The latest edition of the Catch a Coach newsletter from the coaching team is available here! Just click on the link below.
Catch a Coach newsletter June 2012v01.2
The latest edition of the Catch a Coach newsletter from the coaching team is available here! Just click on the link below.
Catch a Coach newsletter June 2012v01.2
Roger Biggs
Q.When did you join the club?
A. 1985
Q. Why did you join the club?
A. To run!
Q. Why did you join the coaching team?
A. Approx 10 years ago, to help other runners in the club.
Q.What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?
A. Just encourage members to improve. Help where & when I’m needed.
Q. When do we typically see you at training?
A. Tuesday
Q. What are your aims for your running and/or coaching?
A. To carry on running at a reasonable standard as long as I can. I don’t see my training going further at the moment, as I have involvement in the sport in other ways
Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!
A. Many know about my marathons, but did they know that I’ve run 180 halves & 180 at 10 miles including my 100th 10, 100th half and 100th marathon in successive races, with my 100th marathon at the 100th Boston Marathon in USA
IT’S HOT AGAIN! Edinburgh, Whipsnade, Hyde Park
For the third year running it was hot, hot, hot for the Edinburgh Marathon and Half Marathon.
In the half marathon with fantastic support from Katrina Doyle, Debbie Blackburn and Jayne Pinner GRAHAM BLACKBURN finished just before the sun burst through with a great time of 1 hour 29 minutes 33 seconds.
Also in the Half Marathon ANDY JAY finished in 1 hour 54 minutes 41 seconds and PHIL RUSHTON in 2:01:30. NICK WITCOMBE ran a new personal best for the second week running with his time of 2 hours 6 minutes 12 seconds. TRACY STILES ran her fastest half this year with 2:08:06. KAREN SMITH ran her first half marathon in 2 hours 12 minutes 4 seconds
MARIA RUSHTON took 2:16:30. JACKIE MORRISON and LES BUTLER both ran their best half marathons this year with the same time – 2:26:30; and KERRY SETTERFIELD completed the race in 2:30:30.
The Marathon runners started just as the faster half marathon runners were finishers and had 26.2 miles of hot roads to contend with though they were near the banks of the Forth for much of the race and almost on the beach at Portobello.
JO LAING ran an excellent London Marathon qualifying time and new personal best (PB) of 3 hours 5 minutes 20 seconds. She was 195th out of thousands of runners; PETE SMITH’s new PB of 3 hours 14 minutes 9 seconds gives him a “Good For Age” entry for London; TODD GRAY finished in 3 hours 34 minutes 52 seconds; ROGER BIGGS in a year’s best time of 3 hours 51 minutes 17 seconds; CLIVE CANNON finished in 4:09:30; SARAH O’BRYAN in 4:27:30; and KAREN LIDDLE in a new PB of 4:33:30.
Wilting At Whipsnade
Sunday’s Whipsnade 10K was VERY warm but over an enjoyable three lap course past the zebras, flamingos and rhinos inside Whipsnade Zoo. There were Spartan starters although CHRIS WESTCOTT collapsed from exhaustion less than 1k from the finish not too long after lapping wife Andrea, who not surprisingly then retired from the race to ensure Chris was okay, so just the 11 finish times.
ANDY NEATHAM was first to finish with an impressive eighth position overall out of 562 finishers in 37 minutes 59 seconds. MADDIE PRITCHARD was the next Spartan finisher completing her first ever 10K in 49:11. She was 19th woman out of the 270 female finishers. Those were both very good times in such warm conditions.
Spartan times: Andy Neatham, 8th in 37:59; Maddie Pritchard 108th in 49:11 (PB); Dan Sims 113th in 49:31; Paul Holgate 203rd in 54:39; Stephen Block 260th in 57:09; Sarah Hukin 321st in 60:14; Danny Hukin 322nd in 60:15; Lisa Jerrom 417th in 65:46; Gemma Nash 472nd in 68:34; Jan Fry 485th in 69:45; Anne-Marie Neatham 507th in 72:32.
Excellent preparation for Thursday’s 10K league race!
Sweltering Serpentine
The Serpentine was looking very tempting during the Last Friday of the Month 5K race which started at 12.30p.m. It was hot in Hyde Park with conditions described by the organizers as sunny, hot, windy with lots of pollen. Spartan JIM BROWN finished with salt stinging his eyes in a fairly controlled time of 23 minutes 14 seconds. He was 115th out of the 194 finishers and eighth in his category.
Blistering BUPA
RUTH MURTAGH completed the BUPA London 10K in 59 minutes 38 minutes. She was it was too blooming hot and had to walk for 1.3 miles. Ruth hopes to do much better in the Mid Week League race on Thursday evening.
Go For It At Welwyn Garden City
After a fantastic turnout and good result in the first Mid Week Road Race League event of the season Fairlands Valley Spartans are going all out for more than one hundred runners at the next fixture which is a 10K race in Welwyn Garden City this Thursday evening, 31st May. Everyone can contribute to the club’s success provided they have joined and wear the stripy vest.
Coming Events
Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:
Join The Spartans
Live in or near Stevenage? Like running? Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up! The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010. It now has over 400 members and encourages participation by all. The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.
The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Go along to drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) at 7p.m. Up to five running groups go out on training nights — there will be one to suit you!
