Date	Event
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.
Sat 24^th Nov 07	Wesham 10k, Near Preston. 11am. Rural course. Race fills so need to enter ASAP.
Sun 25^th Nov 07	Leeds Abbey Dash, see below.
Sun 25^th Nov 07	Rivock Edge Fell Race. BM. 11.15am. 10m/1500’ Registration from Bridge Inn, Silsden. Nr Keighley.
Sun 2^nd Dec 07	2nd WYWL cross country hosted by Dewsbury Road Runners. See below. All club needed to run.
Sat 8^th Dec 07	Idle AC Christmas Party. See below.
Sun 16^th Dec 07	The Stoop Fell Race. BS. 11.30 am. 5 miles/800’ from Penistone Hill Country Park, Haworth.
Wed 26^th Dec 07	Chevin Chase. 7m (Approx) multi terrain race. 11am. Get your entries in.
Wed 26^th Dec 07	Leyland 10k, Lancs, 11am.
Sun 30^th Dec 07	Ribble Valley 10k, Clitheroe, Lancs, 11am.
Mon 31^st Dec 07.	Auld Lang Syne fell Race. BM. 11.30 am. 6miles/900’ from Penistone Hill Country Park, Haworth.

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.

September’s Attendance winner is to be announced.

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.	PB times from Laurence, Maria & Andy M.
Oct –Sun 21^st	Withins Skyline Fell Race, BM, 5m/800’ 11.30am. See below list.
Oct – Sun 28^th	Holmfirth 15mile. 10.30am.
Nov – Sun 4^th	Guy Fawkes 10mile 10.30am.
Nov - Sun 25^th	Abbey Dash 10k, 9.30am.

Race Results- Various:

Kirkstall Abbey 10k 23/9/07 228 Ana Lincoln 58.40

Horsforth 10k 30/9/07

69 Adrian Trevelyan 41.20

99 Lawrence Doddy 43.11 PB

131 Chris Smith 44.53

178 Maria Furness 47.28 PB

237 Andy Moakler 49.14 PB

322 Davina Smith 53.42

497 Phill Routh 1.20.44 (Ran round with his mate) There were 498 runners

Great North Run Half Marathon 30/9/07:

Shaun Lennon 1.39.00 PB

Andy Shorey 1.39.41 PB

Anna Lincoln 2.13.58

Janet Burnside 2.20.52

Selby Half Marathon 7/10/07

136 Phil Joyner 1.38.17 Current Male Club record. 415 ran

Bronte Way 8 7/10/07

27 Simon Bellwood 66.59

105 Lisa Hall 87.10 142 ran

Harewood Trail 10 7/10/07

215 Maria Furness 85.17 PB 469 ran

Bridlington Half Marathon 14/10/07

122 Ana Lincoln 2.09.25

Leicester Marathon 14/10/07

230 Gary Naylor 3.42.18 PB

374 Amnuay Scott 4.04.53

376 Lisa Hall 4.05.09

Loch Ness Marathon 7/10/07

943 Andy Moakler 4.21.35 PB Debut Marathon 1427 ran.

Loch Ness 10k 7/10/07

72 Dave Lewis 39.47

1346 Jane Lewis 64.31 1713 ran

Amsterdam Races, 21/10/07

Davina Smith 26:08 Current F40 CR

Jane Lewis 31:32

Half

Dave Lewis 1:33:22

Sarah Holness 1:59:08 Current Female CR

Hannah Peacock 1:59:34

Amy Wright 2:11:43

Marathon

Chris Smith 3:28:45

Fell Races: Oct 07 to end Dec 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.

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

ca to score

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.

SUN DEC 9^th CALDERDALE WAY RELAY. 8am, 50miles/12000’ in six stages from Old Rishworthians RUFC, Copley, Halifax. £48 per team of 12. Limit of 100 teams. Website: www.halifaxharriers.co.uk

SUN DEC 16^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 Curly Wurly. Free coffee & biscuits. All prizes are “Christmas Related”. Dave Woodhead event.

MON DEC 31^st THE 14^th BRISCOE’S BREWERY AULD LANG SYNE RACE. BM. 11.30 am. 6miles/900’ from Penistone Hill Country Park, Haworth. £3.50 on day. All finishers receive a bottle of beer. Free coffee & biscuits. All prizes are beers, ales, ciders etc. Dave Woodhead event.

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 Slightly amended 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!).

