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Results

Muslim Charity 5km, Victoria Park - Sunday 22nd September 2019

436 finishers

Weymouth Half Ironman 70.3 - Sunday 22nd September 2019

Our Danny Wong completed his first Half Ironman 70.3 at Weymouth today in 7 hrs 13 mins!
Incredible! Swim was cut short to 950m due to horrendous conditions!
Who's up for the next 70.3 ELR trip?

35.08 , 9.05, 3.44.49, 7.30, 2.37.27 = 7.13.57

Loire Valley 20km - Sunday 22nd September 2019

Loire Valley 10km - Sunday 22nd September 2019

Llyn Alwen Trail (11.5km) - Sunday 22nd September 2019

A few pics from the Llyn Alwen Trail race I did this morning. A lovely, low-key event of around 7 miles in stunning scenery - just what I needed after a few disappointing runs recently. I thought it might be reasonably flat as it was a loop around the lake, but in fact there was over 700ft of ascent, although the panoramic views at the top of the biggest climb made it feel worthwhile. We totally lucked out with the weather too - after a warm sunny day yesterday (even in Snowdonia) it was forecast to rain all morning today, but it had stopped before we set off for the race, and didn't start again until we were back in the car (when it tipped it down). There was also a canicross race starting 10 minutes after the main race, so lots of gorgeous doggos for me to schmooze.

Simplyhealth Great East Run - Sunday 22nd September 2019

Run Through Goodwood 20m - Sunday 22nd September 2019

Catriona reports: Nick Hoult and I got very wet and rather dizzy
this morning doing a 20 miler (8 and a bit laps) of Goodwood Motor Circuit
in the rain.
It's a long way to go, but a well-organised Run Through race and there
aren't that many 20 mile races in at this time of year. The main positives
I'm feeling now are: Nick only lapped me once, I was 13 minutes quicker
than last year and we've definitely deserved roast potatoes and apple crumble
for dinner.
Oh and according to Don Bennett, I was second in my age category, but that
might have been out of two, so I won't get too excited!

Scottish Half Marathon - Sunday 22nd September 2019

Scottish Half - 1:36:52 pb
Really enjoyed my first trip to Scotland - did sightseeing in Edinburgh
yesterday and had a great race today!
I spent most of the race wondering where the support was (even the
marshals weren't cheering!) until I got to the finish in Musselburgh
racecourse in front of a packed stand of spectators. It's a flat course
Really happy with my time - a PB of 4:29 from the Big Half in March this
year and 11:24 quicker than the Ealing half this time last year.
Well done to everyone else who ran/swam this weekend!

Run Through Olympic Park 5km - Saturday 21st September 2019

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 21st September 2019

Run Through Olympic Park 10km - Saturday 21st September 2019

Children with Cancer UK Swim Serpentine 1 mile - - Saturday 21st September 2019

Children with Cancer UK Swim Serpentine 2 mile - - Saturday 21st September 2019

Richmond Half Marathon - Sunday 15th September 2019

Jessica reports: It's all about the scenery. That has been my mantra all week. Because - other than the flat, pretty route - things weren't looking good for me and the Richmond half.
The first problem was transport. With the overground and west London tubes out of action, I struggled to find a sensible route from E11. The second thing was the 26°C forecast. Don't get me wrong, I love sunny days. But they're for Pimms and gardens and bbqs. Not long runs.
Thankfully, there are yins to these yangs. NO HILLS is the big one (the Richmond half advertises itself as London's flattest course). It's also absolutely friggin' beautiful. I mean proper stunning. The course goes through Kew Gardens, past the palm house and the temple. It runs along the canal tow path, by Richmond bridge and Teddington lock, through Richmond deer park, and past Ham House. That's a whole lotta pretty.
It's not always easy though. The tow paths are narrow. A stretch through woodland gave shade glorious shade - but also unstable paths. I saw a few people tumble.
I got distracted by T-shirts. At one point I found myself staring at a group wearing a logo of the soles of two shoes - one with ears to look like a cat and the other with a halo. I decided they must be fundraising for a cat rescue centre. I later found out the 'cat' was a devil and the runners belonged to 'heaven and hell running club'.
All-in-all, the Richmond half was a smaller, friendly event. It started with a shaky voice nervously asking 'GO?' to the general confusion (and then laughter) of the crowd. There weren't many pacers - and the ones I did see had an A6 card on a stick indicating their time; you had to be right on top of them to read it. The route was really well-marshalled and signposted though. So despite the heat, my lack of training and my initial grumpiness, the route was so beautiful I was quickly won round.
Like I say, this one was all about the scenery.

Richmond Marathon - Sunday 15th September 2019

Great Bristol Half Marathon - Sunday 15th September 2019

Maya reports: Bristol Half. Right, so I still loved it. But SO much slower. I was going great guns till 8 miles, but I was thirstier than the Sahara and at 8 miles I downed a bottle of water. Rookie mistake that I paid for immediately, as it sloshed about inside me making me feel sick as soon as I started running again.
So I ran walked from then on to come in at 2:38. Not the best time, but the sun shone all its Bristol Love right into me. And then I ate the best ice cream in the WORLD.

Anna reports: Bristol Half all week I had been saying I wasn't going to run and I would support Maya Goodwin, Nicky and Emma. But all week in the back of my mind there was part of me that felt that my various injuries would hold up. So on Saturday morning I packed my running stuff and decided to try and run it. I have never started a race not knowing if I would finish. I had some good advice from Louise Taylor too on run walk ratios which helped to convince me I could do it.
Bristol didn't disappoint. It's a lovely race with flat bits, ups and down. It is well supported by the folks of the city. I smiled a lot and I laughed going round and I cried as I was finishing. There was a wall of sound from supporters on the last mile which made it all the more easier. Also having my brother there to support me was a lovely thing too. He loved shouting 'come on East
London' in the way that we would all shout it!
Time wise - I had only set myself the bronze target, which was to start and see if I could finish. And I managed it! 30 mins off my best but it's progress and has given me back a little self belief.
As for Bristol, I will hopefully be back next year as you were great!

Mao 5m, Menorca - Sunday 15th September 2019

'5/10 milles Mao'. Opted for the 5 when I saw the hills!!! Did it in
48.34 official time, 48.28 chip time. Also managed to be second in my
category i.e. F 45-55. Next year I might win some cheese as the prize
for the 5 miles was 5 kg Menorca cheese but 10 kg for 10 mile winners!
It'd be really good if a few more ELRs did it and we could do the
10miles next year . It's the first time I've been here hoping for bad
weather and got it. Though it was something like 25-28 degrees still.

Harvest Trail, Royston - Sunday 15th September 2019

126 finishers.

Pleshey & Essex Half Marathon - Sunday 15th September 2019

Jubilee Hall Trust Run For Life Trail 5km - Saturday 14th September 2019

Season Finale Sprint Triathlon - Lake Dorney - Saturday 14th September 2019

Pictures available in Photo Gallery

750m swim , t1, 21.1k cycle, t2, 5k run
17.58, 3.35, 37.03, 2.01, 19.56 = 1.20.32

28th overall (of 105)
8th vet (of 46)
2nd VM45 (of 9)
2nd overall on the run leg (of 105)

For a few years I'd been thinking about trying a triathlon. The first obvious issue was that I'm far from being a good swimmer, although I can probably swim long distances without stopping, but certainly not at fast pace. So as soon as I targeted a September debut I also signed up to a set of one-to-one swimming lessons to improve technique and, ultimately, time. Everything else, I thought, was good enough for me to have a good go - apart from having to purchase a lot of gear (gosh, this sport is expensive!!!).
The choice fell onto the Dorney Lake Season Finale, organised by Human Race - a sort of RunThrough for running and non-running events. Because of the long swim leg I was reluctant to try the olympic distance, therefore I opted for the sprint: 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run. Apart from making sure the bike fitted in my puny car, I didn't need any special preparation for the day - unless you consider two different outfits and footwear, towel, gels, flip flops, food, ELR top (for the photos), swimming gear, water, ....
Being my first time I had no reference point to say whether or not I was doing good: 106 started in two separate waves - kids and semi-vets (35+) - only one DNF. Proper vets (40+) were 46. During the race I gave everything I had in each leg: the swim was not as fast as I had expected it, but not as slow as my last training sessions - just OK; I was 35th vet when I made my way on the saddle. On the bike I lost the two gels I had in my back pockets and started to consider the sad prospect of getting to the end with no extra sugars. However I pushed super hard, and gained positions.
By the time I was off on my trainers I had risen to 22nd vet position, but trying to switch to what should be a familiar running exercise proved hard, after the bike my legs were confused about the right thing to do. A couple of minutes later I was running fine: my watch reassured me about pace and I closed with a nice progression to close 8th vet and overall second on the run leg, behind the overall winner - a boy of 16.
Will I do it again? Most definitely, probably a couple of times a year, and maybe try the olympic distance once my swim becomes more decent. I reckon I can gain a few minutes on swim and bike, and cut time off the transitions too (almost 6 minutes in total, only 10 did worse).
I would recommend anyone to try tri: if you can't swim, it's a good opportunity to learn (it's an amazing cross-training activity), and most events in summer don't require a wetsuit; a Halfords bike works as good as a 3 grand carbon fibre model. It can be as expensive or cheap as you're prepared to make it.
I feel I should thank Danny and Jimmy for the useful tips, and everyone else who encouraged me on the way: another good story in this great 2019. Now back to more familiar territory: the last ELVIS is just around the corner, and a good performance - not just from me - is needed to complete our year with another smile.

Essex XC 10km Series - Weald Country Park - Saturday 14th September 2019

James Nichols: Did all 5 of this series and put a consistent set
of top 10 finishes together which was enough to receive the trophy for
2nd male overall.
Nice medal when you put all 5 together! Highly recommend these races even
if you can't make the full series, they take part in a lovely set of parks
which each offer their own challenges

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 14th September 2019

Pictures available in Photo Gallery

Runthrough Chase the Sun Olympic Park 5K - Wednesday 11th September 2019

Runthrough Chase the Sun Olympic Park 10K - Wednesday 11th September 2019

Runthrough Grand Prix - Mercedes Benz World - 5K - Sunday 8th September 2019

New Forest Half Marathon - Sunday 8th September 2019

Langham 10km - Sunday 8th September 2019

Wandsworth 10km (not really 10k) - Sunday 8th September 2019

117 finishers. Course measured about 9.5k.

Bacchus Half Marathon - Sunday 8th September 2019

My second wine run! Gorgeous route, HORRID hills and lovely wine.

Great North Run Half Marathon - Sunday 8th September 2019

Ellie reports Awesome run up north today ! Such a great event ,
sorry not to be running in red today as we were supporting the National
Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS) - we were representing at heart!
Lovely to see Shahib Ali at the start! Well done everyone X

Mark Moir The race plan came together at the #greatnorthrun
today and I did it in 1:27:15, an 80 second PB! I'm happy with the PB
and thank you to all of the runners and training partners at
#eastlondonrunners as well as my family and friends who've kept me
focussed on this race even during injury. Big shout out to @lvmoir too
on completing his first half marathon in 1:44. @ Great North Run

Jose reports: North Great Run half marathon this morning.
I wasn't expecting too much after indulging too much during the holidays
but I still manage around 2'20" Min PB in a non flat course. 10 km PB too
with 35'34". Very happy with results, doing last km in 3'16"!
And hand shake with the great Mo Farah at the end( he obviously finished
over 15 min before me)

Koblenz Marathon - Sunday 8th September 2019

New Forest Marathon - Sunday 8th September 2019

Woburn Abbey Tri - Woburner (Middle Distance) - Saturday 7th September 2019

1.9km swim, t1, 90km cycle, t2, 21.1km run
38.31 , 5.41, 3.25.49, 3.16, 1.54.11 = 6.07.47

Run Through Victoria Park Half Marathon - Saturday 7th September 2019

Run Through Victoria Park 10km - Saturday 7th September 2019

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 10km - Saturday 7th September 2019

Valentines parkrun - ELR takeover - Saturday 7th September 2019

Pictures available in Photo Gallery

We are very grateful to the volunteers who made this event happen: Robert BATEY, Suzanne BENCH, Don BENNETT, Frank BROWNLIE, Grant CONWAY, Ed HOOKE, Sophia HOULT, Catriona HOULT, Bernadett KALMAR, Craig LIVERMORE, Juliet LOPEZ-REAL, Bella LOPEZ-REAL, Elizabeth O'DONNELL, Patricia O'NEILL, Lee RAND, Alexandra RUTISHAUSER-PERERA, Jacob STEVENS, Oliver SZABADI, Viktor F SZABADI, Anna SZABADI

parkrun - all venues (- Valentines) - Saturday 7th September 2019

Crown To Crown 5km, Basildon - Wednesday 4th September 2019

WG&EL Open Meeting - Tuesday 3rd September 2019

Essex Way 2019 - Sunday 1st September 2019

Results shown for Team-Leg Position (eg 17-1 45th)
STAGE 1 EPPING - CHIPPING ONGAR 7.5 miles 8am
STAGE 2 CHIPPING ONGAR - GOOD EASTER 9.5 miles 9am
STAGE 3 GOOD EASTER - LITTLE LEIGHS 9.5 miles 10.15am
STAGE 4 LITTLE LEIGHS - CRESSING 10.1 miles 11.30am
STAGE 5 CRESSING - GREAT TEY 9.4 miles 12.45pm
STAGE 6 GREAT TEY - WEST BERGHOLT 5.7 miles 2pm
STAGE 7 WEST BERGHOLT - DEDHAM 11.2 miles 2.40pm
STAGE 8 DEDHAM - BRADFIELD 8.0 miles 4.15pm
STAGE 9 BRADFIELD - RAMSAY 5.3 miles 5.15pm
STAGE 10 RAMSAY - HARWICH LIGHTHOUSE 5.5 miles 6pm

81 teams, 53 mixed, 18 ladies, 10 vets
ELR 1 - Team 17 - 27th mixed, 43rd overall
ELR 2 - Team 18 - 29th mixed, 45th overall
ELR 3 - Team 19 - 33rd mixed, 51st overall

Grant : Good morning. Well done to everyone with their running and racing over the weekend.
Many thanks to Jonathan and all those who were involved with the organisation, helped with driving, logistics, numbers etc etc for the Essex Way yesterday. I was delighted to see that we fielded 3 teams. It really is a great event. I had lots of fun with Tricia and Susannah on leg 1!
Thanks to Frank for doing the scoring on leg 1 and getting us back to Epping.
I will try and do all the different legs on the Essex Way over the years to come as the ones I have done have all been really enjoyable to do so far. If you haven’t done it yet, it’s a great event which you can run at a pace you are comfortable with.

Alexandra: It has been 2 years since I wanted to participate to the Essex Way relay. A relay race of 82 miles from Epping to Harwich
divided in 10 legs across public footpaths offering a variety of landscape across the forest, rivers, cute British villages and the seaside...
I finally did, this year and it didn't disappoint...
I managed to run 2 legs ( 10.1 + 5.2 miles) with the best running club in the world and ended the day with Fish & Chips ...
Now I need to make sure I keep my first Sundays of September free from travels for the rest of my life...I am hooked !

Bedford Half Marathon - Sunday 1st September 2019

Race report:
At the start of July I saw that if you ran 2 races at the Bedford running festival you were eligible for a gold medal. I am partial to a medal and thought this would be my only chance of a gold, so signed up to the Saturday 5k and the half marathon on the Sunday. I planned to really train for this as it would only be my third half. This would also be my first race running solo with no supporters out there.
My social life, birthday and holidays then really got in the way of my training and summer celebrations took priority. I have then spent the last week debating whether to run or not as I wasn't feeling very confident or motivated.
I was up at 6am to drive to Bedford to complete the 5k yesterday. When my alarm went off I admired Stuart for doing this weekly for a parkrun. I took the 5k at a steady pace and took in the beautiful views, at the end I struggled and became extremely nervous for today.
I hardly slept and was very tempted to drop out this morning due to my nerves and make believe injuries. I got myself to the start line and was greeted by some East End Road Runners, they asked if I wanted to walk up to their 1 hour and a half wave with them but as I realised I would be an hour slower I politely declined. Seeing a local vest gave me the boost I needed.
The first 7 miles were actually enjoyable, with a flat course and lovely weather. The other runners were so friendly. After 7 miles I started to struggle so for the first time ever I tried a gel, it was supposed to be vanilla cupcake flavour but I don't believe the person who made it had ever tried a vanilla cup cake.
I made it to 10 miles and knew I just needed to complete a park run distance and was feeling ok. The aim was just to finish but I looked at my watch and was surprised I was running faster the normal. When I got to 11.5 miles I felt very lonely and as it was the furthest part away from the running festival the support was minimal, one runner asked me how I was doing and if I was a professional as I had a club top on? I explained I was most definitely not a pro and signed up for 2 races all for a stupid medal, after chatting and running to 12 miles he pointed out I could get a PB, he offered to pace me as long as I got him a pint at the end which seemed a very good deal to me.
I really pushed the last mile and managed my PB as well as my gold medal. Although it was a challenge running with no familiar faces I am over the moon that I did and highly recommend the course.

Switzerland Marathon Light (Half) - Sunday 1st September 2019

Switzerland Marathon Light (half a marathon!)
Damn what a beautiful race! It had everything, except the bling, where was the bling?!
Beautiful mountains, lakes, buzzing atmosphere with some great people coming out to
cheer. The most deafening sound of cow bells through one section too. 2 hours zoomed
by so quickly, I never wanted a race to last longer than I did this much today! Pleased
with my time given my photo stops, crocked knee, walking breaks and little hills!
Sorry I didn't get a snap in my vest!

ITU World Triathlon Championships, Lausanne, Switzerland - Sunday 1st September 2019

Standard distance 1500m swim, t1, 40k cycle, t2, 10k run =
Ava - 33.41 , 2.43, 1.15.27, 2.00, 45.04 = 2.38.57
Sarah - 33.26, 3.06, 1.15.21, 2.37, 57.41 = 2.52.13

Sarah : Great day's racing with friends, fellow countrywomen/men and the
rest of the world. Time to lay off the running until the foots better but
it got me round today. As Team USA would say AWESOME!

South Cheshire 20m - Sunday 1st September 2019

South Cheshire 20 - 2:28:43. Good prep for Berlin, route passing through a
set of villages on country roads with a fair few hills thrown in.
Nice local running clubs vibe to it and a decent goody bag provided at the end

Takeley 10km - Sunday 1st September 2019

Regents Park 10km Summer Series - Sunday 1st September 2019

Thank you Steve Bywater for giving me your place in the Race Organiser Summer Series 10k in Regents Park!
I met Jayne Browne and Andrea Waller at 8am to travel in together.
'So is it two or three laps?'
'It was three last time we did it'
'Yeah, me too. Did you see the camels?'
'Er. No. There aren't camels in Hyde Park'
Wait. WHAT?? And now we are underground Frantic Googling at every tube stop showed there were two identical races today, in two different parks! A selfie on the tube and we split at Holborn.
I ran this race back in 2014 with Jo Bull and I hated it. Today I wasn't feeling it. But meeting Victoria Charlesworth before the start cheered us both up (despite our gloomy State of the Nation discussion walking to the start line)
Three laps looping round the park, a couple of nice Downs, and the corresponding Ups were gentle, which was nice. Joyful marshals and camels to look at as you ran past London Zoo. On the second lap the speedsters started lapping me. I yelled 'I know Susie Stannard!' to the back of a Spa Strider. I got a thumbs up On the third lap there was a right old hulabaloo at the zoo. It must have been feeding time.
1:05:12. Not a super speedy time, but I worked hard and didn't walk. (And I *am* still carrying holiday weight ) I was reminded of you all the way round Jo . Annie and Sheonaidh too. It seems so long ago. Jo, please can we do it again? Despite not feeling it, I found my groove and really enjoyed this morning. I'd love to run it with you again please, I promise not to moan this time

Royal Parks 10km Series - Hyde Park - Sunday 1st September 2019

Bedford Run Fest 5km - Saturday 31st August 2019

GRAWE Nocni Maraton, Zagreb - Saturday 31st August 2019

No PB to report but no injuries post run either. Although running in
32 degree heat and lack of sleep could easily been my excuse, I'm glad
I did this one with friends I've met last year during first marathon
in Lochness. The course was fairly flat, running in clay gravel with
two loops around Lake Bundek. Great marshaling, water stops, goodie bags,
entertainment and free beer at the finish makes it all worth it.
Next day was sightseeing on foot at the beautiful Old Town of Zagreb.
Official HM time 2:13:45
Finished 6th in my age group

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 31st August 2019

Phoenix Excalibur 8 - Saturday 31st August 2019

(Run as many 5.3 mile laps in 6 hours)

5k On The Rides : Week 3 - Wednesday 28th August 2019

95 finishers.

Go Tri Duathlon 87 - Tuesday 27th August 2019

2 mile run, 10 mile cycle, 2 mile run
14.05 = 28.45 = 14.01 = 56.52

Elvis 7 - Barking Road Runners 5km, Barking Park - Monday 26th August 2019

Pictures available in Photo Gallery

66 ELR's
Elvis teams:
Men: John Booth, Scott McMillan, Dan Senior, Fabrizio Stefanoni, Spencer Evans & Nathan Jones.= 3rd place
Women: Karen Levison, Caroline Frith, Becky Evans, Kasia Stachowiak, Maud Hodson & Alexandra Brown.= 3rd place.
ELR Women win the trophy for 2019. Men will be decided at Valentines.

Langostino Trail 17km - Sunday 25th August 2019

Today was time to compete in a very tough 17K-race on the beach in Sanlucar,
with high tide, which made it even harder. A lot of fast runner at the start,
in the middle of the build-up to Berlin, I didn't know how it would go.
It was very hard to run on the dried sand, and there was a lot of holes in
the wet one. Somehow I managed to keep the pace and after 12K could take the
lead and finish with a course record. Second win in 11 days, which makes me
feel confident for the marathon. The last test will be the Ciudad Real half
marathon before the Berlin marathon on 29th September.

Run Through Velopark 5km - Sunday 25th August 2019

Ridgeway Challenge 86 miles - Saturday 24th August 2019

Pictures available in Photo Gallery

Ridgeway 86 Race Report
After the Spitfire Scramble, it all seemed like a such a good idea.
Following 9 months of solid training, I had the miles in my legs. Following a 100 miler, I knew I had the mental strength to doggedly keep going. 'May as well sign up for another ultra' I thought. 'A really pretty one!'
So I did.
Almost immediately following this decision, my form dropped dramatically.
Maybe I hadn't recovered. Maybe I was overtrained. Maybe a slight loss of focus or simply the hot and humid summer we're having. Whatever the cause, over the past month or so, I gained about a minute a mile relative to effort and couldn't keep my heart rate down.
So the thought of a hilly ultra out of form was pretty daunting, but then I saw the weather forecast. 28 degrees is hotter than most would choose to run in!
With all this in mind, I set off at 10am at the start of the Ridgeway, near Tring. The scenery was stunning, which in practical terms meant that there were a few hills to contend with. Initially it was a case but of energy preservation and not going off like an idiot. This wasn't easy to judge as my heart rate was through the roof and I was running at a speed that felt almost embarrassingly slow.
Initially, I found a few runners who were going at the same speed and stuck with them through checkpoint 1 (Tring running club - amazing cookies and brownies!) and felt ok considering the midday sun was high in the sky. Rehydration became the main priority and into checkpoint 2, I started struggling to keep up. Clearly a litre of water wasn't enough for 9 miles!
At around marathon distance (checkpoint 3) the group kept going as I was refilling bottles and I didn't mind the lack of company or hive mind navigation. It became apparent that I wasn't the only one struggling in the heat and as a I went on my way, another runner retired. I slowed down and tried to enjoy the scenery as best I could.
As the sun started to noticeably lower in the sky by checkpoint 4 (c.35 miles) running became more pleasant and I started to feel almost comfortable. Sure the front runners (who had set off two hours later) were streaming past, but I was running my own race. I made it to checkpoint 5 at half way in just under 10 hours and tucked into what felt like the best pasta I've ever had.At this point, I met Dan and Ali, who had pushed ahead earlier. With the prospect of a long night ahead of us, we agreed to go for safety in numbers and run together.
It is no underestimation to say that we got each other through the following 12 or so hours. Having others around broke up the monotony and although I felt like there were times I could have pushed on as others slowed, we all took turns at the front.
Through the night, we pushed straight on for mile after unrelenting mile up hill and down dale on some badly kept paths that were about as wide as a car tyre impossible to run along with a proper gait. We all stuck to the policy of walking up hill to save energy and it was amazing as time wore on through the small hours how small an incline had to be for us to walk up it. As time wore on, the walking passages became longer and towards the end we didn't get much change from 20 minutes per mile. If I'd wanted to dig further into the hurt locker, I perhaps could have shaved a little time, but not a great deal.
As the sun came up at around 6am, the expected euphoria didn't come this time. Perhaps the prospect of heat was enough of a worry not to feel the need to celebrate. Around half an hour later, I became grateful that the night had ended as the views around ten miles from the finish were spectacular and I didn't even begrudge the steep climb.
As expected, the last ten miles felt interminably slow as we shuffled along, unable to pick up the pace and get it over with.
As I crossed the line just after 9am in a little over 23 hours, I was hit with the realisation that with a lack of form and in ferocious heat on a really hilly trail, I could still grind out a distance to be proud of. Many didn't and I was told that there had been 67 retirement out of around 170 starters. The heat really was brutal.
Once I got home, I slept for a long time - so long that I missed England's cricketing heroics. I'd jokingly told Maud that I'd be at ELVIS in Barking Park on Monday morning and ended up turning up to see if I could actually run. Over that 5k, I managed a pace 2 minutes faster than my fastest ridgeway mile. I'm not sure which is the more remarkable achievement, all things considered!

I Cross Nocturna La Fuentecita - Saturday 24th August 2019

Racing in Andulacia: Note to myself:
Be very careful when super Antonio advise you a local race in Andalucia!!! You will end up running the hilliest, hottest, windiest race you have ever done and there will be kick ass runners all over you!
But it will also be within an amazing landscape with extremely supportive participants and excited organisers to see people from London!
Some of you know that my running has been quite off in the last few months... No idea why... And there was a time when it really affected me till I accepted that even if my (relative) speed would never come back; I was so lucky to be able to simply run as many of my friends don't have that chance right now...
That doesn't prevent me to continue trying so Antonio advised me some local races during my stay in the Cádiz region.
Luckily, Richard who is wandering around Spain for a few months was planning to visit me during that weekend so it was ideal to get a mini #ELRonTour event!
Stress was building up for both of us before the race as we knew how hilly it might be and also seeing about a 100 runners who looked as fit as Antonio on the start line...
All I wanted was trying to not be last if I could... Hearing the news about Dave a few hours before gave me the mental I needed to push thinking of him and how angry I am about cancer who keeps taking away from me and others some marvellous men who were making this world a better place!
So, off we went and the hills kept on giving but gosh was it beautiful... I ended up running with a group of 4 people for a while who were extremely supportive (including at walking the hills with me so I wouldn't feel bad ) ...but, well trained by Grant, i finally left them in my dust after 7 kilometers in one of the longest, steepest downhill I have ever ran in! #NoFear
It started to be really hard to run as I didn't have a head torch and it was now really dark. .. So a guy on a bicycle with his lamp followed me up and down till I reached the village back to make sure I had some lights... This was the sweetest thing ever...
As expected, my time was not what I would have liked but I enjoyed the race and that was the most important...
Richard loved the race as well and did a much better time considering the terrain, however due to the competition in his age category, he hasn't been as lucky as I have been with my 3rd place in my age category ( out of 4 but who is counting!)...
Now really looking forward to my next Spanish race in the North with Maud in November ( trying to gently encourage Richard to join us )!
#GotToBeInItToWinIt

The Great Escape 15.5m, Dartmoor - Saturday 24th August 2019

Run Through Greenwich Park 10km - Saturday 24th August 2019

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 24th August 2019

Pictures available in Photo Gallery

24/08/19
23:37 my fastest in a while,
Sloughbottom in Norwich although they say slow bottom, anyway, saying bottom is
always funny in my opinion. Plenty of parking and clean toilets. A very nice one
lap course starting at the pavilion you run around the football pitch then behind
the BMX track, then over a little bridge where you then run up and back along a
narrow path so you get to see all the fast people. A loop at the far end then back
past the BMX track and football pitch to the finish,
I was blessed with the weather today and I ran the 1st 1k with my friend Sharon.
This is my favorite Norwich one so far, only 4 left in Norfolk now.
Anyway, bottoms up. Stuart

5k On The Rides : Week 2 - Wednesday 21st August 2019

Phoenix Striders 5km Summer Series, One Tree Hill - Tuesday 20th August 2019

Bath Two Tunnels Marathon - Sunday 18th August 2019

Two Tunnels

A truly special race that not only takes in many of Bath's beautiful attractions but also has the longest underground sections of any running race in the UK!

Cutting right under the city of Bath, the two tunnels offer a truly unique running experience. The Somerset & Dorset Railway closed in 1966 and until April 2013 the tunnels have been sealed and inaccessible. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Two Tunnels Group and Sustrans over 7 years, the two tunnels now have a new lease of life as a shared use path. The first tunnel; The Devonshire Tunnel is 408m long and the second Combe Down Tunnel is 1672m long. Both tunnels are well lit and well surfaced, and have recently been converted into a shared use path for the enjoyments of runners, walkers and cyclists looking to make the most of the city whilst remaining a flatter ground.

Isle of Wight Half Marathon - Sunday 18th August 2019

Regents Park 10km - Sunday 18th August 2019

Maud Hodson Sometimes I frustrate the hell out of myself. Was feeling so down on myself I nearly walked off the course after one lap. Managed to keep going, but thought any chance of a decent time was out of the window. But in fact was a few seconds quicker than last week. I guess on the plus side, I've shown myself that I can run 49 on an off day. I'll get there - more to come if I can get my head in the right place. Nice little bonus was to finish as 3rd FV40.

Peter Craik Glad to do a better time in this park, after struggling to find energy last outing. A PB for me, and a big PB for Amit. Tricky three-lap course, with a lot of slow runners and walkers.



Amit Marks Good run this morning, lashing rain helped to get a PB. Well done Maud for sticking with it.
Closing in on that under 40 mins Peter, we're talking seconds.
Roll on next 10km.

