quarterly newsletter - wordpress.com · 2017-07-25 · quarterly newsletter july 2017 club...

Quarterly Newsletter July 2017

Club ChampionshipsThere is a separate Mens and Ladies championships and the rules will be the same as usual:

• YoumustbewearingaCorshamRunningClubvestorT-Shirt.

• Youmustbeafullypaidupmemberoftheclubfor2017

• 20pointswillbeawardedtothebestresultafterage-grading,19pointsto2ndbestandsoonuntileveryonegets5pointsforenteringachampionshiprace.

• Itisyourbest8racesthatscoresowith17eventsinthechampionshipyouhaveplentyofchancestogetasmanypointsaspossible.

The races for 2017 are as follows:

20th August TwoTunnels(Bath)

10th September ChippenhamHalfMarathon

15th October Grittleton10

22nd October WhiteHorseGallop(Westbury)

5th November OvertheHills(Bradford-on-Avon)

3rd December* BromhamPuddingRun

*Dateunconfirmed

BestHeddington5k

3specificParkruns†

Any(non-Chippenham)halfmarathon-bestresultcounts

Anymarathon-bestresultcounts

5bonuspointsfordoingateamevent(CWR,AVR,MobMatch,Endure24)

†2xbeginners’graduationandwehaveabiggapinApril/Maysoonearoundthattime.

If you have any questions contact Carl Zalek.

Don’tforgettoletusknowifyouachieveaPBinanyofyourracesthisyear,wewanttohearaboutit!itlookslikeouttraditionofcakesandproseccoiscontinuinginto2017.

Emergency Contact Details Theclubcommitteehaverecentlydiscussedthecollectionofemergencycontactdetailsforourmembers.Wefeelthatwewouldbebetterabletoassistyoushouldsomethingunfortunatehappenwhileattendingaclubnight.Thesedetailswouldonlybeaccessiblebythecommitteeandgroupleadersandeventhen,onlyintheeventofanemergency.Ifyouwouldlikeustohavedetailsonfileforyouthenpleasecompletetheformhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/

e/1FAIpQLSc3QJePEQ1XgQLvYUDALiEyKALiP6XHvGfvePvnN0aQTskfiQ/viewform.Thisiscompletelyvoluntaryhoweverthecollectionofemergencycontactdetailswillformpartoftheapplication/renewalprocessfornextyear.

Away Runs 2017TuesdayAugust1st Marshfield

ThursdayAugust17th Kingsdown

TuesdayAugust29thQuarryman’sArms(Box)

Club Kit:Youmayrememberthatitwasdiscussed,votedonandagreedthattheCorshamRunningClubcoloursweretoremainaspertheconstitution,GoldandBlackatthe2017AGM.

UpuntilthispointwehavealwaysbeenabletoofferbothvestsingoldandblackandTshirtsinayellowcolourfromoursuppliers.WhilstwearestillabletogettheveststheTshirtsarebecomingmoredifficulttoacquireandthecolourisbecomingmorelikeafluorescentyellowratherthangold.Whilsttherearelargeamountofcompaniessellingsportswearthereareonlyahandfulofcompaniesmanufacturinganddistributingthesetypesofgarments.

RonhillwhomanufactureandsupplyourcurrentvestsareabletomakeTshirtsinthesamefabricandcoloursasabespokeorderforus,thedownsideofthisistheywillbearound£20eachandwehavetoorderaminimumof5ineachsize.

TheCommitteeareexploringwhatoptionswehavewithanumberofsuppliers,untilthenoncethecurrentTshirtshavebeensoldthenwewillnotbereplacingthem.Vestswillcontinuetobeavailableat£18.00,thesecanbewornoverashortsleevebaselayerandIhavenoticeditisanoptionanumberofyouarealreadyadopting.

Inordertoparticipateintheclubchampionship,clubmembersneedtobewearingaCorshamRCt-shirtorvest.Ifyouwouldlikeoneorjustwanttoshowyoursupportfortheclub,checkoutthekitpageontheclubwebsiteforCorshamRCbrandedrunninggear.

ContactDantoorderplease:[email protected]

Monthly NewsletterSpring 2015

From the Chair

WelcometothisourSummereditionofthenewsletter.AsIthinkaboutwhathasbeenhappeningtotheclubandit’smemberssincetheSpringeditionI’mveryexcitedaboutreadingallofthenewsandreportsyouhavekindlysubmitted.OneofmypersonalhighlightswastoattendtheWiltshireAthleticsPresentationeveningwhichisarecognitionofbothindividualsandclubsfortheirachievements.ToseeCorshamRunningClubnotonlyreceivethenominationsbutalsotopickupawardsforAlison,StewartandDamienasindividuals,TheOneMileClubtowintheawardforthemostinitiativegroupandahighlycommendedawardfortheCorsham10kwasaveryproudmoment.

Theclubcontinuestogrowinnumbershelpedbythosewhograduatedfromthebeginnersgroupaswellasthosewhohavejoinedusonaindividualbasis,ifIhaven’thadthechancetomeetyouasyetpleaseacceptmypersonalwelcometoCorshamRunningClub.

LastweekendsawthelargestSocialeventtheclubhasheldwithaCeilidheveningorganisedbyRachelandMo.Itwasafantasticeventinwhich130membersandfamiliesjoinedusfortheevening.ThankyoutoallthosewhocamealongandmadetheeventthesuccessitwasaswellasthosewhosupportedtheCommitteebothbefore,duringandaftertheevent.FollowingitssuccesstheCommittee

arealreadylookingataChristmaseventsolookoutforfurtherdetailswhichwillbecommunicatedshortly.

Finallybasedonmembershipcommentswehaveamendedourclubnightgroupstructurestocaterforallabilitiesandallowprogressionthroughthegroupsifandwhenmemberswantto.Thereareanumberofnewandprevioussessionswhicharebeingaddedtotheschedule,ifyouhaveanyquestionsorcommentsonthegroupsorthesessionsthenpleaseletletanyofthegroupleadersorcommitteeknowsotheycanbediscussedbeforethepreparationandissueoffutureschedules.

Richard Biggs

Sincethelastnewsletter,wehavehad5 club championship races,andtwo team relay races.

20 Maywasthebeginner’s graduation 5kraceatChippenhamparkrunwhichattractedatotalof36clubmembers,withmanyofthebeginnersgettingPB’sforthefirsttime.

4 Junewehad24runnersintheChippenham 5 milerace,withCorshamwinningboththeladiesandmen’steamprize.

13 JunesawthefirstoftheHeddington 5k series,with16runnersfromCorshamcompeting,welldonetoJamie McBrienwhoachievedfirstplace.

The River Run on 5 Julyattractedarecord36Corshamrunnersonahotsunnyevening,withmanyofthe

ex-beginnersrunningthis5kforthetime.Jamie McBriensecuredfirst placeandCraig Rumble third place.WehavebeenchallengedbyChippenhamHarrierstohaveatleast50runnersenteringthiseventin2018!Canwedoit?Yeswecan!

11 JulysawthesecondHeddington 5K withCorshambeingrepresentedby20runners,JamieMcBrienachievingsecondplaceafterMichaelTowlerfromAVR.Theweatherwasn’tkindtotherunners

thatnightwithheavyrainallevening.

The Cotswold Way Relay and the Avon Valley RelayswereagainwellsupportedbytheclubmembersandI’msuretherewillbeseperatenewsletterarticles

detailingthese.

Sofarthisyearthesupportoftheclubchampionshipraceshasbeenfantastic!Pleasecontinuetosignupforthem

astherearestillplentyofracestoenter.

Don’tforgettoletusknowifyouachieveaPBinanyofyourraces,wewanttohearaboutitforCarl’sendofyearreport!

Jane Tunnicliffe

Club Captain’s Report


Damian Hall - vet male athlete of the year, Corsham 1 Mile Club - club initiative of the year, Corsham 10k - highly commended race of the year, Stewart Unsworth vm40

winner off-road race league, Alison Graham - vf50 winner off-road race league.

One Mile Club

WehavebeenabletousetheCorshamSchoolplayingfieldsformostsessionsthisterm.CongratulationstothosewhocamealongonthetwoextremelyhotWednesdays.Wehaveplayedthepopularchasinggames(Britishbulldog,Chaintag,StuckintheMud,CatchaTailetc),haverunrelaysincludingasackrelay,huntedtheflagsandhavedonetheannualDressing-

Uprelay.Forthelatter,abigthankyoutoDorothyHousecharityshopaswehavenowbeengiventheskirts,blouses,hatsandscarvesandcanusethemeachyear.

AttendancehasbeenvariabledependingontheweatherbutwehavehadverylargenumbersonsomeWednesdays.Wehavehadsomenew

membersandhaveofferedplacestoallthefamiliesonthewaitinglist.WehaveseveralfamiliesregisteredforSeptembersomeofwhomarekeenfortheirchildrentojoinassoonastheyareinYear1.

SinceApril,severalmembershavereceived10milecertificates,T-shirts(15miles),20milecertificatesand30milecertificates.CongratulationstoHarrietBennettforreceivingher100milecertificate,t-shirtandtrophy.WilliamRitchiehadbeenaloyalmemberoftheclubforsixyearsandduetoamovetoWaleswouldnotquitereach150miles.Hewasawardedaspecial140mileshieldinrecognitionofhisachievements.

TheOneMileClubhasbeenawardedtheWiltshireAthleticsAssociationtrophyfortheclubinitiativeoftheyear2016-2017.

Ourlastsessionbeforethesummerbreakison12thJulyandwerestarton13thSeptember.

Humphrey Barnikle

Welcome to our New MembersSamHydeEdHarperJulianThornhillKirstenWilliamsBeckyDrennanEddStoneGemmaReadeHeatherConstableChloeComptonKatieRawlingsNickMaryonChrisMcleodAnnaGardiner

IfyouareyettopayforyourmembershipemailSteve:[email protected]

Wiltshire Athletics Awards

Monthly NewsletterWhy I Run

IamoftenaskedwhyIrun,especiallywhyIwouldwanttorunlongdistancesovermanyhoursandpossiblyinthefuture,multipledays.WhatcanIpossiblyenjoyaboutitorgetoutofthisexperienceofsufferage?I’msometimesconsideredbyothersasanutter,crazy,offmyblockoratbestjustmad,noneofwhichIdeny.Whywouldanysanepersonwanttogoandsufferandbeoutinallelements,gothroughtotalexhaustionalmosttothepointofdelirium,wheninsteadtheycouldbecuddledupwatchingamoviesafeathome.Everyrunnerhasconfrontedthisattitude.

