Bishops waltham 5 - how YOU can help.

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:28:56 +0100

Hello Everyone,

As you are probably aware, Bishops Waltham Rotary Club approached Jim last year asking for Fareham Crusaders to assist with their Bishops Waltham 5 Mile Road Race.

Yesterday evening, I went to a meeting with Mike Dally, the club's Chairman, and Keith Woolven, the current Mens' Captain, at Bishops Waltham Junior School, to discuss with the Rotary Club and the school, further details of this years race.

Part of the meeting involved the marshalling arrangements. Fareham Crusaders will be supplying people to marshal the race. One of the Rotary Club Members has been designated as the Chief Marshal, and has come up with a Marshalling Plan which requires 28 people. I am hopeful that we as a club can supply 20 of these 28 marshals. We are looking for Crusaders who can commit themselves to assist with the marshalling on this day. There are two races, the main race, with a maximum of 350 runners at 10:30am, and the fun run, with a maximum of 250 runners at 11:30am.

The exact details on the day have yet to be confirmed, however to give you an idea of what is required, I have summarised below the Marshalling Briefing Note given to me yesterday.

Timing : All marshals are to arrive at Bishops Waltham Junior School approximately half an hour before the race starts for a final briefing which will include a Health & Safety briefing. Leave to take up position on the course. Leave marshal location when given the all clear by the Chief Marshal, or his assistant.

Clothing : Marshals to wear High Visibility Waistcoats or Jackets. The Rotary Club have 23 jackets, but if you have one, please bring it along. I have a couple which I use for work, which I will bring along.

Equipment : Fully charged mobile phone, with emergency numbers stored.

Medical Emergency Action : Contact the Race Medical Officer by mobile phone.

Other Emergency Action : Contact Race Supervisor by mobile phone.

I am the Club's point of contact with the Chief Marshal, so if you are able to come along and help out, please send me your details, so I can add your name to the list. The more people we can get the better, as I would rather we had more than 20 than less. I would also be grateful if someone could put this up on Facebook, as I would like everyone in the Club to have a chance of taking part.

In addition to providing people for marshalling, members of the club have been busy distributing flyers at recent races, and Jim has been producing route maps of the course for the Rotary Club. So you can see how well the Club has been involved in this event.

I look forward to hearing from as many of you as possible.

Best wishes.

Martin

Email martin at farehamcrusaders@btinternet.com

Marathon Majors - berlin 2013

Tue, 1 May 2012 08:20:58 +0100

In recent weeks, the Crusaders have got the marathon bug, with more finishers in the last 4 weeks, than we have had in any previous calendar year. The marathon is the ultimate challenge for distance runners. While Hellruns and Tough Guys cater for your gimmick option and Ultra runs and races across the Sahara desert test your sanity, the marathon remains The Challenge by which runners can be measured by.

In the world there are 5 marathons that are considered The Marathon Majors, London, New York, Chicago, Boston & Berlin. All have over 20,000 entrants per race, all are fairly flat and fast and all are brilliant experiences.

Back in 2004 I ran my first marathon in New York City. As with most people's first marathons it was a life changing experience and if you ever have 3 or 4 hours to kill, you can ask me about what I thought of the race. Two years later I ran Chicago in starting temperatures of minus 4, and then in 2008 and 2009 I was lucky enough to run the London Marathon (and beat Ronan Keating, Ben Fogle and Gordon Ramsay (twice). Again, ask me about it… I'll talk).

This leaves two to complete. To compete in Boston, you either need a charity place or a qualifying time. The qualifying time for my age is 3:05.

So Boston can wait.

Since I ran my last marathons abroad, the club has gone from strength to strength and it is my most proud running achievement to date. So this is an open invite.

Next year in 2013, I'll be running the Berlin Marathon. And all Crusaders are welcome to join me.

It runs in the last weekend in September. As a guide, a travel package with 2:09 events has the hotel and entry fee to the marathon at around £500, and flights if booked early enough should come in at £200. It's around 16 months till the event, which would mean you could save £50 per month and still have beer money. Oh and on that footnote the Munich beer festival runs the week after, so if you wanted to extend it to a few days on the beer after the event you can.

I'll be there, and if I could run this event with my friends at this brilliant club, I would have a memory to cherish, nearly as much as beating Gordon Ramsay (twice).

So think about it. email me, Facebook me, tweet me, message me, call me or talk to to my actual face me, if you would like to come on our epic German adventure.

Jim.

Benidorm 10k & half marathon - Crusaders on Tour

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:20:04 +0000

“Another successful and enjoyable weekend in was had in Benidorm by the Fareham Crusaders on tour.

We all arrived on Friday, and quickly rediscovered the Heartbreak Hotel Rock Bar down on the beach, a few games of pool there, and then back to the Hotel bar.

Saturday dawned good and sunny (peaking at 27 degrees), and it was clearly a day to visit the beach. We fought out way through the throng of mobility scooters in the old town, and arrived at the beach to find ourselves serenaded by the Benidorm singers gathered at the promenade, we all wanted to join in, but the only one who got an invite was Mick!
The more hardy amongst us swam in the sea – Nicky, Don, Andy, Mick and Debbie, the others didn’t want to ruin their hair, but the girls just didn’t fancy it….
Phil got so overexcited by finding a free toilet, that he chased Ian and Gareth across the beach to tell them his amazing news, tripped on a grain of sand, and felt flat on his face! Such fun!

We picked an Italian Restaurant for lunch, and all ordered pasta, to fuel our run later in the day. About an hour later, our food started to arrive, some of the orders were correct, which turned out to be a bonus….Having said that, the food was good, and we headed back to the hotel for a siesta/swim/whatever, before the race.

Gathering before the race, we all wished each other luck, especially Cassie Thorp who was there with her coach Gerry ‘The Legend’ North, to run her first half marathon, and expecting to win it.
Some were taking the ‘Running Crazy’ option of a 10k instead, but Malcolm had assured us that we could make our minds up which one to do while we were actually running (dangerous option). As we gathered at the race start, the light faded, and the siren sounded, and as we started fireworks went off all around, quite a stunning sight. The race was a 2 and a half lap race, up and down duel carriageways, through the old town and along the beach. The support was amazing for a lot of the route, and you could see how your team mates were getting on as we kept passing each other in opposite directions. As a woman running there seemed to be more enthusiasm from the crowd with cries of ‘Chica! Chica!’ . The finish was uphill on a blue carpet.

Phil was 1st Crusader with a new PB of 1:29, Ian was next in with 1:31, Kirsty was next in 1:38(8th in category), then Karen 1:43(7th in category) and finally Mick in 2:04, all the others (Debbie, Martin, Don, Nicky, Cathy P and Liz) opted to do the 10K instead, maybe Mick wishes he had too, when he felt so ill afterwards that he failed to make the after-party! Cassie did win the ladies race in a time of 1:19.

We all met up at the hotel for food (and to share Cassie’s bubbly!), got changed, and trekked off to the party venue, by the time we arrived it was already 10:30. Kareoke went well with notable highlights being Don doing ‘Mustang Sally’, Gareth doing ‘That’s Amore’ and Nicky doing ‘Hungry like the Wolf’, there was also a rather cool rendition of ‘Stan’ which was quite memorable. After the presentation of race prizes, the dancing started, and good fun was had by all, especially Karen and Phil, and Gerry North. Last orders were called at about 3:00, and we had all lasted the distance (except Mick who never got started). Chippenham Harriers decided to take a taxi back, but we walked back, and didn’t get lost either!

Most of us managed to get up for breakfast the next day, and we spent a chilled day wandering Benidorm, sipping coffee overlooking the beach, and swimming in the indoor pool, with the old Spanish ladies swimming in their shower caps (really). We fancied using the Jacuzzi, which was being hogged by elderly people (in shower caps, obviously), who kept glaring at us as if to scare us away, so we just used our secret weapon – Martin – in he got, and out they got!! Works every time…

By Sunday evening some of our party had gone home, but those of us who remained went back to the Heartbreak Hotel Rock Bar, where there was a Blues Brothers tribute band playing. We moved onto the Irish Bar, where the Boys could play pool, and the drinks were cheaper, and in fact, at one point we had the whole bar to ourselves with a band playing to just us…..

