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CATCH A COACH – LATEST EDITION HAS LANDED!

Hi,

The November edition of Catch a Coach has landed!

Includes our 10 of the best, how to introduce hill training into your programme (and get with the programme!), top tips and information on nutrition on the run.

Take a look!

Catch a Coach newsletter November 2012

Cheers

Coach Leigh

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Club News

NEWS RELEASE: MATTHEW AND CHRISTINE WIN 5K

MATTHEW AND CHRISTINE WIN 5K

Cross Country Season Starts

MATTHEW HOLGATE and CHRISTINE PROWLE were the winners as 32 runners took part in Fairlands Valley Spartans Handicap 5K on Thursday night.

Matthew was first to finish, four minutes quicker than his previous best 5K this year, and in a new personal best (PB) time of 36 minutes 17 seconds as he continued his improvements shown over recent weeks.

In second position, just 13 seconds behind Matthew and improving her own PB by 3:23 to 38 minutes exactly, the first female to finish was Christine Prowle, with AMANDA VICKERS second female, also in a new PB, of 34:12, 2:46 faster than previous.  GEMMA SMITH was third female in her welcome return to the club with 25 minutes 50 seconds.

Third man (fourth overall) was newcomer ALI VORSTER in his debut 5k, finishing in 25 minutes exactly, 2:30 faster than handicap, with another newcomer, DAVE SMITH third man just a few seconds behind Ali, in 24:30, 2:15 ahead of handicap.

Grant Fastest

Fastest runner on the night was GRANT RAMSAY in 17 minutes 9 seconds.  LIAM HERBERT was second quickest in 18:27 and ROB WILLIS third fastest with 18:33.  BERNIE BARNABY also beat 20 minutes with 19:45 in his first 5k with the club.

Fastest female was the much improved RHIANNON GRIFFIN 20:20, with GEMMA SMITH’s 25:50 2nd quickest and VIVIENNE HONEY 3rd fastest in 28:14.

Next month’s Handicap 5k will be in 4 weeks time on Thursday 22nd November.

Cross Country Season Starts

Sunday’s conditions were perfect for the first cross country league race of the season, a little mud but not a lot and a little cold but not too cold.  Eighteen Spartans made the trip to Cheshunt with the following results.

Women: Alison Wood 84th overall in 34 minutes 30 seconds; Rhiannon Griffin 111th in 35.47; Nikki Andrews 159th in 38.33; Julie Simmons 160th (app. 38.36); Tracy Pez 165th (app. 39.15); Anne Tyressone 221st in 41.57; Nikki Lorimer 259th in 44.17; Hannah Davidson 272nd in 45.13 and Iris Hornsey 295th in 50.59

Men: Simon Jackson 13th in 29 minutes 46 seconds; Martin Wood 75th (app. 33.55); Dave Bowker 76th in 34.01; Todd Gray 82nd in 34.23; Steve Mayfield 146th in 37.42; Andy Jay 223rd in 41.41; Mark Cheadle 228th in 42.16; Marc Green 264th (app. 44.00); Nick Stewart 308th (app. 47.00).

The first five women and eight men will count towards the league results though others may have contributed by getting ahead of runners from other clubs.

Britain’s Toughest Marathon

On a beautiful dry day, albeit with a chilly breeze that was quite strong in places, six Spartans took on Britain’s toughest marathon, in Snowdonia, North Wales.

With three massive climbs, the race is not for the faint hearted, but all six Spartans were delighted with their achievements and with such stunning scenery around the course are already looking forward to returning next year.

Their finishing times were – Matt Gill 4:08:48; Tricia Hopper 4:58:55; Karen Liddle 4:58:55; Barry King 4:58:55; Sharon Crowley 5:00:20 (21st consecutive Snowdon marathon – every year since 1991); and Paul Holgate 5:01:07 (24th consecutive – every year since 1988

Chosen Half

NICK WITCOMBE ran in the Chosen Half Marathon in New Braunfels, Texas, USA on Sunday.  His time was 2 hours 13 minutes and 17 seconds.  It was very cold due to a rare cold snap and the course was quite hilly.  The race took place along the Guadalope river and the race was very picturesque and enjoyable. A fellow runner even recognised the famous FVS stripes.

Fenland 10mile at Wisbech.

The Fenland Ten was on a flat course but it weas open and exposed when windy as it was at the weekend.  PHIL GALE says it was a well organised small race on quiet roads, raining at start but eased off soon afterwards. Lots of puddles on course and a pretty cold wind against runners in second half.  He finished in 68 minutes exactly.

Roger Doubles Up

ROGER BIGGS ran the Woolwich Tunnel Marathon on Friday.  It was organised by the 100 Marathon Club to commemorate the opening of the Woolwich Tunnel exactly 100 years ago. Starting at the Northern end of the tunnel, the marathon commenced by the entire field walking to the southern end, then up the 105 steps to emerge on the southern shore of the Thames. At this point the running started with four out & back sections along the Thames path to the East then West.  After a reasonably good first half, Roger suffered to finish in 4 hours 32 minutes 11 seconds.

Then Roger travelled North to Preston for a marathon billed as ‘once every 20 years’. Organised as part of The Preston Guild, this well organised event went through Preston, then out into the countryside to the North & South.  It wasn’t the undulating course that slowed down runners, it was the strong & cold Northerly wind plus rain from start to finish! Roger struggled early on, but found a strong finish to come home in 4:07:31.

Pompey Payne

RACHEL PAYNE ran the Great South Run in Portsmouth on Sunday in 1:23 which she is pretty pleased with.

20th Anniversary Serpie

JIM BROWN ran the 20th Anniversary Last Friday of the Month Serpentine 5K.  This popular event goes round the Serpentine in Hyde Park, London.  In cool, windy and damp conditions he was happy to finish in 22 minutes exactly and the first half of the finishers.  He moved up to 22nd overall in the 2012 series championship.

Baggage for VLM.

The London Marathon is not until Sunday 21st April but Fairlands Valley Spartans are already signing up volunteers for help in Pall Mall.  The club have helped make the event a success for many years.

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  The race is in Stevenage and is for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within an open race — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 22nd November.
  • Cross Country League on Sunday 25th November.
  • Buntingford Ten on Sunday 30th December.
  • Virgin London Marathon on 21st April 2013.

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 (0793 968 7509 or 01438 354505), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
News

WHAT’S ON THIS COMING WEEK!

Here is the latest packed edition of the What’s On Newsletter. Take a look and finalise your training and club activities for the coming week.

198 27th october 2012v0.1

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: GRANT TAKES OFF

Grant takes off

Five Spartans made the short trip to RAF Henlow on Wednesday for the annual RAF 10 mile championships from Old Warden to Henlow.  On a windy day and into a headwind for most of the point-to-point run times were not surprisingly a little slower than hoped for but it did not stop Grant Ramsay coming away with the trophy for 1st vet, in 5th position overall, in 57:50, while Julie Simmons won the 1st V55 female trophy in 1:17:31.

SIMON BELL finished in 1 hour 3 minutes 4 seconds, ROGER BIGGS in 1:21:02 and PAUL HOLGATE in 1:21:02.  There were about 150 runners.

Spartans in the Cabbage Patch

Three Spartans completed the Cabbage Patch 10 in Twickenham on Sunday morning.

On  a nice flat-ish course Nikki Andrews was first Spartan home in 1.14.57, RICHARD HAZELDENE finished in 1.15.00 and ANDY PRIOR in 1.22.58 — says he was just thankful to get to the end in 1 piece.

All highly recommended the race as a potential personal best course & will return in 2013.

Abingdon Marathon

There were pretty good running conditions for the Abingdon Marathon on Sunday with the temperature around 10C and the rain generally holding off.  Great marshalling and well organised, just a shame the showers that did fall were freezing.

Christopher Westcott finished in 40th position overall in a new personal best of 2 hours 57 minutes 48 seconds.

STEVE MAYFIELD’s first marathon for over two years resulted in a new personal best of 3:27:30.  CAROL PAUL finished in 4:25:36 and ALISON SUCKLING 4:44:34.

Great Yarmouth Marathon — Sunday, 21st October 2012

ROGER BIGGS took part in the inaugural running of the Great Yarmouth Marathon.  The course was on three flats laps to the North, then South of the town, either along the promenade or adjoining roads.  After some recent tough marathons on and off road, Roger returned to form with his second best marathon of 2012.  He won the Vet 60 category with a time of 3 hours 51 minutes 45 seconds.

Tough Bacon

CRAIG BACON ran the Abbots Langley 10 in 47 minutes  52 seconds.

Rotherham Half Century

MIKE NEWBITT took part in the Rotherham 50 which is 50 miles off road with a set of instructions to find your way around the route.  He took 14 hours and 52 minutes

Peterborough Claire

At the Great Eastern Run CLAIRE COKER took a 13 minutes 5 seconds chunk off her personal best (PB) reducing it to 1:48:18 and was absolutely chuffed to bits all her training paid off.

Baggage for VLM.

The London Marathon is not until Sunday 21st April but Fairlands Valley Spartans are already signing up volunteers for help in Pall Mall.  The club have helped make the event a success for many years.

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  The race is in Stevenage and is for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within an open race — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

COMING EVENTS

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 25th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.
  • Buntingford Ten on Sunday 30th December.
  • Virgin London Marathon on 21st April 2013.

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 (0793 968 7509 or 01438 354505), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
News

WHAT’S ON – THIS COMING WEEK!

Here is the latest packed edition of the What’s On Newsletter. Take a look and finalise your training for the coming week.

197 20th october 2012v0.1

 

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: CUTS AT PETERBOROUGH

CUTS AT PETERBOROUGH

Loads of personal bests!

Forty one Fairlands Valley Spartans ran in the sun Sunday’s Great Eastern Run, the Peterborough Half Marathon.  Many of the twenty three women and eighteen men were rewarded with new personal and season’s bests.

The Spartans star performer was DUNCAN MARSHALL who finished 78th out of the 3,431 finishers in 1 hour 19 minutes 13 seconds.  LIAM HERBERT took 2 minutes 36 seconds off his PB to finish 180th in 1:25:46; STEVE MAYFIELD chopped 50 seconds off his PB to 1:33:50 and LISA BURGESS 4 minutes off her PB to 1:34:35.

Running his first half marathon since a major operation last year Spartan Press Officer JIM BROWN was delighted to finish with a time of 1 hour 41 minutes 45 seconds.  MATT GILL ran his best half marathon this year with an improvement of 14 minutes 16 seconds to 1:43:15; JON SYPULA improved his PB by 49 seconds to 1:45:14; whilst NIKKI COLLINS improved her PB by 7 minutes and 34 seconds to 1:48:02 and CLAIRE COKER took a 13 minutes 5 seconds chunk off her PB reducing it to 1:48:18 and was absolutely chuffed to bits all her training paid off.

MADDIE PRITCHARD cut her PB by 7 minutes 38 seconds to 1:51:42.  KAREN ELLIS improved by 4:01 to 1:55:02; RACHEL PAYNE by 4:09 to 1:57:29; MARIA THORNE by 2:51 to 2:01:09; STEVE WATKINS by 10:39 to 2:11:34; and MARIA RUSHTON by 1:28 to 2:14:11.

LES BUTLER improved his season’s best by 2:48 to 2:16:12; JAN FRY her PB by 8:57 to 2:20:20; JACKIE MORRISON cut her season’s best time by seven seconds to 2:23:53 and 80 year old RON COHEN cut his season’s best by 2:29 to 2:29:04.

Those who achieved the milestone of their first half marathon included DANNY HARWOOD (2:00:48); TRUDY MOLLOY (2:01:00); MELISSA GIBSON (2:14:23) and JAYNE PINNER (2:41:30).

The results for all 41 Spartans follow:

Position

Name

Time

Comments

78

Duncan MARSHALL

1:19:13

PB

180

Liam HERBERT

1:25:46

PB (2:36)

324

Graham BLACKBURN

1:30:53

326

Danny HUKIN

1:30:58

SB

430

Steve MAYFIELD

1:33:50

PB (0:50)

459

Lisa BURGESS (F)

1:34:35

PB (4:11)

592

Peter SMITH

1:37:44

787

Jim BROWN

1:41:45

SB.  First half after a major operation.

