The Soapbox Blog

Last Tuesday at the club I promised to send out an email to members about what was discussed at the HR committee meeting and the XC committee meeting.

Sorry it is Sunday evening, another weekend over, and I have not had time to put together a email, so here is the basic details, short and to the point, that will be a change ;-)

The HR committee meeting minutes are on the HR website blog.

The club will be going to the 10k race at Ickworth House on 28^th September see the notice board for more details. Web link to enter www.run10k.org/local

22^nd of July is the “across the bay race” order your fish and chips now please.

Sunday 13^th July is the club BBQ and Family Fun day; let us know if you are attending please. There will be things for every one to take part in, non runners and children as well, plus the regular game of rounder's.

Great Bentley has agreed to the annual inter club challenge being part of the Wix 5, more details later.

The club will pay for any member to do a level one coaching course, if you would like to do this let us know.

We voted not to move to the Rugby Club, if you want more details about this ask a committee member.

At the cross country meeting the following was decided, the scoring would be 8 men and 4 ladies, the adult race would start at 10.30 and the juniors at 11.30. Because of this Colin Keeble will not be able to take the juniors scores and entries, would some else be able to do this for the coming season because without Colin the juniors will not be able to run, - thanks.

No guest runners will be allowed to run; it will become a closed league, no new clubs. This means you must run in club colours or you will not count or be included in the scores.

Our race is on the 14^th December, more details later.

The rest of the date are:-

Witham 2^nd November.

Halstead 30^th November.

Hadleigh 4^th January

Ipswich 18^th January (New Venue at Martlesham)

Sprinfield 15^th February.

A really big thank you for making last Thursday’s 5k go well, the start and finish went like a dream.

VERY IMPORTANT this Tuesday we meet at Ramsey, we do not have use of the 1912 centre. The hall is at the top of Ramsey hill the car park is right by the traffic lights, the hall is at the back of the Church. The following week we meet at Great Oakley School for the annual summer handicap, (5 mile), you must be on my list to take part if you did not get the email last week contact me before next Sunday. Sorry you can not enter on the night.

Finally we have to start thinking about the Essex way, as I have mentioned, the ladies want to put in a team. Would any one be prepared to run a leg as a “buddy” with a lady runner, I don’t want ladies out there on their own.  If you can help please talk to me, thanks.

See you Tuesday at Ramsey; sorry it is short, if you want more details on any of the above talk to me or a committee member.

Thanks

Peter G

Harwich Runners Committee Meeting –18/6/2008
 

PRESENT:

Kevin Bullock, Peter Gooding, Diane Warner, Dawn Miller, Roly Knott and Peter Clarke.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:  Dennis Warner and Mandy Hewitt

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING - Agreed.

TREASURERS REPORT

Presented by Dawn

Dawn reported that we had taken £ in triathlon entries and £306 form the 5K (floats to be deducted)
Dawn reported that we had paid out £60 for the guest coaches and £430 to England Athletics for individual membership
 The account balance stands at £ + £ in premium bonds
 

MATTERS ARISING

Website – Blog

Peter G said he had asked Graeme if the Blog was now password protected

Roly reported that the Blog is being filtered by Graeme

Birthday Cards

Roly suggested that we return to the old style of hand made cards because the cost of cards was becoming an issue. Peter G said he would try to find the templates used in the past.

Club Banner / Flag

Diane provided the committee with two costing for the club banner, following a short discussion Peter Clarke agreed to order the banner for the club.

Club Away Day Race

Peter G suggested that the club promote the ‘Ickworth House’ 10K on Sun 28th September as the club away day run. The run is for Cancer research and entry fee is £19.50. Peter G will announce this on Tuesday.

Track Event

Peter G informed the committee that Matt Knowles had expressed an interest in arranging a track event. Peter C suggested possibly an inter-club challenge with Bentley. Roly agreed he would assist Matt with the organisation if there was enough interest. Peter G said he would canvass interest on Tuesday.

Tendring Way

Diane informed the committee that she had sent an email to Pat Cooper on 30th May giving our full support to the Tendring Way project.

Triathlon

Diane reported that everything was well under way for the weekend.

Family fun day- Family fun day and BBQ on the same day Sunday 13th July from 2:00pm Diane has booked the Navigator Hall for this day. Diane is to order the food from Page’s butchers.

Rugby Club / 1912 centre

Each committee member was given the opportunity to air their views on the possible change of venue with lengthy discussions on the implications of the move. After hearing everybody’s views including those of club members via email the committee voted not to change the Tuesday venue.

X-Country League

Peter G canvassed the committee’s views on proposed changes to the league for the 2008/2009 season. It has been proposed that Pool A should have 8 men and 4 women in their team to score and Pool B require 6 men and 3 women. Peter C was opposed to having two sets of rules in the same league and Peter G and Elspeth said they would put his views across at the meeting. The committee agreed in principle to trial having the junior race after the adults this season.

Peter asked Roly if he could suggest some dates for our X-Country this year and it was suggested that any Sunday between 23rd Nov and 21st Dec should be OK.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Massage

Dawn suggested we buy Angie some flowers as a thank you for her services at the club these past weeks. Diane agreed to purchase some flowers.

