Date	Event
Sun 16^th Sept 07	Stainland 7. 10.30am.
Sun 16^th Sept 07	Mileta 10k (Spenborough) 11am.
Sun 16^th Sept 07	Embsay Fell races, 12noon. BOFRA event.
Sun 23^rd Sept 07	Kirkstall Abbey 10k, 10am.
Sun 30^th Sept 07	Horsforth 10k. 10am. Woodhouse Grove school.
Sun 7^th Oct 07	Bronte Way. 11am. 8m/1150’ from Wycoller Country Park, Haworth. See fell list.
Sun 7^th Oct 07	Harewood 10 mile Trail Race, 10.35am. (2 mile fun run at 10.30).
Sun 7^th Oct 07	Selby Half, 11am.
Sun 14^th Oct 07	Richmond Castle 10k, 11am.
Sun 14^th Oct 07	Scarborough 10m road race, 11am.
Sun 21^st Oct 07	Withins Skyline Fell Race, BM, 7m/1000’ 11.30am. See fell list
Sun 28^th Oct 07	Holmfirth 15mile. 10.30am.
Sun 4^th Nov 07	Guy Fawkes 10m. Lovely mixed terrain race.
Sun 11^th Nov 07	1^st WYWL cross country hosted by Idle AC – all club needed to run/marshal etc. See below.
Sun 25^th Nov 07	Leeds Abbey Dash, see below.

Attendance Scheme/ Club races – 2007 details:

Top 25 Club Races for 2007: 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 prize 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.

August’s Attendance winners are Adrian, Phill & Chris Smith.

Name	August									August	August
	7	9	14	16	21	23	28	30		Races	Totals
Adrian Trevelyan	1	1	1		1	1	1	1		5	12
Ana Lincoln	1									5	6
Andy Shorey					1		1				2
Chris Smith	1		1	1	1	1	1	1			7
Chris Stubbs	1			1			1				3
Claire McConnell					1						1
David Lewis				1	1		1				3
Davina Smith			1				1				2
Gary Naylor			1	1							2
Hayley Atkinson-Windsor		1	1	1		1	1	1			6
Jo Belcher		1		1		1		1			4
Judith Wolstenhulme	1		1								2
Julie Parker					1		1				2
Laurence Doddy			1								1
Lisa Hall	1			1		1	1	1			5
Maria Furness	1										1
Martin Burnside						1					1
Nick Thorp			1								1
Phil Joyner	1	1	1		1		1	1			6
Phil Routh	1	1	1	1	1	1		1			7
Richard Lyons	1		1				1				3
Shaun Lennon		1	1			1		1			4
Simon Bellwood								1			1
Stephen Wolstenhulme	1		1								2
Tim Whitcombe		1		1		1		1			4
Tony Blythe		1	1	1	1		1	1			6
	11	8	14	10	9	9	12	11	0	10	94

The Club races for 2007, where points can be earned are as follows.

