Cockington Caper
Nicky even managed a cheery wave at the end
CARDIFF HALF MARATHON REPORT
3 of us decided to have a girls weekend away in Cardiff and combine it with running
the Cardiff half marathon. Karen, Julie and myself let the train take the strain
and we were soon taking in the delights of Cardiff.
Arriving in Cardiff we had lunch
at Cardiff bay, lovely spot which will also be the start and finish point for the
half marathon. Into town for a bit of retail therapy, then out in the evening to
a little Italian for some carb loading. Hysterically Julie managed to get locked
in the toilet and had to phone us for help !!! she got great applause from the whole
restaurant when she was freed and returned to her seat.
The day of the race and there
wasn’t a cloud in the sky, not ideal weather conditions it was already warm. We all
managed to lose each other by the start of the race but in a way that turned out
to be a good thing as we all ran out own races. race starts at Cardiff bay, goes
through the town and past the castle, then it heads out onto the dual carriageway
and it goes on and on and ON up over a bridge and back down the other side of the
dual carriageway. This was the worse bit, it was endless and no support and no let
up from the sun, then it goes down through the waterfront of Penarth ending back
up at Cardiff bay. There was a lot of people needing help and treatment around mile
12, the heat had got to them. Even I struggled as soon as I crossed the finishing
line and needed help from the St Johns.” Dehydrated I think”. Never seen a finish
line with so many people being ill...
I came in 1st with a pb by 6 minutes of 2.09.55,
followed by Karen with a great time of .12.02 , and Julie chuffed to have completed
it without stopping after only being back from injury for 4 weeks in a time of 2.33.46.
We had time for a shower, lunch and a celebratory beer before the train home.
I wouldn’t
agree with the description of it being the best half marathon around , fantastic
scenery and carnival atmosphere-
REPORTER MARISSA
Charity Abseil for Brixham’s Admiral Swimming Pool. Fearless Brixham Harriers take up the challenge, have a bit of fun and raise funds for the pool.
If you remember how much you enjoyed
these there’s always next time............
Oh How it Rained on the Night of the Torbay Regatta 10K
(photos thanks to Debbie)
Race day dawned -
Report by Viv Mifsud
For anyone that doesn’t know, Newnham Park Country Estate is a beautiful, 1,550 acre private estate that is not generally open to the public and has been home to the same family for nearly 900 years. To be able to take part in this 8 miles off road run is both a privilege and a ‘must.’
The last time I did this race some years ago, it rained. This time, it also rained, while Torbay, so I am told, basked in sunshine. Did I complain? No, I wouldn’t dare as last week I complained about the unexpected October heat wave at the Churston Flyer. Besides, at Newnham, with the four river crossings and a run through the ‘sheep dip’ you can expect to get wet anyway so a bit of rain makes little difference.
We arrived early, very early in fact as we camped on Saturday night in the start field along with some of the organisers, who were extremely friendly and invited us for a drink in their beer tent. Sadly, we declined and opted for a meal, DVD and an early night in the hope that I would summon up the energy for the run ahead. On the morning of the run I was both surprised and delighted to see fellow Brixham Harrier Jean all ready to run in her Brixham vest standing alongside previous club member Eileen. They suggested I joined them in a bit of a warm up, which I duly did. As soon as we were back from our short jog it was time to get on the start line where I saw several other familiar faces from a variety of clubs and areas all cheerfully awaiting the off. A mile into the race and we had already run through the ‘sheep dip’ and returned to the start but then off in a different direction ready to face the first river crossing and back through the start field much to the joy of the onlookers with cameras at the ready. Normally I would hate to see the start line once on a race let alone twice but I was enjoying myself so much I didn’t care or even think that I could stop and bail out if I wanted. Five muddy and wet miles into the run and we were running the stunning woodland paths. Amazingly, for me, I felt I was just ‘getting going’ as I leaped over tree roots and through the sticky mulch of wet leaves and mud. So engrossed in the run by the final stage I couldn’t remember what number was on the last mile marker I’d seen, then I heard one of the marshals say “last river crossing and back to the finish” As I crossed the finish line I caught sight of Jean, who had already finished in a very respectable 1 hour 25 minutes. I looked at my watch and I was seven minutes behind her. I’ve no idea how this compared to the last time I did it but I had a great time and felt exhilarated when I got back.
For friendliness and fun this run gets full marks from me. It was really well organised and marshaled by the Plympton Hash House Harriers. Would I do it again? Yes. Would I recommend it? Yes. Should you do it next year? Most definitely, come and join me.
Linda
rs
Firstly, what an amazing City Edinburgh is. Coming from the Airport by bus into the City centre, looking up to the right I saw Edinburgh Castle sitting high up over looking the City. In front were the beautiful mountainous hills of Holyrood Park sat right in the City, although my stomach did lurch when Gloria asked if the marathon route went up them! Thanks Gloria!! Race day dawned with a combination of wind, rain and sun. Starting near Holyrood Park the organisation at the start was excellent and the race started on time. Passing over the start line the bagpipes were playing and crowd support was brilliant. Through Holyrood Park taking in Holyrood Palace to my left and on route Meadow Brook Stadium. The route took us along the Portabella Promenade. At around 8 miles it did a large loop which turned at 19 miles to go to the finish at Musselburgh. The course was lovely in places (seaside views, greenery etc) though bleak in others (power station). Having felt like I was carrying a couple of breeze blocks on my feet for many weeks I was surprised to find I was running strong although a little too fast at first. Around mile 8 I settled into a rhythm and zoned out for the next 10 miles. I had made a pact with myself not to look at the distance or time on my Garmin during the early stages so had little idea of how many miles I had run. I thought it was funny that I didn’t notice any mile markers; apparently they were small and high up on lamp posts. I didn’t speak to a sole which was a blessing in some ways as Gloria had to translate most of the weekend for me! The crowds were great in the concentrated areas they appeared. Around mile 18 the course went off road for a couple of miles which was a relief from the tarmac. Having pulled in for a loo stop around this point, the old legs and mind were starting to protest when I got going again. Surrounded by fields in the middle of god knows where, suddenly in the distance I saw a lone trumpeter standing in his front garden playing to us runners. This lifted my spirits and off I went again though rather carefully as we had to dodge the roaming chickens on the paths. The big test came at the end, the last 4 miles were the hardest ever with severe head winds where I struggled to walk let alone run. Coming through the last few towns before the finish had some great crowd support. As I came along the finish, I could feel my eyes starting to well up as the end was in sight but I couldn’t understand the lack of people or support – why was there a grandstand with seats and nobody in it? Looking down at my Garmin it read 26.1 so surely I was near the end and even when I went over the finish mat I was doubting myself as there was still no crowd support, cheering or fanfare. It turned out spectators were not allowed near the finish line and sent to the nearby park to watch the event on a large screen, which apparently didn’t work. Terrible crowding after the finish line, poorly organised medal collection, goodie bag collection, t shirt collection and then we were herded through a small opening for a ¼ mile walk to the reunion area. This was so poorly organised I couldn’t find Gloria so ended up borrowing a mobile phone to contact my Dad in Devon, to ring Gloria in Edinburgh to say I was next to the coffee stand. By the time Gloria met me she was freezing cold, wind swept and trying to smile through gritted teeth!!! Overall, a good flat course and I would recommend it as a first marathon although the organisation at the end needs sorting out.
Nickys Race report EDINBURGH MARATHON – 22ND MAY 2011
Autumn Trail 8 Miles off road at Newnham Park Country Estate Plympton
Malta Marathon 27th February 2011
Marathon medals from Rome, Malta, London and Edinburgh
Steve’s Race Report
COCKINGTON CAPER 10TH DECEMBER 2011
Awaking blurry eyed with a niggle in my head at 07:10 I began to wonder if it was
a day for racing? Peering out of the window whilst I munched on my Mini-
After what seemed like an hour and half of scrambling around the house looking for nothing in particular I alighted my lift and Andrew and I proceeded on up the road cheerful optimistic.
Greeting Bev and Nicky in the car park we walked up to the cricket pavilions to collect our race numbers and size up the competition.
Back to the car for trainers and number pinning.
Following a brief warm up (I was pleased I’d opted for trouser though a brave Andy was sporting his fine legs!)We made our way to the start line where we met up with Bev, Lynda ,Nicky and Jean... completely missing the starter horn as we were posing for our trusty camera man Doug.
Off we slopped up the hill I was taking it easy, as off road running isn’t my bag, peering into the distance I could see Andy making his way up the field with the more elite chaps.
To give an account of what happened can only be described as uphill, downhill, past
trees, through mud, passing other runners, more up hills, squelchy mud, small road
section, water stop, more down-
The reward for our hard efforts was a customised mug and piece of Christmas cake. A worthy while prize, my only wish was for it to of been filled with steam tea.
I’d recommend for future participants to invest in some X country trainers you DO need grip!!!
Parking in the car park left a healthy sting in my wallet so I would park on the road 300m before the pub.
Finally would I do it next year? You’ll have to wait and see :-
A valiant effort to the end of the 2011 racing calendar by all.
Results
Steve Howlett-
Andrew Shankster-
Jean Mills-
Beverley Tonks-
Nicky Johnson-
Linda McRae-