Bridgnorth Running Club
  Bridgnorth Running Club
  • Home
  • Bridgnorth 10k
    • Bridgnorth 10k - Final Details
    • 10k T&C's
  • Club Runs
  • Couch to 5K
  • Latest News
  • About / Join Us
  • Contact

IRONBRIDGE HALF MARATHON

15/3/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
By Andrew Davies
 
 In my years of running this is the first time that I have tackled this race, mainly due to compulsory marshalling when at Telford Harriers and as it is one so local and well known I have a need to bag it!
 I leave home just after 09.00 so as to be at Telford early but the journey is stressed as I back up behind three slow crawling tractors for some considerable distance before eventually overtaking them on ****** ****e lines. There is more stress at the Randley Interchange where I find the traffic is all stacked up all the way down to the hotel due to an old car convention taking place nearby. I sit in the queue a few minutes before deciding to drive to the next turn off for the town centre to then go back on myself. This works and I find a place to park in the Cherry Pink carpark. I find I am still in good time for the start at 10.30.

 I make my way over to the information office in the Town Park to register and collect my race number; waiting outside the building are the other six members of Bridgnorth Running Club namely Lou, Jenny, Deb, Ed, Dave and Robin who are taking part in the half marathon. A brief chat is had with each and Jenny organises a group photo for the Facebook.

 At 10.15 I make my way to the start line in the arena but on arrival an announcement is made saying that the race will be delayed by fifteen minutes due to the traffic congestion in the town. Despite it being blue sky and bright sunshine a cold wind has developed and I begin to feel cold, nobody likes race delays as it undoes a lot of the pre race preparation.
​
 A couple of minutes before the new start time, the race director gives out notices of what to expect, including mention of a lot of mud on the Rough Park section of the race, she then sounds the clangon to start and I press my GPS on the chip mat. The race immediately turns right up the hill back towards the information centre before turning left to go past the rugby club and then left to descend down a narrower track to join the Parkrun route in reverse. I go past Ed on the narrower track but expect him to come past me later. He doesn’t. After a loop of the park passing the hotel and Alice in Wonderland the route follows the Silkin Way down to Coalport, much of it being in descent and I feel I am running well and getting past many other competitors. I note the mile markers and mile two to three seems a particularly short distance probably due to it being all downhill. At Coalport Bridge the race is already at mile 5 and I glimpse Nickie on the other footway out of the corner of my eye who shouts me some encouragement as I run past. Just after the turning onto the old SVR track there is a welcome drinks station and I rehydrate. The old railway bed is quite dry today and I make good progress to the Ironbridge where I am amazed at the large crowd of spectators so there is no slacking here. I hear someone shout for Bridgnorth but do not see them. It is then onwards over the uneven flagstones down to Merrythorpe and beyond as I start to cross the road only to be told off by the marshall to go back and use the pedestrian crossing. The marshall is of course quite correct for what she did as safety hazards must always be considered.

The race now turns right up the tarmac lane which climbs steadily up to Coalbrookdale and Enginuity. Here some jelly beans are handed out, I take a couple but am suspicious as to whether they are vegetarian or not. Once over the road at the bottom of Jigger’s Bank the race continues straight ahead and another water station is reached. I take a bottle to drink some and pour some more of it over my head to cool me down.. The route is now on a gravel path and slightly up hill but I still feel strong as the course reaches Rough Park where deep puddles and bounds of mud have to be negotiated and I have to pick my way without getting my legs too dirty!  This section also becomes quite undulating. Still in the park but just before the exit by the windmill I meet William and Emma running towards me from the opposite direction and I have a high five greeting with one hand for each of them. It is now back onto the Silkin Way to retrace the last three miles passing another water station where Art Zammit hands me an orange gel to go with my  bottle of water. The race is soon back on the familiar territory of the Telford Parkrun once again passing the Alice in Wonderland but my legs are by now getting tired and my speed is far below par for a parkrun.  The sign for 400 metres to go is seen and I put in a full effort on the final climb back into the arena. My chip time is 1.42.49, position 142 / 678 and I feel very satisfied with how I have run today.

