Marathon Training - Runs for W/C 1st March

Calling all Marathon runners.

Runs for W/C 1st March are as follows.

Monday – Efforts at the Leigh Sports Village Track. Either 10 x 400 at 5K pace (if legs are up to it from Lostock) or 6 x 800M at threshold (if not!)

Tuesday - http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3443116  – Newbrook Rd, Salford Road, Watergate Lane, Smethurst Lane, St Helens Rd, Salford Road, Watergate Lane, Smethurst Lane, St Helens Rd, Newbrook Rd, Central – 9.53 miles

Thursday - http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3499569  - Dougie, 1 way to East Lancs , down the Lancs to Sandy Lane , left onto Manchester Road , Holden Road , Platt St , Leigh Road , Hamilton St, Millers Lane , Tyldesley Road , Dougie – 11.5 miles

Saturday - http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3499506  – Gin Pit, Princess Ave, Chaddock Lane, across the Lancs, turn left at Ellenbrook Rd, Lancs to Lowton, through Culcheth, back along Lancs to Higher Green Lane and back to Gin Pit – 20.1 miles

Cheers
Matt

A&T Duathlon Sunday 7th March - REMINDER

If you intend to enter this event please can you let us know asap.

Remember this is a very low key event so if you have a bike and fancy something a bit different give it a go!

ASTLEY AND TYLDESLEY DUATHLON

'One off race'

Sunday 7th March.

A Time Trial Bike Ride over a 12 mile Course with no Marshalls.

Bike Ride - 12.01 miles http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3113439

The run is a 2 lap x 2mile course .The race will start from the Red Lion car park at the top of Newbrook Road,A6 Crossroads.Please park on road if possible.

Run 2 loops 4.1 miles - http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3167057
1 All cyclists must wear helmets.

2 Each athlete will be given a race number

3 Craig Bradbury will organise your predicted bike times by previous times or form.

4 The slowest estimated time will start first,then every 30 seconds with the fastest time last.

5 When all cyclists are finished they will get changed ready for the run.

6 There will be traffic lights on bike ride --approach with caution.

7 There will be a briefing at 8.50 a.m.

8 There will be 2 time keepers.

Free entry to all including our friends from Leigh Harriers.

We would like as many of our members as possible to give the races races a try.

No matter what your ability you will be made welcome.

Non Astley and Tyldesley members to enter on day.

RACE ORGANISER

Craig Bradbury Tel.07742433759

Inter County Fell Running Champs 2010

Hi all,

I am getting a female Greater Manchester team together for the Inter County Fell Running Championships 2010 and would appreciate it of you could circulate the enclosed information to your female members who might be interested in running.

The Championships will be held at the Lletty Fell Race (Llangynhafal, near Denbigh in North Wales) on Saturday 22 May 2010 (9 miles).

To be eligible to run for Greater Manchester, runners must either have been born in or lived in Greater Manchester for 9 months (i.e. Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan, Manchester or Salford). They must not have competed for a county other than GM or in another county's champs in the last 12 months.

If any of your female members are interested, please ask them to respond directly to me. (Any men who are keen to run should contact the men's team manager Andi Jones of Salford Harriers.)

Thanks very much,

Anna Lupton (Radcliffe AC)

anna_lupton@hotmail.com

Mobile: 07812 365 721

Lostock 6 by Garry Baines

We are meeting at 9.45am Atherton Train Station prompt if you want join the convoy to Lostock.

Just a final reminder with regards to the Lostock 6 race this Sunday. It would be great to kick off the CLGP season with another record turnout from A&T and if you've not done so already you can still enter on line or even enter on the day.

Remember under the CLGP rules, you should wear club colours (either a vest or shirt) and be a fully paid-up member of the club (I am afraid that means coughing up the subs). This rule is designed to stop clubs entering "ringers" during the course of the season to score vital points so I suppose it's fair.

The presentation after the race will take part in the Acorn Nursery (next to the now empty Barnstormers pub) on Lostock Lane. The prizes for the 2009 season will also be awarded at this time and as you know we have 3 team trophies to pick up and the following individual trophies:-

Peter Chan: 4th overall and 2nd V45

Ian Hamilton: 2nd V55

Mary-Anne Tracey-Aguera: 1st Lady overall

Brenda Wane: 1st L45

It would be good for as many of our members as possible to stay behind to support the individual winners and to provide a good cheer when we collect the team trophies.
See you all there.

