The ladies of 2007…………

Well what a fab years it’s been! Hard to believe our Captain Murphy has led us through the last twelve months keeping us up to date with runs, races, fixtures, days out, nights out, catering, laughs and gossip – she really is a top captain, so from all of us “thank you Julie, you do a great job!”

We all know that each and every member has worked hard, either training, running, racing, overcoming injury or supporting – each and every part a crucial ingredient to the success of us ladies here at Wesham.

There have been some obvious success stories over the year, with our leading lady Joanna. If we could all run as well as Joanna we’d be doing great. What’s really lovely is that Joanna is such a popular member of the running club and happy to run with any of us, (not that any of us can keep up with her – it’s just she’s always willing to run a bit slower for us lot!). Joanna is a fab runner, and here’s to many more successes for her in 2008 – the rest of us will just take inspiration from all the hard work and great results she gets!

Another member that should get some recognition, not just for her excellent running both on and off road, but in particular for a massive amount of “backstage” work done by our very own Kath Hoyer. Kath supports Chairman Dave with so much in terms of races, emails, research, organisation and proving to be a ‘club necessity’ in ensuring things run so smoothly for the rest of us! Just so happens that she happens to run fantastically well too!

Talking of ‘off road champs’, Sarah has, over the course of the year, proven that she’s not just a mile muncher on the marathon front but that off road she is a mountain goat! Sarah quite justly won the Off Road Championship for 2007, and the best is no doubt yet to come! Not far behind Sarah on the off road events is the ever surprising Pauline. Quote of 2006 was: “I’m never running up a hill or off road again!!!” ……hmmm, you only have to look at Pauline’s smiling face in 2007 to see that she’s done a fine job in converting herself to be a lady of the hills and off road section! Well done, an inspiration to us all!

Adding glamour and ease to running is the one and only Michaela! I think we can all agree that it has been wonderful to see her back in top form and producing such fab times! It’s quite easy to see that Michaela will continue with much success in 2008 as she seems to be a real natural!

Together with Sarah, both Carmel and Julie C have proven themselves ‘top bananas’ by acquiring “good for their age” status for FLM 2008! The three of them will walk the marathon - well actually they won’t walk it at all – they will run very fast and I know we will all wish them lots of luck and fun along the way!

Now what a difference 12 months makes – well it certainly has for our very own Sue…….most improved runner of 2007 – a real achievement! Sue deserves to be very proud of herself for she has done brilliantly well over the last few months. Working hard, training, studying, and racing – the lady is an example to us all!

The last 12 months have also seen lots of hard work from a few of our other runners. In particular, one that springs to mind is the eternal student, Bernadette. Dette is still studying hard, but in her final year now and, although she may not have had as much time for running, her ability has certainly not suffered. She still turns up at the club and races when possible. Her times are good and she makes it look easy – this student lifestyle obviously suits!

Tracy, on the other hand has proven herself to be a major star club runner in both road and cross country events. Tracy works hard, has achieved great successes and, although quietly working hard, is seeing good results for her efforts and enjoyment!

A wonderful way to end 2007 is seeing a welcome return of Beth, who has unfortunately been out of running due to injury. However, slowly but surely she is making a comeback, and as she is such a popular member of the club it will be great to see her back with her trainers on!

As another 12 months have gone by there are a few select ladies amongst us who have slipped into different age categories, (there is even one member who has become an alleged veteran runner 35 – but I don’t believe that for one minute!). We do though have great reason to celebrate with Ann though, as she has achieved great success in her first year as a VF50….! That is not to say she will remain unrivalled but right now she deserves to enjoy every success she has celebrated! Well done Ann!

I know there will be lots of ladies I have no doubt missed mentioning either now or over the last 12 months given what a humble bunch you are at not always letting everyone know your great achievements, (in the running world that is!). We have got lots of members/colleagues/friends/family who support and turn up and this, we probably all agree, is crucial to us being able to enjoy ourselves as we do! The Wrinkly ladies who always cheer and support us, the marshals of runners and non runners who take their turn at different events in order that we can run! Thank you to all the ladies…….Captain Julie thinks we’ve had an ‘alright year’ - so that’ll do for us!

So, may the next 12 months lead to more running, races, laughter and fun….oh yes, and maybe a little beer drinking too!

Written by: Yvonne Russell

Submitted: 28^th November 2007

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor