Race Report – Mac McCoig

Faced with the hilliest half marathon in the NSRRA calendar, the August weather didn’t fail to deliver: sun, rain and a strong, cold wind in equal measures provided the backdrop for my first Leek half for 15 years. And yes, it was as bad as I remembered it – worse actually.

I am currently languishing in seventh place in my NSRRA group. I was keen, therefore to improve my points total by competing in unpopular races, so I did some research on previous years’ turnout by F Group runners. Unsurprisingly, Leek Half has seen the fewest F Group runners in the last two years. Righto, I thought, I’ll do that one – good points to be gained here, even if I have to walk. So imagine my surprise when standing at the start, cold, damp, untrained and slightly hung over, there’s a sea of F’s in front of me. Literally: F in hell! What’s the matter with these people? Don’t they know when to stop?

Still, I was in good company with Mick Downes, Paul Lee, Paul Phillips, Anne-Marie Mountford and I crammed into Mick’s car off to Leek in good spirits (we were a lot quieter on the way back).

The venue and start/finish are in Brough Park and Leisure Centre with jolly entertainment provided by Roger Westhead’s New Orleans Jazz Band. All very good until you realise that Brough Park is at the top of a very large hill, which has to be renegotiated at the finish – cruel, cruel.

And so off I go to Tittesworth Reservoir and Meerbrook, where Bryan Dale is waiting to snap my picture, so I smile and pretend I’m enjoying myself. By this stage I’ve managed to get past two F Group runners and the rest have vanished into the distance ahead. No matter, I’ll reel them in later when I’m getting my second wind and they’re flagging because they went off too fast.

Yet another climb up to the Three Horseshoes at Blackshaw Moor. Then down into Upper Hulme and more climbing past Hen Cloud and up, up to the Roaches where I am rewarded with a spectacular view, a strong headwind and not a wallaby in sight. A sharp left takes me down a hill so steep that I’m almost out of control on my (by now) rubber legs. I recall this hill when we used to have to run up it – I’m so, so glad they changed to route.

Gentle running back to Meerbrook at about 10 miles. There’s Bryan again with his bloody camera – “Hello Mac!” he waves cheerily, “Harumph!”

Up the huge hill out of Meerbrook and no sign of any flagging F Group runners. Note to self: no more self-delusion please.

Finally, very painfully back up Park Road to the finish, where the SMM posse are waiting to cheer me in, thanks for waiting guys and thanks Mick for fetching my sweatshirt and driving us to Leek.

Verdict: Well organised race, lovely course, traffic free and wonderful views, but at least four F Group runners in front of me, last in for the club and a rather slow 2:08:54. Further note to self: Please don’t do that again, please (until next year).

 

Race Report – Paul Lee

Right it’s my turn to give a race report so here goes.

Trentham 10 k (previously Trentham 10 miles) is now only one lap of the hilly course. Can’t imagine doing Beech caves twice!!

I arrived at Tittensor village hall (race HQ) approx. 1 hour before the start . As usual I hadn’t pre-entered and preceded to the registration desk, only to be told that the race was full (300). Luckily for me and also several other late entrants naming no names ( Richard Fain). The race officials decided to increase the entrance by giving a limited number of 20  blank numbers. So I ran with a blank piece of paper with 311 written on it with black permanent marker (very classy)!!

I met up with Paul Phillips, Richard Fain, Anne-Marie and Joyce before the race. As i’m not in NSRRA this season (maybe next ??) I decided to pace make for Paul. We spotted his E group rival at the start line and decided we would get in front and stay there. About 0.25 of a mile into the race he spotted us and said better get in front of those Stone guys but he never did.

Beech caves was particularly hard in the heat (but little steps as they say). I had previously ran the course during the club run the previous Wednesday and so I knew what I was letting myself in for. Myself and Paul parted company about half way in the race after the climb up past beech caves and just before we hit the A519 for the slightly downhill section before going left up the A51 and another hill.

Unfortunately my garmin played up but I finished the course in approximately 45  minutes and Paul wasn’t too far behind me and beat his nearest NSRRA rival.

Richard Fain (first in for the club) ran well in approx. 42 minutes which wasn’t too far outside his PB and also just a second behind his NSRRA rival.

I heard that the heat took it’s toll and 2 runners had to seek medical attention. An ambulance and air ambulance were called respectively. I do hope that both runners are ok but at the time of writing I haven’t heard.

The new look Trentham 10 was well organised and very challenging but overall a success. To be honest I had forgotten I was doing this report so I do apologize ladies for not including some of your times !!

 Roll on Staffs Knot 5 miles (30th July I do believe)

 Happy Running!!

 Paul Lee

Race Report – Mike Keeling

Time for my third race of the year, St Michaels 10k. As it’s organised and marshalled by Stone Master Marathoners everybody knows it’s going to be a good race. This year it’s another sell out so 600 people racing, I can’t wait!!!

The weather has been good lately and I think everybody is hoping that on race day it won’t be quite at hot. As usual the kids wake me up at 6am, I peer through the curtains and not a cloud in the sky – it’s going to be another scorcher!!

After running a PB at the Stafford Half and Shugborough relays I was hoping for a good time and adopted the same pre-race routine; a couple of rounds of toast, strong coffee and a gentle jog to the start line. It’s just become clear how hot it’s going to be.

Arriving at St Michaels school I soon see lots of red vests and we meet up for the customary photo. Off to the start line, I cross the road to take a photo to upload to twitter and we were soon called to the line. Mick joins me and I find myself standing at the front and I don’t feel too comfortable but it’s too late to move. I discuss tactics with Mick and I want to take it easy first lap because of the heat and then see how I get on for the second lap.

The next thing I know we are off and I am feeling ok, I have a quick look around after the first kilometre and Ben Gamble is about 50 yards ahead of me, I am surrounded by NSRRA ‘A’ runners and about 15th position in the race. Now I don’t run with a GPS watch I just run on feel and at this point I should be thinking that I am going too fast, slow down and run to your plan. But no for some reason I carry on “madness in the heat” as I get to the end of the first lap the wheels finally fall off. I spend the second lap going backwards but the great local support, including my family, and support from the marshalls thankfully got me round in one piece.

After the race there was the chance to watch the other runners finish and talk to the rest of the SMM team about their races. It was great to see so many from the club running: in total there were 20 SMM runners.

I big thank you to Chris Barlow and co for organising another fabulous event.

Race report by Richard Fain

My brief was to submit a report from the Cheadle 4 – such is my organisation and the relentless NSRRA season that I find myself writing this straight after the Trentham 10k.

Cheadle 4 – 13/07/2014

It may have been World Cup Final day in Brazil – but first the serious business of the 12^th round of the NSRRA season! This was a race I had not done before which always adds an extra sense of excitement and trepidation.

Me and the future Mrs F headed out pretty late (by way of tradition, superstition, or sheer laziness this has become my usual pre-race prep!) and arrived at the course about 10 minutes before the off. This leaving no time to warm up & just enough time to register for the race – but I was feeling good having ran a sub-20 PB at Hanley Parkrun the previous morning.

I managed to meet up with Paul Phillips and Paul Lee to gauge the ideal tactics for this short but demanding course. They both seemed pretty confident (as they should be given their Wednesday club run speed!) Conditions were dry but windy and we were wondering whether it would work in our favour or not! Joyce, John (hiding) and Anne-Marie joined us for a pre-race photo. Anne and Bill were spotted in the distance warming up & attempts to shout Pam & Mac failed as they wandered over to the start – sorry guys! Special mention to Anne-Marie who was using the warm up for another race in the afternoon!

The Race!

I have regularly been coming 3^rd in my Group D category this year, and I spotted the 2 quicker guys at the start line. Rather than the standard approach I take – to run my own race and see where I am with a few miles to go – I decided I would go with their pace and see what happened today. This was not the best decision as they both rattled off a sub-6 min first mile and I clutched on to their tails about 10 seconds back! It’s always great to spot Bill during the race and get some much needed encouragement. He shouted that I should be pushing even harder at this point as it was about to get hilly!

After 1 mile of mostly flat, slightly downhill, we reached the bottom of a hill which then climbed up to about 2.5 miles. This part being the reason the race exists (we love a challenge!), I set about climbing up at a much slower pace – I clocked mile 2 at 7:45 pace and I slowly saw my NSRRA competition get further away. The hill deceptively levels and then proceeds to climb again through a wooded area as you start to tire.

