Race Reports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks, Julie

A bit more Warndon from Chris:-

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

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

Oxford Town & Gown 10K 20/5/07 by Alison Findlay
' Myself and Enos met up in Oxford on Sunday for 'gentle joggers do the the town and gown fun run'. I haven't quite worked out yet which part of it was meant to be fun - geting up at 6am on a Sunday, sharing half a dozen portaloos with a couple of thousand other women or running 10K round the streets of Oxford on a very hot and sunny day.
It was a well organised run with lots of marshalls and plenty of crowds to cheer us on. The only grumbles really were the total chaos at the water stations and having to stop at one point to let an ambulance out. I don't think that would have made a lot of difference to either of us really, we're both still chasing that elusive hour target. Having said that we both managed a PB, Enos in 1: 01: 04 (1 second faster than Crowle) and me in 1: 02: 28 (3 minutes faster than Crowle, my only other atempt at 10K). Enos would have been much faster (he reckons), but had to contend with a hole in a sock and a huge blister. I've got no excuses, I'm just slow. I was a bit upset to find that apparently I'm a veteran though!! We'll probably give it another go next year, and keep chasing that magical hour. '
Thanks, Alison.

Redditch 10K 19/5/07 by Julie Caseley
' I was a lonely Malvern Jogger at the Redditch 10km yesterday afternoon but it didn't really matter as everyone was very friendly. The weather was kind to us in that it rained before the start and after I'd finished and there were registration tents in which to take cover. The course is a pan handle doing two fairly flat laps before a run around a field to the finish - there are some undulations in the last quarter of the laps which have to be done twice! Having done this three times now, I knew the course and wanted to do better than my best time 2 years ago so I gave it my all. I finished in 48 mins 30 secs, 1 min 11 secs faster than 2005, so I was pleased with that. There's a medal at the finish but the prizes are very limited - 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female and one male vet over 40 and one female vet over 45, so the three 80 year olds I was chatting too didn't stand a chance!! Another enjoyable and satisfying race under the belt. '
Thanks, Julie

Hereford Half Marathon 20/5/07 by Julie Caseley
' Five Malvern Joggers enjoyed glorious sunshine and warm conditions at the Hereford Half Marathon this morning - they were Richard Walsh, Ruth Johnstone, Chris Barker, Lucy Prosser and myself.
I'm really getting into the swing of this racing lark!! Two races in two days - don't worry Neill, at the moment I feel great!! When I saw where this was and recognised the village of Burghill where the Crocodile 8 takes place, I knew there must be a hill or two involved. Also, looking on the map there was a trig point and view point at about 3 miles - that surely must involve a hill or two I thought. Lucy showed me a profile of the course and yes there was a steep peak at about 3 miles followed by lots of, what appeared to be, downhills to the finish - ignorance can be bliss!! There were a few hills in the first few miles but the panoramic views werre obscured by high hedges and trees! However, although there were some lovely downhill stretches, the hills also kept coming up until what seemed to
be about the last 3 miles. Anyway the final stretch was long and flat and I missed the 12 mile marker so when I was on the race course and saw 13 miles I was pretty happy.
I was being a bit optimistic to set my virtual partner on the Garmin to 1 hour 50 mins and eventually finished in 1:52:24. The first 500 runners received a lovely crystal cube paperweight with two silhouretted runners inside the glass, in a presentation box
After a few minitues recovering from my exertions, I enjoyed a Mr. Whippy and bacon bagette at the Leisure Centre. There was a long wait for the prize presentation - 2.15 pm - but congratulations to Ruth who received a £20 voucher to spend at M & M Direct for being the 2nd lady to finish. '
Thanks, Julie

Dymock Half Marathon 27/5/07 by Ruth Johnstone
'Another wet Sunday race! And why do race marshalls remain so cheerful despite atrocious conditions?
If visibility were better, I suspect the course would have been quite scenic - although the start is in a farmyard! The route takes you through Dymock, up to the Countrywide roundabout at Ledbury, along to Much Marcle and over the hills back to Dymock. All in all, a well-organised event that is very local to Malvern, so I was surprised not to see any other MJs – the more so since there is a bar at the finish (the event is organised by the cricket club) and some liquid sponsorship from Westons. The course is best described as ‘undulating’ so I rather surprised myself with a PB of 1:33:21. I was equally surprised to walk away with some silverware too – obviously the wet weather rather depleted the field!! '
Thanks, Ruth

Magic Roundabout 10K 27/5/07 by Chris Barker
Having done the Crocodile a number of times I thought I'd try this and no I didn't want to do both! Its a new event and was located at The Begwyns near Hay-on-Wye which is just over the Welsh border about 20 miles past Hereford. The organisers wanted it to attract a good crowd and be a success first time so they promised a value for money event to include a t-shirt, a goody bag and a race that ' promised to be the highlight of any runners year! How could I resist ?
It was a multi-terrain event with a dash of fell race and including some swampy bits. There was only one problem and that was the weather. We should have enjoyed views of the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and Hay Bluff but they were hidden in the clouds somewhere. Unfortunately we got the sort of weather that makes people think of relocating to Spain. Stood on the top of a very large hill, waiting for the slightly delayed start, we were totally exposed to heavy rain and strong winds on a bitterly cold day (for the end of May). Even the sheep sounded like they were laughing at us. Come to think of it , a sheepskin coat would have been a very useful piece of running apparel on the day but at least I had the company of fellow MJ Carl Anthony. About 150 runners set of and if they were all like me they were probably glad it was only 6 miles. I did note a couple of fallers in front of me including one her way to the start! On to the finish which was in a different place to the start. The start being the highest point on the course, the finish being 150ft lower (ref Garmin) I wasn't sorry about that. It was there that I met up with Carl again who rightly pointed out that the samba band were occupying the only bit of free space out of the rain, in the marquee. Finishing times? Carl forgot to stop his watch and I didn't bother. I just wanted to get out of the rain. No sign of the goody bag though! but well done to the organisers in coming up with what promises to be a very popular race in the years to come even if the access to the place was not good (country lanes one car wide). Would I do it again?, absolutely, but I'd wait to see what the weather was doing first and enter on the day.
That concludes my report and notice how I didn't mention Florence, Dougal, Zebadee or Ermintude! or Brian, or Bob Geldof who was at the Hay Literary Festival nearby.
Well done all those who did the Crocodile. Now you know where they all were Ruth. Hope you enjoyed the steps, folks.

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

Neolithic Marathon, 6/5/07 by Lisa Dainty
' Just to let you know both Helen and me survived the neolithic marathon today. The run was very well organised and followed an off road route over the Ridgeway , Sailsbury plain ending at Stonehenge.. We crossed several styles and at one point a railtrack. No stoneage men seen but free entry to Stonehenge at the end to all finishers. I was really pleased with my tiime of 3 hours 45 and was fouth women home - really chuffed as it was my first marathon. Helen came in under four hours.
Both pleased that it is now over and looking forward to a restful week! '
Thanks, Lisa

Neolithic Marathon, 6/5/07 by Helen Giddings
' The Neolithic Marathon ( 6th May) is off road, hilly, with half a dozen stiles and a railway crossing - so think of a typical Sunday run but a bit longer and you just about have it! The politest way I describe how I felt, was a near death experience! The relief of finishing is a feeling worth bottling and selling for a few thousands-but isn't it funny after thinking for several miles that you will never ever ever do another one, you get bathed and fed and start planning the next!!
Many many thanks to Lisa for being the best ever training partner. I think we're agreed we wouldn't do this one again but if you want to try something a bit different to a road marathon, then have a go - it's do-able!! '
Thanks, Helen

Stratford Half Marathon, 29/4/07 by Amanda Greenwood
' Although I've been running for over 10 years I rarely don my club vest and run a 'race'...... I don't really run for speed, more enjoyment. However, every one in a while I make the effort. Stratford half marathon was my choice (my favourite distance)!
Having not raced a half marathon distance for over 3 years, I wasn't sure how to pace myself. I decided on a 9 min / mile to half way strategy and then see how I felt.... A slow first mile and a half due to the big field meant I was already a few minutes down by 2 miles, but I did actually hit halfway in just under 9min.miles. From there on, I picked up the pace considerably and came in surprisingly comfortably at 1hr52:30. It's the best I've felt finishing a race, which I put down to the strength I've gained from
running on all the hills around Malvern over the past year (I lived in Nottingham prior to moving here last year), and plenty of nice long, slow 15-20 mile runs over the past 3 months to build a very strong endurance base.
The route was not hilly by Malvern standards, but there were a good few "undules" (!) to contend with. I take my hat off to Judy Newman for making this her first marathon outing.... ! Quite a big field, great support (thanks to Paul Newman for the cheers!!) and marshalling, efficient start, uncomplicated parking and a varied and interesting route around Stratford and its surrounding villages combined to make a very enjoyable morning's running. The only downside was the entry fee; over £20, with no goody bag or (ill-fitting!!) t-shirt.....
Maybe I won't leave it another 3 years to do my next half marathon!! '
Thanks, Amanda

May Day 5, 7/5/07 by Chris Barker
' Richard Walsh and I enjoyed ourselves so much at Crowle that we wanted to do another race as soon as possible, so we did , the next day. On Sunday I picked Rich up at 10 and we went to a race. On the Monday I again picked Rich up at 10 and we went to a race. If you've ever seen the film 'Groundhog Day? it was a bit like that.
This is a race best described as small and friendly. I expected a small field and a competitive race and that's what we got. I wouldn't say it was a small field but there wasn't enough competitors cars to fill the pub car park! which left my impressive finishing position of 25th giving a slightly false impression. The pub in question is the Pilot Inn right next to the River Severn where you can enjoy a meal while you look out across the river. The pub acts as the race HQ where you pay a modest £3.50 and pin-on a previously used number which keeps the cost down. The start is just across the river and included a number of the organising clubs, Severn AC's, runners, it was then a case of run up the road 2.5 miles, using some of the Gloucester 10 & 20 course, runaround the bollard and come back exactly the same way. Then it was back to the pub for the presentation which consisted of chocolates, biscuits and....chocolate biscuits, one of the prize winners being Richard for his 8th place. Can't remember you sharing them with me on the way home Rich! '

Tewkesbury half Marathon, 13/5/07 by Julie Caseley
' Unlike the Ten Tors, the Tewkesbury Half Marathon took place this morning under threatening skies. Fortunately the heavy rain didn't come until after most of us had finished so, all in all, the conidtions were ideal. I'm not quite sure how many MJ's were running this morning as the results aren't up yet but there must have been at
least 6 or 8 in the half marathon and 2 (maybe more) in the 5 mile race.
Personally, I was very pleased with my time of 1 hr. 48 mins. 52 secs.. I was within 26 seconds of my personal best set at Stafford just before London and ran this race 12 minutes faster than last year.
Hope everyone who ran Eastnor had a great morning out.'
Thanks, Julie

Tewkesbury Half Marathon & 5 miler, 13/5/07 by Clare Hill
' Hi Chris, a quick record of how we got on today. Paul entered the 5 mile run, along with Dave & Carol Green & another Malvern Jogger lady who runs in 10 min mile group, however we're not 100% sure if her name is Alison. Paul got on fine finishing 3rd (we think) out of MJ's. Not sure of his time yet as results are not available, however he doesn't really care as he ran the whole way without stopping & finished with NO INJURIES!!! And got a good Bling (Medal) and finished before the rain.
However this meant he had to wait around in the rain for me to finish the half marathon.
This isn't the most organised of races, which is a real shame as it is a great route and well loved race. There were 9 MJ's entered for the half. Both the 5 mile & half marathon start together and the 5 mile breaks off at 2 1/2 miles, which wasn't clear enough to some as I saw about 4, 5 milers still running at 6-7 miles & suffering greatly. Traffic was stopped in most places, including my dad who is an artic lorry driver trying to finish his shift. So he had no choice but to stop & cheer us on, but he'll get overtime rates anyway so I feel I've done him a favor, but it was nice having some support. Drinks were avaiolable at 5 destinations on the half & 2 on the 5 miles. This is advertised as a FLAT route and the only inclines are over bridges, what they don't tell you is that there are about 12 bridges, by my calculations thats nearly one per mile. There isn't much support (bit of a come down from London), but a friendly bunch of runners.
I think I managed just under 2 hours but can't be sure as my Garmin decided it couldn't be bothered to work.
There is absolute chaos at the finish, grab a medal if you can from the person stood no where near the finish line, get as many Milkshake drinks as you can physically carry and some water, then find the buckets where you have to remove & throw your chip in. No signs or marshalls to help you, but hey it was raining!
All said & done I would probably do this run again as its local and not as muddy as the Eastnor 7.
See you Wednesday. PS: Well done to Jerry who ran his First Half for 20 odd years. Clare xx '
Thanks, Clare

