Heathfield Road Runners Newsletter Editor Alma , Pineside, Firgrove Road, Cross in Hand TN21 0SU [email protected] Tel: 07972856828

June 2011

Welcome to the newsletter. What a busy time we have had, with lots of members taking part and organising events to keep us entertained. A BIG THANKYOU to you all.

Heathfield 10k 26/06/2011 Each year we host a 10k event, and have been doing so for a number of years, and is has been very successful and enjoyable event. And this year is no different. We have unfortunately lost a few key organisers this year and could do with some help. Rosie is co-ordinating the event, and is organising proceedings. Please could you let me, or Rosie know if you are available to help. You can either email me on [email protected] or tel: 07972856828.

BBQ ?

1066 Relay Report by Gill Boorman

Sunday 8th May saw many of us having an early start to take part in the inaugural 1066 Relay, organised by Nick Brown of Hastings Runners. After lots of panicking on my part, and some last minute help from two Utopia ladies, we fielded three full teams – a ladies’ team, a mixed vet’s team, and a men’s senior team. I am especially grateful to Utopia as their participation meant I didn’t have to run two legs! Fortunately the early heavy rain gave way to sunshine, although this did make for some very warm running conditions, especially along the Levels where there was no breeze at all. The relay took place along the 1066 Walk route, starting at Pevensey Castle and finishing in Rye, and taking in Battle Abbey & Castle along the way. The five legs were of varying lengths and, I understand from Bev, some were slightly hillier than others! The race was not a bona fide relay in that you didn’t have to wait for the person on the previous leg to reach you, and this meant that everybody could be in Rye to see the final runners finish which was very nice. The race was faultlessly organised and well marshalled, parking was mostly easy and plentiful, and it was a pleasure to take part. I have had positive comments from everyone who took part, and I’m sure we will do it again next year. A special mention should go to James Cox who finished first on his leg (and it was a very convincing first). Sadly, Jim suffered a calf injury on the final leg, but carried on regardless and made it across the finish line in style with an entourage! The men’s senior team finished 13th out of 39 competing teams, the mixed team were 27th, and the ladies’ team were, well, last! Someone has to be though, and it gives us a goal for next year. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part, and everyone who drove runners about the countryside on a Sunday morning when they could have been in bed!

HRR Quiz Night - Report by Gill Boorman

We held a quiz night at Village Hall on Friday 13th May (lucky for some, but not for others!) It turned out to be quite a select affair, but a thoroughly enjoyable time was had by all who attended. The questions were superb (I would say that!), and asked splendidly by Jim until the red wine took over and Lady Chatterleyleyley proved to be a bit hard to say! (The doors also proved to be a bit troublesome for some female members as the evening wore on…)

1 The winners on the night were Karen & Alan Anderton and their friends with two rounds of full points helping them on the way, and it would be rude to mention who came last! A little less drink next time perhaps? The evening was lent an international flavour by the participation of a very lovely Dutch couple who had parked up for the night in the car park in their camper van. They struggled with understanding some of the questions but did actually get some correct that

Hash run 16/05/2011 Chris and Julie Wheeler, kindly put on a HASH run for us, we would like to say a BIG thank you to them for doing this. They had been out earlier in the day and plotted a route for us with arrows made of flour and chalk, with false arrows at certain points, and we had to find out which was the correct way. This made a great Monday evening run, and there has been lots of positive feedback.

