AFF_Archive2007

When Rick Hollingsworth offered to enter me for this I did not hesitate, this race is packed full of festive flavour and matched with an atmospheric scottish piper at the start and then at the inward incline at 8.5K.

By chance 5 flyers had made the journey to Ely thus giving us opportunity for GP points. My personal goal was to try and end the year with a sub 40 10K.

So eager was I to get it, I started the race like a novice and such was my speed my Asics racers were beginning to smoke, by the 3k board I had blew up and contemplated stopping as I would never survive the further 7k, I was so angry with myself as I should have known better. I decided to drop right off and regain a rhythmic breathing pattern but sadly damaged any chance of a sub 40.

I ran the remainder of the race trouble free and learning a valuable lesson ie you greedy so and so (for the want of a better word) if only I had not have gorged myself on the opening 3k. However all was not lost 1st flyer home, another PB 41.00 and lesson learnt. All flyers had excellent runs and all with PBs.

I Strongly recommend this one for next year, but book early as its proved very popular

Another year over and the last to leave (you sad bastard I hear you cry) I now look forward to new challenges in 2008 and the clubs anniversary, thanks to all flyers for some great competition in 2007.

Cliveden House is an excellent setting for a cross country and the Sunday before New Year makes it an ideal way to run off the Christmas festivities and still be able to enjoy the New Year's celebrations. Surprisingly, we were the only Flyers running for this very popular race that is all full by end November for race entries - even Martin Beare hadn't entered!!

The course starts and finishes in front of Cliveden House and the 2-lap course takes you through the grounds, dropping you down to the Thames before the notorious long climb back up to the main house. The sting in the tail is the 174 steps that have to be run up twice from the Thames to the main house, with each step some 4-5 feet wide. Add to this another long set of steps to run up that zig zag their way back to the top mid-way on the 2nd lap made this a tough run.

I eased my way round the first lap but struggled up the steps. As you reach the top all the supporters are gathered and cheer you through as you enter Cliveden Grounds. The 2nd lap I pushed on and found myself passing many runners but again, the notorious set of 174 steps got the better of me. Still, as I neared the top this time I knew I had only 600 yards of running left and its amazing what you can find over those final few yards!.

The course is somewhere between 6 and 7 miles and my son Terry, on the back of zero training, amazed me with an excellent run. finishing in 26th place. A breathing problem had forced him to stop on the 2nd lap when a top 15 place was clearly on the cards.

31 Flyers braved the cold weather to take part in the three counties cross country fixture this Sunday. The runners were greeted by a cold yet pleasant day and all runners were prepared for a course that is notoriously wet under foot, with many choosing a longer spike to deal with the conditions.

The race started abruptly and 325 runners made there way down the first of many undulations. The pace at first was quick to say the least but soon settled with many Ampthill & Flitwick flyers taking up positions in the lead pack.

The course was not as muddy as in previous years but it still made for difficult running with weary legs. As the race moved on, hills and mud taking their toll, the runners spread out. Soon came the point where an annoyingly long finishing straight/Bend/Hill was upon us and athletes faced a choice of striking for home or desperately hanging on to their position. With the race series at the half way stage all Ampthill & Flitwick flyers put in excellent performances to secure third place overall. This means that we are heading in the right direction for a National XC Plate Final appearance on 6 April 2008 in Ampthill Park, and an opportunity to defend our title, or push for a place in the Final.

Post Race sandwiches and cake were probably the best ever and have lifted the bar.

The next 3C’s League Race is on Sunday, 13 January – Home advantage should mean a big team and the opportunity to impress friends and family. Fingers crossed for a nice day!

A pre-race warm-up with Adam, when both of us were carrying colds and injuries, suggested that one or both of us would end up spectating. With ten minutes to go this apprehension was borne out when Adam assumed the initiative and opted out, preferring to protect any niggles by waiting for Sunday’s XC. Given that he was also firmly nestled in 3^rd place for the series (with the best two times to count) there was little to gain and plenty to lose.

Wadsworth, in a similarly delicate position (bodily), practised hypocrisy, gave bucket loads of good advice to Adam, and then participated anyway.

As it panned out, it was worth the effort (and the risk). At 3km I was marginally up on the 10 minutes that I was aiming for. The last 2km should have been painful - but wasn’t, and I ran in a 16.42. Three 5km PB’s on the spin and as already documented, I have finally beaten the demons that have spent 5 years at the 17 minute marker, tridents facing oncoming runner.

As a bonus, both Adam and I were 3^rd for the series in our respective age categories.

Overall a successful event for the club with 7 club records being set during the 3 race series. In addition to Adam & Ady's 3rd places, Peter jr Benedickter was 1st Junior in series for Luton AC

Overall series was won by 16 year old James Robinson from West Norfolk AC who won the Junior event at Ampthill Trophy.

Well first of all I should say that I entered this race before I joined the Flyers so I don’t appear as affiliated in the provisional results but did request the affiliation to be recorded for the official results. Also I only had one other ½ marathon under my belt prior to today and that was at Wilmslow back in March 2007 with a time of 2:01:15 (PB); consequently I thought that today I might get 1:55 or even 1:50 at best.

Anyway to today’s race; I set off with the intention of running my own race at about the 8 min/mile mark but shortly after the start Martin Beare cruised past me and said hi, and then few moments later so did Jim Dodds. I knew from training runs with Jim that he was faster than me but thought that I might be able to follow him to get an idea of pace… being a novice forgot that people run faster in races J but I managed to keep up with him for the first couple of miles before I started flagging. Then Phil Clarke motored past with a brief word on a hill and that spurred me on again for a while before he too slipped away. Around mile 5 there was another hello and Jeremy Lewis appeared on my right shoulder and helped me recover my pace again before easing off. At around mile 7 my friend from Wilmslow running club caught up with me and we ran together for the next 3 miles or so but I tired as we came off the bottom of the big hill and I lost him. By now the cold and rain had sapped the heat, strength and any remaining suppleness out of my legs and the last two miles seemed to drag on for ever during which time another Flyer past me (I assume Jeremy Bell). As I rounded the last corner by the Church I was sure I had broken my PB and was confident that I had even done better than I had hoped but was totally unprepared for the 1:37:57 on the clock (1:37:46 Chip Time). So all in all a stunning race but I know that I couldn’t have done it without the inspiration of those running with me and more over those that turned out in the wind and rain to support us. Thank you!

Did the Wootton half yesterday which I’m sure you’re getting all the results for my time by my watch from start to finish was 2.27.52 and their time was 2.29.21 which is the difference in getting to the start line (and also born out at the half way point which was also two minutes difference)! Very pleased with this as it means I did a PB which is just over 12 minutes quicker! I’ve realised my training should consist of going out drinking, eating curry, staying up to watch Ricky Hatton fight and getting a couple of hours sleep……

This was the 4th year of the Bedford Half Marathon incorporating the Beds AAA County Championship and indeed the AAF Club Championship.

The conditions almost mirrored the previous weekends Luton Marathon "wet and wild" (said the actress to the bishop) However it did not stop 20 Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers flying the flag for the club. (try saying that after a few beers)

The course is 13.1 miles undulating loop starting and finishing at Wootton Upper School. The race took us out towards Box End, Astwood, Cranfield, Upper Shelton and back to Wootton. The conditions were far from ideal and some roads had turned into rivers and for good measure the wind joined in too. This distance seems to suite me for some reason and I was hopeful of strong finish and being greedy was also wishing to keep my run of PBs going.

Darren farr made an early break in his first half marathon, then it was Tim Hunt and myself running the same pace for most of the race and it was soon clear it was going to be a fight for club vet 40 champion between me and Tim. God knows I tried but Tim evidently had the better run netting him V40 Club Champ.

Darren had a great run club champion and Beds AAA County senior Champion on his first half Marathon. Myself (Martin Beare) 3rd flyer home 3rd V45 Beds County champion and another PB

3 seconds separated Jim dodds and Phil Clarke and showed good form. All flyers had showed great grit and spirit on what proved to be a tough race throughout.

3 flyers had braved the conditions on there bikes to support us all, namely Steve James, Phil Holland and Dave Sedgley, on behalf of the club I thank you for that much needed encouragement.

As ever the course marshalls were in my mind the heroes of the day, without there spirit, cheer and smiling faces the race would have been that much harder and longer, and I have no doubt that all 1,400 finishers join in with me on that one.

I personally enjoyed myself and came away with far more than I could have hoped.

A wet and windy day made the Luton course very challenging. After completing a gentle ascent to Streatley, runners turned left towards Sundon and were hit by a fierce wind and horizontal rain. Somewhere along that stretch an unfortunate man had been given the job of handing out wet sponges – I don’t think he had many takers. When I’d completed my leg I felt utter respect for the marathon runners who were to do it another 2 times.

Hats off to Richard Jones for the performance of the day running the full marathon. The rest of us had it easy with our 8 and half mile runs. Top quality Flyers teams were in abundance showing great depth in the club with 4 teams in the top 13. The Elite squad producing a superb 2^nd – a repeat of last year. If only there’d been a team of teams trophy!

Other Flyers were spread around the field. I ran for one of the 4 Harlington teams organised by Ex-flyer Mike Alcock whilst Martin B and Jeremy Lewis guested for Boxfit.

Overall the race was very well organised with lots of marshalls and police to close roads. Just not sure why relay results are in such a mess? (As per last year apparently)

On Sunday, 2 December over 180 teams lined up to tackle the Luton Marathon Relay.

A Flyers trio of Harris, Wadsworth and Hartley first tasted success in 2006 by finishing second to a University of London team on a wind swept day. Hopes centred on better weather for 2007 but this wasn't to be. 30mph winds gusted all morning which would make it difficult for athletes to find some rhythm, and the competitors were regularly lashed with rain. Credit to the marshals and spectators who were steadfast, and to the marathoners who would go the full distance.

With six Flyers teams, three marathoners and Flyers providing the backbone of other teams there was plenty for the club to cheer. A combined race went off at 10am and Paul Farmer (Flyers Elite Team, Leg 1) settled into the lead pack. Farmer was 3rd back after 8.5 miles and handed over to in-form Adam Peters. Peters quickly demolished the lead established by the London Frontrunners Team and pushed on with Paul Adams (Tergat 222). A speedy second leg saw Peters improve the Flyers placing to 2nd, only 6s behind Tergat 222 - game on. The 3rd and final leg fell to Stephen Hartley who chased down marathon backmarkers to cement the Runner's Up birth in the Luton Marathon Relay, the club's second successive appearance on the podium.

There were plenty of Flyers in action and determined runs saw three AFF Teams in the top 10 which is a fantastic achievement.

Richard Jones (3:37:02) flew the Flyers flag in the marathon on the grimmest of days.

This was my 3^rd and Pete’s 2^nd trip to Lanzarote to compete in the annual International running challenge – 4 races in four days. The first a 10K road race, then a 13K off -road climb up to a ridge of a volcano, then a 5K beach run and finally a 21K (half marathon) across the Island back to Club La Santa, where we were staying.

Once again we travelled with runners and members from Leighton Buzzard AC and the week was a mixture of running, racing, exercising, drinking and generally enjoying ourselves. Club La Santa, where we stayed, is a haven for all sportsmen and sportswomen. Professionals use it for warm weather training and the facilities cover every conceivable sport – and you have the option to participate in as many or as few of them as you wish during the week.

The Challenge attracts runners from various countries with Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Denmark and England having the majority. With 5-year age categories it meant all runners had something to aim for in each race and the competition was always fierce but friendly with many runners renewing old battles!

5K running is seldom best tackled with a headwind. This said, and completely undaunted, Adam Peters opted to 'cane' the Stevenage 5K course for the 2nd successive time. I asked him beforehand if he was going for a time or, given the inclement conditions, a series position. His response 'Both'.

Thus, with the objectives clear, off he went and duly obliterated his own club record. The 15.49, set only 2 weeks ago, has now become part of history as Adam has lowered it to 15.30!! To put this in to perspective, that is sub 5-minute miling. Given the massive margin of improvement, we can now start to consider that 14 something is now an option.

Back in the real world, I finally broke 17 minutes, after only five years of trying, dipping just under with 16.58 (V40 Club Record). What an anti-climax that was.

Our other club representatives generally missed out on PB's by 5 or 10 seconds but all bodes well for the last outing here in another 2 weeks time.

This was the 42nd running of this race which was originally held around the Wolverton rail sheds. The race soon grew out of this course due to its popularity, and it was subsequently moved to its current venue.

The course being 2 laps round MK's Willen Lake which is fast and flat, and weather permitting is grounds for PB's.

The 13 flyers turned up more appropriately dressed for skiing rather than running such was the cold wind blowing across the lake and any thoughts of PB's where evaporating, however I was up for a bash with nothing to loose.

The start was cramped and slow but soon panned out. I hung on for the whole 2 laps 5 miles and it was a tough race from start to finish, this was probably the hardest race I have run all year, but oh deep joy a PB 32.54 shaving 1.30 mins of my previous best.

Ady was first Flyer home in 28.21 and a well deserved 3rd vet (sporting his AFF tailored vest). Peter Benedickter had a great run to post 29.35 2nd flyer and then me Martin Beare 3rd flyer. The boys, Phil Clarke and Jim Dodds where fast coming up the rear (all together now "oh matron!").

All the times where very respectable given such harsh conditions on the day. well done flyers. Nice to see Dave Sabey returning from an illness and recovery.

Hi there for Taupo where summer seems to have arrived as it was warm for the duathlon last night with rasping throat to add to the bursting lungs and wobbly legs.

The SPRINT duathlons just do not suit the older generation but some of us are slow learners.

No duathlons next week as we are hiking in the Ruahine Range which are reportedly so steep even the native species put out anchors to stop falling off

The concrete, tarmac and underpasses that represent the Stevenage 5K course somehow jointly lend themselves to performances that break records and personal bests.

In weather that was cold enough to warrant long-johns but on the upside 'breezeless', the Flyers acquitted themselves admirably.

It is generally maintained that this is one of those courses that is so mundane/bland in it's appearance, with the final kilometre uphill, it is difficult to understand why it delivers. And yet, year after year it does. No wonder the series is a sell-out every year!

With a maximum field of 350 runners, the start was cramped. The wiser ones were mindful of stray elbows and it generally took some 200 metres before thing settled down and you could relax in to your stride.

Adam Peters and Peter Benedickter (representing Luton on this occasion) Junior took up the early running and with some big names present they did well to maintain their positions. Benedickter Senior (in AFF colours) had a fast start, hoping to crack the 17.30 mark. Also breaking records and PB’s for the club were Jeremy Bell, Jim and Helen Dodds, Jane Cook and Phil Clarke with a new V55 record and four recording PB's.

With the last kilometre approaching, Adam had to surrender the lead to James Robinson (the U17 winner from West Norfolk AC at the Ampthill Trophy), eventually turning in in third place but more impressively, beating his own jointly held club record by some 16 seconds. Ad's run therefore becomes the first sub-16 minute jaunt at 15.49, something that he has threatened for some time. Congratulations!! Benedickter Junior, struggling following illness ran in a respectable 16.43.

Ady Wadsworth, chasing that elusive bl**dy 17 minute barrier, baulked in the fourth kilometre, recovered in the fifth and turned in a 17.02, a new V40 club record (two more attempts left to get 16 something).

Phil Clarke, already the holder of the V55 club record at this distance, finished in 19:56 to improve his PB and shave another second off the club record.

Jeremy Bell and Jim Dodds had both had in mind a crack at the 20 minute barrier, agreeing beforehand that this would be a chance to recce the course before a PB attempt later in the 3-race series but unable the temptation to go for it on the night. Both finished under 20 minutes with Jim shaving 24 seconds off his previous PB and Jeremy 39 seconds to join the ‘under-20 5K’ club.

The Flyers ladies were represented by Helen Dodds and Jane Cook. Helen was first lady Flyer home and Jane achieved a PB with a time of 32:48.

This race is my favourite race in the years calendar. This race is different for various reasons. Firstly its run midweek, secondly its a rare opportunity to run alongside the forces and most importantly of all there is a massive feast of cakes, doughnuts and biscuits like the mad hatters tea party.

I was that eager to run this race I was the first competitor to arrive and I had to knock the base commander out of bed

7 flyers had managed to get the day off, all either semi retired or self employed.

There is always a tale to tell and today was no different, whilst on the coach to the start at old warden, I noted a very familiar voice from the seat in front of me, it turned out to be John Motson the voice of football who gave a running commentary for the journey.

The race got underway in near perfect conditions, personally my main aim was to get a PB for this distance, although the course is undulating. I pushed hard from the word go and maintained an even pace and by the midway point I was confident I was on for a good time. The military police made sure of a clear passage through all major roads and junctions,

As I crossed the finish line I was surprised to see I was only 15 seconds inside my previous best as I felt I had run much better, however job done got my PB 1.8.31 which was the aim.

Arch rivals Rick Hollingsworth and Andy Atherton had their usual battle, Rick finally taking Andy (oh matron) at the top of the last hill back to base.

Nick Stone had a solid race to post a PB and the girls, Val and Pat, had good steady runs.

As ever it was no surprise this race was organised and run to military precision and RAF Henlow were the perfect hosts, I have run some big races this year namely London marathon and the Great south, and this race ranks alongside my favourites and I will be there next year for my 4th consecutive go at this historic event.

On Wednesday, 14 November I was selected to represent the Dept of Work & Pension in the Civil Service XC Champs at Elmdon Sports Ground, which is next to Birmingham Airport. Coming back from a 2mth calf injury I had only run for the last 2wks so didn't pitch my hopes to high. To finish the 6 mile race in one piece would do just fine, and not having done any hill reps, a flat course was just the ticket.

I got penned in at the start and slotted into 30th place grateful not to be wasting energy by going off too quick.

Mile splits (5:44) were pretty even and much better than hoped for so I gradually moved thought the field to bring my team home and finish 15th.

An encouraging run which didn't aggravate the calf and a Veterans Team Bronze Medal was icing - yes, I am nearly that old!

Needing some motivation to get going again after the successful Lydiard Legend back in late September I had a go at one of the local Monday night TARTS duathlons.

This placed me at the back of the “big” boys and a fair bit in front of the casual entrants. The bike leg was easy going but 1.8km runs are like sprints for us ancients and painful / not easy etc.

May reduce the run time next time and certainly aim to reduce the Transition times – if fingers, equipment and appendages plus eye-hand-foot coordination cooperate (if you know what I mean).

[Webmaster note: I could not believe it when I saw Austin was running in a TARTS race! But at least he's running.]

It was a mentally grueling course as we had to make 2 laps around the same course and the 2nd lap was extended a bit longer to make up for the distance, with a final 400m lap around the track to finish.

Dunstable XC - Sunday, 28th October 2007

39 Flyers travelled to Dunstable to kick off the 2007 Cross country season. The team were greeted by damp and windy conditions but this did little to dampen spirits as a record field of 375 gathered..

The start saw a large group make their way up to the first loop of the course and, after a cagey start, North Herts’ Neilson Hall took the lead and never looked back. The pack behind soon spread out buffeted by wind and rain which was most apparent at the higher points of the course.

Adam Peters (2^nd) was first back for the Flyers and Phil Holland opened his 3C’s account with an impressive 13^th. Nick Jones (49^th) just had the legs on Dave Olney (52^nd) in a tight finish.

Amy Farr (12^th) brought our ladies home and there was excellent packing from Shelley Mayles (60^th), Julie Hodgson-Smith (61^st) and Laura Johnston (62^nd) who grafted effectively as a unit.

The first race of the season saw 7 of our men finish in the top 20 and encouraging performances from first timers Matt Harvey and Annette Turner. This all paid off with a solid club 3^rd which is an excellent start to the season - individual performances are bound to improve and a few faces have yet to start which makes for a bright future

	Club	Points Total	Ladies	Men
1	Wootton	107	32 (3)	75 (1)
2	Bedford Harriers	170	16 (1)	184 (3)
3	Ampthill	202	79 (7)	123 (2)
4	North Herts	251	30 (2)	221 (5)
5	Stopsley	279	76 (6)	203 (4)
6	Dunstable	408	48 (4)	359 (6)
7	Wellingborough	438	70 (5)	368 (7)
8	Leighton	606	99 (8)	507 (8)
9	Northampton	670	99 (8)	570 (9)
10	Biggleswade	900	200 (11)	700 (10)
11	East Haddam	1039	172 (10)	867 (11)

What a fantastic place for a Marathon. We would thoroughly recommend it. A great city to run into and a great place to recover from your run. Tough at the end with the 5k causeway and the 14 bridges at the end but a potentially fast course, relatively unobstructed and very friendly. Rebecca and I had a great time and PBs all round (thanks to Beckys encouragement)

I entered this race before the Cross Country dates were announced, so a bit unwillingly I made the trip over to Wisbech to line up with 339 strangers on a blustery and rainy morning out in the middle of Fenland. After a surprise and un-announced start that caught me fiddling with the settings on my garmin, things settled down and we were off along some very pleasant and reassuringly flat country lanes. The only "hills" were a couple of bridges over the A47 early on, and with the rain easing off I was lulled into pushing on a bit. All was still going suspiciously well at 7 miles when we turned for home and simultaneously emerged from any form of tree/hedge protection to run straight into a what felt like a gale force wind. The next two miles were quite hard [and slow] but I was surprised to find that I could muster a bit of unusual acceleration over the closing stages to get a fairly reasonable finishing time.

Despite the conditions I thought this was a very enjoyable and well organised race that in perfect weather would give some very fast times - it was won this year in 55:30 by a very fast bloke from Norwich.

This race is Europe's premier 10 mile road race and the UK's 2nd most popular race only losing out to the Flora London Marathon, as voted by runners world, with entries limited to 18,500 the race attracted a world class field.

I was partnered for the day by my Triathlon coach Dave Coard from Boxfit, if this was not good enough both Dave and I had best wishes from former world champion boxer Billy Schwere who we met the day before.

On the day any chance of a PB were dashed by the fact we were exposed (oh matron) to high winds and driving rain off the coast of Portsmouth. As in the London marathon there were 3 different starts and were blessed with the elite start.

Helicopters hovered above and TV cameras poised the gun went off and we were off, i tried so hard to pull back and not go off to fast, but from the start I instinctively knew I was going to have a good race, so I did what I normally do and ran the race by the seat of my pants rather than using technology.

I kept an even well judged pace throughout and soaked up not only the rain but the great atmosphere and support from thousands people lining the closed roads. I even heard a go on you flyer from the crowds.

The last 2 miles along the front were the hardest as we had a strong head winds and driving rain which was almost pushing us backwards.

My efforts were rewarded with a time of 1.08.56 and finishing in 280th out of 18,500 while Dave had a very creditable time of 1.03.30 and finishing in 90th place

Although the weather was far from ideal I really enjoyed the whole experience and will be first in the queue for next years entry.

Ampthill Trophy "What a Glorious Day" - Sunday, 21 October

Hosting an off-road event in October always means a nervous check of the weather forecast in the lead-up to the event but this time we couldn't have asked for a better day. A series of dry and bright days had left Ampthill Park in great condition for racing. The Beefeater Trophy had an enviable reputation for picking the fine day so it's great to see its modern equivalent continue the tradition.

Course setters arrived at dawn to see bright, clear skies, and the stillest of day combine at just the right at time.

Then as the sun rose this special place was bathed in autumn gold which framed Ampthill Park at its very best and made a crisp dew sparkle. One imagines that anyone scarred by memories of school cross country will have been cured for once and all.

Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers welcomed athletes from far and wide who gathered to celebrate the purity of cross country racing.

The Royal Mail strike did little to dent advance entries for the 5th Ampthill Trophy race - thank you - and late entrants pitched up in their droves.

The Race HQ, Parkside Hall, was a hive of activity as Chief Marshal Nick Jones delivered a final briefing and Flitwick Scouts laced the air with the smell of bacon rolls.

The bright sunshine and blue skies on Sunday meant that we even had some feedback that it was tough work in the heat - not what you'd expect in late October. We had the biggest field since re-starting this event, with 41 junior runners and 202 finishers in the senior event.

The juniors were off first after an encouraging pep-talk from Mike Petty, the race starter. It was encouraging to see a larger field than in previous years, it looks as if our efforts to work with local schools and clubs are starting to pay dividends. A trio of very quick entrants from West Norfolk AC won all their categories with Bex Daines (FU15), Henry Loughlin (MU15) and James Robinson (MU17) all prize winners. Tom Stead (Riverside Runners ; 7:55) was first back to defend the title he won last year with Lucy Hayes (Newcastle Staffordshire AC) collecting the FU13 prize (8:18), just reward for travelling. Wellingborough School also supported the event with a team who picked up a second in the U15's for Peter Holley. Richard McGuirk, their cross-country master, lead by example with a solid performance to finish 42nd in the senior event. It was really good to also see a lot of first-time juniors and a good number of Flyer's children - Matthew Bell, Emma Turner, Natalie Foster, Matthew Bailey, Emily Tillott and Zoe James all putting in a great effort to collect a well-deserved finishers medal.

Next it was the main event, the senior race. I was hoping to describe constantly changing positions and tussling for the lead but Highgate Harrier Ryan McKinley looked comfortable from the start and maintained a steady pace to record an excellent win (28:45) on his first visit. An ageless Paul Gregory (Aylesbury Vale AC) followed him home in second to finish 1st MV40 and MV50 (29:27), and LBAC's Simon Coombes (29:42) stuck to his guns to capture a well-earnt 3rd. Geoff Newton (Tadworth AC; 35:29 ) was on the podium for a 3rd successive year to collect the MV60 prize.

Phil Holland (8th) was first back for the Flyers, combining with Ady Wadsworth (14th) and Peter Benedickter Snr (16th) to land the Men's Team prize.

In the Ladies Race Donna McEwen (Bedford Harriers) continued the purple patch with another scintillating win (32:38), with Kirsty Wigham (Wootton RR; 33:43; 1st FV35) and Juliette Minter (34:03) respectively 2nd and 3rd. Mathilda Scheuber ( Stevenage and North Herts AC ; 43:19) was back again to keep away the U20 ladies title that she won last year. The Flyers own Jackie Foster (41:25) powered round to bag FV45 and Magaret Chew (44:40) claimed 1st FV55. No surprise that Donna McEwen, Carla Fisher and Sally Cartwright collected the Ladies team prize - the Bedford Harriers take some beating when their ladies turn out in force.

It was good to see quite a few groups supporting the event in strength, with Dave Coard bringing a group from the Boxfit Tri Club in Luton and the local running clubs were also well represented, particularly large groups from Bedford Harriers, Wootton Road Runners, North Herts Road Runners, Yaxley Runners, Stopsley Striders and Biggleswade AC.

So thank you to all the competitors who supported this event. It is good to see so many runners enjoying (if that's the right word!) running in the same park where Liz Yelling won her first ever race as a junior and where Paula Radcliffe was a multiple junior winner and came back to win the senior race. Those are some names for the current crop of junior runners to aspire to!

Thanks to the businesses that sponsored the event:- Physiotherapy, Sports and Spinal Clinic - Camping and Caravan Ltd. Ampthill. - Urban and Rural - Waitrose

Last, but by no means last, thanks to all those who helped to prepare and run the event, the marshals and officials on the course and the crew back at the race HQ ( including the Flitwick Scouts who provided a great service of bacon rolls and tea/coffee). Finally, thanks to the County officials Steve Crane and John Catlin who provided support and expertise to support the Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers team.

Once Ampthill Park had been stripped of all signs of activity about 40 Flyers gathered at the White Hart for a convivial beer and a tasty roast. A fitting end to a successful day at the races.

Jeremy Bell

Race Director

A fantastic result for Dave Brown representing GB out in the USA. Dave finished 3rd for GB and was the 20th Elite Man:

Race was going well and had moved into top 10 placing with 20km to go on the bike, I then had some big issues as I was relying on the organisers for my energy replacement but they had run out of stuff and only had water. So 80 odd km of riding on water and I bonked big time compounded with the 26 degree day it was tough road to the finish line. Looking forward to getting back to the Uk mud and cold of cross country running, so keep me updated.

George, Ed and I set off for Amsterdam on Saturday morning. An easy journey and found our “budget hotel” fairly easily. Met the locals who didn’t quite understand George’s request for his national dish for breakfast the next day – but then Ed and I were a bit bamboozled by his “D’yu doo oots for breakfast”. Only Kellogs and toast were on offer.

After scaling the North Face of the Eiger to the compact bedroom for four on the top floor we set off to sample the delights of Amsterdam. Found a great pasta restaurant and set off to rendezvous with the Welshman at the expo. Only Ed had managed to book the pasta party on the website – the rest of us failed the IT challenge miserably. Unfortunately they were sold out, but with a combination of natural charm and a hard luck story about travelling from the other side of the world to get to Amsterdam, not to mention the lack of porridge for breakfast, George managed to acquire three more tickets and we spent the next half hour trying to make sense of the slogan I Amsterdam.

The Expo was OK and George and I managed to buy some particularly fetching tights as we had both forgotten to bring anything to put on after the race. Ed was not impressed warning us there was no point as they are not designed to keep you warm! He was right of course. Paul arrived from Newcastle and it quickly became clear as we were earnestly discussing race tactics, strategies, negative splits and the benefits of all those Saturday morning runs, he was already focused on the post race entertainment.

The pasta party was very good with just a hint of what was to come with Gatorade dominating proceedings. We then unsuccessfully tried to find somewhere to watch the rugby, and after rejecting numerous venues for being too crowded or too drug filled we ended up watching the Swiss broadcast on a 12 inch portable in our bedroom which had a habit of losing reception at regular intervals and spent the time attaching running numbers and chips! Such dedication.

So, off to the race. There were about 6500 entries, with over 1000 runners from Britain. The course was very flat. We’d already walked the “undulating section” of the course near our hotel which made Steppingly Road look like a serious hill session. It was a moderately interesting and scenic run in perfect weather conditions I was hoping to break 3:10 but that proved a bit much and came home in just over 3:11. Too many long slow runs over the summer! Ed broke 3:30 after having not run for two weeks because of a cold. George broke four hours without any serious distance running for 5 months! Both ran great metronomic runs to reach their targets. Paul, obviously with his mind on other matters, cramped up in the last 6 miles, and came in at 3:46.

After the race Mr Owen came to the fore and showed great stamina and leadership (of the astray type) and an interesting evening was had by all, but that’s another story ..

The Club marathon championships are awarded for the best recorded times in any marathon event during the calendar year. The current leaders for 2007 are as follows:-

I thought the race started at 10.45, so just made the 10.00 start in time, thanks to some assistance from Seggers.

I was the only Flyer in a small field, and enjoyed the trail run, despite being decidedly unfit. The 1/2 marathoners started later, and my thoughts were with them going up that wicked hill near the finish. Look forward to finding out how they got on.

It was a pity that the numbers were small, 10 in the 5K, and 26 in the 10k, as the event was well organised and marshalled.

Talked to a guy from Liverpool AC, who ran in our 10K, and was very pleased with his medal, which he said was the best that he'd ever received. It's good to receive positive feed back

As it is my plan to run a Marathon in December I am in need of long runs, so got up this particular Sunday and decided to get a late entry on the tough and challenging X/C half marathon course, also hoping to hide and just have an easy training run on this relatively new event, but oh no the Flyers have a habit of turning up where and when ever there is a race on.

There were 7 known Flyers in the half marathon and 1 in the 10k race, all races started and different times. The turn out was surprisingly good given there were 2 other main races locally on the same day.

I told Phil Holland who his main rivals were (winner 2006 Bryan McKinley and 2nd place 2006 Grant Ramsay). I told Phil he had a chance of a good 3rd spot and duly gave him his orders. I was just going to have an enjoyable run and let the pack go off.

It was not long before I found my self in the zone and my early easy pace was paying off as I was picking the runners off as they fatigued (for the want of a better word). My 2nd lap was really enjoyable as I got faster as the race progressed.

I finished 13th overall in a time of 1.36.46 on this tough course, Phil delivered as ordered in 3rd 1.24.28. The winner was as predicted Bryan McKinley, who later went on to win our Ampthill Trophy a week later.

This event is not to be underestimated and I have no doubt that it will grow in future years and will attract a quality field and remember folks in the words of Jim Bowen "its all for charity"

This event was launched last year and attracted 1000 runners in 2006. In 2007 they doubled that number and over 2000 of us ran a mixed-terrain route between Harpenden and Redbourne. There was a mixture of grass, off-road paths and closed minor roads on the route with lots of local support to spur you on. We had a celebrity starter, Frank Bruno, who raised a few laughs before setting us on our way. Then it was off across some long grass for a fairly slow first kilometre. After that we were on farm tracks for another 2K, until we headed onto the road by Redbourne golf course. This rises to the highest point on the course, so the harder surface didn't result in a pick-up of pace. After that the course is quite flat, running along a disused railway line for around a kilometre. I used to live in Harpenden but my poor memory let me down when I kicked too early and whizzed past several people just after 9K and had forgotten to leave any energy reserves for a final hill up to the top of the park where the race finishes. So, you've guessed it, they all got me back up the hill and we finished where we were at 9K. I finished in 45:26 and as I had some 47.x times with injury earlier in the year this was at last a move back in the right direction

I completed a very relaxed, thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile 7.5 mile run on Sunday 14th October. For the second year Muscular Dystrophy Campaign in Royal Berkshire put on the Trial of Trails. The event was only £5.00 to enter (all proceeds to Muscular Dystrophy) plus any optional sponsorship you care to raise. Starting at Reading it heads down tracks, woodland paths, concrete farm tracks and bridleways, passing a vineyard and alpaca farm and finishing in Pangbourne (2 stops away by train). a team of 4 of us ran, getting lost once and completing the run (plus 1/3 mile!) in a raucous 1 hr 24 mins.
Jo Wright 1.24.00

Interesting results from standalone. I ran my best time for this course, but not quite a PB. My watch said 52:59 and my chip time 53:07 which I think is more seconds out than I would have expected! Of course my gun time was slower as it did take a minute or so to cross the start line. But then I find myself asking what order did we all come in?? I was passed by Laura at 5k and struggled like mad to keep up, eventually overtaking her at 9K and holding to the finish. But on chip time she came before me! Ouch! I am now confused of Clophill - lets go back to the days where someone stood at the finish line with a piece of paper and we didn't have to pay 15 quid!!

This race is a hidden gem in the running world. For some reason it’s never advertised (not many Harlingtonians know about it!) and runners seem to know about it through personal invitations and word of mouth. Hence entry size is low and variable - 2005 saw 112 finish, 2006 – 53, and this year 56.

The organizers of this quiet village race had no idea that a host of top class runners were to descend on the race this year providing an epic duel between AFF and Luton AC’s finest youths. As a watching Tim Harris said “the final top 10 would match that of any major local race”.

A very traditional race, as ever the runners gathered at the start for 11 whilst the race director waited for the church bells to chime before giving instructions. You then have to listen very carefully for his very quick ‘1-2-3 Go’ which can leave experienced runners stunned.

An interesting route, the race starts on the Village Green and heads down towards Sundon before taking a sharp left. Inexperienced runners tend to go flying off down the hill leaving themselves short for the second half which has one tough incline and then a long hard drag back up Westoning road to the green. This is where places can change easily.

Adam Peters was first Senior home but a young lad from Luton (again) came home first in 17.17. Paul Farmer, returning to race fitness finished well and just ahead of Ady Wadsworth who grabbed his first Vet title.

Phil Clarke went off fast and had 100 yards on me for most of the race, but with previous knowledge of this course I held back something for the final hill. I battled hard and by the finish I’d whittled the lead down to 20 yards. Kara Farmer and Deborah both grabbed prizes. Perhaps the most remarkable performance of the day was from the first lady home who achieved this pushing her toddler in a pushchair!

After a long summer of training walks (involving arduous pub lunches) and a possible cancellation with a broken toe it was a relief to get to the start of the Long Mynd Hike in Church Stretton. Well, almost at the start – we went from having plenty of time to kill to suddenly being short of time to get to the start. We quick-stepped a mile from the car (and nearly being disqualified) we set off in last place.

We did manage to overtake some people, however anyone we overtook then dropped out. We orienteered our way around the 50 mile course which included 8 (near vertical!!) peaks and ascended the equivalent of a third of the height of Everest (and it felt like it) starting at 1pm and continuing through the night. We finished after 24 hours and 40 minutes, with aching legs and lots of blisters, finishing in last place.

