Vegan Runners UK

2012-02-11T22:21:00.006Z

Update for Members & Supporters of the Sanctuary

2012 so far...

Apart from the last week or so the weather has been better than expected - although of course it is never ideal for Fiona to be outside for so long during the Winter months and this last week Fiona has been struggling with Flu.

Despite our position we were unable to see Pippa, Dino & Holly Dogs be put down and so agreed to take them in in the past few weeks. Also two more horses have been saved (Princess Nuala & Ghost) & not forgetting Eve the Calf who we rescued at Christmas!

There are 2 key reasons for this update:

First is to explain (for those who do not yet know) that Fiona is hoping to compete in the toughest foot race on the Planet - the Marathon des Sables which is held annually in the Sahara Desert in April. Despite her disability (knee replacement) Fiona has completed over 20 marathons and holds no less than 4 course records (2 in the UK & 2 in Finland).

Fiona is running as part of the Facing Africa team (who carry out facial rebuild surgery on the victims of the disease NOMA see http://www.facingafrica.org for details. Fiona has to raise a min of £5000 for this cause. (any shortfall we will have to fund ourselves privately)

We have set up a donation page at http://www.towerhillstables.com/MdS2012.html

As you will see there are 3 sponsorship options - one for Facing Africa, one for the Animals at the Sanctuary & one for the Vegan Society who are helping promote the event.

The Marathon des Sables is 154 miles across the Sahara desert, carrying all your supplies for 6 days on your back in temperatures up to 50 degrees C & below freezing at night. One of the stages is 50 miles alone !! It's not for the fainthearted.

This is the ultimate test of endurance & we believe that Fiona will be the first female Vegan to attempt this. I, (Martin), will be taking annual leave from my job to look after the animals in April when the event occurs. It will be featured on Eurosport and hopefully will raise awareness for the incredible work that Fiona does.

The second reason is an appeal to help with the Winter feed bills. The colder weather means that we need to feed more to keep the animal warm & healthy. We fully appreciate the difficult economic climate that we all find ourselves in, and this has resulted in overall membership dropping to around 240 people. Clearly we have to carry on feeding everyone and this makes it much harder for us. Thank you to all who are helping the animals here

As you know, we are not a business and we do not do this for a living - nothing is taken from donations as income, expenses or rent - it all goes towards the feed bills.

If you can help by sending an extra donation for the animals, we would really appreciate it.

Alternatively, if you are not a member and would like to help the animals by joining the Sanctuary, you can do so from just £1 a month - see the link here to see how to set up a regular standing order http://www.towerhillstables.com/Help.html

Donations can be made by paypal to fiona@towerhillstables.com or by cheque payable to Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary, posted to us at Asheldham, Essex, CM0 7DZ

Please pass this onto anyone who may be interested !

Thank you very much

on behalf of Fiona & the Gang !

London Training Session, 12 Feb

2012-02-10T11:48:00.001Z

Message from Peter Simpson - the training session in Regent's Park is going ahead this Sunday, meet 1030 inside the Hub cafe. I shall be in Birmingham leading the session in Cannon Hill Park so I leave it to the runners attending to decide on the format & route of the session. If you are not keen on intervals especially if the conditions are not ideal (patches of ice say), go for a long group run around both Regent's Park and Primrose Hill and use the track for intervals where there will be good grip. After the session, meet back in the Hub cafe where you can discuss plans for March and beyond. Best of luck.

Birmingham Training Session, 12 Feb

2012-02-08T11:18:00.002Z

Message from the Peter Simpson - the training session in Cannon Hill Park is currently (8 Feb) still going ahead, meeting up at 11am at the entrance to the mac building on the park side but it could change depending on weather conditions and interest from runners. If you are still interested please confirm it with the Club and ensure I have your mobile/landline number.

Peter Simpson
veganrunners@talktalk.net
07967 589663 / 01908 503919

Brighton Half Marathon Meet-up, 19 Feb

2012-02-08T00:03:00.006Z

Message from Peter Simpson - We know that several members are entered for the Brighton Half marathon, scheduled for 19 February, start time 9am from Madeira Drive near The Pier. Best of luck to everyone running, lets hope we have milder weather than we have present. I shall be traveling down from Milton Keynes on the day by public transport so will not be there for the start but I guess other members not entered from the area will be there in support at the start. I may arrive to see the first runners finish and possibly take photos around 12 miles. Alternatively I may bring the small banner normally used at the finish of the London Marathon, "Congratulations Veggie / Vegan Runners". That may help to attract attention or find our meeting point!

Following your run and for supporters, our meeting point for a drink / refreshment is the Aloka in East Street, off Madeira Drive, a short walk back along the course towards the town. It is an opportunity for the members who need to leave early to meet your colleagues. For members & supporters staying for lunch, we will take the opportunity of visiting Idyea Vegetarian Kitchen at 17 Kensington Gardens, North Laines off Gloucester Road. We will aim to meet in the cafe by noon.

Paul Loader's debut 10K in Chichester

2012-02-06T15:50:00.002Z

Despite the overnight snow the Chichester 10K went ahead as planned, featuring the regional 10K championship on a fast course, a venue where five VRUK members competed in 2007. Paul used it as part of his marathon training for London, a distance he is more familiar. Paul wrote on Facebook VRs:

It was great to run my first ever 10k race today. I was spurred on by seeing Dave Arnold at the start of the race, I was expecting him to go past me any minute; great to see you Dave. GO Vegan Runners!!!

Had to laugh at one of the stewards who told me as I ran past him that I needed more protein.

Not sure where Dave came (ed: 40.12, 161st) but I've just looked at the website now & believe I came in 92 place with a time of 37min 36sec (92nd / 1435) and very happy.

Vegan runner training in Poland, 2/2/12

2012-02-06T15:23:00.005Z

Piotr Pacoriek wears the vegan runners top in Warsaw, Poland and is currently awaiting a further delivery of kit. I was wondering how he was coping, a week or so ago he reported it was -15C but was still keen to run!

Thanks for your concern. Indeed, it is really cold here, however the situation is not so tragic. There have been 45 cold weather casualties since October in Poland. Countries with the real cold problem are Ukraine, Romania & Bulgaria.

Anyway, my first half marathon will be at the end of this month, no matter what the weather is, I must stick to my working plan. Last Thursday's training was the hardest I ever had. I had to run in -23C. I did 8 km (it was speed training). I did 11 km yesterday and 17 km today and the temperature was - 17C but sunny and no snow. It helped a lot. Please, find a picture attached so you can see how does it look like to run in such a weather. Overall, I feel really great, just trying to eat as healthy as possible, drinking lots of tea with lemon as well as green tea.

London Training Session Rescheduled for 12 Feb

2012-02-03T20:15:00.002Z

In case you are not on the mailing list, the forecast potential disruptive weather this Sunday, 5 February has led us to reschedule the Regents' Park training session to the following Sunday, 12 Feb. Meet inside the Hub cafe at the normal time of 1030. I am likely to keep to my original arrangement of leading the Birmingham session so hopefully you can make it a team effort to complete the hour session.

Canterbury 10 Revisited. Keith Gilbert.

2012-01-31T15:19:00.005Z

On Sunday[29 January]I ran in The Canterbury 10 2012.My last two efforts at 10 milers were hindered by freakishly hot weather and yielded for me rather disappointing results.Ironically my last go at the above was in 2009 and was in"driving rain and howling winds" so on a cold drizzly Sunday morning conditions seemed pretty idyllic!

This is quite a popular event with 889 finishers,it was listed in February's Runner's World "5 To Try",but we shouldn't take too much notice of what Runner's World say!

It's a good rural course with a couple of "fierce hills" and a few rutted off road stretches despite being a bit bleak and drizzly.

After the 8 mile marker I could see a sign coming up which from a distance looked like 9 miles,but alas actually read "smile for the photographer".

There's a fair descent at the end along The North Downs Way which leads to the road on which the finish line is situated.

I completed with a chip time and position of 1:25:08, 558th out of 889 finishers. Although no great achievement, I was quite happy to have regained my sub:90 which has always been bit of a personal benchmark for me.Next time maybe sub:85

At the end of the race I fell into conversation with a girl from Canterbury Harriers who had run a X Country near Brighton the previous day and mentioned that she saw some Vegan Runners there who appeared to be going at quite a "nifty pace".

In February I have been invited to run as a guest in a Kent Fitness League XC held at Rough Common nr Canterbury.So I'll see how that goes.

Best wishes and good running, Keith.

South of England XC Champs, 28/1/12

2012-01-29T23:15:00.005Z

Peter Simpson reports on a day in the South Downs repeatedly climbing the hill in Stanmer Park as part of the men's 15K course, chosen for the 2012 Southern XC Champs.

The calm & relatively dry conditions underfoot helped keep our bodies mud-free. At the start, apart from the looming hill on the southern side we were not sure what to expect on this new course for veterans of cross country Dave Arnold & myself. The forest around the hill meant that we were learning as we covered the first lap. Normally the chosen course included three laps plus the section from the start and to the finish.

We were not quite sure if there were going to be three VRUK runners with Dave leaving his local address late to reach the venue via car & bike due to parking restrictions. Given the recent announcement that the FA Cup match between Brighton & Newcastle was going to take place later that day, all of the men's competitors or indeed anyone staying to see the men's race could not leave their car in the football car park. For Sam Wilson it was his first XC champs after disappointment 2 years ago when a fatality on the train journey to London meant the line ahead was blocked and he could not get to the championships in time. With Dave & myself lacking training and Sam improving with each year we were relying on Sam to lead us home. Christopher Shoebridge was also present to take photos as well as gain an insight into a XC championship.

Given the usual mid-afternoon start for the men's race, Christopher and myself took the opportunity of visiting the Infinity Foods vegan cafe in the centre of Brighton and taking the train out to the edge of Brighton adjacent to Sussex University. Luckily at that time my glasses frame came apart and not at the race so, an opticians was nearby.

The normal procedure for these XC events is for one team member to collect all of the club's race numbers and timing chips on the day from registration. For a club like VRUK, we are unlikely to be traveling together so timing is important. Sam arrived at our rendevous with just over 30mins to go but with Dave leaving late we could not wait around with the start line 100s of metres away. Hopefully Dave would find the registration in the sports centre. At the start line with a minute or so to go, Dave appears ready to run but unfortunately not with running number & timing chip so we accepted that Dave would get a run out but no recorded time.

Christopher was in position at the top of Stanmer Park to take photos and move between positions as the race proceeded. Christopher had earlier seen the women's 8K race.

I had not run for about 2.5 weeks due to a knee injury and was taking a risk due to the distance and hill climbing. The start was slower than anticipated as we all turned left soon after starting to complete a small loop including a halfway climb up the hill and down past the start. From there we had three loops but did not know it for certain at the start. We at first ran around the base of the hill to the far side and started the ascent. It was a tough climb with tree roots and the course meandering up to the top. It seemed to go on and on and by the time I reached the top, my legs were very tired and it was a slow recovery back to normal pace. Luckily at this point just before starting the slow descent, I had recovered sufficiently for Christopher's photo. Returning to near the southern end we started the slower climb to the top followed by a short distance later the more direct and steeper descent to complete the loop.

I seemed to be passing some runners on the hills but losing places going downhill or on the flat. Going up the hills for the 2nd & 3rd times was getting progressively slower and on the 3rd climb up the most difficult hill, it was only slightly faster than walking pace towards the top. It was surprising how quickly we recovered on the long downhills. Running down the long fast stretch for the 3rd and final time it was so easy to let go and forget your tiredness. Despite pushing hard down that last hill, I was passed by several runners in that final 50 metres or so straight. I noticed Sam & Dave were supporting from the sideline after finishing earlier.

Overall I thought I performed well after missing the 2.5 weeks and was not affected by any recurrence of the injury during the race. Sam had a very good run finishing the race in 421st out of 745 in a time of 1:07:37, Dave's approximate time was 1 hour 13 mins, position 565 - 575 and my own time 1:17:17 for 629th, slightly better than anticipated.

Photos to come from Christopher shortly otherwise check Facebook vegan runners group.

Lordshill Road Runners, Resolution 5K, Sun Jan 22nd

2012-01-25T21:30:00.003Z

First time this event held. Aiming primarily at beginners,i came on invite. 2 laps multi-terrain undulating course around Southampton Sports centre, starting at base of ski slope, going around cricket and football pitches through woodland and circumnavigating a boating lake. Just right aggregate of up/down. Very well marshalled, a free event with a goodie bag cannot be bad. For all the effort and enthusiasm of organisers only downside was lack of runners on day = 42 at start.
Arrived too late for warm up,so change and on to startline.Being more of a fun run, decided to moderately pace myself not go full out from start, stay unstressed and enjoy, came in 4th with a time of 18mins 41secs on a course that had to be shortened at last minute,one garmin reading gave a distance of 4.4k. Highlight of the day was an American when seeing my vest asked me if Vegan was a town near Southampton.

Sidney DeLara Resolution 5k(short) Sunday January 22nd 4th 18mins 41secs.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hammy8241/6741703309/

Fiona Oakes in Runner's World Mag (March 12)

2012-01-25T20:56:00.002Z

The next issue of Runner's World (March 2012) is already hitting subscribers floors with a thump and I recalled Fiona informing us that she will be getting some advertising for veganism and VRUK in this issue. On page 32, Fiona has an article in 'Backstory' and in a photo Fiona is modelling the VRUK crop top. In the heading it says 'Fiona Oakes, 45, Chesterfield', from my knowledge I believe that is Fiona's birthplace. The Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary that she manages is based in a corner of Essex.

