Items for the Blog

To all A & T runners.

Unfortunately, Gary has taken ill again and will be unable to keep the blog updated for a few days.

I will therefore take over the blog temporarily until he is fit again. If you have any items that you want publishing then please email them to me at terrygardiner123@yahoo.co.uk and I will endeavour to get them on ASAP.

I am sure that I speak for all the club in wishing Gary a speedy and full recovery.

Buxton Half Marathon - Written by Steve Coleman

On Sunday I did the Buxton half marathon which proved to be what it said, one of the hardest haf marathons going with over 1600 feet of climb and hard downhill runs. To make it more fun it was far too hot. The first hill was three miles long, but it was the second hill that was a killer. A good turn out from Burnden runners who had this down as a club race! Came 28th out of 300 who finnished at 1h32m03s. The web page reports that all those treated for heat exhustion have recovered.

Steve C.

Harrock Hill - Written by Peter Mulleady

It was champions league night but who wants to be a couch potato when you could be slogging up Harrock hill! Seven hardy A&T runners found their way there with the aid of my trusty Satnav. At least this time it didn’t try and send us down a footpath near Haigh hall. After registration we were leisurely getting changed when a marshal told us we’d better get to the start which was just down the road. As we jogged down there were no other runners in sight and we had already run nearly a mile. Fortunately we made it with 3 minutes to spare, yes Steve C I know that’s early! We set off and the first mile was pretty much all steep uphill and I was starting to think maybe I shouldn’t have described this race as easyish. At the top of the hill Craig Brad went past me. He’s really getting used to these fells now and running into great form. Luckily he still needs to work on his downhill (have to do some Rivi sessions!) so I caught him back up on the downhill section. Then we were on another uphill and I had decided that this race definitely wasn’t easy. My breathing was like a steam train and I could barely speak but there was someone behind me who sounded even worse. I was Malc the mountain goat Collins. I know from experience in training that Malc, like a wounded animal, is at his most dangerous when he sounds completely knackered and sure enough he went shooting past me. I tried to tag on behind him but I was well gone by now and at 2.5 miles I had to stop and walk. I looked ahead and thought sh** I’ve got over 2.5 miles to walk. Then Craig and Paul Jackson went past me with words of encouragement and after about half a mile of walking I managed to get myself going again. Meanwhile up at the front Malc and Craig were battling it out and Malc eventually came out on top finishing in an excellent 17th out of 113 runners. Craig came in 19th , I just managed to catch Paul coming in 34th, Paul 36th and Alan Webb close behind in 39th. Paul Basnett and Jayne on their fell debuts were the next 2 in and did brilliantly for their first fell races. I think they both need to work a bit on navigation though. Paul’s tactics were to follow the only blind man in the race and Jayne’s tactics, as she couldn’t see where she was going, were to slow down and let someone overtake so she could follow them. At the finish Paul J and Alan kept their fingers in their ears so they didn’t hear the latest score from the match as they were going to watch it later (I’m glad I heard it in the radio on the way home as it saved me bothering watching it). I think I will remember this as the race of the 3 wise monkeys. See no evil (Paul and Jayne), hear no evil (Alan & Paul) and speak no evil (Malc & me). The race is the first of a series of 4 on the last Wednesday of the month. A lot of the course is the same as the Parbold hill race. I’m coming back for some more over the summer as it’s a really good run.

Volunteer needed to arrange transport for the Thirsty 3

We are looking for a volunteer who can arrange transport for the Thirsty 3, Chorley on Sunday 5th July.

Someone will need to take names of people using the coach, book the coach and collecting all money.

We expect around 30 names for the coach although i would not guarantee anyone unless you get the money first.

The coach will be funded by the runners and family members are more than welcome.

Please email myself or speak to Garry Baines for more information

Monthly Meeting - 31st May 2009

We will be having our monthly meeting on Sunday 31st May at 8pm (committee meeting at 7.30pm).

Please come along if you can - it is your chance to have a say in how the club is run and to put forward any ideas that you have. The meeting will last about an hour and then it is on to the main part of all A & T activities.........beer!

If you have any items that you want adding to the agenda the please email Terry G at terrygardiner123@yahoo.co.uk

So far the agenda items are:-

Benidorm

Coaching courses

Sponsorship

Band for Christmas do

Curry Night

Thirsty 3 trip

Haydock trip

3 Peaks Challenge

This weeks poll

A record 37 of you voted on this weeks question about your alcohol intake..

Surprisingly the results show A&T are quite sensible drinkers with 13% none drinkers, 35% less than 10 units and 21% 11-20 units.

Only 28% claim to drink more than the recommended guidelines with both 10% for 21-30 and 31-40 with just 8% over 40 units.

Wetherby Triathlon - Written by Terry Hughes

Wetherby Triathlon (1.5 Km Swim, 42Km Bike, 10Km Run)...

Paul Bohannon and Terry Hughes took part in Wetherby Triathlon on Sunday, the first open water race of the year. It was my first full distance Triathlon and only Pauls' second (which is amazing given Pauls' superb times). It was a very early start from Lowton (5:10 am - no kidding) and once Pauls' bike was firmly strapped to the back of my car alongside Pauls' Banana tree that he'd brought along, we charged across the M62 and up the M1 to the picturesque village of Wetherby. It was a lovely sunny day, but still very chilly when we got there. Thoughts of insanity, an ice cold river and brain freeze soon entered my thoughts. Anyway, the sun quickly warmed up and we spent about an hour putting all our stuff out, having very manly conversations about which lubricant was best to use on your legs before putting a wetsuit on. The pre-race briefing was very surreal as there were 200 people stood in a car park, all dressed in black rubber and red rubber hats. Again, thoughts of a weird kind of insanity sprang to mind. Anyway, at 8:00 we all tippy-toed down the river bank and into the icy water, bobbing up and down trying to get used to the cold. Once the race got going, it all went fairly smoothly - apart from...- Paul couldn't get his wet suit off after the swim- Paul losing his pump en route,- Paul desperate for the toilet all the way on the bike section- Me running over a squirrel on the bike section. Seriously, Paul had a fantastic race (finishing in the top 30) and I was pleased to get round, still alive, but the race of the day went to Alan Rayment, a wheelchair athlete who completed the whole course, which really took some doing - It was an incredible sight to see - very inspiring! To sum it up - A great experience, highly recommended!

Horwich 5 - Wednesday 20th May

Mark Lysycia made his official Astley & Tyldesley Road Runner debut to record a time 33:49 at the undulating Horiwch 5.

Mark who is no stranger to the racing scene showed his worth to the A&T colours to finish 64th overall in a strong field.

Macclesfield Triathlon - Written by Mark Ruscoe

After all the recent triathlon geared training, I thought it would be a good idea to get along to one and see what all the fuss was about before letting myself in for the real thing – and it didn’t disappoint! The sun was shining even as we set off for Macclesfield at 06.15 to make for a great day of sport.
Craig and Bob both had good, fast swims and looked strong going into the first transition, Craig marginally ahead. Me, Lyndsey & Anita had a pit stop in the cafe before returning to see Craig rack his bike and set off very quickly on what was quite a tough run. As the timer ticked on there was no sign of Bob – leaving us wondering whether he had set a new course record on the bike, or fallen foul to a puncture. Finally after 10 minutes or more, Bob came racing round the corner in obvious distress – having added almost 5 miles to his bike with a wrong turn! He later blamed the marshalling on a roundabout which seems the likely explanation considering Bob’s keen navigation and accurate directions, as I am sure anybody in the Tuesday/Thursday group will testify to!!
Not long afterwards, Craig crossed the line in a fast time, true to his recent form, followed by Bob with a smile on his face, and after a few words in the right ears, a free entry into the next race.
I personally really enjoyed the event and am now itching to get involved in the next one. All abilities really were represented and I would certainly recommend to anyone at the club to give it a try!

Race for Life - Written by Anita Webb

Debbie,Sharon and myself(little Webby) ran the Race For Life last Sunday at Pennington Flash.The wall of pink T-Shirts that faced us as we entered the field was quite overwhelming giving us a real sense of pride in what we were about to undertake.In true Webb style I turned up in A & T Colours.Our Alan was so proud of me.

The event kicked off in "Private Benjamin" fashion with Army helmets,knee length shorts,and highly polished black boots to limber us up in true Army style.
The course itself was 3 miles and at times steep enough to whip our backsides into a real Beyonce behind!!!.This any woman would welcome.The marshalling of the course was fantastic, and most encouraging when you felt the strain going up the hilly parts.
Although the girls and I had great support from Bob, Craig B and Caitlin, and Alan and Tracy Webb,nothing quite prepared me for the volume of bodies that lined up like a scene from the film Zulu!!I was totally overwhelmed and found myself with head down,running as fast as my legs would carry me.As I finished I was greeted with a warm reception from Mark Riches and his family,and immediately thought " when can I race again?"

