Bluewater 10k, June 13

Sunday 13th June dawned rather grey and overcast and it was an early start to get to Bluewater shopping centre – but not for a Retail Therapy session, instead it was to line up for the start of the Bluewater 10K. A large field lined up on the edge of the car parks to set out on what cannot be described as a scenic route. Looping out from the retail centre in the old quarry we headed up and around the edge of the quarry through an industrial area across to the Dartford crossing. We passed very close to the toll booths as we turned and headed back to Bluewater.

The Pacers had an interesting tactic, all stand together at the start and then set off rather quicker than expected! However on what is an “undulating” course I was really pleased to get round in 61:53 mins – a pb by 3min 40.

Trouble is we were back and finished long before Sunday trading hours – so a cheap day out!! Except for the race fee, which was a bit on the high side for a 10k, but you do get a very good technical t -shirt, nice medal and excellent goodie bag.

Sue Mercer

Round the Island Multi-Stage 72m, June 19-20

This race, following the coastal path, takes you on a full lap of  the Isle of Wight, over two days.

I ran the first half on the Saturday - about 39 miles in 9hrs 21mins - and then the remaining 33 miles on the Sunday - in 8hrs 11mins. I came 27th out of 55 starters, so was bang on Mr Average!

I thought I'd email this to everyone as the organisers – http://www.xnrg.co.uk – are a great bunch of people who put together some cracking events, especially if you are looking for a way into longer distance running.

Special thanks to Paul Cooper, whose "just enter it" attitude inspired 
me to run these longer distances - although he doesn't know that!
Neil Baker

North Downs 30k, June 20

4:42:44 BURKE, Cathy 4:42:44 BURKE, Martin

Chichester Mid Summer Evening 5m, June 23

A very friendly and well organized race put on by Chichester Runners, starting from Lavant village hall just north of the city. The course was billed as a fast, flat 5 miler; however there were a few unexpected undulations and the middle section consisted of a 2 mile lap round Goodwood motor racing circuit and like most runners I just fried with the heat coming off the tarmac.  After that it was just a damage limitation exercise in the heat, and I was pleased just to finish although it was galling to come in a mere 5 secs behind the first M50!

Nick Brown 30.27  (2nd M50) 

Rye Foreign Midsummer-ish Hash-ish, June 24

EnduranceLife Classic Quarter, 44m, June 26

03:00 The alarm clock breaks into my slumber ridiculously early. I manage to resist the very real temptation to hit the snooze button. It slowly dawns on me that there is a reason for this early call. I’m going to run the race of my life today!

03:50 I arrive at the Land’s End Car Park. It is still before dawn and a full moon reflects on the gently lapping waves off the rugged coastline. It is an awesome sight.

04:25 In between catching a few zzz’s I chat to my neighbour on the coach – a female airline pilot who does her training in St Lucia or Goa between flight duties. That must be an unfair advantage!

05:20 Queuing to collect my number I feel my usual sense of inadequacy as I size up all the fit young guys who will be my rivals for the next 10 hours.

06:13 A little late after an extensive safety briefing in which hats and sun cream figured large, the starting gun breaks the early morning silence. As we set off, a lone cormorant skims across the waves.

07:25 With cloudless skies, no breeze and no shade on the route, the temperature is already beginning to rise.

08:06 On a steep downhill, I feel my left foot slide forward in my shoe pinching my second toe. It is a sharp pain, but of greater concern than the inevitable black toenail, is worry that it may be accompanied by a blister that will become a major difficulty later in the day.

09:12 It is getting ridiculously hot now and I realise that water is going to be a key consideration. Entering a water station I desperately want to throw loads over me to cool down, but that would be depriving those behind me of a drink. I determine to catch a hatful of water at each and every stream I cross.

09:56 I do a “Chris (Law)” and stumble off the side of the path. Fortunately I don’t slide down the cliff, but am cross that the loss of concentration has cost me a sizeable graze on my knee.

10:55 Running through Marazion there are glorious views of St Michael’s Mount. The good news is the next few miles are along the seafront in Penzance and Newlyn – a respite from the hills at least.

12:15 The picturesque little fishing village of Mousehole appears and is rapidly put behind.

