On the Run

On the Run

Awards Edition

January 2012

Magazine Editor: Adam Hills Contributors: Iva Barr Ι Jutta Crane Ι Gill Fullen Ι Steve Gaunt Ι Philip Gray Ι Nora Haggart no Mark Holland Ι Noel Jones Ι Richard Piron Ι Jayson Shaw Ι Cliff Smith Ι Kevin Willett Ι Zoë Willett

Chairman’s Report It does not seem possible that it was nearly eight years ago when a group of Harriers stood inside the Olympic stadium in Athens waiting for the start of the men’s 100 metres final. The last field event had finished slightly earlier than expected and we were waiting for American TV to come online. The stadium sound system powered into life with the pure sound of ‘Zorba the Greek’. People of all nationalities stood up and danced as one, including some of the fastest athletes in the world waiting patiently on the track. It’s a memory that still sends a tingle down my spine and never will forget.

Eight years on, who would have thought we will be witnessing the greatest show on earth coming to London with the Olympic torch coming through Bedford. I am pleased that ‘our Iva’ has the opportunity to carry the torch on our behalf, and I hope we can all witness some of the nostalgia for this once in a lifetime experience.

I imagine there will be a lot of interest from people wanting to get fit because of the Olympics and I see the membership rising sharply once again.

Considering we are in a recession our numbers have held up well with over 500 members and numbers almost reaching 150 on club nights. This is a testament to how well we do things and the good value everyone gets out of the Harriers membership.

Everyone who has a job at the Harriers makes the club what it is and I hope to see it grow even stronger especially with new people taking up new positions and giving us fresh ideas and input. Numbers of members taking part in races are still very high and for the first time ever we had over 100 people taking part in a cross country race. Fantastic news and long may you enjoy it!

I am hoping that elsewhere in the magazine we will see some outstanding reports from individuals and I would like to congratulate anyone who has achieved something, whether it’s a PB or running in a long distance race for the first time, well done all. With this in mind I would like to mention Noel Jones on his 10 in 10 back to back Marathon efforts, and also Rob Bishop on achieving 100 marathons in 2.5 years. Amazing effort guys. Without wanting to leave the ladies out, congratulations must also go to Angie Harris and Gill Fullen on earning a GB vest in triathlon (Vegas) and also a special mention to Nora Haggart who took part in two Ironman events one month apart. The second one was special as Hawaii can only be run by beating a difficult qualifying time.

Good Luck and Best Wishes to you all for 2012.

2 Steve Gaunt

CONTENTS Chairman’s Report

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10 marathons in 10 days?

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My First London Marathon

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Round Norfolk Relay

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15 Years of Harriers Oakley Races

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Harriers in the Spotlight

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In Focus

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My Grizzly Tale

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The Squeaky Boys Snatch Bone

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The Marathon Des Sable 2011

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My Experience as a Beginner

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Harriers Tri-ing Abroad

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Supporters Guide to Triathlon Events

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Triathlon World Championships

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Ironman World Championships - Kona

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Volunteer Fire Fighters in Mauwa

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Well, here we are... 2012, a year that will be truly remembered in terms of London hosting this year's Summer Olympics and Paralympics Games. It is with great pride to learn that our Iva Barr will indeed have her hands on the Olympic torch after there was some uncertainty as to whether we could ever see the flaming torch.

Many of us will have been either unlucky or lucky to have been able to purchase tickets to see the Olympians in the flesh. What is almost certain is the level of motivation shown by athletic clubs such as the Bedford Harriers to view the Olympics as a valid reason to keenly promote the benefits of participating in sport. As Steve Gaunt stated in his Chaiman's Report. there will be 'a lot of interest from people wanting to get fit'. This applies regardless of your ability, whether you are a beginner or an advanced sporting individual. There were indeed numerous achievements displayed within the Bedford Harriers during 2011 as can be illustrated throughout this Awards Edition of the On the Run - so take a good read.

Good luck to all you members of the Bedford Harriers with your sporting goals and aspirations throughout, of what is to become, the memorable year of 2012 and especially the GB Team who we hope will win some medals for our country!

Adam Hills Editor

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Design and Artwork Alastair Fadden

Why would anyone want to run

10 marathons in 10 days?

That’s the essence of what many people asked, although often it was phrased more in the form of a shorter statement, as in “You’re mad!” So why did I do just that back in May? I’d had my eye on the 10 in 10 for a couple of years having run the annual Windermere marathon. The athletes I’d seen were doing something incredible and while they were doing it they were raising money for a great cause. I’ve run a number of endurance events but could I run 10 consecutive marathons?

Eventually I decided there was only one way to find out.

One of the biggest challenges is getting to the start line uninjured. You think you have to train incessantly for it and as a result there is an increased risk of injury. I was running a marathon every couple of weeks so I started to do a bit more speed work in between. This proved to be a mistake as I promptly got injured (shin splints) so I switched to steady runs of 7 to 10 miles. I did most of these along the Regents Canal between St Pancras and Canary Wharf, often with a backpack carrying my work clothes. I found the extra weight really helped me prepare for the hilly course around Windermere.

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13 of us made it to Brathay Hall and gathered nervously for the start. Actually we had two starts. The first was for the media when we ran across the lawn and into the shelter of some trees to get out of the rain. The real start was a bit later down on the road. We then entered into a daily routine; run, eat, stretch, drink, ice bath, recover from the ice bath, prepare drink and kit for the next day, massage, supper, blog, sleep, breakfast, massage and run again! There was no spare time and we always seemed to be rushing from A to B.

At the end of the 6th day, after struggling mentally as well as physically, I had to escape for a while taking refuge in a fish and chip shop. I suffered a bit through not having the ice bath and massage but I had to get myself sorted out.

The team spirit built up over the 10 days and while there was a degree of competitiveness between us this over time developed into genuine pleasure as we returned to the recovery room to find out how we had each done. Andy started with flu which was quite a concern but it didn’t stop him taking the crown for the fastest overall time that year. No one came through it completely unscathed but our motto became “13 out 13 back” and for the first time ever we did all make it to the finish.

The 2 most common questions I am asked are “I expect you find marathons easy now?” and “What next?” The answer to the first is definitely not, a marathon is still a long way and I have the utmost respect for anyone that takes one on. The answer to the second is less easy. Lands’ End to John O’Groats keeps popping into my head, if only I could get the time off work, or perhaps the Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc if I can get in.

The Brathay Trust 10 in 10 Challenge is a fund raising event supporting the work of the trust which helps disadvantaged young people around the UK. It was a privilege to be a part of this event.

Noel Jones

My First London Marathon This year I completed my first London Marathon, but in retrospect I suppose my marathon journey began, without me knowing it, on the 29th October 2007. This was the day that my little boy Joshua, then aged just 2, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. For a further 2½ years the thought of running any sort of distance, let alone a marathon, still never entered my mind.

curb, and I felt my knee twinge again. I managed to carry on to 14 miles and then had to answer a call of nature. At this stage though, all I could think about was the reason I was doing this in the first place. I was raising money for the charity that helps my son, and thinking about him and what he has to do every day gave me the determination to carry on. Sure enough I started running again and although it was painful I actually found it less so than when I was walking. I passed my supporter zone at mile 21, my wife and son there cheering me on as well as lots of others from the charity. That felt really good.

Shortly after Joshua’s diagnosis my wife and another local mum started a local support group for families with children who had Type 1 Diabetes. They do a lot of work both with fundraising and raising awareness of the condition. It was during one evening in February 2010, when we had our fellow support group founders over for curry and drinks that the idea of running the London Marathon for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) occurred to me.

