Get the bus to Glen Helen?

Glen Helen used to be a prime destination for tourists using public transport. There was never a rail connection, although I believe there might have been a plan to take a branch line from near Ballacraine, but coaches and buses used to deliver thousands of visitors to the beauty spot - and the cafe  and the pub.

I've just been lecturing on the need to think about travel to the forthcoming hill league and cross country events where parking will be a premium (see the front page). I wondered if it would be possible to travel to Glen Helen by bus but I think you need to leave before the race starts!

So the nearest connection is at Ballacraine  where my dad took this shot. I've just been through his transport collection whilst looking for one at Glen Helen and it has given me loads of leads for little tales next time time I go off track.

Brain fully scanned

I've done enough scanning for any man tonight so I'll share the final thing I scanned which takes me to the Bradda Fell Race of 2004. And what a great photograph by Steve Partington.

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The best (and worst) of technology

I've got used to rebooting our router four or five times a day in the last week as I waste hour after of hour trying to find out why some of the time our high speed internet connection is as fast as the Steam Packet in a gale force wind. It doesn't move anymore.

But the connection lasted long enough today to uplift all my full size photos and a pretty chunky video file (454MB) video in record time.

Its all very well having so much technology and so many ways to watch sport in our household but it is riddled with problems. If you are watching football, it doesn't matter whether you are watching on 3D, HD, laptop, desktop or in black and white. If your team looses you want to switch it as quickly as possible. And the superior quality of modern TVs makes little difference with Formula 1. I watched the re-run on Freeview HD this afternoon and it guaranteed a snooze which leaves me with enough energy to go back to my scanning for a while.

Clocks back again

I've been scanning newspaper cuttings again this afternoon and I have progressed from Easter 2002 to the Syd Quirk Half Marathon of the same year.

The clocks went back in this headline too:

You don't have to navigate the bridge

Next week's eagerly awaited return to Glen Helen for the Isle of Man Winter Hill League goes up the hill to the south east of Glen Helen not up the Manx National Glen photographed above.

The date stamp on my photos shows that it was 28 August 2010 that we last walked up the Glen and we also had a walk in the plantation hence the photo I put on the front page this morning.

I was less exact about the date of the last run there. I thought it was about 10 years ago but didn't have time to research it. I have now and I was only 6 weeks out! Its not the one I remember though which means its 11 years since I last did a league race.

Extra time scanning

Last night I was taking advantage of a "two for one" offer from Photobox to order a number of personalised calendars that I do every year and my Christmas cards. It always takes a couple of hours to set them all up properly and order them.

I was following the football on Sky at the same time but intended to be away from my computer by 10 pm. But the match in which I was interested in went to extra time so I managed to scan some more newspaper articles during extra time - January to Easter 2002.

I was hoping to do the rest of 2002 tonight but I have spent the whole evening working on a technical problem with my network. Ever since I installed the new Ultima service a couple of weeks ago I have been loosing internet connections - very frustrating, especially if it is Marie's laptop and she blames me!

I think I am on the case now and have logged a support ticket with Netgear (the make of router). If they confirm what I think it is then their router is no good for me.

So the only update you will see from me tonight will be another oldie cutting - from Robbie Lambie this time and it goes back much earlier than 2002.

Screaming and streaming

I got back to scanning my newspaper cuttings from 2001 last night - a clue is in the main feature on the website today.

I was almost 45 minutes into one batch when my scanner hung and I lost everything. I resolved to re-do them in smaller batches but I still lost another 15 minute piece of work. I just avoided screaming.

I don't know about the rest of the Isle of Man but there have been some really heavy showers here in Ballasalla. The car park is like a big stream.

33 years on

Its only 33 years ago that Irene Corlett and Barbara McDermott completed the Peel to Douglas as the first women.

I have just cobbled together some statistics for the front page to show that there were double the previous highest number of female participants this year - 24.

There have been 185 finishes by women in total.

