Wolverhampton City Marathon -  Sunday 5 September

My original thoughts of doing this marathon was to run it for a time, it was only 5 weeks ago i completed my Ironman races and the idea being that it would set me up for a good marathon.

However my plans went slightly array, Following having an Ironman tattoo done i had a bad reaction and ended up on a massive dose of penicillin for 10 days, then man flue followed that.

This all but stopped my training in the lead up to the Marathon.

My new plan was to go and just enjoy The race with no pressure and a gentle pace and forget a time, i thought if nothing else it would be a good training session.

Nothing exciting to report on my 26.2 miles, i thought the race was very well organised and supported, the course was undulating but pleasant throughout and i would consider doing it again.

I had a steady eddie run and was in good shape at the finish . 3.36.15.

Martin Beare 3.36.15

Great Scottish Run - Sunday 5 September

What can you do in 1 second? Cough.......sneeze........say yes to a spot-bet.......realise my jokes aren't funny........ However at 10:10 a.m. on Sunday, 1 second took on a whole new importance for me for my first ever sub-40 10K.

The GSR takes place in the heart of Glasgow and is one of my favourite runs - although I normally run the half marathon.

Having lost over 30 seconds on the first uphill 1Km and contending with 'traffic', it was tough to claw this time back and by 9km I was still around 20 seconds out and honestly thought the time had gone, but the smell of Greggs scotch pies along with the deep fried hamburgers awaiting me at the end got me through right on the wire - i stopped my watch at 40:00. It wasn't until that evening when Richard J let me know my official time - which made the 350-mile drive back a lot more bearable.

Time to put the feet up, order the pipe and slippers and....oh, yes.....train for the Berlin marathon in 3 weeks.....

George Arbuckle 39:59 PB

Stevenage 5K Race 3 - Thursday 2 September

This race series has been moved from later in the year so it was nice to actually start in daylight on a fairly warm evening. The race HQ is not easy to find as it's hidden away down some tiny residential roads, but once there there is plenty of parking, and amazingly no queues for the loo! And bananas, crisps and tea afterwards.

I was hoping to improve enough on my last 5k to creep back over 70% for my age related effort (69.84 % last time out) but will have to wait for Phil B to do his calculations to see whether I made it. At least my times are going in the right direction, though the course was harder than I remembered with several hills sapping a bit of pace. It was good to see Michelle Morris getting her speed back - though frustrating that she came past me with around 200m to go ... and I never was very good at sprint finishes. Ali and Laura also were both pleased to improve on their previous times - helped by actually finding the race HQ in plenty of time, making for a less stressful start.

Caroline Gilby 22.42 ( self timed)

Beds Road CC Spoco 20.5M - Sunday 29th August 2010

With a week on no exercise decided at the last minute to ride this local sporting course TT event. My favorite friend of strongs winds was back to great me a welcome home pressie!

This week I have managed to run 20 minutes after being unable to run, after having a fight with some railway lines and my bike.

Debbie Knott

Team Swift 100M Time Trial - Saturday 21st August 2010

I travelled to Ripon, Yorkshire for the last main 100 miles TT event of the year.

The course was 3 laps of undulating roads. The weather conditions were very tough today and everyone was faced with strong winds on the course.

In all I recorded a pb by 6 mins of 5 hrs 23mins 42 secs. The PB may of been greater if I didn't decide to go off course at 70 miles, by taking an exit too early. But managed to rejoin the course after I relalized.

After the event went on a well deserved holiday for a week of non exercise.

Debbie Knott

The Marathon du Montcalm – Ariege, France - Saturday, 21 August

A Hill too Far – or ‘It’s the taking part that counts’

Before I left home for our annual trip to Marsielle – where we stay with some of Claudie’s family – I had been looking on the internet for an event I could do - but not having found anything locally I saw this little run in the Pyrenees! Well, I'd not run in Pyrenees before – though it was 42.5K and it did go up a couple of the highest peaks in Ariege – so this made it worth the 4 hour trip.

It started from a village (Auzat - 737 mts) about 9 miles as crow flies from the Spanish border, and basically went via trails and rocky paths to the summit of Montcalm, then on to Pique D'Estats, the summit on the border - both over 3,000 mts high – then back down to Auzat again.

Claudie had found me an excellent B&B about 15 mins drive from Auzat – anywhere closer having already been booked.

On the Friday evening I had to go to the gymnasium in Auzat to register, and listen to ‘le briefing’. A really nice young lady at registration spoke English, so was able to answer some of my questions after this. Then when I couldn’t get the only public phone in the village to work with the French phone card I’d been given, she took me to the ‘Marie’ (town hall) to use the one in the mayor’s office.

Then I went to the square in the village, where several stalls were set out, plus a huge marquee with tables laid with plates etc. to partake of the pre race meal provided.

At 7am the next morning I was back on the street next to the square, under the banner marked ‘Depart’, wondering if I was going to get to the final summit.

I knew it was going to be one of the toughest events I had done - and I think I would have made it if it hadn't been for the heat.

I was soon at the back - before we'd left the road after 3K - with just a young French lad who was the sweeper for company. Leaving the road we turned up a fearsomely steep stony path, zig-zagging it’s narrow way through forest. Eventually, after 2K of this steep path we came out at the first drinks & food stop. After this the only flat part of the whole route ran along the mossy concrete top of an enclosed canal for over 3K. I tried to maintain a steady pace, but knew I was falling further behind the others – and it was by now getting rather warm!

After the canal a lovely forest path climbed & then descended to a car park at the head of the valley road, another stop for refueling. 10.2K completed and I was still inside the cut off time. But this was where the real climb started – we were only at 1,200 mts.

It had taken me an hour & 45 minutes to reach the car park at 10.2K – and I was only 5 mins inside the cut off time. But this was where the real climb started – we were only at 1,200 mts. - with nearly 2,000 mts to go.

A good track wound up the river valley for the next ½ K, then we struck up a stony path through the forest – zig-zagging steeply over fallen trees & rocks. Though slower than I'd have liked, I was OK till we came out of the forest about 400 mts higher after another 3K. This was the first checkpoint on the open hillside, where water (plain, sugared or salty) and tit bits of food were given out.

Here the heat got to me and I think I was suffering a bit from heatstroke as we continued upwards on the stony path to another checkpoint by a small lake. But the scenery was magnificent – an excuse to keep stopping to take a rest. And the encouragement from all the locals along the route was amazing – bearing in mind that the only way from the car park below was to walk, I couldn’t believe the numbers of people at each check point.

One of the questions I’d asked Elodie after the briefing was how the course was marked? “With red tape” she said, “you can’t go wrong.” Up to now there had been plenty of it – even on the 3K along canal top there had been a strip of red & white tape about every 100mts, where there had been no turns to left or right. Now, on the open hill, even though the path was mostly obvious, at any bend where one could have hesitated, the path was lined both sides with yards of tape held down by rocks. And we had a little helicopter circling overhead, checking on the progress of the runners.

As I approached the Refuge du Pinet, a mountain hut at 2,240 mts, the organiser came over to take away my number and SportIdent check. I had missed the cut off here (15.7K) by just one minute, but I'd already decided to quit as my legs (& head) were getting wobbly! I had 6K to go to the final summit and there was no way I'd do it in 2 hours - so after a rest I just enjoyed the magnificent view from the balcony of the refuge, watching all the lead runners come down the rocky hillside, looking across a tarn of deep blue water.

Then after 45 mins I set off to follow the rest of the course back to Auzat – at first down the mountain by the same steep route we climbed it, then a slightly more direct route down the valley. After another stop for refreshments at the chapel of Marc most of the route was on really nice ancient paths, enclosed by little walls, down the beautiful wooded valley. The temperature by now was up to 40ºC in the shade – I was glad I was now in no hurry. And the last kilometre on road into the village was under a fierce sun!

When I reached the little square, filled with music & animation, I was greeted like a returning hero even though I had missed out the high part of the route. I'd done 31.5 K - just under 20 miles - in 7 hours, not counting my rest at the refuge.

I sat down in the shade of the marquee and had an excellent post race meal, while watching the later runners finish. Then I watched the prize presentation – there must have been at least 3 dozen trophies & prizes arranged on the bench on the small stage. There had been some children’s races round the village - & prizes for 1st three boys & girls for every year! And there was a shorter trail race round forests in the valleys – which was won by an English fell runner! And as this was a figure of eight route it could also be run as a two person relay - so prizes for those too.

Then they got on to thanking the helpers with flowers for the ladies etc – so I thought that’s it then. I made my way round to the back of the stage as I wanted to thank Elodie for all her help. “No, no, don’t go” she said, “You must stay to watch the rest.” More trophies were given to all the veteran categories. The winner, a Spaniard, did the 42.5K in an amazing 4-37-24. And there was praise for the last runner, a Scot, who finished just inside 5 hours later.

Then there was a prize for the youngest & oldest runners. So I went up on stage to receive a really nice cut out figure of Mercury (the winged messenger – not wholly appropriate to my lack of speed I thought) and the first time I’d ever got a trophy for an event I’d not finished! I'd always thought it could be a ‘hill too far’ – but as they say ‘It’s the taking part that counts!’

I’d had an amazing weekend - and met lots of really nice people. Will I be tempted to attempt it again? Well, it was I think the best organised event I have ever done - and I could always do the walk version! For yes, as well as all the other events, you could start an hour earlier and be taken by minibus to the car park at the 10K point, and just walk the 25K route to the summits and back.

Happy running in the hills

Dave Sedgley

Bedford Classic Triathlon  - Sunday, 8 August

Whilst most normal people would celebrate their birthday by going down the pub and getting completely hammered, I decide to take on the Bedford Classic Triathlon…. First mistake

Having trained very well for this, I was really looking forward to it. On race day my alarm was on for 4:30am, so a nice early night was on the cards. Unfortunately my neighbour had other ideas and decided to have an all night party till 5am, I hardly got any sleep.

I turn up nice and early and get prepared…sorted. Position of the bike was in the perfect place. This was the only good part about this race.  I was slightly annoyed that my group was last to start the race, as before I got in, there were some competitors starting the bike leg, not happy.

The river looked absolutely disgusting, apparently the race Marshall did say it had been cleaned out, but I swear I saw a body, a Tesco trolly, plus a McDonalds bag floating……………….

We got in……eventually and it was cold and the weed was awful. Not a happy bunny, the whistle went and I could just not swim, I was covered in weed and was going the speed of a Skoda, we had just started and already I was not happy. The swim was my worst performance in history.

Eventually getting out, transition to the bike was not bad and soon found I was freezing my butt off. I went as fast as I could, but as normal I felt terrible, no problem, just whack a gel down and have a drink, you will be fine. Unfortunately I was not, I had to stop and throw up everywhere, I must have lost 2mins. I did however feel better and continue on, but motivation was down, oh and to add to the misery was plenty of head wind, which slowed me right down.

Eventually back in for the run section, again my transition was fine, headed off onto the run, first lap was great, second lap was OK, and then final lap, practically walking, enjoyment was way out the factor now.

Crossing the finishing line, I had made it, but I was really disappointed and upset, one minute I’m training for a sub 2hr 30 Triathlon, now I’m finding myself back up to the 3hr marker. That is just not on.

Not the way to celebrate your birthday………….next time I will join my neighbours all night party…….!!!!

One more to go, that’s the final Beds Sprint series in October, at least no weeds in the pool.

