West Waterford Athletic ClubWest Waterford Athletic Club

Notes September 13-09

 GARVEYS FIT4LIFE AUTUMN LEAGUE

 FUN IN THE SUN FOR OPENING NIGHT OF THE GARVEYS GALLOP.
 The Summer made a welcome return to the Friary College last Thursday evening for the opening round of the Garvey’s Fit4Life Autumn League.  On Tuesday evening conditions were wet and windy but by Thursday the ground had already began to dry up and everyone present enjoyed the pleasant evening in the sun.  Round 1 saw 84 enthusiastic participants with many taking part in an organised league for the very first time.  Many of our regulars were also present no doubt also getting ready for the Winter League ahead.  Well done to everyone who took part and remember we will do it all again next Tuesday and Thursday evening and for the next 3 weeks.  Tuesday’s League begins at 7pm while Thursday has a 6.30 start.  All you need to take part is a pair of runners, shorts/tracksuit/leggings or what ever you feel comfortable in and some enthusiasm.  Bring a friend if you can because it always helps to share the experience.  Registration takes place at club van at 6.45 on Tuesday and 6.15 on Thursday.  It’s just €2 a night to participate and water will be provided at the finish.  Prizes will be awarded for both leagues with your best 4 nights to count.  We will shortly display league tables each night and if you notice that your name is missing please mention it to Ann Dunford.  See you all at the Friary.
 MICHELLE LEADS THEM HOME
Taking part in the one lap league on Thursday evening we had many runners having their first outing at St Augustine’s College.  They took to the task with great enthusiasm and will benefit greatly from this experience.  The secret is not to start off too quickly which can happen if you get carried away with the crowd when the whistle blows.  If you are worried about going off too quickly it’s better to start at the back of the group and then you can set off at your own pace.  Take it nice and easy to begin with until you get used to running.  If you’re feeling tired or running short of breath, slow down and if still feeling under pressure, walk for a while then jog on again when you feel recovered.  Don’t worry if you can’t make it all the way around without stopping, Rome wasn’t built in a day.  Set yourself a goal each week to get a little further before you stop to walk and soon you will be running more than you are walking. First home on Thursday evening was Michelle Dwane who ran a very good time of 10.00 minutes exactly.  Next through the tunnel was Patricia Meehan who completed the 1.2 miles in 11.56.  It was an all female field in the one lap this week with Siobháin Mc Grath filling 3rd spot in 12 minutes even.  Lorna Dee was just 22 seconds behind in 12.22.  The Conways, Doireann and Noelle will be happy with their times of 12.38 and 13.10 respectively as will Ann Lyons (13.26) who is becoming some what of an expert at this stage.  Well done to everyone who took part in the 1 Lap League including Michelle, Mandy, Catriona, Aoife and Jennifer.
CORINNA FIRST IN 2 LAP
 The 2 Lap League is always popular with our runners and is second only to the 4 Laps in the numbers of people taking part.  This week 27 took on the 2.4 miles, which was an excellent field.  First home on the night was the impressive Corinna Walsh who has had a most successful summer season and who is no doubt getting ready for the Cross Country season ahead and her time of 15.11 was very impressive for her first evening.  Another getting ready for the Cross Country season is Joe Conway and he also had a good outing running 15.17 on the night.  Joint first in the recent Amber League, Michael Mc Carthy was 3rd home on the night in 18.30 while Zac Fitzgerald was just a minute behind in 19.36.  Angelica Bradatan has got some good training in over the summer and we saw the proof of this last Thursday when she ran 19.40.  It was great to see Billy Coleman back from a prolonged injury and running 2 laps again in under 20 minutes.  Our league sponsor Liam Power was just over the 20 minute mark in 20.16 while Winter League sponsor Pearse Moloney finished next in 20.34.  Another to make a return to this league was Mairead Flynn (22.52) while many of the participants in the recent Amber League were back for more, these included Caroline Lenihan (22.44), Alison O Brien (24.55), Rita Cronnolly (23.34), Claire Power (26.21), and Claire Murray (26.49).  It was also great to see Kevin Tutty (24.57) in the Friary once more.