The momentos for completing 6 out of 9 races in the 2009 season will be forwarded to the individual clubs at a later date. As the room for the presentation is quite small it would be impracticle to hand-out these awards at this time

Garry

Blackpool Half Marathon – A race for building snowmen and running PB’s - Written by Matt Crompton

17 A&T Runners made the trip to snowy Blackpool for the North West Half Marathon. I don’t think any of us were expecting the generous coating of snow that was presented to us on the day, and after a few texts and phone calls (one of which woke our road captain up rather early) Garry Baines finally confirmed the race would go ahead, albeit with a bit of snow underfoot.

As expected, this was a well organised and well supported event with nearly 900 hardy runners starting the race. After the standard A&T handshakes we were off to a bit of a slushy start, but all got away incident free. Unfortunately Wayne Babynec pulled up with what looked like a pulled hamstring after a couple of miles. We all hope he makes a speedy recovery from that one and is back racing again soon.

All in all it was a fantastic achievement from all the group and a number of new PB’s were set, with a number of people knocking several minutes off their previous bests. Scott Cristie was the first runner home in 1:22:00, hot on his heels was Gary Atherton crossing in 1:25:06, knocking 9 minutes off his previous best. I think there is more to come from Gary this season! He was closely followed by Steve Coleman in ever consistent form only 8 seconds behind. Next was Mark Lysycia posting 1:29:46. John Hyde, making his A&T racing debut crossed in 1:32:23 showing good signs for London and was followed by Dan Reason who finished with a great PB of 1:32:50, smashing 5 minutes off his best time. A tired Garry Baines was next home in 1:37:27 with a combination of skiing, après-ski and generally living like a king for a week catching up. Yours truly was next home in 1:40:31 knocking nearly 8 minutes off my time at 4 villages. Steve Eldridge was the next A&T runner home with Ray Taylor hot on his heels, with a fantastic 1:41:12 and yet another PB for the day, followed by Derek Coop. Carole Baines showed that a weeks skiing was no reason not to post a PB and finished with 1:43:52 (obviously not been as indulgent as some) with Sue Fletcher in pursuit, showing good form in preparation for the marathon finishing in 1:44:20. The other Babynec (Denise) finished in 2:09:50. Some of the credit for that has to go to daughter Laura for the morale support on the long runs, albeit on the push bike along side Mum. Paul Lees, coming back from injury showed he is on the road to recovery with 2:09:58 and a big well done to the Fiona Saunders and Helen Minshall completing their first half marathon in 2:09:50 and 2:12:51 respectively.

By the end of the race the sun was out, the snow was gone and we all wondered what all the palaver had been about a few hours earlier. Most of the group enjoyed some typical A&T celebrations afterwards and all went out for a well earned Ruby to swap stories of the days events. My sympathy to Dan who had to go to the Trafford Centre for some late afternoon shopping.

Club Meeting Sunday 28th February 8pm

7.30 Committee and Members 8pm.

If you would like to add anything to the agenda for discussion please email me and i'll will pass it onto Peter M.

Cheers, Gary
stevensgary@hotmail.com

This week's poll

Thank you to everyone who voted on last week's poll about potentially doing track races.

The poll revealed at 36% of you would compete in them, 22% maybe with 33% saying no.

Please have a go at this week's poll.

Calling all Marathon runners.

 Runs for W/C 22nd February are as follows:

Monday – 5 mile recovery run from Sports Village at 17:45.

Tuesday - http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3490332 – Gloucester St, Wigan Road, Schofield Lane to Daisy Hill, Hindley Road, Coupland Road, Wigan Road, Gloucester St, Central – 7.39 miles

Thursday - http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3490363 – Dougie, 1 Way system, Hough Lane, Manchester Rd, Holden Road, Platt St, Leigh Road, Hamilton St, Millers Lane, Tyldesley Road, Dougie – 10.36 miles

Sunday – http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3490377 After Lostock 6 a few of us will be running back to Central. Everyone is welcome. Run will be VERY steady! Route planned will be 6.8 miles

Cheers
Matt

Blackpool Half Marathon - By Matt Crompton

For those wanting to travel to Blackpool in convoy. We will be meeting at Central Station on Sunday at 8:15 for an 8:30 set off.

Matt.

Thursday training

All

There is no long "marathon" training run on Thursday as most of the group are racing in the Blackpool Half on Sunday. Therefore training will be at the normal time of 6:30 at Central.
Cheers

Matt

100 Mile Bike Ride Challenge - Saturday 24th April UPDATE

Thank you to everyone who has showed interest in doing the 100 Mile Challenge.

We are now looking for definate names to do the ride, ideally by the next club meeting on Sunday 28th February.