Running alongside the Palace and seeing those countdown markers was a very welcome sight, turning into the Mall and seeing the finish was amazing. I crossed the line and just stood there for a couple of minutes letting the emotions and the enormity of the achievement wash over me, I couldn’t believe what I had just achieved. Got my photo taken and limped my way up to Trafalgar Square for a very welcome massage!

I was amazed at how quickly I was then going from running one lap of the track to doing 5k at a time. Unfortunately I had calf injuries which returned and stopped me for the next two months. I then returned in August, and in September ran the Biddenham 10k River Race on the day of my 41st birthday. I completed the Bedford Half Marathon in December and The Silverstone Half in March, before tackling the Oakley 20. In all these races I was encouraged by and ran with various fellow Harriers, and their support was invaluable.

This is not the end of the story however. Inspired by that first marathon, and my desire to raise as much money for JDRF as possible, I have set myself an even bigger challenge in 2012. The 2012 Olympic year sees me running 8 marathons in 8 days, starting with Brighton and finishing with London.

The 6 days in between will be spent running marathons to take in some of the Olympic venues. My target is to raise £5000 (or approximately £24 per mile!). If anyone is interested in finding out more about my challenge, then please link up with me on Facebook to follow my progress, and to sponsor me, please go to www.justgiving.com/jayson-shaw8in8.

Marathon day dawned, and I was quite nervous as I got ready and travelled down to Blackheath. My leg was strapped up, I had my carb gels and was ready to go. I said goodbye to my family and found my start area. Then at 9 miles I was unfortunate enough to be pushed onto the

Thank you and happy running.

Jayson Shaw

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Round Norfolk Relay Preparation for this seventeen stage 195.34 relay race starts beginning of April when an application is put in to enter a team. Not only does it require 17 runners but also support crew, time keepers, cyclists, and drivers, all in all last year’s race involved 25 Harriers and family members to get the team round.

Experienced RNR runner Alex Rothwell left Kings Lynn at 6.30 am Saturday heading for Hunstanton where David Hutchings was waiting to take the baton onto Burnham Overy. Here Carl Furness took over and ran through the sand dunes and nudist beach to Wells apparently without taking in the view. Leg four saw Julie Wargent run from Wells to Cley, at this point the heavens opened but she pressed on relentlessly, a great performance. At Cley Ian Kingstone took the baton to take on the challenge of one of the toughest RNR legs, a run across shingle, sand and a hills into Cromer - appearing accompanied by an interesting lady runner for the last two hours!

Graham Short pressed on through Cromer to Mundesley tirelessly where Steve Crane was waiting to take over running his leg to Lessingham, again through rain. Steve was overtaken by Alastair Fadden who had defected to the Colworth Striders team. This aroused some rivalry which spurred on Pete Mealing to run possessed to overtake the Striders again.

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Neil Lovesey had been waiting three hours to start his leg at Horsey but when Pete arrived at the change over point like a man. Neil was not ready!!!

But once he had the baton in his hand he put in a great run onto Great Yarmouth. Steve Daniels then picked up the baton and proceeded to run 20 miles in dwindling light a distance he agreed to run only 24 hours previously due to an injured runner having to pull out. At Bungay the baton was handed over to Bev Hayes who had the challenge of not only running for the first time in RNR but also in the dark.

She did a great job, fifteen miles later at Scole she handed over to our international runner Bob Wells who flew in from France to compete in the RNR yet again.

At Thetford Tony Jones picked up the baton. The complexities of the race always throws up logistical problems and this year getting Tony to Thetford proved to be complicated, however after he was ready to stretch his legs running to Feltwell where he handed the baton to four times RNR runner Kevin Willett. Wissington saw Chris Fadden take the baton knowing he had to contend with a last minute route change where a level crossing was closed. At Downham Market fresh from his marshalling duties at Great Yarmouth David Prior took the baton. After he ran a solid five mile leg he safely passed it to our last runner Angie Harris who run a 1 hour 45 minutes in a glorious September morning to the finish line where she was loudly cheered on by her fellow Harriers, and supporters including Graham Short vigorously • Ron Hill collecting Tony’s shaking black and autograph yellow pom poms!

Special thanks to Jenny Lovesey and John Harris for biking in the driving rain, Alastair for returning back from the Striders to provide bike support at night, Christine and Tony Parello for providing runners with support and time keeping throughout the night, Judy Prior for marshalling at Great Yarmouth, Lynn Short and Jutta Crane helping to deliver and collect runners.

Challenge Completed - A Great Harriers Effort !

Zoë Willet

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15 Years of Bedford Harriers Oakley Races Bedford Harriers have organised road races in Oakley since 1997. The races have always been in March or early April aimed mainly at runners doing the London Marathon. From 1997 - 2000 the distances run were 16.4 and 9.1 miles, the race directors were Chris and Jude Cottam and the HQ was Oakley village hall. Proceeds from the race during this time helped the Bedford Hospital Primrose appeal.

In 2001 the race moved to the current location at Lincroft Middle school which provided improved facilities for the increasing numbers. In 2001 & 2002 the race was run over 15 miles and the race director was Brian McCallen.

Many thanks should go to Jack Chana for his sponsorship during these early days which ensured the race was a success.

In 2003 the first 20 mile race was organised over the current course, and for 2 years a 13 mile race was also organised at the same time but when entrants to the 20 mile race started to increase a decision was made to organise just the 20 mile race in subsequent years.

In 2003 there were 370 finishers and by 2011 this had risen to 797 from 1000 entrants which is its maximum capacity. The course records are held by Matt James 1:48:10 and Imogen Thornburgh 2:10:50. The best times by Bedford Harriers are Tony Dadd 2:07:52 (2003) and Donna McEwan 2:15:33 (2008).The most famous entrant has been Ex England manager Graham Taylor who used the race as a training run prior to completing the London Marathon.

The ethos of the races in Oakley has always been to give something back to runners for competing on a challenging course; this has been achieved by reasonable entry fees, wellorganised races in friendly atmosphere, good mementos and trophies. In recent years the Oakley Hoodie has become a sought-after fashion item amongst the running fraternity.

Local charities have also benefitted from the races; we regularly donate to the Lincroft School PE department where the donation goes towards the cost of taking children to various running events around the country.

We have also helped the local ATC buy a replacement minibus. Other beneficiaries have included Oakley & Harrold Lower Schools, Autism Bedford and Bedford Sparkle Club.

• Clockwise or anti clockwise, your call!

In 2010 runners world voted the Oakley 20 as the best race at any distance other than 5k,10k,half marathon & marathon, this is not only down to the dedication of the race

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management team but also to all the volunteers who are prepared to get involved and give up their spare time.

2012 will be the 10th anniversary of the Oakley 20 where we anticipate that the race will sell out with 1000 entrants hoping to complete the challenging 2 loop course their reward a successful Bedford Harriers Race and a Hoodie of course - the colour Pink.. Well maybe.

Whatever way you have been involved in The Oakley races over the last 15 years a huge thank you!

Kevin Willett Oakley 20 Race Director

Harriers in the Spotlight This club never ceases to amaze me, even after 20 years as a member.

One only had to witness the scenes at Shuttleworth College to see the effect this club has had on the opening two races of the Three Counties Cross-Country League. 91 members in action at Wellingborough but even this figure was surpassed as 110 addressed Race 2 in the grounds of Shuttleworth College. Glorious November sunshine only added to the spectacle as my camera had to work overtime to capture that perfect image. 500 plus charged towards me like a scene from the battle of Agincourt and the race was underway. It seemed like an age as the last runner in the field, our very own Iva Barr, passed me to address the first of two laps that added up to about 5 miles.

Lap 1 completed as the majority of runners reacted to my presence in a positive and amusing manner. I was well rewarded with some incredible and amusing action shots and one or two even more amusing still pictures. Refreshments were certainly welcomed by all who did their bit for the club. This club is a tour de force as Shuttleworth clearly illustrates. Thanks to all who make this club what it is.

Philip Gray

In Focus Life has been good to me in many ways and one of those was joining Bedford Harriers many years ago. I was an undergraduate at a local college and some friends persuaded me to take a chance with Bedford Harriers, who were based at Bedford International Athletics Stadium as it is today. Walking through the doors of that stadium was one of the best things I have ever done and I was greeted by people like Doug Anderson and Bill Tallentire. It was a done deal from that moment on and I progressed from novice runner to someone who could actually do a half marathon and in no time at all, a marathon. It was during this period that I soon realised that I had stumbled onto to something really special. This club is so much more than a running club. It is a centre for socialising as well as pushing yourself physically if you wish, with the help of people who really knew their stuff in more ways than one. I have always liked photography and it was just a natural progression to take pictures of club members in action. Many amusing images have been taken over the years and recent advances in technology means that I can go to an event, take as many pictures as I need and actually see the pictures I have taken before loading them onto a website like Kodak. Members are so generous with their comments when they see me clicking away but I get such a buzz and it reflects an incredible effort on their part. If I can capture that moment, I am well rewarded.

One only has to look at recent crosscountry races to see what this club is all about and Shuttleworth on 13 November was a prime example of that - 110 members addressing cross-country action and in most cases enjoying what they are doing. If this has inspired you to put pen to paper, then I have done my job.

Philip Gray

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My Grizzly Tale I first went to Devon in 2009 to do the Cub Run. I had been told it was muddy. In 2010 I entered the full Grizzly. This time I was told I could not continue as I had not reached the cut off in time. I was very upset.

Undaunted, I entered the Grizzly in 2011. This time I was allowed to continue. I was delighted. The first part was muddy but not too difficult! Oh boy was it muddy. In one place it was up to my knees. It was like sloppy porridge. A man with a camera called out to us to show our numbers if we wanted to be photographed! What a joke. In one lot of mud there was rope which I thought was to help us get along. I grabbed it and it was no help as I fell. Thankfully there were lovely runners helping us out of the mud.

Some pulled, others pushed. There was a lot of laughter, I’m glad to say.

After more mud and steep ups I was on the beach leading to the Stairway to Heaven. It is a formidable climb after the Cub, after the Grizzly I though it impossible. Of course it was hard but not impossible. It was bliss going down to the cafe. My friends were there wondering if I had made it. When I saw them I began jumping up and down shouting I did it, I did it. Bet some people wondered who this mud-covered woman was.

After hugs and general euphoria I staggered over the pebbly beach escorted by the marshals. Then it was up a slope and into the last stretch. There was the most amazing cheer and I even managed to jog to the finish. I will never forget the feeling, and I will never forget how wonderful the marshals were especially Phil who looked after me most of the way. It was a wonderful experience but I think I will stick to the Cub.

Iva Barr

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The Squeaky Boys Snatch Bone The dogs were out in force on one cool sunny morning in November to compete in the annual Squeaky Bone 4-legged cross country relay. The event took place on Newton Lodge at Clifton Reynes near Olney.

A record seven Bedford Harriers teams competed for the Squeaky Bone 2011 title. The stand out runner of the day was probably Chris Dilley, who took on the first leg. He completed the 3.5 mile in a top time of 20 minutes and 21 seconds. This achievement, along with his team members Alastair Fadden, Gary Finch and Tim Davies helped to deliver an overall win for the Bedford Harriers, despite naming themselves the ‘Poodles’. They secured their top position by a narrow 49 seconds from the nearest rivals, Dobbins Donkeys.

The ‘Whippets’ meanwhile was another victory for the Bedford Harriers winning the mix veteran team prize. The four trophies were dispensed to Julie Wargent, Graham Short, Jerry Pullinger and Sally Cartwright.

The Bedford Harriers ‘Shih Tzus’ came second in the Ladies event. The Shih Tzus dogs were named as Jenny Cull, Pauline Bambury, Lesley Gaunt and Beverley Tredget. Last but not least, no one could have avoided the effort displayed by the ‘Dalmatians’ - who went spotty for the day, complete with wet noses and whiskers!

A full selection of photographs taken on the day can be found by accessing the Squeaky Bone Race, 2011 online Facebook page.

Adam Hills

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The Marathon Des Sable 2011

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Sitting on the coach now, filthy dirty and completely exhausted I can think about what has happened over the last week.

Seven days ago early in the morning I was waiting with eight hundred and forty seven other competitors for the start of our race.

Half past six in the morning, the April sun hadn’t risen and it was cold. Our Berber tents had already gone and we had three hours until the start. Sitting on stony ground somewhere in southern Morocco, eating breakfast, I was watching every one doing whatever they do with three hours to wait before we set of to compete in the 26th Marathon Des Sables. The scene was biblical and there was no shelter, it was also very quiet, most concentrating on there own thoughts and last preparations before the off. None of the usual families or friends could be at the start; this race is far too remote for that. There were the usual poor jokes and a bit of banter, but not much, this is serious stuff. The MDS is often referred to as toughest race in the world and not just by the organisers. There are a lot of races that call themselves marathons but are not the usual 26 miles 385 yards; this one of those. It is 154 miles through the Sahara Desert. Temperatures are going to top well over fifty degrees and we would be carrying all your own supplies for the next seven days. Our only assistance would be water rations, given out at the check points.

I took part for the third time this year; I have to admit it became an obsession.

My first attempt ended after stage three when I was flown from the desert by helicopter and spent two weeks in hospital in Casablanca, I’d had a heart attack. My second attempt last year ended after I became too dehydrated to continue. I flew out two days before the start, with my fellow British competitors, to the small southern Moroccan town of Quarzazate.

This is a multi national race with over forty countries represented. We spent a night in a hotel and all the talk was about the race.

People who had never been before asking those who had if it really is as tough as they have heard, those returning assuring them it’s not as tough as they have heard, its much tougher than that. The next day we spent six hours being driven out into the desert; the last part of the journey in ex-military off road trucks. I was remembering what I was letting myself in for. We had a day before the race to acclimatise, how do you acclimatise to over fifty degrees. All our kit was weighed and compulsory safety items checked. We were given a rescue flare in case we got lost, injured or ill and our medical certificates were scrutinised. You have to have a medical certificate to take part.

We organised ourselves into tent groups, seven in ours and the topic of conversation, “how much does your pack way?” Weight, sand and the sun are the enemies in this race. I’d got mine down to about 10kg plus another 3kg of water.

