Weekend Round Up 16th 17th June
After several 70.3 races, another one has been completed, this time by Drew Gowland who competed at KMD Ironman 70.3 European Championships at Elsinore in Denmark. He achieved a superb time, and having now returned to the UK, Drew is to report in with his achievements. This will justify a separate report but that was not the end of the Tuff activity for the weekend:-
Saturday Run, & Saturday Swim training, Sunday bike rides and Sunday afternoon Sea swim, all this after our successful Club Lido race at Arundel on Friday. There is plenty going on to assist members reach their goals.
Jon Roper, Trevor Harvey & Clive Harvey
WINDSOR TRIATHLON
As the above photos show, Trevor Harvey, Jon Roper & Clive Harvey were up at Windsor for the 28th annual Standard Distance Triathlon. They were ably assisted by chief cheerleader Tiff Orton who was also Tuff photographer. The Tuff trio slipped into the murky Thames at 7am just as the rain came down making for a very soggy bike course with plenty of punctures at the roadside. Roadworks extended the cycle to 27 miles this year but thankfully the rain stopped for the run which took competitors up the hill in Windsor high street and down the Long Walk three times. All three put in good performances with Jon Roper summing up the weekend:-
“it’s not about the time you get it’s about having a good time” this is Jon’s new mantra (soon to be tattooed on his left butt cheek!).
Highlights of the weekend included:
- Trev’s lasagne
- Saturday afternoon outing to Virginia Water where Tiff got pooped on by a pigeon
- Rewarded with ice cream at the infamous Tuff Fitty corner after the race
This was the 6th time I have raced Windsor, but a mere novice compared to the Harvey’s 25 or more entries, and the first on the new course. Although no pro wave this year it was still a big event and I really enjoyed it and plan to go back next year.”
Jon
SOUTH DOWNS WAY MARATHON
Starting at Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Petersfield there is half marathon which follows a route through the Country Park before picking up the Sussex Border Path, & part of the South Downs Way. The marathon started out at Slindon college necessitating a very early start in buses at 7am to get to there. Held on the Saturday which was useful, as Jason Rae had to get ready for the Felpham Five the next day. He started first at 9am and with the half at 10am. James Togneri completed the half in a strong time for the hilly course and Rachel Brunning also completed the half in her quest to notch up a lot of half marathons.
Jason reported in:-
I decided last Tuesday that I’ve not been running enough so I entered the SDW marathon from Slindon to QE Park
95% of this run is off road and its all either up or down. The entry fee is quite high at £42 as the water tables were exactly that Water – no snacks like the ones that are often served on tables of marathons organised by Tuff Fitty members !!!!
There are 5 large hills on this route and the SDW is very compact and uncomfortable underfoot, however most of the runners are really supportive and encouraging to each other and runners from local run clubs marshal various water stops along the route so its always good to see a friendly face.
The first 14 miles were ok but lack of running long distances regularly started creeping in at Harting Down (16 miles) and my pace started slowing I had trail shoes on which became uncomfortable and ended in 2 blisters – 1 on each heel.
As you reach QE park there is still 2 miles to go but your mind can sense its almost over and your pace lifts again. I crossed the line 18 mins slower than my last attempt but being a few pounds heavier and not as fit it wasn’t so bad. I’ve booked to do the midnight marathon in July an out and back from QEP to Cocking so hopefully will be a bit faster and lighter then.
The blisters and sore legs are more than compensated for by the stunning views we are lucky enough to have along the Southdowns Way
Well done also to half marathon specialist Rachel Brunning, The route for that was simply described as 6 ½ miles of climbing then back down to the finish.
Jason
PARK RUN
Worthing Park Run has been steadily building over the last two years but this weekend saw a new record for the number of participants – 150 more than the previous record with 667 competitors, the tenth biggest Park run in the UK that weekend – very impressive. The reason?, Saturday was the 100th Worthing Park Run and people were out in force to celebrate, including Dame Kelly Holmes who came down for the occasion and ran the course. Well done to the Tuff participants who were:-
Tim McGrath with a new PB of 22:37, Roy Barraclough, Amanda de Ridder, Daisy Bashford, & Tim Kenny, Wearing their running club colours James Oram was the first club member home in 20:43 followed by Neil Rabone, Tony Pearce & Elaine Rousseau.
Up at Horsham Park Run Leigh & Ian Moore ran. Bushy Park Park Run remains the biggest Park run by attendance, after all that is where Park Run began in 2004. This week there were 1,30o runners and that included Tuffs Andy Strong & Kirsty Keith . Great running from the Tuff thirteen.