5K Series

Kevin asked if we could make a few changes to make the 5k run more smoothly. He asked if there could be some sort of holding pen for the starters. Also Kevin felt the finishing funnel needed to be shorter with more people moving down the line handing out the discs 10 or 20 at a time.

Camping Weekend

Peter G said that Gary Donoghue will be drawing up a set of guidelines for the camping weekend prior to next year’s trip.

Absent friends

Diane is to contact Val Goddard, Anna Anderson and Martyn Patterson as we have not seen them at the club for a while.

Internal League

Peter G reminded the committee that the 4th 5K is part of the internal league and has asked for a list of marshals to allot points.

Cross the Bay

22nd July is the cross the bay race, Diane agreed to put up a notice for fish and chips and take orders.

Runners of the Month for May –  TBA

Next Meeting 8pm Wednesday 23rd July at Kev’s.

After that meeting Sept 3rd at Roly’s

Thank you for a great race we all enjoyed it

Thanks very much for all your hard work in organising the triathlon – I think all in all we enjoyed the experience - roll on next year!?!

 :-)
 

Great race, thanks to you and your team for organising it.

Just wanted to thank you for making the Sprint so much fun yesterday. It was my first triathlon, and I couldn't have wished for a better introduction to the sport.

The organisation was brilliant, the atmosphere friendly and welcoming, the marshalling faultless and the route superb. I surprised myself with my time in the end!

I was cheered on by my family, none of whom had been to anything like this before, and they all commented on how friendly and well planned it was.

I hope the Olympic event has gone just as well today. I'm now looking to step up to the bigger distance myself at Gosfield next month after yesterday went so fantastically. Perhaps I'll be competing on the Sunday at Harwich this time next year!

Again, many thanks to both of you and to all the people at Harwich Runners, plus all the friendly marshals around the course, for making it such an enjoyable event.

Just a quick message to say congrats for a very successful weekend - great race, fab food & a good crowd!  It must have been a huge feat of organisation - well done to the whole team!

Good to see the Olympic race went ahead

Just a quick email to thank you and all those involved with the weekend's events for organising such a fun and smooth running show, well done!  I will keep an eye on your website and look forward to visiting the Harwich Runners again.

Once again thank you for yesterday, was a great day, and I was so impressed with all the organisation of the event and will see you next year or at other events maybe.

Just to say thank you for running such an enjoyable event - Spring
Tri 21st June 08 - my first triathlon and I really enjoyed it and learned a
few lessons too!

 
A quick note really to thank you and Harwich Runners for a great race on Saturday. It was fantastically organised, and brilliantly marshalled throughout, I enjoyed the afternoon tremendously. Now starting preparation for next year.
Also - a personal thanks for sending that drop-out email to all the start list, that enabled me to move off waitlist and get a race, I wish all Tri organisers would do that.

Many congratulations on the races this weekend, both the course and atmosphere were great.

I just did the sprint tri and thought the event was amazing and very well organised.   Thanks

Congratulations to you on laying on a great race yesterday, your first Olympic distance. I think the consensus in the field was that it was a spectacular success, so credit to you all for your hard work.
The real plus points for me were the excellent swim course, which gave good sighting and felt like a safe place to swim. It was the right decision to retain the swim and a sensible one to alter the course as you did. The rescue boating / canoe lead out and safety was the best I've seen.
The bike course was very well marshalled by people that knew what they were doing and all were polite. The course was really sporting and interesting to ride on, I would not change it, and hope you use the same course again.

Very, very enjoyable event. Great cycle route.

Thank you for an excellent race on Saturday and congratulations on your success.

 
A quick note, really to thank you and Harwich Runners for a great race on Saturday. It was fantastically organised, and briliantly marshalled throughout, I enjoyed the afternoon tremendously. Now starting preparation for next year.
Also - a personal thanks for sending that drop-out email to all the start list, that enabled me to move off waitlist and get a race, I wish all Tri organisers would do that.

Very tough yesterday but great race.

Very very enjoyable event. Great cycle route.

Great event on Sunday. Found it very tough and assumed my time was terrible however on reading results everyone else obviously struggled as well.

Thanks for the race on Sunday, considering the wind it was great to still swim, many I'm sure would have turned it into a duathlon.

Thanks guys for a really enjoyable and well marshelled race.

Well done on the event, I thought it was all supremely well organised and the marshalling/support was pretty fantastic.

just to say a big thaks to you and yuor team for a really fun day. well organised and really friendly with excellent marshalls. I am going to suggest we make it a cambridge tri club champ race next year as a new one to try!

I really enjoyed the event with a lovely course.
The swim was great fun. I couldnt see the bouy ( or the lighthouse!) whilst swimming but we know that was down to the conditions. I am glad that you included the swim and didnt revert to a duathlon. Well done.

Just to say how much I enjoyed the Olympic triathlon, well done! I thought it was nice and relaxed with friendly marshals etc.

Thanks for running a great event. I was there on both days, and everyone I spoke was complementary about the course and organisation. From my point of view, the marshalling on the bike course was excellent.

Harwich Runners Committee Meeting –30/4/2008
(Minutes taken by Dennis Warner)

Diane on holiday again!!

PRESENT:

Kevin Bullock, Peter Gooding, Dennis Warner, Dawn Miller, Mandy Hewitt and Peter Clarke.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:  Diane Warner and Roly Knott,

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING - Agreed.

MATTERS ARISING 

Summer training
The venue for the training at Ramsey needs to be clarified as it is not the same location as previously used. Some members are under the impression that it is the memorial hall at the bottom of the hill.

New Club Kit
Graeme has ordered new club tights.

Rounder equipment is to be purchased. Peter C said he would undertake this task.

Round Norfolk Relay
Kevin reported that it is not likely we will secure a place on the RNR. So we have withdrawn our application.
 

TREASURERS REPORT
Presented by Dawn

Dawn reported the account balance stands at £x

Graeme has purchased an additional £1,000 of Premium Bonds on behalf of the club.
 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

5K Series
Diane is to write to Jim and thank him for all his hard work ensuring that the results system is now much improved and less labour intensive.
It was noted that the start date for the 5k series has gradually crept earlier each year. To ensure that late finishers would not be running in the dark it was agreed that next years 5k initial race would be scheduled for a week later that this years start date.

Websites
The blog is now posted on the website. However, it is not yet password protected. It was agreed to ask Graeme to action this.

Family fun day- Peter Clarke and Carol Cordwell to arrange
It was ageed that the club would combine the Family fun day and BBQ on the same day. Sunday 13th July. Diane is to book the Navigator Hall for this day.

Trail Race
The date for the trail race was set as Sunday 24th August. Further details to follow.

Summer Club Handicap
The date was set for Tuesday 8th July at the normal venue, Great Oakley school.

Birthday Cards
Needs to buy further birthday cards.

Halstead Marathon Drinks Station
It was agreed that we would promote the club at the drinks station we had agreed to man. Elspeth, Roly and Paul McClelland would co-ordinate this task.

Club Banner / Flag
It was agreed that it would be nice if the club had some means to promote the Harwich Runners ‘brand’ at races. Committee members would check out costings and report back.

Runners of the Month for April – Ann Pearsey and Nicola Andrews.

Next Meeting 8pm Wednesday 11th April at either Roly’s or Mandy’s.

PRESENT:

Diane Warner, Kevin Bullock, Peter Gooding, Roly Knott, Graham Knott, Dennis Warner

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:  Dawn Miller, Mandy Hewitt and Peter Clarke

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING - Agreed.

MATTERS ARISING

Summer training

It was reported that for 4 weeks in July when we were unable to use the 1912 meeting hall, we would meet at Ramsey on training nights and do some cross country circuits.

New Club Kit

Graeme reported that he had located a supplier for some club kit (running tights) and asked permission to purchase samples. The committee agreed he should go ahead and co-ordinate with Dawn quantities and sizes required.

Club Flask – Roly said that he has the club flask if anybody needs it.

TREASURERS REPORT

Presented by Peter Gooding in Dawn’s absence

• Dawn reported the account balance stands at £
• £4,671.00 was from triathlon money.
• Over £2,014.00 in membership fees

Expenditure this month was £200 deposit for the camping weekend and £173 to repair the angle grinder Justin Burls was using to make the racking for the triathlon.

It was brought to the attention of the committee that at the AGM we had agreed to purchase a further £1,000 in premium bonds, to date this had not been done and Graeme offered to purchase them on the club’s behalf.

There has been a request for the purchase of rounders equipment for the club. The committee agreed that a rounders set should be purchased for use at the camping weekend, BBQ and family fun day.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• Norfolk Relay

Kevin reported that he had been unable to secure a place for Harwich Runners in this event this year; when he phoned all the places had already been booked. Kevin said we were on the reserve list in case any teams pulled out.

• Email Contact List

It was reported that the members email contact list is now functioning again. Diane agreed to email Graeme an up to date list of members email contact details.

• 5K Series

Roly reported that everything was in place for the 5K series.

Jim has written new software and this would be trialled before the first event on a club night. Elspeth has the prizes in hand. Unfortunately, Roly and Elspeth have been unable to find anybody to take over the organising of the 5K Series.

• Websites

Graeme congratulated Peter on the success of his blog site for the Harwich Runners. Graeme asked if the blog page could be integrated into the main website as he felt all Harwich Runners information should be in one place. A lengthy discussion ensued between all committee members and eventually the committee voted for the blog to be a part of the main Harwich Runners website.

• Internal League

Peter Gooding reported that he had been updating the Internal League but noted that the race headings were missing on the website. Graeme agreed to look into it.

• Race Promotions

Peter Gooding reported that there had been comments from some members that they were unaware of forthcoming events/races. Dennis said that all main events are posted on the website; his boards are updated and available for viewing each Tuesday night and the folder is always available for other events. Peter Gooding said he would announce races each week and remind everyone to check the boards.

• Aquathon/Triathlon

Dennis has arranged for East Essex Tri club to attend the aquathon. He is also in negotiations with Dorset cereals for supplying cereal bars for the goody bags for the triathlon.

• Social Events

Peter Gooding reported that following the suggestions for social events people have been volunteering to organise them.

Family fun day- Peter Clarke and Carol Cordwell to arrange

Treasure Hunt – John Gibson has agreed to arrange this

Hash – Graeme said he would arrange this

Trail Race –Roly said he would organise this one

Social Run & pub lunch – Roly volunteered Elspeth to organise this

Disco –

BBQ – to be discussed at the next meeting

• Christmas Presentation Evening

The Navigator Hall has been booked for the presentation evening on 5^th December.

Next Meeting 8pm Wednesday 30^th April at Dawn’s

Meeting closed at 10:00pm

Dear All

It is a bit like the Rocky films, they go on and on and on !!! And lets face it , they get worse.

I shall be brief..............(Bondy says that would be a first !! ) We are currently in 'sunny' Sydney, enjoying the company of the very famous David Andrew Wareham MBE !! The weather is s**te, however the views are spectacular .

Things have cooled down as we moved through the centre and now down to Sydney. Which should acclimatise us nicely for coming home. I managed to get Tanya camping out under the stars again in Alice.....I'll make a boy scout out of her one day!!!!
We both managed an hour in the gym this evening, neither of us looked pretty by the end of it, so coming back to HR on Tuesday night should be interesting. Whilst holidaying beer and food have taken priority over exercise!
Enough from me, take care Bondy x

PS I'm not giving the keyboard back to Tanya so you don't have to put up with anymore of her rambling wiffle.

See you all on our return,
Tanya & Bondy

Dear All
 
We are safe n sound in Alice Springs after a fantastic journey on The Ghan train.
 
We met some top people on our trip to KAKADU and had to join them for a beer or 3 .......................
 
One week left to go and we will be back in blighty.........leave the country now as I have 600 photos to show you all!!!
 
I thought dinner at mine in stages(book  your table now!!) with the DVD playing in the background. Bondy has taken about 5 so you may want to book in to go to hers !!!
 
Flying back to civilisation on Wednesday...bugger !! Better shave my legs and wash my smelly socks, must go I will have to try and catch my feral socks, last seen trying to strangle the American woman in our dorm.
 
G'day and G'bye !!!

Tanya  x 

Dear All
 
A quick update.
 
Karijini National park was awesome, Tanya almost overcame her fear of snakes....but not of climbing strange rock formations...she opted for the swim....it wasn't until after we'd left the park that we showed her the photos of snakes in the water!!!!
Last official night of the tour was at 80 mile beach sleeping out in our swags under the stars....again some creepy crawly traumas for some....not for me too much beer to worry about bugs!!
Then our final night was in Broome which has to be the hottest place on the planet, but does have a fantastic beach if you don't mind the jelly fish....another of T's concerns.....are you sensing a theme!!!!!
Now in Kununurra where I shall hand you over to Tanya....Laters, Bondy x
 
From Camels to Bungles..........yes George and Zippy too in the guises of our two Purnululu guides. After having survived the heat and jellyfish of Broome. A one hour flight over the Ord river seemed like a breeze until I saw the size of the minute plane........
 
Panic !!!! No change there then, however it was well worth it........words will not do it justice so I will suffice to say AWESOME !!!!!! and more.
 
Off for a beer to contemplate the 12 hour journey to Darwin.
 
Di- I am running in the morning.
Lee-Bondy is brown (ish)
Paul- there are a few fish here and no snow
Fliss- I am joining you on this leg of your world tour !!
All-peace and happines (accompanied by the sound of Bondy sticking her fingerrs down her throat )
 


Tanya  x

Dear All
We have had a bloody interesting week since we left Blighty.
From Cyclones to pristine white beaches.The West coast of Oz is stunningly beautiful and has one of the lowest rainfalls in the whole country, HOWEVER on day 3 we had enough rain to keep the state going for a whole year, it pissed down big rain. There was a cyclone passing over to say hello.We have met a fantastic group of people from Japan tp Australia. Young and old, most of whom love a beer !! Rock On !!We have met the loudest, most raucous Aussie woman you could meet and a man who has a piercing in a place that would make all of you men CRY !!!
We are going BUSH tomorrow, and that means camping with creepie crawlies !!and you all know how much I am going to enjoy that.........NOT !!! Grinning and bearing it, at least I am not at work.
We have run twice....................SWEATY !! Yuck.
Special mention to Colin and Miranda with their preparation. Go Harwich runners.
To the rest of you not mentioned.Lots of Love from a pink and slightly frazzled me.XXXX
P.s. I cant reply to individual responses, but keep em coming.
It is good to hear from you.
Tanya x

Sarah B and Tanya are on holiday down under in Oz, here is the first report from them:-

Just wanted to say 'hi' and let you and the gang know we have made it safely to the land down under. Haven't managed to get Tanya running yet but we did cycle approx 15miles today round Rottnest Island which is just off the coast of Perth.
Weather here is fantastic, blue skies and glorious sunshine. We hear you've got snow!!!

Sarah

PS Some great ideas for social events, all sound good to me.

This is the kind of suggestions I have received so far to develop the clubs social side. They are mostly things we have done in the past. I don’t know why we have stopped. I have received the criticism that we only organise things that involve swimming or cycling or both these days, which was maybe a bit harsh, but was it true. I argued that the link up with the swimming club has brought us new members
Should we be considering getting back to our “roots”. Your views before Wednesday would be welcome. Thanks

1. A Disco like Mandy’s party, but not before a race day, I have two offers from people willing to organise this.

2. Summer family fun day with egg and spoon race, three legged, obstacle course, relays etc, like we used to have, we have a lot of members with young children that might enjoy this.

3. Treasure Hunt on bikes, running or in cars, not all at the same time

4. Ten Pin bowling, would the club be able to pay the deposit?

5. Choose another race that can be used as a day out now the heritage trail is out (one where people have a walking option would be ideal).

