Micky Kelly, who competed in the Peel Road Races
last Summer is one of three Manx rowers in the British
team at the World Indoor Championships in Boston
this weekend. They are sponsored by AXA PPP healthcare.
Athletics team manager for the Island Games,
Martin Bullock, has arranged a meeting for all athletes
who wish to be considered for the Island Games.
They should go to the Cronkbourne Cricket Club at
8 pm on Monday 24 February. Initial arrangements
for Guernsey will be discussed together with the
selection policy, funding and other matters.
Rachel Kelly, Michelle Greaves and Sarah Dowling
travel to the Birmingham Indoor Games this weekend
with Di and Bernie Shimell. Sarah, 22 will be competing
in the 60 and 200 metres; 17 year old Rachel will
be in action in the 400 metres and 800 metres; while
16 year old Michelle will be competing in the 60
metres hurdles and 300 metres.
Additional competitors in the Steam Packet walks
are 10 top ranked Jill Hesketh and London based
South African Estelle Viljoen.
There was a very small entry at last Sunday's
Ramsey Bakery sponsored cross country league. Lawrence
Dyer was the only senior man although there were
six veterans headed by Allan Corran. Rose Hooton
continued her winning ways ahead of Christine Barwell
in the women's race.
DAVID DOYLE TO QUIT RUNNING? 20-02-03
When he takes up his new appointment as second
Deemster next moth he will have the address "Deemsters
Walk". As one of our senior enforcers of the
law then surely he cannot go against such an instruction
and do anymore running can he?
KANEEN'S LAW 20-02-03
Peter Kaneen ran an amusing series of stories
on the forum last year about things that happen
at inappropriate times. Well here is one from me
(it turned into two by the time I finished).
I've lost count of the number of times I've written
about athletes during the past year who are recovering
from one cold or virus after another and I've gone
a whole year without one.
On Tuesday, 50 days and 13 or so physio sessions
after having an accident that put me out of action,
my physio agreed that I could start doing some very
gentle exercise, although my knee is still not completely
better. On the same day I developed a sore
throat and needless to say I've been dosing myself
with Lemsip (please don't drug test me!!) ever since
and not been fit to jog.
Actually I'll extend my Kaneen's law a bit further
to another theme that will be familiar with all
athletes -its always just when things seem to being
going well that you come down to earth with a bang.
Throughout the whole of last year I went from
my injury to another. It wrecked my marathon and
then I raced my way through the early Summer only
to miss another six weeks with an achilles injury.
But then I managed to train at least twice a week
(Saturday and Wednesday) for 14 weeks in a row and
my form was coming on. My average mileage per week
had reached the dizzy heights of 17 per week and
the 34 and 46 in the last two weeks of December
were my highest for about 18 months. I missed the
Millennium Way Relay and thought I would be reaching
a mini peak for the Lancs Cross Country. And
then one stupid mistake!!
More Lemsip coming up!
BUT FIRST 20-02-03
Just time to mention an outstanding exercise
Steve Taylor has completed to bring all the Island's
walking records up to date. Watch this space. I'll
shortly be publishing Caroline Brand masterpiece
as well. She has brought the rest of the athletics
records up to date.
MORE NEWS FROM PHIL RILEY 19-02-03
Just to let you know that I'm also off to Glasgow
this weekend where I will be competing in the
Long and Triple Jumps, and have given up on the
hurdles experiment as it will be too much. I was
disappointed to not achieve the Island Games standard
last season for the Long Jump so i hope to be sailing
well over 6.50m on the Saturday to put me in good
shape for a big outdoor season. Also hope to compete
in Manchester at the end of March depending on commitments.
Also could you ask anyone on the site (here goes)
if they know much about lactose/lactate levels after
performance? I've been helping a student with her
sports science dissertation recently which involves
4x15 minutes of running based on differing VO2 max
percentages with 3minutes between, following another
run until exhausted. I was informed my lactate levels
were abnormally high at around 9 following the last
run, does anyone know if levels such as these are
dangerous. Still, its getting me a hell of a lot
fitter at least!
A big congratulations to all those pre-selected
for the Games, i hope to be booking my place by
early May at the very latest!
"You ought to get out more" is a saying
that has been thrown at me more than at some. The
saddest thing is that when I do I always seem to
be thinking about who I can write about on the website!
So when I attended Deloitte & Touche's breakfast
budget briefing at the Mount Murray Hotel this morning
I felt sure I would come back with a few stories.
D & T's partner, Peter Vanderpump has taken
part in both the Parish Walk and the London Marathon
so inevitably I started my conversation with him
with "are you running in London this year".
He is not but his daughter Kathryn (sorry I've not
checked spelling) is running it for the fourth time
and his son William is joining her this year. They
both live in London but were brought up in the Isle
of Man.
I got a chance to congratulate twice Parish Walk
finisher David Doyle on his appointment as Second
Deemster but failed with my attempt to wind him
up by telling him that the Parish Walk was being
switched to Tynwald Day (he wouldn't be able to
take part if that was the case!).
Colin Bowen was as enthusiastic as ever about
his running although he says that at the age of
59 he has no desire to run marathons anymore. Half
marathons are long enough now he says. I didn't
realise that he has done quite a bit of karate although
he has given this up now as well.
The most tenuous link to athletics is with another
man I took the opportunity to congratulate on his
fairly recent promotion to chief financial officer
with the government. Mark Shimmin was a good friend
of mine at school and we both had some ambition
(as did many of our mates) to be rock musicians.
On a few occasions during the summer when we were
in the 6th form and I had passed my test I used
to double my trip from Kirk Michael to run in Manx
AC's Track & Field meetings at Ballakermeen
with some guitar practice at Mark's house just a
stone's throw away from where I am now, in Tennis
Road. Even though I finished well behind Dave Newton
and Paul Bawden in the 1500 metres that Summer at
least I wasn't a total no hoper as I was playing
and singing from the Lindisfarne songbook with Mark.
