Post by David H on Jan 26, 2010 19:06:21 GMT
Hi harriers, I trust you are all having a pleasant week.
Demanding new course at Deal tests the runners.
Last Sunday saw the 5th event of the KFL series with a new venue at Deal. This was the first time we had ventured into this neck of the woods since we tried a course at nearby Kingswood many years ago when the series was called ‘The Today’s Runners League’. For those that ran on Sunday and those that know the area, the geology underfoot was easily recognisable as shale spoil. The material came from the nearby Betteshanger Colliery which was the last of the four East Kent coal mines to close back in 1989. The area has now been landscaped and developed into a country park for leisure activities such as running, mountain biking and orienteering. It is an ideal venue with excellent parking.
The course itself was very technical and demanding with lots of twists, turns steep banks and narrow pathways. Most of the runners came back a darker shade from when they set out and I understand required a good scrubbing to remove the last evidence of coal waste. There were a few head bandages and wounds to demonstrate that this one wasn’t for the faint-hearted. Well done to Sarah Smith who proudly emerged from the ambulance showing off a cut to her arm. There were cries from many runners at the end of “bring on Minnis Bay we are ready for you!!” – Unfortunately we are not going to have that pleasure this year.
To the race itself, once again we were the third largest team on the park with 23 runners. The organiser commented admirably on our excellent recent turnout at events. For the men, young Brendan Baker led us home followed by Lee Pearson and Mike Murdoch. For the ladies it was once again Penny Holden who showed our girls the way round followed by Julie Stoppani and Gill Monk.
Position wise out of 18 teams, the men finished 11th, the ladies were 6th and in the combined event we were 10th. Well done everyone that turned out, you all ran extremely well against some tough opposition. We didn’t pick up any prizes with the most of the draw going to New Eltham who fielded 32 runners.
It was unfortunate that part of the course wasn’t marked and controlled very well as a section runners took a short cut through the woods. Our Brendan was in the leading ten until a group of runners emerged ahead of him. It was debated whether the race should be made void but in view of the fixture difficulties it was agreed the positions will stand.
Another view
Karena Norton has very kindly written her experience of this new course. I think it aptly describes her adventure ‘at the coal face’ - so as to speak:-
‘I thought looking at the aerial shot on the website that the cross country course at Fowlmead would be flat and fairly tame. Another Swanley or Avery Hill perhaps? However having run it last Sunday I can say that it is safely on a par with Minnis Bay for being able to set the runner a different kind of challenge.
Unlike Minnis Bay there are no muddy dykes, but it’s still a very demanding route with lots of ups and downs and twists and turns around and through the muddy woods. There are also several steep descents the last of which, even with spikes, would be a tricky one for many to actually run down (I personally decided not to take any risks and inched down small steps at a time and wondering if next year I might bring a grappling hook).
The most memorable thing about it though would be the quality of the mud! Located at the site of an old coal mine the mud bears a strong resemblance to coal. By the time I had finished both legs were liberally splattered and my shoes caked. Then I noticed when I tried to rinse it off my legs that it left a stubborn stain. And several days later I think there is still a black haze round my toenails, in spite of repeated washing!
I hope they keep this one on the cross country calendar for next year. But it they do, don’t wear your best white socks’. – Karena Norton.
Thanks Karena that’s good. I can definitely say following a discussion after the race that it will be included in next year’s fixture list.
I think it is an excellent that club members comment on their experience of a race, and may be we can add these to future chairchats.
Remaining KFL Races
It was announced on Sunday that the remaining KFL X-C races will be at Sevenoaks on the 21st February and a final return to Swanley on the 14th March. There will be no relay this year as it is important that we get 7 races in to complete the competition.
Orienteering Event at Oakwood Park
There is an orienteering event at Oakwood Park on Thursday 28th January at 7.00 pm. It will be similar to the one that many of you tried and very much enjoyed back in September. It will cost £2 and all the timing equipment will be provided. A bar will be open afterwards from which you will also able to order a meal. Please let me know if you are interested and I will give you more details
Awards for 2009 & Awards Evening
It’s getting near that time when we will need to make nominations for male/female runner of the year and service to the club.
Nomination slips will be available from tonight, however if you are unable to get to the club below is a voting slip. You can either copy or fill in or let Paula or myself know.
..................................................................................................................... ................................