All home safely now, and looking forward to the photos evening…..I would recommend this weekend away to anyone who likes singing, dancing, partying… oh and running of course!”

solent half marathon

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:18:58 +0100

What a lovely but challenging course this was. Everyone put in so much effort and that was apparent at the finish line. Pete was first home just missing being under 1h30 by a few seconds and he was probably giving it his all up the home straight as his stomach told him just after.
I saw Ian a few times at the start as he had to pullover with cramps in his leg, he soon court me up again each time and was great support to me helping me to keep with my target of the first lady who I did loose and then was overtaken by the second and third lady, I saw this a challenge so dug deep and pushed on and did manage to overtake them on the last long straight. It did take everything I had though as once over the finish line I was on the floor and rolled under the tapes face down in the mud with a marshal pulling at my leg getting his chip back.
Ian in true Crusader style came over and said to Pete and I, “Come on lets cheer the rest in!”, never leaving anyone to finish on their own.
Next in were Phil, Colin, Paul, Gareth then our first lady home was Kirsty who was being chased by Karen, if she had gone one second quicker would have got a bottle of wine but was still a very impressive 3rd in her category. Ken then ploughed up the hill to complete the B team. Katherine then followed with an impressive time of 1h 50. Debbie Taylor completed a brave return to form in 1:51:13, followed by Pete, Geraldine & Sandra & Rick who had a very impressive finish, his head was down and he was chasing the next man and then threw himself over the line.
Not only was he happy with being under 2 hours he made the St. Johns man happy by giving him something to do and applied an ice pack to his head due to his dive at the end. Avis and Cathy then came in meaning all the Crusaders completed this challenging but picturesque race. A cracking turn out for a tough and challenging course and wonderful to see Crusaders finish throughout the field.

Brian Wright

Southsea Runs

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 09:08:43 +0100

In brief results from the seafront runs this past weekend. 
Southsea 10k

74th 49.51 Roger Thomasson
80th 50.36 Bob Stafford
144th 56.23 Edward Millmott
292nd 1.10.07 Lindsay Hubbard

Southsea 8 miles

12th 57.28 Matt Fleet
75th 1.22.03 Phil Little

Well done to all our runners.

New Forest Marathon

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 17:35:09 +0100

New Forest Marathon – 25th September 2011
The New Forest marathon is a relatively small marathon with approximately 1000 listed to start and 751 actually completing the course on the day. The race profile is not for the feint hearted with 26.2 miles of continuous hills. A tip for those tempted to take part in this challenging marathon next year or in the future, don’t read the mile by mile course description the night before the race!
This year’s marathon saw 7 crusaders completing the full marathon and 2 completing the half:
Full: Andy Agona, Phil Chamberlain, Ian Edwards, Jason Stock, Debbie Taylor, Gareth Travis and Brian Wright.
Half: Keith Woolven and Sharon Gwynn
The following race report includes contributions from some of those who took part and those who enjoyed the day spectating:
Runner’s perspective:
Brian Wright – “The support really helps and it was great to see Jim and Fliss about a mile from the end as we weren’t expecting them to be there. That really got me going and I picked up the pace through to the end where I loved the end with everyone cheering. It was difficult to keep to a slow pace at the start but I knew it would help at the end which it did. I was so pleased to finish 5 minutes under my target time and to knock 30 minutes off my time from London 2010. That was down to the training and support from a great running club.”
Gareth Travis – “The best bit for me was getting under 4 hours. It was also great to have Phil (Chamberlain) running alongside to help me round. It was great to have lots of support from family and friends along the course. The worst bit was taking a brief walking break at 14 miles. However the most memorable bit was the feeling of elation when I crossed the line.”
Ian Edwards – “Having completed the Brighton marathon in April this year I was keen to take up the challenge of a more difficult course. Several times throughout the race I questioned my reasoning behind this as the hills kept coming and coming. Starting out too quickly meant that I struggled between 13 and 20 miles. The sight of the 20 mile marker was very welcoming as I knew the end was in sight. With one final big hill at approximately 23 miles it was time to dig deep and push for the line. The thought of seeing the club guys at the end was just what I needed to bring me home and I was elated and relieved to cross the line with a new PB.”

