I don’t think I’ve ever seen Jax so excited as when I told her to pack her bags, as we’re off to meet one my international runners.
In hindsight I probably should have explained that the international runner in question had already flown into the UK and we were in fact heading for a weekend away in Bromley.
It was so nice to finally meet Ben, who proved his training was working with a fantastic time of 17:59. There was me thinking I would be hot on his heels, far from it.
My advice, after a manic sprint off the start line and a rather boring 2 and a half laps of Norman’s Park, is if you do decide to go parkrun touring in South London, perhaps don’t make Bromley your first choice.
On a positive note it was my first sub 20 parkrun away from Hastings, just a shame my camera cut out after 3 minutes, because I’d recorded the inside of my man bag for half an hour.
Less about me, what about the Team? Well on Saturday Sam Davies was taking part in the Serpent Trail 75km Ultra Race. The furthest distance he’d ever run. The goal? To complete it. So when I got a message late afternoon, reading “2nd place any good”, I was surprised and elated in equal measure.
In fact Sam was 1st Male, coming home in a time of 7 hours and 22 minutes, which for that distance is incredible. It marks the end of his 3rd training plan with me and another very successful one. Again not down to huge mileage (averaging around 50km per week) or lifting heavy (1 S&C per week), but consistency, week in week out. That’s the recipe for success folks.
Sunday was the return of Bewl 5 & 15, with an excellent turnout for the team. Steve G banked a top 10 finish in 1:38:15, cruising round at marathon pace, which in itself, on that course, is hugely impressive.
George ran a blinder, possibly his best performance for a few months, clocking 1:53, to finish well inside the Top 50. Keep an eye on George, I feel the best is yet to come.
Joe, who re-joined the Team last week, came in just over the 2 hour mark, possibly a bit too soon (Joe’s feedback) after his incredible achievement at the SDW100, but another solid result all the same.
New member, as of today, Victoria ran a cracking race, to finish in 2:25, just ahead of Lindsey in 2:26. It would be remiss of me not to mention, some of the team found it tough in the heat and anyone who’s done Bewl will know those bastard hills come just at the wrong time. But everyone got back safely, just.
Also completing the 15 miles were Conal (2:34), Karl (2:41), Michelle (2:52, a 22 min PB from 2019), Lou H (2:56), Su S (3:21), Sue A (3:21) Lou C (3:27), Rebecca (3:27) and Kelly (3:30). Well done everyone.
In the 5 miler Andy was back in action crossing the line in 52:51, and Mark kindly supported former Team Orange member, Ellie, helping her finish in 1:15.
Some what further afield, still not International mind you, it was the Great North 10k. Sarah (1:14) and Andy (56:00) were both very pleased with their times in what was a deceptively hilly and very busy race.
Rewinding 48 hours, before the weekend even began, new member Jamie T and Fin G were both in action at the Rye 10, clocking 43:10 and 37:55 respectively.
It’s another busy week ahead, with the Last Leg Relays on Wednesdays, the Oliver Curd Fun Run on Friday and the Romney 10K Sunday.
Keep up the great work Team. Hope to see you soon. Keep that feedback coming.
Coach Simon.
