Winchester 5k

Sidney DeLara says:
This is a 3 lap course around the historic Winchester town centre, starting next to the statue of King Alfred, the route goes around the Cathedral and along the river. You have to cope with a lot of twists and turns with this run which hinders the attempt at constant pace.
Despite the twists and turns though he achieved another low-19-mins time and yet another top-5 M50 placing - so his season is still going well!

Pudsey Challenge 10k - brief and very understated report

Mick Morgan says: "the course was a lot harder than expected"... while the Pudsey Pacers' race report describes "near tropical conditions and 'killer' hills".
We look forward to future years when Mick challenges, say, Tough Guy and reports back that there were "difficulties with patches of nettles and some deep puddles"!

Allesley Festival 5K - a battle finally won - Stewart Boulton

An epic tale of perseverance and final victory...

Allesley Festival 5K                            13th July 2008


Now let me tell you a story of a great battle…

This Race, The Allesley Festival 5K, had become my Arch Enemy.

In my 5 years of running, I have TEMPTED and FAILED to run this race every year.  Each year something would happen to deny my participation…  Work, Travel, Illness…

Even last year, when everything seem to be going OK just weeks before the race, I slipped on a squash court, sprained my ankle and burst the blood vessels in my foot and couldn't run for almost 2 months.  I ended up going to the race but only to WATCH as a wounded spectator even though I had paid and entered in advance.

This year, because of the curse, I decided to only enter on the day, as I knew the moment I posted my application form, I would be hit by a 10ton truck walking back from the letter-box!  So this year, as I lay nervously on my bed the night before the race, half expecting a Jumbo Jet to crash land on my house, I decided to approach tomorrows race with great caution…. As this year, to make things even worse, it was being held on the 13th!

So next morning, I drove to Allesley village green VERY CAREFULLY ensuring I didn't crash en route.  Once I arrived, I handed over my pennies and entered the race without any problems… it was finally going to happen!  In fact, the whole race went splendidly… and was eventually well worth the wait…

The majority of this course was hilly.  It began uphill on the appropriately named "Staircase" Lane, followed by a couple of main roads… and then, just past the midway point, we were confronted with our second hill, a long incline up to the also appropriately named Coventry Hill Hotel.  This was the biggest challenge of the race and was the point where you lost valuable seconds off your time.  Once you reached the top facing the hotel, you then did a sweeping "U" turn onto the final road that led you back to the village green.  This was downhill (about time!) and a fast home straight to the finish line.

Almost throughout this entire race, I had one particular chap competing against me as we challenged shoulder to shoulder, constantly jostling for position on every straight and bend.  My arch-enemy race… now had a face!  It wasn't until that last hill up to the hotel that I managed to get a shred of light between us.  Fortunately, I managed to keep this slim lead along the final stretch as I finished in a disappointing time of 21:42, but this was mainly due to the demanding course.

The guy I had been competing with for the last 20 minutes turned out to be a really nice chap as we chatted for about 10 minutes afterwards.  Sometimes running can feel a lonely sport so these "brief encounters", meeting new runners after events, is what helps bring a "human face" to our obsession after dozens of hours of solo missions.

What made this race even more special for me though (and finally well worth the wait) is that I finished in 6th place, my highest, and first ever Top 10 finish in any race.

I had finally won a battle with my ongoing conflict with the Allesley 5K….

ALLESLEY    4    STEWY    1


Stewart Boulton

Congratulations Sharon! Queen Mother reservoir 5k race series Senior Lady winner

Sharon won the Senior Ladies category of the 5k series of races in a total time of just over 1hr 8 mins.
Sharon was too modest to mention this at High Wycombe but the spies are out!

Coventry Fun Run - Stewy Boulton reports

In which Stewart Boulton enters a race and decides, "to run as quickly as I could..." - but surely you always do that in a race...? :D

Coventry Fun Run                            29th June 2008



Unfortunately this event was cancelled last year due to the awful summer floods across the Country, which saw the Memorial Park in which the start/finish, and charity stalls are set-up become heavily water-logged and the organisers deemed it unsafe.  It was a shame as this is one of the best events the City of Coventry hosts each year, a day to be really proud of as it raises thousands of pounds for charities.