The support,warmth, and encouragement that the A & T Runners shower people with in a natural way can only lend itself to the Club being bigger and better than any other,making us a formidable force to be reckoned with!.

Duathlon Training Monday 1st June

Bob is organising another Duathlon session meeting at Leigh Sports Village at 6pm on Monday 1st June.

Bob plans a mix it up a bit by doing 1 x Lowton route bike, 5 x track running, 2 laps of Lowton route bike ending by 10 laps of track running.

The Lowton route is 5 miles so the whole session is 15 miles bike and 6000 mtrs running, of course you can do what you like for your ability.

New duathletes are more than welcome.

Harrock Hill Fell Race

Hi All

The next Fell Championship race is Harrock Hill next Wednesday 27/5. I’ve not done it before, but on paper it looks easyish for a fell run, 5.2 miles and 900ft of climbing (Haigh Hall was 500ft climbing). If a fell run is on your list for the year this is probably the one to try. To those of you with your new Inov8’s, you have to get them dirty sometime! (you know who you are!) The race starts at 7.30 from the Farmers Arms, Bispham Green nr Parbold. Aiming to meet at the station for 6.15.

See you there

Pete

This weeks poll

Thank you to the 30 of you that voted on this weeks question about the Thirsty 3.

The results showed that 63% wanted the club to organise a coach and stay for a few drinks with another 6% wanted to watch and come on the coach.

10% wanted to race and go straight home with just 13% saying they are not racing.

6% are still thinking about it !!

Please have a go at this weeks questions about your weekly alcohol intake

Please be honest

The guidelines state that....

4% beer is 2 units per 500ml
5% beer is 2.5 units per 500ml
175mm of wine 14% wine is 2.5 units
1 shot of spirits is 1 unit

Latest Road Standings after Haigh Hall

See latest standings after Haigh Hall

PREMIERSHIP male
Simon Ford 116
Shaun Moran 113
Mark Riches 106
Steve Coleman 101
Craig Bradbury 85
Paul Mannion 84
Troy Topping 82
Kevin Wright 65
Peter Mulleady 64
Peter Chan 60
Gary Stevens 50
Arnold Melling 49
Scott Christey 27
Malc Collins 22
Paul Bohannon 21

CHAMPIONSHIP - male
Alan Webb 97
Paul Jackson 92
Terry Gardiner 67
Mark Ruscoe 65

John Foulds 60
Paul Butler 58
Steve Foster 45
Robert Stevens 39
Garry Baines 31
Gary Atherton 27
Craig Little 27
Steve Eldridge 17
Rufus Bennett 15
Terry Hughes 10

DIVISION 1 - male
Dan Reason 47
Ian Hamilton 38
Ray Taylor 37
Dave Pritchard 35
Paul Basnett 34
Mike Reason 28
Mark Crowley 23
Mike Newell 23
Matthew Crompton 7
Kisson Doctor 3

Vets

Shaun Moran 113
Mark Riches 106
Steve Coleman 101
Alan Webb 97
Paul Jackson 92
Troy Topping 82
Terry Gardiner 67
Peter Mulleady 64
John Foulds 60
Peter Chan 60
Paul Butler 58
Arnold Melling 49
Steve Foster 45
Robert Stevens 39
Ian Hamilton 38
Ray Taylor 37
Dave Pritchard 35
Garry Baines 31
Paul Basnett 28
Scott Christey 27
Mark Crowley 23
Malc Collins22
Rufus Bennett
Terry Hughes

PREMIERSHIP - female

Mary Anne Tracey Aguera 120
Brenda Wane 87
Michaela Shaw 83
Joanne Iborra 31

CHAMPIONSHIP - female

Michelle Fairclough 134
Carole Baines 105
Jodie Wagstaffe 84
Vanessa Thomson 72
Jayne Shea 54
Eva Tuer 24

DIVISION 1 -female

Sonia Gadsby 25
Lyndsey Carter 24
Clare Unsworth 22

Vets
Carole Baines 105
Brenda Wane 87
Sonia Gadsby 25
Eva Tuer 24
Clare Unsworth 22

Haigh Hall 4 - from the back ! Written by Clare Unsworth

Last Wednesday I did my very first ‘serious’ club race at Haigh Hall.

I’d looked up the results from previous years and come to the conclusion that even if I sprinted it I’d be last! However, with a bit of persuasion from Vanessa decided that nothing ventured, nothing gained, what the hell..I’ll have a go!

I was pretty nervous at the start but was brilliant being with A&T. Loads of new faces but everyone saying hello to me and introducing themselves and giving me loads of tips and advice. Before the race I was slightly concerned that the really good runners (from all clubs) might not be very welcoming to a beginner (and a not very fast one!) but I was totally overwhelmed by the number of runners who came over to say ‘good luck’ and ‘well done on having a go’. That gave me a great confidence boost that I had every right to be at the race and as long as I did my best and had a go I couldn’t go wrong.

Gathered at the start, I was very proud to be wearing my A&T tshirt, there seemed to be loads of blue and white there and was brilliant feeling part of a team. However, I was getting more and more nervous about the number of people who kept saying ‘ watch out for the hill at the start’ and ‘pace yourself for the hill’ and ‘don’t give up just cos of the first hill’...eek!! I was thinking ‘how scary can a hill be?’...ha ha...soon found out!!

The race started, we were off and within 1 minute I had lost sight of nearly single runner in front of me...oh no!! Everyone sprinted off up the hill, round the corner and within 2 minutes all I could see was the back of one woman way in front of me and an older man running behind me. I had to plod up that horrible hill for 1 mile totally on my own AND then it started raining! Have to admit at this point I did feel very despondent and a bit lonely and was thinking ‘why on earth have I entered this race?’ and ‘I am sooooo rubbish compared to everyone else’ but no way was I giving up so gave myself a pep talk and plodded on.

11 mins into the race I was nearing the Hall, I heard sprinting paces behind me and realised I was being lapped by the front runners. I was prepared for this, have been lapped lots of times in races before (but not usually by practically the entire field ha ha!) However, I enjoyed all the A&T runners passing me by cos every single person gave me an encouraging comment as they passed and that really spurred me on. Also, totally awe inspiring to see how fast ‘good’ runners run!

Apart from the first hill, which was truly horrible, I enjoyed the rest of the race, was a great course and felt confident that I wasn’t going to get lost.

At 3miles, the older runner behind me had caught up and overtaken me so I was now last. The best bit of the race was the last mile which was the horrible hill but the other way round. Downhill for a mile!! Yey! Never run downhill for such a long way before, it was brilliant. The other runner shouted back to me to ‘come with me’ and we ran together for half a mile with him spurring me on. Towards the end of the mile, I came round a corner to find about 5 A&T blokes waiting for me...and they all ran in with me, giving me constant support and encouragement and making me laugh. I loved it, felt like Madonna having a jog through Central Park with her bodyguards! (ok, bit of imagination there!)

I finished the race 3rd from the end (turned out there was another runner way behind me), got a massive cheer and hugs from everyone at A&T and was thrilled to bits with my PB of 39.45mins.

All in all, I absolutely LOVED doing the race, was fantastic being part of A&T and can’t tell you how much I appreciated everyone’s comments and support.
I know there are loads of lady members who are reluctant to enter races in case they get lapped, come last, really struggle...but now, having done it, I can honestly say, it was a fantastic experience and I can’t recommend it enough!

POST SCRIPT: I did the BUPA Manchester 10K today, 61mins and nowhere near last – yey!! I knew I wasn’t totally rubbish! :)

Haigh Hall 4- Written By Garry Baines

Despitea number of injuries and commitments to marathon training, we still managed to field 26 runners at the Haigh Hall 4 race on a breezy Wednesday evening. Particularly well represented was the Ladies Section who supported the race well with 9 runners.
Peter Chan resisted the temptation to watch his beloved Latics take on some pub team from down the road, and finishing 10th overall, was the first across the line for the club in 22:41. Shaun Moran was consistent as ever with 24:01 with Mark Riches and Craig Bradbury following, separated by one second – Mark getting the nod in 24:33.
Steve Coleman ran his umpteenth race in the last 4 weeks and was followed closely by Pete Mulleady and Mark Ruscoe.
Terry Gardiner had a superb race to record 26:43, over 2 ½ minutes off last year’s time.
Mary Anne was first Lady home for us again in 26:32 with Brenda Wane in 2nd. Jodie Wagstaffe fought off a strong challenge from Michaela Shaw to finish 3rd and Michelle Fairclough showed signs of running back into form.
Special mention must be made of Lyndsey Carter and Clare Unsworth who both made their CLGP debuts on a tough course.
Finally the Invisible Man made yet another appearance for the Club in a race organised by Wigan Phoenix. This time he tried to conceal his anonymity even more by adopting a heavy Scouse accent. It is believed he came in around the 32 minute mark.

Blog to be updated soon

All

I have just been released from hospital and am just going through all your emails over the past 5 days and will post any significant stuff later today.

I'd also like to say a big 'thank you' to everyone who visited, sent cards, texts, emails etc

Gary.

Rivington Run - Sunday 17th May - By Peter Mulleady

Due to popular demand (Mark Ruscoe) we are having another run up Rivington this Sunday 17/5. Can’t guarantee that Alan will jump waist deep in mud again but I think there’s a good chance! Meeting 9.15 at the station or 9.30 at the upper barn.

Junior Run - Saturday 16th May - By Peter Mulleady

Hi All

Just a reminder that we are having a junior run this Saturday 16/5 from Gin Pit at 9.30am. Juniors (under 18) of all ages more than welcome (I know of a least one 3 year old who is coming). There will be nothing too serious or strenuous. The idea is for the kids to have a bit of a run with others and hopefully enjoy it. If enough people are interested then we may make it a regular thing. If you have children coming please ensure you have an adult to keep an eye on them through the session. If anyone wants to help out with the session let me know.

Pete

This weeks poll

Thank you to the 31 of you who answered Garry B's question about 'how far you would travel for a club race'.

51% voted 50 miles, 22% voted 100 miles with 12% voting 25 miles and 75 miles.

Take note Garry B for next year.

This weeks question is about the Thirsty 3 at Chorley, please vote honestly !

Fell Standings after race 3

See below race standings after 3 races.

Pete Mulleady 58
John Foulds 52
Alan Webb 49
Terry Gardiner 31
Paul Jackson 20
Craig Bradbury 18
Steve Foster 17


Brenda Wane 58
Mary Anne Tracey Aguera 40

Belmont Winter Hill Fell Race - Sat 9th May Written by John Foulds

Five Astley & Tyldesley runners turned up for the third club fell race on Saturday, 9 May.

I turned up early, about 12 noon, parked my car about half-a-mile away, as there was a gala day so parking was difficult, waited for the others to arrive and they did, albeit a bit late, and parked right outside registration - so much for being early! It was a good 5 minutes jog to the start, so that served as a warm-up.

The first 500 metres was flat then we went straight up Winter Hill, so after 5 minutes we were all walking. Having reached the top we were faced with gusty winds, bogs and narrow paths which made it hard to pass or to be passed. We were then faced with Noon Hill, which again we had to climb. On this part we had some large steps and rocks to climb (felt sorry for Brenda)!

We all made it to the end safe and injury free and also very close to each other (time wise not physically).

1st Darren Kay 33.25 Horwich RMI
51st Peter Mulleady 43.15
71st John Foulds 45.48
89th Alan Webb 46.52
97th Terry Gardiner 47.35
102nd Brenda Wane 48.08 2nd LV40

Next Fell race Harrock Hill Wednesday 27th May 5.2 m
John Foulds

South Cheshire 20 Miler (Crewe) - Written by Garry Baines

Dan Reason and I competed in the South Cheshire 20 mile race at Crewe yesterday in preparation for our Marathon at Edinburgh in 3 weeks’ time.
The Entry Form described the course as frequently hilly and a test of your fitness. They didn’t disappoint, especially when we came across what looked like Astley Brew after 9 miles.
Apart from the lumps though, the course was fantastic and consisted of one 20 mile loop around the country lanes of South Cheshire and North Staffordshire. The marshalling was also superb.
It’s definitely a race I would enter again and I believe that several of our members would also enjoy it.
We can be both pleased with our times, which puts us in good stead, barring injury, for Edinburgh.
From a field of 160, I came home in 52nd place with a time of 2:36:04. Dan crossed the line shortly afterwards in 65th place with a time of 2:41:09.
Amazingly the winner from Tipton Harriers beat 2nd place by over 10 minutes in a time of 1:50:25.

