TUFF FITTY
DECEMBER 2005
NEWSLETTER
Ø A warm welcome to our latest Tuff Fitty, Daniel Padial. Having already swum & cycled with us, he returned a strong run at the truncated Autumn Agony to show he will be a strong contender and help raise the club in team events. Living in Goring By Sea, Daniel has previously competed in Multisports and is looking to get back on the race circuit in 2006. We wish him every success as a Tuff Fitty
Ø A good contingent took part in the Tuff Fitty visit to the Velodrome in November. Pleasing to have accommodated people new to this type of riding as well as the regulars who enjoy hurtling around the banked tracks. Another successful Tuff Fitty event, which everyone enjoyed, despite the cold weather,
Ø As a gust of wind blew one of the turnaround signs on the run course away, Clive was wondering how strong the wind had to be to re-route the run route inland. So it was with great dismay & disappointment to reach the swimming pool and find over a foot of water had leaked out the pool overnight (despite us having swum there just 12 hours earlier). There were several inches of water in the plant room and without heated water or sufficient chemicals we were banned from entering the pool. A good contingent had turned up including many travelling from Selsey, Chichester & Shoreham, so we had to carry on with something. Given the option almost all felt they had got out of bed so should do something and a 5 & 10k run was staged with runners braving the winds on the promenade. Some very good times posted with Anthony Gritton the quickest in the 5K & Anthony Towers quickest in the 10k. Alice in the 5k & Rhona in the 10k posting the fastest ladies times. Everyone received their breakfast box which they enjoyed in an empty swimming centre. Thanks to the 21 people who entered together with the many marshals who had turned up; a good contingent. Apologies that we were not able to stage a full Aquathlon, we will have to re- run another time. Special thanks to Debbie Gatland for filling up all the breakfast boxes.
Ø Not a huge turnout for this as several people suffered from injuries or colds. This did not prevent some good performances pushing up to the next shuttle, Richard Hobbs gaining the highest shuttle on the main run with a good performance from Ian Moore in the next. This is another useful facet to our training and there have been requests to stage again in the future (perhaps prior to a swim) to enable people to see how they are progressing during the year
Ø We pay a fee to register under the data protection act; but stress that member’s details are not handed out to anyone outside the committee. The Secretary does produce a directory and whilst comprehensive does not include mobile phone numbers. Such numbers would be useful and we would like you to provide such details. It is proposed to have a wider circulation of this directory, useful for arranging training sessions, or car sharing for races etc between members. Before the Secretary permits such a release, if anyone has any objections to their name, address and tele numbers being released please let Clive know asap. Whereas the master list has date of birth this will be suppressed as not shown on listings.
Ø As Christmas draws near our swims are curtailed by the pool’s Christmas shutdown.
o Saturday 10th December 6-7pm usual swim at Littlehampton
o Saturday 17th December Our last swim of 2005. As is tradition we have asked for the inflatables to be out and ask you to extend an invite to your partners/family to come along and join in the fun. £2 per person or £5 for a family. Secretary currently awaiting confirmation of the inflatables but we try to have one lane out for those who wish to just swim. Please note this is also a LATE swim 7-8pm
o With Christmas Eve & New Years Eve following on the subsequent Saturdays, our next swim will not be until Saturday 7th January 2006 from 6 until 7pm
Ø Sunday 11th December we are to try something new in preparation for the harsh winter we are expected to have. To those of you who have turbo trainers we are to hold a turbo session indoors at Arundel. 8am start you can stay as little or as long as you want, but scheduled for 1 or 1.5 hours. Cup of tea at the finish. Location Arundel Scout HQ, Canada Road, (map available). We request that you come armed with a couple of pounds. We do have to hire the hall, but there is also a suggestion to contribute towards a suitable DVD to ride along to. If successful and we stage further such turbo sessions we can build up a library of such media for members to share. Accept not everyone has a turbo trainer, if anyone has one they are prepared to loan, please let us know
Ø Sunday 18th December – Bike ride back on the road 8am. See website for start.
Ø With no races scheduled on New Years Day it has been suggested we have a Tuff Fitty outing to get those Resolutions off to a good start.
