With all due respect to others who have filled
the role themselves, I thought Chris Quine did the
best ever job in announcing at the Bank of
Bermuda Manx Championships at the National Sports
Centre last weekend.
To do the job well you need to inform a variety
of different people who attend the events. Many
of the people attending are really only there to
support their families but they can follow what
is going on so much better with a good announcer.
Updates as to what is next on the track and
field and explanations as to how many throws or
jumps each competitor has and some of the achievements
of those taking part all help to make the visit
to the track much more enjoyable.
I did think he had a challenge during the 10,000
metres however. I was taking part and I could hear
much of what Chris was saying and with only five
runners I couldn't help thinking at the end of the
first lap what on earth is he going to find to say
during the next 24 laps!
ANDY FOX WON FIRST 10,000 METRES CHAMPS FOR FIVE
YEARS and then has to sponsor last man! 30-08-03
Andy Fox was a clear winner of the revived 10,000
metres last Sunday in very sticky conditions. He
was never challenged as Nick Percival, who won the
previous day's 5,000 metres sat with Mike Garrett
initially and then pulled clear only for Mike to
retire due to sickness.
Andy's winning time was of 34.28 was some three
minutes outside his personal best and, contrary
to what I previously published (in the build up)
was well outside the Manx veterans record. With
the lack of races in recent years I had mistakenly
thought my 1998 time of 34.34 was a veterans record
but of course Colin Moore had smashed this out of
sight by around four minutes before his retirement
due to injury.
I'll have more to say about the value of these
championship races on another day.
I brought up the rear of the field after being
passed by late entrant Peter Kaneen. Before I realised
that Mike had retired I was thinking I had a quiz
question for the future as I thought I had managed
to finish 5th in a race that only four had entered!
On the Sunday evening our family had ordered
an Indian takeaway from Prospect Terrace. Thinking
I had recovered well from the run in the afternoon
I set off jogging from my house in Brunswick Road
to collect it. I met up with Andy Fox and his wife
Jan having a stroll and after a few friendly words
I couldn't resist the temptation to say I had overtaken
Andy that day and resumed my jog. Imagine my red
face when I found that my source of funds for the
takeaway, the Co-Op cash dispenser on the terrace,
was broken. Turning back towards Andy I thought
I would admit that I was going to have to jog further
than intended in search of another cash dispenser.
What a kind man this Manx Champion is however -
he leant me the money to pay for our supper!
MANX HARRIERS NIGHT OUT TONIGHT
Don't
forget to call Chris Quine on 670521 or Andy Fox on 626415 today
if you want to enjoy their night out tonight.
(Steve Taylor says) They may have been overshadowed........
by the
brilliant performances of Jefferson Perez and Robert Korzeniowski who set world
best performances for their respective distances at the World Athletic
Championships is Paris this week but Manx Age Group records were set at last
weeks Isle of Man Track & Field Championships by three race
walkers.
Peter
Kaneen, Veteran Men 40+, 3km track walk. 13.02.7 beating his own previous
record by 16 seconds.
Bronwen Kaneen, under 13 girls, 1km track walk, 5.52.6
beating her own previous record by 10 seconds.
Lauren
Whelan, under 11 girls, 1km track walk, 5.23.3 beating her own
previous record by 1.6 seconds.
MANX HARRIERS AIM TO
ENTER MENS & WOMEN'S TEAMS IN RELAYS 28-08-03
Julie Harrison is
hoping to organise a women's team to compete in
six(men)/four(women) stage relays being held on 27
September in Warrington. Manx Harriers are sending a couple of
men's teams, and Julie is hoping to get a couple of women's teams together as well.
"
I have been in contact with the NoEAA who have confirmed that we can enter
composite teams if needs be" said Julie.
Teams will be made up of four athletes each
running a 5k leg. Julie would like to stress that standard of
ability doesn't matter. "The whole point to this is getting women to compete as
a team off-island. The road relays are a brilliant opportunity as they are not
focusing on 'individuals' and so may be a perfect start to persuading more women
to run."
If any women, whether in Manx Harriers or not,
are interested they can give Julie a call on
627929 or email her.
NORTHERN LEAGUE 2004 - WHAT DO YOU THINK?
FIRST PUBLISHED ON 4 AUGUST BY PHIL
RILEY BUT TOO IMPORTANT TO GO AWAY 28-08-03
Just wanted to see if i could open
a discussion to find out what other people are thinking
about the proposed restructuring of the Northern
League next season. Whilst i am in favour of our
mens and womens teams competing in the same league,
i am still struggling to get my head around how
exactly the restructure will work.
For a start, there is the differing strength
of mens and womens teams. To name a couple of examples,
this season Bolton women competed in the same league
as Manx Harriers whilst their mens team were in
the British league, and on the other side of the
coin Barrow ladies did very well in northern division
one whilst their mens team were down in division
four. I can't see any way how the league can be
restructured in this way without a lot of complaints
from teams who will be adversely affected i.e. if
any british league teams had to move down to the
Northern league just because their other team didn't
have enough strength in depth!!!
Secondly, what happens to men-only and women-only
teams? There are a fair number of these teams in
the league, and any restructure therefore would
surely lead to several amalgamations. This could
work in two ways. A strong mens team merging with
a strong womens team would see them in a higher
league, which is all well and good. But what happens
when say a strong mens team is only able to merge
with a significantly weaker womens team, or vice
versa? This could well mean that as well as starting
in a lower league where the competition is not as
strong, the stronger team may well be denied promotion
for a long time on the basis that their weaker team
is unable to support their efforts through either
lack of strength or numbers, or both.
There is a higher proportion of mens teams than
womens teams as it is. This surely will lead to
a situation where you're going to have all the mens
teams and all the womens teams in the same boat,
and clubs will have to move quickly to put agreements
in place should they wish to start next season in
a higher league by amalgamating with a club of similar
or ever better strength, which may come at the cost
of geographical common sense. By amalgamation i
don't necessarily mean that clubs will completely
merge; they may come together for league matches
only, as the City of Liverpool AC will do and the
proposed Isle of Man AC would do, as has been rumoured
for several months now.
