March 2008
Good News Flash!
For those who may not already know, Jayne has given birth to a baby boy, Thomas Edward Dennison on 11th Feb 2008 weighing in at 7pounds 12. I am sure she won’t mind me including it in the newsletter and we wish her and Andrew all the best from all of us at Glaxo Hoad Hill Harriers.
With February now over and two time trials under our belts, we should all know how we stand at the start of the road racing season. Even though you could argue that the weather was as bad for both time trials most people improved on the previous trial 3 weeks earlier.
The final Cross Country race was held at Blackburn on 1st March, this was one we needed a team result for as we had already missed Hyndburn. This race also marked the comeback for Damian after his long spell recovering from his back injury. Simon also broke the two year old mud off his spikes and turned out, the final members of the team were myself (Graham), Jeff, and Dave. Simple maths will now tell you we did not have the required six members to score, never mind, we all ran our best with personal battles going on throughout the 6.3 miles four laps course which included four times up the infamous Saucer. Finishing positions were, Jeff Chadwick 38th 41.40. Dave Fulford 45th 42.33. Graham Pinder 80th 46.12. Damian Jones 104th 48.22. Simon Barton 144th 54.45. Damian ran well but had a spike problem on the last lap and was in considerable pain. Simon also had a good steady run, but just missed out on the hot showers at the end of the race. My race was one long battle with Roger Quayle from Barrow striders, I just couldn’t get alongside him, this drove us both on to almost catching Dave Parker. Roger came out on top of our duel. looking at the overall results for the 6 races, if only two teams are demoted we should still stay in Division 2, if it is three, we are in trouble and destined for demotion to division 3 but the consolation is we can gain promotion next year and have a good night out when we collect our winners medals.
Lots of races coming up including a new 10k at Lakeside, all run in private grounds and a guarantee of a PB on that course, may be worth a try. Here are two articles providing interesting reading, first from Paul Jarvis regarding the Future Autumn Marathon and the other from Penny, fresh from her PB at Buttermere.
The Somme Marathon 2007
“The Marathon du Pays du Coquelicot (The Somme Marathon IN Poppy Country) took place with 900 runners 2 July 2007 a highly memorable day that started to the nostalgic sound of bagpipes. In spite of the great heat the runners were able to keep going because of the numerous water tables and encouragement from all the people who turned out in the villages on the circuit. The ever-changing countryside is never boring! The 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme was remembered when passing the impressive monument to those who died in the First World War at Thiepval. The route goes past the different monuments and cemeteries of the many young men who fought and died here throughout two world wars.
This was a day out for all the family: The marathon village provided great entertainment: 15 large marquee provided room to eat, drink and generally relax with friends whilst watching the dance shows put on by 2 local dance studios. People were able to listen to a live brass band and didn’t forget to applaud the arrival of the athletes. Our different charities and sponsors had stands where they could give out information and answer various questions. For the more energetic it was possible to play traditional Picardy games; this was followed by the Trophy Ceremony and a prize draw. Some lucky runners left with super mountain bikes and many other prizes”.
Written by Ex-President of Marathon - Paul Chaplin
This year thankfully, to avoid the July heat the marathon is being run in September (this can still be hot but is more likely to be comfortable).
This year’s Hoad Hill Harrier Autumn Marathon is going to Albert.
Details can be found on the notice board. Please let Erik or Paul know either:
a) if you want to go
b) If you do NOT (this is important so we can make sure every body has been invited)
A Thank you to Penny for this article
BUTTERMERE ROUND 22-02-2008
Did you know we all have an ‘inner runner’? I thought being a runner was about being satisfied with what I had, about just running. Not long ago, after the Toronto marathon I met a 32 minute 10k runner (!). She was Lucy Hassell, lithe, skinny and obviously with talent and skill. She mentioned as we chatted how she was in touch with her ‘inner running soul’, struggling against limitations just as I did (only not at her speed!)
She was honest enough to tell me of her frustrations to break 35 minutes-the 34 and 33 minutes. As she talked all the training bits came out, days of when she could cruise at 6.30 miling, enjoying sights and sounds of the day. She said that was her ‘inner runner at work and I agreed that when I had cruised at 8 minute miling in a half marathon, it was my inner runner at work and my outer runner at play.
We laughed as we realised we were talking the same language. We were talking about releasing ourselves from the pressures of competing for that ultimate pb and allowing ourselves to enjoy the mainstay of being a runner: running.
This insight is something I hope to emulate as often on Monday evenings I’m running gradually nearer to the front of the speed patrol of Ken, Sharon, Graham, Eric, Gary and the like, covering the miles with a fleetness of foot that escapes me in races. The race day comes and wanting the pb so much restrains me, envelops me and whilst swamping me it takes away that ‘inner runner’ pleasure. So the pb gets further away again – I’m more than capable of running free but it’s finding that release on the ‘big day’. Terry and Gary have often said just treat the race as a training run and seize the day – forget the watch, and just run as you feel.
So with these words ringing in my head I went to do the Buttermere Round on a glorious spring day, clear skies, sunshine, no wind and about 6’C. I have run Buttermere four times before and it’s a true classic – and with the daunting reputation of one of the toughest road races in Britain. Open to runners over 21 years, it takes in a route from the Moot Hall in Keswick down the Borrowdale road, passing Catbells as you run along side Derwentwater, up and over the gruelling Honister and Newland passes. The swift descents grasp the quadriceps in a vice after your calves and gluts have almost seized on the ascents.
94 runners and off I set towards the back of the field (Steve Littler of Wesham later smashed the course record held by Jon Broxop and Kenny Stuart to run 2.03.13) to run as an ‘inner runner’. As I ran and soaked in the sunshine and perspiration (overdressed again) I lost 5 minutes at the 5k drinks station removing unnecessary layers; 25.18 (well it is downhill!). Continuing on I reached 10k in 53 minutes – never done that before. Up Honister at a crawl, probably paying for the over enthusiastic early pace, down the other side – if ever a valley of such magnitude and beauty there ever was, tears running down my cheeks – it’s awesome! Offloaded loads from from my irritating bumbag at the 25k drinks station another 5 minutes lost. Surmounting Newlands at a stagger Jon Broxop cheered me on near the top by thrusting a bottle of SIS in my hand, I obviously looked worse for wear! I realised despite feeling knackered and a bit spaced I was having a good day. The chocolate hit the spot at Stair and through Portinscale onto Fitz Park and the finish.
Jeff Chadwick had already finished in a terrific 7th in 2.22 and I heard his voice holler my name as I strived for the finish line. I crossed the line ecstatic and wrecked! 3.39.45 8 minutes off my previous best – I had found my inner runner. Thanks Terry and Gary and thanks to John Bingham of Runners World who had emailed me some encouragement the night before:
“ Be you. Be your BEST you. Be happy with what that is on any given day. It works”
It did – now I just need to make it work in LONDON !