Spectator’s perspective:
Having been down to support crusaders in the New Forest Marathon last year, I was aware how much of a challenging course this was. The course had been changed a little this year to minimise congestion in the local villages. Brian was in a very optimistic mood on our journey to New Milton and was more than ready to take on the challenge that lay before him. Meeting up with Karen Jenkins and daughter Emily in New Milton we cheered our crusaders off as they started their 26.2 miles, up a gentle incline - Maybe a sign of things to come! We then hot-footed it back to the car and whizzed up the A35 to Holmsely tea rooms at the 10.5 mile mark, where we met up with Helen Chalk and Pete Barber (both of whom completed this marathon the previous year). Having seen everyone cruising through we then moved further up the A35 to the end of a forest path section of the route just before Burley (approximately 16 miles). By now the hills were starting to take their toll and the effort was starting to show on a few faces. Thanks to Phil though for checking that we were ok as he ran past...have to admit it was hard work watching you guys run. Brian at this point continued to smile!
From 16 miles we returned to the home straight ready to see our triumphant friends complete this marathon challenge. First home was Jason Stock in 3:13, followed shortly afterwards by Ian Edwards in 3:22 who had knocked 10 minutes off his marathon debut 5 months earlier. Next home was Brian Wright, with the biggest smile I have seen at the end of 26.2 miles. Brian geeing up the crowds on the final 50m was amazing and demonstrated the overall feeling of the day for Brian, having knocked an impressive 30 minutes off his marathon PB finishing in 3:40. Andy Agona, followed Brian in shortly afterwards in 3:43. Gareth and Phil finished off the crusaders attack on the New Forest Marathon hitting Gareth’s target of finishing in under 4 hours.
For those who want to watch a marathon, this is a great one to watch, there are a few points on route that are easily accessible to enable you to cheer on family or friends.
I think all those who came to support on the day will agree with me when I say how proud we felt on watching our friends succeed in such a challenge. It was inspiring to watch, so much so that Ladies Captain Karen is now considering taking on the Marathon challenge herself!

KIRSTY SPITTLES

Victory 5 - hrrl 2 of 12

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 17:39:36 +0100

A total of 24 Crusaders took part in the Victory 5 mile road race, the 2nd in the HRRL calender.

Helen Chalk was the 37th Lady to finish in an impressive sub 35, 34:56, just pipping Kirsty Spittles who also broke the 35 minute mark. Katherine Dartmouth made up the A team with a strong, 38:15. Liz Farquharson, Mal Latham and Avis Cowling made up our B team finishers.

In the mens section, Liz’s son Paul was the 1st Crusader home in a time of 31:36, followed by Dave Fleet, 33:05, Steve Askew, 34:56 and Men’s Captain, Keith Woolven in 35:19.
Ian Edwards, David Fuller, Jon Woad and James Musselwhite Made up the B team places

The result saw the ladies score third int he A league and 11th in the B league, while the men posted 7th in the A league and 15th in the B section.

The next race is the Solent Half marathon on October the 9th.

the test way relay, mixed and men’s report.

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 20:42:42 +0100

MEN’S TEAM

The Test Way relay was organised this year by Totton Running Club. The route consists of eight legs starting at a point between Hungerford and Newbury and finishing at Totton. It takes in some stunning scenery as you pass along-side the River Test. No marshals along the route so navigation pretty much relies runners doing their own recce beforehand. There are green TW arrows along the route but these are often difficult to see.
Fareham provided two teams this year, a men’s team plus a mixed team of equal ladies and men.
Men’s team report:
Rick’s ‘travellers’ van. Not really knowing what to expect, Rick promised transport and transport he certainly did provide! All I can say is check out the photos on Facebook!
The Men’s team set off from the Leisure Centre at 09:30 on Saturday morning and headed off towards the A34 in the direction of Newbury. The start of Leg-1 is a remote hill-top position called Inkpen Beacon situated somewhere between Hungerford and Newbury.
Ed Casper (or is it Jerry from New Jersey?) had very kindly volunteered to make up the Men’s team at short notice, led the Crusaders at Leg 1 and completed his 7.1k route in 39:20 mins. This was brilliant considering he had no time to recce the route beforehand. We later found out that it was this or be taken shopping around Southampton on a Saturday but we were very grateful so, thank-you Ed.
Jeremy Turner, who muttered “but this isn’t the bit I recced” took over at the change-over for Leg-2 and completed 8.5k in 49:44 mins.
One of our faster runners, Lee Gardener raced off at Leg-3 but after two miles, turned his ankle in a rut which left him hobbling the rest of his 10k route. Not wanting to let the team down, Lee continued and completed his leg. Unlike the Gosport runner who must have got completely lost as he failed to reach the change-over at the start of Leg-4. Unfortunate for Gosport but it gave us an advantage as the contest revved up between the two neighbours.
Now it was the turn of the team captain. Any hopes of maintaining the lead were soon dashed as the Gosport runner, a veteran of Leg-4 and given his ‘go-ahead’ by the time-keeper, blasted his way forward and soon caught up with the Crusader. As the previous Gosport runner failed to complete his leg, Gosport was given a 15-min penalty so, there were still hopes that we would beat our closest rival.
Peter Brown took over at Leg-5 and armed with his Garmin watch, completed his 7.5k leg between Wherwell and Stockbridge without error and in a very reasonable 40:47 mins.
Ian Edwards left the traps at Leg-6 and soon overtook the Gosport runner. He completed the leg in a brilliant time of 38:35; maybe he could see a certain member of our mixed team in the distance!
And now it was Mick MacEnri’s turn. A veteran of many Test Way Relays, we had great hopes. The rest of the team waited patiently, outside The Cromwell Arms at Romsey looking for a speckle of the colour in the distance that would reveal the colours of the Crusaders. Unknown to us, our intrepid runner had somehow found his way into someone’s back garden! Fortunately, the owner was a helpful chap. Out came the map and together they managed to re-route back onto the Test Way. Mick was given permission to slip and proceed through the owner’s front gate, continued his way. Despite the hiccups, Mick still completed his leg in great spirit and a very reasonable time proving it’s not all about racing, it’s about having fun on the way!
The final leg is 11.2k. For the longest leg we chose the man with the shortest legs, Rick Triggs. His words, not mine! With Mick now driving, we headed off to the finish at “The Salmon Leap” in Totton. The rest of the teams must have thought there were ‘travellers’ moving in as our huge white van negotiated the narrow road that led to the pub and finally parked in front of three cars. In the interests of not wanting to spoil good relations with the proprietors, we thought it best if we bought a drink at the bar. To our delight, Kirtsy, Debbie and her husband Paul from the Crusader’s Mixed team were still there having completed their final leg at 4:20pm; the time now getting on for 6:00pm.
Rick completed his leg in under the hour (56:55) which was an incredibly good time considering he had been driving all day. Unfortunately, his leg too was not without mishap either. Rick arrived with a nasty-looking rash down the inside of his arm. It would seem that he decided to somersault over a style rather than negotiating it in the normal manner!

