Race Reports

  • Milton Keynes Half Marathon - Quality VC&AC Team Present

    Posted Fri, 07/08/2009 - 17:57 by Peter Simpson
    NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon

    The Milton Keynes half marathon (26 July) was likely to be as easier event for
    me without the impact on performance due to the traveling by bike. The weather
    turned out to be ideal with little wind except around the exposed Willen Lake
    where we anticipate running into the wind. Apart from the late arriving Manuel
    Corriente, we all met up fairly soon with new member Gideon Stanley meeting
    members for the first time. Our line-up was arguably our strongest team for many

  • MK NSPCC Half Marathon

    Posted Fri, 07/08/2009 - 18:13 by Nik Windle
    NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon

    I'd not really managed any specific training for this Half as I'd been
    concentrating on trying to ride my bike faster the previous few weeks. I
    felt pretty good on the morning though and the TomTom had led me a
    hassle free drive to the start down some twisty A road and by what I
    guess was the concrete cows. Met Keith and Sharon and Andy and Peter
    and others at the start and it felt like a solid veggie presence. I was
    warned of a possible bottleneck start and that the many short cycle track
    ascents may seem like hills towards the end.

  • Half the distance but just as hard? - Wycombe 10K

    Posted Mon, 10/08/2009 - 14:52 by Peter Simpson
    Wycombe 10K

    I ran my first Wycombe 10K on 19 July, only the 2nd year of its inclusion with
    the main event, the half marathon. The shorter event was more attractive as I
    had planned to run the MK (summer) half marathon for a change this time and was
    scheduled for 26 July.

    Set off at just before 6am (for the 9.30am start) as the combined public
    transport / cycle journey would take approaching 3 hours. Fortunately for the
    cycle leg from Leighton Buzzard to Aylesbury I had plenty of time so decided to

  • Saddleworth 6

    Posted Mon, 17/08/2009 - 20:36 by Steve Coote
    Frank Hodson Saddleworth 6
    Hi All

  • Bearbrook 10K (Aylesbury), 9/8/09

    Posted Mon, 17/08/2009 - 20:38 by Peter Simpson
    Bearbrook 10K

    Three days before the event I was on the ladder a lot decorating and wondered if it would have an impact on my performance as my legs were aching. On the day I had the customary cycle ride, this time from Leighton Buzzard and I did not help myself by choosing a new route that I had not checked on the map. I came to a dead end which meant I had cycled an extra 2 miles or so. The cycle journey took in total about 1 hour 20 mins but with the absence of any wind, it felt an easy ride.

  • A PB nonetheless

    Posted Mon, 17/08/2009 - 20:45 by James Cheseldine
    Frampton 10K

    After breaking the 40 minute barrier the previous month, and being only 5 seconds from 39 minutes, a target of 38.30 on a fast course was daring but not impossible.
    Weather conditions were decent on the night - cool although the usual winds blowing up the Severn estuary which could have an effect on the 2nd half of the course. I felt in OK shape - good recent form but midway through moving house with the obvious stresses and strains which accompany that kind of madness.

  • A strong team

    Posted Mon, 17/08/2009 - 21:35 by Peter Simpson
    NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon

  • Framlingham 10k 2009

    Posted Tue, 08/09/2009 - 09:51 by Paul Horne
    Framlingham 10k

    Despite knowing that this two and a half lap course around the town contains the hill three times I entered yet again this year. Preparation for the event had been interesting as I enjoyed time in Berlin watching the World Athletics Championships, the amazing Usain Bolt and all. Berlin provided inspiration but training was a bit limited to what I could fit in early morning around the Tiergarten. Framlingham was a bit different to Berlin, although Framlingham castle's walls still remain in place, the weather was surprisingly similar, sunny and warm.

  • Headington 10k - 2009

    Posted Tue, 08/09/2009 - 10:03 by Nik Windle
    Headington 10K

    Last Sunday's Headington 10k was a significant run for me as it marked
    my first full year of regular running (rather than running for a few
    months then giving it up as a painful experience).  The race isn't
    actually in Headington and takes place on a flat mixture of decrepit
    airfield and quiet lanes near Worminghall.  A gentle nine mile cycle
    ride to the start makes it easy for me and Headington Road Runners do an
    excellent job of organising it.

    Last year I managed 53:03 which I was pleased with at the time but would

  • Ben Nevis Hill Race

    Posted Wed, 09/09/2009 - 11:23 by David Gallie
    Ben Nevis Race

    I'm sure the Ben would have looked majestic – if I could have seen it through the rain clouds. The pre-race announcement informed us of 25mph winds and a wind chill of minus 3 at the top with visibility down to 50ft at 2000ft. `It can only get better' I thought - was I wrong! The race began with a lap of Fort William FC Park, then a mile on the road before you start the climb up to the top. The first part is on a stony path which is fairly uneven, but having done the half Ben Nevis race earlier this year I knew the shortcuts and managed to pass a few people ahead of me.