Bristol and Windsor Half Marathons

Four SIDMOUTH Running Club ladies – Jane Hemsworth, Becky Robson, Helen Palmer and Jo Earlam – travelled up to Bristol for the half marathon, making a girls’ away trip of it with an overnight stay in a rather smart Marriott Hotel.

The hotel lift was the source of amusement on the morning of the run, as three of them mistakenly alighted on the 4^th floor when heading to the start, prompting a bemused guest to inquire: “Have you finished already?!”. A fit of giggles later and error quickly corrected they all lined up at the start with the thousands of others competing in this popular closed-roads city event.

They all started off running together until about the four mile point, where Helen slightly dropped behind – having completed a hilly 100km cycle ride just two weeks earlier this wasn’t surprising. Jane, Becky and Jo remained close together for the whole route, Jane leading the charge and finding the energy to high-five dozens of spectating children, right up until the final run-in to the finish line. An extra competitive spurt clinched her first spot of the Mighty Green runners, in a time of 2:02:50 an excellent 16^th place of 73 in her age group. Becky and Jo crossed the line together five seconds later.

All three were in the first 4,000 of more than 7,000 finishers.

Helen, having stopped in a toilet queue finished in a commendable 2:16:27 but with runners crossing the line at more than one hundred a minute that put her around 1,400 places down the field, such is the scale of this event. It was very well-organised, a great showcase of the city, brilliant spectator support, good course for a PB – possible repeat trip next year, with perhaps more of the Mighty Greens?

Meanwhile up in Windsor, Lynda and Kaylee Hawkins were running the Windsor half marathon that takes place close to Windsor Castle in Windsor Great Park. With only 6,000 places this is soon sold out and over-subscribed.

The course is two laps, one of approximately 4 miles, the other about 7.5 miles with the remainder made up by the 1.5 mile Long Walk at the start and end of the run. The course is best described as undulating. It has many flat stretches, but there are some hilly sections to make the race a bit more interesting. The final 1.5 miles Long Walk is particularly impressive. The spectacular sight of Windsor Castle in the distance beyond the finish line is quite outstanding and not something many will forget quickly. Kaylee came home in 1:54:00 while Lynda matched the Bristol ladies finishing in 2:02:00.

Taunton 10K

With the SIDMOUTH Running Club ladies enjoying themselves in Bristol and Windsor half marathons, Justin Ashby was dispatched slightly less far up the M5 to take on the Taunton 10k. Starting at the Blackbrook Leisure Centre, the route is mostly flat, taking runners past Kings College across the M5 into the country lanes of Stoke St Mary before circling back over the M5 and into Taunton again. As 10k’s go, it is a scenic one that is very well supported too.

Those who run with Justin will know that he has been trying to break 36 minutes for the distance – since 2012! He has come close on a number of occasions recording 36:00 twice, 36:01 and a host of other close shaves in the intervening years. Now, finally, after 2 months of dedicated 10k training, he can tick off that goal, having finished 3^rd overall in a time of 35:30. Not just breaking it but smashing it. Says Justin: “There have been some near misses along the way, some tactical blunders and some comical mishaps too, but the wait has been worth it. Besides, I promised JP I would do it”.

River Exe Summer 5K Series and Sidbury Fair

The final race in the River Exe 5k was run by two SIDMOUTH Running Club members with ages at either ends of the spectrum. A friendly Park Run sort of event it isn’t, with the last runner coming in under 25 minutes. With a field of over 100 fast young runners and everyone in Club vests, except Jason whose was in the wash, it is very competitive.

Even without his Mighty Green Jason Drew had a stunning run coming 3^rd overall in 16:14:00 just 21 seconds behind the winner and as an under 20 he should still be improving. At the other end of the 108 strong field Rob Edwards in terms of age and speed avoided being last, just about. Finishing in 23:01, his quickest time since 2001 and placed 97^th overall he was second M60+ which sounds ok until you realise that there were only 3 M60+ and all three M65+ runners were quicker. Anyway Rob it’s not the winning but taking part so both are looking forward to the start of the six races series starting again in April.

Sidbury Fair attracted two new and two stalwart members of the Club. New member Paula Farrand had a great start to racing in the Mighty Green coming first in the local Adult category in 33:52 and that time gave her 3^rd place in the Adult Open. Had she been paying attention instead of soaking up the glory towards the finish she would have been second having been overtaken with a few strides to go.

Naomi Garrick retained her open title wining in 32:39 but will have to be watchful next year with Paula just over a minute behind this time. Paula’s running buddy Bert Dykema also enjoyed his first race for the Club so much so that he couldn’t stop the Mobot at the end.

Rachel Burrow a long time supporter of this race also enjoyed the conversations on the way around.

