As spring marathon season approaches, many of our runners are ramping up their weekly mileage, and stories of tough long runs begin to fill weekend Strava posts. But none stand out more than Chris Dowling’s incredible challenge this weekend—the Arc of Attrition. Lets save that for later and start with a parkrun round up
With few events on the racing calendar this weekend we saw a fantastic turnout from GVH park runners—37 participants across 11 different parkruns.
GVH on tour – Wycombe Rye Parkrun
An unusually low turn our for “Parkrun on Tour ” this month – But well done to Helen Pollard, Russell Jones and Ed Price who made the journey as first timers to this parkrun. And a huge congratulations to Helen for setting herself a new parkrun PB of 34 mis 33, going very nicely under 35 mins for the first time.
Gadebridge Park Parkrun
Surprisingly given the recent rain, Gadebridge with all its mud, was the most popular parkrun. Super muddy & super slippery!
Well done to Michael Linden, our first man home and 6th overall – closely followed by Andrew Bishop, Simon Wheeler James Burnie and Anthony Fogden.
Nathalie Wheeler and Sam Raffety were our first ladies home followed by Jemma Jackson. Nathalie being paced by Sam to a new course PB. Well done Natalie!
Rickmansworth Parkrun
Rickmansworth was popular this week, where Stephen Newing was our first male home in 19 min 45. Hot on his tail was Gareth Tucker 19min 54 and Jack Boughton 19 min 55. Jack benefitting from the close chase to grab a parkrun PB. Well done Jack for ducking under the 20 mins milestone for the first time!
Jade Evans was our first lady home in 26.59, running with Tom. They were closely followed by Sandra Flynn and Amanda Baker.
Great to see 3 runners in under 20 mins and all 7 Harriers home in under 30 mins!
Wendover Woods Parkrun
Another surprising venue choice given the hills and expectation for mud in January. Nick Crowther was first home in 20.51 followed by Stuart Gallagher and Andy Cook. Well done Stuart on a new course PB.
Sue Crowther was our first lady home, followed Helen Cooke, and Helen Heathcote
Elsewhere
Simon Morris and Guy & Martha Woollett went to Cassiobury Park. Max Woollett ran at Maldon Prom parkrun for the first time. Bill Hawes went to Ancholme Valley Way also for the first time, where he finished a very nice 5th. Finally, Chrissy Mooney ran at Leavseden Country parkrun , and Nick Joseph took on the new local parkrun – Oaklands College.
Deborah Fogden runs the Essendon 10K
Deborah at the Essendon 10K
Big congratulations to new member Deborah, who was one of our few racers this weekend. She took on the Essendon 10K, shaving an impressive 31 seconds off her PB, despite the challenging undulating course. Deborah finished in a fantastic 57:17 and placed 3rd in her age category
Bedford 5 miles
Vince Ellerby took on the Bedford 5 mile Race. A super flat, super fast course along the Bedford Embankment. Vince had a great fast run with each mile within a couple of seconds of the previous one, to finish in 35mins 37. Well done Vince
Moving on to tales of endurance ……and Looking forward to the Spring Marathon Schedule
- Tokyo Marathon – 2nd March – 5 weeks to go
- Brighton Marathon and Southampton Marathon – 6th April – 10 weeks
- Chilterns trail Marathon 12th April – 11 weeks
- Paris Marathon – 13th April – 11 weeks
- London Marathon and Manchester Marathon 27th April – 13 weeks
- Belfast Marathon and Milton Keynes Marathon 5th May – 14 weeks
As you look at the strava runs posted at weekends, you can start to get a feel for who has marathons (or longer) in their plans. Long slow runs can be tough mentally as you start to ramp up the miles and at the same time wonder how you will go longer next week and will you ever have 26 miles in you. So a big shout out to everyone that ran long this weekend.
One such runner on that marathon track is our London Marathon place winner Kirsty Hardiman.
Here in her own words is how she is feeling about the challenge …
This year, I’m thrilled to represent our running club with the converted London Marathon club place! After years of unsuccessful ballot attempts, the chance to finally take on this iconic race feels like a dream come true. Training started well, I hit the ground running, feeling strong and focused, and up for the challenge.
But, As we all know, marathon training rarely goes without its hiccups. After smashing my fastest 10 mile race at Fred Hughes, I was brought back down to earth by a nasty cold. Between coughing fits and wheezing, I felt drained – a reminder to listen to my body. Rest was the remedy, and while my last long run felt tougher than usual, I’m happy to say I’m bouncing back and ready to push forward.
Here’s to embracing the highs, powering through the lows, listening to our bodies, and chasing that finish line dream!
And finally, onto someone who sets his sights beyond even a marathon……….
Chris Dowling tackles the Arc of Attrition
This race is 50 miles of stunning, dramatic and challenging coastline trails. It basically follows the coastal path around the extreme south west tip of Cornwall. Race instructions state “runners will need the ability and experience of being self-sufficient for long periods of time in potentially extreme weather conditions”. So not for mere mortals then….
The 50 mile route
Chris himself writes….. It was a really tough race on a course that doesn’t suit me. The toughest twelve and three quarter hours of running I have ever done. Had a really good second half after St Ives where you can get into a bit of running. Super fortunate with the weather. Thank goodness the race isn’t today it’s awful out there.
Despite this he completed the 50 miles in an impressive 12 hours and 45 minutes. It was truly a race of attrition, with 25% of participants unable to finish. Huge congratulations to Chris—what an incredible display of endurance! It’s something most of us could only dream of achieving. A remarkable accomplishment!!!
Well done to everyone one who ran this weekend and dodged the weather. Roll on the end of winter!