My Blackpool 10km experience - by Paul Basnett

I'd heard the Blackpool 10k was a possible PB course nice and flat scenic root up and down the promenade. Hell I remember walking from the North Pier to the pleasure beach many a time when I was younger and how tiring that was! Anyway off it was up the M61 and then trying to find a parking space, not seen so many double yellow lines. Anyway I guess the distance from the car to the start was good warm up and stretch of the legs. Arrived at the start and what do ya know needed the traditional comfort break. The facilities were a little better than Salford were a local bush was watered. Was on my way out of the loos when I met up with more A&T runners also waiting for the traps being Debbi, Sharon, Sonia and Lynda were we talked race build up. I said I was hoping some lovely looking women ran the same pace as me as I know this keep me going which in fact there were as luck would have it! I partied company with the girls to line up for that start as I wanted to get near the front to and attain a good time. I mean this was the only reason I had had a beer fast the night before, well I did have 2 cans of cider but shush. Got near the front and who did I see just up ahead but Scott so I thought it would be rude not to push further to the front to say hi and do the traditional A&T good luck hand shake. Before I knew we were off and I set off what I thought was a reasonable pace for a man of my ability (which could better lol), 15 minutes for first 2 miles...oops! However I was feeling pretty good, I was still breathing! Approaching the 5k mark or probably just past the 4k mark I heard Scott shout encouragement as if he was on a training run, I hailed back! 5k on the water stations gulped down water and looked at my Garmin again was deffo on for my sub 50 target clocking about 23.50! Always feel better running toward the finish and went into auto pilot mode. At between 7 and 8k I was starting to feel the pace a little and a slight uphill but knew my PB and my goal for this year of sub 50 was on! Going through 9k my breathing was really heavy then I spotted the finish line some 400m in the distance or was it a mirage? Nevertheless I decided this was a chance to knock more time off my PB cos it was surely still on and went as fast as my legs could carry me. Before I knew it I was through the finish line and lining up to have my number strip taken off me at the finish behind some guy throwing up numerous times, nice! Clocked in an unofficial PB of 49 minutes 28 seconds.

Official times will be posted at http://www.facebook.com/l/;http://www.beaverbrooksfunrun.org.uk/

Dunfermline Half Marathon - By Dave Prichard

King Bruce is Dead, and almost took David with him.

Hi All, Decided to do the Dunfermline Half Marathon just because I was in Edinburgh! Arrived on the Saturday with rain lashing down and getting a thorough soaking. Had the intention of 'sussing out' a decent hotel, but just bundled myself through the doorway of the first available hotel for shelter!
The morning of sunday was looking exactly the same with dark clouds and sporadic rain. Got the bus from Edinburgh to Dunfermline (half hour trip) which was fantastic because you travel over the Forth road bridge and get the best view of the Forth Rail Bridge (it is magnificent).
Arriving in Dunfermline and finding the start was easy but those clouds where constantly threatening to unleash a deluge of biblical proportions.......then 10 minutes before the start....a patch of blue sky. 5 minutes later it was baking hot and my double layer startegy was looking like shoddy planning. Sure enough, the weather got hotter throughout the run.
The course was a real tough one. Two laps of contant up and down terrain with the odd bit of cobbles (always a favourite). For those of you who did it, think almost as bad as Roddlesworth but on the road. By 6 miles I had decided to just take it slow and not bother with a time. Finished in just over 2 hours! but not disappointed!! it was that tough! Picked up a decent goody bag then sauntered back into the town (finish is in a beautiful park). In Dunfermline Abbey is the grave where Robert the Bruce lies. David almost went the same way!

Leeds Half Marathon - By Steve Coleman

A great weather day for a half marathon with hills, which were mostly in the first seven miles. Though I saw a few fall at the last mile, which is a rotten place to have an uphill section. Came 123rd out of 2875 who finnished. The results also gave the names of those that did not. Time of 1.26.53.

Open Water Swimming at Salford Quays - Written by Terry Hughes

Outdoor swimming at Salford Quays started this week.

Craig Brad, Brenda, Mark Ruscoe & Terry Hughes braved the elements to torture themselves in tight rubber along with dozens of other lunatics.Wet suits were definitely compulsory!The positive thing was that by wearing the wet suit, there was no danger of drowning. Other than that, it was a big shock and a lot harder than swimming 80-90 lengths in a cosy warm pool at Howe Bridge or Horwich baths.Anyway, the first couple of laps were hard, but by the end we had almost mastered the technique of doing front crawl for a whole lap - Craig & Brenda got into very quickly.Still, it can't have been that bad, coz everyone said they're coming back next week for another session.Some of the notable highlights....It's a shame you can't get matching gloves and socks to go with the wet suit - Our feet and hands were like blocks of ice.Putting your face in the water gave everyone Brain Freeze for about the first 20 minutes. Everyone got used to it after the first lap though.There's definitely a different technique to swimming outdoors - when you can't see more than a few inches in the water and there's no 'black line' to follow, swimming in a straight line is quite hard.Green water tastes like you would imagine.Apart from that it was a great experience and a new challenge. We're all looking forward to next weeks session - Fingers crossed it's a bit warmer!If anyone is interested in coming along...