Mixed team report:
The mixed team were experienced Test way relay runners; all had done this relay before some since 2008, so there was no somersaulting over styles, or falling down ruts. We all had fast muddy, nettle stung runs (Kirsty had very muddy trainers, and mud all up her legs, the question is how did Ian, supposing doing the same Leg for the Men's team, have clean trainers at the end of his run)?

At the start of our relay we were only 7, so expecting that someone would have to do two legs, Helen & Mike ran the first leg together 35:12, then Mike carried on as Leg number 2 was his official leg 40:39, Pete was next 43:08, now martin did his usual, off to the woods as we got to the start of his leg 4, whilst waiting for Pete to come in, but as we know Pete is supper fast, Pete come into view with martin legging it as fast as he can from the woods to the tag point for his start. Martin did 46:13 Karen next as the rain fell 39:58, Kirsty was Leg 6 off she flew 42:54, next was Debbie 49:36, now it's only fair as we use the pub car park and the toilet facilities at this change over point its only polite to go to the bar! Now Debbie had phoned her husband Paul earlier in the day telling him our unfortunate position of being a runner down, so he volunteered to come to Romsey to run for us so officially we would have the correct amount of runners, but as he did not know the route Helen had to run with him to navigate. Helen and Paul had a cracking run 59:06.

Our official supporters Lauren and Emily.

Our Mixed Team did rather better than the Men’s. They can fourth overall which is fantastic. Well done to them.
This blog would not be complete without thanking Martin for leading the Mixed team and ensuring that everything went smoothly.
The Test Way relay is a great event and a lot of fun. Anyone interested for next year, go for it!

Overton 5

Sat, 3 Sep 2011 21:31:12 +0100

The first race of the new HRRL season, takes us again to North Hampshire and the Overton 5, this time run in reverse. The 2 lap course therefore included 2 long inclines followed by very short steep descents.

The Crusaders improved on last years participation, with 28 of our runners competing in the race. Leading the boys home was Crusader stalwart, Lee Gardener in 33:!2, followed by David Fleet in 34:05, Ian Edwards in 35:06 & Blonde Bombshell Gareth Travis made up the A team for men in 36:05.

The ladies team were lead home by Kirsty Spittles in 35:36, Helen Chalk in 36:27 & Karen Jenkins in 38:14.

New Men’s captain, Keith Woolven, Paul Turner, Paul Stephens, & Jonathan Woad completed hte B team, while new girls Katherine Dartmouth (beating 40 minutes) & Geraldine Perrier, joined young old-hand Katie Edwards in the B team for the girls.

