Peter Mulleady V45 23.57 (3rd A&T)
104th Craig Bradbury 24.46 (4th A&T)
117th John Foulds V45 25.25 (5th A&T)
128th Alan Webb V40 25.46 (6th A&T)
144th Brenda Wane L45 26.14 (7th A&T)
(Brenda was once again first vet 45 Lady)
Ron Hill – 30.40
234 runners.
Next fell race Saturday 9th May 1.15pm Belmont Winter Hill 4.5 miles

Air Products 10km - Written By Steve Coleman

On Sunday 12th April, I did the Air products 10k, which was sold as a good PB course. Not a bad run but the distances were often way out. 3K came in at 3.40 and 4 at 4k so some must have thought they were doing well. Passed the 10k mark at 38.10 but the run went on for another 200 metres! Well got us all looking at out GP watches. Came in at 38.49 and 53rd of 312.

Steve Coleman

Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride - Sunday 12th July

We are thinking of taking part in the Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride as per 2007.

The ride starts at Old Trafford (Man Utd) Football Stadium and finishes at the South Promenade Blackpool which is new for 2009, approx 60 miles.

This really is a great day out for all abilities of cyclist, if your fit enough to run a 10km you can do this with a few weeks training.

All monies raised are for Christies Hospital.

No doubt there will be beer and food planned for later in the day to help celebrate the achievement.

At this moment we are gauging interest so please speak to Bob or Craig B and if there is enough interest we will arrange it.

Click for more details http://www.bike-events.com/Ride.aspx?id=193

This weeks poll !

Thank you to all 28 of you that answered Mark Riches question 'what is your favourite training session' ?

42% of you said easy/steady run, hills 17%, efforts and tempo run 14% and track 10%.

Please answer this weeks question by Bob Stevens