Malvern Joggers

Club News

Chris's Blog from 01 July 2007

Fellow athletes,

Acorns Great Malvern Triple Run
Malvern Joggers were everywhere this morning at the Three Counties Showground. In total I can account for 39 of us, the majority doing the main event with some opting for the 5K. We only got wet once so perhaps we were lucky with the weather! Because we couldn't run through Upton due to flooding, Upton was bypassed in favour of Brotheridge Green which meant that the distance was reduced to 12.0 miles (not 11.7) from half marathon. However, I still thought it was a good event and was enjoyed by most of our runners. Perhaps 1 or 2 on the day, like me, were relieved they didn't have to run the last 1.1 miles.

Malvern Joggers 4th Hill walk - 24/6/07
Eric reports:-
' 7 people completed the Tour of the Talybont Valley on Sunday 24 June.Uncharacteristically we were blessed with ideal conditions for 5hrs but upon reaching a large cairn,Carn Pica, the mist and then rain descended to soak us for the last ½-1hr. A great walk enjoyed by all with a pleasant drink in the White Hart Inn,Talybont,afterwards.
Next walk tentatively early autumn with the possibility of a long w/e in the Lake District ! '
Thanks, Eric

Our Handicap Event
Well done to everyone involved in our 2007 event. 30 set off at intervals according to ability with 29 finishers. 5 helped with the organisation. There were about 10 spectators and around 20 did the usual Wednesday night run with Jenny.
Thanks to Neil Williamson who kindly gave another voucher for a free massage. This was accepted by the winner Gillian McCann. Finally, thanks to Eric for organising it.

Race Reports
Freckleton Half Marathon 17/6 by Julie Caseley
' I've been toying with the idea of running this race for a couple of years now as, for 10 years, we use to live just a mile from Freckleton. In those days I wasn't into running and didn't even know the Freckleton Half Marathon existed!!
Anyway, it was an early start to get to Freckleton which is in Lancashire between Preston and Blackpool for a 2 pm start. It's the oldest half marathon in the UK (43rd for men and 31st for ladies) over an undulating course. The "undulations" took the form of a few "lumps" on the course, because that's as undulating as it gets on the Fylde coast!! We took several changes of clothing, not knowing what the weather would be like up there, but in the end it was glorious sunshine and very warm.
It was a super race with friendly marshals, lovely support and extremely well organised with 5 drinks stations, sponges and showers on the route. We were also given a booklet with a comprehensive list of past prize winners and the course record of 64:45 has been held by Ron Hill since 1969. He was running the half marathon this year and my claim to fame is that I've beaten the lengendary Dr. Ron Hill by about 2 minutes!!
My race went very well and I thought I was on for a PB having completed the first half in 52 minutes and 10 miles in 1 hr 21 mins but I didn't quite manage to keep the pace up for the last 3 miles even though this part of the course was pancake flat - ah well, it was a hot day!! I eventually finished in a time of 1:49:27, 1 min 1 sec outside my PB. Samantha also had a good run finishing in a time of 1:53:34.
The presentation was at 4.30 pm which took a while as there was a table full of silverware to be handed out. Also this was the Lancashire Half Marathon County Championship event which meant there were lots of medals too. I was quite excited when I sent my entry off as, being born in Stretford, I've always thought of myself as a Lancastrian but they seem to have moved things around a little and Stretford is no longer in the current county of Lancashire but in Greater Manchester which apparently isn't in Lancashire!!
Don't know whether I'll to this again as it was a bit of a long day but very enjoyable nonetheless. Regards, Julie '
Thanks, Julie

Hereford Leisure Centre 10mile Sunday 17th June by Steve Roode
' Thought I would get some road miles in for the upcoming Malvern half. It started from the Hereford leisure centre and was pleased to see fellow Joggers Richard Walsh and Rachel Samuel at the start line along with Matt Scriven, fellow hasher. Not a bad race quite undulating in places with a pretty flat finish. Ran round till about the 8 mile marker with Rachel who was going really well, she nearly got away from me at one stage and I had to dig deep to stay with her. Nice day some quiet back roads before coming back into Hereford a bit of a sting in the tail was the lap and half round the running track to finish. Richard came in at 1:04:00, I came in at around 1:23 and Rachel came in 6th lady at 1:25:03. '
Thanks, Steve

Darren’s Dash Saturday 23rd June by Steve Roode
' I saw this one advertised earlier in the year and it sounded like it could be fun!! It started from the village of Longtown on the Abergavenny road out of Hereford, very scenic on the Welsh border of the Brecon Beacons National Park. On arriving found I wasn’t the only Jogger there Carl Antony and Richard Walsh were there. There were mini buses to the start of the 7.5km course which was half way up a mountain, the start was straight upwards a 900ft ascent, a nice little walk up – well everyone else was walking. Got to the top and what a view, it was nice to see the Malvern’s from a different angle. A nice run along the Offa’s Dyke trail followed with a swift decent to the Olchon valley down hill most of the way – great running!! A lap of a small field to finish don’t know what the times were for us Joggers but the Tea and homemade cakes were free. A nice little run and really friendly recommend it for next year. '
Thanks again, Steve

Whitehorse 5k-21/6/07 by Richard Walsh
' Me and nick hitchings both went over to give this one a bash. dave edwards kindly came over to support. both of us opted for the tactic of start fast, hold on. nicks race consisted of going through the first mile around 5.45 and averaging 6.20 for the next two to end up on 18.49. place wise probly around 60-70th. the standard was pretty high with a kenyan from belgrave storming in on 14.27. as far as my race went, the faster runners dragged me along, going through mile one in 5.06, two in 5.24, by which point i wanted to stop mentally! but held on for a finishing time of 16.59 for 20th place. still a bit off pb on this distance (16.30) but best time on it for a good 18 months. '
Thanks, Richard

darrens dash-23/6/07 by Richard Walsh
' luckily i wasnt really aware how painful this was going to be so went into it fairly relaxed unaware of the torment ahead. qualifies as a fell race which you could quickly see from the first 15 mins all being straight up a steep zig zag with a 300m climb. even the leaders walked sections, and i certainly resolved to a lot of walking on the way up. due to heart rate being so high it was difficult to gain a rhythm when at the top. however, due to descending like a nutter on the downhill, fearless of falling and getting injured (which seemed the case of most around me!) i gained a few places in the latter parts, finishing 9th for 37.45. carl and steve also ran this for a respectable time and position. '
Thanks again, Richard

Malvern Midsummer Marathon - 23 June 2007 by Julie Caseley
' On Saturday, 23 June, Amanda Greenwood, Samantha and myself set off cautiously from the Wyche Primary School at 8 am on the 25 mile Long Distance Walkers Association Malvern Midsummer Marathon. We decided to take it steady as the first checkpoint was at the top of the Worcestershire Beacon and the second at the top of North Hill. Needless to say, we still managed a bit of a jog and overtook a few of the walkers. We then got the instructions and map to hand in order to find our way through various farms, woods, over stiles and through kissing gates to Cradley and Checkpoint 3 at 5 miles. (The Jaffa cakes were most welcome).
After leaving Cradley, Checkpoint 4 was at 12.5 miles at Ledbury. This was another undulating stretch involving a climb to the top of Oyster Hill and through Frith Wood. Here we sampled lovely bread pudding, more home bakes and jelly! We stocked up again on drinks and anything else we needed from the back of our “support vehicle”, ably driven and navigated by Paul. He did his own thing in between checkpoints, like go to the library, have the mandatory bacon sandwich, etc. but there was a bit of waiting around at some checkpoints until we could make a fairly reasonable estimate as to how fast we were going, then he could time his arrival at checkpoints more accurately.
We left Ledbury and headed for Chase End and Checkpoint 5 at 18.7 miles. We missed a sign for Chase End on the main road but used our initiative (and the map) and rejoined the route and other runners not far away.
After the Chase End checkpoint, we continued uphill to the trig point, down a steep slope before ascending again to Checkpoint 6 (Ragged Stone Outlier) at 19.75 miles. This post was unmanned so we had to authorise our own card.
Checkpoint 8 was less than a mile away but it was up a grassy hillside which went on forever to reach the summit shelter of Midsummer Hill (Checkpoint 7 was on the 35 mile route). We stopped only as long as it took us to have a segment of orange and admire the view before we were off again. We had a very long, hazardous descent through the woods and over loose stones. I think it was at this point a tearful Samantha wanted to go home and swore she’d never do it again – she still hasn’t
changed her mind!!
The description at the bottom of the descent was a little confusing (or else we made a mistake) so out came not only the map again but also the compass I had tucked away just in case someone happened to know how to use it!!
Anyway, we knew we had to head north to the top of British Camp and eventually caught up with ourselves on the route description at Gullet Quarry. From here involved a lot of upping and downing before we eventually got to Checkpoint 9 at British Camp car park at 23 miles. Local knowledge came in handy for the relatively short run/walk/crawl along the ridge back to the Wyche School. Having said that, we did go over 3 of the 4 hills back to the Wyche cutting and the stagger back down the Old Wyche Road seemed longer and steeper than ever and played havoc with the legs! The route was actually 27 miles which took us 7 hours 20 minutes and we have a newly designed badge and certificate to prove it!
Many thanks to Amanda for keeping us company - | wouldn’t have had the confidence to do it without her. We’re even talking about our next adventure, The Cotswold Marathon Challenge in September, if anyone’s up for it. Regards, Julie '
Thanks, Julie

Race The Train
This takes place on the 18th of August on the welsh coast at Towyn and is our annual camping/running weekend. After many attempts I finally managed to get someone on the other end of the phone at the Vaelnol Caravan park where we are staying and was told there is no need to book just turn up! Also, there are still entries available for those who would like one. You don't have to sleep in a tent by the way, I'm sure there are plenty of B & B's nearby. Everyone is welcome and we could do with a few more runners. See the home page of our website and www.racethetrain.com

John Tovey
Some kind words from one of our newer runners:-
' Just a quick note to let you know that I passed my Army Officer Selection Board last week. I owe you and the joggers a debt of gratitude for helping me get in shape for what was an extremely demanding 4 days of testing. I intend to go to Sandhurst in January of 2008 so will be keeping up the running until then!
Many thanks and see you on Wednesday. '
Thanks, John

Athens Marathon
I've recently received the following for the attention of the Malvern Joggers, so here it is. Not exactly local I know:-
' You could be one of the very few runners who can claim to have run the course of the ‘first Marathon ever’.
How it all began ... 2,500 years ago, the Greeks defeated the Persians in a famous battle. In order to deliver the news of victory, a foot soldier called Pheidippides, ran from the town of Marathon to the city of Athens. The Marathon was born!
Our route begins at the ancient battle field of Marathon and winds its way to the magnificent Olympic stadium in Athens, the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games. The course takes place over 2 consecutive days, so this will be a ‘long weekend’ with a difference!
5-8 October 2007 - flying you out, hotel accommodation, and meals included, you could join us by committing to raise £1,295 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
I’m sure that you get many requests such as this, but I would be so grateful if you would be willing to ‘lay down the gauntlet’ by perhaps advertising this unique event to your Club members.
I have attached a small poster that might help you to do this, and the full itinerary can be viewed on our website Run Athens
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions, my contact details are as below. We are determined to make MND history, by joining us in Greece, you can help us turn that into reality. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and in anticipation of your help and support.
Warmest regards, Elaine Wyspianski - Community and Events Fundraiser, MND Association '
Not the Athens Marathon
Also sent to me for our attention, the '10th Anniversary Celebrations at St Wulstan's Local Nature Reserve' on Sunday 15th July 2-4pm. Includes Bird Box Making!

Pitchcroft 10K
On 22nd of this month at Pitchcroft Racecourse, Worcester 11pm. Consisting of a flat 3 laps, its not the most interesting race in the world but its local, only £5 for members of the MJs if you enter beforehand, and its a good one for spectators as they can watch you from the grandstand. Having done this about 6 times I thought I'd give it a miss, then I thought I might as well go along and watch. Then I thought if I'm going to watch I might as well take part. See you there!
You can get an entry form from www.worcester-ac.co.uk, pick 'fixtures' scroll down to 22/7/07 Pitchcroft 10K and pick 'click here' just below for an entry form.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. See our website for details
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race. Gentle Joggers meet at Morrisons 9.30am
Wed 4/7 Old Bush pub, Callow End / Birthday drink. Why not join us for a drink on the clubs 4th birthday. (1st Wed of July every year)
Wed 11/7 Hanley Castle High School / Group Photo / MJs Annual BBQ
Sat 14/7 Castlemorton Shindig
Wed 18/7 Gullet Quarry car park - Castlemorton / Plume of Feathers
Sun 22/7 Pitchcroft 10K
Wed 25/7 British Camp
Sun 29/7 Gloucester Half Marathon
Wed 1/8 Bugatti 10K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales - Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France - Marathon de Medoc
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race

Weekly Reminders
Mustering - run to the back of the group from time to time.
Race forms on website - pick the Race Forms icon on the website menu for entry forms
Note, I am now sending the Club News/Blog out in 2 emails as I only have capacity for 100 recipients. So the others are on the other email, just in case you wondered.
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

Happy running,
The Big Cheese

Chris's Blog from 17 June 2007

Fellow athletes,

Our Handicap Event
Next Wednesday its our annual handicap event at Castlemorton. 35 MJs have entered so far. For any enquires, please contact organiser Eric on elbromage@ukonline.co.uk . For those who want a run as normal, please come along and you will be able to do that.
The times given or allotted for the event can be viewed on the attachment.

Race Reports
Aldridge 10K, 10/6/07 by Julie Caseley
' The weather was ideal for the running of this lovely undulating 10k at Aldridge. The start was on the village green by the Church and the course followed a mostly left handed circuit. There was a rather nice long, sweeping downhill just after half way followed by the inevitable uphill finish, although it didn't seem quite as steep as last year and I managed to pass quite a few runners. The course finished on the cricket pitch where all participants received an engraved wine glass.
I finished in a time of 48 mins 9 secs, 6 minutes faster than last year and was only 18 seconds outside my PB. The beauty of this race is that, not only do the 1st, 2nd and 3rd males and females receive vouchers and a trophy, but 1st and 2nd men and women in all veteran categories receive an engraved silver salver. I came 2nd in my age category so have another lovely trophy to add to the collection!!
Well organised, friendly race. '
Thanks, Julie

Ravenstones Brow Fell Race 10/6/07 by Jon Newey
' After a post-marathon rest and time away eating pasta, pizza and gelato in Italy it was time to think of serious running again. Went up to Yorkshire and took in the Ravenstones Brow Fell Race on Saddleworth Moor near Manchester.
On paper it looked a bit tame as fell races go. 10 miles and 1300 ft. of ascent probably makes it on a par with the beacon race as ascent per mile goes. Signed up paid my fee and collected the compulsory map. Being a fell race the normal kit was required (map, compass, wistle, emergency food, extra body cover) despite the fact that it was very hot and humid. The race only attracted 50-60 this year for some reason, half the usual turn-out. Set off and climbed immediately and very steeply.
Fortunately this was short lived and we hit a flatish section through shady woods before contuinuing along the shores of Dovestones resevoir. By this point i was in third spot. Suddenly the way was blocked by a marshall who pointed up a steep hill. We did most of the 1300ft climbing here. The heat really got to me and progress was slow, such that I was caught by Jo Waites and Sally Newman, two well known and accomplished fell racers.
At the top we hit a cliff. Sheer drop on left and open moor to the right. Traversed along to the next marshall who pointed us onto the moors (Featherbed Moss). Here you needed to run in a straight line with no landmarks to navigate by. I hadn't bothered taking a compass bearing and winged it. Had it been foggy this would certainly have been sheer folly. I was on my own, the leaders being out of sight. Managed to distance the women here, so male pride was intact! Although it was flat
on the map, you were constantly droipping into gullys and climbing out again making it very tough going. Fortunately the visibility was good
and after 15 mins or so I could see the reservoir in the distance which marked the next check point.
Sharp left and a 1200ft descent back to Dovestones resevoir and the flatish run into the finish, by which time I was really done for. I came in 4 mins down on the winner with 1 hour 17 mins. and got a very nice M&S pasta bowl with tea towel, round of Wensleydale and jar of jam for my efforts! '
Thanks, Jon

Stourbridge Stumble, 16/6/07 by Julie Caseley
' The Stourbridge Stumble is a lovely undulating cross country 10k event starting and finishing at Mary Stevens Park. The route follows an out and back course to the south west of Stourbridge and comprises part of the course for the Stourbridge Stagger. It starts at 6 pm so ideal if it's been hot during the day. The weather was ideal today - dry and humid although there were a few water obsticles and a bit of mud to contend with. Quite a tough run but very enjoyable..
I finished in a time of 51:33, just over 5 minutes faster than last year. Samantha enjoyed the 4k fun run which took place in the confines of the park. She came 2nd in a time of 16:10.
The Stumble incorporated the Worcestershire Multi terrain Championships but unfortunately there was a problem with the computer and these results could not be accessed - notification of winners will be sent out at a later date. '
Thanks, Julie

Talking of races, well done to Emma Gooderham who beat nearly 5000 other ladies last Sunday (10/6/07) to win the Worcester Race for Life.

Group Photo
As the group shot on the home page of the website is now nearly a year old, I am hoping that we can have a 2007 version taken in the same place which is under the Oak Tree in front of the Three Kings at Hanley Castle. So make sure you are there on the second Wednesday of next month.

Membership
Welcome to Paul Millsom who has joined us recently and becomes member number 95. Paul spotted us at Crowle where he went round in 43 minutes.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. See our website for details
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race. Gentle Joggers meet at Morrisons 9.30am
Wed 20/6 Club Handicap Event, Gullet Quarry car park - Castlemorton / Plume of Feathers
Sun 24/6 MJs Walking Group (Brecon). Details Eric, elbromage@ukonline.co.uk
Wed 27/6 British Camp car park / Malvern Hills Hotel
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Wed 4/7 Old Bush pub, Callow End / Birthday drink. Why not join us for a drink on the clubs 4th birthday. (1st Wed of July every year)
Wed 11/7 Hanley Castle High School / Group Photo / MJs Annual BBQ
Sat 14/7 Castlemorton Shindig
Wed 18/7 Gullet Quarry car park - Castlemorton / Plume of Feathers
Sun 22/7 Pitchcroft 10K
Sun 29/7 Gloucester Half Marathon
Wed 1/8 Bugatti 10K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales - Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France - Marathon de Medoc
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race

Please note that there will be no Club News next Sunday as the editorial staff are taking a break for a week to undertake some low altitude training on a beach somewhere!

Happy running,
The Big Cheese

Chris's Blog from 10 June 2007

Fellow athletes,

Castlemorton Shindig
MJ Paul Newman with this years event:-
' I have just had the date for this years Castlemorton Shindig.. Saturday July14!! I was hoping we could arrange another get together, Its located in a idyllic spot in the middle of the common ideal for a pleasant run and the added bonus is we get a pig roast or hot dogs a live band and a cheap beer tent when we get back!! Ok its not but it is a nice atmosphere.
Last year we unfortunately clashed with the Dartmoor weekend so if we all get behind it this year it could be a Gr8 evening!!
I enclose a Invitation to try and tempt your athletes and there families!! Best wishes, Paul '
Thanks, Paul
I flyer for the event will be found on the attached to the next email.

The Annual MJs BBQ
A date for the club diary. Wednesday July 11th - MJ BBQ at Andy Gallagher's house after a short run. Bring your booze and something to burn on the BBQ. Everyone welcome - members, nonmembers, partners, friends and family, the more the merrier.

Membership
Our Secretary Carol has asked me to request that all members who have changed address, phone number or email in the last two years contact her with the new details. Her email address is timandcarol@talktalk.net

Race Reports
Hereford 5K, 7/6/07 by Richard Walsh
' Having done the first two races in this series i was hopeful of making an improvement on my first two times(17.39&17.46.) Nick Hitchins had also run the first couple of races in (18.55&19.01) but could not make this last one. Am glad to say i did improve timewise, cutting down to 17.15 for 12th place. It was a competitive field so came lower than last time despite running faster! The first two runners came in sub 15 mins which shows how good some of the standard was. Started fast and hung on in the second half, sadly dropping about 4 places in the last 2k but still happy with performance and picking up a prize for 6th overall man in the series. Rich '
Thanks, Richard

Running Backwards
Running forwards can be difficult enough but what's possible running backwards?. Whilst in Hay-on-Wye recently I bought a second hand copy of an old pocket size Guinness Book of Records. In the Athletics section were the following achievements:-
Marathon - 4hrs 7 mins 54 secs by Anthony Weiland in Detroit, USA on 3/10/82
One mile - 6 mins 7.1 secs by Donald Davis at Hawaii University on 21/2/83
100 metres - 14.0 secs by Ferdie Adoboe in Massachusetts, USA on 28/7/83
and Arvind Panya ran backwards from John O'Groats to Land's End (880 miles) in 29 days on 31/10/85
Don't try this wearing an MJs top please, you'll get the club a bad name!

Membership II
Welcome to new member, Erica. We now have 94 members.

Local Runs
The Old Bush (last Wednesday) - I didnt do a headcount but it looked over 50 to me. Thanks to everyone who stayed for a drink afterwards. There was over 25 and we filled the tables and chairs in the pub garden. A total of 5 'new' runners joined us for the evening.

Swan, Newland (Sunday) - 12 MJs gathered for this one and fought back the stinging nettles for a run over to Bransford and back through Powick. 8 miles were covered at an average pace of just under 9 minute/miles.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. See our website for details
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race. Gentle Joggers meet at Morrisons 9.30am
Wed 13/6 Hanley Castle School / Three Kings pub
Sun 17/6 Hereford Leisure Centre 10
Wed 20/6 Club Handicap Event, Gullet Quarry car park - Castlemorton / Plume of Feathers
Sun 24/6 MJs Walking Group (Brecon). Details Eric, elbromage@ukonline.co.uk
Wed 27/6 British Camp car park / Malvern Hills Hotel
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Wed 4/7 Old Bush pub, Callow End / Birthday drink. Why not join us for a drink on the clubs 4th birthday. (1st Wed of July every year)
Wed 11/7 Hanley Castle High School / MJs Annual BBQ
Sat 14/7 Castlemorton Shindig
Wed 18/7 Gullet Quarry car park - Castlemorton / Plume of Feathers
Sun 22/7 Pitchcroft 10K
Sun 29/7 Gloucester Half Marathon
Wed 1/8 Bugatti 10K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales - Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France - Marathon de Medoc
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race

The Bugatti 10K
1st of August. Location, Bugatti Inn, Gretton, near Winchcombe, Gloucestershire. 7.30pm.
This is what I call our annual Wednesday night 10K race. Its an undulating and scenic run through the Cotswolds which saw 29 Malvern Joggers taking part last year. In fact its becoming a tradition as we have done it for the last 3 years. You can still enjoy a local run if you want to, from the Old Bush, Callow End but I urge you to do this if at all possible. It makes a break from what we normally do and you will be rewarded at the finish with a beer, a burger and a t-shirt. If you can't leave work in time to get there, take a holiday. It will be worth it but enter as early as possible as there are no entries on the day and it is likely to fill up well before the closing date.
The entry form is attached.

Our Handicap Event
If you haven't entered yet, please do so asap. The details again:-
WED 20 JUNE 7.00 FOR 7.15 PM APPROX. GULLET QUARRY C.P.
CLUB MEMBERS ONLY LIMITED TO FIRST 50.
DISTANCE APPROX 2 3/4 MILES ALMOST ALL ON ROAD
NO ENTRY FEE BUT VOLUNTARY DONATION £1 TOWARDS PRIZES
YOU MUST PRE ENTER SO THAT WE CAN WORK OUT HANDICAPS.
SEND email TO ERIC,elbromage@ukonline.co.uk WITH YOUR LATEST OR ESTIMATED 10K TIME.
IF YOU'VE NO IDEA SAY SO AND WE'LL WORK SOMETHING OUT FOR YOU !
THIS IS MEANT TO BE A FUN EVENT NOT TO BE TAKEN TOO SERIOUSLY.
REHYDRATION AT A LOCAL PUB AFTERWARDS.
We will require a few extra people to marshal, record finishing times etc so if would like to that please let Eric know. This may suit some of our injured runners whom we haven't seen for a while!

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 03 June 2007

Fellow athletes,

MJs Walking Group - next Event
News from Eric:-
' Details of our next hill walk on SUNDAY 24/6
Talybont valley horseshoe(near Brecon),approx 15miles(6hrs).One hard section at the head of the valley,otherwise fairly good walking,with possibility of easy way back at halfway point.You’ll have to take your own tucker as there are definitely no facilities en route.I’ll check out possibilities for refreshments afterwards.Expect early start from Malvern.
If you are interested contact Eric, elbromage@ukonline.co.uk '

Malvern Race for Life
Further to last weeks mention, Alison Findlay has supplied me with news of some of our other finishers:-
' Thought that a few more of Jenny's gentle joggers deserved a mention for the race for life. They may not be official members, but there were at least 3 of them in the group of runners I got together from work. I know they have trained hard over the last few weeks and all did very well. Obviously I was there too, but clearly merged into the masses as I wasn't wearing 'official club kit'. I think I finished in about 28.5 minutes - not bad for slowcoach like me, but I'm not sure what times the other did and I don't know how you've got peoples positions. Anyway, the others I know of were Liz Wilkins, Bev Jeynes and Mandy Kimber. Cheers.'
Thanks, Alison

Plumstead Runner enjoys run with MJs
Last Wednesday's run included a guest runner, Steve, who was staying in Malvern for a week. He has sent me the following:-
' Just a short note to thank you and your fellow MJ'ers for letting me join your club run last wednesday. I had a great run in good friendly company. I'm sorry I was unable to join you all afterwards in the Red Lion. If for any reason any MJs find themselves in South East London and it's not for the start of the London Marathon, check out Plumstead Runners, either via me on email or our club website. The scenery is a bit different, more urban off-road with less altitude!
Thanks again. Hope to run again with you all when I'm next in Malvern.
Regards, Steve Wilson Plumstead Runners '
Thanks Steve. Your welcome anytime.

Cheese Rolling - Cooper's Hill, Gloucestershire 28/5/07
This took place on the Whitsun bank holiday and I went to see it last year. As the television is full of repeats I thought it might be OK to have a repeat in the Club News. So here is my report from last year:-
Has anyone else been to this bizarre spectacle which takes place every year on an impossibly steep hill near Brockworth, Glos. I went along last Bank Holiday Monday.
Dating back possibly to pre-Roman times, that's before the cheese rolling website had been constructed, it consists of 5 cheeses being rolled, one every 20 minutes, ending with 'One cheese to be rolled by Mr Anthony Hinks (Postman)' as it says on the info I picked up. Between each cheese is an uphill race which involves scrambling to the top on all fours, but the main event is the cheese rolling. Each cheese is tightly bound in cardboard to avoid it getting smashed on its way down, in which case a free-for-all would develop. As soon as the cheese its on its way the competitors hurl themselves, running is impossible, downhill. Nobody knows what path the cheese will take. The first one was straight and having no arms and legs to get in the way was down to the bottom before any of the competitors, in which case the first person to cross the line at the bottom was declared the winner. The second cheese veered to the left and hit the fencing provided for the protection of the spectators. The technique seems to be, bounce and rolly-poly your way down at high speed and hope for the best. Waiting for the first cheese to be set in motion, I was wondering what the members of the local rugby club were doing at the bottom of the hill. I soon found out as they stopped the giddy competitors rolling any further and help them to their feet if indeed they were capable of standing. I think we all like something for nothing and you can take part in this for free, but I decided against that and my good judgement was confirmed when I later watched the television news to hear that there had been 25 injuries including one spectator who had been hit by a flying cheese. Oh! the fun you can have with a piece of cheese!
No bull in this one, just cheese!
www.cheese-rolling.co.uk

Geoff Carpenter's fund-raising function on Friday 8th of June
For the very worthy cause of Prostate Cancer (his London Marathon Charity), the details of the Do were given in last week's news. Geoff says if you would like a ticket, you can do so:-
' by ringing me on 07989528007 or 01684 566814
by email at thecarpenter10@hotmail.com
by calling at my house at 38 Davenham Close, Malvern by visiting John Goodwin Estate Agents in Colwall
or via the website at www.pdherbert.f2s.com All welcome, bring your friends !!
See you there, Cheers, Geoff Carpenter '

Race Reports
Hereford Fun Run, 20/5/07 by Steve Ollis
' My family and I took part in The Hereford 1.5 mile Fun Run when you ran the much more impressive Half Marathon. Painfully, I forgot to start my Garmin at the start, but I think we came in well under 20 minutes (good, as Sarah-Jane is only 4). Certificates for all, medals for the children and a solid gold cup for my daughter who won the best children’s’ fancy dress prize. She came as a skeleton. The adults prize went to Father Christmas!! '
Thanks, Steve

Crocodile 8, 27th May 2007 by Phil Jackson
' Once you got going you forgot about the rain and tried to cope with what seemed to me a very fast start and to keep up with Steve and Rachael. The sight of runners queuing up in an orderly fashion at the church kissing gate was a strange sight but it was the track through the wood which got me. There was more mud than you could shake a stick at and I slid all over the place. Everybody else seemed to cope with it much better than me and how I avoided falling is a complete mystery. As a novice I am learning all the time and two things this run taught me; I like running on roads and I do not like mud! I never did catch Steve.'
Thanks, Phil

Edinburgh Marathon, 27/5/07 by Jill Brierly
' Roger and I have just returned from Edinburgh - what a lovely place to stay. As you may know, Roger couldn't take the pace of the training (!) and unfortunately was unable to run in the marathon due to his calf injury. I was able to gloat that my training had been trouble-free and I was looking forward to being able to give this marathon my best shot before hanging up the extreme mileage shoes. So, I was gutted (literally) when I fell sick last week and couldn't eat for 3 days before the race!
However, the hotel was booked and pledges for Macmillan Cancer Support were coming in thick and fast, so off we went to bonnie Scotland. The marathon started in pouring rain from Princes St, it worked it's way out of the city past Mussleborough race-course, out along a very blustery coastal road (fortunately no longer raining)
following the Firth of Forth and then doubled back along the same route finishing at the race course. At least it gave an opportunity to see the leaders on their return but a bit demoralising seeing so many on their homeward straight. I felt O.K.'ish up to 18 miles, and had managed to maintain 8 min/mile pace to here, which had been my
target. But, the old legs couldn't maintain it and I disappointingly slowed, finishing in 3h 42m (16th in my category). It was good to see Roger popping up from time to time on his bike, especially during those agonising final miles. Alas, I finished quicker than my previous marathon and in the exact same style - dissolving into uncontrolled tears and vowing that I will never do that again!
They also ran a Hairy Haggis relay team competition over the same course (4 runners) which looked a more enjoyable experience and perhaps one to consider next year? Thanks, Jill

Hope Valley 8, 27/5/07 by Julie Caseley. Her FIRST race of the day
' Only mad dogs and English women (aka Julie Caseley) do two races in one day!!

It was just as well we set off with the intention of arriving at this race an hour before it started because it was described as starting in the car park at Haugh Wood between Mordiford and Woolhope. We found the said car park but no sign of any runners. We made enquiries at the local pub, stopped a couple of walkers and three cyclists, all of whom knew nothing about the Hope Valley 8 or any other car park in Haugh Wood. Therefore, we set off aimlessly looking for the start. By pure chance, we came across several men in yellow jackets with rather large brollies standing in the middle of the road between Mordiford and Fownhope. The car park was in fact a field stuck in the middle of nowhere. I had 15 minutes to spare before the off - not a very good start!

The horse box that was vacated by a horse a few minutes earlier, doubled as race HQ. I asked where the toilets were, having hydrated on a bottle of isotonic drink, as you're suppose to, and was told they deliberately kept the grass long so as to provide some cover from onlookers. There was nothing else to do but to head for the longest grass and the tallest tree - thank goodness for mansize tissues and baby wipes - I can't even remember doing this as a child!!

The race started about 20 minutes late as the time keeper was dropping off the marshals which took longer than expected so the warm up (keeping warm) was a little longer than expected. By now I was freezing cold and soaking wet.

At last we were off, safe in the knowledge that the 'last man' was 16 year old Max mounted on the aforementioned horse who was willing and able to pick up any injured runners and return them to the start where Dr. Balance, who just happened to live opposite the field, would cater for their needs!!

There were 25 runners in all - I'm not quite sure whether the weather put them off or they just couldn't find the venue!! There was a bit of a debate at the end as to whether there were 4 or 5 walkers - if there were 5, we'd lost one!! Anyway, they were picked up along the route somewhere.

The run itself was very pleasant despite the conditions but the fact that only 10% of the 8 miles was suppose to be on road was a tad underestimated. I was a little worried I may get lost as with only 25 runners there was a possibility that I might be running by myself for a lot of the race. My worries were justified when I followed the markers into a field and there was nothing to indicate where the exit was. I waited for the next three runners to catch me up and we followed the sound of a barking dog to discover the next arrow before we were on our way again. The finish came rather abruptly after 6.55 miles - great I thought, something left in the tank for the Crocodile 8 in the afternoon!! Having got back to the horse box (sorry, race HQ) everyone discovered that a marshal was missing and we didn’t run 1.5 miles around the rest of Haugh Wood! Only one lady completed the whole course, as she knew the route.

The prize giving was long in coming considering there were only 25 runners but I did get a medal for being 2nd female finisher (there were only 4 female runners but I did pass 3 female walkers if that counts!!) I was getting quietly quite excited as I thought I was in with a chance of winning the female vet prize, but their female veteran category started at age 50 so it went to the third female!! I finished in a time of 58 minutes 50 seconds.

The goody bag was a bottle of water, a balloon and a Twirl. The £10 entry fee went to the Meningitis Trust. I may do the Hope Valley 8 again, on the other hand I may not!! It would be nice to do the whole course – I’ve already nearly persuaded myself!!. Julie '
Thanks, Julie

Crocodile 8, 27/5/07 by Julie Caseley. Her SECOND race of the day!
' Having run the Hope Valley 8 (or 6.55) this morning, I had a three hour 'rest' before the Crocodile 8 started at 3 pm. I had chance to go to the Hereford Leisure Centre to change into some dry clothes before setting off for Burghill. Paul had a coffee at the Leisure Centre, so I didn't feel too guilty about using their facilities.

We arrived in plenty of time for the race and I was more pleased than I should have been to see a portaloo!!

The race was as good as ever although the rain made for some interesting slippy bits in the woods. I decided not to put my very wet and muddy trail shoes on from the morning race, having just warmed up, so I wore normal road shoes instead. Next time I'll rethink my strategy, as at some points (about 50% of the race) off road shoes would have made life a little easier but in all honesty I don't think it would have made a great deal of difference to my finish time of approximately 1 hr 20 mins. which I was very pleased with as it was 10 mins faster than last year.

Another 'must' for next year. Julie '
Thanks, Julie

Warndon Villages 5k, 10k and 15k Race 3/6/07 by Julie Caseley

' Having psyched myself up for yet another 3 lap race (having already done three 15 k races at the Forest of Dean earlier this year), I was well pleased with the weather conditions and also my time of 1hr 16 mins 58 secs, 6 minutes faster than last year and just a few seconds slower than 2005.

The marshals were in place this year and the gazelles were pointed in the right direction. I had plenty of company over the first 2 laps but found myself very much alone on lap 3, with only the lonely emerald and lemon shirt of Steve Roode in the distance.

I was very pleased with my 2nd place female finisher in the 15k race, having come 3rd in 2005 and 2006. Well done to Richard Walsh (3rd male in the 5k) and Emma Gooderham (2nd female in the 10k). Julie '

Thanks, Julie

A bit more Warndon from Chris:-

This seemed to a more competitive Warndon event than normal. I would have put my shirt on Rich winning the 5K and Emma winning the 10K. Although Rich's time would have been good enough to have won it most of its 9 year history,this year it was not to be. Emma, having won the 5K and the 15K in the previous 2 years, was only denied the treble by 5 seconds by a lady who broke the course record. But we still won 3 prizes!

What was not good was when MJ-friendly local boy Matt Scriven was sent the wrong way in the 15K. No doubt he was leading at the time just like Jon Newey in last years 10K. These two are good mates so stand well back and expect the air to be a rich shade of blue when they get talking about the Warndon event!

Membership
Welcome to new members Matt Luckham, Lee Gough, Ginny Holly, Dennis Holly, Rob Winwood, Alison Taylor and John Tovey. We now have a total of 93 members.

Website
Our Webmaster, Peter, has updated the Gallery on our website (see the menu on the right). We now have the photograph that was taken of our London Marathon runners outside Morrisons that never made it into the Gazette plus 31 photographs of the recent Race for Life, and also shots from the Gunpowder Plot (Crowle) 10K and the Hereford New Years Day 10K.
Thanks to Peter for doing that

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. See our website for details
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race. Gentle Joggers meet at Morrisons 9.30am
Wed 6/6 Old Bush pub - Callow End
Thu 7/6 Hereford Leisure Centre 5K
Fri 8/6 Geoff Carpenter's Charity Gig - Colwall Village Hall
Wed 13/6 Hanley Castle School / Three Kings pub
Sun 17/6 Hereford Leisure Centre 10
Wed 20/6 Club Handicap Event, Gullet Quarry car park - Castlemorton / Plume of Feathers
Sun 24/6 MJs Walking Group (Brecon). Details Eric, elbromage@ukonline.co.uk
Wed 27/6 British Camp car park / Malvern Hills Hotel
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sun 22/7 Pitchcroft 10K
Sun 29/7 Gloucester Half Marathon
Wed 1/8 Bugatti 10K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales - Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France - Marathon de Medoc
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race

Happy running,
The Big Cheese

Chris's Blog from 27 May 2007

Fellow athletes,

CLUB HANDICAP EVENT
An announcement from Eric, the organiser of our annual Handicap:-
WED 20 JUNE 7.00 FOR 7.15 PM APPROX. GULLET QUARRY C.P.
CLUB MEMBERS ONLY LIMITED TO FIRST 50.
DISTANCE APPROX 2 3/4 MILES ALMOST ALL ON ROAD
NO ENTRY FEE BUT VOLUNTARY DONATION £1 TOWARDS PRIZES
YOU MUST PRE ENTER SO THAT WE CAN WORK OUT HANDICAPS.
SEND email TO ERIC,elbromage@ukonline.co.uk WITH YOUR LATEST OR
ESTIMATED 10K TIME.IF YOU'VE NO IDEA SAY SO AND WE'LL
WORK SOMETHING OUT FOR YOU !
THIS IS MEANT TO BE A FUN EVENT NOT TO BE TAKEN TOO SERIOUSLY.
REHYDRATION AT A LOCAL PUB AFTERWARDS.

Club Kit
Eric again with a message regarding club kit:-
OFFICIAL CLUB KIT FOR EVENTS CONSISTS OF A CLUB TOP PLUS BLACK SHORTS OF YOUR OWN CHOICE.
WE HAVE VESTS( £12),SHORT SLVED T’s(£15) AND LONG SLVED T’s (£16)SIZES ARE FROM 32” TO 42” IN 2” INCREMENTS.VESTS ARE EXACTLY AS PER SIZE BUT T’s ARE APPROX 2” LOOSER.
PLSE NOTE THE FOLLOWING WASHING INSTRUCTIONS FROM OUR MANUFACTURER-
To extent the life and colour of the garment and protect the print from washing abrasion,we strongly recommend they are turned inside out before hand washing in a mild non-detergent product.ie. don’t just bung them in the washer with everything else !!!

Malvern Race for Life

Well done to all our ladies who did local Race for Life last Wednesday. Despite having 3 of our best ladies missing we still had 9 of the first 20 finishers, as follows:-
5th Alison Merley, 6th Lisa Dainty, 9th Sian Jones, 10th Kareen Mann, 14th Maria Jones, 15th Rachael Samuel, 17th Julie Marshal, 18th Lucy Prosser, and 19th Samantha Caseley. Jayne Ackroyd was 38th, Clare Hill & Amanda Imms finished 39th & 40th, Ginny Sharp 40th, Judy Newman 52nd, Carol Green 143rd and Jenny Field 229th, Lisa English 403rd and Fiona Clayton 462nd.
If I've missed anyone please let me know.
A thankyou message from Clare
' On behalf of all the ladies I just wanted to Thank all the men who came down to offer their support for the Race for Life on Wednesday at Malvern.
Chris Barker, Eric Bromage, Jerry Greer, Paul Newman, Paul Caseley, Paul Hill, Gary Kimber, Stuart Brown, Nick Hitchins, Peter Cowling and also Anabel who couldn't run but came to shout & cheer us on. The Nivea boys were no comparison to you bunch! Maybe next year we can get you some nice lycra outfits & Poms poms!! Thanks again all & sorry of I missed your name off. '

Race Reports
Oxford Town & Gown 10K 20/5/07 by Alison Findlay
' Myself and Enos met up in Oxford on Sunday for 'gentle joggers do the the town and gown fun run'. I haven't quite worked out yet which part of it was meant to be fun - geting up at 6am on a Sunday, sharing half a dozen portaloos with a couple of thousand other women or running 10K round the streets of Oxford on a very hot and sunny day.
It was a well organised run with lots of marshalls and plenty of crowds to cheer us on. The only grumbles really were the total chaos at the water stations and having to stop at one point to let an ambulance out. I don't think that would have made a lot of difference to either of us really, we're both still chasing that elusive hour target. Having said that we both managed a PB, Enos in 1: 01: 04 (1 second faster than Crowle) and me in 1: 02: 28 (3 minutes faster than Crowle, my only other atempt at 10K). Enos would have been much faster (he reckons), but had to contend with a hole in a sock and a huge blister. I've got no excuses, I'm just slow. I was a bit upset to find that apparently I'm a veteran though!! We'll probably give it another go next year, and keep chasing that magical hour. '
Thanks, Alison.
Redditch 10K 19/5/07 by Julie Caseley
' I was a lonely Malvern Jogger at the Redditch 10km yesterday afternoon but it didn't really matter as everyone was very friendly. The weather was kind to us in that it rained before the start and after I'd finished and there were registration tents in which to take cover. The course is a pan handle doing two fairly flat laps before a run around a field to the finish - there are some undulations in the last quarter of the laps which have to be done twice! Having done this three times
now, I knew the course and wanted to do better than my best time 2 years ago so I gave it my all. I finished in 48 mins 30 secs, 1 min 11 secs faster than 2005, so I was pleased with that. There's a medal at the finish but the prizes are very limited - 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female and one male vet over 40 and one female vet over 45, so the three 80 year olds I was chatting too didn't stand a chance!! Another enjoyable and satisfying race under the belt. '
Thanks, Julie
Hereford Half Marathon 20/5/07 by Julie Caseley
' Five Malvern Joggers enjoyed glorious sunshine and warm conditions at the Hereford Half Marathon this morning - they were Richard Walsh, Ruth Johnstone, Chris Barker, Lucy Prosser and myself.
I'm really getting into the swing of this racing lark!! Two races in two days - don't worry Neill, at the moment I feel great!! When I saw where this was and recognised the village of Burghill where the Crocodile 8 takes place, I knew there must be a hill or two involved. Also, looking on the map there was a trig point and view point at about 3 miles - that surely must involve a hill or two I thought. Lucy showed me a profile of the course and yes there was a steep peak at about 3 miles followed by lots of, what appeared to be, downhills to the finish - ignorance can be bliss!! There were a few hills in the first few miles but the panoramic views werre obscured by high hedges and trees! However, although there were some lovely downhill stretches, the hills also kept coming up until what seemed to
be about the last 3 miles. Anyway the final stretch was long and flat and I missed the 12 mile marker so when I was on the race course and saw 13 miles I was pretty happy.
I was being a bit optimistic to set my virtual partner on the Garmin to 1 hour 50 mins and eventually finished in 1:52:24. The first 500 runners received a lovely crystal cube paperweight with two silhouretted runners inside the glass, in a presentation box
After a few minitues recovering from my exertions, I enjoyed a Mr. Whippy and bacon bagette at the Leisure Centre. There was a long wait for the prize presentation - 2.15 pm - but congratulations to Ruth who received a £20 voucher to spend at M & M Direct for being the 2nd lady to finish. '
Thanks, Julie
Dymock Half Marathon 27/5/07 by Ruth Johnstone
'Another wet Sunday race! And why do race marshalls remain so cheerful despite atrocious conditions?
If visibility were better, I suspect the course would have been quite scenic - although the start is in a farmyard! The route takes you through Dymock, up to the Countrywide roundabout at Ledbury, along to Much Marcle and over the hills back to Dymock. All in all, a well-organised event that is very local to Malvern, so I was surprised not to see any other MJs – the more so since there is a bar at the finish (the event is organised by the cricket club) and some liquid sponsorship from Westons. The course is best described as ‘undulating’ so I rather surprised myself with a PB of 1:33:21. I was equally surprised to walk away with some silverware too – obviously the wet weather rather depleted the field!! '
Thanks, Ruth
Magic Roundabout 10K 27/5/07 by Chris Barker
Having done the Crocodile a number of times I thought I'd try this and no I didn't want to do both! Its a new event and was located at The Begwyns near Hay-on-Wye which is just over the Welsh border about 20 miles past Hereford. The organisers wanted it to attract a good crowd and be a success first time so they promised a value for money event to include a t-shirt, a goody bag and a race that ' promised to be the highlight of any runners year! How could I resist ?
It was a multi-terrain event with a dash of fell race and including some swampy bits. There was only one problem and that was the weather. We should have enjoyed views of the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and Hay Bluff but they were hidden in the clouds somewhere. Unfortunately we got the sort of weather that makes people think of relocating to Spain. Stood on the top of a very large hill, waiting for the slightly delayed start, we were totally exposed to heavy rain and strong winds on a bitterly cold day (for the end of May). Even the sheep sounded like they were laughing at us. Come to think of it , a sheepskin coat would have been a very useful piece of running apparel on the day but at least I had the company of fellow MJ Carl Anthony. About 150 runners set of and if they were all like me they were probably glad it was only 6 miles. I did note a couple of fallers in front of me including one her way to the start! On to the finish which was in a different place to the start. The start being the highest point on the course, the finish being 150ft lower (ref Garmin) I wasn't sorry about that. It was there that I met up with Carl again who rightly pointed out that the samba band were occupying the only bit of free space out of the rain, in the marquee. Finishing times? Carl forgot to stop his watch and I didn't bother. I just wanted to get out of the rain. No sign of the goody bag though! but well done to the organisers in coming up with what promises to be a very popular race in the years to come even if the access to the place was not good (country lanes one car wide). Would I do it again?, absolutely, but I'd wait to see what the weather was doing first and enter on the day.
That concludes my report and notice how I didn't mention Florence, Dougal, Zebadee or Ermintude! or Brian, or Bob Geldof who was at the Hay Literary Festival nearby.
Well done all those who did the Crocodile. Now you know where they all were Ruth. Hope you enjoyed the steps, folks.

Geoff Carpenter's Charity Do
As Geoff says:-
Just a quick update on the charity band night and auction at Colwall Village Hall on Friday 8th June 2007 in aid of The Prostate Cancer Charity.
We have some fab auction items already and a new website with more information on the band night, auction items and bidding. Please check out the website by clicking http://www.pdherbert.f2s.com/auction.htm
Here's a quick preview of the auction items - we are accepting email bids up to midnight on 7th June if you are unable to join us on the night or too shy
to bid in the auction!!
A British Lions Rugby shirt signed and authenticated by Jonny Wilkinson Donated by Jonny Wilkinson
1 week rental of a holiday home in the Languedoc region, South of France. Sleeps 4-6
2007 Worcestershire County signed cricket bat
A trial lesson learning to pilot a Robinson R22 Helicopter donated by Tiger Helicopters Ltd, Shobdon Aerodrome, Leominster, Herefordshire
Hot diamonds ladies pendant and earring box set with diamond inset (value £80)
Hot diamonds man's modern bangle with diamond inset (value £100)
Two hospitality tickets for the Cricket Match between the International Cricketing superstars of Lashings World XI and Colwall Cricket Club at Stowe Lane, Colwall, Herefordshire
One admission voucher to admit one family (2x2) to Cadbury World.
A pamper package from Malvern Beauty Clinic, Barnards Green, Malvern including a facial, deluxe manicure and a deluxe pedicure
A hair treatment vouchers from WR15, 15 Worcester Road, Malvern worth £30.00
1 years membership at banana fitness at Malvern Splash including full use of the pool, gym, sauna, steam room and all exercise classes (worth £340)
Two "discover scuba diving" experience from Dolphin divers Ltd - Hereford and Worcestershire's leading dive centre
A Celebration cake to the value of £40 Just Desserts & The Cake Box, Malvern
Go on have a bid and hopefully we'll see you there on the night.
Take Care, From Amanda and Geoff Carpenter

An update from Roger Brierly:-
Just to let you know that Jill is in her final preparations for the Edinburgh Marathon this coming Sunday May 26th. Sadly I pulled a calf muscle four weeks ago and am out. I am now driver, photographer and chief supporter. Never mind the golf handicap is coming down!
See you soon and I will let you know how Jill gets on.
Say hello to everyone please.

World Joggers
Its coming to that time of year when most people take their annual holiday possibly in some exotic location abroad. If your a Malvern Jogger, what's the first item to go into your suitcase? of course its your MJs running top plus a camera. It doesn't matter about the other stuff but its probably a good idea to take the tickets, some money and your passport unless your going to Weston-super-Mare or somewhere like that. You can then have your photo taken wearing the famous top and be featured on the World Joggers page on the gallery on our website having sent or given your picture to Peter (webmaster@malvernjoggers.co.uk) our webmaster

Badger Bite
According to Julie Caseley:- This is a race I did last year and throughly enjoyed it, although I appreciate it is a way to go for a 4 mile race (well, in fact, it was slightly shorter!!) I wondered if any MJ's would be interested as they seem to have improved it dramatically since last year. Regards, Julie
Dear Runner, The date for the 2007 Badger Bite will be Sunday 7th October at 11.00 am - get it in your diary!
There's an all new website, now at our own domain http://www.badgerbite.co.uk and you'll find full details there.
The race promises to be better than ever before. The limit has been increased to 300. There will be a unique memento for every runner (see the site for details) and a new prize for the most entries from one club as well as all the usual category prizes. We've also got a much bigger area in the pub for the presentation - the whole of the lounge and restaurant has been allocated to us (so basically - the whole pub!)
You have supported us so well previously - I hope you will again. Please spread the word!
Entry form attached. Please note there will be no entries on the day this year, so get your entry in early!
Best wishes, Robin Greenwell & Sharon Edwards, Race Organisers

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. See our website for details
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race. Gentle Joggers meet at Morrisons 9.30am
Wed 30/5 Rose Bank Gardens - Gt Malvern / Red Lion pub
Sun 3/6 Warndon Villages 5, 10 & 15K
Wed 6/6 Old Bush pub - Callow End
Thu 7/6 Hereford Leisure Centre 5K
Fri 8/6 Geoff Carpenter's Charity Gig - Colwall Village Hall
Wed 13/6 Hanley Castle School / Three Kings pub
Sun 17/6 Hereford Leisure Centre 10
Wed 20/6 Club Handicap Event, Gullet Quarry car park - Castlemorton / Plume of Feathers
Wed 27/6 British Camp car park / Malvern Hills Hotel
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sun 22/7 Pitchcroft 10K
Sun 29/7 Gloucester Half Marathon
Wed 1/8 Bugatti 10K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales - Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France - Marathon de Medoc
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 20 May 2007

Fellow athletes,

Malvern Race for Life

It would be good to have some photos for the website not unlike the ones that are on there from last year. Could all our runners assemble near the start/finish line (gantry), on the finishing side, just before the warm-up takes place.

Last year some of the guys that were there to support their fellow lady runners established a cheering point, LM style, not far from the start/finish line at the south end of the course. I suggest, this year there are as many of us guys are there as possible. If we don't know your name girls, can you please shout it out and we will cheer you on. By the way, if Andy Milton shouts 'stand to attention' or 'stand at ease', its probably best to carry on running. Could all of our guys please meet in the same place and at the same time as our ladies, near the start/finish line (gantry), on the finishing side, just before the warm-up takes place.

I will be noting the finishing positions of our girls who finish in the first 50. After that it becomes impossible due to the volume of runners over the finish line.

Lastly in 2006 after the event we went to the Three Horseshoes in Poolbrook Road to enjoy a drink afterwards. We are intending to do the same this year.

Those who want the normal Wednesday night run, please meet at the British Camp, usual time. I will not be there so can one of our senior runners take charge please.

Please note that there will be no Gentle Joggers next Wednesday as most our usual GJs will be doing the RFL.

Peter Cowling's Hashing Guide - Final Part
Back at the pub you will need to find £1 to give to 'Hash Cash' to cover insurance and 'Down-downs' (the first week is free). 'Down-downs' are something awarded to any misdemeanours like a good Hash-Crash or a sneaky Hash-Slash, by the GM (Grand Master) and consumed to the accompaniment of the choir led by the 'Choir master' (Mee Mee MeeeEEEeeeEEEeee). The Hymn is usually the same and goes along the lines of "They are Hashers, they are blue. They are Hashers through and through. They are Hashers, so they say, but they'll never go to Heaven in a long-long way, Drink it Down down down down etc." 'Hash-Handles' or 'Hash Names' (individual nick names) may be awarded at this time. Food has invariably been organised in advance and is usually something good, simple and cheap.
Many thanks to Peter for this.
So that's how it works, nicely it time for
Fanfare at this point, please do your own:-
Clare Hill's Malvern Hash - this Tuesday the 24th
In her own words:-

For all those people coming to support the Race for Life next Wednesday and not getting a run in; Amanda Imms & myself are laying our HASH from the Railway Inn on Malvern Wells Road on Tuesday 22nd May, the day before. The route is undulating & about 5 miles. We meet at 7pm at the Pub. People of all abilities are welcome as it's acceptable to walk the hills!

Thanks, Clare

Clare's London Marathon Sponsorship
Clare has emailed me regarding her London Marathon sponsorship:-
Chris, Can you add a little reminder on to the club news for me, politely reminding anyone who sponsored me that I now have the fantastic job of collecting it all in. If anyone who has sponsored is not visiting Mj's in the near future they can forward cheques made payable to Leukaemia Care to my home address (please e-mail me for more details of my home address) or can pop on-line and pay via credit / debit cards www.justgiving.com/supportme
Thanks again, Look forward to seeing you on Wednesday in your lycra & with your pom poms for the cheer leading squad!!, Clare

Race Reports
Hereford Half Marathon 20/5/07 by Chris Barker
This event always follows Crowle and Tewkesbury (and Eastnor this year) so its a fairly quiet affair MJ-wise as most of our runners are taking a break from competitive action, however we did have 5 taking part plus one in the fun run. Those who have done this one before will know that all the hills are in the first half which in theory make the second half easier. In reality you will be probably be too knackered after the first half to get the benefit of the easier second half.
Run on a day when we enjoyed the sort of weather we could have done with last Sunday, its an event that has really grown in numbers especially since my first Hereford Half in 1997. The Leisure Centre car park was full one hour before the start. Total numbers of runners being 600 approx with last years race raising £35K for St Michaels Hospice and on my way round I saw the familiar sight if the Crocodiles back or the hillside that resembles it, and wish those who are doing the Croc 8 next Sunday, all the best.
Of the 5 MJs Richard Walsh did 1.29 oops!(5 mins slower than Tewkesbury). Ruth Johnstone finished in 1.34 to continue her recent good form and finish second lady. Chris Barker 1.43, Lucy Prosser 1.45 and Julie Caseley who despite running the Redditch 10K 4pm the previous day finished in a fine 1.52.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. See our website for details
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race. Gentle Joggers meet at Morrisons 9.30am
Wed 23/5 Malvern Race for Life or club run British Camp
Sun 27/5 Crocodile 8
Wed 30/5 Rose Bank Gardens - Gt Malvern / Red Lion pub
Sun 3/6 Warndon Villages 5, 10 & 15K
Wed 6/6 Old Bush pub - Callow End
Thu 7/6 Hereford Leisure Centre 5K
Fri 8/6 Geoff Carpenter's Charity Gig - Colwall Village Hall
Wed 13/6 Hanley Castle School / Three Kings pub
Sun 17/6 Hereford Leisure Centre 10
Wed 20/6 Gullet Quarry car park - Castlemorton / Plume of Feathers
Wed 27/6 British Camp car park / Malvern Hills Hotel
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sun 22/7 Pitchcroft 10K
Sun 29/7 Gloucester half Marathon
Wed 1/8 Bugatti 10K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales - Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France - Marathon de Medoc
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race

Weekly Reminders
Mustering - run to the back of the group from time to time.
Race forms on website - pick the Race Forms icon on the website menu for entry forms
Note, I am now sending the Club News/Blog out in 2 emails as I only have capacity for 100 recipients. So the others are on the other email, just in case you wondered.
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 reading this on our website, are not on the emailing list & would like to be, please let me know chris@malvernjoggers.co.uk

The Weekly Attachment
The Acorns Great Malvern Triple Run to give its official title. Three events, although the two that will appeal most to us are the Half Marathon and the Malvern Spring 5K multi-terrain run which should cover the needs of most Malvern Joggers. Last years inaugural event was huge despite continuous rain and this years promises to be bigger! Around 6 weeks to go and I will be reminding you again between now and then but why not print off a copy of the attached entry form.

