Anna and Charlotte W were running the full marathon. Lynn and Karen ran the
half and Alice ran the 10km.
Alice
and Charlotte were both running their first marathons and both had been running
really consistently in training so good times were hoped for and they didn’t
disappoint. Despite struggling with a hamstring injury Charlotte ran a stunning
3:40 and Anna wasn’t far behind with a 3:45 which included a faster second half
than first. Amazing running from both. Here are the official results:
Charlotte
W - 3:40:42
Anna
H - 3:45:58
In
the half Lynn ran a huge course PB en route to a cracking 1:46 and Karen ran a
lifetime PB of 2:09. Again, superb running! Here are the official results:
Lynn
- 1:46:19
Karen
- 2:09:01
Lastly
we had Alice in the 10km. Alice has been putting in some cracking times at
parkrun recently and these translated well into a superb PB of 51:20. Alice has
never broken 55mins before so this was a huge step up. Fantastic once
again. 
Also
racing today we had Trish, Caroline, Fran, Sarah and Glenna doing the Houghton
Trail 11km race. This race took in parts of the Clarendon way and was open pets
and buggies.
Last bit of race news from
the weekend...Adam ran the Polish leg of the wings for life race series this
weekend. This is the race where you run until you are caught by the pace car.
Adam ran an amazing 24.32 miles in 2h55m before being caught. The most amazing
thing?!? He was pushing the running buggy with his son in. What a legend!!
parkrun update 4th May
This week we had 21
Fit Clubbers running at 4 different parkrun venues. There were 17 at
Winchester, Mike at Basingstoke, Jenny and Sarah at Moors Valley, and Glenna at
Mountbatten School!
There were more superb
runs and yet again more PBs:
Simon M - (25:09) -
Winchester
Shelley - (25:13) - Winchester (course PB)
Isabel - (28:55) - Winchester
Isabel - (28:55) - Winchester
Here is a link to the
consolidated club report:
Thursday 2nd May training session - Barton Meadow hills
This Thursday saw the return of Coach James after a couple of weeks well earned break. He was greeted by 25 Fit Clubbers, including new recruit Ali. Meeting at the River Park leisure centre the group set off towards the rugby club and actively warming up as they went.
The main session was to be at Barton Meadows so on the way we did a mini hill sprint up Abbotts Road, had a short break and then a single interval along Courtenay Rd. We then headed down to the hill on the western side of the meadow (by the railway line).
Here we split into two groups (to avoid congestion on the hill). We were aiming for 5 times 1 minute sprints up the hill for each group. The first group setting off for their effort, jog recovering back down and the second group setting off immediately to do the same. We got through 4 reps before we realised we were running out of time and so we did the last rep as a single group.
We headed back to River Park (stopping for pics on the way) and cooling down by the tennis courts.
Next week's session will start at Garnier Road car park at 7pm.
Race Reports
The London Marathon by Alf Rodway
Sunday 28th April 2019, Greenwich Park, the Virgin London Marathon awaited! It was perfect running conditions, a little wind and no rain with highs of 15 degrees. The climax of collecting your running number from the exhibitions had provided that emotional buzz the London Marathon gives and here I was standing in Greenwich park with my family, getting ready to run my 3rd London Marathon. As we walked up towards the blue zone enclosure, official photographer snapped away, friends, family and love ones snapped away on their phones and the adrenalin starts to pumps harder. I said my goodbyes to Phily, Alfie, my sister and brother in law, and walked into the runners zone. You’re supplied with a kit bag that has your running number on and you simply, give this to the guys on to the lorry that has your number range. At this point, I took stock of everything around me, the atmosphere, the chats, the laughter, the queues for the toilets and most importantly my starting pen.
After a warming up,
stretching, giving myself a pep talk and going through my race strategy again
in my head, I walked towards my pen. I waited for about 20minutes before
we started to move towards the start line. On the big screens around us,
we saw the elites go and then pen by pen, off went the mass!. As I approached
the start line, I re-checked Garmin and then away I went. Within 400
metres, I high fived my family and then concentrated on the task ahead.
The first 3 miles are nice with good crowds and wide spaces so I didn’t have to
adjust my stride. Very quickly into mille 1, the green start runners
started to merge and then at mile 3 the red start runners merged too. The
first real iconic landmark (for me) is Cutty Sark and I was surprised to see it
had viewing areas because 19 years ago, it didn’t (last time I ran London).