Peter Simpson

Meet-up at South of England XC Champs, 28 Jan

2012-01-19T21:37:00.003Z

Peter Simpson attempts to generate support for the VRUK team at the Southern Men's Cross Country Champs at Brighton on 28 January.

Various age group events with separate races for male and female runners are scheduled to start at 11am in Stanmer Park. The men's event over a distance of 15K is the last, starting at 2.50pm. The later start for the men allow our runners: Dave Arnold, Sam Wilson and myself to consider lunch options. It is an opportunity to meet-up in the centre of Brighton before traveling onto Stanmer Park.

I am planning to be in the Infinity Foods Cafe, 50 Gardner Street, The Lanes from about 11.30am until maybe 12.50pm and you are invited to join me. I am planning to travel onto Stanmer Park by train on the 1.10pm to Falmer station adjacent to the park. Note that car parking at the event is £5 at the nearby Amex stadium.

After the event I will most probably have an early evening meal before heading back to Brighton station shortly before 7pm.

Peter Simpson
Team Secretary

Kevin Jones reports on his recent cross country debut

2012-01-18T18:41:00.001Z

Had a good time on Sunday at the McCain Cardiff Cross.

My first ever cross-country and the weather was very kind – unseasonally dry and bright but chilly.

The field was intimidatingly talented with Frank Tickner and Jonny Hay finishing first and second about 12 minutes ahead of me.

The course was brilliant, winding through the many trees of Bute Park and over playing fields. It was flat and moist without getting really sticky and we had to do 5 laps, so we got used to the terrain.

Being a newbie to cross-country I wore different running shoes for the first time in a race and opted for Nike Zoom XC spikes – blue and yellow ones – which were ultra-lightweight and despite some worries I had about the instep, I got used to them and their amazing grip. Another lasting impression was the extra bit of fatigue you get from the terrain I suppose, having to watch every step to avoid the muck, trees and other runners, as well as the continually varying level of the ground compared to running on a flat road.

I finished the 10.1K in 44:52 in 71st place out of 88, though my Garmin says 10.45K, and with dry socks (hurrah).

Dave Breen also ran and seems to be getting back to form after illness which was great to see.

The overriding impression I’ll take away was that running through such cracking scenery on such a gorgeous day and with the devoted support of my cracking and gorgeous girlfriend Michelle is something I want to do again.

Everyone should have a go at cross-country!

Aubrey's 2011 Triathlon Season

2012-01-18T15:25:00.002Z

Ed: Currently there are no results listed on the spreadsheet for Aubrey Thomas following a busy season of triathlons. Aubrey mentions briefly:

Most notable results for Aubrey Thomas were Windsor Triathlon 2.23 and Henley Ironman 13.11 , the ironman swim was in River Thames with 5 degree temp and it took 50 miles or so on bike before I could feel my feet again. I did various standard distance Tris and 2 sprint distance.

Peter Simpson

Next Birmingham Training Session, 12 Feb

2012-01-17T11:40:00.006Z

Message from your training session organiser, Peter Simpson:

The next training session at Cannon Hill Park, South Birmingham is going to be on Sunday 12 February. We will meet up at the park side entrance to the mac building at 11am and aim to start 11.15 – 11.30am. You are all invited, look out for members in the Vegan Runners kit. The session will last approximately one hour consisting of group running and intervals.

There are no changing rooms other than the toilets and similarly personal possessions cannot be deposited in the building whilst we are out running however, if like me you are traveling by public transport or on foot, arrangements can normally be made with other runners to leave bags in cars. I am likely to be traveling from Digbeth Coach station on foot, a useful warm-up.

If you need any further directions let me know and on the day my contact number is 07967 589663.

If you cannot make that Sunday, consider the weekly Saturday 5K Parkrun in Cannon Hill Park starting 9am, if you have not previously registered, visit www.parkrun.com. Member Allan Green normally runs in the VRUK top and would be pleased to see you. You may also be nearer to another Parkrun venue, click here.

Next Regents' Park Training Session, 5 Feb

2012-01-17T11:35:00.005Z

Message from the training session organiser, Peter Simpson:

The next Vegan Runners training session will be held on Sunday, 5 February, meeting inside the Hub Café at 10.30am and planning to start between 10.45 & 11.00 for approximately an hour. You are all invited, look out for members in the Vegan Runners kit. There are changing rooms on the ground floor and lockers for a deposit of £1. Afterwards there are showers if necessary, for a £2 fee payable at reception desk.

The sessions are for all abilities and include:

1. Group running at easy pace
2. Intervals to improve your speed
3. Maybe use of the nearby track
4. Hills in Primrose Hill or elsewhere in Regent’s Park.

Following the session there is the option of a social in the café or as agreed elsewhere.

If you are intending to come on 5 February, it would be useful to send an e-mail in advance in case there is any change or delay and for an idea of how many are expected. On the day, the contact number is 07967 589663.

There is a Club Training page on the website.

If you cannot make that Sunday, consider the weekly Saturday free 5K Parkrun, there are many venues in London, to find your nearest, click here. If you have not registered for Parkruns visit www.parkrun.com.

Regents Park Training, 15/01/2012

2012-01-16T17:37:00.011Z

What started out as a frosty morning, had more or less cleared in Regents Park by 11am when we started. The sunshine was wall to wall so an ideal day for a training run but wrapped up. The late arrivals ensured it was a good turnout with me as acting photographer & support due to the recent knee injury. It did not stop me walking from Euston and to various meet-up points on the training route. Our leader for the session was David Campbell who along with training friend Patrick, had run from Walthamstow to Regents Park via the canals as part of their marathon training.

After the initial photograph we headed north to Primrose Hill for a loop of the park then back to the nearby small track for relays between two groups with one group running a lap and the other group resting. After three laps we moved on to Regents' Park for a group run down to the lake and eastwards to the Broad Walk for a series of intervals slightly uphill to the monument. I met the runners there for a photocall and suggested the next and final two intervals giving our runners some further hill training, arguably the steepest of the session looping down to the lowest point in the park, around and back up to the monument.

Left: Christopher Caps, Patrick, Andrew Jackson, Clare Birchenough & Tim Pickering; Front left: David Campbell & Chris Dziadul. Photographer: Peter Simpson

We regrouped back at the busy Hub cafe for a well earned drink.

Peter Simpson

VRUK @ Cambridge Viva! Roadshow, 4 Feb

2012-01-12T15:17:00.005Z

VRUK has arranged with the Vegetarian Cycling & Athletic Club to hold a joint stall on 4 February. The event is being held in The Guildhall, Market Square, Cambridge and will be open 10.30am to 4pm. An opportunity to meet some of the members in the Anglia region, raise awareness of our activities with visitors, recruit new members & contacts and sell some kit.

For more details of the event visit Roadshow.

Peter Simpson

Barry Orr at the Portsmouth Marathon 18th December 2011

2012-01-10T21:30:00.000Z

Ed: New member Barry Orr reports on his first event as a Vegan Runner! Great Result Barry :)

My first Portsmouth Marathon, and my first marathon for the club, so thought I’d write a first report to say hi. And what a curious race it was! Probably the most mixed of courses I've been on: there were things to enthral, and things to go "what the heck?!

At the start, got timing chip successfully, and then chatting with fellow runners and warming up at the beginning. Then suddenly: off! Usually, you get a pre race briefing, a countdown, and then a horn blast to start, but all these were AWOL. Maybe I was just too far back in the pack to hear them? (But then again, guys next to me didn't hear it either...).

Nice first few miles, and good cheery locals willing you on in the first mile or so. This is the first marathon I've done following a recent knee complaint, so I didn't push too hard to begin - fearing collapse, but I had nothing to worry about in the end. That dodgy ol' joint, although it twinged at times, held up well. Race had a number of surfaces - roads, loose stones and gravel, grass and wood floor - nice variety, and gave joints a valuable rest at times. Also a first experience, albeit briefly, was running on and through on seaweed. Was it weird? A little :)

The coastal path is very narrow in places, which lead to a lot of bottlenecking. Also some narrow gates to pass through at times, and an odd climb up a steep hill by side of a river, where you had to wriggle through trees in a bottleneck (stopping then for a short while altogether), and climb over a fence to get to the main road. Not marshalled this bit, and if you hadn't been following other runners, you wouldn't know where to go or what to do. Def bit of an oversight on organiser's part. Also, was it just me, or were there a few mile markers missing along the way? (which I was timing my progress by, so that hurt!). Stolen by local scallies? Chances of a PB then were not looking too promising.

Nevertheless, made the second half of the marathon in just over two hours. My PB for whole marathon is 3:55, set in Isle of Man last year. So I had high hopes I could do something close to this, if conditions stayed good.

But alas, I was to be thwarted. Started getting major stomach cramps just after mile 17. The threat of fluids, and more, escaping from my body in a variety of colourful ways seemed ever present from there on in ;) As a result, really needed those water stations psychologically, and they were well placed around the course. And fight those coastal winds boy, fight em! It was obvious now though my pace was slowing, and was a tough battle to get to the end. Managed to keep fluids in though, I’m sure you’ll be glad to hear, and got there. 4:11. Def not then my best, but could have been worse too.

Good medal at the end, scrummy vegan friendly energy/protein bars, and the best race t-shirt I've yet seen - lovingly made, and one you'd be proud to wear at the gym a few days later. I also met one of the 100 marathon club guys who has done an amazing, a staggering (for me at least) 856 marathons! That's right, 856: you read correctly. And yep, he's going for the 1000. I felt a friggin baby in comparison. But let's look on the bright side. I've only got 848 to go to match him. Should be a cinch :)

So to summarize:

Pluses: some nice coastal views and terrain

Good organisation generally, especially right at the finish.

Good atmosphere among runners

The Portsmouth sunset over the ocean after the race - gorgeous.

Minuses:

Bottlenecking

Some weird points on the course (aka, that hill!).

Marshals weren't all that smiley round the course - I know one or two might have been missing the Pompey match that afternoon to be a marshal, but really, try not to be look so sad about it... ;)

No showers!!! Not just this race I've got this barney with, to be fair. I'm getting a mite fed up with race organisers everywhere generally ignoring the need for them. If you're travelling many miles sometimes for a race, you can't always jump in the shower at home that afternoon! I'd wait half an hour for one after the race if need be, but could you provide a few? Please!

(I did find some nearby with effort in the end, but had to pay extra. Really, no "spirit of Xmas" generosity, or " season of good will" from local leisure centre staff, for some hot water...)

Race then overall: 3/5. If you're local, probably worth doing.

Merry vegan Xmas y'all,

Barry

Dave Arnold is back from Australia & NZ

2012-01-10T11:36:00.001Z

Ed:Dave is back from his 3/4 months tour of Australia & New Zealand and has made an early start to the New Year with a view to get fit for the Southern XC Champs in Brighton on 28 January.

Ed:Dave ran the Hove Park Christmas Eve Park Run and the automated report from Parkrun stated:

Congratulations on completing your 4th parkrun and your 3rd at Brighton & Hove today. You finished in 121st place, the 103rd gent out of a field of 474 parkrunners and you came 25th in your age category VM45-49. You can view the full set of results on www.parkrun.com. Your PB at Brighton & Hove remains 20:04. Your best time this year remains 21:46.

Ed: Dave makes an early start to 2012 reporting:

And on New years day I did a windy 5mile race on the Brighton seafront. Small turnout. 7th place, 35.00 bang on! On Jan 2nd I did a 5 mile cross country in 39.44 but no idea of position. It was part of West Sussex Fun Run League, at Hillbarn Golf course Worthing. 3 in 3 days...a good way to start but probably not the best way to continue....

Peter Simpson

Cannon Hill Park Training Session, 8/1/12

2012-01-09T18:32:00.003Z

From the left: Jane McCard, Rachel Xerri and Peter Simpson - pre-session photo.

The turnout was lower than anticipated on an ideal day for a winter training session. The session was a combination of group runs and out & back intervals. We finished off by visiting the mac building cafe where we were joined by Jasmijn, the Vegan Society CEO who was not well enough to train.

Hopefully with more notice and similar weather the turnout will be higher in February. The options are 5th, 12th & 19th Feb, please indicate your preferences by e-mail or a comment here

Peter Simpson

County XC Champs, Beds/Bucks at Wing 7/1/12

2012-01-09T12:33:00.004Z

The local county cross country championships is an event I try to support each year. Normally I am the only VRUK member competing but this year, Chris Simms joined just in time to consider this event. Chris is intending to run the Wellingborough multi-terrain series over the winter so the 12K at Wing would be ideal. Having run a half marathon time of 1.24 at the Bedford event a month earlier, Chris would not be overawed by the competitiveness of the championships.

Held at Cottesloe School, Wing near the border between Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire, the start area was probably at the highest point and exposed to the westerly wind. Many of the participating clubs erected their tents as meet-up points, etc. As usual there were separate age group events starting at 11am with the men's event the last one at 2.30pm. The start line was quite wide but I was in no mood to sprint off down the hill whereas Chris started quickly. There were 3 laps of 4K and from our viewpoint the course looked fairly dry, I had not checked shoes or legs of runners in earlier events!

Going through the gates between fields were the potential hazards with mud or other objects that could potentially cause a fall. The course was generally undulating throughout, the hardest climb probably at the end of each lap. In the early stages I was overtaken by many runners otherwise my position was stable for most of the event. The course covered about five fields with tricky areas at the gates between fields where the amount of mud varied and there were other objects that potentially could cause a fall. One guy appeared to have dropped his keys in the deepest mud and was searching with his hands.

It was a tiring race so was relieved to be running the final lap and appeared to save enough energy to put in a good finish. We had to climb another 20 metres or so shortly before the finish line so was exhausted. There were still some runners to finish otherwise was not expecting a good position or time, in fact I took 57.55 and was 51 / 57 in the Bucks Champs and 105 / 122 overall. More importantly I was 6th V50 in the Bucks Champs.

For Chris it was his first XC champs and with not much training after the Bedford Half, he did well to finish 32 / 57 and overall 53 / 122. The following weekend Chris runs in the 1st of the Wellingborough 15K multi-terrain series.

Dan Watson's Hill Racing Season

2012-01-02T19:48:00.002Z

Dan Watson who joined in spring 2011 and is one our Scottish members, specialises in hill racing. We have just received his results for the year consisting of 24 events from the time he joined up to November. All of his results have been added to the spreadsheet otherwise Dan commented on the Scottish Hill Runners Championship events:

I was 16th V40 male out of 38 completers and 29th male (all males) out of 80 completers.

Milton Keynes Park Runs - 17 & 31 Dec

2012-01-01T20:00:00.006Z

Peter Simpson reports on only his 3 & 4th Park Runs in nearly 2 years it has been running.

Normally busy campaigning on a Saturday so not many opportunities during the year, cross country championship events also held on Saturdays take priority. Unfortunately when I had planned to do the Park Run on 17 Dec it was very icy and took risks cycling the 3 miles to Willen Lake where it is held. Not the best ice skater wearing running shoes, I held back or ran round the dangerous spots. Despite the conditions, there was still a good turnout of 152 and a few sub-18 mins otherwise a personal worst for me of 23.13.

After a Christmas break I was back for the New Year's Eve run and was almost certain to be faster. Apparently the Christmas eve run had a record turnout of 309, I guess not much shopping left for these runners. Back to NYE, I thought I was near the front on the start line but with a narrow path ahead it was easy to get boxed in by slower runners. With so many regulars, the competition has increased over the period it has been running. Once we start climbing towards the canal towpath the runners begin to spread out and I am able to get into my normal stride. Gradually overtook many runners and as I started the loop around the southern lake there were comments from a group of runners who when they saw me pass, started a discussion on the theme of vegans being slim.

In the final push for the line I did lose one place but cannot win them all! I turned out to be 38 / 281 in 21.34, 1.39 faster than the icy run of 17th Dec.

Pub2Pub/ Basingstoke Park Run/ Serpentine Brookes Hyde Park New Years Day 10k.

2012-01-01T17:25:00.004Z

Serpentine RC Brooks New Years day 10k Jan 1st.
Basingstoke park run 5k Saturday December 31st
Portsmouth Joggers Pub2Pub 7+miles road run Tuesday December 27th.

Tuesday Pub2Pub started in Village of Horndean ,outside a pub, just north of Portsmouth goes out along rural roads to nearby village, where you turn outside that village pub to come back again= out and back with one big hill=up/down, my time was 51 plus mins but results take a long time to appear (i know from last year)for this one.
Ran the Basingstoke 5k on Saturday (22nd 20mins 49secs) so risky tactic given i was doing the Hyde Park 10k next day coming off New Years Eve. Got to bed 1:15am but woken by Happy New Year message coming through on my mobile 2:30am. Up late so manic cycle ride to train. So not in best condition at start line and consequently over a minute slower than last years time for this event. I briefly caught site of Andrew Jackson the other Vegan Runner at this event but with just seconds before the off could not introduce myself. After the run went on a warm down with other runner i knew and on return could not see Andy anywhere.
Brookes Serpentine 10k Hyde Park Sunday January 1st.

81st 42:50 Sidney DeLara V55 (4th) M Vegan Runners/Southampton AC
178 48:35 Andrew Jackson V45 (30th) M Vegan Runners

Bedford Half Marathon, 11 Dec

2011-12-29T18:33:00.004Z

New member David Campbell reports on the popular half marathon between Bedford and Milton Keynes, possibly the last of the year? Cycling the 15 miles to the venue both ways is enough for me! Peter Simpson

"The Bedford Half" was my first official half marathon and my first race for Vegan Runners UK. My friend Patrick (from ELR and ELT) traveled early from East London but by the time we parked we were on the last bus to the start of the race. Likewise we'd not much time to spare to collect timing chips and find our way to predicted 8 minute mile position. The race was probably the most crowded I'd been in, with 1500+ runners, so I'd found it tricky at the start.

After a couple of miles Patrick and I settled into 7.5 minute miles which was faster than predicted. At 6 minute miles and the onset of hills I started to break away from Patrick. The long hill lasted up to mile 9 or so and I'd managed to catch up with fellow triathlete Graham (ELT). As the hill flattened and started to go downhill from Cranfield Graham and other runners I'd passed started to overtake me. Still, I enjoyed the long downhill till mile 11. By which stage I needed a toilet break and had to take 2-3 minutes out.

When I returned, Patrick had caught up, and had to encourage me to keep up with the pace. We both ran at a nice even pace for the last couple of miles and ran the last bit of uphill to complete the race in just over 1:41. However, with the crowded start then official time was a tad over 1:40:00 which was very satisfactory.

I was delighted to see Peter Simpson after the race and we shared a tea together and a few snaps taken. We seen and cheered the local celebratory couple where the woman was on the wheel chair and the husband had pushed up and down the hills of Bedford. A very BIG Well Done to all those that took part and to Bedford club itself who organised a brilliant event.

Nobody would be impressed if it was easy

2011-12-26T16:11:00.001Z

Today I was off to the Aylesbury Boxing Day 5k and I was On A Mission.

Last year a friend at work who I'd been running with at lunchtimes had signed up for this as her first race. An interesting choice, as this is a club runners' race full of beady-eyed racing snakes, and indeed we studied the results and concluded that she would have to finish in under 36 minutes not to come dead last. A time which would be a bit of a stretch.

But of course, along with most of the races last December, it was snowed off. Didn't happen.

And she got caught up in her new job at a different firm and the training suffered (though she did do a 5 mile run in San Francisco on a work trip by dint of getting very lost!).

But this year I got in touch and asked if she was still going to do it. I'll come along and run it with you, I said (nobly casting aside the chance to have a lie-in on a Monday morning). (I also said, "Are you sure you wouldn't rather do the Marlow 5?" which is rather more beginner-friendly, but no! the Boxing Day 5k it had to be).

She started training again and I ... promptly caught a cold and hoped that her training wasn't going too well! But it's a great day for a race. No traffic, free parking, and the race HQ was a nice warm pub right by the start and finish! Where we bumped into Shazza (who some members may remember) and her mum in the Ladies' loos, where there was no queue!

It wasn't entirely clear which way we should face for the start - so we did the thing where you line up, realise that you're right at the front and have to beetle round to the back again.

We set off at quite a brisk pace and I decided not to mention that the back marker marshall was not in sight behind us. At first my friend was quite chatty and going well, but it is by no means a flat course and as we overhauled the nice lady from Bearbrook Joggers who said, "We train on this hill! I hate it!" it was by no means clear that we'd stay ahead.

My mate's hubby and four children were waiting to cheer her on as we ploughed on through the town centre again and then - then we had to face THE HILL once more. We overtook Ms Bearbrook (who was power-walking the hill :D) and then my friend (who was by then beyond speech and pretty exhausted) stopped, gasping, and leaned on a car for a second. A second being the time it took to (ahem) "persuade" her into motion again as a Bearbrook Joggers vest went past us.

At last though the finish was in sight - and so was Ms Bearbrook - whose kindness and encouraging words were repaid rather cruelly when my friend got her second wind and sprinted past her through the finish arch before collapsing to her hands and knees, having given her all.

First race finished - tick

Under 36 minutes - give or take ten seconds, yes

Not last - tick

I hope she is very proud of herself, because she undoubtedly worked harder than 99% of the runners in the field. She didn't take the easy option of a race with a big field but entered knowing that she would be running through empty streets and might well be coming dead last.

I hope to be inspired by her efforts the next time I want to stop in a race...

Merry Xmas everybody, and a Happy New Year!

Maria

Santa Came Early at The Great Valley 10K Run.

2011-12-26T13:04:00.004Z

On Christmas Eve I cycled the 7 miles down to the village of Bishopsbourne in Kent to take part in the above run. " Fancy Dress preferred but not essential", not having a wardrobe of fancy dress obviously some improvising was required; so Santa Hat, red vest over white T with red and white striped Sport Relief socks would have to suffice!

The event was organised to raise money for The Pilgrim's Hospices. It was a scenic course through The Elham Valley, mostly on country road but also included three stretches of muddy bridleway, with a couple of fiddly gates to stop and open [ no I didn't vault over them as demonstrated in a recent Trail Running magazine feature! ]

The end brought us to the village pub which was also the event HQ. It was very much a fun run with no official times or positions. In fact although it was billed as 10K my Garmin recorded 9.29K which would explain my improved 10K time of 48:56.

So after a quick half of dark winter ale and a natter outside the pub.......I cycled home for Christmas.

Happy New Year to you all, Keith Gilbert.

Merry Vegan Elf at Abingdon Xmas Eve Parkrun

2011-12-24T19:30:00.001Z

Hi - Maria here.

I was marshalling at Abingdon parkrun today which was "fancy dress" and thought you should all see Nik W as a rather fantastic vegan elf! Photos by Adam D who was the parkrun photographer today and very lovely they are too.

Nik said though that he wasn't as fast as normal so he wouldn't recommend the getup for regular racing!

I should also have some pics from a Santa Dash a couple of weeks ago, must fish them out...

Merry Xmas everybody!

Running in Afghanistan!

2011-12-18T21:25:00.002Z

Stuart Voaden has been out of action this year due to work commitments in Afghanistan and has been in contact over the past couple of months. Stuart normally based in Wiltshire has restarted training in Afghanistan and reports:

I did the Camp Bastion half marathon on 15 Dec in a time of 1:42:31 (not great but I'm reasonably happy with it). There is another one on New Year's day so I will hopefully have another result to send in soon. I'm looking forward to training and racing as a Vegan Runner next year when I get back home from Afghanistan.

Stuart

Boscombe 5k Dec 16th

2011-12-18T20:38:00.000Z

Boscombe 5k race 3 Fri Dec 16th

Having got to the SEAA Masters Cross Country event late on Saturday Dec 10th because of rail disruption on day. I was thus left to spectate Peter Simpson finishing the event. So on the plus side i was fresh on Monday to start training up for the Friday evening 5k along Boscome seafront. Training went well during week so i was in expectation of a good time. Boscome is an out and back 5k, during the winter sand blown on to promenade is left to lie, so a tarmac/sand running surface. At the halfway mark, your time is given to you as you turn, my 5k target this year has been to break 19mins , having got to within 5 seconds of it previously, so when 10mins 08 was shouted at me enthusiasm waned for the last 2.5k and i crossed the line in 20mins 35secs.

Boscombe 5k Dec 16th.Sidney DeLara 53rd /168 runners 20mins 35secs M V 55 2nd.

Vegan Welsh 15 Peaks

2011-12-18T12:32:00.003Z

New member Kirsch Bowker from North Wales sends out an invitation to members:

I wonder if there is anybody interested in running a Welsh 15 peaks with us on 16 June? Its a tough but rewarding route, I'm arranging a support crew and can probably sort accommodation too.

I’m talking to Salomon re sponsorship, if we can agree then they will help with publicity etc

For more information visit Facebook

Kirsch

Last Call for Cross Country Entries

2011-12-17T15:12:00.003Z

Your Club Secretary is responsible for entries of members representing VRUK in many of the regional and national championship events. Any members who wish to enter any of the following events must be registered with England Athletics via VRUK (2nd claim members should contact their 1st claim club). For the regional champs you must be eligible to compete i.e. born in the region or hold at least 9 months residence. The events relevant to our members are intended for senior runners although veterans / masters are welcome. The women's event starts around 2pm and the men's shortly before 3pm (full details to be given in advance).

28 Jan - Midland Counties XC Champs, Wollaton Park, Nottingham (closing date 17 Jan)

28 Jan - North of England XC Champs, Pontefract Park (Racecourse), Wakefield (closing date 8 Jan). Entry fees received from Helen Fines & Martin Stacy.

25 Feb - English National XC Champs, Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath, London (closing date 4 Jan)

Entries for the South of England Champs on 28 Jan in Brighton are now closed, we have entered: Sam Wilson, Dave Arnold & Peter Simpson.

If you would like to run in the English XC Champs, you will need to inform me by 29 December, the cost is £6 payable to 'Vegan Runners UK' or direct to the club account 08-92-99, a/c 65419869 (send a confirmation e-mail to veganrunners@talktalk.net ).

Address by post:

Vegan Runners UK,
13 Peers Lane,
Shenley Church End,
Milton Keynes MK5 6BG

Look forward to hearing from you.

Peter Simpson

South of England Masters Cross Country, 10 Dec

2011-12-14T12:25:00.002Z

Lloyds Park, Croydon

The cross country season started here for Peter Simpson after missing the Herbert's Hole event from Chesham a few weeks earlier due to public transport delays. The event on Lloyd's Park in Surrey included separate races for the South of England Inter-Counties Championships (7 events), masters men's V50-69, women's V35+ and men's V40-49 so the race schedule was fairly complex. The men's V50-69 event was the first at 11am so I had to be there early and luckily the train was on time.

The organisation was rather haphazard at Lloyd's Park but at least we had a changing room. Conditions were dry in relation to cross country but still frosty in the shade so had to look out for the hard patches rather than the opposite. Training for me has been rather limited in the autumn with few events so could not expect a repeat of previous times. The course was rather unknown but from views of the surrounding area it did not appear to be too challenging.

Off we went at 11am, heading across a sports pitch and into the woods. I immediately took up a rear position and soon lost further places but I was not aiming for a time, more like a restart with other cross country events scheduled for January & February when I hope to be more competitive. The course was one small loop and two large loops but coming towards the end of the first large loop I was beginning to doubt my fitness. The main hill was at the start of the two large loops and on the second occasion it was a struggle but a few others were also finding it hard which gave me a little boost. Following the main hill I settled into a stride for that last lap and after the remaining climbing was over finished fairly well although not passing any competitors. The time of nearly 47 mins was some 3-4 minutes slower than other times that I recall at different venues although XC courses are not meant to be accurately measured.

Sid Delara was also entered but I had not seen him at the start so unfortunately he did not make and it was only when I finished that Sid approached me to say that the trains had let him down, arriving 15 minutes. He did have the option of running the men's V40-49 event after 2pm but decided that the competition would be too tough due to the age difference. We did however watch the remaining of the inter-counties races and the men's v40-49.

Next cross country race - Buckinghamshire & Bedfordfordshire Champs, 7 January

Peter Simpson

John Bateson, Luton Road Marathon, 20 November 2011. 3hrs 1min 3secs.

2011-12-01T18:09:00.001Z

...follow up to Peter's message about my marathon run...

Luton road marathon - nice, varied course, with three laps of a roughly 9 mile loop taking in some urban sprawl, a few country views, mostly tarmac but with a little bit of off-road. Not quite as flat as I'd allowed myself to believe.

The splits tell the sorry story of this, my first road marathon for a very long time. Lap 1 = just under 55 mins, lap 2 = just under an hour, lap 3 = just under an hour and 7 minutes. Ho hum. Twenty sixth place, 3.01.03.

I didn't hit the wall or any of that kind of thing - it felt hard to begin with, then got progressively harder until it eventually finished. I looked so rough at the end that someone shouted "only one lap to go", assuming I was one of the five hour finishers with a 9 mile loop remaining.

The pictures tell a story - I'd love to post some but, as some have noted on these pages, marathon-photos.com do not offer a reasonably priced option for their photos. (I hope they will look into this!) Temporarily, they are here: http://www.marathon-photos.com/scripts/event.py?event=Sports/CPUK/2011/Luton%20Marathon&new_search=1&match=2754

The day slightly spoiled when I got back to my car to find a dead battery. I waited for slightly longer than I'd taken to run 26 miles for the RAC to arrive. Had enough time to help some other unfortunates bump start their car (didn't bother asking for reciprocation, given I had help on the way - little did I know that the intial one hour estimate was wildly optimistic!), Got quite hungry and eventually forced myself (and my now seized-up legs) to head out to find a supermarket for bread and hummous.

In the end, though it wasn't as good a time as I think I'm capable of, I enjoyed the run, and will be seeking out a couple more marathons early next year.

Currently the Server for VRUK's website is down

2011-12-01T14:00:00.003Z

The ActiVeg server that hosts the Vegan Runners UK website is currently undergoing a major upgrade and hopefully should be back soon but no date/time specified. Meanwhile the VRUK blog is unaffected.

Regards
Peter Simpson
Club Secretary

Entries for Cross Country Champs

2011-11-28T19:53:00.004Z

Entries for the cross country champs are traditionally administered by a team manager or secretary within each club so, Peter Simpson will be entering members who will be representing VRUK, 2nd claim members will need to contact the club who registered them with their home country.

I am writing to you at this time as the closing date for the South of England Champs is 16 December so if you have previously indicated your interest in these champs, I shall need your entry fee no later than Monday, 12 December. The entry fee is £6 and you can pay direct to our Co-op Bank account with sort code 08-92-99, account number 65419869 and quote some indentifcation. Also send an e-mail to veganrunners@talktalk.net . Alternatively a cheque payable to 'Vegan Runners UK' and posted to

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

The English National Champs are held in London this year, close to many of our members so, it is a good opportunity for team entries or a significant presence. The entry fee is £6 and the closing date is 4 January so, it is important to receive your entry fees early no later than 29 December. Fees can also be sent to the above account.

If you are unsure which area champs you are qualified to run, get in contact with Peter Simpson. There are no qualifying standards for entry although it must be recognised that most of the area & national champs are senior events with no prizes for masters / veterans unless stated as masters champs.

Myself and Sid Delara are entered for the South of England Masters over-50 Champs, scheduled for 10 December at Lloyds Park, Croydon, Surrey.

For the Welsh National Champs, there are no further details at the moment other than date & location as given below.

The distances for men are normally 12K and women 8K, except for the South of England Champs where the men's distance is traditionally 15K. Race numbers and chips are picked up on the day by a nominated team manager for each event. At the South of England event and the English National Champs, Peter Simpson is likely to be the team manager on the day.

It would obviously be useful publicity to have VRUK members in many of these champs.

7 Jan - English County Champs, various venues & maybe other dates

28 Jan - South of England Senior Champs, Stanmer Park, Brighton (closing date 16 Dec)

28 Jan - Midland Counties Senior Champs, Wollaton Park, Nottingham (C/D 17 Jan)

28 Jan - North of England Senior Champs, Pontefract Park (Racecourse), Wakefield (C/D 8 Jan)

29 Jan - North Wales Champs, Rhug Estate, Corwen

4 Feb - Scottish National Masters Champs, Kilmarnock

18 Feb - Scottish National Senior Champs, Callendar Park, Falkirk

18 Feb - Welsh National Champs, St Fagans, Cardiff

25 Feb - English National Senior Champs, Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath (C/D 4 Jan)

Peter Simpson
VRUK Teams Manager

New 5K PB at Whitstable Parkrun.

2011-11-28T12:57:00.006Z

On Saturday I managed a new PB at Whitstable Parkrun. I was timed in at 24:03 replacing my previous 24:08 for 2 July 2011.

I came in an overall 22nd out of 75 and 1st out of 6 for the 55-59 men's race.

I seem to be the only regular Vegan Runner at Whitstable but I have become friendly with a running vegan who chooses to run unattached.

So with 24:03 I'm just a breath away from sub: 24 ..............

Keith Gilbert.

Birmingham Training Session, 27 November

2011-11-28T10:50:00.004Z

Highest Attendance at Cannon Hill Park

October's West Midlands Vegan Festival helped boost the attendance at our 5th training session in 2011, the 4th in Cannon Hill Park. There were seven of us on the day and many more were interested. After the early more showers it was bright and breezy. A craft fair in the community building ensured it was a busy area and gave us some extra publicity.

We started with a loop of the park, keeping together and onto the area south of the park for the main interval session. To help us keep together, the intervals were in pairs or out & back. Running parallel to the River Rea with a sports field on our right we ran at our fast pace to the other end and once the first runner reached the row of houses at the far end, we all stopped for a minute and ran back to the start point at speed. We repeated this three times or 6 intervals.

After a short break we jogged back to the park for a couple of out and back modest hill climbs followed by the longer interval down the other side to the northern end of the park. We then jogged back to the community building for a well earned refreshment in the cafe. Unfortunately with a change of staff in the kitchen, there was a lack of vegan knowledge, adding milk to the houmous and labelling the salad as vegan but adding honey. The serving staff seemed to take our comments on board so hopefully next time it will be better otherwise stick to the jacket potato & beans. Soya is available for hot drinks.

Peter Simpson
Training Session Leader

Michael in the Lake District, 5/6 November

2011-11-25T12:12:00.011Z

Pictures of Michael Fish during his events in the Lake District near Ullswater and Helvellyn on 5 & 6 November.

Dirty Double Weekend

I like to run 'unconventional' races and when I heard about the Lakeland Trails 'Dirty Double' I thought it was just my thing!

The 'Dirty Double' consists of back to back races near Ullswater in the Lake District.

On Saturday 5 November I ran the Helvellyn Trail Race (a 15km loop) in 1:15:25 (116th/370) and on Sunday 6 November I ran the Ullswater Trail Race in 1:20:04 (64th/162) - a 30 minute steamer boat ride from Glenridding to the start at Howtown on Lake Ullswater and then a 14km race back - Perfect.

Both routes were virtually all off-road and challenging in places with spectacular views of Lake Ullswater and the surrounding hills. Having trained in (flat) Norfolk I was very happy with my performance on the fairly hilly courses.

I was not disappointed and had a fantastic time in the Lakes, the weather and event organisers were great.
The race caterers, Falafalicious were perfect, hummus, falafel, veg chilli, pittas, soup, salad.....

I stayed in the Best Western Glenridding Hotel (mainly because it has a sauna and swimming pool!) and the restaurant catered well for my Vegan requirements, making porridge with water, veganising pizzas (extra vegetables in place of cheese) and serving an enormous jacket potato with beans and salad even though it wasn't on the menu!

These were my first organised races in my Vegan Runners vest and I got some nice comments ranging from 'Go Vegan' to 'and you're a Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif too' (when I was overtaking someone up a hill).

One big surprise was the group of 15 runners I met from my home town running club who had also made the journey up from Norfolk to the lakes!

All in all a great long weekend away in a beautiful part of the world and I look forward to running other races in the series next year:
(I was lucky enough to win spot prizes for free entry to some of next year's races).

www.lakelandtrails.org

Winners of VRUK's London Marathon Places

2011-11-21T13:23:00.003Z

The club announces the winners via its Selection Committee of 10 members:

1. Paul Loader (21 votes)

2. Kevin Anthony Jones (11 votes)

Reserve: Daniel Kirby (10 votes)

The voting was close for that 2^nd place. A reserve place is only available up to early February with the replacement entry form to reach the offices no later than 10 February.

For the applicants who did not make it this year and any other members interested in running a future London Marathon, please try again next year for the 2013 event via the general ballot and if not successful, apply again through VRUK. For the faster runners check the London Marathon website next year for automatic entry based on qualification times including age related times. You still need to submit your application based on the Virgin London Marathon website instructions.

Further Photos From Athens

2011-11-21T13:13:00.007Z

Post-race Photos of Victoria, Christos & Paul

Athens Marathon 13 Nov - Paul Loader

2011-11-19T20:56:00.003Z

After having just under 3 months to train for this race it came about quickly. I arrived in Greece on the 10th November & spent the best part of the 11th & 12th at the Filozoikos Neas Filadelphias dog shelter in Athens visiting friends and lending a hand with the dogs.

As I am sure some of you will be aware, myself, Christos & Victoria were all running this race not only as Vegan Runners but to help raise money and awareness for Greek Animal Rescue, a UK charity I am heavily involved with which works to alleviate the suffering of the strays living on Greek streets.

The day before the race all the talk was about the weather and how it was going to be a cool 10oC, raining and windy. A normal day at home in the UK then, I thought....
The night before the race I went to bed nice and early but due to the rock hardness of my hotel bed I found sleep impossible. I then commenced to wind myself up so much at the lack of sleep that I managed 2 hours tops that night! All the time I laid awake I could hear the wind building up nicely outside.

On race morning we arrived at the start point at around 7.30am. True to form it was a really miserable day. Strong winds, rain etc, coupled with the fact you had to hand your kit bag in around an hour before the start of the race to ensure collection at the end. I opted for wearing a running top with my vest over the top & a baseball cap as it really was cold and horrible. I also was given two clear plastic sacks to put over myself. With one I fashioned a head & arm holes and wore it as a top, the other I made into a makeshift skirt. Classy!!!

The race couldn't start quick enough.9am finally came round and I was part of the second wave of runners to leave after the elites. There had been much talk before the race about how tough it was due to the nature of it being uphill from 6-19miles. There were varying opinions of how long this would add to my time from initially 20-25minutes to chatting to people on the day who had run before it saying 15 minutes. My plan was to play it by ear but try and conserve a little energy for after the hills (the last 7miles).

The marathon itself follows the original route from Marathon to Athens.
At around 9 miles despite the appalling weather I was very quickly reminded of why I was there when two stray dogs ran into my path. They hadn't suffered so far in their lives thankfully unlike many of the dogs we help and were both very happy and playful. They pounced on each other as they ran and obviously picked me out as a dog lover when they sidled up to me. We ran together for just over a mile and they really lifted my spirits. I reached the half way point in 1.35 and although my legs felt good I wondered if I had gone off too fast? So for the first time ever I used my head & tucked in behind two guys who were running at roughly my pace. I ran with them for around 4 miles but on looking at my watch I realised I could possibly go sub 3.10 so I kicked for the next pack of runners. At around 18.75 miles I hit the last hill which left a few runners crippled and pulled up on the sidelines. I kept thinking back to my hill training and reminding myself of why I had been putting myself through it!

So with just over 6 miles to go I knew I had to just keep pushing. Looking at my Garmin data I now know that I managed to average around 6 minute 42 second miles for the last 7 miles which I am very pleased with as it's a dream of mine to crack the sub 3 hour mark next year and I know this is what I have to do in the latter stages.

The marathon finishes in the Panathenian stadium with lots of people willing you on to the line. But I was already shattered by that point.

I completed the marathon in 3 hours 7 minutes and 57 seconds beating my PB by just over 3 minutes. On this course I feel like this is a really good time. I was exhausted but a very happy man.

I have been informed that Christos, Victoria and I will have raised just over £3000 at the final count so we are all ecstatic.

I look forward to wearing the Vegan Runners vest next year in the spring when I hope to crack the sub 3 hour mark in whatever spring marathon that happens to be :)

Paul Loader

Maria's Hoover Damn Marathon 29/10/11

2011-11-10T12:39:00.000Z

Ed: Most people train months for marathons, Maria just pops down for the Hoover Damn Marathon whilst on holiday!!

Me & t'other half were on holiday in Nevada (mmm warm!) and decided to do this at the last minute - so I didn't have my VRUK vest with me. I wore the Helsinki t-shirt as at least it's green!

He did the 10k, I did the marathon. Sunny, warm, hilly (even more than Sussex, which Cherryl and Anna will remember from this spring) starting early in the day (7am) - I thought it would be good practice for Comrades. Ha. Ha. Ha.

Oh, and there's a Thai place in Vegas which has lots of tasty vegan options. I would not, however, recommend getting a takeaway from there the evening before a race. Whoops. Luckily, although the race was pretty small, they didn't stint on portapotty provision! Oh deary deary me...

We started at sunrise down by Lake Mead and had a steady 2.5 mile climb up to the cliffside trail where the railway line used in the Dam's construction once was. The rails are gone but the path is still there and it goes through six huge tunnels until you pop out at the top of the Hoover Dam carpark, giving you a fascinating view of the dam complex itself. Forget about tiddly little British railway tunnels - these were as high as a church nave! As you ran into them there would come a point where the light would catch the little puffs of dust kicked up by the runner in front, almost as if each step was a tiny explosion, a magical effect. Of course this played merry hell with my Garmin which decided I'd covered nearly 28 miles by the end (felt like it as well!).

Aid stations were regular and well-provisioned - water & "Heed" (a revolting but effective sport drink) and bananas & oranges, also some crackers etc. I mainly stuck to the water, Heed (holding my nose to drink didn't help!) and bananas. I had one segment of orange and it disturbed my stomach (more than it was already suffering from the combination of Tofu Laarp and a marathon!), so that confirmed the effect I'd noticed at Comrades - leave the oranges for everyone else! The bananas caused no problems (phew).

On the day there was a 10k, half marathon and marathon - the latter was pretty small (only 97 finishers) but as the races all overlapped and it was an out and back course you were rarely lonely. I was just toddling round so I would talk to the other runners as we went along.

One guy, Larry Macon from San Antonio, Texas, seemed to know everyone.

"Looking good!"

"Hi Larry!"

"How are you today?"

"Hi Larry!"

etc etc.

I ran and chatted with him for a while and it turned out that not only was it his 796th marathon but he is currently the record holder for most marathons in a year! He was full of fascinating stories and I really enjoyed running with him before (possibly thinking of my other half patiently waiting at the finish, having finished his 10k a good while ago!) he urged me to push on.

If you check out the official event photos (linky) there are a couple of us coming out of one of the tunnels, chugging along quite cheerfully.

A couple of other runners also deserve special mention - the chap with a pumpkin hat and the "pi" symbol on his t-shirt, who won the Hallowe'en fancy dress competition (mmmm pumpkin pie...) and Giovanni the retired marine, who ran the whole thing (the marathon) in fatigues and boots carrying a full-size flag on a heavy wooden staff. He was raising money for "Wounded Warriors" (like the UK's Help for Heroes). The longest he'd run in his boots before was only 10 miles, so he was pretty relieved to find that he could get to 20 and beyond without horrific blisters.

So..., I sound very chirpy but actually it was pretty tough - very much a case of "be careful what you wish for", as I did a lot of plodding along in the heat feeling not 100% well, very good practice for Comrades! Ha! My chip time was 5:22:41 which put me 69th out of 97 (but first and only Brit home :D). Bear in mind that the average finish time was 4:51. As the day wore on it got hotter and although the marshalls were uniformly encouraging, the out-and-back stretch of concrete path through desert scrub which made up the last few miles were very quiet and I found myself rather unmotivated! The finish line was a welcome sight but extremely low-key. The upside, as it always is for small races, is that each runner gets cheered home individually!

After I'd finished there was plenty in the way of fruit and other stuff being dished out free (in the shade) for the runners.

A well organized race, and the same people do others in the region throughout the year. They are expensive to enter, though, by UK standards (a lot of US races are for some reason) though you get a nice longsleeved tech tshirt and a good standard medal.

Maria's Eindhoven Marathon 09/10/11

2011-11-10T12:18:00.000Z

My third time back to Eindhoven, where I'd scraped my sub-4 time last year and nearly been lapped by the great Geoffrey Mutai the year before. This year the course had been changed to make it, allegedly, even faster (given that this is a typical Dutch town and flat as flat can be...!....). But as I read local newspapers I found out that the original race director had allegedly resigned over this, saying they were taking the marathon out of the heart of the town. Hmmm. I had already been disappointed to hear that now only the elite runners could have their own sports drinks put out along the route (in previous years anyone could, and your drink would be handed to you as you ran past! Now there was service!). Oh well.

The start had been moved a bit out of the town centre and didn't have quite the same atmosphere. As we headed out along the changed route which included long stretches of dual carriageway with a large dip to go under another main road and deserted stretches of ring road, I was still able to keep up with the sub-4hr pacers. Big mistake. I've always done best when I've run my own race and aimed for negative splits. The pacing was a little erratic, nothing major but enough to throw me off.

The old course took you all through the town centre at half way - the support would be tremendous at this point, like being a Tour de France rider and I'm not exaggerating. This year we skirted the centre at 13 miles and I missed the extra lift from the spectators, I must admit, although the changed route meant we were lapped by the lead group which was quite spectacular to see (2:05 pace!).

Although I was not having any problems from carrying all of my gels stuffed down my sports bra (not glamorous, but effective) and I didn't lose much time from walking a few steps to wash them down with cups of water, this was not working as well as the old gel+own sport drink combo of years past. My stomach started to hurt at about 30-33k. At this point I was still more or less on pace for four hours but I was feeling worse. The question arose - how much did I want this? Why did I want this? Unfortunately the demon on my shoulder said, "Sure it would get you a better start pen for Comrades, but much good Pen D did you last year!" and the angel on the other shoulder seemed to have gone off to the town centre for a beer. Major failure to zip up the man suit!

So the decision was reached - just to enjoy the last section of the race (there was a lot of shameless crowd milking as we finally wound our way through the town centre!), rather than (probably) still miss the 4h goal but feel rubbish as well! The eventual time was 4:04:15 (996/1278 overall, 24/42 in fv45 cat). The upside was that 2 years ago I finished in 4:05 and it was the hardest thing I'd ever done - this year I freely admit to slacking off in the final stages, but I was still quicker even so. Not all bad, then!

Karen Morgan in Bath Racecourse 10K 23/10/11

2011-11-09T01:56:00.000Z

I did my first official 10k in a couple of years on the 23rd October at Bath Racecourse ;-)

It was very tough going as it was also my first ever entirely off-road run so I'm not going to win any prizes for speed - but then again I never was going to anyway.

There were no accurate times taken but it was about (probably a bit less) 70 mins. I'd hoped to be a bit quicker but still struggle to do that distance in under 60 mins even in excellent conditions let alone when I'm nervous about twisting my ankle on rough ground!

Anyway, it was great to be back wearing my VRUK top.

Ed: Well done Karen :)

Dublin Marathon, 31/10/11

2011-11-09T01:47:00.002Z

Ed: Vegan Runners Kevin Jones, Michelle Rivett, and John Fulham all finished well, and put up with the poor weather. Report by Kevin...

Michelle: 4:39 PB by 3 minutes (web site thinks her gun time is the same as her chip time)

Kevin: 3:15:49 PB by 10minutes!

John Fulham (running for 1st claim Scottish club): 3:23:14 PB (target of 3:30) raising over £1500 for Prostate Scotland!

We had a great day - the crowds were brilliant.

I escaped the rain until I left my pint of Guinness and went to look out for Michelle, when it teemed down!

I ran from mile 3 to mile 17 with John Fulham which was really enjoyable - he's a great guy to run with.

I held my self back, sticking to a 3:20 pace until about mile 17 when I started to see how fast I could go and it was very satisfying running past everyone. So I had a great race, and this morning no real problems walking.

Michelle ran all the way, and by the look of her splits had a fast last quarter, like me, but got caught in the rain.

She was chatting too, mainly to pace runners and Irish policemen!

Restaurant Cornucopia was fantastic - we went there once for each of the 3 days and I had some gorgeous salads and fresh fruit juices there.

2011-11-02T22:56:00.003Z

Ed: Vegan Runner Sidney's biggest challenge at the Great South Run on Sunday was just to get to the start...!

A member of my other club Southampton AC had to drop out due to injury, so he gave me his number for the BUPA Great South Run 10 mile run on Sunday.
I set off to get a train to Portsmouth at my local train station in Southampton, meeting up with other runners there, one of whom knew that there would be a replacement bus service for part of the way. Unfortunately there was no information at the station to inform that the bus would not pick up at the station but around the corner in front of a Pub. So we now faced the possibility that we would not make the start.
We got the bus in the other direction to Southampton Central, the intention to get a refund and use the money to get a Taxi. Only the station manager could give this the go ahead and he was late for work. So catching the 9:35am train, meant in the end getting to the start line just in time to start at the back of a record field of 24,000 runners.
As I was not running under my own name I was obliged to attempt damage limitation and ran the whole 10 miles weaving in and out, trying to get past the slower (running slow on the day) fun runners, continually stopping/starting.
Running for myself I would have realised the limit of the situation and just jogged around and enjoyed the day, bands playing, massive support. To cap it all my legs cramped up 30 metres from the finnish line attempting a sprint finish and it took me over a minute to uncramp/get my legs moving again and stagger over the line. So obviously a personal worst for the distance, running as Peter, the Vegan Runner.

Sidney DeLara (late starter) BUPA Great South 10 miles Portsmouth. Sunday Oct 30th.
1 hour 20 mins 34 secs. 2,350th/24,000 runners

London Training Session, 13 November

2011-11-01T00:58:00.002Z

The members have chosen Sunday, 13 November as the next monthly training session at Regents’ Park. The meeting point will be upstairs inside The Hub Café at 10.30am and we will aim to start between 1045 & 1100. Contacts and other runners new to these sessions are welcome.

The format for the training session can be decided on the day otherwise a session normally starts with a group run of 10-15 minutes (keeping together) followed by a number of intervals either point to point or number of minutes (eg 6x2mins at your personal fast pace with re-group jog and a short recovery eg 30 secs), further group run of 5 minutes, a longer point to point or circular run at below your fast pace (tempo run) and finally group run to the Hub. Note that there is a training news item on the website. After the session runners have the option to meet up for a drink in The Hub Café.

A named leader / contact on the day for the session is not yet is not known. When we have more information it will be announce here or on the website otherwise on the day look out for members wearing vegan runners kit.

Peter Simpson
Club Secretary

Joe's Mendip Muddle, 9 Oct

2011-10-24T23:50:00.004+01:00

Ed: Does Joe need satellite technology to master the Mendips! Jane briefly reports on his progress:

here's a pic of Joe on the Mendip Muddle. 12 1/5 miles of mud & hills on the Mendips! Joe finished in 2 hrs 3 mins 05 secs and came 143/298.

Cardiff Half Marathon, 16 Oct

2011-10-24T14:44:00.005+01:00

Ed: Helen Watkinson reports on one of the South Wales group's meet-ups on Sunday, 16 Oct at the Cardiff Half Marathon where 7 members where running:

Cédric David, John Morgan and Myself made our way to the race with a 5 mile cycle ride leaving the house in the bare light of day and the drizzle. By the time we had got to Cardiff Bay, where the start was, it had dried up and lightened up. It seemed a bit more organized this year with allocated pens based on your predicted finish time and generally a bit more space. The race also had a new route this year. Although last year's race was very scenic, we where dodging pedestrians in town and the small paths in the park were a bit too crowded. As this has now grown to a race of 15000 then the route had gladly been altered to cater for this.
We set off from outside mine and Cédric's workplace of the Wales Millennium Centre, a building which Kevin Jones' company designed. We did a small loop around the bay coming back on ourselves, before heading off towards town. We passed the train station and the southern edge of the town centre before arriving at the Civic Centre at mile 3. Just after the water stop at mile 3, I could see a fellow Vegan Runner just ahead. I introduced myself and found out it was Steve Penny. The route then looped back towards town, being serenaded on the way by students at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, passing the castle and the northern edge of town. We then headed out on a long straight stretch of road, eventually passing the new Cardiff City Football Stadium before reaching the furthest point on the course. Here, we took the slip road up onto the elevated dual carriageway that lead straight back into Cardiff Bay. This was the bit I wasn't looking forward to - a long boring stretch of road. But actually, I was pleasantly surprised. With 15000 runners, it wasn't too crowded, but not too empty and the time seemed to fly by. Just before we got back to the Bay, we looped round the roundabout and returned on the same road to a previous junction. This out and back was great for spotting fellow runners. I saw Kevin, shortly followed by Cédric on the way out, then Steve Penny on the way back. We then dropped down to go underneath this road before joining another dual carriage way around mile 11. This stretch of road was a killer, with a pretty steep incline to the top, before we headed for the final stretch over the barrage with the beautiful landscape of Cardiff Bay ahead of you. I was pleased to get a new PB of 1.43.49. Other times include: Cédric David - 1.40.07, John Morgan - 1.27.05, Kevin Jones - 1.32.01, Michelle Rivett - 2.06.44, Claire Fullbrook-Scanlon - 3.02.17.
Photo attached from the meetup after the race.

Park Run Report, 22 Oct

2011-10-24T14:31:00.001+01:00

Ed: Automated report from Parkrun.com from last Saturday's 5K at the UK's venues where VRUK registered members were running:

Please find a comprehensive list of members from your club that have participated at a parkrun this week. This list is contains every member of your club registered with us that participated at a parkrun in the past seven days. If you believe a club member is missing, please contact them and request that they change their details with us as we cannot make changes unless theyit is requested by the person concerned. Should you have any feedback on these results then please contact us: office@parkrun.com

Results for Ashton Court parkrun, event number 25, 22/10/2011.
106 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Wayne ELLIS (M) (Bitton Road Runners) in a time of 00:18:37. The first lady completing the course was Sarah Natasha EVERITT (F) (Bristol and West AC) in a time of 00:22:46. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ashton-court/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
63 Isabel HOSKIN 00:28:39

Results for Cannon Hill parkrun, event number 61, 22/10/2011.
139 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Robert DONOHUE (M) (Ravensbourne School Runners) in a time of 00:16:46. The first lady completing the course was Rebecca L SMITH (F) (Northbrook AC) in a time of 00:19:43. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/cannon-hill/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
105 Allan GREEN 00:29:34

Results for Cardiff parkrun, event number 190, 22/10/2011.
224 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was David REES (M) (Swansea Harriers AC) in a time of 00:16:13. The first lady completing the course was Sally HASELHURST (F) (San Domenico RRC) in a time of 00:19:13. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/cardiff/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
41 Kevin Anthony JONES 00:20:34

Results for Eastleigh parkrun, event number 76, 22/10/2011.
225 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was John COLLIER (M) (Westbury Harriers) in a time of 00:17:01. The first lady completing the course was Jane PIDGEON (F) (Notts AC) in a time of 00:19:36. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/eastleigh/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
72 Sidney DELARA 00:22:11

Results for Oak Hill parkrun, event number 9, 22/10/2011.
36 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Steve BUTTLING-SMITH (M) (London Heathside Runners AC) in a time of 00:18:56. The first lady completing the course was Jenny Louise WASS (F) in a time of 00:23:29. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/oak-hill/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
19 Laurence KLEIN 00:29:25

Results for Pontefract parkrun, event number 25, 22/10/2011.
99 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was James SAXTON (M) (Wakefield District Harriers & AC) in a time of 00:16:40. The first lady completing the course was Jasmine LAIDLER (F) (Rothwell & District Harriers) in a time of 00:21:25. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/pontefract/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
9 Martin STACY 00:20:34

Results for Reading parkrun, event number 106, 22/10/2011.
222 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Tom LERWILL (M) in a time of 00:16:00. The first lady completing the course was Liz HARTNEY (F) (Reading Roadrunners) in a time of 00:18:31. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/reading/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
83 Alexandra PORTWINE 00:24:07

Results for Whitstable parkrun, event number 51, 22/10/2011.
65 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Martin KELK (M) (Invicta East Kent AC) in a time of 00:18:16. The first lady completing the course was Beatrice LEVER (F) (Thanet Road Runners AC) in a time of 00:22:09. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/whitstable/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
25 Keith GILBERT 00:24:52

Regents' Park Training Session, 23 oct

2011-10-24T12:14:00.008+01:00

Ed: The change of arrangements back in August to decide on the Sunday most suitable for training over a 4/5 week period finally brought its benefits. There were eight runners present for our training session including two members at their first: Evelina Odej & Chris Caps plus David Campbell who plans to join in time to attend the AGM.

After the introductions & the photo-call we set off shortly after 11am for the warm-up group run around the sports pitches linked to the Hub. The plan for this session was to visit Primrose Hill for some hill training plus a circuit around the perimeter. The emphasis on the hill training was the downhill running with the increased length of stride that is natural to reap the benefits. Being new to the session we just had two climbs and two descents, one each from both sides. We followed that with the off-road perimeter run, the dry conditions making it comfortable.

On the way back to Regents' Park (when we found the right exit) we took a diversion to the track to finish off with a couple of laps each in a relay of two runners of similar pace.

Back in the Hub we discussed over a drink items such as the main cross country events, the London & Brighton Marathons, the Royal Parks Half Marathon that Marcus had recently completed on his return to events, Evelina's Dirt Run (Half Marathon) from Leighton Buzzard on 19 Nov and Annette's Portsmouth Marathon.

Regarding the next training session it will be up to members to decide on the most suitable date but Peter Simpson is only likely to be available on 6 November otherwise hopefully other members could take the opportunity to lead the session. The Club is also arranging a session in Birmingham which is likely to be 27 Nov at the time of this blog and Peter is planning to be there.

Apologies to the new attendees who waited outside the Hub today getting cold, we do meet-up in The Hub upstairs. It was notable that the runners new to the session turned up on time but the regulars were delayed or late. Taking into account the extra time required to walk from the tube stations, the meet-up time was put back from 1000 to 1030 so please try to allow the extra time for future sessions here.

Peter Simpson
Club Secretary
Training Session Leader

Birmingham Half Marathon, 23 Oct

2011-10-24T11:54:00.004+01:00

Ed: There were three members running this year: Paul Snell, Andrew Knight & Angela Frost. For Andrew it was a training run, accompanying Jasmjin de Boo (the new Vegan Society Chief Executive) on her first run. Also running her first event and choosing a VRUK vest was Rachel Xerri. At short notice Rachel, Angela, Andrew & Jasmjin arranged to meet after the event.

Results:

Paul Snell 1:54:20
Andrew Knight 1:56:06
Jasmjin de Boo 1:58:22
Angela Frost 2:02:24
Rachel Xerri 2:21:01

Buckingham Multi-terrain 10K, 16 /10/11

2011-10-22T19:25:00.002+01:00

Ed: The Buckingham 10K was my first event back after injury at the Wolverhampton half marathon on 4 September. As an additional challenge I decided to cycle the hour to the venue in the High Street, the Whale Pub. It was a cool but bright morning, definitely needing the thermal cycling jacket and long tights of the Vegetarian Cycling & AC. By the time of arrival I was warmed up and the temperature was on the rise so a VRUK vest was sufficient. Met-up with one other VC&AC member who despite being a V65 immediately raced ahead of me however I was in no hurry after the ride and on my first race back.

We were soon climbing out of Buckingham on the long route to Stowe Landscape Gardens and took the right-hand path away from the road. The path was quite rough but at least straight and approaching the Gardens the cushioning was notable. The surface changed many times in the gardens and in the worst case it was loose stones or gravel which slowed us down. For a stretch of about 200 metres the runners were coming from the opposite direction after a U-turn. We then had the long uphill stretch from the River Ouse back to the entrance from where we retraced our steps back to Buckingham.

After the tough start getting back into the feel of a race, it was business as usual. On the way to Stowe I did lose a few places but inside the gardens I picked up a number of places, maintaining a steady if not spectacular pace due to the course restrictions. Was quite pleased with the finish but the time of 44.55 appears quite slow to my normal 42 / 43mins for the reasons described.

Peter Simpson

Park Run Report, 16/10/11

2011-10-20T20:32:00.004+01:00

Ed: Automated report received from Park Run of last Saturdays events:

Please find a comprehensive list of members from your club that have participated at a parkrun this week. This list presented contains every member of your club registered with us that participated at a parkrun in the past seven days. If you believe a club member is missing, please contact them and request that they change their details with us as we cannot make changes unless they are requested by the person concerned. Should you have any feedback on these results then please contact us: office@parkrun.com

Results for Ashton Court parkrun, event number 24, 15/10/2011.
75 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Will POOLE (M) (Bristol & District Tri) in a time of 00:17:55. The first lady completing the course was Diana KENNEDY (F) (Woodford Green AC with Essex Ladies) in a time of 00:20:04. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ashton-court/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
41 Isabel HOSKIN 00:26:44

Results for Cannon Hill parkrun, event number 60, 15/10/2011.
174 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Daniel Tobias ROBINSON (M) (Birmingham Running Athletics and Triathlon Club) in a time of 00:16:42. The first lady completing the course was Roxanne B (F) in a time of 00:20:18. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/cannon-hill/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
154 Allan GREEN 00:29:52

Results for Oak Hill parkrun, event number 8, 15/10/2011.
41 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Ebrima NOBLE (M) (Serpentine RC) in a time of 00:17:32. The first lady completing the course was Catherine Louise SOLOMON (F) in a time of 00:22:26. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/oak-hill/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
18 Laurence KLEIN 00:29:12

Results for Pontefract parkrun, event number 24, 15/10/2011.
81 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Simon NEWTON (M) (Barnsley Harriers) in a time of 00:17:31. The first lady completing the course was Julie GREENWOOD (F) (Wakefield District Harriers & AC) in a time of 00:20:06. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/pontefract/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
2 John BATESON 00:18:01
9 Martin STACY 00:20:12

Results for Whitstable parkrun, event number 50, 15/10/2011.
78 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Damian COLEMAN (M) in a time of 00:17:19. The first lady completing the course was Anna FISK (F) in a time of 00:22:10. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/whitstable/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
31 Keith GILBERT 00:24:59

Results from the Scottish Hills

2011-10-19T10:39:00.001+01:00

Ed: Craig Wallace of Inverness reports on his events over the past few months:

30 July
Ben Rinnes Hill Race, Dufftown
about 22.5km, 1500m ascent/descent
time: 3:08:49
position: 93/144
A long hill race on a very sunny day, ended up with rather sunburnt shoulders. It was part of the highland games, so the race started and finished with a lap of the games field, with the crowds cheering. Then nice running up and over the hills.
Also met Dan Watson, another Vegan Runner, I think he was a fair bit quicker than me.

20 August
Nairn half marathon
time: 1:48:55
position: 79/175
Another highland games race, on a sunny but windy day. A nice route, mostly on fairly flat minor roads. I was feeling a bit tired for this, so maybe not running as fast as was hoping. So a couple of minutes slower than my previous half marathon PB, not too bad.

27 August
Achmony hill race, Drumnadrochit
about 4.7km, 220m ascent
time: 0:31:35
position: 19/25
A rather short highland games race, with some steep grassy slopes. Good fun anyway.

2 October
Loch Ness Marathon
time: 4:10:35
position: 1166/2392
Having another go at my local marathon. Again it was rather wet for the
first ten miles or so, but dried up a bit later on. And the same nice
scenery, with a few hills, but managed to keep going steadily. Exactly 5
minutes faster than last year, so a new PB anyway.
Photo of me just before the finish here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vclaw/6258633613/

15th October Park Run - Pontefract

2011-10-19T10:06:00.002+01:00

Back up in the place of my birth (Wakefield) for the weekend, I managed to get to the newish park run in Pontefract. Very friendly people, nice course following the Pontefract race track (boo – time to stop the horse races and replace them with human races, isn’t it?). And we were blessed with great weather. Met fellow VRUK, Martin, who set yet another PB! Two top ten finishes from our team, and a Vegetarian C&AC member, Steven Wigglesworth came in fifth.

Record beaten in the Hills of Dartmoor, 16 Oct

2011-10-17T21:06:00.003+01:00

Ed: Fiona Oakes reports from her Iphone after the Dartmoor Vale Marathon

Just to let you know how I got on in Dartmoor. As I said, I was using this as training for MdS as I knew the course was tough - just how tough I was not prepared for. The hills were extremely long and steep and they kept cropping up all through the course (2 laps) and some people I passed doing the half marathon were having to walk up them. It left no opportunity to get into any sort of running rhythm at all. As I explained, I was running this as MdS training and preparation for a quick Marathon later in the year so I wore my MdS backpack too. Having said this, I did manage to win the race in a new course record beating the next female by over 15 minutes and coming 5th overall. I was surprised by this as I could not push hard because the nature of the course made it very difficult with the terrain and the first lap being strewn with half marathon runners going very slowly up the hills - sometimes walking - up them who I had to pick my way through. This was no easy task as the roads were so thin and winding too. I ran 3.01 which I am annoyed with as without the hinderance of these runners I could have gone quicker but since only 2 men ran sub 3 and without backpack, I can't be to hard on myself as this was, after all, just training. I have to say the organisers were amazed and said he could not have seen a woman go sub 3.15 on this course. My advice to other members is that if you want a really hard, testing course this is OK but if you want a decent time this is NOT the race !

Northumberland Coast Trail, 16 Oct

2011-10-17T20:54:00.005+01:00

Ed: Jane Harling reporting briefly on perfomances by Joe & Tee in the North-East Coast of England.

Here is Joe finishing the Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series, stage 1 Northumberland. Joe upgraded to the Ultra; Alnwick along the coast to Bamburgh, then a loop round Bamburgh to finish at the Castle . Pretty flat, lots of beach & dunes & trails. Good sunny day. Joe did 6hrs & 59 secs, 32.7 miles and came 5th out of 11 starters.

Here is Tee finishing the Endurance Life Coastal Trail Series Stage 1 - Northumberland. Tee opted for the half marathon from Craster to Bamburgh Castle. She did 2hrs, 27 mins ,34 secs and came 38/45.

Report next week after Beachy Head Marathon.

Sid in Lubeck Germany City Lauf. 11.3k., 9 Oct

2011-10-17T20:50:00.001+01:00

Midday start, 2 lap course round old town Lubeck.

Registering on day as Vegan Runner, came 82nd overall 794 runners, time 48mins:07seconds. Vet 55 2nd.

Awards to first three in each five year age group, so after run event moved into the old market place, runners given their awards up on stage, so received a T Shirt, Ruck Sack , Certificate and nice Silver Medal. Only problem having run in the vest and registered as Vegan Runner, I was somehow recorded as unattached.

With these odd distance races, difficult to work out how well you have run in relation to a standard 10k. So, by my reckoning the extra 1.3k at a pace of 4 minutes a Kilometre , means about 5.5mins for the 1.3k so it was probably a 42mins 25sec 10k effort not a total disaster.

Sidney Delara, Dr Klein City Lauf, Lubeck, Germany, Sunday October 9th, 11.3k. 82nd/794 runners. Vet 55 2nd. 48mins 07secs.

Diane's Climax to the Multi-Sport Season

2011-10-12T16:50:00.002+01:00

I completed the Full Boar Middle Distance Triathlon last weekend (18/9/11) at Market Bosworth, Leicestershire and had a fantastic time. It was a half Ironman distance race of 1900m swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run. I had a great race and finished in 5 hours 37 min, including a half marathon time of 1 hour 46 min. I was 4th Lady Vet. The weather was perfect with very little wind on the bike and the sun came out for the run. The water was cold though at 13 degrees and my feet stayed numb until the second lap of the run! So I think that's probably the last triathlon of the season for me. There's a couple of duathlons around so I might have a go at one of those and I also fancy a crack at a pure half marathon - Stroud half most likely.

Cardiff Half Marathon - Meet-up after Run

2011-10-12T13:44:00.000+01:00

For anyone in the Cardiff area on Sunday 16th October, Vegan Runners will be meeting up after the Half Marathon.

We will meet at Bar One from 11.30am.

Bar One is in the Wales Millennium Centre. As you go through the main front doors (under the writing on the building), turn right. Walk past the gift shop, and ice cream parlour and then Bar One is the last place on the right. If you enter from the doors facing the National Assembly Building and the Pierhead building (the red brick building with the clock) it is the first bar on the left, usually with tables outside.

Please feel free to call me if needed (number on Contact List).

Best wishes to all the runners,
Helen
South Wales Contact
Vegan Runners UK

Applicants for London Marathon Club Places

2011-10-12T13:27:00.003+01:00

The club has just applied for its allocation of 2012 London Marathon entries, normally the club receives two dependent on the number of 1st claim members and being a registered club. If you have been unsuccessful through the ballot or for some reason was not included in the ballot, you have a chance via the club. Our allocation policy takes into account a number of factors:

A paid-up member for 2011

Unsuccessful in the ballot

1st claim member or represent VRUK in some events

Will be wearing the VRUK top/vest

Have at least shown the ability to train for and complete a marathon

Have been active for the club in 2011

How many and when the applicant last ran London

A first time runner in London Marathon

Being a suitable applicant does not mean you need to satisfy all conditions. The more applicants received, the more attention we will need give to decide who satisfies most of these conditions. The new committee will decide on the allocation but if they also wish to apply, other club volunteers could be drafted in to help decide.

All applicants should reply to the club and if it is not obvious indicate which conditions you meet. The entry forms have previously arrived towards the end of November and after allocation, they must arrive at the office of the London Marathon by 13 January to be accepted. The event is scheduled for 22 April, for more details visit Virgin London Marathon. Successful applicants will need to pay the entry fee, normally around £30.

Regards

Peter Simpson
Club Secretary

Anna Returns Just in Time for a Prize!

2011-10-11T23:57:00.005+01:00

Ed: Injury has restricted Anna Finn's regular number of marathons & ultras this year but the absence of her results has not been questioned. We all probably thought that Anna deserves a break but that was not the intention. After a break of several weeks from the first weekend in July during the Wimbledon Tennis Finals, Anna appears to have returned to events on 20 August when she completed a marathon. Her marathons/ultras became more regular in September and reports can be read in Anna's blog finnsplodge.

Nik Windle keeps going over weekend!

2011-10-11T22:59:00.002+01:00

A double effort for me this weekend, didn't win anything needless to say.

What was supposed to be a fast run at Abingdon park run on Saturday resulted in my second slowest attempt to date with a time of 24:12, I did place a bit higher than usual though so maybe it was just a slow day all round what with wet grass and slippery Thames Path. I wasn't originally planning to do the Ridgeway Run the day after but entered on the line and enjoyed it all the more for taking it easy. I was wearing my VCAC vest and it was great to get a shout from one of the young ladies marshalling about a mile from the finish, "come on veggies - I'm in the Vegan Runners!"

Ed: It may have been Verna Burgess, a member of the organising club, Tring RC. I had originally planned to support the event but with the bi-annual local Animal Sanctuary Open Day in the opposite direction and relying on train & bike, I just cycled to the Animal Sanctuary later.

Park Run Report, 8/10/11

2011-10-11T22:50:00.003+01:00

Ed: A further 9 results received from the automated report sent by Parkrun.com .

Results for Abingdon parkrun, event number 23, 08/10/2011.
43 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Julian HEHIR (M) (Cricklade Tri Club) in a time of 00:19:18. The first lady completing the course was Nicola GOMM (F) (Witney Road Runners) in a time of 00:20:07. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/Abingdon/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
11 Nik WINDLE 00:24:12

Results for Ashton Court parkrun, event number 23, 08/10/2011.
71 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Will POOLE (M) (Bristol & District Tri) in a time of 00:18:02. The first lady completing the course was Diana KENNEDY (F) (Woodford Green AC with Essex Ladies) in a time of 00:19:55. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ashton-court/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
37 Isabel HOSKIN 00:25:56

Results for Cannon Hill parkrun, event number 59, 08/10/2011.
157 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Martin WILLIAMS (M) (Tipton Harriers) in a time of 00:15:14. The first lady completing the course was Emily HOFFMANN (F) in a time of 00:19:34. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/cannon-hill/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
79 Paul SNELL 00:24:20

Results for Cardiff parkrun, event number 188, 08/10/2011.
160 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Rob SAGE (M) (Les Croupiers RC) in a time of 00:16:31. The first lady completing the course was Jazmine BRIGANTI (F) (Bridgend AC) in a time of 00:20:44. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/cardiff/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
21 Kevin Anthony JONES 00:20:09
127 Michelle RIVETT 00:29:04

Results for Finsbury parkrun, event number 94, 08/10/2011.
63 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Unknown ATHLETE (M) in a time of 00:17:00. The first lady completing the course was Alice EDWARDS (F) in a time of 00:20:58. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/finsbury/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
8 Robert CRANGLE 00:20:17

Results for Oak Hill parkrun, event number 7, 08/10/2011.
25 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Paul G CARTER (M) in a time of 00:20:06. The first lady completing the course was Lorraine GREER (F) in a time of 00:24:06. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/oak-hill/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
11 Laurence KLEIN 00:30:22

Results for Pontefract parkrun, event number 23, 08/10/2011.
73 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Simon NEWTON (M) (Barnsley Harriers) in a time of 00:17:44. The first lady completing the course was Kerry STORRAR (F) (Barnsley AC) in a time of 00:20:13. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/pontefract/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
6 Martin STACY 00:20:40

Results for Whitstable parkrun, event number 49, 08/10/2011.
71 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Damian COLEMAN (M) in a time of 00:17:58. The first lady completing the course was Lisa REID (F) (Dartford Harriers AC) in a time of 00:24:10. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/whitstable/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
17 Keith GILBERT 00:25:14

Rep VRUK in Cross Country Champs!

2011-10-10T13:46:00.002+01:00

Ed: I normally give cross country a go each winter, focusing on the main events i.e county, regional & national champs that are open to all registered club runners. Does cross country interest you? Read on...

Would anyone like to represent the VRUK in any of the main senior events this season? The three English regions (Northern, Midlands & South), Scotland and Wales hold championship events that are open to all club runners registered with their respective home country. There are also separate dates for Masters Championships (over 35) in some areas. Both senior & masters events have separate events for men and women. To represent VRUK in these events you would need to be a 1st claim member otherwise represent your local club. With the exception of Masters events, entries would need to be via the club hence the reason for publicity. Closing dates for most events are usually several weeks in advance especially for events after Christmas and will let you know when details are received or if you have expressed interest.

Dates of Events
If you are interested or need questions answered please get in contact. An opportunity for a different experience if you have not done cross country before or since schooldays. Off-road or cross country shoes are recommended to perform to your potential especially in heavy conditions.

5 Nov Scottish Athletics 4K Champs, Bellahouston Park, Glasgow

19 Nov. South of England London Champs, Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath (closing date 4 Nov)

19 Nov. Midland Counties Men’s 7M & Women’s 5M Champs, Wolverhampton

26 Nov. Scottish Athletics North District Champs, Forres

10 Dec South of England Masters Champs, Lloyd’s Park, Croydon (closing date 18 Nov)

10 Dec North-East of England Champs, East Cramlington Nature Reserve

10 Dec Scottish Athletics East District Champs, Aberdeen

10 Dec Scottish Athletics West Distict Champs, tbc

12 Jan English County Champs, various venues & maybe other dates

28 Jan South of England Senior Champs, Stanmer Park, Brighton (closing date 16 Dec)

28 Jan Midland Counties Senior Champs, Nottingham

28 Jan North of England Senior Champs, Pontefract

4 Feb Scottish National Masters Champs, Kilmarnock

18 Feb Scottish National Senior Champs, Callendar Park, Falkirk

25 Feb English National Senior Champs, Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath

Welsh XC Champs not yet listed on website.

There are lots of other cross country events on the national & regional websites plus counties & leagues.

Racing in high 20s in Cambridge, 2 Oct

2011-10-10T13:04:00.002+01:00

Ed: Sarah Whitson reports briefly on a succesful day in the October heat!

Abington 10k, Great Abington, Cambridgeshire 2nd October 2011
54:36 (New PB!)
And from the provisional results list it looks like I came 104/163

It was pretty hot, my car said 28C when I got in it to drive home.
Luckily a lot of the course had some shade so I managed to escape the worst of it!

Henley Half Marathon, 9 Oct

2011-10-10T13:00:00.002+01:00

Ed: Alex Portwine reports briefly on the hilly Henley in the Chilterns.

I had a great time at the Henley Half Marathon yesterday. It was a really picturesque route, and despite the killer 1 mile hill in the middle of the course I bagged a PB!!

Time: 01:50:03

Gender position 61, category position 43, overall position 403.

Pics of Coventry Half, 2/10/11

2011-10-09T23:04:00.003+01:00

Ed: Paul Stimpson sends link of official photos taken at Coventry Half Marathon, 2/10/11.

Coventry Half Photos

Eindhoven Marathon, 9/10/11

2011-10-09T22:12:00.002+01:00

Ed: Result from Maria Hamilton, returning to the European scene after a break following the Comrades Marathon (56 miles) at the end of May.

994 / 1276 overall

23 / 41 fv45

4:04:15 chip time

Bit of a mojo failure in the last hour when I started to feel a bit sick, I'm afraid! Ironically poor John (hubby) acquired two large blisters running round supporting and I had to dress *his* feet!

Helen Fine's Injury

2011-10-08T00:05:00.001+01:00

Ed: Helen informs us of the details of the reason for her lay-off:

I have been injured. In fact my leg is in plaster as we speak! I've torn a tendon in my foot, i have another 11 days to go in the cast and then i will start building up strength again. I have been able to use the turbo trainer, which is ok when its raining but a bit boring otherwise. Prognosis good, and next years races are good ones for me so i can begin my assault on the Eng and British champs again in 2012, hooray!

Sid Back in Germany

2011-10-05T22:39:00.002+01:00

Ed: Brief report from Sid who meets other vegan runner:

Bremen Germany Sunday October 2nd, main event the Bremen Marathon, opted for the 10k.
Left hotel just North of Hamburg 4:30am, three trains to get to Bremen on time for start. As the start was only divided
by under and over 55mins, decided to make sure i was near the front, wearing the Vegan vest, i was tappped
on shoulder just before the off and given a smiling thumbs up by another runner who shortly into the race
passed me, at which point i noted he had Vegan Läufer (runner) on his shorts, i not on best form, was unable to keep
up with him for long and finished outside of 42mins. However finishing 38th and 70th in a field of over 1,000 runners not bad.

The other runner Robert Klichowicz, had moved recently to Bremen from Berlin and knew the guys who got sent the Vegan Runners vests there (picture of them wearing vests in blog archive).

Bremen 10k Sunday Oct 2nd
Robert Klichowicz 38th 39mins 52secs Vet 35 3rd
Sidney DeLara 70th 42mins 17secs Vet 55 4th.

The Atlantic Coastal Challenge, 30 Sep - 2 Oct

2011-10-05T22:24:00.003+01:00

Ed: Brief message from Jane:

Here is a photo of Joe Harling & Mark Thomas at The Atlantic Coastal Challenge last weekend. It was 78 miles over three days from Padstow to Lands End. Basically a marathon a day! They both completed it successfully. Will send later a list of Joes next events & a list of his past few mths results. He's out there every weekend with his Vegan Runners vest and did wear it for this actual run too!

Joe Harling's Ultra Season Results Listing

2011-10-05T22:14:00.002+01:00

Ed: Joe's race secretary, Jane Harling forwards a full list of 2011 results:

Here is a list of everything ( just about! ) that Joe has run this year.

30th Sept - 2nd Oct Atlantic Coastal Challenge Padstow - Lands End in 3 sections
Joe 35th/121 entrants time 20hrs29mins ( Mark Thomas 37/121 20 hrs35mins )

25th Sept The Doone Run MT 10 approx
80/178 1.42.19

17th - 18th Sept Coast 2 Coast Brendon - Prawle Point 145 miles run/cycle/kayak 37/63 21.26.25

11th Sept London to Brighton 56 miles
Sadly got lost in last couple of miles and ended up lost in Rottingdean - got picked up by Jane in the car around 13hrs. GPS said he'd ran 59 miles - going to go back next year to try again!!

21st Aug Dorset Doddle 32 miles coastal path Weymouth - Swanage ( Joes favourite event - LDWA do vegan meal at the end on request - v helpful event and totally beautiful course - would highly recommend! )
7hrs 22 mins - Dont give race placings as essentially a "challenge" for walkers/joggers/runners

14th Aug Sidmouth 10k Festival run MT
101/142 59mins 51secs

31st July Seaview 17 Coastal path Countisbury Hill - Minehead and actually 20 miles
94/131 4.07.17

10th July New Forest 10 Trail
378/904 1.24.17

3rd July Lakeland Trails Marathon MT Coniston
245/383 4.53.54

30th June Tintern Trot MT 10km
107/152 56.26

25th June Classic Quarter 44 mile coastal path Lizard - Lands End
88/157 7.27.11

18th June Great Langdale Trail 20km MT
64/117 1.49.41

11th June South Downs Marathon MT
354/512 4.45.43

9th June Dundry Inn Run 10 km off road
63/97 59.05

5th June Mendip Challenge MT Wells - Weston super Mare on West Mendip Way path,
Another challenge event open to runners & walkers. No results taken and Joe didnt write down his time. Does it every year so will make a note for next yr!

22nd May Brathay Windermere Marathon Road Marathon
446/677 4.27.48

14th May Marlborough Downs Challenge Did the 20 miler as 33 miler sadly full
86/118 3.19.20

7th May Flete - stage 10 Coastal Trail Series - EnduranceLife Coastal Path Marathon
31/49 5.57.33

16th April Exmoor - stage 9 CTS - EL Coastal Path Marathon
65/122 5.58.00

26th March East Sussex - S8 CTS EL "
84/126 5.36.25

12th March Pembroke - S7 CTS EL "
66/88 5.42.44

27th Feb Meon Valley Plod MT 22 mile
Link to results page broken and Joe didn't write time down

19th Feb South Devon - S6 CTS EL Coastal Path Marathon
72/120 5.57.11

13th Feb Dursley Dozen MT
216/389 2.07.19

22nd Jan Anglesey- S5 CTS EL Coastal path Marathon
79/103 5.54.46

Will endeavour to keep you posted directly after each race from now on!

Ten miles in record temperatures not times!

2011-10-04T12:00:00.001+01:00

Ed: Keith Gilbert reports on a new experience for October:

On Sunday [October 2] I ran in The Sittingbourne 10. The last time I ran a 10 mile race was last year in June, a challenging event in The Weald of Kent, temperatures around 30C with only two drinks stations. When I entered the above event I was anticipating a cool autumnal trot hoping it wouldn’t rain, and yet again I found myself running in temperatures approaching 30C with only two drinks stations on the course. I started running at a slower pace than I would normally do to avoid any problems later. It was generally considered to be quite tough going [ I encountered two ambulances with lights going] but apart from two brief stops to drink at the water stations I did manage to keep running.

Towards the finish when I entered the school playing field I expected to see the welcoming finishing line and clock, but alas it was not to be seen! No, there was a final lap of honour required around the entire field before the finish line came into view. No PBs today. I finished in 1:37:22, 204th out of 271 finishers.[ 21st century PB: 1:24:- - Canterbury 2008].

Dave Competes in Brisbane Park Run!

2011-10-04T11:26:00.008+01:00

d: Dave Arnold, one month into his tour of Australia & New Zealand discovers a Park Run (only 2 in the whole of Australia at present) in Brisbane where he is currently based. The logistics of it starting at 7am, a considerable distant away, no public transport or even a bike, Dave did not let that stop him and was considering sleeping in the park but found last minute accommodation.

Dave reports from down under immediate after the park run, 1 Oct:
Good afternoon...or good morning there!
Woooheee ....... very chuffed ...just came 2nd in the Brisbane Parkrun race! Was leading all the way to the poorly marked turnaround, which I missed and ran up the ferry jetty (on Brisbane River) .... then off in another direction ...wrong again..... then back to the turn around! Eventually got back to the new leader .... got back in front ...got all excited about the prospect of a WIN .... didn't quite have the kick in me to go with him from about 300m out (grrrrrr ...damn ..... urrrrr...). Had I seen where we were in relation to the finish then maybe..????... but I'm not dwelling on it. (much!). But set a Parkrun PB..cracked that 20 mins ...and just a bit short of season's best. Had the customary post-run coffee (and caffine wobbles!) with some locals ...and also the 3rd place lady..who's from Southampton....small world! Thinks she'll join Lordshill Road Runners on her return (sorry Denmead Striders, I did put in word for you !). And don't think she qualified for Vegan Runners either.Was only their third race and I imagine it'll grow quickly. The only other Parkrun in Aus is back down on the Gold Coast so I may not now get to do that one.

Didn't end up camping out the night. 2nd Cousin Georgia drove me in (leaving at 5.30am!!) ..and dodging two kangeroos bounding across the road! My rellies did warn me that roos were out where they live and indeed they are! Early morning watering hole stop I guess!

Hope you all (well at least Emily and Isobel ) have good runs today at Hove ...and whoever at whatever races are on Sunday! Let me know how you do!

Dave comments: Here's the photos from today's race..well the post race festivities... and a couple of Donna and I at play after the coffees! (may not actually have sent all through in this one email as files too big). Thanks again for a great event, and for the warmth and friendliness of you and the other 'coffee-clubbers'!! As I said at the time it's funny how there is the same friendly atmosphere with those I've met at the Hove Parkrun ...but they sometimes make cakes! ( I think to celebrate people's 50's and 100's .....or may just becaude they like it!)

Park Run Report, 1/10/11

2011-10-04T10:27:00.003+01:00

Ed: Automated report of VRUK members who participated on 1/10/11:

Please find a comprehensive list of members from your club that have participated at a parkrun this week. This list presented contains every member of your club registered with us that participated at a parkrun in the past seven days. If you believe a club member is missing, please contact them and request that they change their details with us as we cannot make changes until they send a request in person.

Should you have any feedback on these results then please contact us: office@parkrun.com

Results for Cannon Hill parkrun, event number 58, 01/10/2011.
201 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was James TROLLOPE (M) (Birchfield Harriers) in a time of 00:15:20. The first lady completing the course was Louise GARDNER (F) (Lancaster & Morecambe AC) in a time of 00:17:39. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/cannon-hill/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
186 Allan GREEN 00:31:03

Results for Cardiff parkrun, event number 187, 01/10/2011.
227 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Matthew David WELLS (M) (Bridgend AC) in a time of 00:16:41. The first lady completing the course was Gwenno Alice BROWN (F) in a time of 00:18:42. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/cardiff/results/latestresults .

The following club members participated:
89 Helen Louise WATKINSON 00:22:35
92 Kevin Anthony JONES 00:22:40
197 Michelle RIVETT 00:29:18

Results for Coventry parkrun, event number 85, 01/10/2011.
150 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Unknown ATHLETE (M) in a time of 00:16:29. The first lady completing the course was Sharon Rachel BULLIMORE (F) in a time of 00:21:09. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/coventry/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
35 Paul STIMPSON 00:22:57

Results for Finsbury parkrun, event number 93, 01/10/2011.
62 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Adam MITCHELL (M) in a time of 00:18:27. The first lady completing the course was Elin SKAGERBERG (F) (Highgate Harriers) in a time of 00:19:08. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/finsbury/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
12 Robert CRANGLE 00:21:28

Results for New Farm parkrun, event number 3, 01/10/2011.
32 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Michael ZATORSKY (M) in a time of 00:19:33. The first lady completing the course was Angela THEOFANOPOULOS (F) in a time of 00:24:38. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/NewFarm/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
2 Dave ARNOLD 00:19:43

Results for Oak Hill parkrun, event number 6, 01/10/2011.
33 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Ebrima NOBLE (M) (Serpentine RC) in a time of 00:17:42. The first lady completing the course was Katherine HENDERSON (F) (Barnet and District AC) in a time of 00:23:07. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/oak-hill/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
23 Laurence KLEIN 00:30:09

Results for Pontefract parkrun, event number 22, 01/10/2011.
64 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Simon NEWTON (M) (Barnsley Harriers) in a time of 00:16:59. The first lady completing the course was Keri PEARSON (F) (City of Hull AC) in a time of 00:20:37. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/pontefract/results/latestresults.

The following club members participated:
10 Martin STACY 00:20:30

Shane Adds a Little Art to VRUK

2011-10-02T10:52:00.006+01:00

Supporter Shane Jordan visited our stall at the Bristol & London Festivals and indicated his intention to support VRUK.

London Training Session, 23 October

2011-09-28T00:42:00.003+01:00

Ed: The next scheduled training session at Regent's Park will be on Sunday 23 October. Meet 10.30am in the Hub Cafe in the north of the park adjacent to the sports pitches. We will aim to start the session between 10.45 & 11.00 and it will last about 1 hour. For more details visit the website where there is a news item 'Club Training and Meet-ups'.

Swansea 10K - Another Good Turnout

2011-09-28T00:14:00.002+01:00

Ed: A further 5 members ran the 2011 Swansea 10K, keeping it amongst the most popular of events for vegan runners. This year our members included:

Kevin Anthony Jones 42.23, 285th
Paul Edwards 44.04
Angela Frost 54.40
David Breen 54.55
Michelle Rivett 57.47

Well done everyone!

Max excels in first Ultra

2011-09-27T23:30:00.002+01:00

Ed: Max Newton made his debut on the ultra scene on 11 Sept, running the London to Brighton 56 miles and got it right first time by achieving joint 10th out of 93 runners in a time of 10 hours 28 mins.

Oxford Half Marathon, 25/9/11

2011-09-26T12:59:00.004+01:00

Starting on the very outskirts of Oxford from the football stadium, the course was one loop, taking runners into the heart of the city.

Supporting Nik Windle who was wearing his VRUK vest for the first time, I had to get on my fold-up bike to reach the venue and attempt to see the course from different points. I wondered whether I felt more exhausted by the end of the day after racing round at slow speed in an attempt to reach the finish before Nik. In fact I was not aware until later that the event started 15 minutes late otherwise I would most likely have missed Nik.

Nik finished in a respectable 1.47.22, only 3 mins outside his PB. We also briefly met a runner wearing a t-shirt saying 'No meat....', well done to him. Nik I believe passed the campaigner during the run.

2011 Fell Running Champs Outcome

2011-09-23T10:37:00.003+01:00

Ed: The Fell Runners Association website informs us that Helen Fines finished 2nd in the English Champs following her last race of the series on 30 July at Whittle Pike, South-West Pennines where she finished 2nd lady in the short course distance race over 8.2K with 427 metres of climbing. Congratulations to Helen who will no doubt want to go one better in 2012.

In the British Champs, unfortunately Helen was unable to race in the final event, the 'Devil's Beeftub' so her hopes of a 2nd or 3rd place were dashed and she had to settle for 9th in the series.

For more details of the champs and fell running visit http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/championships.php .

We look forward to supporting Helen once again in the 2012 champs and her other major events throughout the year. Peter Simpson

Marathon Course Record in Finland

2011-09-21T18:31:00.002+01:00

Ed: Fiona Oakes does the business once again. Fiona does not have many opportunities to race due to the Animal Sanctuary commitments but when she does race, there is a chance the results could be something special if not fast. Fiona reports in Facebook:

On Saturday I won the Ruska Marathon in Finland in a course record of 2hrs 58 beating the next woman by 24 minutes and all but 3 of the men. I ran it with my backpack on as I am training for MdS next year and the course was extremely hilly and tough, it felt really easy. Lots of press at the end interviewed me asking about my veganism and I was so proud to carry my Vegan Runners vest across the finish line in first place. I think it is the best feeling to be able to make our voice heard to those who don't want to listen!

Circling the Isle of Wight, 18 Sept

2011-09-21T17:08:00.003+01:00

Ed: New member and triathlete, Debbie Lord from Bognor Regis decided on a 70 miles coastal tour of the Isle of Wight. I guess a bit breezy in places!

Debbie also has planned the Great south Run and a South Downs Sportive.

Plenty of VRUK Experience at Portsmouth 5K

2011-09-21T16:52:00.002+01:00

Ed: Sid reports on the next round of the midweek series:

Portsmouth Promenade 5k series Race 5 of 5 Wednesday August 31st.

64th Dave Arnold VM45 4th 19mins:31secs.
75th Sidney DeLara VM55 3rd 20mins:00secs.

My 3rd race in the series, which proved a disappointing participation for me recording slower tha expected times,
19:47, 19:57 and 20:00. Having expected to break the 19min barrier. Dave achieved a 15 second improvement over
that of his race 4 time.

The event included Jo Pavey who recorded a time of 15mins 48secs to finish 4th (same time as 3rd) overall.
So after race we took opportunity of us both getting photographed with her with our Vegan Runners Vests on.
Pictures on Dave,s camera will hopefully get to you soon.

Keith's trio of Sept events in Kent

2011-09-20T11:50:00.002+01:00

Ed: Keith Gilbert reports on his recent events in Kent:

I recently ran in three 10k races and to simplify things I’ve bundled them all together.

I was quite pleased to get pbs for each respective course:

CHARING 10K- 3 September. 52:44, 78/186. [last year 53:29]

WINGHAM 10K-11 September. 51:34, 113/158[men’s race] [pb in 2009, 52:21]

FAVERSHAM 10K 18 September. 51:30, 184/448 [pb in 2010, 52:27]

It was also good to meet John Munson again, the 75+ runner from The Vegetarian Cyclists & AC who also ran in all three of the above events.

Park Run Results, 17/9/11

2011-09-20T11:11:00.002+01:00

Ed: Automated report from Parkrun.com listing VRUK participants around the UK:

Please find a comprehensive list of members from your club that have participated at a parkrun this week. This list is presented contains every member of your club registered with us that partitipated at a parkrun in the past seven days. If you believe a club member is missing, please contact them and request that they change their details with us as we cannot make changed unless they a requested by the person concerned.

Should you have any feedback on these results then please contact us: office@parkrun.com

Results for Cannon Hill parkrun, event number 56, 17/09/2011.

166 participants completed the run today. The first male to finish was Ed BANKS (M) (Birmingham Running Athletics and Triathlon Club) in a time of 00:15:40. The first lady completing the course was Alex SNOW (F) in a time of 00:21:12. You can find the full parkrun results for this event here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/cannon-hill/results/latestresults.