Happy running,
Chris

Chris's Blog from 13 May 2007

Fellow athletes,

Race Reports
Neolithic Marathon, 6/5/07 by Lisa Dainty
' Just to let you know both Helen and me survived the neolithic marathon today. The run was very well organised and followed an off road route over the Ridgeway , Sailsbury plain ending at Stonehenge.. We crossed several styles and at one point a railtrack. No stoneage men seen but free entry to Stonehenge at the end to all finishers. I was really pleased with my tiime of 3 hours 45 and was fouth women home - really chuffed as it was my first marathon. Helen came in under four hours.
Both pleased that it is now over and looking forward to a restful week! '
Thanks, Lisa
Neolithic Marathon, 6/5/07 by Helen Giddings
' The Neolithic Marathon ( 6th May) is off road, hilly, with half a dozen stiles and a railway crossing - so think of a typical Sunday run but a bit longer and you just about have it! The politest way I describe how I felt, was a near death experience! The relief of finishing is a feeling worth bottling and selling for a few thousands-but isn't it funny after thinking for several miles that you will never ever ever do another one, you get bathed and fed and start planning the next!!
Many many thanks to Lisa for being the best ever training partner. I think we're agreed we wouldn't do this one again but if you want to try something a bit different to a road marathon, then have a go - it's do-able!! '
Thanks, Helen
Stratford Half Marathon, 29/4/07 by Amanda Greenwood
' Although I've been running for over 10 years I rarely don my club vest and run a 'race'...... I don't really run for speed, more enjoyment. However, every one in a while I make the effort. Stratford half marathon was my choice (my favourite distance)!
Having not raced a half marathon distance for over 3 years, I wasn't sure how to pace myself. I decided on a 9 min / mile to half way strategy and then see how I felt.... A slow first mile and a half due to the big field meant I was already a few minutes down by 2 miles, but I did actually hit halfway in just under 9min.miles. From there on, I picked up the pace considerably and came in surprisingly comfortably at 1hr52:30. It's the best I've felt finishing a race, which I put down to the strength I've gained from
running on all the hills around Malvern over the past year (I lived in Nottingham prior to moving here last year), and plenty of nice long, slow 15-20 mile runs over the past 3 months to build a very strong endurance base.
The route was not hilly by Malvern standards, but there were a good few "undules" (!) to contend with. I take my hat off to Judy Newman for making this her first marathon outing.... ! Quite a big field, great support (thanks to Paul Newman for the cheers!!) and marshalling, efficient start, uncomplicated parking and a varied and interesting route around Stratford and its surrounding villages combined to make a very enjoyable morning's running. The only downside was the entry fee; over £20, with no goody bag or (ill-fitting!!) t-shirt.....
Maybe I won't leave it another 3 years to do my next half marathon!! '
Thanks, Amanda
May Day 5, 7/5/07 by Chris Barker
' Richard Walsh and I enjoyed ourselves so much at Crowle that we wanted to do another race as soon as possible, so we did , the next day. On Sunday I picked Rich up at 10 and we went to a race. On the Monday I again picked Rich up at 10 and we went to a race. If you've ever seen the film 'Groundhog Day? it was a bit like that.
This is a race best described as small and friendly. I expected a small field and a competitive race and that's what we got. I wouldn't say it was a small field but there wasn't enough competitors cars to fill the pub car park! which left my impressive finishing position of 25th giving a slightly false impression. The pub in question is the Pilot Inn right next to the River Severn where you can enjoy a meal while you look out across the river. The pub acts as the race HQ where you pay a modest £3.50 and pin-on a previously used number which keeps the cost down. The start is just across the river and included a number of the organising clubs, Severn AC's, runners, it was then a case of run up the road 2.5 miles, using some of the Gloucester 10 & 20 course, runaround the bollard and come back exactly the same way. Then it was back to the pub for the presentation which consisted of chocolates, biscuits and....chocolate biscuits, one of the prize winners being Richard for his 8th place. Can't remember you sharing them with me on the way home Rich! '
Tewkesbury half Marathon, 13/5/07 by Julie Caseley
' Unlike the Ten Tors, the Tewkesbury Half Marathon took place this morning under threatening skies. Fortunately the heavy rain didn't come until after most of us had finished so, all in all, the conidtions were ideal. I'm not quite sure how many MJ's were running this morning as the results aren't up yet but there must have been at
least 6 or 8 in the half marathon and 2 (maybe more) in the 5 mile race.
Personally, I was very pleased with my time of 1 hr. 48 mins. 52 secs.. I was within 26 seconds of my personal best set at Stafford just before London and ran this race 12 minutes faster than last year.
Hope everyone who ran Eastnor had a great morning out.'
Thanks, Julie
Tewkesbury Half Marathon & 5 miler, 13/5/07 by Clare Hill
' Hi Chris, a quick record of how we got on today. Paul entered the 5 mile run, along with Dave & Carol Green & another Malvern Jogger lady who runs in 10 min mile group, however we're not 100% sure if her name is Alison. Paul got on fine finishing 3rd (we think) out of MJ's. Not sure of his time yet as results are not available, however he doesn't really care as he ran the whole way without stopping & finished with NO INJURIES!!! And got a good Bling (Medal) and finished before the rain.
However this meant he had to wait around in the rain for me to finish the half marathon.
This isn't the most organised of races, which is a real shame as it is a great route and well loved race. There were 9 MJ's entered for the half. Both the 5 mile & half marathon start together and the 5 mile breaks off at 2 1/2 miles, which wasn't clear enough to some as I saw about 4, 5 milers still running at 6-7 miles & suffering greatly. Traffic was stopped in most places, including my dad who is an artic lorry driver trying to finish his shift. So he had no choice but to stop & cheer us on, but he'll get overtime rates anyway so I feel I've done him a favor, but it was nice having some support. Drinks were avaiolable at 5 destinations on the half & 2 on the 5 miles. This is advertised as a FLAT route and the only inclines are over bridges, what they don't tell you is that there are about 12 bridges, by my calculations thats nearly one per mile. There isn't much support (bit of a come down from London), but a friendly bunch of runners.
I think I managed just under 2 hours but can't be sure as my Garmin decided it couldn't be bothered to work.
There is absolute chaos at the finish, grab a medal if you can from the person stood no where near the finish line, get as many Milkshake drinks as you can physically carry and some water, then find the buckets where you have to remove & throw your chip in. No signs or marshalls to help you, but hey it was raining!
All said & done I would probably do this run again as its local and not as muddy as the Eastnor 7.
See you Wednesday. PS: Well done to Jerry who ran his First Half for 20 odd years. Clare xx '
Thanks, Clare
Eastnor Castle 7, 13/5/07 by Chris Barker
' Unlike the Tewkesbury Half Marathon we were hit by the full force of the weather as we started at 11am. Stop whingeing - ed.
This one is actually 7 mile multi-terrain race. Some of us know the terrain in Eastnor Park quite well and will no doubt be familiar with the climb up The Ridgeway and the run (or stagger) up to the obelisk. Throw in the deep furrows produced by vehicles on the 4-wheel drive course plus mud, puddles,stony tracks and uphill running which totalled 766 feet.. With all this going on it wasn't easy to keep your feet as certainly 3 of the 12 MJs found out. Alison M. tripped and nearly indulged in a bit of mud wrestling. Carl F. took a tumble and required a wound to be dressed and Jerry G. fell on his shoulder but was sent on his way after some painful manipulation by the on-site medical staff. He has told me this evening he is OK but for some pain and bruising. There a tough lot these MJs!.
With the race underway, the Hereford Couriers set a hot pace and won the men's race as they did at the last running and I'm pleased to say that Ruth Johnstone won a bottle wine to enjoy with her Sunday lunch as she finished 2nd senior lady of the MJs. We may have won more than that but the rain continued to hammer down at the presentation and threw a bit of a spanner in the works so said presentation was not completed but all will be revealed on their website in due course.
Finally, well done to our near neighbours Ledbury Harriers who made a fine and extremely well organised race available to us all despite the weather and competition for runners with the Half Marathon taking place nearby. '

Peter Cowling's Hashing Guide - Part 2 of 3
The Hash will be introduced by the RA (Religious Advisor) who will welcome any newcomers (Virgins) and introduce the people who set the trail (Hares). These are recruited each week by the 'Hare Raiser'. The trail consists of occasional spots of flour on the ground and after the RA calls 'CHECK IT OUT', you will hear people calling 'ON 1', 'ON 2' and so on from various directions. This is called when someone has found some flour. You might like to 'check out' the trail for yourself. If you hear 'ON-BACK' someone has found a cross and is returning from a 'false trail' so don't follow them. If you hear 'ON-ON' then four or more spots have been found and someone is on the 'live' trail. These are usually found by the faster runners, the so called FRBs (Front Running B*st*rds) so go that way. You might hear 'Hash-Horn' in the distance. He is only noisy when he is 'ON' so you can follow him. If you don't know if you are 'On' or not you can call 'RU?' and someone should let you know. A 'Check' is just a line of flour. When one is found you will hear 'CHECKING' called then 'ON 1', 'ON 2' again 'till the live trail is found again. If you see 'ON-INN' then you are nearly back at the pub so ignore any more crosses and go straight for the beer.
Final part next week

Looking Forward to....
Message from Amanda Greenwood:-
The Malvern Midsummer Marathon: LWDA Event.
Julie Caseley and I are planning to run this event which takes place on Saturday 23rd June. We wondered whether any other Malvern Joggers would like to join us.
The LDWA (Long Distance Walkers Association) organise many events around the country which are exactly what it says on the tin!! Long Distance Walks! However,
they open them up to runners.
The Malvern 'Marathon' is organised by the Bristol and West branch of the LDWA and there are two routes on offer at this event, 25 miles and 33 miles..... not the traditional 26.2 miles.
"It starts at the Wyche Cutting, and is described as a scenic challenge walk".
For those who haven't done an LDWA event before, there are a few common principles which it's worth knowing up front:
- this isn't a formal 'race' in the usual runners sense of the word;
- navigation skills will be required! The events I've done before have varied in the degree to which they've been marked out!
- there are various checkpoints along the way, at which there are refreshments (tea, squash, sandwiches and cake!) but you need to bring your own mug to this event!
Julie and I are intending to run together, so we're not really focusing on this being an individual race... but we'd like some company if there are any other intrepid souls out there who would like to do something different.
See: http://www.ldwa-bristolandwest.org.uk/ for more details.
And let me know if you're interested! - Amanda Greenwood
Thanks, Amanda

Club Runs
Next Wednesday meet at Gullet Quarry car park and on Sunday meet same place at 9.30 for a run led by Lisa Dainty or meet at Morrisons if you would prefer something a little more gentile.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. See our website for details
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race. Gentle Joggers meet at Morrisons 9.30am
Wed 16/5 Gullet Quarry car park - Castlemorton
Thu 17/5 Hereford Leisure Centre 5K - Race 2
Sun 20/5 Hereford 1/2 Marathon / Club Run, Gullet Quarry car park 9.30am
Wed 23/5 Malvern Race for Life or club run British Camp
Sun 27/5 Crocodile 8
Wed 30/5 Rose Bank Gardens - Gt Malvern
Sun 3/6 Warndon Villages 5, 10 & 15K
Thu 7/6 Hereford Leisure Centre 5K
Fri 8/6 Geoff Carpenter's Charity Gig - Colwall Village Hall
Sun 17/6 Hereford Leisure Centre 10
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Wed 1/8 Bugatti 10K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race

Weekly Reminders
Mustering - run to the back of the group from time to time.
Race forms on website - pick the Race Forms icon on the website menu for entry forms
Note, I am now sending the Club News/Blog out in 2 emails as I only have capacity for 100 recipients. So the others are on the other email, just in case you wondered.
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 reading this on our website, are not on the emailing list & would like to be, please let me know chris@malvernjoggers.co.uk

The Weekly Attachment
Oh I don't know...what about the Crocodile again. On the 27th of May we are spoilt for choice with the Dymock Half and the 10K at Hay-on-Wye also taking place. The Crocodile is likely to be the one with the most MJs and you are probably in for an eventful race not forgetting the BBQ and live band at the pub down the road. It starts at 3 in the afternoon so you could do 2 races in one day as a few of us did last year! There again you could do one of the others then go along as a spectator. Its up to you.

Happy running,
Chris

Chris's Blog from 06 May 2007

Fellow athletes,

Malvern Joggers Race for Life T-Shirts
' I can get t-shirts printed for the "Race for Life" for Malvern Joggers Ladies. The t-shirts / vests need to be white as the print going on them will be pink. The printing will cost £4.00 each. Anyone wishing to have one done will need to supply me with their top, named on the label & the money for next Wednesday at Hanley Castle or by Friday to my house and I shall have them ready for collection by the Friday before Race for Life.
The printing will read something along the lines of:
MALVERN JOGGERS
LADIES
RACING FOR LIFE
2007
There will also be the Race for life heart logo on there somewhere. The company printing them will have their company name on there some where, as they are doing a special reduced rate.
If anyone has any questions then do not hesitate to e-mail me.'

Race Reports
London Marathon, 22/4/07 by Clare Hill
' I managed to get to the Blue Start in plenty of time to chill out & absorb the fantastic atmosphere with fellow runners Jon Newey, Steve Roode & Richard Walsh. However I made a quick decision that my hopes of a 4.20 finish (10m/m) was not looking very positive given the hot weather, so my next aim was to run the whole distance.
Well the gun went (which I didn't hear from pen 8) & we were off, well waling towards the start anyway. It took 10.5 mins to get to the start line and 14 mins to complete the first mile, so yes a 4.20 was well gone.
The crowds are fantastic, pubs are supportive and the experience is too hard to explain. I did thoroughly enjoy the whole event, even when it got a bit tough at around 19 miles, but the ice cold water & showers made a difference. I managed to see Paul & some of my family on all 3 occasions which really spurs you on. I also managed to see some Supporting MALVERN JOGGERS which was difficult to miss as they were not only Screaming & shouting but also wearing their Malvern Jogger tops, Thanks & well done Judy & Paul Newman! I did see Jon Newey on The Highway, he was going in the opposite direction to me, however he was concentrating too much to hear my screaming & cheering at him, you can guess which one of us was at 13 miles & which one was at 22 miles!! I also saw & spoke to Geoff at aprox 17-18 miles, which is when I tripped him up (I forgot theres no Club points for the Marathon, but I wasn't taking any chances!)
The hard training, family neglect and expense is certainly worth it when you see some of the wonderful sights, Tower Bridge, London eye & Buckingham Palace, but when you see that Finish Line you can not explain how you feel, knackered but so over whelmed and tearful that you know you have acheived something so worthwhile, A LONDON MARATHON MEDAL! I will definitely do this again one day. I managed a 4hrs 36mins, a tad slower than I wanted but I did run the whole 26.2 miles, I also finished in the first half of the field.
I owe thanks to so many people, My husband Paul, son Zachary & Amanda Greenwood for acting as my Personal Trainer, you're real stars all of you, plus Malvern Joggers for giving me the chance to have these memories forever and for all the support & advice you have given me. Thanks to everyone who has helped me raise nearly £1600 for Leukaemia Care, it means a lot.
Good Luck to all future FLM Runners. Clare xx '
Thanks, Clare
Stratford Half & Full Marathon, 29/4/07 by Judith Newman
' Just to let you know myself and Amanda Greenwood both competed at Stratford today,I am not sure what time Amanda completed the 1/2 marathon course in but Paul says she looked to be going very well!
I myself was doing my first ever full marathon ,(I am sure there are few Joggers that I haven't asked for advice) So I started full of dread and fear.. However it all went very well,the course had a couple of hills but i was still motoring at the end, although my time of a tad over 5 hours was a little slower than I had hoped,I definitely want to do London next year!! So Paula Ratcliffe had better watch out.. NOT ..
Combined with Birmingham City winning promotion, it was a time for a double celebration in the Newman household !!
Thanks to all the Malvern Joggers for there help and support!! '
Thanks, Judy
Half Marathon times were:- Amanda Greenwood 1.54.45 & Ruth Johnstone 1.37.54 (154th out of 1709)
Dudley-Kingswinford 10K, 2/5/07 by Richard Walsh
' Me and nick hitchings did the dudley kingswinford 10k on wednesday. quite a packed out event with 1100 finishers. on a warm evening and a course with far more undulations than expected, i set out the first 5k reaching 18 mins. started to feel the effects of post marathon/too much red bull in the 2nd half! heart rate was way up and nothing i could do but battle on really, finishing in 38.05 for 40th place. a long way off p.b. for distance but not too bad considering i guess. Nick had a good run, starting steady and picking up speed and places towards the end finishing in 40.57 for 109th place '
Thanks, Rich
Crowle 10K, 6/5/07 by Chris Barker
Thanks for showing up in such large numbers. In the final analysis, I have accounted for 43 Malvern Joggers. That's 6 teams with 6 runners in each team (36), 2 MJs not in a team, Alison Findlay and myself, Ian and Cathy who are BP Joggers but also members of ours, Dave Ratchford who entered as Brandon Fern Hoppers (his old club) and Rob Winwood and Alison Taylor who are 'newish' runners who probably entered as unattached.
We did quite well at the presentation too, with the winner of the ladies race, Emma ( her 3rd win this year that I know of), plus category winner Ruth Johnstone with Alison Merley 3rd in the lady vets. Regarding the team prize, our 'A' team, despite having to dodge Mr 'T's bling as he sped along the downhill sections, did well coming 2nd only to Bromsgrove & Redditch AC. As was pointed out to me, an MJ winning a prize used to be a bonus. Now we have come to expect it. That's probably not a good thing. Also, have you noticed guys, our ladies are more successful than we are, although it is rather competitive at the top end of the male running sphere or at least that's what we tell ourselves!
Well done to Gentle Joggers Enos Turnbull, Gillian McCann, Vivien Tolley, Alison Findlay and Karen Surridge who were all, as far as I know, doing their first 10K
Personally speaking, the first half seemed to be a lot quicker than the second as the wind kicked in which made the uphill bits hard-going, but that was probably the same for everyone. Generally a superbly well-organised event which seemed to really capture the imagination of the MJs as the numbers indicate smashing our previous record of 29 runners. This was the 6th year of the race of which I've done every one, its got a great atmosphere and the weather always seems to be good. I shall carry on doing it until its physically impossible. A big thanks to the organisers.
The results, when available, will be appearing on www.crowle-online.co.uk

Malvern Joggers Guide to Hashing
Like several other MJs, I've been out with the Malvern Hash House Harriers lately and have been slightly bemused by the markings on the ground amongst other aspects of this slightly unusual activity. So, I asked the 'Hash Meister', Peter Cowling, to throw some light on the subject using his headtorch if necessary. Here it is:-

' The Malvern Hash runs EVERY Tuesday night from a pub somewhere in or around Worcestershire at 7:00pm. You are very welcome to join us but at first you might not understand some of the terms we use so I have been asked to explain a few. Firstly the name 'Hash' has nothing to do with a weed but was the name chosen for the first ever Hash when the authorities insisted the club had a name. The derogatory name for the Senagal Club where they met was the 'Hash House' so the club, and all its descendants, are now called 'Hash House Harriers' but I'll tell you more about the history of Hashing another day.
Hashing is a form on non-competitive running, ie you can't win a hash and they usually cover around 5 miles and last round an hour and a half but this is fairly variable. It is said that there is only one rule to Hashing. "Rule No 1: There are no rules." However most Hashes, and there are thousands world-wide, run along similar lines. This is how the Malvern Hash works......'
To be continued next week.

Membership
Welcome back to Jayne Ackroyd who has now rejoined. That makes 86 members.

Club Runs
Last Wednesday at the Old Bush, Callow End went very well with a healthy number of MJ's present. The field at the end of the car park was opened up for us as promised but in future it would be better for us to drive straight in there instead of the parking in the pub car park. Also we have been asked to avoid the hump? in the field and If a few more could make it into the pub afterwards that would also be good as a thankyou to the landlord for the parking arrangement although I realise that some people can't stay due to other commitments. Next week its the second Wednesday of the month so we are back at Hanley Castle.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. See our website for details
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race. Gentle Joggers meet at Morrisons 9.30am
Wed 9/5 Hanley Castle High School - Three Kings pub
Sun 13/5 Eastnor 7 & Tewkesbury 1/2 Mara + 5 mile race
Wed 16/5 Gullet Quarry car park - Castlemorton
Thu 17/5 Hereford Leisure Centre 5K - Race 2
Sun 20/5 Hereford 1/2 Marathon / Club Run, Gullet Quarrey car park 9.30am
Wed 23/5 Malvern Race for Life or club run British Camp
Sun 27/5 Crocodile 8
Wed 30/5 Rose Bank Gardens - Gt Malvern
Sun 3/6 Warndon Villages 5, 10 & 15K
Thu 7/6 Hereford Leisure Centre 5K
Fri 8/6 Geoff Carpenter's Charity Gig - Colwall Village Hall
Sun 17/6 Hereford Leisure Centre 10
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race

Weekly Reminders
Mustering - run to the back of the group from time to time.
Race forms on website - pick the Race Forms icon on the website menu for entry forms
Note, I am now sending the Club News/Blog out in 2 emails as I only have capacity for 100 recipients. So the others are on the other email, just in case you wondered.
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 reading this on our website, are not on the emailing list & would like to be, please let me know chris@malvernjoggers.co.uk

Cheltenham Harriers website
Does anyone know where their website has got to? I thought it was just me but it seems I'm not the only one who can't access it. I assume they have a new site/address and would like to see it to find details of when this year's Bugatti 10K (our annual Wednesday night road race 10K) is taking place. If anyone can help?

The Weekly Attachment
This would have been the Warndon Villages Fun Run 5, 10 & 15K but unfortunately I couldn't save the entry form from the Camba events website and successfully attach it, so you will have to find it for yourself. www.cambaevents.co.uk I'm intending to do it but I could do with a bit of company. Last year there was only 4 of us! Its run in the afternoon so maybe that doesn't suit everyone. As you can see you have the choice of doing the 5K (1-lap), 10K (2-laps) or 15K (only Julie 3-laps Caseley is mad enough to do this). You may remember that this is the race Jon Newey was leading and would have almost certainly have won if it wasn't for a missing marshal!

