Father Christmas is coming to RoxbournePark
Saturday 20 December at 10.15am
If you would like to join in, please bring a present valued approximately £1.50 and clearly labelled for a
boy, girl, man or woman.
Metros Diary
DEC
Sun14Bracknell Forest, ThamesValley11am
Sat 20Wot no Watch, RoxbournePark*9.40am
Visit by Santa to RoxbournePark10.15
Sun28Cliveden X Country TARGET RACE**11am
JAN
Sat310K Challenge, Roxbourne Park9am
Sat105 mile walk, RoxbournePark9am
Sun11Tadley, ThamesValley11am
Sun18Fred Hughes 10, TARGET RACE**9.30am
Sun25Finch Coasters, ThamesValley11am
FEB
Sun1Handy Cross, ThamesValley,
TARGET RACE*11am
Sat7Measured Mile, RoxbournePark*9.40am
Sun8Wokingham Half Marathon10am
Sun15Bramley 10/20 miles,
Bramley Primary SchoolRG26 5AH10.30am
Sun22Metros, ThamesValley11am
MAR
Sun1Reading, ThamesValley11am
Sat75 mile handicap, RoxbournePark9am
Sat21Wot no Watch, RoxbournePark*9.40am
Sun28Water of Life Half Marathon, Bisham Abbey
TARGET RACE*10am
APR
Sat410K Challenge, Roxbourne Park9am
Sat 115 mile walk, RoxbournePark9am
Sat 18Wot no Watch, RoxbournePark*9.40am
Sun26LondonMarathon
*Please note new time
**See article by David Swan inside
Draw for LondonMarathon Places 2009
Tuesday 9th December at Lowlands Club after the run
It’s that time of year again when you get a second chance to savour the delights of next years London Marathon. If your first application was not successful then you may apply for a water station and/or a club place.
We have received 3 club places for next years marathon and Garry and Gill have 3 water station places.
With regard to water station places……
If you helped at the water station this year and would like to apply for a place, please contact Garry or Gill before Tuesday 9th December 2008. If there are more places than runners, then these become club places.
To qualify for a club place you must satisfy the following criteria
You have had your entry for the 2009 FLM rejected.
You have advised me of your rejection prior to 9th December
You have been a member of Metros for at least one year*
Your Metros subscription is up to date
You are a first claim member of Metros
You did not receive a club place in 2007*
*These provisos are suspended if there are not enough members wanting places
If you are successful in the draws you must wear METROS kit for the marathon, irrespective of whether you are raising money for charity
Please contact me on 01895 270245 or mobile 07811 353020 for entry and any further details you may require
Thanks
Al Scoffham
Hon. Secretary
DublinMarathon 27th October
When I saw the date of the Dublin Marathon this year I realized it was on our 35th Wedding Anniversary. I was also aware that I was unlikely to be whisked away to some romantic island for a holiday in the sun, so………what better way to celebrate than run a marathon in my dearly beloved’s home country! We went to Ireland for a week and had a fabulous time in freezing conditions and snow (it doesn’t effect the Guinness I’m told)! The marathon went well considering our lack of training! Martin did 3hrs 58 and I clocked up 4hrs 30. It is a nice route, 4 miles of it in Phoenix Park The organization was good and I would recommend it to any runner wishing to surprise their better halves with a romantic week away (not in the sun)!
Marion Rogan
Saturday 17th January
VISIT TO THE OLYMPIC SITES AT STRATFORD
*Be very excited! 2012 is starting to get very real!*_
The Olympic sites at Stratford (as elsewhere) are moving well ahead.
Be among the first to see what is going on - learn about the important
history connected with the Olympic Park as well as the Olympics
themselves - see it all for yourself so that you can answer positively
to all those Doom-mongers!
Meet at Stratford at 1.30 (recommend lunch at the Theatre Royal bar). See
the sites from above, then travel to Bromley-by -bow to start the walk
of about 2 hours.
Finish at a genuine East end pub just by Hackney Wick station
ALL FOR A £10 DONATION TO CHARITY
Sonya Grist
Results
Cabbage Patch 10 mile Run Sunday 19th October 2008
Gertrud Porter1.21.14
David Pratt1.21.35
Sharon wood1.24.08
GrandUnionCanal Half Marathon 9 November 2008
NamePositionTime
Nathan Powell51:28:02
Peter Jose881:48:51
David Swan941:49:54
Roz Claxton1091:52:42
Lucy Pletts1291:55:26
Andrew Collier1802:03:34
Jane Hudson1922:05:49
Sallyanne Greenwood2072:08:26
Gosport Half Marathon 16 November 2008
Winner's time 1.08.47
Steve Paull 1581.27.50
Irene Paull 11322.12.29
1233 finishers
Autumn Sprint Duathlon, MinetPark Hayes, 9 November 2008
Why did I let myself get talked into this? Run two miles, cycle ten then run one more. I do not ride bikes. Balance and me are not easy bedfellows. I've got a marathon in four weeks; I could get injured or hurt. But I borrowed a bike and helmet; I rode the bike I was to race on for the first time only 20 minutes before the start. How do the gears work again?
