Weekend Round Up 11th 12th March

Whilst we haven’t reached British Summertime yet – as the cold weather testifies, we still have another bumper round up to share:-

CHICHESTER HARBOUR CHIDHAM TRAIL RUN

The Chidham trail run is staged at low tide as runners have to navigate a small section of foreshore with the route taking runners around the Chidham Peninsular of Chichester harbour.

In the half marathon distance we had some great results with Gareth Coombes first Tuff home in 1hr 52m 18th overall in the top 6% home. Olivia Morey was next securing an excellent third in her age group in 1:54:13. Great to see Leah Simms putting her coaching knowledge to good use running home to complete the Tuff Three.

In the 9.5 miler Pete Littleboy had a great run (as explained below). There was further strong running from Paul Martin as first Tuff home in 1:21. Next Jessica Coombes, Callum Kalbfell and Karly Martin

It is pleasing to have two reports from a chilly morning on the shores of Chichester harbour. Firstly Leah and then Pete

“Chidham Harbour run was not an event that I had run before and therefore didn’t know what to expect other that it being a trail run with two different distances on offer”. 

“A friend of mine was injured so I took her place in the 21k distance. All I can say was that it was a very very cold start with a bitter headwind in places. The hardest decision was at the beginning as to what to wear/not wear. I get cold, so I’d rather be too hot. I didn’t want to take off my joggers and left it until the last 5 mins!”.

“All the layers I had I wore and I was being very brave wearing shorts seeing that possibly was a mistake as the majority of hardened athletes wore long leggings”. 

“We had staggered start of 15 mins between the two distances. As the miles progressed the layers slowly came off. Underfoot was either tarmac paths, mud, sludge, pebbles, larger stones, woodland and wooden bridges. It was challenging in places having to keep a close eye on your footing in case of tripping up or falling”. 

“At around mile 4/5 Peter Littleboy whizzed past me making it all look so effortless as he ran across the stones like a gazelle (he was doing the 15k distance so quickly caught us all up) .”

“It was a beautiful run albeit freezing and I‘ll be honest I was absolutely exhausted by the end of it (previous training days had paid their toll on my body) but I did enjoy it. Well, I did when I crossed that finish line.” 

Leah 

“I joined the start line after answering a call from our Spond app and as I was planning on a 10mile training run anyway I thought  “why not”. It starts on a cold dry Saturday morning 9 & 9:15 from Chidham and we the 15k people set off 2nd as the 21k set off at 9.00”.

“Once underway you find yourself along the narrow Chichester harbour path and glad the tide is out as it’s sand, stones, and steps, bridges, and gates. With plenty of people and K9s racing it requires skills to pass and avoid. So to finish 5th /105 or 2nd female in a time of 1h11m was very pleasing so soon after the Stinger.

As this race was very enjoyable on a route I’ve not done before ; no doubt I shall return.

Much love

Peter 

TIVERTON CANAL MARATHON

Ordinarily you don’t go to Devon to find a flat marathon course, but that is exactly what Steve Fryer did. Starting in Tiverton the route goes along the Grand Western Canal. The event is held twice yearly, March & October with the half marathon option attracting over 80% of the entrants. Steve did well, finishing 7th overall under 20 minutes off a podium position. Thanks to Steve for his view of the race:-

“It was a very well organised small event with several different routes to choose from half marathon, marathon and ultra distances. It was 2 laps of a very scenic canal route with some great scenery along the way. I would recommend this to any runner; the smaller event made it a very enjoyable experience. Winding paths, I’ve done lots of events down In Cornwall and Devon; well worth checking out.

Steve

THE PUNCHEUR SPORTIVE

The Puncheur cycle Sportive is billed as having long, flat stretches; draggy climbs; some fast descents; and short, sharp, steeper hills to get out the saddle and punch your way over. The route was changed at the last minute due to the River Ouse overflowing with no guarantee of receding by ride day. The circular route took riders up from Ditchling up to Forest Row and Turners Hill before heading back down to Ditchling. Clare Worgan, Dom Amey & Nathan Bilham were our intrepid Tuffs with Dom reporting in:-

“Clare and I signed up for a local sportive run by my old work friend as part of our Ironman prep (less than 100 days to go now, summer is definitely approaching even if it hasn’t always felt much like it this week). Nathan also rode but unfortunately we didn’t see him. 

“Based in Ditchling, the Puncheur is a 100km loop around mid Sussex. It doesn’t feature any huge climbs, the Beacon finish from the past has been dropped, but with a total of 1400m of elevation it’s definitely not flat”.

“The whole route was really well signed and there was a great feed station at halfway but unfortunately a big power cut meant they couldn’t put on the usual post ride pasta. That was the only negative of an otherwise excellent day out though, I’d definitely recommend this one for anyone looking to get some early season bike miles in”.

Dom

PARIS HALF MARATHON

Isis Solato took part in the Paris Half Marathon – France’s biggest half. The route takes runners along both sides of the Seine, and around Bois de Vincennes, the largest park in Paris. Isis had a strong run and reports as follows:-

“The vibe was amazing even with the cold weather, as I got to the meeting point I saw Roncer Kipkorir running towards the finish line after 59’38”, which gave me goosebumps. There was a lot of cheering and music bands during the course, I must admit that the run went by so fast, it was incredible. It was also my first time in Paris, so I could not imagine a better way to experience the city 🙂 “

Isis

BALCOMBE BULL

Good work from our quartet at the Balcombe Bull. Thanks to Wendy Kane for reporting in. Wendy and Sheila Bailey finished together to be followed by Kate Evans & Elaine Rousseau:–

“The Balcombe Bull Run was celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year, so at the recommendation of Kate, who had done it before,  we all thought we’d give it a go! The course was a 7.1km tough, hilly and very muddy trail run around the surrounding area of Balcombe village. We were so lucky to have a bright and dry day to tackle the run considering the previous downpours of the days before.

