*************************************************** RANELAGH HARRIERS E-NEWS # 346 4 February 2011 Editor: Steve Rowland mailto: steverowland@ranelagh-harriers.com *************************************************** HEADLINE NEWS ************* * Estelle Damant finishes 21st in South of England women's Champs * Peter Haarer finishes 98th in men's Champs * Niall O'Connor leads Ranelagh at the Bank of England * Ranelagh team finishes 3rd but wins the Hec Petersen trophy * parkrun placings for Michelle Davies, Mark Herbert, Sharon Dooley, Trevor Maguire and Duncan Mallison * Final Surrey League races on Saturday 12th * All needed for the Blackheath mob match on Saturday 26th SEE HERE ******** FINAL SURREY LEAGUE RACES The fourth and last Surrey Cross-Country League events take place on Saturday 12th February. The women race at Putney Vale (Wimbledon Common) from the Thames Hare & Hounds HQ, with the senior race starting at 12 noon and the junior events following. The team currently lies in 8th place in Division 1, well out of reach of contesting the title but also in no danger of slipping into the relegation zone. It would be nice, nevertheless, to finish the season with a flourish. All are welcome to run, register on the day. Details:. The men's race is on our own course in Richmond Park, juniors at 2.30pm and seniors at 3pm. The team has won all three Division 2 races to date and will carry into the race a lead of 139 points over our nearest rivals Clapham Chasers. Equally importantly, with only two clubs to be promoted to Division 1, we have a cushion of 371 points over third-placed Guildford and Godalming. We also have the leaders in four of the individual competitions: under 20s (Alexander Fordham), seniors (Phil Killingley), over 40s (Peter Haarer) and over 50s (John Shaw). Barring a complete disaster promotion should be in the bag, but can we win the title? There's no room for complacency, need every potential team scorer to make the effort to be there. Everyone is welcome to take part, the more the better to join in the celebrations (hopefully!). Details:. LAST MOB MATCH OF THE WINTER Last winter at home to Blackheath and Bromley we fielded a spectacular 91 starters. If we can persuade even half that number of you to make the journey over to Hayes (Kent) on Saturday 26th February we can pull off our first win there for some forty years. As Niall wrote in the last e-news, "The course has stiles, gates, woods, spectacular views and the occasional field of horses. It is definitely a countryside course except for the last 800m, most of which is tarmac and provides a quick finish." Start time is 2.30pm and you should allow ten minutes to jog there from the Blackheath clubhouse in Bourne Way (near Hayes railway station). Check the Blackheath website for the exact location here:. We'll have a minibus leaving from the clubhouse at 12 noon - please e-mail me if you plan to use it. BAKER CUP SUPPER AND ANNUAL PRIZE PRESENTATION This will take place at the Roebuck on Richmond Hill on Saturday 26th March starting at 7pm. Price is £15 per head to include a welcoming glass of bubbly, a buffet meal and the chance to see our impressive array of trophies. Book with Michele Gibson (e-mail micheleagibson@hotmail.com or 07703 518956). RUNNING LEADERSHIP COURSE We'd like to see more people coaching at the club, and we'd particularly like to see a few more men getting involved. Marc Snaith writes: "The South West London Network (of which Ranelagh is a member) have arranged a Leadership in Running Fitness training course for its members on Sunday 27th February at St Mary's College, Strawberry Hill. This is, to quote their literature, 'A one-day Leadership Training course which qualifies and insures leaders to deliver safe and fun running sessions, suitable for Running Club Leaders and Run in England Group Leaders.' The normal cost for the course is £90 but this is going to be covered by the network. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a group leader or coach. Let me know if you are interested and I'll send you the attendance form." Marc's contact details are in "What's Coming" below. RANELAGH CUP SCHOOLS RACE Our annual schools race will take place on Saturday March 5th, before the inter-club race in Richmond Park. RANELAGH ROAD GRAND PRIX Full details of our 2011 Road Grand Prix are now up on our website here:. THAMES TOWPATH 10 miles The 2011 Road Grand Prix will as usual kick off with the Thames Towpath 10 miles at Chiswick on Sunday 10th April, starting at 9.30am. Entries are now open via Sportsystems here:. RICHMOND HALF MARATHON Our Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 8th May starting at 8.30am. Over 700 entries have already been received, including relatively few so far from Ranelagh. The entry limit is 1150, so don't leave it too long! If you plan to run, get your entry in now; otherwise please reserve the date and volunteer to help in some capacity on the day. It's a course that needs plenty of marshals. Details:. MABAC LEAGUE NEWS Ray Mears of the MABAC League writes: "We presented the MABAC charity donation cheque of £1,000 to the Shooting Star Children's Hospice on 17th January. As you will imagine, the charity was delighted with the donation. This charity has guaranteed places in a number of events in 2011, including the Adidas Half Marathon (6th March), London Marathon (17th April), BUPA London 10km (30th May), British 10km (10th July), Adidas Women's Challenge 5km (tbc), Royal Parks Half Marathon (9th October) and the New York Marathon (6th November). For more information, or to book your place with The Shooting Star team, please contact Karen Peffer, Challenge Events Fundraiser, on 020 8481 8192 or e-mail Karen karen.peffer@shootingstar.org.uk ." The next MABAC race is this Sunday at Farley Heath near Guildford and our own event in Richmond Park takes place on Sunday 6th March. The popular spring marathon build-up events, the Cranleigh 15 and 21 miles, take place on Sunday 20th March. Unlike other MABAC events, the Cranleigh races have to be entered in advance. Details of all these races: www.mabac.org.uk/. CALLING EARLY BIRDS Darryl McDonald is looking for company on early morning training sessions (between 6am and 7am) on either Tuesdays or Thursdays anywhere in Wimbledon. If you're interested please contact Darryl dmc.intheplacetobe@gmail.com . CATTLE IN THE PARK Pete Mulholland spotted the following in the "Evening Standard": "Highland cattle are to join the herds of deer in Richmond Park. They will return to the park, starting in the autumn, to help conserve its unusual acid grassland and boost biodiversity. By grazing, the cattle will create patches of bare ground which allow wild flowers to flourish. The scheme, by Royal Parks and Natural England, is an extension of a successful grazing trial undertaken in four hectares near the park's headquarters at Holly Lodge. In 1914 there were 114 farm cattle in the park, and in 1943 there were 50. They help boost biodiversity by their grazing method as, unlike the park's deer which eat woody vegetation, they prefer lush grasses." MARATHON SEMINARS AT ST MARY'S Jo Bolton writes: "I am delighted to invite you to our second series of Running Workshops: Marathon Seminars: Wednesday 9th February 2011 18:30 - 20:30 Training and physiology of the Marathon with Charles Pedlar and Mick Woods Wednesday 9th March 2011 18:30 - 20:30 Focus for race day and strategies for carbohydrate loading nutrition during the race with Gill Horgan Wednesday 6th April 2011 18:30 - 20:30 Medical issues pre marathon and what to expect on race day with Rory Brown This will be at a cost of £10 per seminar or £25 for all three seminars which will include refreshments. Payment is to be made on booking either by cheque - made payable to St Mary's University College - sent to: Jo Bolton, Medical/Clinic Administrator, St Mary's Clinic (CSHEM), St Mary's University College, Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4SX or by phoning 020 8240 4070 with your DEBIT card details or of course by calling into the Clinic. Further information can be found about