New members

This month we again welcome 3 new members. Firstly there’s Natalie Smith who started coming to the Wednesday Night Group with her mum, Horsforth Harrier Denise Frost. Natalie is now a regular at the Tuesday night sessions and she gets faster with every week.

Then there’s a new husband & wife team, David & Vicky Hudson, who have recently moved to the area and were recommended to join Idle AC. Both are from sporting backgrounds as in addition to running Dave is a cyclist and Vicky plays & coaches tennis.

Welcome to all three.

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 hot buffet deal (£5/£2.50 children) at the Symposium (Pay on the day).

Celebrations….

Happy Birthday to Tony Blythe, who celebrates his 50^th Birthday this month, and congratulations to Grandad Phill Routh – Jack weighed in at 7lb 2oz, and Phill claims he is as good looking as him….

Running round Bradford….

Running round Bradford – 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.

If we don’t all fit in one car then they should park on Beckfoot Lane. We are starting at Cottingley Bridge at 6:30am so we can get the canal section out the way while waiting for the sun to come up.

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

Idle Bonfire

Hepworth & Idle Cricket club host their annual Bonfire Night celebrations on Saturday 3^rd November. It’s a really popular local family event which has a huge bonfire, fantastic firework display, and food/drinks. It would be good if club members, including the children/families supported this.

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.

Track Nights

A reminder that 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.

Thursday Nights Run for All

We started our first ‘Run for All’ (first Thursday of each month) on Thursday 4^th Oct and it proved to be a huge success. It’s a night when we 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. The next Run for All Night is on Thursday 1^st November.

Chevin Chase 7 mile off road race.

The Chevin Chase entry forms are now available on Airecentre Pacers website: www.airecentre-pacers.co.uk (you can also enter online) or at www.ukresults.net

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.

Beginners guide to running a marathon

Well I’m not quite sure where to begin here but Davina asked me to consider writing a ‘debut marathon’ piece. There are just so many things to cover – training, preparation and what happens on the day.

So here goes.

Why would you?

Maybe the initial motivation is worth some thought. I’ve had this vague dream about running a marathon for a couple of years now. One thing to knock off before I’m forty – and I ain’t getting any younger! But in the end registration was pretty spontaneous, after chatting to a colleague Paula, who had just registered for the Dublin marathon. The realisation was that unless I committed to one I’d never commit to the training. So I fancied a bit of a holiday around the run so Loch Ness marathon sounded perfect for me (see http://www.lochnessmarathon.com/ ).

How could you?

So this left me with four and a half months to go to train. Training plans are fairly easy to find on the web and the Loch Ness marathon has its own. You then have to pick a training schedule that suits you abilities. My PB for a half marathon is 2hr 12mins so I just doubled it for a guide.

To be honest I didn’t ever follow the training schedule to the letter. I initially found myself a couple of weeks ahead of the training schedule but I just tried to follow it as best I could around my other commitments. I also tended to have a few more rest days during the week than it suggested.

One thing to consider is that the training is going to be full of highs and lows. Some runs will feel great and others will feel awful. You really have to take the rough with the smooth. With about 3 months to go I had a breakthrough of just running for about 2.5hrs pretty slowly and feeling okay afterwards, of the 3 half marathons I’d done before I’d always felt awful the last 2 or 3 miles which is not ideal and something I wanted to avoid.

As a slight illustration of the highs and lows in training I’ll give you a brief snapshot of the longer runs I did in the last few week weeks of training.

5 weeks to go. Sunday morning run out with Phil and co. Got to 2hrs, about 11 miles in, and I told Phil I couldn’t run any more. I was dead. Took me about half an hour to walk the mile or so up to the club. Nice man Phil had waited for me to make sure I got back – Cheers Phil and thanks for all the encouragement on those many Sunday runs.
4 weeks to go. Long run out with Lisa H. Aim to do 19 miles. Felt pretty good for the first 2 hours or so and then just gradually felt worse and worse. Lisa kind of dragged me along for an hour and I got home after 3hrs 20mins. I was again dead to the world. My dreams of pepperoni pizza that kept me going for the last hour were dashed as I fell asleep on my bed before I got out to the shops. On the upside that was my longest ever run to date.
3 weeks to go. Out on my own and tried to do the 19 mile route in reverse. Did the first 12 miles nice and steady up to the highest point on the route and then just couldn’t go any further. Walked for an hour with my legs stiffening up as I went – not too impressive.
2 weeks to go. Another long run with Lisa H although it was too long as advised by my training schedule. Gentle hilly 18 miler that took 3 and a half hours. Stopped about a mile from home as I was beginning to feel rough – no need to push myself too much. Longest duration I’d ever run for! Cheers Lisa.
1 week to go. Horsforth 10K. Thought I’d try a new plan and run fairly quickly from the start. Seemed to work well – got a PB!