Eastnor Castle 7, 13/5/07 by Chris Barker
' Unlike the Tewkesbury Half Marathon we were hit by the full force of the weather as we started at 11am. Stop whingeing - ed.
This one is actually 7 mile multi-terrain race. Some of us know the terrain in Eastnor Park quite well and will no doubt be familiar with the climb up The Ridgeway and the run (or stagger) up to the obelisk. Throw in the deep furrows produced by vehicles on the 4-wheel drive course plus mud, puddles,stony tracks and uphill running which totalled 766 feet.. With all this going on it wasn't easy to keep your feet as certainly 3 of the 12 MJs found out. Alison M. tripped and nearly indulged in a bit of mud wrestling. Carl F. took a tumble and required a wound to be dressed and Jerry G. fell on his shoulder but was sent on his way after some painful manipulation by the on-site medical staff. He has told me this evening he is OK but for some pain and bruising. There a tough lot these MJs!.
With the race underway, the Hereford Couriers set a hot pace and won the men's race as they did at the last running and I'm pleased to say that Ruth Johnstone won a bottle wine to enjoy with her Sunday lunch as she finished 2nd senior lady of the MJs. We may have won more than that but the rain continued to hammer down at the presentation and threw a bit of a spanner in the works so said presentation was not completed but all will be revealed on their website in due course.
Finally, well done to our near neighbours Ledbury Harriers who made a fine and extremely well organised race available to us all despite the weather and competition for runners with the Half Marathon taking place nearby. '

London Marathon, 22/4/07 by Clare Hill
' I managed to get to the Blue Start in plenty of time to chill out & absorb the fantastic atmosphere with fellow runners Jon Newey, Steve Roode & Richard Walsh. However I made a quick decision that my hopes of a 4.20 finish (10m/m) was not looking very positive given the hot weather, so my next aim was to run the whole distance.
Well the gun went (which I didn't hear from pen 8) & we were off, well waling towards the start anyway. It took 10.5 mins to get to the start line and 14 mins to complete the first mile, so yes a 4.20 was well gone.
The crowds are fantastic, pubs are supportive and the experience is too hard to explain. I did thoroughly enjoy the whole event, even when it got a bit tough at around 19 miles, but the ice cold water & showers made a difference. I managed to see Paul & some of my family on all 3 occasions which really spurs you on. I also managed to see some Supporting MALVERN JOGGERS which was difficult to miss as they were not only Screaming & shouting but also wearing their Malvern Jogger tops, Thanks & well done Judy & Paul Newman! I did see Jon Newey on The Highway, he was going in the opposite direction to me, however he was concentrating too much to hear my screaming & cheering at him, you can guess which one of us was at 13 miles & which one was at 22 miles!! I also saw & spoke to Geoff at aprox 17-18 miles, which is when I tripped him up (I forgot theres no Club points for the Marathon, but I wasn't taking any chances!)
The hard training, family neglect and expense is certainly worth it when you see some of the wonderful sights, Tower Bridge, London eye & Buckingham Palace, but when you see that Finish Line you can not explain how you feel, knackered but so over whelmed and tearful that you know you have acheived something so worthwhile, A LONDON MARATHON MEDAL! I will definitely do this again one day. I managed a 4hrs 36mins, a tad slower than I wanted but I did run the whole 26.2 miles, I also finished in the first half of the field.
I owe thanks to so many people, My husband Paul, son Zachary & Amanda Greenwood for acting as my Personal Trainer, you're real stars all of you, plus Malvern Joggers for giving me the chance to have these memories forever and for all the support & advice you have given me. Thanks to everyone who has helped me raise nearly £1600 for Leukaemia Care, it means a lot.
Good Luck to all future FLM Runners. Clare xx '
Thanks, Clare

Stratford Half & Full Marathon, 29/4/07 by Judith Newman
' Just to let you know myself and Amanda Greenwood both competed at Stratford today,I am not sure what time Amanda completed the 1/2 marathon course in but Paul says she looked to be going very well!
I myself was doing my first ever full marathon ,(I am sure there are few Joggers that I haven't asked for advice) So I started full of dread and fear.. However it all went very well,the course had a couple of hills but i was still motoring at the end, although my time of a tad over 5 hours was a little slower than I had hoped,I definitely want to do London next year!! So Paula Ratcliffe had better watch out.. NOT ..
Combined with Birmingham City winning promotion, it was a time for a double celebration in the Newman household !!
Thanks to all the Malvern Joggers for there help and support!! '
Thanks, Judy

Half Marathon times were:- Amanda Greenwood 1.54.45 & Ruth Johnstone 1.37.54 (154th out of 1709)

Dudley-Kingswinford 10K, 2/5/07 by Richard Walsh
' Me and nick hitchings did the dudley kingswinford 10k on wednesday. quite a packed out event with 1100 finishers. on a warm evening and a course with far more undulations than expected, i set out the first 5k reaching 18 mins. started to feel the effects of post marathon/too much red bull in the 2nd half! heart rate was way up and nothing i could do but battle on really, finishing in 38.05 for 40th place. a long way off p.b. for distance but not too bad considering i guess. Nick had a good run, starting steady and picking up speed and places towards the end finishing in 40.57 for 109th place '

Thanks, Rich

Crowle 10K, 6/5/07 by Chris Barker
Thanks for showing up in such large numbers. In the final analysis, I have accounted for 43 Malvern Joggers. That's 6 teams with 6 runners in each team (36), 2 MJs not in a team, Alison Findlay and myself, Ian and Cathy who are BP Joggers but also members of ours, Dave Ratchford who entered as Brandon Fern Hoppers (his old club) and Rob Winwood and Alison Taylor who are 'newish' runners who probably entered as unattached.
We did quite well at the presentation too, with the winner of the ladies race, Emma ( her 3rd win this year that I know of), plus category winner Ruth Johnstone with Alison Merley 3rd in the lady vets. Regarding the team prize, our 'A' team, despite having to dodge Mr 'T's bling as he sped along the downhill sections, did well coming 2nd only to Bromsgrove & Redditch AC. As was pointed out to me, an MJ winning a prize used to be a bonus. Now we have come to expect it. That's probably not a good thing. Also, have you noticed guys, our ladies are more successful than we are, although it is rather competitive at the top end of the male running sphere or at least that's what we tell ourselves!
Well done to Gentle Joggers Enos Turnbull, Gillian McCann, Vivien Tolley, Alison Findlay and Karen Surridge who were all, as far as I know, doing their first 10K
Personally speaking, the first half seemed to be a lot quicker than the second as the wind kicked in which made the uphill bits hard-going, but that was probably the same for everyone. Generally a superbly well-organised event which seemed to really capture the imagination of the MJs as the numbers indicate smashing our previous record of 29 runners. This was the 6th year of the race of which I've done every one, its got a great atmosphere and the weather always seems to be good. I shall carry on doing it until its physically impossible. A big thanks to the organisers.
The results, when available, will be appearing on www.crowle-online.co.uk

