Captain's Log
Martin Garrett (left), the club captain, reviews December plus results and forthcoming races
Well, what a difference a year makes. After suffering the coldest December for a century last year we were treated to one of the mildest on record this. Meant we were able to indulge in rather more in the way of athletic activity this time round, and, more importantly, actually hold our Christmas party.
A good turnout of thirty at our festive 'bash' on the 20th, and nice to see Santa in fine form. Louis (who was noticeable by his absence for a fair part of the evening!) was the 'lucky' beneficiary in the draw for our guaranteed London Marathon place, with Gavin drawing the short straw as understudy. Means, at the last count, and injuries permitting, we should have five members at least - Abdul, Laurence, Luke, Louis and Russ - toeing the start line on April 22nd. As ever everyone pitched in to make it a thoroughly enjoyable evening but I'd like to give a special vote of thanks to Bev (who took on the role of co-ordinator in her usual inimitable style) and her able 'assistants' - Trish, Hazel, Nicky, Jenny, Ann , and last but not least the two Jeans (or should that be a pair?) - not, of course, forgetting our barman par excellence Russ.
On the athletic front the month saw a couple of road races, the Perivale 5 and Pednor 10, supplemented by a 'diet' of cross country (John and James tackling the Boxing Day Saltwood 5k.), Parkruns, and Santa Dashes (Rita and Andres supporting Brainwave in a charity run at Spitalfields, whilst John and Louis turned out in aid of St Lukes Hospice). Debs and Julie meanwhile tweaked the festive format slightly by turning out as Christmas Fairys.
There was a good quality field at Perivale on the 4th with twenty-two runners inside six minute mile pace, and the winner, Mike Cummings (Herne Hill) finishing in 26.09.The standard of competition obviously inspired Louis who smashed his PB clocking a time of 39.23.
As for the Parkruns, Mark and Ellen added another venue to our growing list on New Year's Eve when they took part in the Poole event along with 240 or so other runners including GB International Liz Yelling (first woman home in 17.21). In stark contrast, Andres had only another eleven like minded souls for company at the Scrubs a week earlier. Simon, meanwhile, is the latest member to try out these Saturday morning 'sharpeners'. Unfortunately, not having pre-registered, his runs at Hampstead Heath on the 24th and 31st weren't officially timed (suggestion for a New Year's resolution Simon, get a barcode!).
Next Month: The New Year’s Day 10k., Fred Hughes 10, and, no doubt, a few more Parkruns
Up and coming races for your consideration are on our Events page
Martin Garrett
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Perivale 5: 04/12/11 Hampstead Heath - Park Run 5K: 24/12/11 Wormwood Scrubs - Park Run 5K: 24/12/11 |
Saltwood 5k. X/C.: 26/12/11 Pednor 10: 31/12/11 Poole Park - Park Run 5K: 31/12/11
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