Date	Race Details	Comments.
February 11^th Sun	Liversedge Half Marathon, 12.00 noon.	6 hardy souls ran this tough ½ m including Gary who was very near to his PB.
March 18^th – Sun	Spen 20mile, 10am.	Tough conditions with gale force winds & hale stones but good runs from most of us, especially Adrian, Gary & Tim and an F50 CR from Ana.
March – Sun 25^th	Ackworth half, 10.30am.	Dave Lewis flew the Idle flag & was only seconds off his pb.
April – Tues 3^rd	Bunny Run (1) 3miles, 7pm.	13 of us were tempted by the allure of chocolate!!
April –Sat 14^th	Meanwood Valley Trail Race, approx 7m.	Jo, Hannah, Julie & Simon ran this scenic trail course.
April – Sun 29^th	Rothwell 10k.	Only Maria & Ana attended this race which was soon full. Maria set a new F35 club record.
May – Wed 2nd	John Carr 5k, Esholt, 7.30pm. Fast, flat course.	22 for this local 5k. Loads of PB’s, including Gary who'd just run London. Clare S was 3^rd F35 got a pb & set a new F35 CR. New M50 CR for Steve Little.
May -Sun 13th	Ripon 10m. Part of Black Sheep series.	M50 Club record from Steve Little. F35 Club record &PB from Julie Parker.
May – Sun 27^th	Melmerby 10k. Part of Black sheep series.	M50 CR from Steve and a fast race from Kay which was close to her PB.
June – Wed 6^th	Chevin Fell Race, AS, 3.5m/900’. 7.30pm.	No one ran this mid week event this year.
June – Thurs 7^th	Bronte 5, 7.30pm. Hilly two lap course.	F35 club record for Amnuay at this local event.
June – Sun 10^th	West Yorkshire Fire 5 2pm. Hilly & rural. Free food!!	Gary, Lisa, Andy & Ana were tempted by a hilly rural run (or was it the free food??).
June – Wed 13^th	Otley 10. 7.30pm.	14 ran this very popular event. First club race for Shaun & Phil. F35 club record for Ammy.
July –Sat 7^th	Oakworth Haul Fell Race, BM, 5m/650’. 3pm.	No one went to this event.
July – Wed 11^th	Stirton Fell Race. BS. 5.5m/1200’. 7.30pm.	Dave Lewis & Phill Routh flew the Idle flag.
July –Sun 22^nd	Pudsey 10k, 10.45.	Rhea was 6^th woman & won a bottle of wine. Gary, Andy, Jo, Davina, Edward & Ana all ran.
Aug – Sat 25^th	Burnsall 10 &/or fell race	Awaiting results
Aug –Mon 27^th	Spofforth 10k Trail. 1.30pm.	Adrian & Ana enjoyed the trail race.
Sept – Sun 2^nd	Sandal Castle 10k	4 Idle vests turned out for this trail 10k
Sept – Sun 9^th	Yorkshireman Marathon or Half, 10am.	Chris Stubbs was 5^th in the Marathon. Shaun ran his debut. Dave L ran in the half
Sept – Sun 30^th	Horsforth 10k, 10am.	Get your entries in.
Oct –Sun 21^st	Withins Skyline Fell Race, BM, 7m/1000’ 11.30am.
Oct – Sun 28^th	Holmfirth 15mile. 10.30am.
Nov – Sun 4^th	Guy Fawkes 10mile 10.30am.	Date TBC
Nov - Sun 25^th	Abbey Dash 10k, 9.30am.	Date TBC.

Race results: Various races

Yorks Vets Grand Prix Race 8 23/8/07

45 Dave Lewis 34.20

52 Pete Helliwell 34.31

90 Tony Blythe 39.18

138 Ana Lincoln 49.10 149 ran

Norland Moor Trail Race 7 miles 26/8/07

73 Warren Fletcher 61.33 116 ran.

Sandal Castle 10k 2/9/07

89 Pete Helliwell 44.57

280 Amnuay Scott 53.41

362 Hannah Peacock 56.36

460 Ana Lincoln 61.10 615 ran.

Grisedale Horseshoe Fell Race, Patterdale, Cumbria. 1/9/07 AM 10m/5000'

138 Phill Routh 3.25.23 There were 143 runners.

Yorkshireman Off Road Marathon, 9/9/07:

5th Chris Stubbs 3.27.14

35th Shaun Lennon 4.19.22 Debut marathon. 118 ran solo in the marathon.

Yorkshireman Half Marathon 9/9/07

65 Dave Lewis 2.00.55 There were 157 runners.

Wetherby 10k 9/9/07

140 Steve Little 49.49

141 Kay Gambles 49.50

177 Andy Moakler 51.48

230 Julie Parker 55.33

237 Ana Lincoln 56.38

Great Langdale 1/2 marathon 16/9/07

260 Steve Little 2.05.12 384 ran

Mileta 10k, Cleckheaton, 16/9/07

22 Hayley Atkinson-Windsor 41.55 2nd Female

48 Lisa Hall 49.09 69 ran

Robin Hood Marathon, Nottingham 16/9/07

378 Tim Whitcombe 3.49.46

912 Ana Lincoln 4.55.36 1059 ran

Robin Hood Half Marathon, Nottingham 16/9/07

949 Phil Joyner 1.43.50 pb

6507 ran

Yorks Vets Grand Prix Race 9, Honley, 16/9/07

49 Pete Helliwell 41.46 90 ran.

Harrogate Theatre 10k, 23/7/07:

23 Hayley Atkinson-Windsor 42.17 3^rd Female.

Fell Races: Sept 07 to end Nov 07.

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 SEPT 22nd GOOD SHEPHERD CLASSIC. BL. 10.30am. 15m/2000’ from the Good Shepherd Centre, Mytholmroyd. £5 to organiser or £6 on day. Experience required, Navigational skills required.