John Lee has kindly volunteered to follow the pelaton in the van and then take the bikes back home to Atherton so it enables all the cyclist to catch the train home together.

To secure your place on the ride i am now taking your £25.00 train ticket fare and all we ask in return is that you try and secure as much sponsorship as you can towards the Macmillan charity, i have a number of sponsor forms to dish out once i receive your money.

The route is http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3458718

We would also like you to take part in some of the training bike rides we are doing, it is important that we are confident that both you and your bike can make the trip.

This Sunday's (21st) ride is a 35 miler through the Horwich Moors and involves a tough slog over Rivington Road, should be one you will never forget! route is http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3466790

'Rivington Road Pictures below'

Meeting at Atherton Train Station at 8.45am for a 9am start.

Winter Hill Fell Race Report by Paul Jackson

11.5m 2750'

Well, the new fell season is up and running and what a toughy to start with. Perfect conditions for a fell race, clear blue skies, no rain and more important good visibility.

Pete Mulleady, Mark Ruscoe and I mustered at the start of the race near to Rivington High Barn and were chatting with other runners when we had a surprise visit from an A&T posse consisting of Gary Stevens, Lyndsay Carter, Craig B and Brenda who had rode up to Rivington on their bikes to see us off. There's nothing like a good shot of the A&T team spirit to spur you on. Having said that, as we were busy passing the time away with our club mates, the start was called and we found ourselves right at the back of the pack.

Off we went with a steady climb along the track towards Rivvy Pike. The first checkpoint is a stream junction just to the west of the pike but there was no need for the map & compass as there were 190+ runners snaking through the moors. From there over the rough tussocky ground to C/P 2, the old shooting hut, then over to the Belmont side of the moors over boggy ground to were there is a stile at the corner of the woods C/P 3. That's when the real climbing starts, along the long path that takes from C/P 3 to a stone post at the top of Winter Hill C/P 4.

Mark had obviously gone off at pace as I couldn't see him ahead of me but thankfully Pete had his Dayglo A&T hat on which gave me someone to aim for in the distance. From the top of the hill it was a long descent towards a knoll at the far side of the moor near to Belmont Road C/P 5. The ground on the north side of the hill was open to the wind so it was frozen solid in places causing many runners to slip and fall, even in studs. I closed in on Pete as we got to the knoll and even passed him on the way up. The sight of a blue vest in front to Pete though is like the smell of blood to a shark, and it wasn't long before Pete stepped up a gear, passed me, then created some distance between us as we pushed up the steep ascent/scramble to the trig point at the top of the hill (again!) C/P 6. Then back down to a bridge near the old quarry C/P 7 then turn around and go back up over the hill to the stream junction again C/P 8. Thankfully now was a long down hill and towards a path junction C/P 9 near to the school on Rivington Lane then a sting in the tail, a long uphill run along the track towards the finish line.
As I approached the finish Mark was there to cheer me in and Pete had beaten me by a couple of minutes.
Mark had an excellent run in his first Winter Hill Race coming in 48th out of 196 runners, and both Pete and I were pleased with our runs.
Mark told me that during the race he lost a shoe in the bog at one point and even stopped off for a pee! God knows where he would have come if he'd had a clear run. He's now set the standard for the other fell runners in the club to beat.

1st Rob Hope (Pudsey & Bramley) 1:26:54- New Course Record
48th Mark Ruscoe 1:54:07
79th Peter Mulleady 2:05:30
93rd Paul Jackson 2:07:38
196 runners.

Thanks to Gary, Lyndsay, Brenda and Craig for your support!

Next race- 28th March 2010 Lad's Leap(AS) 5.9m 1700' (Run The Moors Grand Prix)

Full details to follow.

Hyndburn X-Country Pics and Video

See below link for official pics from Saturday.

http://www.flamingphotography.co.uk/gallery.html

See Men's Race on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HtDhlj6SzE

See Ladies Race on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aSVEScWLiY

A&T x-country – Hyndburn 13 February 2010 - By Mark Riches

This was the penultimate race of the Club Champs but we still had 5 new registrations (including a welcome return by Gary Stevens) making it 16 A&T runners in total

It was 1 small & 1 large lap (6k) for the ladies & 1 small & 2 large laps (10k) for the men. Overall a very enjoyable course although you have to watch out for the tree roots!

