Author Archive
The Week Ahead - 17 Nov
17/11/2008 by Dick.
Tuesday’s choices are either a classic 12 X 400 metres (400 jog rec) on the Link Road or the new Danes Park hill session.
Thursday’s run, the Tour of the Town, starts early at 6.30. It’s AGM night and you need to be washed/changed by 7.30 to get stuck into the buffet before the meeting starts at 8.
On Sunday at 10 we’re meeting at the Leis Ctre to travel to Abergavenny to do a walk-up, jog-down recce of the Blorenge Fell Race, that comes off the following Saturday 29 Nov at 2pm - enter on the day £2 (start saving now).
And encroaching into the following week, anyone who’s not working on Monday 24th is welcome to come to Merthyr Mawr to recce December’s Club Champs race (you need to enter this one NOW if you haven’t already. It gets full early). We’re meeting at 10 for the recce.
Cardiff Half - More Results
17/11/2008 by Dick.
My apologies to Jane Rymer who told me at last week’s Curry Night that she had submitted a comment on Ivan’s report that I’d posted. I missed it at the time.
The original results didn’t list runners’ clubs, so we missed the following times - all Harriers that joined from the Beginners class:
Caroline Lidgett 2.02.38
Kathryn Thomas 2.08.41
Tania Forehead 2.08.45
Jane Bonsor 2.13.43
Jane Rymer 2.25.30 - can do much better but had tummy upset!
Harriers at Hartridge
16/11/2008 by Dick.
Well done all the Harriers (and supporters) who turned out on a very slippery and tight course at Lliswerry’s hosting of the second LCL Cross Country this morn.
As first-timer Stuey says on the Bulletin Board, the Blue & Red were out in force - 19 men and 11 women.
Going by the PROVISIONAL results, now posted on the Cross Country page in Club Events & Results/Club League Events, it looks like the women were first on the day, and equal first with Griff after two races. The men were probably equal 2nd alongside Lliswerry, behind Fairwater. That should make us 4th after two races.
Please see the Bulletin Board for a bit more detail.
The Week Ahead - 10 Nov
10/11/2008 by Dick.
Mark Harvey, this month’s coach, has devised a new speed session based at Beachley Loop Road, the housing estate on the left on the way to Beachley. It’s based on two lengths of road of about 700 and 900 metres and sounds an interesting and challenging session. Back in Chepstow, Geoff will be looking after the popular Hospital Hill session. Either will be useful for the LCL XC on Sunday.
Thursday will be the Boughspring runs with a choice of distances. Followed of course by the regular 2nd Thursday-in-the-Month treat - the Harriers Curry Night in The Bell Hanger. A tasty curry and a drink of your choice, all for £5.59.
Friday evening is a special occasion for us. It’s the LCL and East Wales Champs prizegiving at the RAFA Club next to Cwmbran Shopping Ctre. Every Chepstow Harrier who took part in last season’s cross-country or this summer’s road league should come along and receive the prizes we’ve won. And Mark and Lorna have won E Wales Champs trophies. There will be nibbles and music and a small charge, £1.50 or a raffle to cover costs. Meet at the Leis Ctre at 7 to share cars.
Then Sunday 11am is the next LCL cross-country at Hartridge School on the Spytty Road, Newport. Come off the M4 at the Coldra, J24 1st exit and after about a mile you’ll find the school on the left. Meet Leis Ctre at 10.
East Wales Awards
31/10/2008 by Dick.
Eric and his team from East Wales have just sent out the results from the Cross Country Champs, held at the Gwent League on 11 October, and the road race series that ended with the Tour of Torfaen last Sunday.
Chepstow’s women’s team at Bridgend were First and the men’s team were Third. Individual medallists were Mark Harvey, 2nd U23, and Liz Francis, 3rd 35-45.
In the road race series Mark was First Senior Man in the 4 race series, and Lorna Shaw was First 45+.
Congrats to all who contributed to these successes. The Road Series medals (and hopefully the XC ones) will be awarded at the combined Leisure Ctre Lg/East Wales Presentation Evening on Friday 14 November, 7.30, at the RAFA Club in Cwmbran. All Club members are invited to this free informal bash, where trophies will be picked up by our LCL Team Captains and individual age group award winners - Martin Pengilly, Brenda Avery and Dick Finch (firsts); Bill Savage and Syd Wheeler (seconds); and Steve Caldwell (third).
This Week - 28 Oct
28/10/2008 by Dick.
Tuesday’s training is the monthly Severn Bridge 5k Time Trial - originally advertised in Wotson as New Estate Hills or 20/20 on S Bridge. Apologies for any confusion.
This will followed by the monthly meeting of the Social Committee. New participants and ideas always welcome. And have you cast your vote for the 11 December pub/restaurant night? - go to Bulletin Board/Social Whirl/Christmas Social Evening NOW.
Thursday is the Mathern Run - always popular.
And Saturday is the November Club Champs - the Sugar Loaf Race based at the Crown Inn, Pantigelli on the Old Hereford Road, just north of Abergavenny. Only five miles, most of them flat or downhill - honest! The course will be flagged, there are no compulsory kit requirements but bring along a warm, dry top that you can tie round your waist if the weather looks good. And tho’ off-road shoes are favourite, we have been recceing it in road shoes quite effectively. The views from the top of Sugar Loaf are breathtaking and afterwards there’s a nice warm and dry pub to enjoy a drink and free nibbles and swap tales of derring-do. All this for Race Entry Fee £2.50. Meet at Leis Ctre at 12.15. for 2pm start.
Ost Junior Arrives!
28/10/2008 by Dick.
Congrats to Sue and Andy - a boy Oliver, 7lbs 15 oz, born at 5.08 this morning. All doing well.
