Contents

Coming Events: October, November & December. 2

Attendance Scheme/ Club races – 2006 details: 3

Race results: Various races. 5

Fell Races: Oct to end December 06. 8

West Yorkshire Winter League 2006/7 season. 10

Brathay Windermere Marathon: Sun 20th May 2007. 12

Notts Marathon Success. 12

Great North Run. 12

Rombald’s Stride – Training Opportunity. 13

Idle AC – Yorkshire Club of the Year 2006. 15

Chevin Chase 7 mile off road race. 16

New members. 17

Amsterdam 15th Oct. 17

Christmas Do 2006. 18

5th Annual Sewage Works Surprise Club Handicap Race: Sunday 17th December at 10am. 18

Email from Jane…. The joys of being a runner. 19

Keswick 2 Barrow 2007: Sat 12th May 07. 19

Leeds Abbey Dash: Final points race for 2006. 20

Vets Bill…. 20

Wallets for sale. 22

Track Night 22

From The Coach…... 22

 

Coming Events: October, November & December

Events in bold indicate a ‘club’ event which members are encouraged to run.

Date

Event

Sun 1st Oct 06

Kirkstall Abbey 10k. 10am.

Sun 8th Oct 06

Harewood 10. Lovely 10mile race round grounds of Harewood House. 10.30am.

Sat 14th Oct 06

Complete Runner Cross Country race 1. See below.

Sun 15th Oct 06

Bridlington Half marathon, 12 Noon. Seaside trip.

Sun 29th Oct 06

Holmfirth 15mile. 10.30am. Points race.

Sun 29th Oct 06

Complete Runner Cross County race 2. See below.

Sun 5th Nov 06

Guy Fawkes 10mile 10.30am.

Sun 19 Nov 06

1st WYWL race hosted by Idle.  See below.

Sun 29th Nov 06

Abbey Dash 10k, 9.30am.

Sun 3rd Dec 06

1st WYWL race hosted by LBT.  See below.

Fri 8th Dec 06

Christmas Do, 7.30pm. Idle WMC. See below.

Sun 17th Dec 06

Sewage Works Surprise Club Handicap race. 10am.

26th Dec 06

Chevin Chase race, 11am. See below.

31st Dec 06

Auld Lang Syne Fell race. 11.30 am. 6miles/900’ from Penistone Hill Country Park, Haworth.

Attendance Scheme/ Club races – 2006 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. 

Peter Hilliard  is the September’s Attendance winner.

The Club races for 2006, where points can be earned, are as follows:

Date

Race Details

Comments.

February 12th  Sun

Liversedge Half Marathon, 12.00 noon.

5 Idle vests at the Liversedge Half. Jo 5th woman, Laura 2nd F45 and Jo, Laura & Lisa got the team  prize

March 12th   – Sun

Spen 20mile, 10am.  

8 of us braved the blizzard conditions. M45 club record for Simon Bellwood, Female club record & 3rd in York’s Champs for Jo, F45 club record for Laura and pb’s for Adrian & Stephen.

April- Sun 2nd

Baildon Boundary Way Half, 10.30am.

11 of us ran in extreme mud for the BBW. Chris Stubbs was 14th overall.

May – Wed 3rd

John Carr 5k, Esholt, 7.30pm. Fast, flat course.

A busy event meant only 14 of us got entries. Club records from Dave Lewis & Ana Lincoln.

May 3rd - Wed

Hare & Hounds Fell Race, Lothersdale 3.6m/690’. BS.

7 Idle AC vests for this local fell race.

May – Sun 7th

Leeds Half Marathon, 10am.

6 of the club entered this local event. Including Dave Lewis who got sub 1.30 for the first time!

May -Sun 14th

Ripon 10m. Part of Black Sheep series.

10 of us ran this scenic challenging race including Simon Bellwood who set a new M45 record with 1.06.54, Lisa Flesher with an F35 record in 1.12.40 and Richard Lyons who ran sub 70mins for first time.

May – Sun 28th

Melmerby 10k. Part of Black sheep series.

7 members of the club ran this 2nd race in the Black Sheep Series. Chris Stubbs broke the M40 club record in 36.25.

June- Sat 3rd

Kirkby Malzeard 10k. Part of Black sheep series.

7 at this lovely Saturday afternoon race

June  8th – Thurs   

Bronte 5, 7.30pm. Hilly two lap course.

8 Idle AC vests, including Simon Bellwood who set a new M45 CR.

June- 8th

Thurs 

Apperley Bridge Canter race. 7.30pm. Approx 10k.

11 members race this local event. Success for Donna and Hayley who were 1st & 2nd women.