Our 7 ladies were first off as usual; Mary-Anne had another great run finishing 7th overall. Next was Brenda Wane with another good run followed just under a minute later by Suzanne Gregory (debut.) Lyndsey Carter, making a welcome return to racing following her unfortunate accident at Marl Pits earlier in the season, was next A&T finisher. The next two A&T finishers were both called Michelle & both ran well (that rhymes!); Michelle Fuller (debut) & Michelle Fairclough (see photo above.) Helen Minshall, who came back for more after her debut at Blackpool, completed the line-up

Next it was the turn of the men; first A&T finisher (in the absence of Simon) was yours truly Mark Riches. Mark Ruscoe had a great run setting the pace on the first lap & stuck to the task when I pulled away. He finished 30 seconds after me despite “taking it easy” because he was racing Winter Hill the following day. Next was another A&T runner who was also racing Winter Hill, Peter Mulleady, who took it steady, which was a little unusual as I am used to seeing him set off very fast. Gary Stevens & Steve Foster had a great battle with Gary just getting the nod by 2 seconds. Craig Bradbury finished just over a minute later followed by two runners making their x-country debuts, Dave Crowe & Cliff Stanley, both running really well. It was up to Paul Basnett to complete the line-up & he was still smiling when he crossed the finish line (as usual!)

After Saturday’s race the Ladies are now joint top of Division 3 with Barrow; the men remain 3rd & are probably out of the promotion race. However they have extended their lead at the top of the vets Division 3

Last race is at Barrow on Saturday 6th March 2010 – see you all there

This week's poll

Thank you to everyone who voted on last week's poll about 'Xmas Do Suggestions'

A comedian came out top with 52% of the vote with karaoke 2nd with 26%.

Live band/singer and quiz both got 7%

Sunday's Bike Ride Report

Another very cold February morning greeted the cyclist as it was off for another training bike ride in preparation for April’s 100 miler.

It was great to see Lyndsey Carter turn up for her first ride of the year and first since her shoulder injury suffered at Marls Pitts before Christmas.

Due to some cyclist complaining of night terrors thinking of last week’s ride we decided to ditch the hills (well some of them!) as we plotted out a nice flat (ish) 30 miler.

It was decided we should show our support to our runners doing the Rivington 11 mile fell race by trying to get to the big barn at Horwich for the 10am start so we headed off towards the A6 at a steady pace.

As we hit the junction for Blackrod a certain someone decided we should do a ‘blast’ up the big ½ mile hill climb towards Horwich town centre. Gary ‘Contador’ Stevens, Craig Bradbury ‘Wiggins’ and Sean ‘Schleck’ Spillane escaped the peloton for kings of the mountain points, Schleck scored maximum points with Contador 2nd and Wiggins 3rd, more to come about that 3 way battle and some innocent members of the public!

We got to Rivington at 9.55am and we caught a glimpse of all the runners heading for a start of the fell race, all the Peloton expect Shleck decided to watch the start. Paul Jackson, Mark Ruscoe and Peter Mulleady looked excited kitted out in Bear Grylls survival gear. Once the race started it was back on the bikes for the remaining 20 miles of our ride.

Lyndsey ‘Victoria Pemberton’ Carter led the way doing over 20mph heading towards down Chorley New Road as again someone who will remain anonymous decided we should do a 1 mile time trial.

The gun went and straight away Contador was off hitting close to 30mph, Wiggins on the back wheel looked strong but it was Shleck again who showed his speed as he headed towards the traffic lights as 3 innocent walkers decided to cross the road, Shleck or Contador wasn’t stopping for anyone and headed straight into the path of the walkers, needless to say the walkers jumped back on the path and the battle commenced. Shleck slowed down in the final 100 mtrs as Contador took the Green Jersey with Shleck 2nd, Wiggins again 3rd. Brenda ‘Wellington’ Wane looking strong and was keeping the peloton amused with horse stories from last week's Belmont ride and was 4th with Pemberton 5th.

There was no Green Jersey of King of the Mountain points left at stake so the peloton rode the final 10 miles together.

Another super morning out on the road and our attention is now firmly fixed on next Sunday’s 35 mile ‘Horwich Moors’ ride which includes the category 1 Cal d’Aubisque climb heading up towards the top of Rivington, all riders who can make the climb without stopping have done very well.

Marathon Training Runs W/C 15th February

Runs for W/C 15th February are detailed below. Please note the plan differs from normal this week due to the Blackpool Half on Sunday and I have also included the efforts which will be at the track on Monday.

Monday – Leigh Harriers (6:30pm) – 12 x 400M efforts at 3 to 5K pace with 1min recovery followed by 6 x 200M efforts (similar pace).

