RUNNER PROFILES

INDEX
Men	Ladies
Martin Bates	Kath Hoyer
Charlie Pass
John Whiteman

Runner Profile: MARTIN BATES

Job: Administrative Officer at Disability Living Allowance, Warbreck Hill, Blackpool.

I ran at Blackpool Collegiate Grammar School for the cross country team circa 1971–73? (Age 15 – 16 perhaps). I seem to remember Rob Brown (?) and Martin Cousins (?) were the Charlie Pass/Alex Rowe and I was the “Martin Bates” (usually 6^th counter!) I also did 100 metres hurdles believe it or not and I was in the 4 x 100 relay or was it the 2 x 200 metres relay???(Long time ago!) I missed a fixture once to attend a Blackpool match, (Middlesbrough away with Rog Graham). The teacher, Mr Slater was brilliant about it, (no bollocking- rather like Dave Young!!!) I seemed to remember he was very encouraging – making you feel special, even though there were five better runners in front of you.

I seem to remember a chap called Barry Durham from Red Rose who seemed to organise the majority of races in those days. Having always been a prolific racer, I joined Red Rose. However the races seemed to fizzle out – possibly under some sort of a cloud (?), so my mates and I (from Tomlinson’s Gym, Talbot Road – Jack Goodwin, Billy Beggs, Keith Hawtin, Mark Hill, Chris Carter) all joined Wesham en-masse.

To cut a long story short I was a Sunday Alliance (Division 5A!) footballer and broke a bone in my foot training, (the infamous metatarsal!?). I started to run to get fit and ended up a better runner than footballer.

Describe your form over the years – how fast did you improve, when were you’re your best times, has injury played a part over the years, have you had periods of stagnation and how long did they last? Have you stopped running for a time and why?

I think Steve had me in mind with this question???? Apart from a great Tour of Tameside in 1993 – running in the name of Geoff Nicholls, (it’s always gone on and it always will though it backfired somewhat as I couldn’t claim the “most improved runner”) I did a 1:19 half, my purple patch occurred when I worked in Preston and started training with Barry Peatfield. We sat in the same bank of desks and I didn’t know him from Adam. We got talking about the Blackpool 10k; I think I was bragging about my 38(?) minutes when he suddenly chirped up “I’ve done that race”, so I thought I’d humour him by asking, “How did you go on?” He replied, “Oh, I won it!” I could have died with embarrassment!!! We started training together at lunchtime. He had slowed down a bit, (by his standards), and it really bought me on, (trying) to keep up with a faster runner. (He wouldn’t wait if I was lagging behind, so I had to keep up or else I’d get lost!!!) I suppose this was 2001 – 2003? I seemed to be able to do 35 and a half 10k’s and sub 3-hour marathons at will. 2004/2005? I seemed to get a succession of minor injuries and never, ever got back.

I suppose I started on the Track in the Civil Service Championships in my mid-40’s, (for a day off work at Tax payers expense, he, he), – I think I ran 2:27 for 800 metres and 4:55 for 1500 metres. Five or six years down the line, I’m probably 2:38/5:16. Used to visit Windsor, Bath, Edinburgh in top notch hotels, (that’s for Finlay and Peter Cruse’s benefit! We actually stayed in student digs!)

After my first sub 3-hour marathon in the name of Chris Carter (2h 55m 47s - 1/7/84) I thought I’d “done it all” so I packed in for maybe 3 months? My weight ballooned to 14 stones, so I thought I’d better get my finger out…….and was soooooo stupid. I ran from Lancaster to Cleveleys from no training in 3 months and got a stress fracture. But I suppose generally I’ve been lucky with injuries, given my stupidity!)

How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork, etc. What’s the most mileage you have done and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

I don’t keep a log, but I think I’m doing in the region of 60 miles per week at present, mainly due to a 20/21 mile Tuesday night run with Pete Cruse in preparation for Buttermere/Krakov, (my house to St Annes and back). (Tanya and Lee joined us this Tuesday, but not being true Seasiders, they turned back at North Pier!)

Work permitting, (helpline rota permitting), I try to do a speed session on Thursday and Friday lunchtimes and race most Sundays though I have started listening to wiser runners saying don’t race too much…….but then I get back into the “groove” and carry on regardless! I do a half hour gentle swim on Wednesdays and have regular massages.

In the old days I ran 13 miles everyday with my faithful hound, Freeway….and I guess looking back, it didn’t make me faster! Freeway used to “escape” and turn up at friends houses miles away!

