Club Report: 12th March 2017

Mallusk Harriers Club Report: 12th March 2017.

As the week turns, the digits of one hand tell we are close and that Larne is almost upon us. This is a good week for preparation. One of the times that the Benjamin Franklin quote springs to mind, ‘By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.’

Those who are familiar to running half marathons generally know their pre-race routine, but any who are treading the 13.1 miles for the first time, being prepared is the first hurdle to overcome.

Race kit, get it ready at the latest the night before, not on race morning and finding it in the dirty linen basket. Breakfast, eat early. Tape up, grease up. If sunshine is forecast, sun block is advised, it may not feel warm, but March UV levels can be high especially if you are going to be exposed for up to two hours or more.

Most importantly, enjoy the day. You’ve trained for it, conquered the Sunday hills, and now it’s time to make Larne rock!

As for this week, another abundance of parkrun PBs were to the fore for our happy Harriers.

Saturday 11th March 2017.

PARKRUN:

Antrim:

Tina Steele led Mallusk on the shores of Lough Neagh in 28:40, Deborah Ewing 29:01, and Elaine Kennedy 52:54 once more helping out as a volunteer to ensure that the parkrun takes place.

Derry City:

Our only maiden city flyer in the north west was Ken Mcauley arriving in for Mallusk in 22:04.

Falls Park:

An awesome run by Susan Thompson 22:40 at Falls, saw her breeze in as 2nd lady and 10th position overall.

Ormeau:

Robbie Gould 20:40, led the way as effortlessly as the Lagan flows past the park. Fiona Wylie again with another PB in 30:43, Jennifer McCoppin 33:06, with Rosalind Stitt 33:32, her third PB since the New Year. Fidelma McCoppin completed this famous five of Mallusk Harriers in 35:04.

Valley:

Running out of superlatives for Mallusk Harrier Danny Dynamo Donaldson as he once more ran a sub 20 with a PB in 19:50 at the Valley. Celebrating his 100th parkrun was Owen Fulton who enjoyed a double whammy with a PB in 23:38. Brendan McGeown sailed in next with a time of 24:02. A PB for Jack McCready in 24:16. Noel Bloomfield 24:34. Still pushing on was Laura Rose in 24:45, and regularly obliterating PB’s is Clare Teer with another one in 25:53. Neil McCready was just behind with his own PB in 25:54. Ciaran Skillen 25:55. Another PB for Joanne Milne in 26:48. Neil McGlinchy 28:12. Neil Campbell 28:28, Alan Ladd 28:30, Sharon Dunn 28:43, Paul Skillen and Martin McCready inseparable in 29:36. Tiffany Donaldson 32:17.

Victoria:

This week our man in the east was Alex Davidson who not only came home sub 20, but with another PB in 18:40.

Waterworks:

Matthew Cromie was first Harrier to roll in with a time of 23:42. Sharon McCavana next 25:27 and our 1st lady. Patrick Hamil 25:31, Catherine Boyd 28:53. A PB for Maeve McGinley 29:28, and a PB for Alyson Taylor 29:34. David McCavana 34:06, Catronia McGarvey 38:28, Anna Marie Nolan 42:45, Joanne Haddock and Kelly Carlisle side by side in 44:53.

Sunday 12th March 2017:

Jimmys 10

East Down Athletic Club, hosted this annual 10K race in picturesque Downpatrick, with Danny Donaldson again inspiring all with a time of 39:30. Matthew Cromie was close behind in 39:38. John Rooney 47:06, Tiffany Donaldson 58:50, Lisa White 59:01. Mairead O’Hare limbering up for Larne in 1.18:29.

Another colossal outing at the weekend for this great club, where boundaries are surpassed with utter strength and determination.

(Hopefully everyone has been included)

Have a good week.

The Insider.