25th May 2009 - Bank Holiday News

Flying Coach's Visit on 16th June
Dave Leach, our Flying Coach will pay us another visit on Tuesday 16th June 2009 at 7.15 pm at Uplands. He will do a session geared towards 5 -10k. We are hoping that this time the grass on the track will be shorter and the weather warmer.

Please turn up if you are interested in becoming a coach and also if you want to benefit from the coaching given. There will of course be a Club Run as usual for those who prefer.

Thursday Track Sessions

These are becoming really quite popular! Roger Smith is putting in a sterling effort to make these successful. Thank you Roger. Last Thursday he was assisted by Claire D'Aubney who has been running on the previous sessions but not competing in the timed laps. Thank you Claire.

Last Thursday we did a pyramid session with fast laps of 400m, 800m, 1200m, 800m and 400m interspersed with a slow 400m recovery lap. When everybody had had a chance to get their breath back we ran a timed 400m. The results were:-

Russell 62.09 secs
Mark 73.27 secs
Peter 75.83 secs
Shane 80.90 secs
Hannah 83.08 secs
Helen G 84.00 secs
Matt 85.83 secs
Albert 91.09 secs
Katrina 96.90 secs
Nell N 103.00 secs
Sara Faulty timekeeper/watch

Many are already finding their times are coming down.

The Sussex Grand Prix

There have been some problems with the SGP results.

Graham Chapman the SGP Chairman has written to all Club Reps in these terms:-

"Club Reps,

I'm sure it comes as no surprise that we've had one or two problems with results so far this year.

Without going into details, the outcome is that we need to assemble a small team to assist with the compilation of a reliable, efficient results service.

I'd be very grateful if you could circulate amongst your members the need for the following volunteers.

1. A person to keep the members database up-to-date. In theory, this should be simply be a case of obtaining updated member lists from clubs at the beginning of the year and ensuring they are kept up-to-date throughout the year as reps advise of changes.

In reality, there will be a bit of chasing up involved. A familiarity with MS Excel, a computer, and email will be needed.

2. Someone to request and obtain results from races as soon as they are run, and to process them so they are ready to be entered into the results system. Requirements, as above.

3. A person or persons, to devise and operate the results system (probably Excel based, although open to suggestions). Again, requirements, as above.

4. Someone to receive and deal with the enquiries after the publication of results (this could be included in the above).

Of course, some of these roles can be combined, but I stress this is not really the job for one person and a small group is preferable.

Although these positions are voluntary, there may be scope for incentives, possibly website sponsorship if appropriate, although this is yet to be discussed.

Anyone who thinks they can help out should contact me directly.

email: gc@grahamchapman.co.uk
work: 01435 860868
home: 01435 812829
mobile: 07967 658523

Thanks very much,

Graham Chapman
Chairman SGP"

Please think whether you have the time and skills to lend a hand.

Race Results

On Tuesday 19th May Barry Gilbert and Siobhan Burke competed in the 1st race of the Queen Mother Reservoir 5km/10km Race Series. They both ran the 5k and their results are:-

20 BURKE, Siobhan 0:25:47 Wadhurst Runners Senior Women 740
21 GILBERT, Barry 0:25:49 Wadhurst Runners MV60 741


Closer to home on a sunny and quite warm day, Peter Burfoot went over to Canterbury on Bank Holiday Sunday for his 1st running of the Canterbury Half Marathon. The race started at the Canterbury Rugby Club in Nackington Lane on the south side of the city.

Peter had brought a wad of Bewl 15 flyers to place on a table, but this was an opportunity not to be missed, a whole field full of hundreds of cars just inviting Bewl 15 flyers to be put under their wipers. Peter ran out of Flyers after just 1.5 rows, barely 1/4 of the field of just runners' cars. Some runners gulped down flyers determined to take them "back to the Club" (Plumsted) as there were "other members" who wanted them. Another group couldn't praise the Bewl 15 enough but thought we imported rain to wet the steep hill!

