East London Runners is now a Virgin London Marathon Running Club Partner
East London Runners has been recognised as an approved Running Club by Virgin London Marathon, with a link to our Club details and Logo on their website.
Only a limited number of Clubs have become partners. Aimed at helping first time marathon runners of whom ELR have many running in the marathon each year. Sometimes Clubs are overlooked because of their perceived reputation of being only interested in fast runners. Many first time marathon runners will train by themselves not knowing that help is close at hand.
East London Runners will continue to man a Special Drinks Station at the Virgin London Marathon plus together with the London Fire Brigade will also man the 20 mile Water Station in Polar High Street.
Wednesday run - 22/02/2012 - Route No 18 - Ley Street - 6 miles.
Don :- Well ,Doug's still injured so it's my choice again. Oak Hill , i thought, but i'm doing Roding as well. So it's Ley Street. Turn right out of the Wanstead Leisure Centre and under the subway at Redbridge Roundabout. Head past Redbridge Station and then right into Redbridge Lane East. Continue to the end of the road. At the roundabout, turn right into the Woodford Avenue to Gants Hill roundabout. Go under the subway and take the exit into the Eastern Avenue (A12) which is straight ahead. (At the Eastern Avenue stay on the right hand side of the road). At the traffice light junction, turn right into Ley Street and head towards Ilford. At the end of Ley Street, turn right by the muti-storey car park and then left by Balfour Road towards Wilkinsons. Cross over Ilford Broadway at the traffic lights and turn right, then an immediate left into York Road. Continue straight ahead to the bottom of the road and follow the road turning right into Wanstead Park Road. At the end of Wanstead Park Road cross under the subway at Redbridge roundabout and back to the Wanstead Leisure Centre. www.mapometer.com/running/route_1786542.html
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - Monday 27th February 2012 at 7.30pm in Wanstead High School/Leisure Centre.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. A formal Notice of Meeting including a full Agenda has been e.mailed to all members.
Club Members are asked to attend the Club's Annual General Meeting which will be held on Monday 27th February 2012 at 7.30pm in one of the Classrooms in Wanstead High School/Leisure Centre. Please arrive at 7.15pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm.
EAST LONDON RUNNERS 2,012 in 2012 Challenge!
The 2,012 in 2012 Challenge!
Join in with other ELR Members in this tough challenge for Olympic Year 2012
Welcome to East London Runners 2,012 in 2012 Challenge!
To celebrate the long awaited and highly anticipated year of the London Olympics, I hereby challenge members to join the East London Runners 2,012 in 2012 Challenge. You can compete in Kilometres, or in Miles, either way the aim is simply to Run, Race, or Train 2,012 Miles or Kilometres in 2012!
Over the year this equates to an average of 38.7m or km per week. I am sure that the camaraderie and spirit within East London Runners will help ensure that many of us achieve our goals in 2012, and that we can support each other as we Run, Race and Train our way from now, through the London Olympics, to the end of 2012!
To enable logging of distance, Derek, our Webmaster, is working on a ‘2,012 in 2012’ section for the website, on which you will be able to record your distance run/raced/trained on a month by month basis. As Derek works on bringing this to life, don’t forget to note your own distance covered so you can update your log as soon as this is live.
What better way to mark this epic year than to join fellow club members in what we do best, and run 2,012 in 2012!
To join the Challenge please e.mail the Webmaster address as below or advise me on Facebook.
Those members who have already joined the challenge, which I started recently on Facebook, are as follows, as at 12th January 2012.
2,012 Miles
Andrew Baxter
Patrick Brown
Roberto Bruni
Ciaran Canavan
Grant Conway
Karen Levison
Will Pearce
Dan Spinks
Jamie Xavier
2,012 Kilometers
John Atkinson
Don Bennett
Steven Bywater
Matt Dean
Katrina Dixon
Carlton D'Souza
Richard Guest
Peter Hatley
Lucy Jarvis
Jake Lear
Paul Thompson
Derek Wright
Mark Wyatt
Ciaran Canavan
East London Runners
Running in cold weather
It is recommended to have two different types of training regimes, a summer and a winter training programme. Runners should not plan to make any increases in mileage or add speed work to the training regime in the winter. Cold and Icy conditions can provide an ideal scenario to slipping and injuring a muscle or even breaking a bone. It is advisable to warm up indoors before you commence running and be especially vigilant if conditions are icy or wet. Try not to run on icy roads and opt for snow as this surface will provide better traction. It is also advisable to shorten your running stride and run slightly slower.
