The Beaver Triathlon

Just a quick note to say Paul Bohannon continued his build up for this years Ironman by coming 7th overall and 1st in his age category in the Beaver Triathlon out of 400.

For those of you who don't know Paul he is taking a year out of running for A&T to concentrate on the hours and hours of training needed to complete the ironman event, and is doing amazingly well.

Full results..http://www.justracinguk.com/files/results/2010BTResultsv1.pdf‏

Lancaster 5km

Maria Lowe followed up last week's win at Blackburn with a very respectable 3rd place in the Lancaster 5km. 

Maria clocked a much improved time of 18 mins 48.

http://www.ukroadraces.info/Csv_Files/2010/lancaster1.htm

Smithills Serpent - by Garry Baines

24 keen A&T runners turned up, full of anticipation, for the challenging Smithills Serpent. If anything the windy conditions made the race tougher than last year and there was no hiding place on the exposed part of the course.

Horwich RMI look determined to take home silverware this year and occupied the first 6 finishing positions in the race.

For A&T, Simon Ford revelled in the hilly terrain and came home as our first finisher in 32:04. The battle for the Premiership is well and truly on again and the final outcome promises to be very close.

2nd for A&T was a jaded Peter Chan in 32:30 who left for a week’s rest to his retreat in South Devon after the race, having taken the V45 prize. Close behind was Shaun Moran in 33:15 with Mark Riches, running superbly well and pushing hard in 33:47. These first 4 finishers combined to finish 2nd in the team event.

Perhaps the run of the day was Alan Hilton’s who got round in 35:08 and showed he is past his illness and well on course for a good marathon time later in the year. Terry Gardiner and Steve Coleman battled hard with Terry coming out on top by 4 seconds in 35:38. Craig Bradbury also showed he is getting back to his best with a strong run of 35:50.

Next followed Josie Maley, who crossed the line comfortably as first lady overall in a time of 35:58 and added to her expanding wine cellar as well as taking home a gazebo!

As always, Derek Coop and Mark Lysycia enjoyed a friendly battle with Derek getting the nod on this occasion with 36:41. Mark finished strongly to record 37:08.

Brenda Wane put all injury thoughts behind her and ran a solid race in 39:19, just staving off the challenge of Ian “Bacon Mon” Hamilton in 39:28. Brenda picked up the L45 award and Ian the V55 in the process.

It felt a bit easier for yours truly and I was pleased to dip under 40 minutes in 39:59. Maybe things are just beginning to click again. Ray Taylor and Alan Webb, still on the comeback trail, chased hard in 40:40 and 40:47 respectively and Glyn Thomson crossed the line 2 seconds ahead of the ever-improving Suzanne Gregory in 42:00 dead. Suzanne was the 3rd member of the ladies team who finished 2nd.

Carole Baines did well to knock 3 minutes off her time last year in 42:09. Wayne Babynec ground out a 44:48 time whilst Vanessa Thomson performed her famous sprint finish to cross in 46:51. Dave Crowe nursed a hamstring all the way round and took his foot off the gas for his 47:56.

Michelle Fuller only decided to run the race on Saturday but she, in 48:15,and Laura Babynec, in 49:59, dug in well to complete the A&T contingent.

Another excellent turnout by the club with some encouraging performances.

Next race in the Club Championship is the Lymm 5km which takes place on Saturday 26th June at 3.30pm. A fun run also accompanies this event and so it would be an excellent day out for the family with some of the children maybe entering the fun run, followed by some pub grub.

I would suggest we pre-register. Entry details and forms can be found on the following link:-

http://www.spectrumstriders.org.uk/our-races/lymm-5k

Bank Holiday Run

Shaun Moran is organising a run from Gin Pit on Monday morning at 9,30 am for an hour. All are welcome.

Ian Hesketh Duathlon - by Gary Stevens

The day had arrived for my duathlon debut at the Ian Hesketh Memorial race at Rivington which was a 5km run / 22 km bike and 5km run.

I had already checked the bike route out last Saturday in blazing sunshine well over 30 degree’s and what a contrast with today’s weather which was wet and windy which made the roads very slippy.

I knew from my visit last week that the bike course was tricky with a number of very tight bends. When i signed in John Schofield and Vince Ashton was telling people that you should take it very easy as last year in dry conditions a Radcliffe athlete came off the bike, just what i wanted to hear!

As i parked Bianca in the racking area it was like a showroom from the Tour De France, i thought Bianca was a bit up market but she just looked average compared to some of these machines, literally thousands of pounds worth of bikes.

As the run started it was clear from the outset that this was not going to be easy and was very similar to the Chorley on the Park 5km course. I started steady before picking people off in the final couple of miles. I made T1 in 18.44 which was pleasing but i knew there was at least 20 who had ran quicker.

The transition was trouble free, i had to run 50 yards uphill in cycling shoes before mounting the bike for the 22km ride. I picked 2 off on the first hill but was overtaken myself by 3 or 4 on the first lap. I stuck to the task and took another couple of scalps before getting to T2. I heard that the first female cyclist had fallen off on the 1st lap and was in floods of tears so i was just happy to finish incident free.

During the transition i got cramp whilst putting on my trainers but carried on regardless into the final 5km run. The final run was really tough as my legs by this point had given up but i was pleased not to be passed by anyone to finish 21st overall.