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 29 April 2007

Fellow athletes,

Spice Cottage
Unfortunately, one of our party of 24 was 'taken-ill' at our Post-London Indian last Wednesday. As Clare reports:-
' I just wanted to let you know that Paul is OK & recovering from last night. He is doing fine & just has a headache & is feeling a little silly today. Also, can you pass on our apologies for Wednesday night but also Thanks to Jenny & Alison who both whizzed into nurse mode, thank goodness, and for the
concern showed by all. Poor Geoff (Carpenter) must have had enough of us by now: Firstly we loose him on a training run, then I trip him up during the London Marathon, then Paul passes out while Geoff is talking to him! Once again, SORRY Geoff!
Hopefully we will see you all next Wednesday. Hope you had a good night in the end & enjoyed your curry. '
Thanks, Clare

London Marathon Reports
Jon Newey - ' Here's my marathon disaster story!
Having suffered from a persistent injury that stopped me doing anything much for a few weeks, i was 50/50 if i'd even turn up with a week to go. In light of this i suppose i didn't do so bad with a 3.04.56 and 1074th place. I don't like the heat (why couldn't they have done it on Monday instead!) and was baking already inside the pen waiting to start. Decided to aim for my 2.50 time anyway and settled into a 6.30 min/mile pace once the crowd had thinned a bit. Felt just fine until about 16 miles when the troublesome right leg decided to stop working. Limped the rest and did a bit of walking and threw up at 17 miles. My only consolation was not being the only one.
The heat got to a lot of people.I think the experience was worth doing and i'd still like to get my 2.50, but it's convinced me once and or all that flat tarmac is not my bag. Bring on the fells of northern England! '
Thanks, Jon

Richard Walsh - ' On such a packed out event it was satisfactory to find a group of joggers before the start (Jon, Claire, and Steve) which helped pass the time and nerves a little. Going into penn 1 I was expecting to get off quick and have a relaxed start. Not a bit of it though, it took over a minute to cross the line by which time i was struggling amoungst thousands of runners to make my way up. I had to resort to going on the pavement in the end. By 3 miles or so the field sorted itself out but had probly already lost 2 mins from the chaos. However, I got into a calm and steady pace for the best part of the next 14 miles. Crossing half way at 1:29.45 and still
feeling okey. sub 3:10 was very much in the question. The heat was certainly an influential factor for drinking far more and using more gel than usual. At 17 I felt incredibly sick, maybe due to too much gel or the heat? who knows. However, i managed to battle out that wall and was on the up again by 19. 22 miles struck and I died. Was running flatfooted and despite needing an extra boost, anything i tried to feed into my body it was rejecting and made me sick. Finishing time of 3:19.24. I was delighted to finish and enjoyed aspects of the experience. My name must have been cheered on thousands of times! However, I still personally feel disappointed not to
have been much nearer 3hrs considering how well the training had gone. My gel worked in training yet made me feel ill on the day, and i did not hit the wall during my long training runs yet hit it on the day despite not going off any faster. Was a consolation to see that I was 64th out of the under 25's though. '
Thanks, Richard

Julie Caseley - ' Had a lovely day in London on Sunday - we won't mention the weather!! It was warm but bearable.
I was in pen 7 and once we got over the start liine I thought we were away - how wrong I was. Within minutes everyone ground to a halt and it took me 11 minutes to do my first mile - was aiming for 8:45 m/m which would have given me 10 mins extra towards the end if I needed it to finish in 4 hours. I spent most of the first half on the race trying to make up lost time but with the crowds and the constant stopping and starting I knew I was onto a bit of a loser. However, I did manage to finish the first half in under 2 hours but 4 mins adrift of my target time. Looking at my splits from my Garmin, everything was going really well until mile 19 then I think I lost the will to live! My quads began to ache (which was bearable) then at about mile 21 my calves started to ache and by mile 23 my hips joined the party!! I was well hydrated and carbo loaded (I don't want to see another plate of pasta for a while - thanks goodness it's Indian on Wednesday!) so no excuse really, except the old one in that I ran too fast in the first half to make up lost time and had nothing left to give at the end. Paul positioned himself well at Tower Bridge and got some great shots of Emma, the back of Jon and the side of Steve's head - they were just all going too fast! He also managed some pictures of me before going for lunch and a beer at the nearest London Pride pub!
I think I've raised about £500 for the British Heart Foundation.
I'm moving a little slowly at the moment - wonder if everyone's feeling the same or is it just me!! '
Thanks, Julie

Alison Chaundy - ' Well, I maintain my 100% record of being the slowest MJ to complete the Marathon. Maybe next year I should wear a snail costume. I feel really mixed, thrilled to have got round but frustrated at not getting in under 5hrs. Still, in view of the weather and the distinct lack of training,added to the fact I was only 12 mins slower than last year, all in all, I'm chuffed. The day itself, what can I say that has not been said, nothing, so I'll re-iterate, it was HOT!. It was great before the race as I met up with Julie at the Blue start and a friendly face when you are nervous works wonders, so thanks Julie. When I got to the first mile marker and was told there was no water, I was worried but as usual, the excellent organisation had it all sorted by mile 3. I struggled really early on (14-18 miles) in the heat but I just kept plodding and by mile 20, I'd got a bit more settled, it was cooler and the crowds were fantastic as usual. Psychologically, I'm not sure if I'll ever get over being beaten by a huge bottle of beer and 2 Bakewell Tarts, who were lovely. When I got back to the Macmillan tent, their pies had been abandoned outside the door as they were too big to get through it. Mad dogs and Englishmen eh? I ran with the Rhino and am happy to say I did manage to beat him!! As last year, the whole event restored my faith in mankind and although at this moment in time, I'm a bit sore, I'm sure, body & ballot permitting, I'll be back again next year, heading towards the 5hr 15 mark :) Now I have the small matter of \Berlin in September to focus on. Well done to all the whippets who finished and look forward to seeing you all at Spice Cottage tonight.'
Thanks, Alison

Geoff Carpenter - ' Well I did it and I've got the medal and T-shirt to prove it!I did it in 4:59:41, a bit slow as I had hoped for something quicker than 4:40. I suppose the heat didn't help, neither did the fact that I forgot my heart rate monitor chest band, my stopwatch didn't work either for some unknown reason so my pace was based on feel. Reckon I got it just about right from my splits up to about 30Km, thereafter I began to struggle and slowed right up. I did however have enough for a sprint finish, just as well as it got me under the 5 hr mark- just!. Saw my wife and oldest son (Josh) and my Mum and Dad at 14 m and again at 21-miles which helped a lot as did the the fantastic crowds and the thought of my many supporters.
I felt pretty awful after finishing with dizziness and nausea and had trouble getting back across Birdcage Walk, had to ask St Johns Ambulance to get me across avoiding the masses.I eventually found my way to the Thistle Hotel in Victoria where a heroes welcome, a cup of tea and a fantastic massage awaited me.
The Prostate Cancer Charity were marvellous and if I decide to do it again they will certainly get my support. Looking like I will double my £2000 target which will be marvellous. Overall all that training on cold, dark winter nights, those weekend long runs (getting lost each time!)as well as overcoming a painful injury and the stress of raising funds was totally worth-it, it was an amazing experience and an ambition fulfilled. My sincere thanks to fellow MJs' who helped me get there.
If you want a laugh there are some photos of me running the race at www.marathonfoto.com, my number was 44049. '
Thanks, Geoff

Andy Blannin - ' Training had gone well and I managed to get a good night's sleep. The B and B was full of runners and the landlord shuttled all of us to the start, which was fantastic. The start of the race was very crowded - so I was well behind my pace for the first few miles. I saw Rich Walsh in front of me just after the start, but I couldn't get to him for a chat because the crowd was so thick. I saw 2 people fall at the speed humps (around 1-1.5 miles) before being trampled by the unrelenting stampede behind. This was quite sobering and made me concentrate at the subsequent humps! The crowds were fantastic throughout. So too was the organisation - drinks (water and lucozade), vaseline and run-through showers provided in sufficient amounts. It was hot, which meant I drank much more than normal and couldn't sustain the required pace for my target. I realised quite early on that I wouldn't achieve my target of 3 h 15 min, but finished in 3 h 20 min. Initially I was disappointed not to achieve my target, but upon reflection I'm not too disheartened; partly because most people missed their target, and partly because my heart rate data was ridiculously high - so I couldn't go any faster! Would I do it again? Probably, but not for a few years. Everything considered, a great experience that I will bore the grandchildren with, along with the story of the time I beat Haile Gebrselassie. Thanks to everybody that shared the training and to past runners for advice. Also, thanks to my wife who is due to give birth next week - she was unbelievably tolerant of the training when I should have been at home! Mind you, she was always happy to see me going out for the long weekend runs - too happy for my liking! '
Thanks, Andy

Thanks again to everyone who has sent me a marathon report. Clare and Steve, if you'd like to chip in with yours that will be everyone.

Geoff Carpenter's Charity Appeal
Geoff is still raising money for his chosen charity as follows:-
' I am arranging a charity band night and charity auction at Colwall Village Hall on Friday 8th June again for The Prostate Cancer Charity, you are all welcome to attend, tickets will be available shortly via myself or at John Goodwins in Colwall. The band are apparently very good (ZZ Top covers I believe!), food (Hog roast and puddings)will be included and a bar provided. The auction prizes are looking good too and so far include: a weeks holiday in France, years membership of malvern splash etc etc.'
Thanks, Geoff
I will be going along and checking out the band with a view to them performing at our Christmas Party, possibly 19/12/07, feel free to join me - Chris

MJs Walking Group
While some of us were running today others prefered a walk, organiser Jenny reports:-
' Just got back from a very pleasent walk.
10 of us walked from Birdlip round to Coberley, SevenSpings along the Cotswold Way to Leckhampton Hill and back to Birdlip via Crickley Hill Country Park. Distance was about 10.5 miles and it took us about 4 hrs. Lots of nice views on the way weather perfect. We finished with good lunch at the Golden Fleece in Nettleton, well
most of us did but the waitress threw Erics on the floor so it was not his lucky day.'
Thanks, Jenny

Joggers in the Local Press
Last Friday in the Malvern Gazette, on page 17 and headlined 'Runners endure marathon heat' you can see and read about Malvern Joggers Geoff Carpenter and David Sutton.
Meanwhile if you can find the Worcester News from last Friday, on page 20 there is an excellent photo of Emma Gooderham (wearing MJs T-shirt) and her family and an extensive feature about how she went from her first jog three years ago to 3.04 marathon success in London (on a hot day).

Crowle 10K
The organiser of the event has emailed me with the following message:-
' Thanks for your various references and links to the Crowle 10k race on your web site. It certainly seems to have worked. In fact, we count a total of 27 Malvern Joggers have entered already!!
We decided to add a club team event for the first time this year. We are hoping that with such a strong contingent of Malvern Joggers that you might be able to raise a number of teams!!
We look forward to welcoming you Malvern Joggers next weekend and hoping for another great day!! '
27? Thanks everyone for responding so positively. Even allowing for 1 or 2 in the 1 mile fun run, it could a record number of MJs in one race, the record being 29, in the Bugatti 10K and the Beacon Race of last year. I will be trying to organise at least one team on the day.

Dudley-Kingswinford 10K
Richard Walsh is doing this one next Wednesday and would like to hear from anyone else who is also taking part:-
' am just wondering if you could find out if anyone else is doing the Dudley kingwinsford 10k next wednesday who could provide transport. i finish work at 4.30 so can meet whoever a.s.a.p. after that. Rich '
Please note there are no entries on-the-day as the entry limit of 1300 has been reached - Chris.

Membership
Welcome to new members, Alison Findlay, Phil Jackson and David Ratchford. We now have a total of 85.

Club Runs
Next Wednesday we are meeting at the Old Bush pub in Callow End. Given how many there are of us, the pub car park doesn't look big enough so to overcome this problem Ginny S. is arranging for us to park in a field which is accessed by driving through the pub car park
This morning (Sunday) 6 of us met in Colwall for a spin that took us through Wellington Heath and Coddington. After a couple of unscheduled detours we covered 9 miles at 9.30 m/m pace.
Sunday run leaders wanted! I am racing for the next 5 Sundays so if anyone wants a local club Sunday run, let me know where you are starting from and I will let everyone else know.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. See our website for details
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race. Gentle Joggers meet at
Morrisons 9.30am
Wed 2/5 Old Bush-Callow End
Sun 6/5 Crowle 10K (Worcestershire)
Wed 9/5 Hanley Castle High School
Sun 13/5 Eastnor 7 & Tewkesbury 1/2 Mara + 5 mile race
Wed 16/5 Gullet Quarry car park - Castlemorton
Thu 17/5 Hereford Leisure Centre 5K - Race 2
Sun 20/5 Hereford 1/2 Marathon
Wed 23/5 Malvern Race for Life or club run British Camp
Sun 27/5 Crocodile 8
Wed 30/5 Rose Bank Gardens - Gt Malvern
Sun 3/6 Warndon Villages 5, 10 & 15K
Thu 7/6 Hereford Leisure Centre 5K
Fri 8/6 Geoff Carpenter's Charity Gig - Colwall Village Hall
Sun 17/6 Hereford Leisure Centre 10
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc

The Weekly Attachment
Crocodile 8, 27/5/07- Eight mile multi-terrain race through orchards, woodland trails & country lanes. 105 step woodland climb up the crocodile's back. 13 stiles, kissing gates & wonderful scenery. BBQ, party, live music, food & games at the Bell Inn after the race. Music & surprises on route as it says on the entry form. A firm favourite with the Malvern Joggers.
Also worth considering, on the same day, the Magic Roundabout 10K at Hay-on-Wye. This is a new event so I can't speak from personal experience but it sounds promising. Worth checking out.

Happy running,
Chris

Chris's Blog from 22 April 2007

Fellow athletes,

London Marathon
Well done to our nine 2007 LM runners. Finishing times as follows:-
Emma Gooderham 3.04.48, Jon Newey 3.04.56, Richard Walsh 3.19.24, Andy Blannin 3.20.19, Steve Roode 4.03.17, Julie Caseley 4.18.16, Clare Hill 4.36.00, Geoff Carpenter 4.59.41 and Alison Chaundy 5.01.03. Everyone home in 5 hours, well almost! If it hadn't of been such a hot day. Nice to see the emerald and lemon of the MJs showing up well on TV as worn by Emma from the championship start. Did anyone see Pheiddipides, by the way?
Talking of Emma, she's the only one who has contacted me since, so far (Monday 7.55am) :-
' I'm alive! A blistering hot day but the atmosphere was fantastic. Showed off my Malvern Joggers top with pride, and thanks to all the Malvern supporters, it brightened up my run to see other club tops and shouting support. My time was 3hrs 4mins and 48seconds, a PB by less than two minutes. 1150 overall, 85th woman, 17th in my age category. Well done to all other Marathon runners, who I believe all finished (if you type in club name in the results of the London Marathon website it gives you all the results) - but I'm not going to tell you these as I'm sure they will want to recall their own stories of the day.'
Thanks, Emma

A message from Geoff Carpenter
' As a fairly new member I haven't particularly pushed my sponsorship with you guys, however if any of you would like to sponsor me it would much appreciated.
I have a place with the Prostate Cancer Charity and I'm trying to raise £2000, my father in law died of this terrible disease a few years ago so its been great to try and put something back and everyone has been so generous. As an aside Dave Sutton, despite having to withdraw from the marathon with an injury managed a fantastic 5 mile swim on Wednesday night at Malvern Splash also raising funds for the Prostate Cancer Charity, 320 lenghts was achieved in 2hrs 46 mins- Well done Dave! We were all very proud of him.
Please support us both at: http://www.justgiving.com/GRACarpenter '

Post London Marathon Celebration
We hope to see as many of our LM runners as well as everyone else in the Spice Cottage at about 9pm next Wednesday. Please let Andy Milton know if you want to go:- themiltons4@hotmail.com You are allowed to take your own drink and there is a shop almost next door where you can buy it from.

Race Reports
Shobdon Wood 6, 22/4/07 by Rachel Samuel
' Four MJs showed up at Shobdon, where at the start I overheard several other runners commenting on how 'those Malvern Joggers get everywhere' - respect the vests! This race did exactly what it said on the tin: six miles of wooded trails and lots and lots of hills. The race organisers generously allowed us to start halfway up the hill and an easy run to the top followed by two miles of fast level and downhill track lulled us into a false sense of security. Turning a corner we started on a half mile steep uphill
section followed by plenty of undulations which reduced my legs to jelly as I tried to make the best use of gravity.
I was just starting to admire the stunning views and smiled in relief at the race marshall at the top of the section marked as 'take care - steep slope' on the map when the fun really began. I struggled downhill on a slope so steep I couldn't run on it without sliding all over the place, all the while thinking that I'd have to run back up again. This was followed by a mile of steep slope back up again with no let up - I could see the line of runners ahead staggering slowly upwards and I took heart in the fact that it wasn't just me finding it tough.'
Amazingly all the pain was forgotten during the last mile as we sprinted down a beautiful track surrounded by bluebells and we were met with doughnuts and drinks at the finish. It took only half a minute before thinking that I wouldn't mind doing that again!
Thanks, hope everything went well for the FLM runners too, '
Thanks, Rachel
Shobdon Wood 6, 22/4/07 by Jerry Greer
' The last time I ran this race a couple of years back, it was cold, wet, muddy and you were at serious risk of breaking an ankle from running through the remains of recent logging operations. Today couldn't have been more different.. this was a really pleasant run (well apart from the hills !) through some beautiful countryside, dry underfoot and pleasantly warm but not too hot. Four MJ's were they to enjoy it (in order of finishing )Carl Anthony, Jerry, Carl Flint & Rachel. The race results aren't out yet, but the spread of times was roughly between 46 and 55 minutes - not bad for such a hilly course. There is one nice touch at the end, you don't get a medal but you do get a doughnut - infinitely more useful ! '
Thanks, Jerry

Joggers in the Gazette
Unfortunately our London marathon line-up photograph did not appear in last Friday's Malvern Gazette but we still had a write-up in two different places. 'Joggers warm up' on page 101 and 'Clare (Hill) running for a good cause' on page 13

Race the Train Weekend (Tywyn, Wales 18/8/07) Campsite
Peter Cowling and I have found another campsite should you not be able to book a spot at the one on our website. Its called the Vaenol Caravan Park and its only about 1/2 mile from the start and finish of the race. The telephone number is 01654-711473

Club Runs
Another good turn-out at Castlemorton last Wednesday where we were joined by 3 new runners including Phil and Richard. Next week we will be meeting at the British Camp car park. I know that this area is not exactly flat but what we can't run we walk. Its still good exercise and were out in the fresh air, so that must be good. Feel free to enjoy some liquid refreshment in the Malvern Hills Hotel across the road afterwards if you are not going to the Spice Cottage.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. See our website for details
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race. Gentle Joggers meet at Morrisons 9.30am
Wed 25/4 British Camp car park / Spice Cottage
Sun 29/4 MJs Walking Group in the Cotswolds. Contact Jenny or Geoff on 01684578652
Wed 2/5 Dudley Kingswinford 10K
Sun 6/5 Crowle 10K (Worcestershire)
Sun 13/5 Eastnor 7 & Tewkesbury 1/2 Mara + 5 mile race
Sun 20/5 Hereford 1/2 Marathon
Wed 23/5 Malvern Race for Life
Sun 27/5 Crocodile 8
Sun 3/6 Warndon Villages 5, 10 & 15K
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc

The Weekly Attachment
St Michael's Hospice Hereford Half Marathon - A well organised, local and fairly well-supported event. The first half is a bit up and down but the second half is fairly flat. I've done it five times so it must be good! I've also done the fun run at the same event which involves running around the inside of the course on the all-weather gallop. A bit like running on soft sand and a good pair of fetlocks would have come in handy. I finished 4th behind a fat bloke and 2 schoolkids.
Talking of future events I haven't been able to find an entry form for the Malvern Race for Life that I could attach. Having said that, its coming up fast. It's on 23rd May and you can enter on-line at www.raceforlife.org, we had a great turn out last year, although I can't remember how many, and it would be fantastic to get some of our female gentle joggers to take part. I'm sure they can all manage the 5K and plenty of people will be walking some/most/all of the course anyway so none of them will be last. There was a lot of support from those of us who are not eligible to enter, ie us men, and it was a great evening AND the entry goes to the charity 'Cancer Research UK'.

Happy running,
Chris

Chris's Blog from 15 April 2007

Fellow athletes,

London Marathon
This is the last Club News/Blog before the big day so best of luck to all our London competitors from all your fellow MJs. We hope it goes at least as well as you are hoping if not better.
If you are taking part please send me a few lines to let me know how you got on.

Marathon Weather
Jon Newey has supplied me with the following:-
'Any time I've got a fell race coming up (where the weather conditions make a massive difference) I keep a track on the local conditions using weather.com which gives a ten day forecast for the area of interest once you type in a name of post code. For those doing london go to:-
http://uk.weather.com/weather/local/UKXX0085?x=14&post=post&code=code&y=7
Fortunately the marathon was not this weekend where London temperatures were in the mid-20s. Next wekend still looks a bit warm though at 18 degrees and sunny, so drinking lots will be a must.'
Thanks, Jon

Post London Marathon Celebration
Don't forget, we will be pigging-out at the Spice Cottage, in the Link, after the run on the Wednesday after the London Marathon (25th) to welcome back our LM heroes. Everyone is welcome! Please let Andy Milton know if you want to go. His email address is Andy@MalvernJoggers.co.uk

Race Reports
Regency 10K - Leamington Spa, 15/4/07 by Julie Caseley
'The Caseley family were up at the crack of dawn this morning (5.30 a.m.) in order to get to the Regency 10k in time for a 9 a.m. start. It might have been early, but Paul was eventually won over by a superb bacon sandwich while we were running, so we'll be back next year!!
The event was very popular and oversubscribed with 1500 places taken up a couple of weeks before the race. The weather was lovely and hot so a 9 a.m. start wasn't such a bad thing. The course took us around Leamington's many town centre parks (Jephson Gardens, Victoria Park, Pump Room Gardens and finally the finish at Mill Gardens), as well as by the River Leam, bridleways, cycle paths and around the golf course. It was mostly flat with one fairly short, sharp incline.
I thought I would save myself for London, but everything was going so well, I couldn't help myself (again!!) and ended up with a PB of 47 mins 51 secs, the first time I've ever run a 10k in under 48 mins. London Marathon - bring it on!! I'm definately taking it a little easier this week! (I've got the chiropodist, massage therapist and
hairdresser booked for this week!!)
Samantha also ran a superb race in the heat, dipping just under 50 mins. (49 mins 57 secs.) for the first time since Crowle last year and only 7 secs. outside her personal best.
The finishing instructions were very explicit - "Please do not exit the finishing funnel until the end, nor stop or collapse until you have reached the end."
A very well organised and marshalled event run by Leamington and District Round Table, Camba Events and Spa Striders Running Club. The presentations were prompt at 10.30 a.m. and we were on our way home before the start of most races at 11 o'clock! RECOMMENDED!!'
Thanks, Julie

Club Runs
Well done everyone who turned up at Hanley Castle last Wednesday. There were around 60 of us including one new runner. There's usually a drop-off in numbers when we move away from our winter base so this was really encouraging.
Next Wednesday we will be meeting at Castlemorton Common on the car park just before the Gullet Quarry. If you've never been there before, get to the Welland crossroads, go south in the Gloucester direction for nearly 1 mile and turn right just before the Plume of Feathers pub which happens to be the venue for the post-run drink. Everyone welcome. Rehydration is a very important part of being a runner. We have some big drinkers in the MJs. I could name one or two...
Please try and do your homework before we meet there as in selecting a route from your OS map beforehand. It will be appreciated.
This morning, Sunday, 10 us ran from the Bluebell to Clevelode, Hanley Swan and Guarlford, a total of 10.3 miles.
Next Sunday, London Marathon day, Amanda G. is leading a run from the Old Hills, car park by the 'S' bend, meeting at the earlier time of 8.30am and lasting around 1 hour.

Scenic 6 Results
Some of you will know this by now, but we did quite well in the team result at Peopleton on the 1st of April, our first 3 ladies past the post put us in 1st position in the team result out of 11 teams. Well done Emma Gooderham, Ruth Johnstone and Julie Caseley.
Meanwhile in the Men's result, our first 3 were 5th out of 21 teams. Well done Richard Walsh, Nick Hitchings and a short bloke with grey hair.

Pheidippides Running Diary. 500BC. Final Part
Maimakterion 19 Two days to go. Went to see my old friend Patros the teacher. Explained to him what I was doing and mentioned some of my anxieties about energy depletion. Asked him if, on the day, he would be prepared to meet me halfway along the route with a banana. He said he would be delighted to help.
As I was leaving, though, he said: “By the way, what’s a banana?” What, indeed. If the worst comes to the worst, I’m just going to have to go into someone’s garden and nick some oranges.
— Disclaimer: legend has it that, shortly after reaching Athens, Pheidippides collapsed from exhaustion and xxxx. Club News/Blog accepts no liability for the health and safety of anyone adhering to Pheidippides training programme.
Unfortunately that's the end of the Pheidippides saga. Thanks a million to Mikos Theelke for supplying me with it. Club News/Blog won't be the same without it so if you've got anything remotely similar please send it to me.

Membership
I've got 19 membership cards to give out at present and unfortunately I can't put a face to the recipients of 5 of them so if you are owed your membership card, please see me next Wednesday when I will have them with me.
If anyone else would like to join the membership form can be found on the website. Only Eight quid until the end of September.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. See our website for details
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race. Gentle Joggers meet at Morrisons 9.30am
Wed 18/4 Gullet Quarry car park, Castlemorton
Sun 22/4 London Marathon / Local run, Old Hills 8.30am
Wed 25/4 British Camp car park
Sun 29/4 MJs Walking Group in the Cotswolds. Contact Jenny or Geoff on 01684578652
Wed 2/5 Dudley Kingswinford 10K
Sun 6/5 Crowle 10K (Worcestershire)
Sun 13/5 Eastnor 7 & Tewkesbury 1/2 Mara + 5 mile race
Sun 20/5 Hereford 1/2 Marathon
Wed 23/5 Malvern Race for Life
Sun 27/5 Crocodile 8
Sun 3/6 Warndon Villages 5, 10 & 15K
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc

Employment Required
Do you work in or know of a vacancy in accountancy. One of our runners who is fairly new to the area has found himself out-of-work. He has considerable experience and qualifications in this field and would appreciate your help. Please do your best, and let me know of anything I can pass on to him. You could be doing one of your running friends a big favour.

Injuries
Injuries, though part and parcel of running, are no fun but if you are injured, there's probably someone who's had a worse time of it than you. Like this guy:-
' Over-compensated. Quads went into spasm, dragged the patella out of kilter, bloody agony, landed heavily, hairline fracture to the left foot, went sprawling, detached the right hamstring from the pelvic anchor point, bloke went up my arse with his spikes. Physio said my spine looked like a camshaft '

The Weekly Attachment
This week the entry form for the Magnificent Eastnor Castle 7 (13/5/07) is attached. It clashes with the Tewkesbury Half Marathon/5 mile event but if you are itching to do a Half why not do the Eastnor 7 on the 13th and the Hereford Half Marathon the Sunday after. That's what I'm doing if it makes any difference! The Eastnor 7 is organised by our near neighbours, the Ledbury Harriers so that's reason enough to enter, plus it includes the climb past the Obelisk. Too good to miss eh? and much better value than the Tewks Half.
Talking of the Hereford 1/2M I have been unable to locate an electronic version of the entry form but will have some paper copies available soon.

Happy running,
Chris

Chris's Blog from 08 April 2007

Fellow athletes,

Race Reports
Taunton Half Marathon, 1/4/07 by Jon Newey
Did my last race before London today; the Taunton Half Marathon. Not having done it for a few years, I forgot how lumpy it is. Intended to run at 6mins per mile pace and was well on top of it until the last three miles. This was straight into a cold strong headwind, with two stiff climbs before a short descent to the finish. Lost a bit of time
here but still did just over 1.19. Not seen the official times yet, but it was won on a 1.15. About 1500-2000 runners. Quite a good field. Nobody outstandingly fast, but lots under 1.20. Trip to see Neil tomorrow!
Thanks, Jon

Chedworth Roman Trail 10, 1/4/07 by Cathy Barker
Having read the reports on the Runners World site, I was expecting the Chedworth Roman 10 to be a really tough multi-terrain race. It’s definitely not one to do after bad weather, but thankfully we’d had a fairly dry week before this race. There was just a stiff, cold wind to contend with. Underfoot was hard and rutted in places and there was a river crossing but mainly it was soft tracks or grassy. The first 4 or 5 miles weren’t too bad then there were some nasty hills, including what looked like a section up a dried out stream. Even Ian walked a couple of stretches! The last mile was flat (and a relief). The scenery was lovely – some nice open vistas and pleasant woody tracks. Considering neither Ian nor I set out to run a fast race and we both walked we managed creditable times (Ian 1hr 21mins, me 1hr 31mins). I was proudly sporting my newly acquired MJ vest…under 2 other tops to keep out the wind! I did give a few lucky runners a flash of it as I struggled up the steepest hill (took the opportunity to take off the middle layer of clothing) but it was soon covered again. Not a race either of us would rush to do again I don’t think.
Thanks, Cathy

Maidenhead Easter 10, 6/4/07 by Rachel Samuel
As I was in the area I thought I'd try my hand at a 10 miler in my home town. I wasn't expecting much given that the route was to take the runners a mile down the road then required everyone to turn round and come back to the start, in addition to three loops of a business park. How wrong was I? The atmosphere was fantastic, the sun shining and the course so smooth and flat it made me realise that there's no real 'flat' in Malvern. I breezed through the first four miles then decided I felt so full of energy I was able to up the pace, I enjoyed the whole race from start to finish. The best bit was running along a cycleway across the oil seed rape fields, the views went on for miles and the sky was huge and bright blue. I came in at about 1:34:30 which was ten minutes faster than I'd been aiming for. I was
very impressed by the organisation - loads of marshalls cheering everyone on, a Mars Bar and a great medal too!
Thanks, Rachel

London Marathon
Sponsorship Websites - We know of 4 of our LM runners who have sponsorship website, Andy, Clare, Geoff and Alison. If there is anyone else can you please let myself or our webmaster Peter know, and it will appear on our homepage.
Latest headcount - 9 definitely running, 4 definitely out and 2 undecided at present due to minor injuries. One of these joined the walk/run group of our GJs last Wednesday which means he may be going from walk/run GJ, to 26.2 mile marathon runner in 2.5 weeks!!!
Following the Wednesday night (25th) run after the LM, we will be going to the Spice Cottage for an Indian meal to celebrate the return of our London Marathon runners who I'm sure will proudly be displaying their medals. Everyone is welcome

Club Runs
Nearly 60 runners at Morrisons last week including 4 new runners.
Next Wednesday we are meeting near the Three Kings pub at Hanley Castle, usual time. Please park on the High School car park.

Pheidippides Running Diary. 500BC. Part 5 of 6
The end? is in sight for our dear friend Phedippides. With immaculate timing I will be presenting the last episode of his training diary nicely in time for the Londinium Marathon.
Pyanepsion 14 Now I’ve gone and done my ankle falling into a thyme bush. It’s going to be six treatments from Perspex the osteopath, at 44 drachmas per treatment. People say running is cheaper than the gym, but they’re plain wrong. I should never have cancelled my Esportos membership.
Maimakterion 3 Back on track and, fingers crossed, managing to stick with the programme. As Heracleides advises, I’m listening to the feedback from my body. I’m also adopting a strategy of positive visualisation while I run and remembering that, if it was easy it wouldn’t be an achievement to be proud of. And, if all else fails, I imagine the Persians are coming after me with big swords, which seems to do the trick.
But I have to confess, the biggest challenge is overcoming the boredom. I was at a particularly low ebb the other night, after a long workout, and, in despair, I said to Heracleides: “Will training for long-distance running ever be even the slightest bit interesting?” He shook his head sadly and said: “Only when someone invents the iPod.”

Membership
Welcome to our newest members Paul Hill and Carl Anthony. We now have 81 members.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. See our website for details
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race. Gentle Joggers meet at Morrisons 9.30am
Wed 11/4 Three Kings, Hanley Castle
Wed 18/4 Gullet Quarry car park, Castlemorton
Sun 22/4 London Marathon
Wed 25/4 British Camp car park
Sun 29/4 MJs Walking Group in the Cotswolds. Contact Jenny or Geoff on 01684578652
Wed 2/5 Dudley Kingswinford 10K
Sun 6/5 Crowle 10K (Worcestershire)
Sun 13/5 Eastnor 7 & Tewkesbury 1/2 Mara + 5 mile race
Sun 20/5 Hereford 1/2 Marathon
Wed 23/5 Malvern Race for Life
Sun 27/5 Crocodile 8
Sun 3/6 Warndon Villages 5, 10 & 15K
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc

The Weekly Attachment
Thanks for responding so positively to my suggestion that you run the Peopleton Scenic 6. 22 MJs did it. Well up on the 17 of last year and I'm sure all 22 enjoyed it.
Here's your next assignment, should you wish to accept it, the Crowle 10K (aka The Gunpowder Plot 10K - don't ask)
This one has the same friendly atmosphere with even more going on such as a BBQ and you wont have to dodge the sheep droppings. There's no off-road stuff to contend with as its a road race. A touch undulating but nothing serious, its local, just a few miles east of Worcester and 14 MJs did it last year. GJs, you might like to try this one. Take the family!
The race entry form is on the 'Forms' page
Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 01 April 2007

Fellow athletes,

Sorry about the delay but I suffered a modem problem along the lines of, it wouldn't work and I've had to have a new one. No doubt this has got your working week off to a bad start but normal service has now been resumed.

Malvern Joggers Walking Group
Please contact Jenny or Geoff on 01684578652 if you would like to join the walking group on the next walk. A 4hr walk in the Cotswold countryside followed by a pub lunch. Bring refreshments for a break during the walk. Wet weather gear essential. It will take place on Sunday 29th April. We will meet in Waitrose car park at 07.30 for car sharing.
Thanks JEN

MJs London Marathon Publicity/Malvern Gazette
Thanks to Sim for supplying the feature which appeared on page 8 of last Friday's edition headed 'Joggers Preparation.
Also, as requested, could all those who are running in the London Marathon please be at Morrisons at 6.50 on Wednesday for a photograph wearing the top of your chosen charity or your Malvern Joggers top if you are not running for a charity.
Thanks also to Jon Newey on his article on page 101 which covered the Stafford Half Marathon and the Clevewold MT14
Talking of the LM and calling the social committee. Every year so far we have met for an Indian Meal on the Wednesday after the London Marathon to welcome home our conquering heroes at which they bring their medals along to impress us. Can we carry on the tradition this year please.

Race Reports
Stafford 1/2 Marathon, 25/3/07, by Julie Caseley
Eight MJ's took part in this fiercely competative half marathon on the 25th March in near perfrct conditions. What breeze there was, was mostly in our favour. I didn't consider it to be a course for personal bests with the undulations, but they came thick and fast. I ran this race 7 mins 30 secs faster than last year and knocked a minute off my previous PB from Lake Vyrnwy in September 2005. I think the marathon training is certainly paying dividends!!
Samantha, competing in only her 2nd half marathon, finished nearly 9 mins faster than Stroud 2006. Well done to everyone else who recorded excellent times.
Anyway had a super day out and all revved up for London!!
Thanks, Julie
Stafford 1/2 Marathon, 25/3/07, by Richard Walsh
i also did the stafford half yesterday but didn,t get mentioned in the race report. as far as may race went, i was trying to proper race it from the start to try and get a good half time score to boost confidence for london. unfortunately i got a little carried away at the start going through the first mile in 5.38! spent the next few miles hanging on but managed not to slow down too much, and built into it again in the second half. with the pressure of a sprint finish i didn,t feel too well at the end but crossed the line in 1:23.55
Thanks, Richard
Scenic Six, 1/4/07 by Chris Barker
An excellent response to my email bombardment on the joys of the Scenic 6 as 22 MJs raced in this one. Something that was not lost on Richard Baker of organisers Camba Events, who, at the presentation thanked the local clubs for supplying some many runners. We supplied the most and were mentioned by name as were the other local clubs.
Conditions were pretty-well perfect for the event with a fairly dry course making for some fast times. It was a little windy but I don't believe that made any difference. Those who did it last year will know that the first 2 miles involve a road run before turning left to go off-road. This made for a good start and some quick running in the early stages.
Multi-Terrain races are rarely the distance that they are quoted with, but it was interesting to discover this one was 6.25 miles. Very close in fact to a 10K. So well done to marathon girl Clare who managed to achieve a PB over the 10k distance despite this not being a road run, some soft-going in places and having to stop around half a dozen times, like we all did, to get over the various stiles and barriers.
At the post-race presentation (it would have been difficult to hold it beforehand!) there was an excellent selection of cakes to enjoy with a hot drink. These were made and served by the local WI. And I thought all they did was pose nude for calendars!
Time for the awards presentation and the men's winner was Tom Kenderdine from Kidder and Stourport AC. He's very successful in these events and its not hard to see why. He's 7 foot tall and has very long legs which certainly gave Derek Goodman and myself a good excuse.
Now the best bit, there was two prizes for the MJs or rather the MJ ladies. Ruth Johnstone was first FV35 (I've collected your prize Ruth) and Emma Gooderham won the Ladies race.
Now I'm going into my garage to make the first-ever pair of running stilts.

Club Runs
Just over 50 runners at Morrisons last Wednesday including 2 new ones. Being the first light night of 2007, some of us ventured off-road in the Madresfield direction.
Please note that Wednesday the 4th of March is the last time we meet at Morrisons until sometime next September. Please see our website for details or the Whats On guide in the Gazette under 'Miscellanous'.
On the 11th we will be meeting at the Three Kings Pub, Hanley Castle. Park at the High School nearby.

Pheidippides Running Diary. 500BC. Part 4
The original marathon runner, still encountering problems in the run-up to his first marathon. Some MJs may identify with this!
Boedromion 27 Out early this morning and going along nicely, two miles into a medium-paced 16-miler, when I trod on a snake and required life-saving medical treatment. These interruptions to the schedule are so frustrating. Mind you, I covered the two miles from the snake back to Androcles the apothecary in under 11 minutes — a personal best over that distance and very encouraging. Cost of serum, tetanus shot and five-day course of antibiotics, seven drachmas.
Pyanepsion 6 I’m constantly touched by the enthusiasm and encouragement of other people regarding my challenge. I’ll bump into people and they’ll always have something encouraging to say, such as “How’s the training going?” or “You must be completely out of your head”. I was walking through the town only today when Stavros the baker excitedly ushered me into his shop and proudly gestured to the counter. He’s only gone and baked me an energy bar.
Essentially, it’s oats and dried fruit, bound together with honey and bitumen — perfect for carbo-loading on the move. Unfortunately, it’s two feet thick and weighs 35lb. Still, it was a kind thought. And only five drachmas.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. See our website for details
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race
Wed 4/4 Morrisons
Wed 11/4 Three Kings, Hanley Castle
Wed 18/4 Gullet Quarry car park, Castlemorton
Sun 22/4 London Marathon
Wed 25/4 British Camp car park
Wed 2/5 Dudley Kingswinford 10K
Sun 6/5 Crowle 10K (Worcestershire)
Sun 13/5 Eastnor 7 & Tewkesbury 1/2 Mara + 5 mile race
Sun 20/5 Hereford 1/2 Marathon
Wed 23/5 Malvern Race for Life
Sun 27/5 Crocodile 8
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc

Weekly Reminders
Mustering - run to the back on the group from time to time.
Race forms on website - pick the Race Forms icon on the website menu for entry forms
Note, I am now sending the Club News/Blog out in 2 emails as I only have capacity for 100 recipients. So the rest of the gang are on the other email, just in case you wondered.

More London Marathon Stuff, of a humorous nature
Please see the following which was sent to me by Dave Gibson. Unfortunately it wouldn't play properly on my computer but you may have more luck. It comes with Dave's recommendation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wL8w6Ki6PU

Happy running,
Chris

Chris's Blog from 25 March 2007

Fellow athletes,

Race Reports
Rhayader 20, 17/3/07, by Jon Newey
'Four Malvernites ran in the Rhayder 20 on Saturday, myself, Matt Scriven (Mercia Fell runners), Richard Walsh and lisa Dainty. It was a very good day and I caught the sun on my face! A very strong wind kept the temperatures down and gave nice tail wind to the finish.
It's got to be the most picturesque road run i've done. Head out of town and up to the Elan Valley on a very long climb before descending to the lake and traveling along the shores back to the town. Cold headwind up the climb but worth the slog for the views. A very sociable race too. Got in a nice small bunch with Matt as we made our way along the valley and we were all chatting away like it was a pleasant weekend jog! Got down to business at about 14 miles where we all split up. Not managed to get any results yet (organisation's a bit 'Father Ted') but I came in about 10th in 2h 14mins. Matt was about 2h 19mins and rich was a minute or two down on Matt. Did not see Lisa at the finish so not sure how she found it. Rich and I found it OK and we should be on for sub-3hour London times.'
Thanks, Jon

Rhayader 20, 17/3/07, by Richard Walsh
' On a tough course fielding 410 runners that had a consistently steep hill climb for 4 miles in the first half, Jon built up places on the climb and ran an impressive 2:13.46 finishing in 9th place. As far as my race went, i took it steady in the first half on the climb clocking only 1:16 at the 10 mile mark. However, i enjoyed a good second half really getting warmed up and into it, doing about 64 mins and picking up about 25 places to finish 22nd in a time of 2:20.51. So we both travelled home fairly happy and more confident for London.'
Thanks, Richard

Stafford Half Marathon, 25/3/07, by Clare Hill
' It started in the centre of Stafford at "The Market Square" at 10.30am. It was very well organised with no parking problems (probably because we arrived an hour & a half early) and plenty of toilets etc. Only problem was the howling wind, making the start and waiting very chilly. We made a short walk to the start area where the local radion station were hyping up the crowd. They had arranged entertainers ie: men on stilts, unicyclists & Big cuddly bears, so the atmosphere was fantastic.
They had clearly marked out estimated finish time area for the start, so you just had to push your way through to you predidcted finish time. But first they had the Junior Mile and the wheelchairs racers started first.
Julie C started at 1.50, while Samantha C, Amanda Imms & myself started at 2.00 hrs, I know Peter Wilson entered but I'm assuming he started at the front. Alison Chaundy also entered and I think she was just behind us in the crowd. Gerry breezed passed me at 3 miles, having started late & forgeting his number!! They were quick to get the start going, so didn't leave us standing around for too long. The first 3 miles were a little hilly, then it evened out and started to become hilly again when we hit the country roads, there was a particularly long uphill at 6/7 miles, but there were also downs that followed. The last four miles were relatively flat and the last mile was quite a strange section, weaving in & out of residential estates and back streets through town, so lots of corners but Fantastic support on the whole route making it much easier and excellent finish area! This was a very well organised event, plenty of water stations providing sports bottled water, with toilets available at 2 points on the course. Excellent marshalling and policing.
I'm not sure of everyones finishing times (as they aren't on the website as yet) but I'm guessing the order for finishing was Peter Wilson, Jerry, Julia C (1.47), Smantha (1.51) Me (1.55), Amanda Imms (2.03) and Alison Chaundy. Amanda Imms knocked 13 minutes off her previous time for a half marathon & I managed to trim 6.5 mins off my previous PB, so I'm very pleased.
Julie, Samantha, Amanda & I all ended up with T-shirts (Size Medium, as usual they ran out of Small) and we sneakily got a medal aswell. You were meant to get one or the other, but we "decided we were worth it!"
A big Well Done to the organisers! Not an easy course & I don't think this is a PB potential if you haven't been training for the London Marathon, but looking back it was an enjoyable run. Well done to all those that took part today! '
Thanks, Clare

Clevewold 14MT, 25/3/07, by Jon Newey
' While the wimps headed for the flat tarmac of Stafford, a few hardy Joggers headed for the cotswolds for the Clevewold 14 (feels like 20!).
Emma Gooderham, myself, Steve Roode and local lad Matt Scriven (Mercia Fell runners) were amongst the 100 or so runners. Weather was pretty good, cool enough with a bit of wind. No views form the tops due to low cloud.
Emma opted for a steady opening 5 as she's new to the event and with London training in mind didn't want to get too tired. The first five are the toughest anyway so wise choice there. She came in 21st palce (2nd woman) in a time of 1.55.59.
Matt also had a steady run, but this time enforced due to having done the previous day's Llanbedr-Blaenavon fell race. He still managed 6th though in about 1.43. I had a good trot without going into the red too much and managed third in 1.38. I was gaining on second place (last year's winner Lee Rankin) but the line came too soon. The winner was miles ahead of usby about 4.5 mins!
Steve did about 1.25 but said he enjoyed the course. All finishers got a bottle of Ale. Emma and I both got wine, honey and socks for our efforts and Matt got another 4 bottles of Ale for 6th. I think I'll look at the prize table next time and decide how to race based on that as I'd rather of had Matt's beer! '
Thanks, Jon

Club Runs
As it turns out there were 7 MJs running in the Stafford Half and 4 at the Clevewold 14MT. I know of 5 occasional Sunday runners who are either injured or recovering from injury so it didn't leave many for the Sunday morning off-road run, however 3 turned up to run with me from West Malvern so thanks to them.
I didn't have any particular route in mind but it usually includes Cradley and Mathon when running from W. Malvern which it did this morning plus a bit we hadn't done before, at the Storridge end which went as planned. Thanks to Carl, Sian and Amanda G. for joining me.
No local multi-terrain run next Sunday. You might like to join me at the Scenic 6.

Clare's Sponsorship
'Should any generous Malvern Joggers wish to Sponsor someone for the London marathon then my website is: www.justgiving.com/supportme (I'm running for Leaukaemia Care) any support would be very much appreciated, also I will have my sponsor form with me on Wednesday night.'
Thanks, Clare Hill xxx

An update and request from Alison Chaundy
No I haven't dropped off the planet, just working away a lot and it is most definitely telling.
Saturday morning saw me up at 06:30 for a 7am start to my 20 mile training run. I was dropped off at Inkberrow and ran home to Leigh Sinton. The first 12 miles were fine but then the feet started aching (new ish trainers) and 3rd toe pain and numbness. After an emergency call to hubby to bring the "old faithfuls", I started off again, only to realise what Ollie from Run Around had said was right, they were too small. I struggled from there on. I stiffened up, had foot pain and generally became quite demoralised and as you know, once the mind starts playing tricks, you are sunk. I made it home in a very slow 3hrs 40. I, unlike Clare and Julie didn't enjoy the experience and need to do a lot of work on mental attitude before the big day
Can anybody advise me as to when I should start refuelling. I ran for 1hr 40 before starting on Saturday but I am wondering if this is too late. Once I start, how frequently should I top up? I have read the books and it looks like I should be taking a lot more on board than I do currently. Maybe this is where I am going wrong?
Anyway, any advice gratefully received. alison.chaundy@unilever.com
Thanks, Alison

World Joggers - Dave Gibson
' A selection of pictures of me here in New Mexico in case you want to use one on the Malvern Joggers world web page. I think they are self explanatory. The race was in Albuquerque, a 5K at 5500 feet altitude. I finished in 12th place in 21.17, first over 60 beating all the over 50s, having run the first half uphill.
Route was described as hilly but scenic. Can vouch for the hilly bit but only say the tarmac immediately in front of my feet so would have preferred flat and boring!
Trust all is well with you and the other MJ's. Enjoying fabulous weather, sun, bright blue cloudless skies and temperatures in the low to mid 20 centigrade. (Thought I would tell you that to cheer you up!!!) '
Thanks, Dave

Pheidippides Running Diary. 500BC. Part 3
The original marathon runner continues his training diary:-
' Boedromion 5 Having grown increasingly disappointed with my inability to push on beyond the 12-mile mark, I’ve signed up with Heracleides the personal fitness trainer. He’s 32 drachmas an hour, which I can’t really afford, but I don’t see any way around it. He spoke to me about the problem of hitting the wall. I said I didn’t think there were any walls between Marathon and Athens, it being mostly hills, and that, the way I saw it, I was much more in danger of hitting the tree, or, worse, hitting the encampment of Persian soldiers in hiding.
But Heracleides explained that hitting the wall was a figurative _expression describing the overwhelming fatigue a runner can experience when, having exhausted the limited supplies of glycogen in the muscles, the body begins burning stored fat for energy. He said that the best way to circumvent this in a race situation was by taking on board intensively rehydrating sports drinks, such as Lucozados.
I hope someone will remember to organise drink stations on the day. '
Thanks, Pheidippides

Darren's Dash
The organiser of this one has sent me the details for you all to read:-
' Dear Runner, I am writing to invite you and your club to participate in the Darrens Dash 07. The Darrens Dash is a challenging 7.5 km multi-terrain run on the eastern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park mid way between Hereford and Abergavenny. The run includes a total of 900ft ascent, undulating running along the Offa’s Dyke path and a swift descent to the Olchon Valley. The finish is at Longtown Outdoor Education Centre which has changing and showering facilities on-site. 95% of the running is off-road on farmland, tracks & paths. The event start and finish are in different locations so minibus transport from the event centre / car park is provided for all competitors.
The event was held for the first time last year with a field of 45 runners. This year we are confident of a larger field and have had to limit entries to 150. All finishers in the Darrens Dash will receive a special certificate, goody bag and race T-shirt. The event should be attractive to all the family since there is also a family fun run (The Courthouse Canter) with 1 km, 2 km and 5 km courses. A friendly welcome is assured for both events with complimentary tea and cakes for all finishers.
Why not make a weekend of it? As an added attraction this year we are offering overnight accommodation and exciting on-site activities on both Saturday and Sunday at discounted rates. For more information or contact the Bursar on 01873 860225. All proceeds from the weekend will go to the Longtown OEC Bursary Fund.
Entry forms can be downloaded from the club website www.wyevalleyrunners.co.uk . Alternatively, let me know a postal address and I'll send some to you. For information about the facilities and equipment at the Outdoor Centre visit the centre website www.longtownoec.co.uk .
I hope that you will be tempted to join us in June. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you want any more information.
Mike Fawcett, mfawcett@northamptonshire.gov.uk / 01873 860225 '

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Meet at Morrison's, Townsend Way, Malvern
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race
Wed 28/3 Morrisons
Sun 1/4 Scenic 6 (Peopleton) & Chedworth Roman Trail 10
Wed 4/4 Morrisons
Wed 11/4 Three Kings, Hanley Castle
Wed 18/4 Gullet Quarry car park, Castlemorton
Sun 22/4 London Marathon
Wed 25/4 British Camp car park
Wed 2/5 Dudley Kingswinford 10K
Sun 6/5 Crowle 10K (Worcestershire)
Sun 13/5 Eastnor 7 & Tewkesbury 1/2 Mara + 5 mile race
Wed 27/5 Malvern Race for Life
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc

Membership
If your not a member and you would like to join, the membership fee from the start of April is only £8 (6 months membership).
This will entitle you to race entry for £2 less (in most cases), 10% discount at Runaround Sports, the chance of a London Marathon place, the oppertunity to buy club kit, your own unique membership number given to you by Midland Counties AA which you will also be a member of and maybe more. What a deal!

The Weekly Attachment
The Scenic 6 race entry form. Next Sunday, local, only 6 miles and flat. 17 MJs did this one last year! Our Gentle Joggers might like to try it.

Happy running,
Chris

Chris's Blog from 18 March 2007

Fellow athletes,

London Marathon Training Runs
Clare Hill:-
Hi Chris, Thought I'd fill you in on my 23 mile run from today.
There were four of us at start; Amanda Imms, Judy Newman, Geoff & Myself. We departed at 8.30am as scheduled, heading for Madresfield and the Guarlford straight where we were met by Amanda Greenwood at aprox 6 miles (she'd already ran 1 mile to meet us). We took a left at the end of the Guarlford, heading for Callow End, where Amanda Imms had a pit stop to sort out a Blister, luckily our support car (My Husband Paul & 8 year old son Zac) had a first aid box. She rejoined Judy after a very quick first aid stop. We had a small detour down Ferry Lane, mainly to keep us from the main road for a short while. We re-emerged opposite the Blue bell in Callow End, where our trusty Support car was waiting with Fresh water & cereal bars. We took a left onto Genetree Lane & headed through Deblins Green, admiring the houses and taking in the perfect weather for running. At Hawthorn Lane we turned right gunning for the dreaded A449 towards Rushwick. Again at Startins on the A449 we were met by our support car, where Geoff took a few minutes to have some water & energy gel. At the main roundabout we continued left along the bypass towards Rushwick and ran through the village. This being the 16 mile marker, we had left Amanda Imms & Judy but they were still going strong, if a little slower. It was at this point that Geoff took a slight detour through a Farm, fields & had to cross the river. Amanda G & I were only very slightly ahead of Geoff, so we left Paul to expalin the route to him, which he thought he had done, however, maybe not that clear to someone who has already ran 16 miles. I was unaware of this excitement until I saw Paul & Zac again at the Fox Inn which is where Paul was getting concerned as he had lost Geoff. He did a bit of to-ing & fro-ing until Geoff re-appeared looking thoroughly fed-up! He had gone down a trail path & had asked for directions to the Bank House, which was the 18.5 mile marker. A little old farmer pointed him in the right direction but didn't mention the small issue of the river on the way!
At the 18.5 mile marker Amanda Imms & Judy took refuge in the back of the car for a short distance to 21 miles. They offered great support to Amanda G & I as we jogged on past, with a fantastically smug look on my face. Geoff came in not too far behind and decided that he had done all he could for one day! However, this was the furthest he had ever run, so fantastic effort and a good run to have under his belt ready for the London marathon. Amanda Imms & Judy re-started at this point to finish the 2 miles home. All in all they ran 20.5 miles, thats a first for both of them. and again a good run for Judy who is running the "Stratford marathon" the week after London.
I finished the full 23.01 miles in 3hrs, 49mins & 59 seconds! I felt fab at the end, no aches or pains & my knees were not too bad.
Amanda G did a total of 18 miles and was a great pace maker for me, even with her bleeding feet, which seeped through her trainers.
Bring on the London marathon, this body is as ready as it's ever going to be!!!!
Can I just say a Big Thanks to everyone who text or e-mailed me to wish me luck & support for this run today, your encouragement is very much appreciated! Thanks
Thanks, Clare

Julie Caseley:-
I looked at the weather forecast for the weekend and decided to do a long run on Saturday rather than Sunday which was just as well really as it was a lot cooler today than yesterday. Samantha accompanied me for the first 19 miles for which I was very grateful. We started off with a short and long sleeved t-shirt on but both were soon abandoned and we ran most of the distance in bra tops!!
Our route took us from Malvern Wells to Worcester, then Fernhill Heath, Droitwich Spa, Wychbold (where Paul picked Samantha up), past Webb's Garden Centre, through Bromsgrove town centre and on to my mother-in-law's at Lickey End. I wanted to be on my fee for four hours, which I was, but did a couple of miles over the 23 to achieve this. Anyway, everything held together and I felt great.
Looking forward to a recovery week and massage. Many thanks to Paul again for his fabulous support yesterday.
Thanks, Julie

London Marathon Update
Our LM representitives, currently, as far as I know. Correct me if I, wrong please:-
IN (10 runners)
Emma Gooderham, Jon Newey, Julie Caseley, Richard Walsh, Clare Hill, Stuart Brown, Geoff Carpenter, Alison Chaundy, Andy Blannin, + one.
OUT (5 runners)
Alison Merley, Paul Newman, Sim Foreman, David Sutton, Gary Kimber.

Club Runs
Sunday mornings - GJs, only one present at Morrisons on the 11th of this month and today was Mothers Day so I didn't push it last Wednesday. If anyone would like an easy run this coming Sunday, please let me know.
Multi-Terrain nutters - We haven't met at St James School, West Malvern Road for sometime so we might as well give that one a go for a run over to Cradley & Mathon next Sunday.

Race Reports
Inverness Half Marathon 11/3/07 by Cathy Barker
It was with some trepidation that Ian and I set out for the Highlands on Friday. The weather forecast for the weekend was pretty dire – wintry showers, possibly snow. Whose idea had it been to enter the Inverness Half Marathon we wondered? However, on Sunday we were lucky. Although the day started cold, wet and windy it brightened up around midday and the rain stopped for a few hours. The Inverness Half marathon is extremely well organized. We ran it 5 years ago when there were about 800 runners - it’s grown somewhat since then with about 1500 runners this year. The route goes along the River Ness, before crossing it and passing Inverness Castle, running out onto the road to Loch Ness before looping back round to the river. It was more undulating than I remembered, but nothing too steep. The last two miles were run into a cold headwind but despite this we both did good times. Ian (never happy) finished in 1:39:21, shaving a good 8 minutes off his last attempt at this event. I was ecstatic with my 1:50:39 – shaving 11 minutes off my previous fastest HM (which also happened to be the Inverness HM)!
I would definitely recommend this HM if you happen to be up in Scotland in March! There’s no midges at this time of year, honest!
Thanks, Cathy

Ironbridge Half Marathon 18/3/07 by Chris Barker
This is one that I see on the race calendar every year and wonder what its like. Only one way to find out and here we go with race number 6 this year.
It actually starts and finishes in Telford not Ironbridge, by the way, should you be doing it next year. Race HQ is at the Telford Ice Rink, the home of Wrekin Roadrunners, which is quite fitting as that would be a good description of the weather, icy. The temperature inside the ice rink was 10C, balmy! So, off we went, 485 runners, some in not much more than a vest and wimps like me in 3 layers on a course which was only about 50% road, the rest being 'multi-surface' i.e. tracks, some well surfaced, some with a dash of mud even.
Being a touristy kind of area, the route takes you past places of interest such as the Museum of Iron, the Teddy Bear Factory (damn, I missed that one), across the world's first iron bridge (built 1776, impress your friends), Tile works/museum, Ironbridge George, Maws Craft centre, Coalport China Museum and Blists Hill working Museum. Ironbridge is, of course, the birthplace of the industrial revolution although I don't know how the Teddy Bear Museum fits into that.
I suspected that the first half of the race would be easier than the second as it started near the town centre and then routed you alongside a riverbed at the halfway point. This turned out to be true and the garmin confirmed that there was nearly 400 foot of climbing, albeit gradual, in the second half of the race. Add this to the multi-surface element and this is not a PB course. Having said that it was well organised with some very supportive marshalls and mainly traffic-free. I wasn't too disappointed with my 1.48.07 and was well impressed with the excellent post-race mementos of an embroidered bath towel and engraved brandy glass. I wonder if there is a summer version of it!

Pheidippides Running Diary. 500BC. Part 2
Pheidippides, if you can say his name, was the first ever marathon runner who unfortunately blew up at the end of his epic race, big-style and as a result he wont be running at London next month. Here is the second part of his Blog.
Metageitnion 16 Obviously, if I’m going to go to all this effort, I might as well use it to benefit others. After much reflection, I’ve decided to run in support of Argos, a charity that offers deprived Athenian kids the chance of a once-in-a-lifetime catalogue shopping trip on the island of Ithaca. I’m now busy whipping up sponsorship from my friends. So far I’ve managed to raise three fish and a flask of olive oil. It’s going well.
Nevertheless, people have suggested that it might boost the fundraising aspect if I ran in some sort of novelty outfit. Someone has said it would be amusing if I climbed inside a specially adapted earthenware pot. Various others are urging me to carry a statue or drag a fishing net. Nikolos the carpenter is offering me three drachmas if I go as Postman Papadopoulos. And he says he’ll increase it to eight drachmas if I go as any one of the Tellytubboi — Tinky Winkos, Dipsos, La Los or Pos.
I see where they’re all coming from. At the same time, without wishing to be a party-pooper, I think that this time, what with it being the first, it would be sensible if I just concentrated on getting round. The fancy-dress stuff can wait for future marathons, assuming it catches on.
Metageitneon 24 Managed an hour last night, which is good, but the last 15 minutes or so were a real struggle and this morning my knees feel as if the've been chewed by next door's dog. I also appear to have a blister that is only slightly smaller than the foot to which it is attached. So much for Goatex. If I bump into that Eucles, he'll be wearing these sandals, and not on his feet!
To be continued...........