So perhaps if we had been better musicians I wouldn't
have stayed involved with athletics for all these
years and be writing this website tonight. Mind
you this story has just prompted to play a Lindisfarne
CD recorded 30 years ago at the BBC.
Mark is a brother of Minster for Transport (John)
while their other brother (Paul) runs an accountancy
firm (Shimmin Wilson) who sponsor the Manx Hockey
League.
FORUM PLAYING UP 19-02-03
I know that a lot of people (like me) check the
forum regularly even if they don't write much. No
doubt they will have noticed that it is playing
up today. I've had problems in the past and it has
usually come back so I won't do anything about it
just yet.
English National Cross-Country championships preview
by Chris Quine 18-02-03
A party of 8 Manx Harriers athletes travel to London this weekend to compete
in the English National Cross-Country championships. The championships return to
what for many is the premier cross country course in Britain Parliament Hill
Fields which forms part of Hampstead Heath.
The course is renowned as being muddy and undulating so should be a real
test. The first 400m or so are uphill with Central London forming a spectacular
backdrop.
"The National" really is a race like no other. Whilst the numbers are not
what they were at their peaks in the late 1980s, it is still a unique event
which everyone should try at least once in their career.
Whilst big road races like the London Marathon and Great North Run attract
much bigger fields, the National is distinguished by the vast majority of the
runners being of at least a good club standard. This tends to make it highly
competitive whatever position you are in the race. Add in the team race and this
gives everyone an even sharper edge. At its peak there should be well over one
hundred finishers per minute!
First in action on Saturday, hoping to improve on his 21st place
in the recent Inter-Counties race, will be Keith Gerrard in the under 17s class.
Hopefully, he will have benefited from that experience and will be keen to make
amends for what he saw as a disappointing run. The muddier conditions may well
suit Keiths slight frame.
With some 2000 runners contesting the senior mens race, Ken Livingstone
might want to think about extending his congestion charge to Parliament Hill
Fields on Saturday! Expect a real charge up the first hill as the course narrows
from about 300m to 30m in the first 400 metres or so.
Those intending to start are:
Paul Clarke
Gianni Epifani
Andy Fox
Chris Quine
Mark Preston
Darren Gray
Glenn Butterworth.
It should be a real battle between Paul Clarke and Gianni Epifani for the
honour of being first Manxman home. In a quality field, however, they will do
well to finish in the first 150 home.
PAUL CLARKE ALSO PRE-SELECTED 18-02-03
Graham Davies has admitted that Paul Clarke was
missed from the pre-selection list and has now been
added. He achieved the qualifying time in the Half
Marathon at Ramsey last year.
Congratulations to Paul. Although he has not
been to every Island Games, he competed as far back
as 1985. Doesn't that make you feel old Paul?!
CHRIS STOBART PAYS TRIBUTE TO SPONSOR 18-02-03
Chris would like to publicly thank Alistair Audsley
at Solus Stategic for assisting him with his travel
costs to the northern indoors and the BUSA champs.
MOVE UP THE DISTANCE
SLIGHTLY 18-02-03
and we have the latest
news from middle distance star, Keiron Murray
W/c 27th January 2003 22weeks
35mins steady - 10mins - 6x
30s fast relaxed off 90s
LAO2 / Aerobic 2
Anaer./ Speed End 2
Speed ½
Conditioning 0
Technique 0
TOTAL 4½
2[400m in 73s off 1min]
4min sets plyos
Pack run course - 51mins steady
LtSwit [88,89,90,91 off 3:30]
W/c
3rd February 2003 21 weeks
3x60s/100m high knees off
2min - 10min - 6 x 150m walk back rec
Weights plus 6x60m stride,
2[150m hard / 150mrelaxed off 2min]
6min set
LAO2 / Aerobic 3
Anaer / Speed End ½
Speed 1 ½
Conditioning2
Technique ½
TOTAL 7 ½
Fell runners [5:14-2:01-4:54-2:05-4:57-2:07]
off c3mins
8x 150m fast relaxed walk
back rec.
Weights
5x2:30 with equal recovery
(on grass)
Easy 20mins
Ive had three really good
weeks, which have largely been coincidental with a good run of weather. Im
feeling a lot stronger on the longer reps sessions of 800m and more. I may
venture back down the Prom in the near future to do a hard effort of 6x 3min on
/ 1min off which is a really good test session.
At this time of year Im
trying to build up my aerobic capacity. The aerobic capacity works best if I
focus on intervals rather than pounding out miles and miles. I seem to get the
most benefit from 4-6 reps of between 800m and 1200m at something near 3k race
pace. As with 2001, the Easter Festival road races will prove a useful test to
see how Ive wintered. My gym work has also been going well and Ive been doing
a lot of abdominal / core stability work and trying to strengthen the lower
back area which gave me problems last year. I may go to see an osteopath just
to check everything is OK there.
Based on how my few speedwork
sessions have been going, Im thinking about having a run at the Manchester indoor meeting at the end of March. Ive introduced a
bit more speedwork over the last few weeks and will try and do at least a
session a week until the end of May. Ill then go onto the trusted June routine
of two speed sessions / races / time trials, two speed endurance / lactic sessions
and two recovery runs.
Finally, Im pleased to have
been pre-selected for the Manx team for Guernsey despite the disappointment of last year. Im looking forward to the
challenge more than ever and I really want to keep hold of my titles, although
I think Ill have to run close to 48 flat and 1:52 to do the double again.One of the things that has most definitely
changed about the Games is the availability of other Islands race results (and diaries like this), which lets everyone know who is
doing what. Mind you, last time my SBs going into the Games were 50.6 and
1:57.5 so dont believe all you read ..
