Because running isn’t a spectator sport.
The last of the short course duathlons takes place tomorrow evening at Castle Coombe motor racing circuit. The race starts at 7pm and comprises a 2mile run, 10 mile bike and a 2 mile run to finish. Last month we had a wonderful turn out of athletes prompting the race announcer to give us a big plug over the tannoy. The evening was capped off with a quick pie and a pint in one of the many fine pubs in the Castle Coombe area.
So if you fancy a nice short duathlon, hotly pursued by a slap up dinner and pint of Ushers (not the drivers of course), then head East on the M4 tomorrow evening. The venue for the meal will be the Salutation Inn in Castle Coombe. Unfortunately circumstances may conspire to prevent my attendance, but keep an eye out for Clare, Heidi, Phil, John and Martin Clissold who will be duking it on the tarmac (and yes, Phil will have membership forms for the triathlon section. I knew you’d ask....)
Posted by Simon at 03:50 PM
One of the club’s most contributory and influential members (Clare) has requested, nay, instructed me, under pain of the most drawn out, lingering and hideous death to place some details on the website. So, being an obliging chap and, quite frankly, terrified, here they are....
On Saturday the 4th of September the Tour of Britain will be visiting South Wales. Some of the best teams from around the World will be competing, including some of the riders from this year’s Tour De France. The schedule is as follows;
10.00 am Meet the riders as they sign on at the Velodrome.
11.00 am Stage 4 starts: Pontypool - Crumlin - Newbrige - Celtic Manor
(12.25) - Two laps of a circuit from Celtic Manor to Caerleon - Celtic Manor
finish (3.00 pm approx)
If you fancy a bit of exercise and the rare opportunity to see some of the Worlds best cyclists on your doorstep, then Phil, Clare and John Plain plan to ride over, spectate and ride back (check with them for exact times). If you’re really good, Phil may even slip you an application for the tri-club (couldn’t miss THAT opportunity for a plug).
P.S. Clare didn’t really threaten me.
Posted by Simon at 10:18 AM
What about that Paula Radcliffe, then? We watched the race on the BBC in Pembrokeshire, and though we had Radio 5 Live on in the bus on the way home, I didn’t hear the phone-in about her pulling out. I was told about it in the pub last night.
The Torygraph’s Robert Philip on Paula.
I said something last night to the effect that when people don’t follow a sport, but they get drawn into one particular event, because someone is expected to win, they get very upset when it doesn’t go according to the script. Runners have been the most forgiving of Paula’s failure.
James Hamilton (a non-athlete, AFAIK) discusses Radio 5 vs BBCtv.
David Bedford allegedly said ’no North European’ could win a marathon in the heat (and no white man finished the 10,000m), and John Mayock said much the same. But Simon Vroemen was 6th in the ’chase; Rui Silva won Bronze in the 1500m; Tim Broe qualified for the 5000m final, as did Alistair Cragg. I noticed the Irish athlete through a photo in the Telegraph, which showed him leading. Perhaps he just ran intelligently?
I don’t mean to knock Mayock, but he doesn’t seem to run much outside his chosen distance. All the old greats used to accept low top 10 positions in the national cross-country. They knew what losing was like. I really get the impression that it surprises and shocks Radcliffe and Mayock when someone moves in front of them. The Kenyans, who train in these huge convoys, expect jostling and arrogance from the runners around them. Brits just seem to lose heart.
Discuss.
Posted by Dave at 08:16 PM
Errol Alexis has been nominated for the Guardian’s Alternative Sports Personality of the Year (by fellow founder member Phil Hexter). At some point they’ll open a vote on the shortlist.
I’m quite impressed with these two alternative suggestions:
“ I would like to nominate Lloyd Scott: the diving suit-wearing, cash-raising, marathon man because he has in one year turned marathon running from a mildly dull sport into a phenomenally tedious affair. He may have raised a hundred thousand but he has surely set the sport of marathon running back 50 years. Watching some fool run the race in an antique diving suit and take a week doing so made me realise why snooker still gets on TV.”
“ The greatest quote of all time is from the QPR boss Ian Holloway for this post-match analogy: ‘To put it in gentlemen’s terms, if you’ve been out for a night and looking for a young lady and you pull one, you’ve done what you set out to do. We didn’t look our best today but we’ve pulled. Some weeks the lady is good looking and some weeks they’re not. Our performance today would have been not the best looking bird but at least we got her in the taxi. She may not have been the best looking lady we ended up taking home but it was still very pleasant and very nice, so thanks very much and let’s have coffee.’ He’s barking.”
While I’ve got your attention, are we through and through self-obsessed? See also the comments.
Posted by Dave at 05:25 PM
There are anecdotes of course. Alan and Fran the pool hustlers, Gary the determined surfer (it was a skim board Gary. Tsk, tsk), Heidi the Guinness acquirer, Dave Headon missing the bus and cycling down (It’s only 110 miles after all). I’m sure people will share the gory details for suitable quantities of cash and/or jellybeans.
Whilst tucking into my cod and chips at the Sloop Inn on Sunday, I was asked when and where the next weekend will be held. Looking at an incredibly full diary (including the Autumn start of the x-country season) and the promise of the weather degenerating yet further, I suggest another weekend of a similar nature to be held post London Marathon 2005. Venue TBA, cost TBA, fun guaranteed. So put those trail shoes on temporary ice and await further instructions…
So what shall we do in the meantime?
September will see the return of the social run. On Sunday the 12th of September a 10–12 mile run will be on offer, starting from Heath Park Sportshall at 10am. If I cannot lead the run (my attendance is injury dependent), I will endeavour to organise an alternative. Watch this space or listen out on a Thursday!
October will see the return of hill repetitions. October’s schedule is as follows;
** All sessions start begin warm-up at 6.15pm ahead of 6.30pm start **
Somewhere along the line we’ll squeeze in some cycling for those multi-sporters amongst you. Again, watch this space for further details.
If you have any questions about any of this stuff, then lodge them here or catch me at the club.
Posted by Simon at 04:51 PM
The rest of the money is now (over) due for the Pembrokeshire weekend, so if you haven’t paid up, now is the time to do so!
On a seperate note, if you haven’t paid your subs, then they are long overdue. Please see Derek (as Mick would put it) ASAP.
Thanks.
Posted by Simon at 01:25 PM
Bring a banger! No, not your car!
Come to Geran’s and Angie’s end of summer (surely not?) BARBQ
Come cook yourself or if you would like something more edible, bring some meat or veggie dish and we’ll cook it for you.
When: Saturday 14th August
Time: 6PM till late
Venue: 21, Heathbrook, Llanishen (10 minute walk from the 3 Arches Pub or Heath High / Low Level Railway Station).
Tel: (029) 20 198 355 or 07876 403586 or 07715 117666
Social event of the year. Not to be missed.
Posted by Mick at 11:33 PM
Last updated 22 September 2006
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