Howe Bridge Marlins 1500m Swim 26/11/11 by Dale Kenyon

The A&T Tri/Swim team took to the water for the annual Howe Bridge Marlins 1500m Swim on Saturday. As a long distance swimming club the standard was always going to be high and teams from Barrow, Warrington and Halton provided good quality competition for the A&Ters who are also members of Marlins.The first person home was Rebecca Lewis from Barrow in a time of 19:14 (who had previously broken the record for swimming the channel to give you some idea of the level of competition!!). First man home was our own Alex Foster in a time of 20.34 which was down on his expected time but when you can have an ‘off’ day and still take the trophy home then you know you’re doing something right. It was a really good event that produced some good times for the A&Ters taking part. Special mentions to Mike Reason 4^th Male with a time of 23.01 and Hannah Foster who finished 2^nd Female with a time of 20:54.

Men (Out of 33)

1^st – Alex Foster – 20:34

4^th – Mike Reason – 23.01

7^th – Sean Spillane – 24.47

11^th – Dan Reason – 25.55

15^th – John Lee – 26.45

17^th – Jon Hyde – 27.40

19^th – Mark Whiting – 27.54

20^th – Terry Hughes – 27.54

22^nd – Dale Kenyon – 28.52

24^th – Craig Bradbury – 29.14

Women (Out of 22)

10^th – Melanie McNulty – 27.58

13^th – Brenda Wane – 28.14

18^th – Clare Unsworth – 32.19

A reminder that all Howe Bridge Marlins Sessions are available to A&T Members. There are usually at least 5 or 6 A&Ters at each session and the Marlins are very happy to see more of us attending.

Session Times
Thurs - 8.30 - 9.30pm
Sunday - 4.30 - 5.30pm
£4 (payable to Howe Bridge Marlins on arrival)

Howe Bridge Marlins Membership - £8 will give you membership to the Marlins until April 2012 and reduces your session swim price to £3 per session.

X-Country Sefton Park 26/11/2011 - by Mark Riches

As usual this Mid Lancs fixture was held in conjunction with the UK Cross Challenge, which means we get to run with Britain’s best runners like this year’s men’s winners Andy Vernon pictured above. When I say run with I actually mean run in the same race as (the top men & women had done the obligatory post-race interview & started their warm-down by the time us mere mortals finished!)

Only 14 A&T runners made the 40 minute journey to Liverpool this year with a few of our triathletes taking part in an organised swimming event

The 3 A&T ladies Carole Baines, Emma Higgins & Kim O’Neill with timing chips attached were the first to tackle this very run able course. It was a very big field (163 finishers) & the winner, Hatti Dean, completed the 8.1K course in a remarkable 27.05! Carole (38.52) was 1^st A&T finisher followed by Kim (42.45) & then Emma (48.52) – well done ladies

Next it was the turn of the men (9.8K this time.) We queued for quite a while to pass through the chip activation tent, which meant that the 500+ runners were set off about 10 minutes late. It was a very fast start but luckily we started near the back so had time to get into our running! Lewis Eccleston had another good run finishing in a time of 35.46. Simon Ford was next A&T finisher (37.39) but Alan Hilton had the run of the day finishing just 10 seconds behind Simon. Yours truly (Mark Riches) was next A&T finisher (38.14) followed closely by Troy Topping & Shaun Moran, who were neck & neck right to the finish with Troy just nicking it 38.32 to 38.33! Scott Christie (40.05) & Terry Gardiner (42.51) were next home with Steve Foster (44.44) Ian Hamilton (46.00) & Paul Basnett (50.09) completing the line-up – well done lads

We had all resigned ourselves to the fact that Brenda’s café was ‘closed’ as Brenda was swimming with some of A&T’s other triathletes so we were all pleasantly surprised when Emma had brought warm Vimto & chocolate fingers – thanks Emma

Next race Saturday 3 December at Marl Pitts – see you all there

Wesham 10k Results

M35  Stuart Adamson 42.05
M50  Mark Lysycia      43.14
        Michaela Shaw   48.39
M55  Ian Jones             1.14 

Xmas Do Tickets

We have a few tickets left for the Xmas Do. If you would like to invite any friends or family or running buddies from other clubs contact Clare. Children are also welcome at the do if you're struggling for a babysitter! (kids don't need a ticket!)
claroj@hotmail.com, text: 07753 618809 or facebook her

Did the Clowne half marathon today, hills and headwinds! Hard work, mostly people from running clubs, race was cancelled last year which was good. I never turned up as weather was so bad.Told after I could do this year. Well sun and strong wind but far too many hills.  Came 37th of 509. 1h 30m 35s.

