SW X-C Champs

Posted on by

Toby at the South West X-Country Championships

On Sunday 8th January I took part in the South West Cross Country Championships taking place in Aldon Park, Yeovil. This competition consists of teams of the best eight runners from each county including Cornwall, Somerset, Wiltshire and Avon. The course was a typical cross country course with hills, mud, wind and for once sunshine! The temperature felt a mere 3 degrees as every spectator was wrapped in an uncountable amount of layers.

On Sunday 8th January I took part in the South West Cross Country Championships taking place in Aldon Park, Yeovil. This competition consists of teams of the best eight runners from each county including Cornwall, Somerset, Wiltshire and Avon. The course was a typical cross country course with hills, mud, wind and for once sunshine! The temperature felt a mere 3 degrees as every spectator was wrapped in an uncountable amount of layers.

The Devon Team

My race commenced at 13:55 so after a thorough warm up to get a slight feeling in my toes I was ready to race. The gun goes and it’s a sprint to see who can take the lead of the hungry pack charging behind them. A 500m straight is what we face with a sharp right turn into a fierce headwind. Constant to and fro between race positions kept all on their toes, prepared for an early surge form the leaders at any time. As the mud got thinner and wind reduced, everyone knew what was coming: The hill! The thoughts are ticking ‘do I attack up it?’ ‘do I save energy and cruise, but loose some race places?’ it’s a risk but you’ve got to decide in that split-second. Now onto me. I attacked that hill, surging up it taking 2, 3, 4, 5 places from an average 20th place of a field of 50 moving to a more promising 15th.

The second lap provided pain and a lot of mental strain. It was now turning into a mental test rather than physical. Keep your legs moving, stay with the runner in front of you, and don’t get overtaken. Simple right? I wish. My race tactic changed, I was determined to move up the field to put me in the best position in preparation for the hill. Attacking down steep inclines and gaining momentum I was moving nicely with less pain than before, I had never been this high up in a race as prestigious as this so was out of my comfort zone. Adrenaline kicked in at the right time, fuelling me up the hill taking over three runners. I now knew I was at least 3rd in my team, far better than the expectations I gave myself prior to the event. All I had to do now was secure this place and stay strong, digging deep and keeping technique sound, for the final 200 metres. One competitor rushed by me, sprinting at an unimaginable speed to contrast my race tactics of give all in the race, cruise the end but just hold my place. At this point I had nothing left and was fearing the worst, dreading who else could muster up that final kick to overtake me. Luckily before I knew it I was over the line and was immediately handed a letter with the title ‘London Marathon 2018’.

I am delighted to say I finished 8th in the South West by far my highest achievement, 2nd in the Devon team and am now a reserve for The London Mini Marathon in May 2018, something I could never have imagined even being close to.

Run Yourself Fit

Posted on by

Run Yourself Fit

Sidmouth Running Club will once again be offering its popular New Year Beginners course in 2018.

The course, which promises to be a gentle eight week programme for anyone who has never run before but wants have a go, will start on Wednesday 3rd January at 7pm at Sidmouth Sailing Club. Experienced coaches and run leaders provide a friendly, relaxed and supportive atmosphere which takes beginners groups through a programme that starts with a mixture of running and walking and aims to have everyone comfortably running 3 miles by the end of the course.

In 2017 over 40 enthusiastic but nervous beginners set out on their journey to running fitness. ‘It was a fantastic take up of our invitation to Beginners’ said Club Chairman Terry Bewes, ‘and we had an incredible response by club members and run leaders who were so pleased to welcome new people along’. Because the club has invested in training programmes for coaches and run leaders there are plenty of able male and female leaders keen to provide help under the guidance of Head Coach Tim Mitchell.

