Latest Updates - Yeovilton 5k series and Other results 2008 7 July 2008

26.2

Standing in my designated time area I was wondering when my nerves were going to kick in.  They never did!

All those months of training had suddenly come to a head and there I was waiting for it all to start.  I had done so much preparation, so much dedicated hard work, if my training schedule said 9 miles, I did 9 miles, if it said speed work, that’s what I did, and now, having run through rain, ice, snow and dark early mornings, the 26.2 had arrived.

It took me almost 10 minutes to even get to the start line and as the crowd surged forward, the tense blipping of everyone’s watches could be heard.  Jane and I had decided to run together and our game plan was to not let the Runners World sub 4:30 pacer get out of our sight. Waiting for the race to start I tried to take in all that was going on around me, listening and watching people, but when the crowd parted I was a little alarmed when I realised that our pacer only had one leg! (the other was a prosthesis) still, I thought that if he could do it then so could I.

There was a huge cheer as I crossed the mat that would activate my ChampionChip and yet another blipping of watches could be heard.

Mile 6 took me past The Cutty Sark where I encountered a small bottle neck, but it wasn’t long before the pace picked up again, I couldn’t believe that I was at mile 6 already, it seemed to go so fast.  I looked around for the Runners World pacer and saw that he was just behind me, I felt that my pace was good so I pushed on leaving him just behind (no, I hadn’t gone off too fast!!) in fact I felt great, my legs felt strong and I was full of energy. A little way past the 6-mile marker and I was amazed to see that a womble ran past me! My first thought was “where the hell did he come from, I’m running really well”, and my second was “good on him, he must be boiling”.

Mile 10 came and went and at mile 11 things were still going really well, I was still feeling strong and positive, by this time I had great plans to shout out just how good I was feeling. I saw Richard and Rebecca at the half marathon mark, but by the time I got there I had developed a niggle in my right hip.  “It’ll go if I just keep going” I thought, Oh how wrong I was.

Mile 17 must have been the most interesting. There was no doubt that I was hurting, but no way was I going to stop. I only ever really had two agenda’s for this race, one was to complete it in under four and a half hours, and the other was to not stop.  One out of two ain’t bad!

I was determined to carry on whatever the cost, if I had to cross that line on my hands and knees then so be it. I was using every tactic I new to stay positive and then I saw him. The Runners World pacer I had initially been following was on the pavement – how the hell did he get in front of me, I left him behind me at mile 6! As I got closer and to my utter astonishment, I saw him adjusting his false leg! Things were suddenly put back into perspective for me and I ran past him for a second time.

With just four miles to go, I knew that by mile 22, it was nearly all over.  I was both glad and sad.  I was enjoying it so much that I didn’t want it to end, the whole atmosphere was amazing and the support was even better.

Mile 24 took me past the Embankment and the crowds here were just awesome. They were shouting so loud that I couldn’t hear myself think. They wouldn’t let you walk even if you wanted to!

I could see Big Ben and I knew that right and right again would mean that The Mall was not far away. I had had dreams about running down The Mall, everything from beating Paula Radcliffe ..  ha ha ha, to just getting my sub 4:30, and it was nearly here.

I turned the last corner and there it was. The finish line. The noise from the crowd got fainter because the road was wider, but people were still screaming at me.  I could see it, I could see the clock, but not the time.  I looked at my watch and I knew I was close to my goal.  I think I sprinted, well that was the feeling I got in my head, I’m not quite sure what my legs were doing!

4:31 something.  It was actually hard to slow down to a walk, but I managed it.  I walked over the metal bridge where they take the chip off your trainers and down the other side to have my much deserved medal put over my head. As the lady draped it over me, I picked it up and kissed it, then burst into tears ….. it’s a woman thing!

What can I say.  This has undoubtedly been THE most amazing thing I have ever done in my life. All the things I had planned worked. No alcohol, getting plenty of sleep, carb loading, you name it, I tried it.

Running is so addictive. It’s such a team sport and yet such a solitary act.

Amanda

KIT FOR CHRISTMAS!!

Looking for ideas for Christmas Presents??

