Half the distance but did not feel any easier

I ran my first Wycombe 10K on 19 July, only the 2nd year of its inclusion with the main event, the half marathon. The shorter event was more attractive as I had planned to run the MK (summer) half marathon for a change this time and was scheduled for 26 July.

Set off at just before 6am (for the 9.30am start) as the combined public transport / cycle journey would take approaching 3 hours. Fortunately for the cycle leg from Leighton Buzzard to Aylesbury I had plenty of time so decided to take a part detour along parallel country lane to avoid the poor surface on the A418. The journey took just over the hour into a moderate headwind. Arrived at the venue as planned, the weather despite the onset of drizzle was in our favour.

Mentally I was approaching it as a 10K so started at a faster pace across the flat Rye. Unfortunately as I was confronted with the steep 250 feet climb onto the Chilterns my legs felt fairly weak / tired and slowed quite markedly in relation to the competitors around me, most probably running the half marathon. The cycle journey and possibly lack of hill training (running related) were the reasons for apparently dropping back. The second half of the climb was a lot better in terms of not losing many more places.

Despite the wake-up call, soon after reaching the top I seemed to recover quite quickly and return to my 10K pace. I steadily overtook many runners, not knowing if they were 10K or half marathon runners. As the 10K runners turned sharply left at about 5K, we were confronted with another sharp and tiring climb over the M40 thereafter descended very rapidly. It was too much for my legs, still recovering from the climb, etc. I could not relax as we descended hence lost some distance to the few competitors ahead. Strangely it was a relief to reach level ground again. Still feeling a little uncomfortable, I began to close on the runners ahead and overtake. Reaching the Rye at the far western end where we climbed the 250 feet, I had envisaged the half marathon route to the finish but the 10K course still had some additional distance to complete with a large loop before rejoining the half marathon course to the finish. I still felt like I had run a half marathon as I slowly walked back to the changing area. My time of just over 43 minutes was a little disappointing but not surprised given how I struggled on the hills.

Then I had the relaxation of seeing the half marathon runners finish and one male runner had obviously not done anywhere near enough training. At first I thought he was putting on some act of a drunken runner, leaning over and almost collapsing as he veered from side to side, other runners having to take avoiding action. Someone decided to give him a helping hand but he refused with 100 metres or so to go. I assume he got there without any further embarrassment.

The rain came down heavily for a time so, no problems with the heat that we normally anticipate. The heavy showers continued on the return cycle journey but luckily I had the wet weather gear handy.

Kent 50 Mile Challenge

We hear from Anna, who is... (lucky her...)
... on holiday now (huge benefit of being a teacher) till September. That means I've had plenty of time for running.

On Sunday I did my first double marathon - it's called the 'Kent 50 mile challenge' but is actually the full 52.4 miles. It's 8 laps of a pretty countryside route with varied terrain (road, tracks, grass, field, concrete paths). I was pleasantly surprised that the laps didn't become too tedious and it was actually very handy to be able to pick up a gel or two at the checkpoint (we only ever had to carry enough for the 6.55 mile lap). 

It was a really well organised event and very sociable as we passed the other runners lots of times. I managed to fall over twice, once on grass but the other time on gravel causing some impressive grazes. I proudly ran the vegan vest home in fourth place (female) in 9 hours 28 minutes. A fantastic day that I fully recommend - anyone fancy joining me next year? There's free camping in a local field and the checkpoint is a pub...

Well done both on the grazes and the finish!

Time is relative, lunchtime doubly so

As you can see from the photo (kindly provided by PS: actually he provided 3 and I chose the least gormless one!) it was "running up that hill" time of year again for your editor. I did this last year and the wheels came off at about 7 miles - I'd done too many 10ks and from the nose down was expecting a nice sit-down by then, not another six miles! I recall thinking, "this is horrid, I'm not doing this again...". Of course once I'd finished & got my hands on the enormous clanking medal they hand out, I was all "Bet I could do it faster next year!".
So. Last year: 2:03. This year: 2:04.
But did I do it faster? WELL, given that I was DFL in the queue for the Ladies (if any of you bump into Sharon D or her mum, they next to me - but gave up waiting!). When I emerged, light of body & spirit, no-one was there. In fact, they'd changed the START gantry to say FINISH!
Luckily (having done it before) I knew roughly where people went, and there was a couple of ladies in the distance, so I just jogged along until I saw some marshalls.
"Where's the start?" I said. They pointed me at the 1k sign. I had started, it seemed. I started my watch - 3/4 mile before the 1 mile mark!
The hill (the hill) still had some steep bits but didn't seem as bad as last year: though this could be because I passed Mick'n'Phil going up the hill and frankly nothing seems bad after that! There is (later on) a nice steep downhill section where I recorded possibly the only sub-6 min pace quarter mile I'll ever see in a race!
Caught up with the better half at Mile 5, with Shazza's mum doing her first HM a bit after that, and also with young Jamil from the Oakley 20. Lest this sound like a mobile cocktail party I should point out that I finished 663/963 and therefore overtook 300 people (or 299 and one devil!) en route to the finish! The watch said 1h52 at the end, so I reckon my "real" time was a pleasing sub-2hours. And to top it all young Steve who runs my local running shop won it, even though he's not actually young (same age as me or thereabouts), just looks it...

PS driving back, I heard a cry of distress and then a loud BLAT! from the passenger seat. Bad news - perhaps the other half shouldn't have done the race... - good news - the goody bag was watertight! LOL.

A mini race report - Wycombe 10k

Peter (who I had the pleasure of seeing on the day after I finished the Half) reports... 

My position in the 10K is rather flattering as the half is the main attraction for the faster runners. My time is confirmed as 43.20, position 28 / 396, 7^th MV40. I rather struggled up the hill but seemed to recover quickly but did not feel energetic going downhill due to the impact of the earlier cycle journey. Still managed to pick up places on the last flatter section.

I should add that they were giving out prizes for the last finisher in both 10k & HM - a nice touch - but I don't think PS could possibly go that slowly!

Brentwood 10K

Anyone watching this Thrift Green Trotters race last Sunday would have seen Duncan (V50) & Zarina Armour finishing together in 1.15.22, pos 493&4  / 502.

 

 

 

Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside

Courtesy Helen Easton we have news of another of our ultrarunners, Demetrios Kehayioglou, who seems to be recovering well...
Mitso (Demetrios) completed the Classic Quarter ( Coastal Ultra Series) event from Lizard Point to Lands End (44 miles)27th June, in 10 hours 24 minutes. He did not run the Efhidas Ultra Marathon (108km) in Greece in May because of injury.

PBs rolling in - Winchester 5k / SDL

We hear from regular correspondent Sidney DeLara... who has a new 5k PB

Hello, Having started July with my first ever sub 19mins 5k, i gave myself the challange of attempting to do it again on a wet Thursday July 16th at the Winchester 5k.
 3 laps of Winchester town center, starting at the statue of king Alfred, running up the high street, around the Cathedral, along the riverside path and past the statue again. Being a town center, means having to cope with a number of twists and turns, avoid bollards and some cars,  people etc. A surprisingly high quality field saw the winner come home  sub 15mins . Pushing myself all the way i was again able to PB this time  18 mins 41 secs.
 Winchester 5k, Thursday July 16th 7:00pm,
  18mins 41secs, Overall 58th/276
 Male Vet 50 6th./27
Ed- given that SDL normally does better than 6th mv50, could it be that the PB was down to having more people to chase? Or was it just the right day?

Robin Hood Marathon/Half - Seven weeks to go

Last call for any further Robin Hood entries, checking the site, entries are still being taken. If you did not know, it is a club meet-up or targeted event. Visit the diary to see who is entered or a possible.

http://www.experianfestivalofrunning.co.uk/

I have just booked my accommodation as I cannot reach the venue in time, there was not much left. For your information, the veggie B&B, Anson's Place is no longer in business, a guest house I used on two occasions. The proprietors were also marshaling and helping to setup the marquees as the charity they support was a beneficiary. They may still be involved in the event so, in which case we can guarantee their support.

On the day we could try to meet-up near the baggage marquee(s) for a photo-call at 9.30am although with such a big event and other factors, not everyone is likely to make it in time. Of course it will be easier to get photos at the finish. We (half marathon runners) can meet up again near the stands overlooking the finishing straight. For the marathon runners we will save you the walk as we did for Stewart Boulton at the 2007 event, his first marathon when he all but collapsed.

For a pre-race meet-up for runners/supporters in Nottingham on the night before the event, I suggest once again the Alley Cafe Bar around 6.30pm in the centre of Nottingham at Cannon Court, off Longrow West, near Market Square (north-west corner). We met there for the 2007 event, see website photos. For more details visit

Alley Cafe Bar

Asics British 10K - the results trickle in

Jane Gant's results already came in, and now we hear from Wolfgang, who modestly says....
Hi gang

Here is my very poor result for the Asics British 10k run in London last Sunday, 12/07/09:

Chip time: 42:45

[Ed remarks: I have run faster than that in a race, but we're talking for quarter of a mile... downhill... at High Wycombe...:D]

Cardiff park run

Cedric David & Helen Watkinson did this again last weekend and Helen recorded her first sub-24 min time, a new PB of 23:36. Well done guys!

Dave's photos - Reigate & Kayaking

Shown: Jane Gant finishing strong in Reigate:
Dave & Jane post-race:
Dave & kayaks:
Dave & Heather M

Dave wins a race... neither on land nor legs

Dave Arnold has got in touch with a lot of news... firstly of new member Jane Gant...

Jane Gant is now running under VR name (and not just the vest) and is onto a roll of PB's for 10k.

We did Reigate 10k last Wednesday, it was hilly and the last km was in parkland, across grass and woodland paths so pretty slow. Jane PB'd in (think I've got his right) 49:35 (I got 41:20)  and she then was 2 seconds faster at London 10k on Sunday although London course was longer than 10k (by Garmin measures!). (Unless of course Reigate was short but I don't think so).. She's progressing well!

At the last Prom 5k I was 14 seconds (and 1 place) behind Sid D. Still struggling to catch him...he too is on a roll!!

....and then he gets to an actual win! But done sitting down :D

Last weekend (4th/5th) I won a race in a VR vest....although it wasn't running!!  At the Brighton Paddle round the Pier festival there was a competition to win a Kayak. Time trial qualification during the weekend, paddling the organisers kayaks (sit on type, not very speedy!) between two buoys. 4 to qualify for final on sunday. On my second attempt (with tide now unfavourable) I qualified by just 0.1 secs! , the slowest qualifier.The final was a le manns style beach start and race around a series of buoys. Despite a somewhat dodgy start I got into an early lead and was determined (you know how I am) to hang on, which I did, but only just!!  There were some publicity shots by Perception, the kayak manufacturer, with me proudly sporting my VR vest.

Later that afternoon I was back at Heather Mill(McCartney)'s newly opened cafe in Hove. She was really chuffed that a vegan had won..she even wanted me in one of her T-shirts etc. Wanted to talk about future events, so she took my number!!! 

ps prize was to keep the kayak we were using. But i'm looking to trade it up for a sea kayak. But I was well chuffed I can tell you!

as well you might be- congratulations Dave!

 

 

 

 

Birmingham Half Marathon, 11 October

Earlier this year we were intending to target the Birmingham Half Marathon but there was no announcement of a date. It was only recently that I found out through new member Phil Griffiths that it is on again and scheduled for Sunday, 11 October 10am. Fortunately it is 4 weeks after the Robin Hood Half & Full Marathons. Not sure if I can make it otherwise a possibility of a meet-up for the locals. I know orginally some Vegan Society staff were interested.

The event is not listed on the Runners'World website otherwise the link is

http://www.birminghamhalfmarathon.com/

Running Vests Re-stocked

A further order of VRUK running vests has arrived, replenishing the depleted stock following the Bristol Vegan Fayre and a large order from Germany. We now have all our usual sizes in stock: female 30 - 40in and male 30 - 46in. If you would like to buy a vest or any other clothing currently in stock please use the order form available on the website www.veganrunners.makessense.co.uk .

Regards
Peter Simpson
Club Secretary

Wyre Forest Half - mud + hills

We hear from Paul Snell, who has been enjoying himself, sort of...
I have 2:14 for the Wyre Forest half on Sunday. It was murder, definitely the hardest race I have ever done. Lots of hills, lots of mud, but very beautiful forest run. I managed to get around without walking, only just though!
(Peter S. says he knows what it's like in winter round there and concurs...)

High Weald Marathon (for some added value of marathon)

Just in case you were all wondering, yes Anna was running a marathon last weekend...
This weekend I recorded a PW (personal worst) time for the marathon. So, the High Weald Marathon (26.6 miles, trail) was my slowest yet. But that's ok: I planned on adopting a run-walk strategy to save my legs for a longer run next week. Plus it was an LDWA event so following the four-sides-of-A4 route instructions slowed things a little. And it was rather hot and muggy - where was the lovely rain I was promised?!

It was another beautiful course in the countryside, not far from East Grinstead. All the usual ingredients of fellow runners, hills, mud and stiles - lovely!

Oh, the time was 5:56.
Anna is planning to do the Ridgeway 85 later this year, so she really does want to keep her legs in good nick for that!

For any S. Wales runners

There is a regular ParkRun 5k in Cardiff (http://www.parkrun.com/cbtt_home.aspx) where you may well find Helen Watkinson &/or Cedric David - I've just had a result in for Helen (24:47) in for today's run. (And it's free! - but you do have to register in advance).

Hobbles & Hills

We hear from Anna Finn...

... about the Ridgeway. Er, I think challenges make us stronger? Or something like that anyway... [referring to my wimpish report of the Relay last month - Ed] Actually I ordered my map for the route today so looking forward to seeing on paper what it's like. But paper is always very flat of course. How it lies!

I realised I forgot to email you last week, so I have two runs to mention, both of which were hot and hilly and involved a fair amount of walking, in addition to being slowed a little by having to follow route descriptions.

Sunday 28th June was the Hertfordshire Hobble (Marathon) and 5th July was the Tanners Hatch Marathon, which is technically an ultra at 30 miles. Tanners involved several hills in Surrey, including Box Hill, which anyone who knows it [or has heard of it- Ed - urk! I think is the word] will understand when I say that my legs are still quite achy. There were steps and everything! (And lots of styles as usual with these events too.) The extremely steep downhills were the worst, but both runs made for very enjoyable days out in the countryside sunshine. Times were a moseyish 5:20 and 6:07 respectively.

I haven't got any photos, so you'll have to trust me when I say that I'm even more freckly and the white stripe from under my iPod armband is becoming increasingly contrasted with the rest of my skin. I'm appreciating the coolness that the thunderstorm has brought with it today...

Portsmouth Promenade 5k (race 2 of 3)

Sid DeLara reports in ...
Portsmouth Promenade 5k (race 2 of 3).    Wednesday July 1st. 7:30pm.

Adopting a hot pace on a hot evening, I finally managed to achieve what has proved to be a long standing ambition, to run a sub-19minute 5k, but only just, crossing the line in 18 minutes 57 seconds for a new PB, now I hope to develop sub 19 min consistency for the distance.
Also running Dave Arnold, who was the next runner home after me, in 19 minutes 11 seconds. Although not back to his normal standard, this was an improved preformance compared to some of his previous outings of late.
Sidney DeLara  18mins 57secs  50th (overall) v50 4th.
Dave Arnold.    19mins 11 secs 51st (overall) v45 6th.
 169 runners completed the course.

Lavant 5 Group Photo

Dave Arnold has sent us this picture from the Vegan Running D-Day and Lavant 5
L-R Sid, Chris West, Dave, Jane Gant

Llanelli Waterside 10 k - 21 June 2009

We hear from Debra Confrey...

Neil and I are new members and I found the club when I saw a vegan runners name on the entry sheet, although I don't think they ran in the end as I didn't see Vegan Runners on the results list.

Neil Confrey's chip time 45.25

Debra Confrey's chip time 53.57

She says they joined after the race - welcome guys!

Grand Prix Finale - Milton Keynes 10K (30/6/09)

The Milton Keynes 10K at the Open University is traditionally last of the eight race midweek series, 5 events for a series position. This year I missed earlier events due to injury and with the St Albans half marathon a personal target, the series was a lower priority this time.

It was a hot & humid evening so it was going to be difficult. Met up with Steve Parker my nearest VRUK member who was running his 2nd event for VRUK. As usual we started on a sports field with about 300 metres on grass before entering the roads for the first 2-3K followed by cycle/pedestrian paths. It certainly was not comfortable in the heat and was relieved to reach the drinks station at halfway. Despite the heat I seemed to be slowly overtaking most runners near me but at about 6K injury struck with a familiar calf strain but fortunately it was not too bad, only slowing me slightly.

Finished fairly well and was pleased to achieve a sub-43 mins time (42.45). Steve had a good run 45.25 not running with his veggie partner this time who also improved by a 1 min on her previous 10K run.