Steve Coleman

A&T cross-country (change of meeting time) - by Mark Riches

I have had a rethink about departure time on Saturday

The suggested time may be a little too late for the ladies race at Liverpool & if there is any congestion on the way it will be very tight; also Sefton Park is not the easiest place to park

Therefore, if you want to travel in convoy then we will meet at Gin Pit at 11:30 for 11:45 departure

If you need clarification on anything before Saturday, I can be contacted on mark.riches@talk21.com

2011 Award winners voting form - REMINDER

Only 7 days to go before voting closes

You should have been emailed today a copy of the voting form to allow each member a chance to vote for the annual prize winners such as Runner of the Year / Most improved etc

You can download a copy of the voting form here

Remember to email Mark Riches with the form or give it to a committee member in a sealed envelope.

All the details are on the form.

Facebook Stats

According to facebook we have "83" likes
79 are English, 2 are Spanish, 1 Swede and 1 American
61% male and 39% ladies
only 3% are 24 or under
22% are 25-35
48% are 36-48
27% over 49
no ladies over 55 

If you want to join our facebook page to receive all the blog reports to your wall as well as the weekly training schedules click on the link below and "like" the page.

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Astley-Tyldesley-Road-Runners/100778723331965

Funeral of Terry Nortley

The funeral of Terry Nortley will be held on Monday at Radcliffe Crematorium 11am, followed by a gathering afterwards, of anyone who wishes to attend, at Stand Golf Club. Its is more than likely "family flowers only", will keep you appraised.

If anyone is attending the unveiling of the plaque for "The Terry Nortley Mile" at Close Park on Sunday I would advise you to get there by 2pm as parking could be an issue

Mark Emmett
Radcliffe AC Chair

A&T cross-country - by Mark Riches

The next race in this year’s cross-country champs is this Saturday (26^th) at Sefton Park, Liverpool

Sat Nav: L17 3AL

This is a Mid Lancs race but as its also part of the UK Cross Challenge I will let you have a number & ankle chip on Saturday just look out for the A&T flag!

Earlier start times for this race only - ladies 1:20 pm & men 2:00 pm

Please ensure that you arrive in plenty of time as I need to fill in details of all runners on the day & I am also intending to race this year 

If you want to travel in convoy then we will leave Gin Pit at 12:00

Further details on the website www.uka.org.uk/competitions/mccain-uk-cross-challenge

Unfortunately, Brenda's Café will be ‘closed’ this Saturday so you will need to bring your own refreshments – normal service will be resumed next week

If you need clarification on anything before Saturday, I can be contacted on mark.riches@talk21.com

Conwy half marathon by Steve Coleman

On Sunday ( in warm sun, unlike here in Manchester ) I did the Conwy half marathon, a late starting race, midday. The start was over the bridge from the castle, two miles of congested coast pathway, there were a few of the 1500 who thought they should start at the front but were not fast runners so a slow start and hard to pass. At half mile mark a runner went down causing a major blockage, least she did not seem hurt. Then a run on soft loose sand for a mile which was not easy. Up the great Orme for some amazing views and lots of sweating, then a fast run down back to the sand path mile, coast and back to the finnish. My aim was to beat last years time by a minute which I did in 1h 31m 37s. Getting better at those hills.

EA Numbers (for race entries)

EA Numbers (for race entries)

There have been quite a few people asking for their EA (England Athletics) numbers recently. The EA normally send out membership cards but if you have joined the club in the last few months you might not have one yet. If you don't know your number  or you have lost your card you can email Clare (claroj@hotmail.com) who will find it for you.

