November 2006

The clocks have gone back and here we are into winter training again – don’t know where the months have gone! In this newsletter there are lots of reviews from races near and far – some not to be recommended and others that may inspire you! I’ll leave it up to you to decide! Results are in reverse order – I don’t mean the last runner appears first rather that I have done it in reverse chronological order! Don’t know why – it just seemed easier as I was scrolling through Runners web. Sorry if I’ve missed a race result that you were in. Let me know if this is the case and I will put it in next time.

Moonwalk 2006

On 20 May 2006 Sue Hall, Sue Morris, Jean Hughes & Nicky Chrascina had raised around £700 between them for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and were embarking on the 26.2 mile walk around the streets of London – at night!! We had decorated our bras with flashing lights, sequins, fluff & tinsel and arrived at Hyde Park at around 8pm along with 12996 other women (and a few men – also donning decorated bras!) Set off times were staggered between 11pm and midnight. Our time was 11:30. The evening started with our hot pasta or vegetable rice, unlimited bottles of water and free tickets to see either James Blunt or David Grey. We knew things were not going to go well, within about 15mins of arriving at the “pink tent”: Sue Morris had sat in a lump of very sticky goo and Nicky’s bra was dropping coloured sequins everywhere. Also by 10:30pm we were all ready for our beds and had sore backsides from sitting on the very hard floor. It was also cold, damp (although not raining) and the dreadful women who had been shrieking her head off over the loud haler was beginning to get to all of us. We were all relieved once the mass aerobic warm up eventually started. At 11:15 we were called to our start gate, and after a cold 15mins of hanging around outside, we set off. Everyone was very jovial and jolly, as most people are at the start of any marathon. We understood that the Moonwalk was a great experience with a fabulous atmosphere and lots of support from folk crazy enough to be around all night cheering us on. Not quite the case!!

The route started off OK, but once over Westminster Bridge, we were led down extremely quiet back streets where no-one apart from the homeless hang out. There was little support as most sensible people were tucked up in their beds – we had a few cheers from the odd drunk spilling out of local pubs, but that was about it. Apparently the roads may not be closed for this event, so we are kept well away from them for the most part. By 2am, people’s sense of humour was diminishing as we all longed for our nice warm beds. Due to recent heavy rain and a break down of pumps, we had a long cold wait as a massive bottle neck of ladies tried to get through one of the underpasses near Tower Bridge. Tempers were fraying, it was cold and we had had enough. Looking on the bright side, only another 5 ½ hours to go!!! By the 18 mile mark, Jean was almost suicidal so decided to throw herself to the ground in the hope of us all getting a lift in an ambulance. It failed to work, so all it resulted in was sore knees and elbows with another 2 hour walk to go.

As daylight broke, our spirits did lift a bit as we could feel that the end was nigh – thank goodness. Did we feel elated as we crossed the finish line? NO. Would any of us do this walk again? NO. Would we recommend others to do it? Only if we didn’t like them very much!

All in all, we raised some money for charity, made ourselves tired, cold and thoroughly fed up. It has also given us a little empathy for the Jade Goody marathon runners. After all, the pain is over for Paula Radcliffe after 2:20 hours. Like us, Jade was on her feet for around 7 ½ hours – now that is tough.

Nicky

Free/reduced cost sports & remedial massage

I'm in the final stages of my studies with the London School of Sports Massage and am always on the look out for clients to practice upon to help me complete my log of treatments. Can anyone help me to help you?

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contact:
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will@tri-massage.co.uk
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I hold a BSc(Hons) in Sport Science and was a half decent hurdler many years ago. In recent years I've turned my attention to bicycle time trialling and long distance (Ironman) triathlon (swim 2.4miles, bike 112miles, run 26.2miles) so I know a bit about running, runners and the aches & pains we tend to suffer from time to time. I'm currently treating several local triathletes and cyclists and getting some very good results. Most of my clients come to see me for regular maintenance as opposed to only booking when they're injured - trust me, it works!

So please get in touch and I'll do my best to help you on your way.

I'm based in Somerton but could easily bring my couch along on club nights if required/allowed to do so. Once qualified, I'm sure I can arrange a special "club rate" to members of Langport Runners.

INCA TRAIL ADVENTURE JULY 2006 Running Adventures

This trip originally came about because of an article I had seen in one of the running magazines 3 years ago. Steve Seaton (the mag editor) and his wife had decided to run “The Inca Trail Marathon” in Peru. The article was about this gruelling run which is held annually in June and organised by Devy Reinstein, a Peruvian who lives in Santa Monica, California. It all sounded such a challenge and such fun that I checked out the web site: www.andesadventures.com and this led to Alf and I booking on to one of the running adventures organises by the company. This is an account of our trip.

Day One Pretty much an uneventful flight from Birmingham to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Bonaire (Dutch Caribbean), then on to Lima, Peru. Peru is 6 hours behind the UK. An uneventful evening in the hotel and an early night.

Day Two Return to Lima Airport for the one hour flight up to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Cusco is set at 11,250ft. We were met by Devy & Abilargo (his main guide) and taken to a lovely Spanish style hotel where we were given cups of coca leaf tea – which is supposed to help with the effects of altitude sickness! We met the full group of runners at lunch time. This is when Alf & I decided that we were probably a little out of our league. There were 12 of us in total: Nicole who is a federal agent working mainly undercover to trap gun & drug runners – very very fit. Her friend Shelley who hasn’t yet completed a full marathon but could probably run two back to back tomorrow. Dr Gordy the engineer who has completed many triathlons, ultra marathons & other mad stuff. My body is a temple Mike who like Gordy does iron man tris & all sorts of ultra stuff. Liz the wonder woman who wins ultra marathons and her daughter Jasmine (the group baby at 18 yrs) – been running since she was 6 and pretty good on the hills. Mike (53) again a very fit ultra runner & his wife Gigi who has done several 100mile marathons!! The other 2 Brits, Nikki & Neil, again mega-fit & run the world: Ecuador, Patagonia, Comrades in SA, 90mile marathons in Reunion etc etc etc………………..then Alf & Nicky.

Our hotel room was on the first floor – I was totally out of breath just climbing this one flight of stairs – God help us on the trail! Spent the afternoon having a guided tour of Cusco & a very Peruvian evening in a local restaurant complete with typical Andean entertainment.

Day Three (5 miles) Grouped at around 9am for a trip to some local Inca ruins called Saccsayhuaman, Sexy Women to us who speak English! On to the start of our first run. We were bussed up to 13,100 ft and told the run was mostly down hill or flat back to Cusco. Our trail was a pretty rough sheep path through some small Peruvian villages and fields. Scenery however was stunning – mountains everywhere. Very warm in the sun too. Run was fine as long as we were going down. The tiniest of inclines however was another matter! Legs felt like lead & with the heart hammering & breathing difficult it was not fun. Still, completed the 5m run in around 55mins with a couple of breath catching stops.

Back in Cusco we had a good lunch, quick shower and then off to a bar to catch the last 45mins of the world cup final. Later on, nice dinner in another Peruvian restaurant complete with the ubiquitous band.

Day Four (9 miles) Left our hotel in Cusco at around 9am for Chinchero & Yucay in the sacred valley. Amazing scenery of the snow topped mountains, valleys and colourful local people. Stopped at a small local village to visit some weavers etc. Then were dropped off in the small town of Chinchero, at 12,500ft for the start of our 9m run. It started off as a steady jog across open plains with the most amazing scenery. It was all cross country across mainly brush & sandy tracks. Not a soul to be seen apart from the odd goat herd. Surrounded by fabulous snow capped mountain ranges and beautiful blue skies. Again, going down hill was wonderful, but the smallest incline like Everest. Ran thankfully, mainly down. After the plains we were on a dirt road which went steeply down a switch back mountain road through salt pans and down to the bottom of a valley. A ½ mile or so of flat track to a beautiful Hacienda style restaurant for a fab lunch. After lunch, the 30 min or so bus ride to Yucay where we checked into a lovely hotel. Then had a 30 min briefing meeting about the Inca Trail and what we could & should take or leave behind. Visited a local pottery & market before back for showers, packing, dinner & a few of us off to the bar! Cusquena beer is very nice!!!

Day Five (9 miles) Departed Yucay at 7:30 for Urubamba and a spot of white water rafting! We divided into 2 teams & had a really good 2 hours on the river. Not difficult but great fun & we all got wet. After the rafting it was a quick change into running kit and a tough 15 min walk up hill. Whew!!! Here we picked up a trail which ran parallel to the river below & was a nice steady 4 mile jog to our picnic spot. My camelback was rubbing my neck badly so I knew I had to get that sorted before tomorrow. Picnic in Peru obviously has a different meaning to over here. We were seated in a lovely garden at a table complete with brightly coloured table cloth & had fresh trout out of the river, rice & salad. Very nice too. (Where ever I go, I always have to discuss food, don’t I!!)