After collecting my goody bag and doing some stretching I walk down to the amphitheatre by the lake to watch the other runners come in and offer them some encouragement as a young boy blows a trumpet each time a runner goes past him urging them on. Once Jenny goes past I wander back up to near the finish point to continue seeing the runners coming home.

To summarise, this is an excellent course to run but not one for a PB, maybe I will be back next year for some more!
                                                                                          

0 Comments

Lakeland Trails - UllsWater Trail Race

13/11/2015

4 Comments

 
PictureLucy and Natalie
By Andrew Davies

I had heard a lot of good reports about Lakeland Trails Ullswater race but it is one I had never done so this year I decided to enter and was looking forward to.....

I am about to leave Sweden Park at 10.45 when a text comes through from Natalie saying that all the Ullswater steamer ferries have been cancelled and that it will be a mass start at 12.00 for all race categories. It is raining very heavily and the rain is cold despite a warm air temperature, I am already considering whether to go to do this race or not. I decide to drive to Glenridding in the hope of better conditions plus the fact I have already paid for the race and so would like to receive the t-shirt.

Upon arrival at Glenridding I find the carpark that I had used yesterday completely full and drive around looking for somewhere to park before pulling up on the edge of the road near to the race field entrance. I get ready to run and put on my trail shoes when a race marshall informs me that I cannot park here as I am on double yellow lines and that the police are carrying out checks. The yellow lines are completely obliterated with fallen wet leaves and cannot be seen. I drive further up into the village to find another carpark with a space. I find this carpark technology controlled and have to enquire of someone to show me what to do. It is necessary to enter the car registration into this machine on parking and pay when leaving, all too much for someone in a fluster with twenty minutes to go before the race starts and still to register! The carpark has its own toilets so decide to visit on the way out and am greeted by Lucy, not recognisable dressed head to toe in black waterproof clothing drawn up around her face standing under the shelter of an overhang outside the ladies. I notice that the mens want 20p for entry, there is no way that I am paying this and find a hotel to use across the street before going to register to collect my race number and chip timer in a large white marquee. The marquee is packed tight with runners all avoiding the conditions outside.

At 11.50 we are called to line up for the race, I am still undecided whether to take part or not for the rain is still lashing down. I stand under shelter on the step of the Patterdale Mountain Rescue truck shivering and cold as all the other runners line up in front of me to receive their final instructions. It will now only be a 9 km race as opposed to the intended 14 km.
 I decide that I can manage 9km but will not put in any effort on this occasion and just run to complete the course and get the t-shirt. It takes a while to get to the chipmat as everybody is marshalled to cross over it individually. At last the race has began as I run over the lumpy turf to a gateway leading onto the road and the first section on tarmac at the head of the lake before entering a path through a wooded area parallel to the road only to re-emerge back onto it.

Picture
Andrew and the mysterious 'Dave'
At Patterdale the route turns off onto a stoned farm track leading to Side Farm, along here two cattle grids have to be crossed, everyone around me stops to walk over them, myself included! Once at the farm building a left turn is taken and the race follows along a footpath behind the farm and then between a wooded area on either side of the path where there is a small climb only to descend near to the lake, although the lake itself is hidden from view in part by a tall stone wall. Above Bleawick the route becomes undulating with many rocky boulders to negotiate. All of a sudden there is a large thundery crash as 'Dave' appears from nowhere slipping and almost falling backwards on one of these slippery stones. I recognise him from the red marking at the top of the back of his trainers for otherwise he is all dressed in black. There is another small up and ‘Dave’ strides out and I find myself four runners behind him. I had completely forgotten ‘Dave’ was taking part in this race as I had not seen him prior to the start and now I will have to put in some effort! I manage to close the gap and get in front of him for the climb up Silver Hill near to Silver Point where the race turns to head back to the finish. Incidentally Wainwright describes this last section just run back to Patterdale as the most beautiful and rewarding walk in Lakeland although his comment does start from Scalehow Beck near Sandwick further along from here where we have not run today but would have done if all was normal. The climb up Silver Hill is painful with driving rain and hail stones landing straight into my face like lots of small pin pricks. ‘Dave’ is behind giving encouragement to all the runners as usual and once at the top it is at first a grassy descent and I try to gain ground on ‘Dave’ but seem unable to shrug him off. This higher path leads back to Side Farm and the loop is completed and the route now retraces itself back to the field above the landing stage in Glenridding. It is from here that I am able to get away from ‘Dave’. I need to make up to two or three minutes lead on him to make sure that he does not beat me and I put in full effort for this last part and yes I am back well before him, job done! Eventually ‘Dave’ finishes and we compare our times, ’Dave’ has 55.11 on his GPS as opposed to my 55.49. ‘Dave’ mutters something about dogs and in the flash of a wush he is gone never to be seen again on the race ground or in the village.

​It is Thursday when I get home to look up the Ullswater race results and just as I had imagined all the time there is no result shown for ‘Dave’ for he was just a spirit encouraging me along and telling me at the finish that if I had put in effort from the start my time would have been 55.11 !!
Picture
Amanda in the grim weather conditions
4 Comments

Berlin doesn't have a wall

10/10/2015

1 Comment

 
Picture
Written and run by William Laye

Road running. I get it, it's an amazing form of running for a number of reasons. The primary ones that come to mind is that it's FAST, you can see cities in new weird and wonderful ways, personal bests come naturally and it's by far the most common form of mass participation racing that conjures up unique feelings of community.

With that in mind, I've become seduced by the hill, the trail and fells more and more over the past year. The feeling of connectivity with nature and your mammalian self - despite how brief or close - is something very special to explore and I recommend it to everyone. I've shunned the road. Club road training is social and it is convenient to train on wintery nights that are rolling in harder and faster but I avoid the races. Trail is a better all round package for me at least and gentle to the legs.

So three weeks out from the Berlin marathon, one of the biggest ROAD marathons in the world - in both size and reputation - I get offered a place due to some weird circumstances including error and forgetfulness, what do I do? You run the bloody thing!! It's a great opportunity and as one of the six major marathons of the world (along with London, New York, Boston, Chicago and Tokyo) it's one on my hit list. As you can see this paragraph is a direct contradiction to the previous but bare with me or skip to the final paragraph!

Berlin is an very modern city not least because it has been reborn several times in the past century but also due to it's young, diverse and thriving population. Anyone who has visited will know it has so much to offer in many ways. So I implore you to visit for a few days at least! It's full of museums that front up to its history and is sprinkled with great cafes, restaurants and wonderful open spaces. Also let's not forget the strong (understatement) beer culture. Anyway who cares about that there's a marathon on!!!

Saturday: The expo where you pick up your number and freebies (which were lacking it has to be said!) is situated at Tempelhof, the airport converted into a conference center and gigantic public park. This included the Bambino marathon - children running exemplifies one of the greatest errors in running a race but more importantly the greatest reason to run. First the error, it's about a 400m run for the kids, they shoot off at 100mph, you may have seen this at parkrun before. This is shortly followed by the proverbial wall of lactic acid at the mighty distance of 200m. Their pacing is truely shocking but my goodness are they enjoying themselves. That is the greatest lesson we can learn from Bambino running. The joy of running - the shear freedom of it. Learn from their error and take note of their success on the Saturday and you'll do well on the Sunday.

Sunday: The run. With 40,000 entries it is a huge race. The stereotypical German organisational skill is true to form, transport is spot on and everything is easy to find. The start line time creeps up like a keen running ninja as the anticipation grows. A tip off from my German buddy who is a regular vents his frustration at the worst English speaker in the form of the announcer but this acts as amusement plus I cannot speak German so who am I to judge (everyone in this city for the most part are exceptional english speakers!). Before you know it the mammoth bubble of balloons are released to signify the start of the race as is tradition. We are off.

The open roads create no congestion despite the numbers. It's a truly magnificent start as the stream of runners are bisected either side of the towering Victory Column that shines golden in the crisp morning sunlight. I get on pace quickly. I feel good - BEWARE this feeling I have learned from my first marathon in London earlier this year. So I held pace... focus on form. Head up, use the arms, 180 bpm (talk about my generation), kick off. Repeat. The efficiency gains are investment for later. Despite concentrating on pace and form, the atmosphere cannot be ignored. The crowds are not as deep as London but they are loud and vibrant. The streets are open and spotless. You feel special and privileged to be the centre of the generous applause. Bands play out every couple 100m. It's difficult not to lose rhythm for theirs.

5K in i'm pacing along with a pod of other runners clearly aiming around the 3hr mark. the next 5K breezes in and out of existence. OH... 10K impromptu toilet stop (ROOKIE ERROR) - this could have meant disaster if I didn't know better. I lost 30 seconds but over the course of the next 4-5K i had reached the pod again, still feeling fresh and better yet - lighter! It's important to remember, a marathon is not won or lost in the first 10 miles (unless you really mess up I suppose!). The running up until 21K is a beautiful flow of energy from the runners around as you drift in and out of other runners paces. These fluid partnerships forming as easily as they are broken. The pod is long disintegrated as early efforts are deemed too slow or fast. I hold pace. I'm the metronome.

Halfway - 1:31:00. 1 minute down. London thoughts when in a similar situation - you have to negative split the second half. Learn => Berlin thoughts. Listen to the body. Hold the rhythm. Use your head. I hold pace knowing that a marathon is the old cliche of a 20 mile warm up with a 10K race at the end. Get to 20 miles in good shape. I concentrate throughout. Form. Head up, use the arms, 180bpm (I've moved onto Red Red Wine by UB40 as by pacing song by now), kick off.

20 miles in - I'm feeling good. Miles floating by but noticeably getting tougher. About 1:30 down on 3hr but my body is what it is. I'm in control. This point of a marathon you begin to see the pain set into yourself and others visually. The struggle begins. London saw me break apart at 33K. The online timing splits showed this up big time. This time is different. Get to 35K in tact, show up on the splits that you're OK. This is where my friends and family at home come in. That one is for you ;) The atmosphere is ramping up. The final 10K. It's just a 10K.

35K down - Runners dropping all around. I am the metronome. It's tough. There are signs of the same issue from London - a brutal side cramp - so I learn, I hold back a smidge to control. It does. There is reminder to concentrate on pace and form as runners are reduced to walking. Get to 37K - it's only a parkrun from there. The ever more euphoric crowd grow deeper and louder. The music is more important than ever. The cliche slogans of motivation, ridiculed (and quite rightly) in day to day context, are another source of strength. The anticipation of the finish is tantalising. 37K comes. The head relaxes and increases pace in complacency only to be reminded 10 seconds later by a walking runner that it's not too late to fall apart. 3:05 is on. Concentrate, keep pace, keep form. Head up, use the arms, 180bpm (back to My Generation obviously), kick off. Hold to 40K. It could still fall apart. 

40K down - 2K to go. It's on. 2:54 on the clock. Sub 3hr is gone. Second best 3:05 and auto quali for London is on. 11 minutes for 2K. I call on the legs to up it. The streets are unreal. It's why we run - the energy is beyond description. Suffering all around on runners faces as the salt is poured on in the final stages. The legs cannot up it. They compromise and maintain forgivingly.

41K down - 1K to go. The streets of Berlin are very similar up to this point. Full of vibrancy and music however quite the same throughout. Not many landmarks, however the streets are beautifully lush and open. This changes though. The final 1K straight brings you onto the home straight. Turn left. 200m. Turn right. 100m. Turn left. There, the finish only a home straight away. Through the Brandenburg Gate and through the finishing tape (metaphorical tape - I'm not that fast!!). 41K. The legs aren't called to up it. They take it on themselves. The crowd. The music. The occasion. My friends and family. My Grandfather. The synergy is overwhelming and takes over. The marathon shackles are unleashed and the stride extends. 6 min mile pace over the last K as I run under the gate and into the final 200m. The emotion is overwhelming. The clock says 3:04:30, I started 2 min after gun time but leaving nothing to chance or anything in the tank. Finish. Gun time 3:04:57. Chip time 3:03:00 and auto quali for London. The feelings after that line are the same as anyones who has given everything - you've felt it before too. The feeling of unrivalled joy as your dedication and work is rewarded. I'll remember it forever.

For those who skipped to the last paragraph - fair play, it's probably not a good read anyway ;) - the Road and trail are two different beasts all together but they are long lost siblings in truth. Both have their ups and downs, pros and cons, however to gain as much as you can and become a more rounded runner, seeking out these experiences from different areas of running is - to me at least - a fundamentally important part of growing and feeling connected to your surroundings and others. Road running is on the surface less connected than the mountains and trails however, dig a little deeper and you'll be surprised what you find. You'll see me racing on the hills far more often than the road but what I'm beginning to learn is there's not a lot wrong with doing both. Onwards and upwards, the journey continues.

William Laye: I may not be the fastest but I'm one of the most passionate runners you'll meet. Try to talk to me about something other than running, go on I dare you!

Picture
1 Comment

New mum on the run

10/9/2015

0 Comments

 
PictureBecky after her success at Cannock Chase 10k
By Becky Coates

I started walking with hubby to build up some fitness after a very sedentary pregnancy. It was a lovely way to enjoy time together with our new arrival as we took him out in a sling. I'd ran a bit prior to pregnancy so knew it was something I wanted to get back in to. I started running little sections of our walks to see how my legs felt and was surprised that they took to it very well, almost like I hadn't been pregnant at all. However, I was very aware of how much stress my body had recently gone through so I took it easy, gradually testing the water with more walks. When I ran previously I'd started with the C25K program so I decided to give that a go again. I jumped in at a further point than the start as I already felt fit enough and didn't want to waste any time as race ambitions were already building. With the support of my husband and friends I built myself up to running a couple of miles without a break on the lovely hills near where I live within a few short weeks. I went to parkrun on the day I was due to run for 28 minutes and with the support of Deb Lowe, I was able to run the whole thing. This was a huge achievement to me and at one point it seemed so very far away. It made me realise that if you want something enough, anything is within reach. I was introduced to the trails by some friends in the running club and I discovered a real passion for them. As a city girl I loved being out with nature and feeling free. 


Once I got to 10K I was itching to enter a race and as I love running off road, I decided to enter the Cannock Chase 10k. I knew it was going to be a challenge as I'd only just reached 10K and it was a difficult race, but my time wasn't important - having fun was. The race was tough but the one thing I wasn't expecting was the heat which brought its own challenge. I just kept going and made sure I dropped my pace and kept hydrated. The first 5K was tough with some serious inclines, but I seemed to really ease into it after the halfway point. I got to the finish line and was greeted by my wonderful supportive husband and our 4 month old baby. It was very emotional and it really made me realise that I can do anything; this is something I want my son to grow up knowing. 


My journey from non runner to a fully fledged running new mum has taught me some wonderful things and allowed me to experience some peace during a very hectic period of my life. Running has helped me cope with tremendous adversity and taught me just how important for everyone, new mums especially, to find that piece of time they can call their own.

0 Comments

Nothing to lose, everything to gain! 

2/9/2015

1 Comment

 
PictureDeborah at Parkrun
By Deborah Lowe

Lose weight, get fit, tone up, going kayaking to the Alps for my birthday in June, so what’s the plan?
Social Media browsing through facebook something mentioned took my fancy, “Couch to 5k.” Thought I would give it a go, nothing to lose, everything to gain and all that. Turned up at The Town Hall 6pm, quick chat and away we went. 

Having never run at all not even through school, “Sorry Miss, I've got the stitch” my avoidance became easy, just walk through childhood then later on take the car. A few sessions into the plan “Run for how long up the Innage, 9 minutes, you must be joking?” Little did I know that if you continue to move your legs a bit faster and remember to breathe quicker, that’s called running and everyone around you is willing you on, you can’t stop you would be letting yourself down, so I ran and I ran, no stitch for the first time ever. Completed my C25k and then 5k Parkrun graduation came and went I continued to run with BRC as much as is possible and Parkrun becoming a regular Saturday AM event for me (currently at 16) also the Alps trip came and went so did my 60th birthday, I thought it was time I did my first race ( ooh, a goody bag and a medal). 

PictureCannock Chase - Before
Actually these were not my own thoughts, they were placed in my brain by my very young, very talented running buddy, Gemma Davies, old enough to be her Mother, we entered Cannock Chase 10k a multi terrain, “One hill of a race”. The heat of the day was exhausting and I was so glad to see water at 5k not to drink but moisten my face and remove some salty sweat from my eyes.Gemma and I had played cat and mouse all the way, never letting the other move more than a few paces in front or behind, uphill upon another hill and down stony slope but Gemma and I crossed the finish line together, our chip time reading 1hour 1 minute 27seconds. 

So in my 60th year I have accomplished something to be proud of. I got my very first medal even if it was made of wood, perhaps my next one will be metal, what am I saying? All this thanks to Bridgnorth Running Club and Couch to 5k.

Picture
Cannock Chase - After, with medals and goody bags!
1 Comment

A TALE OF TWO HALVES

5/6/2015

0 Comments

 
PictureA wet and windy picture with the King!
By Lucy Davies

When I originally entered Hampton Court half what I had pictured was a lovely sunny jog around the palace gardens surrounded by lovely sights, the reality was rather different. Somehow Matt had managed to convince me that I would be able to get round in sub 2hours – I’m not sure how as that would mean knocking over 13 minutes off my current PB! This grand idea included the introduction of gels about every 20/30mins to keep my energy levels up and stop fatigue. I’m not a fan of gels as I have only every tried the cheap nasty ones and they are cheap and nasty.

Arriving in London was great and we all met up in true BRC style for some pre-race prep involving a few drinks. We had a meal which took forever (we really should make sure that we book when we need a table for 14!) and a cancelled train which resulted in a rather long walk back to the hotel rather late at night. However come the morning I was still feeling relatively optimistic. There was a gentle warm up provided by the couple of mile walk to the start line and we were there in good time before the start.

At the start line it was rather a crowd who just seemed to funnel through the start poles (creating a slight bottle neck!) and off along the river. I was nearly taken out by some bollards but managed to avoid them and was off to a reasonable start. I couldn’t see Matt or Jean but decided to just keep going at a pace I was happy with (not too fast as I have made that mistake before but also pushing myself enough).  After around 5K Matt and Jean caught up with where I was and Matt decided we needed to up the pace, I tried my best to keep up but I knew instantly that this was just too fast for me – but I tried to keep a positive mind set. At around a third of the way we hit the gravel – running in gravel is not fun and it seemed to sap all the energy from my legs and as we got back onto pavement surfaces I could feel my legs were super tired. We then seemed to move into an endless head on wind. The rest of the race was pretty much awful, I completely ran out of energy and resorted to run walking. I think had Matt not been with me I would have just sat down by the river and had a little cry until someone came to find me – but luckily he did manage to keep me going until I crossed the line. I finished with a time of 2:08 which knocked 5mins off my PB but I was rather a broken mess and not really happy about any of it. I consoled myself with a pork bap which made things slightly better and vowed never to try and run fast again.

Picture
Following on from this I decided to enter Ironbridge half in an attempt to re-find a love of running. I promised myself I would not attempt to go fast and would just enjoy the route through the countryside. I also knew that it would have to be a better experience than last year when I ran injured and ended up walking the entire second half in much pain. When we arrived on the day it was again rather windy which made me less than optimistic of finding any love for running but as we set off the wind died down and the conditions were actually rather good. Everyone disappeared off much faster than me but I was determined to stick to my plan of ‘run happy’. As I warmed up over the first couple of miles is started to slowly pick up the pace slightly (I am starting to consider a warm up might even be worth it in the future, but I’m not going to get carried away!) and every time I was feeling a little too out of breath I made a note to slow down and look at the lovely scenery. As I sped up I was slowly starting to pick off people  who had passed me at the start and each time I reached someone a little too fast I tried to just keep pace with them until I felt I could go faster. This worked really well and I was really enjoying the race. There was also some fantastic support from team BRC who has cycled to meet us at various points. Sadly I got a horrid side cramp just after the bridge and was forced to walk until the bottom of THE HILL!!! I did make a token effort to jog up but decided to just walk again in the true spirit of enjoying the race.  After the hill I continued with the same effort and strategy looking at the lovely countryside and not putting any pressure on myself. About 5K from the end I was keeping pace with a man and decided we could run in together so we kept each other going well. Just before the finish line there was an absolutely fantastic BRC support team who helped me run in and up the final slope. I got a time of 2:10 and was absolutely delighted. Following on from this I’m always going to remember it’s not just about running quickly but much more about running happy!

Picture
BRC Ironbridge Half Marathon finishers. From left to right - Garry, Hannah, Lucy, Lee, Jenny, Lucy.
0 Comments

ThE WYCHAVON WAY ULTRA

22/4/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
By Scott Mathers

I’ve never been a very fast runner, so a little while ago I made the decision to go for distance over speed.  Having done the usual progression from 10km to Half Marathon and on to full Marathon the logical next step seemed to be to run an Ultra, but it was a very big and scary step.

So, on Sunday 19th April I took part in my first ultra distance run, the Wychavon Way Ultra.  40 miles of hills and trails from Broadway in the Cotswolds to Droitwich Spa.  To say I was nervous in the build up was an understatement, but I trained hard, I ate the right food (ish) and I tried to keep a positive attitude.  Easier said than done though, knowing what lay ahead.

PictureMe, Matt and Colin at the start of the Wychavon Way Ultra
The day came around all too quickly and before I knew it I was stood in the village square of Broadway at 7:45am, surrounded by experienced ultra runners, plus Matt and Colin from BRC.  What on earth was I doing?  I expected to be out for anything between 8-10 hours so I decided to just relax and enjoy it.  3… 2 ...1… GO, we were off, and far too fast, trotting along at 10km pace.  I managed to slow myself down though and get into the groove of plodding along at a far more gentle pace.

The first 10 miles passed really quickly and checkpoint 1 came into view with it’s array of sweet treats, fruit and malt loaf to keep us all going.  I scoffed down a couple of flapjacks, filled my bottle and got ready to set off again.  However, annoyingly I could already feel a couple of blisters developing so I took the time to get them taped before I carried on.

PictureComing into CP1
The section between CP1 and CP2 contained the high point of the race, a 3 mile climb up to the top of Bredon Hill.  I’d already decided that I was going to walk the uphills, which in the end wasn’t really a choice as it was bloody steep to start with.  I made it to the top in decent time and started the descent, with thighs and feet beginning to feel the strain.  A few more undulating miles and I was at CP2 for some more refuelling and my first go on a foam roller.  Thankfully it worked wonders and really eased the tension in my thighs and hips.

Onwards to CP3, another 10 mile stint, through some beautiful countryside and impressively wealthy looking villages, including the wonderfully named Wyre Piddle.  The end of this section marked the furthest I’d ever run in one go, so I was moving into unknown territory.  I couldn’t help but smile.  I left CP3 knowing that there was only 10 miles left, I was almost there, the experience/pain would soon be over.

Picture
A bit of foam roller action at CP2
PictureThe end!
The final stretch was tough, very very tough.  My feet, calves, thighs, hips, back and shoulders all hurt, but thankfully I bumped into fellow BRC Member Matt Kirkby, who had unfortunately taken a little detour from the route, not unusual for Matt!  We kept each other going for the last few miles and eventually the finish was in sight, along with a hot drink and a pastie!

And then it was over.  Having worried about it for so long I’d done it, and also proven to myself that I really can do anything if I put my mind to it.

The question now though is where do I go from here.  Oh yes, the small matter of a 24 hour solo run in July...

0 Comments

CONQUERING CARTWAY ON THE WAY TO 5K!

2/4/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
by Tricia Venables


I'm not sure of the main reason for joining the sessions - increasing my fitness, facing a challenge or wanting to meet new people. But, by the end I had achieved all three.

During the first few training evenings I must admit that I felt quite relaxed and could achieve the tasks quite easily. However as the weeks progressed they became more of a challenge. I think the most challenging, but subsequently most rewarding time, was the week when we went from running for eight minutes to running for twenty, and this was going to include Squirrel Bank! I was all for giving up. However the volunteers were brilliant and kept us going steadily. The feeling at the end was quite euphoric and from then on my mind set changed and I was determined to complete the sessions and graduate. I did make the effort to do a third run of the same time duration with my daughter each week and I feel this helped with my confidence greatly. The next big fear to face was Cartway. For me it was third time lucky to get to the very top without walking but again I was given lots of encouragement and there was a great feeling once I'd achieved it.

I didn't have any qualms about entering the Park run, it was to be the end! The atmosphere there was good and I liked the way Will got us all together to give us a 'team talk'. When the race began I did briefly wonder if I was doing the right thing but I got carried along with the rest of the pack and before I knew it one lap had gone by. People around the course we're very encouraging, I don't think I've been called a lady quite so many times in one day - "well done ladies", was shouted frequently. The second lap was more of a challenge but I kept going at my slow and steady pace and eventually the end was in sight. Woo hoo! At the final bend I saw a friend and her family and felt the urge to begin the sprint finish that we were asked to do. I couldn't wait to step over the finishing line. 

I don't think the sense of achievement sank in on the Saturday but on Sunday I felt really energised and had a general sense of ' wow, I've run 5k'. That was it then challenge done, I never had to run again. However, where was I on Monday evening at 6.55? Yes,under the Town Hall waiting to run another 5k!! 

0 Comments

MATT SPINKS BREAKS HIS MARATHON DUCK AT WREXHAM

2/4/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Big congratulations to BRC runner Matt Spinks and his achievement of completing his first marathon in a cracking time of 4hr 16min. We are looking forward to seeing how this speedster chips hip time down in the coming years! Here’s the first hand account.

“I joined BRC back in November after running the Bridgnorth 10k. I decided to join the club because up until then my training for half marathons had been very sporadic, I wanted to try and increase my distance/pace and ultimately was getting bored of running by myself.

The BRC team have been great and offered lots of support and advice!

I started running about 6 years ago just to keep fit and when I first started I regularly did a 3-4 mile loop around Bridgnorth. It wasn’t up until 4 years ago that I decided to enter my 1st half marathon in Ironbridge that meant I needed to up my game. My 3-4 mile loop around Bridgnorth increased up to 7-10 miles.

Over the last few years I’ve entered about 15-20 half marathons and a couple of 10k races but never made the jump to marathon. 2015 was to be the year I did my 1st and on the 8th March 2015 I completed the Wrexham Full Marathon in 4hrs 16 minutes, which i was more than happy with seeing as it was my 1st. Now I have something to work with in preparation for the next one.

The race was very well supported along the route and had plenty of marshals, drink stations and toilets. The full marathon only had approx 188 people enter. The weather at the start and end was ideal running conditions but about 15 miles in the heavens opened and the wind picked up which made the next five miles very hard to maintain the pace.

It hasn't put me off doing another one and I have already signed up for Wolverhampton in September. I may even try and squeeze a 3rd in for 2015 but still continue with the half marathons, next one being on the 22nd March in Stafford.

Look forward to seeing you all out on the road, keep up the training, be it a mile or 10 every bit helps.”

Well done Matt, keep up the training; it’s clearly paying off.


0 Comments

A JOURNEY FROM COUCH TO 5K

1/4/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
By Joy Whitworth

The thought of  running after a day at work didn't seem to appealing but I knew deep down at 57 I must. Thinking about my fitness & weight loss and daughters wedding this was a good incentive.
 
As I arrived with friend Debbie I thought run or pub?
 
Run it was and thank goodness I did. Will and his team of volunteers / other runners were all so friendly. The first night it was dark, cold. I won't say it was easy. We started off with a good brisk walk and a small amount of jogging – with no pressure – the volunteers giving you confidence & encouragement all the time.
 
After the warm down exercise I got in the car with such a great feeling of success. I would say to anyone whatever you manage on the C25K its better than being sat on the couch all night !
 
After 9 weeks and the gradual  increase of distance I was aiming for the 5K at Telford  !!
 
Then came the Graduation at Telford Town Park – felt nervous and thought I really want to run this without stopping. The run was on and as always I found it hard for the first ten minutes – middle run not to bad – then the last K the push was needed ( there were times when I felt like stopping !) It was a relief to see the finish line. ( and see the Cake we were promised at the start line –this was a very good incentiive )  I may not be the fastest at 33 minutes but I completed it and the feeling is amazing. 9 weeks ago I never thought I would  run 5K.
 
A big thanks to everyone -  this is a wonderful memory you have helped me make.
If anyone wants to feel good about themselves physical and mentally – join the C25K

0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Latest News

    Read about what our Members are doing and all the club announcements

    Archives

    May 2023
    February 2023
    June 2018
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    November 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    March 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    January 2015
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.