Alternative run and brewery trip - Wednesday 5th September

I know many members will not be able to make the early start; but there is an alternative run of about 6 miles starting from Leominster leisure centre at 5.45 on Wednesday. After the run, we can get a shower and proceed to the Swan brewery, where we will get a tour, talk and sample a few beers. There is a train from Hereford at 16.54 and trains back at 21.31 and 22.50. The brewery trip starts at 19.45 for anyone who just wants to come to that. The address is Unit 17 Leominster Rural Enterprise Centre, Brunel Road, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 0LX. . Anybody coming to the run and/or brewery trip , please let me know.

martinflowers@sky.com

10 mile road race results

Well done all runners and huge thanks to the volunteers and marshals. Results here. Report to follow

Summer Cross Country Race 4 - Westhope

The results from the final race in the Summer cross country league are out. Firstly a huge thank you to Michael Blenkinsop for his organisation of the series and for producing the results so promptly. Also well done to Hereford Couriers the hosts for last nights race, which seemed to go very smoothly. We were a few key runners short last night and despite leading going into the final race, slipped to third overall - still a great performance and well done to all Wye Valley Runners who competed in the series. Congratulations to Croft Ambrey who were overall winners. We also had lots of category prize winners. Full results here:

Race 4 results

Overall series

Male prize winners

Female prize winners

Yoga for runners

Starting on Tuesday 7th August we will be putting on "Yoga for runners" classes in the function room at the Rowing Club, starting at 6.15. The sessions will last for a maximum of 1 hour. Rose, our instructor, has agreed to trial it for a few weeks to see what uptake there is. After that we will decide the frequency of the classes or whether to continue at all. The club will pay for these trial sessions. After that there will be a charge, but the Committee will consider some sort of ongoing subsidy. Rose has asked that people come in appropriate clothing, i.e. close fitting to protect modesty and she can provide mats if you don't have your own.

Summer Cross Country Race 3 - Shobdon - Wednesday 25th July 2018

A few of our runners missing tonight so very well done to all who competed. The results were close, but we were second on the night, behind Croft Ambrey, who have now moved up to second overall. We are still leading but only by six points, with 11 points separating the top 3 teams. We now need a good turn out at Westhope for the final race in 2 weeks time and hopefully we can clinch the title!

Full results here

Alternative Run - Aconbury Woods - Monday 23rd July - 6.30pm Start.

The next alternative run is through Aconbury Woods, starting from Merrivale Farm, Little Birch Hereford. HR2 8BA. The postcode won't bring you right to the farm so look out for WVR signs. From Hereford, you want to take the Hoarwithy Road out of town, follow it for just under 6 miles where you will come to a staggered crossroads, turn right here for Little Birch. Carry on along up a hill and just after you will see a cottage on the right hand side and our farm drive on the left, we're the only property at the bottom. See google maps link below.

https://goo.gl/maps/ygTB7ATpPAT2

I've attached the route and will print some maps out on the night. It's a nice 5 mile undulating course, good for everyone, with some great views.

For those of you not aware, we're an Organic Dairy Farm so there will be some fresh cold chocolate milk to refresh us after the run. I've also talked my sister in law into making us some cakes (they're really good!) to fuel us when we're finished.

If anyone is interested, I'm also happy to show people around the cows and our robotic milking machines so you can see how the milk from your chocolate milk is produced! Might be worth bringing a change of shoes for that one.

Look forward to seeing a few of you there.

Lucy Mason

https://gb.mapometer.com/running/route_4775447.html

Alternative Run- Monday 16th July

Start at The Bell Tillington

This is a map of the long route.

Just after mile 2 at the top of a set of about 25 steps you come onto a  forest track. The long route goes right as on the map. There is a shortcut just after mile 3 which  goes left and leads steep and a bit overgrown to the top.The long route goes right and down to the road through a farm.Left at the road and then left again and up a long long hill,look out at about mile 5 as you head left thru a gate for the top.

Into the woods and turn left

Long route need to look out along the top path in the woods as there is a fork just before mile 6 and you need to go right on a steady downhill.