London Marathon 2007 Reports
Jon Newey - ' Here's my marathon disaster story!
Having suffered from a persistent injury that stopped me doing anything much for a few weeks, i was 50/50 if i'd even turn up with a week to go. In light of this i suppose i didn't do so bad with a 3.04.56 and 1074th place. I don't like the heat (why couldn't they have done it on Monday instead!) and was baking already inside the pen waiting to start. Decided to aim for my 2.50 time anyway and settled into a 6.30 min/mile pace once the crowd had thinned a bit. Felt just fine until about 16 miles when the troublesome right leg decided to stop working. Limped the rest and did a bit of walking and threw up at 17 miles. My only consolation was not being the only one.
The heat got to a lot of people.I think the experience was worth doing and i'd still like to get my 2.50, but it's convinced me once and or all that flat tarmac is not my bag. Bring on the fells of northern England! '
Thanks, Jon

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

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

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

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

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

Shobdon Wood 6, 22/4/07 by Rachel Samuel
' Four MJs showed up at Shobdon, where at the start I overheard several other runners commenting on how 'those Malvern Joggers get everywhere' - respect the vests! This race did exactly what it said on the tin: six miles of wooded trails and lots and lots of hills. The race organisers generously allowed us to start halfway up the hill and an easy run to the top followed by two miles of fast level and downhill track lulled us into a false sense of security. Turning a corner we started on a half mile steep uphill
section followed by plenty of undulations which reduced my legs to jelly as I tried to make the best use of gravity.
I was just starting to admire the stunning views and smiled in relief at the race marshall at the top of the section marked as 'take care - steep slope' on the map when the fun really began. I struggled downhill on a slope so steep I couldn't run on it without sliding all over the place, all the while thinking that I'd have to run back up again. This was followed by a mile of steep slope back up again with no let up - I could see the line of runners ahead staggering slowly upwards and I took heart in the fact that it wasn't just me finding it tough.'
Amazingly all the pain was forgotten during the last mile as we sprinted down a beautiful track surrounded by bluebells and we were met with doughnuts and drinks at the finish. It took only half a minute before thinking that I wouldn't mind doing that again!
Thanks, hope everything went well for the FLM runners too, '
Thanks, Rachel

Shobdon Wood 6, 22/4/07 by Jerry Greer
' The last time I ran this race a couple of years back, it was cold, wet, muddy and you were at serious risk of breaking an ankle from running through the remains of recent logging operations. Today couldn't have been more different.. this was a really pleasant run (well apart from the hills !) through some beautiful countryside, dry underfoot and pleasantly warm but not too hot. Four MJ's were they to enjoy it (in order of finishing )Carl Anthony, Jerry, Carl Flint & Rachel. The race results aren't out yet, but the spread of times was roughly between 46 and 55 minutes - not bad for such a hilly course. There is one nice touch at the end, you don't get a medal but you do get a doughnut - infinitely more useful ! '
Thanks, Jerry

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

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

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

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

Stafford 1/2 Marathon, 25/3/07, by Julie Caseley
Eight MJ's took part in this fiercely competative half marathon on the 25th March in near perfrct conditions. What breeze there was, was mostly in our favour. I didn't consider it to be a course for personal bests with the undulations, but they came thick and fast. I ran this race 7 mins 30 secs faster than last year and knocked a minute off my previous PB from Lake Vyrnwy in September 2005. I think the marathon training is certainly paying dividends!!
Samantha, competing in only her 2nd half marathon, finished nearly 9 mins faster than Stroud 2006. Well done to everyone else who recorded excellent times.
Anyway had a super day out and all revved up for London!!
Thanks, Julie

Stafford 1/2 Marathon, 25/3/07, by Richard Walsh
i also did the stafford half yesterday but didn,t get mentioned in the race report. as far as may race went, i was trying to proper race it from the start to try and get a good half time score to boost confidence for london. unfortunately i got a little carried away at the start going through the first mile in 5.38! spent the next few miles hanging on but managed not to slow down too much, and built into it again in the second half. with the pressure of a sprint finish i didn,t feel too well at the end but crossed the line in 1:23.55
Thanks, Richard

Scenic Six, 1/4/07 by Chris Barker
An excellent response to my email bombardment on the joys of the Scenic 6 as 22 MJs raced in this one. Something that was not lost on Richard Baker of organisers Camba Events, who, at the presentation thanked the local clubs for supplying some many runners. We supplied the most and were mentioned by name as were the other local clubs.
Conditions were pretty-well perfect for the event with a fairly dry course making for some fast times. It was a little windy but I don't believe that made any difference. Those who did it last year will know that the first 2 miles involve a road run before turning left to go off-road. This made for a good start and some quick running in the early stages.
Multi-Terrain races are rarely the distance that they are quoted with, but it was interesting to discover this one was 6.25 miles. Very close in fact to a 10K. So well done to marathon girl Clare who managed to achieve a PB over the 10k distance despite this not being a road run, some soft-going in places and having to stop around half a dozen times, like we all did, to get over the various stiles and barriers.
At the post-race presentation (it would have been difficult to hold it beforehand!) there was an excellent selection of cakes to enjoy with a hot drink. These were made and served by the local WI. And I thought all they did was pose nude for calendars!
Time for the awards presentation and the men's winner was Tom Kenderdine from Kidder and Stourport AC. He's very successful in these events and its not hard to see why. He's 7 foot tall and has very long legs which certainly gave Derek Goodman and myself a good excuse.
Now the best bit, there was two prizes for the MJs or rather the MJ ladies. Ruth Johnstone was first FV35 (I've collected your prize Ruth) and Emma Gooderham won the Ladies race.
Now I'm going into my garage to make the first-ever pair of running stilts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Milford 21, 4/3/07, by Julie Caseley
'I haven't been to Cannock Chase since I was at school in Lichfield, more years ago than I care to remember. The Milford 21 was a little different. As if the distance wasn't enough to contend with, we also had wind, cold, rain, hills, mud and water!
Anyway, I suppose the constantly changing terrain and scenery took our minds off the distance and discomfort. There were some very friendly competitors, not to mention the bearded Norman from the Carribbean who kept me company for a few miles along some of the most challenging parts of the course.
I was able to pick off a few other runners in the second half of the race which felt quite satisfying and the only bits that hurt are those one would expect from a 21 mile run!! I felt much better though after a cold bath, warm shower and a post-race ibuprofen!
I finished in 3 hrs 26 mins which, considering the terrain and general conditions on the day, I was quite pleased with. I was at a bit of a loss regarding pacing and mileage (there were no mile markers) as my Garmin froze on the start line so I relied on my normal day to day watch to roughly judge the pace and how long I'd been on the course. Anyway, the finish line and an unexpected horse brass were both very welcome.
Hope everyone had a successful race at the Gloucester 20 this morning - I was thinking about you!'
Thanks, Julie

Wyre Forest MT8, 4/3/07, by Chris Barker
'This as you know was the event originally scheduled for the 11th of February. Unfortunately there was no snow plough available so it didn't take place.
9 MJs entered the race originally so I would have expected 7 or 8 to have been there on the day. As some people were already committed elsewhere on the 4th of March, this reduced the MJs to just 4 old-stagers, Peter Cowling, Carl Flint, Steve Roode and myself. For the last two years, conditions for the race have been the worst in its eleven year history. It couldn't be the same this year could it?...'fraid so! So thats our excuse before we go any further. At least it was better than the Mayhill massacre.
The star of the show for me was my new off-road shoes. After 48 multi-terrain races in the wrong footwear, I put my spending head on and bought some Adidas Swoop 2. Even better than a post-race ice bath, but then aren't most things?
This was the 4th race I've done this year and the second that its rained from start to finish. I like to have a stroll around before the start to soak up the atmosphere but all I would have soaked up would have been the rain. Still we got through it with the 4 MJs finishing 90th, 91st, 102nd and 153rd in a field of 209. Not bad considering that three of us were last to leave the start line, the race having started whilst we were busy chatting. Nice shoes, though.'

Fitness First Treat MT8, 11/3/07, by Julie Caseley
' The sun was shining, the birds were singing, the flowers were blooming and all was right with the world. This was the scene that greeted five Malvern Joggers at the Fitness First MT8 at Stourport this morning. Our representatives were Richard Walsh, Peter Wilson, Steve Roode, Jerry Greer and myself. Except for a slight breeze, conditions for running were perfect and the finishing order was as above. I ran a time of 1 hr 7 mins 50 secs, exactly 4 minutes faster than last year but as yet results are not on the website.
I practiced "racing the train" as the Severn Valley Railway train came parallet with the course but fortunately didn't have to outrun any beasts from the West Midlands Safari Park.
The finish line was a bit obscure (or perhaps I was just disorientated) so I ran towards a lady who was frantically waving her arms at me and managed to outrun some bloke I overtook in the last mile - the lady was not for beating!!'
Thanks, Julie

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

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

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

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

Steve Roode - Muddy Woody 6 - 18/2/07
Glorious sunshine greeted the 3 MJ's who turned out today for the Muddy Woody 6, John Newey, Nick Hitchings and myself. It certainly lived up to its name with plenty of mud for the length of the 6.8 mile course, a lot of it was thick soft clay which was really nice for the uphill climbs - not!! Lots of uphills and 2 stream crossings to deal with, I am sure you would have enjoyed this one Chris.
It was well worth the effort as the finishing line greeted everyone with the now famous Muddy Woody "T" Shirt, Coffee, Tea, Doughnuts, hot Soup etc.
However the only down side apart from my time was a fiasco with the parking - we were all parked on a single track road and the last person to turn up to their car was the person parked at the front!
Good performances from John and Nick both coming in well under the hour at approx 48 and 56 mins respectively, I came in just over aound 1:02 ish.
A good day out!
Thanks, Steve

John Newey - Muddy Woody 6 - 18/2/07
No results for the Muddy Woody 6 up on the Wye Valley Runners web site yet. Anyway, there were only 3 MJs there (Me, Steve and Andy) and 2 other Malvern residents (Matt and Emilie Scriven). They'll have to rename it as it's much longer than 6 miles now as the route changed a bit and it's now 6.8 miles.
Very muddy in places and 2 stream crossings.
Usual large field (400 I think is the entry limit). Matt James (Hereford Couriers) won it and Matt Scriven was fourth. I deliberately took it steady but picked it up in the last mile or two and managed to catch 4 people in the last couple of miles including 2 on the last hill to the finish. My time was a bit over 48 mins. I think i was
about 10th. Not sure where Steve and Andy and Emilie came.
The free drinks, soup and Doughnuts were most welcome afterwards! One thing to note was the bizarre parking arrangements. Most people seemed to get sent
down a narrow forest track in their cars. One car wide and no passing places so in effect it was one long thin car park. Eventually we came to a stop and everyone just got out and set off on foot for the start. This meant that you couldn't leave until the person in front of you left. Typically the one at the front was the moron who decided to turn up way after everyone else was ready to drive off.
Thanks, Jon

Julie Caseley - Forest-of-Dean Winter Trail Series Race 3 of 3
MALVERN JOGGERS ROCK!!
Today the green and yellow shirts (sorry, emerald and lemon) of Malvern Joggers shone brightly in the Forest of Dean. Four MJ's ran today - Samantha (10.4km),
Emma Gooderham, Richard Walsh and myself (all 15.4km). Emma and Richard streaked ahead and Samantha and I did our best to keep the flag flying around
this lovely course, approximately 2 miles uphill then 2 miles back (x3 for the 15.4km runners).
Samantha finished her 10.4km in 53:51, an improvement on her last time at this event in January by nearly 3 minutes. Richard was the first of the three 15.4km runners to finish but should have completed the course approx. 3 minutes quicker if he hadn't followed another runner and started a 4th lap! Can't say we're not keen, especially since he did a 20 mile long run on Friday as part of his FLM training!! Anyway, Emma finished in a fantastic time of 1:02:59 and I brought up the rear in 1:19:31, just over 3 minutes faster than the January meeting.
Now for the even better news! Emma was 2nd female finisher in the 15.4km, Samantha was 3rd female finisher in the 10.4km and I was 3rd female vet 40
in the 15.4km. More additions to the display cabinet!!
Thanks, Julie

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

Roman IX 28/1/07 by Cathy Barker
Ian and I were 2 of the 6 pitching up for the race. The walk up to the start didn’t bode well – a bitter wind and overcast. The run itself was good though, very well organised and a nice, undulating route with one real hill (but nothing too daunting after running round Malvern!). Some nice views if you looked around you rather than spent the time like me, looking ahead debating whether to attempt to catch up the person in front! Jon Newey came in 7th out of 588 at 44:06 mins; Andrew Blannin came in at 50:06mins; Ian clocked 56:15 (and frustrated he didn’t do better!); Andrew Gallagher was pleased with his 57:56 mins having set out to come in in under the hour; Steve Roode came in at 1:01:01 and I was very happy with my time of 1:05:05.
Thanks, Cathy