6. A Hash Run, how many years is it since we did one of these.

7. I assume we still have the BBQ.

8. Have a day where they all meet somewhere and run as a club not a race? Somewhere nice in the country.

9. Get the club to buy their own rounders equipment.

10. What happened to the large flask things, we purchased, they would have been handy at the end of last weeks Cross-country.

11. A Quiz Night.

What a result, third overall, with a weakened and hung over team.
We went to the Witham race missing scorers, Becky and Matthew who have had to pull out of this year’s London Marathon due to injury, (Becky) and illness, (Matthew). Steve C who is on holiday, and Graeme and Kate H who were committed to another race. All of these have been important in getting the club into the promotion position.
I also expected Mandy’s party last night, to have an affect on the results after watching some of the performances there. So much so that at about 12.15 I said let’s just not bother to turn up tomorrow as we are already promoted. Alcohol is not meant to be a pre race drink !! Jason dancing YMCA or the Birdie song is not a pre race warm up or stretching routine. Eating as much of the left over buffet between midnight and one o clock is not carbo loading. But we did have a good night and I am glad it went well for Mandy. How some of the men’s team ran so well today will always be a mystery to me. How Jason, Sam and Jonathan had their best run of the season I will never understand. Next year it will be a party the night before every race.
Seventeen members achieved their best position of the season today. Elspeth, who was reported in the press as being “team captain”, which surprised Elspeth possibly more than her team mates, has improved throughout the season. From forty fifth at the first race, to her best position of twenty third today. I thought Jo was really brave to run her first ever cross country today in those conditions. Colin K made a massive move up the field from one hundred and seventy third at an earlier race up to one hundred and twenty seventh today.
So the end of another Cross Country season. Arguably the best for the club since the league began in 1986. Promoted back to Pool A, twenty two points clear of the second club in Pool B and eleven points ahead of the third team in Pool A, Colchester Harriers.
Will I miss going to the races? Well I won’t miss feeling like I am asking for a contribution to the Tory party’s campaign to get Jeffery Archer back as an MP when I ask some people for their entry fee. I won’t miss writing out a personal cheque for sixty four pound for thirty two members who have run to find I only have Fifty nine pound in the bag. I won’t miss waiting till gone one o clock for the results, whilst most of you are at home eating your Sunday lunch in the warm. I won’t miss getting freezing cold and wet, (today) taking the scores and trying to keep the score sheet dry whist taking the times. I won’t miss feeling as popular as a pork pie at a Jewish wedding when I keep begging you to turn out and run, (again). And I won’t miss trying to think of something to say after the race.
So you may ask why do I keep doing it, because the good times, the “highs” by far out weigh the lows. Although I can’t get out there and run with you I can still feel a part of the best little, (promoted) club in the world. When I see one of you have a good run, like when Becky finished at Hadleigh, you could see and feel how good it was for her. To be a part of a club that is good enough to attract new members as good as Sarah F and Becky. Sometimes one of you will say something, which may not mean a lot to you but it means a lot to me. For example, Colin K said today your hill training is working, that hill was not so bad today, thank you Colin. Seeing you do well makes me feel good to be a member of Harwich Runners. To see Peter C back running races, and Elspeth keeping going and improving throughout the season. Seeing Dennis and Martin smiling whilst running, (enjoying it?), Miranda sprinting to the finish line. Seeing Matthew reap the benefits of hard training and seeing Jason back, when Jason is fit, he is such a strong runner. Being part of a club that has members as good as Graeme and Steve C who are up there with the best in the field. To see some one like Sam who joined as a junior and is now well up with the scorers. To see you all work so hard and pull together to put on our own race again. A race that received a lot of praise thanks to your hard work. To see people join as non runners and complete a race like Alice and Caroline did at our race. And now to see Group four members become competitors, ….runners, and yes… racers as Sarah B, Trudy and today Jo did. Yes it is hard work some times but yes it can be worth it, even if it is only now and again and I think that is what keeps us going, the one or two good times that come now and again, they make it all worth it.
Thank you all for making it worth it for me, you have made the promotion possible you have earned the place in Pool A and you will keep us there, well done every one and thanks again.

News on the London Marathon coach: I have had confirmation from Lyn at Gt Bentley that
Harwich Runners have 9 places on the coach. As I am having to defer my entry
until next year (hamstring ligament and lower back misalignment has knocked
my 20+ mile training runs on the head for the next couple of weeks!), this
means that the following have places on the coach:
Miranda + 1
Paul Mac
Matt K
Colin K + 4
Although I am no longer travelling up on the coach, I don't mind continuing
to act as go between for those that are. Lyn would like the money over the
next couple of weeks if poss, so if those that have a place can bring their
tenners along to club over the next couple of weeks, I can sort out passing
it on.

London Marathon 2009:
Early, I know, but I just wondered if people were aware of the change in the
ballot entry system that will be taking place for next year's race?
Apparently, the only way to secure a ballot entry for 2009 will be to enter
online at www.london-marathon.co.uk . The tricky bit is that entries open at
12 noon on Sun 13th April 2008 (raceday), while some no doubt will be in
London watching or helping with the race! Once the 120,000 entry limit has
been reached, entires will close, so it's estimated that the entry window is
likely to only be open for a few hours. Just a thought for those who are
watching the race this year and fancy giving it a go...get in quick!


Becky

The committee met on Wednesday 20th of March, here are some of the things decided.
The winner of this years Internal league will receive a fifty pound sports shop voucher as well as the usual trophy. Check out the club web site for details of how the league works, if you have any questions ask me or a committee member.
The club will pay for the hire of the track on Easter Monday (24/03/08) so there will be no cost to club members, and no excuse not to attend. The session will be from 10am to 11.30 am; those present will be split into groups of similar ability.
A Ladies night out is being arranged for 14th March, places are limited so book your place now. I also have a volunteer to organise a Men’s night out at an Indian in Thorpe, watch out for details.
The club has offered to man a drinks station at the Halstead Marathon on 11th May; we have been given five free entries for the race. If any one would like one see me, any not taken by mid April I will auction on EBay to raise money for the club ;-)
The date has been set for the popular Wix 5, (19th October), Jonathan and Gary have already started making arrangements to make this year the best yet.
At the AGM we updated you on the progress towards looking for a new venue for the club to meet. In the last month we have turned down one offer and are looking at another possibility, so it has not been forgotten about.
We are going to see if we can meet at the Ramsey hall for four weeks during the summer so that we have a change of training routes, more details later.
The 5k entry fee will remain unchanged again this year which must make it one of, if the, cheapest race in the area.
The date of the Christmas presentation/dinner has been set for 5th December, it will be along the same lines as last year only better. We have listened to your feedback and are making the arrangements as you have requested.
Keep filling in the suggestion slips we do read them all and discuss them, thank you.

Peter, and all fellow Harwich Runners.

Just to say another Thank You, for the lovely vase of flowers and chocolates I received on behalf of Harwich Runners yesterday. I was very touched. My op got delayed I had it on Valentines Day instead. I had healed so well that bone had grown around the screws and they would have had to fracture my jaw in order to get the screws out so they have left them in. I have had all the metal work now removed from my lower jaw I am still wearing the braces though. I am very swollen bruised and tired at the moment but when I am up to it I need to run. Once again many thanks.


Louise

Today was the fifth race in the 53-12 cross country series, one race to go.
In the senior race there was more competitors than at the last race at Ipswich. Today 77 ladies and 159 men took part. We fielded 11 ladies and 22 men who all finished despite the ditches. The number of ditches was a topic discussed at length whilst we waited for the results. Although no one could be certain how many there was it was agreed that there was at least ten and maybe as many as fifteen. I thought but did not dare say it that maybe the spectators should pay for the entertainment of watching the runners try to cross the ditches and the runners take part for free……….
The weather was more like a warm late spring day rather than early February. On the way home Paula and I recalled days in Hylands Park, in the past, when the ground has been frozen solid, covered in snow or pouring with rain, but never sunny. Maybe there is a plus side to global warming after all.
We had four juniors running today and two of them won prizes, Luis was forth overall and third in his age. Kayleigh was 53rd finisher and forth in her age. Luis had to rush away as he was playing football, (oh to be young and fit again).
Some members managed to improve on their last race despite the larger field, so they must have ran well.
Jonathan improved from 82 to 79; Julian has done three races and improved from 179 to 149 then up to 132 today.
Ian could not find the venue, went to a number of places in the park got stuck in mud, (in his car), finally made it to the start line, and finished as our eighth man in 76th.
Marc D was really pleased to find he was our seventh finisher and had made the team; Marc improved from 72 at Ipswich to 64th today.
Colin K looks like the marathon training is paying off, Colin ran his first Half Marathon last Sunday, then did seven on Monday, and a hard work session Tuesday with G4. He has lost weight and tells me he has not had a drink since Christmas. Today Colin improved from 173 at Harwich to 157.
For me one of the most exciting finishes was Sam, he came over the hill with a number of runners in front of him, he moved over to the outside and sprinted for the line passing a number of runners from other clubs, finishing in 47th place.
Before the race “her who must be obeyed” said you must not let Glyn run today he is not over his injury. Glyn begged to be allowed to run, forcing his entry fee on me. After a lot of arguing and at great risk to my health I excepted his money and allowed him to run. Glyn improved on his Halstead run of 141 to 112 today. Roly also has only run one earlier race (Halstead) he improved from 134 to 126.
Jeff has been unwell and missing since Halstead where he finished 158, today Jeff moved up to 138.
Becky was again our first lady home in 13th. After the race she was somewhat disappointed with her position, but as I said to her considering how many marathon training miles she is running it is amazing that she is turning out for us and doing so well.
The only lady to have improved today was Elspeth; in four races she has improved in each one from 45th to 39th, then to 37th and up to 36th today.
I was really impressed to see two Goddesses running today. I could understand if they had chosen to run at Witham, but Springfield…..why? Didn’t any one warn you what it is like, really well done to Trudy, Sarah and of course Claire W for deciding to have a go and sticking at it right to the bitter end. You all received the biggest cheer and applause when you finished.
The final score was the ladies came third and the men forth, giving the club a score of seven, the same as Colchester Harriers. This means your position is decided by the finish positions of your runners, Harwich scored 336 but Colchester scored 316 so they got third place and we had to settle for forth.
You may have already worked out that we cannot be caught in the final race and are assured promotion and I hope you are not thinking we do not need to turn up for the last race. This is not the Harwich way.
I would like to see just for one race us get every one out, field our strongest team this season, show the other clubs what they will be up against next year.
In the past we have been promoted then next year relegated straight back down. At the moment we are beating four of the teams in the A pool, lets keep it that way, show them we can finish third or maybe second in the A pool next year.
This is our year; other clubs are commenting to me how well we are doing this year.
Lets all go to the last race and show them just how good we can be. Come to the last race, wear you club colours be part of the wining team. In years to come you to can say I was part of the team that won pool B and beat ………. Clubs in pool A in 2008.
You have all worked hard for your place come and be part of it.

Thanks for turning out again today well done every one.

Another full week for the best little Running Club in the world, (probably).
After a good showing at the Bentley Half Marathon last Sunday, with a number of members running PB’s and a new club record from Elspeth, you may expect a easy nights training on Tuesday.
No Way, club coach Peter C cracked the whip and sent every one out on a hard session.

Elspeth and Carol’s group of enthusiastic beginners seems to attract new members almost weekly and it looks like at least two or three of them are capable of moving up to Group 4.

The Goddesses have cranked the training up a notch with the aim of achieving PB’s in the 5k series.
They all responded well with Claire G and Colin K leading in the reps and everyone giving 101%.
The other groups were all training as hard; at least three times we heard the thunder of feet coming up behind us as the “Gazelles” flew past us.
Then after the training how many clubs can say they have pancakes to eat……….thanks to Diane who cooked about 70 for us.
Thursday’s “chat and jog” session for the Goddesses remains popular with nine members turning up this week. The weather must have been the best we have had since we started training on Thursdays.
We noticed a lot of members of the other groups were out training together, getting worried maybe?
One thing that was talked about whilst running was a ladies night out; speak to Claire G or Diane for more details.
To finish the week we look forward to another good result at Springfield on Sunday. Whilst we are missing four members who have scored at earlier races this season, (Claire B, Mark R, Mark D and Peter C) we have Jason, Graeme, and Kate H back. Maybe we can get a full team out for the last race at Witham in March.
Finally we have offered to man a drink station at the Halstead Marathon in exchange for five free entries for the race, so if you fancy a marathon in May let me know.

I am going away for a week after the cross country on Sunday so don’t be surprised if I don’t reply to any emails you may send me.

Here are the results from the Bentley Half, for a full report as submitted to the local press by Peter C, go to the club web site www.harwichrunners.co.uk
Look under Events.

67th Paul McClelland 1.25.03
139th Peter Clark 1.30.40
140th Mark Doyle 1.30.43
145th Becky McCorquodale 1.31.03 (pb by over 5 and half mins!)
226th Sam Matthews 1.35.43 (pb)
268th Steve Burbidge 1.38.04 (pb)
288th Kate Thomas 1.39.04
302nd Dennis Warner 1.39.54
359th Glyn Peck 1.43.39 (1st MV65+)
373rd Jonathon Burls 1.44.03
479th Elspeth Knott 1.50.18 (it looks like she was the FV55 County Bronze winner on the results)
516th Carla Holroyd 1.51.54 (pb-old pb was 1.54+)
551st Val Goddard 1.56.40
603rd Bob Rowles 1.58.26
615th Julian Cordwell 1.58.58
622nd Miranda Rayner 1.59.33 (pb-first time sub 2 hrs I think!)
812th Colin Keeble 2.37.07 (pb)

Tonights training for the main group is intervals so we will be doing simular.
Intervals are usually, run a set distance, recover for a predetremined time, repeat for a set number of times. As you improve you reduce the recovery and try to run the distance in the same time. There is a number of other variations that can be used but this is the basics.

But I believe the Goddesses run better and work harder when in a team, we will use the following format.
We will split into teams of three and do the intervals as a relay, this way your recovery will be whilst you are waiting for your turn to run.
Hope that makes sense, full details on Tuesday after a warm up jog.

PeeGee
"Leader of the pack"

No training for Diane this weekend, Diane was up all night Friday acting as birthing partner to her daughter. The result was a eight pound granddaughter, congratulation Diane and Kelly.

Sophie had sent me details of a web site for runner that helps you work out how far you have run if you don't have a Garmin.
Looks quite good.

Hi Peter! Found this really good website that you might want to pass on. Its www.mapmyrun.com. You have to type in the name of the area you're running in eg. Harwich, Essex, England and you can do a sort of dot to dot of your planned run and it then tells you the distance covered. Anyway thought it might be useful for other runners! Sophie

And a message from Louise, who we have not seen for a while.

Just a short note to say thank you for my card that was sent on behalf of Harwich Runners.
I go in to hospital for my second op on Thursday the 7tth Feb. This will be a slightly less evasive op than the first no jaw breaking this time. Just metal work and screws to be removed which will probably be just as painful and awkward. I have really missed running and feel so unfit. When I am feeling more like it I will be back. Looks like everyone been running really well on the cross-country’s etc.

All the Best Kind Regards Louise

And preliminary report from Peter C on the Bentley Half Marathon.

