Heraldjun15

THE HARRIERS HERALD No. 268, June 2015 Editor: Sue Francis

Contents, features, reports, results   

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Thursday night schedules for June and July Compton Relay – update Race results & reports: Astonathlon – Ryan victorious in his village duathlon; Chieveley Chase – Stan runs well at local race; Hairy Legs Challenge – Jonathan and Sue win the team event; Marlborough Downs Challenge – a very successful day for four Harriers; Windermere Marathon – Jonathan reports on a tough race in the Lake District; Bayer 10K – Martin, Lucy and Colin run in Newbury race Webmaster’s article – Mo features: ‘To ice, or not to ice?’; links of interest; and lists forthcoming races Thanks to Jonathan, Mo and Ryan for this month’s contributions to articles and photos Copy date for next Harriers Herald – 30th June

Thursday night schedule for June Thurs Thurs Thurs Thurs

4th 11th 18th 25th

Jonathan to lead Compton Annual Relay (to be confirmed) – see below for more details Handicap Race Susanne to lead

Thursday night schedule for July Thurs Thurs Thurs Thurs Thurs

2nd 9th 16th 23rd 30th

Lucy to lead Evening run & pub meal with Didcot Runners (organised by Didcot Runners, details to follow) Tom to lead Mo to lead Martin to lead

Correspondence received Subject matter

Sender England Athletics

Compton Harriers certificate of Affiliation 2015-2016

Action File

Compton Annual Relay Sue The Relay will take place on the evening of Thursday 11th June starting at 5:30 pm, and there will be no ‘normal’ Club run scheduled for that day. Teams of four run around a lap which includes both road and tracks (each stage 1.6 miles, or 2530 metres) - the same route that we use for our summer Handicap Races, but starting and finishing in the cricket field.

I currently have interest from 15 teams. The handicapped start system will be based on the predicted total team time (as estimated from previous performances where known, or guesstimated performances) which should make for a close race again, with all teams having a similar chance of winning.

If anyone does not wish to run, but is available to help, some volunteer marshals would be much appreciated.

There will be a Pickled Pig bar token for all competitors and helpers. The bar will be open and the barbecue burning – spectators are welcome.

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Race Results and Reports Astonathlon, 4thMay This is a small (but tough) local event organised by the villages of Aston Tirrold and Aston Upthorpe, where Ryan lives. It involves a 10K run stage followed by a 40K cycle stage, and it was great to hear that Ryan was the event winner.

Chieveley Chase, 9th May Stan was the Harriers sole representative, but had a good run to finish in 46:28 (56th) in a filed of 140 finishers.

The race was won for the 3rd successive year by Gareth Watkins (Army) in 33:49, with first lady Laura Woodley running a fast 35:57.

Hairy Legs Challenge, 10th May Sue The Hairy Legs Challenge, which was previously a run-bike-run duathlon, was reinstated this year as a 2-lap 12K multi-terrain run, which could be contested either by individuals running the whole 12K, or by teams of two running ~6K each. One of the organisers was Compton Harriers’ own Jeremy Waite. The ‘Event Village’ was at Sheepcot Recreation Ground in Goring, where spectators and competitors could get a cake, burger or ice cream and youngsters could have a go on climbing wall. Before the main race, two ‘Little Legs’ races were held, and it was great to see so many children in their yellow T-shirts enjoying racing round the Rec., under and over obstacles.

Jonathan and I had entered as a team ‘Team SuJo’ and, thanks to Sus tossing a coin a few weeks earlier, it had been decided that Jonathan would run Lap 1 and me Lap 2. The main route was the same for both stages, but the time for Lap 2 included the time taken for the timing chip to be transferred from the ankle of the Lap 1 runner to the Lap 2 runner, and also an extra ~100m run out of the transition zone and back onto the main route (this is part of my excuse for Jonathan being significantly faster than me!). The course headed out along a tarmac lane to the bottom of Hartslock Nature reserve, before reaching the Gulley, a long stoney climb through trees. Upon reaching the top, there were fantastic views of the river and surrounding hills, if you had the energy to look up.