At this point in the race I often find myself around the same group of runners which is both comforting (you know you’re on a sensible pace) and a bit rubbish (they know your tactics!). Special mention to Dave Ford (Newcastle) and Sarah Wilson (South Cheshire) who run well and always have a few comments!

At the top of the hill you start heading back to the finish which I was pleased to find was nearly all downhill. And what a downhill! This set me up for a consistent mile 3 at 6:24 and mile 4 at 6:23. There was still a bit to do in mile 4 and I was definitely tiring but the finish on playing fields offered a good chance for a sprint finish. Unfortunately I was not close to anyone so I rather limped to the finish. The man on the tannoy called out Michelle in front of me as 2^nd Lady home which got a good cheer and I crossed the line in 26:33 – just the 18 seconds behind my NSRRA competition – so will have to try different tactics next time!

Paul Lee and Paul Phillips had been pacing each other round with the Group E top spots up for grabs and both finished sub 29. Paul Phillips in particular with a good sprint finish battle which I think he won although there may have been a problem in the funnel at the end!

Everyone I spoke to afterwards seemed really happy with their times (viewable on this website now!)

Overall it was a race that was well organised, challenging and rewarding – but ultimately a little bit short. We don’t get any other 4 milers so it is a chance to practice that middle ground between the 5k and 5 mile, but I reckon there is the basis for a really great 10k+ course there!

Roll on Trentham 10k (Over to Paul Lee!)

Race Report by Mick Downes

This years Westbridge 5 saw a slight change from previous years. As the club took a step back from organising duties to concentrate on arranging the Flying Fox marathon up stepped our local celebrity running couple of Mr & Mrs Gamble to take on the task of not only organising a race but also raising funds for UHNS Neonatal Unit at the same time and it’s fair to say they did a bloody good job of both tasks………

This was the first time I’d ran the Westbridge 5, having marshalled on a few occasions in the past it was time to run it – mainly down to the fact it was also Race Day 8 of the North Staffs Road Runners Association series.

The day itself didn’t take the usual laid back preparation I generally have before a race – there was a bit of running around to do even before the start as I had to make a journey to drop my Son off for his cricket match at Moddershall before getting back to Stone and then making the return journey to Modd (hopefully before play had ended). With the sun blazing the weather on the day certainly seemed more in tune for a relaxing morning watching cricket rather than doing a 5 mile race but there were NSRRA points up for grabs so with both myself and boy sun creamed it was off to Westbridge.

After parking I was introduced by Tim to his nephew – 20 years my junior – “this is David, he’s just done Edinburgh Half in 1:26 so it should be a good race between you two” Cheers Tim, not only am I racing against the others in my NSRRA group but I now feel obliged to attempt to beat your nephew as well!

The race started and off we went – at least the sun had mainly dried out the field at the back of Westbridge Park although there were still a couple of soggy areas – round Westbridge and out onto the canal. We took a pretty quick start going through the first mile in 6:06 and as we dropped onto the canal the heat started to hit me (I’m not the best runner in heat) I could feel my legs get heavier as we headed towards Aston and David disappeared into the distance – miles 2 & 3 got progressively slower 6:28 followed by 6:42 up the bit of a slope to join the A34 where Tim & Jim (what a comedy double act!) directed everyone right back towards Stone, although they did try to turn me left?!!

As I headed along the straight road back I could see David about 30 meters in front and thought this is my chance to close the gap, when I turned off the A34 to head back into Aston I’d closed to within 10 meters, however I was feeling it again by this stage and by the time we were rejoining the canal he was again about 20 meters in front….. Bloody youngsters! As I approached the last mile it was time for one last big effort, the gap seemed to be closing again and within half a mile I was up level with him and could see 2 Group C runners in front as well, time to really dig in – as I went past David he commented that he was done for. Onto the ‘C’ runners….. However, despite my best efforts and a last mile of 6:25 I just could not reel them in and it was a slightly disappointing 5th place in my category – I blame it on the sun. But I could head back to the car knowing the Mars bar from my goodie bag was waiting safe from the sun in the compartment between the front seats…………. The one I’d left open with the Mars bar in full view of the Sun!!!!!! Not so much a chocolate bar now, more a chocolate drink.

14 other Stone Master Marathoners raced and decent points were picked up again by our NSRRA contingent along with some PB’s along the way – a great effort in the heat.

As for the main race our local man won his own race comfortably – I did take the opportunity to mention to him how rude it was to invite all these people to his race and then win it himself – although his excuse was he was under strict instructions from Mrs G to make sure he won it, so I guess that’s fair enough. All in all a great race organised for a great cause and I reckon I’ll be back to race again next year.

Race report by Jackie Allen

 

Seven members of the club decided to run this event, with Steve Parker and Tom Johnson cycling there as the advance party. Fabien, Bernie, Mac, Jim and myself departed from the club on Friday 13th June heading for Portsmouth for our ferry crossing to France. The crossing was as smooth as can be, and included plenty to eat and drink to get the party started. Bernie decided once we got back in the car, to show us his dance moves to some music that only his generation would remember!

On the Saturday morning we went to register and stayed the night in a hotel close to the finish.  We met up with the mad cyclists and topped up our carb levels for the next day.  A ladies only event similar to race for life was taking place much to the delight of the men……plenty of Lycra to ogle at.

It was an early start on the Sunday morning to catch a bus to the start line.  There seemed to be loads of people, then we realised they were running the half, not the full marathon.  We went to our collection point and I was horrified to see only two buses, but there were obviously more to follow.  We promptly made our way to the back seats where we chatted to several other English people.  Upon arrival at the start, we immediately descended on a cafe for an hour in true English style.  Then it was time to drop off our bags and get warmed up for the start.

We were cold standing round but we soon got warmed up, even in the headwind along the coastal roads.

The route itself was lovely, mainly flat, lots of support and regular hydration stations including fresh and dried fruit, and every so often were wet sponges, much needed by Mac! There were bands playing along the course which were really good and kept everyone going.

After the coastal roads we headed inland and past the Pegasus bridge, through villages and towns and past fields.  By now there were signs directing both the full and half marathons, and soon to be joined by the 10k signs.  It was a proper festival of events.

I was a bit downhearted when I saw what I thought was the new balance finish sign, but it was just there for advertising purposes! By now the crowd was really noisy and shouted encouragement (I think, as if speak no French!) and got me to the end.  Straight after crossing the line I had a microphone shoved in my face and an attempt at an interview – it was very short!

At the end there were loads of stalls with local food and drink as sampled by Bernie, leading into an area of marquees with bars etc.  The baggage tent staff were extremely efficient and it wasn’t long before the seven of us were reunited.

A couple of us cramped up which provided much amusement for the others, and poor Steve had worked a tad too hard and suffered for it.  On route to the medical tent he was put in a wheelchair, then tipped straight back out!  After about 20 minutes he was back to normal.  We all showered and donned our new t-shirts and medals.  Steve by now was feeling so much better that he decided to go for another bike ride to meet us all back at the flat. Tom was slightly more sensible and got a cab!  We had dinner, then the celebrations really started.  Fabien was 40 on the Saturday, so it would have been rude not to!

Being a lightweight, I went to bed quite early but spent a couple of hours laughing at what was going on.  I see some people in a different light now!

On Monday morning there were a couple of hangovers and a few aching limbs.  Steve went off for a bike ride with Tom, and the rest of us went to bayeux to see the tapestry, went to the beaches and drove along some of the marathon route.

We had an early start for the trip back on Tuesday. Although still a smooth crossing, I felt rather green and was glad to see dry land.

It was a fab weekend and I would recommend the event to anyone.  It was a great course and was very well organised.  It was my first trip abroad to run and the company made it one to remember.  Cheers guys.

Shugborough Relays Race Report by Paul Phillips

For some strange reason I decided that on Wednesday 11th June I would ride to work on my clapped out bike If I am going to convince the wife I need a new bike I better ride the one I have owned for 20 years more than the 3 times in 11 years of marriage (no puns about bike or ride please!!).

So a gentle 9 mile ride to work was easy enough so why not ride home as well – Stafford to Stone is all downhill after all and you are using different muscles to running so it won’t affect me for a two mile sprint.
Well arrived home, breathing easy – check, legs not wobbly – check, back ok – check, bum cheeks – bugger they hurt ! Ok, ibruprofen, glass of water and get changed to set off to Shugborough.

Arrive at Shugborough about 6.15pm ready for a 7pm start and as always (as witnessed by Anne-Marie at Potters) I am too early, 7.30pm start! Fortunately the sun is shining and lots of people had the same idea so I strolled to the bank to find my allies in red shirts. A few of us were milling around and slowly the numbers increased and then more turned up, what a turn out we were almost matching the green of Trentham.

Alison and Bill had brilliantly got 8 teams together, I was going to go through and name everyone at this point as when Tim Hulse volunteered me to do the report they wanted about 2000 words or several sides of A4, however I can ramble like JK Rowling so editing is more likely the problem.

About 7pm everyone had sorted their numbers and understood roughly what was going down so we arranged for a group photo, a couple of people had gone for pit stops but nonetheless a decent number of us smiled for the camera and don’t be surprised to see us as a cover photo on a fashion magazine soon.

Ok, talking over, pit stops sorted, it was time for the Letter A’s to make their way down to the start for the mad rush. At this point the banter started, ‘The Young Pups’, early favourites for the quickest time for the club and ‘The Z Team’, their nearest challengers (and my team) started the mind games – Mick Downes was up against Mike Keeling and you could see the fear in Mick Downes’s eyes as he lined up before the gun, however that soon disappeared as he shot off in a cloud of dust!

Once the crowd had disappeared over the first ridge things start to settle down and most people wander over to the corner to wait for the first runners coming into the field and after only 6 minutes or so budding Mo Farah’s speed into the field running faster than I rode to work (not overly difficult but heh). As expected Mick Downes appears for the club first with Mike Keeling not too far behind and they clock very quick times with Paul Lee and Anne-Marie picking up the baton.

I was running the last leg ‘D’ for ‘The Z Team’ so I stood on the corner cheering all the Bats through, every one of our Letter A’s were through and finished in under 20 minutes, so I eagerly awaited Anne-Marie to have overtaken Paul somewhere in the woods and appear next.

Damn, he was still in front and running very quick, I thought I would try some mind games and when he ran back past me for the final stretch I shouted ‘Well done Anne-Marie your catching him’, however at this point she came round the corner blatantly blowing my tactics into oblivion…d’oh!!

Paul passed over to Tim and Anne Marie passed over to Pam with their lead pretty much safe so I continued to cheer on the rest of the teams (and others of course – I never realised how friendly runners are, we cheer the superfast and the super slow with equal enthusiasm, it makes every event great fun.)

At this point the ones who have finished their legs are gathering at point to cheer others on so I wait for Pam to appear in the field before strolling over to the start pen, Richard Fain has disappeared into the distance so unless he walks I think I may struggle to catch him. Pam enters the final straight and I prepare, feeling good, to set off and speed round in record time.

Bang….why are my legs so heavy, my mind is running but the body is saying slow down, surely a little bike ride had no effect, it’s a struggle but I chug along up the road and into the woods. It always takes me a couple of miles to get going so 2 mile relay probably not the best without properly warming up but I meander along with the plan of kicking in with some speed at any time. A couple of young kids go past, then a couple more and before I know it I am running onto the field and just warming up.

Right, time to push on, round the edge of the field slowly reeling in people and especially those kids, down the diagonal and ask the Bats for some encouragement which they duly oblige and passing a few people now. Final stretch, pump those arms passing a couple more people and round the last bend….not that I am competitive but that kid slowed down and I beat them…yes!

Thirty seconds faster than last year with ‘bike legs’, next year no bike riding and a warm up and we may catch those ‘Young Pups’.

Glad my leg is over so I wander over to other Bats thank them for the cheering and cheer on others coming round the field.

Most people have finished now and are comparing times back at the hill, it was an excellent turn out for the club and it is a great event with hundreds of teams taking part. Some continuing the night with a BBQ, others disappearing off for a pint and others just drifting off.

I shout my goodbyes and wander back to the car wearing the Bat proudly and really enjoying the buzz going round the team. Bring on Stone St Michael’s 10K and come on you Bats!!