That then leads on to the question of smaller
clubs losing athletes. If a club with a few talented
athletes ends up in a league where competition is
not very strong, this could lead to athletes deciding
to leave the club and join one in a higher division
where competition is better and chances of gaining
promotion to higher leagues, and even better competition,
is significantly improved. Under my understanding
of the restructure therefore, clubs could well end
up losing athletes who have helped them to achieve
their current success and status through no fault
of their own, and at the subsequent detriment of
that club in general.
On a personal level, i believe i have benefited
greatly from the improved competition that the Men's
Division One has presented this season, and would
see it as a big step backwards if we ended up in
a lower league next season where there would be
less of a challenge. Andy Fox's initial calculations
would see us remain in a new Division One next season
which i am relieved at. But i have to say that since
learning of the proposed restructuring i have now
performed a u-turn over my thinking with regards
to an Isle of Man AC for league matches - i am now
strongly behind the move. An all-island team will
mean increased competition for places in nearly
all events and make us much more competitive in
whatever the hell league we end up in next season.
I'll just finish this off by saying that in no
way shape or form is this an attack on the strength
of women's athletics on the island, which one person
accused me of doing when i mentioned a couple of
these factors to them not so long ago! But if anyone
can tell me why such an accusing finger may have
been pointed then please let me know!!! I'll open
up a new entry on the forum if anyone has any comments
on this, or can pick any holes in my argument which
there almost certainly will be!
FELL RUNNING TRAINING ON SUNDAY 28-08-03
There will be a training run over the Creg Ny Baa course
this coming Sunday 31st August. Meet at the Bungalow for a 9.00am start.
Everyone welcome and pace will be nice and steady.
AMAZING STEEPLECHASE 27-08-03
If anyone missed the World Championship steeplechase
last night, get hold of the video as soon as possible.
I've never seen a race like it for surprises. Every
time I thought one person was going to win it something
else happened!
Kelly Holmes's medal in the 800 metres was very
unusual, although richly deserved. The way she carved
out the results with the winner Maria Mutola was
very strange.
WINTER FIXTURES 27-08-03
As I mentioned last week, September's fixture
list is a lot more reasonable than most months and
tomorrow I'll be featuring the Edgwater Direct Boundary
Stroll which is due to take place on 14 September.
The other events during September are the final
round of the Dave Phillips Memorial Road Races (5th)
the Ian Ronan sponsored Creg ny Baa Fell race (13th)
and the White & Healthy End to End walks (28th).
Looking further ahead it would seem to be time
to promoting the following:
Novice Walk (5 October)
Ramsey Firemans Runs (9 October onwards)
Manx Gas Cross Country League (12 October onwards)
Ramsey Firemans Runs (9 October onwards)
Walker Brothers Hill Races (25 October onwards)
Bank of Scotland Winter League Walks (26 October
onwards)
If organisers aim to attract new athletes to
their events, then they must think ahead. All publicity
welcome. We really are in a position to promote
the sport on the basis of "something for everyone"
so long as we remember to tell the world about our
events.
FORUM BACK ON LINE 26-08-03
You may have noticed that the forum was off line
recently. I think this was due to my annual
fee due one of my webhosts being due and I had opted
for a cheaper package than previously that excluded
the premium forum facility. But because I had not
deleted some of the previously used polls etc then
instead of the forum being downgraded to the free
version (with adverts) it disappeared altogether.
I've rectified by deleting many of the old polls.
Please continue to use the forum as it keeps
the website topical without the requirement for
me to do quite so much to it.
MANX HARRIERS NIGHT OUT 26-08-03
Manx Harriers are organising another night out
next Saturday 30th August. Following on from the
success of the recent sell-out visit to the south
of the Island, this time the destination is the
west of the Island. Any club members/supporters
- male or female - are welcome. If you are interested
contact Chris Quine on 670521, e-mail [email protected]
or Andy Fox on 626415 for more details.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WEBSITE IS UNBELIEVABLY GOOD
25-08-03
Those of you who have unmetered access to the
internet, particularly if you have broadband, should
log onto the live results section of the website.
Use this link RESULTS
PAGE and then select live.
The level of detail available is staggering.
Within a few seconds of the start of races you can
view the reaction times in the sprints and if you
open several windows in Internet Explorer you can
switch between the track, the triple jump and the
pole vault etc.
The technology has been around for a while but
so few people make it so readily available. Brilliant.
DISAPPOINTING ENTRY FOR LAXEY FELL RACE reports
Richie Stevenson 25-08-03
The entry was a little disappointing for Sundays
race. There were 24 starters with both Richard Jamieson, who has not trained for
a couple of months, and Tony Okell failing to complete the course, Tony
unfortunately ended up injured again after he had a fall, hopefully it will not
stop him running in the New Bullock Smithy race in September.
Conditions were excellent with clear visibility all
aftenoon, the only slight problem we had was it got really hot and humid at
times.
England International Lloyd Taggart produced a
fantastic run knocking the course record for six. He more or less led from the
start and just went further and further ahead eventually having over 8 minutes
in hand at the finish. It shows just how good he is at navigation as well as he
had no idea of the route apart from what we could tell him before the start. And
what a pleasant layed-back bloke he is. You have to feel sorry for runner-up
Ozzie Osbourne and third placed Onion Gale as they both got inside Tony Okells
course record set last year but still found themselves quite a way
behind Lloyd.
Tony Rowley did well in 4th place and he will be
pleased he had no reaction from his recently operated on knee. Partie and Dave
Young had a good battle for 5th with the Doc getting the verdict in another
fantastic performance for a man in his fifties.
Another to perform really well was Douglas Postman
Mike Quine who gained a top ten placing. The former top cyclist has only done a
few races but he certainly showed he has great potential. It was nice to see a
lady debutant in the form of Lorraine Stigant having a go.. Lorraine, whose
husband Graham also ran finishing a good 10th, did very well to successfully
complete the tough 8 miles course considering her lack of experience on the
fells.