ThewayIseeitisthatIhaveplentyof

othertimeforTVandidleness.Ipreferreallifetomovies.Goingofftorunisagreatexcusetogetawayfromeverythingandindeedconfrontingmynaturalidleness.WhatIgetfromitis,forexample,anopportunitytoappreciatethebeautifulunspoiltlandscapesmiraculouslyprovidedbynature.Aroundeverycorner,reachingeverymountainpeak,emergingfromeveryforest,allengagethatchildishexcitement-whatwill

appear,willIseecivilisation,anotheramazingview,willtherebeadeer,justsomeunusualtree,butusuallysomethingIwillnothaveenvisagedorhadapictureofinmymindie.somethingtoengagethemind,totake-inandrecalllater.Ialsoenjoythepeaceandtranquillity,tobreathinthefreshunpollutedair,andimportantly,simplyhavingsometimejustformyselfdoesitforme.Therearenoremindersofeverydaystresses,andalthoughphysicalexertionisinvolvedinexcess,it’sstillanexperienceofrelaxationofthemindthatrejuvenatesthespirit.Then,finallywhenit’sallover,returninghomemore

appreciativeofallthejoysoffamilylife,thenslowlybitbybitunconsciouslytakingthatforgranted...untilthenextadventure.

Asasideeffect,andwhatisoftenconceivedtobethemainreasonforrunningis,Ibelieve,thatit’sdoingmegreatgoodwithalltheassociatedhealthbenefits,suchas;afeelingofwell-being;increasingstrengthoftheheartandlungs;wideningofthearteriesandpromotionofgoodbloodflow,lowering‘bad’cholesterollevels;promotingstrengtheningofthemuscles,jointsandligaments;increasingbonedensity,helpingpreventcancer;increasinglongevity;andgivingmeafantasticheadstartintooldagewhenitfinallydoescome.Iwillstillberunningwhenothersarestrugglingtostandandtowalk,aresufferingallsortsofailments,areoverweight,andhavepoorgeneralhealth.Okthereisnoguaranteeofthat,butthepercentagesareonmyside,andasIsayallthesearejustsideeffectsfortherealreason.

Chris Hunt

TROWBRIDGE 10K Sunday,20thAugust2017

THE FLYING MONK MALMESBURY 10K Sunday,27thAugust

MELKSHAM 10K Sunday,17thSeptember

AUTUMN EQUINOX RUN 10K & Half Marathon Sunday,24thSeptember

DYRHAM PARK 5 & 10K Sunday,1stOctober

SUTTON BENGER FLYER 5 MILER Sunday,19thNovember

This10kwasinitssecondyearandwasorganisedbyRedfishevents.DannyC,MarkCortavilleandmyselfentered.Itwasalovelyvariedfigureofeightcourse,takingyouonroads,inwoods,acrossfieldsandupanddownhills.Itwasquiteasmallevent,nevertheless,itwasawell

organisedandfriendlyrace.Iwouldrecommenditandwillbesigningupforitagainnextyear.Nophotostakenonthisoccasion.

Cheddar Gorge Half - September 10th2placesavailableforanyonewhowantstorunthischallenginghalf

marathon.Relishwon’tallowtransferofplacessorunnerswouldhavetoruninthenameoftheoriginalrunners.Ifanyoneisinterestedcontact:[email protected]

Upcoming Events The Dilton Dash 10K 21 May 2017

Monthly NewsletterBeat the Bore26 May 2017

OnagloriousMayFridayeveningPaulandHamishScotfordandItookajourneyGloucesterwayforaraceagainstnature.

Witharoundahundredotherlikemindedfolk,andasthesunsanklanguorouslyandgloriouslytotheWesternhorizon,wefoundourselvesinagrassyfieldneartheRiverSevern,whichwasgoingtoprovidethepacemakerforourevening’srunningentertainment;THEBORE*.

Thesimplepremisefortheracewas,afterathreemilecrosscountry“warmup”andjoiningthebankoftheRiverSevernfortheremainingfivemiles,wastotryandreachthefinishlinebeforeTHEBORE.Theracestarttimewasintheorydesignedtogiveafightingchanceofachievingthatend.NatureisunpredictablehoweverandwiththespeedofTHEBOREvaryingbetween6mphand13mphasittravelsupriveritwasunclearexactlyhowfastwewouldhavetoruntostayaheadofit.

Fromtherathervaguetimingsontheevent’swebsiteitlookedasthoughasub9minutepermilepacewouldbesufficienttobeatTHEBORE,andIhadgearedmyself(andHamishandPaul)torunatthatpace.Atthestartlinemypre-racecalculationswerecalledintoquestion.Aslightlylaterthanadvertisedstartingtimeandafleetingreferenceintheracebrieftotheborepassingthefinishlineatjustbeforeteno’clockindicatedthatthepacewouldneedtobequickerandmorechallengingthanIhad

anticipatedandmis-advertisedtoHamishandPaul.Insuchcircumstances,andinthewordsoffellracinglegendJossNaylor,thereisonlyonethingtodo;“runhard”.

ThatIattemptedtodofromthestartbutkneelengthgrass,anuphillslopeandrockhard,

veryunevenunderfootterrainmeantthepacewasoffthatrequired.Thingsimprovedontheothersideofthehillbutconditionsunderfootremainedsporty;thesettingsunprovidedmomentaryscenicrespitebutmeantlookingupfromjobinhandandriskingatwistedankle.

Withtheinitialwarmupsectionoutoftheway,theriverbankwasjoined,andasduskandTHEBOREdescended,theracewastrulyon.Therewasahopethatgoingwouldbefasteralongtheriverbank.Unfortunately,numerousstiles,whilstprovidingachancetocatchmybreath,slowedprogress.Moreover,theriversidepathwasinterminablypotholedbyhoofprintsfromwettertimesnowbakedrockhardbytheMayheatwave;buttimeandtidewaitfornooneanditwassimplyaquestionofpressingonasfastaslegsandlungswouldallowandseeingwhathappened.

WithsevenmilesuponmyGPS,andbasedonpacetothatpoint,mychancesofbeatingTHEBORElookedtobedisappearingrapidly.Therunnersaroundmewerestilldrivingforwardthough,andwithnosignorsoundoftheboretherewasstillhope,Ihadawordwithmyselfandinvestedonelasteffort.

Asisoftenthewayofthesethings,Iroundedabendintheriverandwasgreetedbythewelcomesightofthetravelingsupport(wifeSue,sonTomanddogRosie),whichmeantthatthefinishcouldnotbefaroffandmy

paceseemedtomagicallypickup.ItneededtobecauseatthatmomenttherewasanominousroarbehindmeindictingTHEBOREwasonitsway.Unfortunately,sowasdarknessandhavingnotputmyheadtorchonitwasaquestionoftrustingthefeetandhopingthefinisharrivedbeforeTHEBORE.WithplentyofencouragementfromthespectatorsgatheredonthebankthefinishlinesooncamentoviewbutonlyasthenoiseofTHEBOREincreased;wouldImakeit?

WithalastditchflailingoflegsIcollapsedoverthelinewonderingifIwastherebeforeTHEBORE.ThemarshalswerenotsuresoIpickedmyselfupandheavedmyselfuptheriverbanktobegreetedbyTHEBOREpassing;Ihadmadeitbutonlyjust!-marvelous!

Asplendidraceagainstnaturewascappedbyabaconbuttyandtea,servedintheracemementomug,andaveryrustic,environmentallyfriendlymedal.All-in-allasuperwaytospendaFridayevening.IfyoufancytakingonTHEBOREtoothenextrunningispencilledinforSpring2018.

ThankstoPaulandHamishforjoiningmeontheadventureandSue,TomandRosieforthesupport.

Dave Mackie*TheSevernBoreisoneofBritain’sfewtrulyspectacularnaturalphenomena.ItisalargesurgewavethatcanbeseenintheestuaryoftheRiverSevernatvarioustimesoftheyeardependentonheightoftide.

Monthly NewsletterEndure 249 June 2017

48 hours in ReadingAteamof7CRCrunnerstookontheEndure24challengeatWasingPark;justsouthofReading.Thiseventinvolvesrunningasmany5mileloopsasyoucanin24hours.Therearemen’s,ladiesandmixedcategoriesforsoloists,pairs,smallteams(3-5)andlargeteam(6-8).Wewouldbeamen’slargeteam.

Alltherulesstateisthatyourunasmanylapsasyoucan,andifinateam,everyonehastodoatleastonelap.Wedecidedthatwewouldjusttakeitinturnsandseehowwegoton.TheCorshamteam(inrunningorder),consistedof:StewartUnsworth,DanHarman,GavinJohnson,CraigRumble,DaveMackie,CarlZalek,PaulScotford.

Theentrypriceincludedcampinginalargefieldandspectatorswerewelcome,somyfamily(Tammy,OscarandBonnie)camedowntosupportasdidWendyScotford.

Friday 9th June 201716:00–WeallmeetatSpringfield.6ofusheadtoReading,GavinwilljoinusSaturdaymorning

17:30–ArriveatWasingParkandstartsettingup

18:30–3tentsallpitchedandreadytoheadtotheracevillage,turnsoutwe’reaboutasfarawayaspossible

19:30–OscarandBonnietakepartintheEndureminimile

20:00–23:00–Drinksmayhavebeenconsumedandhumorousnicknamespassedout,butwhatgoesontourstaysontour!

Saturday 10th June 201708:00–Baconsandwiches,SausageSandwiches–ThanksTammy.

11:00–Gettingready,numberspinnedtovests,wonderingwhereGavinis?

11:10–StillnosignofGavin

11:20–OK,cuttingabitfineGavin

11:30–IfGavindoesn’tshowupsoon,we’llhavetogodowntothestartwithouthim.

11:35–Gavin’shere,let’sgo

12:00–WatchStewartsetoffonourfirstlap.

