Shapland battles pain for England

By [mjenkin]

A CALF injury wasn't going to stop John Shapland giving everything on his England debut.

Representing his country for the first time, Shapland helped England's Vet55s gain silver in the British and Irish Cross Country Masters at Birmingham.

Despite pulling up in the boggy conditions at Perry Park, the North Devon Road Runner completed the arduous four-lap course.

With the top three places to count, Shapland finished third for England but was the team's second-placed runner when the injury struck.

He said: "My calf went on the third lap so I probably could have done better.

"But I got around and my score still counted for England.

"It's just annoying, you don't get many chances and it could be my only time.

"I think I would have got second if my calf had held up.

"It's something you don't really want on your England debut."

The event saw teams of four from various age groups representing England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Ireland pipped England by just two points to win the Vet55 title, while the host nation were the overall winners in the men's and women's competitions.

Although he is more suited to road running, 56-year-old Shapland was honoured to gain his first England vest in the 8k race.

"Cross country is not really my scene," he added. "It was so wet and windy, the conditions were terrible. I was really nervous but it was a great experience.

"We went up on Friday and stayed in the England hotel. Everybody mixed in and got on well and for the presentation night all the home nations and Ireland were there."

The Pilton man has only trained seriously as an athlete for the last eight years since he gave up playing football.

"It's still fairly new and I think that helps because you don't get so stale," he added. "You go to the masters races and you haven't got a clue who you're up against and it brings a bit more out of you."

Shapland had a calf problem in the early part of the year but has since recovered to post some outstanding times.

He won the British Masters 10,000m track championships in Oxford with a personal best of 35-07 and gained silver at the 10k road running championships in South Wales.

Personal bests were also set over 10k at Langport with 34-41 and 10 miles at Bideford in 57-51.

Bideford AAC's Michael Gilmore was also honoured to represent Northern Ireland in Birmingham. He pulled on the green and white vest for the third time, racing in the Vet65 team. Gilmore placed fourth in the team and, like Shapland, enjoyed a great occasion.

Both athletes hope to compete again next year when the event moves to Dublin.