12 months later, and no bad weather to put a damper on things, we were good to go for the '25th Anniversary' running of this lovely event.  After some confusion with meet-up points and car sharing amongst my gym running group (whom most we're doing it) we made the short journey, a little later than expected, to the other side of the city for the start.

I think last years cancellation had taken the momentum out of the event as the field of runners assembled at the start seemed much less than previous years (still 3000 though) as the mayor set us merrily on our way… and what a mixed bunch we were!  Young and old, fun and serious and colourful fancy dress of every imagination… even a keen bunch pushing a bath!!

The 4.5 mile course consists of a small burst across one of the fields of the park, through the gates, along a few roads around the city centre, through the precinct within the city centre (featuring bemused looks from hundreds of unaware shoppers!!), back out again through another network of roads, back towards the park, and then 2 long paths inside the park as you cross the finish line near the pavilion amongst hundreds of cheering friends and family all out to support their loved ones.  It's a great atmosphere all round.

What makes this event even more interesting for many of the local club runners is that the organisers award a medal to the Top 100 finishers.  This is something that I achieved 2 years ago for the first time and I was very keen to do it again… so were many others!

As it was a short(ish) course I decided to run the whole route as quickly as I could and achieved a time of 27:14, a PB for this race, and was even more delighted when I was handed one of these limited medals.  This was the icing on the cake for me, as it rounded off a great morning.  This was a welcomed return to the Cov Fun Run and once again, very well done to the organisers for another excellent event… lets hope it continues for many years to come… weather depending!!

Reigate Priory 10k - Tim Ridley reports

Tim Ridley has been working on his freestyle...
On the 9th of July I swam, I mean ran the Reigate Priory summer evening 10k, if you remember it was overcast and it rained all day, and parts of the course were dark and very muddy, especially in the woods in the final Kilometer when we had to turn sharp left down a muddy bank. It is a hilly course and it was very humid, the rain did not seem to cool me down. But I managed a season pb of 42.16 and came 41st, which was OK. Another Herne Hill Harrier, Tim Elsey won in some mind bogling time in the early 30,s.

Northbrook 10k - Stewart Boulton reports

Stewart Boulton reports on a tough, hilly race - in Coventry?! Yes, in Coventry!

Northbrook 10K                            June 1st 2008



This is probably the toughest 10K race in the West Midlands… if there's a tougher one then I haven't found it… and probably wouldn't want too!!  They say Coventry doesn't have any "real" hills, but this course seems to find every incline and upwards gradient going in the local area.

This race is pretty much my "local" race, situated only a few miles from home and even closer from my Gym, which I use as the "base" for treadmill sessions, training runs and our weekly Running Group.  The race begins at the Coventry Hill Hotel in the small village of Allesley, best known for its former Jaguar Car Plant.  A conference room within this hotel is used as the Race HQ and also features a refreshment area that sells drinks and homemade treats for hungry supporters.  The hotel also opens up several guest rooms on two different floors (one for male, one for female) which offers changing and shower facilities for the runners before and after the race.

As per last year, there were no huge crowds at the start of this event as the race appeals mainly to local club runners.  Saying that though it's always well attended and I am sure there were many more runners than last year as the event continues to grow, but still manages to maintain a friendly atmosphere with warm support from friends and family.

Now the reason why I say this is a tough race is because it feels like an upward battle from the very start, where you're immediately faced with an uphill incline as you make your way up from the bottom of a long steep road.  The first 2 miles or so is pretty much running on an incline, after that, it plateaus off as the next couple of miles takes you through local countryside past several farms and pubs.  As always, the course was well marshalled with a couple of water stations en-route to offer much needed refreshment on these mid-summer races. 

The final third of the route is more forgiving than the first, as the course takes a downward turn back down towards Allesley.  The finish line is not in the same place as the start and is situated around the corner on a different road.  The good news about this though is that the road chosen for the finish line is all downhill in the direction you are running, making for a fast finish for that final kilometre.

In my opinion, because of the nature of the course, this race offers very little PB potential, so do not expect a record-breaking time, but if you run this race every year then its best to make a direct comparison against it self.  I ran this race last year for the first time and earned a time of 44:15.  This year I achieved a time of 42:10 so had improved by just over 2 minutes.  So it least shows, that after 12 months I'm still heading in the right direction…

Congratulations Ruth

Peter Simpson noticed:
Just noticed in the latest Dr Hadwen Trust's bulletin arriving today that Ruth Newman raised £148 for the Trust when completing the Taunton Marathon on 6 April. Ruth was the first fundraiser congratulated.
If any other VRUK members or contacts are (or have been) fundraising for like-minded organisations then we will be delighted to mention it here !

Burton 10 - race report by Stewart Boulton

SB writes:

The Burton 10                                25th May 2008


Nothing ventured, nothing gained… It's good to try something new… it was these types of cheesy (or should that be cheezley?) sayings that made me decide to enter my first ever 10 mile race.  Even though, May saw my 5th Anniversary as a Runner I had NEVER entered a 10 mile race.  After all, I'd done a dozen 10K's and half-a-dozen Half Marathons, and surely a 10 mile race would sit somewhere quite comfortably in between!  Also, when you run a new distance for the first time, you're guaranteed a PB!

So after scouring Runners World Event Finder, I decided to pluck for a local race within the Midlands (Surprise! Surprise!), a 10 mile undulating road race in the beer making capital of England, Burton-on-Trent!  Running and Beer… a perfect Sunday!!

After venturing up the A444 nice n' early, I arrived in a quiet town that hadn't yet seemingly woken-up and was slightly concerned as I was the ONLY car in the car park!  However, once I'd "paid n displayed" and walked around the corner, I found everyone… plus a cark park that was closer… and cheaper!  D'oh!!

I have to say in all my years of running, this race provided some of the best facilities yet.  It was situated next to a Sports Centre which provided most of the essentials… changing rooms, showers, lockers, refreshments etc.  Plus closer to the start line there was a Race HQ marquee which also included a shop from Derby Runner which had some absolute bargains (hence my new 2130's!).  It was all going splendid and I just hoped the race would go as well as I set-off from the start line…

The race consisted of 2 x 5 mile laps in and around the town, the first of which was through the greens and paths of the Sports Centre and adjacent Park, then over a couple of bridges that took you over the River Trent that snaked its way through the terrain.  After that, the rest of the route consisted of roads around the town centre, streets through nearby housing estates and then finally along the River again back into the Park which returned you to the Sports Centre for your second lap.  At which point, you got a boost from the cheering crowds who spurred you on for your second time around.

The second lap was much the same as the first, apart from the fact that once you reached the park for the final time everyone put on their "finishing" pace, giving it one last push for their best time & position, me included.  I reached the finish in a time of 1:12:21 and a position of 80th.  As it was my first ever 10 miler I was assured a PB, but truth be known I was pleased with the time as I had set myself a target of 1:14… and a well deserved beer afterwards!

All in all, my first 10 miler was an enjoyable experience, so much in fact that I was quick to enter another one, The Trentham 10, a report for which is coming soon to a blog near you…

Bosworth (aka "Dog and Hedgehog" aka Hinckley) Half Marathon report: Stewart Boulton

The Bosworth Half Marathon                    11th May 2008


I can describe this whole Half Marathon with just ONE word…

…HOT!!!

…in fact, since the two months that have passed since I ran this, I am struggling to remember a hotter day.  It was scorching!!

The day started with my gym running group meeting at the hotel so we could car-share as Bosworth is over 20 miles from where most of us live around Coventry.  We knew then, before it was even 9am that a warm day was ahead of us.  Forewarned, we decided to hit the fridge at the gym reception and go fully armed with chilled energy drinks… and we needed it!!

The Bosworth Half Marathon is without doubt one of the best HM's in the Midlands for many reasons.  The start/finish area is held within the enjoyable surroundings of the Water Park, is well organised throughout and the course takes in the very best that Leicestershire countryside has to offer as you lap up mile after mile of tranquil English villages and fields that once witnessed the fierce battles that saw the demise of Richard III.  In fact the only thing that couldn't be planned was the ever increasing heat as we lined up at the start.

The first couple of miles of this marathon consist of very narrow country lanes which make overtaking very difficult and you can find your pace is restricted by the dozens of runners immediately in front of you.  Eventually though, these lanes open out to country roads and soon you can rediscover your stride as you take in the beautiful views that await you.

However, as you've imagined by now, the biggest challenge of the day was the heat.  Even though they seem to construct extra water and sponge stops to make this a little more comfortable it was quite clear that several runners were struggling.  I witnessed one runner who was literally running around in a circular daze, who had seemingly lost his bearings with sunstroke or dehydration.  I sat him down on a kerb and said I would send help when I reached the next marshal, who cycled out to him with water.

It was almost unbearable to run in, and soon you start to consider alternative means of transport to get you to that finish line… perhaps one of the passing cars, or one of the marshals bicycles…. or even a horse… a horse… my Kayano's for a horse!!

It was one of those races where you had to be extra careful and run sensibly to the conditions, reducing pace and taking sufficient water.  Last year, I ran a PB on this same course, but no such attempt was possible that day.  Soaked with sweat, I eventually crossed the finish line, mightily relieved, in a time 1:43:18 in a position of 209th.

At the finish, I'd never enjoyed a cup of water so much for a long time… and was pleased to see my fellow gym runners come in safe and sound.  Well done to the organisers for another great event and for adapting well in the extreme conditions.


Stewart Boulton

The Marathon Tour of Coventry and Warwickshire - Stewart Boulton's report

Stewart Boulton reports:
The Marathon Tour of Coventry and Warwickshire


The Marathon Tour of Coventry and Warwickshire was a series of five races in just 8 days that collectively equalled the classic marathon distance of 26.2 miles.  The event was to commemorate the running of Britain's first ever Marathon Race from Coventry 100 years ago.  This ambitious event was conceived and organised by the Coventry Godiva Harriers; and the first initial race in the series was their traditional May Day 5 held every spring, followed by four races in four days, one after the other, over the forthcoming bank holiday weekend - Friday to Monday.  The climax of the event was to be a prize giving award ceremony and barbeque at their headquarters on the Bank Holiday Monday after the final race.

I was a little nervous when I applied for this event as I knew that the four race / four day stretch of the competition would be the biggest challenge of all as I usually only race every few weeks with at least a fortnight in between for recovery.  But I decided to take the plunge and go for it.  This is how I got on during this Quintology of Races, with a small report on each stage –


Stage 1 - Lady Godiva (May Day) 5 Mile

This was the first race of the Marathon Tour, but also their May Day 5 race as well, so was evidently the most attended event of the five stages, as it was an "open race" for all runners.  As per previous years, this race consisted of 2 full laps of the Coventry Memorial Park, starting and finishing at the pavilion which was also the race HQ for the morning.  As this was an open race, many more people were running it than was actually in the Marathon tour itself (61 "Maratourers" signed up) so the field was a little more crowded and competitive than the races which were to follow later in the week.  I managed to achieve my Sub 35 target time and completed the race in a time of 33m 37s, coming in at 42nd for the race itself, but in 11th place for the Maratour League standings.  A pleasing start to the competition and a good foundation for the four races that were to follow in just five days time…

Stage One Time & Place –     33m 37s    11th


Stage 2 – The Peeping Tom Trial (4.2km)

After a few days break, this second stage of the Tour was held in Allesley Park on the outskirts of Coventry on a pleasant Friday evening.  For this race we were divided into heats, with 8 runners in each.  This 4.2km time trial was all about speed, running your socks off from start to finish.  However this was easier said than done as Allesley Park is deceiving.  At first glance, it seems quite flat with no obvious hills; however it soon becomes apparent when running that the park consists of long inclines that make much of the course more demanding than you first realise.  After completing this short course, I crossed the finish line in 3rd place for my heat, with a time of 16m 40s, and 13th place overall in the league standings.

Stage Two Time & Place –     16m 40s    13th
 

Stage 3 – The Black Price 10K

This race signalled the start of three consecutive 10k races, one everyday for three days until the end of the event, and I knew this is where it was going to start to get tough with no real time in between for recovery.  However this 3rd race was made a whole lot easier by the fact that it was ran on a beautiful course.  6 delightful miles around Packington park, a private estate of the Lord Guernsey family.  A host of grounds, lakes, animals and birds, overlooked by the Stately Home, accompanied us on our mission that would see us past the half-way point of our tour.  I had a decent race, which at one point saw me within tenth place, but unfortunately the opposition was too strong in the final mile and eventually I reached the end in 12th position in a time of 41m 58s, with a Half way (13.1m) Maratour time of 1hr 28m.  Also a quick thank you to Coleshill Town Football Club who offered excellent facilities before and after the race.

Stage Three Time & Place – 41m 58s    12th    


Stage 4 – The Lord Leofric 10K

In my opinion this was the hardest race out of the 5, both physically and mentally.  Not only were we competing with very tired legs, but the course at the Prodrive test track is a very long, soulless run.  It may be perfect for fast cars, but for a runner it's a real battle of the mind.  During this 10k, you have to keep your mind focused on the challenge ahead as there is nothing to entertain the eyes, not even any distance markers to judge your pace or occupy your running brain.  I had a feeling this would be my worse time of my Maratour, and I was right, as I laboured across the line in a time of 42m 48s.  The only blessing from this race was that I knew I had broken the back of the Tour and that I only had one more stage to go.

Stage Four Time & Place – 42m 48s        14th


Stage 5 – The BBQ Breakfast Run 10K

The end is nigh!  After a gruelling week, we could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel as we gathered for the last time at the Godiva Harriers HQ for the final race of the Maratour.  As this race was held on a Bank Holiday Monday, it also had an "open" invitation for other runners to join the fun, so the field that lined up at the start was a little bigger than the three previous stages.  After the customary group photos by the organisers, we then set off on this 10K course which consisted of 2 laps of Warwick University.  As it was the final race of the Maratour, with the promise of a well earned break to follow, I decided to give it every thing I had left in my tired legs, unfortunately I think every other Maratour competitor had the same "run till you drop" attitude so the whole race felt quick with a decent pace from start to finish.  Upon the home straight, it was quite a feeling, as not only were we reaching the finish line of this race, but the finish line of the entire Maratour event.  I crossed the line jubilantly in a time of 41m 59s… and almost immediately handed a beautiful laser cut crystal memento to acknowledge our achievement… a nice unexpected surprise which now has pride of place on the centre of my dining room table.

Stage Five Time & Place – 41m 59s        11th

Conclusion

I can honestly say that I loved this whole event, even allowing for the toughest bits.  I found it more enjoyable than, and just as rewarding as a proper Marathon.  It is an experience that I will remember for many years to come and would whole-heartedly recommend it to any runner who has had the patience (thank you) to read this l-o-n-g report and has in turn sparked a glimmer of interest.  I realise that is was a lot of hard work for the organisers who did an excellent job throughout the week, but it they do decide to hold this event again next year, I will be the first to enter.

So all that's left now for me, is to conclude on my overall performance so here's the scores on the doors, official standings and times as it appears on the final league positions and certificate for the 2008 N.P. Aerospace Marathon Tour of Coventry and Warwickshire –

Overall Final Place –     11th     (out of 61)
Overall Time for 26.2m –     2:57:12

(I only wish I could run a real Marathon in a Sub 3 hour time – I can only dream!!)

Finally, a big Thank You to Colin, Ann and the all the other organisers at Coventry Godiva Harriers for all their hard work in delivering an enjoyable, rewarding and memorable running experience.


Stewart Boulton

Clapham Common 10k - photos

Annette Herold looking strong here



and Vanessa Hudson averting her eyes from the man scratching his crotch!



in a thrilling race to the finish



where Peter (photographer) had managed to locate another vegan runner (James, centre below)


More photos here:

From Clapham Common 10k album

Vegan Runners - not just for running!

Frances Humphries has been on some very long walks (and a few runs as well!)...

MAY 14 - Took part in the Heritage Coast Run/Walk up in Thorpeness, I ran/walked the 14 mile course with my sister but have no idea of our time (it was not fast as we were treating it as a day out rather than a challenge).

 Later that month the Great Baddow 10-mile road race, which I managed to get round in 1 hour 21mins, and the North Essex Circular Walk - a 23 mile walk which I finished with my husband in 5hrs 45mins

 JUNE 8 - The St. Albans Half Marathon - I got round in 2hrs 11 mins (about), it was a really bad day for me - at about five miles I decided to pop into a portaloo, then when I cam out I had to run like hell to try and catch up with my sister - needles to say I did not find her plus I completely blew up at about 8 miles and had to run/walk to reach the finish. Low and behold, my sister trotted in about 10 minutes behind me! The moral is, Run Your Own Race, and don't worry about anyone else!

 JUNE 14 & 15 - Went down to Somerset with him indoors - we entered the English International Walking Festival and completed 86k over the two days, it is not a timed event, more a 'the next check-point is a pub' sort of thing - It was good fun.

 JUNE 29 - Completed three Loops (11. 8 and 7miles), of the Hertfordshire Hobble - an LDWA event, with all the loops starting from Buntingford Scout Hut. A very hot day was had by all - our time was 7hr 5mins in spite of various 'tea-breaks'.

 

So, what does the future hold? Well, the 13th July will see us going off down to the Kent Weald for another LDWA event - the 26miler called 'a Walk with the Smugglers'.

 JULY 18 - I have entered the Brandon Forest Challenge with my sister (this is mostly for a laugh - it is two five-mile laps for teams of two. One of you runs and the other cycles, changing over as often as you like - neither of us have been of bicycle this year so it will be a challenge).

 AUGUST 10 - We are going down to Salisbury to do a 20k Trail Run called the 5-4-3-2-1

 AUGUST 16 - This sees us down in Wales for the Rhayader Mounain Trail event, I will be walking the 30mile route with my husband.

SEPTEMBER 5 - 18 - A well deserved rest. For our holiday this year we are going to pack up our Rucksacks and wander off to Scotland to hopefully complete the Long Distance Trail known as the Southern Upland Way.

 SEPTEMBER 28 - The Saab Salomon Turbo-x at Poppyhill in Surrey is on the Agenda (if I am up to it!)

 OCTOBER 19 - I have entered the Abingdon Marathon (This time I know I entered under the Vegan Runners UK banner), but am not sure whether I will be able to go the distance as I am not really going to have time for specific Marathon training - it will an 'on the day decision'.

Look forward to seeing you and many other VRUK runners at Abingdon, Frances - I'm sure you'll be able to manage the distance, as from the sound of it you could walk it within the (rather vague) cutoff !

Volunteers sought to fill in hydration questionnaire for research

The friend who originally got me into running is finishing off a Masters in Sports Nutrition and her thesis concerns hydration in distance runners. As part of this she is researching what endurance runners (i.e. most of us, bar, perhaps, Emile!) know and do in the way of hydration.
If you would like to help, all you have to do is fill in the survey (which also includes a day's diary of drinking and exercise) here and return it to the email address in the survey itself. Full instructions are given. If you don't know an answer then it is OK to leave that question (I know this, as there were some of the True/False ones I shrugged at!).
Thanks for any volunteers - Ed. (i.e. Maria)

That PB just keeps on falling...

Sidney DeLara has been chipping away at his 5k PB again...
Race 2 of 3 of the Portsmouth Promenade 5k series, took place on a nice sunny July evening. With favourable weather conditions i was able to PB but yet again failing to beat the 19 minute barrier. [Getting close though! Ed] The local running shop being across the road provided free vegan sports drinks to all competitors after the race.

Why not meet up with Stewart B. at one of his many races?

Stewart Boulton is busy... and asks if anyone would like a meetup at one of the many Midlands races he is signed up to...
I ran the 4.5mile Cov Fun Run a week last Sunday and won a Top 100 medal.  I came in about 30th (out of 3000) in a time of 27.14, almost 1 minute quicker than last time, so pleased.

I have also entered several other races over the next few months if you wish to update the VR running diary, as follows -

DATE                RACE

13/07                ALLESLEY 5K (my first ever 5k)
20/07                TRENTHAM 10
29/08                GODIVA AUTUMNAL 5
14/09                MABLETHORPE MARATHON
05/10                KENILWORTH HALF MARATHON
19/10                LADY GODIVA HALF MARATHON
02/11                SHEPSHED 7

For this first time, I am aiming to do 20 races in a year, I have currenly done 13 so far in 2008, so if I achieve all 7 of the above then I would have hit my magical target... with the option of the Poole 10K on Boxing Day again to round off the year... and hit 21... My age!!!

If anyone fancies meeting up for any of these local midlands races then give me a shout.

Grand Prix Finale - Milton Keynes 10K, 1 July

I did not enter event 7, the Harborough 5 miles, completing the series
(5 to count) with the finale at the Open University, the Milton Keynes
10K. I had not run at all since the Banbury 5 miles on 10 June mainly
due to preparation for my personal cycling tour around Dartmoor on
22 June. I thought the cycling would be of some benefit and only had
a short ride to the Open University so decided to start at a good
pace. I soon noticed that I was still recovering from the cycling so
it was a matter of trying to keep going at a reasonable pace. it was
a warmish evening and I also did not help myself by eating too close
to the event. Did however manage to hang on to my position with
some passing me whilst I overtook other runners. Managed to finish
well in the end although my stomach was complaining. The time of
42.29 was satisfactory and my series position in the M45-49 group
was 8th so quite pleased.

Woodley 10K (Reading) - 18 May

Sid's achievement of 2nd V50 was mentioned shortly after the event in May but it is worth a longer report here.

Both Sid & myself had a considerable journey on the day to reach the venue and with a 11am start allowed us enough time. On reaching Reading by train we still had a 5 miles or so cycle journey. Last year we had a significant turnout without my presence and Bronwyn Putman was running in the junior 3K. Unfortunately this time there were no local members to greet us.

It was dry and warming up for the Woodley 10K with the venue in the local park. As we lined up we soon found ourselves near the start line. There was however a delay to await the finish of the last junior runners. This was a typical 'unattached runners' event with few running club vests in evidence apart from the two Reading clubs and VRUK. As we started down the short hill, it was noted that many raced ahead only to ease up very soon on the road. Although I went off at a good pace after two recent events had given me the confidence and fitness, Sid soon eased past me and opened up a 50 metres gap in a short space of time. The course was flat but in the residential streets of Woodley, there were a lot of driveways to cross over and by halfway we were constrained to run on the pavements. With the left foot higher than the right as we crossed driveways, I did wonder if it would bring on a calf strain and certainly made it uncomfortable.

After running over a bridge at about halfway we seemed to be running slightly downhill for a long time and on the same road which made it a little easier despite the driveways. With Sid still a significant distance ahead I did not think I would close the gap this time however last October a similar situation occurred at the Chichester 10K and I managed to pass Sid at about halfway. Given my fairly fast start I was beginning to slow but also passing other runners and slowly creeping up on Sid.

As we turned off the long road we began to climb which slowed us significantly and it was here I caught Sid at about 8K. It was a tiring last 2K but still managed to up the pace again and push hard up the hill in the park to finish in 41.18, my best this year. Sid was disappointed to loose a few places as he approached the line but still a good time of 41.27.

Before the start we had noticed there was free tea on offer although not ideal before a race. I should have brought a supply of soya otherwise it was black tea inside the venue. Sid was keen to see the results and when they were available he was surprised given his performance to be the 2nd V50 male, the other V50 male runner was just ahead of me. There were lots of V40 runners ahead of me. Unfortunately I did not have a camera with me to capture the moment Sid went forward to collect his trophy.

Sid suggested we attempt to meet up with John Morgan at his workplace, the Rivermead Leisure Centre, the former venue for the Reading Half Marathon where I achieved a time of 1.26 at my peak back in the mid-90s. It was a longish ride on the fold-up bike so, a good warm down after the run. John was there and allowed to take a break!

Desperate for some food we visited the leisure centre cafe which served up some vegan fast food although not ideal. Close to the Thames River, I finished off the day with a walk along the bank and observed the local rowing club members out for a training session.

Clapham Common 10k 29th June

Annette Herold got a PB in this one - well done Annette!