Leighton Buzzard Athletic Club

By Stuart Blofeld 

The last day of 2011 saw me and two fellow LBACers, Simon and Pete tow the start line of the Pednor 10 with 115 other eager New Years Eve PB chasers! This was my first 10 mile race and so a certain PB on the cards. The Pednor 10 is organised by the Chiltern Harriers and starts in Chesham. The course 2 x 5 mile laps on rural country roads. The loop was a very simple out and back with the first 2 miles going straight out along a flat winding road which was followed by a big sharp climb. The final 2.5 miles of the loop descends gently back to the start where we did it all again!

For the 31^st December it was a ridiculously balmy 12 degrees! Vest weather for sure. Simon, Pete and I took our positions at the front of the pack! Why not, Simon and Pete certainly had reason to be there with their speed. I on the other hand was expecting to be a little way behind them both. As expected Simon led out hard at 6 mpm pace with 5 or 6 other runners, followed by Pete with 2 other runners chasing not far behind. I started at Pete's pace but soon dropped off realising I wasn't going to be able to keep it going. I shuffled along at a more sustainable 6:30 pace with a handful of other runners around me.

Simon soon disappeared into the distance and was sure to have an awesome race. Pete continued to pull away and by the big hill at mile 2 he was gone. At this point I was caught by another runner who was looking strong. He passed me before the hill but I pushed hard up the hill to try and put some distance between us. That was to no avail as he stretched out a gap on the flat at mile 3. Two weeks of no running was starting to show. I held the gap for the remainder of the first lap. read more

This coming Saturday 7^th January is the Beds & Bucks Cross Country championships, which we are hosting at Cottesloe School in Wing. We urgently need people to help with marshalling the course so if you can help, or if you have family/friends that may be willing to assist, then please contact Richard Inchley (rinchley@hotmail.com) or 01908 507017.

The first race is at 12.00 so we need marshals to arrive at 11.00, especially as the courses have changed from previous years! The last race starts at 2.30pm and so you should be done by 4pm. If you can only help for part of the day that is also useful so please let Richard know. read more

On a cold and very windy night in Leighton, surprisingly 19 people turned up in Parson's Close to run the fourth race in the 2011/12 Stag Trophy. With current leader Rod Lopez suffering a lack of sleep due to the birth of his daughter on Christmas Eve, he was unlikely to be on top form and a pack had been gathering behind.

Although the wind was blowing us all down Grovebury Road the general inclement nature of the time of year meant that fast times were unlikely and anyone getting near to their handicap was likely to pick up some good points. In just her second race of the season, new club treasurer Helen Crossland was first off, with everyone else following at regular intervals behind, all under the control of Dave and Pete who had braved the weather once again. read more

With Christmas now just a distant memory and New Year's parties about to begin, it's about time to renew your annual subscription. Please can you send Helen a cheque or BACS payment before 31 January 2012.

Senior Members – We would be grateful if you could all complete the membership form below and return it to our treasurer Helen Crossland as soon as possible with your annual subscription. Anyone taking a family membership should complete a form for each family member.

With the usual frivolities of Christmas making it a challenge for most of us to get out running, we thought it would be advisable to put up a bit of a plan so no-one is caught out.

Wednesday 21^st – If you want to run prior to going for a curry at 7.30 then please meet in the usual location at Tiddenfoot at 6pm. We're not too sure who will be there but a few is better than none!

Wednesday 28^th – Normal Wednesday run with a 7.30pm departure. Uncle Pete has promised to be there so you'll be welcomed by at least one festive smile! read more