BHAA 2013

RayCun

New year, new website, new set of races...

23 races in 2012 - cross-country, trail, road, beach and track
Run any race for 15 euro, or join BHAA for 15 euro and race for 10
Prizes for race winners, for teams, for age categories, winter and summer leagues for BHAA members so you compete against people of your own standard, and more prizes for those who do well in the leagues, plus spot prizes throughout the year, mugs, t-shirts, and a pile of food after each race.

The calendar so far is
January 5 - SDCC - Tymon Park - cross country - Women 2 mile Open 4 mile
January 19 - Eircom - Cherryfield Park - cross country - Women 2 mile Open 5 mile
February 2 - North County Farmers - Swords - cross country
February 16 - Gardai - Phoenix Park - cross country
February 23 - Dublin Airport - ALSAA club - cross country
March 9 - NUI/AIB - Maynooth - cross country
March 23- North County Farmers - Malahide - Floodlit cross country
April 6 - DCC - St Annes Park, Raheny - road/path - 4 mile
April 20 - K-Club - road - 10k
April 27 - RTE - road - 5 mile
May 7 - ESB - Sandymount strand - beach - 5k

BHAA 2012 thread

average_runner

RayCun wrote: »

New year, new website, new set of races...

23 races in 2012 - cross-country, trail, road, beach and track
Run any race for 15 euro, or join BHAA for 15 euro and race for 10
Prizes for race winners, for teams, for age categories, winter and summer leagues for BHAA members so you compete against people of your own standard, and more prizes for those who do well in the leagues, plus spot prizes throughout the year, mugs, t-shirts, and a pile of food after each race.

The calendar so far is
January 5 - SDCC - Tymon Park - cross country - Women 2 mile Open 4 mile
January 19 - Eircom - Cherryfield Park - cross country - Women 2 mile Open 5 mile
February 2 - North County Farmers - Swords - cross country
February 16 - Gardai - Phoenix Park - cross country
February 23 - Dublin Airport - ALSAA club - cross country
March 9 - NUI/AIB - Maynooth - cross country
March 23- North County Farmers - Malahide - Floodlit cross country
April 6 - DCC - St Annes Park, Raheny - road/path - 4 mile
April 20 - K-Club - road - 10k
April 27 - RTE - road - 5 mile
May 7 - ESB - Sandymount strand - beach - 5k

BHAA 2012 thread

rte race on early this year. Usually its the bank hol in may. any reason why?

couerdelion

If anyone is unsure about giving the BHAA a go, I posted the below last year after I had done a few races and I know a couple of people got involved since reading it so it may help anyone who is thinking about joining(I've edited it to make it more relevent):

The first thing I noticed last year was that the standard in the BHAA races is that little bit higher than the average road race - especially at the back of the field - but don't let this put you off. The benefit of this is that nearly everyone who is there is looking to improve as a runner and complete the distance in as fast as time as possible so there are pretty much no walkers to get stuck behind (I'm sure 1-2 races may have had a couple but they must have started at the back) and plenty of people to help push you that bit harder.

At first I found it quite hard and pretty humbling that the times I was running (which would place me in and around the top 1/3 in most of the big road races) would have me finishing in the bottom 20 people in the BHAA. The thing is though - I've stuck with it and my times have improved race on race. The way the BHAA organise the races with leagues and "standards" mean that I'm firstly competing against myself and then secondly with the people within my league.

"Standards" are a bit like a golf handicap with a better time resulting in a decrease in your standard and a less than par performance resulting in upping a standard. You will get a standard calculated after competing your first two races, so after my first two I got a standard of 21. This then gave me target times for all the distances and everytime I beat my target time I get moved down a standard and had a new set of times to beat. After a few races last year I was moving down standards every race and am now standard 15 (I think - waiting for website to be updated!).

My aim now in 2013 will be to carry on moving down standards and to also beat my times from last year by a good margin to help prove to me my continued improvement. I'm still in the bottom third of the results (from last time out - Vodafone) but the good thing is that I feel I'm a year behind one of my work colleagues who was hitting similar times to me 12 months previous in nearly all the races and is now in the top third of the results.

Although I've moved up slightly since I started - Did it matter to me being at the back of the pack? Not at all. If I hit my targets the brack afterwards tasted all the more sweeter. Last year was the first time I had taken running anything like seriously. Since starting training for Triathlon running has always been my least favourite/worst discipline so it was the one I did the least of. Now, through the BHAA more than anything else, I'm loving my running and look forward to the next race to seeing how I'm improving.