But there are still only 36 women who have finished twice or more. Here they are:

Anne Gomer	10
Irene Corlett	10
Doreen Wilson	6
Wendy Ross	6
Lorraine Stigant	5
Christine Barwell	4
Linda Kelly	4
Sam Cowen	4
Barbara McDermott	3
Brenda Walker	3
Claudia McCarty	3
Diane Shimmin	3
Gail Griffiths	3
Helen Simpson	3
Jackie Moore	3
Jane Mooney	3
Jeanette MacGregor	3
Moira Hall	3
Sarah Nelson	3
Ann Cain	2
Debby Ashe	2
Diane Lawrence	2
Gill Stripp	2
Helen Mackay	2
Helen Taylor	2
Ingrid Sugden	2
Jackie Hurst	2
Lesley Christian	2
Marie Noon	2
Maureen Kelly	2
Micky Swindale	2
Sally Walker	2
Shirley Moore	2
Stephanie Quirk	2
Sue Ackroyd	2
Sue Furner	2

Rachael Tewskesbury - 2

Shock horror headlines

There were big headlines in a local newspaper last week about an extra 3p tax on a litre of petrol. That works out at about a 2% increase.

And there is another shock, horror story today about old people facing price increases of 7%.

And inside the same paper there is a very narrow column noting that the price of the paper is to rise. No shock horror headlines then for a 7% increase for a commodity that forms a much bigger part of the disposal income of the low paid. Shock, horror indeed.

Drownings, stabbings and wild love affairs

Its United Nations day today and we went to hear a talk by the Lieutenant Governor about his work as a diplomat in Africa. The talk this evening at the Manx Museum was in aid of UNICEF. We weren't supposed to report what he said.

So, I have to report on the topics of the songs sung by award winning folk singer Jackie Oates at the Villa Marina Arcade on Saturday night instead.

I'm going to highlight Kevin Deakes's website on the front page for those that are not yet used to checking out the latest data. Not only is he finishing races faster than ever since he passed the age of 50 last year, but he is bringing us statistics to us faster than ever.

I should add that there is no connection between the heading and Kevin's website!

Website visitors in record numbers

With so many events recently there have been a lot of visitors to the site, averaging 323 in the last 30 days.

Taking a bigger sample, the average number of visitors for the year to date is 282 compared to 246 in 2010.

1 January to 23 October:

2011 - 282
2010 - 246
2009 - 261
2008 - 223
2007 - 207


Some of the peak dates this year have been (I have only taken one day if there are several high ones together):

2/1 - 402 (New Year Fell Race)
30/1 - 425 (Cross Country Champs)
18/4 - 513 (London Marathon)
25/4 - 739 (Easter)
22/5 - 419 (Northern 10)
26/6 - 550 (Parish Walk)
14/8 - 400 (Marathon)
25/9 - 572 (End to End Walk)
17/10 -492 (Cross Country)
23/10 - 451 (Peel to Douglas)

All quite low compared to a peak of 12.553 for the Parish Walk site..

Treasury Minister runs Peel to Douglas

But not this year!

Eddie Teare (above) has run the Peel to Douglas six times in total.

 1:24:45 1985
 1:26:58 1986
 1:26:42 1992
 1:28:42 1993
 1:29:55 1994
 1:32:12 2003

C’mon England

The following is reproduced from the National Express staff magazine. Sent by my brother Mike, who is Head of Corporate affairs - Bus and Coach, at National Express 