June 11th –Sun

Harewood House 10k

Only Ana ran this local event.

June – Sat 24th  

Eldwick  Gala Fell Race 3pm. 3m/300’

Unfortunately no –one from Idle turned out for this local fell race. This could have been due to the Idle Beer Festival the night before.

July 1st – Sat 

Burn Valley Half. Part of Black Sheep series. 2pm.

A baking hot day but 7 hardy souls braved the heat! Ammie won some biscuits as a spot prize!

July 1st – Sat

Carr Lane Challenge. 5 mile trail race. 2pm.

Donna was 1st woman past the post. Ian won the men’s race.

July 12th – Wed 

Stirton Fell Race

Chris Stubbs & Phil Routh ran this popular fell race.

Aug 12th – Sat

Arncliffe 4 mile Road race and/or 1.8m fell  AS, 3pm.

Donna 4th in road, 2nd in fell, Ana 1st F50 road, Phill last in fell.

Aug 19th- Sat

Burnsall 10m(2.30pm) road race and/or 1.5 m fell race.

Ana ran this event.

Aug 28th –Mon

Spofforth 10k Trail. 1.30pm.

Chris just managed to stay ahead of Adrian & Richard , who retched over a fence at the end.

Sept 10th- Sun

Robin Hood Full & Half 

Marathons 10.05am

4 women in marathon, including Ana who ran her debut. New club records in F40 & F50. Great runs from Peter Hilliard, Judith (debut), Stephen, Julie (PB) & Suzanne in the half.

Sept 24th – Sun  

Horsforth 10k, 10am.

7 for this local race.

Oct 15th -Sun

Bridlington Half, 12 Noon.

Trevor set an M50 Club record. Nick ran a PB time.

Oct – Sun 29th

Holmfirth 15mile. 10.30am.

Hilly but strangely appealing.

Nov – Sun 5th  

Guy Fawkes 10mile 10.30am.

Entries can be handed in to Martin.

Nov 26th Sun.

Abbey Dash 10k, 9.30am.

A bit boring but a fast, flat 10k.

Race results: Various races

Wetherby 10k 17th Sept 06

 

36         Donna Edmondson-Booker           42.29

38         Richard Lyons                             42.36

65         Gary Naylor                                46.57

There were 202 runners.

 

Great Langdale Half Marathon, Cumbria 24/9/06

 

88      Steve Little        1.47.12     

290    Kay Gambles    2.13.08 There were 385 runners.

 

Selby Half 24/9/06

 

80    Richard Lyons             1.31.27           PB on his birthday!!

112  Adrian Trevelyan         1.35.11

198  Gary Naylor                 1.43.42    There were 447 runners.

 

Horsforth 10k 24/9/06

 

44    Peter Helliwell        42.54

48    Simon Blackburn    43.05

64    Peter Hilliard          43.58

78    Phill Routh             45.09

        Warren Fletcher      48.30     

165  Tim Whitcombe       50.57

265   Ana Lincoln            58.16    There were 350 runners. 

 

Thieveley Pike Fell Race, Burnley. Sat 30/9/06: 4.25m/1300'.

 

170    Tony Blythe    47.32    There were 196 runners.

 

Good Shepherd 15 mile fell race Sat 30/9/06

 

24    Chris Smith    2.35.18

48    Lisa Flesher    3.31.27 There were 49 runners.

 

Kirkstall Abbey 10k 1/10/06

 

105    Gary Naylor       45.17

149    Warren Fletcher 47.53

There were 370 runners.

 

Great North Run: 1/10/06

 

Name

Time

Race No

Position

Anastasia Lincoln

02:11:48

26689

4288

Sarah Holness

02:15:52

26677

5353

Peter Hilliard

01:34:06

5130

863

Nick Thorp

01:57:52

26679

7479

Andy Moakler

02:12:14

39506

13153

 

 

Harewood 10 8/10/06

282       Philip Twigg        85.08

304       Laura Brook        86.48

393       Alison Garlick     93.57

485       Ana Lincoln        105.24   There were 532 runners.

 

Bronte Way 8 mile fell race 8/10/06

126       Lisa Flesher        1.21.25  There were 188 runners.

 

Scarborough 10 8/10/06

 

28         Steve Little         1.09.45

39         Gary Naylor        1.13.25

65         Kay Gambles      1.21.14  There were 121 runners.

 

1st Complete Runner Cross Country Race Sat 14th Oct, Huddersfield.