The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.
Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome — those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.
Try a few sessions before joining. Membership is only £27 per year. Concessions are available. Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk Please ask if you would like a paper copy.
If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk
E N D S
More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859
I promised shortly after the event that I would give you all an update on the funds raised from the Stevenage Sport Relief.
I heard from the organisers today and they have confirmed that the money is still rolling in. The latest figure for our event is a massive £4800!!! This does not include entry fees as these are used to contribute towards the overall running costs for the events.
This is an amazing achievement. I would like to say a big thanks to all of you who took part and helped raise this incredible total as well as those who gave up their time so freely on the day to make it such a huge success.
Thanks
Coach Leigh
News Release
20th May 2012
MEN SECOND IN MID WEEK 10K
Roger’s 700th Marathon
350 runners including 92 from Fairlands Valley Spartans raced round Stevenage on Tuesday night in the opening First Division Mid Week Road Race League fixture of the season.
The club’s men finished a brilliant second and the women fifth (only 19 points behind Trent Park in fourth and probably only 1 runner away from an even higher position) to give third position overall, two points behind Barnet & District and one point ahead of Trent Park and Garden City Runners.
The overall scores in the first race were 1st St. Albans Striders 279 (12 league points); 2nd Barnet and District AC 620 (9 league points); 3rd Fairlands Valley Spartans 652 (7 league points); 4th Trent Park Running Club 703 (6 league points); 5th Garden City Runners 788 (6 league points) and 6th Harlow Running Club 1,368 (2 league points).
As expected the league is fascinatingly close and the club will need just as big a, if not a bigger, turnout for the race in Welwyn Garden City on the 31st May.
There were some brilliant individual performances including: Simon Jackson, Richard Bate and Lee Reynolds in the top 20 finishers. Jo Laing & Lisa Burgess both in the top ten women. Andy Gardner, Andy Neatham & Brian Brackstone among the top 10 veteran (40 plus) finishers. Barry Osborne second veteran (60 plus); Jo Laing third veteran woman (35 plus) and Kerry James in the top ten in that category. Julie Simmons in the top ten veteran women (45 plus), Bev Harlow first veteran woman (55 plus) and Iris Hornsey first veteran woman (65 plus).
The Spartans’ leading men included:
10. Simon Jackson (35:02 PB); 13. Richard Bate (35:18); 15. Lee Reynolds (35:44); 24. Andy Gardner (36:37); 25. Andy Neatham (36:42); 26. Andrew Patterson (36:45); 27. Brian Brackstone (36:45); 36. Chris Westcott (37:26 PB); 48. Liam Herbert (38:35); 55. Todd Gray (39:03); 68. Salva Guardiola who ran his first 10K in 39:57 and 69th Phil Gale (39:54)
The club’s leading women included:
5. Jo Laing (39:44, 3rd FV35); 9. Lisa Burgess in a new personal best of 42 minutes 11 seconds; 22. Kerry James (43:53); 27. Katy Jinks in a new personal best of 44 minutes 44 seconds; 32. Tracy Pez (46:03); 38. Julie Simmons (48:08); 51. Beverley Harlow first FV55+ in a new personal best of 50:52; 53. Claire Coker running her first 10K in 51 minutes exactly; 54. Nicola Lorimer in a new PB of 51 minutes exactly; 55 Sarah Pike in a new personal best of 51:14; 56. Nicky Collins in a new PB of 51:26; and 57th Rachel Payne in a new PB of 51:28.
Others running their first 10K included Kerry Flain (40:51); Jamie Kellett (42:23); Sam Harte (43:28); Lee Thorpe (45:36); Tony Vickers (50:30); Tracy Bullot (56:00); Anton McCalla (57:40); Julie Twomey (58:20); Louisa Bill (59:33); Victoria Sealy (59:40); Melissa Tyler (59:51); Steven Dobner (59:52); Melissa Gibson (1:02:23) and Nicky Freeman (1:04:50).
The times for all 92 Spartans can be found at the very end of this release. The race director was Steve Smithson, the race referee Jim Brown and there were dozens of Spartans supported by members of North Herts Road Runners marshalling and helping in other ways.
The next league race will be in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 31st May.
Simon Back On Track
Spartan SIMON HARRIS was in action back on the track at Chelmsford on Saturday, taking part in the disabled athletics Eastern region championships meeting. Simon won a medal of each colour – gold in 100 metres, silver in 200 metres and a bronze in shot putt.
Lee and Helen’s First Trail Race
HELEN and LEE MORRIS ran their first “trail” race on Sunday. It was the Wimpole Hall (HooHaah) 10K.
They both finished in 1 hour 11 minutes and say it was a bit muddy but excellent, well organised. Shame it was so cold though. All in all they enjoyed it and would recommend it for next year.
Roger’s 700th!
ROGER BIGGS ran the Richmond Park Marathon in 4 hours 32 minutes 29 seconds on Sunday. It was an undulating three lap trail run within the Royal Park. Roger says a bit cold and windy for late May but OK. This was his 700th race over the full marathon distance or further.
Wheathampstead 10K
Sunday’s Wheathampstead 10km was an off road multi-terrain event utilising the Ayot Greenway, the old track bed that was once the Welwyn – Luton railway line and negotiating a few obstacles in the form of flights of steps and the odd kissing gate. The race was full, with 800 runners.