Clothes
ELR's John Atkinson wearing appropriate clothing for winter running
Runners must wear appropriate clothing for running in cold conditions. Wear thick absorbent dry socks and make sure you have adequate space in your running shoes to accommodate these thicker socks. Some runners actually buy a Ā½ size larger running shoe for winter training to accommodate for thicker socks. Taking care of your feet is essential on order to prevent frostbite and circulatory problems with the feet. Try to wear a warm hat when you are running in cold conditions.
A significant amount of body heat is lost from the head which affects the whole body's circulation. Wool gloves and thick running track suits are also recommended. If it is not very cold then you may wear a layer of polypropylene shirt below a sweat shirt, that should be enough for the upper body.
Some runners prefer to wear polypropylene or Lycra shorts together with wool running trousers. Underwear is also an important item and often overlooked, opt for insulated underwear with a special attention to the front panel being insulated to prevent a cold related injury.
ELR's John Atkinson shows how not to dress in cold weather!
Wind Chill
The weatherman's favourite word are, the wind chill factor¯. Runners must be careful with running into a wind-chill as the extreme cold can be draining and even dangerous. Some runners prefer to run into the wind to start off with and then return with the wind at their backs. The return run is easier as you have perspired and your body is warmer.
Skin care and Hydration
Make sure you use a moisturizer and sun block to prevent blister formation and redness in the face area. It is imperative that you remember to maintain adequate hydration before and after running to ensure your muscles recover after running in cold weather.
If you decide to run in cold weather then take it easy. Studies have shown that long, intense activity such as running can make you susceptible to colds. Try and drink a high carbohydrate energy drinks on the run, it will help maintain your immune system. Eating fresh vegetables and taking vitamin C can also help prevent a cold while running in cold conditions.
TSF West Ham Park Winter Series - forthcoming events.
Changes to the remaining races in the series to make up for the cancelled fixtures
There will be no runs for the next two Sundays, but will resume with three
more runs; Sunday 4th March, Sunday 11th March and Sunday 18th March.
Please could you put this on the ELR website, if possible, so as to inform
others of this change.
Roding Valley Half Marathon - Sunday 26th February at 9am.
Info for anyone not already entered, we already have 28 members entered.
We have the highest entry to date at the Roding Valley Half Marathon, so thank you if you have already entered. For anyone else who is considering it, I just wanted to let you know that online entries close at midnight on Sunday 19th February. After this date, the only option will be to enter on the day. All details can be found at the race website www.rvhm.org.uk. If you do enter before the deadline, and you live locally, you will have the opportunity to collect your number and chip from our clubhouse on the Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6pm to 9pm) in the week before the race. Otherwise we will have a very efficient process for collecting them on the morning of the race. Again - all details at the race website. Good luck with the final training and I look forward to welcoming you on Sunday 26th February. David Hollingworth Race Director
ELVIS 2012
Friday 3rd February 2012
East End Road Runners have joined this year making 8 Clubs, but still staying with 7 races in total.
Same rules and same prizes as last year for individuals and teams.
Planning to hold a Social night after the Series on Friday 5th October 2012.
The dates agreed for the 7 races are as follows although the odd one may be subject to change as trying to avoid the Olympics, other popular race dates etc.
1. Sunday 27th May 2012 - Eton Manor 5k - 10am - Waterworks Centre E10
2. Tuesday June 12th 2012 - Havering 5m - Raphaels Park, Romford - 7.30pm
3. Sunday June 17th 2012 - Dagenham 88 5 mile'sh - Eastbrookend Park - 10am
6. Monday 27th August 2012 - Barking 5k - Barking Park - 11am
7. Sunday 30th September 2012 - Valentines Park 5k - 10am
RUNNERS' PROFILES - New addition to our Website - Wednesday 21st December 2011
NEW TO OUR WEBSITE - Runners' Profiles was suggested by Grant Conway and made possible by our Webmaster, Derek Wright.
The Profiles show the Race Results, including Times, Places and Locations, for all of our current membership over distances ranging from 5k to Marathon plus Cross Country, Ultras, Duathlon, Triathlon and other related events over the past 6 years or so.
