I haven't checked the statistics in detail but feel sure that the entry for the Easter Festival is the best for some years.
Congratulations to everyone involved but particularly Kim Harding, Chris Quine, David Ronan & Paul Jackson who took the event by the scruff of the neck a few years ago and have transformed it.
Although it has never been an event that I have focused on, what I like about it is the age profile. The majority of the entrants are young and close to their peak. Maybe some of them use it as a springboard just before they reach their peak, but that makes it really interesting when, a year or two later, the stars of the Isle of Man Easter Festival become the stars of the track.
What has been slightly less pleasing has been the decline in local runners competing. There is a bigger representation from the Manx Fell Runners this year (the Manx Mountain Marathon will not be staged until the end of September), Manx Tri club are there, the host club Manx Harriers have a reasonable turnout, and there are a few from Western AC and the Veterans club. But there is not a single male entry from Northern AC.
Rosy Craine lines up in the 339 strong field for the Good Friday 10km. Late entries can be made for an extra fee and I hope more local entrants will be among the final 400 or so expected.
Northern AC will be commencing their five round Ramsey Park Run series, sponsored by Up & Running, nine days after the Easter Festival and there is another chance to compete against local opposition four days before that in the Scott Physiotherapy sponsored Dave Phillips Road Races (same week as Easter).
Friday 30 March 2012
Thursday 29 March 2012
Wrong side of the candle again
I didn't mean to be working this late but I got home at about 10 and soon after started to attack some paperwork.
I've also posted the latest Parish Walk entries, there is distinct lack of under 21s, and have been searching for a suitable photo to promote the Narradale Fell Race. Alas I couldn't find one and a final cup of tea of the day is more attractive than continuing the search.
May have an update for the site at lunchtime. Hoping for one last nice day (at least) for running.
I've also posted the latest Parish Walk entries, there is distinct lack of under 21s, and have been searching for a suitable photo to promote the Narradale Fell Race. Alas I couldn't find one and a final cup of tea of the day is more attractive than continuing the search.
May have an update for the site at lunchtime. Hoping for one last nice day (at least) for running.
Wednesday 28 March 2012
60% mental
One of the questions put to the panel at the Manx Telecom Parish Walk Talk last night was to estimate the percentage of the effort that required to complete the course that was a mental achievement and what part was physical.
Without any knowledge that the question was to be asked, as quick as a flash, Graham Young and I turned to each other and muttered 60% mental. Jock Waddington was the last of the panel to answer the question and his answer concurred with Graham's and mine.
I am sure that other people would apply different percentages but I think it is the mental approach, the desire to achieve something, that tips the scales in favour of that achievement in virtually everything we do in life. You certainly can't walk the Parish Walk course in a little more than 15 hours, as Jock has done, without supreme physical fitness but that ability will never be converted to a result without a purpose and inner need to do something.
My day was rather like that yesterday. Wrapped around my day job I had a crazy number of things to do. I might be able to run, publish websites, take photos and videos but from somewhere I had to satisfy my brain that each one was worthwhile.
Should I ignore the alarm at 5 am? No, I was on the road at 5.30 to complete 12 miles around Baldwin well inside 7 minute mile pace. As well as a quick spell on the website, shower and breakfast I had to make sure I tidied the house sufficiently well in the hour that I occupied it before setting off to collect Marie from the airport. I had taken the bus home from work the previous evening so that she could then take the car and I had one left at the office for a quick getaway in the evening.
I was due to interview Maurice Herriott yesterday lunchtime. In some ways it was disappointing when he came and popped his head round the door mid morning to say he had to postpone the interview as I have been more than two years in trying to set it up. In other ways it was a relief because I don't know when I would have found the time to edit the video.
On to the Parish Walk Talk at the museum with my bag of cameras. I was only due to spend an hour back at the house and warm up some food to keep me going. I had hardly begun to learn about Marie's weekend away when Andy Garrett appeared at the door. Sadly, Andy is back from New Zealand because his father passed away recently and it was only right that we found time to talk to him over a few cups of tea.
It would have been the easiest thing in the world to have skipped attendance at the Medis Cross Country League presentation but again I found the desire to support it and went armed with my camera too, albeit that I was late. I was pleased that Ian Astin was already in full flow with his and so I took the opportunity to chat as well as clap.
Leave the video editing until today? No I couldn't do that because I am need to be at our holiday cottage to work the next couple of evenings and and I also need to take Robbie his cross country league award.