The race started from Balcombe village school which had a fine array of cakes and drinks and even a BBQ ready for its returning runners. Down a lovely steep hill to start, but this meant up a lovely steep hill to finish! Oh no, not an uphill sprint finish! 🙈🤣 The course continued around fields and farms, through mud and then through more mud but with the odd respite of a concrete pathway to get some speed in! Apparently there was a resident bull called Max but he was safely tucked away in his field, but we did make a quick stop for a selfie with Mrs Cow.

We all had a good run and made it back to the finish unscathed. Extra kudos to Elaine as her shoe lace broke just before the start so she did extra well to not loose her trainer! 

All in all a lovely local race, very friendly with great support and only £15 to enter. Definitely one for next year! “

Wendy

BRITISH TRIATHLON RULE UPDATE

Periodically British Triathlon update their rulebook. Most of the changes are quite technical and more applicable to our Technical Officials within the club or have been tweaked to mirror the defined stance on gender policy. The BTF are increasingly harmonising its rules to those of World Triathlon. There are some changes which are worth highlighting here to our members to avoid any misunderstanding.

Trisuits with a front zipper:-

# In middle and long distance events the zip must be fastened to at least no lower than the bottom of the breastbone whilst racing, and done up to the top in the final 200m.
# In sprint and standard distance events the zip must be fastened to the top completely (unless wearing a top underneath) whilst racing, and in all cases done up to the top in the final 200m

Do not discard your swim cap between the swim exit and transition as this will incur a penalty

Do not cycle in transition before the mount line. You will be stopped and asked to dismount – refusal will result in a DQ – the same applies to riding back across the dismount line after the bike leg.

It has long been mandatory to wear your helmet and have it fully fastened all the while you are touching your bike, but the rules now state you ‘cannot touch the locking mechanism’ of the helmet whilst you are touching your bike.

There is some nice clarification about mobile phones in transition. Whilst phones can be brought into transition they are banned once an event becomes ‘live’ – ie the first competitor is underway until the race is complete.

The link to the full rule book is here but if you have any questions, please feel able to contact our Technical Officials, Clive Harvey and Claire Moyle. Don’t forget Tuff Fitty’s transition workshop being held on the 13th May when a section will include some of the do’s and don’ts.

TRIATHLON ENGLAND SOUTH EAST SENIOR SERIES

Whilst Tuff Fitty have our own club championship, (Arundel -Sprint) (Brighton- Standard) (Ironbourne – 70.3), the events that comprise the Southeast Senior Series have now been announced. There are 26 South Eastern clubs eligible of which Tuff Fitty are one. Every competitor entering (and showing our club name) will earn points towards the league. As you scan the event calendar why not try one of these and bag some points for your club. The events are:-

East Grinstead, Eastbourne & Southwater are normally popular races for Tuffs. However please note as the South East try to harness the increasing popularity of relays – Southwater entrants will ONLY count points if the team of three is mixed; at least one open and one female

FROSTY AQUATHLON

With the organising team having held their debrief and equipment packed away, the final aspect this week was the release of the video/drone footage of race morning. Worth a view if you haven’t already seen it. We are particularly grateful to Paul Hedger for kindly offering his services not only filming but editing the footage – thank you Paul – (picured below in the red cap) much appreciated. The positive feedback has been gratifying and of course it is down to you our lovely Tuffs who helped on the morning.

PARKRUN ROUND UP

Bognor parkrun saw 5 Tuffs compete. Clive Patterson-Lett was first Tuff home in a swift time. Next home was Nathan Bilham and whilst this was not a PB he started running at 6:30am, running to Hotham Park and continuing to complete his 99th parkrun and a 15 mile run! Next home was Tiff Orton, then Glenn Parisi and Clive Harvey.

The parkrun tourism continues with two more locations. Firstly Worcester Pitchcroft parkrun which is a flat course around Worcester Racecourse. Edward Lay ran this one, a popular location with over 300 finishers.

More toruism at Netley Abbey parkrun is in Southampton along the edge of Southampton water. A hilly course but a good time from Sheila Bailey.

closer to home and a chill wind on the seafront at Littlehampton parkrun. Steve Bridgeman was our first Tuff home. Next Alistair Evans recording his quickest time this year across his home parkrun course. Next running together were Sue & Colin Simpson crossing the line for a parkrun total combined of 397 runs – impressive. Jenny Oliver ran to complete the Tuff quintet of runners.

Worthing parkrun saw a great landmark as Danny Cunnett, was not only first Tuff home, but he has completed his 50th parkrun making him eligible for the iconic red t-shirt. Jay McCardle also ran to notch up his 52nd parkrun. Les Pearce crossed the line for his 188th run. Good to see Phil Turner back on the parkrun scene this year completing his 93rd run. Next home, Tony Pearce who was on pacing duties this week and then Elaine Rousseau, now just one run away from her 150th. Sue Pinky started running earlier inn the morning as part of her London training and included parkrun before finishing on 10 miles.

Well done to all nineteen. Please note there is no Bognor parkrun (sat 18th) due to work on the entrance of Hotham Park)