Blog updates

Hi all,

After today I am going to lose my internet connection for a while, so I wont be able to update the blog or website.

Hopefully Gary should be reconnected tomorrow, so if you need anything blogging can you send it to him at stevensgary@hotmail.com

Cheers
Terry

p.s. Good luck to everybody taking part in the Chorley 4.4 on Wednesday

Chorley 4.4 mile trail race

The next race in the CLGP and our own Road Championships takes place next Wednesday night, 4th August, at Chorley starting at 7.30pm.

The race covers a distance of 4.4 miles over the trails and tracks of Astley Park in Chorley. As usual you will be able to enter on the night at no extra cost as it's a CLGP event. Cost is £4.
I will post details of meeting points and departure times in due course, but put a note in your diary now - it would be good to see as many blue vests as possible at this event. An entry form can be downloaded from the following link:-

http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2010/efchorley4.pdf

See you all there.
Garry

Summer Enigma Marathon - Malc Collins

On Saturday 24th July 2010, I drove to Milton Keynes to compete in the Summer Enigma Marathon, my third marathon of the year.
It was a lovely course around a lake and along a very picturesque canal. I finished in 3 hours 51 minutes and 36 seconds.
A poor time for me but it was a very warm day which made me suffer a bit. I finished in 7th place, my highest position in a marathon, albeit there were only 26 entrants!
It was a race full of firsts for me. My first trial marathon. My first time to be stung by a wasp while running and the first time to be sick at the finish! Oh the joys of marathon running!
Malc Collins

Congratulations Jodie !

Jodie Wagstaff gave birth to a baby girl yesterday 26/7/10 - Lucie Carol Wagstaff. After 20 hours of labour she was finally delivered at 8.45pm by emergency C section weighing 8lb 9oz. Mum and daughter are knackered but both are doing well !

Message from Eva Tuer

Hi guys,

I wonder if anyone would like to take my number in the Tatton park tri olympic distance in September
(2009 price)? Just not had the time to get the swimming training in as I had hoped.
It is a nice tri to do.
Hope to see you soon!
All the best,
Eva

A&T Fell Champs 2010- Update

Please see attached Fell Champs standings after the Turnslack Fell Race on Sat 24th July 2010.

If anyone spots any mistakes please contact me.

Click here for Fell Champs
Regards,

Paul Jackson

Grimsthorpe Half Marathon - By Steve Coleman

I did the Grimsthorpe half marathon this morning.
Not the sort of race I`d normally go for, but different. A run on paths, fields, hills and trails. Not any real flat parts. It was also far too warm as unlike here they have a heat wave in Lincs.
I started out fast to do as much as I could until over heating. Keeping up with the top two I was surprised when one fell back, and the other, who came from Vietnam, also came under pressure at 6 miles. Passing him I took first place and kept it, wining the race some 68 seconds ahead. Seen afterwards walking around in circles due to being far too hot until I went and fell down under a tree to cool down for a while.
Nice prize though.

Message from "Coach Moran"

Just a reminder that the venue for next Wednesday's training session is at Bee Fold Lane, Atherton meeting at 6.15p.m.

Horwich Jubilee 5 mile Race - By Garry Baines

26 A&T members made their way to the environs of Rivington on a sticky evening on Wednesday to compete in the Horwich Jubilee 5 mile road race. The race was part of the CLGP and as result the field was boosted to 160 runners.

The prolific Ben Fish of Blackburn Harriers easily won the race in a time of 24.27 a full I min and 21 seconds ahead of his nearest rival.

For A&T Simon Ford, in a rich vein of form, crossed the line as 1st finisher in 29.18. Pete Chan in 29.50 fought off the challenge of Shaun Moran who was the 3rd A&T finisher in 30.01.

Terry Gardiner produced a fantastic run to knock almost 2 minutes of his PB to record 32.09. One of his victims in the finishing straight was Alan Hilton with 32.17. Craig Bradbury’s fitness continues to improve and a time of 33.34 was a just reward. Not far behind was Marcus Taylor, running solidly for 33.53. Rufus Bennett completed his first race of the year after serious injury and despite slowing down a couple of times still managed to cross in 34.15, just staving off the challenge of Mark Lysycia in 34.22.