How about this as an interim goal. Through our affiliation to the Cycle Time Trial Association, we have been invited to “The Worthing Winter Warmer” to be held Saturday 11th Feb. This is a 100k Audax starting from Ashington. 9am start. The route goes up to West Chiltington, Adversane, Ifold, Plaistow, Shillinglee, Gospel Green, Blackdown, Haslemere, Lickfold, Lodsworth, Selham, West Burton, Bury, Houghton, Pulborough, Thakeham, Warminghurst, Ashington. Can you handle it? The average speed is stated to be max 25kph & min 15kph and refreshments are available at route checks and finish. Entry forms now out if interested
RUNNING
Ø
As the darker colder nights draw in Tuff Fitty
Wednesday training runs become more relevant than before as you have a reason
to get outdoors. 7pm start from Sainsbury’s car park. “Oh but I have been put off in the past as it is too fast”. Well
now is the time to come along. We have several paces in the group but some
members have eased off using this as winter base training so there really is a
pace that will suit on a flat course. Come and try we have been getting some
different faces. Held across Christmas Wednesday 14th, 21st
28th December & 4th Jan.
Ø
The Saturday morning rep sessions have been going a
while and continue on Saturdays throughout the next few weeks. 8am start for
shuttle runs up and back the promenade meeting up opposite the Swimming centre.
London Marathon
Ø Some people will be aware that as an affiliated club to UK Athletics we qualify for a guaranteed slot into the London Marathon. It is known that this year several members have already submitted an entry and will know soon if they have been accepted. With these people and others who have thought about entering it looks as though we may have many takers for this slot. (You still have to pay the entry). This entry form has to be submitted by early January. If you would like to be considered for this place, please E-mail Clive before the 17th December. If more than one interested party we will hold a ballot.
Annual General Meeting
Ø A big thank you to everyone who attended the AGM, it was an excellent turnout. As a club run by members for members, it is vital that this forum is provided to enable everyone to have their say
Ø The AGM also signifies that a New Tuff Fitty year has started and as such subscriptions are now due from everyone (apart from those who only joined during the summer). As before we are continuing with the “renewal category” – a reduced fee to provide tangible benefit to existing members who stay with the club. As they have contributed to another successful year the reduction enables them to share in this success. The fees are:-
o New Individual £15 Renewal Individual £10
o New Family membership £25 Renewal Family £20
o Junior Individual £5 Renewal Junior £5
To be eligible for the renewal rate, members must renew by the end of the year. As
this newsletter is late due to work commitments from the Secretary extra latitude
of the first swim in 2006 will be provided to pay.
Ø It is very much hoped that you will wish to remain a Tuff Fitty which provides;
o £1 saving on swim fees for club members
o Eligibility to enter Cycle Time Trials through our club affiliation
o A reduction of £2 on many run races through UK athletics affiliation
o Invites to participate in members only races
o Regular newsletters
o If you decide to join the British Triathlon Association, joining this year as a member of an affiliated club saved £10 over the full BTA membership fee. So your renewal of Tuff Fitty membership already paid for itself
o Regular training sessions in all disciplines
o Strong encouragement, motivation, support & camaraderie from fellow Tuff Fitties.
At the AGM Members voted on which races would go forward to comprise the Tuff Fitty Club Championship for 2006. Whereas in the past we have selected just six races, it was agreed that for this year we would broaden the selection to include seven races. We will still remain with a members best three race scores going through to the final table, but with a mix of Sprint and, this year, more Olympic races, members who prefer to race just sprint, just Olympic, or some of each, will all be able to participate fully in the club championship.
All the votes were counted and the top scoring races are as follows. Some dates are starting to materialise & the list is replicated below:-
Steyning (sprint not long) 400m swim/ 20k Bike / 5k Run Sun
7th May
Burgess Hill 400m
swim/ 20k Bike / 5k Run Early
June
Southwater Relays 400m swim 15k Bike/ 3k Run Early Sept
Steyning is the only confirmed date so far, interestingly this has moved back from Mid April in 2005, which potentially puts it on the same date as East Grinstead who would usually be on the 7th May! Aware that some clashes may occur the next most popular race is held as reserve. For 2006 there was a tie with Worthing Aquathlon & Ardingly both gaining the most votes. Worthing Aquathlon is confirmed as Tuesday 4th July comprising an 800m sea swim 8k run. Ardingly Triathlon is confirmed as 4th June
Worthing Olympic Distance Triathlon Sunday 6th August 2006
Arundel Long Distance Triathlon Sunday 4th
June 2006 800m / 40k/10k
Bournemouth Olympic Distance Sunday 2nd
July 2006
This year has seen quite a change in the calendar by Raw Energy Pursuits who organise Steyning/Arundel/Worthing. Worthing & Steyning have moved to later dates & Arundel has moved forward. The next most popular choice for longer distance races was Windsor Olympic. This is already open for bookings and is held 11th Jun 06. As if this was not enough Worthing is scheduled for the 6th August, which is the same weekend as the London Triathlon! Arundel Long course is the same day as the Ardingly Sprint in the reserve list.