Overall i was happy with my first duathlon and came away with lots to learn and improve on for the next one.

Results:

1st run 18.44 – 22nd

Bike inc T1 45.31 – 24th

2nd run inc T2 21.03  – 22nd

Overall 1 hr 25 mins 18 – 21st

Henderson's End fell race- Thursday 3rd June 7.30pm

Next Thursday sees local club Lostock AC host this fell race on our doorstep, Rivington.

It's 5.8 miles and 800' of ascent, so all of you who have been mulling over the idea of a run out on the fells, this is the perfect start!

£3.00 entry on the day and the start/registration is at Rivington top Barn.

This is a low key, friendly event around our local moors, Winter Hill.

I'm going straight from work but I'd suggest meeting up at Atherton Rail Station at 6.30pm to get there in good time to register and warm up. Or if you prefer make your own way there.

Date & time: Thu 3rd Jun 2010 at 19:30 Country: England Category: BS Website: lostockac.co.uk Distance: 5.8m Climb: 800ft Venue: Rivington Hall Barn. Grid ref: SD634145 Skills & experience: Partially marked, Local knowledge an advantage Minimum age: 16

See you there,
Paul Jackson

4 Mile Time Trial Results - by Shaun Moran

In no particular order...

Clare Unsworth 41.09
Emma Carter 36.48
Carole Baines 30.16
Terry G 26.01
Mark L 26.46
John Lee 25.52
Dave Crowe 36.00
Suzanne G 30.05
Mark Riches 24.31
Paul Mannion 24.17
John Urpi 33.24
Paul Bas 34.45

Warning to runners

Just a word of warning to our lady members who go running near Pennington Flash,  there has been a man described as the 'Pennington Flasher' exposing himself to joggers...its not a joke.

See the full article on the Leigh Journal website http://www.leighjournal.co.uk/news/8184164.Pennington_flasher_sought/?ref=mr

Gill Pimblott Memorial 5K - Sunday 11th July

Its coming to that time again when we start asking / begging people to volunteer to be a marshall at the next club race which is the Gill Pimblott 5km on Sunday 11th July.

This is a charity race and all proceeds go to a local cancer charity at Wigan Hospital.

The vacant positions are listed below, if you can help out please let me know on stevensgary@hotmail.com or give your name to Craig Bradbury at training.

3 x Car Park Attendees  -

2 x Timekeepers -

1 x Water Station -

5 x Course Marshalls  -

See full volunteers page http://astleyrunners.blogspot.com/2009/03/gin-pit-volunteers.html

Cheers,

Gary S
Race Organiser

Hi there

I was at the Edinburgh Marathon at the weekend and managed to get some shots of some of your members. My website is:

http://www.darrochphotography.com/

Click on the Gallery Button in the top left hand corner, then 'Edinburgh Marathon 2010'. I have slotted people into club sub-folders which are ordered A-Z so no extensive searching required!.

If you could pass this to your members that would be grand. As a wee thank you, I can send you a web sized image from my site for use on your club website or publicity. Just let me know the file number and I will email it straight back.

Best regards

Niall
07892 895 622

Paarlauf Video - by John Lee

Click the link for some video footage of last nights Paarlauf - thanks again to our film director John Lee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnqZtFeMLU4

YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU - Smithills Serpent - by Garry Baines

This Sunday (30th May) sees the next race in the CLGP Calendar - the notorious Smithills Serpent near to Smithills Coaching House in Bolton.

We need as many members as possible to enter the race to help us maintain our challenge for honours in this year's CLGP.

For those wishing to travel in convoy, I suggest we depart from Atherton Station no later than 9.15pm.

If you are registering on the day, make sure you get there early as the start of the race is a good 10 minutes jog from the registration desk. A mass A&T warm-up leaving Smithills Sports centre around 10.10 would seem like a good idea.

Please use the link below for the registration form.  Or go to the "Road" section of the club website.

http://www.burndenroadrunners.co.uk/serpent.htm

See you all on Sunday. Cheers.

Garry

Profiles....They are coming in!

Hi All,

We are looking good on the member profile's, 33 in so far with the men just in the lead on 19. So thanks to all who have put pen to paper so to speak, I didn't realise we had as many colourful characters at our club lol ! .

Let's see if we can get at least 50 on by the weekend. A nice glass of wine or a beer whilst you complete one sounds a perfect combination.

Thanks
Mark

Edinburgh Marathon Results

Dan Reason - 3:34:41

Steve Coleman - 3:37:55

2nd A&T Paarlauf - by Pete Chan

A much different night to the last event we help in December last year when it rained for the whole event. A very pleasant evening and 18 degrees for this one.

11 teams of three in total lined up at the start of this grueling event, and once again we witnessed some really close racing. The race for 1st and 2nd changed hands around 6 times during the course of the event with team 2 of Joanne, Steve and Robin just narrowly overcoming team 7 of Brenda, Alan and the resurgent Gary Stevens. It is really good to see Gary getting back to his best after a year that could so easily have ended his athletics, he has shown real strength of character to bounce back so fast. Both teams covered a staggering 31½ laps of the track, (that’s around 7.8 miles!! And an average pace just outside of 5 min/mile) In Third place was the hard charging team of Gary, Sue and Michelle just pipping the ultra consistent team of Marcus, Carole and Louise who moved through 4 places from their half way position…. As the teams around them slowed slightly.

