Weekend Round Up 30th April 1st May
Last weekend was very run centric, but the multisport season is now coming on stream with some terrific results at The Huntsman Tri & 16 cycling around the Isle of Wight, and that still leaves much more to report on:-
THE HUNTSMAN TRI
What a Fantastic Four on Sunday for The Huntsman Tri. With a swim in Ellingham Lake and a Cycle/Run around the New Forest, there were a variety of distances from Sprint to Middle Distance, Duathlon and Aquabike. Our Foursome comprised James Mapley (Standard Distance) Niki Treacy & Maisie Johnston (Sprint Distance) and James Togneri (Aquabike) All four achieved podium positions in their age group – congratulations and we have the following reports.
James Togneri reports on his Aquabike 1.2 mile swim 56 mile bike, although what James modestly didn’t confirm was that he came 2nd Overall – Terrific.
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“I was absolutely shattered leading up to this event . Work’s been manic and trying to stick to my Arundel lido training plan has been tough. Before heading over to the New Forest I went and visited my secret weapon Carla Bizzel . For those who don’t know her she is a sports therapist and neuromuscular activator. When I’m struggling with training she gets me recovered and everything firing properly again .
Well I turned up on the start line feeling amazing. The lake was bloody freezing but we were set off 30 seconds after getting in . Lovely swim route – fairly boring I stayed in 2nd the whole way whilst a female athlete stormed ahead. We caught the middle distance tri swimmers up and mixed in with them which slowed us, but there was plenty of room which was nice. After exiting we had a 800m run on stones to transition , I left my shoes to use these but numbness and cramp stopped me getting them on . I couldn’t waste time so i ran barefoot which I regretted immediately. I passed the girl in first place as she hobbled on the stones. I jumped on my bike and headed out. I was leading for about 20 miles until a guy flew past me which I instantly knew I had no chance of hanging on to him . The ride was 58 miles , wet , windy , horses decided to cross whenever they liked and some sketchy descents. I didn’t enjoy it . I was determined to put the hammer down and do everything in my power to not let anyone else past me. The last 10 miles were pretty horrible I was cramping and the wind had taken all my energy but race adrenaline got me through so near to the finish .
There were 5 different events on at the same time so finish line atmosphere wasn’t great as nobody knew who was in what race and placings . The crowd were also not allowed by the finish line and had to be on the road . My wife Harrie and my kids Logan and Hallie are superstars they stood around in the rain with no shelter for 3 hours to support me at transition and the finish. I’m chuffed overall but I’m not keen on doing that event again .
James
Next up we get the view of James Mapley who undertook the Standard Distance Tri, coming 3rd in his age group and 5th overall.
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“Just under 500 competitors took part in the Huntsman Triathlon event series in the New Forest. Various events were held, including an Aquathlon, Duathlon, sprint, standard and middle distance Tri. The standard Tri swim started in Ellingham lake which was a barmy 13 degrees – flippin fresh! I had a good start on the swim and was in or around the first 10 out the water. Transition was a 400m trot across the gravel path from the lake. Fortunately, most peoples feet were so numb from the swim that we couldn’t feel the rocks.”
“The bike leg meandered over the rolling terrain of the New Forest on smooth surfaced roads. Fortunately, the weather god’s were on our side and all riders benefitted from negligible winds and fair temperatures. I made up some places on the bike, and headed into T2, first off the bike. I had a good transition and opened up a decent gap.
“I felt like I had a good run and dipped under the 40minute mark for the 10km, but I hadn’t opened up enough of a gap to the other chaps who put in storming times of 34, 35 and 36 minutes. Fair play. I ended up 5th overall. Very pleased with the result and I would recommend the race to fellow tuffs! Next up is our team event on 15th May at East Grinstead. (Still open for entries at 5th May)
James
To complete the run of Huntsman success Niki Treacy reports to cover Maisie Johnston as they both raced Sprint distance. Tuffs are a modest bunch as once again it falls to the editor to point out that Niki was 1st female overall and Maisie was third female overall and 1st in her age group.