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Meet at Morrison's, Townsend Way, Malvern
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race
Wed 21/3 Morrisons
Sun 25/3 Stafford 1/2 Marathon, Clevewold 14MT & Forest-of-Dean Trails 1/2 Marathon - GJs Morrisons, others St James School West Malvern Road
Sun 1/4 Scenic 6 (Peopleton) & Chedworth Roman Trail 10
Sun 22/4 London Marathon
Wed 2/5 Dudley Kingswinford 10K
Sun 6/5 Crowle 10K (Worcestershire)
Sun 13/5 Eastnor 7 & Tewkesbury 1/2 Mara + 5 mile race
Wed 27/5 Malvern Race for Life
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc

Weekly Reminders
Mustering - run to the back on the group from time to time.
Wear something light or reflective on the dark nights
Race forms on website - pick the Race Forms icon on the website menu for entry forms
Note, I am now sending the Club News/Blog out in 2 emails as I only have capacity for 100 recipients. So the rest of the gang are on the other email, just in case you wondered.

Can someone send me a short report on the Rhayader 20 please, also
See the attachment above if you fancy a localish 10k on the 25th.

Happy running,
Chris

Chris's Blog from 11 March 2007

Fellow athletes,

MJs Walking Group
The next event has been organised and here's Jenny with the details:-
'The next Joggers Walk will be on Sunday 29th April. It will be a 4hr (approx) walk along the Gloucester / Cotswold Ways, followed by the usual pub lunch. Please let Jenny Field know a. s. a. p. if you would like to come, the pub has to be warned! Meet at WAITROSE car park at 7.30 am. There is no charge at Waitrose car park on Sundays'.

Summer Running Programme
As those who are on the emailing list will know we have now arranged our Wednesday night Summer running timetable. Starting 11th of April, and for around 5 months, we will be meeting in a different place each week to take advantage of the local countryside and light nights. We would like to see everyone there, especially Gentle Joggers. By the 4th of April we will have run around the streets of Malvern enough times. There are 3 ways in which you can find out where we will be:-
1. Email 2. Website 3. Malvern Gazette 'What's On Guide' under 'Miscellaneous
If you not on the emailing list and would like to be, please let me know.
During the Summer months there will also be a other things happening on Wednesday nights, such as, Race for Life, our Handicap Race, Malvern Joggers 4th Birthday drink (1st Wednesday of July), Annual Wednesday night 10K (Bugatti 10K), B-B-Q, Beacon Race practise and the AGM .

Rhayader Round the Lakes 20 - 17/3/07
I know that we have at least 2 runners in this one, Jon Newey and Richard Walsh, and Jon has emailed me with the following, regarding transport:-
'Please can anyone doing the Rhayader 20 next Saturday get in touch with me (jonnewey@tiscali.co.uk OR 01684 562050). We'll try to coordinate lifts as it's a fair distance.'

Club Runs
10 MJs set off from Morrisons this morning for a run beyond Storridge and over a big hill called 'The Beck'. 10.5 miles (including mustering) were covered in total. We enjoyed the best Sunday morning weather this year and the mud had dried up nicely over the last 2 days when I was last out running across the fields.
We don't have a leader as yet for next Sunday, so if nobody volunteers.......

London Marathon Updates
Paul Newman - ' After weeks of deliberation, pain and agony, I have finally decided I have no option but to defer my Marathon place until next year. My injuries seam to be multiplying and I was never going to do myself justice by limping round. I have spoken to the organisers with a view of donating my place to somebody else. However, this is not possible as the organisers do not allow places to be transferred. They have said that I can defer my place to next year, which appears to be my only option... the only upside is i can go back to the chocolate and junk food for a while!! I will give my legs a rest from running for a few weeks,but will be counting the days until i'm back !! '
Alison Chaundy - ' Hi Chris, Thought I would send you a quick update re the marathon training. I did a run a couple of weeks ago with Jude, we set off to do 13 miles, but just kept going and ended up to 17.2 wondering why we were hurting and stiff!!.
Sadly with work commitments, I have been away almost non stop so the midweek runs have been few and far between, the odd 5 here and there!. Yesterday (Sun), I was away at my pal's house who ran with me last year, so I did 16 miles and she joined me for the last 8. Today, I am very stiff and suffering with a sore back, probably due to no short runs in the week to keep me supple.
Still, I got round and intend to keep on "getting round" as long as I can avoid injury. Realistically, I think any time based goal has gone for a ball of chalk and I plan on pacing with Runners World "Get You Round" pacers on the day. Still, ever the optomist, just to finish will be an achievement.!!
Must go, off to the gym! Ali '

Some motivational words from one of our GJs
Sarah Davies:-
'Just like to say excellent gentle joggers walk/run session last night with Jenny. Mustering worked seamlessly and everyone seemed to get a good workout at their own pace. I particularly enjoyed the sprint to the traffic lights - just glad it wasn't that pace all the way round!'
Thanks, Sarah

Race Reports
Milford 21, 4/3/07, by Julie Caseley
'I haven't been to Cannock Chase since I was at school in Lichfield, more years ago than I care to remember. The Milford 21 was a little different. As if the distance wasn't enough to contend with, we also had wind, cold, rain, hills, mud and water!
Anyway, I suppose the constantly changing terrain and scenery took our minds off the distance and discomfort. There were some very friendly competitors, not to mention the bearded Norman from the Carribbean who kept me company for a few miles along some of the most challenging parts of the course.
I was able to pick off a few other runners in the second half of the race which felt quite satisfying and the only bits that hurt are those one would expect from a 21 mile run!! I felt much better though after a cold bath, warm shower and a post-race ibuprofen!
I finished in 3 hrs 26 mins which, considering the terrain and general conditions on the day, I was quite pleased with. I was at a bit of a loss regarding pacing and mileage (there were no mile markers) as my Garmin froze on the start line so I relied on my normal day to day watch to roughly judge the pace and how long I'd been on the course. Anyway, the finish line and an unexpected horse brass were both very welcome.
Hope everyone had a successful race at the Gloucester 20 this morning - I was thinking about you!'
Thanks, Julie
Wyre Forest MT8, 4/3/07, by Chris Barker
'This as you know was the event originally scheduled for the 11th of February. Unfortunately there was no snow plough available so it didn't take place.
9 MJs entered the race originally so I would have expected 7 or 8 to have been there on the day. As some people were already committed elsewhere on the 4th of March, this reduced the MJs to just 4 old-stagers, Peter Cowling, Carl Flint, Steve Roode and myself. For the last two years, conditions for the race have been the worst in its eleven year history. It couldn't be the same this year could it?...'fraid so! So thats our excuse before we go any further. At least it was better than the Mayhill massacre.
The star of the show for me was my new off-road shoes. After 48 multi-terrain races in the wrong footwear, I put my spending head on and bought some Adidas Swoop 2. Even better than a post-race ice bath, but then aren't most things?
This was the 4th race I've done this year and the second that its rained from start to finish. I like to have a stroll around before the start to soak up the atmosphere but all I would have soaked up would have been the rain. Still we got through it with the 4 MJs finishing 90th, 91st, 102nd and 153rd in a field of 209. Not bad considering that three of us were last to leave the start line, the race having started whilst we were busy chatting. Nice shoes, though.'
Fitness First Treat MT8, 11/3/07, by Julie Caseley
' The sun was shining, the birds were singing, the flowers were blooming and all was right with the world. This was the scene that greeted five Malvern Joggers at the Fitness First MT8 at Stourport this morning. Our representatives were Richard Walsh, Peter Wilson, Steve Roode, Jerry Greer and myself. Except for a slight breeze, conditions for running were perfect and the finishing order was as above. I ran a time of 1 hr 7 mins 50 secs, exactly 4 minutes faster than last year but as yet results are not on the website.
I practiced "racing the train" as the Severn Valley Railway train came parallet with the course but fortunately didn't have to outrun any beasts from the West Midlands Safari Park.
The finish line was a bit obscure (or perhaps I was just disorientated) so I ran towards a lady who was frantically waving her arms at me and managed to outrun some bloke I overtook in the last mile - the lady was not for beating!!'
Thanks, Julie

Pheidippides Running Diary. 500BC. Part 1 of who knows? A marathon's a long way!
Uncovered: the first marathon runner’s fitness programme. Remember Pheidippides? He was the Greek soldier who ran more than 20 miles to Athens to announce that the Persian army had been surprisingly defeated in the Battle of Marathon, thus giving birth to the marathon craze.
Now a significant new archaeological find reveals, for the first time, the diary of his preparations — bound to be of interest to runners in training for the Flora London Marathon and to anyone else whose imagination has been captured by this fabled test of human endurance.
Hekatombion 4 Fantastic — I’ve got a place. My confirmation tablet and official high-visibility running tunic came through from the organisers this morning. My race number: 00001. That’s got to be a good omen. Better get training, then.
Hekatombion 5 As everyone will tell you, the most important first step for any long-distance runner is making sure you have the right sandals. So this morning I visited Eucles the shoemaker, who got me up on the running machine and had a look at my stride pattern. By his reckoning I’m a high-arched pronator with a mildly exaggerated heel strike, which sounds awful, but apparently it’s normal enough.
Anyway, he recommended a pair of lightweight construction sandals in 100 per cent goatex, with a unique, gel-injected mid-sole and all-weather calf straps. Thirty-five drachmas! Zeus on a bike! But I bought them anyway, of course. It would have seemed foolish not to.
Went for a gentle, loosening jog in the hills. Didn’t feel too bad, considering. The new sandals help.
To be continued...........

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Meet at Morrison's, Townsend Way, Malvern
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race
Sun 14/3 Morrison's
Sat 17/3 Rhayader 20
Sun 18/3 Ironbridge 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Stafford 1/2 Marathon, Clevewold 14MT & Forest-of-Dean Trails 1/2 Marathon
Sun 1/4 Scenic 6 (Peopleton) & Chedworth Roman Trail 10
Sun 22/4 London Marathon
Wed 2/5 Dudley Kingswinford 10K
Sun 6/5 Crowle 10K (Worcestershire)
Sun 13/5 Eastnor 7 & Tewkesbury 1/2 Mara + 5 mile race
Wed 27/5 Malvern Race for Life
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc

Happy running,
Chris

Chris's Blog from 04 March 2007

Fellow athletes,

Race Previews
Lacon Childe 10K - Want to do a road race 10K? The Crowle race is coming up but its not until May but you can do this one on the 25th of this month and you will be able to enter on the day although its best to check. Its reappeared after an absence of 2 years and is best described as undulating. This is actually good because when you do Crowle, its likely that you will run a faster time. It takes place at Cleobury Mortimer which is about 8 miles west of Bewdley so its not that far away. I haven't found a website for it so I cant give much in the way of contact information but you will find it in the Race Diary of the latest Runners World, page 112.
Peopleton Scenic Six - This one can be found on a website, see cambaevents.co.uk, and takes place on the 1st of April at Peopleton near Pershore. Although its a Multi-Terrain, around 2.5 miles of it are off-road and its fairly flat. At least a dozen Malvern Joggers did this one last year and I'm expecting a good turn-out this year. Please see the attached entry form. Note, also taking place the same day is the Chedworth Roman Trail near Cirencester.
Generally, the lighter nights are coming, the weather should start picking-up and although competitive running isn't for everyone, May is a mega-month with something for everyone such as:- Malvern Race for Life, Crowle 10K, Eastnor 7, Tewkesbury Half and 5 miler, Hereford Half and the Crocodile 8 to name but a few.
Thanks to our webmaster Peter, there are now race entry forms for 18 different races on our website.

Our London Marathon Hopefuls
About 7 weeks to go and just in case you wondered how they were getting on, here it comes:-
Alison Chaundy - Not much to report but hoping for 4hrs 48 mins
Geoff Carpenter - Tore a calf muscle 4 weeks ago but after 3 weeks rest, running again
Sim Foreman - Has now decided against using his place due to other commitments
Emma Gooderham - Will be on the start line with the elite athletes and with a PB of 3.06, expecting to do well
Richard Walsh - Covering a good mileage and mixing it with speedwork. Looking to knock 15 mins off his PB
David Sutton - Suffering from injured knee and thinking of deferring
Gary Kimber - Niggly knee injury and way behind with the training
Stuart Brown - Training 3-4 times a week and taking ice baths afterwards. He recommends it!
Jon Newey - Late start due to injury & illness but going well now. Managing a 2.5-3 hr long run each week.
Paul Newman - Suffering with shinsplints and swollen calfs. Doing gymwork to try & keep fitness level up
Alison Merley - Deferring her LM place due to a problem with a big toe. Not enough time left to get into the right shape
Julie Caseley - Using her experience of last years LM training, she is Injury-free, running 4 days a week and cycling 3
Clare Hill - See below
Clare's 20 miler:-
Thought I'd give you a quick low down on my 20 mile run I did today, 3/3, accompanied by Amanda Greenwood.
We set off from Pickersleigh Road at 8.30am. We headed down to Madresfield, guarlford, hanley castle, malvern wells, barnards green, townsend way & finished with some loops of residential estates to make it up to 20 miles. We ran at a steady 10 min miles in a total of 3hr19mins (as per my trusty Garmin)! Our quickest mile was apparently 5min39sec, must have been down hill! We burnt off a total of 1879 caleries. My calves were very stiff, but all joints are still in tact & no major problems.
We had enough heckling from traffic queing for the three counties tractor show to last a life time, very amusing from a bunch of old farmers, plus the usual banter from the streets of Malvern. I ran out of water at 15 miles which did make the last 5 miles a lot harder, but the thought of a bacon sandwich at the end carried me on. It went very well and the time and miles fly past. My bacon sarnie didn't happen as hubby & child ate the bacon for breakfast!!
I have been feeling very righteous for the rest of today and made up for the sandwich & went out for a 3 course dinner instead, which probably put 1879 calories back on.
I believe Amanda has gone away for the night & I know she was looking forward to a special evening dinner, which is most definitely deserved as she was an absolute God send today!
My next long run is in 2 weeks and I will be attempting 23 miles, this will then be my final long run before the marathon. If anyone else wants to join me, even if it's just for half the distance or meet me half way just let me know, the support would be much appreciated.
Thanks, Clare

Runaround Sports Club Night
This has been cancelled for now due to an insufficient level of interest but it may happen again another time

Summer Running Programme
My idea for this seems to have been generally well received. I have had some feedback from some of our runners which I will make known to everyone when we have our meeting at our Red Lion pub night, after the run, next Wednesday.

London Marathon Running Club Partnership
We have recently been accepted into the above club. This means that all local unaffiliated runners in this years London Marathon will be given details of our club. Below is the welcome letter I have received from the London Marathon Organisation:-
' Dear Flora London Marathon Running Club Partner,
I am delighted that your club has joined the Flora London Marathon Running Club Partnership. The microsite is now up and running and so runners now have the ability to find information about their nearest running club. This initiative will open a door to many first time/casual runners who did not know running clubs existed. As we have only selected clubs that run beginner programmes, we are certain that new runners will be well looked after.
Now that you are a Flora London Marathon Running Club Partner, your club will experience an increase in enquiries and try outs on your club nights (I know many people have already been in contact already!). The Flora London Marathon Running Club Partner directory will get progressively larger as more clubs are invited from around the country, but the standards of invitation and inclusion will remain high.
We have made places available in the Flora London Marathon to clubs for many years, and many clubs work with us on race day as volunteers. We hope that this new initiative will add to our current relationship. As this is a partnership, please feel free to let us know how you think we can add to or amend the microsite to maximise the success of the initiative.
David Bedford, Flora London Marathon Race Director. '
The 'microsite' can be found at http://www.london-marathon.co.uk/runningclubs/

Club Runs
I think we've now given up counting the number of runners at Morrison's, not that its important anyway. Two people did a head count last Wednesday and came up with wildly different numbers. But it was a healthy turn-out anyway which included 4 new runners. 3 ladies plus John from Upton.

Race Reports
Roding Valley Half Marathon, 25/2, by Mike Theelke
' Having failed to get into the Bourton 10k, I decided to stay with friends in London for the weekend and do this one instead. It’s only fair to say it doesn’t really compete in terms of scenery – instead of duck ponds, antique shops and tea rooms I got a kebab house, sewage works and gasometers. There was much concern at the start (and on the RW discussion forum) about The Hills; in fact there were a couple of gentle inclines of under a hundred feet, but I suppose if you do all your running in Essex that is pretty fearsome. I trundled round in 1:56, and might have finished a bit sooner if the start hadn’t involved the 700 runners being funnelled through a gate two people wide.'
Thanks, Mike

Gloucester 20, 4/3 by Stuart Brown
' Andy Blanin, Richard Walsh and I met up at Morrissons at 8.30 to share transport to Frampton on Severn for a 10.00 start. The weather was wet and windy, but could have been much worse. The course is 3 miles gently down hill, then 2 laps of about 71/2 miles and a couple of miles back towards the start. The race was well organised and marshalled as usual. The roads were quiet with mile markers and 4 drink stations. The Gloucester 20 falls just right as training for London which is now just 7 weeks away!
We were all pleased to finish this race. Richard saw Emma Gooderham who was the first MJ home in about 2:06? followed by Richard, Andy and me. At 2:34 my time was 6 minutes slower than last year, so less carbo loading and more efforts! Chip times should be available shortly. '
Thanks, Stuart

Gloucester 20, 4/3 by Emma Gooderham
' Well we have just about dried off from the Gloucester 20. Not the best conditions for a 20 mile race, although at least we didn't overheat. I didn't mind the rain, but the head wind in places nearly knocked me over. As far as I can see from the results, 4 Malvern Joggers were at Gloucester today. Richard Walsh finished in 16th place (2.09.30). I finished 4th lady, 1st F35 in 2.16.54 (two passed me in the last few miles, even though I didn't slow (last two miles 6.45 pace) and it was a sprint to the finish with 5th lady only 3 seconds behind - I really did work today). Andy Blannin 2.27.44 (50th MSEN) and Stuart Brown 2.34.02 (26th M50). The marshalling was excellent and the course wasn't as boring as I expected, probably because the weather gave us that extra challenge. Good tea and cakes after the race. A good atmosphere all round - highly recommended. '
Thanks, Emma

Thanks again for all the race reports. Reports on the Wyre Forest MT8 and the Milford 21 will follow next week.

MJs in Business, with one new addition
If you would like a job done, why not ask one of your friendly MJs to do it for you. Quality work at affordable prices:-
JPN Electrical - Jon Newey - Phone 01684-562050 & 07773-424410
GK Gardening Services (& DIY) - Gary Kimber - Phone 01886-833426
Aldine Print - Paul Bullman - Phone 01684-562786
backpackinglight.co.uk - Bob Cartwright - Phone 01684-575435
"WEEKENDERS LADIES FASHION"
Dave Gibson's wife Barbara is a fashion coordinator for "Weekenders UK Ltd" offering an innovative fashion concept for ladies. The Spring/Summer collection has just been launched and Barbara would be delighted to present the concept to MJ ladies either at her place or yours, one to one or groups of up to six. For further information contact Barbara on telephone number 01684 593636 or email: gibsondb@btopenworld.com.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Meet at Morrison's, Townsend Way, Malvern
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race
Wed 7/3 Morrison's followed by Pub Night at the Red Lion
Sun 11/3 Stafford 20 & Fitness First Treat MT8
Sun 11/3 Sunday club run - all runners meet at Morrison's
Sat 17/3 Rhayader 20
Sun 18/3 Ironbridge 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Stafford 1/2 Marathon, Clevewold 14MT & Forest-of-Dean Trails 1/2 Marathon
Sun 1/4 Scenic 6 (Peopleton) & Chedworth Roman Trail 10
Sun 22/4 London Marathon
Wed 2/5 Dudley Kingswinford 10K
Sun 6/5 Crowle 10K (Worcestershire)
Sun 13/5 Eastnor 7 & Tewkesbury 1/2 Mara + 5 mile race
Wed 27/5 Malvern Race for Life
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 25 February 2007

Fellow athletes,

Runaround Sports Club Night
The members of Malvern Joggers have been invited to a Club Night to take place at Runaround Sports in Worcester on Thursday 15th of March (open until 8pm). It will allow you to 'sample nutrition products', 'have a taster massage', 'join a stretching class', take advantage of some special offers etc.
On Wednesday I will asking for a show of hands to determine whether there is enough interest. Please see the attachment.
As Oli says:- ' We would like to invite you and your club for a evening of 'goings on' at Runaround. We have chosen a Thursday night as to not clash with your training sessions.'
Cheers, Oli

Membership Cards
If you are going to the above Club Night and you are intending to buy something and claim your club discount, you will need you membership card. I currently have membership cards for:- Andy Lyon, Chas Eden, Ian Gray, Janet & Robert Kitchener, Neil & Jen Williamson, Jon Starkey, Melanie Newport, Mike Theelke, Peter Hornsby, Ruth Johnstone and Sim Foreman. If you one of these people can you ask me for your card next time you see me please. I do not as yet have the cards for our latest 4 members.

Malvern Joggers Walking Group
Leader Roger Brierly reports on the latest venture which took place last Sunday:-
'Ten walkers met on Sunday morning to take part in the second Malvern Joggers walk. Each route is aimed to last approx four hours and has so far been followed by a superb pub lunch. This latest walk was on Caer Caradoc, opposite the Long Mynd, in Shropshire and was enjoyed by all involved with Rachel Samuel providing expert commentary on the geology of the area. There you go, education as well as well-being. The weather was brilliant with fantastic views in all directions. All joggers are most welcome to come along and the next walk is being provisionally planned for mid- May.'
Thanks, Roger

Malvern Joggers in Demand
2 race Organisers have emailed me this week appealing for your support. Firstly the Crowle 10K:-
' Dear runner, Following up from our email to you back in October, we hope that you have already noted the date of the 2007 Crowle 10k in your running calendar!
This year's event will be on Sunday 6th May.
Owing the consistent increase in numbers since the event began six years ago, we are having to limit the numbers for the first time. Therefore pre-entries are limited to 500 although we will be allowing 100 entries on the day. This will be on a strict first come, first served basis.
All forms and more information are available on the web: http://www.crowle-online.co.uk/roadrace. However, the forms are also attached below for your convenience.
We hope your training is going well this season and look forward to seeing you once again.
Regards, David Brimble and Darren Beattie.Race Organisers
Dymock Half Marathon
Just down the road from Ledbury so fairly local. This one doesn't attract a large field so you can enter on the day.
I will email the entry forms for this one & Crowle over the next 2 days.
Talking of races, Wyre Forest Roc 8
This is the one that was buried under the snow on the 11th of February. It will now be run next Sunday so if you were too late to enter the first time round you now have another chance. According to the Amazing Feet website:-
Approx. 93 places are now available in the re-scheduled race - please send your entries in in the normal way. NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY !

Race the Train
This may I remind you is our annual Running/camping gig for this year and takes place in August and is located on the Welsh coast at Tywyn. The camping is optional by the way, you might prefer to B & B or you could pop over for the day. Those who have so far entered, or are about to are myself, Steve Roode, Carl Flint, Julie & Samantha Caseley. I know its 6 months away but if anyone else has entered or intends to, can they please let me know.
More info on the homepage of our website and www.racethetrain.co.uk

Lake Vyrnwy Photo
On the 11th of September 2005 around 15 of us travelled to Mid-Wales to do the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon in the Malvern Hills District Council mini-bus. Whilst there we posed for a photo with the bus in the background. The photo was taken by Tracey M's husband. I for one would very much like to see this photo with the intention of it appearing on our website. Unfortunately, we don't have the photo as it was taken with a borrowed camera. If it was your camera and you have this photo could you let me see it please.

Club Runs
With the romance of Valentines Day over for another year it was back to normal for last Wednesday at Morrison's where just over 60 runners were counted including 5 new ones. As planned, Nick held the 5K time trial which included a jog round the course first before doing the real thing afterwards.

Clare Hill reports now on her marathon training run this morning:-
' Just thought I'd report in after just finishing a 14 mile run which I started at 8.15am with Judy Newman & Amanda Imms. We did a road run out to Leigh Sinton, through to the Bear & Ragged Staff Pub, through Powick, Deblins Green, North End Lane & back to Morgan Motors. We ran at a steady 10 min mile pace and enjoyed the scenery and quiet roads at that time on Sunday Morning. We did see a few Mj's on route, one running & one cycling.
Hope you had a good run.'
Thanks, Clare

Meanwhile Paul Hill was at Morrison's this morning:-
' I have also been running with the MJ's gentle road runners this morning. There were 5 gentle joggers turn up at Morrisons today for a run through Barnards Green & Madresfield. We ran about 5 miles and timing was aproximately 50 - 55 mins. It was the longest run some of us attempted but even though the group varied in abilities everyone seemed to enjoy it and no-one was left behind, however one person branched off early. There wasn't anyone from the faster road running group turn up at 9.30am so they may have left earlier. See you Wednesday.'
Thanks, Paul

Also the Off-Road gang met at the Wyche this morning. 9 MJs were present, (5 ladies and 4 guys) including Reg, friend of Dave Gibson, who joined us for the first time last Wednesday. Lucy led the way or Dylan the dog led the way and Lucy chased after him. From the Wyche we made our way, or slithered and slid on the mud nicely prepared by last nights rain, on the hills alongside Jubilee Drive, past the Kettle Sings, on to Evendine, British Camp, Ridgeway, Obolisk, British Camp and back to the Wyche. Reg took a short cut while Helen and Lisa did about 3 miles extra in preparation for a forthcoming marathon (Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain or something like that). The distance covered was 10.14 miles in 1 hour 52 mins. Sounds slow but there again it was hard going in places.

Race Reports
Bourton 10K - 25/2/07 - By Julie Caseley
'This is a very popular event (fully subscribed before Christmas) and heavily contested (the first female finisher is only 17 years old and this is her 3rd consecutive win!) That's another Gold Sovereign and £75 for her!
Two Malvern Joggers flew the flag this morning - myself and Jerry Greer (aka Eric Bromage - last year Samantha had his place - fingers crossed for next
year Eric!)
The weather was ideal - sunny, mild and calm, unlike last year when it was a bit wintery with snow flurries just before the start. I finished in 49:18 (just under 30 secs slower than last year - perhaps there was a slight headwind after all! and Jerry finished in approximately 46 mins - not bad for a male vet 60!!.'
Thanks, Julie

Gis a Job!
Following last weeks 'MJs in Business' and 'Anyone looking for employment', I have heard from 2 of our runners who could benefit from a helping hand when it comes to finding a job or finding a better job.
One is very experienced and highly qualified in the field of accountancy. He is fairly new to the area and although employed in his chosen field is looking a position where his skills would be better appreciated. Can you help?
The other one simply says:- I am retired and an unemployed pensioner looking for work. Nothing tooooo strenuous, a small part-time job will do. Any offers?