South Downs Relay 04/06/2011

South Downs Way Relay – Vet’s Team - Report by Graham Chapman

Heathfield Road Runners have a long tradition with this unique race, and it is the highlight of the year for many. But, I think it's fair to say that in recent years our performances have not been spectacular. So, I must admit it has been quite a few years since I've been moved to write about experiences on the South Downs Way Relay. This year, however, it was a little bit special. Last year, with our 3 teams finishing very late indeed, Heathfield Road Runners had nearly returned to the ridiculed status we had many years ago before we actually started to challenge for medals. So why was it different this year? For starters, the club had dropped its usual 3-team entry to 2, mirroring the decline in competitiveness and active participation over recent years. We have to be realistic about this: the race is by limited invitation only and consequently there are some very capable teams on the waiting list to enter. It is therefore somewhat embarrassing to squander some of the 53 places on teams that finish so late in the day. Being a handicapped race, another important factor was the start times; this year they were much more realistic. Our A team started at an unprecedented 6am and the vets team just one hour later. Perhaps most significant of all was the fact that our vets team was comprised of runners that could potentially be in the running for a place: I am sure that James won't mind me saying that this year was the first year the vets have been able to call upon his running talents. Bev is certainly running better than ever and Graham West is currently going well too. There were however a couple of question marks: Paul would admit that his running training has been largely replaced by a high volume of cycling, and we also had first-timer Andy who was pulled in at a very short 2-week notice due to the unfortunate injury of a very disappointed Jim. That leaves just one, me, well I was there because we can't have a team with 5 people. On the day, the whole team performed to an extraordinarily high standard. James will have run some of the quickest times of the day and appears to leave absolutely nothing in the tank at the end of each run. Of course, as the first runner, this has a profound effect on the rest of the team who are inspired to match his effort levels. Andy must have been more than a little anxious as the day unfolded, seeing the level of commitment displayed by the rest of the team and having to wait until the 6th leg to run off some of his tension. Nevertheless, Andy seemed to take all this in his stride and remained worryingly calm throughout. The tension never really leaves the bus though, no matter how well the team is doing. Indeed, as the day unfolded and it became clear we'd been continually overtaking other teams and had yet to be passed, we were all aware that just one navigational error could spell disaster. One question that is always on the runners' minds is how hard to run each leg. Common sense tells us that with 3 legs to run it is worth keeping a little in reserve for the subsequent legs. But when you see such effort being made, it is simply so inspiring that almost every last drop of energy given to each leg. It is this that makes this day so special, we all feed off our team-mates' performances and the rewards and fulfilment returned are huge and multiply at each checkpoint. The effect was not lost on Paul as he proved that swapping running for cycling training need not do too much harm to running ability. All this effort resulted in something very strange as we pulled into the checkpoint at the end of leg 14. It was a new changeover location and we wondered if we were in the right place. Gone was the congestion of previous check-points; in fact we couldn't see any other minibuses at all. 2 Little did we know that during leg 14, Graham had passed the only team still in front of us — Heathfield Road Runners were heading the field. In the 17 years that I've been part of the race, I've never known that! It is easy to suggest that the reason we led the whole field for 5 legs was because we started earlier than usual. But a more accurate picture is painted by the fact that not only did the vets team start with 11 other teams, but that a further 21 teams had at least a 30 minute head start. In the end, we were only just caught by 2 teams with less than 2 miles to go. It was great to see Andy wearing a Heathfield vest being only the 3rd runner to cross the line. Unusually, we got to enjoy warm showers, and we also saw 50 other teams finish. More importantly though, we had a great and memorable day and finished with heads high and with a time that in recent years would have earned at least silver medals. Yes, we still have to improve a little before we can pick up some prizes, the vets category has certainly become more competitive in the last couple of years with 6 teams under 13 hours this year compared to just 2 in 2009. Obviously, some question marks hover above an A team finishing 90 minutes after the time limit for the race. But — and it might be too early to say — maybe a corner has now been turned by HRR.

The vets' team of 2011 was a great little unit, ably assisted by our drivers Jason and Rosie who provided heaps of encouragement and humour along the way. Thanks to everyone who played their part, and especially to Rosie for pulling the whole thing together, and Karen and Alan who again gave up their morning to fulfil our marshalling responsibilities near Newhaven.

South Downs Way Relay - A team – report by Belinda Holdway

What a lovely day!

I had forgotten what a great day out the relay was, it was even better for me not having to organise anything but myself! We arrived at Beachy Head at 5.30 just in time to watch Richard and his helpers put the gazebo up in all that wind… not easy but very funny! I was so glad Leg 1 was not the one up for grabs when I offered my services. I would have hated running up The Sisters so early in the morning. Mick did a really fantastic job and we were in third place at the first changeover.

It was nice to meet Clare’s new man and what a wonderful job he did negotiating the lanes and dodging other buses “women drivers”! It also has to be said that he wins the performance of the day as the gearbox died and he had to drive home from Chichester in fourth gear, well done Andrew you are a star.

It was lovely to see Karen and Alan at the marshalling point on leg 3. Thanks guys. The sun came out as we joined you and it was HOT, HOT, HOT, from there on! I also would like to thank Alma who kept us in order, made sure we were in the right place at the right time and did all the time keeping.

I have always been in a minibus full of ladies so it was strange to have “men” in the back of the bus! I do insist on changing after every run and I don’t think poor Doug quite knew where to look!

I have to say everyone put in a wonderful effort and with a quick change of legs we made it in before the cut off. Well done Doug who stepped in and ran up Butser Hill. Ivan and I did for a moment think we might not have to run our last legs but I am so glad we did. We finished before it got dark, before the presentation had finished and in front of the pigs trotters. What a result!

All in all it was a great day thanks to my teammates Mick, Nicky, Doug, Clare and Ivan who gave it their all and made a most enjoyable day. (I do hope I didn’t talk too much!) Well done to the vet’s team who were the third team back and got a hot shower and a cold beer! (B*******!) By the way Graham the Vaseline worked wonders! Many thanks to Rosie, Jason and Lily for organising us all (I know what a headache that can be) what a great day……..maybe next year!

3 Club Kit As you may be aware, I hold the club kit, if anyone is interested in buying any please do not hesitate to contact me. I am thinking about ordering some club hoodies. But to do this I would need a firm commitment from those that are interested as it is likely that I would need to put in a minimum order. If you would like one please could you let me know, and if we get enough interested I will place an order. I am hoping that they will be no more than £15.00

Training Nights Monday nights, for the summer months are meeting in Waldron at 6.30pm (in the car park by the sports field). Thursday nights are meeting at Heathfield Leisure Centre at 6.50/7.00pm (except for time trial nights, the 1st Thursday of the month). Bev and Graham, also run a track session on the 3rd Wednesday of the month 7.00pm at Lewes Leisure centre. (Individual programs are set according to your targets).

Please remember to wear light clothing, as the club runs are run on public roads.

Future Events

Sussex Grand Prix events – The club likes to take part in these events. Anyone from the club taking part will gain points for the club and also on an individual basis. There is also a club award for the highest scoring female and male in the club. To gain maximum points you need to enter 8 races 2 of which need to be 10 miles or over (unless you are over 70 or under 18 then you are exempt from 2 of them being over 10 miles). Even if you don’t do all 8 races any that you do will earn points for the club.

Heathfield 10k 26/06/2011 (marshals needed) Bewl 15(miles) 03/07/2011 Phoenix 10k 10/07/2011 Bexhill 5k 27/07/2011 Newick 10k 28/08/2011 10k 11/09/2011 Hove 10k 18/09/2011 Lewes 10 mile downland 02/10/2011 Barns Green half marathon 30/10/2011 10k 06/11/2011 Brighton 10k 20/11/2011

Other races

Beachyhead marathon 22/10/2011

Results Well done to everyone that has taken part in these events I hope that I have got these results correct, if not please let me know. If anyone does any events, and would like their results recorded please could you let me know and I will include them in the next newsletter.

May Time Trial (summer) 05/05/2011 Roy Cooper 32.29

4 Graham Chapman 33.34 Andy Delves 34.03 Jim Scott 36.07 Alma England 40.34 David French 40.57

1066 relay 08/05/2011 Mens Senior Mixed leg 1 Rowan Baker 47.57 11th Alma England 58.27 32nd leg 2 Graham West 1.34.36 21st Bev Chapman 1.27.44 14th leg 3 David French 26.38 25th Julia Jones 22.44 8th leg 4 James Cox 46.46 1st Graham Chapman 1.01.38 21st leg 5 Jay Moore 49.29 29th Jim Scott 1.07.45 39th (injured) TOTAL TIMES 4.25.26 (13th) 4.58.29 (27TH)

Ladies Leg 1 Gill Boorman 1.06.06 Leg 2 Tara Sinha 1.47.11 Leg 3 Sarah Hall 38.10 Leg 4 Niki Marr 1.10.42 Leg 5 Olivia Trimbee 55.32 Total time 5.37.41 (39TH)