The general idea was that the course was completed within the 24 hours, but the course marshals were so impressed with the determination of an all-lady team that they allowed us to complete the course (and saved us a delicious breakfast – baked beans with rather thick skin on it and sad looking fried egg – personally I have never had such a good breakfast!)

On Wednesday, 3 October I was selected to represent the Dept of Work & Pensions in the annual road relay.

Finsbury Park is hardly the flattest place to race but at least the potholes have been filled since I last had a go. This was welcome but someone had been heavy handed with the road chippings - could have brought a boot full home to top up the drive! The relay is for teams of 5 with each athlete racing 2 laps (2.7 mile), and I was the DWP anchor man.

2.7m doesn't sound a lot - 5K pace one would think - but the hills make 10K pace a more realistic target. The problem is that most only realise this at the start of lap 2.

Our first leg athlete came home 6th, thoroughly whacked and legs 2-3 managed to give my team a chance to bag bronze. Sadly, the MOD had other plans and opened up a convincing gap to flush us out of the medals.

I ran my first lap to plan and lapped in 7:15 but the hills were too much and I had to settle for 15:12. Mine was the quickest leg for DWP but it wasn't enough to catch the MOD athlete who scorched a fanciful 14:00, but then he regularly subs 4mins for the 1500m. A very pleasant afternoon and I shall try again next year.

I took part in the Biddenham 10K River Run yesterday. I was surprised to see only two Flyers there although I understand that there were at least five of us. Given that I started near the back the rest must have been up front. I guess everyone else must have been competing in the Great North Run or Bedford Triathalon.

This was a very easy and scenic run over mixed terrain mainly along the River Ouse and footpaths along the golf course. Apart from some bottle necks where it was single file this was a really enjoyable run and the weather surpassed itself. Hope it is as good for the Ampthill Trophy in a few weeks time. I completed the run in 57.50 which whilst not a PB was OK given the difficulty in getting past people. It may have helped to start nearer the front as I came across people walking after 2km which didn’t help.

Will do this race next year and would recommend it to anyone wanting a gentle Sunday morning run through the countryside

Under threat of death if I opted to run the 10K in lieu of decorating the lounge, I duly found myself on yet another starting line. Yes, I know that I will pay for this time over but what the hell, you are only young (!!) once.

The difference between 10.30 and 11am saw the weather change from nippy to warm, unfortunately the former being the preferred condition. Still, with the promise of a flat course, albeit off road, and with sound advice to wear racing flats we set off with a hop and a skip. Tarmac turns to grassy field, turns to muddy field, turns to towpath etc., etc. For those not familiar with this course, it is extremely flat and winds itself along one side of the Ouse, before it terminates at a bridge crossing to bring you back along the other side of the river. Most of it is fine to run over bar the odd stile to negotiate but overall, and as 10K'S go, it is mightily pleasant.

The early leaders included our own Mr Wadsworth, slightly perturbed (his own words) to find himself at the very front of the field, but with over exuberance eventually getting the better of him to see him drop back from the leader and eventual race winner.

The Flyers had five out with Robbie Craig, Jim Dodds, Paul Farmer and one other as yet identified runner, trying to gain some all important Grand Prix points (like your guile lads).

Ady Wadsworth clung on (most definitely just clung on) to 2nd place, some 30 seconds behind the winner. Paul Farmer, back from injury and with almost no training since, was way back at the half way point but monstered the second half to run in a fantastic 3rd place, closing down very quickly on 2nd.

Jim Dodds was moderately pleased with his time, perhaps not allowing for the slowing effect of the running surface and Robbie Craig was after points, so time was secondary.

This was the third time I have run this race and went into it with some optimism with a planned 1;35 on the cards. I had managed to blag my way into Section B and for weeks had dreamed of an open race with no-one to dodge around for the first 13.1 miles. Unfortunately, Section B was actually quite large and I made the mistake of entering with only 9 mins to go to the off. There must have been 4-5000 still in front of me. At that point the pen was jam packed and I was stuck at the back. My hoped for time evaporated in the next 3 or so miles due to the crowds and my 7 min mile plans turned into 11 min miles. It did eventually open out a bit at around the 4 mile mark, but by then I was never going to catch up and so settled into a steady run instead. As usual, the course was packed with supporters, water and bands all the way. It was a lovely sunny day and when the pressure is off to get a time, you do definitely enjoy it more. Nice T-shirt and medal but ultimately disappointed in truth to finish 3589^th. Great race to do if you simply want to enjoy a run without a time being aimed for.

Did manage to do another 8 miles at the end of the race, which caused wholesale derision and disbelief form the supporters and some of the runners as I ran back along the course. Being verbally abused by 40,000 people was not in the plan. Yes, I know I’m going the wrong way, no I’m not trying to show off, yes clearly I am certifiably insane, no I’m not cheating , yes I have been to the finish etc. I even had one bloke have a pop cos I stopped at the 21 mile mark and still had 5 miles to go!! And Wales lost the day before!! Not a good weekend all in all!

	Swim 400m	Bike 25k	Run 5k
Dave Brown	7.07	38.04	16.31	1st Overall
Martin Beare	7.08	50.50	20.39
Kieron Lewis	6.23	41.41	18.08	3rd Overall
Phil Holland	8.24	52.02	No time recorded

This Triathlon marked the end of the season and was centred around Bedford Park.

I arrived beneath the stars at 5.45 am to get a good spot in transition, feeling somewhat under dressed in flip flops and shorts.

After what was a cold dark start borned a beautiful bright sunny autumn day and the scene was set for a good thrash round (oh matron)

I was in good company as our own Dave Brown, Kieron Lewis and Phil Holland joined me in what was a quality field.

Phil Holland and myself finished only 5 seconds apart in the last event and it was always going to be close on this one.

I had a strong swim and myself and Dave brown were separated by only 1 second. Dave Brown went on to win the event outright.

Early prep had paid off as i had a fast slick transition to the bike, the sun had dried the damp roads which meant i could ride with confidence, Kieron Lewis and i met up at half way point and words of encouragement were exchanged.

Another fast transition to the run boosted my confidence together with good support from my sister, phil Holland and wife nicky, and the Hollingsworths and an enthusiastic crowd, surprisingly the run was a P.B

Phil had a good strong race with a vastly improved swim, unfortunately the organisers had failed to record phils run time which evidently messed up his overall time.

As ever the dependable Kieron Lewis had an excellent race and finished 3rd overall.

Dave Brown took overall honours in style with outstanding bike and run times, Well done lads.

Galeforce events have done a fantasic job this summer in staging these very well organised Triathlons, I personally would strongly recommend it for next year.

A good show at the Leighton 10 saw 26 Flyers in action, with Club Championship titles up for grabs.

This was 26th year that the race had been staged and the rise to Mentmore was to prove as challenging as ever.

It is not that the the hill is particularly tough - the problem is that it is stepped and the hill comes at just the wrong time.

Thankfully, up is followed by down and the streak to halfway is nothing short of glorious.

The morning was obligingly overcast with glimpses of blue sky, but a head wind would check progress until Cheddington.

A downhill start did little to stem the charge but the pace steadied by the time that we started the climb to Mentmore (3.5m). The Flyers Dave Brown tried to mix it with early leaders Paul Gregory (Vale of Aylesbury) and Richard Burgess-Gamble (Barnet & District) but was bumped off at the foot of the hill and caught. Gregory went onto stamp his authority on the race with a season's best to win - impressive for a 52yr old and 54:31 affirms his position of 2nd in the National Age Group Rankings.

Stephen Hartley settled into the chasing pack alongside LBAC Simon Coombes before pushing on from 5 mile to cement 3rd place (57:14) and a Club Championship title, breaking Mick Cook's long standing (1995) championship record. Ady Wadsworth (1:03:34; 26th) never really found his stride but did enough to claim a first MV40 Club title, and Dave Stanley (1:11:04; 83rd) collected MV50 title for the 5th consecutive year.

In the Ladies race Amy Farr found the distance heavy going but still managed an excellent 6th (1:08:48) to become the Ladies Club Champion, supported to the last by pace maker Richard Wilson (1:08:43; 66th). There were also well-earnt titles for Dawn Bird (FV35; 1:40:47), Pat Godfrey (FV45; 1:44:43) and Val von Arx (FV55; 1:45:00) as the Ampthill ladies finished thick and fast.

Having entered formally at 9.49am for the 10am race, a quick sprint to the start 1/2 a mile away warmed me up nicely. I had the best part of 20-30 secs to have a chat with my fellow flyers passing the time of day until the gun went off. The pressure clearly got to me and it took me 3 hours 10 mins to finish!! The first part of the race was on quieter side roads that eventually wound past Mentmore golf club at 5 miles or so, before hitting a rather busy and fast main road on what was a loop course. In truth this was not a picturesque course, although it was well marshaled. Racing up the finish flute, I waved cheerfully at my club-mates who had put in sterling efforts in front of me, turned round and did it all over again , with the second loop going back the way we had come in the race. Assuring a number of marshals that the heat had not got to me I was allowed to plod on, although it was a bit more lonely on the second half. Having said that, another chap was doing the same in the opposite direction and I managed to beat him! Nice way to break up a 22 miler although I missed my t-shirt!

It was a spur of the minute decision last week to enter my first ever triathlon at Roade on Sunday. I've only been back running for 3 weeks after a long 12 weeks off recovering from the surgery on my right foot.

I have been biking and swimming in an effort to try and hang onto some fitness so tackling a tri seemed logical (in spite of threats of divorce if I ever considered anything so rash).

I was a little surprised not to see any other Flyers, as the race is so easy to get to. The swim was 18 lengths of a rather small 23m pool, and with at least 5 swimmers in each lane, bumping and passing were hazards preventing any really fast times (not that I'm in any way fast in the pool). This was followed by a two lap rural 20km bike ride (apart from the hairy bit up the busy A508). The final leg was a 5km run, mostly off road on a rutted bridle path and while I'd read about "dead leg"

syndrome at the start of the run, I was pleased to pass a couple of girls who'd whizzed past me on wheels. Overall, this was a great intro to triathlon and the organisers & marshals were all friendly and helpful. I was pleasantly surprised with my time, so I guess I'll be back for another go before too long!

It was feared that this little run, with the odd hill in it, might end up as a hobble for the Hobbit or at least live up to its fearsome reputation based on its name – The Lydiard Legend. It had been thought that the word legend was actually two words LEG and END and assumed that this run was to be the end of the legs, once and forever.

Well the run, it was a run for the Hobbit not a race, did live up to its name and there were some legendary performances over the 35km course length. Everyone that started got through the cut-off points (half-way and 30km) within the time allotted and all runners did finish – the oldest runner was much older than the Hobbit in being 76 years young and finishing 40 minutes inside the cut-off finish time of 4:30. The winner took 2:16 minutes whilst the first lady took 2:20 minutes. After the event Barry Maguire and Bill Baillie, two of Lydiard’s “boys”, told the Hobbit they used to romp round this course in 2:04 or 2:05 virtually every Sunday after racing on the Saturday and were shocked when some Korean international runners came along one day and went round in a fraction under 2 hours.

OK then that is what the young and famous did and the Hobbit took a wee while longer but was pretty pleased with his performance though he could not catch up with his non-hobbit son-in-law:

Ran this as a training run, although after a hard week's training it felt to me as though we'd run a race! This is a great event on a scenic route around the area to the South-West of Dunstable. You start with a map and instructions and head off to find the four water stations on route. The field of 100 odd soon get spread out and so there's a fair share of navigating. There are a few marshalls and the occasional arrow on route, but also there are plenty of opportunities to lose the route - which we did at least three times. But this all adds to the interest. Ed's watch set to auto stop told us that we'd spent ten minutes standing still!

I'd thoroughly recommend it and if you are training for a marathon and it fits into your schedule it provides a welcome change from the well trodden routes.

Each year the Civil Service Dept of Work & Pensions gather to compete for the Director's Trophy.

For 2007 this meant a trip to Swansea University where Scotland, Wales and ten English regions would show their mettle in Athletics, Boule, a pool-based "It's a Knock-out" and a General Knowledge Quiz. I was selected to represent the East of England in the Men's 800m and 5000m on Friday, 14 September.

Being generally unfamiliar with the 800m and conscious that I lack raw speed I tapped Tim Harris for race tactics, and then settled on a plan - 65s laps and keep the pace even. 11:20 and I was ready to go in the second heat, with medals for the three quickest of the day. The starter's gun was a bit rude but it didn't stop me zipping up to speed moving to the front. 400m and I was going steady; 500m and I felt a presence on the outside; 600m and I drifted coming into the bend to thwart an attack; 675m and it was game on. Civil Service team mate Andy Goodair unleashed a sprint that my heavy legs found it difficult to cope with - a tight finish but I had to settle for 02:13.20, a second off the pace. The good news was that I just pipped the first heat winner by 0.2s which meant a silver medal and some useful team points. Warm down, food, shower and 3hrs to chill before the Men's 5000m final.

45mins to go and it was time to warm-up again. By this time the sky was clear and the wind had dropped - I was relaxed, confident and having spoken with the National Team Manager knew that I was in with a good chance. This time the gun left me with a ringing left ear and I reached race pace inside 200m to lead. The basic plan was to stay under 3:12 which should bring me home for 16mins. I felt relaxed and confident but after lap 3 heard an athlete closing in. The next two laps I pushed down the back straight to stretch my challenger - the strategy worked and the challenge faded. I kept plugging away and managing to keep each lap to within a second and by the final lap had established a 300m lead. The last lap was a pleasure and I sprinted across the line for 16:33 - a bit slower than planned but I had grafted alone for much of the race. A gold medal was sweet and my performance added valuable points to the team tally.

One of the highlights of the day was watching GB star Hattie Dean put in a silky smooth performance in the 1500m.

The East of England Boule team won and the Eastern Region finished 2nd in the pool. Then came the biggest surprise - my team had won the Director's Trophy for the first time in 31 years - a great team effort which made for a late night, sore heads and some very bleary eyes.

The Paul Dimmock Memorial 5 mile race took place on Sunday the 9th of September. Click here for Newspaper report on the event.

The course was out and back race along an unopened section of the Leighton buzzard bypass. Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers were represented by 9 runners who turned up to find perfect weather conditions along with a relatively flat course, the race started at a brisk pace with three runners from Leighton buzzard trying to seize home advantage with myself and Stephen Hartley keeping them within reach. The first mile marker soon came and went at this stage the pack began to compact and it was obvious that the pace was starting to drop. Not wanting to waste time on what potentially could be a very fast course it was Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers who took the race by the scruff of its neck, Both Stephen and I pulled away from the main pack and made our individual efforts to the line from 3 miles onwards with myself winning (26:42) and Stephen coming second (26:51). A club one, two was further backed up with excellent performances from Darren Farr (15th), Amy Farr (2nd lady), Richard Wilson (34th), Jim Dodds (39th), Steve Bowley (128th), Helen Dodds (26th Lady) and Martin Lawrence (229th).

My first competitive race for over 2 years in memory of a good guy. - Steve Bowley

I think that this is a very good course to run, an out and back undulating route through country lanes to Pitsford village. It's well organised, with plenty of supportive marshals, so one to be recommended.

For me this was a chance to see how fit I was [not very!!] after being away and try and get some sort of form back for the Milton Keynes 5K later in the week. Possibly would have done better if I'd elected to go through the ford at 8k rather than "wimp out" and use the bridge to protect my new[ish] running shoes, but in the end I guess it didn't affect things too much.

Race was won impressively in 32:17 [2 minutes clear of 2nd!!!] - I was within 10 metres of the leader briefly at 4.5k, although he was by then going the other way [at 6k].

Not the flattest 5 miler but seemingly a good one for fast times. It is generally won in 24/25 minutes and being a Wootton Road Running Club event, they entered it in their masses!

The race starts in a dwell in the village so has no other option but to ask runners to then climb out of it. It's then pretty much flat until mile 4 which is steady uphill for the entire mile. The last mile sees you drop back in to the village for a very quick finish.

I spent the early part of the race in a pack of five, the other four being lads from Wootton. I think that we all set off a bit fast and I was waiting for the backlash- but fortunately it didn't really come.

I eventually shook off the Wootton boys so I was particularly peeved to see that one was given the same time as me, albeit that he was some distance behind and I then had to suffer 10th place not 9th! A failing it would seem of chip timing. Still, a PB for me in what was probably the first 5 miler that I have raced whilst fit.

It was good to see our ladies 'packing' in there and great that Pete and Dawn Bird made the trip over to take part.

I would suggest that this would be one of those events that you want to run annually. Wootton organise it very well, there is goodie bag afterwards and a bar for the parched. It is 2 miles off junction 15 of the M1 so less than half an hour for most of us.

The Civil Service Masters T&F Champs took place on Wednesday, 15 August in Battersea Park and drew athletes from far and wide. I was selected to race for the Dept of Work & Pensions in the 5000m.

I targeted a win and was in contact for the first part of the race before slipping to 4th, hampered by blustery conditions and the need to dart around back markers. With 800m to go I gather myself, closed the gap and surged into 2nd place on 475m to bag a Silver Medal by a convincing margin. My time of 16:35 is a few percent under par but the champs is about position rather than time.

This was the final event in a series of 3 held at Guilford Lido in Surrey. Annie and I had completed the first one, enjoyed it very much so off we went to try to better the first event. These aquathons are perfect for beginners. The swim is 500m of a 50m open air pool followed by a 5k run. Being some of the slower swimmers we get to start at the front of the pack so the swim is really nice with clean water ahead of you. It also means that by the time you have finished the run around a nearby park there are still participants in the pool with their run still to do, so you get to see some of the event. A rarity when you are usually at the back of the pack. This is a great little event. The main downside being the distance we have to travel on a Friday afternoon. Both times it has taken 31/2 hours to get there due to traffic, but only 11/4 hours to get home. I would certainly do this event again but would make a day of it next time. Annie and I both improved on our previous times by a minute so were very pleased with the result.

After the total down-pour on Saturday we were delighted to find it NOT raining on Sunday, till prize giving time (got nothing as usual). Running conditions were good apart from a crisp westerly blowing into the face on the way home and most runners reckon it cost anything from 3 – 6 minutes so it blew my attempt at a sub 1:50 away (Austin) and Isabel says it cost her about 10 minutes as she was very happy with her half-way split. I (Austin) am now building up the miles ready for the Lydiard legend in late September up in Auckland – a mere 35 km that runs like a mountain hill climb event.