12:45–StewarthascompletedourfirstlapandpassedthewristbandtoDan,everyoneclamoursforinsightintowhatthecourseislike.Wealsodiscoverthatmanyteamshavenovelwaysofhighlightingthemselvestotheirnextrunneraschangeoverisverybusyatalltimes.

13:30–WouldhavethoughtDanwouldbelongfinishedbynow.

13:38–Danhobblesintoviewat53minutes,Wehadgivenhimthenickname‘One-lap’thenightbeforeashecametoEndurewithapre-existingkneeinjuryanditturnedouttobequiteprescientashishamstringhadcompensatedforhiskneeandhe

hadhobbledthelasttwomilesofhisonlylap.

15:30–HavingseenGavin(40minutes)andCraig(33minutes)completetheirlaps,IwaswaitingforDave(40minutes)tocompletehisfirstlapsoIcouldgetmyfirstlapdone.

15:32–IhadthewristbandandIwasoff.Head–firstlap,longdayahead,takeitsteady.Legs–OHYEAH,let’sgetmoving!Thereisaroaduphillforthefirstkm,thenrollingupsand

downsmostlythroughforthenext4kms;includingalittlekickjustbeforethe3kpointandaVWstoppedat4kwithmusicblaringout.Justpastthe5kmarkerisheartbreakhill,Iwouldboundupthisonmyfirstlapbutitwastobecomemuchtougherwitheachsubsequentlap.Afterthat,moreloopingroundthewoods,throughthefairyforest,downhillandwindingbacknext

tothesoloistsandpairscampsitebeforecrossingthelineafter36:44andhandingtoPaul(40minutes).Excellentfunandgreatroute.

16:30–Backatcamp,allhavingfunanddiscussionnaturallyturnstotactics,everyone(exceptDan)stillwillingtogoinrotation,howwouldwesleep,wasitwortheveryonedoublingupovernightanddoingconsecutivelaps(no),whenwouldwehaveadrink(takingitseriously).

16:48–We’veallcompletedalapandare12thoutof21largemen’steams,top10wouldbegreat

19:00–Dancheckedtheresultsboard,wewereupto10thof21,timetoconsolidatetop10

19:25–Readyformysecondlap,hadtotakemyheadtorchastheymust


becarriedbetween20:00-06:00.Goingtotakeiteasythistime.

20:03–5secondsslowerthanlap1,somuchfortakingiteasy.Didn’tneedmyheadtorch.

20:30–HavingabeeranddecidingthatI’dsleepalittleafterlap3andabitmoreafterlap4,mostofusseemedtobethinkingalongthesamelines.Weweredoingasimplethingofrunner1wouldwakeuprunner3whentheyreturnedtocamp,2wouldwakeup4andsoonandwe’dalwayshavesomeoneoncourse.

21:00–Dandecidedtogethisheaddownforafewhours.Hewouldthengoontoprovideavaluableserviceovernightasteammanager,walkingbackandforthbetweencampandtheracevillageandkeepingusallcompany.

23:30–Readyformythirdlap,definitelyneededtheheadtorchthistime.IwouldbefinishingalittleaftermidnightandIwaslap18–weweredoingbetterthanIhadpredicted.

23:55–Runningthroughthefairywood,wheretheyhadputfairylightsaroundthetrees,everyonelovedthispart,eventhoughwewereallmanlymen.

Sunday 11th June 2017 01:00–Timeforsleep

03:00–Craigwakesmeup–B*****d!

03:01–Andit’sraining–doubleB*****d!

03:37–Startofleg4forme.Stillraining,butthefirstraysofdawnwerestartingtoshowbeforeIfinishedmylegandhandedovertoPaul

04:00–Danchecksresults–upto

7thof21,alongwayfrom6thbutwellaheadof8th.

04:30–Backtosleep

06:00–Kidswakemeup.

07:00–Tacticsagain,aslongaswestartourlastlapbymiddaywecanfinishit.IgetbumpedupaplaceasI’dbeenrunningsecondfastestanditgaveusbestchanceofcompleting36laps–ournewtarget,althoughI’dlosttheglorylap.

07:45–Isetoffforlap5,we’reallspeedingupagainnowasthenighthaspassed.

08:00–Dancheckstheresultsboardagain,we’reupto6thfrom21,narrowlyleading7thbutallstillrunningstrong.

08:25–I’vegotonelapleftanditcouldbepressurisedtogetusinby12forDaveMackietodoourglorylap.

09:00–Morebaconandsausagesandwiches.Foodofchampions.

10:00–Packinguptentsiswellunderwayandmuchhilarityensues.

10:33–Craigsetsoffonhisfinallap–1:27forCraigandmetorun10miles.

11:07–Craighassmashedouta33:23leavingme53minutestocompletemyfinallapandhandovertoDave,wecouldcomfortablyhavekeptouroriginalorder.

11:46–Myslowestlap(by3seconds)butIhandovertoDavewithplentyof

time.

12:25–WaitinginourCRCvestsforDavetoarriveinthefieldaswe’reallallowedtocompletethelastlaptogether

12:28–CRCcrossthelinehavingcompleted36lapsin24:28:04

12:30–Ourfinalpositionwas7thoutof22teams.There’sanextrateam.It’saMizuno(Enduresponsor)

teamin6thplacenow.FIX!Wewere24thoutofall231largeteamsand32ndofall745entrants(whichincludessolos)

12:35–Wehavetheobligatorypost-racebeerandteamphotoinfrontoftheEndure24wall.DaveMackiemayhavephotobombedtheAVRteamphoto,butluckilyhisgoldtopblendsinwiththeirlemon.

13:00–Allonourwayhome

Infinal–Wecompletedafranklyincredible36laps(180milesofficially,althoughwethinkthecoursewasaround4.75miles).Wekeptinrotation,therewasverylittleslowdownontimes,evenovernightwekeptthingsreasonableconsistent,withonlya7%differencebetweenourteamfastestlap(3:54:52)andslowestlap(4:12:07).Paulwasourmostconsistentmemberwithonly1:34differencebetweenhisfastestandslowestlap.

Formostofus,ourfirstlapwasourfastestandfourthlap(secondovernight),wastheslowest.

Weallhadagreattime,includingthe4supportersandwe’rehopingtogetabiggerclubpresencetherefor2018.AVRhadan8personwalkingteamsoanyonecandoit.£65mayseemalotbuttheorganisationisfantasticanditdoesincludecampinginthatpriceplusthecleanestraceportaloosyouwilleverencounter,aqualitytechnical


t-shirtandahugemedalforthosethatloveabitofbling.

Carl ZalekAnyonethatknowsmeknowsthatI’mnotaloverofroadraces,butgivemesomethingabitquirkymaybewithawaterfeature,horsejumps,aropeclimb,orinthedarkandInormallydon’thesitatetosignup.SowhenCarlfirstpostedthelinkforEndure24‘GlastonburyforRunners’a5milerelayeventrunover24hoursIthoughtnowthat’sdifferent.Mymathsmightnotbegreat,butevenItwiggedthatbeinginasmallteamcouldendupwithmerunninganawfullotof5milelaps.SoIsatbackandwaitedtoseeiftherewereanyothertakers.AsthenumbersincreasedIgotbraveandsignedup!ButastheweekendgotcloserIstartedtoactuallydothemathsIstartedtogetworrieddesperatelytryingtoworkouthowmanylapsIwouldneedtorun.I’dconvincedmyselfI’dbebyfartheslowestrunnerintheteamandhavetorunfurtherthanIhadeverrunbefore.

Thedescriptionof‘GlastonburyforRunners’isveryapt.Thinkingwewerearrivingearlywewereconfrontedwithaseaoftents.Itwasa10minutewalktothestartline.BonnieandOscarwerethefirstCorshamRunnerstogainmedalstakingpartintheFridayeveningfunrun.Thenextdayitwasourturn.Stuartwasfirsttorun.WecheeredhimacrossthelineashehandedovertoDanwhowasrunningwithhiskneealltapedup.FortyfiveminuteslatertherewasnosignofDanwebegantoworry,thenhehobbledacrosstheline.Hiskneewasfine

buthe’dtornthehamstringontheoppositeleg.Itwasgoingtobehisfirstandonlylap.Istartedtodothementalarithmeticagainthismeantmorelapsandlesssleepfortherestofus.

FinallyafterGavin,Craig,DaveandCarlhadrunwithsomeamazinglyfastlapsitwasmyturn.TheadrenalinestartedpumpingasIsawCarlcrossingtheline,hepassedthewristbandandIwasoffdodgingaroundotherexpectantrunnersandontothecourse,upthefirstriseandintothe

woods,steadilygainingandovertakingrunners.IknewsomeofthemwouldalreadybeontheirsecondorthirdlapbuteverytimeIpassedsomeoneitgavemethemotivationtokeeponpushingmyself.Thecoursewasmainlywoodlandtrailsofferingplentyofshade.Itookthefirstshorthillinmystridethesecondwastougher.AsIcrossedthefinishlineinatimeof40:02I’dneverbeensogladtoseeStuartfriendlyface.

OnLap2IstartedtobecomefamiliarwiththecoursewhichwasjustaswellLap3wasincompletedarknessDaveMackie’s‘moonlightruns’provedtobegreattraining.Ataboutthe4milestherewasthesurrealsightoftwinklingfairylightswrappedaroundallthetrees.WithjustoverthreehoursrestIwasbackwithmyheadtorchforapre

dawnstartforlap4.Passingrunnerswhohadstartedthelapaminutebeforemegavemeaboost.Ihadneverrunthisfarin24hrsbefore.Emergingfromthewoodsintothemorninglightwasamazing.Anothershortrestanditwasmyfinallap.BynowIfeltIknewthecoursebackwards.TwomilesinItoldmyselfIonlyhadaparkruntogobeforecrossingthefinishlineforthefinaltime.

TomysurpriseIwasamazinglyconsistentwithjust1min34secsbetweenmyfastestandslowesttimes.

Togetherwecompleted36laps180milesinjustover24hrs.WouldIdoitagain?Definitely,awellorganisedevent,fantasticteammatesandsupportcrew.AbigthankstoCarlfororganisingtheteamandTammyandWendyfordishingupallthosesausagesandwiches.