AWARDS FOR 2009 - VOTING SLIP
Each year we make awards to club members who have made an achievement during the previous calendar year. There are three awards for which you as club members can nominate someone to receive. The runner of the year (male and female) can be for either running achievement or service to the club. The Dennis Wilcox Plate is specific for service to the club. Please make your choice and do feel free to discuss with other club members or ask committee members if you want advice or information on previous winners etc.
Male runner of the year……………………………………………………………………………………
Female runner of the year…………………………………………………………………………………
Service to the Club (Dennis Wilcox Plate)………………………………………………………………
....................................................................................................................... ..............................
I would also like your views on what format you would like the evening to be i.e. sat down meal or a buffet. Could you let me or the social girls know.
London Marathon Coach 2010
Bob is now taking names for the coach, so if you are running or would like to marshall then please put your name down on the list on a Wednesday evening or visit the message board.
New Members
With the increase in membership, I have the pleasure most weeks of introducing new members to the club. One of the difficulties is finding someone for them to run with as quite often they are not sure of their pace or how far they can run. It has been suggested that perhaps we could set up a group of volunteers who are prepared to take it turns to look after the new members for the first couple of weeks.
The ten who have volunteered so far are: -
Di Wright
Peter Foxall
Matt Fraser
Graham Pearson
Russell Morling
Sharon Barnett
Mathew Barnett
Rosie McMahon
Alan Probert
Sarah Brenton
If I have missed anyone off please let me know or if anyone else would like to volunteer, again please let me know. Many thanks.
Club Championship 2010
The following are the list of club championships planned for this year:-
Update - Just to let you know that entries are filling up fast for the Ashford 10K. There is a race limit 750 and they are already over 400. 10Kevents are extremely popular
07 Feb – Ashford 10K
11 Apr - Paddock Wood Half*
23 May - Canterbury Half*
27 Jun - Weald of Kent 10
Jul - Mount Ephraim 10K*
03 Oct - Dulwich Park 10K*
31 Oct - Barns Green Half
05 Dec - Thanet 10*
Note:- Those marked with an asterisk are Grand Prix events
January/February Diary
January
January 27th – Club evening – Route ……. New Cut, Bearsted
February
February 3rd - Club evening – Route…… Prison/Lancet Lane
February 7th – Club Championship – Ashford 10K.
February 10th - Club evening – Route….Coxheath
February 17th - Club evening – Route…. High St/Willington St.
February 21st - Cross Country – Knole Park, Sevenoaks.
February 24th - Club evening – Route…. Queens Rd/Holland Rd
February 27th – Awards evening.
Wednesday’s Route
The last time we did this route we were delivering leaflets for the impending Maidstone Half back in October. Doesn’t time fly?
New Cut
Turn right along Armstrong Rd and cross over Loose Rd into Park Way. Continue along Park Way to the roundabout and turn right to go along South Park Rd which brings you out to the roundabout in Plains Avenue. Turn left along Plains Avenue, continue to the junction with Oxford Rd and turn left. The road bends to the right and becomes School Lane. Continue to the junction with Willington Street and turn left. Run down Willington St. and up the other side to the traffic lights with Ashford Rd and turn left. Continue along Ashford Rd to the traffic lights at New Cut and turn right.
Run up New Cut to the junction with Bearsted Rd and turn left. Run along Bearsted Rd and beware of the traffic. It Is preferable to cross over to the right hand footway and then cross back over again by the pedestrian lights. Go round the left hand side of the A249/M20 roundabout and take the first turning left down Hampton Road. Take the 4th turning on your left down Alkham Rd and then take the 5th turning on your right along Snowdon Avenue. Cross over and take the footway just past the 2nd turning on your left. This will take you past Valley Park and Invicta Girls Grammar to bring you out onto the Ashford Rd. Turn right to go under the railway bridge and turn left to go down and up Square Hill Rd to Mote Rd. Turn right and then left up Hastings Rd. At the top of Hastings Rd the road goes sharp right into Barton Rd which brings you out onto Loose Rd. Turn left, run up to the traffic lights and turn right back along Armstrong Rd.
6.5 miles
Ashford Road
At the traffic lights at New Cut continue on along the Ashford Road to join the main route under the railway bridge.
4.5 miles
A passing thought
To a runner, a side stitch is like a car alarm. It signifies something is wrong, but you ignore it until it goes away. ~Author Unknown
Take care all of you, be safe and look forward to seeing you soon.