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Meet at Morrison's, Townsend Way, Malvern
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race
Wed 28/1 Morrison's 7pm
Sun 4/3 Sunday - MT Runners meet Wyche car park, Others meet meet Morrison's
Sun 4/3 Gloucester 20 & Wyre Forest MT8
Wed 7/3 Morrison's followed by Pub Night at the Red Lion
Sun 11/3 Stafford 20 & Fitness First Treat MT8
Sat 17/3 Rhayader 20
Sun 18/3 Ironbridge 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Stafford 1/2 Marathon, Clevewold 14MT & Forest-of-Dean Trails 1/2 Marathon
Sun 1/4 Scenic 6 (Peopleton) & Chedworth Roman Trail 10
Sun 22/4 London Marathon
Sun 6/5 Crowle 10K (Worcestershire)
Wed 27/5 Malvern Race for Life
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc

Happy running,
Chris

Chris's Blog from 18 February 2007

Fellow athletes,

Marathon du Medoc
Peter Cowling has asked me to remind you that if you are going to do this one you had better enter soon. Here is the text pasted from the website to remind you of what its like:-
The course passes through 59 vineyards around Bordeaux and includes 22 aid and sponge stations, as well as 23 wine tasting stands, 52 special events and also various food points (oysters, entrecote steak, cheese, sausage and other delicacies). All these stops account for the race's slogan: "Le Marathon Le Plus Long Du Monde"-the World's Longest Marathon. The event sounds like one great weekend with lots of other things going on including a 10k post-marathon vineyard walk. For more details, in French, see http://www.marathondumedoc.com .
Entries are limited to 8000 and it fills up very fast. Registration is now open

5K Time Trial Wednesday Night
MJ Nick Hitchings has sent me this message:-
Could you please remind anyone who is interested (all groups/abilities welcome) that on Wednesday we will be doing a 5k (3.1 mile) time trial if anyone would like to take part,meeting at Morrisons as normal at 7.00 p.m.
Thanks, Nick

Tewkesbury Half Marathon & 5K
I have been email the following by the organisers:-
Dear race participant,
The Tewkesbury Half Marathon and 5 Mile Fun Run this year will take place on Sunday the 13th of May. Both races will start and finish at the Offices of Tewkesbury Borough Council on the edge of Tewkesbury Town Centre. Championchip timing will be provided by raceahead giving you your 'real time' from when you cross the start line and reach the finish line, as well as your gun to finish time.
This year the the course will be predominantly flat, with a few slight rises over a couple of bridges and medals will be provided for all finishers.
To enter the race please go to http://www.209events.com/event.php?event=64
We look forward to seeing you on the day!
Please note that this takes place on the same day as the Eastnor Castle Seven (which is organised by Ledbury Harriers). The entry fee for the Tewkesbury Half, for those who are members of an affiliated club i.e. Malvern Joggers has gone up to £15. Whilst the entry fee for the Eastnor Seven is only £7!!!

Fitness First Treat Multi-Terrain 8M
This one takes place at Stourport on the 11th of March and has been off-road-tested by myself and I declare it OK. If nothing else, it runs close by and under the Severn Valley Steam Railway and runs by the perimeter fence of the West Midland Safari Park. Its organised by Kidderminster & Stourport AC but you wouldn't know it from their redundant-looking website. Around 6 of us did it last year and it snowed! Don't think that's going to happen this year as we appear to have had all the snow. Annabel has been busy again and has informed me that some details can be found on http://www.runningdiary.co.uk/go/view.cgi/1241

Ten Pin Bowling Night
Nick is also prepared to organise the above if there is sufficient interest. It would takes place at Bowl Extreme in Worcester. Nick would like to know which night most people would prefer, given the choice of Friday or Saturday.
He would be very interested in your comments re. Ten Pin Bowling and/or 5K. Please contact him on threecounties@hotmail.com or reply to me and I will pass your comments on.

Club Runs
A reduced turn-out at Morrisons last Wednesday but there again it was Valentines Day. Some Malvern Joggers, being the passionate and romantic types they are, were elsewhere and possibly saving their energy for a different type of physical activity, later!
Looking at my calendar, it says that Summertime begins on the 25th of March, so I assume that is the day the clocks are moved forward and from then on we will be meeting in the light. Only 6 more Wednesdays to go then. Hooray!
This morning (Sunday) 13 people met at Morrisons with 9 doing the multi-terrain thing and 4 in a slower group. The nine plus a very enthusiastic dog, ran over to the Old Hills, on to the river, though to Callow End (where we were cheered on by two of the locals?) and back. Just under 9 miles and 1hr 30mins in duration. Next week the Multi-Terrain gang will be meeting at the Wyche for a run led by Lucy.

London Marathon - Press Coverage
This years LM will be the 4th to take place since our formation. The past 3 years we have received excellent coverage in the local press. I would like us to enjoy similar coverage this year, especially as we have around 12 runners taking part (4 last year) many of whom are running for a particular charity. Therefore I would like someone who is doing the race to volunteer to co-ordinate the publicity in the way I did last year. Its quite simple and it goes like this:-
I will supply the email addresses of all those taking part and you send them a list of questions, name, age, where they live (area not address), charity (if any), finish time aimed for, hows the training been going, etc. Then email this, as is, to the Gazette. There is no need to edit it, they will do it. After the race, organise a photo with our runners proudly displaying their medals round there necks. Send that to the Gazette with a brief account of what the race was like for them, once again, obtained by email. Easy!

Race Reports
Today's racers have done me proud with three reports....
Steve Roode - Muddy Woody 6 - 18/2/07
Glorious sunshine greeted the 3 MJ's who turned out today for the Muddy Woody 6, John Newey, Nick Hitchings and myself. It certainly lived up to its name with plenty of mud for the length of the 6.8 mile course, a lot of it was thick soft clay which was really nice for the uphill climbs - not!! Lots of uphills and 2 stream crossings to deal with, I am sure you would have enjoyed this one Chris.
It was well worth the effort as the finishing line greeted everyone with the now famous Muddy Woody "T" Shirt, Coffee, Tea, Doughnuts, hot Soup etc.
However the only down side apart from my time was a fiasco with the parking - we were all parked on a single track road and the last person to turn up to their car was the person parked at the front!
Good performances from John and Nick both coming in well under the hour at approx 48 and 56 mins respectively, I came in just over aound 1:02 ish.
A good day out!
Thanks, Steve
John Newey - Muddy Woody 6 - 18/2/07
No results for the Muddy Woody 6 up on the Wye Valley Runners web site yet. Anyway, there were only 3 MJs there (Me, Steve and Andy) and 2 other Malvern residents (Matt and Emilie Scriven). They'll have to rename it as it's much longer than 6 miles now as the route changed a bit and it's now 6.8 miles.
Very muddy in places and 2 stream crossings.
Usual large field (400 I think is the entry limit). Matt James (Hereford Couriers) won it and Matt Scriven was fourth. I deliberately took it steady but picked it up in the last mile or two and managed to catch 4 people in the last couple of miles including 2 on the last hill to the finish. My time was a bit over 48 mins. I think i was
about 10th. Not sure where Steve and Andy and Emilie came.
The free drinks, soup and Doughnuts were most welcome afterwards! One thing to note was the bizarre parking arrangements. Most people seemed to get sent
down a narrow forest track in their cars. One car wide and no passing places so in effect it was one long thin car park. Eventually we came to a stop and everyone just got out and set off on foot for the start. This meant that you couldn't leave until the person in front of you left. Typically the one at the front was the moron who decided to turn up way after everyone else was ready to drive off.
Thanks, Jon
Julie Caseley - Forest-of-Dean Winter Trail Series Race 3 of 3
MALVERN JOGGERS ROCK!!
Today the green and yellow shirts (sorry, emerald and lemon) of Malvern Joggers shone brightly in the Forest of Dean. Four MJ's ran today - Samantha (10.4km),
Emma Gooderham, Richard Walsh and myself (all 15.4km). Emma and Richard streaked ahead and Samantha and I did our best to keep the flag flying around
this lovely course, approximately 2 miles uphill then 2 miles back (x3 for the 15.4km runners).
Samantha finished her 10.4km in 53:51, an improvement on her last time at this event in January by nearly 3 minutes. Richard was the first of the three 15.4km runners to finish but should have completed the course approx. 3 minutes quicker if he hadn't followed another runner and started a 4th lap! Can't say we're not keen, especially since he did a 20 mile long run on Friday as part of his FLM training!! Anyway, Emma finished in a fantastic time of 1:02:59 and I brought up the rear in 1:19:31, just over 3 minutes faster than the January meeting.
Now for the even better news! Emma was 2nd female finisher in the 15.4km, Samantha was 3rd female finisher in the 10.4km and I was 3rd female vet 40
in the 15.4km. More additions to the display cabinet!!

Thanks, Julie

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Meet at Morrison's, Townsend Way, Malvern
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race
Wed 21/1 Morrison's 7pm
Sun 25/2 Sunday - MT Runners meet Wyche car park, Gentle Joggers meet Morrison's
Sun 25/2 Bourton 10K
Sun 4/3 Gloucester 20 & Wyre Forest MT8
Sun 11/3 Stafford 20 & Fitness First Treat MT8
Sat 17/3 Rhayader 20
Sun 18/3 Ironbridge 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Stafford 1/2 Marathon, Clevewold 14MT & Forest-of-Dean Trails 1/2 Marathon
Sun 1/4 Scenic 6 (Peopleton) & Chedworth Roman Trail 10
Sun 22/4 London Marathon
Wed 27/5 Malvern Race for Life
Sun 1/7 Malvern 1/2 Marathon & 5K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annabel's response following Sam's last email:-
Chris have you SEEN Sam's new hangout...She did not exactly mention that it was paradise!
http://www.campfigtree.com/
You have to get the Campfigtree elephant 10k stomp (once Sam has created this unmissable event) on the champions league so that we can all go out there!

MJs in Business (free advertising!)
If you would like a job done, why not ask one of your friendly MJs to do it for you. Quality work at affordable prices:-
JPN Electrical - Jon Newey - Phone 01684-562050 & 07773-424410
GK Gardening Services (& DIY) - Gary Kimber - Phone 01886-833426
Aldine Print - Paul Bullman - Phone 01684-562786
backpackinglight.co.uk - Bob Cartwright - Phone 01684-575435
If you would like a mention here or you love your employer enough to give them a mention, please send me the details.

Anyone looking for employment? Let me know and I will mention it here.

Last Wednesday and this morning I was asked to mention certain things in the Club News but was unable to write them down. If I've missed anything, please let me know.

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 11 Feb 2007

Fellow athletes,

Race the Train
This is the event chosen for our camping/running weekend on the 18/19th of August. I have now sent my entry to the organisers. I would like a few others to do the same otherwise I will be there on my own! Note, when I tried to make a booking for 3 nights at our chosen campsite, I was told it was full so we are looking to see whatever else is available.
Also, the entry form has a box on it marked 'Reg No.' This applies to those who are entering as Malvern Joggers (i.e. members). I don't know whether they require the club number or your membership no. which is on your card. the club number is 'M187' Also note you do not have to be a member to enter the race. You can find more info on the home page of our website and the organisers website which is www.racethetrain.co.uk below is some info from that website:-
' Race the Train takes place alongside, as far as practicable, the route taken by the Talyllyn Railway on its journey to Abergynolwyn and back. In order to do this all courses use a mixture of public roads, lanes, unmetalled roads, tracks, agricultural land, and rough grazing pastures. In the case of the Main Races & 10K Races the route is much tougher as it crosses the faces of the hillsides, ascends and descends quite steep terrain and runs on narrow footpaths with little chance of overtaking. The terrain varies all the time and can be VERY wet and muddy in places, the routes also involve some STEEP hills. Often the train, or for many runners the track, is just over the fence and in many places if you coincide with the train any family or friends on the train will be able to shout encouragement to you. '

The latest from MJ Sam in South Africa
' I’VE GOT A JOB!!!
I start on 4th March. The idea of the 6 month placement is to give you experience as a field guide. They provide food and accommodation, and you look after the guests, and learn all about the surrounding area. Generally you don’t get paid.
I visited Camp Fig Tree last week and met Clyde the owner. He was very nice, and we chatted about his plans for the future of Fig Tree, of which obviously I told him my thoughts and ideas. I met his wife this morning, and her first words to me were “Clyde has already told me we must employ you”. I then said to her jokingly(?), I’ll be managing the place for you by May, to which she replied “I hope so”. She was also keen that I wouldn’t leave after the 6 month placement, so it looks like I’ll be staying for a few years???
They are closing the lodge in July for a re-fit. So I plan to come back to the UK for two weeks in July. I’m not sure of the exact dates yet. Marajke needs me to oversee the re-fit during the school holidays as she won’t be there, so she will let me know the dates in the next couple of days. She also feels it would be unfair not to pay me, and she is keen I don’t go elsewhere, so she will also discuss with Clyde a suitable salary – an income at last.
They also own a lodge in Zambia, and are currently building another two there, so I may have the opportunity to go there at some stage aswell.
I’m really pleased, and looking forward to starting there. It will be reasonably quiet over the winter months, (May to August), so I will probably be involved in maintenance work, but I will also be spending time in the Addo Elephant Reserve with experienced guides, and also plan to set up some walking trails through the mountains and forests, so there will be plenty to keep me busy.
Malvern Joggers – Julie, I see you’re doing lots of races still. I love the sound of all the activities that are planned for this year, maybe next year I could organize a South Africa Half Marathon??
Anyway, time to go to the beach. Level two starts tomorrow, so I need a relaxing day today- It was 38 degrees yesterday.
I look forward to seeing you in July – well as many of you as I can! I may need a taxi service, and accommodation – I am still a poor student!! – but not for long.
Love, Smiley Sam. x '
Thanks, Sam

Membership
We have 4 new members. The total now stands at 79. Welcome to Ian and Cathy Barker, Gillian McCann and Vivien Tolley.

Injured Jogger
Alison Merley - Just a quick Email to let you know I'm still not running on advice from Neill. Toe is still sore and he's found old injuries in my left calf and quad which he thinks explains it. Off to see him again tomorrow for what is hopefully final session of torture!
Thanks, Alison

Club runs
According to Ken at Morrisons Sunday 4th - ' On Sunday 4th Feb. seven of us (4 men & 3 ladies) met at Morrison's for a jog around Malvern. While en route we also met Ginny Sharp and female friend out running. There is a small but steady turnout on Sunday mornings for those who are not as energetic as the really fit ones.'
Thanks, Ken
Last Wednesday 46 Malvern Joggers went for a run around Malvern. Not bad considering it was Brass monkey weather and England were attempting to play Spain at football which was on the telly at the same time.
As the Wyre Forest MT8 was off I went down to Morrisons this morning (Sunday) were there were only 5 of us in total. Were was everyone else? It was a beautiful morning! 2 went off for a gentle jog of 4 miles while the other 3 of us went for a road-run of nearly 11 miles lasting 1hr 34 mins.
Next Sunday, all groups meet at Morrisons when I'm intending that the Multi-Terrain group can enjoy a run over to the Old Hills and beyond. If it doesn't snow!

Run Leaders on Wednesday nights
Whether by accident or design, the 9 minute/milers had about 4 different leaders last Wednesday I am told. Not all at the same time though. After approximately each mile a new leader takes over and decides the route for the next mile and so on. Given that it takes a while to find sufficient numbers of leaders for our running groups on Wednesdays, this might be something that could be tried for all groups.

Race Reports
Dursley Dozen 11/2/07 by Julie Caseley
' Sorry the Wyre Forest MT8 this morning was cancelled - hope you managed to do something else instead. Of course, you all could have come down to Dursley and ran a race to behold!! Certainly one for my calendar next year, all being well. A bit like the Mayhill Massacre only longer, therefore more mud (eat your heart out Chris!!) and more hills.
The start was a very steep 200m then just steep up to Stinchcombe Hill. After a short run around the golf course, the route re-entered the woods with a steep descent before climbing back onto the hill top. There was a couple of miles of flat road running which was great but then we were soon back onto an undulating woodland path leading to a steep and rough (not to mention muddy) descent. Another steep ascent led to Breakheart Quarry followed by three miles of track. The best and most interesting feature was the climb to the 'Precipice' where ropes were provided - it was impossible to get up there without them - which brought us back onto the top of Stinchcombe Hill. What a view - well worth the climb - before finishing downhill back into Dursley town centre. We discovered even the lead runners didn't manage to
run some of the hills - they are mortal after all!!
I finished in a time of 2 hrs 4 mins 25 secs thanks to Verona from Stroud AC who encouraged me to a faster time than I would have achieved without her. '
Thanks, Julie

At this point there should be a review of the Wyre Forest MT8, but it was cancelled, not that I was too disappointed! Here's what the organisers said on their website:-
' Feb 11 ~ A hugely disappointing day for AMAZING FEET RC with the loss of our lead event of the year - everybody is working hard now trying to notify 400 runners and 60 marshals of the cancellation, instead of looking forward to a great day tomorrow. Please hang on to your race numbers for a few days, until we have made a decision on whether or not we re-schedule. This will be included on here as soon as possible. Needless to say, all entry fees will be refunded where necessary
Feb 11 ~ RACE IS OFF ! RACE IS OFF ! RACE IS OFF ! 11.00 am Saturday morning. Club members have been out in the forest this morning, and the race route is still covered by 4 inches of snow, which makes the lower areas of the races by the stream very dangerous. We know the ground is frozen and heavily rutted under the snow, and if runners cannot see beneath the snow where their feet are going, the risk of broken ankles is too great. Also, we are unable to use either Parweld or the Visitor Centre car parks at this time ~ both are lethal ! We do apologise to all runners who were looking forward to this event - watch this space regarding any new date. However, as a club we are not going to step on other races toes by moving to their traditional date

On the subject of competitive action, a few observations following the Stourbridge Stagger.
I have to say, this was my kind of Multi-Terrain race, any mud being either frozen or dry depending on whether the sun had been on it and as MTs go not much in the way of hills. In fact it persuaded me to do the Wyre Forest MT8, which as you will now know I didn't.
At one point we ran through quite a lot of sand....some palm trees and a turquoise blue sea would have been nice but you don't get much of that in the Stourbridge area. This event's generally not known as a charity/fancy dressing occasion so it was a surprise to see Robin Hood and his merry! men taking part. Complete with homemade bows and arrows. Apparently, they were students from Nottingham. Fair enough!
Anyway, well done to the five MJs who took part especially Emma Gooderham who beat the other 122 ladies to the finish line.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Meet at Morrison's, Townsend Way, Malvern
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race
Wed 14/1 Morrison's 7pm
Sun 18/2 Muddy Woody 6 / MJs Walk - Long Mynd/Caer Caradoc
Sun 18/2 Sunday - MT Runners, Road Runners & Gentle Joggers - meet Morrison's
Sun 25/2 Bourton 10K
Sun 4/3 Gloucester 20
Sun 11/3 Stafford 20
Sat 17/3 Rhayader 20
Sun 18/3 Ironbridge 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Stafford 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Clevewold 14MT
Sun 25/3 Forest-of-Dean Trails 1/2 Marathon
Sun 1/4 Scenic 6 (Peopleton) & Chedworth Roman Trail 10
Sun 22/4 London Marathon
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 5 February 2007

Fellow athletes,

Attention, Fast group - Wednesdays
A message from Jon Newey:- We did a hill reps session tonight using Cowleigh Bank. Rather than run all the way from Morrisons and back it would enable us to get more reps in if we met nearer. We have decided to do reps on the next 2 wednesday nights and meet at 7pm at the Co-Op, Worcester Road, Malvern Link.

Marathon du Medoc
Peter Cowling has discovered that Marathon du Medoc registration starts 7th February. Check out http://www.marathondumedoc.com/
Just to remind you of what its all about, here what Peter says on our website:-
It certainly sounds like the most fun you can have whilst running a marathon. The course passes through 59 vineyards around Bordeaux and includes 22 aid and sponge stations, as well as 23 wine tasting stands, 52 special events and also various food points (oysters, entrecote steak, cheese, sausage and other delicacies). All these stops account for the race's slogan: "Le Marathon Le Plus Long Du Monde"-the World's Longest Marathon. The event sounds like one great weekend with lots of other things going on including a 10k post-marathon vineyard walk.
Thanks, Peter

Wolverhampton Half Marathon Relay
A suggestion from Sim Foreman:- Was thinking ahead to later in year and wondered if there would be interest to get a couple of teams in the relay challenge in wolverhampton city marathon (did the half a few years ago). As I recall the relay is marathon in team of 3 each doing 8 and a bit miles complete with baton. Date for this year is 2nd sept.

Tuesday Night running
If you are doing nothing on Tuesday nights and fancy a run, you might want to make your way to Malvern Splash where you will find a few like-minded souls meeting upstairs outside the gym at 6.30pm for a zip round Malvern.

London Marathon
Our resident physio, neil Williamson, has thought off something as a bit of fun for the London Marathon runners. They submit to me their predicted finishing times in the FLM (he thinks this will be an excellent time to do this) and then see whose the closest after the event - it could be an added incentive to reach that target goal!!

Club runs
Last Wednesday my man counted just over 60 at Morrisons. Expect a few less this week with the fast guys meeting elsewhere.Also, next Wednesday is the first one of the month so why not join us in the Nag's Head afterwards. Everyone is invited.
This morning, Sunday saw a good turn-out at The Wyche, as Helen reports:-
Had a good run this morning - perfect weather and I think there were 10 of us. We went along the ridge of the hill to British Camp then up and over to the oblisk,thro' the deer park and back round to meet the road. Went over the road onto another footpath which should have taken us back behind the Chase Inn but I got a bit lost there so we ended up coming back along the side path of the hill.10.5 miles all together-bit further than planned but I think everyone was happy with that! Hope you had a good race. Thanks, Helen
I've heard nothing regarding our road-runners & gentle joggers meeting at Morrisons on Sunday mornings for the last 2 weeks. Has there been anybody there?
Also, I'm looking for a leader for next Sunday's multi-terrain group so if someone would like to volunteer.....The choice of meeting place is yours.

Race Reports
Roman IX 28/1/07 by Cathy Barker
Ian and I were 2 of the 6 pitching up for the race. The walk up to the start didn’t bode well – a bitter wind and overcast. The run itself was good though, very well organised and a nice, undulating route with one real hill (but nothing too daunting after running round Malvern!). Some nice views if you looked around you rather than spent the time like me, looking ahead debating whether to attempt to catch up the person in front! Jon Newey came in 7th out of 588 at 44:06 mins; Andrew Blannin came in at 50:06mins; Ian clocked 56:15 (and frustrated he didn’t do better!); Andrew Gallagher was pleased with his 57:56 mins having set out to come in in under the hour; Steve Roode came in at 1:01:01 and I was very happy with my time of 1:05:05.
Thanks, Cathy
Stourbridge Stagger 4/2/07 by Julie Caseley
Today Malvern Joggers were represented by Richard Walsh, Emma Gooderham, Chris Barker, Steve Roode and myself in the 10ish mile multi terrain event, and Samantha ran the 6k'ish' ladies only race. The weather was fantastic so out came the sunglasses, although I'm sure it was more frosty in Stourbridge than Malvern which was a bit of a shock to the system.
Despite the slightly delayed start and the fact that the time keepers weren't at the finish when the first 6km ladies finished and the first 20 or so runners in the 10 mile race went the wrong way (I think the marshals were still in the loo!!), on the whole it was a good race. Having said that, those first 20 or so runners did approximately 3/4 mile less than everyone else, but hey, who cares, it didn't affect the result in any way. Emma did really well collecting the first lady finisher prize and Richard finished 19th. I felt really good today and ran well, knocking just over 10 minutes off last years' time.
Because of the popularity of this race, the organisers have now decided not to take entries on the day as from 2008 - so if you want to do this event, book early next year!
Thanks, Julie

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Meet at Morrison's, Townsend Way, Malvern
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race
Wed 7/1 Morrison's 7pm / Nags Head
Sun 11/2 Sunday - MT Runners meet TBA, Road Runners & Gentle Joggers - meet Morrison's
Sun 11/2 Wyre Forest 8
Sun 18/2 Muddy Woody 6 / MJs Walk - Long Mynd/Caer Caradoc
Sun 25/2 Bourton 10K
Sun 4/3 Gloucester 20
Sun 11/3 Stafford 20
Sat 17/3 Rhayader 20
Sun 18/3 Ironbridge 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Stafford 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Clevewold 14MT
Sun 25/3 Forest-of-Dean Trails 1/2 Marathon
Sun 1/4 Scenic 6 (Peopleton) & Chedworth Roman Trail 10
Sun 22/4 London Marathon
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 28 January 2007

Fellow athletes,

Please send me anything you have that I can include in the Club News. If you are a MJ it will be relevant. I need your stuff! Like Sam has, for example......

Sam's latest report from South Africa
'Dear All, How’s the weather???
It’s been pretty hot here, getting up to 41 degrees last week. Luckily the day it was that warm we were on a three day field trip to Stilbaai, to learn about coastal ecology – we spent a lot of time swimming in the sea!! – with a bit of studying on the side. I’m not intending on working on the coast, so I didn’t feel it necessary to concentrate too much.
We have also done a survival and field ranger exercise, where we were given a map, a compass, instructions as to various checkpoints, and sent on our way. We had to collect various items from the checkpoints, sleep out overnight, then collect further instructions to find our way back. It was great fun, and we only got slightly lost!
The next few weeks are going to be pretty hectic. I am currently in George, collecting the bus for our trip to Addo Elephant Park, and Tsitsikamma National Park in the Eastern Cape Province – about a 4 hour drive from Riversdale. On the way here we pass Bloukrans, the highest commercial Bungee jump in the world at 232 metres, some of the guys are planning to jump it, and are trying to persuade me!!!
At Addo, we will get chance to search for Elephant on foot, as well as going on various Game drives. We return from this trip on 4th February.
On the 5th of February we go to Sambona Game Lodge, for another overnight stay, and further field guide training. We return late on 7th Feb, then have the next two days off before the level two course starts on 10th February – this is the serious course, I must pass to go on my placement. The actual exam is on 18th February.
We then have the rest of the month to finish all our assignments, get our folders in order, and do any other assessments that are still outstanding, for me that will be the shooting again as I failed that the first time.
Then we leave!!! I have arranged a small holiday between the end of the course and my placement, where I have arranged to go hunting with Danie our instructor. I plan to shoot a Springbuck and a Blesbuck. I will also have to skin them etc. Apparently it is customary to eat the raw liver of the first animal you shoot??
I have a couple of options for my placement
1) Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve (www.mkuzefalls.com). It is quite a long way from here in the Kwazulu-Natel Province. It looks stunning, and is based in Big 5 country with no fences – must pass my rifle assessment!!
2) Fig Tree Camp. (www.campfigtree.com) Which is in the Eastern Cape Province, not too far from Addo. There are more walking trails and things here, and for the game drives you have to drive down to Addo.
Although I will miss my walking, I think my preferance is Mkuze as I will get so much more experience – I don’t need to decide until mid February, so I’ve still got time.
Malvern Joggers – I’m still reading the club news every now and then. Fantastic London Marathon numbers – good luck to you all with the training. My running has taken a huge dip, mainly due to the heat(any excuse), winter will be here soon – a few degrees cooler, so you never know, I might get my running shoes back on.
Anyway, enough from me. Hope you are all well. Let me know any gossip.
Love Sam'
Thanks, Sam

Joggers in the Gazette
See page 93 left hand side, of last Friday's Malvern Gazette headed 'Race lived up to name' for an account of our exploits in the May Hill Massacre.

Wyre Forest MT8
This is taking place on the 11th of Feb and according to the Amazing Feet website, on Jan 26th there were still a few places left. There are no entries on the day.
It also states that the most entries have been received from Shropshire Shufflers with 17, Telford Harriers 16, Ludlow Runners 15, Black Pear Joggers & Stourbridge RC 11, Worcester AC 10 and Malvern Joggers with 8 entries.

Membership
75 members at present. The 'star' letter in the current edition of Runner's World, page 14, is written by someone who joined a running club 75 miles away because it only cost £20 when the local club were charging £60. He should have joined our club where it is a lot cheaper still!

Local Runs
Roger Brierly & Stuart Brown have been in touch to tell me that five runners met at Morrisons this morning at 8.30 am to have a long run. Stuart B, Roger and Jill B, Paul and Sim completed just over 14 miles on road via Little Malvern, Welland and the 3 Counties showground which took just over 2 hours, 8 min 45 secs per mile. This is the furthest Paul has ever run!
Thanks, Guys
Nothing heard from the Road-Running or Gentle Joggers
Meanwhile the Multi-Terrain group totalled 9 (Chris, Neil Williamson, Peter Cowling, Lisa & Helen, Amanda G, Roger Moore, Dave Gibson & Lucy Prosser + canine). Meeting at the Wyche Cutting we ran down the Old Wyche Road, across the common, over the golf course to Upper Welland, Little Malvern, British Camp and back to the Wyche for a run totalling almost exactly 9 miles, according to my Accuroute distance measuring software, Dave. It was hilly, but there was no mud!

