Date	Event
Tues 19^th April 05	Bunny Run 3, 7.30pm. See fell list for details. FREE CREAM EGG!!!
Sun 24^th April 05	Rothwell 10K, 11am Fast course incorporating Yorks Vets Championships. Event full.
Tues 26^th April 05	Bunny Run 4, 7.30pm. See fell list for details. FREE CREAM EGG!!!
Sun 1^st May 05	Sheffield Half Marathon, 9am.
Sun 1^st May 05	Ilkley Moor Baht’At Walk (this can also be run). 40k 8am, 20k 9.30am, 10k 11am. Details: Helen Alderman 772051.
Wed 4^th May 05	1^st John Carr 5km race at Esholt, 7.30pm. Club race for 2005.
Sun 8^th May 05	Blue Bell Trail, 10mile. Organised by Stainland Lions.
Sun 8^th May 05	Fountains 10k, 11am. Part off road. Not part of Black Sheep series.
Wed 11^th May 05	2^nd John Carr 5km race at Esholt, 7.30pm.
Sat 14^th May 05	WYWL Canal Relay, Skipton. 5pm. See below for details.
Sun 15^th May 05	Ripon 10, 11am. 1^st Black Sheep series run. New course, undulating and scenic. No entries on day.
Sun 15^th May 05	Leeds Half marathon, 10am. No entries on day.
Wed 18^th May 05	3^rd John Carr 5km race at Esholt, 7.30pm.
Sun 22^nd May 05	Sandal Castle 10k, 10.30am (Wakefield).
Sun 29^th May 05	Melmerby 10k, 11.30am. Undulating 1 lap course. No entries on day. Black Sheep series race.
Sat 4^th June 05	Kirkby Malzeard 10k. 2pm. Part of Black sheep series.
Thurs 9^th June 05	Apperley Bridge Canter race. 7.30pm. Approx 10k.
Thurs 9^th June 05	Bronte 5, 7.30pm. Hilly two lap course.
Sun 12^th June 05	Middleton Moor 8km Trail race, 10.40am. Ilkley.
Sun 12^th June 05	Harewood House Chase 10k (approx), scenic course in grounds of Harewood estate. Women 10.30am, men 11am.
Weds 15^th June 05	Otley 10 miler, 7.30am. Local 10mile race.
Sun 19^th June 05	Blackpool Half or Full Marathon, 9am. Weekend away.
Sun 26^th June 05	Rainton 10k, 11.45. Part of Black Sheep series.

Attendance Scheme/ Club races – 2005 details:

Top 25 Club Races for 2005: Handicap/ Attendance Scheme - 10 out of 25 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.

Name	March									Mar	Mar
	1	3	8	15	17	22	24	29	31	Races	Totals
Adrian Trevelyan	1				1	1		1			4
Alison Garlick										5	5
Amnuay Scott			1		1						2
Archie Devesher										5	5
Chris Smith	1	1	1	1	1	1	1			5	12
Chris Stubbs	1		1	1	1	1			1		6
Dave Currie	1		1								2
David Lewis			1		1	1		1			4
David Nicholson			1		1				1		3
David Reddish						1					1
Davina Smith			1	1		1					3
Dexter Wright										5	5
Dominic Hopson	1		1			1		1	1		5
Edward East			1	1		1				5	8
Gary Naylor	1		1				1		1	5	9
Husna Rasheed										5	5
Ian Fisher			1			1		1			3
Joanne Belcher										5	5
Joseph Marjoram							1			5	6
Kay Gambles	1	1	1								3
Laura Brook										5	5
Lisa Hall					1	1			1	5	8
Martin Burnside	1	1		1	1	1			1	5	11
Michael Masleczko	1										1
Peter Helliwell				1						5	6
Peter Vickers	1	1		1	1	1					5
Phil Routh		1	1	1		1	1	1	1		7
Richard Lyons	1		1	1				1		5	9
Richard Raistrick										5	5
Simon Bellwood	1	1	1		1	1			1	10	16
Simon Blackburn	1	1	1	1	1		1		1	5	12
Stephen Edwards	1		1		1	1		1	1		6
Steve Little								1			1
Tony Blythe	1	1	1	1	1	1					6
Warren Fletcher	1			1	1	1		1	1	5	11
	17	9	19	13	14	17	5	9	11	95	209

Congratulations to Simon Bellwood who is March’s Attendance winner.