Stourbridge Stagger 4/2/07 by Julie Caseley
Today Malvern Joggers were represented by Richard Walsh, Emma Gooderham, Chris Barker, Steve Roode and myself in the 10ish mile multi terrain event, and Samantha ran the 6k'ish' ladies only race. The weather was fantastic so out came the sunglasses, although I'm sure it was more frosty in Stourbridge than Malvern which was a bit of a shock to the system.
Despite the slightly delayed start and the fact that the time keepers weren't at the finish when the first 6km ladies finished and the first 20 or so runners in the 10 mile race went the wrong way (I think the marshals were still in the loo!!), on the whole it was a good race. Having said that, those first 20 or so runners did approximately 3/4 mile less than everyone else, but hey, who cares, it didn't affect the result in any way. Emma did really well collecting the first lady finisher prize and Richard finished 19th. I felt really good today and ran well, knocking just over 10 minutes off last years' time.
Because of the popularity of this race, the organisers have now decided not to take entries on the day as from 2008 - so if you want to do this event, book early next year!
Thanks, Julie

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wheaton Aston Roman 10K - 27/12/06 - by Julie Caseley
'Nick Hitchings and I represented the Malvern Joggers at the above race yesterday, 27th December. The weather was lovely and the course was fast and fairly flat, in fact there seemed to be more downs than ups, which is always a nice surprise. There were nearly 350 runners and Nick finished 66th in a time of 42:18 and I finished 187 in a time of 49:21 which is pleasing still to be coming in in under 50 mins especially since Nick and I both measured the course as being slightly longer than 6.2 miles. Even though it was a little further than most people would want to travel (1hr 15 mins), it was well worth it'
Thanks, Julie

The Rock Run Gibraltar - by Andy Milton
At the beginning of July I reluctantly agreed to go with the TA to Gibraltar for a 2 week exercise. All Military Units that go to Gibraltar have to compete in the Rock run which is a 2.7 mile course starting at the bottom and finishing at the top of the infamous “Rock”. It starts at 13 feet above sea level and finishes at 1300 feet and the current record is 17.29 mins set in 1983. We had decided to do the run halfway through the exercise, so most of us were feeling a bit tired probably not from work but more from the late nights and early starts(the bars stay open till 5.00 am). I did try and have an early night before the run but woke up in the early hours to find a dog in my room, compliments from my drinking buddies as a punishment for not going out with them. The run started at 7.30 and even at this time of a morning it was quite hot. The route is all along road and there are some lovely views; however that is the only complimentary thing I can really say about it. The climb starts from the very beginning and it just seems to increase until the very end. Even the monkeys at the top were unsociable (probably trained by the locals to dislike the Military) and one girl was actually bitten by one. I managed to come third with a time of 24 mins 17 secs and the average time was 35 mins. There are taxis and a cable car which take the tourists to the top which is certainly the better option; however being a Malvern Jogger I had no excuses but to do the run. It was a good job I was getting paid to do it!
[There is a picture of Andy in Gibraltar in the World Joggers section of the Picture Gallery]

Yacht Handicap 3.6M - 17/12/06 - by Chris Barker
One thing I meant to do before I left is to ask why its called the 'Yacht' Handicap but I forgot, so Santa, can I have a brain for Christmas please? It takes place in Bournville, South Birmingham and as you would expect there were no yachts to be seen, just brummies!
How does it work? Like this:-
Pick a team of two; mixed sex/mixed ability is fine! Then, Predict the time you think your team can complete the course. All runners start at 11.15am. The winning team is the team finishing closest to their predicted time. No-one is allowed to wear a watch, or a sun dial or tow a Grandfather Clock behind them!
A fairly novel idea for a race or should I say an event as running fast has nothing to do with it. Each team picks a name for itself and the MJ teams were:- The Caseley Clan (Julie & Samantha), Ovett & Coe (Chris & Eric) and the infamous Malvern Two (Steve Roode & Clare Hill). As running speed is not essential, many of your fit types were not there but the competitors were a varied lot and included two 'Vegan Runners' as it said on their tops. I don't which planet their from but its a different one from me! It sounds easy and with last years winners The Caseley Clan to share their secret with us (or not) and the first 6 teams winning a prize we expected to come away with something but in the end, despite running well we ran badly because we failed to get sufficiently close to the time we submitted. It harder than you think. But it was good fun anyway and I will do it again next year although I might do something different like, sack my running partner! and if you are racing at this time of year, keep an eye on who's behind you or you might be overtaken by Father Christmas, just like Steve Roode!
There was some compensation though in the food on offer afterwards. The man said 'have as much as you want, its all free' I took him at his word. It seems Bournville Harriers had picked the morning after their Christmas Do to hold the event which meant that all the food which wasn't eaten the night before at their buffet reappeared post race and very good it was too and we won 5 prizes in the raffle, so we did come away with something in the end!

Sneyd Christmas Pudding Run 10 - 10/12/06 - By Julie Caseley
' Three MJ's represented the club this morning at this 10 mile predominately flat race at Bloxwich, near Walsall in the West Midlands. It was a cold, wet and blustery morning and by the 8 mile mark I was desperate to finish as I was very cold and wet. Anyone with half an ounce of sense would have spent the morning in bed - but then there were quite a few runners this morning at Sneyd Community School, not to mention those running from the Wyche Cutting. I finished with a PB for this course in a time of 1 hr 22 mins 55 secs. Considering the conditions on the day, an excellent run by everyone '
Thanks, Julie

Mortimer Forest Hill Race - 10/12/06 - by Steve Roode
' The race started from Moor Park school just south of Ludlow it was raining as the race started, which made the course even muddier. I found that I was not the only Malvern Jogger on site as Richard (Walsh) and Sid (Jon Starkey) were there along with a number of Malvern Hashers. It was quite a testing route with some big hills along the way and very muddy in places - at least it was for me with my road running trainers on, I now know what I want for Christmas!!
Richard came in around 1hour 18 minutes, I was a bit behind in around 1 hour 43 and Sid came in close behind me. It was an enjoyable race on a testing route but I would recommend it.'
Thanks, Steve

Roving Racer Julie Caseley reports on the Forest of Dean Winter Trails Series - 26/11/06
This was the first of three races to be held at Mallards Pike Lake in the Forest of Dean. The other two races are in January and February 2007. The weather conditions were ideal today with little wind and it was dry, the sun even came out towards the end of the racing. There is the opportunity to compete over 5.4k, 10.4k and 15.4k which (yes, you've guessed it) is 1, 2 or 3 laps of the course (a bit like Warndon Villages, only prettier!)
The first half of the course around the forest has a gradual climb but once half way round the loop, the course descends back down to the lake. At the end of each event points are awarded - the longer the distance, the more points available and the overall series winner (1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female) receive cash prizes. Samantha completed the 5.4k course in a time of 27 mins 42 secs and I ran the 15.4k in 1 hr 18 mins 55 secs. Nick Hitchings also ran the 15.4k in a time of 1 hr 8 mins. Also, many thanks to Dave Edwards for his enthusiastic support today. The only cock-up in proceedings was that the organisers didn't anticipate the number of entries on the day and ran out of medals, so those finishing the 5.4k and some of the 10.4k got medals but the rest of ours are on order!!
Thanks, Julie