Tuesday - http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3471191  – Dougie, Tyldesley one way system, Squires Lane, Hamilton St, Lovers Lane, Schofield Lane, Cricketers Way, Church St, A6 to 4 Lane Ends, Newbrook Rd – 11.78 miles

Thursday - http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3471202  Dougie, Tyldesley Road, Castle St, Squires Lane, Hamilton St, Lovers Lane, Wigan Rd, Gloucester St, Central – 5.85 miles

Cheers
Matt

Gin Pit 5 - 11th April

The next Gin Pit 5 race is fast approaching and I now need to start getting all of the volunteer roles filled ASAP.

If you have never volunteered, or haven't do so for a couple of races will you please put your name forward.

The club races do not "just happen" they require a lot of work in the background and a lot of co-operation and help from the club members, so please do your bit and help out.

We want a record turnout for this race (it is the money from these races that allow us to keep subs to such a low price) so don't forget to get family, friends etc to enter.  And try and get as many people to enter the Fun Run too.

I will try and get some kind of publicity poster sorted out and sent to all members to put in local shops etc.

So, email ASAP and let me know what role you are prepared to do.

There is a link on the right hand side showing all of the volunteer roles.

Thanks

Terry G

Lostock 6 by Garry Baines

Hi All

It's just over 2 weeks away from the next race in our Road Championship. The Lostock 6 gets under way at 11.00a.m. on Sunday 28th February and is the first race of the new Central Lancs Grand Prix calendar. The challenge we will face, in the rentention of the trophies we won in 2009, will be even stronger this year, so it's even more important that as many of our members enter the races as possible.

Just a reminder that under CLGP rules a) runners should wear club colours except in unforeseen circumstances b) runners should be fully paid-up members of their respective clubs. These are important points as if the rules are not adhered to, your results could potentially be voided. I would urge everyone therefore to make sure that your subs are up to date before you race.

See you then.

Garry

Torremolinos Half Marathon Report 7th Feb 2010......... Mark Lysycia

Just back from 22 degrees to about 2 degrees!!, and another great weekend trip abroad to do a race.

This was our annual winter race abroad where other local Northwest clubs and three A+T runners, Michelle Fuller, Mark Beresford and yours truly completed the fairly tough and hilly in parts 22nd Torremolinos Half Marathon( see blog report November 30th 2009 for all the details in full, how to enter etc).

The race started at 10am, which is better than the usual 9am start races abroad tend to be. The temperature was certainly very warm all through the race and could have done with being a few degrees cooler,it was around 18 degrees.

The race was superbly organised as ever with 989 runners. Winning time 1.03.19. First British runner 1.12.18

Michelle did excellent, 2.01.01 14th vet and 48th lady!,over 9 minutes faster than her last Half and looked very strong coming in at the finish(as you can see from the picture) No doubt that time will start to go down the more racing/training she does. Nice to see her with her family too to cheer her on which included her Dad,daughter and partner Jim who also did the race and came in with Michelle.

Mark B was on my heels for all the race and was more than happy with his very respectable time of 1.35.45 and 249th which when you consider the course, the heat and the one or two(several!) beers we both had the day before, not ideal pre race preparation i know ! its a great result. We both beat our times from last year.

I finished just slightly ahead of Mark in 1.35.30 and 243rd . I have to say, i made use of the many water, sponge and orange segment stations there were and stopped at them all.

Coming from the snow, frost and freezing weather to beautiful blue skies and warm weather in just over 2 and a bit hours puts you more in a holiday frame of mind as apposed to a pre half marathon race mood.

It wasn't long before we were sat on the sea front at a restaurant practically burning with the very warm sunshine whilst we "carbed" up on chips,meat, salad and beer of course.

The atmosphere of these races abroad are fantastic and anybody not yet done one, they are well worth the time and effort.

Out of the hundreds of supporting crowds on the course were some people from the Atherton/Tyldesley area who had text and rang home to some of our club members to "report" three blue A+T tops had been spotted!. I'm more than pleased to give a great club some exposure!

The added bonus of the weather certainly gives us all that encouragement to train hard over the 3/4 months leading up to this race, which is usually always at the beginning of Feb.

We met up with other runners from other local Northwest clubs, Horwich RMI,Wesham, Blackpool, Spectrum Striders, Accrington and Thornton Cleveleys running clubs.

Other notable performers in the gang were Kamel Sullivan. 1.28.41... 3 rd lady overall and Ist vet 40, Sarah Sherrat 1.37.52 2rd vet 35 and young Karl Lee(24) 1.23.03 and 52nd overall, all three from Wesham.

Special mention must go to our good friend Brian Scully, Accrington Road Runners, who at 74 years young came in at 2.06.34 beating runners half his age!. So any other member or non member reading this and thinking of giving up running/ racing or in fact think they are "past it" to do anything physical like running, Brian only took up running at 58!!