I was pleased to get near to the 7 min/mile mark with 35.12 and Ian Hamilton ran well for 36.57. Glyn Thomson in 38.14 and Dave Crowe 38.28 finished within sight of each other and Paul Basnett stuck it out well for 41.35.

For the Ladies, Joanne Iborra made a rare outing in the blue vest, and promptly finished 1st for A&T and 2nd overall in an excellent time of 32.14. For once Josie Maley played second fiddle, but still finished third overall with 32.49, collecting a “non-alcoholic” prize on this occasion.

Brenda Wane, currently in the throes of marathon training, was 3rd A&T lady home in 36.36.

Carole Baines finished very strongly and smashed her PB with a time of 37.24. Michaela Shaw continues to make progress back towards full fitness and clipped 33 seconds off her time from the same race in June for 38.09.

A host of PBs followed, including Suzanne Gregory 38.33, Michelle Fuller 42.39 and Laura Babynec 43.58. Sandwiched in between was Vanessa Thomson with 43.54.

Denise Babynec stuck to the task well for 46.59 and it was good to see Helen Minshall racing again who came in 1 second ahead of Emma Carter with 48.21.

The next CLGP and Club Race is the 4.4 mile Chorley Trail Race and takes place on 4th August at 7.30pm. Let’s all get out there again for that one!

Attached are the up-to-date positions in the Road Champs after Wednesday's race.  Click on the links below to view the tables.

Men

Ladies

Gin Pit 5 Volunteers

Gin Pit 5 Sunday 10th October

Car Park attendees can race as this role finishes at 10.45am.

Anyone wishing to volunteer please email myself stevensgary@hotmail.com

All course marshals please meet at 10am in the Car Park on race day for his instructions.

Volunteers so far.....

Race Organiser - Gary Stevens
Assistant Organisers - Andy Coates
2 x registration - Gary Stevens and Terry Gardiner
2 x Commentator - Andy Coates plus Cerys Baines
Presentation - Garry Baines
2 x Kitchen staff - Val Mason & Michelle Coates
2 x Spot Prize/Medal Presenters - Caitlin and Ciara Bradbury
3 x Car Park Attendees - Paul Basnett, Mark Lysycia, Emma Carter, Marcus Taylor
3 x Timekeepers - Terry Hughes, Mark Riches
2 x Course Signage/Setting up course - Garry Baines Sat PM, Craig Bradbury
1 x Cyclist to lead runners - Mark Ferns
1 x Water Station - Mr Gregory (Suzannes Dad)
1 x Chief Marshal - Craig Bradbury
10 x Course Marshals -Mark Ruscoe, Lyndsey Carter, Glyn Thomson, Liz Ellicott, Joan Cooke, Christine Farnworth, Michelle Fairclough, Vanessa Thomson, Sarah Sadler, Lyndsey Carter's mother, Mary Anne

Horwich Photos

All,

Picture's from last night's Horwich 5 miler are now on the home page in the photo section.
Click here to go to photos
Clich here for race results

Thanks

Derek Coop.

Turnslack Fell Race - Saturday 24th July 2010

The next Club Champs Race/Grand Prix Race is the Turnslack Fell Race hosted by Rochdale Harriers from Calderbrook Church, Calderbrook near Summit, on Saturday 24th July 2010 at 14.30.

This is an AM race of 8mls/2000ft ascent. It is quite a hard race over tussocky hills, with a bit of a wall climb thrown in. Full Safety Equipment is compulsory!! See Fell Section for further details.

£4.00 entry on the day.

Regards,

Paul Jackson (Fell Captain)

Members Profiles

Hi all,
If you have a member profile on the A&T website (and if not WHY NOT?) and you have any new PBs then email me at terrygardiner123@yahoo.co.uk  and I will update your profile.

I haven't received any new member profiles for a while - so come on folks - get your profile and photo to me and I will add you to our profile page.