Day One 33k Patrick the race director gave us our morning pep talk, he told us not to forget to take our salt tablets and drink the water we would be given. He wished us all a safe race and said that it would be the toughest first day they have ever planned, we would be in dunes and must take care of each other. Last minute hugs were had, hands shaken and good lucks said, there was a count down then off we went to the strains of AC/DC’s Highway to Hell, very apt as most of the day would be spent in the Merzouga Dunes. Dunes and Jebels (mountains) are the things you least want to know are ahead and the dunes on this day were jebels. They are the highest in the Western Sahara and we could see them ahead rising up looking like a very angry sea of sand, wave after wave of them, piling up hundreds of feet high. By the time we reached the bottom the temperature had already risen to well into the forties, this was going to turn into one of the hottest days. This is pure Lawrence of Arabia desert, when you’re climbing the sand slips back every step you take and when you run down the back slope it comes up to your knees. Brief exchanges of encouragement are given as you pass each other, often in strange languages but you know what is meant. After the first check point its 10k of soft sand to the next and the heat is intense. The leaders had probably finished by then but for us mortals there would still be hours to go. My plan this year was one check point at a time, I’d tried one day at a time and it never worked. At check point two I hurried on, passed through, got my water, took the salt tablets and kept going. It’s all in the mind I told myself, but it wasn’t, my legs hurt and my shoulders are on fire from the weight of the pack. Eventually I saw the finish in the distance; they are very good on MDS at making sure when you see the finish lines they are always “in the distance”. I kept going and finally finished day one in 08:21:05. I would hope to cover 33k in a bit over two and a half hours at home on a road. I must collect my evening water ration and I must eat but all I want is to lie down and sleep.

Day one is done and I have no blisters.

Day Two 38k We woke up very early on day two, it was still dark but there was a howling wind, sand was drifting through the tent. We needed to cook breakfast inside the tent before the Berbers came and took it down. Berber tents are open at both ends and it was like cooking in a wind tunnel. I think we all just about managed to make some semi warm gritty porridge. Before each day there is a pre stage briefing and you also find out how many dropped out the previous day. Only a couple never made it through to today and one of those has been flown out to hospital. Tired but not stiff I was glad when AC DC eventually blared out and we set off. Day one had been the soft desert of the movies, today was rocky and hilly. The storm kept up all day reducing visibility and forcing us to ware full face cover. Any bare skin is scoured and there were some very sore looking legs to be seen. One advantage of a storm is it keeps the temperature

down a little and the heat only reached the high forties. Towards the end of the stage we passed through camel herds. The herdsmen seemed disappointed that we did not have cigarettes to offer them. Throughout the race you come across people living and surviving in this harsh environment. We knew we were miles away from villages some days but children still found us to beg for sweets. Helped by the relatively cooler temperature and not as many dunes I did better today and finished in 07:24:04. I felt stronger too and looked forward to my noodles. All competitors have to have two thousand calories a day of available food. Food is the heaviest thing to carry so you look for a high calorie count in light packets. This resulted for me in a diet for the week of porridge for breakfast, fruit and nuts whilst running and noodles every night.

Day two is done and I have no blisters.

Day Three 38k Another 38k today but it was much tougher. The wind had gone and we had full sun again. The terrain was more mountainous and the ground was much rockier. There were still plenty of dunes though and it’s these that really sap your energy. I had also started to struggle with my water. I was finding it difficult to drink the amount I needed. We are given eight or nine litres a day but it is warm and I could not keep it down. The scenery today was stunning, weird rock formations, abandoned desert forts and some small oasis villages. I eventually made it back to camp in 10:08:20. Some of my tent mates were starting to suffer from blisters and there was a lot of taping and bandaging going on. I was wearing three pairs of socks and knee high gators and still had sand between my toes. I was not feeling well and found it difficult to eat the noodles. I needed to get my strength up though; day four is the feared long day. Eat and sleep is the pattern, I get my head down as soon as possible.

Day three is done and I have no blisters.

Day Four and Five 82km A 34 hour time limit and a cut off at check point 5.This is it, the big day, nearly two marathons and every type of desert terrain. It would also mean running through the night, I would have to navigate in the vast emptiness of the desert in the dark. I felt nervous as I lined up for the start. I was still not feeling well and had not managed to eat breakfast.

AC/DC blasted out and I set off on what really would be the Highway to Hell. It turned out to be the hottest day with temperatures over fifty four degrees. Somehow I arrived at check point four. I remember my head felt as though it was cooking inside my skull and I knew I was not in the best shape. I met a couple of the others from our tent and they told me I looked terrible, I probably did, I felt terrible. I sat down with them but as soon as I drank I was violently sick and felt dizzy. One of the doctors, who are ever present at the check points, insisted I go with him to the medical tent and with his help I managed to stagger into its wonderful shade. I knew what was wrong. I was severely

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dehydrated. I had been unable to keep water down for most of the day and I was worried about being able to finish today’s stage, I still had thirty five kilometres to go. These desert doctors, Doc Trotters from France, know there stuff though and I was rapidly hooked up to an IV drip. Three hours later and seven bags of hydration fluid through my arm I was beginning to feel better. Doc Trotter told me if I could eat something and not be sick I would be able to leave and carry on. Half an hour later with two handfuls of nuts and raisins eaten I was off. It was dark by now and navigation was by compass. Set a bearing and keep going through the dunes for the next 10k. One big advantage though is the temperature drops. I felt much better and made faster progress. The moon was at its thinnest but the stars are amazing, with no light pollution the sky at night is stunning. You are on your own for long periods, thoughts drift in and out of your head. I think “I’m in the Sahara desert in the dark, all I have are the shorts and t-shirt I’m wearing, one litre of water and minimal food”, quite surreal. It is also so very quiet; the only sound is your own breathing. I catch and pass a few others who overtook me whilst I was in the medical tent and brief exchanges of congratulation and encouragement are very welcome. I had been worried about getting to checkpoint five before the cut off having spent so long in the medical tent; I make it though with plenty of time to spare. Many competitors choose to take a break here, some get into sleeping bags and grab a couple of hours sleep. I had a hot drink, fruit tea in the desert, under the stars and not feeling sick, bliss. Someone is playing a flute or similar, runners keep arriving, others depart, all wish each other well. At this time I could think of nowhere else in the world I would rather have been. Despite the earlier set back I also knew even with 23k still to go I was going to finish the big stage. I think there may have been a tear.

I rested for about an hour, packed up and set out to complete the last two stages. My spirits rose higher as daylight started to appear and at ten thirty 25:30:27 after I had started I crossed the finish line.

The big day was done and to make things even better everyone in our tent had made it. And …

I had …. No blisters.

Day Six 42.4k A lot of bandaging going on in the tent this morning.

Some very painful feet, shredded is a good description. How tired I felt, how much harder it must be if every step was going to be agony, they had my sympathy. Many runners were now shufflers, many more exhausted. The organisers of the MDS race are a clever and cruel lot; yes we have done the big day, hurray, today is just …….a Marathon. We had done the big day though; spirits were high even if bodies were broken. We set off and I wondered what my Marathon P Worst would be. I found out later after more sand, rock and Jebels when I crossed the finishing line in 8:40:20.

Today was a very special day however; we had a big treat waiting for us in camp. Members of the

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French national opera had been flown into the dessert, a stage was set up and under the dessert stars they sang and played for us. How magic was that? There were many tears that night, all our tent had finished again and I had no blisters.

Day Seven 17.5k Only 17.5k to the end, but I got no sleep that night.

How much adrenalin can there be in one person? I spent the night as though I had drunk six mugs of strong coffee. I had a list in my head of a hundred things that could go wrong in 17.5k.

17.5k to the end, 233k had been done. The atmosphere at the start was electric, one collective thought, baring a disaster we were going to finish the Marathon Des Sable. Even AC DC could not stop us. This is a race of great camaraderie and there was sadness for the three competitors who had completed 223.5k but were too ill or had feet so bad they were not able to start this last day. Thirty eight competitors had to retire during the race; it had happened to me twice before, but not today.

Even if I had to crawl I was going to get to the finish. Every step took me toward that finish I had dreamed of. We entered the dirt street outskirts of Tazzarine and for the first time there were groups of people cheering and children who still hoped we might have some sweets for them. With 2k to go we turned onto our first tarmac road since we started out and the cheers turned into carnival time. There were real crowds lining this road, there were bands playing, up and down drove the support crew in their desert vehicles, horns blaring. You’ve raced 250.7k and all of a sudden you don’t want it to end but end it does. 2:54:05 it took me to run 17.5k. I crossed the line, tears came again. Patrick Bauer the man behind this fantastic event put a medal round my neck, as he does with every finisher.