12:41 By now the heat is overpowering. I find myself walking even on the flat, not because of lack of energy, but due to the extremely high temperature.

13:47 A long downhill gets my legs moving again and I gleefully get my head down and charge down the hill. When I look up, it is with horror as I realise the path has wound inland. I’ve clearly gone off route. There is nothing for it, but to turn round and climb back up the hill. I’ve carelessly added over a mile to my effort.

14:33 Porth Curno appears – a beautiful isolated cove with sandy beach and clear turquoise water. Wow – how I’d like to have a dip and cool off.

14:52 My wish is granted. A resident asks me if I’d like some water. I eagerly agree expecting him to fill my Camelback. He quickly appears with a hose and I tell him to forget the drink, just spray me to cool me down.

14:57 A cruel climb of 72 giant steps brings me to the outdoor Minack Theatre and the final water station. I’m encouraged to be told that the finish is 5 miles away not 7 as I’d thought. Perhaps I’ll get there after all.

15:44 With a second wind I start jogging a little faster. As I crest yet another hill I can see a big white house in the distance – could it be the Lands End Hotel? Inch by inch it gets closer until I can hear the cheers of a large group of runners and supporters encouraging me to the finish. I feel a huge sense of elation that I’ve managed to achieve this feat. I discover I’m the 18^th runner home in a time of 9 hours 38 minutes. Would I do it again? Absolutely. The scenery is breathtaking and it is the most amazing event. Would I recommend it? Well, even if you are not as mad as me, it can be attempted as a relay by pairs doing 22 miles each or teams of 4 doing approximate 11 mile legs. Surely, plenty of HRs could enjoy that, or I am alone in my insanity?

John Western

Lairig Ghru Marathon, June 27

A special mention to Sarah Marzaioli who completed this very tough marathon in the highlands, scrambling over boulder fields as much as running. Congratulations on your prize as first female V60.

Heathfield mid-summer 10k, June 27

Bewl 15m, July 4

Forthcoming Races

11 July Rother Run

15 July Barry Richards 10k

16 July Rye Classic 10k http://sussexraces.tripod.com/EntryForms2010

24 July Chealwatch 4.5m

25 July Jack and Jill 5m challenge

http://sussexraces.tripod.com/EntryForms2010/JJDCEntryform2010.doc

28 July Bexhill 3 pigs 5k http://www.bexhillrunners.co.uk/events/3_pigs_5k.php

13 August Rye Classic 5k

22 August Anderson Amble

22 August Seaford Marathon http://www.seafordmarathon.co.uk/

29 August Newick Will Page 10k http://sussexraces.tripod.com/EntryForms2010/Newick10k.xls

30 August Kings Head Canter 5k http://www.kingsheadcanter5k.org.uk/

5 September Battle 10k http://www.bbb10k.co.uk/

10 September Rye Classic 5k

12 September Hellingly 10k http://sussexraces.tripod.com/EntryForms2010/Hellingly10k.pdf

19 September Rye to Hastings

New Members

Past the half way point of the year, the club is still attracting new members. A very warm welcome to the latest recruits: June Avery, Sarah Bendell, Calvin Gander, Kayla Quinell and Keiron Quinell.

Summer Training Schedule

Monday Horntye Sports Complex 6.30 pm 60 minutes All standards recovery gentle run.

Tuesday Off Road Run 6.30 pm 90-120 minutes Locations given below. Several groups with group

leader either steady or faster pace. Appropriate

footwear is required depending on the weather. A

water bottle is also recommended.

Wednesday Horntye Sports Complex 6.30 pm 60 minutes All standards and opportunity for new runners

to gain experience. Several Groups.

Thursday Horntye Sports Complex 6.30 pm 60 minutes Efforts night – tailored for all standards – improvers,

intermediates and advanced runners.