I’ve always had fond memories on this part of the course and it didn’t
disappoint with crowds 8/9 deep where possible, huge cheering and amazing
scenery. I felt good as did my split times so with my first 10k going to plan,
I was chuffed, therefore it was onto the next 10k, where I wanted to be strong
and consistent with my pace. I kept within close eyesight of one of the pacers
to help me focus with my strides but at the sometime, soaking up the
atmospheres and using the encouragement to drive on.
During mile 8 I
started to feel a niggle in my right hip and thought it would free itself,
therefore, chose to ignore. As I ran the next two miles, my attention had
diverted more to the pain and I had lost sight of the pacer without
noticing. Tower bridge was approaching and this is a magical moment, the
crowds here are big and the noise spurs you on without realising. It’s a sight
to see someone many runners on the bridge with the support all around.
For me, whilst soaking it up, I checked my pace and I was getting slower.
I then checked my last lap time and it wasn’t good, so I needed to get checked
and hoped that a physio could free the pain or ease my movement. Just
after the half way point, I stopped and saw a Dr, who performed a couple of
checks but could not confirm what I had done (typical Dr, joking One R!!)
except I had a hip rotation issue. I had lost around 15 minutes and my
time buffer had gone so after taking some paracetamol and a few more
stretches, I headed back out, to see what potentially pace I could
do. The next mile was tough and I was oblivious to everything around me
as I tried to get some decent pace back in hope of a PB, but I couldn’t get the
desired movement and found myself in despair. 
For the next 8 miles,
I stopped almost every 2.5 miles to get a physio to help me stretch and give my
buttock a rub (in a nutshell!). I saw my family, One R and PD again at mile 21
but this time I didn’t stop, as I had some movement so a big wave and thank
you. They were at one of the many MacMillan cheering points and the
noise provided when I ran past was deafening but it reminded me of the other
reasons why I was running VLM. The money that people had donated had been
amazing and I reminded myself that it would be spent on helping others like the
help my Dad got so I knew I had to finish no matter what it took. With less
than 10K to go, I started to be back in the moment of the Marathon, started to
soak the atmosphere again and when I stopped to stretch, I chatted to the
public who offered their help with jelly beans and a shoulder to hold onto to
perform a certain stretch. I looked around and reminded myself of the
great iconic landmarks we have, it’s a special place, special event. I
even had a cat and mouse game with Chris Evans, but he eventually beat me by
3minutes!
Approaching the
Embankment, the crowds were deeper again and at Mile 25, the last know cheering
point for MacMillan, I stopped and high fived the volunteers, I clapped them, I
thanked them for their support and I cried again. The last mile was the
toughest of all, knowing I couldn’t sprint, and that I hadn’t achieved my
time. As I trotted through to the finish, I told myself, that I will back
next year to put things right. The congratulations from fellow runners,
marshals, volunteers, etc etc provided a moment to be proud that I didn’t think
was possible and a time of 4:52:58 meant it was not my worst marathon so some
positivity!. As I went through the various points, I was devastated and
no matter what people could say, I was truly gutted. There are many
marathons but if you want to achieve a time goal in a special one, its
London. I met Phily, Alfie and family back at the MacMillan recovery
centre whereby my son gave me the hug needed, I put my medal on him and
said; one day, this will be you on the greatest stage. I hugged Phily so tight,
I forgot about the bump (whoops) being there and thanked her for all of her
support. After a hug to my sister and brother in law, we headed into
the centre for some refreshments and a physio to check me.
Following
the marathon, physio confirmed that I damaged my Piriformis, Tensor Facia Latte
in my Glute and also movement in my right ankle. The London marathon is special
and whatever your goals are, I would encourage and welcome all of you to try
it. You’ve seen with two very gritty determined ladies (Anne and Rachel)
what can be achieved, no matter what was thrown at them. It’s been
mesmerising following their training, the ups and downs as well their
phenomenal achievement on Sunday. Lastly, a huge thank you to coach James
for his presence, advice, support, encouragement and understanding. And a
huge thank you to WFC runners for your amazing support too, it has meant a lot.
The London Marathon by Rachel Mills
Once done I headed across the park to meet my marathon training buddy
Anne and her friend Kate for a pre-race hug and photos as we were in different
starts - me blue, Anne and Kate in red. We then parted with a final good luck
and squeeze not expecting to see each other again till after the race. Simon
and the children accompanied me to the blue start. I went to join the toilet
queue which was about 3 miles long and was told to head into the blue start
area instead as the queues were smaller. This meant I had to leave Simon and
the children and go in alone. At this point I feel very emotional and cried as
Simon told me how proud he was and that he would see me during the race. After
more hugs I waved goodbye and headed in.
I knew that Simon and the children planned to be past the Cutty Sark so
plodded on. I was worried I would not see them, but a little way on I spotted
them and rushed over for a hug. The next few miles I carried on thinking about who
I might see next. I heard a familiar voice shout my name and realised a friend
I had not seen for a while was there. I again stopped for a hug. In Bermondsey
(around mile 12) I spotted my brother with my niece Evelyn on his shoulders.
After a high five I headed for half way. Crossing Tower bridge was pretty
awesome and again I got my phone out for pics and a few failed selfies of my
forehead! For me half way in a run is a key point and means I can start
counting down the miles! It wasn’t too long before I came across One R and PD
around mile 14. I felt emotional and fought back the tears, grateful that so
many had come to support.
The next few miles are a bit of a blur. I think I just tried to not
think too much and just kept going. I felt good and knew I had done the
training. I got to 20 miles and was pleased. It wasn’t as quick as Dorney Lakes
but not far off. At 21 miles I spotted One R and PD again, there were more
tears! There was even an offer of mini eggs from One R! I declined and carried
on. About half a mile on I saw Simon and the children, again there were tears
and hugs. It was not too long after that I suddenly felt fatigued. Up until 23
miles I felt that things were tough and perhaps I couldn’t do it! I then told
myself how ridiculous I was being as there was no way I was giving up now!
The crowds were incredibly loud and at times very overwhelming, but I
carried on. I got my phone out around mile 24 with the intention of being ready
to take pics to be asked by a marshal if I was calling a taxi! Tempting!
I again don’t remember much of the last couple of miles, until I
reached the 800m sign. I sped up a bit and it seemed to take forever to reach
the 600m sign. I eventually reached the 385yds to go sign and thought I better
pick up the pace. I managed to sprint the last stretch with a few thumbs up to
the cameras. I had finished in 4:32:52! I didn’t really know what to do! I was
directed to collect my medal and had a few photos before heading to the bag
collection. I had to sit for a while before heading to Horse Guards Parade to
meet Simon and the children. I felt faint when I arrived and so lay on the
floor for a while whilst waiting. They arrive and there were more hugs and
tears. We were joined by One R and PD.
I was overwhelmed by the support from everyone. I received lovely
messages from so many friends from WFC runners, as well as the support on the
day. It really made such a difference seeing people when I was tired. I am
really grateful to have such lovely people around me. Thank you for the
coaching advice (Super Coach James), running support (Anne, One R and others),
sponsorship (£1300 raised) and moral support. Next year I shall be support
crew!!
General Announcements
WFC parkrun Club
Winchester Fit Club Runners is set-up as a club with parkrun. If you go into your profile (there is a link to it on the parkrun results email and newsletter email) you can select your club. Change yours to Winchester Fit Club Runners and you will appear in the consolidated club report that we get each week.
WFC Runners WhatsApp Group
There is a WFC Runners WhatsApp chat group where we generally just wang on about running, races and cake. If you are not already part of this then please get in contact with Coach James or Coach Mike who will add you.
WFC Runners Strava Club
If you are a Strava user there is a Winchester Fit Club Runners club page. This can be accessed here: https://www.strava.com/clubs/WFC-Runners. Request to join and we will approve!
Booking onto sessions
Booking onto our training sessions enables the coaches to plan the session accordingly. You can book on in the following location: https://winchesterfitclub.simplybook.it/v2/
Race Calendar
The race calendar is now stored here: https://wfcrunners.blogspot.com/2019/01/race-calendar-2019-and-beyond.html
Race Kit
The full range of kit available to purchase and instructions on how to order can be found in the following link: https://wfcrunners.blogspot.com/2019/01/kit-details-and-prices.html
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