the workshop content on our website here:." MORE FROM ST MARY'S Jess Hill writes from the School of Human Sciences: "I am writing to enquire as to whether you would be interested in taking part in an event we will be holding at St Mary's as part of some PhD research. We are investigating the effectiveness of different recovery strategies that are used to help reduce muscle damage and soreness following a marathon so we are looking for people to would be willing to run a road marathon starting and finishing at St Mary's. Volunteers must be over the age of 18. We are currently due to run the Marathon events on Saturday 12th March, Saturday 19th March, and Saturday 26th March 2011. We are offering a full physiological profile for all of those who take part in the research. This will be carried out through the Centre for Health, Applied Sport and Exercise Science (CHASES) www.smuc.ac.uk/chases/ If you are interested please e-mail me hillj@smuc.ac.uk or alternatively call me on 07817 588179 for more information." NEWS FROM THE RUNNING CLINIC AT MATT ROBERTS Karen Weir writes: "Saturday 19th February sees the next instalment of our popular seminar programme and I'd like to invite everyone to join us again. This month we are focusing on Nutrition, Hydration and Equipment. So if you want to learn how to better fuel your training and races and recover quickly afterwards - this is the session for you. We'll also be discussing running equipment and gadgets, so find out what is essential to have and what you shouldn't bother spending your money on. The seminar kicks off at 10am at our Mayfair branch in London. There will be an optional short guided run afterwards for those that are interested. The cost of the seminar is £10, please call and book through Chelsea Reception on 0207 581 9199." POSE RUNNING CLINIC Sharon Dooley writes: "Dr.Romanov is a two-time Olympic Coach, educator and a sport scientist with over 30 years of experience of hands-on work with athletes and non-athletes of all levels. He is also the founder of the running (and movement) technique known as 'Pose'. To read more about him see here:. Dr Romanov will be coaching a one day clinic, with coaching assistants, on Saturday 5th March at Princes Club, Bedfont Lakes: www.princesclub.com. It will be a whole day event and will cover : -The theory behind the method. -Video analysis of each participant's running style and technique assessment. -Practical lessons, including concepts, drills, strength and flexibility exercises to improve running style. -Exercises chosen to specifically increase flexibility and strength and co-ordination which (with regular practise) will assist with helping the runner to move with increased stability, thereby helping to reduce the chance of injuries. -Learn how to self-correct, retain and control running technique to reduce chance of injury and move faster. The cost is US$295 and places can be booked here:." AMBER MALLISON Duncan Mallison writes: "You may know that Helen and I were expecting our first child at the end of this month. All was fine at the 38 week check, but a few days later unfortunately we learnt our baby had died. Our beautiful baby girl, Amber Mallison, arrived at 17:04 on Tuesday 25th January weighing 5lb 12. She was just perfect. We spent some very special time with her before saying goodbye. We have been amazed, and grateful for the support that we have received from family and friends, and from an amazing team of midwives at West Middlesex Hospital. I had been planning to run the Seville marathon early in February, and have decided to run in memory of Amber, hoping to raise some money to support the 'Sands' Why? campaign which hopes to raise awareness of the issues surrounding baby loss - both stillbirth and neonatal death. If you would like to support me you can make a donation online at the following link: www.justgiving.com/AmberMallison." WHAT'S COMING ************* More details of the following from Marc Snaith (07717 213035 mailto ( mdsnaith5@hotmail.com ) or Marie Synnott-Wells (07956 431319 (After 5pm Weekdays) / mailto nandmwells@aol.com ) Sunday 6th February MABAC League 5 miles at Farley Heath. 11am start, register on the day. Details:. Saturday 12th February Final Surrey League races - men in Richmond Park (3pm), women at Putney Vale (12 noon). Saturday 19th February National Cross-Country Championships at Alton Towers Saturday 26th February Pelling-Ratcliff Cup mob match v Blackheath and Bromley HAC at Hayes (Kent). 7.5 miles. 3pm start. See above. parkruns every Saturday at 9am Bushy Park Diana Fountain car park Richmond Park Richmond Gate Wimbledon Common Windmill car park Banstead Woods Car park off B2219 Park Lane, Chipstead Bedfont Lakes Bedfont Lakes Country Park, Ashford, Middlesex Kingston The Hawker Centre Old Deer Park Pools in the Park on the A316 Other venues, more details and registration at www.parkrun.com The 2km junior parkrun for under 15s takes place at 11am on the first Sunday of each month from Bushy Park's Teddington Gate. WHAT'S HAPPENED ************** SOUTH OF ENGLAND CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS Saturday 22nd January at Parliament Hill Parliament Hill is notorious in cross-country circles as a hilly and perennially muddy course. Well, this year it was as hilly as ever but to most people's relief there was relatively little mud in evidence. It was a cold day, though, with a bitter wind whistling around the high open spaces of Hampstead Heath. The women were in action first, and we looked forward to a renewal of the rivalry between Estelle Damant and Liz Kipling which had carried them to silver and bronze medals in the county championships. In the past Liz has experienced something of a jinx at Parliament Hill, twice having to drop out of championship races there with injury. But we hoped that last year's great performance when she finished 28th in the Southern had put the hoodoo to flight. Alas, it seems not. Liz was feeling very off colour following a chest infection and although she started the race she was soon obliged to drop out. This left Estelle spearheading the Ranelagh team alone and she revelled in the conditions. Looking strong throughout, Estelle just missed a place in the top twenty, but her 21st was the best Ranelagh performance since Jo Ronaldson's 13th in 2007. Marie Synnott-Wells ducked inside the top hundred with Sandra Prosser, Heather Martingell and Kirsty Bangham all finishing well in a field of some 400. Estelle adds: "Having had an eventful trip down on the Friday night with 'the wife' (my housemate Amy) whom I think most people met at the race, it was a pleasantly leisurely start to the day to head up to Parliament Hill on Saturday morning. Bumping into Kirsty and Heather on the train the first of the Ranelagh ladies made progress toward 'that hill', I won't lie, I did have a little chuckle to myself when Kirsty pulled a pair of nice clean new pink asics spikes out of her bag to begin the task of setting in the 15 mm spikes...has she never seen this course???. After a good gossip on the warm up and a bit of a last minute dash to the start line the race was off and surprisingly the course was fairly dry, by Parliament Hill standards anyway - which of course makes it a complete mud bath by any other measure. Liz made a strong start disappearing up the hill looking far too comfortable (I think she may have been a mountain goat in a former life) with the rest of us following. Unfortunately, battling with illness Liz was unable to complete the race, but the rest of us continued round. I have to say one of the best things about Parliament Hill is the support out on the course and the Ranelagh men were out in force cheering us ladies on (thanks guys). A tough course as always with a particularly tough final downhill section which had been well churned up by our race, (can't imagine how the lads found it after four hundred ladies had also charged through it) but an enjoyable race nonetheless with some good results from the Ranelagh ladies. A good day was finished off by some cheering for our men on the warm-down which for