2017: plenty of highs - and a painful low!

2017 Review: Part I

IT’S review time, and looking back over the past 12 months the year has been a mixed bag, with some fantastic and inspirational experiences, but bit of a ragged (and painful) conclusion.

Some of my highlights have been:

DRAYCOTE WATER 10k

A COLD and windy – but nevertheless exhilarating – relatively flat (note relatively) run around a reservoir near Rugby, Warwickshire.

This has been my one and only run at Draycote so far, but the venue hosts a whole series of events throughout the year. Certainly worth a re-visit.

CHILLY START: My running buddies and me (1960, far right)
  from Massey Ferguson Running Club at Draycote Water.  

    Below, the open expanse of the Draycote reservoir.

COVENTRY HALF MARATHON

MY first half!

I’d marshalled at the previous year’s event, but at that stage didn’t feel confident enough to run the

FULL FIELD: At the start of
Coventry Half Marathon.

distance myself. I’m a ‘late starter,’ just about to enter my fourth year of running.

Although the challenge seemed daunting, I found I loved the training and going out for long runs in preparation, come rain, shine, frost – or whatever else the weather happened to be doing at the time!

One of the benefits of registering for an event is that it not only gives you something to look forward to, but in doing so forces you to lace up your shoes and ‘get out there’ and do something!

It was a great help that my running team-mate, Jill, had also signed up for the half, and we were able to support and encourage each other.

In order to start the year as I meant to go on, I found myself -  on New Year's Day, 2017 - standing rather dubiously at the cold, wet start of a long uphill run. What a wonderful thing that ‘first step’ is!

The route on that occasion was a little over seven miles. I managed numerous other excursions in the build-up to the half, including ‘accidentally’ running – or should that be ‘staggering?’ – 16 miles in appalling weather.

How do you accidentally run 16 miles? (Yes, I was asked!). Well, for a pretty mundane reason, actually. It was windy and freezing, and aggressive rain was perforating my skin like a thousand razor-sharp arrows.

VILLAGE SCENE: Coventry Half Marathon tented village.

Head down against the inclement weather, I’d missed the turning some way out, and had to double back on myself, so clocking up the miles. Not exactly inspiring. I arrived home soaked, almost a block of ice and ready to collapse into a quivering heap.

It did, however, give me an inkling that I could probably manage the half!

In the event, although I’d harboured some reservations about running that distance in a city like Coventry – all those streets and buildings - I found I loved every step. At the top end of the run, we were treated to twisting lanes in the Warwickshire countryside, before heading back towards the city. Wonderful! I also discovered that trying to consume jelly babies en route is a skill to be worked at.

DRAMA BUILDS: The Whittle Arches dominate the skyline over
runners waiting to start at the Coventry Half Marathon.

MASSEY FERGUSON TRACTOR 10k

A LOVELY morning run on Easter Sunday, held for the first time at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, former home of the now defunct Royal Show. The medal, featuring Massey’s legendary red tractor, is a real treasure. Being part of a running club, and sharing the experience with your team mates, adds to the delight and satisfaction. There's nothing quite like it!

DAZZLING DISPLAY: Massey Ferguson runners at the club's Tractor 10k.

MONTY  5k

AN enjoyable midweek evening run around Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, starting and ending at Edmonscote sports track. Running on a track is quite an experience in its own right, especially if it's not something you're used to.

I overtook a couple of others to cross the line at the finish - but was pipped at the post by someone who'd 'targeted' me. He whooshed past at the last second like a steam train. Fantastic!

FINAL BRIEFING: Explaining the route and (top picture)
lining up at the start at the Monty 5K.

MARKET DRAYTON 10k

I’D heard about this awesome event the previous year, but was too late to enter. This year, I watched the booking and, thankfully, managed to register. By lunch time the following day, all the places had been snapped up.

Trying to get a place for 2018 proved disappointing. Despite hovering over the website ready to grab a slot as soon as booking opened – along with what felt like the entire UK running community – the site crashed under the fierce demand.

RUN FUN: Drummers (above) and
stalls (below) at Market Drayton.

Several attempts later, I thought I’d successfully signed up, but it was not to be.

However, what it did demonstrate was the popularity of this exciting 10k. It exceeded expectations. There’s a real carnival atmosphere. The run starts and finishes at Grove School, and an annual fete is held in the grounds, so there are marquees and stands and entertainment for the kids.

The run itself, through this picturesque Shropshire market town, is fabulous – and it seems like the whole population comes out to cheer you on. Unbelievable community involvement.

It was scorching, and one of the best bits was being soaked by onlookers brandishing garden hoses. Refreshing!