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“Maisie and I bundled up the car and headed off for our 1st race of the season to the beautiful New Forest. The weather had mixed blessings- it was cold but not windy, and the rain held off until we had finished – phew; Race highlights; -fun and games in T1 trying to put tops and gloves on with numb hands -live unpredictable hazards on the bike course 🐎. Prize for the ‘most gorgeous‘ goes to a chocolate brown calf. Ahhh !”
“- Getting a shout out from James Togneri as we exited the lake. (He raced after us in the Aquabike)”
“- James, James, Maisie and I all managing to podium – Result!!”
“Race review;
A small local event feel. Crazy distances that didn’t remotely relate to a sprint distance, but on the whole, a good low key event to kick off the season.”
Niki
ISLE OF WIGHT RANDONNEE
Anyone can cycle the well marked 100k route around the Isle of Wight, but each year there is a Randonnee with Brevit checkpoints cycling clockwise. Free to enter (although a donation is welcomed) this year 2,500 cyclists were permitted to enter. Ed Lay cycled a variation of the route to amass a 50 miler with someone else, and Emma Hinton and Spencer Scott, cycled together around the full island. We have two reports from the two larger groups; , firstly from Jenny Oliver whose group take this week’s banner shot, and secondly Trevor Harvey.
“Having recently returned from Tuffs on Tour in Majorca, we were looking forward to a reunion to tackle the IoW Randonnee ride around the island.
Most of the group travelled on the Portsmouth ferry, but we headed to a free parking street in Southampton. We unpacked the bikes from the car, put on the wheels, and set off to the ferry terminal. First drama, I couldn’t clip in! In Majorca my cycling shoes had given up with one sole flapping off. I abandoned them knowing I had a new pair waiting at home. “Never use anything new at an event”, they say! So I had duly tested them out on a mountain bike ride a few days before. Not realising that my road-bike pedals were slightly different. What to do? Wake up a local friend at 6am to borrow something sharp? Head home? Well Captain Faff Adrian to the rescue managed to reposition the cleat on one shoe to clip in with a bit of brute force. So with time a-passing I rode with one side clipped to the ferry. On the ferry the other side was adjusted and sure enough I was able to embark on the ride…
Mike Barrett had organised a breakfast meet-up at a café in Wooton and so off we headed after registering and scanning at the East Cowes checkpoint. A nice get-together with Mike Barrett, Dom Amey, Clare Worgan, Alice Gatland, Mark Walford, Adrian and myself, we enjoyed a very filling breakfast and chat before eventually setting off on the route.
There were two options: 100km around the whole island, or a shorter 55km. I wasn’t sure which to tackle, having not been up to the mountains of Majorca, would I be able to conquer the hills of the IoW? After a few uncomfortable hills I was veering towards the shorter. We all scanned at the Wooton checkpoint, collected our commemorative badges and eyeballed Emma Hinton and Spencer Scott. Setting off together I expected to soon drop behind but was glad to have Adrian to keep me company.
Suddenly we saw a young teenage girl sitting on a wall pointing and shouting “Right!”. We were supposed to be following the IoW arrows with a white background to circumnavigate the island in a clockwise direction but the turning was a bit unclear and was taking many by surprise. Then to our surprise we spotted the others at the left side of the road. We pulled in to behold a sorry sight of Mike and Dom’s bikes with wheels detached, bent and broken. Suddenly my shoe drama faded into the background with the sad realisation that Mike and Dom would not be able to continue riding. A great disappointment for them and we all felt it. At that moment and with a commiseration hug, I decided to do the longer ride for them. How hard could it be? Just point the bike in the right direction and “just keep spinning, just keep spinning!”.
Throughout the route we seemed to pass and be passed by the other Tuffs, occasionally re-grouping at the amazing check-points which were based in various schools and halls with full facilities, toilets, water stations, rolls, sandwiches, cakes, pies, in fact anything you could ask for on a long ride day out.
The hills were a challenge for me and it was frustrating not to be able to capitalise on downhill momentum with lots of cyclists maintaining a medium pace. It was then harder to slowly climb the hills trying not to be too conspicuous with my huffing-and-puffing, but “just keep spinning, just keep spinning!”.
We had checked the weather forecast and expected to be drizzled on occasionally, but it turned into proper rain for quite a portion of the ride, but the Isle of Wight doesn’t disappoint for its beautiful scenery. Checking in at Bembridge, Ventnor and Yarmouth we finally made it, by that time rather sodden, cold and very tired. Then for the long journey home. Today someone asked me if I felt rested after my holiday in Majorca – I wasn’t quite sure how to answer!
Jenny
“Along with Jon; Tiff and Clive, we also completed the IOW Randonnee. Having booked an earlier ferry, (Pompey to Ryde pier – cycling along the UK’s second longest pier gave us some extra distance !! 🙂 , we couldn’t rendezvous with the rest of the Tuff collective for brekky and instead headed off from Ryde to the first checkpoint at Bembridge.
“Whilst Jon had completed the full route before, all four of us had participated in the Isle of Wight Tuff Training camp in 2015 and whilst the majority of the course was completed then, it was on our bucket list to tick the whole route off”.
“Then off to Ventnor & Yarmouth, before heading via the chain ferry for the checkpoint at Cowes and the final one at Wootton, before returning to Ryde”.
“A great well organised event with some fantastic refreshments, (particularly Ventnor & Yarmouth). There were some busy sections, particularly up some of the numerous hills – circa 1,600 m of ascent – and so going round in a group of 4 was probably a good idea. Whilst a little damp, a very enjoyable day.
Trev
THREE FORTS CHALLENGE
The annual Three Forts Challenge, very appealing as it starts (and finishes) from Hill Barn Lane in Worthing, so a nice local event for a 9am start. There is a choice of full marathon or half marathon. Perhaps not so appealing is that the half goes up to Steyning Bowl with 1,450ft of ascent, but this didn’t detract from two great Tuff results. Joanne Meany completed the course in 2 hours 6 minutes and Hazel Tuppen followed soon after – strong running from both Jo & Hazel – well done.
TUFF FITTY CHARITY UPDATE
It is fantastic that whilst having a bit of fun, Tuff Fitty can also be a force for good. Following our successful evening sale recently Nicole Patterson-Lett notified Tania Pascoe of the final proceeds mainly accrued from the sale of a lot of Joe Pascoe’s kit, Tania Pascoe wanted to thank everyone who contributed to the evening which saw a grand total of £925 raised. Tania is splitting this equally between McMillan and St Barnabas, and is delighted his Tuff friends will be getting use out of their purchases. If just a bit of Joe’s quick speed rubs off on the kit’s recipients, it will be an added bonus.
There is further good news to report in that with cancer resonating so much within our club, Cancer United was adopted as our nominated charity aligned to this year’s Frosty Aquathlon. Entrants had the option of donating upon entry with other donation points on the day. Our Treasurer Anthony Towers has just received an email from Cancer United thanking everyone for the donation which totalled £342.84; a fantastic amount which follows on from our £200 donation to them last year in celebrating our 30th anniversary . In thanking us Cancer United wanted to notify us of their event to take over Brighton Zipwire here
With Nina Tully’s raffle for Headshokz raising £100 which also went to St Barnabas – a huge thank you to everyone – £1,367 will assist towards fighting this dreadful disease.
MALLORCA 167 SPORTIVE
Another week and Stephen O’Donnell has been in action again, this time taking part in the Mallorca 167 cycle Sportive. Starting from Port D’Alcudia in Spain the route was hilly covering 167km with 1,726m of ascent with the first climb at Coll de Femenia with some fast descents.
TONBRIDGE TRIATHLON – A TECHNICAL OFFICIAL VIEW
Tonbridge Triathlon is a venue many longer serving Tuffs have raced (as a previous club champ race) with the finish on the running track at Tonbridge school. This year we have a different take on the event as Claire Moyle was in attendance in her new role as Technical Official.
“Tonbridge triathlon from a training Technical Official’s view point. On Bank holiday Monday a 4am alarm was a shock to the system but this was to be my first practical experience as a Technical Official and I didn’t want to be later. I was hoping for a good sunrise but is wasn’t to be as I nervously travelled towards Tonbridge. I arrived in good time and was meet by Bob and Jackie who showed me around so I knew where everything was. They talked about the roles I would be doing and and asked me questions on what I had read about the event and what I thought of the risk assessment. Soon the competitors were arriving and there where so many things to think about and do. The time flew by and as I moved around the different jobs I was making notes of questions that I needed answers for. By the end of the event I had learnt so much and am no longer nervous about what I need to do, I got great feedback and have gained a mountain of knowledge and can’t wait for the next one. The most common saying of the day was ‘number at the front on the run out’.
If you haven’t been to Tonbridge tri it it definitely worth doing, held at a stunning school with excellent facilities it is a well run event and very friendly.
Claire
PARKRUN
Another parkrun ticked off where ‘Tuff woz ere’ as Alistair Evans on a weekend break still got his parkrun fix in running at Melksham parkrun in Wiltshire. This clocked up Alistair’s 82nd PR before embarking on a 50k cycle.
At Worthing parkrun Les Pearce was our first Tuff home as he crossed to notched up his 154th parkrun. However it was a close thing as Danny Cunnett was just 10 seconds behind for his 44th run. Jo Baldwin was next in 24:32 and then Phil Turner who reached his 75th run. Ed Lay was also on parade ahead of his Isle of Wight ride. Elaine Rousseau made it a super six Tuffs running.
At Littlehampton parkrun, Richard Budd finished his 172nd parkrun and was first Tuff home in the process. Charlotte Pryor did well making this her third parkrun. Next home was Helen White and then good work from Jenny Oliver ahead of her Randonnee cycle. Thanks to Nick Hartfield who was on the organising team.
Bognor Regis parkrun saw Nathan Bilham going well for his 74th parkrun Well done to all 12 parkrunners
NEXT UP PLEASE NOTE SOME IMPORTANT ‘SAVE THE DATES’
JUBILEE SWIM
Tuff Fitty’s Platinum Jubilee swim from The Beach, opposite the Wave is now only a month away. Cost a bargain £2 all participants gain access to the Sea Swim relay event, and afterwards a burger (please let us know if you wish to have a vegetarian option.) Organised by Captain’s Adrian & Nicole, you won’t want to miss out. Date is Sunday 5th June at 3pm, but in order to ensure sufficient burgers are ready please register your interest on Spond at least a week before. Any questions, please ask, or see the ‘Spond Event’ ; water safety cover is arranged.
TUFF FITTY CLUB LIDO RACES
With pandemic restrictions enabling us to plan ahead with confidence, ‘Save the date’ for the first confirmed dates for club races for members only. We have already secured the following :-
Friday 17th June – 7pm -9pm
Friday 22nd July – 7pm – 9pm
For our more recent members the above will take the form of Aquathlons based at Arundel Lido. A 400m swim followed by a 5k run. This is usually followed by hospitality in the form of food – further details and invites to come shortly. These are usually great fun, so please place in your diary. Tuffs can race the Aquathlon and we can also compile relay teams if some only wish to undertake one discipline.
RUN FOR UKRAINE
A fantastic initiative from our very own Jason Rae who is organising a 5 mile run along Felpham Beach. A back to basics race with no medals as it is important that costs are minimised ensuring Jason can maximise the monies raised for support to Ukraine. Tuffs are eligible to run on their own, or with a furry friend as the run is Cani-friendly. Furthermore if people wish to bring along donations of tins of food or medical items these would be most welcome. If people are unable to attend, they are welcome to pass goods or donations to Clive Harvey at the Wave Swims (Saturday 7th) Thursday 12th) who will ensure they are transported across to the run. Save the date – Saturday 14th May 4:15pm, oh and everyone is encouraged to wear Ukrainian colours of Blue & Yellow – To enter:- click here