1. Get yourself a wetsuit

2. Register with Salford Water Sport Centre

3. Get stuck in every Thursday 6:30-8:30.Here's a link for information. Click on 'Open Water Swim'http://www.salford.gov.uk/watersportscentre.htm

Haigh Hall 4

Wednesday's Haigh Hall 4 clashes with the Wigan Vs Man Utd game so we will encounter some traffic problems.

Peter Chan who is a Wigan season ticket holder (nevermind !!) suggests the best route as the following...

From the A6 turn right at the finger post at Aspull heading up towards the back entrance to Haigh Hall.
Keep on that road following it for around 4 miles, you go over the canal bridge at Red Rock (traffic lights)
continue on till the roundabout at the bottom of the hill (around ½ mile further along road from Canal bridge).
Turn Left at the roundabout and follow road up for around 1.5 miles till it meets the main road into Wigan from Standish…
The junction is opposite a pub called ‘The Boars Head’. There is a mini roundabout and Petrol station at the junction.
Turn left and continue for around 2 miles …
You come to the Cherry Gardens Pub on the left before you get to the hospital.

The turning for the race HQ is around 400mtrs on the left.

I suggest for those wanting to join the convoy from Atherton train station we meet at 6pm just in case we do get stuck in traffic !

Remember the start is a good 10 mins jog from registration.

Thirsty 3 - Sunday 5th July

One of this seasons Road Championship fixtures is the Thirsty 3 near Chorley, myself and Garry Baines are trying to gauge interest in a possible club day out.

The idea is to get a coach from Gin Pit/Atherton around 1.30pm, do the race and stay for a few hours of liquid refreshment.

Note organiser told me in person "the race is excellent but the beer is even better!!!"

There is also a Local Schools 5-a-side football, Stalls (Tombola, Plants, Cakes, Books, etc), Games, Bouncy Castle, Children’s Entertainer. Races: The Thirsty Three; The Gallop and fun Children’s Races.

Family members are very welcome on the coach and the cost will depend on numbers.

If you are interested in coming on the coach please inform myself or Garry Baines

Keep posted for more details.

Curry Night - Saturday 13th June

We are having a curry night on Saturday 13th June at the Far Pavilion.

Meal is booked for 8.30pm

To book a seat please inform Sharon Adair on 01942 878791

The Keswick Mountain Festival - By Mark Ruscoe

The Keswick Mountain Festival is running from 13th-17th May with lots of guest speakers on at the Theatre by the Lake. If anyone is interested there is a website at http://www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk/.

Lyndsey and I have booked tickets for Mike Stroud on the Saturday, but there others such as James Cracknell and Jez Bragg, along with lots of other avtivities throughout the five days.

Mark

Duathlon Training - Monday 18th May

Bob is arranging another Duathlon traning session on Monday 18th May at 6pm meeting at the Leigh Sports Village.

The session will be 5 laps run of the track and then either a 12 or 16 mile bike ride (depending on your ability) followed by 10 laps running.

Message from Bob "the bike ride is not a race !! we all cycle together however if anyone drops off the pack we double back so we all finish together".

Belmont Winter Hill Fell Race

Report to follow.

Results link http://www.ukresults.net/2009/belmont.html

A&T Running Vest

Just a note to say we have just had delivery of both medium mens and ladies A&T running vest.

See Bob for more details.

Belmont Winter Hill Fell Race - Sat 9th May

Club Fell Race this Sat 9th May

Belmont Winter Hill

4.5 miles 1000ft accent

Meet at Atherton Train station 12.15pm

Race starts 1.15pm

Quite a tough one this one but dont let that put you off. When you've done it you can tell your mates youre a fell runner.