So in 5 weeks I’d had maybe 3 lows and 2 highs, as I say it’s strange how you often feel.

As suggested by my training schedule I should have done 22 miles by now, so I was a fair way short. If I’m honest I considered dropping out a couple of times over those last weeks. But then I though sod it – I’m the fittest I’d ever been in my life – might as well give it a go.

One week to go.

So now the last week and the final race preparation. Throughout all this training I’d never been particularly careful with my diet. I like beer, curry, chocolate, I don’t eat so much fruit or veg and never seem to hydrate enough. So for the last week I just tried to be a bit more careful.

Chris wrote a great article about hydration, about two months ago, so a few days before the race I aimed to drink loads of water and generally avoid tea, coffee and beer. Then gradually over the final week I just eat more and more pasta meals. On the last two or three days I just avoided anything too fatty and eat more fruit and veg and porridge. Morning of the race porridge again and fruit and some more fluid.

The night before the race as I drove up to Inverness I drove the race route. Took ages to drive ;-) Very undulating single track road. Long gradual hill after 17 miles worthy of note – this lasts for about 3 miles. After this it is almost all downhill to the end – mental note to myself that if I get this far it’ll be easy from here on to the end.

It’s now or never.

The Lock Ness marathon is quite exciting from a number of reasons. Obviously it sounds romantic and good scenery is guaranteed? Well the scenery is good but the fun part is that this is a point to point route up the eastern side of Loch Ness, north up into Inverness. So to get to the start at Whitebridge there are a fleet of coaches waiting to take you from Inverness. The start is 10am but you need to get on the coach for 8am for the journey to the start. The start is nothing more than a country road with one house and pub about half a mile away. You get there at 9.15am and mooch around for 45 mins with the other 1600 or so runners and then you’re off.

It’s a really relaxing start. It isn’t too pretty at this point but there is nothing to complain about, apart from the obligatory queues for the portaloos!

Okay I confess I had a plan. Initially it was ‘just be pleased to get around’ but the reality was that I didn’t want to take ten hours to do this and I didn’t want to walk that much either. So I aimed for 10 minute miles all the way – this equates to just under 4hrs 30mins. Also I didn’t want to hit the wall either, I did this once cycling as a kid and its not a nice thing to go through, and I probably did it on that evil 19 mile run a few weeks ago. I didn’t want to feel that distress again – I wanted to enjoy this.

My colleague Paula suggested a trick for not hitting the wall. I guess it’s really about not running out of energy in the last hour but her advice was to count out 26 jelly babies and eat one at each mile marker. Sounds kind of childish but what the hell it was a good tip.

So I’m off on the run and by 3 miles in I’m 2 minutes ahead or schedule – I throttle back a little thinking “this is a marathon not a sprint”. Have to confess I had to do this for the first 3 hours – I was feeling good but I knew I had that 3 mile hill to come at 17 miles.

First hour totally on schedule. Alternating water and lucozade at each drinks stop, try to run as much as I can with nothing in my hands, its just distracting. At about 10 miles I start dipping into the Jelly babies. Second hour totally on schedule. Half marathon goes by at 2hrs 10mins – that beats my PB!

I does get pretty boring running along in places but luckily the scenery it good here. Most of the route is cool and tree lined with glimpses of Loch Ness dotted in between. Keep mixing up my running style a little too, I run on the balls of my feet which tightens up the calves a little, so I try and mix it up by running on my heels which helps to stretch the muscles a little even if its not totally natural.

Just keep trotting on through on schedule up until the hill at 17 miles. Eaten a lot of Jelly Babies by now in anticipation. I like running up hills so these very gradual ones felt good although once again I kind of had to calm myself down and not go too quickly. Half way up these hills I’m one of the few not walking, this gets a few gasps and expletives from my fellow runners, which is fun to hear.

