This page is for items given for the site concerning the club and reports on runs, events and trivia from members of the club we hope you enjoy them.
3rd Race in Series
Oundle Winter Race Sunday 25th January 04
By Graham
Anne and I after a pleasant drive on empty roads arrived at the venue and met up with our old friends Anne (cook superb) and Eric (Three times Quadrathlon World Champion, now race organiser.)
This is one of the most enjoyable events that I ever do. It is very, demanding and exciting. An event entered just for the pleasure of competition. There are not any marshals just the organiser Eric who does lap counting and the time keeping with the help of his wife Anne and a friend.
The course is all carried out in two large and extremely hilly fields, with a church in the centre, and a river running at the bottom, this being the only level part of the course; mud and water makes up for the lack of hills. This all being set in the very beautiful village of Wadenhoe near Oundle.
The weather was forecast, snow and gales, in reality a super cold sunny day.
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You are going to enjoy this race; The hills are steep, mud is deep, water cold and flowing fast. ……….Go! |
On getting there we took the canoe and kit down to the river and met and chatted to old friends. One of the good things about going to races.
On the start line Eric the organiser sometimes known as ‘The Quad-Father’ gave us a short Briefing:
The Race
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Bike We now had 8 laps on the bike, almost all on the same course as the run, only leaving out the out the style and the far field. We turned before getting to the style, which again took us down a steep hill over the stream again up a hill past the church and now down a really steep decline; there was a choice of two ways; I went right, it was brakes on and try to go slow enough not to be knocked off with a rut, pothole or bumps. Got to the bottom okay just as someone coming down the other rout fell off and came down with legs, arms and bike going in all directions almost taking me out. Right behind him was another guy still on the bike but out of control and also trying not to be knocked off. We both survived and laughed in relief, of not being zapped. There must have been something in it though as several others during the race did the same thing. It was then turn right and try and get up the matching incline, the only way was to get off and drag the bike up; it was not easy with all that mud, all were struggling. Back on the bike and along the side of a hill on undulating wet grass turn up the hill where we joined the running course, and back to start/finish then round another 7 times before the final run for one more lap. The finnish was a welcome sight.
After the finish, we all hosed down our bikes before going to the village hall. A beautiful stone built building in a village all built in stone and looking as if they should be on the front of a ‘chocolate box’ with the river running past. Inside there was coffee, cakes and home made food. A superb morning of sport, just for the fun of sport.
Results:- 17th out of 30 starters 1 retired.
2 ½ laps run; of the of a 1mile course.
½ mile run.
8 laps of about ¾ mile
1 last lap of run.
4th in Series Sunday 15th February 2004 By Graham
Anne and I were up early to get ready for a 7-30am start. Frank was calling round so to follow us to the muddy hilly field near Oundle which is the venue for this demanding event. On the way we did a hedge stop, “You didn’t say anything about the rain” said Frank.
The uneventful journey was very wet with a mixture of drizzle and heavy rain, but on getting there the sun came out and the rest of the day was bright and warm. The first thing to do was to book in then set out our kit. Canoes first down by the river with paddles and lifejacket, down to the river was just as steep and muddy as last time only this time Frank was experiencing how muddy and steep it was. He was not impressed!. Next we set out the bikes just in time to line up for the start. “What?” Asked Frank “Have you let me in for?”
After a brief ‘Briefing’ from Eric the race organiser, we were
About 40 of us sprinted down the hill (Down hill is the only time I sprint these days) jump the brook, up the hill the other side, half way up Frank passed me, then along to the style a very short well needed rest waiting to get over. By the time I was over Frank was well away. Two and half laps, the mud was well up to just going round the first corner about 100m ahead when I set off. In the canoe I was in my element and soon skimming across the water first past Frank then slowly catching and passing most of those before me. I love canoeing! Soon back on the run to the bikes and away down the hill; it was wonderfully muddy and the bike was great fun. Frank said when he got out of the canoe his legs hardly worked and he almost fell in the fell bog. All will admit that when getting out of the canoe it is hard to start running, going straight through a bog and up a steep muddy hill is not easy. Soon Frank was on his bike he told me that he thinks he fell off on every lap, for every one it is a very demanding course, but when you have done as little biking as Frank it is Hard very Hard.
