FANTASTIC TURN OUT FOR FIRST NIGHT OF MINNIE’S FIT4LIFE RUNNING LEAGUE.
The first round of the ever-popular Minnie’s League was held last Tuesday
night (28th) in the Friary College (by kind permission) with the second
round taking place last night (5th) and we couldn’t have wished for a better
start. The weather was looking poor in the morning but thankfully by evening
it was greatly improved and this helped in no small way to entice a great
crowd along to St Augustine’s College to give the league a go. The Minnie’s
Summer League is held in conjunction with the nationwide AAI programme
called Fit4Life. This initiative was set up with its main goal being to
provide a setting and a framework whereby the recreational runner and those
new to the running scene could meet and train and experience the health
benefits associated with running. For many of us, we think about improving
our fitness levels and are full of good intentions but fail to do anything
about it, this league does all the work and the thinking for you, all you
have to do is turn up, in a tracksuit or leggings or shorts, what ever you
feel comfortable in, a pair of runners and a t-shirt and come along. That’s
exactly what 119 people did last Tuesday evening and next week you could be
there. You don’t need any previous experience of running as the league is
set up with different distances to cater for beginners and regular runners.
The league is on every Tuesday night for 8 weeks in total (12th, 19th, 26th
May and 2nd, 9th, 16th June) and it doesn’t matter at all if you have missed a
night or two, it’s never too late to start, there’s always new people
registering each week so you won’t be on your own. Registration begins from
6.45 onwards and the fee for each night is €2, payable at the club van where
you can also ask any questions you have in relation to running and we will
do our best to answer and give any advice we can. We request that all
runners park at the rear of the College to facilitate all other activities
that are taking place at the grounds.
ONE LAP
HUGH LEADS THEM HOME
First past the post last Tuesday was a Dub: Hugh O Connor, no doubt getting
a speed session in the legs in preparation for the Summer Series ahead. His
time on the night was 8.50 and just 8 seconds behind Hugh was the man many
are tipping as the successor to Brigid Coffey as athlete of the year for
2009.His name is Michael Mc Carthy and he is already athlete of the month
for January. Andrea Gaffney was not going to let Hugh get too far ahead of
her and she was first lady home on the night in 9.19. In total 34 ran the 1
lap and it was great to see some familiar faces from the winter league and
also so many new ones. If it was your first night and you had trouble with
your breathing, next week try to run at a steady pace. The crowd around you
will take off at the start, let them go and set of at your own pace taking a
deep breath every now and then as you go. If you are having difficulty with
your breathing it is a sign you are running too fast, try to slow down,
walk for a little if you have to and then run on again. This is how everyone
starts out so it’s a tried and trusted method. After a few weeks you will be
running more of the 1.2 miles than you are walking and you will be even
start to enjoy it. If possible try to convince a friend to come along with
you and having the company will help to distract you from the feeling of
wanting to stop and you will encourage each other to keep going. Well done
to all who did the 1.2 miles, you’ve made a great start and we hope to see
you all again next week.
2 LAPS
SHANE HAS THE POWER
The 2 laps was led home by a young man who is running really well at
present. Shane Power is showing great form in the 2 Summer Series races to
date and his time of 14.11 is very good running for the 2.4 miles. Retired
or not there’s no stopping Joe Gough at the moment and his second place
finish in a time of 14.50 will please him greatly. First lady home on the
night was Liz Nyhan in a time of 19.35Well done Liz and to all 39 runners
who took on the 2 laps. Like the 1 lap there were some new faces too, like
Marion Troy who ran an impressive 20.53 for her first night. Some old faces
made a welcome return here too, like Kieran Coleman who showed no signs of
any rustiness finishing in 20.53. Geraldine Barry will be delighted with her
time of 22.58 as will Aisling Hourigan with her time of 23.07.Eleanor Howard
(24.15), Paul Gray (24.15) Gillian Mc Namara (24.16) and Jacinta Sheil
(24.17) kept each other company on the 2 laps and all finished within 2
seconds of each other. Well done to everyone who took part and like the
people who did the 1 lap we would encourage you to keep going, keep putting
in the effort and before long you will start to enjoy your Tuesday evenings!
3 LAPS
THERE’S MORE THAN ONE CANTWELL!
Gerry Cantwell is one of West Waterford Athletic Club’s elite athletes who’s
won medals in many age categories and in many disciplines, cross country,
road, not to mention competing in many marathons all over the world but
Gerry will be delighted to see how well his nephew Gary is running at the
moment. Gary has shown great promise for many years and his time of 22.27
was excellent running for 3.6 miles. Yevgenniy Chizhikov is putting in great
training at the moment and he will be happy also to finish in a time of
23.24. Tomas Coleman was third man home on the night over the 3 laps and he
also ran well in 24.42.The first lady to finish was Linda Bradfield (30.02),
who is also showing great form this year and her times are really improving.
She will definitely be targeting that 30-minute mark next week. Nuala (30.18)
and Noel Hogan (30.33) are keeping their running up from the Colligan league
and are also taking their times down. Marion Moloney (37.22) and Mary
Riordan (37.23) ran around together and made the task easier. Well done to
you all and keep up the good work.
4 LAPS
NO LET UP FROM SEAN
Sean Stilwell may have been late starting off but he wasn’t long getting
into his stride and he finished with a time of 28.52, just 34 seconds ahead
of the man in 2nd place Kevin Kenneally. The third man home was Des Feeney
in a time of 31.53. Corinna Walsh loves the Friary and always runs well
there and her time of 32 minutes was impressive with the fairly soft ground
. Mark Cliffe is another who ran the Colligan Hill League and he’s keeping
up the good work in the Minnie’s Fit4Life league as his time of 35.59 will
testify. Tom Moroney (36.10) is getting a break from delivering the oil and
is finding some time to get some running in while Karen Ryan (37.11) was
preparing for the Bantry Half Marathon after her excellent run in
Butlerstown just 4 days previously. William Foley (38.49) is showing
improvements every day he goes out and maybe he’s getting some advice from
uncle John (40.09). If he is, it should be good as John has plenty of
experience from his victory in the Winter League. 28 runners took part in
the 4 laps and we expect to see some more regulars back next week, so get
those runners out, find that tracksuit or shorts you’ve been keeping for the
time you said you would get fit and away you go.
DIVISIONS
Soon we will start to divide people up into divisions of 5 and after the 8
weeks we will give prizes to the winners of each. This just keeps the
interest going and encourages people to keep going to try to run 6 out of
the 8 nights to get onto the league tables.
SPONSORS
Once again West Waterford Athletic Club would like to acknowledge our
sponsors for this league, the O Brien family of Minnies.Charmaine and her 3
boys were on hand last week to give encouragement to all the runners so
thanks again to all the O Brien family.
CLARE WALSH AND ANGELINE DRENNAN ARE JOINT WINNER’S OF COMERAGH CRYSTAL ATHLETE OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL.
April was always likely to produce a female winner as the ladies had an
advantage with a ladies only race being held in Kilkenny on 19 April. In the
athlete of the month competition the person who takes part in the most
events scores the highest points and so is deemed to be the winner, however
if two or more people have the same points total, the person who had the
highest points the previous month is deemed to be the winner. This month
when all the points were added up, three people, Clare, Angeline and Sean
Stillwell, had identical scores. When the previous months scores were
checked the two ladies were level on a higher score than Sean, indeed when
all the months of this year were checked it turned out these two ladies
could not be separated at all which is not surprising really as these two
ladies travel to races in each others company and indeed train together. As
it would have been impossible to pick one winner the fairest result was to
declare Clare and Angeline joint winners of Comeragh Crystal Athlete of the
Month for April. Clare and Angeline took part in 7 events over the month. 2
nights of the Colligan League, the Marine Climb, Butlerstown 10k, the
Everywoman 4 mile race Kilkenny, the BUPA Great Ireland run (10K) in Phoenix
Park on April 5 and on Easter Sunday they travelled to Kilnaboy for the 10
miler and in doing so completed the John Buckley Sports / Munster Ten-Mile
Spring Classics Series. Since the beginning of the monthly competition there
has been 18 winners, the ladies have the winning advantage with 10 female
names on the trophies. So far only Corinna Walsh has managed to win the
award in 2008 and again in 2009.Winning totals have varied from 4 points to
12 points, so with just a little effort to take part in as many events as
possible it could be your name on the trophy, and I am sure all of our past
winners will agree that it is a beautiful trophy and well worth striving to
win. Events organised locally this month that will earn you points are; the
Minnie’s league which takes place every Tuesday night for the month of May,
Waterford to Tramore road race on this Saturday evening, the sports evening
in the Friary this Friday evening at 7, and of course the big event locally
this month is the John Treacy 10 mile classic on 17 May. If you do take part
in any event outside of the above mentioned and you want the points to be
included in this competition please contact Brigid Coffey.
4.450 EURO FOR WATERFORD ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY.
A substantial cheque of 4.450 Euro was handed over recently by race
organiser of the Baldy Man race Michael Flynn to representative of Waterford
Alzheimer’s Society Fintan Walsh, The race was held on Tramore Beach over the
Christmas period, congrats to all concerned on raising such a super amount of
money.
2,346 EURO DONATED TO WATERFORD ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY.
Congratulations to all participants at last weekends Butlerstown 10k race
number 2 in the Ger Wyley/Nike summer series of road races, a grand total of
2.346 Euro was donated to Waterford Alzheimer’s Society, which was the
proceeds from the race.
SANDIS WINS JOHN JOE BARRY 5K.
Sandis Bralitis made the journey to the John Joe Barry 5k in Tipperary last
Thursday evening and took an easy victory on the night in a time of 15.27
thus retaining the title he won in 2008.
PERSONAL BEST 1.500 METERS FOR DAVID MC CARTHY AS HE PICKS UP SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR ACCOLADE,
The bar gets higher and higher for West Waterford’s David McCarthy as his
progression continues in the right direction,. David ran a personal best 1.500
meters with a time of 3.42.34 at the Big East championships in Villanova
last Saturday. The race was won by a Senior athlete Liam Boylan-Pett of
Georgetown in 3.41.47 with David second and Norte Dame’s Daniel Clare also a
senior third in 3.45.11.From the field of 15 starters David and Pett took
the race out and with a lap remaining the winner was always going to come
from these two. Coming off the final bend David was just ahead with Pett
waiting on his shoulder and was always going to strike with one last effort
to try and deny the West Waterford man of his victory, Just as they
approached the finish he took that chance and piped Mc Carthy as the finish
line approched. Never the less a great run and a personal best time over the
distance is no bad days work, To crown a very successful weekend David was
voted best sports person of the year for his college Providence and that
includes all sports played in the college, indeed its not very often that a
runner wins this prestigious college award. Congrats and well done on both
accounts David.
1.500 METERS RESULTS FROM BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIPS U.S.A.
1 Liam Boylan-Pett SR GEORGETOWN 3:41.47
2 David McCarthy SO PROVIDENCE 3:42.34
3 Daniel Clark SR NOTRE DAME 3:45.11
4 Carl MacKenzie SO VILLANOVA 3:46.60
5 Jordan Carlson FR NOTRE DAME 3:47.37
6 Dominic Channon FR PROVIDENCE 3:47.82
7 Cody Harper SO VILLANOVA 3:50.10
8 Sandy Roberts SO GEORGETOWN 3:51.08
9 Ryan Gamboa SO NOTRE DAME 3:52.30
10 Hayden McLaren JR PROVIDENCE 3:53.41
11 Nick Miehe SO RUTGERS 3:53.50
12 Joseph LoRusso FR VILLANOVA 3:54.85
13 Spencer Carter SO NOTRE DAME 3:58.26
14 Stephen Hankinson SO PROVIDENCE 4:01.17
15 Nick Barao SO PROVIDENCE 4:21.64
BANTRY BAY HALF BRINGS P.B.s.
The club had 5 soles at last Sundays Bantry Bay half marathon and the long
journey to West Cork was a fruitful one for all. Raivis Zakis defending
champion from 2008 had an excellent run once again in bantry but had to
settle for third this year and this despite knocking over 1 minute off his
winning performance in 2008. When clocking 1.11.09. Raivis is still in good
shape after his 2.24 marathon run in Paris two weeks previous, he is taking
on the marathon distance again Sunday week when he competes in the Riga
Marathon in his home country of Latvia where we wish him well. Our next
finisher was Dermot Ryan and hears a man who’s training is obviously going
superbly well after having a fine run in this race last year Dermot clocked
1.28.59 Sunday to clip a whopping 6 minutes off last years time and record a
personal best for the distance. Great running from the GSK employee. Anthony
Dwyer was our next finisher with a time of 1.40.45,running his usual steady
race Anthony is gearing himself for yet another Dublin marathon in the
Autumn which must bring him somewhere up around the 47 or 48 marathon’s
completed mark, An astonishing achievement by any standards and there’s plenty
more to come. Bantry native Karen Ryan wins this scribes performance of the
day award for a real gutsy run on home soil, clocking 1.41.39 and like
husband Dermot a PB was recorded knocking over 3 minutes off her best time
for the distance, Karen one of the clubs most improved Female athlete’s of
late put in a very solid and evenly timed race finishing like a steam train
with plenty in the tank over the final couple of miles. The clubs final
runner on the day was Paul Brunnock 1.49.10.not Paul’s best half marathon run
by a long way but he will be delighted to have completed the distance non
the less, This hopefully is a return to competition for Paul as he has been
on the injury list for some time now but hopefully he has put that behind
him and can look forward to a busy summer with no more injury setback’s. Well
done to all.