A Tale of Two Marathons

Prolific SIDMOUTH Running Club marathon runner Jo Earlam took her total to 52 when she competed in the City to the Sea Marathon. The run started from Exeter Quay and finished in Babbacombe, Torquay. The run started with a couple of loops around the canal tow path and was totally flat for the first 13.5 miles to Dawlish Warren. There were a few smallish hills on the coast path to Teignmouth at 20 miles which she reached in under 4 hours keeping a consistent pace of around 12 minute miles. It was also the furthest she had run since the Portsmouth marathon in December and she was feeling in good form and pretty pleased with herself, despite very little training. Then came a series of tough hills for the last 6.5 miles, which reduced her time to what felt like a crawl and took a further two hours and 15 minutes dropping her pace to 20 minute miles. By this time it was also pouring with rain, but even moving at what seemed to be a snails pace she still managed to overtake a dozen or more other runners and let no one overtake her.

Jo grew up near Babbacombe so was delighted to reach the short road link to the finish on the Downs, only to discover that the course director had a final sting in the tail, sending them nearly back to sea level and then a climb up steep steps by Oddicombe Cliff Railway. I am sure she was not the only one muttering expletives at that point. However there is something about a hard, hilly finish in the rain that is particularly sweet and she crossed the line full of smiles and very happy to have made it number 52.

Meanwhile not that far away Danny Painter had headed off to Dartmoor to take part in the inaugural running of the Dartmoor High Ground Marathon.

What Jo was experiencing at sea level was 10 times worse on the top of Dartmoor. The Mighty Green vest couldn’t be seen beneath his storm jacket but then again not much else could anyway with the storm force weather and clag. The conditions made it more of a navigation exercise than a speed test.

There is a mandatory kit list to be carried so you are prepared for all eventualities and you are not allowed to start without it such are the conditions. If you like fell races and the effect of running towards a fire hose on at full blast this is the race for you, and it proved so for Danny coming in 6^th place with a time of 5:34:51, a very remarkable result.

The Lustleigh 10K

While most of us were enjoying the sunny bank holiday Monday lazing on the beach eating ice-cream or crashed out by the swimming pool three of our members headed off to Lustleigh.

The Lustleigh Fayre is a good old fashioned fete with a jazz band, dog racing, loads of stalls and of course a beer tent. It is held in the heart of Dartmoor and is well supported by visitors from far and wide. The 10k is a beautiful, but extremely hilly run over Dartmoor. There are literally no flat parts.

For Chris Robinson this was the 12th successive year that he has ran this event and by his own admission each year he gets slower but enjoys it more. In all the years he has ran it has only rained once and this year was the most glorious day of all.

Jayne Drew and David Wright were both first timers with David finding the first 4 miles hard going but enjoyed running back down into Lustleigh. Jane led the Club runners home in 53 minutes taking 3rd place in her age group followed by David in 65 minutes and Chris in 69.

Becky Robson was going to run it on her birthday but got stuck in an accident on Four Elms hill which left it too late for here to get there.

Report on the Jurassic Coast 10K

The question has to be asked, have SIDMOUTH Running Club found their new wily old fox following the departure of the formidable Brian Gosling through injury to cycling? Brian was a master at playing the game in competitive running and many Club members enjoyed their own battles with him in races, and those who dared to overtake him near the end then had to encounter Brian’s wife and strongest support Sheila for a right old ear bashing. They were excellent memorable times. But now Rob Edwards has steps forward to claim the crown. He was off for a month with an injury and then returned for a training run following which I received an e-mail saying he now had a heel problem and would be joining the ranks of the running injured on Wednesday taking on the two mile at a leisurely pace.

On Saturday I found out that he had taken part in the Jurassic Coast 10K knocking two and a half minutes off last years’ time. When I challenged him he said “It was not as bad as I thought”.Classic Brian.

The Jurassic Coast 10K starts in Budleigh Salterton and follows the scenic but hilly coastal path to Ladram Bay where it heads inland to pick up the river Otter and then follows the path alongside the river back to the start. The very strong South West Wind was most welcome in assisting the runners up the hills but the heavy showers which accompanied it was not so well liked. Rob finished 80^th out of a field of 259 in a time of 50:30. Tim Clay had also entered but a back injury on the Wednesday night run put paid to that.

The Club has taken on an international feel over the last few weeks welcoming guest runners from Canada, Saudi Arabia, Holland, Ireland and not forgetting Sussex. The fame of the Mighty Green is spreading.

With August coming to an end we will be starting the Sunday Morning runs in September. These are open to all who want to increase their mileage in preparation for the coming autumn and winter race programme. See the Club website for details.

Exeter 10k, Dalwood 10k, Dartmoor 1/2 marathon

It has been a varied week for members of SIDMOUTH Running Club. On Wednesday John Doherty led the beginners group of 2016 on a three mile off-road run on a beautiful evening culminating in the ascent of High Peak where panoramic views from the summit rewarded them for their hard work. A great achievement for this tightly knit group.

Meanwhile Justin Ashby and Tim Clay headed off to Exeter for the Run Britain Series 10k event around the river basin with its flat course perfect for a PB. This was extremely well supported with 360 finishers. Justin as usual returned an excellent time of 37:28 finishing 23^rd overall and 6^th in his age group. Tim was also delighted to finish in less than 50 minutes in 49:11 which earned him 3^rd place in his age group. Three days later following this success Tim headed off to Dalwood Fayre to compete in their 10K event. Now this was a completely different race from that at Exeter taking place during a very hot day instead of the cool evening and over a very hilly course. This was reflected in him taking nearly 10 minutes longer, finishing in 59:11.

