Malvern Joggers

Club News

Chris's Blog from 22 August 2010

Dear Runners and Joggers,

Malvern Joggers Annual Pubathalon 2010 – Bank Holiday Monday 30/8
Meeting at The Nag’s Head in Malvern at 11:00am and finishing at The Prince of Wales in Newtown Road
From Steve Roode.....Hi all it’s that time of year again where we practice for the Medoc Marathon – this year we have 2 Joggers actually doing the event in Medoc, Tricky Ricky Love and Lisa Dainty, to help them on their way we have again put a little run together 16 miles approx with 14 beer stops – usually half in each establishment. We welcome all to come and join us even if it’s just for a couple of stops or as part of the support group (who drive around the pubs getting the beers in!!). We will also be doing this for a really good local cause Acorns Childrens Hospice, we expect to raise over £1000 this year. Please come and join us we have great fun along the way.

Forthcoming Event - Corporate Relay Challenge
You are invited to this one.....Challenge your colleagues, other departments or your friends and family and get ready for 22 September 2010 as the University of Birmingham Sport Corporate Relay Challenge returns for its fourth year! Taking place on 22 September at Cannon Hill Park, the relay involves a 4 x 1 mile relay for men’s and mixed teams (just £20) and a 3 x 1 mile relay for women’s teams (just £15).
So why not get your colleagues together, put on your running shoes and walk, jog, sprint or skip just 1 mile to do your department proud!
For more information and to book online see http://www.sport.bham.ac.uk/events/2010/09/corporaterelaychallenge2010.shtml
Kind Regards, Laura

Membership
Welcome to our newest members David Furlong and Joan Swindells. Our membership currently stands at 139.

Help Needed - Sunday 29 August 2010 at 10.30am - Winchcombe Hill Climb 10K, Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe
From the organiser’s of this one.....
We hope you are planning to be with us for the race on 29 August.
Also, though, we have a request for help. One of the experienced timers who was going to help with the finish of the race is now no longer able to come. We imagine you organise your own club races and may have a coolheaded member who has done this crucial task before and would be willing to help out, alongside three others. Do let us know if you can think of anybody. Many thanks in advance, regards, Ellen (Kenny)
Race Secretary, 55 Gloucester St. Winchcombe, Glos. GL54 5LX, 01242 604895
http://www.winchcombe.co.uk/countryshow/

Potential New Runner for 2026
Jenny Field with the following news......Alison Bayley (AKA Dr Finlay) and her husband Chris, both one time Gentle Joggers, are now the very proud parents of WILLIAM. He was born on 29th July and is a real sweetie! We look forward to him joining us in 16 years time.
PS His Mum has a place in the Great North Run which she's offering to anyone who wants to give it a go.

On Your Bike
From Geoff Field - I have recently become a ranger for Sustrans – the sustainable transport charity – and encouraged by the success of our canal ride on Saturday (see Jenny’s report in this week’s newsletter) I am hoping to persuade some of you who may not have ridden a bike for some time to have a go.
I know that many people have a bike sitting in their garage that for one reason or another they haven’t got out for years. Maybe you are not sure if it is still in good repair, or perhaps you do not feel confident about riding on your own.
Anyway, to encourage you get out on your bikes, Jenny and I are planning to lead a gentle bike ride on Sunday 5 September, leaving Malvern St. James’ sports hall at 14:00 for a gentle ride to Upton-upon-Severn, where we will stop for a cup of tea before riding back by a different route.
For anyone who isn’t sure if their bike is in good enough nick, I will be happy to do a basic safety check before hand – making sure that tyres, brakes, gears, lubrication etc. are all up to the task - if you can deliver your bike to me during the week before. I am not a qualified bicycle repair man, but I will endeavour to make basic repairs to achieve roadworthiness (spare parts, if needed, at cost). If you want to take advantage of this offer, give me a ring on 01684 578652.
Don’t forget that, as well as being fun, cycling is an excellent way of cross-training to help your running – as well as being low-impact and kind on knees, hips and other joints

Carl’s Walking Guide Book
From Carl Flint........A big thanks to fellow MJ's who purchased the 'best selling' walking guide book to the Malvern Hills last Wednesday evening.
If any MJ's are able to help me out with the next book, could they email me on info@malvernwalks.co.uk
What I am after is a fresh pair of eyes to read through a walk and let me know using a red pen / text what does not make sense or hang together etc; be critical as you like.
I am also after someone who knows about plants, trees, shrubs etc (as I know very little in this area) to do one or more of the walks and to add in to the text relevant sightings. Any budding naturalist's out there?
Any help given will result in a free book or two plus listing in the contributors.
Many thanks, see you on the 25th August , Carl

MJs Party
Peter Cowling - There will be an MJ party on Friday 10th September at my place - 69a West Malvern Road. Everybody welcome - runners, walkers, partners, friends and family, including children. Please bring drink and nibbles to share. The theme is Jungle Party so please be imaginative! The following week I will be off to Borneo for 4 months.

Coming up
Every Wednesday, 7pm
Every Sunday (sometimes Saturday), a club run or a race
Wed 25/8 New Inn – Storridge 7pm
Sun 29/8 Stratford’s Big 10K
Sun 29/8 Winchcombe Hill Climb 10K
Sun 5/9 Geoff Field’s Gentle Bike Ride – MSJ Sports Centre, 2pm
Sun 5/9 Worcester Half Marathon
Sun 5/9 Wolverhampton Half Marathon
Sun 5/9 Bristol Half Marathon
Fri 10/9 Party at Peter’s House – West Malvern
Sun 12/9 Shuttle 10K – Stourport
Sun 12/9 Waseley Wobbler – Rubery
Sun 12/9 Woodchester Park MT8 – Glos
Sat 18/9 Cheltenham 10K
Sun 19/9 Run to Remember 5 & 10K – Worcester
Sun 19/9 Shuttle 10K – Stourport
Sun 26/9 Upton Bishop Big Dipper 5.6 - Heres
Sun 26/9 Kinver Rotary 10K – Kinver
Sun 26/9 Cirencester Park 10K
Sun 3/10 Bournville Leafy 10K – B’ham
Sun 3/10 Gloucester City Run 10K
Sun 3/10 Hope Valley Run 8
Sat 9/10 Beacon Race

Weekly Reminders
Mustering - run to the back of the group from time to time.
I send the Club News/Blog out in 2 emails as I only have capacity for 100 recipients on one email.
If you do a race, and I'm not doing it as well, please drop me a few lines to let me know how you got on.
If you are not on the emailing list & would like to be, or if you would like to unsubscribe, please let me know.
chris@malvernjoggers.co.uk
Please see the Risk Assessments on our website

Happy running,
Old Cheese

Chris's Blog from 15 August 2010

Dear Runners and Joggers,

Malvern Joggers Annual Pubathalon 2010
From Steve Roode.....Hi all its that time of year again where we practice for the Medoc Marathon – this year we have 2 Joggers actually doing the event in Medoc, Tricky Ricky Love and Lisa Dainty, to help them on their way we have again put a little run together 16 miles approx with 14 beer stops – usually half in each establishment. We welcome all to come and join us even if it’s just for a couple of stops or as part of the support group (who drive around the pubs getting the beers in!!). We will also be doing this for a really good local cause Acorns Childrens Hospice, we expect to raise over £1000 this year. Please come and join us we have great fun along the way.

