Macclesfield Harriers

I've been meaning to join Macc Harriers for a couple of years, have discussed with Andrew Higgins on a number of occasions, but wonder whether this is the right club for me.

I'm a keen runner, running 5-6 times a week, I mainly run 10k's, halfs and marathons my PB's are:

Marathon 3:40 but want to get this sub 3:15
Half 1:34
10k 39mins

I have been a member of a friends club for a couple of years but they are based too far away for me to train with them so don't really see the point.

I'm starting a sub 3:15 marathon program for Cardiff Oct 2005 and need some help/motivation for speedwork etc.

I run around Macc Forest, Prestbury, Alderley with other running pals (various abilities) at weekends but feel that I need to run with people with a similar goal to mine to get the most out of weekday training sessions.

So is Macc for me? What does the club offer runners like me and what can I give back to the club in return?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Bit quiet on here isn't it!

Hi Viv,

The club should be able to offer more structured training and with more options.

You would be able to train with people of about the same standard, or slightly better that will give you consistent "challenge" and motivation.

The track sessions would help you increase your speed, and sound necessary for the improvements you are looking for.

You will not be short of people to run with, especially if you also fancy doing some of your long miles on the fells too (a lot of the fell runners are about your pace).

We're not a bad bunch to socialise with either! - Monday nights and Wednesday fell runs are followed by pub gatherings.

What could you give to the club? You've already started by contributing to the forum! - it's only just been highlighted on the home page, so hopefully activity will perk up.

We organise the Macc Half marathon and other events, so we always need helpers.

I would agree track would be a good starting point, and road runs should establish who else has similar targets. 2 of us are planning on first marathons in June and then poss Anglesey in Sept.( but as likely is that I'll never do another). Quite a few might go for long runs on Sundays anyway so could make it less boring, especially when pace is less important. Then there's the variety offered by the fells. Hope to see you soon?

Viv

You know already what I think.

You'd fit right into the Monday and Thursday 'B Group'. The track sessions would be great for what you're looking to achieve. Everyone involved with the club is very friendly.

Give it a whirl for a few weeks, you're not going to be forced to join up on your first run.

If you're looking for a familiar face on your first visit, I might even put my mountain bike away and dig out my running shoes!

Higs

Viv,

If you are interested in running with the B group -we meet at Teggs Nose car park on Mondays for a hilly off road run or Thursdays at the Leisure Centre car park for a road/cross country run. Both nights at the same time – 6:30pm. I believe you will be comfortable with the pace of the group (from you times). I would recommend you try the Thursday night first (not as hilly!)

You are very welcome to join us, please ask for me.

Jon Falkner

Since I posted in May I've had nasty colds and hamstring injury so am not in great shape at the moment. I'm on my third week of my Cardiff marathon schedule and will give it a couple more weeks and then I shall come down for a run.

Thanks for making me feel so welcome!