SUN OCT 7^th BRONTE WAY. BM. 11am. 8m/1150’ from Wycoller Country Park Info Centre. £6 to organiser by 29^th Sept 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

SAT OCT 21st WITHINS SKYLINE. BM. 11.30am. 5m/800’ (shortened course) 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 28^th RUNNING BEAR RACE YOU TO THE SUMMIT. BS. 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

SAT NOV 3^rd SHEPHERDS SKYLINE. BM. 1pm.6.m/1150’ from the Shepherds Rest Inn, Lumbutts Road, Todmorden. £4 on day. Website: www.todharriers.co.uk

SAT NOV 24^th HARRIERS V CYCLISTS. CM.2pm. 6m/650’ from Fishermans Inn, Dowley Gap, Bingley. £3 on day. Website: www.bingleyharriers.co.uk

SAT NOV 24^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 25^th RIVOCK EDGE FELL RACE. BM. 11.15am. 10m/1500’ Registration from Bridge Inn, Silsden. Nr Keighley. £4 on day.

West Yorkshire Winter League 2007/8 season

The League meeting took place on Friday 14^th September. At this meeting the dates and venues of the 5 West Yorkshire Winter League cross country events were arranged. This is the main league that we encourage members of Idle AC to run.

This will be Idle AC’s sixth 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 15 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 2007/8 are confirmed as follows:

Date Host club Venue

1.Nov 11th Idle AC Same course in Buck woods area.

2.Dec 2nd Dewsbury Venue to be confirmed. Fancy dress/silly hats.

3.Jan 6th Pudsey See below*.

4. Jan 27th Stainland Lions Stainland

5. Feb 24th Skipton Skipton.

* St.Bede’s may host the third event in place of Pudsey but this has yet to be confirmed.

All will be 11am starts. 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:

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 in March 07. Further details will be circulated prior to each event. This year’s presentation night (March 08) will be hosted by Baildon Runners (Details to follow nearer the time).

This year we are hosting an event on 11^th 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.

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 75 consecutive races in the past 14 years (Davina has slacked and has only run 73!).

London Marathon 2008: Sun 13^th April 08.

If you’d like to run the London Marathon in 2008 you will need to enter using the official entry form that is within the official event magazine called Marathon News. This is now available in all good sports shops plus there are copies at the club. Closing date for entries is 19^th October 2007.

If you have applied to run or have run the event in the last five years a copy of Marathon News will be sent to you automatically.
Check out the London Marathon Website for details: www.london-marathon.co.uk

Successful and unsuccessful applicants will receive a reply in early December 07. Anyone who is unsuccessful in their entry will be eligible for the draw for the club entry, which takes place at the Christmas Do. Idle AC will have at least 2 club entries.

In addition members gain an automatic place under the ‘good for your age’ system. If within 2005 or 2006 you have run between 2.45 and 3.00 (men aged 18-40) or sub 3.15 (men aged 41-59), you qualify automatically, and must fill in a different form. Women aged 18-49 need to have run between 3.15and 3.45 to qualify automatically. If you are a woman aged 50-54 the qualifying time is sub 4 hours. For those of you who have achieved these standards you need to write in giving details and proof of the qualifying marathon performance (i.e. copy of results and proof of your age). Of course if you happen to have run a recent sub 2:45 (men) or 3:15 (women) you do get a place on the elite start!

New members

This month we welcome 3 new members. Firstly there’s Andy Shorey who has recently joined & is set improve on his already quick running style. Next there’s Leon Winder who joined us after running the 2007 Idle Trail Race. Finally this month we welcome Tony Brayshaw, an ‘old’ friend of Chris & Davina’s who ran (a lifetime ago!) at their previous club. Tony also ran the Idle Trail Race & is also a keen cyclist. Welcome.

New Committee Member

Chris, Davina & Martin would like to welcome Lisa Hall to the Committee. Lisa has loads of running/racing experience, was involved in the organisation of the 2007 Idle Trail Race, and keeps talking about Ultras. Welcome.