me did mainly consist of walking and cheering and a little less of the jogging but never mind, anyone for a dip in the pond afterwards next year?" The men's event saw a spectacular charge of over 900 runners up the long uphill drag from the start. It was good to see what used to be considered as a full complement of twelve Ranelagh runners in the pack. Until a few years ago twelve was the maximum number of starters allowed from each club and the race still includes various twelve to score competitions, as well as the main six to score. We should perhaps make it a target to have a minimum of twelve runners each year, even if, as was the case this time, they are not necessarily our leading twelve. Peter Haarer maintained his excellent record in championship races and squeezed into the top hundred. Peter's time was some four minutes faster than last year when he finished 110th. The winning time was about two and a half minutes faster, which confirms both firmer underfoot conditions and a good performance from Peter. Niall O'Connor was next home in 285th and the top six was completed by Chris Bundhun, newcomer Carl Hammer, Peter Faull and James Thornton. The dozen was made up by Andy Woodhouse, Mike Peace, Jar O'Brien, Peter Fordham, Phil Aiken and Aiah Songu-Mbriwa, all of whom, I hope, enjoyed the experience even if some found it pretty tough! Marc Snaith adds on the Ranelagh Talk forum: "We finished 8th Surrey team and beat four teams from division one (Stragglers, Reigate, Epsom and Dorking). Guildford beat us but at least they can't catch us in the league! Kent showed that they might shake up the Thames/Herne Hill duopoly. They beat Herne Hill in the 6 to score but lacked the depth for the 12 to score prize." David Rowe's photos: here:. BANK OF ENGLAND INTER-CLUB 4.6 miles Saturday 22nd January in Richmond Park (Roehampton Gate) We did not fill the Bank's changing rooms to overflowing this year, as has often been the case in the past...but in these times of austerity the sumptuous teas, subsidised beer, swimming pool, sauna and skittle alley we used to enjoy no longer provide the lure. Nevertheless some twenty Ranelagh crossed the Park to Roehampton Gate and they put up a pretty good show finishing in third place close behind the Bank and a little further behind the Milocarians who on this occasion were boosted by a number of swift young Sandhurst cadets. We did, however, come away with a trophy: our annual match with Ealing, Southall and Middlesex for the Hec Petersen Trophy was incorporated into this event and scoring six a side we won by 32 points to 46. Individually there was a couple of class acts in the field in the shapes of Alan Barnes of the Bank and David Branfoot of Milocarians. They quickly disappeared into the distance leaving the rest of the field to fight over the minor spoils. Niall O'Connor it was who prevailed to take an excellent 3rd place with John Shaw backing up well half a minute behind in 6th . There was a good run too from Peter Faull, only a little more than another half minute back in 10th. John Ricketts, Simon Hedger and Andy Woodhouse finished in the twenties and the seven required for the main team scoring was completed by Chris Camacho in 32nd. Hercules Wimbledon provided the first two women home, with Kathy Mallett, Amelie Hunton, Sonia Rowland and late-starting Sandra Prosser 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th. PERCH 10km Sunday 16th January at Nonsuch Park Wally Garrod adds that he received a £30 voucher as the first over 70! LAKESIDE CANAL 8.2 miles Sunday 23rd January at Frimley 1 M Ryall (Victoria Pk) 44.35 190 Alan Meaden 82.51 204 David Meaden 85.38 HAMMERSMITH RIVERSIDE 3.3 miles handicap Tuesday 25th January 1 D Cox (WG&EL) 19.05 9 Alan Howard 25.18 13 Alan Davidson 27.02 LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH 5km Friday 28th January in Hyde Park 1 N Goolab (Belgrave) 14.54 33 Mick Lane 18.48 63 Simon Hedger 19.52 115 Alan Davidson 22.12 201 John Hanscomb 32.18 RICHMOND MINI MARATHON TRIAL 2.76 miles Sunday 30th January in