Athletes 2

Name: Donna Daly

Age (Group): Senior Ladies

Event (s) or Position in the Club: 800 – 10k (Road, X-Country and Track)

How long have you been a member of the Club (Why did you join?): I first joined Riddings Athletic Club when I was 11 years old after winning the District Junior Schools X Country Championship. Riddings then amalgamated with the three other clubs in our area to become Scunthorpe & District AC. I had a year out in 2005 to concentrate on University but have been back training ever since!

What do you enjoy the most/least about training?: I love racing well and feeling like I have achieved something. I hate under achieving and not getting the results I want!!

Which athlete (or official) that you have trained with works the hardest in training?: Most athletes at the club work and train hard. The official/organisers probably deserve the most credit though as they don’t do it to achieve results etc but to support the club!

What is the best result you have achieved?: Winning the UK Inter-Counties which is also the world Trials in 2000 is by far my greatest achievement! Unfortunately that year they didn’t select a GB team from Under 17 so I never got recognised for it! The following year they did! Gutted!!!!

What event has been the most enjoyable?: The race above was the best feeling in the world! I do however love the relays. Athletics is very individual and it’s nice to get away from that and feel part of a team especially when the team is so successful!

What is your ambition for yourself (or for the Club?): To have a full season injury and illness free and know that I have performed to my potential!

In terms of the club I would love for them to get recognised as a strong athletics club and for the athletes to gain the respect they deserve!

If you were to be given one wish, that you could use to improve Quibell Park (equipment or facilities) what would you wish for?: The usual a pool, indoor track, gym facilities etc.

What other sports/interests do you take part in?: I don’t have time to play or participate in any other sports activities but I teach PE so get to be involved through work in all areas of sport and I love it!!!!

Who are your sporting heroes/inspirators?: Kelly Holmes, Paula Radcliffe,Seb Coe, Steve Ovett, Steve Cram all distance legends!!!

Name: Steve Heslop

Age (Group): Vet 45

Event (s) or Position in the Club: Road section statistician. I run on road. Cross country, track and fell.

How long have you been a member of the Club (Why did you join?): Joined in 2000 having signed up to do Scunthorpe ½ marathon and being introduced to the club via a training group that was started for it.

What do you enjoy the most/least about training?: Quite like Hill Training and training in a group. Least like running in the heat of summer and training alone.

Which athlete (or official) that you have trained with works the hardest in training?: Rod Burton, anybody who runs 18 miles waiting for a XC race to start because he needs to keep his marathon training on track is awesome.

What is the best result you have achieved?: 2002 won both club 2-mile races, well on handicap.

What event has been the most enjoyable?: Beating Stu Frow at last years XC (blame Carl Taylor) and my second ever Steeplechase at Grantham where despite stopping for a bath at the second to last water jump I still improved my PB, I think some of the spectators enjoyed that too.

What is your ambition for yourself (or for the Club?): To keep improving my times. Staying in front of Carl. Running a Sub 4 Hr marathon.

For the club to become the best it can and keep helping and encouraging athletes of all abilities.

If you were to be given one wish, that you could use to improve Quibell Park (equipment or facilities) what would you wish for?: A new stand with super facilities underneath it.

What other sports/interests do you take part in?: Watercolour & pastel painting, gardening, model making.

Who are your sporting heroes/inspirators?: Alan Ball, the footballer, and David Bedford and Brendan Foster from when I was a lad.

Name: Matthew Shaw

Age (Group): Senior / Uder 23

Event (s) or Position in the Club: 400m / 400mh

How long have you been a member of the Club (Why did you join?): I remember smashing triple jump at school and then the Scunthorpe schools meetings when I was in year 7 and 8 and wanted to come down to Quibell to see what it was all about. However I was far too committed to cricket at the time. Finally I joined as a 14 year old and I don’t think I’ve triple jumped once at Quibell!! Stuart Frow got me hurdling!!

