Date	Event
Sun 3^rd April 04	Men’s 12 stage and women’s 6 stage relay. We had teams in each. See below for results.
Sun 4^th April 04	Wakefield 10k, 10am. Fast, flat course, attendance points race. See results.
Sun 4^th April 04	Oldham Half Marathon, 11am. A single loop town and country road race. Entries available on the day.
Sun 4^th April 04	The Easter Chucky 10k, Wath, Rotherham, multi terrain race, 11.15 am. Easter eggs to all finishers.
Tuesday 6^th April	Bunny Run 1. 3 mile fell race, Guide Inn, Harden Moor, 7pm. Attendance points race.
Sun 11^th April 04	Guiseley Gallop 10k, 10.30am, off road, local event. Attendance points race.
Sun 18^th April 04	London Marathon. Martin, Simon, Pete H, Matthew and Edward fly the flag for Idle.
Sun 25^th April 04	Rothwell 10k, 11am. Fast course. Entries on day if 650 limit is not reached.
Sat 1^st May 04	WYWL Canal Relay, Skipton. See below for details.
Sun 2^nd May 04	Sheffield Half Marathon, 9am, Don Valley Stadium.
Mon 3^rd May 04	Belfast City Marathon, 9.30am. Chris, Davina, Jo, Michael and Pete V are all entered.
Tues 4^th May 04	Bunny Run Relay, 3x 2.5 legs on Harden Moor (see fell list).
Wed 5^th May 04	John Carr 5k, Esholt, 7.30pm. Race 1 Attendance points race. Fast and flat.
Sun 9^th May 04	Fountains Abbey 10mile. Part of Black sheep series.
Sun 16^th May 04	Leeds Half Marathon, 10am. C/d 23/4/04 No entries on day. Attendance points race.
Sun 16^th May 04	Harewood House Chase 10k trail race. Women 10.30am, men 11am. Good local event.
Sun 16^th May 04	Sandal Castle 10k, Wakefield, 10.30am. C/d 6/5/04.
Wed 19^th May 04	John Carr 5k, Esholt, 7.30pm. Race 2. Fast and flat.
Sun 23^rd May 04	Bluebell Trail, new 10mile trail race organised by Stainland Lions, 10am. T-shirt and goody bag. Scenic course.
Wed 26^th May 04	John Carr 5k, Esholt, 7.30pm. Race 3. Fast and flat.
Sun 30^th May 04	Melmerby 10K (Near Ripon), 11.30am. Part of Black Sheep Series. C/D 22/4/04. No entries on day. Recommended as a pb course by Kay and Davina.
Sat 5^th June 04	Kirkby Malzeard 10k, 2pm. Free race refreshments. Part of Black Sheep Series
Sun 6^th June 04	Thirsk 10, 2pm.
Sun 6^th June 04	West Yorkshire 5 mile road race, Birkenshaw, 2pm.
Sun 13^th June04	Ripon Midsummer 10.
Sun 20^th June 04	Blackpool Marathon and Half – Club race for 2004
Sun 27^th June04	Rainton 10k, 11.45am, C/D 19/6/04 No entries on day. Part of Black Sheep Series.
Wed 30^th June 04	Otley 10, 7.30pm.

Attendance Scheme/ Club races – 2004 details:

Top twenty Club Races for 2004: Handicap/ Attendance Scheme - 8 out of 20 possible races to count. Please don’t forget to sign in the book each time you attend a club session (but only pay once per week) as each attendance at a club training session is worth 1 point and to be eligible for a trophy members must accumulate at least 30 attendance points during the year. Each attendance at a “Club” designated race earns you 5 points (see below). 50% of the required points must be achieved by attendance at training sessions.