Paul ScotfordItisOctober2016andIhavePB’dinbothahalfmarathon

anda10kinthespaceofacoupleofweeks.Confidenceishigh.MensClubCaptainCarlhasaskedifthereisanyinterestintheclubaboutgettingateamtogetherforcompetingina24hourraceinJunethefollowingyear.Iknowoftheeventastwoclose

friendshadmarshalleditandextolleditsvirtues.Thedecisionisstraightforward:‘putmynamedownplease’.

Fastforwardeightmonths.IhavebeencrockedrunningamarathonlastNovember(memotoself:5marathonsin18months=rookieerror)andmoreimportantly‘lostfitness’duringmyenforcedlay-off.Iamdrawnfirst


intheseven-manrotationandamonthestartlineinthemiddaysunrecoveredfromtheinjurybutnotfromtheexcessfoodintake.

Thecourseisa5mile(8k)loopbasednearAldermaston,avillagemidwaybetweenNewburyandReading.Allbutthefirsthalfmiletakesplaceoff-road,largelyinwoodland.Highlightsinclude‘HeartbreakHill’atthethreemilemark(yousneeratthedescription….untilthefifthlap)andFairyForest(thelightsgoonduringthenight).Theclosingstageswindbackthroughthecampingvillageandbacktothestart/finishlinethatisoverseenbyacommentatorbeforeyouhandovertoyourcomradeinthecollectingpen.

ThefirstlappromisedtobesomethingofalogjambutthefieldspreadoutaftertheopeningmileandIlostmoretimebyfailingtowearacap,thusallowingsweattopourintomyeyesandunnecessarilyimpairingvision.Thenetresultwasasolidifunspectacular44minuteeffort.HandingovertoGavin,IadjournedforlunchwhereashorttimelaterCraiginformedmedisasterhadstruck.HepointedtothefarcornerofthemassagetentwhereDanHarmanlay.Hamstringpoppedafterhalfalap.Danhadmanagedtowalktherest(thatwascrucialaseverymemberhadtocompleteatleastonelap)butthatwasit.Oneanddone.SevenCorshamRCparticipantsbecamesix.

Afteroneturnthroughtherotation,‘Corsamgoingtorunlaps’(orlapinpoorDan’scase)were13thoutofthe22teamsinourcategory.Itrundledouttothecollectingareainasomewhatlackadaisicalmannerwithafewminutesavailabletochattofellow

competitors.AtleastIthoughtIhadafewminutesbutreckonedwithoutPaulScotfordandabanzai40minutelap.LuckilythefinishingstraightisrelativelylongandImanagedtocallouttoPaulinenoughtimetoeffectareasonablehandoverbutIwasalloverthegafftryingtogetmywatchstarted.Thataside,mysecondlapwassimilartothefirst,sweatintheeyesbutotherwiseunspectacular.43minuteslater,another5milesinthe

bank.

Theeventislabelled‘theGlastonburyforrunners’becauseitiscampingorientatedalthoughtheysupplyportaloos(verywellmaintainedthroughouttherace!),asmallbarandaround-the-clockfoodoutlet.Ourteamalsohadthebonusofanexcellentsupportcrew:TammyZalekandWendyScotfordsupplieddrinkandfoodjustwhenweneededitandwerelovelycompany,particularlyduringthenightrunswheretheycouldhavebeenexcusedforbeingtuckedupasleepintheirtents.

Irealisedmythirdlap,ataround9:30pm,wouldbeourlastoneindaylightandsubconsciouslywentoffrelativelyquickly.BynowIwasusedtotheloopandwithconditionsmuchcooler,ittranspiredthatthe42:30orsothatIpostedwastobemyquickest.Darknessfellsoon

afterwardsbutnightrunningdidnotdisadvantagetheteam;wewereslowlycreepinguptheleaderboardandwerenowintothetopten.

Myfourthlapwastobethebigtest.Ihaddonesomeheadtorchpracticebuthadnotruninthemiddleofthenightbefore.IchosetostayupasCarlwouldhavehadtowakemeatmidnightanywayandataround1:25amaftertakingoverfromPaul(Ihadgotusedtohis40and41minute

lapsbynow)Iwasonmynotsomerryway.ThefourthingsIrememberaboutthiscircuitwerethatitwasdrizzling,theFairyForestlightswerestunning,Darude’s‘Sandstorm’wasblaringawayandthatittookmeashadeover45minutes;myslowestlapbutnottoobad.

Iwasnotdueoutagainuntilsometimeafter5:30am,soIdecidedtotryandgrabafewhourssleep.Iwasinitiallypreventedfromdoingthisprimarilybecausemyleftleg

crampedupbutalsobyacrashingsoundonthetent.Rain.Heavyrain.‘Someonehasabsolutelycoppedit’wasmylastthoughtasIeventuallydriftedoff.ThatsomeonehappenedtobeourfastestrunnerCraig:‘itcamedownlikestair-rods!’

ItwaslightbythetimeIembarkedonlapfiveandsometeamshadsufferedmorethanothersduringthenightperiod.AVRhadadoptedatwolapperpersonpolicyforsomeoftheirteamsinabidtogivethenon-runnersmoresleep.Itwasanoptionwehadstronglyconsidered,butwedecidedtokeeptoourone-laprotationpolicy.TheproblemthatAVRfoundtotheircostwastherunnersrantheirsecondback-to-backlapmuchslowerthanthefirst,leadingnotonlytoworsetimesbutalsototiredrunnersstandingintherain-lashedpenforprolongedperiodswaitingfortheircolleaguetofinish.BythetimeIhad


completedinasmidgenunder45minutes,‘Corsamgoingtorunlaps’wereuptoeighthplaceandclosinginonthenextteam.

Theremainingladsscootedthroughtherotationandwewereupintoseventhplace(formuchoftherace,weweresixthoutof21butasuspiciouslateadditionofateamfromracesponsorsMizunodemotedus).Wenowhadtoconsidertherules:youwereallowedtocompletethecurrentlapatthe24hourmarkbutcouldnotstartanotherone.CarlandDaveMackieswappedpositionsasaresultbutwhenmyself,GavinandCraighadfinishedoursixthlaps,itbecameapparentthatbarringcalamityweweregoingtobeinthemiddleofacircuitwhenthefinalhootersounded.

Carldulyclockedupanothersub-40timeleavingDavetocompletethegloryleg.Thenatureoftheeventissuchthatalltherunnersareencouragedtojointheirteam-mateandcrossthelinetogetherandallofus,injuredDanincluded,leaptacrossthetimingmatincelebration.Seventhplace,36laps,180miles.Wewereallchuffedwithourefforts.

WhileCarlandDavewereoutontheirfinallaps,therestofuswereabletocheeronsomeoftheothercompetitorswhohadputinincredibleperformances.PeteCroallwastheleadingsolorunner,rackingup24laps(110miles).Furtherdowntheleaderboard,87-yearoldPeterWhitefromReadingJoggerscompletedninelaps.Theaptlynamed‘ThePerfectPair’,JennyMcBainand

SarahRendellofAlchesterRCran32lapsintakingthefemalepairstitle,completingmorecircuitsthaneitherthewinningmaleormixedpairs.

At£65theeventisnotcheap,butitcoverscamping,parking,technicalT-shirtandalovelymedalforeachperson.Moreover,itisexcellentlyorganisedwithcheeringmarshalsatmanyturns,awaterstationpartwayroundandbackgroundmusic

tokeeptiredmindsactive.WewereunanimousinourinteresttodoitagainnextyearandhopefullythiscanbeaneventCorshamRunningClubembracesintheyearstocome.

Stewart Unsworth“Running5milelapsaspartofateamfor24hoursjustoutsideReadingisnotthegreatestsellforanevent;particularlywhenitinvolvesaheftyfinancialoutlayandnegotiatingaweekendawayfromhome.WhilstthebarebonesofEndure24arejust

that,inrealityitofferedamuch,muchmorerewardingandmemorableexperiencethanthat:

• Gatheringinasplendidrurallocationwithnumerousotherlikemindedrunningfolk?Tick!

• Socialisingandbanterwith,andencouragementfrom,abunchofCRCs’finest-Tick!

• Adelightfullyundulatingandinteresting5mileoffroadlaptotrot

aroundoccasionally?Tick!

• Amagicwoodlitbyfirefliesandpopulatedbyfairies?Tick!

• Anopportunitytoeatsolidlyfor24hoursandnothavethesamemealtwice?Tick!

• Thecleanestportaloosyouhaveexperiencedatanyoutdooreventever?Tick!

• DiscoveringthatStewart“Audrey”Unsworthisafflictedwithanunusualconditionknownas“ladies’wrists”.Tick!

• Findingoutthatrunningthetherainandpitchblackatthreeo’clockinthemorningcanbeanupliftingandenjoyableexperience?Tick!

• Combiningatthedelightsofteamsportwith

theindividualchallengesandrewardsofrunning?Tick

Insum,bloomingmarvellous,andofcoursenotpossiblewithoutthefabulousendeavoursofCarlZalektogetusallthereinthefirstplace;chapeau.

Dave Mackie

Monthly NewsletterCRC on Tour

Natalie on the coast path, Weymouth and Looe

Max runs past her childhood home, Kamerik, Netherlands Jan and Mark in the French Alps Lois on the coastal path in Wales

Rob ran 5k in Norway Vikki met The Beatles in Liverpool


Cotswold Relay 201724th June 2017

FOUR TEAMS! FORTY RUNNERS!CRChaveformanyyearsseentheCotswoldWayRelayasaparticipationevent,nopressureonanyonetorunfast,justturnupinyourCRCtopandgoforalongruninbeautifulcountrysidewith99otherpeople.

Theteamnaturewasepitomisedas4ofussetofftogetherfromChippingCampdenat7am,and12hourslater,alargecrowdfromCRCwerewaitingoutsideBathAbbeytocheerinCarlyHarveyandGeorginaTaylorastheyfinishedtogether.AndthenwehadafewcelebratorydrinksasistheCRCway!

Herearemanyreportsofafantasticday.

Leg 1: Debbie Kearsey, Dave Bethune, Stu Unsworth & Carl ZalekHavingcompletedthesetin2015andmissinglastyearduetoanadminerror,Iwasbackthisyeartogofromthebeginningandtrytobettermyoveralltime.Thegoalforthenext10yearsistotakeoff39:25togetmytotaltimeunder14hours.