David
Demanding new course at Deal tests the runners.
Last Sunday saw the 5th event of the KFL series with a new venue at Deal. This was the first time we had ventured into this neck of the woods since we tried a course at nearby Kingswood many years ago when the series was called ‘The Today’s Runners League’. For those that ran on Sunday and those that know the area, the geology underfoot was easily recognisable as shale spoil. The material came from the nearby Betteshanger Colliery which was the last of the four East Kent coal mines to close back in 1989. The area has now been landscaped and developed into a country park for leisure activities such as running, mountain biking and orienteering. It is an ideal venue with excellent parking.
The course itself was very technical and demanding with lots of twists, turns steep banks and narrow pathways. Most of the runners came back a darker shade from when they set out and I understand required a good scrubbing to remove the last evidence of coal waste. There were a few head bandages and wounds to demonstrate that this one wasn’t for the faint-hearted. Well done to Sarah Smith who proudly emerged from the ambulance showing off a cut to her arm. There were cries from many runners at the end of “bring on Minnis Bay we are ready for you!!” – Unfortunately we are not going to have that pleasure this year.
To the race itself, once again we were the third largest team on the park with 23 runners. The organiser commented admirably on our excellent recent turnout at events. For the men, young Brendan Baker led us home followed by Lee Pearson and Mike Murdoch. For the ladies it was once again Penny Holden who showed our girls the way round followed by Julie Stoppani and Gill Monk.
Position wise out of 18 teams, the men finished 11th, the ladies were 6th and in the combined event we were 10th. Well done everyone that turned out, you all ran extremely well against some tough opposition. We didn’t pick up any prizes with the most of the draw going to New Eltham who fielded 32 runners.
It was unfortunate that part of the course wasn’t marked and controlled very well as a section runners took a short cut through the woods. Our Brendan was in the leading ten until a group of runners emerged ahead of him. It was debated whether the race should be made void but in view of the fixture difficulties it was agreed the positions will stand.
Another view
Karena Norton has very kindly written her experience of this new course. I think it aptly describes her adventure ‘at the coal face’ - so as to speak:-
‘I thought looking at the aerial shot on the website that the cross country course at Fowlmead would be flat and fairly tame. Another Swanley or Avery Hill perhaps? However having run it last Sunday I can say that it is safely on a par with Minnis Bay for being able to set the runner a different kind of challenge.
Unlike Minnis Bay there are no muddy dykes, but it’s still a very demanding route with lots of ups and downs and twists and turns around and through the muddy woods. There are also several steep descents the last of which, even with spikes, would be a tricky one for many to actually run down (I personally decided not to take any risks and inched down small steps at a time and wondering if next year I might bring a grappling hook).
The most memorable thing about it though would be the quality of the mud! Located at the site of an old coal mine the mud bears a strong resemblance to coal. By the time I had finished both legs were liberally splattered and my shoes caked. Then I noticed when I tried to rinse it off my legs that it left a stubborn stain. And several days later I think there is still a black haze round my toenails, in spite of repeated washing!
I hope they keep this one on the cross country calendar for next year. But it they do, don’t wear your best white socks’. – Karena Norton.
Thanks Karena that’s good. I can definitely say following a discussion after the race that it will be included in next year’s fixture list.
I think it is an excellent that club members comment on their experience of a race, and may be we can add these to future chairchats.
Remaining KFL Races
It was announced on Sunday that the remaining KFL X-C races will be at Sevenoaks on the 21st February and a final return to Swanley on the 14th March. There will be no relay this year as it is important that we get 7 races in to complete the competition.
Orienteering Event at Oakwood Park
There is an orienteering event at Oakwood Park on Thursday 28th January at 7.00 pm. It will be similar to the one that many of you tried and very much enjoyed back in September. It will cost £2 and all the timing equipment will be provided. A bar will be open afterwards from which you will also able to order a meal. Please let me know if you are interested and I will give you more details
Awards for 2009 & Awards Evening
It’s getting near that time when we will need to make nominations for male/female runner of the year and service to the club.
Nomination slips will be available from tonight, however if you are unable to get to the club below is a voting slip. You can either copy or fill in or let Paula or myself know.
..................................................................................................................... ................................
