Weekend Round Up 3rd 4th Sept
Tuff Fitty recorded another full weekend of training and racing with the largest event of the weekend in terms of our participation at Southwater Relays. A separate report is building for that but this still leaves the following:-
BOX END SPRINT TRIATHLON – WORLD SPRINT DISTANCE TRIATHLON QUALIFIER
Box End in Bedfordshire was the location for a Triathlon centred around two purpose built watersport lakes. The usual distance for Sprint (Swim 750m, Bike 21km, Run 5km) applied which saw two club members attend – Niki Treacy & Mark Walford. This race was the third and final opportunity for participants to qualify for the World Sprint Championships to be held in Hamburg in August 2023. It is pleasing to report both Niki (1st report) and Mark (2nd report) have sent in their reflections on the day:-
“Box End was my 1st and last chance to qualify for a team GB place and sadly only my 3rd race of the year (thank you Covid ☹️). So, I was really looking forward to it, if a bit worried about trying to qualify”.
“The swim start was a bun fight with 180 ladies in my wave. Trying to find calm water near the banks just lead into thick weeds – so back to the bun fight, which I survived.”
“The bike route was virtually flat and took in some nice country lanes. It was really nice to get onto the TT bars and whizz along.”
“The run was off road and undulating, which isn’t exactly my cup of tea, but I prefer it, just, to a flat featureless run.”
“Happily, I had a great race and secured a GB team spot for 2023. Yeee haaa !!! “
“Congrats to fellow Tuff Mark Walford who had a blistering race which should also give him a team spot. He was then off to race in the Southwater Relays the next day. I wish I had his energy !
Niki
“Last Sunday i decided to do something a bit stupid. a double triathlon weekend. I was already signed up for Southwater, I decided to give Box End a go on the Saturday. It was the last chance to qualify for the world sprint champs next year and after enjoying it so much this year thought I would try again”.
“First issue a 3.30 alarm clock. after a 2 1/2 hour drive I made transition for 6, all ok until I ripped my wetsuit putting it on 🤦 crazy swim, kicked by people Infront of me, swam over by people behind, it took 300m to feel settled. transition quick but lots of traffic getting to mount line, really enjoyed the bike, roughly holding my position, overtook a few but a few overtook me. Then into my comfort zone on the run, started picking people off, run was off road and hilly so bit different to the norm.
Finishing strong but with not much left in the tank, it was now time to check results. I knew automatic qualification would be tough, and I didn’t make it but was very close. Happily I have just found out I have qualified so definitely worth the effort and more hard training over the winter to come!
Mark
LITTLEHAMPTON 10K
Whilst a lot of attention was at Southwater for the Triathlon Relays there was good Tuff attendance at the Littlehampton 10k as runners formed up for a 9:15am start. In amongst the 778 finishers were six on the Tuff radar.
First Tuff home was Steve Fryer, who finished in a strong 41:41, a particularly notable time considering he had formed up on the promenade a day earlier to attain a quick time in the parkrun. Rory Napleton has been coming along to our track sessions this summer and he crossed the line in 42:25. Richard Budd was next in 45:11. Rich, together with Steve have Richmond Marathon next on their schedule. Kev Pearson was our next runner and then one of our more recent members, Hazel Reilly. It was a terrific performance by Hazel as she shaved 2 minutes off her personal best. Steve Bridgeman now back in the UK completed the Tuff runners – congratulations to them all
SUPERHERO TRIATHLON = SUPERHERO CLAIRE
Claire Moyle does tremendous work supporting others and she is usually involved with the Superhero triathlon. This event was created by an ex-Paralympian specifically for children with disabilities. A triathlon (swim, bike, run) which has no time limits, no equipment restrictions, just heroes being heroes. They can take part solo or with support from a sidekick. A member of our club (no name – remaining anonymous) was watching the event being broadcast on Channel Four and wanted to report in as behind Clare Balding commentating was Claire strutting her stuff at the warm up as the above photo testifies. If you wish to see more; search for Superhero tri on All4 🙂
PARK RUN ROUND UP
We start this Round up with Chichester parkrun where we had a parkrun debut from Richard Hobbs. Held in Oaklands Park the course is undulating and predominately grass so probably not one to smash out your quickest time. However this didn’t stop Hobbsie opening his account in style finishing 5th overall in just 19:11 -great running.
Great work at Littlehampton parkrun from Steve Fryer ahead of the Littlehampton 10k. Steve finished 8th overall in just 20:30. Richard Budd was next in 23:43 for his 186th PR. Charlotte Pryer came home running a parkrun for the second consecutive week. Sue & Colin Simpson ran together to notch up their 156th and 193rd parkruns respectively – impressive. Jon Babbage was next and whilst well outside his PB, there was good reason as this run was a cani run with a storming performance from Bertie with his little legs, which even included a comfort break stop!
Emily Vaz ran at Whiteley parkrun, just off the M27 close to Southampton. Around 1 small and 3 larger loops Emily completed in 20:15 finishing 1st female and 7th overall.
Hove Prom parkrun saw Dave March in action clocking up his 40th parkrun in 23:07
Bognor Regis parkrun recorded Jason Rae run his home venue with his 199th PR and excellent news to see Claire Luckham take part for her 30th parkrun around this four lap course.
Worthing parkrun saw a strong run from Shelley Dodman cross the line in 22:34. James Oram was next on his 124th parkrun. Elaine Rousseau was also present for her 138th PR
Well done to all thirteen.
