Weekend Round Up 31st July 1st August
We have seen some great racing at the Toyko Olympics; what a way to raise the profile of Triathlon than with GB’s exciting mixed relay gold. Much closer to home after the flurry of races, this weekend race scene was quiet. So what’s the solution? – organise our own of course 🙂 so we staged one of our popular Lido Summer series races.
TUFF FITTY LIDO RACE & SOCIAL
A sign of the length of the pandemic was that we have not been able to stage our popular club Lido races since August 19, so it was pleasing this could be scheduled. The rain clouds formed as everyone arrived along with a veritable array of food, but the race would largely be in the dry.
The 400m swim would start proceedings and phew, there were some stunning performances with many viewing the 16 lengths as a outright sprint. Drew Gowland had his usual trademark swim in 5:00 but it was competitive with both Ollie Thomas and Alice Gatland (5:37) and Nicole Patterson-Lett (5:40) ensuring four competitors had sub 6 minute swims. A further four sub 7 minute swims from each of Adrian Oliver, Clive Patterson-Lett, Mark Walford & Andy Heath. The split times were taken as everyone heaved themselves out the water, so the run times included transition – and in the case of Susan Douglas time to collect her dog from the car to make Tuff Lido history as our first Canicross competitor!
Whilst nice to have an excuse to participate, the other significant element of these evenings is the social aspect where members have the chance to chat (and eat) that aren’t always possible during training sessions.
The photo below was the backdrop as runners headed out onto the run, storm clouds and a rainbow. The 5k course went along Mill Lane and up the cheeky rise from the Black Rabbit and around the corner to the ‘Tuff Turn’ sign at South Stoke. We are particularly grateful to Jon Roper for positioning himself at the turn with his camera and he has kindly provided the gallery below (please feel able to use the photos for your own records). (Click on the flickr photo to access the album).
Great to see that members were able to feel the evening was inclusive for all, as whilst half had run splits below 25 minutes (including transition and the hill!) there were others participating in their first Lido race, some achieving PB’ all achieving a sense of enjoyment and receiving the customary piece of Tuff bling (so missed during the pandemic).
At the sharp end of the timings Simon Thistlethwaite achieved the fastest run split of 20:18 (inc transition) with Mark Walford just behind in 20:20. Clive Patterson-Lett third and Phil Scales, both sub 21:00.
Mark Walford was the quickest overall with Clive Patterson-Lett second. Alice Gatland first lady and 3rd overall with Simon and Drew fourth and fifth. Two relay teams as a way of enabling both swimmers and runners to take part with Ollie Thomas and Tiff Orton first.
Attention then turned to the food where there was a plentiful supply of meat from the barbecue (thanks Glenn), salad from Wendy and a splendid birthday cake courtesy of Chris. By now the rain had moved in and was chucking it down, so what better excuse than to stand under cover catching up with everyone and doing their best to consume more food. Thanks everyone, another successful Tuff evening.
Don’t forget our 30th birthday party celebrations on Friday 3rd September , you wouldn’t want to miss out.
 400m swim |  5k Run | Total | |
| Mark Walford | 6:40 | 20:20 | 27:00 |
| Clive Patterson-Lett | 6:35 | 21:00 | 27:35 |
| Alice Gatland | 5:37 | 22:13 | 27:50 |
| Simon Thistlethwaite | 8:05 | 20:18 | 28:23 |
| Drew Gowland | 5:00 | 23:43 | 28:43 |
| Andy Heath | 6:49 | 22:51 | 29:40- |
| Mike Barrett | 7:40 | 22:03 | 29:43 |
| Jon Babbage | 8:10 | 22:12 | 30:22 |
| Ollie Thomas ) Relay | 5:37 | : | |
| Tiff Orton ) | : | 24:48 | 30:25 |
| Phil Scales | 9:10 | 21:47 | 30:57 |
| Adrian Oliver | 6:34 | 24:24 | 30:58 |
| Nicole Patterson-Lett | 5:50 | 25:59 | 31:49 |
| Lee Bishop | 7:40 | 24:14 | 31:54 |
| Emma Hinton | 7:12 | 26:49 | 34:01 |
| Clare Worgan | 7:33 | 27:04 | 34:37 |
| Graham Liddell | 7:58 | 26:39 | 34:37 |
| Marc Rice ) Relay | 8:21 | : | |
| Debbie Boxall ) | : | 27:04 | 35:25 |
| Janet Shepherd | 8:09 | 27:43 | 35:52 |
| James Brock | 7:15 | 29:07 | 36:22 |
| Vicky Cooper | 8:58 | 27:35 | 36:33 |
| Jason Rae | 9:59 | 26:52 | 36:51 |
| Susan Douglas (part Canicross) | 7:20 | 33:19 | 40:39 |
| Shelley Babbage | 9:59 | 32:20 | 42:19 |
| Jenny Oliver | 9:10 | 36:15 | 45:25 |
| Elaine Rousseau | 10:00 | 38:09 | 48:09 |
| Chris Evans | 8:00 | 41:00 | 49:00 |
| Nancy Liddell | 8:43 | Swim only |
TUFF FITTY SWIMMING
As Covid restrictions start to ease, Tuff Fitty are back to it’s usual swim pattern of coached swims at Littlehampton Wave on a Thursday evening at 8pm and Saturday late afternoon at 5pm. For those members who have been reticent about returning post pandemic, numbers are building well, but please ask if we can assist in your return and re-build confidence after time away from training. The Wave have reinstated the full use of changing facilities, lockers, (£1 coin) and showers. Booking via the clubs Spond app, but any questions regarding these coached sessions, please ask any of the coaches or committee,
This week’s banner shot is another of our popular weekend sea swims, taken this Sunday, (thanks Tiff). Strong numbers are being maintained for the swim from The Beach Cafe at Littlehampton, particularly as the swim is backed up by hot showers on the decking afterwards, and ample seating for a well deserved coffee, banter, (and perhaps cake?). Parking is easy if you purchase a parking disc (£5 until Dec 21) when visiting the Wave for our coached swims
PARKRUN
Only the second weekend of parkrun’s return, yet there are good results to report:_
At WORTHING PARKRUN – first Tuff home was Stephen O’Donnell in 23:00. Les Pearce was next on his 126th parkrun appearance, with another regular close behind – Phil Turner. Also well done to Elaine Rousseau who also raced last night at Arundel Lido
LITTLEHAMPTON parkrun saw Alastair Evans compete for the second consecutive week closing in on his 50th parkrun, whilst brother Chris Evans was on the organising team again.
HOVE PROM parkrun saw Ed Lay flying the Tuff flag in a strong time of 22:31
HORSHAM parkrun – Ian Moore was back in action claiming his 79th parkrun.
A great parkrun PB at BIDEFORD parkrun from Juliette Reader crossing the line in just 22:44 – second female overall and also well done to Henry Teague Smith home in 21:00 as 7th overall
Great results from Tuffs again.