Frank did very well, I admire him taking on such a tough, first multi-discipline race. “I sure I didn’t mislead him; honest”
After the race we went down to that super village hall for Anne’s wonderful food and prize giving for the BQA Winter Series Quadrathlon awards. It was a wonderful day of real sport.
My results 15th out of 30 competitor the only competitor over 50 well pleased.
Frank for first attempt did well being a little behind me.
Anyone wishing to take part in any of these friendly but challenging events, this coming season. Please feel free to ask me.
Graham on 01206 520202 or Eric on 01832 720402
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On a beautiful November Friday morning the ever intrepid four, Lindsay, Barbara, Anne and myself set off to Llanberis in North Wales, in Lindsay’s motor to join Keith, Meryl and John Gwillam, we were going to attempt the ‘Snowdon Marathon’ Lindsay said “Its said to be the toughest in Europe” ”What!! No one told me that! ” I said. “Oh well, at least it must be in the most beautiful countryside. [On a nice day] in the land”
A very pleasant drive without problems found us driving up the A5 to Caple Curry the scenery breath taking, and then there was Snowden covered in snow WOW!
Keith and Meryl caught on the M6 did not get to Llanberis until very late, while we went off for a meal at a very nice restaurant. They not only put up with us, they let us come again on the Sunday evening. We then went off to a bar so that Barbara could find a cure for her cold, which was giving her a hard time. A good looking barman suggested a well know Caribbean cure, that came in several double glasses. Did it work? Well she finished.
The Race
We had arranged to meet John at 9am but the girls were late and the quite and slow 1 1/2 mile walk turned out to be first a fast walk turning into a run, getting to the start just as the race started. By now the day had decided to be very nice, the sky was clear without any wind; it was in fact just perfect. The rout straight up Llanberis Pass the view of Snowdon perfect.
All set off at good pace for the start John, Lindsay, Barbara and myself were together, while we failed to see Keith [Me thinks he was being just a bit sneaky keeping out of sight.] Each of us had decided to do our own thing so John soon drifted into the distance followed by Barbara and myself. Barbara battling bravely against her cold while I was just out for a good day. By the time I got to the top of the pass, to my amazement Lindsay was there taking photos and looking full of the joys of life. We started running down the hill as far as the PYG then down the A???? A down hill run for over 6 or 7miles it was wonderful. Lindsay shouted “Is that Snowdon over there?” “Yes, it looks beautiful doesn’t it.” As the road levelled out Lindsay passed me and drifted into the distance, about this time Meryl on her bike caught me and asked after her husband Keith, after chatting for a while she went off to catch Keith. About this time I had the trill of seeing a buzzard flying over head, strange no one else seemed interested.
As we ran through the beautiful countryside the weather still super crowds coming out to support the race. As I reached 17miles my poor overworked legs gave up on me. Not to worry a great day for walking, a bit of a shame about all those who passed me, although many of them I caught again on the big hill up to the slate quarry.
About this time John was still powering towards the end to do one of his usual strong finishes. Lindsay had moved into top gear and was on target for a fantastic time, while Keith having got back to full strength was hot on her heels. Meanwhile brave Barbara was still going well.
The hill started as a narrow small road fairly steep, which got steeper, narrower and rougher as we got higher. Soon getting to the slate works and finally to the top where we got a very fine view of Anglesey behind us, but it was forward that we were now looking, and Electric mountain was in sight. Soon the Lake came into view, and I running again, at last Llanberis; now it was all downhill. There was just one small problem, the hill down was very steep and the ground rough! The strain on our legs was not welcome but the finish was close. Once in the town it was only 150metres to the finish but we had to run all round the town including up some more hills, and to save face I had to run; it seemed to take ages to get to the finish but at last there it was. Anne was there with her ever welcoming smile, Lindsay looking as fresh as can be, Keith looking relived that he got in before me. Shortly behind me Barbara a great effort.
