Race Reports

Not the Roman IX 17/1/10 by Julie Caseley
Six MJ’s travelled to Stratford-upon-Avon this morning for Not the Roman IX. What a super day – brilliant sunshine, dry and calm – especially after the recent weather we’ve been having. The race was a peculiar distance at 12 km (approx. 7.5 miles) so can only be compared with itself from one year to the next. The race HQ was at the NFU Mutual Sports and Social Club which was about a kilometre from the start. The marshals were enthusiastic and friendly and the prize presentation was well organised and extensive. I finished 5 seconds slower than last year – I should have been more aggressive at the end!! The MJ runners were Dave Ratchford (53:17), Ian Dyson (1:00:04), Julie Caseley (1:02:18), Eric Bromage (1:09:45), Rob Ashworth (1:14:33) and Jayne Cresswell (1:14:53)
Thanks, Julie

Golden Button Challenge 2009 31/12/09 by Julie Caseley
This race was exactly what you would expect at a Ledbury Hunt organised event – lots of horsy people with 4 x 4’s with picnic baskets and champagne close at hand. Our red Citroen was very easy to spot in a big field! We arrived in plenty of time to see the horses and riders canter from Town Street Farm, Tirley to Forthampton, 3.5 miles away,
for the 1st of two horse races. It wasn’t long before they were back in sight, jumping over the fences between flags which marked the course.
Then it was the turn of the foot racers. At 12 noon we made our way to a double decker bus which transported us from the farm to Forthampton where the horses started. It seemed like a very long and cold journey but thankfully we were able to leave our warm gear on the bus which was taken back to the farm. Many of the riders from the 1st
horse race were also running in the foot race, including Richard Dunwoody. He’s as fast on 2 feet as he was on 4 legs!! On the bus we were “treated” to a guy changing out of his jodhpurs into running kit complete with a change of underpants. He didn’t attempt to cover anything up and delighted in giving everyone a quick “flash”!!
Fortunately, there were no formalities at the start of the race and we were off within minutes of arriving in the field. Everyone went off like whippets and headed for the first obstacle of hay bales. The rest of the run was plain sailing with going underfoot I would describe as “soft”. The run adjacent to the river was lovely but then there was the final jumping of a ditch before the run in to the finish.
Just as we finished, the 2nd race horse and riders were making their way to Forthampton. Again, it wasn’t long before they were galloping back over the fences to the finish. There were hot dogs, burgers, venison. pot roast, etc. on offer. The prize presentation was swift and efficient for both riders and runners but not very extensive.
I intended this to be a “one off” race as it was quite expensive at £15 for 3.5 miles but after having to pay an extra £10 to park the car in a field, I felt this was a bit much, especially since I specifically asked if parking was free. Be warned!!
Thanks, Julie

Hereford NewYear 10k - From the rear by JENNY FIELD
I was rather hoping for deep snow when I woke up on New Years day then I could have stayed in bed but it was clear and sunny if a little parky so I had to get up for the run.
Grouty drove us very expertly over some very ice roads to Hereford.
Geoff, being used to my driving so not a good passenger, was a bit twitchy at first as I'm sure Jo's bruises will testify. He said you can drive him anywhere Grouty.
The reception at Hereford Rowing Club was as cheery as the weather with lots of remarks about the good turn out of Malvern Joggers. Registration was quick and easy .
It was nice to have so many New Year wishes from all the fellow Joggers.
Sheila Jackson and I, as is now our habit, were running together joined this time by Jo Haynes who was a 10K virgin.
The course was as advertised rural and undulating. I am sure there was a lot more UP then Down! It was a bit icey in stretches but the marshalls were very good at warning us about the bad stretches so we all managed to stay up right ,even Sheila.
The route took us past some very nice houses, around some pretty country lanes but the best bit was a splendid view of Hay Bluff covered in snow glitting in the sunlight , worth all the ups just to see that.
Jo who had been very worried before hand did brilliantly and led us up the hills and never flagged at all.
The last hill on the way back (I don't remember going down it on the way out) was a bit of a blower for me but having Sheila and now Jo to keep up with I made it.
It was great to see Phil who had come some way back up the course to cheer us on and run with us for while, the crowd on the last corner were in fine voice even though they had had to wait some time to cheer us on.
Just towards the final straight Sheila decided that we had to over take the chap in blue who we had been slowly gaining on for the last K. She whipped past him on the inside just as he moved into the corner and I had visions of a grand collision and falling at the final stretch, but she was too nippy for him and urged on by her success I overtook him on the outside to join her for the joint crossing of the finishing line followed very closely by Jo who would have been right there with us if the finishing stretch had not been so narrow. Our trusty band of supporters Geoff, Grouty and Sam who all had had good runs, were there with big hugs for us.
It was a the most 'undulating' 10K I have done so was pleased with my time, only one minute slower then Westonbirt which was really flat.
As always we chatted on the way round enjoyed the views and even overtook a few other runners but mostly we really enjoyed a good start to the New Year!
Thanks, Jenny

New Year’s Day 10K 1/1/10 by Chris Barker
The sunny weather certainly brought the MJs out in force this morning down by the river at Hereford. It was of course the morning after the night before but that didn’t stop 22 MJs lining up on the start line. No doubt they are all so dedicated to their sport that they abstained completely from the falling-over water the night before! Of those 22, there was an equal number of gents and ladies including some not often seen. We hope to see a lot more of them in 2010.
The race treads a well worn path, for me anyway. I put in a record breaking performance. No, not my finishing time more a case of my eighth appearance in it. It was also my slowest although we won’t go into that.
At least the race went ahead. Two or three days ago it wouldn’t have happened with a large patch of ice on one part of the course which needed to be skirted by going on to the grass verge by the side of it. So that’s what happened to my PB!
Back at race HQ (the rowing club) tea, coffee and biscuits were available to the runners at no extra cost. You could also buy something stronger from the bar if you hadn’t had enough the night before.
It’s quite a competitive event and prizes are hard earned. I thought this was going to be a blank day for the club but I’m pleased to report an award for the flying Scotswoman Kareen Mann who was first in her age category with some MJs asking how old? when her name was announced. How old and well done! It was cold but it was worth it. I’ll be back for another bash next year.

Great Langdale Xmas Pudding 10k, 13/12/09 by Phil Jackson
One of the most beautiful valleys in the country, Great Langdale lies in the heart of Lakeland and extends west from Ambleside until it is brought to an abrupt halt by the mountains of Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell. On its northern side lie the Langdale Pikes with Harrison Stickle and Pike O' Stickle dominating the view, whilst on its southern aspect is the impressive peak of Pike O' Blisco. So here we were then, in the midst of this wondrous mountain scenery, standing in the middle of a frozen, muddy field on a glorious cold, sunny day for yet another 10k road race. The start and finish were at the Sticklebarn Tavern (top pub) and followed the only road east on a very undulating course. After nearly three miles there was a loop through a wooded time-share estate and then back along the same undulating road the way we had come. I was delighted as I ran out of the loop and headed back to the pub to see Sheila just entering the loop and looking very good. The course was so undulating that I thought there was no chance of a PB so the 44.15 time (one minute off the Evesham PB) came as a bit of a surprise. I was 81st out of 379 and 4th in my age group. Sheila was chuffed to finish in 1.07.33. It was a really friendly (a lot of the runners seemed to be people on holiday like us), enjoyable race and we both received an enormous Christmas pud each. Highly recommended.
Thanks, Phil

Andy Reading Memorial 10k, Chesterton nr Bicester 13/12/09 by Jayne Ackroyd
After the Stroud Half, I set a last pre-Christmas challenge for the Tuesday night Speedsters. This was the Andy Reading Memorial 10k which is run around the village of Chesterton near Bicester.
Seven Speedsters rose to the challenge so Lyn, Viv, Sam, Sue, Gillian, Geoff and myself drove over for the relatively civilised 11.00am start. We were also joined by Grouty, and Jenny would have been there, but for the onset of
a nasty cold. (Get well soon, Jen ! x)
Parking, baggage, and most importantly loos were all faultless! It was however, a bit cold, rather windy and showery so we were all a bit chilly waiting on the start line! The course was billed as flat and fast, and certainly it felt reasonably level as we started round some quiet lanes, with only a couple of minor undulations when we crossed over bridges.
Unfortunately, the middle part of the course was a long, painful slog round an airfield which seemed to go on forever, and was very exposed to the elements. Having battled through the wind it was a relief to leave the airfield at 8km and head for home. One last bump as we crossed the bridge over the main road, and it was on to a downhill finish with a mercifully short last sprint through the cricket field to the line. I finished in 47.56 which was a PB by nearly 40s. I knew that Lyn wasn't far behind as she took over 2 1/2 mins off her PB in a suberb time of 48.27 and Gillian was about a minute further back in 49.31, but still cracked 50 mins. (This was a great relief to me as I had been threatened with all sorts of horrors had the speed training failed to deliver !!) Next home was Geoff in another PB of 53.04 and then Viv in 54.46 who missed a PB by 21s, but did look as fresh as a daisy and admitted that she probably could have gone faster. Sam and Sue smashed their target time of 57 mins to finish with new PBs in 54.57 and 55.25 respectively, and Grouty took a huge 5 mins off her PB to finish in 1:01.08!
Well done to everyone on some fabulous performances today, it was great to see all the hard work pay off ! The delightful pub lunch afterwards was very well deserved :-)
P.S. Marathon speed training will start in the new year. Check out next weeks club news for details !
P.P.S. Hot news from the Lake District - Jacko completed the Great Langdale 10k today in a new PB of 44.15 ! Wow, there's just no stopping him !
Thanks, Jayne

Andy Reading Memorial 10k, Chesterton nr Bicester 13/12/09 by Sarah Grout
I think we were 8 MJs taking part today: Jayne, Sam (Carrington), Sue (Sharp), Viv, Lyn, Gillian and Geoff... and me - bringing up the MJ rears as usual, well somebody has to, it may as well be me.
Now I’m not saying that Jayne is competitive, but she kept overtaking us on the M40 on the way and was quite smug about it afterwards. I also got some rude comments about my eyesight from Sam which I thought was a bit below the belt.
We arrived safely despite my eyesight and lack of urgency. A beautiful bright but chilly day and we huddled together in the Sports Pavilion as long as we could for warmth and banter. The course was pretty flat and quite fast – mostly road and airstrip surfaces. For me I did it in 1hr, 1min and a few secs, and that made my heart sing, but this was largely due to an event that happened during the race........ Today’s event was in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, and so, from my perspective, this was definitely one to do. I was running for my brother, who, with his wife, came to support me from Banbury, although he is not well. At 4km I had what we call ‘a Macmillan moment’ – something that takes you completely by surprise and reminds you why you might be supporting the charity. A fellow runner, a lady called Donna, ran alongside me, and out of the blue thrust a £10 note in my hand, thanking me for running for Macmillan (I had my Macmillan running vest on). We continued for about 2 km together and I heard about how she had lost her father and 19-year old daughter within 7 months of each other. BUT she was so positive and encouraging and grateful. I couldn’t have had a greater boost and motivator. I continued with a look of wonderment on my face, and so, you see, took over 5 minutes off my PB, all thanks to being spurred on by Donna, and my brother.
All in all it was a Good Day, we lunched in style at the Great Western Arms in Aynho, thanks to Geoff’s perfect research in advance. Also my son Jeremy took part in the children’s 1000m race and came 3rd, winning an unexpected lovely trophy in the presentations afterwards.
Thanks, Sarah

Mortimer Forest Hill Race, 13/12/09 by Jayne Cresswell
Nine foolish people decided to run Mortimer Forest 10 today, but the weather was kind to us as it wasn’t raining although it was a bit chilly. For those of you who don’t know the race it is a very hilly 10 mile course which makes the Worcester Beacon race feel flat. The first climb is done in single file as there are very few passing points and I cant believe anyone could run up it, then there are the dreaded switch back 3 steep but shortish up and downs, the hills just keep coming. As well as contending with the hard run, I also had to put up with the insults, one from John Newey about feeling sorry for the sweeper uppers who had to get cold due to those who cant run the course and feel the need to walk J and then at the end by Duncan who said he was trying to beat an old Vegan runner, who looked about my age J. I finished the course in 2:31:44 which is slower than when I first did it back in the 90’s but I was younger, childless and about 1 stone lighter, even so I was disappointed with my time – my Dad thought I should have run it in 2:10!
Those who ran included –
John Newey – 1:15:29 and 5th man (bet he didn’t have to walkJ), John Bristow – 1:20:22, Rich Penny – 1:20:02
Graham Cramp – 1:32:27, Steve Roode – 1:40:45, Duncan Cresswell – 1:48, Julie Caseley – 1:55:10
Julie Mitchell – 2:05:40, Jayne Cresswell 2:31:44
Thanks, Jayne

Florence Marathon 29/11/09 by Peter Wilson
Usually after a marathon my initial feeling of "never again" is eventually replaced by "well maybe in a couple of years, but I'm not promising". However, no sooner had I got London out of the way this year I began thinking about doing another one, which makes me fear I'm beginning to succumb to the bug that eventually leads people to do crazy things like running seven treadmill marathons in seven days in the Sahara (I may have confused some of the details but you know what I mean).
In my search for a second marathon this year I decided it had to be somewhere worth going, which immediately ruled out Wolverhampton. Preferably Europe but nowhere hot and most importantly it had to fit in with the incredibly complicated movements of my mother, who we'd need to look after the kids for the weekend. The cogs turned and out popped the answer - Florence in November, which suited us fine.
So after a modicum of training but nothing that bore too much resemblance to a schedule (I decided to wing it and see what happened) we arrived in the lovely city to find it crowded only with runners rather than the usual hordes of tourists. The course promised to be fast, starting on a little hill overlooking the city then descending to an entirely flat meander around town. In the first few K it was easy to get carried away and perhaps I did, tracking the 3 hr 15 pace group with what proved to be wild optimism. Drinks stations were positioned every 5K and offered water, tea and something called 'sali'. I knew that meant salt but thought it must also be what the Italians call an isotonic drink so I thought I was being sensible in concentrating on taking a cup of that at every opportunity. Round about halfway I began to tire as my energy levels dipped and from then on, no amount of fluid - water, tea - or more salt! - made any difference. I was dehydrated and didn't enjoy the second half one little bit. Eventually I crawled to the finish in 3 hr 55, which put quite a dent in expectations.
Despite all that it was quite an experience to sample running Italian style. From the sights (palaces and churches) to the sounds (runners singing a quick burst of opera when they sensed the acoustics were good) it was memorable, and where else mid-race would you have to dodge a Fiat 500 chased by a police officer blowing a whistle? And the pasta before and after was great.
Thanks, Peter

Santa Fun Run, Monmouth, Sunday 6th December by Sarah Grout
I thought members might like to hear about an event that my family attended today, the Santa Fun Run organised by the Spirit of Monmouth Running Club. I was in my fundraising capacity, so couldn’t run unfortunately, but my son Jeremy took part. This was an all-inclusive family event of 1.3 miles open to all ages and abilities of runner. The route is attractive, town-centre, fairly flat and mostly run on pavements.
Christmas fancy dress was positively encouraged, and with one or two exceptions – I think everyone obliged, it was a sight to behold, with lots of Santas, Mother Christmases, reindeer and not to mention the local army guys dressed in green tights, trying to look like a Christmas tree - a bit of Christmas (eye) candy for the ladies, and the highlight of the event for me........ Not in the same sentence I should say that the whole event had a really good ‘feel good factor’.
I think over 350 people took part and what was really nice was the team entries for school, family, pub and business. I can think of several MJ families who might be interested to compete on a level playing field with their kids against other families, it was truly motivational for the kids. Jeremy, aged 10, was hugely inspired by running alongside adults and as a direct consequence was carried along by the pace and managed to come in 4th overall, and was the first under 16. The event is set to take place on the first Sunday in December every year, so we will be aiming to put in a family entry next year. I recommend it to all running families, particularly those with younger children.
Thanks, Sarah

Centurion RC Grand Prix 5, December 2009 by Julie Caseley
Last years’ Cardington Cracker was still relatively fresh in my mind so, rather than run the risk of more falls on steep descents, I decided to take the path of least resistance. Therefore, today I ran the Centurion Grand Prix 5 at blustery Solihull. This is the second in a series of 6 races (one each month until April) and as luck would have it, prizes were awarded to the first 5 finishers (men and women) and the 1st three in the over 50 and under 19 age categories. In January prizes will be awarded to the over 60’s and under 17’s. There are different category prizes every month so I suppose certain races could be targeted depending on what age group you’re in.
The route was 1 one mile lap along the river followed by 2 extended two mile laps along the river and around the park making up the 5 miles altogether. It had rained a lot in the night so some of the paths had standing water and the grass verges were a bit muddy but on the whole it was a very flat course. It was nip and tuck with Richard Baker but he got the better of me in the end by a few seconds.
I would only do any of the other fixtures it there was nothing better on at the time but I did well out of it this morning coming 2nd in the age category mentioned (not the under 19!!) and collecting a £15 gift voucher for Sutton Runner. Sounds like a shopping trip to Sutton Coldfield next Saturday instead of Malvern or Worcester. I finished in
40:34.
Thanks, Julie

Cotswold 10K, 29/11/09 by Julie Caseley
I thought I was going to be a lonely MJ at this event but was delighted to be joined by Mark Watling. We were warned that it was not a PB course as it was undulating with a sting in the tail at about 4 miles. It was quite a cool day and it did rain for a while but the course itself was predominantly downhill for the first half with a few
minor undulations. However, what goes down must inevitably go back up again and true to their word, just after 4 miles there was a relentless hill for about ¾ mile until we rejoined the main road with just over a kilometre run back to Temple Guiting Village Hall. The course was pan handle in shape running through Kinneton and Guiting Power. There was no finishers momento and only boxes of biscuits for the winners but the results were quick and efficient and the marshals friendly. I was pleased with my time of 51:00 and for the first time I appear on the first page of the results!! Mark finished in a time of 53:54.
Thanks, Julie

Shakesphere Raceway 10K, 21/11/09 by Julie Caseley
When I arrived at Long Marston Airfield it looked as I expected it to – very flat and desolate. There were over 600 registered competitors. I noticed on the entries that Stuart Day and David Ratchford were suppose to be there but I didn’t see them either before or after the race. Perhaps they looked at the weather forecast and thought better
of it!! The route of the race was pinned up at the registration tent and it looked extremely confusing with lots of switchbacks. In the end it wasn’t that bad – I just followed the person in front and the occasional yellow arrow and painted bricks on the runways – it was too windy to put up tape. At about the half way point it was an amazing
site with runners seemingly scattered all over the airfield. It was just lead runners way ahead of everybody else, slower runners further back on the course and everyone else somewhere in between! This was the second running of this event and the next one is on Saturday, 6 March 2010 if anyone is interested in a potential 10k PB on a not very interesting course. However, the organisers were extremely kind and helpful. There was a slight hiccup at the presentation as they were unable to say at the time who had won the Female Vet 45+ and 55+ prizes – they will be notifying people by post. I finished in 50:58.
Thanks, Julie

SUICIDE SIX (or Come on you Joggers; where were you?) 15.11.09 by Phil Jackson
There were just the four of us for this glorious, exciting race (me, Julie C, Ian Barker and Steve R). In my running career of three years there are only three races that I have done every year, the Crocodile 8, the Acorns Half and this one. It's really cross country, all off road, with steep hills up and down, more ankle-sucking wet mud than you can shake a stick at and a nice deep, exhilarating stream crossing. All great fun. The course changes every year and this year was the shortest ever at 5.64 miles which was a bit of a disappointment; I'm used to races that are slightly longer now. The start was a bit of a chaotic, noisy, muddy, mass brawl and whilst Steve and Julie got away smartly I was a bit too diffident and got caught up in masses of slow runners who were afraid of mud and hills. All too often we were reduced to a slow walk on the narrow paths and I found this very frustrating as I lost sight of the other two Joggers. (There's a moral here; start near the front!) It was a bright, sunny morning and a real delight to get going along the lovely wooded tracks and paths, using the descents to accelerate past runners and walkers who were afraid of going downhill at any speed and working hard past others struggling and sliding about up the hills in road shoes. Julie and I were in our trail shoes (Mizumos and Inov8s respectively but Steve was wearing a pair of Walshes which he had kept very quiet about and which were obviously extremely effective; memo to self: Sheila is buying me a pair of Walshes for Christmas. Must tell her). Having passed Julie on the highest part of the course, I eventually caught Steve at the bottom of the steps about half a mile before the finish and, joy of joys, he didn't know I was right behind him! Once at the top of the long flight of steps it was a downhill sprint to the finish but unfortunately, at exactly the wrong moment, Steve just happened to glance over his shoulder and he spotted me. I've always known he's got a very fast finish when he wants, so he was off like a frightened rabbit and that was it. I finished in 49.49 about 10 seconds behind him. Terrific race, great atmosphere, lots of lovely people. So where were the rest of you?
Bit of a contrast to New York.
Thanks, Phil

ING New York City Marathon 1/11/09 by Phil Jackson
I travelled to New York by means of 2:09 Events and the whole thing was brilliantly organised. For anyone else thinking of doing an event abroad I thoroughly recommend 2:09 Events as they take care of everything for you, including race entry, flights, hotels and other little extras, like getting you to the start. Early on the Friday morning we had a gentle jog into Central Park to recce the last couple of miles of the marathon and the finish area and then on the Saturday we took part along with 15,000 others from all over the world in the International Friendship Run, a four mile jog from the UN building to Central Park. It was incredible to see just how many different nationalities were represented. Race day itself began with a 5.00am wakeup call for breakfast in the hotel and then at 6.30 a private 2:09 coach to Staten Island for the start. We were very strongly advised to wear old warm clothes at the start. They would be discarded just before the race and recycled for local charities - we resembled a huge crowd of very fit homeless people.
All the runners went into three villages (blue, green and orange) to take on more fuel and liquid and wait for the remaining hour or two before the start. This gave us all plenty of time to discuss race strategy and get advice from experienced runners such as " if you find yourself on the lower deck of the Verrazano Bridge, stay in the middle so you don't get peed on by the runners on the upper level (this is an urban myth, I saw no piss). At the start there were three "waves", one starting at 9.40, one at 10.00 and one at 10.20. Each wave containing the three colours (I was in the second wave in green, therefore on the lower deck) and each wave had several corrals depending on your estimated finishing time (this is where it all broke down because as far as I could see all the corrals got mixed up). The atmosphere was incredible and after a speech from Mayor Bloomberg and a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, we were off!
The first mile was a cold, blustery climb up the Verrazano Bridge. The second was down off the bridge and here you could really let go (sorry, Neill; 6.41 for that mile and suddenly I was near the front of the wave!). Then it was a long, long trek through Brooklyn. The crowds were fantastic in their support, yelling my name so much I felt as though I was royalty. I tried to keep the pace slow but failed miserably. We ran through Afro-american, Latino and Hasidic neighbourhoods, the ethnic mix changing but the music, cheering and enthusiastic encouragement ever-present.
At the 13 mile point it was up and over another bridge and into the third New York borough of the run (five bridges, five boroughs), Queens, for just a few miles. We then had the long, long incline of the Queensborough bridge over the East River into Manhattan itself. We were on the lower deck, totally enclosed and you just had to get your head down and get on with the slog. Coming off the bridge is a steep descent round a sharp bend back under the bridge onto 1st Avenue. Here, at mile 16, was the Macmillan cheering point and they really lifted my spirits and I was able to put on a bit of a spurt as a result. 1st Avenue is dead straight for 3.5 miles and again is a slight incline. Ahead of me there was a river of runners as far as the eye could see, up into the distance. Again, I just got my head down and got on with it. It was a slog up to another bridge (19.5 miles) for just a mile or so in the Bronx, then another bridge back into Manhattan and this time 5th Avenue (this is were I collided with a large lady trying to cross the road in front of the runners; I bounced off her and carried on; she went flying into the crowd with a satisfying shriek). At mile 24 I began to tire and was worrying about the little switchback hills in Central Park. Inspirational placards held up by the crowd ("Pain is temporary, Pride is permanent"; "You have no f*****g choice but to finish") and another Macmillan cheering point made sure I didn't notice the undulations. By now people were slowing down, walking, collapsing all around me but I kept going. There was a superb band at Columbia Circus (Walk This Way!) and then it was under the 26 mile banner and there was the finish!! I had a 3:45:00 pace band on my wrist and I knew that I had plenty of time in hand but even so I was astonished at the time (3:35:18) which was beyond my wildest dreams. Medals, foil blankets, drinks, food, it all became a blur as I made my way very slowly but very happily out of Central Park and back down Broadway to my hotel. A fabulous day, a fantastic atmosphere and the celebrations went on long into the night on the streets and in the bars. I owe a huge debt to Neill Williamson for making it all possible for me and for making me believe and to Viks, Jayne and all my other Joggers friends for their support and encouragement. Awesome!
Thanks, Phil

Sodbury Slog 8/11/09 by Dave Brett
FANTASTIC - If any Jogger had doubts about the Sodbury Slog they need to be banished for good. This race has tremendous support, excellent marshalling, friendly people, a good turn out of Joggers (Hard Core) and a very well packed goody bag on finishing. As always, mainly off road a bit of a hill or two and a few ditches but apart from that nothing that a Jogger woudn't take in their stride oh and a bit of mud thrown in for good measure.
On the whole definitely a race not to be missed and you can easily see why it has been voted into the top six for the last few years.
Thanks, Dave

Sodbury Slog 8/11/09 by Jayne Cresswell
Ten foolish Joggers arrived at Sodbury this morning for the annual Sodbury Slog. This year there had been a change of route due to lack of permission from the council to run across the common due to the damage that 1200 runners cause, therefore the course was reduced to a paltry 8.5 miles (Duncs Garmin recorded just under 9 miles – but could that have been due to him running around the mud?). We had the usual minutes silence followed by the Last Post and then the race was off. There was the run along the road through the town, then onto the mud. It was rather boggy in places but this could be avoided if you wanted to miss out on all the enjoyment. I heard one stupid woman say that she hoped she didn’t get her top dirty, gosh was she in for a shock! Running along one of the fields I encountered a queue to which I thought it must be the first dipping of the day, there were cheers from up above so I prepared myself for a good wash. Little did I know that this queue went into the next field along three of the edges so a long wait was ahead until I got the long awaited bath. Whilst waiting a group of people were talking about the various fancy dress outfits and one person mentioned Mankini Man and wondered if he was running this year. I had to inform them that sadly he wasn’t running due to a knee injury and no other Jogger would take his place- their faces fell in disappointment. Eventually I got my long awaited bath and decided to just jump in. The race then continued and we had quite a few climbs and hay bales to climb over. Then a long paddle in a brook with water up past the knees. This was the last of the swimming and the race continued across muddy fields and common land until the road to the finish. Thank you for the support from Paul Newman and Alison Hughes. After the race we all set off for the pub, but unbeknown to us all a Remembrance Sunday Parade was happening and we were unable to leave due to road closure, we eventually left the pub at about 4. A fantastic day was had by all.
Thanks, Jayne

Sodbury Slog 8/11/09 by Julie Caseley
Seven Malvern Joggers braved the cold, wind and rain to run/trudge in this mornings’ Sodbury Slog. My trusty navigator was somewhere between Los Angeles and Sydney so I had to rely on Samantha’s sat nav to get me
there.
Firstly, all the runners gathered for the Remembrance Day 2 minute silence followed by the Last Post. We were then led to the start. The first mile was on road before heading off onto common land and the first lot of mud. I was behind 3 guys wearing their underpants over their shorts. They were very entertaining, belly-flopping in the first
3 bits of mud. I hope they had some energy left when it came to “the real stuff” that makes the Sodbury Slog a bit different to other cross country races.
We had to queue for first major obstacle – it was as if someone had dug a big hole and filled it with water. Great if you had long legs, otherwise you got wet and muddy “bits”.
The next real test was a 200m long mud filled ditch that no one could avoid – I’m sure towards the end the mud was bubbling!!
Then it was a relatively uneventful dash to the finish at Chipping Sodbury School which always seems to take forever.
Thanks, Julie

Great South Run 25/10/09 by Julie Caseley
We travelled down to Portsmouth a day early, drove into the city, parked the car and walked to Seaford and the start of the BUPA Great South Run. Preparations were well underway. When we arrived for the race on Sunday morning, everything was in place with a large charity village, rows of portaloos scattered all over the place, a baggage drop near the finish and the reunion area was also close to the finish. The crowds were gathering and the atmosphere was fantastic – the only thing I wasn’t too keen on was the wind. It was blowing a gale along the
seafront and I could see me struggling for the last 2 miles into the headwind. The race was being televised live on Channel 5 so everything had to start on time. First away were the 2 wheelchair athletes followed a few minutes later by the elite women. About 5 minutes later the elite men were introduced to the crowd (Mo Farrah getting the
biggest cheer!!) and at 10:55 the gun went off for the elite men, good club runners and the Orange Wave A, B and C to begin – Samantha and I were, at last, on our way. The White and Green waves were started at intervals to prevent bunching as there were 21,000 runners. The organisation was brilliant and I was able to get into my stride
straight away – saw Paul and Samantha’s boyfriend Matt at mile 1 before they went off to Gunwarf Quays for the usual coffee and bacon sandwich! The race itself was fast and flat with variety although the mile out and back between 3.5 and 4.5 was a bit tedious. Most interesting was running through Portsmouth Harbour just before mile 2
and seeing HMS Victory and Warrior although I think Samantha must have had her eyes closed at that point!! I went through 5k in 24:43 and 10k in 50:17 but although I didn’t know this at the time, I knew I was going well. As anticipated, running into the headwind from mile 8 was very hard work and the splits on my Garmin showed I slowed a bit. I was hoping for a PB of less than 1:21 but finished in 1:23:20.
Samantha had an excellent run too and was hot on my heels in a time of 1:24:57. We came 2568th and 2966th respectively. Have already entered next years’ race.
Thanks, Julie

Guy Fawkes 5, 1/11/09 by Jayne Ackroyd
I looked out of the window this morning and saw torrential rain. My first thought was to go back to bed ! My second thought was that maybe loads of people would be put off by the weather and I would get a good finish! My third thought was to check the weather forecast, which said it would be wet at 9.00 am, but dry by 12.00. I hoped that the transition from wet to dry would have kicked in by 11.00 o'clock ! So I got up.
I was right - it did dry up. Parking was easy. I was a bit freaked by my race number of 101! And local knowledge was need to find an unoccupied loo (thanks Alison M)
The jog to the start was helpful in warming up, as I had a bit of residual leg stiffness from Stroud last week (did I mention 1:42:56?!), plus Body Pump on Thurs and yoga yesterday (don't ever believe that yoga is easy !!)
Olympic gold medallist Zac Purchase started the race, but sadly I didn't see him, and stopping for his autograph would have wrecked my time !
I found the whole race really hard. I'm not made for these shorter distance when you are 'on the pin' all the way round. I watched Alison Merley streaking (not literally) off into the distance, and then Roodie and Big Stevie O passed me to follow her. I would have stayed with 'em if I could, but it was beyond me. So I just dug in and tried to keep a steady pace. I managed to reel in Roodie and then Steve O, but the wind was really tough, particularly up the incline over the motorway at 3.5 miles.
There was the odd gust of wind behind (so to speak!) which helped in the tough last mile, plus some vocal support from Nick, Mark, Carl, Jon and Alison which really helped, and I staggered over the line in 37:33 (by my watch, but probably a few secs slower on the official time)
Feel I have earned a lazy afternoon watching the Grand Prix and keeping track of Jacko on the NYC marathon !!:-)
Thanks, Jayne

Welcome Wobbler 18/10/09 by John Bristow
Hi Chris, Just a quick one, after seeing the Welcombe Wobbler 10k ( ish ) on the website, I thought i'd arrange a thinly veiled " family shopping trip " to Stratford and have a go. Unbelievably I managed a second place with 37:05.. No other joggers there but it was a well organised event with family fun run and 5k. Hope to see you Weds, Cheers John Bristow
Thanks, John

Rotary Blenheim 10k by Phil Jackson
Whilst everyone else was off to run round Stroud, I drove over to Blenheim Palace for my last bit of pre New York training (please help me to support Macmillan; www.justgiving.com/philipjackson4 ). It was a lovely sunny morning and the run is one lap round the Palace in glorious, picture book surroundings (especially this time of year with superb Autumnal colours). The route follows the lake for much of the distance and during the second mile crosses the Grand Bridge up (yes, up) to the front gates of the Palace itself, before retracing its steps back across the Bridge and on round the Park. The fourth mile is a long, continuous hill made up for by the fifth mile which is a continuous, fast descent. The route is all on metalled paths until entering the last mile a loop is made up a gravel track and across grass to the rear entrance of the Palace and then it's back on to the lane again for a fast finish. It's all in the Palace grounds, there is no traffic but you do have to watch out for people with prams and buggies who have obviously never seen runners en masse before. The run was well organised, the marshalls preventing runners from getting stuck in the cattle grids but I was a little disappopinted that there was no momento of any kind at all (but then it is for charity). Overall, the course is hilly enough to be quite challenging (especially in today's windy conditions) and probably not a PB course but it is a race I will definitely do again. I ended up 97th out of 409+ in a time of 46.14, so not bad! Yours, Phil
Thanks, Phil

Snowdonia Marathon by Ruth Johnstone
Race day dawned: wet and very windy, i.e.typical conditions for this race. Fortunately, the start area was somewhat sheltered from the wind (just as well, since the start was delayed by 20 mins). Once the race got underway, the wind was blowing any which way it could around the mountains, which made for some entertaining gusts - I found my legs being blown under me from the right, from the left and from behind! Fortunately the rain soon eased, but the mountains remained shrouded for the duration. Scenic perhaps, but in three years of doing this one, I haven't seen the scenery. That Yr Wyddra thing is a Welsh myth!
As some of you know, I haven't had the best year for running, and lack of consistency in training certainly showed: I found the second half of the race tough, particularly the last climb over the mountains in miles 20-24. But I finally nailed the suicidally steep descent into Llanberis to finish hard. The winning time was 2:47, with the leading lady in 3:17, both about 3 mins slower than last year's winners. I ended up with 3:23:35 (5 mins slower than last year), which ranks me as 4th bird and the chuffed owner of a very generous OAP goody bag. Ruth Johnstone
Thanks, Ruth

Stroud Half Marathon 25/10/09 by .....
Duncan Cresswell

Didn’t like the wind, loved it when it rained, didn’t think it was “flat”, may do it again as I had an injury, PB achieved, great company in the car ……….a Fantastic Day

The Vikksen
Over the past 12 weeks I have put in tremendous effort with my training, long runs, short runs, hill sprints and intervals, pretty much 6 days per week. The reason for this effort was that I had decided that I wanted to run Stroud half marathon in under 1 hour and 40 minutes. (Last year I did a PB there in 1:40:08) I told everybody my target, so therefore this morning I woke up feeling under a lot of pressure. However, conditions were good, sunshine and showers, not too hot, not too cold. There was a huge turnout of Joggers, I counted 18, and as usual in good MJ’s fassion everybody was in good spirits before the race. I chose to ignore everything going on around me and run my own race, Carl Anthony was on my shoulder the entire way, I could see the shadow of his cap! I did a pretty steady pace all the way around and finished in what I think is a fantastic time of 1 hour, 37 mins and 23 seconds!!! Yeeeha, a massive PB, what a feeling. And as I crossed the line the announcer made it his business to announce my name (Vikki something or other) over 40, from Malvern! Thanks for that! Mark Cussack, Stu Brown and Crampy had all arrived before me. All joggers seemed to come in happy, with several PB’s being broken on the course, including Carl, who thanked me for pacing him around. Good support and marshalling, and the added bonus of having your official time and race position text immediately to your mobile phone. That pink fizz will taste good tonight! Vikksen.

Jayne Cresswell
This race is about as flat as my tummy, but I got a PB 2:16:19 so a fantastic day.

Jenny Field
Just to let you know how a few of us Gentle Joggers did at the Stroud 1/2 today.

Geoff Field
aiming for 2hrs. did 1.57

Sam Carrington
aiming for 2.15 did 2.05.34s slicing an amazing 24 mins of her last 1/2 marathon in June!!!

Sue Sharp
......who had never run more then 10 miles before and that was some time ago did 2.06 !!!

These no longer qualify for Gentle Jogger status.

Sheila Jackson and I
..... aiming for 2.30 but didn't like to admit we were aiming for anything other then finishing in time to get to the pub for lunch.. did 2. 29 !!!
We are all pleased with our times and amazed at Sams improvement. In Feb, when she started with Gentle Joggers she could barely run for 3 mins, now look at her go!!!!!!!!!!! Jenny Field

Steve Ollis
I had forgotten that the race notes were written by Stevie Wonder – “mainly flat and fast”.
For me, it was a truly knackering experience and by mile 10 I was wasted!
However, there were highs from The Joggers – Vikki Sivertsen going well under 1.40, Geoff Field breaking the 2 hour barrier before reaching 50, Sam Carrington shaving a mere 24 minutes off her PB and Stu Brown beating Crampy. This made it a FANTASTIC DAY!!
A big thank you to all our Stroud contributors – Chris
A quick look at the results, on the Stroud AC website, tells me that 20 of our runners took part. The most ever in this event and an amazing turn-out in what you would hardly call a local race! Well done to all!

A little ditty from New Zealand
By Barry Hughes......
Some of you know I left Malvern (and QinetiQ) in October last year to undertake flight training for a year out here in New Zealand.
I am based in Hamilton which is on the North Island and about 1hrs drive south of Auckland. I am now flying twin engine aircraft (IFR) and am due to come home late November / early December to hopefully start a type rating on either the B737 or Airbus A320.
This weekend I ran in the Hamilton 10k which was being organised alongside the Hamilton ½ marathon and 5km (including walking options) http://www.hamiltonhalfmarathon.org.nz/
Contrary to popular belief the weather here on the north island has recently been horrific. We have had heavy and sometimes torrential rain non-stop for about 5 days now and so the course was a tad wet. Wearing my MJs running vest with pride (which unfortunately looks like an Aussi top to Kiwis!) my feet were sodden as I stood at the start in nasty cold heavy rain. The course was laid out in 3 fairly long sections of double backs and ran along the beautiful Waikato river. There were some nasty inclines included and the last one was placed at the end of the course just as you thought you would be striking for the finish line (buggers!) Due to the recent heavy rain I found myself running through several inches of water quite often and as no surprise I picked up some blistering on both feet at 6km. Nonetheless with the thought of Jayne Ackroyd having to dive deeper into her purse (she will be doubling her pledge to UNICEF after challenging me to go under 55mins) I soldiered on and
finished with a time of 53mins 51.25s.
Happy running people. I can’t wait to come home!
It’s not to let to help me support the excellent work UNIECF do around the world simply go to the following link and Click DONATE:
http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/BarryHughes/

Leicester Marathon 11/10/09 by Julie Caseley
As the marathon was a 9.20 am start, Paul and I decided to drive to Leicester the day before and stay overnight in a hotel. On Saturday we were then able to find the start in Victoria Park, window shop in the superb shopping centre and relax.
Race day dawned with ideal conditions – dry, cloudy with very little breeze. We met up with Stuart Brown half and hour before the start as he’d very kindly offered to pace me. We decided on a simple, no frills race strategy – 9 m/m all the way round which would bring us home in 3:55:48!! Fortunately it was the kind of start I like – downhill for the
first mile then flat. We got into a rhythm straight away and had “time in the bag” within the first few miles, averaging 8 m/m for the first mile (whoops!) Stuart kept telling me I was going too fast and I really did try ever so hard to slow down! So the next 10 miles were between 8:30 and 9:00 m/m. Even after 17 miles we were still averaging just under 9:00 m/m pace. Although my Garmin was giving me the average pace per mile, Stuart was doing the complicated maths by letting me know we were 3 mins. ahead of schedule plus the 4 mins 12 secs leeway – by this time my brain had turned to mush and I could barely remember my name!!
Fairly early on, we picked up another runner called Steve who was also aiming for sub 4 hours so together we made a formidable team but by 20 miles or so he dropped off the pace.
We went through half way in about 1:54 and hit 20 miles in 2:56 which was psychologically fantastic as I’d never run 20 miles in under 3 hours before. Only 6 miles to go – a Wednesday night Joggers run!
Although there were a couple of undulations, the course was quite flat, interesting and varied but we also knew there was an uphill finish.
Our spirits were raised when we entered Leicester City Centre and were still running on the flat knowing that Victoria Park was just over a mile away, and with 18 mins in hand. We soon encountered a mile long hill but it was a picturesque, tree lined type boulevard so we dug deep and eventually heard Paul’s yells of encouragement from the top, then a right hand turn and the finish gantry was in sight. Those last few yards were like running in slow motion and wading through treacle but we made it with the clock reading 3:54:28 (gun time) – our chip time was 3:53:26. We came 370th and 371st out of 702 and I was 2nd in my age category.
Before I finish, I’d like to thank Paul for supporting me again on all my long runs and putting up with my sub-4hr “obsession” and also for being so fantastic on the day – he really enjoyed the book shops and Nero’s!
Next, thank you to Neill Williamson for his belief in me and persuading me to believe in myself and for getting me to the start line in peak condition.
Finally, a huge thank you to Stuart Brown for his fantastic pacing, encouragement, advice and company on Sunday (and for filling up my water bottle mid race then catching me up so I didn’t have to slow down or stop!!) – I couldn’t have done it without you. Regards, Julie
Thanks, Julie

Cardiff Half Marathon 18/10/09 by Jon Newey
Five Joggers and Rich Walsh pitched up in Cardiff for the Half Marathon. Great course; flat and scenic and ideal for a PB as Jules demonstrated. She knocked three mins off with 1.43.34.
Unfortunately my plans for a fast one had to be drastically trimmed due to the cold i've been fighting the last two weeks. I was unable to justify the coveted "coloured number" only given to about 40 or so supposedly Elite Runners. I limped round for 1.19.27, about three mins off a PB.
Peter Wilson got in just a minute slower than his PB in 1.30.27. Walshy did a 1.27.34, so no PB for him either. Julie Caseley did 1.48.07 and Sam 1.53.45
Apparently 11000 entered and about 8500 started. Jon
Thanks, Jon

Cardiff Half Marathon 18/10/09 by Julie Caseley
Paul, Samantha and I stayed in a hotel at Newport last night so we were closer to Cardiff for the 9 am start this morning. However, we were a little worried when we saw the queues into Cardiff but fortunately arrived in time. We saw Jon Newey and Julie Marshall shortly after we arrived and then Peter Wilson in an adjoining toilet queue!!
With 10 minutes to start time, we found ourselves at the back of the pack but tried hard to get closer to the front. We eventually ground to a halt at the 2 hour finishers marker. It took us a few minutes to cross the start line but it didn’t matter as the race was championchip timed. We set off at a good pace (just under 16 mins for the first 2
miles – whoops) and considering we had to duck and dive around runners for the first few miles, that wasn’t bad going. The course was very flat and quite varied with a long switchback along the docks, passed Techniquest, the Welsh Assembly building, through a lovely park, back into Cardiff before another relatively short switchback between 12 and 13 miles before the finish at Cardiff City Hall. Although it was a little chilly at the start, the sun came out and there was no wind so conditions were perfect. However, it took a few minutes to exit at the finish and then we queued for an hour to collect our bags!!
I was really pleased and surprised with my time of 1:48:07, (2694th out of about 11,000), a personal best by 35 seconds (run at Stafford in 2007). Samantha had a good run too and finished in a time of 1:53:45 (3,733rd).Regards, Julie
Thanks, Julie

The Mudrunner (Eastnor) 11/10/09 by Paul Newman
The Malvern Joggers turn out for this one was small but keen bunch of atheletes, I was joined by Gillian and her daughter Elizabeth both flying the flag, also in attendance were Steve Winwood, Chris Lewis Farleigh and his friend Chris, the latter are both keen "Tough guy" competitors so this should have been a walk in the park for them. We were warned at the start that there hadn't been much rain and they thought of renameing the run the "Dust Bowl 6" After the first three miles of very steep up and down hills,(these are hills used to test out traction control on Land Rovers !!) it seemed relatively dry under foot no worse than the Eastnor 7...Then it hit us ! Four deep ditches full of water and thick mud! The water was probably only two foot deep,but that's quite deep when you are face down in it ! It continued steep hills deep thick mud and water, oh and it started raining ! After around a hour I could see The Castle in front of us and a long down hill path led us to the road and the Castle, through the Castle gates and the glorious site of a sign 250 meters to go, I thought great leg it ! At which point I could hear peals of laughter in the distance and I realised there was one more ditch to cross to a chorus of "Do a belly flop" and "Dive in " I leapt in one final time, after clambering back out through the mud it was the home stretch to the Castle where we were cheered on my MJ supporters, we received a clay medal and a nice Tee shirt.
Would I do it again, well its pricey £20 you could do Sodbury and Mayhill combined for that money, but its half the price of a mud treatment at The Spa ! so would I? You Bet I would!! I can't wait till next year! Cheers Paul
Thanks, Paul

Solent Half Marathon 11/10/09 by Alison & Rob Winwood
The Winwoods were out in force for this one, although the CH&CD half of the duo was desperately hoping for rain to perform CH duties rather than run.
We'd done this race twice before, its near the Winwood family seat, so we had strong support from parents, sisters, nieces and nephews. We knew the route, but had different tactics for the race. Alison set off at speed hoping to stay with a pack as long as possible, whereas Rob took it steady, planning to pick off the other runners after half way. In fact we met up at about mile 8 and carried on together from there. Alison nearly succumbed to the 'hip weevil' which always complains after 10 miles but after checking the time and finding a PB was possible, we pressed on. Rob's knees were moaning for the last couple of miles but we crossed the line together in 2:08, matching Alison's best time, but considerably slower than Rob's 'gazelle' performance at Acorns.
Time to take it easy now until the Spring. A couple of months of hibernation will do us good!! The Winwoods.
Thank you Rob and Alison

Birmingham Half Marathon 11/10/09 by Duncan Cresswell
Having enjoyed this inaugural event last year Jayne and I thought that we should definitely do this again due to the new course. Last year was a point to point, this year was a round route, which helped to provide a great atmosphere as everything was in the same location. Everything seemed to flow, both at the start and at the end. Lots of music was scattered around the course, which went via Cannon Hill Park and Bourneville, to help keep our tired little legs going. It was relatively flat, just one unexpected hill at the halfway mark and then an incline in the final mile were the legaches of the course. If they keep this route next year I thoroughly recommend it as it was well organised, the route was sound, plenty of water points (including 2 energy drink points) and the goody bag was excellent – big chunky medal, a solid metal key ring t-shirt, cloth bag, samples of teas, sweats, cereals and lotions. Having run the Beacon race (and both getting PB’s), Jayne and I finished well; over 10000 people ran Jayne very nearly got a PB (set years ago) with 2:21:36 (8190th) and I finished with 1:52:21 (2902nd position). The pressure is on now at Stroud for both of us as a PB is reach for both of us….. providing we don’t run a race the day before.
Thanks, Duncan

Cirencester 10k 27/9/09 by Stuart Horsfall
The race started at 10.30am in glorious sunshine, the route was round the estate of Lord Bathurst and most if it was on estate roads so no traffic, and the rest was on tracks through the woods. The terrain was fairly flat with a steep hill at the 5k mark and a water station just after that, then it was back along through some woodland and on to the park entrance where you ran up the drive around a corner to the finish, there was a giant digital clock so you could check your time. I had most of my extended family there for support, and as I went by them and they found their voice and I woman running behind me commented “ Christ he brought his fan club” which made me smile. The run was in a beautiful location well organised with good views of the estate and countryside and I had an unofficial time of 54.30 which is a PB for me This is one race that I would recommend and will do again next year.
Thanks, Stuart

The Badger Bite 4/10/09 by Julie Caseley
After a momentary lapse of memory on Wednesday night, I did eventually remember where I was running this weekend. It was the sister race to the Bells of Pattingham caledl The Badger Bite (at a village called Badger, believe it or not, near Telford). It's a very popular little race with this year the entries full in advance at 350 with no entries
on the day. It's a 6 km cross country event so really nice as part of my tapering for the Leicester Marathon next Sunday!
Running conditions were perfect both weatherwise and underfoot with no mud this year. The race was started by ex-footballer and Sky Sports commentator Don Goodman with much light hearted banter. There was plenty of downhill to start with and then the course flattened out across fields and tracks before returning back uphill - "the bite".
The prize presentation was in the Seven Stars pub at Beckbury, about a mile away from Badger. Also on offer were hot pork and beef baps - very nice on such a lovely day.
The field was very competitive with the first 3 male runners and the first 2 female runners breaking the course record by quite a big margin Also, the first 2 female runners were 40 vet GB cross country runners, so we were in fine company. I finished in a time of 32:06 which was 30 secs slower than last year and 30 secs faster than 2007.
Thanks Julie,

Bourneville Leafy 10K 4/10/09 by Vikki Sivertsen
I was surprised that I was the only Malvern Jogger at this race this morning. It was a 10.30am start from Rowheath Pavillion and consisted of a 2-lap course taking in the playing fields and surrounding streets and woodland. A lovely race, very well marshalled, lots of encouragement, perfect weather conditions, coffee and cake, all combining to give me a great personal result – second lady overall in a PB time of 43.12 (once I’m convinced it’s an official 10k distance.) Decent goody bag including a nice engraved keyring and of course some Cadbury’s chocolate. Bottle of plonk and a £15 voucher was my prize. Worth getting out of bed for and I would recommend it for next year. Vikki.
Thanks, Vikki

Kenilworth Half Marathon 4/10/09 by Jayne Ackroyd
My training schedule for the Stroud half recommended doing another half marathon this week for training purposes. So a bit of research led me to the Kenilworth Half - reasonably local, and, according to the reports on Runners
World, well organised, a good route, good parking, friendly and encouraging marshalls, great cakes etc. It was all true!
It was only an hours drive to get there, and a good journey. Parking was no problem and just a short walk to the start. The course is an out and back loop, definitely undulating, but by no means hilly (well, not to us in the same month as the beacon race!) Think I might have been the only MJ there, but perhaps we could muster a bigger presence next year ?
My Garmin had a bit of a wobbly yesterday and refused to charge, so I had no pacing info. My brain had been telling me that I'd missed a few long runs in training, and I was going to be rubbish, so my expectations weren't high! I took it steadily for the first four miles, and watched lots of runners charge past me. But I've done this enough times now to know that they wouldn't keep it up (oh why can't I be this measured in a 10k?) As I passed 9 miles a friendly marshall said that I was on track for 1:46 - which gave me a boost (even though he turned out to be lying!) I pressed on and finally finished in just over 1:47, which I was very pleased with. So confidence is restored, and back on track for Stroud!
As well as a decent goody bag, massages and cakes were on offer at the finish. All but the seriously afflicted chose the cakes. That's my kind of race ! Cheers, Jayne
Thanks, Jayne

Great North Run, 20/9/09 by Phil Jackson
Last year, I wasn't too impressed by the Great North Run (even though I got a PB); too noisy, too crowded, I thought. This year I knew what to expect and thoroughly loved every wonderful minute of this fantastic experience. At the start, I was in pen C with Steve Roode and Andy Milton ahead of me in pen B. Once we got going it quickly became obvious that the penning system was open to abuse as I overtook all sorts of slow people and even a double ended pantomime horse at one point. Even within the first kilometer some people were already walking. Being small I was able to dodge my way past them, between them, sometimes asking politely for room, sometimes just using my elbows. The first mile or so is down hill and you can get away very quickly but don't let anyone tell you this is a flat course. It isn't. It goes up and down all the time including a 2 mile climb at mile 3 (mind you, it is followed by a 3 mile downhill slope). The huge crowds and all the bands were wonderfully encouraging although most of it passed me by in a blur. About ten miles in I realised that unless I did something stupid (always a possibility) I was on for something good and as Elvis overtook me I made a big effort up the final hill. From there it's a steep drop down onto the sea front. Many people seemed to be scared of going down hill so I got past a lot there (but not Elvis, who was still in sight ahead). The final flat straight along the sea front to the grandstands and the finish is just over a mile (it seems a lot longer) and I really went for it (using the elbows again, I'm afraid) and began to close in on Elvis. The sense of elation as I finished was unbelievable even though I failed to catch him - for once the Garmin and the official time agreed (surely a first) - 1.39.27; nearly 2 and half minutes lopped off the PB. I've no idea where that came from and can only assume there was a strong following wind. It was great to finish off by meeting Steve, Andy and Cat in the pub afterwards. Steve and Andy looked as though they were intent on a very heavy session. We eventually got out of the car park at 6 pm which was a pain but with 54,000 runners and 30,000 supporters it's not surprising. A great event and I can't wait to do it all again next year! Come on you Joggers - let's have a few more of you there!
Thanks, Phil

Commonwealth Ultra distance and Mountain Championships (Keswick/Cumbria) 209/09 by Emma Gooderham
I have just competed in the Commonwealth Ultra distance and Mountain Championships held in Keswick/Cumbria. I was selected to run for England in the 100K and there were three other English ladies. One however had to drop out two days prior due to an achilles injury. This meant the pressure was on as we all had to finish for a team medal. We started at 8 on saturday and climbed out of Keswick (hilly around Cumbria isn't it!!!) before starting 7 laps around Thirlmere lake and then 15 K home, back to Fitz park, Keswick. The scenery and conditions were fantastic. My worst time was surprisingly betweeen 20-40K as my old rusty right hip was giving me some grief. However when everything else strted aching and I got into my rhythum and 'zone' it all went superbly and I strangely enjoyed running for 8 hours 4 mins and 9 seconds. I even picked up the pace on the last 5K home and stayed a pretty consistent time throughout.
I unfortunately never caught the Australian lady in front of me, but got silver and the England team got Gold as we finished 2nd,4th and 5th.
Apart from two toenails which I will say my fond farewells to in a few days I feel OK but it is early days yet as walking is a bit of an affort at the moment.This time I think also puts me back on the no.1 slot for Britain for 100K for a second year, partly because there aren't many mad people doing this sort of thing.I had an absolutely fantastic time and as ever the English team and support was fantastic. I recommend anyone to have a go at ultras, we're a friendly bunch even though rare on the ground and a little insane. I especially enjoyed mixing with the mountain and 24 hour runners for the first time, it's given me thoughts for my next challenge! Emma
Thanks, Emma

Big Dipper 27/9/09 by Chris Barker
The organisers must have been pleased to see the MJs arrive as our 11 runners made up 15% of the total number competing. Amongst the MJs was Sim running in his first Champions League event of the year. This is the fourth year of the event and I’ve done the last three. I discovered today that it rained on the first running so I didn’t really miss that one at all. It takes place at Upton Bishop and consists of a very undulating, ok hilly, 5.64 mile round trip around some country lanes along which can be found some very expensive looking properties.
The first hill comes very soon and is hidden behind a sharp right hand turn. Not the best of starts. You come down the same hill towards the end but being so steep it’s one where you need to ‘put the brakes on’ to avoid a serious miss hap like a leg falling off! I thought about like apologising to MJs Annabel and Charlotte for the severity of the climb as we tacked it together.
After the final killer climb on 4.75 miles (good practise for the Beacon Race) the remainder is generally downhill but that’s the only way it could go and so a flying finish awaits anyone who’s still got a bit left. I was in a sprint? with a fellow competitor and he just pipped me at the end although after a bit of post-race chat it turns out he was 10 years younger than me which made me feel a bit better. I beat my time of last year by about 45 seconds and in doing so reversed the pattern of most of my races this year.
On to the presentation where there was free hot drinks and cakes for the runners. Add that to the finisher’s memento of a Big Dipper towel making this a real good value race. Despite a healthy 11 MJs we weren’t expecting much of a mention as most of our best runners were not present however we did feature after all albeit in a slightly unusual way. In one of the female vet catagories the winner was named as MJ Chris Jarrey who by this time had left. To cries of ‘he’s a man’ from those present the results were consulted once again and the ‘new’ winner of that particular prize announced as ... the MJ’s Julie Caseley. She’s a proper woman and therefore a worthy winner. Well done, Julie. It seems like we were destined to win that one somehow.

Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon 13/9/09 by Julie Caseley
This very popular race was cancelled last year after the death of its organiser Doug Morris. However, it was back with a vengeance this year with entries full well before the closing date. We were able to get up at a reasonable time as the race didn’t start until 1 pm but it did mean allowing for traffic near the venue and also time for a light
lunch at about 11 am. All went according to plan and even the weather was gorgeous.
The race started close to race HQ at the Community Centre and wound its way uphill for a mile until a left turn onto the dam wall, then it was over the dam to begin a single clockwise circuit of Lake Vyrnwy.
Amazingly it appeared to be continuously downhill which, psychologically, was fantastic. Also, the first uphill mile was also the last downhill mile (even better) with a bit of a hill at the end.
Even though it was a particularly warm day, it was a pleasant run as virtually all the route was under trees which provided much welcome respite from the sun.
I was going for a PB but in the end was outside it by 43 seconds and was 5 seconds slower than 4 years ago when I last did this race.
However, I was pleased with 1:49:25 and finished 4th in my age category. Samantha also had an excellent race finishing in a time of 1:51:01
Thanks, Julie

Great North Run 20/9/09 by Alison Bayley
I started to get a bit nervous on Wednesday when a few people started to wish me luck for today and comment on my insanity. By the time this morning came I was really very nervous and wondering what on earth I was doing. It started to out as a good excuse to spend a few days with my old uni friend who lives near Newcastle and a chance to raise some money for the guide dogs. Having done it once before I had a good idea what I was letting myself in for and I wasn't really looking forward to it. My training seemed to have gone better than last time and Dean had helped my dodgy leg to hold up (sports massage guy - can recommend him if Neill is busy). I spent a long time queueing for the portaloos before getting 'penned in' and it seemed an absolute age before anything happened. Then it all happened at once, we were marched slowly to the start and then we were off. It took me about 25 minutes to get over the start and then an age to get into any sort of rhythm - not surprising really with 50,000 other runners around. I plodded along doing my own thing, bumped into a friend dressed as scooby doo at 7 miles and just kept plodding till about 11 miles when I ran out of steam a bit. There was no danger of me having set off too fast!! Maybe I can try and blame it on the fact it was quite warm, or maybe I had just run out of energy. Anyway, I managed to keep plodding and was actually very pleased with my super slow time of 2 hours 25 minutes. It was 12 minutes faster than last time I did it, so I was chuffed. Not surprisingly I didn't see any of the 'speedy boys' - I would guess they were just a blur in the distance and well and truly established in the bar long before I finished!!
Not sure if I'll see you all on Wednesday, I'll have to see if my legs work again by then or not. I'm feeling better already (warm bath and cold beer seemed to do it!!) so there's a chance. Really not sure if I'll do it again though.
Thanks, Alison B.

Tatton Park Sprint Triathlon 19/9/09 by Alison Winwood
This was the culmination of a season of triathlons. Having tried my first about this time last year, I have progressed to open water swims, got a road bike and completed 5 events.
Tatton Park in Cheshire was a great setting for the event. There were 600 people competing on Saturday for the Sprint distance and 600 more going for the Olympic option on the Sunday.
I was in the last group to start, the women always seem to go at the back, I guess the boys need a head start!! I was most impressed that they had selected a green swim hat, to match the MJ colours for us to wear. The swim was in the mere, followed by two laps round part of the park on a bike and a scenic run past deer and sheep.
Even without my trusty CH&CD in tow to cheer me on (he had to do this tedious thing called work) I put in a creditable performance, finishing in 1:26. This placed me 19th out of the ladies and 4th in my age group. I may yet manage to find a minority enough event with small enough age bands to do well in something.
I must thank Matt Cox for his recent cycle coaching sessions. Making me cycle up the Wyche hurt at the time, but didn't half make the Cheshire plain seem easy!
Thanks, Alison W.

Cancer Research 10K Powderham Castle, 6th Sept, Cathy Barker
I set off at 6.30am Sunday morning, heading south to the sun down the (thankfully quiet) M5, thinking “why do I let myself in for these things?”. Some time ago I foolishly said “yes, I’ll do the Powderham 10k with you” to a couple of my old running buddies down in Exeter, and then completely forgot about it until reminded about it about 8 weeks ago. Powderham is a lovely setting – starting and finishing in the grounds of the Castle which has pretty views over towards Topsham and Exmouth. The weather was ideal for running – cool with a slight breeze. As we stood around chatting, studiously ignoring the poor girl on the stage trying to engage 2000 runners in a frenetic warm-up, we were treated to the sight of a herd of deer going full gallop across the park. The race itself starts off across the grassy parkland, then down the drive away from the castle before turning along a lovely, flat, gravely private road. It then turns out on to a quiet country lane that goes along the side of the railway track and affords you a lovely view back across the parkland to the castle on one side and over the river estuary on the other. A steam train came trundling along heading in the other direction with the driver merrily tooting his horn as he passed the stream of runners and there was much cheerfuly waving all round. Just before the half-way mark the route turns inland and becomes “undulating” (well, in MJ terms it involved a few small mounds...but other runners seemed to find them more mountains than molehills). We passed quite a few people here who, fooled by the flat/downhill start and overcome by excitment, inexperience or just the urge to compete, had run the first half of the race too fast and were now out of puff. Turning off the road, a steady climb up a soft track through a pleasant wooded area eventually emerges onto the drive. By this time Bea had definitely begun to flag and Zoe and I matched her pace to offer support and encouragement to keep her going. A short, sharp incline over the bridge spanning the moat, through the castle court yard and out into the park brings the runners back to finish where we started. Certainly not a BP for me – Zoe and I literally dragged Bea by the hand over the line in a fraction under 59 mins. Bea was pleased to have run all the way and we were all chuffed we made it in under the hour. As with all these charity events, the atmosphere was great with lots of support from the crowds and competent, friendly marshals. It was a thoroughly enjoyable run with my mates and a race I’ll certainly do again.
Thanks, Cathy

Bristol Half Marathon 6/9/09 by Jim Apps
It was an early start for those in this race, of which there were 20000 of us, including 3 joggers. For the faster runners which included Andrew Dickinson and myself it was a 9:00 assemble for a 9:30 start. Thankfully the weather was perfect for running ie coolish and sunny. The run itself started in Bristol city centre and we headed off passed the ss Great Britain and headed under Clifton suspension bridge and through the stunning scenery of Avon gorge. The first 8 miles was an out and back through the gorge and I was slightly disheartened tha when I passed the 3 mile marker the leaders were already on their way back passing the 7 mile marker! After passing under Clifton suspension bridge for the second time at 8 miles it was a change of scenary and we headed into the centre of Bristol for the final 5 miles and by this time I was still feeling fine and was passing people who had obviously gone off too fast and were themselves suffering. We passed through the historic docks, the old part of the city, the cathedral as well as the shopping centre. Even though it was no where near my fastest half marathon (1:39.10) I was still pleased and Andy finished in a respectable time of 1:36. For anybody wishing to do a half marathon I would fully recommend Bristol, you get a good medal and T-shirt, its flat, friendly but a pricey @ nearly £30. verdict - recommended
Thanks, Jim

Wistanstow Walk (run), 12/9/09 by Steve Roode
Yesterday I did the Wistanstow Walk (run) (along with Neil Collins from the hash) - which is one of the LDWA events. It started from Wistanstow village hall - what a building!! Bacon sarnies and tea before the start and some great weather. The route went mainly along the Shropshire way to Clun - Bishops Castle and back to Wistanstow, some great scenery and plenty of Stuart Brown moments along the way. A very hilly 27.25 miles- so my time of around 5:39 might not seem too fast but I managed to come in equal Seventh with Neil and a chap called Tony who was great company. Lasagne, more tea and beer at the finish - what a great event.
There is another one along the Cotswolds on the 26th September if anyone is interested?
Thanks, Steve

Stratford’s Big 10K, 13/9/09 by The Vikksen
This was the first running of this event and there was just Carole Green and myself representing Malvern Joggers. It took a bit of finding the start, which was situated at the Racecourse, as the ‘brown’ signs with a Racehorse on were non-existent when approaching from the Worcester direction!
The race starts at the racecourse and heads out along part of the old railway line called the Greenway. This lasts for about 4k, with a drinks station at the end just before hitting the main road and the start of the first incline. There was a second incline shortly after that followed by a narrow path, where it was a bit tricky to overtake, this takes you to the River Avon, as you turn right under the bridge the view is stunning of the river, the weir, the swans with their cygnets, the Canada geese and plenty of picnickers enjoying the sunshine, we ran along side the river for about 500m before finishing opposite the theatre near the bandstand! Great. Only problem then was the 2k walk back to the car, which on a lovely sunny morning is fine, but on a wet day this could be a bit a bit disappointing. A great run for me (I was number 303) not quite like a bullet but I finished in 45.26, about 30 seconds down on my PB, winning a cash prize of £10 for being first in the female 35-44 category!
The race itself is great, very picturesque, well organised and a PB potential. A bit expensive for a 10K at £15, but it was chip timed, a professional photographer, masseurs, a choice of sizes in the T-shirts, a substantial medal with the race details stamped on the back and 2 sausages!!!! Spectators/supporters had the opportunity to hire bikes at the start to get to the finish and then back to the car! I would highly recommend you put this race in your diary for next year.
Thanks, Vikki

Stratford’s Big 10K, 13/9/09 by Carole Green
Vikki and I took part in this one today. Great result for Vikki - she won her age group marginally outside PB - time 45:26 beating quite a few of the male variety. The course was really pretty, first 4k along the old railway line to an early water station. First incline at 5k not too bad. However second gradual incline around 7/8k seemed to go on forever, last 2 k lovely downhill and flat run into finish along side the river, swans and weir the theatre over the river. Lots of boats and Japanese/American visiters. One lucky fisherman caught a 11lb whoppa. Very hot up to 4k and then nice breeze and more shade rest to way. Really would recommend this one - fast route and excellent practice for speed training. Disaapointed my time was marginal improvement on Westonbirt, however starting to feel stronger, forgot the jelly babies and wasted energy talking! Very friendly atmosphere meeting at the race course, unusual finish a mile away from start, so need to walk back to cars - this could be sorted next year with supporters to pick up at finish ,as added to time away from home.
Thanks to Vikki for company - well worth the experience.
Thanks, Carole

South Coast Half Marathon 16/8/09 by Julie Caseley
With Paul working/sharing a flat near Portsmouth during the week, he encouraged me to enter a couple of races down there. The first was the South Coast Half Marathon at Seaford on 16 August (the next will be the Great South Run on 25 October). Little did I know how far Seaford was from Portsmouth until we travelled there the day before the race to collect my running number – a mere 60 or so miles!! With a 9 am start, traffic, 1 ¾ hr. drive, toilet queuing, etc., I calculated a 5 am get up!! We had a quick look at the course beforehand – not really that
exciting as there was a run along the seafront with a loop around the golf course, complete with hill, along a few roads and back along the seafront x1 for the 5 km runners, x2 for the 10 km runners and x4 laps for the half marathon runners. Needless to say, I was doing the half marathon so I began trying to get my head round doing 4 laps (Pitchcroft was bad enough at 3)!!
This race normally takes place in about March (it must have been awful with a cold sea breeze) but this year they decided to combine it on the same weekend as a sprint and classic triathlon. So on Saturday the town was a hive of activity with sea swims for men and women, 5 and 10 km runs as well as 20 and 40 km bike rides, not to mention the fun triathlon and relay triathlon. I only hope someone had a good way of keeping track of everyone as it looked manic!!
So, come Sunday morning, I was raring to go. Unfortunately the start was delayed because of queues for the toilets. Also, there was a very late change of course as, for some reason, we were not allowed to run over the golf course so the organisers just extended the distance of the run along the seafront. Oh boy!! Four times out and back loops –
by time the winner lapped me just before the switchback on my 3rd lap, I was beginning to lose the will to live!! However, with everyone wearing the same colour number for all 3 races, I had no idea who was running what so, although I was overtaking quite a few runners, I was also conscious of my pace. At last I’d finished in 1:48:22 (4 seconds faster than my PB), then in the results I’d been giving a time of 1:48:30 (no longer a PB), and to cap it all when I checked my Garmin at the finish the course was only 12.6 miles (1/2 mile short) – whoops!! It was unfortunate for the price that there was no championchip timing and there was only a cotton t-shirt and a pen in the rather oversized goody bag!
I think that’s another of my one-offs!! Regards, Julie
Thanks, Julie

Severn AC 5K Race 4 of 4 20/8/09 by Duncan Cresswell
On Thursday evening I went down to Gloucester to run the final of a series of 4 5k races hosted by Severn Athletic Club.
I’ve only ever entered two 5k races before; the first was in Telford in 2004 (part of the Sexarathon series) in which I completed it in 31+ mins, the second was West Brom Harriers 5k in 2005 and I managed it in 27+ mins. For both of these, my running was hit and miss. I would probably run for a week or two and then rest for 3 or 4 months or more. So since running 3-4 times a week from Jan 2008 without any long rest periods, I thought it was time to get a new PB.
Looking at the 10k races I competed in this year, where I reached 5k in just a few secs over 23mins, I hoped to match this or to just scrape a sub 23. However, gently running 7 miles and 5.5 miles the day before, being woken up in the middle of the night by my son for half hour or so, and then only just getting to the race in time (due to not knowing where I was going) so I could not empty my full bladder, meant that a sub 25 was just about more obtainable.
It was a nice little route, and the weather was just about ok, apart from a head wind during the final half. However, by my reckoning I completed the course in 23:56, so I was just about chuffed with that. At least I’ve got a chance to obtain a new PB when I shall definitely return next year. Dave and Peter Wilson also took part and were much faster than I but the results are not yet online.
Thanks, Duncan

Do you fancy somthing a bit more exotic? Now our race reports go international with this next one from Carl Flint......

Berglauf Jaun 27th Course de Montagne 2009
This has to be the toughest and yet at the same time the most beautiful race I have ever done. It starts off in the tiny hamlet of Im Fang which is on the only road up to the Jaun pass. This is one of the two passes which head out of Gruyere the other goes through Chataux D Oeux and Gstaad. Anyway, enough of the geography. The other runners were looking very fit and lean, loads sported cool shades and headgear but none had the ultra cool internationally acclaimed Malvern Joggers green and yellow vest. Even the very old guys sported sun tans certain joggers would die for.
The start was by an unattractive wood yard but had a speaker system playing some great inspirational music (like Erics Chariots of fire CD – although I did not hear any repeats). Gear was transported up the mountain and the cost 12 swiss francs - about 8 pounds. At the number collection station was a small café and I was pleased to see a few empty beer bottles- my kind of runners I thought, although the start was set for 10 am. The road was closed and we headed off with a gun shot ( what a great idea it certainly made me jump). The first section was along a river to the town of Jaun, my supporters club alias my wife was there to spur me on, the children had elected to stay in bed. Then it got tough it just kept going uphill. I ran and walked and walked – There was a forest section, mostly I can remember through the exhaustion loads of tree roots and then onto an open track again heading up hill.
There was a great turn out, instead of come on you joggers it was alez, alez and up,up,up you will have heard similar on ski Sunday and the Tour De France. I did my usual thumb up sign as I certainly had no breath spare to voice my thanks. The finish was by a lovely alpine hut the Chalet Du Soldat at 1750 m. As we finished I managed a Peter Wilson and snuck past three runners. I hasten to add that these were the only people in the entire race I overtook just meters from the finish which was very steeply uphill. There were two guys on swiss mountain horns again playing something inspirational.
I did not come last, but was well down the field for this 9.12km race, the climb was 825 m from the start but felt like twice that. The isotonic drinks and freezing cold mountain water were great on the way up and there were hot and cold fruit drinks at the finish station. The weather was very hot and I am sure one guy was offering schnapps at one point although I was probably hallucinating through lack of oxygen. Carl Flint
Thanks, Carl

Worcester Way 22 Aug 09 by Rich Penny
At 0615 on Saturday morning while sensible MJs were reaching for the Alka Seltzer after the Paella Party I was setting off from Bewdley with Army Ironman triathlete Maj Alex Porter. Initial plans to race an Endurancelife ultra in South Devon were shelved thanks to Sally Traffic’s M5 updates over the summer so I suggested taking on the 31 mile Worcester Way on our doorstep.
The morning was cool and clear, perfect for running, and for the first couple of hours our only company were hot air balloons high overhead. The heavy dew had us soaked through as we ran through long grass, maize, potatoes and nettles but as the day started to heat up the cooling effect was welcome. The route was generally well marked, apart from a minor diversion at Ribbesford Church, and we soon had the first major landmark of Abberley Hill in our sights. We ran on through Joan’s Hole, Dick’s Brook and Shaver’s End where we must have missed a waypoint as we found ourselves off route on the A451. We could see the Abberley clock tower on the horizon so decided to follow the A451 to Great Witley gambling that we would intersect the Worcester Way somewhere along the B4203 on Warsgrove Hill. Despite the extra mileage the plan worked and at the 2 hr point we were enjoying the spectacular early morning views from the top of Warsgrove.
The next 10km flew by on well marked paths generally contouring along the ridge East of Shelsey Beauchamp before dropping to the Teme at Ham Bridge. We passed Martley (half way) at 2hrs 45min feeling strong and all was going well until we hit the North Face of Ankerdine Hill at Knightwick with a steep climb, even steeper descent and view of the north Hill still looking very distant. On the climb to Crews Hill we were firmly into “walk the uphills, run flats and downhills” territory and it was a relief to hit the 23 mile point on 4 hrs as it meant we could swing by home to top up the fluids, collect my dog Pasty and Alex’s girlfriend.
As we set off through the rolling Suckley Hills to Longley Green I noticed how small molehills that I had never noticed on my training runs suddenly took on mountain like proportions as the heat and fatigue combined to make the climb up to the Beck on Birchwood Common feel like the Eiger. The final climb was now in sight, although as we ran along the Herefordshire border through the orchards around Crumpton Hill it certainly took a while to get any closer. The flat running was very welcome, but just made the climb up to the Lamb in West Malvern all the more severe with a very cruel route up a never ending flight of steps. For once I didn’t reprimand Pasty for pulling on her lead as she dragged me up onto the zigzagging footpaths below the North Hill.
Before we knew it we were on the Beacon Race route skirting around the North Hill, cursing the small climb you always forget as you run around to the top of Happy Valley. The descent to St Anne’s Well was savage on aching limbs but we were soon opposite the Post Office looking proudly looking back up at the sign “Worcester Way to Bewdley 31 miles” – a distance the guidebook recommends is covered over two days! We finished in 6hrs 10 mins having climbed 1605m (a mile in old money) and burnt 4600 kcals, which we then set about replacing having shuffled down to the Nags Head.
The Worcester Way covers some beautiful countryside and spectacular scenery. It would make a great club run in one go, or as a relay – next summer I will check with the Social Secretary first and try not to pick the morning after the night before!!!
Thanks, Rich

Worcester Beacon Trials 23/8/09 by Jayne Ackroyd
I thought I would be the only one doing the Beacon route this morning as Phil’s Brioche run sounded fantastic, so I found someone to look after Vaughan and dragged Duncan along. When I arrived at Rose Bank gardens there was Geoff, Mark G, Derek, Ross, Julian and a friend of Julian’s. So I am convinced that you thought it was a run with Jayne Ackroyd as they were all fast runners and I am so slow. We started chatting as we went along but as you know the talk is soon stopped once the hill climbing starts. We had a few catch up stops which allowed me to find the group again; strangely I can’t understand why no-one mustered back! When I eventually got back to St Ann’s well, Carole had also joined the group as she had run the other way to come and find us. So we had quite a long pause there to catch up on news. We got back to Rose Bank gardens in 1 ½ hours and the plan is do either the Beacon or the Joggers 10K every other week as training for the Beacon so I will keep you posted and if you want to join me you will be more than welcome.
Thanks, Jayne

2/08/09 Jane Tomlinson "Run for All" York 10k by Phil Jackson
As Chris said last week, it is so much fun to get away and do races elsewhere! So began our holiday in the north! This was a truly glorious race and must be just about my all-time favourite. I thoroughly recommend it as an uplifting experience to everybody. The start and finish are on York race course where there was a large Race Village (Lucozade were giving away free bottles of drink). It started 20 minutes late due to congestion on the roads to the race and once Steve Cram blew the horn I was so wound up I started off like a frightened rabbit. Unfortunately there were no set time zones at the start so faster runners had to dodge round joggers and even walkers. I had to lift one girl bodily out of the way (at least that's my story Your Honour). The course was flat and after a few hundred meters of urban running we dropped down onto the left hand bank of the River Ouse, following this all the way into the centre of this wonderful old city. As I ran through the Minster precincts the bells of the Minster peeled out for me which I took as a good omen. The route then ran through the narrow, winding, cobbled streets to return to the race course via the other bank of the Ouse (to my amazement there were still people running on the opposite bank now about 4 kms of running behind me). I worked really hard in this race thinking all the time to myself "I can't keep this up" but having finished I walked back to cheer Sheila in for her first ever 10k. I did it in 45.22 (6 seconds outside my PB), coming 276th out of 3853 whilst Sheila did it in 1.09.24 coming 2899 (her aim was not to come last, which, with almost 1000 people behind her she totally achieved). The atmosphere was fantastic, the people friendly and welcoming, the support on the streets was massive (I ran for Macmillan) and I made friends with two gorgeous fellow Fetchies. What more could you ask for? I will certainly return next year.

9/08/09 Darlington 10k by phil jackson
This one, after a week of heavy eating and drinking and not a lot of running was much tougher and it was scorchio! It starts in the town centre (a very constricted start and again, with no time zones) and then runs out for two 2.5 mile circuits of the leafy suburbs. These were uphill all the way and the repetition of the route did my head in a bit. Team Jackson were out in force with nephew, sister-in-law and wife all running and brother with hoards of his tiny grandchildren shouting us on from the sidelines. The finish, back to the top of the market square was excellent and well worth the preceding hard work. I was hoping for 45 minutes and the first 2kms were spot on but after that the heat got to me and I slowed down badly to finish in 46.20 (281th out of 1008). Sheila also found the course tough and finished in 1.09.24 (957/1008). She needed Jenny there with the support of the Genteel Joggers! I'll do this again next year and now that I know the nature of the course I can be better prepared for it. It was a much more competitive race than York and not quite as friendly.
Thanks, Phil

Tenbury 10K, 2/8/09 by Chris Barker
This one is an annual favourite with the MJs with 13 runners taking part. It’s a friendly event which includes commentary from BBC Hereford and Worcester presenters at the finish and it’s one race that always seems to be lucky with the weather (except when it rains!).
It starts with a hill but then levels out to a gradual downhill, some undulations, then a sharp climb on 3 miles which will be a shook to anyone who hasn’t done it before. It finishes with a run across a very large open playing field and some very encouraging spectators.
There was some good running by the MJs and I could give you the time of our leading finishers but by way of a change here are the times of some of our other runners. Rachel Stubbs finished in 56.40, Gill McCann 56.12 (despite the ‘stitch’) and Liz McCann 55.45 Well done to all our runners.
Bugatti Beer Race 10K, 5/8/09 by Chris Barker
The Malvern Joggers Annual Wednesday Night 10K as I call it. Once more the lure of the T-shirt, burger and beer was enough to entice 22 MJs down to Gretton near Winchcombe, Gloucestershire for this sell-out 10K road race.
It’s a good night out, if there ever was one, on a course that ranges from undulating to hilly. The worst bit coming at 4Km.
It’s a race that seems to have more uphill than downhill. This is actually the case because the start is in a different place to the finish and at a higher elevation. So that’s why it took me so long! It’s a 10K but not one with PB potential.
It’s called the Bugatti because that’s the name of the pub which acts as race HQ and is also where the finish is situated, which is on the forecourt of the pub. Not far to go for a bit rehydration afterwards then. The finishers bottle of lager went down well, I ate the burger because it was there and love the design of the t-shirt although I’m told it doesn’t wash very well. I won’t wash it then. It’s a regular event in the MJs calendar so I’m sure we will be back there next year. It’s on the first Wednesday of August. Why not make a note of it.
372 runners took part with MJs Emma Gooderham winning the ladies race and Jon Newey being first MJ to finish in 13th place overall. In the men’s team event, 12 running clubs had the necessary quota of 4 runners to make a team. Our men came 10th. Well done guys, but not quite as good as the MJ ladies who came 3rd out of 10 teams. Our ladies team comprised of Emma, Megan Judge, Maria Liviero and Julie Marshall.

Cranham Boundry Chase 5.8M, 8/8/09 by Chris Barker
‘It’s a road race around the boundary of the picturesque Cotswold village of Cranham. An undulating course starting and finishing on the common, through Cranham Wood and Cranham Village with a hard steep uphill climb back to the finish at the cricket club’. That’s the official description and it saved me time thinking about what to write!
It’s arranged to coincide with the annual village fete and the local cricket team are also performing so there plenty going on.
The competitors leave the fete to make their way to an ajoining field which acts as the start and finish area. I thought there may have been a mass exodus from the fete to watch the event but the feters carried on pig-roasting, skittleing and drinking etc and did not seem very interested in the running proceedings. Perhaps they had to watch some paint dry!
With the usual 75 or so runners it starts off on a killer hill which saw me right at the back of the field. From past experience I know I’m not going to break any records at this one so I carried on pottering around at the back and picking a few people off en-route.
75 runners over 5.8 miles means the contestants are well spread out so you could be running on your own for long periods. Having overtaken about 10 runners, and after about 1.5 miles, I tagged on to a couple of ladies from Chepstow Harriers and ran with them until the start of the final climb about half a mile from the finish. They were going well and I was wondering who was going to ‘lose it’ first thinking it would be me. To my surprise the stopped and walked which they told me they had planned to all along. Probably a wise move but that was two more behind me but thanks for the company ladies. For what it’s worth, on my third go at this one, I finished in 50.32. Two and a half minutes slower than two years ago. No other MJ’s in this obscure event.

Chris’s Seaside Series 2009
Much as I like running in the local area, I like running further afield also. Some might like the fells of northern England, to quote one of our runners. I like the south coast i.e. the seaside
About a year ago I saw a photo in Runners World of the start of the Swanage Half marathon. It started along the seafront with the beach and sea as a backdrop. I thought, I could do that and if I could find another two similar events I could make up a series of three events. So, Chris’s Seaside Series was born.
Race 1 – Torbay Half Marathon 21/6/09
There is a very good feature of this race, with photos, in the current Runners World. It’s just as well as reading through I’ve already forgotten most of it although I haven’t forgotten the donkey’s on the beach.
The report in RW speaks about it in glowing terms even though my worst fears were confirmed when I found I really did have to run from Paignton to Torquay back to Paignton back to Torquay and then back to the finish in...Paignton. It started on Paignton Green , a large grassy area before running up to the Marina in Torquay. There was a lot of passing or being passed by other competitors. This doesn’t seem to put anyone of as 1348 took part although I only intended to do it once anyway. Perhaps it was my lousy finishing time that gave me a bad impression as the tedium, humity and the hilly bits ground me down. I finished in 1.51.40 but at least that was good enough for 513th and a place in the top half. Some nice views of the sea though.
Race 2 – Portland 10 5/7/09
That’s Portland as in Portland Bill and Weymouth. Two weeks later and back down to the south coast for this one. With all the rain we’ve had lately it’s difficult to remember any hot sunny days but this was definitely one. I probably walked 10 miles looking for a B and B the evening before and all I could find to stay in was a pub! Poor me but that’s another story.
The host club was the Royal Manor of Portland AC and one of their guys ran in our race so you could say I was repaying the favour. The Isle of Portland sticks out into the English Channel so if the weathers a bit rough it’s going to blow straight across the island and take you with it although on this day it was just plain hot. At the end of it I was completely cream crackered with my belief that the heat doesn’t affect me completely in tatters as at the end of it all I could do is lie on the grass. But at least I fared better than one of my fellow runners who did the same but needed the attention of the medical staff.
The course consisted of two laps, a small one and a big one, the second of which involved running to the tip of the island up to the lighthouse before turning to come back up. Once again there were some lovely views out to sea as you might imagine. I thought it would be easy being only 10 miles and not a half marathon but I still finished in a rubbish 1.25.17 for 155th place out of 259.
Race 3 – Swanage Half Marathon 18/7/09
Another 2 weeks later and the race that inspired me to do all of this and the hillyest half I’ve ever done along with the Bourton Half of course. I should have known, the start was on the seafront and therefore just above sea level. 13 miles of running is going to take you inland and well above.
Friday night and more tramping around looking for a B & B which resulted in me going back to the first place I looked at. A fish & chips on the seafront, I wouldn’t say the fish was fresh but it hadn’t eaten all the chips, and then an early night. Next morning I joined the other 361 for this 13.1 mile tour of the Isle of Perbeck (which is not actually an island) on foot. The first hill soon kicked in and that set the tone for the race. Coming to Corfe Castle on 7 miles I thought it would be all downhill from there but not so as we undertook the a fierce climb which lasted for 1.5 miles. I finally got back to Swanage and the finish in a depressing 1.56.46 and 199th position. The conditions this time were OK and ideal for Half Marathon running. No donkeys at this one, just me.

Borth 10k beach run 2/8/09 by Vikki Sivertsen
Im on holiday (house and dog sitting) in Ynyslas, Ceredigion, which is just down the road from Borth, which is near Aberystwyth on the mid Wales coast. Before I left home 10 days ago I surfed the net to see if there were any local races whilst I was going to be there and up came the Borth 10k beach run. I had never run on sand before and was a little nervous about entering..especially after looking at last years results and realising that this was no easy feat. I ran a few sessions on the beach to see how it felt and decided to enter on the day. Weather conditions were good, dry, broken cloud....although a good coastal wind blowing. It was a straight forward course, 5k out towards the estuary and back again. the wind was behind us going out, and in front of us coming back ! It's a strange thing being able to see 5k up in front of you knowing that's where you're heading. And with it being an out and back course it's never nice seeing the runners that are faster than you on their way back as you are still heading out! However, I did realise at this point that I was 4th lady. I finished in 47 mins and 3 seconds...I was thrilled with this as it was tough race, sand is pretty unforgiving and hard on the calves, but what a beautiful place to run! Borth/Ynyslas if you don't know it is one long sandy beach with lovely clear waters. The support team were out in force for me today, at about 2 miles along the beach Ron, my eldest daughter Heidi (a student at Aberystwyth Uni and captain of their cheerleading team) and my son Ned were cheering me on, so again I knew to look out for them on the way back where they supplied me with a welcome drink as there were no water stations on the course. Presentations were 2 hours later in a local pub where I was thrilled to discover that i was first lady over 40 and won a technical T. Shirt. Great!
Thanks, Vikki

Evesham 10k 12/7/09 by Jonathan Green
Did the inaugural event in 2008 and liked it so much I decided to do it all gain this year. For a 'new' event it really is very good and has the feel of a much more established race: the start is well organised, the course is interesting and well marked, there's quite a bit of support around the route, the finish is well run, the goody back is excellent and there's even a mini 'race village'. Evidently a great deal of planning and hard work goes into the whole thing. The only minor gripe was that the prize giving, which was due to take place at 12.00, was put back and put back and then only partly happened. It turns out this was due to the results software being set up for a maximum of 500 finishers and there were 612! 21 MJ's took part in total. Congratulations to Emma G and our other leading ladies (Maria Liviero and Jules ) for retaining the individual ladies and ladies team titles. The first 5 MJ's to finish were: Emma G (19th in 38:03), Mark Cusack (26th in 39:12), me (41st in 40:30), Crampy (77th in 42:45) and Carl Flint (89th in 42:57) The overall winner finished in 33:55 (a new course record). A special mention for Jo (my wife) who finished in 1:01:04, in her 2nd ever 10k, the 1st having been at least 6 years ago.
Thanks, Jon

Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon, 4/7/09 by Julie Caseley
This race is unusual in that it’s a point to point along the canal towpaths from Wolverhampton Old Boat Yard by the train station to Brindley Place in Birmingham. Last year we started off in waves according to our predicted finishing time which worked very well as there was no ‘bunching’ but the start was a bit delayed. This year was suppose to follow the same format but everything seemed very much more laid back and basically we were allowed to start as and when we were ready so long as there were no more than perhaps 10 in each group.
Although I wasn’t due to start until 10 am, I was told I could start if I was ready and it was only 9.35 am! I was keen to get going but thought afterwards that Paul won’t be expecting me that soon at the finish or else he’ll think I’ve run a world record!!
The start was almost immediately through the gate onto the canal whereas last year there was a 2-3 minute walk to the start mat.
Unfortunately this made the course 0.15 miles longer than last year and also the finish was on the opposite side of the canal which took me by surprise as I was expecting to cross another bridge near the finish.
So, even though my average pace was faster this year, I finished 15 seconds slower than 2008! Needless to say, it’s a wonderful flat course except for going over a few canal bridges which are short and sharp but the scenery along the route isn’t exactly breathtaking either! Then there’s the Coseley Tunnel at 5 miles – a very dark 360 yards which can be a bit scary even though there is a handrail between you and the canal! Except for a few fishermen, dog walkers and cyclists there wasn’t a lot to see. Improvements from last year included plenty of toilets at the Boat Yard (even though they were very Victorian and dingy!) and marshals at each mile marker which meant the
mile markers weren’t floating in the canal.
It was a relief to only be doing one race this weekend after doing 2 races each weekend for the past 4 weeks!! It was a lovely surprise to see Duncan Cresswell at this event too. He suffered a bit in the heat finishing in a time of 2:00:14 and I finished in 1:53:19. There was a medal and goody bag at the finish as well as a free soft drink at the Pitcher and Piano. Regards, Julie
Thanks, Julie

Wyre Forest Half Marathon 12/7/09 by Julie Caseley
I'm definitely slowing down in the fact that I only ran one race this weekend but having said that, this is my third half marathon in three weeks!! I was a very lonely only Malvern Jogger at this event - I suspect most runners were at the Evesham 10k. There were no tactics here except to get round in one piece on this very challenging course.
By 2 miles and running along by the river I wished I'd worn my trail shoes - it's suppose to be summer and I expected the course to be fairly firm but I was wrong. I was slippinjg and sliding around a bit and also fell over but at least the mud was soft and sloppy! The trails on the latter miles were a lot firmerr so I was running better and overtook a few runners who were tiring and some who were walking up that awful hill near the finish. I was very surprised and delighted to have won my age category prize (bottle of cider and a £10 M & S voucher) with a time of 2:00:28. It wasn't my fastest time over the 4 times I've run this race, but it's not my slowest either. Regards, Julie
Thanks, Julie

Pen-y-fan and Fan-y-Big (Brecon Beacons) Fell races 18/19th of July by Richard Love
An excellent weekend of running. Saturday a short 3.5 mile sprint up Pen-Y-Fan, a mere 1,800 feet of ascent (about twice the climb from Rose Bank Gardens to the Beacon) followed by an equally steep descent across some pretty boggy ground. Fantastic weather, if I had had time to stop I bet the view was fantastic! A great run well suited to my lack of ability to pace myself over distance. I came in a very respectable 10th (out of 61) in 44:30, 9 mins behind the winner and about 15 mins behind the astonishing course record.
Sunday a bit different; 10.5 miles, 2,200 feet of relatively slow ascent, followed by a fairly rough descent. In frankly awful weather, we had rain, wind, wind and rain, mist with the odd relieving short spell of sun. It was a lesson in how quickly conditions can change. Anyway with legs aching from Saturday I set-off at a steady pace which I maintained well throughout the ascent and started and descent at a good fast pace. But the accumulation of leg punishment took its toll and the second half of the descent was characterised by lots of people passing me. The final leg on road was a killer, every stride reverberated up every muscle in my by now dead legs. However I finished well enough in 34th place (about 80 entrants) with a time of 1hour 42mins (I think, full results not yet published).
Both races were well organised and every entrant on Saturday got a bottle of beer which for an entry fee of a £5 wasn't bad at all (almost cheaper than The Chase). For those that were worried we may not have had enough marshalls on the Peasant Plucker, each of these had one marshall at the each summit really just to check no one cheated . Unless anything else comes up I'll be back next year. The camping at Pen-y-Fan was fantastic.
Thanks, Richard

Pitchcroft 10K, 19/7/09 by Julie Caseley
I didn't count how many MJ's were at Pitchcroft today but there were about 6 or 7. It's still a 3 lap course - I don't suppose they can do much to spice it up a bit. The numbers seemed to be a bit down this year but the conditions were great for the run with a tail down the back straight and a slight headwind along by the grandstand. Not a
lot more to say really - I know it's not everyone's cup of tea and as far as I know there were no PB's from the MJ's and the winner still managed to pass me and finish as I was about to start my 3rd lap! I struggled a bit with a tight throat but managed to be last MJ with 51:35. Regards, Julie
Thanks, Julie

Pitchcroft 10k 19/7/09 by Jonathan Green
Not much to say about this one, it's flat, it's fast, it's 3 laps, there's a water station, you get a finisher's medal, it's well organised, it's not scenic, but it's on our doorstep and it costs just £6. 9 MJ's were tempted enough to turn up: Julie C, Chris Jolley, Duncman, Stu Brown, Jim Apps, Carl F, Andy Dickenson, Crampy and me. Didn't actually see Andy, but he's there in the results in 47th position (42:25), sandwiched neatly between Graham in 45th (42:07) and Carl in 48th (42:35). I came in 25th, under the magical 40:00 for the first time ever in 39:53. Other MJ's places and times were Jim 53rd (43:28), Stu (43:45), Dunc 108th (49:54), Chris 111th (50:02) and Julie 121st (51:35). Rich Walsh came in 18th (28:49). The winner clocked 33:59 and the 1st lady home was 28th (40:01). Overall there were 185 finishers.
Thanks, Jon

Gloucester Half Marathon 25/7/09 by Chris Barker
It takes place at Newent, not Gloucester, and is a race traditionally run on a Sunday morning but this year it took place on a Saturday evening. I assume the change being as a result of it being too hot for some when run at the usual time. Once again it was a bit warm, and humid, at the start time of 6pm but at that time of the day you know it will be cooler later. In a field of 386 six MJs were on the start line and set off on a pan-handle course which passed through the area where the Mayhill Massacre takes place early each year. Oh fond memories of all that mud. All quiet this time though as we went by the start/finsh area of the Mayhill, then through Huntley with around seven miles gone and the trees on top of May Hill clearly visable for much of the race.
After three rubbish half marathons over the last six weeks I decided to set off at a sensible pace to avoid dying at the end like I did in my recent attempts at the distance. I ran along with Big Steve for a very pleasant eight miles before deciding to do my own thing and join up with a Ledbury Harrier in front of us. Then I left him, ran with another guy, left him, this is going well I thought. Carried on to the finish where my fastest mile was mile 13. I finally finished in 1.47.34 feeling I could have gone a bit quicker. Other MJs Jon Newey, 8th in 1.21.2, Julie Marshall two places in front of me and Maria Liviero in a fine 1.42.17. Steve Ollis did 1.52.09. Andy Lyon was also there although I can’t see him on the results.
An excellent goody bag at the end especially if you like Horlicks with about 6 sachets of the stuff contained within. I was asked by one of my passengers not to consume any before the journey home. We can’t have the driver falling asleep now can we!

Acorn’s Malvern Half Marathon
Sheila Jackson - If any of you were running the Acorn Half Marathon today, you would have been surprised to see, a contingent of the Gentle Joggers had also entered the race. We have been putting in some extra training under the tutelage of our leader and guru - Jenny. By the way, at mile 6 today I decided that we should name ourselves the "JENtle Joggers" because without Jen we couldn't have done it.
Our group - Jenny, Grouty, Sam, Joe, Jane, Debbie, Carol and Me
Her training methods are simple, we run ten minutes and walk one and each week, we have slowly built up the number of miles we run. Culminating in an eleven mile run in the blistering heat last Sunday so, we knew we could do it.
Today we were nervous, the weather conditions were perfect, but we were half marathon virgins and didn't know quite what to expect. We set out at our normal pace and quite quickly settled down into comfortable running buddies. The first section into Upton was fun and we even picked up a man (Alan) on the way. He kept trying to get away from us but we soon reeled him in and by mile 5 he had given up trying to escape!
We were quite comfortable from Upton to the Rhydd but the Guarlford straight was a long slog. By the time we got to Poolbrook I knew I could do it but my right calf was complaining. As we passed the bottom of Peachfield road and that lovely downhill section comes into view you know you are on the home straight. It is a bit of a shock to see that you have to run to the traffic lights and back but Phil ran it with us and gave us a great boost. As we crossed the finish line (all together in a line) I just couldn't believe I had done it. We weren't aiming for a time, just to finish and we did - I am so proud of us all - but we owe a great vote of thanks to Jenny Field.
Thanks, Sheila

Phil Jackson - What a fantatstic atmosphere at the 3 Counties Showground this morning in spite of the cold and the heavy rain. With so many of us wrapped in bin liners we resembled a collection of refugees rather than highly trained athletes! There was a superb turn out of Joggers and it's at events like this that you see the MJ community at its absolute best. What a Club. I thought the race was, as usual, very well organised and marshalled (apart from the bloke down at Clive's who told Ron it was an 11 am start and that was why he wasn't in position!). Even the rain stopped right on cue and as the race went on it got quite warm, but thankfully the awful head wind which usually blows straight down the length of the Guarlford Road was missing today and the conditions were pretty near ideal. That was probably one of the reasons why there were so many outstanding PBs amongst the Joggers (that and the fact that we are all bloody good runners!) Huge congrats to Ruth Johnstone (1st woman) and Jon Newey (3rd place) but the high point for me was watching the four Genteel Joggers coming up the finishing straight in line abreast, Jenny, Sheila, Jayne and Carol, all Half Marathon virgins. This was a sight to behold and I'm only sorry that there were so few of us around by then to cheer them home. The support form MJs who were not running was great too and thanks are due to Ros, Jules, Lucy and Carl (sorry to anyone I missed) who certainly helped me along the way.
Thanks, Phil

Vikki Sivertsen - Once again a plethora of green and yellow vests dominated the half marathon, and didn’t we do well? Congratulations to Ruth Johnston coming home as first lady and John Newey third man. A whole host of Joggers ran PB’s. A fantastic achievement for Fong, I have never seen anybody more pleased to finish a half marathon! And of course the gentle joggers, led by Jenny, who all proudly came home together – you all have a half marathon PB to beat now! For me I felt the weather was perfect. I also felt that the level of support was particularly good this year from spectators, marshals and other runners. I was more than happy with my run today, knocking almost 2 minutes off last year’s time - thanks to Stuart Brown for being my unofficial pacer - couldn’t quite pip you at the end though Stu! I really enjoyed this one today; it was also great to see so many families getting involved. (my son earned his first running medal for completing the 5K).

Steve Ollis - The race kicked off at 10.30am and before 12.20pm, I had finished it. I HAD BEATEN STEVIE ROODE!!

Jenny Field - I have nothing to add to Sheila Jackson s report. Except for someone who doubted, less then a year ago that she could keep up with us on a 3.5 mile Wednesday evening run, she has excelled herself. She is so determined to succeed. A very good example to us all. Jen

Chris Barker – I sat in my car until 10.25 having a bit of a strop about the wet weather. I pictured myself running this in warm sunshine. Then a miracle happened. It stopped raining. There is a God up there, he’s just hidden behind all those rain clouds. I went from being fed-up to really enjoying the event.
If you want to see how you did, the results are already up on the Acorn’s website www.acornstriplerun.org.uk/ then go to ‘Half Marathon Race Results’ Without going through finisher’s name I can see 40 Malvern Joggers on there. There could be more. Many of our runners managed a PB and some were running there first half marathon, so a PB for them also.
The run along the Guarlford Road doesn’t get any easier though. Was I glad to turn right into Poolbrook Road!
While I’m here, let’s not forget about our runners who did the 5K Spring Run. Well done to them too!

Edinburgh Marathon 31/5/09 by Jerry Greer
I don't run many marathons, but if I say I have entered one that is the day to book the garden party or barbecue, because it is bound to be hot ! The last marathon I ran was London in 2003, which was a very hot April day. I got sun burnt, dehydrated and generally had a miserable time. So when I saw the forecast for Edinburgh I feared the worst - 18-20 degrees at 9.00 am rising to the mid 20's. Fortunately the similarities ended there, the months of training paid off and I had a really good run with a time of 3hours 23 minutes and 56 s, beating my previous best time (set more than 10 years ago) by 39 seconds. The organisation of the race left a bit to be desired, there is no shade on the route and the water stations were a bit sparse - every 4-5 miles. This problem was made much worse by some local toerags who made off with a complete drinks station - 3 pallets of water & a pallet of gels in the early hours of Sunday morning. The end of race was also a bit chaotic - no-one seemed to know where the meeting point was. When I eventually found it, it was in completely the opposite direction to the transport away from the event - the result was total congestion as hundreds of people and cars were attempting to go both ways up a fairly narrow street . Hopefully the organisers will get this right for next year. Best wishes, Jerry
Thanks, Jerry

Kareen Mann also did the Edinburgh Marathon. As she says...... Just a wee note to let you know I finished the Edinburgh marathon in a time of 3.55.34, 2,012th out of 12,000, It was nice and warm.

Aldridge 10K 7/6/09 by Julie Caseley
Like everyone else, I woke up to torrential rain this morning. Not detered, we set off for Aldridge at 8.40 am for a 10.30 start. Driving down the motorway was a bit tricky but needless to say it was still raining when we got to Aldridge and it didn't stop for the whole race.
It was lovely to have little Ellie Simmonds start the race. The roads were a bit splashy but the marshalls were as cheerful as ever and the organisation superb. As always, I took a change of clothing which came in even more handy this time, as did the towel. The prize presentation seemed to take forever especially since I was desperate to get away to do the Warndon 10 km!! Anyway, it finally happened at 12.45 and I was thrilled to be awarded the 2nd female vet prize. I finished in a time of 50:20 which I was pleased with under the circumstances.
Then, after a quick repair to the window wiper, it was a dash back down the motorway (when we eventually found it) to Warndon arriving 5 mins before the start of the race!! Regards, Julie
Thanks, Julie

Warndon 5 & 10K 7/6/09 by Julie Caseley
One of the advantages of arriving 5 mins before the start of a race, is that there are no queues for the toilets. As regards nervous tension, however, it's not to be recommended!! Thankfully, the 4 boys from Malvern Joggers had got their act together and submitted a 5 km team. Unfortunately, there was only Mark Cusack and myself doing the
10 km so we were a member short! Having said that, the team from Black Pear Joggers who won the 10 km team prize looked pretty good. By this time the rain had stopped and we were all of a sudden running in ideal conditions. I was quite grateful to be only doing 2 laps this year but by time I'd finished the first lap, I wished I was finishing with Jim Apps, Nick Hitchings and Peter Wilson. However, I had a couple of Black Pear Jogger ladies in my sights which gave me the incentive to pick up the pace and focus which made the second lap appear not quite so long. There's nothing like being consistent - I finished in the same time as the Aldridge 10 km (50:20) and also maaged to come in
front of the 2 BP ladies! Well done to Nick Hitchings who came 3rd in the 5 km event and to Jim, Nick and Peter for winning the 5 km team event. Regards, Julie
Thanks again Julie

Magic Roundabout 10K, 31/5/09 by Julie Caseley
It was quite a hike to this race this morning at Hay-on-Wye (1 hr 15 mins) but well worth it. We were directed up a single track road from the main road for approx. 1.5 miles before entering a farmers field which was the race car park. Then it was a good 15 min. walk to base camp (aka race HQ) which consisted of an army tent to change a leave
bags. As runners were entering and leaving the tent to collect bags, I thought better of getting changed in there!! Then there was another 650m climb uphill to the summit (aka the Roundabout) which was a round stone wall encasing a coppice wood. The view from here was fantastic.
The race organisers were extremely helpful and one lady was very helpful with her advice, especially letting me know to save something for the last 2 km. The starter mentioned the arrows on the course pointing runners in the right direction and said there were more than at the Battle of Hastings! He was right - no danger of getting lost on
what I would describe as a mini fell race.
The race got under way at 11 am and the first 2 or 3 km was predominately downhill but the undulations soon started and you were no sooner going down when there was an uphill section. Sheep seemed to appear from nowhere, hurtling downhill from the right, running across the path in front of runners then disappearing downhill to the left.
This happened twice so we were lucky not to have a sheep vs. man incident. There was a bit of a stream crossing and depending on how cautious you wanted to be, depended on how wet you got. The hills towards the end were relentless but the views and the beautiful weather made it all worthwhile. Also the downhill finish was something
everyone was looking forward to.
A race t-shirt was given to all finishers - I was even in time to get a small!! There was also a canicross event - how I longed to be pulled up some of those hills by a couple of huskies harnessed to me! It was lovely to see Richard Walsh there too and he did himself proud as well as Worcester AC and Malvern Joggers by finihsing in the top 10. I
finished in a time of 57:22, so I was pleased to finish in under an hour considering the undulations and the heat.
Thanks, Julie

Crowle 10K 2009 by Sarah Grout
Virgin on the Ridiculous – A Race Report from a Novice
I have enjoyed reading the race reports of all you experienced runners, all thoroughly inspirational and enviable. Oh, how I aspire to be like you! So I thought I’d put in a word or two on behalf of the beginners out there who, like me, come creeping out of our dark holes, blinking in the sunshine and feeling our way through the labyrinth of Malvern’s glorious running routes with unsteady webbed feet.
Those same webbed feet embarked on their first ever event on Sunday in the Crowle 10k. How nervous was I? Stupidly so. Daft, I know, but actually – it’s worth mentioning because I overcame that ‘state’ (as my husband calls it) thanks to the encouragement of my fellow runners. I particularly want to thank MJs Jacquie and Lynsey for their support on the day, they seemed to understand what reassurance was needed. Sweet.
I spent the first 9 + minutes being swept along on a wave – at my age that’s quite a claim to make..... and so before I knew it I’d run a mile. But I knew, with my little legs which have had a tougher year than most legs, that I had to settle into a much more sedate pace. I wouldn’t want to wear them down through overdoing it.
All the way around I managed to keep to a reasonably steady pace but I was constantly being overtaken. Just after half way, I convinced myself that I was probably last and I was aware of a bike behind me. Oh flip, I thought, someone has to come last, and it may as well be me. It’s the taking part that counts after all. The route had doubled back ahead of me and I spent a glorious 5 minutes of high-fives and clapping at fellow MJs as they raced ahead of me in the opposite direction, always finding a smile in the midst of their grim and focussed determination.
But as I doubled back on the route myself, I found that I was not last after all. What a sweet bonus that was.
The second half of the event found me chatting to poor like-minded souls who were in search of a distraction to help pass the time. As I was nearing the final incline I was chatting to a lovely lass who had a supporter join us to give her a boost. I suggested they go on ahead as they were clearly more energetic. They wouldn’t hear of it at all and told me I was running up that bl***y hill if it killed me. So I did just as I was told and along the way heard the call of ‘GROUTY!!!!’. So, you see, I had no choice but to keep going, there were spectators to please and then the MJ reception committee were there at the gate to the field, and then my kids ran around the fence of the final lap with me, and before I knew it – I’d completed my first 10K. Sweet feeling.
Everyone has a personal best to find, even people with short legs. And I feel like I found my PB. Chris Barker emailed me later with the joyous news that I came 428th out of 470 in a time of 1h:6m:50s. He told me “42 people couldn't run as fast as you! “. Sweet.
Oh – and in case you were wondering - even though the Crowle results had me down as a Black Pear I am in fact now, thanks to the warm welcome of the Malvern Joggers, green and yellow to my very core. Sweet.
Crowle Kids One Mile Run
For the Malvern Joggers of the future you may be interested to know that my children ran in the very well-organised 1mile race and absolutely loved it. My son, aged 9, the glory-seeker, came third overall with a time of 6 mins 24 secs, and my daughter, aged 11, simply sought the pleasure of taking part and is still displaying signs of utmost pride. But actually, let’s face it - the goodie bags were fab, weren’t they?! I wish I’d won a wobbly red clock.
Thanks, Sarah

Hereford Half Marathon, 17/5/09 by Chris Barker
Not a lot of MJs in this one, 4 in fact, but there again there never is as it’s follows Tewkesbury and Crowle but with the Acorn’s Malvern Half fast approaching it’s a decent bit of ‘match practise’ in preparation for the local one.
Driving over to Hereford I thought ‘don’t fancy this much’ as the rain hammered down for the entire journey. I’ll be like a drowned rat waiting for the start. It was still raining when I got there but then a miracle as some blue sky appeared. First and foremost, dish out as many MJs race entry forms as possible. With 461 runners taking part, that’s a lot of cars but we managed to get round half of them before it was time to line up for the start.
Off we went leaving the Leisure centre and the Racecourse accompanied by some sunshine! On a course of many undulations, which take you through Burghill and then Tillington. These places are of course the home of the Crocodile 8. The wooded hill which is the feature of the race was clearly visable and looked very imposing. Then it was on to Credenhill and back towards Hereford where we entered the racecourse and ran the last 0.25 miles on some back chips which is the path the horses take to get to the start of their race. That’s fine if you’ve got a good pair of fetlocks but I found this very difficult to run on but will use it as an excuse for the lack of a finishing sprint.
Our first finisher was the dubious Walshy in 13th and 1.23.19 followed by Peter Wilson who was 64th in 1.33.33. I paced Maria Liverio round in her first half marathon. We got to the finishing straight, where she said thanks and cheerio and beat me by 2 seconds to finish in 1.47.55. All 4 MJs finished comfortably in the top half of the results sheet.
There was also a Half Marathon relay race which consisted of 13 teams of 4 runners. Looking at their finishing times, the last MJ to finish (i.e. me) would have beaten 11 of those teams.

Crocodile 8, 24/5/09 by Phil Jackson
This is the third time in three years I've done this race and the previous two years it has absolutely poured down with rain. Today couldn't have been a bigger contrast with hot, sunny weather and the danger of dehydration rather than drowning. It seemed much harder this year; further to get to the steps, the steps themselves being higher, longer and more of them, the run through the woods, although lovely, seemed to undulate more and the final run-in along the road seemed never ending. Perhaps it's just me getting older. Because the weather has been fine there was little of the usual mudbath along the path through the woods until the track started going down and then we encountered deep, fierce, shoe-sucking mud on the steep descent. Indeed, so bad was it that Graham Cramp actually lost his shoe at one point and even though that stopped him breathing down my neck for a while (I had been totally unaware that the heavy breather right on my heels for miles through the woods had been Graham; he'd even tried to disguise his voice so I wouldn't realise!) he still beat me. Nick Hitchings was the first Jogger home (Richard Walsh was in front of him but he's really Worcester AC), followed by Richard Love. Stuart Brown and Graham had a good battle with Stuart just in front at the finish. I was quite close behind them and then it was Julie Marshall, Lisa Dainty and Lucy Prosser. I hope I haven't forgotten anybody. Then it was off to the pub for a pint or two and pork baps from the barbie! A superb way to spend a glorious summer afternoon. Phil
Thanks, Phil

Ginny’s better late than never Tewksbury half race report
After seeing Jayne's amazing improvement in race times during her marathon training I was wondering if any of her speed had rubbed off on me, especially as I had been doing the vast majority of the training with her. I decided that I would love to run a 1/2 marathon in under 2 hours. This gave Jayne a new focus,, to whip me into shape, as a thank you for training alongside her! ( I didn't have the heart to tell her that I would have settled for a drink instead) A few minutes after confessing my new desire to her, a training programme arrived in my inbox . Over the next few weeks training was going well, so I came up with a cunning plan, I would secretly enter the Tewks 1/2 and see how well I could do. However I got quite excited about my idea and found I couldn't keep it a secret especially when asked out right "Ginny are you doing Tewksbury?". Once the cat was let out of the bag trusty LWC Jude, Viv, Lynne and Nic decided to join me. So last Sunday we arrived in Tewksbury ready to do our best.for those of you who know me and my adversion to races I was very focused and had even worked out what times I needed to do at the various miles to get under the 2 hours. Anyway to cut a long story short I finished the race in 1:54:33 20 seconds behind Lynne (who knocked over 15 mins off her Acorns time) and a full 11 minutes quicker than my PB. ,The rest of the LWC finished well with V,iv completing her 1st 1/2 marathon. Any way the moral of this rather long winded story is that speed training really does work if you want to run faster, as demonstrated by Jayne, Lynne and myself. It is not easy and at times made me want to puke and collapse at the roadside, but now when I think I am running a slow pace I am actually doing 9 min miles.
Ginny
P.S. I wrote this report ages ago and was really pissed off when I pushed the wrong knob (story of my life) and sent it into cyber space. However a few days ago it miraculously appeared in my save as draft box .so here you are !!
Thanks, Ginny

Dymock Half Marathon, 24/5/09 by Chris Barker
Every year this clashes with the Crocodile 8 which the one I usually do. This year I fancied a change so I went to Dymock. Yes, I did think about doing both, but not for long! The only other time I did Dymock was in 2001 and was somewhat offput by cars coming up behind me and passing rather close. That day the field was only 67 strong today there may have been something like 200.
The start of the race is not at race HQ which came as a surprise to me although if I’d have read the notes on the website.... anyway, you are a taken to the start by bus. The organisers probably expected to get everyone to the start with 2 coaches journeys but with the sunshine possibly increasing the field 4 journeys were necessary which meant a delayed start. Not that anyone minded as we spent the time chilling-out and chatting in the sunshine.
Everyone’s seen a starting gun. I’m told last year they got the race underway with a shotgun. This year they went one better. I saw someone towing a cannon up the road to the start. It wasn’t a big cannon but it made a big noise. Ask anyone who was there! Shades of AC/DC, that’s the band not me, and their track ‘For those about to rock’
The cars still passed by rather close but there’s safety in numbers so this time it didn’t seem so bad. 5 MJs took part, the finishing order being Jon Newey, Mark Cusack with a fine 1.34, Vikki Siv 1.45, myself 1.46 and Julie Caseley 1.54 Around mile 10 I experienced the excitement of overtaking The Vikksen or if the truth be told I sneaked past her at a water station. I then ran as fast as my little legs, the male equivalent of Grouty’s, would carry me. I managed to keep this up for a mile or so until I hit some rising ground and then the rest, as they say, is history as The Vikksen, claiming she’s finally got her legs working again after the LM, went sailing by.
Now, I think I know a fair bit about running but anyone got a theory on this one. Today it was rather warm. Why is it that some people are affect by the heat and others not. Here’s a case history, from the last 2 Sunday’s. A week ago at Hereford I ran 1.47 and a mate of mine from another local club beat me by 1 second. Today I did 1.46 and he did 1.54 and blamed the heat!
P.S. I still had to sit in the shade straight afterwards!