Not the Roman IX
According to Jon Newey:- Not many MJs at Stratford today (6 i think). Not sure how the other Jogs got on. I managed to hang on for 7th this year (11th last). Don't know if I was any quicker though.
Thanks, Jon
If anyone of the 6 could write me a short report, I would appreciate. I can put it in next weeks News.

Race Reports
Riverbank Rollick 28/1/07 by Julie Caseley
' Richard Walsh and I represented the Malvern Joggers at the Riverbank Rollick this morning at Thornbury. There was, yet again, lots of mud and a couple of hills in the second half of the race, not to mention the obligatory 50 metre run through a very cold stream only yards away from the finish - it went some way to cleaning the mud off the shoes! If there wasn't such a strong headwind on the long run parallel to the Bristol Channel, I would have enjoyed the view of the Severn Bridge so much more. In the second half of the race as my shoes became clogged with dirt and stones, I began to wonder if this race was specific training for the London Marathon, afterall, Richard
was doing it so surely we both couldn't be wrong! It then crossed my mind what training the other 11 or so Marathon hopefuls were doing this weekend. Anyway, at the end I justified my decision to run by convincing myself it was good for my stamina and leg strength and at the end of a recovery week, 8.5 country miles can't be that bad!
Richard came in a very commendable 6th in 1:02 and I was only 104 places behind him a not so commendable 1:27:39 (still, one minute faster than the Mayhill Massacre - see, I am improving!!) By time I crossed the finish line, Richard was looking very presentable, having had a shower, or at least changed his clothes!!
All in all, a hard but enjoyable race but disappointingly, no momento - I felt I deserved something! '
Thanks, Julie

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Meet at Morrison's, Townsend Way, Malvern
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race
Wed 31/1 Morrison's 7pm
Sun 4/2 Stourbridge Stagger
Sun 4/2 Sunday - MT Runners meet , Wyche Cutting, Road Runners & Gentle Joggers - meet Morrison's
Sun 11/2 Wyre Forest 8
Sun 18/2 Muddy Woody 6 / MJs Walk - Long Mynd/Caer Caradoc
Sun 25/2 Bourton 10K
Sun 4/3 Gloucester 20
Sun 11/3 Stafford 20
Sat 17/3 Rhayader 20
Sun 18/3 Ironbridge 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Stafford 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Clevewold 14MT
Sun 25/3 Forest-of-Dean Trails 1/2 Marathon
Sun 1/4 Scenic 6 (Peopleton) & Chedworth Roman Trail 10
Sun 22/4 London Marathon
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 21 January 2007

Fellow athletes,

Age Limit for running with the Malvern Joggers
I would like to remind everyone that due to legal considerations, it is the clubs policy not to allow anyone below the age of 16 to run with us, except in special circumstances, such as where a runner may have some sort of handicap and may need an under-age runner with them. 16 to 18 year olds may run only with parental consent, where the parent or guardian has signed a form, which the club provides, which absolves the club from any responsibility for them.

Website
I've come to the conclusion that some of the information/notices on our website homepage are getting missed as people log on, pick something off the menu, and leave the homepage. Scroll down and you will see details on Wednesday night runs, Sunday morning runs, Camping Weekend, Running Weekend in France and contact details.

Membership
Welcome to new members Enos Turnbull, Ian Gray and Melanie Newport. We now have a total of 75 members.

Local Runs
Last Wednesday 72/73 runners were counted at Morrisons included around 6 new runners one of whom was Matt Luckham from Welland who has got a place in the London Marathon through the ballot. This makes 13 MJs definitely taking part.
Talking of the London Marathon, any MJ doing it this year may be interested to know that the MJs record was set in 2004 by Andy Myhill, who ran with us last Wednesday. His time was 2.59.55 !!!
Following last Wednesday's run run 15 people attended the Indian meal at the Blue Ginger.
The Sunday morning multi-terrain run. Peter Cowling reports:-
'Seven of us ran off-road from the Splash this morning. Roger Brierly led us on a very pleasant route to Hanley Swan and back. We encountered several roads, assorted paths, various muds, dry grass, wet grass, streams and everything in between. We had rain, sunshine, wind and calm, hot and cold. We even had animals and rainbows and we finished with an interesting cut through Malvern College. It was a really nice, hour and a half, nine mile, Sunday morning run and I'm glad I made it, but it looks like the washing machine for those running shoes again.'
Thanks, Peter

and the Sunday morning multi-terrain run according to Roger Brierly:-
'Hope you have not been massacred!
Seven of us met at the Splash this morning and run cross-country over to Hanley Swan and back via the Oxhill. Lovely morning although the conditions under foot were extremely wet and muddy in places. However we covered 9 miles in 1 hour 30 with Paul and Sim doing an extra 2 on either side. I thought I might have a mutiny on my hands at one particularly boggy point but everyone said they enjoyed it at the end!
Those present: Roger B, Paul N, Sim Foreman, Roger M, Peter C, Big Steve and Amanda Greenwood'
Thanks, Roger
Next Sunday, multi-terrain runners meet at the Beacon Road car park, Wyche Cutting. Road runners and GJs meet at Morrisons.

Race Reports
May Hill Massacre 21/1/07 by Chris Barker
Mud Hill Massacre more like, but then I wasn't expecting anything different. I'm not known to be a lover of muddy races but this was a new event so I thought I would give my support and find out what it was like, being ready for it having done the Castlemorton run the previous Sunday.
Now I know what it was like and I won't be doing it again, not there was anything wrong with it. It did what it said on the entry form and it was superbly well organised and marshalled. The sun shone, there was an impressive turn-out of 356 runners and the proceeds including all the race entry money went the charity, Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
The first 25 minutes of running (for me) was fine, we got to the highest point of the course on the top of May Hill and the view was fantastic. I looked across and saw the Malverns, my thoughts turned to home. Whoops, getting a bit of a softie when I'm supposed to be a rough, tough multi-terrain runner! So far the running surface had been good and the climb to the top was easier than I thought. Then things went downhill as we hit the mud, a few miles of it. Of course it helps to be wearing the right footwear and this is the last time I'm attempting anything like this in a pair of stilettos! Still, not every MJ made such hard work of it as I did with Jon Newey cruising round in an effortless 1.00.16 to take 5th pace with Richard Walsh not far behind in 11th place in 1.02.59.
After a reasonable start I faded badly as my fellow MJs overtook me. As Steve Roode went by I said I expected to finish in about 1 hr 10 mins. I'm embarrassed to say I clocked 1.25. Then I was overtaken by Lisa Dainty but the spell I put on her seemed to work as she twisted an ankle just in front of me. Next Carl Flint got in front of me followed by the entire walk/run group of our Gentle Joggers (not strictly true). Still another bedshirt, sorry t-shirt to add to the collection at the finish. Anyone want my place in the Wyre Forest MT8?
Other MJs taking part, having survived the massacre:- Peter Wilson, Helen Giddings and Julie Caseley making 9 in all.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Meet at Morrison's, Townsend Way, Malvern
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race
Wed 24/1 Morrison's 7pm
Sun 28/1 Sunday - MT Runners meet Beacon Road car park, Wyche Cutting, Road Runners & Gentle Joggers - meet Morrison's
Sun 28/1 Not the Roman IX - Stratford
Sun 4/2 Stourbridge Stagger
Sun 11/2 Wyre Forest 8
Sun 18/2 Muddy Woody 6 / MJs Walk - Long Mynd/Caer Caradoc
Sun 25/2 Bourton 10K
Sun 4/3 Gloucester 20
Sun 11/3 Stafford 20
Sat 17/3 Rhayader 20
Sun 18/3 Ironbridge 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Stafford 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Clevewold 14MT
Sun 25/3 Forest-of-Dean Trails 1/2 Marathon
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales/Race The Train
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France/Marathon de Medoc

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 14th January 2007

Fellow athletes,

MJs Walk
This is for serious walkers who will need the necessary kit. A good pair of walking boots will be more suitable than your beloved trainers. The first walk took place on the 3/12/06 led by Eric with 9 people taking part. Roger Brierly has planned, and will be leading the next one, as he explains:-
' February 18th: Walk on or around area of Long Mynd in Shropshire. Walk of approx 3.5 - 4 hours duration followed by lunch in a local hostelry. The plan is to walk either up on the Long Mynd itself or up and around Caer Caradoc, with views over to the Long Mynd. Either walk will provide superb scenery and lunch afterwards is provisionally at The Yew Tree in All Stretton. If you are interested in joining the walk please contact Roger Brierly at rogerbrierly@gmail.com. The group will meet at the Splash car park at 7.30 a.m.'
Thanks, Roger

May Hill Massacre
This is a new event which takes place next Sunday near Huntley in Gloucestershire and seems to be creating some interest amongst the Malvern Joggers. I have attached the race entry form. Its described as ' A woodland winter challenge to the serious MT runner. Not for the faint-hearted! A testing new race with real climbs to the highest point on May Hill'. Its a charity event with the proceeds going to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. As its a new race and not everybody's 'cup of tea' although you'll probably enjoy one afterwards, I'm sure you will be able to enter on the day. Give it a go!

Nicky's Knee
Nicky Salisbury, remember her? She used to run with us. She's on her way back, as follows:-
' Hope you had a good Christmas and New Year, now back to normal and training resumes to normality!!
Just an update on my on going injury!! gosh bet everyone is bored of this, I promise you I am too!!
Well at last got the all clear at the hospital......religiously did my knee bending and sqwats!! all over Christmas and New Year!! ......got a lovely 5" scar but hey recon! its a new fashion statement!!........no running till the summer but I can walk and swim!! ..Hope to get to the curry night on 17th Jan.....Keep up the training and watch out for any wet rocks!! '
Thanks, Nicky

Marathon Training
With the 12 of our runners doing the LM plus other MJs running other marathons, I thought everyone might like to know about the Black Pear Joggers marathon training plan for 2007.
Stuart Wild is Black Pear Joggers’ marathon guru. He has completed nearly 50 marathons himself [and in fact aims to complete his half century in 2007!] and loves to see other people achieve their ambitions. Stuart has a schedule which is an excellent basis for running a spring marathon [London, Stratford, Taunton etc] . It consists in gradually stepping up from 10 miles on a Sunday to 20 miles as the training increases towards April. The group, which now has about 20 people of various running abilities, meet every Sunday morning at 8.45 am at Perdiswell leisure Centre and set off on a range of country and canal routes. If you are wanting to run a half or a full marathon this is an excellent way to get there.
MARATHON TRAINING PROGRAMME 2007
Jan 21 – 10 miles
Jan 28 – 14 miles
Feb 4 - 16 miles
Feb 11 – 12 miles
Feb 18 – 18 miles
Feb 25 – 12 miles
Mar 4 - Gloucester 20 race (Enter early, the best preparation for London)
Mar 11 – 12 miles
Mar 18 – 18 miles
Mar 25 – 10 miles or Forest of Dean ½ marathon race (Better for those concentrating on speed)
Apr 1 - 20 miles (Taunton marathon or ½ race for those who can’t wait for London)
Apr 8 - 16 miles (Easter Sunday)
Apr 15 – 8 miles
Apr 22 – London marathon (8 miles for those doing Stratford)
Apr 29 – Stratford ½ marathon and marathon
All start at Perdiswell on Sunday at 8.45 unless there is a race
Thanks to The Black Pear Joggers for allowing any MJs who may be interested, to take part and thanks again to the BPJ for allowing me to reproduce this in the Club News/Blog.

Local Runs
Two people counted up the runners at Morrison's last Wednesday. One said 68 while the other reckoned 75-80. It was a lot anyway.
This morning, Sunday, 11 met at Welland for a run over to Hollybush which totalled 8 miles. While we wanted a run that offered a bit more variation than road-running this was probably a multi-terrain run too far with a lot more mud than I expected. I won't say anymore for fear of putting anyone who was thinking of joining us' off for good. I think on reflection a run on the hills would have been a better option and that's what my next Sunday run will probably consist of. Having said that, my trainers and leggings are now out the washing machine, none-the-worse for their experiance....and the washing machine is still in working order.
Roger Brierly will be leading next Sunday's run so you expect something more civilised! Meet on Malvern Splash car park, priry Road at 9.30am.
Meanwhile, MJ Derek Goodman reports on our other run this morning, from Morrisons:-
' 7 "Roadrunners" plus 4 Gentle Joggers attended this morning. The Gentle Joggers organised their own run (well done again) and we had an enjoyable 9 mile canter to Barnards Green - Golf course (we found some mud) - Wells road - through Malvern Town centre and back down the Worcester Road to Morrisons. Very enjoyable company, all of whom helped me get round at an acceptable pace, thanks.'
Thankyou, Derek

Race Reports
Gloucester New Year 10 - 7/1/06 - by Chris Barker
3 MJs took part in this one, Richard Walsh, Peter Wilson and myself. There are not many 10 mile races about but I like this distance because its a good compromise between 10K and 1/2 Marathon and its easy to work out your min/mile pace afterwards. The course was as promised undulating and the conditions foul with the wind and at times heavy rain in our faces particularly in the last 4 miles making a faster second half a near impossibility. I found myself 3 minutes down on last years time but felt a bit better when Peter told me he was 2.5 minutes worse off. I pushed Richard all the way to the finish where a photo separated us by 16 minutes. Tea, coffee and cakes where available afterwards in the Anchor Inn skittle alley which doubled as the communal changing facilities! In a field of 266 the MJs finished:- 15th Richard 1.02.15, 60th Peter 1.09.34, 129th Chris 1.18.42

Nonsense Corner
Would you like to be an international athlete? I would, I've been trying for years. Fame, glamour, dosh, sound quite appealing but its so difficult to get into the GB squad. However, maybe there is another way, by representing the Independent Principality of Sealand www.sealandgov.org
Sealand was founded as a sovereign Principality in 1967 in international waters, six miles off the eastern shores of Britain. The history of Sealand is a story of a struggle for liberty. Sealand was founded on the principle that any group of people dissatisfied with the oppressive laws and restrictions of existing nation states may declare independence in any place not claimed to be under the jurisdiction of another sovereign entity. The location chosen was Roughs Tower, an island fortress created in World War II by Britain and subsequently abandoned to the jurisdiction of the High Seas. The independence of Sealand was upheld in a 1968 British court decision where the judge held that Roughs Tower stood in international waters and did not fall under the legal jurisdiction of the United Kingdom. This gave birth to Sealand's national motto of E Mare Libertas, or "From the Sea, Freedom".
The official language of Sealand is English and the Sealand Dollar has a fixed exchange rate of one U.S. dollar. Passports and stamps have been in circulation since 1969 and the latter decade of the 20th century saw an impressive expansion in its activity both socially and industrially as it began to develop a growing economic base which underscored its long-standing membership of the international community of States.
The website which was originally constructed for Sealand is located at http://www.fruitsofthesea.demon.co.uk/sealand/; there you may find early pictures and other information relating to the first 25 years of the island's life; the web site is maintained there for historical purposes.
Athletes required? Read on:-
According to their website:- ' We note the continued success and achievement of our Athleta Principalitas, Darren Blackburn, in his marathon running (an interesting feature article covered some of his competitive activities and can be found in a recent issue of the Toronto Star) and would like also to pay special tribute to Slader Oviatt, who recently carried our flag to the top of Muztag Ata, the tallest peak in Asia. Our congratulations to him for his mountaineering achievements.
The Principality is also considering formal recognition of further Sportsmen who have expressed an interest to contribute to the international sporting community as representatives of the Principality. Appointments and activities will be reported when available.
Further queries to the Bureau of Internal Affairs [burint@sealandgov.org], Principality of Sealand, SEALAND 1001 (c/o Sealand Post Bag, IP11 9SZ, UK) '
What are waiting for?

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Meet at Morrison's, Townsend Way, Malvern
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race
Wed 17/1 Morrison's 7pm / Blue Ginger Indian 9pm
Sun 21/1 Sunday MT Runners - meet Malvern Spash car park, Road Runners & Gentle Joggers - meet Morrison's
Sun 21/1 May Hill Massacre - Huntley, Glos
Sun 28/1 Not the Roman IX - Stratford
Sun 4/2 Stourbridge Stagger
Sun 11/2 Wyre Forest 8
Sun 18/2 Muddy Woody 6 / MJs Walk - Long Mynd/Caer Caradoc
Sun 25/2 Bourton 10K
Sun 4/3 Gloucester 20
Sun 11/3 Stafford 20
Sat 17/3 Rhayader 20
Sun 18/3 Ironbridge 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Stafford 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Clevewold 14MT
Sun 25/3 Forest-of-Dean Trails 1/2 Marathon

Happy running,
Chris

Chris's Blog from 7 January 2007

Fellow athletes,

Anyone fancy a curry? Our next social
A message from our Peter Cowling:-
Some MJs, friends and partners will be going out for a curry after the run on Wednesday 17th January, probably at the Blue Ginger in Malvern Link. Everyone and anyone is welcome to join us but if people could let me or Andy Milton know beforehand then we will be able to book a big enough table. If there is enough interest, a curry or similar will become a regular event for the third Wednesday of the month.
If you are interested please let Peter Cowling know at Peter@malvernjoggers.co.uk or Andy Milton at Andy@malvernjoggers.co.uk
And from Andy Milton:-
Just to let you know i've booked us in at the Blue Ginger on the 17th for 8.30.I've told them there will be about 20 of us so we need to do a bit of advertising, Chris can you mention this on the weekly news.
Thanks, Guys

New Baby news
From MJ Ruth Johnstone:-
An eventful Christmas for Mark and Ruth Johnstone: Pacey James decided to make an appearance on 28th December, some 10 weeks early. Although likely to remain in intensive care for several weeks, Pacey is progressing well. As of today (Day 4), he no longer needs assistance with his breathing, most of the monitor wires have now been removed and he has just been promoted out of the high dependency ward. It is now largely a question of time for him to get up to fighting weight before we are allowed to take him home. Obviously we’ve had quite a shock, but the standard of care that we received at Worcester hospital was outstanding, and we continue to be thoroughly impressed by professionalism and quality of care that Pacey is receiving in the neonatal unit. As for me, I’m recovering well, delighted to be back home and looking forward to running with the Club rather sooner than expected!
All the best for 2007
Thanks Ruth, and congratulations from all the Malvern Joggers!

MJ Sam Hammond reports from South Africa
Dear All,
Happy new year. I have just returned from my Christmas break in Kenya. It was brilliant, and really wonderful to see family again. We had a few days in Mombasa, staying at a hotel right on the beach. It was the first Christmas I have ever spent abroad, and was very strange opening presents on the beach, but I think it is something I could get used to!!
We were then due to go to Ambosli on a few days Safari, however, due to unusual rains the camp we were staying at had been washed out, luckily, they found an alternative place at Samburu, which was further North. We had some excellent game drives, and saw Lion, Giraffe, lots of Elephants, including a new born, who was struggling to stand, a Leopard, and lots and lots of Crocodiles, who lived in the river which flowed past the rooms where we stayed.
I flew back on New Years Eve, but had a very quiet New Year for two reasons. Firstly, the plan was to spend New Year at the beach, where there is always a huge party going on, but the weather (again unusually) was a bit cold and wet, and secondly, I was absolutely knackered and just wanted to sleep, so I was in bed by 9!!
I start studies again on Thursday (4th Jan), so have got a couple more relaxing days. We have got a very busy time then for the next couple of months. We have a few practical field trips in January to various other Game reserves, then I have the Level 2 course starting on 8th Feb, with all the main exams around 20th Feb. Then off to my placement!! I’m not sure where I will be going yet, but have to start looking into various options now, but where ever it is I’m really looking forward to it.
I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year,
Thanks, Sam

Sodbury Slog
According to Clare Hill:-
For all those that ran or would just like a laugh the BBC will be showing the Sodbury Slog 2006 on Television BBC 1 West, which is channel 986 on sky digital, not our regional BBC on Friday 12th January at 7.30pm. The program it will feature on is called "Inside Out".
Thanks, Clare

Joggers in the Gazette
Last Friday's edition. See the back page, top left hand corner, 'Joggers see in New Year' Where you can read a report on our exploits in the Hereford New Years Day 10K. Thanks to our Press Sec. Jon Newey.

London Marathon:-
Accommodation - Doing the London Marathon but don't know where to stay or maybe confident of running the race but would prefer to leave the logistics of the weekend to others. This was me in 2004. Until someone told me about WRP (Weston Running Promotions). They have 5 hotels across London including one at Tower Bridge where the professional athletes stay. In fact, they offer a complete package and leave you to concentrate on the race. See their advert in the current Runners World, page 133, or look up www.wrptours.co.uk
More MJs taking part - Our newest member David Sutton also has a place, through the ballot, as does one of our newer runners Geoff Carpenter? who has a charity place Clare Hill's Sponsorship - Clare would very much appreciate your sponsorship, as follows:-
I have set-up a web page for people who would like sponsor me for the Flora London marathon, which I will be running for Leukaemia Care, this saves me having to worry about chasing up the money afterwards. The address is: www.justgiving.com/supportme
If anyone would like to sponsor me the old fashioned way then I will bring my sponsor forms with me every Wednesday for the next 15 weeks, so please just shout, kick or ask me for them.
Thanks, Clare

Local Runs
As usual I forgot to count the number of runners at Morrisons last Wednesday, I think I was busy giving out membership cards, but it looked like a good 60. If somebody could do a count each week and let me know I would appreciate that. The later you leave it the better.
This morning (Sunday) -
Our regular Sunday morning group met in Upton-upon-Severn. According to leader Dave Gibson:- Five MG's ran from Upton this morning covering 8.34 miles in 71 minutes, fastest mile 6.49 slowest just over 9 minutes (Stats courtesy of Paul!!). The route was flat, primarily alongside the Severn interspersed with a couple of sections of road.
Thanks, Dave

Meanwhile here's an account of the planned gentle Joggers run from Morrison's:-
We had 11 turn up this morning at Morrisons. We split into 2 groups, Judy, Carl, Ros & myself & had a refreshing run of just over 6 miles in the rain with 7 gental joggers completing 3 1/2 to 4 miles. It was really good so see the new runners and for them to organised themselves, they did very well.
Next sunday Ros & I will organise another run fom Morrisons for those who are interested, again in two groups. As we tend to stay on the roads we now have the gentle joggers, Malvern Road Runners & your group "The Muddy Sunday Runners".
Thanks, Ros & Derek

Membership
Welcome to our newest member, Geoff Carpenter. This brings the total to 72 and still going. Last year we finished with 60 members.

Race Reports
Last Chance 10K 31/12/06 by MJs Ian & Cathy Barker
Ian and I did the “Last Chance 10k” down on Exeter Quay on New Year’s Eve. It’s a great race…if the weather holds out, otherwise it’s a rather exposed. We were lucky this year – it was very mild and the rain held off until the very end of the race. The course is flat and fast, running two loops from the quay down the river and back, mainly along a new cycle path and a wide gravel path. The race is well organised and although a lot of the runners looked too keen for my liking, the atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed.
Ian had a good run despite nursing a pulled muscle – he finished 178 out of 497 in a time of 47:38. I had a great run – partly because I ran with my old running buddy from Exeter. Needless to say, we ran slow enough to be able to keep up a conversation and finish with a sprint! I was pleased with 57:51 (347th) – it was a comfortable run and a PB! The goody bag was interesting too – chocolate training shoes, shortbread and a miniature Glenfiddich (came in handy for a hot toddy after a VERY wet bike ride on New Year’s Day!).
Thanks, Ian & Cathy

New Years Day 10K 1/1/07 by Chris Barker
Maybe not the best day of the year to go running 6 and a bit miles at race pace, but none-the-less 13 Malvern Joggers turned up at Hereford for this one, in fact, 256 people in total survived the previous nights festivities to line up at the start including Mark Witt and Carl Anthony who were running their first races as Malvern Joggers. After a short walk to the start alongside the flooded River Wye we set off on an undulating course marked at intervals in kilometres. Timing my splits, I was hoping to reflect on a really fast kilometre somewhere along the way. Unfortunately every one had a hill in it! but a good way to start the new year anyway and the next local 10K is a long way off unless you include the 'enter very early' Bourton 10K.
Of the MJs, Jon Newey and Richard Walsh looked to have had a bit of a ding-dong finishing in 36.34 & 36.38 for 11th & 13thplace respectivly. Mark Witt was our 3rd finisher in 40.53 then Stuart Day, Nick Hitchings, Stuart Brown, Chris Barker, Eric Bromage, Andrew Gallagher, Steve Roode, Carl Anthony, Julie Caseley and Clare Hill.
I confidently told one or two people I was going to do a PB for this race, the fifth time I've done it. With a 1/4 mile left I was on-course to achieve this so I eased off, finishing just 5 seconds inside my existing PB but the official timing added 5 seconds on, the time it took to get over the start line. So the record shows an identical time. Ah well, try again next year!

Forest-of-Dean Trails Series 7/1/07 by Julie Caseley
This was the 2nd of a series of three races. The weather was wet to say the least and that reflected in our times, although the winner of the 15k finished in about 55 minutes so perhaps he liked the rain!! Malvern Joggers were represented by Samantha, myself and Amanda Greenwood, Samantha and Amanda running the 10k and me running the 15k again. Amanda finished in a time of 55:20 (6th female out of 26), Samantha in 56:49 (9th female) and me in 1:22:42, nearly 4 minutes slower than last time. Even though I was the 10th female to finish out of 15 and was well down the 15k field, I still managed to pick up 3rd female veteran prize. The first trophy of the New Year!!
Thanks, Julie

Gloucester New years 10 - A report to follow next Sunday. I'm a bit 'typed-out' at the moment.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Meet at Morrison's, Townsend Way, Malvern
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race
Wed 10/1 Morrison's
Sun 14/1 Muddy Sunday Runners - meet Welland Primary School, Road Runners & Gentle Joggers - meet Morrison's
Sun 21/1 May Hill Massacre - Huntley, Glos
Sun 28/1 Not the Roman IX - Stratford
Sun 4/2 Stourbridge Stagger
Sun 11/2 Wyre Forest 8
Sun 18/2 Muddy Woody 6
Sun 25/2 Bourton 10K
Sun 4/3 Gloucester 20
Sun 11/3 Stafford 20
Sat 17/3 Rhayader 20
Sun 18/3 Ironbridge 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Stafford 1/2 Marathon
Sun 25/3 Clevewold 14MT
Sun 25/3 Forest-of-Dean Trails 1/2 Marathon

Not running related but....
I hope everyone enjoyed the music at the MJs Christmas Bash. I know some of it was a bit old but there again so were most of the band’s musicians. I have to say I had no influence in what was played.
This was the first MJs Christmas party where any sort of music has been featured. Our first two Christmas’s involved an Indian meal (Agra, then Zam-Zams) and our third Xmas was in the lounge of the CSSC club where we made our own fun. Maybe next year we will do something different.
My participation in the band has now come to an end as playing the drums was not ‘doing it for me’. I am now practising hard on the Bass Guitar, so if you can knock out a few chords on the electric guitar, I would be interested in hearing from you.

Not running related II - In fact, some mobile phone info
From MJ Sim Foreman:-
Those of you who know me are aware that I am keen on moneysaving to the point of being a tightass!.
I am just sorted Em with a new mobile phone contract where she gets 50 mins and 100 texts a month for £1.67 (you pay £20 a month and send bills off to get cheque
backs - have been doing it for years).
Am gutted as same deal is now free for 12 months, but loads of other good deals on this site. Have a look if your phone is due soon or now and hope
you can save some money.
sim and em
http://www.e2save.com/?money4me6509121
Thanks, Sim

Happy running,

Click here to read Chris's blogs from 2006