By Tim Woodward, Network Planner (pictured above)
During September, I was fortunate to be able to travel, on behalf
of National Express Bus, to the Commonwealth Youth Games in
the Isle of Man.
As Official Sponsors of Commonwealth Games England (CGE),
National Express Group has selected a number of Ambassadors
from across our bus, coach, train and Group operations and this
was the first opportunity for us to get together. During the trip we
met up with CGE representatives and athletes and started to gain
an understanding of what we can do with this fantastic sponsorship
l eading up to the Commonwealth Games, Glasgow in 2014
This was the first time I’d visited the Isle of Man and I was surprised
by the great standard of sporting infrastructure in place, although this
was needed given the prestigious event being hosted. The prestige
was complimented by the presence of Dame Kelly Holmes, who we
had plenty of time to chat to and pester for photos (I even managed
to discuss the difficulties that road closures cause us during the
Birmingham Half Marathon!). She’s a very inspiring person, who’s
entirely committed to ensuring the success of Team England in 2014.
National Express also had two amazing branded coaches shuttling
athletes between their accommodation and the sporting arenas. It
was great to receive so much positive feedback about our coaches,
and to see the jealous looks from the other teams. We told people
that these are the same coaches used by our customers, and they too
are delighted with the service we offer.
Highlights of the weekend were England finishing top of the medals
table, with a total of 77 medals! Second to that would be the amazing
support that people on the island provided to the event, turning out in
their droves to cheer on the athletes. Moving forward, I’ll be working
closely with my other ambassadors, as well as people within the bus
business, to fully consider the implications of our sponsorship. This
will make sure that we’re positioned to take full advantage of this
fantastic opportunity.

Marathon weekend

It was supposed to be last week, my marathon weekend, but today has turned into another one. Started updating the site at 7 this morning and I'm calling it a day now.

Well done to Paul Jackson and all his helpers for a great day and for keeping the classic Peel to Douglas run going on a new track.

I've updated the database and to finish today here is a list of people with 10 or more finishes:

Ian Callister 31
Steve Kelly 28
Alan Pilling 22
Peter McElroy 20
Mitch Joughin 19
Alan Postlethwaite 18
Mike Gellion 15
Dave Newton 14
Dave Roberts 14
Bernie Cannan 13
Paul Curphey 13
Robbie Callister 13
Dougie Corkill 12
Lawrence Dyer 12
Murray Lambden 12
Dave Corrin 11
John Wright 11
Les Brown 11
Alan Corran 10
Anne Gomer 10
Colin Halsall 10
Irene Corlett 10
John Comaish 10
Martin Bell 10
Richard Radcliffe 10

Jess continues in top form

I've been catching up on all fronts this week and I wasn't able to get to see the Veterans Autumn Handicap last night.

Jess Petersson contacted me soon after I ran on Sunday to ask how I got on in Amsterdam but I have only just got around to publishing details of her run which was another cracker. Just on the front page now.

Marathon talk

There were at least two other Manx runners in the Amsterdam Marathon in addition to myself:

Bib number 7643

Name Caroline Bannan City Douglas Country GBR Distance Marathon Category Vsen Overall place 8200 / 9633 Category place 451 Speed 9,292 Km/Hour Gross time 4:43:11 Net time 4:32:28 Net split times (difference) 5 Kilometer 33:22 (33:22) 10 Kilometer 1:05:52 (32:30) 15 Kilometer 1:37:52 (32:00) 20 Kilometer 2:09:22 (31:30) Half marathon 2:16:24 25 Kilometer 2:40:39 (31:17) 30 Kilometer 3:12:58 (32:19) 35 Kilometer 3:45:07 (32:09) 40 Kilometer 4:18:31 (33:24)

Bib number 3569

Name Dave Elliot City Onchan, Isl e of Man Country GBR Distance Marathon Category M40 Overall place 2580 / 9633 Category place 540 Speed 11,922 Km/Hour Gross time 3:35:25 Net time 3:32:21 Net split times (difference) 5 Kilometer 26:08 (26:08) 10 Kilometer 50:31 (24:23) 15 Kilometer 1:14:51 (24:20) 20 Kilometer 1:39:38 (24:47) Half marathon 1:45:20 25 Kilometer 2:04:15 (24:37) 30 Kilometer 2:29:18 (25:03) 35 Kilometer 2:55:30 (26:12) 40 Kilometer 3:21:08 (25:38)

Plenty more to marathon talk to come yet as I develop strategies to avoid the marathon walk next time!

Where did Wednesday go to?

I'm going to pay for rather a long day and so I have done the things I intended to do in the morning before i go to bed.

One local writer would have been saying "All roads lead from Peel to Douglas on Sunday" so I will vary that to sign that "All disused railway lines lead from Peel to Douglas on Sunday".

If you are going to be part of the bumper entry that is expected on Sunday that is great; if not then today's front page will lead you to the part of that disused railway track where you can help race organisers. There is also a chance to look back to see the track beside Braddan Bridge in 1958. I was lucky that my dad used to take so many photographs (by the standards of those days) but unlucky that I was probably taken in my pram to the open air church service!

Hold on there

Back on the Island a couple of hours ago and just sorting out a few things before work for the rest of the afternoon and evening. Busy day tomorrow so no lunchtime updates. Tomorrow evening not much better so don't expect to hear much from me.

Room service

Just started my room service (Paul Sheard's cross country photos) when my room service (nosh) arrived. More later (photos that is not food).

Attention seeker

Results TCS Amsterdam Marathon 2011
Bib number	1357
Name	Murray Lambden
City	Douglas
5 km	20:30 (20:30)
10 km	40:34 (20:04)
15 km	1:00:49 (20:15)
20 km	1:21:11 (20:22)
21,1 km	1:25:38
25 km	1:41:21 (20:10)
30 km	2:02:04 (20:43)
35 km	2:25:59 (23:55)
40 km	2:58:27 (32:28)
Net time	3:13:07
Gros time	3:13:27
Speed	13,110 Km/Hour
Distance	Marathon
Place	20 / M55

You get far more support from the crowds at marathons if you run badly than if you run well!

I made no secret of my plan to try and run 2.50 and to try and make the podium for the over 55 year old age group.I needed 20.10 per 5km.

I went through 10 miles in 64.43 (only a few seconds slower than in the Western 10 miles) and (although I had just started to slow) made 20 miles in 2:10:33 some 4 minutes inside the Manx age group record. But I have made a habit of covering the last few miles in a way that ensures that the supporters call out my name (which are printed on all the numbers).

No regrets. I can run under 3 hours on my own but it was 2.50 that I wanted to run this time. The route of the problem is that my 20 miles time was my fastest this year.

I will ensure that I can run faster than that before London and then I have a chance of keeping it going for the final 6. When you struggle, even Amsterdam seems hilly at 20 miles - and I have a ltttle sunburn in October!

Following Paul McCartney

Briefly considered going to one of Paul McCartney's concerts when they were announced this week but we couldn't manage it. I grew up in a house where we were all mad about the Beatles but have never seen one of them live (and only two of them are).

He is playing in Manchester, London and Liverpool.

In 2008 I flew from Manchester to the Amsterdam Marathon but had to sit it out because of injury.

In 2010 I flew from London to the Amsterdam Marathon but should have sat it out because of injury.

In 2011 I have flown from Liverpool to the Amsterdam Marathon and I've not been injured since this time last year. What's more I flew from the John Lennon Airport.

I've got the same target as I had in London when I failed miserably. But I'm a stone and half lighter and a year and a half old than when I last ran that time.

The race is live on Eurosport but even if I go well I won't have reached the 20 mile point when the winner finishes!

Dee's Bee Gee's

A lot later than planned tonight after going to the Kikki Dee concert in Peel. She finished with a Bee Gees song.

I was in a mad rush beforehand as I finished a number of things off so apologies for my brevity to callers on the phone and whilst registering for the cross country. I managed a run after all today - but only in and out of Robbie's place.

Red eye flight in a few hours.

 

Cables and tables

As if I've not had enough of cables this week, I had to spend half of last evening putting things back together at our holiday cottage. We've had a load of work done there in the past couple of weeks but I have let it for two months starting next week (and I am away at the weekend) so it is a race against time to get it ready. The living room carpet is being laid today and a new bed being delivered. There is now a second large LCD TV in the cottage. The twin room may not have such modern technology but it took me over an hour to put the cables that support this lot back together under the table.

So no major changes on the website but a chance to highlight the exciting new trail run from Peel to Douglas a week on Sunday.

And going back to cables. I can just remember the answer to 5 x 11.