Exmoor Trail Run, 9/5/09 by Rich Penny
The Exmoor National Park is one of England's best best secrets, and was home to the final event in the Coastal Trail Series – a 7 event series of 10k, ½ marathon or marathon races run by Endurancelife. This course was a fitting finale and has become a classic event in its own right.
The Exmoor stage takes place in the lesser known western area of the National Park where a trail runners' mecca lies. The course encompasses stiff climbs and descents, open moorland, thickly wooded combes (valleys), historical ruins, dizzying cliffs, exquisitly beautiful rivers and a stretch of coastline that is unsurpassed. According to the Endurancelife team they “are confident that there is no course in Britain that offers such a variety of terrain within such a compact area. This truly is trail running territory at its best”. I agree.
The super sized topology of this course surprises those unfamiliar with the area and it should not be underestimated. There was 1400ft of climbing in the first 4 miles alone and the course was a gruelling test of endurance for someone who has had 12 weeks of minimal sleep and exercise due to the arrival of a baby daughter.
The race was very well administered from the Hunters Inn pub, and the start time of 1030 was thoroughly civilised. The race brief was interrupted, however, by the marathon runners completing their first loop screaming “it’s hideous, don’t do it, I’ve never seen a hill like it” etc etc as they ran through. At 1025 the storm clouds gathered and a wind picked up so I raced back for a long sleeved top, only for blazing sunshine to emerge at 1040 as we were attacking the first serious climb on a goat track to join the coastal path. The field soon settled into a rhythm as we crossed up onto the high moor and after 4 miles hit some technical descents down narrow woody paths. This was not a course for overtaking – not that it was a major concern for me.
At 6 miles we ran back past the Hunters Inn before looping out to the East toward Woody Bay. Here we were running along the cliff top paths and the views across to South Wales and along the cliffs were stunning. The second half was a bit of a blur due to the heat, hills and lack of fitness but I was happy to finish back at the pub in 2hr 01min which put me in 31st place out of 252 runners. On finishing we were given rehydration/energy drinks, t-shirts, event dog tags and the all important meal ticket for a post race chilli.
Endurancelife are a well organised, friendly company who I raced with last year on my Ironman in Norway. On August 29th they are organising the “Classic Crossings” race – 33 miles from Plymouth to Salcombe along the south Devon coastal path, including 3 estuaries that have to be waded/swum according to the time of tide. I am running it in a oner but you can also enter 2 and 4 man relay teams. Email me at richpenny@yahoo.com I anyone fancies an MJs away fixture”
Thanks, Rich

Leukaemia Research Bromsgrove 10k and 5k Run, 17/5/09 by Julie Caseley
With a bit of sunshine in the latter stages of the race and plenty of showers at the beginning, this race got off to a bit of a soggy start at 11 am. It's classed as undulating, but the undulations go on for the first 7 km then there's a rather nice downhill stretch to the finish at Bromsgrove Rugby Club, with an inevitable little undulation at about 9 km. Lovely low key, friendly but competitive race with a 5 km shorter route starting 5 mins after the main race. Even so, some 5 km runners managed to start with the 10 km event - what a shock when the 6 km marker came into view with no end of the race in sight!!
There was a BBQ afterwards as well as massages and the presentation was swift and efficient. Great little race which I finished in 51:05, knocking over 5 mins off my 2005 time and nearly 3 mins off my 2006 time.
Thanks, Julie

London Marathon 2009 by Phil Jackson
Well, everyone has written about their experiences so I thought I would have a go too! I travelled up the day before the marathon with a company recommended by Chris, Weston Running Promotions, who were superb. They organise everything so that you don't have to worry. I had a fantastic room in a very good hotel in Hammersmith and on the Sunday morning they get you to the start by coach which takes all the stress out of getting there by public transport. Jayne has already said everything so well and I agree with her totally. The day itself is just utterly exhilarating. From the packed, friendly and exciting start right through to the bitter end it is all terrific. The crowds are so enthusiastic and supportive, yelling your name (yes, do put your name on your shirt; A Star printers in Hanley will do it very well and cheaply) and encouraging you, offering you sweets, drinks, segments of orange for the whole 26.2 miles. The first 13 miles were the best for me, to just the other side of Tower Bridge. Then you get into the Isle of Dogs and it seemed to take ages to get the curiously named Mudchute. Then it's in and out of the high rise buildings and my sense of direction went as we twisted this way and that way through Docklands. Emerging from Docklands, it began to get tough and I was running beyond my training. By now there were lots of people just walking, runners falling by the wayside and others with the St John's Ambulance men in attendance. In the distance I could see Big Ben looking so far away it might as well have been on the Moon (it was actually just 2 miles). Slowing down significantly with each mile, I was only dimly aware of my surroundings by now and completely missed Jayne flying past me (along with a whole flurry of fit women at this point, may I say). By the Houses of Parliament the crowd was so loud it felt you were running through a wall of noise. I was just awake enough to notice that the Queen was not on the balcony at Buckingham Palace and then it was through the finishing arches and a sense of amazement that I had actually finished, running all the way. It was bliss to go and lie in the park getting my bloody (literally) socks off and having a rest before meeting Ron and Viks and Jayne (not to mention Sheila) at the nearest pub. There are a lot of people who helped me do it. First and foremost, Neill Williamson was responsible for putting me back together every month and for organising my training. Then Viks who put me back on the rails after the car smash threatened to derail the whole thing. Jayne for being a superb role model and inspiration. And everybody who joined me on the long runs (Duncan and Chris who took me on an 18 miler, Steve Roode on the 20 miler; the 23 miles I did on my own is best forgotten!) Would I do it again. Absolutely. I recommend it to everyone! I didn't stop smiling for a week afterwards and the medal stayed on for three days and nights; for school and for a parents' meeting (well, they can't grind you into the carpet if you are wearing an FLM medal!)
Thanks, Phil

Boddington 50K, 17/5/09 by Emma Gooderham
After the dissapointment of missing Crowle last week (daughter was poorly and needed Mum, plus my right leg is still a bit rusty and it would have been a bit silly to go flat out on it anyway- that's what I kept telling myself anyway), I ran the Boddington 50K which is also the English Championships. My aim was to get round in under 3.50, at a nice gentle pace to qualify for the World 50K in Gibralter in October. Last year I did this race in 3.35, but went into it fully fit and the weather was perfect for the race. The weather this year was changeable, but mostly windy with frequent showers that at times were so hard that I could hardly see where I was going. I finished in 3.43.47 with fairly even pacing throughout (7.10 pace on average, last mile in 7.09). This also gave me the title of English Champion and I was awarded an England Athletics gold medal (not real gold unfortunately), along with some nice wine glasses, coasters and table mats. My right leg is still not functioning well, so will need to give it some tlc after some tough races, but hope to bounce back and do some local stuff soon. Emma
Thanks, Emma

Hereford Leisure Centre Series 5K Race 2 of 3, 14/5/09 by Chris Barker
This is a race I reported on 3 weeks ago when I did Race 1. The final race in the series is in another 3 weeks if you would like a go. Having done the first two I reckon I should be given something for doing all three! A pat on the back at least! Not surprisingly, the race was the same as the first one but without the sunshine and this kept the number of competitors down to 56, but at least unlike last time I had the company of 2 other MJs in Nick Hitchings and Dave Gibson.
I suppose the aim would be to run each one faster than the previous one and thereby improving throughout the series. Unfortunately my tired legs got the better of me and I clocked a miserable 22.59, a full 1.20 slower than last time. Dave also claimed a personal worst with 21.18 but at least Nick emerged with some credit finishing 14th in 18.39

Tewkesbury Sprint Triathlon, 17/5/09 by Alison Winwood
I survived!! As did Mark, finishing his first triathlon.
This was not the event for the organisationally challenged. Registration was at the Rugby Club, as was the finish, but the start and cycle park was at the Cascades swimming pool in town. I was left with the dilemma of where to put the car and how to make sure all the right kit ended up in the right places. As I had no change to pay for parking that made the decision about the car, it stayed at the Rugby Club. It then took me only two attempts to transfer bike, swim gear, run stuff etc through town, I forgot to take my race number the first time. Obviously it chose this time to rain so by the time I was set up everything was wet and I hadn't even got in the pool yet!
The CH&CD made a very welcome appearance just before the start to collect anything that was extra to requirements, including mobile, and saved them from sitting out in the rain for a couple of hours. Having shouted abuse at Mark as he set off on the bike leg I went in for my swim start. My estimated swim time meant that I started 1 hour after the very first competitors and only 30 mins ahead of the last. As the last swimmers are the fastest, and they'd probably finish the whole thing in 58 minutes and I was looking at 1 hr 45, I was genuinely concerned about being the last to finish.
However, the swim went well (7:30). The bike was hard and quite 'undulating' and not assisted by the wind and the rain which started as soon as I left the swimming pool and continued until I'd finished, but done in 60 mins. The run though, I felt, was a triumph (25ish mins) giving me a total time of 1hr 34 (this includes faffing time - doing my hair, putting on make up etc.). This was a 10 minute improvement on my first attempt in Stratford last year (skipping the deep hair conditioning may have helped!!). It was lovely to see the CH&CD at each change over point and there were folks who recognised me as a Malvern Jogger so I got a shout out for that as well.
Training seems to be paying off ready for the big event in the Severn come July - bring on the duck pee and dead rats I say! Alison Winwood
Thanks, Alison

London Marathon Report by Chris Jarrey
I would love to say that I had knocked off 45 mins from my time for this years London Marathon, unfortunately I only managed to do it a paltry 4 minutes faster this year, 6 hours 11 mins, at this rate it will take ten years or more to set a respectable time. Oh well, it was a very hot day and my training was severely disrupted by my taking over the pub a few weeks beforehand (opening night party on the 9th May evening, The Old Chestnut Tree Inn, Lower Moor, everyone welcome). As it was I had to be content with beating Jordan and Peter Andre', hats off to Jordan who was clearly injured early on and still managed to get round. I managed to utter a few incoherent words to her as I passed in Greenwich, needless to say she ignored me. It sounded like the Beetles were ahead of me as I approached them, kids screaming everywhere, bit of a disappointment when I realised they weren't cheering for me!
I did have a most enjoyable day, up until 16 1/2 miles anyway, it began to hurt quite a lot after that. Next year I will attempt it once more, and I will try and keep up the running throughout this year so that the training is not quite so crammed into the three months before. At least I can now fit into a few pairs of trousers that haven't managed to get around my waist for a number of years!
My wife Em said she saw a flash of green and the Malvern Joggers logo when Emma zoomed past on Tower Bridge, well done to her she did us all proud.
I am afraid I won't make the party, busy pub to run and all that! See you soon, Chris
Thanks, Chris

Neolithic Marathon – 3 May 2009 by Julie Caseley
We set off for Wiltshire on Saturday morning and checked into the Holiday Inn at Stonehenge before taking a leisurely drive (45 mins) to Avebury, which was the start of this point to point marathon. We had a look around the historic stone circles (complete with Druids strutting their stuff) and had lunch in the village.
The organisers encouraged participants to park at Stonehenge and take the shuttle bus to Avebury for the start. On Sunday morning, Paul took me to Avebury where he waited for the start before going to Salisbury for the usual late breakfast and coffee. For a low key event, the start itself was very well organised. Competitors registered, collected their timing chips and dropped off baggage then lazed around in the morning sun ready for the start at 10.30 am. It was quite sunny so I took advice and wore a hat – something I don’t usually do but I think it probably made a difference on this occasion. The route from Avebury to Stonehenge linked two of the UK’s World Heritage sites. The
trail took us across the Vale of Pewsey and the Avon Valley and then along Salisbury Plain. The terrain involved a mixture of undulating grassland tracks and roads with variable surfaces, as well as a couple of very challenging hills in the first half of the race as well as having to cross 3 roads and a railway line. Some of the paths were quite rutted with potholes and together with walkers and dogs, made for a very demanding event with little time to relax.
I was a little worried I hadn’t seen Steve Roode and Andy Milton at the start but they caught me up at between mile 18 and 19, when we had a bit of a chat and they told me about their unconventional start as well as Andy’s injury that he was running with. I tried to keep them in sight but they gradually pulled away. At the finish, I caught Paul
a little unprepared as he didn’t expect me to be only a couple of minutes behind these speed freaks!
The mile markers were about half a mile out from near the start and by mile 15 they were a mile out. I got to their 23 mile marker in 3 hrs 30 mins and thought I was on for a sub 4 hr marathon, even if it was short, so I carried on at just under 9:30 m/m pace and didn’t see another mile marker until I finished. They must have corrected the distance in the last 3 miles because I registered 26.23 miles on my Garmin and 4:06:09.
Participants received free refreshments and free entry into Stonehenge which I managed very slowly after a quick change of clothes. Regards, Julie
Thanks, Julie

Blaisdon Bluebell 10K, 4/5/09 by Chris Barker
Another Bank Holiday. Yippee, now what shall I do with it, gardening, no, DIY (Don’t Involve Yourself) no, the Blaisdon Bluebell 10K, yes! Off we go then. Have trainers will race!
This is another of Severn AC’s small and friendly races although it’s getting a bit less small and that’s not the way the host club likes it. A smaller race is easier to organise e.g. car parking. 56 runners took part compared with 28 last year. But at least it’s more fun for the competitors.
Blaisdon is in Gloucestershire and not far away from where the Mayhill Massacre takes place. Some people will remember the MM with great affection. Some won’t! This race should not be confused with the MM.
The Bluebell 10K is a very scenic road race and it’s out and back. This means you run halfway to bollard turn round and come back which is not as bad as it seems because everything looks different somehow on the way back. Also you can find out your position in the field by counting all those who have already rounded the bollard and are on their way back. Also, there are more ups than downs in the first half so it’s not too difficult to run the second half quicker.
I was a bit knackered before I even started this but the motivation for doing it was to fill a bank holiday Monday with something interesting. Having said that, I gave it my best shot, and came in just under 49 minutes. The race memento was a half pint of beer (or soft drink) trouble was I couldn’t get into the pub because it was full (of runners). So I gave up on that and drove on to the Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Steam Railway at Toddington where I could have done Race the Train all over again but I’ll save that for another day.
The next Severn AC race is on the next Bank Holiday Monday and the details are on their website but don’t tell them I told you!

Crowle 10K, 10/5/09 by Phil Jackson
I feel really guilty that I was the one person who didn't do a report on the London, so I'm going to try and make up for it with one on the Crowle 10k. Two years ago, this was my first ever race. Today it was my 51st! The atmosphere was super with a great, friendly, local feel to it. It was terrific to see so many MJs there (it was almost like a Club run) and some familiar faces from the Black Pears. I set off far too fast as usual, mainly in attempt to keep the two Steves (Ollis and Roode) in sight and also Duncman. I passed them after a mile or so and then worried for the rest of the race where they were! My mantra became "where's the Steves? Where's Duncman? Where's Chris?" "Oh, there's Chris", as he sailed past me with a merry quip on his lips after three miles (by which time I was incapable of speech or rational thought). The only thing that kept me going in the end was the thought that somewhere behind me, dogging my steps were the Steves. Eventually, I finished in 45.50 (13 seconds outside a PB) but well behind Chris. Maria was next and she won one of the ladies' prizes as did Carl Flint (no, he won one of the men's prizes). Brilliant race, really well organised and marshalled, with loads of cake, tea and burgers at the end (although I do hope the bloke announcing the prizes doesn't give up the day job). Those of us who chose this one over the Tewkesbury Half surely made the right choice!
Loads of good running from the Joggers!! Phil
Thanks, Phil

Crowle 10K, 10/5/09 by Chris Barker
I’d say Crowle is the more sociable event and Tewkesbury is more competitive. I went to Crowle but if they had been on different days I would have done both. Perhaps next year. The results are up on the Crowle on-line website and I’ve found 30 MJ’s on there if you count all of our runners. Not forgetting some good support from the likes of Eric, Mark Gent , Ros and Derek and others. Special mention should go to Andy Dickenson who was our first finisher in 25th and our two prize winners, Maria Liverio who was 6th lady overall and Carl Flint who won his first ever race prize and made it on to page 1 of the 10 page result sheet. An achievement in itself. In a race of around 470 runners and without most of our best runners the prizes were a bonus.
There were some other good performances and PBs from Jayne Ackroyd 48.34, Anneke Loader 49.31 and racing debuts by Liz McCann and Sarah Grout. Sorry I can’t mention everyone here. Let’s not forget the cakes which were being sold off at 4 for a pound at the end!

Tewkesbury Half Marathon & 5-Miler, 10/5/09 by Jon Newey
Tewkes results here now
http://www.racetimingsystems.com/public/default.aspx
13 joggers in the half plus one in the 5 mile race. Talking to the Joggers that i saw at the finish, most were pleased with their times and some got PBs or were close. We got the best of the days weather for running as the temperatures were not too bad in the morning and the early 09.30 start helped. I managed a 1.18 (my third fastest half marathon). Was hoping to go a bit quicker, but not my day I guess! Jon

Chris says – I’ve just had a quick look at the Tewkesbury results and our one runner in the 5 mile race was Nick Hitchings who finished 2nd out of 165in 31.09. Looks like he was going for it!
Jon was 5th out of 957 in the Half Marathon. Well done everyone who raced at Tewkesbury.

London Marathon Report by ..
Andy Lyon
My London Marathon adventure started at 9am on Saturday 25th April, when I joined the NSPCC minibus from Worcester to London. As well as the extremely helpful NSPCC volunteers were fellow runners Julian, a GP from Upton, Mike and Dave, postmen from Hereford, and Lynsey who only started running for the first time 4 months ago.
We were dropped off at the Expo and to my surprise had no trouble registering at 2pm. After a quick visit to the stalls and a drive around Greenwich Village we arrived at our accommodation – Greenwich fire station! This was most excellent in many respects: a) it was kindly given to us for free, b) it had the most amazing views of London with Docklands, the London Eye and London Bridge clearly visible, c) the fire station had no call-outs on Saturday night!
The day itself brought fabulous weather. The runners village was warmly bathed in spring sunshine right to the start, which made even the long toilet queues pleasant. It seemed more like a summer music festival (without the rain) than the start of the London Marathon.
Once started the pace slowly quickened with no particular hold ups. I quickly realised that I was in a huge group of people running at 10:30 pace, so I just decided to go with the flow and enjoy the experience. I was hoping by mile 8 there would be some thinning in the crowd of runners, but this didn’t really happen until mile 15 by which time I could only muster a 9:30 pace. The supporters were totally amazing - 26.2 miles of cheering was more than I expected. So many supporters were really making an effort to call out our names. It really brought home to me the best side of human nature. The friendliness and cheerfulness of the supporters and of other runners was a real antidote to the doom and gloom that seems to be ever present particularly throughout the media at the moment.
Highlights of the run for me were crossing tower bridge, running through canary wharf, approaching Big Ben and of course the golden Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace just before the finish.
As usual the effort put in by those in fancy dress was tremendous. Of particular note was the 5 metre high marshmallow man, the couple of men dressed as baywatch babes, cave man and cave girl, various fairies, Elvis impersonations and clowns. I was running alongside a man dressed as the devil for a while and it was quite surreal hearing people shout “come on the devil”.
I can certainly recommend running for the NSPCC. As well as the really important work that the NSPCC do, such as child line, the local Herefordshire and Worcestershire fundraising group were tremendous in arranging the trip down to London, as well as the unique accommodation, transport to the start and support on the journey home.
As I write it is Tuesday and feel surprisingly well, and can even walk up and down stairs. Andy Lyon.
Thanks, Andy

Peter Wilson
My London Marathon experience this year taught me a few valuable lessons, one being that starting near the front is not necessarily a good thing. A good for age place carried over from last year saw me rubbing shoulders with some real speed merchants at the head of the Red Start. From the off the pace soon picked up and despite trying to go easy it was difficult not to be swept along. The result was a dangerously quick (for me) first few miles at half marathon pace rather than a gentler warm up, and before long I was feeling uncomfortably warm. The weather conditions were a lot brighter than forecast and the sensible thing to do would have been to throttle back and review things a bit later. Instead I tried to keep inside my target sub 3:15 pace which turned out to be wildly optimistic.
The wheels stayed on until Surrey Quays around the 9 mile mark, when I began to realise I'd bitten off more than I could chew. Being endlessly passed by other runners didn't help morale, especially as one of them was dressed as a giant carrot. A tomato I could have handled, but not a root vegetable. This felt way too early to be struggling and deep down I knew I'd blown it. Despite racking up plenty of long runs in training, on the day I ran out of steam at halfway and had to swallow my disappointment and cover the remaining miles as best I could.
As we headed into the Isle of Dogs I wasn't short of company in the slow lane, with many others plodding along or pulling up to deal with cramp. I decided to make the best of it and take in the sights and sounds, and there were some good moments along the way. One bloke offered me his pint and seemed slightly surprised when I accepted (well it was London Pride and I couldn't say no). Fortified by that I actually managed to get going again and ran most of the last few miles to stay the right side of 4 hours and meet the family before they'd given up on me and gone back to Malvern.
So to recap - don't go off too fast, wear a hat if it's sunny, and if all else fails try a drop of real ale. Cheers, Peter
Thanks, Peter

Stuart Brown
The London Marathon is without doubt my favourite race, 2009 was my 8th time. The atmosphere and support from the crowd are fantastic. Last Tuesday I applied for the 2010 ballot, along with a couple of dozen other MJ’s, by Thursday lunchtime all 120,000 ballot places had gone.
For several years the 3 hours 15 min ‘good for age’ time has eluded me so this year I lowered my sights and decided to try and run at 7.5 min mile pace, which would be 3 hrs 16 ½ min. I borrowed Roody’s Garmin to keep an eye on my pace and try to ensure that I didn’t go off too fast.
Race day was hot and I was pleased to have remembered a hat. I also managed to get my hydration right and didn’t have to stop to pee during the race. I got into pen 3 early and lined up with a guy who was aiming to be the fastest Elvis (sub 3 hour target) and crossed the start 30 seconds after the gun.
The first mile took 8 minutes, which was fine, I then managed to keep my pace under control and ran the next 12 miles just over 7.5 min pace. I saw Vicky’s partner Ron at 5 miles and my family just before Tower Bridge. From mile 13 onwards I had to work at keeping my pace up. I passed the elite men at 13 ½ miles (they were going in the opposite direct on the contra flow at mile 22!) Somewhere on the Isle of Dogs I had a quick word with Peter Wilson who was suffering in the heat. By mile 18 I had slowed to almost 8 m/m and was feeling whacked. I forced down my third gel and started my 3rd or 4th bottle of Lucozade sport. At this stage you just have to remember all the work that you’ve done to get to London and just try and keep pushing yourself. Miraculously it did get marginally easier when the gel kicked in and I managed to keep up a decent pace along the Embankment. I was in my own little world along the Embankment and missed my family.
I was pleased with how the race had gone despite missing my target by almost 10 minutes, my pace averaged 7.9 m/m. According to the Garmin I had run an extra half a mile!
When I got home after the race I was still 3 pounds lighter than when I had set off!
Many thanks to all the MJ’s who have shared my training runs this spring, it’s so much easier with company.
Thanks, Stuart

Neolithic Marathon, 3/5/09 by Steve Roode
Just a quick couple of lines to say how it went today - it was a typical outing with Andy Milton very entertaining!!! We got to Stonehenge twice as it happens!! Once via a mate of Andys doing a Sterling Moss on the back roads and once via a rather undulating 26 mile run with a crippled Andy. Got there late as well.
Great to see Julie and Paul Casely there as well, loads of great scenery, free Pizza, cake, fruit and tea etc. Andy and I did it in around 3.55 and I think Julie came in at a respectable 4.06 on a tough route. Free trip around the stones as well!! Excellent day well recommended.
cheers Steve ( well up for Bacon Butty tomorrow)

Hereford Leisure Centre 5K Series Race 1, 23/4/09 by Chris Barker
This is another of those event’s I’ve been thinking about for years but never got around to it but last Thursday seemed to be a good opportunity. It was a pleasant evening’s weather so why not? This was actually race 1 of a series of three. They all about one month apart so having done the first one you can see if you can beat that time in the next one or two. It’s a good value event that offers discount for quantity. You could sign up for this race only for a fiver or pay for the whole series for £8.
Then it’s off you go as fast as you can. I’ve only run three 5K’s in my time, but it seems that pacing doesn’t come in to it. To distance runners, like ourselves, this is a sprint. In fact it’s hardly worth putting on your trainers on for less. Well that’s my theory on it as it seemed to work. I started towards the back, settled into a steady pace, overtook the ones who had gone off to fast and came home in 21.27 seven seconds inside my PB for 5K.
The race ended on the athletics track where one lap was required to complete the race. If you’ve got anything left, this is where you can use it up. I didn’t, but at least I had enough left to avoid being overtaken by the guy behind me.

Stratford Marathon, 26/4/09 by Duncan Cresswell
Just a quickie about today’s race at Stratford. Today would have gone really well had it not been for the weather! What a HOT day!! I soaked myself with water at every drink station and even that was not enough. Lovely venue for a race despite being a two lap course (mostly). I had been told that the old railway track?? is great to run on, but I have to say that I did not like this the first time round (about 2 miles long but seemed to go on forever) and even more the 2nd time round as there was even more of it to do. It just dragged and dragged. However, start went well, apart from very very slow runners starting too close to the start. Even Jayne could not believe that they had the nerve to start so close and frankly get in everyone’s way. It soon sorted its self out after a couple of miles. First half went well and would have been a great course to do. To do most of it again was fine until mile 17. I had to walk a fraction for a min here. Then I walked for about 30 secs for each mile from mile 20 (pretty much the start of the now extended long straight off-road path that was so boring). The heat was by now even more scorching! When I was faced with the final 1.5 miles, I managed to keep it going just about to get a gun time of 3:58:30. Chip time should be 3:55:33 – give or take the odd second.
Having crossed the finished line, I was really pleased with my time, but was kicking myself for walking little stretches, and for stopping for 2 unnecessary wee stops (plus one essential stop). Just got to keep telling myself it was the heat, which it was, but hey ho! Now time for a pint and some grub at the Marlbank.
NB Hope this all makes sense as it is literally a quick 10 min type – I WANT A BEER!!! J
Thanks, Duncan

London Marathon, 26/4/09 by Emma Gooderham
It was all a bit hit and miss as the last month has been full of niggles - shin splint, piriformis pain and hamstring probs, neuroma on foot, posterior tibialis pain on ankle! You name it I had it - basically I was falling apart after some tough training. With a few weeks easy though I thought I'd have a go today and with last minute orthotics added on friday to my heavier training shoes - I thought I'd go for a more comfy run. It was hot today and I found it tough going. By 8 miles my piriformis was playing up and stayed with me to the end, every time I tried to up the pace it spasmed. I was running 6.06 miles prior, but had to resort to 6.40 ish for the rest of the race, my overall pace averaging 6.34/mile. The last few miles were tough. I had a slight asthma type attack at the end as well and the st.Johns people insisted on stretchering me off after the finish and give me oxygen! - very embarrassing, but I was up and off after a minute or two. I finished in 2.52.12, knocking 2 and a half mins off last time, so the rest before the race and orthotics served me well. I hope all other MJ's had a good run and enjoyed the day, as usual the support and atmosphere was fantastic. Emma
Thanks, Emma

Boston Marathon, 20/4/09 by Andrew Scott
Just to let you to know I completed the Boston Marathon on 20th April with a PB time of 3:28.
This marathon was a great experience and the support along every mile of the race was outstanding - it seems the whole of Boston had turned out to support the runners and created a great atmosphere.
I would recommend Boston to all. Best Regards, Andrew Scott
Thanks, Andrew

The London Alternative (Three Peaks Fell Race), 26/4/09 by Jon Newey
Just myself and hasher Tom Horton made the trip to fly the Malvern flag in the Yorkshire Dales for this year’s Three Peaks Fell Race. It has to be said that it was Tom's turn to do Malvern proud this year and not me. This year it was the day before London Marathon, although apart from the distance, that's where the similarities end! As usual it was 24.5 miles with 4500ft of ascent including the tops of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.
688 took to the start in bright sunshine and rising temperatures. Having taken a dip in form since March i was unsure what to expect and set myself what i hoped was a realistic schedule. I got to the first summit at Pen-y-ghen a few minutes up on this. Once you are off the descent it's a long traverse across rolling moorland. I throttled back here and took on plenty of drink as Whernside loomed. As the climb started i was in 26th place and feeling OK.
Whernside is a bastard! once the initial slog across gently upward sloping grassy bog is over it gets unrelentingly steep requiring long periods on all fours, even for the top guys. Fortunately the sun finally went in and stayed behind clouds. Got safely down the difficult Whernside descent and picked up more fluid before the final climb to Ingleborough.
At the summit i was only a few mins down on my schedule but started feeling rough as soon as the five mile descent to the finish began. I was getting cramp in the legs and stomach. Tom flew past me before too long as did about 45 others! It took me 50 minutes to get there. Rather demoralising. My finish was 3hours 49 mins, about 10 slower than i wanted, and 74th place. Tom did a good 3 hours 38 mins for 47th. We've both done very close to 3hours 30 in the past.
Rob Jebb of Bingley won in 2 hours 54 mins.
Incidentally, I notice that last years three peaks winner (Jethro Lennox of Scotland) elected to pound the flat tarmac of London for change from the fells. A mere 2 hours 24 mins and 27th place in his first attempt!
Thanks, Jon

Magnificent Eastnor Castle 7, 19/4/09 by Lucy Prosser
The day was perfect for this race, ideal weather, not too hot and a good breeze. A superb turnout by the MJ's meant a sea of green at the start line.
The start horn was sounded and off we went, we could see the whippets in the distance by the time most had only completed half a mile, the leading male was already up the first climb, which was slightly disheartening! Up we went, Steve R was chating away as usual (don’t know how he does it! – by mile three, when he overtook me he was down to 3 word sentences though). The long drag through the deer park was exactly that but enjoyable, then up and
through the mud, which if clever - could be avoided by most. There did seem to be a lot more up than down and flat, but isn't that always the way!
Every marshal on the route was informed that they were expected to turn up to the MJ's race, and no one seemed to have any objections!
The hour seemed to go pretty quickly, but there was a great atmosphere the whole way round, Big Steve and I were neck and neck, he didn’t realise it but I was chasing him all the way up to the obelisk!
I never realised there was a longer, harder climb up to the obelisk! I was introduced to it today, along with all the other runners sweating tears up toward the magnificent view point, from which no one looked out to enjoy the
views, just ran on past, looking at feet, said a quick hello to Chris on the left turn and longed for the finish line!
Thank heaven for downhill finishes, I managed to gain 7 places on the way in which pleased me no end! (I do enjoy a good bit of downhill!)
All in all - a great race, well done to all MJ's who raced, ladies and mens team prizes, Ruth J did 52 mins and came 3rd lady, not too sure about any other times so will have to check the results page.
Fantastic race, anyone who didn’t do it missed out! Lucy
Thanks, Lucy

Magnificent Eastnor Castle 7, 19/4/09 by Maria Liviero
I had volunteered to marshall the Eastnor Castle 7 but Chris thought it would be a better idea if I ran the race instead (for who I thought)! Well, I turned up today feeling pretty nervous and dreading what I thought was going to be a race made in hell. How wrong could I be, the sun came out but it was not too hot, the scenery was great (not that I saw much of it), there were some hills and some muddy bits. I even managed to pass a few people going up the hills - I knew the experience of running up the Old Wyche Road a couple of weeks ago would come in handy.
Overall a great race, a nice glass as a souvenir and we did well on the medal stakes as well with Ruth coming in 3rd Lady and I was proud to be one of the first 4 lady Malvern Joggers home with Ruth, Lucy and Helen to win the ladies team prize and the first 4 MJ Men (sorry guys I can't remember all the names) won the mens team prize also. I'd also like to say 'well done' to Judy for knocking 7 minutes of her time of last year. Maria
Another good day for the Malvern Joggers!!
Thanks, Maria

Magnificent Eastnor Castle 7, 19/4/09 by Annabel Jeffrey
How NOT to prepare for the Magnificent Eastnor 7 - a view from the rear...
Sat..don't run, Sun ditto, Mon ditto
Tues - Thurs ditto with added 10 cigarettes a day whilst away on camping trip
Fri - find out chums have dropped out from the race. I feel that I am probably hopelessly unfit for that 'orrible climb and decide not to bother doing a run to see if there is any hope of any retained fitness, and go to cinema instead. Decide not to do race.
Sat - Finally do a run! Midway through.. decide to do Eastnor. It is only a lovely 7 miler after all and I can just think of it as a run. Stop after 3 miles to have a drink of water at a friend's, forget the time, and have to sprint the last mile and a half as I was late for picking my children up. Oops.
Sunday. Porridge, banana, lucozade, TERROR
Get to Eastnor and lots of lovely Malvern Joggers are there, either waiting to run, or nobly marshalling. NO sign of Chris, he must be waiting to be there for us in our time of need. I make it out of the toilet just in time to jump into the photo as I finally understood why all the MJs were lined up facing the wrong way!
It is an absolutely beautiful sunny day and we set off to take on the beauty and the pain of this unique race. (Having been forewarned by the starter that if we were injured by any of the natural hazards, to just 'crawl out of the way under a bush and wait for rather a long time')
First couple of miles are not so bad as I have Sally and Jackie to talk to, and it really is a Beautiful day.
Mile 3 to four and I am sure there are supposed to be some downy bits here and there. Hurrah there are, and some mud too, just enough to add a bit of variety to what is becoming a strangely enjoyable run. I manage to speed up a bit thanks to Sally's jelly babies and suddenly I have made up some ground. Everyone is very friendly and this really is not so bad. After mile four I was running the lovely downhill stretch and thinking 'I am actually enjoying this. The friendly AND pscychic marshall at this point said 'Are you enjoying it' and I was able to say 'Yes, wierdly, I am!' Even though I knew what was just around the corner....the 'orrible climb to the Obelisk.
But there are wild flowers everwhere, wood anenomes, the very first bluebells, and something else in stunning shades of indigo blue. It is really beautiful. And the views in every direction (except up) are stunning. Okay so they have moved the obelisk this year, but this race really still is pretty good. Okay so I am not exactly racing, but not walking either. We have done 5 miles and I can see the back of Jude!
Up past the obelisk and I am looking for my friend Charlotte but she is not there. Ah well at least it is downhill for a bit now although the antisocial bloke with the earphones has overtaken me again (He has been annoying me, blocking the path because he could not hear me coming). Just down from the Obelisk and around the corner a beautiful sight awaits. It is Chris!! ANd not just Chris but my friend Charlotte and her husband and dog :) High fives all round. FOr the first and last time ever I run past Chris in a race and bouyed by their support I overtake that antisocial guy for the last time and he does not see me for dust! I know fortunately that another hill is to come, but it is SUCH a beautiful day and I am nearly home having run the furthest that I have run this year. Mile 7 is a relative doddle and I was happily 'sprinting' to the finish over the green grass of home only to be spurred on to the further exertion of some seriously fast running (for about 10 yards) from Nick Hitchins. And then I got a lovely glass from Jenny, and there are smiling jogger faces everywhere. We all milled about happy and satisfied, basking in the sun, until our great leader arrives with armfuls of marshal type stuff, just in time for the prize giving where our ladies and men's team shone and were duly rewarded with cider.
This is a fabulous race, and today's deep blue springtime skies and sunshine really enhanced the beauty of the route and the surroundings. We are so lucky to have this stunning setting on our doorstep, and with all the familiar faces and local support it really is a very special event. Thanks very much to our friendly running neighbours the Ledbury Harriers for my third and and best Magnificent 7. And it was a great day to be an MJ. Annabel
Thanks Annabel, a masterpiece and an entertaining read, to say the least! - Chris

Eastnor 7 Overview by Chris
What a brilliant day for the MJs and what a brilliant event.
The last time this race was held was 2 years ago when the monsoon season had descended on this part of Herefordshire. Everything seems better when the sun shines and today’s race was no exception. 28 MJs were there with 20 running and 8 marshalling or helping out. Of those helping with the organisation of the event, everyone seemed to be happy with the jobs they were given which ranged from writing finishers numbers down to handing out the race momento’s to standing on a corner sticking your arm out. That was me. Sounds easy, which it was but if I missed anyone they would have ended up somewhere near the Gullet Quarry. When the last runner went by it was time to uproot the direction arrows, remove the red and white tape and return to base. Which I did with immaculate timing as the presentation was just about to start.
I was hoping we could repeat last year’s success by winning the ladies team prize again and successfully persuaded in-form Maria to run instead of help out to increase our chances. She was our second lady finisher. Ruth, Lucy and Helen completed the team and put in good performances to ensure the MJ Ladies retained their title.
What I didn’t expect was that our guys would win their team prize. After all, their not as good as our ladies, are they girls? It was mighty close though. It’s decided by the adding up the finishing positions. The team with the lowest number is the winner and there was only two points in it. That’s two race places! So let’s hear it for the boys, Nick Hitchings, Richard Love, Jon Green and Mark Cusack. Well done, guys! Also, well done to Ruth for her individual prize and a huge thanks to Ledbury Harriers for giving us such a good time.
So that’s 28 at Eastnor, 10 Ladies Who Chat plus others like Vikksen and Alison (below). That’s a lot MJ’s outdoors doing stuff. A good example to the rest of the population!