Running his first race having been injured with a severe Achilles injury in July 2011 ANDREW HULL finished in 45 minutes 30 seconds. ANN TRYSSESOONE took 56 minutes 10 seconds.
Ironman Rodger the Rocket
On Saturday 19th May, Rodger McPherson competed in the Ironman Triathlon in Lanzarote. Described as the toughest Ironman in the world, Rodger swam the 2.5 mile sea swim in 1hr 6mins, cycled 112 miles around the mountainous Island in 7hrs 59mins and then ran a marathon in 32 degree heat in 5hrs 29mins, completing the course, including transitions, in 14hrs 57mins Rodger came 203rd in his age group.
Coming Events
Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:
Join The Spartans
Live in or near Stevenage? Like running? Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up! The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010. It now has over 400 members and encourages participation by all. The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.
The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Go along to drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) at 7p.m. Up to five running groups go out on training nights — there will be one to suit you!
The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.
Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome — those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.
Try a few sessions before joining. Membership is only £27 per year. Concessions are available. Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk Please ask if you would like a paper copy.
If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk
E N D S
More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859
MWRRL 10K Times for all 92 Spartans
Race |
M/F |
Cat |
Name | Surname |
Cat. |
M/F |
Time |
PB |
Impr |
10 |
10 |
8 |
Simon | Jackson |
S |
M |
35:02 |
PB |
0:01 |
13 |
12 |
9 |
Richard | Bate |
S |
M |
35:18 |
||
16 |
15 |
11 |
Lee | Reynolds |
S |
M |
35:44 |
||
25 |
24 |
5 |
Andy | Gardner |
V 40 |
M |
36:37 |
SB |
0:36 |
26 |
25 |
6 |
Andy | Neatham |
V 40 |
M |
36:42 |
? |
|
27 |
26 |
19 |
Andrew | Patterson |
S |
M |
36:45 |
SB |
1:03 |
28 |
27 |
7 |
Brian | Brackstone |
V 40 |
M |
36:45 |
SB |
1:31 |
37 |
36 |
22 |
Chris | Westcott |
S |
M |
26:00 |
PB |
1:05 |
50 |
48 |
28 |
Liam | Herbert |
S |
M |
35:00 |
||
58 |
55 |
32 |
Todd | Gray |
S |
M |
39:03 |
SB |
0:46 |
72 |
68 |
34 |
Salva | Guardiola |
S |
M |
39:43* |
1st 10K |
New |
73 |
5 |
3 |
Jo | Laing |
V 35 |
F |
39:44 |
SB |
0:11 |
74 |
69 |
27 |
Phil | Gale |
V 40 |
M |
39:54 |
SB |
0:41 |
82 |
77 |
37 |
Kerry | Flain |
S |
M |
40:51 |
1st 10K |
New |
84 |
79 |
2 |
Barry | Osborne |
V 60 |
M |
40:59 |
? |
0:38 |
96 |
91 |
36 |
Graham | Blackburn |
V 40 |
M |
41:31 |
||
101 |
94 |
13 |
Pete | Smith |
V 50 |
M |
41:39 |
SB |
1:16 |
109 |
9 |
4 |
Lisa | Burgess |
S |
F |
42:11 |
PB |
3:01 |
112 |
100 |
45 |
Jamie | Kellett |
S |
M |
42:23 |
1st 10K |
New |
121 |
107 |
41 |
Mike | King |
V 40 |
M |
42:48 |
SB |
0:05 |
130 |
114 |
45 |
Tony | Bradford |
V 40 |
M |
43:16 |
||
135 |
117 |
48 |
Sam | Harte |
S |
M |
43:28 |
1st 10K |
New |
142 |
121 |
50 |
Davie | Stafford |
S |
M |
43:40 |
PB |
0:28 |
146 |
22 |
9 |
Kerry | James |
V 35 |
F |
43:53 |
||
147 |
124 |
19 |
Kevin | Smyth |
V 50 |
M |
44:06 |
||
159 |
132 |
51 |
Adrian | Donnelly |
S |
M |
44:29 |
||
163 |
27 |
12 |
Katy | Jinks |
V 35 |
F |
44:44 |
PB |
2:06 |
171 |
142 |
58 |
Trevor | Setterfield |
V 40 |
M |
45:17 |
||
172 |
143 |
54 |
Lee | Thorpe |
S |
M |
45:36 |
1st 10K |
New |
178 |
147 |
26 |
Mark | Beasley |
V 50 |
M |
45:46 |
||
179 |
148 |
27 |
Mark | Goodwin |
V 50 |
M |
45:46 |
||
183 |
32 |
14 |
Tracy | Pez |
V 35 |
F |
46:03 |
SB |
0:02 |
193 |
159 |
56 |
Ryan | Dunning |
S |
M |
46:39 |
||
198 |
163 |
57 |
Jamie | Drackford |
S |
M |
46:59 |
SB |
New |
199 |
164 |
58 |
Jon | Sypula |
S |
M |
47:00 |
PB |
4:17 |
202 |
166 |
59 |
Matt | Gill |
S |
M |
47:12 |
||
205 |
168 |
12 |
Roger | Biggs |
V 60 |
M |
47:30 |
||
209 |
172 |
34 |
Dan | Simms |
V 50 |
M |
47:41 |
PB |
2:14 |
212 |
174 |
35 |
Mick | Connell |
V 50 |
M |
47:55 |
||
213 |
38 |
10 |
Julie | Simmons |
V 45 |
F |
48:08 |
PB |
0:39 |
214 |
175 |
68 |
Paul | Pickard |
V 40 |
M |
48:11 |
||
224 |
183 |
61 |
Hadrian | Cooper |
S |
M |
48:45 |
||
227 |
184 |
62 |
Robert | Evans |
S |
M |
48:51 |
||
232 |
188 |
63 |
Richard | Moore |
S |
M |
49:30* |
SB |
0:01 |
237 |
191 |
64 |
Vishal | Shah |
S |
M |
49:31 |
PB |
1:27 |
241 |
193 |
65 |
Marc | Green |
S |
M |
49:49* |
YB |
4:23 |
242 |
194 |
70 |
Andy | Jay |
V 40 |
M |
49:40 |
YB |
2:15 |
244 |
196 |
71 |
Tony | Vickers |
V 40 |
M |
50:30 |
1st 10K |
New |
249 |
198 |
66 |
James | Day |
S |
M |
50:43 |
SB |
New |
251 |
51 |
1 |
Beverley | Harlow |
V 55 |
F |
50:52 |
PB |
0:31 |
253 |
201 |
73 |
Rob | King |
V 40 |
M |
51:05 |
SB |
1:38 |
255 |
53 |
20 |
Claire | Coker |
V 35 |
F |
51:00 |
1st 10K |
New |
256 |
54 |
21 |
Nicola | Lorimer |
V 35 |
F |
51:00 |
PB |
1:30 |
257 |
55 |
20 |
Sarah | Pike |
S |
F |
51:14 |
PB |
1:12 |
258 |
202 |
46 |
Paul | Holgate |
V 50 |
M |
51:12 |
YB |
2:21 |
260 |
204 |
18 |
Robert | Shaw |
V 60 |
M |
51:25 |
||
261 |
56 |
21 |
Nicky | Collins |
S |
F |
51:26 |
PB |
2:37 |
262 |
57 |
22 |
Rachel | Payne |
S |
F |
51:28 |
PB |
1:18 |
264 |
206 |
47 |
Steve | Pike |
V 50 |
M |
51:38 |
SB |
New |
271 |
62 |
23 |
Karen | Ellis |
V 35 |
F |
53:06 |
PB |
1:47 |
273 |
63 |
15 |
Karen | Palmer |
V 45 |
F |
53:07 |
PB |
2:28 |
276 |
210 |
19 |
Roger | Hardman |
V 60 |
M |
53:21 |
SB |
0:38 |
281 |
66 |
17 |
Sharon | Crowley |
V 45 |
F |
53:45 |
||
284 |
215 |
76 |
Nick | Witcombe |
V 40 |
M |
53:57 |
PB |
0:18 |
285 |
216 |
50 |
Nick | Stewart |
V 50 |
M |
54:05 |
SB |
New |
292 |
73 |
28 |
Isabel | Green |
S |
F |
54:44 |
PB |
0:52 |
294 |
75 |
29 |
Katie | Bradford |
S |
F |
55:05 |
PB |
4:29 |
295 |
76 |
19 |
Ruth | Bradford |
V 45 |
F |
55:05 |
||
300 |
80 |
27 |
Tracy | Bullot |
V 35 |
F |
56:00 |
1st 10K |
New |
301 |
220 |
77 |
Steve | Carter |
V 40 |
M |
55:50 |
SB |
New |
302 |
81 |
28 |
Lisa | Gavigan |
V 35 |
F |
56:00 |
PB |
0:19 |
304 |
222 |
69 |
Mark | Cheadle |
S |
M |
56:37 |
||
310 |
224 |
70 |
Anton | McCalla |
S |
M |
57:40 |
1st 10K |
New |
313 |
88 |
30 |
Tracy | Stiles |
V 35 |
F |
57:35 |
SB |
0:54 |
318 |
93 |
24 |
Julie | Twomey |
V 45 |
F |
58:20* |
1st 10K |
New |
319 |
94 |
25 |
Karen | Smith |
V 45 |
F |
58:21* |
PB |
0:09 |
320 |
225 |
78 |
Andy | Prior |
V 40 |
M |
58:22 |
||
327 |
100 |
34 |
Louisa | Bill |
S |
F |
59:33 |
1st 10K |
New |
329 |
101 |
35 |
Victoria | Sealy |
S |
F |
59:40 |
1st 10K |
New |
330 |
228 |
80 |
Barry | King |
V 40 |
M |
59:40 |
||
331 |
102 |
36 |
Melissa | Tyler |
S |
F |
59:51* |
1st 10K |
New |
332 |
229 |
71 |
Steven | Dobner |
S |
M |
59:52 |
1st 10K |
New |
333 |
103 |
1 |
Iris | Hornsey |
V 65 |
F |
1:00:05 |
SB |
2:05 |
335 |
230 |
56 |
Doug | Hall |
V 50 |
M |
1:00:05 |
||
336 |
105 |
35 |
Dawn | Andrews |
V 35 |
F |
1:00:10 |
PB |
2:43 |
337 |
231 |
3 |
Anthony | Osborne |
V 70 |
M |
59:58* |
YB |
0:25 |
341 |
108 |
36 |
Melissa | Gibson |
V 35 |
F |
1:02:23 |
1st 10K |
New |
342 |
109 |
37 |
Lisa | Jerrom |
V 35 |
F |
1:02:51 |
||
344 |
111 |
38 |
Rebecca | Hart |
V 35 |
F |
1:04:31 |
PB |
7:05 |
345 |
112 |
28 |
Nicky | Freeman |
V 45 |
F |
1:04:50 |
1st 10K |
New |
347 |
233 |
81 |
Steve | Gough |
V 40 |
M |
1:05:50 |
SB |
New |
350 |
234 |
72 |
Simon | Harris |
S |
M |
1:11:20 |
YB |
0:01 |
GOLDS IN COUNTY CHAMPS, Progress in EVAC League
Six Spartans brought home 17 medals including THIRTEEN GOLDS from the Hertfordshire Veterans Track & Field County Championships which were at Watford on Saturday.