Waiting for you now Vanessa (and Kath a bit later).
Gill’s Snowdon
28/10/2008 by Dick.
Now Snowdon from a first-time runner’s viewpoint:
Saturday morning! Rise and Shine!!! Had a lovely nights sleep, only banged my head on the bunk bed about 8 times. I know, I might knock myself out if I keep this up and then I will not be able to do it!!No chance! Breakfast was a YHA version of porridge brought on a plate. Never mind we won’t moan as Suzie tucks into her toast smothered in peanut butter!
We arranged to go on the double decker bus to take us all to Nant Peris at 9ish as the race starts at 10.30am. The weather was horrendous! gail force winds and torrential rain. The last time it was like this it got cancelled said one happy competitor!! If only we’d known I said to myself!!!!
On the bus to the start, shivering with cold. I knew I should have put on my long sleeve top instead of braving it in my sleeveless Harriers top!! Too late now!
Suzie sat down next to marathon photo man who takes the official pics of the course. “Now! don’t forget to look out for me and take some lovely pics of us and I might just give you a couple of welsh cakes!!!” He smiles in disbelief at this woman who looks slightly insane. Wind, rain, gale force winds are in full force as we stand at the start. It’s amazing what protection a bin bag will do!! (Got a lovely pic of myself, Roberta and Richie modelling one!)
5, 4, 3, 2, 1… we are off!! A big smile at the S4C cameras as we run past, you never know your luck!!
The wind was in full force and I was fighting against it for the first 4 miles! I was determined not to walk especially at the start. I could have hugged Suzie as all that hill training paid off! I was at the top in no time and then for a lovely downhill. I remembered to not go to fast at this point (Andy Meek-Welsh’s words rang in my ears) remember the knees and still a long way to go! A steady 9.5 m miling from the Garmin as I glanced down. (Off came the bin bag to reveal my very proud Chepstow Harriers vest!!) We decided at the start that we would all run our own race. I knew that Suzie was ahead of me as she is doing amazing at the moment and I could see Roberta in front of me and thought that Claire and Tash were behind me!!
Halfway mark was an incline through the village of Beddgelert and I could see Roberta just in front of me. Pushing my legs and arms up the hills, before I knew it I was level with Roberta and then a quick chat and I felt good so pushed on. Bev Meek-Welsh and Gareth Jones did an amazing job and kept popping up every now again and it really kept me going.
Wind, rain, wind and more rain!!!!! The scenery despite the horrendous weather was spectacular with lakes and mountains on either side. What more could you ask for?
I still felt good and mile 20 was my goal!! Get to that and only another 6.2 miles to go!!
The dreaded mile 21, which was practically vertical for 2-3miles, was looming. I along with everyone else halted to a quick walk at this point. Gareth Jones met me at the bottom of the hill. “Grit your teeth Gill,” he said “and just get up there!!” Wise words from an experienced runner, he can’t be lying to me, surely!
Nearly at the top now and the wind was blowing me from side to side. OMG where is the downhill. I kept going, pushing my legs and arms and then I could see the top of the horizon. Wow! I’m at the top. Downhill now for a couple of miles, through the slate quarry, off road. The wind was really strong here and kept trying to push me off the track. I plunged on heading for Llanberis which I could see in the distance. A slight incline at mile 25.5 . Just round the bend said one supporter saturated in rain! Now! where have I heard that one before!!! She was right though, a quick spurt over the road and I could see Suzie and Tony shouting my name. Through the finish line at 5:15:45
I was thrilled, it was all over!!
What a fantastic weekend!!! Back to Petes Eats then with everyone else for a big nosh up but unfortunately had to forego the sticky toffee pudding and custard as tooooo full up!
Thanks to Suzie who offered to drive home. she needs a bit more practice with that reverse gear!!!)
I am still walking on air today, although stiff and sore!!
Would I do it again? Of course I would, it was brill despite the weather. Next time though I am going for just under 5 hours.
Thank you Suzie for another great weekend away, although I am definitely booking the accommodation next time if you don’t mind!! Well Done Claire as well for doing so well after her treatment last year!! Amazing woman or what!! Thanks to all the other Harriers for their fantastic support as always especially Tony, Bev and Gareth.
And Yes! I got my Snowdonia sweatshirt and Petes Eats mugs!!! Got to be worth it! And of course the t-shirt and coaster at the finish!!! Roll on the next one!!Apologies for the long blog but got a bit carried away with excitement.
Sugar Loaf Stroll Saturday
24/10/2008 by Dick.
Just a week away from the next Club Championship race on 1 November - the Sugar Loaf Race, a 5 mile jaunt up, round and back down the hill just north-west of Abergavenny.
This Saturday morning 25 October we will taking a walk (with maybe a jog down the slopes) round the course to familiarise ourselves with the course. On the day the course will be marked with tape, but most people prefer to do it in advance so that they know the way for sure, and they can make a judgement on what shoes and kit to wear.
We’ll be meeting at Lou’s house, 45 Laurel Park, St Arvans, ready to leave at 10. Call her on 625073 if you’re coming.
Don’t forget Thursday’s special
22/10/2008 by Dick.
Just one more reminder of the attraction we’ve lined up after training tonight. Welsh Athletic Director of Development and double Olympic marathoner, Steve Brace, will be giving us the benefit of his experience and knowledge down in the Community Room at 8.30.
Steve will be joined by Satu Haikala, East Wales Coaching Coordinator and Brecon AC cross-country star, and Chris Moss, WA Development Manager and sub 20 minute Rose Inn British International for a Q&A session.
So get your questions ready on any aspect of endurance running and Welsh Athletics topics. And get stuck into a tasty buffet too.
