RACE REPORTS
Cotswold relay
The Cotswold Relay –
Leg 3 – The Locker Room invasion and cow jam
My leg started next
to a Cleeve Hill golf course which had the only toilet facilities for
miles around. As can be imagined we made full use of them much to the
chagrin of certain players of the royal and ancient game who weren’t as
used to queuing for the thunderbox as runners are. On my exit from said
facility I was asked by a rather officious type what I was doing in the
club! Believe me I was sorely tempted but, for the sake of diplomacy,
I didn’t make the obvious comment but just referred him to the race
organisers.
While we were
warming up while trying to avoid people teeing off a collection of
elderly scout masters appeared tramping off across the hills in
different directions, woggles, balls and trainers everywhere.
The pre race
briefing emphasised the absence of marshals, markers and first aid but
the single one water station. It could have been summed up as “You’re
on your own out there so look after one another".
So off we went
leaving muttering golfers and wandering woggles in our dusty wake. The
course took us up onto the Cotswold edge and then down in a series of
sweeps to Dowdeswell reservoir and the very welcome water station. And
then up, ever up! By this time us normal mortals had learnt that it
walking was quicker than trying to run up these gradients. Our laboured
ascent was subject to bovine intervention, our upward progression halted
by a herd of cows coming down. Needless to say they had right of way so
we had to give way while they got a mooove on (Sorry couldn’t resist).
And then the final
assault, the last steep climb before the last mile or so sloped down to
the finish at Seven Springs
It was very hot and
bloody steep and, from what I've heard, the narrow stony paths took
their toll of ankles and knees. The heat also caused cramps, up
chucking and other delightful symptoms of dehydration. No marshals
meant people got lost in the maze of paths but overall it worked very
well with a great camaraderie amongst the runners and stunning views, if
you dared look up and risk putting your foot in a hole ( or what those
cows left behind).
Race reports for week ending 7th June
21 months after damaging her knee
ligaments Wendy Lawrence, FV55, raced in the Fairford
10k. Although she didn't win
any prizes she was pleased with a time of 59.43 on a hilly course.
Four member of the club took part in the Dymock Half Marathon
with the following results
8th and 1st Male Vet Tony Marshall in 1.22.37
24th Fred van Arkel in 1.31.59
41st Peter Short in 1.37.46 and
62nd Mathew Jones 1.44.04
The
Darrens Dash is a challenging 8 km hill run, run on the eastern
edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The run includes a total of
900ft ascent, undulating running along the Offa’s Dyke path and a swift
descent to the Olchon Valley. Proceeds were being raised for Longtown
Mountain Rescue Team, The Noah’s Ark Appeal and the Longtown Outdoor
Education centre Bursary Fund. As it was the 5th anniversary
of the race they made it a family event with a 2km race for the juniors
and a chase the Clown for the little ones. (I could have entered that
one)! In addition there was climbing, Kayaking, face painting, stilt
walking and an inflatable obstacle course.
It was good to be
joined by 3 other FODAC runners on this very hot Saturday, Mike (Sadie’s
Dad), John and Alex Dow. We were bused to the start and after a short
wait we were off straight up the hill, no preambles. The climb is
totally runable and once on the top a lovely run along the Offa’s Dyke
Path. The descent is very fast down a very rough grassy track, very
testing on the old knees. And yes, yet again I was overtaken on the
descent by the same guy who over took me on the Crocodile. Through a
farmyard and then up a short steep section of road to a final lap of the
finishing field which just about finishes everyone off. I was totally
exhausted coming into the finish, thank goodness my juniors weren’t
there to see my atrocious running style (except Sadie and she was busy
looking out for her Dad). The 4 of us all had good runs especially Mike
as it was a toughy. Not sure where we all came except I was 1st
Lady in 40mins I think, Mike in 46 minutes, John was next and then Alex.
There was free tea
and cakes to all runners, I scoffed the biggest and best piece of
homemade sponge cake I have ever had, I needed it I can tell you. John
and Alex can vouch for the most delicious homemade ice cream ever. So
who’s coming to join us next year? Ann Nixon
CROCODILE 8 HEREFORD
Another well organised multi terrain race held at Burghill County
Primary School. The race gets its name from the local nickname for
Tillington’s beautiful Badnage wood through which the greater part of
the race takes place. The wood looks from a distance uncannily like the
body of a crocodile. The crocodile itself is challenging as it has 105
steps in addition to 13 stiles and kissing gates on route.
FODAC managed a 1, 2 , 3 with Tara stealing the limelight in the Junior
race finishing 1st girl and 5th or 6th
overall. The junior course was 2 laps around the orchard opposite the
school, with quite a tricky hill to tackle.
Kim Mazzucia and myself started off together and had to push our way
towards the front as we were a little late getting to the start line,
not helped by yours truly deciding at the last minute to discard my
running vest as it was so hot. Kim seeing another lady in front of us
soon set off in hot pursuit leaving me to chase. (Kim was later to
regret going off so fast as she was unaware of the 105 steps up the
crocodile!) Shortly before we left the road to climb the crocodile a
very welcome hose pipe was spraying those runners who needed a cool
down. (Reminded me of the races we did in Bermuda). The steps were
quite steep and even I who rarely walk hills have to admit that I walked
a few. However to be fair they were as high as my knees. (No wise
cracks from you guys). After a couple of flights of steps and almost
head butting a couple of runners bums, I managed to catch Kim up and
squeezed past. Once on the top it was a lovely run through the wood
with the smell of garlic filling the air. On the way back down were a
couple of very muddy stretches which you could avoid if you kept your
wits about you. The last stretch was on road and I was overtaken by 2
men who I had managed to overtake on the steps, but such is life. Will
have to do some speed sessions! Along the way there were a few
surprises, we had women singing to us outside the church and drums
beating at the top of the final climb. I finished 2nd lady
in 58:43 and Kim 3rd in 1:00:07, 23rd and 29th,
overall out of 271 finishers. .
Although the steps are steep the section is short and the run along the
top through the woods makes the effort more than worthwhile. I would
recommend this multi terrain race if you are looking for an off road
race as it’s fairly local, well organised with plenty of water stations
and well supported. It was certainly much easier that the Black Death
Run!