Richmond Park Congratulations to Amelie Hunton and Luke Wilson who made the Richmond team for the London Mini Marathon, and commiserations to Alexander Fordham who just missed out. Under 17 Girls 1 M Riglin (St Mary's) 17.15 6 Amelie Hunton 19.50 Under 17 Boys 1 E Smith (St Mary's) 14.47 7 Luke Wilson 17.30 10 Alexander Fordham 18.27 KINGFIELD CANTER 2.85 miles handicap Wednesday 1st February at Woking 1 L Kyle (unatt) 25.32 (actual time 25.02) 13 Steve Rowland 26.44 (19.14) 17 Sonia Rowland 27.03 (20.33) RICHMOND parkrun 5km Saturday 22nd January 1 Unknown 16.57 24 Bill Neely 19.39 62 Tony Appleby 22.14 68 Zoe Gavars 22.41 87 Jennie McGrath 23.40 119 Zinny Gavars 25.25 134 Philippa Shaw 25.56 143 Tony Clark 26.21 145 Louise Reeder 26.24 154 Rob Kitchen 27.05 160 Michael Sikora 27.17 163 Sue Camp 27.29 171 Lynne Barber 28.08 183 Christine Goodsell 28.55 215 Stacey Barber 31.53 228 Pat Hewlett 35.01 BUSHY parkrun 5km Saturday 22nd January 1 O Laws (Newham & EB) 16.22 9 David Rowe 18.15 40 Paul Sinton-Hewitt 19.59 60 Clare King 20.38 106 David Ready 21.49 179 Chris Wright 22.59 190 Ian Grange 23.12 340 Zeph King 25.56 421 Wally Garrod 27.33 432 Mary Hickson 27.44 641 John Hanscomb 33.57 BEDFONT LAKES parkrun 5km Saturday 22nd January Mark Herbert and Sharon Dooley both finished 2nd... 1 M Holden (West 4) 19.02 2 Mark Herbert 19.19 7 Neil Dickens 20.50 10 Lee Davies 21.24 27 Mike White 26.16 31 Sharon Dooley 27.11 61 Cindy Croucher 33.01 OLD DEER PARK parkrun 5km Saturday 22nd January ...as did Trevor Maguire. 1 T Morgan (Thames T) 19.16 2 Trevor Maguire 19.26 11 Wyn Williams 23.25 FRIMLEY LODGE parkrun 5km Saturday 22nd January 1 R Sherwood (unatt) 17.39 5 Darren Wood 18.36 8 Duncan Mallison 19.15 KINGSTON parkrun 5km Saturday 22nd January 1 M Shepherd (Kennet) 17.43 4 Chris Camacho 20.22 12 Alan Davidson 22.40 19 Kirsty Bangham 25.11 24 Heather Martingell 26.16 CANNON HILL parkrun 5km Saturday 22nd January 1 D Clorley (Luton) 14.59 10 Sean Paynter 18.16 BANSTEAD WOODS parkrun 5km Saturday 22nd January 1 G Hewett (D&MV) 17.29 91 Tom Reay 27.42 MILTON KEYNES parkrun 5km Saturday 22nd January 1 A Murrell (unatt) 17.30 35 Andrew Brown 22.04 RICHMOND parkrun 5km Saturday 29th January 1 B Thursby-Pelham (THH)18.03 16 Colin Brett 19.40 41 Chris Read 21.41 47 Tony Appleby 21.50 57 Michael Cawley 22.18 62 Andrew Brown 22.22 74 Karl Garvey 23.00 83 Yvonne Rice-Ox;ey 23.35 84 Wiebke Kortum 23.45 109 Suzie Wall 24.56 128 Tony Clark 26.00 130 Daniel Chiechi 26.01 134 Louise Reeder 26.24 136 Zinny Gavars 26.31 142 Rowina Oxborough 26.58 145 Michael Sikora 27.13 169 Rob Kitchen 28.13 173 Nicola O'Shea 28.32 198 Stacey Barber 30.36 220 Tamsin Burland 32.43 226 Pat Hewlett 33.25 228 Bronwen Northmore 33.33 236 Alison Dicks 34.22 BUSHY parkrun 5km Saturday 29th January 1 Unknown 15.57 33 David Rowe 19.18 131 Adam Wright 22.08 156 David Ready 22.38 165 Ian Grange 22.43 189 Chris Wright 23.14 239 Jose Scheuer 24.12 266 Gill Wilson 24.40 324 Mary Hickson 25.54 399 Wally Garrod 27.11 455 Marina Quayle 28.22 607 John Hanscomb 33.33 KINGSTON parkrun 5km Saturday 29th January 1 J Flood (Stragglers) 16.52 7 Chris Camacho 20.22 13 Alan Davidson 22.54 23 Hannah Doyle 26.17 29 Louise Gill 28.52 30 Janet Turnes 29.36 BEDFONT LAKES parkrun 5km Saturday 29th January Mark Herbert achieved the remarkable feat of finishing 2nd in 19.19 for the second week in succession. Michelle Davies was the leading woman. 1 P Merritt (Soton) 18.31 2 Mark Herbert 19.19 12 Lee Davies 21.49 13 Michelle Davies 22.20 17 Mike White 22.57 OLD DEER PARK parkrun 5km Saturday 29th January Third place for Duncan Mallison. 1 C Bailey (Highgate) 18.34 3 Duncan Mallison 18.45 CANNON HILL parkrun 5km Saturday 29th January 1 E Banks (Birm R&T) 16.01 7 Sean Paynter 17.39 CAMBRIDGE parkrun 5km Saturday 29th January 1 T Vickery (Camb Tri) 15.59 23 Paul Sinton-Hewitt 19.45 78 Jo Sinton-Hewitt 23.06 FRIMLEY LODGE parkrun 5km Saturday 29th January 1 D Symes (unatt) 17.37 5 Darren Wood 18.31 FINALLY... "Hills are speedwork in disguise" Frank Shorter, 1972 Olympic gold medallist