VETRUNNER ISSN 1449-8006 Vol. 42 Issue 5 — Nov/Dec 2020 Patron: Dick Telford Website: www.actmastersathletics.org.au Facebook: ACT Club The monthly magazine of the ACT Masters Athletics Club Inc. Email: [email protected]

New Track Records

At the Track—22 October 2020 women’s race giving Consie the opportunity to establish the Report by John Lamb first W85 ACT record (of 2:50.49) for this event. In the men’s race, John Lamb missed his own ACT record by just 0.73 sec.

Despite a forecast of possible showers, the rain held off and it The 200m events for both men and women, were also was a beautiful warm evening with very little wind -- ideal hotly contested. conditions for good times. Michael Roden’s time of 24.43 sec. was a new ACT record, As a result of the keenness of Jill Brown to challenge the W70 eclipsing Quentin Anthony’s 25.4 from way back in 1988. ACT record, a 4 x 800m relay event was added to the Pushed hard by Mark Rossiter, Michael also backed up in program. This also provided an opportunity for a W80 team to the 60m setting another ACT record; his time of 7.73 (just set an inaugural World Record. The W80 and W70 teams 0.01 ahead of Mark) being regarded as better than the hand- were then joined by a W60 team. The W80 team consisted of held time of 7.6 by Quentin Anthony from 33 years ago. Anne Young (85), Consie Larmour (85), Jo Klemke (83) and Corinne Collins (84). Further results and photos are included on page 4.

Anne led off for the W80 team, followed by Consie, Jo and Corry, together setting a new record of 26:03.52.

In the same (4x800m) race, the W70 relay team of Jill Brown, Carol Baird, Caroline Campbell and Susan Archer took an impressive 42 seconds off the previous ACT and Australian record (established by Anne Young, Alison Ide, Consie Larmour and Corry Collins back in 2007), finishing in a time of 16:01.63.

The 400m races also provided for potential records, with the

Above Left: W80 Corry Collins at the finish line. Above Right: The W80 relay team. Back: L-R Consie Larmour, Jo Klemke & Anne Young. Front: Corry Collins. (Photos : John Lamb, Yanyping Ji)

Page 2 — Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner Club Sponsors

For a great range of shoes for road, trail and track running, including shoes for the competitive racing edge, and running gear to look the part, you can’t run past The Runners Shop. Members of ACT Masters Athletics Club receive a 10% discount off full -priced items—just mention you are a Master!

Call us on (02) 6285 3508 | take a look www.therunnersshop.com.au

or visit us in store at 76 Dundas Court, Phillip

Introducing new owners

Elizabeth Charlton and Fleur Balmain

Elizabeth takes over from Craig Wisdom and is a physio also offering oncology and lyphoedema services, in addition to sports therapy. Discounts still apply to ACTMA members.

Call or go on - line for more info. 02 - 6 2 6 0 8 2 4 4 www.kingstonphysio.com.au

With much appreciation... The ACT Masters Athletics Club is grateful for the generous support of the following sponsors and local businesses: • National Mailing & Marketing for printing of the Vetrunner, the Annual Report and promotional pamphlets

• The Runners Shop for discounts to members on purchases and competition gift vouchers

• Kingston Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre for discounts to members on purchases & gift vouchers

• Kingston Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre for donating prizes for the King and Queen of the Mountain in both Thomas & Frylink Series

• Dave Mackenzie for donating prizes for the King and Queen of the Mountain in the Waddell Series.

• Go Troppo Fyshwick Markets for a discount on fruit for our run-walk handicap events

• Belconnen Soccer Club & the Ainslie Football and Social Club for providing rooms for club meetings/ functions. Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner — page 3

General Meeting

Most readers will be aware that while the club held an AGM on Sat 26 September 2020, the elected President (Shane Hutchison), Secretary (Suzie Gaynor) and Vice President (Nikki Phelps) have since put in their resignations from these positions.

I’m sure that you would all like to thank Shane, Suzie and Nikki for all their hard work, and hope that they continue to be actively involved in club activities.

As advised in recent ACTMA Bulletins, the Main Committee has now convened a General Meeting of the Club to be held directly after the Run Walk Handicap at Weston Park on Sunday 29 November, commencing at 11 am.

In addition to the previously announced agenda of electing a President, Vice President and Secretary, the position of Treasurer is also to be filled, as the current Treasurer has recently moved to Queensland, and it is impractical for him to continue in the role. There is also still a call for members to join the Main Committee, to a maximum of six.

Nominations are sought before the meeting but may also be made at the General Meeting. To be valid, the nominee must agree to be nominated and there must be a seconder. Early nominations may be sent to the acting Secretary, Robbie Costmeyer, at [email protected]. If there is more than one valid nomination for a position then each candidate may have up to five minutes to address members about their claim to that position before a ballot will be held. The ballot will be by a show of hands.

Please note that the Social Committee has also proposed that there be a BYO picnic after the Walk Run Handicap and General Meeting.

ACT MASTERS ATHLETICS ‘Fitness Through Fellowship’ The Vetrunner is the official newsletter of ACTMA, ISSN 1449-8006 Postal Address: GPO Box 2356, Canberra, ACT 2601. Internet: www.actmastersathletics.org.au Facebook: ACT Masters Athletics Club Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of ACT Masters Athletics Club

PATRON: Dr Dick Telford AO SUB-COMMITTEES AND COODINATORS SPECIAL EVENTS & COMMUNICATIONS MAIN COMMITTEE Annual Awards, Trophies and Historian: Bryan Thomas 02 6161 3635 Local Organising Committee for 2021 AMA President: TBA [email protected] National Championships: [email protected] T & F Annual trophies: Bryan Thomas 02 6161 3635 Vice President: TBA Kathy Sims 0418 408 805 [email protected] [email protected] RWH Annual Trophies & T Shirts: Member Protection Information Officers: Secretary: TBA Linda Mallory Sue Bourke 0408 266 183 [email protected] Richard Scutter 0415 738 848 Cross Country Championships: Treasurer: TBA Ken Smith 0415 653 151 Social Events: Rosemary Parker 0427 160 129 [email protected] Equipment Officer (Track and Field): Robyn Saunders 0403 808 299 Registrar: Jayne Hardy 0412 262 257 Nigel England 0477 341 333 [email protected] Sprint Relays: Jim White 02 6231 4168 [email protected] Run/Walk Handicap sub-committee chair: Other Committee Members: Robbie Costmeyer Uniforms: Kathy Sims 0418 408 805 [email protected] Kathy Sims 0418 408 805 Sue Archer 0422 976 427 Sue Archer 0422 976 427 Run/Walk Handicap Rosters: [email protected] Ken Smith 0415 653 151 Deb Gordon Jayne Hardy 0412 262 257 [email protected] Vetrunner Editor: [email protected] Vacant Throws Coordinator: [email protected] Jayne Hardy 0412 262 257 Public Officer: [email protected] Webmaster: Robbie Costmeyer 0448 087 054 Geoff Moore and Bronwyn Calver Track & Field sub-committee chair: [email protected] [email protected] Nigel England 0477 341 333 Publicity, Marketing, Membership: TBA Weekly Bulletin Editor: Track & Field Bibs: [email protected] Val Chesterton Ken White [email protected] Statistician and Records Officer: Jacob Grooby [email protected] Page 4 — Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner New Track Records (con’t)

Continued from Page 1 It was a full field in the men’s event, with from Lane 1 out- wards: Track events on 22 October started with the 1500m. Peter Davies (M70), Michael Snare (M45), Tony Kennedy (M50) David Austin (M45), Michael Roden (M55), Leo Kennedy , Mark Rossiter (M45) was first home in Jim White (M70), Gurpreet Badwal (M45). 4:48.30, just four seconds ahead of new member Alistair Rogers (M45) competing in only his second track meet. It looks as though Tony dug deep to hold him off and achieve his best time in a long time.

Peter Brown (M55) was next home in 5:11.21, and just pipped Tony in his age%. However, the All got away well with Michael, in particular, flying like Gur- preet’s beard! Sadly, within a second of this photo being tak- clear winner on age % en, Leo tore his right calf and fell to the track. He is not in was Kathy Simms (W65) this photo, hidden (with Mark) behind Gurpreet, and doubt- with 90.5% less he wishes he hadn’t been there at all! We wish him a speedy recovery.

The women lined up first for the 200m, from the inside, R to L:

Georgia Knudsen (W45), Maureen Rossiter (W65), Margaret Taylor (W70),Sue Bourke (W60), Marlene Reid (W65), Yanping Ji (W60).

The finish was very tight with Michael Roden, getting home just 0.03 sec. ahead of Mark, with David only 0.39 further back. Michael Roden’s time of 24.43 sec. was a new ACT rec- ord.

There was a disappointing turnout for the Boag 400m, with both men’s and women’s heats having only four competitors. One of the competitors was the Chair of the Competition Committee, Nigel England, who also undertook the 1500m, 3000m and ! Nobody had the energy left to take on the long hurdles!

In all the evening revealed a good depth and strong spirit Yanping was the only one to use blocks. Marlene had probably among the club’s sprint and middle distance athletes, with the best start, but Sue reeled her in quite quickly and went on particularly great depth proven again among the senior ladies to win in 32.91sec. Her age% was 86.0, but this was just pipped by Margaret who came in 5th, but with 86.9%, suggesting there by comparison with any other club in the country. will be another very tight finish in the President’s Handicap in December. Report and photos by John Lamb. Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner — page 5

Run/Walk Handicap - Weston Park 8.30 AM, 29 Nov 2020

WESTON PARK COURSE DESCRIPTION & HOW TO GET THERE

In Weston Park, take the second road on the right off Weston Park Road. Both courses are out and back on the cycle path, and start and finish about 40m east of the toilet block. The Short Course turn is at 1.5km. Return the same way. Course distance 3km. The Long Course continues on the cycle path past the short course turnaround and follows the lake edge ‐ there is a short gravel section near the playgrounds. Continue along the lake, still on the cycle path, then go straight ahead on a short gravel section near the Oaks Brasserie to the turnaround at 3km. Do not turn right and follow the bitumen cycle path. Return the same way to the finish. Course distance 6km.

Some thoughts from Consie

OUR RACE AGAINST TIME

2020 has been a year of deprivation for most of us -- in greater or lesser degrees. We have had tragedies, bushfires, hail in Canberra, floods in places, storms and losses.

We have also had amazing examples of resilience and of people finding ways to make things better, or more normal, for themselves and others. We cannot know what we will face in 2021 and so we must ensure that we do not waste opportunities as and when they occur.

So thanks are due to the ACTMA committee and members who, as soon as COVID restrictions have allowed, seized the opportunity to restart our handicaps, track nights, throwing competitions and monthly social dinners. Events like these are so important to, and particularly appreciated by, loyal long-term and older Club members. Fittingly, our track night opening was on the International Day of the Older Person, 1st October 2020.

Older athletes are told that they are an inspiration to the young, and continually hear: "I hope that when I am as old as you, I can still ...". The September Vetrunner paid tribute to the Club's Octogenarian women.

Of course, none of us at any age, can know when our running, race walking or throwing can be suddenly, even cruelly, terminated.

Many of our wonderful Masters Athletics Club members have confronted enormous problems and fought to make a comeback and to compete again, determined to gain new personal bests or records in a new age group - think Rad Leovic, Raylea Rudov, Fran Harris and more. The Club's annual Johnson trophy award attests to this ability to fight against odds to continue to compete and to participate.

ACT Masters Athletics Club (formerly ACTVAC) has always encouraged and fostered these rehabilitation and competition efforts.

Amazing athletes such as Merv Collins and Gwen Gleeson determinedly run to set records as soon as they hit a new age group -- now 90+! (continued next page) Page 6 — Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner A message from Shane Hutchison

With warmer weather and return to competition, it is great to see all our events back in full swing. However, the Athletics in the ACT initiative between Little Athletics ACT, ACTMA and Athletics ACT is in a pause and review process. I remain hopeful that it gains traction again soon. As a parent of a Little Athletics Athlete and an active ACTMA member, I am keen to see a better-connected athletics community. The potential benefits have been well communicated but for now it is a “watch this space” situation, while the three organisations focus on delivering ‘the best season ever’.

It’s great to see the popularity of the ‘Pineapple 2020 Offer’, and our uniforms selling so well, especially with newcomers. The photos of people in uniform are great advertisements for the club and I understand a stock reorder will be needed soon.

As most will know by now, I have stepped down as President of the ACT Masters Athletics Club, to let others have the opportunity to take the club in a different direction. I believe that stepping aside leaves the main committee able to continue to offer the services existing members have come to expect.

I thank my Executive, Nikki Phelps, Suzie Gaynor and Leigh Harlow, who have also stepped aside, as they were supportive, committed and creative to the end. Shane Hutchison enjoying some well-deserved rest and recreation (photo: Suzie Gaynor I have loved fostering participation, especially among our newer members, and seeing them gain new skills, achieve personal bests and strive for new goals. To this end, I will remain an active member of the club, and will continue to support participation in a sport that offers opportunity to the walker, the runner, the jumper, the thrower and the multi-athlete prepared to give it all a go.

I’ve spoken with the Main Committee about my position and have offered my continued support. I am open to undertaking a future role with the club, but with a first priority of my obligations to my personal relationships and fulltime work. So I may be back after a “bit of a break” with my sense of humour, and my articulate and elegant sayings intact.

Thank you to all those whom have given me awesome support during my four and a half years on the main committee.

Regards, Shane Some thoughts from Consie (con’t)

.Despite its size, the ACT Club has been able to match the States, proving its competitiveness in setting national and even, over the years, world records. With our hosting of the 2020 Nationals, ACTMA will be keen to show that we still have the organisation and ability to promote competition and records at the top level.

Consie Larmour

Vale Dave Mackenzie

As this edition was about to go to print, sad news came through about the passing of Dave Mackenzie.

While others will be better placed than I am to know how much Dave has contributed to the Club over many years, I have cer- tainly enjoyed many conversations with him, and have ad- mired his sense of fun, his kindness, his resilience and optimis- tic approach to life.

Rest in peace, Dave. Clare Wall, Guest Editor.

Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner — page 7

October Run-Walk Handicap Report

Ainslie Woodlands –25 October shoes are walking boots in the winter and bare feet in the summer. 2020 continues to challenge us and at the start of the year many Australians wanted nothing but rain!!! Now we have it. Bronze – Rosemary Parker (Start Time – 14.35 Rate 8.03) Event organizer Nigel England and Robbie Costmeyer endured Rosemary wears New Balance and they are the best she’s ever the damp for course marking on Saturday in preparation for had. With size 12 feet, shoes can be tricky to get. She had bad the next days event. Officials rolled in early on Sunday for tent feet for many years and after an operation to insert plates and erecting and a bit of oops mind the slippery surface. And yes, screws, New Balance has given her the required width. the RWH occurred and most participants stayed dry and many Rosemary wears Oofas as recovery shoes but loves bare feet. had a new appearance to their shoes. And shoes are the theme Even ran track bare feet, a bit like Zola Budd. for this months report. Big thanks to the Englands for Thomas organizing the event and to the volunteers, some who were under tents and others out on the course. 33 participants, fastest on course Bruce Graham 3.58 rate Frylink Gold – Jim White (Start Time – 11.40 Rate 5.51) Also the first 16 participants, fastest on course Ken Gordon 5.02 rate. Thomas runner across the line, Jim says Nike are the best. He’s tried many others. His current pair have done 600 events. First across the line was Margot Tredoux (Start Time - 2.55, This years tally including numerous virtual runs is 307. Jim’s Rate 6.59), a newcomer to RWH. Margot had previously seen favourite shoes are……running shoes. “That’s what I wear!” RWH events on the trails and decided to give it a go. She wore Shoes last me about 18 months then I use my winning vouchers Saucony due to the wet weather and normally wears Hokka. to buy new ones. The first time Margot wore them she didn’t like them but has tried another pair and they’ve been great. Silver – Robyn Saunders (Start Time – 4.40 Rate 6.53) Robyn likes to wear Brooks shoes because they have good stability. Gold – Jill Pearson (Start Time - 7.55, Rate 5.49) This one She has tried other brands but always comes back to Brooks. armed bandit has her arm in a sling for 3 weeks whilst Robyn’s favourite shoes are boots in the winter and sandals in recovering from sublaxation of the sterno clavicular joint. Jill the summer. ran in New Balance and has been a repeat purchaser over the last couple of years at the Runners Shop. She had previously Bronze – Roger Pilkington (Start Time – 14.00 Rate 5.46) tried ASICS but they were not the right shape. Her favourite Rogers wears New Balance as he finds they are good for wide feet. He has tried Brooks but finds Nike for track and New shoes for everyday wear are Rockports – had them for 4-5 yrs, Balance for distance. Roger’s favourite shoes are always great longevity. running shoes. His first pair of shoes, KT 26 – pseudo running shoes, $25 from K’Mart. Silver – Carol Baird (Start Time- 8.10, Rate 5.49) Carol’s last 3 pairs of shoes have been Mizuno. She keeps them till they wear And of course we should hear from some of our officials…….. out. Carol tried Hokka and said, “I better not bloody fall over”. Guess what, she fell over. Carol now walks the dog in them. Bib & Place Card Official – Adrian Krauss has a size 16 foot and it is very wide. He is often limited to what he can purchase. Bronze – Ken Gordon (Start -11.05 Rate 5.02). Ken has been a Currently wearing Brooks but does like to run in ASICS. His long-time wearer of Asics. As he doesn’t do much other running favourite footwear is CROCs, they’re big sizes and he can wear the shoes tend to last quite a while. Was fortunate enough to be a 13. sponsored by Nike and then Brooks early in his career. Ken remembers his first pair of running spikes were a pair of Tigers Timekeeper – Ian Bowden wears black shoes – man giving that his mother found in a secondhand store in Toowoomba much information!!! He likes New Balance because they have a whilst he was at school. They cost a whole $5. high arch and a high something else. They have been his go to Waddell for the last 10 years. His favourite is beach sandals and yes the day before he had worn them with socks!! Wish I had a photo 10 participants, equal fastest on course Neil Boden and John for you all!! Littler 7.25 rate Wamboin Wanderer – Kevin Rowe wears a left one and right Gold – Margaret Taylor (Start Time – 7.00 Rate 8.57) Also first one – smart alec. He wears Kalenji, good support and across the line in the Waddell, Margaret wore an old pair of aggressive tread which is good for trails. Inexpensive and good ASICS due to the wet weather. She has been a long time value for money. Kevin buys his shoes through a French wearer of ASICS, they suit her feet the best. Margaret used to company operating online and in Sydney, . They wear PUMA. Buying her first pair when she travelled to design sporting goods at affordable prices for families. Munich to watch the Olympics. Margaret bought a green pair as they were all the rage then. Who would have thought shoes could be so interesting!! So slide your feet into them, go for a run/walk and we’ll see you next Silver – John Littler (Start Time – 16.20 Rate 7.25) John wore month. ASICS in the wet weather and has a good pair at home. He has For event photos—see tried different shoes and found New Balance had good Deb & Ken Gordon pages 9 and 17. durability and uses them for . John’s comfy go to Page 8 —Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner

AMA Winter Throwing Championships, Wollongong, 2020 Or the ramblings of two mature tossers able to do the real-life challenge, instead of doing it virtually!

Well, things have certainly changed this year. We all know what a great deal we have been through with droughts, fires, storms, pandemics and economic trials. It was touch and go for the WTC, waiting for the go ahead by the NSW Govt for the reopening of regional competition. It was impossible to have borders crossed to accommodate interstaters, so the virtual competition was taken up enthusiastically by regional centres. There were around 30 real- lifers and 60+ virtuals.

Ray Green, the Convenor of the WTC for the first 20 years and I (Sharon Gibbins), on the WTC Committee for 17 years, were glad we could again take part in the real-life WTC in Wollongong. Fortunately we had booked the Corrimal Tourist Park cabin 6 months ago. It was packed out with NSW people, unable to go beyond the borders. The drive down from Lake Macquarie was slow going with all the escapees from social distancing. We made sure we had packed all our performance-enhancing needs, that is, anti-inflammatories, paracetamol, food, and strapping!

Firstly, the weather for the 3 days was exemplary with sunshine, light breeze & warmth. The limited numbers meant that we could easily social distance, and events ran quickly. Mary Thomas (Bryan’s sister) who had been sidelined by illness, greeted us with her gun, thermometer, that is, and a barrage of questions about where we had been, and who with! No to all! We passed the test.

Despite my fears of not finishing the Throws due to a fatiguing syndrome, I struggled through to the end. Even though the distances were well below par there was some sense of achievement. Ray on the other hand was happy to toss out some decent throws and score the highest men’s total points of 3284. He then backed up for 6 x 56lb and 100lb throws. Are we mad? On the sideline, it was good to catch up with old friends, discussing such subjects as injuries, illnesses, diets, orchid growing, gut bacteria, the difference between economic principles in US and Aust, the sheep escaping after fences were burnt, work, more injuries, illnesses, and a bit about throwing.

One outstanding sight was seeing ex Chilean hammer thrower, Odette Palma, W35 newcomer to the WTC, send the hammer buzzing out over 53m. Poetry in motion. She commented on the comradery of the throwers, and how much she enjoyed being there. Ray’s action also at one stage was referred to as poetry. Not bad for someone of his decrepitude! You should see his knee x-rays! How does he walk, let alone throw?

We headed over to the beach to soak our aching legs. Get the chill deep into the muscles and joints. People were walking their dogs, swimming with children, playing cricket and soccer, flying kites, and learning dance moves on the beach. We scored some Indian takeaway and sat back to watch Collingwood defeat West Coast in the AFL finals. Go the Pies!! The rest of the park could probably hear Ray yelling for them.

Day 2 were the individual throws, including the one- armed Weight for Distance. I threw the discus, hammer and weight. No, I’m not mentioning the distances! Ray was pleased to break the meet record Weight for Distance M75 throw with 16.99m, although one cm further would have been nice. Ray was named Mr Consistency in the , with his first 3 throws going 12.02m, but relinquished the title when he ended up with 13.06m. Ray broke the M75 56lb meet record with 4.60m. I discovered that the hand sanitiser gel was great for gripping the discus. Nick Batty, M50 who once threw in ACT as an AIS athlete, threw a humming javelin of 56.03m.

Day 3 the numbers had petered out to 14 throwers in the Heavy Weight Pentathlon. It was good because we had to exit the field by midday. Ray again topped the men’s scores total with 3717. I declined throwing, but helped a little with measuring. Vicki was surprised that she got three markers spread across the arc, when I said they were pretty close, she was stunned to hear there was only Ray Green, Champion Thrower of the Meet, and Jill 4cm difference. Taylor, Female Champion with 4 meet records. (photo: Sharon Gibbins Continued next page. Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner — page 9

AMA Winter Throwing Championships (con’t) I had my first go at using the stick for the EDM measuring machine. Another string to the bow? We noted other high tech at the ground. A leaf blower replaced the broom to sweep the circles and 3 remote control lawn mowers trimmed the infield.

At the wind up, Jill Taylor, the Convenor thanked her team, and helpers, Gabi and Dave Watts, Adriana van Bockel, Anatoly Kirievsky and others. Ray was amazed to receive the Champion Thrower of the Meet Trophy, and Jill was awarded the female equivalent with 4 meet records. This was the first time Ray has received the award that he and Len Childs initiated. We also thank all the organisers and assistants. Reporter: Sharon Gibbins Throwing Handicap 26/9/20 Throwing Handicap 24/10/20

For the second month running twenty two throwers took The threat of heavy rain & severe storms didn’t deter part in the monthly throwing handicap at Masson Street thirteen throwers from turning up for the October throwing on a mild September day. Nola de Chazel scored a handicap. Although the bad weather didn’t eventuate, apart comfortable victory over Suzie Gaynor by seventy five from a light rain during the weight throw, the ground was centimetres. Third place went to Jan Banens who finished waterlogged in several places. seventy eight centimetres behind Gaynor. Winner of the handicap was Tanya Colyer. A veteran of It was just the second victory for de Chazel who has 227 handicaps it was Colyer’s 12th victory in the event. She taken part in 216 throwing handicaps. Her only other won by one metre & nine centimetres over Margaret Taylor. victory was eighteen years ago, way back in 2002. Suzie Ray Green filled third place a further forty two centimetres Gaynor has displaced Jayne Hardy as the leader of the away. Colyer now moves into second place in the pointscore pointscore competition. With just two handicaps to be competition, six points behind Suzie Gaynor. Jayne Hardy is decided for the year Gaynor leads Hardy by a solitary in third place five points behind Colyer. With just one point. A further seven points back in third place is Tanya handicap to go to complete the interrupted 2020 season any Colyer. one of the first four placegetters are still a chance to win the trophy. The handicap events were the hammer & javelin. The leading distances in the womens events were both recorded Shenovelle Dickson led the way in the handicap events, by Jayne Hardy. She threw 38.66 in the hammer & 25.93 scoring a narrow win in the with a throw of 8.68. in the javelin. The best throws by the men saw the Blewitt She also took out the discus with a toss of 29.11. In the mens boys record the top distances. Kevin led all hammer events Grant Blewitt was the best of the shot putters with throwers with his best effort of 33.62 & Grant topped the his distance of 9.22. In the discus Ray Green led all throwers javelin throwers with a best throw of 29.33. with a best of 30.40. The 100lb weight throw went to Ray Green with his best throw of 2.32 being 1cm further than In the standard weight throw Duncan Macnicol & Jayne Duncan Macnicol. Jayne Hardy narrowly missed the Hardy led the way. Macnicol recorded 11.69 & Hardy Australian record in the 100lb event, her distance of 1.87 12.24. Ray Green was the best of the 56lb weight throwers falling two centimetres short. In the standard weight throw with his best effort of 4.48 while Jayne Hardy topped the Duncan Macnicol & Suzie Gaynor led the way with best women with a distance of 2.86. throws of 11.59 & 8.93 respectively.

Congratulations to the sixteen ACT throwers who took The events to be contested at the final handicap for the part in the Australian Winter virtual throwing year in November are the & javelin. competition. It was refreshing to see so many entries from around Australia taking part in these difficult times. Reporter: John Reynolds

Reporter: John Reynolds

Oct Walk Run Handicap

Left: Roger Pilkington, Jim White & Robyn Saunders (Thomas Series)

Right: Carol Baird & Ken Gordon (Frylink Series)

Photos: John Kennedy. Page 10 —Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner ACTMA October Virtual 2020 Winter Throws Championships

Our three-day virtual Winter Throws Championships for Between 10 and 11 competitors handled the very busy day 2020 started off with beautiful weather. and most of us did six throws in all six events! No stand out throws in the Hammer, but there was a good tussle for Canberra is known for displaying 4 seasons in a day in the furthest shot put between Albert Olivier M35 and October, but not so this year - for two days, blue skies and Chris White M50 with Albert getting a 13.04m put on his warm temperatures. last attempt and Chris able to manage a 12.62m put. Shenevelle Dickson W35 and Jayne Hardy W55 both 16 members of ACTMA entered the first virtual finished with the same distances in the Shot Put with competition we have had in Canberra – it was organised by 9.04m. Chris White M50 was hoping for a big throw in the NSW Masters Athletics. Discus and was by far the most vocal with some great DAY ONE expressive yelling for a throw of just under 40m while Charlie Bastecky M65 silently got out a 33.87m throw. Ten of the entrants entered the on the Shenevelle Dickson W35 was pretty consistent with all her first day of competition – five men and five women ranging discus throws and got one out to 30.81m, to have the in age from 45-49 age group all the way to 80-84 age group. furthest throw of all the women. Chris, Charlie and Shane For some, it was the first real competition they have had had the best throws in the Javelin with Chris again getting since COVID-19 struck this year. In the Women’s age the spear over 45m, while Jayne had the furthest throw in groups, Suzie Gaynor W50, Jayne Hardy W55, Alex Lloyd the women of 26.79m. By the time we got to the Weight W60, Jeannette Williamson W75 and Nola De Chazal W80 Throw, people were really finding it hard to even want to all had season and/or personal best performances. Jayne warm up, but on we pressed and there were some great and Jeannette had good distances in both the Hammer and results. Chris pulled out another 17m+ throw to be streaks Weight Throw events. In the Men’s section, Shane ahead of everyone else and there were quite a few getting Hutchison M45 had a personal best score, Chris White out over 10m – Shenevelle 11.16m, Alex 12.05m, Jeannette M50 pulled out some really good distances in the Javelin 10.28m, Duncan 11.72m and Jayne 12.42m. and Weight Throw and Kevin Blewitt M80 also got some good distances in both the Hammer and Shot. Peter Baker Just when you thought we may be too tired to do anymore, M55 had his first Throws Pentathlon in this age group and we had six people very keen to try the Weight for Distance threw admirably, while John Reynolds M75 is just getting event and low and behold everyone either received an inaugural ACT club record or beat a previous distance – back into competition after COVID-19 came into being and well done to all who had a go. I think this event will be also produced some fine distances. very popular amongst our members. This event was not Day one also had the 56lb and 100lb Weight Throw events part of the Winter Throws programme, but was quite popular in Wollongong which is why we introduced to our – 8 competitors went in the 56lb Weight Throw and five Canberra programme. brave souls took on the large round 100lb Weight throw. Continued on page 12. Both Nola De Chazal W80 and Kevin Blewitt M80 produced ACT Club/state records in the 56lb throw with 1.11m and 3.44m respectively. Jeannette Williamson W75 equalled her Club/ state record with a throw of 2.83m.

Kevin Blewitt M80 was again strong in the 100lb event as he equalled his Club/state record of 1.66m and Jayne Hardy was only 2cm off her club/state record with a throw of 1.86m.

DAY TWO

Day two brought forward some tired competitors from the day before, but nearly all managed to get to the Throwing Group Day 2. Photo: Suzie Gaynor grounds on time even though they lost an hour of sleep. Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner — page 11

2021 Track and Field Program

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Bulletin

#

thefinal weekly program published is in the

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(November)

Vetrunner

2021 Track and Field Program Field and 2021Track

Forcancellations due to inclement conditions please see website the club’s or Facebook page.

correct at thetime of publishing the in # Indicative # Program Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner Page 12 ACTMA October Virtual Thanks to Robert Kennelly 2020 Winter Throws After a number of years serving as the editor of Vetrunner, Championships (con’t) Robert Kennelly has stepped down from this role.

I’m sure that others would like to join me in thanking Robert DAY THREE for the excellent service he has provided.

This day turned out some great weather again and 6 I have enjoyed his sense of humour as well as the many inter- women and two men decided to make a go of it. For esting articles he has produced, the photographs, reports some, it took a few flings of the lightest weights to get and statistics. back into the swing and then we were off and hurling. Jeannette Williamson W75 took the honours with the Robert has also gone ‘beyond the call of duty’ in assisting me most points for the women with 3983 points, while on the occasions when I have taken over as guest editor. Jayne Hardy W55 was not far behind with 3974 points. Thank you Robert, and I hope that you continue as an active Suzie Gaynor W50, Carole Condon W55 and Tanya member of the Club (see photo of Robert below), Colyer W55 had PB’s and Nola De Chazal W80 had a season’s best. Both Shane Hutchison M45 and John Clare Wall, Guest Editor Reynolds M75 had some good individual performances in the event and their final point scores were not far off their best.

The final event of the day was the Super Weight which was not part of the official programme, but we added it for our club members. Six women and one man were able to compete in this novel event that was originally introduced by NSWMA at their Wollongong WTC. The event involves throwing a heavier weight that your standard one. For the women, it is the same weight as the last one thrown in the heavy weight pentathlon, but for the men, it ranges from the heaviest they throw in the heavy weight pentathlon to one heavier. All who competed threw below their best except Carole Condon W55 who grabbed a personal best with 5.24m. Most of us had been out there competing for three days and en- joyed every minute of it.

Many thanks to Barb Burton for recording the results, Alex Lloyd for getting up early and helping to set up, as well as all who stepped up to keep the events running smoothly – Jan Banens took time off on day one to help (Bob Banens was recovering from a hip replace- Club Photography Policy ment) ,Charles Bastecky came on day three, even though he was not competing. Everyone pitched in to ACTMA uses photos and videos to promote the Club. make it a great competition once again. Permission to use photos taken during an event will generally be assumed. If you do not wish to have your Lastly, I would like to thank Jill Taylor and her team photo taken, please indicate this to the photographer, or from NSWMA for allowing an inaugural virtual Winter ask the photographer to delete any images that have been Throws Championships competition - it gives people a taken. If an image has been posted to social media that chance at competition and I can only hope that we come the member does not like, please email through this COVID nightmare safe, well and fit and [email protected], asking that the im- able to do more. age be removed.

Jayne Hardy The ACTMA Executive Committee. Page 13 — Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner October 2020 Throws Cross Training or digging Pentathlon the dirt? A small group of throwers armed with wheel bar- Eleven competitors came out on a glorious spring day to a rows, rakes and shovels arrived at Masson Street to yellow flower covered Masson St throwing ground which train. Were we throwing wheel barrows, shovels and rakes? Not likely! We trained for about an hour with was still quite wet from the earlier weekly rain. The whole hammers, shots and discus, and then followed that ground was under water late last week and I managed to up by carting a couple of cubic metres of topsoil get out there on Thursday to sweep all the circles of water. across the paddock to the front of the hammer cage and raked the area level. Two men and nine women ventured out onto a sodden arena for a 9am start. With the Virtual Winter Throws Is this the new manner of cross training? Championships over the weekend before and the 20/21 Fluids were replenished at a nearby coffee shop after- T&F season already commenced, some of us were either wards. still recovering from 3 hard days of throwing or just getting back into training. Jan Banens (see photo below)

It was great to see Raylea Rudov (W75) return from some health issues. This was Nikki Phelps (W40) first Throws Pentathlon for 2020 and her first since Feb 2019 and Yang Ping Ji (W60) had her very first Throws Pentathlon and they all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Yang Ping can now add this to her list of completed events.

The furthest throw in the Hammer was with Jayne Hardy (W55) 35.24m, but the most points went to Jan Banens (W75) with a monster throw of 30.20m which gave her 1092 points – great throw Jan! The Shot Put saw Shenevelle Dickson (W35) take line honours with a distance of 9.25m, but this time Jeannette Williamson (W75) received the most points of 789 with a distance of 7.60m. Shenevelle again threw the furthest distance in the Discus with 28.92m, followed closely by John Reynolds (M75) who threw 27.06m. Again, Jeannette got the points EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS with 649 for an 18.45m throw. Shane Hutchison (M45) Do we have your emergency contact details? had by far the best of the day with 26.54m. The details are kept confidential to the club adminis- Jayne took out the furthest distance in the Weight Throw trators and only used in times of an emergency. with 11.38m, but was closely followed by Alex Lloyd (W60) 11.14m and Jan Banens with 11.13m This throw of Jan’s The club has, at least, a moral obligation to let your gave her the most points of 834. The full results are next of kin know if you have encountered health issues at available on the website. an ACTMA event. It’s also good to let the registrar know when changing I will say that our M75 and W75 age groups are some of phone numbers or email addresses, otherwise you may the strongest throwers in the country and it is an honour miss out on receiving the Bulletin! to throw with them. Contact Nigel England at: Good luck with training and hope to see you at the Email: [email protected] November Heavy Weight Pentathlon.

Cheers, Jayne Hardy

THANKS FROM GEOFF BARKER So "thank you" to John Kennedy, Alice Scott, Roger Pilkington John Hunt, Nigel England, Lauren Watt, Will Foster, Robbie In this difficult year l would like to give a public "thank you" to Costmeyer, Terry Giesecke and Deb & Ken Gordon. the reporters for the monthly run/walk handicaps as per the Vetrunner. It is understood that a few were not held but there Looking forward to 2021 reports! were reporters willing and able and on standby - so they deserve a "thank you" too. Geoff Barker Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner — page 14 Walk Run Handicap 27 Sept, O’Connor Ridge

A cooler day after some early Spring heat brought out some 78 participants to the wooded O’Connor ridge. That’s about average for the last year.

Earlier, race director Bill Egan and his team of officials had been out and about to lay out this popular and familiar course, nestled between Bruce stadium and the Alivio tourist park. It was Bill’s fifth stint as director for this event.

Waddell 4k walk

The place getters were Margaret Taylor (gold), Marion Simpson (silver) and Rosemary Parker (bronze). Fastest was Neil Boden.

Margaret Taylor started from group 10 and completed the course in 39:15. She has now won 15 medals (7 gold, 5 silver and 3 bronze) after completing 189 events.

“I didn’t expect to get a place. It is a long time since I won a medal. I finished and received No 23 ticket and didn’t reflect on the fact that most of those in front of me were probably Frylink runners. I felt very relaxed. I do this event because I enjoy the walk and catching up with other members whom I may not see at the track. I have been trying to incorporate more walking into my life as a part of healthy living rather than training…..My best advice is to always warm up properly, to rest when injured and to stop when it hurts.”

Silver winner Marion Simpson was hugely surprised and really delighted to get a place. Marion had to wait until group 36 to start and walked over the timing strip 32 minutes and 23 seconds later. After 72 events her trophy cupboard contains 11 medals of which 2 are gold, 5 silver and 4 bronze.

“I certainly didn’t expect it. It was the first time I had participated in a handicap since February (I was a volunteer at the August event), so I had no thoughts of a medal, especially as I have never done well on this course before. I do like the O’Connor Ridge course. I find it is challenging, but also quite enjoyable. I like the mix of surfaces and the undulating track, even with its uphill stretch at the end.”

The Bronze winner is a true legend of Vets/Masters athletics. Life member Rosemary Parker has competed in 306 events (Thomas 57, Frylink 158 and Waddell 90) with a haul of 32 medals (10 gold, 9 silver and 13 bronze). She also holds the w70 record for this course set in 2017, a time of 30:59. In 2020 she was not far off that at 31:29, starting from the quite athletic group 40. Given that Rosemary has had to contend with some rather nasty illnesses over her years as a vet/master her resilience is inspiring.

“I did a couple of km warm-up before my event and felt good on the day. I didn't walk well in the previous handicap as I suffered from shin splints the whole way. That is why I decided to do a longish warm-up before the September event, which seems to have helped greatly, making the event much more enjoyable.”

Neil Boden was fastest with a time of 29:23 or 7:21 per kilometre, he started from the very challenging group 47, the highest on the day. He reported that the walk was:

“Excellent, great weather and a friendly atmosphere among the runners and walkers!”

(continued on next page)

Left: Marion Simpson (Silver) and Rosemary Parker (Bronze) in the Waddell.

Below: Officials at Work.

Photos: John Kennedy Page 15 —Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner Walk Run Handicap 27 Sept, O’Connor Ridge (cont)

Frylink 4 kilometre

The place getters were Nikki Phelps (gold), Toby Bellwood (silver) and Stephen Grey (bronze). Fastest was Keith Law.

A very special day for our vice president Nikki. Her first medal from 10 starts and a gold! Nikki started from group 3 pacing through the woods at 7:10 per kilometre to finish in 28:41.”I was feeling a bit rusty! I started very slowly as I hadn’t had much of a warm up and enjoyed chatting with Suzie (Gaynor) and the other people. As I felt warmer I started to stretch my legs a little and at the very end I found I had the energy for a finishing kick despite the lack of training!”. Club secretary Suzie also competed in the Frylink.

Nikki is one of the younger and newer members so it is good to have them competing and taking on vital roles in the club. On injuries Nikki advises: “I’ve developed a fun tendency to feel something is a bit “off” while moving, but finding once I’ve cooled down it actually hurts quite a bit and I have a sneaky injury, so my advice is to learn to recognise subtle signs from your body that something is wrong, it won’t necessarily hurt!”

Toby Bellwood is another newer and younger member (M40) who has 5 medals from less than 10 events. If it wasn’t for Covid he may have done even better through having more opportunities to compete. That’s a hit rate of more than 1 in 2. Toby clocked 19:44 to add to his silver collection.

The bronze was taken by an older member with 105 completed events. Stephen Gray went off group 6 and was back after 28:22, a kilometre rate of 7:06. It was his second bronze having also won a gold, he needs a silver to complete the collection. “I enjoyed the course and I run in that area often . It doesn't matter where you run it is hilly. Only training routine I have is to get in 3 runs a week and on the off days do a walk or some gym work. Injury has slowed me up a bit over the last 12 months so I have gone back to the Frylink and my other runs during the week are now shorter. I am just happy that I can still go out for a run.”

The fastest was Keith Law who as an M60 ran at the very respectable rate of 4:00 per kilometre, returning to the start after a very sharp 16:00 minute sprint.

Left: Nikki Phelps (Gold) in Frylink.

Right: Bernie Millett

(Gold) & Bryan Thomas (Silver) in Thomas.

Photos: John Kennedy.

Thomas 8 kilometre

The place getters were Bernie Millett (gold), Bryan Thomas (silver) and Roger Pilkington (bronze). Fastest was Shane Hutchison.

Roger Pilkington is one of the recipients of the President’s Pin for the 2020 roll of honour and won the bronze to cap off a good month. From group 13 Roger completed the long course in 47:31 to bring his event tally to 206, all but four in the Thomas series. A tally resulting in 14 podium finishes.

“Age is no barrier” is the title of Bryan Thomas’s history of vets/masters athletics in Australia and it is certainly no barrier for the M75 life member, Bryan Thomas. He raced around the course in just over one hour to collect silver. Bryan has raced around a lot of events, 352 actually (highest in the club). 345 of those (98 per cent) have been in the long course or the Thomas series, named after Bryan himself. He was leading until half way: “I was leading at 4km but shortly after was passed by Bernie Millett. Both of us have many similarities-we are in same M75 age group, both were long time members of CCC, both have run many marathons (but Bernie has a lot more probably most in the club), both have suffered chronic calf muscle problems over many years.” The silver brought his medal tally to 15.

Bernie Millett went on to win the gold. He’s done 261 handicaps, 258 in the Thomas (99 per cent) to bag 8 medals. This was his third gold. If Stadium Australia has a special place in Cathy Freeman’s heart then O’ Connor ridge must be special to Bernie. He holds the record for this course as an M60 in 2003 and M75 in 2018. But he was surprised: “Didn’t expect to win last Sunday as still coming back from an achilles injury, however, I think the handicapping is a little suspect, but I have always enjoyed this course. It’s a tough one.”

Bernie often tows the portaloo to the handicaps. So if you get a dose of the “runs” you have somewhere to run too. Anyway Bernie did not need this incentive to get around the course in 55:24 at the respectable rate of 6:56 per kilometre.

Shane Hutchison was the swiftest with a blistering 34:44, that’s a kilometre rate of 4:20. Shane set out from the very competitive group 35. After 40 events, all Thomas, he has 3 medals but has yet to get a gold, hopefully that will change soon.

Terry Giesecke Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner — page 16 Nick & Narelle Blackaby: the road to recovery

Bryan Thomas often said: "If there is a running event At the track, Nick was best known for his endurance rather than somewhere in Canberra Nick will certainly be a participant - be his speed. He thought his best track events were probably triple it a Cross Country Club race, fun run, mountain run, monthly jump, 800m and which he enjoyed even though he handicap or at the track". And this was certainly true right up often finished towards the back of the pack. On his career at the until the morning in May 2013 when Nick found himself on the AIS track, Nick comments: " I mainly did the running events on bathroom floor, having suffered a massive stroke. the track as I never worked out how to race walk, and the I could not do. I did try hurdles on a couple of occasions but Stalwarts of our ACT Masters Athletics Club over so many years, always felt I needed the pole vault for that. The steeplechase was Nick and Narelle are participating increasingly again in club the limit of my abilities – but I was disqualified once for sitting events. on the steeple". Nevertheless, he was happy to win the 1999 Daniels Sprint Handicap series, and competed also in 13 of the Their history with the Club dates back to March 1996. Having Higgins Memorial 800m Handicaps conducted annually at track returned to live permanently in Canberra, both with jobs in nights. Customs, Nick joined the then ACT Veterans Athletics Club at the suggestion of a work colleague. Nick says he had always Nick says he felt honoured to join Maria White in her running enjoyed physical activity, particularly running, and ACT group, the Pink Arrows: "Maria would threaten to beat me with a Veterans offered him the opportunity to do just that. Narelle big stick if I did not run fast enough". joined in 1998 just because Nick was a member, she said. They soon became regulars at the ACTVAC outdoor events. Nick was known as the organiser and handicapper of the popular Friday Custom Joggers Run, many of whose regulars are also Less visible, but hugely important to the Club, were the roles ACTMA Club members. As Nick tells it: "I took over the they undertook as Club Treasurer (Nick) and Vetrunner Editor (Narelle). organisation of the Customs Joggers from Joe Eastmure _ 'succession planning' Joe called it. I am pleased to say that Service to ACT Masters Athletics Customs Joggers is still going strong after over 30 years." Continued next page Nick credits Audrey Gormley with suggesting that he take over as Club Treasurer in 2009, and with her assistance in taking up that role. As Treasurer, Nick served also on the Main Committee until ill health in 2012 prevented him from continuing in either role.

In January 2007 Narelle volunteered to edit and produce Vetrunner, taking over from long-serving editor Jim O’Donnell who was leaving Canberra. Because of her work background in editing newsletters and online content, Narelle said she welcomed this new role. Narelle's interest and training was in historical research, and in 2004 she had published a local history of Nick's Tasmanian home town, Rossarden. As editor, Narelle was also responsible for producing Annual Reports and assisting with Championship Programs and result books as well as promotional brochures. Working in this role up until November 2012, Narelle produced 65 Vetrunners before handing over editorship to Lauren Watt (Kennelly).

Narelle's other service to the Club has included a term on the main committee in 2009 and also with sub-committees.

Marathons, steeplechases -- Nick would have a go at anything

Nick's first event with ACTVAC was in March 1996 at the Lake Tuggeranong course run/walk handicap. He won his first medal in 1999. In 2008 he was the proud winner of the Thomas Series point score. In March 2012 he earned his ‘150 handicaps’ T shirt.

Half Marathons were Nick's favourite event. Twenty-two of his numerous half marathons were in the ACTVAC annual event. Nick says: " At one time I had done more Weston Creek half marathons and Canberra half marathons than anyone else. After the stroke in 2013, my half marathons -- and running anything -- came to an end. My record for the number of runs was taken over by Jim White. No hard feelings, Jim!” Photos: Nick Blackaby with hammer (top photo), and Narelle Blackaby (left in bottom photo with Nick was particularly proud to be a Griffin, having run 12 Jayne Hardy). Canberra Marathons, with a PB of 3:33.06 in 1982. Page 17—Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner

Nick & Narelle Blackaby: the From your guest editor road to recovery (cont)

Many thanks to contributors this month, including: Narelle's first event was the April 1998 handicap run/walk. John Lamb, Consie Lamour, Jayne Hardy, Jan Banens, Her modest summary of her athletic career is that: "I am not a Bryan Thomas, Ken Smith, Nigel England, Robbie very good athlete in the true sense of the word, A better word Costmeyer, Shane Hutchison, Suzie Gaynor, Deb & Ken would be a ‘participant’ in events organised by an athletic club. I Gordon, John Reynolds, Terry Giesecke and Geoff do the Throwing Handicap each month (I actually get some Barker. medals in this event) and I also try my best at the walking Continued thanks, also, to our many photographers who events for the Run/Walk Handicap (but never any medals in this bring our stories alive with great photos. event)." As this edition of Vetrunner covers two months of activities, I Bryan Thomas shines a different light on Narelle's achievements: have not included detailed tables of results. These are available on the club website. Apologies to those who like "Narelle participated in her first throwing handicap in October to see the full results of club events in Vetrunner, and also 1999. In July 2016 she became the eighteenth member to for any mistakes or omissions in this edition. complete 150 monthly throwing handicaps and because she had also completed 117 walk handicaps, she was one of a relatively small group who had more than a century in both monthly We are still seeking a new editor(s) for handicaps. Narelle finished her one hundredth monthly walk handicap in January 2014 but she has enjoyed much more Vetrunner in 2021. success in the throwing handicaps. If you might be interested in giving this task a go, please feel "At the time of earning her ‘150 throwing handicap’ vest Narelle free to contact me for further information had won the monthly trophy five times, the first being in March 2000 in her first eligible competition, as well as eight silver and ([email protected]), or contact a committee member. It eight bronze medals. would be good to have a number of editors (or editors-in- training) to share the work. Narelle has won the Connell Series annual point score three times - in 2005, 2011 and 2016, as well as being runner-up on I would again like to thank Robert Kennelly for his contribu- three other occasions; in 2004 and again in both 2009 and 2010. tion as Vetrunner editor, and for all his support, encourage- Her victory in 2016 was shared with John Reynolds." ment and patience. The Recovery Process Best wishes to all readers for the festive season and 2021. In May 2013, when Nick had the stroke, Narelle said "our lives Please stay safe, support club volunteers and be kind to all, changed forever". Nick was in Calvary Hospital for three months, and then began the long process of rehabilitation. As Nick describes it: "The stroke slowed me down a lot. I still Clare Wall, Guest Editor . cannot properly use my left fingers. I go to the gym and see my physiotherapist regularly. I have managed a slow jog around the track at Stromlo. Now I try to pick up a tennis ball with my left hand and drop it where I want to."

Narelle was born and grew up in Canberra. She comments: "Since Nick’s stroke I have met so many people who have been severely affected by disability. It makes you wonder about your own life and what could have been for many of these people if they didn’t have these life changing events. I am thankful for those friends and family who have stuck by us and lent a helping hand when needed."

Narelle is now at home full time with Nick to help in his recovery. And ACTMA plays a part. In August 2013 Nick began participating again in the Throwing events.

We admire Narelle's commitment, and we admire Nick's tenacity, and wish him well in his recovery.

Thank you to Bryan Thomas, and Narelle and Nick Blackaby for the information in this article. Oct. Walk Run Handicap: Waddell Series Consie Lamour John Littler, Margaret Taylor & Rosemary Parker

Photo: John Kennedy

page 18—Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner What’s on elsewhere? Non-ACTMA Events Social dinners are back

YCRC Women’s and Girls Jogalong: first Sunday of the December Social Dinner month, 9am (8am in Summer), Weston Park. Lake Tuggeranong Stakes: Tuesdays, 12.20pm on the lake Date: Tuesday 8 December 2020 edge near KFC - Peter Thomson 0407 702 683 Venue: Olims Bar & Bistro Tuesday Group: long distance running and walking. Tuesdays, 9:00am at Black Mountain Peninsula - Location: 39 Limestone Avenue Braddon Bryan Thomas 02 6161 3635 Mount Ainslie Run Up: first Tuesday, 12.45pm from Treloar Time: 7.00pm Crescent behind the War Memorial - John Harding Food: A wide range of food including Vegetarian 02 6244 1153. and Gluten Free Black Mountain Run Up: third Tuesday, 12.45pm, Clunies Ross St, 100m south of Botanic Gardens Entrance. Drinks: Purchase at the Bar John Harding 6248 6905. Following a very different year our final dinner for 2020 will Lake Ginninderra Handicap: last Tuesday of the month, be at this popular pub. We invite all fellow members to join us 12.20pm from outside the Lighthouse Bar to celebrate the end of 2020 for good food and a fun night out. Simon Wall 0404 859 404. Please contact either of the following members of the Social Team. BBQ Stakes Handicap: every Wednesday 12.10pm from Senior Citizens Club, Woden - Adrian Plunkett 6283 2388. Robyn: 0403 808 299 [email protected] Customs Joggers: every Friday, 12.15pm at Stage 88 in Rosemary: 0427 160 129 [email protected] Commonwealth Park - Mike Stracey 02 6258 8756 Important note: Due to Covid19 restrictions we need to Parkrun or walk: every Saturday at 8.00am at know if you intend to come by 12 Noon on various locations around Canberra, including Lake Monday 7 Dec so that we can finalise our numbers. Ginninderra, Gungahlin, Weston Park, Tuggeranong, Coombs, Ainslie & Wagi Bridge. Queanbeyan Parkrun is There will also be a BYO picnic following the Walk Run currently suspended due to COVID-19. Handicap at Weston Park on 29 Nov 2020. Group runs and training

Groups of Masters athletes conduct training sessions around Non - Accredited Coaches and Training Groups Canberra. Contact the group coordinator if you are interested These groups are led by a group coordinator (trainer) who in participating, as some are currently in recess. As a will train with you but is not an Athletics Australia member of our club members participate in events out of accredited coach. All ACTMA member athletes are covered by normal hours, the level of public liability insurance varies. our club’s public liability insurance but not the trainer. Social distancing rules apply at all activities. Geoff Moore: Distance interval training. Accredited Coaches Training Groups (SpeedyGeese)—Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays, times and places vary. 0425 276 811. These groups are led by an Athletics Australia accredited coach. All ACTMA member athletes and accredited coaches Fran Harris: Strength, sprints and hurdles training— are covered by our club’s public liability insurance. Monday mornings., Belconnen Oval. 6230 2341 (h) Greg Stretton: Middle distance training—Sundays Val Chesterton: Strength, speed & general fitness for except long weekends, 9.00am, also Tuesdays and runners, jumpers & walkers, Calwell Playing Fields, Thursdays at Canberra Boys Grammar School, corner of Fridays 9am, 8.30am in summer. 6292 8994. (Has not Mugga Way & Flinders Way, 0406 377 040 TBC restarted.) John Hunt: Jumps— Sundays, 11:00a,AIS track. 6241 9392 (h) Currently in recess. What’s on around Australia and the World 2021 AMA Track & Field Championships, 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games 27 Jul-7 Aug Canberra 5-8 March (long weekend) TBC 2022 WMA Indoor Championships 6-13 April, Edmonton, 2021 Track and Field Canada Championships - Tampere, Finland, July TBC 2023 WMA Outdoor Championships 17-27 August, 2021 Games of the XXXII Olympiad 23 July to 8 August, Gothenberg, Sweden Tokyo. 2024 Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, Paris 2021 Australian Masters Games, Perth WA, 9-16 Oct 2021 Oceania Masters Athletics Track & Field Championships, Norfolk Island POSTPONED to 2022 2022 AMA Track & Field Championships, Hobart

Nov/Dec 2020 Vetrunner — page 19 Schedule of Hope (Club Events)

COVID is has caused some changes to events. Participant numbers may still be capped, and COVID requirements remain in place with Club COVID Control Officers on the job to remind us: socially distance, stay home if you are unwell, cough into your crooked elbow, no hugs or high 5s. COVID has also caused us to go cashless, so don’t forget your payWave debit or credit card. Life is easier for members with Season’s Passes (Throwers, Throws Pentathlon and Run-Walk Handicap), as no additional payment is required. Forthcoming events are currently scheduled as follows, please check the bulletin or website for updates and details: MONTHLY RUN-WALK HANDICAP EVENTS (Sunday mornings) Various locations around Canberra | Event Coordinator—Robbie Costmeyer 0488 087 054

Sunday 29 November Weston Park 8.30am 3.0km 6.0km

Sunday 31 January TBC North Curtin 8.30 am 3.2k 6.3k

Sunday 28 February TBC Isaacs Ridge 8.30 am 4.0k 7.0k

THROWING EVENTS Masson Street Throwing Fields, Turner | Event Coordinator—Jayne Hardy 0412 262 257 MONTHLY THROWS HANDICAPS (Saturday lunchtimes) Nov 28 1.00pm start Hammer and Javelin + annual presentations and Christmas function THROWS (Sunday mornings) Dec 13 9.00am start Hammer, Shot Put, Discus, Javelin, Weight Throw WEEKLY TRACK AND FIELD MEETS (Thursday Nights) Woden Athletics Park | Competition Sub-Committee—Nigel England 0477 341 333 Please see October Vetrunner for the 2020 Track and Field Program. A Tentative Program for 2021 is included in this Vetrunner (page 11).

Next Vetrunner Letters to the editor are welcome. It is important that the club has a vehicle for receiving and answering constructive factual criticism and comments. All copy and queries for the next edition should be sent to the editor at: [email protected] As a general rule, material is only published if publicly acknowledged. Articles submitted to Vetrunner but not published Due by: Saturday 16 January 2021 are usually the result of page limitations, and may be included in Late submissions will only be accepted if space allows. (This as- the following edition of Vetrunner. Constructive comment is wel- sumes that a new editor or guest editor has been identified). come and should be addressed to the editor at: vetrun- Articles [email protected] All reports, articles and stories submitted for inclusion in Vetrunner should be created in Word, in Century Schoolbook 9pt. The Vetrunner is online on the club’s website: font, if possible. Member contributions are welcome, especially of http://www.actmastersathletics.org.au/index.php? an athletic theme, or tells a story of a member achieving an im- module=Vetrunner&action=Vetrunner.ListView portant milestone or award, or simply a story that relates to a member’s background outside of athletics. Please include photo- Black and white hard copies are available for financial members graphs and illustrations where possible or appropriate. Minor at club events. editing may be undertaken.

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