Club Race Report – 27th March 2022

Amazingly, the good weather stayed around for another few days this week. Time to work on those sock and t-shirts lines folks!

Taking on the parkruns this week were:

Valley parkrun:

Cathy Ryan 28:28, Neill McGlinchey 30:05, Martin McCready 36:58

Waterworks parkrun:

Kevin Donnelly 23:51, Jim Hewitt 25:41

Victoria parkrun:

Joe Mathers 20:24, Emily Murphy 22:50PB, ADav 22:51, Maeve Kennedy 24:27, Anita Piatek 27:24, Suzanne Brennan 32:31, Joanne Milne 32:31

Portrush parkrun:

Johnny Carey 23:40

Wallace parkrun:

Elijah Cushley 20:29PB

Antrim parkrun

Elaine Kennedy 29:30, Dermot Boyd 32:27

Stormont parkrun:

David Esler 23:35PB

Sixmilewater parkrun:

Tom Fleming 17:40 and first finisher again

Jordanstown junior parkrun:

Elijah Cushley 8:00, Emily Murphy 8:42, Sinead O’Hare 9:38, Matthew Hawkins 9:57, Joseph Eager 9:58, Ben Halliday 11:27

Waterworks junior parkrun:

Leo McAuley 8:37, Eloise McAuley 8:39, Jessie Smith 12:08

This week it was the turn Of Angela Stevens to take on the mantle of chief header. Angela took part in the first race in the WeRunWildNI Castle to Castle trilogy, running from Glenarm Castle to Carrickfergus Castle, a distance of 50km/31 miles and almost 4,000ft of elevation. Angela finished in 8:57:45. Time for a well-deserved rest, Angela!

So this week’s tune is a tenuous link to Mother’s Day.

No Mr T this year, definitely no Spice Girls.

Just a proper tune from a band with Mother in their name. You’re welcome.

Until next week, behave.

CAVILLATOR

Club Race Report – 20th March 2022

Rumours abounded this week about a big yellow thing being seen in the skies around Mallusk. It has been a week for strange weather all round. For a minute this morning during my run, I could have sworn the wind was behind me.

A late result off the Vidiprinter from last week as we confirm Micky McAuley’s time in the Spud Run as 54:27.

Taking on the parkruns this week were:

Valley parkrun:

Elijah Cushley 22:04PB, ADav 27:02, Anton Piatek 28:04, Catherine Ryan 28:08, Ramunas Stanevicius 29:02, Galina Stanevicius 29:02, Neill McGlinchey 30:22, Sinead O’Hare 30:34, Roseann McGeown 34:32, Marie McBrien 37:47

Waterworks parkrun:

Stephen Semple 23:44, Paul Skillen 24:01, Maeve Kennedy 24:48, Kevin Donnelly 25:14, Claire McCann 34:49, Clare Teer 38:41, John Teer 38:41, Leah Skillen 48:08

Antrim parkrun

Elaine Kennedy 29:03

Orangefield parkrun:

Neil McCready 23:17, David Esler 24:53PB

Jordanstown junior parkrun:

Tom Fleming 6:42PB and first finisher, Elijah Cushley 7:59, Joseph Eager, 8:37, Emily Murphy 8:42PB, Peter Fleming 9:12, Sinead O’Hare 9:31PB, Matthew Hawkins 11:18

Waterworks junior parkrun:

Eloise McAuley 8:36, Leo McAuley 8:42, Hollie Brennan 15:49

You can tell its Spring as the midweek races have started with the traditional St Patrick’s Day Spar Craic 10k through the city centre:

Mark Smith 37:25, Ramunas Stanevicius 40:44, Stephen Armour 41:49, Ciaran Wright 44:01, Patricia Curistan 45:05, Suzanne Brennan 48:18PB, Alan Stewart 48:49 (first club race), Joseph Eager 49:31 (first 10k!), Bernard McKeaveney 50:24, Maeve Kennedy 51:12, Martin O’Neill 52:17, Maeve Dunseath 53:13, Sharon Dunn 55:33, Dermot Boyd 1:03:24, Barbara Sawyer 1:05:30, Fidelma McCoppin 1:07:15

More racing on Saturday as Larne was the venue, this time for 5k and 10 mile distances:

5k:

Tom Fleming 17:23 and a 5th place finish for our flying junior

10 miles:

Alan Erwin 1:05:32PB, Joe Mathers 1:13:16, Neil McCready 1:14:16, Sean Doherty 1:14:16, Sarah O’Kane 1:26:44, Pamela McCafferty 1:26:48, Lord Ian Brennan 1:28:19, Hannah ROTM Hope 1:35:37PB, Alan Kerr 1:42:47

Lee O’Boyle and Micky McAuley were out to take on the latest NIMRA race, The Fallows, a 10 mile run through Kilbroney Forest Park. Lee finished in 1:24:16 and Micky in 1:33:03

So this week’s tune is for those Harriers who actually got out in the sunshine this week, especially those who think they got sunburned!

