Date	Event
Sun 6^th Nov 05	Guy Fawkes 10. 10.30. Off road event around the scenic Ripley Castle area.
Sun 13^th Nov 05	1^st WYWL event at Temple Newsam. ALL club required. See below.
Sat 19^th Nov 05	Complete Runner Cross County, Wakefield. See below.
Sun 20^th Nov 05	Preston 10. 10am.
Sun 20^th Nov 05	Roundhay Park 5 mile race, 11.05am. 5k fun run at 10am.
Sun 27^th Nov 05	Leeds Abbey Dash 10k. 9.30am.Flat, fast pb course.
Sun 27^th Nov 05	Rivock Edge Fell Race, 11.15 am. 9miles.
Sun 4^th Dec 05	2^nd WYWL event at Pudsey. ALL club required. See below. Fancy dress and silly hat competition.
Fri 9^th Dec 05	Christmas Party at Idle Working Men’s club.
Sun 18^th Dec 05	4^th Annual Sewage Surprise Club Handicap race, 11am. See below. Optional fancy dress.
Mon 26^th Dec 05	Chevin Chase 7 mile race, 11am. See below.
Tues 27^th Dec 05	Jolly Holly Jog 10k race (part off road) 11am, Ripon. See Ripon Runners website for details.
Sat 31^st Dec 05	Auld Lang Syne Fell race.11.30 am. 6miles/900’ from Penistone Hill Country Park, Haworth. See Fell list below.
Sun 8^th Jan 05	3^rd WYWL event - Neutral event jointly hosted by LBT & Pudsey Pacers. Bramley Falls Park ALL club required. See below.
Sun 22^nd Jan 05	Brass Monkey Half Marathon, York. Race full no late entries.
Sun 29^th Jan 05	4^th WYWL event at Tong Park, Baildon. ALL club required. See below.

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	Oct								Oct	Oct
	4	6	11	13	18	20	25	27	Races	Totals
Adrian Trevelyan	1		1		1				5	8
Alison Garlick		1		1		1		1	10	14
Amnuay Scott	1	1	1	1	1	1				6
Amy Wright	1		1		1					3
Anna Lincoln	1								10	11
Chris Booker					1		1		5	7
Chris Smith	1	1		1	1		1			5
Chris Stubbs	1		1	1	1		1			5
Claire McConnell			1							1
Dave Currie			1		1					2
David Dewhirst									5	5
David Lewis						1		1		2
David Nicholson									5	5
Davina Smith	1		1		1	1		1	10	15
Diana Deas									10	10
Dominic Hopson		1				1				2
Donna Edmonson-Booker									5	5
Gary Naylor		1		1	1	1		1	5	10
Joanne Belcher		1	1	1	1	1		1	5	11
Judith Metcalf			1		1		1			3
Kay Gambles	1		1	1	1	1	1	1		7
Laura Brook		1	1	1	1				5	9
Lisa Hall	1	1	1						5	8
Peter Helliwell									15	15
Peter Hilliard				1	1		1		10	13
Phil Routh	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1		8
Richard Lyons		1			1	1	1			4
Simon Bellwood	1	1	1			1				4
Simon Blackburn	1	1	1	1	1					5
Stephen Wolstenhulme			1		1		1			3
Steve Little	1	1		1	1	1				5
Suzanne Bairstow									5	5
Tony Blythe	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1		8
Tracy Stoneman						1				1
Warren Fletcher	1	1	1	1	1	1			5	11
Wilma Saville									10	10
	15	15	18	14	22	15	10	8	130	247

Congratulations to Davina who is October’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, including Lisa Flesher who was 5^th woman.
March 13^th – Sun	Spen 20mile, 10am.	7 Idle AC runners, 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 3^rd	Baildon Boundary Way Half, 10.30am.	Good club turnout of 13 Idle AC runners, including Clare Sweeney in her first half marathon.
April – Tues 5^th	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 as most seem to have had time added to results.
May – Wed –4^th	John Carr 5k, Esholt, 7.30pm. Fast, flat course.	23 Idle AC vests for the first race, including David Reddish who set a new M40 club record in a time of 18.39 and Trevor Hooley who set a M50 record with 21.45. Whilst in the women Donna broke the female record in a time of 19.03 and Lisa set a new F35 record in 20.35
May-15^th Sun.	Leeds Half Marathon, 10am.	10 runners at the Leeds Half including Janet Burnside who got a pb by over 8 minutes!
June- Sat 4^th	Kirkby Malzeard 10k. Part of Black sheep series.	13 of us lined up for the start of this undulating course. Lisa Flesher was 1^st F35 and Chris Stubbs only two days after becoming a vet set a new M40 club record.
June – Thurs 9^th	Bronte 5, 7.30pm. Hilly two lap course.	6 Idle AC - four club records: Chris Stubbs M40, Richard Lyons M45, Trevor Hooley M50 and Lisa Flesher F35.
June- Thurs 9^th	Apperley Bridge Canter race. 7.30pm. Approx 10k.	250 runners for event, including a large number of Idle AC. Ian won the race and Idle were the 1^st women’s team: Jo, Kay and Lisa H.
June – Sun 19^th	Blackpool Half or Full Marathon, 9am. Weekend away.	13 in the half including decent times from Pete H and Simon and a great first half marathon from Jane. Club records for Chris Stubbs (M40) and Trevor Hooley (M50) in marathon and 2^nd women’s team for Jo, Davina and Lisa H.
July – Sat 2^nd	Burn Valley Half. Part of Black Sheep series. 2pm.	Hot conditions on a rough course reflected in a few of our race times although Chris Smith was 2^nd M40.
July – Wed 13^th	Stirton Fell race. BS, 7.30pm. 5.5 miles/800’.	6 Idle vests turned out on a fine Summer’s evening for this popular fell race.
July – Wed 20^th	Widdop Fell race. BM, 7.15pm. 7m/1200’.	No Idle AC runners at this event.
July – Sun 24^th	Pudsey 10k, 10.45.	F50 club record from Anna Lincoln.
Aug – Sat 13^th.	Arncliffe 4 mile Road race at 1.30pm and/or 1.8m fell race, 3pm.	Adrian, Anna and Wilma all flew the Idle flag in the 4 mile road race. Christopher Trevelyan showed his potential as a future fell runner by competing in the Junior fell race.
Sept –Sun 11^th	Sutton 7. 12 noon. Fast, mainly flat rural course on roads and tracks.	Whilst most joined thousands in the Nottingham full or half marathons Dave Lewis and Kay ran this quieter event. Kay was 3^rd F45.
Sept – Sun 25^th	Kirkstall Abbey 10k. 10am.	5 Idle AC vests including Anna Lincoln who set a new F50 club record with a pb time of 53.16
Oct – Sun 2^nd	Horsforth 10k, 10am.	13 of us on this new course, including Anna Lincoln who set a new F50 club record in 53.14
Oct Sun 16th	Bridlington Half marathon, 12 Noon.	8 women and 2 men joined this popular seaside event. Anna Lincoln set a new F50 record in 1.53.27.
Oct – Sun 30^th	Holmfirth 15mile. 10.30am.	Just three of us, Pete Helliwell, Pete Hilliard and Davina for this tough 15 miler.
Nov – Sun 6th	Guy Fawkes 10mile 10.30am.	11 Idle AC runners for this popular 10 miler including Anna Lincoln who set a new F50 club record.
Nov 27^th Sun	Rivock Edge Fell Race. 9m. 11.15am. See fell list details.
Nov 27^th Sun	Abbey Dash 10k, 9.30am.	Race fills up quickly so get your entries in. PB course.

Race results: Various races

Holmfirth 15 Sun 30^th Oct 05:

95 Peter Helliwell 1.51.59

96 Peter Hilliard 1.52.12

196 Davina Smith 2.13.19 There were 236 runners.

Snowdonia Marathon 30th Oct 05:

171 Chris Smith 3.43.43

547 Lisa Hall 4.22.29

548 Laura Brook 4.22.29

549 Jo Belcher 4.22.29 There were 961 runners.

Shepherds Skyline Fell race, 5th Nov 05, 6.25 miles, Todmorden

129 Tony Blythe 61.34

136 Warren Fletcher 62.40

There were 197 runners.

Guy Fawkes 10, 6^th Nov 05

83 Simon Bellwood 1.06.50

103 Adrian Trevelyan 1.08.36

123 Peter Helliwell 1.10.07

181 Richard Lyons 1.13.45

218 Jo Belcher 1.15.33

317 Trevor Hooley 1.20.04

318 Laura Brook 1.20.06

426 Alison Garlick 1.25.23

432 Lisa Hall 1.25.42

550 Anna Lincoln 1.32.38 F50 club record

551 Amy Wright 1.32.48

There were 688 runners.

Fell Races: Nov to end December 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.

SAT NOV 19^th GREAT WHERNSIDE FELL RACE. AS. 11am. 4m/1555’ from the Kettlewell campsite. £4 on day. Local knowledge an advantage. No toilets.

SAT NOV 19^th HARRIERS V CYCLISTS. CM.2pm. 6m/650’ from Fisherman’s Inn, Dowley Gap, Bingley. £2.50 on day. Website: www.bingleyharriers.co.uk

SAT NOV 19^th KIRBYMOORSIDE FELL RACE. BM. 11am.6.5m/1600’ from Beckside Village Hall, Kirkby in Furness, Cumbria. £3.50 on day. Website: www.bcrunners.org.uk

SUN NOV 27^th RIVOCK EDGE FELL RACE. BM. 11.15am. 7-8??m/1500’ Registration from Hainsworth Road, Silsden, Nr Keighley. New course.£4 on day.

SUN DEC 4^th BOLTON BY BOWLAND FELL RACE. CM. 11.30am. 8m/800’ from Bolton By Bowland Village, near Clitheroe, Lancs. £2.50 on day.

SUN DEC 11^th CALDERDALE WAY RELAY. 8am, 50miles/6000’ in six stages from Old Rishworthians RUFC, Copley, Halifax. £42 per team of 12. Limit of 100 teams. Website: www.halifaxharriers.co.uk

SUN DEC 18^th THE STOOP. BS. 11.30 am. 5 miles/800’ from Penistone Hill Country Park, Haworth. £3 on day. All finishers receive a Cadbury’s Chocolate Chunk. Free coffee & biscuits. All prizes are “Christmas Related”.

