09/11/2008 by Gerry.

Sue & Gerry headed up to mid Wales (near Dolgellau) for the last of the 2009 Welsh Fell Running championship races. Rhobel Fawr was a simple up and down race - no difficult route finding, just strength for the climb and speed and skill for the descent. For me I was certainly lacking the former and not too gifted in the skill stakes either!

Sue had a good race. She beat me to the top (1,900 ft of climb) by 5 minutes and overall by more than 6 minutes (so my descent wasn’t too bad after all).

This effort gave her the course record for her category and confirmed her place as W50 Welsh Fell Running Champion.

Useful links - Welsh FRA;  Gerry’s Weblog of the event

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03/11/2008 by Lou.

Well I was very proud of all the Chepstow members who turned out on a cold windy afternoon to face the rigours of a mountain that some of them hadn’t tackled before.
Some good performances at the front (I hear) with an especially good run from Steve (go-fast haircut) Caldwell, and by second lady, Liz Francis. SatNav showed he can navigate by getting to the race on his own (more than Kevin could manage) and then getting round without going astray for 2nd Chepstow.

And yah boo to those cynics who reckoned Pop Lawson couldn’t get up a hill without a buggy in front of him. I heard that Ivan loped round as cool as the snow on the summit, and Sian told me that she laughed all the way.

I missed ExEx in his cardy - he must have been way ahead of me. Sue and Gerry sailed past me on the way down to the hairpin (congrats to Sue for the prize).  Good run from Syd despite his doubts on the recce that he wouldn’t be able to run any of the ups. And well done Geoff and Jane who were too busy with weddings to attend the recce, but still braved the unknown.
I was particularly impressed by Esther who was so determined to get 2nd lady Harrier that she literally flew by me like one of the celebrated three witches only to crash to the ground upon remembering that she’d left her broomstick behind at the start.
Also impressed by the keenness of Jan, Colin, Jenni, Dave, Berna and others who enjoyed the climb to the summit so much the first time that they attempted to repeat it only to be redirected back down by some spoilsport. And a promising first fell race for young James who soared past me on the steepest bit of the lane start. And I didn’t see much of Savage Bill who eased himself round in his calm lmilitary manner. Likewise Nick B who no longer has to follow me round and pip me at the finish.
My only complaint - Lou and Gill didn’t have the common decency to resist overtaking an old man in the run in to the finish!
Yes, one other minor cavil - Andy’s Stott and Blackmore allowed that old warrior of the fells, Andy Creber, to employ one of his cunning overtaking ploys to get past them. I expect Grubby or Aunty Mary will make something of that, don’t you readers?
And may I pass on the thanks of the Organiser to Gareth Jenkins for having the courtesy to get round before the pub shut.
Apologies to anyone I’ve missed. Pleased to hear Chepstow voices afterwards planning to have a go at the Blorenge on 29 November. Another value 2 quids worth. And another mountain for Syd to gallop up!

Link to results http://www.chepstowharriers.org.uk/pdf/081101_Sloafresults.pdf

Link to Gareth’s photos.  Thanks for taking them Gareth. 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chepstow_friend/

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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).

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29/10/2008 by Lou.

Congratulatons to Vanessa and Matthew on the birth of their second son – Seth – born afternoon of 28^th October – Mother and baby doing well.

 Two Chepstow Harrier M U/24hrs  on one day!!

Also, Seth is the second Harrier baby to arrive in Tutshill this month.  Congratulations to Jane and Dom Hall on the birth of their beautiful baby girl, Rosemary Megan, on Tuesday 7th.

The next generation of Harriers is well on its way!!  Come on Kath, try to keep up!!!

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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.

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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). 

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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.

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27/10/2008 by Gags.