I suppose my tip would be try and run with a slightly faster runner on a regular basis, (if you want to improve). I was blissfully happy for years and then I met Michaela. Only joking. Trying to say for years, I was happy to plod round, keeping my weight down and eating and drinking with impunity. I always listen to words of wisdom from our top sticks, (our modest county/international runners), – Alan Hudson, Alex and Steve Littler. ….though I wouldn’t let Steve know in case he took the pee!!

Steve Hallas of Preston Harriers swears by Red Bull. As does Les Cornwall.

Maybe I’m being too ambitious, but I’m aiming for a 36:40 accurate 10k in summer, (I’m 39:45 at present). I want to make Wesham’s V50 Relay team and I’d like to do 2:59:59 at Krakov! Might have to go tea total for a while???? (Not that I’m an alcoholic, but I’m that far down the pecking order at present, I’ll try anything!!)

Who knows, maybe I can win “most improved runner” for a third time??!!

From my own personal PB point of view – Rome marathon. (Suppose I was at my fittest at the time – 2002(?)) – I ran 2:52. I gorged myself on pasta the night before and stopped for portaloo visit on the way round. I love Welsh Castles, Horwich series and the Interclubs for the camaraderie. Also enjoy the laidback Northern Vet track events.

Worst race – sorry Brian – I “DNF’d” once at the Freck Half!!! (Down to being too hot that day!) It was the pre-Porter era! I tend to avoid over-priced/inaccurate courses (to polite to say which ones! – if you don’t already know, you are going to have to learn from experience!) *

Used to love Saturday mornings with North Fylde’s Rod Hardace on Parlick and Fairsnape. Also like Wardstones/Loughridgg and Kentmere. Had a great run once over the Hellvelyn Range from St Johns in the Vale to Grasmere. (Two cars required or a non-running driver). Closer to home, I suppose its Stannah.

No. There’s talk of banning MP3 players by the way, (Athletic Weekly 13/12/2007)

Fell walking, but having a 3-legged dog until recently and a 10-year-old son, it’s been kinda difficult. I fancy doing the Inca Trail maybe next year and although it’s way out of my financial range, always fancied Everest Base Camp. I’ve had a 6-snooker break and once got a darts score of 60. I can regularly kick Levon’s and Michaela’s butt at pool. I swam for school, but never up to my dads/uncles standard. Been scuba diving in Thailand and loved it

Shame on you Steve, (you shouldn’t have to ask that!) I know that Martin – but just checking you hadn’t gone over to PNE!!!!

Thanks for asking me to complete. I’ve enjoyed it even though I “lost” the first one. I saved it and don’t know where it’s gone!

Runner Profile: Charlie Pass

Job and brief description: Countryside Officer: Management and operation of countryside sites and facilities, co-ordinate environmental education programme, lead and manage environmental based community projects and activities, coordinate and supervise volunteer groups and activities. Many other hats........

When did you start running, and at what age were you? When did you join Wesham? Have you been a member of any other running clubs?

I first started running at primary school, cross country, and would have been about 9 years old. I joined Wesham within the first couple of months of residing in Lancashire. Approx 4-5 years ago. I had completed the Garstang Half Marathon and was chatting to Barry Norman afterward. The rest is sweet history. I have been a member of two University running teams; University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada and Staffordshire University. I was also a member, for a short spell, of the Speed River Running Club, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, before I got deported!

Being chased down by a daughter’s father, shotgun loaded! Ha Ha. It was back in my rural primary school days. New teacher arrived at school and she put the shout out to begin a cross country team. I didn’t even know what it was then. The first time we went out – I loved it. The enthusiasm and motivation of the teacher, Mrs Rathbone, was infectious.

Describe your form over the years – how fast did you improve, when (and what) were your best times, has injury played a part over the years, have you had periods of stagnation and how long did they last? Have you stopped running for a time and why?

My best running has to be back in Canada. I was really fortunate to be in a team coached by a member of the Canadian Olympic squad. He works at the University of Guelph, Ontario and since he started there 10 years ago he has developed the strongest ladies and men's team, consecutively, in Canada. Amazing! I have asked him a favour for some training programmes he gets the squad to train with. Whoo, they are going to be bruisers! I have a good deal going with him - I get some training info and he gets some good ol’ Brit hospitality when he comes over!

I had a huge break from running before going to Canada of about 10 years, and when I moved there and joined the team my form went from very basic to qualifying for national races within 3 to 4 months.

