Sunday 13th May - Its AGM Week!

Greetings one and all, another week has passed, more races have been run, muddy, wet, hilly, enjoyable pub runs have been completed, more club and training runs are in the tank, another Yeovilton 5km is completed, Nick kept ahead of the field as lead cyclist, Crispian has achieved another PB, Nigel did NOT run a marathon this week, Julie is having a great time in Venice and all is well with the world.

The Pub Run was fun, I am not saying the hill was high, but the top was in the clouds when we set out, by the time we got there, despite a few interesting comments from Paul, who seemed to doubt the fact I had a father, and Adam giving me 2 months detention, it was clear when we reached the summit and the views were stunning! As well as the hill, there were ploughed fields, plenty of mud and water, great company, an super evening and super grub at the end. As Jane said 'Thanks for a brilliant Pub Run, and thanks to Richard for my Inca Clock (Just a little late but worth waiting for). Try a Pub Run, a super evening!

Important week this week, its the AGM on Tuesday, there is the first of the 5k Handicaps at 6:30, please be there to START at 6:30 sharp if you are around the 40 min mark. There is also an alternative 5 miles if you fancy it, this will be followed by the AGM upstairs in the Football club, with a bite to eat to keep you going.

IT IS YOUR CLUB, THIS IS YOUR MEETING, PLEASE BE THERE IF YOU CAN!!!!!

Adam sent this about the 5k...


YTRRC 5km handicap - open to all members
This Tuesday 15th May
Target times will be based on last years' handicap times and/or times from the two Yeovilton races this year.
Can any runners who are expecting to run about 40 minutes please be ready to start at 6.35pm.
Therefore all runners finishing in their target time should finish at 7.15pm.
Runners with a target time will be eligible for the first three prizes.
If you don't have a target time please come and set one.


Richard Dodge and the Harvey Clan had a great day at the Black Death, with Richard and Rose battling it out over the hills and through the mud (Have not heard who came out on top yet) and Mike having a fantastic time!

It was also the Jack and Jill today, as Rose said, shame they are on the same day! Lesley sent in the following...


Jack & Jill Challenge 10k. Myself and 3 other YTRRC runners, Adam Hawkins and 2 other men who I don't know their names, sorry. The results aren't on the web yet, I did it in 57m 30s which I was happy with as it was virtually all off road, lots of ups and down, mud and rivers. Two very steep ups, one through the woods and then Jack & Jill's. I'm sure Jack and Jill walked it, so I did too (well most of it)! The 3 river crossings washed my shoes and very pleasantly cool cos it was hot out there today. I won my age category but I was probably the only Vet 60 female there!

It was an excellent race, good atmosphere and marshalling particularly at the two very welcome jelly baby points. I would definitely do it again.

Jack and Jill Results

Fiona tells me that the Sunday run today was terrific, with nice weather, a cracking route superbly organised by Debbie. Debbie does a great job with the Sunday Runs, and I know how much you all appreciate it.

I also get great feedback on the Friday Track sessions, please remember the first one in June is at Mudford Rec

Gillian put a request on Facebook for a 10 miler worth doing in the Autumn, 26 comments later, yes 26, I think every 10 miler in the South had been mentioned. looks like she, and a load of others, will be doing the Weymouth 10! Have a look at the comments on the unofficial facebook page, some decent races in there and some great comments!

Pete went and did a Park Run, he sent me this


Having heard about a "Park Run" in Exeter at the Thursday Pub Run and having a need for another pair of trainers from Ironbridge Runners I thought I might give it a go.  Just log onto "Exeter Park Run", register and twenty minutes later you get an email with your own personal "barcode".  For those of you familiar with Blue Peter the next bit is easy, just cut out the credit card size barcodes and laminate them.  You must remember to take at least one of them to the race with you.

Next, drive down to the venue in time for a 0900 start.  The venue was Killerton House (National Trust) near Exeter, make your way to the start line, receive the race briefing and off you go.  At the end you are handed a plastic barcode, you hand that and your own laminated barcode to the person on the desk, they scan both and that's it.

You are then free to cheer on the other competitors or go up to the Cafe for a bite to eat and a drink.  Later in the day those of you with a smart phone will receive an email with the race results.

It's excellent for those of you not used to racing and want to have a go without the pressure, everyone is friendly and it's just you against the clock or in my case I was trying to chase down Lin Laselles.

I did get my trainers and no I didn't catch Lin.

I have to agree with Pete, I have done some of these Park Runs and they are great!

Also from Pete

On Sunday I went out and did a recce of leg 9 of the Wessex Ridgeway, lovely scenery but the hills?  on the return leg I came across a gaggle of walkers, I was coming down, they were on the way up.  I couldn't resist being that extra bit cheerful as I ran past them.  Naughty but nice.


Today I started my annual May Hampshire Tour, spreading the Green and White across this county. Today was the challenging Alton 10, a hilly road race which I have struggled with over the last couple of years! But today was great weather, a huge field but someone forgot to flatten out the hills a bit! My target was to beat 80 mins after 83 something last year, did 77mins, my 2nd best ever 10 miler, round that course I was very happy, but knackered! Next week is the Marwell 10k at Marwell Zoo, then the Ropley 10k the following week, all hilly little numbers but nice events I really enjoy! Big family day out at Marwell, with the kids loving it!

Richards Three Race Challenge for Alfie and Arthur

Richard Dodge is taking up the mantle on behalf of Alfie and Arthur and raising awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy! He is taking on The THREE RACE MULTI-TERRAIN CHALLENGE, three races, off road, in 2, yes TWO, days!

Starting with the 8 miles of the tough and challenging Charmouth Challenge on Saturday 7^th July, Richard will then move on the Dorchester  in the evening for the Maiden Castle Loop, a little 6ish mile jaunt around the top of Maiden Castle. A quick sleep and then of to 7 mile Quantock Beast, a very well named run on Sunday!

To raise money Richard is letting people estimate the total time to complete the 3 races, it will be between 3.5 and 5 hours, last year Richards 3 times were 51:34, 1:20:18 and 51:35, what will he do this year? For a minimum contribution of £1 you can guess and have the chance to win one of two great prizes.

Richard will be collecting guesses at various club functions including the clubs 30^th Birthday party on 23^rd june.

Of course you can join Richard by entering any (or all) of these races, I will be there on Saturday evening to provide support but will be doing the New Forest 10 on the Sunday so will only cheer him over the finishing line!

Thank you for this challenge Richard, it will be a great weekend!

All the rest of the club information about pub runs, club runs, Friday track sessions and Sunday long runs are on the web site..

Club Website