Leigh Pilgrim 2hr:51

Kiwi Summer Migration - 13-18 August

All being well Isabel and I shall be in the AFF area between the 13th and 18th August 2010 unless we get stopped at the border trying to migrate south from Aberdeen and Edinburgh after inflicting some Kiwi culture on the Picts.

Unless the Kerrs get to hear about our arrival before we sneak in we shall be staying at 47, Fallowfield – 01525 403014.

Attempts will be made to get to some runs with AFF to try and reduce the effects of the self-abuse we shall suffer as we tour from Bonnie Scotland to Boring Bedford via Yuks Yorkshire and the deep south of England.

I still run, Isabel now hobbles but are alive and we have dug up our life membership cards for AFF.

We fly out of here on Sunday stopping on Monday in Edinburgh – please order some nice weather.

Austin Hutcheon

Bearbrook 10K - Sunday, 8 August

My first time at the Bearbrook 10k. An exciting start when the reason there were quite long queues to park at Aylesbury Rugby club turned out to be because the field was edged with a deep invisible ditch and the marshals had to control parking very precisely to avoid people driving into it !

A very good humoured event and a nice rural course with a longish hill out of Wendover towards RAF Halton and then a long slow descent back to Weston Turville. Worst bit is the 500m finish on grass which takes you on a tour past the finish and then RIGHT around the rugby pitch but plenty of encouragement from spectators and commentator as you are battling round it ! Unusual memento of a good quality shoe bag stamped with the race name which will be very handy for the cross season. Definitely one for the calendar for next year.

Sarah Allonby

Age Related Best - A Personal Best for the Older Runner

No matter how good or how poor you are, runners are a competitive bunch.  We all set ourselves goals.  One of the most fundamental of these is the Personal Best.  Unfortunately, as we progress through our running career, time catches up with us and no matter how hard we train the PB's disappear into the dim distant past, never to be attained again.  I have introduced a new statistic into the results listings to give  the more mature members something reachable to strive for.  We already display Age Related performance levels for the more common distances and it seemed a small step to determine when someone had set a best Age Related performance for a given event.  So from now on you may see the characters ARB in the notes column of the results.  This refers to an Age Related Best performance.  Although this measure is secondary to a PB it is by no means a second rate achievement, displaying that you are effectively holding back the passage of time and maintaining a standard.

Stevenage 5K - Thursday 5 August

Ran this on my birthday I really like this series as it is just you and the clock no pressure. Lots of support on the way from the marshalls. It wa a dry night and not too hot. The course is on cycle paths and with a few hills to keep you on your toes. I had an okay run as I have only been back training about 2weeks so was pleased to make it round. It was also nice to have Michelle Morris back racing. Well done everyone.

Kerry

Beds RCC Evening League 11.3M - Thursday, 5 August

What would have been nice was a PB to finish off the season with. Instead I missed out by 15 sec which I blame on a learner driver, tractor and plenty of head wind…….

Never mind, always next year I guess

Leigh Pilgrim 33:49

It’s all over!!!!

A little breezy night but dry and warm. Last night to do that PB or to just do a good ride. With the league taking the best 5 rides out of 7 of each distance you can push your times up by replacing one of your bad times! I was sitting .03 mph behind a rival and was keen to put in a good ride. However I was booked to ride on the tandem - so entered twice!! Moved above my rival and gained an extra place too!

League placings (best of 5 of each). Thanks to Phil for some of these computations!

35 people completed 5 or more events over each course.  140 completed 1 or more events (including 2 R Hollingsworth's but not counting his tandem partner.

17 "Flyers" achieved 29 PB's over the 14 week series.

Rick

Ironman UK - Sunday, 1 August

Once again i would like to thank you for all the well wishes etc for my 2 Ironman races. Well some called me mad or foolish to try 2 of these races in a week and they could have been right, however how do you know what your capable of until you try ? remember your 1st 5k ? the thought of doing a marathon seemed impossible until you do it.  My aim in the UK Ironman was just to finish after Ironman Switzerland.  The UK course is the toughest on the European circuit just to make the challenge that much harder.  2,000 athletes from all corners of the world came to together, even as for as Australia, Japan, America, Newzeland etc. The day before race day was spent setting out the transitions as there were 2 different transitions 15 mile apart. Race day started at 3.00am ready for a 6.00am kick off The race start was buzzing with TV camera crews everywhere and athletes making final preps and families saying there good lucks.  6.00am off we go 2.5 mile swim, the swim was a little unpleasant as the lake had blue green algae and only just made the safety checks.   Things were looking good, i recorded my fastest swim time in an ironman.

The bike course is commonly regarded as the hardest Ironman bike course in the world made up of 3 loops around hilly Bolton Lancashire totaling 112 miles on the bike.  I was conscious all the time to stay ahead of my fuel and hydration as failure to do so means you pay for it on the marathon, at the same time watching the pace.  Having safely arrived at T2 it was time to tackle the Marathon, (always the toughest part of an Ironman) At this point i simply could not believe how strong i felt, how is this possible i asked myself, i wondered would the wheels come off later in the marathon.  I am so delighted to say they didn't come off and i recorded a 3.39.16 Marathon my fastest Ironman run to date.  The finish area was in the town centre and was awesome with thousands of people lining the last few miles the last 300 yards on red carpet and TV coverage as you can imagin i was loving it.  The orgainsers interviewed me about my challenge and took great interest.  Once again i had a fab day and was absolutely over the moon with my result, If you have a idea GO for IT as anything is possible Martin Beare - Swim 1.10.14 - Bike 6.31.27 - Marathon 3.48.27  = Total 11.39.16 (including transitions)

Beds RCC Evening League 10M - Thursday, 29 July

Sandwiched in between the two Hollingsworth’s (yeah nice trick, I know that was done on purpose) The object for me was to beat them to the finish, with Karen 1 min ahead and Rick 1 min behind me, there was always a chance (ok, slight chance) the impossible would become possible……………..