Cheers
Terry

A & T - Colours on holiday

All,
This suggestion was given to me last Thursday whilst out running with Bill Mitchell.
I think it will work if everyone sends at least one picture in. So as it's the holiday season and also for a bit of fun, from now on please e-mail me a holiday snap taken with your A+T top on.
It could be the running vest, t- shirt or even the jacket.  Any colour top, so long as we can all see the A+T logo and it's not on the car park next to Atherton train station.
It could be on the beach,in the sea, in a boat, on a bike, up a mountain, up a tree, down a cave, on a camel, the dafter the better, anywhere doing anything!!....I think you get the picture(sorry!)
We will put them on the web page in the photos section under "A+T colours on holiday".
Mostly, we are seen in our club colours looking all hot and bothered, sweat dripping down us and looking generally knackered. So if anyone wants to send us in a "glamour" shot (this is aimed at the ladies, sorry guys), taken anywhere, I think that would make a nice change, when wearing the club kit. Keep them decent!!!!
Like I say, its just a bit of fun, no prizes.  The farthest country so far to be sporting the A+T colours will be Australia, where a friend of Joe (from the welfare club) who has ordered two tops for his friend to take back to Australia. He apparently is from the Astley area.
Look forward to receiving your photo and don't forget to tell us where the picture was taken.
Thanks
Mark Lysycia

Message from Glyn Thomson

Not sure if anyone will be interested or not, but I've set up a private fantasy league here.

http://fantasy.premierleague.com/

Code to join this league: 74359-80839

A&T league

Glyn

Horwich 5 mile Road Race - Wednesday 21st July.

This Wednesday sees the next race in the CLGP and Club Road Championships.

It would be good to get as many members competing as possible in order to sustain our challenge in all the categories.

If you have not pre-registered, the registration point has changed this year and is positioned in the school opposite Rivington Bowling Club where we registered previously.

For those travelling in convoy we should meet Atherton Station for departure no later than 6.10pm.

See you all there.

Garry

Message from Craig Bradbury

Hi all,
thanks to everyone who came out on Saturday night and for the nice gifts it was very kind of you all.

Also a big thank you to Brenda for arranging the night out and the lovely cake.

Cheers

Craig

Craig's 40th - by Mark Lysycia

Hi Everyone,
Last Saturday, a group of us went out to celebrate Craig Bradbury's 40th. As with tradition,a good night was had by all and just so you can see for yourselves, there is a selection of pictures on the A+T web site in the photo's section titled Craig's 40th.

Mark

Club Meeting - Sunday 7th November

There is a club meeting booked for Sunday 7th November.

This will be the last meeting of 2010 before the AGM.

Meeting held in Cricketers room at 8pm.

Haigh Hall 4 Mile - 14th July

Mary-Anne Tracey-Aguera made a welcome return to the racing circuit and to form as she finished as first Lady in last week's Haigh Hall 4 mile race in a time of 26:28.


Other A&T participants were Steve Foster 28:24 and Barry Allman 30:49.

Belper 30k -15th August - By Alan Hilton

Hi All,

As part of my marathon training I am going to take in the Belper 30k on the 15th August. I've put a link below with all the details but if you fancy giving it a go then there is space in my car and we might even get a team together {ever the optimist} .

It's 50 miles away so that's not too far away for what looks like a unique race and distance.

http://files.pitchero.com/clubs/4431/RR.pdf

Cheers

Alan

Sale 5k Sizzler - by Stuart Adamson

The second Sale 5k Sizzler was as busy as the first with the strong winds and rain we have had not deterring many.
Nobody else from Astley ran this time.
92 Stuart Adamson 19m 47s
389 ran

Two seconds faster than the first one which is a step in the right direction !!

Regards
Stuart

Blog

I will have limited internet access for the next 2 weeks so if you need anything added to the blog please email Terry Gardiner at terrygardiner123@yahoo.co.uk

Please bear in mind Terry can only update the blog in the evenings.

Latest Road Rankings

Brick Session Report

Just a note to say 'well done' to all our members and to our ARC friends who took part in last nights first brick session of the year.