Many of the 2017 Beginners went on to further challenges during the year. Lara Millmow and her daughter completed the course and then, bitten by the running bug, completed 5k Park Runs in July and September. ‘There couldn’t have been a better way to improve my fitness and health and it was just what I needed after the Christmas season’ said Lara. ‘I didn’t think I was a runner but it’s part of my life now. One of the things I like most about the Club is that we have all ages and abilities’. Julia Haddrell hadn’t run since her school days but found running with others made it easy. ‘I have lost lots of weight, feel fantastic and have completed nearly 30 park runs this year. I inspired my daughter to run and celebrated being 60 by doing a 5k in just over 30 minutes!’ David Skinner joined the Club at 70 and has found the social running and friendly hints and tips invaluable to his improving fitness. He was delighted to achieve his 5k target time just before Christmas.

Also on offer for 2018 will be an Improvers Course. Following an eight week programme, this course is aimed at anyone who has run before but needs an incentive to get going again, or solo runners who would like to progress with a group. ‘We are a very friendly club and it’s amazing how quickly the miles are covered if you’re chatting’ said run leader Claire Ashby. ‘And the great thing about running in a group is that everyone knows a different route so as well as Club nights around town we cover a huge variety of trails in this beautiful countryside’. The Improvers Course also starts on Wednesday 3rd January at 7pm, at Sidmouth Sailing Club.

Both courses cost £20 which includes Club membership for 2018. Anyone who is interested in finding out more is invited to contact Terry Bewes on 07734 581782 or via email terry@zakia.co.uk. More information on the club can be found at www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk or on our facebook page.

Reindeer Run 2017

Posted on by

Otterton Reindeer Run is a Family Affair

Last Saturday saw more than 450 runners gather in Otterton for the village’s annual charity Reindeer Run. Runners aged from three to 73 donned festive outfits and set out from the churchyard for some seasonal outdoor fun. The 3k fun run is a family favourite for younger runners whilst the 10k multi terrain run takes in the stunning scenery of the Otter Valley including some tricky hills and beautiful banks of the River Otter.

Further photos can be found at http://www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk/2017/12/05/reindeer-run-2/

This event has been going for just over 10 years and is a popular start to the festive season for local runners. 19 seniors and 4 juniors from the Sidmouth Running Club dusted off their antlers and got their bells jingling in a good humoured race round the valley.

Father and daughter duo David and Katie Wright were all smiles as they ran the 10k together, while Janice and Alecia Ranson had excellent runs in the 10k and 3k respectively. Grandmother and Sidmouth Running Club stalwart, Sarah Watkins couldn’t have looked happier completing the fun run with her grandchildren Zach and India Raynor.

Meanwhile an epic ‘catch the twin’ pursuit was underway as Debbie Marriott and Cathy Keast set their sights on njppy duo Christine and Karen Farnham. All four charged home in well under the hour with Deb first lady home from Sidmouth Running Club knocking nearly seven minutes off her 2016 time. ’The photos look like I was strolling along, but I remember it being much pacier than that’ grinned jubilant Deb.

The Reindeer Run is the principle fundraising event for the local school, Otterton Church of England School and is supported by local businesses with many volunteers acting as race marshalls and serving post race food and drink to muddy runners. The run raised around £3,000 for school projects.

All runners enjoyed the atmosphere as they finished on the village green and were rewarded with commemorative mugs and mulled wine in the village hall.

Sidmouth Running Club welcomes new members and is currently finalising details of its Beginners Course which will start in the New Year. www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk

Reindeer results:

Ladies: Deb Marriott 55:46 22nd o/all, Christine Farnham 56:09, Cathy Keast 56:11, Karen Farnham 56:12, Jane Hemsworth 56:17, Janice Ranson 58:59, Jo Earlam 1:01:02, Freddie the dog same time first dog to finish, Katie Wright (Junior)1:07:09, Els Laureys 1:10:33.

135 women finished.

Men: Danny Painter 44:27 27th o/all, John Keast 47:25, Alan Colwell 49:55, Rocker Shepard 53:42, Simon Hollyer 54:32, Don Cawthera 57:45, Jon Ball 57:48,Terry Bewes 59:47, Paul Wright 1:02:44, David Wright 1:07:11, John Sharples 1:08:5.