You can have a short biography added to your page with or without a photograph by sending the information to the Webmaster via the usual e.mail address. Publication may be subject to editorial amendment/ agreement!
Your Feedback on this new addition or any other aspect would be much appreciated. In confidence by e.mail to the usual Webmaster address.
Available Now - The New East London Runners Unisex Hooded Sweat Top - £15
Available Now - The New East London Runners Hooded Sweat Top. Reduced from £18 to £15 and available in all colours so long as it is RED. Printed on both back and front and in sizes S,M,L,XL and XXL, by Fruit of the Loom.
As modelled by Mark Wyatt!
Also available are ELR cotton T Shirts and technical running vests.
Runners Shorts - by Long Legs - January 2012
Kelly and Jamie in their ELR kit!
Congratulations to East London Runners Kelly Leedham and Jamie Xavier on the recent announcement of their engagement. They met each other at the Club and are now training together for this years Virgin London Marathon. Despite 2012 being a Leap Year we understand that it was Jamie who did the proposing!
RUNNERS PROFILES on ELR Members on our website. You can have a photograph and short biography added to your page on our website if you wish. Please e.mail the webmaster with a couple of paragraphs and we will then add it to the site!
Running Club 10% discount available from Sweatshop Stratford (Westfield). Unit 1027, Westfield Level 14, Ground Floor Stratford London E20 1ES. Not available with other discounted/sale offers. Also Sweatshop organise a 5k run from Stratford on Tuesday evenings.
Nike Run Club, Thursday 1st Dec 2011, Nike, Westfield, Stratford City.
Nike Ground floor, The Street, Westfield Stratford City, London.
Times: Thursday (everyone), arrive from 18.00 ready to run at 18.30. Admission:
Free: 5k and 10k.
Available Now - The New East London Runners Hooded Sweat Top. Reduced from £18 to £15 and available in all colours so long as it is RED. Printed on both back and front and in sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL, by Fruit of the Loom.
As modelled by Mark Wyatt!
Also available are ELR cotton T Shirts and technical running vests.
Roding Valley Half Marathon - Sunday 26th February 2012 - 9am Start!. With the chip timing system they strongly prefer that you enter on-line so that your details are fed straight into that system. If you really can't enter on-line, then they will accept postal entries, but these will incur an extra £2 administative cost.
The entry fee is £15 for affiliated club runners. Entries on the day will be £2 extra. Please note that if you are planning to travel to the race by tube, there is a replacement bus service that day on the Central Line between Liverpool St and Woodford. Please allow plenty of travel time or find another route.
Try a Triathlon on Sunday 17 June 2012 at Ongar Leisure Centre,Essex
The ‘Try a Tri’ is aimed at first timers and for those who fancy a new challenge, to get fit and healthy outside of the gym environment. 300m Pool Swim - 21k Bike - 4k Run. www.trisportepping.co.uk
5 km Age Graded League for 2011
5km Age Graded League
Wanstead Flats unless marked V for Valentine Park
Runner Age Grade
(V) Karen LEVISON 80.22%
Brendan O' GRADY 78.68 %
(Serp 5km)Andrew BAXTER 75.5%
Thomas GRIMES 74.31 % (V 75.49%)
(V) Mary O'BRIEN 73.72%
Mark BOULTON 72.61 %
Mark WYATT 70.06 %
(V) Mary CONNOLLY 69.60%
James WILSON 69.40 % (V 69.16%)
Patrick BROWN 69.42 %
Suzanne BENCH 68.85 %
(V) Manjit SINGH 68.68%
Derek WRIGHT 68.59 % (V 67.80%)
(Serp 5km)Grant CONWAY 67.3%
Dan SPINKS 67.14 %
(V)Lucy JARVIS 66.99%
Samuel BROWNE 66.89 %
(Cry Palace) Helen SPEEDY 66.82%
George GEORGIOU 66.11 %
Ramesh PALA 65.70 % (V 65.12%)
Sharon SPRINGFIELD 65.68 % (V 71.07%)
Carlton Patrick Anthony D SOUZA 65.44 % ( V 74.96%)
Daniel GALLACHER 64.93 %
Andrea WALLER 64.92 %
Roberto BRUNI 64.82%
(V) Mohammed AKLAQUL-AMBEA 64.73%
Frank BROWNLIE 64.56 %
(V) David daSiva PEREIRA 64.56%
David WYATT 64.33 %
Allan TODD 64.30%
Tom WOODS 63.88 %
(Riddlesdown)Darren SPEEDY 63.71%
Emily HART 63.20 %
Jayne BROWNE 61.98 %
Rachel COOMBS 61.97 %
Stephen O'SULLIVAN 61.89 %
(V)Ryan LEVART 61.62%
Mark CARRINGTON 61.23 %
(V)Colin PURVIS 61.09%
Sarah BURNS 61.06 %
Richard POTTER 60.98 %
Matthew JONES 60.69 %
Katherine JONES 59.96 %
Angela MORLEY 58.83 %
Jamie COOMBS 58.29 %
Katherine HARRIS 57.88 %
Louisa TOCK 57.83 %
(Gunpowder)Matt DEAN 57.25%
(V) Steven BYWATER 56.98%
Don BENNETT 56.90 %
David WILKINSON 54.38 %
(V)Jenny GARVEN 51.87%
Tara SYED 51.35 %
Tom THOMPSON 51.30 %
Geoff BENCH 51.05 %
Miguel Angel MARTINEZDIEZ 50.60 %
(V) Mikesh BASSI 48.08%
Individual Membership of England Athletics
Query that came up today - 21st March 2010
What is the Club's UK Athletics registration number?
Answer courtesy of Don Bennett!
The number your referring to is an individual number not a number allocated to the Club. You get an individual number when you join UK /ENGLAND ATHLETICS for £5 pa and they give you a competition licence other...wise you pay the higher (in most races) unattached price. Only some races are asking for this number at present but more are doing so all the time.When renewals start from April 1st for the club membership,members will have the option of paying the extra £5 and we will enrol them online for their membership.
Membership usually opens to new members in February.
Licence's run from Apr 1st to Mar 31st which is why we have moved our membership year to match theirs. So far only about 50 - 60 clubmembers are members of England Athletics. It depends on how many races you enter and whether they now require the EA number.
East London Triathletes - Dragonslayer Duathlon - Sunday 29th April 2012!
COMPETITORS AND MARSHALLS REQUIRED!
Our sister club East London Triathlletes is organising a premier event on the
the 29 April 2012 . The Dragonslayer is a duathleon involing cycling and running at the Redbridge Cycle Centre Hainault. It is a great venue and a wonderful introduction to multi sport events. Clubs from London and the South East attend and there is a great atmosphere. It would be funt if we could have some members of our club participate in this race. I am also making a request for ELR members to come and support and act as Marshalls to ensure the race is successful. Iit ought to be a great day out! Please put it in your diary now.
Full details are on the website www.eastlondontriathletes.co.uk
Or you can email Justin Mcdermott at dragonslayerelt@yahoo.co.uk
Entry Type:
Individual entry
£34.00
BTF member entry
£29.00
Norfolk Runaways
Come and run the Norfolk way....we are offering you an idyllic place in which to stay.
We are Norfolk Runaways, co-owned by Annie and Geraldine. We both live in Norfolk and love to run!!
We are offering an exclusive running weekend in one of the most beautiful areas of North Norfolk. This weekend is aimed at anybody who is capable of running 3 miles or more. As this is our first weekend we are offering it at the special price of £175pp. The weekend will begin at 4 pm Friday 27th of January 2012 and finish after Sunday brunch on the 29th. This price includes accommodation, all meals and training sessions. We will also have a yoga session during the weekend. A massage therapist will be available (at an extra cost). Your location for the weekend will be the village of Brancaster and a traditional English country house which is two hundred and fifty years old. Here you will be able to enjoy coastal running at its best and then return to the house where log fires and wholesome food will await you. We can accommodate 11/14* people in 8 bedrooms. The bedrooms comprise 2 single rooms, 3 twin rooms and 3 double rooms. The accommodation is spacious, comfortable, stylish and beautifully furnished. *In addition we can offer 3 "non running partner" packages for £125 pp.
Brancaster is situated midway between Hunstanton and Wells. The coastal footpath here runs for 47 miles along the North Norfolk coastline. Village life here centres around the harbour and its thriving fishing and sailing community.