Ann Nixon
Parkend fun run by Pete Compton
Parkend Fun Run
A small field lined up at the Cricket pitch in Parkend on a Gloriously
Sunny bank holiday Monday, The course was a adventure in itself running
passed The Fountain over the road & up and over the Forest of Dean steam
railway on there foot bridge up a step path to the village church bathed
in the summer sunshine then to the forest tracks towards Whitecroft,
turning right we descended to cross the railway through 2 kissing gates
& down to the Road which was well marshalled, up into the wood towards
bream then through a gate into the CSMA park to the support of the
campers some still eating there breakfast in front of there caravans &
tents, crossed the site over a style into a sheep field then over a five
bar gate passed the Scouts site & along the pavement back into Parkend &
the cheering crowd of supports at the finish at the Cricket Club.
The over winner was the Forest of Dean Athletics Club Coach Walter Leach
in 18.50 & second over all & 1st in the Juniors was the clubs Josh
Mathews in a brilliant time of 19.22, other members taking part was
Joshua Compton possibly the youngest running at 4 years who was
accompanied & possibly slowed down by his father Pete Compton in a
little over 40 mins.
Forest runners are sent to Coventry
On May
23rd Forest runners Claire Morgan, Aileen Griffiths and
Martin Steel braved blistering temperatures
for
the Coventry Half Marathon. It was already warm when the race started
at 09.30 from the famous Motor Museum at 9.30 and everyone knew it was
going to get hotter as the course wound and undulated its way around the
streets and parks of the city. Despite this Martins finished in 1hr 36
min's 8 sec followed by Claire’s time in 2hr’s 3 min’s 17 sec then
Aileen recovering from illness with 2hr’s 16 min’s 59 sec.
Bromham
'May mile' by Graham
Forest of Dean
Athletic Club junior members Jensen and Harrison Coppen entered the
Bromham 'May Mile' Children's races on Sunday 16th near
Chippenham. Seven year old Jensen ran in the U11's 1 mile race while
his younger brother Harrison (aged 4) ran in the U7's category over half
a mile
Harrison running in
his first 'middle distance' race was keen but needed a bit of moral
support in the form of 'Dad' who duly entered too!...Fortunately Dad did
not have to provide a copy of his birth certificate to prove he was
under 7 (phew!). With 60 kids + parents lined up at the start on a wet
and slightly soggy football field, the first few yards were like a scene
from the Grand National with several children falling in front and
Harrison and Dad managing to to skirt around the mayhem without falling
over or crushing any small children. After the initial chaos, Harrison
(with Dad in tow) settled into a steady pace. A lap and a half of the
course later, and Harrison sprinted to the line in a very creditable 4th
place with a time of 3m 12s
Jensen, lined up in
a field of 60 amongst some much older boys and girls in the U11's. He
was not at all phased by this and made a very quick start to take an
early lead. At this point the heavens opened and provided a drenching to
all the competitors (good preparation for cross-country running in years
to come!). Despite this, Jensen stayed in touch with the leaders and
finished strongly, overtaking 2 boys in the final 50 metres, to take 6th
place in 6m 22s.
Another great
half-day out with a small Arts and Craft fair, hot food stall and live
band too! I have also attached a few photos for you. Medals are
presented to all finishers with trophies for the winners
and certificates for other places. The course was well marked out and
marshalled. The journey time from Chepstow was 50 minutes and I would
recommend it to others (mainly the younger ones).
Berkely 10km by Chris
Hawkins
Berkeley 10K
Those of an historic bent will immediately
associate Berkeley Castle with the demise of King Edward II and the
novel if horrific way in which it was procured. It is said that, in the
dead of night, his screams can still be heard. (Cue spooky music)
The race starts under the shadow of the nearby
nuclear power station, itself another historical foot note as it sits
decommissioned and dormant. According to the race blurb there are PBs
to be had here and it seemed from the number of vigorous warm ups going
on that a lot of people wanted to grab one. Chris and I, having still
got recent marathons in our legs and no great expectations, engaged in a
perfunctory jog up and down and a couple of stretches before joining the
230 other runners at the start.
The course is a two lap affair following quiet
country lanes which, for all their charm, were pock marked by some big
pot holes that could have turned a careless ankle. It was really well
marshalled with the odd pocket of spectators cheering us on. As far as
any gradients were concerned it was flundulating (that’s fooled the
spell checker) lying somewhere between flat and undulating.
The distance markers were in miles rather than
klicks and we tend to think of 10K being 6 miles gearing ourselves up
for that distance. Its actually 6.25 so when the 6 mile marker arrives
and no end is in site it comes as a shock to the system meaning that the
last .25 miles really hurts.
Chris Moore finished in 47.39 and I came in at
49.05. Both of these are off the gun times so our actual times are
probably a few seconds quicker. Our overall positions were 125th
and 140th while in our M55-59 class we came in 6th
and 7th.
As we left a cold breeze sprung up which I thought
carried a distance howl of anguish. Was that the late King Ted or one of
the PB hunters who had misjudged that last .25.
VLM Marathon report from Chris Hawkins
Blackheath, south east London at 8 am on marathon
morning. Just getting here is the culmination of an epic personal
journey for a lot of people. From back in December when the
‘Congratulations’ envelope arrived, through the freezing depths of
winter hauling out of comfy beds at obscene hours of the morning to run
alone along the highways, byways and forest tracks.
Increasing the miles as the days lengthened into
March while trying to avoid injury and then spending most of April
imagining every twinge to be a sprain or strain that might threaten
participation in what has to be, for us mere mortals, the greatest event
we’re ever likely to be part of. Where else would we find more than
half a million people cheering us on.
By 9 am there are 35000 plus people milling about
the start area. Despite the predictions for hot weather it was overcast
and cool, that is until the clouds thickened, the temperature dropped by
about 5 degrees and the cold rain started. All the brightly coloured
running tops vanished under plastic capes and bin liners while
competitors sought out whatever limited cover was available to them.
We’ve all heard about chilling out before the race is one thing but I
don’t think this is what was meant.
By the time the race got underway the rain had
stopped, the mercury risen a bit and the mass of runners moved off
waving and cheering onto the streets of the capital.
Every mile and 5 kilometer is marked by a red tower
or archway with a mass of the same coloured balloons. No longer the
blue of Flora this is now Virgin territory. The course was, as ever
packed with spectators, bands and entertainment all having a party while
doing their best to lift the runners. Those with previous experience
know to enjoy this and take it all in during the first half of the race,
after that, as the miles take their toll and the mind focuses on keeping
the legs in motion, things can become a bit vague.
The course wends its way through east London south
of the river past the Cutty Sark and reaches Tower Bridge just before
the half way mark. It’s a crucial point in the race for the runners as
they try to judge their possible finishing times. Off east again on the
north side of the Thames and, for a short time we can see the elite’s
coming in the opposite direction with about 5 miles to go. A wriggling
circuit of docklands brings us past Canary Wharf turning west towards
the finish. We are now where the elites where when we saw them earlier
on and there are still any number of brave souls pouring eastwards with
more than 12 miles to go.
Then its 20 miles, things are getting harder, legs
are getting heavier and any light banter between the runners has long
gone as they focus into themselves. The crowd are still cheering fit to
bust but the noise becomes a background for the final effort. 21,22 and
23 are a blur and we hit the Embankment, 24 then Charing Cross station
25 and up towards the Houses of Parliament, left and down Birdcage Walk,
the sign says 800 metres to go, 600 then 400, hard left and left again
and into the Mall, one last effort to look good as the line is crossed
and then its over. You’ve won! Even if the time isn’t as good as you
wanted you’ve won! You’ve been somewhere mentally and physically that
99% of people would never voluntarily go and you’ve survived with the
medal to prove it.
Park run
Parkrun – New to Gloucestershire!
Gloucestershire’s
first "parkrun" was held on Saturday 24th April in the
Coverham Enclosure, opposite Forest Leisure, Five Acres, Coleford with
24 runners plus 3 dogs toeing the start line. The project is being led
by the District Council and the Forest of Dean Athletic Club, with
support from the Forestry Commission.
The Parkrun phenomenon
started in 2004 with just 13 runners in Bushy Park, Teddington. Since
then it has rapidly grown with more than 30 parkruns taking place every
Saturday morning at venues around the country, with hundreds of runners
taking part. More and more parkruns are being introduced as their
popularity grows.
Parkruns are 5km long,
are free to enter and are organised by enthusiastic volunteers. They
are appealing to both serious runners as well as to people who just want
to take the opportunity to get fit in a beautiful environment with
like-minded people. To take part in a parkrun you just register on the
website first (www.parkrun.org.uk).
You will be given your own barcode which registers your individual time
and you can then take part in any parkrun. Local parkrun organiser,
Dave Lucas, is sure that the Forest of Dean parkrun will appeal to
visiting holidaymakers, other parkrun enthusiasts who fancy a change of
scene as well as to locals.
The Forest of Dean
parkrun is quite unlike other parkruns as it is held in a working
forest, rather than in a city park. However, the runners on Saturday
appreciated the well-marked, scenic course and it was voted a big
success. The next run is being held on Saturday 1st May at
the same location at 9am and everyone is welcome. If you have been
inspired by the London Marathon, then a parkrun could be the perfect
event to get you going!
Refreshments are
available afterwards with proceeds being donated to local cancer
charities.
VLM training
Vicki Morgan
VLM Training Update
Well it’s now April and, courtesy of a
FoDAC club place (thanks FoDAC!), I am running the Virgin London
Marathon (VLM) this month.........argghh!! This will be my first
marathon and whether it is also my last remains to be seen but I am
determined to try and enjoy it as much as possible and make the most of
the whole experience.
I have been training for this since the
middle of December and straight away started to write a log book of my
training schedule, times, thoughts and aches and pains! I have also
been keeping magazine articles about the marathon that I have enjoyed
reading and inspirational and practical tips that I have either received
or read about.
I felt that my training started well and I
managed to increase my mileage and number of runs slowly over the
Christmas and New Year period but then came the snow! Normally I love
snow but not this year. I really could have done without it. My
mileage for the week ending the 10th of Jan was zilch and the
following week was’nt much better with just two runs amounting to a
total of 14 miles. It wasn’t until the last week in January that I
managed to get back up to my pre-snow weekly mileage of 30 miles, the
longest of which was 14. I was now at least two weeks behind my planned
schedule.
It was around this time that I booked our
travel and accommodation for the VLM weekend. We are travelling up and
back using a coach company that specialises in these types of weekends.
They will take us to and from the Marathon Exhibition for registration
and also to the start of the race. We have chosen a hotel close to the
finish so we won’t need to hang around at the end waiting for transport
and we have booked theatre tickets for the Friday night to ensure we
make the most of the weekend away.
My training plan has included completing
the last of the winters cross country races in Cheltenham and also
running the Gloucester 20 and the Forest Half. I loved running the
Forest Half. The forecast bad weather managed to hold off and both the
new course and atmosphere was great. As a training race for the VLM I
was looking to run it at a consistent pace, avoid injury and finish in
1hr 50mins. I finished in 1hr 52, which considering the conditions I am
very happy with and, injury wise, I managed to escape with just very
sore quads.
The Gloucester 20 was a different kettle
of fish altogether and my plan of action was purely to finish the bloody
thing! This race was also on a new course and the weather again proved
to be in my favour (can it be third time lucky for the VLM, I wonder?).
I can’t pretend that the last two miles were anything other than painful
but after some of the horrendous reports I had heard about this race
overall it wasn’t too bad. I finished in 2hr 52.
Since the hiccup with the snow, and other
than the week following the Glos 20, when my mileage dipped to 17 for
the week, my total weekly mileage has been averaging at 33. I have been
very lucky to have had company on most of my long Sunday runs which has
really helped and I am now starting to look at tapering my training over
the next few weeks.
The thought of taking part in the Virgin
London Marathon at the end of this month both scares and excites me but
at the same time I can’t wait!!
VLM (Vicki Louise Morgan!)
