Rainforest 10K report, 1/11/09

The Rainforest 10K was chosen as our main event for World Vegan Day and with Vanessa in her new role as Press Secretary we had high hopes of good coverage for veganism and the club. With the experience behind her, Vanessa contacted the national press and the Vegan Society who were leading the media coverage. After last year's turnout of 8 members, the most members of clubs present, a similar number would have been good publicity.

Leading up to the event, the weather was going to put a dampener on proceedings with heavy rain and strong winds forecast. Prior to the Rainforest event which was scheduled for 11.15am, there was the monthly Regent's Park 10K at 9am where we were represented by Laurence Klein, a fortnight after his record marathon time at Abingdon.

I arrived in London in time to visit the Regent's 10K which was within a convenient walking distance from Euston. At that time there was only intermittent drizzle but within 10 minutes of the start, heavy rain suddenly descended with runners huddled in the 'Hub' changing area waiting until the last moment before moving off to the start. It made no difference, they were going to get wet as they lined up on a path. I soon picked out Laurence and was quite surprised by the larger than expected field, over 400 finishers in the results.

Runners were glad of other runners around them to provide shelter from the headwind and the heavy driving rain. It was obviously going to be a slow start before they turned left on the first of a multi-lap course. Walking back across the park towards Euston, the trail of runners was not far away on my right and we were converging. I had to cross over the course at the far eastern side and as I arrived runners were still passing with the benefit of the wind and did not have to wait long to see Laurence again. As I left the park to head for Finsbury Park, the rain eased to the relief of the runners but not the wind.

Arriving at Finsbury station at 9.45, earlier than anticipated, there was already some flooding on the road as I approached the Park. Needed to arrive early to meet our runners and the press but given the weather conditions, they had reason to give it a miss. Few runners were around apart from the event volunteers and small businesses hoping for some trade. With little in the way of dry areas for changing it was near impossible not to be affected by the conditions. The meet-up area between marquees gradually became more like a cross country course.

To my surprise as I stood under the registration marquee still getting wet, our runners and supporters found me including a photographer that Vanessa had arranged. We delayed getting changed but the photographer was very patient. As the pre-arranged warm-up exercises routine began, we got together for the photos seen earlier. There were possibly other vegan runners who did not find us but we were now very much in the public eye. Lining up were James Millington, Chris Dhondee, Vanessa Hudson & myself with Andrew Knight & Chloe Vincent in support, Chloe having experienced a non-running injury in the past week and was unfit to run.

As we crossed the line close together, Chloe took pictures (available later) around the circular course in both directions. Despite the weather, the rain having eased, we soon warmed up and the recently fallen leaves were still relatively dry and not yet a cause for concern just what may be underneath them. The course is undulating with the main hill towards the end of the first of four circuits (two in each direction) where we do a u-turn and repeat the course in the opposition direction. The number of runners was well down on last year so there was only a small number of runners ahead. Last year I thought my time of 44:20 was very slow for me, two weeks after a marathon so was expecting to do much better this time although it was windy. Again I seemed to struggle on the hills and into the wind but there was great support from Chloe and Andrew. On the last long straight into the wind, I passed a runner in a banana suit but on the last 500K on grass and into the wind, as I tired, a few runners including the banana costume man caught me in the final 50 metres. I was also disappointed again by the clock time of 44:50.

James, Chris & Vanessa who incidentally started late or last after a toilet visit managed to meet-up at the finish and arranged with Andrew for group photos crossing the line after removing their chips. I had disappeared temporarily to get changed into some drier clothing if possible. The next day when the results were published we discovered there was another vegan on our supporters list who also completed the event. Caitlin Blodans did remarkably well to finish 7th female in 49 minutes (also 2nd vegan) so obviously has some potential.

To continue the meet-up we found a local cafe, not ideal that could accommodate us all. The cafe was certainly not use to catering for vegans but we were relieved to have a roof over our heads and somewhere dry to sit down. For those of us who were still interested in a lunch, three of us (Vanessa, James & myself) continued the social with a visit to the Inspiral Vegetarian Cafe in Camden town. Andrew had some other pre-arranged lunch for 20 or so at a grand restaurant.

Brighton 10k: 10K is just enough to get warmed up...