The banter as always was good humoured and we all had many good race stories to tell. Hopefully, we can get a few more A+T there next year and who knows pick up a few trophies as did some in our group.

After finishing the race and soaking up the post race atmosphere and the sun of course, it was off to our hotel.......500 yards away to shower ready for a well earned celebration drink and food, all done sat outside of course.

All in all, a super time was had by all and a great goody bag with a decent technical t-shirt and other bits and bobs. Not bad for 5 euros! to enter, £20 half board rooms and cheap flights!...BARGAIN!

All the other local Northwest clubs and the A+T gang had a great time and Michelle commented that she "had a ball" and would look to do this race on a regular basis.

As Mark and i have done this event many times between us and you fancy a go just ask us anything about the race.

So don't forget to put a date in you diary for early next February and lets bring back some silverware as i know we have the talent in our club to achieve this.

Mark


More photos on the website

Marcus's 40th Birthday

Hello friends Astley & Tyldesley. In my 40th year I have a birthday on March 19. Thought it would be a nice to choose the Frog & Bucket (Comedy venue) Manchester to laugh, drink and dance for the night. I hear all great reviews about the night! The Friday is a Barrel of Laughs evening with 3 top flight comics and disco open till 2 am. Entrance is a very reasonable £14. Students, Nurses, Teachers pay £7. Entrance is possible on the evening but unless pre-booked this is not guaranteed. therefore, I ask those interested to pay money before the 26th February. This can be done in person at the train station - I usually attend Tuesday's or Thursday's.

I would be delighted to have all with me to the celebrate the night!
mtaylor28@sky.com
07738689696
Marcus Taylor

Winter Hill Fell Race- 14th February 2010

A reminder to all that this weekend sees the start of the 2010 Fell Champs with the Winter Hill Fell Race.

The race starts at Rivington Higher Barn 10.00am on Sunday. £10.00 on the day as postal entries are closed by now.

This is an A Medium race and Full Safety Kit (See Fell Section link for details) will be mandatory.

Navigational skills are required.

Anyone entering who needs a lift, contact me on 07770 920499, otherwise we'll see you at Rivington on the day.

Regards,
Paul Jackson

A&T cross-country 13/02/10

All

The next race in the x-country champs is this Saturday at Wilson's Playing Fields Hyndburn

This is a Mid Lancs race so please wear the number you wore at previous Mid Lancs races at Kendal, Burnley and/or Blackpool. If you didn't race at Kendal, Burnley or Blackpool then I will provide you with a number on the day

Start times - ladies 2:00 pm & men 2:30 pm
For those of you wanting to travel in convoy please be at Atherton train station ready to leave at 12:30 sharp

This is one of only 2 races left in the Club Champs & they are both in the Mid Lancs League. So lets have a 'big turnout' for the remaining races as we have got a great chance of securing back-to-back promotions in the Mid Lancs series (our ladies are currently leading Division 3 & our men are 3rd in Division 3 plus our male vets are leading Vets Division 3)

Travel directions
"Leave M65 at junction 7 & turn north to the t-junction & turn right on to the A678 for a short distance. Turn left at traffic lights, drive about a mile north on the A680 looking for a wooded area on your right.Turn right at the end of the wood into Wilson's Playing Field"
Postcode for Satnav BB5 5SD

Cheers

Mark

Welsh Castle Relays - by Garry Baines

At the AGM, I mentioned the possibility of the club taking part in the Welsh Castles relay on 12th and 13th June.

Details of the event appeared on the January blog  but you can also visit the official website on:

http://astleyrunners.blogspot.com/2010/01/welsh-castle-relays-by-garry-baines.html
http://www.lescroupiersrunningclub.org.uk/castles/

Up till now I have received confirmation that 13 members are interested in taking part. We need a minimum of 20 runners and ideally a couple of substitutes to be on the safe side. The closing date for entry is 5th March.

If anyone else would like to join in this event could you please e-mail, facebook or call me as soon as possible. If we don't get the full compliment from A&T, we would be allowed to accept registered runners from other clubs, provided they don't have a team already entered. We may ultimately have to do this to make the numbers up, but I would prefer it if was an all A&T line-up.

Let me know what you think.

Cheers

Garry

Subs now due

Hi All

We have now had the AGM and set subs at £20 for 2010. They are now due this month and you can pay any member of the committee.

We’ve been able to reduce subs this year due to growing membership, success of our races and great support from the Miners Welfare.

