Round Up 26th May – 8th June 2025

What a varied Tuff fortnight we have had!  This edition of the round up includes triathlon events (unsurprisingly!) but also individual swimming, cycling and running events.  Inspirational stuff!

Henley Triathlon – Sunday 1^st June 2025

Thank you to Trevor Harvey, clearly a fan of longer races (see comment below), for reporting in following his participation in the Henley Triathlon:

There were Sprint & Super Sprint options available but as the Super Sprint didn’t really seem worth getting out of bed for (200m swim; 12K cycle & 2.5k run), I opted for the Sprint, albeit not that mega at 400m swim; 25K cycle & 5K run.

There was a split transition, and so the bike is left in one area, running shoes in a second.  I’d competed several times where you zig zag across a pool, ducking under lane ropes, but this one necessitated doing four laps in each lane before ducking under the lane ropes.  It seemed to work well, and then out on the bike for a two lapper.  A fairly scenic undulating route (with a cheeky hill at the end of each lap), although sadly the road condition was up to the usual UK standard of potholes!  Racking the bike in the second area, and out on the run for four laps on grass.

Blenheim Palace Super Sprint Triathlon – Saturday 7^th June 2025

Blenheim Palace seems an apt place to rub shoulders with broadcasting royalty!  Many thanks to both Christine Griffin and Bob Rogers for reporting on a memorable event in more ways than one.  First up, Christine:

On Saturday 7^th June, I took part in the Super Sprint Triathlon at the stunning Blenheim Palace.  I was in the final wave of the day — a female-only group — and, to my surprise, stood next to none other than Jo Whiley at the start.  It was a surreal and exciting moment to kick off what would be a challenging but unforgettable race.

The swim took place in the picturesque, but chilly lake, with water temperatures sitting at 17.5°C.  After completing the 400m swim, the next challenge came immediately: a tough uphill slog out of the lake and into transition.  The climb really got the legs working before even getting onto the bike!

The bike leg was a scenic but hilly route — made far more difficult by an unexpected hailstorm that hit mid-race.  The storm turned the roads slippery and made downhill sections particularly treacherous.  Despite the conditions, I kept my spirits up, especially each time I passed two women on both laps of the course who were taking photos.  I made sure to smile each time I saw them — one of them was wearing a navy GBR triathlon jacket.

The final run was a single lap, and true to the course theme — hilly again!  Fatigue was setting in, but the thought of the finish line kept me going.  And what a finish it was — crossing the line brought a wave of relief and joy!  I received a lovely medal and a finisher’s T-shirt to mark the achievement.

As I was leaving the venue, I bumped into the two photographers from the bike course. To my delight, they greeted me with, “Oh, it’s the smiley lady!”  We had a lovely chat, and I discovered that one of them was none other than Ruth Daniels, CEO of British Triathlon!  It was an unexpected and uplifting end to a tough but rewarding day.

The drive home, however, was less kind — torrential rain battered the roads and by the time I arrived home, I was completely exhausted.  But despite the weather, hills, and hail, the day was a memorable one — filled with challenge, achievement, and a few special surprises along the way.

Next, a characteristically modest write up from Bob:

I competed in the Sprint Qualifier Triathlon at the British Championships at Blenheim Palace last Sunday.

I was really pleased with my 750m swim – and grateful thanks to the Tuff Fitty Saturday swim coaches who have definitely improved my performance.

No-one told me about the very undulating bike and run courses, but I held together and finished.  Furthermore, I finished top of my Age Group and have become British and English Champion (Age Group). A few days ago, I received news from the British Triathlon Federation that, as a result, I have Pre-Qualified for both of the 2026 European and World Championships! 

My next task is to sort out my knees so, at the very least, I can get my running, previously my strength, back to normal.

Huge congratulations, Bob, and good luck with getting the knees sorted!

Worthing 10k – Sunday 8^th June 2025

Last Sunday saw a number of Tuffs taking part in the annual Worthing 10k, namely Cameron Coe in a super-swift 38.20, Chris Robinson and Stu Harvey both under 43 minutes, Juliette Reader, me (Kate Cooper), Rhian Standley and new member Kayleigh Hudson.  While not as hot as in previous years, the wind still made itself felt although thankfully to a lesser extent than the previous day!  Many thanks, as ever, to Stu Harvey for writing in:

Following the recent marathons, I’ve decided to piggyback that training by entering the super hilly Race To The King Ultra which is in a couple of weeks’ time so with that in mind, what better way to prepare for it than by entering the super flat Worthing 10k!?!

Always great to race locally, Worthing 10k is an event I haven’t done for years, but it’s always a good one to have a shot at given it’s pancake flat and always attracts a strong field of runners, plus the medal is pretty chunky too.

Heading into the weekend, the weather forecasts looked bleak but come race day it was almost ideal barring a fairly stiff breeze that we had to contend with going out towards Goring Gap for the first 5k. 

Perhaps feeling a bit too ambitious, I decided to see how long I could stick with the 40-minute pacer.  That turned out to not be long at all as I slipped back down the order, the marathons and Race To The King training taking its toll. 

Still after an energy chew and giving myself a good talking to, I managed to dig in to have a better second half crossing the line in 43:02. All in all pretty happy with that and an enjoyable morning’s racing down by the seaside!

Royal Docklands 5K Open Water Swim – London – Sunday 8th June 2025

During the fourth lap, I found myself alongside a guy in a wetsuit.  I thought “ooh we can have a little race here”. Initially, he may not have realised what I was up to, but he soon caught on and lap 5 was a brilliant game of cat & mouse.

Annoyingly just before the end, some back markers got in my way and wetsuit guy just beat me.  He thanked me after.  Swimming laps can be a bit dull, so we were glad to have a bit of added excitement.  I finished 30^th overall and 16^th lady.  Time 1hr 44 minutes which I was pretty happy with!

As always, thanks to the Tuff coaches and my lane buddies who keep me on track.

I finished off my London outing with a ride on the cable car, so got a great view of the course, with a few stragglers still finishing the swim.

50 Mile Time Trial – Dial Post – Sunday 8^th June 2025

Thanks go to both Verity-Jane Lacey and to Mark Sole for writing in about their recent time trial antics!

First up, Verity, who came away with some prize money!

I decided this year I would do some more time trial events.  Mainly the shorter 10 milers in the week as a training tool for the sprint tris I’m doing later in the year, but decided I would give the 50 a go too.

Mark Sole signed up too, so it was really great to have someone to meet at the start at least!

There was a good turn out and about 7 ladies entered of which 5 started which was good to see.

It was a good route but rolling, starting near Buckbarn, you rode out through Cowfold and onto the roundabout by the A23, retraced your steps back to Cowfold, dropped down to Henfield and back then back to Buckbarn. The next section brought you down to the Washington roundabout into a headwind.  You then went out to Steyning and to the roundabout at the top of the Cement Works and retraced your steps to Washington.  The last section was to the Findon roundabout and back all the way along the A24 to Dial Post.

The very early start meant we had pretty quiet roads.

Overall, it was a good fun event.  Mark did super well, using it as a pacer pre-Outlaw and finished in around 2hours 26mins.  I was fairly happy with my 2 hours 36 mins, which gave me third female and actually won me some prize money!!

Next up, Mark:

I decided to play it by ear and use the Garmin map feature rather than have ‘the numbers’ showing.   I wanted to use it as a pacing exercise to check how much to hold back at the Outlaw.  Some may know how scientific I can get with my training plans, so I delved in to my highly sophisticated thought process, after not much thinking time out happened, could I actually double it, add a bit and then run a marathon!

We signed on, faffed about then cycled around 15 mins to the start line.  Verity was pretty relaxed, however we got there with 1 minute before I started.   I was in the line having kickstarted the Garmin with 15 seconds spare!   Sorted!

Having set off staying with in a comfortable pace, I caught the guy in front of my reasonably well, so I settled in at that pace.  I managed to get 50 miles averaging 20.5mph, which I was pleased with.  There are some quick people though, my time of 2:26 was comprehensively beaten, I think by about 30 minutes!  It’s amazing to see the people and bikes. 

Verity smashed it and came third female, which was awesome work!!

A good event and I’d recommend trying a TT!! It’s what we do, just with other bits sandwiching it!! They take it quite seriously but all friendly and will offer advice.

Goodwood Team Time Trial – Tuesday 10^th June 2025

Verity and Mark were back in action just 2 days later at the Goodwood Time Trial.  Here are Verity’s reflections:

Following on from the 50 mile TT, I managed to coerce Mark into joining Worthing Excelsior to make up a fourth team for the TTT.

What a fun evening, whilst we weren’t racing as Tuff Fitty, it is worth mentioning because it would be great to get a Tuff team together for the next one.

Overall on track there was great camaraderie and of course a little competition between the WECC teams.

We had two mixed teams and two all men teams made up of different skill levels and abilities.

The WECC teams did really well with the mixed teams (must have one female) having the faster times out of the four. My team finished in a time of 57 minutes and Mark’s team in a time of 1 hour and 2 mins.

There was some serious competition with some pro female cyclists making up a team!

Overall, a great evening had by all and definitely worth signing up for regardless of your speed and ability as it is a very welcoming event.

Next, Mark shares his side of the story:

I’m out on the Don Levy 100 mile ride with Angmering, the phone rings.  Verity saying something about needing someone to make a team up, blah blah, join Excelsior, blah blah.

So of course I sign up!

I text Verity a few days later asking about what would presumably be 4 lap 10-mile team time trial.  It appears some of the blah, blah might have been relevant! 10 laps – approx. 23 miles of pain!  I like teams, but don’t want to be the weak link!  Verity advised that I should be fine as she doesn’t really know the team, other than James who raced triathlon in the commonwealth games!  I’m thinking that I might die!!

Anyway, James was a really good bloke, the other two were also first timers.  We did a warm up lap and I realised that I should survive!  We set off and the wind was usual for Goodwood, so James and I tried to shelter the other two and changed them so that they took shorter turns on the front. It was a good solid race!  Some of the teams were very impressive!!

As a team you can really motor!  We came last, with 1:02 minutes, but I loved it!!

If you are interested in any time trials, speak to me or Verity (she knows more about it!), but listen to her carefully!!

parkrun Round Up

Saturday 31^st May 2025

Well, Tuffs certainly got around for parkrun on 31^st May, with Tuffs participating at 13 locations.  Richard Hobbs and Clive Harvey chose Brighton and Hove parkrun, with Jay McCardle running a little further west at Lancing Beach Green.  Moving along the coast, Paul Fielder, Kayleigh Hudson and Les Pearce took part in Worthing.  Littlehampton parkrun regulars in action were Fraser Kidd, Adrian Oliver, Amy Kidd and Chris Evans.  It was pleasing to see Janet Shepherd also taking part coming back from injury.  Chris Evans also picked up a volunteering credit, along with Hope Newcomer.  Amanda De Ridder was the sole Tuff at Bognor Regis, gaining a course PB, while Al Evans took a trip inland to Horsham.  Colin and Sue Simpson made one of their regular visits to Wakehurst parkrun (many congratulations to Colin for reaching his 300^th parkrun milestone a couple of weeks ago).   New member Daniel Barnett took on the hills of Bevendean Down parkrun, where Shelia Bailey also ran.  Further afield, Steve Fryer took one of his regular tips to Killerton parkrun in Devon, while Debbie Birch ran at Moors Valley in Dorest and Nathan Bilman participated in the Arrow Valley parkrun in Worcestershire.  Stephen Feest and Trevor Harvey ran in Surrey at Rickmansworth and Egham Orbit respectively.  Phew!

Saturday 7^th June 2025

Last Saturday’s prize for the best venue was won hands down by Jay McCardle who ran at North Beach parkrun in South Africa!  Many of the usual suspects were back at Littlehampton: Fraser Kidd, in a swift 19.58, Steve Fryer, Daniel Barnett, Alan Evans, Sue Simpson, Colin Simpson and Chris Evans, with Hope Newcomer volunteering.  Congratulations to Clive Harvey for running at Bognor to mark his 100^th parkrun outing!  Les Pearce ran at Worthing, with Nathan Bilham taking part on Hove Promenade.  Further afield, Trevor Harvey ran at Upton Court parkrun in Slough, Paul Fielder at Albert parkrun in Middleborough and Amanda De Ridder at Rothay Park parkrun in the Lake District.  Well done everyone!