We hear from Anna Finn, who has NOT been running a marathon...!

I had a day off on Friday, but didn't feel too good which I later found out was mainly due to a massive infection in my teeth and I had the first part of root canal surgery in the afternoon. Fortunately I felt a bit better by Sunday.

I met a bunch of my sixth form students at London Bridge station and we took the train south together. We had no time for faffing at the start but got right into the run after a quick baggage drop. It felt very odd for me doing a 10K, but I didn't try to 'race' it. I jogged around comfortably (54 minutes - Ed), cheering on other vegan runners (I spotted two - see attached pics)(Nick Balding & Wolfgang Kunst, both of whom finished in around 41 minutes - Ed) and my students who were all wearing Pudsey-style spotty bandanas (as they were raising money for Children in Need among other charities). I felt very proud to have 29 teenagers with me, all out being active. The quickest finished in just over 46 minutes and the slowest took nearly 90 minutes, but they all finished and felt proud of themselves and were pleased with their medals.

Jim got some great photos and he managed to capture the speedy Vegan guys in action. I met a couple of sisters who said they'd thought about joining Vegan Runners and I may have persuaded one of them...

Well done Anna, Anna's hardworking students, and Nick & Wolfgang - good stuff all round!

Meall a`Bhuachaille hill race - Craig Wallace

We hear from Craig Wallace, who has done his "first 'proper' hill race" (it sounds far too cold to do it in an improper manner - Ed) - his report is on his blog, see below - I recommend checking out all the photos to see how beautiful it is!

Meall a`Bhuachaille hill race
31st October 2009

Result: time 1:16:03
position: 134/219
GPS stats: distance 9.97km, avg 7.9km/h, 640m ascent/descent

I was wearing a Vegan Runners vest.

Even more detailed race report on my blog:
http://craig.neogeo.org.uk/blog/?p=13 (with photos and maps etc)

Great North Run for the Vegan Society?

Greetings,

This is Amanda Baker at The Vegan Society. We hope that all is well with you.

We're hoping to get together 15 vegan runners for the Great North Run 2010 - the provisional date is Sunday 19 September 2010.
Please note: The Vegan Society are only considering a possible entry at this stage, and may decide not to do so.

Their charity registration scheme opens this Mon 16 Nov 2009, for 2 weeks only (one week shorter than last year).

We understand that will cost us UKP 960 to enter as a charity, but that will secure us 15 places (and the option to pay for 10 more).

The entry fee is UKP 44, and there is also a UKP 20 administration fee - so this is UKP 64 for each runner.

Would a Vegan Society place in the Great North Run 2010 be of interest to you, if we do decide to enter? Would you be in a position to contribute financially toward the entry costs, if necessary? Would you be able to raise any sponsorship money? If we do decide to enter, we would not wish to exclude anyone on their ability to pay or to raise money - but we would welcome any financial support which you feel able to contribute.

Please reply to this email at your earliest convenience, as time is short, and we need to know how many runners are likely to be able to commit to running for us if we do enter.

Best wishes, and many thanks for your support,

Amanda Baker

--
Media Relations - Mobile: 07847 664 793 Tel: 0121 523 1737
Email: media@vegansociety.com - Request your FREE vegan starter pack!
Web: www.vegansociety.com Address: The Vegan Society, Donald Watson House,
21 Hylton St, Hockley, Birmingham B18 6HJ UK Reg. Charity No 279228 Company Reg. No 1468880 VAT Reg. No 448 5973 95

Regional Cross Country Events - January 2010

Hi Members,

The annual English regional cross country meetings are held towards the end of January and traditionally on a Saturday but the closing date for entries is usually early December. Each region (South, Midlands and Northern England) has its own particular entry arrangements, VRUK is officially registered with the South of England AA but members in the Midlands & Northern regions can enter their event as long as they are registered with England Athletics for the current year ending 31/3/2010.