There were a lot of fantastic performances on the night and it was amazing that everyone was out of puff after the first few laps but then settled down and ground out the whole 40 mins. Special mention must go to the club members who do not normally go down the track and still managed to complete the whole session to support their team mates …. This is what A&T is really all about…. And it is fantastic to hear everyone encouraging each other along the way.

I chuckled to Garry B after the event “ha ha I’ll have to do one of these one of these days” … “you’ll get your chance!! We are racing a Paarlauf against Swinton in a few weeks” ….. Gulp.

Runner of the night award must surely go to Brenda’s Grandson Joseph, I am not sure how old this fellow is (8 or 9??) but he managed to complete the whole thing and was even sprinting harder than anyone towards the end of the event…. I for one couldn’t believe my eyes. A real talent and one to watch… fantastic spirit.……… Get him signed up.

Anyhow a big WELL DONE to everyone who showed up and some last minute “thank you messages”

Gary Stevens for the Haribo ….. Possibly the most popular prize ever awarded at any event.

Malc … One minute he was sat on a barrier saying “it’ll be nice to sit this one out ho ho” … next minute he was pinning on a number to make up team 11.

Clare and Lyndsey …. For very kindly helping keep score …. It’s like Bingo on crack.

Some bloke from LHAC… for trying to spice the event up by adding a steeplechase barrier … last I looked he was dangling a hose into the water jump shouting “send ‘em this way”

Andy Coates… for my Whistle … I had been meaning to get one for a while, but this is a Turbo Ghia injection XL GT version …chrome with a string on it. Someone’s stuffed a bloody pea in it though Andy and I can’t get it out …. Grrrrr

Over and out ….

The ‘Cruelty mon’

Rosemere 5km

Maria Lowe in her 1st race (i believe) for A&T won the Rosemere 5km Fun Run at Blackburn in a time of 19 mins 34 and finish 5th overall.

Craig Bradbury competing for ARC clocked another encouraging 20mins 16 to finish 7th.

Bricks Sessions

From Monday 12th July we are starting the brick sessions again from LSV at 6pm for a 6.15pm start.

These sessions are ideal for people who compete in duathlons or triathlons or thinking of doing so and want to try something a bit different.

The session will be something like a 6 mile bike ride, 2 mile run, 6 mile bike and 2 mile run grouped in your own ability.

The sessions will be every other week so we plan to do them on....

Monday 12th July
Monday 26th July
Monday 9th August
Monday 23th August
etc etc

We are thinking of you Pete!

You have probably noticed we haven't seen much of Peter Mulleady of late.

Peter is currently suffering from a serious knee injury which is stopping him from running competitively for the foreseeable future.

Needless to say that all associated with A&T wish Peter the best and we hope to see him back at the club in the near future.

Mark and Derek's 50th Birthday 5km - Wednesday 16th June

Paarlauf - Monday 24th May - by Pete Chan - REMINDER

Reminder to ALL members - lets have a big turnout and make this a great night

A&T will be holding a Paarlauf at Sport-Village running track on Monday the 24th of May, Arrive at 6.15 for a 6.30 start.

What is it?

A Paarlauf is a team relay with 3 team members. Each team member runs 200m and ‘tags’ the next member, who then sets off for 200m and so on. So before we start 1 team member will be on the start line and 1 at the 200m point. Once underway the 3rd team member will go stand on the start line (where the last one has just set off) and wait for their team member to come round and set them off … thus we then have 3 team members on the track at one time.

We will do this continuous relay for 40 minutes and the winning team is the one covering most distance in that time.

Teams will be drawn on the day, and any ‘tweaks’ made to try and ensure all the teams are as equal as possible.

Numbers will be provided but bring your own pins (if anyone has a box of pins ….. please bring it along also)

Prizes for the first 2 teams to finish.

This will be a good training session, a competitive race but above all a great deal of fun and a fantastic ‘no pressure’ opportunity for non regulars to sample running on the track …. So please let’s try and get as many along as possible because the more we have the better the event will be.

Saturday Run - by Garry Baines

If anyone fancies a slow 10 or 12 miler on the trails and canals, Mark L, Marcus and I are meeting at LSV, parking near the track, for a 9.40am get-away tomorrow morning. Let me know if your coming so we can wait for you.

Cheers
Garry

Horwich 5 - by Mark Lysycia

All races are tough as everyone knows but this little mid week tester, a week after Haigh Hall, is no exception. I thought I was going to be the only A+T runner, but a tap on the shoulder from Steve White, whom I had never met before was a pleasant surprise. It wasn't long before Steve came whizzing past me looking very strong. Then I remembered his London marathon time a few weeks ago(3.12) and knew I had a fast team member with me.

On a fairly low turnout of 101 runners, Steve came in a very respectable 37th in 33.15, I was 52nd in 34.21

Surprisingly, even though Horwich fielded a good turnout(26), it was Chris Livesey from Preston in 26.34, that won the race.

Steve even said he would e-mail me his profile....result! so thought i'd get a piccie of him to go with it! I know, a very slight hint to you all!

Mark

Night Out - Saturday 22nd May

Hi all,

Just thought it would be nice to have a bit of a soiree this Saturday 22nd for a few drinks and a chat.