So it was a little before midnight when I finished at the computer and then updated the website as soon as I was up at 6.30 with Ian's photos from the cross country.
Thank goodness I didn't have to find the will power to go and run in the rain. It was a fantastic morning to pop out for a quick run so the physical aspect took power. There has to be a physical aspect too to running from the promenade to the grandstand within that run so I'm sticking to my belief that the Parish Walk is no different to anything else in life. I'm 60% mental. Are you?
Without any knowledge that the question was to be asked, as quick as a flash, Graham Young and I turned to each other and muttered 60% mental. Jock Waddington was the last of the panel to answer the question and his answer concurred with Graham's and mine.
I am sure that other people would apply different percentages but I think it is the mental approach, the desire to achieve something, that tips the scales in favour of that achievement in virtually everything we do in life. You certainly can't walk the Parish Walk course in a little more than 15 hours, as Jock has done, without supreme physical fitness but that ability will never be converted to a result without a purpose and inner need to do something.
My day was rather like that yesterday. Wrapped around my day job I had a crazy number of things to do. I might be able to run, publish websites, take photos and videos but from somewhere I had to satisfy my brain that each one was worthwhile.
Should I ignore the alarm at 5 am? No, I was on the road at 5.30 to complete 12 miles around Baldwin well inside 7 minute mile pace. As well as a quick spell on the website, shower and breakfast I had to make sure I tidied the house sufficiently well in the hour that I occupied it before setting off to collect Marie from the airport. I had taken the bus home from work the previous evening so that she could then take the car and I had one left at the office for a quick getaway in the evening.
I was due to interview Maurice Herriott yesterday lunchtime. In some ways it was disappointing when he came and popped his head round the door mid morning to say he had to postpone the interview as I have been more than two years in trying to set it up. In other ways it was a relief because I don't know when I would have found the time to edit the video.
On to the Parish Walk Talk at the museum with my bag of cameras. I was only due to spend an hour back at the house and warm up some food to keep me going. I had hardly begun to learn about Marie's weekend away when Andy Garrett appeared at the door. Sadly, Andy is back from New Zealand because his father passed away recently and it was only right that we found time to talk to him over a few cups of tea.
It would have been the easiest thing in the world to have skipped attendance at the Medis Cross Country League presentation but again I found the desire to support it and went armed with my camera too, albeit that I was late. I was pleased that Ian Astin was already in full flow with his and so I took the opportunity to chat as well as clap.
Leave the video editing until today? No I couldn't do that because I am need to be at our holiday cottage to work the next couple of evenings and and I also need to take Robbie his cross country league award.
So it was a little before midnight when I finished at the computer and then updated the website as soon as I was up at 6.30 with Ian's photos from the cross country.
Thank goodness I didn't have to find the will power to go and run in the rain. It was a fantastic morning to pop out for a quick run so the physical aspect took power. There has to be a physical aspect too to running from the promenade to the grandstand within that run so I'm sticking to my belief that the Parish Walk is no different to anything else in life. I'm 60% mental. Are you?
Friday 23 March 2012
7 days until the Olympics begin?
Well almost. Alan Sandford and Keith Green are among the runners using the Olympic facilities.
http://www.nationallotteryrun.com/EventInfo/Default.aspx
Alan Sandford said: "I managed to get into the Red wave near the start although there will be 1,250 others crammed in the pen. The course meanders past the main sites & entertainment looks good.
http://www.nationallotteryrun.com/EventInfo/Default.aspx
Alan Sandford said: "I managed to get into the Red wave near the start although there will be 1,250 others crammed in the pen. The course meanders past the main sites & entertainment looks good.
The list of what "not" to bring suggests Security is tighter than boarding an aircraft - a test for the main event."
FW: Bra Dashes 2012
From: Angie Aire [mailto:angie.breakthrough@live.co.uk]
Sent: 22 March 2012 23:10
To: Angie Aire
Subject: Bra Dashes 2012
Sent: 22 March 2012 23:10
To: Angie Aire
Subject: Bra Dashes 2012
Pop on a bra & pop down to your 'local' Bra Dash !
Come in a TEAM or Dash with us!
Come in a TEAM or Dash with us!