Isetoffniceandquicklyandwasrunningwell,runningpastpeopleonthehillsandchattingaway.AsalwaysIenjoyedtherunningandtheviews,althoughthereisonefieldaboutamilefromtheend,whichisjustasuccessionofupanddownbumpsfor200metres,reallytakeingawayanyrhythmyoumayhave.

Ifinished3:09quickerthanIdidpreviously,soI’vemadeagoodstartonreducingtime.Leg2nextyear.

Carl ZalekI’mtryingtodoall10legsoftheCWRandIhave4legstogowhichincludedleg1.IhadalwayschosenotherlegsbeforethisoneasitwassofarawayANDitwasalongoneANDitstartedat7a.m.BUTbytotalcoincidenceIwasduetobeonacampingtripafewmilesfromthefinishofleg1onCWRweekendsoIthoughtthisismychancetodoit.AlthoughCarlwasdowntodotheleghedidn’tjoinStuart,Debbieandmyselfontheroutereccetheweekbefore.Foraclubcaptain,he’sprettylazy.Anyhow,theroutereccewasastupidlyhotsummerseveningandalthoughtough,wentwell.MyaimsfortheCWRhavechanged,sinceIdidmyfirstleg,fromgettingagoodtimetogettingatimewithinthecutoff.

RacedaycameandIwasgladofstartingbeforetheheatofthedayhadbuiltupbutastheracestartedIreallystruggledtofindanyrhythm.Iwasn’tmovingwellandfeltreallytiredbutkeptongoing.IsawCarl,Stuartand

DebbieallrunoffaheadofmeasI

waslefttowardsthebackofthefield.ImadeituptoBroadwayTowerandthenletriponthedownhilltoBroadwaytown.Thiswasabigmistakeonmypart.IwastryingtomakeupforthepoorstartandintheprocesshurtmykneeswhichonthenextdownhillmeantIcouldbarelyrunatall.Theywereokontheflatanduphillsoitwaswasn’tallbad.Ifinishedjustunder2hoursand5minuteswithinthecutoffsoIwashappy.Only3morelegstogo!JusthopemyinjuryisnotaseriousoneandIcangetbackrunningsoon...

Dave Bethune

Leg 2: Oscar Stringer, Pierre Lacrouts, Lauren Edwards & Mark Cain

Leg 3: Dave Mackie, Dave Aplin, Rachel Cannon & Mo Maddock

MythirdyearofCotswoldRelayingforCRCanditwasontoLeg3,describedinthebrochureasanicerelaxingstage-shortandnottoohilly.StillitistheCotswoldWayandoneshouldneverbelieveadvertising;despitestartingatCleeveHill,thehighestpointontheroute,theinitial


Cotswold Relay 2017

goingfromthestartwasuphill!TheviewsacrossCheltenhamandtotheWestwerehoweverstupendousandoncethetopofCleeveHillwasreachedthegoingbecamefastacrossgrasslandwiththeleaderssettingacrackingpacetostringthefieldout.Havingsettledintoarhythmtherunningprovedmuchmoreenjoyableandcomfortablethantherecceoftheleg,whichhadbeendoneaspartofalongerruninheatwavecondtions.Thehighlightoftheleg,alovelylongdescentthroughwoodstotheA40roadcrossing,wassoonreachedandwasanabsoluteblast.ItdidnotlastlongenoughthoughandpaybacktimearrivedalltoosoonintheformofthelonghaulupRavensgateHill.Largelyshadedthankfully,agrindingrunratherthanafastwalkontheclimbpaiddividendsasanumberofplaceswereclawedback,whichinturnprovidedaddedimpetustopressonforthetopintheknowledgethatitwasfromthereonlyarelativelyshortstretchofflatandthendownhilltothefinish.Anice,relaxingstage:IdonothinksobutthepainatleastdidnotgoonforaslongasLegs1and2,andtheevereffervescentRaMoshowhadboughtproseccototoastcompletionintrueCRCstyle;bringon2018andLeg4.

Dave Mackie

Leg 4: Yuka Morrell, Craig Rumble, Gavin Johnson & Roy Harris

8:15wasthetimeas4intrepidexplorersmyself,Roy,YukaandGavinsetofffromCorsham.Iusethetermexplorersratherthanrunnersas

noneofushadmanagedtoreccethelegaheadofus.UltimatelythiswasprobablyablessingasitisoneoftheharderandlongerlegsoftherelayandalsojustsohappenstorunveryclosetoCooper’sHill(thecheeserollinghill)whichIfearcouldhaveputafewoff!GavinkindlytransportedustotheRoyalWilliamcarparkwhereweawaitedtheHarrier’sminibustotakeustothestart.

Offwewentwithmapsinhandandgpsfilesonwatcheshopingwe’dseeeachotheragainatthefinish.AsweheadedinitiallybacktowardsCheltenhamwegottotakeinthebeautifulviewsfromLeckhamptonHilloverCheltenhamandGloucester.Aftertheinitialhillystart,theroutewas,forawhileatleast,quitequickandkind.WewereofferedourfirstcupofwateratUllenwoodwhichwasmostwelcomeasthetemperaturehadstartedclimbing.NextcameCrickleyHillCountryParkandtheofficialwaterandJellyBabystop.AgainfantasticviewsstretchingoutoverCrickleyHilltowardsGloucesteralthoughsomewhattemperedbythehumoftheverybusyroadrumblinginthebackground.Crossingsaidroadwasthenextdauntingprospectbutthemarshalsdidanadmirablejobof“encouraging”thetraffictostopforuslongenoughtocrosstheHotAirBalloonroundabout.

WeweresoonoffroadagainanddescendingdownintothewoodsaroundCranham.Waymarkswerealittlehardtocomebyhereandconsistedmainlyoftheoddarrowandacornpaintedonatree.Itcertainlymadeitafunnavigationalexperience!FormeitsadlywentwrongwhenIhittarmacagain.IfollowedasignforPublicFootpathmissinganyreferencetoTheCotswoldWayandendedupaccidentallydoublingbackonmyself.Itcostmeaboutabout5minutes(andasIfoundoutlater6places)whichwasratherfrustratingandIhadtoapologisemostprofuselytothe

followingrunnerwhowentwithmeonmyoff-pistesaunter.

EventuallywewerebackontrackandwereachedthefamedCooper’sHill.Thankfullywedidn’thavetoclimbitdirectlyandtookaslightlylessdauntingpathupthroughtheadjacentwoods.Ittrulyisanamazingsitegiventhatpeoplethrowthemselvesdownhereonanannualbasis.Theviewbackdownfromthetopisfranklyterrifying!Iknewfromthemapthatthiswasthepenultimatebighillsowasbynowstartingtolookforwardtothefinish.Morewoodsfollowedandonemoresizeablehillwasovercomealthoughthelegswereprettytiredbythispointanditwasdefinitelyawalker.Thankfullytherestofthelegwasdownhill.TherewasonemoreroadcrossingofthesurprisinglyquietA46thatleadontothepathrunningalongthetopoftheRoyalWilliam.Therewasplentyofsupportasweturnedontotarmacforthelasttimeanddescendeddowntothefinishlineadjacenttothecarpark.AbottleofwaterwasquicklydispatchedandafterI’dgotmybreathbackIdecidedtoseeRoy,YukaandGavinbackhomewithapintoffinestcider!RachelandMohadstoppedbyaftertheirleg3runtoseeMo’shusbandPaulfinishleg4soonceeveryonewasbackwetookfulladvantageofthepubbarandgardenfacilities.

Craig RumbleIwasfollowingtwoguysthroughthewoodsontopofcoopershill.Itsoonbecameobviousthatwehadcomeofftheroute.Isawtheguysinfrontofmediveofftotherightofthetrackthatwewereon,anddescenddownasteephill.Standingatthetopofthishill,Icouldseeastreamofrunnersinthedistanceonwhatcouldonlybethemainroute.FeelingasenseofreliefIstartedboundingdownthehill,weavingapathoverlooseleavesandsprawlingtreeroutes.AsIpickedupspeedItoccurredtomethatthiswaswhatrunningwasallabout!The


Cotswold Relay 2017

feelingoffreedomthatIhadasIspeddownthehillputasmileonmyface-thathadbeenbearingagrimaceforthelastfewmiles.Thiselationwascutshortbytheloud‘cracking’soundthatcamefrommyankleasIlandedawkwardlyonahiddenmound.Ilaidfacedowninthedirtforaminuteorso,thinkingtheworstandrealizingthatIwasstillsomewayfromcivilisation.IgingerlystoodupandfoundthatIcouldinfactputweightonmyankle–Aluckyescape!Iwastednotimeinploughingonwiththelastcoupleofmilesoftherace.Thenextdaywasn’tsopositive-inthatmyfootturnedblackandbecamegrapefruitshaped-butthepost-raceciderprovedtobemorethanamplemedicineonraceday!

Roy Harris

Leg 5: Alan Kember, Paul Scotford, Steve Parham & Chris Bott

I’venotmovedmuchsincecompletingLeg5earlierbutI’vejustseenDanielCraiginhisblueswimmersandIfeellikeI’verecoverednow.

Themorningstartedat9amwhenIcycledovertoAlan’shouse.Confidentlyarrivingatthewronghousewhichwasansweredbyachapwhocertainlydidn’tlooklikeAlan!AquickphonecallledmedowntoAlan,outsidehishousejoyfullywavingatmeandhewasingoodspiritsabouttherun.WewentinAlan’scartopickupPaulthenSteve,andthenwewereonourway!

Alandeclaredthathewasaneasilydistracteddriverandalthoughthisdidn’taffecthisdrivingitdidaffecthisabilitytonavigateatthesametime.PaullookingconcernedpromptlywhippedoutamapandmadesureAlandidn’tsteerusoffcourseastherestofushadagoodnatter.Ifounditinterestingtoexamineotherspre-racestrategiesinfuelintake.Alansippingonapouchofwhatlookedlikebabyporridge!Stevenoteatinganything,PaulhadwaterandafewcubesofchocolateandIatesomeweirdproteinbarthattastedlikeplastic.

Wepickeduptheminibus,tothestart,atSainsbury’sandsafelyarrivedingoodtimeinCranham.Wewishedeachothergoodluck.Idesperatelyscannedthefieldlookingforsomeone…anyonethatmightactuallyrunatthesamepaceasme.Paulthensaid:“IhateitwhenIlookaroundafieldofrunnersandeveryonelooksfast.”OhcrapIthought:“WhatdoyouthinkI’mthinkingifyou’rethinkingthat!?”PaulgaveoneofhischeerfulchucklesandreassuredmeI’dbefine.

Afterabriefingof“It’sabitwarmerthanexpected”and“Lookaftereachother”wewereoff!Upthehillonthetrack,throughthegolfcoursewindingdowntothetownbrieflythenbackacrossthefieldstojointhepathsthroughthewoods….allgoingabsolutelyfine.Icanseepeople.Icanseerunners.ThisisOK!Then….hmmm…therunnersinfrontaregoingalotquickernowIcan’tkeepup.Thenhills……shit,definitelylostthemnow.JustasIwastryingtorecallPaul’sdirectionsforthemainroadturningIheardsomeonebehindme“HiCorsham.Doyouknowtheway?”WithouttryingtolooktoopsychoticorsoundtoodelightedthatIcouldclingtosomeone,Iconfidentlybutcasuallysaid“yes”.Sowedidourintroductions.CarolinefromFramptonfeelingquiteoffwithstitchandhasnotgotacluewheretogo

andChrisfromCorshamwhosortofknowsthewaybuthasnotdoneenoughtrainingandhasachinglegs.Commongoal:gettothefinish.Sorted!

Fromthispointonwardswesupportedeachotheranddidourbest.Wedidwalkupthesteephillsbutwepickedupourpaceonthelovelydownwardstretchthroughthewoodsandwedidlookattheamazingviewsaftertheclimbs.Onabetterdaywedecidedwewouldhaveuppedourpacebutweweresotiredwejustpacedittothefinish.Ididn’tmakethecutofftimebutthatdoesn’tmatteronebit.Imadeit.

TherestofspeedyCRConleg5madethecutofftimelookbreezy.AlanhadagreatrunmanagingtosticktohistacticoffollowingAVR.Despite4hourssleep,Stevewasslickasalways,andPaulpickinguphispaceallthetimeandstillshowingsportsmanshipbyshoutingtherightwaytootherrunners.

Iwouldn’tbearunnerifitwasn’tforCRC.ThegreatspiritofthemembersiswhyIkeepgoing,theyhelpmetopushmyselftodothingsIwouldneverhavedreamtofdoingandalthoughI’mnotasuperspeedyrunnerIfeelvaluedformyinputtoday.

p.sIthinkitgoestoshowthatbabyporridgeistheoutrightwinnerforpre-racefuel!

Chris Bott

Leg 6: Pete Allen, Luke Davies, Lucy Bright & Jamie McBrien


Cotswold Relay 2017

Leg 7: Steve Hible, Dave Camm, Ciaran Challis & Diane Aldridge

Iwascalledupatthelastminutetorunthisleg,soIdidn’thavetimetodoarecce.Onthepositivesidethislegistheshortestintherelay(7ishmiles),soyoudon’thaveasmuchtimetogetlostassomeoftheotherlegs!

Ontheotherhandthestartcanonlybedescribedas“brutal”.FromthesameplaceastheDursleyDozenstarts,straightupthehillallthewaytothegolfclub,10-15minutesofpurgatory.

OnceI’dgotoverthewobblylegstherestofthelegwasascenicjoy(asalltheCWRlegsare)andalltoosoonIwaspoundingthroughWottonunderEdgetogothroughthefinishwellbeforethecut-off.Proudtohavebeenpartoftheteam.

Steve Hible

Leg 8: Jane Clarke, Chris Hunt, Laura Sheppard, & Mike Lang

ThisisaneventIhaveonlydoneoncebeforebutloveitforitsteamspiritandsocialaspect.HoweverthisyearwasabitdifferentasIwasgivena12milelegandfeltIwasn’tquiteup

tothatdistancereally,especiallyifitwasn’tflat.Wellasitturnedout,ifyoudon’tknowalready,leg8wasprobablyjustlikealltheotherlegs,longerthanlong,andsteeperthansteep.

Ontheoffweallsprintedawayhappilyandallwasjollywell.Thesunwasshining,itwasasflatasapancake,andthescenerywasverypleasant,andnoachesandpains–thiswasgoingtobeabreezeandalotoffun.Wellitwasforthefirst4minutes.

THEN,turnand,ohwhat’sthis,averticalhilloracliff?200verticalmetresofascent.HardlyhavinghadachancetowarmupIfeltthiswasatincybitunfair.EveryoneIsawhadtowalkorcrawlup,noexceptions–wellIexpecttherewereexceptionsfromthoseatthefrontwhomhaddisappearedofthestartlinelikeabulletandhadbynowprobablysettledintoachairatthepubattheend.

LuckilyIhadseenahillprofileforthisevent,andknewtherewasthisbighillatthestart,butthatfactdidn’thelpmegettothetopofit.Nottoworrytherewasaninpromptuwaterstopjustaroundthecorner.WaterandjellybabiesIwasanewman.That’swhatalwaysmaketheseevents,thevolunteers.

Afterthedrink/foodhadkickedin,therewas4milesofwonderfulterrainprettymuchalldownhill;howeverthesteeperbitswerealmostashellishastheuphillbeingofunevenlooserockswhereoneslipwouldbedisastrous.

JustwhenIwasgettingintotherhythmofthedownhill,ataboutmile5,thesecondofthebighillshitus.ItseemedoverlygentleandIwonderedifIhadinterpretedtheprofilegraphcorrectly.Itwasquitearelief,butforthesecondtimeintheday,thispositivefeelingwasshortlived.WeturnedacornerandthereinfrontofuswastheTRUEREALhill.B*****b*****b*****.Therewasanotherleftturnandaflat30or40metresandthen…ohyes,goodie,thesecondhalf

ofthatbighill.Itdidn’tseemsmallerorlesshillythanthefirstnow.Itfeltlikeadreamgonehorriblywrong.

Only6gloriousmilestogo,somelovelyviews,iconiclittletowersandmonuments,allhelpedpassthetime.Nowforthemostexcitingmomentoftherun,andthemostpleasing–thinkingtherewasstillamileormileandahalftogo,thechurchsuddenlycameintoview.Itliftedmyspiritsimmensely,andastonishedmethatIwassoclosetothefinish.Justafewgatesanddownhillseparatedusfromthefinish.TheguyI’dbeenrunningwith(Iforgottoevenaskhisname)wastheonebetterdownhill.Suddenlythecompetitivespiritkickedin–Iwasdeterminednottolethimgetaway,soImimickedhisrunningstyleoflargestridesandlettingmyweighttakemedown,noholdingback,mylegsbythistimewouldn’thavebeencapableofslowingthedescent.NearlytopplingoverIsteadiedmyrunabit.Idecidedtotakehimonthelineinsteadintrueparkrunstyle.Italmostworked,butIsuddenlythoughtwhattheheck,andrealisedthatalthoughveryveryclose,it’snotgoingtohappentodayandsowhat.

ThencollapsingonthegroundinsatisfactionthatIhadactuallygotaroundthe12miles,andrealisinghowexhaustedIactuallywas,Ithoughttomyselftheusual‘neverneverneverletmyselforanyoneelseconvincemetodothisagain–notever’.

That’sitreally,untilnextyear.Thememoryofthestruggleandpainhasalreadystartedtofade,andbythemorningI’llalreadybelookingforwardtonextyear’sevent.

Thanksfororganisingsuchasuperbandmemorabledayout.Andamassivecongratulationstothe40CRCrunnerswhomall,withoutexception,didusproud!

Chris Hunt


Cotswold Relay 2017

Leg 9: Jon Morrell, Max Luff, Michael Luff & Richard Biggs

Aswewaitedforthebustotakeustothestartofleg9IwashappytofindthatUncleBiggsyhadbroughtusallhalfapackofwinegums,whichIthinkwereintendedfortherace,butIateminetoutsuite(Igot4reds!!).Ialsohadabout5ofthosebitesizeflapjacksgiventousbytheniceladyontheminibus,sobythetimewegotgoingIwaswellfuelled(read:feelingslightlysick).Leg9isofcourse9mileslong.It’snottoolonganditisn’ttoohard,butthereisastilejust500mfromthestartwhichcausesarealbottleneck.Ifyouwanttobeingoodpositionandavoidbeingheldupyouhavetogohellforleatheroffthestart.SoIdid,andthenregretteditlater.Iwentwelluntilabout7milesbutthenblewupanddroppedafewplaces.However,IwassurprisedanddelightedtoseeYukaandthekidsatthefinishtocheermeon,whichgavemeabigboost.Mikewasnexthome,withMaxandBiggsyjustbehindhiminaneck-and-necksprinttothefinish.4CRCrunnershomesafely,andverywellrewardedwithaglassofprosecco,kindlysuppliedbytheLuffs!AndthenweheadeddowntoBathtowatchthefinishersandhaveacouplemore.Agranddayout!

Leg 10: Georgina Taylor, Carly Harvey, Adrian Finch & Lee DavisNot in ‘peak condition’...SoIvolunteeredtodoleg10insteadof

Glastonburythisyearbutthetrainingpreparationwasn’treallyideallet’ssay...

I’dfoundtimetodothereccethoughthankstoJaneTandCooneSundaymorningandjustaboutcoped,thenthebackstartedgivingmeabitofgrief,soaseveritwasabittouchandgoandmyconfidenceinmyselfwasatalowebb.

Havingbeendroppedatthestart,AdrianandIwalkedamileorsobackupthehilltotryandfindaregistrationpoint,howeverwejustfoundsomestunningdesresinColdAshtonanddidanextrahillbeforetheleghadevenstarted.

All the gear...EvenifIwasn’tphysicallytooprepared,Ilookedthepartwithmyluckypinkcompressionsocks;thecamelpak,stockedwithsomeliquidandgelsjustincasethewaterpointpeoplehadleftbeforeIgotthere;andmywatchwhichhadCarl’sridiculouslyfasttimeandroutefromlastyearprogrammedintoit.

Off to a flying start!Whenthestartinggunwentthegelsflewoutofmybrokenpocketinmypak-fortunatelyIcaughtonebutinmyenvironmentalistmodemyinstinctwastorunagainstthecrowdtopickupthelitteronlytobetrampled.

Dead legs ...Perhapsitwasthetimeofdayoftherunandnotdoingenoughcarbloading,butIdon’tthinkmylegshadevenfeltthatheavyeveninthemarathonup‘thosehills’orperhapsitwasthelackoftraininginthiscase...Ithinkso

WithCarlyalwaystheretosupportmehoweverandchaseupthehillswe

madeittotheoutskirtsofBath.

Afteralovelydownhillsection,connectingfunnilyenoughtotheendoftheBristoltoBathMarathonroute,wewerethenfacedwith(notfunnyatall)thesilliestsetofhillsbeforemusclecrampsinmycalvesstartedtosetinabout2milesfromtheend?!

The kindness of CRC Runners ...

Ihadtostop3or4timestostretchoffasthepainwassoexcruciatingIjustcouldn’tevenrunthroughit.Thepressurewasbuildingformementallytoo,asCarlyhadhintedthatshewasn’tsurewe’dmakethecutofftime(mywatchhadgoneabithaywireandIhadnoidea)andIdidn’twanttoholdherup:Sheinsistedonwaitingformethough,afellowCRCmemberwhoIhardlyknow,waswillingtosacrificehertimeforme?!

We’dmadeittotheCircusandthebestbit,thebitI’dvisualised,weavingthroughtheamazingarchitecture,pastthecheeseshop,andbewilderedshoppersandthenlowandbeholdtherapturoussupportingnoisearoundtheAbbeyareawithalltheCRCfacesinthecrowdatthelastcornerbeforethefinishline-We’ddoneitandbelievemeIwassoworriedIwouldn’tmakeit!We’dalsosomehowupheldanalrighttimetoo??!

I’musedtobeingabitofasolitaryrunnersomylessonlearntisthatempatheticrunningissoimportant-It’sgreattoseethatinthenewCRCtraininggroupsthelegendaryscooplivesstrong.

Georgina Taylor• Thiswasthe6thtimewe’dhadaLadiesteamanditwasthefastesttime–18:12:21

• Thiswasthe3rdtimewe’dhadaVeteransteamanditwasthefastesttime–16:43:55

• OurMen’steam;whichImadestrong;werethefastestCRCteamfor10years–14:18:43


Cotswold Relay 2017

• JamieMcBrienwonleg6in1:00:50,whichisabesteverCRCtimeonthatleg

• JonMorrell’s1:07:55onleg9wasthebesteverCRCtimeachievedonleg9

• ThattakesthecombinedCRCbesttimeto12:17:37.Thisis15:35behindtheactualwinningtimeforthisyear(12:00:02,secondoverallgot12:00:12).Ourladiesbesttimeis15:24:45.

• NextyearwillseeMaxLuffbecomethefirstCRCQueenoftheCotswoldWay(runningeveryleg)andDaveCammwillbecomeoursecondKingastheycompleteleg10.Davedidlegs8and9forTeamBathsoI’msurehe’llwanttodothemforCRCin2019and2020.

• Wehad17newrunnersthisyear(9men,8ladies),takingourtotalofdifferentrunnersto118.

• RachelCannonorMoMaddockbecameour100thladyfinisherintotalonleg3.

• CarlyHarveyorGeorginaTaylorbecameour300thoverallfinisheronleg10.

Twicewehavetriedtoget3teamsandourbestwas29runnerswithonepullingoutonraceday.In2012and2013weonlyhad17runnerseachyearfor2teams.Itiswithagreatsenseofpridethatwewereabletoget40runnersacrosstheday.

ThenewCRCrecordsforladiesandvetswouldhavebeenmissedifjustoneoftherunnersfromeither

teamhadnotmadeitsoyou’renevertooslowtojointheteam.

Iwanttothankeverysinglepersonforvolunteeringtorunandthatincludestheother8whoforvariousreasonshadtopulloutalongtheway,youallgavemeenoughnoticetoreplaceyoubeforeracedayandkeepourteamsfull.

Ialreadyhave37namespencilledinforthe2018CWR,includingacoupleofnewbiessoletmeknowifyou’reinterested.

Carl Zalek

Peacocks (Men) Peahens (Ladies) Mixed Peas (Mixed) Mushy Peas (Vets)

1 CarlZalek

1:37:32 DebraKearsey

1:53:57 StewartUnsworth

1:50:03 DaveBethune

1:57:36

2 PierreLacrouts

1:59:52 LaurenEdwards

2:12:00 MarkCain 1:48:21 OscarStringer

2:12:00

3 DaveMackie

1:11:04 MoMaddock

1:30:12 RachelCannon

1:30:12 DaveAplin

1:18:28

4 CraigRumble

1:41:15 YukaMorrell

2:10:58 RoyHarris 2:09:02 GavinJohnson

2:12:00

5 SteveParham

1:39:54 ChristineBott

2:05:00 PaulScotford

1:49:27 AlanKember

1:36:11

6 JamieMcBrien

1:00:50 LucyBright

1:39:46 PeteAllen 1:39:50 LukeDavies

1:18:37

7 CiaranChallis

1:09:23 DianeAldridge

1:17:29 SteveHible 1:12:27 DaveCamm

1:23:13

8 MikeLang

1:36:49 JaneClarke 2:12:00 LauraWilliams

2:12:00 ChrisHunt

1:55:55

9 JonMorrell

1:07:55 MaxLuff 1:30:44 MikeLuff 1:30:15 RichardBiggs

1:30:29

10 LeeDavis 1:14:09 GeorginaTaylor

1:40:15 CarlyHarvey 1:40:13 AdrianFinch

1:19:26

14:18:43 18:12:21 17:21:50 16:43:55

‘Carl,you’redoingleg1inthefastmen’steamwithJon,JamieandCraig’

‘Oh,thanksDave!’

AndsoitcametopassthatIwouldbesettingusoffontheAvonValleyRelay.Icouldgoflatoutfor4milesandgivethebatontoJontomakeupsomeplacesandseehowhighupwecouldfinish.

Itookalookatthelast2yearsresultsasthatwastheonlyyearsthecoursehadbeenasitisnowandestimatedourteam’stime.Iwasprettyconfidentofapodiumspotandifwehadabitofluckwiththeotherteamsonthedaywecouldevenpulloffawin,even

morepressureforme,Ijusthadtogetmyselfinthemixtogiveusachance.

IhadtotakeitseriouslysoIreccedmy4milesacoupleofdaysbefore,I’mgladIdidaswhilenavigationwasn’ttoobad,itwasnicetobefullypreparedforthelastmileofkneehighgrass,rabbitholesunderfootandasuccessionofstiles.

IsetoffonmylegforalapoftheBradford-on-Avonrugbyclubfieldbeforeheadingoutontothecountrylanes.Ifoundmyselfin6thplacefollowingthisloop;althoughtheleaderwasasolorunner(sonotofficiallyintherace,althoughitmaybeacategorynextyear).IwasjustbehindanAVRJuniorandIthinkhewastryingtokeepmebehindhimandIwastryingtoovertake,afteramileI

managedtoovertakeandhewassoontrailingbehind.

3rdand4thwererunningtogetherandaswecameroundtoWarleighWoodat2milesitbecameapparentthattheyhadnotpartakenofarecceastheystoppedattheturninglookingconfused.BecauseI’msuchaniceguy,Ishoutedaheadthattheydidneedthetaketheturning.Theywerealsofromaladiesteamandamixedteamsonotindirectcompetitionwithus.AsItooktheturningIalsoshoutedaheadinstructionsforwheretoturntoheadtoDundasAqueduct.

Iwasabletoputonmyfastdapsfor

thebestpartofamileasitwasanicedownhill,allonroadtoSheephouseFarmaswecameoutofthewoods.Ikeptthe2aheadinsightandshoutedatthemastheturningcameup,althoughtheyovershotslightlyandIendedupin3rdplace.Nowitwasmytimetoshine!

Aswewentdownanarrowfencedinfootpathjustpastthefarm,therewasagateandIturnedaroundtoseealargenumberofpeopleclosebehindme.ItwasallalittletoocloseformylikingandIspentthenextmile,chargingthroughtheovergrowthandmystileworkwasexemplaryastheywerelowenoughthatIcouldputmyhandsonthetopandjustleapoversavingvaluableseconds.

AsIchargedacrossthefinalfield

beforesomestepsuptothecanalandtheaqueduct,Icouldsee2ndplace(And1stplacewasasoloistsodoesn’tcount),hadtakenaslighterrorandwasjustheadingtotherightgate.Behindmenow,wasjustthelady.Iboundedupthesteps,overthebridgeonthecanalandroundtothehandoverpoint.

IgavethebatontoJon(Veryhappytoseehim,ashe’dbeenoutthenightbeforeandhadn’trespondedtoCraig,JamieormeonourFacebookchatthatmorning),andestimatedIhadfinishedabout20-30seconds(actuallyitwas19)behindthe1stteamfromFrome.I’ddonemyjoband

givenusachance.

Iwaitedfortheother5runnersfromleg1anddroveusbacktostartwhereIpickedupmychildrenandheadedstraightforTrowbridgeRugbyClubandthefinishline.WhenIarrived,IwasconcernedthatI’dgonetothewrongplaceasitwassoquiet.However,headingroundtothepitchIsawtwopeopleinhi-vizwithclipboards,bottlesofwaterandtrophiesonatable.Therewasalsooneotherfamily(JuliaMaddocks).

Shortlyafterwards,Alexarrivedtoo,havingcomefromStavertonandheinformedmethatJamiehadhandedovertoCraiginfirstplacebyacoupleofminutes.(Thesoloisthadstruggledandeventuallydroppedout).Aslongasthesecondplaceteamdidn’thave


Avon Valley Relay2 July 2017

anabsolutesuperstarandCraigdidn’tdoanUnsworththenwe’dgetthewin.

Craig’sfamilyarrivedshortlybeforeheenteredtherugbyclub.Allhehadtodowasalapofthepitchandwehadwon.Hemanagedthatcomfortablyandgotfirstplacetoasmatteringofapplausefromthesmallcrowdassembled.

Astheafternoonworeon,moreandmorepeoplearrived(includingJonandJamie)andit’sfairtosaythatthefinalfinisherhadamuchbetterreceptionthanCraigdid.

