Running Carl

Roding Valley Half Marathon Report by Vicky Henderson.

Very late to the party but, I took part in the Roding Valley Half Marathon on Sunday 8th March It’s disappointing to see how numbers have dwindled over the years and I don’t think it’s anything to do with Covid-19, just a general decline in club racing at this particular race; as such, the quality wasn’t as high as some halves. I also suspect coming a week after the Essex 20 and the Big Half didn’t help their cause. Apparently back in the 90s, they used to get numbers of 1200, 2018 when I last took part there were just over 400 finishers and this year, 316 participants.

I had forgotten just how hilly this course is and believe there to be a hill in every mile and an extra one for good luck – not just the 3 or 4 I remember! This race starts and finishes on a track which I particularly like and consists of one small loop and two larger loops; the conditions were fair, little bit of wind but manageable.

I wasn’t really running with anyone but did try and keep a couple of blokes in sight. Towards the end, I was able to pull back one place but going downhill on the pavement, I thought a car was going to pull out on me so slowed, which annoyingly interrupted my rhythm and a guy came sprinting past me. I had borrowed a watch due to mine not having enough charge in it (left charger at home, school girl error) and whilst I was able to see splits, I didn’t actually have a clue what overall pace I was running at. I was pleasantly surprised when I came around the corner on the track and saw the clock in the 1.32s. Pleased to report that I finished 1^st lady in 1.32.27 – 17 seconds slower than my 2018 time (but quite consistent nonetheless!).

Weekly Review – Week Ending 12th April

We’re now 4 weeks into our extended training block and we’re showing no signs of fatigue as 95 of us ran 1,787 miles (20 more than last week) and 8 people managed a daily exercise on average and I’m sure there are a lot of fit (and tired) dogs out there at the moment.

We had an exercise class hosted by Andrew Wood to show some squats etc. And Jane Clarke (without Milly) did her second Thursday night exercise class and thankfully everyone heard her loud and clear. David Bethune even found a noisy friend on one of his daily exercise runs and named it Jane, although he wouldn’t confirm which Jane it was named for.

With many races cancelled, a large number are encouraging virtual running so Laura Midwinter did the virtual egg-cellent adventure 2020 in Barrow.

Michael Fisher (and Disco) did the virtual Sugarloaf 10K race in the Black Mountains of Wales.

Stewart Unsworth completed the (Nearly) Bowood (Pewsham Estate) 10K Fun Run.

There was also the Carrock Feel Loop virtual race with full results which penalised you for going too far (Chris Hunt) or too much ascent (David Mackie)

The backyard parkrun is also seeing a surge in popularity. Vicky took the bragging rights for the Henderson Lacock parkrun this week beating Stuart by 7 seconds and finishing first overall. At Gastard parkrun #3, Catherine Macbeth became the first ever female finisher (and course record holder) joining Richard Biggs (at a responsible distance).

And while there are no official races, you can always race others on Strava. Jake Gregory set himself a challenge, he was 6 seconds off the Run Pheasant Run Strava segment for his age group (20-24) and wanted to break it. Not only did he break it, he smashed it, the record was 3:51, Jake has taken it down to 3:29. So there’s a challenge if we have anyone else that young in the club. Although he didn’t beat my time on the Neston challenge yet!

David Mackie saw no reason that just because we couldn’t be together we should miss out on our full moon run, so on Wednesday evening he organised that we could all view the Rose Full Moon as it rose around 20:30, he said to go for a run or a walk or anything and just share the moon together while apart.

Natalie shared it with her daughter which would have been more difficult on a regular club night. Becky Townsend was at the top of Little Solsbury Hill near where she lives so no unnecessary travel and some waited until Thursday morning to share the moon.

I’ve put the moon photos together at the bottom of this post.

If you’d like to share anything about a run or anything running related (or swimming or cycling or whatever), then I’m hoping to publish a story on our website every Tuesday and Thursday as long as I have something to post.

Please remember during these trying times to look after yourself. If you’re feeling lonely then please reach out to your friends. If you’re in isolation, then please let us know if you need anything. We can leave things on your doorstep.

Carsington Water Half Marathon Report by Vicky Henderson

I raced a HM on Sunday 23rd February and was a victim of the awful wind. This was at Carsington Water in Derbyshire, one full loop, approx. 8 miles then a further 3 miles back onto the trail and then back to the start/finish to make the 13.1.

It was a very undulating course with little flat areas and where it was flat, the wind was so strong, I thought I was going to be in the water. The only saving grace was it was so windy, it almost kept the rain away.

The results were a bit muddled what with some men running under women’s numbers but I had a good idea of which women were in front of me so I had a good idea of the end results and knew they were wrong. Therefore, I felt compelled to email the organisers on Sunday night and on Monday morning I received an email from them stating they were aware of an issue with the results and would be working on it.

I have since seen that the results have been rectified, and I was 10th lady overall, 1st V45 in a time of 1.39.56. It’s by no means a PB but given the conditions and seeing the other performances, I’m happy with the outcome.

Virtual Bowood 10K Race Report by Toni Cliffe

With the current world climate as it is, I had to complete my Virtual Bowood 10k alone. I had already completed a virtual run with Gary Young and Caroline Cozier earlier in the month, we ran together with Katie and decided we would do the same with Bowood, not realising the run would be solo.

We agreed 0800, however Caroline wanted to break up the day so went later. I hate running solo, I find it hard to muster up the motivation and I have never listened to music whilst running.

It was very quiet, met a couple of dog walkers who said hi, I then passed a cyclist and he shouted Happy birthday from a distance (he was my friends husband!) as I approached Langley Burrell, I knew it was down hill through the village. I kept looking at my Garmin to see if I had reached halfway point so I could turn round.

As I turned round to go back I started to think about all our recent training sessions, I thought of the driving arms and helium balloon, I thought of Biggsy’s demonstration during the RAMP part of our training (I had a chuckle!) and I thought of Brian EA coach, encouraging us to keep going if we are feeling knackered to get the results we want! And I was wondering whether Gary would beat me!

As I made my way back, I was plotting where I could run to ensure the last couple of miles were downhill, that long incline at the end of the chippenham half route was one I didn’t want to tackle, so made a detour and managed a very respectively time (for me anyway!) best 10k time in a while.

although I was unable to join my fellow runners, I was still as determined to get a good time which surprised me cos, did you know, I really don’t like running solo!

Good luck to all those solo runners out there, and hang on to what we still have!

Weekly Review – Week Ending 5th April

We’re still here and we’re still churning out the miles. Again this week we had exactly 100 different runners, running everything between 2 and 52 miles for a total of 1,767 miles. We had 7 runners who went out at least 7 times.

Leading the way timewise was Lucy Gillett who did a single run of 45 hours. It’s on Strava so it definitely happened!

The main event of the week was Jane Clarke leading an exercise regime and for the first time ever, being told she was too quiet. It was a great session and while it’s difficult to know exact number I estimate between 50-60 different people watching in total. We know who the real star of the show was.

I have recieved 4 race reports in the last couple of weeks and will be posting one each every Tuesday and Thursday so if you want to write a few words about a race you’ve run or indeed anything else that is running related like a book or film review then please send it to me.

Weekly Review – Week Ending 29th March

It’s a club championship weekend with the Bowood 10K but sadly the race didn’t happen.

We had exactly 100 runners this week clocking up an incredible 1,868 miles in 356 activities. 5 people managed to run 7 times this week, and another one ran more than that. I will just assume that the extra runs were all done before 20:30 on Monday as we’re all following the once a day guidelines.

The Bowood 10K organisers have allowed runners to claim their medals with a virtual 10K (just run one anywhere) and some took the opportunity. Jane Tunnicliffe, Caroline Cozier and Gary Young did it together (with suitable social distancing). It was a PB for Michael Fisher and Disco too.

Some people love parkrun and find it difficult to miss it, like Richard Biggs who organised their own; the inaugural Gastard parkrun and others like Stuart Henderson just run numerous laps around the garden until the Garmin reaches 3.1 miles.

Despite there being no races, our Facebook page had been busy. Becky Townsend took the chance for us all to think about why we started running. Some of the reasons

Entering a race and needing to train
Other friends ran (and were able to eat cake)
To fit into wedding dresses, or regain a body lost to children
To get fit or fitter
Saw CRC advertising beginners course

Whatever your reason for putting on your running shoes, we’re glad that you did and we’re glad that you joined us.

Christine Bott asked for photos which reminded us of why we love CRC and there were some great photos – Races, events, friends, trophies, food, sun and smiles, lots and lots of smiles!