Fantastic performances throughout the card by all Crusdaers, including Paul Stephens, Phil Little, Dave Fuller, Angela Hardwick & Avis Cowling, ensured that the Crusaders are all about participation and getting involved.

The results leave the men in 7th place in the A league, while the ladies Lead the way in 1st place at this early stage. Fareham’s mens place 11th in the B league, while the ladies scored strognly to place 4th.

The next race is the Victory 5 in Portsmouth on September 19th... SEE YOU THERE!!!!

promenade 5k, RACE 5

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:25:47 +0100

Wednesday saw the final race in the Portsmouth AC 5k race series, with David Fleet leading a 3 Crusaders home in a time of 19:31. His Brother Matt continued his fine form, posting 20:54 and Roger made another race completion on his road to full Roger form, finishing in a time of 23:17.

Well done to all runners who raced this series during the summer, all eyes now focus on the HRRL season.

HRRL Season 2010/11

Fri, 20 May 2011 08:11:47 +0100

2011 marked the club’s 4th consecutive year in the Hampshire Road Race league, and what a season it was. 12 races, over 9 months, 115 miles, runners old and new, and once again Crusaders showed strength in numbers with our club as one of the highest participants race on race.
The season saw our mens team grow in strength and depth, with our established runners putting in the miles and getting quicker than they ever have been before and new runners adding to the mix. Stuart Hiscock, Brian Wright, Paul Farquharson, Mike Dally & Phil Chamberlain to name but a few runners have all helped push the mens A and B teams to our most succesful season ever. At Stubbingon and Eastleigh for the 1st time in the clubs history we scored a full A team of runner who ran in under 40 minutes. And on the final race of the season, Ian Edwards smashed this benchmark by 30 seconds, leaving the mens team with plenty to look forward to next season.

Kirsty Spittles and Helen Chalk continued to push themselves to run faster than before spearheading the ladies charge in a First Division that was more competetive than previous years. Karen Jenkins, Debbie Taylor, Katie & Sandra Edwards all ran consistently and with improved times helping both A and B teams to score throughout the season.

Individually, big congratulations need to go to Colin Light, Peter Barber, Kirsty Spittles and Karen Jenkins who completed all 12 races in the season, Kirsty being the highest scoring lady in the league across all teams in Hampshire.

Ultimately the leagues finished like this. The Men’s team finished 3rd in Division 2, missing out on promotion by 4 points, but with a team that will push hard for promotion next year. After a long hard battle in a stronger first division than previous years, the ladies finished 9th, scoring the same as 8th placed Alton, but missing out on total race points scored. The ladies B team finished 5th in Division 1, showing once again our strength in depth and participation that the club prides itself on. The men’s B team finished 7th, our highest ever placing and highlighting the very real change that has happened this season with our mens unit.

So next season, both men’s and ladies team will be competing in division 2 and once again Fareham Crusaders will be there in abundance, to get involved, to run for the club and to help make these races great social occasions as well as promoting health and fitness in what will be an olympic year.

This success in the HRRL wouldn’t be possible without Roger’s race diaries and entuhusiasm to get us involved in what has been a tough year for him injury wise. And also to our fantastic captains Kirsty and Ken, who have continually supported our club and our runners with smiles and encouragement throughout the whole year.

Thank you to them, and thank you to all our runners. See you in Overton in September.

barcelona 10k - results

Wed, 5 Jan 2011 19:06:54 +0000

Peter Barber 39.22
Helen Chalk 44.21
Keith Woolven 44.57
Karen Jenkins 46.13
Debbie Taylor 48.03
Philp Chamberlain 50.16
Tracey Lancaster 50.16
Rak Kalidas 50.46
Martin Ward 50.59
Kate Walters 53.35
Mick Macenri 55.39
Cathy Ellis 1.00.26
Chris Smith 1.05.41
Liz Macenri 1.05.42
Andy Ellis 1.18.41

Hell Runner - Hell Down South

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 15:49:42 +0000

Hellrunner 2010

When we arrived on Saturday morning the temperature was -2 and when we left at dinner time -0.5.
So a morning's worth of sub zero fun. All the puddles in the car park were iced over and so was the Bog Of Doom.

Conditions underfoot were better than in previous years due to the frozen ground. The usual mud
and water didn't really appear until the Bog.

