NEWSLETTERNOVEMBER 2001 ISSUE 292
EVENTS DIARY:
| DEC. 1st | HANTS. XC League at BASINGSTOKE |
| 2nd | VICTORY 5 miles at PORTSMOUTH |
| 9th | CHRISTCHURCH 10 km |
| 20th | FOXDOWN HANDICAP FOLLOWED BY THE CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH FOOD PROVIDED |
| 23rd | CYCLISTS RACE FOLLOWED BY THE CHRISTMAS LUNCH |
| JAN 5th | HANTS.X COUNTRY Championship at DIBDEN INCLOSURE |
| 12th | HANTS. XC League at OVERTON |
| 13th | STUBBINGTON 10km |
| 24th | VILLAGE handicap |
PLEASE CHECK NOTICE BOARD OR RUNNING MAGAZINES FOR FURTHER INFO.
FRANNY’S BITS!!
Both Vets teams are in contention for their respective Hants. League titles with Cath and Ian in the hunt for individual medals. Sadly numbers were down in the last fixture at Reading especially in the men’s race. Lets hope for a better turnout on December 1st at BASINGSTOKE (not Goodwood). This race also contains the club cross-country championship which means double points in the consistency league.
Every now and then a club member gets their pictures into the national running magazines. The December edition of Runners World has a picture of Cath near the start of the Swansea Bay 10k (wot!! No race report) whilst the November edition of Running Fitness has an archive photo of the now SEMI-RETIRED Nick Dalton at Parliament Hill running the Southern Cross country in 2000.
Congratulations to Nick for reaching the qualifying age for old git status. A large group of harriers joined workmates and family for a surprise party for Nick at Whitchurch club. Sadly, someone persuaded a group of fools on stage to do a spot of karaoke, needless to say, even the presence of club champion crooner Nick wasn’t enough to help our woeful performance of ” Teenage dirtbag” so, I hope the guilty party of JT,ET, Gavin, Steve and Keith Clark join me in promising never to go on stage again.
The WOKINGHAM half marathon scheduled for February 10th has been cancelled due to bridge repair work on the course. This is normally our club championship which will now take place at Petersfield on March 10th.
Moan time….. The start of the handicap once again turned into a shambles. John has enough trouble getting runners away without him being harassed by people not knowing their start time or suddenly announcing that runners have decided to move their start times to run with a friend. This really has to stop. The handicap is a chance for people to run a competitive event on a level playing field and the rules for setting the handicaps is the same for everyone and has worked well for almost 30 years. If you wish to just have a steady run then have a steady run from your proper start time, we will keep the watch running until you finish and if you do finish last then…. So what, you’re only out for an easy run.
I try to set first timers a fair handicap so it is helpful if I have some knowledge of their standard before the start. Next month I will not bother with my normal warm-up so this should give everyone a chance to see me before the start if they have any questions. THE START LIST IS ON THE NOTICE BOARD NOW.
London Marathon 2002 Club Entries from Gwyneth
We have received two entries for this event. Members are asked to hand their rejection slips to Gwyneth as soon as possible. The draw for these club places will take place at the Christmas Party on Thursday 20 December, 2001.
Snowdonia Marathon Sunday 28th October from Geoff
Not content with the suffering she experienced running this year’s London marathon, Jill Hills, just had to go one better, or worse, and make the long trip to compete in the Snowdonia Marathon over a very tough course, made even more tortuous by unseasonably warm weather.
The route starts at Nant Peris, in the Snowdonia National Park, and climbs 800 feet in the first 4 miles to the top of Llanberris Pass. From there it descends gradually to Warnfawr before climbing steeply to about 1200 feet and is followed by a sharp descent to the finish in Llanberris.
Jill, in common with nearly everybody, found the last climb extremely arduous and very slow going. Nevertheless she completed the marathon in 217th place out of 774 finishers in 3 hours 49 minutes, slower than anticipated, but 6th in her age category.
Under the right conditions Jill is convinced that she can run inside 3 hours 45 minutes and despite the suffering, intends to compete there next year to prove her point.
HANTS. X-COUNTRY LEAGUE at READING 3rd NOVEMBER from Franny
With Team Kennet athletes unavailable for this fixture we were unable to finish teams in the junior events. In the U13 Boys Adam made his club debut with a good run though he paid for his over fast start towards the end. Chris put in a solid effort and both lads have at least another year in this agegroup. Aaron had another great run and is really running well of late. Fine support came from Scott who showed a big improvement on his Farley Mount run.
| U13 BOYS | U15 BOYS | |||||
| 57th | A.FRANCIS | 14m 45sec | 16th | A.HARRIS | 14m 51sec | |
| 62nd | C.WOODS | 16m 27sec | 36th | S.GRAHAM | 16m 14sec | |
| 63 Finished | 54 Finished | |||||
Despite Jill’s absence on marathon duties the ladies section maintained their good start to the season. Cath led them home with a great run to finish first Vet. Audra is starting to show signs of improved form whilst Liz showed a big improvement on the opening fixture. Their combined efforts earnt them 6th team in the seniors and 2nd in the Vets behind a strong Reading Road Runners team. Good support came from Nicky with Moira, having probably her best ever race, showing the benefits of some good training of late. Belinda put in another fine effort to complete the squad.
| 4th | C.WHEELER | 16m 15sec |
| 31st | A.DENNISON | 17m 56sec |
| 52nd | E.SANDALL-BALL | 19m 04sec |
| 66th | N.CLARK | 19m 46sec |
| 86th | M.WEST | 21m 00sec |
| 114th | B.LADE | 24m 21sec |
| 119 Finished |
Luck hasn’t been kind to the men’s’ squad this season with Mike’s injury being the latest bummer. Therefore it was a fine performance by the team scorers to finish in 6th place in a race that was a bit higher in quality at the front than the previous fixture. Ian was first man home with new man Mike not too far behind. Mark is bothered by a slight niggle but just managed to make the top 50. Martin is proving invaluable this season with another good run and it was left to Paul to anchor home both the senior team and the Vets who slipped back in their defence of the Vets title.
Keith is obviously not firing on all cylinders yet whilst Dave Bright continued his improved form. Dave “the pud” Henery scored bumper consistency points to get the better of Geoff who seems to be running much better than last season. I completed the B team with was could best be described as a poor run where my only interest was in trying to stay in front of Steve. Mick had a narrow margin over JT who in turn won the battle of the Vet 60’s as he got the better of new signing John Goulding who has signed 2nd claim from Andover. Is John Hoare going to make a comeback to complete an over 60’s team.
| 35th | I.FORD | 30m 33s | 178th | D.HENERY | 36m 59s |
| 39th | M.BOWERING | 30m 51s | 187th | G.CLOKE | 37m 32s |
| 49th | M.SIMCOX | 31m 21s | 207th | R.FRANCIS | 38m 49s |
| 81st | M.CRAWSHAW | 32m 48s | 217th | S.McNAIR | 39m 47s |
| 97th | P.WHEELER | 33m 33s | 233rd | M.WOODS | 42m 52s |
| 121st | K.CLARK | 34m 31s | 234th | J.THOMAS | 43m 18s |
| 141st | D.BRIGHT | 35m 36s | 235th | J.GOULDING | 44m 02s |
| 244 Finished. |
British and Irish Vets Cross Country Championships Falkirk 10 November, 2001, from Geoff
This year the Wales Team Selectors chose Cath Wheeler as Captain, of their team of twenty five runners. This is a great honour, for Cath and for our Club, rewarding her for the commitment she has made to achieving National Standard through rigorous training, and for taking the time out from her other commitments to represent her country at the highest level.
The course in this international event was 5Km, and was run over fast grassland, which included steep climbs and sharp turns; a course that suited her.
In the race Cath was placed eleventh overall, and fourth in her age group missing out on a third place medal by just four seconds, only five seconds separated third and sixth places.
Todays Runner XC Lge. Nr. Petersfield 11th November from Mark Simcox
The only race I could find over this weekend was this at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, just opposite the infamous Butser Hill. With Geoff’s help I ended up making my debut for Farnham and met up with one of my Hants. League rivals Andy Green. The course I heard was “testing” and (GOLLY GOSH) it was! One big five-mile loop around woodland tracks, packing in about six hills and a good mixture of terrain. My spikes stayed in my bag due to the trackway sections and I ended up running in my knackerred old Air Max’s I usually warm up in.
A group of eight of us got away early on and I was pleased to have raced it all the way round. More so, moving up one place in the last mile. Geoff ran well to finish in the first hundred and I’m sure that we helped Farnham to a higher team placing than normal.
Eds Comment
We did; Farnham won the Men’s Team Race.
4th M. SIMCOX no time available
79th G.CLOKE no time available Approx. 200 Finishers.
Thanks again to Mark for bringing the following results to my attention, hopefully reports will follow.
SALISBURY FIREMANS’ HALF-MARATHON.
9th D.VOSSER 86m 22sec.
A rare outing from Voss as he made his annual pilgrimage on this course that replaced the discontinued Salisbury Plain 15.
LORDSHILL 10 miles.
A. KEENAN 64m 30sec 4th VET 50.
This seems to be a pretty good effort from Paddy, hopefully he can send us a festive piece for the newsletter ?
Committee Meeting 12/11/01
Present: G. Cloke, M. Dennison, P. Wheeler, C. Wheeler, G. Mclaughlin.
Apologies: R. Francis.
Matters Arising
- Geoff congratulated Cathy on being elected Captain of Welsh Cross Country team.
- Mob match trophy has been lost by Basingstoke, this will have to be replaced. Hopefully by them.
- Consistency league this still has not got championship races put together. Noticed the decline in interest from members and entries to these races. Although they are going ahead this year, we need to discuss the need to take place in the future.
- Club of the year J.Thomas is compiling this ready for typing.
- London Marathon we have received two entries, to be issued at Christmas party.
- Standard certificates, still waiting for presentation. This will hopefully be taken in hand as soon as possible.
- Ground sheet this has been purchased costing £15. Purchase for a tent was not acceptable, this would have cost £1,200. This was far to expensive.
- Christmas lunch at the Honey Pot £16 per head. Mark will deliver the deposit.
- Christmas party at Rec. centre on Thursday 20th December. Buffet will be supplied not costing any more than £100
Treasurer’s Report.
Income £245.50
Expenditure £145.00
Current £508.00
Reserve £1969.31
New Members:
Belinda Lade.
Derek McCarthy. Second claim.
Secretaries report
- E-mail from secretary at Basingstoke & Mid Hants. Re lighting at Down Grange track, wanting Overton to contribute toward the paying for it. Gwyneth to reply requesting amounts they already pay.A.O.B.
1) Christmas 100 club draw. Extra prizes to be included.
- Looking into the costing of new trophy donated by Barker Son &Isherwood.
- Clothing, Can this be subsidised by club? Vests are already subsidized. Would someone like to take this on.
- Cross Country race 12/12/01. Permission has been granted. With parking at Overton Mill. Dave Bright will organise mini bus to travel from the mill to the course.. Donation will be requested. Cathy to ask about school mini bus. Officials will be organised by John Hoare. Need to find out the fee for first aid.
Meeting closed at 9.40 p.m.
Date of next meeting 10/12/01
SE Vets Cross Country Championships Parliament Hill Fields Saturday 23 November from Martin Crawshaw
The requisite number of Harriers made the journey to compete in the 2001 South of England Vets Cross Country Championships, over an undulating 10Km course. The event should have been held last March but was deferred because of the Foot and Mouth Epidemic.
During the winter months Parliament Hill Fields is usually a quagmire, fit only for cross country purists and wallowing hippos, but this year the recent mild weather helped to make the course firm and fast.