SCVAC league ( division) 11/05/2011 Graham Chapman 3000m 12.20 Bev Chapman 3000m 12.05

Hastings 5 mile 15/05/2011 Bev Chapman 32.53 Peter Morley 35.08 Niki Marr 40.22 Alma England 43.13 Sue Stead 43.29 Gill Boorman 47.57 Nigel Parkes 48.20 (ran with his daughter Kimberly)

Brighton and Hove Park Run 5km 21/05/2011 Graham Chapman 20.37 Graham West 20.24 Bev Chapman 19.41

SCVAC league 01/06/2011 Graham Chapman 1500m 5.40 Bev Chapman 1500m 5.39

June Time Trial (summer) 02/06/2011 Matthew Ely 32.11 Chris Shepherd 33.23 Graham Chapman 34.21

5 Alma England 41.20 David French 45.10 Sue Scott 47.16 (Sue, Cathy, Tanya ran together) Cathy Shepherd 48.47 Tanya 48.47 Steve Winter 53.15 ( injured)

Southdowns Relay 04/06/2011 Vet Team Leg time Leg 1 6.25m Beachhead James Cox 42.58 Leg 2 5.50m Exceat Graham West 48.05 Leg 3 4.50m BoPeep Graham Chapman 34.51 Leg 4 7.50m Itford farm Bev Chapman 54.04 Leg 5 5.00m Housedean farm Paul Rigden 38.15 Leg 6 5.00m Ditchling Beacon Andy Delves 39.18 Leg 7 5.25m Saddlescombe James Cox 33.40 Leg 8 6.00m River Adur Graham West 54.34 Leg 9 4.50m Washington church Graham Chapman 33.52 Leg10 3.75m Springhead Hill Bev Chapman 26.03 Leg11 5.25m Houghton Paul Rigden 42.28 Leg12 5.25m Littleton Farm Andy Delves 41.27 Leg13 6.25m Hillbarn James Cox 49.02 Leg14 4.00m Hartling Down Graham West 44.13(plus extra millage re amendment) Leg15 5.50m QE Country Park* Graham Chapman 33.43(less millage re amendment) Leg16 4.00m HMS Mercury Bev Chapman 29.09 Leg17 8.00m Old Winchester Hill Paul Rigden 1.04.46 Leg18 5.50m Holding Farm Andy Delves 43.22 Total 97.00m 12.33.50

Southdowns Relay 04/06/2011 A team Leg time Leg 1 6.25m Beachhead Mick Elms 54.44 Leg 2 5.50m Exceat Niki Marr 1.01.55 Leg 3 4.50m BoPeep Claire Symes 46.51 Leg 4 7.50m Itford farm Doug Andrews 56.51 Leg 5 5.00m Housedean farm Ivan Horsfall Turner 47.32 Leg 6 5.00m Ditchling Beacon Belinda Holdway 42.06 Leg 7 5.25m Saddlescombe Mick Elms 43.46 Leg 8 6.00m River Adur Niki Marr 1.09.37 Leg 9 4.50m Washington church Claire Symes 50.30 Leg10 3.75m Springhead Hill Doug Andrews 28.30 Leg11 5.25m Houghton Ivan Horsfall Turner 54.35 Leg12 5.25m Littleton Farm Belinda Holdway 47.33 Leg13 6.25m Hillbarn Mick Elms 1.02.27 Leg14 4.00m Hartling Down Niki Marr 53.33(plus extra millage re amendment)

6 Leg15 5.50m QE Country Park* Doug Andrews 33.08(less millage re amendment) Leg16 4.00m HMS Mercury Claire Symes 42.14 Leg17 8.00m Old Winchester Hill Belinda Holdway 1.20.28 Leg18 5.50m Holding Farm Ivan Hostfall Turner 54.55 Total 97.00m 15.31.12

Worthing 10k 08/06/2011 (25mph wind) Race time Chip Time Cedric Clemerson 43.51 43.45 Bev Chapman 45.53 45.47 Niki Marr 54.19 53.44 Sharon Saunders 54.46 54.11 Alma England 55.56 55.20 Gill Boorman 1.02.53 1.02.17

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