The Club races for 2005, where points can be earned, are as follows:

Date	Race Details	Comments.
February 13^th Sun	Liversedge Half Marathon, 12.00 noon.	7 runners for this first race.
March 13^th - Sun	Spen 20mile, 10am.	7 Idle AC runners, including 6 pb’s and 2 club records from Simon Bellwood (M40) and Richard Lyons (M45).
March Sun 27^th	Guiseley Gallop 10k, 10.30am.	13 runners at this local event.
April- Sun 3rd	Baildon Boundary Way Half, 10.30am.	Good club turnout of 13 Idle AC runners, including Clare Sweeney in her first half marathon.
April – Tues 5th	Bunny Run 1, 3 mile ‘Fell’ race, 7.00 pm.	11 of us were tempted by the free cream egg….
April- Sun 10^th	Wakefield 10k, 10am. Fast, flat course.	12 Idle vests at the start line for this fast 10k although no pb’s are most seem to have had time added to results.
May - Wed –4^th	John Carr 5k, Esholt, 7.30pm. Fast, flat course.	Idle AC Club race for 2005 – get your entries in.
May-15^th Sun.	Leeds Half Marathon, 10am.	No entries on day.
June- Sat 4^th	Kirkby Malzeard 10k. Part of Black sheep series.
June – Thurs 9^th	Bronte 5, 7.30pm. Hilly two lap course.
June- Thurs 9^th	Apperley Bridge Canter race. 7.30pm. Approx 10k.	1^st of two race series with our Idle Trail Race. Club encouraged to support Horsforth Harriers event.
June - Sun 19th	Blackpool Half or Full Marathon, 9am. Weekend away.	Weekend away. Give you entry cheques to Davina/Chris ASAP.
July – Sat 2nd	Burn Valley Half. Part of Black Sheep series.	Great tea (free) afterwards. Good family day out.
July – Wed 13^th	Stirton Fell race. BS, 7.30pm. 5.5 miles/800’.
July – Wed 20^th	Widdop Fell race. BM, 7.15pm. 7m/1200’.
July – Sun 24^th	Pudsey 10k, 10.45.	Mixed terrain 10k. Good local event.
Aug – Sat 13^th.	Arncliffe 4 mile Road race and/or 1.8m fell race, 3pm.	Family day out.
Sept DNK	Kirkstall Abbey 10k. 10am.
Sept DNK	Sutton 7.
Oct DNK	Horsforth 10k, 10am.
Oct DNK	Bridlington Half marathon, 12 Noon.
Oct DNK	Holmfirth 15mile. 10.30am.
Nov DNK	Guy Fawkes10mile10.30am.
Nov DNK- Sun	Rivock Edge Fell Race. 7m.
Nov DNK	Abbey Dash 10k, 9.30am.

Race results: Various races

Guiseley Gallop 10k Trail race, Sunday 27^th March 05:

62	Simon Bellwood	43.17
132	Simon Blackburn	47.32
199	Warren Fletcher	50.41
200	Edward East	50.42
223	Gary Naylor	51.47
227	Richard Raistrick	51.57
344	Laura Brook	57.42
384	Dexter Wright	59.35
430	Alison Garlick	1-02.22
504	Archie Devesher	1-08.02
505	Joanne Belcher	1-08.03
516	Joseph Marjoram	1-08.54
520	Husna Rasheed	1-08.59

Baildon Boundary Way Half Marathon, Sun 3^rd April 05:

