Waterford Road Runners

Road Runners Winter League Week 6 , Thursday December 15th, sponsored by:
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Santa Hat Run a Jingling Success!

Photos here
Sleigh Bells Ring
Or at least Santa hats were ringing, all the way up the Cork Road last Thursday night. What a fright some innocent drivers must have gotten? Wondering what was before their eyes as they drove home. Almost 130 people with red or green Santa hats on, some in full Santa garb and some more with dogs lit up like Christmas trees alongside them!

The Weather Outside is Frightful
But if you run in it you’ll find it’s not so bad. To be fair the God of weather, Evelyn Cusack, smiled on us for the night and no one could use bad conditions as an excuse this time. This year’s number were almost double those of last year, proving that running as a priority in your lives is moving steadily up the ladder. That’s what we like to see!

You’d Better Watch Out
This year, WRL’s famous leather clad biker, traffic and sports correspondant, Matt Keane was on site at the RSC to witness first hand what he’s been advertising so well for the last couple of months. Some of our numbers are no doubt down to the interviews held during his 12-1pm slot Saturdays. Matt was down to check out how our fundraising for the Lions Club Hamper Appeal went. Between entries on the night and our draw in Alfie’s after a total of 850 Euro was raised and presented to the hamper appeal the following day. Thanks to all for their generosity.

Prancer, Dasher, Rudolph and Boxer?
No, he’s not a forgotten reindeer. Boxer is a 6 month old doberman pup that PJ Dwyer decided to bring along last Thursday night to ensure that no one tried to pass him as he sped back to the RSC. We’re glad to report that Boxer adhered to all the rules, he ran on the left, stayed on the footpath (most of the time) and even wore a viz vest! The flashing red scarf was not a requirement but complimented ears something lovely!

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
With no times being recorded on the night, this is exactly what our volunteer marshalls did. Thanks to all who avoided their wives and partners shopping expeditions to ensure our safety last week.

Oh Come All Ye Faithful
These, along with the not so faithful, followed up a terrific fun run with an even better night’s chat and craic in Alfie’s of Ballybricken. Looking back to 4 years ago where there were just a handful of runners out for the night, a whole pub full shows how far the Winter League and running in Waterford have come. It’s marvellous to see groups of complete beginners sitting alongside former National and International Championship runners. It’s also inspiring to see how far people have come in just 2 years or even less. Some that thought 3 miles last year out of reach, are now rushing to ensure their entry form for the Ballycotton 10 is in on time. It’s something for all to think about. Where do I go from here? The Winter League isn’t around all year and there are plenty of very well organised road races around the county for you to try out. Keep an eye on our own website or www.westwaterfordathletics.org for all the details of what’s available to you. West Waterford, like ourselves, pride themselves on involvement at all levels. So even if you’re only running 2.5 miles now, start to envision running a 5, 7.5 or even 10 miler in the new year. Any of the organisers would be happy to give you pointers about how to go about increasing your mileage. Just ask!!

Ding Dong Merrily on High
That’s nearly what some of our punters did, considering the proximity of Waterford’s Pole Dancing club! How easy it is to mistake such a place for Alfie’s. Mind you, listening to Gerry Ryan on the radio lately, some women are installing dance poles in the front rooms to use as a way of getting fit. I personally wouldn’t recommend it as you use completely different muscles for running than you do for pole dancing and it might actually have an adverse effect on your running. Then again, there are other uses for these muscles that might be advantageous to some I guess. Maybe even advantageous to their non-pole dancing partners. In situations such climbing drainpipes for instance, I’m sure their new talents would be most appreciated.

All I want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth
This time nest year, that’s what Gerry and Francis Fitgeralds’s new baby boy Tom will be yelling! Congratulations to Tom and Gerry (and Francis!!) for further ensuring the longevity of WAC’s juvenile club in the future. Congratulations to all.

Angels We Have Heard On High
Mount Sion is pretty high, right? Hmm, no angels though. Well done to all who took part in Last Sunday’s Mount Sion 5 mile road race in aid of Waterford’s Alzheimers association. First of the Road Runners home were Mark Langford in 27.10 and Joanne Jackman in just under 35mins. A well organised race with lots of delicious refreshments after, what more can you ask for. We look forward to even more participation by the Road Runners next year. Well done to Attie and Helen Jackman and all others involved in its organisation.

Should Old Aquaintance Be Forgot
Let ye, yer running be not forgot, or not be forgot, or forgot not. You get the point! Just because the Winter League doesn’t return until January 12^th, there’s no reason for you to undo all the fantastic progress you’ve made. Why not nip out for a couple of miles every second day just to stay in touch with your new found fitness and help stave off those turkey pounds. Don’t forget the Baldy Man run on December 29^th in Tramore. And no, it’s not where people like Bobby, Albert, Joe and Alan amuck, it’s for all to enjoy! The run starts at 12pm with registration beforehand. Proceeds in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital. Also, on Stephen’s Day, Clonmel AC host their annual 4mile road race. Again the race starts at 12 pm.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Not long left now till Christmas Day and all the excitement and stress it brings. I’ve often found that a well placed ‘I really have to run today to keep my miles up’ is a great way to relieve family tensions, for myself if no one else. So keep it in mind.
Also at this time, we’d like to remember those that have lost someone during the year and hope that 2006 will bring better tidings for them.

Tidings
Bobby and Adele wish to thank so many people for helping with this year’s Winter League, helping make it the best yet, that I’d probably forget all the names! Nonetheless, stalwarts like Kathleen Moran, Tara Walsh, Joe Cawley, Con Kelleher, Cathal Lowe, Brian Swaby, Des Colbert are worthy of a specific mention. Whether taking entries, helping with timekeeping or organising marshalls, each have made the League run smoother than ever. Our thanks also go to the Staff and Management of the RSC for their continued support and help. We couldn’t forget of course Emma Walsh and her crew at the Munster Express for giving us so much space and putting up with late notes!
On behalf of the many organisers and volunteers of the Winter League, I would like to wish all our runners a very merry Christmas and a peaceful new year. We look forward to more of the same next year.


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