Wednesday 31 August 2011

MkIV

Tonight I took part in the mile for the first time - and I enjoyed the experience greatly. Race directing and volunteer duties were passed over to Heather Martingell and Kirsty Bangham, both of whom did a sterling job. Heather will be race director next week in my absence as I help Jo Kilkenny as part of her support crew with David Rowe on her Arch to Arc attempt. We all wished Jo the best of luck this evening.
The mile itself was an all male affair it seems! Come on ladies, we need more of you and all levels are needed/wanted!
Same time and place next week for all that are interested.

RESULTS

  1. Anthony Jackson 4:51 (1st timer) *COURSE RECORD*
  2. Danny Norman 5:13 (1st timer)
  3. Matt Smith 5:14 (PB remains 5:11)
  4. David Rowe 5:19 (1st timer)
  5. Grant Russell 5:31 PB
  6. James Russell 5:31 PB
  7. Cristiano Bonato 5:37 PB
  8. Clive Cheesman 5:42 PB
  9. John Woods 5:44 PB
  10. Stewart Rose 5:50 PB
  11. Chris Wyatt 5:52 PB
  12. Andy Wingate 5:54 PB
  13. Harry Matthews 5:54 PB
  14. Hayden Matthews 6:05 (PB remains 5:59)
  15. Peter Smith 6:21 (1st timer)

Thursday 25 August 2011

MkIII

I was a little late turning up for the start of this evening's mile. I squoze in a mildly long run straight after work and hoped to have enough time to get showered, changed and up at the start all in good time. I failed as I arrived at just after 7:50pm. I was confronted, and rightly so, by a restless and fast growing impatient group of runners. I apologised and apologise once again for this tardiness.
However, the weather was almost perfect by the time we started and the road totally clear. We welcomed new and ever present faces alike. Hope you enjoyed it as always.
Next week, same time and place, and I won't be late!

RESULTS
  1. Sean Paynter 4:57 PB *COURSE RECORD*
  2. Dave Wilson 5:16 PB
  3. Roy Reeder 5:27 (1st timer)
  4. Cristiano Bonato 5:43 (PB remains 5:42)
  5. James Russell 5:45 PB
  6. Stewart Rose 5:52 PB
  7. Clive Cheesman 5:56 (1st timer)
  8. Andy Wingate 6:01 (PB remains 5:59)
  9. Harry Matthews 6:02 (1st timer)
  10. Martin Stockholm 6:03 (1st timer)
  11. Hayden Matthews 6:04 (PB remains 5:59)
  12. Heather Martingell 6:53 (1st timer)
  13. Kirsty Bangham 7:09 PB

Wednesday 17 August 2011

MkII

Bit of a snap decision and not too much in the way of publicising it on my part, but I wanted to put on another Arethusa Mile, and why not do it a week after the first I thought? So, I did.

10 people took part this week, bit of a downturn in attendance but it's not about the quantity of runners but the quality that counts I reckon. ;)

Same again next week if you are interested, meet at 7:45pm for a slightly earlier start due to the road gates closing sooner.

RESULTS

  1. Sean Paynter - 5:05 (1st timer)
  2. Dave Wilson - 5:23 PB
  3. Cristiano Bonato - 5:42 PB
  4. John Woods - 5:53 PB
  5. Stefan Hopper - 5:56 (1st timer)
  6. Stewart Rose - 5:58 (1st timer)
  7. Andy Wingate - 5:59 PB
  8. Hayden Matthews - 6:02 (PB remains 5:59)
  9. Jo Kilkenny - 6:33 (PB remains 6:30)
  10. Kirsty Bangham - 7:20 (PB remains 7:11)

Wednesday 10 August 2011

Results

Tonight, on a dry, breezy, slightly cool evening at just after 8pm, the first Arethusa Mile took place, comprised of two seperate waves of 12 runners. As the first wave was run the 2nd wave participants cheered the first wave home, and vice versa, which turned out to be an unforseen positive in the splitting of the entire assembled group. Everyone seemed happy and satisfied with the whole affair and it's certainly stirred the thoughts as to future occurrences. I'm delighted it all went smoothly and without a hitch.

A big shout out of thanks goes to Paul and Jo Sinton-Hewitt, Emma Wingate and David Rowe for their help in timing, registering and filming the run. I'd also like to thanks each runner who turned out and thanks to the spectators who cheered everyone home.

Don't forget of course to register your time here on the Marathon Talk page.
Here are the results as I have them;

FIRST WAVE
  1.     Mike Skinner - 4:58
  2.     James Williams - 5:07
  3.     Ollie Upton - 5:08
  4.     Matt Smith - 5:11
  5.     Simon Campbell - 5:12
  6.     Dave Wilson - 5:23
  7.     Martin Connor - 5:28
  8.     Doug Smith - 5:35
  9.     Grant Russell - 5:36
  10.     Nick Rowe - 5:52
  11.     Nick Ward - 5:53
  12.     John Woods - 5:54
SECOND WAVE
  1.     Duncan Mallison - 5:14
  2.     Andy Anstey - 5:41
  3.     Steve Woodard - 5:45
  4.     James Russell - 5:46
  5.     Sonia Bandeira - 5:48
  6.     Cristiano Bonato - 5:48
  7.     Chris Wyatt - 5:56
  8.     Hayden Matthews - 5:59
  9.     Andy Wingate - 6:01
  10.     Mark Fletcher - 6:19
  11.     Jo Kilkenny - 6:30
  12.     Kirsty Bangham - 7:11
    Many thanks to you all, and until next time.
    Danny N.

Tuesday 9 August 2011

The Day Before

At the time of writing, tomorrow is Wednesday 10th August. It is to be the day of the Arethusa Mile.

Last night, Monday 8th August I was in Bushy Park overseeing a very small test mile. It turned out to be invaluable just to see a couple of tweaks I need to make to the original plans.

Firstly, the most apparent thing is the amount of cars on the road when I plan to start the first mile. At 7:30pm it seemed to me to be slightly too busy. However, as the gates began to shut toward 8pm the roads began to get very quiet. I set off two guinea pigs, James and Andy at around 7:50pm and the pair whooshed round the set course. I think one car was on the road, and maybe a couple of cyclists. They managed to get round safely and with no hassle. I then tested the route personally, and I ended up going around three separate times, and not once did a car go past me. I felt like I had total reign over the road. Apart from the imposing gang of Canadian geese that were waddling around at one point, the roads were clear. I'm not sure if the geese flew off later to try and loot a Cavan Bakery for the bread.

Dependent on numbers turning up on the night, I'd like to start the miles nearer 8pm than 7:30pm, purely from a safety and space point of view, and there is plenty of light to be had for quite some time before sundown.

I just need to reiterate that tomorrow it is an informal affair above all else. We are there to run a quick mile, but there are no prizes for first place and your own safety should be your paramount importance. Weather dependent it should be a pleasant night and a decent workout for each of you taking part.

Bring a watch or Garmin with you, bring warm clothing for afterwards, in fact bring anything you feel you may need or feel may contribute to the running of the event.

David Rowe tested his on bike camera last night recording us going around the course. If you want to photograph the event, feel free. Want to just watch the runners? You can do that too.

If you are coming by car, remember the gates are closing at 8pm. Park outside and jog in, or cycle there.

I will make a pre-run announcement to clarify smaller basic matters to people before they start and hopefully everyone enjoys the mile and comes away with a time they are happy with.

I'll see you tomorrow bright eyed and Bushy tailed.