Christmas Do 2007 Saturday 8^th December 07

We have booked the Christmas Do on Saturday 8^th December 07. This year we have booked the ‘Sporting Lodge’ on Highfield Road, Idle. There will be a hot buffet and a live band (Idle Pop), a raffle and the London Marathon Draw. The price is £15 per person (regardless of whether you eat or dance!) and all members, their partners and friends are invited. Please pay your £5 (per person) deposit to Davina no later than 28^th October and the remaining £10 balance must be paid by 25^th November. You are welcome to pay gradually on a weekly basis or pay the full amount in one go – whichever is best for you. The main thing is that EVERYBODY comes to the do. Any cheques need to be payable to Idle AC. In addition I’m wanting raffle prizes (decent, except for the mucky looking, previously orange, shorts!) - Davina

6^th Annual Sewage Works Surprise Club Handicap Race: Sunday 16^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 16^th December 07. 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 Hannah Peacock. Jane Lewis finished in second place with Nick Thorp 3^rd. Hannah 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.

Race entry forms.

Just a reminder that although we have race entry forms at the club (race entries folder) a quick way of getting entry forms (and results) is via the UK Results site. This is an excellent site run by John Schofield which contains loads of useful running stuff. The website address is: www.ukresults.net.

Safety on club nights

We all need to be more safety conscious now it's dark on an evening. We need to be all wearing bright or reflective clothing. The club provides reflective vests that should be worn by everyone.

Level 2 Officials Courses

During this Summer Chris, Davina & Steve all became Endurance Officials, Steve at Level 2 and Chris and Davina at Level 3. This was in recognition (by providing documentation/evidence) of the race/event organisation that they had carried out. England Athletics are now offering courses aimed at anyone who would like to become an official. The info below is taken from the England Athletics website. If any member would like to attend these courses please see a Committee member. The next courses in West Yorkshire are being held in October 07 (see England Athletics website for details).

Who are they aimed at?

The level 2 Officials courses are ideal for individuals with a basic knowledge of athletics who are interested in becoming and official.

Level 2 Officials do not have to have completed the Level 1 Course beforehand and the course enables individuals to act as officials at open meetings and league matches etc. It is the ideal course for club members wishing to become an official.

What does the course entail?

The Level 2 course, made up of 2 modules (normally done on the same day), is discipline specific i.e. the participants have to choose either Starter/Marksman, Field, Track or Timekeeping.

The generic module covers matters that are not discipline specific, such as responsibilities, basic Health and Safety/Risk Assessment etc. The discipline specific module covers rules and procedures and how to officiate safely and effectively.

After the course participants have to work at a minimum of four meetings covering a range of duties, and complete a log book. This includes simple questions on the rules and procedures, and records of experience and mentoring. It is completed at home, using the rule book, course materials or help from mentors, whenever convenient. Once completed and assessed as satisfactory the candidate become a qualified Level 2 Official.

Running round Bradford….

Running round Bradford (Shaun this is what you have been waiting for!)

– Saturday 24^th November (reserve date in Jan to be confirmed in case the weather is dire)

Some of you may remember that earlier in the year I mentioned the plan to run round Bradford this winter under the expert guidance of club member and ultra runner extraordinaire Tony Wimbush.

By ‘round Bradford’ I mean an off road route around the perimeter of the conurbation of Bradford, allowing us to embrace our local countryside from a new circular perspective. I can’t remember how far Tony said it was but it is at least thirty miles. But don’t let that put you off. It will be very steady. We will set off at 6:30am and allow nine hours so we will be back by nightfall (but we will take torches just in case). We will also need to take various other items such as waterproofs and drinks.

This will be ideal opportunity for a lot of club members to try out a longer distance as Tony will be there to lead the way and there will be no pressure. It is even more ideal now that Phil has handily trained a lot of people up so they can do a good twelve miles off road no bother. Also you have the added bonus of having to put up with whoever turns up for ages and ages.

While I am on the subject of running a longer distance, I may as well mention the Montrail Ultrarunning championships again. The Montrail races range from short 26 mile ones to long 50 or 60 milers which involve running through the night. I know this must appeal to some people (just follow your heart!) and I think the club could enter at least one team next year. So try out Tony’s run and see what you think.

Now I would just like to plant a little seed if you don’t mind. A few weeks ago, I was at the Open University Geological Society symposium in Lancaster (I know you are jealous, I can tell you about it on 24^th November if you like). On the first night at dinner I happened to get talking to a girl called Sarah. It turned out that she was some kind of super hero orienteering mountain marathoner. I asked what this entailed and basically she is fantastic at navigating in zero visibility through blizzards and mist in the Scottish mountains, running from grid reference to grid reference through the heather (no paths) and wading through waist deep icy rivers and then scaling steep rock faces very quickly to warm up again. Anyway, I mentioned this to Tim and he said he would love to do that (sorry Tim – I hope I haven’t given away your little secret!) and asked if I would train with him. I automatically said yes because I am so good at climbing over stiles and going through mud, it is honestly like I embody the spirit of the jaguar or something on a Sunday morning. So – how about that as well? Obviously to do that some of us will need more stamina and some of us will need to get better at running in general and we will all have to learn to navigate.