Clacton Half Marathon - Sunday 18th August 2019

Pictures available in Photo Gallery

Clacton Half Marathon race report.
I should start off by saying I'm absolutely convinced I am having a mid-life crisis. Honest! Dr Google says I am. Over the last month or so I've felt incredibly down at times, my approach to swimming (which had been going really well) has been lack-lustre to say the least, even good news is short-lived. Running has also failed to fill a void I feel growing and whilst chuffed with my track work I'm down again by the time I get home from the session.
This has all really been since my birthday. It wasn't a significant one - 45 - but I've googled various sites and seem to have the majority of what they list, some sites have the top 10 symptoms of a mid-life crisis, one had 40 and I have the majority of them - one of them being "googling symptoms"!! I should point out I haven't made a ridiculous impulsive purchase yet nor do I have a ridiculously young boyfriend....yet.
So with this in mind my approach to this race had, well, been non-existent. I booked it a few months ago on the back of PB-euphoria for both 5 & 10ks. I then promptly forgot about it til last week. I'd done no training, my effort to cram in a 10 mile run a week ago really was pointless (although it was a really good time) and being uncharacteristically indecisive of late I thought I'd decide on the day if I'd run - all the makings of a good race plan obviously!!!
Up at 0530am I got ready really with little thought about the race - can you see the theme that I'm not really bothered?! Eventually I decided my plan would just be to run and finish. Simple. I felt settled about that. However my Zen was broken on the A12 when a pigeon decided to fly into my windscreen as I was driving at 70mph. Needless to say there was an explosion, him not me, guts and feathers everywhere but luckily my windscreen was in one piece. Although shaken I carried on however noticed the passenger of the van behind me now filming me on his phone. I had 100mph thoughts it was an animal rights activist going to hunt me down and do to me what I'd done to the bird! The van then pulled alongside me, window down the passenger took great delight in shouting at me that the carcass was stuck on my roof!! Now I felt sick! I eventually pulled over to the hard shoulder, dreading having to deal with the exploded mess but luckily as I slowed down in rolled off down my windscreen onto the floor - getting his own back by smearing the mess he'd already made! The roof bars had prevented it going over the top of my car. I checked for damage, nothing, but it did look just like I'd killed something. Having plenty of time I was able to stop at a petrol stn and hose the car down - I can only imagine the humiliation if the van occupants hadn't told me and I'd arrived at the race parading my kill to everyone!
So, having now set the scene for you I'll get onto the race report.
I arrived with over an hour to kill and managed to park on the promenade right at the finishline. I mean RIGHT at the finishline! No bag drop for me! I had time to visit the loo twice - you can tell it's a small event when you hear the announcement come blaring over the speakers that they've put a new batch of toilet rolls in the portaloos!! Brilliant.
I left all my paraphernalia in the car and lined up 5mins before the race. The day saw the 10km and half marathon taking place at the same time, I think with about 500 runners in total, so a small event. There had also been a kids race prior to this. I looked for Mark Boulton knowing he was running. I thought it would be easy as he's so tall but today must have been national tall runners day and I failed, along with feeling very short!
The race started promptly at 0930am and we were off. This really was a race of two halves.
First half; Not a cloud in the sky and soon into the race I'm struggling to see due to the sweat stinging my eyes. With the10km and half marathon races starting at the same time, no pacers or waves as it's a relatively small event, it means everyone is mixed up which was a little frustrating for some runners. The pathway was very narrow, lots of argy-bargy and someone got knocked down soon into the run. As the footpath opens up running is easier with the first 1.5miles being along the upper promenade. It's hot, very hot. And stuffy.
We then descend to the lower promenade....
to be met with a very strong headwind and piles of sand! The promenade was covered in places in about a foot depth of sand which stretched for quite some distance. Running was almost impossible for a lot of us and walking early on wasn't a great start to the race. Once the sand subsided (obviously it was all in our trainers by now) we had about another 3 miles along the front all head-on into the wind, which made it tough. We ran just past the pier, along the way we had lots of locals at various coffee huts cheering us on.
Beach yoga seemed to be popular - they were all facing the sea for a particular pose, which was rather unfortunate for us being greeted by a bunch of arses up in the air!!! I managed to see Mark Boulten as this was a 2 lap course - we shouted at each other as we ran in opposite directions- the hill from the lower to upper promenade at the turnaround point was a killer, short but STEEP!
Once back up top there was no wind at all and still hot and stuffy. We made our way past the start/finish to begin the 2nd lap. Up to this point, despite the headwind and sand dunes I was bang on for hitting my PB time of 2hrs12mins set 5 years ago. It felt good and I hoped it would continue. It didn't. Soon into the 2nd lap I stopped to stay with a runner for a few mins who was struggling to use her asthma inhaler due to coughing so much. We chatted a little, agreeing the heat wasn't good for either of us with our breathing and I made sure she was ok before I set off again.
As we descended onto the lower promenade for the 2nd time the race changed, The sky turned dark and completely grey and the heavens opened!! Competing with the sand dunes and headwind which was now stronger it was a tough run to the next turnaround point. I'd taken my wireless headphones anticipating a bit of a dull run but hadn't worn them...until now. I had to put them on to stop them from getting blown off my neck!
The rain lashed down heavier and it seemed forever to get to the turnaround, which for the 2nd lap was a lot further along the front by a Toby Carvery. The asthma lady obviously made a full recovery legging it past me, I'm sure she kicked up some sand on purpose!
At the turnaround point you know you've only got about 2 miles to go, but it seemed a looooong 2 miles with heavier rain and wind and I got cramp in my left calf - the same side as my Achilles problem. I've never had this before and it set me back on time. At this point my legs were tight and I'd known ages ago a PB was no longer on the cards, but to be honest I hadn't done the work and didn't deserve one. And surprisingly I was ok with that (see I'm really not myself!). What I was chuffed with was doing my good deed with the asthma-lady rather than being PB-focused and leaving her and also that I've been able to run 13miles with no training. Ordinarily I've have binned this race off with no prep and had a lie-in instead. Things are definately on the turn!
Upon approaching the home stretch it was clear any spectators had gone home or to the pub, with only the guy on the mic, 2 marshalls and the goody bag volunteers on the course to see us in. It was freezing, wet and desolate. Rather a whimper of a race-ending.
I obviously had the luxury of my car being at the finishline and it was a welcomed relief to get into the warm and dry.
The drive home was long due to traffic but I managed not to slaughter any more wildlife which is a bonus!
To sum up this race it was well organised but knowing there was an event I do think the local authority should have cleared the sand off the promenade before the race to make it easier.
It was mentally challenging for me, I struggle with laps and having a straight out and back route was also tough and a little uninspiring (see my Garmin pic). Two lots of this was hard. However with some prep and consistent good weather I'd say it's a PB course for anyone.
The wind and rain were extremely unfortunate and I didn't think anyone would believe me about the dramatic change in the 2 halves. I bet Mark was home and in the pub by the time it started raining and won't even know what I'm on about! Trying to explain why I'm sunburnt to my nephew was hard!
The medal is nice, goody bag not so. I can't remember what the entry fee was but it felt nice to support a smaller non-commercial event for once.
I've only got Beachy Head 10k to go in October and then nothing til Manchester Marathon in April. I've got some exciting times ahead with my swimming which I'm sure I'll get my mojo back for and I'm trying to come to terms with the fact I'm now middle-aged. However I'm in the market for a red convertible sports car and a boyfriend 15 years my junior. If you think you fit the bill for either or BOTH (save me having to do too much looking around!) You know where I am!!

Run The Lights 10km, Blackpool - Saturday 17th August 2019

Race The Train - Quarry - 10km, Tywyn, Wales - Saturday 17th August 2019

409 finishers, train time was 55.00.
Rotary Challenge (14 miles) 1.48.00.
Quarry Challenge (10k)
Dolgoch Challenge (5.5 miles)
Tynllwynhen Challenge (3.5 miles)

London Aquathlon Sprint - Saturday 17th August 2019

Dan 8.46, 2.21, 20.31 = 31.40
Kat 12.12, 1.48, 25.43 = 39.43
Isabella 8.11, 2.57, 31.17 = 42.27

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 17th August 2019

5k On The Rides : Week 1 - Wednesday 14th August 2019

Running Night Torunas 9km, Puerto de Santa Maraa - Wednesday 14th August 2019

Rock n Roll Dublin Half Marathon - Sunday 11th August 2019

Pictures available in Photo Gallery

(582nd of 5495 finishers, 15th of 314 M55 - 59)

Dublin Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon Weekend Report.
Dublin is such an amazing City with so much activity going on and plenty to see. I spent most of Saturday afternoon at the expo buying merchandise and then in the evening went to see Riverdance. Sunday Morning was quite cold but at least it was not raining. I had to leave the Hotel just after 7.00am as it was more than a mile to the event which started at 8.00am! I was too early for the main breakfast, but the hotel were kind enough to let me have some cereal at 6.30am in the morning!
At the race start there were once again pacers for 1.30 and 1.45 finish. At Hamburg I could not stay with the 1.45 pacer because of the heat. No problem this time, so I just went off at my own comfortable pace and eased into a 7.35 first mile. I seemed to be fighting a constant head wind all the time and hoped that this would not wear me down. I felt stronger as the race went on and I was averaging between 7.25 and 7.30 a mile. (Yes I had my phone in my hand Gareth!) The course was undulating to say the least, with Mile 8 and 12 being particularly difficult because of hills. However I felt strangely good right to the finish and managed a 7.26 last mile. The course was good (notwithstanding the hills) because there was plenty of space to run along the roads or the park paths, with only a few twists and turns. The finish was at Phoenix Park which was a long way from my Hotel; therefore I had to get a shuttle bus back to Heuston station and then a tram to O'Connell Street. My official time was 1.38.59 and it has been another successful and enjoyable weekend away.