AsistheCRCtraditionweallenjoyedaniceafternoonwithproseccoandcake,cheeringonourfellowmembersespeciallyYukaasshehadtoputinasprintfinishtokeepanAVRladyfrompippinghertotheline.

Oncethefinalpersonhadcrossedthelineitwasstraightontothepresentationandwegotourhandsonthetrophies,oneforeachofus,whichwasanicetouch.

ThanksgotoDaveMackiefor

organisingusallandbelievinginmetobeoneofthefasterrunners.Thankstomyteammates,I’mnotaslowrunnerbutIwasdefinitelytheweakestlinkinourteam.Alsothankstoallofthosewhobakedthecakesandprovidedtheprosecco.ItwasagreatteameventandI’lldefinitelybesigningupfornextyearpleaseDave?

Carl ZalekThisyearIwasdrawnonLeg4ofthemen’s“smashit”teamwithCarlZalek,JonMorrellandJamieMcBrien(nopressuretheretheneh!).Ashortandsharp4.4kmsprinttakinginthewonderfullyleg-sappinginclinethatisWhaddonLaneinthemiddle.Ispentmostofthemorningpre-raceobsessingoverwhattimeIneededtoarriveatSemingtonreadyforthehandover.UltimatelyImadeitinplentyoftimeanddidn’tmakeJamieruntwolegsback-to-back.JamiecameflyingintoSemingtonin1stplaceoverallatthehandover.Thisisnotanewexperienceforhimbutitwasterrifyingforme...I’musedtochasingpeople!It’squitethedifferent

mindsetbeingoutfront...justhowbigwastheleadJamiehadgivenmeandhowmuchofithadIsquanderedalready?IwasnervouslycheckingbehindmewhenclosingeachofthegatesalongthefieldsadjacenttothecanaltoseeifIcouldspotsecondplace.ThankfullymyteammatesCarl,JonandJamiehadworkedreallyhardandthetimecushiontheyhadgivenmewasquitecomfortable.IthensawJamesLyerunningintowardsSemingtononthecanalpathwhomanagedawave-just!HewasfollowedshortlyafterbyJonwhowascyclingtothefinish,althoughinitiallyIthoughthewasthereto“motivate”James!ThelegfinishedwithalaparoundthefieldatTrowbridgeRugbyClub.Itseemstogoonforever-bewarned!ItwaswonderfultobecheeredoverthelineasalwaysbyfriendlyCorshamfacesandtheirfamilies.

Craig Rumble


Avon Valley Relay2 July 2017

Advertising:Ifyouareaclubmemberandhaveabusinessorserviceyouwouldliketoadvertiseinthenextnewsletter.Pleasesenddetailstoveena@gingerindian.me.uk


Scafell Pike Marathon (11th Overall)9 July 2017

YesterdayIcomparedmyprepforthisraceVsmyprepfortheSnowdoniaTrailmarathon,whichIraninJuly2016.IreckonmyprepforSnowdoniawas60%,whereasIwouldputmyprepat85%forthisrace;a)IhadacoupleoffunnyweeksinearlyJunewhereIstartedanewjobandranlessmilesthanIshould’ve,b)Iwasdrunk3nightslastweekendandateashedloadleavingmeabout2kgheavierthanIwould’velikedat75kgonraceday.Butotherthanthat,thiswasmyAracein2017andmyprephadbeenverygood.

Ihaverun2000kthisyear,anaverageof74kperweek(that’s46miles,ifyoupreferthatoldfashionedstuff).Inthelast3monthsI’vealsofocusedonclimbing,and(importantly)descending,withjustunder16,000meters(52kft)ofascentinthelast12weeks.

So,asDaveWarrenpointedoutonracemorning,“you’vegotnoexcuses”.Andhewasright.

WedroveupontheSaturdayandstayedinacheap(butperfectlyfunctional)hostelinKeswick.Dinnerwasinanicecountrypubwithepicmountainsoneitherside.Thelakedistrictisjustawesometolookatand(forgettinghowbloodyharditwasgoingtobe)Icouldn’twaittogetstartedthenextday.After9dayswithoutcaffeineand3daysofheavy

carbloadingIawokeonracemorninginKeswickat6amtocloudyskiesandabout15C.Perfect.Drankloadsofliquids,lightbrekkie,doubleespresso,1caffeinegel,2ibuprofen,andoffwego.

Istartedoutfairlyspeedyatabout4:30/kmonundulatingtrail,whichleftmeinabout7thplaceafter10k.

Itfelteasyandnottoohot.Wethenstartedclimbing,whichwasfine,untilabout16kwherea)thevisibilitygotbadandb)thesignagedeteriorated.Atthispointmyself,andseveralothersaroundme,gotabitlost.AtonepointIendedupcompletelyaloneonthesideofamountainwithabout10mvisibility,notanothersoulinsight,climbingalmostverticallyupaclifftotryandre-jointhetrail.Bythelooksofthingsthisexcursioncostseveralofusabout5mins–butnothingcomparedtoothersIknowwhoweren’tabletousetheircompassorutilizetheirwearabletechnologycostingthemmassivetime…:)

IreachedthesummitofScafell(21km)in2h21m,andfoolishlythoughtthehardworkwasdone-ithadn’tevenstarted.Afterthatwehada2kmboulderfieldwhichwaspainfulonthe

feet,veryslow,andquitestressful.ThenacripplingdescentwhereIcameclosetofallingseveraltimes.Then(duetomypoorplanning)alackofwater,beatingsunshine,morebadsignposting,anothercheekyclimb,morerocksandtechnicaltrails….itjustwentonandonandon.AllIwantedwasastretchoftarmackedroadwhereIcouldzoneoutandplodalong.Itliterallynevercame.Thelast10milesoftheracewereattritional-hot,slow,technical,andreally,reallyhard.

Mytargetsbeforetheracewerea)beat5h,b)finishtop10,c)beatDaveWarren.Ididn’tachieveaorb,andchappenedbydefaultasDavecantreadamap,butintheendIwasvery,veryhappytofinishin11thplacewithatimeof5h16m.AftertheraceIwentforadipinDerwentWatertocleanoffbeforethe5hourdrivehome.

Itwasalongandveryhardweekend,butgoodtimeswithsomegoodfolk,andsomegreatmemories.It’sworthdoingthisraceonce.Youdefinitelywontdoittwice.

Jon Morrell

Getting To Know YouDavid Bethune

Iwastryingtoworkouttheotherdayhowlongit’sbeensinceIjoinedtheclub.KarenLittlechild(sheofFridaymorningrunninggroupandCorsham10Kcommittee)askedmeifIwouldgowithhertotherunningclubasshewaskeentojoinbutdidn’tdidn’twanttogoonherown.IsaidthatIwouldbutonlyuntilshemadeenoughfriendsthatshefeltoktogoonherown.Thatwasin2003andI’veenjoyeditsomuchthatIneverleft.Theclubwasverydifferentbackthen.Therewerenotsomanymembersandtherunsweremore‘freerange’intheirorganisation.Itwasprettycommontofindyourselfrunningonyourownmoreoftenthannot!Duringthelast14yearsIhavewitnessedtheclubtransformintothebigger,betterorganisedversionweallenjoytoday.InrecentyearsIhavebeenleadinggroupsessionswhichledtomebeingonethefirstclubmemberstocompletetheLeaderinRunningFitnesscourse(LiRF).I’venowbeeninvolvedwithseveralintermediatesandbeginnerscourseswhichhasbeenreallygoodfunandanenjoyablewaytobeapartoftherunningclub.

AswellasleadingIamalsoinvolvedinorganisingtheMarshfieldMudlarkeventwhichtakesplaceinOctobereachyear.It’sbeenareallyrewardingexperiencetobeinvolvedinaracefromtheothersideandfeelsgoodto

givesomethingbacktothesportofrunning!It’salsoaracethatIhaveaspecialconnectionwithasIliveinMarshfieldandthemoneyraisedgoestothevillageschoolwhichbothofmychildrenattend.

1.Sporting Icon?It’shardtopickonesportspersonwhostandsoutfromtherestastheyallshowalevelofsacrificeandcommitmentIcan’tevenbegintoimagine.IliketheBrownleebrothers.WhatAlistairdidforJonnyattheworldchampslastyearwasprettyamazingtowatch.

2. Best Book?I’mnotaprolificreader.About10booksayearisallIcanmanage.MostrecentlyIenjoyedSuePerkinsbook“Spectacles”whichdidmakemelaughoutloudonmorethanoneoccasion..

3. This week I have been mostly listening to?TheArchers...loveit.....beenlisteningforover20years....goon,testme?

4. Most bizarre running experience?IoncespoketoarunnerwhohadjustfinishedtheMudlarkandhewasaskingifanamputeehadevercompletedthecourse.AsIwasbusytellinghimhowhardIthoughtthatwouldbeIlookeddowntoseehisrunningblade,completewithoff-roadtread.....oops.....

5. Top Running Tip?Givesomethingback.Whetherit’sbeingonthecommittee,writinganarticleforthenewsletter,helpingataraceorevenleadingarunninggroupit’snotanaccidentthatanyonewhodoesthatlookslikethey’reenjoyingthemselves.It’sbecausetheyare!

6. Favourite cake?Anythingwithfreshcreamon....butnocustard...definitelynotcustard.

7. Top tipple?Loveapintofrealale...AbeerfromBoxSteamBreweryisafavourite....

8. If I won the lottery I’d...UsualstuffIguess...IhavethoughtrecentlythatifIcouldafforditIwouldpaysomeonetostretchmeonadailybasis...likeprofessionalathletesdo.Goforarunandthensomeonewouldstretchyou...itwouldbebliss...

9. Favourite Superhero, and why?TheHulk...don’tknowwhy...justalwayslikedhimasakid.

10. Favourite Holiday destination?Wentskiingformanyyearsanditwasmyfavouriteweekofthewholeyear.IalwaysthoughtthattheresortofSelvainValGardenawasthebestplaceIskiied.I’venotbeenabletogoforthelastfewyearsbuthopefullyI’llgettogoagainoneday.....

quarterly newsletter - wordpress.com · 2017-07-25 · quarterly newsletter july 2017 club...

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