Please let me know if you are likely to turn up on 24^th or if you would like more info/persuading – Lisa Hall.

Track Nights

We have booked Horsfall Track (near Odsal roundabout) on the first two Tuesdays in November & December (this will replace the normal Tues session). Therefore we’d encourage ALL to come to Horsfall Track on Tuesday 6^th November and Tuesday 4^th December at 7pm for a coached session. The cost will be £2 per runner but the Thursday night will then be free.

Yorkshireman

It’s the unwritten rule of the road - beware of the man who drives a white van.

Given that, perhaps I should have been a bit more suspicious when Shaun turned up, van in tow to take four of us on a recce of the tough Yorkshireman marathon course. And before I get a letter from Shaun’s solicitor, I know his van is cream coloured. But that’s splitting hairs. Cream is the new white.

The plan was for us to mountain bike around the course and Shaun had volunteered to be our guide – and to transport us and the bikes to the start. But it wasn’t Shaun’s driving that was going to be put to the test. It was that other essential skill of the man with a van - his navigation!

Shaun approached the task with military-style planning. Before we set foot on the moor, he’d surveyed the route using Google satellite pictures. He was equipped with a map and grid references… nothing could go wrong.

The Yorkshireman starts on the moor behind Haworth. Immediately you have to climb - up the old stone track towards Hebden Bridge along what’s known as the ‘Haworth Stairs’. Phil R was worried, not by the lung-busting ascent but by the fact his shorts didn’t have any padding.

We headed over to Ogden reservoir - Phil wincing at every bump. But as the weather deteriorated, our problems started. As track turned into path and path turned into boggy quagmire, we came to the conclusion we were heading in the wrong direction.

Shaun worked out we’d taken a wrong turn and decided we should push on and rejoin the route of the Yorkshireman a couple of miles over the moor.

The path looked too narrow and too bumpy to ride across. Shaun was confident. With a mountain bike, he assured us, you can go anywhere. Minutes later we were walking, carrying our bikes through thick mud and up dale. Once we were on the level, Tony was weaving around the boulders in our path. I wasn’t so lucky… on two occasions, I was thrown over the handle bars as my front wheel became stuck in bog. Even Tony came unstuck on one occasion.

Phil was no longer wincing. He just couldn’t get off his bike.

The Yorkshireman route seems to use hidden by-ways and obscure footpaths. Keeping on route was proving difficult. By the time we reached Denholme, we knew roughly the direction we should be heading in – but were unsure whether we were on the right trail. We ended up around the back of the Doe Park reservoir, a really pretty place just a few miles from where I live that I never knew existed.

Then we dropped onto a back road and Shaun led us up a steep climb. One of those stomach-churning climbs where you have to push down with all that’s left in your aching legs just to move forward (and upward) a few inches. At the top, as we gasped for air – Shaun dropped a bombshell. We shouldn’t have gone uphill… the route goes down towards Cullingworth.

We were too exhausted to mutiny.

We made it as far as the viaduct at Cullingworth and decided it was time to head home. By then we had covered around 20 miles in a tour that took in a bit of the Yorkshireman course but a lot more as well.

Despite the wrong turns and missed paths, Shaun did a good job. Whoever was given the job of leading us around the course would have been presented with a poisoned chalice. The course goes across such remote and inhospitable terrain.

Being close to Bingley, I headed off home – the last I saw of Shaun, Tony and Phil was the three of them starting the long, painful drag up towards Haworth and Oxenhope. Phil had run 10 miles earlier in the day… up ’til now he’d kept going. But the last climb seemed to be the straw that was breaking the camel’s back.

It was tough doing the course on two wheels… those who do it on foot have my admiration and respect – Dave Lewis.

Thursday Nights Run for All

On the FIRST THURSDAY is every month, starting on Thursday 4^th Oct 07 the club will encourage members of all abilities to attend the club (7pm) on the Run for all nights. It’s an initiative to encourage all to the run, whatever your pace. Hopefully loads of the steadier (Note Wednesday Group runners who want to try a Thursday) runners, myself included, will come along for a run of approx 7 miles or so. We need to devise routes involving sections that can be shortened/added to, in addition to the usual running back, so all get your thinking caps on – Davina.

