Malvern Joggers

Club News

Chris's Blog from 30 December 2007

Listen up y'all

Race Reports
Wheaton Aston Roman 10K, 27/12/07 by Julie Caseley
' The Wheaton Aston is a lovely fast, relatively flat course and billed as a good opportunity for a PB. Somehow I managed to run it nearly a minute slower than 2006 in 50:16 even though I felt I was going really well and was helped along by a couple of pace makers who kept me going. However, the start is a very narrow lane and then the course winds its way through the village before setting off down surrounding country lanes. I found the start very slow with 361 runners all jostling for positions as well as some very slow runners near the front of the field. However, the weather conditions were really good with only a relatively short stretch running into a headwind.
The presentation was a bit late with much confusion over the ladies prize giving as the 1st female finisher was also a FV35 and was awarded this prize, to everyone's amazement. Also, the 7th male finisher and 190th female had the same running number which caused even more confusion!! It has since come to light that Chris Penn from Birmingham University, who was the 7th male finisher, was wearing the same number as last year when he finished 5th!! Thank goodness for Brian Smith from DK10K and his photographic evidence. Amazing what some people will do to avoid paying an entry fee!! On the whole, an interesting morning '
Thanks, Julie

Wheaton Aston Roman 10K update:-
' Continuing the saga of Chris Penn and his duplicate number, apparently he did enter this years race but picked up last years number by mistake which was in a drawer at home so he has been reinstated, albeit red faced and very apologetic for the confusion he caused at the prize giving!! '
Thanks again, Julie

Here's Julie again, this time on her bike
VC Sevale Freewheel Competition
' I saw this event in the Gazette last year about a week after it happened so I decided to give it a go this year.
I rang "Eric" to ask what it was all about - what could be simpler - meet at British Camp car part at 9.45 am, then cycle to the lay by on the Ledbury side, competitors then set off at intervals and freewheel towards Ledbury until they ground to a halt and the competitor who travels the furthest is the winner! The event would then be followed by a bike ride before finishing at the Farmers Arms in Birtsmorton at 12 noon, lunch and the presentation at approx. 1 pm.
The thought of me hurtling down the hill from British Camp was all a bit much for Paul who decided just to meet me for lunch at the pub and transport me and the bike home. I did ask him to make sure the wheels were on securely before I left home but not to bother too much about the brakes as they were an optional extra for todays event!! He also fitted a rather snazzy horn Rebekah bought me for Christmas just in case someone emerged from the Wellington Inn or the Colwall road, which I was told was a distinct possibility as the roads were not closed!
I had to use Paul's mountain bike for this event as mine was having its annual service which wasn't such a bad thing as I understand I wasn't able to go as fast - something about surface area and friction!! He was right - I finished last behind a 3 wheeler but apparently if I'd eaten more mince pies I may have beat the 3 wheeler!!
We then set of on our bike ride but had to make an emergency stop virtually straight away to repair someone's chain and then our leader had a puncture at about 15 miles which he was able to repair in double quick time (replacing the inner tube, etc. which he produced from a little pouch under his saddle - these professionals are so well
prepared!)
The ride itself was fantastic with everyone being really friendly but best of all I was able to keep up for the 27 miles to the pub. In the end we didn't stay because I'd arranged to go for a run in Bromsgrove with Samantha in the afternoon!
There were about 20 riders in all with just 2 ladies and I think I was the only non-club member who turned up so if any of you want to have a go next year, you'd be made welcome. Regards, Julie '
Thanks again, again Julie

Sunday Morning Runs - 30/12/07
By Amanda Greenwood - ' Thanks for the mail. Hope you had a good run this morning. I arranged a last minute meet up with Judy and Clare and led them on a leisurely 7.5 miles around Hanley Swan; a lovely route with a mixture of off and on road sections, mainly flat but with a couple of short sharp hills to remind us we were in Malvern! And as an added bonus, we met a couple of very cute pigs on route, who made a beeline for us as we went past!!
The recent rain had made the muddy sections muddier than normal, so we looked like proper ruffty-tuffty cross country runners by the time we returned to the
cars! A very cold but lovely clear morning, great route and company made it one of those runs which make you remember why you're a runner!
Now the season of overindulgence is almost over, I'm keen to get back into enjoying my weekend runs and as there are a couple of MJ's starting serious training
for London, I've arranged a couple of runs for next weekend as follows:
Saturday 5th Jan: 9.30am: 7-ish miles (approx) from the Wyche (meet at the Beacon Car Park)
Sunday 6th Jan: 9.30am: 7-8 miles from Old Hills (Car park on the s-bend)
We're keen to use these runs to build up endurance and so speed is secondary to just getting the miles in our legs. As a result, we'll be aiming to run at between
9 and 10 min miles all the way round, according to the pace of the slowest runner in the group. Routes will be mainly off-road but the Sunday route in particular
has a few road sections. Anyone who fancies joining us on this basis will be very welcome! Happy running new year!! Amanda '
Thanks, Amanda
By Chris Barker - being Christmas/New year I kind of forgot to arrange anything until Phil J. and I bumped into each other on Saturday afternoon which meant it was a bit late to let everyone know. Phil and I decided to meet at Runnings Park (appropriately enough) West Malvern and were joined, in the end, by Steve Roode, and Dave Gibson. We ran a route enjoyed a few times in the past which took us through Cradley and Mathon uphill and down dale, alongside and over a few water features. One of these was not unlike the one at the Suicide Six, fortunately we didn't have to run through it. Steve was wearing his Christmas presents and can now claim to well and truly have run-in his new trainers given the mud which was clinging to them at the finish. Other than that, things were fairly quiet, no other runners, very few cars, no animals, just the four Malvern Joggers! A total of 7 hilly and mainly off-road miles were covered.

Running is good for you
From the Daily Mail - 26/12/07. Old Rule; Running will give you arthritic knees. New Rule; Running protects against arthritis
' Last year American scientists reported that adults who run regularly have 25% less musculoskeletal pain and less arthritis than non-runners when they get older.
Although running is a high impact exercise, if you run consistently your joints, tendons, ligaments discs and muscles get used to the habitual pounding of the activity.
The body accommodates and copes with the demands. '

Coming up
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Morrisons.
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race.
Tue 1/1 New Years Day 10K - Hereford
Wed 2/1 Morrisons
Saturday 5th Jan: 9.30am: 7-ish miles (approx) from the Wyche (meet at the Beacon Car Park) led by Amanda G.
Sunday 6th Jan: 9.30am: 7-8 miles from Old Hills (Car park on the s-bend) led by Amanda G.
Sun 6/1 New Year 10M - Gloucester
Wed 9/1 Morrisons
Wed 16/1 Morrisons
Sun 20/1 Mayhill Massacre
Sun 20/1 Not the Roman IX
Wed 23/1 Morrisons
Sun 27/1 Gloucester Marathon & 50K
Thu 13/3 MJs Walking Group in the Lake District (Eric 01684-576576)

Weekly Reminders
Mustering - run to the back of the group from time to time.
I am now sending the Club News/Blog out in 2 emails as I only have capacity for 100 recipients
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
Now the dark nights are here, please make sure you wear something that will make you visible in the dark such as a white or fluorescent top
Please see the Risk Assessments on our website

Forthcoming Races
20/1 - Not the Roman IX (Stratford) - There used to be a race called the Roman IX. As you can probably gather, this isn't it. The original one was a 9 mile race which was a victim of its own success and was replaced by this one. Its run over 12K which is about 7.5 miles. Its well organised and hugely popular which maybe hard to understand given its rather obscure race distance. Entry form on the Stratford AC website.
27/1 - Gloucester Marathon & 50K - This year sees the return of the Glos marathon after a few years absence and therefore a good opportunity to get a marathon under your belt before the London but don't injure yourself in the process please. Emma is doing the 50K and Rich Walsh is doing the marathon. Maybe others. I'm sure the aforementioned MJs would appreciated your participation. Entry form on the Gloucester AC website.
17/2 - Muddy Woody 6 - Six mile multi-terrain race at Mordiford between Ledbury and Hereford. It fills up really quickly so don't hang about. Its muddy and its woody!
Entry form on Wye Valley Runners website.
24/2 - Bourton 10K - Road race at picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos. Like the Muddy Woody, you'll have to enter quickly so don't delay. Entry form on the Bourton Road Runners website.

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 23 December 2007

Listen up y'all

The Christmas Party
Thanks to everyone who came to our Christmas Party last Wednesday. This was my first experience of a celidh and it was some energetic stuff to say the least. Good job were all fit, well 'fittish'. Thanks to Peter Cowling for organising it and well done to Mark Cusack and Amanda Imms who received the club London Marathon places in the draw.

Race Reports
Mortimer Forest Hill 16/12/07 by Rich Walsh
' Was suprised at the lack of turn out from fellow malvern runners for this one considering what a good race it is. conditions were better on foot than last year resulting in faster times.In a field of 347 runners Chris Wilson from Worcester AC was first to cross the line in a time of 1:05.48. i had a good race knocking about 4 mins off last years to finish in 1:13.48 for 14th place. Battled it out well with fellow malvern local Matt Scriven who finished about 30 secs ahead for 9th place, and to my suprise finished ahead of usually super quick matt james(who wins a lot of the local races) but believe he may have been recovering from flu. These faster runners should be ill more often! Carl Anthony was the only other malvern runner there as far as i know, who did a respectable 1hr34 to finish in the top half of the field.
Thanks, Rich
Mortimer Forest Hill Race 1612/2007 by Carl Anthony
' After seeing the car frozen at 10pm on Saturday night I wasn’t looking forward to a trip to the wilds of Shropshire for what everybody kept telling me was a “real” fell race, particularly as the word hill appeared in the race title. Luckily it had warmed up a bit Sunday morning so things were looking up. The race starts from the grounds of a posh private school at Overton just outside Ludlow. There were good toilets and changing facilities and the bonus of a van selling bacon butties and burgers if you made it back to the finish. About 350 runners turned out for the 11am start, with myself the only Malvern Jogger on parade (you were sorely missed Big Cheese). The course after leaving the school grounds and crossing the main road quickly started to climb through the forestry on a narrow bottle neck of a path that meant we were not making rapid progress. There was then section dodging trees before the first eye opener of a hill. This was a single file muddy track which was very steep and everyone was down to a very slow climb, my calves were burning by the top of this hill (only a mile in). There was then more gradual climbing and some big descents before what was described to me as three rolling hills (ha! Rolling! They were V shaped). They were very steep descents that then went straight into very steep ascents; these were not that high except for the last killer one, they will be fondly remembered for a long time. There was then a lot more gradual climbing and descending until we were at the highest point running on cut bracken. This was followed by a lot of fast descent down very muddy slippery tracks. The track levelled out with a mile to go which was very welcomed but with a glance across the valley my heart sank as I could see people climbing again. There was a nasty short hill with half a mile to go that probably caught a lot of people out. The finish was then back down the track we started on through the wood. So with the Garmin saying there was still about 0.4 of a mile to go I started to make progress on the two runners ahead. Unfortunately the finish was not at the start and came out of nowhere at about 9.7miles. I finished a respectable 149th out of 347 finishers in a time of 1hr34m53s. I was told the finishing times were faster this year as the ground was frozen in a lot of places that meant it wasn’t as muddy as normal. Local runner Matt Scriven finished 9th in 73m09s and former Jogger Rich Walsh came 14th in 73m49s. This was a well marshalled race however the organisers took a very long time to sort out the results and the prize ceremony was over an hour after the finish. I’m writing this on Monday night and my legs are really hurting now, it’s a real experience for anybody that has done the beacon race and is looking for another challenge. Cheers,Carl '
Thanks, Carl

Local Runs
The Hills Run 23/12/07 by Peter Wilson
' Chris, just to let you know that the annual Hills Run went ahead this morning as planned and was a masterpiece of organisation down to the smallest detail. Well one of those is true! Two carloads of intrepid 'end to enders' were deposited at Whiteleafed Oak, where we headed briefly south into Gloucestershire to climb Chase End Hill and touch the trig point before heading north.
Andy Milton quickly set a new course record by slipping on his bum after less than 15 seconds but amazingly that was the only tumble in two hours of steady progress. We cheated almost straight away by skipping Ragged Stone Hill, which looked a bit inaccessible tucked away behind masses of trees. On approaching the Hollybush, Jon Newey and Matt Scriven hove into view, having run down to meet us. Having two of the area's foremost fell runners leading the way could have been bad news from then onwards, but they were very patient during the frequent halts whilst the supposed leader (me) caught up.
We bypassed Midsummer Hill and the Obelisk but from then onwards it was along the tops all the way. The views from the ridge were stunning in the bright sunshine up there, and it was far from cold. After much cheerful exertion we eventually passed through the saddle between North Hill and Table Hill and via End Hill descended to North Malvern Road, where Ruth's other half had very kindly made some warm mince pies ready. It was then on to phase two - the Nags, where minds were already being applied to the challenge of ensuring that when next year we do north to south, there are home baked mince pies waiting there too.
This year's roll call: Andy B, Andy M, Nick H, Paul N, Stuart B, Steve R, Ruth and me. '
Thanks, Peter
Castlemorton, Whiteleaved Oak, Chase End Street, Hollybush, Golden Valley Run 23/12/07 by Chris Barker
We didn't actually run further than the guys in the above report but I thought I'd make it sound like it.
Thinking that I might be the slow coach on the Hills Run, and seeing who was there confirmed it, I decided to join the happy bunch at the Gullet Quarry car park of which there were only three, Judy, Eric and Peter C. surprisingly.
Driving through the fog on the way I was pleased to find we were meeting in sunshine near the Gullet although the sun hadn't been out long enough to avoid some 'trainer spin' when we set off. Set off we did and covered about 7 1/4 miles which included avoiding some long horned bulls who took more than a passing interest. Good job they didn't charge as wasn't carrying any money. Also the local hunt was in evidence in the distance but far enough away so they didn't chase us either. There must have been enough foxes around! Having said that, bulls, dogs, were ready for anything! and did you know about the Cider Mill at Golden Valley and did you know there used to be a pub there too? Edumacational or what!
Next local run - The Three Horseshoes, Poolbrook 9.30am Christmas Eve.

Christmas Message
From the leader of our Sheffield branch, Roger K. Moore:-
Happy Christmas everyone. For those who wonder where I’ve been for the past 10 months, I somehow managed to bash my left knee last February and, after attempting to run through it (which turned out to be a very bad idea), I decided I’d better stop for a while. Anyway, after a summer of limping and cycling, I restarted running in October, and am gradually increasing the mileage. I’m now up to 8 miles (but very slow), so I’m hoping I’ll be able to re-join the Sunday runs sometime in the New Year. All the best, Roger
P.P.S. For those who don’t know me but who took part in the Beacon race, I’m the guy who was taking pictures of you round the back of North Hill.

Thanks, Roger. While I'm here is there anyone else who would fit into the category of 'long time, no see'. If that's you, please get in touch and let us know how you are.

From our Secretary Phil:-
' I have had a letter from England Athletics inviting nominations for election to their West Midlands Regional Council. I also have the forms which I will be happy to pass on to anyone who is interested. '

Boxing Day Run - Cross Keys
A long time ago there was a multi-terrain run every Boxing Day until it was killed by the local police. MJ Paul Millsom tells us about it:-
' Being away over xMas I'm sad about missing the unofficial Boxing day run from the Cross Key's near Suckley.
It's a great cross country run of about 9 miles through lovely varied scenic countryside and drinks by the warm fire in the pub afterwards.
This local unofficial run used to be an organised event many years ago until the police refused to sanction it because of a few of the lanes being narrow.
So its become a tradition to for people to still run the same course at 11:00 am Boxing day but it's not very competitive.
No one clocks your time, there are no numbers, no entry fee but someone will provide you with a map.
As the run is non-competitive there are plenty of runners familiar with the course who will guide you and match your pace.
It's normally attended by about 20 to 30 casual runners, most of whom are from Worcester Athletics. '
Thanks, Paul
Personal Accident Insurance
This is purely for those who are members and something which we have invested in for the first time. Our Tresurer Alison has arranged this and she advises me that she has received a letter from Oval to confirm that cover under the Personal Accident Insurance (Cover B) became effective on 17 December 2007.

Coming up
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Morrisons.
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race.
Mon 24/12 Meet 9.30 at the Three Horseshoes, Poolbrook
Wed 26/12 Meet 9.30 at Welland Village Hall/School & Cross Keys (Suckley) run
Tue 1/1 New Years Day 10K - Hereford
Wed 2/1 Morrisons
Sun 6/1 New Year 10M - Gloucester
Sun 20/1 Mayhill Massacre
Sun 20/1 Not the Roman IX
Sun 27/1 Gloucester Marathon & 50K
Thu 13/3 MJs Walking Group in the Lake District (Eric 01684-576576)

Attachment of the Week
The Not The Roman IX and the Mayhill Massacre are unfortunately on the same day although one is a road race and the other is, er, muddy. Take your pick.
I'll feature the Mayhill Massacre this week as its a Champs League race. Maybe the Roman next week but if that's the one your going to do, better enter ASAP.
Regarding the Mayhill Massacre, which was run for the first time last year, I have done 54 multi-terrain races in my time and this was the muddiest! I said I would never do it again! but here we are, new year (nearly) new optimism and I find myself leaning towards it, ish! At least this time I will be running in the correct footwear. Why I did it in a pair of stilettos last year, I'll never know.
The first 2 miles are pleasant enough although fairly uneventful and take you to the highest point on the course where if you look back you can seeing the River Severn snaking its way through Gloucestershire. It all goes downhill from there or was it we were having a rather prolonged spell of wet weather? Expect some mud. The entry form is attached.

Happy running & have a very cheesy Christmas,
Best wishes from Chris & Maria

Chris's Blog from 09 December 2007

Listen up y'all

MJs 2007 Christmas Party - 19/12/07
Still a few tickets left see Peter Cowling or Jenny Field on Wednesday night or email Peter on PCowling@MalvernJoggers.Co.UK

Wednesday Night Christmas Run - 12th of December
This Wednesday!!! As I mentioned last week we will be having our usual Wednesday night run looking all Christmassy. You can run around Malvern looking like you normally do for 51 weeks of the year so why make a special effort for this weeks run! If you don't have anything on the night, you can pop across to ' Instore ' , also on the retail park, where they have a fine range of quality Christmas merchandise (or tat, if you like) such as musical Christmas hats, Christmas ear muffs, hats with bells on and musical antlers with fibre optic lights. A pair of baubles will make lovely earrings, guys! Don't be the boring one!

London Marathon 2008
We now have eight definitely in. Alison Chaundy will be one of them.....
' Hi Chris, At last.... I am first at something!!! Sadly though, not a race. However, I may be the first to get a place in the London marathon by the ballot. I heard on Friday night, when I got back after a week working away. I'm still trying to recover, I'm now panicking madly after a life of eating too many pies in hotels and Christmas to look forward to. Still, no excuse now and something to work towards. So if you see me toddling around very early on Sat mornings, give me a toot. If I ever make it back on a regular basis I will of course see you all on Wednesdays. Hope you are well, say hi to everybody. Ali '
Also there will be David Sutton who has emailed me with the following......
' I am back running again after injury and I have had confirmation of my deferred place for FLM 2008 so will be reappearing on Wednesdays when work allows '
Regarding the two club places, Mark Cusack has been unsuccessful in the ballot and joins the other three runners hoping for a bit of luck at the party when the draw takes place.
Anyone else in, please let me know and if you qualify for the draw. You will need to have been rejected in the ballot and have been a member for at least 12 months. I will need to know before the night of the party.

GPS Devices - Help needed
I have received the following from Jenny Field.....
' I am looking for a GPS unit. All my Gentle Joggers want to know how far we have run and now my bike computer has ceased to function I can't measure the routes.
I have seen so much conflicting information on the webb I don't know which is a good buy. Anyone know of a resonable priced unit that is simple to use ,reliable
and could be fitted to a bike as well. Please e-m any ideas to jennifer.field@ lineone.net Thanks JEN '
Can you help?

Emma G's Injury Clinic
Emma Gooderham.....' I have suffered a calf strain which has put me from 50 miles a week to zero last week, and I've since managed two v.slow miles this week. I have gone from frustration to reassessing my goals and aspirations and making the most out of this situation. I know exactly what caused it - on sat 24th Nov I was adamant that I wanted to run 20 miles, to finish off a 51 mile week. It was icy and cold and dark when I set off that morning, but I felt good, and so went off at a great pace - too quick. At mile 5, after a gradual climb for half a mile, my leg felt as if it had cramped up, and the feeling never went. I carried on regardless and completed 20 miles at 7.15 pace, some miles were sub 7. Stupid I know - now. I couldn't even walk for two days after. If you intend to run long this winter please warm up gently, stretch and look after yourself - I don't want anyone to go through what I did. I could be out of racing for a while, but physio, stretching, warming and icing , swimming, cycling and gentle treadmill running are speeding recovery (I'm an expert in calf strains now - apparently mine was grade 2). Also if you do suffer an injury see it as a learning curve to a being a better runner - I think we can all learn from our mistakes! '

Race Report
Christmas Pudding Run 10, 9/12/07 by Chris Barker
I didn't have the best of luck when I was snapped by a speed camera on route in Walsall. I took me rather by surprise so I didn't have time to comb my hair first. Hopefully there won't be any film in it but if you fancy having a whip round for me... but at least it didn't rain as I had convinced myself I was going to get drenched for the third Sunday out of the last four.
The ten mile course itself wasn't especially scenic, particularly if you are a Malvernite, and involved running alongside a few miles of busy road. This resulted in a road rage incident at one point about 100 yards in front of me between a competitor and a Land Rover. This wouldn't have happened if the runner had been on the path just to his left!
Personally, I had a close encounter with some plastic fencing near the start and just managed to stay upright. Wondering what the hell it was doing there, it turned out to be the finishing funnel ready to be put in place as soon as the runners had left.
All finishers received a Christmas pudding plus a fine medal which is one of the few actually worth keeping plus other edible goodies. I was especially pleased to receive the Xmas Pud as I am not a lover of Christmas shopping and this meant a bit less to do. Unfortunately its not what you would call family size!
Over 700 did this last year so I assume roughly the same number turned out this time. Starring for the MJs were, in finishing order Rich Walsh (nil pwa), Emma G. who took it easy due to injury finishing in 1.06, Jim Apps, Jill Brierly, Phil Jackson, Roger Brierly, Chris Barker after much huffing and puffing 1.17, Steve Roode, Julie 1.2? and Samantha Caseley. Well done to Emma who was 3rd lady overall and winner of the Female Vet 35 prize.