Pete Compton
My training for the marathon has not always gone to
plan, I have been working away from home during the week since Christmas
& running in different towns & cities has been a real challenge, getting
lost & jogging into some of the rougher areas is often interesting &
with a group of co workers who think sport is best done on the tv &
evenings are for drinking there is little encouragement.
I have been keeping up with my long runs on a Sunday but very slowly,
running at 11 or 12 minute mile pace, I can do 20
miles ok without walk except on the steepest hills & I am to pig headed
not to finish even if means hands & knees.
My target time is 5 hours but I can live in hope, I am very grateful to
the club this place it has been an ambition of mine to do the London
Marathon & I have applied 4 times without success.
I am raising money for my local school in Bream to provide sports & play
equipment if anyone would like to sponsor me please make cheques payable
to Friends of Bream School & leave it in the club hut so I can collect
them on a Saturday Morning when I coach the kids.
Forest of Dean half Marathon report
All through the week
before the race the weather forecast had been less than encouraging,
cold wet and windy seemed to be what we were in for. So, with some
trepidation, over 2,300 runners opened their eyes on the morning of the
race to find it dry sunny and warm. According to a couple of comments I
heard ‘too warm’, After the winter we’ve had C’MON!!!!!
Having got plastered
in muck extracting cars from a muddy Speech House field at a previous
event I parked on the opposite side of the road and wandered across to
join the gathering throng. First stop was the FODAC tent where Fiona
was handing out information and encouragement, then to collect our chip,
all well organised and very little queuing and now the loos….oops…how
many runners and how many toilets? Methinks the organisers hadn’t
thought through the ratio of nervous innards to necessary facilities.
Luckily, being of the
male gender, I was able to join quite a few other men and the odd very
brave lady and take to the adjoining Forest. Quite what this did for
the local ecosystem is not known, but the sheep seem to have astutely
avoided the area ever since.
And so to the race
itself. A narrow start might not have suited the medal chasers but was
fine for us normal mortals. The course then took to the road for a few
hundred yards before veering off into the woods and the first real pinch
point as the field squeezed itself onto a narrowish forest trail. The
second hold-up was caused when some runners were faced by the horror of
a muddy puddle and were forced to tippy toe round it in case it bit
them. That only happened once!
A long downhill swoop
to Cannop Ponds allowed the field to stretch as runners found their own
pace before we joined the old course for the long uphill slog to Foxes
Bridge (nothing changed there then). All the way through the
marshalling and drinks stations were as ever brilliant offering
encouragement, direction and refreshment in equal measure.
Down past the Dilke to
the sawmill where that nice short cut that avoids the short but evil
hill was firmly blocked by a marshal (DAMN!!!). Another swoop downhill
before we left the old route and headed off to test tired ankles on part
of a stony Adidas trail. Another change of direction took the field
onto a track that had recently been chewed up by rally cars leaving it
rutted and muddy.
Only 3 miles to go
then onwards and upwards on an even softer ground before the route swung
right and flattened off a bit. Down again to join Spruce Drive for the
final run in and a last little tester as feet sunk into a surface that
had the consistency of deep wet sand. The finishing straight wasn’t
(straight that is) but nice and wide with a welcoming crowd.
Through the finish,
stop the watch and there was a nice person sitting and waiting to take
our timing chips off. Far better than the undignified spectacle of
contorted stiff legs and bodies trying to reach their own ankles.
Some anonymous fizzy
drink, a medal and that was that apart from the post race chat with
fellow sufferers and the usual question from non running supporters “Did
you enjoy that?” With the standard response “I’ll let you know in a
couple of hours time!”
Rhayader
Rhayader is famous for two things, the Elan Valley
reservoirs and those magnificent birds of prey, Red Kites. We were to
run around the first while the second kept a close watch overhead maybe
wondering whether any exhausted competitors might be on the supper
menu.
It started at 1 pm, bang on time and the first
couple of miles of the race were round the town itself before the
course led out into the country through some pretty innocuous country
lanes. It was breaking us in gently. Everybody knew about the big mile
hill starting at 4 miles and finishing at around 7 and it was obvious
from the nervous banter that this had concentrated a lot of minds. They
were soon to become even more focused.
In the misty distance we could see a grey tarmac
strip wending its way steeply upwards. As the pack got closer the grey
strip became populated with small slowly moving coloured dots. These
were the racing snakes, the real racers, already a long way ahead
leaving us mere mortals gasping in their wake.
And then the hill itself. The gradient varying
from steep to ouch it creeps ever upwards, twisting, turning and dipping
to hide its top until the last 100 yards. Those of use who had been
here before knew that energy conservation was everything. A lot of
first timers either hadn’t read the publicity or didn’t believe it.
They trotted confidently upwards some even chatting about being in the
groove. Sadly for most of them the groove ran out long before the peak
as the gradient took its toll and they could only walk as the
experienced plodders they had earlier overtaken eased back past them.
Having got to the top everyone who was in a fit
state to appreciate it was rewarded by a magnificent panorama of lakes
and high moorland stretching for miles below them. The course then
descended in a series of downhill swoops (some quad achingly steep) and
mildly playful ascents. At 16 it flattened out alongside the last
reservoir before making another dive to leave the narrow lanes for the
main road back to the finish where, at 18 miles, it revealed a sting in
the tail as it rose steeply for about a mile before descending into
Rhayader.
Admittedly that last 400 yards were also uphill
but, by that time, with the end if not in sight but just round the
corner, most of us were past caring. The whole race was really well
organised and marshalled, a credit to the local running club and
community.
Chris Moore finished in a gun time of 2.59.17 and a
watch time of 2.58.53 while I followed him in at 3.00.03 gun and 2.59.35
watch. We finished 213th and 219th overall
respectively with M55 positions of 18 and 19
The Grizzly bears all
The Grizzly is
one of those iconic races well known within the running community but
little heard of elsewhere. That’s unless you live in the little sea
side town of Seaton in east Devon where it is a major calendar event
bringing in people from all over the country in what would otherwise be
a quiet weekend in early March.
