The National Cross Country Relays, ‘Personfield’ Saturday, 3rd November 2007

It was a very early start today to make the trip to Personfield (I believe that’s the Politically Correct term!)

We were joined on the trip by our friends from Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde and as we set off my main hope was that the commentator would actually call them by their correct name. Last year as he saw Anthony Ford come through the first lap in 6^th place, he announced “The runner from Bristol West…………….” He had simply seen the letters “BWFAC” on the vest and made it up as he went long!

Don’t worry folks; you know I don’t do that!!!

As I write this report you’ll have to forgive me if I get distracted. I’m opening and reading at the same time – who says men can’t multi task??

We were without Bernadette today. Despite our best efforts to persuade her otherwise, she insisted on going to University, with ‘Billy’ and ‘no Mates’. Now I don’t think this was wise. You see, when I was at University there were posters everywhere advising us to “Take your MATES everywhere.” So if Bernadette gets lucky with Billy, and they’ve got no Mates, well…………!!

There were meeting points across the Fylde coast this morning and all had one thing in common – they are pubs. Sadly they were also closed so we couldn’t have beer before we set off.

The coach arrived at The Fairfield just before 9am and those of us assembled got on board. And then we waited for Capt’n Russell, ………. and we waited, ……… and we waited!!!!!

When Capt’n Russell eventually arrived she claimed, “I’m not late, I’m just not on time!” I’m glad we cleared that one up!

Now Capt’n Young had asked for us to be on best behaviour today on account of our friends from the coast were with us. I wish to state here and now that I did behave well. However, before we had travelled 10 miles the “ladies” on the back row had reduced the conversation to a level so low it was scraping on the tarmac under the coach!!

This would normally have been acceptable, but the fact we had our friends from Blackpool Wyre and Fylde with us just made matters ten times worse.

What’s this in the post? Stannah chair lifts – no, I don’t need one yet, I’ll pass that on to Dave Waywell!!

I can’t say any more about the conversation at the back of the coach. It was worse than the conversations last year when all they talked about was a party at Anne Summers’ house!

I wish to pay special tribute to two of the Blackpool team in particular – Luke Minns and Adam Hulme. You see Luke and Adam come into your “proper athlete” category. They have everything – they are tall, lean, fast, young, and brave, very brave. Proof of this bravery is in the fact they sat close to the back of the coach near us lot!!

I was encouraged on the way back to see Luke tucking into a large bag of steak and onion crisps, and I’d like to think Wesham had some influence on his choice of diet, because we ate rubbish most of the day!

A short comfort break at Hartshead Moor gave us a chance to stretch our legs. A party of nuns almost had their eyes opened very wide indeed when Capt’n Russell suggested we invite them to join us at the back of our coach!

Capt’n Barlow headed straight for the hot food and came back with a full fry up. Good on you Lee, proper running fuel!! Luke and Adam take note, or you’ll end up as thin as Dave Waywell!!

There’s a leaflet here in the post about SAGA holidays – doesn’t look anything like as good as a Wrinkly Tour though!!

When we got to Personfield we split the marquee into separate packs of poles in one bag and the main marquee in another. Whilst this made transport easier it made the erection much more difficult because both bags finished up at opposite ends of the park! However, when the two were joined we got it up in no time!

With all the excitement of the journey and putting up the marquee it was soon time to race. There are those who thought I wouldn’t mention the race, but here it is………….

I set off at the front on leg one and within 50 metres I was at the back! As I got towards the end of the first lap I caught up with a group of three other runners and employed my greatest tactic – I’ll talk them out of the race! It worked a treat!

As I came in to hand over to John Sharples, (who I might add, got out of his sick bed to run), the commentator announced, “In first place, ………… and in second it’s ………………., and this bloke from Wesham is NOT third!!” Thanks mate; I’m sooooooooooo glad you cleared that up!

There, I’ve mentioned the race. You’ll get a more detailed account of who did what, times etc., in Alex Rowe and Tony Croft’s reports in The Gazette. But they won’t talk bout the important stuff like what I have!

Special mention of Tony Croft. His photos are already on the Blackpool web site. There is one excellent photo of Tony himself walking up a hill. The really interesting thing is Tony has taken a photo of himself still holding the camera!! Top man!

On a more serious note, thanks to everyone from both clubs for a great day out. Loads of fun, loads of laughs and loads of great, friendly competition. Are we all going together to the Northerns in Leeds and the Nationals at Alton Towers? I hope so.

Next up will be Burnley on Saturday. At least we don’t need to clean our spikes in preparation!

Finally, something useful in the post. “Boost your creative writing skills with our fantastic online course” Now, how do I sign up for that

Written by: Brian Porter

Submitted: 3^rd November 2007

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor