It goes to show that Wednesday club nights are not also a social gathering but also a ploy to get me to agree to run races I had previously marked as far too hilly. In fact up until about 20.30 on the Wednesday before, Fabian ‘mountain goat’ was the only soul who had decided running up hill for a few miles on a Sunday morning was a good idea. Luckily(?!) after a couple of spritzers, I too had agreed to run, as had Guy ‘Iron Man’ our newest newbie, Mandy ‘I cant run- oh wait.. I just did!’ and Louise ‘I am a beginner, who just happens to have already run a marathon’.

The weather on Sunday was, at least dry but very windy. Whilst trying to pin on our numbers, Guy, Mandy and Louise arrived. We were all wearing the new club tops and even if I do say so myself we looked pretty good! Mandy especially was a little nervous as she admitted this was the first time she had ever had to pin a number on her shirt.

We trundled up to the start point and took shelter near the front out of the wind. After agreeing to meet at the finish line once we had completed the infamous 5 miles we were off. The wind was fierce but Fabian in pure mountain goat style took off up the hill with what seemed like ease. Guy and I managed to stay within in sight of each other, encouraging ourselves that it was ‘only’ five miles. The course was much more up than down, and once finally at the top of the hill I saw Fabian already on the decent. The views at the top were magnificent, to the left you could see Poynings, and the fields stretching out towards Henfield and to the right you could see the sea.

As I took the descent, Guy was in front of me but was a focal point to keep going. At the finish I was greeted by a wind swept Fabian and Guy and we turned back to watch Mandy and Louise return, We didn’t have to wait long! Looking like they’d both been running for years, rather than in Mandy’s part 4 months, they came sprinting down the hill finishing nicely under the hour (exact times to be confirmed).
Mandy even exclaimed that it wasn’t as bad as she thought. I have to agree!

It was great to be running with everyone in team colours, and I did also spot two men in HJ white tops, but couldn’t catch them to say hi! (That would be Steve and Alan…Ed)

Mandy, Louise and Guy then departed to get a roast at The White Hart. Fabian and I were just a little bit Jealous but unfortunately otherwise engaged,

It really would be so good if more people took part in the Fun Runs, because, other than gaining points for the club, getting Race experience and improving your running they are also rather good fun!

Link to the run, as recorded by my watch although I forgot to press stop so my timing is a little (but not much) better than shown.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/497702149#.U2_M6883q_g.aolmail

Results

Cathy and Alison and I ran our stand at the Village Evening last night. We did our best to promote the Club and recruit new members at this event, which takes place in the Village Hall every 4 years. All the Clubs and Associations have an opportunity to present themselves as local people wander about. The free drink was very welcome, and the new kit was proudly on display, as you can see. Whether any new members join is something we’ll have to wait and see, but we kept the flag flying for Henfield Joggers!

Well, it’s been left to me to choose this weeks route so I hope this suits. We all agreed on c10 miles, however the one that I originally chose was a ‘winter’ route containing more of that unpopular ‘road’ than desired, so after the Hughmeisters intervention here is the improved route, still more North/South rather than the more usual East/West of late!

As we didn’t get to run this route last week, hem hem, our working assumption is that we’ll simply run it this Easter weekend and take in the glory of the bluebells around Spithandle Lane….assuming Brian Turrell can navigate the final bit! C11 miles and lovely with it.

….no this isn’t really a news item, but good luck to everyone doing the London Marathon tomorrow, especially our own Ilidia on her fantastic fund raising quest, and Terry on his 28th consecutive London……..the weather should be perfect, enjoy the whole day!! And send us a report eh!! And some photos!!!!!

RESULTS

Ilidia Campbell – 3:52:22
Terry Smith – 5:08:50

Well, they’re in, and the rule ‘snooze you lose’ was never so true as the leader so far this year Andy Ralph missed this one, and the leaderboard all changed! Congratulations Emma Smith for picking up the leaders armband and showing the way forward. You can find the full results here.

Its the Brighton Marathon on Sunday so coursemeister Hugh is noticeable by his absence, but never fear – Brian T has been nominated to head over towards Ashurst and go in search of early bluebells – yes they are there, very early ones at least, but may be elusive! This is c10miles, depending on how closely everyone sticks to the plan. I’ll be decamping to Wales and will be somewhere near Pontypridd (bet it rains!) but have fun everyone!

…….and they’re in! And it remains Andy Ralph, Emma Smith and Liz Pamment in the Top 3 slots for the third month running! Its a marathon not a sprint, but its consistent performance so far! See all the results here.