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Race Reports 2006
BEDFORD HALF MARATHON 10TH DECEMBER 2006
26 Wootton Road Runners competed in the popular Bedford Half Marathon. Jeff Mason crowned a momentous year to be first Wootton home with a PB of over two minutes to finish in 18th place in 1.19.06. Next was Dan Crooks 31st in 1.20.47 followed by Andy Fairley with a season's best 1.22.39 in 49th place.The consistent Paul Matthews was the 4th Wootton finisher in 94th place in 1.26.32. Fran Malin was the first Wootton lady finishing continuing her current good form to finish in 1.37.21. Mike Kendall banished the Benidorm blues with a fantastic run of 1.41.12, his best as a veteran. Steve Borondy capped a fine year with knocking 3 minutes off his personal best to finish in 1.41.18. Brian Singleton also achieved a PB of over two minutes to finish in 1.45.06. There were fine first time half marathon run's from Paula Murphy and Tony Swindells who finished together in 1.47.14, John Jeffreys in 1.49.24, Alex Winfield in 1.52.14 and Joy Swindells in 2.16.24.
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LUTON MARATHON AND LUTON RELAY MARATHON 3RD DECEMBER 2006
Wootton Road Runner's Kirsty Wigham ended her road racing season by taking a superb ladies victory in the Luton Marathon. Despite encountering very windy conditions, Wigham clocked a time of 3 hours 7 minutes and 25 seconds to comfortably finish as first lady and in 39th place overall from over 450 finishers. Wootton were also represented in the Luton Marathon Relay with Nicky Harris, Caroline Parkins and Fran Malin finishing in a time of 3.11.59 for a fine 3rd place amongst the ladies teams.
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NENE VALLEY 10 3RD DECEMBER 2006
4 Wootton Road Runners made the trip to Cambridgeshire to compete in the Nene Valley harriers event. First Wootton home was Allan Harrison in 30th place with a time of 1.04.00. Narrowly behind was son Chris Lazenby in 33rd position with a PB of 1.04.08. Graham Hollowell was 55th in 1.07.44 and Dave Lazenby 89th in 1.12.35.
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GRIM 8 CHALLENGE 3RD DECEMBER 2006
One brave lady member Alex Winfield travelled to Aldershot to compete in the aptly named Grim 8 Challenge. Alex completed the extreme off road adventure course in 1.15.26 to finish in 551st place.
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WOLVERTON 5 25TH NOVEMBER 2006
Nine Wootton Runners made the trip to Willen Lake on Saturday afternoon to race the Wolverton 5. What looked like it might be a very windy and wet affair turned into a pleasant Autumn Saturday afternoon. Our first runner home, with a time of 29:20, 40th place overall and 5th in his category was Andrew Clancy, followed by Lee Berrill 31 seconds later in 47th place overall and with a PB of 29:51. Next in was Charles Howard in 75th with a time of 30:59, Mark Exley in 108th with a time of 32.24 and Chris Hopes in 197th with a time of 36.27. Robert Ward came in 223rd at 37:41 and Michael Dowdy in 229th at 38:08. There were two ladies representing the club, Paula Murphy, who finished in 238th overall and 5th in her category with a time of 38:37 and Michelle Fryatt in 290th with a time of 41:18.
Inside Race Report: Bob Ward
I have been thinking about going and running around Willen Lake for a while now. I used to live in Milton Keynes and would occasionally pop to Willen to try and jog around the South Lake. I would invariably end up puffing and panting to half way around before having to stop to take a rest. So, although running around the whole of the lake and more wasn’t going to be a challenge for me these days, entering this race was a psychological tick in the box and a firm two fingers up to my past. Having looked at the weather forecast on the BBC web site the week before the race I was more than a little worried about the predicted 35 mile an hour headwinds due to be coming at us along the back straight so I was pleased by the relatively light tail wind that finally made an appearance on the day. My wife’s sister lives near the opposite corner of the lake to the start/finish point so my family and I popped in there before the race. I asked my wife to drop me off for the start but suggested I would be OK jogging back around the lake to my sister-in-laws after the race - mental note to self; get someone to pick me up next time, jogging the mile and a half back to sister-in-laws after a 5 mile race was not the best idea. I hadn’t expected to see many WRR’s so was quite pleased to see the familiar faces in the crowd of runners waiting to start. Torrential rain had been the order of the night before and most of the morning and had left it’s mark at about the 1 mark with the path for a few hundred yards completely flooded meaning a quick impromptu cross country diversion was in order! My original plan, a gentle 8/9 minute mile jog around the course had completely gone out of the window at this stage with a sub 7.30 1st mile, a pace I managed to maintain without dropping too much for the rest of the race. The rest of the race was relatively uneventful apart from another even more slippery detour across the grass at the 1 mile, now 4 miles, mark as we ran around the huge puddle for the second time. A sprint(?) finish was in order to pip a couple of “other club” runners, who I had been pacing for a while, to the end. It’s not the most taxing of courses, relatively flat all the way around but this makes for a definite possibility of a PB. All in all I am pleased with my result, not a PB, but I ran around the lake without any problems, putting my afore mentioned former self to shame
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HARTSHILL HEARTBREAKER 10 19TH NOVEMBER
Wootton took a strong team over to Warwickshire to compete in the 17th running of this tough hilly multi- terrain 10 mile race. Some strong performances saw us win the Men's Team prize at the event. Our scoring quartet were Craig Mattocks 5th in 1.02.09 , Chris Gallagher 7th in 1.02.35, Dan Crooks 12th in 1.05.14 and Jeff Mason 16th in 1.06.40. Ed Smith was next home in 34th in 1.10.37. Next were our pair of Lanzarote Ironman Trainees Steve Buswell 44th in 1.11.46 and Paul Warden 131st in 1.24.11. Our sole lady representative was Diane Rogers 186th overall and 3rd in her categorywith a credible time of 1.34.36.
Inside Race Report : Diane Rogers
OK girls, where were you? On an absolutely glorious sunny autumn morning what better way to spend it by running a 10 mile XC? The Heartbreaker is ran in a small village named Hartshill, need I say anymore! Its a traditional XC route with plenty of mud & hills, the course takes in woods where the hills are steep enough to attract steps, on a plus side, what you go up you have to come down. After leaving the woods you get beautiful views over the local countryside plus a XC perk of kissing gates & styles so if you time it right you can get the luxury of a moments rest. After a quick detour round every possible quarry hill, you start to come back via a farm, you close your eyes here as you are ankle deep in some sort of farm muck. Then its simply coming back through the woods, I say simply the hills and mud are unavoidable. Its a great XC event and attracts runners of all standards, time doesn't matter here as its positioning in XC that counts but expect to be about 6 - 10 mins slower then a road race. Wootton men took the team prize and I managed 3rd in my age category so a good day for all. This is one I would recommend to any runner who enjoys the XC scene.
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ST NEOTS RIVERSIDE HALF MARATHON 19TH NOVEMBER
Two Wootton Road Runners competed in the 5th running of St Neots Riverside Half Marathon On a cold but very bright and sunny day Charles Howard produced an impressive run to finish 34th out of a field of over 900 with a time of 1.23.47. Our other runner was Nicola Smith who finished 444th with a time of 1.48.15
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THREE COUNTIES XC BIGGLESWADE 12TH NOVEMBER 2006
It
was the second race in the Three Counties Cross Country series on
Sunday and here is a report for Wootton.
Wootton
Road Runners took a smaller than usual team of 36 runners to the second
round of the 3 Counties Cross Country League at Biggleswade on Sunday.
On an undulating parkland course Wootton achieved great success,
winning the mens race, claiming a strong third in the ladies race and
finishing a very close second overall to North Hearts Road Runners.
Pride of place for Wootton went to Kirsty
Wigham who stormed home to comfortably win the Ladies race. There were
good supporting runs from Nicki Harris in 13th, Fran Malin in 16th,
Polly Randall in 17th place and a debut 23rd place from Katherine
Patrick. In the mens race the ever consistent Mike Aldridge was second
with team mates Craig Mattocks, Chris Gallagher, Dan Crooks, Andrew
Clancy, Lee Berrill and Jeff Mason all finishing in the top 20, from
over 200 male runners. There were also excellent efforts from Wootton
veterans Ian Randall in 24th and Eddie Smith in 31st. With 3 races
still to be run Wootton are a clear second in the overall series.
