Weekend Round Up 14th 15th May
Another week and another race filled weekend plus our usual club training sessions:-
EAST GRINSTEAD TRIATHLON
A well organised, albeit ‘undulating’ Sprint Tri; with eight Tuffs on the start line at this 36th anniversary. So much for the anticipated ‘May heatwave’, as the morning was overcast. With staggered start times throughout the morning, coincidentally all the Tuff competitors crossed the line within about 15 minutes, so the Tuff crew were hollering loudly as our contingent finished- a great atmosphere. However post race celebrations and coffee were scuppered as the rain moved in but this didn’t dampen some great Tuff results, and thanks to Tiff Orton who was chief photographer and cheerleader.
In the race there were some great results from Sheila’s first Tri, Kate moving up from a super sprint through to more seasoned Tuffs and a superb podium result. Neither Sheila or Kate probably realised the impact they would make as they were our ‘Top Ladies ‘ for the South East senior series, they both contributed to points to boost Tuff Fitty up the table.
The undulating bike played to James Mapley‘s strength, scorching around the 26k bike ride in just 40:35. this was the second quickest cycle split with the fastest only one second quicker. Add in quick run & swim splits and James secured second position overall in a fantastic 1 hour 7 minutes. Mark Walford was also punching out some quick splits to finish 19th overall with a super 18:07 5k run around East Grinstead. Simon Thistlethwaite was third fastest Tuff with a strong 19:38 5k run. Jon Babbage followed with the bike his best discipline, then Clive Harvey & Trevor Harvey who only had a few seconds between them across each discipline with faster transition giving Clive the edge. Our best three finishers scored points for the South East Senior series (see below article about the series) so thanks for pushing our club up the league James, Mark & Simon.
First up a report from Mark followed by Sheila’s view on proceedings.
“I decided last minute to do East Grinsted, the main reason for experience. I have only done 3 triathlons in the past and wanting to get better I thought I need some experience. The day started fine, and nice to see other tuffs at the start. It then started to get interesting when i got in the water. The marshal chucked me a swim hat last minute and I rushed to put it on and then didn’t secure goggles properly. So after 50m I was blind in one eye, after 200m could barely see at all. I felt ok swim wise, but just so I could see I stopped; re adjusted goggles and got going again. It, turns out I need new goggles as they only lasted 100m before I couldn’t see again, but I carried on as it was only 100m left. Stopping the watch I was pleased with my time despite all the issues”.
“Then quick transition, before mounting the bike, all fine until I went to put my feet in my shoes, which I messed up beyond belief, to the point I had to stop, take shoes off bike and put them on and start again, losing about 45seconds. 🤦 After that bike was good, speed felt quick for me and after checking watch was quicker than I had expected. Back to transition, where I went to rack my bike, only then I thought I couldn’t remember where my rack was, plus I was looking for my bike as a marker, forgetting I had it in my hand!”
“After doubling back losing more time, I got my shoes on and out for the run which was a bit hilly but very happy with how I did.
“So in summary;, happy with how I swam, biked and ran but shocking elsewhere. Glad I entered to learn from my mistakes. Nice event and lovely bike ride if you don’t mind hills; Would recommend.”
Mark
Next up we have a inspirational report from Sheila Bailey
“7 or 8 years ago Tiff asked me to help marshal at the Steyning Triathlon, we jokingly discussed me completing one at some point! Well as you all know, Tiff is relentless, and kept talking to me about triathlons, eventually I joined Tuffs (July 2020) and then the encouragement (nagging) stepped up a notch”.
“She wore me down and I agreed to book an event, I thought I would go for East Grinstead as there were no other Tuffs on the register and I did not want the pressure I would put myself under with all those athletes around me. I found out that Kate E had booked the try-a-tri event and I convinced her to swap it to the sprint. Then low and behold Clive announced that EG was one of the South East Senior Series events.”
“The event itself was very well organised, I am so grateful for Tiff being there as she talked us through what to expect and where to go. We set ourselves up in transition and then waited for our swim time to come around and off we went. The swim was well organised, into transition and we had to remember where the bikes were and get ready for the ride. I was a little worried about the ride as I was not 100% sure of the route, but I was informed that it was well marked out and marshalled, thankfully they were right. I knew it was hilly but oh my goodness those hills were relentless! Back into the Kings Centre and I managed to dismount at the correct line without falling off my bike. Tiff was yelling at me to walk back to my area rather than run to allow some blood back into my legs, thankfully I listened to her. Off I went on the run two laps around the park and the town, just when you thought it was going to be flatish there were a couple of lovely little hills!”
“Back into the Kings Centre for the final time, Simon came storming past me, and then Clive just pipped me to the post and Trevor and Jon B not far behind. I had managed to complete the whole thing in under two hours so I was a very happy girl. Kate came in not long after me unfortunately she had a bike malfunction on the ride which had delayed her but she still finished in an excellent time”.
“On the journey home Tiff started looking at the other triathlons I could sign up for this year, I think i may have got the bug 🙂 “
Sheila
RUN FOR UKRAINE
What a generous initiative from Jason Rae; to put on a run where all the proceeds would go towards the appeal to help Ukraine. Not only did the sun shine but competitors/marshals and others brought along much needed supplies to be shipped out to Ukraine. Together the goods filled half a container which is now on it’s way to Ukraine.
The route along Felpham beach was an out & back five miles along the shore with strong Tuff participation, with most embracing the theme of the blue & yellow of the Ukrainian flag. First Tuff home was Jon Babbage in 8th position overall, running strongly back across the sand and breakwaters in 40:31. Clearly he didn’t read the memo which said take it easy for East Grinstead Tri early the next morning. Sue Neilson crossed the line as third female overall. Mike Barrett was next home, and with Snoopy they were victorious as first Cani finishers. Well done to James Brock and then Shelley Babbbage. Next home was Susan Douglas and together with Stig, they won a prize for third Cani-cross. Bob Thomas crossed the line, who had turned this into a strong afternoon session having ridden over from Rustington and would ride home again afterwards – impressive. Elaine Rousseau was next home. Having started well, Rosie decided that she didn’t want to run the whole course so decided to tell Nicole Patterson-Lett that circa 3 miles were sufficient for her, but still another great Cani partnership. To complete the Ten Tuffs, Sue Pinky ran acting as sweeper.
The good news didn’t finish there, as keen to support, there were a further 9 Tuffs on the organising team including Race Director Jason Rae. Thanks to Claire Luckham, Debbie Gatland, Kate Evans, Sheila Bailey, Simon Thistlethwaite, Vicky Cooper & Wendy Kane, as marshals with Clive Harvey on registration and timekeeping.
With entry fees and donations, the tally for Ukraine has reached an amazing £1,132 in addition to the goods donated for shipping; a fantastic result – congratulations Jason. Missed out on a beach run? Jason’s annual Felpham Five is back on the calendar for Sunday 19th June. Furthermore at all of Jason’s Southern Multisport’s races he will accept any donations of goods to go to Petworth Ukraine Fund
THORNEY ISLAND HALF MARATHON
Organised by UK Running Events which see the traditional medal, socks and chewy bar, the record of Tuffs attending at every one continues as Nathan Bilham took part in this off-road trail run around Thorney Island and surrounding harbour-side paths taking in the views of Chichester Harbour. With a choice of 21k or 15k Nathan undertook the 21k completing the course in 2 hours 6 minutes.
SEA SWIMS
The Captain’s sea swims continue on a weekly basis so keep an eye on the calendar for the next outing; great practice for the forthcoming Jubilee Swim/food event – you have registered haven’t you for the 5th June event? You will need to do so on our Spond app to ensure a burger awaits after you have changed. The above photo is of some of the swimmers from the current weekend dip.
TRIATHLON ENGLAND SOUTH EAST SENIOR SERIES 2022
This year’s Tuff Triathlon club championship races had already been set when the South East Senior series venues were announced, so realistically we were not going to be strong contenders this year. The first one at 7Oaks tri saw Stephen O’Donnell get us points on the board, but the better attendance above at East Grinstead has boosted our league position.
Tuff Fitty can score points at any of the six events. There are four remaining – Eastbourne Sprint distance Tri 12th June, (which is also a qualifier for the GB age group Sprint team). Bewl Standard distance Triathlon 7th August, Southwater Relays Mixed team, 4th September & Brighton & Hove Sprint Triathlon 18th September. So if you are still looking at what races to enter why not target one or more of these and earn some points for your club. This series has been advertised before but it is worthwhile promoting again as our best three results go toward the final table.
There are four Tuff teams entered already for Southwater Relays but please note the Senior series team is for a mixed team only but that does mean we have two compatible teams. As the local Tri in the series , we should be able to muster some more teams. No doubt there are people who wish to race but don’t know who to ask. If this is the case please contact Clive Harvey or Adrian Oliver and we will help you find a team.
The current league table is here
PARKRUN ROUND UP
Littlehampton parkrun saw Emily Moore back in action as she crossed the line as first female overall in a swift 19:35. Richard Budd was next for his 173rd parkrun. Alistair Evans completed his 84th run. Al was also on the organising team as was Nick Hartfield
Worthing parkrun saw Juliette Reader as first Tuff home. After her success last week in the PB5K she smashed her Worthing parkrun PB by 23 seconds to finish in 21:04. Shelley Dodman was next and she also achieved a new PB reaching 21:35 Phil Turner was the next Tuff home in a strong 22:06. Maisie Johnston was next in 22:18. Les Pearce was close behind in 22:50. Ed Lay was next, followed by Ness Green. Elaine Rousseau completed her 125th PR before heading over for the Run for Ukraine.
Bognor Regis parkrun saw Tony Pearce in attendance and Vicky Cooper notched up her 36th PR
Whilst Colin & Sue Simpson are more recent Tuffs, they both have a great parkrun record and this weekend ticked off another as they both ran Great Salterns parkrun. Great Salterns is a recreation ground next to Langstone harbour alongside Eastern Road which many Tuffs have travelled up and down for the various Portsmouth half and full marathons.
Well done to all 16.