And here I am at the start. I've done a 50 minute run already so at least I can get some training benefit from the day. It was the wrong type of bike of course. Alongside the sleek racing models with their slim line wheels was my mountain bike with embarrassing noisy brakes. But at least it fitted me so my knee didn't hit the handlebars.
Off we went, the two mile run was a doddle and I was in the top third but the cycling was a quick learning curve as all these racers shot past the wobbling me. I started to learn the best gearing for the uphills as I went. I needed stabilizers.
My feet slipped off the pedals every time I pushed hard going uphill (wrong shoes, no clips) and I had to career along upright with nothing touching the pedals until the bike slowed enough for me to get my feet back in position.
I coped in my own haphazard merry way until the penultimate lap when I came upon a cyclist who was slower than me. I didn't think it possible - I would have to overtake!! I didn't know how to. Everyone had flashed past me; I hadn't paid attention to which side. I didn't know the etiquette; I was more concerned with staying upright. (By now the leaders were running again and I had to avoid mowing one down as I passed the changeover area) I just decided what side to go, closed my eyes, and did it. I used my stopwatch to count the ten one mile laps so I knew this section was coming to an end as I was not slowing down.
Then came the changeover to running. I hadn't used the brakes at all in the cycle; the noise of them was an embarrassment and drew all the spectators attention to what happened next.
When I got off the bike to run the last mile my legs were so much like jelly that I did a slow motion fall. Couldn't stop myself. The bike was stationary but my leg wouldn't take my weight when I put it down on terra firma. Down I went. I didn't actually get off the bike; an official pulled it away from me (disqualifying offence?). Irene was watching all this. She said my attempt at running again was like a new-born giraffe trying to stand!! At least it gave people a laugh, and the good news was that I wasn't last-four finished behind me.
I'm still in one piece, but boy do I ache where the back of my legs join the bum on the inside. Too much information? If I ever do anything like this again I need a "proper" bike, mine was just too heavy and thus slow. I would also need to practice transition. I look forward to seeing my split times on the website (not that I can remember what it was called, but I reckon I should be able to find it again).
Steve Paull
Metros QUIZ & AWARDS PRESENTATION EVENING
Friday 14 November 2008
Would there be enough chairs? That was the first question as folk arrived for this annual event. Fortunately the answer was yes and, with everyone accommodated, the evening got off to a lively start.
Ten teams of various sizes and ages formed to tackle the excellent quiz again organised by Garry and Gill Young. Dave Brown, compere for the evening, welcomed everyone, and described the format for the evening.
The evening kicked off with the presentation of awards for the various leagues, followed by the quiz, then more individual awards whilst the results of the quiz were calculated.
Dave described the system used to calculate the awards and Mike Godden had again calculated the number of Metros awards.
Garry Young, co-ordinator of the Thames Valley League, presented the Metros awards for the 2007-2008 season. Recipients were:
1st Vet Lady – Val Swingler, 2nd Jackie Bowles
1st Supervet Lady – Jackie Cope
1st Vet Man – Peter Gunn, 2nd Kevin Smart
1st Supervet Man – Al Scoffham, 2nd Terry Burke, 3rd Peter Rose
The Metros Summer League 2008 awards were presented by Pat Jackson, Metros co-ordinator for the League:
1st Tenderfoot Girl – Eleanor Murray
1st Vet Lady – Ann Lavers
1st Super Vet Lady – Carole Wells
1st Megavet Lady – Gertrud Porter
1st Junior Man – Robert Joiner, 2nd Oliver Wells, 3rd Jack Valentine
1st Vet Man – Kevin Smart, 2nd Errol Clarke, 3rd Peter Gunn
1st Supervet Man – Terry Burke, 2nd Al Scoffham, 3rd Gordon Valentine
1st Megavet Man – Peter Jose, 2nd Dave Brown
Pat stated that an anonymous member of Metros had donated an award in memory of Bill Gardner. It had been decided to link this with the Summer League using the age graded tables published by the World Association of Veteran Athletes, the same as used to calculate the 10K Challenge. Anna Gardner (Bill’s daughter) was present and stated that Bill had loved being a member of Metros and he, as his wife Joan, had enjoyed these evenings. She presented the award to Terry Burke.
Pat Jackson also presented the MBEs - Metros Best Efforts - see the list in Metrolines. Participation in at least two events is necessary to qualify for an MBE.
