Weekend Round Up 31st Aug, 1st Sept
BRIGHTON & HOVE TRIATHLON
The annual Brighton & Hove Triathlon centred on Hove lawns with the swim off the beach, cycling along a closed road section of the A259 coast road before the run along the promenade. There were eight different races for adults and together with Junior races there were 1,350 starters on the sunny coast. Tuff Fitty had competitors in four of the races and as well as great results we have Tuffs reporting in from the different races:- –
James – 1st overall
SUPERSPRINT TRIATHLON 300m/ 10km / 2.5km
The first race off at 8:30am (in one wave) was the SuperSprint, and what a great was to start the day with James Togneri deciding to race a shorter distance for a change. James powered round the course to finish in just 33:50 earning himself first position overall – this was just short of a minute ahead of second place. Also racing strongly was Bob Rogers finishing in the top third of the finishers. We have come to expect strong age grade placings from Bob but as this report is published there are no category positions available in the results. Two great results with Bob submitting his thoughts:-
‘First, very many congratulations to James Togneri who was outright winner of the Brighton Triathlon Super Sprint on Sunday. I was in the same event, 300m Swim, 10km Bike and 2.5km Run, because I wanted to use it as an opportunity to streamline my transitions and to test faster swim and bike sections prior to the longer distances for the Sprint Triathlon in Vichy on 21st September. I was very pleased on all points and finished 24th out of 45 Open 40+ starters in 46.11 minutes. James finished in a brilliant 33.50 minutes. He was finishing just as I was starting my run! Very well done, James. It was an excellent event, well organised in perfect weather.
Bob
SPRINT TRIATHLON 750m / 20km / 5km
The Sprint Tri commenced with waves from 8:50am and the humidity was starting to rise. It is great to report further Tuff involvement in the race that would see the highest number of starters – 510. Alex Webb finished first in his age group in a spritely 1 hour 11m. Ross Court was our next finisher using his strong bike leg to finish up the rankings. A further podium was gained as Darcey Lacey secured third in her age group. Just three seconds later Adam Stringer crossed the line. It was great to see Karl Halom finishing well after an injury had restricted his running.
We have several reports, firstly from Alex Webb, then Verity reports in about daughter Darcie’s race & then Adam Stringer on his powerful performance.
Alex
With Southwater on the horizon, I thought doing the sprint at Brighton this year was a better use of my time. Plus the thought of the standard distance in that heat again was enough to put me off! I got an invitation to enter the elite wave which meant an earlier start, which was welcome.
Ross Court and Darcie Lacey were also in my wave so I had a bit of company. The swim route was different this year and mainly into the current so it felt slower and it was a bit of a washing machine at the start. But I found some clear water as I swam for the archway and felt pretty good. The bike course is fast at Brighton but I tried to measure my effort to save something for the run. The run was much better than last year’s effort and I finished in a time of 1.11, taking the win in the 40-44 Open category, which I was very pleased with.
Congratulations to James Togneri and Niki Treacy who also won their race/category and well done to Olly Sampson and everyone else who started later – it was much hotter later in the day and it looked tough. Finally congratulations to my daughter, Alice, who completed Tristar 3 (13-14 age) – her second open water
Darcie
‘Darcie stepped up from the super sprint at Brighton to the sprint distance this year. I sadly wasn’t there to support but big thanks to Alex for taking her over and Ross for being a big support’.
Darcie opted to go off in the elite sprint wave but found she got really boxed in along with Ross and for the first 500m they found it hard to find space to swim a full stroke’.
‘The bike was a pretty strong effort and her running training she has been doing has paid off to shave a few minutes of her 5k time’.
‘Darcie was 38th female over all and 3rd in age’
Verity
Adam & Karl
‘The conditions were pretty much perfect for Brighton Triathlon, The sun was out with a fresh light breeze. The swim was fairly calm with little to no current and only a few bumpy waves on the return leg’.
‘I was a bit apprehensive about completing 4 loops of the short 5km bike course, I normally prefer an out and back course. But I have to give credit, it was so much easier to break down into 4 laps, or even 8 straight line attacks which made it very enjoyable. Finishing with the 5k run along a busy seafront and hearing the finish line cheers made it all worth while. A very enjoyable event and great to see a few Tuffs along the way!’