The Suicide Six(ish) 19/11/06 by Julie Caseley
Steve Roode and I were the two lonely MJ's who took part in this truly cross country run. There was plenty of mud, water and hills to satisfy all tastes. The weather was fantastic - bright, clear and dry (in that it wasn't raining) but it was pretty cold which made the statutory water crossing a bit chilly. I was foirtunate in that I managed to keep upright but the poor fella in front of me stumbled and then was completely submerged. He was OK but a lot wetter than he wanted to be, I'm sure, and very cold considering there was a good 1.5 miles to the finish. I finished in 58 mins 25 secs, 3 mins faster than last year and I think Steve was a good 5 mins ahead of me. Brilliant race if you like that kind of thing!!
Thanks, Julie

New York Marathon 5/11/06 by Steve Roode
I arrived in New York on Thursday afternoon, I stopped at the Milford Plaza which I woudn't recommend to anyone!! I did the international friendship run on the Saturday which was good fun. On the day of the marathon I had to leave the hotel at 5.30am to get to the start via bus, it was a long wait at the starting area especially as the it didn't start until 10.10am!! When we did get underway I took everyones advice and took it at a steady pace, the first mile was around 11 mins after that I kept a steady pace I couldn't tell you what pace as I did my usual thing of not wearing a watch, I was very conscience of not going too fast at the start but on reflection I think I should have gone a little quicker earlier on, as I did the second half faster than the first and finished strongly, but on the whole I was pleased with my time off 4.13.01 and my position was 16102 out of over 36,000. It certainly didn't put me off doing another marathon, the highlights of the race for me were running over the Verrazano Bridge and the fantastic support from the crowds lining the route that kept me going. It was my first marathon and I will find it hard to beat the atmosphere. I also made some great friends over the 4 days that I was in New York. The only downside is that I am sick of the taste of lemon and lime Gatoraid. Many Thanks to all of you who supported me with advice and sponsorship. Special thanks to Ros Goodman who became my personal trainer and Stuart Brown for his advice on where to go in New York!!
Thanks, Steve

Sodbury Slog 12/11/06 by Julie Caseley
Near perfect conditions for this 9+ mile "slog". Five MJ's took part today - Nick Hitchings, Amanda Imms, Clare Hill, Annabel Jeffery and myself. This year the organisers took out the 100 or so metre water filled ditch which caused so many problems/delays last year but replaced it with other water features and quagmires! I was enjoying myself far too much (in a sadistic sort of way) and will definitely be back next year. I improved my time by nearly 20 minutes finishing in 1:35:21. Rather than opting for a cold hose down at the finish like last year, there were 2 hot tubs on offer - a no brainer really, although I wasn't 100% sure that the men in the tub with
me were wearing anything below the waist - the water was a bit mirky!!!!
A tough "run", so well done everyone!
Finishing times for the Malvern Joggers were:- Nick Hitchings 1:19:48, Julie Caseley 1:35:29, Clare Hill 1:39:53, Annabel Jeffery 1:53:48 & Amanda Imms 2:04:11
Thanks, Julie

Dublin Marathon 30/10/06 by Richard Walsh
Hi all, am still well and alive after my debut 26.2 miles! me and my elder brother decided that this would be an idea of fun to go over to dublin and spend our holiday putting ourselves through unnecessary torture. am pleased to say that we were kept consistently hydrated at most mile markers with water, not guinness! i soon realised that my innitial aim of sub 3 hours was being highly optimistic for my debut marathon. with all the adrenaline and excitement of the event i found it difficult to restrain myself to a sensible pace and did the first 10k in 41 mins. nearer the half way mark i slowed a little but was still doing ok in around 1:29. however, by 16 miles the pain really started to hit in and i felt like i was carrying a whole load of weights on my legs and could hardly lift my feet off the ground. so with a bit of a nightmare in the last few, i achieved a finsihing time of 3:22.33. still, i guess it shouldnt be too hard a p.b. to beat on the next one! my brother who hadnt started running until this year managed a respectable 3:45, which was a very good achievement considering he also had a broken toe!
Thanks, Richard

Tewkesbury Guy Fawkes Five 5/11/06 by Chris Barker
Malvern Joggers provided some explosive running and this event really went with a bang. Well that's the Bonfire night stuff out of the way. 18 MJs took part (its 5 miles by the way, not 5K) which is 1 more runner than last year. Those who did it in 2005 won't need reminding of the sheets of rain that fell on them, before the race even started, so how good was it to have perfect running conditions. Last years field was down, due to the weather, to 158 runners but this year saw an almost doubling of numbers to 301 which is actually a lot to fit into 5 miles of country lanes especially at one point on a traffic-free part of the course, where the width of the road only accommodates 3 runners. Due to such a large field and therefore a queue to enter on the day the start was delayed for possibly 10 minutes which nobody seemed to mind.
If your used to 10Ks, half -marathons or longer it, and given that there are no hills in this one, its amazing how quickly this is over although the half mile walk to the start and back add a bit more and act as a good warm-up/warm down.
One drawback of a larger than usual field is that the race becomes more competitive and therefore more difficult to win anything, so unlike last year, we didn't. That's not to say there weren't some good performances from those MJs present. Jon Newey was 14th in 28.18, Richard Walsh was 38th in 30.25 and Andy Milton was 50th in 31.26 and I'm pleased to report a return to competitive action by Mark Cusack who was taken ill in his last race in the Tenbury 10K last August. Welcome back, Mark

More Beacon Race
From Carole Green:-
Beacon race - old news now, but wanted to report how proud I was of my two sons participating - Tom was down on his time 1.11 last year - coming in 1.17 after experiencing cramp for several minutes, and lost a lot of time. Younger son Will ran 1.04 after coming home at around 4.00a.m. in the morning and getting up one hour before the race - neither boys trained - but were forced by a crazy mother. Will claims to have kept up with Gill for most of the way, but he may have made this up! Their membership was just about valid - but I will continue with the encouragment, they would be an asset to the club. Their close friend Tom Beard ran an amazing 58mins - peer presure does work! I lost it between the gold mine and beacon but was very pleased with the bits either side - aimed to do 1.30 and not too far off - made huge mistake of not training the course, but the last half was very enjoyable, allbeit holding back to prevent falling - almost caught four racers on the down hill - I'll try kamikaze style next year! Several people kindly enquirying about Dave' s injury - must be ok as he is now playing rugby (despite retirement!) so may be difficult to continue with both sports - howevery the trophy cabinet continues to expand catching several big fish over the summer. (record barble - 11lb 4oz) Boys and I say thanks for support - much appreicated
Thanks, Carole