What do you enjoy the most/least about training?: I enjoy the banter, but mainly just pushing myself as hard as possible. If I wake up in the morning in agony, I’m pleased. But yeah, got to have a good set of people around you in especially in the winter. In terms of least enjoyment, I absolutely DETEST the amount of injuries I’ve had since university – two seasons wasted.

Which athlete (or official) that you have trained with works the hardest in training?: All the guys I train with at Don Valley in Sheffield are absolute animals who smash the lactic and the aerobic stuff constantly. In terms of Scunthorpe Sam O’ Neill is an animal! Got to mention all the coaches like Stuart, Walter, Eric & Co. They have been turning up for years putting plenty of time into nurturing some seriously good athletes...for FREE!!

What is the best result you have achieved?: I feel as though I am miles from achieving anywhere near what I can, I just need to get through my injuries. But I would say coming 5^th in my heat at the national champs in 110mh when I was 18 or coming 4^th in the BUSA indoor final. BUSA medal 2009!!!!

What event has been the most enjoyable?: Probably running steeplechase for a laugh (or early winter training). I have a good time getting smashed by all the skinny distance runners in the XC as well.

What is your ambition for yourself (or for the Club?): I aspire to be a strength and conditioning specialist (better than a personal trainer) within track and field. I also intend to pursue writing in some manner of my career. In terms of the club, I would like to eventually coach my own 400m group but I think I may have moved away from here once I’ve graduated. I also want to see these 4,000 toddlers (u11’s) turning into new Kevin Sempers, David Hughes, In shape Richard Dowses and Matt Waldens!!! Also I’m going to SMASH that 400mh record by at least 3 seconds.

If you were to be given one wish, that you could use to improve Quibell Park (equipment or facilities) what would you wish for?: Move Quibell to a new area before you start to think about investing money into the place. The facility needs sustained security and a permanent absence of vandalism. Until then no cash should be injected into additional facilties.

What other sports/interests do you take part in?: I’ve always taken up football and might do so in my final year at university, but I’m not one of the typical ‘lads’ and team sports aren’t my thing anymore. I am interested in Olympic weightlifting, Rugby and Strongman events.

Who are your sporting heroes/inspirators?: Got to be Colin Jackson, what a guy! Read his books, watch his programmes but please do not diet like he did!! Jonathan Edward is my other hero. Both of these guys are exactly who the younger society need to be inspired by; two moral crusaders who make headlines for the right reasons that genuinely deserve article space. They promote an excellent way to lead your life and how to avoid being on Jeremy Kyle! But you can’t forget those mortal, everyday heroes!!

Name: Ellie Standerline

Age (Group): U13s

Event (s) or Position in the Club: Any sprinting event up to 200m.long and high jump and sometimes shot putt.

How long have you been a member of the Club (Why did you join?): I have been a member for nearly 3 years. I was told to join at school by my p.e. teacher and I have always wanted to do something like this.

What do you enjoy the most/least about training?: I hate it when it rains for the whole the whole of training and its very heavy.

Which athlete (or official) that you have trained with works the hardest in training?: I think every one works very hard to get to where they want to get.

What is the best result you have achieved?: When I had a great day at Hull one day and I got 1st for 100m and a new p.b. and at Grimsby I got a great new p.b. for long jump and came 1st.

What event has been the most enjoyable?: 100 M

What is your ambition for yourself (or for the Club?): To get to English schools and do really well.

If you were to be given one wish, that you could use to improve Quibell Park (equipment or facilities) what would you wish for?: To Get a new track laid its hard to run on unlike another track.

What other sports/interests do you take part in?: play for my schools netball team and this athletics.

Who are your sporting heroes/inspirators?: Just All the GB Team sprinters they just do so well and never give up.

Name: Susan Dulcie Hall

Age (Group): 35 (Vet)

Event (s) or Position in the Club: Social Secretary and official sweeper upper at the back of the Club

How long have you been a member of the Club (Why did you join?): I joined in November 2007 because my boyfriend, Malcolm, is a member and I didn’t want to be a running widow. If you can’t beat ’em, join ‘em!

What do you enjoy the most/least about training?: I love the socialising while jogging (talking, you men would call it) and hate it when everyone ducks out (Wendy, Sian and Maggie).