THE BBC SEARCH FOR
YOUNG SPORTING TALENT 18-02-03
Thanks to Johanne
Smythe - our Manx voice in the Netherlands
It can't be any colder than last week suggests
Richie Stevenson
A second training run will take
place next Sunday 23rd Feb. over the Snaefell course. Ten turned up last Sunday
including a few newcomers who were able to have a look over the 5 miles course
at a easy pace ( although by crikey it was cold ). Same arrangements next week,
either start from Windy Corner at 9.00am or 9.15 at the
Bungalow.
1983 & 1984 20 MILES RESULTS 18-02-03
Completing a bumper 24 hours of contributions
(gosh it would be easy if it was like this all the
time!), Steve Parkinson has emailed the results
of the above to add to the 20 Mile database I compiled
last year but which was left with a few gaps. I'll
get back to this task in a day or two.
I've still a few contributions in my inbox including
a few comments about the Island Games team which
I'll save for tomorrow.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ISLAND GAMES ATHLETES 17-02-03
I'm sure I speak for everyone associated with
this site when I congratulate those already warming
the plane seats for Guernsey.
I'd already finished the site for the day when
I received Graham's email last night so although
I gave the announcement full prominence on the front
page, I didn't comment in any way.
I've always been in favour of pre-selection provided
those chosen are head and shoulders above the rest
and are not locking others of equal ability out
of the team.
I really don't know enough about the current
set up but I'm sure, given that the athletes are
expected to pay a fair chunk of their own expenses,
that no one will unfairly take advantage of this
privilege. As Graham says, they actually have a
chance to prepare well and peak for the big week.
I'd welcome any further news on the team front
either from Graham or anyone else.
AND HERE IS NEWS OF ONE OF THE STARS 17-02-03
The words are from Chris Stobart who last year
achieved the Commonwealth Games qualifying time
Still training hard in Southend for some upcoming
indoor competitions. Was pretty rusty in the northern
indoors champs and have a niggling toe injury too.
Feeling confident for the upcoming season and
as long as the remainder of the winter goes to plan
then I'm looking forward to racing and improving
again this year. Got the BUSA indoor champs at the
weekend,in which im competing for Bath. Hopefully
i will go under 7 seconds-which if feel has been
long overdue.
Training as much as i can but spending an entire
winter running on your own and with a full time
job took a bit of getting used to. Can't wait to
get back to university!!
PHANTOM WALKERS EXPLAINED 17-02-03
Steve Taylor and Bridget Kaneen both emailed
to explain the "phantom walkers".
Apparently Paul Kelly and Richard Creer both started at Andreas in November
but also both recorded DNF's. Richard has had
an injury problem with his knee since
competing
in the End to End walk. You cannot accuse
Tigger of not being thorough!
STEAM PACKET WALKERS GOING AT A RATE OF KNOTS
17-02-03
This news was also received in duplicate from
Bridget Kaneen and Steve Taylor
Irish Indoors, Belfast, Saturday
Senior Men's 5km Walk
Place, Name, Club, Time
Final
1 Heffernan, Robert Togher A.C. 19.16.95
2 Griffin, Colín Ballinamore A.C. 19.51.15
3 Costin, Jamie West Waterford A.C. 20.09.03
4 Ryan, Pat Mullingar Harriers A.C. 20.45.16
5 Kidd, David St. L. O'Toole A.C. 21.02.57
6 Cassin, Jeff Finn Valley A.C. 21.09.93
7 Gibbons, James Finn Valley A.C.
8 Griffin, Ronan Ballinamore A.C. 23.09.40
9 Tansey, Fergal U.C.D. A.C. 24.21.88
10 Pender, Sean Kilmurray/Ibrickane A.C. 29.04.50
Junior Men's 5km Walk
1 Fitzpatrick, Hugh Shercock A.C. 25.26.43
2 Durcan, Joseph Ballina A.C. 26.09.61
3 Moran, Patrick Claremorris A.C. 26.45.99
Senior Women's 3 km Walk
1 O'Sullivan, Gillian Farranfore
Maine Valley A.C. 11.35.34 WR
2 Loughnane, Olive Loughrea A.C.
12.32.51
3 Cassin, Yvonne Finn Valley A.C. 13.51.01
4 Mc Gill, Anne Finn Valley A.C.
16.23.83
Junior Women's 3 km Walk
Loughnane, Ann Craughwell A.C. 14.09.45
Mc Mahon, Catriona St. Marys
A.C. 14.21.41
Burtenshaw, Carol Monasterevin A.C. 16.10.45
Mc Corry, Claire Abbey A.C. 19.18.55
FELL RUNNING CONTINUES ON THE ROADS 17-02-03
Fell runnners training continues every Tuesday
evening at 6.30pm from the TT Grandstand under the guidance of Margaret Lockley.
Last week there were 16 or so turned up for a hard but enjoyable session
catering for all standards.
IRISH STARS HEAD STEAM PACKET LINE UP 16-02-03
Bridget Kaneen reports
The take up from the English side of the
Irish sea is limited to Sharon Tonks who will
compete in the 20k walk. Sharon had her best year ever
last year, representing England in
the Commonwealth Games and G.B in the World Cup.
She will be looking for an early opportunity to try for the 102 minute qualifying
time
set for the European champs in Russia.
Steve Hollier a regular in the last few years, has
just changed his job is unable to come over as he
is in the process of retraining as a
policeman. (well he is certainly tall enough!)
The Irish take up has been more
positive.
In the Mens 20k we have Colin Griffin who walked
in the world cup last Autumn. His brother Ronan is also to make the trip over as
well as Pat Ryan another promising young
athlete.
We believe that Jamie Costin and David Kidd
are also hoping to make the trip over
here.
In the 50k Jeff Cassin who also walked in Turin
has been invited.
Gillian O Sullivan who has put on many a good
show at this meeting in the past is unable to make the
trip as she is altitude training along with Rob
Heffernan in Mexico.
