EXE-HAUSTED
The
newsletter of Exmouth Harriers
|
|
|
|
Exe-hausted
November 2001 – No. 21
What is going to happen next?
Well, in the last issue, I was
talking about the problem of foot and mouth and how it had cast a shadow over
everything. Just as this dreadful
disease seemed to be receding, we had the atrocities of September 11. The next day I was looking at the
message board of an American running website. One of the topics was, “did you run yesterday?” I wasn’t surprised to see that over 75%
of people had run. The reasons
varied from, “I was so shocked I felt I had to get away from the TV,” to “I
feel I had to run for the sake of those runners who will never be able to run
again.” I have always believed
that no matter how stressed or troubled you are, things are always helped by a
run. In these troubled times, it
is really good to walk into the clubhouse on a Tuesday or Thursday (or
Wednesday for the ladies) night for a run. For an hour and a half at least, you get the feeling you
have arrived at a site of sanctuary.
As the nights draw in, the numbers at training always rise, but over the
last few weeks they have been higher than ever. We’ve seen people like Phil Quick and Charlotte Fearn who
haven’t been around for a while and we’ve been joined by new members. John Perratt is a vet 60 who has just
moved here from Zimbabwe and will further strengthen our vet 60 team who hope
to tackle the national vets next year.
John usually runs 41mins at 10k, so along with Roger(I don’t need to use
his second name, he’s like Madonna, Pele or Dobbin) who turns 60 next month and
usually breaks 40 mins at 10k and Ray Elston who runs around 42 mins, we have a
fearsome threesome. We also have
Maurice Ault who still breaks 45 mins as a reserve (you need a spare because
these oldies are like highly trained racehorses, they are injury prone!) so
hopes are high. Maurice has now
lost his crown as the club’s oldest running member (I would never ask a lady’s
age but Phyllis Routley is the club’s senior member) as we have been joined by
Hugh (sorry, don’t know his surname yet) who has just moved to the town from
the Potters Bar area and is a spritely 74.
What’s been happening?
Since last time, we’ve had the excellent inaugural track
day. Congratulations and thanks
are due to Bob and Tracey Keast who organized the whole thing. With numbers, certificates for the
juniors and even a three legged race, over 30 people took part and over 50
attended. Plans are already
underway for next year when we will probably hold it earlier in the season to
hopefully encourage even more people to take part in our track campaign.
This year’s track season ended
well for us, with Dawn Teed and Pete Hutcheson encouraging people to take
part. We ended up winners of the
Devon League Vet Ladies. Adrian
Vanstone said that he, Maurice and Pete H could have won the vet men if a couple
more people had joined them. So,
the chance of a medal is there for the winning next year.
The Palmers Half Marathon has
come and gone for another year with all the usual effort and angst. Before deducting the donation to the
Air Ambulance, profits weren’t too bad.
The net figure was disappointing when revealed at the debrief
meeting. We soon bounced back
though on reading through complimentary letters received by Adrian. They backed up the overwhelming feeling
that this was our best race ever.
The only disappointment on the day was the limited appearance of the Air
Ambulance itself. Twice it
appeared over the rugby ground only to be called away. As I said on the commentary, “it is an
emergency service and it has been called away to an emergency”. People were obviously disappointed but
understood. After all the efforts
the whole club has made on behalf of the charity, including Graham Gunn raising
£600 in sponsorship, £400 collected at the Great West Run and donations from
Kwik Fit and race entries, the total sum raised will only be enough to keep the
helicopter in the air for ONE day of the year. Still, that one day might be the one when you, me or a
member of our family needs it.
The A.G.M. – Friday 16 November, 8pm Exmouth Sports
Centre.
One of the most important dates in our diary is almost upon
us. Soon after receiving this
newsletter, you will receive official notification of the meeting but I want to
stress now how vital it is that as many people as possible attend. There are two important issues of which
I am aware that demand a good turnout and the need for debate. The committee will be proposing a
recommendation to restructure the membership fees. At least 4 of the 14 committee members (myself included)
will also be standing down. I know of at least two people who want to replace
us, but there will need to be others.
If you think you have the time and energy to play a role, then
preferably make Maurice or Roland aware of your intentions before the meeting –
or just turn up and volunteer on the night. We are lucky that this club does have able members who will
be able to fill the gaping holes that will be created.
The club has coped very well
with the problems it has had to face this year and next year looks to be even
more challenging. We will have to
finance training of coaches and charges levied on our races by new
legislation. However, I know we
will cope and am confident we will remain one of the best organizations in East
Devon.
Please make the effort to attend
the AGM and take part in the debates.
Social Matters
An important part of a vibrant club like ours is the social
side. The social committee (Jane
Bateman, Sarah Pares and Dawn Teed) organized a very successful reunion in
September. Former members Kevin Embleton,
John Alexander, Mike Gough and Ian Peters, to name but four attended and a
great night was had by all. Leanne
Galley worked her usual magic and produced enough food to feed a small emerging
nation for a month – so a big thank you goes to her.
That’s all in the past
though. We now need to focus on
the Dinner & Dance. Friday 7
December at the Rugby Club, 7.15 for 7.30pm is the date and time for our annual
shindig. The cost is £12.50 per ticket, with a £2 reduction for junior
members. Please get your name and
money to the clubhouse as soon as possible. This year we have invited the sponsors of our four races and
the Devon Air Ambulance. As we can only seat 85 in the main hall, with another
20 or so in the members lounge if needed, it means we need your names and money
asap – first come, first served!
Over to you ….
Right, that’s enough from me for a while. Now it’s the turn of the many
contributors. Many thanks to you
all and keep them coming. We have
also included part of the second junior newsletter for your information.
The National Veteran’s Relays – May 2002
As everyone knows, us old buggers did rather well at our first
attempt at this event – well, next year, we are going to do even better.
There are categories for
vet 40, 50 and 60 for men and women. What I want to do is to put together a “squad” of people who
are interested in competing, arrange for them to train together say once a
month and then pick the strongest team from that squad.
We were the only club south of Bristol to enter last year and
all felt privileged to be involved with this prestigious event. Please contact me with your names and
ideas.
Bob Keast.
Exmouth
Harriers Club Championship
Pos Name Ist Base Ist 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Total
Race Leg Leg Leg Leg Leg
1 Di
Routley 78.99 28.99 29.12 48.12 48.17 40.36 165.77
2 Dave
Francis 81.49 31.49 28.02 48.29 44.23 31.29 151.83
3 Rich
Selby 61.11 11.11 74.21 70.26 144.47
4 Nigel
DuPain 63.65 13.65 50.00 53.77 103.77
5 Hugh
Marsden 79.25 29.25 51.69 50.19 101.88
6 Graham
Gunn 72.55 22.55 48.49 48.69 97.18
7 Roger
Rowe 85.86 35.86 45.01 49.81 94.82
8 Dave
Stone 79.74 29.74 29.55 50.22 79.77
9 Phil
Crook 60.04 10.04 30.42 46.46 76.88
10 Jenny
Reay 57.74 7.74 71.69 71.69
11 Bob
Keast 51.81 1.81 71.13 71.13
12 Sarah
Allsopp 62.14 12.41 30.27 38.19 68.46
13 Lisa
Tooby 38.23 -11.77 66.20 66.20
14 Chris
Dupain 60.73 10.73 54.58 54.58
15 Jim
Pyne 66.33 16.33 54.01 54.01
16 Jill
Dupain 47.13 -2.87 53.79 53.79
17 Peter
Hart 76.39 26.39 49.68 49.68
18 Stef
French 66.22 16.22 48.21 48.21
19 Lee
Russell 72.48 22.48 44.92 44.92
20 Dawn
Teed 64.33 14.33 29.73 29.73
21 Anthony
Yates 73.12 23.12 28.57 28.57
As you can see, the Club Championship is hotting up. The last round was to be the Taunton
10k 30 September, but due to a slow start and peer pressure, I have decided to
include one more. The Templer 10 –
a slightly short 10 miler, with a mixture of road, trail, woods and
fields. It will take place in
November, as soon as I get a definite date, I will let you know. This really is your last chance.
Cross
Country
Cross country is a complete change to Road and Track where your
place and not your time matter and team spirit is the big thing. The cost of each race is 30 pence per
head, plus money for the mini-bus if you use it. If you have never done the Country before, or it’s a long
time since you gave it a go, now is your big chance. It is also a great way to build strength for next year’s
Road and Track racing. Dates are as follows:
Westward League
Devon County Championship
4 Nov -
Redruth
6 Jan - Grenville College, Bideford
2 Dec -
Exeter
13 Jan -
Bideford
16 Feb - Paignton
17 Mar - Exmouth
JUNIOR
HARRIERS NEWSLETTER
SPORTS HALL ATHLETICS
This winter, we thought it would
be fun for the juniors to take part in this new and exciting sport. Basically it’s a continuation of the
summer track and field events in a sports hall. As the Harriers have not attended this type of event before
that’s about all we can tell you.
I believe Pete already has a list of names for the first event. If yours is not on it and you’d like to
attend please let him know ASAP.
SPORTS HALL ATHLETICS
21/10/01 10/02/02 DAWLISH
(Age U17 downwards) 18/11/01 10/03/02
20/01/02
(ALSO CHAMPIONSHIPS)
U11 Fun in Athletics 13/01/02 Teams selected
from meetings 1&2 (Oct&Nov)
U13&U15 Regional Final 03/02/01 Teams
selected from Championship meeting
WINTER 3K SERIES
Wed 10/10/01 BRIXHAM (Age at 1st October must be 11)
Mon 21/11/01 EXETER ARENA (+ 1 mile race for 8-11s) £1.50 Juniors + £1
non members
Wed 19/12/01 NEWTON ABBOT £2.50
Seniors + £1 non members
Mon 23/01/02 EXETER ARENA (+1 mile race for 8-11s)
Wed 13/02/01 CHANNINGS WOOD PRISON
Mon 20/03/02 EXETER ARENA (+ 1 mile race for 8-11s)
TRAINING SESSIONS
From the end of September we
will be returning to Rolle College Gym. Please note the new sessions will be on
Monday evening 7.30pm – 8.30pm, the first being MONDAY 1st
OCTOBER. We will continue to meet at the track on Thursday from 6.45pm
to 7.30pm. Please check with Pete before attending, as this session is for
the more experienced Junior runner and you will need to be capable of running 2
miles approx. The Thursday session will not be held in the week, when the 3K
series is held.
CLUB MEMBERSHIP AND KIT
Exmouth
Harriers insurance only covers fully paid-up members. Membership fees are due
for renewal in December. Please be
aware that juniors have to be fully paid
up members to be able to take part in Sports Hall events and the Cross
Country. Also, when competing, all Harriers are required
to wear club kit as part of the event rules. We still have some club vests that can be borrowed. If you
would like to purchase a club vest they are currently priced at £12.00.
AND FINALLY….
A young athletes support group
has been established led by Pete Hutcheson. The purpose of the group is to manage the development and
support of young athletes. Also a
Child Protection Officer has been appointed in line with the requirements of UK
Athletics (that’s me! Stef French).
These groups will be relying on parents’ involvement so please let us
know if you are interested or know of anyone who might be.
The
latest from Ron Slope
Ron has been on holiday in North Africa. He managed to keep training
though. Now last year when he was
in Woolacombe, he set up a race with a few of the waiters and some of the
surfies. Won it actually. Tried the same thing in Morocco –
finished 17 out of 19 BUT he’s sure it was only the two French girls and him
who didn’t cheat – everybody else went straight over the top of the sand dune
when it was pretty obvious you should have gone round it. Makes you think about some of those big
races doesn’t it. Who’s to say
when the camera’s on that blonde bird in the pole vault, there’s not a handful
of them nipping across the javelin run up and nabbing the world bonus record
eh?
Bumped into Ron again over the weekend. Told me he was running between Zeal and
Bow when he came across the village constable dragging a dead body towards
Bow. Course, Ron asked what he was
doing. “Well,” says the PC, “I’ll
have to write out a report of course, but the trouble is, I can’t spell Zeal
Monachorum.”
Dave Eveleigh.
Maurice Ault’s Reflections on
a Summer’s Racing
After a winter of getting wet, dirty and cold I was looking
forward to Spring and the early Summer where usually I am at my racing best. In
the event I was stricken with a pretty severe infection in Barcelona which took
me out for 3 weeks. Back to training for 3 weeks and then the follow up bug
stopped me running for another 2 weeks or so. This auspicious start left me
with asthma lingering for a while. During May when I should have been at my
peak my thoughts were vaguely directed towards running retirement.
Anyway Summer arrived and
suddenly I felt positive again. Since joining the Harriers, on coming to Devon,
I have had 2 winters of cross country racing so perhaps I should try racing on
the track. I have always done speedwork training and have a useful turn of pace
over a short distance - so why not?
Peter Hutcheson and Dawn Teed
were successfully stimulating interest amongst the kids and some adults.
Leaving aside the performance issues, one has to say that a full Sunday’s
athletic activities at either the Braunton or Exeter Arenas is a fun day out. Seeing
children, mums, dads (and grandparents) competing, helping or just supporting
was a joy to behold. Watching runners hurdle, jump or throw provided
expressions of admiration and, sometimes, amusement. Those Harriers who did not
attend any of the Sunday track meetings missed something good. Supplementing
these Devon League Sunday’s were the monthly evening track meetings at Exeter
Arena which gave further opportunities to compete.
During these meetings I raced
100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and the mile (sometimes all in one day!!). Apart from
winning a Silver at 3000 metres in 1988 I have not raced on the track since
1961. Anyway I surprised myself with my times and at 800 metres I have moved
into the top 10 in the UK for my age group.
Having got down to serious
training during early Summer I hit my peak in mid June and held it until the
beginning of September. I finally ran out of steam at the Ivybridge 10k having
raced on 12 days out of 35 days. Folks say I am mad – Well! perhaps I am a
little. I am now looking forward to less pressurised running during the Autumn,
doing off road races.
During the few months I have
witnessed some special moments. The Race for Life (of which I have written
earlier) was perhaps the most poignant. For sheer joy you could not beat the
Totnes 10k where Gill Shutt and Karen Thomas each sliced a massive 7 minutes
off last year’s times together with Dawn Teed and my Chris running, I think,
about 3 or 4 minutes faster than last year. Seeing Dawn break 50 mins for the
second time, on the tough Ivybridge course, was great.
In the early Summer I set out 2
multi-terrain courses for the Summer Six Series. To actually race along the
full length of Exmouth beach was a numbing experience for some and then a month
later to race on the shingle at Budleigh caused some comment. Even I felt moved
to race on the shingle just to make the point – “that if I can, then you can”.
I have not mentioned the star performances by our “ big guns “
as their achievements have been widely reported on a weekly basis. However I
must just say that Roger Rowe, Richard Selby, Roger Cowd, Hugh Marsden and Dave
Stone have done so well and brought honour to the Harriers. Many others have
run well but please excuse me not mentioning you by name
Something
for the Ladies
The Women’s Running Network South West organized a 5k and 10k
ladies only race at Budleigh Salterton on Sunday 7 October. Congratulations to Exmouth Harrier
Helen Vincent who was first home in the 5k. By the end of the 10k, the rain and gales were in full
force. Exmouth Harriers Jane
Bateman and Sarah Pares were 4th and 5th respectively.
Jane Bateman.
Wednesday
Ladies Handicap Runs
The Wednesday ladies have had a pretty good year so far, with
several new ladies (some new to running) joining the existing group on a
Wednesday evening. Most of them
have joined Exmouth Harriers.
One of the events which has been ongoing during the summer is
the monthly handicap run. It has
been held on the last Wednesday of the month from April to September and covers
a 3 mile route from the club house.
The ladies run in groups with the slowest starting first. It was not intended to be a race, but a
“hard run” with the opportunity to measure improvements in performance on a
month by month basis over a fixed route, with points allocated for taking part
and achieving pbs (of which there have been several). It was also a social occasion with the majority of the
ladies retiring to The Grove afterwards to discuss their achievements over a
welcome drink.
The final handicap run for this year was Wednesday 3
October. After the run, the points
were added up and the first prize of a £10 Iron Bridge Runner voucher awarded
to Jane Bateman. Gill Shutt (2nd),
Di Pickard (one of our new members) and Sarah Pares (joint 3rd)
received a Saucony water bottle.
We plan to start the monthly handicaps run again next spring,
when it is hoped that more ladies will take part, using these runs as part of
their regular training and enjoying the socializing as well. Chris Ault
Club
Records
The following are just a few examples from the records now
available on the club website.
Thanks to all who have contacted Sarah Allsopp with their times – there
is still room for more, so please get in touch with Sarah if you haven’t
already. The full list is
available to view on the club website.
Track Name Time Date Venue
100m Peter
Hutcheson (V40) 12.7 Aug
1999 Exeter
200m Peter
Hutcheson (V40) 28.2 Aug
2001 Exeter
1500m Adrian
Vanstone (V40) 5.28.7 Jul
2001 Exeter
3000m Sarah
Allsopp 13.18 Mar
2001 Exeter
½ Marathon Kellie
Trollope 1.31.53 Sept
2001 Exmouth
Marathon Stef
French 3.35.34 Apr
2000 London
Marathon Claire
Baxter (V40) 3.45.47 Apr
2000 London
Half
Marathon Postbag
As I mentioned earlier, we were pleased to receive some
complimentary letters following the recent Palmers Half Marathon. The following are a few examples:
“This morning I had the very pleasant surprise of a well packaged parcel containing a lovely
engraved goblet. I must apologise
for not attending the prize giving, I had no idea I had won anything. Apart from the obvious thank you for
the package and posting, I very much appreciate Exmouth Harriers recognition of
veterans, particularly women. Not
only recognition, but in five year age groups, as it should be. Well done Exmouth Harriers. An excellent route, plenty
of water and a pleasant venue. The
results book was impressive, the photographs excellent.. Hopefully see you next year.” (Guillian Catlin, Cornwall)
“Just to let you know the trophy was waiting for me when I
returned from holiday today. It
had been expertly packaged and was still in one piece. Many thanks. See you next year.”
(Derek Sharpe, Bristol)
“I personally thought the race was fantastic, the course a little
testing, well marshaled, the finish away from the traffic and everyone I met
friendly and helpful, especially the ladies in charge of the bag vans. Thanks to all concerned for a great
day. Hope to see you all next
year.” (Cedric Johns, Cornwall)
Club
house nonsense
Jane Selby was telling me that a couple came into Tesco wrapped
in a bar code. Apparently, they
were an item!
Natalie Merry asked me what happens if a frog breaks down in the
road. I hadn’t a clue. Apparently, it gets toad away! Younger sister Sammy asked, “What
do you call a fish with no eyes?”
A fsh!
And
finally ….
Well done to Roger Rowe, who with his friend Andrew Johnson of
Exeter Harriers scaled Mount Snowdon three times in August. They took 10 hours and 4 minutes to run
all six main routes – three up and three down. They hope to have raised £!000 for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Phil Bater, Adrian and Roland attended the Devon Race Directors’
meeting where it was agreed the Fulfords Five will be the first in the new Devon
Road Race series.
We slightly over-estimated the number of T-shirts we needed for
the Half Marathon. This means we
now have a very special offer for you.
You can buy a top quality shirt for only £2 or 3 for £5. Hurry down to the club house to avoid disappointment.
Right, and finally, finally, the Bicton Blister. For my sins I have agreed to be Race
Director. The Race committee have
worked very hard to make this race a success and the early signs are that it
will be. 2000 forms have been put
in the goodie bags at the Grizzly and more handed out at races throughout
Devon. If anyone is going to a
race before 9December, please take some forms with you. Offers of help for the day will also be
gratefully accepted. It’s going to
be a lively weekend – The Dinner Dance on the Friday and the Blister on the
Sunday.
That’s all from me – see you at the AGM on 16 November.
Phil Crook
|
Copyright©
1998, Exmouth Harriers. |
|
|
Last update: 17th
November 2001 |
|