POPULAR EVENT: Above, runners wait for the
 start at Market Drayton 10k.

You needed a truck for the goodies, which included a large pork pie, an eye-catching T-shirt and a tray or two of yoghurts from the Muller factory, based in the town.

In common with others I later spoke to, I wouldn’t rush out to buy any more of the rather oddly-flavoured dairy product (which apart from one pot, remained unopened), but the giveaway added to the fun and excitement of event.

There was also a voucher you could redeem for a 'free half pint.' The cutting cold Joules ale at the end of the run was heavenly!

If you fancy a fabulous, well-organised, buzzing event, then it might be worth giving the Market Drayton a go – but be warned: you have to be quick off the mark to secure a place!

The Market Drayton run was one of four weekly events I’d booked in that period. The following weekend was my second Half Marathon – at the fabulous Chillington Hall, in Brewood, Staffordshire.

REFRESHING PRIZE: Voucher for a cool half pint
after a hot 10k run at Market Drayton'

PINT PULLING: Keeping a smile on runners' faces with a
welcome half pint at the end of the run.

NEXT: 2017 Review, Part II - Stunning grounds a real winner

Stunning grounds a real winner

2017 Review: Part II

CHILLINGTON HALF MARATHON

THE breath-taking grounds of Chillington Hall were the setting for my second half marathon!

The Hall, near Brewood, in Staffordshire, is a Georgian Manor house, but has been the site of the Giffard family home for over 800 years.

This was the first event organised at Chillington by Mash Running - and was a real winner!

The route takes you through the stunning grounds, and is simply gorgeous. At the start, you run down an expansive lawn in front of the house, only to execute a U-turn – to run back up towards the elegant frontage. What a thrilling experience!

In the grounds themselves, you run around a large pool, under an old bridge or two, through wooded areas; sheer indulgence for the senses. One highlight that remains vividly in my mind is the kaleidoscope created as runners followed the track around the pool, their vivid colours reflected in the glassy water.

One to sign up for (here) if you fancy running through the delightful historic grounds of a family residence that can be traced all the way back to the Norman invasion.

FIRKIN 5

THIS was the inaugural a run of this quirky event – and one to raise a cheery glass to. It’s one of

those I feel will grow in popularity, once word gets around.

LANDMARK: The distinctive
Hook Norton Brewery.

This wonderful, off-road race is set in the picturesque Cotswold village of Hook Norton, and is sponsored by the Hook Norton Brewery. That should give you a clue as to an underlying ‘theme’ to the race – beer!

Have you ever participated in an event where the ‘hydration’ station gives you a choice of water or a glass of refreshing ale!

Funny how the remainder of the run went in a flash after taking a few sips!

The run started at Hook Norton brewery, then wound its way through the beautiful Hook Norton, before turning into a field and a fun-filled muddy climb to the top.

The views across the rolling Cotswold countryside from some sections of the trail are spectacular. Although billed as a 'fun run,' there are some challenging sections, and plenty of miles across grassy fields!

ALL SET: Waiting at the start of the Firkin 5.

GRASSY ROUTE: Part of the Firkin 5 route.

But any exertion is well rewarded, and the beer and burger at the finish made a tasty finale.

The brewery seemed to make a lively trade, too, and I was one of a number of participants loading up the boot of the car with a selection of ales after visiting the brewery shop!

I think I'll be tottering back to this one!

Other races during the year included the Knowle and Dorridge Arden 9 mile, Northbrook 10k and Stratford Summer 6.

All thoroughly enjoyable, although the Arden 9 was a real scorcher, and the Stratford run has a ‘welcoming’ hill right at the end!

NEXT: 2017 Review, Part III - Lesson learned the hard way

Lesson learned the hard way

2017 Review: Part III

CHASE CHALLENGE 10k

THE Chase Challenge 10k  trail run in August, was my downfall.

As with so many who enjoy running, I sometimes ignore those little niggles, aches and pains and push on regardless.

Sometimes it's ok, and you're fine afterwards. Sometimes, perhaps more often, you're not.

On this occasion, I took a gamble – and lost!

I had a niggle in my right hamstring, but didn’t want to drop out of one of my favourite off-road races. The location, near the county town of Stafford and nearby Rugeley, is designated Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Running on the Chase - with its mixed surfaces, hills, streams, forested areas, open heathland, varied trails etc - can be tough but uplifting. I had been looking forward to the event, despite slight reservations.

But you know what it’s like. On the day, the adreneline's pumping, there’s the atmosphere, the excitement, the compelling ‘pull’ of the run; that emotional force that draws you to the start line and fellow runners already lining up.