______________________________________________________________________ING NEW YORK MARATHON 5TH NOVEMBER 2006 (Report by Gabby Deere)
Following months of training and fund raising we finally got to fly across the pond. We took place on the start line with 38,000 odd others from more than 100 countries, rubbing shoulders with great names such as 7 times Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong. The race started on Staten Island with the 'Star Spangled banner' being blasted through the PA and as the horn sounded the band struck up with that old classic 'New York New York'.The race crosses Verrazano-Narrows Bridge a stretch that covers first 2 miles and provides the steepest climb! From there it's into Brooklyn and the most enthusiastic crowd ever. The marathon runs through diverse neighbourhoods of all five boroughs of New York city and finishes in Central Park. Finishing times were myself in 3.47.54 and Lyn in 5.20.09. We both ran for British Heart Foundation with a target of £2500 each and have currently raised £4000 so far for the charity.
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DOVEDALE DASH 5TH NOVEMBER 2006
It's not really the type of race for times and positions etc, but for the record we had a dozen or so runners and Dave Parkins was our first runner home in about 12th place. More appropriate are the ditties below.
Terri Mason's Dovedale Report
"I never knew you could have so much fun charging full pelt down soggy hills, dodging cow pats and running knee deep in ice cold water!"
Brian Singleton's Dovedale Report
"I have never laughed and giggled so much in a race, especially the first mile. Whilst us Dovedale Virgin's were slightly anxious about the river it proved to be the highlight. With all the kicking and splashing and laughing it resembled a 1950's scene from your local lido. We ran, or should I say in my case slithered, over about every conceivable surface. At about 2 miles when we were running across a sloping field some wag called out CAR!!!!. I just about collapsed in fits. I thoroughly enjoyed the race and the weekend, thanks to Paul for organising the "Hut", excellent accommodation, and of course company was second to none.
P.S. I have not pulled up in the Pic, I took Lorayne's advice, ran near the back and slow, so that when you got to the final hill there was such a big queue, it was impossible to run up it. I had left something for the final hill though just in case, I had, honestly I had".
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STEVENAGE HALF MARATHON 5TH NOVEMBER 2006
5 Wootton Road Runners competed in the Stevanage Half. On a challenging course we had 4 finishers in the top 50. First Wootton home was Rob Burgess who is an a half marathon mission at the moment, who was 40th in 1.25.37. He just pipped Chris Lazenby who had an excellent PB run by over 3 minutes to finish 41st in 1.25.40. Dad Allan Harrison followed Chris in 46th place with a time of 1.25.50. Graham Holloway had a fine run to finish 96th in 1.31.09. Caroline Hamlett was our other runner who finished in 2.23.42 in 680th place.
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SNOWDEN MARATHON 29TH OCTOBER 2006
Four Wootton Road Runners made the trip to Wales to compete in the taxing Snowdon Marathon. First Wootton home was Alan Carter in 118th place with a great time of 3.35.27. Veteran Martin Fowler with only about 4 weeks serious training came home in an incredible time of 3.35.27 in 134th place. Natalie Lloyd competing in her second marathon finished in 4.17.08, a fantastic run over a very tough course. Pride of place of all our competitors must go to Jeff Mason who ran at the Abingdon Marathon the previous Sunday in sub 3 hours, Jeff decided to start the race because it was such a nice day and he felt ok, (and probably because Shrek Rooney had scored a hatrick the day before),fully intending to run to half way, kept going, and remarkably finished the marathon in 3.46.03 in 213th place, a truly awesome achievement.
Inside Race Report
Natalie Lloyd
(There is scant detail of the race, actually more like " It's What's Alfie's All About)
I just
wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone in the club that sent their
best wishes in relation to the Snowdon Marathon but a special thank you
to the group that came to
Terri did
fantastic, running as much as she
could for the sheer hell of it whilst Jeff, well he was just mad,
running his second marathon in two weeks! But
thanks to both of them for bringing my niece's new bike all the way to
Wales and back again to enable me to wheel it out on
her birthday. Oh and for bringing back all the stuff that I once again
forgot to bring back myself (to include my mobile - so that is why I
may not have responded to your texts).
Martin is now the new training guru,
completing the
The Walton's family meal in the massive
dining room will always stay in my memory, especially Helena dodging
the butter, Ellis squirming as his mum bopped to the radio, everyone's
delight in my not being able to drink and the Sponge Bob Square Pants
Birthday cake!
Thanks also to everyone for putting up with a
very hyper puppy who insisted on playing with the smallest people in
the group (aged three and four) which resulted in one of the (Beck)
watching his DVD whilst sitting on the top of the back of the sofa
pinned against the wall in an attempt to get away from the ferocious
dog. I am pleased to say that both little
Beck and Cole have since recovered from their initial terror of Alfie
and eventually made friends with him. In fact I would go so far as to say they might
now miss him although not as much as Beck misses Di's daughter Hayley
who did a fab job in keeping them occupied. Beck
hopes to be ready to marry her when he reaches the ripe old age of 14
(according to Cole).
If ever anyone needs advice on how not to
decorate they should take a trip to the place we stayed out but the
sheer madness of it all added to the fun, especially the two storey
decking that overlooked the sea and on which we on congregated to
listen to a choir whilst watching a laser show that Lorayne assured us
had been on moments before. In fact all we
did see was a rather large lady walk into her bathroom whilst
unbuttoning her trousers in readiness to relieve herself.
I imagine 16 faces standing directly opposite her at the
same level is enough now to convince her that perhaps she needs to
invest in frosted glass!
My only regret is that we couldn't all stay
for longer (oh and that we were not there to have a go back at the man
that picked on Terri in Morrisons)!
Thanks
guys Nat.
THREE COUNTIES XC DELAPRE 29TH OCTOBER 2006
A sunny warm Autumnal moring, saw us host the first race of this season's Three Counties XC, in defence of the league and national Titles. Despite a recent busy race calender, we had nearly 40 runners, including a number of runners who competed at Abingdon. Mike Aldridge was first Wootton home in second place overall, a fine achievement on the back of his magnificent 2.40 marathon only a week previous. Next was Chris Gallagher in 9th. Dave Parkins had an outstanding run to finish 12th and our first scoring vet, again a very brave run after his Abingdon effort. Lee Berrill 13th, Andy Fairley 17th, Andrew Clancy 22nd and another Abingdon hero Iain Hazell 23rd completed our scoring men. For the ladies,our scorers were Kirsty Wigham who was an excellent 2nd lady overall, Fran Malin had an strong run to be 13th overall and first lady vet, and was ably backed up by Nicki Harris in 14th. In terms of the team positions we were a close second to North Herts in the men's ladies and overall . Elsewhere good runs by Ian Randell 29th man, Chris Lazenby 34th man and Allan Harrison 36th man. Caroline MacMillan was 15th lady, Polly Randell 17th and Stacey Penn 25th. New members Gwynn Evans (171st man) and Susannah Hsu (43rd lady) running in their first race for Wootton both had credible runs. With several of our top runners fully rested and a couple to return we are confident that we can make up the ground at the next race.
Inside Race Report
Bob Ward
Rather
foolishly, after marshalling last year, I thought I would enter the XC
series for this year 2006. My first dilemma, should I drive up to HQ or
jog up there, after jogging out of the front door and up the road in my
trail shoes I decided a drive would be better. A quick jog down London
Road from HQ and I arrived at Delapre Park where I milled around with
other WRR runners and spectators alike before lining up ready for the
start. As happens in these instances I ran off with the throng at a
pace far too quick for the start of a race, especially when it is an
unknown and tired quickly on the first lap, which wasn’t helped by all
the jockeying for position and gazelle like leaps over the logs and
bogs on route. I faired even less well on the second lap, having to
stop for a short walk up part of London Road, then again for the third
hill, I swear there is more uphill than downhill on the course. The
gazelle like leaps from the first lap deteriorated to squishy steps and
lumbering lunges. Thanks to from Rob and Annette at the golf club for
their cheers of encouragement. No thanks to another club runner for his
facetious remarks asking how Rob and Annette felt I could possibly
“look good after 4 miles of XC”, then more comments about how I “didn’t
look so good now” after the “Well done”’s as we went past Gabby and
Brian. Still, I had the last laugh with a sprint(?) finish at the end
to punish him for his remarks. I was a little bit disappointed at the
walk/run affair up the hill but feel vindicated by the fact that the
cold I am now suffering from must have been there in the background
impeding my performance during the race.
All the best, Bob.
ABINGDON MARATHON 22ND OCTOBER 2006
Wootton
took a very strong team of runners to Oxfordshire to compete in
the Abingdon Race, officially now the third best rated marathon in the
country, and it proved to be a highly successful day for the pink vests.
Mike
Aldridge, competing in his first marathon, had a storming run to finish
third overall in a field of 681, with a time of 2.40.50, an
outstanding performance and the club's best marathon time of this
year. Next home with an almost effortless run was Craig Mattocks in
11th place with a pb of 2.48.42. Our consistent veteran Dave Parkins
followed in a time 2.55.31 in 36th place, and not far behind him with a
gutsy pb run of 2.56.24 was Jeff Mason in 40th place. Iain Hazell also
had an amazing pb run to break 3 hours to finish in 2.58.09 in 46th. It
was a fantastic achievement to have 5 of our top runners finish in
under 3 hours, and the first four ensured we scooped the team prize by
a massive 17 minutes.
Brian
Bodsworth in his first marathon continued the trend and finished
strongly in 3.13.28, and he was closely followed by " Ironman" Ed
Smith with another great run 0f 3.15.57. Mark Fowler defied his pre
race injuries to achieve yet another pb with 3.51.55. Diane Rogers came
home to probably the loudest cheer of the day from the mass travelling
Wootton support to come in with another strong consistent run of
3.57.38.
Inside Race Reports
Iain Hazell
This was my third marathon, and waking on Sunday morning with 3 days of heavy carb loading and a 15 week training schedule behind me I was hoping to brake 3 hours for the first time.
I arrived at the course early (maybe a bit too early as it was still dark), but at least the line for the toilets aren’t to long at this time of morning. Soon other members from the club who were running and supporting turned up which was good for helping to relax the pre race nerves.
Just before 9 I made my way to the start with the others in the familiar bin bag for warmth look and got ready for the off. We were soon under way with the race starting with a circuit of the athletics track which was good for getting the field spread out a bit before hitting the road.
The course was pretty much flat the whole way round taking in a number of small villages and Abington town centre itself. Along the way the support from the general public was great particularly in Abingdon town centre. I really should also mention the support from the members of our club and their family and friends. Their presence and encouragement on the course at a number of places was a huge boost along with supplying drinks and fuel.
I managed to get to the 20 mile mark still feeling ok and felt I had a little bit left in the tank to try and kick on a bit. Getting to the 24 point it started to turn more into hanging on, but again with great support I was able to hang in there.
The final stretch was another lap round the athletics track to the finish; the atmosphere was great as you came into the final straight with a sizeable crowd in the stand cheering everybody in. As I pretty much bent over double at the line I stopped my watch at just over 2 hours 58 mins. Exhausted, but happy!
Well done to everybody else who raced from the club, especially Mike who led the club in with a great finishing time. It makes the event even more enjoyable when you have familiar faces lined up with you at the start.
The race its self is really well organised and is an enjoyable course. I think I could definitely recommend this to others looking to a place in for a marathon. It is quite popular though so its best to get your entry in early as it only takes a small field.
Jeff Mason
Having ran 2.56.26 in May I had a month off before embarking on another training programme this time of ‘Rocky-esque’ proportions. 15 weeks and 700 miles later I felt as fit as I have ever been and told everyone that 2.52 was my target. How deluded was I?Dunkirk
Inside Race Reports
Iain Hazell
This was my third marathon, and waking on Sunday morning with 3 days of heavy carb loading and a 15 week training schedule behind me I was hoping to brake 3 hours for the first time.
I arrived at the course early (maybe a bit too early as it was still dark), but at least the line for the toilets aren’t to long at this time of morning. Soon other members from the club who were running and supporting turned up which was good for helping to relax the pre race nerves.
Just before 9 I made my way to the start with the others in the familiar bin bag for warmth look and got ready for the off. We were soon under way with the race starting with a circuit of the athletics track which was good for getting the field spread out a bit before hitting the road.
The course was pretty much flat the whole way round taking in a number of small villages and Abington town centre itself. Along the way the support from the general public was great particularly in Abingdon town centre. I really should also mention the support from the members of our club and their family and friends. Their presence and encouragement on the course at a number of places was a huge boost along with supplying drinks and fuel.
I managed to get to the 20 mile mark still feeling ok and felt I had a little bit left in the tank to try and kick on a bit. Getting to the 24 point it started to turn more into hanging on, but again with great support I was able to hang in there.
The final stretch was another lap round the athletics track to the finish; the atmosphere was great as you came into the final straight with a sizeable crowd in the stand cheering everybody in. As I pretty much bent over double at the line I stopped my watch at just over 2 hours 58 mins. Exhausted, but happy!
Well done to everybody else who raced from the club, especially Mike who led the club in with a great finishing time. It makes the event even more enjoyable when you have familiar faces lined up with you at the start.
The race its self is really well organised and is an enjoyable course. I think I could definitely recommend this to others looking to a place in for a marathon. It is quite popular though so its best to get your entry in early as it only takes a small field.
Jeff Mason
Having ran 2.56.26 in May I had a month off before embarking on another training programme this time of ‘Rocky-esque’ proportions. 15 weeks and 700 miles later I felt as fit as I have ever been and told everyone that 2.52 was my target. How deluded was I?
Tales of the Spectated by Brian Singleton
Thee
cheezy mobile alarm tone woke me, it was Sunday morning and it's still
dark. What am I doing awake this early. I even turned off Match of the
Day last night half way through to get shut eye, mind you the way
West Ham are playing at the moment that's not a bad thing. No time for
breakfast, will get something en route I say. Bleary eyed I make a
flask up, goodness knows how many spoonfuls I put in, it looks more
like molasses and probably will have to be served by the slice. Out the
door, in the car and off to Oxfordshire.
Arrive
at Abingdon spot a Tescos, breakfast I think, but the store is closed.
Go to the garage, a meagre array of nearly out of date sarnies, settle
for a limp looking egg and cress. Get directed to a local college to
park the car, the official race car park. Set off for the start
following various rueful looking runners who all seem to be
discussing bowel movements. How spooky there are some road signs to a
place called Wootton. Official race car park!!! its miles away, arrive
at the stadium with a sweat on and find the team. All looking
good despite having spent the night in bunk beds. Get
last instructions from Mike and Iain, be at 16 miles to hand out drinks
and energy gels. My I feel like Sherpa Tensing.
Hurrah they are off.
Our
first vantage point is to be 6 miles, we get directions from a marshal.
After about 3/4 mile Sandra checks the map, the guy has sent us the
long way round, we might be struggling to get there in time, Gabby
declines to break into a jog muttering something about 18 miles the day
before, a trip to New York and boots with heels. I set off on a jog, in
fleece, combats and a backpack. My mobile rings, it is from a
prospective new member, I pant something about running at the
moment and a marathon. Blimey they must think, these Wootton guys are
serious, they even take calls during a race.
Get
to the 6 mile point just in time to see Mike scoot round the corner
with the leaders. The others arrive shortly, we precariously perch on a
traffic island and await the rest of the runners. Chris and Jeff come
through smiling, it's ok for them in lightweight shorts and running
vests, we've just jogged about 2 mile fully clad with luggage.
Next
point is 16 miles, but refreshments first. Find a Costa Fortune, but
the queue is horrendous. Gabby spots somone with a non Costa cup. We
stride across the square led by our chairperson, a pack of hunters in
search of caffeine. We find the small cafe, only a little queue. We
have plenty time, but we did not bargain for the slow service,
particularly the girl serving the drinks who held what seemed like an
EU summit with every person about whether they wanted sugar. I glance
nervously at my watch, Mike might be coming through soon, Dawn and I
with flapjacks in hand leave the others and power walk to the 16
mile point.
The
guys start to come through, all looking great, Iain takes his bottle of
drink, thank goodness for that, one less thing to carry.
Now
it's time for the final assault back to the stadium. I ditch the
molasses from the flask to lessen the load, it scars the verge. Off we
go through the town, Terri, Caroline Sandra and myself, we are probably
15 minute mileing at this stage, and have left the others behind. Get a
call from Lorayne, Mike has just gone through 18, better get a shift
on, didn't realise Abingdon was so big. Get to the college, we
decide on a one stop strategy and I go and get the car and drive
us back to the stadium.
Mike
enters the stadium we all scream and holler like banshees, then Craig,
Parky Jeff and Iain all under 3 hours, awesome. I am glad of the small
break until our next guys come in, all this shouting and hollering and
clapping is fair wearing me out. Brian storms home, then Ed, another
break then Mark and then not a dry eye in the house when Di comes home.
Terri
brings me a Stella to rehydrate, Jeff has a sip and just about keels
over.
We
watch a bit of the Man U game, Jeff has clearly recovered as he leaps
up when Scholsy scores.
I
take my leave, get home and relax and have a couple of glasses of
Merlot to toast the guys and gals, and prepare for the next bout of
spectating at the XC next Sunday. My these races come around thick and
fast.
What
a day, what a club.
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STROUD HALF MARATHON 22ND OCTOBER 2006
Husband and wife team Rob and Annette Burgess , travelled to Gloucestershire to compete in the Stroud half marathon. In a field of over 1500, Rob who was running his second half marathon in as many weeks finished 90th in 1.25.32. Annette had an awesome run to shatter her pb by over 3 minutes with a time of to finish in 34th place 1.36.50.
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WOOTTON ROAD RUNNERS DUATHLON 15TH OCTOBER 2006
27 competitors took part in the first WRR Duathlon on Sunday over a very two very hilly and testing courses. The event consisted of a 5k run taking insections of road and of road canal towpath around the village of Blisworth,
followed by a challenging and hilly two lap bike course around Gayton and Eastcote. After getting off their bikes the competitors were then asked to repeat the 5k run course before finishing the event. Each competitor was
given a handicap time for the event and sent out in a staggered start with Lisa Jones, who was taking part on her first ever Duathlon, starting therace off in fine style with a 27 minute 5k. After Lisa had started the restof the field gradually left the starting line and weaved their way aroundthe 3 disciplines. The best male time on the day was Steve Buswell, who is
looking in great shape for his attempt at the Lanzorote Ironman in May nextyear, finishing in 80 minutes and 15 seconds. First home for the ladies was the evergreen Caroline Macmillan in a very respectable time of 92.13. The winners in the pairs handicap on the day were Damain Murphy and DarrenPorter, who despite both riding mountain bikes on the day, ripped through the field to take the winners shield .
Report courtesy of Paul Warden.
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GREAT EASTERN HALF MARATHON 15TH OCTOBER 2006
Three Wootton road Runners made the journey to Peterborough to compete in the Great Eastern Half Marathon. On a fast track and a field of over 2000 runners first Wootton home was Graham Hollowell with a great run to finish in 156th in 1.31.38. Maria Dunham who is building up for a PB assault in Benidorm was next in 581st place with a time of 1.44.04. In his first competitive race since July, Brian Singleton finished in 779th place with a credible 1.48.56,getting close to his personal best.
Inside Race report
Maria Dunham and myself made the trip to Peterborough to compete in Gt Eastern Half Marathon. Back in the racing calender after a gap of several years it's a great run, very flat and through lots of streets and housing estates, the support on the route was terrific. It was a bit slow at the start, but soon thinned out and it was easy to get a good clear run without the dodging and diving of the bigger city half marathon's. I finished in 1.48.56. Am happy with that considering the lack of training which is due to some injury, lots of work commitments and a modicum of Indian Summer evenings on the patio with a glass of Pinot Grigio rather than training run's. It's only 90 secs or so off my PB, so I am confident that with a more dedicated training programme I can get down to 1.45. I managed 8 minute miles to about 7 miles, struggled a bit until 11 miles, then got to 12 miles needing to put the foot down to get under 1.50, I think I did the last mile in 7 and a half minutes, phew, still it's nice to finish strongly and play to the crowd. Maria did 1.43 ish, she was a bit disappointed but had plenty to spare, she is in great shape and I reckon she will get below 1.40 fairly soon possibly in Benidorm.I see from the official results that Graham Hollowell also ran, didnt see him on the day but well done to Graham on finishing high up the classification. I would recommend the race to anyone, definitely PB material and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
Brian
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GREAT NORTH RUN 1ST OCTOBER 2006
A
healthy contingent of Wootton Road Runners journeyed to Newcastle to
compete in the world's biggest half, and there were some outstanding
runs. Leading
the way, and ensuring that the Wootton vest got good TV coverage by
pipping rower James Cracknell on the line was Andy Fairley, who
finished in 1.23.18, a fantastic 253rd overall. Next
home was Stuart De Freyne 915th overall with a PB by some 5 minutes in
1.32.52.
Caroline Hubbard, competing in her first half marathon finished in an outstanding time of 1.41.51. Mark Fowler, who is in training for the Abingdon marathon defied recent injuries to finish in 1.41.46. Our Chairperson Gabby Deere, who will be crossing the pond in November to compete in her first marathon in New York, achieved a PB of 1.42.10. Steve Borondy continued his excellent progress this year to finish with a PB of 1.44.30. Veteran Mike Kendal, had a strong run to finish in 1.45.05. Jessica Mistry also achieved a PB by 7 minutes to finish in 2.03.23. Other half marathon first timers who all put in good performances were Hannah Watson 2.00.59, Sarah Berwick 2.08.09 and Lyn Keable who is also preparing for her first marathon in New York in 2.22.17. Completing our compliment of runners were Gareth Jones 1.50.20, Teresa Edgley 2.13.14 and Louise Ogden 2.23.42.
Inside the Race Reports
Andy Fairley
Now lets get the record
straight, I just managed to drill that pesky rower on the line!
;-) The results say there was 4 seconds in it but it didn't look
like that on the telly so I'm not sure what's going on there (AF
1.23.18, JC 1.23.22).
He'd come flying past me
just inside the first two miles, I was on about 5.50 pace at the time
so god only knows what pace he was on. I guess he must have blown
up because he was moving fairly slowly at the end.
Great event though, I had
the club position for the start just behind the elite which was an
amazing privilege to be able to start there. From there it wasn't
crowded at all, if anything I was being overtaken for at the first 4
miles or so. Its a shame I wasn't in better form to represent the
club but at least I got our vest on the telly!
Mark Fowler
Steve, Gabby and Carloine all got PB's, which was really good. I think it was Caroline's first half aswell. I'll have to wait another time for mine when I can rely on my knee staying in one piece! Started hurting at 9, then really killed on the final hill at 11. Was fine on the downhills and flats. Would definitely do it again though! Good prep for Abingdon. We overtook Sally Gunnell in the last mile and I didn't even realise until we heard someone shout her name!
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DAVENTRY 6 1ST OCTOBER 2006
A
number of Wootton Road Runners competed in the Daventry 6 mile road
race, held in breezy conditions. First Wootton home continuing his
recent run of high finishes was Lee Berrill in an excellent 10th place
recording a time of 36.57.
Fourth
lady home and first veteran was Fran Malin from in a personal
best of 42.19. Mike Dowdy finished well in a time 46.25. There were
strong runs from other Wootton ladies, Karen Daly finishing in 51.03,
Dawn Exley in 52.14 and Sarah Warden in 53.27
_____________________________________________________________LEIGHTON 10 MILE, 24TH SEPTEMBER 2006
Three Wootton Road Runners were amongst the 212 competitors in the 10 miler at Leighton Buzzard. The torrential downpour an hour before the start ensured good warm racing conditions. All our runners finished high up in the overall standings. First Wootton man home was Chris Lazenby in 23rd position with a PB of 64.42. Next was Charles Howard, continuing his recent consistent form, 27th in 65.11, closely followed by Allan Harrison 33rd in 65.47.
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CRANSLEY HALF MARATHON AND 10K, 17TH SEPTEMBER 2006
WOOTTON RUNNERS CLAIM VICTORY IN THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S HALFS
Half
Marathon
Wootton
took a very strong team to the annual road race at Cransley.
Despite
the challenging course and warm conditions, there were a host of
notable performances.
Mike
Aldridge stormed home to win the men's race by 3 and half
minutes in a personal best time of 1.13.36.
Following
Mike, were Jeff Mason 6th in 1.21.07, Chris Gallagher 7th in 1.22.28,
Iain Hazel 8th in 1.23.18 and Brian Bodsworth 11th in 1.24.59.
Kirtsy
Wigham dominated the Women's race to win by almost 12 minutes, in an
outstanding time of 1.24.42, an excellent 10th overall.
This
leading contingent of our runners are all preparing for the forthcoming
Abingdon marathon, clearly the distance training is paying off.
Elsewhere
in the men's race Damian Murphy was 6th in the veterans's category,
23rd overall in 1.34.07. Mike Carrea was 31st in 1.37.07, Geoff Smith
47th in 1.45.13 and Mike Dowdy 81st in 1.50.34.
In
the ladies race Terri Mason finished as 10th lady in a time of 1.50.39.
Chris Miller and Val Oviatt finished in 2.34.08 and 2.34.13
respectively.
10k Race
Continuing his current good run of form,
Lee Berrill was first Wootton home, 14th overall in 38.36. Graham
Holowell was 30th in a time of 42.16. For the ladies Paula Murphy
finished in 52.11, Michelle Fryatt in 53.11 and Mandy Dennis in 60.19.
"The
Cransley Hospice 10k and ½ marathon took place this weekend 17th September,
with a good turn out from WRR.
The 10k runners and ½ marathon
runners took off together and followed the same course until the race
split at approximately 8k. The course was ‘challenging’
, however despite this and the extremely warm weather, it didn’t stop
WRR from winning 1st Male (Mike Aldridge) and 1st
Lady (Kirsty Wigham)
SWINESHEAD 10, 10TH SEPTEMBER 2006
Thirteen Wootton Road Runners made the trip to Sunny Bedfordshire to compete in the annual Swineshead race. Charles Howard led a string of notable performances, first Wootton home in a time of 1.05.18. to finish in 9th position He was closely followed by the ever consistent Paul Matthews in 10th in a time of 1.05.25. Veteran Bobby Holding finished 30th in 1.14.11. First lady home was Caroline MacMillan 31st in 1.15.11, followed by Fran Malin 39th in 1.16.49. Hannah Watson and Dawn Exley who are preparing for forthcoming Half Marathons finished in good times of 1.36.42 and 1.38.20. respectivley.
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EXPERIAN ROBIN HOOD HALF MARATHON SUNDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 2006
In warm conditions, 3 Wootton Road Runners travelled to Nottingham to compete in this popular city centre half marathon. Andy Fairley secured an impressive 110th place overall, out of 6500 runners with a time of 1.24.43. Steve Borondy achieved a personal best of over 4 minutes, finishing in 1.44.38. David Kerr was our other runner in action finishing in 1.54.26.
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COVENTRY AUTUMNAL 5 MILE FRIDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2006
Lee Berrill and Rob Burgess both represented Wootton in this Coventry Godiva event. In a field of 242 Lee finished 35th in 30.16 and Rob 37th in 32.06.
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BLISWORTH 5 MILE 11TH AUGUST 2006
Despite the blustery conditions there were a number of personal bests achieved by Wootton Road Runners. For the men, Mike Aldridge finished 5th in 25.55, a PB by some 25 seconds. Jeff Mason 28.19, Chris Gallagher 28.26 and Brian Bodsworth 29.44 also lowered their personal bests, ensuring that our top 4 Senior Men
took 2nd in the
team event. Our Vet Men 4 of Dave Parkins, Allan Harrison, Dave Buckler
and Martin Fowler took the the Vets Men Team prize.The improving Tony
Swindells also achieved a personal best with 39.20.
For the ladies, the incredible Kirsty Wigham was 1st lady home with a PB of 29.56. Gabby Deere won the F45 category with a PB of 36.16 and Karen Daly took 3rd in the F35 category with a PB of 40.43. Michelle Fryatt built on her strong run at Wellingborough with a personal best of 40.35.
______________________________________________________________________
For the ladies, the incredible Kirsty Wigham was 1st lady home with a PB of 29.56. Gabby Deere won the F45 category with a PB of 36.16 and Karen Daly took 3rd in the F35 category with a PB of 40.43. Michelle Fryatt built on her strong run at Wellingborough with a personal best of 40.35.
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SAINT AUGUSTIN 12K FRANCE 6TH AUGUST 2006
We were not the first runners to take part in the pink &
purple vests! Woody and former member Stuart Hearson have both
run the race in past years. It forms part of a local grand
prix type series and attracts about 200 runners.
It was a very hot morning, and even though the race
started at 9.30 it was stifling. The
race was pretty well organised, we even had a chip which had to be worn
on the left leg in a velcro arrangement and there was a huge inflatable
gantry.
The course was 3 undulating laps through the village and then
out into the country. As we climbed the first hill out of the
village, I anticipated that it would be fairly tough third time around
and I was right!
I finished in 1hr 02.28 and Steve was just over 1hr 03.
We were happy, given the 3 Hs - hills, heat & holiday!
We were happy, given the 3 Hs - hills, heat & holiday!
After the race they gave out all sorts of things including
oranges, dried fruit and figs!
Lorayne
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WELLINGBOROUGH 5 6TH AUGUST 2006
As the summer heatwave continued, 11 Wootton Road Runners travelled to Wellingborough for the annual 5 mile race. Despite the warm racing conditions there were some notable performances. Iain Hazell led the way finishing 8th in 29.03. Lee Berrill overcame his recent sleepless nights to finish 19th in 30.50. Chris Lazenby continued his impressive season to finish strongly in 27th place in 31.48. There were good runs from Phil Wood 32.41, Terry Peters 36.47 and Tony Swindells 41.32. Phil and Tony's runs consolidated their positions at the top end of this year's Summer Championship. For the ladies there were solid run's from Michelle Fryatt 42.10 and Anna Plowman 43.12.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
MILTON KEYNES NSPCC HALF MARATHON 23RD JULY 2006
12 Wootton Road Runners endured the stifling heat to compete in the race. Despite the difficult running conditions there were several notable performances. Twins Dave and Chris Lazenby lead the way. Dave finished in a fantastic 28th overall out of over 1000 entrants in 1.27.53, and Chris achieved a PB by 3 minutes to finish 31st in 1.28.22. There were great runs from Charles Howard 1.29.08 and Allan Harrison continued his impressive season to finish in 1.29.18 (your training those boys too well Allan, they are not meant to beat their Dad!). Guy Glennon improved his previous best time set at last year's Robin Hood half by over three minutes to finish in 1.31.03. Well done to all who competed.
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MILTON KEYNES 10K 4TH JULY 2006 AND FINAL EMGP STANDINGS
50
Wootton Road Runners took part in the final race of the East Midlands
Grand Prix Series.
In
the men's section our senior men took second team prize with Iain
Hazell 14th in 36.06, Matt Fowler 15th and Dan Crooks 16th in the same
time of 37.13 and Lee Berrill 20th in 37.48.
Our
senior men also fared well finishing third, with Andrew Clancy 37.15,
Ed Smith 38.12, Alan Harrison 38.45 and Guy Glennon 39.29.
There were also good runs from Damian Murphy 41.10 and Tony Swindells 49.54.
In the ladies the ever impressive
Kirsty Wigham was 5th lady overall in 38.07. There were strong runs
from Sam Nash 45.59, Gabby Deere 46.26, Sue Stevens 3rd in her
category 49.57 Emma Buswell 50.50 and Dawn Exley with a pb
53.43.
EAST
MIDLANDS GRAND PRIX SERIES FINAL STANDINGS
Senior
Men Category
Iain Hazell 8th
Matt Fowler 9th
Matt Fowler 9th
Veteran Men 45 Category
Alan Harrison 4th
Senior Women Category
Kirsty Wigham 2nd
Alan Harrison 4th
Senior Women Category
Kirsty Wigham 2nd
Veteran Women 40 Category
Fran Malin 2nd
Fran Malin 2nd
Senior Mens Team Category
Wootton Road Runners 2nd
Wootton Road Runners 2nd
Veteran Mens Team Category
Wootton Road Runners 3rd
Wootton Road Runners 3rd
Senior Women's Team Category
Wootton Road Runners 3rd
Wootton Road Runners 3rd
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ZURICH IRONMAN 2ND JULY 2006
On the 2nd July 06 Craig Mattocks of Wootton Road Runners / Northampton Tri Club lined up amongst 1800 athletes to take part in the 10th Swiss Ironman in Zurich. In temperatures of 29deg C competitors swam 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles and ran a full marathon of 26.2 miles. A strong crowd supported the route all round with a fantastic carnival atmosphere on the top of the steeper climbs spurring the athletes along. The winning time was 8hrs 21 mins. Craig finished 277th and was the third Brit home in 10hrs 29 minutes. (Report courtesy of Craig).
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KINGHAM 7.5 MILE RACE 1ST JULY 2006
Wootton made their annual pilgrimage to the pretty Cotswolds village at the weekend. Centre of the social weekend was the Kingham 7.5 mile race, celebrating it's 30th anniversary. 21 runners endured the searing heat. We took the first three places, Dan Crooks winning in 45.16, Jeff Mason 2nd in 45.57 and Brian Bodsworth 3rd in 47.14. Maria Dunham was 2nd lady home in 58.39 and Caroline Hubbard 3rd lady home in 1.00.15. As the 100 strong contingent retired to the local campsite for the night, not even England's demise to Portugal could dampen the spirits.
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HARBOROUGH 5 20TH JUNE 2006 - MIKE 4TH OVERALL, FRAN WIN'S HER CATEGAORY
Wootton
Road Runners took a team of 36 runners to a cool and
blustery Harborough 5 mile road race on Tuesday evening. Both the
men and ladies finished 3rd in the team competition. First Wootton
finisher was the ever consistent Mike Aldridge who completed the course
in 26.48 for an excellent 4th place. Second Wootton finisher was Iain
Hazell 28.24, closely followed by Matt Fowler 28.46, Jeff Mason 29.02,
Daniel Crooks 29.52 and veteran Andrew Clancy, second in his category
in 29.33. Other excellent performances came from Charles Howard 30.56
and an improving Phil Wood in a new PB of 31.58.
First Wootton lady with a PB performance of 29.55 was Kirsty Wigham who was 5th lady home, finishing an excellent 35th overall. Woottons veterans were out in force led by Fran Malin who won her category with another PB of 34.35 followed by Sam Nash, finishing 4th in category with a time of 36.55. There were other pleasing performances from Terri Mason 39.26, Lorrayne Keet Marsh 40.09, Dawn Exley 41.51, Anna Plowman 42.09, Lisa Jones 42.46 and the improving Joy Swindells in 46.32.
BANBURY 5 13TH JUNE 2006 - WOOTTON WIN SENIOR MEN'S TEAM PRIZE
Wootton Road Runners took a team of 35 runners to the Banbury 5 mile road race on tuesday night. The Wootton senior men performed superbly to take the mens team prize, with Mike Aldridge finishing in second place overall in an excellent 26.45. Chris Gallagher 28.48, Jeff Mason 28.52 and Matt Fowler 29.15 completed the winning team. There were also excellent runs from veteran Andrew Clancy, who finished second in category with a time of 29.29, Richard Fowler 29,50 and personal bests from Brian Bodsworth 29.59, Paul Matthews 31.06 and Guy Glennon 31.28. First Wootton lady yet again was Kirsty Wigham who finished second in the Senior Lady category in a time of 30.08 followed by Nicola Harris in 34.18. It was a very good night for Wootton's veteran ladies with Fran Malin recording a personal best time of 34.52, to finish second in her category, followed by Sam Nash who was fourth in category running 36.04. Other excellent performances came from Sue Stevens, 39.29, Anna Plowman 42.02 and the improving Sarah Berwick in 43.27.
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WEEDON 10K 6TH JUNE 2006 - WOOTTON WIN PRIZES IN 3 CATEGORIES
43
Wootton Road Runners took the short trip over to Weedon on a balmy
summer evening to compete in the Weedon 10k, race 5 in this years
East Midlands Grand Prix series.
Despite
very warm conditions and on a challenging hilly course there
were solid performances in all categories.
Leading
the way was our senior men's quartet of Craig Mattocks 6th in
35.22, Iain Hazell 11th in 36.22, Matt Fowler 16th in 37.36 and Dan
Crooks 21st in 38.21 finished a credible 2nd in the senior
men's team event, only pipped by Coventry Godiva by 8 seconds. This
was a fantastic performance as couple of our big gun's were
missing, demonstrating our strength and depth in the senior men's
category.
Our
senior men's vet's also narrowly finished second in their team
category. First home was Ed Smith in 39.41, ably supported by Graham
Hollowell in 39.53, Alan Harrison 39.57 and Guy Glennon in 41.50
Our
lady vet's also featured, taking 3rd in the team
event . Fran Malin had a great run to finish in 45.14, 2nd
in her category. A brilliant run by the ever improving Caroline
Hubbard in 46.30, and supported by Sam Nash in 46.42.
Elsewhere
on a tough night for running there were great run's by the twins Chris
and David Lazenby, Charles Howard and Katharine Patrick and
Sue Stevens.
_______________________________________________________________BODDINGTON 10K 29TH MAY 2006
Sarah Warden completed the Boddington 10k in a course PB of 52.11.
Sadly the only Wootton runner to toe the line (it really is a nice little
event). Also, maybe worthy of a mention, Harriet, aged 4 and a half, ran her
first ever race, an 800m, twice around the playing field, children's race.
We start 'em young at Wootton!! (Report courtesy of a proud Dad and Hubby, Paul)
________________________________________________________________
CORBY 5 24TH MAY 2006 - MORE GREAT PERFORMANCES ON A CHALLENGING COURSE
Wootton
Road Runners took a team of 38 to the Corby 5 mile race on Wednesday
evening. On a challenging, hilly course first Wootton man was Iain
Hazell who took a fine 13th place overall in a time of 28.24. Second
Wootton man home was Chris Gallagher, fresh from his excellent 5th
place in the White Peaks Half marathon the previous
weekend, completing the course in 28.56. There were also
strong performances from Matt Fowler 29.06, Lee Berrill 29.58, David
Lazenby 31.23. Chris Lazenby 31.23 and veterans Graham
Hollowell 31.34 and Alan Harrison in 31.53.
First Wootton
lady, finishing an excellent second in category, was veteran Fran Malin
in a personal best time of 35.03, closely followed by Stacey Penn in
35.27. In a good night for Woottons veteran ladies there were strong
performances from Sam Nash 36.41, Gabbi Deere 38.15 and Sue Stevens
39.52. In the Senior Lady category Laura Norman, with a personal best
of 37.58, Emma Buswell 41.06 and Louise Ogden running a personal best
of 42.45 continued their excellent recent form.
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WHITE PEAK HALF AND FULL MARATHON 20TH MAY 2006 - MIKE WIN'S THE HALF AND MANY PB'S
11 Wootton Road runners made the journey to Derbyshire to compete in the scenic White Peak races, hosted by Matlock AC. And yet again Wootton dominated the proceedings.The irripressible Mike Aldridge won the half marathon in a fantastic 1.14.01. Chris Gallagher and Dan "laid back" Crooks continued their recent high calibre performences finishing 5th and 9th in 1.18.58 and 1.22.46. respectively. The lads high finishes ensured that Wootton won the mens team prize, making it our 4th Men's top prize in 2 months.The race certainly lived up to it's billing as the Swift Half with Gabby Deere 1.43.06, Terri Mason 1.46.27 and Brian Singleton 1.47.10 all smashing their previous best times.
In the marathon Jeff Mason who was looking for a sub 3 hour time, stormed home in 2.56.26, an amazing run, finishing in 5th place overall. Annette Burgess had an astounding run in her first ever marathon, to come home in 3.41.02. (Rob is of course taking all the credit). Both our marathon heroes were loudly cheered across the line, ensuring that yet another part of the country now knows who Wootton Road Runners are. Most of us then retired to the cottage where we staying for dinner and some "Swift Half's" of a totally different nature. Thanks to Terri and Jeff for arranging the accommodation and to Rob for the fantastic support along the route.
__________________________________________________________________
BLISWORTH 5K 19TH MAY 2006
238 runners took part in a wet and
windy Blisworth 5k race last friday evening. The race was won in
commanding fashion by Rugby and Northampton's Matt Almond in a time of
15.48. First Wootton man home was Craig Mattocks in 3rd overall in
16.48. There were strong runs by Matt Fowler 10th in 17.47, Eddie
Smith 12th in 17.54 and Lee Berrill 13th in 17.57. Vets Dave Buckler
19.00 and Martin Fowler 19.06 also had good runs. Stacey Penn was first
Wootton lady home clocking 21.23. Caroline Hubbard had an impressive
run finishing in 21.53. Laura Norman continued her good form with a
time of 22.53, and there were great run's from Kim Duff 23.42, Emma
Buswell 24.39, and Karen Daly warming up for the Edinburgh Marathon
finished in 24.43. A special mention must go to Zoe Bell, who ran the
race just four weeks after the arrival of baby Daisy and clocked 28.31.
Thanks to Steve, Mandy, Rob all the marshals, and everybody who helped make the event a success.
______________________________________________________________Thanks to Steve, Mandy, Rob all the marshals, and everybody who helped make the event a success.
BEDFORD 6 17TH MAY 2006 - WOOTTON BRAVE TOUGH CONDITIONS
28 Wootton runners braved torrential rain to complete the Bedford 6 race. First finisher for Wootton was Steve Buswell in a respectable 36.35 with veteran Eddie Smith close behind in 37.27. Matt Fowler was third Wootton finisher in 38.14 despite starting the race late. Other excellent performances were recorded by the improving Damien Keene (39.17) and Phil Wood (39.22). First lady for Wootton was Nicki Harris in 41.57 followed closely by veteran Fran Malin who recorded a personal best of 42.20 to finish an excellent second in category. Third wootton finisher was the ever improving Katherine Patrick in 42.49. Other excellent performances were recorded by Laura Norman (45.39), Terri Mason (46.18), Diane Rogers (47.15), Sue Stevens (48.23), Emma Buswell (49.58) and improving newer runners Lucy Bazeley (48.24), Dawn Exley (52.20) and Emma Dobson (55.29).
__________________________________________________
RUGBY 6 10TH MAY 2006 - MEN CAPTURE SENIOR TEAM PRIZE
More than 40 Wootton runners took part in good running conditions on a mild early summer evening. Mike Aldridge again had an outstanding run, finishing a fantastic 3rd overall in 31.19. Chris Gallagher was 13th overall and second Wootton man home in 34.02, not far ahead of team-mate Jeff Mason in an excellent 34mins 14secs. The trio's brilliant runs ensured Wootton took the senior men's team crown. Other strong runs came from Brian Bodsworth, Dan Crooks, Matt Fowler and a post London personal best of 37mins 56secs for Paul Matthews.
Wootton's Craig Mattocks (17th 34.46), Ed Smith (65th 38.25) and Steve Buswell (66th 38.31) amazingly found the energy to cycle from Northampton to Rugby and then run the race. Kirsty Wigham again led the Wootton lady contingent to finish third overall in 36mins 43secs. Stacey Penn was second ahead of the rapidly-improving Laura Norman in 45mins 46secs.
There were PBs for Terri Mason, Sarah Walden, Louise Ogden and other strong runs from Natalie Lloyd, Dawn Exley, Emma Buswell and Joy Swindells.
__________________________________________________________
SILVERSTONE 10K 2ND MAY 2006 - MIGHTY MIKE LEADS MEN'S TEAM TO SECOND SPOT
WOOTTON Road Runners
finished an excellent second in the men's team prize in the opening
race of the East Midlands Grand Prix series at Silverstone race track.
Mike Aldridge led the way for us, taking 10th overall and leading Wootton's scoring team. Mike was given good support by Chris Gallagher (27th), Iain Hazell (28th) and Dan Crooks (42nd). Local rivals Rugby & Northampton were forced to settle for fourth. Kirsty Wigham led the way for Wootton's lady contingent, taking fifth overall in a superb 37mins 9secs. She finished ahead of rapidly-improving team-mate Sam Nash who clocked a personal best of 44mins 9secs. Third was new girl Katherine Patrick with a great run of 45mins 32secs. There was an incredible Wootton PB for David Lazenby, who bettered his 10k time by more than four minutes to finish in 37mins 37secs. Other Wootton PBs came from Gabby Deere (46.42), Laura Norman (47.08) and Sarah Warden (51.10).
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LONDON MARATHON 2006 23rd April 2006
A 20 strong contingent of Wootton Road Runners ran the London Marathon. Here are some of their stories of the day:
PAUL
WARDENFirstly, well done to Lorayne for organising the
coach - a top job. Also I couldn't have done it without the
support of all of the non runners who shouted great and loud words of
encouragement on the course - Lorayne, Helena, Diane, Annette and Rob,
Caroline, Gabby, Mark Mulvey, Graham, Margaret, Polly and Ian, Steve
and Jane Shelswell and of course Sarah and Harriet who were sitting the
grandstand about 200 yards away from the finish and I took a small
detour for a kiss and hug!!
As for the race, I gave it my all
on the day and ran home in a time of 3 hours 53 minutes, which I'm
really pleased with. It is tough, 26.2 miles is a long way, but the
occasion, the crowds, the sights and the absolute elation you feel when
you cross the line makes it all of the pain disappear. I was lucky that
I managed to spot several supporters in the crowds who really gave me a
lift with massive shouts of encouragement and I also knew that my wife
and daughter were sitting the grandstand about 200 yards from the
finish and I took a small detour at the end to get a hug and kiss from
both of them.
A
short blow by blow of the day is o/lined below.
Start - Blackheath 09:45 (Blue Start) over the
line in a matter of seconds - this wasn't supposed to happen! Off we go
only to stop again after 200ms! Discard plastic coat and old top -
Wotton's' finest club kit now unleashed. Slow first mile - 9.07, and
first "pee" stop. Mile markers are visible and coming round OK (too
quickly!). Good quality crowd, I say to myself this is what it's all
about! - London Marathon the day after the Cobblers winning 1-3 away at
Oxford. Can't get the "cheer up Barry Fry" song out of my head!
6 miles Cutty Sark getting going
now - lots of bumping and barging but feeling ok. See Diane, Helena,
Rob, Annette, Lorayne and Caroline which give me a huge lift. Run
around Cutty Sark with a huge grin on my face.
9 Miles. See the Blisworth gang
and am met with shouts of "the Cobs are going up" which lifts spirits.
Funny how things like that get to you.
12 Miles Tower Bridge Fantastic
noise - gets louder each year. Can't deny that I shed a tear. Not far
to halfway now.
13.1 miles (half distance) @ (1 hr 45mins) Enormous noise, everyone
speeds up and smiles (still). Many elite runners are passing the other
way towards the finish (we're 8/9 miles behind them). Although time
still looking good for 3.30, body not holding up to well. Take on carbo
gels which give me a boost, but mental know that this is going to be
tough.
15 - 19 miles. Real struggle.
Spend half my time annoyed that the crowd think I'm running funny as
they keep shouting "keep going Chicken Legs" until I realise it's the
bloke next to me with his nickname on his shirt! Starting to hurt as I
realise that today isn't going to be my best run despite a good build
up. Resign myself to enjoying the rest of the race and just try to keep
going.
19 miles - see the supporters
again - sorry if I wasn't smiling, but thanks for your shouts of
encouragement. Wait till I get out of sight before I walk for 100 yards!
22.5 miles (Tower of L/don) - 3
wheels on my wagon and 'I'm still rolling along'. Reassure one's self
that I will beat 4 hrs but really slowing down - everything from waist
down screaming I assure you. See Gabby (luckily in one of my running
moments) - great support, it really is a fantastic event this!
24 miles - see Mark Mulvey -
great shout (again was running luckily). Lady dressed as Piglet goes
past (if you are going to be overtaken by a cartoon character, who
better than piglet!).
24.5 miles Cleopatra's Needle -
really in pain, gasping a bit and hurting too much to look out for
anyone watching for me (sorry folks). It's a case of walk 100yds, run
the rest of the mile (sorry, shuffle the rest of the mile). Take on
water, take on Lucozade, if there was a table with pints of lager top,
I'd have had one of those as well!
26 miles - looking for Sarah and
Harriet in the Grandstand - spot them and detour over for a kiss and
hug, great to see Steve and Jane in there to. Shed another tear.
26.25 miles Finish (3 hrs 53
mins)
cold, wet through, legs are not mine, everything hurts. Get bag and
space blanket and hobble off to the charity reception.
1 hour later - just had a deep
muscle massage that really hurt (Liam, you told me it hurt, but that is
pain and a half!) and met up with the family, Steve and Jane and Liam
and Kerry. Feel much better now I'm on my second pint of London Pride
and fully recovered.
Say to myself, well that's 9
London's finished, will I be back for 10 - yes definitely!
Thanks again for your kind
donations,on behalf of the British Heart Foundation.
It looks like in total I will have raised about £800 towards this
fantastic cause which I am really proud about and it will give me great
pleasure passing this money over to the charity.
SAM JESS
Just a quick update on the
marathon.....as this was my first marathon I
was very nervous but did not have any great expectations apart from
finishing!! I followed the runners world suggested training plan
and had my fair share of highs, lows and injuries for the last 4
months but it was all worth it in the end.
When I arrived
at Greenwich park on Sunday morning I was very emotional right up until
the start line (which took me 10 minutes to get there) but after I had
a few words with myself and actually started to run, I thought....its
really happening and I can do it !! Anyway, I started to put my
plan into place right from the beginning which was to run a constant 10
minute mile all the way round. As you know, this is not always
the case but I did make sure that I didn't start off too fast and get
carried away with the crowd, so I poddled along quite happliy right up
to mile 17 when I started to feel tired. Between mile 17 and 20
was very difficult but once at mile 20 I started to feel much more
positive (I think it was a phycological thing) and with the prospect of
seeing my family at 25 miles I began to speed up again and kept up a
fantastic pace right to the end.
I completed my
first marathon in 4 hours 38 minutes but am most pleased with myself
for running the whole 26.2 miles and not stopping or
walking....obviously my plan worked and felt very happy with myself
when I was running past lots of people who had to walk the last couple
of miles.
Anyway, life is now
back to normal and apart from aching legs today I feel on top of the
world because not only have I completed the London Marathon but I've
raised £1500 for Barnardo's and that makes it all worth while.
Here's to the next one!!!!
STEVE
WROBLEWSKI
Thanks for all your support. I
required every ounce of support and motivation to hang on from about 8
miles. I managed to complete the course in 3:16.24 and raised some cash
for Cancer Research UK
The one thing that will always
stay with me was the crowd and party
atmosphere, everyone out on the streets, singing, cheering and kids
wanting to give 'high fives' it was surreal and I had to keep
reminding myself i was actually running the London Marathon!The first
14 miles or so were great, i even saw a fellow WRR pass me one the
other side of the road, he was around the 22 mile mark and sprinting
well... he made it look easy!
At the start of training i
wanted a sub 4.30 finish... part way through
training, i changed that to sub 4.45... half round round London I
realised it was not about time, but taking part and achieving something
wonderful! (however, deep down i gave myself a sub 5 hour target!).
Miles 19 to 23 were hard, tired but determined i plodded on, at the 25
mile mark i knew nothing would stop me, the 800 meter to go board just
demoralised me, to encouraged me, but as i got to the 200 meters to go
board, i saw my boyfriend and the finish line, spurred on by this i
tried to step up a gear, not actually sure if i was running much
faster, but the finsh was getting closer and cloaser, then that was
it.. I crossed the line in 4.58.21, under the 5 hour mark that i'd
reset myself, feeling like a winner. I'm not ashamed to say that's when
the tears came, legs wobbling, i walked the the ramp to get my chip
removed and my medal (more tears!) then my picture, a tearful phone
call to my mum and then an emotional reunion with my boyfriend. My
Marathon experience was just fantastic, the best day of my life.. so,
would I do it again? mst definately!
Becki
RICHARD
FOWLER
As you are aware I
finished the
London Marathon in 3 hours 06 mins. I covered the first 10k in 39 mins
and went through half way in 1 hour 24 mins. I actually planned
to go through half way in about 1 hour 29 mins.
I started with the
runners who ware
running at around 2 hr 45 mins pace and got swept along too quickly and
paid the price at about 18 miles.
I should have
ran at a more moderate pace for the first 8 miles and I feel I would
have finished stronger in the faster time. Maybe next year!
MARTIN
FOWLER
After
some essential
downloading at Blackheath changing rooms and a
£1 cup of tea from a very slow vendor. I was ready on the green
start, 1min 10s later I'm on the way over the start line. Met up with
Alan, along the with the 7min/ml Runners World pacers. Find out they
are doing 6m 35 on one mile later on. Whoa-down 1.27.30ish comes up on
half way. 2.17ish at 20. Hey, we can do this (you can guess what I was
after !).
Mind
set, legs not
func-func-functioning. I'm running on three
cylinders. But I'm a V6! Fool myself into thinking that we have money
in the bank from the start. Who pinched the Tower of London, Big Ben
tells me it's three hours when going into Bird
Start - Blackheath 09:45 (Blue Start) over the line in a matter of seconds - this wasn't supposed to happen! Off we go only to stop again after 200ms! Discard plastic coat and old top - Wotton's' finest club kit now unleashed. Slow first mile - 9.07, and first "pee" stop. Mile markers are visible and coming round OK (too quickly!). Good quality crowd, I say to myself this is what it's all about! - London Marathon the day after the Cobblers winning 1-3 away at Oxford. Can't get the "cheer up Barry Fry" song out of my head!
13.1 miles (half distance) @ (1 hr 45mins) Enormous noise, everyone speeds up and smiles (still). Many elite runners are passing the other way towards the finish (we're 8/9 miles behind them). Although time still looking good for 3.30, body not holding up to well. Take on carbo gels which give me a boost, but mental know that this is going to be tough.
Just a quick update on the marathon.....as this was my first marathon I was very nervous but did not have any great expectations apart from finishing!! I followed the runners world suggested training plan and had my fair share of highs, lows and injuries for the last 4 months but it was all worth it in the end.
You
have probably looked at the results on the website already - I'm not
there, good reason for that ?(I did finish honest, I have the aches
today to prove it), my chip fell off about mile 10. I have notified the
officials and they are going to track my photos down from the cameras
on the course. My time was 3.25.05 as they took my watch time, pleased
with that and very consistant to last year ! funny you run all those
miles and end up with a similar time.
It
was a great day, WRR supporters were at 10k mark and also 17, boosted
spirits when the going got tough and the raining was pouring down.
BECKI INGMAN
4:58 mins... really pleased! a
little race report for you!
After 4 months of hard work,
training in the cold, wet and dark and being totally adament that this
will be my first and last ever marathon, i stook at the red start,
nervous, apprehensive but really excited to take part in my first ever
marathon... the race started and we did not move, then slowly we edged
to the start line and we were off.
The one thing that will always stay with me was the crowd and party atmosphere, everyone out on the streets, singing, cheering and kids wanting to give 'high fives' it was surreal and I had to keep reminding myself i was actually running the London Marathon!The first 14 miles or so were great, i even saw a fellow WRR pass me one the other side of the road, he was around the 22 mile mark and sprinting well... he made it look easy!
At the start of training i wanted a sub 4.30 finish... part way through training, i changed that to sub 4.45... half round round London I realised it was not about time, but taking part and achieving something wonderful! (however, deep down i gave myself a sub 5 hour target!). Miles 19 to 23 were hard, tired but determined i plodded on, at the 25 mile mark i knew nothing would stop me, the 800 meter to go board just demoralised me, to encouraged me, but as i got to the 200 meters to go board, i saw my boyfriend and the finish line, spurred on by this i tried to step up a gear, not actually sure if i was running much faster, but the finsh was getting closer and cloaser, then that was it.. I crossed the line in 4.58.21, under the 5 hour mark that i'd reset myself, feeling like a winner. I'm not ashamed to say that's when the tears came, legs wobbling, i walked the the ramp to get my chip removed and my medal (more tears!) then my picture, a tearful phone call to my mum and then an emotional reunion with my boyfriend. My Marathon experience was just fantastic, the best day of my life.. so, would I do it again? mst definately!
Becki
RICHARD
FOWLER
As you are aware I
finished the
London Marathon in 3 hours 06 mins. I covered the first 10k in 39 mins
and went through half way in 1 hour 24 mins. I actually planned
to go through half way in about 1 hour 29 mins.
I started with the
runners who ware
running at around 2 hr 45 mins pace and got swept along too quickly and
paid the price at about 18 miles.
I should have
ran at a more moderate pace for the first 8 miles and I feel I would
have finished stronger in the faster time. Maybe next year!
MARTIN FOWLER
After some essential downloading at Blackheath changing rooms and a £1 cup of tea from a very slow vendor. I was ready on the green start, 1min 10s later I'm on the way over the start line. Met up with Alan, along the with the 7min/ml Runners World pacers. Find out they are doing 6m 35 on one mile later on. Whoa-down 1.27.30ish comes up on half way. 2.17ish at 20. Hey, we can do this (you can guess what I was after !).
Mind set, legs not func-func-functioning. I'm running on three cylinders. But I'm a V6! Fool myself into thinking that we have money in the bank from the start. Who pinched the Tower of London, Big Ben tells me it's three hours when going into Bird
MARTIN FOWLER
After some essential downloading at Blackheath changing rooms and a £1 cup of tea from a very slow vendor. I was ready on the green start, 1min 10s later I'm on the way over the start line. Met up with Alan, along the with the 7min/ml Runners World pacers. Find out they are doing 6m 35 on one mile later on. Whoa-down 1.27.30ish comes up on half way. 2.17ish at 20. Hey, we can do this (you can guess what I was after !).
Mind set, legs not func-func-functioning. I'm running on three cylinders. But I'm a V6! Fool myself into thinking that we have money in the bank from the start. Who pinched the Tower of London, Big Ben tells me it's three hours when going into Bird