Tewkesbury Wet T-shirt Race (sorry Aquathlon) 4, 19/4/09 by Alison Winwood
I was flying the flag for Malvern Joggers alone this morning. Mark and Alison were nowhere to be seen and the CH&CD had a staff meeting in school. In fact, so did I, but I dashed out as early as possible and had made arrangements to register late so I could still take part.
What a glorious morning for it as well. I managed my best time yet 34:33. Not sure if this was down to having been on holiday beforehand (never mind tapering this was a complete stop) or the sheer amount of chocolate and energy gels I managed to consume in the hour before my start time. The swim wasn't fast but I'd learnt my lesson from last time and took it steady so had more energy left for the run which went really well. I even overtook someone!
This was the last of these events and my final chance to practise before doing a full triathlon again. In fact my wetsuit arrived this morning ready for swimming down the Severn in the Upton Tri on 11th July. The event is open for relay teams so if you don't fancy doing it all you can persuade a friend to swim in the duck pee, as my dear husband keeps describing the river water.
Although I'm never going to win a sporting event, I did get awarded a bumper goodie bag for being the only woman to complete all 8 races in the 2008 and 2009 series. So perseverance or sheer pig headedness in the face of all the evidence means you can win!! Never let lack of talent hold you back! Alison Winwood
Thanks, Alison

Cape Cornwall Endurance Life Trail Half Marathon, 4/4/09 by Lucy Prosser
Having spent the last 6 weeks nursing a dodgy ankle, doing a trail half marathon around the Cornish coast was definitely not on the doctors recommended list! But, itchy feet and all that, off I went!
If you are after a PB, this is NOT the race for you, if you are after amazing scenery, fantastic trails, a hard challenge and lots of hills – this is the one for you. This is, without a doubt, the best race I have ever taken part in. A very friendly atmosphere between all the competitors and brilliantly organised. There were 2 MJ's running this one, Richard Love and myself.
It started with a nice gently jog down towards the coastal paths in St. Just - Cornwall, onto the trail, where it was a BIG bottleneck, so the whippets had to really get away quickly to avoid this. No chance to enjoy the views as watching your feet was an absolute must! Up and down the peaks and troughs of the coast for the first 8 miles, FANTASTIC! then we headed inland, this could have been boggy, but dry weather for a week or so was favouring underfoot conditions, with the sun beating on our backs, we ran across the moors and headed back towards St Just, lots of local support (sheep), less than half a mile of tarmac, At 13.2miles (according to my Garmin), I realised, the distance was not entirely accurate as St Just Church Spire was still well in the distance we then met back up with the
coast path and a nice downhill section before the climb back up into St Just, the last half a mile was a killer, much steeper than I remembered!!! (14.7 miles in total!!!)
I remember thinking that I would never tell anyone what time I got, then I discovered that the fastest female was 2:11, so 2:29 didn't seem so bad!! I strongly recommend this race, or even the entire series to anyone that loves
off road challenges, it was absolutely fantastic and I will definitely be going again next year. 10/10. Well done to Richard Love, I didn't see you at the finish as I had to get back to pick up little one, hope you did well!!!! Lucy
Thanks, Lucy

The Easter Egg Race, 12pm 11/4/09 by Chris Barker
This one took place at the Top Barn Activity Centre, Holt Heath, Worcester and was organised by Runaround Sports. I’d describe it as fairly light-hearted fun over 4 miles but you can put your serious racing head on if you want to as indeed some did. The entry fee was one Easter Egg and the race momento was the same thing.
Following the one mile family Bunny Hop Race, around 30 runners gathered at the start including some of the previous nights Malvern Joggers party animals who were trying to see if you really can run with a hangover having left the bash at 3am, on the morning of the race. For some strange reason none of the afformentioned party people managed to run as well as they normally do but there again they did well to stand up let alone run. At least they were sufficiently steady on their feet to avoid falling into the lake which they had to run around!
Our Nick Hitchings wasn’t one of those drinking for England the previous night which meant he was able to give it his best shot finishing in second place having pushed the winner most of the way. Andy Milton finished 4th, not bad considering his handicap. Paul Newman had a good run and Chris Jolley was next followed by Roodie with me trundling in after him. I deliberately took it easy to save myself for my next event 3 hours later but found it impossible to run slower than 9 minute/mile in a four mile race. That’s that one done, on to the next one.

Easter 10K, 3pm 11/4/09 by Chris Barker
Following the Easter Egg race, I drove down to Gloucester, nibbling the chocolate egg that I came away with at the previous event. This was my second race of the same day. Not obsessed, just enthusiastic!
The most races I’ve done in one year is 31. I’d like to do 50 this year although I have got off to a slow start having done only 5 before today but now I can add two more to that. I’ve only tried to do two in one day once before, Crowle and the Crocodile 8, and it didn’t work because I pushed myself too hard in the first event.
This was organised by Severn AC and anyone who has done one of their races will tell you that they attract the best local runners and usually only about 30 to 50 of them so as I didn’t exactly have fresh legs there was actually a small chance that I could finish last!
Around 65 runners took part including fellow MJ Nick Hitchings, another refugee from the Easter Egg race at Top Barn. At least we had a good excuse if we had a bad race which in the end we didn’t. We both made a very cautious start having competed for the spot at the very back of the field before the gun. This is where I can often be found although I wouldn’t have said that of Nick. As the race unwound we steadily improved our positions , Nick more than me of course.
I have to say that these hairy little legs performed quite well with the exertions of the previous race not really evident. I finished in 48.58 only slightly worse than I would normally have done with Nick coming in on 44 minutes. No local races on during the evening that I knew off, so only two today!

Hanham Horror, 12/4/09 by Julie Caseley
Another glorious day for a race with a difference. Organised by the Bitton Road Runners of Sodbury Slog fame, gives you a clue as to what to expect! It’s a 6 mile run along woodland trails and the River Avon towpath. The route includes hills, lots of steps, some going down but most going up and a very steep, long incline near the end that requires the help of a rope and a bit of technique. Much to the organisers disappointment, there was a noticeable lack of mud and water compared to last year. However, there was a bit of a bog that we had to tackle on the outward journey and the return – some runners still managed to lose a shoe or two.
I finished in 1:00:22, exactly 1 minute faster than last year despite a few bottlenecks but was definitely helped by the lack of mud. I also managed to win a spot prize – the choice of an Easter egg or a bottle of beer; needless to say, the calories I burnt today will be put back on by tomorrow! Regards, Julie
Thanks, Julie

Belvoir Half Marathon, 12/4/09 by Phil Jackson
Unbelievably this was my first race this year!! It was a fantastic feeling to get back into it again and I really, really enjoyed this friendly, rural half. The start and finish are in the tiny Leicestershire village of Hose which is about 100 miles from Malvern and half way between Nottingham and Grantham. For me it was the final stage in the "Neill Says..." training programme for London. I've spent so long running at 9 minute miles since Christmas I had no idea what to expect for a Half run at race pace. I needn't have worried. For the first seven miles I was on for a PB but then faded a bit to finish just a minute over the PB at 1.44.28 and a pace of 7.56 (276th out of 700). I was really very pleased with this time. The cool temperature and the continuous light drizzle made for ideal conditions. The organisers claimed that the course was flat and ideal for PBs. There is no such thing as a flat race and this one surprised me with its slopes, inclines and hills (all up of course). It was all run on narrow country lanes and the countryside was agricultural without really being all that interesting. As I came into the finish the commentor announced "Runner 71, Phil Jackson of Malvern Joggers.......he's come a long way!" You're not kidding, I thought, 13.1 miles! Perhaps next year, a few of us might go? Phil
Thanks, Phil

Leamington Spa 10K, 5/4/09 by Julie Caseley
9 am is an early start for any race but when it’s at Leamington Spa, getting up at 5.40 am seems like the middle of the night on a Sunday morning! However, the sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. How different from last year when there was snow on the ground and quite a few entrants didn’t make the journey. This year there were in excess of 2000 runners (but still only 8 portaloos) and still some competitors queuing as the gun went off – thank goodness for championchip timing.
It was a very crowded race but most started in their predicted finishing times so there wasn’t a lot of jostling for positions at the beginning of the race. The race started in the centre of Leamington and finished in the Mill Gardens with the route around Leamington town centre parks and surrounding streets as well as an anti clockwise run
around the golf course.
It took me 3 or 4 km to get into a rhythm but felt I was going well in the second half of the race so I was quite surprised to finish in just over 50 mins especially since I set my PB here 2 years ago over a slightly different course in just over 47 mins. The marshals, cubs/scouts and cadets were very enthusiastic and encouraging and it was lovely to see Jonathan Green at the race – well done to him for finishing in about 41 mins.
Hope everyone had a good race at Peopleton – I even heard someone say there were hoping to finish the Leamington race in about 45mins then shoot on over to do the Scenic 6 at 11!! I wonder if he made it? Regards, Julie
Thanks,Julie

Scenic Six, 5/4/09 by Chris Barker
This was the eight running of the event with a record 400 runners if you include the 2.5 mile fun run as well. It’s the sixth one I’ve done and easily the driest and therefore fastest Scenic Six that I have known. Much as we don’t like excessive amounts of mud, a dry multi-terrain course means hard and rutted ground and possibly an ankle injury. Unfortunately this happened to our Jayne Cresswell who was taken to A & E afterwards. I was shocked to hear, at the presentation, that she feared she had broken it but having spoken to husband Duncan this evening, there is no break just a lot of bruising. We wish Jayne a speedy recovery.
Last Wednesday there was a very good show of hands as I made a tentative enquiry as to who was intending to be at Peopleton. On the day I accounted for 22 of our runners including, since you enquired Jayne A, there were some ladies who chat. Morrison’s will be wondering where you got to ladies. Amongst the LWC were Fong, Vivien, Lyn, Nicola and Maria. James Bruton and Mark Watling were enjoying their first races as Malvern Joggers and Jenny and Geoff of GJ fame were also taking part.
Jim Apps came storming home to be the first Malvern Joggers to finish, hotly persued by Mark Witt with Carl Flint our third finisher.
The weather was so good that back at race HQ afterwards we were able to chill out afterwards and enjoy a hot drink and a cake whilst sat on the grass in the sunshine and its still early April. What a great year’s weather this is going to be for running, I think! Talking of cakes, the local WI appeared to have gone into cake-making overdrive. There was plenty to choose from with all the profits going to the race charity, St Richards Hospice.
A great event and if you like this one you might like to do the Crowle 10K next month although it does clash with the Tewkesbury Half. The two events are different in that one is a multi-terrain while the other is a road race but they have a similar feel to them, they are roughly the same distance and in the same part of the local area. Look out for the entry form, coming to you on an attachment quite soon.

The Pitchcroft Marathon (& 1/2M) – 1st of April
Winter returned on Sunday 1st April but that did not deter 197 runners completing the PITCHCROFT Marathon
The entry level had been greater but many runners had decided not to travel or had to turn back as several parts of the country were covered in overnight snow. The PITCHCROFT course however had been spared of this and The Mayor of PITCHCROFT started the Marathon at 10.30
The marathon was keenly contested with Stephen Pettit from Ely the first lap leader, but he was overhauled by Ken Norgrove from Dublin who finished in a good time of 2.48.55 closely followed by Richard Watkinson from Princess Risborough in a time of 2.49.51.The first lady home was Clair Spencer from Kimberworth Striders in a time of 3.25.09 followed by Sarah Richards from Redhill Road Runners in a time of 3.33.53.
David Miller from Woodbridge Shufflers won the Half marathon in a very good time of 1.11.07 followed by Roger Aldis from Stowmarket Striders in a time of 1.15.49. The first lady was Jennie Roberts from Ipswich Jaffa in a time of 1.20.58 followed by Rachel Leatherwood 1.32.32.
By 2 o clock it was snowing heavily and many of the Half marathon runners had caught the marathon runners completing their second lap as they returned together to the racecourse finish. They were cheered home by an enthusiastic crowd sheltering in the grandstand, where Maureen Davies The Deputy Reeve awarded the prizes.
There were creditable performances from Graham Allchurch who ran dressed as a black dog, Simon Illingworth who is running 26 marathons this year, and blind runner Paul Watts who is a member of the 100 marathon club. Paul took away the Roger Wing trophy for the runner who best epitomises the spirit of the PITCHCROFT Marathon.
As is customary the day also included a fun run started, by Splat the Cat who was soon overtaken by runners of all ages, and encouraged by the Radio Broadland Thunder girls who were at the Marathon to support Radio Broadland Kids which is this year’s official Charity.
The Marathon Committee would like to thank their sponsors, local supporting organisations, the small army of helpers who gave up their day, and all the runners who braved the elements to make the inaugural PITCHCROFT Marathon and Half Marathon so memorable for everyone.

Oops, a bit of confusion with theBungay Black Dog Marathon. Never mind, Pitchcroft Marathon report next week. Don’t miss next year’s running of the event which will once again be on the 1st of April. You’d be a fool to miss it! - Chris
Splatt the Cat?

Clevewold 14, 29/3/09 by Julie Caseley
Another lovely day for running or racing. The race HQ was at Postlip Hall, well the Tithe Barn actually, but it was very comfortable with home bakes, tea and coffee. The grounds and views were exceptional, especially on such a fantastic day. The start was on Cleeve Common, fairly close to the race HQ. For once, there were no queues for the
ladies toilets (there was for the men’s!) probably because there was a limited number of female entrants!
I thought the route was very well marshalled although for most of the time I was following other runners and when I was by myself I didn’t think there was a problem. So I was quite surprised to learn that most competitors went wrong the second time we climbed Cleeve Common; that would account for the extra third of a mile, as if 14 wasn’t enough!!
It was a very hilly course but my Stinger gel at 7 miles stood me in good stead for the climbs in the second half of the race especially when I stopped to help an injured runner and saw all the competitors I’d worked so hard to pass in the first half of the race come flying past! I’ve become very good at doggy dodging but unfortunately I heard
a high pitched yelp and a grown behind me, only to look back and see another runner motionless on a very stony downhill section surrounded by 3 dogs and a couple of concerned owners. Together with another runner we stopped to help until we managed to get him to his feet and clean a rather nasty hand would with water the other runner was carrying (he wouldn’t have appreciated my rather acidic orange juice!!) Eventually he was quite happy to carry on walking/running so off we set again to try and make up some time. As I mentioned earlier, the gel worked wonders (as probably did the few minutes rest!) or perhaps the hills towards the end were just a little too much for some tired legs, but I managed to catch and overtake quite a few runners.
I came out of the race tired but in one piece in a rather slow time of 2:32:07 (Paul was a little worried – he thought I would finish in about 2 hours!) but still on target for the Neolithic Marathon at the beginning of May. Next week the Leamington Spa 10k will seem relatively short compared to what I’ve been doing recently! Regards, Julie
Thanks, Julie

Rhayader Round The Lakes 20, 21/3/09 by Chris Barker
Well I did it but it was mighty close, then if... more of that later. After battling through continuous rain, and winds of up to 75mph in previous years, I was dreaming of some decent weather this year, and the dream came true. Having said that, I’ve concluded that there is no such thing as a still day in the Elan Valley or the Elan Hills as it should be called. It’s even windy on a calm day, if that makes sense.
The sunny weather had a good effect on the number of participants with many entering on the day, the total being 376 and a rare sight for all these folks at the start was a Red Kite gliding overhead just at the back of the field and remarkably close.
The race begins with a few laps of the town which is not the best bit but it makes up the distance. It’s better to do that at the start than the end. Then on 2.5 miles it’s out into the country and the start of the big climb. Jon Newey was out of sight by the time the gun had been fired but I followed Roodie who seemed to be enjoying himself whilst wearing race number 1 and busy chatting to everyone en route, lady runners, gents, spectators and the odd sheep. We reached the top of the climb on 6.2 miles and then at last some downhill.
The first seven miles didn’t go according to plan for me as I stopped 3 times, once to water the grass, then to tie a shoelace (you’d think I knew how to tie the laces of my trainers after 13 years of this), then to remove a plaster from my little toe which had become dislodged and was causing me more trouble than the blister. Each time I was having to run quicker than intended to catch those who had past me during the time I was stopped.
Steve and I carried on for another 5 miles together admiring the lakes and dams and scenery in general and remarking how much better this was than the Pitchcroft 10K! We then hit a downhill section and Steve raced away like he was putting in a finishing sprint with still 8 miles to go. It looks like he ‘came too soon’ as I caught him and we ran a few more miles together before I pulled away.
The highest point is at 6 miles, which means the rest of it is downhill albeit with plenty of undulations. The one which catches everyone out is the final one which is more hill than anything else. After 19 miles there’s not much left in the tank for another one and it’s here that you either ‘lose it’ or find the determination not to give in. I think it’s best to focus on the final downhill and run-in to the finish.
I knew I was going to be close to my target of 3 hours and as I rounded the corner into the finishing straight I noticed that the clock on the overhead finish gantry reading 2.59.50! and I still had about 70 metres to go. My thanks go to my friends in the Black Pair Joggers for their vocal support at this point. They were also watching the finishing clock. Totally exhausted and with two dead legs, I needed to find a sprint from somewhere and managed it with their help. Thanks, guys!
So what was my finishing time? The results are up on www.ukresults.net and I finish in 2.59.59. I kid ye not! It’s there for all to see. One of the BPJs said to me afterwards ‘It must take years of experience to do that’
More a case of a desperate struggle to make up for time lost earlier on.
Jon Newey breezed round in 2.06.28 for 5th place while Steve, finished close behind me on 3.02.23 and enjoyed a good training run for his Paris marathon in 2 weeks time. Good luck Steve!
If you can run 20 miles then you’ve just got to do this – It’s a blast! And especially good if you can get round in the time you set yourself. Even if it is only 1 second!

San Domenico 20 miles, 22/3/09 by Julie Caseley
The shorts were out, as was the vest for this 20 miler at Merthyr Tydfil on a bright and fairly warm spring morning. The race HQ was at the College so the facilities were good with sandwiches, cakes and fresh fruit salad at the finish.
The course was predominently flat along the Taff Trail with 3 hills.
The views were fantastic which took my mind off the fact that it was a 20 mile race and I probably went off far too quick, averaging 8:40 m/m for at leas the first 6 miles. After the first hill at about 6 miles, I looked behind to see where my 'running buddy' had got to when I saw Samantha. She looked to be going really well but faded in the second half of the race.
The goody bag was a little disappointing for a £14 entry fee with a small musli bar and a bottle of water. There was a technical t-shirt on offer but only in medium and large and by time Samantha finished there were none left, but they did promise to send one in the post for all those who missed out.
I finished in a PB of 3:02:22 (7 mins faster than Gloucester 20 two weeks ago - the training is paying off) and Samantha also in a PB of 3:22:35 (13 mins. faster than Gloucester). Regards, Julie
Thanks, Julie

The Treat MT8, 22/3/09 by Jonathon Green
Only four MJ's at the Treat MT8 event this year: Duncan Cresswell, Mark Gent, Jerry Greer and me. Conditions were glorious: no rain, dry underfoot, just a little bit of a headwind at times. We all found it tough going. I managed to fall over on the first downhill off road section and was sure I was way off last year's pace. In the end I was pleased to finish one place down on last year in 17th and 9 seconds slower at 54:41. Jerry was the next MJ to finish in 35th (1:001:16) and Mark was just behind him in 45th (1:01:16). Didn't catch Duncan's time, but he did say he was just a little slower than the Big Cheese's 08 time. (PS The club house should be open for next year's race.) Jonathan Green.
Thanks, Jon

The Treat MT8, 22/3/09 by Jerry Greer
I have run this race in snow,rain & against a very cold wind, but this is the first time I have done it in warm sunshine ! Quite a low turn out for a champions league race with only 4 MJ's - in finishing order : Jonathon Green, Jerry Greer, Mark Gent and Duncan Cresswell. I think the good conditions must have made for some fast times, although the official results aren't available as I write this. My time was a few seconds over the hour which is the fastest of my 4 attempts at this race. It was as scenic a route as ever with the Safari Park & Severn Valley railway bordering the route, although there did seem to be a bit more tarmac than I remember from previous years.
Thanks, Jerry

Tewkesbury Aquathlon Series Race 3, 22/3/09 by Alison Winwood
It is clear that my previous race reports have been a great inspiration to the joggers and we had a record turnout, on this glorious day, of 3 of us. I was last to arrive, to be greeted by Mark Watling, an aquathlon regular, and early bird, and first timer at Tewkesbury, Alison Hughes. I think Alison had been camping out since Saturday evening just to make sure she didn't miss the start!!
It was an excellent day for a wet t-shirt event (thought that might get even more interest!) and I enjoyed sitting out in the sun before my alloted start time. The swim didn't go as well as planned, really wanted to get to 7 minutes but started too fast in the first couple of lengths and struggled from there on. I knew Alison was 5 minutes behind me in starting and I was determined not to be overtaken in the run. I kept a watchful eye out for her starting the run and managed to keep my half lap advantage.
We all had a good race, official times are not in at the time of writing, but Malvern Joggers would have won first place out of teams with bright green tops! And in my case bright red faces. The CH&CD was not in attendance as it was far too nice a day to give up the chance of pottering in the back garden. Fortunately I did find another supporter who was prepared to take his place in the bacon buttie eating stakes. Only one more chance this year to enjoy a bit of a swim followed by a gentle run so check out... www.gogglepedaltrainer.com
Thanks, Alison

Ashby 20, 22/3/09 by Peter Wilson
With five weeks to go before London, I was lured to Ashby de la Zouch to enter this popular 20 miler. Having done the race seven years ago the course was as I (vaguely) remembered it - a short spur out of town then two long undulating laps through several villages, then back into Ashby. What was definitely much improved was the support, with drinks stations every couple of miles supplemented as the race went on by jelly babies, energy gels, chocolate and sponges. A real feast! (apart from the sponges). I was many things by the finish but certainly not hungry. Note to the organisers though, for those of us who prefer the dark jelly babies could these please be in a separate, clearly marked container to save valuable time spent rooting through the tub.
Apart from brief pauses spent making my confectionery selection, the run went pretty well and I was pleased to cross the line in 2 hours 33, just slightly outside target pace. As far as I could see I was the only MJ there but I would recommend this race to anyone thinking ahead to London next year. Regards, Peter
Thanks, Peter

Stafford Half Marathon, 15/3 by Jerry Greer
I only spotted 2 MJ's at this years Stafford Half - Me & Duncan Cresswell and we travelled up together ! This is a big drop on previous years and that was shame because it was a beautiful spring day and near perfect conditions for this the 25th running of the event .It is one of my favourite races and this was my 10th appearance - it would have been more but I missed 2 years through injury. I was a bit confused on two counts this year - firstly, the car park & sports centre where I usually park up & shower afterwards has been reduced to a big pile of rubble and secondly the Start had been moved to further back down the High street. It is a narrow start anyway, so this made the first mile even more of a wrestling match than usual as 2000 odd runners jostled for position. Having said that, this is a well marshalled and organised event and I was reasonably happy with a time of just over 1:38 and I think Duncan was also pleased to get under 1:50 with a time just over 1:49. I'll be back next year.. Best wishes, Jerry
Thanks, Jerry

Stafford Half Marathon, 15/3 by Duncan Cresswell
Having knocked just over 7mins off my PB for the half marathon distance during last week’s 20mile race at Gloucester, I was aiming to do the same again today, if not better. However, my legs have felt the repercussions of last week’s race in all of my runs this week. I gave myself 2 days off before this race, went to bed at 8pm expecting to feel totally refreshed and to sprint all the way round, but instead, I could have quite easily carried on sleeping for the rest of the day. I was accompanied by Jerry Greer(who was running this for the 10th time) for the journey up to Stafford and with the sun shining brightly to boost our determination to do well, we were all set for a cracking run.
I started off ok, but then felt slow and really just wanted to stop around the 5/6 miles mark. Whilst running down a gradual hill, I was nearing 9min/mile pace so all hopes on beating my PB were fading away. I blame the sun as I’ve not acclimatised to this warm spell yet! So I just carried on as best I could. I felt comfortable all the way to 10 miles (except for a sciatic niggle) and then somehow I was able to comfortably pick up the speed to begin taking on some of the people in front of me. I don’t think I have ever run so fast at the end of any race and I don’t know where the energy came from, but fortunately it did as I knocked nearly 8:30 mins off my PB! Time:- 1:49:30 (8:20min/mile pace). Jerry was way ahead and got a great time of 1:38 (I think).
I really enjoyed this race and shall definitely return to get a new PB in the future. Hope all went well in Bath and Forest of Dean!
Thanks, Duncan

Forest of Dean Half Marathon, 15/3 by Julie Caseley
What a wonderful, bright, warm, sunny day for a brisk run through the forest. I thought it might be cooler so I probably had on a layer too many – vest and shorts would have been just fine. I saw Anneke Loader at the start but I also understand Bruce Banister-Harding was also there and Paul saw Richard Walsh who seems to be back on form with a top 50 finishers t-shirt. The course was tough with hills in abundance and of course it wouldn't be quite the same without a long drawn out hill to finish.
Although I felt good and relaxed and thought I was probably going better than last year, I finished in a time of 1:54:29, 2 mins. slower than than 2008 (a tad too relaxed maybe!!) A fantastic race and a wonderful day out.
Thanks, Julie

Gloucester 20, 8/3/09 by Julie Caseley
‘ As well as an important health and safety talk before the start of the race regarding running 3 abreast (ipods were also banned), there was a 1 minute silence for a runner who died at the recent Gloucester Marathon.
The course was a two lap pan handle which I remember from 3 years ago as being quite challenging mentally as well as physically. Although the organisers say there are only 2 small hills on the course, I think they should go out and count again!!
Up to about mile 6 everything was going really well - the sun was shining and the wind was behind us. Then there was a very heavy downpour and everyone got soaked and quite cold, then we turned a corner and the wind was full on in our face. I felt sorry for those in vests and shorts!!
I was really grateful, at mile 8, for the company, support and encouragement of Andy Lyon who kept me going to the finish. I ran this race 39 seconds faster than last time and was hoping to do better but I was really pleased in the end considering the conditions.
There were 9 Malvern Joggers flying the flag this morning. In finishing order they were Emma Gooderham (2:05:53 in 8th place and first female), Peter Wilson, Graham Cramp, Stuart Brown, Dave Ratchford, Duncan Cresswell, me, Andy Lyon and Samantha.
By the time Andy and I got back to Race HQ, the presentation was in full swing and there were only medium, large and Xlarge t-shirts left.
So, two more medium t-shirts to add to the nighty collection. Regards, Julie ‘
Thanks, Julie

Gloucester 20, 8/3/09 by Stuart Brown
‘ Mixed results for the nine or so Joggers that turned out for the Gloucester 20 today.
The highlights for me were being able to stop running and have tea and cake in the village hall! The day started sunny but there was heavy rain and wind after an hour that soaked everyone.
Duncan beat his half marathon time en route to finishing in 2:56, Peter Wilson’s secret training obviously paid off with 2:32. Emma Gooderham wizzed round in 2:06.
Crampy wooped me by a good 3-4 mins and managed 2:36. Apologies to the others but we were all pretty cold and stiff and didn’t hang around for long. All times are approx. See you Wednesday, Stuart ‘
Thanks, Stuart

Gloucester 20, 8/3/09 by Duncan Cresswell
‘ For the first time ever, I woke up feeling nervous about this race; wasn’t sure how to pace it. In the end I decided to start off fast (comfortably) and to slowly reduce my pace towards the end. I went there hoping to complete the course under 3hrs 15mins, wanting to do it in 3hrs, but managed it in 2:54:27. The first 15 miles were fine before I had to slow down a bit. I couldn’t do a sprint for the last mile apart from the final 0.2 mile when the finish line was in sight. The toughest part was the final 10mins walk back to HQ – I looked as if I was 100 years and needed sticks! Can’t wait for Stafford next week as I hope to knock at least 7 mins off my PB.
Just want to thank Crampy for the offer of a lift and to Mr Motivator who drove. It was very much appreciated! ‘
Thanks Dunc, everyone’s contribution is a good one and everyone has something different to say - Chris

Fell racing Weekend, 7 & 8/3/09 by Jon Newey
‘ All back safe and well from an epic weekend of fell racing. Unfortunatelty illness and injury depleted our numbers and it was just four who made the trip oop north; myself and Steve Roode representing the joggers and Stewart Bellamy and Richard Lloyd from Mercia Fell Runners.
Arrived at Pendle (were not **** going up that **** are we! said Steve). Pendle top was in the clag, but the wind got up and cleared it away before the 400 entrants set off in relatively warm and dry weather. The Half Tour of Pendle is 9 miles with 2600ft of climbing combines all sorts of terrain and being an English champs counter attracted a great field with all the big names there.
I managed to to get to the summit in about 30th place. Felt I was having a bad race, as I was being passed a lot on the descent, but i think it was the sheer quality of the field that just made it feel grim! Up and across the moor and a frighteningly steep descent to the river and out the other side before rolling fields took us back to the finish. Was pleased enough with 41st place and 1 hour 10 mins (3 mins faster than my best here before). The winner was V40 Ian Holmes in 1 hour 3 mins!
Rich and Stew came in close together in 141st and 143rd. Steve managed to meet lots of ladies on route and might have finished higher than 287th otherwise. They all seemed to know who he was at the HQ afterwards!
Saturday night was spent rehydrating with some excellent ale at the village pub near where we were staying just out of Huddersfield.
Sunday Dawned threateningly with black clouds and a bitter wind for the Ian Roberts fell race above Marsden. It's 6 miles and 900ft ascent. Sounds OK, but the terrain is tough going with peat bogs and large grassy tussocks on open moors. The weather threw everything at us, ice hail and snow. Proper fell racing weather! Our legs were stuffed after Saturday (plus the ale) and it took a while to get them going.
I struggled at first but managed to stay within sight of the leaders. After the half way point I got going and moved from 5th to 3rd. Was right on the winner and second place with half a mile to go. Into the teeth of a blizzard and my legs fell off! staggered in for third in 42 mins just holding off two chasers behind. Steve recovered well from Saturday and came in 51st of the 95 runners after 55 mins. A good performance I think on a tough day.
Fantastic spread for lunch at the club house to keep us occupied while i waited for my prize. More ale!!!! I'll post a link to photos when I've got it next week. Jon ‘
Thanks, Jon

Bourton 10K, this morning, by Julie Caseley
‘ Five Malvern Joggers turned out for this fast, flat 10k in perfect running conditions with light winds and some sumshine. The finishing order was Andy Blannin, Gerry Greer, Steve Roode, myself and Samantha.
I think everyone had a really good race with Andy knocking 3 mins. off his 10k PB with Steve and Gerry having pretty good races too. Samantha was pleased with her 50:56 as she is still recovering from a lingering cold which cut short her marathon training 14 mile run a week ago Thursday. I put myself under a lot of pressure to run sub 50 mins. as
this is what I've done on my previous three outings at Bourton.
However, I haven't run under 50 mins for a 10k in a long time. Therefore I was very pleased with my 47:59, beating my previous fastest time here last year by 19 secs. and only 8 secs. off my 10k PB at Leamington Spa in 2007..
Now that I'm at the end of my 2nd week of marathon training (I only do a 12 week schedule) I'm feeling quite confident going into a recovery week and almost looking forward to the Gloucester 20.
Well done to everyone today - also, the winning lady clocked the 2nd fastest 10k time this year, only being bettered by Mara Yamauchi, so were were in good company!! Regards, Julie ‘
Thanks, Julie

Tewkesbury Aquathlon Series Race 2, 15/2/09 by Alison Winwood
‘ Another month has passed so it was time for the self-inflicted pain of an aquathlon. Actually it really wasn't that bad. I think that last Sunday's 95% uphill 6 miler with Jayne at sub 10 minute pace must have prepared or shocked the system into action. I was out to beat a total time of 38:30 and I did!! I'm almost getting good at this! Managed an overall time of 36:35 with a fast swim of about 7:20 (really want to get to the 7 minute mark) and a better run. As ever it was muddy (there were extra detours around the very swampy bits) but that has a good side in that it makes you pick your feet up. I wasn't the only Jogger in attendance, Mark Watling (fairly sure that's his name) from the 10 min group was also there after his Forest of Dean run got cancelled. The CH&CD was also in attendance, after extra training, although he was more a CW&BBE (coat wearer and bacon buttie eater). Roll on next month, I might break 35 minutes and Rob could scale the heights of a full blown English breakfast! Alison Winwood ‘
Thanks, Alison

Muddy Woody 6, 15/2/09 by Jon Newey
‘ Myself, Steve Roode, Matt Scriven and another Malvernite Chris Farley-Lewis headed over to Hough Woods for the annual muddy woody. We were joined there by Nick Hitchings too. Unlike last year's solid ice conditions, it was back to mud this time, although I reckon marginally less than there often is.
The usual crew were there and the cheeky banter was flowing thick and fast as we lined up for the start. Winner from the last two years, Matt James of Hereford, was there and keen to make it three in a row of wins. Pretty rapid from the gun and Matt pulled slightly ahead straight away. Amazingly i managed to pull him back on the first climb with Luke Mason of Wye Valley. We dropped Luke pretty quickly and opened up a large gap on everyone else. I thought Matt was taking it easy for me, but apparently he told me later that he was "worried" !
It was not until that horrible muddy climb after the first stream crossing at about 2.5 miles that he managed to start to pull away from me. I always suffer badly here and recover later......too late really! Was on my own then until the finish getting 2nd place.
The second stream crossing was much deeper this year as my nuts will tell you! Made me gasp and the climb up the valley was a nightmare after that trying to get icy legs moving again.
No results on the website at time of writing this, but I think I was about a minute down in the end after 45 mins or so. Matt Scriven made it into the top ten. Roodie reckons he was a bit slower than usual with tired legs after a week of mile eating for his next marathon. Still smiling though! Nice pint in the pub before coming home too. That's what it's all about really isn't it? Jon ‘
Thanks, Jon

Wyre Forest MT8, 15/2/09 by Chris Barker
Standing around waiting for the start, I found myself playing ‘Spot the MJ’ and thinking is everyone else at the Muddy Woody then along come Julie Caseley. At last someone to talk to. Then Duncan appeared followed by Stuart Brown (masquerading as Eric), Jerry Greer and Carl Flint.
The pre-race briefing began with the words ‘Ladies and Gentlemen for your running pleasure’... I thought is he talking about mud. He then mentioned that the forestry vehicles had been active along the course and churned it up a bit. Having said that I’ve now run this one nine times and this was one of the driest and therefore quickest I’ve known. No excuse for me then.
It starts with the usual 2 mile run, mainly downhill, to the lowest part of the course where Paul ‘the lens’ Caseley was waiting with his camera. Whether I’m smiling or grimacing at the time he clicked the shutter remains to be seen.
It’s a pleasant run of 8.4 miles along forest paths and tracks with no stiles to get over. I think everyone who does it will remember the climb at the end. This is the second time the race has been run on the new course as part of the old one was washed away in floods and includes a run along an old railway trackbed. Definitely the best part of the trip.
First MJ to finish was Eric, which pretty good considering he wasn’t actually there but that’s what the results will say, followed by Carl and Eric. I put in the same effort as last year and finished 1.15 slower. It’s an age thing but it was still fun.