Swimming Sessions with Howe Bridge Marlins

Just some information for anyone who is interested in getting some swimming training in:

Howe Bridge Marlins have swimming training sessions which are available to everyone. The sessions are similar to our Mon & Wed 'effort' sessions and equally exhausting!
Dave Reason (Dan & Mike's dad) takes the sessions and is available for advice. The pool is laned off so you can swim with people of a similar ability and like running efforts you work at your own pace and do what you can. On Sundays there is also an opportunity to go in a lane and just do your own thing if you choose.  These are great sessions for Tri training or just for general fitness and are also useful for picking up tips on swimming technique and endurance.
There are usually at least 5 or 6 A&Ters at each session and the Marlins are very happy to see more of us attending. Come down and give it a a try!

Session Times
Thurs - 8.30 - 9.30pm
Sunday - 4.30 - 5.30pm
£4 (payable to Howe Bridge Marlins on arrival)

Howe Bridge Marlins Membership - £8 will give you membership to the Marlins until April 2012 and reduces your session swim price to £3 per session.

Luton Marathon by Malc Collins

The day started with the alarm going off at 4:40, I had already set everything out the night before, ate breakfast and promptly left the house at 5:30. For virtually the whole journey of 170 miles I was in fog reaching Luton at just gone 8am. When I left home the temperature was 8 degrees but in Luton it was a chilly 4 in the fog. I was bracing myself for a chilly run but shortly before the start the fog lifted revealing glorious sunshine. During the race the temperature was a very pleasant 10 degrees with hardly a breezy, perfect running conditions.
It was nice to see some of the familiar marathon faces before the race and catch up on a bit of marathon gossip. It was my first time at Luton after entering last year and it being cancelled at the last minute due to bad weather. I had never been to Luton and didn’t know what to expect. The course is 3 laps, undulating but not hilly. Maybe not quite a perfect PB course but certainly one where you can get a good time.
I planned to run a bit harder than of late and try to duck under 3:30 for my last road marathon of the year. I set off fairly hard with a 7 minute first mile and continued with several under 7 and a half.  I kept the pressure on my pace and got to half way in 1:38:23. I realised I was well inside my target with an outside chance of a sub 3:20. I keep the pressure on and my miles continued around the 7 and a half minute miles, slipping occasionally. For the last 8 miles I also had a little battle with my friend Mike from Dunstable which was fun and helped. I eventually crossed the line with 3:20:33, my 29^th marathon of the year and a session’s best. Very pleased with the run and I really enjoyed the whole day.

Abbey Dash by Paul Basnett

On Sunday morning 8 A&T members made their way up the M62 to Leeds for the Abbey Dash 10k. The weather on the way was cold, damp and foggy. Thinking as we dropped into Leeds this would clear but to no avail it was still to be cold, damp and foggy. I had billed this race as pretty flat and fast as I had done it number of years ago before I joined the club and it was not to prove disappointing.

Over 6000 competitors, a record number for the event, started the race and waiting for the start I began to think that it was going to be one of those races were I was not going to get a clear run. My assumption thankfully proved to be incorrect as at 9.30 the race was off and I got a pretty clear run for a field with such big numbers. I started toward the back of the sub 45 area and approaching the half kilometre mark I spotted a line of A&T runners in front of me the form of Jane Eccleston, Emma Higgins, Christine Farnworth and Sarah Wood. Surprised that they were in front of me I shouted my encouragement and moved on. It turns out they'd been ambitious and started in the sub 45 area which perhaps proved to be a good move. The race is an out and back course which proved to be a mild climb on the way out, which I did not seem to notice, and that made the return 5k slightly downhill upto until the final 1/2k which was a climb up the embankment off the Leeds ring road.

The winner of the race was Jonathan Taylor of Morpeth Harriers in a time of 29.20. First back for A&T, as usual, was Lewis Eccleston finishing 93rd overall in a fantastic new PB time of 34.03. Next home was Alex Foster, running his first proper 10k race, and finishing 142nd with a great time of 35.34. Scott Christey followed Alex home a few minutes later with 38.41. The Baron came in next and also attained another PB with 46.17. Then came the quartet of Jane Ecceleston (56.13), Christine Farnworth (56.38), Emma Higgins (56.53) and Sarah Wood (57.20). All four of their times were PB's varying from seconds to minutes, well done ladies. A special mention must go to Emma who only got in from her night out at around 3am to be up at 6am to get to the race. I think she must be taking a leaf out of coach Moran's book as the alcohol fuelled run appears to have worked on this occasion. Also thanks to Colin, Anita and Karis for their support. All in all it's a race I would recommend for next year for attaining a PB, as our trip proved, but it's also a very well organised event and for one with such big numbers proved to be refreshingly clear to pretty much run your own pace.