SAT DEC 31^st THE 12^th BRISCOE’S BREWERY AULD LANG SYNE RACE. BM. 11.30 am. 6miles/900’ from Penistone Hill Country Park, Haworth. £3 on day. All finishers receive a bottle of beer. Free coffee & biscuits. All prizes are beers, ales, ciders etc.

We are awaiting the FRA fixture list for 2006.

Leeds Abbey Dash: Final points race for 2005

We now have entry forms for the Leeds Abbey Dash on Sunday 27^th November. Please get your entries in as soon as possible as the race soon reaches its limit. You can now enter online for this year's Help the Aged Leeds Abbey Dash, sponsored by Abbey. The race follows a fast, flat course which starts in Leeds city centre, goes up Kirkstall Road, past the ancient ruins of Kirkstall Abbey and finishes outside the Town Hall.
This year there is a pre-event aerobic warm up, kindly supported by BUPA Care Homes. It will take place in Victoria Gardens, The Headrow, from 8.30am.

Reebok have kindly donated £3,000 worth of prizes including £250 should anyone break the race record (male 28.45mins, female 32.15mins). You can take part in the race either individually, or as part of the Corporate team or Club team challenges.

Monies raised from the Help the Aged Leeds Abbey Dash will go towards funding older people's projects in the Leeds and West Yorkshire area. Last year, Help the Aged funded projects which helped to reduce loneliness and isolation amongst older people. The organisers are keen to point out that by running the dash everyone is making a real difference to the lives of older people. Email to events@helptheaged.org.uk to enter online.

West Yorkshire Winter League 2005/6 season

The first event at Temple Newsam, organised by LBT, saw a record number of 63 women line up amongst the field of 206 runners from the 8 clubs. This included 29 runners from Idle AC. The new one lap course of approx 4.5 miles proved to be popular with most of the field although Simon Bellwood felt it would have been better if it had been a longer course!!

Ian Fisher won the race, supported by Steve Bottomley in 3rd place. The women’s team saw Donna Edmondson in 3rd place and Jo Belcher in 8^th place. Idle currently lie in 4^th place in the overall team positions.

Newcomers to the club showed great promise too, with Richard Haworth, Peter Hilliard, Stephen Wolstenhulme and Judith Metcalfe all having creditable runs. The results are as follows:

Men		Vets
LBT	1327	LBT	486
Pudsey	1301	Dewsbury	476
Dewsbury	1233	Pudsey	455
Stainland	1217	Idle A C	421
Idle A C	1214	Stainland	419
St.Bede's	1043	St.Bede's	407
Baildon	849	Baildon	402
Skipton	628	Skipton	312
Women		Overall
Dewsbury	296	LBT	1607
LBT	280	Pudsey	1560
Idle A C	268	Dewsbury	1529
Pudsey	259	Idle A C	1482
Stainland	258	Stainland	1475
Baildon	254	St.Bede's	1235
Skipton	215	Baildon	1103
St.Bede's	192	Skipton	843

The remaining fixtures are :

Date Host club Venue

2.Dec 4th Pudsey Pacers Black Carr woods, Pudsey. Fancy dress/silly hats.

3.Jan 8^th Neutral event jointly hosted by LBT & Pudsey Pacers. Bramley Falls Park

4. Jan 29th Baildon Runners Tong Park, Baildon.

5. Feb 19th Stainland Lions Possible new course from Heath Rugby Club.

All are 11am starts. Full details will be circulated to members prior to each event.

Whilst the League does offer individual trophy positions, its primary objective is team competition. The five team scores are added together to decide the following team trophies:

1^st Combined Team, 2^nd Combined Team, 3^rd Combined Team.

1^st Male Team.

1^st Female team.

1^st Vets Team (combination of male/females).

A club team is the first seven men to cross the line (which must include 2 vets), and the first three women (including 1 vet), in each event.

The vets’ team is the 2 male and the one female counting vets added together.

Different runners may score in different races - it’s just first past the post on the day.

The first Combined Team can enter the National Cross Country Final and the 2^nd Combined Team can enter the Plate Race at the National Final which will take place at Nottingham on 19^th March 06. Further details will be circulated prior to each event.

West Yorkshire Winter League: 2^nd fixture at Pudsey:

Details taken from Pudsey pacers website: www.pudseypacers.com

Pudsey Pacers are hosting the 2nd fixture in the XC league in 2005/06. The race takes place on Sunday 4th December, starting at 11am.

Our XC course of the last two years, at Post Hill, had mixed feedback - some loved it, others hated it. We didn't want to revert to our old course since it featured a road section. So, the 2005/06 race features a brand new course. For those with long memories, the start and finish lines are exactly the same as Pudsey's 'old course' - only the bit in the middle has changed.

See Pudsey pacers website for a detailed course map and to download directions to the race start. NB the start is 1 mile from Pudsey Leisure Centre, so please allow time.

Don't forget that the Pudsey race is the Xmas fancy dress / silly hat race - with extra prizes!

NB: Don’t worry if you don’t have access to the internet as full details will be given to all Idle AC members prior to event.

Complete Runner West Yorkshire Cross Country League.