BRA DASHES APRIL 2012
Friday 27th DOUGLAS 1.15 pm
CASTLETOWN 1.30 pm
Saturday 28th RAMSEY 12.30 pm
PEEL 2.00 pm
Enquiries bradash@manx.net
Might be of use to someone going to London for the Marathon
Sent: 22 March 2012 10:40
To: murray@murrayandmarie.com
Subject: Murray, £20 off London hotels with your exclusive discount code PG74422G
To: murray@murrayandmarie.com
Subject: Murray, £20 off London hotels with your exclusive discount code PG74422G
 |
| |
Runner required for Manchester
From: Doyle, Mary (Hospice) [mailto:Mary.Doyle@hospice.org.im]
Sent: 21 March 2012 10:42
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: FW: Manchester 10K - Be a Super Hero for Rebecca House
Sent: 21 March 2012 10:42
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: FW: Manchester 10K - Be a Super Hero for Rebecca House
Hi guys,
One of our runners for the Great Manchester run has had to pull out so I need one more runner – can you help by spreading the word please:
Get running for the Children’s Hospice – Rebecca House. We have one space left for the BUPA Great Manchester 10k on Sunday 20th May 2012 contact Terri Cook, Community Fundraiser and Events Coordinator on 647434.
Kind regards 
Mary
Join us at The Mount Murray Hotel to kick off Children's Hospice Week 2012 with a fantastic Superhero Ball for Rebecca House Children's Hospice. Please contact Terri Cook, Community Fundraising and Events Coordinator on 647434 or email terricook@hospice.org.im for more details. Thursday 22 March 2012
Double bass
Its nearly 35 years ago that I first saw the Eagles in Stafford. Even I wasn't sad enough to keep the ticket - the one above is for sale on eBay for a cool $45 and you don't actually see the band!
The guys I travelled with to the concert (from Stoke in a Triumph Herald) became my house mates for the following two years and we became rather partial to draft bass, as the aroma in the house the following day would prove. In one of our houses we used to take a jug across the road to a corner shop that sold draught bass!
I've seen the Eagles. four times since and last night I saw their tribute band, Talon, for the fifth time. I've not touched any alcohol for a while but I would imagine a pint of bass would cost more than the 1977 concert.
But it wasn't the bass that caused the problem last night but the bass. Confused? Blame the English language for having two words spelt the same but with difference meanings. My ears cannot stand it when the bass is so loud that it causes a vibration and the excess last night took the shine off a night that was enjoyed by the majority of a packed Gaiety Theatre.
On the plus side, I thought the age profile of the audience made a meeting of veteran athletes seem like a children's party and me reasonably young.
Marie is away this weekend and so I'll have more time to prepare for what will be an eventful few days of athleteic related events including a party on Saturday night, a walking race on Sunday morning, interviewing Maurice Herriott on Tuesday, attending the Walk Talk on Tuesday and going to the cross country presentation also on Tuesday.
I also need to plan my cooking. My brother, Martin, is a keen fisherman - I'll ask him if he can get me a nice piece of bass.
Wednesday 21 March 2012
The Olympic theme continued
I've been trying to meet with Maurice Herriott, the 1964 Olympic silver medallist, for the past couple of years. I am sure that his experiences, for those he has not already shared them with, will provide great motivation.
I have been in touch with Maurice several times and I followed it up again yesterday. I am looking forward to lunch with him next Tuesday followed by an interview with the man who coached so many of our middle and long distance athletes in the 80s.
My main insight into the Olympics has come from the walker Chris Maddocks who represented GB in five games, a feat he shares with Tessa Sanderson and which Paula Radcliffe hopes to equal this year.
It is not known by many that Chris gave serious consideration to visiting the Isle of Man recently for the Ascot Hotel sponsorsed Manx Harriers open walks. Unfortunately he wasn't able to make it but sent me some photos of his secret training for his 6th Olympic attempt.
Here is one of them:
http://isleofman.in/p292189178/h23f97d42#h23f97d42
I have been in touch with Maurice several times and I followed it up again yesterday. I am looking forward to lunch with him next Tuesday followed by an interview with the man who coached so many of our middle and long distance athletes in the 80s.
My main insight into the Olympics has come from the walker Chris Maddocks who represented GB in five games, a feat he shares with Tessa Sanderson and which Paula Radcliffe hopes to equal this year.
It is not known by many that Chris gave serious consideration to visiting the Isle of Man recently for the Ascot Hotel sponsorsed Manx Harriers open walks. Unfortunately he wasn't able to make it but sent me some photos of his secret training for his 6th Olympic attempt.
Here is one of them:
http://isleofman.in/p292189178/h23f97d42#h23f97d42
Sunday 18 March 2012
To do or not to do
After indulging in some sport this afternoon I sat at my desk at home and started sorting through my mail, paper and electronic, which had been missed this week. Now, several hours later, although I have dealt with quite a bit I am left with little time for the website.
Just going to post the the Parish Walk website where the women are now 4 ahead of the men in the entries.
I wonder if anyone else with Sky+ managed to do what I did this weekend. I set the recorder for the early hours to record Sky's Formula 1 race coverage. I speeded through the hour and a half of build up only for it to stop 5 minutes before the race! They had two separate listings for the build up and the race!
Just going to post the the Parish Walk website where the women are now 4 ahead of the men in the entries.
I wonder if anyone else with Sky+ managed to do what I did this weekend. I set the recorder for the early hours to record Sky's Formula 1 race coverage. I speeded through the hour and a half of build up only for it to stop 5 minutes before the race! They had two separate listings for the build up and the race!
Saturday 17 March 2012
Promenade full
I have always opposed the use of the promenade for parking and have noted that the "Christmas" exemption to allow cars on the promenade (definition a. A leisurely walk, especially one taken in a public place as a social activity.b. A public place for such walking. ) has been getting longer and longer.
On my last lap I noticed that there was a Manx Electric Railway tram preparing to depart for Ramsey without realising (until reading the papers later in the day) that this was the first of the year. Cue an excuse to delve into my late Father's collection of slides for one taken at the same spot about 50 years earlier.
50 years ago there was nobody running on the mountains in organised competitions and this afternoon there was yet another record entry for a particular fell race although there is just a little warning that, as so often with Manx race series, the numbers start to fall away as the series progresses. There were 82 in the Greeba race, 64 at Baldwin and 56 today.
Friday 16 March 2012
The Isle of Man's other marathon
The Young Farmer's concert is always a long show but the three night show is now part of my annual routine.
No significant update on the site today but just time to post a single photo. Should cause some amusement.
Long run tomorrow then up on the fells with the camera in the afternoon. Hope to get the fell running feature done before assisting with another move for our lodger between one property and the other.
No significant update on the site today but just time to post a single photo. Should cause some amusement.
Long run tomorrow then up on the fells with the camera in the afternoon. Hope to get the fell running feature done before assisting with another move for our lodger between one property and the other.
Thursday 15 March 2012
All round updates
I got back from the office more than 15 hours after departing for it yesterday so it was too late to consider any updates.
I planned to start work a little later this morning which would allow me to complete an interval training session and attend to the websites. I lost time for the latter dealing with a problem with our holiday apartment but I had prepared a couple of Ian Astin's photos for the front page.
This feature has now been published and I've also updated the Parish Walk analysis but that will be all for now. I'm planning to do some photography at the veteran's spring handicap tonight.
I planned to start work a little later this morning which would allow me to complete an interval training session and attend to the websites. I lost time for the latter dealing with a problem with our holiday apartment but I had prepared a couple of Ian Astin's photos for the front page.
This feature has now been published and I've also updated the Parish Walk analysis but that will be all for now. I'm planning to do some photography at the veteran's spring handicap tonight.
Tuesday 13 March 2012
5 year operation
Its now five years since this photo of Colin Watterson was taken after his foot was broken in a farming accident.
Unfortunately, one of the side effects was that his toes lost most of their circulation and it was necessary for him to have further surgery five weeks ago.
I've been off work this afternoon for a family matter but it left me some time at the end of the afternoon to catch up with Colin by telephone. It was the first time I had had a "proper" conversation with him for some years. He won't be at the Veterans Handicap on Thursday but hopes to be out and about before too long.
Colin has held the office of Chairman of the Isle of Man Veteran Athletes Club for an amazing 31 years.
But he was quite a character as an athlete too as these photos show.
Monday 12 March 2012
BBC report
There is a good report about Keith on the BBC website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/17339841
As mentioned previously, the only downside of someone doing so well is that it is very hard to do justice to the other athletes who were extremely successful.
Their achievements are noted on the forum:
http://www.manxathletics.info/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=849
and as has been noted there, Sarah Astin's 16th in the under 20 women and Kevin Loundes' 44th in the senior men's race are particularly noteworthy.
I know that Ian Astin was at the event so hopefully I can use some of his photos this week (but remember I cannot identify athletes under the age of 18 in a photo).
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/17339841
As mentioned previously, the only downside of someone doing so well is that it is very hard to do justice to the other athletes who were extremely successful.
Their achievements are noted on the forum:
http://www.manxathletics.info/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=849
and as has been noted there, Sarah Astin's 16th in the under 20 women and Kevin Loundes' 44th in the senior men's race are particularly noteworthy.
I know that Ian Astin was at the event so hopefully I can use some of his photos this week (but remember I cannot identify athletes under the age of 18 in a photo).
Sunday 11 March 2012
4 x 4
Thanks to Alan Franklin for the link to the cross country video. It was still frustrating not to be able to be able to find the results again this morning although I have seen from the forum (thanks Chris) that the results are now on the Powerof10 site - they weren't when I looked there last night.
My priority today was to myself to complete 20 miles around the NSC to make up for my retirement last week. Bit of a risk really but I got through it thanks to some encouragement from Mike Garrett.
Having achieved my personal goal of the day I wanted to rectify something else - I've not managed many walks with Marie in recent months so had a nice walk around Ramsey with her puppy this afternoon.
I've just been updating the Parish Walk blog etc but not had enough time for much more on the site for two reasons. Firstly, after so little sleep last week, I keep falling asleep. But not when watching the 4 x 400 metres in the world indoor championships.
I have probably claimed that other events were also my favourites, but some of the most exciting athletics I can recall on TV were the 4 x 400 metres relay. I remember Todd Bennett and Phil Browne always performing so much better than they did in the individual 400. We then started a golden era for relay running and performances in the last few years have been very tame my comparison.
So watching some great British performances, and the only 4 x 4 that I like, was my other excuse for not doing more on the site today.
My priority today was to myself to complete 20 miles around the NSC to make up for my retirement last week. Bit of a risk really but I got through it thanks to some encouragement from Mike Garrett.
Having achieved my personal goal of the day I wanted to rectify something else - I've not managed many walks with Marie in recent months so had a nice walk around Ramsey with her puppy this afternoon.
I've just been updating the Parish Walk blog etc but not had enough time for much more on the site for two reasons. Firstly, after so little sleep last week, I keep falling asleep. But not when watching the 4 x 400 metres in the world indoor championships.
I have probably claimed that other events were also my favourites, but some of the most exciting athletics I can recall on TV were the 4 x 400 metres relay. I remember Todd Bennett and Phil Browne always performing so much better than they did in the individual 400. We then started a golden era for relay running and performances in the last few years have been very tame my comparison.
So watching some great British performances, and the only 4 x 4 that I like, was my other excuse for not doing more on the site today.
Saturday 10 March 2012
88 reasons to miss cross country
As I journeyed on the train with my brother between Birmingham and Droitwich yesterday afternoon, we passed the huge site of the former Longbridge Rover car factory before seeing Cofton Park to the right of the train. "That's where the Pope held his open air mass in 2010" said Mike. "I know" I replied. "Its also where the Inter Counties Cross Country Championships are being held tomorrow and I wish I stay to watch".
I had several moments like that when I was in Birmingham but I was back on Manx soil soon after 11 today on a replacement FlyBe plane after the first one developed a fault. How I wish I could have had a more leisurely breakfast with the 90 minutes that we were delayed.
Not that I needed too much breakfast as I was also out for lunch at 12.30. It was my mother-in-law's 88th birthday and we went to the Palace Hotel. Given how close she was to passing away last September her birthday was well worthy of my principal celebration for the day.
After going for a drive and falling asleep (thankfully not at the same time) it was only a short time ago that I got around to watching Keith Gerrard's masterly display in the Inter Counties Cross Country.
Due to Keith's successes, some of the other fine performances by Manx athletes are being overshadowed but I can't help that - particularly when it is so hard to find the results from these big budget meetings. If Manx meetings can do it why can't others get the results published with easy to find prominent links?
I had several moments like that when I was in Birmingham but I was back on Manx soil soon after 11 today on a replacement FlyBe plane after the first one developed a fault. How I wish I could have had a more leisurely breakfast with the 90 minutes that we were delayed.
Not that I needed too much breakfast as I was also out for lunch at 12.30. It was my mother-in-law's 88th birthday and we went to the Palace Hotel. Given how close she was to passing away last September her birthday was well worthy of my principal celebration for the day.
After going for a drive and falling asleep (thankfully not at the same time) it was only a short time ago that I got around to watching Keith Gerrard's masterly display in the Inter Counties Cross Country.