Stroud Half Marathon 22/10/06 by Clare Hill
I thought I'd let you know how I got on in the Stroud Half. Steve & I just made it to the start for 10.00am after waiting for the ladies toilets for 22mins! They cleverly provided 8 toilets for 2500 runners. Steve & plonked ourselves at the back of the start and walked leisurely to the start line before activating our chip & then we were on our way. I lost Steve within the first mile, as I expected, and ran at a comfortable 9 min mile pace. The route was very well set out with clear mile markers, 2 drink stations and crowds along most of the route. I was feeling good still at 8 miles thanks to some advice from Carl. I was counting the people I was over taking & minus the people overtaking me for each mile, this keeping my mind off my groin strain which kicked in at 3 miles and giving me some indication on how my speed was doing, sounds very strange but definitely works, until my head took over at 9 miles & legs were saying give up, but another Dextrose energy tablet pulled me through. I plodded, to say the least, to 11 miles where I kind of remembered the 2 mile route back. I managed some how to run the remaining 2.2 miles in 16 mins, don't quite know how as it was a slight up hill finish. Steve met me at 13 miles & encouraged me on the last leg, literally. I managed to pass the line in 2hrs 1min & 51 secs, which is a PB but disappointed to not have been under 2hrs.

Great South Run 22/10/06 by Derek Goodman
Ros lined up with the likes of Sonia O'Sullivan & Joanne Pavey on Sunday (22/10) with 18,000 other runners, in appalling conditions (I have never been so wet, apart from the run to the Old Hills during the thunder storm in the summer) and the water getting for ever deeper and a finish into a head wind. There were various bands playing around the course which ran through Portsmouth and through the harbour and docks for a distance of 10 miles. Had the weather been kinder this would have been an lovely place to race. Ros was not able to keep pace with Joanne Pavey who finished in 52 minutes but she did run extremely well despite the conditions and finished in an excellent time of 1 hour 20 minutes exactly. This gave Ros a finishing place of 2,000 which was not bad out of 18,000.
Thanks, Derek

Coventry Half Marathon 22/10/06 by Andy Milton
Had to leave Malvern at 7.00 as i had entered the kids in for the family fun run (2.2 miles) which started at 9.00. Despite the early lethargy they had an enjoyable run which was also a good warm up for myself.
The half marathon started at 10.30 and once again it was very well organised.I started at the 1.30 -1.45 marker and managed to get running almost straight away. My early concern was trying to beat Scooby doo as he was certainly going at a pace.The course was different to last year and slighly more hilly but did take us through some scenic areas which i did not know existed.There were four water stops which were well placed and included isotonic drinks.The weather conditions were perfect and along with the good support from the locals this certainly rates as one of the better city runs i have done.I managed to cross the line in 1.28 to be rewarded with decent quality T shirt , medal and goody bag. Although it costs £15 (affiliated) to enter it is value for your money. As the skies opened up on my way home i reassured myself that the early start had been worth it and i think the family agree too !

Cardiff Marathon - 15/10/06 by Emma Gooderham
Hope all went well in the Beacon race on Saturday and you all enjoyed the post race curry. Am looking forward to the write up of this event. I've just got back from Cardiff and completed the marathon in 3hours, 6 minutes and 23ish seconds. I had a great running partner who ran with me all the way round and it was his first marathon! The weather was perfect although a little blustery out in the docks. It's a great flat course with a finish in the milenium stadium for all half and full marathon runners. Overall I came forth lady (1st FV35). The time qualifies me for an upgrade from GFA to elite in London, so am really pleased. Probably won't be able to walk tomorrow though!
Thanks, Emma

Stroud Half Marathon - 22/10/06 by Julie Caseley
This turned out to be a lovely run with little wind and no rain until after we'd finished. Six MJ's ran - me, Samantha, Clare Hill, Steve Roode, Simeon Foreman and Stuart Day. Samantha did really well on her debut half marathon and finished on target in a time of 2 hrs. 13 secs. I would have liked to have finished closer to last years time of 1 hr 48 mins but was happy with 1 hr 50 mins.
Julie says she would have written more but her cooker blew-up spectacularly and she hade to go to her mother-in-laws for tea!!!
I've heard some excuses in my time1 Sorry, I meant to say thanks Julie very much for your report. Coventry Half Marathon - 22/10/06 by Andy Milton Had to leave Malvern at 7.00 as i had entered the kids in for the family fun run (2.2 miles) which started at 9.00. Despite the early lethargy they had an enjoyable run which was also a good warm up for myself. The half marathon started at 10.30 and once again it was very well organised.I started at the 1.30 -1.45 marker and managed to get running almost straight away. My early concern was trying to beat Scooby doo as he was certainly going at a pace.The course was different to last year and slighly more hilly but did take us through some scenic areas which i did not know existed.There were four water stops which were well placed and included isotonic drinks.The weather conditions were perfect and along with the good support from the locals this certainly rates as one of the better city runs i have done.I managed to cross the line in 1.28 to be rewarded with decent quality T shirt , medal and goody bag. Although it costs £15 (affiliated) to enter it is value for your money. As the skies opened up on my way home i reassured myself that the early start had been worth it and i think the family agree too !

Julie Caseley goes Racing.
Race number 39 this year, I think! - I ran the Bells of Pattingham 7 mile race near Wolverhampton this morning in a time of just over 62 mins, just under a minute slower than last year. This completely off road course takes in some of South Staffordshire's lovely countryside, if you're not too knackered to take it all in. Like most cross country runs, it was quite undulating and muddy in places towards the end, with the inevitable uphill finish that seems so popular!! The marshals were friendly and encouraging and the awards ceremony was quick and efficient. There is a piece of harvest cake, a cup of tea and a horse brass to all finishers. The number of runners seems to go up every year - nearly 900 this year - so an extremely popular run.
Thank you, Julie

The Badger Bite - 8/10/06
This morning I ran this delightful little race at Badger, Burnhill Green, Shropshire - completely off road on woodland tracks and paths, as well as a turnip field which was a bit hazardous! It was quite undulating but not too bad with a downhill start and inevitable uphill finish. Although it was advertised as 4+ miles, it was only 3.75 which was great for a Sunday morning race. I came 96th out of nearly 300 (I think) in a time of 32 mins 30 secs - my new 'go faster' trail shoes I bought yesterday seemed to do the trick! Great presentation venue at The Seven Stars pub in Beckbury afterwards complete with pork and beef bagettes - very civilised!!.
Thankyou. Julie