Name	Time	Race Position	CR/PB
Chris Stubbs	1.31.25	22
Simon Bellwood	1.33.36	35
Adrian Trevelyan	1.39.54	64
Richard Lyons	1.41.13	72
Peter Helliwell	1.41.48	74
Simon Blackburn	1.47.59	113
Phil Routh	1.50.35	138
Gary Naylor	1.55.38	175
Davina Smith	2.04.17	234
Clare Sweeney	2.11.56	268	PB
Joanne Belcher	2.13.44	276
Alison Garlick	2.13.44	277
Amnuay Scott	2.16.19	291

Bunny Run 1, 3 miles, 300’ on Harden Moor, Tues 5th April 05:

72 Stephen Edwards 22.31

94 Chris Smith 23.27

117 Tony Blythe 24.39

146 Phil Routh 25.33

147 Gary Naylor 25.40

148 Michael Masleczko 25.43

196 Dexter Wright 27.22

199 Peter Vickers 28.10

221 Laura Brook 30.03

243 Davina Smith 32.36

254 Archie Devesher 36.02

Meanwood Valley Trail race, Sat 9^th April 05:

33 Simon Bellwood 50.30

148 Dexter Wright 61.20

176 Laura Brook 63.28

247 Jo Belcher 69.32

289 Alison Garlick 78.50

Well done to Simon, Jo and Alison who completed the Airedale Triple Challenge by competing in the Guiseley Gallop, Baildon Boundary Way and Meanwood Valley Trail race.

Wakefield 10k, Sun 10^th April 05:

Name	Time	Race Position	CR/PB
Dominic Hopson	38.18	90
Stephen Edwards	40.07	150
Adrian Trevelyan	40.19	159
Edward East	43.52	282
Gary Naylor	46.10	391
Lisa Hall	49.59	594
Joanne Belcher	52.00	704
Amnuay Scott	52.39	741
David Dewhirst	53.45	800
Wilma Saville	55.55	886
Elaine Trevelyan	56.00	899
Suzanne Bairstow	58.10	987

Bournemouth Bay 10k race 3^rd April 05:

6th Doug Briggs 36.52

Great Grizedale 10 mile race 10th April 05:

Kay Gambles 1.26

Please continue to make Davina/Chris/Martin aware if you have raced so we can record the results in the Gossip and on the website. If you have no official results please write the race details in the signing in book and we will try to obtain results.

Fell Races: April to end June 05.

Please note that many races require that competitors carry waterproof clothing, map and compass for the competitor’s safety. Failure to comply with a race organiser's requirements will mean that you will be barred from taking part in the race. Competitors should arrive at races prepared to carry any or all of the following equipment: Windproof whole body cover, other body cover appropriate to the conditions, map and compass suitable for navigating the course, whistle, emergency food (long races). This equipment is mandatory at all Cat A Long and Medium races.

If this is the first time you have considered fell racing select a race distance well under the distance you normally run on the road.

If you retire during a race you MUST notify the officials at the finish.

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.

TUES APRIL 12^th BUNNY RUN 2 .CS. 7.15 pm. See below.

TUES APRIL 19^th BUNNY RUN 3 .CS. 7.30 pm. As above.

TUES APRIL 26^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 3^rd 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 4^th LOTHERSDALE FELL RACE. BS. 7.30 pm 3.6 miles/690’ from the Hare & Hounds, Lothersdale near Skipton. £3 on night. Website: www.kcac.co.uk

TUES MAY 10^th JACK BLOOR RACES. BS. 7.15pm. 5.2m/1150’ from Darwin Gardens, Ilkley. £3 on night. Website: www.jackbloor.co.uk

WED JUNE 25^th WHITE LION FELL RACE. BS. 7.30pm. 3.75m/800’ from the White Lion, Kildwick, between Keighley & Skipton. : Website; www.keighleyandcraven.co.uk

SAT MAY 28^th HUTTON ROOF CRAGS RACE. BM. 2.30pm. 7m/1300’ from Hutton Roof Village Hall, near Kirkby Lonsdale. £3 on day.

MON MAY 30^th AUSTWICK AMBLE. BM. 1pm. 8m/1200’ from Austwick Village centre, Austwick, near Settle. £3 on day. Course partially marked and local knowledge an advantage.

TUES MAY 31^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.

April Marathons 2005

We had 6 Idle AC members, Pete Helliwell, Martin Burnside, Richard Lyons, Jo Belcher, David Nicholson (running for St. Bede’s) and Ian Fisher (Otley) running in the 2005 London marathon on Sunday 17^th April. This was Richard’s debut marathon.

The results were:

Ian Fisher                       2.21.40
Peter Helliwell      3.23.26 M40 record.
Richard Lyons      3.36.15 M45 record in debut marathon.
Joanne Belcher    3.41.37
Martin Burnside    3.52.25 Pb by 44 minutes!
David Nicholson  4.19.16 Debut marathon.

However there are other marathons in April which have Idle AC vests in them: We wish Lisa Hall best wishes as she competes in her debut marathon in the Lochaber marathon in Scotland on 24^th April. On the same day, Simon Bellwood will compete in the Shakespeare Marathon at Stratford.

West Yorkshire Winter League – Canal Relay Saturday 14^th May 05 : Foulridge to Skipton

Organising club: Skipton AC

Date: May 11^th 2005 organised by 2004 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!)

Cost: £1 per runner. Please pay Chris on the night.

Legs for the 2005 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

Please let Chris know if you want to run so the teams can be sorted.

The Idle Trail Race – Sunday 17^th July 2005

Our long planned and discussed event is now definitely on! We have all the permissions we need including our race permit and we have a major sponsor (Crosstrax). We are working closely with Horsforth Harriers, as they are running a trail event on Thursday 9^th June, The Apperley Bridge Canter, and the two races will form a series with overall prizes.

We have now formed a committee to oversee the main race organization, although we will be calling on many more club members to assist with jobs on that weekend and in particular on the day so please all try to be available (with family and friends) to help. The race committee are: Chris Smith, Davina Smith, Kay Gambles, Martin Burnside, Steve Little, Peter Vickers, Michael Masleczko and Adrian Trevelyan.

Website at www.crosstrax.co.uk.

Sports Massage

We received the following email about sports massage if anyone is interested:

Hello Davina, to introduce myself, my name is Jonathan Hare, and I am an
employee at the sports centre at Bradford University.

I have seen Idle AC flyers/posters on the notice boards at work, and hoped that
you would be kind enough to bring my services to the attention of your club
members.

Keeping things short, I specialise in sports massage ( pre and post event ) a
normal or relaxing body massage, and treatment of minor soft tissue injuries.

If you or anyone at the club requires any further information, please do
hesitate to reply, or alternatively I can be contacted on my mobile 07906
084766 or at the university on either 234868/234871.

Many thanks....Jonathan

The 1^st Apperley Bridge Canter

Please all support Horsforth Harriers as they stage the 1^st Apperley Bridge Canter on Thursday 9^th June 05 at 7.30pm from Woodhouse Grove School, Apperley Bridge. This multi terrain event of approx 10k distance is run over tracks, paths, canal towpath with a bit of road and is similar to the course of our own Idle Trail Race on 17^th July. All runners get a bottle of Woodhouse Wallop beer. The above race will form the first of a two race series with overall prizes, the second being our own event.

In the past we have encouraged members to run the Bronte 5 mile race in celebration of our ‘official’ birthday on 10^th June 05 (3 years since affiliation of Idle AC). Sadly the Apperley Bridge Canter clashes with the Haworth event but hopefully we can have a drink in the bar at the sports centre afterwards to celebrate our 3^rd birthday.