Why not get some new Langport Runners kit!

Vests    £8.00

T-shirts   £5.00

Sweatshirt £13.50

Shorts £12.50

Reflective bib     £4.50

Please see Jane for orders!

Club events …

The Christmas Party

This year’s Party is being held at the Carpenters Arms in Chilthorne Domer on Saturday 6 December, 7:30 for 8pm.

There’s a buffet meal @ £9.00 per head.  Please come along and join us, partners are welcome.

We need to let the Restaurant know numbers by 29 November at latest, so please contact Lis Foy (payment in advance please), as soon as possible.

Lis can be contacted on 01458 241553.

The AGM

This year’s AGM is being held at the Langport Arms in the Ballroom on Saturday 31^st January, 7:30 pm.

There’s a buffet meal @ £5.00 per head.  Please attend if you are free, partners are welcome.

We will need to let the Hotel know numbers nearer the time.  Please contact Lis Foy (payment in advance please), as soon as possible. 

Further important information follows on the AGM.

Code of Conduct …

We’ve attached a code of conduct for all club runners to use when they’re pounding the streets of Langport, and further afield.  Please familiarise yourself with our rules of the game.

Race Attendance  …

Langport Runners have turned out in force at all the of races listed below:

The London Marathon

Yeovilton Easter Bunny

Maiden Castle Loop 6.7

Race the Train

Our own Battle of  Sedgemoor

Cheddar Half Marathon

The Somerset Series races 2003

 and no doubt many others. If you can give me your race times and positions we can publish them in the newsletter or on the web.  Any articles for the web or newsletter will also be welcomed!!

Membership Fees ….

Renewal of your membership is due early 2004.  Please remember to pay Gary Slade promptly (fee to be confirmed at the AGM).

This year we’re asking everyone to complete the attached form, to be handed in with your membership payment. We want to ensure all our records are up to date. Important note for your 2004 Diary

The AGM this year will be held on January 31^st at the Langport Arms Hotel.

We will as ever keep the business to a minimum, however this year we need to discuss and clarify the role of the junior’s within the club.

The club has run a junior training and competition programme almost from its conception. Junior’s have been separated from the main club training throughout the summer and integrated into our winter training.

The winter training has always relied on group volunteers to chaperone junior’s during these sessions. As I’m sure most of you are aware we have removed juniors from our Wednesday night training following concerns regarding safety and also a question of responsibility.

An alternative training session on a Saturday has been arranged, however this has been poorly attended.  At the present time we are letting down our junior team.  We need to clarify how we progress from this point.

The Implications Are

• If we have a full junior programme we need to supply mid week training during the winter.
• If we supply mid week training we need a rota of adults who would be happy to chaperone juniors during training.
   
• If we follow both points 1 and 2 we need to decide whether to integrate juniors as we always have into Wednesdays, or have a separate training night.

• Many senior and Veteran members compete in the Track and Field league. This would not be viable without a junior team.
   
• Our relationship with the Sports Centre and School, all of which support the Club, will be damaged.
   
• Some of our juniors are now just beginning to compete in senior events and could contribute towards senior teams.
   
• Constitutionally I believe supporting a junior element within the club an absolute key element in the service our club offers the community and the sport as a whole.
   
• Track training through the summer, which is supported regularly by senior runners would not be viable without a junior team.

Committee Elections

The Committee positions are up for re-election, as usual there will be some vacant positions as we are losing some members.  Others are considering  moving  positions.  Please feel free to apply for any of these posts; no one is going to feel putout. Honest.

