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Newsdesk 2007
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RANELAGH HARRIERS E-NEWS # 241 31 January 2007
Editor: Steve Rowland
mailto: steverowland@ranelagh-harriers.com
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HEADLINE NEWS
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* Women's team wins bronze medals in South of England Championships
* Another World Record for Ed Whitlock
* Junior Points Prize Race 3 - Sam Hunton first home
* Third straight wins for Emily Johnston, Stephanie Espinosa and Josh
Keisler
* Blackheath Mob Match this Saturday - minibus from the clubhouse at noon
SEE HERE
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MOB MATCH v BLACKHEATH HARRIERS Saturday 3rd February at Hayes (Kent)
This is the last of the mob matches this season, and as usual we need
everybody we can get on the starting line. Last time we visited the
'heathens, two years ago, we fielded 29 starters and lost by just THREE
points, 690 - 693. Last year, at home, we had 81 starters and easily won the
Pelling-Ratcliff Cup. If we can get just half that number to Hayes on
Saturday we can retain the trophy. Please be there if you possibly can. Andy
Bickerstaff adds: "If we do win, Ranelagh's 'Runner of the Day' gets to keep
the magnificent Pelling-Ratcliff trophy for a year! What an incentive! Yes,
I'll decide who is 'Ranelagh Runner of the Day' in consultation with a hand
picked Consultation team. I promise it won't be me...".
The course is 7½ miles multi-terrain through the Kent countryside. The
Blackheath HQ is in Bourne Way, close to the junction of the A2022 and A232
and near Hayes, Kent, station.
There will be a minibus leaving from our clubhouse at 12 noon. The start is
at 2.30pm but note it's a 10 mins jog from the clubhouse. If you're late,
go straight there.
SURREY LEAGUE FINAL RACES Saturday 10th February in Richmond Park
We are hosting the final race of both the men's and women's Division One
campaigns. Timetable is:
12.15pm Senior women
1.15pm Girls under 17 and Under 15
1.45pm Girls under 13
2.30pm Boys Under 17, Under 15 and Under 13
3pm Senior men
The current League situation is that our women's team is in second place and
the men are in fourth. For the women there is little realistic chance of
improving their position. Despite our clawing back 20 points on Belgrave in
the last race, the Belles hold a virtually unassailable 69 points lead. It
would take a major disaster for them to be dislodged, but it would be nice
to end the season with a win on the day. In addition our 'B' team is in
second place amongst the 'Bs', just 11 behind SLH, so there's everything to
run for.
Belgrave is the target for the men's team too. They currently lead us by 39
points, well within touch. We beat them by 59 in the last race, so if we
could repeat the dose, overhaul them and move into overall third, that would
equal our best-ever finish in Division One of the League.
Everyone is welcome to run, and of course we need officials and marshals on
the day too.
STREET O Tuesday 13th February at the clubhouse
Full details were in last week's e-news and will be repeated next week. In
brief, this is your chance to try something new as a change from the normal
Tuesday night sessions. It's a Street Orienteering event which will start
and finish at the clubhouse. You don't need Orienteering skills or
equipment, just the ability to read a street map. It will all take place on
lit roads in Richmond, and you can take part alone or in pairs or
threesomes. You have one hour to visit as many control points as you can and
return to base. Entry is free, all you'll need is a pen or pencil and a
watch. A small torch is helpful but not vital. You can make it a hard
fartlek session, or at the other extreme you can just walk or jog round. You
can start any time between 7pm and 8pm. Give it a try!
BAKER CUP SUPPER
Jo Turner writes:
"The Baker Cup supper and annual prize giving is going to be at the Orange
Tree pub in Richmond on Saturday 31st March. This is opposite the train
station and there is a car park (Old Deer Park) behind it which is free from
6.30 onwards.
There will be a finger food buffet and tickets will cost £12.50.
Unfortunately, we can only have 60 people so the first come first served
system will be in operation. Put the date in your diaries."
Book your places with Jo or Marina on Tuesday nights or contact either of
them at mailto: joturner_45@hotmail.com or mailto: marina_quayle@hotmail.com
LONDON MARATHON PLACES
Dawn Bates writes:
"The charity Missing Persons has four Gold Places for London Marathon due to
people pulling out. They require a minimum sponsorship of £1500. Anyone who
is interested should contact:
Tina Burdon
Community Fundraiser
tina.b@missingpersons.org
Tel: 020 8392 4521".