YEV IN CONTROL OVER 3 LAPS
 On all but one of the nights in the 3 Lap League last year the first man home was Yevgenniy Chizhikov and this year Yev filled the same spot in a very fast 23.41.  Indeed Yev ran 23 minutes every night last year which is very consistent running.  Next past the line was Ann Whelan in 28.55 while George Tutty was just 1 minute behind in 29.40.  Also under 30 minutes was Paddy Power in 29.49 while recently returned from America, Mary Ryan ran a very good time of 31.08.  Onra Power (32.17), Eileen Carroll (32.26) and Josie Harty (32.34) were all under 33 minutes.  Well done to everyone who took part in the 3 Lap League, we hope to see you all again next week. 
 SEAN TO THE FORE ONCE MORE.
 Sean Stilwell was first home on Tuesday evening and he repeated this feat on Thursday night with a time of 31.04.  I’m sure over the coming 4 weeks Sean will improve on this time as he also gears up for the Cross Country season ahead.  Cork man Dennis Mc Carthy is also getting ready for Cross Country and he always comes down to St Augustine’s for his preparations and he will also be looking to improve on his time of 31.10.  Third man home was Des Feeney who was a further 20 seconds behind in 31.30 while Patrick Riordan was just over the 32 minute mark in 32.05.  Pride of place this week goes to Dungarvan man Micheál Callaghan who built on his recent fantastic run in the Ballinameela 5 with an excellent run in the Friary when he broke 36 minutes for the first time.  Brett Lynham (35.57) also made a return getting ready for the Dublin Marathon while Eamonn Phelan (37.20) is preparing for the upcoming Winter League.  Well done to Liz Nyhan who ran an excellent 38.47 while Pascal Proctor (38.54) and Michael Deegan (38.58) kept each other company as did Josie Ui Chuirrin (39.35), Claire Walsh (39.38) and Brigid Coffey (39.39).  Emer Cullinan also had a great time getting home in under the 40 minutes in 39.53.  Great running Emer.  34 runners took part in the 4 Lap League on the first night and well done to all and as with all the leagues we hope to see you all again next week.
SPONSORS
This league is sponsored by Garvey’s Supervalu Dungarvan and Coolagh Road and we would like to thank the Manager Liam Power for his support and interest in athletics in the locality.  Thanks also to Liam for his posters on the night and as we told you earlier Liam took part over the 2 Lap course. 
 ELITE ADVENTURE AND DEVELOPMENT 1 LAP CHALLENGE

 WE’RE OFF AND RUNNING IN THE 1 LAP CHALLENGE
 Round 1 of the Elite Adventure and Development 1 Lap Challenge was held on Tuesday evening last on the grounds of St Augustine’s College.  Looking back on 2008 we had 20 participants on the opening evening but on our first Tuesday in 2009, 41 runners took up the challenge of the 1.2 miles or 2k if that’s how you like to measure your distance.  Whatever way you measure, you are more than welcome to come along for the remaining nights of the league which are, September 15th, 22nd 29th and October 6th.The time each evening is 7pm start with registration taking place at the club van from 6.45.If your goal is to run 6 minutes or 26 minutes the challenge is the same.  If you wish to start with a jog, walk for a while and jog again that’s fine.  It doesn’t matter as long as you are out there, getting fit and feeling healthier as a result.  You may feel tired when you’re running but the sense of achievement when you are finish is unbelievable.  We especially welcome newcomers and if the Winter League is your goal for this year, then this is the place to start.  So come along and give it a go because you won’t know what it’s all about until you give it a try!
SÉAN OFF TO A FLYER
 Sean Stilwell has had an outstanding year so far on the racing front and its looks like he is holding this form coming into the Autumn season.  Last year on the first night of the league Sean clocked 6.26 and on this occasion he was just 21 seconds behind that in 6.47.  He brought younger brother Richard along for company and it’s looks like the running talent is not confined to Sean as Richard also broke the 7 minute barrier for 1.2 miles on a wet course clipping around in 6.54.  On his first night last year Yevgenniy Chizhikov recorded 7.03 and on his first outing this year he was just 2 seconds slower in 7.05.  Next man across the line was Sean Dwyer who has also made admirable improvements in his times over the past year.  Sean’s fastest time last year in this league was 7.27 and on his first night of 2009 Sean ran 7.21.  Corinna Walsh was just 10 seconds behind in 7.31 while Dublin bound Angeline Drennan (8.56) Claire Walsh (9.42) and Brigid Coffey (9.48) will all be happy with their times on the night given the wet conditions.It was marvelous to see many of the runners from the recent Amber League sticking to the task and taking on the 1 Lap Challenge.  These included Grace Downey (10.32), Grainne Ni Fhoghlu (10.47) and Mairead Foley (10.48).  Hockey goalkeeper Carol Tobin also made her debut and will be delighted to have her first night under her belt, as will Jenny Claxton, Mags Bowdren, Carol Moroney, Sandra Dee and Paula Reddy.Well done to everyone who took part and don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have.  We are there to help so just call to the van for any advice you may need.  Remember we all started somewhere and for most of us it was in the Friary or at the Winter League. Thanks to our sponsor Geoff Allen for his attendance at the first night of the league.
LEAGUE SPONSOR
West Waterford Athletic Club would like to thank Jeff Allen for his continued support and for his sponsorship of this league.  Jeff had been with us for a few years now and his ongoing support is much appreciated.
As usual thanks also to St Augustine’s College for the use of their grounds and to Brother Patrick in particular who always looks after us.
SANDIS BRALITIS WINS CORK HALF MARATHON.
In a sun drenched Blarney last Sunday West Waterford’s Sandis Bralitis stole the show with a resounding win in the St. Finbarrs organized Cork Half Marathon which also incorporated the Munster Half Marathon championship. Sandis led the 550 athletes out of Blarney village and ran most of the race alone coming home in a time of 70 minutes and 40 seconds well clear of Ferrybank’s John Cleary who clocked 1.11.16 with Cork city marathon winner Michael Herlihy North Cork AC third in 1.11.37.Michael Dwyer was our next finisher in 51st place with a solid run clocking 1.24.27 and the ever improving Des Feeney was just behind Michael in 54th place with a time of 1.26.26.The Ladies race saw a win for St.Finbarrs Claire Mc Carthy in an impressive 1.20.53 this gave her  23rd place overall in the race.2nd was Clonmel’s Angela Mc Cann 1.27.38 with former winner of this race Mary Sweeney St.Finbarrs 3rd in 1.31.37.West Waterford had two Lady competitors on the day and they were led home by Brigid Coffey in 247th place with a good time of 1.43.37 this was well under 8 minute per mile pace for Brigid and Terri Gough fresh from her National half marathon success last week in Donegal took second over 60 on this occasion  finishing 532nd in 2.20.34.well done to all.
 West Waterford finishers in Cork half marathon.
1st        Sandis Bralitis   1.10.40
51st       Michael Dwyer             1.24.27
54th      Des Feeney                  1.26.26
111th    Luke Cunningham         1.33.00
126th    Martin Mullarkey          1.33.58
134th    Anthony Dwyer            1.34.48
193rd    Eamonn Flavin 1.39.03
247th    Brigid Coffey                1.43.37
251st    Michael Wade 1.43.57
340th    Michael McCarthy        1.50.07
387th    Ray Curran                   1.54.24
532nd    Terri Gough                  2.20.34
CORK TO COBH 15 MILE ROAD RACE
With the half-marathon now under your belt, the next step is the annual Cork to Cobh 15 mile which takes place on Sunday, October 4th at 9.30 am. This has always proved to be a most popular and enjoyable race. It’s a must for all those in marathon training and if we get the same weather there this year as we did last year it will be a great day out for all involved. The entry form for the race can be downloaded from the Cork BHAA website. The race entry fee is €20 for all those who pre-enter the race and for anyone who won’t make up their mind until the last minute it’s possible to enter on the day for a fee of €25. Registrations and changing will take place in the Montenotte Hotel from 7.30 am onwards. The race starts close to the hotel and finishes in the town of Cobh. All athletes’ gear will be transferred from Cork to Cobh. A goody bag and a t-shirt will be provided to all finishers on the day. Further information can be got from Kevin Cummins at 021 4292509 
CROSS-COUNTRY SEASON COMMENCES NEXT WEEK IN KILMACOW
The annual Kilmacow cross-country race takes place next weekend as part of the St. Senan’s open cross county fixture which traditionally for many kick starts the season, The club will be fielding a men’s and ladies team. Anybody interested in travelling is asked to contact the club’s cross co-ordinator Tony Ryan at 087 7657805
UPCOMING 2009/2010 WINTER LEAGUE
Plans and preparations are now well underway for the 2009/2010 winter league. In five weeks time we will hold the first night which is the registration night on October 21st.  On this night, people are asked to come to the centre and to register for the league. When you register you will get a number which you will use for every night of the league. You may run the route on this night but it’s not compulsory. Athletes that run the route do so at their own risk as no stewards will be on the route. The following week the league will begin officially on October 28th. We will provide more information in the coming weeks but for now all you need do is pencil the date in your diary. Don’t worry if you can’t make the registration night on October 21st, you can always register the following week. 
WEST WATERFORD ATHLETES COMPETE IN GREAT NORTH RUN.
The club will be well represented next Sunday at the Great North Run in Newcastle with nine making the trip. An entry of 54.000 runners have signed up for what will be the biggest half marathon event in the world. The event will be shown live on BBC and the race gets under way at 10.40 AM. We wish the following the very best and hopefully we will get a glimpse of a West Waterford AC singlet on T.V. along the way.
 
Helene Hayes
Jacinta Sheil
Mary Harney
Alice Shanley
Claire Walsh
Angeline Drennan
Tom Scanlon.
Vincent Tutty 
Pat O’Brien
RUNNING QUOTE.
To improve your form, you need to teach yourself how to relax. Because your hands and forearms control relaxation, focus on your hands to reduce tension during a run.
BERLIN BOUND.
Best wishes to the following group of West Waterford athletes taking part in this Sunday’s Berlin Marathon. Ann Dunford, Norma Wall. Trevor Mason. Kenneth O’Donnell, Tomás Coleman, Karen Ryan, Dermot Ryan, James Veale, Jim Fleming, Michael Dunford,Garrett Byrne, Andrew Leary, John Flynn, Gerry Cantwell,Richard Finnegan, Brian Barrett, Plenty of experienced heads, mixed with some new pretenders in this bunch so we expect to see good times posted all-round.
SYMPATHY.
West Waterford Athletic Club extends sincere sympathy to the families and friends of Mrs Addie Buckley, Ballyhane, Cappoquin and Alice Power Rathgormack who passed to their eternal rewards recently. May they rest in peace. 
BUS TO CORK TO COBH.
The Annual Cork to Cobh road race takes place on Sunday October 04th  next and a bus is being organised on a first come first served bases. There are a limited amount of seats available at a price of 15 Euro each; anyone interested in travelling on the bus can drop their name and money into Albert. First names in with money paid get the seats.
WORLD CHAMPION CONFIRMED FOR EUROPEAN CROSS COUNTRY IN DUBLIN.
Athletics Ireland has confirmed that World Champion Marta Domínguez will compete at the SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Dublin in December. The Spaniard, who won the 3000m Steeplechase at the World Championships in Berlin last month, took gold at the European Cross Country in her home city of Toro in 2007.Dominguez is one of the world’s finest athletes, winning her first senior international medal with a bronze at the European Indoors in 1996. Over the course of the last 13 years she has won 13 medals at World and European level both indoor and outdoor. Dominquez is Spain’s most decorated athlete but despite her many success the 33-year-old has never won an Olympic medal. She came close in Beijing last summer when while she was amongst the leaders with 250m to go she clipped a barrier and fell, failing to finish the race. Dominguez will now be added to a field that already includes last year’s European Cross Country champions Serhiy Lebid from the Ukraine and Hilda Kibet from the Netherlands. Lebid will be aiming for an amazing ninth title, when the event takes place in Dublin on the 13th of December.
Liam Hennessy, President of Athletics Ireland, is delighted to have such a world class field coming to Dublin. “When you put on such an event you always hope that the best athletes will be available to compete as we want to put on a great show for everyone. To be able to announce the likes of Marta Dominguez who has been at the top of world athletics for a decade alongside Lebid and Kibet is great for the event. It means we will have world class athletes in Dublin competing alongside Ireland’s best such as Mary Cullen, Martin Fagan and Alistair Cragg,” 
 

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