So back to our rooms for a hot bath then the six of us went out for a super meal. Unfortunately John had to drive home as he had work the next day. We all had a super time with the restaurant which was full of marathon hobbling about. After the meal Barbara felt the need for some more of that Caribbean cold cure so the evening was long.
The next morning Lindsay though it would be a good idea to do some sight seeing on the way home. First visit was to the next valley to see Mount Triffin then to Capel Curig calling in to see Swallow Falls, not such a good idea as it meant going down lots of steep steps and it was so painful. At Capel we had some coffee, lunch and did some shopping. We now had the long journey pleasant and uneventful, our thanks to Lindsay for doing all the driving.
The English Championships Fell Race.
11th October 03
By Graham
This is a tail of drama, of rain, rocks and hell on the hill. A Story of two over the hill runners trying to get over the hill to make their mark at Fell running, and how they got on in the mist.
After taking part in the ‘Rydal Round’ Fell Race in July I was very excited and looking forward to this Fell Race. This was to be 14miles and 4000ft climb and decent. A lot longer than the last one but also in October which in itself will make it more challenging.
After doing the Ipswich Duathlon I had two weeks to get myself fit for this rather different event [This one had hills big ones]. My plan was to run on High Woods and a long off road runs most days until we go up to the Lakes. I had the pleasure of the company of friends on several of these training sessions. How can four people get lost in High Woods, no we were not lost as Barbara said “It is just that we did not know which bit of High Woods we were in”.
Anne and I drove up to the Lakes on the Wednesday before the race. We were to again stay with our friends Sue and Richard living in their beautiful converted stone barn near Kendal. Richard and I decided to do a rec. climb on the Thursday to the last peak ‘Pike o’ Blisco’ so we could know the way down. This was not a good move as the weather was most horrid, with very heavy rain and a gale blowing on the top.
Saturday, Race Day
We woke to a pleasant dry morning, had some breakfast, before Richard and I set off early to the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in the Langdale valley for the race start. I was very nervous of what I have no idea. Anne and Sue had decided to drive over later on, park then do a long walk along the valley to arrive at the ‘Finnish’ in time to see us run in.
We arrived early so getting a parking place near the start. On signing in we were issued with electronic tags for the checkpoints. Taking our time to get ready we had some coffee and watched the others sign in. There where hundreds of them; 470 entrants of all ages and sizes and they all looked hard.
We all lined up in the road ready to go, then it was Go! Manic! It was hell, with pushing a fighting for room to run, along up and over a stream and along a rock covered path at first fairly level but very uneven often crossing small streams, the pace was very fast, it amazed me as there was such a long way to go. [The reason for the rush soon became apparent.] A big stonewall with a very high style and the first ones there had less hold up. After some time of pushing and shoving I managed to get over the style but no sign of Richard. The path slowly turned to go up almost vertical,[well at least 45o] it was very hard just to walk, hands on knees up to the top to Thunacre Knott, where the first check point was. At the checkpoints we registered in the little electronics timer.
Second Leg
To ‘Esk House Shelter’ the next peak, although we were carrying a map and compass, because it takes time to read a map, its best instead to keep up with others hoping they know way, the best way. The run was at first down hill on mixed surfaces, some grass, stones, rocks and holes and then there were the bogs. I found some deep bogs but Richard.
While going over one of these bogs Richard Sir Galahad told me. ”I was following this man as he ran into this bog when he went up to his chest and got stuck“ As Richard said “I just had help him out so I got on my tummy and dragged him out” What a hero. Once out they ran the rest of the race together including up the last hill where I went wrong. [His remarks on this, we can not be printed] Richard also had a couple of falls of his own it was very hard country to run on, most of the way covered in hazards.
It was then back up to the next hill going hard and fast to the next checkpoint, I was with a small group of runners of mixed ages going well. My thought was to hang in there to the end, we passed other runners and all seemed okay. The path turned to broken rocks, the mist came and I lost the group. While trying to find the path some of the runners I had passed ages ago I saw ahead of me. [Following the right guy is everything] The main problem was that the checkpoints were all stuck on top of the peaks surrounded in huge rocks The weather was slowly breaking up, low cloud very poor visibility and the rain was getting quite heavy which did not help in finding the way or following others.
Therefore while registering, those I had been following disappeared from sight, down to one of the excuses for a path and were away. On this event you just have to know the way, and the best way.
While running up to the last three peaks, Bow fell, Crinkle Crags and Pike o’ Blisco quite a few guys have fallen by the wayside through cramp, accidents or decided to pull out through fatigue. They could also be told to retire by the marshals if they were out of time or did not look fit enough. Those who pulled out were able to walk down the easy way down the valley. [How easy it was I do not know]
At last I reached the last peak ‘Pike o’ Blisco’ so I thought [I do think sometimes in spite of what others say.] the rest of the way would be simple as we had tested it on Thursday. The problem was; and I had not realised this nor had quite a lot of other guys, there was another path [The word path is just slightly misleading] starting from the top that went almost the same ways, and looked almost the same, the only difference was when it hit the road just half a mile from the finnish. My small group ran and slithered down and were feeling really good only a little way to go. When we hit the road a guy was standing there and told us to turn right; and that the last checkpoint was a mile and a half up the hill. “What!” we said “Surly it is left?” “No you have come down the wrong path” Good job I have a sense of humour!
Running up that hill, even though it was the only smooth surface we had run on all day; was very hard at this stage and after 4hours. Running away from the Finnish!!
As we ran up a sheep gave us a long lingering look as if to say “What the hell are you running up that hill for?” Once at the check point we had to climb up a high style and run back down the fields the other side of the wall, it was great, down hill, on grass no rocks right to the finish. I must say it was good to be finished and I was glad to see Anne and Sue.
In the evening we all went to a super local pub for a really super meal and lots of English Ale to sooth away the pain. A wonderful weekend with good friends and a very exiting event.
Clacton Triathlon
Sunday 21st September 03
By Graham
For most of this super summer Lindsay and Barbara had been training to take part in a triathlon. Lindsay had taken part in her first one two weeks before at Stowmarket Triathlon and done very well, Stowmarket was a novice indoor triathlon; Clacton Triathlon is a full Olympic distance with an open water sea swim, this is the real thing.
So this at last was that day, and it was perfect. The morning was warm sunny and still, the sky clear. The sea off Clacton and Holland sea wall had a bit of a chop, so Lindsay’s hours of swimming training in open water was to pay off this day.
Anne and I arrived at ‘Holland on sea front,’ the race venue just after 0700h parking just by the transition area. The morning perfect the place milling with people. Peter Reeve who was out on his run, we talked for a while then Ray Pipe came running along, we chatted to him and many other folks we knew. Matt trotted up to tell us all about doing the Sherborn Castle triathlon, we had not seen him since the Cambridge Triathlon so we had much to talk about
Lindsay and Scott arrived just as I was getting my bike ready. I checked Lindsay’s tyres before we took our kit and bikes in the Transition compound. When we were both ready to start. Anne and I started walking towards the H.Q. leaving Lindsay and Scott to make there own way there. Barbara, Frank, Eric arrived soon followed by Rita Anne explained what was going on. After the briefing we all strolled along the sea wall for about a mile to the swim start. Unusual for a triathlon we were to go off in waves of 10 instead of 100’s or even 1000’s.
Lindsay had a start time of 09-15h and was excited, but Scott was nervous. Off she went and was looking good, swimming at a steady measured pace. Scott was on the side all agitated worrying whether Lindsay could cope, Part of the reason was she had only learned to swim the crawl a few weeks earlier and was unaware how good she had become] he danced along the sea wall worrying all the way, while Lindsay was thoroughly enjoying herself swimming in the waves. When she finished, running to the transition for her bike, then she was away. In the mean time I was still sitting on the sea wall awaiting my start at 10-15h but it was very pleasant sitting there in the sun chatting to Anne. At last it was my turn, the last but one wave. The ten of us dived into the waves and swam towards the first turn buoy then along the coast, the sea had a nice little chop which made the swim fun, but it was a little difficult to see the other swimmers. As I reached the exit ramp four other of the guys were leaving just before me, as I ran up the slope undoing my wet suit, Anne was there just as I lost the zip pull cord. A moments panic as I could not find it. Anne to the rescue. It was a steep run up from the beach to transition. The four other guys in my wave were still in the transition, and were still there when I left, on the bike. The first part of the bike course was on very rough surface and un-timed, as soon as we reached the road we then had two laps and 40km of cycling on quite good roads, just as I came to the finish of the first lap I passed Lindsay who was going well. As I got to the end of the first lap Anne was standing on the corner with Eric giving very good support.
One more lap of the bike and it was back into the transition and away on the run, by now it was quite warm. The run was first along the top of the sea cliff to Clacton Pier, then back along the sea front, it was quite busy with people enjoying the last of the Summer sun, most of them just looked at me as if I had just come off a space ship, but we runners are use to that are we not. The run along the front went past the swim finish where Barbara and Frank were waiting for me and ran with me for a while then they cut up the bank to the finish while the competitors had to run along to the Ariel then back along the top to make up the 10km.
At the finnish line a wonderful welcome from Anne and other members of the club. Lindsay had changed and was looking very fresh and pleased while Scott looked as proud as a Peacock. He had not been sure that Lindsay could do that swim which did look a bit daunting.
We said our good buys and went home, then Anne, Barbara and myself met up at Lindsay and Scott’s house for lots of Champagne and some food before going home.
This is a very good local triathlon and a very good one for anyone to try. They are now having teams enabling athletes to enjoy this experience even if they cannot do all three disciplines
IBIZA
WORLD TRIATHLON LONG COURSE CHAMPIONSHIPS
By Graham
Anne and I arrived in Ibiza Airport on Wednesday 7th May, it was a cool and windy day, but compared to the Tuesday it was good, on Tuesday they had torrential rain all day with roads flooding.
We collected our car, booked in our Hotel and went to the team HQ to meet the others and our old friends Sue and Richard. Richard competing in the 60+age group, while I was in the 65-69 age group. Also in this age group was Arthur Puckrin an old adversary of mine.
Next morning there was a 8am team swim in the harbour, a chance to see what the water temperature was like. It was cold, although we only had half an hour in the water I thought the full time in it would be just a wee bit cold so I had decided to wear my neoprene swim hat on the race.
On the Saturday evening we took our bikes and kit to the transition area. This race was being run the ‘Ironman’ way, instead of us laying our kit out by the bikes; we had to put the first transition kit [that is the swim to cycle] in a black bag second in green bag and this is hung up on racks for when we need it.
Race day
My alarm watch went off at 05.30h, we had our breakfast in the room, after we had eaten and had a cup of tea we were off to the start. It was already warm, not a cloud in the sky or a puff of wind. At 06.30h I was in the transition area to check the bike was okay and put on my wet-suit, Richard was already there all ready to go. Anne and Sue were just outside the transition, so we had to talk through bars.
Swim
The swim was in the great harbour of Ibiza town which had been closed for the morning.
Soon it was time for us to move to the swim start, all 900 of us were put into holding pens according to our swim hat colour [hat colour according to age and gender]. Our hat, the sos’s [the silly old sods, or over 50age groups] colour was pink, which shows the Spanish have a sense of humour! As our start time came we moved to the side of the harbour ready for a 4ft jump into the water. At 07.38h our group, jumped into the sea, and I was amongst hundreds of black rubber covered body’s struggling for enough water to swim in. Slowly we spread out and I found myself in a group to slow for me, I worked my way through them until amongst swimmers of my pace, at this point, faster swimmers ‘white hats’ from the open group [athletes who did not qualify for their National Teams but were still good] came swimming through us, a new fight for space in the water. Things were just settling down again when I started to get cold, “Why?” I asked myself “Was I feeling suddenly cold” The reason my wet-suit zip was working its way slowly down, swimming to the side of the other swimmers I managed to pull the zip back up but not to fasten the Velcro, so this had to be done again later in the swim. After about 3000m I was catching and passing other swimmers as they starting getting tired. After 1hour 21min I climbed out of the water up a steep ramp helped by willing hands, then ran to the racks, got my black bag went onto the change tent. Wet-suit off; [to be put in black bag.] helmet, glasses, gloves and shoes on, bike out of the rack [only 3 of my age-group had taken their bikes] and run to the bike mounting line, then away.
Bike
The course was two laps through the mountains. All the roads had been closed to other traffic so we had them to ourselves. It was a very beautiful ride, hilly with lots of sharp corners and the day was now hot. Hot means drinking lots of liquid, I had loaded up as much as possible with Lucasade and then water. I was going quite well but not pushing it too much but was just a little surprised that I was not passing many other riders ‘what was going on?’ I though I was going well. At the turn we went for about 5miles down the road to Ibiza Town, then back up the same road so was able to see who was in front and who behind. At first I saw just a few a dozen then there were hundreds, I think it was because I had done a good swim and it had put me further up the field than usual. After 4hours 25min this was slightly better than I had hoped, however I had got slight heart-burn not a good sign. As we entered the town the closed roads were lined with enthusiastic crowds who made us very welcome. As I got to the transition area willing hands took my bike so was able to run straight to the bag store grab my green bag and go to the changing tent. When I got there I surprised to see Richard who was getting changed. I left before him but had to go back as I had forgotten my hat. No way could I run in that heat without a hat.
Run
I started running and was going well feeling strong but the heart-burn got worse and I soon had to slow to a walk, after a short while it improved and was able to run again. This went on for most of the run getting worse as the day progressed. As I passed through centre of town the big clock was reading 14-41h and 28c now that is quite warm. The run was three 10km laps starting from the transition then running to and past the lighthouse through to the end of the new harbour wall then back past transition grandstand to other side of town and back. As Richard and I, came round on the second lap we were quite close together, as we came past one of the harbour café’s we spied Anne and Sue raise a glass of cold beer to our health. Friend Arthur I had observed was now about 10min behind me, at each turn he was getting closer while my heart-burn was getting worse and my pace slower. At about 4km from the finish Arthur passed me and slowly pulled ahead, going well, he was now out of sight when I brought up wind just like a baby. Wow!! suddenly I felt fantastic, not the least bit tired; and running fast. I had such a serge of adrenalin that it made me fly, the crowds suddenly seeing some one running so fast cheered me making me feel even better. As I passed Ian the team manager he handed me a small union jack and shouted “Arthur in just ahead of you” I replied “It is my intention the change that” Soon I had him in my sight, then just behind him. The crowds still cheering more than ever near the finish. Arthur still unaware of my presence carried on running while giving his royal waves to the crowds. Just as I was about to pass him at the finish line some one shouted a bit like a Pantomime “He is about to pass you” he looked round in horror seeing me and just managed to put a spurt on. We both crossed the line in 9hours 33min and 44seconds giving us joint 4th
The commentator was getting very excited, shouting ”This is amazing, this shows that age is no barrier these guy’s are over 65”
A very satisfying end to a super day. The event in a beautiful Mediterranean Island well organised and with super support. The long hot race left me with red sunburn in strange shapes round my race suit.
Our best support was from Anne and Sue who had been there all day nearly 11hours in the heat of the day. They were standing just behind the finish line and we talked through the fence, as they were not allowed in the finish enclosure. We waited for Richard to come in then collect bikes and kit to take back to the Hotel. We then had a hot bath, and down for a good meal with lots of wine before going to bed early.
The GB team had been the most successful with 5gold 2silver 4bronze.
HOLIDAY
After the race it was just like a ordinary holiday with 10 day of morning runs on the beach before breakfast, lots of swims and touring round seeing the island.
Anne has herself been in the British Triathlon Team with very good results in the several World Championships she has taken part in. My thanks to her for all her support over the years, of me going out training many hours each week, for her encouragement in the events we have gone to all over the world.
By Graham
Keith has a long record for doing lots of events, having over 50 marathons under his belt
Two World Quadrathlon Championships.
Three Iron-men Triathlons.
And dozens of other events, over the years and now he is sixty.
Last year while taking part in the ‘Grizzly’ that infamous Devon race that goes through ‘The Bog!’ Keith had lost some skin off his feet from doing a race the previous weekend. Through the broken skin he contracted the dreaded ‘Weal’s disease, well know to canoeist, it is a very serious illness and takes a lot of getting over if you don’t die first. Keith is now fighting his way back to fitness, and going very well too.
This month [March 03] with his usual determination, Keith set himself a stiff program of ‘The Grizzly’ followed by ‘Brentwood Half Marathon’ the ‘Worthing 20mile race’ rounding off the month with ‘The Black Dog Marathon’
Well done ‘Super Man Keith’. You are back.
9th March 2003
By Graham
The Full ‘Grizzly’ is 20miles of beach and hills, the ‘Grizzly Cub’ is very similar and 10miles.
This year we were all looking forward to a good race, the weather forecast was interesting, gales sweeping over the West Country with heavy rain expected, temperature warm.
On the Saturday after a super breakfast we went to the race HQ for a orgy of spending, buying running kit. Several of us bought running shoes and other kit. As is our custom before doing the Grizzly, we went out with Terry and Barbara for a jolly good meal and a bottle or of wine.
From the Gt. Bentley club we had seven entries for the ‘Grizzly’ and six for the Cub, although some of the runners were doing the Cub as they were recovering from injury. Some recovery run! If you wanted a first race after injury this must be about the toughest that could be done.
Before the start most of the club members met up in the big headquarters. Anne, Indi, Nikki, Barbara were all doing the ‘Cub’ as were Jon, Matt. Those doing the Full Grizzly are; Lindsay, John Gwillin, Brian, myself, and Keith [who slept on the beach as usual] I did not see John Webber or Rich Clark, but they were around somewhere. After chatting for a while we all went off to get ready and line up for the race. At the moment, the weather was good in spite of weather forecast.
The Race
The race started in the usual place on the sea front road, but instead of first going along the beach with its energy sapping loose stones to run on, then back along the sea road, it was to go the other way round. This presented a tactical opportunity of starting at the front of the field instead of at the back as happened to me last year. Many had not realised the change so went to what they thought was the front only to find themselves at the rear. I had a cunning plan, get there late so to be at the front! This worked a treat except before the start I was unable to find any of the others from the club. Soon it was the ‘Off’ and fifteen hundred bodies started running, I was near the front and going well but gosh all those guy’s were running as if it was a 5k race. I let them get on with it and ran at my own pace all the time expecting the other club members to pass me. We turned onto that beach and so fast runners kept going past. Even though it seemed that I was going slow compared by the pace of the others; my HRM showed that for me I was going too fast, as we went onto the road and started up the hill to Beer I slowed down to a steady pace. By now we had caught up with the ‘Cub runners’ and it had become crowded, I saw several of our club Barbara and Anne both going well Jon taking it easy nursing his injury. Soon we were over the hill and going down to Beer, this beautiful little town really takes the race to its heart and big crowds cheered us through the streets and up the hill to the steep muddy hills that we were to challenge us. As we went up the first of these, a new born lamb lost and wearing a little plastic jacket had lost his Mom and was running round in panic. I explained to it that there were lots of sheep in wolf’s clothes but not his Mom.
We passed the ‘Highland Piper’ playing and went up, down, and around. The ground very wet and muddy with many runners falling in the trickiest places. We came to a small tourist centre with a live ‘Irish Band’ playing and people dancing, it was wonderful. On looking back from where we had come was a long trail of runners trailing for miles up, down and round the hills. Every one was in a good mood laughing and joking, the sun had come out, and it was mild dry with little wind, in fact perfect.
After 7 miles we arrived at the top of the steep hill where the cub runners turned back for home, and clean dry clothes. The Grizzly runners sprinted down the steepest hill on the course down to Brandscomb beach. Lots fell before getting to the bottom. [Many a sore bottom I fear]
Brian told me;
“As he reached the top of this hill he was so excited he put his arms up like Superman as he started to run down soon to find he was out of control and so was John so both of them were running down the hill out of control. The Marshal standing on the bottom seeing John running out of control jumped to safety. Brian and John managed to survive the hill” [We are not sure about the marshal]
On reaching the stony beach we were directed through a waist high pool, then along two miles of beach. I had decided to walk the energy-sapping beach but it seemed to be a mistake as hundreds passed me on the first mile so I again started running. At the end of the beach we were all waiting in a queue [over 15minuts] to leave the beach by a steep path. The path very steep and narrow so no over-taking until reaching the top.
About this time the ‘Cub’ runners were running back along the beach. From our club Matt did a super run taking 12th place, Nikki with a gallant effort was our first lady in. Indi not far behind, Barbara who was not well struggling to catch Anne up. Unbeknown to Barbara, Anne had stopped to tie a shoe it must have been then that they passed. Anne who with here usual nonchalance had taken the whole event very casually and only done a few training runs but still was able to sail through in a reasonable time. Once Jon had finished getting changed into warm cloths and a drink in the warmth of the race centre until it was ready for the rest of us to come in. When we did they with Terry and Meryle gave us fantastic support.
Once over the top we went up and down even steeper and muddier paths and through streams. Ahead we could hear people laughing loud and nervous, About here Lindsay says “While John was running down one of these hills he made a spectacular fall; the story goes; that John made a dramatic fall! rolled up back on his feet a little like a gymnast doing a floor show!! for this was given a standing ovation by all those who saw it. The crowd then awarded him points between 1 and 10} Soon we were at the infamous bog! Now the ‘bog’ this year was very challenging being deep, wide, and quite long. It was amusing to see the runners struggling, some up to their thighs in thick black sticky mud, most were laughing or grumbling all struggling. I was able to make several places while many just seemed to get bogged down [The runs round Mersea Island must have helped] The course carried on along up and down round and round until soon we were at another bog, Well what do you know, they said in the instructions that ‘Dung beetle’ had been upset at hearing, that some of last year’s runners had thought the course too easy. So this is the revenge of the ‘Dung beetle’ and a exceedingly good bog it was too. The idea was as I understood, it for the bog to make the course harder and to get through it as soon as possible but John, Lindsay and Brian seemed to think that it was put in as a playground and proceeded to have a mud fight. Even with this they were not nearly as muddy as some we saw run in, these must have fallen over and then done a roll.
Soon it was back on the beach and through the pool, this was a bonus as it washed off most of the mud, as the water was waist deep, going through a small lady grabbed hold of my arm for me to help her through the water [that’s my story anyway] then up the hill which seemed steeper than ever, once on the top it was down hill all the way to Beer. There were still crowds of people to cheer us through the town and then it was up the steep steps to the top of the last hill and then down one last very steep hill, which was on road to the beach. Having fell shoes on running on the road was just a bit dodgy and I took care not to fall, on the beach it was just a short run to the finish which could be seen, getting there seemed to take forever. Just one last push to the finish. As I started running up the last slope Anne and all the others who had done the ‘Cub run’ as well as Terry and Meryl were there shouting me in. What super support what a smashing club.
As soon as I finished I went to the car to put on some warm clothes on as it had now turned cold after what had been a super day, Anne soon joined me and we then walked back to the finish to watch the others come in. Once we were all safely in we went to the race HQ to have some tea before going back to the guest house for a very hot bath. Before we went out we opened a bottle of Champaign were a toast was drunk to ‘Anne’ who had put up with me just 12years to the day. Eight of us Lindsay, Keith and Meryl, Barbara, Terry and there daughter Vickie and of course Anne and I then went to the ‘The Mad Hatter’ restaurant going out for a super meal and just a little wine.
We are all looking forward to the next years Grizzly, but before that there are many things to do.