Forest of Dean Athletic Club

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).

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 5^th 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 1^st 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

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 1^st girl and 5^th or 6^th 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 2^nd lady in 58:43 and Kim 3^rd in 1:00:07, 23rd and 29^th, 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!

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.

On May 23^rd 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.

Forest of Dean Athletic Club junior members Jensen and Harrison Coppen entered the Bromham 'May Mile' Children's races on Sunday 16^th 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).

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 230other 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 125^th and 140^th while in our M55-59 class we came in 6^th and 7^th.

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.

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.

Gloucestershire’s first "parkrun" was held on Saturday 24^th 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 1^st 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!

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 10^th 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!!

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.

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 213^th and 219^th overall respectively with M55 positions of 18 and 19

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!

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

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

Picture the inside of a car with parents and toddler driving across the Old Severn Bridge last Sunday.

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 6^th overall. A position thats very unlikely to be repeated in the foreseeable future. Another FODAC member, Chris Moore, came 5^th.

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.

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 12^th a number of members competed in the 3^rd 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: 69^th Vicki Morgan (40:13), 75^th Jackie Green (40:47) and 78^th Jenny Green (41:49). There were 96 finishers. The team finished 20^th overall and 12^th 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 17^th overall and were 11^th vet team.

The results were: 75^th Steve Cunliffe (45:08), 95^th Fred van Arkel (46:59), 112nd Walter Leach (49:06), 141^st Colin Baker (53.34), 148^th Chris Hawkins (54:34), 149^th Mark Jeffries (54.47) and 153^rd 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 4^th in 31:15 and Walter 24^th 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 3^rd in 30:47. First lady back was FODAC member Ann Nixon in 33:42 (9^th 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

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

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

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

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.

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 13^th 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 27^th 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 (2^nd 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!

RACE REPORTS

Busy Weekend for FODAC Athletes

FODAC News Senior’s Round-Up

Chippenham Half Marathon

Multi-Terrain Races

27 Sep 2009 - Dave Hughes Memorial Aquathon

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