Durham City Harriers & AC Forum

Leadership in Running Fitness Course (no replies)

gary coulter — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:08:45 +0100

There is a free Leadership in Runniing Fitness Course on 17 June in Shildon for anyone from the club who would be interested. It's a good day (tu)with no formal assessment but it is valuable if you lead a group at any time or might want to in the future. There is some information and a flier here Lirf course
Don't worry about the bit that says you have to set up a group-all you'd need to do would be to help out in terms of leading a group at the club. Have a word with Gary or Andy if interested.

Long Summer Relay anyone? (5 replies)

gary coulter — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:57:23 +0100

At the end of last year's cross Durham Relay it was suggested by the group sitting in the Tap and Spile :)-D that we ought to do Hadrian's Wall this year(:D. Well the time is here to start things off and the date we're going with is Friday 6th July to Saturday 7th July. Plans are a bit vague at present but an outline would be to get as many as want to to go across to beyond Carlisle on the Friday night and camp not too far from the start of the 84 mile route which begins at Bowness on Solway (posh campsite of course). Set off earlyish in morning and run in pairs. Distance run would really depend on how many are willing to join in. 12+ would be pretty good-that would mean a run of about 14miles each in total over the day. If we were able to fill 3 cars and swop drivers around then we'd have support cars all the way. However if anyone wanted to join in without coming and spending the night in a tent then that'd be ok but you'd have to meet up on the way and bring a car with a support driver. Obviously it's a bit more of a committment than the last couple of relays we've done but it would be a touch more adventurous and social (especially if stopping the night). So far there are four signed up-Rob G, Chris C, Jon A, and Gary C. However four's probably a bit short in numbers as it'll mean we do 40 miles each which is a little bit far :(....... Again we'd do it as a charity run for St Cuthbert's Hospice. Hopefully there is some interest out there. If so you can post here or email gary through the contacts at the back of the website. Or contact any of us on club night. If possible by the end of May. Perhaps we could do it in 14 hours?? (Joss Naylor did it in about eight and a half I think).

Prague marathon (5 replies)

MikeK — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:34:20 +0100

3.57 yeahhhhh

TEES BARRAGE RESULTS 2012B) (no replies)

viperman — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:49:22 +0100

RESULTS ATTACHEDB)

KESWICK HALF MARATHON 2012B) (5 replies)

viperman — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:54:14 +0100

The day started out in typical fashion in the lakes ,light rain cold and misty, went to pick my race number up as i had entered online , sorry we have no record of your entry on the computer, had to fill form in and was given a number 39. had a little warm up and met mike warren in the race headquarters i think we were the only durham city harriers as far as i can see. We set off to the start which is about a half mile away and the weather was rapidly improving. I discussed my race plan with mike and said i would try for a negative split as most of the hills are in the first part of the course. I had told mike that i was aiming for 1.40 so set off at a really comfortable pace 7.35 mile 1 to 3 went very smoothly mike pushed on briefly and i rejoined and went past mike at mile five , by this time the big hills were coming up , settled into hill climbing mode before i knew it i had run all the hills and had reached the top only slightly out of breath. I was feeling great so started to race and picked it up to 7 minute mileing got to the bottom of the valley, next to the lake and started to push again from the 9 mile mark, still feeling strong but it is a very undulating run in to keswick and my quads started to tire. 10 mile mark 73 minutes then a hard grind for the last 3 mile into the rugby club and a sprint to the finish feeling great 1.37.09 on my watch, what a training run that was i thought. I waited for mike to arrive and 3 minutes later mike come sprinting in over the moon with his timeB) results attached below

Sunderland marathon of the north etc (12 replies)

Jon — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:50:57 +0100

Well the title of the race just trips off the tongue
I'll post a race report later but times for myself and anth approx
Jon just nipped under 3.15
Anth sub 3.20
Very twisty course with a few surprising gradients though pretty well run.
Both PBS with Dave coxon also running,though at this point I can't get his time.
Cheers to Craig Herkes and all at team Knight for their vocal support.
I'm off to ponder the great mysteries of the universe such as how the elite guys go sub3

Latest summary of results from Bryan (no replies)

gary coulter — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:41:13 +0100

GB International Rosie Smith enjoyed a fantastic weekend at the Isle of Man Easter Festival of Races by winning the Senior Ladies 1st Prize after three consecutive days of competition.:) Firstly, she ran the 10k road race at Port Erin and finished 18th overall, but was 1st Lady recording 34.18 in a personal best time. Secondly, Rosie then ran the tough Hill Race at Peel and finished 2nd Lady and recorded 17.17.and thirdly on the final day of competition she was back to winning ways finishing 1st Lady in the 5k road race at Douglas recording 17.13, to collect the coveted Ladies overall 1st prize, a great personal achievement. Her team mate Aiveen Fox also did very well recording 37.18 for 6th place in the 10k road race, 7th place in the Hill Race in 18.11 and 5th place in the 5k road race, recording 18.05.:)

Meanwhile in the Cyril Elliott Open meeting at Middlesbrough, young sprinter Lucy McIlroy won an excellent Gold medal in the u/15 Girls race over 200m recording a pb time of 26.79, and in the 100m won a Silver medal recording 13.31.(tu)

At the Carlisle Open meeting, Chloe Price ( u/17) finished 1st in the 1500m, recording a pb time of 4.41.9, whilst her younger sister Courtney was 3rd in the (u/13) 800m recording 2.47.5. Twins Chris and Jonny Wilkinson continued their brotherly rivalry with Chris finishing 1st in the (u/20) 800m in a pb time of 2.11.1, with Jonny 2nd in 2.12.3. However, in the 1500m Jonny gained revenge recording 4.30.2 with Chris recording 4.36.5 for another pb. A week later, Jonny travelled down to Stoke and ran a fine 800m in a pb time of 2.09.40 to finish in 3rd place, and then later ran the 1500m in bad conditions to finish 3rd again in 4.33.65.:)

Subs 2012 (no replies)

gary coulter — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:10:26 +0100

The subs renewal letters are in the post. To get a reduced rate you have to pay by June 1st. Can you please check your email address is correct as we'll try to send them out electronically next year. If you don't get a renewal and you think you should then contact me through the contacts on the website. Thanks

London Marathon 2013 (1 reply)

the_mad_jogger — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:04:20 +0100

The ballot has now opened for the 2013 London Marathon.

Good luck

the Mad Jogger

May Endurance 2012 (no replies)

alan rowell — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:36:39 +0100

Sessions for May

Both groups will be together unless indicated below. Hopefully there's plenty of variety for all.
Don't forget the warm up session on non track days starting around 6.40 but come along even if you're late. Better than hanging around letting muscles get cold. Cool down at end also.

Tuesday 1st
This is the night of the Mackay Mile so if you’re interested get there in time to register-start time 7.20pm. Otherwise............
10mins warm up with IFF (Indian File Fartlek) on grass.
6 x 600metres on grass. Pace increases at 200m and 400m. 2 minutes recovery.

Thursday 3rd
Gary’s group: Fartlek. Maiden Castle-Houghall Farm-High School-Path through golf course-Potters Bank-Prebends Bridge-Brown’s Boat House-Maiden Castle. Efforts decided on night.
Alan’s group: Fartlek session around Durham. 6-8 variable speed intervals run at own pace to be decided on the night.
Route is MC to Baths Bridge via rowing club and riverside, along riverside to Prebends, over bridge and along riverside to Crook Hall, past seweage works and along to Frankland Farm,up to and over railway footbridge, ( we got lost here last year, that's unusual) turn sharp left and up grassy hill and into woods, down steps then Right to reach footpath behind Aykley heads, LEFT following path to DLI, down to M/gate and back to MC by river.

Tuesday 8th.
10 min warm up with form shuttle runs.
On grass. 3 x (1min+2min+3min+2min+1min). Half previous time as recovery. 2 mins between the sets.

Thursday 10th
1 x 600metres with pace increase at 200m and 400m. 3 minutes recovery -Then......
20 minute tempo run on trails 2 x (5min out+5min back) with 30 secs recovery after 10 mins. Then....
1 x 600 metres with pace increase at 200 m and 400m.

Tuesday 15th
2 x (5 x 400m). On grass. 75 seconds recovery. 3 minutes between sets.

Thursday 17th
Houghall Hill Loop. Tonks.
Alan’s group x3/Garys group x2. Effort from seat to Botanics then recovery down to steps. Pick up pace from bottom of steps to start of hill. Walk up to seat.(If you don’t get this all will be made clear on the night!). Check out
[www.mapometer.com]

Tuesday 22nd
6 min Tempo Run. Then........
30minutes of approx 800m loops in similar ability pairs. On grass. 2-3 mins recovery.