Adam
SPRINT AQUATHLON
Niki & Amy
Whilst we had just two racing the Aquathlon it is fantastic to report both Niki Treacy & Amy Kidd finished on the top step of the podium for their respective age groups. Niki finished as 4th female overall and first in age group and Amy was the 5th fastest female and 1st in her age group. We have both their thoughts:-
‘The weather and sea conditions for the Aqua were really lovely. Maybe the sea was a bit too lovely cause I spent far too long in it 🙂 – swim split not the best but pleased with my run split and overall race result. I have to report though that I felt organisational issues and problems with the results on the day were pretty poor for an event of its size and price tag. Finishing my update on a positive note, it was really fab to see lots of other Tuffs strutting their stuff and to share a start line with Amy.‘
Niki
‘With a good start in the swim and relatively clear water I hit land in 14minutes 49 seconds; headed through transition and started the run feeling strong. Having spent a month working on my running I ran almost 5 minutes under my target, although my watch did only register 4.6k.
Swim time – 14.49 Run time 25.35. 1st in category
Amy
STANDARD TRIATHLON 1,500m / 40km / 10km
The longest distance, the standard, was the last to start with the first swimmers off 9:40am and the heat mentioned above was now building. The second largest event with 440 starters Emma Hinton crossed the line to record another Tuff podium with 3rd in her age group. There was an impressive display from Olly Sampson as not only did he race, he took full advantage of the summer weather and cycled to the event from Worthing. Their reports follow:-
Emma
‘It’s now been five years since I joined the club so what better way to celebrate than with my first triathlon since joining. I signed up for the standard distance in an optimistic moment, taking advantage of a discounted entry fee many many moons ago. I’d heard this was a good event for all sorts of reasons – no complicated routes to follow and nice and flat. I’d only done a super sprint and a sprint triathlon before, and quite a long time ago, but was feeling bold at the time so went for the standard (1.5km sea swim, 40km bike, 10km run).’
‘As race day gradually approached, one thing after another meant I hadn’t been able to train really for a long while and my fitness was nowhere near where it could have been or used to be. I spent quite a long time contemplating offering my place to one of you good people, but in the end thought I might physically be able to give it a go, even if I came last. After a rotator cuff issue I was concerned about the swim distance. I worried about all sorts of things: the sea swim (what if it was choppy?), the mass start, getting a mechanical on the bike section that I couldn’t fix, and I worried about my grumbly knee letting me down on the run’.
‘As it happens, the sea swim was absolutely glorious, the bike section went remarkably smoothly and was actually quite enjoyable, and it was only the run in scorching temperatures on very confused and ill prepared legs that was a real struggle, but the cadets, marshals and supporters were hugely encouraging and did what they could to raise our spirits as many of us did all we could to keep putting one foot in front of the other’.
‘Happily, against the odds, I not only completed it but wasn’t last: with a couple of luxury transitions I finished in 3 hours 10 minutes, 38th female finisher and 3rd in my category.
‘The moral of this story is, have a go even if you doubt yourself – it just might work out!’
(Plus you get really nice race swag for this one..)
Emma
Olly
“What a beautiful day for a race, for once this summer there was no wind, no rain and this large yellow thing in the sky!
I entered the standard triathlon and it was a civilised start for my wave of 10.10am, luxury! It was such a nice morning I hopped on my bike and cycled along the coast, probably not my best decision in hindsight, but what a morning. I turned up at the event and it was already in full flow with all the junior events and then to follow just a massive array of races. This was my first experience of this Tri and it was so well organised and attended, I would highly recommend.
I met some other Tuffs in the morning and watched the sprints set off, again great support, by 10am the temperature was rising, the sea was still calm but already murmurs about the strength of the current, being a regular sea swimmer I genuinely thought nothing of this and 10.10am on the dot we were off on a huge triangular course. I have never had such a fight with the current as I did that day, super hard and 52 mins to finish what ended up being and others also reported an 1800m swim, thankfully mats were there as we got out on the beach and ran into a huge transition site, again really well organised racking and crates for each competitor.