For £20 you get England Athletics membership, Miners Welfare membership, 6 training days per week (if you want!), detailed training schedules (including custom marathon schedules), numerous free social events, be part of a successful club (current Grand Prix champions), club competitions and prizes, free cross country races, duathlons, club trips and most of all friendly faces to run with.

It’s a bargain!!

Pete

Central Lancashire Half Marathon - Results

18 294 015 Steve Coleman M45 (002/027) Astley & Tyldesley RC 04.02/06.30 01:25:12

21 480 018 Malcolm Collins M40 (005/036) Unattached 04.05/06.34 01:26:06

23 256 004 Mary-Anne Tracey-Agu F (002/022) Astley & Tyldesley RC 04.08/06.39 01:27:02

54 284 046 John Foulds M50 (005/017) Astley & Tyldesley RC 04.25/07.06 01:32:59

234 474 064 Gabrielle Lee F (022/022) Astley & Tyldesley RC 07.10/11.33 02:31:12

Bike Ride - Sunday 14th February

We are organising another bike ride this coming Sunday meeting at Atherton Training Station at 8.45am for a 9am prompt start.

This ride will be much flatter than last Sunday's Belmont ride.

This will be a group ride but if anyone wants to plod on quicker just double back to main group every now and again as we want to cater for all abilities.

The ride is 32 miles in total but you have the option of pulling out earlier as we pass Atherton Train Station at the 25 mile mark.

See route below
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3462519

Marathon Training Runs W/C 8th Feb

Calling all Marathon runners.

Runs for W/C 8th February are as follows:

Tuesday – (Hard and Hilly) http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3437154  – Newbrook Rd, Plodder Lane, Smethurst Lane, Hulton Lane, Wigan Road, past the Tavern, Roundhouse, 4 Lane Ends, Central. – 9.77 miles
Thursday – (Flatter and easier pace) http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3457227  - Gloucester St, Liscard St, Leigh Road, Holden Road, Manchester Road, Hough Lane, Tyldesley one way, Squires Lane, Hamilton St, Liscard St, Gloucester St, Central – 11.45 miles

Saturday – (Flat as a pancake and steady pace) - http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3457172  – East Lancs, Culcheth, Lane Head, East Lancs, Higher Green Lane, Gin Pit - 16.5 miles

Tuesday/Thursday runs set off from Atherton station 6:15 prompt.
Saturday – 9:30 Gin Pit

Cheers
Matt

Belmont Bike Ride Report

Today was the first of the training bike rides for the 100 mile Challenge, in typical Stevens fashion i decided on one of the toughest roads in the North West Belmont Road, the road used as part of the Commonwealth Games, Bolton Ironman and Horwich Triathlon.

There were 6 hardy victims (Gary S, Craig B, Sean Spillane, Peter Clegg, Craig Little and Brenda) at the train station and Steve Coleman? We all know that Steve is the master of the spinning bikes but he had never been seen out on a road bike. Once Mary Anne turned up at 8.55am we realised that it was a coincidence and they were both off for a ½ marathon.

Brenda looked a bit deflated, well her tyres did and we made our way to Bob’s for the use of his pump. It wasn’t looking promising as all his curtains were still closed, Craig realised he had been out watching Asis the night before so it was off to my house for the track pump.

We finally started the route at 9.15am and travelled towards Bolton, everyone was complaining about cold hands and cold feet apart from Brenda who had borrowed Sir Ranulph Fiennes North Pole feet warmers!

After 30 minutes of a steady pace we hit the start of the Belmont Road which started off with a 1 mile Millers Lane type climb and was pretty relentless for the other 9 miles of the road. We hit the half way point at the M65 road-about and all gathered for a quick drink before setting off on the way back home.

The first hill of the 2nd part of the course was a real nasty little bugger, i was moving just behind Sean and was feeling it by now as the countless hills had started to take their toll on my legs which hadn't felt so many hills since last year's Roddlesworth Roller!

As we came down the final hill and hit the lights at Asda knowing the hard stuff was behind us there was a bit of a disaster as Craig B was seen walking on the pavement PUNCHURE. It was a good job we had a couple of spare inner-tubes and Sean’s bike mechanical experience of else i think Craig would have had a long walk home.

The ride lasted around 2.5 hours and a good time was had by all, Craig B was already planning another ride for next Sunday.

Keep posted to the blog for more details.

Chester Marathon - Bank Holiday Monday 31st May 2010

If anybody wants another marathon to train for:-

This is a new marathon for Cheshire on a flat and traffic free PB course. For more details and online entry check out the website http://www.chestermarathon.co.uk/

This week's poll

Thank you to the 43 of you who voted on last week's question about the AGM.