The Harold Godden Track Shields were again awarded to Ann Marsden for the fourth consecutive year and Mike Ransome for-the fifth consecutive year. These shields are awarded for the best aggregate performances over 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and 3000m at track meetings.
The Metros 5 Mile Walk and 10km Challenge co-ordinator, Teresa Young presented the Daisy Dora Benn Walk Shield (donated by Pat and Peter Maffia) to Dave Brown, who was the fastest walker at 54min 32 secs.
The idea behind the 10K Challenge event is that times are graded according to age, so older runners may be slower than younger runners, but their % effort, when measured against the fastest recorded time for someone of their age, may be better. An online calculator for a whole range of athletic events is available at ( Awards went to:
Gold: Nigel Rackham 37.07, 77.9%; Kevin Smart, 40.23 73.8%;
Terry Burke 44.01, 73.1%; Steve Paull 41.57, 72.3%;
Dave Young 43.24, 71.5%; Peter Jose 46.47, 70.7%
Silver : Al Scoffham 43.05, 69.7%; Marion Rogan 53.46, 69.2%;
Jackie Cope 52.28, 66.7%; Andy Fox 42.05, 68.7%;
Ann Marsden 59.26, 66.3%; Jane Hudson 51.28, 65.5%;
John Gorton 47.55, 64.8%; Lesley Boatman 48.39, 63.8%;
Gordon Valentine 48.39, 63.8%; Mike Ransome 58.31, 62.9%;
Steve Poole 49.53, 62.2%.
Bronze Sarah Westwood 61.22, 58.2%; David Swan 51.41, 58.1%;
Kath Donaldson 67.12, 56.6%; Dennis Speight 53.06, 55.7%;
Carole Wells 58.56, 55.7% Errol Clarke 58.26, 55.7%;
Irene Paull 60.33, 56.7%.
The following Metros also participated and were presented with certificates::
Debbie Moynihan 69.00, 50.3%; Sue Davis 64.58, 50.1%;
Liz Newman 67.12, 49.7%; Marcella Chambers 64.39, 47.5%;
Penny Hudson 73.30, 45.1%.
Two non-vets participated: Robert Joiner, 47.14 and Joel Davis 50.23.
The 5 mile handicap trophy is awarded to the person with the highest overall points. Teresa confirmed that Carole Wells had won the trophy this year.
Angela Murphy, co-ordinator of the Measured Mile, stated that the Keith Adsley trophy had been won by Jacqui Poole. This trophy is awarded to the person who has shown the largest per cent improvement during the year.
Graham Haddon, collator of the points for the male and female LRRC Trophies, which are based on a nominated selection of road races, listed the top scorers stating that Gertrud Porter and Steve Paull had won the trophies this year. The full list of competitors will appear in Metrolines.
For many years Metros had two Young Runner’s Awards, one each for boys and girls under the age of 18 years. A few years ago, as there were very few young runners eligible, the Committee decided to have just one award for both genders. This year there were a number of girls and boys to consider and it was decided to reinstate the two awards. The criteria for the awards is participation, achievement, effort, determination and sportsmanship.
Barbara Robson listed young runners who had been considered. On behalf of the Committee, with the main aim of encouragement, she presented the girls award to Emma Collier. She stated the various achievements of Robert Joiner, winner of the boys award.
Catherine Corcoran had recently donated an award for a member joining Metros in the year roughly between the Presentation Evenings. The award winner is chosen by the Metros Committee and several new runners were in contention this year. On behalf of the Committee Jane Young, Metros Honorary Chairman, presented the new Metros Beginner Runner Award to Carole Wells.
Dave Girling, holder of the Male Aaron Breen Award, was unable to be attend and Andy Fox, the previous recipient, presented the award to Mike Ransome. Mike has helped maintain the Monday night run, is Metros Honorary Vice Chairman and Metros Honorary Treasurer.
Jeanne Coker, current holder of the Aaron Breen Female Award for services to family running, chose to present the award to Teresa Young, who, as well as other duties, also helps maintain the Monday night run, co-ordinates the Metros 10K Challenge, the Wot no Watch and often times the 5 Mile Handicap.
Last year Bill Gardner had chosen Nigel Rackham to be the recipient of the Male Runner’s Award and, with the help of his daughter Anna, Bill had prepared a script which Dave Brown had read. As Nigel had been unable to attend last year, he paid tribute to Bill. Nigel then mentioned several Metros men who were all eligible for the award. However, he had decided to award the trophy to David Swan. Nigel compared David to George Best who competed at a top level and lived life to the full and Kate Adie as she was in the thick of the news and wrote about it (with reference to David’s articles in Metrolines).