Thursday 24
Gary’s group: Steady run off road with efforts.
Alan’s group: Good pace run on/off road with 10 min warm up-down( highlighted). MC, Rose Tree, left at lights, left up Trod to lights at Sherburn Road. cross and past tesco turn right along Rennys Lane, follow road under A1, new cycle path to Sherburn Village,right at road, left at roundabout, right at bottom of hill, grassy footpath to Grand View, left to roundabout then right to T junction and road all the way back to Rose Tree.

Tuesday 29th
May Handicap

Thursday 31st
CLUB RUN Off road so be prepared.;)

Keep the race reports flooding in.

Gary and Clartyman

Summer race (10 replies)

Jon — Sat, 05 May 2012 20:55:13 +0100

Evening all , following on from discussions about changing the relays held in August to a mixed terrain race around Maiden castle a conclusion's been reached that this
is feasible BUT only with the help and backing of a group of volunteers.

With this in mind we're trying to raise said army,think of the A team but without the need to hide in a warehouse and come out in a cleverly constructed attack vehicle.So in essence it comes down to this at least ten people are needed to help bring this idea of a romp around the river on a balmy August summer's eve to fruition.

If you feel you can give the time up please make yourself known by posting below . The tasks are mixed,admin,filling envelopes,sending e mails,handing out flyers,helping get flyers printed and all the usual gubbons needed to make a race go smoothly(marshalling ,helping to collect results,etc)If we can't raise ten names by the end of April then there will be no event,relay or otherwise so please do give your backing.
Thanks

neptune relays - Hardwick park (1 reply)

Geoff — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:58:57 +0100

Good results tonight in attrocious weather at Hardwick park

Men's A team won >:D<

1) Jonathan Baines
2) Michaell Grimes
3) Jonathan Wilkinson
4) Chris Wilkinson

1) Durham City
2) Marsh House
3) Sunderland

Men B

1) Les Philips
2) Rob Garbutt
3) Jon Ayres
4) Geoff Watson

Ladies A

1) Chloe Price
2) Fran

full results should be up on the sedgefield website soon.

London Calling (4 replies)

crampti — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:06:34 +0100

Another day another marathon8-)

Not sure why I went to do this race this year but went I did and can't say it was the most enjoyable of races. After a year of foot injuries and a pretty crap training schedule with limited miles in the bank and only one 10K race this year I was not sure how to approach the race and not sure about pace judgement. Anyway, turn up on the day I did and I though I would just go for it and if the foot went, then it went and so be it. As it happened I quickly got into the race and felt okay with only minor pain in the foot. Mind you the organisation at the start was not up to the usual standard:S. Getting through the first six without problems was the main aim and I reached Cutty Sark in a good group and feeling canny. As the group was going a good pace I thought I would just sit there in the pack and keep my head down. The miles quickly passed and I reach Tower Bridge and then half way in just over 1:14. and I was was happy with my progress. The group then started to string out and soon I was running on my own with big gaps in front and behind, it is then that the foot started to give me some pain. It was okay between about 15 to 17 with just minor discomfort. However, reaching 18 the pain set in and it was getting worse by the mile, a real struggle to keep any sort of pace going. The anoying thing about it was I was feeling strong but for planting my foot which was restricting my stride length. Then you start compensating and adjusting everything to manage the pain and everything just gets worse. For the next 4 miles to about 23 it was mad and not something I would recommend. However, I had come this far and there was no way I was giving up now, onwards and upwards as they say. I put my head down and just pushed on and tried to put the pain out of my mind. I soon reached Victoria Embankment, and apart from a numb foot I felt okay however, I was still on my own with no-one around me. One mile to go it was a case of keeping the pace up, forgetting about the pain and thinking about the finish line. I had no idea at this stage what time I was on for and to be honest didn't care, just wanted to finish. As I entered Birdcage Walk I actually caught two and went passed them so must have been running a some sort of pace or they were probably walking, not sure. I turned the corner to see the line and I was just happy to finish. I didn't even look at the time when I crossed the line and only got it confirmed as 2:33 by a marshall.

All-in-all, not the best time but happy to get through it, but not sure what long-term damage I have done:X

Never again - until the next one:P

Ian

South Shields Multi Terrain 10K Race (1 reply)

the_mad_jogger — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:48:20 +0100

This is the results of the South Shields, Multi Terrain, 10 Km Race, held on the 15 April 2012

Team Kev A Spectator's Account of The London Marathon (3 replies)

darrenmcbain — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:33:58 +0100

A supporters account of the London Marathon!!

After last year's 20mile hitting the wall, I decided then that I would go and support Kev in London for this year's London Marathon. As a running rule, I have never had a desire to run a marathon; I have had some experiences of running longer runs but never the immense effort that it takes to run 26.2 miles and all the training that is needed to get round this mammoth distance!

Our weekend started with an early train from Durham and a pretty much easy journey down to Kings Cross! A part from the mysteries of flashing door lock system, a revolving/revealing train toilet door, a code brown and an extremely embarrassed fellow passenger!!

We arrived in London and Kev and I headed straight for the Mecca for all runners, London Excel Centre, to get Kev's number and buy the very necessary memento, London Marathon T-shirt! (Mind I felt like a fraud as I wasn't actually running!)

We spent the next few hours enjoying the sights of all the determined runners bustling with enthusiasm, tearing feverishly at the quickly turning bare rails.

We stopped to talk to two fellow Harriers, Steve Marshall, who was very pleased with his collection of freebies and Craig Herkes, who was very pleased with the angle of his Sweatshop stall, something to do with the view and the support!!
However, we were quickly tiring of being handed endless amounts of flyers for marathons for all around the world - Beijing to Berlin were all on offer at discounted rates.

Fully literatured up and with more energy bars than Holland and Barratt, we quickly left for the first highlight of the weekend - a visit to the theatre for the show Billy Elliot; this has to be said a fabulous production, extremely entertaining and only with the on set off cramp we thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing of the Durham miners and their struggle to over come the 80s fashion police!

Off to the hotel and a 2 mile gentle jog for me and Kev just to loosen the legs and settle the nerves for tomorrow's big race!
A pre marathon meal consisted of the necessary carbs overload of a pepperoni pizza and of course no alcohol!

Pins in place, number in place, laces carefully adjusted, timing tag located, Lucozade Sport Bottle with correct circumference purchased, Harriers Vest Ironed and Jelly Beans stored, off to bed for a night of tossing and turning and watching the clock tick round for an early start!

Kev left early for the start and Team Kev were left to strategically plan our assault on the Marathon course! We were planning an all out attack on as many mile stages as humanly possible, in the end we settled for a Macdonald's breakfast and miles 15 and 19!

Mind I would like to add the London Marathon online tracking system is fantastic. Team Kev was accurately able to monitor his progress down to the very second! No chance of a certain Sunderland Harrier jumping on a bus, Tube or Barclay's Bike in this race!!!

After out muscling some small children for a prime spot at Mile 15 we waited eagerly for the first of the Durham Harriers to come past our vantage point! First to arrive was Ian Crampton looking in fine form, Team Kev managed to capture him in action but he was moving too quickly to stay in shot! Next was Nick, bleeding for the cause, quickly followed by Dan Jenkins, Steve Marshall then Kev looking very comfortable, he even had time for a drink and a quick thumbs up! Feeling confident we headed off to our second predetermined viewing point!

At 19 mile, the race continues round the business district of Canary Wharf; this is when it starts to hurt, you can see by the look in the eyes of the runners that stream by, they have a sense of fear, they are calculating in their minds the race pace, the fear of it dropping, some were stopping to stretch, to walk and worse! However, team Kev were surprised to see Kev was on us and he didn't look great, still running but no thumbs up! (Mind we then realised we were standing at the wrong place, no time for Jelly Beans-never-mind!)

Apprehensively, we headed off to the end, two tube rides and a quick check of the MarathonTracker told us that our fears had come to fruition, his pace had dropped but with lots of 10k races in the pipe line, Kev was extremely sensible to realise that the sub 3hrs that he so longed for was out of his grasp and that the aches and pains were not to be ignored - 3.31 on a hot day was a fantastic achievement! A bit of soul searching and maybe the realisation that we are not all built for the longest of long distance running has made Team Kev think that this marathon lark is for a certain breed of runner. However, never say never! And for me you ask do I fancy the long winter months of 20mile + long runs just to get you in the shape you clearly need to be in to conquer this beast of a run... Nee chance!!!

P.s would you believe we then had another marathon of journey getting home! You cant bloody trust the trains! For one moment, Team Kev nearly had to cram into the train loo just to get enough room to stand for the train journey back to Durham!!

Summer Handicap 2012 (2 replies)

Rob G — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:06:24 +0100

Just a reminder that the summer handicap 2012 begins with the time trial on Tuesday 24th April at Maiden Castle 7pm. Why not get there and take advantage of the improved weather and remember that feeling of running along the yellow path to the finish. See you there.

London Marathon 2012 (2 replies)

gary coulter — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:35:43 +0100

Result are here
results

Rome Marathon (1 reply)

gary coulter — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:39:33 +0100

Mike has sent us this - he obviously had a good time!

ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME! :)

Why the Rome Marathon? Well, really wanted a good marathon to look forward to running in springtime, so what’s on? Rome, March 18th, yep, that’ll do nicely! Bit of a European adventure, warm temperatures, take someone special and make a great long weekend of it, hey, maybe she’ll do it too, or at least the 4k which attracts 80,000 entrants! Rome it is then!

The Maratona di Roma website looked good! and on-line registration was straight forward. A medical certificate is required as standard and thankfully my Doc waived the usual £25 fee – nice. With registration complete, email confirmation of race number in hand the anticipation mounted! Now then, just the small matter of all those training miles during dark nights and cold and wet early mornings!

Flights are straightforward from Manchester and we arrive in the beautiful, very warm and sunny city on the Thursday, plenty of time before Sunday’s race to relax and savour the city, see the sights (walking miles and miles!) and cram in as much pasta as poss!

The big day arrives; the race start is at The Colloseum, Wow! What a start venue! its just a mile’s walk from the hotel, and in beautiful sunshine ….but oh-oh, isn’t it just getting a little warm?!. Great race atmosphere, lots of music, lots of noise, lots of colour

We’re off and it’s so incredibly busy, jostling for the first two miles I’m off to a slow start which doesn’t suit me, over 9mins! Just can’t get going, 2nd mile not much better, the field then thankfully opens up but within a few miles it’s too hot! But hey, we’re in Rome and the atmosphere is fantastic! The race takes just about every beautiful sight in the City of Rome!......(and that includes the spectators!)….oh yes, and four miles of cobbles too!

Yeah, ok, sounds like an excuse (it is actually!) but I’ve kinda decided to savour the journey, take in the sights, soak up that Latin atmosphere, chat to some of the runners along the way, mile after mile, I’m enjoying every minute, hey, its just like a great big sightseeing tour where everyone wears running kit!

A few miles off finish and I reckon I better press on, my time’s not looking too good, crossing the line in beautiful 23c sunshine is fantastic and I’ve enough in the tank to really kick on and storm through the final straights which feels really good (should have tried harder earlier I hear you say!) 3:54 is disappointing but the run is honestly the best I’ve ever experienced and one I wont ever forget!

No need for the silver blanket around my shoulders this time, its too flippin hot! but the golden medal now around my neck does feel good! A good stretch followed by a wander around and eventually finding Sandra in amongst the crowd, a big hug feels good, though I couldn’t have smelt too good for her though!

After a short stroll, we are once again lunching al fresco on another perfect pasta in a lovely little Rome restaurant before a leisurely amble back to the hotel for a jacuzzi and sauna…then heading back out again into the city for more great food and, this time, excesses of wine….does life really get any better than this!?:)-D

Flying home we savour the memories and think….where next? French Riviera Marathon, Nice to Cannes, sounds good………….anyone fancy it?

Mike Warren
March 2012

Session Saturday (1 reply)

gary coulter — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:10:59 +0100

Over the coming weeks Rob and myself are meeting up at Maiden Castle around 5.30ish on a Sat for a session on grass (he's running, I'm just holding the watch...) The aim is to do some longer reps, but we're starting this week with 6 x 1k (appx 3k pace) with 3 min recoveries. And then over the weeks increase the distance run. Rob's happy to have company so if you want to join in please do!

Membership Renewal 2012 (no replies)

gary coulter — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:04:15 +0100

Club Membership Renewal 2012. You should be receiving your renewal letter sometime in the next week or so. If you want to get the discount then make sure you send it in within the date on the letter. If you don't get a renewal letter and you think you should then email me through the contacts on the website. You will only get a renewal letter if you paid your subs last year. Thanks.

Summer Event Planning (no replies)

gary coulter — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:53:34 +0100

There will be a meeting at 8.15pm in the meeting room at Maiden Castle on Thursday 26th April to discuss the planning of a summer running event. All welcome.

London Marathon (1 reply)

alan rowell — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:55:46 +0100

Best wishes to all our London Marathon runners.
May the force be with you (and a following wind).

Latest summary of results (no replies)

gary coulter — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:40:06 +0100

Report by Bryan

Jonathan Baines (17) made his debut for the Club in the Hartlepool Marina 5 mile Race and had a great run finishing 9th in a good time of 28.12. Veteran Brian Brown (V/65) was 150th in 37.09, Rachel Bentley was 191st in 38.40, and super-vet Bill McNeil was 1st O/80, 277th in 45.02. (383 finished).

In the Northumberland half-marathon, veteran Steve Marshall had a fine run finishing 20th overall in 1hr 24mins 6secs and was first vet O/55, with Kevin Knight (vet O/40) 29th in 1hr 26mins 46secs, Anthony Hunt (vet O/40) 74th in 1hr 35mins 19secs, and Darren McBain 96th in 1hr 37mins 25secs (out of 674 finishers).

At the North Tyneside 10k, veteran Ian Crampton ran very well to finish 9th overall in a time of 34:10, and was second vet O/50. He was followed by Kevin Knight (v40) who was 57th in 37.56 (P.B.), Kim Simpson (106th in 39:41), Darren McBain (v35) 143rd in 41.25 (P.B.), Paul Adams (V45) 161st in 41.50 (P.B.), Clare Manser 325th in 45:32, and Wayne Pullen 400th in 46:34 (P.B.).

In the Blyth 10k, Chris Herkes was first counter for the club finishing 92nd in 40.06, followed by Rob Garbutt (V45) 113th in 41:27, Craig Herkes 160th in 43:49, Chris Callan (V40) 266th in 47:44, and Joe Harker (V70) 417th in 57:22 (out of 464 finishers).

Nikki Stephenson, the clubs only representative in the Coniston 14 mile race, finished 917th in 2hrs 4minutes 51seconds.

Cragside 10K (6 replies)

darrenmcbain — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:50:35 +0100

My First Report ‘Cragside 10K’

Cragside 10k seemed like a good idea at the time. I had just completed the Tynemouth 10k, achieved a new pb of over two minutes, so I rushed home looking for my next race. My friend had entered and I was looking forward to trying to achieve close to the magical 40 minute barrier!

However, the next day my mate dropped out and I couldn’t get anyone to take his place. So I was left to travel up to Rothbury on my own. But Nicola Knight, my sister kindly offered to keep me company, but even she was having second thoughts when she woke at dawn, to find a small covering of snow outside her bedroom window.

However, feeling a little more confident that the blue skies to the north of Newcastle were looking a little more inviting, we set off for the 35 min drive to the Cragside Estate. Cragside stately home is in Northumberland and is owned by The National Trust, you enter the world of Lord Armstrong - Victorian inventor, innovator and landscape genius.

The race was due to start at 9.45 and all the runners had exclusive access to the estate from 8.30am, giving us a unique and personal feel to the run as the general public are not allowed in until 11.am.

Surprisingly, the conditions were fairly fine, very chilly, but with a splattering of blue sky and no sign of those predicted snow showers.

The race was one lap of the estate, following the carriage way roads that encircle the land. The finish was directly in front of the majestic stately home and the organisers had kindly placed the start line 1 mile, anti clockwise, up the hill from the finish line; this enabled the runners to benefit from a very fast first and last mile.

After a slow saunter up to the start, I was surprised to see that there were a couple of hundred other runners who braved the hill climb. However, it was no surprise to see the usual vests of, Sunderland Harriers, Morpeth, South Shields and Tynedale. Feeling a little more confident, I made my way to near the front, next to a familier face a Parkrun pal – Kevin Lister. He quickly briefed me on the perils of the middle 3 miles, ‘It’s all up hill’ he enthused! At the front was Michael Morris, who had won the Wallington half Marathon, and won this race in 33.41, so I knew I was in good company.

The start was announced and I quickly dispersed with the base-layer-top that I had needed to brave the chilly wind. The starter shouted ‘Go’ as the fog horn spluttered with exhaustion. Off we went at rapid speed, in good knowledge that the first mile was all down hill; I was quickly into my running covering the first mile in 5.40; I flew through the start line, past the stately home and on into the second mile, keeping a fast steady pace, similar to my enthusiastic start. I covered the low undulation in a very pleasing 6.23 - feeling good, I thought positively.

Then I hit the hill!!!

At 5K, I was at the 20min mark, so I was still feeling positive, but the hill was starting to take its toll. My legs were feeling heavy and I remember looking at my watch and noticing how my average pace was drastically, dropping: 6.00, 6.20, 6.30, 6.40. I had went off too fast; people were starting to pass me! I looked at my watch as the beep told me I had reached the 4 mile point and it had taken me 8.36! That was it, I just needed to get to the 8k mark and then I knew it was all down hill. I hung on the back of this runner and then finally reached the summit.

Suddenly, I was heading down, I got a second wind and I was off, my watch told me I was over the 7 min average - I had to get my average down or I knew I was going to be disappointed at the end. The kind runner that had helped me up the hill, tried to stay with me but within moments of kicking through the gears I heard the patter of his feet begin to fade. About 50m ahead I had an Alnwick runner as my next target. Slowly at first, but then faster I reeled him in and then I came up on his shoulder and then past! Once again, the runner tried to stay with me but my confidence was growing. We turned the corner and in the distance, down the valley, the end was in sight. I kicked again and he started to falter. My watch beeped and at 6 miles, my watch was, 5.40 – not bad for the end of 10K race I thought! I approached the finish line in a respectable 42.29, 20th place out of 220 runners; this was a minute outside of my Tynemouth pb but in relation to the type of terrain, I was pleased.

At the end were a smiling sister and niece, Olivia and a few hardy people enduring the arrival of the forecasted snow showers. However, it was nice to hear all standards of runners talk of their tales of, ‘The Hill.’

One of the things I liked about this race was the option to pay extra for a t-shirt, not many had bought one but I was really pleased to get my Cragside 10k t-shirt, even if it is black white.

All Haile (1 reply)

DaveK — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:04:14 +0100

From the BBC Sport website: Gebrselassie upped his pace and passed the 5km mark in 14:12

That's in a half marathon.

Come on coach Coulter, how can we get close to this man? He is after all nearly retired.

AGM! (no replies)

Geoff — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:35:04 +0100

A gentle reminder that the AGM is next thursday at 7.30pm at MC. We do need to have people there to make it quorate. It does take a bit of time but very important to the function of the club!

Neptune Relays 25th April (8 replies)

Chris Herkes — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:23:58 +0100

Is anyone interested in running in the Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park a week on Wednesday?

I'm interested in running and it's teams of 4 so would be good to get 1 or 2 teams out.

Details at the following link -

[www.sedgefieldharriers.co.uk]

Cheers

Debbie Hales (1 reply)

Geoff — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:34:56 +0100

It is with great sadness that I have to inform club members of the tragic death of Debbie. She had been a member of the club for many years and a stalwart supporter of the ladies cross country team. Debbie was also a keen cyclist with her husband Paul riding with cestria cc.

The funeral is at Durham crematorium on Friday 20th April. Time to be confirmed. DCH members have been asked to run the last 400m in their club kit.

Our thoughts are with are with Debbie's family at this terrible time.

Results Hartlepool Marina 5 2012 (no replies)

B.Brown — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:03:43 +0100

Four Orange vests out on a Sunny but cool Sunday morning a headwind blowing in our faces on the return run on the promanade from Seaton Carew.The day warmed up for the finish and presentation on the Trincolee in bright sunshine.
Jonathan Baines 9th 28.12
Brian Brown 150th 37.09 VAA-NE Silver Medal M65
Rachel Bentley 191th 38.4
Bill Mcneill 277th 45.02 VAA-NE Gold Medal M80

MERMAID 10K 2012::o (1 reply)

viperman — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:03:38 +0100

This was the race that never was, the course had been altered because of the work being carried out to the sea defences at redcar/marske, so it was moved up towards green lane, and if anybody has run the old redcar half marathon course, green lane aint the best conditions under foot.I arrived at marske at 10am with just 15 minutes to spare to get my race number, went in the mermaid to registration and the whole place was full of runners with imcomplete forms, something must be wrong i said to myself. apparently there had been an accident on the new route and police had closed the road off. To be fair the officials said they could organize a 5k at 11.00 am, that did not intrest me, so i decided to drive to the start of the old redcar half marathon and run part of that route up towards kirkleatham and towards marske and back along the seafront via green lane only did 13.5k though, a little dissapointing day but not all lost, it will be doutfull if i run the victorian 10k in july as i think they still will be doing the sea defences it looks like a big job.(td)