Proud to be a Pacer MARCH Pudsey Pacers 2016 Newsletter
Leaping along with an extra day of energetic enthusiasm, we suddenly arrive into March: a mix of warming sun and unexpected Arctic blasts, daffodils versus de-icer, Parkrun replaced by Post Hill... So, there’s change in the air - this month comprises some of the stalwarts of the Spring race calendar: Keighley and Bradford 10kms, Spen 20, Thirsk 10 and of course the Guiseley Gallop. There’s also the Pudsey Pacer AGM and an opportunity to get involved: annual member survey, volunteering at club race events or maybe even stand for a committee position? Ten Years A Pacer - Trogging - Tourism - Trail Tales This month’s edition is again packed full of diverse race reports, signposts to other events the usual frills with a distinct lack of thrills! There’s an interesting account of how the Club has transformed in the last decade, running stories and personal experiences of all distances: from 5k right through to trail ultras. Also keeping us informed with an update of progress, there’s a report from one of the Leeds Half Marathon training groups. Thanks to all contributions and please offer a race report or tell the Club what you’ve been doing. Hopefully something here for everyone? Read, laugh and enjoy. And good running to all. Just be careful what you clasp eyes on to keep you moving forward and upward... Email: [email protected] @Braveshorts
A little bit of Inspiration
Hello everyone. I’m sure we all have times when we might be finding it tough to lace up our running shoes and get out there – rubbish weather, aches and pains, hard day at work … the list goes on.
Just remember, you’ll always feel better for having had a run. Here are a few inspirational quotes that might help you along;
1. Ask yourself: can I give a little more? The answer is usually ‘’yes’’. (Paul Tergat)
2. If you want to win something, run 100 metres. If you want to experience something, run a marathon. (Emil Zatopek)
3. To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift. (Steve Prefontaine)
4. Many of life’s failures are people who did not realise how close they were to success when they gave up. (Thomas Edison)
5. The only place that success comes before work is in the dictionary. (John Wooden)
6. If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now. Don’t spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it. (Priscilla Welch)
7. A comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there. (Unknown)
8. It’s very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other run- ners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants to quit. (George Sheehan)
9. Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you. (Ovid)
10. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. (Aristotle)
11. The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory. (Les Brown)
12. It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up. (Vince Lombardi)
13. Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will. (Suzy Kassem)
14. Measure success in life by effort and doing your best, then it is always in your hands to suc- ceed and to be proud of yourself. (Steve Peters)
15. There is no telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream. (Unknown)
ELAINE RUSHWORTH
2 10 YEARS A PACER
ANDY HARDAKER
I remember coming home after my nephews First Holy Communion in May 2002, for some strange reason dressed in my suit climbed on the bathroom scales for the first time in ages. When I looked down I nearly fell off. At 15st 7lb this was my epiphany moment. Something had to be done. I had been an armchair sports fan for the 20 years since I‟d left school apart from two years playing cricket. So I cut down on the sweets, cakes and crisps and bought a cross trainer which I used religiously four times a week. At the time my girls did gymnastics and one of the other dads invited me to the gym. I tried the treadmill for the first time ever. Six minutes later I clambered off, legs would only walk sideways. I slowly built up to 20mins over the next few weeks. This gives me great admiration for Karen, Joy and Arthur who can get their Run England beginners group up to five miles in just 10 weeks. Many of who, Karen included, have now become valuable members of the club. So early one June one Sunday morning I tried my first outdoor run since I‟d left school. The first half mile I was so out of breath, but then it kind of settled. The climb at Broad lane was a real tester. I made it home and realised I‟d loved it. So I tried it again over the next few weeks, slowly building my distance and still losing the weight. When I had achieved nine miles I noticed a flyer for the Leeds Half and it made me wonder if I could manage that. So upped my next run to 11 miles and promptly entered the race and loved the whole thing. That was the moment I became a „runner‟ instead of a dieter. So I carried on participating in races. Then just after the Brass Monkey in 2005 a random guy, turned out to be Sean Casey, came up to me in the gym at the Leisure Centre said he‟d recognised me at the race and would I be interested in joining the Pudsey Pacers. Unfortunately at the time with my girls gymnastics being on club nights made it really awkward. Anyway, Sean would periodically badger me and about a year later the girls quit gym so the main obstacle had been removed. Now before I‟d entered races I used to think „club runners‟ were of a certain standard and too good. But now I knew we come in all shapes, sizes and standards. I remember looking in the Pudsey Times and seeing Pacer results wondering who all these people were. With the likes of, Jim Wheldon, Rob Samuels, Mark Dixon, John Marshall, Dave Woodhead and Dave „the Towpath Specialist‟ Burdon. Which is ironic because of the many, many miles I have since run with Dave very few are on the canal? So two weeks before my 40th birthday I trundled up to the Leisure centre to have a go. Couldn‟t see Sean anywhere which did nothing to calm my nerves. Going through the embarrassment of being introduced as a new runner. I still see the similar look on many debutants in a tradition that has carried on. Then no doubt has we have all gone through the tough decision of whose group do we join. A recent good example of this was when I took the 11 minute group out and could see a new runner had found it really comfortable, turned out to be Matt Livesey who has just knocked out a 36min 10k at Dewsbury. Back then ALL the weekend results used to be read out. Then the groups going out came up. I remember it being announced Trish had just passed her coaching exam and was taking a multi ability hill session, so that was the one I opted for. It was that or a group that sounded like Arthurs nude ladies! After a couple of warm up and steadier hills we were taken down to Lumby Lane. Now working locally I have driven up and down here numerous times. Doubtless we all have found out though any gradient is amplified several fold when not in the car. We were told if we were a quicker runner to do four reps, three for the others. So as I reached the top of the climb for the third time everyone in front of me turned to do a fourth. Obviously I‟m thinking being the newbie I‟d better turn, not one runner followed. CONTINUED NEXT PAGE 3 10 YEARS A PACER
So sure enough on my first night I was the one everyone was waiting for at the top of the hill. But on a dark February night it as easy to hide. Plus as I have found out, and will tirelessly reinforce, the group wait for everyone regardless of ability. I‟d a great time. First time I‟d ever done a hill session and I was hooked. Although times have changed, back then not knowing anyone, just exchanged a few polite pleasantries and on my way. Home for 8.10pm. Now I cant seem to get away till the last runner has gone. I do apologise to those of you I keep from their teas. Although I do find it entertaining watching Morvern shuffle further away towards Robin Lane as we talk. Back then I seem to recall it was listening to Gary Philips telling is interesting running stories in his own special way. Training was a bit different then. Not always structured groups on a Tuesday. The idea of a hill session was eight times up Gibraltar Road. The end of each session for some reason seemed to end up in a race. As we came round Chapletown the pace would suddenly up and everyone would go. Caught me on the hop a couple of times, but once I became aware of it I was ready. We would also back then have a jelly leg session in the medical centre car park to finish off. After about a month I entered my first race as a Pacer. It was the Pudsey Vets race. A different course from that of recent years. I‟d not run off road since school. Had to go out and buy some special shoes for the terrain. On the day we had just about every surface possible. Tarmac, trail, snow, mud and ice. I didn‟t know that area at all and remember looking over from the trig point at Tyresal seeing the Parish Church and not believing how far it was away. Then when I got to Bankhouse I‟d never experienced anything like that climb before. What a shock. But there is something about those runs that we all enjoy. For a few years I used to do most of the the Vets races and enjoyed the social and food after. In that first year I managed to get 3rd place in my age age group. But that was from lack of qualifying entrants rather than ability. At the end of March, Ackworth Half was my next race. Dave Woodhead was the only other Pacer I knew. Off we set and I pulled in front of Dave, who told me he was taking it steady. But then a new pressure came over me. All of a sudden each time a runner came to overtake I became conscious whether or not it was a yellow Pudsey Pacer vest. That feeling still happens today, but is nowhere near as daunting. Good luck to them if they are on their way to a PB or improving as a runner. So after the extra training I‟m hoping to have got extra pace about me now. Well how disappointed was I after running a minute slower than the year before. I‟ve since thought it was just my body getting used to the extra training as all my PB‟s have come since then. So as spring arrived off down the Valley we go on training nights. Other than the one Vets race I was a total novice at off road running. The trails down there were just a maze to me. I couldn‟t link paths, or woods and no idea where we would appear. The first time I came up Keeper lane. I swear I was at the top three times before I got to the little cottage. Then when we arrived in Tong village I was dumfounded to how we got there. It took me nearly three years before I offered to take a run off road for fear of getting a group lost. The aches and pains that developed with the off road stuff eventually waned and my body could handle the nettle stings better. I had got to the point of thinking about wearing leggings in summer to stop them. This is when I first came across Graham Tiffany and off road magical mystery tours. Even now there are paths I went down with him and no idea where they are. The thing with Tiffs session is you are never quite sure when they are over. He was the first one though who got me into the little, short fast steps when climbing. Alas I haven‟t found the ability to descend yet. With the off road running comes the team events in the relays we take part in. From the anticipation like the FA cup draw to see who we are paired with and seeing if we are comfortable with that or not. I‟ve not done too bad over the years. At lot depends on form on the day. CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
4 10 YEARS A PACER
I have had two notable occasions when the pairing scared the bejesus out of me. Paul Gaile and Andy Teale not the slowest runners to ever wear the yellow vest. Also two notable instances where I have blown up on the day. Once with Jim Wheldon who had to push me up a hill two miles from the changeover and told me after he was making contingency plans I looked that bad. The other with my faithful relay partner Dave Burdon. While we have had many cracking relay runs together the 1st leg of Bradford Millennium in 2011 was one of those I couldn‟t get into gear. Dave had plenty of time to answer a call of nature, chat to the ladies pair from Abbey and not break sweat. Although his heart rate did rise when he heard the church bells in Oxenhope thinking it was 10 O‟clock and we‟d already missed the cut off. Then all I remember after that is Sharon telling me I didn‟t look too good and laughing at the finish as I was bent double. The relays bring great camaraderie and recces give us chance to run with people we don‟t normally run with. Though a mid week evening recce comes with its own issues. Getting in at nearly 11pm one night or the time Jenny, Dave, Sam Raven and me were walking through Sykes Wood in pitch black after some well outdated LCW instructions had led to a very slow recce. Taking us across a field twice with a horse that took quite a passing interest to seeing what Dave may taste like. So we had to call Liz to rescue us.
Dave and I seem to make a good relay team. He has become my go to guy since I have got to know him. Introduced me to the great Northumberland Coastal run. Taught me a lot about on technique, coaching and was my mentor on my CiRF course. Gave me the best advice about marathon choice in picking a bigger city one with a large field, crowd, and make a weekend of it. Rather than a 170 runner field in Mablethorpe. I have run many a training run with him, but there was a time Liz wanted me to stop as „Dangerous Dave‟.
One Easter Sunday out in Underwood at Rawdon, I went over on my ankle. He allowed me a few moments rest. Made it back to the canal still limping. „Oh look Andy‟ as a runner approaches „we can hold him off‟ I was only off running for 6 weeks after that. Then Liz‟s concern grew after we did an out and back leg 5 of LCW to get marathon training in. Anyway 15miles in with tired legs I face planted on a section of trail. Feeling quite dazed the last few miles took forever. The main thing that kept me going was Dave‟s promise of Ice Cream when we got back to Golden Acre. Imagine my disappointment when Mr Whippy had gone when we came under that little wooden bridge. Just a few weeks later he came to my rescue though. We were in Dublin for the marathon.
One I can recommend. Just for the brilliant autumn run through Phoenix Park if nothing else. Although most Pacers go for the „craic‟. I recall the time walking past a bar in Temple Bar and seeing Steve Boom and with other „Puffs and Pasties‟ as the locals named us watching on, thinking he was Michael Flatley. Nonetheless, Dave and me set off together with Sean. He stops for another call of nature, I keep going. But I lose him in the crowds, so I carry on at my pace. By mile 21 as usual for me the wheels have dropped off and I‟m metaphorically crawling in the gutter eating Jaffa cakes when Sergeant Major Burdon shouts from behind. His encouragement works and he drags my sorry carcass the last 5 miles. He probably wasn‟t best pleased when I was seconds away from taking a group the wrong way round Otley Chevin on his away run, but once again a quick shout from behind corrected the error of my ways. I have run many an enjoyable mile with Dave, some of them waste deep in snow and look forward to many more. We do however agree to disagree on one thing - how far a long training run should be on a marathon plan! CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
5
10 YEARS A PACER
Since joining the club I have had many PB‟s that I am very pleased with, but my favourite races haven‟t always been the quickest. Amongst my favourites have been one balmy night at the Otley 10. Jim Wheldon and myself had come together at around 8 miles. The road there just descends at a nice gradient. We didn‟t even speak to each other but drove each other on. Just picking up the pace. But we ended up with a great time on that course. The only downside for Jim was a lady in a mobility scooter putting him out of stride as we crossed the river Wharfe. The other was the old Kirkstall 10k where I managed to sneak in under my goal. Mainly I think because of the threat of the yellow vests behind me closing on my shoulder. At The Vesper Gate, Dave Woodhead is that yellow peril and we run the last ½ mile quick enough to break the target. Although Dave did admit afterwards he‟d picked up the speed thinking the finish was closer. Now I have done several marathons and I am not sure why. Each time I complete one I think it will be my last. No doubt many of you have felt similar; two days later you are looking for another. I have had the good fortune to do New York which was an amazing experience. The yanks are nuts and it is just fantastic support all the way round. Running over the Verrazano bridge, with TV helicopters flying at the side is something that will always stay with me. Then with a big thanks to Helen Davies, a partially sighted Pacer I got a place in London to run for Guide Dogs. I think it was as much out of feeling sorry for me after a joke by the barman at the club draw for London places had back fired. Just who is Darren Hardaker anyway? But, I know there was a genuine reason in there mainly to raise the money for the dogs. It was especially pleasing as I had pulled out at mile 7 the previous year through cold. Also, there was a large anonymous donation that day which I will always be grateful for. If you ever get chance to guide Helen, take the opportunity. It is a lot easier than you think and she has a great sense of humour. I ran the Leeds Half a few years ago and she frightened me to death after deciding it was safer for her to run in the lane open to traffic rather than among the other runners. I spent most of the time on the ring road looking behind us. I am a road runner but do venture off road occasionally. I have great admiration for you guys who do it constantly. I know how hard a flat marathon is. So can only imagine how hard a windswept 20 odd mile or further is up and down dale. Probably now my PB‟s are behind me, you never know. Plenty of members have clocked their best times in their 50‟s. I used to put myself under pressure to get times and then go through disappointment. I have had PB‟s in two marathons and still not been overly happy. I changed my outlook towards by chance. I had a bad back spasm the day before Bradford 10k and was still in some discomfort on the next morning. So as the starting gun goes I find myself running with Phil. He is going pretty sharp till the 2k mark and feeling good. So I just start encouraging him to keep it going and next thing he has got a PB. I felt nearly as good as Phil having made a small contribution. That‟s why I like pacing people. I end up with a good feeling and they do all the hard work. There have been a couple of occasions when it hasn‟t quite worked. Once Rhea joining the toilet queue at Abbey Dash. The next time I saw her was near the turnround point with me over 800m behind. But maybe the thought of me chasing her down Kirkstall Rd drove her under 45mins. Then at Leeds half this year, going well to 3 miles and Stonegate Rd pacing Beth. Once we reached the climb off she disappeared. With Pacers dotted around the course giving me updates I finally caught her as we turned up to the finish. An appeal went out a while ago if anyone would be interested in becoming a coach. I always liked taking runs out and had stood in for Dave a few times. So I put my name forward. The first step was to take the leaders course. Then progress to the Coaching course. A 4 day course including a diary and final assessment. Along I went with Sarah and John. Two instructors there. One in my opinion a typical old blazer brigade who made the assessment sound like a NASA entry exam. We had to complete and pass the diary before we could take the assessment. I sent mine off. When it came back with 15 deferrals I was so deflated and just shelved it for many months. Eventually the deadline to get it in approached so I made another effort. It had been like a huge monkey on my back. I remember the day I was checking my emails and just saw the words DIARY PASS in subject. What a massive relief. Sarah and John had passed theirs too. We all passed the theory test. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
6 10 YEARS A PACER
We all passed the theory test. So all we add to do now was to take a couple of sessions with an assessor to pass. Now because of our original instructor I was in panic mode. I thought I could hold a session ok, but they wanted me to go a lot deeper and discuss more self assessment than I would be comfortable with. So the week before I was a wreck. The night before the printer wouldn‟t work and I was shaking a banging it. The day of the exam I was already in the room when Sarah and John walked in. They said I looked as pale as I felt. The assessor though was a really down to earth Lancastrian and put me at ease. I was up last. As each candidate went I gained a bit more confidence seeing how it was going for everyone. In the end we all passed, even though Sarah had to ask him for confirmation. What a massive relief it was. I love taking groups out and meant so much to be qualified to do so. There are plenty of people at club who can advise you and point you in the right direction. Their experience is worth as much as a coaching badge. I haven‟t looked back since I joined the club 10 years and met many, many great people from all walks of life. I‟m sure you all play that game of guess the running style. I‟m not the best at it once stood on top of Baildon Moor pointing out to Dave one of our lady runners was getting near. Next thing Dave is in stitches as the aforementioned runner has a beard. Along with here and parkrun it has changed my life. There are a lot of people who do stuff in the background who I am grateful too. So all we have to do is turn up and run. The committee, people like Darryl who puts time in to organise the in house championship. Steve Pattison tirelessly organising the marshals for our events along with the race committees. I like the way the club is going. Extra-curricular activities with many organised Sunday Runs, track session or Neil‟s core conditioning. I can remember Shaun Denham‟s sessions one in particular which involved 225 squats. Not that I could walk for days. I thank all of you who I‟ve ever run with it‟s a pleasure. To those I haven‟t yet I‟m sure there will be an opportunity at some point. My biggest thanks has to go to Liz. She never moans, follows me all over. Lets me go out at any point to run. Makes my tea when I come home at any hour. She doesn‟t like running and has no intention of starting but her support is priceless.
Here is to the next 10 years !
ALL IMAGES PP3-7 - ANDY HARDAKER
7 Fulham Palace Parkrun 09.01.2016 ANDREW SMITHURST
After having had some time off running due to travelling, a slight injury and a lack of mojo I was keen to get back in to attending regular Parkruns. I had just made my first appearance at the club for six months and a trip to London gave an opportunity for some parkrun tourism. During the journey south on the train plans were made to find the most accessible parkrun to our weekend accommodation. Although there were a couple closer to our Park Lane hotel ,such as Burgess and Mile End I decided on Fulham Palace due to the course description. After arriving late in London on Friday evening it was straight to bed to ensure an early start. I left the hotel in plenty of time at 8am with my oyster card in hand and headed to the very close Hyde Park tube station. Taking the Piccadilly line to Earl’s Court, a quick change to the district line and onwards to Putney Bridge underground arriving in less than 15 minutes. The parkrun website mentioned it was an eight minute walk from the station to Bishop’s Park where the event took place. This was a most enjoyable walk along the Thames and I was at Fulham Palace before 8.30am. The run director enquired if there were any tourists and I let them know I was from Leeds along with a couple of other girls. There was also a couple from Manchester, and one guy from Scunthorpe in his football kit. Scunthorpe were playing Chelsea the next day in the FA Cup. Were then moved along around 200 metres to the start. A few people ran to the start and after getting there I could see the reasons why ,as in a field of 426 runners, I was left quite near the back. It was quite tight at the start and a few seconds were lost before crossing the line. As with all parkruns we are always set our own personal target. After a recent return to Bradford and having dropped from 24 minutes to almost 31 just recently I set myself a target of 30 minutes as it was a very flat course. Small targets as everyone knows when returning from injury or a lay off. We set off and almost immediately turned left to rung along the side of Craven Cottage the home of Fulham FC. Another left and we were running parallel to the Thames and the rowers out training near Putney Bridge. The course was completely flat and with no wind I was lapped by around 10 runners on my second of 3 laps. This did not concern me as I was enjoying the views and my own target. A slight sprint at the end after seeing the 200 metres to go and I was home in 28.22. I finished in 297th place but left with a glowing feel- ing after successfully beating my target by some distance. Hopefully I will be back to my old times very soon, but with my oyster card in hand, I was soon back on the tube and heading to my hotel for some well earned breakfast. The beauty of parkrun is you can usually find one almost anywhere and have I been lucky enough to complete runs in Ireland, Singapore and Australia. I would recommend some parkrun tourism to all our members even when you are far from home. ANDREW SMITHURST
OR INDEED CLOSER TO HOME? PUDSEY PACERS WILL BE VISITING WAKEFIELD THORNES PARK ON MARCH 26TH. ALL ABILITIES WELCOME, COFFEE AFTER TO DISCUSS WHO HAD A GOOD RUN, AND CAR SHARE ENCOURAGED. KEEP AN EYE ON FACEBOOK AND THE FORUM FOR MORE INFORMATION - Ed
8 Dewsbury 10K – Sunday 8th February 2016 Linda Bullock
This was only our third 10K as my husband Martin and I were new to running in 2015. Having made our debut at Pudsey 10K in June 15 (we missed the raised eyebrows and reference to hills before signing up) this was an entirely different race and a good one for new runners and PBs.
First things first - get there early! We overlooked the toilet queue in the Leisure Centre and gradual breakdown of working facilities so you might say it was a sprint to the start rather than the finish.
With just over a thousand runners this was an entirely different experience to The Abbey Dash (our second 10K Nov 2015), which attracts huge numbers in comparison. The start had an upbeat but more relaxed vibe and getting to know a few Pacers helped as there were friendly faces close by for banter. It was steady away with a slight incline on the way out, hardly noticeable except on the return when things seem to get easier.
Sun-shades would have been useful (yes in February) as the low winter sun meant it was difficult to see on the return section.I was still on my way out to the halfway point when I spotted Martin on the return. I attempted a high five but failed miserably as he didn‟t see me. Miffed that he wasn‟t looking out for me, I realised at the turning point the pained expressions were caused by staring at the sun, which made this section visually harder.
It was great to see so many yellow vests (21 of them) and this kept me going along with the „wok‟ support. Spectators increased at the end of the course and named bibs helped the finish enormously as, one or two, cheering your name really helps on the last few yards. Lack of the inflatable finish line (due to a hole in the plastic) didn‟t cause a problem as the increase in supporters made it obvious the end was close by (along with Martin shouting from the sidelines - he finished at 50:53).Sub sixty in the bag for me (58:36)and I left feeling chuffed. Those Tuesday training sessions with Jon Prideaux had paid off.
On a practical note, car parking can be a problem. There are loads of spaces at the Leisure Centre but not quite enough. We managed to get a spot in a large charity shop car park for „customers only‟ but as the shop wasn‟t open before 10am, technically we weren‟t. We returned to our car to see a polite but firm note requesting a donation, which we gladly provided and this was accepted gratefully with a lifelong promise of parking. You‟ve got to admire their cheek, all for a good cause.
STRAVA: Dewsbury 10k: Race Profile
9 A TRAINING UPDATE: LEEDS HALF MARATHON
This last month we have had people away on weekend breaks, holidays, illnesses, colds, snow etc, however everyone is progressing well. Last Sunday was our last training run on the canal path and we all achieved the 150 mins with distances ranging from 7.05 to 10 miles. This coming month we will be moving onto tarmac and running from Rodley towards Shipley which is quite a challenging route with some cheeky ‘inclines’. All beneficial and excellent experience to improve our stamina for the Leeds Half route.
Comments post Sunday 14th Feb run: Gemma Benson - It was good, feeling a tad tired now though. Andy Hall – Fantastic morning managed just over 10 miles which is my longest distance so far. (read more from Andy below). Katherine Tordoff – I managed 9 miles, think we are all doing amazing. Michelle Dare – Good run, though my knees are refusing to bend this afternoon. Helen Leech – It was good – feet aching a bit this afternoon though. 9.75 miles done. Danielle Poutch – Loved this morning’s run 9.6 miles, very happy with that. Elaine Rushworth – We all had a good run today.
Linzi’s Journey Saturday – 30th January. Linzi contacted me with the following message: Karen I'm going to try running in the morning but yesterday I dropped a ceramic money box full of coins on my left foot and I think I might have broke a bone it's tender to touch but it feels ok when I'm walking and running so hopefully I'll be ok! Just want to warn you! I advised her to rest up,put a cold compress on it, have it checked out and see how she felt the following morning for our run. The following morning Linzi made the wise decision not to run, her foot was still hurting although she was sure it was just bruising plus her baby son had been awake for three hours during the night. Linzi was going away the following weekend and so would also miss that Sunday’s long run and she was panicking that she was going to miss too much training. So we agreed a plan for her to run Tuesday and Thursday and also go to the gym when she could. Sunday 14th Feb – having missed two of our Sunday long training runs Linzi was feeling very nervous at running 55 mins out and back. However, she did it and managed a fan- tastic 7.05 miles. Linzi’s comment on FB – Karen - I did it!!! And ran all the way. FANTASTIC ACHIEVEMENT.
10 A BIT MORE TRAINING
My Introduction into Pudsey Pacers & training for Leeds Half Marathon - Andy Hall
In June last year I lost my Dad to cancer. This gave the inspiration to do something out of my comfort zone, so My boss, a colleague and myself entered the Major Series 5K Mud Run to be held at Bramham Park in October 2015.
This was the start of my journey with running. I went out twice a week running round the streets of Pudsey. Hard wasn't the word for a 17 1/2 stone commercial manager that sat behind a desk all week. All this said, it did the trick and we all completed the course and raised over £1,500 for Macmillan and I was hooked with running.
For the next month I ran on my own but still couldn't complete 4K without having a short walk when a friend suggested I join Pudsey Pacers to give my some extra incentive to keep running as I didn't feel like I was progressing much.
Early December I arrived at the PLC on a Tuesday night to find the electric was out and the place was in darkness. As I opened the door the lights all came on and Joy and a couple of others cheered and clapped, insinuating I had made it happen (If only I could ha ha ha).
Joy showed to where I needed to sign in and then awaited others before going out on my first run with the beginners. I have to say the first session was quite an achievement as we completed just over 3 miles, which was longer than any of my training runs. Thursday night came, and Karen was our leader for the night. What a training session, I learnt more that night about running than I knew you could. We were shown how to warm up, run up hills, down hills and on the flat. how to breathe properly whilst running and how to stretch out after your run. (I have to say this totally transformed my running). Oh yes nearly forgot, Karen also advised that I was lacking in confidence and needed to move up to 12 minute mile group, which was the only thing holding me back.
The following week I took her advice and enjoyed the longest run I had ever completed 5 miles, and met some great people in the group, each and every one of them helping me along the way. I also got a name change to Carlos (Thanks Elaine, Not really sure where that came from but Hey Ho).
The following Thursday was the Sherry Stumble where I was asked how long it would take me to run 4.5 miles. After only running my first 5 miles the Tuesday before this posed me quite a problem. To give me something to aim for I guessed 60 mins. What a shock I got when I crossed the finish in 44 mins.
Over Christmas I decided that I would enter either the Leeds 10K or the Abbey Dash as it is something I have always wanted to do since living in Leeds, so my goal was set :) Then Karen asked if I wanted to train for Leeds Half Marathon, not something I ever dreamed I would be able to run. I agreed to try and started the Structured Tuesday Night Training sessions, Thursday Night runs and Sunday morning Long runs.
Obviously the training must be working, as after only a couple of sessions Dilip suggested I moved up to the 11 minute mile group and Karen agreed. The following week I took their advice and I am happy to say I am really enjoying the group and have met more nice people and a couple of new leaders who like big hills more than I do.
All I can say is a big thank you to the Pudsey Pacers for all your help and Support from members and Leaders alike, for helping me achieve more than I ever thought I would be able at the start of this and helping me achieve my biggest landmark so far of running over 10 miles along the canal Last Sunday. A feat I never dreamt of achieving so quickly. KAREN FAWCETT
11 LIVERSEDGE HALF MARATHON - DAVE BURDON
It‟s some years since I tackled this one. As local Half Marathons go it‟s widely regarded as one of the tougher one‟s. The course is varied, involving fast steep downhill sections, short but steep climbs on winding country lanes and long drags usually battling against a strong headwind. Definitely not a PB course but for anyone who likes a bit more of a challenge then it‟s one to consider. It wasn‟t particularly on my radar this time and hasn‟t been for the last 10 years but my youngest son who has recently moved out to Roberttown had already entered. Given that all my recent weekend running has involved wading through mud I thought maybe a road race would make a welcome change. Valentine‟s Day morning was dry and cold. Numbers have to be picked up on the day at the local Community Hall and I was impressed at the organisation from Roberttown Road Runners. Car parking, numbers, signage, plenty of marshal‟s (all very cheerful and happy to help). There were refreshments (for after the run) or whenever they chose for those not running. There was even a makeshift urinal hastily set up at the side of the community hall all very tastefully privatised. The race starts on the village common and after a Pudsey Pacers club photo arranged by Elaine Allan we were all ready for the off. I started the race full of good intentions, “Start easy, build up steadily, grow into the race and keep plenty in reserve for a good finish. The plan quickly went down the pan with a ridiculously speedy first mile (6:18). It felt comfortable enough until turning into Headlands Rd (that‟s where the undulation kicks in). Another quick mile down to Bailiff Bridge (that was a lesson well learned then) to be followed by several miles of counting how many runners went past me. The course starts and finishes at Roberttown Village common and takes in Bailiff Bridge, Clifton, the lovely village of Hartshead as well as the appropriately named Windy Bank. Although I got this wrong on the day, it really is a good race with lots of encouraging support (quite a few pacers watching this - Matt Bould, Elaine Allen oh and “THANKS” to Mr Hardaker for the wonderful photo). I was pleased to finish and pleased to see that not everybody finishing the race looked as knackered as I felt. After a hard race like that there has to be reward and I felt a sense of satisfaction as I tucked into a slap up Sunday roast at the nearby Wheatsheaf in Little Gomersal (Highly recommended).
One of my many disguises, this one posing as a Vet 70 Nicky and Lisa looking far more comfortable
12 Wadsworth Trog - Ben Mason 6th February 2016
WADSWORTH TROG: CATEGORY BL Fell Race, 19 miles/1,110m
Signing up for this race, I was unaware of its reputation. As far as I was concerned it was just a warm up for the Three Peaks in April. Mentioning my entry to Neil the Scot he replied, “ Wadsworth „Bog‟ Trog. Have you read the FRA forum? Apparently it‟s horrible!”, swiftly followed by coach Dave Burdon screwing his face up, no words needed! Thankfully Leigh Hinchliffe was on hand to bring me some light: “I did it last year, it‟s a great race“. The day of the race arrived along with the rain, wind and fog. This, added to the previous weeks of miserable weather, would surely ensure that the race would live up to its nickname “The Beast”. Calder Valley Fell Runners, who host the race, were doing thorough kit checks; this was starting to get serious! Fortunately, with free cups of tea on hand all checking was done with a level of joviality. We were ushered through a head count before receiving our starting orders. In the middle of the pack, I made a steady start, my plan was just to get round and if it was going well maybe get in under 4 hours. Heading up onto the moors and into the fog, my mind was telling me it was only a matter of time before I would be reaching for my map and compass. There is very little flat terrain on this course and we were instantly tested with a climb followed by a slippy technical descent. A few runners were either forced or chose the „sliding on your bum technique‟ in places. I surprisingly managed to keep my feet but not without a few close shaves. The fun just kept on coming as we ran over the fells and within the first 6 miles I had already found 4 almost waist deep bogs. Although the views were limited due to the fog, we were treated to a glimpse of the valley at one point looking towards Oxenhope from the top of Cock Hill. Running alongside Upper Dean Head, Warley Moor and Walshaw Dean Reservoirs along with Lumb Hole Waterfalls, there were plenty of features to keep it interesting. At 8.5 miles the climb up to Top Withins was relentless. Thankfully checkpoint 7 was located here and the LEGEND marshals were handing out flapjack and bottles of water. This seemed to give me a second wind, and helped me to keep up with seasoned fell runner, and fellow Pudsey Pacer Sharon Hague - her navigational skills were far superior to mine having run the race before and my compass thankfully remained in my backpack. Other Pacers, Leigh Hinchliffe and Steve Boom were forging ahead much further up the field. The penultimate climb was a killer; Sharon was claiming she was too old for this as I struggled to keep up! Half way up the climb we arrived at checkpoint 10, my partner Amy was there to shout out words of encouragement. Having befriended the CVFR Marshalls by tactically letting the car battery go flat so they could kindly come to her assistance, they were in plentiful supply of Soreen and special energy sweets reserved for CVFR runners only. It‟s not what you know! Distracted by fuel, Sharon pulled away as I struggled on to the top of the climb.
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13 MORE BOG TROG
At the summit the leg sapping boggy moorland continued and there was little evidence of an obvious trail but the miles were clocking up and it felt like the end was in sight. Foolishly having not recced the route I trusted my Garmin when it said 18.5 miles and thought to myself only half a mile to go. I had read that there was a cheeky hill at the end but as I was still descending, told myself it couldn‟t be too bad. It turned out for me that the last 100m climb started at 19 miles and would continue for about half a mile through sticky, muddy fields. As if that wasn‟t bad enough, upon sight of the finish at the cricket club I realized they were making us run a lap of the pitch. (I say making, I‟m pretty sure we had all signed up vol- untarily). It did feel a bit like rubbing salt in a wound though.
Upon crossing the finish line, we were met by a lady wielding a pair of scissors, not sure what was going on and before I had chance to say anything, she had cut my race number off leaving only 4 little triangles attached. We were not allowed to keep them. Some of the checkpoints were self-clipped and they were checking the numbers to make sure we hadn‟t taken any short cuts. It‟s rather sad but I was a little bit gutted, I was starting to get a nice little collection of race numbers and this was my most challenging race to date. Oh well, I have still got the corners!
Sharon finished a couple of minutes ahead, whilst Leigh had run a great race and finished almost an hour earlier. Unfortunately Steve had to retire with an injury in the latter stages of the race. It may sound like I didn‟t enjoy it but quite the contrary - as Leigh had previously said, it‟s a great race. A hot shower followed by soup and cakes were provided in the HQ as I gazed* in awe at the winners Ben Mounsey and Karl Gray who had finished in an amazing 2:39:56. *my girlfriend, Amy, thought I should add that this gazing was not done in the showers! Also, Ben Mounsey writes a good account of the race in his blog: https://benmounsey.wordpress.com/2016/02/09/taming-the-beast/
100th Ben Mason M 4:15:23... 26th Leigh Hinchliffe V40 3:20:07…. 98th (12th Lady) Sharon Hague FV40 4:13:53 Best wishes to Steve Boom who was injured during the closing stages of the race and was unable to finish.
14 Hardmoors Saltburn 26.2 Trail Marathon SARAH BOOTH 120th marathon 1.289 m ascent 4:56 MPH, 13:10 minute miles 06:15:42 99/149. (19th woman)
It was a stunning day interspersed with showers of hail and snow. The looming dark clouds in the distance always seemed to stay away. I'd had a cold that week so it took awhile for my lungs to clear with coughing and nose blowing. Saltburn Valley gardens soon slowed us into single file but I managed to slip past a few people on the downs and don't think I held too many up on the climbs. Andy as usual was just in front of me but we were never far apart.
I love the coastal run, seeing the thread of other runners ahead but also walking the hills gives you a chance to catch up with old friends and welcome new runners to the Hardmoors family and some to their first marathon. A great marathon to start with. It's normally run in summer, it was possibly muddier under foot than usual but the grip on my New Balance minimus didn't let me down, they are more than the trail shoe the name suggests. The wind felt strongly against us so I was pleased we were soon at the turn back point but don't really remember getting any benefit and being blown back to Skinningrove.
The sunshine kept warming us from time to time which felt lovely after the stinging hail we'd started with. The first half marathoners sped past us well before the turn at Skelton where we normally get caught, the mud wasn't slowing them down!
Out on the Cleveland way towards High Cliff Nab above Guisborough. It was a change to see motorbikes on the off road course before we got to Guisborough Woods.
15 MORE TALES OF HARD TRAILS
I'm glad I ignored the threatening clouds as they stayed away from us except for a few flurries of snow. That long climb up to the Nab had nicely been churned for us. We were amused watching some hikers think of climbing the steep hill, one was in white trainers, they gave up within minutes. Andy always reminds me it's nearly all downhill from there. The undulations still get me but I felt I knew what to expect even if I didn't recognise a few sections. The taped sections meant we didn't get lost. This moorland section felt tough because we were exposed to the elements but we motored along just going straight through the boggy bits that others around us were trying to avoid.
I felt amazingly strong and was happy to push up some of the hills. People had teased us ear- lier wondering how we'd got into the 1000 mile club when we were walking the hills, it's all about covering the distance and not how long it takes you! We finished strongly 10 minutes earlier than last year. I really enjoyed yet another Hardmoors adventure and a wonderful way to celebrate Valentine's Day!
SARAH BOOTH AND ANDY NORMAN
16 Amble Around the Anglezarke Amble Martin & Suzanne Scott
Early start for this, as we had to register in Rivington (Lancashire) by 7:40am, so off at 6:00am. Suzanne was doing the 17 mile route, as her come back event and I agreed to walk around with her. So extra clothes, as walking, plus my camera. I was taking so many photos an entrant asked if I was the official photographer. 8:00am and we are off (slowly) making our way up to Rivington Pike, followed by some cold miles over the moors to reach Winter Hill TV mast, which appeared out of the mist. Not hanging around (as it was freezing) we slithered through the mud to reach the first manned CP at 6.6 miles. At this point I was paying more attention to taking photos and not looking where I was going. The end result I fell down a small embankment, got up quickly (as no one had seen me fall) and non- chalantly carried on pretending it did not hurt. Ended up with a bruised hand and pride – its safer run- ning. The 1st full CP was soon reached at Slipper Lowe car park (9.6 miles) with a wide range of food / drink on offer. As we were ambling around we had to indulge, as it would have been rude not to. Tea, water and juice drunk. Cake, quiche, sandwich and sweets consumed. After a quick look at the route and another tea we left this very friendly CP. Hats off to all the CP staff who did a great job. The sun had also come out and the wind died down. It was three miles to the next CP, with a good climb to start up Great Hill. The name was grander than the climb (must be the benefit of the PP hill sessions) and soon we were on the decent to the CP at White Coppice cricket pavilion. This was a lovely spot and in summer would be a nice place for a pic- nic. Only one problem – no pub! Apparently for a TV program they made the house on the end into a pub. The sign was left up over that weekend. At 9:00pm some people knocked on the door to see why the pub wasx closed. More tea, cake, cheese and other delicacies sampled then it was on to the last leg. By this point Suz- anne was getting tired and her feet were sores so encouragement delivered, along with a gentle nudge. Anglezarke Reservoir passed, then High Bullough Reservoir and back to Anglezarke Reservoir again. A very scenic section and easy going – relatively flat and dry under foot. A few more ups and downs, a few more „are we nearly there yet‟ a few more „I‟ve had enough‟ and the end was reached. 17 miles successfully completed, a happy wife and good for me as a long time on my feet. More good food at the finish (stew and peas), washed down with yet more tea. I think I put weight on going around this event. Badge purchased (£1 for a quality cloth badge) and we went home tired, but happy. There is a choice of routes 17 or 24 miles, both of which are very runnable. Navigation is also easy. An event I would do again and recommend to other Pudsey Pacers.
17 And in other news…
Online Sale
Genuine reason for sale and to laugh at my misfortune as many of my running friends have already done. On Sunday at the Liversedge half marathon I made a massive schoolboy error and despite having in excess of 8 perfectly serviceable Adidas trainers I could have worn for this race I forgot to bring a single pair of them and as a result had to buy these on the day from the limited selection available at a small stall. Listed at £85 I was very fortunate to haggle the very nice man down to £75 and now, after only 13.1 miles of running (and a few yards to and from the car), I'm reselling them as they're still unsurprisingly in excellent condition. Despite these being Neutral they were fine for me - I usually wear mild support - Adidas supernova sequence boost and I can report no blisters. I wore a clean pair of socks for the run with these trainers to keep them as new as I possibly could. Any questions or if you'd like more photos please feel free to ask - Ed: OOPS!
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Entertainment News
Early rumours suggest three Pacers have already auditioned for an upcoming martial arts film. The plot is a bit sketchy, but PP News understands that the film will principally involve the three – one of whom is visually impaired – on a perilous journey along a historical waterway, evading lethargic guards, while navigating around obstacles and tackling other challenges.
Expect high drama and jeopardy. And much hilarity.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ EU REFERENDUM-DUM-DUM I have need to regularly speak to German clients on all things waste – it‟s rubbish, really. Anyway, they‟re always talking about efficiency and doing things properly. So, in an effort to demonstrate to one of the more jovial clients that I understand, I thought I‟d share this joke with him: German efficiency was lacking today when 4 dwarves pulled off a daring heist at a Berlin Bank. Using acrobatic skill, they used a springboard to catapult themselves into the cash vault after a window had carelessly been left open. German Police say this was an audacious feat of fiendish skill and daring. But then, as they say in Germany, "Four Sprung Dwarf Technique” I‟m still waiting for his laugh. And for that matter, payment of my invoice…?
- Ed
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Running is a road to self-awareness and reliance-you can push yourself to extremes and learn the harsh reality of your physical and mental limitations or coast quietly down a solitary path watching the earth spin beneath your feet.
Doris Brown Heritage, first woman to run sub 5-minute indoor mile 18 ALL ABOARD THE LEEDS FUNBUS TO KOLN
Dear Pudsey Pacers,
This year St Theresas AC (STAC) is organising a club trip to Cologne and we'd love it if some Pusdey Pacers would like to join us. If you feel it is appropriate, please could you ask if any of your members are interested? Here are some details:
We are travelling to Cologne to take part in the marathon, half marathon or marathon relay (4 people so around 10k each—DISTANCE NOT COST!).
Date
October 2, 2016 – the next day is the German national holiday, the Day of German Reunion!
Details
A coach will depart from Crossgates on Thursday 29th September bound for the Hull ferry terminal. We will then take the overnight ferry to Rotterdam (cabin only).
The next morning we depart for Cologne which is a 3-4 hr trip including a comfort break. We will check into the Ramada Hotel, Bruehl, Cologne for 3 nights on a bed, breakfast and evening meal basis. The hotel is about 20 miles from the marathon Expo but our driver (Graham) will take us to and from the expo, to the races and back and into Cologne for sightseeing as a group.
The coach will depart from Cologne on the 3rd October 2016 and will travel back to Rotter- dam, to board the return P&O overnight ferry crossing to Hull (cabin only) and back to home areas on the 4th October 2016.
The cost of the trip is £330 per person with a £76 single supplement. The ferry crossing rooms are twin internal rooms unless you’ve paid the single supplement.
This all means that you will stay 5 nights with lots of meals and all your travel included. Nearer the time, I’m hoping to negotiate a meal deal on the ferry but you can ‘pay as you go’.
There are a maximum of 49 seats available so be quick and let me know if you want to come. There are 7 single rooms available on a first come first served basis. A £100 (non refund- able- unless you can sell your place if you can’t come) deposit is also required.
For more details or to book your place, please email Wanda at:
Many Thanks,
Wanda Macdonald
*Alyson & Chris Glover (Kirkstall Harriers joined STAC last year and have signed up again
19 NATIONAL www.ukresults.net Commonly referred to it’s owner/ provider as John Schofield
www.northeastraces.com Also contains races just into North and East Yorkshire
www.runbritain.com/races Broad platform for searching and entering races in the UK
www.fellrunner.org.uk/races Usually named FRA (fell running association) and provides basic entry requirements and usually link to host club (most are entry on day)
www.bofra.co.uk See fellrunner above
Fixtures & Websites www.racebest.com Excellent local race provider with growing reputation for new events and quick results
www.countrytrailraces.co.uk Summer trail series around Leeds - navigation required, but easy and very informal
www.urbantrailrunner.co.uk Similar to above
www.leedsathletics.net/Leeds_Race_Series.htm Annual race series with good links to many local and popular races
www.yvaa.org Both plus 35s (Grand Prix) and Open races across Yorkshire LOCAL/ REGIONAL
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Dates for the Diary
NO DIARY DATES?
Races are still being updated and the training schedule shows when you can get on track.
There’ll still be Keighley 10k, Spen 20, Post Hill, Thirsk 10, Guiseley Gallop and others… Let us know if any entries are about to open…
If you want to find out more, or offer a scheduled race that you think other Pacers might be interested in, then why not search and contribute to the online, website calendar: www.pudseypacers.com
See icon top-right on homepage. All suggestions and comments, please email: [email protected]
News reports Neil Wallace, the whinging news-bod, is awaiting your latest news, so that all efforts in the yellow vest are recognised by others Twitter @Braveshorts Email [email protected]
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