There is great feeling amongst the competitors; no one wants to leave the finish area there is much congratulating to be done. We are given water and our first fresh food for a week and then sent to find our coaches for the long journey back to Quarzazate. There is a quiet buzz on the coach, every one has a storey to tell, all are exhausted, many are limping and most will be asleep soon.

Before I sleep I want to think about what has happened over the last week. With these dirty, filthy, smelly, burnt, brilliant people I have completed the Marathon Des Sable, the world’s toughest race.

I am very happy and I have no blisters.

Will I do it again? No! The desert is beautiful, the night sky spectacular, the camaraderie wonderful.

Yes I want to do it again.

Cliff (Smith) - MDS finisher 2011

My Experience

as a Beginner

Bedford Harriers

Tri-ing Abroad

I remember wanting to join the Harriers for many years but was just worried that I wasn’t good enough, I wasn’t fit enough or I wasn’t fast enough to be as good as anyone else. I even thought I would be scared of the coaches.

I didn’t fully go through the beginner process in April as I joined part way through the year. It was daunting for me joining such a huge group of people, none of whom I knew. However, roll on a year and a bit and I can honestly say “Why didn’t I join sooner?” I have met so many wonderful people and have made so many friends. Plus, of course my running has improved.

Everyone at the Club is so friendly and really nice. I have even gained the confidence to actually enter some races, and thanks to one special friend who will remain anonymous, I have even dared to try Cross Country, which I never thought I would ever be able to do.

I commend all the coaches and various assistants and helpers too, you are all so inspirational and fab!

Name withheld

The lure of foreign triathlons in no way diminished in 2011 - the reason maybe that it’s a great opportunity to make the trip a kind of short holiday with (usually guaranteed!) warm weather. In 2011 our boys and girls headed off to France, Austria, Germany, Nevada USA and last but by no means least Kona in Hawaii! Yes a first for ‘Team Harriers Tri’ Nora Haggart, having qualified at Ironman Regensburg to compete in this - the holy grail of all triathlons.

The largest contingent headed off to the French Alps and the Triathlon Alpe d’Huez on 27th July. This course is not a standard distance - being somewhere between middle distance and Ironman (a 2.2k swim 112k bike 22k run) but of course features one of the classic climbs of the Tour de France. Just days before the Triathlon the TdF passed through and the final climb is testament to the notoriety of this route - the road is permanently awash with the names of famous and not so famous riders to encourage them to the top. Normally clear blue skies and warm, this year it was generally cool and wet which left many competitors struggling to decide what kit to wear.

• Biggleswade Cross Country 2011

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Kevin Willett and Geoff Cooper had a right old tussle to claim first Harrier. That’s the beauty of Triathlon, Geoff’s strong swim and bike was just not quite enough to hold off Kevin’s 1hr 52 minute run. A superb time bearing in mind the high altitute.

The cycle also has a fearsome reputation for being windy and hilly - perhaps a bit like Lanzarote. Nora is phased by nothing though and breezed through in a time of 13 and half hours - a magnificent performance.

• Alastair at finishing the Alpe d’Huez Tri

Steve Crane and Mike Mello targetted Ironman Austria, undoubtedly one of the most scenic, well organised and fastest Ironman courses in Europe. A swim in the clear blue and fairly warm Lake Wörthersee is followed by a 2 lap cycle up into the sub-alpine hills north of the town.

A couple of testing climbs on each lap but followed by a glorious descent back into the town of Klagenfurt. The run is one of the most interesting on the circuit, taking competitors along the shores of the lake and back into the old part of the town along the tree lined canal.

Regensburg, Germany is the venue for the ‘other’ Ironman Germany - another race with a superb reputation. Gill Fullen and Nora Haggart went for this one and it was here that Gill recorded a staggering time of 10 hours 40 mins. giving her 3rd in her age group - so close to automatic qualification for the Ironman World champs in Kona Hawaii.. Nora, who also had a superb race had to wait to see whether the girls finishing above her in her category wished to accept their slot. Her patience paid off!

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Ironman Kona is a non-wetsuit swim in the tropical Pacific Ocean. Pretty daunting for any UK based triathlete as we rarely get the opportunity to practice on our shores.

In November, Angie Harris and Gill Fullen also travelled west to Henderson Nevada to compete in the ITU Long Distance

• Angie, John and Ian training in Wales

Triathlon World Championships. The race distance is 4k swim, 120 k bike and 30k run so slightly more in favour of the swimmer than full Ironman races.

Unfortunately due to unusually cold weather, flooding and dubious water quality the swim leg was cancelled. This must have been a huge disappointment for our girls as they are such strong swimmers.

Nevertheless Gill came home in 2nd place (1st Brit!) in her age category in a time of 6hr 22 mins - this time was quicker than some of the elites! Angie also had a great race coming in 25th and 3rd brit in her age category in a time of 7hr 51mins.

And so in 2012...... where will you go ?!

Richard Piron

Supporters Guide to Triathlon Events So your partner / spouse / friend is thinking of entering a triathlon competition? And of course you have offered to support them “all the way”? Here is some invaluable advice on how to survive the training and the race day itself. Triathlons, especially of the Ironman variety, are like marriage: not to be taken in hand unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly and in the fear of God. Your kitchen will be full of kit waiting to be washed (don’t forget the special detergent that will help with “wicking”) and there will be drinks bottles on the draining board, full of sticky icky stuff. An assortment of trainers and bike shoes will be waiting to have the mud scraped off (and other stuff you just hope and pray is mud). There will be wetsuits that need to be rinsed and then hung up in the garage making the neighbour’s children ask questions such as “why does your husband dress in rubber?”

Your shopping expedition will take on a new dimension. You have dutifully attended a nutrition seminar and learned that carboloading is a 24/7 occupation and carbohydrates come in many forms. An Ironman in full training mode can easily consume 6000 - 7000 calories PER DAY. To fully carbo-load for an Ironman event you would need to eat 8 kilos of cooked pasta the day before. Trust me, someone tried it but it proved to be an impossible feat. So the description carbs gets extended to potatoes, rice, biscuits, chocolate and anything else edible in the house. Still trying to find a safe hiding place for the biscuits? Unless you strap them to your waist and take them with you to work - forget it. A hungry Ironman in training can smell food at 100 paces. But the good news is you will never have leftovers hanging around in the fridge, never ever.

Training schedules will take over your life.

Granddaughter’s christening? Sorry, has to be delayed, he is bike training in Derbyshire. Father-in-laws 70th birthday party? Could that possibly be celebrated two days later as that fits in better with the event he has entered? Could it be your wife’s birthday? What wife??

On race day itself it is your job to cheer on the athlete. And carry the kit, to and from the car.

Take a seat with you, 16 hours is a long day. And a torch, the swim starts before the sun has risen.

Food and drink, take lots of it. Sometimes the only food vendor is a “burger van”, charging you a fiver for a burger that may or may not be edible. Take layers of clothing as it may be cold in the morning, get hot in the afternoon and when you are still there, cheerfully waving of course, at 10pm you will be glad of a warm jumper.

Overcome your aversion to portable loos, unless you want to go all day without a drink. Carry a bottle of disinfectant gel, also useful to get your hands clean when he has spilled his energy drink all over the car, again. Don’t take a handbag, take a rucksack, you need your hands free for the pompoms which you will still be waving at the end of the evening when he has finally crossed the finish line (hopefully still wearing the timing chip but that is another story).