Stourbridge Stagger, 9/2/09 by Julie Caseley
This morning wasn't as cold as I'd expected it to be and certainly not as cold as the Mayhill Massacre so I was quite looking forward to this.
The race HQ facilities at the Oldswinford Hospital are quite good although there is still a lot of building work taking place and the walk to the start at Mary Stevens Park only takes a few minutes.
The first challenge was the path out of Mary Stevens Park which was thick with ice then the climb out of the park was also icy. The golf course was quite dangerous too which put pay to a fast run in at the finish although someone did try and fell rather heavily. There were the usual hills and mud over the 10 mile course and more tricky icy
bits so it wasn't a surprise that good times were not on offer. I finished 30 secs. slower than last year in a time of 1:37:18. Other MJ's at the Stagger were "virgins" Dave Ratchford and Duncan Cresswell. Regards, Julie
Thanks, Julie

Stourbridge Stagger, 9/2/09 by Duncan Cresswell
I arrived at this race expecting to see quite a few MJs today. I thought I was the only one to begin with, as I could not see anyone, but then caught sight of Julie and David just before the race commenced. I entered this race expecting it to be hard, but not quite as bad as the Mayhill or Mortimer, which I think it was a fraction easier (the climbs were not as long), but it felt harder having run some long distances this week due to marathon training. I did enjoy this course. It had some really nice views and the weather could not have been better considering what we have had. There could have been a bit more mud for me personally and there were very few puddles to splash about in, but it is one I shall definitely participate in again. I aimed to complete this race in 100mins, but managed it in just under 94mins, so I was pleased. David was first for the Joggers, and Julie came in a few minutes after me – official times not yet posted. See you Wednesday, Dunc
Thanks, Dunc

Long Mynd Valleys, 9/2/09 by Steve Roode
Did my first real Fell race today!! The Long Myndd Valleys - Wow what a race, Travelled up with Neil, Anne, Susie and Shag - fellow Hashers. It is billed as 11 miles with 4500ft of ascent put with that 6 inches of snow in places meant quite a tricky one. The start was uphill but that was nothing compared to what was left to come a lot of big hills but the down hill was great some of it was not runnable and I ended up toboganing down most of them - great fun. It took me 2hrs 45mins which got me 114th place - not bad for a first attempt and concidering I did 12 miles yesterday, but some way to catch up with Jon!!
Thanks, Steve

Mayhill Massacre 1/2/09 – Report from the back, by Jayne Cresswell
‘ What a fantastic challenging race; with hills and mud and then some more hills and more mud. I have been very nervous about competing in this race as I have had a few comments saying how hard it is – in fact I have lost sleep over it and considered giving my number to someone else for ages. I don’t have a fear of hard muddy races it’s just that when you are as slow as I am you have to consider how last you will be and how long those poor marshals are having to stand around waiting for you to complete a race that was way out of your league.
I wanted to complete the race in less than 2 hours and the results from the previous races indicated that I wouldn’t be last if I could achieve this goal. We arrived in plenty of time but I ran out of time to go to the loo as they had started to line up and when you are slow you don’t want to start late! So I started running with a nearly full bladder – I’m not into going behind bushes so I kept my fingers crossed that I would be ok.
I knew from reading the race reviews that the 1st 2 miles were the hardest and it certainly was a good climb but worth it when you got to the top. It then turned muddy and rather undulating. I had my fear of being last but then someone suddenly ran past saying that I wasn’t last and that they were about ½ mile behind, I then tried to calculate if I had time to nip to the loo and still keep them behind. I caught a few people – one woman complaining about the mud and water (don’t they read the race spec!) At around mile 6 I was very much on my own and wondering if I had gone the wrong way as there was no-one around and it didn’t look like there was enough foot prints to indicate 300 runners in front. Then I got to the muddy hill – and that was a real shock, something I hadn’t expected and I think harder that the first 2 miles. But there were people ahead and I can proudly say I caught a couple of them up and passed them. At the top I knew it was down hill and let go – bladder full so testing my pelvic muscles! I passed 2 more runners on the down hill and was slowly catching a man in front but didn’t make it before the finish.
A fantastic race, excellent marshals who gave great encouragement and considering 300 runners churned up the mud before I got there I am really happy with my time 1 hour 57) and looking forward to a warm bath (Duncan had kindly cleaned the bath this morning to ensure I didn’t get dirty getting in!) Roll on next year and maybe aim for a better time!
PS Thankfully bladder did not let me down but I headed straight to the portaloos before getting a drink ‘
Thanks, Jayne

Some Mayhill thoughts by Jon Newey
‘ Nice to see so many MJs out at a "proper" race. I'll put something in the Gazette this week.
Strange race for me. Decided to give it some stick having gone off course last year. Route was really well marked this time. However, on the descent from Mayhill I suddenly started passing a few people who I was sure were not in the lead group when we climbed up May Hill. I was pretty annoyed, thinking that I'd gone wrong again. Turned out A small group behind us (Including Matt Scriven) had missed a turn and thus taken a shortcut!
Anyway, no harm done as it made no difference to the first six which included me in 6th. Matt was 7th, considerably closer to me than he had been at the summit of May Hill! I think Mark Gent enjoyed his first race. He certainly looked the part at the end and even had a muddy face! Jon ‘

Some Mayhill Massacre thoughts by Chris
The results are now on the net and I finished in 1.28.28 nearly 2 minutes up on last year. Whoopee!. Road running is a lot easier but I like a bit of variation which is why I did it and it’s about as far removed from running on tarmac as you will get.
I’d describe it as a bit of a battle! I expected all that mud which I enjoyed in a funny kind of way but as well as that, the forestry commission have been active with their 4 wheeled drive vehicles removing parts of trees and dumping them in the mud which was another obstacle for the competitors. It’s meant to be a test and that’s what it is and that’s why we like it.
12 MJs took part which easily the most we have had in this race. In total there were 469 runners. The finishing order of the MJs was Jon Newey, Richard Love, Graham Cramp, Andy Milton, Mark Gent, Steve Roode, Carl Flint, Vikki Sivertsen, Duncan Cresswell, Julie Caseley, Chris Barker and plucky Jayne Cresswell with 14 other runners behind her.
This was the third year of the race and I’ve done all of them. I will keep on doing it until the event is finished or I’m finished, whichever comes first. Great fun and a nice t-shirt!

Not The Roman IX, 18/1/09 by Julie Caseley
‘ Having noticed that the weather forecast for today was supposed to be wet and windy, I was pleasantly surprised to find the sun shining and a fairly calm day.
The start of Not the Roman IX was about 1 km from race HQ so that acted as a good warm up. Although I ran this race in 2006, I have no recollection of the course at all - I thought I would have remembered the hill just before halfway - perhaps it's just as well I didn't! At 12km, this was a bit of a funny distance but very pleasant nonetheless and the marshalls were encouraging, as were the spectators in Loxley.
Dave Ratchford passed me at about 3km (at least I think it was him) and Eric made his usual announcement of catching me up with a slap on the bum at 9km!! Thanks very much Eric for keeping me out of my comfort zone for the last 3km (he nearly killed me!) He could quite easily have beaten me but we crossed the finish line together in a time
of 1:02:13, for me, nearly a minute faster than 3 years ago.
Splits were being called halfway at 6km and mine was 32 mins, so I'm really pleased I did an uncharacteristic negative split!
I'm not sure where all the MJ's were who indicated on Wednesday that they were doing this race - so apologies if I missed you. I even bought the t-shirt to check names - it was a nice t-shirt anyway! Regards, Julie ‘
Thanks, Julie

Tewkesbury Aquathlon Series Race 1, 18/1/09 by Alison Winwood
‘ As typical for events that I attend, the morning was cold, there had been plenty of rain and there was going to be plenty of mud (Phil and Judy would revel in it). I had completed the series last year and was back to improve on my performance across the 400m swim and 5K run.
Sadly, I was abandoned by my trusty CH&CD (coat holder and coffee drinker). He didn't feel his training had been going well enough after the Christmas break in the sun with no coats in sight.
The event is very relaxed with competitors chatting on the poolside and lots of support for one another. The swim went well, I managed the 7:30 time I'd predicted although I did a good impression of a beached whale trying to get out as my arms were like jelly. The run was as pleasant as it could be, I stopped noticing the water running down my legs after the first kilometre and I told myself it was good for toning the stomach muscles to have the wind through a wet costume! I even overtook two people on the three lap course which was a new, and rather heartening experience. I got a very cheery shout from a Black Pear Jogger, as he passed me on the second lap. I couldn't keep up with him but I don't think I disgraced the Joggers, obviously I was proudly displaying the green and gold.
There were 52 people taking part with room for more. It is a great training event, swapping from anaerobic to aerobic exercise, and I'd recommend it to all the Joggers. Actually it would an ideal event for Paul and his mankini - no need to change between discipline. ‘
Thanks, Alison

Wheaton Aston Roman 10K (Staffs), 27/12/08 by Chris Barker
I don’t know why it’s called a Roman 10K it’s not like I was competing against Julius Caesar. Although running with him would be the only infamy I’m ever likely to experience. I can only assume that it’s due to the A5 (roman road) nearby. I’m pleased I didn’t have to run the length of that as it stretches from Kent to North Wales or thereabouts.
Not a lot of MJs to be seen at this one, in fact, only one other and that was Duncan Cresswell who is obviously not a man to waste his time as he had already visited his family who live in the area and made a trip to Ikea pre-race!
It’s a 10K road race and it’s reasonably flat which must be one reason why it’s so popular. It sells out well before hand and this year had 387 taking part with everyone complaining about the icy cold wind cutting them in half as they waited for a start that was delayed by 10 minutes.
Duncan and I pondered pre-race about what sort of time we could do it in. Having agreed the best we could hope for was a sub 50 minute finish, we set of. Dunc took of like a rocket while the Silver Fox held back. I caught Dunc after three miles and went on confidently only to find him on my beside me at 5.5 miles. We were neck and neck at the start of the final straight only for Dunc to launch into a sprint finish whereas I didn’t have a sprint to finish with. So the record shows the 2 MJs finishing 160th and 161st which is above halfway and to me that’s a victory. And the good news is finishing time according to the official results of 47.37 & 47.40 sub sub sub 50min 10K.
The organisation that staged the event was Newport & District Running Club (that’s Newport - Staffordshire). Whilst there, I picked up one of their flyers which expresses a welcome to would-be new recruits. It says that running with them will add a new dimension to your enjoyment of running and friendly competition will help you improve. These statements are undoubtedly true. It also says ‘be with people who don’t think your mad’ That’s a good one. I wish I’d have thought of it.

Wedgnock Winter Mud and Mayhem Races, 27/12/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ This was my 48th and last race of the year. This is the second race in a series of 4 - the other two are on 31st January and 21st March 2009. I was looking for a good excuse not to do the other 2 races and I think I can talk myself out of the January one as it's the day before the Mayhill Massacre but will have to trawl the internet to find something on the 21st March!! The race was at the Wedgnock Rifle Range (shooting was not suspended but thankfully was on the other side of a ridge) and the course was 3 laps of mud, water and hills as well as a very boring lap of a field. There was a bit of interest with a couple of short, sharp hills, then running along a ridge before having to haul yourself up another very steep incline by a rope before starting the next lap. Elastic bands were handed out at the end of each lap to discourage cheating as the lead runners were lapping others around the course. I finished in 1:02:56 for this 10k course. Regards, Julie ‘
Thanks, Julie

The Worcester Christmas Special 5M MT 21/12/08 by Chris Barker
Katie Morris 5th, Mankini Paul 6th, Chris Barker 10th – impressive stuff eh?
Sunday mornings aren’t the same without some sort of run, so having surveyed what was on offer, Eric and I decided to go to the Runaround Store at Top Barn, Holt Heath to do this one. Part of the fun for me is to let everyone know about it and see who turns up. Not many I have to say although there were a few counter attractions. Also, it’s the first time it has been run so it’s impossible to give anyone an opinion on it.
This is a race where your entry fee is a gift wrapped Christmas present, value around £5, if you have realised you needed to bring one, that is. This eluded our Katie although she did go to the nearby farm shop and come back with something wrapped in brown paper and string. The idea was that when the race was finished and it was presentation time, the winner got first pick, 2nd place got 2nd and so on although you can’t see what the presents where because they were wrapped. Having said that I think we can all spot a wrapped bottle of wine!
It was a beautiful setting but not beautiful weather. Although it was mild, a strong wind blew across the lake to make it seem cold as we set off around the lake to tackle a course that mainly consisted of muddy tracks with about a half mile of concrete road
As you have probably guessed by now it was a small field mainly of us, Worcester AC and some unattached runners numbering, in total, around 20. How else would I have come 10th? Sundance set off like he was making a bid for glory but found one or two others a bit too good for him but at least he enjoyed a battle with Katie to determine 1st MJ over the line. Being a small field, I was able to count those in front of me and tucked myself in to 10th position soon after the start, with the intention of improving on this if possible. It wasn’t! The runner in front of me was too quick but at least it looks good in print. Eric appeared to be done out of 2 places by two runners who appeared to miss out part of the course and would have finished 13th. Mel Webb who trained with our London Marathon runners this year was just in front of Eric.
This was a really good event and it is intended to run it again possibly as a series. It doesn’t have to run at Christmas. Any time is a good time for someone to have a present. It does however need the support of the local clubs and I have promised the organiser that next time we can supply twice the number of runners that we had this time!
At the end of the race, out came Katie’s digital camera so look out for Team MJ on Facebook somewhere.
So, no entry fee as such although I was unable to stop myself buying a running jacket while I was there so it wasn’t a cheap morning. A sort of Christmas present to myself and I think I scored a hit with Katie as she invited me to be a friend on her Facebook page and join her 294 other friends! I’ll let everyone know when it’s happening again.

Bourneville Yacht Handicap 21/12/08 by Phil Jackson
‘ The Two Grandads Team (me and Steve Roode) made our way up to Bourneville in Birmingham for the Bourneville Yacht Handicap Race. Eventually, after much searching (the map had printed out upside down) we found the venue and had a drive round the course. The idea of the race is that you estimate your combined time and the team which is closest wins. No-one is allowed to wear a watch or a Garmin. There were about 50 or 60 competitors so it's a small race and most of them were Bournville Harriers. The only aliens were me and Steve and Julie and Sam Caseley. The course is a 1.8 mile circuit around the residential streets of Bourneville and you go round twice. Steve had allowed me to estimate the time and we had decided to run together in a generous time of 31.23. This was necessary after yesterday's gruelling 11 mile Bacon Buttie Run. As we went round Steve kept saying "slow down, slow down" but when our concentration slipped, we just speeded up gradually again. At one point Steve wanted us to break into a walk, but you can't do that in a race, can you? So eventually we finished in 28 minutes earning us ridicule from the time keepers ("We can't believe you are so far outside your time!"). The winners finished within 5 seconds of their estimate! Still, it was a really friendly little race, the cakes were great and we both won prizes in the raffle so we didn't come away empty handed. I recommend this one for next year. Phil ‘
Thanks, Phil

Bourneville Yacht Handicap 21/12/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ I love this race especially coming this year after three long, tough races. This is a 2 lap 3.6 mile race which is run in pairs and you have to predict your combined finishing time (no watches allowed).
Easier said than done especially since the winning team was only 5 seeconds off their time and the 2nd team only 7 seconds out. It makes mine and Samantha's time of 2 mins 44 secs too slow look bad but then again, it wasn't as bad as Phil and Steve's who were 3 mins 41 secs too fast!!!! However, Phil and Steve did win a raffle prize each of some Sudafen cream, so at least they came away with something. Great atmosphere, very friendly and lovely homebakes afterwards. Already looking forward to next year.
Thanks, Julie

Sneyd Xmas Pudding 10 miler, 14/12/08 by Vikki Sivertsen
‘ The week I applied for my Sneyd place was the week everybody else decided to switch to the Mortimer! A disappointing run for me today, arrived at Sneyd school 15 minutes before the race started in desperate need of the loo, I was last in the queue for the ladies and then ended up running to the start line and was right at the back of what seemed like about 900 runners! It took me over 30 seconds to reach the start line once the hooter had blown, I then spent the rest of the race trying to gather some pace and push my way through. Some of the paths were narrow; some of the roads were busy, running my own race was tricky. Support was limited, especially at the end of the race, which felt a bit of a non-event as we were channelled under the motorway bridge where somebody wrote our numbers down! There was a Xmas pudding, a medal, a banana and a snack bar which were all greatly received, showers and refreshments at the end always a bonus, but I’m not sure if this is one I would like to do again! I think my official time was 1 hour 15 minutes 50 seconds; my watch time was just over 1 hour 15. Ron was, as usual, there to cheer me on, and he had spotted another Malvern Joggers vest during the race, but we never found out who this was, so, sorry we missed you whoever you are! ‘
Thanks, Vikki

Mortimer Hill Run, 14/12/08 by Chris Barker
The mystery MJ at Sneyd being....(fanfare)....Mike Theelke in 1.24.29 Well done Mike!
Yes, Vikki you would enjoyed yourself more at Mortimer Forest and we would have loved to have had you competing with us especially MJ ladies Katie Morris and Julie Caseley. Having done Sneyd myself I have to say it’s a bit of a grind. This one is the same distance but it could never be described as boring.
I friend of mine from the BP Joggers said it was the worst conditions he had known having done the event every one of the last six years so at least should make today’s MJs feel a bit better about their time. I’ll take comfort from that as I took 1.57.16 which is 14 minutes slower than my time of 2003. Throw in the distance and 1700 foot of climbing and if you hadn’t got tired legs at the end then you must have come from another planet.
Looking at the results I see I came 243rd of 304. Not that great but at least I got round and managed to stay on my feet before falling over at about 8.5 miles which given the amount of mud under my feet for most of it was perhaps not bad. At least a passing runner gave me 8 out of 10 for style! The strange thing was I fell over a tree route in an area of open countryside with not a single tree in sight. This is a special skill which requires years of experience.
Other MJ’s running Phil Jackson, Peter Wilson, Steve Roode, Duncan Cresswell and Graham Cramp.
I sense this one becoming an annual favourite, Mayhill Massacre style, with the MJs, so make a date for next year Vikki! (December 13th possibly)

Eynsham 10k race report 30/11/08 by Richard Walsh
‘ Went down for this one to tackle an enjoyable and as flat as you could hope for course. had a little pre-race adrenaline kick when my mate i went down with drove out 5 ft in front of a lorry! There was a loud beeping sound as you can imagine. anyway, as far as running went, i personally had to start as fast as i could to stop my hands being numb on such a cold morning. ran a consistent race and got paced round by the same runner the
whole way round which nearly sent me to sleep until the last 200 metres where i outsprinted them. finished 36.11 for 15th place. recommendable pb course for any enthusiastic 10k'rs ‘
Thanks, Rich

Cardington Cracker, 7/12/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ This was the 21st anniversary running of the Cardington Cracker Fell Race and numbers were up this year from normally just over 200 to 250.
This was fantastic in the sense that there were more people for me to follow, therefore less chance of me getting lost – my biggest worry when anyone mentions map, compass, whistle and waterproof! I went correctly equipped but didn’t need any of it. Jon Newey and I were 2 lonely MJ’s towing the start line this morning. As everyone probably knows, it was pretty cold and I don’t think the temperature rose above freezing before the off at 11 am. The hills were more like mountains and barely walkable let alone runnable but it was lovely to look up and see a long, very long line of runners, resplendent in their different coloured running vests climbing up ahead. I looked behind on occasions and there were not quite so many behind so, although I haven’t seen the results yet, I suspect I was definitely in the bottom half of the last 50! Where the sun had shone on the side of the hills, the ice had melted, but where it hadn’t it was treacherous so my first fall was coming away from the first checkpoint on The Lawley – not too bad but a bit of a shock. My second fall coming down off Caer Caradoc was a little more spectacular and very painful. Many thanks to the three runners who stopped to make sure I was OK. One of the runners suggested I got into her bivvy bag and she’d send for help. However, I soon got to my feet and began walking before breaking out into a jog, apologising at the same time for delaying them!! Everything else seemed to go quite well although I was very wary on the remaining downhill stretches, so much so, that I was overtaken by about half a dozen runners. I was pleased I managed a sprint finish at the end and didn’t come last so obviously not too much to worry about at the moment – I’ll know more tomorrow morning!! A long way to go (about 1.5 hours drive) but a fun day out if you fancy a bit of fairly local fell running. The distance was about 9 miles with 2600 feet of climb.
Congratulations to Jon on getting the 6th place prize in a time of 1 hr. 21 mins. I was only about 50 mins behind him (how does he do it!?) in about 2 hrs 10 mins.’
Thanks, Julie

Sleepwalker Night Trail Race, Talybont-on-Usk, 29/11/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ I was quite nervous about this race but confident in the fact that Stuart was my running partner. We arrived at Henderson Hall, Talybont at 5 pm ready for our kit check. I felt a little under-equipped when I saw everyone else with rucksacks and me with a bum bag (albeit a big one). I was a little disappointed to be told that my compass had a bubble in the housing which rendered it useless so Stuart was under strict instructions not to lose me!
We had a final briefing at which point we were told that the route had changed slightly as there was a problem running over Forestry Commission land so we had to use the Taf Trail instead. It was then onto the canal towpath ready for the off at 6.15 pm.
To say there was a little nip in the air might be an understatement but let’s say I was very comfortable with four layers, a waterproof jacket (with hood), two pairs of trousers, hat and gloves! About 42 of us set off into the darkness on this challenging 19.5 mile race over the Brecon Beacons.
The beginning was a steady uphill till the first checkpoint at about 5 miles which boosted our confidence knowing we were actually in the right place. This was also going to be our last checkpoint on our way back.
It was also reassuring to occasionally see lights in the distance, behind us and on the ridges but for most of the time we were running and navigating in the dark with only a head torch which took a while for my eyes to adjust to.
I took my first heavy fall before the first checkpoint and the second at a stream crossing, then three more falls on the route by which time I was getting quite use to being face down in the mud! Some of the very few roads we ran along were icy which took us a bit by surprise but we managed to stay upright.
There was tea and coffee at one of the checkpoints which was very civilised but we couldn’t dither too long as the cut off time was 5 hours and we didn’t want to end up with a DNF after all our efforts.
As we climbed higher and higher, we could feel the temperature dropping and the ground was very boggy so we began to feel quite cold.
We could feel and hear breaking ice under our shoes which in itself made me feel cold. The most exposed part of the course was quite unrunnable so we had to walk very fast for a couple of miles to keep warm and get us to a section where we could start running again.
After the final checkpoint, we were looking forward to a nice 4 mile long run back into Talybont but the terrain was like a not-so-dry rocky river bed which made for a lot of ankle twisting and a few expletives.
The water actually felt quite warm by now! We eventually made our way back to civilisation and clocked in at Henderson Hall in 4 hours 56 minutes!! We got a certificate and a medal for our efforts but still can’t believe it took us nearly 5 hours to “run” 19.5 miles!!
We can’t praise and thank the marshals enough for being out in such cold conditions for so long, but having said that, we were very lucky with the weather in that it wasn’t raining or snowing. Also, many thanks to Stuart for the lift to and from Talybont and for being a great running partner and looking after me so well. We left at midnight and arrived home at about 1.15 am.
I thought this might be another one of my “one offs” but if there are some MJ’s out there (and you know who you are!!) who would like a little night time running over challenging terrain, then maybe next year we could get a team together and run as a group. You could even stop overnight at Henderson Hall if you felt a bit pooped afterwards! ‘
Thanks, Julie

Stuart Brown’s addition to Julie’s report
‘ I still can’t believe Julie and I were out for almost 5 hours to get round the 19 mile Sleepwalker course. The weather was perfect (for the end of November), the evening mist quickly disappeared leaving a clear sky and temperatures soon dropped to well below freezing. Some of the cinder tracks through the forestry plantations were brilliant and we made good time. Other parts of the course were just like ‘running’ along boulder strewn river beds and would have been near impossible in the day light, suicidal by torch light.
As a matter of pride we made a point of navigating ourselves round the course, rather than just following the lights in front. We are sure this race would appeal other MJ’s looking for a bit of adventure and is likely to become an annual event.
Thanks Julie for a great race and to Bob Cartwright and ‘Backpacking Light’ for the equipment. ‘
Thanks, Stuart

Malvern Jogger in World and European 100km Championships
IAU 100km World Cup Team Announcement – 4/11/08 from UK Athletics website......
UK Athletics announce the Norwich Union GB & NI team of four to compete at the IAU 100km World Cup on 8 November.
Runners Jeremy Bragg (unattached), Adela Salt (Trentham RC), Emma Gooderham (Malvern Joggers) and Lucy Colquhoun (Carnethy Hill Racing Club) will travel to Tarquinia, Italy to don their GB vests and take on the Ultra distance event.
Bragg (unattached) won the UK 100k Championships in Edinburgh last year and finished 18th at the 2007 100k World Challenge in Holland with a personal best of 7:03.12.
Colquhoun (Carnethy Hill Racing Club), a seasoned long distance runner, currently sits in 34th place in the McCain Power of Ten rankings for the marathon but will make her debut at the ultra distance 100k.
Gooderham (Malvern Joggers) who set a new personal best of 8:03.11 at the Anglo Celtic Plate in May this year and has since improved her times over 10k, 50k and half marathon, finished 39th in the 2008 London Marathon with a personal best of 2:54.51.
Salt (Trentham RC) will compete in her first 100k of the year in Italy, hoping to improve on her last outing at the distance and personal best of 7:54.21. The West Midlands athlete finished 23rd in this year's London Marathon.
33 nations are competing in the IAU 100k World Cup and European Championships which should make for an entertaining and competitive event.
GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND TEAM
MEN - Jeremy Bragg (unattached),
WOMEN
Lucy Colquhoun (Carnethy Hill Racing Club)
Emma Gooderham (Malvern Joggers)
Adela Salt (Trentham RC)

From Emma on Monday the 10th ‘ Just a quick note to say I am still alive! The World 100K was very tough on a hilly and hot course. I went into the race ranked 24th out of a field of approx 90 women who had qualified for this event from 33 countries. I finished around 12th-14th I think (it was dark in the latter stages and we haven't had the official results yet) and 6th in the European race that was staged at the same time. Up to 75K I was around 7th (I was 4th up to around 45K!), but in the latter quarter of the race I suffered heat exhaustion which was quite unpleasant to say the least. After being given salts and lots of fluids I was determined not to give up and staggered home from then on. It was without a doubt the hardest thing I have had to endure! It was so hard that when I finished I took one step on the finish line and could not go a step further. My coach had to carry me away! My time was 8 hours and 10 minutes. 2 other British ladies qualified and ran. One came in just before me (passed me as we approached the finish, around 200m from the end!) in 8.09 and the other lady in around 9.22. The only male GB athlete had to withdraw due to exhaustion. 5 male athletes also went out representing England (they had not got a GB qualifying time but could go with an England qualifying time) All of these men finished, 3 before and 2 after me. It is 6 am and I am just going to bed now. I don't think I'll make running club today. Emma ‘
And from Emma on Wednesday 12th...... ‘ I am sort of back to normal today and a light bike ride and 3 mile run seemed OK. If you want any pictures of me at the race, Adela Salt from Trentham RC has done a cracking report on their website, which includes photos. Her report is inspirational. Her partner took lots of photos of the race. There is a good one of me and team mate Lucy at the finish. The GB girls were so supportive and it was an honour to be running with them and for my country! ‘

The Great Britain team with Emma second from the right

Here’s the report from Emma’s teammate Adela Salt from Trentham RC
‘ Well, after a year of preparing for this race, things didn’t quite go to plan and I left Italy somewhat disappointed but relieved that it was all over. It’s been a strange week, and for one reason or another, I’ve found it difficult to focus on the race – Lizzy Hawker withdrawing from the team due to injury, Lucy being added at the last minute despite never having ran 100km on the roads before, myself not sure whether I should be running or not…..plus lots of other things happening at home and at work in the few days before we left.
But I went anyway with full intentions of doing my best, and following the flag parade through the cobbled streets of the ancient town of Tarquinia, I felt a little more positive and confident about the race.
Saturday morning…race day. We were up at 5.30am for breakfast before we headed north by coach to Tuscania where the race started. The morning was sunny but cool although the weather forecast warned of higher than normal temperatures later on in the day. The route was supposed to be mostly flat with some undulations, and consisted of 37km on a straight road followed by 4 x 14km loops, and then a final stretch of 7km along the road
back to Tarquinia which included an uphill finish something akin to New Inn Lane.
However, the course profile was somewhat deceiving, and the continuous ups and downs over the first 20 miles or so took many of the runners by surprise. It had also warmed up quite considerably, and I found myself drinking my bottles dry at every 5km feeding station, and even that didn’t feel enough.
The route took us along country roads, and it really was quite picturesque, with mountains overlooking Tarquinia in the distance to the left, and the sea sparkling in the sunshine to the right.
I was running well, feeling good, and was lying in about 6th position in the ladies race but then, on one of the long down hills at around 30km, the foot started to throb and it felt like a hot iron was being pushed into my heel. With over 40 miles still to run, I began to wonder whether I should continue given the pain I was feeling.
By the time I had arrived at the loop section, I was still ahead of my target time, but the foot was getting worse and I could feel myself slowing. I gritted my teeth and tried to keep the momentum, but other women started to pass me, and before long, my team mate Lucy came up behind me. By now I was limping, and I had only just reached half way (31 miles!), and the look of concern on Lucy’s face left me with a huge dilemma. This was the first time for a few years that Great Britain had sent a full ladies team to the World 100k and I didn’t want to let them down. However, I was in pain and wanted to do the sensible thing.
Lucy was about to walk with me, but I urged her to carry on and not to worry about me – I still wanted her to do well no matter what happened to me.
I reached the next feed station where some of the GB support team were and they made me take off my shoe and stretch out the foot. It was at this point that I heard that our sole male contender – Jez Bragg – had been forced to drop out of the race and I felt absolutely gutted for him. He’s a fantastic person, and a fantastic runner, but he just felt that he wasn’t running well enough on the day to justify continuing.
Although I felt like I wanted to follow Jez’s lead, the support team persuaded me to continue to the next feed station and for the next 3 miles or so, I ran/jogged. It was there that I saw Andy for the first time since the race had started, and whilst I just wanted to run over to him and quit, something in me made me carry on for yet another lap.
The next lap went by in a blur, and I was still hobbling along. It got to the point where I threw away my Garmin as I didn’t want to know how much I was slowing down, running without a watch and just concentrating on getting from one feed station to the next.
More and more people were passing me and I had words of encouragement from all of them – Russians,
Italians, French, German, Australians, Americans, Canadians – no matter where they came from, there was this sense of understanding amongst all the runners, and the need to support and encourage each other through the tough times in the race.
I had no idea how long I had been running and suddenly realised that it was starting to get dark. Giant tea lights had been lit along the route to guide those still running as there were no street lights.
I now needed to shout out to the support team when I was approaching as it was too dark to see anybody. It felt like I was speeding up as it got darker, a combination of not being able to see where the hell I was going, and being in a trance just following the candles at the side of the road in what was otherwise pitch black.
The last lap arrived, and I knew then that I would finish, and when I went past the 90km marker, I cheered and raised my arms, only to feel really embarrassed when I almost collided with another runner that I hadn’t spotted in the dark. I knew the finish was uphill, and I had made a vow to myself before the race that no matter what happens, I would NOT walk in the last mile.
True to my word, I kept going even though I was hungry, I was dying for a cup of tea, and I was tired. My foot was still aching, and just in case that wasn’t enough, my shoes had kindly given me huge blood blisters under both my
big toes that had got bigger and bigger as time went by and started to resemble a hammer attack.
The finish in Tarquinia was a fantastic setting and we had expected the streets to be lined with spectators when we finished. It had taken me so long to get to the finish though, that many had already left, so it was quite a lonely run in to the town. I tried to avoid looking at the clock as I crossed the line but I spotted it and was gutted – 9 hours 20 minutes – an hour and a half slower than my PB. I half expected to cry and be really upset, but it made me laugh.
I was in so much pain by now both from a sore heel and the blisters that nothing could be much worse. Yes I was disappointed, but I’ve lived to tell the tale. We had also finished a full team, and unbelievably, we had come 4th in the European championship, just missing out on a bronze medal.
My team mates Emma and Lucy did fantastic, finishing in 12th and 13th position in around 8.10, and they were there at the finish to give me a big hug as they had been so worried about me.
I should also mention that local chap Brian Cole of Stoke AC was the first British man to finish and actually won the open race in around 7.30. He mentioned afterwards that it was thinking of his little baby girl – Sofia – that had helped him get through when he started to struggle.
It’s been a brilliant experience running for Great Britain again, but I have no idea whether I will run another ultra as at the moment, I feel tired from all the training and the long races I’ve done in the past 2 years. I’m a firm believer in bouncing back and being positive, and I know that I will be back and will be more mentally stronger than ever before. But for now, I’m just going to take things easy, enter a couple of local races, and get back my confidence
and motivation for the sport I love.
Thanks to everybody once again for all your support, but most of all, thanks to Andy for being so patient!! “

Suicide 6, 16/11/08 by Phil Jackson
“ As we (me, Nick H and Steve R) drove up towards the Baggeridge Country Park the weather did not look very encouraging. In fact, it was pouring and the prospect of all that mud was not very inviting. Still, at least it wasn't freezing and it was unlikely that it would snow, like last year. The start of the race was a bit chaotic as the starter forced us to move further and further back, first up the hill, then down the other side so that when we did eventually start, we had a steep, grassy bank to negociate staright away. Although the rain eased off, as usual the start was slow as we queued along the initial narrow tracks. Things opened out as we climbed up the steep muddy slope to the top of the first ridge and then dashed down the other side. Going up and going down, there were a lot of heavy falls as runners with road shoes on lost their footing on the treacherous, muddy slopes (nothing the Inovs couldn't cope with says he smuggly). One big bloke immediately on my right crashed down heavily and as he did so he stuck his left arm out to save himself smacking me hard on the chest and ripping my number off my Joggers top (now with added holes where the safety pins were torn out). The run continued through fierce, shoe-sucking mud and looped its confusing way around the park. At one point I was alarmed to be faced by another runner coming very fast in the opposite direction. Who is this fool? I thought, as I quickly got out of his way. It took me a while to realise that he (and those following him) were the race leaders. Later, after the water crossing (deeper, this year; up to the nethers!) there were many others running in the opposite direction but they didn't look much like athletes. How could such people be ahead of me? I thought. Again, it took me a while to realise that these runners were in fact behind me and somehow we were now retracing our steps along the original route. I find the course that bewildering. I just concentrate on the patch of mud/water immediately in front of me. Finally, I made it up the steps and thankfully sprinted down the grassy bank to the finish. Initially I was really pleased with my time which was 3 minutes faster than last year. Then I realised that the course was over half a mile shorter - they had cut out the most boring bit where you run across some flat grass parkland. Overall, it was a fantastic race with a magic atmosphere. The only downside was that there were only 4 Joggers there. Where were the rest of you? Nick finished first of us (of course), then me, Steve (still suffering with his chest infection but still running) and Julie. All of us muddy, wet, tired but happy! A great race and definitely a must for next year!! Yours, Phil “
Thanks, Phil

Suicide 6, 16/11/08 by Steve Roode
‘ Phil Jacko, Nick Hitchings, Julie Casely and I took the challenge, Phil was complaining about his leg problem and I was still coughing my head off so just finishing was going to be our main priority, brief discription - Mud, Mud, and more mud plus the water crossing (which was warmer than the last time I did it) I also finished about a minute quicker than last time and I had to take it steady - but Jacko still beat me - well done mate. Rich Traitor Walsh was also there in his other club colours and did a time of about 40 mins. Many thanks to Nick for driving, one to book for next year.’
Thanks, Steve

Suicide 6, 16/11/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ Points galore were on offer at this mornings event but as it happened only 5 Malvern Joggers turned up. Perhaps last weeks 9.5 miles of mud and water at the Sodbury Slog was enough to last most people a life time!! ()or at least a year). The weather at this years Suicide 6 was was much milder than last year when we experience snow and barely above freezing temperatures. The course this year was still as muddy and hilly but runnable and the water crossing seemed a little deeper but I managed to keep my footing (unlike Richard who, I understand, virtually swam across!!) Finishing order was Richard Walsh, Nick Hitchings, Phil Jackson, Steve Roode and myself (55:59) ‘
Thanks, Julie

Sodbury Slog, 20/11/08 by Chris Barker
I took a look at the weather forecast the evening before which showed a lot of rain over Chipping Sodbury but this was due to move out of the area by 11am and I thought, good, because this is going to be hell if it’s wet. So much for the weather forecast.
I’ve been avoiding this race for years but Clare Hill sold to me last Summer as we did a Wednesday night run in the Callow End area. She said it was the best fun ever but alas no Clare due to injury. I thought about putting my place up for grabs but that would be wimping out so there was only one thing for it.
At least it wasn’t raining at the start although it was very cold and winding. It’s held every year on Rememberance Sunday and doesn’t start until the customary prayer, last post and minutes silence. Prior to this the MJs gathered together nearly all of whom were in the green and yellow except Mr Sundance in his Mankini. This is a rather sparse looking garment as worn by Borat in the film of the same name. Let’s just say there wasn’t much of so if I was feeling the cold, Paul definitely was. Last year aparently Darth Vader took the eye. We didn’t see him this year, there again I don’t think anyone would have noticed him. As I was stood next to Paul pre-race one of the other runners shook his hand and said something like ‘fair play mate you’ve got more nerve than I have’
Then it was out on to the road outside Chipping Sodbury School to start the race. People ahead of me were already running. Were they running to the start or had it already began. So we started running and made our way through the town centre and off into the countryside.
Knowing that there was some really deep water (and some serious mud) to come, I thought long and hard about wearing the Garmin and also said to myself ‘ I must not fall over’ but before we were 2 miles into it I did exactly that and plunged into a bottomless pit of the stuff. I put my left hand out to avoid going over completely but this was the one with the Garmin on the wrist which was then covered with about 2 inches of mud but I stopped washed it off in a nearby puddle and pleased to see it still working. Fall number 2 was in a very deep muddy water-filled ditch about 4 miles in. I could have used the ropes at the side but decided to gung-ho it through the middle. It was a bad idea as I lost my footing again and made lots of drowning noises only to be retrieved by nearby MJ Duncan. Thanks for that Duncan. Next came what I think was the low point of the race where we came to a halt and joined a queue to get over a stile in single file. Not good when it’s very cold, raining heavily and there are 1,300 runners. This was preceded by running around the outside of a very large field on soil that had the consistency of clay.
Following that there was a few miles of reasonably flat running on varying terrain until we come to the feature of the race which is where most of the spectators gather... to watch as many runners as possible fall over in the long trench, ditch or whatever it is where the water level is up to your chest if you are a bit vertically-challenged like me. This was where I encountered fall number 3 just managing to keep my head above water.
I finally made it through to the finish in 1.41 and the total distance measured 9.73 miles. Then it was ‘after you with the hosepipe.’ All finishers received a goody bag, long-sleeved t-shirt and banana.
Would I do it again? We’ll see what the weather’s doing but I have to be honest and say that it didn’t live up to it’s reputation having been voted the second best race in the country after the London Marathon in a recent survey.
MJ’s taking part...... Nick Hitchings, Mark Cusack, Paul & Judy Newman, me, Julie Caseley, Steve Roode, Duncan & Jayne Cresswell, Roger Brierly and Peter Cowling. Apologies if I’ve missed anyone.
So when’s the next outing for the Mankini then Paul? The AGM? No, I don’t think that’s a good idea!