AWARDS FOR 2009 - VOTING SLIP
Each year we make awards to club members who have made an achievement during the previous calendar year. There are three awards for which you as club members can nominate someone to receive. The runner of the year (male and female) can be for either running achievement or service to the club. The Dennis Wilcox Plate is specific for service to the club. Please make your choice and do feel free to discuss with other club members or ask committee members if you want advice or information on previous winners etc.
Male runner of the year……………………………………………………………………………………
Female runner of the year…………………………………………………………………………………
Service to the Club (Dennis Wilcox Plate)………………………………………………………………
....................................................................................................................... ..............................
I would also like your views on what format you would like the evening to be i.e. sat down meal or a buffet. Could you let me or the social girls know.
London Marathon Coach 2010
Bob is now taking names for the coach, so if you are running or would like to marshall then please put your name down on the list on a Wednesday evening or visit the message board.
New Members
With the increase in membership, I have the pleasure most weeks of introducing new members to the club. One of the difficulties is finding someone for them to run with as quite often they are not sure of their pace or how far they can run. It has been suggested that perhaps we could set up a group of volunteers who are prepared to take it turns to look after the new members for the first couple of weeks.
The ten who have volunteered so far are: -
Di Wright
Peter Foxall
Matt Fraser
Graham Pearson
Russell Morling
Sharon Barnett
Mathew Barnett
Rosie McMahon
Alan Probert
Sarah Brenton
If I have missed anyone off please let me know or if anyone else would like to volunteer, again please let me know. Many thanks.
Club Championship 2010
The following are the list of club championships planned for this year:-
Update - Just to let you know that entries are filling up fast for the Ashford 10K. There is a race limit 750 and they are already over 400. 10Kevents are extremely popular
07 Feb – Ashford 10K
11 Apr - Paddock Wood Half*
23 May - Canterbury Half*
27 Jun - Weald of Kent 10
Jul - Mount Ephraim 10K*
03 Oct - Dulwich Park 10K*
31 Oct - Barns Green Half
05 Dec - Thanet 10*
Note:- Those marked with an asterisk are Grand Prix events
January/February Diary
January
January 27th – Club evening – Route ……. New Cut, Bearsted
February
February 3rd - Club evening – Route…… Prison/Lancet Lane
February 7th – Club Championship – Ashford 10K.
February 10th - Club evening – Route….Coxheath
February 17th - Club evening – Route…. High St/Willington St.
February 21st - Cross Country – Knole Park, Sevenoaks.
February 24th - Club evening – Route…. Queens Rd/Holland Rd
February 27th – Awards evening.
Wednesday’s Route
The last time we did this route we were delivering leaflets for the impending Maidstone Half back in October. Doesn’t time fly?
New Cut
Turn right along Armstrong Rd and cross over Loose Rd into Park Way. Continue along Park Way to the roundabout and turn right to go along South Park Rd which brings you out to the roundabout in Plains Avenue. Turn left along Plains Avenue, continue to the junction with Oxford Rd and turn left. The road bends to the right and becomes School Lane. Continue to the junction with Willington Street and turn left. Run down Willington St. and up the other side to the traffic lights with Ashford Rd and turn left. Continue along Ashford Rd to the traffic lights at New Cut and turn right.
Run up New Cut to the junction with Bearsted Rd and turn left. Run along Bearsted Rd and beware of the traffic. It Is preferable to cross over to the right hand footway and then cross back over again by the pedestrian lights. Go round the left hand side of the A249/M20 roundabout and take the first turning left down Hampton Road. Take the 4th turning on your left down Alkham Rd and then take the 5th turning on your right along Snowdon Avenue. Cross over and take the footway just past the 2nd turning on your left. This will take you past Valley Park and Invicta Girls Grammar to bring you out onto the Ashford Rd. Turn right to go under the railway bridge and turn left to go down and up Square Hill Rd to Mote Rd. Turn right and then left up Hastings Rd. At the top of Hastings Rd the road goes sharp right into Barton Rd which brings you out onto Loose Rd. Turn left, run up to the traffic lights and turn right back along Armstrong Rd.
6.5 miles
Ashford Road
At the traffic lights at New Cut continue on along the Ashford Road to join the main route under the railway bridge.
4.5 miles
A passing thought
To a runner, a side stitch is like a car alarm. It signifies something is wrong, but you ignore it until it goes away. ~Author Unknown
Take care all of you, be safe and look forward to seeing you soon.
David