Until next week, behave.

CAVILLATOR

Runner of the month – February 2022

Undeterred by Storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin all sweeping through, plenty of hardy Harriers kept training throughout a weather-battered February. That commitment and hard work was duly recognised as a range of worthy candidates emerged.

Here are the nominations for Runner of the Month, and what you had to say about them.

Alan Kerr

“Nominating Alan Kerr for completing all four races in the Sperrin Harriers Winter Trail series, as well representing the club in a number of the cross-country races. Great to see Alan enjoying plenty of off-road racing with some great performances.”

Bernard McKeaveney

“He’s been clocking up the miles and you can see his pace increasing due to his hard work. He’s carried this into March with a 10-mile PB.”

Michael Whittley

“Gives his all every week at Tuesday intervals, helps with pacing other runners & is a great encourager to everyone.”

Kevin Donnelly

“Every-week I feel he is getting faster and stronger and puts in 110% in every session.”

Alan Ladd

“Coming back from injury to put in a fantastic half marathon performance.”

“Alan’s half marathon PB on World Marathon Day was so deserved; he’s always so generous with his time and advice and to see that he won first place and PB at this event was an absolute pleasure. Congratulations Alan!”

Sinead O’Hare

“Sinead’s dedication to training, her improvements have all contributed to her PB at Parkrun. Well done, Sinead. Keep up the great work.”

“The young lady is consistently present at training, constantly gives no less than 100% of her effort. This consistent effort in her training shows results, with recent personal bests at parkruns. Sinead also has taken on many XC events over the winter months and has excelled in each event. We look forward in monitoring her progress in the coming months and years ahead.”

“Smashing valley Park run with an excellent PB And the biggest smile crossing the line.”

But pipping Sinead at the post, Hannah Hope’s efforts earned plenty of praise.

“Hannah puts everything into her intervals and training, and her running pace is improving.”

“Fitting in running between work and further education, Hannah has progressed significantly recently and regularly sets herself running goals. She has attended some Tuesday sessions but more often Thursday sessions where she gives her all.”

“Hannah has been steadily increasing her mileage and pace over the last few months. It’s fantastic to see her regularly training again and making improvements week in, week out and entering races again after a tough couple of years nursing injuries. Long may it continue!”

“Hannah is often very hard on herself (like a lot of runners!) And doesn’t give herself credit for all her efforts and progress that she is making. She has been running longer and longer distances recently and just going from strength to strength! Well done, Hannah!!”

Congratulations Hannah on being voted February’s Runner of the Month, and well-done to everyone nominated. Keep up the good work!

Club Race Report – 13th March 2022

We think we have it bad with Paul’s Sunday routes but this week the Tennessee hills heard the conch again as the Barkley Marathons returned to Frozen Head Park. If you know, you know. If you don’t, go look up this race. The craziest, toughest ultra race there is. No finishers again this year. Last one was 2017 I think. But worth $1.60 of anyone’s money. Ain’t no Sealstown though.

Taking on the parkruns this week were:

Valley parkrun:

Martin O’Neill 21:58, Sinead O’Hare 27:13PB, ADav 27:13, Paul Skillen 27:18, Karen McKee 27:19, Ramunas Stanevicius 32:08, Galina Stanevicius 32:09, Neill McGlinchey 32:25, Joanne Milne 32:53, Jessie Smith 36:46PB, Marie McBrien 44:27

Well done the juniors!

Waterworks parkrun:

Stephen Semple 23:50, Suzanne Brennan 25:00, Joseph Eager 25:32, Maeve Kennedy 29:25, Dermot Boyd 32:12, Claire McCann 33:27

Queens parkrun:

Elijah Cushley 21:41

Portrush parkrun:

Marie McFarlane 33:07PB, Fidelma McCoppin 33:31

Antrim parkrun

Elaine Kennedy 28:23

Limavady parkrun:

Johnny Carey 23:25

Sixmilewater parkrun:

Tom Fleming 17:06PB (again again) and first finisher (again again again), David Esler 23:49PB

And big congratulations to Tom on completing his 200th parkrun in such fine fashion.

His 12th first place finish and 8th PB on this course. And a drop of over 2 mins on his PB over that time.

Belfast Victoria junior parkrun:

Sinead O’Hare 10:12

Waterworks junior parkrun:

Eloise McAuley 9:11

In other racing, our very own Bernard McKeaveney was at the Walled City 10 Mile Road Race, finishing in a PB time of 1:23:30.

As Lee took a well deserved quieter week, our other header in chief was out this week instead. Micky McAuley, for it is he, took part in the 2022 Spud Run, a NIMRA Glenariffe Mountain Race sponsored by Glens of Antrim Potatoes. Sounds fun but you have to climb more than 1,200ft to get your bag of spuds at the end. Unfortunately, the results have not yet been cooked up and served so the time will have to wait til next week.

Also, for reasons unknown, Kevin Donnelly, owner of the fastest specs in the club, was in action in Navan at the Bohermeen half marathon. Kevin finished in a superb PB time of 1:20:21. Bohermeen means the smooth road so maybe he picked an easy one?

Before I finish, I should note that I was asked (i.e. physically threatened) by your lovely Membership Officer to remind you that is that time of year again and subscriptions are due.

Sure, where else would you get all the same pain, suffering, craic and camaraderie for less than the price of a thimble of fuel?

So this week’s tune is to celebrate all things Barkley. From Tennessee’s finest to Tennessee’s toughest.

Until next week, behave.

CAVILLATOR

Club Race Report – 6th March 2022

As I keep telling you lot, every day is a school day. So here is today’s hard earned lesson. Don’t fart on a treadmill. Turns out it’s not like being outside and you can’t run away. (note, this is not official club advice).

Taking on the parkruns this week were:

Valley parkrun:

Kevin Donnelly 24:11, Paul Skillen 25:10, Sarah Ross 25:14, ADav 27:20, Sinead O’Hare 30:29, Galina Stanevicius 30:33, Ramunas Stanevicius 30:34, Neill McGlinchey 30:44, Sophie Davidson 32:38, Joanne Milne 32:48

Waterworks parkrun:

Joseph Eager 23:49, Suzanne Brennan 26:23, Maeve Kennedy 26:34, Claire McCann 31:50

Victoria parkrun:

Owen Fulton 32:27

Antrim parkrun

David Esler 26:16, Karen McKee 27:06, Elaine Kennedy 31:35

Sixmilewater parkrun:

Tom Fleming 17:18PB (again) and first finisher (again again), Elijah Cushley 20:35PB, Emily Murphy 23:15PB, Maeve Dunseath 25:12PB, Bernie McAllister 25:25PB, Andrew McNevison 30:32PB, Dermot Boyd 32:16

6 PBs from 7 runs! Something in the water there folks?

Jordanstown junior parkrun:

Elijah Cushley 7:57PB and first finisher again (again), Joseph Eager 9:29, Sinead O’Hare 10:05

Waterworks junior parkrun:

Leo McAuley 8:47, Eloise McAuley 8:48, Jessie Smith 12:05

Musgrave junior parkrun:

Kayden McClelland 9:01PB, Kobe McClelland 9:30

Before we get to this week’s other racing, we need to catch up on the Elite results from last week’s East Coast Junior XC meeting in Sandy Bay:

Minor Boys 1600m Race:

Kayden McClelland 7:29, Kobe McClelland 7:59

Minor Girls 1600m Race:

Amelia Fleming 7:23

Junior Girls 2000m Race:

Emily Murphy 9:01, Sinead O’Hare 10:49

Senior Boys 2000m Race:

Tom Fleming  6:59 and first place!

In the overall series, Eloise McAuley came second in the Minor Girls category and Tom Fleming won the Senior Boys category. Well done to both and to all the juniors who took part and represented the club so well.

This week saw the latest Shane’s Castle Atlas series of races. Elaine Kennedy took on the half marathon, finishing in 2:21:01 whilst Angela Stevens went the full distance in 5:04:12.

At the same time, Patricia Curistan was in Carlingford for the well established half marathon there. Patricia finished in 1:38:23.

But performance of the week has to go to our header-in-chief, Lee O’Boyle. (I think the O stands for Off his Rocker). Lee took part in the Transgrancanaria Classic, a race across the island of Gran Canaria. Just the 126km and 22,000 ft of elevation. And in the rain.

Lee finished in an amazing 20:18:08.

So this week’s tune is for Lee and his Spanish adventure. Felicidades Lee!

Until next week, behave.

CAVILLATOR

Pixies – Isla de Encanta (live 1990 RARE)

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Pixies – Isla de Encanta (live 1990 RARE)