Sodbury Slog, 20/11/08 by Steve Roode
‘ I did this last year and found it pretty easy, however the overnight down pour soon changed my view of it, Very Wet, Very Muddy and Very Cold. 10 minutes slower than last year although the course was slightly different, highlight for me was seeing so many MJ's for an event that was a fair distance away, Paul Mankini's juggling act, and Pete's after race shower - Brilliant. Thanks to Yvonne for driving. Cheers, Steve ‘
Thanks, Steve

Sodbury Slog, 20/11/08 by Jayne Cresswell (or as she calls it ‘News From The Back’
‘ What a fantastic race! I enjoyed every bit of this race and would recommend it to all. I ran it in a time of 2:25:57 which I am really pleased with as my goal was 2:30 and considering 978 people had gone before me and churned up all the mud, so I had a more difficult run than the rest of you, I think I did really well J I used to run cross country league races back in the late 90’s for West Bromwich Harriers ladies team, and the only reason that I had to run was that we were a small athletic club with few ladies- otherwise they wouldn’t have dreamed of asking me! I always came last by a very long margin, sometimes so last that they had even packed the course in and there would be my Dad and another waiting for me to hand in my disc. But I loved it and this race took me back (although we never had to go through so much water!) Those who remembered those days would tell you that I would find the muddiest, wettest bit of the course and would return home black. Well on this one I went through all the water and mud, even the long stretch of water – which meant I spent a large amount of it on my bottom with water up to my neck. I loved it, I loved it, I loved it. Definitely one for next year.
PS Duncan ran 1:42:17, then spent the rest of the time in the freezing cold waiting for me to cross the line – is that love or what! Jayne Cresswell ‘
Thanks, Jayne

Snowdonia Marathon 25/10/08 by Richard Walsh
‘ went up with stu brown the night before to tackle this epic.
by time we registered on sat morning we already realised we were in for total madness, with gale winds and rain! however, this did not prevent a spectacular day and race for all. i even had to resort to wearing a t-shirt
in a race for the first time in years!
As expected the first 4 miles gave a challenging climb but on fresh legs this wasnt a problem. just like 3 times up the wyche! being a natural strong downhill runner i probably got over excited
from miles 4-10 and went a little too fast. as told, the course got far more challenging in the second half. felt a bit of a slowdown but nothing drastic until mile 21 where i was forced to walk for a bit. here there was a climb that felt as bad as going up the old wyche road. after consuming extreme amount of jelly beans i found a second wind and got back to vagualy respectable pace in last 2 miles. clocked 3:30.02 (pretty much what id expected for this course) many congrats to other mjs for great performances. ruth 3.18, stuart 3.56, and julie 4.15 back next year i hope! ‘
Thanks, Rich

Snowdonia Marathon 25/10/08 by Stuart Brown
‘ Just in case the others don’t get home in time tomorrow here’s a short report for the 2008 Snowdonia Marathon on Saturday. It was without doubt the most difficult race I have done, but at least it wasn’t in the Lake District and 99% of it was on road. Google TDL.Ltd for the results.
The wind was strong from the time we arrived in Llanberris and apart from a few sheltered parts of the course it didn’t let up and just got stronger as the day went on. Quite literally some of the gusts stopped you in your tracks. There was a little rain before the start but then it got progressively wetter and wetter through the day. The weather was simply awful. I ran the race in hat, gloves and water proof and wasn’t over dressed.
Ruth Johnstone ran brilliantly and finished in 3hrs 30, she was the 2nd lady to finish and 49th overall.
Richard Walsh finished in 3hrs 30, I managed 3hrs 56, taking 56minutes run the last 5 miles up and over the last ‘hill’.
Julie Caseley ran well and was home in 4hrs 16mins.
I’m sure the others will have lots more to say. Stuart ‘
Thanks, Stuart

Snowdonia Marathon 25/10/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ Paul and I travelled to lovely Snowdonia on Friday to register for the Snowdonia Marathon at Llanberis. Then it was off to lunch at “good value for money” Pete’s Café. We then drove around the course to see what I’d let myself in for. From about 21 miles was up a dead end road and then off road completely so I just had to imagine what was up
there!! We then went to the hotel in Bangor to reflect and crash out.
The weather on Saturday morning was exactly as the forecast had been saying for quite a few days – wet and windy. We drove to Llanberis and decided to walk the 40 mins to the start rather than using the bus as we had plenty of time and it wasn’t raining at that point. Needless to say, it did start to rain and I got a little wet and the half hour wait before the start made me feel quite cold even though I was wearing all the right stuff, ie. Waterproof, etc.. Anyway, after a slight delay we were off. I saw Ruth and Stuart before the start and Richard was also in the mix there somewhere – Paul’s got photos of him racing off at the start.
The course itself was lovely with a taxing uphill first 4 miles and then some nice downhill sweeps that seemed to go on forever before the inevitable uphill began again. Although the wind and driving rain was mostly in our favour, sometimes it turned against us and running proved very hard work. The hardest part of the course was from about 21 miles where it climbed and climbed to go over the exposed hill, with a very strong side wind, and then we were running on an uneven grassy downhill section before rejoining the tarmac which was very steep with a strong
tailwind – extremely scary to keep control and quite hard on the legs at this stage of the race. All that training running up and down the Beacon paid off, I think!! Then it was back into Llanberis and on solid, relatively flat ground – again, that last mile always seems to be the longest. I felt extremely fit and well all the way round and finished strongly and was pleased with my 4:15:07 time as I thought I would be nearer 4:30.
Well done to Ruth Johnstone who finished in 3:18 and was 2nd lady (and got the Vet 40 prize!), to Richard Walsh who finished in about 3:30 and to Stuart Brown who finished in just under 4 hours. I really enjoyed this race but I did promise Paul it would be a “one off”!! Regards, Julie ‘
Thanks, Julie

Stroud Half Marathon 26/10/08 by Phil Jackson
‘ I got a bit worried as I drove into Stroud in the pouring rain as I could see no signs at all that there was a race going on. Had I got the day wrong? Eventually I saw a sign into a car park which even though it was over an hour before the start, was full. I managed to abandon the car between two skips and made my way over to the start. The facilities at the start were great, lots of things to look at, changing rooms, massive queue for the toilets, queue for the baggage tent, mud, lots of mud. It was good and the whole thing was seriously well organised. The start was divided up into start zones based on your own predicted time so I started at the back in the last zone which was for runners expecting to do 1 hour 45 minutes plus. I spent the first mile dodging through the slower runners who had taken absolutely no notice of the instructions at all so it was a bit of a slow start and that probably cost me a better time. The run itself is through pleasant countryside to the west of Stroud and miraculously the rain had stopped just before the start although it was pretty wet under foot. The marshalling was superb and the traffic was really tightly controlled, especially along the A38 which was the only incline on the course. There was a great atmosphere, lots of friendly people running and crowds of vocal supporters along the route. The only bit I didn't like much was the mile plus loop through an industrial estate. As you entered the loop you met faster runners coming out. I expected to see Katie, Graham, John and Andy (oops, I mean Steve R no. 1) but apart from seeing big Steve O at the start I didn't see another MJ all the way round. I didn't see either of the two Steve Roodes who were taking part, which was a disappointment, especially as one of them recorded an exceptionally fast time. I was quite pleased with my time of 1.44.34 and given the high quality of the whole thing I shall definitely try again next year. Yours, Phil ‘
Thanks, Phil

Stroud Half Marathon 26/10/08 by Jayne Ackroyd
‘ I arrived in Stroud to find the weather there was a little better than the heavy rain we left in Malvern, and in the end it turned out to be a reasonably dry race. I saw Phil, Carl, Graham, Katie, Vikki, Andy L at various points before and during the race, but I know there were other MJs there as well. The race organisation was very good, except for the pitiful number of loos which meant the trees at the bottom of the field were made considerable use of! The course itself, whilst not completely flat, is certainly no more than gently undulating, and the climb up the A38 between 6 and 7 miles was barely noticeable - certainly not to a Malvern Jogger in the same month as the Beacon race ! Thanks to Vikki for the exuberant vocal support as I approached the finish line, but less thanks to the announcer who as well as giving the finishers name over the tannoy, felt compelled to add the running category - "Jayne Ackroyd, over 40" is entirely accurate, is not really the best billing I've ever had ! Anyway cutting to the chase, I'm delighted to say that I finished in a new PB of 1:55:52, which is three and a half minutes faster than my previous best on this same course 3 years ago Yippee ! I may well be sipping a celebratory glass of champagne as you read this ...... Cheers, Jayne ‘
Thanks, Jayne

Birmingham Half Marathon 26/10/08 by Duncan Cresswell
‘Jayne and I completed Birmingham’s first half marathon today, which was (despite a few teething problems) a good event.
The car journey was fine until the final 2 miles. It took us 25mins to travel 1 mile, so with 15mins to go until the lorries would be setting off for the city centre, we dumped the car and walked the rest – we had 2 mins spare!
With our luggage on their way, we picked up a bottle of water, although isotonic drinks were also available, and sipped them in the queue to the loos. With bladders emptied we waited for the off, which was delayed by nearly half an hour.
Despite the large crowd (nearly 7000 competitors), I was able to set off at the pace I wanted too without any push, shove and trips. I ran comfortably (ish) for the first 7.5 miles (apart from a stop at 2miles to water a bush and again at 5 miles!), then began to get slower even though I was working just as hard. Thoughts of hitting the wall were entering into my head, but then at the 8 mile mark, isotonic drinks were available. 5mins later, I was running at a reasonable pace again.
The last 2 miles were supposedly “downhill”, but coming from Malvern, we know the difference between a downhill and a very slight descending incline. However, it was much appreciated. With the finish at Centenary Square in sight and the crowd cheering away, I had no sprint left (as per usual) but came away with a decent time. I was aiming to get less than 2 hours, as I got 2:08 in the Acorns and 2:15 in the Gloucester this year. My Garmin recorded 1:54:50, but it stopped automatically when I had to relieve my bladder on the two occasions. The official time was 1:57:55.
At the finish there was a foil blanket to keep warm, water and isotonic drinks and the goody bag, which included a t-shirt and a decent medal. It was quick and easy to pick up my bag from the lorry too, then I just watched the big TV screen to see Jayne sprint across the finish with a big smile on her face.
All in all, it was a great event. We had to wait nearly 30 mins for a coach to take us back to the stadium, but at least it wasn’t raining – just really cold!
I would recommend it, especially as there were drink stations every 2 miles, but it was a lot harder than I expected it to be. I would do it again, but next year I shall do the Stroud for the first time if it falls on the same day. ‘

NEWS FROM THE BACK (by Jayne)
This race was harder than expected but the aim was to complete it faster than Acorns hopefully under 2hrs 30. At about 4 miles I met another Malvern runner and asked if he ran for the joggers. He said he couldn’t do Wednesdays so I told him about the Sunday runs. He seemed keen as he is doing the London Marathon in 2009 – so maybe a new recruit! At about 7 miles another man approached and asked me if I had walked all the way – the only thing was I was running so I was a bit put out by that encouraging remark. I struggled at 11 miles and looking at my watch worked out I had to do 11 minute mile pace to beat my time and considering I had been running at 12 mile pace and was getting slower I didn’t think I would make it. I pushed on and kept my fingers crossed. Then I saw it – the finish line – had I got it in me to sprint to the end? I did and thankfully ran it in 2:29:14. My problem after running this distance is I think my legs go into shock and the pain after is unbelievable. I can’t sit, walk stretch or do anything with my legs for about an hour after – so any suggestions to solve this would be greatly appreciated. Unfortunately I wasn’t first lady home for the Malvern Joggers as Merie Eglesfield-Hope participated and ran a time of 1:49:31 but at least I can say I was second! ‘
Thanks, Duncan and Jayne

Bells of Pattingham 19/10/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ Eric and I flew the Malvern Joggers flag at the 19th running of the Bells of Pattingham this morning. The course was a single, undulating lap of 7 miles which covered various surfaces including tarmac, grass, farm tracks, woodland and open fields (not to mention a small amount of mud). As usual the course was very well marshaled and all finishers
received a commemorative horse brass and a slice of harvest cake as well as hot and cold drinks. The presentation was, as usual, very slick and on time. I finished in a time of 1:01:14, about a minute faster than my best time, with Eric finishing a couple of minutes behind me.
Hope everyone enjoyed the Stroud and Cardiff Half Marathons ‘
Thanks, Julie

Brussels Marathon Sunday 5 October 2008 by Jonathon Green
‘ Brussels seemed like a straightforward option for a city marathon outside the UK, just an easy, relaxing journey on Eurostar away. Unfortunately, it didn't quite turn out that way. First we had some chaos at St Pancras to contend with due to the channel tunnel fire, then on top of that a general strike in Belgium on Monday meant that we had to change our return travel plans and come back on Sunday evening just 5.5 hours after the race. To cap that, the morning of the race was cold, very wet and very windy.
The race itself was relatively small, friendly and well run. The marathon had just under 1,200 finishers, but there was also a half marathon that set off 1.5 hours later with just over 3,000 finishers. The marathon course was the same as the half marathon with the addition of a half marathon loop and effectively both races finished together. Both races started in Cinquantenaire Park and finished in the Grand Place. The route took us through city streets and parks, past embassies and assorted Euro buildings and then out and back on a 20km plus excursion into the countryside. The course wasn't as flat as expected and had a couple of challenging, long steady gradients in the last quarter. Drinks stations were plentiful being every 2.5km, alternating between energy drinks and water at one station and sponges, water and bananas at the next. I finished 338th in 3:33:20 and was very pleased considering my build up had been less than ideal. Particularly pleasing was that I ran the second half 7 minutes quicker than the first and was still going strong at the finish. My fellow runner Jim from Bewdley finished 267th in a very respectable 3:27:01.
The girls (our supposed fan club) had a great time in the fantastic chocolate shops and in the cafés (especially those serving delicious hot chocolate and waffles). They managed to find the Mannequin Pis, but somehow managed not to find the marathon course at 2km after the start to see us as planned. However, they were there at the finish to cheer us over the final 20m!
Overall, a very enjoyable event, and a great city to visit’.
Thanks, Jonathon

Great North Run 2008 by Phil Jackson
‘ We stayed the Saturday night with my sister-in-law (a veteran of 16 GNRs) in Darlington and this meant getting up at the ungodly hour of 5.15 am to catch a special coach leaving at 6.45. The coach took us straight to the start where we arrived, rather bemused at 8. I had been told that the worst part of the run was the toilet facilities but there seemed to be toilets everwhere which was just as well since they seemed to be getting a great deal of use. Although beautifully sunny it was freezing cold as we tried to find the right baggage bus for our numbers - the line of double deckers stretching away into the far distance. I made my way down to my start zone hoping there was somewhere where I could do a bit of a warm-up run (there wasn't) and joined the throng of runners already there. To my consternation I was joined a little later by Andy Milton. Andy in the same zone as me? One of us was definitely in the wrong place! It gradually warmed up and I began to get tense as the start slowly drew closer. Eventually we began to shuffle forward and then over the chip mat and we were off. Andy sprinted off into the distance and I never saw him again. I got my head down and just got on with it thus missing all the celebreties on the starting podium. Occasionally I did become aware of things such as we were actually running on a motorway and there seemed to be an identical race going on in the adjacent carriageway; there was a tunnel; there was a big bridge; somewhere I passed the Caseleys and at one point some red RAF jets flew over us. There were thousands and thousands of runners; they got in the way; there were elbows to be dug in the ribs by, legs to be tripped over, slow runners to avoid, fast runners to cut you up; oh, and there was music, some of which seemed to be quite good. At one point there was about half a mile of large speakers about 10 meters apart blasting you with hip-hop or something vile and I was very glad when I left them behind. There were no real hills to speak of (not like ours anyway) but there were roundabouts which we ran round (later runners just went straight over them), and plenty of water stations, shower tents (which gave you a gentle misting of water) and Lucozade stations. And crowds of people all along the route, shouting, cheering, clapping and urging everybody on. Eventually, with about 2 miles to go we got off the dual carriageway and into the more leafy surroundings of South Shields. Down the steepish slope and onto the sea front. The twelve mile marker was very welcome, then the last kilometer, 800 metres, 400 metres, 200 meters, FINISH! God, it was a long way between those markers; the 800 and 400 meter markers seemed at least a mile apart! There were still crowds of runners round me and as a we went through the 12 miles one of them said 1.34 so I knew I was on for a PB. I really went for that last mile finishing in 1.43.23 (4075th). The baggage buses were right where they were supposed to be but Sheila wasn't and all the mobile systems were busy. It took an hour for us to find each other in the crowds, hours to find the sister-in-law, hours to get back on to the A1 South and hours to get to Darlington. And I missed the pub with Andy, Steve, Julie et al. Still, there's always next year! I'm used to small rural races so this all came as a bit of a culture shock - Upton Bishop (66 runners) one week, Great North Run (52,000 runners) the next. What a contrast. ‘
Thanks, Phil

Great North Run 2008 by Julie Caseley
‘ We had a lovely journey to Middlesbrough last Saturday to visit friends before travelling up to Newcastle in the evening ready for the GRN on Sunday. The whole hotel seemed to be taken over by fit looking young (mostly) men.
We had a 30 minute walk to the start line which wasn’t difficult to find as we just followed the other 52,000 runners doing exactly the same thing. Putting bags on the baggage buses was interesting as everyone had to do their own so it was a case of getting on then battling your way off against the crowds who were trying to get on.
We then made our way to the start area where the only person I recognised warming up was Jo Pavey. We accidentally elevated ourselves into the wrong pen but decided to stay as no one knew until we whipped off our Malvern District Council bin bags but by then it was too late to do anything about it as we were off. By this time Paul had already deserted us to take up his position with camera the other side of the Tyne Bridge.
It only took us a couple of minutes to cross the start line and Paul called to say he was in position on the right hand side under a tree! It was a slow jog start which suited us fine as I’d already done a 23 mile long run the previous Tuesday and wanted to take it easy.
Unfortunately, I lost Samantha at about 10.5 miles so decided to leg it to the finish to try and finish in under 2 hours – I managed it with 26 seconds to spare. Samantha finished in 2:09:04.
The weather was brilliant and the crowds enthusiastic with loads of cheering children and live bands as well as a ½ miles stretch of loudspeaker inspirational music to lift the spirits about 2/3 of the way round.
Needless to say, at the finish the only baggage bus with a queue was mine, so I stood for about 40 minutes being well entertained by the Red Arrows. We then met up with other MJ’s in the Sand Dancer for a well deserved drink and sit down. Even getting back to Newcastle and the hotel involved even more walking and queuing – thank goodness I hadn’t done a marathon! A fantastic event but still only a one-off.’
Thanks, Julie

Beacon Race, 11/10/08 by Richard Walsh
‘ Well, i think it might be fair to say this may be the worst race iv ever had in my running life! something every runner goes through at some point i guess, and not long after one of my best ever races 2 wks ago! suppose the downs
make the ups all the more special! up to the zig zag track all was going as usual as id done in training. from st.anns well to the end of the race just didn’t feel right. one of those days where you seem to be putting in the effort and
nothing gels, im sure we've all had it! by the goldmine i had a feeling of disorientation! it crossed my mind a few times to drop out but encouragement from passing mj's kept me going. a special thanks in particular to andy blannin
for moral support! so crossed the line eventually in around 56th place i think and just under 55 mins. i also apologise for a quick disapperance and not chatting to fellow runners in my depressed state of mind! i look forward to talking to as many of you as possible about how you got on next wed.‘
Thanks, Rich

Hope Valley 8, 12/10/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ After doing this race for the first time in May 2007, I would not have recommended it to anyone as the facilities were non existent, i.e. no toilets, and the marshalling left a lot to be desired in the fact that one was missing and we failed to run 1 ½ miles of the course around Haugh Wood. However, I signed up again this year to run what I missed
last year (hopefully) and to see if any improvements had been made – a risk, I know, but I was willing to take it!!
When I first arrived I was relieved (so to speak) to see a portaloo and the course map showed 20 marshals. A vast improvement on last year already so I was quite confident to start. The weather was fantastic too, again, a lot better than last year and there were plenty of British Red Cross on the course as opposed to a 16 year old boy on a horse! Also last year, there were only 16 entrants and this year there were 59, one of which was Lucy Prosser – neither of us expected to be competing against another MJ but it was lovely to see her before the Dublin Marathon in 2 weeks’ time.
The course was very challenging (hilly) and a little muddy in places but absolutely brilliant – the marshals were cheerful and all in position and the run around Haugh Wood was lovely so now I would definitely recommend it for anyone who fancies a morning out the day after the Beacon Race!
I finished 5th female in a time of 1:12:53 and Lucy finished about a minute ahead and was 4th female. ‘
Thanks, Julie

Swindon Half Marathon, 12/10/08 by Jayne Ackroyd
‘ Back in July, in a fit of exuberance, I entered both the Swindon and Stroud half marathons for October. It was all part of my quest for my second ever sub-2hr half marathon. At the time, I really did fully intend to do a proper 12 week training programme with speed work and everything......... Ah well !
Then, later on, I realised that the Swindon Half was the day after the Beacon run. So obviously, I then did the training for the Beacon run, but ran the Swindon Half! Well, it was quite expensive to enter, and I was born in Yorkshire ..... Anyway, there I am at Swindon - not a Malvern Jogger in sight (all recovering from the Beacon Race), temperature rising by the minute, and conscious of warnings of "steep hills up to the ridge" in the race notes. Memories of the Gloucester Half at Newent sprang to mind and I broke out in a cold sweat. The first 6 miles were pretty much all up hill, a bit of undulation, but definitely a significant net climb. I was very, very thankful for the Beacon run training at this point - being mentally prepared for there always being one more hill was a great advantage. Once up on the
ridge the views were so spectacular it was almost worth it. Then the second half was largely downhill with just a couple of sneaky inclines to keep me on my toes (the one at twelve miles was a bit nasty, but I was definitely
past caring by then) The last 400m down to the finish was a generous downhill, which was a good opportunity to sprint home, looking good for the cameras at the finishing line! I crossed the line with sore feet in 2 hrs 1 minute (sorry Annabel!), which is my second fastest time ever, and given the course and conditions I was pretty pleased, although slightly niggled at being so close to 2 hrs. So - close but no cigar..... the quest continues....... but there's always Stroud.....! ‘
Thanks, Jayne

Good Shepherd Fell Race 27/9/08 by Jon Newey
‘ In honour of Matt Scriven's move to Vet40 status, a bunch of us took to a weekend trip to Yorkshire for ale and fell racing. Included were three Malvern Joggers, Carl Anthony, Neill Williamson and myself.
The weather was fantastic all weekend. On Saturday morning we all ran the Good Shepherd Fell Race. This was 15miles and 2000ft of climbing. Not too tough on paper, but it had a good mix of terrain, including a lot of very open rough ground.
Of the 89 runners, we almost filled the top 5, with Tom 2nd, me 3rd, birthday boy 4th and Stewart 5th. Richard was about 15th and Neil 30th. Carl in his first real fell race came in about 70th after 3 hours. Apparently he'd have got under 3 hours but too many photo stops were had and he "met some women" on the way round!
The winner was miles ahead and was also a vet40, so that meant Matt got the V40 prize in his first race in the category.
To see more of our adventures and some pictures from Anthony Images Limited see http://lardyboy.blogspot.com/2008/09/matt40.html ‘
Thanks, Jon

Berlin Marathon 28/9/09
Richard Walsh - ‘ as far as the organisation was concerned, it was chaotic at the start with no checks as to who was going into what penn, so was surrounded by several block f runners in block e! by the time the elites had started, i was still in a wood trying to scramble over a fence into my penn! however, the run itself was a brilliant experience.
cracking course, atmosphere and scenery. the finish itself is great passing through the brandenburg gate which you can see from a mile off.
i started very slowly due to congestion passing through the 10k mark in 44mins and halfway in 1.31(which is bout 3 mins down on where i was on previous marathons) but i actually realised i was maintaining a very steady and sensible pace and kept the 7 min miling going right through to the finish. previous pb was 3.19 and i knocked a whole 17 mins off to clock 3:02.05 for 1560 place from 36000 finishers.
as soon as i finished i was actually sick but shortly after felt very happy. Definitely feel i am maturing into the distance.’
Thanks, Richard

Roodie – ‘ Well, I have done it a marathon in under 4 hours - not too bad for a 34 year old!!! Highlights for me were the training runs with Steve and the other Joggers that joined us, many thanks to you all. Stu for helping us
both round - what a man!! The free beers with 3 mates in the sunshine after the race, and of course giving Haile a high five. A great trip with good company in a fantastic place. The only down side was the Tequilla!! Bring on Paris??
Thanks, Steve R.

Steve Ollis - I pretty well echo the words that Steve has written above. We had a great build up and the day certainly matched our expectaions. OK, there was a matter of running 26.2 miles on a rather warm Autumn day....but it was a great experience!! (Loads a free beer!!) The night before, we saw SWEET live next to the Brandenberg Gate....songs like 'Love is like oxygen', 'Ballroom blitz' and 'Teenage rampage' had all been well forgotton until that night.
I can recommend this marathon to anyone who is looking for a fast course.....if you want to be prepared an hour earlier than expected, take Stu Brown with you!!
Thanks, Steve O.

Warwickshire Triathlon Race Report 5th Oct by Alison Winwood
‘ So how many of you threw back the curtains this morning on such a wet and miserable day and thought, I know what I need; it's to cycle and run in a wet swimming costume? Not many, and I don't blame you! At 9:30, driving through the pouring rain I did wonder why I was going to Stratford to try my first ever triathlon (400m swim, 23K bike and 5K run).
I had completed several Aquathlons earlier in the year (triathlon without a bike!) so this was the next level. The whole procedure is far more complex than a run; you have to make sure you have the right bag with the right clothes in the right place at the right time or you find yourself swimming in a cycle helmet and running barefoot. Fortunately I'd arrived with plenty of time and the event was delayed so I could faff and panic to my heart's content.
Once I'd started it went really well. The swim was my strongest section and I managed the 16th fastest time of 7:34. From there it was out into the cold so I took my time putting on leggings and gloves and hats and an MJs top of course. Others just jumped on their bikes but I'm sure they were nowhere near as warm and toasty as I was! The cycle went so much better than expected, returning in 1:04:43, that my trusty Coat-Holder-and-Coffee-Drinker (Rob) wasn't around as I swapped to the run.
Phil Jackson would have loved the run. "The mud!! The mud!!" and with nettles on either side there was a lot of incentive to stay upright and not run flat out. I was glad I'd done runs with the MJs before so that my mud tolerance had been raised. It wasn't my fastest 5K but still a respectable 28:42 (not bad for a 10 minuter who usually chats!) and the Holder-of-Coats had reappeared to take the photo as I crossed the line.
Overall I came in 86th in a field of 140 and within half an hour of the winner!! ‘
Thanks, Alison

Upton Bishop Big Dipper – 28/9/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ It was glorious sunshine in Malvern when we left for Upton Bishop but by time we got to the Millennium Hall, the fog had closed in and it was quite cool. However, by the start of the race, the sun had broken through and it turned out to be perfect Eight Malvern Joggers were on the start line. I always make the mistake of forgetting how hard hill running can be under race conditions and this was no exception. The hills were relentless but the downhill bits compensated a little and a downhill finish made a pleasant change.
The finishing order was Nick Hitchings, Julie Marshall, Vikki Sivertsen (who won the FV40 prize), Phil Jackson, Julie Caseley, Chris Barker, Eric Bromage and Samantha Caseley. I finished 13 seconds faster than last year which was quite pleasing. Also, all participants received a very nice embroidered hand towel as a momento.’
Thanks, Julie

Sandhurst 5 Miles, 27/9/08 by Emma Gooderham
‘ On saturday I did the Sandhurst 5 mile race in Gloucester organised by Severn AC. It started at 5.30 at the White Horse Chinese Restaurant (which looks pretty good by the way) and everyone was on there way home at 6.30. Dispite the abuse from the locals who don't appreciate the races and the local travellers hurling stones near our cars I had a pretty good run considering it was only 6 days after the New Forest Marathon. I came home in 29.12, a PB at this distance. This was not enough however to secure first place. I was 3rd lady and 7th overall. I didn't feel too bad though as the winning lady is due to run for GB at half marathon distance soon, and the second lady was Kate Goodhead who kept me on my toes for the first 10 miles of the Malvern half before I broke free, so she is very fast at shorter distances. I won a customary packet of biscuits for my efforts, not bad really considering the entrance fee was only £4. ‘
Thanks, Emma

Stretton Skyline, 14/9/08 by Jon Newey
‘ Three Malvernites headed for Church Stretton last week for the Stretton Skyline fell race, me, Matt Scriven, Richard Lloyd. Also there (as well as 91 others) was former resident Stewart Bellamy and a chap called Chris who introduced himself to me at the start and lives in Barnards Green.
Those who go hashing will know Neil, Anne and Shag who also took part. Shag is doing the Berlin Marathon two weeks after the race (one week away now)! Our own Berlin hopeful Steve Roode declined to take part. Something about it being too hard that close to Berlin. Excuses excuses.
Weather was great, misty cool conditions with the sun just breaking through 2 hours into the race. Course record nearly went with the winner Mike James of shrewsbury in 2h18mins mins, 1 min off the record. I came in 4th in 2h46 having blown up just as the long descent to the finish began. Better than at the bottom of the last climb like last year! Matt was a few minutes back in 6th having struggled like so many on the last climb. Stewart dipped under 3 hours with 2h56mins with Richard just 30 seconds behind. We were all pleased enough with our results having each shaved a tad off previous times (12 mins in Richards case!).
We did not see Shag or Ann at the finish. However, Shag turned up at the hash on Tuesday, looking like he'd come straight from the finish at Church Stretton and full of tales of daring do. He'd got round in 5 hours 30 mins, escorted by Anne and another brave soul. Well done! Berlin will be easy after all that. ‘
Thanks, Jon

Bristol Half Marathon, 14/9/08 by Rachel Samuel
‘ Dave and I ran the Bristol Half on Sun 14th and I'm very pleased to report that not only did we survive but we managed to do it in a fraction over 2 hours (D - 2:00:45, R - 2:01:01). The reason I'm pleased is that our only run for weeks was the 5-miler from Castlemorton last week. Please do not try this at home, it made for a tough last mile. The weather was perfect - sunny, with a cool breeze - and there was loads of support from the crowds along the way. The route was slightly different from last year which made for a slightly nervous last couple of miles where we were directed past the point I thought we'd be allowed to turn for home.
The organisers this year split the race into two waves, one starting half an hour later. It was a good idea but not without teething troubles as a third of the runners were asked to use a separate location as race HQ, with only 15 toilets provided (eek) and lots of wave 2 runners queuing up in front of wave 1 (grrr). The real gripe came at the end though when 4000 runners discovered that they couldn't get back to their race HQ as access was blocked by the race route. This left us all scurrying across the road, hopping barriers and dodging the runners who were still finishing. Apologies to the organisers if there was a proper way back, but I'm afraid that most of us failed to find it. I will be back next year though, it's one of my favourites. ‘
Thanks, Rachel

Weymouth Jumbled Sprint triathlon 14/9/08 by Barry Hughes
‘ Barry and Alison Hughes competed in the Weymouth Bustinskin Jumbled Sprint Triathlon on Sunday 14 September.
Weymouth hosted both Classic (1500m swim - 40km bike - 10km run) and Jumbled Sprint (800m swim- 6km run- 30km bike) triathlons and after a few weeks of awful weather, Barry and Alison were lucky on race day with almost perfect weather, warm with little wind and calm(ish) sea conditions for the swim.
The sea swim was a first for Alison in a triathlon and for Barry this was his first triathlon event. The water was much warmer than anticipated and the beach start was good experience. The run was fairly flat along the esplanade (although pedestrians had to be dodged!) and the bike leg was through the Dorset countryside, which incorporated several climbs.
The Classic was won by 2007 World Age Group winner Colin Dixon and Tracy Cook (Tri UK), while the Jumbled sprint was won by Iain Noble and Colette O'Neill (Hillingdon Triathletes).
Alison came 5th in the female category (26th overall) in the Jumbled Sprint in a time of 01:48:52 (after taking a wrong turn on the bike leg where she added an extra climb - a valuable lesson for the novice - always familiarise yourself with the route!) Barry came 13th overall and 4th in the swim in a total time of 01:43:05 after suffering badly from a stitch on the run sector. More details on thier times can be found at www.bustinskin.com/results.
This was a great event hosted by the local Fire Service, Paramedics and Police under the banner Bustinskin (www.bustinskin.com) and although there weren't a large number of marshalls on the cycle route (hence Alison's detour!) it was a friendly event with a free BBQ and drinks at the local fire station afterwards. I'd recommend it for anyone interested in doing it next year."
Thanks, Barry

New Forest Marathon, 21/9/08 by Emma Gooderham
‘ I’m just back from the New Forest Marathon. A superbly run event, although the water was a bit scarce. Beautiful scenery but quite undulating and challenging especially in the latter stages when it was also v.hot! Came home 5th overall, 1st lady in a time of 2.53.17. Very pleased with this considering the course and it is a PB for me at the distance beating my London time by well over a minute.’
Thanks, Emma

Noah’s Ark 10k, 21/9/08 by Richard Walsh
‘ No Ledbury chase this year but an alternative advertising 10k was on offer. starting at the worcester countryside centre, this consisted of a 2 lap course consisting of woodland tracks and muddy cross country conditions. although one challenging hill, was generally flat. I surprised myself finishing 2nd in 36.51 so was a faster course than i expected.
Another Malvern local chris davey won about 30 secs ahead and joggers Will Green placed 3rd in 40.07. other joggers had good runs including graham cramp(1st vet 40) and katie morris(1st lady) who both clocked around 44 mins and jill brierly won 1st vet prize also. ‘
Thanks Rich and well done Graham, Katie and Jill

Experian Robin Hood Half Marathon, 14/9/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ At £24.50 this was quite an expensive half marathon but it was extremely well organised, there were more than sufficient and enthusiastic marshals and cheering spectators, plenty of ambulances and first airders (they were needed), regular drinks stations and Lucozade Sport stations and the roads were either cordonned off or closed completely.
We thought the car park near the start was full so opted for the other one about a mile away but as it happened there was plenty of space in the one near the start! Ah well, the walk acted as a warm up beforehand and a cool down afterwards. There were also plenty of portaloos - yes, they'd thought of a number and remembered to double
it!!
The start was a little late but it didn't matter because conditions were perfect. The first cannon started Mick and Phil in the wheelchair event then a few minutes later the masses started. There were about 13,500 runners, most doing the half marathon, some were relay runners and the rest were running the marathon.
The half marathon course was varied in that it twisted and turned a lot and was quite undulating especially in and around the Nottinghmam University campus. The campus itself was lovely but the paths were quite narrow in places which made overtaking difficult. Once we were back out on the road we were able to open up a bit but it was still very congested. I caught up with a couple of guys running in nothing but Speedos so I tucked in behind them for a couple of miles!! I understand the second 13.1 miles is very flat so it might be worth considering this for an autumn marathon next year. Considering the complexity of the course and the few bottlenecks, I was pleasantly
surprised to finish in 1:51:19 with a feeling of still having something left in the tank.
On a more sad note, I saw a young man collapsed at the finish line being attended to by paramedics but have just read on Ceefax that unfortunately he has died. A very tragic end to an otherwise lovely day. Regards, Julie ‘
Thanks, Julie

MALVERN JUGGLERS SCOOP TEAM PRIZE! 7/9/08 By Peter Wilson
Inspired by the performance of Team GB, Team MJ entered the Wolverhampton Half Marathon Relay Challenge to try to give our lady runners some long overdue support in the prize winning stakes.
Weeks of preparation (we even did a reps session in the pouring rain, and it doesn't get much more dedicated than that) led to our trophy hunting fivesome gathering at Morrisons at 7am this morning for some motivational words before a car journey peppered with gems of positive thinking. Even Mark's sat nav was joining in: "Turn left in 100 yards then search for the hero inside yourself".
The race, which set off just ahead of the main half marathon/marathon event, was divided into five stages of between 2.2 and 3.5 miles. Our captain Nick had carefully plotted his running order to put his fastest man (Rich) on the longest leg, his slowest (me) on the shortest one, and him on the final leg to milk the applause - captain's privilege and why not.
Until the race was underway it was unclear how competitive it would be. A winning previous time was 1 hour 15 which we knew was beyond us, but it was felt that if all went well we could maybe do 1 hour 20, which depending on the opposition could put us in with a shout.
Andy B got us under way with a storming first leg, so much so that when he handed over to me he was ahead of the entire field and I had the entirely new experience of being the front runner. Off I went with people looking at me and doing a collective double take at the race apparently being led by a guy in his 40s rather than the sleek specimens they expected to see.
Amazingly, by the time I handed over to Mark not only were we still ahead of everyone, the next relay runner was way behind, and with some of our strongest legs still to come things were already looking good.
Mark ran about 3 miles before handing over to Rich, who flew around his leg before the imaginary baton (in fact a hand slap) passed to Nick who burned off the last 2.2. Only three half marathoners crossed the line before Nick, who completed a team time of 1' 20' 45 that won the relay race by some distance.
It was great to have won and of course we all then thought PRESENTATION? (having all of us long waited for such a moment). No one seemed to know if there was a prize for the relay team, so we hung on to find out and sure enough there was. It was a proud moment as a local DJ announced the success of the Malvern Jugglers! Suddenly our performance looked even better, not only running 13.1 miles quite fast but keeping three balls in the air all the way round.
We walked away with a large engraved glass trophy and £50 in vouchers to complete a very satisfying morning's work. The Malvern Jugglers are already planning to return next year to defend their title when, who knows, we might even have added sword swallowing to our repertoire.
Team MJ: Nick Hitchings (capt), Andy Blannin, Peter Wilson, Mark Cusack and Rich Walsh. Thanks also to Dave Edwards (support driver).’
Thanks, Peter and on behalf of everyone, well done Guys ! - Chris

gloucester county championships 10k race report.3/7/08 by Richard Walsh
‘ me,malvern jogger will green and two other malvern locals chris davey and gregg edwards decided to give this mind boggling race a go at cheltenham athletics stadium. it consisted of a 10k on track meaning 25 laps! conditions were horrible(strong headwind) but despite this we all achieved new personal bests. i finished just ahead of chris in a battle for 2nd place in 36.00 dead. will green achieved a new pb of 38.52 and gregg 40.42. 3 medals to be taken but sadly was not eligable as not a gloucester born athlete or resident. anyone looking for a pb though, you cant get much flatter! ‘
Thanks, Rich