Having voted democratically we would be reluctant to amend anything but the committee will need to monitor the position. This uncertainty is regrettable particularly as we are aware some members are starting to look to ascertain when they should best squeeze holidays in.
Because many TF’s will undertake at least one of the Raw Energy Pursuit races and the entry forms have just been released, one of these is attached for reference.
Once all the races have been finalised members can elect to race at as many or as few of the races as they like. The best three results going onto the table. The first TF scores 10,000 points in each of the Male & Female category with the rest being awarded points on their time back from these times. TF’s must be fully paid up members before a race for their time to count on the table
There has been discussion as to whether we hold a ‘holiday race’. Scheduled as a club race without any points at stake but all turn up and perhaps take families/partners as camping, reasonable accommodation is nearby. If enough interest such an event could be on the Isle of Wight, the West Wight Triathlon scheduled for 17th September. This is a 600m 35k 7.5k triathlon.
Finally we need to recognise the Category winners from 2005
1st Senior Male Anthony Towers 1st Senior Female Jacqui Black
2nd Senior Male Guy Mitchell 2nd Senior Female Marcella Craven
3rd Senior Male David Craddock
1st Male Vet Richard Craven 1st Female Vet Rhona Copp
2nd Male Vet Trevor Harvey 2nd Female Vet Alison C-Jeavons
3rd Male Vet Jon Roper
1st Male Supervet Alan Wilson 1st Junior Anthony Gritton
Captain’s Cup - Jon Roper
Ø Over 25 TF’s turned up for the coached track session at the end of October, which Margaret organised, thanks to her for this. This has been followed up with more informal Friday night meetings under Debbie Gatland
Ø Well done to the intrepid Tuff Fitties who took part in the 9m Duck Pond Waddle on the 4th December. With the torrential rain the week before (and rain on the day) it was understandably very slippery in parts and treacle mud in others, so well done to Kev, Anthony, Rhona & Clive for entering
Ø A further enhancement to our website has been made with a new classified section (at least one sale has already been satisfactorily completed). With the season over if you have any spare kit/gear you no longer require, why not post it here, the size of our club means there is a readership waiting.
Ø Lost Property
Clive is in possession of a short pair of blue Hydro flippers with a yellow leading edge. Someone has added the letter ‘K’ in marker pen size 4-5. He has asked many times since these were handed in back in March when we were swimming at Steyning. Final chance to claim otherwise they will go on sale in ‘classifieds’ for a small donation to a TF charity.
Also a Specialised drinks bottle left at Littlehampton at the end of October, to claim either speak to Clive
Ø Tri Kit.
The elite Orca range
for Tri Club in the blue colour is no longer being made. We do have a small
quantity of ladies suits left, some men’s two-piece but a very small quantity
of men’s Tri suits – good prices, ask for details. Currently we do not have any
extra large men’s Tri suits. However we have asked an agent to see what stock
is still in the market place to recall for us. So if you are looking for a Tuff
Fitty Orca suit for next year let us know, we will try and secure, let you know
the price and of course have printed up with the TF name and logo.
Ø This same agent can also get some last season Orca wetsuits at a good price, if interested let Clive or David Craddock know and we will follow up.
Ø Club Polo Shirts. As a Tuff Fitty you are entitled to a Polo Shirt free of charge, we have been low on stock but did ask if anyone still hadn’t got one let us know your size S/M/L/XL but some people haven’t; don’t be afraid to ask, send an E-mail to Clive and we will organise.
Ø
Finally some fantastic news to report in the birth
of Sam to Nick & Lara Draper. Mother and son are reported to be doing very
well and Sam weighed in at 8lb 2oz on the 14th November. On behalf
of us all we wish Sam every happiness ahead.
With best wishes for Christmas, the New Year, and for a
successful season in 2006 from everyone in Tuff Fitty
Don’t forget your
membership renewal, we hope you will wish to remain a Tuff Fitty and help your
club develop further during 2006
/Clive Harvey, 42 Mallon Dene, Rustington BN16 2JR ' 01903 776307
; clive.harvey@tuff-fitty.co.uk
Hellrunner
Sunday
23 October 2005
This
event was held at Longmoor Camp, an army camp about 6 miles north of
Petersfield.
Eight members from Tuff Fitty made the trip up – Clive, Trevor, Jon, Richard, Dave C, Kev Rhona & me. The only one who knew what we were letting ourselves in for was Trevor who had taken part in the first staging of the event last year. We had a look around before the start and walked up to the tank area which had one puddle marked out which you had to run through. This was very tame with what was in store.
The
race instructions stated ‘you will get wet’. I thought ‘ oh, a few puddles’,
There were over one thousand people crammed onto the start line. The race was
start with clouds of red smoke and two maroons going off. We couldn’t see from
where we were, but this was for the benefit of the devil that was dancing
around and taunting the runners.
The
course started out into the woods, along wet paths, which were narrow for the
numbers of runners there. After about a mile I could hear, up ahead, a strange
whooshing sound. It was then that I saw a large black pool of water right
across the path, which there was no way around. There was nothing for it but to
plough on with water up to your knees and other people all around you splashing
through as well. There was worse to come.
With
wet shoes squelching out water, the course went over soft sand and started to
undulate. There was hardly any point on the entire 10 or 12-mile course that
you were able to settle into any sort of stride. You were not aware what was
over the next hill or around the next turn or through the trees. At one point,
you came over a hill and could see runners far ahead but the course went down a
steep sandy track, through another pool of water and up the track on the other
side. Often the track was just loose stones with deep gullies. The slopes gradually
became steeper and longer and more precarious, almost vertical in places. It
would completely break everyone’s stride. You would climb up and think ‘I’m
glad that’s over’, but then turn suddenly and have to go down by another
equally steep boulder strewn sandy and muddy path.
Added
to this, every now and again, were smelly black puddles which you had no idea
of knowing how deep they were and which you had no alternative but to wade
through. Trying to stay upright was a real challenge. Instead of being ankle
deep, suddenly your foot would slip under the water and it would come over your
knees. I remembered Trevor saying last year, there was a sign saying ‘Welcome
to the Wetlands’. Surely they hadn’t bothered with the sign this year.
Well,
no. After goodness knows how long, or how far, there was the big yellow sign,
which, even in my mind-numbed state, I could read. ‘You are entering the
Wetlands’. Just ahead were people going into what looked like a swamp. It was
wet, cold, black, smelly and deep. There were weeds in there, which clung
around your legs. There was mud, which came up to your knees. The water came up
to my waist at one point.
Eventually,
the course returned to dry tracks and a firmer surface but only briefly. Then
it was more hills, twists, turns, tracks ruts, heather, stones and rocks. Then,
‘Photo point’. This was a cleaner looking pool, which was in some ways good
because it washed off the worst of the black stuff.
I
looked at my watch, for only the second time during the event, and we had been
going for about an hour and a quarter. That’s when I reached the tank tracks.
This was like running up
and
down sand dunes. But this was no beach. My legs were tired and my feet heavy
with water. It went up and down and up and down and again and again through
soft, energy sapping sand. Here, there were quite a few spectators and they
were all giving encouragement which helped.
At
last, my sense of direction, which I had lost about an hour before, returned
and I could see the puddle we had all stood next to for a photograph earlier
that morning before the start. Shortly after running through this, I could see
the finish line. I think it was probably one of the most wonderful finish lines
I have ever seen. Some chap sprinted past me at this point. I shouted to him ‘
you haven’t been trying, if you can do that now!’.
I
had a ‘Well done Anthony!’ over the PA as I finished which was good. I couldn’t
even undo my timing chip afterwards. I had done all the work, so one of the
stewards did that for me.
The
goody bag was excellent. Gel, T-shirt, pen, shoe cleaner (!), DVD, shower gel
and some Persil. Very well deserved. I used the Persil later that evening to
wash my kit.
Well
done to everyone for finishing. I certainly was an unforgettable challenge. It
was a race full of surprises. One for the diary next year!