The Club races for 2004, where points can be earned, are as follows:

Date	Race Details	Comments.
January- Sun 25^th	Brass Monkey Half marathon, 10am.	18 Idle AC runners, many PB’s. Donna set a new Female club record with 1.35.14.
February - Sun 16^th	Liversedge Half Marathon, 12.00 noon.	10 Idle AC runners including 2 pbs.
March- Sun 7^th	Baildon Boundary Way Half, 10.30am.	15 Idle AC members for this tough off road half marathon..
March – Sun 14^th	Spen 20mile, 10am. Ideal for those planning to run a marathon in 2004.	We had 8 members for this tough 20 mile road race, including Simon Bellwood who broke the club’s M40 record and Davina Smith who broke the F35 record.
April- Sun4^th	Wakefield 10k, 10am. Fast, flat course.	14 runners at this event including pb’s from the Wednesday group trio- Elaine, Jane, and Suzanne (first ever race!).
April- Tues 6^th	Bunny Run1, 3 mile ‘Fell’ race, 7.00 pm.	10 Idle AC on this muddy course runners enticed to run by the chance of a free cream egg including birthday boy Dave Lewis. Results in May’s Gossip.
April – Sun 11^th	Guiseley Gallop 10k, 10.30am.	Results in May Gossip.
May - Wed –5^th	John Carr 5k, Esholt, 7.30pm. Fast, flat course. Good local event.	A huge club turn out expected for this 5k series including runners from the informal Wednesday night group.
May- Sun 9^th	Fountains Abbey 10mile. Part of Black sheep series.
May- Sun 16th	Leeds Half Marathon, 10am. Closing date 23/4/04. No late entries.
June – Thurs 10^th June	Bronte 5, 7.30pm. Hilly two lap course.	We hope to have a strong Idle AC turn out for our “official” 2^nd birthday (affiliation).
June - Sun 20^th	Blackpool Half or Full Marathon, 9am. 2004 club race/weekend away.
July? – Sun DNK	Harrogate 10k.	This race may not be on and therefore we may be adding another race instead so watch this space.
Sept – Sun DNK	Kirkstall Abbey 10k.
Oct – Sun 3^rd	Horsforth 10k, 10am.
Oct- Sun 10^th	Bridlington Half marathon, 12 Noon.
Oct–Sun 31st	Holmfirth 15mile.
Oct–Sun 31^st	Roundhay Romp 10k.
Nov- Sun	Guy Fawkes10mile10.30am.
Nov- Sun DNK	Abbey Dash 10k, 9.30am.

Men’s 12 Stage and Women’s 6 stage Road Relay Championship on Saturday 3^rd April at Lister Park, Bradford.

We had both a men’s and women’s teams in the above event - a fact that was recognised by the organisers and by many other clubs who congratulated us. The men’s event was as follows:

4 stages x 5 miles (1-4-7-10) and 8 stages x 2.5 miles (2-3-5-6-8-9-11-12) an undulating course around Lister Park, Bradford. The women’s event was a 6 stage relay of 2.4 mile legs.

The results were:

46 Idle AC 4:03:15

        Douglas Briggs     (44) 27:37

        Matthew Coles     (46) 14:24

        Dexter Wright     (48) 14:45

        Joe Marjoram      (49) 30:32

        A Trevelyan        (48) 15:19

        Simon Bellwood                       (49) 15:09

        Chris Smith         (49) 31:47

        Trevor Hooley     (49) 16:03

        M Masleczko          (49) 15:47

        Chris Stubbs        (48) 28:51

        David Currie        (48) 18:02

        David Lewis          (46) 14:59

29 Idle AC 1:49:57

        Davina Smith      (36) 18:08

        Kay Gambles       (33) 17:43

        Alison Garlick     (33) 18:38

        Amnuay Scott                         (32) 18:13

        Lisa Flesher          (28) 17:47

        Sue Elliott             (29) 19:28

Many thanks to all club members who came to support the event but particular thanks go to Elaine Trevelyan and Pete Helliwell who acted as reserves and had to spend time warming up in case they needed to run.

PS Chris needs £2 from each runner as he used a personal cheque.

Race results: Various races

Dentdale 14 mile race: Saturday 13^th March 04

212 Kay Gambles- 2.08.03

Spen 20 mile race: Sunday 14^th March 04

49 Simon Bellwood 2.32.57 pb and club record.

64 Matt Coles 2.37.03 pb. Looking good for London.

72 Edward East 2.42.51

74 Peter Vickers 2.43.14

77 Michael Masleczko 2.46.01

82 Pete Helliwell 2.46.48

164 Davina Smith 3.01.01 F35 club record.

108 Martin Burnside 3.03.01

110 Amnuay Scott 3.03.50

Congratulations to Ian Fisher who won the race in a time of 1.52.19 and who is now the Yorkshire 20 mile champion.

