Weekend Round Up 29th 30th January
After a continuous run of weekly news since Covid restrictions eased at the end of April, with many rescheduled events cleared, there was a lull in the calendar over the past two weeks: no (known) Tuffs out at races – unless of course you know differently.
Whilst no races noted from January 22nd and 23rd, it is pleasing to report our band of parkrunners have been out and about flying the Tuff name in the results. So two weeks results are recorded below.
Clearly events were dominated last week with the fantastic news that Tuff Fitty are Triathlon South East ‘Club of the Year’. and a regular Round Up will return covering 5th/6th Feb as several races occurred. Don’t forget to snap a picture or two where you raced to submit.
CLUB BIKE RIDES
Understandably, many members have been cautious about venturing out on their bikes during the cold weather. The Tuesday Zwift sessions continue with great sessions with a strong number of Tuffs joining in to get their 2022 training off to a good start. Still room for more if others wish to join the 6:30pm sessions. However your club are continuing to schedule rides to encourage members to wrap up and venture out on these uncoached sessions. Keep an eye on our App for the next one, but please note 20th February, the ride will be linked to the Goodwood Cycle Sunday which may appeal to members to ride around the 2.4m circuit. The banner photo was from Sunday 30th January stopping off at The Sausage Roll Kitchen for a welcome snack.
TRIATHLON ENGLAND SOUTH EAST SENIOR SERIES
Last year Tuff Fitty were active in the South East Senior series, doing rather well, especially when we bagged maximum points in one race. The fixtures have been announced for 2022 which will be held over six venues. Out of the South East region’s 37 clubs, 24 are registered to participate, including Tuff Fitty.
Anyone interested in taking part, the important thing to remember when entering is that it is crucial that you ensure Tuff Fitty is entered as your club name, that way points will go towards our standing in the league. Whilst some may think this is not relevant to them, perhaps not a race winner, the series retains its age adjusted formula for the overall classification, allowing athletes of ALL ages & abilities to count towards our club points.
Whilst six events are nominated, it is each clubs best three scores to count. Therefore following a consultation the following two events were clear favourites to target:-
East Grinstead Triathlon – Sprint distance – Sunday 15th May 22 https://www.egtriclub.com/egtc-triathlon-2021
Southwater Relays – Sunday 4th Sept- https://rawenergypursuits.co.uk/southwater-triathlon-relays-sunday-5th-september-2021-8am-start/ Mixed teams
After these two there were two events which members supported and some have already entered. So unless a clear majority rises for one event we will have to use the best score from either of the following:-
Eastbourne Triathlon – Sprint distance – Sunday 12th June 22 https://www.eastbournetriathlon.co.uk/sprint/ – Note : also an age group qualifier
Brighton & Hove Triathlon – Sprint distance – Sunday 18th September 22 https://www.brightontriathlon.com/
Traditionally we have had a large number of teams at Southwater. Shortly we will open a Spond article where anyone interested in being part of a team can put their name down. This is important as many would like to take part but don’t know who to ask as their other team members. Teams will then be allocated. please bear in mind that for the Senior Series teams to score, they will need to have a minimum of one male and one female in their team of three. If anyone is a bit uneasy about being in the first wave – which is an open water mass start, we can allocate people into the second of third slots by which time competitors will have spread out. We will try to have a mix of abilities paying regard to having a few crack teams to push up the results. Equally if some already have collated a team, excellent, although for the region to identify teams please pick a team with a Tuff pre-fix – ie Tuff at the Top, Tuff get Going, Tuff Love etc, could be a way of identifying . Good luck
PARKRUN 22nd JANUARY
We have two sets of parkrun results, firstly on the 22nd January, it was great to see some new names running at Littlehampton parkrun . First Tuff home in a great 20:34 was Steve Fryer who ran home 10th position overall. Richard Budd was 17th overall and fantastic to set a new PB of 21:25. Next some newer members. Nathan Bilham clocked up his 71st parkrun, although this was his first at Littlehampton. Next across the finish line it was good to see returning Tuff member Tony Morgan & also Charlotte Pryer both making their debut at parkrun. Alistair Evans completed his 69th and then Helen White who achieved a new PB. Nick Hartfield was on the organising team to complete the 8 Tuffs on the prom.
At Worthing parkrun Paul Martin was first Tuff home in 22:10. Phil Turner was next Tuff home in 24:24. Les Pearce crossed the line to record his 144th parkrun and then Chris Sloggett completing his 143rd – both terrific achievements. Ed Lay ran the course, slower than usual as he was on pacing duty and great to see that Elaine Rousseau shaved 10 seconds off her personal best – well done to all.
PARKRUN 29th JANUARY
Littlehampton parkrun saw Kev Pearson pacing people around, crossing in 23:36. Next home in his second parkrun, jumping up the results was Ben Cumberland in 24:09. Also on their second Littlehampton run, and also gaining a PB was Nicole Patterson-Lett crossing as 4th female home. Richard Budd was next home; Alister Marchant also ran and Alistair Evans completed his 70th parkrun. Helen White was back on the prom with Nick Hartfield on the organising team again.
At Bognor parkrun, there was another strong result from James Mapley who was not only 3rd home overall in just 19:08, but he achieved this by running to and from the venue, doubling his mileage.
Worthing parkrun saw Les Pearce as first Tuff in 22:53 for his 145th run. Elaine Rousseau completed her 114th
