Newsletter September 2015 Issue No. 025
Pink October Club Contacts
I thought bringing this event to your attention worthy of Chairman: Mark Clawson Vice Chairman: Ben Stock taking front page in our newsletter this month because Email: [email protected] it affects us all in some way, or will at some stage in our lives. Also, John (Karen’s husband) is a valued member Treasurer: Debbie Wiltshire of our club who is always quick to give up his time to Email: [email protected] support the club and the local running community. Membership Secretary: Faye Buche UKA Secretary: Lisa Caig October is the month of breast cancer awareness and as Email: [email protected] many of you know Karen lost a long battle with cancer earlier this year. Specifically, the 17th October would WSFRL Race Reps: James Tombs/James Mason have been Karen’s birthday. The team at Tilgate parkrun SCAA Race Rep: Stacey Buche have created an event on Saturday 17th October to Email: [email protected] celebrate Karen’s life and to help raise awareness of this Tilgate 5 Event Team: disease. We would like as many Saints and Sinners as Ben Stock, Martin Presland, Mike Hawker, Faye Buche, possible to be there to show our support and love. Nick Keating Email: [email protected] Details of the event can be found on the Tilgate parkrun Facebook page but to summarise: Club Kit Officer: Louise Bevan Email: [email protected] Club Coach: Mark Clawson “This event will be a celebration and about raising Run Leaders: Nick Baker, Bill Bedford, Martyn Langton, awareness so we are asking that week if you could; Mark Smee, Nick Keating Learn to Run Leaders: Bill Bedford, Shelley Meyern, • Wear pink – men included Mark Smee, Nick Baker, Vanessa Harrold • Wear a pink ribbon Junior Development Team: Stacey Buche, Khairy Arthur • Wear a decorated bra – men included Email: [email protected] • Supply some cakes or sweets sticking with the pink Website Administrator: James Tombs theme” Email: [email protected] Social Media Reporter: Ben Stock Social Events Organiser: Simone Lee We look forward to feeling the Saints and Sinners love at Email: [email protected] Tilgate on the 17th October. Press Reporter: Glenn Mitchell Leonnie Newsletter Editor: Leonnie Harrison Email: [email protected]
Club Communications AGM – Book the Date in your Diary Now!
Boxing Day Race From Mark Clawson
From Mark Clawson Our AGM will be held on Wednesday 2nd December at 7pm at the Gatwick Europa Hotel, Balcombe Road, We were stunned when the current race organisers of Maidenbower, RH10 7ZR. the very popular St Leonards Church, Turners Hill Boxing Day Race approached us a few months ago and asked us We have hired a suite from 7pm to 8.30pm and there to take over the race. will be a bar open for those who want to celebrate our amazing year. They have been very impressed with the rise of the club over the last couple of years, really liked the fun and More details about our AGM will be announced in the friendly attitude we have towards runners of all abilities next newsletter. and the clubs church links.
A very successful meeting two weeks ago saw us walk away as the new organisers and plans are now Hellrunner underway for this year’s race. From Mark Clawson
We are still putting together our race committee team Our race edition t-shirts have been designed and sent to which will be announced in the next newsletter but we the printers, so if you’re part of the Hellrunner race are pleased to announce Trevor Neal and Ben Stock will 2016 either team Saints or team Sinners t-shirts for share the role of Race Director and Nick Keating and training and for the big day will be available at the end Mark Clawson will share the role of Assistant Race of October. Directors. If you have entered or you are still thinking about It was decided all roles will be doubled up so not one entering and would like to travel as a club by coach person has to give up their time over the festive season please let Mark know, remember you can always bring every single year. Apart from James Tombs, his Boxing family and friends on the coach so they can see you go days are cancelled (who else could sort race numbers through HELL. and finishing times as quick as he could).
If you would like to be a part of the race committee and take on a role please let myself or Ben know.
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Club Training News minutes and new exercises and new tunes are being worked on you have been warned! From Mark Clawson Just like last year the cost will be £3 per session to cover Well the dark nights have brought our spring/summer the cost of hire and insurances. training to a close and as from Wednesday 7th October we will return to our winter training venue at Oriel High We have a new fitness team t-shirts coming soon these School, Maidenbower, RH10 7XW, starting at the usual can be purchased in the same way as club kit through time 7pm. Training fees will remain at £1 which goes Louise Bevan and there will be random challenges towards the hire of the multi use games area and during our classes to win a free t-shirt. floodlights.
Not all sessions will remain within the grounds and we Sunday Training will go outside so remember to stay safe be seen wear something bright and reflective or a head torch, our We are pleased to announce that our Sunday run group shower proof jackets are light weight and perfect for will once again return in November. Run leader Mark keeping the chill off. Smee will be planning and implementing a winter training programmes of Sunday runs to help all those There will be no Monday training sessions during the wanting to increase their distance, perfect for our winter as these will be replaced with the fitness classes. members taking part in spring marathons and half We do however encourage members to meet up on marathons. Mondays until the fitness classes start, so why not meet at the usual time of 6.45pm at K2 and do the original More details in our October newsletter. Bathstore 5k or Three Bridges 5 mile together.
Investing In Our Club Members October Training: As we agreed at our AGM last year all profit made within Wednesday 7pm Oriel High School - £1 the club would go towards improving the club as well as helping local communities/charities. 7th – Paced ladders & relays We are pleased to announce that in October we have 14th – Times Square funded three new run leaders: Ben Stock, Darren 21st – Leg warmers Bateman and James Tombs will be completing the UKA leader in running fitness course. We are also funding 28th – Loop the group another member who will be taking a step up from run leader as Bill Bedford will start his coaching badge in January.
Fitness Classes - £3 We will continue to invest in the club and our members and in 2016 we plan to fund more run leaders to help They’re coming back and will take over from our take the club forward. Monday training sessions HOWEVER we are unable to start in October due to ongoing building works within And not forgetting our L2R helpers Kerry, Louise, Darren the hall. Our fitness classes will take place every and Gary who gave up their time to assist our run Tuesday 6.45pm at Broadfield East Junior School main leaders and to encourage the group. hall starting from 3rd November, classes will last 60
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Run Leaders Most Improved Mile Time
On the subject of run leaders I would like to thank them Another clear winner for the final most improved mile all for the time and effort they give up to make sessions challenge. It’s a shame only one person can win this happen. Both Vanessa and Nick B have done a brilliant award as this month’s mile saw some amazing job with the Monday sessions at Southgate recently. Ben improvement times that would have on previous and Nick K have been great covering Wednesday months been enough to take the award. Tracey Stocker - sessions and the amazing Bill Bedford, Shelley Meyern 46 sec, Andrea Mealin -29 sec, Eliza Thorns -28 sec and and Mark Smee have yet again produced another Gail Brazier -23 sec to name just a few. chapter of runners to the club with a very successful learn to run group. But our winner who set her previous personal best back in 2014 has showed everyone what you can achieve. Injury after injury set her back towards the end of 2014 and throughout 2015 but she never gave up, each time Most Improved Runner she came back stronger and more determined and with that she has battled back to fitness and achieved an Normally I start this with “it’s been another tough amazing most improved time of 9.47 taking a whopping month to choose” but not this month. This month’s 1 minute and 33 seconds of her previous personal best, winner was an easy choice, she has had an amazing well done... Elodie Legras. month PB after PB at parkrun, an outstanding performance at the Fittleworth league race and a great attitude at training. A very big well done to... Shelley Meyern.
Photo by: Roy Swetman
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September Mile Times John Evans 7.58
Wow what a way to end the final challenge, a total of 51 Sue Kemp 8.00 new PB -8 runners took part. We had 19 new personal bests and 3 Eliza Thorns 8.00 new PB -28 managed to equal their previous personal best, we also had 12 first timers on the night. Louise Clawson 8.16 Roy Swetman 8.18 EQ PB Did you know that since starting the mile challenge back in April 2014 the challenge has attracted 176 runners? Richard Daniells 8.20 EQ PB
Bobby Shepard 8.24 new PB -16
September 2015 mile challenge times: Emily Jane Segens 8.32 Katy Ellis 8.37 Jason Harrold 5.21 new PB -4 Joel Cowley 8.43 (first time) Ben Stock 5.37 Alex Wakefield 8.47 (first time) James Tombs 5.44 Sue Childs 8.51 new PB -21 Wayne Kingsnorth 5.46 Gemma Humphrey 8.52 new PB -15 Finn McGrath 5.52 (first time) Joan Hallifax 8.57 new PB -1 Tim Winkley 5.56 Nina Ware 9.00 new PB -18 Andrew Vine 6.15 new PB-5 Tracey Stocker 9.01 new PB -46 Ant Neal 6.20 new PB -4 Vanessa Harrold 9.08 Martin Presland 6.26 new PB -4 Gail Brazier 9.14 new PB -23 Joe Scutt 6.31 Lisa Bloor 9.30 (first time) Georgina Scutt 6.42 EQ PB Elodie Legras 9.47 new PB -1.33 most improved mile Nick Baker 6.43 time September Zvan Santos 6.53 (first time) Andrea Mealin 9.48 new PB -29 Mark Clawson 6.58 Claire Orsborn 10.50 Kethan Suvarna 7.06 (first time) Tina Massiah 11.07 (first timer) Hannah Taylor 7.13 new PB -10 Jo Brown 11.08 (Jo Brown) Andrew Middleton 7.23 Maxine Dickinson 11.16 new PB -13 Jo Forrest 7.27 Sue Swetman 11.21 new PB -8 Richard Bryant 7.35 (first time) Anita Leighton 11.56 (first time) Paul Codd 7.37 Amanda Madel 13.03 (first time) Elliot Orsborn 7.38 new PB -1 Sharon Arthur 13.05 (first time) Sarah Duff-Cole 7.54 (first time)
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Mile Divisions Division Name Best Time Total Time Well after the final mile challenge the division tables have been updated. The top ranking places have 1 St Joseph Joe Scutt (J) 6:18:00 41:22:00 changed month after month through great performance 2 St Joseph Georgina Scutt 6:42:00 41:35:00 times or the dreaded penalty points. Here are the final tables, congratulations to all our winners who will be 3 St Joseph Mark Clawson 6:43:00 41:46:00 awarded at our AGM. 4 St Joseph Nick Baker 6:40:00 42:40:00
5 St Joseph Steve Hurst 6:20:00 43:11:00
Division Name Best Time Total Time 6 St Joseph Aisling Price 6:45:00 43:40:00
1 St Christopher Jason Harrold 5:21:00 33:33:00 7 St Joseph Lorraine Martin 6:54:00 43:54:00
2 St Christopher Ben Stock 5:24:00 33:48:00 8 St Joseph Lisa Caig 6:45:00 44:15:00
3 St Christopher W Kingsnorth 5:30:00 34:37:00
4 St Christopher James Tombs 5:39:00 35:33:00 Division Name Best Time Total Time
4 St Christopher Jack Chivers 5:27:00 36:04:00 1 St Peter Ange Stark 6:57:00 44:24:00
6 St Christopher Tim Winkley 5:47:00 36:07:00 2 St Peter Jo Forrest 6:53:00 44:44:00
7 St Christopher Darren Hunt 6:04:00 36:47:00 3 St Peter A Middleton 7:05:00 45:07:00
8 St Christopher Stacey Buche 5:38:00 36:53:00 4 St Peter M Wiltshire 7:16:00 45:35:00
5 St Peter Paul Codd 7:12:00 45:43:00
Division Name Best Time Total Time 6 St Peter Amy Mills (J) 7:12:00 46:48:00
1 St John Mark Austin 6:15:00 39:07:00 7 St Peter John Evans 7:12:00 46:49:00
2 St John Ant Neal 6:18:00 39:10:00 8 St Peter Jamal Webb (J) 7:03:00 47:03:00
3 St John Andrew Vine 6:15:00 40:00:00 9 St Peter T Kettly Hawkins 7:23:00 47:23:00
4 St John Ross Wyeth 6:07:00 40:15:00 10 St Peter Debbie Bristow 7:34:00 47:34:00
4 St John Andrew Bullock 6:18:00 40:40:00 6 St John Martin Presland 6:26:00 40:56:00 7 St John Stephen Cross 6:28:00 41:03:00
8 St John D Bateman 6:25:00 41:25:00
9 St John James Mason 6:34:00 41:34:00
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Division Name Best Time Total Time Division Name Best Time Total Time
1 St Paul Elliot Orsborn (J) 7:38:00 49:04:00 1 St Anthony Richard Daniells 8:20:00 51:40:00
2 St Paul Carole Mills 7:48:00 49:38:00 2 St Anthony Vanessa Harrold 8:45:00 54:03:00
3 St Paul Emily-Jane Segens 7:47:00 49:55:00 2 St Anthony Yvonne Miller 8:38:00 54:58:00
4 St Paul Simone Lee 7:34:00 50:04:00 4 St Anthony Faye Buche 8:32:00 57:27:00
5 St Paul Debbie Wheeler 7:45:00 50:15:00 5 St Anthony Dave Lacey 9:05:00 57:34:00
6 St Paul Tony Parkes 7:56:00 50:26:00 6 St Anthony L Thompson 8:44:00 58:44:00
7 St Paul Sarah Barrett 8:09:00 50:39:00 7 St Anthony Heather Cord 8:54:00 58:54:00
8 St Paul Roy Swetman 8:18:00 50:46:00 8 St Anthony Isobel Buche (J) 8:59:00 58:59:00
9 St Paul Doug McComb 8:30:00 51:27:00 9 St Anthony Emma Brown 9:20:00 59:20:00
Division Name Best Time Total Time Division Name Best Time Total Time
1 St Patrick Natalie Chivers 7:30:00 50:10:00 1 St Jude Robert Shepard 8:24:00 60:14:00
2 St Patrick Sue Kemp 8:00:00 51:22:00 2 St Jude Danielle McComb 9:27:00 62:02:00
3 St Patrick Louise Clawson 8:09:00 51:38:00 3 St Jude Katie Miller 8:44:00 62:25:00
4 St Patrick Gabrielle Presland 8:08:00 52:20:00 4 St Jude Tracey Stocker 9:01:00 62:34:00
5 St Patrick Julie Wyeth 8:24:00 52:27:00 5 St Jude Janet Lee 9:35:00 63:15:00
6 St Patrick Ellie Buche (J) 8:06:00 53:06:00 6 St Jude Chris Cargan 9:53:00 63:27:00
7 St Patrick Katy Ellis 8:29:00 53:17:00 7 St Jude Claire Orsborn 10:28:00 64:47:00
8 St Patrick Paula Locklock 8:18:00 53:18:00 8 St Jude Debbie Wiltshire 10:10:00 64:50:00
9 St Patrick Faris Webb (J) 8:20:00 53:20:00 9 St Jude Lisa Stocker 10:04:00 65:04:00
10 St Patrick Roy Truett 8:39:00 53:23:00 10 St Jude Cooper Lang (J) 10:09:00 65:09:00
11 St Patrick Richard Webb 8:47:00 53:47:00 11 St Jude Maxine Dickinson 11:16:00 66:55:00
12 St Jude Vanessa Windust 11:30:00 67:06:00
13 St Jude Sue Swetman 11:21:00 67:29:00
14 St Jude Caroline McLean 12:57:00 67:57:00