Continued success on Wednesdays

The recent increase in numbers on a Wednesday evening (12-15 runners) made me want to make all club members aware of the success that we have continued to have with the ‘Wednesday Group’. This is an additional informal training group that has continued for the past couple of years and is of particular benefit to members/prospective members who were new to running, coming back after illness, injury or having babies etc. As we are getting increased numbers then we may look at breaking into groups, but there will always be a group that does a run at a slowish, easy pace over shorter distances. Wednesdays remain free and are run from outside Hepworth & Idle Cricket club at 6.30pm.

It’s 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 many runners have made.

Please note that there will be no Wednesday Group on 4^th, 11^th and 18^th May as we hope to all be running in the John Carr 5k races at Esholt. See Davina for an entry form. If anyone wants any details about the Wednesday Group please phone me on 01274 615003 or email me at Davina@idleac.co.uk - Davina.

Thanks…

Thanks to the painters at the cricket club – Stephen, Pete V, Michael, Pat, Simon Bellwood, Adrian, Amnuay, Oswald, Kay and Dave Lewis. It looks great!

Photo website

We have received an email telling us that there is a new web site set-up with large numbers of photos of runners competing in races around the North of England. To date it covers: Ackworth Half, Salford 10k,Doncaster Half, Wakefield 10k, Bolton 10k and it will shortly have the Rothwell 10k pics.

It is a web site that sells its pictures but you can browse for nothing.

The website address is: www.taimages.com although we hope to have a link from our website.

John Carr Race Series.

Last year Idle AC were the largest club for all three races and this year we hope to be even stronger for this series of 5k races around Esholt on Wednesday nights on 4^th, 11^th and 18^th May 05, starting at 7.30pm. Get a ‘league’ position by completing all 3 races. Entry forms are available at the club. The first race is our club race for 2005, please all attend (especially the Wednesday Group!!).

Elaine is 40…Good excuse for a party!!

Although it’s hard to believe, Elaine is 40 at the end of May and whilst Adrian, Christopher and Abbie will be whisking her away to sunnier climes to celebrate she has invited all Idle AC to a bit of a do at Idle Working Men’s club on Friday 20^th May from 8pm onwards. All are welcome.

PS We have a further two members who hit the big 40 this year so it’s looking good for future vets team events! Trevor is 50 in March so should be able to claim all the M50 club records.

Bunny Runs 2005: Starting on Tues 5^th April at 7pm.

2004 saw a good club turn out for each of these 3 mile fell races run on consecutive Tuesday nights in April and ending with the relay. The course again proved popular and the first race has been nominated as an attendance points race. The race starts from the Guide Inn, Harden Moor and costs £2 on night. All finishers receive a 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.

New Members

This month we welcome 2 new members: David Nicholson and Diana Deas. David joins us as a second claim member (1^st claim St. Bede’s) and has been training for the London marathon. He is keen to join in with Tuesday’s speed work sessions and on regular Sunday runs. Diana is a friend of Wilma’s and a regular with the Wednesday night group who is looking to improve her level of fitness.

Black Sheep Brewery Race Series 2005.

The Black Sheep Brewery Race Series is 6 separate running events organised by towns and villages in scenic North Yorkshire. The objective is to complete 4 out of 6 races, 3 x 10k's plus either the 10 mile or 1/2 marathon. Runners who complete 4 out of 6 races will be awarded a Silver Plaque, runners who complete all 6 races will be awarded a Gold Plaque.
Age category winners will be determined by points gained in each race, and are based on your 3 best 10k's plus your best long race. Points will be awarded to the first 10 in each age category.

Prizes and plaques will be awarded to the first three Male/Female runners overall, plus the first 3 in the following age groups:- MO/40, MO/45, MO/50, MO/55, MO/60, MO/65, - FO/35, FO/40, FO/45, FO/50, FO/55, FO/60, FO/65.

THE RACES
Ripon 10 mile: On Sunday May 15th, from Ripon Cricket Club. Note change of date.
Melmerby 10k: On Sunday May 29th, from the village of Melmerby.
Kirkby Malzeard: On Saturday June 4th, from the village of Kirkby Malzeard.
Rainton 10k: On Sunday June 26th, from the village of Rainton.
Burn Valley Run: On Saturday July 2nd, from the market town of Masham.
Burton Leonard 10k: On Sunday July 24th, from the village of Burton Leonard.