 

Men 10k

 125    Chris Smith            40.07

146    Chris Booker          40.53 There were 202 runners.

 

Women 5k

 20    Donna Edmondson-Booker    22.25

37    Hayley Atkinson-Windsor        23.19

60    Lisa Flesher                              25.25 There were 96 runners.

 

Bridlington Half Marathon Sun 15th Oct:

134    Adrian Trevelyan       1.31.31

290    Michael Masleczko    1.42.41

303    Trevor Hooley           1.43.29    M50 CR.

398    Nick Thorp                1.49.58    PB

545    Ana Lincoln               2.03.34    There were 653 runners. 

 

 

 

 

Fell Races: Oct to end December 06.                       

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.

 

SUN OCT 8th  BRONTE WAY. BM. 11am. 8m/1150’ from Wycoller Country Park Info Centre. £6 to organiser by 2nd Oct if coach to start required.  £6 on day. Point to Point race from Wycoller to Fleece Inn,  Haworth.  Beer to every finisher. Soup & roll to all finishers. Coach to start from Haworth, leaving at 9.45am .Website: www.kcac.co.uk

 

SUN OCT 15th BEEFY’s NAB. BS. 3pm. 3m/650’ from Lamb Inn, Oxenhope.£3 on day. Race in memory of Ashley Bevan. All proceeds to Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association.    All competitors asked to bring a raffle prize. Website: www.kcac.co.uk

 

SAT OCT 22nd WITHINS SKYLINE. BM. 11.30am. 7mile/1000’ from Penistone Hill Country Park, Haworth. £3 on day. All finishers receive a Cadbury’s “Curly Wurley”. Free coffee & biscuits. Dave Woodhead event.

 

SUN OCT 29th RUNNING BEAR RACE YOU TO THE SUMMIT. CS. 11.30am. 4m/800’ from the Summit Inn on the A6033 Todmorden Road, Summit, Near Littleborough. £3 on day. Local knowledge an advantage. Course partially marked. Website:  www.ogdenwater.freeserve.co.uk

 

SUN OCT 29th HALLOWEEN HOWLER – KILDWICK. BS. 11.30am. 3.75m/800’ from White Lion pub, Kildwick between Keighley & Skipton. £3 on day. Website: www.kcac.co.uk

 

SAT NOV 4TH SHEPHERDS SKYLINE. BM. 2pm.6.25m/1150’ from the Shepherds Rest Inn, Lumbutts Road, Todmorden. £3.50 on day. Website: www.todharriers.co.uk

 

SAT NOV 18th GREAT WHERNSIDE FELL RACE. AS. 11am. 4m/1555’ from the Kettlewell campsite. £4 on day. Local knowledge an advantage.

 

SAT NOV 25th HARRIERS V CYCLISTS. CM.2pm. 6m/650’ from Fishermans Inn, Dowley Gap, Bingley. £2.50 on day. Website: www.bingleyharriers.co.uk

 

SAT NOV 25th 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 26th RIVOCK EDGE FELL RACE. BM. 11.15am. 9m/1500’ Registration from Bridge Inn, Silsden. Nr Keighley. £4 on day.

 

SUN DEC 3rd BOLTON BY BOWLAND FELL RACE. CM. 11.30am. 8m/800’ from Bolton By Bowland Village, near Clitheroe, Lancs.£2.50 on day. Refreshments, village pub.

 

SUN DEC 10th 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 17th 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”.

 

SUN DEC 31st THE 13th 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.

West Yorkshire Winter League 2006/7 season

This is the main league that we encourage members of Idle AC to run.

 

This will be Idle AC’s fifth year in the WYWL and it’s important that as a club we all try to commit to running in all 5 fixtures if at all possible as these are TEAM events.  In past years we have proved that we can field a fairly strong team when the whole club runs. This year we have many more members who will be a real asset in these events. Please all take the opportunity to ask the Committee (and other members) any questions about the WYWL, particularly if you are new to cross country running.  The League, whilst competitive, is friendly and encouraging to all levels. It would be great to have some of our newer runners giving the WYWL events a go. I’ve (Davina) done over 14 years of League races and I’m the worst off road runner ever so please don’t ever feel that you aren’t ‘a good enough runner’ as its never stopped me!!

 

To count for individual awards you must complete all five events, and your scores will be added together. At the end of each race each individual is given a tag which denotes their points scored in the race. This works as follows: The first male runner gets 200 points, second gets 199, third gets 198 and so on. The first female runner gets 100 points, second gets 99, third gets 98 and so on.  So in addition to the team positions, individual results are available after each event and individual and category winners are presented with individual trophies at the Presentation Evening held at the end of the season (great bash). 