Midnight Man/Woman Half Aquabike - Saturday 10th August 2019

750m swim, T1, 45k cycle, T2, 10km run
39.05, 1.37, - , - , 1.18.36 = 3.25.06

Stour Valley Path 100km - Saturday 10th August 2019

Phoenix One Run To Find Them Marathon - Saturday 10th August 2019

Thames Meander Marathon (trail) - Saturday 10th August 2019

Thames Meander Half Marathon (trail) - Saturday 10th August 2019

Essex XC 10km Series - Hadleigh Park - Saturday 10th August 2019

James Nichols: Anyone that has done the parkrun there or the
Benfleet 15 will know that what goes down must come up again. Brutal
enough without throwing the windy conditions into the mix as well

Pride Run 10km, Victoria Park - Saturday 10th August 2019

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 10th August 2019

Yateley 10km - Wednesday 7th August 2019

Chase The Sun 10km, QEOP - Wednesday 7th August 2019

dlr Bay 10km, Dublin - Monday 5th August 2019

Regents Park Summer Series 10km - Sunday 4th August 2019

Prudential Ride 100 - Sunday 4th August 2019

Maud reports: I wouldn't necessarily have planned to run three races & ride a 100 mile bike sportive (with zero training) within the space of 5 days, and I'm quite glad it's all over, but pretty happy with how it all went. Scored for the club in both the ELVIS races, shaved a couple of seconds off my mile PB, and dragged my basket-case bike up some hills. Disappointed that Box Hill was closed off due to a crash, but did Leith (I'll have to fess up to pushing the bike up the last little bit since Jakub saw me - I rode nearly all of it - honest...). And riding a silly bike is a great way to pick up a few compliments - 'respect, young lady', 'best bike I've seen all day' etc. Plus about 50 'have you got your sandwiches on there?'. Of course I had.


Stuart reports: The day starts early when you are doing ride London, alarm goes off at 04:15 and it's not even for parkrun.
met Suzanne Bench and Geoff Bench in Wanstead then Rachel Le Roux outside the Olympic park.
we all got in the same wave so we were off at the same time, we soon split up Rachel Le Roux off like a whippet.I stayed with Steve 'Swany' Swan until the second hub,
The hills in the second half are relentless and you need to be careful of the speedsters,
A big thanks to the guys from Evans cycles who fixed my chain it was making some very strange sounds.
I kept bumping into Selina Vernal on route and meeting up with a few ELR at the finish was great,
Thanks to Jimmy Dale for guiding us back to Stratford as our plan to get the train from Liverpool street to Chingford was scrapped as no trains were running.
Lots of testosterone lots of shouting lots to eat, thanks to the ELR volunteers who we met at the start,
Now I need to learn to swim so will be asking Joanna Wood for some help.


Fiona Day : Prudential Ride 100 London from wuss to sportive ( well maybe still a bit of a wuss)

Since September I have been asking myself why did I enter this? I have never done a cycling event, why didn't I enter the 46 ride first?
I am a cycling wussy, a nervous, slow cyclist. I decided to write this for anyone else who is tempted to try the PRL 100- or 46 or try a duathlon but are put off thinking 'I couldn't do it' like I nearly was. Or as a runner doesn't know where to begin to train. This is more about my training rather than ride report.

I enjoy cycling to get about but have come to the conclusion that I am a slow cyclist because despite my running fitness I constantly get overtaken by people I don't think should be able to overtake me- old ladies in high heels and a handbag over their shoulder, cyclists with very big bottoms, people with flat tyres on mountain bikes smoking a fag, as well as all the would be mamils.

Last year I did the mince pie revenge duathlon in the Velopark to shake me up after Christmas, and from this did the Capital Tri duathlon training sessions in the Velopark with other ELRs, the coaches were amazing, so supportive and encouraging. (they are running more duathlons there this autumn) I began to feel less of a hopeless cause and rather than keep hiring a road bike for the sessions I went and bought a road bike, it was also to rule out the possibility that it was my dear old hybrid donkey bike that was slow not me! But yes I was still overtaken as much as before! Anyway in September I entered the PRL100 not expecting to get a place, thinking the rucksack they promised if I donated my entry fee would come in handy. I was busy training for the London Marathon when I found out I had a place in the 100 and didn't really think about it other than to decide to start training at the end of April.

Nervous of the drop handlebars I hadn't used the road bike much. I considered and ruled out changing to straight handlebars (the expense). Instead in April I started using my road bike to get everywhere until I no longer felt nervous. I started looking for a training plan. The PRL emailed links to plans but I wanted human contact. The first Wednesday after the marathon I went along to the Velopark to a weekly session called 'This girl can' hoping it was some kind of cycling group where I could get tips on how to train for the PRL 100. There is no group, just a special price for use of the road track and a free coffee afterwards. I did 20 miles, had my free coffee and considered other options. I am a member of London Cycling Campaign and considered riding PRL100 to fund raise for them as training was included-but this year I am raising money for Cancer Research already. Kieran kindly agreed for us to have a cycling holiday in June. It was the C2C so a few miles a day and plenty of hills-up north! Then I looked on the British Cycling website for local groups or clubs to ride with. I tried a few, it was terrifying because I am so conscious of being slow but I survived. Imagine doing chain gang training with a group of people young enough to be my children all wearing the gear and cleats on their feet. The first groups I found were very nice actually. However what I would recommend to anyone who wants to cycle in a group but not a cycling club is the Let's Ride and or women only Breeze group rides; details can be found on the British Cycling website. They are suitable for all abilities even beginners and have the friendly vibe of our lovely running club.

After I started training I read the PRL instructions and discovered there is cut off time for finishing. When you enter you have to estimate how long it will take. I put in the maximum time they suggested but thought I had as long as I needed to pootle around. I have been in a state of panic since discovering there was a cut off time, made worse after I found out there were cut offs all around the course. Then I took comfort knowing I could defer my place until next year.

I tried to keep quiet about having a place as I was scared I'd be put off if a proper triathlete or cyclist found out. But I also wanted to talk to people with experience to reassure me. I tried to keep a lid on the worry because I didn't want to bore people. I did get some helpful comments and the best one I will share is from my son Alex who told me that cycling that distance isn't as hard as running a marathon. You get a chance to rest your legs like when going downhill.
Through the Breeze group I heard about a Facebook group where people doing the 100 discussed similar fears and I read blogs on cycling the PRL. Having tackled many hills on holiday and with the group rides I was ready for the Surrey hills part. The Breeze group really helped with confidence in my ability, a couple of the group had even done the PRL 100 so now I no longer considered deferring. I still had worries about how I would manage to navigate cycling with so many people, especially crowds on the scary down hills. What if I got a puncture- especially with a time cut off? Serendipity- my hybrid got a flat in a puncture resist tyre for the first time in 8 years so I had a practice run of changing an inner tube and was reassured how quickly I could still do it. However always, always I was tormented about the cut offs, day and night. I wrote them on a piece of paper to refer to along the ride. I turned off auto pause on my Garmin so I would know elapsed time and how long I had to make those cut offs!

Anyway you already know the happy ending which is I did it. People with slow estimated times start last, so compared to the early birds I had a lie in which was a plus- I know as I have been up at 4.00am the past 2 years volunteering at the start. The atmosphere was pleasant and relaxed in my late start pen and all along the route very little evidence of scary racers, just polite 'on your rights'. I am thrilled I made all the cut offs! We were diverted off Leith Hill for safety reasons so only did 92 miles but still eligible for the medal. From mile 39 all the late starters got caught in congestion. Some around accidents, others just management of the number of riders. I had mixed feelings about frequently having to get off and walk through pinch points but it did mean that I didn't suffer from forgetting to refuel and hydrate in the heat and meant I only needed 2 quick stops at water stations to fill my bottle and have a wee. (note they run out of toilet paper)

On our cycling holiday I always found a second wind after a coffee at lunch time, I had heard Chris Froome has a double espresso and ice with sugar en-route- I was planning to somehow take a double espresso with me, but luckily I found a tasty double espresso gel at the expo and had this about mile 55 so felt I was sailing up Box Hill ( well almost)

Apart from being a bit lonely not seeing a soul I knew all day ( glad Kieran met me in Green Park and I was so pleased to meet Graham and catch up about the ride on the cycle ride home) I really enjoyed myself, I loved cycling past so many amazing sights including the London landmarks, Richmond Park, over the Thames, the view from Box Hill, the Surrey countryside and back along the Thames. The marshalls at every stage of the event did a great job.

The ending was a disappointment. As a runner I am used to a finish that makes you feel like you won it. I am guessing because the 19, 46 and 100 mile all finish together they have to move you through to avoid congestion. I was a bit confused whether we had actually finished because despite having been instructed to dismount there were signs along the sides counting down how many metres to go and I kept my Garmin running for a while. I realise now these signs were for the elite race later. Just before Buckingham Palace we turned a corner and marshals divided us into the distances we had cycled and I was handed a piece of paper that I had to read to tell me my medal would be sent in the post because a pallet of medals had gone missing. I think the marshals were getting fed up with the response when they explained there were no medals so said very little. No photo opportunities and I am not a fan of goody bags. Eventually I managed to find a tank to refill my water bottle.

I have a wonderful sense of achievement, conquered my cycling demons and looking back enjoyed the training and the certainly the ride itself.

Prudential Ride 46 - Sunday 4th August 2019

Prudential Ride Volunteers - Sunday 4th August 2019

Maya reports:
This morning Sarah Burns and I have:
Walked 14,493 steps,
Danced to The Proclaimers and Meatloaf on a podium,
Held back 1,000 cyclists with some stripy tape
Told a cyclist 'to maybe drop the attitude and say thank you'
Admired a lot of bums in Lycra
Eaten a bacon brioche roll.
All before 10am. Now I'm going to sleep.

Phoenix Summer Half Marathon - Saturday 3rd August 2019

Run Through Victoria Park Half Marathon - Saturday 3rd August 2019

Run Through Victoria Park 5km - Saturday 3rd August 2019

Elvis 6 - Orion Harriers Forest Five Series - Race 3 - Saturday 3rd August 2019

Pictures available in Photo Gallery

Prizewinners
Ava Lee 1st FV40
Karen Levison 1st FV50
Ladies Team 1st ELR ; Ava, Karen, Ellie Wilkinson, Becky Evans.

Calvin Bobin 1st MV60 & 1st MV60 series.

Elvis teams:
Men: Jose Rodriguez, Thomas Grimes, John Booth, Danny Lee, Robert Rayworth and Peter Craik. 3rd place
Ladies: Ava, Karen, Ellie, Becky, Katie Whitton & Maud Hodson. 2nd place.


Overall rankings after 6 events:
Men
Peter Craik 8th, 3rd MV40
Jacob Stevens 11th,4th MV40
Michael Bamford 12th, 2nd MV50
Grant Conway 17th, 4th MV50
Ladies
Karen Levison 1st, 1st FV50
Katie Whitton 3rd overall
Maud Hodson 4th, 1st FV40
Andrea Waller 6th, 2nd FV40
Alexandra Rutishauser-Perera 13th, 4th FV40
Helen McGuinness 16th, 6th FV40
Caroline Moore 18th, 5th FV50
Maya Goodwin 23rd, 9th FV40
29 men & 24 ladies have done all 6 events so far.

parkrun - all venues (Orion 5 week) - Saturday 3rd August 2019

Soar Mile, QEOP Track - Friday 2nd August 2019

Pictures available in Photo Gallery

Elvis 5 - Harold Wood 5km, Harold Wood Park - Wednesday 31st July 2019

Pictures available in Photo Gallery

* Some runners were delayed by heavy traffic. start mat was gone by the time they started.
( ) Those that improved from last year - Best improvement Alice Barrett 36.28 to 31.16.
75 ELR's

Race prize winners tonight for ELR.
1st FV50 Karen Levison
1st Overall Lee Johnson
2nd Overall Jose Nacho Aguirre Rodríguez

Elvis team scorers
Men : Lee Johnson, Jose Rodriguez, Scott McMillan, John Henry, Warren Ibrahim and Peter Craik.
Ladies: Karen Levison, Ellie Wilkinson, Emily Clarke, Gemma Foxall, Becky Evans and Maud Hodson.

London Triathlon - Olympic (Sunday) - Sunday 28th July 2019

1500m swim, T1, 40k cycle, T2, 10km run
33.05 , 6.36, 1.25.02, 2.30 , 44.37

Royal Parks Summer Series 10km, Regents Park - Sunday 28th July 2019

Lee Valley 10 Fest 10km - Sunday 28th July 2019

Lee Valley 10 Fest 10 miles - Sunday 28th July 2019

Antonio reports: Another solid week in the build-up to the Berlin Marathon.
First overall in the Lee Valley Fest 10-mile race. Solo run from the beginning,
but the most important thing is the time was one minute faster than in 2018,
where I ran most of the race with more runners. I will be racing in Spain in the
coming months, so you might not see me around for a while!

London Triathlon - Olympic (Saturday) - Saturday 27th July 2019

Jimmy Dale
Olympic - 1500m swim, T1,40K cycle, T2, 10km run
32.15 , 4.06, 1.21.13, 4.04, 47.30 = 2.49.06



Alexandra Rutishauser-Perera is with Alexa Humphreys at The London Triathlon.
I am so proud of our fabulous American/Irish/French team : Double Alex Mac Dermo! !!
We all performed better than we expected as we were just hoping to be under 3 hours!
Super chuffed with my time as the best I did in training was 35 mins!
We are 52 out of 152 teams...
Looks like it's calling for a Triathlon relay 2020.

Twilight 50k Ultra, Redbridge Cycle Circuit - Saturday 27th July 2019

parkrun - all venues (Raks Track team) - Saturday 27th July 2019

Pictures available in Photo Gallery

Maud Hodson: What a brilliant morning. Came to Netley Abbey parkrun near
Southampton with young Stuart - plan was I would pace him to a sub 25, which would
be two and a half minutes off his PB. Well, I couldn't keep up with him & he came
in around 22.30. So pleased for him. Deserves the Hawaiian pizza wrap he is now
tucking into.
I was wearing my Wanstead Flats apricot, and before the run a woman came up to me
and said that her earliest memory was parachutes coming down over the flats at the
end of the war. Said she now lived in Norfolk - I asked where, and it turned out
she lives in the next village to my parents, and the one they used to live in.
I caught up with her afterwards and told her where my parents used to live -
'oh, you must be Anna & Robin's daughter'. They live next door.


Stuart Barton: Well that was my 100th different parkrun, run with two of
my parkrun buddies, not the full gang this time. This run was hilly and lots of
sand so that was why we were a little slower, nothing to do with the beer or food.
(New members of the Cowell Club (100 different events): - Vicky CORTVRIEND,
Thomas SHAW, Stuart BARTON, Malcolm MUIR, Carl MARSTON)


An historic moment: for the first time ever (notwithstanding a cancellation in 2012)
Bushy Park was NOT the UK's biggest parkrun this week!
elliottline.com

Elliott Line Stats - 28th July 2019
Biggest UK parkruns: Southampton (973), Poole (886), Bushy Park (840).

Run Through Chase The Sun 5km, Hyde Park - Wednesday 24th July 2019

Sri Chimnoy Battersea Park Relays (3 x 1 mile) - Monday 22nd July 2019

Pictures available in Photo Gallery

Yhbnbstu = You had better not be slower than us


Team results - Men's teams
ELR JRJ 64th of 81 18.04
YHBNBSTU 66th of 81 18.13

BBC Couch to 5km, Olympic Park - Sunday 21st July 2019

Felsted 10km - Sunday 21st July 2019

Asics London 10km - Sunday 21st July 2019

Maya: Running the Asics 10k meant I was a bit late to Sunday rehearsal
today. London did what it does best and shone happiness and cheer gloriously
on us all. Thank you Kate Taylor for the place,
and thank you East End Road Runners for the MASSIVE cheer at 3k.

Run Norwich 10km - Sunday 21st July 2019

Pictures available in Photo Gallery

Stuart reports: A very enjoyable running weekend in Norwich with my nephew.
Saturday morning parkrun at Mulbarton followed by a spa hotel for the day and night,
Today we did run Norwich,who knew Norwich was built on mountains,
After the race Steve 'Swany' Swan and myself met up with Ellie Wilkinson and Nick Clarke for a drink.
Thanks Norfolk I will be back soon.
P.S
I got myself a new 10k PB.

Run Through Olympic Park 10km - Saturday 20th July 2019

Pictures available in Photo Gallery

parkrun - all venues ( No Wanstead ) - Saturday 20th July 2019

Phoenix Striders Summer Series 5km, One Tree Hill - Wednesday 17th July 2019

Elvis 4 - Ilford AC Newman Hilly 5 - Hainault Forest Country Park - Wednesday 17th July 2019

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75 ELR's including 8 doing there first Elvis.

Well done everyone who ran and supported ELR tonight.
Prize winners were
Ava Lee - 2nd Lady
Karen Levison - 3rd Lady
Team Prize
Ladies - East London Runners
Ava Lee, Karen Levison, Ellie Wilkinson, Becky Evans

Elvis results
Men - Liviu Ionita, Jose Rodriguez, Paul Quinton, Scott McMillan, Dan Gritton and Dan Senior 2nd place
Ladies - Ava, Karen, Ellie, Becky, Gemma Foxall and Katie Whitton - 1st place.

The Lundy Island Race 2019 - Sunday 14th July 2019

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Brighton Falmer Triathlon - Sunday 14th July 2019

400m swim, 28km cycle, 5km run

10.17, 1.25, 1.04.30, 0.38, 25.05 = 1.41.55

Spitfire Scramble 24 hour race. - Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th July 2019

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Joanna Wood: Another Spitfire Scramble completed and another great weekend had.
Nice weather, nice bling, nice t shirt and Achilles just held out for the 3rd lap.
Well done ELR Spitters, well done ELR Legends (I'm assured it's legends and not leg-ends!)
, a massive well done to Gareth & Richard in their duo team but saving the best til last
a huge congrats to Nathaniel for his epic 24hr run!!! Can't wait to read your report Nat,
you did yourself and ELR proud!!
Shower done, 2nd load of washing in and pondering what to have for dinner whilst watching
Star Wars. Was thinking of pot noodle - what do you think Maya???


Catriona Hoult: I'm not quite sure why I love Spitfire Scramble so much because
it is completely bonkers to run through the night when you should be sleeping. I think it's
probably the bonkers- ness plus fantastic atmosphere and team spirit. On a personal note,
I'm delighted I managed 5 laps, all quicker than my fastest last year and also that my first
and last laps took EXACTLY the same time. If you include parkrun yesterday, that's 31.5 miles
in just over 24 hours. As I say, bonkers!


Maya Goodwin: The Spitfire Scramble is a 24 hour race where you try and run as many of
the 5.7 mile laps as you can in 24 hours. I'm not that brave:
I ran as part of a team.
And I only ran two laps.
And I didn't run at night.
And I didn't camp.
But I DID run two laps, one in the scorching sun at 1pm and one starting in the dusk at at 9.30pm with a head torch.
Despite being searingly hot or spooked by the dark, I really enjoyed the race. It was so pretty, round Hornchurch County Park, on tarmac, through woodland paths and tracks though fields. At 3.5 miles you came back through camp where everyone was cheering, some more delightedly than others, depending if they were up next to run.
In between, I laughed, had my hair braided with purple glitter and ate SO MUCH FOOD.
I was running as an East London Runner in an East End Road Runners team. Red meets purple. Purples, you were the most excellent hosts, thank you so very much for having me, I had a blast. Shirley Sceats your food was INCREDIBLE. Danielle Fletcher thank you for making my race hair so pretty. Ravindra Luggah you were an excellent, brilliant Team Skipper. Thank you all so much for inviting me,
I can't give up my red vest, I'll always be an ELR, but the purples stole my heart (and stomach!) this weekend xx