The 2003 Committee is

Chair Mark Robinson Secretary Steve Brown Treasurer Gary Slade Assistant Secretary + County Representative Mark Shepherd Newsletter Max Read Web Head Pete Jones Men’s Captain Rob Ellis Lady’s Captain Dee and Gina Child protection James Barnes Membership secretary Graham Turner Kit Jane Brookhouse Social Secretary Ken Winstone Committee members Liz Foy   Kathy Rowswell

Local Race Diary …

DECEMBER 2003   Wellington Monument 6.27 – Hemyock – 21 December Stoke Stampede 10k Stoke St Gregory – 26 December Round the Lakes 10K Poole – 26 December       JANUARY 2004   Hangover 10k Kewstoke – 1 January Axminster Duathlon – 18 January Slaughterford 9 Corsham – 25 January Taunton 4.56k –  29 January   FEBRUARY 2004   Blackmore Vale ½ m & 5.25 FR Sherborne – 1 February Sidmouth Duathlon – 1 February Easy Runner Tough Ten Challenges WSM – 15 February Plymouth Hoe 10 – 22 February Taunton 4.56k –  26 February The Terminator 10 Pewsey – 29 February   MARCH 2004   Bideford ½ m – 7 March Bath ½ m – 14 March March Hare 10k Plymton – 21 March Taunton 4.56k – 25 March Bath Beat (26.5, 21,17, 12.5)  – 27 March Ironwood 7 Bristol - 28 March Teignbridge 10 – 28 March

CODE OF CONDUCT

Langport Runners are now well known and recognisable.  It is therefore essential that, whilst out running as a club, we are seen to be polite, responsible, and set a good example to others.  The following advice should enable us to do this, but also be as SAFE as possible!   Although we have captains and leaders, if we all take responsibility both for ourselves and for those we are with, we should enjoy safe and happy runs!!

AT ALL TIMES (DAY OR NIGHT):

• BE SEEN! You can never be too visible!
• During the day, if running on the road, always wear bright or light-coloured/ clothing - fluorescent is good.
• At night, ALWAYS wear light-coloured clothing plus a REFLECTIVE (not just fluorescent) bib or sash - a small wristband is inadequate. Wearing dark colours at night is asking for trouble!
• NEVER ASSUME YOU'VE BEEN SEEN - Always be cautious with traffic

• ALWAYS FACE ONCOMING TRAFFIC (i.e. run on the right-hand side of the road) if there is no pavement.  The only exception is right-hand bends - in this case, cross over well beforehand, and cross back afterwards. This way, you can always see what's coming and take evasive action if necessary.

• BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER ROAD/PAVEMENT USERS!
• - do NOT force pedestrians into the road
• - do NOT step off the pavement without checking behind - cyclists do not make a noise!
• - NEVER run across the road in front of cars!
• - just BE AWARE generally!
• BE AWARE OF OTHER HAZARDS whilst out and about
• - avoid running up to or spooking jumpy livestock - SLOW DOWN or WALK!
• - if running through long grass where livestock have been, always check for ticks when you get home.  If you get a tick bite followed by a red ring round the bite, or start getting flu-like symptoms, see your doctor ASAP - Lyme's disease can be serious!
• - if you have to climb over gates, always climb over at the hinged end.  Climbing over the latch end puts pressure on the gate and causes it to drop.

RUNNING AT NIGHT:

• BE SEEN!! ALWAYS wear a REFLECTIVE bib or sash - See  previous page - this cannot be emphasised enough! The club will not take any responsibility for you if you run in the dark without wearing something reflective.

• ALWAYS RUN WITH SOMEONE ELSE, preferably someone/a group of similar pace and ability

• BEFORE SETTING OUT:
• - know who's in your group, who's leading, who's at the back
• - know your route, and stick to it
• - know the distance, and make sure you are up to it
• - make sure someone else knows where your group is going
• - be aware of conditions, e.g. freezing temperatures, icy/slippery pavements, etc
• IF LEAVING STREET-LIT AREAS, ALWAYS TAKE A TORCH!
• - It helps drivers/other people see you
• - If you cannot see where you are putting your feet in the dark, SLOW DOWN OR WALK!
• WHILE YOU ARE OUT…
• - stick with your group and try to ensure the group stays together
• - if you have to depart from the group for any reason, avoid going alone, and make sure you tell someone else in the group where you are going.

JUNIORS (i.e. those under 18 years of age)

Before you can start running with the club, you must produce a Consent Form signed by a parent or guardian.  If you do not have one, ask Steve Brown or a member of the Running Club Committee - this form must be signed before you can run with the club.

REFER TO THE HIGHWAY CODE FOR MORE

INFORMATION ON ROAD SAFETY!!