 

There are 8 clubs that form the WYWL: Idle A.C, Pudsey Pacers, Skipton A.C., Leeds & Bradford Tri, Dewsbury Road Runners, Baildon Runners, Stainland Lions and St.Bede’s.  The fixtures for 2006/7 are confirmed as follows:

 

Date            Host club                          Venue

1.Nov 19th   Idle AC                   New course at Buck woods area.

2.Dec 3rd      LBT                       Temple Newsam. Fancy dress/silly hats. 

3.Jan 7th       Dewsbury                Details of course to be confirmed.

4. Jan 28th     Baildon Runners       Tong Park, Baildon. Note 1pm start

5. Feb 18th    St.Bede’s                  Esholt woods.               

 

With the exception of the Baildon event (1pm start) all races will start at 11am. Full details will be circulated to club 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:

 

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

1st Male Team.

1st Female team.

1st 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 2nd Combined Team can enter the Plate Race at the National Final which will take place at Nottingham in March 07.  Further details will be circulated prior to each event.

This year we are hosting an event on 19th November (see above) so we will not only need everyone to run we’ll need everyone’s family and friends to marshal. Let Chris/Davina know who is available to marshal. We need at least 16 marshals for our two lap (one small followed by one larger lap course) in Buck woods. The course is approx 4.5 miles. 

Any questions please speak to Chris as he is not only Secretary of the WYWL but he is the only runner to have run all 70 consecutive races in the past 14 years (Davina has slacked and has only run 68!).

Brathay Windermere Marathon: Sun 20th May 2007.

For those not doing London you might want to consider the Windermere Marathon. The race was last run in 1986 and is billed as being the most scenic marathon in Britain and one of the most challenging courses. The route goes anticlockwise through Hawkshead, Newby Bridge, Windermere and Ambleside. Visit the website at www.brathay.org.uk for further details.

 

Notts Marathon Success

Congratulations to Jo, Laura, Davina & Ana who finished 3rd women’s team at the Nottingham marathon. They each received a £20 Sweatshop voucher.

Great North Run

Hello Chris and Davina and committee members etc,

Well I managed to get myself round the great north run yesterday.Did it in 02:12:14 which I must say I’m pretty pleased with. I’ll just have to wait a little longer to break the 2 hour barrier.I know this result is small beer in the scheme of Idle AC but for me it pretty good and 40 mins less than I did it 3 years ago.So I’d just like to thank you all for running such a great club and for encouraging and broadening my running knowledge that enabled me to push myself towards that time.I also now fully appreciate that the 2 hour barrier is just there for the taking if I put a little more effort in. Which is something of a revelation to me.

So thanks again and hopefully I’ll see you on Tuesday. Cheers, Andy Moakler.

Rombald’s Stride – Training Opportunity

Rombald’s Stride is a local moorland  event starting at Guiseley and includes Baildon Hill,  lkley Moor and Otley Chevin.   Established over 25 years ago it continues to attract a field of some 400 runners and walkers to the 25 mile circuit of moor, trail, bog and road.  It would be good if there was a strong contingent of Idle Runners at this local event next year.

 

To give more club members the sort of experience needed to tackle Rombald’s, new member Tony Wimbush has offered to lead a series of Sunday runs during the winter which will end with a recce of the full route.  If you are committed to turning out to do most of these runs please contact Tony by the end of October to indicate your support.

 

 Email:  twimbush@fish.co.uk  or Tel: 01274 636907.

 

It needs at least 4 club members for this training programme to go ahead so if it is of more than passing interest please ensure you contact Tony as soon as possible. He can then let you know if there is sufficient support.  Exact meeting places will be arranged later. 

 

Please note that in the interests of safety, whatever the apparent weather conditions, you must carry full waterproof body cover, hat, gloves and a spare warm top, plus food and drink for the day.  It is also good training to run with the extra weight!!

 

PROPOSED TRAINING PROGRAMME

 

12th November            Howarth Circuit  (16 miles) – Start off with a roller-coaster outing across the Bronte moors.  Includes sections of the 31 mile Wuthering Hike fell race route. 

 

26th November            South Pennine Twin Challenge Part 1 – Manorlands Meander (18 miles)

                                    Varied running on a hill ‘an dale route south of Howarth. 

 

9th December                LDWA Irregulars Rounds – option of one, two or all three loops ( 22 miles total).  Informal  event in Summer Wine Country mainly for walkers but runners welcome.  A great opportunity to introduce yourself to longer distance runs.  Entry forms from Tony Wimbush.

 

17the December           South Pennine Twin Challenge part 2 - Hebden Valleys Heritage Trail

(19 miles).  A demanding circuit  with plenty of climbing round the heart of Calderdale starting from Mytholmroyd.