Yes, that's right he beat me this time. This was a new venture for SMOC at a new location. The terrain was mainly long grass with very few obvious tracks to follow. The course was about 3 miles in total with a few long runs at the start (which is what scuppered my chances). In the afternoon we were able to participate in 2 hours of archery which made a great change from just dashing home to rest. So roll on the Orienteering/running and Archery biathlon!

The Bedford Park 5K (née Doug Anderson) is billed as a fast course and there's no denying that the surface is fleet.

However, the course meanders thrice around Bedford Park which means repeated trips up an "incline" behind Robinson Pool. I'll call it an "incline" because the word "hill" over eggs the pudding - the problem is that the "incline" rises 20m in 200. This might not be noticeable on an ambient jog or for XC, but at 5K pace laps 2 and 3 were bound to take their toll.

Entries were buoyant despite the Wardown Park 5K just a few days before and a few clubs racing their 5K Champs.

At 7:30 there was an over exuberant surge away from the start and some ambitious Bedford & County wallah tried to hang onto the tail of clubmate Matt Janes. Me, I was content to shift up to race pace, check the Garmin and settle into the groove alongside B&C's James Elworthy. Not a bad plan because after 2K spent forces came back and I settled into 3rd place, trying to concentrate on technique.

From 3K there was opportunity to chase down backmarkers, but I was conscious of starting to tire. Also, I was unsure what was happening behind. I started to target back markers as a way to fog tired legs and tried for a good climb to 4.5K.

Over the next few hundred I became increasingly that I was in turn a target. Then, as we turned into the 150m downhill finish I felt a presence on the shoulder. Game on, I kicked, took the inside line and drifted across the course. This meant that the competition would either have to round me to finish, or slow and zip around the back. Either way, I had to be beaten. 20m and I was under huge pressure - hanging onto 3rd was possible but only at the expense of running my challenger off the course. I decided this was not a battle to win at all costs and eased off for 4th (16:35) and 1st MV35. Not a PB but a respectable run and the knowledge that I can still muster a sprint when it matters.

This turned out to be a very pleasant - if slightly dull in terms of scenery - run out from St Ives, with the bulk of the race being around the perimeter track and runway of RAF Wyton. Conditions were good and the course is mostly flat - although this is possibly a desirable feature for an airfield I guess!!

The Dairy Crest sponsored event was very well organised including a 3km fun run, won in 10:28 by a Hunts AC junior who then went on to run the 10k in just over 37 minutes. Marshals were enthusiastic, even the two fully armed RAF guards at the airfield entrance were smiling happily. Overall well worth entering.

Can recommend this run through the parkland around Waddesdon Manor [near Aylesbury, Bucks]. Weather was perfect and the house and surrounding countryside are a great setting. The route starts in front of the house before deceptively spiralling back down the entrance road, looping around and returning along the outward route and around the house again.

All went well initially with the 2km down hill section proving very fast, prompting thoughts of a really fast [for me] time. However, the return proved a bit more difficult and although it's really quite a gentle slope it quickly became clear that maybe just finishing reasonably would be good.

Winning time was 16:47, so maybe an attraction for you faster flyers next year? Local pub was excellent!!!

Where to start? To simply describe this as an ultra marathon doesn't begin to do justice to this race. This was a point to point from Osmotherly to Ravenscar following the Cleveland way/Lyke Wake walk across the North Yorkshire moors. There were 88 or so seasoned starters and us two. The first part of the race was dominated by numerous huge hills, which were as hard to walk down as to run up due to the steepness and the jagged stones all the way. They were so difficult , that it took us two hours to cover 8 miles although the views at the top of each were staggering. Even then, they continued and it wasn't until around 11 miles that we found reasonably level ground. The moors then really opened out and we were able to see what a vast and desolate place they are. The problem was that it lasted around 8 miles or so which lulled us into a false sense of security, which we managed in around an hour and a half hoping to make up some time. Little did we know that the hills were the easy part of the route.

After a welcome bowl of cold rice pudding and pears, we set of on what turned out to be 6 or so miles of utterly unrelenting bog which was hardly walkable. Every single step of the way was in deep saturated mud and water. The trick was to put your foot where it only covered your trainer, which was hard. Most of the time, each foot was plunged into mud that went past the ankle and halfway up the shin. Both of us went into the mud knee high frequently and Paul managed to go in up to his waist. We subsequently learnt that one chap broke his leg and another had to be rescued around this point. This section seemed to stretch on for an age and it only marginally improved after. The ground was saturated and slippery for the rest of the way, save the last two miles or so by which point it made no difference. It was also undulating , rocky and quite dangerous in sections. It was hard to see where to put your foot due to the gorse, mud and the fact that what path there was, was for the most part only wide enough to put one foot in front of the other. At around 36 miles we went down a ravine that was so slippery and wet, that the only way was on your backside. The climb on the other side made us both realize that it had long gone past a race where time even mattered an iota, which was quite lucky really as we still had to wade through a mile or so of waist height gorse mixed with more mud. Paul managed to go in again waist deep, albeit in mostly water. Wobbly Richard managed surprisingly to stay on his feet all the way.

This was the hardest, wettest and arduousness race both of us have ever done. The distance was only a minor part of the event. The conditions and terrain were by far the things that we will both remember. Our time for what it is worth was a joint 10 hours and 27 mins, as even Richard couldn't manage a sprint finish. This was well supported from a marshall point of view, with the start time's ranging from 4am to 10am. It would be hard to imagine a more difficult race out there. Nevertheless, this will be an experience that will last a lifetime and one we would both recommend. If you are mad enough.

As in previous years the race doubled as the County 5M Champs which always adds a dimension of urgency and interest.

A pleasant evening was in store though there was a troublesome wind and undulations from 3.5 - 4.5 miles would always take their toll.

However, the athletes didn't expect to medal just for getting to the start - road resurfacing work meant that two of four roads into Cranfield were closed, which created mayhem. Also, the roadworks would come back to bite us.

At 7:15 the athletes were off for a fleet 2 miles along the flat and then a gentle descent towards North Crawley.

The first mile marker threw a few because the distance was short (.84m) and this didn't correct itself until 4 miles.

At the front it March Rabbit Benjamin Corfield (LBAC) made the early running and Rob Palmer (Luton AC) gave chase.

However, one did wonder whether Corfield would stay the distance - in the event he was caught after 1.5 miles, just after we dodged past a road laying gang, progress slowed by a freshly chipped, steaming surface. Just before 2 miles a nervous Palmer seemed to settle and extended his stride. I tagged along but kept a watchful eye on the clock for fear of blowing a gasket. 3.5 - 4.5 miles were as tough as expected and it was consolation that a high hedge provided some protection from the wind. By 4.5 miles Palmer had got the race sewn-up and I had a comfortable margin. The next challenge was more resurfacing work which meant a trip onto the verge to skirt the wagons, and then ramp it up for a quick, flat finish.

I tried hard for 26:xx but am well-chuffed with 27:09 (2nd), a Pb by almost 40s in unusual, tough conditions.

Also, a County Champion title is an unexpected bonus. As ever, it was great to watch the Flyers streak in with Amy Farr (33:29; 8th lady) heading up our Ladies, and some great individual performances, resulting in a collection of 11 PB's, will mean that the bar has been lifted. Time to aim for a fast, flat 5 miles - Blisworth (17 August) or Wolverton (24 November)?

Phil Clark joined the Flyers in March 2005 and has amassed an enviable record of performances on the road.

Relaxed and committed Phil has bettered himself over a range of distances from 5K to half marathon.

In 2006 Phil bagged 3rd MV55 in the County 5K Champs at Cranfield (20:19), followed by 3rd MV50 in the County 10M Champs at Sandy (1:14:13) earlier in March. Then on Friday night Phil made it a hat trick at the County 5M Champs in Cranfield (33:33) - well done mate.

Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers has been selected to host the National Cross Country Finals at Shuttleworth on Sunday, 6 April 2008.

We all know that Shuttleworth is a fantastic venue with a quick course, and there's the added value of not having to spend a day on the motorway.

Also, the course requires very few marshals which means that the Flyers have maximum opportunity to field a very strong team.

OK, we will need to concentrate on the 3C's League first, but what better way to celebrate the 20th Anniversary than with a win in our own backyard.

This Triathlon centres around Bedford Park and incorporating the adjacent indoor pool for the swim, and the park for the run, the bike was to take us on open roads through villages Clapham, Radwell, Oakley and Pavenham on an out and back course.

As ever Triathlons have early starts for Transition set up etc. Set up opening at 6.00am and the start at 7.30am with the slower swimmers starting first. this gave me 1 hour to chat to everyone as there were many familiar faces.

There were 6 Flyers who had entered this Tri final (race 3 of the series) Dave Brown, Martin Beare, Darren Farr, Phil Holland, Steve James, Kieron Lewis.

The previous day I had made some purchases at Tri Sports in an attempt to gain speed and comfort, namely a tri suit to speed my transition and borrowed Tri bars for the bike (thanks Mr Hollingsworth mate) the time money and effort were well worth it on the day.

I personally had a trouble free swim, both transitions were untidy and slow, much improved bike with the tri bars, shame the little bratts were pressing the crossing lights in an attempt to hinder riders times like me and making us stop on purpose on the closing stages of the bike run.

Once my legs stopped felling like jelly I made many places on the run, all in all well pleased with 46th Overall in a quality feild.

All flyers did very well. Kieron Lewis, Darren Farr and Steve James all finishing in the top 10.

New Young Gun Phil Holland did well on his first Tri beating me by just 5 seconds.

Man of the match for me had to be our Darren Farr, never falling outside the top 10 on all 3 races netting him a well deserved 3rd overall in the series, I stayed to see him take his place on the podium and receive his trophy and prize donated by sponsers Tri Sports.

Kieron Lewis also had a turn on the same spot by taking a well earned 3rd overall on the day.

This is an excellent event and series which gives a great sense of achievement and is great fun, I strongly recommend an entry.

Along side this event was a junior Aquathlon with young Toby Brown, And the Hollis juniors taking part to name a few, it was good to see such enthusiasm from these youngsters, well done kiddies, your mums must be feeding you plenty of Weetabix.

Despite dire weather forecast we rode both days without being rained on - though we had heavy rain at overnight camp.

David Sedgley & Kathy Walker - Day 1, (7 hours) - 40 miles in 6-18-22 for 380 points. - Day 2, (5 hours) - 27.5 miles in 4-38-20 for 290 points. - Total: 670 points.

Two minutes slower than 2 years ago and still did not get the wooden spoon. Was almost real XC this time as it “pissed down” all night and for 90% of the event! Poorly shod people had great fun on the steep down-slopes and turns and there was the danger of drowning at times if one ran with the mouth open. Even in the atrocious conditions this was a good event, well organised and run by Taupo Harriers though the Taupo Harriers who ran were never near the prizes. Still think that having to run against 50 year olds is just not on as the Zimmer frame kept getting in the way!

Austin Hutcheon 32:38 65-69 age group - Class: Masters Men 50+, - Distance: 6km

This race being the 1st of a 3 race series. The middle race being a county champ listing.

Amongst a day of heavy showers and blustery winds, the evening was blessed with perfect conditions, sun and wind free (that’s the weather not me).

On arrival I met up with my old mate Tony Simmons (Olympic runner) and now resident coach at Luton AC,and we exchanged a few words or three.

There was just myself and Phil Clarke who represented the flyers. Given the fact I had failed to finish the Marston 5k and I have a hip flexer muscle playing up, my goal was to finish

This was a small field but with a quality entry, some of the fastest runners in the county present.

This was a 2 lap course starting off around the Vauxhall sports ground, then heading out towards Luton Hoo, then round a cone and back the other side of the road to the sports ground again, this giving me the opportunity to see how fast the leaders were with Darren Deed way out in front stamping his authority on the race with a masterful display.

I had to dig deep to keep Phil Clarke behind me but managed to do so throughout with words of encouragement from my mentors Tony Simmons and Dave Cord (Boxfit). on the sidelines

This race gave me much needed confidence to tackle the Bedford Triathlon final in 1 days time. I headed back up the M1 with a sense of mission accomplished.

On a day that threatened both records and atrocious weather, we were fortunate enough to succumb only to the former.

Pre-race predictions suggested that the 23 teams assembled, a new record in itself, would be drowned in a torrent of rain, deafened by thunder and blinded by lightning. The heavy skies backed up this prophecy.

With this in the back of our minds, the teams gradually departed from Leighton Buzzard, the start point for the first runner from each team.

AFF was represented by 4 teams, 1 mixed and 3 all male teams, with all teams having a handicap applied according to age and male/female status.

With some late additions to the teams and given that the course is not marshalled (part of the fun), it was inevitable as the race unfolded that runners would become lost. As early as leg 2, a certain Tom Pearsall was witnessed harassing a poor, bewildered flower seller, trying to explain how he had become ‘detached’ from his leg and therefore required her help. As she was not local and blind, her attempts to understand Tom’s sweat-stained course notes and map were futile. He was fortunate enough to be saved by caring AFF colleagues who were also fortunate in that they witnessed the whole sorry event from their passing car. Said lad was pointed in the right direction, having secured a great deal on some begonias.

So to leg three, the longest leg, with some sterling runs from Martin Beare, Ed Druce, Nick Stone and Stephen Hartley, the last of whom moved his team up 6 places to 11^th.

Contrary to belief, the weather was indeed getting brighter and was probably too warm to be racing.

Leg 4, Millbrook to Deadman’s Hill on the A6, is not a great leg and a tricky one in that it veers off the Greensands route for reasons of safety. Worth noting here that James Elworthy, representing AFF Inc., set a new leg record by nearly two minutes and passed 8 teams in the process!

Leg 5 passed almost without incident, with only Richard Pillinger going astray (?,) but the other AFF club runners all performed well versus their applied handicap time.

On to leg 6, the final leg. AFF Inc. found themselves in 2^nd place, exactly 2 minutes behind the leaders, MMKAC. A very strong leg from Steve McKeown (12 seconds outside the leg record) saw the leading team reeled in, with AFF taking victory by over 6 minutes to re-gain the Greensands Trophy (1^st team to cross the line).

AFF inc. also re-gained the Running Man Trophy, awarded to the team with the fastest overall time of the day, setting a new course record in the process (beating the record set by an AFF team in 2006).

AFF Mis-matched Mix came 3^rd in the Mixed Team Trophy, with our other 2 teams coming 15^th and 21^st, a reflection of not being familiar with the course rather than outright ability.

This is a great event that improves year on year. The post race BBQ and beer rounded off a successful day, with the weather turning momentarily as the last leg was being completed.

How about more teams from AFF for next year? It is our 20-year anniversary and it would give us the opportunity to have a get together in wonderful surroundings in Northill.

Well done to all those who took part this year and spare a thought for that little ol’ posy-selling octogenarian, whose blindness benefited her only in that she could not see that lycra-clad young man with his handful of hope, his under-sized shorts and the tears in his eyes.

On Friday, 22 June 2007 Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers proudly hosted the 3rd annual Marston Forest 5K.

Race officials gathered to finalise the detail and on-line entries closed at 274; a new record. There was a detectable feeling of anticipation and thankfully a grim weather forecast wasn't realised.

One of the most pleasing aspects of the Marston Forest 5K is the way that it appeals to a very broad spectrum of people.

Having gathered breath and cheered their pals many grabbed the opportunity to chill at the BBQ, enjoy a beer and swap stories until dusk.

Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers wish to thank the Forest Centre for their continued interest and support, and in particular Guy Lambourne and Alexis Pym. Also, we very much appreciate the contribution of our partners, ARO Sports and Infinite Images, who made it so much easier to deliver a quality event.

Last but not least, our thanks goes out to everyone, and in particular the marshals, backroom staff and county officials, who gave their time and grabbed the opportunity to stage an excellent evening. The feedback on Runner's World is much appreciated and thank you for the kind words about the marshals - we aim to please.

I feel a little guilty about this race report as this was the same night as our Marston 5K, but originally I had intended to do the race series of 3 x/country races over 3 consecutive days. As it turned out, I only managed the 5-mile run on the Friday night.

Set in the grounds of Colworth, Sharnbrook, the x/course first takes you along 2 miles of road/track before taking you off road through wood and muddy paths. The decision for most runners to stick to racing shoes rather than off roaders made for some interesting leg movements as we hurtled down some extremely muddy sections. A nice down hill to 4 miles is followed by a half-mile climb before the descent back into Colworth grounds and a quick lap of the main field to the finish. The race is well organised and this year celebrated its 25^th anniversary. Afterwards there is a band and club prices at the bar make it a cheap evening – if the weathers fine it can make a really pleasant end to the activities.

I had a steady run and overall felt pleased with my time of 35 .14. My son Terry was second upto the final half mile but finally had to settle for 3^rd place in a fine time of 30.20

To call this race hilly would be a huge understatement. Right from the off, there were gradual and not so gradual inclines and declines all the way. The race profile said there were 4 major climbs, but failed to mention the many other minor ones that peppered the course . It was almost completely off road, with undulating stony paths most of the way. Caused Richard Jones a bit of a problem at one point as he took quite a nasty tumble. We had to cross a few roads, but apart from that traffic free all the way. The climbs gave fantastic panoramic views of the Downs and the rain held off until mile 21 when we got drenched. There were enough water stations, with an unscheduled one at 17 which was welcome. There was also a lot of banter going on, as I would guess most people were there to run and enjoy it rather than race it, due to the severity of some of the climbs which most seemed to walk up. I missed my PB by about 1 hour and 10 mins or so and this was my slowest ever race, but I would still heartily recommend it as a good experience. We intentionally ran it slow and used it as a long distance training run which meant there was no pressure in terms of going for a time. I kept Richard company all the way until about 25.7 miles. We turned into a single track wood path and another runner was in between us, who was slowing. Richard pressed on and I was stuck behind this chap. Did he wait? Did he eck as like. Seeing my predicament, he put his foot down and raced away. Honestly I ask you. He must have been planning that for 25.7 miles. Nice Salomon technical t-shirt in the goody bag and another medal to add to the collection. Right, next on the list is a

42 miler in 3 weeks across the Yorkshire moors which will be my first ultra with Richard. I wonder what his finish strategy will be for that one?