All races can be entered individually as well as part of the series. Entry forms available at the club but closing date (series) is 11^th April 04 or when the series limit of 350 is reached. Get your series entries in NOW!

Subs are now due.

Idle AC’s third AGM took place on Thursday 7^th April and minutes will be circulated to all members and will be available on the website.

Annual subs for 2005 are now due and 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 2005. Please complete a membership form and give £15 (£7.50 concessions) to Davina ASAP.

Blackpool Marathon/Half: Weekend Away race 2005

For the third year running we hope to go mob handed to the Blackpool marathon and half marathon on Sunday 19^th June 2005. Whilst it may seem a long way off, it would be good to know that we all had entries. This is as flat a course as you can get and is generally a well organised and supported race. As with last year we hope that many members will make a weekend of it - we have details of camping/ caravan sites and B & B accommodation (in Lytham/St Anne’s). This year we can offer special reduced entry fees at £16 for full marathon and £12 half marathon. The 2005 course has been improved with additional aid stations, bigger prize lists for both individuals and team competition. There are special team awards, men and women in both the marathon and half with three to score in both events on accumulative times. We will be sending a Group entry form and therefore will only require a cheque to cover your entry fee (made payable to Blackpool Marathon). Please give all cheques to Chris/Davina ASAP for us to enter as a group. We will be sending the entries off in mid April.

From the Coach…

It was Christmas Eve, just over five years ago. Davina had headed off into town on a shopping mission, leaving me to complete a lunchtime speed session. Eight days away from a marathon, I decided on a 220 on/ 200 off track session. I didn’t have to stick my nose out of the door to check the weather conditions – I knew it would be another warm summer’s day. I headed off in shorts and T shirt for the grass track. With plenty of time available, I warmed up properly at a slow pace, did a full set of stretches on the dry grass centre of the track, and did my sprint drills. I had heated up quite a bit before I started the session.

I flew through the warm, still air, feeling my body generating heat as it created and expended energy, and feeling my T shirt beginning to stick. I took off the T shirt and that helped. I also felt closer to what I was doing. I checked the ground on my next rep, and then kicked off my spikes. I ran the rest of the session barefoot. There was a girl in the stands who appeared to be watching. I think she might have wondered if the shorts would go too.

Apart from the shorts, all that was left was me, the planet I was born on, and what I was doing. I ran. I was designed to run. I didn’t need anything to help me do that. As soon as our distant ancestors abandoned the trees and their hairy feet hit the ground, they were obliged to invent speedwork, or risk being scoffed by some galloping primeval carnivore.

Deep in the psyche of every runner, then, is the knowledge that he or she is primarily designed to run. Look at knees, perfectly adequate for one plane of movement, but always eventually trashed by the lateral movement required in other activities such as football, rugby or racquet games. Runners go forwards in the direction the knee was perfectly designed for. Was our designer wrong, or have many people misunderstood our purpose?

So my knee started swelling up last year. It got so big it rubbed against my other knee, which got a big blister that turned into a painful scab. I went to Rebecca at Haworth Physiotherapy and she referred me to my doctor.

Three months later I was in the Yorkshire Clinic wearing paper knickers and a backless gown. Why? Do they enjoy it? Owing to a clerical error they had mixed up my knees, and after I had pointed this out, I went to theatre with “THIS ONE!” written on my knee in black marker pen. I could still hear the surgeons laughing as I succumbed to the anaesthetic.

I opened my eyes 2 ½ hours later. The anaesthetist had promised me a new “short action” anaesthetic, but I was still surprised to wake so soon. The hypochondriac male in me knew that I would never wake up, or come round with both legs amputated.