 

14th January                 Rombalds Stride Recce (25 miles) – The full route at a steady pace, starting from Guiseley

 

3rd February            ROMBALD’S  STRIDE – NOTE this is a SATURDAY.  Pre-entry only.  Entry Forms from Tony Wimbush.

Idle AC – Yorkshire Club of the Year 2006.

I was a bit nervous about attending the Yorkshire & Humberside Awards at Sheffield on my own. I didn’t know what to expect from the day. I didn’t know who would be there or what I would have to do.

 

As I travelled to Sheffield by train and then onto the Institute of Sport via tram I had lots of time to think about the ceremony and also to reflect on why Idle AC were being awarded the title of Yorkshire Club of the year (Off track) in the first place.

 

As I thought about attending the awards I realised that I shouldn’t feel nervous – after all I’d be in a room with other runners and people involved in running. Running is something I know about. I’m not super fast or super fit but I can hold my own in most running conversations. I’ve trained and raced in a wide variety of different environments and raced at all distances. I understand the workings of a running club and really enjoy being with other runners. Once I thought about all this I began to feel at ease.

 

As I got nearer to the Institute I reflected on why Idle AC, a relatively young club, had gained the title of Yorkshire Club of the Year. When Chris & I formed Idle AC in March 02 we wanted to try a build a forward thinking, progressive club, that had a positive training ethic, with a recognition of the importance of progress. We also wanted to encourage all members to reach their full potential.

 

Idle AC is recognised as a club that has a strong training ethic – Tuesday nights coached sessions, involving some very nasty hill and speed work sessions are well attended. Other clubs acknowledge the hard work that members put in.

 

Idle AC members are recognised at various races. We have had members racing at most major and local events. Within our third year as a club we had not only had runners at the Yorks, Regional & National cross country races we had emerged as overall winners of the West Yorkshire Winter League. Not bad when you consider the clubs we were up against.

 

Idle AC has successfully hosted two Idle Trail races – a race that this summer saw a huge increase in entrants in only its second year. The whole club worked together to make both events a great success. Our success showed by the massive amount of positive race feedback received.

 

Idle AC has constantly encouraged members, and prospective members, to help reach their potential. We’ve recently seen new members such as Andy and Nick set new pb’s at half marathons. We’ve been able to congratulate ‘veteran’ member, Chris Stubbs, as he won the Yorkshireman Marathon. We’ve seen the potential new members from within the Beginners Group.     

 

As I entered the impressive Institute of Sport I knew that I could deal with anything the day offered and that Idle AC deserved the recognition of the award I was about to collect. I no longer felt nervous – I just felt immensely proud.

 

The afternoon was great. A large room with nicely decorated tables, a lovely buffet lunch, and a copy of the programme for each award winner. I sat with, and spent the afternoon with, a couple of women from Spenborough AC, Sheila Bottan & her daughter Amanda Pearson. Shelia was being presented as volunteer of the year. They were both great company and were happy to talk about their running experiences. I found it both interesting and enlightening to learn about track running and about their wider experiences of running in general.

 

All the other prize winners that I spoke to were all giving people, who were all involved with and committed to the sport. Everyone there was keen to celebrate the successes within the sport and not individual success.

 

Ours was one of the final awards to be given out. I listened to the speech about Idle AC’s achievements and heard how we were acknowledged as a club with a bright future.

 

As I collected the award on behalf of all at Idle AC I knew they were correct.

 

Congratulations to us all!!! – Davina.

 

 

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.

 

Embroidered souvenir badges are available for the  South Pennines Twin Challenge routes.  Proceeds to charity

 
 


New members

This month we welcome Tim Whitcombe. Tim first got involved with us in the Summer when he helped marshal the Idle Trail Race. Since then Tim has continued to train with the club and joined us in time to run the Horsforth 10k. Welcome.

Amsterdam 15th Oct.

Jane said get under 1.40 and I'll buy you a post-race massage.
 
I've neglected my training over the last couple of months and a half-marathon in 1.40 seemed a tough call. Adding to my woes, my achilles was sore. But with a weekend booked in Amsterdam to coincide with the city's festival of running, the gauntlet had been thrown down. I was going to do the Amsterdam half marathon in under 1.40.
 
It felt like the whole city was geared up - either to run or to support those running. Jane did the 10k - a route which she said was really pretty: a mixture of new and historic Amsterdam. My half marathon was very much head-down and get 
on with it,  so for me it was all very much of a blur. On paper this is as PB course. It's a flat as the Dutch pancake. 
The only drawback is that it’s very busy and it gets worse towards the end because three or four miles from the finish, the half marathon merges with the marathon which had started earlier in the day! 
But the finish makes up for it: a lap around the 1928 Olympic Stadium. It's packed with spectators who carry on screaming whether you’re first or the ten thousandth and first runner. It's the closest I'll get to experiencing Olympic glory. The sight as you turn from the road into the stadium, the lanes of the athletic track unfolding in front of you, the crowds, the deafening chorus...
 
And I crossed the finishing line in 1.38. 
 
At the finish Jane tried to steer me back to the race HQ where an army of sports therapists were waiting with their liniment oil. I had different ideas. There's a whole district of Amsterdam that's geared up for massage and that's where I 
was heading. And there was an ad in the back of a little guide book we'd picked up the night before in a bar. Natalie - who is of Brazilian extraction - offered a full personal service. Tantalisingly, the ad revealed, she'd get you ready for action and then she would work you so hard you'd be panting and praying for it all to stop. But ten minutes later you'd be up for more. Sounds like Chris and one of his Tuesday night sessions.

I flew home and had a cold bath instead. –Dave Lewis.

Christmas Do 2006

Friday 8th December sees our 2006 Christmas Do at Idle Working Men’s Club. The fun starts at 7.30pm. This year we offer you live entertainment as we’ve booked local band, Idle Pop to perform for us. We’ll have a buffet and a raffle. Please give decent raffle prizes (one decent prize per family would be good!!) to Kay. You get all this for only £7.50 per person. Please pay Davina. We can guarantee a great night out.  The London marathon club entry draw will also take place so anyone who has their London Marathon entry rejected will be eligible for the draw for one of the club’s two entries.

5th Annual Sewage Works Surprise Club Handicap Race: Sunday 17th 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 17th December 06. 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 Jane Lewis (in a very fetching little Santa number!). Chris Stubbs finished in second place with Richard Lyons in 3rd. Jane received the special trophy, presented to her by Chris, at the presentation afternoon at the Symposium.  After last year’s brilliant bash we have secured the same deal at the same price this year. 

 

Email from Jane…. The joys of being a runner.

Dear Chris & Davina,

I had the best run of my life this morning. Not in terms of speed or distance but in terms of happiness.

I ran for one hour and 45 mins excluding a pit stop at the Five Rise Locks café on the canal and it was just wonderful. I never once thought what a chore it was, even though I had to continually climb for the first three quarters of an hour from
Cottingley up into Gilstead, Eldwick, up Heights Lane and finally down into East Morton. I dropped down onto the canal to get back to the Fisherman’s Pub and then home.


It was simply a perfect morning with a clear blue sky and a sun that warmed the bones instead of searing the skin and sapping the lungs. Going up Heights Lane and into East Morton was like being in the Yorkshire Dales with rolling green hills
and a misty horizon that beckoned you on ever further.


Down on the canal it was like being catapulted into one of those photos on a biscuit box -  heavy boughs sweeping the water, ducks and swans splashing in the dappled sunshine, and canal boats chugging by with people waving. The morning was
rounded off by a steam train roaring under the bridge on Wagon Lane.
Dog owners and cyclists were nice to me, politely moving out of my way, smiling and saying “well done!”  Even they had been touched by the Autumnal magic.
And I didn’t even have to get into my car to enjoy all this.

How lucky am I?                                                  Jane

Keswick 2 Barrow 2007: Sat 12th May 07

It’s been a few months since a group of us “ran” the 40 mile challenge in the Lake District & while memories of the pain, along with blisters faded fast, the joy of completing such an event will stay with us for many years.  We all have a strong desire to be there next year & YOU are welcome to join us so please put the above date in your running calendar.

 

We do intend to make it a Club event in 2007 & I will pubicise the details nearer the time.  I know it’s a long way off at the moment, but if anyone is remotely interested in attempting the challenge, just drop me an email & I’ll note the interest.  You can contact me at: martin@idleac.co.uk 

 

Martin.

Leeds Abbey Dash: Final points race for 2006

We now have entry forms for the Leeds Abbey Dash on Sunday 26th November at 9.30am. Please get your entries in as soon as possible as the race soon reaches its limit (please note its £13 to enter though!). You can now enter online at www.helptheaged.org.uk/dash2006.

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. There is a pre-event aerobic warm up which takes place in Victoria Gardens, The Headrow, from 8.30am.

Vets Bill…. 

Sunday November 12th sees the last of this seasons Yorkshire Vet's Grand Prix races, it starts near the Springhall Mansion in Halifax at 11:00. This will be a new route but I'm advised that it is a flat, fast 10k along the canal if that is possible in Halifax.

 

Springhall Mansion is on the A629 going out of Halifax just past the Shay football ground.  Arrive early as there is a short walk to the start.  The entry is £2.

 

Funny things happen when you least expect it. Whilst on a short bike training ride with one of my cycling buddies last week we happened on the newly opened Saltaire Brewery. Strangely, the brakes locked at the same time and both bikes veered towards the Brewery all by themselves, although we tried manfully to keep going straight on.

 

After a long but dry look round and speaking to the MD, I would like to arrange a club visit probably late January or early February. The cost is £5 per head which includes a free pint then £1.50 per pint afterwards and would be on a weekday evening Monday - Thursday. Let me know what you think.

 

Lastly are you a considerate runner. See my top 10 tips on Racing Etiquette and tick the ones you do.

 

1,          Line Up Correctly

At the start of the race, it is of upmost importance that you align yourself properly by facing the right way. When people line up accurately, everyone is safer and happier.

 

2,          Don't Wear Headphones

When wearing headphones, it is hard, if not impossible, to hear other runners as they approach or volunteers/police as they try to give you vital information such as mind that dogs teeth or look out there's a river.

 

3,          Keep Kids and Pets Controlled

Enough said.

 

4,          SMILE!

Don't forget you are there to have fun. Take a deep breath, relax, smile, and feel free to chat with people excepting those you want to beat.

 

5,          Stay to the Middle

In most races, the outsides of the course are for passing. If you are not passing, but rather running with the body of runners, stay to the middle of the lane. This will allow people to pass on the outside instead of having to weave back and forth around people. Try this on your next Great North Run.

 

6,          Thank the Volunteers

Smile, wave, say "thank you", even grunt in their direction to let them know you appreciate what they are doing.

 

7,          Be Aware of Those Around You

When you are racing, it is easy to lose yourself in your thoughts and forget about the people around you. This leads to people being cut-off or even being tripped, try tying your shoelaces just before a stile in a cross country race.  Also be aware of your surroundings, even when doing speed sessions.

 

8,          Have Waterstop Courtesy

Be especially aware of people around you during waterstops. It's important that you don't slow down, or start walking, directly in front of someone else who is going faster.

 

9,          Have Weestop Courtesy

As above.

 

10,        Clear the Chute

When you finally cross the finish line, don't just stop to catch your breath. If you stop directly after you cross the finish line, you may find yourself being run over by others trying to cross behind you and it hurts.

 

- Steve Little

Wallets for sale 

We have the last few red & black Idle Trail Race wallets on sale or black & white Idle AC wallets on sale (ideal Christmas pressies!) at the bargain price of £2.50.

 

Track Night 

We have booked Horsfall Track (near Odsal roundabout) on Tuesday 7th November at 7pm for a coached session. The cost will be £2 per runner but the Thursday night will then be free.

From The Coach…

“You’re always bound to piss someone off, Chris!” said Davina, perhaps a little too ambiguously.  She knows historically that this is true – so much so that I have been likened to a certain infamous fascist dictator.  The comparison misfired, though, since I am rather proud to have made such an impression.

 

It’s about taking a position.  Whilst I have no immediate desire to commit genocide or invade a succession of European countries, and these activities are certainly not in the Club Development Plan, I think it’s important to take the position you believe in, and act accordingly.  And that can really piss people off. 

 

My position is that you should all run cross country races.  I don’t think that just quick people who can win prizes should run them.  Everyone should.   They develop stamina, agility, balance, physical strength, mental strength and a concept of teamwork in every runner at every level. 

 

And have I changed my position?  No.  The evidence is as follows.  In 1989, a few months after joining my then club, Eccleshill Road Runners, I read about a local cross country league in the then “Today’s Runner” magazine (now “Running Fitness”) and persuaded the club to enter.  The “Today’s Runner League” was designed for new and steady runners.  The courses were not too long, and anyone who ran faster than 6 minute mile pace for men, or 7 minute mile pace for women, was prohibited from taking part.

 

Our Club, barely a year old, jumped in at the deep end with a race at Dewsbury, and I loved it.  It was a horrible shock for some of the social joggers, though, and I don’t think they ever really forgave me. 

 

The league was informally organised to say the least, and the results were done manually. The scoring system was bizarre – the first runner scored one point, the second, two points, and so on.  But if a club did not turn out a full team, 100 points were added to their score for each missing runner.  On one occasion one of our members came 101st.  Clearly no-one had expected there to be more than 100 runners.  During one of my more tactless moments, I observed that if he had stayed at home in bed he would have scored more points for the club.  He went home and told his wife, and goodness me, she was really pissed off.   Well I was only young! 

 

Eventually the organiser was driven to some kind of breakdown, and I offered to plug the gap with a computer.  However in all other respects the low key format was already working.  Apart from a run in with a mad Welshman from Skipton Runners over female vets, I found people from all the clubs working together to make the events work.  They encouraged all their members to run, regardless of ability.  We stuck to the same formula each year, gradually simplifying the administration and results service, and people from the clubs got to know each other.  After the rivalries at every level during the races, the Presentations became vital annual events.

 

In what is now the West Yorkshire Winter League, we have something that really works.  This year we had to turn away 5 clubs that wanted to join, because the eight member clubs are turning out over 200 runners to each event.  We just couldn’t cope with higher numbers.

 

So that’s fine.  We want everyone to take part, and we continue to provide an entry level league.  We are totally committed to that.   So on the one hand, if it’s not broke don’t fix it, but on the other, what else, what next?  Idle AC describes itself as progressive, therefore surely whilst we should continue to do what works well, we should simultaneously explore and experiment.  This does not decrease the importance of what we do well.  We should be able to do both. 

 

Nothing is more certain than the fact that some people will be completely pissed off by all this constant going on about cross country.  Where did it come from anyway? Some will regard it as the preserve of track athletes who have nothing to do in winter, others will remember nightmarish ordeals at school. 

 

In the end, then, some people will say “It’s just not my thing, Chris,” and I will respect them for saying so.  It’s about taking a position, which should not be seen as unnecessarily difficult.  In general, it’s entirely possible to disagree in principle with someone, and yet get on with them perfectly well.  If there is no foul play, how much better it is to know you differ and to respect those differences, than to gloss over and pretend, or worse still to fall out. 

 

The common unifying factor is distance running, yet to retain our motivation and development we should not only do what we enjoy doing, but occasionally seek to make it new.  On Tuesday 7th November the session is at Horsfall Track.  The prospect of a track based speed session will no doubt fill some members with dread.  Yet it is a different experience on a different surface – tartan tracks have a unique precision and bounce – and one ideally suited to runners at every level.

 

Similarly on 23rd January I will run a sportshall based running session.  Almost no-one will have any idea what that entails.  But each new and different activity will add to your breadth of understanding of the sport.  So as with the cross country races, come and have a go.  Make it new.  And if you hate it, tell me so!  Take your position, but speak from the wisdom of experience, and use that experience to help you progress towards your chosen goal.  I have failed many times, but still believe that failure is a prerequisite for ultimate success.  If you are too scared of failure to try, you will never truly succeed, but in the end it’s your choice – the Club is definitely a democracy, not a dictatorship!

 

 

                                                                        -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

18:40

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

36.25

M45

Dave Lewis

38:57

10 Miles

Open

Joe Marjoram

1:01:22

M40

Chris Stubbs

1:05:14

M45

Simon Bellwood

1:06:54

M50

Trevor Hooley

1:20:04

Half Marathon

Open

Douglas Briggs

1:18:58

M40

Chris Smith

1:24:05

M45

Simon Bellwood

1:22:48

M50

Trevor Hooley

1:43:29

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

M40

Simon Bellwood

2:17:26

M45

Simon Bellwood

2:13:50

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

Distance

Category

Name

Time

5 Km

Open

Donna Edmondson

19:03

F35

Lisa Flesher

20.17

F40

Laura Brook

21.36

F45

Kay Gambles

20.59

F50

Ana Lincoln

27.01

5 Miles

Open

Donna Edmondson

33:46

F35

Lisa Flesher

37:17

F45

Kay Gambles

40.03

F50

Ana Lincoln

43.13

10 Km

Open

Hayley Atkinson-Windsor

40:51

F35

Lisa Flesher

44:09

F40

Laura Brook

48.23

F45

Laura Brook

46:13

F50

Ana Lincoln

52:39

10 Miles

Open

Donna Edmondson

1:10:13

F35

Lisa Flesher

1:12:40

F45

Kay Gambles

1:16:50

F50

Ana Lincoln

1.32.38

Half Marathon

Open

Hayley Atkinson-Windsor

1:32:19

F35

Lisa Flesher

1:33:50

F40

Kay Gambles

1:51:00

F45

Laura Brook

1:41:39

F50

Ana Lincoln

1:53:27

15 Miles

Open

Donna Edmondson

1:50:54

F35

Amnuay Scott

2:00:43

20 Miles

Open

Joanne Belcher

2:37:11

F35

Davina Smith

3:01:01

F40

Kay Gambles

3:02:00

F45

Laura Brook

2:48:05

Marathon

Open

Joanne Belcher

3:21:31

F35

Lisa Flesher

3:37:28

F40

Davina Smith

4:02:58

F45

Laura Brook

3:55:10

F50

Ana Lincoln

4.47.06