On Your Bike
From Geoff Field - I have recently become a ranger for Sustrans – the sustainable transport charity – and encouraged by the success of our canal ride on Saturday (see Jenny’s report in this week’s newsletter) I am hoping to persuade some of you who may not have ridden a bike for some time to have a go.
I know that many people have a bike sitting in their garage that for one reason or another they haven’t got out for years. Maybe you are not sure if it is still in good repair, or perhaps you do not feel confident about riding on your own.
Anyway, to encourage you get out on your bikes, Jenny and I are planning to lead a gentle bike ride on Sunday 5 September, leaving Malvern St. James’ sports hall at 14:00 for a gentle ride to Upton-upon-Severn, where we will stop for a cup of tea before riding back by a different route.
For anyone who isn’t sure if their bike is in good enough nick, I will be happy to do a basic safety check before hand – making sure that tyres, brakes, gears, lubrication etc. are all up to the task - if you can deliver your bike to me during the week before. I am not a qualified bicycle repair man, but I will endeavour to make basic repairs to achieve roadworthiness (spare parts, if needed, at cost). If you want to take advantage of this offer, give me a ring on 01684 578652.
Don’t forget that, as well as being fun, cycling is and excellent way of cross-training to help your running – as well as being low-impact and kind on knees, hips and other joints

Joggers on Bikes
From Jenny Field - On Saturday 14 August a group of six Joggers (Ros and Derek Boardman, Jenny & Geoff Field and Cathy & Ian Baker - not strictly Joggers, as they now run with Black Pear) cycled from Birmingham to Malvern along the Birmingham to Worcester Canal towpath.
We all travelled up to Birmingham New Street by the 9:10 train from Great Malvern Station. Although it was a busy Saturday morning there was no problem taking six bikes on the train; except when four of the party decided to avoid carrying their bikes up the stairs by taking the lift – and then got sucked into the black hole which is New Street subway.
Eventually arriving at street level we set off through the back streets of Birmingham to arrive at Gas Street Basin. After a brief confabulation as to our direction of travel (We had a map of the canal, but why let a detail like that spoil a good debate?) we set off past the NIA Centre, crossed the canal and started off on our ride, remarking on how much the canal seemed to have changed since our last trip about 5 years ago. After a couple of miles Geoff pulled to a halt and announced, “we’re on the wrong F***ing canal!” So we turned round and made our way back to the NIA, just as it started raining. This did not bode well for the day ahead.
Arriving back at NIA we saw a very large, clear fingerpost pointing the way to Worcester, which somehow we had all managed to miss the first time we passed it. The canal towpath out of Birmingham makes for easy cycling, although it was rather wet and muddy and after a few miles we were all caked in mud – especially Ian, who did not have mudguards on his bike.
At King’s Norton the canal goes through the Wast Hill Tunnel, so we had to leave the towpath and negotiate our way through the suburbs. After a few mutterings and cursing about the steep climb (Wast Hill should have been a clue) we found our way back to the canal and half an hour later arrived at the Hopwood House Inn, were we unanimously agreed to stop for lunch. The sun came out, we had a very substantial lunch to replace the calories lost so far and with a couple of pint of ale inside us we were looking forward to the rest of the afternoon’s cycling. However, just as we were putting on our cycle helmets, the skies opened in a downpour of rain and we took shelter for ¼ hour until it subsided sufficiently to continue on our way. From then on we had intermittent showers for the rest of the way, but not so bad as to make cycling unpleasant.
After Alvechurch Boat Yard we had another detour before we picked up the towpath again at Tardebigge for a lovely swoop downhill passing 35 locks before arriving at Stoke Wharf – far better than doing it in a narrow-boat, which must take all day. From here on the route was straightforward, the towpath surface was pretty reasonable and the showers short and light, so we made good time to Hanbury Wharf, where the Droitwich Canal joins the Birmingham Worcester and we stopped for for tea at the Eagle & Sun.
Throughout the day we saw lots of varied narrow-boats; some small, some large, some new and shiny, some old and bedraggled, but at Hanbury we were surprised to see a “Stealth” barge – painted all in black and looking very menacing.
Back on the bikes again and now feeling a little weary after our exertions we peddled gently back to Worcester. After Tibberton the path has been re-surfaced this year and from 5-Ways onward it was a delight to ride along until we reached the new pedestrian/cycle bridge at Diglis, where we stopped for a photo opportunity. At Lower Wick Cathy and Ian left us and we cycled back to Malvern via Jennetree lane to complete a total distance of about 46 miles.
It was a most enjoyable day despite the showers. In particular, Cathy did amazingly well to complete the distance – she is waiting to have an operation on her knee and has done very little cycling lately.

Forthcoming Events
From our Secretary Phil......I have been sent some entry forms for the Cirencester 10k which is on 26th September at 10.30 am. It is a single lap race on traffic free estate roads through scenic parkland by kind permission of the Earl of Bathurst. Highly recommended and good value at only £8.00
I have also been sent details and entry forms for the Midland Counties Athletic Association relay championships at Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield on Saturday 25th September.
Senior Women is 4 x 4.315 km; 12 noon
Senior Men is 6 x 5.847 km; 1.30 pm
It would be really good if we entered teams in these events. Would anybody like to try to organise it?

Forthcoming Race – Upton Bishop Big Dipper 26/9/10
The Upton Bishop Big Dipper will take place on 26th September 2010 and is the next race in the MJs club competition, the Champions League. The organisers would very much like to see you there as follows.......
A warm welcome is guaranteed whatever the weather with free tea and cakes and a sports towel to mop your brow. Hope you can make it - entry form attached! Best regards, Nigel Misselbrook
Chris says - It’s a road race in the Herefordshire countryside located between Ledbury and Ross. Only 5.6 miles so it’s one we can all do. It undulates a bit but that’s part of the fun. I’ve done the last three and I will be doing this year’s. Please join me. A fine Big Dipper sports towel and free tea/coffee and cake await you at the finish. In my opinion it’s one of the best events of the year in its own little way. It’s only £6 to enter for paid-up members of the Malvern Joggers, £1 extra if entering on the day.

Membership
Welcome to new members Judy Maund, Wendy Davies, Rosalind Graham, Val Tuckley, Terry Tuckley and Christina Brooks. We now have a total of 137 members. 13 extra members are required to give us 150. We would then qualify for a fourth London Marathon club place. Membership is now available at the half-yearly rate. Please see the membership page on our website for more information. A bargain!

2010 Personal Bests
Steve Ollis - My apologies go out to those of you who provided me with ‘2010 Personal Bests’ way back in March and April of this year!!
I’ve now got my act together and put these up on the MJ’s website for all and sundry to see (click on PBs footprint)!!
Currently the ‘one and only’ Vikki Sivertsen is making a clean sweep, but there are plenty of ‘empty’ boxes
If you have achieved a PB in 2010 (10k, half or full marathon), then please drop me an email with the details (SteveO@MalvernJoggers.Co.UK) and I’ll put your name ‘up in lights’!!

Coming up
Every Wednesday, 7pm
Every Sunday (sometimes Saturday), a club run or a race
Wed 18/8 Welland Village Hall
Sun 29/8 Stratford’s Big 10K
Sun 29/8 Winchcombe Hill Climb 10K
Sun 5/9 Worcester Half Marathon
Sun 5/9 Wolverhampton Half Marathon
Sun 5/9 Bristol Half Marathon
Fri 10/9 Party at Peter’s House – West Malvern
Sun 12/9 Shuttle 10K – Stourport
Sun 12/9 Waseley Wobbler – Rubery
Sun 12/9 Woodchester Park MT8 – Glos
Sat 18/9 Cheltenham 10K
Sun 19/9 Run to Remember 5 & 10K – Worcester
Sun 19/9 Shuttle 10K – Stourport
Sun 26/9 Upton Bishop Big Dipper 5.6 - Heres
Sun 26/9 Kinver Rotary 10K – Kinver
Sun 26/9 Cirencester Park 10K
Sun 3/10 Bournville Leafy 10K – B’ham
Sun 3/10 Gloucester City Run 10K
Sun 3/10 Hope Valley Run 8
Sat 9/10 Beacon Race

Happy running,
Old Cheese

Chris's Blog from 8 August 2010

Dear Runners and Joggers,

Race Reports
Bugatti 10K, 4/8/10 by Chris Barker
Numbers were expected to be down for this year’s Bugatti road race in Gloucestershire near Winchcombe, where the organisers allowed runners to enter on the day for the first time since the early days of the event. In the end there were 342 taking part which is certainly enough to fill some of the narrow country lanes which the event is run. The burger, t-shirt and bottle of lager to all finishers once again proved a big draw. Worth considering even if you’re not a mad keen runner. The weather was a bit overcast though. I pictured some warm evening sunshine although that wouldn’t be the best weather for running in. The course undulates a lot with the final climb ending on 9K. After that there’s a bit of downhill before a slight incline back at the village to the finish outside the pub.
I’ve found 13 MJs on the results but, that’s assuming I haven’t missed anyone. Not as many as we’ve had in the past but still a good turn-out for a mid-week evening 10K in Gloucestershire. I only got two thirds of the post-race goodies as I declined the burger, due to the length of the queue. I’ll just have to finish quicker next year. The queue for the burger will be shorter.
Cranham Boundry Chase, 7/8/10 by Chris Barker
This was the 59th annual Cranham Boundary Chase and it’s is held in association with the Cranham Deer Roast and inter-village cricket festival. It’s a road race course around the boundary of the picturesque Cotswold village of Cranham. An undulating course starting and finishing on the common, through Cranham Wood and Cranham Village with a hard steep uphill climb back to the finish at the cricket club.
That’s the official blurb which sums it up quite well. If you want to lose yourself in the English countryside then try this next year. It’s not a bit hit with the MJs though. It’s the fourth year in succession I’ve done it and I’ve only had the company of one MJ in the past and that was our sec. Phil. Also don’t expect thousands of other runners. There’s usually around 75 taking part and this year there was probably less but that maybe the way the organisers like it. There again it’s not one for beginners as it’s hilly with the biggest one at the very end. I was going to run all the way up it but everyone else was walking so I thought I might as well join them. I thought I might make more progress that way. Not much to collect at the end but not much to enter either. Given the degree of difficulty I decided on a game plan of start at the back and see how many I can overtake. My final score was 14 which was probably about a quarter of the field.
Tenbury 10K, 8/8/10 by Julie Caseley
Today was the Tenbury 10k, starting and finishing on the Palmers Meadow near the swimming pool in Tenbury Wells. The route was a pan handle heading out around the back of Tenbury along quiet country lanes for 3 miles
before a right hand turn and up a hill for nearly half a mile - that put pay to any idea of PB potential!! Then it
was right along the main road for a short distance before coming back down again. Then it was along the same road for a couple of miles and back into Palmers Meadow for a sprint the length of the field to the finish gantry. I knocked 1 min 17 secs off my best time here last year finishing in a time of 50:44 to take 1st Vet 50 prize.
Thanks, Julie

Charity Event – Run Bright for Sight 5K
Focus Birmingham is staging its first Run Bright for Sight 5K fundraising fun run at the Alton Towers Theme Park in Staffordshire from 6.30 pm on Saturday October 9th 2010. We are inviting members of all kinds of sports clubs from across the West and East Midlands to participate. Why not take a break from regular competition and join us for a great evening and make our first 5K even more fantastic?
It’s a special twilight run so everyone will be encouraged to wear their brightest running gear for the occasion. This is a family event so there’s a treasure hunt too with prizes including a four wheel drive Land Rover experience, tickets for Cadbury World and a Chocoholic’s Hamper.
There’s also a Free Sonic Spinball ride and a guest appearance from Sonic the Hedgehog and fast track face painting.
The entry fee is £20 and you can bring along a family friend or family member to join in the treasure hunt for just another £10. With a Run Bright for Sight Goody bag and medals for everyone it should be a great evening for all the family.
Focus Birmingham is a charity that supports the visually impaired and every penny you help us raise makes a real difference to somebody’s life. Take a look at www.focusbirmingham.org.uk to find out more about what we do.
Call 0121 478 5229 to get more information and to book your place in the most colourful 5K of the year or visit www.runbrightforsight.co.uk
Fiona Fletcher, Events, Communications and Marketing Consultant Tel: +44 121 478 5229
Mobile: +44 7827 943 114
2 runners, 2 marathons, 2 months in 2 countries.
Support Team Maria and Christian as they tackle the Virgin London marathon and the Norway Midnight Marathon. www.justgiving.com/mariaandchristian
Our Run Bright for Sight event is planned for October 9th 2010! For more information please get in contact.

Coming up
Every Wednesday, 7pm
Every Sunday (sometimes Saturday), a local run or a race
Wed 11/8 Swan Inn – Hanley Swan
Sat 14/8 Stourbridge Stumble
Sun 15/8 Standish Woodland Chase
Sun 29/8 Stratford’s Big 10K
Sun 29/8 Winchcombe Hill Climb 10K
Sun 5/9 Worcester Half Marathon
Sun 5/9 Wolverhampton Half Marathon
Sun 12/9 Shuttle 10K – Stourport
Sun 26/9 Kinver Rotary 10K – Kinver
Sun 26/9 Cirencester Park 10K
Sat 9/10 Beacon Race

Happy running,
Old Cheese

Chris's Blog from 01 August 2010

Dear Runners and Joggers,

2010 Personal Bests
Steve Ollis - My apologies go out to those of you who provided me with ‘2010 Personal Bests’ way back in March and April of this year!!
I’ve now got my act together and put these up on the MJ’s website for all and sundry to see (click on PBs footprint)!!
Currently the ‘one and only’ Vikki Sivertsen is making a clean sweep, but there are plenty of ‘empty’ boxes
If you have achieved a PB in 2010 (10k, half or full marathon), then please drop me an email with the details (SteveO@MalvernJoggers.co.uk) and I’ll put your name ‘up in lights’!!

Bugatti 10K
From Cheltenham Harriers - Dear Club contact, I'm just emailing one person per club from clubs that usually support our race. Please share the following information with your clubmates.
As we have not reached the limit for this year's bugatti 10k on Wednesday 4th August, we will accept entries on the day of the race. Alternatively those entering by post last minute can collect their numbers on the race day.
A list of entrants to date can be found at http://www.athleticprowess.co.uk/images/bugatti/bugatti_2010_entries_29072010.pdf
Hope to see you on Wednesday, Andy Prophett, Cheltenham Harriers

Bugatti Place Available
Graham Cramp - I have a spare entry for the Bugatti 10k on Wednesday - if anyone would like it, please contact me on 07770 842011.

Membership
A message from our Secretary Phil..... England Athletics have sent me the membership cards and accompanying literature of those members whose addresses are out of date. i.e. they have sent out the cards to the addresses they have on their database and the material has been returned to EA. So far I have the cards for Alison Findlay and Nicola Cox. If you see or know these ladies, could you point them in my direction please?

Kit Announcement
From our Kit Organiser, Steve......The new batch of kit has arrived, along with it a hike in prices, (see attached order form). Order form........ I have also attached a copy of an order form that I would like Joggers to use when buying kit, this will make it a lot easier for me to keep records and monies.

Cross Country
Nick Hitchings - LAST CROSS COUNTRY MEET 530 PM THIS WEDNESDAY 4TH OF AUGUST AT MSJ TO CAR SHARE TO SHOBDON. If anyone is going direct please contact me for directions on 07595644180

Pilates Class
From Jenny Field - Would anyone like to join a Pilates Class for Malvern Joggers?
I work with a physio who would be willing to arrange a class especially for us if there is the interest.
It would be held on a Tuesday at 7pm in Alfrick. Don't know how much yet, it depends on numbers.
Please let me know if you would like to come along. jennifer.field@lineone.net

Race Reports
Kingsbury 12K 1/8/10 by Julie Caseley
The Kingsbury 12k was organised by Tamworth AC, not to be confused with the Kingsbury 10k organised by Camba
Events. I’ve not done this one before so it was a new experience at a peculiar distance. It was an evening race with ideal conditions and started at 6 pm with two children’s races at 1km and 3km and the main event got underway at 6.30 pm. The course was a 1km lap followed by two 5.5 km laps on paths and tracks around Kingsbury Water Park. The route was predominantly flat with 3 short sharp inclines. The prize presentation was at Tamworth AC’s clubhouse, a 15 min drive away, which was a super facility with BBQ burgers afterwards and a chance to see Mo Farrah win the 5,000m at the European Championships!! I finished in a time of 1:01:16.
Thanks, Julie

Coming up
Every Wednesday, 7pm
Every Sunday (sometimes Saturday), a local run or a race
Wed 4/8 British Camp
Wed 4/8 Bugatti 10K
Sat 7/8 Cranham Boundary Chase
Sun 8/8 Tenbury 10K
Sat 14/8 Stourbridge Stumble
Sun 15/8 Standish Woodland Chase
Sun 29/8 Stratford’s Big 10K
Sun 29/8 Winchcombe Hill Climb 10K
Sun 5/9 Worcester Half Marathon
Sun 5/9 Wolverhampton Half Marathon
Sun 12/9 Shuttle 10K – Stourport
Sun 26/9 Kinver Rotary 10K – Kinver
Sun 26/9 Cirencester Park 10K
Sat 9/10 Beacon Race

Happy running,
Old Cheese

Chris's Blog from 25 July 2010

Dear Runners and Joggers,

Next Tuesday’s Hash
Message from Steve Roode.....Next Tuesdays Hash will be from the Nags Head, 7.00pm start, short run to allow more drinking time!! All Joggers welcome.
Hash being laid by Gone Commando, Pantbuster, Jules, and any other Joggers who want to lend a hand.

Membership
A message from our Secretary Phil.....
Those of you who are fully paid up members of the Club should by now have received your England Athletics membership card together with with various bits of paperwork and pamphlets. The letter to which the card is attached explains how to log on to the EA website to check that your personal details are correct. The Sweatshop brochure explains how to make use of the £5 with which the card is credited and how to get the 10% discount to which your EA card entitles you. Makes it a good idea to be a member of Malvern Joggers.

Speed Training
From Jayne..... Speed training will be on this week as usual - 5.45 @ Morrisons. All welcome.

Race Reports
Runaround Aquathlon – 15 July by Alison Hughes
Runaround at Top Barn has held a series of 3 evening aquathlons this summer and I managed to get to the final race of the series last week. Stuart has asked me to do a write up, sorry it’s a bit late but here you go:
The race comprised of a 750m open water swim in the lake and then a 5km off road run. There were 45 entrants and unfortunately it was the worst weather we’d had for ages, luckily the torrential rain held off until the race finished but the gale force wind made the lake pretty choppy. Although a few people without any swimming etiquette tried to kick me in the face and swim all over me, I gave as good as I got and was first lady out of the water. However, I wasn’t the first lady out of transition because I couldn’t decide what to wear and took far too long to get changed! I was overtaken by a few on the run, but managed to finish as 4th lady in a time of 39:08 (20th overall). It was nice to know I wasn’t the only Jogger when I bumped into Amanda Dawson at the end, who must be as mad as me to enter such an event.
Being more of a swimmer than a runner, I really enjoyed the aquathlon but it would have benefitted from some km markers on the run. The lake is pretty murky and full of weeds, so a few pre-race practice swims are a good idea, but if like me you don’t mind running around the countryside looking like you’ve wet yourself with algae all over your face, it’s definitely an event for you! There was no momento for the £8 entry fee, but there were some drinks and snacks at the end and it would have been nice to have a formal prize giving . Bizarrely, one of the ladies prizes was handed out in the changing room, whilst we were in various states of undress, but having said that I’ll probably do it next year if anyone wants to try something a bit different and join me!
Thanks, Alison
Herefordshire Summer X-Country League; Race 3 by Phil Jackson
This race was at Westhope, just a few miles due north of Hereford and, like the Bulmer's Bash a few weeks before, took place around and amongst some of Bulmer's cider orchards. There was a very good turnout of runners, some of whom we recognised from last time (i.e. the "cheeky girls" going through their ostentatious, look-at-us-we're-proper-athletes warm-up routine!) and there were the nine MJs. The course was mainly on grass and started straight away with an intimidating hill right round the boundary of the orchard. We were all grateful for the long descent which followed and lead us across the lane and into the neighbouring orchard below. Again we ran round the edge of this and up and down rows of trees for a bit before heading back across the lane and back into the first orchard but this time doing it in the opposite direction. So the long descent became a long and arduous climb and the intimidating hill at the start became a long, glorious dash for the finish! Nick and the two Jons disappeared into the far distance immediately but I managed to stay with Peter and Paul the whole way. Gradually we picked off other runners, one by one (no-one got past us) and they must have got sick of this little team of MJs as first Peter would go past them, followed a few seconds later by Paul and then after another short interval by me. It was a lovely evening, a super atmosphere, an exhilarating race and great Joggers company. Our runners were Nick Hitchings, Jon Bristow, Jon Green, me, Peter Wilson, Paul Newman, Wendy Holmes, Stuart Brown and Amanda Dawson. Thanks to Nick for organising it for us.
Thanks, Phil
Gloucester Half Marathon 25/7/10 by Vikki Sivertsen
Just me and the Old Cheese representing the MJ’s at this one plus Ron supporting on his bike. This was my first ‘night time’ race and I didn’t really know how I was going to feel. It had been in the back of my mind all day and I kept thinking about when I should eat etc! On the other hand I thought it might suit me as I am used to teaching exercise classes pretty much every night of the week. Kick off was 6pm and for me, I thought the conditions were great. It was overcast, not as warm as recent evenings and a little breeze. The course takes you through undulating rural roads around Newent which were very nice, although it did seem as though we were either running up or down with very little flat. I found the course quite challenging but scenic and interesting and I had a good run finishing 7th female overall in 1:34:38. Got a medal, the heaviest goodie bag in race history, which unfortunately didn’t contain the Chinese takeaway that Chris was hoping for, but several cans/bottles of fizzy drinks plus a large bottle of mouth wash....I didn’t think my language on the last uphill climb to the finish was that ****ing bad!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Vikksen
Gloucester Half Marathon 25/7/10 by Chris Barker
Prior to the event I looked at the Gloucester AC website where they list the pre-entries to find there was only two MJ’s. I assumed there would be a few more entering on the day but that proved not to be the case. In fact, the total number of runners was only 209 compared with last year’s 386! Where was everyone? Did it clash with a World Cup Final appearance by.... England? It’s a super event with some PB potential and everything you could want in a local half marathon road race. So, just me and Vikksen plus Ron on his bike.
The story of my race was, poodling along for 7 miles, flying for the next two (I must have had the wind behind me), struggling for three miles with a strong finish in the last mile (mainly downhill). Hopefully that adds up to 13!
At the finish I was handed a crappy medal and thought is that it? all that effort? then came, as previously reported, the mother of all goody bags. After running 13 miles I hardly had the strength to pick it up off the floor. No wonder it wasn’t handed to me. At least I now know what the ‘dental product’ contained within was.
Just for the record I finished in 1.51.28 which is not exactly the 1.50 I was hoping for but it will do. I trust my fellow club members enjoyed their own choice of Saturday night entertainment whatever it happened to be.
Kymin Dash 25/7/10 by Julie Caseley
The town of Monmouth was extremely busy this weekend with the festival. We eventually parked and walked to the
Leisure Centre to collect my number. It was lovely to see Nick Hitchings, Amanda Dawson and Chris Jolley. I quickly registered us as a team (justin case!) The start time had already been altered from 11.30 am to 1.50 pm due to the Rolls Centenary celebrations but the start was still delayed slightly again due to traffic on the route. When we eventually got underway, I just followed everyone else through the town and over the bridge before the climbing really started, totally oblivious to the fact that about 18 of the front runners were directed wrongly by the marshals, including Nick. Needless to say, he lost quite a bit of time and places and was not a happy bunny at the finish – understandably. In comparison, I had a very good race, staying with Amanda until the climbing began. We both passed Chris but all three of us stayed together for a while. We could see from the town where we had to go but the climb was very challenging and the extremely warm weather didn’t help either. But once at the top, it was downhill from then on back to Monmouth which was great, then over the bridge, past the rowing club, through the town, finishing in a park. The presentation was a bit perculiar and I’m still not sure if they awarded 1st place to the first place person or not – whatever it was, unfortunately he wasn’t there to receive his prize. The placings were Nick, myself (56:00), Amanda and Chris.
Thanks, Julie

Bentham's Bike Challenge: 23 - 27 August 2010
From Steve Ollis…..Howard Bentham (BBC H&W) is planning to do a 300 mile bike ride around the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire in 5 days!!
It’s all to raise much needed dosh for ‘The Noah’s Ark Trust’, a local charity based in Worcester
ON DAY 5, I’m planning to bike over to Ledbury to join him!
But Mandi Harris, who is chief organiser, has come up with the following cunning plan for anyone who would like to join in the fun (?!):
Either register on the phone number in the attached flyer, then simply meet up along the route (like me), OR
Run the last few miles of the route (in good old MJ colours), joining in the final mass finish in Worcester
It’s all for a good cause, so how about it??
PS If you’re going to contact Mandi/Howard, please email me as I’d love to know if you’re going to give it a go!!
It’s only £10 to enter

Coming up
Every Wednesday, 7pm
Every Sunday (sometimes Saturday), a local run or a race
Wed 28/7 New Inn - Storridge
Sun 1/8 Cirencester Park Trails Half Marathon
Wed 4/8 Bugatti 10K
Sat 7/8 Cranham Boundary Chase
Sun 8/8 Tenbury 10K
Sat 14/8 Stourbridge Stumble
Sun 15/8 Standish Woodland Chase
Sun 29/8 Stratford’s Big 10K
Sun 29/8 Winchcombe Hill Climb 10K
Sun 5/9 Worcester Half Marathon
Sun 5/9 Wolverhampton Half Marathon
Sun 12/9 Shuttle 10K – Stourport
Sun 26/9 Kinver Rotary 10K – Kinver
Sun 26/9 Cirencester Park 10K
Sat 9/10 Beacon Race

Happy running,
Old Cheese

Chris's Blog from 18 July 2010

Dear Runners and Joggers,

Cross Country
From Nick Hitchings......Summer league Cross Country Wednesday 21st July at Westhope (approx 7 miles north of Hereford) 7.30PM Start , meet MSJ 5.45PM for car share. If going direct venue is signposted off A4110 AT Bushbank. Course is mainly grassed tracks around orchards, with a minor road crossing,various undulations and is 5 miles long ( suitable for multi terrain shoes.) All welcome and as before nothing to pay! Also the last race is Wednesday 4th of August at Shobdon running through the arboretum, a nice alternative to the Bugatti 10k, more details to follow.

Race Reports
Thursday 15th July, Severn AC White Horse 5k series race 3 out of 4 by Phil Jackson
There were five Joggers turned up for this race, running in the rain. It was the usual pretty country lane course but obviously the weather had put a lot of people off and there were only 61 participants. The more "recreational" runners were missing. Only the dedicated athletes had turned up and once again there was a serious danger of me coming last. Things weren't helped by having to run into a strong wind for the last 2 km back to the White Horse, just when we were most knackered and praying for it all to stop. Still, we set off more in hope than expectation, the starter just suddenly and without preamble shouting "go"! Most of the runners (including all the juniors who looked about 12) seemed to finish in about 15/16 minutes. Nick Hitchings was first Jogger in about 18 minutes, followed by Richard Hookham and then Graham Cramp in 19.50 or so. I did 21.23 (failing both to dip under 21 and to do consistent sub 7 minute miles; I finished in 47th place) and Dave Gibson was behind me. Dave won the Vet 65 prize but he wasn't there to collect it so I collected his packet of biscuits for him and then we all ate it. Sorry Dave. Dave actually tried to talk to me as I passed him. Sorry again, Dave. I wasn't being rude; I was just incapable of speech. I think we should make one of these races a Champions League race. Last one in the series is Thursday, 19th August.
Thanks, Phil
Pen y Fan, 17.7.10 by Richard Love
For the second year running I was the first Malvern Jogger home, helped on by the non appearance of Jon I was the sole representative of the Joggers in this fabulous little race. The 3.5 mile course is a straight up, straight down down fell sprint, the terrain and navigation are quite easy, the only problem being it is steep, especially on the way down. I hoped my improved down hill performance since last year would improve my time, in the event my split time showed showed a minor improvement of about 10 seconds down hill but a bigger (age induced?) loss up hill. Overall 16 seconds slower than last year at 44mins and 46secs left me in a respectable 16th place (10th last year). This race has a lovely atmosphere and all finishers get food and anyone who stays for prize giving gets beer, all for £4, a bargain.
Thanks, Rich
Swanage Half Marathon 17.7.10 by Chris Barker
aka Chris’s other seaside race. Following my (lack of) success in the Portland 10 two weeks ago I went to back to Dorset to do this one. It must be gaining in popularity as this year 510 took part, a big increase on last year’s 362. I put my bucket and spade down and having finished watching the Punch and Judy Show I made my way to the start which is situated along the seafront, the sun was out and the sea was blue. All that was required was a run to match the environment. Unfortunately, this didn’t happen last year as a four mile uphill run soon after the start took me by surprise. It wasn’t helped by a three mile repeat starting at mile seven. Still, it finishes were it starts so the ups and downs must cancel each other out. In the past, I’ve done a race or two and said never again. I thought twice about this one but often races like this seem easier second time as you know what is coming. Would this be true of this event?
Not surprisingly I didn’t spot any other MJs at this race but I did have one guy come up to me and recognising my shirt proudly said ‘I did your race’ and what’s more he said he really enjoyed it, which is good.
Leaving the start, the inevitable first big climb began as we pulled away from the sea front. Further on there were some stunning views of Studland Bay and Poole Harbour then a two mile run down to Corfe Castle. Queue the second big climb which seemed easier this time leaving a mainly downhill four mile run to the finish and back to the seafront where the sun was still shining and I actually managed something resembling a sprint. A bit different from last year! In the end I was just under a minute quicker at 1.55.59 although I finished strongly which suggests I could have put a bit more into it in the earlier stages and chopped two minutes or more off my time.
At a location like this there is always the option of cooling down with a post race swim. That’s if you like swimming. I opted for a sit-down. Unusually, there was a choice of memento, a glass paperweight or a mini-trainer in gold. I’ve got about three of those paperweights so I went for the trainer. I think I’ll go back next year for the other one.
Pitchcroft 10K, 17/6/10 by Julie Caseley
This is the 6th time I've run this race and yes, I know, it's got a bit of a reputation for being a tad boring but that still didn't stop Worcester Athletics having the best turn out to date. I've now done 18 laps of Pitchcroft over the years but fortunately I didn't think about that this morning. Except for the first time I ran this race, all my times have been between 50 and 52 mins so I decided to relax, do my best and see what happens. It obviously worked because I finished in 49:09, 30 secs faster than my previous best in 2004.
I found the weather ideal with a tail wind down the back straight and into the wind in front of the grandstand.
However, the 1st and 2nd men still overtook me to finish as I was just about to start my 3rd lap! I think about 10 MJ's turned out this morning which was great. Sam Carrington was on the results but I didn't see her, so if someone else had her number could they let me know please in order to accurately compile the Champions League. Many thanks.
Thanks, Julie

Forthcoming Race
THE HAY HILL RAISER” Road Race11.3 miles Sunday 5th Sept 2010 11am
FELLOW RUNNERS – The team that brought you the MAGIC ROUNDABOUT this year bring you The Hay Hillraiser and this time right from the middle of the wonderful and welcoming town of HAY-ON-WYE
Although it's a road race it takes in some of the most breathtaking scenery around and also might leave you a little breathless!
– A third of a mile more than eleven, and a HILL. A something-of-a-challenge-type hill; you'll have a nice warm-up after the start on a flat bit (-the only flat bit actually) then a steady climb for about five miles, when it gets a tad steeper. Never mind, after six miles the views are simply magnificent, (we have a reputation for stunning views around here…) and then you start going down, and down, and down… lovely!
There'll be a cup of tea and a slice of cake waiting when you finish of course, plus a nice Tee-shirt and a considerable sense of satisfaction!
Why don't you try it? – You'll never forget it!
Registration and H.Q. at Hay School, right in the centre of Hay next to the main car park, with the start in Forest Road at 11am. Sunday 5th September.
Pre-book on line at Runners World or download your application form from www.hayhotfooters.co.uk
Jo lord, Race Secretary Hay Hotfooters, 07831609889
Powis Arms, Lydbury North, nr Bishops Castle, 11am Sunday 26th September 2010
On sunday 26th September 2010 at 11 am there will be the Powis Arms Charity Race and fun run, in Aid of Help for Heroes and the County Air Ambulance. The attachment is a flier for the event.
The main race is approx 5.7 miles with a decent bit of climbing in it, it is all trail, and track, except for about 300m of very, very, quiet country road. and if you look around you there are some marvellous view.
Main race £5, 1 mile fun run £2, entry on day only.
Lydbury North is between Craven Arms and Bishops Castle in South Shropshire. The Powis Arms is on the main road. There is ample parking locally. There is also a campsite behind the pub.
Other good news is that there is a real ale festival on all weekend in the pub as well!
If you could advertise this on your websites or pass the info on I'd be most grateful.
Further details, call me on 01588 680330 or 07773 679958 Regards, Dave Farrow

Forthcoming Run
From Sim Foreman..... I am planning to do a coast to coast run next year along Hadrian’s Wall (84 miles) and likely over 3 days. If anyone fancies it please can they email on Simeon_foreman@yahoo.co.uk – I will look at dates and logistics. I am meeting a lad who did it in a few week so will get more info. Expressions of interest at this stage.
Cheers, Sim

Message of Thanks
From Bruce Bannister-Harding..... I would like to reiterate my thanks to all the Malvern Joggers who have constantly revived my enthusiasm for Running. As a member of the Rotary Club of Malvern whom I also have a great friendship, none is as good as the joggers. I have never been involved in any organisation which there has been a constant friendship. Thanks to all my Malvern Joggers, Bruce

Membership
Welcome to Carolyne Sanders. The membership now stands at 131.
Please note, we need 150 by so

Run Leader Required On Wednesday
From Phil Jackson.....According to the rota, I'm leading the 9.30 minute group at Welland on Wednesday evening. Could someone else volunteer in my place please as I shall be running in the Herefordshire Summer X-country race at Westhope.

Coming up
Every Wednesday, 7pm
Every Sunday (sometimes Saturday), a local run or a race
Wed 21/7 Welland Crossroads 7pm
Wed 21/7 Summer Cross Country League - Westhope
Wed 21/7 Runaround Strawberries and Cream 10K
Sat 24/7 Gloucester Half Marathon
Sun 1/8 Cirencester Park Trails Half Marathon
Wed 4/8 Bugatti 10K
Sat 7/8 Cranham Boundary Chase
Sun 8/8 Tenbury 10K
Sat 14/8 Stourbridge Stumble
Sun 15/8 Standish Woodland Chase
Sun 29/8 Stratford’s Big 10K
Sun 29/8 Winchcombe Hill Climb 10K
Sun 5/9 Worcester Half Marathon
Sun 5/9 Wolverhampton Half Marathon
Sun 12/9 Shuttle 10K – Stourport
Sun 26/9 Kinver Rotary 10K – Kinver
Sun 26/9 Cirencester Park 10K
Sat 9/10 Beacon Race

Happy running,
Old Cheese

Chris's Blog from 11 July 2010

Dear Runners and Joggers,

Membership
From our Secretary Phil......New members Chris Lewis-Farley and Jenny Davies bring the number of members for 2010 to 130, the highest we've ever had.
Many people run with us but haven't actually joined the Club and while we have a relaxed stance about people joining, the club will benefit if we can attract another 20 members. The reason for this is that with 150 members we would qualify for a fourth guaranteed Club place in the Virgin London Marathon 2011.
Half a dozen membership forms were handed out on Wednesday moving us closer to the magic number. I would like to get the numbers up to 150. So please could we all try to persuade running non-members to join? Since we are now in July, the subs have decreased to just £11.

Cross Country – 30.6.10
Stuart Brown reports.....Many thanks to Nick Hitchins who organised Malvern Joggers first taste of a team cross country team event in the Hereford league at Aconbury on Wednesday evening 30th June.
Nick's first attempt clashed with 'Run for Survival' in February and the second attempt with our own MJ 10k Race. However it was well worth waiting for. 14 MJ's met at MSJ in club kit and shared cars to travel to a tiny hamlet near Aconbury just south of Hereford.
There are 10 or 12 clubs in the Hereford League from as far away as Lake Vyrnwy. Having missed the first race in the summer series we ran as guests and joined well over a 100 runners on the attractive but tough and hilly 5 mile course round Aconbury Wood. The first 3 men and first lady to finish make up a team. As visitors we pulled out just before the finish to make the time keeping easier but I think we would have done pretty well in the club results. Running an unknown route and not knowing when you'd done all the climbing made for difficult pacing and I never quite managed to catch up with my current rival Jacko.
The event was great fun meeting old friends from rival clubs and meeting new ones. As usual there was plenty of good natured banter before, during and after the race. The cost is only £25 per club for the 4-5 race series, so as someone said the decision to join or not is a no brainer when it's such good fun and less than 30-40p per person per race.
Thanks again for making it happen, Nick and count me in for the next cross country.

Black Pair Joggers Inaugural Race
Stuart Brown informs me that.....Black Pear Joggers are organising their first race later this year on Sunday 21st November based at Croome Park More information on the distance, terrain etc. to follow later.

Race Reports
Gords 6, 10/7/10 by Julie Caseley
This was my first running of the Gords 6, a race in celebration of Gordon Clements, a long time member of Wye
Valley Runners. The start was at Morgan Jones Farm, Sugwas (4 miles west of Hereford). It was advertised as approximately 6 miles – that would be 6 “country” miles as it was in fact 6.5 miles long. The first half of the race was probably more challenging but a huge amount of fun nonetheless and then you had a relatively flat second half to forget all the hard work put in at the start! Really well organised and marshalled with a mug and a bottle of water for all finishers. There was an extensive prize list with generous donations from several shops/organisations. I finished in a time of 58:43.
Thanks, Julie
Evesham Vale 10K, 11/7/10 by Chris Barker
The green and yellow (or jade and lemon if you like) was in abundance at this race with 22 MJs turning out for what is a race run on an almost completely flat course. It’s a bit different to the Beacon Race then, and a bit more to my liking. It’s a pleasant run with some long stretches of the River Avon to run past which might take your mind off how tired your legs are feeling or perhaps that’s just me. There were lots of spectators including some of our own runners not competing in the race but cheering on their fellow club members also some bemused –looking caravaners, campers and fishermen. It contains a hint of off-road although nothing that’s going to break your stride to any degree.
I’d like to say a big thank you and well done to the host club for their superb organisation and planning which can’t be easy when you are catering for 634 runners as was the case. It makes my 231st place look slightly better although at an event like this I’m sure it’s the taking part that really counts. There were probably numerous personal bests especially the man on the PA who must have made the longest presentation speech since Phidippides first slipped on a pair of Nike Air Zoom. A posh t-shirt at the finish, mine actually fits, I hope yours does too and the results are now up on the Evesham Vale RC website.

Pitchcroft 10K Place Available
From Sam Carrington - I have a place for Pitchcroft 10k on Sunday 18 July if anyone would like it. Please contact me on 07796342994 or on Facebook.

Severn AC 5k Series
Phil Jackson is looking for the company of fellow MJs..... Race 3 in this series of 4 will be this Thursday (15th) at 7.45 pm at the White Horse just to the north of Gloucester. Please don't let me be the only Jogger there!

Tues speed.....
.... is on this week - 5:45 @ Morrisons as usual.
On the schedule this week is 400m fast, 200m jog - 9 times.
All welcome! See you there.

Coming up
Every Wednesday, 7pm
Every Sunday (sometimes Saturday), a local run or a race
Mon 12/7 Frampton 10K
Sun 18/7 Pitchcroft 10K
Wed 21/7 Runaround Strawberries and Cream 10K
Sat 24/7 Gloucester Half Marathon
Wed 4/8 Bugatti 10K
Sat 7/8 Cranham Boundary Chase
Sun 8/8 Tenbury 10K
Sun 15/8 Standish Woodland Chase

Happy running,
Old Cheese

Chris's Blog from 4 July 2010

Dear Runners and Joggers,

Cross Country
From Nick Hitchings - Following a successful first venture in to team Cross Country, (14 Malvern Joggers ran at Aconbury on Wednesday) we would like to get even more at the next race on Wednesday 21st July at Westhope. Please e-mail me if you are able to run and i will be in touch with details nearer the race. Thanks, Nick Hitchings.

Another Malvern Jogger Activity for the August Bank Holiday - Dragon Boat Racing in Hereford, 30th August 2010
From Sarah Grout - If you are not running in the pubathon and want to spend the Bank Holiday with your family and friends - this one is for you!
Last year we drew together a team of friends, many of whom were Malvern Joggers, to participate in the Hereford River Wye Charity Festival Dragon Boat Race on the August Bank Holiday Monday. Despite early reluctance (fear of the unknown), everybody who participated, all novices, aged 20-something to 70-something, male and female, had a fantastic time and vowed to take part again. The team were also able to put 9 of its members in a tug-o-war competition and we came runners up - we so nearly won!
This year I am delighted to say that the Festival and Dragon Boat racing is being organised by Hereford City Rotary Club again and half of the sponsorship income from the Dragon Boating will go to Macmillan Cancer Support (the other half to other local charities supported by Rotary during the year).
I would love therefore to create an even bigger splash for the Malvern Joggers and Macmillan this year - with our paddle-power! and I wondered if you, your family and friends would be interested in entering the Malvern Joggers team. The more team-spirit the better and the more is always the merrier. In addition to the Dragon Boat racing there are a wide range of family activities at the River Festival, so it makes a super day out.
You need 17 team members ideally (16 paddlers + 1 drummer) - the helmsman is professional and provided by Dragon Boat Events ltd..... thank goodness! You can have team reserves. Minimum age 16. It works out at £20 per person and this purely covers the cost of the Dragon Boat Entry (£340) but it is hoped that we might also raise sponsors. We currently have 5 Malvern Joggers committed.
Take it from me how much fun we had and we made a whole day of the event, with a sumptuous buffet picnic under our gazebos on the riverside. It's an excuse for a party really.
If you are happy to enter under a ‘Malvern Joggers' guise then we can wear our club kit, or Macmillan T-shirts if you prefer. Macmillan will again be promoting the forthcoming 'World's Biggest Coffee Morning' so we'll be helping to raise awareness.
I'd love to hear from you soon if you are interested. Please feel free to tell anyone who you think may also be interested in joining us. I can be contacted on 01684 560260 or email sarahsgrout@aol.com . Website for further info is at www.wyeduckrace.co.uk
Hydration back packs for charity
I still have 9 hydration back packs at a cost of £12 each. £2 goes to Macmillan Cancer Support. Capacity 1.5 litres. Please contact me if you are interested. Sarah Grout, sarahsgrout@aol.com

Marathon man who just keeps running
Thanks to Dave Brett who spotted this in the Worcester News.....
HAVING had a very amicable chat with him for more than half-anhour, I just have this feeling that when Phillip Howells eventually falls out of the tree and they’re hamming the coffin lid down, he’ll be struggling to clamber out shouting: “Hang on, you can’t do that. I haven’t finished, yet.”
Because rarely have I met anyone so charged with a mission in life as this 63-year-old IT and marketing expert. His aim – and one that he’s only really had in the last 10 years – is to push himself as far and as hard as he can. Phil runs marathons. He’s run them in minus 40C in the Arctic Circle and plus 40C in the Kalahari Desert. He runs them along roads, across country and across continents.
Recently he completed his 100th marathon and if you discount two he ran when he was much younger, they have all been done in the last nine years. Which is some going by anyone’s standards.
“Will you still be running in your 80s?” I asked.
“It would be nice to think so,” he replied. “Because I have no intention of stopping. Unless you push yourself to the limit and beyond, you can have no satisfaction in life. For me it is not enough to live in your comfort zone. That is uncomfortable. You need to push yourself far as you can go and then just when you think you can go no farther, you push yourself just as far again.”
An interesting thesis, although one I suspect with minority support. The logical conclusion being you are always chasing an unattainable goal, because you never know what that goal is.
Apart from to knacker yourself.
Never mind, that’s for the psychologists, sports or otherwise and for now we’ll just concentrate on the athletic feats of this remarkable man from Ledbury. All the more remarkable because they have been achieved later in life.
It has helped that he was a reasonable athlete in his younger days. Born in Much Wenlock, Shropshire, Phil described himself as “a decent runner” at school, after which he took a short service commission in the Army where there were plenty of sporting opportunities.
As well as running, he was into cycling, cyclocross, time trials, triathlons and orienteering.
However, it wasn’t until 1982 that he ran his first marathon, just to see if he could do it. But he injured himself in training – “I pushed too hard. You really need to build up slowly. Maybe over a year. People don’t realise how tough it is” – and finished in three hours 50 minutes; a respectable time but not when he had been trying to break three hours.
That was at Wolverhampton, West Midlands. A few weeks later he ran a second marathon in Telford, Shropshire, and finished in three hours 26 minutes.
Then he went back to cycling.
Sadly, Phil’s wife was diagnosed with cancer and his athletic pursuits took a back seat.
He said: “I’m normally about 11 stone but my weight ballooned to 15 and I began to feel awful. Your skin doesn’t look right. Things rub and carrying all that extra weight was horrible.”
In 1998 his wife died and suddenly, at the age of 50, Phil was facing life all over again.
He said: “For a while I didn’t know what to do. Then I decided to get some of my excess weight off.”
So he began exercising again and in May 2001 entered a halfmarathon at Budleigh Salterton, Devon, near to where he was living at the time. He completed it in two hours and was the first over-50 competitor to finish. Buoyed by this, he entered another halfmarathon in nearby Exeter.
Phil said: “I was travelling all over Europe with my job and later in 2001 I decided to run a full marathon in Budapest, Hungary.
“It was nearly 20 years since my last one, but I found I could still do it. Then I managed to secure an entry for the 2002 London Marathon, which I completed in five hours and 20 minutes.”
The same year, Phil moved to live in Ledbury, Herefordshire, to be closer to a market research business he had in Worcester and since then his running career has just gone into overdrive. He’s run on road and track and across country. He’s taken part in ordinary marathons and extreme marathons. He’s competed in a six day, 237 km race across the Kalahari Desert with temperatures reaching 45C and also in a 150-mile race across the Arctic Circle in minus 40C, although, in that one like many other runners, hypothermia got the better of him, but not until he had reached the 132-mile mark.
Phil said: “The mental approach is the important thing. You have to be fit, obviously, but the old saying among marathon runners is you have to get your body strong enough to let the brain do its job.
“The strength doesn’t all have to be in your legs either. I do a lot of cross-training and gym work, squats, press-ups that sort of exercise. You need upper body strength so you run with the correct posture. That’s most important.”
Phil now runs anything between 15 to 20 marathons a year and by completing his 100th he joins a very exclusive band of about 250 members of the 100 Marathon Club.
Of course, knowing him, it wasn’t just any ordinary marathon, but a 56-mile race in South Africa, from Pietermaritzberg to Durban which, because of a flu virus, he took steadily and finished in 11 hours 58 seconds.
Or, as he would have it, it gave him something to do at a weekend.

Race Reports
The North Devon AONB Marathon 27/6/10 by John Bristow
After a fairly low key build up to my first marathon I stood on the start line at Woolacombe begining to wish I had picked a flatter one in the winter. With the prospect of 3400ft of ascent along the coast path and 32 degree temperatures I was a tad envious of the surfers on the beach below. However with plenty of water stations and great scenery the first half flew by, only to be replaced by the lumpy second half of which the local runners had warned. I finally staggered over the line in 4:10:26 , a little slower than I had hoped for but with the winners time of just under 3 hrs 35, I was happy with the result.
I can thoroughly recommend this race to any joggers if it is run again next year. The marshalling and support was top notch for a small field race, plus the option of the half marathon along the same route. The scenery was amazing, running along the coast path, across beaches, tracks and fields and finishing with a cream tea and a dip in the waves. See you there next year, John
Thanks, Jon
Devil’s Chimney Chase 3.7.10 by Julie Caseley
It was a super evening to be running this lovely race. I felt very relaxed although I was a solitary Jogger
surrounded by the purple of Almost Athletes! New to this event, as I found out when I was "warming up", was
a canicross - I was suddenly confronted by dogs on leads and wondered what was going on. However it soon became obvious and I thought it was a pretty good turnout with 8 runners (some had 2 dogs). Their course must have been shorter as they all finished between 17 and 18 mins. There were also 2 children's races that got underway after the main event had started.
Anyway, once our race began, I soon recalled how challenging the run up to the top of Leckhampton Hill was. The
first 3.75 miles of this 6 mile course was uphill. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw the trig point and knew it was either flat or downhill from now on. There were still a few undulations but I was able to throw myself off the top of the hill and head at full pelt back to the Old Pat's Rugby Club and a lap of the field to the finish. Excellent, cheerful marshals and a goody bag too. I was really pleased to have won my age category (FV45) in a time of 54:43.
Thanks, Julie
Portland 10, 3.7.10 by Chris Barker
This was one of my series of 3 seaside races I did last year. The Torbay Half wasn’t worth bothering with again but this one and the Swanage Half were so it’s a series of two if that’s possible, for 2010.
I don’t know whether it was the 3 mile uphill finish that did me in last year but at least it didn’t put me off. This year I thought I’d finish feeling like I had something left even if it took me a bit longer.
The race consists of a two lap run around the southern half of the Isle of Portland (which is actually joined to the mainland). The second lap is the bigger one and takes in the lighthouse at Portland Bill. There are also some fantastic views of the English Channel, Weymouth and Chesil Beach (Chesil Beach is 18 miles long and consists entirely of shingle so it’s not the best place for a training run). Portland is always windy due to its exposed location sticking out to sea but at least it was fresher and less humid than last year.
I finished in 1.30.19 and yes it did take longer, but far more impressive was the memento of a very nice Portland 10 towel. My race towel collection now numbers five from races here, Telford and Upton Bishop. Far more absorbent than a medal! Try drying yourself off after a post-race shower with a medal! This race is in its 30th year so it’s almost certain to be taking place in 2011, if you’re interested.

Gentle Joggers
Message from Jenny.... Geoff and Jenny are away for the next two Wednesdays. Mark will be back from his holiday to lead the continuous group. Sheila and Jo will be looking after the walk run group.
Many thanks for your support guys!

BBQ
From Steve Ollis….. I think a big WELL DONE should go to the MJ’s Chuckle Brothers, Andy Milton and Stevie Roode for putting on such a good bash at The Chase last night.
Even when numbers were higher than expected, they ‘soldiered on’ behind that sweltering BBQ - and even managed to hold a sausage or two back for those who took part in Nick’s cross country race!!
GOOD FOOD, GOOD COMPANY, GOOD NIGHT

UPTON TRIATHLON MARSHALS - SATURDAY 10th JULY 2010
Can you help? From Jeff Robinson of the organisers - Dave Gibson plus Carl Flint and Alison and Chris Findlay helped marshal at last year’s Triathlon but Alison and Chris are unavailable this year. We have also increased the number of competitors from 375 to 500 and are still short of the number of marshals we need. Dave (Gibson) said you might be able to circulate your members and see if any others were interested. There is plenty in it for volunteers as you can see from the email below. I would be really grateful if you could assist in publicising this. Please get in touch of you have any queries.
Jeff Robinson (Upton Triathlon Marshals)
Hill View, Ryall Court Lane, Holly Green, Upton upon Severn, Worcestershire, WR8 0PF
Telephone: 01684 591537 Mobile: 07791 586683 Email: marshals@uptontriathlon.com

Coming up
Every Wednesday, 7pm
Every Sunday (sometimes Saturday), a local run or a race
Sat 10/7 Gords 6 - Hereford
Sun 11/7 Timberhonger 10K
Sun 11/7 Wyre Forest Half Marathon
Sun 11/7 Evesham Vale 10K
Mon 12/7 Frampton 10K
Sun 18/7 Pitchcroft 10K
Wed 21/7 Runaround Strawberries and Cream 10K
Sat 24/7 Gloucester Half Marathon
Wed 4/8 Bugatti 10K
Sat 7/8 Cranham Boundary Chase
Sun 8/8 Tenbury 10K
Sun 15/8 Standish Woodland Chase

Happy running,
Old Cheese

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