Meet at 8pm at the Pendle witch in atherton for anyone that fancies it.

Mary-Anne.

Members Profiles Wanted !!! by Mark L

Hi Everyone,

We are now up to 27 completed member profiles, So Thanks for that, but we really do need a lot more.

Gary Stevens and Terry Gardner are both doing a fantastic job with the web site and the blog. It is regular kept up to date, is very informative, interesting and funny.

To help keep it that way and fun to look at, the more member profiles we get the better.

As of today, Clare Unsworth(pictured) has very kindly offered to help me with this project and will "chase up" the ladies for their profile's, (pardon the expression!)So thanks for that Clare, I'll do the same with the men.

Hopefully in a few weeks time it would be nice to have over 50 on the profile section and talking to other members and non members alike, they do like to see who's who and see what times we runners get, whether they are fast or slow, it doesn't really matter.

There's nothing worse (in my opinion) than an unfinished task or project. I'm hoping to get all members on the profile section eventually.

So come on everyone, lets pull out all stops and get those profiles back to us.

Again, if in doubt just send me a quick e-mail, just one sentence will suffice, telling me if any, what you are unsure about.

Finally and be honest, how many of you click on the member profile section on the home page to see who else has "appeared" since last time?? Quite a few I would guess.

My e-mail marklysycia@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks
Mark

Manchester 10km Photo's

Above - Andrew Coates (mmmm suits you sir!)

 Marshalls  -  Peter Chan (left) and Mark Lysycia (right)

Terry Gardiner and Paul Basnett

Steve Coleman and Mark Riches

Club Shop Update

Just a quick note to say that Suzanne Gregory pictured below, has very kindly offered to help our club promote the club merchandise, which include vests, all sizes in men's and ladies, long sleeve t-shirts,blue and day-glow, short sleeve blue t-shirts only a few left and the new club jackets.

As of today if any member needs any club kit, please feel free to e-mail myself or Suzanne with your requirements.

All stock can be viewed at our club shop http://astleyrunners.blogspot.com/2009/12/club-kit-for-sale.html

soozyg@hotmail.co.uk
marklysycia@yahoo.co.uk

Vests £10

T-Shirts long sleeve £7 or 2 for £13

Short Sleeve £8.50

Trousers £16.50

Jackets all sizes £26.50

" New cut" ladies short sleeve t- shirts available in blue and pink will be here in June

Men's more mile, same as the current stock also available in June, again 2 colours blue or day-glow.

Thanks
Mark Lysycia

Windermere Marathon

Well done to Malc on completing marathon number 22, the Windermere marathon in 3hrs 31mins 22secs - comfortable steady run as you can see from the photo of him running into the finish!!.

My Half Marathon Update - By Steve Coleman

Quick update on my 20 half marathon chase. 2nd May saw Keswick and a strong wind which stopped me getting a sub 1 30. Came in 1h 30m 64 s ( 57th of 569 finnishers ) Leeds, 9th May was better, 1h 27m 07s (99th of 2822 finnishers.) So 11 down, may even get more than 20 in at this rate.


Steve Coleman

Thank You re - London Marathon - By Denise Babynec

I would just like to say a few words regarding my recent run (London Marathon),firstly I would like to thank A&T, for giving me the opportunity to take part in the race,after so many rejections I thought my turn would never come and for that I am very grateful.

I would also like to thank all those that sponsored me and gave their support, you really are a wonderful team to be part of.We are still collecting money for our chosen charity (Wigan & Leigh Hospice), but hopefully the sum will be in the region of £600.

And finally just to say that the whole experience was superb, i truly enjoyed the whole day and would recommend anyone to have a go (unfortunately for Wayne,in his own words "it was a disaster").

ROLL ON NEXT YEAR.

Thanks everyone
Denise.

X Factor Night

See pictures from last nights 'A&T does the X-Factor'

Winner - Jeff with 50 points

2nd - Gregg Ruscoe - 49 points

3rd Brenda Wane - 43 points

Well done to all the other acts that took part in the event

Race for Life - by Cath Hodgetts

I completed the 5 km jog round Pennington Flash, Leigh today (16 May 2010) in a time of 28 mins 20 secs which beats my previous best for 5 km of 31 mins 40 secs. Really didn't think that I would get the time under 30 mins but I did and was really surprised that I managed it. Thanks to going out with the club I have managed to get up to to the distance (and further) and get a little faster each time. I would like to thank the group for their support and patience as I am still really very slow compared to everyone else. I hope that one day I will be able to keep up. Cheers.

Cath (Hodgetts)

Message from Dan Reason

Sorry everyone, I know A & T has raised tones of money already this year for a number of charities but I am hoping you all can dig deep once again. If you can spare a couple of minutes to click on the link below and then spare a few ponds I would massively appreciate it, plus it will be embarrassing if I dont raise any money.....

As most of you know (as I bore everyone with the subject) On the 23/05/2010 I will be running the Edinburgh marathon in aid of the Pennine Acute Hospitals Charity. All money raised will be donated to the Women’s and Children’s Division. Every Donation will help the many children that the Pennine Acute treat every day.

Please help a child's stay in hospital be that little bit more bearable.

If you wish to donate and can spare a few pounds I would be extremely grateful.

Many thanks on behalf of the The Pennine Acute Hospitals Charity (Registered Charity Number 1050197)

Many thanks
Dan Reason

http://www.justgiving.com/Dan-Reason

Swinton Challenge - by Garry B

We've now established dates for this year's Swinton Challenge Match

The 1st leg will take place at the track at LSV on Monday 28th June. The race is expected to get underway at 7.30pm and will consist of a 30 minute Paarlauf, with teams of 3 running 200mt relays.

The return leg will be at Swinton on Wednesday 25th August.

It will be great to get as many of our members as possible taking part.

I will forward further details nearer the time.

Membership Update

I would like to officially welcome to our club Stuart Adamson who joined us last night.

Stuart, who is no stranger to the running and club scene(having been a Junior at Horwich RMI 25 years ago) will certainly be a welcome member to our club.

I know one of Stuart's goals is to do a sub 1.30 half marathon and I am confident with the help,encouragement and regular training with us, this will be achieved...he's still only 38!

Also, was good to see Mike Reason back training with us after quite a while. I only met him last week for the first time but if he's anything like his brother Dan, it will be interesting to see in the future, who wins the most !(no pressure boys!)

Mark Lysycia

Family Fun Night

Tomorrow at our Family Fun night my other half has volunteered to do face painting  for free. 

If your kids would like their faces done can they see Emma as early as possible, we will the there around 6.15 to set everything up.

'Smile' your on camera!

Some video footage from Haigh Hall - Thanks John Lee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu_Iqkzd36A

A&T Road Champs after Haigh Hall

Click on images to enlarge

Edinburgh Marathon

If anyone would like a free number to do the Edinburgh Marathon please let me know as i am informed a Leigh Harrier runner has one for grabs due to work commitments.

First come first service.

Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride - Sunday 4th July

The club will be taking part in this years Manchester to Blackpool 'Charity' Bike Ride on Sunday 4th July.  We have decided to do it for Wigan Hospice who will support us on the way with free transportation and food, in return they ask for each cyclists to get sponsorship.

The bike ride is exactly what is says on the tin! we start from Old Trafford and finish at Blackpool with 3 stops along the way at approx 20 mile intervals giving a total distance of 60 miles.

Unlike the 100 mile challenge this ride is for 'all abilities' and everyone is welcome as there are literally thousands of other cyclists taking part.

The cost is £15.00 and for that fee you get :

Complimentary T-shirt

Optional transport for you and your bike from Wigan to the start in Manchester.

Optional return Transport from Blackpool to Wigan.

Backup support vehicles providing bike repair, puncture repair, selection of spare wheels, replacement bikes and basic first aid.

Private refreshment stops en-route.

Support contact numbers.

 

If you would like to take part then i will need your £15.00 by the end of May with your completed form which you can download here : http://www.wlh.org.uk/Resources/Wigan%20and%20Leigh/Documents/PDF/2010%20Entry%20Form.pdf

 

There are also around 13 'Atherton Running Club' members doing the ride not all experienced cyclists so it should be a good day out especially if the sun is shining.

 

I will be putting some training rides on the blog to help get you in shape.

 

If you need any more information please contact me on stevensgary@hotmail.com, i will only confirm you as a definate once i receive your money.

Haigh Hall 4 - Written by Garry Baines

Despite having prior knowledge of what to expect on this mountainous course, 33 hardy A&T members (and a couple of 2nd claimers also) turned up to compete in the Haigh Hall 4 mile race on Wednesday evening.

In a star-studded field, a new course record of 19:55 was set by a young man from Stafford, named Matt Clowes. He was accompanied to the race by UK Fells Coach, Bashir Hussain.

First A&T finisher, showing no signs of weariness from his recent marathon, was Pete Chan in a time of 23:17, taking the V45 prize in the process. Not for the first time this season, Simon Ford and Shaun Moran were involved in a close tussle. Simon came out on top on this occasion, just pipping Shaun by 2 seconds in a time of 23:25. Shaun had the consolation of 2nd in the V50 category.

These first three finishers also took 2nd place in the team event.

Gary Atherton continues to make great progress and followed as 4th A&T runner in 23:47, and gained the upper hand over Mark Riches for the first time, who clocked 24:09.

Gary Stevens, Alan Hilton, Steve Coleman and Terry Gardiner all came home in 25-something, followed by Greg Ruscoe, fast catching up with old brother Mark, and Craig Bradbury who looks to be returning to true fitness.

Marcus Taylor put one over on his mate Mark Lysycia, and in close pursuit were Steve Foster, Derek Coop and Craig Little, back on the racing circuit again.

Matt Crompton, still suffering from the effects of the London Marathon, crossed the line in 28:08, with Barry Allman making his 1st CLGP appearance for A&T in 28:25. Dave Crowe had a great race, overcoming challenges from Ray Taylor, Glyn Thomson, Ian Hamilton and Garry Baines, still struggling for former fitness levels.

Alan Webb made a welcome return to the club and crossed in 29:41. Having paid his subs to the Jacket Man, he was somehow persuaded to part with a further £26.50 for said A&T branded jacket.

Paul Basnett, getting more serious by the day about his running, strolled home in 31:22.