(Note – no Thursday efforts on July 15^th or 29^th – Club 10k and beach run)

Friday Dordrecht Way 9.15 am 60 minutes steady run - all standards

Shearbarn Car Park 6.30 pm 60 minutes Through Fairlight Country Park. 1 or 2 groups

depending on numbers - all welcome

Saturday Beach Shelter, 3.00pm 80 minutes steady run

Grosvenor Gardens RING TERRY KITSON (714984) OR DAVE STRACHAN (432712) TO CONFIRM RUN IS ON

   

Sunday BP Garage, The Ridge 8:00am 90 minutes Long easy run

RING MIKE HALL (719688) TO CONFIRM RUN IS ON

13th July, Fairlight Country Park 20th July, Sedlescombe Car Park

27th July, Battle Car Park 3rd August, Whatlington (Forestry Commission Car Park)

Beach Run 2010

Beach run time again. Thursday 29th July. An easy run to start with but then sea sand mud rocks pebbles up a cliff and up a gorge. Starts at 6.30 ends before dark (sometimes). Some runners turn up every year but others say tried it once and didn’t like it. Which will you be? Preferred by the hardier runners: Sarah - the ultra, Mike - he who never stops running, Sally – pain is a man thing, Gary - runs on water never gets wet, Charlie - 190miles+13days=100pints, and me – its only a stinging nettle!!! BUT any runner can do this run.

There are two groups with 2nd doing a mile or so less(on the easy part). Starts from the furthest Fairlight country park car park near the visitor centre. For those who prefer the easy option and do efforts I am afraid they are cancelled for this run.

Derek Millgate

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Fulfil your sporting potential!

Find relief from muscular pain and tension!

Sports massage can help prevent and treat sports injuries and ease muscular back pain,

sciatica and stress related tension.

Lorraine Western Dip COT

OCR (Sports Massage) MSMA (Member of the Sports Massage Assn)

Sports Injury Therapist to Hastings United FC

call 07791 294615 to find out more!

24 Hour Run – St Michael’s Hospice

As many of you will have read in last month’s newsletter I have organised a 24 hour run from 12 noon on Sat 31st July to 12 noon Sunday 1st Aug to raise much needed funds for this worthy cause.

Now I am not looking for you to run the full 24 hours as I have broken the 24 hours down into 1 hour blocks so if you are able to give up an hour of your time anytime over the 24 hours it really would be appreciated.

 

The idea is to run from Rock-a-Nore to Grosvenor Gardens and back and is a run not a race. While I expect many Hastings runners to help me with this event, you are free to run with friends, family or indeed anyone that is willing to run!

Obviously the runs through the night will be the ones that I will have most problem filling with people’s child or work commitments or indeed people just enjoying a night in bed!.. but if you can fill one of these difficult slots it really would be appreciated.

 

There is also the "office" to man over the 24 hours and if you are able to run and your wife/hubby/partner wants to do their bit help is always needed at the office which will be situated at Rock-a-Nore and will be the focal point for refreshments, changing for the runners and of course the area that the collecting buckets will be set up!.. so again if you can help I really would be grateful

 

Finally I received a email from Paul Cooper with a challenge for the more adventurous of you out there. I will just let you read his idea and see if anyone is up for his challenge!!

 

Dear Dave,

Just read your article in the HR newsletter about the 24 hour St Michaels Hospice run. Great idea.

I propose to run it 20 times in 24 hours - actually Rock-a-Nore to the old bathing pool site and back is 5 miles, so 20 times = 100miles in 24 hours. Many of the club runners are perfectly capable of this - there are no hills, no mud, no navigation, no need to carry a pack, and the same check-point/water stop/feed station/clothes dump every 5 miles!

A challenge to other club runners - who else is up for this? Surely the younger ones won't be beaten by a 58 year old with dodgy knees? We each supply our own support crew- really necessary in the early hours of the morning, who will supply us with food, and pledge to raise a minimum £1.00 a mile.

Kind regards, Paul.

Are you up for the Challenge?.... quite something eh!... Paul has kindly offered to help anyone who would like to do this with him (Juliette is having a go!!) and is happy to have a meeting to discuss what to wear, eat and any other information that you might need to tackle this challenge.

 

If you need any more information about the event or just want to put yourself forward to run the please feel free to either call me 01424 432712 or email me dave8163@yahoo.co.uk

 

Let’s make this event a success.