South Leeds Stadium 5: Sunday 21^st March 04:

17^th Doug Briggs 31.12 (close to breaking the club’s record)

Stainland 7: Sunday 21^st March 04:

50 David Lewis 57.33

Coniston 14: Saturday 27^th March 04:

982 Kay Gambles 2.05.00 (although she actually clocked 2.03 it took almost 2 mins to get through the finish funnel due to the high number of runners).

Meanwood Valley Trail Race: Saturday 27^th March 04:

81 Simon Bellwood 56.08 pb and club record.

118 Pete Helliwell 58.52 pb.

233 Lisa Flesher 69.03 pb.

After two races in the Triple Series (Baildon Boundary Way, Meanwood, and Guiseley Gallop), Simon is in 16^th place and Pete in 26^th.

Ackworth Half Marathon: Sunday 28^th March 04:

108 Chris Stubbs 1.23.57

273 David Lewis 1.36.53

291 Adrian Trevelyan 1.38.18

Idle AC finished as 26^th team.

Wakefield 10k: Sunday 4^th April 04:

29 Doug Briggs 36.57

60 Joe Marjoram 38.36

97 Dominic Hopson 39.56

164 Adrian Trevelyan 41.59 pb

169 Chris Smith 42.07

182 David Lewis 42.35

396 Davina Smith 48.28

397 Michael Masleczko 48.29 (coaching Davina!)

494 Amnuay Scott 51.02

552 Pete Helliwell 52.36

631 Lisa Flesher 54.15

725 Jo Belcher 58.58

727 Elaine Trevelyan 58.58 pb

766 Suzanne Bairstow 61.59 pb. First ever race.

829 Jane Lewis 68.20 pb.

The men finished 14^th (A)and 40^th (B) in the team results.

The women finished 14^th (A) and 20^th (B).

Once again we’ve been a busy club and covered a lot of races but I’m aware that I may have missed some results as I can’t get to as many races as I’d like (although thanks to my mum baby sitting I do rather well). Please continue to make me aware if you have raced so we can record the results- Davina.

The Loneliness of a long distance runner

Here I was in Wakefield and this was my third 10k this year. In fact my third 10k ever. I had to turn up otherwise Elaine Trevelyan, fellow member of the Wednesday Club - born out of Davina’s pregnancy - would have killed me.

Well, the weather was decent, so what the hell.

I was encouraged by the Idle AC ladies to start with them in the thick of the crowd, which was nice, but after just a couple of minutes they were pulling away from me.

Here is how my game plan went.

After 5 minutes, I want to drop out now. I am never going to manage to get round six miles. It’s impossible. My legs feel like lead. My breathing sounds like that of a 70 year-old waiting for a triple heart bypass. What the hell am I doing here anyway?

After 10 mins, I really do want to drop out now. But everybody is still running. How naff will it look if I drop out after 10 mins?

After 15 mins, OK, I never ever, ever want to do this again. This is definitely the last time racing. I am going to drop out. But what can I tell Chris and Davina?

        I’ve pulled a muscle because I was going too fast?
        I’ve got terrible stomach cramps?
        My heart stopped?
        My children need me?

They will never believe me.

After 20 mins, I thought they said this course was flat. FLAT MY ARSE! (Well, actually my arse really isn’t all that flat unfortunately.)

After 25 mins, I keep doing a dance with a big man wearing a Kronenbourg Tee shirt. We keep threading past each other, but eventually I seem to pull away from him on a downward straight. Wow! I’ve actually overtaken someone when the whole world seems to have passed me by.

After 30 mins, well, I’m halfway round, so I can’t drop out now because it is as far to go back as it is to go forward. At least I haven’t stopped and I have seen
a few people now stop and walk.

After 35 mins, running up another incline (again!) two women running together turn round and smile encouragement. I start to dog their heels. Maybe if I stick behind them I will get round this course somehow. In fact I’m so close they probably think I’m a stalker. I start chatting to prove I’m a sane and sensible person. (That’s a paradox. How can any sane and sensible person want to go through this torture on a Sunday morning?

These two women manage to make the next few miles go much easier as we chat like women do. Within the space of about of a quarter of an hour I know their ages, where they live, how many children they’ve got, their children’s ages, how many times they run, how many races they do, and about their love of horses!