Due to Keith's successes, some of the other fine performances by Manx athletes are being overshadowed but I can't help that - particularly when it is so hard to find the results from these big budget meetings. If Manx meetings can do it why can't others get the results published with easy to find prominent links?
Friday 9 March 2012
Cameras missing
Believe it or not, there is another member of my family who can take more photos of a single subject than me - its my brother Mike. And yet we spent several hours together with his family at his house in Droitwich today and neither of us took any photos - not even of his younger grandson who I had not seen before!
We made up for it tonight at Birmingham Hall when we watched Fairport Convention together for the first time ever. They are my favourite band and have been together for 45 years. Founder member Simon Nichol (left) has a beard to match Mike on the right.
More photos http://isleofman.in/p587865402
The All England Badminton Championships are being held a stone throw from here. I wonder if there are any Manx here? I'll be running along the canal in the morning before the equivalent of a supermarket trolley dash for breakfast as I reckon I only have 10 minutes to fill and empty my plate if I am going to catch the train and the plane,
All day breakfast - as long as its not breakfast time
I've had the morning to myself in Brum and having failed to secure an early check in at my hotel I set off for something to eat. It did amuse me that a couple of pubs nearby were advertising all day breakfasts but didn't open until lunchtime! Thank heavens for Weaherspoons.
I do enjoy re-learning my way around city centres, wandering around shops and museums. I'm staying close to the National Indoor Arena, a famous athletics venue in which I have not yet seen the inside of. Jess Ennis is not here today of course because she is in Turkey doing rather well so far.
A second attempt to check in has failed so I'm using the wi-fi in the hotel lobby before meeting my brother Mike at New Street Station.
I do enjoy re-learning my way around city centres, wandering around shops and museums. I'm staying close to the National Indoor Arena, a famous athletics venue in which I have not yet seen the inside of. Jess Ennis is not here today of course because she is in Turkey doing rather well so far.
A second attempt to check in has failed so I'm using the wi-fi in the hotel lobby before meeting my brother Mike at New Street Station.
Away day in Birmingham
I'm spending the day in Birmingham but unfortunately I missed the chance to stay over to watch the inter counties cross country tomorrow.
I have just seen Sarah and Katie Astin, who are in the Lancashire team, with their parents in the departure lounge, They didn't enjoy getting up at 5 am today. I had a short run at 5.15 this morning, one of my earliest ever.
I have just seen Sarah and Katie Astin, who are in the Lancashire team, with their parents in the departure lounge, They didn't enjoy getting up at 5 am today. I had a short run at 5.15 this morning, one of my earliest ever.
Thursday 8 March 2012
Keith featured in AW
If you don't subscribe to Athletics Weekly, it will be worth buying this week's addition to read the full version of this article about Keith.
Wednesday 7 March 2012
Parish Walk day
Manx Telecom are holding their media/sponsor's lunch today and I am attending. So I won't have time for any lunchtime updates today and I will be focusing on the Parish Walk this evening.
Thanks to David Griffiths for his latest cross country statistics which I published earlier this morning.
I met the former punk who featured in the recent oldie photo when out training this morning - in Athol Street of all places.
Thanks to David Griffiths for his latest cross country statistics which I published earlier this morning.
I met the former punk who featured in the recent oldie photo when out training this morning - in Athol Street of all places.
Monday 5 March 2012
Emails worst for a while
After having so many things on the agenda last week and then two athletics events over the weekend it was inevitable that I would start to go backwards with my email for the first time for a while. I have two different "things" to attend tomorrow, one professional and one social but in fairly formal surroundings, that I am going to go backwards before forwards. And no more video editing until at least Thursday.
Michael the punk
My type of McDonald
The Isle of Man Examiner is offering a free bacon roll for every one bought at McDonalds this week. Surely one McDonald is enough for any person.
My McDonald delight this weekend came from reacquainting myself with three times Irish Olympic walker Jimmy McDonald. The 6th place finisher from the Barcelona Olympics was expressing his admiration for our Parish Walkers having seen the coverage on Sky the year that Sean Hands broke the record. He was really pleased when I said that Sean would be meeting me in a couple of minutes and I would be able to introduce him. Who better to borrow a pair of gloves from Sean Hands?
I should have taken a photo so it will have to be an old one.
Jimmy McDonald (centre) after winning in 1989. On his left are Sean Martindale and Mark Easton and on his right Les Morton and Steve Partington. Result below.