Then it was out and off on the bike for a super fast, super flat bike of eight 5km laps, hairpins at each end and fast constant cycling, it was also getting really warm now. I have to say everyone was very considerate and what could have been mayhem as types of races and waves came into the mix on the same course made for a great bike.
Back into transition then out on to a looping 2.5km lap x 4 around the tri village and a small out and back, again great support and you felt in amongst the crowd for most of the run, but boy was it hot by now, water chucking and glugging ensued at the double water station and a brief beach shower on the prom very much helped. Final lap in finished in the heart of the event, again really nice, medal and collapse! It had been scorcio scorcio!
133rd out of 349 finishers on the day in my race so super happy with that after thinking I was the only one struggling in the water, everyone had. Super race, great atmosphere just the thought of cycling home again afterwards could have been planned better!
Olly
What a great morning’s work with six age group podium prizes including an outright race win. Credit also goes to Barry Davids who was kept busy over a long day as Motor cycle Technical Official keeping watch over the cyclists. Also to Vicki Hedger on the volunteer team and Fraser Kidd on the cheerleading team. .
Mark
NEW FOREST TRIATHLON
Held over the northern section of the New Forest, (more undulating), the start was above RIngwood in Ellingham Lake with the finish at the nearby Moyles Court School. With a range of distances to choose from, Mark Walford was our representative in the Standard distance. Mark reports:-
‘Standard distance but with a twist, shorter swim, 1.2km then a 1.6km run to transition, 33km bike and then 10km run. More running, less cycling sounds good to me. Beautiful location’.
‘I love the New Forest, so when I was getting ready I didn’t feel in the mood to race, just enjoy my time in the forest. That was until the horn blew for the start and I went full race mode. Started sprinting and then worked my way onto some quick feet, and stuck with them, I was on the edge of speed but when I turned at half way I noticed 3 of us had a big gap. Came out the swim in second, amazing for me. Ran with someone dressed as a pro to the bike. Got on bike first, that’s when things started going wrong, a strange noise and hard work made me think something wasn’t right. After 3km I had to stop only to find back wheel brake was jammed on. I had to take wheel off reset it, all the time people going by me. But I stayed calm and focused on what I could control. Back on for 2 km, overtook a few, then stopped to double check; this time it was me worried but the bike was fine. Now head down time to race. The first half was hilly, mainly up. The second half was a lot quicker. I moved through the field then got stuck behind a van and then 4 of us got into transition together’.
‘I paced the run well and very happy with the time after a tough bike. Definitely learnt a lot, including it doesn’t have to be perfect to be a good race. I learnt some lessons but most of all enjoyed my time in the forest. I would definitely recommend the race for other tuffs.
Mark
INDIEVELO
The evenings are now starting to draw in and we extend our thanks to Dom Amey who did such fantastic work in leading our summer Seafront rides – Thanks Dom from us all.
Now into September, Tuff Fitty are re-commencing Tuesday evening virtual cycling sessions. Keen to keep rides suitable for all, we have completed the first ride on the IndieVelo platform. Whilst previously using Zwift, their recent increase in price has led many members to migrate to other formats. IndieVelo is a free to use platform, and in retaining many of the Zwift benefits such as enabling a ‘band’ to hold riders together, IndieVelo is a suitable way to keep inclusive for everyone who has a turbo trainer who can link onto the App.
The link to install the system is HERE Once installed we have a ‘club’ already installed under Tuff Fitty Triathlon. Then entering the code 012345 the Tuff Fitty options become available. We are particularly grateful to Mark Sole, who as Captain has invested time in ensuring the system is established & suitable. Once installed, if you require any assistance in aligning; please do not hesitate to contact him. The saying “Winter miles, equals summer smiles” remains entirely appropriate and we hope many of you will be able to join in. Every Tuesday, be logged on and ready to pedal at 6:30pm.
More details on our Spond platform on the Tuesday event. You will notice there is now a second session established, an ‘After party’ ride at 7:30pm. This event is a standalone session, so is not obligatory if time, or wanting your dinner, is a constraint, but do have a look at what is entailed.
It is hoped you will wish to join the fun particularly as we will be looking to invite other clubs to some challenges in future. If willing to join via Discord to join the group chat please do, although not obligatory.
Bushy parkrun (left) at the start and right; that’s what you call a finish funnel
PARKRUN ROUND UP
Last week it was mentioned Bushy Park parkun was to celebrate its 1,000th run. The estimate of potential attendees was far too conservative, and as Alistair Evans was present at the home of parkrun, we’ll let Al take up the tale:-
‘I anticipated the attendance for Bushy’s 1,000 Parkrun would be big but never thought in a million years that 6,204 runners would turn out from all around the globe. Fortunately we set off from the campsite really early taking bikes on the car just in case they were needed but found parking within a mile of the start. The run itself was simply a beautiful chaotic mess. Runners as far as the eye could see. Amazingly the first 7 finishers were under 16:00 but as the sheer volume of numbers built up the pace reduced (that’s my excuse)’.
‘It was a bit like a London marathon but for just 5K. It felt busier than the M25 on a bank holiday. First kilometre was stop/start, then rather a go slow, picking up the pace running alongside Chestnut Avenue towards Diana Fountain then back down narrow paths towards the finish. With the end in sight I was hoping to pick up the pace and finish in a half decent time only to face a walking mass 1/4K before the finish funnel. The atmosphere waiting at the end for the barcode scanner was just amazing and something to remember for a very long time to come’.
‘Worth a trip to Bushy if you’ve never been there, a beautiful park, deer, coffee, walks and wildlife, a really good day out, and it will be a lot quieter than Saturday. Will I do the 2,000 Parkrun (if I’m still running at 86) NO I don’t think so. I will just keep my parkruns to the smaller events with some familiar faces along with a few Tuffs’
Alistair.
Littlehampton parkrun saw Fraser Kidd as our first runner home in just 20:40. Chris Evans was also running and notched up his 5th PB since the end of June cutting a further 27 seconds off his previous best. Debbie Birch and Hope Newcomer were on the organising team to complete our Tuff quartet on the Prom.
Worthing parkrun saw Steve Fryer in the top ten for best age grading score as he ran into Beach House Park in 19:51. Paul Fielder was next and whilst only just missed out on a new PB had cause for celebration as he reached his 50th parkrun milestone. Good to see Les Pearce steadily improve after injury as he crossed the line for his best time this year. Kate Evans added to her total of parkruns to complete four Tuff finishers.
Bognor parkrun saw Clive Harvey ran around Hotham Park’s multi lap course
In terms of parkrun tourism for the second consecutive Saturday there was a Tuff presence at Fareham parkrun. This week Sue and Colin Simpson ran along the out and back riverside route. This week was a notable one as they ran round together because with Colin having reached 273 runs and Sue on 227, combined this was their 500th parkrun – very impressive
This week’s furthest parkrun tourist was Phil Turner who ran north of Leeds at Chevin Forest parkrun. The course takes in an impressive 6 differently named woods with Phil completing this trail run for the first time.
well done to the Tuff Thirteen.
RESPECT TRACK POWER HOUR
It’s back! By popular demand Wednesday 18th September will be Tuff Fitty’s ; Respect Power Hour. This is so named as Wednesday 18th Sept is Respect Day, so what better than to earn the respect of your teammates.
Everyone attending will be placed into teams of three runners. The stopwatch is pressed and then the first team member completes one lap (400m) before tagging team mate number two. They also complete one lap who tag number three to start their lap – Simple! Keeping the same “running order” the sequence is repeated across a full 60 minutes. At the end of the hour the team who has notched up the greatest number of laps wins.
All you need to do is sign up on the Spond Event and arrive circa 6:30pm for a warm up so you are ready with your team mates to start at 7PM. (There will not be a strength and conditioning session that week). Our Captains Verity Lacey and Mark Sole have been assigned the task of collating the teams as they ensure there is an equal mix of abilities enabling exciting race action. Do bring a drinks bottle for trackside. Each team will be handed a relay baton for the hand over and after team photos, the action will commence. IMPORTANT: Please register on Spond no later than Sunday 15th September to enable the team selection process. We are on the look out for lap counters so volunteers would be appreciated.