874

Matt GILL

1:43:15

YB (14:16)

991

Jon SYPULA

1:45:14

PB (0:49)

1151

Nikki COLLINS (F)

1:48:02

PB (7:34)

1174

Claire COKER (F)

1:48:18

PB (13:05)

1395

Maddie PRITCHARD (F)

1:51:42

PB (7:38)

1436

Hadrian COOPER

1:52:14

1472

LEE POTTER

1:52:41

PB

1644

Karen ELLIS (F)

1:55:02

PB (4:01)

1730

Stephanie MAYFFIELD (F)

1:56:13

1818

Rachel PAYNE (F)

1:57:29

PB (4:09)

1973

Paul HOLGATE

1:59:57

2029

Danny HARWOOD

2:00:48

First Half Marathon

2046

Trudie MOLLOY (F)

2:01:00

First Half Marathon

2045

Barry kING

2:01:00

First half after ankle operation

2049

Stephen BLOCK

2:01:07

2053

Maria THORNE (F)

2:01:09

PB (2:51)

2231

Sharon CROWLEY (F)

2:04:32

YB

2553

Steve WATKINS

2:11:34

PB (10:39)

2597

Jeanette COLLINS (F)

2:12:19

SB

2621

Lisa GAVIGAN (F)

2:12:49

YB

2629

Karen SMITH (F)

2:13:03

2674

Maria RUSHTON (F)

2:14:11

PB (1:28)

2685

Melissa GIBSON (F)

2:14:23

First Half Marathon

2695

Tracy STILES (F)

2:14:47

2758

Les BUTLER

2:16:12

SB (2:48)

2884

Jan FRY (F)

2:20:20

PB (8:57)

2909

Lisa JERROM (F)

2:20:57

YB

3002

Jackie MORRISON (F)

2:23:53

SB (0:07)

3044

Karen BUCKLEY (F)

2:26:07

3108

Ron COHEN

2:29:04

SB (2:29) Age 80

3286

Jayne PINNER (F)

2:41:30

First Half Marathon.  Pleased after a four month break due to injury.

3288

Nick WITCOMBE

2:41:31

3287

Hannah SYPULA (F)

2:41:31

Ware Ten

A multi terrain, two lap course and perfect weather conditions for running at Sunday’s Ware Ten provided the platform for several personal best performances.  Experienced runner MARK GOODWIN continued his fantastic form this year with a PB of 1 hour 16 minutes 14 seconds, which was his second PB in a week.  LEE LAWRENCE took 1:17:37.  Despite massive blisters NATALIE BARNARD finished in `1:18:16 close to TRACY PEZ with 1:18:38.  VISHAL SHAH cut his PB by four minutes to 1:21:04.

Matthew Is A Happy Spartan.

MATTHEW KIRK did the Liverpool marathon Sunday morning in glorious sunshine but cool and no wind so good conditions.  He finished 40 minutes faster than last year in 3 hours 52 minutes which is his new personal best.  Says he is very happy, or will be when his feet stop hurting!!

Chingford Cross Country

GRANT RAMSAY was fifth out of 300 in the Chingford League Cross Country race at Enfield.  He covered the 8 kilometres in 27 minutes 29 seconds.

Founders Marathon — Sunday, 12th October 2012

For yet another weekend ROGER BIGGS enjoyed lovely running weather on a tough course.  This Sunday he was at the Founders Marathon.

This is an off road marathon run under LDWA (Long Distance Walkers Association) rules from Peaslake in the North Downs region of Surrey.  “Founders” refers to the first LDWA meeting which was help in Peaslake.  The event included 1,000 metres of climbing over some testing ground.  Roger finished in 7 hours 18 minutes 41 seconds.

Baggage for VLM.

The London Marathon is not until Sunday 21st April but Fairlands Valley Spartans are already signing up volunteers for help in Pall Mall.  The club have helped make the event a success for many years.

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  The race is in Stevenage and is for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within an open race — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 25th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.
  • Buntingford Ten on Sunday 30th December.
  • Virgin London Marathon on 21st April 2013.

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 (0793 968 7509 or 01438 354505), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: BARRY WINS GOLD AT STANDALONE

BARRY WINS GOLD AT STANDALONE

Ron 80 and still racing!

There were 46 Spartans among the 1,130 finishers in Sunday’s Standalone 10K race and several of them were county medal winners.  BARRY OSBORNE won GOLD in the Vet 60 plus category with an outstanding sub 40 time of 39 minutes 56 seconds; JO LAING (40:34), TRACY PEZ (44:37) and JULIE SIMMONS (44:40) won silvers in the women’s team competition; Julie’s personal best improvement of 2 minutes 41 seconds helped her win SILVER in her age category; GRANT RAMSAY was second Vet 40 plus in an incredible new personal best (PB) of 34 minutes 15 seconds.  He was sixth overall.

RON COHEN ran his first race since his 80th birthday.  He beat over a hundred runners with his time of 1 hour 4 minutes 2 seconds and he cycled to and from the event.

CHRISTOPHER WESTCOTT ran his first race as a veteran and celebrated with a time of 35 minutes 44 seconds — a personal best (PB) by 90 seconds.  ANDREW PATTERSON improved his PB by 16 seconds to 36:29; DAVID BOWKER ran a new season’s best (SB) of 38:43; Club Chair GRAHAM BLACKBURN ran a new SB of 40:39; STEVE GREEN improved his PB by 1:41 to 42:52; Club Press Officer JIM BROWN achieved his first 75% age related score for many years by improving his season’s best by 2:52 to 43 minutes 17 seconds; MARK GOODWIN improved his PB by 1:16 to 43:56; NIKKI ANDREWS took a 6:38 chunk off for her new PB of 44:34; MADDIE PRITCHARD took 3 minutes 20 seconds off her PB with her time of 45 minutes 51 seconds; HADRIAN COOPER improved his PB by 31 seconds to 46:17; RYAN DUNNING by 5 seconds to 46:23; ANN TRYSSESOONE by 3:25 to 47:01; SELVAN NAICKER by 2:52 to 47:16; SCOTT ROUSE improved his season’s best by 43 seconds to 48:47; PAUL MARSHALL his SB by 2:06 to 50:18; SARAH PIKE her PB by 47 seconds to 50:27; STEVE PIKE his SB by 1:09 to 50:29; KAREN ELLIS her PB by 1:23 to 51:14; Club Treasurer MARK CHEADLE improved his PB by 1:08 to 51:54; HANNAH DAVIDSON her PB by over three minutes to 53:10; SAIVERSHAN NAIDO by over five minutes to 55:45; MELISSA TYLER, 59:02, beat her PB by 58 seconds; KAREN BUCKLEY her PB by 3:41 to 59:03; JANET COX by a massive 12 minutes 24 seconds to 1:07:29; LEE MORRIS by 1:23 to 1:07:35; and HELEN MORRIS by 1:23 to 1:07:36.

Several including CLAIRE SMITH (48:55) and LISA KASPEROWICZ (51:36) were running their first 10K race.

Standalone results for every Spartan:

Pos

Name

Chip

Comments

6

Grant RAMSAY

34:15

2nd Vet 40.  PB by 32 seconds

15

Christopher WESTCOTT

35:44

PB by 1:30.  First race as a V40

21

Andrew PATTERSON

36:29

PB by 16 seconds

55

David BOWKER

38:43

SB by 15 seconds

78

Barry OSBORNE

39:56

1st Vet 60.  PB by 1:03.

139

Jo LAING (F)

40:34

Vet team silver.

94

Graham BLACKBURN

40:39

SB by 40 seconds.

101

Jake AMOS

40:54

130

Sam HARTE

42:12

143

Steve GREEN

42:52

PB by 1:41

161

Jim BROWN

43:17

SB by 2:52.

195

Mark GOODWIN

43:56

PB by 1:16

217

Nikki ANDREWS (F)

44:34

PB by 6:38

225

Tracy PEZ (F)

44:37

Vet team silver.

220

Tim PINE

44:37

228

Julie SIMMONS (F)

44:40

Individual and vet team silver.  PB by 2:41

257

Mikos TAYLOR

45:31

1st 10K.

270

Maddie PRITCHARD (F)

45:51

PB by 3:20

302

Hadrian COOPER

46:17

PB by 31 seconds

307

Ryan DUNNING

46:23

PB by 5 seconds

334

Ann TRYSSESOONE (F)

47:01

PB by 3:25

340

Selvan NAICKER

47:16

PB by 2:52

368

Paul PICKARD

47:57

430

Paul FORDE

48:15

1st 10K

414

Scott ROUSE

48:47

SB by 43 seconds.

418

Claire SMITH (F)

48:55

1st 10K

495

Paul MARSHALL

50:18

SB by 2:06

465

Sarah PIKE (F)

50:27

PB by 47 seconds

467

Steve PIKE

50:29

SB by 1:09

501

Owen STEWART

50:52

1st 10K

530

Karen ELLIS (F)

51:14

PB by 1:23

547

Lisa KASPEROWICZ (F)

51:36

1st 10K

548

Mark CHEADLE

51:54

PB by 1:08

626

Hannah DAVIDSON (F)

53:10

PB by over 3 minutes

668

Chris LEIGH

53:19

731

Paul HOLGATE

54:36

730

Sharon CROWLEY (F)

55:26

753

Saivershan NAIDO

55:45

PB by over 5 minutes

831

Lorraine THOMAS (F)

58:10

YB by 2 seconds

870

Melissa TYLER (F)

59:02

PB by 58 seconds

856

Karen BUCKLEY (F)

59:03

PB by 3:41

950

Gopalan NAIDOO

1:01:40

1014

Ron COHEN

1:04:02

80 years old and cycled to the event.

1062

Janet COX (F)

1:07:29

PB by 12:24

1064

Lee MORRIS

1:07:35

PB by 1:23

1065

Helen MORRIS (F)

1:07:36

PB by 1:23

(Many pictures are available in the Gallery here: http://fvspartans.org.uk/gallery/)

 

Royal Parks for Lisa and Lorraine

LISA LIVERSIDGE and LORRAINE WYATT ran in Sunday’s Royal Parks Half Marathon.  Lisa finished in 2:00:38 and Lorraine in a new personal best of 2 hours 3 minutes 50 seconds.

 

First Saturday

Spartan JOHN HARRIS was fifth overall in the North Herts First Saturday of the Month 5K.  His time of 19 minutes 56 seconds was achieved in muddy conditions.

 

Kielder 10K

LINDA GREEN ran 75 minutes 36 seconds in the Kielder 10K on Saturday.  It was part of a weekend of events held at the Northumberland reservoir, which include a run-bike-run and a full marathon.  The events are billed as “Britain’s Most Beautiful” – the organisers (Steve Cram among them) were not overdoing the praise there as it really is a fabulous location. The scenery goes some way to alleviate the discomfort from the undulating course!

Steve Cram wished Linda and her friend “have a good race, ladies” as they passed him on the way to the start line!

 

Biggleswade Open

JOHN TYRELL improved his personal best (PB) in the shot with 7.25 metres and in the discus with 19.71 metres in the Biggleswade open graded meeting at Sandy Sports Centre.  He was competing in the over 75s age group.

 

When Ravens Dare

ROGER BIGGS travelled to Machen, Wales for the “When Ravens Dare” event on Saturday to run his 78th different county in the UK and Ireland.  On a glorious sunny day he toiled over an extremely hilly and wet underfoot course to finish in 8 hours 48 minutes 48 seconds.

 

Flower of Suffolk

CAROL PAUL and MIKE NEWBITT ran Sunday’s Flower of Suffolk 26.5 miles off road event around the Suffolk countryside from Walberswick. Carol and Mike finished in 5 hours 34 minutes 12 seconds.  Dave Paul did the 17.5 mile route in 3:56:03

 

Baggage for VLM.

The London Marathon is not until Sunday 21st April but Fairlands Valley Spartans are already signing up volunteers for help in Pall Mall.  The club have helped make the event a success for many years.

 

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  The race is in Stevenage and is for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within an open race — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

 

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

  • Great Eastern (Peterborough) Half Marathon on Sunday 14th October.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 25th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.
  • Virgin London Marathon on 21st April 2013.

 

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 (0793 968 7509 or 01438 354505), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
News

Catch a Coach has landed in October! Take a look!

This month’s edition of Catch a Coach has landed!  Take a look here!

Catch a Coach newsletter October 2012 v0.1

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: SPARTAN TRACK AND FIELD WOMEN TAKE SILVER

SPARTAN TRACK AND FIELD WOMEN TAKE SILVER

After winning the central division of the Eastern Veterans Athletics Club track and field league during the season, Fairlands Valley Spartans women travelled to Milton Keynes to contest the league final against seven other clubs.

The women were looking to improve on their fifth place from last year but, up against strong competition from the likes of Chelmsford AC and Loughton AC, it was going to be tough. However, the Spartans showed their continuing improvement by coming second to take home Silver Medals.

The weather deteriorated during the day and became so bad that the Sprint Hurdles and High Jump competitions had to be cancelled. The Spartan ladies were not deterred and maintained their second position throughout the day.

Monica Brown was a super Spartan, winning six events out of seven. She was awarded Woman of the Match by the organisers for her great performances.

Rosie Canham stepped in for the injured Kerry James who was going to do the women’s 35 and over age group 1500 and 3000 metres.  Rosie covered all distances from 100 metres to 3000 metres plus a 400 metre leg of the relay, great team work.

Tessa Stephenson has been concentrating on the Shot Putt and Discus throws after an injury earlier in the season.  That was beneficial as she won the shot in a new personal best and club record of 8 metres 30.  She also did a personal best to win the discus; both events were for the younger age group for women over 35.

After completing her 2 km walk in a huge personal best time, Jan Fry then turned to helping with officiating the competition and was rewarded with a bump on the head from a discus in a bizarre accident.

In an event she took up to gain vital points that had previously been missed, Stephanie Mayfield battled through the elements to come a good third place in the pole vault.  She also gained points in the 400 metre hurdles, along with Sharon Crowley in the older age group in one of the few events which took place before the wet weather descended.

Carolyn Shortland competing in her first final with the Spartans, gained vital points in both the over fifty five and over thirty five age groups in the Shot and hammer throws.

Chris Feely and Sharon Crowley covered the middle to long distances in the over forty five age group as did Julie Simmons in the over 55 year age group, another Spartan in her first final for the Spartans.

Iris Hornsey followed up her success in the 70 plus year age group in the  European Veteran Championships in Germany by covering the over 55 years Long Jump, 100 metres and relay.

Tessa Stephenson, Iris Hornsey, Stephanie Mayfield and Rosie Canham competed in the over thirty five relay of 400 metres, 200 metres x2 and finishing with another 400 metres.

In the same relay distance but for the over forty fives, Chris Feely, Julie Simmons, Sharon Crowley and Monica Brown ended the meeting coming second in a very exciting race as Monica was able two gain two places to end in second place.

 

Honington 10K

SIMON BELL ran the Honington 10km on Wednesday in 36 minutes 20 seconds, finishing 24th Overall and 3rd Veteran.
Biggleswade Open

David Bowker and Mark Cheadle took part in the 1500 metres at the Biggleswade Open Track Event on Saturday. Some brilliant sunshine made it perfect running conditions, although some strong headwinds down the back straight made it much tougher than expected, but well organised and great fun all the same.

David Bowker put in a fantastic performance, winning his heat among some great competitors.  His season’s best 4 minutes 55 seconds was quicker than his target time.  Mark ran a season’s best 6.18.

 

Serpie 5K

Conditions were mild, dry, overcast and breezy for Friday lunch time’s 5K race in Hyde Park, London.

Spartan JIM BROWN improved to the top half of the field, 96th out of 201 finishers in 21 minutes 44 seconds.  That’s ten seconds quicker than a month earlier on the faster Kensington Gardens course.  He was third in his age category.

 

Mooathon — Sunday, 30th September 2012

Roger travelled to County Donegal in Ireland for a marathon where entrants are encouraged to dress up as cows, and/or in black & white.

After a few days of very mixed weather, suddenly marathon day was greeted with some sunshine and ideal temperatures.  However this was a tough course with steep climbs over the 1st 4 miles, as the course left Kilmacrenan Town, just north of Letterkenny to head north to Downings where the half marathon finished next to a glorious beach. For marathon runners there was a loop round the coast with steep ups and downs from 14 miles through 20 miles, before finally the course was kind as runners found their way back to Downings.

Over such a tough course, Roger was happy to finish in 4:12:31, on Ireland’s most Northerly Marathon.

 

Eastern Combined Events

At the Eastern Athletic Association combined events, STEVE MAYFIELD competed in the senior pentathlon and was by some 20 years the oldest competitor in the field. Blustery conditions made all the events difficult, leading to below par performances by many athletes.  Steve opened with 4.02m in the Long Jump, well down on his best this year.  He followed up with a satisfying 27.51m in the Javelin and 27.8 in the 200m run into a headwind on the bend. His discus of 21.71 was just short of a PB but the final event, the 1500m, was a struggle and run in 5:23.3.  Steve’s overall score was 1584pts (Senior) which converts to an age graded 2156 (V45).  He did well in this regional standard event!

 

Jay Goes West

Andy Jay made the trip west, for the very popular Bristol Half marathon which was over a flat out and back course along the A4 under the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Andy finished in a year’s best time of 1 hour 51 minutes.

 

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  The race is in Stevenage and is for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within an open race — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

 

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

 

  • Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday 7th October.
  • Great Eastern (Peterborough) Half Marathon on Sunday 14th October.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 25th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.

 

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