21 sleeps until our Lyke Wake ultra, so as part of our training Paul Owen and myself headed off to Arundel for the South Downs Marathon, which was my third marathon in 9 weeks.

Getting a bit blasé about marathons now, after all what’s 26 miles when you are aiming for 42!

The plan was to run it slowly and walk up all the hills. It was a brute of a course with four serious hills and several Bedfordshire hills thrown in in-between, so as a result we did a lot of walking. The strategy worked very well and by the end I think I was good for another ten or so miles – that just leaves the last six in three weeks time and apparently they are more down hill than up hill so you never know.

Paul coped well and certainly found it easier than White Peak so hopefully he is back on track now. The boy’s done well after his seven week lay off in the spring.

I’d recommend the run – but don’t go down there with any time expectations – just enjoy the experience and beautiful scenery.

Felt heavy legged during warm up. Legacy of Barton Hills I guess. Decided on a "Duck or no dinner" race strategy, and did a quick, for me, first mile. At this point my legs felt OK, but the rest of me didn't! The next four miles were painful, but, rewarded with a first time under 38 mins.

All put into perspective by a certain Mr. Patton of Sphinx AC, who won the V65 class in 31:20, beating all the V60 and V55's

On Sunday, 10 June twelve Flyers to tackled the Barton 10K with a fair few more lending their support to make sure that the race would be a success. Weather conditions for the third annual Barton 10K were rather better than last year - still conditions, initially overcast and low 20's. However, the athletes would still have to contend with the first 700m climb and a reckless descent to the finish.

Mindful that the purpose of the race was to raise funds for Arnold School, Start Director Chris Jenart delayed the hooter by 10 minutes due to a late surge of entrants. Tony Cole sounded the hooter then it was a question of up, up, up with the real race starting at the top of the hill just before 1K. Stephen Hartley reached the summit first (not part of the plan) and then made steady progress to establish a 75m lead over seasoned athlete Rob Palmer (Luton AC). However, as the terrain got quicker so did Palmer who whittled away from 7K and took his chance just before the final steep decent. In the event, Palmer bagged the win in a course record 36:07, tracked to the last by Hartley (36:16) who finished 2nd for a third year running.

Recent arrival Phil Holland (3rd) notched his first podium finish (38:22) and Giles Shorley (39:58; 7th) also enjoyed a solid run.

Pippa Jamieson (53:28; 8th) brought a ladies trio home that included Annette Turner (58:42; 12th) and Pat Godfrey (66:13; 21st).

Afterwards we were slightly bemused to discover that Martin Beare warmed-up with the St. Albans sprint triathlon earlier in the day - the Flyers seem to embrace all sorts, some maverick and others who are ever so slightly mad.

A big thanks to Arnold School for hosting a race that is improving by the year, and in particular to the Flyers Chris Jenart, Tony Cole, Tim Harris, Anthea Cozens and Richard Jones who helped to oil the race day wheels.

My early morning drive at 5.00am to St Albans was in mist and fog, but a promise of fine weather was forecast.

After signing on and getting my swim start time, which was over an hour after the first man (faster swimmers at the back) I then set up my Transition area (bike, shoes etc)

I nervously looked around at the opposition and caught sight of our very own Kieron Lewis such was the quality entry, we chatted for a while then I asked where did he think he would finish, and in true competitive spirit he smiled and said he would win it.

I watched most of the field have their swim before I had my go, experience told me to pace yourself as there is a long way to go over the 3 disciplines, I had a small problem with my breathing rhythm but soon recovered and had a reasonable swim.

Transition was smooth and quick and a 20k bike ride was in front of me, this was the weakest link for me, as I have done little cycling this year due to London Marathon, I also have not got to grips with my new Bianchi racer either.

Back into transition for the run and again this went well and I was hopeful for a strong run and make up time, but at this point my legs were like jelly but to my joy from the outset I was picking off the runners and was clawing back time.

I was pleased with my top 1/3 finish 68th overall amongst a quality field. Oh and Kieron Lewis was spot on with his prediction, he won the event, well done Kieron mate. Full offical results at www.tri-force.org

As most people know, I love a challenge so as the Barton 10k was on my way home I just had to give it a go. I had just 1 hour to make the start.

I arrived in Barton at the school car park with strange glances as I ripped my St Albans tri number off and stuck the 10k number on. I made the finish with a half decent time and satisfied I met my challenge for the day.

Well done to club chair Steve and birthday boy Phil who came 2nd and 3rd respectively, and all flyers on what was a very tough and hilly run.

This was my follow up to the Silverstone half marathon (hail storm affair) back in March. This would be much easier I thought, hopefully I would break the 2 hour mark. Fat chance. Getting up at a hideous hour in the morning with a brewing cold, swerving round suicidal bunny rabbits on the drive over and forgetting my second sports bra (How?) didn't help. I realised after 20 minutes, dithered, parked the car ran 20 metres and decided I'd risk it!).

Then the sun came out at mile 4. No shade and no breeze I very nearly joined spectators in the pub half way round. This wasn't fun. Probably didn't help that everyone was much faster or slower than me. Having no-one at my speed in the middle of the course was very demoralizing. I ended up running with Joseph and his amazing bloody technicolour dreamcoat song in my head about 100 times in a row. Why??? I now have 2 amazing huge bubble blisters on the arches of both of my feet (can't decide whether to burst them or not) and completely seized up external rotator muscles. I can't walk, I hobble! To anyone who's run in that kind of heat respect! Usually race reports are glowing and didn't we all do well and I'm sorry I'm not one of them! I feel like Goldilocks. This one was too hot, last one too cold maybe next time it will be just right.....

An enjoyable race, despite the hot weather [excuse no. 1]. Organisation and marshalling was very good, medals, T-Shirts and some very welcome drinks/ice creams were available at the end.

The course itself was very undulating with several testing hills - particularly towards the end [excuse no. 2]. The route used a lot of the 10k race that was held a few weeks ago, plus a tour around St Albans town centre dodging the shoppers and a nice downhill finish back into the park.

I wouldn't view this as a PB race but worth a go around some pleasant country lanes.

Set in the West Midlands close to Walsall I wasn't sure what sort of race the Aldridge 10K would be. As it turned out, this was a well organised race by the local running club that attracted some very good club runners notably Tipton Harriers and Coventry Godiva's. The course was a figure of 8 , which made for good spectating at half way, and was run on the roads around Aldridge, which were notably absent of traffic on the day. There were 2 slight inclines in the first half and a long drag between 8.5 and 9.5K with two nice downhills sections, making this a reasonably fast course. Having lent my watch to my son I wasn't sure what pace I was running at but felt in good form throughout, only tiring slightly in the last K. It was disappointing to see the clock tick over the 42 mark to finish in 42:07 but I was still some 40+ seconds quicker than my recent St Albans' time.

My son, Terry was making his come back after 2 years out from running with Uni socialising in Birmingham!! and on the back of a weeks training ran a remarkably comfortable 37.47. Having passed 5K in 18.06 he was on target for around 36 mins but a breathing problem at 9K forced him to stop for a short time before carrying on to the finish. If he can get back into some serious training over the summer then his time of 32 mins of 2 years ago must still be a serious target.

Back in the mists of time (well last year) Val thought that she would like to do a Aquathon and a few of us thought this sounded like a great idea - unfortunately it didn't happen and then this year I found a series of three with small distances suitable for beginners as well as those more experienced down in Guildford - the flaw in the plan was that I thought - "Guildford - only 5 minutes down the motorway". However being that they are on a Friday afternoon I was slightly out with my estimate.

So yesterday saw Val and I leaving Flitwick in cloud and thinking we would be running in rain to sit on the motorway for 3 1/2 hours in extremely sunny conditions on our way to Guildford, we arrived in time to check out the outdoor 50m pool which was a very inviting temperature.

Well the race itself consisted of 10 lengths of the pool through transition and then a 5K run on an out and back course. The swim was up and down lanes in which they put started people off with 30 second intervals according to what time they said they would do - slowest first - however there did seem to be a few at the front who had over estimated shall we say....

After the swim we went through transition which was a little odd putting on shorts and a running vest over a wet swimming cossie and off for the run.

The first 1K was up a gradual hill and my legs felt like jelly after the swim also the change in breathing from the pool to the run left me with a really bad cramp! The rest of the first half had some more small inclines and then it was round a cone and back which to the start which at least was now downhill!!

It was a really fun thing to do and am looking forward to the next one in July and some improvement in my times!

Swapped places a few times with Bob Emmerson (See Runners World, July, Page 42).

Eventually finished just in front, but really should as he was giving me 11 years, a hip lining operation, and his best distance is 40 miles!

This was the first running of a new series organised by those commercially savvy bods at 2:09 events, backed by Norwich Union, which saw London compete against Liverpool and Glasgow - a total of 3500 taking part. In essence the lowest average overall times at each 10K race were taken to decide the winner.

The attraction for me was that the Glasgow run (well, Glasgowish - like Luton is Londonish...) was in the scenic surroundings of Strathclyde Park - 5 miles from where I grew up - and the opportunity for a first race here was very appealing. The 1-lap course went around the loch and across the River Clyde. It was fairly flat, but had a few twists and turns and a small bottleneck on a narrow bridge at 6K - but the route was fastish.

Despite an uncharacteristically (?!?!) dreech, overcast day, this was a thoroughly enjoyable race. I missed a PB by 12 seconds but in the spirit of always looking at the positives, finishing 48th out of around 1000 runners sent me back to my delayed easyJet flight happy.

A testing course, with an uphill start, followed by long downhill section, two miles undulating, and a very nasty uphill last mile.

Quite pleased with the run. It was 42 secs quicker than last year, which I put down to the winter XC coaching. Unfortunately I was the lone Flyer, but it's a fair drive for an evening run.

This was the 3rd round of the East Midlands G.P Series, this round was well contested with just over 300 serious road runners. The race HQ being the Mark Rutherford Upper School, Bedford.

I gathered in the adjacent park near the start amongst a sea of yellow vests, like bees round a nest, the Bedford Harriers were out in force a total of 61 club runners. I took the opportunity to chat to them to find out about there club and how they do things etc. My spirits were lifted when I caught sight of the familiar red vest of Rebecca fleckney and later Steve Hawkins.

This was a very warm and humid evening and my memories of last year was a very undulating course with some testing hills both in length and gradient so this was going to hurt.

Steve and myself swapped positions in the early stages, I decided I would let Steve go as I wanted to save something for the hills that were waiting for us. I thought I had run a well judged race with usual endeavour but it was not enough on the day to beat an on form Steve who ran strongly throughout. Rebecca was recovering from a twisted ankle sustained on the St Albans 10k a few days earlier so did well to finish.

A friend of mine has an out door pool and lives just round the corner from the finish, and a promise of a dip and BBQ was hard to resist, oh deep joy.

It was January since my last road race, coincidentally also at St Albans, and I was a little apprehensive how I would run. Yes I'd done the miles but they were all zero quality runs and a race can quickly find you out if you try and run on past glories!

However, this was the Club 10K Champs and I had my Vet 50 title to defend. It was a good Club turnout albeit some of the faster Male runners were missing but there was a good group of us in the 40 - 42 minute category which would make it an interesting race. Phil Clarke was absent, which was a shame as it would have been a good race between us 'old boys'!

They had sorted the start out this year and with the weather fine there would be no repeat of last year's heavy water at 7K that saw Martin Beare trying to swim through it!

The course is fairly undulating and I decided on a reserved start which turned out correct as I found myself moving through the field after 2K - with 3 Flyers passed between the 3 and 5K mark I was suddenly aware at 7K that Martin B was now in sight. I closed on him at the final hill up from 9K but didn't quite have the speed in the old legs to catch him on the run in to the finish. Still my time of 42.49 was within my target time and only 19 seconds slower than 2006 so I wasn't too disappointed.

A good course, well organised but shame that this year it clashed with the Wheathampstead Race, a lovely off-road 10K.

With several outstanding performances in this event, it has been necessary to do some "Bumping Up/Down" on the GP tables. We still have 3 members scoring 7 bonus points in this event but will wait and see before making further adjustments. The latest positions can be seen by clicking here.

Hook in Hampshire is host every year to a 10, 6 and 2.5 mile fun run. This is a popular local race to a friend (who unfortunately had to pull out due to shin splints). There is a carnival type atmosphere at the beginning with a local radio station presenter entertaining the crowd, starting each race and welcoming runners home plus group warm ups, for the willing, by a local fitness instructor. It is a good family day out.

The course itself undulates on road through some pretty Hampshire villages and is generally well marshalled and policed. Each race has the same start and finish with 12 minute gaps between the race starts, meaning the whole thing is wrapped up within 2 hours.

Despite another warm day - (I seem to be picking them!) I was really pleased with my time of 1hr 28min 43 secs (self timed), and a fast sprint finish with plenty of room to see the photographer means I may actually get a photo of myself finishing a race without looking like I'm about to drop! The course record is 54 mins.

Not content with doing two marathons in April, Karen took part in the 26.2 mile Playtex Moonwalk. A marathon walk around London, starting around midnight in a bra in aid of Breast Cancer.

Karen had trained very hard for this over the winter, going for many long walks with her colleague Julie. She was rewarded with a 6.38 time!

Any sponsorship monies you would like to donate then please get in touch (karen@parallel-motion.com or 01525 716882). You have to raise £100 or you don¹t get the opportunity to ever enter again!

What a fantastic race – well worth the five hour round trip. This was a point to point race through the Derbyshire Dales – a nice gentle introduction to off road marathons. The route mostly followed disused railway lines. A gentle climb for the first twenty miles followed by two quite severe downhill sections towards the end.

Paul and I were using this as a training run for our Lyke Wake Race in July, to try and get used to our planned pace for an ultra. We set off trying to run 10 minute miling to complete the marathon in 4½ hours. We managed this for about 400 metres and then we settled into 9 minute pace. “This is too quick”, moan, moan, “We need to slow down”. No such luck. We went through half way in 1:56 – pathetic pacemaking.

Paul was starting to struggle with cramp so we decided to go our own way from 14 miles.

I forgot the plan completely at this point and as it was such a beautiful day in fantastic surroundings I just lost myself in my running and ran the next six miles in 42 minutes. Woke up again at twenty miles and slowed down to a more sensible pace.

I finished the race feeling very comfortable and the “I’m going to batter your legs” massage at the end seemed to loosen me up quite well. I didn’t even see Paul finish as I thought he’d be ages as he was struggling so much with cramp at 14 miles, but he obviously came through it.

I’d thoroughly recommend this race – the most scenic I’ve done by a distance.

Ran White Peak with Richard Jones at weekend as part of a programme for our first ultra in July. We went out slowly with the intention of treating this as a long training run. Great scenery all the way, although a slight incline for 21 straight miles. The course was along the Tissington trail which for many miles was on an old disused railway , through lots of cuttings on limestone paths. After such a long layoff, it felt great to get to 12miles at a nice steady training pace , until cramp hit me shortly after.

All due to lack of long distance runs through an injury that had caused me to pull out of Paris marathon and a 6 week layoff. Had to let Richard go as I thought I would be walking a lot. Took on a load of water and gels and whilst the cramp came back , it was not quite as bad as I feared. Went through 20miles in 3.01 which was a steady pace. At 21 miles , the course dropped downhill steeply before another incline. At 23 it dropped like a stone and for a long way it was a steep downhill. That caused me big problems with my right leg which was at the bottom very tight indeed. Limped home as a result.

Amazing really. At the start I thought a downhill would be helpful, but it caused more problems than the first 22 miles. Richard kept to a slower pace than he can run and I managed to surprise him at the end

as he thought I would be at least 30 mins later than I was. Mind you surprised myself as well. Longest run I had was 13 miles the week before, so on a personal level I was very happy with my time.

This was an interesting race , with a good atmosphere and field - around 149 entered the full. There was plenty of water and a decent amount of support for such a small race, although there was also a half marathon that went off at a different point. There were around 30 women and 119 men and quite a lot first timers it seemed. My number was 108 and timing my race to perfection I came in 108th. Took some planning that. Finish was at a rugby club with a beer festival coinciding with the cup final. No medal but a nice mug ( thats the prize , not me ). We have entered the South Downs marathon next month, so no rest for the wicked.

In their inaugural outing as a 'track' club, Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers gained numerous awards at this year's championships.

Competing in wet conditions, with rain that seldom relented, a number of Flyers brought home medals from gold through to bronze, underwriting the fact that the club can deliver at a competitive level in this form of athletics.

Nick Jones opened the proceedings when tackling the long jump, an event which he entered as he 'enjoyed doing it at school'! Applying the same gentleman's adage, 'You have to be in it to win it', Nick duly walked away as County Champion, with six out of six legal jumps.

More of the same was to follow as both Michelle Morris and Tim Harris raced in their respective 800 metre events, each winning, each gaining a gold medal apiece.

Also in the 800 metres, newly crowned County Long Jump Champion, Nick Jones, took the bronze medal, in a race that saw four Flyers competing for honours.

More was to come with Steve Hartley taking the 3000 metre silver medal in a new PB, with Tom Pearsall and Andy Atherton (new PB by 50 seconds) vying for honours.

In the 5000 metres Adrian Wadsworth also took silver, having lost out on gold after a 400 metre sprint for home.

With more than enough medals in the bag, it was left to Tim Harris to run a superbly tactical 400 metres. Seemingly struggling slightly in third place, he had saved enough for the final 100 metres, his out and out sprinting speed seeing him through to a comfortable second place and another silver medal for the club. Keith Morgan had a strong run in the same event to round off a great day.

In his stint as Club Chairman (which ended in April this year), Ady Wadsorth had campaigned to add track events to to the road, cross country and fell disciplines undertaken by club members.

With such positive strides for the club and individuals, on what is not yet familiar ground, this is a fantastic platform on which to build further successes and involvement over future months and years.

The club would like to take this opportunity to thank the the Beds AAA for providing a professional meet, in awful conditions and in particular, Jenny O'Shea for her tireless efforts.

The full Ampthill & Flitwck Flyers' results are available on the Results page and full result can be found by clicking here

AFF club members are also reminded that they can join Biggleswade AC as second claim members, to gain further track experience, for only £5 annually and have a similar option for Luton AC.

My foray back into serious competition finally arrived here – at the County Champs. And what a Lovely Day – for Ducks !!