Membership
This is now up to 90. Welcome back Lucy Prosser and Helen Clarke

Coming up
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Morrisons.
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race.
Wed 12/12 Morrisons - Wear something Christmassy
Sun 16/12 Mortimer Forest Hill 10
Sun 16/12 Yacht Handicap - Bournville, Birmingham
Wed 19/12 MJs Annual Christmas Bash - CSSC Club (see Peter Cowling for tickets). No organised run.
Sun 23/12 The Hills Run (peter.wilson@garwyn.com)
Tue 1/1 New Years Day 10K - Hereford
Sun 6/1 New Year 10M - Gloucester
Sun 20/1 Mayhill Massacre
Sun 20/1 Not the Roman IX
Sun 27/1 Gloucester Marathon & 50K
Thu 13/3 MJs Walking Group in the Lake District (Eric 01684-576576)

Attachment of the Week
The New Years Day 10K at Hereford on, not surprisingly, the 1st of January. Everytime I mention this to someone, the immediate reaction is 'but that's the morning after New Years Eve'. Right, but why let that get in the way of a fine race and there's always the bravado thing of 'who got to bed latest ' (on the morning of the race) and still did it. For that matter, you could always go back to bed afterwards. It is a road race so you don't have to go tramping through a load of mud! Now that wouldn't be much fun! So why not celebrate your health and fitness (or hangover) on 1/1/08 with your fellow MJs of which there were 12 in this race last year. The entry form is attached.
You can enter on the day if you want to see if that legless feeling has disappeared before committing yourself.

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 02 December 2007

Listen up y'all

MJs 2007 Christmas Party
Numbers for the Christmas bash need to be confirmed on Wednesday. If anybody wants to come along and hasn't got a ticket yet, can they please bring their money along on Wednesday night or let Peter Cowling know their intentions so he can reserve a place for them. He can be e-mailed at PCowling@MalvernJoggers.Co.UK

Hills Run - 23rd December
Peter Wilson has sent me the following:-
' Should you fancy an alternative to last minute Christmas shopping, the 4th annual Hills Run will take place this year on Sunday 23 December, circa 10am. It's called the Hills Run because we do them all, from one end to the other! (Ok, maybe we skirt one or two). This year it's the turn of south to north so we will be setting off from Chase End Hill and - eventually - descending from North Hill to the Clock Tower car park. Estimates of how long this will take vary according to (a) fitness and (b) social life, but it is definitely not a race.
If you are interested in coming along, we need an idea of numbers in order to plan the drop off near Chase End Hill, so please email me (peter.wilson@garwyn.com) or have a word at the Xmas bash.
The plan after the run is to decamp to the Nags just in time for the doors to open, so even if the run isn't convenient why not join a few of the MJs for a boozy Sunday lunchtime. Cheers, Peter '

Lake District Walking Weekend
News from Eric of the next outing:-
' A small group of us are going up to the Lake District in mid March for a long weekend of winter hillwalking.
The plan is to drive up Thursday 13 March to stay at Haweswater for 3 nights returning Sunday.
Anyone interested in joining us contact Eric on 01684 576576 and/or look at www.haweswaterhotel.com '

London Marathon 2008
So far no-one has contacted me to say they have secured a place through the ballot! is that because the LM organisation has yet to tell those who have been granted a place? If you have been, please let me know.
If you have been unsuccessful, you may be eligible to go into the draw for one of the two club places. Bear in mind you must have been a member for a minimum of 12 months and priority is given to those who have not run the LM before. At present, 3 people are in the draw, Samantha Caseley, Judy Newman and Amanda Imms.

Wednesday night Christmas Run - 12th of December
Two years ago we had a Christmas lights run when we dressed up in a Christmas Jogging stylee and ran around Malvern looking even madder than we normally do. Last year it didn't happen for some reason so now is the time to bring it back. I suggest that on Wednesday the 12th we dress up in anything seasonal that is to hand, Santa outfit, Xmas hat, thong whatever, baubles, tinsel, antlers, you name it and enjoy a special Christmas run past any houses we can find that are suitably illuminated i.e. Jamaica Road, Pound Bank, Langlands etc. After all, if the local kids are going to heckle us we might as well give them reason to do so!
If you haven't got anything to wear try 'Instore' on the retail park where they should have plenty of good cheap stuff.

Race report
None. Julie must have been Christmas shopping today!

Next Sunday
Meet at the British Camp car park and join leaders Paul and Helen for a hilly run of around 10.5 miles and in Helen's words ' there are lots of places to do a smaller circuit if people don't want to do the full run. Don't want to put anyone off!!! '

MJ in the Runners World
As many of you will know, last months RW featured our own S-T-E Steve Roode in the Great North Run. In this months edition if you turn to page 46 you will see Malvern Joggers England International E-M-M Emma Gooderham, who didn't need the Red Arrows to make an impression, and a feature on how she qualified for the World 50K. It doesn't end there as Andy Milton can clearly be seen on page 102 in the Cardiff Half Marathon with the Millennium Stadium in the background. These Malvern Joggers get everywhere, who will be in next months edition?
Answer? Me, as I intend to feature on the front page having won my next race, the Christmas Pudding 10, wearing only a Malvern Joggers vest!

News from Annabel J.
' Sorry to be a remiss and bad MJ. I will be joining, but not before Christmas. The good news is however that I have run twice this week, which is as much as I had run in aug, sept and oct combined! I am very busy making jewellery for fairs in the evenings at the moment, but will hopefully be back next week, unless the hash is local.
Did Eric tell you about us finding each other in a very compromising position which involved massage and naked feet!! '
(Interesting - Ed)

Running partner wanted
We have received the following email........
' I would like to start running with a group. I have been running before and recently ran the Worcester Beacon race in a time of 1:30, for which I trained on my own. Unfortunately I cannot make Wednesday nights so do you know anyone who might want to run with me? My pace is about 10min miles and the furthest I have run is 8 ½ miles but since the Worcester race I haven’t done much as time and dark nights and mornings do not permit. I live in Welland but I am able to drive out to someone.
Thank you for your help, Jayne '
If you could be a running partner for this lady please let me know and I will pass her email address on to you.

Membership
Carol and Dave Green have now rejoined us making a total of 88 members (69 this time last year).

Coming up
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Morrisons.
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race.
Wed 5/12 Morrisons followed by the Nags Head
Sun 9/12 Christmas Pudding Run 10
Sun 9/12 Local Run - British Camp 9.30am
Wed 12/12 Morrisons - Wear something Christmassy
Sun 16/12 Mortimer Forest Hill 10
Sun 16/12 Yacht Handicap - Bournville, Birmingham
Wed 19/12 MJs Annual Christmas Bash - CSSC Club (see Peter Cowling for tickets)
Sun 23/12 The Hills Run (peter.wilson@garwyn.com)
Tue 1/1 New Years Day 10K - Hereford
Sun 6/1 New Year 10M - Gloucester
Sun 20/1 Mayhill Massacre
Sun 20/1 Not the Roman IX
Sun 27/1 Gloucester Marathon & 50K
Thu 13/1 MJs Walking Group in the Lake District (Eric 01684-576576)

Attachment of the Week
The Mortimer Forest Hill Race. If you think your hard enough come and have a go at this. I'll do it but in my own time. Taking place near Ludlow, it might be easy for some but it was a mother of a race for me. The first time I did it I declared it was the longest ten miles of my life. The second time it didn't seem quite as bad because I knew what was coming but its 1700 feet of ascent still took its toll. Its what I thought the Suicide Six was going to be like.
If you'd like to join me, its cheap and you can enter on the day but bear in mind its on the same day as the Bournville Yacht Handicap which is an MJs club competition race where you can amass big points. You get nothing for doing Mortimer's Forest!
The race entry form is attached.

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 25 November 2007

Listen up y'all

MJs 2007 Christmas Party
Not many Christmas Shopping days left to buy your tickets for our annual Christmas Bash on the 19th of December. Please see Peter Cowling or Jenny Field on Wednesday night. More info on the website. Only a tenner! Some cash or a cheque made payable to 'Malvern Joggers' will do nicely!

London Marathon 2008
Please let me know if you receive a ballot place. You should be finding out any day now. We already have six of our runners with a place in next years race, i.e. one with an elite place, one good for age, one in having been rejected five times and three with a place deferred from last year.

Race report
Tour of Pendle Fell Race 17/11/07 By Richard Walsh
' went into this race completely relaxed and laid back which was probably a good thing considering the ordeal i was about to put myself through! the first hour an a bit was very enjoyable, having no climbs that much worse than the beacon race so was able to enjoy the spectacular views around. i was worried id started too slowly but by the end of the race i realised this was certainly a good stategy! around half way there was a descent so steep and slippery i must have fallen over and slid on my bum about three times! the second half of the race was where the ascents and descents became proper tough, about 3 hills too steep to run taking a good part of 15 mins to ascend. by the last hill i was well knackered and was only saved by a supply of jelly babies i had on me. although the last two miles were downhill, this wasn't easy in a fatigued state. i think i may have fallen over again! still- although i thought i may not make it back alive at one point it's one of the best spent 2hr53mins iv had running. beats london marathon ten times over! Rich '
Thanks, Richard
Forest of Dean Trail Series Race 1 (15km) 25/11/07 By Phil Jackson
' The Forest of Dean is an area I love and the race started at one its most beautiful spots, Mallards Pike Lake. I knew Julie was doing it so I thought I would have a go too. For the 15 km you do three laps of a loop on forest tracks centred on the lake. It was reasonably warm and sunny and conditions under foot were not too bad. There was also a 10k at the same time (run by Julie and Samantha Caseley) and a 5k. I was quite pleased with my time (1 hour 12 minutes) but I was really doing it to build up some easy miles (I'm aiming for 100 miles in one month; up to 91 for November at the moment!) The next one in the series is January 6th and I thoroughly recommend it. Yours, Phil '
Thanks, Phil
Forest of Dean Trail Series Race 1 25/11/07 By Julie Caseley
' Three intrepid MJ's (Samantha, myself and Phil Jackson) motored down to the lovely Forest of Dean this morning to sample the ups and downs of the 1st of a series of 3 races. Not only that, there are also three distances to choose from so all abilities could be catered for.
Having done all three races at 15.4 km last year, I seemed to have come to my senses and decided there wasn't much point and opted for 2 laps and the 10.4 km, as did Samantha. On the downhill stretch of the second lap, I was grinning inwardly knowing I didn't have to go round again, unlike Phil who opted for the 15.4 km and 3 laps. It was very competitive, the winner of the 15.4 km being a member of the British Triathlete squad (assuming that was his fleecy he was wearing!!) and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed runners all came in in under an hour. The race was a lot better organised this year with the 15.4 km runners starting at 10 am, the 10.4 kn runners 15 mins later and the 5.4 km runners 15 mins after that. It was also Championchip timed and the presentation was efficient and on time at 12.45 pm. Also, this year they didn't run out of medals for the longer distance runners!! On the whole, a great morning out and already looking forward to the 2nd race in the series on 6 January.
The bacon/sausage bar made a killing - we were lucky in that we got to the queue fairly quickly for our bacon butty. Regards, Julie '
Thanks, Julie

So, what is Jogging?
Having nothing better to do recently, I was wondering how the term 'Jogging' originated. So I had a look to see what Wikipedia had to say about it.
Firstly, a short explanation:- Jogging is a form of trotting or running at a slow or leisurely pace. The main intention is to increase fitness with less stress than actually running, instead of competition.
History:- The term to jog/jogging as a form of exercise originated in England in the mid seventeenth century. This usage became common throughout the empire and in his 1884 novel 'My Run Home' the Australian author Rolf Boldrewood wrote 'your bedroom curtains were still drawn as I passed on my morning jog'.In the United States jogging was also called "roadwork" when athletes in training such as boxers, customarily ran several miles each day as part of their conditioning. In New Zealand during the 1960s or 1970s the word "roadwork" was mostly supplanted by the word "jogging", promoted by the coach Arthur Lydiard, and this form of running became quite popular among many people at that time. University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman, after jogging with Lydiard in New Zealand, brought the concept of jogging as exercise to the United States in 1962. Bowerman published the book Jogging in 1966, and later updated the book for a 1967 republication. Bowerman established jogging programs for men and women of all ages. The popularity of these programs helped to spread the concept of jogging as an exercise for everyone throughout the United States.
Benefits? Like other types of aerobic exercise, jogging is an excellent means of improving cardiovascular health, bone density and physical fitness.

Ascent
Competing (if that's the word) in the Suicide Six last Sunday, I expected to be confronted with some near vertical hills as well as mud and water. I was surprised to find the hills on offer where probably no more challenging than what we might run up and down in Malvern on a Wednesday night. Later I checked the Garmin to find the total ascent (all the ups added together) was actually 665 feet. I know elevation readings on a Garmin cannot be totally relied upon and are affected by obstacles such as trees but I wondered how 665 feet compared with some of the other races I have done the year. Here are the figures for some of the others:-
Tree Trot 10K 240ft, Scenic Six 248ft, Crowle 10K 257ft, Tenbury 10K 329ft, Warndon 10K 359ft, Malvern Half Marathon 12 miler 481ft, Hereford Half Marathon 582ft,
Wyre Forest MT8 700ft, Eastnor Seven 766ft, Stourbridge Stagger 772ft, Ledbury Chase 1016ft.
I didn't do the Beacon Race this year so I don't have a figure for it but If someone who did do it would like to consult their Garmin Training Centre for the total ascent, I would be interested to know what it is.
Arhh, the magic of the Garmin!

Membership
Thanks to our Secretary Phil who tells me that membership has gone up to 86. Welcome back to Amanda Greenwood and welcome to Helen Robson. This time last year we had 67 members

Coming up
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Morrisons.
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race.
Wed 28/11 Morrisons
Wed 5/12 Morrisons followed by the Nags Head
Sun 9/12 Christmas Pudding Run 10
Sun 16/12 Mortimer Forest Hill 10
Sun 16/12 Yacht Handicap - Bournville, Birmingham
Tue 1/1 New Years Day 10K - Hereford
Sun 6/1 New Year 10M - Gloucester
Sun 20/1 Mayhill Massacre
Sun 20/1 Not the Roman IX
Sun 27/1 Gloucester Marathon & 50K

The Yacht Handicap
This is race number five in the MJs Champions League. It takes place in Bournville, Birmingham on Sunday the 16th of December at 11.15am.
Here is how it works; Pick a team of two; mixed sex/mixed ability is fine!

Predict the time you think your team can complete the course. (3.6miles per leg)

All runners start at 11.15am. The winning team is the team finishing closest to their predicted time.

This is the chance for anyone, whatever their ability to win a race. Further details of the race, including an entry form, can be viewed on the Bournville Harriers website at www.bournvilleharriers.org
Although I won't be doing it this year, because I will be at Mortimers Forest, I did it last year and it comes with my recommendation as last year the organising club held their Christmas Party in the race HQ the evening before. All the food that was left was available next day, post race, for free!
Also if you do it, could you please ask for me, why its so called. I didn't see any yachts, only brummies! and why is yacht spelt the way it is? Solve this and other mysteries on the 16th of December.

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 18 November 2007

Listen up y'all

A Plea from Jenny Field
' As some of you may know there is to be a public vote in December on the use of £50 million of Lottery Funds.
One of the projects competing for this is ' Connect 2' It is a SUSTRANS project to provide cycling/walking routes throughout the country.
SUSTRANS stands for sustainable transport. Geoff and I are keen cyclists and have used their cycle routes many times. They are always a joy, taking us along little used roads or tracks and always going 'the pretty way'.
There are big gaps around the country that have no routes and though Sustrands has some government funding it relies heavily on voluntary contributions. They need the money to provide more routes. They would be good for running on too!
PLEASE VOTE FOR 'CONNECT2' For more information go to www.sustransconnect2.org.uk THANKS JENNY '

London Marathon
Any day now, if not already, those who have applied for a place in the 2008 LM will be finding out if they have been successful or not. If you have secured a place, please let me know so that we can share your joy with everyone else. People will be asking me who has got in so I would like give the impression that I know what's going on! We already have three in next years race as far as I know, Paul Newman, Emma Gooderham, and Ruth Johnstone. Let me know please if that's not correct

London Marathon Club Places
I'm pleased to report that, thanks to our Secretary Phil, we are now in possession of the two club London Marathon places which we are entitled to due to our affiliation to UK Athletics. We will be making the draw for these places at our Christmas Party on the 19th of December.
The qualifying process for these tickets has been decided at our last two AGMs and is as follows:-
1. You must have been rejected in the ballot
2. Priority will be given to LM first-timers
3. You must have been a member for at least 12 months
Please let me know if you have been rejected and satisfy the above conditions.

Next Tuesday's Hash
From Steve Roode:- ' Next Tuesday 20th November Jon and I are laying a hash from the nags head and would really like to see some of the MJ’s there – it is great fun!! and all from England’s No.1 pub.'
and Jon Newey:- ' Steve Roode and I are organising next Tuesday's Hash (20th Nov). 7pm at the Nag's Head. It will last about 1.5 hours and back to the Nag's for beers. Anyone wanting food, the pub is putting on sandwiches and chips at £3.50.'

That was Hashing, now Orienteering
Next Saturday, 24th November, is the second orienteering mini-league event of the season held by Malvern And District Orienteers (MADO). There will be a range of events for toddlers upwards to experienced orienteeriers. There will be plenty of help for beginners and it is a great way to get the whole family out onto the hills. Registration is between 12:00 and 1:00 at British Camp car park and the cost is £4 for adults, £1 for juniors. For more information see their web site: http://www.mado.org.uk

Lucy Prosser:-
' I must be nuts as I also entered the Glocs 50k race a few weeks ago. I have decided to run it and raise money for the Neo-Natal / Prem baby unit at Worcs hospital and also Macmillan Cancer Care.
So, If you want to sponsor me, anyone wishing to give t othe Neo-Natal unit, it will be cheques made payable to Worcs NHS Trust, and for Macmillan, I have an on line donation page at www.justgiving.com/lucyprosser - this makes it really easy.
If anyone wants to join me early sunday mornings for my regular 15-20 mile runs, I will be working up to 26 miles up to early January, then tapering around the 10th. I set off at around 7:30am so it does not eat into the day too much. Any company would be welcome. I run at around 8.30 m/m on on a 15-20 miler maybe slowing down towards the end.....depends how many hills en-route. Would be great marathon training.....
Brenie says thanks to those of you that have taken her up on her offer of stretching sessions, it's going well and there will no doubt be some improved flexibility out there as I know what a task master she is!!! More customers always welcome! Cheers, Lucy '
Thanks, Lucy

Race report
Tour of Pendle Fell race 17/11/07 by Jon Newey
' Rich Walsh and I made a trip up to Lancashire yesterday (Saturday) for the Tour of Pendle Fell Race. This was Rich's first proper fell race and he seemed to enjoy it.
It's a well-known event on the fell racing scene and this year attracted 287 runners. The weather looked grim ont he trip up there, but cleared as we waited for the start making the tops visible. It's a tough race over 17 miles with 4800ft of climbing. It actually scales Pendle three times from different angles and has a bit of everything; near vertical climbs and descents, fast moorland tracks, stream crossings and bogs.
The ususal relaxed fell race start. "OK you lot off you go". Rain held off although the wind on the tops was fierce and pretty cold. Not seen the full result, but this year it looks like the record went as Lloyd Taggart got round in 2h 11m, just a few seconds quicker than Rob Jebb's previous record. Obscene!
I was going OK and was in the top 20 or so for all but the last mile or two when on the descent to the finish i totally bonked. Wobbly legs, blurred vision, the full works. Got passed by loads of runners but managed a 2h 39m for 32nd place.
Rich did well for his first try, about 2h 53m and for about 75th place. He seemed to enjoy it anyway (which means he could have gone faster i suppose!!!). He's now got a qualifying run for next year's Three Peaks which next year is a round of the World Mountain Running Series. I'm encouraging him to defer his London place! '
Thanks, Jon
Suicide Six(ish) 18/11/07 by Chris Barker
' I'm a Malvern Jogger, Get me out of here' These are the words I was ready to shout if things got a bit on top of me as I was not quite sure what to expect. Generally speaking it wasn't anywhere near as hilly as I thought and on a day when it didn't end up trying to snow it could have been quite pleasant. Having said that we must not make light of its most outstanding feature which was the steam crossing. It comes 4.5 miles from the start but you won't need to know that because the noise of the spectators and shrieking of some of the competitors tell you to prepare yourself because its not far away. Its wider than I thought and deep enough to make sure you have to wade through it because running is impossible. The bottom is so uneven that there is every chance of tripping and submerging yourself and you wouldn't want to do that because its was very cold and it stunk! I had a nasty moment when the runner next to me stumbled and almost used me to right himself which could have meant both us could have been underwater. Neither did we get the sort of mud I was expecting. The Mayhill Massacre continues to reign supreme as the mud race. No results yet but last year 644 took part so probably more this year. The total ascent was only 665ft so I'm expecting a harder run at Mortimers Forest on 16/12/07 which involves 1700ft of climbing. In the end I collected my goody bag, pleased that it was only six miles given the weather and it was certainly better than eating bugs and having creepy crawlies tipped on your head!
Five MJs were there, the finishing order being, Phil Jackson, Jim Apps, Ian Barker, Chris Barker and Julie Caseley.

Football and Running
Message from Andy Milton:-
' Hi Chris, Due to the big match on wednesday i'm keen to do a shorter run (5 miles) so we can make it in time to watch the match. From previous experience the Cross Keys in the link seems to be a good football bar so could you advertise this for anyone else who may be interested in coming along for a beer.
All the best, Andy '

Next Sunday Run
Meet next Sunday, the 25th, at the Clock Tower, North Malvern Road, 9.30am.