My start was good, cooking up a nice bit of speed, heading towards the hill I could see Karen, got to the top of the hill and made my move, job one done, nice one………that was until Karen re-overtook me, my language was very interesting! (Sorry Karen)

Annoyed by this move, I tried to keep up and work out my next move. At the right turn, I put my foot down and must have been in the “red” I cooked up 30mph and still struggled! I finally made my final move and managed to re-take the lead, my legs were finished and I found myself struggling to continue! But I carried on knowing that Rick was probably right behind us.

The next right turn came up and I was still in the lead………..that was it though, Rick overtook me and I was disappointed, I was doing so well. However I continued and tried to stay close to him. The final left turn came and so did the head wind, just hit me so much and my speed suddenly dropped heavily. I kept him in my sights up to the finish line…………..the end.

This is the last 10 miler, next week is the last 11.3 miler and then it’s all over, dam it I say, Never mind, always next year to get my victory

Leigh

Doug Anderson 5K (Club Championship) - Wednesday, 28 July

The club 5K championships were held on this fast Bedford Park course in mild conditions. 2 and half laps with nearly 400 runners took part in this excellently organised Harriers event. The top male club runners were missing so was an opportunity for a new name on that trophy with Mike Petty winning a keenly fought battle and Caroline Gilby cruising to the ladies title. Chip to chip timing gave runners an accurate time though it does mean the race becomes more of a time trial. A plethora of PBs is testament to the excellent training we receive on Tuesday nights. A big thanks to Debbie Knott for getting so many runners involved in the race. Next championship event is the 10K in September so get your entries in!

AndyA

Leigh Sports Village 10K - Sunday 25 July

Up North to my mum's so took the opportunity to enter the inaugural Leigh Sports Village 10k run around Pennington Flash (local water beauty spot). They got a good turn out for a first event of well over 500 runners. The facilities are brilliant - part of the Sports Village is a state of the art full size running track which is now home to Leigh AC which was available for warming up and part is a brand new rugby stadium so excellent toilet/changing facilities were available as well (no queues !).

The course was great - mostly over trail type paths and canal banks - and the marshals were young volunteers getting an NVQ in "Event Management" who did a really good job - just a shame that the water supplier let the race organisers down and the lads provided with the urns of water in substitution weren't also been provided with paper cups ! Was pleased with the time given the course and there was a cracking finish - decent tarmac for the last half mile and a good view of the clock the whole way.

Very enjoyable event and will be looking to do it next year.

Sarah Allonby 54:22

Milton Keynes Triathlon - Sunday, 25 July

After calming down I finally find the time to write my report on this somewhat amazing race.

So, I finally manage to get a new bike and what a difference, from my previous bike to this bike feels like going from a Skoda to a BMW (sorry for any one who owns a Skoda).  But you can see where I’m coming from, so after months of hard training, the day finally comes and its my chance to see what I can do.

On the plus side, my general biking had improved since basically doing a lot more of it and competing in Time Trials every week.  The other pointer is that my swimming had improved and was going that little bit faster.  The only downside was my running, since early this year, one thing or another, running had been down to a minimum.

So, the day before the race, I meet up with Steve Morales who was also racing that day and we begin to discuss tactics. My first chat was getting 2:35, then it began to change by “anything under 2:40”. Steve was putting his hopes on 2:17

The day arrived, and what a day it was, probably the best conditions, very little wind and nice and cool.

I rack my bike up, get myself ready and finally end up at the start. The lake was very calm and as soon as I was in, realised it was nice and warm as well!

This was it, what was going to happen…………………………..

The first discipline (Swim) went extremely well, knowing that there is still a bike and run to do, basically got myself into a pace; forget the other lunatics that are going like the clappers! I had 10mins in front of Steve as he was in the second wave.  The swim although really good did seem to go on forever, until eventually, I was out, good swim, good job done.

My transition was awesome; wetsuit came off without problems, whacked all my gear on then headed on the bike journey. Straight away I was off like a rocket but also I felt sick as a parrot, the short effects of transition out the swim and then onto the bike were taking there time, I just had to be patient, I felt absolutely terrible though.

As per prediction, these effects soon went and I found myself in a comfortable position on the bike, with my average speed creeping up, however, just as I was picking things up, Steve Morales went passed me like a bullet, he was on fire.  The first lap went very well considering I was still suffering the affects of a quick transition, however the fact that I was motoring quicker than ever was taking my mind off it.  At the end of the first lap, it was down hill and I was cruising at 30mph, I realised I had to be careful, its fair enough to be rocketing, but you need to remember there is a 10k run at the end.  The second lap was better, I felt more comfortable and was going strong. Coming down the hill for the last time, I called it a day and started preparing for the run.

Transition bike to run was also very quick and before I knew it, I was on the run. Strange one this going through the woods and trees, play grounds, tesco asda, through the check outs, then the petrol station……………..

My run as I knew was not one of the best, although very few people past me, I felt at the time it was a bit slow.  Last lap to go, the sun was coming out and I had to hurry, the heat was on its way and one thing I don’t like is running in heat. I was feeling tired, and sick I had had enough.  At this point I felt the run had let me down and I was hoping to have scrapped under 2hr:40.  Coming around the final corner, my name was called out and so was my time, I could not believe what I heard 2h:32…………

I did not believe this at first, I waited and waited for the results to show, I was pleasantly surprised.

After going through the results, I realise now I can actually attempt to race this distance in the future.  3 or 4 years ago, I would have been pleased to get through this distance in anything around 3hrs, I now find myself with the right equipment and now with the ability to race for sub 2:30

Well done to Steve Morales as well, he smashed his predicted / aim of 2:17 and came home in 2:12, just goes to show the hard work being put in.

Leigh Pilgrim 2:32:02

This weekend I found myself questioning why I’m involved in this endurance stuff. Is it to fend off (or at least minimise) the inevitable middle aged spread? Is it an outlet that provides a welcome tonic from the stresses of everyday living? Is it the challenge of taking part or winning? Or a personnel set of goals that quickly become an obsession? I think for me all of the above apply but perhaps the most significant motivator is sharing achievement, success and to a degree disappointment.

The whole focus of my winter training was about GB qualification, I was ecstatic and making the squad but I have to say the event itself was a quite empty experience , and why, because there was no one there on the day to share it with.

In contrast this weekend for me clearly proved the point :-

I raced the MK Standard Distance Triathlon on Sunday joined by 2 other club members and with support from other club members, close friends and family. (Meanwhile many of our triathlete colleagues where competing in the Ironman Distance in Switzerland and I was conscious that the start times where almost identical)

Condition on Sunday couldn’t have been better and having been chasing the illusive Standard distance time of 2.20 for the best part of a decade this look like as a good an opportunity as ever.

The lake was like a mill pond and despite the unorthodox zig-zag nature of the route it lent itself to a very quick swim – I left the lake in just over 23mins ( a season best for 1500m) and was quickly out on the bike. Still conditions meant the course was very fast, I put in a 32min first 20k loop and new if I could hold that pace I would be on for a good bike split. I finished the 40k bike course in just under 1.05 but with a slow pathway to the chip mat that turned into just over 1.06. Still very pleased with the race to that point I could afford a 48 minute run and still creep inside 2.20. I had a decent T2 and headed out on the run to test the legs. The bike had certainly taken its toll and I struggled to find a rhythm but I was able to hang on. With one lap to go I new the job was done and it was all about how deep under 2.20 I could go. The final time came in at 2.12.20. [personally] The prefect day!  23.12/106.50/40.20 for 5th in my age group 40-44

(Well done to Leigh Pilgrim who also had a fantastic day and far exceeded his own personal expectation.)

But I go back to the start of this entry - this achievement is only fulfilling because I can share it with my colleagues without that the whole thing would be empty. I went straight home to track friends competing in Switzerland and watch the day unfold as splits appeared on-line. Everyone finished safely and some amazing personal achievements were realised – without exception everyone achieved a PB – Martin Beare smashing last years already impressive time by 30mins.

Stephen Morales

Ironman,  Switzerland - Sunday, 25 July 2010

Hiya all just thought i would give you an update between my 2 Ironman races as i have just landed back from Switzerland. Firstly may i thank you for your kind words of luck and support which touched me, i carried those feeling around the course. The course was made up of a 2.5 mile swim in lake Zurich, 112 mile bike followed by 26.2 mile run (marathon) The swim was very congested as 3,000 competitors emarked on there ultra challenge.  I had few problems on the swim however broke my toe as i exited the swim on a large rock, luckily the adrenalin eased the pain anyway Ironmen dont cry ha ha. The bike course was quite undulating with 2 big hills the 1st called "The Beast" the 2nd called "Heart Break Hill" the names say it all.  I had a fast trouble free bike and tried to stay ahead of my fuel and hydration as the Marathon lay ahead.

The marathon was 4 10k loops around the beautiful Gin clear lake, the support and crowds around the lake was a real tonic, ha ha.  I felt really strong at the start and soon found my run legs and obviously got the pace right on the bike.  I had a steady eddie marathon and never felt weak or in trouble. I crossed the finish line in 11.17.34 ( PB by 17mins).  If i am honest i wanted sub 11hrs but may be that was to ambitious.  I am delighted to say i enjoyed the day immensely and felt in good shape which is just as well as i take another Ironman this sunday.  My soul aim in the UK Ironman is just to finish. For those who are interested my start number is 1249 and i can be tracked live throughout the race (log on to ironman uk) Martin Beare - Swim 1.16.14 (2.5 miles) - Bike 5.48.44 (112 miles) - Marathon 4.07.36 = Total time 11.17.34 (including transitions)

It sounded like a recipe for disaster when I agreed to do the 2 day Dartmoor mountain marathon with a blind date. David Sedgley found an ultra-running French woman looking for a race partner and paired us up (she later admitted that she manages to lose partners regularly through being too fast or keen for them). We met up in the pub on Friday night and Ines already a pint of beer in hand - a good sign I felt - and luckily neither of us ran screaming at the thought of two days of running, dubious navigating and sharing a tent overnight on some remote

hillside. It was only my second attempt at doing the navigating on an

event like this and some last minute coaching from my husband on how to

take a bearing came in very useful. We missed one checkpoint ( and

lost 15 points) on day one through being tempted by a track rather than battling more ankle turning tussocks and gorse, and had only a very minor detour on day two, collecting all the points we set out for.

Dartmoor is not as steep as the Lakeland marathons I've done before so we did a lot more running, and it turned out that we were fairly evenly matched for speed. At the overnight camp we were extremely grateful to find a farm down the hill with a hosepipe to wash the stinking bog from our legs, and Jo Allin had kindly gone to the trouble of carrying some wine with her which she shared with all of us - it made the dried trail food seem much less unappealing. My target had been to beat my score from my last event which we did by miles, and not too get too lost, so to find out we were first female team home in our class was an added bonus. Jo and David also had a good couple of days on the moor and seemed to finish still speaking to each other.

Caroline Gilby

We all had a great time doing this, very well organised, inaugural Dartmoor MM.

Caroline's partner was a French lady living in Dorset who I introduced her to. As they hadn't met till just before the event I was a little apprehensive as to how they would get on - but every time I saw them they were chattering nineteen to the dozen, and as you'll see from the results they did very well!

