FOUNDED 2001


Tuesday, 23 January 2018

Cross County SELCC Leigh Sports Village - 20th Jan 2018 by Michelle Fairclough



Sometimes it feels like groundhog day when LSV crops up twice in a XC season. But this is A&T turf, so there's no reason for our flag not to be out there flying in the wintery winds. (Albeit a slightly crooked flag this week).

Saturday was race 9 of our club league and the forecast for the whole weekend was pretty grim but never fear - XC never gets cancelled. However, I do think we got lucky compared to the hardy halfers on Sunday!

The lads have always been really great turning up early doors to put the team tent up at all of the XC races so the ladies thought it only right that we took our turn.  We did alright for a first attempt and we scored a respectable 8/10 from Dave Sloan, we'll take that!

Many club members were competing in various half marathons on the Sunday so it was expected that numbers may be down for XC. Four ladies made the start line and after much deliberation by Jackie on should she, shouldnt she, the gun went off and 100 meters into the race made Jackie's mind up to keep fresh legs for her half on Sunday.  

Suzanne, Louise and myself took on the 7k (how far?) 2 large lap course, fairly flat but deceptively heavy going, it was tugging at my spikes in places and I've not felt that all season.

Suzanne had another great race finishing first for the A&T ladies and 17th overall, Louise was 2nd home making it look easy despite just returning from holiday; I finished 3rd to complete the A&T ladies team. We bagged 9th place overall ladies team and 5th place ladies v35 & overs team.

Next up was the mens team - Dave, Tim, Gareth and Chris B. Again, Tim was racing on Sunday so it killed him to 'take it easy' and trot round the 5.9 mile course. 

Dave and Gaz were very consistent, looking strong. Dave banking more miles ready for his epic run on Friday.  Gaz was thinking he should have gone for longer spikes!  Sadly Chris Bennett picked up an injury so was forced to stop. Hope you are on the mend soon Chris. 

Dave followed by Tim (who just had to pick off a few competitors with a sprint finish) then Gaz all finished stong. Well done.

A huge shout out to our supporters turning up in the cold to cheer us all on, I spotted Scholesy, Mark, Rachel and Kay. It gives us a welcome boost out on the course so thank you.

The next local race is SEL Chorley Astley Park this time next month (17/2). It's a great course, a good mix of grass, gravel paths, tree roots and a few 'little' muddy hills to get your teeth into, I'm sure most of you have ran/raced the perimeter of the park before. Come and give it a go. It's the last local one until Autumn.  It'd be great to see some more blue vests out there.  Oh and if you arrive early enough I can guarantee you a giggle or two watching the girls go for a tent PB.

Let me know if you can make it :)

Miche

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