So what is it
that makes the race famous (or infamous). It is 20 miles long but so
are many other races with a lesser reputation. A peak at the course
description some idea of what makes it special. It warns us that “The
terrain will include roads, tracks (some very stony), paths, shingle
beach, fields, woodland, bog and other surfaces. Runners have been up to
their waist in mud and water (we're not kidding). The Grizzly is likely
to take nearly as long as a marathon” and to find the finish "Just
keep heading south until you get wet then swim left or right towards a
large crowd of people, emerge and crawl up the beach."
As I was to
find out they were not exaggerating. The race weather was dry sunny
and cold as we lined up at the start on the sea front. The first mile
was flat which would have been OK if half of it hadn’t been on the
shingle beach, after that the course took to the hills. Now I know east
Devon doesn’t have a reputation for gradient but think of the steepest
parts of Wye Valley walk and Offa’s Dyke path around here and you’re
somewhere near the terrain we covered.
Thankfully the
dry weather meant that the downhills were runable otherwise it would
have been the mud louge without a sled. It did however mean that the
bogs were less liquid and so really shoe suckingly gloopy. These, of
course, were in the stream valleys at the bottom of the hills so the
next ascent was made with shoes carrying twice their weight in goo.
I think the
best word to describe the event is ‘relentless’ right to the end. The
last 4 miles consisted of a steep grassy downhill gallop, about 3/4 of a
mile of shingle beach, a steep 200 foot ascent, a gentle down, another
100 foot ascent with steps and then down into Seaton for another 200
yards on the pebbles before getting to the finish.
The
organisation and marshalling was fantastic as was the support. Every
shop had a poster welcoming Grizzly runners and it seemed the whole town
turned out. People were lining the sides of the road in the villages we
ran through having a good time and offering encouragement. There was
also brilliant scenery though I fear its aesthetics went unappreciated
by most of as we wrestled the big bear.
My time? Well
they did say it would take almost as long as a marathon and I finished 1
minute quicker than the last FLM. Would I do it again? Never say
never!
And here is a bit og history from Martin Green
just some history concerning FoDAC and previous Grizzly's... former
member Damon Rodwell won the Grizzly outright twice in the 1990's and
yours truly had 2 top 5 finishes in this iconic race.
So smitten by the SW Coastal Footpath Damon went on in 1998 to run the
entire 600+ miles length in 23 days covering a marathon or more on
each of the days. Not quite Eddy Izzard but a great deal quicker!
Damon raised in excess of £1000 for charity by rattling buckets in
pubs each evening and also adding the proceeds of the book he wrote
about his run.
St Valentines day at the Beach
The shone on the romantic couples who promenaded along Weston sea front
on Sunday, they were joined on the beach by over 1200 runner eager to
take on this years Tough Ten Challenge.
The course Started on the beach in the shadow of the Pier now under
construction, along the promenard lined with supports & well wisher,
through wood land up over a steep headland through Weston's sticky mud &
back along the beach to the finish.
Forest Athletic club based at Five Acres entered 4 members into the main
race & 4 into the kids 1M fun run with a supporting coach
.
Earl Smith (575) was the first home in 1.04.07 followed by Ann Nixon
(1160) at 1.06.14 claiming 2nd Lady over all & 1st in the age group,
then Mark Jeffries (318) in a very creditable 1.17.32 followed by Graham
Wech (311) iin 1.44.04, Graham is training for this year London
Marathon.
The 1 Mile fun run was the first outing of the year for the Forest Club
youngest athletes 4-11 years how train ever Saturday morning at the
Berry Hill Track & enter local fun runs. The race started on the beach
along the sea wall around the old harbour & back to finish on the beach
in front of a large crowd.
First back was Sadie Melhuish (2231) in an incredible 7.16 claiming 2nd
lady, then 7 yr old Jenson Coppen (2154) in 9.30. followed by William
Compton (2235) & Danielle Hansford (2253) in 9.44 Follow by U9 coach
Peter Compton (2236) also training for the London Marathon.
Weston Valentines run 10 Mile
Results
Position Time Name Club
Class Shirt Number
41 1:04:07 SMITH, Earl Forest of Dean AC Senior
Male 575
70 1:06:14 NIXON, Ann
Forest of Dean AC Female 50-54 1160
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317 1:17:32 JEFFRIES, Mark Forest
of Dean AC Male 40-44 468 318 |
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952 1:44:04 WELCH, Graham Forest
of Dean AC Male 65-69 311 954 |
1 Mile Results
10 0:07:16 MELHUISH, Sadie Forest of Dean AC
Female 2231
65 0:09:30 COPPEN, Jenson Forest of Dean
AC Male 2154
76 0:09:44 COMPTON, Peter
Forest of Dean AC Male 40-44 2236
77 0:09:44 HANSFORD, Danielle
Forest of Dean AC Female 2253
78 0:09:44 COMPTON, William
Forest of Dean AC Male 2235
Santa Shuffle Report
The Santa Shuffle
Picture the inside of a car with parents and
toddler driving across the Old Severn Bridge last Sunday.
“Mummy you told me there is only one Santa”
“ Quite right dear”
“Then why are lots of them running beside us?”
Over to you Mum and you’d better make it good!
Admittedly closer inspection would have shown that, apart from the
matching red suits and faces, any similarities to the real Father
Christmas was very difficult to find. Especially as the old man hasn’t
yet developed a taste for wearing trainers (as far as we know).
Around 200 wannabe Santas, including at least 2
FODAC members, gathered at the services on the English side of the
bridge and gratefully to donned their uniforms as some protection
against the raw wind that whipped across the estuary. Having trooped
across the foot bridge over the toll barriers we were warmed up by some
festive music and two Curvy ladies (or where they ladies from Curves)
something like that anyway.
A quick health and safety talk (it’s a long way
down) and we were off. Of course this was the ultimate fun run, only a
couple of miles so we could take it easy. Ho Ho bleedin Ho. Go for
it! Now those nice Santa suits were neither close fitting or
aerodynamic and the beards had a tendency to moult (in your mouth and up
your nose) all of which added to that wind blowing against us did make
it a bit of a test.