David Sedgley

Beds RCC Evening League 11.3M - Thursday, 22 July

Ha ha, this was the first race with my new “Bullet” bike…………and it did not disappoint, thankfully the weather cheered up just in time, pretty much near teas as I’m walking home from work during a thunderstorm……..just because I may not be able to put my new bike to its test!...........forget the fact that I’m totally soaking wet!

The weather cleared up in time and apart from wet roads, left probably one of the best conditions for cycling.

I got started and immediately felt the effects, I had better choice of gears, I was a lot more comfortable on the tri bars, my speed was also picking up nicely, burning up to around 20mph for average speed and this was just the start………excellent.  I did wonder maybe if I was overcooking things a little (over excitement?) but once over the hill, my speed remained constant.  Over the last hill and put my foot down for the last time, this was the fastest I had ever gone. On the last stretch I gave one last bit of effort and came home in 33:35, the fasted ever.  Apart from headwind (as normal) ideal conditions

Watch out Cavendish………….I’m right behind you

Leigh  33mins:35

Northumberland Coastal Run - Sunday 19 July

SUN,SEA, SAND and STONES

Arrived at the start early, after traveling with North Shields Poly RC.- every town up in the North East seems to have a running club. At 9.30 a.m. how were 800+ runners going to get on the small beach to start the race? However at 10.30 the tide had gone out a bit and the race was on. The speedsters just ran straight through freezing water and headed in a straight direction for 2 miles on the beautiful beach . Well you just have to do the same! up to my knees in sea water-- Freezing!! Beautiful coastal scenery but ran into a very strong head wind. The last 2 miles are on yet another beach very sapping on aching limbs, not the best conditions for my dodgy achilles. Finished and nobody seemed to be talking about their times. Lovely friendly, atmosphere. The race varies between 12 and 14 miles depending on the tides. This year it was 13.5 miles.

To cool down my daughter who is a physio and her mates, other physios, took me in the the freezing North Sea to sort out aching joints. That's what an ice bath is!!

My favourite race. A long way to go but if you are ever in the area it is well worth going to.

Phil Clarke

Grant & Stone Half Marathon - Sunday 18 July

I did the Grant & Stone 10k last year and was back again this year to tackle the half marathon held on the same day at High Wycombe. Its an excellent event - well organised with chip timing and plenty of local support and water stations. The only catch is that all the runners (10k and half) are sent off together and the race goes off quite fast but then the route goes up a steep zig-zag hill about half a mile in which goes on for about a mile and gets pretty clogged up. After that the course is great - country lanes and closed roads and a steep downhill to make up for the uphill ! The last mile or so is along the river and you can see the finish and hear the commentator which is a good incentive to pick up the pace a bit at the end.

Not a PB course for me as I struggled around mile 10 but conditions were good and not too hot and I enjoyed the run. An excellent goody bag with a technical t-shirt nice medal with the course engraved on it and lots of other freebies. Will be doing it again next year.

Sarah Allonby 2:08:44

 NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon - Sunday 18 July

Bit of a cheeky little course - Milton Keynes professes to be flat, but the route is constantly dipping under the main roads, and climbing over canal bridges (anyone who ran will remember that nasty hump-back bridge about 10-11-ish miles.... perfect time and place to completely ruin your pace!!)

I started well, reached 10 miles fairly comfortably in under 80 mins, my 1:50 PB in sight. At this point the legs became heavy pretty quickly, but with most of the miles behind me, I knew the rest was in the mind. I ran the last miles with the voices of many Flyers coaches in my head "keep your form", "relax your shoulders", "don't over-reach your stride". With a mile to go 1:45 was now in my sights, which really spurred me on. My legs were so heavy, and my chest was getting tight... but I had to have that time!!!

Enter the field, with the final straight in sight, and 3 guys about 20 metres in front, so I put my head down and "sprinted" the last 200m trying to catch these guys. I did not quite catch them but I'm glad they were there, because I checked my watch crossed the line in 1:44:57, and with no-one to chase I'd have probably missed 1:45.

Training with the Flyers on Tuesday and all the help from the coaches saw me through the later parts of this race and with a much better time than I'd hoped for - so thanks a lot to the coaches for this one.

Jody Buczynski - 1:44:57

North Middlesex & Herts 100M - Saturday, 18 July

Yesterday in windy conditions, I competed in the North Middlesex & Herts 100 miles TT and recorded a time of 5hrs 29 mins 57 secs. A pb by 7 mins and a last three seasons best by 40 mins.  At last a pb for the year!

The conditions weren't ideal, approximately 56 miles of this ride was into a nasty head wind. And the last 12 miles on the A421 were horrid, I was down to 8 to 10 mph like everyone else!  Up until 70 miles, was on schedule for 5 hrs, but the wind just got stronger, so couldn't hold onto the pace...

I even managed to referee the children's triathlon in St Albans in the afternoon, at least there wasn't any issues!  Today, there are no signs of any aches or pains and even managed the zumba dance class! Will not ride the bike until Wednesday.  But the plan is to find another 100 miles TT and to get over next weekend of referee'ng the Elite men & Women's triathlon in Hyde Park London!

Debs

Beds RCC Evening League 11.3M - Thursday, 15 July

A very windy evening, this would be the last time I would be using my current bike; this bike has clocked up more miles than the oldest jumbo jet. It’s done so much, it is beginning to slowly grow old and tired……bit like me…..

Anyway, I was hoping that on its last day of working hard that I may get a PB, but the weather had other ideas

During the warm up I realised I had to be careful, the head wind / cross winds were very strong and was enough to push you off the bike if care wasn’t taken.

Before my scheduled start, one of the first bikers to go came back and mentioned that it was awful out there, the conditions were terrible. Unfortunately this then turned into more of a health and safety test than a time trial, everyone was warned.

Whenever I do these time trials, the worst part is the first 4 miles, this time was no different, only worse, I could not get comfortable and my speed was disappointingly slow, I got to the hill and my confidence was low.

