Roadhoggs Cross Country Reports

	Roadhoggs Leicester AC
	Cross Country Reports By Kim Richardson, Cross Country Captain
	2007-8 Derby Runner League Race 5 - Sinai 2/03/08 Well I have to be pleased that Roadhoggs made good progress in the league this season, with full men's teams in every event except this last one. We had six men and two ladies (well done girls), so just one more guy and we would have been given points. On a bright and dry Sunday morning we looked down on the breweries of Burton-On-Trent. This is the race that starts up a steep climb so it takes you a while to recover from that, then it's a very scenic course with plenty more up an down all the way round including two monster hills that sort out the wheat from the chaff - in the car coming home we agreed it's impossible to run up them, so we were all chaff. There was a long final stretch along an undulating track which was probably the fastest mile on the course, before hurtling back down the hill to the finish. Dave Lod chased Peter all the way before just getting in front in the end. Dale Jenkins and Rob Bedstead also raced each other round, then came Jon Heap and then me. For the girls it was good to see Hannah and Trudy yet again; Hannah ran a blinder and Trudy is proving so reliable for us. If just one or two more of you will join in then we have a ladies team next season as well. Ronnie was there to collect the results for us as he often is; cheers Ron, we do appreciate you being there and telling us how good you are with computers. RESULTS: 64 Dave Lodwick (V40) 38.57, 67 Peter Sloneczny (V40) 39.05, 88 Dale Jenkins (V40) 40.48, 93 Rob Milstead (V50) 41.13, 116 Jon Heap 42.51, 128 Kim Richardson (V50) 45.14, 153 finished, team unplaced. Women: 13 Hannah Green 41.14, 47 Trudy Sharpe 50.05, 66 finished, team unplaced So at the end of the League this season we finished in the lofty positions of: MEN 8th, LADIES unplaced, and COMBINED 9th, all out of 13 clubs in division 2. Thats our best, thanks everyone, next season I am aiming for European qualification. Derby Runner League Race 4 - Foremark 17/02/08 Another good day for Roadhoggs mudlarks. It was a bright and cold day and the ground was hard. This is a 2-lap course, with each lap starting around the visitor area with lovely views across the reservoir, then 2 steep hills with a steeper downhill in between, then a long run back along a gravel track. We had 9 men running so some poor bugger ran his best but did not score team points. Still, that's another improvement for the club. Mike Munday was first in, making another welcome appearance and leading for most of the race until he was overhauled into 2nd pace. Mike continues to amaze because no-one sees him train, he just turns up and wins races. Then a great debut run from young Nick Cobley who is looking like a very good prospect for us, chased in by Karl who won the battle of the Attons. Then Dave Lodwick who reckoned that was the fastest he had run in a cross-country, Craig Atton, Dale Jenkins, Chris 'blackbelt' Mann who has made a good recovery from his eye injury, Jon Heap and yours truly. Also a record number of 2 Roadhoggettes ! Hannah Green also made her debut in this league and ran a great 21st followed by Trudy Sharpe who ran well considering she had little time to prepare as I managed to get us so lost on the way there (remember East Midlands Airport, Trudy?). Thanks to everyone who ran; the mens team has climbed another place in the division and the women nearly scored some team points! Just one more lady next time ... RESULTS: 2 Mike Munday (V40) 31.16, 61 Nick Cobley 36.37, 65 Karl Atton 37.14, 77 Dave Lodwick (V40) 37.51, 97 Craig Atton 38.57, 111 Dale Jenkins (V40) 39.54, 116 Chris Mann (V40) 40.00, 134 Jon Heap 41.22, 164 Kim Richardson (V50) 43.56, 197 finished. Team 5th in dvn 2, overall 7th. Women: 21 Hannah Green 41.14, 51 Trudy Sharpe 46.55, 85 finished. Derby Runner League Race 3 - Grace Dieu 20/01/08 After all the rain the Grace Dieu course was expected to be wet, and it was soggy and muddy all the way round. It seemed to go on for ever but was I guess between 5 and 5.5 miles. The club's annual dinner the previous evening also didnt help as all of our runners claimed that the beer and wine impaired their performance (any excuse). This is a regular league course but normally 2 laps round a variety of fields and woods, but this time it was a single lap with a long section around a very muddy, rocky and hilly track. In some places it was more like a fell run and a bit dangerous because you had to watch where you were planting your feet with rocks hidden under the deep mud, along with the leading runners coming back down the hillside on the same track you were going up!! Still we had the 8 scorers for the mens team so we are keeping up the much better league performance this season, led in by our newly crowned athlete-of-the