John Foulds

Radcliffe 10km Pictures

Anyone wishing to see pictures from the Radcliffe 10km please visit Steve Batesons website, follow link http://www.runningpix.co.uk/XCTrailpics/Radcliffe%2010K%200922D/index.htm

Keswick Trip - Written by Peter Mulleady

8.15am on a warm Saturday morning myself, Brenda, Alan W and Mark Ru set off from Atherton, the Fab 4. Typical A&T the first words said “I need a pit stop on the way” (good Coach Moran technique). First mission was to find the campsite, Castlerigg Hall, which was excellent. Then we set up our tents. Alan had a big one (tent) so offered to put us all up. Mark said he was easy but after seeing the glint in Alan’s eyes he put his own up anyway! Brenda’s pop up tent was up in 2 mins flat. Then it was off to Keswick for our first challenge, Skiddaw, the 4th highest mountain in England. We needed to fuel up so it was straight to the chippy though Alan and Mark went for the healthy option, Greggs. Skiddaw is supposed to be an easy option for walkers but it didn’t feel like that on the first climb which was very steep. There was a lady coming down who looked like she was looking for a chairlift, perhaps she had misread Skiddaw for Stannah. Eventually we made it to the top but after sweating buckets on the way up we were soon suffering from hypothermia in the wind. We had to have a team photo so Alan managed to find the only blind man there to take the picture. He struggled to see the camera so I’m not sure what the photo looks like. Mr Magoo then congratulated us on scaling Scafell Pike. Then it was get down as quick as possible to try and warm up. We chose a different route down and near the bottom we entered a wood where there were signs saying wild boar. I thought the funny noises were coming from Alan but it seems we were close to the rutting season. We ended up back in Keswick with no clue where but luckily we stumbled on a Cricket match. It was at “the loveliest cricket ground” 2001 (Wisden) and they had a bar! We spent the next couple of hours giving the locals the benefit of our cricket experience and doubling the bars takings! It was very sunny so by the time we left we looked like 4 red Indians. Somehow we managed to stagger back to our campsite and after something to eat and a couple more pints we were well set up for our next challenge, the Keswick half marathon. On the Sunday the last of the Mohicans became the magnificent 7 as we were joined by Shaun, Michaela and Steve C. 10 mins before the race the heavens opened but that didn’t put us hardy souls off (as we sat in the car). By the time the race started and we joined the other 500 runners it was sunny again. At about the 10th hill we were starting to wonder who picked this race? No it wasn’t me was it Michaela! It was a lovely scenic run though around Derwent Water with a selection of all weathers including hail. Excellent run by Brenda who won her category and a lovely picture as her prize. Shaun just missed out on a prize, Steve had an excellent run (his first after London), Mark got a pb (his first ever half marathon) and Michaela beat her best for this course (with the best pacemakers anyone could wish for, Alan & me). Afterwards we decided to show off our cricket skills on the campsite. Unfortunately the test selectors weren’t there as one player showed how to clean out a set of stumps (his own) and another was showing off his googly. Next day nursing our hangovers we had to pack up our tents. We found the slight flaw in pop up tents, 2 mins up 2 hours down! It was like a scene from the first cross country when we took the tent, a lot of head scratching and not much happening. As we had had such an easy weekend we decided to take on England’s 3rd highest mountain, Helvellyn, before we went home. Even though it was blowing a gale and raining continuously there was still a flasher on the mountain. His excuse was he was taking his obligatory A&T pit stop when he slipped! Brenda got some strange looks climbing up in her trainers and A&T coat, she has obviously been to the Ray Taylor school of mountain climbing!. We managed to make our way to the top but there was no sign of any planes for a lift down (yes one has actually landed there) so off we went like 4 drowned rats. After another chippy and cakeshop stop in Ambleside we were on our way home.

This weeks poll

Last week we asked 'Should we have a kids Xmas do' ?

83% of you said yes, 12% no and 4% (1 voter) said undecided !!

This weeks question is by our Road Captain Garry Baines.

Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride - Sunday 12th July

Due to a positive response we have agreed to do the Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride on Sunday 12th July (see link below for more details).

http://astleyrunners.blogspot.com/2009/04/manchester-to-blackpool-bike-ride.html

We will be doing it this year with Wigan Hospice who will look after us all on the day by supplying transport for us and the bikes, food and drink at designated stops along the way and have a mechanic on stand by in case of any problems !

The cost will be £15.00 each for everything, we would like to encourage runners to donate money to the hospice or to get sponsorship.

Anyone who wishes to do the ride or would like more information please contact Bob or email myself on stevensgary@hotmail.com

The deadline for entries is Saturday 29th May.

Duathlon Training Cancelled

There will be no duathlon training this Monday 4th May as it is bank holiday.

A date will be arranged in the future.