Craig Livermore:
I'm not going to beat around the bush, but the Spitfire Scramble is one of the best team based endurance races around. The atmosphere is something that just can't be rivalled, and there were way more teams and soloists this year by a long way.
Now because some stupid idiot forgot his tent poles, I basically had no tent (it was only an insurance policy, in case I wanted some sleep). Thankfully Catriona offered up a spot in the main lobby of hers, but it was always my intention to remain awake for the full race. Alas at least the offer was there if I needed it.
I had a strategy in mind when it came to my stints, that so long as I was doing 45 mins per 5.7 miles (7:49 per/mile), we'd bag an hour (1 stint) just off of me alone.
The first two...at 3:49 pm and 9:04 pm (Dusk) respectively...on my part were identical, 42:57 on both I was ahead of schedule by 17 minutes per stint. The third lap was the night lap (2:40 am), and I expected to take that more cautious, but everything clicked into place like a metronome, and I was only 6 seconds slower at 43:03.
With three stints at exactly the same pace (7:34 per/mile), I was well ahead of time, and not expecting anything overly special.
But all the while I was waiting for my fourth and supposedly final stint I was fighting my own battle of staying awake. I'd been awake since 6 am on Saturday, all the way through to the following morning at the same time, where a brief lapse in my consciousness forced me into a 10 min snooze (basically I blacked out). Next thing I knew it was 6:10, but I was back and awake for the remainder of the race.
At 8:24 am, and copious amounts of caffeine and taurine later from the previous 14 hours, I was setting of on my fourth run. I was lined up on the start eagerly awaiting Diana to crest the final corner on the run up to the start/finish line. And I spotted someone I hadn't seen in 2 years or so, a certain Jason Crispin from Victoria Park and Tower Hamlets AC. As he set off 2 minutes ahead of me I thought to myself "now there's someone I could aim to close in on over the lap", so off I went after Diana's 4th and final sterling effort. First mile 7:14, next 7:17, I was thinking this is way too quick, but I could see Jason a fair way ahead, and I was metre by metre closing in on him. By mile 3 I was down to 6:52, and still gaining, around about 30 seconds splitting us at this point. Getting towards the lake I was within a 10 second window to launch a major assault and overhaul him, which came right within the confines of the campsite, by the time I got to the ELR camp I was ahead, and shifting some. Mile 4 ended with a 6:45, and after that I made a conscious effort to get back to my opening pace at the very least, as I would've most certainly crashed by the end of the lap. The end result was a 40:24 lap (7:04 min/mile), and my fastest by far. But me and Jason had a little catch up at the end, it's always nice to see a familiar face after a long time.
After such a stunning performance by everyone within the team, we were 2 hours and 4 mins ahead of schedule, enough time for 3 more laps. Of which myself, Cat and Alex volunteered to do. I really badly wanted the team in the top 20, and Jason told me to go as fast as possible, as we were in theory still within a shout. So when it got to me, I did exactly as I was told, though to my surprise I set my second fastest lap along the way (42:34, 7:32 per/mile). One last time past camp and on the back stretch, I was starting to well up with emotion...29.5 hours of being awake will do that to you...I couldn't believe it was coming to an end. In the last half a mile I saw Richard and thought "let's close the gap and come in together", that's the spirit that encapsulates any 24 hour race.
And from those final 5 lap efforts, we rose back from 25th to 19th out of the 50+ 6-8 mixed teams. I was overjoyed when I heard that bit of news, as we missed out on that last year, and was something that I know everyone would've wanted, especially after their efforts.
Right now I've been in crash and burn mode, it's not really the running as the being awake for 37.5 hours out of 40 has taken it's toll. But I suppose the combined 7:24 min/mile over 28.5 miles on and off has something to do with it as well.
Thanks Jason for organising and leading the group, and to everyone else I haven't mentioned. And as for you Nathaniel, it's been awe inspiring and a pleasure to be there and witness such a stoic achievement.

Spitfire Scramble 24 hour race. pt 2 - Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th July 2019

Nat Dye reports: Spitfire Scramble Race Report
Well. 100 miles. There it is! I'm still coming to terms with the fact I've now run triple digits, considering in my first run, about 4-5 years ago, I didn't make it to a mile.
Although I was running solo, I feel like I owe a lot of people a lot of gratitude for helping make it happen. That started with Jo, who gave me a lift and let me in her car with a massive suitcase full of food and an ice bucket that spilled over a bit on a corner!
Upon arrival, courtesy of Stuart, Gaz was set up on the edge of the course with a few tents. This was the perfect place to set up my own extra water station, something that would save me in the heat!
Although it ended up being my fastest the first lap felt a bit tentative. The course was undulating and runnable for anyone running in a team, but I adopted the strategy of walking up hill, especially on the big alpine switchback style hill! The race was incredibly friendly and so many other runners (both running and resting) offered support the whole way round.
The midday start meant that heat and hydration management were the name of the game in the first few hours and every lap (5 3/4 miles) I soaked my T-shirt. By about lap 3, this felt indescribably good and it stopped me overheating too much. By around 7pm, the temperature started to dip and running was pleasant again. I felt strong up to about fifty miles, which I reached at about 10:30-11pm. As night set in, I slowed from an average speed approaching 5mph to something closer to 4. I knew I needed to average 4.1 overall to reach 100 miles in the allotted 24 hours and could only see the situation getting worse. At around 60 miles, my hourly (ish) snack stops at the ELR camp became something to look forward to more and more each lap. Given how tired people were, the mood was incredibly positive and team mates really got me through this rough patch.
So as I passed 100k, I thought I’d better do something about slowing down and get a move on. I increased my cadence and churned out four miles in a row that were under twelve minites. This doesn't sound like much, but banking some time really helped psychologically. Even when I started to slow again at around 70 miles, the task at least seemed possible. Dawn also gave me a boost and at around 5am mile 74 gave a significant mental boost of having under marathon distance to go. It then became a case of simply grinding out the miles and running from water station to water station, just going a bit more. At around 85 miles, my quads seriously started hurting and I just couldn't put any power into my running form - I was struggling to overtake walkers!
In the final few hours, the course seemed longer and longer as I dragged my carcass through all sorts of pain as my body told me in no uncertain terms that I shouldn't be running any more. I cannot express how little I wanted to run the last ten miles - I just know I had to.
the ELR team gave me more and more encouragement. Most hundred milers recommend that runners have a support crew and it felt like I had one. As I approached the line and attempted a sprint (in this case, shuffle) finish, I was accompanied by a red army.
103 miles was quite enough for one day. Now to sleep a lot and eat all the food!

Solo Male 4th Nathaniel Dye
Average Lap 1.19.37
Fastest Lap 1.02.49
1 01:02:49 2 01:03:07 3 01:08:19 4 01:09:51 5 01:20:41 6 01:15:09 7 01:19:18 8 01:20:05 9 01:24:08 10 01:27:02 11 01:21:25 12 01:12:16
13 01:24:59 14 01:25:57 15 01:26:00 16 01:25:23 17 01:35:52 18 1.30.35


Male Pairs 2nd place - 22 laps Men United
Average Lap 1.06.42
Fastest Lap 48.31 Richard
1 Richard Butterworth 00:48:31 2 Gareth Davies 00:55:47 3 Richard 53:06 4 Gareth 56:20 5 Richard 53:57 6 Gareth 59:35 7 Richard 01:00:50
8 Gareth 57:04 9 Richard 01:01:31 10 Gareth 58:51 11 Richard 01:06:46 12 Gareth 01:03:14 13 Richard 01:11:55 14 Gareth 01:46:32
15 Gareth 1:04:56 16 Richard 1:52:41 17 Richard 1:10:02 18 Gareth 1:21:01 19 Richard 1:04:05 20 Gareth 56:20 21 Richard 1:06:06 22 Richard 1:17:54

Male Team 3 - 5 1st Scrambled Legs 1
Average 42.48 , Fastest 39.03 Rich Kimmens
Richard Kimmens 1 39.03 2 42.13 3 43.10 4 43.15 5 41.24 6 43.12 7 39.50

Mixed 6 - 8: ELR Legends 27 LAPS (19th of 55)
Average Lap 54.21
Fastest Lap 40.31 Craig Livermore
1 Jason Levy 01:03:03 2 Catriona Davies 55:31 3 Alex Jameson 53:11 4 Diana Rexhepaj 57:35 5 Craig Livermore 43:06 6 Antony Leckerman 43:46
7 Jason 01:02:53 8 Catriona 55:15 9 Alex 53:03 10 Diana 57:08 11 Craig 42:57 12 Antony 49:01 13 Jason 01:08:11 14 Catriona 57:47 15 Alex 57:03
16 Diana 01:00:31 17 Craig 43:04 18 Antony 53:33 19 Jason 01:10:51 20 Catriona 57:05 21 Alex 59:33 22 Diana 01:00:27 23 Craig 40:31
24 Antony 48:29 25 Catriona 55:40 26 Alex 55:10 27 Craig Livermore 42:40

Mixed 6-8: ELR Spitters 24 LAPS (33rd of 55)
Average Lap 1.00.01
Fastest Lap 47.56 Abdirahman
1 Stuart Barton 55:35 2 Abdirahman Mohammad 51:36 3 Alex Rutishauser-Perera 01:00:10 4 Abdirahman 59:48 5 Joanna Wood 57:25 6 Steve Swan 49:41
7 Sandra Hiller 1:01:05 8 Susanna Bench 55:00 9 Geoff Bench 01:04:57 10 Stuart 1:00:06 11 Alex RP 1:00:40 12 Joanna 1:05:39 13 Steve 57:59
14 Sandra 1:19:26 15 Susannah 54:39 16 Geoff 1:07:35 17 Stuart 1:02:47 18 Alex RP 1:00:10 19 Joanna 1:08:58 20 Steve 48:04 21 Sandra 1:09:52
22 Susannah 51:27 23 Geoff 1:09:26 24 Abdirahman 47:56


Female 6-8 EERR 2 10th of 13 21 laps
Average 1.07.37 Fastest 53.11 Bernadett
Maya Goodwin 2: 1.05.32 10: 1.10.16
Fiona Critchley 3: 56.36 13: 53.53 19: 57.20
Bernadett 4: 53.39 16: 57.51 21: 53.11

Mixed 6 - 8 Lauren's Ladies 29 laps (13th of 55)
Rak Sandhu 5 laps - 47.46, 48.43, 58.23 ,54.56 , 50.32