Ian Ford was the Club’s first finisher in a fast time of 34mins 42secs. Next came Dave Vosser, just back from injury, and Martin Crawshaw. Both battled it out to an exciting climax with Dave just out-sprinting Martin by 3 seconds to finish in 37mins 46mins. Steve McNair, completed the team in a time of 45mins 14secs.
HAYLING 10 MILE ROAD RACE – 25-11-01 BY J.T.
Just six Veterans managed to get out for the Club 10 miles championships and a lot of consistency points were available for those interested. With several members in “semi-retirement” and others choosing to do Cross Country the day before, it was left to inveterate road runners to fly the flag in this popular race. It was a huge field that blocked many of the roads around Hayling Island because the police would not let anything move anywhere near the runners. Full marks to the police!
The standard at the front of the field was surprisingly low, the winner taking a time of a modest 55.58 and only 28 men and two women dipping under 60 minutes. The last time the writer dipped under 60 minutes (58.21) in 1987 he was 47th!. Have standards dropped or what ?.
Gavin is the new Club champion with a time of 64.13 first getting the better of Paddy who was a mere 35 seconds adrift with Eric putting in an excellent run to take Bronze in 65.53. Paddy was rather disappointed with his time that did not match his effort at the at Lordsfield 10 the previous week.
Dave Bright took 2½ minutes off his PB to record 67.04 but the writer has no doubt he will progress even further with the training he has been putting in of late. He initially passed Eric at about 3 miles but could not hold on in the latter stages of the race.
The other Dave seems determined not to slip up in the consistency league as happened last season to be overhauled by the writer when he was absent at Eastleigh. His more positive approach (on a low mileage due to ill health) earned him 32 points on the day.
JT’s run went sweetly enough on this desperately flat course and his time was only 5 seconds slower than two years ago.
MENS RESULTS
79 G. Duncan 64.13
89 P. Keenan 64.48 (8th O/50)
113 E. Tilbury 65.53 (5th O/55)
137 D. Bright 67.04 (PB)
163 D. Henery 68.43
305 J. Thomas 75.08 (11th O/60)
592 finished
Hampshire Schools Cross Country at Bolbec near Le Havre Sunday 25 November from Geoff
13 year old Aaron Harris, was selected for the Hampshire Schools Under 15 Boys Team in their annual Cross Country Fixture against Bolbec Schools near Le Havre in France.
The race was run over a flat and fast 4Km parkland course in good weather. The Hampshire Team of six occupied the first ten places and easily beat their French rivals with Aaron finishing in a tenth place.
VILLAGE HANDICAP. 22nd NOVEMBER from Franny
Audra took full advantage of last years pregnancy to record a comfortable win. The vastly improved Moira took second with a huge 67 second PB whilst Dave Bright’s even bigger PB (79 secs.) took third. Other PB’s came from Andy (23 sec.) and Aaron (22 sec.). Geoff continued his good form with his best time in over two years.
Jamie was quickest on the night but Mark took the league Honours with his slowest time for several years.2nd in the time league went to Cath with Andy third. Look on the board for the league tables. Six runners made their debuts with the most promising coming from Ed Wicke and Dave Titcomb.
Following the race Dave Henery made allegations that Keith Clark had “put in a ghoster”. (A slow time in a feeble attempt to improve his starting position). Indeed Keith did clock a PW (22 sec.) but Dave shouldn’t shout too loud because his run was a mega-ghoster with a whopping 2min. 48 sec. PW. Sadly other PW’s came from Helen, JT, and the handicapper.
4th NOVEMBER.
4th NOVEMBER.
