It was a very eventful weekend for the club this weekend with the last round of the Dorset Sportshall League for our youngest members and the Boscombe 10K in which our men dominated the race and clinched the Dorset Road Race League to go alongside the women's victory which was sewn up months ago. It is the third year in a row that we have won both the men and women's team titles (see previous news story).

However, the furthest travellers were a merry men of our young distance runners, (too old in the most part for Sportshall, and most too young for the Boscombe 10K) who travelled to Normandy, France to compete in the Foulees des Vignettes, previously known as the Cross International de Coutances.

Pride of place must go to the Cadets in which four of our members Jack Partridge,  Rob Ineson, Leif Chandler and Paul Green came 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectably. This in an international race in which there was a Hampshire county team and runners from Germany and Luxembourg as well of course from France. Our four runners won the team prize of course in a reprise of the result at Boscombe earlier in the day. In the concurrent cadettes race Nicki Bissett, in her first cross country race of the season overhauled three Hampshire runners in the last quarter of the race to win her category as well. Age groups follow the continental system of year of birth rather than school years so some runners born between September and December ran "up" an age group.

The first race of the day was the Benjamins and Benjamines (effectively the under 13s) and Stanley Parker set out like a man on a mission. Stan has had a bad time recently (a broken arm and a badly bruised toe in separate non running incidents) have impeded his training but the young man, who had a tremendous track season over 800 metres this summer, is slowly recovering. After a super start to get clear of the pack and avoid any mishaps on the sharp initial corner, eventually he finished third, enough for a podium place, a medal and a bunch of flowers. The Minimes Filles race was run at the same time and Lizzie Harris narrowly placed fourth, while Ellie Hilborne showed great form and rapid improvement since joining our coaching group in the summer  placing sixth, while Rachel Brenton, who had been struggling all the preceding week with a cold was seventh. Sian Davies brough the team home in thirteenth place as the girls were second team in the age group, only pipped by a Hampshire representative team made up by members of different clubs across the county!

The next race of the day was a medal fest as our Cadets absolutely dominated their race, setting a tempo that was just too hard for the rest of the competitors to match. Jack broke away on the second lap while Rob left it to the last lap in the stadium before outsprinting Leif. Paul had got dropped up going up the last hill, but kept his cool to complete a magnificent perfect team score, although that may have been due to the face paint running in the rain and him not being able to see where he was going. James "Jimmy" Goodworth is one of those who ran up a group but considering this, ran a blinder, and Connor Ozanne also had a strong run. In the girls Cadettes race Nicki Bissett started steadily but gradually pulled back the Hampshire girls on the second lap to bring the bacon home. Nicki was "well up" for this, and made no secret that having placed 4th last year she wanted to go at least one better. That seemed possibly in tatters as ill health affected her ability to train properly in recent weeks. But the girl did well. Nearly joining her on the podium was Jemma Bawa. Jemma is another of those running "up" a year and she only started running with Rupert this summer but is showing great potential, especially in the longer races. Jemma will have to settle for fourth, but as stated previously Nicki was 4th last year. Olivia "Livvy" Frost placed 10th in the same age group. If that was not enough, there were more medals and also signs of a comeback from Verity Ockenden as she placed third in the Junior Women's race. Verity has had an on and off training programme recently but she is class, especially on the track and she used that class to hang on as others in her age group bore down on her in the last few hundred metres. Not that it made Verity feel any better, but the girl who beat her was Xena Gray, grand daughter of our very own Edwin and Miriam Gray, running for the Bayeux club where she lives.

The next race was the Junior and Veteran Men along with the Senior Women's event. James Share settled into a good pace as he looked to match the results in the previous race. Again, James was another born in the autumn months therefore running "up" and having seen his training partners in the previous race clean up went to do himself proud. James had a good start and kept it going to finish 8th overall, and actually 4th in the Junior Men although he was kicking himself at the end that he couldn't see who was in his age group as he was going round. Would that have made you run any faster, James? Weren't you trying your hardest already? A bit further back Archie Parks struggled with a stitch in the early stages possibly caused by nerves in his first outing for Poole Runners (he doesn't own a club vest yet) but kept his cool and once that had passed blitzed round the field, constantly passing runners. In the senior ladies race Caroline Stanzel had a strong run out, despite the nerves she tends to suffer before a run.

The next event was the one with the most vocal support. This was the Enfants, in which 10 year old Arhian Davies was running. Arhian had proved on the trip to be close to the most popular member of the trip, and was unofficially the Trip Mascot, even being presented to the Mayor of Coutances at the Civic Reception the evening before. The enfants race was only 1600 metres, with the first 800m paced by the local coaches so that no one could go off too fast but Arhian was at the front throughout, eventually finishing 8th overall and 2nd girl, in fact leading until the last few hundred metres when a local girl put on a real sprint.