GER WYLEY SPORTS/NIKE SUMMER SERIES RACE NO 3.
40TH ANNUAL WATERFORD –TRAMORE PADDY FLANAGAN MEMORIAL ROAD RACE ON NEXT SATURDAY.
The oldest road race in the South East now in its 40th year. The annual
Paddy Flanagan memorial Waterford to Tramore 7 miler takes place Saturday
evening next May 09th with a 7.30 pm starting time, Please note that entries
will be taken this year at the Tower Hotel using the Dunmore room, entering
the hotel from the back entrance only, toilet facilities will be available to
runners in the hotel also. The race keeps the traditional course starting at
City Hall and finishing at the Majestic Hotel in Tramore.The race will once
again this year be sponsored by Bausch and Lomb Waterford. All athletes
please note that entries for the race will be taken near city hall from 6.15
Showers and changing facilities are available at the Tramore G.A.A club
house and the presentation of prizes will also take place there, Entry to
the race is 10 Euro as chip timing will be used, the usual array of prizes
will be on offer and Mrs Mary Flanagan wife of the late Paddy will again be
in attendance as she has for the last 39 years to present the prizes and to
present her annual special prize to the athlete whom she picks as worthy of
a special award on the night. Please come along early to register as a huge
turn our is expected.
BULMERS CLONMEL 10K.
The Annual 10k Run in Clonmel organised by Clonmel AC.will take place on
Sunday May 10th next at 2pm.The race see’s drinks firm Bulmers as main
sponsors and the new course introduced for the first time last year will
remain the same, Prizes will be on offer for the usual men’s and Ladies
categories T-Shirt along with a goody bag will be given to all finishers.
Entry fee is 10 Euro at Clonmel Vocational School The Mall where the
presentation of prizes will also take place.
4th ANNUAL CLUB SPORTS THIS FRIDAY EVENING
Aimed at beginners and regulars, our 4th annual Track and Field sports
evening will be held in St. Augustine’s College, this Friday night, May 8th
at 6.30 p.m. A good turn out is expected for this sports evening, which is
open to everybody over 16 years of age. It is aimed at juniors, seniors and
Masters in both the beginners and regular’s categories. The evening’s
programme is designed to try and suit all levels and tastes.
The events are:
100 metres
400 metres
1 mile
Shot putt
Long jump
800 metres cycle
The aim is to take part in all the events for which you receive
points based on your finishing position but there is no pressure on anybody
to take part in an event that they are not comfortable with. All you need do
is enter the events that you wish but you are also most welcome to give all
the events a try. This proved to be a great night of fun the last three
years and we expect the same this
year so be sure to come along and have a bit of craic with West Waterford
A.C. Don’t forget your bike if you intend to take part in the 800 metre
cycle, an event that is always most amusing both to participate in and to
watch. See you in the Friary from 6.30 pm. onwards. Sean Stilwell was the
overall male winner last year and judging by the terrific form he is in of
late, a double looks most likely on the cards. Karen Ryan is also in great
form, producing personal bests with each outing and May well be back to
defend her title as best overall female. In the Master’s category, Yevgeniy
Chizhikov will face stiff opposition to defend his title as three points is
all that separated him from Michael Dunford. It will make for a great night
of sport and entertainment so please come along and support this event.
CORK BHAA PFIZERS 6 MILE
Two of the club’s busiest athletes were in action again last week at the
Cork BHAA Pfizers 6 mile road race. A large field of 277 athletes assembled
for the race which was won by the St. Finbarr’s athlete Cathal O’ Connell in
32.12. Sean Stilwell finished 4th overall, which was a great achievement
indeed given the high standard. Sean completed the 6 miles in less than 33
minutes, clocking 32.56 exactly. Joe Gough also performed admirably,
finishing first over 55 and in 16th position overall in 36.10. Great running
lads.