We have another young athlete Catriona McMahon
coming over to race here for the first time. If the past performances of the
Irish are anything to go by they should put on quite a
show.
FORMER COMMONWEALTH GAMES WALKER SEEKS OND SCHOOL
FRIENDS
16-02-03
Lionel Cowin, Managing Editor of Isle of Man
Newspapers has pointed out that former Isle of Man
and Australian Commonwealth Games walker has the
following message on the newspaper's reunions page.
Like to hear from anyone I knew starting
Ballakermeen in Nineteen fifty nine Ian Hodgkinson <mailto:[email protected]>
NOTHING TO DO WITH ATHLETICS Part 99 16-02-03
Although I'm committed to keeping this
site football free and avoiding all this "my
team is better than your team" stuff that I
enjoy as much as anyone, I have to get one thing
off my chest.
Why do TV commentators always refer to Saturday
morning matches when they are played early. You
know, the ones that start at 12.15 or 12.30. Surely
anything played after 12 is by definition AFTER
NOON.
STEAM PACKET GUEST LINE UP 15-02-03
Bridget Kaneen has kindly provided details of
the guest line up and this will be published tomorrow.
So after you've read the fascinating article
about Colin Moore (thanks to Graham Davies) you'll
have to find something else to read today cos I
ain't got much to say today. Mind you, you can always
have your say on the forum!
KEITH GERRARD SO MATURE 14-02-03
It was good to bump into Keith Gerrard today
and I get the impression he is so mature for his
age, or particularly his height!
He's still smiling, after all its not a matter
of life and death, after finishing a little lower
than he expected in last week's Inter Counties Cross
Country. But he is convinced he should have finished
higher and thinks that part of the reason why he
didn't was because he used too much energy catching
the leaders after being held up (by his starting
position) in the early stages.
The runners who finished so far behind him in
the Lancashire Championships and the Merseyside
Schools Championships finished ahead of him this
time.
He is certainly well looked after. Besides his
parental support, his much praised coach (Andy Fox)
and Graham Davies to look after him on his travels,
today he had Chris Quine quickly on the scene to
interrupt our conversation advising Keith not to
answer my intrusive questions!
Just one thing about Graham's report in the paper
- sorry Graham. His enthusiasm got the better
of him again with his description of millions of
people watching the race on TV. Sky barely get a
million for most of their live Premiership football
matches so I would be very surprised if there was
a six figure audience. Its quality that counts though
and most of the visitors to this website seemed
to be watching!
PHANTOM WALKERS 14-02-03
Has anyone noticed that Richard Creer and Paul
Kelly are listed in Steve Taylor's list of competitors
in the Bank of Scotland Winter League walks on the
front page today without actually taking part?
QUIZ NIGHT 14-02-03
Perhaps the old saying that all publicity is
good publicity will be true as I'm going to give
an extra mention to the quiz night at Glen Helen
in three weeks time.
Apologies to anyone with download speed problems
as I published Paul Jackson's scanned copy of the
ticket in bitmap form in good faith without realising
that it was over 500kb in size. I've now republished
in jpg form in only 8% of the size.
HOBBLING OFF TOGETHER 14-02-03
Besides chatting to Keith Gerrard today I had
a good chinwag with hard working IOMAA official
Anthony Brand.
Ant is recovering well after a major knee operation
on Christmas Eve - remember the picture?
Well my knee still seizes up after being inactive
for too long and after we completed our conversation
in one of the coldest spots in Douglas he hobbled
off in one direction and I reverted to a limp in
the other! Good advert for athletics!
AND SO IS THIS 14-02-03
Every time I visit the physiotherapist I seem
to be following Gianni Epifani.
Gianni is heading for the National Cross Country
next week but, although still running, has been
having treatment during the past few weeks for his
shins.
Its the old story, he tells me, that as soon
as his commits to a major race he seems to have
injury problems.
Gianni has been very evenly matched with Paul
Clarke at cross country this winter so lets hope
he is fit and well to run next week in London.
Isn't it typical that I can't even get ahead
of Gianni to see the physiotherapist.
AND ANOTHER ONE 14-02-03
Former Olympic cyclist, and 2001 Island
Games Half Marathon Champion, Marie Noon, has been
injured since Boxing Day.
She came off her bike and badly damaged her ribs
and it was only when she started running again that
she realised that her knee had been damaged as well.
She has just started again now, much to her relief.
She also got the Lambden questioning on the streets
of Douglas this week.
FELL RUNNERS TRAINING THIS WEEKEND 13-02-03
There will be a group
training run on Sunday 16th Feb.for anyone interested. It must be stressed
that the main purpose is to learn the course and so everyone will be expected to
go at the pace of the slowest person. The run will
start from the Bungalow at 9.15am. Anyone who wishes to go a bit further than
the 5 miles can start at Windy Corner at 9.00am and then proceed up to the
Bungalow to meet the others.
SPONSOR ADDICTED 13-02-03
I met Elaine Parkinson yesterday. She manages
the Supercards store in Strand Street who have been
a long term sponsor of the St Johns Fell Race on
New Year's Day.
She told me that since she had discovered this
site she had little chance to visit any other sites
on the internet. I'm not sure if this is criticism
or praise but I took it as the latter!
Elaine's husband Steve (Sparky/Parky) was a pretty
handy runner back in the 80s. He ran 1:04:09 for
the Peel to Douglas in 1985 and (in case you think
he had a gale force tailwind) I can assure you it
was well backed up with a 1:05:52 the previous year.
Sorry I haven't got any pictures of our friendly
postman but I'm sure Elaine can supply me with a
"now and then" selection sometime.
NEIL
BATES IS AWARDED ONE OF THE HIGHLY PRESTIGIOUS RON
PICKERING MEMORIAL AWARDS
AS ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S OUTSTANDING YOUNG ATHLETES
12-02-03
Well, I am back in Birmingham again after my
"Surprise" appearance in Sunday's race.
Murray commented that he was not expecting to see
me on Sunday morning, wondering whether he had read
my emails wrong.
I had planned a very long time ago to race on
Sunday, but race the 10km, and had mentioned it
in passing in afew emails. But although I was planning
on still coming home for the weekend, my plans for
racing were put aside due to an illness. But with
a quick recovery, I decided that a 5km would do
me some good and give me a chance to be videod and
judged at full speed. Although I have put the Indoors
race down to a bad day, I am still very conscious
of my technique and am always looking for hints
on how I can grab a few seconds here or there. Every
little helps.
So anyways. I am now back in Birmingham and into
two very hard weeks of training prior to the
Manx Steam Packet, where I will be doing my last
major race prior to the trials.
Friday night (valentines day) takes both me and
coach Alan Callow off for a romantic weekend at
a GB squad weekend in Bath. Where I am hoping to
get some more good training in, as well as chance
to get a lot of advice from various coaches etc.
After that I am back in Birmingham getting ready
for the Steam Packet.
After the Steam Packet (8 weeks before Leamington)
I will be in full training in Birmingham for four
weeks, and then finishing off my build up to the
trials on the Isle of Man as part of my Easter Break.
I am still very realistic about the trials and
the possibility of selection. Although it is the
main aim for this year. It is not my main aim in
life. And if I sacrifice a GB selection for a few
better races and chances of getting a quicker time,
then that is all that counts.
Some news from a non training point of view.
On my return to the Isle of Man on Friday night,
I was very happy to open my post, and recieve some
financial backing from the Ron Pickering Memorial
Fund. This money I am going to put towards getting
myself a Cam Corder so I can monitor my training
while away from coaches. I have always thought highly
of the fund, and am very grateful to have recieved
recognition of what I have done.
Also I would like to say thank you on behalf
of my parents to every one who has passed on their
congratulations and kind thoughts after their move.
As you have heard they are very happy with their
move and Dad is looking forward to starting his
new job and challenge on 1st March.
See you all in just under 3weeks.
RON PICKERING DINNER REMEMBERED 12-02-03
As soon as Neil told me that he had won the Ron
Pickering memorial prize it brought back memories
of the dinner in 1990 at which he attended.
I scanned in my speech from that night at which
I welcomed him.
He was booked to return (at much more reasonable
rates) for another function the following year but
sadly died beforehand.
Paul Jackson who has not reached the veteran
status but he was amused to be listed in the over
50s category. "I thought the age groups were
supposed to represent your age at the start of the
race not how old you looked at the end" he
said.
CASTLETOWN HEALTH STORES 20 MILES 12-02-03
Peter Cooper has just emailed to say that the
entry forms will be available at the weekend.
They will be published at the IOMVAC website but
I will also link from www.manxathletics.com
STEVE TAYLOR DISAGREES WITH GRAHAM DAVIES, or
was it just the way he said it 12-02-03
Taken
from your site yesterday. What does the author mean by this? That Keith's run in
the Inter Counties under 17 boys cross country championships is the best
athletic performance ever produced by someone from the Isle of
Man!
On the
same page we read that Martin Aram has retained his Scottish Indoor high jump
title equalling his own Manx record in the process. Only last year he made the
final of the Commonwealth Games high jump,no doubt disappointed with his final
performance but his qualification must go down as one of the all time
performances.
And
how about these -
Murray
Lambden's British best for 30km race walk
Graham
Young's National 100km title
Liz
Corran's world veterans 20km title
Irene
Corlett's 20 miles and 30km walks - still recognised as British
bests
Irene
Corlett's 100 miles walk - a world best at the time
Derek
Harrison's 200km British record that still stands today
Derek Harrison's
24 hour British best that still stands today
I haven't even
mentioned Steve Partington.
My point is that
we need to keep things in perspective. I have been very impressed with Keith
Gerrard, not just his running but also his down to earth manner and also the way
he has been handled by his coach. We have lost so many talented youngsters over
the years that it is important that they don't get carried away with what
success they do get. Teenagers have enough to cope with without us creating an
unnecessary burden for them to carry. Don't make these athletes too big for
their boots or make so that they are merely a big fish in a little pond. The
real tests come later in life, our youngsters often pack in because of the
pressure that they feel that they are under. Where does the pressure come from,
from us.
Keith is great
talent but the most important thing is that he enjoys it, let him do
so.
The author may
have meant that Keith's run was the best run in Inter Counties under 17 boys
cross country championships ever, if that is so then say
it.
SPECIAL PRAISE FOR CHRIS QUINE 11-02-03
Those of you who visit the site regularly will
often hear me carp that we don't do enough to open
the doors of our sport to the wider population,
or perhaps to the wider athletics world.
Those of you who have known me for a long time
will know that my words haven't changed very much
over the years as I am on record (many times) of
making the same statements many years ago. Since
running this website however I've become even more
aware that all too often we assume that people already
know the information they are looking for. I've
received hundreds of emails from people trying to
find information about events.
Its therefore very pleasing when someone is prepared
to do something to change this. I asked Chris
Quine if he would write a little more about the
Easter Festival than we have traditionally supplied
and he responded quite swiftly. The front page feature
really does give an insight, together with useful
websites, for people considering visiting the island.
Thanks Chris.
There are,of course, a number of other people
who excel in this area, eg Steve Partington, Richie
Stevenson and Paul Jackson but there are lots of
gaps. Sometimes
the return for the time taken to promote an event
seems quite small but one only has to see what has
happened with the Manx Gas Island Cross Country
league this winter to see what can be done - have
you got next year's entry forms ready yet Graham?!!
This site is here to promote athletics to the
widest possible market - if you will let it.
Now that reminds me, are there any half marathons
this spring?