Get to the top of the hill at 20 miles feeling surprisingly well. I’m in unknown territory now and still trying to not get to giddy and get ahead of myself. An hour to go. Get to 23 miles and I’m feeling a bit iffy, eaten all the Jelly babies by now, and I’m about 3 minutes behind schedule. Feel a bit sick. Totally sick of lucozade drinks now, quaff one because I know I should, but hopefully never again.

Notice this chap I bumped into last night at the pasta party. Bit of chit chat never hurts. Tell him I’m 3 mins behind schedule and might trot on a bit towards the end. Get to 24 miles and I’m feeling better now. Start to push on a little. Get to 25 miles and it’s carnage, my new buddy pulls up with cramp, 50 feet ahead some poor old bloke is lying on his back screaming – presumably cramp again. No offence chaps but I’m on a mission and not stopping for anyone!

Last mile and a half is strange. I’m flying compared to nearly everyone else. More gasps and expletives, he, he. See the stadium ahead and now it’s me swearing, they take me a long way around to the finish, I hate it when they do this. I’m properly tired now and not at 26 yet. Somehow keep going and I’ve got a sprint left for the last 100 yards in the stadium. I’ve done it – 4hrs 21mins – I can’t believe it.

Would you believe it?

I’m in a daze now and it’s a bit emotional. I’ve done it. I’ve run a marathon. I never thought I could.

It’s gone perfectly, totally on schedule. Last half marathon in 2hrs 11mins still below my half marathon PB!

Bump into Dave and Jane Lewis as I’m leaving the stadium after my post race meal and I’m ranting about how well it’s gone. Dave spotted me at about 24 miles and it was nice to see a friendly face.

Blimey! ………………

- Andy Moakler.

Monthly Website Competition

Congratulations to Richard, Phill & Adrian who all won the September website 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 was straightforward - all Chris needed was a suggestion for a Website of the Week – which Phill & Richard provided. In addition Adrian correctly guessed which football manager Richard Lyons looked like. See Chris’s page for the October competition, and send him an email.

Yorkshire & Northern Cross Country Championships.

1. Yorkshire cross country championships: May well be Saturday 5^th Jan 08 (the day before a WYWL event- priority must to given to WYWL). The likely details are as follows: women 6000m at 1.30pm and men 11,000m at 2.15pm. Please let Chris know if you want to be entered. No late entries.

2. Northern Cross Country Championships: Saturday 26th January 08 at Roundhay Park, Leeds. The probable distances and times are: women 8k at 12.30pm and men 12km at 2.10pm. Let Chris know if you want to be entered. No late entries. If anyone wants to marshal please let Chris know.

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 men’s chest sizes are: XS 34-36, Small 36-38, Medium 38-40, Large 40-42 & XLarge 42-44. The women’s sizes start at 32 chest and it is a different cut.

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

The All time (Hall of Fame) records are now available to view on our website and it includes the fastest times in all age categories for both present and past members. From 1^st October we therefore have two sets of records, as follows:

· One for current club members which includes a few ‘available’ records for current members to aim for. 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.

· Club records can only be set by first claim members.

See list below as loads of current record & an all time record were broken during October 07!!!

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 faster , flatter course this year, which starts at , 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.

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. The next ‘Open’ race is the Holmfirth 15 on 28^th Oct for those who fancy a tough two lapper!!

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

1030

Holmfirth High School

15M champ

Nov

Sat

1100

Halifax

10th

From the Coach…

“You sure you haven’t got time for a drink?” asked Dave, knowing that I could have killed for one, having just completed a marathon. Our plane was due to take off in two hours from Schipol airport, and we were still standing on the concourse at Amsterdam’s Centraal railway station. We had no time and we knew it. The ticket machine failed to accept my card. Dave sold me his tickets for ten euros. “We’ve time to buy more before our plane goes,” he said. “Chris, I’m working in America this week, and then five days in Tunisia…” We shook hands, and I kissed Jane on the cheek, much to her consternation. “…but I’ll be back for the cross country!” he called after me as we parted. Ah yes, the cross country…

A couple of weeks earlier I had been at the Horsforth 10k, or more accurately the Apperley Bridge 10k as it is now. When they were forced off the Horsforth roads by the Police and irritated residents, Horsforth Harriers ran their new route over much of the Idle Trail Race course backwards. Fine!

