We would like to thank all of you that attended the presentation and quiz evening on the 18th March it was a resounding success and all had a good time. There is a longer report in the main "News" section. Photos of the evening are in the "Gallery". Those of you that want copies of you receiving your awards with our very own European champion, please contact Mark Sammons.
Over the weekend our resident world number one, Gail went to the Masters National Championships at Lee Valley in North London. Having spent all winter traipsing through mud of various cross-country courses, it was a relief for her to be running fast around a track again.
On Saturday Gail ran in the 1500m which she considers a little too short but still won the W55 title by 14 seconds in 5.18 which equates to about a 5.50 mile. She claims she ran "like a headless chicken" but if that gets you national titles…..! On Sunday, 15 laps of 200m at 3.40mpk was the order of the day, but having burnt off all the opposition early on, Gail just missed out on her target time of 11.00 minutes for the 3000m. The 11.04 she actually clocked was still a British indoor record so not a bad day's work really!
Every year, Gade Valley Harriers from hemel Mempstead put on three training runs in the lead up to the London marathon, of 12, 17 and 20 miles. The idea is that you get to run in a decent group with lots of people, aiming for the same target. They are not races as there is no number, timing or results, but you do get tea and cake for your £5!
Of the seven people who went along this weekend for the 17 miles, only Pete, Fred and Amy are building up to a Spring marathon but it was ideal to get out and about with company. The route is generally rural after the first 3 miles along the canal towpath and involves a few nasty hills that really make you work hard, but as far as a training run goes it is ideal. If anyone is considering a marathon next spring then these runs are certainly worth considering and very well organised despite the deliberate informality.
Last Wednesday saw the remarkable running of the fifth Stag Trophy race of the season as ten out of the nineteen club members who ran set new personal best times.
On the night it was Jordan Clay, fresh from his run at the Nationals at Alton Towers, who smashed his previous best by over forty seconds to come home first. The 25 points gained put him up to fourth place in the standings and he now has a good chance of a podium finish. Behind Jordan was Amy Inchley with another big PB. She is now regretting not doing any races early in the year as her two performances in February have yielded 49 points!
This cross-country race is so named because of the thigh deep streams that Bearbrook Joggers make you run through on your way around the course. Technically there were four club members who particpated in the event but they come from some very different perspectives.
Some of the more long standing members may know Mick Kelly, who dusted off his club vest to come home 29th out of over 300 people in the race which is approximately 6 miles. These days Mick looks out for off-road races around the country and goes off with his friend and fellow LBAC member, Dave Marham to compete around the country. On this occasion Dave was 51st in 45:44.