One of our coaches for the weekend will be Paul Evans, double Olympian and Chicago Marathon Winner. Paul will tailor the running sessions to your needs. We will also have two other coaches, Tim and Pauline Ash, Area Coach and Endurance Mentors. Our experts will also hold ‘question and answer’ sessions to help with any advice you may need.
Of course all sessions will be optional. These sessions will give you the opportunity to improve your running technique and increase your speed. There is so much to explore in the local area that you may wish to extend your stay until Monday. This would give you the chance to take in more of the many local attractions. Maybe a shopping trip to the nearby Burnham Market, with over thirty independent shops, Burnham is also home to the Hoste Arms 17th Century Hotel, with its luxurious spa. Or maybe a visit to nearby Holkham Hall, the Sandringham Estate or a boat trip to see the seals. This additional night can be arranged at a cost of £ 50 pp.
We are hoping that this weekend is of interest to you. If this is so please contact us asap by email at g.jordan537@btinternet.com and we will send out a questionnaire to enable us to find out your expectations for the weekend and to ensure it is tailored to your requirements.
Geraldine Jordan & Annie Harper
CHINGFORD LEAGUE and Sunday Cross Country League - Remaining Fixtures as at 1st December 2011
Chingford League Fixtures 2011/2012.
Sat 21 Jan 2012 - 2.30pm - Orion Harriers, Chingford
Sat 18 Feb 2012 - 2.30pm - Victoria Park.
Sat 17 Mar 2012 - 1.00pm - Relays at Heighams Park, Junior race at 1pm, followed by Senior race. www.bob-orion.me.uk.co.uk/4.html Club's competing in the Chingford League are East London Runners, Orion Harriers,Barnet AC, Trent Park, Eton Manor, Victoria Park, Enfield & Haringay, Loughton, Woodford Green & Essex Ladies.
Sunday Cross Country League all at 10.30am.
Sunday 15th January 2012 - Tewin/Digswell
Sunday 19th February 2012 - Royston
Jane Iordanou, Jayne Browne and Valerie Edworthy at the recent Trent Park race.
Target Races - Winter/Spring 2011/12
In addition to the Chingford League and the Sunday Cross Country League the following fixtures have proved popular with ELR members training for the London and other Spring Marathons. 1. Sunday 11th December 2011 - Bedford Half Marathon www.bedfordharriers.co.uk
2. Saturday 31st December 2011 - ILFORD AC 10 mile Cross Country Race - 11am - Hainault Forest 10 mile cross country race over 3 laps of an undulating route comprising tracks and grassland of Hainault Forest. www.ilfordathleticclub.co.uk
3. Sunday 22nd January 2012 - Benfleet 15 - 10.30am
Note - New Race H/Q, New start and finish areas,the majority of the course is as in previous years. www.benfleetrunningclub.com
4. Sunday 26th February 2012 - Roding Valley Half Marathon, Woodford Bridge
Now in its 30th year, the RVHM is a very popular and friendly race, also serving as a good warm up for those doing the London Marathon. It caters for a wide range of standards and abilities from experienced club runners to beginners. www.rvhm.org.uk
5. Sunday 4th March 2012 - The Essex 20. 10am, Gt Bromley, 4 hour time limit, Fast 2 lap course around the quiet country anes of North East Essex. www.essexroadrunning.org.uk
6. Sunday 11th March 2012 - Finchley 20 at 9.30am. Road race 4 x 5 mile laps, Town and rural, Undulating, Water stations: 2 per lap.
Traffic free? No. Facilities include Changing, Toilets, Showers, Refreshments, Supervised bag storage. 7. Saturday 17th March 2012 - Orion 15 - Epping Forest - 2pm. www.orionharriers.org.uk/fif15.htm
8. Sunday 25th March 2012 - Brentwood Half Marathon.
Entries are now open for the 2012 event. Please don't delay. Sold-out by December last year! www.brentwoodhalf.org
9. Sunday 25th March 2012 - Gade Valley Harriers 20 mile Marathon Training Run - Hemel Hempstead - 9.30am. The (hilly)course is mostly on quiet country roads, through the stunning Ashridge Forest with a small section on the canal towpath, which can be muddy. Lots of tea and cake afterwards, for your £5 entry fee on the day.www.gadevalleyharriers.co.uk
EAST LONDON RUNNERS win the ELVIS Summer Race Series
ELR Elvis Ladies Team Captain Karen said "Another great turn out on a beautiful sunny late September morning at Valentines Park for the final race of the series, 36 runners from East London Runners comprising 12 ladies and 24 men – a fantastic representation of what our club has become.