My McDonald delight this weekend came from reacquainting myself with three times Irish Olympic walker Jimmy McDonald. The 6th place finisher from the Barcelona Olympics was expressing his admiration for our Parish Walkers having seen the coverage on Sky the year that Sean Hands broke the record. He was really pleased when I said that Sean would be meeting me in a couple of minutes and I would be able to introduce him. Who better to borrow a pair of gloves from Sean Hands?
I should have taken a photo so it will have to be an old one.
Jimmy McDonald (centre) after winning in 1989. On his left are Sean Martindale and Mark Easton and on his right Les Morton and Steve Partington. Result below.
| 1 | Jimmy | McDonald | SDS Eire | 1:23:55 |
| 2 | Mark | Easton | Surrey Walking Club | 1:24:04 |
| 3 | Sean | Martindale | York Postal | 1:27:16 |
| 3 | Les | Morton | Sheffield United | 1:27:16 |
| 5 | Steve | Partington | Boundary Harriers | 1:28:04 |
| 6 | Gordon | Vale | Boundary Harriers | 1:33:12 |
| 7 | Allan | Callow | Boundary Harriers | 1:42:00 |
| 8 | Steve | Taylor | Boundary Harriers | 1:45:04 |
| 9 | John | Cannell | Boundary Harriers | 1:47:22 |
| 10 | Frank | Huntley | Boundary Harriers | 1:48:33 |
| 11 | Bill | Johnson | Boundary Harriers | 1:56:05 |
| 12 | Mark | Byrne | Sheffield United | 1:58:55 |
| 14 | Dave | Tasker | Boundary Harriers | 2:02:23 |
| 13 | Ralph | Martin | Boundary Harriers | 2:10:59 |
Saturday coverage
I've not commented yet on an excellent day at the Ascot Hotel Manx Harriers Walks on Saturday. There has been so much on. I have further film to edit yet. Will try tonight.
Sunday 4 March 2012
3 contrasts
I mentioned that I trained with Mike Garrett and Paul Curphey on Wednesday night. It was the first time for several years that we had all taken part in the same session but we go back quite some time. Our races today were quite contrasting.
I firs trained with Paul in the winter of 1991 and Mike first joined us in 1996. He then had one of the longest breaks through injury that I can recall not returning for 6 years! He has had a shed load of disappointments but after taking a break from the marathon for a couple of years and training with Andy Fox's group he is all the better for it. So good to see him execute his race plan so successfully today for a win and a big personal best in the Leinster Management 20 Miles.
If I told you that Paul's time was pretty average you might be surprised because he ran 17 minutes faster than any of his times for the past three years.
His time today was 2:09:46 but his average for the past 18 years (yes this was his 19th in a row) was 2:09:02!
Really thrilled for Paul. If only I had told people that I was just pacing Paul for 15 miles my day would have seemed fairly successful. But the truth was that my legs went at 16 miles even though I was only running at a pace I am used to running nearly every week and clearly I had not fully recovered from my illness the previous week. "Don't rush your comeback" were the words of advice of another old friend, Chris Quine, earlier in the week, But I did and I didn't (finish).
I firs trained with Paul in the winter of 1991 and Mike first joined us in 1996. He then had one of the longest breaks through injury that I can recall not returning for 6 years! He has had a shed load of disappointments but after taking a break from the marathon for a couple of years and training with Andy Fox's group he is all the better for it. So good to see him execute his race plan so successfully today for a win and a big personal best in the Leinster Management 20 Miles.
If I told you that Paul's time was pretty average you might be surprised because he ran 17 minutes faster than any of his times for the past three years.
His time today was 2:09:46 but his average for the past 18 years (yes this was his 19th in a row) was 2:09:02!
| 2:01:02 | 1994 |
| 1:59:00 | 1995 |
| 1:58:31 | 1996 |
| 1:58:38 | 1997 |
| 2:02:57 | 1998 |
| 2:02:14 | 1999 |
| 2:07:19 | 2000 |
| 2:02:27 | 2001 |
| 2:04:49 | 2002 |
| 2:06:11 | 2003 |
| 2:04:35 | 2004 |
| 2:08:48 | 2005 |
| 2:14:45 | 2006 |
| 2:13:38 | 2007 |
| 2:17:28 | 2008 |
| 2:26:16 | 2009 |
| 2:27:41 | 2010 |
| 2:26:15 | 2011 |
Really thrilled for Paul. If only I had told people that I was just pacing Paul for 15 miles my day would have seemed fairly successful. But the truth was that my legs went at 16 miles even though I was only running at a pace I am used to running nearly every week and clearly I had not fully recovered from my illness the previous week. "Don't rush your comeback" were the words of advice of another old friend, Chris Quine, earlier in the week, But I did and I didn't (finish).