After 57mins, we have thankfully passed the five mile marker but this last mile seems to be going on forever. You always think the finishing line is around every corner, and it never is.

Dave (hubbie) comes to greet me and as I’m running I introduce him to my new friends. The last stretch is on the athletics track and the two women pull away from me slightly - but there is Elaine shouting encouragement - telling me to run, run, and I will make 68 mins, which I do. I’m swiftly joined by Chris and Davina who always lend great support and make me feel that despite being in the back of the field, it is still a great achievement.

Chris says- was it a PB? Yes, I reply. My first 10k was in 70 mins, and my second 10k was in 69 mins. At this rate, he says, in five years time you’ll be doing it in 33 mins! (Douggie, watch out!) I get home and start running a bath. But first I need to look for the Idle Gossip.

When is the next 10k? - Jane Lewis

London Marathon 2004

We wish Simon Bellwood, Pete Helliwell, Edward East, Martin Burnside, Matt Coles and Ian Fisher good luck when they all run in the 2004 London marathon on Sunday 18^th April.

Fell Races: April-End June 04.

If you like the idea of fell running and would like to have a go please speak to Chris.

All fell races are given a grade indicating length and difficulty. Difficulty is indicated by:

A, no less than 250 feet climb per mile, not more than 20% on roads, at least 1 mile in length (NASTY);

B, not less than 125 feet climb per mile, not more than 30% on roads (FAIRLY NASTY);

C, not less than 100 feet of climb per mile, not more than 40% on roads and contain genuine fell terrain (NOT VERY NASTY) .

Length is indicated by: L, 12 miles or more; M, 6 miles and over but less than 12 miles; S, under 6 miles.

SAT APRIL 3^rd. PENDLE FELL RACE. AS. 2pm. 4.5m/1500’ from Barley Village Hall, Barley, near Burnley, Lancs. £2.50 on day. Website: www.clayton-le-moors-harriers.co.uk

SUN APRIL 4^th 27^TH GUISBOROUGH MOORS RACE. BL. 11am. 12.5m/2600’from Guisborough Rugby Club. £8 on day. Website: www.middlesboroughathleticclub.org

TUE APRIL 6^th BUNNY RUN 1. CS. 7.00 pm. 3 miles/300’ from the Guide Inn, Harden Moor. £2 on night. All finishers receive Cadbury’s Cream egg plus a special bottle of beer (Bunny Run one only). All prizes in Bunny Run Series are Easter Eggs. Three races to count out of four for overall awards. Idle AC attendance points race.

TUES APRIL 13^th BUNNY RUN 2 .CS. 7.15 pm. As above.

SUN APRIL 18^th WEST NAB FELL RACE. AS. 12.45pm 5.9 m/2000’ from Lathes Farm, Calmlands Road, Roud Edge, Meltham, Huddersfield. £3.50 on day.

TUES APRIL 20^th BUNNY RUN 3 .CS. 7.30 pm. As above.

TUES APRIL 27^th BUNNY RUN 4 .CS. 7.30 pm. As above. Free buffet to all finishers plus presentation of overall series awards. Three races out of four for overall awards.

TUES MAY 4^th BUNNY RUN RELAY. CS. 7.30pm. 3 legs, each of 2.5m/250’. £6 per team of three. Almost any conceivable concoction of teams welcome. Free butties at the prize giving.

WED MAY 5^th LOTHERSDALE FELL RACE. BS. 7.30 pm 4.5 miles/600’ from the Hare & Hounds, Lothersdale near Skipton. £3 on night.

TUES MAY 11^th JACK BLOOR RACES. BS. 7.15pm. 5.2m/1150’ from Millennium Gardens, Ilkley. £3 on night. Website: www.jackbloor.co.uk

SAT MAY 29^th HUTTON ROOF CRAGS RACE. BM. 2.30pm. 7m/1300’ from Hutton Roof Village Hall, near Kirkby Lonsdale. £3 on day. Country fair, children’s sports.

MON MAY 31^st. AUSTWICK AMBLE. BM. 1pm. 8m/1200’ from Austwick Village centre, Austwick, near Settle. £3 on day. Course partially marked and local knowledge an advantage. Website: www.daelnet.co.uk/events.