After lunch we continued with our run, and again it started with a steep up! Health & safety would have had a fit over here, as next we ran for about ½ mile along a railway line – yes on the line! This is the main railway line for those not wishing to go to Macchu Picchu by foot. Then again headed along a reasonably well trodden path along the valley, following the Urubamba River & the railway. Steady ups and downs, but we were both feeling fine. After 3 or so miles we crossed the check point into Macchu Picchu national park and trotted/walked the steady track up to our first camp site. 12 paying guests, 4 guides and 27 porters!!!!! This was the first time we saw the porters – our tents were up, including the “porta-potty” tent, dining tent etc. We were all given bowls of hot water to wash in & offered hot drinks, cakes etc. Out came a crate of beer too. The porters have to carry everything up the mountain, including our kit! We just had our day packs with water, hats, gloves, choccies etc. They allegedly have a 25 kg weight limit but I am sure this is far exceeded. Dinner was a real feast of 3 courses, with 5 different main courses & 2 different puds, plus wine – Amazing. Had an early night due to the early start on the Trail tomorrow, and the fact that is was darn cold & not a lot to do once it got dark.

Day Six (17 miles) Morning call at 5:30 with a bowl of hot water & drinks. Everyone was pretty excited about this our first day on the Inca Trail. Most normal people would hike the trail over 4-5 days. We were going to do the 27 miles in 2! After a breakfast of porridge and pancakes, we packed our kit & were ready to go by 7am. We started with a big steep hill! 3 mins out of camp I was taking my first break – I knew this was going to be darn tough! Once at the top of the hill, we stopped for a breather, declothed and took some photos of what was our camp site below. The tents had almost all been packed away & we had already been overtaken by some of the porters – how embarrassing. We then had a reasonably steady jog for around 3 miles following a river. My neck was being rubbed raw but I luckily had found some “Opsite” surgical skin & prayed this would help – it did. The sweeper guide, Albin, complete with oxygen cylinder caught up with us (already at the back) and remained with us for the rest of the day. The scenery was totally stunning. After our 3miles of relaxing jog/walking, we crossed the river & started with the up. Several porters from other trail groups passed us carrying their enormous packs, wearing only rubber sandals & many carrying trays of eggs in their hands!!! Very humbling! The up continued up and up and up. Totally unrepentant and very steep. I was struggling & needing to stop frequently to catch my breath & give my leaden legs a rest. After a couple of hours we actually caught up with Liz & Jasmine at one of the aid stations (yes you get these too). Had around 10 min break chatting & taking pictures before more up, up, up!

At the final aid station before the renowned “Pass of the Dead Women”, one of the guides got me a cup of coca leaf tea from the locals as I was feeling dizzy, sick, headache and had a heart rate of about 180bpm and had had enough! We also bought some coca sweets from the aid station. The pass nearly made me into the dead women & took us another 2 hours to reach the top. The path is actually one massive stone stair case & the stairs are not even. When I reached the top, I felt sheer elation. We were at the highest point of the Inca Trail at 13,779 ft. The high feeling didn’t however last for long when I looked down the other side & saw the next pass up! Down down we went along the rocky path to our lunch station. Jasmine had been sort of OK on the up but could not handle the steep downs. Eventually 2 porters had to take turns carrying her down – a ride not for the faint hearted. We stopped for a 30 min break before the next pass. Runkurakay pass was a mere 12,464 ft. I hated every minute of it & uttered more than once that I “wanted to go home”. Alf had spotted that 3 porters had slowed down & were almost accompanying us. He reckons they had been warned that they may need to carry me up (poor buggers!) It was tempting to accept a lift though!

Over the 2^nd pass and again down rocky slopes, then through dense groves along stone-paved trails and also a 20metre long Inca tunnel carved through a rock. We then went up our 3^rd pass and can see way down into the deep gorge of the Urubamba River below. Hurrah when we see our camp on the mountain side – utter relief & elation!!!

Day Seven (10 miles)
We were woken early (not that we slept much – it was so cold) with the usual bowl of hot water & tea. The outside of the tent was covered in a layer of ice. Several of us set off for a short climb to the top of the peak behind us for the sunrise. Not much of a rise due to cloud, but the view was jaw droppingly stunning. Snow capped mountains, valleys, rivers!