There were of course a lot more sensible souls who
did take it easy and quite a few first timers which meant that I
finished 6th overall. A position thats very unlikely to be
repeated in the foreseeable future. Another FODAC member, Chris Moore,
came 5th.
The run was organised by Ty Hafan, the Welsh
childrens’ hospice, who looked after us very well and hopefully got
lots of dosh for their cause. The other big plus was that it didn’t
rain which, given the weather than preceded and succeeded the event,
makes me wonder whether the real Santa was in there somewhere.
Chris Hawkins
Cross Country reports
Gloucester league race 3 and
Christmas tree report
Busy Weekend for FODAC Athletes
While most sensible people were doing their Christmas shopping, FODAC
athletes had a busy weekend competing and organising. On Saturday 12th
a number of members competed in the 3rd
Glos Cross Country fixture held at Tewkesbury. A long, muddy course
tested their stamina but both the ladies and the men fielded complete
teams.
The ladies positions were: 69th
Vicki Morgan (40:13), 75th
Jackie Green (40:47) and 78th
Jenny Green (41:49). There were 96 finishers. The team finished 20th
overall and 12th
placed vet team.
The men were without a couple of club stalwarts, but still fielded a
full team of 7 runners, including one V55 who said he hadn’t done a
cross-country race since being made to at school a few decades earlier!
The team finished 17th
overall and were 11th
vet team.
The results were: 75th
Steve Cunliffe (45:08), 95th
Fred van Arkel (46:59), 112nd Walter Leach (49:06), 141st
Colin Baker (53.34), 148th
Chris Hawkins (54:34), 149th
Mark Jeffries (54.47) and 153rd
John Dow (56.51). There were 158 finishers.
On Sunday 13th the club hosted their popular annual
Christmas multi-terrain race at Ellwood, near Parkend. Despite
racing the previous day, both Steve Cunliffe and Fred van Arkel were up
bright and early to mark out the 5 mile course which they completed just
as the 79 runners set off on a grey December morning. Not content with
having raced the previous day FODAC members Walter Leach (V45) and Freek
van Arkel (JM15) both competed with Freek placed 4th
in 31:15 and Walter 24th
in 37:01. Steve Cunliffe then ran round the course again as sweeper!
After the inclement weather of the previous few weeks the course was
exceptionally wet and muddy in places, making the excellent facilities
at the Ellwood Football Club greatly appreciated by the tired, muddy
runners as they finished. The race was won by Allister Sheffield (Team
Bath) in 28:34, which was almost 2 minutes ahead of his nearest rival
Christopher Harry (Lliswerry Runners) in 30:21. Eighteen year old
William New (Cheltenham Harriers) was 3rd
in 30:47. First lady back was FODAC member Ann Nixon in 33:42 (9th
overall) who was just pipped to the line by FODAC new member Leyton
Fleet in 33:41.
Many thanks to everyone who turned up to race, and also thanks to the
Ellwood Football Club, St Johns First Aiders and all the club members
who marshalled and helped to organise another successful race
Gloucester league race 2
Click here for
full results
u11 boys
The u11 boys were the first off and the day looked like it was going to
be another green steam-roller for the Forest of Dean. Only two minutes
separated 1st and last in the race, this was fast and hard fought right
the way through the field. This time it was Josh who lead the team home
chased hard by Harry with James just behind, only 4 seconds separated
the three of them at the finish. Jamie found the going really tough but
he dug in hard with James Taylor chasing him down and Sam not far
behind.
4th Josh
5th Harry
6th James P
17th Jamie
19th James T
22nd Sam
FoDAC A 2nd
FoDAC B 5th
u11 girls
This was Katie’s first race, but you would never have known. She got a
great start and got into the leading group with Lauren just behind.
Lauren used her experience and held her fire, she waited to the last
quarter of the race then exploded past moving from 7th to 4th. Tara,
recovering from a chest infection found herself lacking the lung
capacity she needed. Resilient as ever she hung on finish in 15th but
still in the first third of the field. Rebecca M was a spectator this
time, wrapped up warm and suffering a cold.
6th Katie
15th Tara
FoDAC A 3rd
Rebecca M – not well
u13 girls
All attention in the u13 girls race was on the Emily versus Phoebe
battle. Huge sums of money changed hands on the start line with opinion
evenly divided. In the race Fen got another great start she looked like
she would repeat Wednesdays triumph, but suddenly she pulled up in pain
leaving Sadie to cruise past to lead FoDAC home. The gamblers waited and
Phoebe and Emily emerged out of the woods together side by side. In the
end it was Phoebe who got her revenge…place your bets now for the next
race! Zoe, Laura and Rebecca had rather low-key races by their standard,
it was tough for everyone to race twice in fours days.
5th Sadie
7th Phoebe
8th Emily
17th Zoe
20th Laura
28th Rebecca R
Rtd Fen
FoDAC A 2nd
FoDAC B 6th
u13 boys
With Andrew at home ill Connor and Josh were joined by a new athlete
Alex. Connor ran well to maintain his standard from Burton, but this
time he was followed home by Josh with Alex finishing in the main group.
Next year there will be a real chance of a medal in this category.
18th Connor
19th Josh
24th Alex
FoDAC 5th
u15 boys
With Rhys at home resting his injured knees Emmett found himself the
lone FoDAC entrant. He started confident and comfortably but knew he was
running a risk. A swine flu inoculation on Thursday and stomach cramps
that morning forced him to pause. He stopped for just over a minute and
then resumed strongly again. He still managed to finish 5th but had let
one of his rivals from the Schools championship past.
5th Emmett
Rhys injured
u17 boys
Freek was not well he was recovering from a cold. Sasha, at home, was
still suffering. Freek gave it a go but it was never going to happen, he
pulled up very soon after the start and retired.
Rtd Freek
Sasha ill
u17 girls
She had been 10th at Bourton but it didn’t go so well this time out for
Eleanor. The long open spaces don’t suit her short stride which is more
suited for hilly tracks like Bourton.