If you have enough of you from your work place then you could even form a team. We ended up winning the first place 'D' league team prize a few times last years and got some nice hooded sweatshirts and a few vouchers. Each time it was an unexpected bonus (and we were probably the only team in Div 'D' ). If you don't have enough people in work interested then there are industry teams also made up of people from the same industry.

If you really aren't sure about it just go along to Tymon Park and try one race. I don't think there is better value racing to be had. I know there's the Park Runs which are free, but these are a different venue each time out, and vary in length and terrain plus you get a free brew and brack afterwards

RayCun

I seem to remember from last year that 2012 membership runs to the end of January 2013. Can anyone confirm?

AJAYC

RayCun wrote: »

I seem to remember from last year that 2012 membership runs to the end of January 2013. Can anyone confirm?

It does!

AJAYC

Enjoy the Baker's Dozen, have a fun, fantastic & fast 2013!:D

RayCun

excellent, cover the SDCC and Eircom races so

AJAYC

Post January, we do door to door calls, tail people, wait at ATMs & the odd car-jacking to get the fees in.:)

pconn062

Unfortunately I'm going to miss the first race of the year due to being away, will be back for the Eircom race. Good to see that the Airport race at ALSAA in on earlier this year, might give us more chance of a mud bath compared to that green tarmac we ran on last year!

RedRunner

couerdelion wrote: »

If anyone is unsure about giving the BHAA a go, I posted the below last year after I had done a few races and I know a couple of people got involved since reading it so it may help anyone who is thinking about joining(I've edited it to make it more relevent):

The first thing I noticed last year was that the standard in the BHAA races is that little bit higher than the average road race - especially at the back of the field - but don't let this put you off. The benefit of this is that nearly everyone who is there is looking to improve as a runner and complete the distance in as fast as time as possible so there are pretty much no walkers to get stuck behind (I'm sure 1-2 races may have had a couple but they must have started at the back) and plenty of people to help push you that bit harder.

At first I found it quite hard and pretty humbling that the times I was running (which would place me in and around the top 1/3 in most of the big road races) would have me finishing in the bottom 20 people in the BHAA. The thing is though - I've stuck with it and my times have improved race on race. The way the BHAA organise the races with leagues and "standards" mean that I'm firstly competing against myself and then secondly with the people within my league.

"Standards" are a bit like a golf handicap with a better time resulting in a decrease in your standard and a less than par performance resulting in upping a standard. You will get a standard calculated after competing your first two races, so after my first two I got a standard of 21. This then gave me target times for all the distances and everytime I beat my target time I get moved down a standard and had a new set of times to beat. After a few races last year I was moving down standards every race and am now standard 15 (I think - waiting for website to be updated!).

My aim now in 2013 will be to carry on moving down standards and to also beat my times from last year by a good margin to help prove to me my continued improvement. I'm still in the bottom third of the results (from last time out - Vodafone) but the good thing is that I feel I'm a year behind one of my work colleagues who was hitting similar times to me 12 months previous in nearly all the races and is now in the top third of the results.

Although I've moved up slightly since I started - Did it matter to me being at the back of the pack? Not at all. If I hit my targets the brack afterwards tasted all the more sweeter. Last year was the first time I had taken running anything like seriously. Since starting training for Triathlon running has always been my least favourite/worst discipline so it was the one I did the least of. Now, through the BHAA more than anything else, I'm loving my running and look forward to the next race to seeing how I'm improving.

If you have enough of you from your work place then you could even form a team. We ended up winning the first place 'D' league team prize a few times last years and got some nice hooded sweatshirts and a few vouchers. Each time it was an unexpected bonus (and we were probably the only team in Div 'D' ). If you don't have enough people in work interested then there are industry teams also made up of people from the same industry.

If you really aren't sure about it just go along to Tymon Park and try one race. I don't think there is better value racing to be had. I know there's the Park Runs which are free, but these are a different venue each time out, and vary in length and terrain plus you get a free brew and brack afterwards

Having recently set up a new running club at work, this is exactly the kind of anecdote I need to pass onto my club members. Have had little success in getting more than one or two out at a time because of the fear that it is for very experienced and fast runners. Hopefully I'll have more success in 2013 and you'll see more of us out this year.

Sacksian

Just a couple of questions about Saturday...

1. Can you get to Tymon Park by public transport?

2. Anyone know what the course is like? Would 12mm spikes be okay?

RayCun

Sacksian wrote: »

Just a couple of questions about Saturday...