Looking for an even greater challenge, David Wright headed off to Dartmoor to compete in the Great Escape Half Marathon. From Princetown in the heart of the deep moor the route crosses wild moorland along the Abbots Way, traverses the rocky upper reaches of the Erme valley and follows ancient wooded trails along the River Avon to the finish in South Brent. It is a technical run and unfortunately David wore his fell running shoes thinking the going would be soft underfoot where in fact it was hard going all the way and this was reflected in his time of 2:42:00

Otter Rail and River Run: Report

A record number of 24 SIDMOUTH Running Club members turned out in force to support the 10th year of the Otter Rail and River Run. Race organiser Jo Earlam and the Tipton Playing Field Association pulled out all the stops to put on an extremely enjoyable event.

The race starts in the playing field before crossing the road and then following the path beside the river heading towards Newton Poppleford. It then crosses the river to Harpford and into Harpford woods to the old railway bridge. At this point you climb the steps and follow the old railway track back to Tipton then onto Sargent Mill over the bridge and head off towards Fluxton, along a lane heading back towards Tipton, across a field and bridge to enter the top of the playing field and sprint to the finish. It is an undulating off-road run with plenty of challenges to overcome.

In the 1.5 mile fun run, first Club runner home was young Alecia Ranson running for the first time in Club colours followed some way behind by her mother Janice. Further back were two members of the 2016 beginners group Sarah Powell and XinHui Yeo running their first race and doing the Club proud.

10k results. Naomi Garrick 48:30, Alan Colwill 51:07, Simon Hollyer 53:42, Ellen Keast 54:18, Jon Ball 57:05, Terry Bewes 58:17, Sue Collman 58:20, Becky Robson 58:21, Helen Palmer 58:23, Bruce Odlin 59:14, Richard Hedger 1:00:41,
Amelia Frankpitt 1:04:24, Diane Collett 1:07:20, Jennifer Bentley 1:08:19, Ruth Chesters 1:12:35, Sue Cunningham 1:12:38, Caroline Ball 1:12:46, Lesley Miszewska 1:12:46, Rebecca Colwill 1:16:17.

The Club had two first age group winners, F45 Naomi Garrick and F70 Sue Cunningham. There were a 196 finishers in the 10K.
Thanks goes to David Wright who ran the course before the race started to check all was in order, but he declined the offer to go around one more time.

The Woodland Relays

We entered two ladies teams in the Woodland Relay Series of races last Wednesday evening at Escot Park.

The event organised by Honiton Running Club attracted 47 teams in total. Teams of three were divided into all male, all female, mixed and juniors.
Each member runs the same 1.6 mile circuit with a hill climb towards the end but that gave a nice downhill sprint to the changeover and finish.

I have learnt that at the start our two captains were so engrossed in discussing tactics (or that was what I was told) that the rest of the field had set off before they realised it. However all members enjoyed the evening and the Mighty Green was worn and the Club was shown supporting another event.

Final results have not yet been published but it is highly unlikely that we will be in the top three unless there are a mass of disqualifications, but one thing for sure as you can see from the photo we had the two most glamorous teams. Well done Ladies.

Individual Times:

SIDMOUTH Smiles
Becky Robson 14:36, Jo Earlam 13:50, Sue Collman 13:55. Total 42:21

SIDMOUTH Green Goddesses
Helen Palmer14:46, Jennifer Bentley 15:41, Suzi Rocky 14:15 Total 44:42

Bowood House Sprint Triathlon.

It was a lovely romantic gesture from Ian Robson to his wife Becky, both members of SIDMOUTH Running Club, saying he would be taking her out to the beautiful Bowood House in Calne, Wiltshire for the day.

What he had forgotten to tell her until the last minute was that he had entered both of them into the Event Logic Sprint distance Triathlon taking place there for the fourth year.

The Sprint comprises a 750 metre lake swim, followed by a mile uphill run to the transition area where competitors race to climb out of their wetsuits onto their bikes. The 21k fast bike ride around the estate begins with a few technical corners and hill climbs to enjoy before the descent on each lap. Returning to the transition area once again the competitors change into running shoes for the 5K hilly but scenic run around the stunning gardens and waterfalls.

Ian and Becky have been competing here since the event started in 2013 and have watched it grow over the years. Both were competing in the 45-50 age group. There are quite a few rules within the sport with a penalty of disqualification if you forget them so it keeps you focused.

Becky who had not been doing a lot of triathlon training lately had a storming event and a big surprise when it was announced that she had come first in her age group with split times of swim, 00:15:40, bike, 00:48:22, Run, 00:28:13 with T1 & T2 a combined time 0f 1:38:50.

Ian held his own coming 8^th in the age group with splits times of swim, 00:15:36, bike, 00:40:40, run, 00:27:05 with T1 & T2 a combined time of 1:29:27.

Becky is hoping that their next day out together will not be so energetic.