For the ladies, Josie Maley continues to exude confidence, finishing 2nd overall, 4 seconds behind the winner in a time of 25:24. Brenda Wane finished as 2nd A&T lady in 29:08 and was placed 2nd in the L45 category. Suzanne Gregory was in the prize money too as 2nd L35 finisher in 30:19, another great effort. These 3 ladies also took 2nd place in the team event.

Michelle Fuller continues to see the benefit of hard training and was pleased with her time of 31:22, whilst Vanessa Thomson clocked 33:11 after a strong effort at Blackpool at the weekend.

It was great to see the members cheering all our lady runners home and Sarah Sadler, Emma Carter and Clare Unsworth certainly appreciated the support, judging by the smiles on their faces.

There were a couple of impressive runs from our 2nd claim members, Andy Neary with 23:11 and Sean McMyler with 23:23, both finishing in the top 20.

It’s not too long off the next CLGP and Club race at Smithills on Sunday 30th May, as we all endeavour to tackle the tricky terrain of the 5 mile Serpent.
Results Link - http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2010/wigan1.htm

Saturday Run

Seeing as though Sunday morning may not be the best time for running after a night of A&T socialising and Mark Lysycia's singing (i believe he struggles holding a tune) a few of us are planning a 10 miler on Saturday morning from Gin Pit at 9:30.

Everyones welcome and more is definitely merrier so come along and join the fun. Hope to see you there.

Cheers
Matt

Road Champs - 12th May - Haigh Hall

The next Club and CLGP Race in the Road Championships takes place at Haigh Hall on Wednesday 12th May. The race starts at 7.30pm and covers a distance of 4 miles.

We will be meeting at Atherton Station at 6.00pm for prompt departure.

For those who have not pre-registered, registration can be found at Wigan Rugby Union Club. Please get there early as it's a good 10 minutes jog to the start line in Haigh Hall.

Directions are as follows:

Follow the main road to Wigan through Hindley and Ince.

Continue all the way down to Wigan, where, when the Tesco Superstore is opposite, turn right.

Follow the mini by-pass (Central Park Way) up the side of the Superstore, which is now on the left.

Follow this road A49 until you pass the hospital on the left; soon after the hospital take a right turn down Leyland Mill Lane, and on the upslope, left again down Wingates Lane, where Wigan R.U.F.C. is signposted. 500m past the houses, on the right, is an inclining track, which takes you up to the club.

If you have your number prior to the race you have the option of parking on the top car park near the Hall (Aspull entrance) and then running down to the start line (about 1 mile).

Alternatively you can follow the directions above and take a right into Hall Lane at the junction of Leyland Mill and Wingates and park up there. There are normally signs in this area directing runners to the start.

A link to the area can be found below.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3703810

If anyone is still confused get in touch with me and I'll try and help. See you all there.

Garry

Pendle Cloughs Fell Race (AL) 14 mls/ 3900’ ascent- By Mark Ruscoe

On Saturday 8th May myself, Paul Jackson and Simon Ford donned our A & T vests for the third race in the Run the Moors Grand Prix fell league. The race promised to be a tough one and certainly didn’t disappoint, with quite windy conditions and one or two navigational errors adding to the challenge of 14 miles over hilly terrain. Starting at the picturesque village of Downham, nine checkpoints had to be visited in order, calling at the summit of Pendle Hill twice amongst other climbs before a fast finish over a flagged area of open fields.

Simon was amongst the top 15 or so runners before taking a detour of his own as he led a group between checkpoints 4 and 5 only to turn around to see them disappearing in another direction! Needless to say he recovered well, finishing with some strong ascending and making up some of his lost places to clock a time of 2:28:44.

I was pleased to just duck under the two and a half hour mark in 2:29:59, with Paul enjoying another strong run out on the fells despite not having recc’ed the course.

Lyndsey walked to the top of Pendle Hill to support and thankfully made it back down without the aid of mountain rescue this time! This was a tough but well organised and enjoyable race in fantastic countryside.

1st Andrew Orr Clayton 2:14:18
12th Simon Ford 2:28:44
14th Mark Ruscoe 2:29:59
38th Paul Jackson 2:55:30
78 finishers
4 DNF

Membership Update

I would like announce that after several months away from our club Alan Webb will be re-joining us as of tomorrow. He will be doing the race at Haigh Hall. It's great news to have Alan back and many of you will already know him and know he is a good guy to have at A+T. Just a word of warning to the rest of you, go easy tomorrow night, it's his first race for a long time!! The way Alan was running last year, it wont be long before he's back to where he left off.

I'll keep a spare A+T jacket in the boot just in case.......ha ha

Mark Lysycia

Singers Required

We are looking for some singers for Saturday's Astley & Tyldesley does the X-Factor. 

If you would like a go please can you email stevensgary@hotmail.com

The event will only be as good as the people willing to take part!

If you want more information please let me know.

Blacksticks Blue 10km

3rd Shaun Moran: 37:19

18th Alan Hilton: 41:40

53rd and 4th Lady Brenda Wane: 45:29

Blackpool 10km Results

Ray Taylor: 43:30 PB

Barry Allman: 43:45

Glyn Thompson 44.45 PB

Paul Basnett: 48:00 PB

Vanessa Thompson 48.15 PB
 
Note : Times are rounded off so may not be exact.

Weekend Snippets

French Anne Half Marathon Lancaster

Mark Beresford 1.29.28..17th

Mark Lysycia 1.32...23rd

Derek Coop 1.32.23..25th

Super event, scenic course and fairly low key with 127 runners. Winning time 1.16.41 Simon Grundy East Cheshire Harriers.