Friday 2 March 2012
Radio and nostalgia
When you drive a car that's 14 years old and the radio breaks its not worth spending too much on a replacement. But even the second model up from the bottom came with a USB socket so I'm going to have a lot more in car entertainment - and I won't have to listen to all the rattles any more.
I wonder how long before we have internet radio in the car? Its internet radio that got a smile back on my face tonight. We have invested in the wonderful Pure Sounds radios for our holiday properties as well as our house and tonight I have been cleaning the apartment, a thorough spring clean, and it was Radio Caroline that revived me after I was flagging earlier in the day.
Older people will remember the old Radio Caroline when it broadcast off Ramsey Bay in the sixties. Forgot about the nostalgia, this version is much better. 24 hours a day with no adverts, I don't know how they do it.
http://www.radiocarolinegold.eu/
But of course, you only listen to this sort of station of you are nostalgic.
There is plenty to look back on tomorrow with the visit of Paul Nihill, the 1964 Olympic 50km walking silver medalist. It was Paul who made the NSC roadway what it is today.
I'll be filming a good part of the day. I've also got some photos from Stan Hall from the Ramsey Fireman's runs.
I wonder how long before we have internet radio in the car? Its internet radio that got a smile back on my face tonight. We have invested in the wonderful Pure Sounds radios for our holiday properties as well as our house and tonight I have been cleaning the apartment, a thorough spring clean, and it was Radio Caroline that revived me after I was flagging earlier in the day.
Older people will remember the old Radio Caroline when it broadcast off Ramsey Bay in the sixties. Forgot about the nostalgia, this version is much better. 24 hours a day with no adverts, I don't know how they do it.
http://www.radiocarolinegold.eu/
But of course, you only listen to this sort of station of you are nostalgic.
There is plenty to look back on tomorrow with the visit of Paul Nihill, the 1964 Olympic 50km walking silver medalist. It was Paul who made the NSC roadway what it is today.
I'll be filming a good part of the day. I've also got some photos from Stan Hall from the Ramsey Fireman's runs.
Thursday 1 March 2012
Two 28 minute men in half an hour
Its been one of those long days for me today. It started at 5.30 as I was too tired to return to the cottage to finish off the cleaning (which had to be finished by tonight) so I had to fit in an hour on the way to work. After work, I was moving our long stay tenant from one holiday property to the other (he is fitting around short stay booking in each play) before heading to Peel to interview Keith Gerrard.
I made it within five minutes of the appointed hour at 7 and after the interview and some chat headed for Shoprite and who do I meet but our other 28 minute 10,000 metre runner - Yorkshireman Colin Moore who has a best of 28.13.
Marie has been away for the past couple of days and so I have inherited some extra duties with her puppy. A quick dash to the bottom of Bray Hill and around Thorny Road and and Somerset Road in about the time Keith or Colin would take to run three or four laps.
Finally I got something to eat before doing some editing of the video. Keith spoke well it was my mistakes I had to edit out! The film will be available shortly and where Keith is seen laughing is just after I managed to describe the Liverpool football captain wining the National Cross Country.
Whilst it is uploading I am just going to put some dog food on the kitchen table. Its the only way I can sure that I will remember to feed the dog in the morning.
I made it within five minutes of the appointed hour at 7 and after the interview and some chat headed for Shoprite and who do I meet but our other 28 minute 10,000 metre runner - Yorkshireman Colin Moore who has a best of 28.13.
Marie has been away for the past couple of days and so I have inherited some extra duties with her puppy. A quick dash to the bottom of Bray Hill and around Thorny Road and and Somerset Road in about the time Keith or Colin would take to run three or four laps.
Finally I got something to eat before doing some editing of the video. Keith spoke well it was my mistakes I had to edit out! The film will be available shortly and where Keith is seen laughing is just after I managed to describe the Liverpool football captain wining the National Cross Country.
Whilst it is uploading I am just going to put some dog food on the kitchen table. Its the only way I can sure that I will remember to feed the dog in the morning.
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