The lads did a 6 mile bike / 2 mile run / 6 mile bike / 2 mile run

The girls did a 6 mile bike / 1 mile run / 6 mile bike / 1 mile run

The next session will Monday 26th July (keep posted to the blog)

Bull Hill Fell Race- Thurs 8th July

Apologies first of all for advertising this race as a club champs race as it was only a Grand Prix event. This wasn't purposely done to boost the numbers..honest!

Anyway, six A&T turned out to Hawkshaw village for this 5.5 mile/ 1100' ascent race. They were treated to a great run out over a well marshalled route, and contrary to the fell report from 2007, there was no stench of rotting sheep at the summit. I may write a complaint!

It was a good run over the hills with a cracking finish down the slope of a field. The sight of Alan Webb charging to the finish line like a stampeding rhino, pushing women and children out of the way (that bit I made up), will stay with me for life!

The chip butties and pint after were well worth turning out for alone.

Results as follows;

1st Darren Kay P&B 35:49
18th Simon Ford 42:20
31st Paul Jackson 44:57
40th Marcus Taylor 46:21
67th Alan Webb 50:16
106th Pete Mulleady 54:14
138th Paul Basnett 1:02:50
150th Tracy Parry 1:14:53

A note of congrats to Tracy who ran the Mcr 10k the weekend before and beat her pb by 4 mins, and also won 1st V35 at Eddie's Revenge the week before and I forgot to mention it in the last report. Well done Tracy!

Anyone wishing to see the Grand Prix tables should look at  www.felljunior.org.uk/GP

I can't make the next one at Turnslack but will be back for our old favorite at Whittle Pike on the 4th August.

Paul Jackson

Membership Update

I would like to officially welcome on board Cheryl Wainwright, who joined the club last night down at the track session.

Cheryl made her first appearance last Wednesday on Shaun's 18 hill session...which obviously hasn't scared her off.

I'm sure everyone at A+T will make Cheryl feel very welcome.

Mark

Gill Pimblott 5k Pics .....Mark Lysycia

Another superb well organised race and I know it's already been said, but well done to each and everyone who helped and supported the event. Sadly, we may have been missing a photographer on the day to capture some still shots and those who know me now, know that I do like to capture the odd moment, so to speak, so here are just a few snaps I got with my phone.

Shaun Moran and John Lee preparing the course.   I asked Shaun how many beers he had had the night before, I don't think John was too pleased with his answer! I held the posts too and let me tell you, Shaun gives that hammer some "wellie" I don't think Shaun had any drink and with his third position in the race,maybe not! ........Johns expression......

Shaun has been trying to hammer some sense into John for a while now and here it is caught on camera for the first time. piccie here of Shaun and hammer.............................

Two of the many helpers on the day...Liz Elliot and Paul Basnett piccie here of Liz and Paul Great day was had by all!

Mark

Gill Pimblott 5k and Fun Run

Just a note to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped me with the organization of yesterday's Gill Pimblott races. 

Garry B and John L for setting up the course and leading the runners

Terry G and Vince on registration and results

Mark R with the timekeeping and the presentation

Carole, Terry H and Andy Coates for the timekeeping and commentary

Craig Brad and all the fantastic course marshals.

Sandra Bradbury and the girls for looking after the food station

Clare for her efforts selling raffle tickets

Mark L and Dan for the car parking

To all the members who raced and bought raffle tickets

Sorry if i have missed anyone off, you all know who you are

The race was very well received by everyone .. see some of the positive comments on Runners-world.

 "This is a great trail run and everyone who likes to run/jog or walk, or is thinking of entering their 1st race should give it a go, you won't be sorry and a brilliant cause too"  - Doberman

"My first trail race and it's certainly whetted my appetite for trail runs." - Lizzy M (ARC)

Gill Pimblott Charity Race - by Malc Collins

I wish to thank everyone who took part in or helped out at our Gill Pimblott 5kCharity race today.

It was a great success raised £512.36 of which £112 came from the raffle.

Also Jacket Mark and Derek’s 50th 5k also raised £393.50 of which £120.50 came from the raffle.

Once again well done to Mark for all his effort on his birthday.

So the grand total so far this year for the Gill Pimblott Charity is £905.86, which we hope to add a bit more to before the end of the year.