1. Can you get to Tymon Park by public transport?

2. Anyone know what the course is like? Would 12mm spikes be okay?

Yes, the 150 bus stops right outside (if you're coming from the city centre), and there are a few more.
12s might be a bit of overkill, but Tymon is usually muddy so some sort of spikes are better than none.
Here's the course from a few years ago

W.B. Yeats

Looking forward to my second XC with the BHAA-(and 3rd ever)
Tymon is the place I've run the most but never much XC running except up and down the pitches playing football.....

jebuz

W.B. Yeats wrote: »

second XC with the BHAA-(and 3rd ever)

snap!

emerald007

Registration will be open from 10.30 on Saturday in St Judes GAA. We'll be taking renewals and new/day memberships on the morning.

SnappyDresser

The BHAA is just about the best thing in athletics in Ireland. Regular races in Dublin and Cork. Varied distances, varied terrain, great grub, competitive, leagues, all abilities catered for.
Probably nothing has improved so many peoples running ability and sense of belonging than regular attendance at bhaa races. Each week you will see the same faces and realize that last week you just got beat by the old geezer and will make amends to beat him this week!
Everyone runs for themselves and their team.
I would highly recommend the BHAA as the races go from 5k all the way to the marathon.

doughef

Looking forward to this one

I might be running late tomorrow though..I'll be down the country..

Whats time does registration for the mens race finish at given the ladies is on at 12?

AJAYC

doughef wrote: »

Looking forward to this one

I might be running late tomorrow though..I'll be down the country..

Whats time does registration for the mens race finish at given the ladies is on at 12?

Noon also, to be sure.

emerald007

doughef wrote: »

Looking forward to this one

I might be running late tomorrow though..I'll be down the country..

Whats time does registration for the mens race finish at given the ladies is on at 12?

12 is the close. DM me and we'll have a number on standby.

doughef

Thanks a million for the info lads but I can deffo be there by half eleven.

I just figured with the ladies starting a 12 registration might close early.

pad-cam

photos from today http://www.flickr.com/photos/43453103@N02/sets/72157632442864182/

doughef

Great photos,

fair play for getting them up so quick.

Hard oul slog today but a great race.

RayCun

The usual great race today from the BHAA. A lovely day for running too, it barely counts as cross-country :pac:

AJAYC

The BHAA legend on the left, Dave Brady, ran an incredible 206 races in 2012 while Conor Jennings on the right ran a very impressive 100 last year. They're pictured already notching up 2013 numbers at the cross country race in Tymon Park earlier today.

W.B. Yeats

My chip mustn't have registered as I'm not on the official results..... what's the best way to get included??
I know what my number was and around what place I should have finished in as I passed a clubmate about 10m before the line and he is on the results

eoinín

AJAYC wrote: »

The BHAA legend on the left, Dave Brady, ran an incredible 206 races in 2012 while Conor Jennings on the right ran a very impressive 100 last year. They're pictured already notching up 2013 numbers at the cross country race in Tymon Park earlier today.

Good to see the lads continuing to rake up the numbers in 2013 - Dave had also ran the Parkrun earlier this morning!

Racman

W.B. Yeats wrote: »

My chip mustn't have registered as I'm not on the official results..... what's the best way to get included??
I know what my number was and around what place I should have finished in as I passed a clubmate about 10m before the line and he is on the results

There are several possible explanations of how this could have happened - faulty bib, incorrect number or name recorded at registration, bib obstructed at finish etc. The results on the website are still provisional and will be corrected where necessary. It tends to be difficult to identify and resolve any glitches immediately after the race. Simplest thing is to email info (at) bhaa.ie with the details.

doughef

I'm not in any hurry to see the results,, i know they normally take a few days.

But since someone said they are available I cant see them on the BHAA site?

Racman

doughef wrote: »

I'm not in any hurry to see the results,, i know they normally take a few days.

But since someone said they are available I cant see them on the BHAA site?

This link:
http://bhaa.ie/events/south-dublin-county-council-2013/

Still provisional, just temporary pdf files at present. And sure while I am at it, here you go:

doughef

Thanks for the results

W.B. Yeats

Racman wrote: »

There are several possible explanations of how this could have happened - faulty bib, incorrect number or name recorded at registration, bib obstructed at finish etc. The results on the website are still provisional and will be corrected where necessary. It tends to be difficult to identify and resolve any glitches immediately after the race. Simplest thing is to email info (at) bhaa.ie with the details.

Thanks for that
Email gone to info@..... with my details

The race was a good experience- I had played football/hurling/soccer on nearly all the pitches we ran around today. It was as enjoyable as XC can be- here's hoping all this hard work pays off on the road later in the year.....-
It seemed like a large crowd running today- presume NewYear's enthusiasm wanes as the year progresses

doughef

-
It seemed like a large crowd running today- presume NewYear's enthusiasm wanes as the year progresses[/QUOTE]


I'm not too sure.. The BHAA seems to be going from strength to strength..
Running is booming and the BHAA is cheap, better organised than most races and there are no walkers or crowds causing congestion,

RedRunner

Anyone from BHAA on here be able to tell me when events after May might be published? I'm trying to put calendar of events together for club at work and I'd like to include all the BHAA events for the year on it. Even provisional dates would do me for now if they were available?