MARATHON COACHING
Frances Ratchford, who is not only our President but is also a Grade 4 Coach
(the top qualification available), is organising a marathon training course.
She writes:
"It's three days coaching per week: Tuesday at the clubhouse, Thursday at
the track and Saturday at the clubhouse. The Saturday morning, 10.30-11.30
will include conditioning work. There will be plans for individuals, email
suport and a special coaching day in February. For members of Ranelagh it is
free but outsiders will have to pay £26.2".
Contact Frances at mailto: grapevineproductions@compuserve.com
RICHMOND MINI-MARATHON TRIAL Sunday 11th February 2007 in Richmond Park
As usual we are jointly hosting the trials for the Richmond team to take
part in the London Mini-Marathon. The course is two laps of Sidmouth Wood
(opposite Pembroke Lodge) and the timetable is: 10am Girls 13-14 and 15-17;
10.30am Boys 13-14 and 15-17; 11am Girls 11-12; 11.30am Boys 11-12. The
categories relate to ages on London Mini-Marathon day, which is Sunday 22nd
April. The first eight finishers in each category will be selected for the
team. To be eligible for the team you must either live or go to school in
the borough of Richmond. Entries close on Friday 2nd February - there are
forms in the clubhouse or call the council Sports Development team on 020
8831 6133.
LONG TRAINING RUNS UPDATE
Clive Beauvais led a party of half a dozen in Windsor Great Park last week,
including Fari and Mark whose navigational skills (lack of) resulted in them
covering a few more miles than anticipated! There should be no such problems
this week, with a run out along the Thames towpath and back. All are welcome
to join in, all paces catered for.
Sunday February 4th Thames Path run (out & back) - 24 miles maximum - turn
back earlier if you want to do less. From Ranelagh HQ at Petersham, starting
at 9.30am.
Sunday February 11th 'Punchbowl Marathon' - another LDWA event, 20 or 30
mile options. From Witley (nr. Godalming) beautiful scenery and great
facilities including hot meal at the end.
Sunday February 18th 24 miler in Windsor Great Park. 4 x 6 mile laps -
ideal for getting your marathon race drinking needs sorted out - opportunity
to place drinks every 3 miles.
GOOD RUN GUIDE
The February edition of "Running Fitness" magazine includes a good feature
on the website run by John and Louise Piears and Andy Bickerstaff -
www.goodrunguide.co.uk It focuses on one of guide's runs, the St Martha's
Hill Challenge near Guildford, and features photos of Andy and Louise in
action, including one of Andy most impressively bounding up the hill by St
Martha's Church.
Incidentally, the January edition of the same magazine featured a profile of
our new second-claim member Wendy Jones, in which she gives most of the
credit for her progression to international status to David Wright's
coaching - though David prefers to call it mentoring.
RUNNER'S WORLD
And while we're on the subject of magazines, the February "Runner's World"
included an account by Hugh Jones of our Centenary Mob Match, in his
"Classic Races" series; and the March issue features some suggestions from
Anna McLaughlin as to how an experienced runner and a beginner can do
training sessions together.
SPORTS MASSAGE, RICHMOND
Kerry Anley is available to provide Sports Massage to Ranelagh members at a
discount rate of £28 per hour. Be pro-active and don't wait until you are
injured before you book a massage. Telephone Kerry on 07834223290 for an
appointment.
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WHAT'S COMING...
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More details of the following from
Andy Bickerstaff ( 07772 111491 / mailto: andy@norris-hobs.co.uk ) or
Mark Middleton ( 07725 119649 / mailto: markjmiddleton@yahoo.co.uk ) or
Phil Aiken (07739 035189 / mailto: phil.aiken@rnid.org.uk ) or
Anna McLaughlin (07971 606521 / mailto: anna.mclaughlin@talk21.com ).
Saturday 3rd February Pelling-Ratcliff Cup mob match v Blackheath
Harriers at Hayes (Kent). See above.
Sunday 4th February MABAC League 5 miles at Farley Heath (near
Guildford). 11am start.
Saturday 10th February Surrey League Division 1 (men and women) in
Richmond Park. See above.
Sunday 11th February Valentines 10km at Chessington.
Mini Marathon Trial from 10am in
Richmond Park. See above.
Tuesday 13th February Street O event from the clubhouse. See above.
Saturday 17th February v Bank of England, Herc Wimb, Ealing and others
(incl Hec Petersen Trophy). 5½ miles in Richmond Park (Roehampton Gate).
Start at 2.30pm.
Every Saturday Bushy Park Time Trial: 9am start at the Diana
Fountain car park.
Wimbledon Common Time Trial: 9am start
at the Windmill car park.
Details.
WHAT'S HAPPENED...
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SOUTH OF ENGLAND CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS Saturday 27th January at
Holkham Hall, Norfolk
"Very flat, Norfolk," wrote Noel Coward. Clearly he had not visited Holkham
Hall. Anyone who expected a track runners' course for the "Southern" was
doomed to disappointment. There were hills, it was very rough underfoot and
the Ranelagh women revelled in it. Jo Ronaldson's 13th place was perhaps her
best-ever run on the country, and the second highest placing ever achieved
by a Ranelagh woman in the "Southern". She took several notable scalps,
including the winner of the last Surrey League race. And yet Anna McLaughlin
was only a minute behind in 26th with Marie Synnott-Wells almost another
half minute back in 32nd.
Three home in 32 set us up well for the team race, but all depended on the
fourth scorer. This turned out to be Abi Weeds in 69th, just a few seconds
ahead of Yvonne Hill. Carola Richter completed the team ("I truly enjoyed my
first cross-country race after sooo many years - I could have chosen a more
low profile event but nope, straight to the championships").
When the scores were totted up Winchester and Blackheath were clearly first
and second and Ranelagh was found to be level on points with Aldershot. The
tie-breaker in those circumstances is the position of the last scorer, and
Abi's 69th was nine places ahead of her Aldershot counterpart. So the bronze
medals came to Ranelagh, the first team medals our women have ever won in a
South of England Championship. We have to go back to 1976 for the last team
medals of any kind in this race, when our junior men finished 3rd; and way
back to 1921 since we were placed in a senior championship.
In the men's championship we had only a token presence, with Howard Gleave
leading home Andy Bickerstaff and James Corbett, all three well in the top
half of the field.
WORLD RECORD FOR ED
Ed Whitlock's latest world record came last week with a 5.31.23 indoor 1500
metres, taking some eight seconds off the old mark for the over 75 age
group. Here are Ed's comments on the Canadian web site LetsRun.com:
"Well 5:31 is maybe not too bad off a training regime of glacial paced long
runs around the cemetery. But I don't recommend it as proper training for
the 1500 at least in the absence of some races at a similar distance. Anyway
it is certainly not that great when you compare it to Earl Fee's M75 indoor
mile record of 5:41. Still hoping to improve though. I'm struggling at the
moment with knee problems. Took a few days off recently and cut my run short
today because it felt a bit sore and uncomfortable. Haven't done a 3 hour
run for several months but have still managed a fair amount of training".
JUNIOR POINTS PRIZE RACE 3 Saturday 20th January in Richmond Park
Sam Hunton ducked inside the eight minutes barrier for the first time to
lead home the 41 finishers. Chasing hard were Josh Keisler and Joss Moran
who completed their third consecutive one-two in the Under 13 age group.
Emily Johnston and Stephanie Espinosa also chalked up their third wins in
their respective age groups. Katie Bryant and Anna Richardson were close
behind Emily in the Under 13s, but Stephanie had over half a minute to spare
over Lucy Edmunds in the Under 15s.
Sam also had a good lead in the under 15 boys, but Guido Tavella's big PB in
second place brought him home ahead of Matthew Wilson and George Inman. This
sets things up for a very close finish in the last race: scores to date are
Matthew 19, Sam and George 18 and Guido 13.
Unsurprisingly Josh, Emily and Stephanie stand clear at the top of their
points tables. All three have 25 points, their closest rivals being
respectively Joss on 22, Katie on 20 and Holly Clemens on 17.