PHIL RILEY BUMPS INTO CARLY
NOON...................IN AUSTRALIA!!! 11-02-03
Just to let you know i've got a very interesting
picture to send you within the next few days. I
was in australia for xmas and new year and went
to the first and last days of the sydney test match.
took a massive manx flag with me on the last day,
and who should spot it moments after we won? None
other that Island Games medallist Carly Noon! It
was one hell of a surreal experience, meeting someone
from the island about 12,000 miles from home but
the weird thing was another manxie had approached
me moments before! Will send you the picture as
soon as i get a spare second.
Training hard, off to the BUSA university indoor
champs a week on saturday where i'm hoping for a
couple of solid performances in the long jump, triple
jump and an experiment over 60m hurdles.
QUIZ NIGHT IN AID OF YOUNG ATHLETES 11-02-03
The date is Saturday 8th March at
7.30pm at Glen Helen Lodge
The Tickets are now available from Brenda
Charlton at the very reasonable rate of
£5 for adults and £3 for children including
supper!!
All the proceeds from this will go to help
with the development of the talented young
squad of improving walkers.
The quiz which is being hosted by Roy Moore
and should be a great social night out and a chance
for all in the sport to get together.
ENTRIES FOR THE STEAM PACKET WALKS GRAND PRIX
11-02-03
David Griffiths, who smashed his personal best
for 10km, is the latest entrant for the Manx Harriers
promoted event on 1 March.
GRAHAM DAVIES REPORTS FROM
THE INTER COUNTIES CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Under 13 boys.
109. Ryan Fairclough (NAC) 5th counter for Lancashire
Started on the back row ran very well, team manager
very happy with Ryans late selection
BECAUSE THEY WON THE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP AT UNDER 13 BOYS'
Under 15 Boys.
166 Alex Guy (MH) 6th counter for Lancashire.
Started in 7th place in pen. Ran very well also, but he was not happy with
his performance, went off to slow and made hard work of catching up.
Under 17 Boys.
21. Keith Gerrard (MH) 2nd counter for Lancashire.
The best ever performance from a Manx athlete ever.
Was not happy with the draw for pen, 46 over on the far side, (would have to
run a further 10 meters to catch up with leaders)
On first lap happy in third place, but one athlete put in a very quick surge
and Keith could not cope with it and fell back.
Keith had been thinking about this race for weeks and last few days had not
slept well.
My own personal opinion is that Keith. Did so much want to do well that he
over pressured himself.
He had already beaten many of the athletes that beat him today.
This is still an outstanding run and I'm sure that he will have learned a
great deal, and still has two big races to go for.
It just wasn't his day all of us have been there. Just forget it and move on
to the next one.
MARTYN STRICKETT PROVIDES THE BACKGROUND TO ROUND
5 OF THE RAMSEY BAKERY FIRE SERVICES RUNS LAST THURSDAY
Februarys Ramsey Bakery Fire services road races
saw a good turnout of 40 athletes on a mild and
humid night and a slight breeze. New comers won
both the one lap and three lap races. In the one
lap Cliff Keyes won by 41 seconds from a fast improving
June Collister who knocked 25 seconds off her seasons
PB with Peter Whiteway coming in third. The only
other to improve her PB on the night was Sue Firth
who came in fourth. Fastest on the night by a full
minute was Kevin Vondy in 9.50 from Alan Corkill
10.50 and Matthew Kelly 11.12 who I belive is to
get his hair cut to reduce resistance for the final
race of the season.
In the three lap race the winner was newcomer
Cliff Keyes, 26 seconds ahead of the returning to
form Alan Posstlethwaite who took 2mins 34 sec of
his January outing. Third was Peter Simpson, also
on his first outing of the season. Fourth was Philip
Mackie who has been improving his PB on each outing
and once again reduced his time by 1min 47
sec. Fastest on the night was Richard Jamieson 27.24
from Keiron Murray 28.59 and Cliff keyes 29.32 Missing
the nights race due to illness and a spell in hospital
was NACs Bernard Cannan, all wish him a speedy recovery.
The final race of the winter series will be on
Thursday 6th March when there will be a straight
scratch race with no handicaps. The presentation
will follow at a local hostelry.
STEVE TAYLOR REPORTS FROM THE BANK OF SCOTLAND
LEAGUE ROUND 5 ON THE TT ACCESS ROAD
This
years winter leagues have so far been blessed with good weather and that
continues at the Access Road on Sunday.
Although better than at Andreas the overall number of
competitors is still down despite some new faces. However that did not detract
from some excellent racing on what can be a tough out and back course. The short
rise on the return leg can appear to be a mountain to climb at the end of a 10km
race if you are not at your best.
As
usual first away were the junior 1km and 2km races. The juniors were competing
over a shorter 500m lap so as to encourage more competitive racing and to avoid
anyone becoming isolated and of course the hill. The 1km was dominated by Kirsty
Taylor who chased the 2km walkers throughout to finish in a pb of 6.18. The gap
to the next walker wasn't as big as in previous races due to as Sinead Kaneen,
Abbi Moore and Emily Biggart going after her from the start. It was undoubtedly
too fast as they all suffered in the second half with Sinead coming out on top
whilst the other tied for third fastest. At the back of this field was Catreena
Moore. Whilst a very nice gesture, Catreena had her big sister walking alongside
her, it slowed her down quite considerably. Sinead's efforts made her the clear
winner of the race on handicap.
The
2km did not produce the three way battle on lookers expected but there was still
some great walking. Up front it was Emma Latham pushing the pace back after
missing the last two races through injury. On her shoulder was Callum Taylor who
has produced the fastest times throughout the 2km series. Behind was a below par
Lauren Whelan who has suffered with ill health and injury over the last few
weeks. Lauren therefore did not produce her customary front running performance
and instead sat behind the leading walkers and slowly lost contact with them.
Emma was unable to shake off Callum and by the half way mark he had got his nose
in front. He maintained his pace to finish in 11.04 pulling 9 seconds clear by
the end. Emma no doubt suffering due to lack of training so far this year.