In the 1500 metres, IRIS HORNSEY, SHARON CROWLEY and STEPH MAYFIELD posted strong times for the club’s short course championships with Iris & Sharon winning gold and Steph silver in their respective age categories. Steph was first Spartan home in a new PB of 6:39.23 closely followed by Sharon in 6:42.73, whilst Iris’s time of 7:16.31 gave her a fantastic 85% age grading. Sharon later took a second gold on the track with 14:29.01 in the 3000m. Sharon and Steph had another close contest in the Hammer, with both throwing new PBs of 17.25m and 17.39m respectively, the latter earning Steph a gold for the F35s. She won a second gold in the 100 metres hurdles (23.94) and another silver in the Pole Vault (1.80m) making it four PBs from four events.
MONICA BROWN had a sprint double with golds in the 100 metres (14.21) and 200 metres (29.85) and later added a third F40 gold in the Long Jump.
MARC GREEN was the sole Spartan representative in the men’s 5000 metres and won gold for the M35s in 22:38.47. STEVE MAYFIELD struggled with injury, but still managed clear 2.0m to win gold in the M40 pole vault and throw 23.05 to win the M40 javelin. He took further golds in the M40 discus and 800 metres, and bronze medals in the long and triple jumps.
An Eye On The Final
Fairlands Valley Spartans are targeting a place in the EVAC (Eastern Veterans) final after their women were second and men a comfortable third out of the seven clubs in the second of the four league matches which was in Bedford on Wednesday evening.
The next fixture is in Kettering on Wednesday 13th June.
St Albans 10K
RACHEL PAYNE ran the St Albans 10K in a new personal best of 52 minutes 44 seconds.
Chris Leigh’s Comeback
After a break of 21 months since his last race CHRIS LEIGH ran the Marlow 5 on Sunday. He last ran this race in 2007 and it is still superbly organised. Over a flat course taking runners through the town and then back close to the river in a single loop he managed to hold on to complete the race in 36 minutes 52 seconds. A T-shirt, an excellent medal and a bulging goody bag awaited him at the finish — he thinks he will be back again next year!!
Great West Patrick
PATRICK MARSHALL ran the Great West Run half marathon in 1 hour 45 minutes 39 seconds. He says it was a lovely race.
Curragh Biggs
ROGER BIGGS was running in the Kildare Marathon on Sunday. The race was held at the home of Irish Horse racing ‘The Curragh’ in County Kiladare, Ireland. On a moderately undulating course on quiet road in a big lop around the Racecourse. he ran a good even race, running the second half quicker than the firstt to finish in 3:56:34. Regards
Becca Trailblazer
BECCA HART took part in the Runners World Trailblazer at Bedgebury Forest in Kent on Saturday 12 May 12. It was a great event, the first of 3 x 10k trail runs, and very well organized. The day was perfect for running but the ground not so! After 20 consecutive days of rain, the sun decided to shine on race day, thankfully it wasn’t all on tracks and there were some dry trails! This was Becca’s first solo event and she completed the 10k trail race in 1:11:36. The next one is in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire on May 26th.
Coming Events
Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:
Join The Spartans
Live in or near Stevenage? Like running? Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up! The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010. It now has over 400 members and encourages participation by all. The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.
The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Go along to drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) at 7p.m. Up to five running groups go out on training nights — there will be one to suit you!
The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.
Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome — those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.
Try a few sessions before joining. Membership is only £27 per year. Concessions are available. Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk Please ask if you would like a paper copy.
If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk
E N D S
More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859
Starting from this weekend the club are introducing an additional training group category to complement the existing two groups that normally organise Sunday runs. This will mean in future you are likely to see three different run options on a Sunday! The groups are being identified by their long run pace*, as follows:
Group A – designed to cater for runners at a long run pace* of 8 min/mile or faster;
Group B – designed to cater for runners at a long run pace* of between 8 min/mile and 10:30 min/mile;
Group C – designed to cater for runners at a long run pace* slower than 10:30 min/mile
As a coaching team we will do our best to organise a run for each of these groups on each Sunday. Ocassionally even we are fallable though!! Please have a look at the details that are shown in the training programme by going to the training programme option within the calendar drop down menu on the new website home page. Simples! We will aim to post details of each Sunday run by the end of Thursday (or earlier) each week. The routes being used by the groups will be varied and will incorporate off road and on road running. its a great way to explore the countryside surrounding Stevenage (and if you go out with Coach Leigh – the surrounding countryside of Bedfordshire and Bucks – only joking!!)