Membership
Another five have either joined or rejoined in the last seven day so we now have a total of 84 members. Welcome to Tim Price and Tony Knight and welcome back to Ralph Jones, Clare and Paul Hill.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Morrisons.
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race.
Wed 21/11 Morrisons
Sun 25/11 Sunday Run - Clock Tower, North Malvern Road, 9.30am
Wed 28/11 Morrisons
Sun 9/12 Christmas Pudding Run 10
Sun 16/12 Mortimer Forest Hill 10
Sun 16/12 Yacht Handicap - Bournville, Birmingham
Tue 1/1 New Years Day 10K - Hereford
Sun 6/1 New Year 10M - Gloucester
Sun 20/1 Mayhill Massacre
Sun 20/1 Not the Roman IX
Sun 27/1 Gloucester Marathon & 50K

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 11 November 2007

Listen up y'all

MJs 2007 Christmas Party
Tickets for our annual Christmas Party, see website home page for more info, will be available from Peter at Morrisons on Wednesday. Only a tenner!
Some cash or a cheque made payable to 'Malvern Joggers' will do nicely!

Runaround Running Shop - On the Move......
An announcement from Runaround:-
' As of November 17th 2007, Runaround Sports and Health will no longer be trading from it’s Foregate Street premises, it is moving to a bigger and better store based at Top Barn Farm, Holt Heath, Worcester.
The new store and location will enable Runaround to offer its customers an enhanced shopping experience. The location has facilities for children, with its play park, eating facilities and so much more. Runaround is also pleased to announce that it has it’s own running trails. The trails are for customers to use, during trading hours, so that they can combine their shopping with their running. Runaround will also be holding lots of event days, fun days and even it’s own races.
The new store will no longer be just a running store, it will be much, much more.
Coinciding with the move is the introduction of the Runaround Loyalty scheme. The scheme will still provide customers with 10% discount off their purchases both instore and online, but there will be the added opportunity of receiving bonus gifts and news of upcoming offers, promotions and events.
Existing Runaround discount cardholders will be able to keep using their discount cards up until the New Year, after which point the card will no longer be valid. Instead discount cardholders can trade in their old card and join in the loyalty scheme at the new store. This must be done prior to the New Year.
Please find enclosed a leaflet to go on your club notice board regarding the new store. If you would like Runaround to produce an A4 poster to put up then please email runaroundtheshop@btconnect.com.
Runaround Sports and Health are hoping that your club members will be looking forward to visiting the new and improved store. If you could pass on the information regarding the new store and loyalty cards to your members, we would be most grateful.
Looking forward to your visit, Melanie Clarke - Retail Manager '
I have been emailed an attached poster relating to this which I will send round tomorrow.

A message from Emma G.:-
' Hi Chris, Just noticed that you have the Gloucs. Marathon down on the 27/1. This is run by the ultra distance coach Norman Wilson who has taken me under his wing and took me to Italy. It also coincides with a GB squad training weekend for his ultra distance runners and the race itself will incorporate a 50K distance as well to finish off the training weekend (so I'll be there on Saturday too- but he says it will be all theory on that day thank goodness). The 50K is open for anyone to have a go and it is a fairly flat course incorporating a lot of the Gloucs. 20 mile route if anyone has done that race. It would be great if as many Malvern Joggers as possible supported this event, as without Norman I would never have run for England, and it would be great training for London. On that note - will run London again next year (unless injured which is a possibility with the nutty things I do). My number is 250, but with the green and yellow you should spot me (any chance of a crop top this year?). I'll try and stand by Paula at the start line - it will be the only time I'll be level with her! Emma '
Thanks, Emma

Race report
Sodbury Slog 11/11/07 by Paul Newman
' Hi Christoph, Nick Steve, Ian Barker and myself today, ran, slid, and crawled our way around The Sodbury slog... what an event!! When we arrived the heavens opened and 1200 runners tried to warm up in the wet, the announcer appologised that the course wasn't quite as wet and muddy as previous years and I wondered what I had let myself in for!!
At 11 am we observed the two minutes Remembrance Day silence and The Last Post then right on queue the sun came out! Fantastic!
For the first 4.5 miles I wondered what all the fuss was about all the talk of mud, hills,styles and water jumps it reminded me of a typical Sunday run let by Chris, he must have trained us well I thought! There was a pleasant carnival atmosphere with people in fancy dress it felt quite surreal to be overtaken by three guys dressed in coconuts and grass skirts! We also had a gorilla, and also had a guy dressed as a cow - he was looking very worried as we ran through a field of cattle. I said to him "What have you come as?". He said "a Friesian cow". I pointed to the male cows and said "Ahh bullocks", he said "Its true I tell You!".
At 8 miles the fun started crawling through water filled ditches, at times face down in the mud up to your knees in mud. Fantastic !! I am off to book up for next year!!. Its the best fun you can have with your clothes on or off!! (must be doing it wrong)
The times were approx Nick 1.15, Rachel Samuel 1.21 (99th), Steve Roode 1.24 and Ian Barker 1.28. 'Paul
P.S. Many thanks to Rachel for letting me have her place I owe you a few Beers Rachel and Clare!! '
Thanks, Paul

MJ in Runners World
In the words of Julie C......Did you see the picture of Steve Roode in Runners World (December)? Page 88, big pic of Great North Run, Red Arrows etc and there he is, bottom left hand corner. You can even see the S-T-E written on the front of his Joggers vest. Impressive or what!

Pub Night
We have successfully resurrected pub night, which is actually no more than going to the Nags Head after the run on the first Wednesday of the month. Next pub night will be on the 5th of December.

Membership
79 members currently. Welcome back Brian Hotchkins.

Sunday Run
8 of us turned up at Welland this morning (Sunday) for a run over Castlemorton. Things went well for first mile then I took everyone along a path (bridleway according to the map) which I hadn't been along before and found that a pre-run reccy would have been a good idea. I'm pleased to say we did find a recognisable path eventually and ended up running 8 miles and 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Those who were with me might be interested to know that I went back there in the afternoon with walking boots and BIG scale map and still couldn't find the missing path. Hmmm.
Next Sunday meet at Beacon Road, Wyche Cutting for a run lead by Helen.

A bit more Geocaching.......
From the geocaching.com website:- ' Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a gps unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they should try to leave something for the cache.'

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Morrisons.
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race.
Wed 14/11 Morrisons
Sun 18/11 Suicide Six(ish)
Sun 18/11 MJ's Sunday run meet Beacon Road, Wyche Cutting.
Wed 21/11 Morrisons
Wed 28/11 Morrisons
Sun 9/12 Christmas Pudding Run 10
Sun 16/12 Mortimer Forest Hill 10
Sun 16/12 Yacht Handicap - Birmingham
Tue 1/1 New Years Day 10K - Hereford
Sun 6/1 New Year 10M - Gloucester
Sun 20/1 Mayhill Massacre
Sun 20/1 Not the Roman IX
Sun 27/1 Gloucester Marathon & 50K

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
I am now sending the Club News/Blog out in 2 emails as I only have capacity for 100 recipients
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
Now the dark nights are here, please make sure you wear something that will make you visible in the dark such as a white or fluorescent top
Please see the Risk Assessments on our website

Attachment of the Week....
is the Christmas Pudding Run 10 and it takes place on Sunday 9th of December 10.30am at Bloxwich near Walsall. Being run for the 23rd year, its a 10 mile road race following which you will receive goody bag (I like goody bags), a Christmas pudding (good post-race snack)) and a medal (not gold). This is not one I've done before but our busiest racer, Julie C. has done it and given it her seal of approval. 715 did it last year and its race number 4 of 24 in our Champions League. The entry form is attached.

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 04 November 2007

Listen up y'all

MJs 2007 Christmas Party
Tickets for our annual Christmas Party, see website home page for more info, will be available from Peter at Morrisons on Wednesday. Only a tenner!

Race report
Guy Fawkes 5 Tewkesbury 4/11/07 by Chris Barker
Malvern Joggers turned out in force for this one. I counted a total of 22, although I could have missed a few in the fog, amongst a total of nearly 400, a record for this event.
As I said previously its a flat 5 mile road race with two small undulations which take you over the M5. There were some notable performances especially by our ladies who won three awards. Emma Gooderham was 3rd lady overall, Sandra Lane was 1st in her age category and Jill Brierly was 3rd in hers. Steve Roode was competing in his first race since becoming a granddad!!! Unfortunately there were no team prizes. I don't have the results yet, but our ladies may have won that one too if there was.
Well done to organisers Tewkesbury AC for some excellent post-race hospitality with an fine selection of cakes etc and a race memento choice of a water bottle or a mug. Just the job for that cup of tea you were gagging for straight after. Why not do it next year. More of an occasion than a race!

Geocaching - Attn Garmin Fans
Peter Cowling explains:-
' Now you have worked out how to navigate using your GPS, you can start enjoying the growing activity of Geocaching. Many thousands of caches have been hidden by members of the geocaching community all over the world. Their coordinates are published on the Geocaching website: www.geocaching.com and some can prove to be very challenging to find, even when you know you are right on top of them. There are several around Malvern. They can be the size of a 35mm film container upwards but usually they are in a plastic sandwich box or ammunition tin. They typically contain a log book where you can leave a message and a collection of trinkets, sometimes a camera, sometimes a "travel-bug" looking for an adventure. It is usual to take something and leave something else then record it on the website but there are many variations. Sometimes you need to solve puzzles to get the coordinates, eg collect numbers from street lamps, post boxes, houses etc and use them in a formula. This summer a series of Elgar Enigma caches were hidden around Malvern. You need to find and solve all 14 to work out where the final cache is.'
Thanks, Peter
So, log on to the Geocaching website having chosen a user name and password. Then enter your postcode and if you live in Malvern you will probably find there are as many as 15 caches hidden in a 5 mile radius.

Membership
We currently have 78 members who have joined or rejoined since the first of October so its welcome or welcome back to Geoff Carpenter, Erika Blott, David Ratchford, Chris Bayley, Kareen Mann, Dave Edwards and Sarah Lawrence. You don't have to be a member to run with us but there are certain benefits if you do.

Sunday Run
Next Sunday meet at Welland Primary School/Village Hall at the crossroads for a run over Castlemorton which should be around 8 miles in length. Usual time, 9.30am.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Morrisons.
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race.
Wed 7/11 Morrisons
Sun 11/11 Sodbury Slog
Wed 14/11 Morrisons
Sun 18/11 Suicide Six(ish)
Wed 21/11 Morrisons
Wed 28/11 Morrisons
Sun 9/12 Christmas Pudding Run 10
Sun 16/12 Mortimer Forest Hill 10
Sun 16/12 Yacht Handicap - Birmingham
Tue 1/1 New Years Day 10K - Hereford
Sun 6/1 New Year 10M - Gloucester
Sun 20/1 Mayhill Massacre
Sun 20/1 Not the Roman IX
Sun 27/1 Gloucester Marathon

Happy running,

Chris's Blog from 28 October 2007

Listen up y'all

MJs 2007 Christmas Party
This years Christmas bash will be held on the 19th of December at the same venue as last year, the CSSC Club in Spring lane, next to the Rugby Club. It will consist of Ceilidh Band, buffet and London Marathon club place draw and all for the bargain price of just, only, etc £10. Tickets will be available on Wednesday, see Peter Cowling, Steve Roode or Andy Milton. Please bring some cash or preferably your cheque book (cheques made payable to Malvern Joggers).

The Malvern Joggers Walking Group.....
went out recently as Jenny reports:-
' 9 of us enjoyed an easy walk of about 10 miles on Sunday 21st. We set of from The Cat at Enville (north of Kidderminster) at around 9 am. The weather was perfect and the countryside and views beautiful in the sunshine. The route took us past the sandstone cave houses in Kinver which are well worth a look if you are in the area. We returned to the pub at 1 pm for a few pints and a good lunch. '
Thanks, Jenny

Attention Gentle Joggers
Jenny and Geoff will not be able to run on Wednesday 31st October or Wednesday 7th November. But they have made arrangements for Alison and Chris Bayley and Nicola (experienced Gentle Joggers) to look after you. Many thanks to them from Geoff and Jenny.

Stretching
I have received the following recently from Lucy Prosser
' Dear All, I had a fantastic race on Sunday at Stroud, and I firmly believe it's down to my aupair!!
I discovered that she is trained to Stretch people. Sounds bizarre I know, but I have been having regular stretching sessions with her over the past few weeks, and it has improved my running to such an extent that I managed to shave 3 minutes off my 1/2 marathon time since hereford. OK Stroud is a PB course, but my running in general has improved and so has my flexibility.
With this in mind, if any fellow joggers would like to take advantage if this, Brenie if offering to do 1-1 or group stretching sessions. All she wants is a small donation of £5 for 1/2 hour or £10 for an hour towards her travelling when she leaves us in March.
She does forced stretching, and really pushes you to the limits. She can do sessions here in our gym which enables you to warm up first, or come out to people, but bear in mind that she only has a push bike and the nights are getting dark.
Her available hours are Tuesday's all day, Wednesday's all day and most evenings. Weekends she sometimes has something on, but if someone wants a session they can book in advance. You can get her on our land line number 01684 311522
Trust me - it's worth it! It feels fantastic. Happy Stretching, Lucy '
Thanks, Lucy

Membership I
A few words from our Secretary, Phil:-
' Just a few things about membership. We are up to 71 at the time of writing. Could you please put the following things in the next Newsletter?
1. I shall take membership forms along each Wednesday evening so people can collect them from me if they want (I did this last week and I've had one back already).
2. Anybody expecting a membership card can pick it up from me on a Wednesday evening.
3. I need completed membership forms from Amy Jones and Rachel Stubbs. If anybody is in touch with them could they please ask these ladies to get in touch with me.'

Membership II......
is optional and you don't have to be a member to run with us (we don't want to put anybody off!). Having said that, welcome or welcome back to Peter Tooke, Amanda Imms, Alison Chaundy, Roger Moore, Julie Marshall, Emma Hemming, Derek & Ros Goodman, Nick Hitchings, Neil & Jen Williamson, Peter Wilson, Craig Ferguson, Lisa Dainty, Richard Love, Jayne Ackroyd, Stella Huxley and M. Jones.

Sunday Run
Paul Newman reports:-
' Hi Chris, we had a very enjoyable 10.6 mile run this morning. We all met at The British Camp on a overcast morning The Big Cheese had obviously seen the weather forecast and had his extra hour's lie in bed!
9 runners ventured out including Eric and John who decided on a slightly shorter run up to the Obelisk - myself, Roger B, Jill, Sandra, Mark,Steve R, and a new recruit Graham headed over the hills toward the Gullet then on around Bromsberrow Estate up to the top of Chase End Hill!, over Ragged Stone and back over the Hills to the Camp. Although climbing all those Hills was not universally appreciated, I think all enjoyed a good workout. Best wishes, Paul '
Thanks, Paul
The Big Cheese was unfortunately 127 miles away at the time (ref. Garmin) - The Big Cheese

Race report
Snowdownia Marathon 27th October 2007 By Ruth Johnstone
' Beguiled by the prospect of autumn sunshine and spectacular scenery, I rashly decided to enter this one, just one month after running the Clarendon marathon. The route is essentially a loop around Snowdon. Starting from Nant Peris, you go up the Llanberis Pass to Pen y Gwrd, then a fast 8 mile descent down to Beddgelert, and then up and down along the Canaerfon road as far as Waunfawr, where at mile 21 the route takes an old miners’ track to climb over the hills, reaching the highest point of the course at 24 miles, followed by a steep 900ft descent, partly off-road, into Llanberis. The start at least was dry, but the weather quickly set in, with high winds from Pen y Pass onwards and the second half being very wet. As a result, the climb over the hills into Llanberis was in the cloud, and the grassy descent very slippery. All went well until I regained the tarmac on the descent into Llanberis: my legs completely seized up, adding 3 minutes to my time and losing me three places! Still, all in all, I’m fairly pleased with the result given the conditions and the terrain: 3:27:49 and 9th lady. Cheers Chris! '

Jogger in the Gazette
See Malvern Joggers England International Emma featured on the back page of last Fridays edition and thanks to Jon Newey for supplying the photo and supporting article.

www.fetcheveryone.com
The best running website after www.malvernjoggers.co.uk now features another two MJ's. Crazygal, Bigcheese, Roodeboy and Sundance have now been joined by Roobsie and the Alchemist. Who are the last two? join up and you might just find out.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Morrisons.
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race.
Wed 31/10 Morrisons
Sun 4/11 Guy Fawkes 5 - Tewkesbury
Sun 11/11 Sodbury Slog
Sun 18/11 Suicide Six(ish)
Sun 9/12 Christmas Pudding Run 10
Sun 16/12 Mortimer Forest Hill 10
Tue 1/1 New Years Day 10K - Hereford

Happy running,
Wens Lee Dale

Chris's Blog from 21 October 2007

Listen up y'all

Race reports
50K World Championships, Palermo, Sicily 14/10/07 by Emma Gooderham
' Well I did it and the whole experience was fantastic. The race went really well dispite the delayed start (40 minutes - they're a bit laid back in Sicily), the temperature - (approaching 30 degrees) and the hills (I thought it was flat but they decided to take us up a hill four times, the last at 47km). I finished the final race in 5th place, with the other two British ladies finishing 6th and 7th. I finished in 3 hours 45 minutes and 17 seconds. This gave me an overall placing of 6th in the IAU 50K trophy as your time in the selection race is added on (3 hours 50.11 at Boddington). I was beaten in the final by ladies from Italy (1st), Austria (2nd), Australia (3rd) and Japan (4th). I was really pleased with my performance, and the other ladies and man representing England were absolutely fantastic company. The English male (Julian Rendall) came second in the final and overall. Am home now and legs not too bad, actually enjoyed it this time!. Will try and knock another 5 minutes off next time? '
Thanks, Emma
Beacon Race 13/10/07 by Carole Green
' Sorry folks - time was around two minutes slower than last year - took a tumble (on the flat part leading up to the Gold mine) not very spectacular but lost time as stuck on the floor due to bruised cocyx sustained in the loft (didn't fall through the hatch!) As a result walked far too much of race. ( got fed up with the wait at A & E - would still have been there around 10pm - so by 7pm left, went to One Stop for plasters and just made it home for the big match) However, enjoyed the second half of race and company of Ron the vice president of Worcester AC - need more preparation for this race for a big performance next year!
Congratulations Jon Newey, Sandra and Ruth, hope Lisa is ok. Very proud of my son William - aiming under the hour, time 1 hour and 23 seconds, so not far off - quicker than last year, again with little training but perhaps a little lighter. Unfortunately, Tom and Dave were not fit. Wonderful day with great support and 40/1 bet on England still open. Best wishes Carole Green '
Thanks, Carole
Stroud Half Marathon 21/10/07 by Julie Caseley
' The weather conditions were perfect for the running of the 26th Stroud Half Marathon - fairly cool, no wind and sunny. Dan Robinson started us all off then joined the masses and jogged round in about 1 hr 20 mins. He scrubbed up very well ready to present the prizes at 1.45 pm! The winner finished in about 1 hr 9 mins so I was only 40 minutes behind him and 30 seconds faster than last year. Given another few miles and I may have caught him up??!! ( in my dreams).
Samantha had a good race finishing in 1:53:25, over 6 minutes faster than her first half marathon at Stroud in 2006. Other MJ's included Nick Hitchings, Richard Walsh, Jill and Roger Brierly, Lucy Prosser, Steve Roode, Alison and Rob Winwood. (sorry to those who ran and I didn't see).Regards, Julie '
Thanks, Julie

More from Emma:-
' Had a call from Runners World today, they want to do a piece about me in their January issue! I am being interviewed on Thursday.
My next big thing will probably be FLM8 - hopefully all this extra distance will help. Will fit in local runs between and there is talk of another 50K or marathon in Gloucester in January. The ultra distance coach also mentioned stepping up to 100K with the Commonwealth games 2009 in sight! He said he realises my potential - I think he realises my stupidity to keep challenging myself. Also keen to link up with other Malvern ladies in the near future as I think I have competition after reading the Beacon report! Ruth has already done a 50K in the past so we could be good for each other. '
Thanks, Emma

Politician denies cheating in (Berlin) Marathon
' A former Mexican presidential candidate who was disqualified from the Berlin marathon for taking a short cut denies cheating. Roberto Madrazo clocked the best time for his age but officials found he had skipped a nine mile section of the course. But Mr Madrazo, 55, says he never claimed to have finished the race and walked to the finishing line after having to stop running. He blamed political opponents for the furore surrounding the incident, which has seen him lampooned in his home country. Race officials looked into the case after a photographer noticed Mr Madrazo finishing the race wearing a jacket and long running tights but hardly sweating. Mr Madrazo said: "I had to stop after 21km and I went directly to the finish line for my clothes and my medal for taking part. In sport there are no short-cuts, there are personal challenges. "It is political. By doing this, they are seeking to throw mud on a sporting activity that I have practiced for many years and on my new social project. "My marathon times have been between three hours, 14 minutes and three hours, 54 minutes - never two hours and 40 minutes. It would be impossible for a 55-year-old man to do that." Typical politician. You just cant trust them. I hope he's not thinking of joining the Malvern Joggers! Thanks to Peter Cowling for supplying this.

Beacon Race/Joggers in the Gazette
If you've not seen last Friday's Gazette, do your best to get hold of a copy. You might say we dominate page 101 with a large picture of our runners (29 of them) in Rose Bank Gardens pre-race. Possibly the best bit of local press coverage we have ever had. Apparently, the picture was taken by the Gazette photographer while MJ Rachel Samuel was organising everyone for the same purpose. Great job, Rachel! Thanks also to Jon Newey who supplied most of the supporting article.
Something I observed from the race results, is that our ladies go from strength to strength. We now have two new lady running stars in Sandra Lane and Amy Jones as our ladies finished 2nd, 3rd and 6th. When you consider that Emma was abroad running for her country and previous Beacon Race prize winners Alison Merley and Jill Brierly didn't take part we did incredibly well. Thanks to Ros for pointing that out.

Supercharge Your Body - Take Up Running (from the Start Fitness website)
I think I know all this stuff but I still like reading about so you might like to also.
' Running is the simplest form of exercise. You are born, you crawl, you walk, you run. You start with running to the things you want and from the things you want to escape (you knew your parents wouldn’t believe it wasn’t you who shoved the biscuit into the video recorder).
Nothing changes. You run because it takes you from the things you want to avoid and to the place you want to be. Here are just a few examples
1. Stress busting. Regular running has been proven to lower stress levels. Running is a way of running from your problems. They always seem smaller when you get back from a run
2. Sleep. Get back to sleeping like a baby. Regular exercise can improve sleep habits and reduce anxiety. A better night’s rest makes us all look and feel brighter
3. Calorie Burning. As a child you never worried about your weight. Running burns energy – or calories as they are measured in when we’re talking about food. Running is a great way of weight control
4. Body Composition. Regular running reduces your body fat percentage, whilst toning muscle. The calorie burning even continues after you’ve run as your body rebuilds itself – it’s still you just better. You literally get in shape
5. Blood Pressure. High blood pressure is definitely something to run away from. Behind these visible changes your blood pressure will start to drop within a few weeks of training
6. Self-esteem. Confidence and self-esteem have been shown to improve in response to regular running, most likely in response to the health benefits
7. Achievement. As you get fitter and healthier your running will improve. This is true whatever your age. You get a great buzz from being able to run further or faster than before.
8. Heart. Your heart becomes a bigger and more efficient pump in response to regular training. You feel the benefits
9. Better Blood Cholesterol. Total levels should drop and the ratio of good to bad cholesterol (HDL/LDL) improves with regular training.
10. Bone Density. The impact of running makes your bones more dense (this does not happen in swimming and cycling), which becomes more important the older you get '

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, please send me the details.

Nags Head Wednesday nights
Despite the Nag's Head being given the best pub in the country award by the Good Pub Guide, there was only two MJs present after last Wednesday's run. Much as I enjoyed a refreshing pint with fellow MJ Andy Lyon, its probably best to call time on that for now. Well have a rethink and maybe go back to last winter's arrangement which was pub first Wednesday in the month.

Local Runs
A good turn-out at Morrisons last Wednesday with I would estimate nearly 60 runners including 'new' ones Elliot and James.
Meanwhile 7 of us met up at the same venue this morning (Sunday) for a round trip to Leigh Sinton and back which totalled 9.1 miles. I have to admit to a bit of 'directional head-scrathing' in places but we'll put that down to the fog and the fact that I'd only run some of it once and that was in the opposite direction!

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Morrisons.
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race.
Wed 24/10 Morrisons
Wed 31/10 Morrisons
Sun 4/11 Guy Fawkes 5 - Tewkesbury
Sun 11/11 Sodbury Slog
Sun 18/11 Suicide Six(ish)
Sun 9/12 Christmas Pudding Run 10
Sun 16/12 Mortimer Forest Hill 10
Tue 1/1 New Years Day 10K - Hereford

Attachment of the Week......Guy Fawkes 5 Tewkesbury 4/11/07
Very popular flat 5 mile road race. You can enter on the day but you'll have to stand in a long queue wondering 'Will I be able to enter and get to the start, half a mile away, in time' so best to enter beforehand. 351 runners did it last year including nearly 20 MJ's. £5 if your a member £7 if your not. This is one we can all do! The entry form is attached.

Next Club News on Monday 29th of October

Che'ese Guevara

Chris's Blog from 14 October 2007

Listen up y'all,

Race Reports
Burnham-on-Sea Half Marathon 7/10/07 by Chris Barker
' The first objective was to fight my way through all the hogweed or should I
say the Hogweed Trotters who supplied 50 of the 350 competitors. Also in the
line-up was a runner from the Cheddar Running Club. Being the Big Cheese I
felt a strange affinity towards him but decided not to chat to him as he looked
a bit mouldy!
No-one took me up on my suggestion that we should all do this one which left me
as the sole MJ or should I say the MJ with soul. Look out James Brown. 'Get
up, I feel like being a running machine' or perhaps not!
Setting the virtual partner for a 1.50 finish, I took off at a steady pace. I
had no choice really, there were other people in my way but helped by a flat
course and Tesco's best own label energy drink was able to run the legs off the
virtual partner as he disappeared off the Garmin on the right-hand side. I
finally poodled in for a 1.46.58, not bad compared to my recent comparative
efforts. Of course, if I had done badly I could always have blamed whoever it
was that stole the 30 direction signs and mile markers put out by the
organisers the day before. It wasn't the local yobos as they always throw them
over a hedge into someone's garden. These had been stolen. I know the MJs are
considering organising there own race but it wasn't us. Honest guv!
Post race it was off to the Quick Bite where this time I resisted the Mega
Breakfast not wanting to fall asleep in my car on the beach like last year. Who
knows the tide could have come in and I could have woken to find I was in China
for the Beijing Olympics. Come to think of it that's probably the only way
I'll get there! '
Malvern College Interhouse Cross Country: "A sort of Life of Brian", 5k
or to give it another name 'Phil Jackson Dazzles His Pupils' as Phil himself
reports:-
' In the last newsletter, Mike Theelke offered us "no. 2 in my occasional
series Obscure Races No Other MJ Will Ever Do. I would like to add to this
series! Every Saturday afternoon each boarding house at the College enters a
few runners (usually 5 or 6) in one of a series of races each of which is
named. This was my first opportunity to enter such a race (as a guest runner,
wearing my Malvern Joggers vest with pride) and it's very good for the kids to
see one of their teachers competing with them on the same terms. This course
heads out across the common (no mud, but there was a water jump) to Peachfield
Road, down Longridge Road to Poolbrook, left onto Barnards Green Road and left
again onto Geraldine Road to the Chase School. Here we turned right to take the
foot path past Qinetiq up to Court Road. Then it's uphill up Woodshears, under
the railway and back into the College. I did it in 22.59 which put me 10th out
of 40 kids (and one other teacher). The boys all start off really fast and I
thought I was going to embarrass myself but I gradually picked them off one by
one as they slowed down. Great for street cred with the kids! The photo shows
me with the College's top runner Sam Bayliss who did it in 17.30, winning by
two minutes.'
Thanks, Phil
New Forest Half Marathon 07/10 by Rob & Alison Winwood
' An unusual location to choose you may think, but Rob's parents live in the
New Forest and the route takes you across the forest and down to the the coast.
This was out second attempt at this distance and at this rather scenic race.
After twelve months with Malvern Joggers we were feeling confident of our
ability to finish, at least, and were hoping for a record time of 2 1/2 hours.
It all started very well with the other runners pulling us along to make a
9-minute first mile and we kept a good 10 minute pace for the next 6. As we
tired the course turned up hill and we slowed slightly to end with a time of 2
hours 17, far better than we had ever hoped. Wearing our MJ tops meant we got
plenty of cheering on, comments about how far we'd come and apologies for not
having any hills! '
Alison and Rob Winwood
[we were brought down to earth with a bump, however, by my Mum's comment that
there must have been a staggered start (there wasn't) because surely 'all those
old crocks' wouldn't have been ahead of us otherwise! ...R] '
Thanks, Rob and Alison
Berlin Marathon 30/9/07 by Alison Chaundy
' Unlike Haile (can't spell his surname, Salassee?) I did not break any world
records at the Berlin Marathon. In fact he could have run it twice, had a
massage, and a few cups of tea in the time it took me to get round. However, I
did manage to get round in under 5 hours, which after London's 5:01 I was
chuffed about.
The course, as you know is one of the flattest and fastest (unless your name is
Alison), the weather was ideal, cool but dry. I was running with a pal who was
a Marathon Virgin and the aim was to " stick together & get round" which we
both did. Having been lucky enough to run in London twice, the crowds in Berlin
were far more reserved and far fewer in numbers. There were very few fancy
dress runners, we saw one penguin and a couple of Aston Villa fans and that was
it. Hey, at least no Bakewell Tarts beat us at this one.
All in all, we're glad we did it but not sure we'd do it again. It is however,
a great marathon not only for serious runners who want to try for a PB but also
first timers with it being so flat. The post race beer is pretty good too!!
Working in Oxford all week now so still looking difficult to get to Wednesday
nights, I'll keep trying. Hope you are all ok, keep pounding! '
Thanks, Alison
Beacon Race 13/10/07 by Ruth Johnstone
' Thought I'd add a bit of colour for your Beacon Race report as the 'official'
results don't do the MJs justice. Please edit with care - I don't think that
the official second and third ladies are MJs; if they are, then please be more
tactful in the last two sentences!
In the ladies' section, there was quite a challenge for the top three
positions. The winning lady took the lead early on, but new member Sandra and I
battled throughout for second place, with Sandra beating me on the uphills, and
me easing past her on the downhill sections. I managed to overtake Sandra on
the descent down to St Ann's Well, putting me in second place going into the
final switchbacks. Yet Sandra pulled off a phenomenal sprint (yes, we now have
a sprinter in our midst!) in the finishing straight that I simply didn't have
the strength to challenge. The final result was that the top three women came
in within 30 seconds of each other, with MJs Sandra & I achieving second and
third place. Due to Worcester AC's arcane rules, however, Sandra & I came away
with vets' prizes, whilst the 'official' second and third ladies actually came
in several minutes behind the MJ geriatrics! '
Thanks, Ruth
Beacon Race comment by Jon Newey
Beacon Results are up on the Worcs AC website. Some people were questioning the
results saying that the results at the HQ were a minute slower than they had
recorded on their watches. It was a slow day though with the conditions a bit
like running through treacle. My 48.01 was 30 seconds slower than last year
despite my placing being a bit better. Winners time was a bit better though
than last year!
Thanks, Jon
Beacon Race comment by the Big Cheese
Having now had a look at the results we fielded a total of 32 runners, up from
29 of last year, a record for this the fifth Beacon Race of our existence.
This includes Jim Apps who was down as a Hasher and Lisa Dainty who
unfortunately was a DNF. I don't recognise Tony Knight and Peter Collins and
would appreciate it if they could introduce themselves to me on Wednesday
night. We would have had a few more but three of our runners had a place that
they were unable to use, plus myself. I'll be back next year!
Especially well done to MJs Sandra and Ruth, who as the results show, were 2nd
and 3rd ladies despite not receiving the prizes for these places. Sandra was
only 21 seconds behind the winning lady and Ruth was only 11 seconds behind
Sandra.
Thanks to our social guys who organised a real good do at the Bengal Brassiere.
18 were there in total to enjoy an excellent meal and get home in time to see
England kick France out of the Rugby World Cup! A perfect end to a perfect day!
Bells of Pattingham 14/10/07 by Julie Caseley
' As well as the Beacon Race yesterday which, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed
(even more so when it was over), I also ran the Bells of Pattingham this
morning. Eric was also there flying the MJ flag. I tend to forget from one
year to the next how "undulating" some of these multi-terrain races are so I
apologise now Eric if I gave the impression it was flatter than you expected!!!
The start of the race was delayed by 15 minutes as all runners and spectators
had to funnel through a single gate (all 800+) and walk over a disinfected mat
before entering the field where the race began because of the recent Foot and
Mouth outbreak. The course was a single undulating/hilly lap of just over 7
miles on various surfaces including tarmac, grass, farm tracks, woodland and
open fields.
There was the usual horse brass to all competitors as well as some lovely
harvest cake and tea or coffee. The presentation was as efficient and prompt
as ever (some clubs could learn a lot from the Bells organisers - not
mentioning any names!!)
I managed the course in 1:02:09, a whole 3 seconds faster than last year - a PB
is a PB after all!! I'm not sure of Eric's time as I was changing when he
finished but Paul saw him and he was taking it very steady - unusually sensible
for a runner!! I, however, will now be biking and giving the legs a rest until
the Stroud Half next Sunday
after which I will definitely be needing my massage!! Need I say more? Best
wishes, Julie '
Thanks, Julie

Membership
Since last Sunday 12 people have either joined or rejoined so welcome or
welcome back to Dennis and Ginny Holly, Rob and Alison Winwood, Simeon Foreman,
Andy Lyon, Amy Jones, Wendy Holmes, Sandra lane, Tracey Mirrelson, Vivien
Tolley and Mark Witt. 53 of our runners have now 'joined-up' since the start
of the membership year on the 1st of October and as we have now passed the 50
mark we qualify for 2 London Marathon places.

Strenuous exercise is good for you (Jogging, Running)
From the Daily Mail:-
' For more than a decade, the official recommendation has been not to overdo
exercise.
But government advice that brisk walking, gardening or mowing the lawn is
enough to keep you fit is misleading, it was claimed yesterday
Although these activities will help health, exercise physiologist Dr Gary
O'Donovan of Exeter University insisted that far greater benefit could be
derived from more strenuous exercise, such as jogging or playing tennis.
Current official guidelines advocate at least 30 minutes of moderate activity
five or more days a week.
According to Dr. O'Donovan, however, people have been misled into thinking that
all they have to do is a bit of hovering and gardening and the like but that's
not the case. Brisk walking offers some health benefits, but jogging, running
and other vigorous activities offer maximal protection from disease.'
Dr. O'Donovan said that research had proved the value of strenuous exercise in
preventing a range of health problems. 'Time and again the largest and most
robust studies have shown that vigorously-active individuals live longer and
enjoy a better quality of life than moderately-active individuals and
couch-potatoes.
Writing in the journal Preventative Medicine, he said exercise also cuts the
risk of cancer, with vigorous exercise being shown to be best at staving off
both prostate and colon cancers! '

On a lighter note....
Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Morrisons. Nags Head afterwards.
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race. Gentle Joggers meet at Morrisons
9.30am
Wed 17/10 Morrisons
Sun 21/10 Coventry Half Marathon / Stroud Half Marathon
Sun 21/10 MJs Walking Group - Enville/Kinver. Waitrose car park 7.30am
Contact Jenny Field
Wed 24/10 Morrisons
Wed 31/10 Morrisons
Sun 4/11 Guy Fawkes 5 - Tewkesbury
Sun 11/11 Sodbury Slog
Sun 18/11 Suicide Six(ish)
Sun 9/12 Christmas Pudding Run 10
Sun 16/12 Mortimer Forest Hill 10

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
I am now sending the Club News/Blog out in 2 emails as I only have capacity for
100 recipients
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
Now the dark nights are here, please make sure you wear something that will
make you visible in the dark such as a white or fluorescent top
Please see the risk assessments on our website

Julius Cheeser

If you have anything I can use in the CN/Blog, running related or otherwise,
please send it on.

Chris's Blog from 07 October 2007

Listen up y'all,

Après Beacon Race Meal
A message from Peter Cowling:-
' There are still plenty of places left for the post Beacon Race curry at the Bengal Brasserie on Saturday 13th Oct at 7:00 but if people want to come, please can they let me know at Peter@MalvernJoggers.Co.UK or grab me on Wednesday night, so we can reserve enough tables together. Everyone is welcome to come and join us. You don't have to have run the race - members and non-members, runners, gentle joggers, non runners, partners, friends and family are all welcome (but probably not the family pet). Remember they are generously putting on a special meal for us for just £10 a head which, they tell me, will cater for ALL tastes. It should be a really good evening. '

Malvern Jogger runs for England, as promised
A big day for Emma Gooderham and the MJs coming up, as Emma reports:-
' Not long now - 14th Oct. Eek! Fly first thing Friday, back Monday. If anyone wants to see the results as they happen log onto IAU 50K Trophy World Championships. Will try my best.'
Well done and good luck Emma, I think you've done well just getting there!

Membership
Being a club of an informal and friendly nature our policy is that membership is optional and you don't have to be a member to run with us.
Having said that, I'm please to say that 9 people have rejoined since the AGM and 41 have now joined or rejoined since the membership year started on the 1st of this month.
Welcome back Phil Jackson, Emma Gooderham, Ruth Johnstone, Paul Millsom, Andrew Gallagher, Alison Findlay, Mike Theelke, Dave Gibson and Rachel Samuel.
The membership form can be found on the website.

Champions League
As you may have seen from a previous email Julie and I have selected the races for the 2007/8 club Champions League competition based on approx 2 per month and the ones that attracted the most MJs although this is subject to change possibly. There are 24 races altogether.
The races dropped from the League are the Sodbury Slog (full up before we could announce it), Not the Roman IX and Shobdon (only 4 runners this year), Muddy Woody and Cirencester 10K (only 3 runners this year)
They are replaced by the Mayhill massacre (yum-yum), Stourbridge Stagger, Eastnor 7, Bugatti 10K (assuming it takes place) and the Ledbury Chase.

Race Reports
Great Clarendon Marathon, 30th September 2007 by Ruth Johnstone
' I was a little nervous about this one: off road, and hilly. So, in dutiful race preparation, I actually walked the course with my trusty Garmin, which reliably informed me it was 8,000 feet up and 7,500 feet down. As a result, race strategy was to be conservative, aiming for about 4 hours which, based on past results would put me about 10th lady. Well, sod that: the downhills were just too tempting!. Result: 3 hours 31 & second lady.
Oh, and “trusty” Garmin now tells me it was a mere 4,000 feet ascent.
Great North Run 30/9/07 by Lee Gough
I had no idea what to expect about the race itself and went through a major ‘can’t do it’ crisis in the week leading up to it – culminating in a conversation at 4 am on the morning of 30th September when I suggested to my husband that we get up and leave the B&B driving south and forgetting all about the race. He, of course, told me not to be so bl…. Stupid, he had not driven all this way for nothing!
The atmosphere at the ‘village’ (with over 50,000 people milling around) was amazing – I tried spotting celebs. but think they must have been elsewhere! With the starting gun, we herded down towards the start – moving constantly and passing Bobby Robson, where we all queued to slap his hand as we passed (well, I did!). We were off – lots of ‘uggy uggy uggy’s’ under the tunnels and snatched conversations with those around added to the interest of the day – leaving Newcastle and Gateshead and the interesting scenery, we headed for some pretty boring countryside (I know runners don’t take much interest in that, but I think it adds to being outdoors). The roadside entertainment consisted of bands and people offering sweets, biscuits etc. Added to this there was a constant supply of water and energy giving drinks. I had been warned that it was difficult to run due to the volume of people and thought this would suit me, it was a relief to find spaces where you could move slightly faster but on the whole it was more of a ‘jostle’ than a jog. Imagine my surprise when a familiar face appeared at my side – Alison Findlay – after a brief conversation we parted, she was on a mission – I’ll leave her to explain! and I did not see her again – not surprising really, I guess! I have to say there have been few occasions in my life when I wished to be a man – but yesterday was one! They are able to relieve themselves almost anywhere – or so it seemed yesterday – not a practice I condone but under such exceptional circumstances – i.e the long queues for the loos – I’m sure I lost at least 20 minutes of my time queuing (well, that’s my excuse).
To return to the race – the final 2 miles were terrific – running down the hill and along the sea front – to a sea of faces – trying to spot my own loved one’s smiling face – relief he was there! I mused on the long drive home with a certain amount of discomfort (I did not have chance to stretch out properly, and I was paying for it!) that I would not do anything like this again. I have just registered for next year!!! '
Thanks, Lee
Borehamwood Half, 30th September by Mike Theelke
' I was away in London last weekend so missed the Upton Bishop cakefest, but I can offer you no. 2 in my occasional series Obscure Races No Other MJ Will Ever Do.
Given the start of this one was right next to Elstree TV and Film Studios I had high hopes that the organisers might have used their works as a theme for the race – Princess Leia could have started the race, or the Mitchell family could have staffed the drinks stations. Sadly it had passed them by. Still, a nice friendly race with about 200 entrants: the stewards were plentiful and encouraging, the local mayor not only started the race but hung around for two hours to congratulate and shake the hand of each finisher and present them with a horse brass, and there was a very keen Red Cross lady who checked each runner was OK (with a somewhat hopeful look in her eye, I thought). Similar in character to the Wolverhampton course although a bit more rural; no serious hills but not many flat bits either. I thought I was going pretty well until the course defied the laws of physics by going uphill for the last three miles having never gone downhill, but I still finished in 1:51, which I’m ashamed to say is a V50 PB. Mike '
Thanks, Mike
Great North Run 30/9/07 by Alison Bayley
' I think the intrepid gentle joggers have all made it safely back from the GNR on Sunday. I'm sure the others will let you know their account of things if they haven't already. It was just a fantastic day, what else can I say. The sun shone (actually it was quite warm) and the atmosphere was great. The crowds really helped to take my mind off the miles and I didn't really start to feel too tired till 10 miles. I bumped into Lee at half way, but lost her again when I had to make an unscheduled vaseline stop!! She looked like she was going really well. I didn't see Enos, but think he finished a couple of minutes ahead of me (if only I hadn't had to queue for that portaloo at 9 miles, but I wasn't doing a Paula for anyone!!) I plodded home in 2 hours 37 which I know isn't very fast, but considering 2 months ago I wasn't running at all and my leg was still bad I'm really pleased - big thanks to Neill. I spent the first half chasing a giant inflatable banana and the second half chasing a pint of guinness and didn't catch either - typical. Anyway, it looks like I might have run out of excuses for missing Wednesday's now so hope to see everyone soon. Alison.'
Thanks, Alison
The Badger Bite 7/10/07 by Julie Caseley
' This lovely little completely off road, multi-terrain race is billed as the "perfect preparation for the Bells of Pattingham" (next Sunday - they are neighbours after all!!) There were no entries on the day this year as this has become a very popular race recently with entries full by 25th September. The course is 6 km (3.75 miles) on tracks and paths through woodland and countryside between the villages of Badger and Beckbury. I'm sure there are badgers around but I didn't see any but "the bite" is the short but sharp uphill finish towards the end.
Don Goodman (ex footballer and Sky Sports commentator) was there to start and run the race as well as present the prizes at the pub afterwards as well as cartoonist Geoff Tristram (he didn't run but was promoting his three books at the pub!) All finishers were given a very colourful cartoon print by Geoff and both celebraties were on hand to sign the prints in the pub.
Finishing in a relatively good time enabled us to get to the pub in Beckbury and a car parking space and be almost first in line at the bar and for hot pork and beef bagettes. I finished a minute quicker than last year in a time of 31:32.
Unfortunately there were only 2 portaloos for 300 runners (lots of hedge watering going on - men and women!!) Regards, Julie '
Thanks, Julie
A report on the Burnham-on-Sea Half Marathon to follow, next week.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7pm. Morrisons. Nags head afterwards.
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race. Gentle Joggers meet at Morrisons 9.30am
Wed 10/10 Morrisons
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race followed by
Sat 13/10 Bengal Brasserie - contact Peter Cowling to book your place
Wed 17/10 Morrisons
Sun 21/10 Stroud Half Marathon / MJs Walking Group - Enville/Kinver. Waitrose car park 7.30 Contact Jenny Field
Sun 21/10 Coventry Half Marathon
Wed 24/10 Morrisons
Sun 4/11 Guy Fawkes 5 - Tewkesbury

Attachments of the Week......
The Guy Fawkes 5. This is a flat, easy 5 mile road race along some country lanes just down the road in Tewkesbury and last year 20 MJs took part. This is one we can all do. Most of us run this distance or more on a Wednesday night. Go for it! The entry form is attached

The last word from MJ Lee Gough
' The whole reason for joining the ‘joggers’ was to prepare me for the Great North Run. I have since discovered a whole new group of friends and will continue to be part of the jogging group (paid up!). Thank you to all for your constant support and encouragement '
Thanks, Lee.
I like things like this. If anyone else would like to email me in praise of the Malvern Joggers, please do. It makes it all worthwhile - Chris.

Chris's Blog from 30 September 2007

Listen up y'all,

Risk Assessments
We now have Risk Assessments for both road and off-road running. These are attached. Please take the time to read them. You will be able to access them at any time from the home page of our website. In reading them, if you feel anything has been missed and could be added, please let me know

Après Beacon Race Meal
Peter Cowling has sent me the details:-
' This years après Beacon Race meal will be at the Bengal Brasserie at 7:00pm on 13th October after the race. They will be providing us with a special and varied meal at a bargain price of £10 a head. As usual, everyone is welcome - runners, spectators, friends and family. I really need to know numbers so can people e-mail me at Peter@MalvernJoggers.Co.UK and let me know who will be coming. Unfortunately, there is a limit on numbers so it will have to be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Malvern Joggers Annual General Meeting
Thanks to all those who attended this years AGM at the Red Lion. I can account for around 35 people who were there at some point.
I didn't make any notes but as I recall the main points were:-
Personal Accident Insurance - members voted in favour of this and therefore the membership fee is increased by £3 to cover this. The membership fee is now £15 for a full year and £11 for a half year.
Club London Marathon places selection procedure - members voted in favour of a minimum of 12 months membership for anyone going into the draw for a place. Those in the draw have to be LM first-timers. This is something I should have said in my AGM announcement.
The possibility of staging our own race was discussed. 3 options are being investigated.
Next years AGM will start at 8.30pm probably on the last Wednesday of September.
Last but not least, there will now be a pub session every Wednesday after the run at the Nag's Head.
With reference to the meeting, Steve Roode would like to publicly state that when he 'raced and beat the train' it did not break down!

Website Updates
Peter has been busy updating the Gallery page on the website with photos from the Pubathon, Race the Train and the Marathon du Medoc.

fetcheveryone.com
Why not register on what I think is the best running website after ours, fetcheveryone.com where MJs Crazygal, Bigcheese and Roodey have now been joined by Sundance.

Land's End to John O'Groats Record Attempt
Have you heard of Mimi Anderson? She is setting out to beat the ladies record for running from Land's end to John O'Groats currently a bit over 12 days 16 hours. Her web site is here: http://marvellousmimi.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 She ran over 88 miles on Wednesday and another 65 yesterday. It looks like she will be averaging over 70 miles a day! Phew! You can follow her progress here: http://www.ambitionlife.com/news.php
Latest news:- she dropped out on Friday night. Ooops!

Joggers in the Gazette
See the report on the Ledbury Chase headed 'Johnstone is the first lady home' on page 101. Also, Lee Gough was featured the previous week as she is taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for 'Megan Baker House' which is a specialist centre for conductive education. Well done Lee for giving the Malvern Joggers a plug in the article. You can support Lee by visiting www.justgiving.com/leegough

Race Reports
Upton Bishop Big Dipper 30/9/07 by Chris Barker
No need to go to Newcastle to do a race when you can go to Upton Bishop near Ross-on-Wye. Only 30 minutes from Malvern via Ledbury not the M50 as I said earlier, and you haven't got 50,000 other runners in your way. In fact the total was 63 so finding a bit of elbow room wasn't a problem. The Big Dipper is so called due to its undulating nature in case you hadn't guessed. More like a white knuckle ride with the up and down nature of it giving me a bit of turbulence unless that was my pre-race breakfast.
6 MJs did it which isn't a lot but it was 6 more than last year and what superb value, only six quid which included a free t-shirt and as many cups of tea, coffee and cakes as you wanted, all in with your race entry fee. Regarding the cakes I think the local WI were on speed. Finishing order was Paul Millsom, Carl Flint, Chris Barker, Phil Jackson, Julie Caseley and Samantha Caseley. Well done to Julie who with a devastating turn of speed and a ruthless display of quality distance running, blitzed the other competitors in her age group to win a memento and a bottle of wine...or something like that!

Ledbury Chase
Well done to our first 4 male finishers, Mark Cusack, Paul Newman, Jerry Greer and Carl Flint, in this race as they put us into 2nd place out of 4 in the Men's team event. The ladies team prize was not presented as there weren't any clubs with the required number of runners to make up a team. Could be one for next year girls!

Run Fat Boy Run
This is the film I reviewed recently which I went to see on Friday evening at the Malvern Cinema. Its on until next Thursday by the way.
As is often the case in a marathon the runner in question is competing on behalf of a charity. Having left it a bit late his choice is limited but come the day of the event we find him raising funds for 'National Erectile Dysfunction', that's right its a comedy, and a British one. I can recommend it. You will be inspired and come your next race you may well find yourself 'up' for it.

Sodbury Slog
Apparently this one is full much to the disappointment of Clare Hill who wanted to do it. If you have a spare place contact her on paul@hill85.freeserve.co.uk

Sunday Morning 30/9
Paul Newman reporting:- ' We had five Sunday runners out today braving the Beacon course.Lisa, Helen, Peter C,myself and a new recruit Sharon. A word of warning to Emma Ruth Gill and co you have serious competition !! Sharon took to the hills like a mountain goat leaving the rest of us in her wake...shes a bit quick! and eager to do the Race. Anyhow a good time was had by all. Best wishes '
Thanks, Paul

Champions League 2007/2008
Contrary to what I said we will now start the points from 25 down and not 40 as that is rather a big jump from 10 down. If there are more that 25 MJs in a race, say 35, we will start the points from 35 down. The races selected will be made known shortly although the first one is the Beacon Race. As its a members only competition so you will have to renew your membership, or join, to accrue any points. Its not retrospective.
Up until now its been purely for fun and to stimulate a bit of extra interest in running races but its recently been suggested that trophies are presented at the end of the year say one each for champion lady and man. This puts a different light on it so it will have to be looked at a bit more closely. The issue will be with the scoring system which, in the Champs League year just gone, has favoured the better runners which is the motivation for increasing the points to 25 down which should give the more frequent racer a better chance. I am open to your views on any aspect of it. Please let me know if you have any thoughts.

Coming up:-
Every Wednesday, 7am. Morrisons. Nags head afterwards.
Every Sunday, a local run (9.30am) or race. Gentle Joggers meet at Morrisons 9.30am
Wed 3/10 Morrisons
Sun 7/10 North Worcs MT8
Sun 7/10 Burnham Half Marathon
Wed 10/10 Morrisons
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race followed by
Sat 13/10 Bengal Brasserie - contact Peter Cowling to book your place
Wed 17/10 Morrisons
Sun 21/10 Stroud Half Marathon / MJs Walking Group - Enville/Kinver. Waitrose car park 7.30 Contact Jenny Field
Sun 21/10 Coventry Half Marathon
Wed 24/10 Morrisons

Chris's Blog from 19 August 2007

Listen up y'all,

Race Reports
Run To Remember 10k, 16/9/07 by Marc Bingham
' Held at the Countryside Centre near County Hall in Worcester and organised by the Noah's Ark Trust.
This event is more of a fund-raising / awareness event rather than a hardcore race day however it was still a great day out. There were 3 races on the day a 1km fun run for the local kids all dressed in fancy dress. Tigger, lions and cats and the like all did this race earlier on in the day and in the end a young lad in a dinosaur costume came away the winner. The other two races were a 5k and a 10k which ran simultaneously. The course was actually a 5km so us 10k'ers got the pleasure of running around it twice! I found the course itself to be superb. It was a great mixture of running through woodland and out into open field and then back into woodlands again. I tend to run mostly on paths around Worcester City Centre so this is still something new to me.
It was well marshalled throughout (Cat and Ian Barker were there doing their bit) and the course quite well signposted. That said however 3 chaps did get a bit lost, however I'm not entirely sure how that came about.
Noah's Art Trust's Website suggested that the course was mildly undulating and there was a small hill at around 4km but after doing Tenbury (which was described in the same way) it really wasn't all that bad. It isn't a PB course due to the number of tree stumps, styles and sharp turns that need to be navigated but I did pull in a PB of 50.98 which I'm quite happy with.
All over I was very happy to attend on the day. I believe Noah's Ark Trust intend the day to evolve into a fund-raising, family day out and from what I saw the children that were there were having a great time. I did manage to help raise about £320 for the trust via sponsorship from my work colleagues and friends so I'll be spending the next few days collecting that. All in all, a nice alternative to doing 3 laps around the racecourse and you get a really nice medal to boot! Stay happy, Marc '
Thanks, Marc
Stretton Skyline, 16/9/07 by Jon Newey
' I decided another three times round Pitchcroft was more than I could take, so I drove to Church Stretton with Matt Scriven for the Stretton
Skyliner fell race. This was throwing myself in at the deep end as I've done very little "proper" running lately and only just started thinking
about getting at least a bit fit for the Beacon Race.
The race is 19-miles and has 4450ft of ascent, making it a mere B-category fell race. The weather was near perfect for the 84 starters.
No big names there so no fear of the 2h17mins record going!
Matt and I started well and stuck it out in the lead group of six up the first and second climb. By the third summit there was just me, Matt and Marc Bollom (Mercia Fell Runners) left. Matt was suffering and fell back by the next climb. As the last summit began I was still with Marc and we were joined by Brian Cole (Stoke AC). I was feeling rough by now due to lack of miles in my legs and they pulled away on the never ending drag up to the long Mynd.
Stopped for a breather at the top then staggered my way down to the finish line. I did 2.46.04, 7-mins down on the other 2 (Cole won), but still over three mins ahead of 4th place. Matt was 8th in 2.54.
A good course and not too brutal so I'd recomend it to anyone who wanted to do a fell race in the long category. '
Thanks, Jon
Goodrich 10K 16/9/07 by Peter Wilson
' There's a Goodrich Castle overlooking the River Wye near Ross but this race started from another Goodrich - a factory on the outskirts of Wolverhampton. Believe me you would not confuse the two. However this was a good, smallish 10K with a mainly rural route along country lanes. My only quibble was the mile markers in a metric race - why do organisers so often do that? To me it feels better to tick off the Ks rather than waiting - and waiting - for another mile marker to appear in the distance. In fact why not have half K markers to add to that sense of getting somewhere!!
It was a mostly flat course with definite PB potential. Fellow MJ Nick Hitchings came a lot closer than me with a time of 39'50 whereas I managed to knock a massive three seconds off my MB (monthly best) of 43'34 achieved at Lichfield the previous week. Regards, Peter '
Thanks, Peter
Cirencester Park 10K, 23/9/07 by Phil Jackson
' There were three of us for this race, me, Steve Roode and Rachael Samuel (if there were others, we didn't see them). It was a slow uphill start and due to the number of runners and the narrow path it was difficult to get past people at first. After the uphill bit there was a track through the woods and then we joined the 2 mile circuit round the polo pitch which was pleasant but undulating with a sharp hill at around 4 km. We ran the circuit twice (doing that hill twice cost me around 30 seconds each time; wish I was quicker up hills - as quick as all the runners who passed me there!) and then returned through the woods and down the hill (fast!) to the start/finish. It was a friendly, enjoyable race which I would do again. I finished in just under 47 minutes (? so knackered I forgot to stop the Garmin), Steve was just behind me and Rachael who scored a PB was just behind him. '
Thanks, Phil
Shuttle/Mercer 10k, 23/9/07 by Julie Caseley
' Jim Apps and myself took part in this County Championship 10k event this morning in mild, cloudy conditions with only a slight breeze - it could have been worse. The course is lovely with only one hill of any note so good times were inevitable. Jim came in in about 42 mins and I ran 50:01, 1:23 faster than last year. There was very good competition from Amazing Feet and Kidderminster and Stourport AC (there was a lot of them too!!)
I don't usually run a 10k with a drink but I''m glad I did today as there were no water stations on the course - my only criticism!!
Samantha came kitted out for the event but didn't start due to an injury she picked up at work during the week - she thought she may be OK but wasn't so hopefully everything will be OK for the Upton Bishop Big Dipper next week. Regards, Julie '
Thanks, Julie
Ledbury Chase 13MT, 23/9/07 by Chris Barker
This was not a good race for me and I should have known when I collected my number which was 101. Yes, that where stuff goes and disappears just like my ability to run 13 miles. Maybe that's better than being given 118!
Seven MJs took part in this including one you might know as Walshy who seems to have mysteriously jumped ship to run for another club. After all the training I gave him. I taught him everything I knew. No wonder he's leaving. I knew him when he had nothing. I can remember him buying his first guitar!
At the start, I positioned myself at the back only to find that the race was about to take off in the other direction which meant I was at the front facing the wrong way. After a readjustment, off we went, legs going like pistons. That's the leaders not me! I won't bore you with the Marcle Ridge, lets just say its a hill, allright its a big'un! then along a ridge for a mile and then down a hill so steep my big toes were trying to poke their way out of my trainers and there was a lot of stiles. I told a lady marshal, as I approached one, that I was having trouble getting my leg over. She didn't offer to help!
My game plan of 'jog round in 2 hours' seemed to work as I stumbled in through the finish unchallenged as the last MJ. We didn't all make such hard work of it though as local boy Matt Scriven was 3rd overall and better still MJ Ruth Johnstone was 1st lady and won a bottle of something alcoholic for her efforts
Malvern Joggers in order of appearance if you were stood at the finish, Richard Walsh (just), Mark Cusack, Ruth Johnstone, Paul Newman, Jerry Greer, Carl Flint and Chris Barker

Wednesday Nights
A number of our runners would like you to meet them for an early run next Wednesday ;-
Alison Merley - Did part of the Beacon race course tonight and some of the Joggers are planning to do a run from Rose Bank Gardens meeting at 6pm next Wednesday with the intention of finishing in time to allow people to go straight on to the AGM. Could you let people know on next newsletter please?
Andy Milton - If anyone fancies a steady run (appropiate for those doing the Great North the following weekend )of 40 - 45 mins before the AGM a couple of us are meeting at the Rose Bank at 1800 hrs. We will be back in time for the meeting and looking forward to a recovery beer !!
Jim Apps - Please send an email to everyone saying that there will be a run at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, 26th September before the AGM for those who want to do it. They will split into 2 groups if there are enough - one to go on a flat course, the other up the hill.
Club disclaimer - You do this at your own risk! Your safety is your own responsibility!
What about Thursday night?
Steve Ollis - I had a chat with some of the MJs last night and asked them if they fancied a run on a different night due to the AGM next week
Thursday sounded like a good possibility as many go hashing on Tuesday night. Meet at Morrisons as usual, 7PM

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 26/9 MJs AGM - Red Lion, St Anns Rd, Gt Malvern 7pm
Sun 30/9 Upton Bishop Big Dipper / Rose Bank Gardens 9.30am
Wed 3/10 Morrisons
Sun 7/10 North Worcs MT8
Sun 7/10 Burnham Half Marathon
Wed 10/10 Morrisons
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race
Sun 21/10 Stroud Half Marathon / MJs Walking Group - Enville/Kinver. Details, please speak to Jenny Field
Sun 21/10 Coventry Half Marathon

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
Now the dark nights are here, please make sure you wear something that will make you visible in the dark such as a white or fluorescent top

Attachment of the Week......
The Burnham-on-sea Half Marathon on the 7th of October. Where is it? In Somerset just down the coast from Weston-Super-Mare, 1 hour and a bit down the M5 from Malvern.. Why do it? Well here's two reasons, its completely flat and there is also the après race.
If you don't like hills because they slow you down, have a go at this one. I've done it last two years and I can't find a hill in it anywhere!
The après race for want of a better term - what do you normally do after a race, go home? wait for the presentation then go home? Last year 4 MJs did this one and afterwards we went a few miles up the coast to Brean Sands to a cafe called The Light Bite where despite the slightly misleading name they do big meals quick and cheap! Then we drove our cars on to the beach, where better to chill out post-race, where you can wind the windows down and listen to the sea, go for a stroll along the sand or do what I did last year, fall asleep on the back seat!
I'll probably be doing the race on my own but if you'd like to join me, the entry form is attached.
Its a million times better than the Pitchcroft 10K!

Malvern Joggers Annual General Meeting
We are holding this next Wednesday at the Red Lion at 7pm. All runners can attend but only members are allowed to vote.
I have emailed all members with the AGM, an insurance document and an explanation of 2 issues that we will be voting on. If you are a member and you haven't received this, please let me know and I will resend.

Chris's Blog from 16 September 2007

Listen up y'all,

Malvern Jogger Emma Gooderham Represents Her Country!!!
' I have been selected to represent England in the 50K final in Italy on 14th October. It is an accumulative result where the time in your selection race and the time in the final is added up to get the winner. I think I go into the final in 6th or 7th place, about 7 minutes behind the leader. I will have to wear the England kit but will of course promote MJ wherever I can. '
Thanks, and well done Emma

Race Reports
23rd Marathon Du Medoc. France 8th September by Peter Cowling
' This was more of a amazing weekend experience than just a race. Registration was held on the Friday in the town of Pauillac which had been turned into a huge party venue. After picking up our electronic race number and goody bag we started on the food and wine sampling. We were very relaxed by the evening when we attended a "1000 pasta" party in a nearby Chateau. Pasta for starters, pasta for main course and, you guessed, pasta for dessert (chocolate flavoured). This was accompanied with music, dancing and, of course, a lot more wine. We slept very well on Friday night!
Over 7000 people in fancy dress lined up at the start on Saturday and to the accompaniment of an acrobatic aerial violinist and with the chorus of "Oh, Susanna, don't you cry for me. For I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee" ringing in our ears, we started off with a tour of the town then set off for the vineyards. On route we stopped at about 24 wine tasting stations, maybe 30 water stops which all had cake and fresh and dried fruit and other goodies, and also stops for oysters, ham, steak, ice cream, cheese, whisky and beer and lots of bands, orchestras, and other assorted music. Loads of people had turned out along the route to cheer us on. What an atmosphere! My target was to finish within the 6 1/2 hour cut-off time and we managed it with over an hour to spare. The finishers were rewarded with a goody bag and a bottle of wine then ushered into a marquee where we were offered all sorts of food and drink up to the cut-off time, then it was back to the wine sampling. The partying went on into the night with music, dancing, fireworks and, of course, plenty more wine.
On Sunday we had a leisurely 8K walk through some more vineyards. We had each been given a commemorative 'tastevin' to wear round our necks to use for sampling the wines on route. There are a lot of Chateaus in the Medoc region! We were treated to music and dancing on the way and we finished at a Chateau where we had another great meal accompanied with music and dancing and, of course, plenty more wine. Everyone had a fantastic time and we made some great friends from all over the world. The organisation of the whole event was just perfect and I would absolutely recommend this to anyone. I look forward to returning someday. Regards, Peter '
Thanks, Peter
23rd Marathon Du Medoc. France 8th September by Steve Roode
' Andy Milton and I got to France on the Friday Peter and Yvonne kindly picked us up from the airport, race registration followed by wine sampling from local areas, onto the pasta party with more wine!!
Race day – what an atmosphere 23 wine stops, plus beer, whisky, oysters, beef, cake, ham, ice cream, fruit, cheese, bread and more wine. We finished the race in just under 5.30hrs where we collected our medals, bottle of wine and goodie bags. Then into a marquee with yes even more red wine, beer, food etc, etc.
Following day a walk around the vineyards with more wine tasting, a meal and party, in the afternoon sunbathing by the pool and a chill out – what a weekend!!
I really am looking forward to Pitchcroft on Sunday?? Not!! Cheers, Steve '
Thanks, Steve
Nothing heard from Andy Milton. I assume he survived it!
Bournville Leafy 10K, 16/9/07 by Julie Caseley
' This was our first competitive event since the Wolverhampton Marathon 2 weeks ago and everything went really well on this undulating, scenic course around some of Bournville's lovely parks.
There were approximately 200 runners and the weather was ideal and the course well marshalled with friendly, encouraging folk.
I finished in a time of 50:56 and Samantha in 51:50. At the finish I received a spot prize of £10 to spend at Tri-1st in Harbourne and I was also First Lady Vet 45 with a prize of a £10 Sweatshop voucher. Well worth the trip out!!
Just a quick plug for the Christmas Yacht Handicap (3.6 miles) race at Rowheath Pavilion, Bournville on 16 December 2007 at 11.15 a.m. Great fun and for once the fastest runners don't necessarily win! More info
on www.bournvilleharriers.org. Entries on the day. Regards, Julie '
Thanks, Julie
Hydro Active 5K Challenge, 16/9/07 by Emma Gooderham
' I ran the Hydro active 5K challenge in Birmingham today. I came in 4th in a time of 18 minutes 41 seconds, behind the Polish 16 minute 5K runner and two GB athletes. This would be a great event for any gentle joggers or runners who haven't run a race before as it is a good mix of elite athletes to walkers and a great atmosphere - plus you may be on TV. For the quicker runner - not many go under 25 minutes, so even with a field of 3000 runners, you can get a good placing. Oh by the way - it is a womens only race unless you guys want to do it in drag? Hope the Pitchcroft race went well. Emma '
Thanks again Emma
Pitchcroft 10K, 16/9/07 by Chris Barker
Now is this my 2nd or 3rd lap? I'm getting a bit dizzy going round and round this racecourse. Shall I try and jump over one of the fences to try and break the monotony? Its funny what goes through your mind when your doing the Pitchcroft 10K or the Tedium 10K as I call it. Perhaps its my fault for doing it 7 times but there again I wanted to support my fellow MJs.
The Marathon du Medoc it certainly wasn't although I think I did hear Steve Roode requesting a Chateau Lafite Rothchild at the first water station, unable to switch off from his experience the previous Sunday. Special praise should be given though one of our newer runners, Jim Apps, who was doing his second 10k race of the morning! How is this possible I hear you say? Well, the Run to Remember 10K at Nunnery Wood, Worcester was brought forward to 9am which gave Jim two hours to run it and get to Pitchcroft. Which he did and then proceeded to finish 2nd out of the 11 MJs. What a star! Hasher, fund-raiser and all-round good guy!
Numbers of competitors were down this year, probably because the date was switched due to flooding, and the resultant loss of runners not replaced by many signing up for the new date. But the dunkirk spirit prevailed as the organiser managed to get the thing run after all with, in the end, about 100 runners.
The 11 MJs? Finishing order, correct me if I'm wrong guys, Paul Millsom, Jim Apps, Nick Bone, Carl Flint, Carl Anthony, Sim Foreman, Phil Jackson, Chris Barker, Steve Roode, Mike Theelke and Carol Green. We got through it, eh?

Wednesday Nights
An excellent turn-out at Morrisons last Wednesday where I would estimate there were 50 runners present including 10 or maybe 12 new ones. Meanwhile up in Rose Bank Gardens around a dozen runners split into 3 groups to take on the Beacon Race course. At the conclusion the feeling was that it would be possible to meet at 6.30 again next Wednesday but a prompt start will be necessary. Thanks to Andy Blannin for that information.
And with my Chairman's hat on, please be careful on them hills when the lights starts to fade!

My Apologies.....
to fellow committee member Alison Merley who I somehow missed off my Tree Trot 10K report last week despite chatting with her before and after the race. It must be an age thing!! Alison finished in 48.39 which scaled down to a true 10K would have been 47.08 for 74th place of 307 runners. Well done, Alison

Running Can Make You Fitter & Happier
I found this on the website of a running shoe and kit retailer and thought you might like to read it.Do you really need to know any more than that? Okay, let us explain the details.
' The truth is that there are thousands of great reasons to run.
Ask the children seeing who can get to the other side of the playground first, the businessman de-stressing, or the woman losing weight while chatting to her friend. They all have different answers, and more than one reason.
Running is incredibly accessible, left-right and repeat as necessary, it is cheap and one of the most natural and effective ways of getting fitter and healthier you can know.
There are few limits to where you run, you don’t need a team, partner or opponent and most people already have all the basic equipment needed.
Running can bring great enjoyment as well as doing you good. Running releases chemicals called endorphins, giving them a natural buzz that lasts after they have finished exercising and means they are keen to go out again.
For sure, there are people out there with 101 myths on why not to run – as they shake their head and many chins at you and gasp for breath the anti-exercise will tell you how you’re hurting your bones (weight bearing exercise can strengthen them), breathing in muck (running strengthens your heart and lungs) and is only for the super skinny who seem to be fans of bun hugging shorts (running is for everyone). Don’t listen to a word, don’t waste your breath arguing with these people. Idiots always win the argument – they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. They are in the same boat as those people who use the full depth of their wit to shout after you ‘Run, Forrest Run’ or sing for you to ‘Keep on running’ as you float on past wondering why dog walkers never get the same kind of abuse. They both wonder why you bother and why you don’t pay the least bit of notice to their ‘wise’ words. That’s because they don’t understand.
They don't understand how running sorts your mind out. Two miles into a run the pedantic boss, argumentative kids and uncooperative computer seem light years behind you.
You also know that you are getting fitter, and, hey, aren’t you moving faster than ever with less effort? That’s right. You’re leaner, healthier, less stressed and, let’s face it, faster than you have been before.
The fat starts to disappear, muscle tone improves. Each breath draws in more oxygen. Statistics show that runners have fewer cardiovascular problems due to their healthier lifestyles. Stairs are there to be run up with no huffing and puffing and you almost get bored if you have to stand still in a lift.
You get fitter, more relaxed and more able to cope with whatever any day throws at you. On foot you’ll see places you never knew existed with no travel agents needed – just go out and buy a pair of running shoes! '

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 19/9 Morrisons 7pm /Rose Bank Gardens 6:30pm
Sun 23/9 Ledbury Chase 13MT / Cirencester 10K / Rose Bank Gardens 9.30am
Wed 26/9 MJs AGM - Red Lion, St Anns Rd, Gt Malvern 7pm (no organised run)
Sun 30/9 Upton Bishop Big Dipper / Rose Bank Gardens 9.30am
Sun 7/10 North Worcs MT8
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race
Sun 21/10 Stroud Half Marathon/MJs Walking Group - Enville/Kinver
Sun 21/10 Coventry Half Marathon

Some Inspirational words....
from one of our newer runners, Marc Bingham:-
' I'm a recent addition to the MJs and joined via Cathy Barker. Although so far I've only done two runs with you guys I'm enjoying it greatly and I'm also finding it much more motivating to run with like-minded people. '
Thanks, Marc

Attachment of the Week......
The Upton Bishop Big Dipper. Run on the 30th of September, its a 5.6 mile road race along country lanes and I'm featuring this race because we needed a race to replace the Bugatti, not a fare swop really, and this is the only one available at this late stage. Also the organiser, Nigel Misselbrook has asked me to make it known to you all. It was the first year of its existence in 2006 and it attracted a total of 56 runners. Upton Bishop is near Ross-on-Wye just off junction 3 of the M50. Its not the Marathon du Medoc but then again what is?

Chris's Blog from 09 September 2007

Listen up y'all,

The Next Walk
An announcement from Jenny on the next walk:-
' The next planned walk for the Malvern Joggers Walking group will be on Sunday October 21st. It will be a 4-5hr walk in gentle terrain taking in Kinver Edge and part of the Staffordshire Way followed by pub lunch at The Cat at Enville which will be the start point.
We will meet in Waitrose Carpark ( the part that is furthest away from the shop) at 7.30 to car-share.
The Cat would like us to pre-order lunch if there are more then 8 of us, so if you would like to join us please contact Jenny Field on jennifer.field@lineone.net and we will e-m you a menu. We need to get the orders to them by 12th October.
It is important to come prepared for wet and muddy conditions.
Rainproof jacket and trousers and stout boots or walking shoes are essential. We usually have a coffee and cake stop along the route so bring a flask of something hot and a snack with you.
It is a good opportunity to bring your partners along and meet fellow joggers.
Cheers, JEN '

Wednesday Nights
A good turn out of around 45 runners, including 4 new ones, were present at our last meeting in the local countryside last Wednesday at Callow End. Next Wednesday its back to Morrisons. As I said last week, we would be delighted to see anyone we haven't seen for a while now that we are back in town.

Correct Membership Details
Can I ask all members to ensure that if they change their address, they inform the secretary of the club. From 1st of October we will be governed by England Athletics instead of Midland Counties Athletics Assoc. and we have been told that they will issue membership cards to all of our members instead of us doing it. This means that if your address details are incorrect, and I know some are, your card will go to the wrong address!

Beacon Race Route Practise
If you want to run the Beacon Race route next Wednesday, please meet in Rose Bank Gardens at 6.30pm. On the night it will be decided what the arrangement will be for the following week. With it getting darker earlier it may be necessary to meet earlier the following Wednesday, but that may not be possible for some people. Please see Andy Blannin at the end of the run.
If you are doing this next Wednesday, please take care, especially when under the trees on the lower reaches on the way down. These are the places where it will be darkest and it would be easy to trip and hurt yourself (or is it just me that does that) and not do the race in the end due to injury.
Can I just say that you do this of your own choosing and the club or any individual will not be responsible, sorry!
You might also want to run the route on a Sunday morning in which case, meet in the gardens at 9.30am on the 16th, 23rd and 30th of this month.

Race Reports
Beacon 10K, 2/9/07 by Chris Barker
My 21st race of the year but more importantly my 200th since I started this running lark in 1996, so it was only fitting that I was the first MJ home which wasn't difficult as I was the only one. In a field 128 the only other runner I recognised was Richard Lee of the Ledbury Harriers.
Setting off just up the road from the Beacon Hotel, Haresfield, the route consisted of an undulating (aren't they all) run along country lanes except for a half mile stretch along one of Gloucester's busier roads.
My finishing time of 45.56 was about as good as I was going to do give my exertions of the three previous days but well below this years best of 44.02 but things seemed better when I received the finishing memento, a half pint of beer. Just the job after 6.2 mile of hard running.
Torbay Regatta 10K, 26/8/07 by Peter Wilson
' Over the recent August bank holiday weekend Nick Hitchings and myself ventured down to sunny Torquay to fly the flag for the Joggers in the Torbay Regatta 10K. Unusually it was a Sunday evening race, which nonetheless seemed very popular, with nearly 450 entrants and good support along the route.
For those who know Torbay, we began amid the palm trees in downtown Torquay near the marina and headed along the seafront towards Paignton, where we were required to perform two laps of the large green near the pier before returning home. It was a warm evening and that was my excuse for finishing in 44'35. Nick did much better to achieve 62nd place in 40'49. But never mind that, there are worse places to be than the English Riviera on a late summer's night. However when Nick said that he fancied an early run the following morning, I thought he was joking... Cheers, Peter '
Thanks, Peter
Tree Top 10K, 8/9/07 by Chris Barker
This one takes place at the Westonbirt Aboretum, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire which is a 600-acre site, home to one of the 'finest collections of temperate plants in the world and provides a magical setting for the a one-lap course around the Old Arboretum and the Silk Wood'. The late summer weather, with the much hope for Indian Summer created perfect running conditions, as did the gently undulating traffic-free course along the Arboretum's gravel trails.
On another day you might like to stop and read the names of trees along Specimen Avenue and sit on one of the well placed benches and watch the setting sun through the trees. But we had a race to do!!
6 MJs ran this one, Ian Barker, Dave Green, Chris Barker, Phil Jackson, Cathy Barker and Carol Green was the finishing order. Yes a lot of Barkers and Greens! I have to say I fancied myself to be first MJ home but forgot that Ian was doing it and he would have to have a bad day to be beaten by me! Dave surprised me as I finished about 100 metres behind him. I'll have to find out what he's on! At the end there was a lot of talk about what a long 10k it was with the average Garmin reading about 6.4 miles. Scaling my time down I got 45.11. Bit better than 46.34 anyway!
Tetbury is, of course, the location of Highgrove House and the home of Prince Charles and I was rather hoping he was going to join us. Who knows he may have accepted an invitation to be President of the Malvern Joggers. Still, perhaps we'll see him next year.

Run, Fat Boy, Run
This is a full-length feature film which is about to do the rounds and could be showing at your local cinema very soon. Yes, it features someone running. Here's a review:-
' Dennis is an ordinary guy, he's a little overweight and he smokes, but he's nice, charming and unassuming. However, 5 years ago he did something that wasn't nice. On his wedding day to his present fiancé Libby, Dennis did a runner. He just couldn't go through with it. He didn't think he was good enough for Libby, so instead of ruining her life, he ruined her big day
Now, 5 years later, Dennis realises he made a big mistake. He's still in love with Libby. He still sees her all the time because of Jake, their 5 year old son, but the romantic ties have been severed Libby's now seeing Whit, a charming professional from the City, and Dennis takes an immediate dislike to him. Whit is casual, easy-going, successful and good with Jake, much to Dennis's annoyance. How can Dennis compete with him?
Dennis feels demoralised and overwhelmed by Whit's long list of achievements. In a last ditch effort to prove to Libby that he has changed his ways, Dennis impulsively announces at her birthday party that he will run in the same London Marathon that Whit has been training for. But does Dennis have the stuff to trade his cold feet for running shoes? Run, Fat Boy, Run is a romantic comedy that confirms that true love is not a sprint, its a marathon. '

Great North Run place required
Message from Julie Caseley:-
If anyone has a ballot place for the Great North Run on 30 September that they are unable to use for any reason, Samantha would be more than happy to buy it off you.
Many thanks, juliecaseley@tiscali.co.uk 01684 566022 0779 300 6154

Sunday Runs
7 people met in the Rose Bank Gardens this morning and enjoyed a run on the hills along some different paths for a change, led by Neil Williamson. Apart from the usual hazards such as uneven ground as well as dogs and mountain bikes, look out for horses! You don't see many and there's probably better places to take them but one of our runners fell whilst carefully going by the horse which suddenly took fright! Only slight superficial damage I'm pleased to report. That's our runner not the horse.

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 12/9 Morrisons
Sun 16/9 Pitchcroft 10K
Sun 16/9 Gloucester Half Marathon / Rose Bank Gardens
Wed 19/9 Morrisons
Sun 23/9 Ledbury Chase 13MT / Rose Bank Gardens
Sun 23/9 Cirencester 10K
Wed 26/9 MJs AGM - Red Lion, St Anns Rd, Gt Malvern 7pm (no organised run)
Sun 30/9 Upton Bishop Big Dipper / Rose Bank Gardens
Sun 7/10 North Worcs MT8
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race
Sun 21/10 Stroud Half Marathon / MJs Walking Group - Enville/Kinver
Sun 21/10 Coventry Half Marathon

Attachment of the Week......
The Ledbury Chase on the 23rd of September. Organised by our near neighbours, Ledbury Harriers, who would appreciated your support. It clashes with Cirencester Park 10K although its a lot closer to home and its a different type of race in that its a half marathon multi-terrain.
' It starts and finishes at Ledbury Rugby Club, a splendid venue with plenty of parking space, showers, changing rooms and the bar will be open' not forgetting that ' the climb up to Marcle Ridge will prove challenging for even the toughest competitors '
I'll be there!

Happy running and see you at Morrisons (and not Hanley Castle, as it says in the Gazette) on Wednesday unless you are meeting in Rose Bank Gardens and running the Beacon Race course,

Chris's Blog from 2 September 2007

Listen up y'all,

Wednesday Nights
Last Wednesday in the Rose Bank Gardens I said that our last Wednesday run in the countryside would be meeting at Hanley Castle on the 12th, seeing how quickly it went from bright sunshine (on the West Malvern side of the hills) to semi-darkness, and not wanting to lose anyone in the gloom, I've changed my mind about that. Next Wednesday at the Old Bush, Callow End will be the last one and the following week we will be back at Morrisons, meeting there every Wed. until sometime in the spring. Having said that its still possible to run in the countryside from Morrisons for a week or so by running around Madresfield and towards Old Hills. So:- 5/9 Old Bush, Callow End. 12/9 Morrisons 19/9 Morrisons 26/9 Annual General Meeting (see below) Attention anyone we haven't seen 5 months or so, especially Gentle Joggers We've missed you! and Wednesday the 12th (at Morrisons) might be a good time to rejoin us. Its flat, its very local for many people and you can run in the dark so no-one can see you if that appeals to you. After all what else are you going to do at 7pm on a Wednesday evening? You'll get more benefit out of this than watching Coronation Street, I promise!

Annual General Meeting
As a properly constituted body affiliated to the national organisation for governance of athletics in the UK, we are required to hold an AGM. This will be taking place in the Red Lion, St Ann's Road, Malvern on the 26th of September at 7pm. Please note that although any of our runners can attend, there may be a vote necessary to resolve an issue or two and only paid-up members are allowed to vote. These can be quite stuffy affairs but so far we have ours have been quite convivial and along the lines of one of our socials. We've yet to hold one that's ended in a fight. This is your chance to have a say on the way your club is run and as usual 'any other business' will be included on the agenda.
The agenda will be made known following the pre-agenda committee meeting on the 6th of September. There will be no organised run on the night of the AGM.

Great Malvern Pubathon
The Malvern Joggers Great Malvern Pubathon duly took place last Monday (27th) starting at beer tent at the Westfest, West Malvern at 12 midday when the first drink was taken. The 'stirrup cup' you might say. Incidentally, you might like to see the photo and supporting article on page 72 of the Malvern Gazette. This is the third week running that we have had a prominent mention!
A motley crew consisting of Peter Cowling, Chris Barker, Andy Milton, Steve Roode, Louise C, Julie Cassey, Steve Ollis, Eleanor Cassell, Phil Jackson, Ian and Cathy Barker, Carol Green plus the Hashers: Jim (AKA Unhinged), Darren (AKA Never Ready) and Martin (AKA Wrong) plus our invaluable support team and Maria, Donna and Yvonne made their way out of the Westfest amidst surprised looks from those present. The Brewers Arms was the first pub to have the pleasure of our company, a big thanks to the landlord for his generous contribution to the collection. The Chase Inn followed then the Malvern Hills Hotel. After that it was the Marlbank. It was there that we learnt the Swan at Hanley Swan would be shut before got there. To overcome the obstacle the support crew went ahead to get the beer in only to find the pub was effectively already shut which meant a five mile run to the next pub, the Green Dragon (Guarlford Road). Those on foot really needed at rest by then (a bicycle does come handy now and again!). After sampling the ale, as opposed to throwing it down quick and chatting to the locals as we did in all the pubs it was on to the Blue Bell, through Barnards Green shops where an unsuspecting Jill Brierly minding her own business found herself pounced upon by the pubathoners. Thanks for your donation Jill. Then the Foresters Arms, Nags Head and the last pub, the Lamb (W. Malvern). After another drink, still standing and six and a half hours later, we returned to The Westfest, job done where some of the guys went back to the beer tent for a celebratory drink.
I'll leave the last words to Steve Roode:-
' I thought I would let you know that the total we collected for the Pubathon was £381.40 and this will be split between Acorns Hospice and St Richards Hospice, I would like to say a big thank-you to all those who helped organise it, those who actually took part and those that came along to support us at the various pubs. Also thanks to Yvonne for being the back-up and ferrying people around. I think you will agree that all those that took part will be looking forward to next year's !!! '

Fish & Chips & Homebrew Evening
Thanks to all those who took part in this one. There were 14 of us in total. Special thanks to Carl for hosting the event and Maria for getting the F & Cs. Our previous dining experience was at the very swish and superbly finished Beau Thai restaurant at Colwall which I have to admit was different from eating fish and chips out of the paper with your fingers in someone's back garden. Having said that I enjoyed the both! The F & C cost £2.80 each by the way. The change from the £3's went to buy one for Carl. It was a little dark I have to admit but when I picked a date for this I thought, well its still August so it will still be light. It wasn't. Never mind. We'll still do it again sometime.

Changes to the Champions League
The MJs Champions League is coming to an end for this year i.e. at the end of September which means although it will have covered only 9 months its now in line with the membership year. There will be two changes for the next Championship starting on the 1st of October.
Change 1 It was to have consisted of 18 races (approx two per month) but we lost the Bugatti 10K due to flooding. To make it back up to 18 races we have chosen the Upton Bishop Big Dipper on the 30th September as the replacement race. In fact, there was no option as the previous three weeks are occupied by CL races namely the Pitchcroft, Tree Trot and Cirencester 10Ks. On the 1st of October the Champs League for 2007/2008 will begin with 24 races over 12 months with a change to the scoring system, as follows:- Change 2 The current points system seems to favour the faster runners so there will be a change in that the points awarded which will start from 40 down instead of 10. This will give the rest of us more chance as long as we run more of the CL races than some of our faster runners. Trust me!

Local Gathering - 2/9/07
Dave Gibson reports on this morning run:-
' Hi Chris, Six MJs met at Upton this morning and enjoyed a 9.6 mile run around the town and along the river taking 83 minutes to complete the trip. Regards, Dave '
Thanks, Dave

Race Reports
Frampton 10K, 21/8/07 by Chris Barker
This was one that was put back due to the July floods so I was pleased to see it was being run a month later. Having seen it sell out before I could get a place, I was more successful for the new date as Eric very kindly injured himself and allowed me to have his place. I had the Gloucester 20 in mind as that one is based at the Community Centre in Frampton and is organised by Gloucester AC. Stroud AC are responsible for this one which is based at the Sailing Club.
Being run a month later meant less daylight but at least the three MJs were home before a torch was needed as the tailenders came home in semi-darkness. Its billed as fast and flat and I would agree with that. Its a road race, run along country lanes with a good running surface where a PB is well possible if your up for it. 380 took part with Nick Hitchings finishing in 40.15 for 65th place, Chris Barker in 44.56 and Derek Goodman in 53.20 after coming back from London with 15 minutes to spare. When you get there you see signs for the Cider Race which made me wonder if I had come to the right place but that is the post-race reward which along with a BBQ is held at the Sailing Club. 'Sailing' hmmm don't think that's a term that would ever be applied to my running style somehow!
Wolverhampton Marathon, 2/9/07 by Paul Newman
' I did it! I did it! I did it!!!!! After the disappointment of having to pull out of the London Marathon I have finally completed a full marathon!
Today myself, Julie and Sam Caseley all competed in the Wolverhampton marathon. We were greeted to bright sunshine at the start of the race and we were warned of the undulating terrain, how right they were! My race went surprisingly well! I completed the first half in 1hr 38 and resisted the temptation to head to the half marathon finishing line! I found the second half more challenging, somebody could have warned me that its a long, long, long way! Half a mile longer than it should of been! (Julie and I compared Garmins at the end of the race only to find that the distance of the marathon was actually 26.68 miles!). I completed the marathon and a bit in 3hrs 37 which considering the terrain and as it was my first attempt was quite pleasing! Id like to thank my fantastic training partners in Helen, Lisa, Stuart, Roger and Jill who have helped me tremendously over the last year, and also to all the other Malvern Joggers for all their advice and support! Best Wishes, Paul '
Thanks & well done, Paul
Wolverhampton Marathon, 2/9/07 by Julie Caseley ' Briefly, Paul Newman finished in 3:37, I finished in 4:02 (a bit disappointed as I was on target for 4 hours but both me and Paul recorded the course on our Garmins as being nearly 0.5 miles too long - however Samantha got it to be more accurate at just over 26.2) and Samantha, finishing her first marathon, came in at 4:30 but nearly
collapsed on the finish line and had to be tended to by the St. John Ambulance for about 20 mins before she was feeling well enough again. She's fine now, but may lose about 3 toe nails!! Won't be running for 10-14 days now but may see you out and about on my bike!! See you soon. Regards, Julie ' Thanks and well done again, Julie

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 5/9 Old Bush, Callow End
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France - Marathon de Medoc
Sat 8/9 Tree Trot 10K - Tetbury
Wed 12/9 Morrisons
Sun 16/9 Pitchcroft 10K
Sun 16/9 Gloucester Half Marathon
Wed 19/9 Morrisons
Sun 23/9 Ledbury Chase 13MT
Sun 23/9 Cirencester 10K
Wed 26/9 MJs AGM - Red Lion, St Anns Rd, Gt Malvern 7pm (no organised run)
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race
Sun 21/10 Stroud Half Marathon
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,
Mr Cheese

Chris's Blog from 26 August 2007

Listen up y'all,

Great Malvern Pubathon - Bank Holiday Monday
Another first (or thirst) for the Malvern Joggers. The Great Malvern Pubathon. Next month on the 8th (or 9th) Peter Cowling, Andy Milton, and Steve Roode will be doing the Marathon de Medoc in France. It might be best described as a 26.2 miles pub crawl as wine flows freely at the numerous drinks stations. Being experienced drinkers, sorry runners, they know the value of training properly for an event so they have devised the pubathon in preparation and everyone is invited to join them including the Hashers and the BP Joggers. The event starts from the Beer Tent, 12 midday, at the Westfest, which is of course, Malvern's answer to Glastonbury with, this year, 20 bands and 2 stages, I'm told, plus numerous other attractions. The Pubathon consists of a 15.5 mile journey taking in 10 pubs in the local area. There are no rules so if you'd like to join them you could have a drink in just the first pub or all 10 if you want to. You don't have to run. After a certain point you may not be able to. You could always go round on a bike! Various charities will benefiting so its all in a good cause.
Hot on the heels of that comes yet another first for the 'socially active' Malvern Joggers. Its the.......

Fish & Chips & Homebrew Evening
This will be taking place in Carl's back garden after next Wednesday night's run at 1, Beech Close, Lower Howsell Road, Malvern Link. Its close to the entrance to the playing field but on the opposite side of the road. If you would like to join in please email me to say you will be doing so but please let me have the £3 for your Fish & Chips beforehand i.e. next Wednesday before the run. This will then be bought for you and be available at Carl's at around 8.15/8.30pm.

Malvern Jogger in World Championships - Its true!
Emma Gooderham continues her bid for world domination of female distance running......
' Dear Chris, Just to let you know that my time at Boddington has secured me a place in the Palmero final in Italy (World Championships Final) and the UK athletics coach is seriously considering me to represent England (three ladies will be selected to represent England)! Have gone from a state of shock to fear as I didn't want to run that distance again two days ago and my legs are still sore. Suppose I'll have to now! Emma '
Well done Emma. Don't ever leave us........please!

Race Reports
Race the Train, Tywyn, Wales, 18/8/07 by Chris Barker
This was the 24th running of Race The Train and the best one because it featured Malvern Joggers, Steve Roode, Julie Caseley, Peter Cowling and myself. A better title might be 'Try and beat that Train' of which there are actually two, the second one starting 20 minutes behind the first. At least its not one of your high speed trains, its actually the Talyllyn Railway which is a preserved, privately owned, narrow gauge railway built in 1865 to carry slate. It runs from Tywyn which is just up the coast from Aberystwyth 7 miles inland to Abergonolwyn. I'm sure you know it well! It sounds like an unfair contest and to runners of my standard it is. The train runs on a flat trackbed whilst the competitors run uphill and downdale trying to finish in front of it although it does stop at 3 stations en route.
The first mile is through the town centre then its out into the country for the next 5 miles which run through a valley with some beautiful scenery either side. You actually think you are doing quite well until you hear the familiar sound of a steam train, clattering over the rails with its whistle blowing and its passengers cheering at the runners as they hang out of the windows of the carriages.
The course which is 14.75 miles long, runs alongside the railway as close as is possible but turns a bit nasty from mile 7 where you run through a field ploughed up the day before just like last year I'm told. Then 2 miles along the side of a very steep hill where your left foot is about 12" above your left and you have to avoid slipping down the hill to the bottom as one or two in road shoes did. Then alongside the Dolgoch (water)Falls and through a bog where sliding seemed to be more effective than running. Finally an expected climb up some country lanes, past my campsite and on to the finish in a rather slow time of 2.28. Knowing that it takes the 2nd train 2 hrs 5 mins from the start of the race, I set the virtual partner on my garmin only to find the train beat me by 1.65 miles! But at least we had one runner successful in doing this. Well done Steve Roode! Julie was our 2nd finisher with Peter not far behind me. Seems lately I'm OK at 5 & 10K but half marathon and above I seem to have lost it. It must be there somewhere. All in all, hard work, maybe they should add something to the title of the race, such as, Grim, Tough, Grizzly, Slog or Massacre.
I have to say it was brilliantly organised with a huge marquee at race HQ offering food, seating, tables and protection from the elements. There were changing rooms and showers and the feeling that this was a well staged event. I think we all enjoyed the weekend. The weather was rubbish but at least by the end of it you knew whether your tent was waterproof or not and there's always the Treffidian Hotel at Aberdovey!
Now, where shall we go next year!

Frampton 10K report next week

Charity Appeal
From Cathy Barker:-
Chris, I’m doing one of the Cancer Research 10ks this autumn and am trying to do my bit and raise some money for this worthwhile cause. I would really appreciate it if you could put the link to my sponsorme page into one of your MJ news letters with a line to say how much I’d appreciate it if people would be kind enough to sponsor me for a pound or two. http://www.10ksponsorme.org/catbarker Many thanks, Cathy

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
Mon 27/8 Great Malvern Pubathon, starts at West Fest
Wed 29/8 Rose Bank Gardens / Beer tasting + Fish & Chips at Carl's
Sun 2/9 Beacon 10K - Gloucester
Wed 5/9 Old Bush, Callow End
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France - Marathon de Medoc
Sat 8/9 Tree Trot 10K - Tetbury
Wed 12/9 Three Kings, Hanley Castle
Sun 16/9 Pitchcroft 10K
Sun 16/9 Gloucester Half Marathon
Sun 23/9 Ledbury Chase 13MT
Sun 23/9 Cirencester 10K
Wed 26/9 MJs Annual General Meeting - TBC
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race
Sun 21/10 Stroud Half Marathon

MJs in the Gazette
We have been featured in the local paper in both of the last 2 editions. In the paper dated 17th August we were on page 89 under the headline Joggers back in action featuring a report on the Tenbury 10K. Thanks to Jon Newey for providing that. Last Friday's edition finds us on page 3. See 'Charity joggers will stop at a pub every two miles'

Attachment of the Week......
Cirencester Park 10K. What better way to showcase it than drag out last years report!
' Thinking only myself and Eric were bothering to do this one, along with 600 other folks, we were delighted to be joined by another 6 MJs! The race itself takes place in Earl Bathurst's back garden which is considerably bigger than mine. It's very much like the Tree Trot 10K (treeish) if you've done that one, only its better because you run on tarmaced driveways instead of stoney paths. The course is pan-handle style which involves 2 laps of the circular bit. Best not to hang about on the first lap unless you want to watch the leader go by who is by then on his second lap. This is the only race I've done that has taken me passed a polo pitch. Pity I didn't have my polo pony with me as I might have managed a PB and its got a long, downhill finishing straight, always welcome after you've flogged yourself for 6 and a bit miles! The MJs taking part were Jill Brierly, myself, Roger Brierly, Steve Roode, Ros Goodman, Eric Bromage, Mike Theelke and Derek Goodman.'
What a fantastic report. Who on earth could have written it? Anyway because of its popularity (the race, that is) last year its found its way on to the Champions league.
But PLEASE NOTE, it clashes with the LEDBURY CHASE 13MT if want something tougher, you might want to do that one instead. I can't tell you which one to do so its up to you!

Local Gathering
I'm please to say that there were 11 of this morning (Sunday) for the run from the crossroads at Welland where we covered 8.75 miles in 1 hr 26 mins and ran through Upper Welland, over Castlemorton common, through Welland Stone and Hook Bank. Next Sunday its the Wolverhampton half and full marathon. Please report back to me if you are taking part. Meanwhile I will be running in the rather easier Beacon 10K at Haresfield, Gloucestershire if you would like to join me. I will be entering on the day. If anyone would like to lead a local run please let me know.
Next Wednesday we are meeting in Rose Bank Gardens, Belle Vue, Great Malvern. Its the park next door to the Mount Pleasent Hotel, if you were wondering. 7pm as usual. This will allow anyone to run the Beacon race course if they would like to. I'm sure there will be someone on hand to lead you through it.

Email me now for a fish & chips next Wednesday. Three quid required beforehand.

Happy running,
Chris

Chris's Blog from 19 August 2007

Listen up y'all,

Our Next Social
This will be taking place on the 29th of this month, Wednesday week, in Carl Flint's back garden in Lower Howsell Road. It was originally to sample Carl's homebrew but with have now embellished it with a fish and chip supper. The idea being that you place your order with me (or maybe someone else) before the run. Someone will then drive to the chippy with the orders and your gourmet meal should be available for you at Carl's house after the run at approx 8.30. Thanks to Carl for making this possible.

Race Reports
White Horse 5K, 16/8/07 By Chris Barker
When you arrive at the race HQ you don't want to find that its now taking place elsewhere and 15-20 minutes away (by car) but that was the case with this one. It should have taken place at the White Heart, Sandhurst, Gloucester but due to flash flooding the day before, was moved to the Pilot Inn at Hardwicke, the other side off Gloucester with only 6 hours notice. Seems The Pilot had no objection to a pub full of thirsty runners.
Having done 2 Severn AC events before I wasn't expecting many runners, 25 perhaps?, the switch of venue possibly reducing this to even less so I was pleasantly surprised to least 75. The reason for this was not 30 years since Elvis Presley passed away, it was, in fact, the Gloucestershire 5K championships.
Its an out and back course along country lanes which means 2.5K, run around a bollard, and come back. Not the most interesting course but it was fast and flat. 5 Malvern Joggers took part, Nick Hitchings, Peter Wilson, Dave Gibson, Phil Jackson, myself with injured MJ Dave Edwards spectating. Phil seemed please with his effort not having done a 5K before but being surprised how fast everyone went off, while I equalled my PB of 21.35.
The presentation followed, the prizes being, as usual for Severn AC races, chocolate bars and biscuits, plus medals for those who had won them in the Glos County Championships presented by the mayor of Gloucester no less.
Chris
Before you read the next report, a marathon is 42K..........
Boddington 50K, 19/8/07 by Emma Gooderham
'Well whilst most of you were having a jolly in sunny? Wales, I was slogging away (finally) at the rescheduled 50 K race at Boddington. It was tough and I have difficulty raising my legs at the moment, but I gave it 100% (nearly collapsed at the finish) and finished in a time of 3 hours 50 minutes and 11 seconds which won me 1st FV35 and 5th lady overall. Now for the gutted bit - the qualifying time for the final in Palmero in Italy in October is sub 3 hours 50. I thought I was on to do it as my Garmin beeped at 30 miles, but my final reading on the Garmin was 31. 26 miles, not 31, so I mustn't have taken the most direct route! On the plus side I turned to my husband at the end and said never again as I was nearly sick, so maybe it was a blessing. However as I am getting the use of my legs slowly back I am warming to the idea again and it is possible I will get a wild card (they offer an additional 15 places in the final on best performances outside the qualifying times). For anyone who wants to try an ultra, Boddington is definately worth a try as the facilities were excellent (like hotel showers, complete with towels at the end), the competitors at this distance are all very supportive and friendly (or is it they are as nutty as me for wanting to go that distance?) and the 14 laps make a long way seem more manageable and you are never far away from home. The marshalling and support was also excellent (although they tried to make one lady go round again!). Hope the Race the train weekend was good, looking forward to the report.'
Thanks, Emma

Report on Race The Train.... when I've written it.....next week! Stay tuned!

Missing MJs
Sian Jones:-
'Hi Chris, Just to explain my recent absence from the joggers runs! I managed to fracture my ankle bone running on the hills about 10 weeks ago - a stone appeared from nowhere as i was running along a path and over i went - i have just started doing short runs, but have been banned from going on the hills for a while! I'm looking forward to joining you all again once i've got myself a bit fitter! cheers Sian'
Thanks, Sian
Alison Chaundy:-
' Hi Chris, Just a bit of an update, as possibly the most invisible MJ of recent times. Now working in Manchester so not around for Wednesday night running but please say hi to everyone. I'm hoping to get back to Malvern permanently in September so hopefully will be able to get back into a decent routine.In the meantime, I am trying to prepare for the Berlin Marathon. In a moment of drunken madness, I agreed to do it with a friend. So Sundays now involve a 5:45am start to get the long run in whilst the country lanes are quiet. Now up to 18 very slow miles and seem to be getting slower week on week. Never mind, I'll plod in and take the old MJ's vest to Berlin for a bit of an airing.
I'll let you know how I get on, if I'm not too ashamed of the time!! Best wishes to all, Ali '
Thanks, Alison

MJs London Marathon News
I know its a long time until next April but Peter Cowling will be taking part in the 2008 race having secured a guaranteed place having been rejected for 5 consecutive years. He joins Paul Newman, Ruth Johnstone and Stuart Brown who I believe all have deferred places. Anyone else please let me 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
Tue 21/8 Frampton 10K
Wed 22/8 British Camp
Mon 27/8 Great Malvern Pubathon, starts at West Fest
Wed 29/8 Rose Bank Gardens / Beer tasting + Fish & Chips at Carl's
Sun 2/9 Beacon 10K - Gloucester
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France - Marathon de Medoc
Sat 8/9 Tree Trot 10K - Tetbury
Sun 16/9 Pitchcroft 10K
Sun 16/9 Gloucester Half Marathon
Sun 23/9 Ledbury Chase 13MT
Sun 23/9 Cirencester 10K
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race
Sun 21/10 Stroud Half Marathon

Attachment of the Week......The Beacon 10K
Not to be confused with Malvern's Beacon Race, this one takes place on Sunday 2nd of September if your doing nothing else that day and is a 10K road race starting from Haresfield, Gloucester. ' One lap undulating rural course' and 'free beer to all finishers' it says on the entry form and you can enter on the day as indeed I am. Its organised by Gloucester's ladies-only running club and for more information see www.angelsrunningclub.co.uk The entry form is attached.

Next Wednesday
Meet at British camp, 7pm as usual.

Happy running,
Chris

Chris's Blog from 12 August 2007

Listen up y'all,

MJs Thai Meal at the Beau Thai Restaurant
Thanks to everyone who attended the Thai Meal last Wednesday. There was 26 of us in the end and given that a number of people are on holiday and this is in fact the BBQ season that was really good going! All were agreed that the quality of the food was excellent and the decor of the restaurant very impressive and beautifully finished, I'm sure it now comes highly recommended by all those who were there.
Talking of MJ socials, our next get together is on Wednesday 29th of this month in Carl Flint's garden after the run, which hopefully will consist of more than sampling Carl's home brew. Details to follow (when we've spoken to Carl)

Race Reports
London Triathlon 04/08/07 report by Cathy Barker.
' Ian and I both competed as runners in teams of 3 doing the Olympic distance in the London Triathlon. Hundreds of people competing in a variety of individual and team events - the organisation was phenomenal! The final leg of the Olympic event is a 10K run – 4 laps of a course taking you out of and back into the Excel Exhibition Centre down in the London Docklands. Ian’s done it before and assured me the route was flat – he forgot the car ramps up into the centre! It was a long day, setting off at 8.30am to arrive in time to register the teams, rack up the bikes and, in my case, meet the rest of my team who I’d not met before. Our event didn’t start until 4pm, so we weren’t running until approximately 5.45pm. It was boiling hot – running on concrete by buildings that had been absorbing the heat all day. The thought of running up those ramps 4 times in that heat was daunting. My swimmer and biker both did really good times and I was more than half way round the first lap when Ian and I crossed – so I knew at that point I was more than ¾ mile in front of him. Each time we crossed he had reduced the distance. By the last lap he’d just about caught me - we crossed not long after I’d turned at the end of the outbound bit for the final time. He finally caught and passed me (with far too much ease for my liking) just before the dreaded ramp! The worst thing was the route took you within feet of someone cooking on a bbq, the smell of hotdogs and burgers whafting over the course – and you had to pass it 8 times! Ian’s team came in 132nd out of over 400 in the event. The timings were a bit dodgy (0.47mins for the transition between bike and runner which would be impossible!). He was given a time of 43 mins but his real time over the actual 10k would have been quicker. I timed myself at 53 mins from when I left the biker, so again; actually over the 10k my time was more like 51 or 52 – close to my PB. Unfortunately my team was issued with the wrong time chip and we’re not listed in the results at the moment but think we came in around 149th/150th. Brilliant day! '
Thanks, Cathy
Cranham Boundry Chase, 11/8/07 by Chris Barker
There are not many races which involve staring and finishing uphill. Also unusual is the distance of 5.8 miles although given the uphill finish, we didn't want 0.4 miles on the end of it. This event is part of Cranham's annual village fete which includes such things as, a cricket match, skittles, a deer roast and, on display, a pedigree Cotswold sheep, but because of foot and mouth livestock movement restrictions, this was replaced by a stuff version!
It promised to be a competitive race with many entrants from Gloucester, Cheltenham and Stroud AC's despite there being only 75 runners in total. The only other MJ was Phil Jackson, who had entered before race day and been given number 902! He was expecting more runners. The only other runner I recognised was Colin Downey of Dudley-Kingswinford RC. If you ever find yourself the only MJ at a race and would like someone to chat to, look out for him. This was his 47th race of the year so far, so he will probably be there somewhere. Grey hair, beard, light and dark blue hooped vest.
I'd done this one once before 3 years ago and my recollection was hills. I remembered correctly although it did make for an interesting race as Phil passed my going downhill as I did the same when we went uphill and in the end there was no more than 20 yards between us. At least we were able to compensate ourselves with a refreshing drink, post-race. Real ale expect and CAMRA member, Phil, had already identified the local, the Black Horse, as the ideal venue where we enjoyed a drink al-fresco. Is there a better way to enjoy a Summer evening on a Saturday night. (Well probably....)

Doing anything on Thursday? - Fancy a 5K
The White Horse 5K Road Race Series (4 of 4) to give it its full title. Based at The White Horse Inn which is at Sandhurst just slightly north of Gloucester, it kicks off at 7.45pm, its flat and therefore good for a PB. Don't expect 100's of runners though, its fairly low key but that's how the organisers like it. Dave Gibson and I are doing it so feel free to join us. Its organised by Severn AC so see their website for details.

Membership
Welcome to new member Brian Hotchkins. We now have a total of 96 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 15/8 Castlemorton
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales - Race The Train
Tue 21/8 Frampton 10K
Wed 22/8 British Camp
Mon 27/8 Great Malvern Pubathon, starts at West Fest
Wed 29/8 Rose Bank Gardens / Beer tasting + Fish & Chips at Carl's
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France - Marathon de Medoc
Sat 8/9 Tree Trot 10K - Tetbury
Sun 16/9 Pitchcroft 10K
Sun 16/9 Gloucester Half Marathon
Sun 23/9 Ledbury Chase 13MT
Sun 23/9 Cirencester 10K
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race
Sun 21/10 Stroud Half Marathon

Local Gatherings
Only 4 of us at the Old Hills this morning and there were no races taking place locally that I know of ! Next Sunday I will be coming back from Race the Train (you can enter on the day) so if anyone would like to lead a run, please let me know.
Next Wednesday we will be meeting at Castlemorton and afterwards enjoying a drink at the nearby Plume of Feathers. usual time.

A message from Gary Kimber:-
' I'm missing you all loads and I'm even missing running / jogging !!!!!!!! Unfortunately I'm waiting for a camera inside the knee job.............my GP thinks it will be a cartilage problem.
Would have joined you for the Thai meal, but it was my daughters 21st birthday that day..............so i hope you all had a good evening and hope to see you soon (if only as a spectator).
All the best, Gary '
If any other MJ are injured and have therefore been unable to run with us recently, could they please get in touch and give us an to let us know how they are.
and one from Jon Newey:-
From Jon Newey:- I'm not doing the LM next year as it falls close to the Three Peaks Fell Race ( a proper race!). Next year it's part of the World Mountain Running Series so I'm keen to do it again after missing it for the LM this year. Anyway, that means I have an entry form for anyone who wants it.

Suggestions for future MJ activities
I've had 2 suggestions recently:-
1. A race to the top of the British Camp (Herefordshire Beacon) from the car park below. This would involve two people who were not running, a starter at the bottom and someone at the top to time the finishers.
2. A coaching/track running evening.
Let me know if you are interested but please note we would need people to organise these activities.

and looking forward to............. The Tree Trot 10K - Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Glos 8/9/07
In its inaugural running last year, 240 runners took part including 8 Malvern Joggers. All were agreed it was a fine run and its one of our Champions League races for this year. Organised and to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, it has the pleasant surroundings of the arboretum and a good running surface underfoot so its quite a memorable race. The entry form is attached, please print off and keep.

Happy running,
Chris

Chris's Blog from 05 August 2007

Listen up y'all,

MJs Thai Meal at the Beau Thai Restaurant
Don't forget this coming Wednesday after the run or should I say 8.45 to 9pm we will be dining at the Beau Thai in Colwall. EVERYONE is welcome, and we have around 20 so far. Please let Peter know on Peter@MalvernJoggers.Co.UK if you would like to join us.
The wearing of a bow tie is optional.

Local Gatherings
Next Wednesday Hanley Castle - usual time.

Race Reports
Bupa Great Wales Run 29/7/07 by Steve Roode
' A lovely sunny day – which made a change of late, set off early but not early enough as I had to jog to the start due to very disappointing signposting for this event not one anywhere, very poor!!
Despite that I had a decent run and to my surprise met fellow MJ – Jules (sorry don’t know surname) I saw her at around 2k and we were pretty much together for the rest of the race, it took in some lovely views of the Cardiff Bay area and we ran across the Penarth harbour coming back into the city past the Millennium stadium. Also saw a chap from Malvern called Keith who had just done a night shift, both he and Jules achieved PB’s, and I ran 47.58 not my quickest but good for me.'
Thanks, Steve
TSB Fun & Fitness 4 Mile 2/8/07 by Peter Wilson
' MALVERN JOGGER WINS RACE! (and its not Emma Gooderham - ed)
Rich Walsh finally achieved his personal Shangri La last Thursday by beating all comers in a proper race. It ended years of near misses dating back to an unfortunate disqualification when romping home in a school event (I may not have all the details right but I think Rich dropped the egg).
The race was a 4 miler organised by Severn AC as part of their series of summer events. Around 50 entrants gathered at the Pilot Inn near Hardwicke for an out and back along country lanes towards the village of Elmore (familiar territory to anyone who's done the Gloucester 10 or 20). Largely flat with one hill. To make it more competitive for the not quite super fit, anyone running the course in under 24 minutes is banned from entering again. Rich knew this was his golden opportunity and spent much of the warm up nervously scanning the field for anyone who looked like they might be a threat. Just to wind him up we occasionally said things like, oh look there's Jon Newey.
Rich needn't have worried because he led all the way and at the turn had an unassailable lead. His winning time of 22'59 earned him a lifetime ban which he was delighted to accept. Nick Hitchings (a possible future winner?) did very well to finish 7th in 24'48 and yours truly trailed in eventually in 27'27.
Afterwards Rich very graciously did the honours in the pub and I promised that I would return the compliment when I win my first race. Or when pigs fly, whichever comes first.'
Thanks, Peter
Tenbury 10K 5/8/07 by Chris Barker
At last, I could line up on the start line of a race. 5 weeks and no race it felt like I had been injured. I didn't actually matter what race it was but it just happened to be the Tenbury 10K. Arriving in plenty of time we went for a stroll around the town centre and it was much like we expected, an otherwise thriving market town looking a bit sorry for itself, with shops that will be closed for some time to come with a lot of dried-up silt underfoot and tidemarks which confirmed the extent of the flood levels.
I last did this one 2 or 3 years ago or so I thought. In fact it was 2002, how time flies! but I did bettered that time today I'm pleased to say.
The course, which is not of the PB variety, consists of country lanes of a rather undulating nature. There were 2 hills of note, 1 particularly steep although the coming down was more of a concern than running up. I didn't want to put the brakes on but I also didn't want to do myself an injury and there was a tiny bit of off-road towards the end which lead us on to the field where it seemed to take an eternity to reach the finish in the distance.
Its a fine event which I can recommend to anyone who is thinking about it for next year. There was plenty going on with a running store, massage, race t-shirts for £2, commentator and music provided by BBC Hereford & Worcester personalities. Its certainly grown since my last attempt in 2002 when there were 106 runners, today's events saw 175 taking part.
8 Malvern Joggers took part, as follows Ruth Johnstone (3rd lady) 45.20, Chris Barker 47.39, Steve Roode 49.04, Rachel Samuel 49.23, Phil Jackson 51.22, Mike Theelke 57.10, Carole Green 73.01, Eric Bromage DNF. Though I say it myself, some good performances given the heat and the hills.
Brecon 10 5/8/07 by Julie Caseley
' It took us 1 hr 20 mins to get to the beautiful and picturesque market town of Brecon in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons. The course covered a very scenic and varied route, starting with 1 3/4 laps of the athletic track and finishing with 3/4 lap.
The course was very accurate and although the blurb states that it's a good one for a personal best, the steep hill between 8 and 8 1/2 miles may have scuppered some attempts. It certainly put pay to my attempted finishing time of 1 hr 20 mins which was nearly 3 minutes faster than my previous PB. However, I did finish in a time of 1 hr 21 mins 27 secs. which is 1 1/2 mins faster than my PB so I was quite pleased especially considering the very hot and humid weather conditions.
Samantha also ran this race and finished in a time of 1 hr 30 mins 51 secs.
We also visited Paul's auntie in Brecon so a lovely shower and lunch was very welcome and sitting out on the decking with glass of wine in hand and watching the ducks on the river was just what the doctor ordered!
We'll certainly have another go at this one next year on its 25th anniversary. Regards, Julie '
Thanks, Julie

London Marathon
If you've done it before or been turned down you will, I assume, have received a copy of Marathon News in the post which includes the entry form. If you've never done it, want to and need an entry form you can probably get one from the Runaround running shop in Worcester. So how do you get in? You could try the ballot. On fetcheveryone.com there are a series of running related articles (have a look) including one on this very subject. Here it is:-
' Fill in the entry form enclose a cheque and send off before closing date in October.
Various sages will try to tell you the best way to get in such as
-put down a really slow predicted time
-put down a really fast predicted time
-get all of your family to let you borrow their addresses so that you get a place (I know someone who did this and got 3 places but could obviously only run once so 50 quid wasted)
-apply using your granny in Shetland or Aunty in Tunbridge Wells etc as you'll have a better chance!
In reality no one knows how the ballot works. Statistically 5 times more people enter than there are places for but taking into account places for Charities, Good For Age, Championships, Deferred Entries, and Overseas Runners and the fact that FLM don't want 40,000 people finishing within half an hour of each other it is probably about a 1 in 7 to 1 in 9 chance depending on your time.
You are able to 'bequeath' your entry fee which means if you don't get in then FLM keep your money and you get a t shirt, jacket, fleece or what ever it is this year in return. There are also usually extra places in a 2nd ballot for 'bequeathed' entrants
From Late October there is much speculation about cashed cheques etc but you won't know for sure if you are in until December.'

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 8/8 Hanley Castle / Thai meal at the Beau Thai - Colwall
Wed 15/8 Castlemorton
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales - Race The Train
Tue 21/8 Frampton 10K
Wed 22/8 British Camp
Mon 27/8 Great Malvern Pubathon, starts at West Fest
Wed 29/8 Rose Bank Gardens / Beer tasting + Fish & Chips at Carl's
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France - Marathon de Medoc
Sat 8/9 Tree Trot 10K - Tetbury
Sun 16/9 Pitchcroft 10K
Sun 23/9 Ledbury Chase 13MT
Sun 23/9 Cirencester 10K
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race
Sun 21/10 Stroud Half Marathon

Happy running,
Chris

Chris's Blog from 29 July 2007

Fellow athletes,

MJs Thai Meal at the Beau Thai Restaurant
Ever been passed the Beau Thai Restaurant at Colwall and wondered what its like? Now's you chance to find out as we will be dining there at our next social on the 8th August after the run at about 8.45 to 9pm which should give most people chance to go home and freshen-up a bit first. This has come about due to one of our new runners, Brian, joining us who happens to be the owner and this our chance to prove to him what a sociable lot we are. EVERYONE is welcome. You don't have to have run with us to come along. As the management of the Beau Thai say about their establishment:-
'At Beau Thai Restaurant, Malvern we offer the finest Thai dishes, freshly cooked and beautifully presented in a wonderful and enigmatic setting to make your time with us as memorable and enjoyable as possible.
Having rescued a beautiful local building from a dilapidated state we have created an exciting blend of Eastern ambiance and English excellence against the backdrop of the beautiful Malvern Hills.
We believe we offer an experience to match any local dining experience and one of the finest restaurants - Thai food alongside friendly, professional service and painstaking attention to detail to create a fantastic dining experience.'
If you would like to join us please let Peter Cowling know at Peter@MalvernJoggers.Co.UK

Cancelled/Postponed races
Were not having much luck lately. I keep singing to myself 'when will I raaaace againnnnnn' to the tune off 'When will I see you again' by the Three Degrees. Not one of my favourites. Give me 'The Birdie Song' anyday! In case your having trouble keeping track, here's a round-up:-
Frampton 10K - was 9nd July - will now be run on 21st August
Pitchcroft 10K - was 22nd July - will now be run on 16th September
Gloucester Half Marathon - was 29th July - will now be run in sometime in September
Bugatti 10k - was 1st July - cancelled
Tenbury 10K - Still on at present as far as I know. Let me know if you discover its off before me.
The Bugatti was one that many of had entered and were looking forward to. Our annual Wednesday night 10K as I call it. Here's what it says on the Cheltenham Harriers website:-
' The Bugatti Beer Race has, unfortunately, had to be cancelled. The fields used for parking in the small village of Gretton are unusable owing to the recent weather, and no sensible alternatives can be found. Additionally, parts of local roads have been washed away, the village is without water, and the Bugatti Inn was flooded on Friday. All those who have entered will receive a full refund (note that no cheques have been cashed). '

Local Gatherings
This morning, Sunday, 11 of us met at St James School for a run on the hills of 9 miles.
Next Tuesday, 31st July, Malvern Hash, are meeting at the Green Dragon, Bishop's Frome and MJs Steve Roode and Rachel Samuel are laying the trail. Is there a better reason to go!
Next Wednesday we are at the Old Bush, Callow End. Please park in the field beyond the pub car park, weather permitting, and please have a drink in the pub afterwards to thank the landlord for making the field available for us to park in.

Race Reports
Boddington 50k 21/7/07 by Emma Gooderham
' I had done the training and was relaxing in Cornwall for the week before this big race. I said goodbye to my family at friday lunchtime and set about coming home, leaving my family who were coming back on sat. to see me finish this race as it was just off Junction 10 on the M5 and on the way home. I left sunny Cornwall with my sunglasses on and had no idea what was ahead. I hit Bristol at 4pm, thinking I have loads of time to get home, unpack and make a big pasta meal and relax in preparation for my race on sat. I also noted that the sky looked a bit dull over the Midlands. At 7pm I was still near Bristol, at 10pm I just made it into the safety of my Grans house who lives thankfully in Worcester (high up). I got home at 7.30am sat morning (after a 1 and a half hour journey from Worcester to Pershore). My wonderful neighbour, who stopped our house from flooding, working until midnight to remove water from our garden, took the message that the race was postponed until August (date tbc). So - back to the training, but preparation for the next race seems very trivial at the moment on the scale of what has happened. I hope all MJ's are OK and have coped in the circumstances. Emma Gooderham '
Thanks, Emma

fetcheveryone.com
The more I look at this website, the more interesting I find it! You can log all your races and training runs on it, compare yourself with others, email from it and much more. 4 MJs are on there including 2 on the Malvern Joggers page.
Chris's help guide:-
Registering is easy enough, just fill in your details.
To add a race, pick 'Race', then 'add race to your portfolio' from the sub-menu. Up comes the Race Directory. Pick which race you would like to add, then pick 'add this race to your race portfolio'.
To add a training run, pick 'train', then 'add a training run' from the sub-menu below. Fill in date, mileage, time etc

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 1/8 Old Bush-Callow End
Sun 5/8 Tenbury 10K
Wed 8/8 Hanley Castle
Wed 15/8 Castlemorton
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales - Race The Train
Tue 21/8 Frampton 10K
Wed 22/8 British Camp
Mon 27/8 Great Malvern Pubathlon, starts at West Fest
Wed 29/8 Rose Bank Gardens / Beer tasting at Carl's
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France - Marathon de Medoc
Sat 8/9 Tree Trot 10K - Tetbury
Sun 16/9 Pitchcroft 10K
Sun 23/9 Ledbury Chase 13MT
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race
Sun 21/10 Stroud Half Marathon

Happy running,
Haile Gebrselassie

Chris's Blog from 22 July 2007

Fellow athletes,

Next Wednesday 25/7/07 - BRITISH CAMP
Ignore what is says in the Malvern Gazette What's On Guide in last Friday's edition. The person who usually compiles this must be on holiday.
We meet as follows (there is no change)
1st Wednesday in the month - Old Bush, Callow End
2nd Wednesday in the month - Hanley Castle
3rd Wednesday in the month - Castlemorton
4th Wednesday in the month - British Camp

Pitchcroft 10K
This did not take place in case you were wondering. I haven't seen the state the racecourse is in but I gather a canoe and paddle would be more useful than a pair of trainers. I received no notification by phone or email from the organisers Worcester AC and there was no announcement on their website!!!
I am told they intend to re-run it on September 16th.

Fetch Everyone
May I draw your attention to a website call www.fetcheveryone.com This is what it says on their homepage:-
' We are a fast-developing site providing tools and fun for runners, including running logs, discussion forums, training planners, race reviews, club information, and so much more. We hope we can provide something for you, whether you've just started running or are a seasoned marathon runner. Our goal is to continue to develop the site to meet the needs of our growing community of runners. '
If you pick 'Clubs' from the menu, then letter 'M' you should be able to find the Malvern Joggers page we you will see two of your favourite MJ running buddies and their PBs, annual bests, forthcoming races and maybe other stuff. Why not add your own profile?
Black Pear Joggers also have their own page and have 6 of their runners featured.

Local Gatherings
7 MJs met at the Wyche this morning for a run of 7.5 miles taking in The Purlieu, Evendine, Colwall and British Camp. I was expecting a few more as Pitchcroft was off but there again maybe one or two were prevented from joining us by the floods. Talking of which, if any MJ has been a victim of flooding and would like any help or assistance from his fellow MJs, please let me know. I'm sure we can find some fellow MJs who will help out.

Race Reports
cheltenham harriers open track event- 11/7/07 by Richard Walsh
' me and nick hitchings decided to go along and give this a shot to see what it was like. having been informed by nick that this was a fun event, soon realised that this didn't apply to the standard after seeing the first few races. the main event we were there for was the 1 miler. having 22 people entered they had to have two separate races for this event based on ability.
luckily me and nick both qualified for the slightly slower race. had either of us done the first race we would both have been last! with the quickest time being 4.24, and the slowest around 4.57. so we both gave it our best shot in the field of 11 runners or so. i came in 2nd in 5.04, holding on to the lead runner for 800m but then dropping away, and nick was seventh for 5.27. a slight headwind may have slowed but generally good chance for p.b. wud have liked to have gone under 5 but something to work on i guess! '
Thanks, Richard
White Horse 5K 19/7/07 by Richard Walsh
' me nick hitchings and peter wilson went down to tackle the 2nd race of this series. in pretty good conditions of light drizzle on a good fast course, all 3 of us had a failry good day. pete was treating it as a comeback from injury run and timed 20.45 which he was happy with. Nick got a new pb over the distance coming in on 18.37, opting for consistent splits. as for my race, i went for a fast start again, doing splits of around 5.04,5.29, and 5.42- so although slowing down still came through in 16.52 for 26th place out of a field of 120. happy to go under 17 mins. '
Thanks again, Richard
Race for Life - Bromsgrove 22/7/07 by Julie Caseley
' This was an epic journey - a real man versus the elements type of battle. We set off in plenty of time knowing it had been raining a tad recently! We were heading for the M50/M5 so we went to Upton via Tunnel Hill knowing the road was open last night and also knowing Powick wasn't. Anyway, the road was impassable so it was back to Little Malvern and our second route choice through Ledbury.
Unfortunately the dip in the road after the Wellington pub was under water with two abandoned cars in the middle. Several of us watched as 2 landrover type vehicles waded through the water, one clipping one of the abandoned cars as he passed! Knowing our car wasn't in quite the same category, we aired on the cautious side and turned around. Our third route choice was back to the Welland junction and right on the Gloucester road eventually got us to junction 2 of the M50, prior to which we still had to navigate a passable flooded piece of road. HALLELUJAH!! we were on the motorway and arrived in Bromsgrove in plenty of time for the 11 am start.
The weather was ideal - no rain thank goodness. The organisation was a bit ropey and for some reason the course was shortened by 1/4 mile - we didn't finish by running around Sanders Park for some reason but on the whole it was a good race with an uphill first half and downhill second half.
I came to the conclusion a while agao that I'm not a short distance runner and feel exhausted from start to finish in 5km races, and just feel I'm getting into a rhythm by time I finish. I came 11th out of about 3,000 although at 2 miles I was 7th!! At the end of the day it is a fun run and I had a nice 2 mile cool down jog back to my mother-in-law's, somehow beating Paul by a couple of minutes who was in the car!! Regards, Julie '
Thanks, Julie

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 25/7 British Camp
Sun 29/7 Gloucester Half Marathon
Wed 1/8 Old Bush-Callow End / Bugatti 10K
Sun 5/8 Tenbury 10K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales - Race The Train
Mon 27/7 Great Malvern Pubathlon, starts at West Fest
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France - Marathon de Medoc
Sat 8/9 Tree Trot 10K - Tetbury
Wed 28/8 Beer tasting at Carl's
Sun 23/9 Ledbury Chase 13MT
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race
Sun 21/10 Stroud Half Marathon

Carl's Homebrew Tasting - 29/8/07
Every year in the summertime? we have gathered in Carl F's garden in Lower Howsell Road after a Wednesday night run to sample his latest brew. Its a bit like the new season Beaujolais, only done Malvern Joggers style. Everyone welcome.

Happy running,
Dwayne Chambers

Chris's Blog from 15 July 2007

Fellow athletes,

Look ****HEADLINE NEWS**** Look
The first ever Malvern Joggers Great Malvern Pubathlon - Monday 27th August 2007
On the weekend of the 8th and 9th of September, MJs Peter Cowling, Andy Milton and Steve Roode will be 'competing in the Marathon de Medoc in France. This is no ordinary marathon. It consists of the usual 26.2 miles but there are 20 or so places along the course where you sample the local vino. These are the drinks stations. It doesn't matter how long it takes to complete the course if indeed you manage to do so at all. In fact, seven hours might be good going!
Our intrepid threesome have given their training regime some thought and come up with the 'Great Malvern Pubathlon'. The members of Malvern Hash 'the drinking club with the running problem' will be invited and could well outnumber us. The Black Pear Joggers are invited too. As Peter says:-
' Meet at the beer tent at West Fest, in the playing fields opposite The Lamb, West Malvern at 12 noon for Malvern's answer to the Medoc Marathon. Everyone is welcome to this 15½ mile jaunt which will take in 10 pubs! It will not be compulsory to have an alcoholic beverage at each stop, but we will be stopping at each one for a drink and maybe a snack! All legs are under 2 miles and we expect to be resting for longer than we will be running so it shouldn't be too challenging for most people. There is no entry fee, no prizes and no rules so feel free to bring along your dog, pram or bicycle. We will just be having a load of fun.
Well, here is the course: Pub Stop West Fest at West Malvern, The Brewer's Arms at West Malvern, The Chase Inn at Colwall, The British Camp Hotel, The Marlbank at Marlbank, The Swan at Handley Swan, The Plough and Harrow at Guarlford, The Green Dragon, The Forester's Arms at Barnards Green, The Nag's Head, West Fest at West Malvern '

BBQ
I am pleased to report that our annual summer barby last Wednesday was a huge success with about 25 in attendance and it didn't rain on us. On behalf of all those there, a big thankyou to Andrew Gallagher and family for hosting this years event.
Our webmaster, Peter, has updated the gallery on our website with the photos that Rachel took at the BBQ. Peter has put the names of each MJ under the photo so if you want to put a name to one or two of our runners, you now can.

Race Reports
British London 10K Run 1/7/07 by Nick Hitchings
' I decided to run the London 10k for Retts syndrome charity which is a neurological condition from which my 2nd cousin suffers.I had previously run this 5 years ago and hoped to improve my time.After a bomb scare or two i made it to the start and managed to get near the front of 20,000 plus runners but had to wait in a pen for over an hour while the elite warmed up!With my family cheering me on i made my way round the sites of London of which i saw very little due to the pain!Managed 40.09 for 110th position(improved on 5 years ago!) and raised nearly £300,thanks to the MJ'S who kindly sponsored me. Nick Hitchings.'
Thanks, Nick
Devil's Chimney Chase 14/7/07 by Julie Caseley
' Ruth Johnstone and I turned out for the inaugural running of this "almost 10k" event organised by Almost Athletes. The race started at Old Pats Rugby Club in Cheltenham with a lap of the field before heading out along a short section of road and then onto the Cotswold Way and Leckhampton Hill. There was a steady uphill runnable climb when the route crossed the top of the hill (spectators could see the runners running along the escarpment). After the 4 mile point the route took a sharp downward turn and it was downhill virtually all the way back to the finish and another half lap of the field.
There was an excellent array of prizes for first 3 male and female athletes as well as prizes in all age categories. The marshalling was excellent (we certainly needed them on the hill) and there were three drinks stations on the course.
I finished in a time of 52:11 (I couldn't have gone any faster, so I was quite pleased) but I was determined to beat a runner and her dog who overtook me at about 3 miles. The dog was small and had short legs so I thought I was in with a chance which came at about 5 miles. I'm not quite sure whether the dog was tiring or the runner but I managed to beat them by a minute or two!! Many congratulations to Ruth who was 3rd lady finisher. Regards, Julie '
Thanks, Julie

Local Gatherings
Sorry the photo didn't happen at Hanley Castle last week but we were a bit pushed for time as it was the night of the BBQ and in the end our photographer was unavailable. However, he is due to be at Castlemorton for next Wednesday so we will do it then.
Every Wednesday, I need a leader for each group. Could everyone give some thought to a route please before coming out?
On Saturday evening, at the Castlemorton Shindig, 6 MJs were present for a 7pm run in the sunshine! 2 more appeared later and with families and friends we sampled the delights of Malvern Hills Brewery, pig roast, live band, skittles, bale rolling etc. We enjoyed a run of 4.5 miles and there was no doubt who we were in the MJs tops. Strangely we were not joined by any of the locals.
5 brave souls met in the rain at The Wyche this morning (Sunday). It would have been 6 but one went back home and did a bit of shopping in Hereford.

Future Race Info
Bournville Harriers have been in touch to tell us about their annual 10K:-
Here at Bournville Harriers Running Club we are holding our annual 10km race on Sunday 16th September. It's a new course, a new date and a new title; the 'Bournville Leafy 10km'.
As the running community and interest within the Birmingham and the Midlands Region region continues to expand, we are hoping to put on a really good event that will attract a field of 250 runners. We would be very grateful if you could help promote the race within your club, to members and colleagues, to help us reach our goal. The race is also being put on for charity - all proceeds going to the Selly Oak branch of the Acorns Children's Hospice.
Your help in this would be most appreciated and please feel free to email me or call on the numbers below for any further information. I have also included the event flyer, with an application form, and the event is also on our website; www.bournvilleharriers.org
I look forward to hearing from you. Best Regards, Mike Scotney

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 18/7 Gullet Quarry car park - Castlemorton / Plume of Feathers / Group photo
Sun 22/7 Pitchcroft 10K
Wed 25/7 British Camp
Sun 29/7 Gloucester Half Marathon
Wed 1/8 Old Bush-Callow End / Bugatti 10K
Sun 5/8 Tenbury 10K
Sat/Sun 18&19/8 Camping Weekend in Wales - Race The Train
Mon 27/7 Great Malvern Pubathlon
Sat/Sun 8&9/9 Running Weekend in France - Marathon de Medoc
Sat 8/9 Tree Trot 10K - Tetbury
Sun 23/9 Ledbury Chase 13MT
Sat 13/10 The Beacon Race

The Attachment - Tenbury 10K 5/8/07
Starting and finishing at Tenbury Wells swimming pool, this is a road race enjoyed by MJs every year. Run along quiet country lanes, its only 6 quid if you enter before hand but you could enter on the day if you prefer. The entry form is attached. See you there!

Happy running,
Brown Owl

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

Happy running,
The Big Cheese
Click here to read Chris's blogs from early 2007