Mark B ran superbly and is on target for a great marathon time in Edinburgh(no pressure Mark) Good to see Derek back to his usual self with a gutsy performance and was in front of Mark for the first 6/7 miles.

Highlight of the day, we won the team prize!!! and a bottle of bubbly each, my first ever prize in 7 years of running, whoopee!! Strange feeling going up to collect a gift lol!

"picture of Mark and Derek collecting their prize whilst Mark B took the picture, well, such a rare occasion, winning a prize, it needs to be caught on camera!!"

Think Mark and Derek also pleased with the result and overall, a nice Sunday morning half marathon with lovely views,nice weather and the usual post race atmosphere.

Mark

Family Fun Night- Saturday 15th May

REMINDER

'Remember this is free to all members of A&T and family so lets get the room full and make it a great night'.

Family Fun Night - Saturday 15th May

Astley & Tyldesley Road Runners

presents

"FAMILY FUN NIGHT"

At the Miners Welfare Club, Tyldesley

Doors open at 6.30pm

All drinks must be purchased from the bar

For Kids 6.30-8.30

Includes

Party Games

and

"So you think your kids can dance?"

Dancing competition for kids

1st Group kids under 1-7

2nd Group kids over 8 and over

PRIZES ON OFFER

For the Adults

"Astley & Tyldesley Road Runners does the X-Factor"

Karaoke competition with prizes

Plus Disco

Something new for 2010 - Make it a night to remember

Free Entry to all members and family members

For more info contact Gary Stevens on stevensgary@hotmail.com or 01942 799162

ALL ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED BY PULSE ENTERTAINMENTS & TODDLERS 2 TEENS

Windermere Marathon

A number has become available for the Windermere Marathon on 16th May.

If anyone would like to take this offer up, please contact Shaun Moran or Garry Baines

Garry

Members Profiles

All,

The member profile's are pouring in thanks,well limping in I would say, We have 18 in so far which is good, but we really do need as many as possible.

If you just want to include your best results and your favourite or worst race or experience along with your name and age, that's fine. If in doubt, see the member profile section on our home page to get an idea of what we want.

Once again, if you are not sure what I am looking for, please e-mail me.  marklysycia@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks again

Mark

Belfast marathon by Mary-Anne Tracey

My final blog entry; I completed the marathon in 3.32 my time was objectively somewhat off target and although not quite over the disappointment of not achieving my target for possibly the first time ever. I have learnt a lot from the whole experience.

The majority of my training went according to plan, my shorter race times were on target, my nutrition was a well balanced diet, and my carbo-loading in the last week was all on track. A major setback was a throat infection 5 days prior to the race including on the race day, probably contributing to my stomach problems due to the shear quantity of medication I consumed to try to rid myself of it.

The first 13 miles of the race seemed to roll by although a little slower than expected at 1 hour and 35 minutes at half way, I knew the course was downhill for most of the rest of the way. Then the problems began, I tried to take on a glucose gel and some drink but I couldn’t stomach it. Shortly after my legs had started to cramp up to my thighs. I tried a glucose tablet and a caffeine jelly block after a few more miles but had to immediately spit them out. As the magnitude of the problem started to dawn on me I knew I was helpless, rapidly dehydrating with the heat of the day, the running and unable to take on anything, every step was a painful struggle, I cant quite describe the experience. Pulling out was not an option I would allow myself, but the rest of the way was a delirious muddled memory of pain, with some recollection of being overtaken by countless women, as at one point in the race I had been the 4th lady, as you know by now I am somewhat competitive to put it lightly and then to be overtaken by 4 superheroes, it is a memory I think I will never forget. At mile 26 when you would like to think that I was at the end of my treacherous journey somehow I found myself on the floor with my right calf in a severe cramp. Lay there for several minutes as people ran over me all I could think about was crossing the line, two women helped me up and supported me for a few meters I mustered up the will power, with the encouragement of another runner and the crowd, I jogged over the finish line, to be met by my anxious perplexed father, who had been expecting me half an hour earlier. The second half of the race had taken me just under 2 hours, as the dehydration had taken its toll on my body, the next few hours were a misty haze of a trip to the first aid team with my loving fathers support and a private double-decker bus journey back to our hotel.

A marathon, a journey, never again until the next time…

Message from Mark Lysycia

Membership update /Stock update, 4th May 2010

It was great to see around 37 members turn up for our first proper "trail" run of the year this evening. We have been getting 30-40 members regular, training during the week on our Tuesday and Thursday sessions and feel now the long evenings are here, this trend I am sure will continue, which is great to see.

On behalf of the club, I would like to officially welcome on board the following new members who have just joined us and did the trails with us tonight.

Ladies.

1. Joan Cooke

Men

2. Andew Neary(2nd claim), No stranger to the running/club scene, Andew will undoubtedly add strength and depth to our existing elite runners in the club.

3. Anthony Hart..........I am told, has done a 45 min 10k, so by joining our club and with all the coaching and support from everyone, I would certainly expect that time to improve.

Nice to see another member Craig Flitcroft down tonight for the first time in a while.

Also, Rick Gray trained with us for the first time tonight and hopefully he may join us.

