Captain's Update - August 2016

Well, as anticipated, have a little less news to report on this month, though members still managed to find a 5k. and four 10ks. to support in addition to the final Summer League fixture at Gunnersbury Park and our normal parkrun exploits.

Away from the Summer League, taking things chronologically, our competitive month kicked off with Tony (21.13) and Graham (42.48) taking on 5k. and 10k. respectively in the Chase The Sun event in Hyde Park on the 3rd, and continued with Graham going forty-nine seconds faster over the same distance, clocking 41.59, at Darlington on the 7th (can't believe the course was flatter than Hyde Park Graham!). Tony was then back on familiar territory at Wimbledon for another Chase The Sun race on the 24th before Yvonne rounded things off at the London Summer 10k. series race at Regent's Park on the 28th (taking first place in her age category).

As for the Summer League, 13 members turned out for the final fixture in Ealing on the 14th with Bev in support. A new venue, and one that got a general thumbs up! Tony (no surprise there!) ked our 'bakers dozen' home in 43.28, whilst it was good to have the two Brians back in tandem for the first time this year. Pleased to say we also managed to get a B1 relay team out again (finishing third out of six), injuries/niggles leaving us, frustratingly, one short of both men's and women's squads. No results as yet, but should, hopefully, be able to give you a full update in the next log (an end of season de-brief meeting having been proposed for the end of September). In all, over the season, nineteen members donned their running shoes for the club, and a big "Thank You" to everyone who turned out, and in particular to the 'ever presents' - Tony, Mark, Yvonne and Kay.

Moving on to parkrun, Colin's national tour continued with trips to Stevenage, Chipping Sodbury, Royal Tunbridge Wells, and Humber Bridge, whilst, away from Gladstone Park (where the four runs saw an average attendance of 145) and Harrow, members also took in runs at South Oxhey (Peter H.), Osterley (Victor), and Basingstoke (Mark).

On the home front, 13 runners lined up for the penultimate handicap on the 16th with Kay (using the familiar runner's gambit of claiming to be unfit before the race!) leading the field home ahead of the two Davids, Maret and Heathcote. No update on the current standings at the time of  'going to press', though I understand the field of potential winners has been whittled down to three or four. Good to catch up with Ruth (over from the States on a flying visit) on the 30th meanwhile, her appearance attracting a year's record attendance (Run Wembley 'Thank You' evening notwithstanding) of 21. Nice also to have Jean and Derek Gale, and Bob Davidson with us for the evening, and , particularly, to see Mr. Blacker joining us for a little exercise!

Following last month's log, I heard from Sarah and can now confirm that she's now 'strutting her stuff' with Tunbridge Wells Harriers. Nice to know our 'athletic academy' has now provided recruits for Harriers, Dacorum & Tring, Marlow Striders, and Clapham Joggers!

Well, think that about covers it for this month, except to give a warm welcome to the club to our latest recruits, Robert, and, most recently, Angela.

Next Month: The final handicap, Ealing Half Marathon, Moor Park 10k., and much, much more.