Over the whole 7 race series the ELR Ladies team won all seven events, a great achievement. After the race day presentations were complete the prizes were also presented for the overall categories of the ELVIS series with East London taking the lions’ share. We took both men’s and women’s team events (previously dominated by Ilford AC in both), with myself and Brendan O'Grady winning overall individual categories, Ciaran Canavan narrowly winning a hard fought second overall in the men's,Helen Ringham coming third overall in the ladies, Ava Lee 1st Vet 35 and Mary O'Brien taking 1st Vet 55. Edward Barnard won the prize for the best Elvis costume one again!
On behalf of myself and Grant, team captains, we would like to thank everyone
who ran, supported and marshalled along the way. You all contributed in our
great achievement in this series and have helped the club go from strength to
strength. Not in my 21 years of being a member of this club have I witnessed
such togetherness and camaraderie amongst our runners – it’s great to be a part
of and long may it continue.
The day was finished off with about 26 members meeting in the evening at The George, Wanstead for a well deserved drink and for all those not present I think Ciaran probably had your share!!!
Grant said. "ELR Ladies finished first in all 7 races. Men first in 6 and 2nd at Orion but a landslide victory in both genders. Well done to all our 72 runners and supporters in the series, marshalls yesterday and the club committee. Let's try and make it a 100 different runners in the 2012 series!"
ELR Team Captains Grant and Karen proudly show off the Team trophies!
Blade Feathers/Wind Sails
The ELR Committee recently discussed, researched and agreed to buy two Blade Feathers/Wind Sails. Ciaran Canavan took this project on board and took delivery, on behalf of the Club, of the Blades recently.
Their first use was at the ELVIS Race 1 in Raphael Park, Romford where Ciaran put them together and they became a focal meeting point for the club members running that evening. Tricia O'Neill and Jimmy Hartwell with the new blade feathers
Running - BOOKS - Revied and recommended by ELR's Rob Heppell
Rob pictured during one of his Ultra Races
1. Born to Run - Non-fictional book by Christopher McDougall about ultra-running, ultra-marathoners and a unique race in South America with a hidden tribe. Reads like a novel and introduces some interesting characters and the phenomenon of bare-foot running. Makes me want to run really long distances. One of the two best books about running I have read.
2. Feet in the Clouds - Non-fiction account of fell running and fell runners by Richard Askwith. This is the Fell running equivalent of "Born To Run". Great read. There are some crazy runners out there and the book makes me want to be one of them. The other best book about running that I have read.
3. The Marathon Makers - Fantastic book by John Bryant that recounts the 1908 Olympic marathon in London and the events immediately after that raised the marathon to the height of popularity. This was the race that set the official distance for the marathon that has been used ever since. Really inspiring.
4.Once a runner - by John L. Parker, is the best fictional book about running ever written. A really inspiring and eloquent book that follows the main character's hard work and dedication in trying to achieve his personal goals. Written by a runner for runners.
5. Running On Empty - A selection of articles by former Runners World journalist Andy Blackford that recount his somewhat haphazard running career. Extremely funny and enjoyable.
6. Running Through The Wall - A selection of stories from renowned ultramarathoners providing great insights into the challenges and pleasures of long distance running and the personalities and camaraderie encountered. Great to see how many crazy people there are out there. I found this a very motivational read.
7. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Book) - Novelist Haruki Murakami's hugely enjoyable reminiscences about his preparation for the 2005 New York City marathon. Really good writing style that makes me want to read one of his novels.
8. Duel in the Sun - Great account by John Bryant of the 1982 Boston Marathon when Dick Beardsley and Alberto Salazar put on an amazing exhibition of competitive running in the race that became known as the "duel in the sun". My favourite road marathon has delivered a number of great stories over the past 114 years, this is just one of them.
9. Just A Little Run Around The World - Rosie Swale-Pope's inspirational story documenting her 5 year long run around the world following the loss of her husband. As interesting for the different people and places she encounters than for the running feat itself.
