TRIBUTES TO JOANNA

My impression of Joanna is a quiet, no nonsense, kind of person who just gets on with the job in hand. Joanna’s enthusiasm for running is phenomenal and she extends this enthusiasm and dedication to her support of Wesham Road Runners. I do not know much about Joanna personally but I have always found her very supportive of the website and magazine and love receiving her very interesting articles. At our last Presentation Evening Joanna picked up a tremendous amount of very well deserved awards, (see the list later in the magazine), – I don’t know where you put them all Joanna and all that polishing!!! I know she has always had the full support of her family and her mother Hillary is also a regular runner.

Hillary has collaborated and contributed to the many photos of Joanna in this edition. She has written a wonderful tribute to her daughter of which I am sure Joanna will be very proud and rightly so. Hillary wasn’t quite sure how Joanna would feel about it but, hey girl, this is your section and your history. You have a very proud Mum and Dad. It gives them the opportunity to put into words how they feel – a kind of “This is your Life”. You will see from the photos below that, right from the “get-go”, our Joanna has always been a very active person. Her hobbies cover a huge diverse section of sport too and I am sure there is a lot more to come from her.

Joanna makes an excellent ambassador for Wesham Road Runners, not only being an accomplished athlete in her own right but she is also a very capable and valued team player. She is, as her awards indicate, our top lady runner. I wish Joanna continued success throughout her running career. All the very best Joanna.

Written by: Brenda Earnshaw WRR Editor

Submitted; 9^th January 2011

PHOTOS OF JOANNA THROUGHOUT HER LIFE

TRIBUTE TO oUR DAUGHTER JOANNA

As parents, Joanna has brought us so much interest and adventure into our lives from the time she made her appearance into the world to, especially, recent times. When we have accompanied her on holiday she is meticulous about doing her homework on the destination we are visiting.

Camping, climbing, walking, and swimming equipment was piled into the car along with numerous maps, guide books and, on some occasions, even the laptops.

Long hikes are planned by her for almost every day – mountain regions being the most preferable. We are cajoled into activities which, left to our own devices, we wouldn’t think of doing but, succumbing to her persuasion, we end up having an exhilarating and satisfying time. Joanna is adept at compass reading and navigation in the very most, far flung places and we cans safely rely on her.

Joanna has always been sporty, having been chosen for the Town Sports whilst at Primary School. Her first proper race was at the age of about 15 – Blackpool 10k, though she wasn’t into running seriously then. At that time she was more involved with music, playing the cornet, while being a member of Marton Mere Brass Band, (along with her brother David,) – formerly Dutton Forshaw. That took up a lot of her time and much commitment as it meant attending frequent practice sessions, plus more time for rehearsals for the numerous concerts and competitions that occurred all over the place. The Brass Band interest continued when she lived in Sheffield at the University, where she joined a band on the outskirts of the city. It was in Sheffield that she discovered her love of climbing and the nearby Peak District was her playground.

On returning to live back in the Fylde, and eventually settling in Freckleton, she discovered that village held an annual gala which included a half marathon, so she decided to enter as ‘unattached’. Following that she approached Wesham Road Runners to become a member and, from then on, running became a serious matter.

Joanna is extremely focused on whatever activity she’s involved with, be it hiking, badminton, skiing, swimming, yoga, etc., and always gives of her best. Joanna has many facets. She is sensitive, sincere, caring, feisty, capable, shy, and modest. She is also non-materialistic, open, extremely honest, creative, always buzzing with new ideas and rather a free spirit.

Ian and I seem to have a wonderful relationship with Jo. She cares for our welfare and is not afraid to voice her concerns and thoughts. Of course there are certainly disagreements and angry spats but fortunately nothing is ever left to fester and very soon life is serene again.