While there were lots of smiles in the photos shared, we know that some of you may be struggling with isolation. Please reach out to your friends or the committee if you need any help. We’re all here for each other.

Gloucester 20 Report – Chris Nutt

The race was well organised and functional as opposed to flash, with stewards, runners and all, respectful of the conditions in which it took place – I suspect numbers were down. The weather was typical for this winter – atrocious but this didn’t really dampen the energy and enthusiasm of those running and those cheering them on and backing things up.

The course is a good one for those preparing for a marathon as the main purpose it serves at this time of year; a couple of slightly slower rises getting on for around 700ft in total over the three lap circuit but otherwise fairly flat. Despite not getting in any longer runs (I only managed one run of 16 miles in the run up) by way of preparation and fully expecting to fade badly at the end I was very pleased to maintain a fairly steady pace across my split times and came in on 2:34:22 chip time with which I was very pleased – any real speed endurance is a thing of the past for me now, so its all about expectation management in my mind these days. I would definitely recommend the event, small enough to be easily navigated but serious enough to be well worthwhile!

Weekly Review – Week Ending 22nd March

No races this week, no races for the foreseeable future so we’ve obviously all been staying home this week. Nah, of course not. According to Strava 90 of us have done 1,479 miles this week in 270 runs.

And as the rain has stopped and the sun has shone, the views have been lovely.

We would like to thank members for being responsible and following the advice to stay safe and well themselves and for their friends and families. Please continue to stay healthy and active and resist the urge to post any runs planned in case it encourages others to join you but as always we love to hear what you have been doing to keep fit and active, photos are an added bonus.
As Jerry Springer used to say – Look after yourselves…And each other!

Weekly Review – Week Ending 15th March

No idea how long we’re going to have races for but there will still a couple that survived.Andrew Wood was running in Welsh hills again with the Ras Yr Aran race. 10 miles of fell running, just for a change.

The Bath Half went ahead and while some decided against getting up close and personal with thousands of other runners, taking on a virtual run instead. We still had maybe 10 runners in the actual event.David Bethune has been training hard and it paid off with a PB for him. Wendy Byrne also got the benefit of a good training block and I’m sure there were others too, well done to all whether you pounded the streets of Bath or did the event virtually.We also had Chris Nutt doing the Gloucester 20 in a little over 2 1/2 hours. An excellent time.

During the week, we also had a full moon which meant a full moon run on Tuesday as we did a 6 mile loop from Monkton Farleigh, which took in Brown’s Folly.

Don’t forget that we are temporarily meeting at 6:55 on Tuesdays and Thursdays outside of Springfield.

Weekly Review – Week Ending 8th March

Blimey, after the quiet of February, we’ve suddenly ramped up this week with 11 different races.First up was the rearranged SMaRRT Smasher, a club championship event. It feels like it’s been a while but Laura Midwinter picked up another trophy for her mantelpiece with an age category win and Chris Cooke got a sub-50 for the first time.There were also trophies collected for CRC at the Roding Valley Half Marathon where Stuart Henderson won his age category but was outdone by Vicky as she was the first lady.And in other fast 10Ks, Richard Moore was just over 50 minutes on the Rodway Trail 10K and Katharine Burrett ran the Tatton Park 10K, not her fastest time but we can blame running with her brother-in-law for that.Andrew Wood was not impressed by the Maverick Original Cotswold event. 5 bottlenecks in the first two miles led to taking 40 minutes and after that there was too much road for a trail event, although he did say everything besides the route was excellent.Richard Biggs was at the Grizzly cub, 10 miles of tough terrain including a shingle beach, I think he forget to invite Charlie Berry though. Also at the Grizzly was Damian Hall who did the extended 20 mile route with even more tough terrain and a shingle beach.Stewart Unsworth was at the Imber Ultra where unfortunately he had a bad day. First off he’d lost the cap for his camelbak water bladder, he somehow missed the start of the race and then the worst happened and his back stopped him running about halfway through the race and he had to stop. There’s always next time though.On Saturday morning David and Susan Mackie did the Larmer Tree 10 miles, always popular events with great routes and support.And then after finishing that, they got back to Corsham to take part in another ‘event’, with many others from CRC. This was the 2nd running of the 6 nations 5K. A handicap event where you have to have an alcoholic drink from each of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy between laps. Not all the drinks were palatable but a fun event followed by watching the England-Wales game afterwards.