To say the water in the Bog of Doom was cold is like saying Wayne Rooney is paid an above
average wage. The black water lapped around the top of my running vest, so getting going again
was quite a shock to the system.

More hills followed until we reached the lake which is accessed down a steep bank and then
out the equally steep other side, only to be redirected back down again into the exit water.

Eight or so miles down and then the sand dunes appear, all that remained then was a short run in
on good tracks. T Shirt and goody bag collected and then it was a head to toe strip, of all your
gear, for a complete change of clothes and shoes then back to a warm car.

A scenic course across plains, through forests, up and down numerous hills and lets not forget
that water, some people said "never again", we'll have to wait and see.

Colin Light's 1 hour 16 minutes and Howard Stinton's 1 hour 20 placed them 43rd and 105th
respectively, Paul Coates wasn't far behind with 1 hour 25 and then Phil Chamberlain 1.30. My 1.39
was just ahead of a pack containing Lee Gardener, Ian edwards, Tracey Lancaster, Steve Ruane
and Helen Chalk.

A special mention to Rachel Morgan who's 2 hours 24 in those conditions was a very brave effort.

Mr T ...... Hellrunner Survivor

Gosport Half Marathon

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 15:52:59 +0000

A field just shy of 1500 took to the streets of Gosport and Stubbington, for 13.1 miles of cold Sunday morning half marathon action.

28 Crusaders completed the course with Pb’s by the dozen to share.

Full results are available here: http://www.hrrl.org.uk/2010/101121-Gosport/101121-Gosport_hrrl_team.htm

Crusader highlights include: a pb for Kirsty Spittles in 1hr 36, Avis Cowling’s 1st half marathon, Katie Edwards smashing her PB, Andy Agona finishing 8th in his category & 6 male crusaders breaking the 1hr 30min mark.

The men’s team finished 4th, and hold onto 3rd in the league, while the ladies are still finding the going tough in a fiercely competitive 1st division. The team finished 8th and remain 9th in the 1st division.

Thanks to our continued excellence in numbers, the B team league positions remain healthy, wiht the ladies 4th in their B league and the men 6th.

Photos are up in the gallery.

See you in the new year for the next race at the Stubbington 10k.

10.10.10

Sun, 10 Oct 2010 08:46:15 +0100

10.10.10

Not the time of year you'd associate with summer sun, certainly not 24 degrees as my car kindly informed me once we'd finished. But its a distinctive date that saw 20 Fareham Crusaders line up on the start line of the Solent Half Marathon, the third race of the 2010/11 HRRL season. I think I am correct in saying it is the biggest turn out I have seen in the 2.5 years I have been a member of the club for a half marathon. It doesn't tend to be a popular distance; its suprising the difference those extra 3.1 miles make!

I think its fair to say the majority found it tough this year with the warmer than expected conditions. I personally think the heat made the undulations (hills) bigger and more frequent too. There were still some PBs though with I think the award for biggest PB (sorry if I've missed anyone elses spectacular PB) going to Ian Edwards who knocked 9 minutes of his half marathon PB.

The results were as follows:

Ladies A Team:
Kirsty Spittles 1:42:02
Karen Jenkins 1:47:12
Claire Jeffreys 1:49:45

Ladies B Team (Incomplete Team):
Mel Stock 1:50:16
Katie Edwards 1:59:47 in her first Half Marathon. They'll feel easy after that one Katie - promise!

Mens A Team:
Andy Agona 1:29:33
Mike Dally 1:31:25
Brian Wright 1:32:45
Colin Light 1:33:48

Mens B Team:
Phil Chamberlain 1:33:51
Pete Barber 1:33:55 (PB)
Ian Edwards 1:35:03 (PB)
Stuart Hiscock 1:35:08

Well done also to...Lee Gardener (1:37:44), Keith Woolven (1:40:50), Ken Edwards (1:48:34), Gareth Travis (1:48:57), Steve Ruane (1:51:49) for taking part and running cracking times in the October sunshine.

Thanks to Captain Ken, who I believe checked on a couple of our runners on route to check they were ok. Although he does apologise for telling everyone it was as flat as a pancake, apparantly it was intentional to get loads of people taking part!

On returning to the car, we had a little chuckle at the van that had got stuck in the mud where it was parked and was wheel-spinning so 3 blokes were trying to push it out. Karma came back to bite us though as I merrily drove out avoiding (I thought) the muddy patch, only to get stuck and be wheel spinning myself!!! Thanks to Helen, Karen and Keith for pushing me out. I guess it was either that or they'd have had to walk a long way home!!