Entry for the Southern event (30 Jan) at Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath, London must be via the Club Secretary (me). There are separate races for men, women, girls and boys. The women's event (minium age 20 on 31/8/09) is 8K and starts at 2.05pm, the men's event (aged 20+) is 15K and starts at 2.50pm. Cost is £6 per individual and cheaper if we can raise a team of 12 for either event (unlikely). Changing / shower facilities are provided. If you are interested I will need to receive your cheque by 30 November, payable to 'Vegan Runners UK' and sent to

Peter Simpson, 13 Peers Lane, Shenley Church End, Milton Keynes MK5 6BG

The Midlands event (30 Jan) is at Stafford Common, if you are interested I will contact Midland Counties AA, the details are not on their website.

The Northern England area event (23 Jan) is at Witton Park, Blackburn and on-line entry is available or you can download a form from here. Closing date for entries is 16 December. If only it was that easy in the other regions.

If you are not sure of your geographical region, contact me otherwise, it is possible I assume from past experience to enter the nearest or preferred event say if the runner is not in that region.

For members in the other home countries, there will be a national cross country event and I can find out the details if you are interested.

Regards
Peter Simpson

More Robin Hood photos by Vanessa

More photos at halfway for the marathoners (Anna, James & Mick) and close to the finish for half marathon runners (Peter & Clare).

Vanessa's Robin Hood Album

Why all the llamas recently?

As a teacher, it's not often I work on a Saturday. But once a year there is an Open Day where next year's prospective sixth form students come to look round the college. It felt very odd to be there on a Saturday, but we have next Friday off to make up for it, so I'm not complaining. 

To make it feel more like a weekend then, I pretty much had to do a marathon yesterday. The Steppingley Step is a great LDWA event. It felt very similar to last week, in that there were fields of mud, lots of stiles and some llamas. However, there was also a huge hill about a mile or so in (so steep it had steps) and some really fluffy cows that looked more like big stuffed toys than real live creatures. It felt much easier than last week though and was significantly quicker (yet still just over 5 hours).

A lovely day out in the countryside (it was a circular route, starting in the village of Barton-le-Clay, a bit north of Luton) and a chance to ride Haku (my shiny Yamaha Fazer 600) to get there. There were loads of people I knew there today which is always nice. 

A weekend off next for me, which I think my legs will appreciate. (I mean no marathons or ultras - I'll be taking over 30 of my students down to Brighton to do the 10K. Makes a pleasant change from the sort of things we normally hear about teenagers doing.)
What can we say... llots of llamas!

London Marathon - All Interested Members

Hi Members,

If you would like to run the 2010 London Marathon for VRUK but feel that you do not meet the conditions described in the previous blog i.e. the 1st round of applicants, you can still put your name forward for the 2nd round now to save the Club time later.

I will also point out that the member to whom the marathon place is allocated will still need to pay the entrance fee which I guess is in the region of £30.

Regards
Peter Simpson

Applications for London Marathon club place(s)

Hi Everyone,

VRUK has recently applied for its allocation of London Marathon place(s) which is most likely to be one, related to the number of registered first claim members with England Athletics. The club invites paid-up members for 2009 to apply for the club place? Applications should be made to me and it will be looked upon favourably if you meet some if not all of the following conditions:

1. Applicant should have applied through the general ballot (or where applicable 'good for age' place) for the 2010 event and been rejected

2. Applicant has evidence that they have the ability to complete the distance

3. Represented VRUK at events in 2009

4. First claim member (if resident outside England and not registered with England Athletics, the applicant will still be given equal consideration)

Any applicant who had the opportunity to apply for a 'good for age' place and did not take it will be a lower priority applicant.

The VRUK committee will have the final decision on the allocation.

Applications should be received by me no later than Tuesday, 24 November except in the case of no applicants, in which case the allocation will be opened / widened to include other members who will be informed.

Regards
Peter Simpson
Club Secretary

Worksop Half Marathon

Oops think my time didnt appear last time, and as I achieved my under 2 hours feel absurdly proud ... here goes again.  It was a PB but as it was my first half marathon, not sure that counts!

Worksop Half Marathon - Worksop Half Marathon

Female Vet 40-44 

Chip 1:57:54

Gun 1:59:17 

Debra  Confrey 

WALES

Worksop Half Marathon

DEBRA CONFREY PROFILE

Clubs SOSPAN ROAD RUNNERS

RESULTS
Date	Event	Position	Category	Chip Time	Finish Time	Age Perf %
25/10/2009	Worksop Half Marathon - Worksop Half Marathon	1054	Female Vet 40-44	1:57:54	1:59:17	58.56

Hi Everyone

Well I completed my first half marathon on a sunny windy day in Worksop!  Clumber Park was beautiful, and happily, the sometimes elusive joy that comes from running was with me that day. Sun shining , birds singing, wind cooling you down, and every muscle feeling like it was working gracefully.   I loved it.  Of course that probably means I wasnt running fast enough!  

Although I ran for the Sospans my 'home' club, I wore my Vegan Vest with pride, and wasnt even crushed when crossing the line a group of 'witty' faster male runners shouted if you ate a bit of meat you couldve knocked 10 minutes of your time ... managed to grin broadly and shout back i run on Tofu Power!!!!

Will upload a photo later, which may give the lie to my belief of my running grace under pressure.

Debra Confrey

Llama llama llama llama TREE llama llama OW

People may have noticed that we haven't heard from Anna for a week or two and may think she has been taking things easy.... hahahaha!
First she tells us about the...
...Founders' Challenge Marathon which I ran on 18th October. It was beautiful but hilly and slow (about five and a half hours I think). Then I had a weekend with no marathons nor ultras as we went to St Ives for some camping by the sea.
For the weekend of World Vegan day I managed to get a couple of long runs in:
I was up before 6 on Saturday morning to head out to the Blackwater Marathon. This was a charming LDWA event near Colchester. I ran with a friend, who I've been lucky to do a few marathons with now: excellent company. I say 'ran' but we both had plans for the following day so we took it really gently. The route was flat but exceptionally muddy in parts (crossing fields where it seems that your shoes are replaced by bricks by the time you get to the other side). There were many bridges and stiles, cute llamas, petrified trees, a pretty sea wall and I got stung by an electric fence (ouch! - apparently I jumped backwards and glowed like the Ready Brek kid. Maybe that's a slight exaggeration...) We didn't get lost, which was good as the "marathon" was actually 28 miles long.

Then it was a lift up to Norwich. I stayed in a nice little B&B, just a short walk from the start of the Marriott's Way Ultra. This was a 39 mile trail run on an out-and-back course along an old rail track. That meant it was pleasantly flat and there was some protection from the heavy rain and howling gales that hit the country on Sunday. I ran with more Fetchies from the start and one was kind enough to stay with me (at the back of the small field) for the whole route. It was a lovely run, completed in 6 hours 48 minutes and didn't cost a penny to enter so more than a bargain. Definitely one to do next year.

I felt most refreshed for the start of the new half term on Monday. Quite a bounce in my step.

So that's the solution for extra energy people - get up before 6am on Saturday and put in 67 miles over the weekend! SHimples!

AECC Dashback 5k Sunday Nov 1st

Hello, World Vegan Day Sunday November 1st,

AECC Dashback 5k  2nd overall in18mins 39secs  

Open the curtains to view pouring rain and driving wind. So reluctantly decide to head off by public transport from Southampton to Bournemouth to take part in the
Anglo European Chiropractors College 10K and 5k  AECC Dashback.
  Public transport problems meant i arrived on Bournemouth seafront too late for the 10k at 11am so
had to enter the 5k which started at 11:30am.
 Registration and change in the Surfers Bar. The start line
opposite the worlds first surf wave creating artificial reef,
which was officially opened on Monday Nov 2nd. Although
on this day the strength of wind meant the whole bay had surfer sized waves.
 The 5k was a bit of a donkey derby, with  just 39 runners, so along the sea front for 2kms i held 1st place then up the zigzag path relegated to 2nd   pavements for remaining distance to cross the finish line at the AECC college campus in a new PB of 18mins and 39secs, 2nd overall, vest Vegan Runners.
  Regards Sidney DeLara 

 

 

---

New Windows 7: Simplify what you do everyday. Find the right PC for you.

Stockport 10 miles - VRUK meet-up

Hi Everyone,

We have heard that Emile from Spain and Vegan Runners group organiser is intending to visit the UK to meet-up with James Meldrum and any other vegan runners interested at the Stockport 10 miles, scheduled for 13 December. He is particularly interested in forming a team. For an entry form click here or for on-line entry via the Runner's World website click here.


Peter Simpson

Birmingham Half Marathon 11/10/09

Back in October we had three members running, Kevin White & Phil Griffiths as notified and recently we were informed that Chris Dhondee also chose this event to run his first half marathon. Kevin and Phil significantly lowered their times achieved at recent events, Kevin ran 1:48 knocking about 12 minutes off his Wolverhampton Half time on 6 Sept and Phil 1.53 about 6 minutes. Chris set a time of 2.11 as a target to beat at a future event.

Laurence's Abingdon Marathon Gallery

There is a gallery on the website following Laurence Klein's successful day where he achieved personal best and finished feeling better than in last year's event, his first marathon. You can visit the gallery from here.

Rainforest 10K - Initial Brief Report

Hi Everyone,

Inspite of the weather conditions on 1 November (World Vegan Day), 5 of our 6 entrants made it to the start line and the results:

Peter Simpson 44.41, 31 / 549
Caitlin Blodans 49.37, 98th & 7th female
James Millington 53.40, 176th (subject to confirmation due to admin typing error)
Chris Dhondee 58.35, 280th
Vanessa Hudson 59.06, 337th (also started late and assume chip time unaffected)

To see the initial photos from freelance photographer before the start and Andrew Knight at the finish and during the run, click on Vegan Runners photos

Apart from the events on the VRUK diary, did you run on World Vegan Day? It would be useful to read a blog of your training run.

Regards
Peter

5k goodness/ghoulness, Reading

John Morgan has been keeping the 5k page of the spreadsheet busy with outings in Reading - a 19:33 at a ParkRun and 20:03 at the Halloween 5k. Sadly I have had no pictures of the latter :(

Cardiff Half Marathon

Helen Watkinson ran the Cardiff Half on the 18th...
 
Gun Time 01:51:30, Position 2720, Chip Time 01:49:26
Is that a new and shiny PB Helen? Well done!

Croydon 10k, Brum Half

We hear from new member Chris Dhondee who has leaped merrily into the autumn running season...

I ran in the Croydon 10k yesterday (18th Oct) and my time was 52mins 11 secs.
Also, I ran in the Birmingham half marathon last Sunday (11th Oct) and finished in 2hrs 11mins(it was my first half marathon!!). I wore my vegan runner's vest and got a few shouts of encouragement for the vegans on the way in both races. Magic!!!
Happy days eh- Ed

Trionium’s Greensand Marathon

Trionium's Greensand Marathon (details here including a picture of me at the start)

 

'You're doing quite well – 11^th place and you're a vegan!!'

 

A tough Surrey hill marathon on a glorious autumn day – what could be nicer? Small, very friendly, good humoured (the organizer's pre-race briefing 'the third quarter is probably the toughest, though the second quarter is very tough. The final quarter is very hard. And the first quarter is… very difficult'). I even got sufficiently taken in by the atmosphere to mouth along with the second verse of Jerusalem, the race anthem. There were plenty of Union Jack shorts to be seen (though not on me).

 

The race really was lovely – the joy of a simple out and back is that you can enjoy the landscape whilst still fit to appreciate it, then struggle in your own private world of pain during the second half.

 

The downside? This being Surrey, some folk who presumably object to plastic went round taking down the waymarker tape. The one annoying consequence for me (and about ten folk right behind me) was that we missed a wee turning and careened down a very steep hill, which then had to be reclimbed – a mile of up and down just wasn't enough for us. This happened just after the 11^th place information was divulged, so I know it cost me over twenty places.

 

Though I was in good shape for a half marathon, I was simply not fit enough for the full deal. So time passed painfully one step at a time and I eventually staggered home in 28^th place and taking just over 4hr10m. Should be pleased, but I'm not. Next year…

 

The marshals were really encouraging, the rucksack, t-shirt and medals were handed out by charming kids, and fellow racers were all in great spirits. There was a lot of smiling - a good race. I even smiled for the photo!

 

 

 

 

Chloe Vincent,Dresden Marathon 18/10/09

Last Sunday i competed in the Dresden Marathon,my first marathon after about four years break from any sort of serious running, i have been slowly trying to get back into running races over the last year or so since i have been in England and specifically since i joined the Vegan Runners UK,..who have been very inspirational!! :) This marathon was more of a training inspiration to get me back into proper training discipline,rather than a great push to improve on previous times.
The weather in Dresden was cold-about 4 degrees-and rainy,there was a field of over 7000 runners for the full and half marathon and the 10 ks.A good turn out for a strictly amateur race.I was feeling really really under-trained and set myself the goal of at least completing in under 4 hours.
The first half of the marathon went well, i was steady and all my splits were exactly as i wanted them to be to come in for a 4 hour time.Despite the weather and freezing freezing cold hands, even in gloves, i really enjoyed all of about the first,...27 k's,..then it started to get a little less fun!Around that mark all of my skipped long runs,or lazy maintainance runs,became apparent, it became a real mental struggle,alot harder than physical where essentially,other than of course being tired,there were no problems.I didnt dare walk even through the aid stations but i basically allowed my body to slow and slow and slow until i was worried i wasnt even going to make under 4 hours, the horrible thing being that my mind had given up!It had allowed my body to stay slowed-down and didnt care that people kept passing me over the kilometers.I kept little chunks of distance as my inspiration to keep chugging along,at 32ks thinking just 10 more to go,then just 7, just 6,!It was such a battle of mental stamina for me,i spent the last hour of the run promising myself the minute i get back to london im going to write up a training schedule and im going to push myself so hard!I also promised myself that the next marathon i run,no matter what time i get i WILL complete half an hour faster!!(watch this space folks!? )
At about half way between the 36 and the 37ks,..i noticed coming up beside me a pace setter who had a orange balloon with 4:00 written on it!!!I think i probably looked cartoonish double taking at this guy and the small group he was dragging in his wake,..he was my last chance!And whats so telling is how easy it was for me to pick my pace up to match his,i could of kicked myself at this reaslisation,that physically the run could have been faster the whole time,and that it was mentally that i'd handicapped myself!(something i need to take into consideration next time round eh)so he was my new buddy and i ran in perfect stride with him for nearly all of the next 5 ks,around the 41k mark he took off,obviously A LOT fitter than me he effortlessly strode off to make the most of his finish leaving me to trail behind and finish in a satisfactory 3:58:09 !!
(I thanked him heartily after the race!)
Also this was my first marathon wearing the Vegan Runners shirt.About one kilometer into the race i amazingly spotted another vegan runner sporting the familiar green and black vest,so not being able to resist,and probably coming across as very weird and creepy i tapped her on the shoulder and showed her a corner of my vest that was at this stage under a jacket!Was very nice to have a 'team' member out on the course with me,even if (at this stage)i didnt know who she was.(Hello Andrea Hayn from Berlin!)I was also very pleasantly surprised by the number of fellow runners who approached me either during the race or afterwards to comment on my vegan vest and to show their support!
In light of the promise to myself about training and improving and driving forward,i went for my first run yesterday.It felt great.I have big expectations for myself for the next time,all in all this was deffinately a great run, if nothing eles because it was exactly the inspiration and motivation i was looking for to get myself back into proper running again!!Im very proud and pleased with myself :)

---

Click here View photos of singles in your area.

Worksop 1/2 marathon

Debra Confrey is running her first ½ marathon (and only her second race, having started running in Feb 09 and having completed the Llanelli 10k in June) on Sunday 25 October, in Worksop. She is registered as a Sospan Road Runner but will be wearing her VRUK vest, and is running with her non vegan sister in law Sara Confrey. Spouses have been banned from spectating so me and brother in law will be supporting the Real Ale industry in Lincoln, which is no sort of training at all for the Pembrey multi terrain 10 mile race I am to do in November, but should be a greater pleasure.

 

Neil P Confrey

Laurence at the Abingdon Marathon

At the Abingdon Marathon yesterday (18/10), unfortunately James Meldrum was injured so did not run otherwise Laurence Klein our chairperson ran and gave an improved performance / time as compared to last year, finishing in 4.53, lowering his PB by about 2 minutes. A more detaied report with photos to follow.

 

Regards

 

Peter Simpson

 

 

 

Brief Hiatus...

Your editor is off on hols for two weeks - so your reports & results may be handled in very early November instead of right away - but please do keep sending in your results, reports and photos - they'll keep safely in my inbox!
Maria x