The Roding Around Marathon - Sunday 14th July 2019

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Maud Hodson: Roding Around Marathon race report
I only entered this race a week ago - I was going to run the Essex 100, but for various reasons changed my plans. This was a new event, organised by a small outfit called Company of Runners. It's a trail marathon (and a bit official distance just under 27 miles) visiting all the villages in Essex with Roding in their name this is from the course directions:
There are eight Roding villages and one lost hamlet the largest group in the country to bear a common name. They originate from the Saxon invasion of the sixth century when Hrotha and his tribe, the Hrodingas, sailed up the Thames and along its tributary river seeking a new home.
I was looking forward to an enjoyable bit of trail-running in the lovely Essex countryside, without any pressure of time. The course is not signed, so runners have to navigate themselves using the narrative directions and/or the GPX file. For much of the race I found myself in a group of 5 or 6 runners, and we helped each other with the route _ was using the GPX file on my phone, a couple were using it on watches plus a couple with the written directions, which gave us several different ways to solve a dilemma. We would had to stop every now and again when the route wasn't obvious and work it out between us. The route itself was a real mix - bits of road, some good quality tracks and some really tricky, rutted & overgrown field edges.
I was planning to run at something like my normal marathon pace when the going was good, and just to go with the flow when the terrain was more challenging probably started a bit too quick. But for the first half of the race it was just what I hoped for - the rain had stopped & the weather was almost perfect. No damage other than a bloodied knee when I tripped while looking at the map on my phone and hit the deck. Then at CP2 (14 miles) they told us that there were only three runners in front of us and that I was the first woman. As well as being a bit gobsmacked I'd assumed we were somewhere in the middle - this news completely changed the equation. Bye-bye nice relaxed jaunt, hello pressure, dreams of glory & and alternating determination & despair.
The third leg was the toughest for me. I may have arrived at the CP as first female, but only just - there was one other woman in the group I was with, and while I managed to pull away slightly a couple of times, we all came back together when another navigation conference was needed. And as we headed towards CP3 (20 miles) I couldn't keep up and trailed in last of our group. CP3 is in front of Aythorpe Roding Village Hall - the finish line is only a few meters away, at the back of the hall. But there's another 6/7 miles to go. I was feeling pretty cooked, and certain that I wouldn't be able to keep up with Marianne. I spent a couple of minutes at the CP, scoffing the delicious strawberries (from the fruit farm we had run through earlier), and one of the marshals told me that someone called Sarah had come past on her bike, and had asked them to pass on a message of good luck to me. Which gave me a real boost - thanks Sarah!
The two faster guys from our group had already set off, and I left the CP with Marianne & her husband, Colin. We continued our game of cat and mouse until about 3 miles from the finish we realised we had gone slightly wrong and were trying to work out how to fix it. Colin (using the written directions) was sure we had made a mistake a bit further back, but I reckoned we just need to be the other side of a hedge. He was heading back down the path, Marianne was waiting in between, and I said to her that I was sure enough of the route that I was going to go for it.
So I was on my own then, hoping I hadn't screwed up (I have been known to read GPX files upside down). I had made the right call, and soon the blue dot was on the red line again. I was pretty exhausted but kept pushing on as much as I could, and there were a couple more points when the route appeared to go between two paths, so I would take my pick and hope it worked out. Boy was I happy when I spotted the finish flag across the field. Robert & Phil, the two quicker guys I had run with earlier were at the finish, and the RD greeted me with my winner's T shirt.
6th overall (out of 49 finishers) and 1st woman. The time, 4.49, was slower than I had expected, but given the roughness of some of the terrain (my legs were zinging afterwards from all the nettle stings) I'm happy enough with that. And I can now call myself a marathon winner over the moon. Great medal too, I think the biggest I've ever got, and a nice design. And more of those lovely strawberries at the finish.

Adidas Shoreditch 10km - Sunday 14th July 2019

Mark Moir: New 10K PB in Shoreditch, London today! I shaved 82 seconds
off my previous PB to achieve a goal I've been aiming for quite some time
(a sub-40 10k). It has been a long road to recovery since my injury last August
but as always my family, friends and East London Runners have helped me to come
back stronger. Thank you for all of your support!

Maverick X Peak District Trail (short) 16km - Saturday 13th July 2019

Essex 30 mile, Felstead (32.8 miles) - Saturday 13th July 2019

4 laps - lap 1 1.11.52 - lap 2 1.22.26 - lap 3 1.47.07 - lap 4 1.44.14


Paula Bedford: Bit of a waffling race report
So, I was feeling uninspired and overindulged at Xmas and decided that i needed a challenge for after the London marathon to keep me motivated! One thing that has inspired me for a while now is the amazing distance running of achievements of Maud and Karen. I wondered if I could do it too! I thought anyway that I'd have a go and entered in the 30 mile event (32.8 miles to be precise) of the Challenge Running Essex 100 . I was feeling fit after LVM but my training for this race didn't really ramp up liked I'd hoped. Annoyingly I hurt my knee on the way to the pub! (not even on the way back!) by the time I could run again, a couple of weeks later, I didn't manage to build up my mileage again. Thankfully though, my knee was just fine. Despite the lack of miles I felt confident I'd make it round but altered my ambitions of a fast time. I thought I'd just take it easy, it wanted to enjoy my first ultra! Races tent to be a family event for me and on Friday I picked the kids up from school and we headed to a nice campsite near the race start and my super sister Sarah burns cycled up to meet us and to look after the kids while I was running (which was no doubt tougher than running an ultra!). The conditions on race day were perfect. It was a little overcast but warm and ideal for me. We walked to the start on the Fitch way , a disused railway track. The format of the race was out and back on a 8 mile ish loop. For the 30 mile I needed to run 4 laps. Having the out and back meant that you got to see your fellow runners, I enjoyed this and they were a friendly bunch and to start with there we lots of hello's after a while it was just little waves as we all tired! I ran alongside an old gent in his 70's called Geoff, who was back running after major heart surgry, we had a nice chat then to my surprise off he sped! It turns out it was Geoff Russell, British M65 world record holder!! So I learned never judge a runner by their age! It was fantastic seeing the faster runners in the various races, very inspirational and something to aspire to! The first 3 competitors home in the 50 miles race were women and the course record was smashed. Which just goes to show how longer distances can level the competition between the men and women as the young and old! Their running was incredible and a joy to watch, they just looked fantastic, calm and in control. So my first 2 laps were as planned, I felt good. I was using gels as that's all I've used in the past and hadn't bothered stopping to look at the food at either of the check points. I saw Sarah and the kids for the first time as I set off on lap 3 which was a boost but soon after I set off down the road I started to get a really bad stitch and felt rubbish! How had it all changed so quickly? I really wondered what the hell I was going to do and spent a bit of time running alongside I lovely chap Darren who was doing the 100 who kept me going. I made it to the feed station/ check point / half way of lap three and after a chat with the volunteers there who decided that the problem was I needed food! I have never eaten solid food on a run ever so was a bit apprehensive. They encouraged me to start with some melon... after that I was wolfing down crisps , peanuts and fruit cake and some flat cola! Ahhh I was feeling better all ready. Lesson number 2. Eat real food on long runs! Off I went slowly and by the time I was back to start lap 4 all was good again. I took the time to eat some more then I was off on the last lap. Darren ran with me again for a bit, telling me about his journey from depression, to park run to his running club to champion in his age group last year. I love these moments in running and I love that running helps people and brings them together. I left Darren after a while and headed off to the finish. Sarah and the kids were there with cheers and hugs. 54km in 6:02:00. what more could I want? So I could not have been more surprise when the Organiser came over and told me I was first female too. I was delighted. I was bib number one, for my first ultra and came first. So that was a lovely coincidence! I've signed up for the Thame Trot (50 miles) in October.
For now I've got the Ultra bug... who knows how far I'll end up next time!

Essex XC Series - Thorndon Heath 10km - Saturday 13th July 2019

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 13th July 2019

Essex 10,000m Championships, Braintree - Wednesday 10th July 2019

Run Through Chase The Sun 10km, QEOP - Wednesday 10th July 2019

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Run Through Chase The Sun 5km, QEOP - Wednesday 10th July 2019

Joanna Wood: Runthrough 5km Chase the Sun Olympic Park.
A short report to match my mood
Tonight saw a new route for the Chase the Sun races starting at The Timber Lodge. Much of the route the same as Elvis a couple of weeks ago but in reverse, so this time lots of uphills.
Somehow I got swept up into the 10k route despite asking 3 different marshalls where to go for 5k. Signage not great and certainly not towards the finish. After starting a third lap and being well over 5km I ended up cutting across the spectating area to double back to the finish line.
Should have finished 5km in about 29mins tonight, ended up doing 3.8miles in approx 35mins mins including the couple of mins spent stopping to speak to marshalls and showing them my watch to show I wasn't meant to be doing a third lap!!!
I spoke to one of the organisers who apologised and asked for all my Garmin data so they could identify where I'd gone wrong. Speaking to others afterwards it would appear a marshall was stood in front of the 5K finish sign and had to be told by runners to move out of the way.
Tonight wasn't about a PB with an Achilles issue and Spitfire looming this weekend but I did still try.
I'm a great champion of Runthrough and actively promote their races where I can. Tonight there were some lacklustre marshalls, poor signage and a tougher course than they used to have. I know their events are usually much better than this, I wouldn't keep going back otherwise and of course accidents happen, however if this had been my first race with them I don't know if I'd go back for another one.
Fingers crossed they nail the issues and future races are back up to their usual excellent standard.

Hever Castle Festival of Endurance - Aquabike (half) - Sunday 7th July 2019

1,900m Swim, T1 , 60KM Cycle

38.48, 2.31, 2.21.54 Ava
49.35, 2.24, 2.14.11 Danny

Hever Castle Festival of Endurance - The Bastion - Sunday 7th July 2019

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The Bastion - 3,800m swim, T1 , 180km cycle, T2 , 42km run
1.19.26, 8.13, 7.53.50, 5.07, 4.29.21 = 13.55.58


Ava Lee: Yesterday was the Festival of Endurance at Hever Castle.
We had the pleasure of watching Jenny Ansell absolutely smash her first
iron distance triathlon race - The Bastion. She came SECOND lady!!!
One of the toughest long distance triathlons out there, with nearly 3000
metres of climbing on the bike. Jennifer, I hope you don't mind me posting,
but that was something special!! You are amazing!

Regents Park Summer Series 10km - Sunday 7th July 2019

Peter Craik That was a real struggle. Entered it thinking that
sub-40 could be possible, and after a demanding few weeks reckoned that
a PB (40.47) was still realistic, but I just couldn't find enough energy to
get close. I very nearly stopped, so the main achievement was avoiding
that. But it was an enjoyable and well organised event, and great to
see many first-timers taking part.

Bewl 15 mile - Sunday 7th July 2019

Warslow Fell Race & Beer Festival - Saturday 6th July 2019

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also Alex Day 71.10

Orions Forest Five Series - Race 2 - Saturday 6th July 2019

parkrun - all venues - Saturday 6th July 2019

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