Monthly Website Competition

Congratulations to Tim who won the August Competition (See Chris’s coaching page on the Idle AC website which is sponsored by Market Town Taverns. Each month members have the opportunity to win drinks (Wine/beer/lager/soft drinks) from the Symposium in Idle. The September competition is straightforward - all Chris needs is a suggestion for a Website of the Week. It may be humorous or informative! Previous offerings include the Yorkshire Airlines video clip from Jane, and Ron Hill's blog. Send Chris a link by email, even if it's one that's featured before, and he’ll put them all on his page without your name - then we can see which one really hits the spot!

New Micro Fleeces.

We now have a new red Micro Fleece which will retail at £21.50. See Chris’s fleece to see what it looks like. The fleeces will be individually ordered to all men’s and women’s sizes. The chest sizes are: XS 34-36, Small 36-38, Medium 38-40, Large 40-42 & XLarge 42-44.

Davina is collecting orders for the above and also has a selection of various other items of club kit.

Club Records & Hall of Fame Records

At present the Club records include the fastest times in all age categories for both present and past members, however some of the club records are held by former members. This is to be changed and the club will have two sets of records from 1^st October 07.

· One for current club members (this would be the current list but ex members would be deleted from the list and these times will be ‘vacant’ until records are set by a current member. This list will be kept updated & published in Idle Gossip & on the website. Each time a current club record is broken a ‘modest’ prize will be awarded. Records will be deleted from the current list when a member resigns.

· In addition there will be another list ‘Hall of Fame’ records. This will include past members who currently hold records. Each time an ‘All time’ record is broken a prize will be awarded. The ‘Hall of fame’ records will be published on the website & in the yearly record cards.

Leeds Abbey Dash: Final points race for 2007

We now have entry forms for the Leeds Abbey Dash on Sunday 25^th 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/dash.

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.

Brass Monkey Half marathon and Guy Fawkes!

The 2008 Brass Monkey Half marathon will be on Sunday 20^th Jan 08 at 10am. Entry forms will be available on www.yorkknavesmireharriers.co.uk from Monday 8^th October 07 – You are all advised to down load & send off immediately. I’ll bring a supply of entry forms to the club on 9^th Oct. Although this seems a long way off please get entries in immediately as the race is always oversubscribed. This is a fast, flat, Pb course!! Last year a few members delayed sending their entries in and missed out.

Also Martin has reminded us that if you are entering the GUY FAWKES 10 on 4^th November, you can just give your entry to him rather than using envelopes, as his firm sponsor the event.

Yorkshire Vets Races 07.

We have once again affiliated the club to the Yorkshire Veterans Athletic Association.

Main details about the YVAA:

All 10 monthly grand prix races are scoring races for the team awards.

The team awards are:

· Men, first 4 to count

· Men, all to count

· Ladies, first 4 to count

· Ladies, all to count.

Individual Awards:

Six races completed to qualify. Best 7 scores from 10 races.

Age at AGM date determines age category for the season in grand prix awards. If you change age category during the season you are eligible for the new category in the individual grand prix races. This does not apply to championship races.

Fees & Race Details:

Race entry fee is £2.00 for grand prix races. Enter on the day.

Championships (except for the fell race) must be pre-entered as per the entry form.

Prior to each race, Chris & Davina, will receive greater details, including directions. For latest information see their website, www.yvaa.org

The table below shows details of the next few YVAA races. There is a full year list available on our website, or paper copies are available from Chris or Davina. The Vets races for the remainder of 2007 are as follows:

The next race (the 10^th Grand Prix) is on 17^th November at Halifax. The next ‘Open’ race is the Brid Half on 14^th Oct for those who fancy a seaside trip!!

After 9 Grand Prix Races Pete Helliwell was in 5^h position in the M40 category. Amnuay Scott was 7^th in the F35 and Ana Lincoln was 6^th in the F50.

Month	Day	Date	Time	Venue	Monthly Grand Prix	Notes
Oct	Sun	14	1200	Bridlington		Half marathon champ
Oct	Sun	28	1030	Holmfirth High School		15M champ
Nov	Sat	17	1100	Halifax	10th

From the Coach…

Richard sent me an email some while ago asking me to publicise his 50^th birthday do on my web page. We put stuff on the main site of course but the “From the Coach” page (click on my picture) is meant to be more of an informal club noticeboard.

