Nice to Cannes Marathon

By Fi Towell 

 

Three months prior to race date a knee injury that made two miles impossibly painful considerably threatened my chances of making the start line in Nice. But 2 things (or rather two superhero people) helped make it happen:

  • Several wonderfully appropriate Sports Therapy sessions (plug for Carmel at the Sports Therapy Room in Leighton Buzzard)
  • A blank training schedule, lovingly prepared by the middle Mr Inchley, which hung on the back of the kitchen door as a constant reminder that a few missed weeks at the start and no tapering still made it possible to go the distance in the time available.

Not only did I make the start line, but I finished my first ever marathon too. And I have the tee-shirt and black toenail to prove it!

 

Dressed as Batgirl complete with cape and with bats in my hair, on my fingers and drawn on my face and with my fellow superhero chums, Superwoman, Wonderwoman and Catwoman we flew, spun, winged and rocketed our way down to breakfast at 5am with the Ethiopian and Kenyan Elite team who we shared our budget IBIS Hotel with. A few Hi-Fives and several photo calls later we charmed our way onto their bus to the start line. Lukas Kanda wanted his photo taken with the crazy Scottish ladies before he warmed up for his first marathon (much to his coach’s annoyance): read more

Luton Marathon

On Sunday morning, three LBAC members travelled to Luton for the marathon and 3-stage relay. Tom May was the only runner attempting the full distance, in his 13th marathon (he thinks) with this one being only 4 weeks after his impressive run in the notoriously tough Beachy Head marathon. Tom never intended to take this one quite as seriously and on the day he decided to help pace LFR's Marion Wright around the course, helping her go sub-4 with both of them crossing the line in 3:58:04. A great effort from our gallant club captain, he's available to hire for all your marathon pacing needs! read more

Watford Chiltern League

The club had a good turnout for Watford, for a race in ideal conditions around Cassiobury Park. Of note was the huge increase in ladies running this week for the club. They almost matched the men’s numbers with ten competing over the undulating course. Three runners making their club debut in the league were Kelly Paine, Janet Dashwood and Lorraine Mclean who will all undoubtedly learn how to run cross-country as the winter season goes on.

 

The juniors were down on team members from the first event, but those that ran had excellent races to help the points tally. The under 13 boys contested the first race featuring Leighton runners and Owen Drabwell and Sam Nicholas had a fantastic battle all the way round with Owen reversing the order from Luton and that continues a great competition going into the next round between these two. They finished 12th and 14th respectively, backed up by Patrick Clay and Henry Mead who both improved their league standing by at least 10 places to bring the team home in 6th place overall. read more

Raising Club Funds

Mark Sammons has secured a fantastic opportunity for us to raise funds for LBAC by nominating us as one of the local clubs at Waitrose in Leighton Buzzard. Every time you purchase something from Waitrose (no minimum spend) you are given a green token and can choose to place it in one of three local organisations. We are up against the Fun Runners and Crusaders swimming clubs. So support the club, start your Christmas Shopping early at Waitrose and let your friends and families know!

Lightning Strikes Twice!

As we drove into Mansfield early in the afternoon this Saturday at the beginning of November, the heavens opened. Last season, we had lots of cold races, but managed to stay dry through all of them. This was not going to be the case today. Seven intrepid runners from Leighton had made the trip up to Berry Hill Park for what is an excellent event attracting a wide range of athletes from all over the country. For the second year running, Leighton had pulled together both a men's and ladies team for the event. read more

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