In the Under 17s Rebecca Clayden beat nine minutes for the first time and
defeated Victoria Elbourne, but Victoria goes into the last race ahead by 22
to 18. Alfie Purdue was the only runner in the Under 17 boys, but Steven
Downie retains a clear overall lead.
A full score sheet can be found in the Juniors section of our web site.
BUSHY PARK TIME TRIAL 5km Saturday 20th January
This was Darren Wood's 100th BPTT. He wasn't one of the thirteen pioneers at
race number 1 on October 2nd 2004 but he was there the following week and
most Saturdays ever since. To commemorate the occasion Darren was presented
with a special "100 Club" fleece.
1 M Ashton (AFD) 16.01
6 Mark Middleton 17.28
27 Jonny Peacock 19.34
36 Darren Wood 19.55
46 David Rowe 20.26
57 Chris Camacho 20.55
70 Andrew Morris 21.24
76 John Herries 21.32
95 Layla Smith 21.58
119 Adam Wright 23.06
150 Paul Bisping 24.31
153 Roger Wilson 24.38
198 Gill Wilson 27.05
199 John Hanscomb 27.10
266 Sharon Rowe 31.25
WIMBLEDON COMMON TIME TRIAL 5km Saturday 20th January
The third WCTT saw 47 finishers including the first Ranelagh representation.
1 M Hillary (Clapham) 18.13
5 Andrew Forth 18.47
38 George Coates 27.12
EPSOM ODDBALLS PERCH VIII 2007 Sunday 21st January 2007 at Epsom
Bev Ali reports:
"I believe that the village of Epsom is a black hole that always draws me
in - but it is getting easier to break away from the gravitational pull of
the one way system - at least this time I realised that 'East Road' would
likely be going in the wrong direction since the race course is southwest of
the village.Considering the recent weather the Perch course was in good
condition. There were some moderately muddy sections, virtually dry by
MABAC standards, and some rocky bits but mostly grassy paths and paved paths
and roadways. The first half of the route is generally undulating uphill,
culminating in a sign that informs you that you are at the highest point on
the course, followed by a sign that says it is all downhill from here,
MOSTLY! You keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, as you careen on down
the long, long descent, and when you reach the sign that tells you that you
are now at the lowest point on the course, and you still have at least a
mile to go, you know it is payback time! The 2000 perch definitely ends
with a bump not a whimper! However, the long-sleeve t-shirt and the Mars
bar at the finish, the friendly faces and the brilliant sunshine were
definitely worth it. I don't think we have been to Epsom for a race that
hasn't finished as a positive experience.
The winner for 2007 was the winner from 2005, James McMullan of Epsom
Oddballs, in a time of 34.39. In the Ladies race the winner for 2007 was the
winner from 2004, Emily Nelson of Epsom & Ewell Harriers, in a new course
record for women of 38.20, beating her old record by four seconds. John
Hanscomb finished 3rd in the over 70 age group. The men's team prize and
also the ladies' team prize went to Epsom & Ewell Harriers. Ranelagh men's
team (Phil Aiken, John Hanscomb and Alan Meaden) was 16th out of 19, and the
ladies team (Alison Cullen, Lorna Smith and Hazel Carr) was 12th out of 14".
1 J McMullan (Epsom O) 34.39
13 E Nelson (Epsom & E) 38.20 (1st W)
115 Phil Aiken 46.42
268 Alison Cullen 53.17
413 John Hanscomb 59.09
464 Lorna Smith 62.37
468 Alan Meaden 62.46
479 Hazel Carr 63.25
490 Sally Stembridge 64.08
492 Lynne Barber 64.11
508 David Meaden 65.14
546 Jane Wyatt 68.40
577 Cindy Croucher 73.25
579 Bev Ali 73.38
ST ALBANS 10 miles Sunday 21st January
1 B Southin (Serpentine) 55.31
258 Pete Warren 75.30
LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH 5km Friday 26th January in Hyde Park
1 S Neill (RAF) 15.50
38 Tim Noon 19.23
127 Mike Rowland 24.56
139 John Hanscomb 26.52
BUSHY PARK TIME TRIAL 5km Saturday 27th January
Mandy Westlake took 15 seconds off her personal best as the 5th woman home,
while further back Sharon Rowe improved by 31 seconds in her inexorable
progress towards the 30 minutes barrier. Husband David found himself
displaced at the head of the BPTT points table after several weeks at the
top, but it's still very close.