Has it put you off? Don’t be fooled, triathlon training is not for the faint-hearted. But the warm glow you get when you see him cross the finish line makes it all worthwhile...honest.

Yours in sport

Jutta Crane A Triple Ironman Supporter

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Triathlon World Championships, Henderson, Nevada, USA

4k swim, 120k bike, 30k run

The realisation that we were competing for the GB team came at 4am on Sunday morning, when I put on my GB jacket to go to the airport. Wearing a GB top in public was partly embarrassing and partly a very proud moment. We were flying out the weekend previous to the race in order to acclimatise, not only to the heat, but also the possibility of humidity, so we were fairly relaxed and landing after 10 uneventful hours gave us our first view of the infamous Las Vegas Strip.

The first few days were scrummage, having pleasantly warm and we attended their elite briefing spent the days in light elsewhere. He eventually training and doing touristy gave up and possibly the type sight-seeing; (Hoover most tedious race briefing Dam, Grand Canyon, ever commenced. I’d like to Denny’s) generally being say I managed to stay pretty much fleeced for awake for it, but I’d be lying. every dollar we had. We The rumour was that the rode the bike course in swim was cancelled and sections, ran the run course since we were rather (or our approximation of it) conspicuously in our wetand swam in beautiful suits, we obviously hadn’t neighbouring Lake Mead. heard. We were both We took great care NOT to devastated! Having spent swim in Lake Las Vegas, hours in the pool lately where the tri swim would developing gills, we were • Gill finishing way too strong take place, as this was both keen to get a good explicitly banned in the race notes. We swim time to start the day. We were also were later less than thrilled to learn that the rather suspicious that our fair weather entire Canadian team had spent a couple Stateside friends were just being a bit of hours training in the lake two days wimpy - it just wasn’t that cold! After a very before the race. The GB team mumbled in long wait and many conflicting rumours the typically British disquiet at their less than ruling came through eventually from the sportsmanlike behaviour.

GB team manager that we could put our

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The Parade of Nations and race briefing ($30 for non-competitors) was a complete shambles. The hall was filled to way beyond capacity, and those wanting to sit down to eat were forced to find floor space.

The country labels on the tables were eventually abandoned, as an every-manfor-himself attitude prevailed. Food predictably started to run out and those arriving later must have left decidedly hungry. A select few of the nations competing had brought flags with them and were introduced randomly and often incorrectly by the speaker, who proceeded to call out the names of pro competitors, who were obviously not in this general

wet-suits away. We had to face the disappointment of having travelled all the way to the US just to do a duathlon. At this point all the normal pre-race tension drained away and the next couple of hours were spent companionably chatting with the other competitors in the, mercifully heated, change tent at T1. It felt utterly unlike the start of a race, very relaxed and friendly. It was, however, bitterly cold and no-one ventured out of the tent until their number was called.

The bike start proceeded (eventually) in number order, so the fastest and youngest males first, then the ladies in the same order, leaving us old codgers to go off

only 3.30 minutes off the awesome German, and had biked and run my way to a silver medal placing. I have to admit to being quite emotional at the time and apologise to the GB team member who took the brunt of my excitement.

• Angie Harris doing GB proud.

towards the end and feel very left out of the race. By the time we set off, although few would admit it, we began to be a little grateful that we weren’t wet too. The course took us out into the desert around Lake Mead over steadily rolling hills and with strong gusty winds - and for those looking at the road, tarantula spiders, which gave Angie a good incentive to pedal quicker. The sharpest ascents came after 55miles in the shape of the three sisters; 3 short, sharp climbs which posed the threat of tiring the legs for the run if attacked too hard and were a serious hurdle to already tired legs. After these the course climbed gently but steadily for another 15miles towards the finish and made the ride towards home seem endless.

Bikes were smartly whipped off us as we came into transition and set off on the four lap run course. The first mile was downhill, the second two miles uphill and the third downhill again, so there was recovery and a decent pace possible on the downs but the long, admittedly not steep, drag up sapped strength and made it tempting to give in and not push on. There was loads of support on the run though, and seeing the other Brits racing too was incentive to keep the effort level up.

The final downhill I took at near sprint speed, with nothing to lose and a German lady to catch. I finished way too strong, realising that I should have run harder earlier, but to my amazement found I was

Angie hadn’t run long distance this year, but kept pushing herself past each Km marker, thinking of the run as 4 loops rather than the more daunting 18 miles.

Doing this she was subsequently pleased to see that she had managed to achieve the pace goals she had set herself before the race. She would have undoubtedly gained a significantly higher placing in her age group if the swim had not been cancelled, and she still managed to come in a creditable third Brit in the category.

The awards ceremony in the evening was slightly better organised than the race briefing. The disappointment for us agegroupers really was that as competitors we never set eyes on any of the elites. They had their presentation on the podium straight after they had finished, with the race still in progress. Having started about 90 minutes after them, we had no opportunity to be there to cheer the two winning British girls as they received their gold and silver medals.

Angie and I both loved the experience of being part of the GB team and are definitely looking at other races we can do to get some more wear out of our new trisuits! To all those who suffered Gill’s Hills and similar training sessions at the club, my apologies, but you all helped me achieve this result ... and there’s more to come next year! Be warned though, I have since my return started looking into whether other Harriers could have qualified for this event and will leave no stone unturned to encourage a larger contingent of Bedford Harriers at the next World Championships.

Gill Fullen

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World Championships Kona in Hawaii

The pinnacle for any Ironman athlete is to take part in the World Championships, held at Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii in the Pacific. Just for the record that is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and a 26.2 mile marathon.

Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would go there. The opportunity was grasped at the last second in August at the awards ceremony at the Regensburg Ironman in Germany. My name was called out ‘Nora Haggart, do you want to go to Kona? You have to answer by the third call or you loose the place. There was less than eight weeks to get Kona fit!

Kona is a relatively small town about 10 miles south from the main airport on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. We stayed in a two bed roomed condominium at the Surf and Racquet Club approximately five miles south of Kona on Alii Drive.

The day after we arrived we drove the small distance into Kona, the place was abuzz with athletes either out jogging or familiarising themselves with the cycle course.

We had breakfast at a restaurant overlooking the small bay and pier where the Ironman start/finish line is located.

Looking out into the Pacific you could see the orange marker buoys marking the swim course, joined up they stretched a mile out to sea. We could make out many athletes setting off and returning back practising the swim course, it all looked rather daunting in the rough sea. A sense of the welcoming nature of the Hawaiian people was evident with an elderly lady playing a Ukulele at the front of the restaurant.

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Day 2 and we decided to drive the 55 miles out from Kona on the cycle route which rises out of Kona up to the main highway. A left turn and off in the direction of the airport.

The road is wide, dual carriageway at this point. At the 10 mile point just before the airport is the sign on the left to The Energy Lab which would indicate the turning point on the marathon route. Past the airport and the road undulates gradually up and down.

Now the black lava flows to the left and right of the road are clear, peppered with messages inscribed with white stones contrasting on the black lava. Past Waikoloa at the 30 mile point, a large resort on the left where a few days later we would see green turtles swimming in the lagoon at the massive Hilton complex. Straight on and you could see the mountains in the distance and we wondered how far into the range the turning point for the route would be.

40 miles out from Kona and we reach a T junction, 15 miles from the turning point.

The road is now single file in both directions, 5 miles later a sharp right turn with a sign to Hawi. Now the breeze in the trees on the left and right of the road is noticeable, this is what they talk about, the climb and the breeze. We reach Hawi and stop for a wander and ice cream enquiring where the turning point is. We stay a while then head off back to Kona passing many cyclists, some in groups both sides of the route.

coincidence it’s also the Bedford Harrier’s running colour’s, maybe the club should adopt it as its theme tune.

It was Friday night and down to the transition area to book the bike in and the transition bags, getting very nervous now.

We were soon home for a high carb dinner and preparing food for race day.

Day 3 and I decide to cycle the last part of the cycle course from Waikoloa to Hawi and back, at least I will know what I am in for. We set up the bike at the Heliport, just off the main road and I set off for Hawi.

Day 4, 5 and 6 and I jog into Kona and practise the swim from the Kailua pier mingling with people from all over the world of varying ages all with one objective in mind. The sea is very rough. It is difficult to swim because of the current and at times I wonder if I am making any progress. As I swim from one buoy to the next I can see the beautiful coloured fish below me.

During the week it is announced that wetsuits are not allowed for the event as the water temperature is above average and wetsuits give you buoyancy, so it will be my Harrier’s kit for me.

John has put himself forward as a volunteer for Race Day, he is going to be a Bike Catcher in the transition area, sounds like something from Oliver Twist but he’s happy to be involved and he gets a T-Shirt to prove it.

Throughout the week we have been playing a CD John has mixed with some of his favourite retro tracks, one in particular stands out, it’s ‘Black and Gold’ by Sam Sparro and quite a catchy number, by

Finally we are here, its race day, up at 4.30 am and at the pier by 5.30 am it’s still dark but the sea swell is relatively calm compared to earlier in the week. The atmosphere is electric with music pumping out from the sound system and helicopter cameras buzzing overhead. In no time I have my race number tattoos on and it’s approaching 7.00am, by now its daylight.

It’s a beautiful clear day but it’s going to be hot, particularly through the lava fields. The professionals are lined up and the final countdown begins.

The starter gun sounds for the Best of The Rest and finally we are off. I take it easy trying to keep some distance between me and everyone else but it’s difficult at the start. Gradually we space out and I am trying to keep sight of the marker buoys, this is quite difficult because of the swells in the water. I can see the Kona Reef Hotel on the shore to the left which is a quarter of the distance on the swim course. There is a collection of small boats at the mile point and I turn for the return leg. Just need to pace myself now back to the shore. My fear of not meeting the cut off time was unfounded and there are plenty of people behind me as I set off for my bike.

There is a terrific atmosphere at the start finish line with thousands of people supporting the event. A few minutes in transition and I am off. It was a short circuit round Kona then a steep climb up to the Queen Ka’Ahumanu highway. Just 55 miles to Hawi now ! I am pleased we drove the course because I know roughly the terrain and what to expect. Soon I am passing the sign to the Energy Lab, the airport and heading off to Waikaloa.

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Through the notorious Lava fields and I can feel the heat, I am glad I smothered myself in sunscreen at the transition. I know that the gradual undulations in the road will turn into a continuous climb as we head for the mountains. Eventually I reach the T junction where it’s a left turn towards Hawi, shortly there is a sharp right turn and I know I am on the steep climb to Hawi, the

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wind is very strong and I am desperate for a drink but frightened to take my hands off the handlebars. 5 miles up on the 10 miles to Hawi you can feel the breeze off the mountains on the right and the beautiful view of the Pacific on the left. I am looking forward to the refreshments in my food bag at the Hawi aid station. Phew and finally I am there at the turnaround point. It is of comfort to know I have completed half the cycle course. Freewheeling on the way down is made difficult because of the winds. I pass and am passed by cyclists but just need to keep focused. 55 miles later and I can hear loud music and people, what a tremendous welcome back into Kona. It’s a right turn down the steep slope to Kona. Into the transition area quick off the bike, my legs felt tight as I bent down to put my running shoes on.

It’s just 26 miles to go now. Out of transition and up the hill to Kuakini highway down the hill onto All’i Drive, Hualalia Road then out along Queen Ka’Ahukanu highway then a left turn to the Energy Lab, people are feeling the pain of the hills and heat and a lot have started walking. The sun is starting to dip on the horizon as dusk falls and its starting to cool down.

Luminous necklaces are handed out at the turning point, just 13 miles to go. It was back into Kona, down the hill and a sharp left. I can hear the announcer at the finish line calling out each person’s name, soon it will be mine. A right turn, a left turn onto Alii Drive and it’s the final loop. Heading back into Kona I can gradually hear the noise pick up as I head towards the finish line.

There are hundreds of painted messages on the road surface. Finally I can see the finish-line and there are thousands of

people still greeting everyone home. I can see the clock, it’s an amazing feeling as I cross the finish line, ‘Nora Haggart, you are a Kona Ironman’

Nora Haggart

Volunteer Fire Fighters in Mauwa I was lucky to be part of a team of 20 fire fighters who went to Kenya during the last two weeks of October 2011. We all donated our own annual leave and paid all our own expenses. We went to Kenya to help start a fire service in the town of Mauwa, deliver a second pump and carry on previous Kenayan firefighters initial training (which started 2 years ago) in the town of Meru.

A fire engine (appliance) was also handed over to the town of Mombassa and training was delivered here.

A team of six went to Mauwa, this was made up of 4 Fire Fighters, 1 paramedic and 1 community fire safety officer. This team had to recruit from a pool of 30 people who the Mauwa Council had arranged to be possible candidates, they had 11 days to recruit and do the initial training. The candidates had to get to a level where they could tackle fires, bearing in mind most towns and villages have never seen a fire appliance or ever used any of the equipment.

The team I was with was 60 km away in the town of Meru, this consisted of 5 fire fighters, 1 paramedic, 1 community fire safety officer and a service photographer.

We were also joined by the reporter Neil Bradford and his camera man for the first 4 days to run a series of news reports for About Anglia, this can be seen on the internet by typing in SHOUT IN KENYA. My initial role was to repair the appliance at Meru as it had developed total brake failure on the drive from Mombassa docks. We had taken new brake air chambers over in our luggage to replace the broken parts, luckily these were kindly donated free of charge, by Brian Curries in Milton Keynes a value alone of over ÂŁ800.00.

So for the first day and half with no tools to hand, we managed to borrow some open ended spanners the right size and a bottle jack from a local repairer. I was then literally on my back in the mud removing all the rear wheels and replacing the air brake chambers and repairing the pipework which had broken. In this area even getting some replacement bolts was a challenge.

Once I had undertaken repairs and road tested the appliance I joined the rest of the team in delivering fire training and road traffic collision training with the hydraulic cutting and spreading equipment that we had secured and delivered on all three appliances.

It was a very challenging, but also very rewarding experience. The people were very friendly and welcoming, the children have very little in the way of toys as we would expect or know. The Fire Fighters were really grateful for the Oakley Hoodies.

