On Tuesday evening (2nd July), nine Buzzards made the short trip across to Milton Keynes for the MK 10k. The race forms part of the East Midlands Grand Prix series and is not to be confused with various other 10k races held across MK throughout the year! The runners were greeted by slightly cooler but muggy conditions, and a tricky headwind along the final stretch.   There was a strong purple and yellow presence towards the front of the race. First home was Andy Inchley, whose modest performance by his standards the previous Friday in the John O’Callaghan 5m was probably due to all the sleepless nights, constant moaning, crying, feeding, etc (and that’s just looking after Amy!). However an impromptu power nap before the race worked wonders as he stormed round the course to finish in 35:49 in 14th place.   Half a minute and seven places behind Andy was Pete Mackrell (36:15, 21st), closely followed by Jordan Clay (36:32, 30th) who was the first U20 finisher in the race. Whilst Pete and Jordan started steadily and worked their way through the field, Billy Mead (37:48, 46th) took the opposite approach and found himself with the leaders in the first km before eventually slipping back. Surely he can go much quicker with better pacing? The team of Andy, Pete, Jordan and Billy took 3rd place in the team competition and it’s great to see the juniors contributing to the club and keeping the older boys on their toes.   Behind the front four were Chris Norman (38:35), Charlie Mead (41:02), Chris Williams (42:53), Fred Watt (48:57) and Aaron Carr (55:17).   The race completed the East Midlands Grand Prix series which started over two months ago with the Silverstone 10k. Runners need to complete at least five of the eight races to score in the overall series standings and only Chris W and Aaron managed this. Notably, both of them took a reasonable chunk off their 10k times between Silverstone and MK, which demonstrates how useful regular racing can be for improving fitness and speed.   In typical LBAC style, the productive evening was rounded off when the athletes were joined by three non-running Inchleys for beer and burgers at the pub!

Trail Marathon Wales 2013 (22nd June) – Marathon number two
By Helen Crossland

A couple weeks before this event I had decided that a reccie across the lake district was a really really good idea.  It was only 14 miles or so from Ambleside to Coniston.  Nothing could go wrong, could it.  Well, in true form, something did go wrong.  My left knee to be exact.  The Lake District is no walk in the park and the route I was taking should never have been done alone.  Two very valuable lessons learnt that day.  Strength training is all important for hill events and when attempting a difficult trail, try your hardest to drag along a willing participant.  All this before I tackle my second marathon.  Plus it was not only my second marathon but the toughest marathon I could find before the Lakeland 50 event.  A good training marathon.  That was my thought.  So, did I do it?  Did I make it to the finish?  Did I quit? read more

On Friday 28th July, LBAC held its 5 mile road championship. The race chosen this year was the John O'Callaghan 5, which also doubled up as the county championship, so there was plenty to race for. The race was hosted by Luton Athletics Club, so Friday evening saw 14 LBAC runners with nothing better to do on a Friday night along with 100 others meet at the Vauxhall Recreation club for a 7.30 start. It wasn't the best conditions with on off drizzle all evening, but it was not too hot or cold and not much wind. The course itself was undulating but nothing to give you nightmares. Taking fist place for the club was Peter Mackrell finishing on 29 mins exactly and fifth overall, so well done Pete. Only 10 seconds and one place behind was Tom Inchley. His brother Andy Inchley finished in 9th overall and 3rd for the club, proving that he's not loosing too much sleep from the recent birth of his first child, maybe he's not doing his fair share of nappy changes eh Amy?  Chris Norman was only one place behind and 10th overall just ducking under 30 mins with 29.51 meaning there were 4 LBAC runners in the top 10 of the race. James Bell was next in 16th position,  followed by Gary Straford. Chris Dimmock on 33.50 then Daniel Webb on 34.24 were both pleased to finish under 35 mins. Jane Sauer won the ladies club championship to continue her superb form in 36.08, Lynn Boddy got the second place with 37.19 and 3rd veteran 35 lady for the county. Following was Roger Seldon in 38.15 and the first veteran 60 for the county, Paul Douglas who took it easy finishing in 40.25, Fred Watt with 40.30 coming in 2nd veteran 65 for the county, Fiona Towell who got a PB with 41.51, and finally David Adams who graced us with his presence finishing in 42.25, making him 3rd vet 65 in the county.  A good turn out and some good results for the club. A few drinks in the Vauxhall Recreation club bar finished a pleasant Friday evening.