year Peter in 54th. We had good middle-order finishers in Dale, Craig and Dave Lodwick, plus Rob Milstead (Swanee: it's not Newstead) in 144th. Behind that came John Stew, Jon Heap on the comeback trail and then me who managed to fall over on the safest section of the course. Another Roadhoggs debutante was Trudy who ran a great 54th in the ladies race ... I hope we will see more of you girls turning out, it would be great if we can start finishing a ladies team as well and finally begin to make our mark in this league. RESULTS: 54 Peter Sloneczny (MV40) 36.06, 113 Dale Jenkins (MV40) 41.43, 124 Craig Atton 41.53, 135 Dave Lodwick (MV40) 42.27, 144 Rob Milstead (MV50) 43.04, 187 John Stew (MV560) 48.23, 200 Jon Heap 49.33, 209 Kim Richardson (MV50) 51.35, 230 finished. Team 9th (dvn 2), overall 8th. 55 Trudy Sharpe 51.30, 92 finished Huncote Hash 30/12/07 This is the annual Christmas calorie burn-off race, about 6.5 miles round all sorts of terrain and obstacles. It is always a friendly and well-supported event with a few local runners in fancy dress; this time some of the men were dressed as pirates but of course Roadhoggs already did that earlier in the month (am I missing out on something here?). The course was as usual wet and muddy but the section around the quarry was firmer than expected which helped. Croft Hill was such a slog, with plenty of jolly spectators to (take the piss) encourage you to the top. Then came the brook which was quite deep this year, and later on you had to literally haul yourself up the sandhills but at least that was near the end. We had 4 runners, including Trudy Sharpe who ran unattached but is soon to join us. RESULTS 74 Dale Jenkins (MV40) 50.48, 119 John Stew (MV50) 55.24, 148 Kim Richardson (MV50) 58.54, 171 Trudy Sharpe 61.35 207 Finished. Derby Runner League Race 2 - Bagworth Heath 2/12/07 The day started wet and windy (reminds me of our Chairman) but I was looking forward to another Roadhoggs team in double figures, not least because I was trying to get out of running this myself as my Achilles was a bit sore again. Well we had 6 before the start so with first 8 to score it would not have made any difference if I ran well or not, so I ran anyway and was ok. The day brightened up during the race, though it was very muddy underfoot and there were plenty of places to fall over. This is a two-and-a-bit lap course with a tough climb up to the top of a ridge in each lap. The number of runners is also up this season, so you have more runners to race against wherever you are down the order. Some of the track was narrow so it was difficult to overtake (or be overtaken) and so you tended to settle into a pace, but it was still all a hard slog. Apart from coming down off the ridge and a long grassy straight near the end of each lap there are no easy sections to get your legs back. Roadhoggs were led in by Mike Munday in 6th place, a great performance considering he hared all 8 primary schools' races on Western Park the day before. Then Peter Sloneczny ran another stormer to finish 27th. Behind that we packed quite well, Dave and Craig must have been chatting because they finished 122nd and 124th (in truth Dave caught Craig just at the end), then Dale Jenkins in 132nd, Chris Peach in 146th, Baz Barrett in 170th and then me. That makes 8!! I wasn't aware that Chris had ran until after the race but it made my brilliant 207th so important. As this was the last league race before Christmas, we enjoyed some mince pies and coffee afterwards. The league is becoming ever more popular and there are more clubs now, split into 2 divisions with Roadhoggs in the 2nd. It was good to see some new cross-country runners in our team, and to finish another full team and earn league points. We must be doing better than ever, no longer stuck to the bottom of the table and we have the incentive to get promoted. We just need some of you girls to turn up now, so we will have to think of something to tempt you. Thanks Guys, I hope we can keep this going. Results: 6 Mike Munday 31.34, 27 Peter Sloneczny 34.14, 122 Dave Lodwick 39.53, 124 Craig Atton 40.00, 132 Dale Jenkins 40.32, 146 Chris Peach 41.20, 170 Baz Barratt 42.55, 207 Kim Richardson 46.40. Men's Team: 7th (Div 2). Derby Runner League Race 1 - Fosse Meadows 18/11/07 Report by Dave Lodwick. Kim is simply not going to believe this! When Kim released that the first Derby Runner race clashed with his nookie weekend, he probably thought he wouldn't be missing much - it is two seasons since we have scored a single point. I'm not sure which he will find the most shocking - the fact that we fielded 13 runners or the fact that one of them was Swanee! Actually, given our Chairman's longstanding dislike of running on anything other than tarmac I'm pretty confident it'll be the latter. When a spell of cold weather turns wet, you normally expect the temperature