10. Why We Run - Interesting book by Bendt Heinrich. Part biography, part biological/anthropological text, and part psychological and philosophical study. All of it helped along by an obvious passion for running. Thanks to Jim for introducing me to this great book.
Running - Films - A personal selection, recommended and reviewed by ELR's Rob Heppell
1. St. Ralph - Fictional film about a teenage boy who believes that winning the Boston marathon will be the miracle that will bring his mother out of a coma. Heart-warming story (maybe too much so for some people). I watch this film before every marathon race as it gives me just the right amount of motivation and passion!!!
2. Chariots of Fire - Any list of books/films about running has to include this. Ubiquitous story about the British participants in the 1924 Olympics.
3. Naylor's Run - Documentary about legendary fell runner Joss Naylor and his 60th birthday celebration - to run the 60 highest peaks in the Lake District an d over 110 miles. In any other sport Joss would be world famous. It's amazing that most people in England don't even know his name. One very tough man.
4. Four Minutes - Enjoyable film of Roger Bannister and the challenge to break the 4 minute mile barrier. Based on a book which I haven't read (yet.)
5. Running on the Sun - Documentary following competitors attempting the Badwater 135. This ultramarathon is 135 miles long across Nevada's Death Valley. If you complete it in under 48 hours you get a belt buckle (and probably a straight jacket.) I cannot imagine running one marathon in such heat, never mind five times that distance.
6. Joss Naylor Iron Man - Another documentary about legendary Joss celebrating his 50 years of competitive fell running. In awe of this man.
7. The Long Run - Interesting drama about a woman athlete and a coach and their attempt to win the Comrades Marathon in Africa. Very enjoyable film.
8. Spirit of the Marathon - Good documentary about the Chicago marathon from the viewpoint of six competitors with very different abilities as they prepare for the race. It really brings home the fact that each marathon has many unique stories, and the vast majority of them have nothing to do with elite athletes. Living in Chicago for nearly 20 years this film is very close to my heart and I can't see it without thinking of the many many miles put in along the lakefront path in preparation for my own Chicago marathons.
9. Without Limits - The true-life story of American athlete Steve Prefontaine, the immensely talented runner who died at a very early age following a motoring accident. Good film that brings to life "Pre" and the famous Oregon University coach Bill Bowerman (founder of Nike).
10. Massanutten - Interesting documentary following two runners attempting the 100 mile Massanutten Mountain Trail ultramarathon in Virginia , USA. One of a few films I have about different ultramarathons, I like this one because the central characters are regular people.
Look out for Rob's reviews and recommendations for Running Books in the June Newsletter!
New 5k weekly parkrun - Wanstead Flats joins parkrun.
A new 5k parkrun will be starting from this Saturday on Wanstead Flats from 9am every Saturday from Sat May 21st 2011 at 9am.The course is on the Harrow Rd/Lake House Road area. Volunteer Marshalls and runners required. Entry to each race is free but you have to register on-line in advance. This is in addition to the current weekly Valentines Park 5k parkrun. http://www.parkrun.org.uk/wansteadflats/home
parkrun and running clubs 12th December 2011.
While visiting Brockwell parkrun last weekend I was approached by a local runner who complimented me on parkrun. However, he had a gripe which he wanted to discuss with me. As it turned out, he was poorly informed and I was able to resolve this situation very quickly and satisfactorily. He was under the impression that parkrun had a rule saying that runners affiliated with clubs should not run with their club vests on at parkrun events. Quite the opposite actually. We recommend all club runners come down and boast about their club affiliation.
parkrun supports the official club structure. We have always made a point of this fact and there are plenty of examples of where we have done this. Just look at Crispy’s article on joining running clubs.
Here is the official parkrun view on Clubs. We love the fact that parkrun is fully representative of the whole society. We have loads of folks who are serious runners and a load more that are not. We have folks who just want a jog or even those who start out walking with the goal to eventually run the whole distance. But, we believe that for those who want to better their running then the club structure is the best place to find this help. This is why we signpost all clubs by adding a link to each clubs website in the results plus we recommend that club runners represent themselves by wearing club kit at our events. I am aware that there are many folks who have finished ahead of a fellow parkrunner wearing club kit and have realised as a result that perhaps joining a club is a possibility for them.