We had 5 women and 4 men at the first Complete Runner league event at York on 15^th Oct. The results were: Women:

44 Jo Belcher 25.29, 56 Kay Gambles 26.31, 70 Lisa Hall 27.25, 72 Laura Brook 82Amnuay Scott 28.17 There were 102 runners.

Men: 169 Chris Smith 38.45, 187 Steve Little 40.15, 197 Phil Routh 40.55,

202 Adrian Trevelyan 41.21.

We had 8 men and 4 women for the second race at Otley on Sunday 30^th October.

The remaining fixtures are: Sat 19^th November – Wakefield and Sunday 4^th December – Nunroyd Park, Guiseley. The women’s races are 5-5.5km at approx 1.45pm and the men’s race is 9-9.5km at approx 2.15pm. Chris has entered teams for those members who said they wanted to take part in the series and who have paid £6 (to cover all races).

For full details visit the Complete Runner website: www.completerunner.co.uk

Yorkshire, Regional and National Cross Country Championships:

In past years we had runners in the all of the above races however whilst we still hope to get runners in the Yorkshire and Regional races. The National is in London.

This year the dates of the 3 championship races are as follows:

1. Yorkshire cross country championships: Saturday 14^th Jan 05 at Herringthorpe Stadium, Middle Lane, Rotherham. The distance for women is 6,000m at 1.30pm and the men run 12,000m at 2.10pm. The cost is £4 per person. Closing date 16^th December 05. Please let Chris know by 1st December if you want to be entered. No late entries.

2. North of England cross country championships: Saturday 28^th January 06 at Witton Park, Blackburn (the day before a WYWL event- priority must to given to WYWL). The distance for women is 8k at 12.30pm and the men run 12km at 2.10pm. The cost is £3 per person. Awaiting full details. Closing date 12^th December. Please let Chris know by 1st December if you want to be entered. No late entries.

3. National Cross Country Championships: Saturday 25^th February 06 at Parliament Hill, London. Awaiting full details. However entry into this event is conditional on an entry to the North of England AA championships (as above). Senior teams cannot be entered if only individuals have been entered in to the regional championships.

Due to the deadlines we therefore need to know names (to Chris) of anyone wanting to run in any of these events no later than 1st December 05 along with their payment. However whilst we’d encourage running in these events we would encourage members to make their first commitment to the West Yorkshire Winter League.

Great North Run Thanks.

I would like to thank members of the club for their best wishes and for sponsoring me when I ran the Great North Run. I raised £357 for Marie Curie Cancer Care who pay for nurses to look after terminally ill patients either in their own homes or in one of the Marie Curie hospices. Unfortunately, I have
had a friend, aged only 35, and a colleague in her early forties, who were looked after by Marie Curie Cancer Care in the last few weeks of their lives. The nurses were fantastic so I can assure you it is very worthwhile cause. Idle were brilliant in their support - wishing me good luck and congratulating me afterwards and I really really appreciate it. See you soon at the cross countries and at the Christmas parties.
- Jane

NB: Marie Curie nurses looked after my late father too. Truly they are like angels. Chris.

The Vets Bill.

At the end of the year people tend to look back at their achievements for the last 12 months. As a club of many parts and individuals it’s always worth a retrospective look at how we have progressed and improved over the year. The easiest way to measure this is to look at how the club records have changed in 2005:

New 5km records to Lisa Flesher, Laura Brook, Kay Gambles, Simon Bellwood and Trevor Hooley at the John Carr Series.

New 5mile records to Lisa Flesher, Chris Stubbs, Richard Lyons and Trevor Hooley at this year’s Full Bronte.

New 10km records to Lisa Flesher, Anna Lincoln and Chris Smith.

10 mile records to Anna Lincoln and Chris Stubbs this year.

1/2 marathon records to Lisa Flesher, Anna Lincoln and Chris Smith.

20mile records to Simon Bellwood and Richard Lyons at the Spen 20.

New Marathon records to Laura Brook, Simon Bellwood and Richard Lyons this year.

However, these records are only a part of the whole, many achievements are less tangible. For example the increased numbers of Idle AC runners that are now regularly turning out at local races, the increase of people running at our sessions throughout the week, how your P.B. has dropped over the year or just the increased amount weekly miles you are training compared to last year.

Even if none of the above apply to you, your biggest achievement of the year is that after another 12 months you are still running.

Bring on the next 12 months.

On a different note it has come to my attention of a new service being offered to our members which may be the fashion statement of 2006. A local coiffure and beautician called 'Hair by Elvis Tettle' is offering bargain priced hairstyles and makeup tastefully customised to your own designs. Both have been road tested by an Idle AC club member this year but a strict oath of secrecy and possible pending legal proceedings seals my lips from divulging who. The example that was reported was "Idol AC" (ed. no spelling mistake made) lettering shaved onto the side of his head plus a full face makeup session in red and black club colour design using top quality, state of the art, water based makeup prior to his Marathon race.

- Steve Little

Chevin Chase 7 mile off road race.

The Chevin Chase entry forms are now available on Airecentre Pacers website: www.airecentre-pacers.co.uk

This scenic off road race starts at 11am on Boxing day from Aireborough leisure centre, Guiseley. As it’s a really popular race I'd advise sending entries in ASAP.

There are also copies at the club.

Club Kit.

With the cold weather approaching members are reminded of the importance of keeping warm on chilly training nights or when attending races. The stylish Idle AC fleeces are still available (see Kay for all kit items) at the reasonable price of only £29 each. In addition we can offer Idle AC long sleeved t-shirts for only £6.50 each or Idle AC winter hats for only £4 each. If any members have not got a club vest (a must for races) these are also available for £15 each or at £16 for extra large. Hurry whilst stocks last!!!

2006 Baildon Boundary Way off road half marathon.

We received the following email from Baildon Runners:

Our database now has over 840 email addresses but, as regulars will know, we can only accept 400 runners. So we cannot accommodate all those who receive this email! So if you do want to take part in the event on 2 April 2006, you will need to apply early as we operate a first come, first served, entry system. The event also incorporates a non-competitive walk for which there is no restriction on numbers.

An entry form in ‘Word’ format is attached. A version in pdf format can be found on our website www.baildonrunners.tk as can a 'Word' document if you prefer not to open the attachment.

Some people may receive more than one email notification. This will normally be because different email addresses have been supplied to us in the past. It would help us to keep our database under control if you no longer require emails to be sent to a particular address. Please click here to let us know.

Each year we have to contact around 15% of entrants because the entry form has not been fully completed, so do please take a moment to double-check. Typical omissions are:

not specifying whether you are doing the event as a run or a walk - we issue separate series of numbers so it is important!

not telling us what T-shirt size you want - we order supplies based on what you tell us and also show the size on your race number so you get the size you order.

Many thanks for your co-operation - Baildon Runners.

Therefore if you intend running this popular event (highly recommended!!) get your entries in ASAP. Entry forms are also available at the club.

4^th Annual Sewage Works Surprise Club Handicap Race: Sunday 18^th December at 10am.

As members may be aware December 02 saw the start of a yearly tradition for Idle AC – the annual Sewage Works Surprise club handicap race! The race is open to all members and will be run as a 4 mile Handicap race from the Stansfield Arms Pub at Apperley Bridge, starting at 10am on Sunday 18^th December 05. Fancy dress is optional but it all adds to the fun and entertains passing motorists!! There is a special annual trophy for the winner, which was won last year by Stephen Edwards. Richard Lyons finished in second place with Clare Sweeney, dressed as Andy Pandy in 3^rd place.

We have again arranged a presentation afternoon, with hot buffet, at the Symposium in Idle at a cost of £5 adults and £2.50 children per plate. Please write your names on the list at the club if you are running and/or attending the presentation.

Christmas Do 2005

Come and celebrate on Friday 9^th December as Idle AC celebrates its fourth Christmas party at Idle Working Men’s Club. As with last year it will be a buffet, disco and another bumper secret raffle – please give any suitable (or unsuitable!) raffle prizes to Kay ASAP so she can wrap them up. The fun starts at 8 pm and all members, family (adults) and friends are welcome – it’s a big place and we need to fill it! The price is £7.50 per person, payable on the night (or to Davina in advance). The Christmas Do will also have the London Marathon club Entries draw (Please bring rejection slips to be entered into the draw). We will also have a questionnaire for members to vote for the club attendance points races for 2006. Please write your name on the list at the club if you are joining the festivities.

New Members

This month we welcome 3 new members – Tracy Stoneman, Andrew Moakler and Richard Howarth. Tracy met up with a few Idle members at local races and finally plucked up the courage to ask about the club following her 1.33 10 mile time at the Harewood House Trail race. Having come to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night sessions hopefully Tracy realises (others do!) that she has the potential to get some great pb’s. What’s more Tracy is keen to have a go at the cross country.

Andrew heard about the club via word of mouth and is keen to get his race times down.

Richard Howarth is a mate of Chris Booker, who recommended the club to him. Like Chris, Richard is a duo and tri-athlete who is looking to improve his fitness and running times. Richard ran in the WYWL cross county at Temple Newsam.

We also welcome back Laurence Doddy who has rejoined us.

Bronze medal for Ian – Nairobi Marathon 23^rd Oct 05

At the beginning of September I got an e-mail off UKA's coach Bud Baldaro asking if I would like to take part again in the Greatest Race on Earth marathon series.

I enjoyed my experience in Mumbai back in January this year. My enthusiasm was noted by the race office aswell as Standard Chartered. I also managed to get the fastest marathon time out of the four races.

Fortunately, I was already doing a good mileage. I only had to adapt the micro-climate process of wearing more gear to condition my body to the warmer weather. Nairobi is twenty miles south of the equator and almost 5000 feet in altitude. I was to climb another 800 feet during the race.

Prior to my trip. I had to get my vaccinations for Kenya. Mumbai was just one jab. This one involved yellow fever jab and the usual anti-malaria tablets. Luckily, the ones you can get over the counter at Boots were adequate. I was later to find out that Nairobi risk for malaria isn't as high as for example the lower coastal areas.

Prior to the event my friend from my Otley Jamil did offer a chance for me to stay with his Uncle Nizar Virani in Nairobi. It was recommended that I go out at least two weeks early to acclimatise. Along with Jamil, I visited his parent's to arrange my stay with his uncle in Nairobi.