BEGINNER’S CORNER
It’s hard to believe that beginning next Monday, we will be twelve weeks
into this training schedule, and it only seems like the other day that it
began. If you have been getting the recommended 3 runs a week done, then you
have 33 runs done since the beginning so well done to you all. Now that the
evenings are brighter and warmer it will be much easier to get out and go
for a run. Well done to all that came along to the Minnie’s League, these
leagues are ideal for improving your time and fitness and levels. If you are
trying to run the Minnie’s League a little faster each week, it’s important
to run much slower on the other days during the week. By running the other
runs much slower, you will be well rested to give the league a lash as they
say. Aim to run the league a few seconds faster each week, don’t be too
ambitious and try to knock too much off in one week. Take it nice and handy
going around and if you feel up to it on the final field then pick up the
pace and give it all you have. As each week goes by you could start picking
up the pace a little earlier each time. Pick a spot on the course, take it
easy until you reach this spot and then off you go. As usual, adapt the
schedule according to your own needs.
Week 12 (beginning Monday 11th)
Monday 3 miles Tuesday 3 laps (Minnie’s League)Friday 4 miles
Week 13 (beginning Monday 18th)
Monday 3.5 miles Tuesday 3 laps (Minnie’s League)Friday 4 miles
SYMPATHY.
West Waterford AC extends sincere sympathy to the family of the late Jimmy
Maher (snr) Shanbally, Leamybrien who passed to his eternal reward
recently, May he rest in peace.
ANNUAL MIDLETON 5.
This year’s Midleton Athletic Club 5 Mile Road Race will have a changed look
from previous years with the introduction of a new course which will take
the runners on the southern side of the N25.The Annual Joe Hourigan Midleton
5 miler takes place on Thursday evening 7th May at 8 pm. This year’s race
will start on Dwyer’s Road, close to Midleton Park Hotel and will take the
runners on a scenic five-mile country journey through quiet back roads as it
progress in the opposite direction to the old course. Changing and entries
will be taken at Midleton G.A.A.Pavilion.Entry fee is `10 Euro with two Euro
donated from the entry to Midleton Community Hospital support fund. Prize
categories are Men 1st 6,1st 3 over 40-45-and 50.1st 2 over 55 and 1st over
60 and 65 plus 1st and 2nd Junior. Ladies 1st 6,1st 3 over 35-40 and 45,1st
2 over 50 and 1st over 55 plus 1st and 2nd Junior. Please note that
headphones are not allowed and those found to be wearing them will be
disqualified from the race. More Details from joint Race Directors Danny
McCarthy (087- 2403940) or John Cashman 021-4667641
RUNNING QUOTE
Play not only keeps us young but also maintains our perspective about the
relative seriousness of things. Running is play, for even if we try hard to
do well at it, it is a relief from everyday cares.
COME RUN WITH THE LEGEND.
JOHN TREACY 10 MILE CLASSIC AND 5K FUN RUN/WALK ENTER ONLINE.
On Sunday May 17th next all walkers/joggers/strollers/runners/athletes and
just about everyone else is invited by Waterford County Council, Waterford
Sports Partnership, West Waterford AC, Waterford AC and the local community
of Villierstown to come along and be part of the celebrations to honour one
of the countries father figures of athletics, John Treacy who 30 years ago
this year won his second World cross country title on Limerick race course.
Honouring his athletic achievements which include a silver Olympic marathon
medal and two gold world cross country titles the above mentioned are
holding the inaugural John Treacy 10 mile classic and 5k fun run/walk in
John’s home village of Villierstown.John and the organisers are inviting all
to come along and take part in the 10 miler and if that distance is a tad
out of reach there’s the 5k which is open to all, Proceeds from both events
will be donated to John’s nominated charity Concern, We appeal to all to get
your entries in A.S.A.P. With a huge turn out expected on the day we
especially appeal to all local participants to please get your entries in
through the online entry system or by postal entry with forms available at
Ger Wyley Sports. check out the dedicated web site for the race with all
further details www.johntreacyclassic.com
<http://www.johntreacyclassic.com/> Bring the whole family along and join
<http://www.johntreacyclassic.com/> in the fun on Sunday 17th May 2009 at
12:30 p.m. in Villerstown, Co. Waterford.”Come run with a legend”.