Kirsty x

new forest half and full marathons

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 22:40:49 +0100

New Forest Half & Full Marathon : September 26th 2010

Full Marathon

Jason Stock 3.20.20 36th
Andrew Agona 3.20.07 39th
Pete Barber 3.29.43 70th
Helen Chalk 3.39.27 108th
Matt Fleet 3.56.08 209th
David Fleet 3.59.35 230th
Mike Dally 4.19.05 311th
Lee Gardener 4.23.45 329th
Roger Thomasson 4.26.11 336th

On a cold morning 9 marathon runners and 3 half marathon runners set out to represent the club.
The New Forest course is both undulating and scenic, what you might call a "Pleasant Challenge".

Mel, Steve and Paul were off half an hour earlier and finished within two minutes of each other,
all in the top quarter of the the 1,765 finishers, an excellent achievement on a demanding course.

The 9 marathon runners were off at 10am knowing the 26.2 miles ahead of them would be an
experience! So how far is a marathon?, roughly Fareham to Southampton and back.

The route offered cattle grids, horses, open plains, a disused railway line, thick forest and plenty
of hills. Numerous water stations were followed by Jelly Babies at 23 miles and when it was all
over, off to the Rydal Arms for a free burger!

An amazing effort by everyone concerned as the times and results above show. I finish this write
up with a question I'm often asked, Why? ... Why put yourself through 3 or 4 hours of pain and effort.

Personally speaking my answer is "Whether you are at the back of the pack or leading it, the sense
of achievement to have given your all, is something everyday life can't always offer".
As the great American philosopher NIKE once said, "JUST DO IT".

Roger T

Victory 5

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 22:30:25 +0100

HRRL Race number 2 of the season saw breezy but dry conditions on Portsmouth’s promenade and yet another fantastic showing from our team in maroon and gold.
With 34 entrants, The Crusaders fielded the LARGEST TEAM of the RACE, and again showed that these events are about participation, personal performance and enjoyment. In addition the teams scored well to help maintain our solid start to the season.

Andy Agona, 9th in his category was the first crusader home completing the 5 mile course in 30:32, followed in by Colin Light just a small second behind, completing a marvellous finish with Mike Harper for the line. Mike Dally was 3rd Crusader in followed by the rapidly improving Brian Wright, completing the course in 32:41.
Of the girls Helen Chalk ran in 35 flat, Ladies captain Kirsty Spittles just 21 seconds behind, and the ever dependable Karen Jenkins making up the ladies team.
Well done o Hananh Gascoigne and Julie Coffin for completing first HRRL races for the club. for full results & league tables. visit www.hrrl.org.uk

The next race is the Solent Half marathon on October 10th.

BUtser Hill Challenge

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 22:28:20 +0100

In Brief Results

Colin Light 38.01, 17th
John Ellard 38.37, 24th
Brian Wright 42.48, 54th

Well done guys, tough race and top results.

202 finished

Promenade 5k - Race 4 of 5

Sat, 7 Aug 2010 12:30:19 +0100

The 4th Race of the Promenade 5k season saw 13 Crusaders take up the time trial challenge, with many improving greatly from their first runs back in May.

Colin Light saw the Crusaders home in a time of 18:49, closely followed by a returning Jon Ellard in 19:02. Paul Farquharson continued his steady summer in 19:10 and Brian Wright dipped under the 20 minute mark with an official time of 19:58.
Helen Chalk was the first Lady home in 21:45 followed by Karen Jenkins in 23:25.
The last race of the season starts at 7PM to allow for daylight hours.

for Full results go here... http://www.portsmouthathletic.co.uk/

Milland Trail Race

Sun, 1 Aug 2010 12:23:29 +0100

In Brief notes from the Milland Trail Race.

Pete Barber led the team home, fitting as it was his birthday. Colin ran a good race as the 2nd Crusader to finish, but not managing to chase Pete down yet.
Keith Woolven 1:53 and Dane Fleet 1:57 were the other Male Crusaders to finish.

I was the lone woman finisher, pleased to make it under two house with my hare and tortoise effort of running down hills (or nearly sledging on bottom) and walking on ups and some flats. Saying that, I would tackle it again, if only to walk less and make sure do more hills for training. In closing it was a beautiful course and well organised race.

Helen Chalk