I arrived at around 11.15 – My first Event being 800m at 13.00 – to be greeted by the news that AFF already had a County Champion – in the shape of Nick Jones in the Long Jump.

I joined up with other Flyers to watch Stephen Hartley, Andy Atherton + Tom Pearsall (3000m) + Ady Wadsworth (5000m) in their respective Track Finals – in terrible conditions. And without the aid of flippers , They all achieved creditable times– Ady being beaten on a Last Lap sprint , having had an 11.5 Lap natter with the other runner…

Michelle Morris was next to run in Ladies 800m and duly achieved County Champion Status.

The time had come – My first run at a Track meeting – Senior Mens 800m – and I was in Good Company , running alongside fellow Flyers Tim Harris, Andy Atherton + Nick Jones – County Champ…

I slowed a little on Lap 2 – but was happy with my time of 2:40:03 in 5th Place. The Race was won by Tim Harris – 800m County Champion.

There were only 2 Flyers in this Race – Myself + Tim Harris : Andy + Tom had decided not to hang around and run this one – having already run a very wet 3k earlier.

With 3 or 4 other “Speed merchants” in this event I knew I was destined for last place ! – but you have to be in it to win it…

My Time of 68:05 – I was very Happy with – My Track sessions have obviously been paying dividends. Tim came home in 2nd place in 53 secs (I think).

I foolishly thought I would have a go at this – from my last experience of Shot – around 15-20yrs ago – where I had come 2nd or 3rd. And who knows, I may have been the only one turn up? And possibly become a County Champ… NOT A HOPE !!

My Opposition were all Regular Shot Puters – all 6ft + and looking around 15st plus heavyweights.

My first attempt – with all my might – only went around 4.8m – the other competitors were not happy at getting 10m…

It was time to retire – I forfeited my last 2 throws and thought it better to go home and “Dry Out”.

I thoroughly enjoyed this experience into Track Running (Not the Field Event though ) and will try again soon – possibly one of the Watford Meetings.

I would recommend anyone, whatever your Level, to attempt a Track Meeting – its not the other runners you are competing against – Its Yourself ! Go in with that approach and can’t lose – Only get better.

With another “Enjoyable” Track session at Redborne due Tuesday Eve – I cant wait – Whatever Next ??

I agree totally with Keith – it was a very enjoyable experience and a chance to record PBs in the shorter distances (or field events).

Well the word of the day had to be rain, rain and more rain, just as the forecast had predicted.

This being an unusual race distance of 12k set in some beautiful rural villages and countryside, some will recognise the route as it uses some of the Oakley 20 course.

At 2K I heard a noise from behind (oh no it was not me) it was Steve Hawkins with that recognisable breathing style and it was like my early warning system, I stayed ahead until 5k and decided Steve could pace me for the second half. Steve kept the pressure on and just pipped me at the finish. The 2 girls had good runs given the wet conditions.

Long live these oh so English village runs, it makes one so proud to be British. There was even an Asian competitor that turned up in a Rolls Royce Silver shadow which made me smile.

I was asked to give my opinion on the race by the organisers as part of there survey, my answers were a clean sweep of excellents.

This event promised a near perfect set-up for me - running with a group of [non-runner] friends who I was reasonably confident of beating, a flat course in picturesque Marlow by the Thames and a guaranteed PB for a first attempt at the distance. In addition Helen had decided that after months of secret training with the "nice and easy's" she was ready for a go at 5 miles.

As a post race assessment I'm pleased to say that most of the expectations were realised. The event is very well organised by Handy Cross Runners. The course starts in a local park and then dives off around the streets of Marlow, with occasional views of the river, passing the railway station and reaching the halfway point in the semi-idyllic surrounds of an Industrial Park before retuning to the start point. It is, however, very flat and fast and despite the gradually deteriorating weather, was quite fun. There was also a good deal of encouragement from spectators out all around the course.

Times were encouragingly good, and Helen managed to run 5 mins quicker than her best training run. I noticed [from the results] that there were a couple of other Flyers in the race who seemed to have done well - Peter and Dawn Bird, but didn't see either of them, unfortunately.

This race being the first round of the East Midlands GP Series and what a venue to kick off with.

It only seemed 5 minutes ago since I was pushing my way round this track on the official pre London marathon shake down, and as then the wind would be a serious factor as many runners from all over the country had visited the venue to break there PB,s, as Silverstone is reputed to be one of the fastest 10ks in the UK.

My personal race prep was the worst it could have been, starting off with very hard day hanging ceiling paper for 9 hours, only having 1 cup of tea all day, and me being me where the kid in a sweet shop syndrome occurs, I had a massive roast diner 10 minutes before I left for the race, fat bastard springs to mind.

On the start line the sweet shop syndrome kicked in again and I was off at 3,000 miles an hour and hit the 1st corner at 4 G and smoke appearing from my soles. At that point I knew I had blown it, I backed off and thought I was going to see my dinner again.

I hung on to 1st flyer until the last 100 yards when George Arbuckle passed me and giving me no chance to fight back the little so and so.

There were a 1,000 runners in total, 11 of which were us flyers, and we all enjoyed the great atmospheric venue, soon to host the British GP, the most favoured GP of the world F1 series.

....The third Flitton 'flits' took place on May day Monday and in true Bank holiday tradition the heavens opened at 11.00h, so many thanks to all those brave souls taking part in the races and also to some very wet helpers and marshals.

In 2006 there were 34 runners in the main race, so the scale was ratcheted up a few notches this year with 60 pre race entries and a further 43 on the day. This included a more than impressive turn out by the Flyers, with the mens race being won by Andy Bierton in 19.02 mins and the ladies race by Amy Farr in 20.42 mins, with 12 Flyers within the first 18 places. The first under 18 year old was local Flitton resident Ben Burrows in 6th place overall and a pb time of 21.28 mins.

The event brought entrants in from as far afield as St Albans and St Neots this year with a good mix of club and local residents and some excellent performances in the younger races with nearly thirty 9-13 year olds racing a mile and twenty under 9's completing 200m. Some of the medals for these races were unclaimed, so if you did not receive yours on the day, then let the organisers know.

The races were rounded off by a well earned drink and hog roast put on by the White Hart pub including accompaniment by local brass quartet. This proved to be a great success and it is hoped that it can be repeated in sunny May weather next year!

The results were difficult to collate because many of the numbers dissolved in the rain and runners, coming back drenched to the skin, did not want to be unduly delayed! Pens stopped in the damp and paper got soaked, so piecing together the soggy remains of score sheets may have led to some errors being made and people missed off the list - apologies!

Our thanks to the following local businesses for donating prizes: Stuart Brown, Maulden; Waitrose, Ampthill; John & Sue Rickatson, Hollington Farm; Oakley Brothers, Flitton; and David Catlin, Organic Farm Shop, Flitton, to whom we also give thanks for use of the field for the start/finish area and children's races.

We also thank the Church Hall committee for donating free use of the hall for the day. Thanks too to those marshals who stood in pouring rain, without whom we could not run the event.

Due to the greatly increased number of runners Flitwick & District Heritage Group will be making a donation of over £500 to the Wildlife Trust's Folly Wood Appeal - so thanks are due to all those who took part and paid their money, particularly those who gave extra donations..

Next years event will take place on the same Bank Holiday so book it in your diaries now!

Well a nights rest saw a very wet and windy Monday and at one point even I thought, was this a good idea as my goose duvet seemed a better option, the devil lost and I set my sat nav.

On arrival at Cassiobury Park it was clear that my new Asics were not going look new for long as the weather was rather inclement (for the want of a better word).

I decided to start at the front as in previous years I have been trapped in the narrow paths around the park, this proved to be a good move as I had no probs this time. As the previous day I used the same game plan and felt strong until I got to bluebell wood, I sucked in a fly which got stuck in my throat which upset my rhythm for a bit, the opportunity to use a canoe had presented it self at several points through the woods as was the amount of flooding. Regained posture and pace took me to the finish which was lined with cheering supportive crowds. I still await that sub 40 Silverstone who knows.

As the previous day Rebecca was the only other flyer to join me, and as ever her endeavour was plain to see, we left Cassiobury Park wet but satisfied (Oh Matron!!!)

This years race reverted back to its original route following the M1 widening works.

The race start being 1 lap of the Stockwood athletics track in Luton then out towards Caddington, then up hill into Woodside onto Slip End, back round again. I started with a conservative pace in blustery conditions and decided to feed myself in. It was not long before I found my 10K pace and started to feel comfortable, I then began to lengthen my stride and soon found myself picking runners off. Before I knew it I was back onto the athletic track for 1 lap to the finish. I must not grumble with my 42.53 29th overall. I would like to say I was holding back a little as I was running the Watford 10k the next day then Silverstone 10I the day after that, but I was not.

Rebecca Fleckney the only other flyer had a great run and duely responded to much shouting from me and her gutsy efforts were well rewarded in her time. And oh I am not the only mad one, Rebecca was also going to do 3 10K's in 3 days.

Just missed a World Record by 55 secs at Watford - OK!, so it was in the 800m.

I decided at the recommendation of Mr. Wadsworth to give this a go and for me this was a return to a track meeting after 30 years absence, having run for Luton United as a 15 year old. So it was with some trepidation that I entered the 800m. There were 10 races, all split into fields of roughly equal ability so there, was hopefully no chance of being hopelessly outclassed. My target time was 2:30 (75 sec/lap). Our group was the second race and consisted of all ages/sexes ranging from an under 13 boy to me, a 44 year old timer. The gun fired and off we went on the first lap which I went through in 78 secs, just above target. Having done a speed session at lunchtime the lactic acid started to build up on the back straight and my legs started to go, but managed to dig in with a bit of a sprint finish to end up with 2:35:65, but still some way behind the U13 whippet who won the race.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience; it was a refreshing change to do something different and to experience the buzz of a track meeting. I definitely think that it will help my general speed and plan to run other distances as well. I would really recommend other Flyers give it a go. The choice of event is yours and each one is split into equal abilities.

Nestling in the shadow of Ashridge Forest the Aldbury 5M hasn't attracted much Flyers interest in recent year despite a 15 year pedigree. However, are well acquainted with the Ridegway 15K and the prospect of taking in the very same views, but over a shorter distance was too much to pass by. Aside from being well-established, the Aldbury 5M also has a reputation for being a bit of a beast. The pace is pretty frantic and athletes are faced with an early mile up hill to the Bridgewater Monument (the first gauntlet) followed by a "jaunt" over Pitstone Hill on 4 miles. All this in an XC wrapper except, for 2007 it would be bone hard chalk and clay without the slightest hint of mud

The race sold-out with half an hour to go - the first time this had happened and hazy conditions boded well for a good hit-out. The athletes gathered on the sports field in Aldbury village and raced away on the blast of a whistle.

The early pace was predictably quick, but then there was little time before the track narrowed for the first climb - getting stuck in single file could have spelt disaster. Inevitably sprint followed by climb took its toll and all were relieved to summit by the monument and then settle for a workmanlike pace along the Ridgeway LDP in the direction of Ivinghoe. Not too many Blue Bells but one would be hard pushed to criticise the scenery. On 3 miles the course left the LDP and Pitstone Hill came into sight - the conditions underfoot were wonderfully quick and there were plenty words of encouragements. However, the rambling ramblers certainly did. Ascending Pitstone Hill joint leader Stephen Hartley lost a few yards to Alun Sainsbury (Dacorum AC). However, the descent was decisive as Hartley bottled a more reckless pace and then flitted through the woods to notch victory (31:29) by 7 seconds. Ady Wadsworth (33:39, 7th) and Martin Beare (39:28, 41st) set FLM lethargy aside to do themselves justice, whilst Nobby guided his frame through many twists and turns to record an impressive 35:15 (17th).

Thank goodness for Amy Farr - not only did Amy (38:29) finish a convincing 4th lady and enjoy the experience, but 5 Flyers meant a grand prix event and some much needed points for all. If you need any more persuasion for next year, there's free sandwiches and chocolate biscuits. How very civilised!

We ran the Paris marathon and as you may have gleaned from Richards’ report it wasn’t the best conditions for a marathon especially if you are chasing a time. Karen had been training religiously for this and had followed the Runners World 4.30 running schedule. She had done several very long runs over 20 miles, the Oakley 20 (3.11) being a good indication of what was achievable.

So Paris (4.46) was a big disappointment for her and she desperately wanted to make use all this training before the summer. So after trying to get a place in London we managed to get what appeared to be the last two places at the Shakespeare marathon. So two weeks after running a marathon here we were again, except Karen also had new shoes!!

Forecast was not too good, in that there was a chance it would reach the low 20’s, luckily it stayed overcast and relatively cool. Karen took bite size bits of Twix, Jelly Babies and (strangely for her) an Isotonic drink. The run was a two lapper and not the flattest of routes – quite similar to an Oakley but then a large part of the return of each lap was a 4 (first lap) and 6 mile run along a straight cycle/footpath!BORING!

We went off strong and by the end of the first lap we had a bit of time in the bank. The half marathoners left us and we started the second lap with a lot more space.

Karen didn’t want to know the time at any point and we ran a reasonably fast first half and then hung on for the second. As we finished Karen seemed quite down to me but after due conversation that indeed the clock and my watch were in fact correct she became much more animated and has been fairly bouncy ever since! She had misread her watch and thought she was 40 minutes slower than she was. So a time of almost 5 hours became a time (still to be confirmed) of 4.19.41 and a massive 27 minutes off two weeks ago!

Well organised and marshalled by the local Rotary group plus toilets at every refreshment stop. We would recommend it but watch out for the hills!

Wow, what an experience in completing my first Marathon, at the finish I said I would never do it again-I have already changed my mind, but I am not thinking October-at the moment! At first I was disappointed with my time of 3:35:39 but on reflection I can honestly say I am well chuffed.

At the start I managed to jump the fence into pen 3 to run alongside Chris & George and for the first 5-6 miles we were like the three musketeers watching each others backs, sides and fronts until all of a sudden George had disappeared-I found out later that some W*$%er had cut him up going for the last lucozade! So then I was running with Chris a man on a mission-he looked in fine form & well up for the job, and not only that he must have had the biggest Fan Club on the course! Just before Tower Bridge I received a great if not emotional Boost from my family and friends, Chris saw Tim and both of us were flying at this stage. I think we passed Bobby a bit further along, he was taking it easy and enjoying the ride. My problems started when I needed a Paula! I stopped for a pee at about 15 miles as Chris continued to fly along, showing my inexperience I caught Chris up to quickly, I think within 1 1/2 miles. We continued to progress through the field and Chris da pace gladly informed me that we had to complete the last 10k in about 55 mins for sub 3:30....great! I could do that even if my legs were feeling it and the sweet was rolling off my brow. For the next mile and a bit I clung onto Chris' vest being swept along by the crowd but deep down I knew I was going to hit problems, then at 22 miles BANG cramp in my left hamstring....after stretching and rubbing this away I started to jog, then 1/2 mile later BANG... cramp in my bloody right hamstring so again after stopping I rid myself of it and started very gingerly with the 5 deep crowd cheering and clapping. I had to stop a couple more times to rid myself of the bloody cramp dodging lifeless bodies and idiots who just stopped in the middle of the road. By 24 miles I was jogging very steadily fighting the pain and trying to enjoy the experience, then thankfully there were my family & friends again with Maia who looked a bit bemused at all these red sweaty bodies running past, I stopped and planted a smacker on the misses and Maia and continued in my fight to the finish being pulled, pushed, cheered, chanted and clapped by a most amazing crowd. I crossed the line victorious with both arms aloft.....Thank F**k I had finished an amazing journey.

Thanks for taking me under your wings and advising me along the way. I really enjoyed the long training runs and like Chris would like to keep them up.

Twas an April day in London

The skies were very clear

When at the start the announcer said

Twill be hot today I fear

For the tackle he said sorry

And the accidental trip

But I wished he'd said I'm sorry

To my poor old throbbing hip

At 16 miles my hip and head said stop

My heart it said to run

But with the smiling sun shining

My head easily won

36000 runners massed

All nervous and with banter

But by the 2 mile mark

We'd barely reached a canter

We then arrived at Tower Bridge

The crowds they did a roar

And I went through the halfway mark

In 1 hour forty four

To run and walk to run and walk

This was now the plan

And the crowd they did cheer me

As off I went and ran

The 5 mile mark was where it happened

By the Lucozade Sport stand

When a runner came across my path

Like Rio Ferdinand

But by the time of mile 14

My struggle had begun to tell

When on the other side of the road came past

A flying Martin Lel

The support it was magnificent

On the Embankment and The Mall

And when I crossed the finish line

I felt ten foot tall

(PS And well done to all!)

Rosie and I were asked if we would like to take part in a cycling event organised by BOLD. The event was a 10.5 mile Tandem Time Trial for stokers (person on the back) with disabilities. This was being held alongside this annual 26 mile marathon event for partially and completely blind stokers. There were 59 tandems in total, this brought out all manner and means of machines! Our (Special Olympics coordinator) Iain a partially sighted Para- Olympian was also competing as he tries to secure a place at next years Para-Olympics.

The ride started in Weston, just outside Spalding. It was very flat, the police closed the roads and being the Fens had a head wind for the outward stretch! The riders where seeded of sorts and we were the next to last - 6 out of 7. I thought this was hopeful as Rosie hadn’t ridden the tandem for nearly two years and I had run the Paris marathon 6 days ago! However we managed with a bit of luck to win in 33.15 with the next finisher 1.04 behind. (It was quite humbling that our friend Iain was directed the wrong way and did the same course as us and only took 23 minutes !!).

A very well organised event, we got a certificate, medal, trophy as well as a free drink in the nurseries that were the event HQ! A long drive but well worth it and hopefully will motivate Rosie to ride more.

I arrived at the start a bit late and trying to judge where to stand amongst the 30,000 entrants was a challenge. Picked my spot but the marathon police wouldn’t let me in with my 3.30 bib on. I tried to explain that I was probably a fair bit quicker than that but all I got was a Gallic shrug and a jobsworth block so I was forced to go back to the 3.30 pen with the caped crusaders, ballet dancers and the cotton T-shirt brigade.

