Weekend Round Up 19th 20th October
The incoming storm led to the cancellation of the Great South Run where Tuff participants were registered. The weather also saw the cancellation of the latest Fun Run League fixture. Other races did continue, but results were delayed due to rain on the timing equipment. However under much sunnier conditions we are very proud of four club members who were at the World Triathlon Championship finals in Torremolinos in Spain. A separate report is being prepared for their achievement. Plus Ironman 70.3 in Porec Croatia, which we hope to report on next week:–
TYPE 1 VS MOUNT TOUBKAL
This week we start with an inspirational report from Wendy Frost ( Maim picture above) having returned from her adventure in Morocco:
‘Just under a year ago, I answered an advert looking for people with type 1 diabetes who were interested in climbing Jbel Toubkal together. Mount Toubkal in Morocco is the highest peak in North Africa at a height of 4167km. This fundraising challenge would demonstrate what determined people with the condition can do. It wasn’t so long ago that people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes were discouraged from exercise. Altitude can pose additional risks to glucose levels and diabetes technologies struggle to function with extreme temperatures and altitude’.
‘Thirteen individuals, nine with T1D and four with close family connection set off on the adventure together. My brother, Peter joined the trip with just a few weeks’ notice, as a place became available. We were also joined by ‘Sugar the Bear’ – a diabetes mascot that travels the world and encourages children as they live with diabetes’.
‘The trek involved five days in the mountains. Three were for acclimatisation, arriving at basecamp ready for summit day on day 4. The terrain on the acclimatisation trekking days was challenging, but not difficult and there was plenty of banter along the way. Accompanied by mules and a team of muleteers we were well fed and looked after’.
‘Summit day began at 3 am on day 4 with breakfast. Many of us were suffering from altitude sickness at this point, so ate very little. Headaches and constant nausea, despite the medication were unpleasant. We began the climb in darkness with head torches with the aim of reaching the top in daylight – watching the sunrise as we climbed’.
‘A mixture of rocky terrain nearer the bottom and slippery scree near the top, this was a difficult climb in many places. The accent took about 6 hours. We stayed together as much as possible. Unfortunately, one member of the group had to turn back as she was vomiting so much with the altitude sickness. Two others in the group were advised not to summit as they had struggled with the demands of the previous few days’.
‘Six of us with T1D reached the top, ten in total. It was worth every step to see the views over the high Atlas mountain range! For a moment the altitude sickness passed as we celebrated our achievement’.
‘Then came the descent, which was very slippery in places. Unfortunately, my brother fell and twisted his knee, which slowed the group considerably. The plan was to return to basecamp for a late lunch and then walk the remaining 4 -5 hours back to the village to sleep for the night. Peter was struggling with the pain. His walking poles served as crutches to support every step. We decided that the rest of the group would go ahead and our main guide and I would stay with Peter to get him safely back to the village’.
‘This took a lot longer than planned, – we missed the rest at basecamp and ate just a few mouthfuls of food before everything was packed up on the mules ready to return to the village. What should have been a 4-hour further descent took another 8 as Pete was feeling the pain’.
‘We returned to our village just after 11:30 pm having started at 4 am. Over 17 hours, having eaten just a few snacks. I was elated that my diabetes had’ behaved’ and I’d not experienced any hypos or technology failures. The group greeted us with hugs and smiles as they were beginning to get concerned and were close to sending out a search party. Hot soup and tagine awaited while others retired to sleep’.
‘The following day, we trekked to another village a couple of hours walk away and then took a minibus back to Marrakech – finally, we could shower and have a proper bed to sleep in. A celebratory meal with traditional music and dancing that evening felt amazing’.
‘This was a wonderful experience, with an amazing group of inspirational people in a beautiful country. Something I will never forget. Currently seeking my next adventure!’
‘If you would like to sponsor the team the link is here:’
Peter Davies is fundraising for Breakthrough T1D
‘The charity is Breakthrough T1D formally JDRF, seeking to advance research and treatment in type 1 diabetes. The Just Giving site is in the name of Pete Davies who organised the trek. Sadly, he was unable to reach the summit as his Parkinson’s made him too unsteady for the terrain’.
Wendy
RUN THROUGH GOODWOOD
The return of Run Through Events races around Goodwood circuit. Entrants had a choice of 5 & 10k, Half marathon, 20 mile, marathon and Ultra. Despite the weather there was a trio of Tuffs; all had entered the 5k. Katie Young was our first to cross the line; a great performance as she was the first lady overall in 10th position. Not far behind in 13th position was Will King. His finish brought him 2nd in his age group category. Finally what a way to welcome our newest Tuff as Christine Griffin joined as a Tuff only last week. Christine also raced well in the 5k. Katie reports:-
‘Great to get out in the fresh air at Goodwood to run round the track in the wind and rain was hoping to improve my 5km time, but not the day for it!!!, but happy with the result. Will was happy with his time as his training has been a bit sporadic this summer Also nice to welcome a new member to Tuff Fitty running with us in the rain Christine Griffin’
Katie
PARKRUN ROUND UP
Along the Prom at Littlehampton parkrun, numbers were understandably down, due to driving rain as everyone woke up. However being further west the rain had stopped just in time for the Race Director to start proceedings. Steve Fryer was present, crossing in 20:54. Alistair Evans was next notching up his 198th parkrun. Solid running from Al as he was with Adrian Oliver pacing for the 29 minute which he achieved in 29:01. The rain was present during the set up so well done to Chris Evans and Hope Newcomer on the organisation team.
Further East, Worthing parkrun didn’t escape the rain at the start which was compounded by the wind heading out but it didn’t stop Simon Grundy who had a great run finishing 9th overall. His time of 19:37 was part of a ‘parkrun sandwich’ having run 3 miles there and a further 3 post parkrun. Edward Lay was our next runner and then Paul Fielder was our third Tuff over the line.
In terms of parkrun tourism, East Brighton parkrun was further East and the torrential rain was present before & during the whole event, not ideal as the course is entirely on grass so muddy and slippery. However the site was sheltered from the wind and running on adjacent terraces made this a recommended course (when not raining) for Glenn Parisi, Clive Harvey, Trevor Harvey & Jon Roper. Whilst not the largest field Clive & Trev were 1st and 2nd in their age grade, Jon was first in his and Glenn just missed out on first in his.
The furthest tourism goes to Colin & Sue Simpson who attended Valentines parkrun. Perhaps unsurprisingly the location is Valentines Park. Situated just north of Ilford in Essex. In keeping with all the above events numbers were down because of the heavy rain. But both Colin & Sue had strong age grading scores with Colin first in his & Sue second in hers. This was their first time at this location taking Colin to 84 different parkrun locations, with Sue not far behind. Most impressive.
Well done to all 14
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
A big thank you to everyone who came along to Friday night’s Social and AGM. Perhaps it is a given as it’s always a good evening when you get a group of Tuffs together. The committee were pleased with the attendance with a room full of members at the AGM. One aspect that was ratified was our club championship races for 2025 – see below
TUFF FITTY TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIP 2025
The format will be the same as last year, namely a championship race across each of the Sprint, Standard and Middle Distance events. In order that we can spread the awards once again Competitors will only be eligible for one award. For example if one person wins the overall Sprint race, they will not win their sprint age group category as this will roll down to the next in the same category.
Arundel Lido Triathlon scheduled for 18th May for our Sprint distance race
Windsor Triathlon scheduled for 15th June for our Standard distance race
Cowman Triathlon scheduled for the 3rd August for our Middle Distance 70.3 race
Please note each of the above also have other distances but it is only the nominated distance that scores for the championship, although of course those wishing to race a different distance can still come and join in the Tuff fun. This year the club were keen to find a flatter 70.3 course (& lake swim) to make it more inclusive for members. Weymouth 70.3 was considered but as 6 weeks later it fits for those who wish to race both, but it was felt the entry fee over £300 didn’t meet the ‘inclusive’ criteria. Good luck to everyone racing.
