I’VE BEEN EXPECTING YOU MR BOND!

Yes, and I imagine you’ve been expecting a first report from your new captain – or maybe not!

Firstly I would like to welcome all our new members. It’s the sincere wish of everyone at Wesham that you enjoy everything the club has to offer. Running has afforded us all so much enjoyment over the years and, whether running for competition, or just pleasure, may you too know the rewards this wonderful sport has to offer. Good Luck and welcome to Wesham.

I notice that some of our newer lady members have already enjoyed the pleasures of the cross country season and, once again, ‘The Mighty Wesham’ has made the seamless transition to the summer series of races. I was particularly proud of the twelve stalwarts who represented Wesham at Catterick. It was great to see Les back and running well and Karl building on his recent improvement. ‘Run of the Day’ however belonged to John Bertenshaw, who doubled up from Coniston the previous day and returned an excellent leg. Although we failed to qualify, everyone acquitted themselves well. But surely success lies in our stronger runners turning out rather than an over-dependence on the ‘old guard’? There is no reason why we cannot qualify for the National Six Stage and return a Lancashire medal later on in the season.

It’s been most encouraging to see a return to form from several runners: Steve Myerscough, Pendlebury, Bates, Glasgow and Julie Cruse spring instantly to mind. Their efforts inspire us all. ‘The Mighty Wesham’ also looks forward to Mick Edge running again after his long rehabilitation from a back injury. Good Luck Mick!

Then, of course, the Spring Marathons and how well everyone ran. If I mention one effort I feel obliged to mention them all. Three runs however particularly arrested my attention. Carmel’s excellent run at London in spite of an injury hit build up. Joanna’s run at Dumfries – race winner in a fine P.B. (I ran two P.W.’s last year!) And the ‘Tartan Terror’s’ superb run in the London Marathon. George has had some frustrating outings over the classis distance so it was particularly pleasing to see him return such a well judged effort. This must surely serve as an inspiration to those who have yet to do their talent justice over the marathon distance. I can’t help but wonder however how quickly George might have run had he chosen to do a 5 km sharpener the week before at Catterick! (Only joking George).

Oh! I nearly forgot. I think there is someone called Littler who runs in a Wesham Vest. He’s quite handy too!

This brings me on to the Inter Club Series and an encouragement to everyone to take part. Wesham narrowly missed out on second place overall at Blackpool, once again showing how, as a running force, we repeatedly punch above our weight. The Inter Club Series of races is a quite unique and splendid event and one which we all enjoy participating in very much. It’s one of the few events in my twenty years of running where the standard has not declined. If anything it is in ruder health today than it was twenty years ago. It also embodies all the reasons why we run. For enjoyment, fitness, to pit ourselves against old adversaries, friendship or maybe to make a connection with a little bit of what we fancy.

Whatever your reason and whether a relative newcomer or a seasoned campaigner, I would like to wish you all an enjoyable and injury-free summer of running. Remember, we are ‘The Wesham’ and the road goes on forever.

Yours in running: Russell

Submitted: 28^th April 2008

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor