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Running Report Summary     2007

 

This page features "Mini reports" from our members at various Running events around the country for the current year. Full reports and reports from previous years can be accessed through the Archive Pages

A small number of WVR braved the cold and damp at this local cross country meeting. With separate races for the ladies and gents Jill and Keith had brought along Junior Hopkins as spectator with the intention that they would both have a run. With no certainty that the Ladies race would finish before the start of the Mens race Jill decided not to start. Unfortunately there were no other ladies representing WVR so it was down to the men to fly the flag.

The turnout in both the men’s and ladies races were quite modest. The mens distance listed as being 9500m, comprising 1 medium lap followed by 4 large laps. Each circuit having a steady climb with a right stinger of a hill nearing the end. 

With such a small field the start was quite quick but we soon settled down to a sensible pace with Keith Hull and Peter Hansen disappearing into the distance.  I was going quite well even managing to keep on my toes up the steep hill for the 4^th and last lap, with the finish coming about 200m from the top. I had nothing left on this run in as I watched Keith Hopkins overtake me with only yards to go.  Unknown to the rest of us Ross Mclagen followed us in having arrived after the start starting some 2 minutes down on the field.

Our just reward for our afternoons work was picking up the 1^st place Team Trophy with Keith, Peter and Keith totalling 28pts.

 I am sure Jill will try and rally support from the ladies for next year as I am sure they would have also picked up the team prize in their race also.

 I also would like to see our men turn out in force to retain their trophy

Surrey Vets Cross Country Championships

I have been running cross country races for Woking (my 2^nd claim club) in the Surrey League for the last 3 years, not having run cross country since I was at school more than 40 years ago.  I’m still not keen on running in very muddy conditions, but I enjoy running off road, and it’s good to run as part of a team in a league with promotion and relegation – it adds a competitive edge!

When I heard that the Surrey Vets Cross Country Championships were to take place, I thought I’d give it a whirl, even if I were to be out-classed.  I entered by post – only £3 – quite a bargain, I thought.

On the day – Saturday, 20^th October – I had arranged to give Duncan Irvine (a WVR 2^nd claim member) a lift.  The race was in Richmond Park, and we had to pick up our numbers at Ranelagh’s HQ behind the Dysart – a pub opposite the Park.  We duly picked up our numbers and walked up a steep hill opposite towards the start – I had no idea where we were going, but we followed other runners. 

The Men’s Race was at 3.00, and as we warmed up, the sun beamed down, and we could tell it was going to be warm running.  There weren’t as many there as I expected.  On the one hand this was good – even if I was last, it looked as if I would be able to tell people I finished in the top 100.  On the other, perhaps only the very best runners had turned out, and I would be last by an embarrassing distance!  

Still, the time came, and we set off.  The course turned out to be effectively 1.5 miles downhill, followed by 1.5 miles uphill, back to the start, and then repeated, to give a 10k race.  So, the early part of the race seemed easy, although already most people seemed to be overtaking me and retreating into the distance.  When we reached the white house, we ran round the back of it, and then back uphill, heading left on the way so that we circled a wood before arriving back at the start, and then heading downhill again. 

As I reached the white house for the second time, and I’d not seen or heard anyone behind me for about 2 miles, I was convinced I was last.  This was reinforced by the marshal at the house sounding his klaxon as I passed, presumably to tell other marshals that the last runner had passed him.  Then, close to the finish, as I passed a marshal, she seemed to turn and follow me home.

 Still, I finished in 44:41, which I thought was quite good for me, for an off-road 10k.  As I recovered, I noticed a few other runners finishing, so obviously it hadn’t been as bad as I’d feared.  In the end, I finished 78^th out of 113 runners.  My fellow club member, Duncan, finished 55^th in 41:42 – very impressive!

 Next year, why don’t we have a WVR team?  It is open to all Men over 40, and there is a Women’s race open to the over 35s – that takes place at the same place, starting at 2.30.

Warning signs appeared - such as 5000 ft ascent and only 2 out of 21 runners finishing under five hours last year.  The check point co-ordinates then arrived, showing the route to be more cross-mountain than cross-country and lacking paths or bridges in many places.

As I drove into the car park, the “Montrail ultra running” sign surprised me and added to my unease.  Clouds scudded overhead and the rain went from drizzle to something more persistent.  After a kit check, I was given a route map, punch card and intriguing notes like “aim for P4 … here you should be able to jump across” and “ignore footbridge … proceed straight on through boggy terrain”.  I packed a spare top, leggings, rain jacket, snacks, gels, water, plus a survival bag and whistle in my rucksack, keeping my map and compass to hand. 

85 walkers had left at 8:30am, and at exactly 10:30am 55 runners set off with little fanfare.  Everyone I spoke to was very experienced, so I started slow and kept watch.  The first surprise came after half a mile when we reached an uphill and everyone started to walk.  So I did the same.  An ankle-twisting, cross-slope footpath gave a short foretaste of things to come before we went through a forest, left paths behind and climbed to the first checkpoint.  As I started downhill, people who had been around me were suddenly far in front.  Fellrunners’ ability to fly downhill is legendary.  The way they descended and covered rough ground in a quick, efficient way throughout the race was truly impressive. 

After five miles, a second checkpoint and a stream crossing to cool the feet, we started the first long climb.  Runners stretched uphill into cloud in spectacular fashion and visibility fell to about 200m.  A wet, windswept cairn at 2467ft marked the top and first refreshment point.  The organisers had used tracked vehicles to bring bananas, toffee waffles and water to the top – amazing and very welcome. 

A wonderful run followed along a wide ridge, with tremendous views between clouds.  I kept with a small group until we descended to checkpoint three (10 miles) where I was left admiring their skill as they sped ahead.  A short forest trail and a good path up to the source of the River Severn gave some respite, but as we climbed the visibility diminished to 100m and a strong headwind and heavy rain came in.  Compass work across misty open ground was now required - but the organisers had somehow placed marker poles every few hundred meters.  After a rough descent, we emerged from clouds into a beautiful remote valley.   

I was now half way and three hours were nearly up ... in time for the hard bit.  Four miles of very wet boggy ground was interspersed with boggier bog, and muddy “roulette” puddles which could either be a two inch “splash” or two foot “splat”.  This was tricky, but at least I had walkers to pass.  In the middle of this valley of doom came a welcome refreshment stop and small river crossing to clean the shoes and legs.  A couple of runners passed me, mystically floating over the ground.  To restore spirits, I started an energy bar.  Unexpectedly it was a dense lump of molasses and oats, and just superb – I love black treacle.

A welcome big climb started to mile 16.  The steady workrate was a relief and I could gather thoughts and admire the wonderful views.  The top was less amusing as a windy rain squall greeted my arrival.  Going down was not fun, and another stream crossing followed complete with more mud and – believe it or not – sharp slates. Only in Wales!  I also realised my water was running down with no more refreshment points.

 In the 19^th mile came a fantastic sight – a third and unscheduled refreshment point!  The route shifted to forest tracks and feeling good, I soon came to mile 21.  A last patch of open moor and descent into another Welsh bog tested my sense of humour, particularly when my legs cramped as I stopped to avoid a 4 foot “puddle” lurking between two tussocks.  I kept going and suddenly only two miles remained, all on tracks.  A final mile uphill and a relaxed mile down through the trees led to the finish. 

My time of 6hr 18 min put me 32^nd overall.  It was an amazing event and warmly recommended for those after something different.  I have gained a new respect for fell runners, and my hillwork will now include specific exercises in descending – going up is the easy bit.  I may also head out for long runs with a map, compass and water bottle and energy bar – we have so many routes our area to explore.