to rise a bit. Unfortunately, we all woke to strong wind and cold driving rain - hardly the weather for encouraging our Derby Runner debutants. I had been secretly hoping we might just manage a team, despite regulars Chris Mann and John Heap being injured, but nobody could have expected 13 runners. It was a pleasure to welcome Mike Munday back after a long time out with a very serious injury. The course was a really nice one, with a bit of everything. Much to most people's relief, there were no hills to speak of (just a couple of gentle slopes). The car park was a bit of a challenge, particularly for those with rear wheel drive BMWs, and that was just getting in! Fortunately, there seemed to be plenty of people on hand to push stricken cars. Mike led us home in 10th and then there was a bit of a gap but we packed superbly. Adrian ran a well-judged race to finish "best of the rest" in 82nd. Karl (90th), now benefiting from training with his second claim club, Belper Harriers, continued to hold sway over brother Craig (108th) with Dave L (112th) not far behind. Peter felt unwell after a mile and so took it steady (127th), just holding off a fast finishing Jerry (128th). Dale (134th) completed the eight with Baz a bit further back in 145th. Despite losing Chris, who pulled up with an injury after a mile, we still hadn't finished. John S came in 211th and Dave S 248th. Both Dave S and Jerry were wearing road shoes so they must have found it particularly tough in the conditions. Sally (74th) was the only lady to swap the duvet for a running vest and hopefully, after she has thawed out, she'll persuade some of the others that this cross-country lark is actually rather fun (provided you don't mind peeing in a hedge)! So Kim, I can't offer you photographic evidence (too wet for cameras) but if you look at the results you'll definitely see "248 Dave Swan V60" and I'm sure he'll gladly show you his muddy trainers if you still have any lingering doubts! RESULTS: Men: 10 Mike Munday 32.57, 82 Adrian Stanley 38.34, 90 Karl Atton 38.50, 108 Craig Atton 39.55, 112 Dave Lodwick 40.07, 127 Peter Sloneczny 41.06, 28 Jerry Wilkes 41.08, 134 Dale Jenkins 41.27, 145 Baz Barratt 42.09, 211 John Stew 47.29, 248 Dave Swan 52.53. Ladies: 74 Sally Waterfield 52.09. Men's Team: 7th (Div 2). 2006-7 Derby Runner League Race 5 - Sinai Ridge 18/02/07 This is the race that starts up a steep hill so you are knackered for the whole of the race. Then we ran around the ridge, which was quite muddy and with some difficult cambers so you had to watch your footing. After about 3 miles we came to a long tough climb which was ok to run at the start but in the end you were walking. Then down again which made me wonder if there was more ahead; I was right, we had to climb an even longer hill and I walked this one all the way but didn't lose any places because no one was running. All in all I like this course because it's scenic and there are some fast sections. Still only 5 Roadhoggs; Jon is still improving and at one point got past Dave but Dave made a race of it. RESULTS: Men: 64 Adrian Stanley 40.16, 81 Dave Lodwick (V40) 41.20, 92 Jon Heap 42.41, 128 Kim Richardson (V50) 45.53, 153 Rex Stapleford (V70) 64.34, 156 finished. I don't want to mention where the team finished, but everyone else is above us. Derby Runner League Race 4 - Castle Hill Park, 21/01/07 With most Roadhoggs on marshalling duty we did well to have 5 in this race, though it will have cost us points for not finishing a full team again. After even more rain the Roadhoggs course was mud and water all the way, even the higher ground was wet underfoot and it was hard work for all of the runners. At least it was a bright day and not too cold. Being on duty near the finish, I was amazed how quickly the leaders reappeared again; why can't I be as fast as these guys? RESULTS: Men: 93 Adrian Stanley 44.04, 99 Chris Mann (V40) 44.18, 130 Jon Heap 47.49, 155 Baz Barrett (V40) 51.44, 179 Rex Stapleford (V70) 63.26, 18 finished. Huncote Hash 31/12/06 The hash course was quite wet and muddy this year but it could have been even worse after all the rain. Only 2 Roadhoggs made it, Dave covering the 6.5 miles in overall 75th and Kim in 133rd out of 255 finishers. Croft Hill as usual was a real challenge, a long and steep climb followed by a shorter and even steeper downhill. Then there was the run through the brook and round the quarry where your feet sank into a mix of mud and sand for almost a mile. Then there was the vertical sand-heaps which you had to pull yourself up. Oh joy. Really this race is just a good post-Christmas burn-out and it's very friendly and good fun. There are always one or two fancy dress runners, and this year I passed a group of blokes in dresses; you wouldn't catch me out in the countryside wearing those colours. The soup after the race was very welcome !! RESULTS (overall): 75 