I caught the end of the cross country season and then moved onto track. I competed in 600m the best time I got then was 1.29. Ran the 1500m several times and my best time was 4.12. I was never a keen track runner and loved the multi events and off- road more. I have competed in an Olympic measured triathlon which was amazing, my first 10km race I finished in around 34 minutes. I have suffered from slight injuries which have been recoverable in a few days to a week. I did suffer a muscle tear injury in my thigh which put me out for several months. Horrible! Right old Jake the peg! Rest, rest, rest is the best prescription! I have never stopped running and don’t recall any periods of stagnation. I love getting a variety of running, challenges and ambition in my training and competing. I believe this keeps the stagnation below par. My running kit goes everywhere with me.

My best 10km time was the Wesham 10k several years back, (33:16). I have had 10k races where I have felt I have run stronger but never been close. I have not done enough of them to get properly trained up racing wise. 10 miles would have been another local race at Guys 10 two years ago, (56:40), and unofficially my half marathon was timed at Coniston 14 two years ago. I remember coming through 13.1 miles at 1:12:32 and probably slowed for a moment or two to double check the time!

How much training do you currently do – mileage, quality, speedwork, etc? What’s the most mileage you have done in the past and did that make you a faster runner? Do you have any training tips?

I currently get 30- 35 miles of training in each week. Work is the biggest enemy against training! I try to organise my training so I can perform endurance running for one week, power, (hill work and anything from running intervals of two or three minute hard running), for another and speed for another. More often than not I mix up this style of training in one week. I have not done so for a while but I would like to get back to a training regime, 6 days a week running, three of them hard training sessions, each lasting around 75 minutes based on the endurance, power, speed ratio, a race, two days of easy tempo or cross training and a rest day. The most mileage I have done is between 50 to 60 miles per week. Maintaining a strong mental attitude is a winner for improvement, in addition to consistency and group training. Varying the kind of terrain and training also works for me. I try to push myself on training, go beyond your threshold to see improvement.

I was introduced to the Horwich race series in 2007. I would like to compete in more race series’ like this. They are very challenging and a great event to be involved in. I would also like to compete in the longer fell running races and improve on my half marathon and 10km times.

Coniston 14 - the first time. Not so for fantastic times, but the whole atmosphere of the event makes a race great. I loved it. The Potteries Marathon 1999 was another favourite. It was a freak heat wave weekend of 32 degrees. I was so happy to finish such gruelling race, more so for the conditions and terrain. The sense of achievement is amazing.

My worst race was a 300m on an indoor track in Birmingham. I had not prepared very well and had not competed indoors for some years. Poor performance and a hacking cough for days after.

At home in Lancashire: From Garstang, follow public right of way to Calder Vale, back up the valley via footpaths and fields to Fell End Farm/Nicky Nook, back to Garstang via public right of way. At home in Staffordshire, Churnet Valley, an extensive woodland river valley, full of forest trails, rugged canal towpaths and river trails.

I love Saucony. Being a skinny sprout and very fragile, Saucony Grid give great cushioning and performance.

More of a gadgeteerphobe! I don’t own any gadgets apart from my wrist watch. I am too busy listening out for birds, bunnies and bees on my runs!

I do keep a diary - everything from the type of run to the weather to how I felt before and after the run. Last year I ran approx 350 miles, (I bust two of my toes which put me out for several months which is why the mileage is down. Hope to get back on form again this time round and steer clear of logs!).

Football, I used to play a lot in my junior days, long jump and triple jump. Goalkeeper for a handball team - a lethal game and position to play. Also, ice skating!

I love cooking and natural history. Volunteering: conducting bird, butterfly, fungi and bat surveys. I need to get a hobby!

Runner Profile: JOHN WHITEMAN

Where were you born, how long did you live there, and which schools did you attend?

Seven Oaks Kent, until I was 7 years old. Weald Infant School, Seven Oaks, Huncoats Infant School, Accrington, Woodnook Secondary Modern, Accrington.

Which subjects did you excel at, were you good at sport, (which ones), did you win anything sporting or academic?

Maths and geography, football and cricket, won numerous awards but they dried up when I started running.

Did you have a nickname at school? Name a moment from school which is still with you today, (proud or embarrassing.)

We both worked in the fire service - met 37 years ago her mother told us to get married!

Two boys from previous marriage, Craig and Shaun, 40 and 39 working in IT, and communications. Joanne and Neil, 30 and 27 second marriage - both police officers.