Lauren was a clear third with Fay Latham next, walking a solo race but recording
a pb of 12.32. Bringing up the field was Bronwen Kaneen. Although still way off
her best having suffered ill heath all through the winter Bronwen improved
enough top take the handicap race.
It was
decided pre-race to start all the seniors together. The reasons for this are
firstly we were unsure as to when anyone would start due to waiting for the
sponsored dog walk to pass along the Access Road and also that competitors have
stated that they would prefer to be waiting around after the race rather than
before. Although the weather was fine on this occasion one can understand their
point as there would normally be no shelter on the Access Road.
There
was a better than normal turnout in the 5km with seven starters. Neil Bates
returned from University to take part and lead the field from start to finish.
Although recording his best 5km race time ever he was disappointed with his
performance having gone off too fast and consequently suffering over the last
two kilometres. Behind him Robert Moore continued his progress with yet another
pb (25.13) as he raced against and beat his coach Allan Callow by 11 seconds.
Enid Watson dropped down to 5km this time and just got the better of Margie
Killey who we haven't seen since the first league walk. Claire Hammill was a new
face in this event, looking comfortable throughout finishing in
38.04.
The
10km witnessed Peter Kaneen competing for the first time in this series of the
winter league and his wife Bridget step up from 5km to 10km. Whilst Peter
produced the fastest 10km of the series so far (47.12) Bridget posted the
fastest time by a woman (56.02) Only six men have gone faster this winter. I
have previously been critical of Peters walking but on Sunday he worked very
hard to main his technique, walking as good as I have seen him do. He walked an
even pace throughout but when he went passed Neil Bates he made it look as
though Neil was standing still! Behind him there were some great battles. Dave
Griffiths stormed through the second 5km to smash his pb (54.34) and get the
better of Dougie Allen by a minute. Sean Hands tracked David Cain the whole race
and just as it looked as though David would get the better of him, Sean produced
a sprint to tie on the line, both setting pbs of 58.21.
It was
good to see Les Brown back breaking the hour again, Sue Biggart improved again
going close to the hour. Moira Hall showed no signs of jet lag and producing her
fastest time of the winter having improved in every round as has Alan Kinvig.
The winner on handicap was Alan Pilling by 75 seconds.
Taking
first and last out of the equation there was a mere 3mins 49 seconds between the
walkers on Sunday, once again well done to the handicapper, Peter Clague.
The
next race is the Steam Packet Invitation Walks on March 1st to be held at the
Bowl. the final winter league is on March 16th also at the
Bowl.
NEWS FROM GUERNSEY - by Rob Elliott 09-02-03
Copy of the Guernsey Press today. Couple of stories that
might interest you. First confirmation of what manxathletics.com a week ago! re
Terry Bates.
Results of Channel Islands Sports Personality 2002. Athletics
well represented.
GIAAC appoints first development officer
The Guernsey Island Amateur Athletics Club
has appointed Terry Bates as the islands first athletics development officer.
Bates, a
level-three performance coach, gained his athletics experience in the Isle of
Man where he was head teacher of a primary school catering for children aged
four to 11.
He was treasurer of the Isle of Man AAA for four years and was
involved in the most recent Island Games. He arrived in Guernsey at the end of
last year to join his wife who works in trust fund management. He will have
specific responsibility for the strategic development of athletics in the
island.
This will involve organising coaching courses, overseeing training
sessions as appropriate and co-ordinating the participation of members in
competition with overseas athletes in consultation with key agencies, partners
and schools. Bates has been a keen marathon runner for many years.
My
enjoyment of the sport led me to develop my interest in athletics and coaching
was a way of giving something back to the sport.
I am looking forward to
the new challenge of being Guernseys athletics development officer. I see
myself helping build on the success and standard of local athletics by assisting
athlete, coach and official reach their full potential.
I am not here to
take over but to supplement the already excellent work that is going on.
The GIAAC has given me specific tasks to carry out and I have a few ideas
of my own. I realise I have a steep learning curve getting to know people
and places but I have already made a start by training and racing on the island.
This is a very exciting project and I hope to bring experience and
enthusiasm to the role.
GIAAC president Charlie Cottam said: We are
delighted and excited by the appointment of an athletics development officer,
especially as it will virtually coincide with the opening of the Garenne Stand
at Footes Lane.
This post would not have been possible without the
generous sponsorship of Healthspan, in addition to their existing sponsorship of
the club, and the support of the Recreation Committee.
We are confident
that we have an excellent appointment and look forward to working with Terry
over the coming three years.
Bates will take up his appointment in March.
Dale storms it
DECATHLETE Dale Garland was last night
crowned as the inaugural CI Sports Personality of the Year.
He captured 35 per
cent of the phone vote.
On live television from Springfield, Garland
collected his trophy from Paul Mees, director of Total (CI) in front of a
220-plus audience, including the Bailiffs of Jersey and Guernsey and the guest
speaker, round-the-world yachtsman Pete Goss MBE.
Garland, whose decathlon
exploits at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester thrilled watching Channel
Islanders, beat off the challenge of runner-up Lyndsey Greechan (bowls), motor
racing driver Andy Priaulx, swimmer Simon Militis and powerboater Roy Smith.
Channel Television reported a record phone-vote with more than 4,000 calls
being made in support of the five main nominees.
Garland received a massive
cheer from the capacity audience when the announcement was made by special
guest, Pete Goss MBE.
Typically, Garland was quick to praise those people
who had helped him get where he is today.
There are so many people in the
background I need to thank, people like Charlie Cottam and Gordon Miller, and my
coach at Bath, Darcy Cummings. He said he was surprised to win ahead of a
quality field, particularly the likes of Greechan and Smith.
World
champions... you cant get better than that. On a hugely-successful night
for track and field, Garlands club - Channel Islands AC - also walked off with
two major trophies.
CIAC won team-of-the-year and their hard-working coach,
Andrew Winnie, the coach-of-the-year award.
The Rising Star of 2002 award
was won jointly by Jerseys England international hockey player Becky Herbert,
and Guernseys national age-group squash champion, Chris Simpson.
Pete Goss
enthralled the audience with tales from his ocean sailing experiences and
finished his spot by making a special presentation to a local sporting hero,
rower Colin Fallaize, the man behind Fitness Factorys series of MS Society
charity rows. Fallaize was beside himself with emotion and wiped tears from
eyes as he received his award from Goss, who he had met briefly two months ago.
by Rob
Batiste
MARTIN RETAINS SCOTTISH SENIOR HIGH JUMP
TITLE 09-02-03
Commonwealth
Games High Jump finalist Martin Aram continued his indoor competition season
this afternoon (Saturday 8th February)
with another good performance at the Scottish Senior Indoor Championships at
Kelvin Hall in Glasgow.
He
travelled to Scotland as the reigning champion and retained his title with a
clearance of 2.10 metres, again equalling
his Manx indoor record and two centimetres short of his outdoor
best.
REEBOK INTER COUNTIES CROSS COUNTRY 08-02-03
Sorry I have little to report as yet. I
haven't been able to find the results online - I
can only find the senior results. I'm signing
off shortly (11 pm) but if anyone can send me a
link I'll publish the results in the morning.
The only news I have is from what I saw of Keith
Gerrard in TV. He started comparively steadily (in
the pack) but after the first half mile he was on
the leaders shoulder in second or third place. Thereafter
he appeared to find it tough and gradually slipped
down the field and from what I could see, did not
finish in the top 10.
Whatever the result, we were very proud to have
three Manx athletes at the meeting and just to take
part requires a high level of achievement.
NOTHING TO DO WITH ATHLETICS - SATURDAY FUN 08-02-03
Only open this
file if you are used to the "f"
word!
Its the new Aussie version of Windows. You'll
probably need to zoom in or enlarge the jpg file.
MOUNTAIN MARATHON ENTRIES ROLL IN - reports Richie
Stevenson
07-02-03
Entries are coming in at a steady rate for this
years race. Unfortunately, like last year, the world wide problems means we do
not anticipate any entries from any of the Armed Forces Units who have supported
our race so well in the past. We can claim International status this year as we
have a entry from Swiss runner Rolf Bruhwider who I believe is related to the
Gales from Colby who are well known in motor cycle and junior football
circles.
One bit of good news is the course will revert back
to the old route from Slieauwhallian through to the Garey Gate and then up the
road to the Round Table cutting out the unpopular drop into Gleneedle.We were
forced to go down to Gleneedle a few years ago due to a uncooperative landowner
but thankfully the new owners are happy to help us.
As usual we are looking for helpers for Easter
Saturday. We don`t expect people to give up the whole day to help us, a few
hours morning or afternoon can be of great assistance. Sometimes all that is
required is to be on standby just in case anything goes wrong. Please contact me
if you can help.
It has been interesting to read the various
thoughts on training in bad weather on the forum.Maybe some of those who doubt
the wisdom in putting in some hard work in the cold would have been interested
to watch the fell runners training session on Tuesday night when no less than
13 turned up in blizzard conditions to do a hard hill session. The overwhelming
verdict was great fun.
A number of runners who have never competed on the
fells have expressed a wish to go over one of our courses a few times so they
can have a look round and gain the confidence to have a go without the fear of
getting lost. We are only to happy to do this and the ideal course for this is
the Snaefell which will be run on Saturday 29th March. We will be having a group
training run on Sunday 16th Feb.for anyone interested. It must be stressed
that the main purpose is to learn the course and so everyone will be expected to
go at the pace of the slowest person ( which will probably be me ).The run will
start from the Bungalow at 9.15am. Anyone who wishes to go a bit further than
the 5 miles can start at Windy Corner at 9.00am and then proceed up to the
Bungalow to meet the others.
STEVE TAYLOR ADDS TO THE MORECAMBE 20KM WALK
(and other stories) 07-02-03
Having read the lead
article on the front page this morning (see below) my first thoughts were that it gives you
a warm feeling to be remembered in such a way as I, amongst others, was by
Brenny.
Baldwin was
certainly a great route for training. I was introduced to it on cold Wednesday
nights starting from the Memorial Hall at Union Mills in the company of Allan
Callow, Irene Corlett, Murray Lambden, Andy Garrett and Mike Karran amongst
others. It was a few years later that I started walking seriously and Baldwin
then became a regular feature of a Saturday morning. It comes as no surprise to
hear Brenny say that those Saturday mornings were the best as he would suddenly
pull up at Injebreck and reach in to a hole in the wall and pull out a picnic.
In the early days you see he couldn't manage a lap of Baldwin with out stopping
for a three course meal!!
Come the summer
months however Brenny hated Baldwin due to the flies that followed him around.
On one occasion he carried a leafy branch with him the whole way around swatting
the flies as he went. Very much in the style of Eddie Murphy's character in the
film Coming to America. I bet Dougie Corkill has never walked in that style!
The annuaul pilgrimage to
Morecambe was quite often the highlight of the year. A mixture of the young and
old and the fast and furious. I say that but it is not about Kevin Madigan this
time but Brenny himself. One year we arrived with enough walkers for two teams,
the question was who do we put in each team. Rather than put our best four out (JC, Chris Keown, Brenny
& Tig) in the A team leaving Ralph Martin, Mick Holgate , George Callister and Brian
Brough in the B team we split the walkers up believing that we
could take first and second prize in the team event. The teams were
then Tig, Chris, Mick and Brian in the B team and Brenny, JC, George and Ralph in the
A.
The race began with
the usual mad dash along the promenade and as it progressed into the surrounding
towns I slowly built up a lead at the head of the field. The distance that I was
ahead of t