92 men finished

Fun Run: Alecia Ranson 19:06 10th o/all, Zach Raynor 28:29, India Raynor 30:17

 

Kerry for London

Posted on by

Kerry Runs London

Local GP, Mum, and runner, Dr Kerry Boyle is asking for community support in her challenge to raise £2000 for the Institute of Cancer Research. Kerry plans to run in the 2018 London Marathon and is organising a fun event as part of her campaign. Kerry said “as well as putting in the training I am running a charity ‘pub quiz’ at the Woodlands Hotel on 24 February 2018 with a raffle and auction. I would be so grateful for any donations large or small for the raffle and auction”.

Both the venue and the charity are very close to Kerry’s heart. Kerry and husband Phil had their wedding reception at the Woodlands Hotel in June 2016. A few months later the couple were devastated by the loss of their best man, Richard Browne to stomach cancer. Kerry said, “losing Rich made us want to do something to fight this terrible illness. The Institute of Cancer Research, based at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, is one of the world’s most influential cancer research organisations making discoveries that defeat cancer. It is now suspected that 1 in 2 of us will get cancer during our lifetime and it does not matter how old or how young you are, so it is vital funding is raised for this life changing research to take place”.

Kerry has run for Sidmouth running club since moving to Sidmouth with her young family in 2013 and has gradually built up her distance, successfully completing the Exeter marathon this year. London 2018 is her next big goal before taking on the challenge of Junior Coach at the club.

‘I have always been a runner, and we are so lucky in East Devon to have amazing trails and views to enhance the enjoyment that running brings. The running club in Sidmouth is great because it caters for all standards and is so welcoming, but currently there is nothing for our youngsters’.

Once the hours of training and fundraising are complete Kerry will continue her coaching qualifications to become a UK Athletics coach so that Sidmouth running club can cater for juniors (8-15yr) hopefully this time next year!

If you would like to donate to Kerry’s cause please visit her websitehttps://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kerrypboyle

To contact her for more information or donations for her charity event please visit her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KerryBoylerunsLondon/

 

 

Posted in SRC

Drogo 10

Posted on by

Drogo 10 challenges Sidmouth 8

Eight members of Sidmouth Running Club took part in the ‘Drogo 10’ at the weekend enjoying stunning scenery of the Teign Gorge in the north of Dartmoor. Four hundred runners gathered outside the front of Castle Drogo for the start of this popular 9.6mile trail run before heading down a steep track to the river. The trail wound through woods tracks and paths, included a couple of steep hills before heading back along the Teign to Fingle Bridge then up the infamous Hunters Path hill back to Drogo for the finish.

Cath Miller and Kate Matravers, two of the Club’s growing contingent of competitive female runners, decided to keep up a club tradition and enjoyed the event as a social run. Chat on the way to the start passed seamlessly into the run itself and, barely interrupted by the finish, continued in the car on the way home. Cath was pleased with her time, ‘It was a gorgeous run’ she said, ‘despite every type of weather, including hail at the end.’ Just ahead of Cath and Kate, paying slightly more attention to the clock were Janice Ranson, in good running form and Sarah Watkins, recovering from injury and going from strength to strength.

SRC’s male runners were led by Julian Bartlett, closely followed by Phil Welsford and Simon Hollyer. Both Julian and Simon improved on last year’s times by 3 minutes and 5 minutes respectively, although Julian didn’t seem that pleased, commenting ‘Such hard work for so little time’!

Terry Bewes, whose winter running plan is progressing well, came in under 2 hours, averaging 12 minute miles on hilly rough and sometimes treacherous terrain. Arthur Vince, showed true club spirit and travelled from Chard to join the rest of the Mighty Green Team.