Our membership continues to grow on a weekly basis and at this rate should hit the 100 member mark fairly soon.

Its great to see such large numbers on these training nights not forgetting the Monday/Wednesday training sessions given by Sean and Simon, These sessions are a "tad" more difficult but a lot of fun nonetheless.

Club Shop

As mentioned in an earlier article, club vests have now arrived, ladies in sizes 14,12,10 and 8. Men in sizes X/L L / M and small. £10, please e-mail me your size.

Second batch of club jackets just arrived, sizes Large, medium, small and extra small £26.50, over 54 members now have one.

Trousers to match £16.50

Finally, PLEASE can you all try to e-mail myself and Terry Gardner your profile along with a picture. See members already on member profile section. If you are not sure what I am asking for please e-mail me.

marklysycia@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks
Mark

Coniston 14

Marcus and I started the race 15 mins late, but managed to catch quite a few runners up. It was a nice warm sunny day,attracting about 500 hundred runners.  It was very hilly course,with some runners walking up these steep climbs.  The course had changed this year due to flooding. Not a course for the faint hearted, but stunning views made up for this tough course. A race not to be missed next year.

Derek Coop 1:39

Marcus Taylor 1:39

Club Vests

Mark Lysycia has taken delivery of the new A&T club vests.

He has all sizes and they just £10 each.

He will be at Bee Fold Lane tonight selling from the boot of his car "a la Del Boy"

Tuesday Night Road Routes

3 additional routes for Tuesdays for those who dont fancy the trails.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3692181 - Hope Fold Ave, Leigh Rd, Lovers Lane to Masons, Wigan Rd, West Leigh Lane, Kirkhall Lane, Leigh Rd, Hope Fold Ave - 4.9 miles

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3692204  - Hope Fold Ave, Hamilton St, Tyldesley Rd, Dougie to central, Bolton Rd, High St, Hamilton St, Leigh Rd, Lovers Lane to Masons, Wigan Rd, West Leigh Lane, Kirkhall Lane, Leigh Rd, Hope Fold Ave - 7.7 miles

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3692193 - Hope Fold Ave, Leigh Rd, Lovers Lane, Schofield Lane, Cricketers Way past McDonalds, Wigan Rd, Wearish Lane, Hindley Rd, Coupland Rd, Wigan Rd, West Leigh Lane, Kirkhall Lane, Leigh Rd, Hope Fold Ave - 9 miles

Marathon Weekend - by Maria Lowe

This weekend Sean and myself headed again for my third marathon and Sean's 8th attempt. We got the 6:55 train and arrived in good time. there we were heading confidently to jump onto the circle line train, to realise we were heading out of london into another district, after blaming each other we eventually got back onto another train heading to Tower Hill, to find the district line to the Expo Centre. I was already feeling tired and we had only got to the expo centre.

Every year we say to each other "we wont be too long, we'll grab our numbers then shoot off". Two hours later and a few carrier bags heavier we set off to find our hotel room.

After a comfortable night, although waking every few hours to check the watch, we were on our way to the train station, im there all quiet! In fact thats the only time i am quiet, is on the way to a race. Sean meanwhile is chatting away to a runner from Birminghan and telling him how to run his marathon and offering him advice etc. We find the good for age start, but im freezing as the temperature drops and you would think after all the years running i'd remember to bring more kit. kindly a runner from Altrincham offers me his hand towel and I wrap this modestly around my legs, dont worry he had layers on too..Im not that selfish.

It rains, i'm cold and the teeth are chattering away, but i'm keeping positive, a patient of mine from middleton came over to ask me what to do with his tight calf well i didnt bring my treatment couch, so i told him to just you know,.. run!! (he was fine pre-race nerves).

The time flew, the rain stopped and the race began, the middleton group shouted "maria run with us were doing 7 min miles" so i did but the pace was picking up to 6;30, and for me marathon pacing is the key and i didnt want to be struggling too soon. So i calmy let them go, along with the fly and the carrot and the buzzlight year guy..

Miles later im running still to the pace i wanted, passing quite a few people who look as though there running a 10k, by mile 19 who do i see, but a Middleton runner so i sneek past, to cheer him on. then another middleton runner, im thinking im so glad i didnt go with them. i passed the fly along the last few miles he looked as though hed been swatted, bless! Then the crowd were cheering for buzz lightyear, however i thought to infinity and beyond there is no way i would live it down with the kids if buzz beat me!!! Turbo legs were still charged and I battled along Bird cage Walk, can you believe I finished alongside a carrot and a leprachaun. How can i celebrate my success with them two cartoons in my finishing photo!!!!

I was really pleased with my finishing time, and wanted to go find Sean. After trying to look good, whilst having my photo taken i hobbled over to find sean under a tree looking a kind of greeny yellowish shade, feeling ill. He could'nt understand me, so i let him come round whilst chatting to an essex runner about our times. We eventually shuffled back to the hotel looking like two drunks, me swaying and making strange noises and Sean throwing up every few minutes.

After a well deserved rest we arrived back home, and the support from Astley runners, patients and family have made the event all the worthwhile, we really enjoyed the weekend and for anyone thinking of running a marathon then we would highly recommend doing London.

Well done to all those that ran the marathon along with the supporters who made the race. Cant wait for the next one.....................

Maria Lowe