Beacon 10K Road race, 7/9/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ This was the 17th running of this annual road race and the ladies of Malvern Joggers were well represented in the shape of Ruth Johnstone, Katie Morris, myself and Gillian McCann. This was a lovely relatively flat course with only 2 short, sharp hills in the first couple of miles. Although the race HQ was in a fairly small village hall, the ladies of Angels Running Club made tea and coffee as well as a superb selection of home bakes to rival the Upton Bishop Big Dipper spread!!
Approximate finishing times were Ruth 41 mins, Katie 45 mins, myself 51 mins and Gillian 52 mins. The prize presentation was nearly an hour late but well done to Ruth for being 1st Fem Vet 40 and to Gillian for doing a PB.
Also, apparently, MP3 players and iPods are banned under England Athletic rules so my inspirational music had to stay at race HQ and I had to be content with listening to myself huffing and puffing for 10k!! Regards,Julie ‘
Thanks, Julie

Tree Trot 10K, 6/9/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ We travelled through some heavy downpours to get to this race at 6 p.m. but fortunately it stayed pretty dry for us during the run although it was a little splashy in places. The route itself was varied with lots and twists and turns but generally flat. Eleven Malvern Joggers braved the dull conditions. There were 136 runners and in finishing order the MJ's were:-
Jonathan Green 5th, Graham Cramp 13th, Katie Morris 14th (3rd female), John Ashley 22nd
Steve Roode 26th, Phil Jackson 27th, Alison Merley 30th (1st FV45), Steve Ollis 31st
Julie Caseley 37th, Samantha Caseley 50th, Carole Green 119th
The prize presentation did not take place after the event because of the terrible conditions but prizes will be sent through the post. Regards, Julie ‘
Thanks again, Julie

Adidas 5K Womens Challenge B'ham, 7/9/08 by Emma Gooderham
‘ I did my usual and nearly pulled out of this one as I pulled a hamstring during a speed session last saturday. Already deciding not to do the race, I woke up and thought I'd go for a quick 2 miler to see how leg was healing and then go for a bike ride and swim. I did my run, changed into cycle gear and then it started raining, so had breakfast and thought hang on my leg feels fine. So then changed back into running kit and did the Adidas 5K Womens Challenge instead. I made a cautious start to see how my leg was, then stepped up a gear and came in 2nd in a time of 17.37, over a minute quicker than last time. Finally I got to go on stage and got presented with flowers and a silver engraved plate (4th last year). Unfortunately, unlike previous years they did not show the top 3 on TV, so after ringing around my entire family, was disapointed that B'ham didn't even get a mention. On the plus side it was the rain that stopped me cycling so the weather lately does have some (very minor) pluses. ‘
Thanks, Emma

Horse vs Man, Callow, Here ford 31/8/08 by Julie Caseley
This was a horse v. man event and I'm still not quite sure who won!
Anyway, a great time was had by all. The runners started first with horses and riders in hot pursuit at intervals. The first horse passed me at 3 miles but it wasn't until the end of the first lap at 7.5 miles that another 3 galloped by. Half way round the 2nd lap I passed 3 horses, surprisingly, but they were walking and once they'd had their rest, they cantered passed and I never saw them again. For a rural course over grassy tracks, this was a surprisingly flat course with only a few very manageable inclines including one at the finish, needless to say. There was a 100 m section of mud followed a mile or so later by an above the knee high stream crossing which conveniently washed the mud from the shoes. I managed to jump over 2 hay obstacles
on each lap but probably incurred 8 faults for refusing to jump the rustic pole!! I passed a man pushing his son in a wheel barrow twice on the first lap so I was a little perplexed how he managed to pass me without me seeing him - some local knowledge and a short cut or two probably helped!!
This event was organised by Wye Valley Runners and at £15 was a tad expensive but entry fees were donated to Str. Michael's Hospice so it was well worthwhile.
It was lovely to see a fellow MJ at the event in the form of Lucy Prosser who finished in about 2 hrs 15 mins, approximately 5 mins ahead of me.
As far as a long training run was concerned, it was a bit unusual and slightly faster than I would normally have done (9:40 m/m) but, having said that, I had people to catch - isn't it always the way in a race!! Regards, Julie ‘
Thanks, Julie

Malvern Midsummer Marathon, 21/6/08 by Richard Penny
‘ I'm new to the MJs, but ran the Malvern Midsummer Marathon on 21st June. I don't think anyone else did from the club as the Malvern Half was the next day so I have written a quick race report if you think anyone may be interested?
"The Malvern Midsummer Marathon is organised and marshalled by the Bristol and West Branch of the Long Distance Walkers Association. The route is not marked so runners are encouraged to take maps and compasses to accompany the very accurate pace notes. Unfortunately I took neither so had to to stick firmly with the pack as we climbed the Beacon and North Hill in the wet and misty conditions. The field of 151 had a split start to give the walkers an extra hour to get around the 26 miles and 1500m of climbing. This was more akin to the Neolithic Marathon than a quick tarmac foot race.
From North Hill the route went NW to Cradley then looped south on muddy footpaths past Mathon and Colwall to Ledbury where there was a welcome jelly and cake stop. By this time we had overtaken all the walkers and as I ran through virgin nettlebeds in the Broomeberrow Estate I realised why so many runners were in "longs". From Oyster Hill to Chase End and The Gullet the climbs were severe and the navigation was tricky, and for some the lure of the Mountainbike Mayhem event at Eastnor proved irresistible. The pace notes were meticulous but it was easy to miss some of the small paths and lose big chunks of time. Back on the Malvern ridge the weather had cleared and the views from British Camp and Pinnacle Hill banished the memories of the earlier trainer sucking mud/cow pat mix (NB do not use elasticated triathlon laces on a muddy course!).
>From the aptly named Perseverence Hill I had a steep descent to the primary school on the Lower Wyche Road to surprise the organisers (who were inside drinking tea) by getting home first in 4hrs 43mins for a well earned pasty. This was a well organised, fun event more akin to a long orienteer if you are a front runner. Running tights, a map and camelback are all worthwhile investments for anyone looking to run next year. I know I will definitley be back."
Thanks, Richard

Leek Half Marathon, 24/8/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ I really do pick 'em. This morning I was up at 6.15 am and away by 8 and nearly 2 hours later I was at Leek for the 23rd Leek Half Marathon. I did this 2 years ago and I think I must suffer with selective amnesia as I'm sure the hills weren't as steep or as frequent in 2006! Anyway, we got off to a slightly early "prompt" start with no
frivolities. The course was a sort of pan handle so I set off bearing in mind that the first 1/2 mile downhill was therefore also the uphill finish! Then there was 3 miles of uphill of varying degree, i.e. steep or very steep, then a relatively flat bit between mile 3 and 4. The rest was just up, up and more up, 1220 ft of ascent in all up to the Roaches. Felling relieved to be at what I thought was the highest point before a rapid descent, turned out to be more wishful thinking than fact, as the road continued to climb. It was only at about 8 miles that the 3 mile descent began but only down to Meerbrook Reservoir, then there were 2 miles of "undulations2 which involved 2 downhills and 3 uphills - the finish being the toughest of all, probably because I'd given it my all and was knackered!
The organisers suggest adding at least 5 or 6 minutes on to your flat course time for half marathon so I was very pleased to finish in a time of 1:56:08, which was 6 1/2 minutes faster than 2006, far better than my target time of just under 2 hours - who says you don't improve with age! Regards, Julie ‘
Thanks, Julie

MJs Annual Running Weekend Away – Morecambe Cross-Bay Challenge Half Marathon, 10/8/08 by Chris Barker
Wow, where shall I start. It was quite a weekend and they say expect the unexpected but we didn’t expect what we got. I’ll start with the camping and ‘anyone want to buy a tent and an airbed and sleeping bag. Well not after I’ve been in it, perhaps. Which reminds me has anyone heard a song called ‘Slip inside my sleeping bag’ by ZZ Top?
This was actually the third Annual Camping/Running Weekend Away of the Malvern Joggers although the camping is optional and will be dropped from the title. The sensible option turned out to be Roodie’s B & B or the posh Holiday Cottage favoured by the Caseley party. Meanwhile, myself and the Cowling gang toughed it out under canvas at Red Bank Farm. It was only £4 per night’s stay. Perhaps the price varies depending upon the weather.
Having fought the elements to put the tent up single-handed, I looked upon it and noticed it looked a bit lop-sided. This is the point when I would normally say ‘a fine erection’ but not this time. That done, I thought I would try to make contact with my fellow club mates only to find that Peter must have a different phone number to the one in my phone book. I thought about sticking my head out of the tent and shouting his name but he could have been in the next field, which he was. I then managed to contact Steve then Peter rang me and we arranged to meet in a Wetherspoon’s pub in Morecambe called The Eric Bartholomew which is Eric Morecambe’s real name apparently.
Draught Guinness £2.20 a pint, pity I was driving. That’s another reason to stay at a B & B in town instead of out in the sticks somewhere. Then back to the tent and the sound of the raining hitting it. At least it drowned out the nearby snorers!
Sunday morning, Race Day! And it wasn’t raining! But that didn’t mean the sun was out. So it off to the Eric Bartholomew for breakfast, this time without a pint of Guinness although there were others part-taking in the falling-over water even at that time. They were probably not the ones doing the Cross Bay Challenge!
Off to race HQ where the six MJs got on their respective coaches depending on their race number, for the trip to the start at Lakeland Leisure Park, Flookburgh. The coach boarded depended on your race number meaning we were split up. A lengthy journey then followed as we were taken around the coastline into Cumbria at the southern end of the Lake District ready for the run across the bay. When we got off the coaches, we met up with the ‘bonus’ Malvern Jogger. You expect to bump into a few of your fellow MJs at a local race but there was our own Ray Durnall all the way from Callow End! Only 180 miles away, what Joy! We also met up with the Amazing Feet RC of Kidderminster who were as good as their word when they said they would be there too. They also field seven runners.
At the race HQ area there much standing around, a delayed start, a few speeches, and a very elaborate safety announcement which suggested the organiser’s still had the cockle-picking incident in mind. We were then lead pied-piper style to the start and off we went on our great adventure across Morecambe Bay. Or at least that was the plan. It was all going well and a very strong wind was side-on to us. As the race progressed we went in a more easterly direction so the wind was then behind us and we were bowling along the firm sand all at a sub 8 minute mile I would say, and what a fantastic place it was. At this point I was running alongside Julie and saying how much I was enjoying it. This was one of the lowest tides of the year and there was sand as far as the eye could see all the same colour and texture with no debris or cockles or chinamen or anything. I understand not all of our oriental friends were actually recovered although I didn’t see any while I was out there! It really was just like a desert with firm sand, just right for running on interspersed with the odd inlet to splash through.
We then got to the halfway point to find ourselves running directly into the wind with a sandstorm in our faces, so a gritty performance was needed, you might say. Like most of the other competitors, I assume, I was working up a bit of a sweat with the result that the flying sand was hitting me and staying there so I ended up coated in it. There was even some in my ears next day and yes I did have a shower after when I got home!
After about 30 minutes of this, the Garmin told me that we were actually running away from the finish not towards it. What was going on? It never occurred to me that we were running back to the start until we actually got there. After all, it looks different when you are coming towards it than when you are leaving it. At this point we had run 10.8 miles and I still thought we were going to end up at the finish with the race then becoming a 16 miler perhaps, not the half marathon we had been promised. A few hundred yards on and Steve who was in front of us, run back to Julie and myself. It turns out that he had already finished as we did a little further on. In actual fact there was no finish to this race and there will be no results. It didn’t finish, it just ended. At the point where we finally stopped running there was no crowds, no finish gantry just a drinks station and the coaches that we arrived on that were there to take us to the finish where we were reunited with our friends and supporters and given our Goody Bags, t-shirt etc.
So what happened? It’s a unique event and that’s it’s attraction but staging it is problematic and possibly dangerous.
The bay isn’t completely flat as it contains inlets such as the Kent Channel. It was necessary to cross this at around the halfway point to continue to the finish. It should have been no more than knee deep but due to high winds blowing towards the mainland a considerable amount of water had been carried up the channel making it impassable. Apparently the leader couldn’t make his way through it so it would have been even more difficult for those at the back. The planned Cross-Bay Walk featuring three of the Cowling party was also aborted but the race as a whole was still a very memorable experience which is only possible in an organised event such as this also, as promised Central TV were there to capture the event and on the following evening their coverage was aired and included an interview with our own Samantha Caseley. So, it was something of an anti-climax. Despite a lengthy journey up there and a high entry fee, we didn’t get what we paid for but as far as I know, those taking part accepted the situation and at least a large amount of money would have been raised for Cancer Care.
Why not join us next year when we are already thinking about the location and event for 2009. First Dartmoor then Race the Train then Morecambe. It’s never without incident! Don’t know about the camping though!
The cast:- Chris Barker, Steve Roode, Julie Caseley, Samantha Caseley, Peter Cowling, Louise Cowling and Ray Durnall
Supporting Artists:- Yvonne & Vikki Cowling (+ boyfriend), Paul Caseley, Donna + (Donna & Steve’s) 2 children

Standish Woodland Chase, 17/8/08 by Julie Caseley
‘I'm back from a lovely weeks' holiday in Ambleside (the weather could have been better!) after a perculiar (and slightly scary) Morecambe Bay Half Marathon last weekend.
However, today was another day and another race. It was the Standish Woodland Chase 10 mile Multi Terrain and it's been 3 years since I last did this one - it'll probably be another 3 years till I do it again!
It starts at Horsemarling Lane and heads up, up and up for 11/2 miles to Standish Wood, then more inclines along the trails. There was more mud than I was led to believe so I was pleased I wore my trail shoes.
There was a rocky downhill section but it didn't seem to make up for the uphills - isn't that always the way?! I was quite happy to have finished the one lap before the realisation struck that I had to do it all over again! Yes, it's one of those 2 lapper things but at least I could look forward to the 11/12 mile downhill stretch back to the start. A very tough race - and our reward - help youself to a cup of very dodgy looking water from a barrel!! I'm sure it was probably a lot cleaner for those who finished earlier! My time was 1:28:08, 2 mins. slower than 2005. Regards, Julie’
Thanks, Julie

Tenbury 10K, 3/8/08 by Chris Barker
I’ve always loved Pembrokeshire with its extraordinary beauty. It’s a magical part of Wales situated on the extreme west coast and has a rich Celtic heritage. Tenbury? I thought you said Tenby! Oh well. It’s a bustling market town apparently and at least it looked a bit better than this time than last year following the floods.
How this event has grown. I remember it when it was just me, 2 guys and a dog. At least I finished fourth. Its popularity doesn’t surprise me as it’s what I would call a nice little 10K even if it is the most hilly one I can think of right now. Not forgetting THE HILL, that is, I won’t forget it although I did run it all unlike some of those around me (not MJs) and isn’t it annoying when someone you overtook who was walking, finishes in front of you! It’s certainly not a PB course (unless you’re Jayne A) but good training for the Bugatti as someone remarked. Good training for anything really.
I counted ten MJs taking part, who were, Andy Milton, Chris Barker, Jerry Greer, Jayne Ackroyd, Julie Marshall, Katie Morris, Phil Jackson, Steve Roode, Steve Ollis, and Richard Walsh.
After a post-race comparison of running performances a number of MJs walked to the nearest pub for some rehydration while I stayed on for the presentation. There were no team prizes but there was a prize for first, second and third in each age group and I’m pleased to say it was more glory for the MJ’s ladies with Julie M and Jayne A winning a bottle for finishing third in their respective age categories. They will be posted on to you girls. That’s two in two weeks for Jayne. She’s obviously hit a rich vein of form. Can anyone stop this woman?
I wonder what Julie C was up to. Ooops, here she comes now.

Brecon 10, 3/8/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ We ventured back into the darkest depths of Wales again for the 2nd time in 2 weeks. It started to rain in Brecon just before the race which wasn't such a bad thing as it was quite humid but then it stopped and you could say the conditions were perfect. The race itself is lovely, run in the shadow of the Brecon Beacons and it's not as hilly
as you'd expect it to be, in fact most of it seemed to be downhill, except of course for the hill at 8 1/2 miles. Then there was a nice downward sweep of 1 1/2 miles back to the athletic track wtih 3/4 lap to finish. This was the 25th anniversary running of the Brecon 10 and they're having trouble finding someone to organise it next year so this might be the last.
I finished in a time of 1:22:57, 1 min 30 secs slower than last year but apparently the world record was broken (subject to verification) - the winner finished in something like 53:59, Also at Brecon was Barry Hughes, a fellow MJ. Some guy strode past Barry at 3 miles and me at 7 miles asking if we knew Phil Jackson - so Phil, Rob Morgan says Hi!! Hope you all had as much fun at Tenbury. Regards, Julie’
Thanks, Julie

Borrowdale Fell Race, by Jon Newey
‘ After last week's worrying episode at Newent half marathon I was looking forward to running the British Champs fell race at Borrowdale, especially as i missed doing it last year. However......
......The Borrowdale Jinx continues......Went to the Lake District for the big fell race as planned. With the race scheduled for Saturday morning we decided to make a trip of it and travel up Thursday and come back on Monday, exactly the same plan as last year. Arriving on at 1.30 pm, the rain started just as the tent was up. It pretty much continued that way until at 4.45 am on Saturday morning when the decision was taken to abandon ship (just like last year). We had water surrounding the tent and partially succeeding in trying to get inside (just like last year).
Everything was rapidly bundled into a soggy muddy ball and shoe-horned into the car and we set off for the M6 south (just like last year). Had i been on my own I might have gone on to the race anyway, but it's a bit different when you've got a 2 year old to keep amused in foul weather while I'm off getting wet and muddy on the fells.
Malvern's Richard Lloyd (Mercia Fell Runners) managed to fly the flag for Malvern and got round the 17 miles (6500ft ascent) in 4 hours 23 mins (not seen this year's times, but normally under three hours will win it and under 4 is considered quick). He reported that the going was very tough due to the large amount of rain that had fallen (and was still falling). The descents were particularly trecherous, but at least getting water was not an issue!
Arriving home in Malvern to fantastic weather on Saturday, I went for a two hour run with Stu Bellamy (now resident in mid wales) and Matt Scriven. Which reminds me, you can see the latest of our mid-week adventures (me, stu, matt, Richard and Shola the dog) at http://lardyboy.blogspot.com/ where we tackle the Long Mynd and recce the Stretton Skyline Fell Race’.
Thanks, Jon

White Horse 5k Road Race Series race 3 of 4 17/7/08 by Phil Jackson
‘ Last night, Emma Gooderham, Richard Walsh and I went down to Sandhurst (just north of Gloucester) for the White Horse 5k Road Race Series race 3 of 4. I was amazed at the high quality of the competition. I ran the fastest race I have ever run in my life (average pace 6.56 minutes per mile) and ended up 92nd out of 107 finishers! The fastest vet 50 established a new World Record for his age group!! Richard finished it in 17.06 and Emma in 17.36 (hope I've got the times right, guys) 3rd woman (and 40th overall) to finish and just one second behind the second woman (who had come up from all the way from Kent for the race). It was well worth doing and I feel I've learnt a lot. Listening to Emma and Richard in the car on the way home talking about their 5.30 minute miles was like being on a different planet! Yours, Phil ‘
Thanks, Phil

Gloucester Half Marathon, 27/7/08 by Chris Barker
This one, which should possibly called the Newent Half Marathon, got off to a rather unusual start as around 100 of the 300 approx competitors hadn’t made to the start on time before the race was underway. It starts in a very narrow country lane which the runners fill completely prior to the start of the race and is still open to the traffic. It was due to start at 10.30 and it did, so anyone who was still walking to the start, which included me, then had to run to the start and do a bit extra.
This was my first run in this one for three years and it had faded a bit from the memory, it’s an age thing, but it did include some pleasant scenery on an undulating course, although that wasn’t enough to take your mind off the heat which took it’s toll on some with the result that I overtook over twenty who had stopped for a walk.
I spotted 10 other MJs running although, unfortunately, as far as I know two didn’t finish. Those leaving the start line were Carl Anthony, Graham Cramp, Emma Gooderham who was first lady and won the £100 prize as a result, Jayne Ackroyd, Jon Newey, Katie Morris who finished in 1.50 in only her 4th race, Phil Jackson in his special racing turban, Mark Cusack, Rachel Samuel and Richard Walsh. Apologies if I’ve missed anyone.
Personally, the bad news is that I was 14 minutes slower than in 2005 Another age thing! but the good news is that the last mile was my fastest which I covered in 8.14. An excellent goody bag though with enough energy drinks to last another six races.
Here’s Jon Newey’s assessment of his race.....’ I had a bad day. Set off OK, but felt ropey after 5 miles or so. carried on and got slower and slower. Then got dizzy and threw up. Walked to 10 mile point and waited for a lift back. Feel totally wacked now despite not really doing anything. Don't know what it was really. I'm not the best in heat (give me the Fells in January anyday!), but I've never felt like that before.
Off to the Lakes next weekend as it's the British Champs Fell Race at Borrowdale. Hope I'm OK for it. might not bother if it's still this hot! ‘

The Kymin Dash, 27/7/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ The Kymin Dash, run in the small town of Monmouth just inside Wales, is a wonderful 7 miles (well actually 6.37) of forest tracks, field paths and minor roads. It starts at the Leisure Centre then circles the town before heading out over the river and then the ascent to the top of the Kynin begins. The 850 ft climb is quite challenging but the view of Monmouth from the top is lovely, especially on a day like today. The race finished at Chippenham Mead, the town's recreation ground. This event is incorporated into Monmouth's annual carnival festival fortnight so the town is bustling with everything from a street fair to a dog show. We were fortunate to see the parade through the town but it took us a while to escape and head back over the border!!
It's certainly a run I'll have another go at next year even though the marshalling was a bit dodgy! I heard a few people saying they'd gone the wrong way mainly because a marshal wasn't at a strategic point telling runners to go down a forest track to head back into the town.
I only knew where to go because I was following someone who'd obviously done it last year! Otherwise a great day out, great atmosphere and efficient prize presentation. I was in the super vet category (more over the hill than the vet category!) and finished in a time of 56:25.
The weather was very hot so I hope everyone survived the Gloucester Half this morning. Regards, Julie ‘
Thanks, Julie

Black Country Half Marathon, 13/7/08 by Jim Apps
‘ Julie + Sam Caseley and myself managed to complete the blackcountry half marathon on a fine Saturday morning in July. The course itself was a nice uncomplicated route along the canal from Wolverhampton to Brum. I didn't realise these two places had so much scenery! We were set off in small groups of between 5 and 10 people at regular intervals. There were only a few hazards en route like a long dark tunnel about 1/4 - 1/2 mile long with lights that had aparantly failed so you could not see where you were going (apparantly i heard later a couple of runners had to be fished out of the canal as they had tripped and fell in). There was a large cement works being knocked down by mile 5 and the dust filled the air for a good portion of the next mile! All three of us finished in respectable times, I finished just under 1.35 and both Julie + Sam finished under 2 hours. The only down side was the lack of marshalls: after the start line i did not see anouther marshall for the 13 miles ie at the finish. The end of facilities were great, free showers at the health centre (which were certainly needed) and a good receptive crowd at the end. Would I do it again and recomend it to others? The answer is yes i would. So get in training! ‘
Thanks, Jim

Pitchcroft 10K, 20/7/08 by Mark Cusack
‘ I've completed my last 10K ever*. I managed to haul my sorry self over the line in under 40 minutes, having asserted that I'd never run another 10K again if I ever broke this magical barrier.
I was never sure about running this one. Chris hadn't exactly done a great sales job on this race. But the lure of a flat course on a good surface was too hard to resist, regardless of the 100 or so laps we were being asked to complete. Having arrived at the racecourse, I almost drove straight home again. In such windy conditions I thought I was destined for yet another near miss. Anyhow, skipping to the end, I ran it, it was horrible, and then it was over, and my watch said 39:55. The experience was only soured by Jim Apps claiming that my official time was in fact 40:01. B@stard. It wasn't, and now my stopwatch will be frozen in liquid nitrogen, permanently displaying the same time as that recorded by the good people of Worcester AC.
*probably Cheers, Mark ‘
Thanks, Mark

Pitchcroft 10K, 20/7/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ Considering this is a monotonous, tedious, dull, repetitive and unvaried little number (I’m trying to avoid using the word “boring” as I think that’s really unfair!), 16 Malvern Joggers represented the club.
The weather was dry and partly sunny with a bit of a gusty wind down the straight to the bottom of the course. Parallel to the river the gusts were coming from the side which was almost as bad before a nice tail wind brought us past the grandstand ready to start the second lap, and then of course the same scenario around the third lap before the finish.
There were 2 very fast Kenyan men and a woman (who must have really been impressed with the best Worcester has to offer!!) but even so the men couldn’t break the course record although the woman did. I think they lapped everyone with such ease that it looked as if they were out on a training run!
The organisation and prize presentation appeared very fluent and prizes were awarded for first 3 men and women, 1st male vet 40 and 1st female vet 35.
Samantha finished in a time of 52:00 and I finished in 50:51. Regards, Julie ‘
Thanks, Julie

Devil’s Chimney Chase, 19/7/08 by Chris Barker
So what was it like for you? The Pitchcroft 10K. Did it ‘hit the Spot’? Live up to expectation? If not you could try the Devil’s Chimney Chase although you will have to wait 12 months which is a long time but it would be worth it.
It’s one of those races where the official car park is miles away so do what Julie and I did and park where you want to (near the start).
There are some races where you have to visualise the task beforehand, especially in an MT, where you run through some trees and off into the wilderness. With this one you can see the task ahead because it’s up there in the sky, well almost, and it’s called Leckhampton Hill which has a kind of mountainous look as its sides consist of very large cliffs in some places. When you get up there is an undulating run across the top with the usual collection of stones and tree roots underfoot on the way up and down. I must say I was glad to see the Trig Point, and I wasn’t the only who mentioned it because that meant we were at the highest point and my guess is that the cliffs give the location and race it’s name.
A strange thing happened to me after about 5 miles when I found myself inadvertently taking a shortcut. Thinking I may have been on the wrong path, I saw a marshall waving at me and the runners behind taking a different path, the right one. So, not wanting to be known in future as Dwain Chambers, I doubled back. This cost me about 7 or 8 places, one of those included my friend Richard from Ledbury H who finished 5 seconds in front of me, drat!
Only three MJs in this one as everyone else was obviously saving themselves for ‘the big one’, Pitchcroft!
The finishing times were Julie Caseley 54.47, Chris Barker 55.59 and Rachel Samuel 59.06.
Based at the Old Patesian’s , it was a family do with two other events namely the Stinger Mile and an Under 10’s race and also included a licensed bar in the Rugby Club, a BBQ, tea and cakes. The sun shone and all three MJs agreed it was a fine event.
On finishing a race we are sometimes presented with a goody bag. It’s often a big bag with not much in it. This was the other way about. So, well done Almost Athlete’s. The contents included a bottle of water, a banana, Dove body wash, pen, £5 voucher for Up & Running, some lip balm and a mars bar. All you’ll get at Pitchcroft is a cheap crappy medal (Worcester AC for you). There again I wasn’t there and after all 16 MJs can’t be wrong. Glad I didn’t put anyone off!

Evesham Vale 10K, 13/7/08 by Chris Barker
I’m pleased to report on a stunning display of distance running by our guys who through sheer grit and determination secured third place in the men’s team event. However, they were totally outclassed, as usual, by our ladies who WON the ladies team prize! Were trying girls, we just need a bit more practise.
This was the inaugural running of this event and it was a highly impressive debut with 491 runners taking part, 15 of which were Malvern Joggers. With this being the first running you might have expected a few teething problems, something for the organisers to work on for next year but everything seemed to go according to plan so it’s one for next year especially if you feel you’ve had enough of the Wyre Forest Half!
It wasn’t a road race but there again it wasn’t really multi-terrain and I wouldn’t have said it was a PB course with the route consisting of numerous corners and bends to negotiate but I know that Phil Jackson, Graham Cramp, Katie Morris and Julie Marshall all finished with a PB and Erica Blott was pleased to finish well inside an hour. Katie finished in 48 minutes in her first 10K. A pleasant enough route though with some lengthy stretches of River Avon to keep us company.
I finished with a personal worst by a good three minutes which I was delighted with, as it means I am back running again after a five week absence.
But in a highly competitive event it was another triumph for the MJ’s Ladies as Emma won the ladies race in 36 something and was joined by Sandra Lane and surprised-looking Julie M to take the team prize. Also it was good to see Sandra again as she also took the prize for her age category.
Other MJ’s taking part, Annabel Jeffrey, David Ratchford, Jerry Greer, Jonathon Green, Peter Wilson, Ian and Cathy Barker.

Wyre Forest Half Marathon, 13/7/08 by Julie Caseley
Malvern Joggers were represented today at the 8th Wyre Forest Half Marathon by Richard Walsh, Stuart Brown, Steve Roode, Rachel Samuel and myself. The weather was lovely but with the recent rain we were told there was a lot of mud on the course. Thank goodness I took my trail shoes because the conditions underfoot were very much like the NT8 in
February! This made for slightly slower times, I think. Even though I thought I was going well, I was still just over 4 mins slower than last year. The results aren't up yet so I'm not sure what time Richard finished in (I'm sure it would have been pretty good!), Stuart 1:45, Steve 1:51, me 1:58 and Rachel 2:13. (Sorry if I'm slightly out).
Well done to everyone, on what is a very challenging course.’
Thanks, Julie

Wyre Forest Half Marathon, 13/7/08 by Steve Roode
‘Stuart Brown and I also did the Wyre Forrest half marathon today, joined by Rachel Samuel, Julie Caseley and Richard Walsh. Lovely sunny day and not to muddy underfoot, all had good runs along the hard course, Rich finished in about 12th place other joggers followed in Stuart, myself, Julie and Rachel. We all got a very sweet flapjack and the now famous Wyre forrest mug, good attendance from hashers and marshalling from Amazing Feet runners. Great training for Berlin?! See you all soon Steve‘
Thanks, Steve

Acorn’s 5K, 22/6/08 by Carol Green
‘ For anyone aged 52 short and fat, the Acorns 5K is really good, largely off road and therefore, not too public. The atmosphere was friendly and the course has improved, the 'bottlenecks' have been widened sufficiently to accommodate overtaking by 8 year olds and puppies. Although, not as wet as previous years, straw was provided. Very 'Hansel and Grettel' - flat and pretty.This was extremely enjoyable, lots of happy faces. Also, did Hereford 10k today and enjoyed - beat four runners, missed the 8k sign, so thought an extra one to go, which adversley affected my pacing and could have finished quicker. Last 2k all down hill and dextrose helped. Love Carole.’
Thanks, Carol

Timberhonger 10K, 29/6/08 by Jim Apps
‘ Several intreped joggers managed to make it to this race. The 1st home was Emma G in a new course record of 37m and 7 seconds for a lady. I managed to hobble over in 42m 25s (it was my birthday on the day of the race and had a few drinks the night before so i was still suffering, i also had a new pair of trainers which i had not broken in. Phil Jackson, Julie and Sam Casey all completed the course in respectable times with Phil completing a personnel best at the same time. i also managed a 5 k fun run in Blaize Castle (Bristol) a couple of weeks ago which after over 100 attempts i had to win a race ‘
Thanks, Jim

Aerospace 5, 3/7/08 by Peter Wilson
‘ Last night I did the Aerospace 5, so called because of a nearby aeronautics facility (I think) on the outskirts of Bishops Cleeve. For a relatively local race this one seems to have kept a low profile and I was the only MJ there amid loads of vests from clubs in the Cheltenham area. With the club having celebrated its 5th birthday this week I felt it only right to mark the occasion by doing the Aerospace as it was the first race entered by a Malvern Jogger (a younger version of me), the day after that historic initial meeting outside the Splash, when if memory serves there were five of us gathered, and after a short speech Chris divided us into five groups!
The race begins with a long lap of a playing field before taking to the tarmac, heading slightly uphill towards the village. For the most part you wouldn't describe it as scenic although there was a nice view of the Malverns to the left as we reached the top of the course. With a big effort in the last mile I managed to get home in 34'06, which was better than I managed last time so five years of training pays off! ‘
Thanks, Peter

Birmingham & Black Country Half Marathon, 5/7/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ Jim Apps, Samantha and I ran this half marathon yesterday. It was unusual in the fact that it was run along the canal towpaths from the British Waterways Compound by Wolverhampton Train Station to Brindley Place, Birmingham. It was extremely well organised with approximately 10 runners starting at 1 minute intervals between each wave depending on your predicted finishing tim provided in advance. The runners would be called, by number, then they'd disappear through a large black gate never to be seen again!. Everything became clear when it was my turn.
Through the gate was the canal towpath and we'd walk about 100m to the marshalls who took a roll call of those present before starting us off. It was championchip timed so everything was quite accurate. Bags could be placed on mini buses at the start and delivered to the finish.
I started with Samantha and 4 men. I ran with a couple of fellas for the first 4 miles before they pulled away and then for the majority of the time I was running my myself only able to see a string of runners ahead of me all keeping at more or less the same pace. It wasn't until the last couple of miles where I started to overtake tiring runners,
including the fellas I started off with, surprisingly. So, considering there were 488 finishers it was very well done with no bottlenecks.
The weather was ideal but the headwind in the first half of the race was a little tiresome as were the countless puddles on the towpath. We crossed over bridges and ran on the opposite side of the canal which helped break up the monotony and also there was the rather long Coseley Tunnel just before mile 4 which was very dark and tricky underfoot.
Although the course wasn't closed to the public, there were only a few anglers, one or two cyclists, a couple of dogs and few walkers. After the finish we were able to use the facilities at the Health Club (one of the sponsors) which was great as we'd got caked in mud.
Jim finished 26th in 1:34:32, I was 183rd in 1:53:04 and Samantha was 266th in 1:59:19. It was a great race and one I shall consider for next year. Could do with more marshals, more toilets and a better medal!!! Regards, Julie ‘
Thanks, Julie

Race report for a race I didn’t do!
When looking for a possible event for our annual camping/running weekend, I found this one, the Portland 10 near Weymouth. In the end the Cross Bay Challenge at Morecambe looked more appealing so we choose that one.
I thought I’d do this anyway as it was a god excuse for a weekend away and a reccy for next year possibly.
At this point you should be reading a report on the event which I had pre-entered and was looking forward to. Unfortunately I got lashed by so much rain and high winds that I abandoned the idea, and that was just on the campsite on Saturday evening/night. So Sunday morning (still chucking it down) I gathered my soggy tent into a heap threw it into the car and went home. Race, what race? Oh well there’s always next year! Not sure I was up to running 10 miles anyway!

Malvern Race for Life, 2/7/08 by Chris Barker
Most of our race reports are written by a participant. I was just spectating at this one. I thought I’d just make that clear. Anyway, well done to our girls where we had noticeably less runners than last year but with some good performances none-the-less. Cheered on, nay roared on, by the MJ menfolk dressed as men, two MJ menfolk dressed as women plus a few MJ womenfolk not running, Alison Merley finished 3rd, with Julie Caseley 5th, Maria Jones 12th, Lin Hiles 24th and 26th Ginny Sharp.
As well as our girls did, they were a long way behind the winner, so, Helen Utridge if your reading this – your welcome to run with the Malvern Joggers anytime.

And now the Club News/Blog gets colourful with its first ever photograph featuring MJ’s Clare and Amanda in their Midsummer Dream Run attire. Either that or they were doing a naughty nun kissogram!

Darren’s Dash, 21/6/08 by Julie Caseley
‘ As it was the longest day, it should have been warm and sunny. As it happens it was dull, drizzly, cool and misty. However, the 1 1/4 hr. trip to Longtown on the eastern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park was well worth it.
It was advertised as a multi-terrain race but as we got closer to the Outdoor Education Centre where the race finish and HQ was, the signs were reading fell race. I began to worry but was soon put at my ease by the very friendly competitors whose in depth description of the course made me realise that this was in fact a fell race, but
fortunately no whistles, compasses or waterproof gear was required!
We were bused a couple of miles uphill to the 3 pm start at Black Hill. There wasn't much of a view due to low cloud and drizzle but I'm sure it would have been lovely on a clear day. Perhaps I'd better come back next year!
The first mile was uphill to the ridge of Offa's Dyke, only being able to go as fast as the runner/walker in front. Then some undulating running along tracks and paths for 2 miles before a swift descent to the Olchan Valley with the finish at Longtown Outdoor Education Centre, but not before a 1/2 mile uphill to the finish which proved useful as I was able to overtake 3 ladies who had passed me on the run down! (Even better, one of them was a Blackpear Jogger - all very friendly of course!!)
There was a total of 900 ft of ascent but it was the dodgy downhills that were very telling on the legs - my excuses are already formulating for a bad run at the Malvern Half tomorrow!! The course was exactly 5 miles and I finished in a time of 52:16. There was a t-shirt and certificate for all finishers and the facilities (including showers)were excellent, as were the free home bakes, tea and coffee. Good practice for the Beacon Race!! Regards, Julie ‘
Thanks, Julie