When the race started and it soon came apparent that there was no way through the field, I just had to accept it and try and strike up a conversation with Robin, Rudolph and friends. The first 6 miles took over 50 minutes. At about seven miles I was finally in my element as I managed to find an off-road route parallel to the race route and could overtake people by running through the long grass, so I put in a couple of 7:15 miles but this option ran out after about two miles so it was back on the tarmac with Batman and a strong vocal contingent from Chile running in national costume. About 200 yards ahead was some bloke running inside an Eiffel Tower model. I wasn’t having him ahead of me so I barged my way through the field for the next mile just to overtake Mr Eiffel.

Up to halfway I was stuck in the pack again with no way through apart from the barging option which was quite tiring. My next attempt at some motivational point for the rest of the race was to try and run a negative split and with 1:48;56 for a half marathon it shouldn’t be that difficult, even though it was getting hotter all the time (peaked at 30 degrees apparently – it was certainly mid twenties by this point).

I had a pretty good run up to 20 miles and managed to pick up a bit of speed at times, but it was really hard work swerving around people and avoiding collisions. Also some people were starting to struggle big time and after running straight into a third person who just stopped in the middle of the road I eased back a bit. There was no point pushing it. What was I trying to achieve? I was glad I did because it really was quite hot now. Relief was soon at hand with the Beaujolais stand at 37Km offering a very generous “glass” of wine. Enjoyed the first one but thought two was probably overdoing it so I headed off to the Breton stand at 39Km. Regional biscuits this time with a “glass” of a local liqueur – not bad at all. Doesn’t matter how easy/hard a marathon is but the last few kilometers are always difficult – so I was quite glad when the Medoc stand was not offering any Bordeaux!

Hope all London runners have a good run on Sunday and thanks to fellow runners Rick, Karen, Becky and Val for making it such an enjoyable weekend.

This event all be it a small one always attracts some top athletes, world class Martin and Liz yelling competing in last years event also the likes of National Darren Deed, and a host of keen Tri athletes.

Needless to say this event was sanctioned by the British Triathlon Association and this year benefited from sponsorship from MacDonald's.

There were 3 Flyers present husband and wife Darren and Amy Farr and me little old Martin (ok big old me). All the entrants were seeded which meant, the quicker athletes starting at the back so us 3 flyers had a 1hr 30 mins wait as we were last- ish to go. Which gave me a chance to have a massage with my sports therapist who was supporting the event.

Both Amy and Darren were on top form and impressed especially in the pool, their runs were on the pace too.

Amy finished 1st in the ladies 10K race and Darren finishing 2nd in the men's 10K race and myself 5th in the men's 10K race. So the flyers flew the flag well.

As ever this event was well run and organised and run by an enthusiastic and growing club with Dave cored at the helm.

Two weeks to the marathon (Paris) and my first long run (injury¹s being the cause of missing all those long runs on the schedule!). So today was to be a lets see how quick we can go to see if a PB is possible at Paris (unlikely but runners are optimists - or have their heads in the sand!). However Karen was having none of this and demanded that I pace her as she works towards her improved time in Paris.

This made for ideal training for me - an easier pace, no pressure and a chat whilst going round. I hadn¹t bargained on being a windbreak though!

20 miles is a long way at any pace and we were both pleased to see the finish. Karen was probably a bit happier to see the finish than I. Karen has been following a schedule with times as well as distances so she was somewhat surprised to find herself finishing 19 minutes early! I¹m not sure if this says anything good about my pace setting but it certainly gained results and Karen is fairly optimistic about finally moving her marathon time down.

Parking was a bit hit and miss (maybe I didn¹t see the signs), baggage as per the Bedford half was fairly chaotic but the marshall¹s where all very supportive and helpful and nice sweatshirt too!

Awaiting new confirmed times as I finished with Karen but have been given a 5 second difference!

Well it was for me a late dilemma, run the plate final or do a much needed long race as part of my marathon training. Previously I had not run further than 13.1 miles consecutively, what I have done lately is race on Sundays (ie half marathons) then come home and run a further 8 or 9 miles. So I really did need to find out if I could run 20 miles in 1 go.

So it was with some much respected advise I went to Oakley and joined the other marathon runners. Chris Jenart joked that I ought to be in a child's rains as I have a habit of shooting off, I must admit I always feel like a kid in a sweet shop at the start. Chris was right off I went. I felt good and found a comfortable pace and was in the zone, and that's the way it stayed until 18 miles, I confidently thought I am going to do it and going to be 1st flyer home, then the new young gun Giles Shorley drew along side. Then a minute later Chris Jenart but thankfully I hung on and stayed in touch and we 3 finished a minute apart.

I was delighted with the fact I can do the distance and over the moon with the time.

This distance is not to be under estimated, and anyone regardless of what time they did, should feel very pleased with themselves .As ever Bedford Harriers did an excellent job in staging this event and a message from me was sent to there web site of thanks. All 17 of us Flyers were mindful of our fellow members up in Derby and prayed for victory. (Amen)

On Friday, 23 March 70+ Flyers packed into Ampthill Football Club to celebrate club and individual success in 2006.

Once the beer was flowing Chairman Ady Wadsworth opened with a review of the year and then it was time to award trophies to the Club Champions. Good natured heckling was rife with Goldilocks tickling his compatriots along.

A break for Flyers to dive into the buffet and trip to the bar then for the Special Awards. First up was Tim Harris to receive "Club Run of the Year" for the way he decimated the field to win the National XC Final at Nottingham in March 2006. Next, Vice President Ricky Jennings described the tireless contribution of Stuart Brown and awarded him "Club Person of the Year" - a popular choice by all accounts. Finally, Hon Treasurer Annie Page introduced a new award, "Most Improved Runner" which has been donated by Black Cat PA. The inaugural winner is a youthful Val Von Arx who has made huge strides since she joined the club as a Nice 'n Easy 2 years ago. Congratulations to you all.

We hope that you all enjoyed the evening, a lot of merriment was had, and some surprised faces when seeing their running colleagues out of lycra! On behalf of the committee thanks for coming along and making it an enjoyable evening. The last few sloped away soon after midnight - even Ady was doggy bag in hand!

The forecast for the day was not good, with severe weather warnings, with gale force winds, hail, snow and rain. I arrived at the world famous F1 circuit with an hour in hand so sat in my chariot (OK van) and the wind was shaking it from side to side and the clouds were passing at the speed of mach 2, so the thought of getting another PB seemed out of the question.

Seven brave or mad flyers gathered on the starting grid, with former world champion Nigel Mansell and 3 times British GP winner ready to start the race (he also ran). We were off and from the outset the wind was a major player and nasty words came to my head, you little so and so I said (not). There was a strange sense of mutual empathy and respect with fellow runners (10,000 of us). At several stages in the race hail stones hit us at speed. I tried to pick the pace up to allow for the conditions and surprisingly Ii got my PB by just over 2 mins (1.32.29) despite the conditions.

It was a privilege and a pleasure to run in such a great atmosphere, and I thought that the event organisers had done a brilliant job in every aspect. The whole experience left me with a rye grin on my face.

I BEAT NIGEL MANSELL, I BEAT NIGEL MANSELL, NAH, NAH, NAH, NAH, - NAH, NAH, NAH, NAH

With a devastating last 10 yards sprint, which had the crowd on their feet roaring with admiration, Goldilocks Lydon beat several times Formula 1 Champ Nigel Mansell to the line at the end of this year’s Adidas Half Marathon at Silverstone.

Adopting his usual fox like wait and see techniques and pacing himself beautifully Goldi with a piece of race maneuvering rarely seen on British race tracks took Nigel completely by surprise. Asked for a comment afterwards, all Nigel could say (obviously overawed by Goldi’s brilliant tactics), was ‘Goldi? Who the f… is Goldi and where did he come from?’ Goldi’s time? 2.50.51

Nonetheless it has also to be said that the Arctic weather conditions at Silverstone this year, which saw gale force winds, hail storms and snow flurries intermingled with bright blue skies (hey this brings back memories of certain 1960’s parties I used to attend), possibly interfered with Nigel’s tactics.

However Goldi’s brilliant success should not overshadow the magnificent running of the other Flyers spotted taking part. So due congratulations to Martin PB Beare, Kally Akthar, Becky Fleckney, Val von Arx, Pat Godfrey, Jenny Pedder, and Half Marathon Virgin Ali Brokenshire

P.S How do you spot real runners? They are the ones plodding along and not hiding behind crash barriers and piles of tyres, just because there is a bit of a breeze and a few hail stones blowing around. Pah! Pah!

On a beautiful sunny Sunday morning no less than 22 Flyers turned out to take on 3,000 fellow runners and tackle 13.1 miles. The course was reasonably flat on roads and cycle paths that dissect MK. At the front of the start there was some confusion as there appeared to be no mats that would trigger our chips recording our times, it had been stated in pre race instructions that real time would be recorded both at start and finish.

We all went off on time and everyone fighting for space as we were all tightly bunched for the first 1k, the pace was a bit fast in the opening stages and tim harris running chis jenarts number was off like a march hare (no not you steve) i came along side thomas pearsall and he said we were doing 7 min miles and we thought that was to fast a pace, however me being me i decided to push on and make hay while the sun shone as i felt comfortable and strong, the mile markers were seemed to be coming and going and before i knew it i was 7 miles in, I at one point thought i may pay for my pace and half expected the boys to come to me, happily for me no sign of them, then 10 miles my stomach went into its thing and i was forced to stop for a few moments, I soon recovered and pushed again to make up lost time,

I maintained position behind Tim Harris all be it 15 mins behind but i will settle for that thankyou, It was a finish like that that makes the pain and hard work worth while.

I believe using race craft help me ie using the shady side of the road to keep cool, racing line, tucking in behind a shoulder in the exposed windy sections, and race prep, 24hr hydration and scheduled training. A good solid performance was put in by all flyers and we all did the club proud both in numbers and efforts, well done all.

This is an excellent race - the organisation, the location and the atmosphere. This is rated as one of the best in the country by Runner's World and it is easy to see why. The spectator support is wonderful with people lining most of the route, bands playing and a finish along the promenade. The only drawback to the whole race is the fact that you climb for the first 6 miles or so! Yes, it is primarily downhill or flat after that but my leg muscles were so used to going uphill that the steep downhill seemed to make them hurt even more!

So, not a PB course but most definitely one to be recommended if you fancy venturing slightly further afield than the roundabouts of MK.

The last, No 4 of 4, in the Starlight 5km series here in Taupo was last Wednesday and Isabel and I both ran. I fell apart in my attempt to get a GOLD time for an ancient bugler and failed to finish first in the over 60s group in this race – I still won the trophy for the series though having won 3 out of the 4. Isabel, running her new personal age group of 65 plus, ran her best time yet for the circuit and she won the ladies over 55 trophy for the series.

If all our running exploits were as successful as this this little outing how joyous life would be.

This fantastic event is hosted by John Gillespie and is run during a weekday lunchtime, simplistically convenient for all those involved. Without too much drama at all, John, with helpers in tow, manages to process fifty plus teams, provides split times and even runs a leg himself. It looks all too easy.

In years gone by, Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers have entered a single team, which produced reasonable levels of success, having run in 2nd (twice).

This year raised the anti with the club being represented by four teams, each having the mandatory lone lady present. This is with the exception of Mr Lydon, who predictably, had to buck the trend and surround himself with a bevy of young ladies, each of whom showed him the way home. Before he entered a team I advised Goldennibblyniknaks (or whatever his current handle is) that should he enter a team he would not have to acquaint himself with the sweeper. This prediction was borne out as Paul, along with Val, Caroline and Annie, churned out a very creditable 47th place, having averaged 8.5 minutes per mile over the four legs. Well done Hi Flyers.

The Ampthill Mob, comprising of Jeremy Bell, Andy Atherton, Martin Beare and Jackie Foster, performed beyond expectation as they finished in 11th place, having got off to a great start with Jeremy producing a time that was in the top 40 quickest times of the day. The highlight for the team had to be Jackie's run, as she placed 18th quickest lady of the day with a 7.13 (PB) clocking.

At the blunt end of things we had two teams chasing honours, 'Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers' and AFF & NHRR (North Herts Road Runners). As defending champions (2005 & 2006), the former of these two teams found the nerves were tingling and the sight of a shiny trophy drew the focus to the task at hand.

Tim Harris (5.10-PB, 2nd quickest time ever) and Paul Farmer (5.15-PB, 4th quickest time ever) were on the lead leg and had opened up a 30 metre lead before they left the sports field on which the legs start and finish. Awesome runs from both of them, with devastating times, basically set the tone for the remaining three legs. They handed over to Steve and Ady a minute up on the third placed team and from there on in it pretty much went with the form book. Hartley Hare (5.20-PB), taking over in first place, took time out of Ady, as did a returning Amy from Michelle Morris.

With nothing other than the clock to compete against, Adam Peters sprint finished to record 5.11, the third quickest time ever in this 15 year event. Producing a new course record of 22.23 (just over 5 minute miling). This was 24 seconds quicker than the previous record set last year, also by an AFF team.

Pete Sibbett, representing NHRR, ran the final leg for AFF & NHRR, and rounded off a great team performance with 7th quickest run of the day (5.50). Thanks to Pete for offering to compete.

Another great day for the club and one that I hope that we can build upon for next year. Those that took part had the general consensus that it was a fun, friendly and competitive event. Any level of fitness will see you through and it is a great way to track your year on year progress in a well managed event.

Got totally soaked in the Chilterns on Sunday but enjoyed my first map-reading 'kanter' nevertheless.

There were 18 and 26 mile routes too to chose from and you could walk or run them, so there was no pressure as in a race because nobody cares about their times. Which is just as well because it took me ages to do just the 13 mile 'short' route. (Over 3 hours....) It was great fun though and I enjoyed answering the questions at each control point (map grid-reference) and scoffing the food mid-way and at the end. Definitely worth doing if you want a slightly different challenge.

Hilly, Wet and Windy. Needless to say Karen didn't enjoy this very much! [Webmaster Note - But it's very picturesque on a nice day!]

CAU Intercounties XC Champs, Wollaton Park in Nottingham - Saturday, 24th February

I returned 'Home' to participate in this 7 mile off road - 'Almost a fell category' race. It is the only race put on every year by my original running club, Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers , and is also held on the day of the annual awards dinner for the club.

It was my fifth attempt and the first time that I did not run in the amber and black hoops of Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers, wearing my 'new' Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers top for the first time in anger. The organisers cannot recall another Flyer entering in the past and so I would be interested to know if I was the first Flyer to run. As usual, I got free entry due to providing a marshal, my brother in law who always likes watching us runners get completely covered in mud.

It was a great day for weather but the rain over the previous days made it as muddy as I have ever seen it. They also extended the course 200 yards, introducing a river crossing. I ran probably one of the strongest races that I can remember, probably due to my marathon training, but could have done with another mile at the end as I was just getting my second breath. I finished just in front of my benchmark over the years at Skelmersdale, we encouraged each other at various times, and was the third place Skem runner on the results - the results service recognised my name and incorrectly listed me as a Skem runner, and after checking, I did officially run as a Flyer - so the results service just made a mistake.

I finished in 67th at 51:43, out of a field of between 400 and 500 - and was surprised to see my dad cheering me on at the end.

The evening was then a good time to catch up with old friends, and do a bit of boogying! It was also a chance to see my name again on the Silver XC Trophy, which I am sure they must have insured properly by now! It was also profitable winning both a bottle of wine and a t-shirt in the raffle.

All in all a good day and I would encourage anyone who has a chance to be up north in February to give it a go - incidentally one of the runners remembered running in the Ampthill Trophy a couple of years ago, whilst visiting Cambridge, and was very complementary about the club and about the race. [Webmaster Note - Neil Taylor in 2005, finished just behind Rootsy in 34:45]

On Sunday, 11 February a squad of 29 turned out to represent the Flyers in the last 3C's XC League race of 2006/7 season.

We expected some stiff opposition with Wootton RR and NHRR heading the table after race 4 with 38 points a piece, and the Flyers capable of piping Bedford Harriers (3rd) to bag a place in the National Plate Final. Also, the Flyers men would have to be at their best to see off the Harriers and finish 3rd.

The athletes arrived at Totternhoe Knoll to find that an untimely mix of thaw and heavy rain had transformed 5 miles of chalk and clay into a leg-sapping quagmire. Patience, a steady start and long spikes was definitely the order of the day, though warm winter sunshine and fine views over the Chilterns glimpsed some hope.

Just before 11am three hundred athletes were released onto a churned bridle path with Wootton and NHRR making their ambition plain for all to see. Undaunted, the familiar faces of Adam Peters, Tim Harris and Andy Bierton dived into the melee with Adam coming out near the top of the pile as the course crossed itself on 2 miles. A stiff, badly rutted hill that numbed legs and left a fair few considering an early shower and then thankfully the pain eased with a long, if slightly treacherous descent to the old cement works. Then it was time to track a disused railway line on the 1.5 mile climb back up onto the Knoll. Copious quantities of mud and poor ground made for slow going which got even tougher as athletes hauled themselves up onto the plateau. One mile to go and now was the time to make haste downhill to the finish.

This was a race where team spirit and determined running were the highlights. Adam Peters (2nd) led the Flyers home with surprise returnee Amy Farr (12th) doing the same for the Ladies to ensure that the Flyers were 3rd to leapfrog Bedford Harriers and finish the season in 3rd place. This means a coveted place in the National XC Plate Final in Reading next month which the Flyers have the strength and depth to win. The Men's Team finished the season in 3rd with a committed Ladies Team achieving 4th.

Also, the Flyers collected some individual honours for their efforts over the season. Photogenic Tim Harris was rewarded with 3rd senior man and Pat Godfrey was pleasantly surprised to be awarded 1st FV55. After the race 24 Flyers and a smattering of well-behaved children gathered at the White Hart in Ampthill share a roast dinner and chat over a few beers.

There are many ways to measure success. This season the Flyers have seen more athletes compete than ever before, the Nice 'n' Easys have done particularly well, and the club continues to grow in size and confidence. A few individual trophies and some very strong performances have seen Flyers improve more quickly than the talent at other clubs. Finally, 3rd place is an excellent club performance which we have achieved in spite of injury and a few missing faces.