After breakfast we set off for our final stretch to Macchu Picchu. Quick stop shortly after leaving camp for a bit of local history then down the 4000 stone stairs of the trail. Thigh burn or what! We go down through the cloud forest and see loads of wild flowers including orchids. A couple in our group saw snakes & even a bear was spotted. I am in my element as today’s trek is almost all down hill and through forest dotted with Inca remains. We had one final heave ho up some incredibly steep stone stairs to the “sun gate” which is where we finally had our first glimpse of Macchu Picchu below us at 7,900 ft. Amazing!

Took stacks of pictures and walked the final 30 mins along the rough stone track to the archaeological site. From here we caught the bus down to Aguas Calientas for pizza & beer (we are with a bunch of yanks) then off to the local thermal hot spring baths for a well earned soak!

After dinner several of us decided to celebrate & drank far too much nasty wine & knew tomorrow would be hang-over material. Did we care? NO WE DESERVED IT!!

Day Eight (No more running for me) Guided tour of Macchu Picchu then the day free to explore. The more mad ones in the group hiked up Macchu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu. My legs were just so stiff it was an effort to drag myself around the ruins!

Day Nine Train back to Ollyamtambo to visit more ruins, a local home complete with guinea pigs, local market & then back to Cusco for our final night & a celebratory dinner. Most of the group tried guinea pig, a local delicacy. I wouldn’t eat my cat over here, so I am not going to eat guinea pigs over there. Alpaca however was very nice.

Day Ten We said goodbye to our new friends – they were either flying back to the US or some of them continuing on to a further week of running at Ausangate Circuit – a huge glacier a 4 hour drive away. Alf and I however caught a flight down to the Amazon Basin for 5 days of rest & recuperation, but that is another adventure & another story!

Nicky

The London Marathon 2006 as run by Jean Hughes Flora

One thing you have to bear in mind when entering the London Marathon is that most of the training is done in the winter, so never mind how cold wet or windy it is, you just have to grit your teeth and get out there and run. The good thing about all this training is that you don’t put on so much weight over Christmas. Even a holiday abroad must not be allowed to interfere with ones training, so for two weeks in March my training was done running up and down the beach in Goa, and thanks to a spot of Delhi belly, I came back from Goa 4 pounds lighter than when I left. Eventually the big day arrived. I was disappointed not to see any of my fellow Langport runners at the start. I had told my family and friends that I would be carrying my mobile phone and that they had to ring me 2 hours after the start with words of encouragement. With hindsight, this is a good idea if you are just planning to enjoy the run and are not worried about your finishing time. If you are competitive and want a good finishing time, forget the phone. Because of the noise from the crowd I couldn’t hear what they were saying so the family resorted to sending me text messages. The problem with that was I didn’t have my reading glasses with me so had to stop running, hold the phone at an angle and squint in order to read and then of course reply to each message! I think I got 6 altogether and that must have added 20 minutes to my run!

A word of advice – take some toilet paper with you – I had to use my hanky as there was no paper in the portaloos. Apart from that I thought the race was very well organised.

Will I be putting an entry in for 2007? You bet I will and if I don’t get in I will try for Paris. My next marathon attempt is the Moonwalk in London but Nicky will tell you all about that.

At the end of July Peter and I and daughter Lisa are off to Tanzania to hike up to Mount Kilimanjaro so will tell you all about that in the next newsletter.

(Jean has returned safely from Tanzania having conquered M. Kilimanjaro – a fantastic achievement! Report in next newsletter!) Ed

Grant’s Stag run (The Stoodley Stagger!)

Just after Christmas when I announced that I was getting married I remember Pete Jones saying it would be a good excuse for a stag run. We set the date and I left the route and arrangements to Pete. August 4^th came and at 6.30pm we all met at the Langport Arms.

Pete, Graham, Rob, Russell, John, Richard, Richard, Lis, Jane and I all set off for the first stop at the Halfway House. Some went along the main road as this was quicker but Graham, John, Russell, Rob and I went out to Wearne, into Pitney and up to the Halfway. Pete nipped home to collect his camera to capture any embarrassing moments!

A round of drinks was soon purchased which was lovely. We were getting a fair bit of attention with all our running gear on and me with L plates front and rear! A photo of the line up was taken, as it was in every pub we went to that evening. We said goodbye to Jane and Lis and then carried along the main road at a good pace to the first pub in Somerton. A drink was enjoyed again but we had a schedule to keep so we did a 100 yard sprint to the next pub. This is when I made the mistake of changing from lager to cider as somehow it seemed to slide down better! We walked next door to another pub and by now the alcohol was beginning to take effect! We went to one more pub in Somerton but had just a half there. Sweating extremely well we turned back towards Langport. I was running well, feeling slightly light headed but the body felt good – none of the normal runners aches and pains but I suppose the alcohol numbed the pain. As we ran along the wide grassy verge on the Somerton straight we found a piece of wood and had our own baton race with the front runner running to the back with the baton and the back runner then having to sprint to the front to repeat the process. However when it was Rob’s turn he ran to the front, kept running and then threw the baton into a field! After a pit stop we played a few more silly games like running between sign posts and hurdling waste paper bins. In no time at all we were back at the Halfway house. Richard rang his wife Sue to come and take him back to the Langport Arms. Richard Bragg decided to join him. I was very tempted to join them but at the last moment decided that as it was my stag run I had to finish it. Down into Pitney and up the killer hill I wasn’t sorry when we reached the top. We were running late and decided that we shouldn’t stop at Kelways. But the bright lights and the welcome glow of the hostelry proved too much and we were soon at the bar enjoying another drink. Somehow we managed to put a sprint on to get to the Langport Arms. It felt like heaven when we got there and we were soon enjoying another drink and some most welcome sandwiches. Some other club members joined us and we were soon talking about making it an annual event, so watch this space! Thanks to everybody who participated and to Pete for organising it – you are a star!

Don’t run before you can walk! A mature runner’s view on training

Most people will know by now that I don’t usually finish a race in the top 10 places, not even for the over 60’s. In fact it gives me great satisfaction to finish a race at all. In the bottom 10 places are runners who are friendly and encouraging and there is a lot of competition even here. It’s a good place to be.

However you won’t be surprised to hear that it is necessary to train to be able to enjoy the experience.

Training is strangely enjoyable itself and is even more satisfactory if it can be seen to be helping to reach a goal. My experience of running clubs only started in 2001, when I was 62 after one or two attempts at 5k fun runs, recruited by my daughter, which on reflection confirm my views on the need for training. They were hard work on hot summer days and I was left wondering why anyone could call them fun runs!

Recently I began to think about how we could offer a way to join our running club which would reassure people in many of the situations which might make then consider joining us. For example, getting fit or to lose weight. It should be possible for non runners or people who have played some sport but got out of practice to come along to the club knowing that they can cope with the experience.

When I joined Chiltern Harriers 5 years ago I can remember how hard it was to get started and even harder to keep going. Since then I have had a few occasions when I have developed calf muscle problems which have stopped me for a few weeks and each time I have had to slowly get running again. Because I subscribe to Runners World I have been able to use their extensive archive of articles to research ideas for training after an injury which I think can be applied to the wider subject of beginning running.

In brief here is a proposal for our committee to consider. I am starting with a quote from a Runners World article. Other articles can be seen on their web site, if you are a subscriber at RW>News>Articles>Beginners

RW's 60-Second Guides: Beginners' Running http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/news/article.asp?sp=&v=3&uan=2016

Congratulations! You've decided to start running. Before you tear out of the door in a fit of boundless enthusiasm, take just a minute to find out the beginner's basics. You'll go faster, further and happier, we promise. Now you're almost ready to go. Here’s where you find out where the phrase 'don't try to run before you can walk' comes from. Unless you've been doing a cardiovascular sport - something like tennis, football, or regular aerobics classes - you should almost definitely start with a walk/run programme. That means alternating two minutes walking with one or two minutes jogging; go for 10-20 minutes the first time, then build it up over a period of weeks, gradually increasing the total time and the proportion of running.

My proposal is simply to offer anyone who is interested in joining us (other than a good school junior runner or a practicing club runner) on a Walk / Run programme.

I prefer to call it a Walk/Run programme rather than the other way round. They would be given a printed sheet explaining the programme and making it clear that they would be following a definite schedule initially starting with walking with short intervals of running and only progressing to longer running periods over time. They would be encouraged to continue sessions on their own or with friends between club meetings.

It is I believe very important to set this out at the start and to keep to it without exception. It would also be important not to restrict anyone to Walk / Run if they are confident enough to join what we refer to as a slow group for longer steady running. It may act as a link between the Walking group and the Running groups, with people moving either way.

It should not compete in anyway with the form of training that many of our youngsters follow during the winter.

It is likely that it would be a small group and anyone joining would need to stick to the rules and stay together in the group.

The ratio of walking and running can be adjusted but must start at a very easy level and only increased if all in the group agree to move from say 1/1 to1/2 or 1/3 (minutes of walk/run).

This may seem impossibly slow to most club runners and is meant to be so. However if we don’t make it possible and easy for people to get started we are losing a potentially significant additional membership.

David German

Six months- still a member.

I took the leap to join my first running club this year and chose yours. I had been a few times as a guest on a Wednesday and last year I took my two sons to a lot of athletics sessions on Mondays. They both really enjoyed themselves so we all decided to join in January. They have continued to do athletics and have even been to a couple of Wednesday sessions. They really enjoy the friendly atmosphere and have a great time.

I decided to join, as I need to push my running this year as I was doing my first marathon at Taunton in preparation for my main goal, the full Ironman at Sherborne, where I will be competing for Tri UK. For those of you who don’t know it is a 2.4mile swim 112 miles on the bike followed by a marathon. At least one member of Langport Runners has already done the Ironman. Taunton marathon went well but I felt I could have gone quicker if I had paced the first lap better but we live and learn so next year I will better my time of 3hrs 53mins.

I have to say you are all really friendly and welcoming and have made us all very welcome. Hopefully the boys will be able to compete for the club at some stage and next year I will be able to turn out on more runs as a Langport Runner.

Congratulations Neal on completing the Ironman in 13 hours 20mins – a fantastic achievement. Full results on http://ironman.com/events/ironman/uk

Krackow Marathon 2006

My latest attempt to break through the elusive 3 hour marathon barrier came in early May in Krackow, Poland. To some, running 26.2 miles in under 3 hours may come easily but I’m finding it “a tough nut to crack. I chose Krackow for its reported flat course and favourable climate; however neither Sara nor I had been to Eastern Europe before so it also offered a new cultural experience as well.

My training had gone quite well this year and I was confident that, with a bit of luck, sub 3 hours could be achieved. I was a little disappointed that Poland was experiencing a mini heat wave in early May but it’s easy to make excuses!

The race start was in a park on the outskirts of the city and offered supporters and spectators a great opportunity to take photos before the runners headed off along the banks of the river Vistula.

I went through half way in just under 1hour 30 minutes which was a little slow and by this time the temperature was in the mid 70ºF but I felt fine and had high hopes of success. The race organisation was excellent with plenty of water and sponges. Many vocal spectators lined the route but I haven’t got a clue what they were shouting (although I was wearing my particularly revealing shorts!)

At 23 miles the route winds its way around the cobbled streets of the Old Market Square and it was here that I knew I was not going to get in under 3 hours. With hindsight I should have worked harder in the first half of the race to make up for the impact of the cobbles, but it’s easier said than done.

Back in the park I crossed the finish line in £ hours 2 minutes and was greeted by Sara who had done well to see me in half a dozen places during the race. At the time I was quite disappointed, particularly when we bumped into another British runner who waked us to take hie picture and announced that he had done 2 hours 50 minutes. However my attention soon turned to my next attempt…….I’ve heard Abingdon is nice in October!

We stayed in Krackow for five nights in total and had a great time. I would definitely recommend a visit to this city (although it’s becoming increasingly commercialised.) The marathon itself was brilliantly organised and supported but I am sure there are faster courses around. On the negative side, 6 weeks later there were still no results on the net which is very frustrating.

My efforts to go sub 3 are becoming a little obsessive now….I’m sure my wife is sick of hearing about how close I was so lets hope Abingdon is flat and cool and I stay injury free for another few months if only to prolong my marriage!

Rob

LATEST NEWS FROM ABINGDON…WELL DONE ROB!

354

ELLIS, Rob

Langport Runners

Senior Men

02:56:50

Dartmoor Discovery 2006

I’ve reported in various bulletins that this is my favourite race of the year. Let me just clarify this….it’s my favourite before and after, the bit “during” is purgatory with this year being particularly hellish with temperatures apparently reaching 90ºF on some parts of the moor.

This year Langport runners almost got a team together but unfortunately Russ went down with a bug (not man enough!) 24 hours before and so pulled (jibbed) out. This left me and James (who had only started his training the week before) to fly the Langport banner.

I first competed in this event 3 years ago when the field consisted of about 80 runners. This year 202 entries had been confirmed, although, as mentioned above, some withdrew (bottled it!!) prior to the race start.

As per previous years, the race was fantastically well organised from start to finish with both competitors and supporters (whose efforts were much appreciated) enjoying a unique event. The winner covered the tough 32 mile course in under 3 hours 50 minutes which is quite remarkable! I finished in a pleasing 17^th in 4 hours 45 minutes while James tussled with the sweep up vehicle all day but enjoyed his massage all the same ( and then fell asleep over dinner!)

Again, I must recommend this event to anybody looking for an enjoyable challenge and a good weekend break. I’m sure this won’t be my last Discovery and hope that we can get a team together in the future.

I should in all seriousness commiserate with Russ who I know trained hard for the event but probably made the right decision not to run with “grumbling guts.”

By the way, the prizes were presented by David Bedford who looks nothing like the 118 118 man….not now anyway!

Rob

Results

Parrett Trail Relay Saturday October 14^th 2006

Ist - Exmouth Harriers B (Total time = 5:57:45)

4^th – Trull Troggers Mixed and first mixed team (Total time =6:29:51)

11^th -Langport Men – Pete Jones, Martin Hooper, Jim Hill, Matt Hill, Grahame Turner, Tony Forster (Total time = 6:58:36)

12^th – Exmouth Harriers A and first ladies team (Total time =7:13:13)

21^st -Langport Ladies – Nicki Taylor, Kathy Rowswell, Jenny Byrom, Liz Martin, Alice Allen, Sam Clarke (Total time = 8:22:03)

24 teams finished

Clarendon Marathon 1^st October 2006

Position	Name	Club	Age Category	Category position	Time
1	Craig Davey	City of Bath AC	Senior	1^st	2.52.28
11	Robert Ellis	Langport Runners	Senior	7^th	3.27.34
66	Russell McArthur	Langport Runners	Senior	25^th	4.02.30
Position	Name	Club	Age Category	Category position	Time
48	Kathryn Rowswell	Langport Runners	W50	5^th	5.13.51
49	Alice Allen	Langport Runners	W40	15^th	5.13.52

Burnham- on- Sea Half Marathon Sunday 1^st October 2006

Place	Time	Name	Team	Race Age Category
1	1:12:55	WILSON, Paul	Clevedon AC	Senior Men
161	1:48:09	GOLD, Paul	Langport Rns	Senior Men

There were 335 finishers

Taunton 10K Sunday 24^th September 2006

Place	Time	Name	Team	Race Age Category
1	0:34:04	GREEN, Royston	Bristol & West	SM
100	0:47:00	FARLEY, Bev	Langport Runners	L45

There were 473 finishers

Bev was second lady 45 – well done!

King Alfred’s Torment 24^th September 2006

Race No	First name	Surname	CLASS	Club	Position	Time
877	Kyle	Hackett	SM	Blandford SCC Club	1	42.32
913	Rob	Ellis	SM	Langport Runners	20	50.47
806	Rodger	Clayton	Vet 50	Langport Runners	38	54.45
912	Jean	Hughes	LV 55	Langport Runners	170	82.06
807	Wendy	Clayton	LV 55	Langport Runners	177	807

There were 192 finishers

Burnham-on-Sea Harriers Beach Race Sunday 3^rd September 2006

Place	Time	Name	Team	Race Age Category
1	0:35:18	MASTERS, Steve	Wells City Harriers	Male Vet 40
14	0:41:49	HILL, Jim	Langport Rns	Male Vet 60

There were 44 finishers

Battle of Sedgemoor Sunday August 27^th 2006

Place	Time	Name	Team	Race Age Category
1	0:32:17	PARRY, Philip	Bristol	Veteran Male 40+
19	0:37:10	KNUDSEN, Edward	Langport Runners	Senior Male
33	0:38:30	ELLIS, Rob	Langport Runners	Senior Male
73	0:41:59	HILL, JIM	Langport Runners	Veteran Male 60+
80	0:42:32	FORSTER, TONY	Langport Runners	Veteran Male 50+
115	0:45:01	FARLEY, BEV	Langport Runners	Veteran Female45+
146	0:47:26	STOODLEY, GRANT	Langport Runners	Senior Male
157	0:47:56