CHASE MEDAL: Unintended
last one of the year!

And then there’s that little voice in your head telling you things like: ‘go on, you know you want to!’

I decided to go for it! (Surprise, surprise!). To begin with, all was fine. The pace was comfortable. I love the feel of  rough, uneven ground underfoot, the sting in your muscles as you work up a steep hill, the magnificence of trees towering over you as you negotiate narrow trails. Then about three-quarters of the way round, disaster – an intense shooting pain that forced me to sit it out on a grassy bank for what seemed like an eternity.

It was great watching others run past – but how frustrating is it watching others run past?

After a while, itching to get back into the run, I rejoined the ‘flow,’ and literally hobbled the rest of the route. A concerned marshal asked if I was all right, and offered to help me back to the finish. I politely declined - after all, there wasn't that much further to go - and pushed on, finishing my slowest-ever 10k with a pathetic shuffling ‘sprint’ across the finish line.

I was pleased to have completed the run, but it was not the best way to do it!

CHIPS DOWN: Finishing time for my Cannock Chase 10k, 2017.

Since then, I have had to drop out of a number of events – The Kenilworth Half, Stafford 10k, Green Leek 10k and Rugby 10 mile, to name but a few – and have been undergoing physio.

It’s certainly brought home the value of those wise words: ‘Listen to your body!’

I take it as a lesson learned!

In conclusion, it’s been an enjoyable year, with some fantastic runs but with a somewhat frustrating - and painful - ending.

Key ‘takeaway’ points for me are:

1. Listen to your body - as everybody tells you to do!
2. Keep a better log. I started, but have admittedly been hit and miss. Need to be more methodical and consistent
3. Weigh up more carefully what events to enter. I’ve enjoyed every run I’ve been in so far – even the Chase Challenge, up to the ‘breaking point’ – but I guess you need to consider recovery times, and perhaps be a little more realistic on what to go in for.
4. More strength training in order to build, and sustain, stability, stamina – and guard against injury in the first place! 
5. People have differing opinions about the benefits of joining a club. Of course, there are those who prefer to 'go it alone,' and there's nothing wrong with that. But the thrill of running in your colours, especially when you're with other members, the sense of connection, of sharing the experience, of the support and encouragement you can give each other, can't be beaten. Being part of a club can also help you to structure your running, and work out a meaningful schedule over the year, giving you a sense of purpose, progress and achievement.
   
   To anyone unsure about joining, I would say 'go for it!' After all, what have you got to lose? If you find it's not for you, you can always leave. But there's a good chance you'll find yourself part of a whole new world which will give an added dimension to your running.

CLUB PRIDE: Proud to belong to the iconic Massey Ferguson Runners Club, which celebrated its 40th
anniversary this year. Picture by Leon Coppola, as it appears on the club's website.

Well! That was 2017 - now a new and exciting year lies ahead! Only this time I think I'll pay more attention to those little aches and pains!

Happy New Year everyone. Here's wishing you lots of satisfying miles in 2018!

Tractor 10k gets league off to a speedy start

LOOK, NO HANDS! Kelvin Elliott on a bright
red Massey Ferguson tractor at the Easter 10k.

Event: Massey Ferguson Tractor 10k

Location: Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry, Warwickshire.
Date: Sunday April 16, 2017

WHAT a ‘cracking’ start to Easter Sunday – with a fast, flat and traffic-free 10k race around the National Agriculture and Exhibition Centre (NAEC), Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Massey Ferguson Runners Club, the club’s annual Easter race – normally at Coventry War Memorial Park - was held on a three-lap course at the venue.

The morning looked promising, with a mild sun easing through the clouds. By the start of the race it was bright and sunny, with a mix of overcast and patches of clear blue sky. It was comfortably cool - the sort of temperature where you know you’re soon going to warm up once you get started – and very little, if any, breeze.

TRACTOR APPEAL: More club members join
Kelvin in front of the tractor.

There was ample free parking and a fun-filled atmosphere, as members of Massey’s, other clubs and unaffiliated runners gathered. A bright red Massey tractor, located not far from the famous clock tower, landmark to generations of visitors (especially when the park was home to the Royal Agricultural Show), proved irresistible – almost as much of a draw as the run itself! 

The event was well organised, with marshals directing the parking, and checking-in desks and baggage area clearly indicated and well staffed. Changing facilities and tea, coffee and refreshments were available pre and post-race.

DRIVING SEAT: Oh look - it's Kelvin
at the wheel of that lovely red tractor!

The start was a short walk from the arrival point, and after a few words from Massey Ferguson’s Dave Goodwin, the hooter was sounded and we were off!

One of the challenges – especially on a flat, tarmac surface – is resisting the urge to set off too quickly, swept along by the fast pace, only to suffer later. It’s a good PB course. For some, like Callum Hanlon – first across the finish line in just 33 mins 21 secs – conditions were ideal; in fact, as he himself reported, just what he wanted! Callum's club, Leamington Cycling and Athletic Club, did well, with second place going to fellow club member Paul Andrew, with a time of 34:19.

For others, even with the favorable conditions, the time element perhaps wasn’t quite so crucial. I confess, I did have to ease up a touch when I saw road signs indicating that the speed limit was 20mph . . . Ha ha. I wish! In truth, there are points in most races where, as with many others, I have to draw on sheer will power to keep going, resisting the urge to walk, or simply collapse in a quivering heap altogether, and resort to mantra rather than muscle. 

SPEEDY WIN: Callum Hanlon,
first across the finish line.

This race was no different, and I found myself - probably about three-quarters of the way through - repeating 'You can do this, You can do this, You can do this!' mentally pounding away any aches, pains, or even worse, doubt! It's amazing how these repetitive phrases seem to numb the fatigue and drive your limbs; although the sound of heavy breathing bearing down on you from behind can also give you a remarkable energy boost!

Mind you, being lapped by the likes of Callum is exciting. It’s a privilege and something to appreciate - you can admire both the skill and the stamina; even though I do put his greater speed and agility down to the, ahem, age gap!!

The surface at Stoneleigh is virtually flat for the entire route – just a very gentle slope here and there. On the run, it was also relatively quiet, apart from the robust encouragement from marshals and supporters!

On Monday evening, at a ‘trial’ run, a chorus of out-of-tune sheep and cattle erupted, like a group of wild, raucous supporters who'd been out on the town, as runners passed some barns.

LONG ROAD: Sheila and Dave - down from Hull.

There were over 350 participants, some from quite far afield. Sheila Maddison and Dave Playforth had travelled down from Hull, and made a weekend of it by also running at Leamington. Well done on your times, Sheila and Dave. Hope you had a good journey back,

Although flat, the course includes a number of sharpish turns, and I lost track of exactly where we were. The marshals became my markers. (Thanks marshals!). There were water stations at roughly two and four miles.

Part of the pleasure of running is not just challenging yourself, but taking part with others. You run as an individual, but also share the experience; and you have a special bond with other members of your club. You wear your colours with pride – and it was a delight to see, across the flat, manicured landscape, the bright ribbon of runners, weaving its way around the course.

CLUB COLOURS: Waiting at the start.

I tried to maintain a consistent pace, but my tracker (on Endomondo) shows more variation than I might have expected. You need to listen to your body but if you don’t have a watch it does raise questions about how accurate the ‘subjective’ assessment of your performance is, compared to a more ‘objective’ measurement. Food for thought for future runs, perhaps?

All in all, this was a superb inaugural event; a fitting celebrating of Massey's 40^th anniversary, and a sparkling first race in this year’s Warwickshire Road Race League.

A massive thanks are due to all involved – organisers, marshals, volunteers (not forgetting ambulance) – and, of course, the amazing runners.

At the finish there were goodies and an awesome medal which has been a sure-fire hit and which features, yes, you've guessed it - a bright red Massey Ferguson tractor!

Kelvin will be pleased!

AWESOME MEDAL . . . complete with red tractor

CELEBRATION TEAM: Massey Ferguson runners - this year celebrating the club's 40th anniversary.

SIGNING IN: Above and below, arrival and registration.

PRE-RACE CHAT: Relaxing before the start,

TRACTOR TIME: Above and below - Yes, it's that tractor again!

FEELING GOOD: A quick stretch before stepping into action.

ON THE MOVE: Heading for the start.

FOLLOW THE ARROW:
This way folks!

NEARLY THERE: Just a few more yards.

INSPIRATIONAL LINE-UP: Team-mates eager to get running.

READY TO GO: Anticipation waiting for the start.

ALL SET: Not long now and, below, thumbs up for a great race.

COMFORT FOOD: Welcome goodies at the end of the race.

TASTY TREAT: Volunteers hand out chewy bars, jelly sweets and water at the end of the race.

HELPING HAND: Big thanks to all those not taking to the track, but who  ensure everything runs smoothly.

TIME TO RELAX: Above and below, medals and chat at the end of the race under the landmark clock.

TEAM PRIDE: Medals and smiles - Massey club members celebrate after a brilliant race.