  It with sad news that I have to inform people of the death of Terry Nortley, President of Radcliffe AC. Terry had coached numerous local club athletes over the years and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Once details of the funeral are available I will make them known.

Mark Emmett
Radcliffe AC Chair

City of Salford Womens 5.25 Mile Run - Sun 29th Nov by Clare Unsworth

I'm going to be having a go at this race on 27 Nov at 10.30am if anyone fancies joining me!

£7 to enter or £9 on the day. Sounds like a good race with a real mix of abilities and run by our club friends Swinton Running Club.

entry form: http://www.ukforms.net/onlineforms/php/Applicant.php?EventID=1098

Virgin London Marathon (VLM) 2012 – by Mark Riches

At the Club meeting (6 November) I pointed out that no member has put their name forward for a London Marathon place who meets all the criteria. 

The Committee decided to give members another week to come forward before opening up to anyone who has previously taken a club marathon place

I can now confirm that one of the places has been claimed by Wayne Babynec, who meets all the criteria

This leaves 2 further places up for grabs, so email me by 3^rd December 2011 on mark.riches@talk21.com if you meet the revised criteria below & would like a Club place

• Members must have entered & been rejected from the VLM 2012
• Members must be at least in their second year of membership
• Members must be first claim to Astley & Tyldesley Road Runners

Saturday Run

There is a Saturday run from the Gin Pit at 10am distance will be around 10 miles.

Carole Baines

TV Commercial Runners‏

Hope all is well.

We are currently looking for 5-6 African appearance, long distance runners for a TV Commercial being shot this week in Manchester with Mo Farah.

Each runner will have to look like a long distance runner and be fairly high in standard (in terms of fitness and running technique).

Is there any one you know of who may be able to fit the bill? Or where we should look/research?

Please email or call as soon as possible if so.

Many thanks for you time,

Kind regards,

Shane O'Brien

Vision Sports Media Ltd
 shane@visionsportsmedia.com

A&T cross-country Leverhulme Park Saturday 12/11/11 – by Mark Riches

Another good turnout of A&T runners (25) for the 4^th cross-country of the year; we also had quite a few supporters this time (spouses, parents & athletes not fit enough to race.) Thanks for turning out the support really helps especially towards the end!

Carole & I were the first to arrive & the flag was erected. The rest of the runners arrived soon after & the tent was pitched on one of the last remaining bits of field & then it was time to sort out numbers. Derek Coop wins the prize this time for the reason he hasn’t still got his original number – “the wife washed it”

The ladies were first to tackle this challenging course (1 x small lap + 1 x large lap = 5K) Josie Maley, who was making her debut on the country this year following her Club record breaking run at the Chester marathon, was fist A&T finisher (21^st overall) followed by Carole Baines just over 1 minute later then Suzanne Gregory & Kim O’Neill. Michelle Fairclough, Beth Tickle, Anne Garvey (making her debut on the country) & Emma Higgins completed the line up – well done ladies

Next it was the turn of the 17 A&T men to tackle this tough course; 3 large laps = 10K this time. Lewis Eccleston was 1^st A&T finisher (23^rd overall) with Simon Ford next A&T runner home. A little further down the field, yours truly (Mark Riches) made my usual steady start & watched Alan Hilton Troy Topping & Scott Christie disappear into the distance. At the end of the 1^st lap Jon Hyde pulled alongside me just has I pushed on. I passed Scott & then Troy but still couldn’t see Alan. It was only as we reached the field for the last time that I saw him about 200m in front & I tried in vain to catch him (43.26 to my 43.45 – well done Alan!) Jon was next A&T finisher with an excellent run finishing just in front of Scott & Shaun Moran. Despite spending more time at the physio than training Gary Stevens finished next followed by Troy. Derek had a great run finishing next (don’t let your wife wash this number) followed by Steve Foster & Craig Bradbury. Less than a minute later Neil Hodgson crossed the line followed by Terry Gardiner, who was struggling with his hamstring & fast finishing Ian Hamilton. Paul Basnett & Dave Crowe completed the line up – well done lads

We all enjoyed the delights of Brenda’s café & agreed that this was the toughest course so far this year

Next race Saturday 26/11/11 at  Sefton Park, Liverpool (Mid Lancs)

You can see some race photo's taken by Joanne Riches on the following link

http://www3.snapfish.co.uk/snapfishuk/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5858550006/a=84051317_84051317/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfishuk/

Windmill 10k, Lytham St. Annes‏ by Mike Geoghegen

Sunday 13.11.11 - As part of the Joseph Holt Team Christie Charity [and specifically for Dylan, age 7, one of the lads grandson,  who has been diagnosed with leukaemia] 6 of us completed the Windmill 10k in Lytham St. Annes.

Due to administration issues, I ended up running under the name Ron Turner! Before the race, we met up with Lee Martin who United fans will remember as the scorer of the winning goal in the 1990 FA Cup Final replay.

It was  a dry, slightly sunny morning and of course Remembrance Sunday. After the customary 2 mins silence we set off to complete the flattest course I have run. This is the race for those serious runners who want to achieve a PB.

Nothing unusual about the race, about 400 runners with a nice flat course, well organised and a good atmosphere.

I finished bang on 50 mins with  which I am pleased. I did notice an ATRR vest and spoke to the person after the race. I'm sure he said his name was Mike Newallwho now resides in Lytham. He asked to be remembered to his old runners.

All in all, a very pleasant mornings run to be repeated next year I'm sure.

Directions to Wigan Rugby Union Club‏

Hi All

 

The CLGP Presentation will take place next Friday evening at Wigan Rugby Union Club commencing at 7.30pm. The presentation will be followed by a quiz put together by members of Wigan Phoenix, followed by music and dancing for those inclined.

 

Most of us know the directions already but for those who don't they can click on the link below, then click on directions and type in where you are setting off from.

 

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?hl=en&sugexp=ppwl&cp=19&gs_id=28&xhr=t&rlz=1W1GGHP_en-GBGB428&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=585&wrapid=tljp1321008841671034&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=wigan+rugby+union+football+club&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=rugby+union+football+club&hnear=0x487b04345517a4d3:0x5702a66b03f2d953,Wigan&cid=17623578929829283280&ei=5f68Tu23IoaBhQeL_KGSBA&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=map-marker-link&resnum=4&sqi=2&ved=0CEgQrwswAw

 

The address of the Rugby Club for Satnav purposes is: Wingates Road, Wigan. WN1 2SJ. Tel: 01942 242556.

 

Please pass on this information to your members and see you there.

 

Regrads

Garry Baines

Xmas Do Tickets - Sat 17th December GOING FAST

There are only 27 tickets left for the xmas do / presentation night

Please email Clare asap to avoid missing out
claroj@hotmail.com

Fell Grand Prix presentation by Mark Ruscoe

Fell Grand Prix presentation by Mark Ruscoe

Following last Saturday’s race, the Fell Grand Prix has now finished and Friday 2nd December has been set for the Run the Moors Fell Grand Prix presentation, with a couple of prizes going A & T’s way.  Congratulations to Simon Ford and Marjorie Leigh for winning their respective categories, with Tracey Parry, Marcus Taylor, Paul Jackson and Mark Ruscoe all doing enough races to qualify for a prize.  It has been a successful year on the fells, with a diverse selection of races to choose from and great inter club competition.  Please see the flyer above for the details, the guest speaker being John Brown of Salford Harriers, whom I’m sure will have some interesting tales.  If anybody requires further information or wants a ticket for the night please contact me on markruscoe@hotmail.com.

Bent & Bongs 10k Trail Race - Sunday 1st April

For 2012 we have finally decided to organise a 10k race which will replace the usual April Gin Pit 5.  

We have decided to call the race "Bent & Bongs 10k Trail Race" due to it being through the trails of Tyldesley (Bongs) and Atherton (Bent), its also quite a catchy title which i think will get runners attention.

The entry form can be downloaded here http://www.ukresults.net/forms/120401ginpit.pdf and the online link is http://www.ukforms.net/onlineforms/php/Applicant.php?EventID=1323

The course can be found on the following link http://www.gmap-pedometer.com?r=5182525.

Thanks to Garry Baines for google mapping the course.

The Gin Pit race will be organised as normal on Sunday 7th October and be a CLGP race. 

Gary S
Race Organiser