Captain's Log
Martin Garrett (left), the club captain, reviews JULY plus results and forthcoming races
July proved another busy month for the club, with two more Summer League fixtures, the fourth round of our handicap series, races near and far (well mostly near, though Chris did get up to the North East!), more club records, and a couple of notable birthdays to celebrate.
Whilst Julie further reduced her 10k mark at both Harrow and Regents Park, think pride of place this time round has to go to Russ who got himself back onto the honours board setting an MV65 record (39.23) at the Waddesdon Manor 5k on the 16th.
Nice to have Russ back in competitive action, and he wasn’t finished there, joining Sue, Mark, Carole Richard and myself four days later for the inaugural High Wycombe 10k. Not a course for a PB with a lengthy uphill drag at the start, but a pleasant run nonetheless. As Richard pointed out, think the organisers may have set some kind of record in managing two different incorrect spellings of inaugural on the race T-Shirt and medal. Couple of interesting items in the goodie bag too (local bus timetable and a furniture store catalogue!).
In fact the 20th saw us active on four fronts (another record?), with Anita tackling the Great Capital 10k in Hyde Park (and achieving her aim of leaving her brother trailing in her wake!), Ruth and Ian taking up Fairlands Valley Spartans challenge in Hertfordshire (Ruth, needless to say, deciding to sample the marathon, whilst Ian opted for something slightly shorter), and Chris enjoying a ‘ramble’ round the Northumberland coastline.
Chris actually ran the race with Peter Forster who longer serving members will remember as a Vale Farm Tuesday night stalwart. Understand from Chris that Peter has put exercise somewhat on the backburner of late, and that Peter’s ‘better half’ Maureen decided to ply Chris with substantial breakfasts in the couple of days before the race in an attempt to provide hubby with a little edge. Didn’t work however, as Chris came home ten minutes clear.
As for the Summer League, we notched an unexpected fifth place at Harrow, with Laurence and Brian T. making their debuts (finishing ahead of a somewhat depleted Serpentine squad) before reverting to our more usual sixth spot at Regents Park. At Harrow, Ealing just edged out the hosts Metros, helped by a clean-sweep in the relays (a feat achieved by Dulwich in the previous fixture), with a mere twenty-two points separating Metros from Dulwich (boosted by the largest youth squad in the competition) in third.
At the time of going to press meanwhile, the result of the Regents Park fixture is in the balance. Provisional results showed Ealing scraping home, just six points ahead of Dulwich, however I’ve since been advised of a couple of discrepancies on the results sheets handed in so will have to see what the situation is after a ‘re-count’.
Not that it’s going to matter in the long run, as, going into the last fixture at Battersea, Dulwich hold a thousand point lead over Ealing and, have the title virtually wrapped up. We managed to get out fifteen at Harrow, and a dozen at Regents Park (pretty impressive for a club of our size) and it would be nice to end the season with another good turnout on August 17th. Good to see Abdul back in League action too.
Actually, can’t leave my Summer League round-up without mentioning the relays. Had the ‘pleasure’ of running the last lap of the men’s relay at Harrow solo. At least I had the company of Metros last man for half a lap at Regents Park, so fingers-crossed at that rate of progress we might be in with a shot at fifth spot next time.
On the home front, the handicap continues to bubble up nicely. Eighteen runners toed the line for July’s race, Chris claiming the Vino just ahead of Julie, with Gavin third. Means, with two races to go, Carole,Tricia and Ruth at the top of the table are separated by a mere two points, with Anita and Julie also handily placed, and another three or four still in realistic contention.
Post race prize-giving was somewhat enlivened by a mouse trying to gatecrash proceedings (not sure if it was a paid up member or not!), which gave July the opportunity for a spot of unanticipated high jump training.
Congratulations to Cathy and Richard who registered landmark birthdays during the month. Needless to say we celebrated both in style, with appropriate cakes (Cathy also providing extras nibbles, and Richard pizza!). Unfortunately, looks like we might have a long wait before we indulge again (unless we can pick up one or two, suitably aged, new members) as, as far as I can see, the next ‘significant’ birthday is Ian’s in September 2010!
Still a month or so to go before I have to send in our entries for Moor Park, but I’ve already had forms back from Ruth, Sue, Nick and Gavin. As ever it’s a case of the more the merrier, and, for those masochists amongst you, please note that you can also take in the Amersham 5 (complete with new course and venue) on the same day.
Finally, a warm welcome to Laurence, and many thanks to Richard and Carole for the kind donation to club funds (I’m sure your committee won’t be short of ideas on what to spend the windfall!).
Next month, the Summer League finale, the much hyped Nike Human race 10k and much, much more …… (well a little anyway!).
Footnote: Russ’s new 5k record reminds me we’ve still got plenty of spaces on our honours board for the distance. No MV60 mark Chris, or Women’s records under FV55 for that matter, so plenty of opportunities for the ‘glory hunters’ in our ranks. Would recommend Serpentine’s Last Friday of the Month 5k, or the Bushy Park Time Trials (see Bev or Tricia) if you’re looking for a race.
Up and coming races for your consideration are on our Events page
Martin Garrett
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Milton Keynes 10k: 1/7/08 Princes Risborough 10k: 6/7/08 Summer League (Harrow) 10k: 13/7/08 Waddesdon Manor 5k: 16/7/08 Great Capital 10k: 20/7/08 Northumberland Coastal 14: 20/7/08 |
High Wycombe 10K: 20/7/08 Fairlands Valley Marathon/12 mile*: 20/7/08 Last Friday of the Month 5K (Hyde Park): 25/7/08 Wedding Day 7k (Bushy Park): 25/7/08 Summer League (Regents Park) 10k: 27/7/08 NB:Due to a slight doubt over race times I’ve used Julie’s own (slower) clocking of 47.07 for club record purposes |