RayCun

The dates in the AAI calendar are
<deleted>
emerald007 is looking for some real dates

daviddenis

Are spikes compulsory for the cross county races?

RayCun

daviddenis wrote: »

Are spikes compulsory for the cross county races?

No, not at all. Lots of people don't have them.

AJAYC

daviddenis wrote: »

Are spikes compulsory for the cross county races?

Not sure if they were much of an advantage at Tymon Park last Saturday but it was very dry leading up to the race. Some use trail shoes while others run in ordinary trainers though the majority wear spikes, unless it's very mucky or hilly you can get away fine without the metal.

ooter

Not sure if this has been asked before but is there somewhere secure to leave your belongings while the race(s) is going on?

AJAYC

ooter wrote: »

Not sure if this has been asked before but is there somewhere secure to leave your belongings while the race(s) is going on?

A lot of people bring a light bag(the stringy ones you get free at races are perfect) with your spikes & tracksuit for the warm-up & leave car keys inside these near the start/finish line. I've never heard of anything being taken as you'll always have people around. The changing rooms are in St.Enda's GAA Club Ballyboden & again, you have people keeping an eye on things there.

AJAYC

7mm, 9mm, 12mm or stilettos for Saturday? See you in Cherryfield.:)

rdunne

We had a great turnout at the South Dublin County Council race on 5 January 2013 and it went very well. Next, we have the Eircom cross-country on Saturday next 19 January 2013 at Cherryfield Park, Firhouse, Co. Dublin. Registration and changing facilities at Ballyboden St. Enda's GAA Club across the road from the park, opening at 10.00am.

The women's race is 2 miles and starts at 11.30am and the men's race is 5 miles and starts at 12.00 noon.

Buses passing close to the venue are the 49, 49B, 15, 15B and the 75.

Note that there are usually some good spot prizes after the races so even if you don't expect to be in the prizes for your speed and endurance, you will still have a chance of a nice prize just for being present. Last year there were some mobile phones. (Note that you have to be there if your name is called.)

One final point about the start. One of our members was spiked last time so please be careful, particularly at the start. There will be plenty of time to catch up.

Membership renewals will be taken on the day and it is easiest if you are an existing member just renewing. If you are a completely new member, the online facility is now available on the website bhaa.ie.

I look forward to a big turnout again on Saturday.

Regards

The Editor

npmurph

Saturday 19 January 2013 , Cherryfield Park, Firhouse forecast Rain ,Sleet, Snow, Cold ,Muddy ,Slippy ,Dirty.....can't wait!!!

ooter

Was hoping to make my bhaa/cc debut tomorrow but don't have any spikes,would I be mad turning up in normal running shoes?

Racman

ooter wrote: »

Was hoping to make my bhaa/cc debut tomorrow but don't have any spikes,would I be mad turning up in normal running shoes?

Some people run cross-country in bare feet as a preference, so spikes are not absolutely necessary. In my opinion, they do give you an advantage and I recommend them. I think you will be able to run freely around most of the course, although there are always a few of the turns that will get a bit muddy and you might need to slow down a bit there. Go for it.

Separately, I am told that there won't be any mobile phones as spot prizes. Also, please don't park on the grass tomorrow.

Nialler73

At the risk of sounding like a complete wuss... any chance this might get cancelled? I used to play for St Enda's and it can get messy..

NiallG4

Nialler73 wrote: »

At the risk of sounding like a complete wuss... any chance this might get cancelled? I used to play for St Enda's and it can get messy..

Nialler73

I'll take that as an endorsement that there'll be no change of plans!!! Good stuff, I'll leave the beers in the fridge tonight so!!

NiallG4

Nialler73 wrote: »

I'll take that as an endorsement that there'll be no change of plans!!! Good stuff, I'll leave the beers in the fridge tonight so!!

Don't take it from me. I think it will be on. Thats all.

Nialler73

NiallG4 wrote: »

Don't take it from me. I think it will be on. Thats all.

Don't worry, I won't put you on the bold step if it's canceled..

AJAYC

Never heard of a cross country cancellation, conditions are near perfect & bring whites just to test the wshing machine. A JCB will be on hand to rescue sinking runners.

RayCun

There were some XC races cancelled/postponed a couple of years ago, but IIRC it was because it was too difficult to get to the races. If the roads are open and the buses are running, so are we