Mark Holland

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2011 Club Best Times

Male Championship Races

Nora Haggart LV55 St Neots Half Marathon LV55 Wolverton 5 LV55 Bedford Park Run 5k

1:36:20 35:58 21:49

Gill Fullen LV45 Sandy 10 LV45 Doug Anderson 5k

1:03:12 18:05

Simon Fawcett MV40 Wilmslow 10k MV40 Victoria Park 5

34:19 27:27

Pauline Bambury LV60 Sandy 10

1:18:43

Marianne Williamson LV40 London Marathon

3:15:22

Adam Mills MV40 Silverstone 10k Bob Wells MV65 Chicago Marathon MV65 Bampton to Carlisle 10 MV65 Lo Ronde du Feu 5k

33:13

3:08:31 1:07:12 18:58

Road Race Championship Men 1 Bob Wells 2 Jerry Pullinger 3 Tony Dadd Ladies 1 Kathy Horsman 2 Marianne Williamson

511.37 482.75 468.13

468.08 454.46

Jerry Pullinger 1st 10K Championship 1st Half Marathon Championship 2nd 5k Championship 2nd 5m Championship 3rd Marathon Championship MV50 10m Championship MV50 Cross Country Championship Gary Finch 1st 5m Championship 2nd 10k Championship 3rd Cross Country Championship MV40 Half Marathon Championship Neil Loader 10k Championship 3rd Half Marathon Championship MV40 5k Championship MV40 Marathon Championship David Hutchings MV45 5m Championship MV45 10k Championship MV45 10m Championship Neil Lovesey MV55 5k Championship MV55 5m Championship MV55 10k Championship MV55 10m Championship MV55 Half Marathon Championship MV55 Marathon Championship MV55 Cross Country Championship Justin Moir MV40 10k Championship MV40 Cross Country Championship Morris Dempster MV60 5m Championship MV60 10k Championship MV60 Half Marathon Championship MV60 Cross Country Championship

John Harris

Chris Linney MV35 5k Championship MV35 5m Championship MV35 10k Championship

Marianne Williamson

Charlie Hempstead MV50 10k Championship

Most Improved runners

Ray Evans MV65 10k Championship

Larry Corkrey MV70 5k Championship MV70 10k Championship

2011

Stuart Bullard MV35 Half Marathon Championship

Simon Fawcett 1st 10m Championship

Paul Furness 2nd Half Marathon Championship MV45 Cross Country Championship

Adam Mills 2nd 10m Championship

Graham Short MV50 Half Marathon Championship

Tony Dadd 1st Marathon Championship 3rd 10m Championship

Bob Wells 2nd Marathon Championship

Marcus Cookham MV35 10m Championship MV35 Cross Country Championship Paolo Basso MV40 10m Championship Martin Leach MV65 5k Championship MV65 5m Championship MV65 10m Championship MV65 Half Marathon Championship Jack Chana MV60 10m Championship Tim Davies 1st 5k Championship 1st Cross Country Championship

Paul Stuart MV45 Marathon Championship Mark Tinkler MV50 Marathon Championship Mark Taggart MV35 Marathon Championship Kevin Willett 2nd Cross Country Championship Norman Beckwith MV65 Cross Country Championship Roger Sewell MV75 5K Championship MV70 Cross Country Championship Simon Fisher 1st Triathlon Championship

Tony Cormano 3rd 5k Championship

Richard Piron 2nd Triathlon Championship

James Dunn MV45 5k Championship MV45 Half Marathon Championship

Geoff Cooper 3rd Triathlon Championship

James Wallbank MV50 5k Championship

2010 -11 Club XC Colours

David Prior MV60 5k Championship MV60 Marathon Championship

Angie Harris Carla Fisher Cathy Clark Beverley Tredget Chris Parello Ella Bonnist Gill Fullen Karen Godfrey Katarina D'arcy Linda Wilding Maria McBeth Penny Duffin Renee Allen Sally Cartwright

Jim Hendry MV75 5k Championship Adam Hills 3rd 5m Championship Jose Ariza MV40 5m Championship Graham Horne MV50 5m Championship

Viv Kilgour Alastair Fadden Alex Rothwell Chris Fadden Dave Bamber Dave Holt Gary Moore Graham Short Mark Holland Mark Tinkler Paul Harris Steve Crane Tony Barnes Tony Parello

Ladies Championship Races

2011

Gill Fullen 1st 5k Championship 1st 10k Championship 1st 10m Championship 1st Triathlon Championship

Kathy Horsman 3rd Marathon Championship FV50 10m Championship

Renee Allen 1st Cross Country Championship 2nd 10k Championship 3rd 10m Championship

Pauline Bambury FV60 10m Championship

Julie Wargent 2nd 5m Championship 3rd 10k Championship FV35 10m Championship FV40 Half Marathon Championship FV40 Cross Country Championship Carla Jenkins 3rd 5k Championship 3rd 5m Championship 3rd Half Marathon Championship FV35 10k Championship FV35 Marathon Championship FV35 Cross Country Championship Juliet Smith FV40 5k Championship FV40 5m Championship FV40 10k Championship FV40 Marathon Championship Karen Robertson FV45 5k Championship FV45 10k Championship Elaine McCulloch FV60 5k Championship FV60 10k Championship Female

Alison Cooper FV45 10m Championship

Veronica Singleton 2nd Marathon Championship FV50 5k Championship FV50 Cross Country Championship Dawn Childs FV35 5k Championship FV35 Half Marathon Championship Female Liz Byer FV55 5k Championship Female Iva Barr FV80 5k Championship FV80 Marathon Championship FV80 Cross Country Championship Caroline Devine FV45 5m Championship FV45 Half Marathon Championship Angie Harris FV50 Half Marathon Championship 3rd Triathlon Championship Rebecca Baxter FV45 Marathon Championship Lesley Gaunt FV50 Marathon Championship

Carla Fisher 2nd 5k Championship 2nd 10m Championship 2nd Half Marathon Championship

Anne Barnicoat FV60 Marathon Championship

Marianne Williamson 1st 5m Championship 1st Half Marathon Championship 1st Marathon Championship FV40 10m Championship

Anna-Louise Didier 3rd Cross Country Championship

Sally Cartwright 2nd Cross Country Championship

Cathy Johnson FV45 Cross Country Championship Lynne Greenard FV60 Cross Country Championship 1st Triathlon Championship

Standard Awards Marianne Williamson Caroline Devine David Hutchings Gary Finch Julie Wargent Neil Loader Paul Stuart Carla Jenkins Paolo Basso Steve Williamson Angie Harris Carl Furness Chris Linney Dawn Childs Gary Moore Justin Moir Keith Peryer Lawrence Folley Lisa Ayers Matt Eyre Paula Stuart Trudie Finch Caroline Diggle Charlie Hempstead Elaine McCulloch Ella Snape Estelle Smith Jeanette Cheetham John Harris Linda Watson Rebecca Wood Rosie Harper Steve Ball

Platinum Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Silver Silver Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Copper Copper Copper Copper Copper Copper Copper Copper Copper Copper Copper

Special Awards - Salvers Gill Fullen - GB Team ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships - Las Vagas Angie Harris - GB Team ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships - Las Vagas Nora Haggart Ironman World Championships Kona Hawaii Noel Jones 13 to 22 May 2011 - Brathay Windermere 10 in 10 Challenge

Amanda Pullinger Amesh Parit Ian Sturdgess Jayson Shaw Neica-Louise Braik Richard Beard Hannah Bennett Eleanor Bonnist David Course Sarah Crawley Tim Davies Anna-Louise Didier Christopher Dilley Paul Furness Richard Gallivan John Haggerwood Gareth Hardman Michelle Kitchener Mark Lowe Michael Munro Peter Pack Andrew Palombella Richard Pooley Sarah Relton Joanne Smythe Savina Velotta James Wallbank Robert Wallis Helen Woolley

Special Triathlon Awards Nora Haggart Triathlete of the Year Bedford Harriers Triathlon Angie Harris Most Improved Triathlete Bedford Harriers Triathlon Alison Cooper Greatest Contribution Bedford Harriers Triathlon

Club Man of the Year 2011

Rob Bishop Completion of 100 Marathons

Kevin Willett

Cliff Smith Marathon De Sables

Club Lady of the Year 2011 Angie Harris

Tin Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club

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