13/9/2021
We had three members in action yesterday. Anna was a bit disappointed to narrowly miss out on a PB in the Brighton Marathon, but a rather hot day and the organisers inability to lay out the course properly (it was 568m too long) proved too much of a hurdle. Further north, Blake (1.49.05) and Cath (2.16.32) both had a good day out at the GNR.
Gurmit had a rapid parkrun for P2 at LV and it was good to see Steve P getting back on it. In our very own version of ‘Where’s Wally’ (Here’s Harry?), Harry was adding Great Denham to his tourism streak.
6/9/2021
There was a (non-virtual) PB for Sam Jolly in the Wilne 10K and Cath and Chris completed the Cheltenham HM, with Cath also getting a PB.
As you would expect, things were relatively quiet on the parkrun front, but David showed he doesn’t believe in resting the day before a race by going within 2 seconds of his PB, Stevie found another Dutch parkrun to be first lady at and Harry added Dunstable Downs to his tally.
30/8/2021
We have managed to win our pool in the LRRL Reunion League with one race to go. As far as individuals go, after 3 races, Kathryn is lying in 2nd place in VF45, Jackie 3rd in VF55, John McD 1st VM40, I’m 2nd VM60 and Brian is second VM70 (best 4 races out of 5 to count).
Matt L (9.59.40) and Gurmit (9.56.96) were in action on the track on Saturday, running the 3000m. Gummi’s time was a PB and first time under 10 minutes.
Last week, I didn’t do a thorough check of parkrun results because I figured that everyone would be saving themselves for Sunday races. That rather bit me on the bum, because I missed Kathryn (20.39) and David (20.08) recording PBs! Given how many parkruns they’ve done (290 and 142 respectively) a PB takes some real getting, so well done both.
23/8/2021
What a big weekend of racing! Hopefully I’ve noted everyone’s performances, but if not, feel free to prompt me. On Saturday Sam J and Gurmit competed in the 5000m Track Challenge, which also doubled as the County 5000m Championships. Both came away with medals; Sam got a senior Bronze and Gurmit a Masters Silver. Gummi also got a new track PB of 17.16.89. Fantastic effort gents.
We also had representation at the Leicester 10K. Matt L shaved 2 seconds off his PB (36.27) and he was joined by John D, Charlotte T and Randeep who also grabbed a PB. There were also several ex-members running, including Priscilla (56.37).
Going up in distance, Harry did 1.50.44 in the Big Half and Richard 2.54.23 in the Oundle 20.
16/8/2021
I am very sad to report the death of Pam, wife of our Life Member and former Treasurer, Colin Smith. Our thoughts are with Colin and family.
In happier news, I’m pleased to send congratulations to former member Will Carter and bride Natalie on their recent wedding.
This weekend’s super running feat was the completion of the Scafell Pike Trail marathon by Fiona and Anna. To add to the challenge of 27 miles and 1800m of ascent, I understand that they enjoyed typical high summer Lakeland weather (heavy rain and wind) as well. Fiona finished 105th in 6.04.54, to win the V50 category and Anna 191st in 7.30.35. Well done both.
Matt L flew to a fantastic new parkrun PB of 17.33 (level with Gummi for fastest Roadhogg at Leicester Victoria). Kathryn set a course PB and moved closer to her all time mark and Adele lowered the PB she set two weeks ago.
Haseeb ran in the Solihull HM. He and guide Craig (from Huncote Harriers) ran 1.37.39, finishing 146th in a field of over a 1000. Well done Has.
2/8/2021
Roadhoggs hit the track this weekend. Rambo, Matt L and Gummi all did the 3000m in the Charnwood Open meeting on Sunday. I was volunteering as a Starter’s Assistant, so I was able to watch the action close up. Mark went in the first race and quickly established a large lead and despite finding the last couple of laps hard, held most of it to the line. Matt and Gurmit were seeded into a quicker race and did battle with Mark’s nephew Zach. Matt looked very at home on the track finishing in 2nd and Gurmit showed his growing track experience with some good pacing, allowing for a strong finish for 3rd and a PB.
We had plenty of parkrunners on Saturday, but no PBs. Charlotte did finish as first lady at Market Harborough, though.
Priscilla sends greetings from Hemel Hempstead, where she has recently joined Gade Valley Harriers. She has a busy autumn racing programme lined up, including three Marathons.
Also there was Sam C’s 6-hour race at Rockingham Castle. He ran 9 off-road laps of 5K and finished 4th male in the ‘solo’ category. Yesterday, Fiona (41st) and I (57th) took on the Saddleworth Round, an 18 mile fell race. The weather conditions were a tad challenging (heavy rain showers and hail), the trails were partly underwater, the streams we had to cross were in spate and don’t mention the endless peat bogs! It was a great day out though, and the chip cobs at the end were a nice touch.
We recently said goodbye to Stevie, who has moved to the Netherlands, but she brings a touch of colour to our parkrun round up with a 4th palace finish (1st lady) in the Tapijn event; even Harry hasn’t done that one! He did, however, increase his tally to 109 by adding Banbury. At Leicester Victoria, Gurmit and Matt L went sub-18 again with Gurmit prevailing by just 4 seconds.
26/7/2021
Parkrun returned at the weekend, with significant club representation at Leicester Victoria both on the volunteering and on the running side. Gurmit was second with 17.43, just 3 seconds in front of Matt L (PB). There were also PBs for David, Nigel and Adele.
On Sunday, Richard and I tackled the Holme Moss Fell Race, an AL category (just short of 18 miles and 4,000ft of climbing). Neither of us has done anything as tough as this before and I seemed to spend as much time walking, crawling or scrambling as I did running. Never have I been so happy just to finish a race!
20/7/2021
Charlie and Mark Gerlis have left us to move back to the West Country. We have loved having you as part of the club and wish you all the best for the future. Whilst we are on member news, I forgot to send congratulations to Sarah and Will Worthington on the arrival of baby George.
The only Roadhogg in action this weekend seems to have been Gurmit, who did a Masters event in Sheffield. He was 5th in the 3000m (10.15.78) and 3rd in the 1500m (4.47.73).
13/7/2021
Last weekend it was Terry’s turn to take a step into the unknown. He completed the Lakeland Trails Ultra (55km/7,000ft) in 10.30.17, finishing 228th. Injury problems during his training meant he was feeling a little ‘uncooked’, but he paced himself sensibly and maintained his position for the whole race.
21/6/2021
In the week that saw the incomparable extreme ultra runner Sabrina Verjee smash the Wainwrights record (214 Lake District peaks, 550km, 37,500m of ascent, completed in just under 6 days) we have our own ultra women to celebrate. Charly Feldman completed ‘Race to the King’ over the South Downs in an excellent 12.32.18, finishing 378th of 896 (81st female of 341). That’s 53 miles at an average speed of about 14 minute miles. Further north, ex-member Barbara Hermann completed the 70-mile ‘The Wall’ running along Hadrian’s Wall from Carlise to Gateshead. There are no official results yet, but her time was probably around the 17-hour mark. Well done both.
Richard also did an event last week, the ‘Red Kite Challenge’, running laps of Fermyn Woods in Northamptonshire. In rather hot weather, he declared his effort on 6 laps (21 miles) in 3.23.56, finishing in 16th place.
7/6/2021
Just a couple of performances I’m aware of this week. Congratulations to Neil, who bagged a PB in the Northampton 10K (47.37) and Gurmit, who I think won a 5,000m V40 Bronze in the Midland Masters Championships at Nuneaton (18.13).