Irene Paull, the present holder of the Female Runner’s Award, described the list of previous recipients as showing part of the history of Metros. She also described the various achievements of several Metros ladies who she felt were all worthy of the award this year. However, she had chosen to award the trophy to Jane Hudson who had progressed to longer distances and continuing to run faster. She had also helped Irene when her running was in the ‘doldrums’.
The presentation of all the awards being completed, the results of the quiz were then announced: The Harveys 142 points; Monday Madness 136, Six Plus One and Girls Are Loud 135, Metrosexuals 131, Poor for Age 125, Impossible Dream and The Chasers 115, What No Job 104, The Unknown Munchkins 38.
Thanks to Garry and Gill for again organising an excellent quiz, to Dave Brown as compere, Mike Godden for calculating the awards and to all the Metros members, families and friends who came.
Results of the MBEs, LRRC Trophies, 5 Mile Handicap and Measured Mile events will be listed in Metrolines.
Pat Jackson
Metros MBEs (Metros Best Efforts) 2008
Awards presented at the Quiz & Awards Presentation Evening
Friday 14 November 2008
Mike Ransome - Men 50-59 Brian Jackson - Men 65+
100m14.3 23 JunHJ 1.00 12 May
200m29.914 JulLJ 2.18 12 May
400m71.723 JunSP 5.66 12 May
HJ1.1023 JunDT 14.20 12 May
LJ3.5514 JulHT 13.12 9 Jun
SP5.7314 JulJT 15.04 9 Jun
Terry Burke - Men 50-59 Ann Marsden – Ladies 60-64
3000m12.01.514 Jul100m 19.0 23 Jun
HT9.199 Jun200m 40.0 9 Jun
JT18.309 Jun400m 96.8 23 Jun
800m 3.45.5 9 Jun
Gordon Valentine - Men 50-591500m 7.43.5 23 Jun
800m2.48.49 Jun3000m 16.10.0 14 Jul
1500m5.53.323 Jun
Pat Jackson – Ladies 60-64
Dave Brown - Men 60-642000m Walk 14.55.5 12 May
100m19.512 MaySP 3.80 14 Jul
400m87.712 MayDT 8.46 12 May
1500m6.44.712 MayHT 12.61 9 Jun
HJ1.0512 MayJT 5.54 9 Jun
Peter Jose -Men 60-64 JeanneCoker – Ladies 65+
200m34.114 Jul100m22.9 12 May
800m3.05.69 Jun200m 46.1 14 Jul
3000m12.49.114 Jul400m 1.52.5 12 May
SP8.5314 JulDT12.88 12 May
JT10.65 9 Jun
10k Challenge 2008Nigel Rackham / 37.07 / 77.9% / Gold
Kevin Smart / 40.23 / 73.8% / Gold
Terry Burke / 44.01 / 73.1% / Gold
Steve Paull / 41.57 / 72.3% / Gold
Dave Young / 43.24 / 71.5% / Gold
Peter Jose / 46.47 / 70.7% / Gold
Al Scoffham / 43.5 / 69.7% / Silver
Marion Rogan / 53.46 / 69.2% / Silver
Andy Fox / 42.05 / 68.7% / Silver
Jackie Cope / 52.28 / 66.7% / Silver
Ann Marsden / 59.26 / 66.3% / Silver
Jane Hudson / 51.28 / 65.5% / Silver
John Gorton / 47.55 / 64.8% / Silver
Gordon Valentine / 48.39 / 63.8% / Silver
Lesley Boatman / 48.39 / 63.8% / Silver
Ann Marsden / 62.00 / 63.5% / Silver
Mike Ransome / 58.31 / 62.9% / Silver
Steve Poole / 49.53 / 62.2% / Silver
Sarah Westwood / 61.22 / 58.2% / Bronze
Dave Swann / 51.41 / 58.1% / Bronze
Irene Paull / 60.33 / 56.7% / Bronze
Kath Donaldson / 67.12 / 56.6% / Bronze
Dennis Speight / 53.06 / 55.7% / Bronze
Carole Wells / 58.56 / 55.7% / Bronze
Errol Clarke / 58.26 / 55.7% / Bronze
Debbie Moynihan / 69.00 / 50.3%
Sue Davis / 64.58 / 50.1%
Liz Newman / 67.12 / 49.7%
Marcella Chambers / 64.39 / 47.5%
Penny Hudson / 73.30 / 45.1%
Robert Joiner / 47.14 / Not vet
Joel Davis / 50.23 / Not vet
Ian Bocock / No time
Cathy Robbiet / No time
North London Cross Country Race Saturday 15 November 2008
It was a typical dull November afternoon at Ruislip Woods but a good turn out by the Metros this year with a full men’s and women’s team.
The event secretary Brian Fowler was pleased to see us again after a few years absence and prior to that, Terry and I dominating the Metros entry
It was a long 6,000 metres for the women and a long 5 miles for the men on a muddy, hilly course.