Which athlete (or official) that you have trained with works the hardest in training?: They are all very good and committed and all have extremely nice bums.

What is the best result you have achieved?: Doing a half and full marathon in my first year and finishing them without injury.

What event has been the most enjoyable?: All our events and races are great as we go for a meal afterwards and that’s a way to my heart! A very Big One at that!

What is your ambition for yourself (or for the Club?): Personally, to lose weight and to keep healthy. Hopefully jogging / running will do this.

If you were to be given one wish, that you could use to improve Quibell Park (equipment or facilities) what would you wish for?: Have not used Quibell Park but a Starbuck’s Coffee Bar would be nice.

What other sports/interests do you take part in?: More eating! but when I’m not eating I play squash, love to swim, enjoy getting in the garden and love to watch Strictly Come Dancing as Anton is my hero. Yum! Yum!

Who are your sporting heroes/inspirators?: Watching all sports and they are all my heroes, the efforts and dedication they put in all deserve my admiration as I sit and watch them while eating!

NAME: Rod Burton

AGE (GROUP): VET 50 (55 in August 2010!)

EVENT (S) (OR POSITION IN CLUB) Chairman of Road Running Section; competitor 1500m - 5000m on rare track excursions; Road Running to 54 miles; Trail and moorland running - usually at least 24 miles long; cross-countries and the odd relay event.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER OF SDAC? (WHY DID YOU JOIN?): Joined in late 1997 after obtaining a place in 1998 London marathon - my first, and needed to train safely during the winter nights which wasn't possible in my village location. Had also taken part in the Summer Grand Prix series as a guest, and had been impressed by the friendliness and advice that I received from the members of the club.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST / LEAST ABOUT TRAINING? Running "on the edge" - fast (its all relative!) but in control. Running in a group and having a chat, and then perhaps working hard with a few like minded members. It is so much easier to do the sessions that improve your speed, strength or endurance, when you have company while doing it. Least liked is the half hour drive from Caistor to and from Brumby Hall where the Road Runners meet.

WHICH ATHLETE (OR OFFICAL) YOU HAVE TRAINED WITH WORKS THE HARDEST IN TRAINING? I see the Track athletes only when they compete in a road section event, or when we are competing in a joint cross-country team, I have always been tremendously impressed with their gutsy and positive attitude. This must be something instilled by the excellent set of coaches that take raw youngsters and turn them into the finished product.

I have huge admiration for Ian Dowse - true grit.

On the Road side the wide cross-section of the local community that makes up our club is a constant source of inspiration, as each member discovers their potential, and sets about realising it. The Committee is made up of very hard working individuals, and all are worthy of particular mention for the work that they put in.

WHAT IS THE BEST RESULT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED? Take your pick from a number of unspectacular outings! Ran 4.15 for the 35.2 mile Two Bridges event in Scotland in about 2002. Third Vet in UK Trail Running championships one year (25 miles approx. in possibly 2001); 2nd VET in Ultra Category of UK Trail Running championship series in 2002(?). Also, I have a certificate from Louth AC that shows that I ran 5m 35 sec miling pace for one of their 14.333km Wold Dashes around about 1998. I've never been close again.

WHAT EVENT HAS BEEN THE MOST ENJOYABLE? I cannot choose between the 2004 London to Brighton road race (it all went to plan - a rare thing); and taking part (in 1999, 2000, and 2001) as part of a Customs & Excise Sports Club team in the Vienna to Budapest Super marathon. This is a 250 mile event held over 5 days for teams of 4, or solo certifiable eastern european ultra runners. Individual legs for team members are from 7 to 22 miles, with each runner racing some 50 miles over the 5 days. It has huge Hungarian TV coverage, about 120 teams from across Europe, and tremendous crowd support through the villages which turn out in fiesta mode. With the best teams being semi-professional sponssored works teams our UK team (largely self funded, and with an average age in the 40's) rose from 45th position the first year to 23rd on our 3rd attempt. Not quite good enough to win the new Skoda offerred as first prize, but pleasing none the less.