It was a horrible experience, but it served me right – I had spouted forth at the committee meeting wanting more people – teams – to compete in club races, so I knew I should lead by example. To me it’s a simple coaching principle – if I’m not prepared to do it, or I haven’t already done it, how the hell can I ask you to? So there I was, thrashing away at 7 minute mile pace and getting slower, the beta blockers acting like a handbrake, preventing me from raising my heart rate and going any faster. I railed and fumed against my inability to change anything. I realised that I would not be able to make a difference when the Cross Country League starts with our event on 11^thNovember.

I simply took it for granted in the early nineties that I would challenge for a top ten place in each West Yorkshire Winter League event, and thus help to lead home the Eccleshill challenge. The trophies show that Eccleshill Road Runners were Men’s champions and Combined runners up each at least four times. We’ve had success at Idle of course too, as runners up in 2004 and champions in 2005, though the club’s, and my detractors would say that we did that relying rather on second claim runners.

The Eccleshill of the early 90’s and the current Idle AC were actually very similar clubs in terms of character and ethos, as some of our longer serving members may well be able to confirm. Yet I did fail to learn certain lessons from that early period, since they were essentially team performances. There were no out and out stars, but we could pack the top 30 with team scorers. Thus I went wrong a couple of years ago hoping to take a short cut to the trophy table by leaning on a small number of high performers within the Club. They didn’t respond well and neither did others.

The West Yorkshire Winter League nowadays remains ideal for those trying out cross country for the first time, but the front end is certainly more competitive, and the fields have almost doubled in size over the years. It’s always a problem difficult to reconcile for me because I want to promote high achievement and a local community club – the two occasionally sit uncomfortably together. Regardless of that our effort in this year’s League will rely on a team performance – a whole team performance. By that I mean everyone who is a Club member, ideally running in every race.

And as I limped around last Tuesday at the speed session, still suffering from a marathon run on memory rather than training, I saw first claim Idle AC club members working bloody hard. I may not be able to change much with my performances now, but like a bleary eyed and jet lagged Dave Lewis I’ll be there on 11^th November, and I hope that my team can.

-Chris.

Current Men’s Club Records

Distance	Category	Name	Time
5 Km	Open	Vacant
	M40	Simon Bellwood	18.30
	M45	David Lewis	18:40
	M50	Steve Little	21.09
5 Miles	Open	Vacant
	M40	Chris Stubbs	31.06
	M45	Richard Lyons	33.22
	M50	Trevor Hooley	38.42
10 Km	Open	Vacant
	M40	Chris Stubbs	36.25
	M45	Dave Lewis	38:57
	M50	Steve Little	46:28
10 Miles	Open	Vacant
	M40	Chris Stubbs	1:05:14
	M45	Simon Bellwood	1:06:54
	M50	Steve Little	1:16:21
Half Marathon	Open	Phil Joyner	1:38:17
	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
	M50	Vacant
20 Miles	Open	Chris Smith	2:24:00
	M40	Simon Bellwood	2:17:26
	M45	Simon Bellwood	2:13:50
	M50	Vacant
Marathon	Open	Chris Smith	3:04:12
	M40	Simon Bellwood	3:02:18
	M45	Simon Bellwood	3:07: 03
	M50	Trevor Hooley	4:15:08

Current Women’s Club Records

Distance	Category	Name	Time
5 Km	Open	Vacant
	F35	Clare Sweeney	22:13
	F40	Davina Smith.	26:08
	F45	Kay Gambles	20.59
	F50	Ana Lincoln	27.01
5 Miles	Open	Vacant
	F35	Amnuay Scott	40.06
	F45	Kay Gambles	40.03
	F50	Ana Lincoln	43.13
10 Km	Open	Vacant
	F35	Maria Furness	47:07
	F40	Vacant
	F45	Vacant
	F50	Ana Lincoln	52:39
10 Miles	Open	Vacant
	F35	Amnuay Scott	1:23:29
	F45	Kay Gambles	1:16:50
	F50	Ana Lincoln	1.32.38
Half Marathon	Open	Sarah Holness	1:59:08
	F35	Jo Belcher	1:43:29
	F40	Kay Gambles	1:51:00
	F45	Vacant
	F50	Ana Lincoln	1:53:27
15 Miles	Open	Vacant
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	Vacant
	F50	Ana Lincoln	3.49.32
Marathon	Open	Joanne Belcher	3:21:31
	F40	Davina Smith	4:02:58
	F45	Vacant
	F50	Ana Lincoln	4.47.06