Why did you become interested in running, was it just to keep fit or did you enjoy the competition?

After finishing team sports in my late 30’s started putting on weight so started running.

What was your favourite distance when you were at your peak, and your best time for it?

Is there anything you wish you had done because the chance will never come round again?

If not running what other path do you think you might have taken leisure wise?

What would be your perfect day out, one of a sporting nature and another with your wife?

Watching Burnley FC winning the premiership, a long summer’s walk and a good pint of real ale at the end.

What, (if anything), about you annoys other people, and do you do it more for that reason?

What memory do you have that makes you glad to be a member of Wesham Road Runners?

RUNNER PROFILE - OF THE LOVELY KATH HOYER

Where were you born? How long did you live there? Which schools did you go to?

In the 1960’s not all babies were born in hospital and I was lucky enough to be born in the bedroom of a house in Whitemoss Avenue, which is near Staining Road End and I lived there for 18 years. I went to Layton Primary School, Grange Park Junior School and Hodgson High School, which, for my sins, was the same school, (and year) as club member, Mick Edge …. I know that’s hard to believe, as I look so much younger than him! …. only kidding Mick!!

Which subjects, if any, did you excel at? Were you good at sports, if so, which ones?

I excelled in Mathematics, English Language, English Literature and Human Biology. I’m afraid I was not really sporty at School; however, all the boys found me a ‘great sport’ in some things!! (hee hee!). Didn’t win anything sporting or academic, but as I was such a good girl I was elected as a Prefect, but that means now’t because so was Mick Edge!! (Soz Mick!).

Hmmmm …. Dare I tell you this; my nickname was ‘Cherry B’ to all the boys. Now all of you with mucky minds think again, this was a School in the 70’s. It was simply because I was so shy I used to blush at almost anything.

Name a moment from School which is still with you today (proud or embarrassing).

Now let me think, (a moment from School that’s with me today?) Ah yes, his name is Mick Edge, and yes, he’s still with me today …. now that’s embarrassing! …. (Only joking, again!)

I started working full time in an office at the tender age of 16. I was employed as a data inputter with Guardian Royal Exchange Assurance Ltd., on Ballam Rd in Lytham. I earned a massive £25.00 a week.

Can you remember your first proper boyfriend and how long did the relationship last?

His name was Martyn Sweeney; he was my first love from School. I started going out with him at 15, was engaged at 17, married at 19 and divorced at 22. In the 80’s there was a popular TV series called ‘The Sweeney’ and yes, you guessed it, every time I had to say my name people would hum the theme tune from the programme, how sad is that? Couldn’t wait to get back to Miss Hoyer.

I met Dave in the summer of 1987 when I was working as a Receptionist at the Sandcastle, the year it first opened. Dave was there to do the Fire Safety and I had to make him and his colleague a coffee. I was wearing some sexy ski pants (the trend in those days, so don’t laugh!) and his colleague pointed me out to Dave, saying something like, “She’s a bit of alright over there”. I think Dave replied with, “Yeah, not bad”. A year later when I was ‘strutting my stuff’ in Addisons Nightclub, Dave used the chat up line of, “I know you don’t I? Did you used to work at the Sandcastle?” … and the rest, as they say, is history.

Oh yes, I remember it like it was yesterday. It was Christmas and Dave asked me to go on the blue watch Christmas night out with him, I just couldn’t say ‘no’. Dave was so attentive he didn’t touch his meal; he just wanted to talk to me all night …. Oh how things have changed, now he doesn’t even eat a meal in a Restaurant, or anywhere …. he survives on scones and coffee in the local café!

What would you change about him and what do you think he would change about you?

Him – Everything!! It might be an idea if he upped the game a bit and changed the status quo, although knowing Dave he would only think I was talking about the rock group!! (hee hee!)

Why did you become interested in running, was it just to keep fit or did you enjoy the competition?

Well you all know my Dave …. So there was only one sensible thing to do, and me being an intelligent lady decided that, if you can’t beat ‘em …. join ‘em!!

100 metres …. Well that’s the distance from pub door to the bar, ain’t it? Seriously though, I like 10k’s and my best time was in the Wesham 10k in 2004 when I finished in 43:07.

At the moment I am really liking the fell runs and there are a group of fell races organised by the really funny Dave Woodhead over in Howarth and all are beginner friendly, so no fear of getting lost. There’s the Withins Skyline in November, Stoop and Auld Lang Syne in December, Soreen Stansbury Splash in January and the Four Bunny Runs in April. Anyone who enjoys having fun whilst running, go to one of these …… you’ll laugh all the way round.