Getting from my door to Nairobi was a long process. I had to go down to London the day before to catch my flight for the following day. The flight itself was eight and a half hour's. I had good leg room there and back.

To help Nizar find me at Nairobi Airport, I had to wear my GB kit with its distinctive Union Jack print on the front. As you can imagine I was a little reluctant at first to do that. Ten seconds later I changed my mind.

Nizar found us and took us back to his home which is situated in the nice Westland area. For the next ten day's my host made sure I was perfectly comfortable and especially well fed. A constant diet of curries and Chinese food amongst other variety's of delicacies. Really, I was stuffed on many occasions.

Having a maid is the norm over there. Nizar's maid who was called Joyce was very nice and did things like clean my trainers after a run. It did make me feel a little uneasy at first. But Nizar looks after her very well and she was happy.

After putting in my training at his club the Parklands Sports club, which has a 450 metre dirt track shaped like a fifty pence piece. It was perfect for me. On a few occasions I ran on the roads. They were busy but offered glimpse of what to expect on race day. Like a man trying to flog a coconut to me one day. What do I want with a blummin coconut!

You can tell that Nairobi is corrupt. The upkeep of the city is very poor. The tarmacked roads are terrible. I did fancy visiting Nairobi National Park, but there wasn't much game on. The Masai Mara Park is the best one. If I wasn't doing such an important race I would have considered travelling four hours there and spend the three day's needed to explore it. It's about $200.

I visited the National museum full of artifacts related to Kenyans like animals, land, and other historical things of interest. Loads of school children turned up on there school trip. A lot of them I guess don't see many tall white folk wearing national kit. I have a great picture of the kids waving to me from below as I went out on to the balcony.

In the displays there are tools etc made from - wood from trees! The hard truth was a bit too much to take in so I moved on and noticed a toy car which was curiously made from - brown mud from a cow. Personally, I thought it looked crap.

I met up with the ladies entrant Jenny Murray from Stockport who was doing her first international race. She was naturally quite nervous about her participation. Being a thoughtful person. I thought I would put my diplomatic skills to the test. I explained to her not to worry about the mounting pressure on her shoulders as we get closer to the race and the high expectancy that Great Britain expects no less than 100% from her. I think that worked as she had to go back to her room for a lie down.

The night before we went to the Carnivore restaurant. There was a nice spread on there. Entertainment was provided by tribal dancing and the Chinese getting over excited by joining in the dancing. We all got a Masai warrior robe to wear and keep.

Race day had arrived and I was really looking forward to it. We made a trip around the course the day before and we knew what to expect. After 3 km flat there is a 7 km climb with other undulations on the first 21km. The second half is flat and very slight down hill. The last 10k is flat. The start was incredibly fast for a marathon. The Africans looked liked they were being pursued by a lion. On the long climb there was these amazing wheel chair athletes with their homemade trikes. None of them have heard of 3-in-1 oil as they made a right racket. They were going from left to right going up the hills. This made overtaking a little hard.

Further on the third climb I even had an African telling me to slow down. I couldn't believe my ear's at first. All my special isotonic drinks were not available at my designated tables. I had to make do with just the water. I was fully stocked up on carbs and fluid (Tusker ale) prior to the race.

I finished the race in 2.29.30, which was four minutes quicker than last year's entrant. I knew I was in good shape and my controlled pacing paid off in the end. Most importantly, I was really looking forward to it being part of this special marathon race series.

12000+ entrants in marathon/half marathon/10k

1st Samson Barmeo 2.12.14. Kenya.

Samson stated in the national paper that he was going to buy some 'shamba' which is land, and a wife with his winnings!

133rd. Ian Fisher 2.29.30. 35th GROE entrant. Ist Oceania and Europe entrant.

Other catagories are Africa, North East Asia, South East Asia, South Asia.

Jenny finished in 3 hours and 5 minutes.

The UK are currently third behind Kenya and Zimbabwe. Each nation has one runner to represent them.

The next ones are Singapore in December, Mumbai in January, and Hong Kong in February.- Ian.

Keswick to Barrow event: Saturday 6^th May 06

The Keswick to Barrow Walk is a 40 mile sponsored stroll through some of the country’s finest landscapes. The route starts on the southern side of the Lake District town of Keswick and winds its way through some of the most beautiful scenery to the Victorian town of Barrow in Furness on the coast of the Irish Sea. Some of my work colleagues did it last year & thoroughly enjoyed it. I think it is something that could be done by members of Idle AC as a change from runs like the Blackpool event. It’s a long way I know but you do not have to run it all, after all it’s classed as a “walk”.

It is essentially a “sponsored walk” but there is no minimum amount of sponsorship demanded & there is no entry fee! The idea is that you get a team together of up to 10 people & between you raise some money for a given charity. The size of the team isn’t important nor is the amount of cash raised. There are checkpoints along the way with food & drinks available (at a small cost). Alternatively we can have someone with a “support vehicle” with sandwiches & energy drinks etc if there’s interest & a willing driver amongst us.

As a guide, last year there were 1008 entries with the slowest time being 16hrs 40mins. If you do manage to run it all you will get inside the top 50 with a time of around 6hrs 45mins. The winning male last year did it in a time of 4hrs 42mins & the winning lady’s time was 5hrs 50mins. I believe that Idle AC could attain some very good results & end up with a good team prize to boot.

For further info look at their excellent website at: http://www.keswick2barrow.co.uk/home.asp

As the race is on the Saturday you will need to be there very early or better still stay overnight in or near Keswick. There’s a good camp site called Castlerigg Farm that charges £12 per night. Their details can be found on http://www.castleriggfarm.com/

I’m just trying to establish whether there’s any interest at this point so if anyone is remotely interested in “having a go” then drop an email to:- martin@idleac.co.uk

This is not a commitment to go but I would like a rough idea of numbers at this stage.

If anyone wants any further info & can’t find it on the website, then again drop me an email & I’ll find out for you – Martin.

The Snowdonia Marathon Weekend, Llanberis.

“A demanding and spectacular course encircling Snowdonia ... it reaches the parts other races don’t” (Elfyn Jones – Marathon Co-ordinator)

A 9.30am start on Sunday and a three hour drive necessitate an overnight stay Saturday so we (me, Jo Belcher and Lisa Hall) decide to make a girlie weekend of it. Great, I think, it’ll be a spot of jogging (while chatting of course) interspersed with designer shopping, drinking copious amounts of nicely chilled wine and, above all, being warm, dry, comfortable and clean. However, with the marathon on Sunday and white water rafting planned for Monday, this is not to be.

Chris Smith is joining us later Saturday evening as he’s pre-arranged with the race organisers to take over injured Edward’s number. Jo and I call in to race registration and, following a few minor language problems (race committee think we’re saying Chris spoke earlier with Elvis when, in fact we mean Elfyn, the Marathon Co-ordinator), we succeed in our mission to obtain all Idle race numbers. We also establish that last year no qualifying ladies’ team finished and that, after five hours, a bus sweeps up stragglers as the weather can be awful up there. This isn’t going to be a fun run then – at least I shouldn’t be overtaken by some seventy year old wearing a rhinoceros costume this time.

Rain’s beating down when we arrive at our rented cottage and Jo is nearly blown over as we struggle to unpack the car. By the time Lisa and Chris join us, the night is pitch black and the weather worsening as we pass a sober and subdued Saturday evening trying not to dwell on the impending ordeal. Unanimously tired, the TV is switched on to distract us from the howling gale raging outside.

After a fairly sleepless night, it’s Sunday morning and in daylight the mountainous landscape is plainly visible. I start to feel giant butterflies in my tummy. The wind and rain hasn’t abated at all but Jo and Lisa decide to run in shorts and vests while Chris and I opt for sleeves as an absolute necessity.

A peep out of the door results in us emerging tentatively, Jo and I protected by black bin bags, for the 10 minute walk/jog to the start. I don’t think I’ve previously experienced rain driving so hard it hurts my legs and, even though it’s not particularly cold, I don’t like it. This is going to be horrible.

We huddle at the start (a strip of rough ground seemingly hand-picked for its high content of massive puddle-forming pot-holes) wishing each other good luck - and that’s the last we see of Chris until the end. Suddenly, we’re off, and I’m relieved we’re started with a klaxon because Jo has a history of running like the clappers at the sound of a gunshot. Already soaked to the skin, my feet join the party as hundreds of trainers splash in huge muddy puddles before doubling back onto the road through Nant Peris.

A flat mile followed by a steady 3 miles (800ft) haul up to the top of the Llanberis Pass. We’ve agreed to stick together so I’ve a captive audience to listen to my moaning up the hill, making a refreshing change from the usual Jo then Lisa eventually followed by Laura scenario. The brow of the hill, and I don’t know whether it’s oxygen debt or the absolutely stunning view that takes my breath away. We’re coasting on a road that winds down through the mountain pass forever (actually 900ft), it’s stopped raining, I love Snowdonia and running is the most fun you can have with your clothes on!

Payback time arrives as we start to climb again after about 9 miles of downhill and a short spell on the flat. The gale has returned only this time it feels like hailstones. I’m the only team member who can see (thanks to the peak on my cap). Jo appears to be sheltering behind me but Lisa seems oblivious to the driving rain battering her bare limbs.

Sooner than anticipated, we’re halfway and well within the 10 minute mile pace I was secretly hoping for. Drink stations have been adequate and we’ve all stuck to our individual tried and tested feeding regimes so we’re feeling OK. However, after 16 miles, my previous euphoria has well worn off so Jo offers Lisa and I encouragement by pointing out that it’s just a four mile trot followed by a couple of three’s – sounds easy and, surprisingly, the next few miles are undulating but nothing too scary.

At 21 miles, we turn sharp right and start the seemingly endless climb to the old slate mine at 1200ft. Lisa and I manage to ‘dig-in’ for a while thanks to Jo flitting from one to the other spurring us on. However all the motivation in the world can’t counter the heaviness in my weary legs and I slow to a brisk walk, then Lisa caves in. We watch in impressed silence as Jo repetitively trots up the hill and then back to us in an attempt to banish the dreaded walking disease that has infected us. The road becomes a muddy track and we’re at the top. A combination of praise and threats induces a mammoth effort in me and I’m running again – so is Lisa.

Trail running is the best, especially when it’s downhill, so I’m bombing along overtaking loads of runners. Meanwhile, Lisa is taking it fairly carefully so Jo tells me to keep going. Halfway down, I sneak a quick look over my shoulder, my team mates are nowhere to be seen so I decide to continue to the bottom knowing that my energy and enthusiasm will wane on the pre-finish circuit of Llanberis.

As predicted, Jo and Lisa catch up and overtake me shortly before the finish. I wish they hadn’t as they refuse to wait for me and I’m forced to pick my feet up and really lift my knees in a type of running alien to me – I think it’s called sprinting? The approach to the end is on really bouncy panelling underfoot and we all bound across the line together, elated to have achieved our goal.

If you’re contemplating entering the Snowdonia Marathon and don’t have experience of the distance, go for it but don’t skimp on the training. It was physically demanding but the spectacular surroundings and the incredible feeling when you finish more than compensate. I was fortunate in that I had Jo and Lisa to train with, not to mention their humour and support on the day. I’d especially like to thank Jo for her generosity of spirit in getting Lisa and I round the course in such a respectable time. We all know that, had this been a solo run, Jo would have finished well inside 4 hours – maybe a target for her next year …

-Laura Brook

From The Coach…

So Sue Little and I set off for a coaching course last Saturday at Keighley. It was organised by my colleagues at the Bradford Athletics Development Group, since we had decided that there should be a local Level One course. I went to revise, and Sue went hoping to learn useful things for work.

I’m glad I went. It was a tiring, very practical day. Sue and I acquitted ourselves very well, I thought, in a race walking relay, and we did an interesting exercise on the role of the coach. I met a girl from Bingley Harriers who, at the age of 20, had already represented England in Race Walking, become disillusioned with the sport, given up, and decided to spend her time at the club coaching youngsters.

“Did you have a good relationship with your coach?” I asked.

“O no,” she responded simply.

I couldn’t help suggesting she try running, and that her best times were ahead of her. She said she would definitely think about it, but looked a little uncomfortable. Some people are just burned out by early high level competition.

After the Temple Newsam cross country I reflected more on the role of the coach. It’s hard to follow winning the League of course, but I began to realise that not doing so well in the first event of the new season is perhaps no bad thing. We now have very clear targets for improvement through the season, which is always what we intended should happen. For whilst the cross country events can be an end in themselves, they are also a means to an end. Whatever our level, they help to provide the kind of foundations of strength and endurance on which we can build a successful spring and summer of running achievement. But what of my role? In the many conversations I have had around the Winter League, it has been impressed on me that I should emphasise the importance of participation. It isn’t all about winning – as a club we should try to ensure that everyone takes part. Most of us won’t win anything, so we must do it because we enjoy it! So part of my role is telling. But a far more significant part is being – I must be an effective role model. At least in participation terms I can say that is true – I haven’t missed a race in the thirteen years since I took on the co-ordination of the League. But when it comes to other things, that’s when I start to fall down. Finishing well down the field at Temple Newsam I realised that I needed apply myself more, and perform better myself, before expecting anyone to listen to what I have to say.

But that may just be part of some mid-life crisis, wanting to prove that I can again be what I once was. And how common that feeling is among men! It’s probably too late anyway, and Joe, Katie and Davina might have something to say about me doing 80 miles a week. However many commitments I have though, I still do have opportunities, and I must make the best use of them. The League leader can hardly improve on his or her position, but the rest of us certainly can. Many will improve just through continued participation, though for some of us the time has come to compete.

In broad terms the dictionary definition of ‘athletics’ is ‘training to improve in our chosen discipline, and celebrating that improvement through competition.’ At every level, from the spirited characters who jog round at the back of the field to the hares in the top twenty, the Winter League provides the opportunity for that celebration. There are dozens of smaller races going on within each event. Dozens of little competitions where friendly rivalries bring out more from the runners. That happens of course across the running circuit. After flying round the Ogden Water fell race in August and getting a rare top 20 position, I was confronted by a Stainland runner, who said,

“That’s the first time I’ve ever beaten you!”

Please, please – don’t ever say that to anyone. But do think it! Make sure that this time’s guy in front is next time’s guy behind. If we all do that throughout the season, then both individual and club positions will be heading in the right direction.

I will be trying, and I’ll be talking once again about extra speed sessions (though that will go down like a sack of spanners with certain people who proofread my article!) If a sad old giffer like me can still improve, then there’s hope for us all, and I’ll know that I’m doing my job.

- Chris.

Current Men’s Club Records

Distance	Category	Name	Time
5 Km	Open	Joe Marjoram	17.08
	M40	Simon Bellwood	18.30
	M45	David Lewis	18:46
	M50	Trevor Hooley	21.22
5 Miles	Open	Doug Briggs	29:43
	M40	Chris Stubbs	31.06
	M45	Richard Lyons	33.22
	M50	Trevor Hooley	38.42
10 Km	Open	Douglas Briggs	36.13
	M40	Chris Stubbs	38.32
	M45	Dave Lewis	38:57
10 Miles	Open	Joe Marjoram	1:01:22
	M40	Chris Stubbs	1:05:14
	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	Simon Bellwood	3:02:18
	M45	Richard Lyons	3:36:15
	M50	Trevor Hooley	4:15:08

Current Women’s Club Records