| POS. | RUNNER | FIN.TIME | H’CAP | ACT. TIME | H’CAP POS. |
| 0 | J.HILLS | 28.10 | 0.30 | 27.40 | 0 |
| 1 | A.DENNISON | 28.27 | 3.14 | 25.13 | 10 |
| 0 | G.McLAUGHLIN | 29.35 | 0.30 | 29.05 | 0 |
| 2 | M.WEST | 29.43 | 0.30 | 29.13 | 17= |
| 3 | D.BRIGHT | 29.59 | 6.25 | 23.34 | 5 |
| 4 | G.CLOKE | 30.19 | 5.03 | 25.16 | 11 |
| 5 | E.WICKE | 30.33 | 3.28 | 27.05 | 14 |
| 6 | A.HARTLEY | 30.55 | 7.32 | 23.23 | 3 |
| 7 | A.HARRIS | 30.56 | 6.23 | 24.33 | 6 |
| 8 | C.WHEELER | 31.13 | 8.00 | 23.13 | 2 |
| 9 | E.TILBURY | 31.16 | 5.52 | 25.24 | 12 |
| 10 | S.McNAIR | 31.31 | 5.35 | 25.56 | 13 |
| 11 | K.BURTON | 31.40 | GO | 31.40 | 20 |
| 0 | J.JONES | 31.42 | 12.06 | 19.36 | 0 |
| 12 | M.BRIGHT | 31.47 | 6.46 | 25.01 | 9 |
| 13 | G.DUNCAN | 31.49 | 8.18 | 23.31 | 4 |
| 14 | M.SIMCOX | 31.55 | 10.08 | 21.47 | 1 |
| 15 | K.MAXWELL | 32.10 | GO | 32.10 | 21 |
| 16 | N.DALTON | 32.36 | 7.48 | 24.48 | 8 |
| 17 | J.THOMAS | 32.41 | 3.28 | 29.13 | 17= |
| 18 | D.TITCOMB | 33.06 | 5.52 | 27.14 | 15 |
| 19 | R.FRANCIS | 33.59 | 6.42 | 27.17 | 16 |
| 20 | C.BOYLE | 34.22 | 0.30 | 33.52 | 22 |
| 21 | B.LADE | 34.27 | GO | 34.27 | 23 |
| 22 | K.CLARK | 34.43 | 10.00 | 24.43 | 7 |
| 23 | H.MacMAHON | 36.15 | 0.30 | 35.45 | 24 |
| 24 | D.HENERY | 36.16 | 6.52 | 29.24 | 19 |
The 2001 Victory 5 Road Race Sunday 2nd December 2001 Start 1.30 PM from Dave Henery
Weather fine, temperature cool. Excellent running conditions
This was a poor Harrier turnout, considering it was a consistency event. The course was flat and fast. A field of over 750 lined up at the start. The marshals had posts up indicating under 40 minutes, under 35 etc. So what was Eric doing at the under 25 minute post? Trying to get a flyer?
Form suggested a result of Paddy, Eric, Dave, Steve then JT. Gwyneth seemed certain to win the ladies event. The gun went and we all started well.
Steve had an excellent run, much improved on his recent form, finishing in just under 33 minutes.
Paddy as predicted was first in a time of 30.06. JT and Gwyneth battled, but the old dog came out on top, both were happy with their times.
Now we come to the main event of the afternoon.
Eric smarting from defeat, by Dave, in the Basingstoke X country, the day before, was keen to make amends. Dave continued his training technique, by partying until 2 am, at the party Dave received a customary cuffing from Cath. (for no reason). ET got a flyer, but very soon found DH on his shoulder. This continued for 4 miles, several surges were injected by ET, to no avail. Eventually ET, who was beginning to get cheesed off at being Dave’s pace maker, snapped. He shouted “Go Away”, so not to disappoint Eric, I sprinted off at the 4 mile post. My finishing time was only 12 second away from a PB. A good result and 19 consistency points, thanks lads.
Eric was happy with his run, he finished in under 32, his prediction was 32.30.
Wee Jamsie Jones also turned out, finishing 22nd, which shows the quality of the field.
22 Jamie Jones 24.46
130 Paddy Keenan 30.06
174 Dave Henery 31.29 14th in age category
184 Eric Tilbury 31.45 5th in age category
212 Steve McNair 32.58
340 John Thomas 37.03 10th in age category
364 Gwyneth McLaughlin 38.21 3rd in age category
Bionic
This month’s award goes to
Cath Wheeler. Chosen by the selectors to captain Wales, fourth in the Hampshire League and second in our Handicap. Great running.