Dave Lodwick (V40) 52.49, 133 Kim Richardson (V50) 60.18, 255 finished. Derby Runner League: Race 3 - Bagworth Heath, 17/12/06 We returned to the popular Bagworth course for the next league race. Another bright and cold day, another wet and muddy slog but this time is was splashy rather than clingy mud. Some of our regular runners were unavailable but some other Roadhoggs returned to the team so we ended up with just 5 men again, and this time no Rachel. We welcomed back Steve Gale, after 7 months without racing, and Adrian Stanley, another quality runner (creep creep). Chris Mann returned from his French nuptuals, cycled to the race, ran, and cycled home - tough guy! All 5 were pleased with their runs round a testing course, lots of hills and slopes to fall down. RESULTS: 34 Steve Gale (V40) 37.04, 101 Chris Mann (V40) 41.54, 109 Jon Heap 42.41, 110 Adrian Stanley 42.48, 141 Kim Richardson (V50) 45.12, 189 finishers. Afterwards we enjoyed coffee and mince pies. Once we get Dave and Rex back, we're nearly a team !! Swithland Cross Country relays, 3/12/06 We were back at the Swithland course just a week after the league race for the cross-country relays, organised by Barrow Runners. Same course, still wet and muddy. Roadhoggs had a bit of a makeshift mens team. Jon Heap set off first around the 2.5 mile loop (it seemed a very long 2.5 miles to me!) and reappeared at the changeover whilst Dave and me were still chatting! Jon later confessed he and a few others had taken a wrong course, and I think the organisers added time to the last runners to compensate for this, either that or Dave Lodwick had a crap day. I set off on leg 2, handed over to Rex for leg 3 and finally Dave had the glory leg. We didnt do too bad, finishing 26th out of 35 teams. These relays make a nice change, there is always someone to chase and you have to work hard round the shorter distance. LEGS: Jon Heap 21.04, Kim Richardson (V50) 25.22, Rex Stapleford (V70) 32.15, Dave Lodwick (V40) 27.36 (adjusted time). Derby Runner League, Race 2: Swithland, 26/11/06 Mike Munday is back !! On a bright day we all set off but after just a few minutes, with the race strung out down a field edge, somebody shouted that we were all going the wrong way !! So the race stopped and we all trudged back from different directions to a restart. We were asked to be honest and position ourselves more or less where we were before the race stopped, which was a bit of a bummer because I could have restarted in front of Mike - in fact he came to the restart as last Roadhogg but he still got back to the front and WON the race ! The course was 2 laps, not hilly but very wet and very very very muddy. There were few sections which were not deep and soggy mud, so it was all hard work. There were queues at the early stiles and brook crossings so you could have a bit of a breather. We only had 5 guys again, plus dear ole' Rachel who is our entire ladies team. Once again we are struggling as a club and propping up the league. Where are the rest of you girls and guys? Don't you like getting dirty on a Sunday morning? Speaking of that, Chris Mann did contact me to say he was in France on a dirty weekend but would be thinking of us ... ooh er. RESULTS 1 Mike Munday (V40) 35.26, 119 Dave Lodwick (V40) 47.24, 143 Jon Heap 49.43, 185 Kim Richardson (V50) 54.35, 220 Rex Stapleford (V70) 68.45 - 224 finishers. 56 Rachel Moyes 58.31 - 117 finishers. Derby Runner League, Race 1: Ullesthorpe, 29/10/06 There was a new venue for the first race of the new cross country season and it was not quite like any that I had come across before. It was run from Manor farm at Ullesthorpe. The parking, certainly for the early arrivals, was in the farmyard and surrounding areas and my own place was up against the cow shed where the occupants were enjoying a late breakfast. The walk to the start then took you by the pig sties and into a field which gave the spectators a great view of much of the race because of its elevated position. I did not run due to my continuing injury problems so I watched the race unfold beneath me, when I wasn't showing Baz's Louis the cows and pigs, rather like King Richard watched the battle of Bosworth Field from his vantage point nearby. I suppose it could be said that Roadhoggs had an equally bad day. The troops who did turn up, Chris, Baz, Jon, Dave L and Rachel fought valiantly over a good course on a bright autumnal day but they were swamped in a massive field of 302. However, I am sure that the fab five will not be put off by such poor support and will live to fight another day, particularly Rachel who has invested in a snazzy pair of cross country shoes. Personally, I hope we see this course again. RESULTS 76 Chris Mann (V40) 44.40, 111 Dave Lodwick (V40) 47.51, 136 Jon Heap 50.22, 150 Baz Barrett (V40) 51.47 - 204 finishers 53 Rachel Moyes 58.48 - 102 finishers Steve Martin