I think everyone enjoyed the race on a super course
that Lloyd Taggart was very impressed with. I must thank all the hard working
officialls especially Robin Sadler for checking everyone through the Snaefell
Mines. Also thanks to James and Gill for their tremendous hospitality at Glen
Ruy Farm and to Mr and Mrs Corlett of Ballacowin Farm for all their help and
access to their land. Finally thanks to long time sponsors Buchanan and
Pitts.
(Please
note that Richie has updated the results - they
can be found
here).
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 20KM WALK REPORT BY TIM WATT
25-08-03
Race favourite Francisco Fernandez looked like
his was cruising to an expected win striding confidently
away to a lead of about 100m by halfway in the men's
20km walk this morning.
The main group were chasing hard except for its
leader Jefrson Perez who looked controlled alongside
the main Mexicans and Russians including the champion
Roman Rasskazov.
At 13 km Jefferson decided it was time to strike
and buoyed by some very vocal cheering and singing
from fellow Ecuadorians set about the seemingly
impossible task of catching the world's fastest
walker.
By now Jefferson was moving so fast he found
it difficult to keep within the boundaries of the
course round the bottom turn but he begun to make
inroads into the lead of the hot favourite cutting
it down to 16 seconds at 15km.
It still looked like Fernandez may hold him off.
But at the first turn on the second last lap, Fernandez
looked across the see Perez bearing down at incredible
speed and winced noticeably. Less than 2km later
Perez caught and immediately passed the Spaniard.
Jefferson Perez finished in a new World Best
1:17:21, a second inside the best last year of Fernandez,
who just held off Rasskazov inside the stadium.
Perez's time was announced in the Stade de France
as a new World Record; IAAF changed their rules
the day before to accept road times as equivalent
to track for official Records. A spokesman clarified
that though before the press conference to say the
new rule applies from January 2004 and Jefferson
would just have to do it again next year to win
the $100,000 bonus!
Perez's will to win is just amazing! He seemed
to absorb the support of his countrymen and aim
for the impossible. Afterwards he said he know he
had done the times in training to win, even if it
needed a Record.
Though gracious, saying he was please with silver,
Francisco looked bruised in defeat. Roman Raskasov's
bronze came after a year affected by injuries.
Luke Adams smashed his personal best by 2 minutes
14 seconds for 5th place in 1:19:35.
PICTURE TREAT FOR RACE WALKING FANS 23-08-03
Race Walking Record Editor Tim Watt, has already
published pictures from the World Championships
online.
RICHIE STEVENSON REPORTS ON TOUGH COMPETITION
FOR THE LAXEY HORESHOE FELL RACE 23-08-03
Had an interesting phone call this morning. Lloyd
Taggart is over for the weekend visiting his Dad and intends to run in the
Horseshoe tomorrow. This will certainly make the race very interesting to say
the least as Lloyd has been in great form all year and ran for England in the
Knockdhu International.. His main problem will be his total lack of knowledge of
the course although it is not too difficult to navigate if the weather is clear
and at the moment the forcast is for any mist to clear by tomorrow afternoon. It
will be a real test for our top lads to see how they fare against a top class
runner and I am sure they will all be up for it.
Ladies course record holder Cal Partington turned
her ankle a couple of weeks ago and thought she would have to miss the race The
latest news, however, is that her ankle has recovered quicker than expected and
it looks like she will now start, which we are all delighted about especially
Rose who will relish some tough female competition.
CHAMPIONSHIP STATS - WORLD NOT MANX 22-08-03
from Steve Taylor
The oldest mens champioship record is the marathon,
2.10.03 set by Robert de Castella (AUS) in Helsinki
on 14/08/1983.
The oldest man to currently hold a championship
record is Hartwig Gauder
(GDR) who won the 50km walk in a time of 3.40.53
in Rome on 05/09/1987. He is now 49.
The oldest man to set a championship record is
Jan Zelezný (CZE) who set the javelin best of 92.80m
at the age of 35 in Edmonton on 12/08/2001.
The youngest man to set a championship record
is Szymon Ziólkowski (POL) who set a hammer record
of 83.38m at the tender age of 25 in Edmonton on
05/08/2001.
The oldest womens record is the 800m in 1.54.68
set by Jarmila Kratochvílová
(TCH) in Helsinki on 09/08/1983.
The following day she set the current 400m championship
record of 47.99. In setting these records she is
also the oldest womens to set a championship record
at 32. She is also the oldest womens to current
hold a champioship record. She is now 52.
By contrast woman to set a championship
record is Svetlana Feofanova (RUS) who at 21 set
a pole vault record of 4.75m in Edmonton on 06/08/2001.
Interstingly however Feofanova only won the silver
medal losing out on countback to Stacey Dragila
(USA)
FLORA LONDON MARATHON ENTRIES 22-08-03
This week's Athletics Weekly contains details
of how clubs can claim entries on behalf of their
members in addition to details of the Championship
entry method (men under 2.45 and women under 3.15
since 1 January 2002).
Every UK Athletics affiliated club is entitled
to a number of guaranteed places in the 2004 Flora
London Marathon so I hope that all five of the Island's
clubs will be claiming their entitlement to maximise
the number of Manx runners in the field.
CHECK WITH YOUR CLUB OFFICIALS TO ENSURE THAT
A CLAIM IS SUBMITTED
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION 22-08-03
I've received entries for the "guess the
winner" competition from Neil Bates and Steve
Taylor. The previous time I organised this bit of
fun I had entries from Steve Partington, Cal Partington,
Bridget Kaneen, Tony Okell and myself but none of
us have entered yet!
The entries must be with me before the start
tomorrow.
CHAMPIONSHIPS JUST A DAY AWAY 22-08-03
The Bank of Bermuda Isle of Man Track & Field
Championships are now just a day away and I was
impressed to receive my number in the post yesterday
(together with the timetable).
I've always been a fan of entries in advance
for the big events but equally felt that in return
for entering an event in advance the athlete deserves
some communication from the organisers, particularly
in the form of an acknowledgment of the entry. Well
done Graham Davies.
I know that the great Isle of Man Athletic Association
fund raising team for the Island Games, Treasurer
Anthony Brand and Secretary Graham Davies, sold
the sponsorship of the Track & Field Championships
as part of a package that involved sponsorship of
the Island Games team thereby saving every member
of that team a significant amount that would otherwise
have to been taken from the athletes' own pockets.
So although the late date of the Island Championships
doesn't suit everyone (since the sport began there
have always been claims that they are too early,
too late or too close the main competition) lets
hope that the athletes who did benefit but can't
take part at the weekend either help with the organisation,
support their friends or just mingle with the crowd.
The Championships should be a celebration of the
year's sport on the track and field.
PARISH WALK - THE EVOLUTION 21-08-03
Such has been the pace of the past couple of
months that I've only just got around to putting
away all my Parish Walk files for another year even
though I vowed a few weeks ago that I would not
do much more work on the website at this stage.
I couldn't resist re-reading a paper I wrote
to Clerical Medical in July 1990 a few weeks after
their first year of sponsorship. They agreed an
initial five year deal which I had negotiated on
behalf of Boundary Harriers which has been extended
so many times bv the club and its successor, Manx
Harriers.
Entitled "The CMI Parish Walk - The Biggest
and Best Walking Race in Great Britain for the 1990's
- the Plan" it is interesting to note some
of my comments and suggestions. Some are now taken
for granted, some have still not come about!
"The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate
that, with the forward planning necessary for any
major promotion, the CMI Parish Walk will grow through
the 1990's into a mass participation event.....it
will bring credit to Boundary Harriers as the promoting
club, and it will attract publicity for the sponsors
well in excess of their expectations."
Many of the 25 point action plan points have
been actioned. For example, I foresaw the need for
a much earlier cut off for entries, advertising
in the local press, mailing out entry forms to previous
entrants, greater use of marshals and route marshals,
radio contact and the uses of mobile phones, T-shirts
for every entrant and hiring of toilets.
I also proposed moving the start from the Villa
Marina arcade to the Villa Gardens. Although it
happened the event has now moved up another gear!
Some of the things that didn't happen included
the offer of a £1,000 prize the first person to
walk under 15 hours (I have always believed this
to be possible), the recording of accurate times
(to the second) at every church, publicising the
event in the schools and printing an index of all
finishers in the programme (I obviously didn't foresee
the future role of the internet!).
What did I see as mass participation? Its not
defined but I am absolutely sure I was thinking
about 500-600 people and never dreamt of 1,000+.
I also expected many of the field to be drawn from
the ramblers in the UK and the continent, drawn
in by publicity from a high profile sponsored walker
such as Ian Botham. Never did I imagine that we
would recruit such a big field from within our own
ranks.
As I said during this year's Parish Walk, the
organising team is better than ever before and they
should take great credit for developing the walk
in the past few years. In the past it relied
too heavily on the brilliant work of Arthur Jones
and I tried to change too much at once when I became
involved. Although even more helpers will be required
in 2004, the organisation gets closer to perfection
every year.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS COMPETITION 21-08-03
With the world championships starting at the
weekend and I've only received a single entry so
far (Keiron Murray) in the competition to predict
the winners, I was on the point of canceling it
this morning.
Then I remembered that I said entries would be
accepted up to the start of the first event. So
if you fancy a bit of fun over the next week or
so, send your entries soon. There is a link on the
front page. The idea is to predict the most winners
and Martin Caley, who will be watching the championships
live in Paris, has offered to supply a championship
souvenir for the winner.
NO MANX CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR PHIL RILEY THIS WEEKEND
21-08-03
I've decided not to compete in the Manx Champs
this weekend as i haven't really been fit all season.
Actually making the games was a miracle in itself
having been on crutches at the end of may and missing
approximately six weeks of training, and the two
Northern Mens matches after this produced ok performances
despite losing so much of the season, which bodes
well for next season.
Jumping 6.75m this season is a major plus therefore,
and by starting winter training next week in order
to justify an indoor season this winter too, i feel
seven metres is a big possibility.
A big thanks to Andy and Chris for all they've
done for the Northern Mens team, to the IOMAA for
their continued financial assistance in helping
us actually get off the island, and to the Island
Games management team of Di, Liz and Martin for
doing such a great job with us athletes in Guernsey.
Oh, and John Barton for performing miracles before
the Long Jump!!!
Will let you know how the winter training is
progressing, plan to train six times a week again
this winter which combined with two coaching sessions
for the Leeds Uni team means a lot of athletics
for me!!!
Good luck to everyone this weekend, i couldn't
get time off work on the Saturday but i'll be there
in supporter-mode on Sunday, all being well.
TONY OKELL PREPARES FOR 56 MILE RUN 21-08-03
Tony Okell will be running in this weekend's
Buchanan & Pitts sponsored Laxey Horseshoe Fell
Race although he is still being troubled by his
hamstring.
His main target, and it has been for some time, is
next month's Bullock Smithy 56 mile event. According
to the event's website, the event is officially
a hike but it is equally apparent looking at past
results that it attracts some pretty useful fell
runners.
IN THE BUILD UP TO SUNDAY'S HORSHOE FELL RACE
RICHIE STEVENSON RECALLS THE DAY STEVE PARTINGTON
WHEN BLACKBERRY PICKING 20-08-03
At the Horseshoe race in 1992 which Peter Buttery from Holmfirth won. Partie
had a good lead at Glen Ruy after another visitor, John Quine from Bolton, had
gone off course in the Windy Corner area. I must have been reasonably fit in
those days as I was with Peter and we thought we were running for second place
as we thought we had no chance of catching Partie. To our astonishment we caught
Partie on the footpath leading to Lonan church with about a mile to go. Poor
Partie had bonked and was in a bit of a state. As we passed him, and we were not
grinning, he was picking handfuls of black berries and shoveling them down in
an attempt to put a bit of energy back. It seemed to work as he got back to the
finish at Laxey Prom. where a couple of ice creams soon put
him right.
SEPTEMBER FIXTURES 20-08-03
September looks to be a much more sensible month
for fixtures with only one clash of any description.
Friday 5th September sees the final round of
the Dave Phillips Memorial Road Races.
8 days later (Saturday 13 September) the Ian
Ronan sponsored Creg ny Baa Fell Race takes place.
Less than a day later sees the 25km Boundary
Stroll Runs and Walks sponsored for the first time
by Edgewater Direct.
Finally, the big event of the month, and probably
the third biggest event of the year for numbers
taking part, is the White & Healthy End to End
Walk on Sunday 28 September.
Further publicity for all of the events listed
above will be welcomed from organisers to maximise
entries.
HOLIDAYS TIME TO REFLECT 19-08-03
I enjoyed a very pleasant week in the borders
last week staying in England but less than a mile
from Scotland.
I always think that holidays are a time for reflection.
Suddenly the things that seem so important the rest
of the year just don't matter. I didn't access a
computer all week for example.
I am (yet again) determined to get the time I
spend on this website into context and although
I have a further week off work, I have a 101 other
jobs to do so I'm certainly not going to spend the
whole week online.
You've heard the old story about how a man on
his deathbed may say "I wish I'd spent more
time with my family" but very few say "I'd
wish I'd spent more time at work". Likewise
I can't imagine me saying "I wish I'd spent
more time on my website". Nevertheless, there
are still a good many things that I think can be
done better online and so I shall carry on trying
to develop that new dimension to our sport.
One thing I've always been keen to say is that
I would like this site to work alongside other sites
not in competition with them.
NOBLES PARK A MESS 19-08-03
Having failed miserably in my attempts to squeeze
in some training last week (first it was going to
be three sessions in the week, then two, then one
etc) I managed to run for the first time in 10 days
yesterday. I headed for Nobles Park.
Its almost 20 years since I started running regularly
in Nobles Park and I've used it less this year than
ever before. Every time I try a fit in a session
there have either been TT camp sites, the top field
has been dug up, the bottom field has been overgrown
etc. Yesterday was no exception with camping on
the north side of the main field and the St Ninians
side dug up.
During the time I describe above we have been
very lucky to have had the National Sports Centre
built and some neutrals might wonder why we still
need parks to run around. Most of us within the
sport however understand the value of running on
grass, and its a shame that we no longer have such
a good facility at Nobles Park.
I notice from a story in the Isle of Man Examiner
that some of the town council are not happy with
the state of the park either.
THREE CHEERS FOR MARTIN ARAM 19-08-03
Firstly, well done to Martin for finishing second
in the final British grand prix fixture last week
when he cleared 2.08. I am always so pleased
to pick up a national newspaper and see a Manx athlete
listed which was how I found out last week.
Secondly, its great to see Martin featured in
the press taking part in the initiatives for youngsters
at the NSC during the summer.
Thirdly, he is supporting the Manx Championships.
I understand from Graham Davies that he has entered
seven events. Although I've often defended athletes
for not taking part in Manx Championships it is
wonderful when they do.
10,000 METRES 19-08-03
Having campaigned to see the 10,000 metres back
on the fixture list its disappointing to learn that
there are only four entries for Sunday, two seniors
and two vets. Maybe the clash with the Horseshoe
Fell Race was a factor but maybe people just don't
want to run 10,000 metres. Having said that, there
always seem to be plenty of people willing to run
the distance at the Island Games.
I hope that the event will be retained for next
year and that performances at the distance, on the
track, will be a major criteria for selection for
the following year's Island Games.
I know who at least half the field are as Mike
Garrett and I are running. I feel a personal worst
coming on!
MANX CHAMPS UPDATE 19-08-03
Graham Davies informs me that the are over 100
entries with an average of four events per entry.
Sounds reasonable to me.
Further details tomorrow.
Three legged race returns by Graham
Davies
Many of the athletes who competed in the Island Games in Guernsey have entered
this years Bank of Bermuda Isle of Man Track & Field Championships. Due to
the many fixtures the Islands track & Field athletes
have to fulfill off Island the Championships this year
are the very last event of the summer season.
The Championships cover every age group from under 9s to over 60s
this is the second year that Veteran events have been included, all though not
well supported last year its hoped that the Veterans (MASTERS) will join in
this time. This year also includes events for the Islands Special Olympics
athletes, some of which competed in the Special Olympics World Games in Dublin with such
distinction.
The president of the Isle of Man Athletic Association Olympic silver
medallist Maurice Herriot will be on hand presenting the medals along with
representative from Manx Gas and the Championships sponsors the Bank of Bermuda
who both gave financial backing to the Island games athletics
team.The two day event takes place at
the NSC in Douglas on Saturday August 23rd
and Sunday 24th and will bring together all the Island athletic Clubs
officials to bring to a close a very successful season. The final event of the
championship will be a novelty three legged race not included since the late
80s this along with the 10,000 metres is attracting the most attention,
unfortunately the 10k will clash with the very popular Laxey Horse Shoe Fell
race the organisers are trying very hard to juggle the program to alleviate
this problem.
ALAN BAGLEY TO MISS MARATHON 09-08-03
Manx Harrier and former Stockport Harrier will
miss the Close Private Bank Marathon tomorrow as
he joins the holiday exodus. It will be the first
time since 1986 that he has failed to run either
the marathon or the half marathon. He is going to
write about the origins of the road running grand
prix for the Veterans newsletter.
DAVE PHILLIPS MEMORIAL ROAD RACES ROUND 6 09-08-03
There was a reasonable turnout last night considering
the proximity to the road running grand prix. There
was hardly any wind and as you can imagine it was
the hottest of the season. So instead of the wind
slowing us down it was the heat, you know the old
story!
Mike Garrett was the fastest unofficially at
around 21.25 but I'm afraid I don't know who won
the handicap - check out the Manx Independent for
the adjusted times.
One person I caught sprinting hard at the finish
of the two mile event as I was setting out on the
first of my two laps was Marie Latham who won the
previous round.
DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING PAUL JACKSON SAYS! 08-08-03
Contrary to his own publicity there is
definitely NO 10K Racewalk at the 'Southern 10' road
running event on Monday 11th August 2003.
Paul will not be
on the Island for the Grand Prix as he starts his
family holiday on Sunday.
ROBBIE LAMBIE SUGGESTS ANOTHER CAPTION FOR STEVE
PARTINGTON'S PICTURE OF DAVE NEWTON 08-08-03
Practising Position 47 of the Karma Sutra - without
partner (solo)
Add your suggestions to the forum.
Graham Young suggests "Adolf Hitler
attempts 3-legged poise".
100 METRES WIDE OPEN IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 08-08-03
Athletics International reports on Tim Montgomery's
problems
Tim Montgomery
will probably be keen to get back to the training track after his disastrous
outing. That should really read outings because Montgomery was lucky to make
it to the final after finishing as the equal slowest qualifier from the two
100m heats (10.39). In the final, he seemed to fall asleep in his blocks. Never
in contention, he finished sixth in a mediocre 10.37. Up front, world indoor
60m champion Justin Gatlin, who did not qualify for the US team for Paris, took
an excellent 10.15 victory into a strong headwind (-2.4m/s). The in-form Deji
Aliu, who had impressed when winning his heat, was disqualified for a false
start in the final, the race being delayed several minutes before he accepted
the decision. If Montgomerys World Championship ambitions were dented, then
the opposite was the case in the womens 100m where the resurgent Christine
Arron soundly beat world champion Zhanna Block, who was a sluggish fourth.
Published 30
times a year by Athletics International Ltd, 13 Garden Court, Marsh Lane,
Stanmore, Middx HA7 4TE, UK. Fax no: 020 8954 7497; abroad (44) 20 8954 7497.
e-mail:
[email protected][email protected]
Annual
subscription: UK £70, rest of Europe £80 or 140 euro, outside Europe £95 or
$160 e-mail version
£60 ($100, 100 euro) anywhere (cash or cheques
drawn on UK bank, payable to Athletics International Ltd).
PHIL RILEY SHINES IN THE SUN says Andy Fox
08-08-03
Phil Riley's triple jump was affected by the
sun. He was struggling and had to be forced
to drink copious amounts of water prior to the relays
where he ran a blinder in the 4 x 100m.
Phil competed in 7 events, Chris Whitlow I 5,
John Halligan and 5 and Glenn Butterworth 5 also.
Most did 3 or 4 and only 2 athletes competed in
2 events. We knew the team for this last match would
be a little weaker than we would want. The main
point is how hard all these lads worked to try and
keep the club (Manx Harriers) up in Division 1.
I have nothing but the greatest of admiration for
all of them.
STEVE PARTINGTON A ROLE MODEL SAYS ALLAN CALLOW
08-08-03
Allan Callow, who has coached and assisted Steve
Partington throughout his race walking career which
is already more than 20 years old, says we'll have
to ask Steve for his secrets in the latest edition
of Manx Harriers newsletter but adds: "I know
how hard, sensibly and professionally he prepares.
Any youngsters would do well to have him as a role
model, especially as I've never heard him make an
excuse".
Allan goes on;"Manx athletics has been most
fortunate to have such a good ambassador and performer.
This is in addition to all that he puts back into
the sport despite all his family and training commitments.
Lets hope the best is yet to come in what has been
a fantastic athletic career to date."
AND SPRINTER THANKS HER COACH 08-08-03
Island Games 200 metres champion Sarah Dowling
pays tribute to her coach, Di Shimell, in the feature
on her sprinting success in the Manx Harrier newsletter.
"I'd like to thank Di Shimell for all her
help and support. She is down the track 6
days a week and will coach anyone. She is kind and
caring and without her I do not think I would be
running as I am now."
Danna Callow, who as Danna Myhill ran in the
1986 Commonwealth Games as a 15 year old, and came
back to the 1994 Commonwealth Games to make the
semi finals of the 100 metres in the 14th best time
of the games, appears to be moving up in distance.
She was always known as a terrific starter and
used to run so well in the indoor 60 metres but
I think its fair to say that Danna would have considered
one lap of the track to be long distance.
It was nice to see her competing in the Clerical
Medical Parish Walk this year but it still gave
me a surprise to see her pictured in the Race Walking
Record (my picture).
In addition to her Commonwealth Games performances,
Danna was a multi Island Games winner.
DARREN GRAY IN RICH VEIN OF FORM says Andy Fox
08-08-03
Since te Island games he has run personal bests
in the 1500 metres steeplechase, the 1500 metres,
5000 metres and last weekend the 3000 metres steeplchase
again. He would have run a 400 metres PB had he
not fallen at the ninth and probably a 5000 metres
PB had he been fresh.
VETERANS AC ADD NEW MEMBERS 07-08-03
Thanks to Peter Cooper for letting me have a
copy of the latest Isle of Man Veterans AC newsletter
(sponsored by Merrill Lynch).
There is an amazing amount of detail in this
Alan Poslethwaite edited publication but for the
meantime its pleasing to note that they've added
three new members in Eddie Teare, Gill Churcher
and Helen Corlett.
JOHN HALLIGAN COMEBACK? 07-08-03
John Haligan competed in the Pole Vault, the
400 hurdles and flat A races and 800 metres A race
together with the 4 x 400 metres relay for Manx
Harriers on Sunday.
"We are hoping that such sprinting will
encourage him to get back training for the steeplechase
as it easier and certainly less embarrassing"
says Andy Fox.
SUE FURNER TACKLES THE BIGGER END TO END
06-08-03
Courtesy of Isle of Man Newspapers and Johanne
Smyth
A BANK
worker will soon be thinking in terms of foot balm not finance when she embarks
on a 1,000-mile charity walk.
Sue Furner, 45, a
personal banker with Barclays Private Clients International, based in Douglas,
will set off with her friend Angela Brown on August 17 to walk from John
O'Groats to Land's End.