I am delighted with our success and, together Val Von Arx, would like to take this opportunity thank everyone who has helped to make this happen, whether it be on or off the country. A full list of individual positions can be found on the Results page

This event also drew to a conclusion the Club XC Championships, contested over the 5 league races and the County championships. Both of last years title holders, Tim Harris & Michelle Morris, successfully defended their titles, while Andy Atherton edged out Rick Hollingsworth in the a keen contest for the Men's Vet category and Carolyn Gilby made an impressive return to competition to grab the Ladies Vet title from holder Paula James. To emphasise the excellent participation in XC this season, it is the first time we have ever has more than 60 people contesting the championships, with 39 men and 26 ladies taking part in some very close fought competition. Click here for full details of the 2006/7 competition.

Against my better judgment, I had decided to use public transport (can you guess where this is going)? You can see why the government will never get people out of there cars.

Firstly there was a technical problem with capital connect to Kings Cross, then an incident on the underground to Sloane Square. The generous buffer I had had now evaporated to nothing, very stressful especially if like me you like arriving 3 days before for good race prep ha ha. I now found myself having to run 5k to the start with only 30mins to go and dressed in heavy coat etc as it was pi__ing down.

I arrived at Battersea park, which was the size of the Masa Mari, the opposite end to the start. I was forced to strip off (steady girls) and leave my stuff with a complete stranger and trust I was not going to have to walk home. 30 seconds later we're off.

Me and 800 runners, 3 and a bit laps of the park. I ran a comfortable well paced race and had the fastest 10k ever by 2 mins., 61st overall My only problem was due to lack of race prep my shoe lace came undone which had a champion chip tied to it so was forced to stop and re tie. A brilliant event and good atmosphere. Chip time 43.06 against all odds.

Safe to say shin splints sorted and now benefiting from consistent quality training.

A lovely run in superb weather in beautiful countryside - though due to tree felling we had to miss the lovely bit through woods at the far end around Beacon Hill. Unfortunately I had pain in my right (the other) knee after about 4 miles which slowed my already slow progress, but I was determined to finish (well I couldn't deprive Steve of 50 GP points!) and still enjoyed running over the "oldest hills in Britain". Caroline also got severe pain in her ankle with 3 miles to go - otherwise she may well have caught Steve.

My first fell race (does that mean I'm a 'real ' runner now?), was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. We had gorgeous, sunny but cold (to start with) weather, lots of thick, gooey mud and beautiful Leicestershire scenery to help us up and down the mountains.( O.K. they were only hills). I was able to relax on the journey up to the race start and back again knowing that Dave, who had kindly offered to drive us, knew exactly where we were going ...... - with a little help from Steve! The race itself was absolutely knackering and I worryingly started to flag before the half way mark, but this was partly psychological, I think, because I was very aware that I only had 1 energy gel pack on me and after seeing Caroline's belt of 4 or 5 gels plus energy drink and her wise words that I probably didn't have enough carbs on me, I began to wonder why on earth I'd only put water in my bottle. I was rescued, however, by another runner who generously gave me some gel and that seemed to do the trick from then on. My time - a not very astounding 2.35.01, but it was no road race.

Vincent Hollingsworth improved by one place on last years race to take first place in the 10 years and under race.

The race was held at the back of the Station Road Scout Hut in Ampthill. There were races for the 8 and 9 year olds with the 8s being able to run in the 9 years race and the 8 & 9s in the 10s race.

The 10 years old race had 32 runners, Vincent correctly identified his best friend Sean as his main rival! Vincent shadowed him till the final 50 meters and then sprinted for the line.

Vincent’s very pleased with his certificate but not sure if there are any more runs as he moves up to Scouts shortly.

On Wednesday, 24th January runners from different clubs around the region, along with competitors from the police force, descended upon a cold yet sunny Delapre Park in Northampton.

The course was slightly different to the usual lap that we race in the 3 counties league, and had been altered even further by recent winds which meant there were several obstacles to jump over and around. The 6.5 mile race took the runners around the challenging route 3 times rather than the customary 2 laps.

The race commenced at 2pm and set off at a steady yet brisk pace with both Stephen Hartley and Adam Peters taking up positions in the lead pack, after negotiating a few steep banks the race progressed up through a hilly, wooded area where leftover snow met the runners at the highest point of the park, it was at this point that the leading pack had been whittled down to 4 with Adam Peters leading Phil and Michael from Wootton Road Runners followed by Stephen Hartley. The course followed up through the woods to bring the runners out into an open area near the Golf club, after which the runners made their way down an uncomfortable gravel path where they were then led out to the main field to start the next lap. As the race progressed Adam Peters managed to break free of the two Wootton runners through the middle of the second lap, it was at this point that Stephen Hartley was battling it out with Craig Mattocks (Wootton RR) and Stuart Nelson (WADC). It was in the third lap that tiredness started to kick in and the runners had to concentrate and gather themselves for the last push.

The race concluded with Adam Peters finishing 1st (39:03) and Stephen Hartley 5th (40:48), overall it was a well organized race put on by Northants Police that was well worth taking time out to compete in.

PS Last year Kenyan athlete David Gitau (Kent AC) won the race in 39:28 - Adam's time is quite a few seconds quicker in muddier conditions.

The race is named after a good friend of mine who died some 15 years ago when, riding his bike on the way to work in the Edgware area of London, he was tragically run down by a lorry. It is nice that his memory carries on particularly as this 10-mile road race has become one of the best in the Region.

I have to confess it is a few years since I have done this race and first on the new course that makes use of the old Alban railway line. The course is relatively flat with one short incline and although seems ideal for PBs, there are a number of twists and turns that break up the rhythm. However, it is mainly rural and is well organised by St Albans Striders with excellent marshalling. My main criticism was the start, which was apparently changed from last year, but suffered from runners (700+ of them) trying to negotiate a narrow lane.

The 41 seconds that it took me to reach the line saw my time of 1.10.35 as an official time of 1.11.16 and 187^th place out of 770 finishers.

A successful afternoon by all accounts. Completed a 6.8 mile cross country course at RAF Halton in 39:56 to cross the line in 20th. This meant that I was 4th for the Civil Service and helped the Men's Team to achieve 2nd place on the podium, just behind the RAF. The Police, Fire Service and Middlesex County also ran.

On Sunday, 14 January a contingent of 36 Flyers journeyed North to compete in the 4th 3C's XC League fixture in Guilsborough, Northants.

This was the first race that Team East Haddon had arranged and, with some support from the Flyers, TEH did themselves proud - a decent venue complemented by a well-marshalled point-to-point course over attractive farmland.

The teams assembled at the rear of Guilsborough School just before 11am and then it was off for a trip around the boundary before grass gave way to bridle path and fields. Peter Benedickter Jr, still sore from the previous days' outing in the Chiltern League, set the early pace but heavy conditions took their toll. Peter was reeled back in and the pack formed with Adam Peters in full control.

A staggered road crossing was negotiated, not kind to long spikes, and then the athletes enjoyed a 1 mile descent down into the valley, though they were surprised to find the ground deteriorate rather than improve. The promise of some flat fields, with the potential to find a bit of rhythm, soon dissipated when they realised that the bulk of it was waterlogged and this made for tired legs.

However, the glorious hue of warm winter sunshine made for an otherwise very pleasant ride. Anticlockwise round a couple of fields and then the athletes started the climb back towards Guilsborough.

Progress was further hampered by the passage of 600 feet that had churned the bridleway on the outbound. Graft was the order of the day and the inevitable gaps opened. Still hot from the Beds County XC Champs, many Flyers excelled and as a club, AFF do enjoy and practice hills.

Back into the school grounds and we re-traced the boundary before a last minute flurry uphill for a 150m flat sprint to the welcome finish line.

Adam Peters led the Men's Team home with a spirited 2nd, followed by close-packing from Stephen Hartley (4th), Tim Harris (5th) and Ady Wadsworth (11th). Ed Druce hung onto a half yard lead over returning Nick Jones but an intense finish saw them swap places at the last, and a youthful Phil Clarke (100th) glided home as 2nd Flyers male vet .

Ever-present Michelle Morris finished 15th to lead the Ladies Team home, with Caroline Gilby (20th) digging deep to beat three competitors in the final push. Jackie Foster (26th) completed the Ladies score. Further down the field it was pleasing to see Ann Clarkson (85th), Val Von Arx (85th) and Caroline Dyer (86th) work effectively to deny other teams of points in what was another splendid show for the AFF ladies.

And the result? An excellent turn-out and some dogged runs saw the Flyers produce the best performance of the 2006/7 XC season so far. 3rd for the Men and 4th from the Ladies Team mean that the Club finished 3rd, way ahead of Bedford Harriers. Team spirit and regular training mean that the Flyers are definitely heading in the right direction. Many thanks to those spectators who traveled with the Flyers to lend their support.

By virtue of a string of consistent top 5 finishes in all the league events Tim Harris seems to have a firm grip on this years Club XC Championship with 1 event still to go.

Rick Hollingsworth looks the likely men’s veteran champion although that may change as he is rumoured to be missing the last event - Get in there Andy!.

Despite a very strong performance last week at the County Championships, it looks unlikely that Caroline Gilby can overhaul Michelle Morris to take the Ladies title but is well placed to take the ladies veteran award.

This unusual 28 mile cross country race started in Goathland (aka Aidensfield!), and was completed by pairs of runners, with the first runner taking an ‘East route’ and the other taking a ‘West route’. The two runners’ paths join after 20 miles where the first to arrive must wait for the second before completing the final 8 miles as a pair. Brian arrived at the meeting point a half hour before Steve who was still recovering from his walking holiday in the Sahara.

The weather was good but OS reading skills were essential and one of Steve’s mates was unfortunate to get lost. Mountain rescue were called when it got dark but he was had luckily taken refuge at a nearby farmhouse.

On Saturday 6th January Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers proudly hosted the Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire Cross Country Championships at Ampthill Park. With both helpers, supporters and athletes turning out for what was to be the wettest and muddiest of cross country race in Ampthill Park, which included a traditional cross country tree jump, all credit and thanks to anyone who ventured outdoors to support the event rather than stay in the dry and warm indoors.

By 12 Noon with all marshals, as drafted by Martin Beare, were fully briefed and placed in position by Phil (oracle) Bierton and George Arbuckle we were ready to direct the runners. Our youngest competitor in the under 13 girls category, and relatively new member had an outing in the race, Emily Tillett (daughter of Nick Tillett) and came 17th in the County - well done! At 2.00 pm accompanied with instructions from our Start Marshall, Jeremy Bell, the ladies ventured onto the course which was now well churned and even muddier thanks to the previous races. All our ladies were on form, with Caroline Gilby taking the lead for the club and coming in not only 10th for the county, but taking the ladies veteran 40 county championship. Not long behind, were Michelle Morris (13th in county) and Paula James (16th in county). Close on Paula's heels was Jackie Foster a new member to the club this year, and one who trains in Dave's Friday morning sessions, who came in 18th in the county and by a clear 1 second lead took the ladies vet 45 county championship! Overall the ladies managed to bag the 3rd Ladies team prize and the 2nd Veteran Ladies team prize, so congratulations to all the ladies that ran.

When the rain started once again, and the fog started to emerge this signaled it was time for the men's race at 2.35pm to start. Against a strong contingent from Bedford & County, the gentlemen did the club proud with Adam Peters, Tim Harris and Stephen Hartley coming in 6th, 7th and 8th respectively for the county. Not put off by the amount of mud on the course the rest of our men's team came in strong albeit a little covered in mud and overall got a respectable 5th Team place. A big thanks to all those crucial people who helped out in preparations for the day, organizing and planning the course routes, pruning the course and making sure all arrangements were in place for an enjoyable (wet and muddy) experience. Thanks should also be given to the County Officials from Beds and Bucks who helped out on the day to ensure a group of races which ran smoothly and without hitch. Finally, thanks to all those who helped out and endured a few hours on the course against the elements and kept the competitors going, particularly in the right direction - all for the price of a sausage sandwich and a Danish! Full results can be found via the Bucks AA Website.

This was a very tough but thoroughly enjoyable race. I had run round the course many times before in training hoping to work out the best line to nick a few seconds here and there but nothing prepared me for the mud and rain encountered on the day and my plans went out the window. I knew Adam, Tim and Hartley Hare would be battling it out up near the front, in a land I’ve never visited, with Tony Cole somewhere behind but for me the race was about a battle with club mates of a similar ilk; arch-rival Rick H, Robbie Craig and Steve ‘Weasel’ Smith. We’d normally be somewhere in the middle but with this high quality field we’d be bringing up the rear.

Steve and Robbie set off quickly but were reeled in before the first lap was complete with Tony disappearing off into the distance. Rick had taken up his ‘shadow’ position 10 yards behind me determined to beat me after losing out in all 3 3CXC races. We started the second lap with the rain getting worse and the mud thickening. However, with a club mate marshalling at every corner, there was encouragement everywhere which was superb – this also provided useful information in that a ‘Well done, Andy’ was generally followed 5 seconds later by ‘Well done Rick’ so I knew Rick was still in there. We went past Tony at the far end who unfortunately had to retire early.

The course started to take its toll on the third lap as Rick and I battled side by side. We were encouraged by the fact we hadn’t been lapped by the leaders (my first goal achieved) and now it was just about us. We tackled the final killer hill through the wood and Rick sailed heartbreakingly past (must be those many hours of cycling!) but I had nothing left. At the top Phil Clarke shouted ‘Come on Andy, remember what Ady said in training, “use the downhill – its free!” ’ – sorry Phil, I was done for by then and even the downhill bits were an energy-sapping experience.

I trailed home finishing 28 seconds over the hour and enjoyed a cup of water which tasted like nectar. What a great race!

Many thanks to those who stood in the rain all day to help us run and who provided sustenance and help at Parkside. I think we owe you one.

I hadn¹t run round Ampthill Park for a while, I had been a marshal or doing results for the last few cross country or Trophy races, so signing up for the County Championships was a little daunting! However results were showing an improvement in form and I have been enjoying the battle with the mid fielders namely Mr Beare and Mr Atherton.

A few seasons ago Andy had pipped me at Letchworth just before the hill at the finish. This season had seen me finish just behind Andy at Northampton and several places at Shuttleworth (I had cycled over - my excuse). Then would you believe it, come Letchworth Andy storms passed me again just before the hill!

However three days later revenge was swift and Andy followed me in at the Henlow 10 after we had run together for 8 miles.

So with a bit of friendly rivalry we entered the race on Saturday. I was concerned about pace, I was therefore very concerned when both Robbie and Steve made a fast start, we hunted them down during the first lap though. Of all the laps the first was probably the worst, a touch of adrenalin rush & too many people to see a clear line. We made steady progress with Andy several seconds ahead and at each descent was taking several seconds out of me. I would spend the next hill working to get back towards him at which point we would hit another descent! The second lap was digging in and running at a sustainable effort. I found that the slow up hill through the wood was where I was feeling really good and thought that this would be a good place for a push (if capable) next lap. Half way round the 3rd lap, coming up the first slow drag up to the ridge Andy was starting to tire as we ran stride for stride until the descent and Andy again left me.

We entered the bottom of the wood close together but I was feeling good and pushed the pace on and opened up a gap, after the hill I was waiting for Andy to pass me on the descent but I made it to the turn and the long slow rise. I was feeling good and pushed a bit more and on to the finish. Whilst finishing 100 out of 120 runners is not the greatest of positions it was a fantastic race. The support out on the course was second to none and in what felt like the inside of cloud! Whilst we were out there for an hour or so the marshals were out there for so much longer! Thank you very much. And a big thank you to Andy and Martin who have made the last few events races within races. This has certainly helped to raise my game and hopefully theirs too.

Andy is going to miss the next Cross Country and I will miss the last so it looks as though we will have to wait till next year before we resume our cross country rivalry. However Andy is four places ahead of me in the cross country vets competition, so if all the fast flyers could stay in bed on Sunday that would be really good, especially if you all come out on the 11th of February!

Well done to all the Flyers, both for their running in the Championships and in the fantastic organisation and support.

The FLM draw took place at the Sweatshop Special Event on Thursday, 20 December. The lucky winners are:
26443 Mike Petty	26444 Lisa Bassett	26445 Robbie Craig
The deadline for entry is 11th January 2008. And the reserves...
1. Ali Brockenshire	2. Sam Freer	3. Tim Hunt
The best of luck to everyone - experience shows that reserves have a genuine prospect of making the start line because others succumb to injury, colds... Might be worth identifying an ultra-distance race 2-3wks after FLM so that if you don't make the line the training and commitment isn't wasted.

Date	Name	Time	Venue	Age Rating	Category
29-Apr-2007	Karen Hollingsworth	4:19:41	Shakespeare	57.18%	Senior
22-Apr-2007	Katherine Rivers	4:29:49	London	51.46%	V35
15-Apr-2007	Valerie Von Arx	4:55:27	Paris	53.00%	V45
21-Oct-2007	Richard Jones	3:11:09	Amsterdam	70.48%	Senior
22-Apr-2007	Chris Jenart	3:24:51	London	64.32%	V40
29-Apr-2007	Nick Stone	4:04:18	Shakespeare	63.17%	V50

Long Score course - 4.5 hours max.
Brian Layton & Paul Eastwood	360 points	4h 25m	3rd team.
Haydn Leaker & David Peregrine	140 points	4h 5m
David Sedgley & Jad Bienek	90 points	4h 27m	We walked the whole way due to my dicky knee!)

	An excellent day at the races by all accounts. Tim, Adam and I were part a Bedfordshire Senior Men's team of 7, with 6 to score. In the event a B&C athlete retired from the 8 mile course, which meant that all three of us scored. The 3 lap course was an absolute quagmire but this didn't prevent the front-runners gliding along at a crazy pace. Tim and Adam had particularly impressive runs with Tim catching Adam early on the last lap, and both improved their final positions. Sky Sports televised the race live and spectator support and organisation was excellent. If you ever get the chance to compete or spectate - just do it - inspiring stuff! Peter Benedickter Jr also represented Bedfordshire in the U15 race finishing 62nd in a time of 17:29. Stephen Hartley Click here for UKA Report	Tim Harris 157th 45:36
		Adam Peters 160th 45:41
		Stephen Hartley 242nd 48:13
		Bedfordshire Senior Men 20th
		Winner Frank Tickner 39:25 (282 finishers)

Club 10M Champions 2007
Club	Stephen Hartley	Ladies	Amy Farr
MV40	Ady Wadsworth	FV35	Dawn Bird
MV50	Dave Stanley	FV45	Pat Godfrey