Shorter route turns left at the top of the steps just after mile 2. Head up to the top path and will meet the long route at the start of their descent. 

Race Results team

The Committee have decided to set up a Race Results team, who can use the new bar coding number system and produce results for the races that we organise. We are looking for interested WVR members to come forward. Training in the new system will be given and we are putting on an initial session in the Rowing Club, next Wednesday July 18th, after the Club Run session. Please confirm if you are interested and can attend.

martinflowers@sky.com

Summer cross country Race 3 - Westhope, rescheduled to August 8th 2018

This evenings cross country race, due to take place at Westhope, has been postponed due to the clash with the World Cup semi-final. It has been re-arranged for Wednesday August 8th. Details of club runs on the Training Planner

Stage 7 report - Cotswold Way Relay

A lot of us needed to go for a warm up on Saturday. Why DID we do that , in 25 deg plus heaven only knows . But we did anyway. One or two brief circuits of Dursley dodging shoppers and tourists then all trying to find shade in the trees opposite the Old Spot Inn . After several trips to this location in recent years I really must try and go for a pint in there as it looks like a grand little pub . 

Some off the faces amongst the other runners seem vaguely familiar and there is the odd nod and smile of recognition which always occurs at this event and makes it all seem very friendly. 

After the usual chat from our organiser about safety and looking after our selves and fellow runners , more important than normal in this heat , we are off . 

Now as anyone who has started this little adventure will be aware that all stages begun on a gradient of some kind . 

This one is a pig , but as usual when you top out the views are worth the hard work and there follows a couple of undulating miles over the golf course in and out of the woods . 

Passing bemused golfers with mutual looks of “   Why are you doing that ?” One chap had to wait quite a while to tee off as we all filed over the green with cries of “ Thank you “ 

This year we had opposition in the form of some 100k eventers heading North , and once more politeness was the order of the day as we passed . 

The dip and climb around Nibley are quiet technical in places with a very sharp right hander on the way up to the monument , once again as you come out from the trees the view awaits and doesn’t disappoint. 

After this is about the only place where geographical embarrassment nearly occurred as I headed into the trees the track splits into 3 so a brief stop was necessary to look for a yellow acorn . Finding only a blue one I carried on . It was the right way so be aware . 

The drop down into W u E is fast , tricky and good fun too and when you drop onto the road  in the town turn left and carry straight on , don’t  follow the CW sign through the town as I did . 

I cannot recommend this event highly enough to anyone, it is a great long term aim for your running and if you are not a strong map reader , don’t worry it is generally well signed . 

Do you need to recce your stage ? 

Recommend, I suppose , but I’ve got away with it . SO FAR . 

Massive thanks to Commander Jan for sorting us all out . AGAIN . 

Congratulations to Kevin Artus as first WVR to complete all 10 stages .

See you next year . 

The Path to Bath

Path to Bath

Standing in a dusty layby on the A46 with the intense summer sun beating down and surrounded by 117 other runners, it could only be time for the Cotswold way relay once more.  Suddenly a van screeches in and out pops the organiser quickly clambering atop the van. Addressing the assembled runners, he covers the safety warnings I have now become very familiar with and I drift back to nine years earlier when I first saw his predecessor and his large mad hatter hat. No Marshalls, look out for your fellow runners, one water station, careful of other way users, good luck. 

Before I know it the horn sounds and were underway once more. Heading up the lane and almost immediately I hear shouts of “CAR”. The driver seeing the tsunami of runners, rather than boldly going forward quickly finds reverse. I look to take it easy knowing what is to come later but we are soon in freefall down a step lane, the high banks funnelling the wave of runners forward. 

Finally we burst in an open field and I am able to find my own pace as faster runners who were bottled up until now pass trying to make up lost ground. Once at the valley bottom the true test starts as we climb through one field, then another and another, each time “Is this field boundary the top?”, no more climbing and slowly I make up places as others faulter.

We plateau and reach the water station but only 3½ miles in of almost 10. I’m am glad to see bottles not cups are on offer in the searing heat. So with a bottle in hand, water swishing back and forth I push on across the next 4 miles of undulating countryside, golf courses and horse racing tracks.

Entering the suburbs of Bath we cross a playing field giving me an opportunity to throw my remaining now warm water in a bin (remember don’t litter kids) before setting my sights on a group of runners in the distance.

By the first climb in Bath I’m within spitting distance of those in front and it soon becomes apparent  none have recce’d the route.  After shouting back several runners from making wrong turns I reach the lead of the now splintering group over the top of the final hill. As we pass bewildered tourists in front of the royal crescent only two of the group remain with me, while one is hanging on the other clearly has more pace.

As we round the final corner we are confronted with a split in the pedestrian area and the runner in front goes right, wrong it was left, I shout him back but his hesitation gives me the lead. We are now counting down the metres, I accelerate, a bell rings ahead of us as I slalom through the tourists. Then a voice in the crowd, “finish at Abbeydore”. ???? No “the finish is at the Abbey Door”. So not at the colonnade as I thought.

In the final funnel with a wall of sound either side, the flash of a Japanese tourists camera and the briefest of glimpses of Wye Valley runners amongst the crowd. I’m still ahead. Turning under the colonnade cobbles offer little grip. There’s the Abbey and I sprint like my life depends on it at the lady with the clipboard, finish and then collapse.  

Cotswold Way Relay - report number one

WYE VALLEY RUNNERS COTSWOLD RELAY 2018

FOLLOW THE ACORN!

Again we gathered 3 teams of keen athletes for this years epic event. A few last minute injuries were unfortunate but we had a trustworthy supply of reserves on hand, notably Dan Lewis, Lara Seal Paul Bouston, thanks to all!

Thanks to Paul too for advising on teams and general help with admin. Thanks to Brian for just being there and doing most of the driving on the day!

Ricardo was set for stage 1 but had a last minute call to work which I discovered when we were up at 4 am to get to the start.  Fortunately Brian and Ricardo were able to swap and although he ended up running a much longer distance, Brian was grateful for cooler temperatures! Ricardo ran in the heat of stage 9 after a morning pulling teeth!

We got to Chipping Campden in plenty of time for our 7am start but I didn’t realise the race started at the church and not at the start of the Cotswold Way..so we had good warm up run!!

Subsequently everything went to plan, everyone pulled together and helped with transport which is such a big part of teamwork in this event. Tony and Sian were very helpful and supportive, Billy and Michael helped Jo, Peter Flynn was there too with transport.

Paul Davies got the ‘Naughty Boys’ organised  which is a huge achievement, thanks!

Cath Watkins deserves a special mention too for transport and being there all the way to Bath then driving home late, you are a star!

We had  7 Cotswold Relay  ‘virgin’ newcomers this year, Dan Lewis James Vidler,  Steve Bedford, Billy Smallwood, Jo Ellis, Lara Seal and Sian Champken. Well done all of you, the ones I saw on the day were all smiling .

We have some fantastic photos all over Facebook to mark the occasion.

The temperatures soared as the day went on, the organisers added 10 minutes to the cut off times which added to the problems they already had with overheated laptops etc. Peter Flynn recorded a temperature of 34 degrees and the tarmac melted under my feet at the Dog Inn Old Sodbury. The cider shandy was good there though !

Special mention to Kevin Artus who is the first Wye Valley Runner to complete 10 stages, he had a brilliant run and there was a crowd at the finish to cheer him in. Harry had made a beautiful bespoke carved trophy to mark the achievement and we presented it at the finish. We called it the first ‘Ten of Ten’ award.

Quick shower and change and then we were off out to celebrate.

There was a lovely group of 16  in Bath and Paul Bouston had booked a good meal at the Salamander.

Thereafter there were 2 groups, Pubbers and Clubbers and a few stories to tell the next morning at breakfast in the YMCA.

Just want to add that there was also an early jog at 07.30. Simon  Oliver wanted to recce the route in Bath for his 10th stage next year so Me Brian Bill and Malcolm took to the streets with Simon.