At parkrun we have never tried to own anything. parkrunners don't belong to us and we don't see ourselves as a club. We are real live communities of folks who have a passion for running, getting fit and staying healthy. All we want is for each parkrun event to offer a simple, 5k, free, timed run. If you want guidance about how to do these other things better then speak to your local clubs, physios and other local organisations that are best suited to offer you this advice. You can often find links to these folks on your events links page on the website.
My final word on the club issue is that our preference is that where you are a member of a club and there is a club event taking place on parkrun day then you should consider doing the club event rather than a parkrun. Of course, we also subscribe to the belief that it’s entirely your choice.
paul at parkrun
Feature - Clubwatch in Running Fitness Magazine
Out on Friday 6th May is the June issue of Running Fitness magazine, priced £4.30. Page 17 is the Clubwatch features East London Runners in an article written by Katherine Jones and featuring 3 photo's.
Photo 1 Eight of our ladies at the end of the Roding Valley.
Photo 2 John Atkinson at the Benfleet mud.
Photo 3 Four of our men at the Orion 15.
Available at WH Smith's
STOP PRESS -- Yellow Pages feature & photo
Just released the new edition of the Yellow Pages East London edition featuring 26 great ways to get the most from your area. At No 20 East London Runners feature and the Wanstead Park group photo.
ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES - Summer 2011 - for information
The Grand Prix will be an Open competition for competitors of all clubs. In addition there will be an interclub team competition between the 7 organising clubs only.
The Clubs are East London Runners, Ilford AC, Orion Harriers, Barking Road Runners, Dagenham 88, Havering 90 and Eton Manor.
RULES of the ELVIS Grand Prix Series..
As per previous years - 4 women to score (2 of whom must be vets), 6 men to score (3 of whom must be vets) - 1st Club claimers only.
5 out of 7 races to score - Both Individuals and teams can therefore drop their worst 2 results.
One rule change. Incomplete teams will now be scored as finishing behind complete teams with team scores tiered based on the number of finishing scorers per team e.g a team of 4 will always beat a team of 3 who will always beat a team of 2 etc
PRIZES,
As before :- 1st, 2nd, 3rd male and female overall
1st MV40,MV50,MV60
1st FV35,FV45,FV55
Special prize for best Elvis at organisers discretion.
Usual rules for prize winners - in the event of a veteran qualifying for an open prize as well they will take one prize only which will be the higher value prize
Shields for winning mens and ladies teams
RESULTS.
To be made available on the Ilford AC website as soon after each race as possible.
Race Dates and Times. 1. Tuesday 21st June 2011 – 7.30pm - Havering 90 Joggers - 5 mile - Raphaels Park, Romford - 2 Laps mainly on paths and pavements within and around the Park. www.h90j.org.uk
2. Sunday 10th July 2011 - Eton Manor 5k - Race H/Q is Waterworks Building, Leabridge Road, London E10 for run on footpaths on Leyton and Hackney Marshes. wwww.eton-manor.com
3. Wednesday 20th July 2011 – Newman Hilly 5 – 7.30pm – Entries via ELR as subsidy given by Club for ELR Members www.ilfordathleticclub.co.uk
4. Saturday 6th August 2010 – Orion 5 mile – A continuous lap on good trails within Epping Forest. www.orionharriers.org.uk
6. Sunday 11th September 2011 – Dagenham 88 5 mile’sh – 11am – Off Road - Eastbrook End Country Park www.dagenham88runners.com
7. Sunday 25th September 2011 - Valentines Park 5k – 10am – 2 lap race on the footpaths within Valentines Park, Ilford. www.eastlondonrunners.org.uk
Annual General Meeting - Monday 28th February 2011
The winner of the Curtis Shield for Club person of the year, as voted by the membership was Derek Wright. Congratulations to Derek on his well deserved award.
The members present at the meeting unanimously elected the following Committee:-
Frank Brownlie - Chairman - 07763590454
Michael Wilson - Hon Club Secretary
Don Bennett - Hon Club Treasurer
Derek Wright - Webmaster
Katherine Jones - Media & PR
Sarah Burns - Media & PR
John White
Kirsty Weston
Jim Bird
Ciaran Canavan
Jaime Towns
Rob Heppell
Russell Price
Club Kit Night
The first Wednesday in every month is "Club Kit" night. Please try to remember to wear your club vest or t-shirt on these nights.
