Newsletter No 109 (aka 2017-35) – 10Oct 2017
Last week(ends):Hounds were out and about last weekend. I’m tempted to say all over the place, but that’s usually after a Jolly Hounds Outing – or the Xmas Bash…
So, congratulations to Heather PB who ran the Bournmouth Marathon, and the two Jons – Matthews & Tice – who took on the Half. Gill P did the Great Parks Half, whilst Paul Heaphy, Helen O, Liz Owencompleted the Oxford Half.
And, finally, to all of you who took on the Marshfield Mudlark, well done. Apologies if I’ve missed anyone.
Great efforts by all of you – PTBARWBH!!
This week(end)…
15 Oct – CC: Grittleton 10k – good luck everyone!
Future Club Events
9 Dec – Xmas Bash. Stay tuned…
Beginners
Three weeks have gone now, and the bike made a reappearance. Judging by the numbers who turned out, it must have scared a few off. Despite that, a good time was had by all and the distance is slowly increasing.
Thanks to all of you who came along to help out, it is very much appreciated. And, if you’ve not yet joined us for a run, you’re more than welcome. We’re not looking for a continual commitment, just the odd appearance where you’ll have fun and an awful lot of chat!
Gig Alert!
The latest offering from “WOODY PROMOTIONS” is not to be missed…
Top tribute band “THE KILLERTONES” are reuniting for a special gig, so put Saturday 11th November in your diary and come along to, not just enjoy the evening but to support your local Association. See last week’s newsletter for more info.
Run Swindon - advert
We are very excited to be launching the 'Run Swindon Running Awards' in Celebration of our 10th anniversary.
Voting will take place over the next two months and the winners will be announced in December.
The categories are (*drum roll*)…
The Run Swindon Runner
Who captures your imagination when you think of running? It doesn't matter whether they run 100 metres or 100 miles, if they are part of a big club or out there running on their own. For whatever reason, they sum up what running means to you.
The Mentor
Who has made the greatest impression in your world of running? Maybe it's someone in your club who always cheers you on. That friend, who's knocking on your door on those wet and cold Sunday mornings. Or even your coach who has helped you achieve things you never thought possible.
The Unsung Hero
This person has made the biggest impact in your running community. Maybe they give up their own free time to help you or your club. Or someone who runs to raise money for charity. For whatever reason, this person deserves some recognition.
The Best Club
This category needs no explanation. Big affiliated clubs or small groups. Who is RUN's best running club?
T's & C's
Voting takes place in store only.
You can vote between Tuesday 3rd of October and Thursday 30th November. Winners will be announced on the evening of Monday 11th December where you can join us in store for a glass of fizz and leave with one of our Christmas goody bags. Places for this will be limited. (Details to follow).
Each category will win a pair of shoes, a clothing voucher and a Run Swindon 2017 awards trophy.
All winners are voted for by you. The person with the most votes will win the category. The top 5 clubs with the most votes will be put into a hat and a winner will be drawn on the evening of the 11th December.
Please like and share with your running buddies, friends and family.
See you in store.
Liam and Tracy x
Safety
In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s getting dark out there nowadays. Please bear that in mind when you’re getting ready to go for a run, whether with the club or on your own. Be bright, be seen, and wear some lights. Be careful when you cross the roads - make sure you look and don’t rely on speed, strong ankles and a sturdy pair of shoes. Accidents tend to happen when you least expect them!
Emotions of an injured runner
I thought I would share this with you as I would have really appreciated hearing someone's journey on coming back from injury.
I am now 1 week into a total hip replacement. Nothing made me ready for the emotions you go through. Pain, frustration, feeling sorry for myself and, worry about not being able to run again. Nothing about this is all that serious. I’m not a professional athlete. No money will be lost, no career will be damaged, and no sponsorship deal will be affected. It will heal and I will run again (fingers crossed) and, may one day even be a better runner for having had this experience (and many others like it). I do not expect or deserve sympathy. But I do want to talk about what being an injured runner is like, at least for me, and I suspect others.
When you are truly committed, irrespective of ability, running started to define me. I didn't necessarily mean for it to happen, but as you run more and you get better, and the challenges build up and you continue to meet them, it gives you a lift. The regular challenges, the immediate feedback and the real accomplishments that running provided gave me a major boost. All of which is fine when I was doing well, but taking running away suddenly left me feeling lost
There are constant reminders of the things you can'tdo. I don’t want to look on social media (Facebook etc.), but I can’t help it and, the frustration get worse.
The thing that I am looking forward to is - my first run (not race) even if it’s only 1 mile...small steps. The motivation and determination will be enough to get me there
Gillian Holloway
Runvember
A message from our friend, HRH Alan Butler…
Hello Hounds.
As you know Runvember is fast approaching and with that comes the time of year that hits the rough sleepers / homeless the hardest. Cold, wet days and nights out on the streets. Last year as a collective we made such a huge impact on the lives of Swindon’s homeless and the fact that they have only recently ran out of items we supplied shows the enormity of our efforts.
This year we can achieve the same if not more but I need your support again as alone I can’t make the same impact. If you’re thinking of signing up then now is the time to act on that thought!!! Join me this Runvember along with the 210 already signed up and help make a cold, damp winter a little bit warmer for those on the streets. We only suffer the cold and wet when we run and have a nice hot bath, dry clothes and a roof over our heads when we’ve finished our run, they have to sleep out in all weathers
For the last few months I have been going out in the early hours with Thresholds outreach team checking the guys have enough blankets and essential stuff, believe me it’s absolutely heart wrenching to see but we all need someone and for those on the streets we can be that someone!!
I’d love to have you all on-board this Runvember, so what’d ya say Hounds are you in???
Thanks for taking time to read my message. And hope to see some more of your names on my runners list.
Warm regards HrH
Many of you know Alan Butler already, so you will know what a caring soul he is. He frequently undertakes races pushing a friend of ours, Ryan, around in his wheelchair and if you’ve not spotted him, Al is usually the one wearing swimming trunks! He also happens to be one of the very few outsiders that we allow to be a member of our Facebook group, a measure of the esteem in which he is held.
So please have a look at thislinkand consider joining in on this most worthy of causes. We’re all fortunate to have a roof over our heads, loved ones in close contact, so spare a thought for those less fortunate and sign up.
Those who took part last year had a great time, and we had a brilliant ‘end-of-Runvember’ evening at the club. Sign up, take part, and know that you’ve helped to make a difference!
Poets Corner
TOES
It's all about the toes, dear
It truly is the toes
They're really quite important
When you're bouncing down the road
And keep them nicely pointed
When, in the pool, you swim
Look after your little piggies
And you could surely win
It's all about your toes, dear
They'll help you on your way
So give three cheers for your tootsies
Hip, hip, hip, Hooray!
Another gem c/o Paul Fishwick
Club Championships
The latest results, as compiled by Paul A are available to view here.
Finally…
My thanks again to this week’s contributors, I couldn’t do this without you. And to those of you yet to send something in, it really is simple. Just tap away, mail it and I’ll do the rest.
Any questions drop me a line – or look for the Beginners running coach at the bar. If you don’t know me, I’m the one with a bike…
Den
RWBHRC Webmaster