Club Runners are looking forward to the Bicton Blister on Sunday 26th November

RESULTS. Julian Bartlett 1:25:40, Phil Welsford 1:27:28, Simon Hollyer 1:43:39,

Janice Ranson 1:47:43, Sarah Watkins 1:54:10, Cath Miller 1:55:36, Katy Matravers 1:55:36, Terry Bewes 1:56:19, Arthur Vince 2:36:52.

 

 

Autumn Training

Posted on by

Autumn Training on track at Sidmouth Running Club

Sidmouth Running Club Members have been taking advantage of the beautiful weather and spectacular local trails to get some off road training miles in ahead of the winter series of local trail events.

20 club members, led by Head Coach Tim Mitchell, are spending Wednesday evenings on a 10 week programme focussing on technique, pace and stamina for off road running. Putting some of that learning into practice group members were out and about running the footpaths and lanes this weekend.

Hamish Spence led one group, consisting of Bert Dykema, Cath Miller, Paula Farrand, Polly Walton, Kerry Boyle and guest Sam. This group planned 7-8 miles but setting off from the Sailing Club their route by the golf course to Mutters Moor, Ladram Bay and back to Port Royal turned it into a 9.5 mile run.

Meanwhile it took a bit of teamwork to navigate another group consisting of Terry Bewes, Sue Colman, Kate Johnston, Debbie Marriott, Monica Read, Cathy Keast and Don Cawthera. The planned route up the Otter from Newton Poppleford to Ottery and then up along East Hill to White Cross and down through Harpford Woods was spectacular, but longer than planned. Terry Bewes said ‘It was a fantastic route encompassing fields, lanes, river bed, woods and views to die for but closer to 12.5 miles than the planned 9-10!’


‘We are preparing well and hoping Sidmouth Running Club will be out in force at the upcoming local events – the Bicton Blister on 27 November and the Otterton Reinder Run on 2 December.’

Both events have different distances on offer and a warm welcome for runners of all abilities.

 

New Club Kit

Posted on by

The wait is over, here are your new Club t-shirt and vest. The Mighty Green moves on and up into the 21st century.

New design Club t-shirts

New design club vests

Posted in SRC

Dartmoor Vale

Posted on by

Sidmouth Runners take on Dartmoor Vale

In a weekend of glorious running weather there were some impressive performances from Sidmouth Runners. Danny Painter completed his second marathon in a week in Snowdonia, whilst closer to home SRC members competed in the 13th Dartmoor Vale races. Starting and finishing at East Gold Works in Newton Abbot runners had the option of a marathon, a half marathon or a 10kilometre race. David Wright and Jane Hemsworth from Sidmouth Running Club took part in the marathon and half marathon distances, and David was joined by Jessica Raynor and husband Simon in the Marathon.

Experienced competitor Jessica Raynor ran an impressive race, coming in as second fastest woman and 16th overall in 3h 23m 56s . Husband Simon completed the course in 5h 25m 49s.

Meanwhile, SRC stalwart, Jane Hemsworth, continuing her return to competition after some time off running, delivered a fantastic 3rd in age group in the half marathon, completing in just under 2 hours.

But for David this was his first marathon and he admitted that he had felt apprehensive before the race. ‘Although I completed the Grizzly last year I had never run over 20 miles before. Fortunately I picked up many words of wisdom from experienced runners at Sidmouth Running Club. This ranged from simple encouragement (I was promised a personal best in my first marathon!) to how much porridge to eat on the morning of race day.’

David embarked on the 26.2 mile course with 113 other runners intent on completing a double loop race out on the roads of the Teign Valley to Chudleigh and back down leafy country lanes. The course is relatively flat but has quite a hill at mile 6 which is repeated at mile 18.
David set off at a steady pace, allowing himself to complete his first marathon in 4hr 44m 46s, feeling pleased with his result and contemplating the next long distance event. ‘I’m going to concentrate on Sidmouth Running Club events next, I’m looking forward to The Four Trigs in February. In the meantime I’m really pleased with my first marathon. I don’t think I would have been able to complete 26.2 miles without the support of the Club – I would urge anyone to join, it does make a tremendous difference’.