Well the race got off to a false start! A group of us HR standing together
reckoned it was Paul's fault. Anyway we finally got started surrounded by a mass
of runners, they must have had close to a thousand. It was actually a few seconds
before I started my watch as is took that long to get over the start-line.
It proved a good day for the Harwich women:
Becky smashed 5 minutes from her PB and was certainly pleased. 5 miles was in 34.30 perfect, 10 69.10 perfect and a new PB for her, thought we would crack 90,
but she ended with a massive PB of 91.05, I reckon the wind was worth 90 to 120
secs so the club record could go at some stage.
Kate I thought ran a blinder 1.38.58, I jogged back down the course and
Was amazed to see her so close to the finish ahead of Dennis, Jonathon. She is
following a new training schedule and it is clearly working.
Elspeth got a new club age record 1.50.18. Very good Harwich entry, other times:
Paul satisfied 1.25.03
Mark D 1.30.40 pleased
Gets a bit patchy from here
Sam roughly 1.34 or 1.35
Steve B 1.37?
Dennis 1.38?
Glyn 1.43.30
Jonathon 1.44.01
Bob 1.58.26
Julian inside 2 hours
Miranda 1.58
Carla 1.51
We saw Colin K finish as we left in the car, was I reckon outside 2.30, but good on him and there were people further down the road.
Personally I had a good morning, my race plan was always to follow Mark and
Becky and anybody else from the club who could go at the pace. I caught up Mark, Becky, Steve and Sam after the first mile and settled into the group. Steve and Sam were gone by mile 4, the pace was always well within my reach. This basically continued right through the race, good tempo but not really stretched. I tracked Mark in the last mile as we pulled away from Becky. Basically just pulled ahead of Mark in the last few hundred metres. 30 seconds the wrong side of 90 mins, which was the only down side of the morning. The positive was feeling strong all the way, off
a longest training run of 8 miles since the Tiptree 10. I could have certainly done 2 or
3 miles more, my decision now is wether to go for the Wymondham 20 in March.
Another 7 miles and perhaps another hour of running does seem a long way though.

Peter C
We will get a full report when the results are on the web site.

See you Tuesday

Another Thursday, another nights training for the Goddesses.

Whilst most of the country was safe indoor away from the bad weather and gale force winds, eleven, yes eleven Goddesses were out training.
Was Group Three indoors with a hot cup of Chocolate and wearing comfy slipper while we had our running shoes on.
Battling against gale force wind and waves crushing over the seawall the brave band of runners strode on into the night.
No time for chatting tonight we had to save our breath for running.
Fancy joining us, we meet 6.45 at the lighthouse on Thusday, plus more group training at the weekend.

Keep looking over your shoulder Group Three we are catching you................

Group Four does extra training............... watch out Group Three, we are catching you up, keep looking over your shoulder.

The Goddesses have started extra training on a Thursday evening. We meet at the lighthouse on the Dovercourt seafront for a easy jog at "chatting" pace. At the moment we are doing 2.5 miles on a flat route, we may up the miles later if we can think of things to talk about for that long!!

If any one wants to run in company on a Sunday or Saturday contact me and we will see what we can arrange.

Jog on

PeeGee

As you are aware I was unable to get to the club on Tuesday, (stuck in traffic) so as promised herewith details of what would have been announced.

Another fantastic result for the club at the cross country race on Sunday. We expected to be well down in the scoring as a number of members could not make the race, but everyone must have had a good run for us to finish forth and beating 3 of the pool A teams again.
Just look at how well every one did, (in no particular order)

Claire B into the top 20 and our third lady
Sarah improving from 19th to 12th her best ever, ( all from positions are from the first race unless otherwise stated)
Val our 5th lady from 39th to 34th
Mandy 69th at Hadleigh to 59th
Elspeth 45th to 37
Becky our first lady in 10th from 15th
Kate T our forth lady from 34 to 21
The ladies are carrying the men this year ;-)

Peter C our 6th man in 59th
Jonathan, (Mister roller coaster) 102 - 82 - 105 to 82 this week, keep them in the Eighties Jonathan, I think Jonathan is after the most improved next year.........
Steve our first man in 5th, great run Steve well done.
Ian our 7th man an improvement of 4 places to 74.
Gary 96 to 77
John Gibson has made big improvements at each race from 178 to 165 then 122
Richard ran his first XC at Hadleigh realised the need for suitable shoes and improved to 89th from 138
Sam was 65th at Hadleigh improved this week to 46th and was our 5th man.
Paul, (Mister consistent) 34-37-31 to 33
Tim 155 to 101, sorry I missed your finish time Tim
Bob has made vast improvements over the series from 175 to 119
Mark R was 50th at Hadleigh our 4th man this week in 42nd
Dennis another big improver from 135 right up to 81
Martin has also improved throughout the season from 169 to 114, (was it a PB Martin?)
Matthew 2nd man in 20th, another great run and an improvement from 32nd
Ashley 101 at Hadleigh 84th this week at Ipswich.
Well done every one.

I know that positions are effected by the course and the size of field so the really important judge of how you are doing is the Most improved Cross Country Competition, which is based on the size of the field and compared against last years positions.
So the top scorers on Sunday were
Kate T +22.1%
Claire B +6.1%
Elspeth +5.3%
Val +4.5%

Matthew +17.1%
Martin W +15.1%
Bob +14.5%
Jonathan +10.8%
Steve C +9.1%
Mark R +6.9%

+++++++++++++++