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Learn to Run Group 3 Graduation day With expressions of interest for the next course in Spring 2016 already starting to build, the people of th Saturday 19 September, by Bill Bedford Crawley and surrounding areas are clearly wanting to get out there and run and the reputation that the club When the first Saints and Sinners Learn to Run Group has established locally means that we are the club they kicked off back in the latter half of 2014 we could not come to when starting their running journey. possibly have predicted just how successful the courses would prove to be. As things have progressed the On Saturday 19th September 2015 a group of 14 new content of the course has evolved and been adapted by runners turned out to complete their well deserved the team of Run Leaders and we now have a programme ‘Graduation Run’, creating the customary wave of yellow that is second to none! Following the third course the around Tilgate and attracting some great coverage in the feedback has been really positive and we are confident local media. that the course now offers so much more to the participants than just a ‘Couch to 5k’ programme. The The latest group of graduate runners had endured some majority of our graduates to date have gone on to join pretty bleak weather conditions while completing the and regularly train with our thriving Saints and Sinners last few sessions of their ten week course. Despite this Running Club – the friendliest running club in West they persevered and showed themselves to be hardcore Sussex! all weather runners.
It doesn’t stop there either, as many have also become As the regulars amongst us know only too well, it never regular parkrunners or are representing the club in West rains on Graduation Day Run and Saturday 19th Sussex Fun Run League fixtures and a multitude of other September was no exception. The sun shone and the run events ranging from 5k to half marathon distance. Saints and Sinners turned out in great numbers to That certainly seems to demonstrate that we have support and cheer the new group around the course and developed a highly successful programme that produces across their first finishing line. results both for the individuals and a great club.
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I know I speak for all the Run Leaders when I say that it At the time of writing this article it is great to see that so really is so rewarding (and just a little bit emotional) to many of the graduates have already started attending see the graduating runners tick off this first of many the main club training sessions alongside those from the milestones on their running journey. The graduation run previous two groups. At the last couple of sessions held day is as special to us as we hope it is for the new in Tilgate it was great to see so many familiar faces from runners. To paraphrase what Mark Smee has said all three of the Learn to Run Groups. That in itself is previously: if you ever think that running with beginners testimony, if any were needed, to the fact that Saints must be a bit of a chore for us Run Leaders you couldn't and Sinners Learn to Run programme is the best there be more wrong: starting running from scratch is the is! hardest thing of all, and we are constantly amazed at the tenacity and determination to succeed, no matter how If you know of anyone who is thinking about taking their exhausting the session might seem. It's always a huge first steps to discover the joy of running, point them in thrill to watch you battle the fatigue, the aches and the the direction of our club website to register their pains and come out smiling. interest in the next course planned for April 2016. But tell them to hurry as spaces are filling fast and the Watching those smiles (and yes a few tears) as the new course number will be capped at 25 participants. runners cross that first finishing line with their goal achieved is great to witness and be part of and truly http://www.crawleysaintsandsinnersrun.co.uk/learn- makes the role of Run Leader an absolute pleasure. run-beginners-courses
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WSFRL Name Finish time Robert Shepard 50:36 Fittleworth Five, Fittleworth Flyers Hannah Wiltshire 50:59 6th September Louise Clawson 51:16 Julie Wyeth 51:17 Thirty-one members of Saints and Sinners turned out to run the Fittleworth Five league race. Our first three Richard Daniells 51:44 finishers in each of the men’s and women’s categories Vanessa Harrold 53:32 were Dave Cook, James Tombs and Darren Hunt and Yvonne Miller 54:13 Shelley Meyern, Joanna Fiveash and Ange Stark. Steve Tombs 58:24 Our points scorers were Dave Cook (9), James Tombs Sue Mackrell 1:00:44 (8), Darren Hunt (8), Shelley Meyern (8), Joanna Fiveash Lyn Tombs 1:02:06 (8) and Steve Baker (7). Our team also earned the Debbie Wiltshire 1:03:59 maximum participation points of 25, well done to you all.
Fittleworth Five- Seniors The Final Push
Name Finish time Mark Clawson Dave Cook 34:06 The finish line is in sight, just three more league races to James Tombs 35:09 go and I urge all of our members to take part in the final Darren Hunt 36:04 league races. Please put these dates in your diary: 11th Steve Baker 37:02 October Hickstead Gallop 8k and junior races, 18th Ant Neal 38:17 October Lancing Steepdown challenge 5 mile and 1 mile junior race, 1st November Southwick Foxes 5 mile and 1 Dave Lague 39:25 mile junior race. Martin Presland 39:57 Bill Bedford 40:18 A big push in all these races both senior and junior could get us a top three place in both tables. James Mason 40:47 Shelley Meyern 42:39 Mark Smee 42:39 WSFRL 2015 Calendar Joanna Fiveash 42:54 Ange Stark 44:16 Date Race Club Malcolm Wiltshire 44:31 Hickstead Gallop Haywards Heath 11/10/15 Mark Clawson 45:08 10:00 junior, 11:00 8k Harriers Steepdown Challenge Pete Cargan 46:44 18/10/15 Lancing Eagles 10:30 1m, 11:00 5m Stella Daff 47:01 Southwick Foxes Five Southwick 1//11/15 Mary Freestone 47:29 1m junior, 5m senior Strollers Gabrielle Presland 47:59 Bill Mackrell 50:32
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Feedback from the field Stockton River Rat Race th from Bobby Shepard Saturday 29 August, by Glenn Mitchell
I still count myself as a "new" member even though it Having had so much fun the last 2 times I'd entered it, I has been a few months now - I'm guessing that's a good decided to head back to Teesside to take part in the thing though. Stockton River Rat Race for the 3rd year in a row.
I joined the club towards the end of June and have taken Starting on the riverside in Stockton-On-Tees this 10k part in 3 league races now. The first was the Henfield obstacle run follows the river right down to the edge of Joggers race and even though the heavens opened on Middlesbrough before heading back through Stockton to the way down, I really enjoyed this event. It was my first the other end of town and finishing back on the experience of the atmosphere and trudging through the riverside. mud and fields was worth it when I saw and heard The obstacles start immediately with a series of barriers everyone from the club cheering me on from the to jump/vault over before running along to the Tees sidelines. Add to that it was my first medal, well it was Barrage (via a couple of walls which had to be scaled the icing on a wet cake! first!!) for the first dip in the water - swimming across The Worthing Striders was next and this fun warming up the lock that takes boats around the tidal barrier. After in thunder and lightning was something I had never that, it's along the river again (via 3 short, really steep done before. But it was warm and dry and the mixture hills and a set of monkey bars) to the Newport Bridge at of runners and personalities was great fun and the Middlesbrough. encouragement and cheering squad again was such a great experience.
Our home race was such a brilliant experience and as tough as the course was, I really enjoyed this - although some pictures look to prove me wrong! Being complimented on the way as runners saw my Saints and Sinners shirt and told me how much they loved the course and how friendly everyone had been. Shame I could only answer with hand signals and a smile! A massive shout out of respect to the marshals who volunteered at our home league race. Every one of them encouraged every runner that passed them, not just club members but everyone. I really enjoyed seeing this but also the high-fives from them as I passed them. Experiencing the finish going through the funnel was so cool and again the cheering squad was there in full force making it great fun and helping me find that extra sprint for the finish line.
In the short time I have been with the club I have loved every minute and learned that running is so much fun so After crossing the bridge (the course used to go up the thank you to all the coaches, run leaders and other stairs across the top of the bridge deck, but that's members who make it this way. unfortunately off limits at the moment as the bridge is being painted), it's back along the other side of the river Keep up the great work! (via some ridiculously narrow see-saws and another set
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of monkey bars) to the Tees international white water centre back at the Tees Barrage. After wading/sliding/swimming through part of the white water course, it's another swim across one of the river's off-shoots before running further back towards Stockton for a short paddle in a kayak.
I stumbled across the line in 58:18, which I was surprised to find placed me 5th overall out of just over 900 finishers. The organisation is brilliant and Stockton is a great town for hosting events like this, which are always well supported by the council and the local residents.
I'd definitely recommend this if you fancied a weekend break over the August Bank Holiday (it's only a few miles from the stunning North Yorkshire moors if you need an
excuse!!), but if Teesside is a bit far to go, rat race also After that it's some more running (back past the run a similar event in the London Docklands. start/finish), interrupted by crossing one of the river basins via the top of some rigid dinghys. After jumping into the river once more to duck under some giant inflatables, it's on to the second turn point to head back Arundel Castle 10k towards the finish. Sunday 30th August, by Ben Stock
Then there's another swim in the river followed by the With my wife and daughter heading out to Slovakia highlight of the course, "walking the plank" from the before me I took advantage of being home alone to replica of HM Bark Endeavour (Captain Cook's Ship) to enter the Arundel Castle 10k over the August bank jump into the river for the final time, from a height of holiday weekend. This was to be part of the taper before around 8 metres. After swimming out of the river it's a I headed out to Slovakia for the Banska Bystrica short run on to the finish, where you have to scale a marathon and so I headed to it with a very different steep ramp before crossing the line. mindset to normal – to have a gentle and enjoyable run rather than race hard which felt a bit strange to be honest, but is probably one of the reasons why I enjoyed it so much.
I’d only every driven past Arundel before and had never been in to the village itself, so was very pleasantly surprised with how pretty it is. The race starts and finishes in the old fashioned high street before heading
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up past the castle and through the grounds to the hills Lingfield Dry Hill 10 high above the castle. The route is pretty much uphill for th the first half, but it didn’t seem too steep and the Sunday 6 September, by Nina Williams countryside views made it worthwhile. The second half Three Saints and Sinners assembled to run in this scenic takes you back down the hill, with an unexpected sharp challenging race. There was a 5 mile option but we climb around 4.5miles, before heading back to the decided to do the 10 miles. castle. The route goes into the castle on the way back to the finish and running through the castle gates was a The race was very well organised by the Lingfield real highlight for me. Running Club, there were plenty of encouraging marshals on route. Weather conditions were perfect, A small group of Saints and Sinners took on this race and pleasant and reasonably warm but not hot. it was nice to chat to everybody at the finish line, it seemed everybody enjoyed the run and the lovely Rob Kernaghan stormed up the hills and finished in weather can’t have hurt. This has probably become my 1.29.53, Andrew Middleton had a great run too in favourite 10K and I’m looking forward to heading back 1.35.35 and a more sedate time from me in 1.43.23. to it next year! We got a huge great medal and all enjoyed this low key event with stunning views and scenery. The only curious thing is the title of this event, it wasn't exactly dry, there were plenty of muddy sections and you had to watch your footing.
Photo by: Sussex Sports Photography
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Banska Bystrica Marathon, Slovakia sweat and finding the humidity stifling and very difficult to run in. A quick look at the forecast suggested the th Sunday 6 September, by Ben Stock weather was going to break before the weekend but it was hard to believe this whilst running in clear blue skies On Sunday 6th September, on the last day of a holiday under a baking sun! to Slovakia, I was the token Brit to line up for the Banska Bystrica Marathon. I think it’s probably a fairly safe bet The next few days were spent eating carbs, visiting a that not many people could even point to Banska local aqua park, eating carbs, seeing Katie’s family, Bystrica on a map, so you might be wondering what on playing silly games in the garden, eating carbs, visiting a earth I was doing there - to be honest more than once as nearby and newly renovated castle and eating carbs. A I was running round the city I had the same thought! trip to Banska Bystrica on the Friday to collect my race number helped to ease the nerves a little as it was clear Eight years ago I was fortunate enough to meet the that the organisers were very professional and were future Mrs Stock whilst policing the mean streets of going to put on a great race. My number was quickly Peckham (or the leafy suburb of Dulwich - the story picked up, along with a snazzy looking tshirt and scarf changes depending on the audience!). Katie is from the type thing, plus some magazines that I’ll never be able tiny rural village of Viglasska Huta Kalinka in the Banska to read, giving plenty of time for a quick look around the Bystrica region of central Slovakia - a truly beautiful part shops before eating just a few more carbs. of the world that I’ve always enjoyed visiting. Over the weekend the weather cooled and there was One evening last year whilst a little bit bored, I was even a spot of rain, unwelcomed by everybody but me. browsing clubs on Strava to see if there were any local An early start Sunday morning was followed by the to her home village. I found a running club and had a traditional nervous toilet trips before heading to the quick look at their website, discovering that they start line in the main town square, which was set up and organise a series of races throughout the year ready for the day. A fairly sizeable crowd of around culminating in a marathon in September. Before I really 1,300 runners had gathered for the start and there was knew what had happened, I’d entered this figuring we a lovely atmosphere in the start area even if I couldn’t could use it as an excuse to visit her family and make a understand much of what was being said. There were bit of a holiday out of it if nothing else. several races taking place at the same time, with a half- Banska Bystrica is the capital city of the region and has a marathon, a relay half-marathon and a barefoot half- population of around 80,000 making it the sixth largest marathon being run alongside the marathon, with city in Slovakia. It sits in a valley of the Hron River, entrants wearing different coloured numbers depending surrounded by steep hills and is close to the Low Tatras on the race they had entered. Looking around there mountains, where Katie and I were married four years didn’t seem too many red marathon numbers! ago. The city itself is picturesque, or at least the centre The start came and I was quickly over the start line and is, with a gorgeous main square, fountains, castle and off out on the two lap course taking real care not get churches giving the city centre a traditional eastern carried away and sprint off with those running shorter European feel. distances. The route started in the town, through some I flew out to Slovakia on the Wednesday before the crowds and then down to the river before heading on an marathon to meet Katie and our little daughter who had out and back section away from the city centre. During flown out 10 days or so before me to spend time this was the first of the relay marathon checkpoints and enjoying the roasting hot weather. When I arrived the the road became very congested with the teams looking temperature had dropped to a still far too hot for a to hand over their baton crowding and narrowing the marathon 33C and, during a leg stretching run after the road so the runners were in single file, but there was a journey, I became more worried about the heat - even great atmosphere here with plenty of cheers and after a gentle four mile run I was soaked through in encouragement as there was at the other three relay handovers.
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Along the lengthy out and back section I started to get in Together with my new Slovak friend we caught up with a to my stride and passed groups of the half marathon Ukrainian and the three of us pushed each other on for runners who had clearly gone out too fast. There still the next few miles and up the hills, though my pace had didn’t seem to be too many of those red numbers about slowed considerably from the first lap. The volunteers though, with only a few heading back after the turn on the course were still doing a fantastic job and the few around. spectators who had stayed were a welcome sight. Heading back up towards the town square at mile 24 I The second half of the lap saw us cross the river and again saw my family and friends who could tell I was head up some steep hills, before heading back across struggling, it was only grim determination that made me the river towards the start line, turning away with this in turn away from the square and head up that blasted hill sight for a two mile loop including another steep hill for the final two miles! By now we had lost our Slovak before heading back around to the start. It was great to friend and the Ukrainian had started to pull away from see my family twice on this loop holding a lovely me, opening up a gap of hundred meters or so. Heading homemade sign and at this point I was feeling pretty back up the final hill towards the finish line I could see good. Heading back up the hill towards the main town this gap closing and from somewhere found the energy square though I was about to hit trouble! for a sprint finish to get past them. The applause and cheers in the town square were great and I got a special mention as the sole English runner as I crossed the finish line to collect a massive medal.
Of the 1,300 or so runners who took part only 130 ran the second lap to complete the marathon distance, of which I was the 13th across the line and 6th in my category in a time of 3:08:08 (chip time). The first lap took 1:31 so it’s fair to say I fell away in the second lap but that’s something to work on next time! I’d definitely do this race again and have already looked at other races they organise, including one on Boxing Day where the temperature should be well below zero!
At the town square finishers for the other races took a path to the right to the finish line, those of us running the marathon took the left path and headed back out to run another lap. Not many of us headed back out to the second lap and I could only see two runners in front of me, it’s fair to say it got lonely during the second lap. I quickly caught up with one of the runners, a Slovak, and we worked together for the next few miles despite not being able to talk. The crowds on the course had all gone home and it was at this point that it started to rain with the wind picking up to make it all just that little bit harder. The gentle undulations during the first part of the lap had also managed to morph in to steep hills and the hills on the second half turned into mountains!
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Eridge Park 10 appreciate the scale of the start area until I watched the highlights when I got home. Once the gun went it was th Sunday 13 September, by Stella Daff odd standing around waiting, although the atmosphere was amazing as Mark Knopfler's "Theme from Local It was a nice day when Dave L, Pete C and I arrived at Hero" blasted out over the PA system. the friendly but tough off-road race that is the Eridge 10 miler. There are hills, bogs, ditches to jump, fields to As the race headed down the central motorway I was cross and tree roots and rabbit holes to negotiate, we quickly starting to overtake people, and unusually for passed several casualties on course. Previous years have me I checked my watch - at mile 1 I'd ran just over 6 included a stream to traverse and flocks of sheep to run miles, so I just decided to try and hang on. Somewhere through. The ''muddy hard and deeply steep'' tag line is around Heworth, around 25 minutes in, the red arrows on the t-shirt every year. Mile 8 had a near vertical went past having done their ceremonial fly past over the ascent! The homemade cake, local ale and friendly Tyne Bridge. marshalls keep us coming back every year. I finished in 1hr58min, Pete 1hr53min and the sprightly Dave Lague The whole of the course was dotted with bands and finished in 1hr34min. spectators shouting encouragement, and this was really helping to keep me going. By mile 10 I was really feeling the pace that I was trying to keep up, but somehow I managed to keep it up.
Great North Run
Sunday 13th September, by Glenn Mitchell
Having not had a trip to Newcastle for a few years, this ended up being my 3rd trip to the town in 2015, and my second trip to the North East in 2 weeks. I was hugely excited when I got a place in the Great North Run - my Granddad was originally from Gateshead, so the chance to go and run through my family's roots really appealed to me. Sadly Granddad died 3 years ago, but I know that this was one event that would have always had him The sight of the sea as I came down towards the front at glued to the TV. South Shields was a real sight for sore eyes. As I turned onto the sea front and passed the 12 mile marker I Having been given a start number for Zone B which risked another glance at the watch - I had over 10 meant I was near the front, I don't think I really got to minutes to complete the last mile and finish within a
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PB!! Struggling to hold myself together I tried to wind up The Mental Battle of Marathon Running - the pace when I saw the "800m to go" sign but quickly decided that wasn't going to happen! As I passed the New Forest Marathon 400m sign the crowds either side of the road were amazing, and I couldn't resist lifting my arms above my Sunday 13th September, By Mark Smee head a few times, which was received with a massive With spidermen and bumblebees currently flopping cheer from those watching, spurring me on for the last onto the doormats of club members, some of whom little bit of the race. have never run 26.2 miles before, I thought the I turned on to the finish chute and after what seemed following account of my latest and fastest marathon like an eternity after leaving Newcastle I crossed the line might be of interest. It’s not so much a race report as a both physically and emotionally wrecked in 1:21:31 - description and analysis of what was going through my 187th overall and a half marathon PB by over 3 minutes. mind before, during and after the event, and the lessons I learned from the experience. I hope the lessons in This race was truly something special, and the level of particular may prove useful to some of you when you support from start to finish is like nothing I've ever seen come to tackle London or any other marathon. before. It's definitely worth doing if you don't mind doing the bigger races. I start this race with absolutely no idea how I’m going to approach it. I’m anxious about my fitness-to-run, having strained my back so badly just two days before that I was walking awkwardly. The course is new, so there are no commentaries to look at, and I don’t know how hard the hills are going to be. The profile looks evil, but I suspect this is because of the scale of the graph. I don’t have a target time in mind, and if anyone suggested trying to beat the 3:18:45 PB I set two weeks ago on a flat course, I’d suggest they seek psychiatric help.
I do my usual dynamic warm-up routine, put on my Brooks Launch shoes and attach the same quantity of supplies to my person as I used for the Thames Meander marathon two weeks before: 8 gels decanted into flasks and a 500ml back bottle of energy drink. Having positioned myself very near the front of the field, I get a quick start and it becomes clear that my back is unlikely to trouble me, but my legs feel heavier than usual and my cautious 7:42 pace feels more effortful than it should. Faster runners stream past and I push the pace up to 7:29 in mile 2 and 7:20 in 3, with a voice in my head telling me already that today I will not be able to sustain this as I did two weeks ago. These initial miles
seem to pass very slowly.
The hill climbs in the first few miles are easy, but my quads feel sore already and around mile 6 I become aware of a slight twinge in the upper left region of my right calf, which gradually becomes more insistent. During these early miles, I’m passed by a runner who’s
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clearly faster than me overall but not so good at hills Suddenly, I feel utterly confident that I can crack this and who pauses at water stations, so I keep catching race. Coming upon numerous sub-3 wannabes who him up. By around mile 11, the mile markers have went off too fast, have clearly burned out and are now become highly inaccurate and as I overtake this runner, walking by the side of the road, I feel strong and believe he asks me if I’ve got a GPS and have noticed the I can power through to the finish. I receive a discrepancy - which starts an intermittent conversation tremendous boost when the marathon course joins the between us that helps to buoy me up for the rest of the half marathon one for the last three miles and I’m race. Dave has a sub-3 time to his credit and is treating overtaking half marathon runners, who gasp, comment this race as a training run for Bournemouth in 3 weeks’ and cheer in astonishment at my pace. I haven’t looked time. Keeping him in my sights all the way to the finish at the total time on my Garmin since half way and now line is a crucial factor in what follows during the second don’t even look at the mile splits as it beeps. I just run half of the race. like hell, maintaining the 30 yard gap between me and Dave up ahead. Only afterwards do I discover that mile After an hour, the miles seem to be ticking by much 21 is my fastest of the race at a quite extraordinary 7:11, faster than they did at the start, but I’m not happy. I’m followed by 7:24, 7:14, 7:30 and 7:18. I still can’t quite now finding the uphill sections much harder than I believe this surge, and particularly the last mile, where I should at this stage, and in the course of an uphill slog knew my fatigue level was reaching a critical point and I around mile 12 - 13, my right calf feels significantly was desperately trying to control the stabbing cramps worse and I become convinced that a muscle tear will that were breaking out in my calves and elsewhere. soon occur and my marathon bid will come to an abrupt Hurling what’s left of me over the line, I jab the stop end. I start visualising the walk to the next marshalling button on my Garmin and look down to see 3:15:15 - point to retire, and how defeated I will feel. But I don’t over 3.5 minutes faster than the PB I set on the flat at let up at all, just keep pushing up that hill past Dave, the Thames Meander just two weeks ago. I can’t believe who is slowing a bit as usual. After another mile, the it! soreness is still there, but the expected disaster hasn’t arrived and Dave is ahead again, so I make the most of a This was, without question, my best race ever. Judged downhill section, speeding up and starting to introduce purely on time it wasn’t quite a negative split, but with tweaks to my gait in an attempt to spread the load on the bulk of the hill climbs occurring in the second half, my calves at footstrike in a different way. Then I become my power output was certainly greater in part 2 and my preoccupied with the essential task of keeping up with final mile splits were significantly faster than the initial my fluid and gel intake, how tired I’m feeling on the ones. How I managed this I just don’t know. Sub-2:30 uphill sections, how far ahead Dave is and what the marathoner Neil Boniface has told me that your pace in climb to the highest point on the course will be like. the first mile of a marathon is absolutely crucial: get it Gradually, I stop worrying about my calf and the wrong, and your whole race will be screwed. My first discomfort becomes just a part of the general soreness mile in the Thames Meander was 7:34 and the last was I’m experiencing in my legs. 8:14. Here the times were 7:42 and 7:18 - QED?
After the half way point, until which I am convinced that Far more important than the elation I feel over this race, my pace will gradually decay in the second half of the which will fade, are the lessons I learned from it, which I race, I am genuinely surprised to find that I’ve speeded will remember: up and mile 14 is my second fastest so far at 7:19. Then the hills begin to bite, but I’m again surprised to find that I can do them without slowing to a crawl and I’m 1. Don’t allow apparently debilitating injuries unrelated not flirting with exhaustion. Even so, in miles 15 and 18 to running to put you off having a go: if it looks as I’m over 8 minutes - which annoys me and elicits a fight though you’ll be able to cope, go for it. back, to 7:31 in mile 17 and 7:29 in mile 20.
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2. If you don’t feel great during the first half of a race, TWO and a half weeks holiday in Spain, 4 races, 4 don’t assume that you’re going to feel even worse T-shirts, zero medals and JUST THE ONE SAINT during the second half. Stay positive and keep going. AND SINNER.....
Rafal 10k 3. Don’t be freaked out by what appears to be evidence of an incipient injury: stay relaxed, maintain form, play Saturday 19th September 7pm, by Nina Williams around with your gait and cadence and stay focused on essential race tasks. It’ll either blow up or it won’t: This was the second time I had competed in this race worrying will make no difference. and it was a very hot and sticky 29 degrees with no breeze at all. The route was pancake flat running around the small village of Rafal, I don't think I ever have 4. If possible, latch on to someone who seems to be done a race where you had to turn so many street running at about your pace or slightly faster, find out corners...round and round like a spinning wheel....it was how experienced they are and what time they’re aiming a very lively race with lots of noise and fire crackers at for. If nothing else, they’ll provide a little distraction, the start. I completed the race in 56.05. For our efforts and they may prove to be invaluable in keeping you on we were all handed a lovely orange long sleeved task and motivated. technical shirt, a chocolate donut and a large carton of chicken soup and as much beer and energy drinks as you wanted. 5. Correct pacing in the early part of a race is absolutely crucial, but a full race plan isn’t necessary for success: trust your instincts, don’t be swayed by doubts and fears, and be ready to take calculated risks.
Pins y Mar 8.5k
Sunday 20th September 9:30am, by Nina Williams
I have now done this race several times. It's my "local"
race near where we have our holiday home. It was great The smiles say it all: after the New Forest Marathon, with HJ Coach to go along and know several runners in the area whom and wife Fiona, who ran the Half. I have met over the years. Despite the reasonably early start of 9.30am, the sun was already beating down and it was 27 degrees. The route went partly through the
village of La Marina, and then on the beach for a short while with spectacular views of a forest of pine trees. I completed the race in 50.21 and we all got a very nice
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blue technical T shirt, energy drinks, muesli bars and a El Redovan 10k jar of seasoned artichokes. There were plenty of free th drinks for runners and spectators too. After the race it Sunday 27 September 10am, by Nina Williams was great to have a swim in the sea. This also was a new race for me and it took place in the small town of Redovan, located at the foot of the Sierra de Callosa mountain range. It was a pleasure to run in this race with spectacular views of the mountains. We started in 25 degrees and by the time I had finished it was 29 degrees. I completed the race in 55.24. The goody bag was a white technical vest, a white hat, a bowl, an egg whisk (to er... 'whip up' some enthusiasm?) and some biscuits and crisps.
El Altet 10k
Saturday 26th September 6pm, by Nina Williams
This was a new race for me and it was slightly undulating. El Altet is a small town very close to Alicante airport - throughout the race I could see planes whizzing around above. The heat was fierce and I was very happy to finish the race, in 59.16 and be offered refreshing melons and seasonal fruit, and I received another That concludes my running in Spain for September, if technical T-shirt, a lime green one, a hat and chocolate anyone is planning a holiday in the Alicante region and bars. Pizza and cake was also being given out. wants to do a race please contact me for information. Every race I did on this trip was hugely enjoyable, there was always music blaring, tasty treats at the end, and plenty of crowd support and sunshine.
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Reigate Half Marathon Normally when someone catches you near the end it is frustrating when you don’t have that little bit left to th Sunday 20 September, by Andrew Bullock keep up, but that didn’t happen on Sunday. No-one glared at me as I ran up to their shoulder on the finish Have you thought about being a pacer? straight, all I saw was a second wind and a bit of extra Last weekend I Ran Reigate half marathon and was a determination in their face. Having the giant flags on pacer in a large event for the first time. It was a very your back gives you the opportunity to encourage that enjoyable experience for me, and I hope for everyone I person on, remind them that it should be hurting right had the privilege of running with. For more than eleven now and make them go even harder for just a few more miles we had a really strong group that stuck together steps. In a normal situation their response would be through all the rolling hills, keeping a steady pace just unprintable, but those flags make it ok; he is on my side, ahead of schedule. It was a long grind of a hill that he wants me to achieve. People dig deeper: “I will not began to fragment the group. This was swiftly followed let the pacer pass”. by an energy-sapping kilometre on sandy gallops (thank goodness it wasn’t raining) and then BOSH mountain finished the break up.
If you fancy being a pacer, all I can say is give it a go. It is not as hard as you think and rewards you with so much more than you have to put in. Well done to everyone who overcame those challenges Why not try it at parkrun? Just make sure you can run and completed Reigate half marathon. I heard about the time comfortably (and don’t run too fast down loads of PBs, some nearly-PBs and several “I can’t Azalea Hill!). PB of 30 minutes – why not pace 35 or believe I did that”. 32.5. PB 35 minutes – pace 40. I promise you there will be someone who follows you and tries to beat their best I can believe it though. that day.
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Top tips for pacing Tilgate parkrun:
Choose a time you can run at a steady pace. Run consistent splits if you can. It isn’t so helpful to suddenly slow down or speed up if you realise you aren’t on the pace.
Aim for about 10 seconds under the time.
Don’t run too fast down Azalea Hill, people struggle to keep up.
Don’t rely on your GPS pace (it often measures short!)
Pick some fixed points on the route to time check and adjust pace: half way can be 30-60 seconds
behind half time as this includes all the uphill! First time past the finish you have just under a mile to Lovely hills and some great scenery made it a great run go. Coming down the slope at the corner of the lake which I'd thoroughly recommend if anyone is interested there is 1 km left to go, at Silt Lake another 500 m… in taking a step to beyond a marathon. make small pace adjustments. Tim and I crossed the line together, 38th and 39th out of 123 finishers in 5:39:09 and received our lovely mug and medal (with a typo on the ribbon!!). High Weald Challenge - 50km
Sunday 27th September, by James Tombs
An 8am start meant an early alarm for Sunday mornings run over in Groombridge. Tim Winkley and myself ran with Andrew Bullock unfortunately having to pull out due to injury.
Neither Tim nor I had done anywhere near enough training for the run but given the distance just finishing would be enough, time was secondary.
The race started at the stunning grounds of Groombridge Place surrounded with early morning mist. The mist soon cleared as we headed out towards the High Weald Landscape Trail and the temperature gradually started to rise. As with all ultras all the runners were cheerful and having fun. The route was well signed although we did go wrong a couple of times but neither instance was too bad. The checkpoints were all well stocked with plenty of food and spare water.
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Gravesend Cyclopark Floodlit 10k From the other laps I had a good idea that I was slightly quicker up the hills and, over the course of the final lap st Thursday 1 October 7pm, by Ben Stock tried to stay close to the other runner as we pushed each other on. The final, almost impossible to see bend, On the first Thursday evening of each month the team led to a slight incline and it was just as we approached from Nice Work organise a 5k and 10k race at the this bend, with around 400m to go, that I decided to Cyclopark in Gravesend. This purpose built facility, have a go and kicked on as quickly as my tired constructed on waste land following the re-routing of hamstrings would allow. I finished well behind the the nearby A2, was opened in 2012 and has a smooth winner, but was second place four seconds ahead of the tarmac road track, mountain bike trails, a BMX track and third placed runner for my first (and probably only) ever a skate park – having been there on a team building day podium finish! A bottle of water and some nice biscuits with work I vouch that it really is an excellent facility and awaited before the drive home. worth a visit if you’re into cycling. Gravesend is a bit of a trek on a weekday evening, but if Having entered the Kent Road Runner marathon for next you find yourself free on the first Thursday of the month May, which is also run on the Cyclopark, I figured it this race is worth the trip, I’ll certainly be heading back might be a good idea to head to the track to check out again a few times before next May’s marathon, though the course. As you’d probably expect from the friendly maybe armed with a head torch. guys at Nice Work the races are very well organised and there was a nice atmosphere amongst the runners as we congregated in the gloom – between October and April the races become the ‘floodlit series’ and, whilst the The Downs Link 38 Mile Ultramarathon – Guildford main start/finish area close to the Cyclopark’s café and to Shoreham changing rooms are well lit the rest of the track was in th darkness. The 5K runners were sent off at 7pm and they Sunday 4 October, by Mark Smee were well supported by the rest of us waiting for the I approached this with a strange mixture of confidence 10K race to start half an hour later. that I could make a good fist of it, and trepidation at the Following a quick briefing we were off and I quickly fell thought of what might happen when I ventured into in behind two other club runners who had taken part in unknown territory after 31 miles, the most I’ve ever run several of these races before. As it was my first go round before (and that was 4 years ago). I was the sole the track I decided to stick with them which, as we left member of Saints and Sinners among the 112 starters, the floodlit area and headed out into the darkness, but was pleased to meet three pals from my former club seemed to be a good idea – more than once I lost sight Horsham Joggers at registration. of the track despite the lamps that had been put on the corners to show the way! The race was four laps of the track and the three of us formed the leading group until the start of the second lap when, seemingly from nowhere, the eventual winner came sprinting past us and headed off into the darkness. The others didn’t seem too keen to chase after him and, in truth, I wasn’t really in shape to do it either and we carried on running as a little group for the next couple of laps. The course is gently undulating but it started to take its toll towards the end of the third lap when we dropped one of the other runners leaving just two of us – both taking part in a spot of sportsmanship and trying to persuade the other we were tired as we began the final lap.
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My plan was to run at an average pace of 8:45 and finish of bananas, water melon, a little solid food and in around 5:30 hours - ambitious, but recent experiences chocolate, Shot Bloks and 7 gels helped to keep those and gut instinct told me I had a chance of managing it, if tiring muscles working. I made ample use of the food and drink stations along the way. Very soon after the start, those of us who From mile 20 I was passing runners who were starting to weren’t at the front of the pack found our way blocked slow up, and some time around mile 26 I was amazed to by an uncooperative horse rider, who slowed our overtake the one Horsham Jogger still ahead of me, downhill progress on the narrow path to a walk until we Allan Clarke, a seasoned ultra runner who is much faster could squeeze past. So the first mile took over 10 than me in shorter races. He told me he had overcooked minutes, and the second uphill mile 9:15. Then we were his run and was in serious trouble with cramps, and the on the flat former railway line from Guildford to fact that I was still running strongly at that point gave Horsham, where I opened the throttle to 8:29, holding me a massive boost. I also knew at this stage that I was the pace between 8:14 and 8:31 until mile 12. There was among the top 10 runners. a drop to 8:50 in mile 13 owing to a very brief food / water stop (I didn’t pause my Garmin for the entire race), but I then maintained between 8:25 and 8:40 to mile 20, by which time I was on the Christ's Hospital to Shoreham leg.
Miles 28 and 29 saw a slowing to 9:02 and 9:08 as I made another brief stop for food, but I felt amazingly strong at mile 30, covering that in 8:30 and the next two in 8:49 (uphill) and 8:40. Mile 33 was interrupted by my final food stop and an annoying pause when I thought I’d taken a wrong turn, knocking me back to 10:00, and this slowing dented my confidence and made me aware Mile 21 included a longer food / drink pause (9:24), then that my legs were now very, very tired with faint it was back to 8:40, 8:45, 8:52, 8:33 and, for miles 26 warning signs of cramp. However, with just 5 miles to go and 27, 8:42. I’d started to feel a dull ache of fatigue I was absolutely bloody determined to hold a around my knees as early as mile 12, which caused me respectable pace and smash the thing. With massive concern with 26 still to go, but this and various other concentration on my form, posture and leg speed, twinges and aches came and went as I piled on the running as smoothly as possible and easing any muscle miles. The most striking thing was how strong I felt, even that showed signs of giving up, I gradually cranked the as mile 30 loomed near, and I’m sure my consumption pace back up to 9:07, 9:04, 9:04, 8:54 and, for mile 38,
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8:50. With a huge yell of triumph, I crossed the line in Tonbridge Half Marathon 5:30:04 Garmin time, 5:30:26 race time, taking 10th th place overall and achieving my race and average pace Sunday 4 October, by Bobby Shepard targets exactly. On Sunday I completed my first half marathon and am I’m still in a state of amazement at my achievement as I so pleased to say I ran the whole way. Writing it now still write this the following day, unable to comprehend how surprises me but it feels good to say I have done it. my body held up so well and where I found the energy I joined the club at the end of June and originally signed to run so consistently for so long. Food intake was up for the Brighton Half in February to be my first. certainly a crucial factor, also my policy of not looking at However, on Friday morning I got a call from Kent Surrey the mileage log on my Garmin: if you concentrate on Sussex Air Ambulance offering me a free spot in the running form and pace, the miles just tick by; if you keep Tonbridge Half Marathon if I would wear their vest. I looking at the distance log, each mile becomes a slog didn't even hesitate and let my heart rule my head and that seems to take forever. I also believe that the said yes. meticulous attention I pay to my physical state as I run and the conscious control I exercise every step of the One of the things I really liked was when I posted on the way, no matter what the pace, mean that I can extract Facebook group page I was offered a lot of support, tips the best possible performance from my ageing body. My and encouragement from everyone in the club. This running may not be pretty to look at (I've been certainly helped me get through it so I have to say a described as a cross between a robot and Spotty Dog), huge thank you for that. I am happy that I wore my but I’m light on my feet and formidably efficient. Saints and Sinners colours under the KSS vest and have to admit I really enjoyed the experience, even the I've said that the recent New Forest Marathon was the running itself. Tonbridge is certainly a good event and I best race of my life, but this definitely topped it. Would I would do again and recommend it. It feels good to say I recommend it to others? Certainly, but you have to like finished in 2 hours 22 minutes 25 seconds. running long distances, and you must be prepared to do very long, slow training runs and 20+ milers at marathon Bring on Brighton and then who knows!! pace to develop the necessary stamina and endurance. I'm sure speed work helps as well: I ran several 10 to 13 milers flat out in the weeks before the race.
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Heron Way 10k, Horsham
Sunday 4th October, by Ben Stock
Organised by the Parent Teacher Association of Heron Way Primary School this year saw the first Heron Way 10K. A group of runners from Saints and Sinners took part and probably made up the largest single club there on race day. This was to be wife’s first ever 10K and she had entered with a friend, it turned out to be a good choice for a first attempt at this distance and was a small, friendly and generally well organised event.
The route took us out of the school and into St Leonard’s Forest for a lovely run. Luckily it had been dry leading up to the race so the paths were nice and dry, it might not have been as much fun in the mud! The out and back nature of the course gave you an idea of the hills that were going to come towards the end and it certainly wasn’t a flat or particularly quick course, but certainly not as bad as some of the WSFRL courses we run on!
The finish was back in the school playground with free cakes for the runners. Having crossed the line I quickly got my breath back before heading back out to find Katie, who had been running with a friend. I met up with her at the 9KM mark and ran with her to keep her company for the final kilometre, she had also enjoyed the course and her only complainant was that she hadn’t been able to stop to pick the mushrooms she had seen! This changed when we got back into the school and had to run the final lap of the playing field, it’s fair to say she’d had enough by that point and it wasn’t helped by being able to see the finish line on the way into the school, but she was very happy as she crossed the line and proud of running her first 10k.
Special mention has to go to James Tombs who, deciding 10K wasn’t enough, ran both to and from the race for an extra 20K in total. Ultra runners look at distances in a different way to the rest of us it seems.
Overall a nice race and one to put on the calendar for next year.
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