Dave Strachan

England Athletics Subscriptions

As part of a members membership fee Hastings Runners have to pay £5 per year for any competing member. No doubt you will have noticed on race entry forms that you have been asked to quote your personal registration number. Within the next month or so you should all receive a card from England Athletics confirming that you are a competitor and stating your England Athletics official number.

Your number can also be found on the England Athletics website - www.englandathletics.org. Your number does not change from year to year.

If you need the number to allow you to enter a race (not many insist at the moment) and are  unable to trace your number and have not received the card, please email me and I will trace it for you - Leesteph.runners@yahoo.com. (By the way any officials/coaches etc will not be sent a card this year - so you will need to check the website).

  Steph Miller, Membership Secretary

Minutes of Hastings Runners Meeting,5th July 2010

HR Meeting 5th July 2010

17 members present

Apologies: Ron and Sylv, Paul C, Sally and Ian, Terry, Mary and Vic

Matters Arising: Park runs and first aid courses. Dave not present and Mike has not had the chance to discuss further with him.

Club Clock – has been collected and now at the Hall residence. Very easy to operate. Stand, small battery and means to fix clock to car roof rack needed. Mike had bought a couple of bottles of wine for Nick, who had collected the clock.

Correspondence: Roy Beeley from Hastings Tri had contacted Mike re training sessions taking place through the summer and early autumn. He will give full details in due course.

Kerry Barden had contacted Mike regarding her Elmwood Massage Clinic. Mike will suggest she puts an advert in the newsletter.

Leadership in running fitness – Mike gave details of sessions on offer which are in the new format for coaches’ training. There is one on 31^st July, Julie Rose stadium, Ashford, via Running in England, £90 per place. These courses may be more specific for runners.

Cooper barbecue on 10^th July, 5 until late, food provided but contributions of drink would be welcome. Applecross, Friars Hill, Guestling is the address but access is via car park opposite youth hostel.

Membership: Steph reported a few new members during June, bringing us up to 312.

Treasurer: Mike Foord had distributed the June balance sheet. Tony asked about affiliation fees. £5 per member per annum.

Running Reports:

8/6/10 Alan Corke – went very well with a large turnout by the club. Tim Bell first man, with Martin just behind. Paul S won the Alan Corke trophy. Katherine was first lady home and Sylvia won the Alan Corke trophy.

13/6/10 Bluewater 10k – Sue Mercer had taken part in this race which went through quarries and past toll booths.

20/6/10 North Downs 30k Gravesend – Martin and Cathy Burke did this run

19 and 20/6/10 Isle of Wight multi stage – Neil Baker had participated and enjoyed the event, saying he had been inspired by Paul Cooper.

20/6/10 Rother Run - Mike thanked Chris and Jenny for the organization and hospitality.

24/6/10 Midsummer Hash – not very well attended. 4 Hastings Runners – Martin, Davinia, Mike Fand Mike H.

26/6/10 – Endurance Classic Quarter – 44 miles. John reported a fantastic event along the coastal paths of Cornwall, very hot conditions, up to 30 degree. The cliff top scenery was fantastic, turquoise sea, fishing villages

27/6/10 – Lairig Ghru – 28 miles race in the Cairngorms. Sarah had taken part and reported a grueling event in which she came last ! but finished within the cut off time. Again, the scenery was amazing, as the route wound up the glens to the Lairig Ghru mountain pass. There was snow underfoot in parts and 2 boulder fields which were very difficult to cross.

27/6/10 Heathfield Mid-Summer 10k. Davinia reported – very hot, well organized, extra water stops owing to the weather. 20+ HR participated.

4/7/10 Bewl 15m – around 27 HR participants out of 598 finishers. Some new runners took part and there were some good results. Mike reported this was again very well organized and marshaled.

Running Due:

11/7/10 Rother Run at Chris and Jenny’s as usual. 8:30 am start.

15/7/10 Barry Richards 10k. Dave had not had many entries other than those entering in all club races. Mike asked for marshals and for coaches to mention the race at training.

16/7/10 Rye Classic 10k at Rye Harbour.

24/7/10 Chealwatch – race and entertainment, overnight camping with beach run in the morning. Marshals needed by 5:00 pm and race starts at 6:30 prompt.

25/7/10 Dinosaur 10k at Deal.

28/7/10 Bexhill 3 Pigs 5k

29/7/10 Beach run

13/8/10 Rye Classic 5k

22/8/10 Amble

4/9/10 Charing 10k – Sat 10:30 am

5/9/10 Battle 10k

19/9/10 Rye to Hastings

26/9/10 Bexhill 10k

23/10/10 Beachy Head Marathon.

Steph is happy to organize a ladies only race one Wednesday in August probably, depending what other events are happening.

Relays – Dave Strachan spoke about arrangements for a potential relay event run over the shorter loop of the Alan Corke. There was discussion about best evening for this. 12^th August is a possible date.

Club Champs – Paul and Geoff not present to report. Mike will ask for a league table to be published in the newsletter (August).

Training Nights – Mike reminded all that 6^th July run is now at 50 Madeira Drive, St Leonards on Sea, John and Jenny Wright’s house, not Ron and Sylv’s.

There is often a problem finding sufficient coaches for Wednesday evening partly because of injury, holiday commitments and so on. Mike will call a coaches’ meeting.

Sussex Grand Prix: Steph had nothing to report.

Half Marathon: Eric not present.

Hastings 5 mile: Tony reported £4,654 income and £1,081 outgoings, leaving around £3,500 to hand over to St Michael’s Hospice. Everyone thought this was an excellent amount.

1066 Steps Race – an additional sponsor had come forward to join the Coop, Victoria Tyre Centre and BDS. Entry forms nearly ready.

AOB:

Prize giving – Mike has booked the function room but not the band. He will try to get 1066 Rocket Men this time.

Steve reported Bruce and Eva in Portugal had sent their regards to all HR.

Sarah asked if club rules could be published so members could be reminded of these. They will be put on website.

Dave asked about the meal after last Tuesday evening off road run. Brenda usually arranges this, Mike to check on her return.

Date of Next Meeting: Next meeting on Monday August 2nd 2010 at E H Sea Angling Club at 8:00 pm.

Meeting closed at 9:15 pm.

Club Contacts

Michael Hall	Chairman	01424-719688	BDS@michaeldhall.co.uk
Sally Lovell	Secretary	01424-751653	Ian.Lovell1@btinternet.com
Chris Heal	Web Site	01797-260207	hastingsrunners@hotmail.com
Steph Miller	Vice-Chair & Membership	01424-812801
Tim Jury	Cross Country	01424-813620	timjury@onetel.com
Dave Strachan	Race Secretary	01424-432712	dave8163@yahoo.co.uk
John Western	Newsletter	01424-435017	john.western@sky.com
Mike Foord	Treasurer	01424-430085	mikrisfoord@hotmail.com

Entry Forms

BARRY RICHARDS 10K

Thursday 15th July Fee £ 2.00 (entry fee not refundable)
Venue: Bexhill Seafront, start time 6:30pm

Name ……………………………………………………  Age on race day ………………………

DECLARATION: I wish to participate in the Hastings Runners Barry Richards 10k race and declare that I am fit and healthy to enter and that I do so entirely at my own risk, and agree that I will not hold the organizers responsible for any injury or accident, or loss of property, howsoever caused.

SIGNED ……………………………………………  Date …………………………

Please give the completed entry form to Dave Strachan 192 London road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN37 6PD

Or hand to Dave/Michael Hall/Sally Lovell on training nights

Please make cheques payable to Hastings Runners

BECKLEY CHEALWATCH 5M race

Venue: Oaklands Beckley (where the Rother Runs start)

Saturday 24th July 2010 – No Fee

 Name ……………………………………………………  Age on race day ………………………

DECLARATION: I wish to participate in the Hastings Runners Beckley Chealwatch Run race and declare that I am fit and healthy to enter and that I do so entirely at my own risk, and agree that I will not hold the organizers responsible for any injury or accident, or loss of property, howsoever caused.

SIGNED ……………………………………  Date …………………………

Please give the completed entry form to Dave Strachan 192 London road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN37 6PD

Or hand to Dave/Michael Hall/Sally Lovell on training nights

This is a free event but please fill out the form and return to above address as we need to know the number of entries and the disclaimer will require your signature.