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November 2014
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Cross Country Results
A round up of the action by members who took part in the British Athletics Cross Challenge in Liverpool and the EVAC Cross Country Championships in Kettering can be found here. Be inspired to have a go next year.
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CHANGE OF VENUE FOR NEXT ESSEX LEAGUE RACE
I've been told race 3 on Saturday 6th December is now at Great Notley Country Park, Braintree.
Click here for details.
Don't go to Epping Forest!!!!!!!!
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Pilates sessions - instructor?
We're thinking of organising a weekly pilates session. If you are, or you know of someone who is, a pilates instructor and would like to apply to provide this, please contact me (csomerton@live.co.uk) and I will send over details. Thanks.
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Rocky Steps marathon
After a year of boring many of you with a multitude of niggly foot and lower leg injuries I finally have a race report to file. My glass legs survived the Philadelphia marathon at the weekend!
I ran with two friends who live in Philly and another rather faster one who came down from NYC. The snow reports from New York State were a bit concerning as I boarded my flight from Heathrow. In the end we were really lucky and, even at the ridiculously early 7 am start time, it was about 5 degrees, clear and still.
Although there were about 30,000 runners the elite and club runner field was relatively small so I managed to line up just behind the elite women. It being my first marathon I did my best to keep the powder dry for the first half and I was a bit concerned to go through the 10 km and half about 2 mins up on schedule. My training had been a bit light on marathon pace runs so maintaining this pace wasn't a given!
The first half is a picturesque loop of the old city and some park land by the Schuykill river bringing you back to the start at the bottom of the Rocky steps (otherwise known as the Philadelphia Arts Museum). We then headed out away from the finish for 7 miles along the river to Manajunk. At 17 miles the course took a frustrating detour over a bridge and back and I caught sight of my fast mate heading out across the bridge as I was coming back - I was a mile up on him which gave me confidence.
My friends' daughters were out to support at the turning point near mile 20 giving me another brilliant boost and I accidentally upped the pace. It didn't feel too bad so, given Matt's suggestion to "bury yourself in the last 10 km," I stuck with it.
The runner who'd been on my shoulder since the halfway point stuck with my increased pace - I didn't shake him off until I pushed on again with just over a mile to go. The support level increased as we came back in towards the city which helped me maintain my pace from 22 to 25 - I'm not good with out and back routes at the best of times! Fortunately we didn't have to contend with the Rocky steps (grey sweat pants were optional too) but there was a 'nice' little uphill at about the 26 mile point and then down towards a finish line that always seemed to be just round the corner. When it did finally appear I could see a clock time of sub 2h 54 was possible and I made it over in 2 h 53 m 55 s (chip 38 s) almost 3 mins ahead of schedule.
It was a good, fast course with only a few ups and downs and excellent support. If I hadn't known the area I'd have found the 7 miles out to Manayunk harder as that was also the quietest bit of the course. Post race celebrations with my mates, who all had great runs, centred on beers, pizza and a Philadelphia Eagles American football match!
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Last call for the South of England Cross Country Championships
The deadline for club paid entries to this event at Stamner Park, Brighton on Saturday 24th January is tomorrow (28th Nov.). If you like hills off road this is place for you. Senior men 15K & senior women 8K. An opportunity for you to stand on the start line with some of the best in south of England. Click here to request your place.
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Hereward Relay
Well, it was wet. Wet and slippy. Very wet and very slippy. Nevertheless it was a very good day out for C&C. A few of us were fortunate enough to have got the first leg - short and tarmac (except for the finishing corner where runners were forced to do an impression of Bambi on ice). Some of us took detours - John 'Can't get' En'Uff - others simply ran Egg'cellently. It was great fun and a splendidly organized event - many thanks March Athletics Club (Stephen) and Claire for putting our teams together. I am so glad they didn't allow the Ultra this year......
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Eastern Veterans Cross Country Championships
Veterans (that's all those aged 35 and over) - if you have been inspired by the previous news then why not take part in our regional veterans (masters) xc championships. It's next Saturday and on your doorstep in Kettering. Hurry as entries close on Wednesday 26th. Click here for more details and/or contact Emma Buckland who has very kindly being drumming up support for C&C teams.
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International Representation
In the last week one of our youngest and probably our eldest senior runner have represented England. Be inspired whether you are just starting out on your athletic career or feeling your days are numbered. Many congratulations to you both. You'll have to click here to find out who they were.
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Tom Shines at the Valencia Marathon
Our squad at last Sunday's Valencia Marathon did rather epic things, and as they are too modest to post the news, I'll do the honours. Someone certainly has to because (and this is where you need to imagine a very fancy fanfare) Tom Stevens' 2:26:04 was the fastest marathon time for C&C since this site's records began in 2006, beating Diarmuid Ó Séaghdha's 2:28:43 at Berlin five years ago. That was good enough for fourteenth place in an elite-studded field. Massive congratulations to Tom, now mainly Sweden-based but still wearing the white and blue vest, presumably over heavy-duty thermals at the mo.
Also deserving of headlines, accolades and mass genuflection is Matt Slater, moving to eighth on that same list with an awesome 2:45:10. Phenomenal stuff, Matt.
Neil White had an extremely good one too, pushing towards the three-hour barrier with a 3:03:59, with Simon Brightwell adding to his large collection of quick marathons in 3:17:52 and Darren Clerkin storming his first marathon in C&C colours with a 3:38:04.
I did say it was all rather good.
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St Neots HM
Perfect conditions for C&C in SN's HM. Our girls led the way with Claire Somerton finishing 1st with Carla Brown finishing 8th and Stacey coming in 14th with a PB. The guys weren't going to be out done with 4 in the top 10 led by Mike Salt in 3rd overall & 1st MV40, Alex Eggeman in 4th with a PB, Charlie Wartnaby in 5th coming 2nd MV40 & John Uff in 8th. After this lots of others came in with PB's including Ian Richardson, Chris Newall, Vic Coe, Dan Kitchie, Chris Hurcomb, Liz O'Donovan, Martyn Brearley & Karen Richardson. Lynn, Bella and I had great fun supporting you all today :)
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Cross Country Championships
If you would like to be part of the teams competing in the County, Southern and/or National XC Championships in the New Year don't forget to apply for your club paid entry ASAP. If you miss the deadlines given you'll have to enter and pay for yourself. Please note - first claim members only. Please read the notes before starting your application. Thank you.
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Essex League & Ryston GP Results
A round up of this weekend's action on the country can be found here. C&C continue to lead the junior field in Essex.
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Christmas party - 6th Dec
Don't forget to get your Christmas party tickets for the event on 6th Dec. Go to the C&C website to buy your ticket and guarantee yourself a place at the social event of the year! Great music, food, dancing, the VLM club ballot, the alternative C&C awards and the wonderful company of your fellow C&Cers. What are you waiting for?! Get your ticket now!
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Hereward relay
We need one more runner to make up the teams for Hereward relay o 23 Nov. Please let me know asap if you'd like to take part, Thanks. Claire
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Essex League Race 2 - Saturday 15th November
Click here for details. Races for the U11G & U11B.
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English Cross Country Relay Championships
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