1 R Stannard (Belgrave) 16.32
47 Chris Read 19.43
55 Darren Wood 20.05
60 David Rowe 20.12
63 Mandy Westlake 20.19
78 Chris Camacho 20.35
113 Edward Smith 21.50
133 Adam Wright 22.33
177 Ray Smith 24.34
209 Roger Wilson 25.37
221 Gill Wilson 26.06
236 John Hanscomb 26.50
249 Bruno Wilson-Betancor 27.40
275 Wally Garrod 30.45
278 Sharon Rowe 30.54
CANTERBURY 10 miles Sunday 28th January
1 M Coleman (Med&M) 51.18
96 Phil Aiken 68.06
BOX HILL FELL RACE Saturday 20th January
Abi Weeds and Matthias Mahr competed in the colours of their Orienteering
club SLOW, and Abi was third woman home.
1 D Lacy (Camb H) 52.59
27 J Carritt (Highgate) 62.00 (1st W)
45 Abi Weeds 66.24
46 Matthias Mahr 66.39
GORING and WOODCOTE LIONS 10km Sunday 7th January
This was Sharon Rowe's first-ever 10km, only four months after taking up
running. Here's her report, taken from Sharon and David's own running blog
at http://www.rowerunning.co.uk/:
"Got up early, ready brek in bed courtesy of David, hardly slept a wink,
every time I woke up I can only say that I was terrified! We got to Woodcote
and thought that given the reported hilly nature of the course, we should
drive it so that I could see what I was up against. They weren't wrong! The
first 5kms were steadily downhill except for two teeny hills but the second
half was dominated by three hills, one which was much of 5-6kms, then from
7kms to just over 9kms. Eeeek! I could only think that I would have to be
veeery slow up them! So, several comfort breaks later, it was almost start
time. I lined up at the back (where else!) and we were off. As I thought,
the first 5kms were good and I did them in less than my BPTT best, which
concerned me as I could only think of those hills ahead! Tried to drink the
water at the halfway point but it was too cold to drink. Suceeded in
chucking some of it down my top instead.
So, up the first hill I set. At this point it decided to become a tad windy
and drizzly but I kept going. I even overtook two women on the hill. Got to
the top, blown to bits and said 'hello' to the pigs in the field before
going downhill again to 7kms. Of course, what goes down must come up and so
I was off up hill number two. At the top of this, my legs really gave up. It
was hurting and I wanted to stop. But I didn't. Somehow I got going again
and never have I been so glad to get onto a flat piece of road. The next
thing I knew, I could see the finish line and our godson Harry and his mum
running towards me, then I saw David taking photos
http://www.sharonrowe.co.uk/photos/2007/72157594465066887/ so I tried to
smile.
My official time was around 1:11:52 (I think, waiting for the results to
appear) but my watch time was 1:11:40 from my first running step before the
start line. I can't believe I managed to do it. From literally not being
able to run a step at the start of my Runner's World beginners training plan
on 21st August 2006, I managed a 10k! The next 10k is already booked and as
long as David doesn't chicken out with his dodgy hip excuse, he'll be there
with me. Well, about 30 minutes in front...".
The official results have now appeared and credit Sharon with a time two
minutes faster than she expected!
1 C Payne (Reading RR) 35.27
414 Sharon Rowe 69.22
CRYSTAL PALACE CANTER 5km Thursday 4th January
Yvonne Hill was the leading woman in 20.58.
FINALLY...
A couple of years ago I posed a question here asking which country boasted
the most men inside 29 and 30 minutes for 10,000 metres on the track. No-one
guessed the right answer, which was Japan. Maybe this is how it was
achieved: at a meeting in Yokohama on November 26th there were no fewer than
ten separate 10,000 metres races. The winner of the 'A' race was Kihara in
28.16. Behind him, 44 men beat 30 minutes. Over all ten races, 37 men beat
29 minutes and 154 beat 30 minutes. Overall in 2006 the 300th ranked
Japanese ran 29.24. Would you care to hazard a guess how many Brits ran that
fast? One...