The final race of the day was the Senior Men. Kyle Hackett led the first 100 metres but once the race started to develop was unable to match the pace of the Ukranian and French internationals at the front of the field, eventually finishing 16th but continuing to show improving form ready for a stronger 2009, returning to the shape of previous years and which had previously got him up to 18th in the UK Cross Country Championships.

Final thanks to Team Manager Zoe Lamb, who came despite being unable to run after her broken leg six months ago to help and support the team, and Evan Davies for his help and calming influence in amongst the broken glass, tears, lost passports and rocky boat journey home.

To view photos visit our Facebook page or http://www.normandiecourseapied.com/accueil_photos_cross_de_coutances_foulees_des_vignettes_2008.html

At least 7 intrepid Poole Runners took part in an invasion of the next county on Sunday 21st October! In doing so we managed to sneak a few prizes from under the noses of the locals. It probably helped that it was Milford on Sea where they don't normally let you in without a zimmer frame!

Lee Rodriguez, in his first run as a Poole Runner came 1st overall (27.06) with Ian Barnes scooping the over 60s prize in 29.44. He was followed by Dave Cartwright (30.13), Mike Best (30.18), Graham Moyse (30.49), Ross Wayne (31.42) and Zodua Chasokega, for the ladies, in 47.11.

It was a lovely autumn day with a light breeze. For those unfamiliar with the 5 mile course, it starts on the seafront in Milford, before winding through the village and heading along the shoreline to Keyhaven. After Keyhaven the route heads inland and up a gently undulating climb before meeting the B3058 and descending into Milford, to finish on the Village Green. It is a quicker course than Littledown provided it is not too windy. Sunday was a good one and there was at least one personal best from yours truly!

A good race and a nice day. Well worth a visit next year to anyone who aspires to a different race that is not too far away!

Graham Moyse

This wasn't the first time I'd had an entry for the leicester half marathon. It was however the first time I'd been injury free and able to use the entry. The last time I visited the race it was 2003 and run out in the countryside, so the prospect of a city based marathon was a real highlight. Firstly if any of you are looking for a fast 1/2 marathon, then this has all you need to catch a good PB. But leave a little for the last 3 miles, something I did not. 27.15 for 5 miles and 56mins for 10 meant both sets of 5 miles were faster than my Littledown race 3 weeks earlier. Not a suprise since my new job is more condusive to having energy for training. (oh yes, I've left Dorset by the way!). I was admittedly a little shocked to meet a face from the past, James Douglas, who I'd only ever raced on Maltese soil, and to date had always been beaten by. Nothing changed. A first mile in 5minutes and my race plan for: steady; turned in to fast start and survive. 3rd for 10miles and then the 8 months out of proper training and races hit the quads. I was pleased to be at the end as you can see from my finishing photo

http://www.bbc.co.uk/leicester/content/image_galleries/leicester_marathon_2007_gallery.shtml?8

I had to remind myself I was out to have a good time, when the guy behind stole my £40 prize for 3rd. Oh well. Good scenery, fast city roads, supportive locals and a banana at the end. One can't complain with 4th in 76.14

Happy Jogging

Martin Lewis

Well it sounded like a good idea at the time when discussing future races over dinner one night. Howard said what a great race the Beast was and I’d get a bright T-shirt for finishing. I was warned about some steps but how hard can a few steps be, I’ve done Beachy head marathon, surely it can’t be worse?! How wrong could I be!

We arrived bright and early, the sun just breaking through the cloud and after a quick warm up (sweating far too much for a warm up!) we were off! Howard said to start fast to avoid queing at the first style, but at 6.15minute miling (fast for me!) I was wondering if I’d make the course. The course meandered its way up through gullies and across styles until you come out to cross the road with support from locals  and can see Corfe Castle in the distance behind you. Still going up, through farms and across rocky paths you reach the coast and can see runners ahead of you already tackling the coastal path.  Howard takes this moment to point out the steps, all I see a very steep drop and almost vertical climb of steps! These climb up looks even worse after giving my knees and toes a pounding on the downhill bit, but undeterred we head upwards. We are about half way by this point and views across to Portland were fantastic, the edge taken slightly off however by seeing the runners ahead of us struggling up our second set of steps. The steps are single file and you are forced to go at the pace around you and not wanting to hold people up you keep your head down and keep going, painfully and breathlessly the top is within sight. Although if Howard ever tells you there are 20 steps to go in a race, double it!!! Thanks to Mike Cheney at this point for some much needed water and encouragement which aided our recovery on the flattish section.  Spurred on by the thought of about half an hour of running left, and Howards unfaltering positive attitude and encouragement we made over the next few styles, through Kingston, a nice section though some woods and the final hill was in sight. Across the finish line to be awarded by the customary fluorescent T-shirt, never again!.....................(until next year) Well done to everybody to took part.