The Snowdon Marathon is always regarded as a little on the tough side, as you have to climb 3 separate hills, with a total climb of 2400′. This year however nature threw the worst weather of the races 26 year history at it. The rain had begun before the runners arrived at the start, a desolate patch of gravel in the middle of nowhere. There was very little natural shelter from the biting wind that blew down the Llanberis Pass. The race started with very few discarding their jackets and bin liners. The actual running gave the runners a chance to generate some internal heat after the chilling from waiting at the start. The ascent of the Pass climbs some 800′ in 4 miles. Never easy and a chore with the wind and rain in your face. Over the top and a long descent and flat run to almost halfway at Beddgelert. The Nant Gwynant valley leading to Beddgelert was also funnelling wind and rain into the runners faces. A short climb out of the village left the long, gently undulating or flat run, past Llyn Cwellyn and on to Waunfawr, a village that precedes the final and hardest climb up over the ridge and into Llanberis. Waunfawr comes at about 21 miles and the runners now ascend into strengthening winds and horizontal rain to pass thro’ a depressing abandoned slate quarry and across a short stretch of grass before the plunge into Llanberis. A cruel loop around the back of the town and the final welcome short stretch of road and into the finish.  One large marquee had blown down so the runners all crammed into the Community Hall for foil blankets, tea, coffee and something to eat.  A slate coaster and tee shirt for what had been a gruelling event. Many dropped out or were pulled out by first aid. None from Chepstow Harriers tho’. Our girls were truly magnificent. No thought of  throwing in the towel just a grim determination to get to the finish.  The final times so far are……………………..

Mark English Male  M40+  03:36:41 - 03:35:57    

 Paul Lidgett Male  M40+ 03:41:23- 03:40:40 

Andrew Blackmore Male  M40+  04:00:26 - 03:59:45 

Michael Smith Male  M50+  04:16:47 - 04:14:25

Claire Gibson Female  FSEN  04:48:57 - 04:46:40 

Suzie Shepherd Female  FSEN  04:52:31-  04:50:12.

Gill Ellis Female  F45+  05:18:13 - 05:15:53.  Roberta Havers Female  FSEN  05:25:42 - 05:23:24.  

Beverly Meek-Welsh Female  F45+  05:34:47 - 05:32:26 (actually Tash Williams ! )

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26/10/2008 by Lou.

Lucky for us, the unseemly business of getting up at 6.30 on a Sunday morning was relieved by the clocks going back one hour – and quite stunningly no Harriers had forgotten about it.

Having been given a new, freshly valeted company car last week, I was keen to invite Harriers to share a ride with me to Torfaen in the knowledge that it would be the only time I would not be too embarrassed to have anyone in it.  Also, driving means I don’t have to navigate – that’s what SatNav was brought along for. 

Half an hour after setting off from Cheppers, we arrived at the Cwmbran car park in plenty of time to have those all important dashes to the loo before boarding the bus to Blaenavon.  More loo dashes  were had on arrival.  Those who weren’t ultra efficient and had not pre-registered, could do so easily on the day – although this did involve joining a rather large queue.  Race Administration was in front of an enormous stage, and Dick was asking for offers for fellow Harriers to put on a quick show to entertain those in the queue.  I suggested doing a strip tease in order to thin out the queue as speedily and comprehensively as possible.

The weather conditions were a little inclement (i.e. light drizzle and overcast), but in fact turned out to be perfect running temperature.   The first 5 miles or so were pretty much downhill so you could completely burn yourself out at the beginning if you weren’t prudent.  However, all Harriers present (and there were plenty of them) put on good performances and all seemed pleased with their times.  There were some undulations so the chant from half marathon purists in the vain of “it’s all downhill – and a PB at Torfaen doesn’t count” didn’t ring entirely true.  Naturally though, I’m just saying that cos I got a PB.  Other known PBs were from SatNav (by about 16 minutes – obviously not trying hard enough before then Mark), Ivan (although he claims his didn’t count re. The Torfaen principle), Colin (by about 7 minutes), and Lou’s Rob (beat his Cardiff time from last week by 6 minutes).  There may well have been others – do shout about them if you did one!

Niki M

Times of Harriers (official results are not out yet) – sorry some times I’m not sure of:

SatNav – 1.16.50

Ivan – 1.17.05

Stuart – 1.17.40

Ben ?

Lou – 1.33.03

Lorna S – 1.33.10

Niki – 1.34.42

Colin – 1.38

Dick – 1.39

Royston T - ?

Rob Summers – 1.45

Geoff Bayliss – 1.46

Bill Bewg – 1.48

Syd – 1.49

Gareth Hoare - ?

Maurice Langford - ?

Steve Hoare - ?

Thanks Niki, do you think we will are be recovered for Thursday’s Severn Bridge 5k?  I think I may not be!

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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.  

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