Jo cares very much for her two brothers, David and Richard and is very much involved with Richard’s children – her only nephew and niece whom she dotes on and is a wonderful Auntie to them. James (6) sometimes stays with Jo when the family comes to stay from Hertfordshire. She’s already introduced him to rock climbing which he loves and the also cycle together. She has so much patience with James and his sister Abigail (2), and is constantly devising new and interesting activities for them.

As for the children’s parents, it is now tradition every Boxing Day, when they are up for Christmas that they are taken for a substantial hike somewhere while we have the children – no matter what the outside temperature is. Richard is really up for it. Nikki, who initially was reluctant for this sort of “treat”, now seems to enjoy it also.

From the views of her parents, Joanna has brought so much exhilaration and interest into Ian’s and my life and, because of her openness and honesty; we can and always will trust her with anything and can thoroughly rely on her for anything. She is always there for us and we are here for her and love her very much.

Written by: Hillary Goorney

Submitted: 22^nd January 2011

Tribute to Joanna

I first came across Joanna when I was announcing results at the Freckleton Half Marathon and Wesham 10K in 2003.

Joanna was collecting prizes then as prolifically as she does now, only then it was as an unattached runner.

You know me, never pass up an opportunity to try and get a new member or three, so I naturally said something along the lines of "sign her up" at Freckleton. Then at the Wesham 10K I announced Joanna as first unattached lady and again said something like "sign her up before someone else does"

I don't know who finally persuaded Joanna that joining Wesham was a good idea, but I'm sure we're all in agreement when I say I'm glad she did join us.

And of course she has since persuaded her Mum, Hilary to join Blackpool Wyre and Fylde. So prize giving these days are hardly completed without a Mum and Daughter prize collection.

Enjoy this issue of the magazine Joanna you deserve it.

Written by: Brian Porter

Submitted: 21^st January 2011

Tribute to Joanna

On the 22nd of June 2003 I ran the Freckleton Half Marathon. When I had run about 4 miles I caught up with a young lady, who, as I leveled up with her, started to run with me and we stayed together for the next nine miles. As we ran along side by side, I asked her why she wasn’t wearing a club vest to which she replied that she wasn’t a member of a club, but was thinking of joining one. I asked her where abouts she lived and she said that she lived in Freckleton. So despite me being a member of North Fylde at the time, I suggested that she join Wesham, as it would be more convenient for her. As we ran along we passed a number of Wesham runners so I was able to point them out to her, these included Kath Hoyer, peter Bartlett, Julie Cruse, Brian Porter and another young man making his Freckleton début, by the name of Karl Lee. When we finished the race I asked her for her name and telephone number--she gave me her name but wouldn’t part with her number. Her name was Joanna Goorney and, though I had run side by side with her, I hadn’t seen her face so I didn’t know what she looked like and I had to ask her mum, Hillary to point her out to me at a later date

Written by; Mike Walsh

Submitted: 23^rd January 2011

TRIBUTE TO JOANNA

Congratulations Joanna on making the front page of the magazine and in my opinion well deserved you turn out for many races and win rather a lot of them lucky you!!!

I can remember deciding to run round the summer handicap one month. Not racing it as the rest were, and you asked if I minded if you ran with me, which I didn’t. I was more worried about holding you back but that didn’t happen. You ran at my pace and at the bridge you did your disappearing act for a comfort stop which allowed me to be in front of you for the first and last time as we ran the remainder together. Being Joanna and very polite you asked if I minded a bit of advise and, seeing as you are the better and more experienced runner, I didn’t, so the comment on how to relax my shoulders when running came “think you are holding a crisp between your thumb and index finger.” At the time I thought you were mad but I have tried it many times and it does help. So thank you for that snippet and it has caused a few laughs when I have repeated it to others.

Long may your running continue at this high level.

Written by; Kerry Eccles, Ladies Captain

Submitted: 23^rd January 2011

Talented Runner, Climber, Triathlete, Orienteer and more…….

Joanna is a gutsy, determined athlete who seems capable of turning her talents to a wide range of sports and excelling in them. Whilst many of us know her best for her running endeavours, she is also a talented competitive climber and enjoys rambling, orienteering, and the odd triathlon.