1983 London Marathon winner Mike Gratton's company 2:09 events organised the race for the Pilgrim's Hospices. Organisation was tip-top and Mike was there to run the show. He described the race thus:-
"The route is hilly, there is no doubting that, but runs through beautiful Garden of England scenery and typical Kent downland villages. 2:09 Events director won this race 3 times in the 80's and early 90's running 66mins around the route so it is not that slow and there are some long sweeping down hills to go with the climbs."
Well, 66 minutes was never on the cards and the winner finished in 76 minutes this year. By all accounts slow times were had by many and this was blamed on the "heat" - it wasn’t that hot!

The race is very rural and takes small country roads out of Canterbury to the Chartham Downs. There were some useful Kent runners to use as markers. The 1st 3 miles were uphill all the way and then the course dropped steeply to Petham before climbing again to Waltham. I had noticed a 1:7 gradient on the map shortly afterwards but needn't have worried as it was a downhill! At the 7 mile point on the flat I found some speed and started to overtake a few people then we looped back to Petham ready to take on the Big (Up)Hill. It was tough. Once at the top some more speed came and the runners pounded down the gentle gradients to Stuppington, then over the A2 and we were back at the start but with a long uphill track for the final 1/2 mile before finishing at the Rugby Club.

The organisers did us proud, chip timing (though there were computer problems on the day), bottled water, numerous drink stations, and at the finish, a medal, oranges and a real old-fashioned "Goodie Bag" complete with a For Goodness Shake, gel, muesli bar, and energy drink powder. A thoroughly enjoyable, if rather warm race. There were 777 finishers.

The results:-

133 133 362 PETER BURFOOT
Mvet50 WADHURST RUNNERS 01:43:41

Forthcoming Races

Don't forget the Bexhill 5k and Children's races on Wednesday 27th May. There is a new course this year see the Bexhill Runners' website for details; http://www.bexhillrunners.co.uk/uploads/5k_map_course.pdf . The July race is part of the SGP series so those who can are encouraged to race on Wednesday to get used to the new course

The Tillingham Valley Rockabilly Races.

These races near Rye are new for this year and take place on Saturday 30th May from 4.00pm. There are races for fun runners, dogs, and children, as well as a 5 mile Cross Country race. Entry is on-line at Runners world or on the day as the postal closing date has passed. Details are to be found at: http://sussexraces.tripod.com/EntryForms2009/2009Udimore.doc

Don't forget the Worthing 10k SGP race on Wednesday 10th June. Entry forms can be found at: http://www.worthingharriers.com/uploadforms/1241695805-10k-Entry-Form-2009.doc . Please note the Closing date for postal entries is 3rd June 2009.

Also in June is the Heathfield 10k SGP race on 28th June. The entry form is at:- http://www.heathfieldroadrunners.com/RaceForms/RaceForm2009FB.pdf .

25th April 2009 Heathfield news

If you had intended entering the Heathfield 10k SGP race on 28th June 2009, you need to get your skates on!

It was reported at the Sussex Athletics Executive Committee Meeting last night that there are only a very few places left. This is because the race is part of the 10k Challenge being staged by Sussex Athletics, which has made the race very popular and there is quite a low race entry limit.

An entry form can be downloaded from:

http://www.heathfieldroadrunners.com/RaceForms/Race_Form_2009FB.pdf

Obviously we would hope that Wadhurst Runners will field as large and strong a team as possible, so please send off your entries now.

Heathfield 10K

Congratulations to all the Waddies who took part in the Heathfield 10k yesterday. The course is noted for its hills, second only to Crowborough in this respect, so pbs are always going to be unlikely.

Michael Mackay led the team home on a fine breezy day. The results are:

37 Michael Mackay 42:12
64 Eddie Wattenbach 44:51
66 Peter Burfoot 45:06
89 Shane Last 47:12
95 Cathy Hall 47:54
144 David Jones 52:30
162 Melinda Mackay 53:36
166 Anthony Gates 54:01
192 Bonita Backhouse 57:40
252 Siobhan Burke 1:09:08
253 Charlotte Petkovic 1:09:22

Heathfield - it's Cathy - she's gone home

Or should that be Heathcliffe?

The Waddies had another great turnout at Heathfield for the Midsummer 10K with four of our runners in the top 100. Great performances were seen from Ciaran Osborn, who finished in a spectacular 12th place, followed by Mike MacKay 41st, David Burfoot and Peter Burfoot. The ladies were championed by Lynn Hayes 108th, Cathy Hall 148th and Melinda MacKay 155th.

Individually it was also a good day for Lynn Hayes, who was 3rd Lady V3 and Albert who finished 3rd V5.

There has to be a special mention for Tim Clements, who pushed himself so hard to beat his target of 50 minutes that he deposited his breakfast a diplomatic distance from the refreshment stall. Apparently Tim reckons he has a weak stomach, but those present maintain he was throwing it as hard as he could.

Full results:

12 Ciaran Osborn. 37.22
41 Michael Mackay 41:20
50 David Burfoot. 42:29
75 Peter Burfoot 45.37
108 Linda Hayes 47:38
111 Albert Kemp 47:46
122 Eddie Wattenbach 48:38
129 Tim Clements 49:29
131 Shane Last 49:38
148 Cathy Hall 51:38
155 Melinda Mackay 52:14
176 Bonita Backhouse 54:04
189 Anthony Gates 56:05
193 Kathie Gates 56:36
241 Janet Drake 1.06:45
251 Sara Wrenn 1.10:43

North Downs Run

Three brave Waddies braved heat and one of the toughest courses around when they took part in the North Downs Run on Sunday. The 30K course follows footpaths over and around the North Downs and features some tough inclines, slippy downhills - a genuine multi=terrain event.

Albert was first Waddie home, just in front of Peter Burfoot who suffered a nasty fall on loose chippings around the 24K mark.

Peter writes:

".... running down a very steep path of loose flints and dirt in the Shorne Country Park just before 24k you hear a holler from behind and you just have time to glance an ape-like apparition speeding past in the air complete with a jungle hat? I just had time to ask "Why are you going so fast" (It was double the speed of anybody on 2 legs) when I found myself sliding on my side elbow and thumb lacerating all those areas with searing pain from my elbow and thumb. As I came to a haly the cramp which I had been fighting in my right calf for 4 k seized both calves and I couldn't get up. Luckily 2 runners were at hand and pulled me up to clear the path. The must have thought I was quite mad when I told them not to touch my broken finger (the 1 with the black nail). But in fact it is broken and has been since 28th May! Luckily I didn't land on it nor did they pull me up by it.

I had delayed shock later in the afternoon (whether from the sight of the ape or the fall, I will never know) but have now rcleaned up. The elbow is very sore, but 4 hourly paracetamol is taking care of the pain."

And as for Albert "The North Downs was the most enjoyable race I have run in years. I ended up giving my all when Mr PB came into my sight, unexpectedly, and I then went for it and finished without fatiguing myself. I had to nurse both calves as after Peter fell a small dog ran straight to me at 24 kms and I pulled both calves."

Not sure how Albert had time to pull both calves, but we're told that the owner won't take the matter any further.

Results from the NDR:

Albert Kemp 2.53.14
Peter Burfoot 2.58.31
Cathy Burke 3.45.32

The Waddies pot hunters were also out in force, with Liam Burke winning the 2.5K Fun Run and collecting a box of hereoes - which were consumed whilst waiting for the 30K competitors to finish.

Next race for most Waddies will be the the Heathfield Midsummer 10K on June 24th, although there is a 5 Mile event at Hassocks on the 23rd.

Don't forget too that Midsummer Hash on the 21st.

Waddies on the march!!

The latest version of the Sussex GP tables have been released - and the Waddies have climbed to third place overall in the table - with the Mens Vets right up there in Number 1 position.

We think that this is the highest position ever attained by the club - and things are looking good for the future. With a sizeable number of members now attending the GP events we are now really beginning to make our mark. Both Men's and Ladies teams feature in the leading positions - see the updated tables on the right.

There are several individual performances worthy of note - not least Albert who currently lies in 2nd place in the overall Men's section with Tony Gates also appearing in the top 10. Albert also tops the Vets table, with Tony 6th and Shane 10th. Not to be outdone the ladies are also making their mark with Helen in the top 10 Vets and Kathie Gates 5th in the Ladies Senior table.

It's now important that we maintain the pressure on those teams ahead of us - and to do so, we need as many members as possible to turn out for the club in those GP events. next up is the Worthing 10K on Wednesday, with the Heathfield 10K on the 24th.

If you'd like to see the updated Sussex GP tables click here.