16th Eleanor Dow
Senior Women
L35
Vicki Morgan cam 64th
L45
Lynne park came 51st
L50
Jackie Green came 82nd
Senior Men
Colin Baker 140th
M40
Mark Jefferies came 136th
M45
Tony Marshall came 46th
Fred Van Arkel came 92nd
Walter Leach came 106th
M50
John Dow came 154th
M55
Steve Cunliffe came 55th
Gloucester League race 1
Senior Men
Saturday the 10 of October
Gloucester League Race 1 at Cotswold Farm Park. In nice sunny weather,
the Forest of Dean senior male team had 7 runners out with some good
performances especially from Steve Cunliffe who finished 1st in the male
55 + category.Next race is on the 21st of November at Blackbridge
Gloucester
Results: Senior Men's Team 13th
Vet Men's Team 8th
Tony Marchall 47th 37.15 6th 45+
Steve Cunliffe 55th 38.41 1th 55+
Fred van Arkel 92 th 41.11 12th 45+
Walter Leach 106th 42.36 15th 45+
Mark Jeffries 136th 45.32 30th 40+
Colin Baker 140th 46.06 37th SM
John Dow 154th 51.03 23th 50
Juniors
Gloucester League Race 1 - Cotswold Farm Park
Sunny, dry with a light breeze.
Italics denote athletes in the younger age grouping in each
class.
u11 Girls
Lauren Wallis 5th
Tara Sladen 10th
Bailey-Jayne Summers 11th
Rebecca Madley 25th
FoDAC A 1st
Lauren ran another very strong race she is looking very confident
now. Tara likewise showed her experience running in the top 10 with
confidence and ease. She was chased home by Bailey in her first race
for the club. Rebecca is now really improving fast and looking more
and more confident with each race. Together the girls look set to win
a team medal with ease this year. But to retain the team championship
they are going to have to work hard to keep Nth Somerset and
Cheltenham behind them. At the moment FoDAC have a narrow 2 point
advantage - can these girls keep winning - of course they can!
u11 Boys
James Piercy 4th
Josh Matthews 6th
Harry Powell 9th
FoDAC A 1st
Ben Harrison 13th
James Taylor 17th
Sam Wallis 24th
FoDAC B 6th
Where do they come from. A few months ago it looked as if the team
championship was a forlorn hope. That was before a whole host of new
club athletes joined the experienced Harry to catapult the team into
first place. James P ran superbly to lead the team home with Josh just
behind. Harry not feeling his best, ran a determined race to take the
team into the winning position. Ben James and Sam brought the B Team
home they are in the younger age group and look like they might
dominate next year. And just how fast did James T start?
u13 girls
Fen Madley 2nd
Sadie Melhuish 5th
Phoebe Crawley 8th
FoDAC A 1st
Emily Dowle 11th
Zoe Hale 20th
Laura Taylor 24th
Rebecca Russell 28th
FoDAC B 5th
With their experience and age Fen and Sadie were always going to be
near the front. Fen, last years champion, ran hard after the winner
but couldn't find that extra gear and came home an easy second. Sadie
hasn't had the best start t her season health wise and was suffering
stomach cramps before she even started. She ran bravely into a strong
5th. Last years triple champion in the u11 Phoebe showed her real
class again running well up at the front with the older girls. Her
rival Emily had a nightmare race, she got a stitch early on and
struggled home. Zoe and Laura found the pace fast as well but its
important to remember how tough it is being in the younger age group
in this age grouping. Becky looked strong and ran her usual determined
race she is improving all the time, as the speed comes she will get
the results she really deserves.
u11 Boys
Andrew Evans 10th
Connor Creed 16th
Josh Dowle 19th
FoDAC A 4th
This was always going to be tough. Andrew, Connor and Josh are in
the younger age group and fresh from the u11s. For this team to come
4th is extraordinary. Andrew is really looking good at the moment, he
is running with a new maturity and confidence. Connor in his first
race ran strongly with Josh not far behind caught up in a huge bunch
of runners. A few more places gained could see this team in with a
chance of a medal.
u15 Girls
(no FoDAC entries)
u15 Boys
Emmett Thompson 5th
This is a really tough age group for the boys who seem to grow
while you watch. Emmett, who is looking really good again, ran a well
paced, mature and controlled race to demolish his rivals who have
joined him in the age grouping from the u14s.
u17 Boys
Freek van Arkle 4th
Sasha Herman 17th
Freek and Sasha once again lead out the male athletes. Freel ran
with the leaders and kept his race under control in his first race as
an u17. Sasha found the going a bit tough today, he didn't have his
best race but never lost his sense of humour and good spirit.
u17 Girls
Eleanor Dow 10th
Eleanor's super efficient running style paid off to full effect,
she really looks like the senior girl athlete this year and ran
superbly in her first race in this age category
Eden Project 1/2 and full
marathon
Rain & mist greeted the 2,000 runners readying
themselves for the start of the 1st Eden Project Marathon & 1/2 Marathon
on Sunday.
2 member of the Forest of Dean athletics Club travelled the 350 mile
round trip to complete the hilly, technical & challenging coarse, The
race started in the top car park of the popular tourist attraction then
winded it way along the narrow cornish lanes through picturesque
villages & following the china clay quarry tracks & navigated disused
railway lines to eventually returning to site & a 1 mile down hill run
to the finish with the spectacular Biodomes in sight, the organisers
gave Cornish pastes & local beer as well as medals to all the finishers.
Mike Evans (94) finish the Marathon in 3:50:35, 4th
place in his Male Vet 50-54 group & 64 over all, Peter Compton
(2076) finished the 1/2 Marathon in 2:31:41, 81st place in his Male Vet
40-44 group & 665 over all.
Great North Run
The GREAT North Run!
As some of you will already know, for about the
past three months I have been training for the Great North Run. I
wanted to do this race as my first half marathon as I have been watching
it on the box for so long and have heard all the stories about the
brilliant atmosphere. I didn’t get in through the usual ballot method
so I decided to race for a hospice charity in memory of my mum. My
preferred hospice in Hereford (St. Michaels) didn’t have any places so I
chose the national Help the Hospices organisation. I offered to raise
£250 for them and although they were looking for more like £550 they
eventually accepted my lowly pledge!