Malc Collins
Treasurer

Club Meeting

Due to both rooms being booked we have had to delay our next club meeting until Sunday 5th September from the original date of the 29th August.

Catforth 10km by Maria Lowe

This morning I raced at Catforth near Preston it was a windy two lap 10K course.

I had a good run,finishing first lady position in 38.55 and on collection of my prize the race organiser announced that I had smashed the course record for the ladies by two minutes!! Yippee. The course was all country lanes, really good route thoroughly enjoyed it, so much for the heat wave that was predicted!

Maria Lowe

Duathlon Series Dates

For all those who are intending to do the Duathlon Series the dates have now been set, we have tried to avoid clashes with club races.  Race 1 and Race 2 does not clash with anything that i know about but Race 3 is the day after the Bolton X-Country.

So far we have had loads of interest in the event from a variety of abilities from the regular triathletes in the club to novice bikers.

Dates as follows.

Sunday 3rd October
Sunday 7th November
Sunday 5th December

Fell Champs 2010- Latest Standings

Attached are the latest standings for this year's fell champs, upto and including Eddie's revenge.  Click here to view

The next Club Champs Race/Grand Prix Race is the Turnslack Fell Race hosted by Rochdale Harriers from Calderbrook Church, Calderbrook near Summit, on Saturday 24th July 2010 at 14.30.

This is an AM race of 8mls/2000ft ascent. It is quite a hard race over tussocky hills, with a bit of a wall climb thrown in. Full Safety Equipment is compulsory!! See Fell Section for further details.

£4.00 entry on the day.

Regards,

Paul Jackson (Fell Captain)

Marshalls wanted for Ironman event - by Terry Hughes

Marshalls...

Carl Laine from Wigan Tri Club has passed on details for anyone interested in marshalling for the Ironman on 1st Aug. He asked me if I knew anyone, so I said I pass it on (I think the organisers are approaching local Tri clubs for volunteers/marshalls).

Anyway, here's the contact details if anyone fancies it. I'm not sure what's involved...

Ironman Marshalls for Sunday 1st August

Please contact Robyn Mayo,

Ironman Road Marshall Co-ordinator

t: 01935 424873

eMail: robyn@rpmpromo.com

Brick Session - Monday 12th July

Just a reminder for those who are interested we are doing our first brick session of 2010 this coming Monday 12th July meeting at LSV at 6pm for a 6.15pm start.

The session will be something like a 6 mile bike / 2 mile run / 6 mile bike and 2 mile run.  The bike ride will be a 6 mile loop around Lowton and the run will be 1 mile out and back in Penny Flash.

Brick sessions are designed to give you a taste for running after a bike ride - its like running with jelly legs!  Its something that triathletes and duathletes have to cope with in races so they train regular at brick sessions.

If you have a road worthy bike and can run there is no reason why you can't take part in this session.

They will take place every other week (keep posted to the blog)

The club track session will take part as normal

Gill Pimblott 5k and Fun Run

Reminder that this Sunday 11th July we are hosting the Gill Pimblott 5k and 1 mile fun run.

We would appreciate it if all members attending can bring a raffle prize, if you drop it off at registration before the race. 

Please help support the raffle by purchasing tickets from Clare Unsworth before and after the race.

If you have not volunteered please enter the race to help boost numbers and raise more money for the Charity.

The kitchen will be closed but the bar will be open!

Below is a list of Volunteers -if you are on the list and cannot make it please let me know so i can replace you.
Registrars must be at the Welfare at 10am

Car Park Attendees at 10.30am

All course marshals and timekeepers please meet Craig Bradbury in the car park at 11.00am to be given your instructions.

Registration and Car Park attendents are very welcome to race after they have done their jobs.