The poll revealed 32 of you said you are coming and intending to vote.

See you Sunday.

Social Sunday - 18th April - 8pm

SOCIAL SUNDAY - 8pm

A few of us are meeting up for a 'Social' drink at the Miners Welfare Club on Sunday 18th April.

This is to replace the monthly meeting for April.

There is no formal agenda, no committee meeting just a general chat about all things running.

AGM - Sunday 7th February

Hi All

Our Annual General Meeting will be held at the Miners Welfare on the 7th February starting at 7.30pm. I know it sounds boring but it is important that as many club members make it as it’s when we make the key decisions and elect officials for the forthcoming year. I’ve attached the club constitution which gives the details. So please make it if you can so that the club properly reflects the views of all its members.

http://astleyrunners.blogspot.com/2009/01/astley-tyldesley-road-runners-club.html

Cheers
Pete.

Run The Moors Grand Prix 2010- By Paul Jackson

I am pleased to announce that the races for the forthcoming Run The Moors Grand Prix 2010 have been chosen.


Due to some of the races clashing with our Club Fell Champs there have been some minor adjustments made to our races. There is a fine selection of fell races included to cater for those new to the event and the more experienced.

Participating Clubs:

Rochdale Harriers & A.C., Rossendale Harriers, Radcliffe A.C.,

Middleton Harriers, Saddleworth Runners and Astley & Tyldesley .

March 28th        Lads Leap          (AS) 5.9 mls 1700'

April 10th          Wardle Skyline   (BM) 7 mls 1250' ***
May 8th             Pendle Cloughs  (AL) 14 mls 3900' +++
June 13th           Knowl Hill         (BM) 6mls 1300' ***
June 30th           Eddies Revenge  (AS) 3.8 mls 1060' ***
July 8th              Bull Hill              (BS) 5.5mls 1100'
July 24th            Turnslack           (AM) 8mls ***
August 4th         Whittle Pike       (AS) 4.5mls 1400' ***
Aug 22nd           Sedbergh Hills   (AL) 14mls 6000' +++
September 25th Thievely             (AS) 4.3mls 1300'
October 2nd      Ravenstones      (BM) 10mls 1250'

*** denotes the race is also an A&T Club Champs Race

+++ denotes full safety kit is mandatory

Rules:
11 races to choose from, best 5 count.
Age as at 28th March 2010.

If a draw arises, races above 5 (if any) count.

The overall F and M winners will not be limited to Seniors (i.e. a veteran could be overall F or M winner).

Everyone from the participating Clubs who completes 5 of the races will get something at the awards ceremony

Hopefully see you on the fells

Curry Night Guest List

Curry Night Guest List

Saturday 13th March

See below confirmed guest.

If partners are coming please let me know and i'll add them to the list, if you have not let me know i'll assume you are coming on the own.

If you are not on the list and wish to come please email stevensgary@hotmail.com or ring 01942 799162

If you are on the list and are not coming please let me know on the above contact details so i cross you off the list.

Gary Stevens

Emma Stevens

Craig Bradbury

Anita Webb

Mark Lysycia

Suzanne Gregory

David Crowe

Helen Mishall

Liz Ellicott

Paul Basnett

Michelle Fairclough

Fiona Saunders
Peter Mulleady
Colin Rigby
Ruth Ellicott
Mark Ruscoe
Lyndsey Carter
Paul Jackson
Sarah Jackson
Greg Ruscoe
Dave Ruscoe
Andrew Coates
Michelle Coates
Andrew Neary

Marathon Key Session

Marathon Key session,

On March the 8th we will be going to Leigh Sport Village track at 6.15 for a 6.30 start to do the ‘Yasso’ 800s. …. You do not need to be doing a Marathon to have a go.

**Yasso session
On track and after warm up

10 x 800m in a target time of 3mins XX secs per effort a strict 1 min recovery between each effort

This is very much a confidence builder and normally converts that the time you can manage for these in Mins and secs will be your marathon time in Hrs and Mins
We will form two or three groups:

Group 1
10 x 800m (1 min) in 3.15

Group 2
10 x 800m (1 min) in 3.30

Group 3
10 x 800m (1min) in 3.45
(or as many groups as necessary)

A pace maker volunteer is needed for each group, drop me a mail if you can do it.

All the best,

Peter

Tonight's training

All,

I have contacted Leigh SV and they tell me the track is open tonight but under a layer of snow.

I will be down to host the session as normal.

It’s 5 x 1000 (1 min) @ 5k pace
ATB
Peter Chan