Full Cotswold Way Relay results are on our website/Facebook.

This event not about winning but all about teamwork, all pulling together as a club and helping and supporting each other.The extreme weather conditions this year were tough but actually it makes you realise what membership of Wye Valley Runners is all about.

Thanks to all involved, hope you all return next year.

Jan Edwards

Committee News

You can always find out what is happening at the Committee here

Alternative runs update

We have three more alternative runs lined up in the next few weeks. First up, organised by Bryan and Jan from the Bell at Tillington on Monday 16th July. Then on Monday 23rd July we have a run around Aconbury organised by Lucy Mason and Boosty. Finally on Wednesday 11th August, there will be a run on new territory around Leominster. For those that are interested, this will be followed by a tour of the Swan Brewery.

Full details including start times, parking and route maps will be published on the training planner page in due course.

Membership Secretary

At the June meeting we agreed to co-opt Tony Champken onto the Committee as Membership Secretary. Many of you already know Tony and we give him a very warm welcome, as he takes on this important role. Tony will be speaking to many of you directly, as his first priority will be looking at existing members  needs, but also to ensure that we welcome and nurture new and potential  new members.

Westhope XC Details 11th July

Next up Westhope XC  just off the Canon Pyon rd hosted by our noisy neighbours Hereford Couriers. More here

Abbeydore Cross Country results 27th June 2018

Here are the results for the second race in the Herefordshire Summer Cross Country series: results

A fantastic performance by all Wye Valley Runners, meaning that the A team are now leading overall. But don't forget, even if you were not in the six counters, every rival club member you beat, helps to extend our lead. Bring it on at Westhope in 2 weeks!

More photos and race report to follow.

Abbeydore XC details

ABBEYDORE WEDNESDAY 27th June 2018

Wye Valley Runners look forward to welcoming everyone back to  Abbeydore.

The course is best described as "not flat".

Race starts 7.30 prompt. Plenty of parking - with a short walk to start so please arrive in plenty of time.

Directions here  : https://goo.gl/lBpsnI

Postcode for Sat Nav HR2 0JQ

 A465 from Hereford to Abergavenny

Turn right opposite Wormbridge church, signposted Abbeydore

Continue and straight over crossroads to a T junction and then follow arrows from there

CLUB RUN IS HERE!

A while ago, the Committee applied to be part of a programme run by England Athletics aimed at supporting clubs to develop their runners.

"Club Run offers participating clubs a free series of practical coaching sessions led by coaches linked to the England Athletics coach development programmes with experience in off track running.

The Club Run sessions aim to support clubs and their runners to achieve more through their love of running."

We were successful in our bid and on Wednesday 20th our first session will take place at the Rowing Club at the usual time of 6.15. The session will start with an initial briefing by the representative from England Athletics and then a series of running activities on grass near the Rowing Club.  This is aimed at all levels of runner, from beginner to experienced athlete. Don't be put off by the use of words like coaching or think that this isn't for you. There will not be the usual club organised run, so please come along to the Club Run session and give it a go!

After the session there will be a short talk in the Rowing Club function room, for which we will provide some refreshments. We should be finished by 8.30, but you are welcome to stay for as long as the bar is open. To give me an an idea of the numbers for catering, can you please confirm by e-mail (martinflowers@sky.com), Facebook page or in person, if you will be joining us.

D is for Dublin

D is for Dublin

The next marathon in Flowers Jnrs quest to run the alphabet in marathons, will be in Dublin on Monday October 29th. This is the only race distance this time, so unless anyone also wants to run the full marathon, this will be an even more social trip than usual. We have already booked our accommodation in Dublin and if anyone is interested in joining Stevens Supporters group, I suggest you get on the case shortly, as it is a Bank Holiday in Ireland and rooms are filling up fast. Apartments seem to be a good option, offering reasonably good value for Dublin, which isn’t the cheapest. These overseas trips are always good fun and sometimes eventful, so it would be good if some of the usual crew and maybe some newcomers could come along. I can’t really book accommodation or travel for you, but if you want to know when and how we are getting there and where we are staying, let me know.