Park Hall Country Park - North Staffs Cross Country

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Created on Monday, 09 November 2009 11:49

Written by Steve B

Date: Saturday 9th November

Time: 11.15pm
Location: Home - slowly drifting off to sleep on the sofa.

Beep beep goes the mobile phone; message from Dave H asking me to write the Cross Country report. Oh no - my turn for the race report. Why didn't I do that one I promised about Sydney - sorry Dave! I suddenly get a cold tingle through my body as flash backs of today's race come back to me.

For those that have never done cross country before, this is the part where Dek would like me to write 'you don't know what you're missing' and that 'you should have a go yourself'. Rubbish - you are obviously the intelligent ones in the club and come any quiz night I will be sitting with you guys.

For those that did the race and want to re-live the memory (good or bad), here goes:

Leek Cross Country

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Created on Saturday, 12 December 2009 22:36

Written by David Hetherington

'The day I beat Dave Hetherington’

History was made today. Everybody remembers where they were when Princess Diana died, 9/11…..I will remember this day. The day I beat Dave Hetherington.

Left for Leek in my car/bus from Yvonne’s house a little later than predicted, followed by Rachael and Sam. A slow and seemingly endless journey, but we arrived with about 15 minutes to spare before the Womens’ race. Yvonne and Bev’ dived out the back of the car as soon as we pulled up, hoping that Derek wouldn’t be Brickin’ himself too much……..wandering where his girls were!?

Chat and banter ensued at the Temporary Chase Harriers Race Head Quarters (tent) before the lads walked down the field to see the girls off. Well done to Yvonne, Bev, Sam, Rachael and Laura (she is on fire, running brill!). Enough about them…This report is about me and did I tell you I beat Dave Hetherington?

I looked down at the route…..yes down. We stood at the top of a hill that we would have to run up 4 times….’Sh*t’ (I thought!).

Quick change, more banter and down to the start. I felt fairly relaxed. The weather was great, the sun was shining and little did I know this would become my best race this year!

Stafford Common X Country

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Created on Saturday, 14 November 2009 20:35

Written by David Hetherington

Stafford Common North Staffs X Country - Derek Loundes

Well its over how do I hate Stafford common. With gales and showers forecast it could be even worse than normal. As usual i arrive early with Kevin to errect our tent yes i know i spoil them but they are not a bad bunch maybe a mad bunch.

Everyone arrives early to watch our ladies in their race thats the fun part. With luck they have to run past our tent so we can keep out of the elements while they are running. As the 1st of our ladies comes past some crazy fool starts our lot doing the sort of chant you might hear in a football ground (sorry Laura) then the next one came and a Mexican wave started (sorry Bev) oh what joys. Yes i was starting to enjoy Stafford Common. The girls did us proud well done Laura, Bev, Sam, Lucy, Rachel and Yvonne.

Then oh no its my turn. Stay in the middle and keep to keep warm then bang we're off i'm out of breath before the 1st lot of water. Why am i doing this. Don't think i will try and stay with Kevin. Here we go again Dave and Neil pass me must stay with them but before long their heels are out of sight. Concentrate Derek don't let any more pass at least Mr Blobby won't be running today. Here's Lucy going to get her own back for the Mexican wave serves me right. I can't help worrying if the tent will still be there when i finish i hope the extra guy ropes are working. Oh no Andy passes me he's getting back to form. I manage to hold on I start to feel better and somehow pass Andy before long its over iv'e had the best lap for ages and feel great. I turn to look back at the finishers and see Keith who has passed Andy what a great run he's had. Then he tells me that he was catching up till the last lap good job i speeded up he wouldn't let me forget it if he had beat me. Must get the other 3 laps sorted and give kevin a run for his money (look i can dream) and what do you know the tents still there a little wet but thats why we bring it. Yes its been a good day the camaraderie within the club is the best its been for ages. Kevin even said well done "old Chap" cheeky I don't know where he gets it from.

Derek Loundes "The old chap"

Well done to everyone who took part today: Laura, Bev, Lucy, Sam, Rachel, Yvonne and for the guys Kevin, Steve, Andy, David, Neil, Derek, Arthur, Paul, Keith, Andy, Phil, Rob and Darren. It was a fantastic turn out.

Additional: Apologies for the photos that will be posted in the gallery when they are available. I know for one Im going to look pretty awful as always ;-)

David

Winsford, North Staffs X Country 2/10/10

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Created on Sunday, 04 October 2009 21:44

Written by David Hetherington

Hello all,

Well we have started another cross Country season. Would you believe it after all the rain we have had conditions are perfect. The ground is good to run on ok Dave I know you find it boring but for us guys and gals that are prone to injuries its what we need.

We were struggling for runners but did manage to get 4 of our girls and ended up getting 10 men to turn out. Even Andy Soltysik (he hates it) turned up with Clive Jessup (thanks Clive).

1st time for big Chris Lake he said he enjoyed it but i did warn him conditions were not always this kind.

Our runners were LADIES Bev Noble,49th, Lucy mellor 53rd, Yvonne Nicholls 71st, Rachel Turner 80th.

MEN Kevin Loundes 28th, Andy Soltysik 71st, Derek Loundes 125th, Martin wallace 134th, Richard Saunders 144th, Phil crowley 164th, Dave Hetherington 179th Darren Taylor 183rd, Chris lake 185th, Clive Jessup 189th.

Well done everyone see you at the next one.

Derek Loundes