Something worse happened. I became aware that I was looking up at the hospital physio. She explained that if I persisted in the ridiculous activity of distance running, then my injury would reoccur, I would shortly be crippled by arthritis, and would become a burden on the National Health Service.

At noon I discharged myself, lying that my mother in law was waiting outside to accompany me as was required for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic. I sat in Mario’s café in Bingley, feeling rather odd, clutching the letter I’d been given warning me about my irregular heartbeat. Well I’ve always known it stops occasionally for a few seconds, but I’ve never had any ill effects. I toasted the end of my running career with a medium latté. Running had given me everything. It had kept me sane. What meaning was there in life any more?

A week later I was at St. Luke’s for remedial physiotherapy. I looked at the other patients. Some could hardly move. Then Sam came. She was to be my physio, and had a trainee with her. She’d been working at Kent’s Gym when I did the treadmill marathon. “Oh it’s O.K. I know him. Put him on a C2 schedule, she told him. This, I discovered, means “He’s fit. Give the bastard a roasting!”

They did. Weighted one-sided squats, wobble board, tightrope on a beam with single leg dips…I was knackered after every session. Two weeks later I went for a jog in Hornsea, got lost, and ran 11 miles. Shortly afterwards, they discharged me from St. Luke’s. They were astonished by the measurements, stopping just short of declaring a miracle cure. That was last August. This January I ran my fastest half marathon for five years.

There are injuries which require treatment, and injuries which can end running careers. But there are also times when apparent injury can be overcome by the power and determination of the mind. The mind is in charge of the body, and the body is almost infinitely adaptable. Yet I still regard myself as remarkably lucky. If I can ever return to New Zealand in December, and to that grass track in the wonderful park called the Auckland Domain, then I can still do what human beings were designed to do. I can run.

- Chris

Current Men’s Club Records

Distance	Category	Name	Time
5 Km	Open	Joe Marjoram	17.08
	M40	Dexter Wright	19.22
	M45	David Lewis	18:46
5 Miles	Open	Doug Briggs	29:43
	M40	Simon Bellwood	35.06
	M45	Richard Lyons	36.19
10 Km	Open	Douglas Briggs	36.13
	M40	David Lewis	40:41
	M45	Dave Lewis	38:57
10 Miles	Open	Joe Marjoram	1:01:22
	M40	Chris Smith	1:09:07
	M45	Steve Little	1:08:54
Half Marathon	Open	Douglas Briggs	1:18:58
	M40	Chris Smith	1:24:05
	M45	Steve Little	1:28:38
15 Miles	Open	Chris Stubbs	1:37:03
	M40	Simon Bellwood	1:43:58
	M45	Trevor Hooley	2:03:18
20 Miles	Open	Chris Smith	2:24:00
20 Miles	M40	Simon Bellwood	2:17:26
	M45	Richard Lyons	2:34:51
Marathon	Open	Chris Smith	3:04:12
	M40	Pete Helliwell	3:23:26
	M45	Richard Lyons	3:36:15

Current Women’s Club Records

Distance	Category	Name	Time
5 Km	Open	Donna Edmondson	19:33
	F40	Laura Brook	22.04
	F45	Kay Gambles	20.59
5 Miles	Open	Donna Edmondson	34:57
5 Miles	F45	Kay Gambles	40.03
10 Km	Open	Donna Edmondson	42:33
10 Km	F45	Kay Gambles	47:11
10 Miles	Open	Donna Edmondson	1:13:00
10 Miles	F45	Kay Gambles	1.16.50
Half Marathon	Open	Donna Edmondson	1:33:22
	F40	Kay Gambles	1:51:00
	F45	Kay Gambles	1:44:44
15 Miles	Open	Donna Edmondson	1:50:54
15 Miles	F35	Amnuay Scott	2:00:43
20 Miles	Open	Joanne Belcher	3:01:18
	F35	Davina Smith	3:01:01
	F40	Kay Gambles	3:02:00
Marathon	Open	Joanne Belcher	3:37.15
Marathon	F40	Kay Gambles	4:10:00