I emailed him back after the do, thanking him of course, but also noting that it was good for the Club. What I meant was that loads of us could get together, including those who can’t currently run. Obviously people just like to catch up with each other and get information from the horse’s mouth. We were ready for a do, and the photos posted on the web page afterwards showed it!

We can’t often get everyone together, of course, and let’s face it many of us wouldn’t want it too often anyway. We’ve always thought that a couple of do’s a year were quite sufficient – training and racing are social activities anyway, at least for most people – and what always impresses me about the typical Idle AC member is that “we have our own social lives aswell, thank you very much!” Our job as an athletic club is not to create social lives, but only to complement them as a by product to our sporting activity.

One of the platforms on which we won the Yorkshire Club of the Year award last year was our commitment to communication – that is, the amount of information which is available to members and the facility for them to respond and make their views known.

But we still know that we don’t always get through with everything – somehow someone often gets missed. Davina and I joke that in order to tell everyone something, you have to put it in the Gossip for 3 months in a row (she does this!), tell everyone at every club session for a month, and then write to or email everyone individually. Then someone will say “Isn’t there something going on this Thursday?”

For you the customer though, the position is different. Running is a part of your life, not the whole of it, and access to information must be straightforward. We are used to the internet age of instantly available information, spoilt even. I produced the first club newsletters at Eccleshill 18 years ago using a manual typewriter or pen (!), and sneakily copied them at work. Then I would manually deliver or post them. The night before a league cross country race I would ring every single member (no mobiles in those days!) and remind them. Luckily things are a little easier now, though increasingly difficult for those who still resist the use of a computer.

For those who are happy in the virtual world, or whose resistance to computers has crumbled, the “From the Coach” page is meant to be an additional resource. Martin gamely tried to get us talking live on a club forum, but it turned out not to be quite what the club wanted. Members seemed to want just to look for information quickly, so I developed this page. The idea is that you can interact if you want to, or just look. There’s always serious information there, and I’ve collected together useful links – you may suggest others – so that it can be a good starting point for you to get updated or seek information.

I do want it to be entertaining too, which is why I have the disclaimer saying it does not reflect the views of the Club! So use it to find or give information. Just email me anything, running or social, text or pictures, and it will find its way on in one form or another. Market Town Taverns are greatly interested in the page as an interface for a local community, which is why they have sponsored the monthly competition. I have two free drinks at the Symposium to give away every month, so have a go – there might even be more offers heading our way. In running, as in life, we can only gain by communicating more.

-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	Steve Little	21.09
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
	M50	Steve Little	46:28
10 Miles	Open	Joe Marjoram	1:01:22
	M40	Chris Stubbs	1:05:14
	M45	Simon Bellwood	1:06:54
	M50	Steve Little	1:17:55
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	Simon Bellwood	3:07:
	M50	Trevor Hooley	4:15:08

Current Women’s Club Records

Distance	Category	Name	Time
5 Km	Open	Donna Edmondson	19:03
	F35	Clare Sweeney	22:13
	F40	Laura Brook.	21.36
	F45	Kay Gambles	20.59
	F50	Ana Lincoln	27.01
5 Miles	Open	Donna Edmondson	33:46
	F35	Amnuay Scott	40.06
	F45	Kay Gambles	40.03
	F50	Ana Lincoln	43.13
10 Km	Open	Donna Edmondson-Booker	40:17
	F35	Maria Furness	47:07
	F40	Laura Brook	48.23
	F45	Laura Brook	46:13
	F50	Ana Lincoln	52:39
10 Miles	Open	Donna Edmondson	1:10:13
	F35	Amnuay Scott	1:23:29
	F45	Kay Gambles	1:16:50
	F50	Ana Lincoln	1.32.38
Half Marathon	Open	Donna Edmondson -Booker	1:28:53
	F35	Jo Belcher	1:43:29
	F40	Kay Gambles	1:51:00
	F45	Laura Brook	1:41:39
	F50	Ana Lincoln	1:53:27
15 Miles	Open	Donna Edmondson - Booker	1:50:54
15 Miles	F50	Ana Lincoln	2:35:57
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
	F50	Ana Lincoln	3.49.32
Marathon	Open	Joanne Belcher	3:21:31
	F40	Davina Smith	4:02:58
	F45	Laura Brook	3:55:10
	F50	Ana Lincoln	4.47.06