However, once at the top, I had a quick recovery and managed to pick some speed up. Going through Old Warden I found that I had a bit of tail wind and gradually managed to catch up with lost time, interestingly going through the cricket ground at 27 mph…………..

The last stretch was amazing, I kept the speed up, the wind was amazing, but managed to keep going. I crossed the line and found out I was only a min down on previous PB’s……..not bad.

I was pleased, I had leaned a lot from the experience, although most other bikers did not like it, I found it a great learning experience.

One man to mention “Silas”, well I call him, “Sirus the Virus”. The first time he tried out this time trial, he got lost and nearly ended up in the Shuttle Worth air display collection………..this time he completes the course and manages to whack out 25mins………………………His advise? Get up to 30mph and try holding it for as long as possible…….yeah thanks.

You will hopefully see Mr Boardman next week (my bike that is)

Leigh Pilgrim 36:30

Sandy Trackfest - Thursday 15 July

Having being unable to train for 7 weeks, due to a groin strain, it was finally time to uncage the Tiger and kick some sprinting ass!

When I last ran this distance, I was 14 years old and clocked 14.4 seconds. 33 years later, I would be happy just to finish without injury and so I spent 45 minutes warming up and stretching before I was called to the start.

I lined up wearing lucky(?) number 13 ; nervously regretting the haddock and chips I'd eaten an hour earlier and determined to avoid complete embarrassment. I was up against 13 year old Callum and his mate, each looking to clock around 13 seconds. Jack who was out for a Special Olympics qualifying time (around 14.seconds) for runners with dwarfism, and another runner, targeting the special Olympics in another category.

I've got to admit, I really like the way these races were organised; sex, age and disability were of no concern, you just ran against runners with similar target times.

The pistol cracked, I was slow out of the blocks and for a while it was touch and go between Jack and I, before I managed to edge ahead. I tried, I really tried so hard to catch the other runners and for a while I felt I was closing, but all too soon the finish line arrived and my time of 16.3 highlighted that I am not 'quite' as fit as I used to be.

Then it was handshakes and congratulations all round and I could only console myself with winning the 100m vets category (yes, I was the only vet).

HOWEVER Windspeed was -4.3m/s which equates to roughly 2 seconds over 100m, so perhaps I'm not so bad after all. There's another Open event at Sandy Track in September and guess who's going to be running the 100m again? In the meantime I'm off down to Neville's for some salt fish and ackee and a bowl of cornmeal porage; it seems to work for Usain Bolt!

Robbie Craig 16.3 seconds 100 metres (heat 2) 4th place

Ladies 5K Stopsley Striders, Wardown Park - Sunday 11 July

A nice friendly laid back race, well it was all female! A pretty hot day and one other flyer Jane Hunt to chat to before the whistle start. Two circuits round Wardown Park and quite a few people around, including Martin Beare on his bike, giving lots of support which was nice.

Pat Godfrey 28.43

SMOC Orienteering at Furzton Lake, MK. - Sunday 11 July

I actually ran about 10K after running off in wrong direction from a couple of controls, and being on wrong side of impenetrable hedge at least twice!

This was one of a summer series of O events that SMOC organise - the first I was able to do this year.  They are great fun, and designed for complete beginner to learn about orienteering - and ideal for families.

Next event is at Caldicote Lake on 8th August. See: www.smoc.info for details.

David Sedgley - long course (7.5K), 1-38-03.

Beds RCC Evening League 10M - Thursday, 8 July

Well…………Where did it all go wrong, I turn up nice and early, set the bike up, lots of “clicking” noises going on, shoes wont click into the pedal, tires are near flat, breaks don’t work properly and the course has been changed to the 10 miler route due to traffic lights which I have no idea what that is.

I have an interesting warm up which consists of trying to working out why my front wheel is making noises, my shoes which are loose on the pedals and whilst trying to sort these problems out, nearly end up crashing into the temporary traffic lights because my breaks are a little dodgy…………

After asking everyone what the route is, I eventually just wait to be overtaken and follow the rider in front (don’t worry no drafting, not fast enough for that!)

Pretty good course although care and attention is required due to plenty of tasty pot holes, manage to get a good average speed (fastest so far) and managed to finish this time without getting lost in a fairly respectable time.

The route is good but I believe it’s easier than the 11.3 miler which I prefer as that course has two nasty hills in and makes you work very, very hard.

Leigh 30:55min

Tanners Marathon, Surrey 30 miles - Sunday 4 July

My father in law competed in the first ever Tanners Marathon back in 1960 as a police cadet, so it seemed fitting that his eldest son should compete in the last one ever. I'd originally planned that this would be a romantic walk in the country for just the two of us - having discovered a sport we both enjoy - but somehow it metamorphosed into a team of explorer scout leaders plus me. The guys had done some training

- including exploits such as walking to Toddington, drinking a pint in all 7 pubs then walking ( I use the word loosely) back. However I don't think they were quite prepared for how tough and seriously hilly the Surrey countryside is. It's undoubtedly a very beautiful route, with stunning views, and we were grateful for a fair amount of tree cover providing relief from the hot sun. 5 checkpoints on route supplied water and squash, though checkpoint 3 was running dangerously low. The long slog up Leith Hill ( at 1000ft including the tower it officially qualifies as a mountain) saw the guys suffering with accumulated injuries, fatigue and the thought of another 11 miles to go. Luckily I had enough cash to buy a round of ice lollies here - the best tasting ever they all said. By now the quickest way back was to finish the course and with painkillers and ice lollies on board we plodded on. I'd agreed to walk with the team so stuck with them all the way, though wasn't half tempted to join some of the runners. A couple of navigating cock ups and getting stuck in a long queue of people waiting to get through a series of narrow kissing gates at the start ( the only real black mark for the organisation) meant we didn't make the cut off time of 10 hours, but the guys were pleased not to be too far off - this sort of length of time on your feet is a challenge for anyone. Sadly there's not a next year to remedy this, so we'll have to find some other long distance event to do.

Photos: www.flickr.com/photos/davidjwbailey/sets/72157624424933332/

Caroline Gilby 10 hrs 32 mins

Cowman Middle Distance Triathlon  - Sunday 4 July

This very popular local Triathlon was staged at Emberton Country Park, Bucks.  The distance also referred to as half Ironman is a 2k swim, 56 mile bike, half marathon.

This race being the last of my scheduled races leading to my "A" race in Switzerland in 2 weeks time. My peak mileage complete and now on my taper.  As i stated this race is a popular one and had attracted 800 athletes some of which were pros and semi pros.

As ever under the command of Mark Booth "Big cow" the event orgainsers had done a great job with the set up and with the usual air of professionalism.

It was great to see my mate and fellow AFF Phil Holland giving much appreciated support and encouragement. Also great to see AFF Pete Bird taking on the challenging course and wearing his usual smile.

7.00am saw all competitors take to the lake in a mass start (an awesome sight) this is good practice for Ironman starts.  Due to the numbers it took me time to get into my pace as i struggled to find space and clear water. I did not have a great swim but ok.

Once clear of T1 i was keen to push on on the bike as i seem to make up good time on this section, and after taking on fuel on the opening 1st K the going was tough on the undulating 56 mile course with the winds at 25mph which at best only went from left to right but for the main were head on.  My only drama on the bike was hitting a massive pot hole whilst negotiating a T junction, my Tri bars now pointing at 45 degrees downwards and narrowly avoiding a visit to the hospital, fortunately i lost little time and pushed on finishing the 56 miles in 2hrs 48.

A slick T2 saw me on the Half Marathon course which was hot and undulating and with mixed surfaces. It was a 4 lap affair incorporating the country park where the many supporters cheered you on.

I finished 4th in age cat and 75th overall. (5.09.55) I was pleased that i felt comfortable and strong throughout which is important for my big race.

Pete Bird did a great job and finished (6.28.50).

Switzerland i am coming (case comes up next Tuesday ha ha)

Martin Beare

A tale of punctures on the bike and lots of cramping up on the run. Oh well there’s always next year!

Pete Bird – 6h 28m 50s.

Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon - Sat/Sunday 3/4 July

This was a 2 day orienteering event in the hills around Haweswater from just west of Shap. Not the biggest hills in the Lakes, but still a testing area of rolling moorland.  I was running (or rather walking with some jogging) with a new partner - a local girl who is an excellent orienteer.

Saturday was ideal weather - sunny with some cloud cover & a breeze, so not too warm.  The overnight campsite was in the lovely valley of Long Sleddale - a few K south of Haweswater.

Sunday dawned with low cloud, which developed into rain later with strong winds - making navigation just that bit trickier! And we improved our position.  

Harter Fell class - 18.8K & 16.8K (these are straight line distances between controls - actual distance travelled was between 3 & 5K longer each day).

Day 1, 6-07-01 for 112th place.  Day 2, 5-11-16 for 78th place.  Total: 11-18-17 for 92nd place of 121. And 11th mixed Vet team.

David Sedgley & Kate Breed

ETU European Sprint Championships, Athlone - Saturday, 3 July

This was my first time representing GB and I had mixed emotions following a weekend away with the UK’s top Tri Age Groupers.

The organisation at this ETU event was exceptional and the venue and atmosphere was superb. The event itself presented its own challenges - a very, very long transition (3mins) and a horrendous head wind and rain for the first 10k on the bike.

I had a steady 750m swim coming out of the water just under 13mins, I suffered in the wind on the bike out but managed to claw back time on the return until my chain came off 1k from the bike finish (lost about 30-45secs)my total bike time coming in at 33.50.

Out on the run I felt strong - the course was 2.5 laps of an essentially flat course with 3 short but steep climbs. My total run time was 21.49 for approx 5.7k

Overall Place 25th SWIM(to the chip mat):13:01 20th T1 2:49 15th BIKE:33:58 25th T2 2:16 24th RUN:21:49 15th

This was certainly not my best performance of the year and felt a little disappointed with my bike there is definitely room for improvement there – I was however encouraged by my placing as 15th fastest runner in my age group.

Trying to put things in perspective I looked at the open event results - had I been competing in that wave I would have been the 25th male from 670 participants so I take some heart form that.

Still more work to be done though onwards and upwards.

Stephen Morales

Cranfield 5 - Friday, 2 July

This was my first race since April when i undertook the Sandy 10 but decided as it was my birthday I'd give my self a birthday treat! With my Tuesday training being a bit up and down i was not sure how I'd go. I lined up with Richard Pillinger and Jeremy Bell but saw them quickly disappear with Phil Clarke as we moved through the first mile. 6.59 and then 7.01 for 2 miles was spot on. However, the course at this stage was flat to downhill and the tough work was still to come. Paul Barton, Jeremy Lewis and Martin Davey had passed me at 1 mile but I kept them all in sight and found myself passing Martin again at the 2.5 mile point as we came into North Crawley. We turned left down Folly Lane and the next mile+ had 3 testing climbs to negotiate. Mile 3 in 7.08 and 4 in 7.32 meant any hope of finishing inside 35 mins had gone. Through Wharley End and back out on the road approaching the Cranfield Campus I had managed to catch Paul. However, this only made him find another gear and he kicked away as we turned past the petrol garage and the sprint in towards the finish. The final mile was 7.19 and I had just crept under the 36 minute mark. Despite a disappointing time i did feel i had a good run and was pleased with my strength on the hills. Might see what 10k's are around over the next few weeks now!!

Dave Stanley - 35.59