I hope you continue to enjoy what we are offering on Sundays! The three groups should now be able to cater for the full range of runners within the club. Please let us know what you think, your feedback is really valuable to us.
Thank you
Chris Leigh, Head Coach
* this is a pace that equates to approximately 65%-70% of maximum heart rate. You should be able to hold a conversation at this pace and not be gasping for air in between the odd word!! If you are struggling to speak, you are running too fast. In terms of effort level, this type of run equates to a 6-7 out of 10 where 10 is the effort you exert on a race (i.e. maximal!). You are training your aerobic energy system and not trying to push through your lactate threshold! If you are in any doubt about pacing for these runs please have a word with the coach.
Seven Spartans took up the Greenway Challenge off road half marathon and finished as follows:
LISA BURGESS 1 hour 40mins 2 seconds (female); KATY JINKS 1:41:14 secs (female); JODY FLETT 1:47:30 (male); RYAN DUNNING 1:52:30 (male); ROB KING 1:52:31 PB (male); MARC GREEN 2:10:30 (male) and RON COHEN 2:39:56 (male)
They say it was a good course of mainly trail and paths with a few steep climbs but the weather held out and it ended up being really good running conditions! Marc enjoyed it even though he got a little lost and did some extra miles!!
Last weekend NATALIE BARNARD raced her first 70.3 of the season at the Lisbon International 70.3 where she raced the same event last year. That was her first ever long distance event.
As ever, her swimming proved the strongest of the three disciplines, exiting in fifth place overall and in a faster time from last year of 25min22sec (for 1900m).
After never riding or racing on a time trial (TT) bike, which would debut on this race, she clearly found it a massive shift up from last years’ road bike, by holding off the eventual winner Alison Rowatt for two hours before being overtaken in a new 10min personal best (PB) of 2 hours 35 minutes (for 90km).
Barnard unfortunately punctured 1200m before the second transition which cost her a few minutes and the overall final position on the podium.
The run proved, as ever, to be Barnard’s weaker of the three disciplines. She fought hard to keep second position from the Irish athlete, but a mixture of blisters, bruised toes bone and heat meant that she took the final slot of the podium to make it a British 1,2,3.
Natalie’s next event focus is the UK Ironman 70.3 in June where she faces her biggest competition yet!
Two Spartan stars competed in the May Regent’s Park 10K on Saturday morning. Conditions were a little grey, windy but otherwise pleasant for the three lap circuit of the park. RICHARD BATE finished a fantastic FIFTH out of the 484 runners, in a time of 36 minutes dead.
LIAM HERBERT ran a new personal best time of 38:24, finishing 17th overall. He took 14 seconds off his previous 10K PB which was set at the same race last month, and claims his fourth personal best this year.
On a very wet and muddy course, JOHN HARRIS was fourth in the North Herts First Saturday of the Month 5K with a time of 19 minutes 59 seconds. TRACY PEZ was second lady.
After missing the Manchester Marathon last week due to a cold CAROL PAUL was back in action on Bank Holiday Monday for the wet and cold Belfast Marathon. The course was hilly in the first half and flattened out in the second half. Carol completed the course in 4 hours 39 minutes 59 seconds. ROGER BIGGS ran the same event in 3 hours 57 minutes 32 seconds.
Also on Bank Holiday Monday, STEPHANIE MAYFIELD took part in the Kimpton Fun Run. In cool conditions she ran 51mins 25seconds over the 9 kilometres undulating, multi-terrain course which due to the recent rain was a little boggy in places!
Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:
– Herts County Track and Field Championships on Saturday 12th May.
– Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Stevenage on Tuesday 15th May.
– Mid Week Road Race League fixture in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 31st May.
– EVAC Track and Field event in Kettering on Wednesday 13th June.
– Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Harlow on Wednesday 20th June.
– Spartans v NHRR “Olympic” Fun Event on Sunday 24th June.
– Mid Week Road Race League Seven Miles in St. Albans on Thursday 28th June.
– Mob Match at Trent Park on Wednesday 11th July.
– EVAC Track and Field event in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 11th July.
– Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15th July.
– Relays in the Park (3K legs) on Thursday evening 19th July.
– County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9th September.
– County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23rd September.
– Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.
Live in or near Stevenage? Like running? Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up! The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010. It now has over 400 members and encourages participation by all. The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.
The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Go along to drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) at 7p.m. Up to five running groups go out on training nights — there will be one to suit you!
The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.
Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome — those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.
Try a few sessions before joining. Membership is only £27 per year. Concessions are available. Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk Please ask if you would like a paper copy.
If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk
E N D S
More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859
www.fvspartans.org.uk
Charlie Paterson
Q. When did you join the club?
A. April 2010
Q. Why did you join the club?
A. My running was not improving — I needed something better and with structure rather than just pounding away at the treadmill.