Locally, the Croxby Crawl series of races held each summer and hosted by Cleethorpes AC are hugely enjoyable, and the best conditioning training that you can possibly do. Truly, that finish at the top of 'heartbreak hill' is fully deserving of its name!

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION FOR YOURSELF (OR FOR THE CLUB)? If health allows to remain competitive within my age group for as long as possible, but largely to be still running when I hit 70. I hope that the Track Section receives the recognition it deserves for the great results achieved by its coaching team. I also hope that the Road Running Section remains as it is - the perfect place to make new friends; discover new dreams; find hidden depths and strengths, and conquer a few of life's demons. Whether the goal is to shed three stone, and be able to run 5K without stopping; or whether it is to better national age group best times - we have members who have set and achieved these as their personal goal. And new members, each with their own set of challenges, join each month.

For 2010 I have two particular goals. One is to complete the Coast to Coast (St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay - 192 miles). I hope to run it in 6 days with club colleagues Gary Armitage and Mark Whitelock, starting on may 15th, and ending on the 21st when Mark has a birthday, and our combined ages will total 150! We are running in aid of charity - MacMillan Cancer Care. http://www.justgiving.com/coast2coastchallenge1. In addition I am also hoping to recover in time to undertake the LDWA 100, held this year for the first time in Scotland. It starts on 29th May from Dunkeld, and loops out over Rannoch Moor and other wild and woolly places. My first, and I suspect, only 100 mile event.

IF I WAS TO GIVE YOU ONE WISH WHICH YOU COULD USE TO IMPROVE QUIBELL PARK (EITHER EQUIPMENT / FACILITIES) WHAT WOULD YOU WISH FOR? A warmer floor...

WHAT OTHER SPORTS / INTERESTS DO YOU TAKE PART IN? I'm not much interested in TV, mainstream Hollywood cinema; much of politics, or the celebrity culture. I am interested in pretty much else, so boredem is not something that I suffer from, as I like to try out those things that my wallet size allows.

WHO ARE YOUR SPORTING HERO / INSPIRATION? Bobby Charlton from my childhood; Tony Currie from my youth. Donna Daley, as was, in particular, and Nicola, Lindsey and Emma - our very own 'golden girls' - well, they were in 2008! Daphne Ellmore of Wold Vets - UK F55 Age group champion at various distances - I still cannot catch her! And finally Roger Lewis, Michael McNierny Snr, Frank Evans, Frank Walton, Phil Ridgewell Bob Newell, Dot Bontoft, Pat Brooks - they have all achieved so much in their own way while at the club.

NAME: Roger Lewis

AGE (GROUP): Over 60 veteran

EVENT (S) (OR POSITION IN CLUB) Any road road or trail events. Road Running Section committee member

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER OF SADAC? (WHY DID YOU JOIN?) I have been a member of SADAC from day one. I was previously a member of Riddings Youth Center athletic club and served as a coach and on the management committee for a number of years. My daughter Helen was also a member. When the issue of the amalgamation of the three Scunthorpe clubs (Riddings YCAC. Normanby Park AC and Scunthorpe Harriers) was first raised it was decided that a committee comprising of representatives from each club be formed to oversee the amalgamation. I was one of the reps for RYCAC on that committee.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST / LEAST ABOUT TRAINING? The best thing about training is being in the company of people with a love of running. It’s the sort thing only a runner can understand. Running attracts people from all walks of life one common goal to run. The worst thing about training for me is hill work. I know I have to do it but don’t like it at all

WHICH ATHLETE (OR OFFICAL) YOU H AVE TRAINED WITH WORKS THE HARDEST IN TRAINNING? It’s not easy to pick anyone one person in particular I have had the pleasure to train with so many dedicated individuals over the years but if pressed to name any Dot Bontoft has to be there in the list along with Billy Sargeant, Alf Hemmings, and Sam Ritson

WHAT IS THE BEST RESULT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED? My marathon PB in Nottingham in 1994 (3hrs 5mins 50secs)

WHAT EVENT HAS BEEN THE MOST ENJOYABLE? I enjoy all events but any of the big city events such as London Marathon and The great North run have such fantastic atmospheres that they have to be the best.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION FOR YOURSELF (OR FOR THE CLUB)? I would like the club to remain viable for many years to come and continue to attract youngsters into the sport. This is something that will happen due mainly to those in work tirelessly away in the background promoting and managing the club. On a personal note I just want to be able to keep running and take the two Franks record as the two oldest members.