TUES JUNE 1^st ROMBALDS MOOR FELL RACES. BS. 7.30pm 3m/700’ from RAFA Club, Shortbank Road, Skipton. £2.50 on night. All proceeds to Candlelighters children’s cancer charity.

WED JUNE 2^nd CHEVIN FELL RACE. AS. 7.30 pm. 3.5 miles/900’ from Otley Town Centre. £2.50 on night. Bottle/can beer to all finishers plus spot prizes.

WED JUNE 2^nd WHITE LION FELL RACE. BS. 7.30pm. 3.75m/800’ from the White Lion, Kildwick, between Keighley & Skipton. : Website; www.keighleyandcraven.co.uk

SAT JUNE 5^th PEN Y GHENT. AS. 3 pm . 5.5 miles/1650’ from Horton in Ribblesdale Playing Fields. £3 on day. Part of Horton Gala Day. £1 parking.

WED JUNE 9^th MYTHOLMROYD. BM. 7pm. 7m/1350’ from the Dusty Miller Inn, Burnley Road, Mytholmroyd. £3 on night. Website: www.halifaxharriers.co.uk

WED JUNE 9^th WILL RAMSBOTHAM BADGER STONE RELAY. AS. 7.15pm 2.5m/590’ per leg from opposite old site of Ilkley College. £6 per team of 3.

SAT JUNE 19^th BUCKEN PIKE FELL RACE. AS. 2.30pm. 4m/900’from Buckden Village Green, Buckden, Nr Skipton. Village gala. Proceeds to cancer care. Website: www.ogdenwater.freeserve.co.uk

FRI, SAT, SUN JUNE 25^TH, 26^TH, 27^TH MIDSUMMER MADNESS THREE DAY EVENT : FRI 25^TH WICKEN HILL WHIZZ. AS. 7.30pm. 3m/1000’ from the Dusty Miller Inn, Burnley Road, Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge. Course partially marked and local knowledge an advantage. Race 1 of Mid Summer Madness 3 day event. Website: www.cvfr.co.uk

SAT 26^th : TOM TITTIMAN CS. 3pm. 4m/600’ from gala field, Old Town, Hebden Bridge. £3 on day. Village gala. Race 2 of Mid Summer Madness 3 day event. Course partially marked and local knowledge an advantage.

SUN 27^th : RESERVOIR BOGS. BM. 11.30am. 8m/1000’ from Wadsworth Old Town, Hebden Bridge. £3 on day. Course partially marked and local knowledge an advantage. Navigational skills required. Race 3 of Mid Summer Madness 3 day event.

SUN JUNE 27^th SETTLE HILLS RACE. AM. 1.00 pm. 7 miles/1750’ from Settle Rugby Club, near the Falcon Manor Hotel. £3 on day. Course partially marked and local knowledge an advantage.

IT IS VITAL THAT IF YOU BEGIN A FELL RACE AND THEN PULL OUT, YOU MUST INFORM THE ORGANISER AT ONCE. OTHERWISE EMERGENCY SERVICES MAY BE DEPLOYED TO FIND YOU ON THE FELL.

Note: A full list of local fell races for 2004 is available at the club or via the website. Chris also has a copy of the new FRA calendar.

Black Sheep Brewery Race Series 2004.

The organisers have emailed to say that they have received quite a few entries from Idle AC members, and for those who haven’t entered, the good news is that there’s still time to enter this wonderful series of 6 separate running events organised in towns & villages in scenic North Yorkshire. The objective is to complete 4 out of 6 races, 3x10k plus the half marathon or 10 mile race. Runners who complete 4 out of 6 are awarded a silver plaque, with a gold plaque presented to runners who complete all 6 races. In addition category winners are determined by points gained in each race, and are based on your 3 best 10k’s plus your best long race. Points are awarded to the first 10 in each age category. There is then a presentation later in the year (at the Brewery) with prizes and trophies awarded to the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd male and female, plus the first three in each age category. All races can be entered individually as well as part of the series. The closing date for the series is 30^th April 04.

The races in the series are as follows:

Fountains 10mile: Saturday May 9^th, from the village of Grantley near Ripon. Melmerby 10k: Sunday 30^th May, from the village just off the A1 near Ripon. Kirkby Malzeard 10k: Saturday 5^th June, the village is between Ripon & Masham. Rainton 10k: Sunday 27^th June, the village is on the opposite side of the A1 to Melmerby. Burn Valley Half: Saturday July 3^rd, from the market town of Masham. Burton Leonard 10k: Sunday 25^th July, the village is between Harrogate & Ripon.

NB: All races can also be entered individually and entry forms for Fountains 10 miler (Attendance points race), plus the remaining races, will soon be available at the club.

New Members

This month we welcome Trish Reddish as our newest member. Trish is David Reddish’s wife and Davina’s old training partner, who is now a regular on Wednesdays.

Nike Bowerman Van – Tuesday 11^th May 04.

Subject to confirmation from Hepworth & Idle Cricket Club we have again invited Steve Millward from Nike to the Tuesday night speed session on 11^th May 04. Those who attended for his last visit last September will be aware that Steve has a motion analysis system complete with treadmill onboard the Nike Trial van. The machine biomechanically assesses runners and recommends the correct type of running shoe to be worn and only takes 5/10 minutes per person.

Steve will be at the club from 6.30pm so runners can start to try the system and we will offer this facility along side the speed session. Nike also offers runners the opportunity to try road and off road shoes free on the night.

WYWL Canal Relay 2004: Foulridge to Skipton

Organising club: Skipton AC

Date: May 1^st 2004 organised by 2003 winners Skipton AC, starting at 5 pm

Route: Foulridge to Skipton c. 15.5 miles in total over four legs

Teams: 8 runners of any age and running together in pairs (second of pair must arrive at the changeover point before the next pair goes off). Teams to include: 2 ladies, one of whom should be a vet, and one of the men should be a vet. Each pair to give their names to the marshal at the start and end of their leg.

Info: An exceptionally picturesque section of canal on which all start locations are easily accessible. The finish is in Skipton and changing/showers will be available at the rugby club.

Legs: Legs 1 & 2, road shoes/trail shoes, legs 3 & 4, trail shoes/fell shoes depending on weather.

Prizes: For first A team and first B team. Extra spot prizes for performances on each leg (to be decided!)

Legs for the 2004 Canal Relay: Foulridge—Skipton

Leg 1	Foulridge to Greenberfield	c. 4.5 miles
Leg 2	Greenberfield to East Marton	c. 2.5 miles
Leg 3	East Marton to Gargrave	c. 4.0 miles
Leg 4	Gargrave to Skipton	c. 4.5 miles
Total		c. 15.5 miles

In 2003 Idle AC entered two teams when we ran from Leeds to Riddlesden and we were 3^rd and 7^th team. In 2004 we hope to enter at least two teams. Please submit names to Chris if you want to be included. Afterwards we will go to the Rugby club for the presentation. It is rumoured that some people will then be enjoying a night out in Skipton.

Blackpool Marathon/Half: Idle AC Club race 2004

We have 18 entries so far for the full and half marathon, including a women’s marathon team. It’s not too late to enter but please send entries direct to the organiser. As with last year we hope that many members will make a weekend of it - we have details of camping/ caravan sites (see Martin) and B & B accommodation in Lytham/St Anne’s (see Chris or Davina).

Those who went last year will remember the great meal we had on the Saturday night at Margherita, an Italian restaurant, in St.Annes. We hope to go there again for the early bird menu between 6 and 7pm (probably eating at 6.30pm). Although there is an extensive menu we all opted for the two course menu which at £7.95 for a starter and main course was good value. Please let Chris/Davina know who is interested in this so we can book an even bigger table.

John Carr Race Series.

As last year we hope to have a strong turn out for this series of 5k races around Esholt on Wednesday nights on 5^th, 19^th and 26^th May 03, starting at 7.30pm. Get a ‘league’ position by completing all 3 races. Entry forms are available at the club.

Invite from Pudsey Pacers

Pudsey Pacers have invited us to run with them on their two ‘away runs’ which will consist of a run of approx 1 hour in duration and we are offering this opporunity in addition to our own Thursday night run. No need to book just turn up.

Run 1 29.04.2004 Meet at Golden Acre Park carpark at 7pm for a run around the park and in the Meanwood area. Drinks afterwards in a nearby pub.

Run 2 27.05.2004 Meet in the carpark on Otley Chevin (opposite the Royalty pub) at 7pm for a scenic run on the Chevin then join them for a drink in the Royalty.

In addition members from Pudsey Pacers will be joining our Tuesday night coached session on Tuesday 8^th June in order to look at progressing their coaching opportunities.

Annual General Meeting – Thursday 22^nd April 04.

Idle AC’s second AGM will be held on Thursday 22nd April at 7.15pm at the Baptist church, Bradford Road, Idle. This is your big chance to air your views on the club’s present and future policy and activities. Please note that there will be no club training on this date. Agendas have now been sent to all members in order for everyone to fully contribute to the meeting. Members are also reminded that subs will be collected at the AGM when a membership form will need to be completed.

It would be appreciated if all subs could be paid by the beginning of May as the North of England subscriptions are due to be paid in May 2003.

Success on Wednesdays

Jane’s excellent account of the Wakefield 10k spurred me to make all members aware of the success that we have continued to have with the ‘Wednesday Group’. If you are not fully aware this is an additional informal training group that has continued for almost a year and is of particular benefit to members/prospective members who were new to running, coming back after illness, injury or having babies etc. All the runs are at a slowish, easy pace over shorter distances. Wednesdays remain free and are run from outside Hepworth & Idle Cricket club at 6.30pm.

We usually have 10+ for each run and it’s been an ideal night for members to use to introduce friends into running. We are really pleased with how successful it remains as we have generally used word of mouth as a means of advertising rather than using media such as the T & A. It’s been wonderful to see the developments in the group, particularly the improvements that runners such as Elaine, Jane and Suzanne have made (see Wakefield 10k results)- Davina.

NB: There will be NO Wednesday group on 5^th, 19^th and 26^th May as we will be encouraging everyone to run the John Carr 5k series from Esholt.

The Full Bronte 2004

The 2004 Full Bronte 5 mile race from Haworth (Old Sun Hotel) will be run on Thursday 10^th June at 7.30pm. The race also incorporates the York’s Vets 5 mile championship. As many of you may be aware this was the first race that Idle AC did as an affiliated club in 2002. In 2003 we revisited the race in even greater numbers and in 2004 we would like to have an even larger number with Idle AC vests. Afterwards we will go into the Old Sun for a drink in celebration of our 2nd year as an affiliated club.

NB: Those vets who are entering the York’s Vets Championship must pre enter so oldies should get the entries in.

From the Coach…

No man is an Iland, intire of itselfe; every man

is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine.

I stood apprehensively near the changeover area. There were simply crowds of runners. Had I gone too far this time? I had entered practically the whole club in the North of England Men’s 12 Stage and Women’s 6 Stage Road Relay Championships, and then gently encouraged them to run. Alison texted to ask if she should wear her Walshes. Amnuay thought Kay had picked her up to do the Canal Relay. As 11:30 approached, I had 4 runners. I had visions of running multiple legs myself, or of simply failing to field a team. Within a few minutes Elaine had appeared. She soon had hold of a running order sheet, and I began to find that runners were already where they were meant to be before I got to them. I was a little concerned about Adrian, because she explained that his usual race morning routine was to put on his vest, and find his number already pinned to it, by her. Now, I had all the relay numbers in my bag, having only registered the final teams at 10am. I pictured him briefly stopping to admire himself in the dressing table mirror, and realising, with horror, that there was no number pinned to the front of the freshly pressed Idle AC vest.

The runners did come, though, one way or another, every single one. Davina finished the first leg, then Kay took her home to look after the babies and let mother in law go home. They were only delayed a little while by the fact that, whilst they could both remember that Kay’s car is silver in colour, neither of them could remember what kind of car it is, or indeed where it was. One by one our runners went and came. Sue Elliott anchored home the very first Idle AC 6 Stage women’s team, and at the end of a long, and eventually wet day, David Lewis completed the North of England Men’s 12 Stage.

Individual efforts merged into one achievement – one shared by wives, husbands, friends, colleagues and mothers in law. By helping each other we had contributed to our own success, a success simply not achieved by many clubs. The words at the top of the article are by John Donne. Like him we know that we are part of something greater than ourselves, and that by contributing to that, we ourselves can achieve more. What more can we achieve? The words at the bottom of this article are from J.F. Kennedy:

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

Chris

Nike Bowerman Van – Tuesday 11th May 04.

Nike Bowerman Van – Tuesday 11^th May 04.