If not running, what other path do you think you might have taken leisure wise?

The path to the pub, probably. Running has helped me give up this pass time … almost completely.

Is there anything you wished you had done because the chance will never come round again?

Thankfully no ….. I fulfilled my lifetime ambition in 2006 when I was given my fireman’s lift by a gorgeous, hunky fireman. I still fantasise about it today, he had one had on me bum and the other between me legs, it was heaven!! …. (oops soz! Can I say that?). I’ve had my derriere on the web site for all to see and not one bit of cellulite on show and I weren’t a youngster!! (I’m sure Bossman would try to argue that fact, but on this occasion ya won’t win, mate!)

What annoys you most about everyday things (car parking, street drinkers, and litter)?

What (if anything) about you annoys other people and do you do it all the more for that reason?

There is, of course, nothing about me that annoys other people. I therefore do nothing, which only annoys them more! (hee hee!).

What would be your perfect day out, one of a sporting nature and another with your partner?

The only day out I recall of a sporting nature was when Dave and myself went to watch the Fire Service play volleyball on the beach. It was a smashing day out which was spent mainly at the beer tent making banter, oh … and drinking. Then afterwards the Fireman asked Dave to present the prizes even though it was a year after his retirement, which to me shows his popularity and the respect they had for him. A day out with my partner would be a walk somewhere by a river, my favourites being the River Ribble, River Dunsop and over in Yorkshire the River Wharf. Then, of course, afterwards to the village café for a scone and coffee …... what else?

The village of Melina found on the Greek mainland of Pelion Peninsular. Where? Well you can either land at Volos Airport, which is a military airport and the arrivals lounge is a hut at the side of the airfield (don’t ask!), or you land on the Greek island of Skiathos then take a very small Greek boat (which doesn’t necessarily meet the ideal health and safety standards!!) over to the tiny fishing village of Platanias …. but that’s another story!

Melina is so far removed from any other Greek resort I’ve been to. It’s so beautiful and tranquil. A day that will always remain fond in my memory was the day we spotted a school of porpoise close to the shore on our morning walk. It was completely incredible. The Greek fishermen were so intrigued they all jumped onto their boats just to take a closer look. It took my breath away!

Easy peasy …. To be able to eat a whole box of Swiss Lindit Lindor chocolates every day for the rest of my life, without putting on weight, getting spots or being sick! Yummy!!

They say variety is the spice of life, so my ideal companion becomes companion’s’. I would like to spend some time with Alan Titchmarsh because I could listen to him all day talking about the Nature of Britain. I quite like Tommy Lee Jones as he is a great actor and has a sexy voice and as you can see from my current partner I go for the rugged look. For a ‘good looker’ I wouldn’t mind gazing at Jason Lewis, (Sex and the City plus the Aero advert), for the night and finally, as a group, I wouldn’t mind a night out with the Green Watch Fire-fighters, from any Fire Station really, as they are all good guys who know how to make banter, so there would never be a dull moment.

Combine seasonal aphrodisiacs for a romantic feast!! Start with native oysters (rich in hormone-friendly zinc), followed by roasted guinea fowl (a good source of energy-giving B-vitamins for longer lasting loving), accompanied by slow-cooked red cabbage and apples (rich in male fertility-boosting vitamin C) …… well the magazine says it works!!

I like simple foods, so start with tomato and basil soup with herb croutons, followed by any kind of pasta dish, for desert it has to be chocolate fudge cake.

I think my Mum and Dad will remember me for my love of freedom, for being independent as I’m at my best when doing things my own way, for having good judgement, for being outspoken but sincere and mostly as someone who enjoys life to the full. My friends, well allegedly I don’t have any, but I’m sure all my acquaintances will remember me affectionately as the ‘tart’ in a mini skirt.

What memory do you have that makes you glad to be a member of Wesham Road Runners?

That’s easy …. I’m glad to be a member of Wesham Road Runners, because not only have I joined a friendly Running Club it appears that I have joined a friendly Swingers Club too …. Ouch! …. ouch! Okay Dave okay! I promise I won’t say that!!! (Hee hee!).

Seriously though, I am proud because everywhere I go there’s always someone who says, “You Wesham, you’re all mad, always running around in all kinds of weather, wearing only skimpy shorts” Oh yes, that’s us, this Wesham Club is just right ‘pour moi’.