Through out all of my training I have been lucky to
have Lynne Park supporting and advising me and on the Wednesday training
evenings Carol Jones kindly (or sometimes not so kindly!) gave me a
separate session to do. Overall I was very pleased with my preparation
for the race and on the morning I felt that I was ready to go. We had
stayed overnight in Newcastle and so got to the race start in plenty of
time but spent most of the build up queuing in the cold for the loo. I
felt a bit emotional at the start but soon got caught up in the race
fever. I even forgot to look out for Sting so I must have been
concentrating hard! I set off at a good pace, felt comfortable with it
and able to keep it up. My starting zone was the 1hr 40 – 1hr 50 pace
so I didn’t really get held up by the slower runners and I tried to stay
strong and enjoy the experience. And what an experience it was, I loved
it! From beginning to end the support along the way was terrific and,
forgetting that I had my name on my shirt, I could have sworn there was
another Vicki behind me who everyone seemed to know! The hardest part
was mile 12 which was a long up-hill climb but once I reached the top
the view of the sea and the crowds below spurred me on and I was able to
cross the finish line in 1hr 49mins and 32 secs.
After the race I was well looked after at the Help
the Hospices marquee with food, drink and a very welcome massage. I am
proud to say that I will be able to pay them back with a cheque for
around £750 which has been achieved through donations, sponsorship and
various fund raising events. We then walked (or rather I limped!) to the
nearest pub showing the footie and topped off a brilliant day watching
Chelsea beat Spurs! Over the next few days my various aches and pains
were walked off in the Lake District and I am now waiting to hear if I
have got into next years Virgin London Marathon.
Whether I would be writing this if I hadn’t been
quite so happy with my time is a different matter but as I’ve done
something that I am pleased with then why not share it!!

FODAC News
Senior’s Round-Up
Chippenham
Half Marathon
Three veteran FODAC
runners joined the other 1373 runners in the recent, well-organised
Chippenham Half Marathon. The results were:
372 1:42:42 Chris
Moore (Vet Men 50-59) in 1:42:17
433 1:44:33 Mark Jeffries (Vet Men 40-49) in 1:44:17
552 1:49:42 Chris Hawkins (Vet Men 50-59) in 1:49:17
Multi-Terrain Races
Steve Cunliffe
competed in the Woodchester Park 8 on the 13th September, and
found his hill training in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley of
particular benefit towards the end of the race. This year saw course
records in both the men's and ladies' race from Matt Withey (47.26) and
Kate Goodhead (50.00) and there was a record field of 140 runners.
Steve summarised his
race as a bad start followed by a stonking finish! The first 2 miles is
heavily downhill and the terrain is rough. He spent most of the time
subconsciously protecting his foot and being overtaken. By the time he
got to the bottom of the hill he was in 35ish place but at least his
foot was still attached at the ankle. From here the course undulates up
and down the valley side and then turns and undulates upwards back to
the start. It's impossible to find a rhythm but attacking the hills
proved to be a sound tactic as the other runners tired. The hills helped
Steve right to the finish and by the line he had managed to move up to
an acceptable 14th place (2nd MV50) and a time of 57.31.
He followed this race
up with the Upton Bishop Big Dipper 5.6 on the 27th
September. He soundly approved of this race, which had some nice little
touches, like the free towel for all finishers and the excellent cakes
and tea at the finish! The race itself went well. Steve started slowly
like 2 weeks ago with about 25 runners in front of him at the bottom of
the first hill. Thankfully for Steve the hills come thick and fast, even
in the outward loop which is nominally downhill. Having said that it is
less demanding than Woodchester with maybe 150m climbing. He managed to
overtake runners on a regular basis up to the 5 mile mark at which point
the hills run out and it was a case of settling for what he had. Steve
finished in 13th place (2nd V50 – again!) in a time of 37.52.
Kim Mazzucca is off to
Hungary with her dog this weekend to compete in the Canni-Cross
Championships. All her colleagues at FODAC wish her well!
Swansea Bay
1k/3k/5k races, 27th September
14 Athletes
represented FODAC in the Swansea Bay 1k/3k/5k races. It was a
lovely day with a gentle trailing breeze – an ideal day for PBs.
The race runs along the seafront and it really suits both the
track and road specialists, so draws a highly competitive field.
Unlike his more
highly paid counterpart (who sits down to race – what effort can
that be?) our very own Jenson got on the rostrum in the under 8s
1k race. A 200m sprint battling with another athlete shows what
commitment and promise this young FODAC athlete might have. They
were side by side, but Jenson Coppen just dived at the line and
clinched it. In the 3k Emmett Thompson ran 20 seconds faster than
his PB (set indoors) he came flying down the finishing straight
trying to catch third, he missed out on a rostrum place by a
stride and was awarded the same time as the athlete who beat him.
The thing we should be most proud of is the results we got as a
club in the age group categories. See below:
1k
for age 7 and under (176 entries)
2nd 4m 19s Jensen Coppen (2nd 6 year old boy)
41st 5m 24s Lily Powell
1k for age 8 and over (121 entries)
69th 4m 47s Rebecca Madley
Race 3 : 3k (124 entries)
4th 10m 25s Emmett Thompson (1st in age group)
16th 11m 45s Andrew Evans (1st in age group)
18th 11m 49s Fen Madley (1st in age group)
24th 12m 17s Harry Powell (3rd in age group)
30th 12m 36s Sadie Melhuish (3rd in age group)
46th 13m 42s Laura Taylor (1st in age group)
52nd 13m 48s Tara Sladen (1st in age group)
Race 4 : 5k (34 entries)
8th 17m 08s Freek van Arkle (3rd in age group)
17th 19m 40s Dominic Corbett
21st 20m 15s Herman Sasha (The evil nemesis of our own
Sasha Hermann)
32nd 30m 43s
Edmund Evans
27 Sep
2009 - Dave Hughes Memorial Aquathon
Katie and
Harriet Kearsey took part in the Dave Hughes Memorial Aquathon
at Monmouth School's sport club.
In the 9 year
olds and under category they had to swim 50 metres, go through
transition and then straight into a 1.25K run.
Katie (8yrs)
came 2nd in this group - 11mins.17secs
Harriet came
3rd in this group - 11mins.18secs.
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