Weekend Round Up 23rd 26th December
From everyone at Tuff Fitty, we wish you all a healthy and very happy New Year and your club look forward to helping you meet your goals in 2024.
COACHES CHRISTMAS CAPER
The last Saturday swim before Christmas saw Tuffs arrive at The Wave to an almost deserted centre, but we needn’t have worried as our booking was intact and as advertised, the standard swim gave way to the Coaches Christmas Caper. Barry Davids and Wendy Frost gave Tuffs silly things to do and as Barry remarked, “you can take a Tuff out of a race situation, but it appears you can’t take the competitive spirit out of a Tuff”. There were team races, but it was the addition of ‘props’ particularly the large floats for the ‘Kick of War’ (above) and the ‘which team can swim with the most kick boards’ that really brought the competitiveness and hilarity to the fore.
This is an opportune time to thank every one of Tuff Fitty’s coaches led by Barry Davids; we are extremely lucky to have you all and are very proud of what you have achieved across 2023. Thank you for your time and commitment from every single Tuff.
TWENTY FOUR IN TWENTY FOUR
Staged last year, it reappeared for 2023. The 24 in 24 refers to the date – Christmas Eve and the distance, 24 kilometers, to complete title, Oh and fancy dress was positively encouraged as you will see from this weeks banner shot. Starting from the usual Arundel run meet up the route wound its way up onto the South Downs Way and the Tuff contingent comprised; (in alphabetical order) Mike Barrett, Iris Bennett, Susan Douglas, Tom Frith, Wendy Frost, Sophie Garbo, Adrian Oliver, Mark Walford and Clare Worgan. Adrian designed the route taking in 361 feet of ascent with the video above.
BOXING DAY SWIMS
We had Tuffs taking the plunge for the traditional Boxing Day sea dip at Worthing, Felpham and Littlehampton amongst others. No roll call of names for fear of missing someone out who was brave to take the plunge – there were plenty. However, it is no surprise that one of our hardened year-round swimmers was present – Wendy Kane, and she kindly advised the following:-
“A lovely turn out for the very blustery Boxing Day Swim at the Beach in Littlehampton. A small collection of Tuffs braved the big waves. Lots of people getting shore-dumped on the way in and out of the sea, myself included! But this didn’t spoil the festivities and laughter!
Wendy
PARKRUN ROUND UP 23rd DECEMBER
It was a busy time for parkrun
We start the roll call at Worthing parkrun where the number of runners was the highest turnout of the year – an increase of 200 runners over last week. Amongst these were a plethora of Tuffs in attendance. Dave March was our first Tuff home in 21:57 with a strong age grade percentage. Danny Cunnett was also running strongly with the same percentage age grading. Next home having a recovery run after Portsmouth Claire Worgan and Mark Walford were accredited with the same finish time. Kate Evans was our next runner. Another duo easing back into it were Catharine Western & Graham Liddell. Completing the Tuff runners was Elaine Rousseau who increased her parkrun total to 164 runs.
Across at Littlehampton parkrun Steve Fryer was once again our first runner home in 21st position overall. Alistair Evans was our next runner . Bob Rogers one of our newer members, deserves kudos for a strong age grade score of 70.17%. Chris Evans completed the Tuff quartet.
Across at Bognor parkrun Clive Harvey ran completing his 50th parkrun.
Preston Park parkrun saw Richard Jay complete .
This week there was some cracking parkrun tourism undertaken, starting up at Chester.
Held in the Countess of Chester Country Park Alex Webb ran Chester parkrun for the second time. His time of 19:15 was just outside his previous time from four years ago as Alex powered home 6th overall.
Up in Byfleet Surrey Colin & Sue Simpson ran at Brooklands parkrun. Despite notching up their 257th parkruns between them, this was their first visit to Brooklands Community Park and included a great result from Colin scoring an age grade result of 73.27%
Whilst Osterley parkrun is situated just south of the M4, close to Heathrow, the run is stated to be ‘one of the most picturesque parkruns in the South East’ run around National trust grounds & house of Osterley Park. Trevor Harvey was our Tuff runner here who recommended the course.
KIllerton parkrun is a favourite of Steve Fryer who has run there 9 times, situated close to Exeter in Devon. However this weekend it was the turn of Sheila Bailey to run the one lap course around the Killerton national Trust estate.
Well done to all nineteen
PARKRUN ROUND UP DECEMBER 25TH
We start at Bognor parkrun where special kudos goes to Jason Rae. He always volunteers to be Race Director on Christmas day ensuring the event continues, thus enabling those who otherwise would not meet anyone on the big day, still able to meet up with people. Well done Jason. It transpired that 262 others agreed with this decision and in amongst the runners were: James Mapley who was 7th overall in 19:23. Nathan BIlham also ran.
Next up Littlehampton parkrun where Simon Grundy was first Tuff home; 12th overall in 20:49. Steve Fryer was next in 21:40. Sue & Colin Simpson (and Digs) ran together with Alistair Evans close behind. Vicky Cooper was also on the seafront Prom course with Claire Moyle completing the Tuff seven. We have a report from Colin Simpson on his festive parkruns together with the above photos :-
“We travelled to Brooklands parkrun on 23rd on our way to visit friends…its held inside the old banking of the redundant racetrack.a flat course but has an amazing twisting part on the old runway…Unfortunately we didnt get a photo as it looked special with hundreds of runners conga style…we both (and dog) had good runs…another low 24 for me…”
“Xmas day we joined many other Santas along Littlehampton prom to complete a double header…”
“Another double header coming up for new year where i hope to reach 250 parkruns and celebrate by running the hangover 5!!”
Colin
Worthing parkrun also staged a Christmas day PR and Danny Cunnett was the first Tuff home. Edward Lay was next and then Nina Tully, Kate Evans & Elaine Rousseau.
Trevor Harvey ran at Maidenhead parkrun This completed our amazing festive sixteen.
Happy New Year