Well known for her running, Joanna is an inspiration for many of us. She joined Wesham Road Runners in late 2003 having competed in the Freckleton Half in the June as an unattached runner finishing in a very respectable 1.42.31. That probably seems like a walk in the park now given her current best time for a half which she recently completed in 86.09; a time that many men would be envious of – what’s the secret ingredient Joanna! She is a regularly winner of the Joe Beck Trophy in the Freckleton Half Marathon.

There was clearly a lot more to come from Joanna where road racing was concerned and she now has an impressive array of times over all the major distances. In addition to her impressive performance and PB time at the Knavesmire Harriers Brass Monkey Half on 23^rd January 2011, (she also picked up the Vet 40 prize), she has also achieved the following PB times:

3k	11.15.7
5k	19:25
10k	38.50
10m	65.28
Marathon	3.14.9

Joanna also manages to juggle family and running by combining her now regular appearance at the Watford Half Marathon with a trip to her brother who lives in Bushey Heath.

In 2007 Joanna competed in her first triathlon, the 2^nd Aegon St Annes Triathlon. She clearly took this in her stride and took a relaxed approach to the event given her reference to towelling down at the transition stage from swim to bike – getting dry was obviously more important than getting on the bike! In her other life as a climber, Joanna continues to excel. In 2010, she was the first vet lady in ‘The Battle of Britain’ – The Depot Climbing Centre and regular takes part in a range of competitive climbing.

Her determination to achieve her best in running is outstanding and I’m sure there is more to come. We are very proud to have her as a Wesham Road Runner and look forward to her future performances.

Written by: Tracey Hulme, Ladies Cross Country Captain

Submitted: 15^th February 2011

TRIBUTE TO JOANNA

Well all I can say is what a great runner Joanna is. We have had some great races against each other. She helped me get my PB for my 10k at Wesham encouraging me to keep going. We always meet up at the London marathon start line and try and calm each others nerves! Although she makes me laugh - 2mins before a race, she shoots off to the toilet, (or nearest bush!). Joanna has greatly improved lately. I thought she did brilliantly when she went to Switzerland to do the Marathon there. Joanna really sold it too me when she came back. Looking forward too racing again with her this year. Well done Joanna you are a credit too Wesham

Written by: Mick Edge

Submitted: 18^th February 2011

TRIBUTE TO JOANNA

Joanna Goorney - that’ll be the slight figure that disappears off in the distance. This happens all too often these days at races; channelling all that nervous energy to great effect.  Ah yes, the pre-race nerves, now I’m sure we’ve all  had first hand experience of these:  Do I wear a hat, do I wear gloves, do I wear just a vest, a T-shirt, where’s the start and of course where’s the toilet.  Yes Joanna there are a few people who, when they say they only see the rear of you at races, are being quite frank!!!  You’re also in good company with the likes of Paula Radcliffe who’s been unable to complete a Marathon without the obligatory stop to sort a call of nature. 

This last year, when I’ve been recovering some long lost form, I have had occasion to beat Joanna to the finishing line, much to her disgust. One occasion was at Freck as I past her she retorted “and where are you going”. Joanna’s always made a point of reporting the stats of our duels in her favour; competitive most definitely.  Even Mick Edge has smarted from a few defeats at the hands, or should I say legs, of Joanna. How does she shift so fast for a little un? Mind you, I’ve always said the same about Gary Pendlebury!!! Then there’s the Pennine Bridleway ‘picnic’! As we were returning from last year’s event I was witness, as the driver, to Joanna, oblivious to all in the car, preparing her evening meal and pouring and making tea. All neatly laid out in the passenger footwell of my car.

Yes Joanna you’re definitely one of the club’s characters.  Congratulations on a great years racing and pot bagging. Long may it continue in a Wesham Vest of course, or T-shirt, as you wish.

Written by: Gary Moore

Submitted: 27^th February 2011