Q. Why did you join the coaching team?
A. To improve my knowledge of the principles of running and to be able to help others with my confidence in my answers.
Q. What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?
A. I would like to be in a position to motivate other runners, help them reach their targets whilst reducing the incidence of running injuries.
Q. When do we typically see you at training?
A. Tuesdays in Group 4, Thursday speed work sessions, Saturday mornings at the track and a long run on Sundays!
Q. What are your aims for your running and/or coaching?
A. During 2012 I would like to stay injury free and work towards my first marathon.
Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!
A. During every race I wonder why I started but by the end of every race I am glad that I did!
Bev Harlow
Q. When did you join the club?
A. About 20 years ago, in 1991.
Q. Why did you join the club?
A. I was lucky enough to have received a ballot place in the London Marathon. I initially had planned to walk it but then thought I should get fitter and run it instead.
Q. Why did you join the coaching team?
A. I was keen to join the team because over the last 20 years I have gained so much from the club that I wanted to give something back.
Q. What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?
A. I am hoping to retire in 2012 and so hope to have more time available from then. In the meantime I am helping Tony Osborne with Group 2 on a Tuesday.
Q. When do we typically see you at training?
A. I am a regular in Group 2 on a Tuesday and also at the Angel’s sessions on a Saturday morning.
Q. What are your aims in 2011 for your running and/or coaching?
A. As it is 20 years since I started running this year I have entered the Abingdon marathon which takes place on my birthday!! I will be moving up an age category and may even get myself an anniversary PB, who knows!
Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!
A. My niece is the Olympic javelin thrower Goldie Sayers and I can’t run much on Sunday mornings as I am a church organist.
Lisa joined the club in 2009
She joined for the usual reasons, getting older and putting on weight, oh and Maria Rushton made her! She raved about the club and insisted Lisa gave it a go!
It wasn’t long before Lisa realised how encouraging and motivating the coaching team are and soon Lisa found herself joining the coaching team, and then committee! Lisa is thrilled to be able to help others and give something back to the club.
Barry joined the Spartans just over back in December 2010. He had been running solo for 6 months and had ran 3 half marathons in that time, all over 2 hours. He wanted to beat that barrier. After running the Stevenage half where Barry says he spoke to Tracy Pez who recommended he join, he did!!
Barry describes himself as a people person and had previous experience of managing a men’s football teams and had enjoyed helping players develop their skills, so it seemed the next natural step forward to join the coaching team and to help people and pass on what he has learnt.
Barry’s running goals are to P.B at his longer distances – marathon, 20 mile, half marathon and 10 mile events so we’ll be seeing him at training Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays!
Barry recently took on the role of Kit Man, so if you need any FVS gear, you know who to contact!
Andy Neetham
Q. When did you join the club?
A. September 2010
Q. Why did you join the club?
A. We had just moved to Knebworth from High Wycombe and were looking for a running club with a good social side.
Q. Why did you join the coaching team?
A. I have twenty years experience of club running, with Barnet & District AC and Reading AC, and am a qualified scuba diving instructor. Those two things made it seem a natural thing to do.
Q. What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?
A. Pass on some experience and enthusiasm at the same time as learning some new things myself.
Q. When do we typically see you at training?
A. When I’m not injured! My legs have a lot of miles in them and are not as young as they were!
Q. What are your aims in 2012 for your running and/or coaching?
A. Stay injury free so that I can actually join in with coaching and training. If successful with that I’d like to set a few VPBs (Veteran Personal Bests).
Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!
A. I’m a Shetlander so there are not many that can accuse me of being a soft southerner!
Liam Herbert
Q. When did you join the club?
A. In March 2009, after braving a Starter Group session, and enjoying it.
Q. Why did you join the club?
A. I had started up jogging as a way to better look after myself at University, but that got a bit lonely and I needed the motivation to improve and thought that joining a running club would be the best way to do this. I had little confidence or self-esteem in myself, or my running, when I ran with the Starter Group for the first time. This and my fitness have improved so much over the space of 3 years, thanks to the club.
Q. Why did you join the coaching team?
A. All the coaches in the club have inspired me at some point: we have to remember they volunteer their free time to ensure a safe training session, and use their passion for running to encourage others. After 3 years with the club I thought it was about time to give something back, to encourage people in their running just like I have been, and continue to be.
Q. What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?
A. There are a number of objectives for me: firstly to help the team, by leading and supporting sessions in a club with a large membership that caters for all abilities. I am also keen to promote different types of training outside of the ‘steady and safe’, such as the Thursday endurance and Saturday track sessions, which are fantastic for building strength, speed and developing form. Finally, I have been coached by someone in the club for the past year and they continue to inspire and push me forward in my own running. One day, I’d like to do the same for another runner in the capacity of a coach, rather than a group leader.
Q. When do we typically see you at training?
A. Tuesday nights (Group 5), Thursday nights and Saturdays on the track.
Q. What are your aims in 2012 for your running and/or coaching?
A. I’ve become a little bit wiser in this respect, so will be keeping my cards close to my chest in terms of my running aims for 2012. Let’s just say that I improved a lot in 2011 and, this year, want to show that there is much more to come from me. Coaching wise, I’d simply like to gain experience of being a good group run leader and to give out as much encouragement as possible!
Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!