Welsh Castles June 2007

This year was my fourth castles and each year it seems to just get better. The team sprit and camaraderie is second to none. From the start to the finish the support and friendship goes out to all from all the teams. This year 56 teams took part and its always nice to see some of the same faces that come back year upon year. It was particularly extra special for me this year as Vicki came back for a second time after running leg 20 in 2005 vowing never to return to Wales again. Since then she now studies at Glamorgan University so is getting to know some of the sheep very well. Her first experience was somewhat overwhelming having spent too much time in the pub in Newtown (half way overnight stop) and cheering for every runner that came into view, by the time she started her leg into Cardiff she was pretty exhausted. I was so pleased she returned and Alan gave her leg four from Maentrwog to Harlech castle, she really enjoyed it and I was so proud to have her running in the team. This year I had the girly leg running from Foel on stage 9 having to wear a pink outfit didn’t help, still I did well even though there was a steep hill at the end, its hard for me trying to keep up with real athletes. As I say a memorable time once again, it’s a great feeling reaching Cardiff and finally seeing your last athlete home after running from the top to the bottom of Wales, feeling tired but with a great sense of achievement. I really must thank Alan Lewis and his team who put so much hard work into this event to make it happen very well done and look forward to the challenge next year. 

Highlights:-

Well the whole thing really

The Indian meal on our overnight stop

Being at Cardiff to see Willard come in first

Hot dog at the end of stage 11 (extra tomato sauce)

Being part of the team

Seeing Darren drink 3 1/2 pints and still walk back to the camp site

And having Vicki there meant a lot for me

Paul Ingham

Another lovely Saturday evening for the Annual Maiden Castle Loop and a good turn out for a Poole Runners Club Championship. The club championship as ever turning friendly team mates in to fierce rivals. Greated by Vice Chairman Towner to the words (....although softened a little), "Damn I was hoping to not see you!" Bad luck I thought, although having had 4 weeks no running with a bad back, that fails to clear off, it was likely that this was a good opportunity for him to scoop a valuable 50 points.

I decided to opt for a gentle start, which as ever involved 20-30seconds of concentration before I threw the race plan away and hair tailed it after a speedy Andy Clements. One up hill followed by another and another and then a series of undulations and wrong footings in to rabbit holes and I was up in to first place. Well it was nice while it lasted, but a lack of running starts to show after you've made unfit legs run up and down that many times. By half way I was content that the guy in the distance was running away from me and the guy behind, although catching was hopefully going to tire by the time he was withing 15metres. As ever the guy behind probably sounded closer than he actually was but I think the lead Egdon runner, Dave Caddy could probably scratch my back if I asked him, so some serious road running to finish was required to pull away a comfortable distance. A new route from my last trip out to Dorchester 2 years ago and I'm sure like most I wasn't too pleased by having an extra long hill to finish. 2nd place and a fairly pain free run, with only a few brief grumbles from my ever irritating lumbar spine.

Highlight of the day, other than finishing without having to lie on the floor shaking my knees side to side was discovering that all but one of my initials (MGCL) was engraved on my prize M.C.L.

Ok, on to the next race.

“Darren, Isn't it?”

I know you, I thought, your Martin the Club Captain.

“Do you want to do the Welsh Castles Weekend?”

Sure, I thought, I had heard about this and knew that it was a weekend of heavy drinking with a little bit of jogging to line the stomach. Ohhhh no, I had got this very wrong, this was not going to be an opportunity to put my stamp on the clubs drinking fraternity, there would be no return to my heady rugby days here. This would be a baptism of fire, and me, a running club virgin of only 6 months, would be sacrificed on the alter of the running elite, my legs hacked off and held aloft by sweating club veterans chanting “fat lad”.

OK, that didn't happen, but after a 8 hour journey on the Friday in the Towner mobile, I did feel a bit like a fat lad with my legs hacked off, especially after my first visit to Pete's eats. The only saving grace was watching Hannah stall the car 12 times and me giving Mike a egg shaped lump by slamming his own car boot on his head....

So to my first afternoon in Northern Wales. Anxious to gain at least a couple of victories before I made a fool of myself attempting to run “leg 2”, what ever that was supposed to mean, I set about to challenge John Towner to a game of stone skimming. Using my military knowledge, I knew it was all about the tools, and quickly found a stash of excellent skimmers, and after launching a 20er, I felt good about the rest of the weekend. Next, we were transported to our lavish quarters, which consisted of a crash mat in a sports hall and with competition in our hearts we buttered up the receptionist for a football. We were warned that under no circumstances were we to use the outside 5 a side pitch, due to health and safety reasons. John Towner, being a health and safety inspector for Dorset County council leisure services thought that didn't apply to us as we only had four a side and most of them were girls. Splitting the sides fairly, girls (and Martin) against boys, I was hungry for another victory and nothing was going to stop me. Now, I have to apologies here to Becky for the flying forearm neck tackle, but win we did!

So, after a nice hot shower, and cutting the top of my finger off on my razor, we were off to my first drinking establishment. Now normally, if you take me to a pub on a warm summers evening overlooking a Caribbean style sunset overlooking the shore towards Anglesey, odds are I would be paraletic within a couple of hours. But my leg was at 11 o'clock the next morning and I had to, at least, act professional, so only 5 pints for me. :-( Hence nothing much to say about that!

Next morning the first runners donned their club shirts and us comical geniuses in Poole runners, donned our Indian Headdresses. With an arrow through my head, we went to partake in some (light) breakfasts. Not having spent enough time in a hot glass box the previous day, John decided we would all sit in the cafe shop windows, which happens to be the hottest place in Cymru! Two mugs of tea and 3 rounds of toast later (still not very clear what a round is) we set off to the start line.

Becky was the first off, still suffering from a damaged wind pipe we escorted her to the start line. The atmosphere was great, and a Spanish team put us Brits to shame with their vocal exuberance and one of the ladies even asked to have a photo with me, at least that what I thought she wanted but my Spanish is a bit rusty. So off they went, around the castle and over the bridge into the distance to rapturous applause. Now it was my turn to pitch up to my start line which was 10 miles away. Now, there are 20 legs to this event and each runner has to be dropped off, seen off, supported, given water, clapped through at the end and then bundled into a waiting vehicle. As each leg starts before the last has finished, this can be a massive undertaking of logistics, and I was impressed. Allan Lewis transported myself and Vicky to my start line. I'm not a nervous person at these things as I'm pretty much resigned not to win anything, but, Vicky was a nervous wreck and Allan's way of combating this was to tell her how great this event was and how well they have done in the past. No pressure then! So I'm at my start line weighing up the competition, I'm sure I wont come last, but I think I'm in the specialist 6 minute miler leg. On top of this, its clear this weekend is going to be damn HOT!. In fact Mike Towner later said it reached 31, pah, still 1 degree less than my Paris marathon. Heat is for girls! Ok I'm a running girl, 5 miles into my run, I had resigned my self to being taken over, not just by lots of other runners, but by a vast amount of traffic. This is not a nice run, its hot, roadside and busy, the Towner mobile crew helped loads with water but, in all honesty, the run wasn't my bag. The end was nice, finishing in a pretty town somewhere, I knew I wasn't last, I got a nice t-shirt and my 80 minutes of work were done.

After transferring a large amount of sweat into Mikes car seats I was transferred into the minibus where I met up with some more Poole Runners who had traveled up that day. We went from leg to leg, cheering and dropping and picking up. The scenery got a lot better and I really enjoyed this part of the day. I like the teamwork that was involved in a long distance relay, something you can miss in running as it is a predominately solo event, this was different, and not just amongst us Poole Runners. Where we could we gave bottles and cups of water to all the runners, and the camaraderie was gratifying.

The heat was still hurting people, and when we lost Steve half a mile from the end of his leg, things were looking bleak for us. Again Vicky was a emotional train wreak as her dad, Paul, was out running and we hadn't found him yet. We all said “Isn't he doing well” as we past runner after runner, inwardly I felt he maybe in the back of a St Johns ambulance somewhere, but no, there he was, cool as a cucumber putting in a class performance.

Well, this could go on, I had a great weekend, my run wasn't the best but I loved the event in the whole. We ate in an Indian on Saturday evening, and at last I got lots of beer, not too mention me and Keith's “Marshalling”, outside a pub as Gary came past the next day. “Well done, keep going”, gulp gulp gulp. Martin never fails to impress with his heat exhausting climb up Drovers mountain, and I even saw Willard take a tent down!!!.

So thanks all, my first outing with Poole Runners, and it was a scream, and yes, If you will have me, I would love to do it all again!

Well as some of you may know I was going to run my 3rd marathon in Paris on the 15th May.  Well I didnt as much run as staggered around.  As normal first 10 miles were good, second 10 not so good and the last 6 awful, the final .2 I cant remember.  I should have known when the taxi driver tapped his temperature guage and it said 32 degrees!!!

Anyway, well worth doing and I got a 7 minute PB and came in at 3:59.