Archive for December 2008
Blaise, Blore, Birthday
06/12/2008 by Dick.
Those lucky enough to be at today’s Gwent League had more than a tough, muddy cross-country race. There was Marianne’s birthday party in the tent, scrummy cakes and the adventure playground challenge.
The XC started with our Ladies tackling two laps of slippery, rocky, hilly Blaise Castle terrain. The Birthday Girl was our star, despite last night’s bottle of wine. Close behind were Sam, Niki, Lou, Sue and Sian.
Paige and Darcy, in that order I believe - it’s hard to tell! - sped round in the next race for the Harriers.
Then Postman Pat led home our men, but only three places ahead of Stuart Penny. Then our emerging star, James, just failed to squeeze into the top 100, but was excused that lapse when he handed round the most delicious chocolate brownies that he’d baked himself. Paul next, followed by Steve, Ivan, Matthew, Matt, Stuey, Gareth C, Bill , Coachy and Syd - trying not to run too hard to save some energy for Luton Marathon the next morning!. All the men found it hard not to speed up when they passed the Team Groupies whose enthusiastic chanting could apparently be heard over the traffic in Bristol Centre.
The pyramid climb was keenly but inconclusively contested (after we cleared the kids off their playground) but the prize bottles of wine provided by Mr Creber were held over for a future competition.
Thanks to Team Manager Eric and to all the cake providers. Marianne’s birthday cake was especially well-iced and candled by the Ladies Team Capt.
Photos of our gallant gals at Blaise by Ivan are now on our Cross-Country page (under Club Events and Results). If anyone else has some pics and uploads them, let Ivan know and we’ll get them linked from the XC page.
Speed Feedback Please
05/12/2008 by Dick.
Runners who take part in our Tuesday speed sessions may have noticed that the Coach in charge has a piece of paper known as a Session Planner . This Planner guides the Coach through the session, and has sections at the bottom for the Coach to record feedback from the athletes and the Coach’s evaluation of how well the session went.
We then analyse these last two aspects so that we can continue improving the sessions you take part in. Ideally the Coach will be able to ask for feedback at the end of each session when it’s fresh in people’s minds. But in the Link Road sessions for example, runners tend to finish at different times and then jog back to the Leis Ctre before the Coach has a chance to get feedback.
This happened at last Tuesday’s pyramid session, and Chris would appreciate if you could send him any comments you have on cj.rees@yahoo.co.uk.
It would be very helpful In future if athletes could make a point of giving the Coach any helpful comments before running back to the Leis Ctre. We will also be usually providing a contact address with the Training Schedule in each month’s Wots On.
It’s also important for safety and practical reasons to let the Coach know if you leave the session before the end.
Chepstow Juniors to fly the County flag
03/12/2008 by Dick.
Three of our current Junior members will be representing the County at Cross Country after putting in fantastic performances in the County Schools years 8/9 category. Isabelle Godfrey, running for Monmouth school, came in 1st continuing her excellent form of having won every race this season.
Paige Wright, running for Chepstow School came in 12th, and Darcy Wright 14th, both girls putting in strong performances to qualify in the first 15.
The race was held at Caldicot Comprehensive, with over 150 runners participating on the 3.2km course.
Well done girls.
John Wright
The Week Ahead - 1 Dec
01/12/2008 by Dick.
Speed is the essence of running, and speed is the theme of this month’s training schedule laid down by Coach of the Month, Chris Rees.
Tuesday’s speed session is a Pyramid on the Link Road, ranging from 400 to 1600 metres. Thankfully the 1600 is dowhill! Or you can jog over to Tutshill for the ever popular Elm Road with it’s effective combination of down and up hill.
After training John Wright will be displaying the new fleeces and hoodies and will be taking orders.
Thursday is the Hayesgate 7 based on our LCL course.
Finally the increasingly popular Gwent League cross country on Saturday. All welcome especially newcomers. Meet 11am to share cars. Blaise in NW Bristol is only just across the Bridge and is our nearest venue. Right alongside the course is a marvellous swingpark and adventure playground, and a cafe, so you can bring the family. Best of all are the cakes we share. Oh yes, there are also some races I believe.