A. Two for the price of one: I once set myself on fire at a Christmas party for 5 minutes and didn’t realise until someone darted over to put me out! I also share a flat with a robotic pet dinosaur called Pleo!
Todd Gray
Q.When did you join the club?
A. 2004
Q. Why did you join the club?
A. I had decided to run a marathon having enjoyed running when I was at school and got into to London marathon in 2004 but had no idea how to train for it, Steve Smithson suggested I came to the club as this would give me people with a similar goal to train with and I have never looked back.
Q. Why did you join the coaching team?
A. I felt it would be a good way to develop my own running and give a little back to the club who have been so supportive over the years. Plus I was starting to feel left out as everyone has one of those snazzy orange vests.
Q. What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?
A. I hope to pass on some of my knowledge, experience and hopefully the enjoyment I get from running to other members of the club. I would also like to think that I could help my fellow club members improve and meet their running goals.
Q. When do we typically see you at training?
A. Tuesday, Thursday and the occasional Saturday
Q. What are your aims in 2012 for your running and/or coaching?
A. As when I joined the club but still have not managed I am aiming to try and break 3 hours for the marathon. I also hope to gain more experience coaching so I can begin to pass on some of my experience and learn more from the other club coaches.
Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!
A. Only a small percentage of people can touch their nose or chin with their tongue but I can do both, special I know!!!
Jayne joined the Spartans in January 2010. She had tried running on her own, but found it really difficult, then she saw one of her old school friends who ran with the Spartans and was persuaded to join the Starter Group and she loved it. The camaraderie, support and encouragement from the Starter Group coaches Katrina and Tessa, gave me Jayne the drive and determination to continue, until eventually she ran the full 5K course without stopping.. what an amazing feeling that was!
It wasn’t long before Jayne was asked to join the coaching team. She was honoured and the fact she might make a difference to someone like herself, makes her smile with pride! Jayne loves to turn ‘I can’t’ runners into ‘I can’ runners… and have fun along the way!
Jayne is looking forward to her first half marathon in Edinburgh at the end of May 2013 and hopes to run the full 13.1 miles without stopping.
Sensible by day… and fun loving by night, Jayne works as a School Business Manager at a local primary school. she is married with two grown up children, loves musicals, dancing and music. She used to go ballroom dancing as a child, started tap dancing in her late 20’s and running in her 40’s… proving you’re never too old to try something new!
Pete Smith
Q.When did you join the club?
A. 2008 I think
Q. Why did you join the club?
A. Enjoyed running. When club came to gym centre, Mollie (my daughter) was doing gym, so instead of sitting watching her 6 days per week, I decided to go out with the club.
Q. Why did you join the coaching team?
A. To gain some tips and advice about my own running and to pass on experiences to others.
Q. What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?
A. I’d like to gain further qualifications to help others succeed in their aspirations.
Q. When do we typically see you at training?
A. Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Q. What are your aims in 2012 for your running and/or coaching?
A. To run Edinburgh Marathon in 3 hours 14 mins and 59 seconds or preferably less to get the qualifying time for London good-for-age. To gain CIRF when I get the time to do the course. Also to try a different approach to promote the cross country season.
Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!
A. I enjoy photography and have had several images used in gymnastics (see entry above about Mollie). One of my images was used as a silhouette for the motif on a Scottish Gymnastics T shirt.
Niki Andrews
Q.When did you join the club?
A. 2009.
Q. Why did you join the club?
A. I had entered the London marathon through my previous club and, as they didn’t do much road running, it was suggested that I train with FVS on Sunday mornings. I then got a bit addicted and gave up the track for road running.
Q. Why did you join the coaching team?
A. I’ve been a Level 2 jumps coach since I was 18 as part of my previous club. After helping out informally a couple of times for FVS at the track I decided that I may as well see if my skills were transferable to road runs… this is yet to be proven!
Q.What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?
A. I hope to get myself into group 4 on a Tuesday and drag some others from group 3 along with me (you have been warned!) Also just be an extra person around to ask for advice on general running (nothing too specific please!)
Q. When do we typically see you at training?
A. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays although if you ask me nicely I will come to the track on a Saturday when it’s sunny!
Q. What are your aims in 2012 for your running and/or coaching?
A. Running – sub 1.40 half marathon, try to compete in as many of the MWL as possible,
Coaching – get more ladies in the cross country team next year – and the team running them well!
Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!
A. I was a SEAA high jump silver medallist and East of England record holder (indoors)
Here is the coaching team for Fairlands Valley Spartans. Click on a name to find out more about that coach!
Charlie Paterson Head Coach
Jayne Pinner Assistant Head Coach
Richard Bate
Roger Biggs
Graham Blackburn
Jim Brown
Paul Carter
David Clarke
Marie Colucci
Gary Dempsey
Katrina Doyle
April Drackford
Mark Drummond
Paul Holgate
Andy Jay
Angela Moore
Tony Osborne
Andrew Patterson
Lisa Potter
Andy Prior
Maria Rushton
Phil Rushton
Julie Simmons
Steve Smithson
Dave Stephenson
Tessa Stephenson
Dyfed Thomson-Smith
Steve Watkins
Barbara Wilson
Nick Witcombe
Catch up with the latest edition of Catch a Coach here: