April 2008
April already and light nights at last, now we can start some decent Monday night runs that cover all the terrains, footpaths, Road, Beach, Grass. Thursday nights will also probably see speed work on the grass again, weather permitting. Speaking for myself I was well and truly fed up with the dark nights and can’t wait to be out running after work now it’s light.
Last month saw a good turnout of Hoad Hill Harriers for the Dentdale run, by all accounts things could not have been worse; thanks to Mike Fawcett and Ken Lamb for two good write ups of the worst conditions ever encountered.
The final article has been sent in by Penny and is food for thought to any members considering the London Marathon.
Dentdale Run 2008 By Mike Fawcett
My favourite race, I’ve run it 16 times now, only missing 2001 when foot & mouth disease meant there was no road races for most of the year.
On the entry form there is generally a note to say “course subject to flooding, therefore race organisers reserve the right to change the course” its only ever happened once to the best of my knowledge, in 2003 (incidentally the only race I’ve ever dropped out of).
Now I’ve run up there in all kinds of weather, blazing sun, hail, snow & rain, but this year, talk about Global Warming jumping up and biting you on the arse- big style.
Setting of from Ulverston, the weather was a bit damp, but the nearer we got to Dentdale the worse it got, when we arrived it was absolutely p***ing it down and blowing a hurricane.
The course was awash, not only the pathway by the side of the river was flooded but part of the course at the bottom end of the valley was dangerous as well.
The course was dangerous, unusable & unraceable.
The race organisers (bless em) decided the only way the race could go ahead was to do two laps of the top half of the course i.e. setting of from the village at about the 7 mile mark running round to the finish and then round again - what fun!!!
Anyway no problem, at least it stopped raining for the start of the race so of we go.
I have never seen so much standing water on the roads - ever!!! In fact some of it wasn’t standing it was just pouring across the road in some places, the best bit was at the bottom end of the lap there was a stretch of road were the water was completely over the road and above your ankle for about 10yards and no way round it.
Did I say it stopped raining, not for bloody long it didn’t back it came with a vengeance plus the hurricane force wind and just for good measure on the second lap we had a hail storm as well - many people didn’t make it to the second lap however, dropping out at the end of the first lap.
It is without doubt the worst conditions I have ever raced in, and I have run in some wonderful conditions believe me!!
It was so bad that I’m thinking of doing the cross-country next year - it can’t possibly be any worse.
Seriously, we all had a great time, the sandwiches, scones and cake at the end were really good, if anybody is interested the race next year is on Saturday 14th March, see me I will get you an entry form.
From the race itself, we had a really good turn out, 14 runners in all, first back in 6th. place was Jeff Chadwick in 1.25.33, next was Chris Howie 14th. Overall in 1.30.49, Sharon Dixon was 61st. in 1.41.04 (third lady overall & 1st. LV45).
Kens return run at Dentdale
Its great to be back in the swing of things. This was my first race of the year, this time last year I had already done six races and was running well. I’ve been really looking forward to this race. After visiting Dent last year I was looking forward to stepping back in time once again, it’s my only opportunity to time travel. When you arrive here it's like going back 30 years in time. If only my legs were 30 years younger.
We noticed just as we were approaching the village that the road was flooded, just before the 7mile marker, at which point I realised I’d only brought my running shoes, silly me. We then went to the meadowside cafe for coffee and cakes [I like a cake or two].To our amazement the owner welcomed us as if we had visited only yesterday instead of 12 months ago.
Next it was up to the school to see who else was about; as it happens we once again had a good turn out from the club. While we were here we were told that the course had been changed because of the flooding we had seen, so we were not going to do the bottom half of the course, just the top end, but twice. It was still going to be 14miles [14.2 to be exact].
Start time arrived and the weather wasn't good, but it was to become awful. I got to1mile and looked ahead to find Erik in his customary position well ahead, but also Sharon who is usually behind me at this point, only to pass me in the later stages. Anyway I was quite happy and comfortable were I was so I just plodded along. After about 4miles I noticed Erik had started to drop away from Sharon and dropping back to me, as soon as he got to within 10metres I put in a bit more effort to make sure he didn't get back to me .He must have still had his skis on because he never got back to me. With this extra effort I now found myself closing in on Sharon and by 6miles we were neck and neck, this only lasted until 8miles at which point I could no longer hold my pace, and Sharon went off into the distance eventually finishing 3rd lady and over a minute ahead of me. I eventually finished tired but satisfied in 1hr 42mins in what could be best described as awful running conditions, especially on the second lap, cold driving rain and hail. At one point, about 11miles I felt like I wasn't making any headway into the wind and hail. IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK RACING. (Ken Lamb)
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The Race…
The London Marathon, a preamble of what is due to come.
Many people watching on the sidelines don’t realize where all those gifted athletes and mere mortals like me go when they take on the London Marathon over it’s famous 26.2 mile distance. There are three starts, where you line up depends not upon an act of God but on ability, age, ambition and costume. For example, if you wish to be a womble or a banana; you’ll be placed in pens 9 and 10 where the expected slower runners are also placed, at the back of the Red Start on Charlton Way just outside Greenwich Park. Red also attracts the mass field and the overseas runners so it is quite cosmopolitan on the Common whilst changing and preparing. I have been here three times, there are also trees to sit and lean on.
The Blue Start where I have been latterly and will be on April 13th goes from Shooter’s Hill Road which bisects Blackheath Common- this is the start also for the elites, Sharon Dixon and Liz Yelling for us with Gete Wami and Jeff Chadwick with Martin Lel; starting at 9.00 and 9.45am respectively. The wheelchair athletes led by Shelley Woods and David Weir will set off in between at 9.15. The bulk of the club runners including our own Ken Lamb, Steph Gillies and me accompanied by some of the mass start also leave from here; enjoying the actual blue line route of their elite idols.
Green Starts from St John’s Park, Blackheath, a launch pad for the “fast for their age” vets, men over 60 and women over 55 ( I’ll be there in 5 years time!), also the professional footballers and celebrities. Green joins Blue at the junction of Shooter’s Hill near Ha Ha Road. Blue and Red merge near one of the first jazz bands at John Wilson Street. The course here is wide and after earlier tight congestion on the down hill third mile most of us are feeling fresh and optimistic as we pass modest terraced houses and the concrete monstrosity of Greenwich Hospital. Very soon we approach the Arches Leisure Centre and already 6 miles has passed.
The next part of the route is truly elegant, with the Royal Naval College on the left with huge manicured lawns and nearby, Inigo Jones’ house. Swinging round to the right, we hit one of the prime view spots for both family and friends and TV commentators – the Cutty Sark – or lack of it since the tragic fire last year. This is a good time to check a split time as the 10k marker is just up the road; if you feel bad here then the next 20 miles are going to be a real test of mind and body! The only hill of the course takes you up Creek Road by Evelyn Street passing the very smart suburban development of Surrey Quays. About here you are starting to approach Rotherhide and in 2003 Paula Radcliffe has already past through in 51.48 on world record pace for 10 miles. Tower Bridge soon appears after Jamacia Road- this is such a morale booster as there are huge crowds and the tremendous architecture overwhelms you as you climb slightly onto the bridge itself. Wacky costumes usually get sought out here by the TV coverage and I think if I was dressed as a rhino I’d be glad of a breather! Across passing the Tower of London you hit half way – now you have a better idea of how things are going as another split time appears. You will have covered 13.2 miles, well done, and just for inspiration you will pass on the other side of the road, the slower elites and faster club runners with only just over four miles to go as they approach 22 miles.
Onwards along the Highway and onto Canary Wharf, following the silicon towers of the Isle of Dogs. Passing these colossal towers it is a chilling experience and very humbling after September 11th – I feel quite spooked as I run through those glass needles. Pass the train stations of Mudchute and Crossharbour via Westferry Road. It is a little cooler here as the wind can whistle across the Thames between the buildings and a surprising number of people want to give you jelly babies. They have witnessed marathons before including witnessing Paula Radcliffe passing 20 miles in 1 hour 45 minutes in 2003 on her way to the current world record of 2.15.25 set in 2003.
Soon enough you are under the Thames at Blackfriars and sometimes Roger Black is here in the middle of the road looking for an interview opportunity. In 2005 I got a hug off him (he’s run a 3.45 not bad for a 400m runner!). Action Photo are invariably here too so I always try to remember to smile as I know I have less than 4 miles to go. It’s here everyone is in their own world of compliance, this is where the real visualisation of completing comes into force. As onto the Embankment and with only a couple of miles or so to go, all those psychological tricks are put into force – all that resounding inspirational music resonating in your ears: “Chariots of Fire”, “Search for the Hero”,” Proud ”, “Simply the Best”.
Longing to pass Big Ben before it chimes 1.15pm but possibly nearer 1.30pm. Just Birdcage Walk and the Mall now and it will all be over. The crowds here are usually unbelievable in size and noise; urging you to your finest hour/minute whether you are running, jogging, walking, staggering or crawling towards the line. It’s almost over. Turning the corner, Buckingham Palace beckons, the Royal Standard not flying (she’s gone to Harrods again) so no royal wave to the finish. Then round the bend, that final bend, there it is, the sight most wanted – the FINISH. The clock ticking it’s rhythmical yellow digits in precision awaiting your arrival. Through and over the line, arms raised tears of emotion tumble down your cheeks. You made it! Well done!!
And whatever the time; however you feel just remember – in the future there will be many days when you felt that you couldn’t run a marathon but there will always the day you did and no one can take that first London Marathon away from you – ENJOY!
Penny Moreton