Race Organiser - Gary Stevens
2 x registration - Gary Stevens, Terry Gardiner
Commentator - Andrew Coates
Presentation - Mark Riches
2 x Spot Prize/Medal Presenters - Caitlin & Ciara Bradbury
3 x Car Park Attendees - Mark Lysycia, Dan Reason, Simon Ford
3 x Timekeepers - Mark Riches, Terry Hughes, Carole Baines
Raffle Ticket Seller - Clare Unsworth
1 x Course Signage/Setting up course - Garry Baines
1 x Cyclist to lead runners - John Lee
1 x Water Station - Mrs Bradbury (someone must help carry the bottles to the station)
1 x Chief Marshal - Craig Bradbury
Course Marshals (See Craig B for instructions) - Craig B, Paul Basnett, Liz Ellicott, Steve Eldridge, Andrea Goodwin, David Goodwin,

Duathlon Series - 03/10 / 07/11 and 05/12

Bull Hill Fell Race- Thurs 8th July

Radcliffe AC host this Thursday's Bull Hill Fell Race. It is a BS race 5.5ml/1100'ascent.

Registration is at the Waggon & Horses, Hawkshaw Lane, Hawkshaw BL8 4JL.

£3.50 entry on the day.

The race starts at 7.30pm so I would advise a 6.15pm departure from the rail station.

This event is a Grand Prix and a Club Champs counter.

Here is a report taken from http://www.racemaps.org.uk/

"2007 -This is a little cracker of a course. The 2007 event was run on an autumnal summers evening with the clag down over the tops. Those looking forward to the usual smell of rotting sheep on the tops were not disappointed. The 120+ competitors were rewarded with a proper fell course with slippery grassy descents, paths that were part stream, mud, rocks, steep ascents (though no scrambles) and a fantastic blast down through a field at the end. Everyone I spoke to absolutely loved it. Chip butties at end were £1. Results on Tinternet the same evening. Not hard, but not easy either."

If the rotting sheep don't sell it to you , I never will!
Hopefully see you there,

Paul Jackson

club Kit - by Mark L

All, If anybody needs any club kit this week, Suzanne will be down at the club Tuesday and Thursday and also at the Gill Pimblott race this Sunday.

She has stock of vests, male/female, all sizes. New style men's tee shirts, all sizes. The ladies tee shirts are due in this week, at long last. I know I have said this before, but the supplier has had problems getting this stock in.

Please feel free to send Suzanne a quick e-mail to let her know what you need. soozyg@hotmail.co.uk

The ladies new style tops will be in blue/white and pink/white. Sizes 8,10,12,and 14 or something like that!!!

Thanks Mark Lysycia

Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride Report

Nine A&T cyclists (Gary S, Garry B, Andy C, Michelle Fairclough, Pete Chan, Craig Bradbury, Joanne Lowery, Ray Taylor and the Bacon Mon) joined our friends from Atherton Running Club at 7.30am early Sunday morning to embark on the 60 Mile route to Blackpool.  4 of the above had already done 8 miles to get to the start line which took in the scenery around Salford quays at the same time.

The first 20 miles to Haigh Hall went smoothly enough as we all stopped for some food.  A choice a pasties, pies and butties as well as chocolate and crisps, needless to say we all tucked in!

Brenda joined us for the second leg from Haigh Hall to Preston which was 20 miles through Aspull, Chorley, Euxton and past Preston docks.

After our 2nd stop we set off for the final stage to Blackpool.  As we hit the coast around Lytham the weather had turned bad as forecast with a very strong headwind for the final 6 miles or so which made conditions less than ideal for some of the tired riders.

Most of us crossed the line in just over 4 hours which was a very good effort by everyone with the Bacon Mon winning 'Man of the Match' for his super effort on a 2 tonne mountain bike, Ian seemingly a dark horse duathlete in the making!

Together with the ARC we expect to raise around £2000.00 for Wigan and Leigh Hospice who put on a superb event and well worth the £15.00 entry fee.

Talk amongst us moved on to the 2011 challenges - keep posted to the blog for more future events.

Sale Sizzler - Thursday 1st July by Stuart Adamson

The first race in the series of 4. Its a very popular well organised great race. The rain held off and luckily the wind dropped for the race.

9 Paul Mannion 2nd V40 16 33
94 Stuart Adamson 19 49

407 ran

Roll on the next one

Club Meeting - Sunday 5th September

We are having our next official meeting on Sunday 5th September

Meet in the Welfare Club at 8pm

If you would like to add items to the agenda please let a committee member know and it will be discussed.