Above Upper Gatehampton Farm, we turned off the lane for a scenic winding downhill run through the woods, to emerge at the bottom of a big hill. Once at the top of the hill, the finish was in sight, with a nice downhill run-in.

But, there was a sting-in-the-tail! Just before the finish on the Rec. we had to enter the ‘Circle of Doom’ – a disorientating spiral from which runners eventually emerged to leap over bales of straw and cross the finish line.

Jonathan lined up at the start with 66 individual competitors, 23 other Lap 1 team-runners, and 37 Teenagers (who completed the single-lap ‘Teenage Kicks’ race). Twenty minutes later, I made my way to the transition zone with other Lap 2 team runners and gazed up the hill for a sighting of the first runners. It wasn’t long before I spotted Jonathan coming down the hill, in about 10th place overall. How many of those ahead of him were team runners?

I seemed to be the only person in the transition zone who was starting to get excited and, sure enough, Jonathan handed over to me in first team position! Excited, but rather nervous about keeping up the team’s position and not knowing how much lead we had on the other teams, I set off in pursuit of four men who were running as individuals and so were on their second lap. I managed to pass one, and the other three acted as good targets who were always in my sights. Somewhere behind me, I knew that Jamie (from ‘Team Turner’) would be running hard to close the gap but, although he gained two minutes on me, Jonathan’s excellent run had given us sufficient lead. At the top of the final hill, I realised I could not be caught, and crossed the finish line knowing that Team SuJo were winners! On the podium, we were awarded our prize – tickets for a tour of West Berks Brewery.

I would really recommend this as a very well organised, friendly event, which has a lovely route, great atmosphere and caters for all abilities. Thanks to Mo for cycling to various points to support us and take photos (see page 6 for photos).

First individual: First team (6th overall): HH June 2015

Chris Lucas Team SuJo

47:56 54:36 (Jonathan 26:30; Sue 28:06)

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Marlborough Downs Challenge, 10th May Four Harriers had a very successful day, all returning with trophies and bottles of wine. Ryan was 3rd in the race with 2:25:34. Not far behind, Martin was 4th overall, but 2nd in the MV50 category (2:27:57). Susanne was 10th overall and 2nd lady (2:39:16), while Lucy’s time of 2:51:54 placed her 3rd lady, but 1st FV50 (17th overall). The race winners were Brian Jeffrey (2:15:30) and Sheila Barbour (2:37:36) and there were 87 finishers.

Windermere Marathon, 17th May Jonathan We arrived at the starting post and lined up at the back of the crowd of people. As the gun went off we trundled to the official chip starting line. Ineke set off at a reasonable pace, while Rich and I started to weave through the line of people to get ahead as far as possible. A question went through my head, “How did I get to the starting line for the second time?”

Back in the past a few friends and I were sitting in a pub with a couple of pints behind us and we pondered the idea of doing a marathon together. London Marathon was suggested at first, after all us agreed to go for it. With some of my friends living in Scotland they did not like the idea of travelling that far and also the chance of us all getting a ticket seemed slim, thus we ruled this idea out. So we suggested that we should meet half way up the country, which meant the Lake District. Not knowing that there would be a marathon in this area a friend looked on the internet and found that there was a marathon that went around Lake Windermere and it was in fact eight months away. So we all applied to the marathon and then found that there five us running. On that day, Ineke was one of the five and so a few years later she expressed an interest to do the marathon again and asked if I would like to do it again with her. Forgetting about the hills, I said yes and we signed up. I had talked to Rich about doing this marathon and he asked if there were any hills; my memory was a bit distant and I said I thought that the course was a little undulating, at which he said that he would sign up.

The marathon runs around the Lake Windermere in an anticlockwise direction. There are drinks stations every four miles. The first part of the road up to six miles is closed off to traffic to let all the runners through and then there are pavements to run along except for a few places where coned marked a part of the road to run on.