She is hoping to raise £2,000 for the BBC's
Children in Need Appeal through sponsorship.
Sue, of Victoria Road,
Douglas, moved to the Island five years ago and began entering local events. She
did the whole 85-mile Parish Walk in 2001 and 2002.
Sue said she is
always thinking of how best she can channel her fitness into worthwhile
activities.
'The idea to walk from John O'Groats to Land's End came to me
when I was at Land's End some years ago for an eclipse and visited the museum,
which had accounts of other walkers who had tackled the route, and I thought:
"why not me?",' she said.
Sue has run 15 marathons New York's her
favourite including this year's London event, which she finished in four hours
seven minutes.
When Sue sets out from John O'Groats, the most northerly
point of mainland Britain, she will have the support of her children, Claire,
17, Julia, 16, Simon, 12, and Colin, 10, as well as husband Rich for the first
two weeks. Their eldest son, Graham, 18, won't be going.
She and Angela,
who lives in England, are hoping to average between 17 and 20 miles a day,
arriving at Land's End eight weeks later.
Sue, a part-time employee of
the bank, has saved up all her annual leave and has worked extra days to allow
her to take 10 weeks off.
'I'm very grateful to Barclays for their
support and for very generously pledging to match my fundraising efforts to a
maximum of £750,' she said.
'I've entered many events before but this is
the first time I've ever done all the organising.'
She added: 'I chose
Children in Need to raise funds for because it supports children's causes on a
local and global level, and also, of course, because I'm a mother with five
children.'
Managing director of Barclays Private Clients International,
Tim Parkes, said: 'We're very pleased to be supporting Sue in what is her most
ambitious challenge to date. Everyone at Barclays is right behind her, to the
extent that her colleagues have already pledged hundreds of pounds towards her
£2,000 goal.
'We wish her every success!'
Anyone wishing to
sponsor Sue can contact her by e-mail at [email protected]
INTEREST IN LONG AWAITED RETURN OF 10km STRONG
06-08-03
Mike Garrett is the latest runner to confirm
his entry in the 25 lap race in the Bank of Bermuda
10,000 metres on 24 April. Mike's previous run in
the event was a sun scorched midday start in June
1996.
Hopefully the women will also support the event.
Can anyone confirm they've entered?
MANX HARRIERS SOCIAL 06-08-03
Andy Fox has promised a team social later in
the summer on the return from his holiday. More
details to follow.
DAVE PHILLIPS MEMORIAL HANDICAP RACES -
ROUND 6 06-08-03
The sixth of the seven rounds of the 4 mile handicap
series takes place on Friday signing on at Peel
Camp site at 6.30 for a 7 pm start.
Whilst competitors aiming to compete in the Close
Bank Marathon and Half Marathon would be well advised
to watch the event (or lend a hand) rather than
competing so close to their big day, other runners
targeting other events in the Grand Prix of Running
may well find the event to be well suited.
The course consists of two laps off a mile out
and mile back course turning just past the Poortown Railway
bridge (before Poortown Quarry). There is also a
shorter option of a single lap and junior races
around the campsite.
The final round is on Friday 5 September.
ANDY FOX THANKS OFFICIALS 06-08-03
Thanks to officials Bernie Shimell, Colin Halsall,
John Whitlow and Keiron Murray at the Northern League
last week. Also thanks from to Chris Quine and Michelle
for traveling a long way to support. John &
Keiron had a hell of a job in the full blast of
the sun officiating in the high jump. The only compensation
was that they covered the women's as well as the
men's events! We are still trying to work out of
the red cheeks on the lads faces were due to sun
burn or some other unknown affliction.
LAXEY HORSESHOE FELL RACE - IMPORTANT NOTICE
06-08-03
by Richie Stevenson
All competitors in the Laxey Horseshoe are advised
that as it is classified an A category race it will be compulsory to carry
minimum safety equipment consisting of a whistle and a waterproof jacket. This
applies irrespective of the prevailing conditions on the day. I know this rule
seems a bit over the top when the sun is beating down but we have no choice in
the matter as we are governed by FRA rules and if we did not enforce them we
would not be covered by their insurance.
Competitors should also be sure of the route from
the checkpoint on Cronk Y Vaare ( checkpoint 5 ) to the final
checkpoint situated on the mountain wall at the top of Ballacowin
Farm. COMPETITORS ARE ONLY PERMITTED TO CROSS THE MOUNTAIN WALL AT THE
CHECKPOINT. Last year some runners cut across private land by crossing the
mountain wall shortly after leaving Cronk Y Vaare. This is not permitted and
will be monitored.
MORE FROM THE NORTHERN MEN'S LEAGUE 05-08-03
Andy Fox has kindly typed out a lengthy report
whilst on his holiday and posted it to me. I didn't
manage to scan it using OCR (optical character recognition)
but I've managed to scan the first two pages as
jpg files (pictures).
There were quite a few other snippets of information
for Andy which I'll use over the next couple of
days.
Thanks Andy. Apparently Colwyn Bay's internet
cafe was closed on a Monday!
TIM WATT (Race Walking Record editor) QUICK
TO RESPOND 05-08-03
Within a couple of hours of my posting Tim's
mis-quote that Andy Penn had missed six weeks training
in March, I received an email from Tim Watt - It
never ceases to amaze me how quickly my comments
are picked up!
He took it all in good spirits:
"I was pleased to see you noticed the slip
of then keypad, in quoting Andy Penn in the latest
Record.
Easy meat I'm tempted to think. I had thought
I'd typed 'since' rather than 'in' March but
maybe I quoted correctly; I'm not sure if you remember
Murray when you were in training that if you put
yourself through enough effort it certainly was
possible to gain at least one extra week per month
- or maybe you were putting yourself through enough
pain.
Perhaps we can set up an experiment where one
twin goes to altitude in Mexico over several hundred
kms a week while the other follows the Steve Taylor
regimen. I predict that one twin will have aged
half a lifetime while the other will think 5 minutes
have passed by, or maybe that would be the drink..."
I'll drink to that experiment!
ROSE A TRUE SPORT 05-08-03
I received a very nice email from Rose Hooton
the other day (the day after I first featured her
on the front page).
Although she is obviously proud of her achievements
it is obvious that she would rather see more women
competing on the fells even if, as a result, she
finishes lower down the field. To me this is true
sportsmanship.
ANDY FOX MAY RUN THE 10km TRACK CHAMPS 05-08-03
Andy was moving South this week and says that
if he stays motivated and trains whilst on holiday
he may well run in the Manx champs 10km.
I'm sure the rather slack veterans record must
be up for grabs. I ran 34.34 five years ago!
STEVE TAYLOR EXPLAINS WHY HE HAS PUT ON WEIGHT
IN RECENT YEARS
EXCUSES No 1 05-08-03
Answering some of the more common questions regarding
health issues.
Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can
prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats,
and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything
wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will
not make you live longer; that's like saying you
can extend the life of your car by driving it faster.
Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits
and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What
does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these?
vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient
mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system.
Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source
of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork
chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily
allowance of vegetable slop.
Q: Is beer or wine bad for me?
A: Look, it goes to the earlier point about fruits
and vegetables. As we all know, scientists divide
everything in the world into three categories: animal,
mineral, and vegetable. We all know that beer and
wine are not animal, and they are not on the periodic
table of elements, so that only leaves one thing,
right? My advice: Have a burger and a beer and enjoy
your liquid vegetables.
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body, and you have body
fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies,
your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating
in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy
is: No Pain - Good.
Q: If I stop smoking, will I live longer?
A: Nope. Smoking is a sign of individual statement
and peace of mind. If you stop, you'll probably
stress yourself to death in record time.
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: You're not listening. Foods are fried these
days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated
in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad
for you?
Q: What's the secret to healthy eating?
A: Thicker gravy.
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting
a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle,
it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups
if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? Cocoa beans... Another vegetable.
It's the best feel good food around!
I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions
you may have had about food and diets.
WALKERS HAVE SOME GOOD EXCUSES 05-08-03
Andy Penn, who clinched his 1992
20km walk Olympic selection, with a win in the Manx
Airlines event, recently bounced back to win the
National 20km Walk at York.
According to Race Walking rrecord
he was in good shape despite not racing since the
Commonwealth Games. "I missed 6 weeks in March
including Leamington with a knee injury but I was
fit before then".
Six weeks in March? How many weeks
does he normally train in March?
EVEN THE PROFESSIONALS HAVE THEIR EXCUSES 05-08-03
Dwain Chambers admits that Christmas shopping was to blame for the winter
setbacks that have hampered his 2003 season, reports Eurosport.
BRIDGET KANEEN REPORTS ON MANX HARRIERS
5TH PLACE IN PRESTON
04-08-03
Had a nice day out with the womens team on
Sunday. I think the women were 5th yesterday in Preston
yesterday.
With a seriously depleted team, even our officials
were competing in events, just to secure a few extra
points, notably Elaine Whelan making her debut in the Long
jump before going on to her track judging duties. Di Shimell
was literally off the coach ( which had a few problems finding the venue
) and in to the
hammer circle, then officiating on triple jump for
the remainder of the afternoon.
The only officials excused from competing where
Brian Masterson (for obvious reasons) and Irene Butterworth who was
timekeeping.
Island Games success Sarah Dowling earned her
dinner on the boat, competing in 7 events, though this must have
compromised her performance somewhat in all her
events.
Julie Harrison completed her season in fine style
with 2.15 in the A 800 and equally good performances in the 400
and 200m.
As Julie's husband Adie was running for the
Northern Men's team in the same match, it was a case of swapping baby
sitting duties throughout the afternoon.
Throwers Helen Sheen and Kirree Kermode picked up
some good positions in covering all the throwing events with Helen also
getting extra points in the 100m B race. In the heat of the afternoon Jane Mooney and Marie
Latham ran the 3000m and then the 1500m with little time in between efforts to recover.
My lungs were working hard in the 800B, 400B and
the 100 hurdles. Last event for the girls was the 4x100 relay, we
scratched the 4x400 as we were concerned about catching our boat as our outward coach trip had
taken so long.
We met up with Manx Harriers B team back at
Liverpool, (even more seriously depleted than our team with
just 3!!) However a delighted Nick Percival was all smiles as
he knocked 30 seconds off his P.B for 5000m, finishing
in around 16.30 ish (I think), a brilliant
effort, especially considering the very hot conditions for distance running yesterday.
MANX HARRIERS 6th today 03-08-03
Chris Quine phoned today to report
on Manx Harriers' achievements at Derby in the final
Northern Mens League - next year the women and men
will compete together.
It sounded like a gallant performance
from the Manx Harriers squad of just 11 athletes
to take 6th spot in the match and 6th spot in the
league for the season.
Darren Gray improved his steeplechase
personal best to 10.06 but he still finished behind
his mentor Andy Fox who took second spot in 10.01.
Phil Riley had to do 7 events and
was in danger of heat exhaustion at temperatures
rose. He was second in the long jump in 6.45.
Keith Gerrard was just outside his
800 metres personal best in 2.04.
The squad was weakened by a lack
of sprinters. Top speed merchant Chris Stobart is
still injured with a suspected stress fracture.
Thanks to Chris for keeping us well
informed, I'm sure there will be a more detailed
report from Andy later in the week. Chris
was unable to run because of injury and now starts
a two week family holiday.
MISSED PHOTO OPPORTUNITY 03-08-03
I had to make another unscheduled
visit to my mother's home at Cannan Court in Kirk
Michael yesterday morning. The committee behind
the housing complex were working as hard as ever
preparing for a fund raising lunch in a marquee
and I stumbled upon Bernie Cannan (the complex is
named after his father) with tea towel in hand in
the kitchen. "What a shame I didn't bring my
camera!" I said to Bernie. "Well I suppose
you'll mention it on your website anyway" he
replied. Well there's an idea!