IF I WAS TO GIVE YOU ONE WISH WHICH YOU COULD USE TO IMPROVE QUIBELL PARK (EITHER EQUIPMENT / FACILITIES) WHAT WOULD YOU WISH FOR? Quibble Park is in one of the nicest settings for an athletics venue in the country but it is badly let down by the facilities it provides for athletes and spectators alike so a new grandstand with decent has got to be top of the list.

WHAT OTHER SPORTS / INTERESTS DO YOU TAKE PART IN? I don’t actively take part in any other sport but have a love of rugby football both union and league. I love to walk the hills of North Yorkshire and am not averse to cycling.

WHO ARE YOUR SPORTING HERO / INSPIRATION? Roger Bannister from athletics and JPR Williams from rugby.

Name: Daniel Harmes

Age (Group): Under 20

Event (s) or Position in the Club: Decathlete and coach

How long have you been a member of the Club (Why did you join?): 5 years I’ve been a member and joined because I wanted to do athletics

What do you enjoy the most/least about training?: The most enjoyable thing is pole vault, but the worst thing is easily the weather

Which athlete (or official) that you have trained with works the hardest in training?: Odd as it sounds but Dave Harmes

What is the best result you have achieved?: Making it to English schools for 2 consecutive years

What event has been the most enjoyable?: English schools because it was just the biggest thing i have been part of

What is your ambition for yourself (or for the Club?): To develop pole vault at the club

If you were to be given one wish, that you could use to improve Quibell Park (equipment or facilities) what would you wish for?: The track re- laid, or an indoor facility so we can train there.

What other sports/interests do you take part in?: I’m up for most sports I don’t take part in others anymore but used to play hockey for college

Who are your sporting heroes/inspirators?: Sergey Bubka and Alex Kruger

NAME; Rachel Fisk

AGE (GROUP): Senior Woman

EVENT (S) (OR POSITION IN CLUB):

Mainly 800m, but I do enjoy running 400m and making an appearance in the 400m hurdles. Actually any track event that is not over 3k.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER OF SDAC? (WHY DID YOU JOIN?):

I joined when I was 12 or 13 after winning the school cross-country and doing well in county schools.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST / LEAST ABOUT TRAINNING?
The summer sessions are brilliant when doing speed work, and general training in the warm-ish weather. Winter training is not always so fun with the rain, wind and snow

WHICH ATHLETE (OR OFFICAL) YOU HAVE TRAINED WITH WORKS THE HARDEST IN TRAINNING?

There are too many coaches and athletes to mention individually, but Stuart Frow deserves a name check. What a legend!

WHAT IS THE BEST RESULT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED?

8th at English schools for 800m. Also recording a national standard time at age 15.

WHAT EVENT HAS BEEN THE MOST ENJOYABLE?

Back to back promotion in the senior league.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION FOR YOURSELF (OR FOR THE CLUB)?

I would like to see the club continue in its success, both in athletic performance and support for those who give up their FREE time.

IF I WAS TO GIVE YOU ONE WISH WHICH YOU COULD USE TO IMPROVE QUIBELL PARK (EITHER EQUIPMENT / FACILITIES) WHAT WOULD YOU WISH FOR?

New track and stand!

WHAT OTHER SPORTS / INTERESTS DO YOU TAKE PART IN?

I am very interested in Skiing, and Hockey, unfortunately I don’t get time to participate in them often. I also swim and I teach it. I would like to have a go at rugby, but I am far too much of a wuss for that sport.

WHO ARE YOUR SPORTING HERO / INSPIRATION?

Anyone who pins a number on, and is on the starting line...