Rich and I were exchanging positions until mile seven, where there is a steep hill and Rich overtook me. I thought that I would catch him up at the downhill side, but Rich went running down saying, “I cannot stoppp.” At mile eight I had a drink and a caffeine gel and could see Rich ahead of me and started to reel him in. I caught up at mile ten, overtook him and said good luck, half thinking that he would catch me up later on.

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At mile thirteen the course swings around to the other side of the Lake and makes its way back to the start. This half appears to have the most undulations. At mile fourteen I passed one of the contestants doing their last marathon, with one marathon a day for the last ten days. This was to raise money for the Brathay Trust. There is a stunning view of the Lake at mile sixteen as the trees break, you can see right across the lake to other side, with yachts on the lake and mountains in the background.

Although there are not many places for crowds to cheer the runners, one place is at Bowness-on-Windermere as you run through the town, which is at mile eighteen. At this point I took another energy gel with caffeine for an extra kick and it did start having an effect at mile twenty.

The rest of the race is a blur until I am came upon Ambleside and a marker saying Mile 25. My legs started to feel heavy and I was not moving as fast as I had at the start, astonishingly people were starting to overtake me. As I continued running and winding my way around Ambleside and through the other side, I started dreaming about chocolate cake. The ending is the last challenge, as the path up to the Brathay Trust ground is uphill and appears to last for a long time. I could see the end in sight and passed the finish line in 3:46:07, although my watch differed and said 3:45:46.

I received my medal, banana and a cup of water from the friendly marshals; I then proceeded to wind myself away from the finish line to relax on the grass. Minutes later I could see Rich (3:52:42) stumbling towards me and he expressed his delight at having finished and said that the course was an excellent training run. Then after I finished my banana, Ineke (4:06:4) spotted us sitting down and we congratulated each other for having completed the race. Mark (Ineke’s husband) bought a pint of beer for me and Rich, with Ineke refusing, but had a slug of mine. This was most refreshing and energy enriching. I then hobbled off to the car with sore feet and Charlotte laughing at me for my walking style.

After getting changed Rich, Charlotte and I went to a Hotel / Pub with a great view of Lake Windermere and had lunch. A delicious and welcomed burger and satisfying soup were consumed between us. Charlotte devoured a cheese and ham sandwich. I then drove all the way home and had stiff legs getting out of the car to walk to my house.

For the record the first male back was Grant Johnson (2:40:47) and the first female was Katherine Cousins (3:07:27) and 701 runners finished, although the rumour was 900 people signed up. Will any of you be there next year (http://www.brathaywindermeremarathon.org.uk/the-marathon.aspx)?

Marathon medal in close up; Rich, Ineke and Jonathan looking surprisingly happy after 26.2 miles

Bayer Newbury 10K, 23rd May In a large field of 750 runners, Martin finished 40th (42:10), Lucy 59th (49:03) and Colin 245th (52:04). Race winners were David Morgan (Serpentine) in 34:14, and Laura Woodley (who also won the Chieveley Chase) in 38:41.

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Website update… http://www.comptonharriers.org.uk Mo Unfortunately I am unable to publish any results from the quiz challenge I set last month as, apart from Sue, there was no response ... probably because it meant signing up to The Running Bug website, which I hadn't realised was a requirement, as I was already signed in when I tried it out!

Never mind, the subject obviously wasn't that inspiring anyway. This month I will stick to suggesting a link that just needs a click ... if it sounds remotely interesting!

As for website development, this month I plan to add links to maps of the various routes we have covered on Thursday club runs over the past 5 years or so, which should make it easier to pick a route and distance when it's your turn to lead on club night.

Links of interest this month My first suggested link this month could encourage you to hang on to your old running shoes ... http://goo.gl/H50Tig . As the popularity of triathlon seems to be on the increase and we do have members who take part, my second link will point you in the right direction should you need more info & advice on the subject: http://www.triradar.com . The following site lists triathlon and running events: http://www.mysportingtimes.com .

My article for this month: To Ice or Not to Ice, that is the question!

Having recently suffered from a niggling pain in the knee, I was debating whether to use ice or heat to sort it out ...

As it happens, it seems to have sorted itself out, but I managed to find a handy little chart that explains which should be used and when.

ICE

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Sprain Strain Swelling Inflammation Overexerted muscles from exercising Bruising Acute joint pain

HEAT

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Over-use pain Repetitive tendon pain, before physical activity Tight or injured muscles, before exercise Repetitive strains Muscle spasms Muscle pain Chronic joint pain

ICE & HEAT

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Sore muscles a day or two after exercise

Events of Interest – see Website Training & Events Calendar for more details: Sat, 6 June: Sun, 7 June: Sun, 14 June: Sat, 20 June: Sun, 21 June: Sun, 28 June: Sun, 5 July Sun, 12 July: HH June 2015

10:00 10:00 10:00 09:30 08:00 10:30 07:30 09:30

Run The Rock 5k & 10k MT • 14:00 Otmoor ½ Mthn MT Chiltern Chase 2015 - 10/15km & 5km MT • 10:30 Ollie Johnson Kintbury 5 1st Downlands Dash 10k & 4k MT • 10:00 Wargrave Charity 10K Uptonogood Mountain Bike event • 10:00 Ridgeway Revenge ½ Mthn & 10K Cheltenham Challenge (MT) • 10:30 Hungerford Harey 8 The Gibbet Challenge 10K Ridgeway Relay • 11:00 Tadley Runners Summer 10K Grant & Stone Wycombe ½Mthn & 10K • 11:15 New Forest 10 5

Sat, 18 July: 19:00 Endure 12/50 Ultra Sun, 19 July: 07:00 Endure 12/50 Ultra • Wellington Triathlon • 09:00 North Downs Way Mthn 19:00 Endure 12/50 Ultra Mon, 20 July: 07:00 Endure 12/50 Ultra Sun, 26 July: Fort William Marathon • 10:00 "Down Tow Up Flow" ½ Marathon Sun, 9 Aug: 09:30 Bearbrook 10K Road Race • 10:00 Salisbury 5-4-3-2-1 Trail Marathon Sat, 29 Aug: 10:30 Thames Meander Half & Full Marathon Sun, 30 Aug: Quintiles Reading Triathlon • 11:00 Englefield 10k Mon, 31 Aug: 10:00 Harwell ½ Marathon Sun, 6 Sept: 09:30 Maidenhead Half Marathon • 11:00 Earth Trust 10k Sat, 12 Sept: Mountain Bike Ridgeway Challenge Sun, 13 Sept: 45th Chiltern Marathon • 10:30 Pangbourne 10K • 11:00 Rutherford Appleton 10k & 5k Sat, 19 Sept: Hereford Festival of Sport Sun, 20 Sept: Hereford Festival of Sport Sat, 26 Sept: IOW Fell Race Series 2015 Sun, 27 Sept: IOW Fell Race Series 2015 Sun, 4 Oct: 09:00 Reading O2O 10K Sun, 11 Oct: 09:30 Henley ½ Mthn & 10K Sun, 18 Oct: 10:00 Frieth Hilly 10K • 10:00 Tadley Runners 10 Mile • 10:30 Fairoaks 5mile & 10mile Sat, 24 Oct: 09:00 Beachy Head Marathon & 10k Sat, 7 Nov: 10:30 Thames Meander Half & Full Marathon Sun, 29 Nov: 10:00 Mapledurham Ten - 10K & 10 Mile Sun, 6 Dec: 11:00 Tadley Runners Xmas XC 5.2 Sun, 20 Dec: 10:00 Muddy Welly 10K & 5K Trail Mon, 28 Dec: 10:00 Gut Buster 2015 - 10K & 10 MILE

Hairy Legs Challenge Jonathan drops the opposition; the crowd applauds as Sue brings Team SuJo home; winning team

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