Aberystwyth Athletic Club - Clwb Athletau Aberystwyth

Clwb Athletau Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth Athletic Club

Established 1955 Sefydliad

Aberystwyth A.C. Weekly Newsletter Archive
2008

2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008 - 2009

22nd December 2008

News this week…

Club Annual Dinner – 17th January 2009
An event for everyone in the club and as many friends and family members as you’d like to bring. Tickets are £20 each and available from Dai James’ office* in town. We have hot food, live music, a guest speaker, Prof. David Lavallee (Head of Sport and Exercise Department, Aberystwyth University) as well as the club presentations from throughout the year.
*(Eastgate Street, Aberystwyth – David James & Partners Solicitors is almost opposite the cooking equipment shop.)

Monday Sessions
The next two Monday night sessions will be taken by Elizabeth in preparation for her Level 2 coaching award. These sessions are free to attend and will cater for all ability levels.
The plan for the next two weeks:
Dec 22 pyramid session along the prom of 30sec,1,2,3,4,3,2,1 minutes, 30 secs
Dec 29 timed efforts up Trevor Rd to burn off all the Xmas Pud.
Meet usual time of 6pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

Christmas/New Year Nant Yr Arian Social Runs
Thanks to Brian for arranging.
Hopefully the three dates will give everybody a chance to make one or all of them:
Saturday 27th December
Monday 29th December
Wednesday 31st December
Meet 10.15am for 10.30am start. Followed by soup/tea with Ceredig in the café.
Note from Brian: Some or nearly all our routes would be ok for someone to come on their mountain bikes. It might open it up a bit and particularly so if you're injured/hungover or something - more the merry-er.

Welsh Cross Country Championships (thanks to Helen Marshall)
This year the Welsh Cross Country Championships will be held at the Royal Welsh Show Ground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells on Sunday 1st February. There are six age groups for both men and women: seniors (at least 20 by midnight on 31/8/2008), under 23 (20 or over but under 23 by midnight on 31/8/2008), under 20 (17 or over but under 20 by midnight on 31/8/2008), under 17 (15 or over but under 17 by midnight on 31/8/2008), under 15 (13 or over but under 15 by midnight on 31/8/2008), and under 13 (11 or over but under 13 by midnight on 31/8/2008). Certificates and medals are awarded to individuals in their respective age groups, team certificates and medals are also awarded (the first six to finish in the senior men, and the first four to finish in all other age groups). All competitors must be WA registered. The event is local (no excuses!), it would be really fantastic if we could have a senior men and women’s team competing (and if, possible a junior team as well). If you’re interested in competing please contact me (via email), no later than Monday 19th January, with your AW number, age, date of birth and your Welsh eligibility (i.e. whether you are Welsh by birth, residency, parentage, or retention). Note, you are not allowed to enter on the day, I will organise the entries directly through WA. Please make every effort to attend, we have some great talent in the club, lets use this event to make our mark on the opposition! Happy training! Thanks, Helen (hem@aber.ac.uk ).

Congratulations to our new member Mark Smith…
Mark has made it into the UK Athletics Power of 10 ranking with his personal best time of 34.48 in the Aberystwyth 10k this year. The first time an Aberystwyth A.C. runner has made it into the rankings!
http://www.powerof10.info/

Race Results…

Aberystwyth AC Athletes in Welsh Inter Regions Action (thanks to Jos Jones)
Under 13 Boys - Stephen Williams: 13th
Under 15 Girls - Megan Turner: 10th
Under 17 Ladies - Eleanor Thorogood: 5th
Senior Ladies - Helen Marshall: 7th
Senior Men - Jos Jones: 13th
Apologies if I have missed anybody out.

2009 Races…

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 1 – 18th January 2009
Broddyfi Leisure Centre, Machynlleth. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Four Villages Half Marathon (Chester) - January 18th www.helsbyrunningclub.org.uk

Twin Piers 10k – Saturday 24th January 2009
1pm start at Llandudno Pier. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 25th January 2009
Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race)
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 2 – 1st February 2009
Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, Tywyn. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Maldwyn Harriers Rhayader Rant – 8th February 2009
08/02/09 – Rhayader Rant. 8 mile run over open fells. 11am start.
Enquiries to Paul Beeson on 01686 411354 or danny@newtownoaks.freeserve.co.uk

Llandudno Nick Beer 10k Road Race – 8th February 2008
12:00 Noon Start. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
www.nwrrc.co.uk

Village Bakery Half Marathon (Wrexham) - February 15th www.wrexham-athletics.co.uk

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 22nd February 2009
Gnoll Estate, Neath.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 3 – 22nd February 2009
Plascrug Leisure Centre Aberystwyth. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Reverse Ten (Treforest/Pontypridd) - 22nd February 2009
http://www.pontypriddroadentsac.org.uk/roadents-reverse-10-race/

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 1st March 2009
Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 4 – 8th March 2009
Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre Machynlleth. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Coniston 14 (Lake District) - March 28th www.coniston14.co.uk

Wilmslow Half Marathon - March 29th www.wilmslowhalf.org.uk

Shakespeare Marathon/Half (Stratford) - April 26th www.shakespearemarathon.org.uk

Bristol 10km - May 10th www.bristolhalfmarathon.com

Muller 10km (Market Drayton) - May 10the-mail for entry: beckett@muller.co.uk

Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon - September 13th 2009. Entry forms available in early 2009 at www.oswestryolympians.co.uk

Club dates for your diaries…

2009
17/01/09 – Annual Club dinner, Aberystwyth Golf Club
25/01/09 - Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race) West Glamorgan League Cross Country Race.
22/02/09 - Gnoll Estate, Neath, West Glamorgan League Cross Country.
01/03/09 - Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot, West Glamorgan League Cross Country.
16-17/10/09 – Bunkhouse Weekend, North Wales.

16th December 2008

News this week…

Tuesday Training tonight will NOT be a time trial
There will be an alternative session. Meet usual time of 6pm at Plascrug.

Club Annual Dinner – 17th January 2009
An event for everyone in the club and as many friends and family members as you’d like to bring. Tickets are £20 each and available from Dai James’ office* in town. We have hot food, live music, a guest speaker, Prof. David Lavallee (Head of Sport and Exercise Department, Aberystwyth University) as well as the club presentations from throughout the year.
*(Eastgate Street, Aberystwyth – David James and Partners Solicitors is almost opposite the cooking equipment shop.)

League 2008 - Preliminary Positions (Tony Wenlock)
With Aber 10k behind us the 2008 League is reaching its climax and it is now time to choose your best optional races to ensure you maximise your overall score. The updated tables have been set up to show all the people that have qualified and for these, a provisional optional score has been entered.

However, these are not the final positions - so could you still produce an upset? John Evans has already submitted a race result that adds and couple of points to his score and this lifted him by one position - so do you have a rabbit in the hat?

Use the Personal Analysis page to review all you races and if you think you have a better optional race that could lift your position let us know and we'll put it in.

If you haven't qualified yet is there a race that you could get in that would lift you into contention?

If you want to submit an alternative optional race you will need to let us know by 31st December by sending the race details to tony.wenlock@bt.com . The details we need are;

Name of the race
Distance
Your time - supported by official races.

Note: Only races with officially measured distances can be used e.g. 5k, 5M,10k,10M, half or full marathon etc.

Hello from Up and Running Swansea
I just wanted to make sure that all your running club members are aware that Up & Running Swansea offer a 10% discount in the shop on all purchases (other than sale items) upon showing a Welsh Athletics Association card membership card.
t: 01792 456060
e: swansea@upandrunning.co.uk
w: www.swansea.upandrunning.co.uk

Wide Open Trails
I am writing to introduce you to a new and exciting tour company. Wide Open Trails offer a full "land only" package to runners looking for adventure travel holidays in exciting and inspirational locations throughout the world: http://www.wideopentrails.co.uk/
Our tours provide exhilarating enjoyment in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, where runners of all ages and abilities enjoy carefully designed tours in breathtaking scenery. Minimum equipment is carried to allow lightweight travel along the trail, and we take advantage of comfortable local accommodation and refreshments.
Our experienced guides ensure you have an unforgettable experience combining stunning scenery, local customs and culture, exercise and the shared camaraderie of runners across the world. Their experience allows the pace of each day to be tailored to meet the needs of everyone, with detours from the route available to those who might want to run further, or higher.
We also offer a bespoke service for clubs, organisations, groups of friends, or individuals where we research, design and deliver customised trail running tours in destinations of your choice. Drawing on our own experience and the knowledge of our partners we are able to develop tours in almost any location with suitable trails and supporting infrastructure services.
Please see our website: http://www.wideopentrails.co.uk/ for more details.
We look forward to running with you.
Best Regards,
Jane
Jane Umpleby
Director
Wide Open Trails Limited
www.wideopentrails.co.uk
info@wideopentrails.co.uk

Race Results…

Aberystwyth 10k
With perfect weather conditions many Personal Best times were set on Sunday. 254 runners in total. Results have been sent out to everyone in the club and will be available on the club website shortly. If you have any photos from the race you’d like to share, email them to aiv@aber.ac.uk for loading on the club photo site: www.flickr.com/photos/aberac

Christmas Club Handicap (thanks to Pete Foale)
Use of the Council's bandstand was a blessing to both shelter from the rain and to do the presentation after the run. There was a good turnout of 25 with a welcome new faces few experiencing the fun of being chased down for the first time.
The handicaps did work quite well for a good half of the runners but others did undoubtedly need more of a time handicap which is why they finished some way behind the leaders. It is a very difficult race to plan though as it's hard to know how well people have trained and what sort of form they are in.
Gethin Holland had a 14½ minute advantage over Rose Rhys who went off on scratch but Gethin, on his way to breaking his own course record, passed Rose with some way to go and almost caught Catherine Tudor-Jones on the line, such was the measure of Gethin's unrelenting improvement. Both Catherine and Gethin had really good runs. But the drama didn't end there. As Lynette Peck was abandoning her run by sprinting to the Fire Station on an emergency call-out there was a frantic battle in the last half mile as those with a heavier time penalty were catching those who started off earlier, all in a mad dash to claim the great prizes that were on offer as well as the many curly wurlies.
Another surprise package of the evening was newcomer Phoebe Pender who recorded a fine time of 38.19 and looks as if she can go much faster.
One of the favourites (to at least win a curly wurly) was Phoebe Webster. Phoebe went off with a determined resolute to do something special that damp winter's evening but unbeknown to us all Phoebe had a secret plan up her sleeve. She was to make a determined effort to win the coveted 'Nicky Blake' trophy.
For those who are not aware of Nicky Blake, he was a fine young lad who used to run for Aber AC some years ago. However, it was almost routine for Nicky to take a wrong turn, get lost or go off route no matter how many times it was explained to him beforehand.
Alas, though it was a fine attempt by Phoebe in taking a detour around Blaendolau fields she has some way to go to claim Nicky's crown.
The first eight to cross the line are listed below, the full results are on the attached updated Excel spreadsheet.

1 Clive Williams 37.02
2 Catherine Tudor-Jones 37.18
3 Gethin Holland 28.48
4 Adriano Evola 36.18
5 Shelley Childs 32.40
6 John Evans 35.48
7 Tony Wenlock 37.10
8 Phoebe Pender 38.19

Gower Half Marathon (thanks to Glenda Roberts)
I ran (and walked!) the Gower Half Marathon last Saturday – it’s part of the Endurancelife Coastal Trail series. It was certainly the hardest race I have ever done, but the scenery was spectacular and the weather couldn't have been better- crisp and clear. It took me 3 hours and 25 minutes but I wasn't quite last and I did stop to take a few photos! If you like hills, sand, mud and cold peat bogs then this is the race for you! There was also a Marathon...

Ras Y Mast, Llanybydder – 30th November
Thanks to Shelley the results have been found at: http://www.onlineraceresults.co.uk/main1.htm

Mortimer Forest Hill Race – 14th December 2008
Dave Powell and Louise Barker took part in this tough race along with 300 others. As well as the hills to make the course tough the mud was an added extra challenge!
www.ludlowrunners.org

2009 Races…

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 1 – 18th January 2009
Broddyfi Leisure Centre, Machynlleth. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Four Villages Half Marathon (Chester) - January 18th www.helsbyrunningclub.org.uk

Twin Piers 10k – Saturday 24th January 2009
1pm start at Llandudno Pier. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 25th January 2009
Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race)
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 2 – 1st February 2009
Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, Tywyn. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Maldwyn Harriers Rhayader Rant – 8th February 2009
08/02/09 – Rhayader Rant. 8 mile run over open fells. 11am start.
Enquiries to Paul Beeson on 01686 411354 or danny@newtownoaks.freeserve.co.uk

Llandudno Nick Beer 10k Road Race – 8th February 2008
12:00 Noon Start. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
www.nwrrc.co.uk

Village Bakery Half Marathon (Wrexham) - February 15th www.wrexham-athletics.co.uk

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 22nd February 2009
Gnoll Estate, Neath.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 3 – 22nd February 2009
Plascrug Leisure Centre Aberystwyth. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Reverse Ten (Treforest/Pontypridd) - 22nd February 2009
http://www.pontypriddroadentsac.org.uk/roadents-reverse-10-race/

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 1st March 2009
Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 4 – 8th March 2009
Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre Machynlleth. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Coniston 14 (Lake District) - March 28th www.coniston14.co.uk

Wilmslow Half Marathon - March 29th www.wilmslowhalf.org.uk

Shakespeare Marathon/Half (Stratford) - April 26th www.shakespearemarathon.org.uk

Bristol 10km - May 10th www.bristolhalfmarathon.com

Muller 10km (Market Drayton) - May 10the-mail for entry: beckett@muller.co.uk

Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon - September 13th 2009. Entry forms available in early 2009 at www.oswestryolympians.co.uk

Club dates for your diaries…

8th December 2008

News this week…

TONIGHT Club Christmas 5 mile Handicap run– Monday 8th December
Come along and have a go – everybody has equal chance of winning.
Meet at Plascrug Leisure Centre for 6pm.
Flat 5 mile route. The club have use of the Bandstand to start and finish the run. Estimated start time 6.20-6.30pm.
Exciting prizes to at least the first 6 finishers! Presentation to take place in the Bandstand.

Marshals needed for the Macmillan Aberystwyth 10k race on 14th December.
Reliable adults are needed for about 1.30 hours between 1.20 to 2.20pm (race start time changed to 1.30 because of change to train timetable). Anyone interested or if you think you know someone who is willing to give a bit of time towards a worthy cause for no reward other than seeing fine athletes running and probably getting drenched and cold then email Peter Foale or ring on 01970 828014.

THIS SUNDAY Join in the post race fun at the Academy – plenty of hot food, desserts and tea/coffee only £5!!!
Come along and enjoy the fantastic Aber AC hot buffet, desserts and tea/coffee in the recently renovated Academy - only £5 each which you pay on the night. Meet 6.30 for a few drinks before food at 7pm. Friends and family welcome – hopefully see you there!
(please let me know if you are coming along – I need to confirm numbers by Wednesday , many thanks, Anita aiv@aber.ac.uk or leave a message on 01970 832013)

Good Luck to Emma Smith!
On behalf of Aber AC we would like to wish Emma all the best over the next few months, with her catering post in a French ski chalet until May. I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time and we’ll all look forward to seeing you back next year!

New race for 2009 – Ireland plays host to the Wexford Half Marathon
19th April 2009
www.wexfordhalfmarathon.com

December Races …

Mortimer Forest Hill Race – 14th December 2008
11am start from Moor Park School, Overton, near Ludlow. Approx 10 miles. 520m of ascent. www.ludlowrunners.org

Race Results…

Ras Y Mast, Llanybydder – 30th November
Aber AC had a good turnout with Gethin, Dave, Shelley, Geoff, Helen, Louise and Kevin taking part.
Pictures from the race (more being added over next few days) at: www.flickr.com/photos/aberac

Cardington Cracker – 7th December
Aber AC were represented by seasoned fell runners Louise and Dave in this annual race.
Thanks to Peter and Marion for these photos: www.flickr.com/photos/aberac

2009 Races…

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 1 – 18th January 2009
Broddyfi Leisure Centre, Machynlleth. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Four Villages Half Marathon (Chester) - January 18th www.helsbyrunningclub.org.uk

Twin Piers 10k – Saturday 24th January 2009
1pm start at Llandudno Pier. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 25th January 2009
Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race)
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 2 – 1st February 2009
Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, Tywyn. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Maldwyn Harriers Rhayader Rant – 8th February 2009
08/02/09 – Rhayader Rant. 8 mile run over open fells. 11am start.
Enquiries to Paul Beeson on 01686 411354 or danny@newtownoaks.freeserve.co.uk

Llandudno Nick Beer 10k Road Race – 8th February 2008
12:00 Noon Start. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
www.nwrrc.co.uk

Village Bakery Half Marathon (Wrexham) - February 15th www.wrexham-athletics.co.uk

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 22nd February 2009
Gnoll Estate, Neath.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 3 – 22nd February 2009
Plascrug Leisure Centre Aberystwyth. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Reverse Ten (Treforest/Pontypridd) - 22nd February 2009
http://www.pontypriddroadentsac.org.uk/roadents-reverse-10-race/

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 1st March 2009
Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 4 – 8th March 2009
Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre Machynlleth. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Coniston 14 (Lake District) - March 28th www.coniston14.co.uk

Wilmslow Half Marathon - March 29th www.wilmslowhalf.org.uk

Shakespeare Marathon/Half (Stratford) - April 26th www.shakespearemarathon.org.uk

Bristol 10km - May 10th www.bristolhalfmarathon.com

Muller 10km (Market Drayton) - May 10the-mail for entry: beckett@muller.co.uk

Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon - September 13th 2009. Entry forms available in early 2009 at www.oswestryolympians.co.uk

Club dates for your diaries…

2008
08/12/08 – Club Christmas Handicap Time Trial 6pm @ Plascrug Leisure Centre
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)
14/12/08 – Social after the Aber 10k (Academy 6.30pm for buffet and a few drinks - £5 a head)

2009
25/01/09 - Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race) West Glamorgan League Cross Country Race.
22/02/09 - Gnoll Estate, Neath, West Glamorgan League Cross Country.
01/03/09 - Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot, West Glamorgan League Cross Country.

28th November 2008

News this week…

REMINDER 2009 LONDON MARATHON TWO PLACES UP FOR GRABS
If you fancy running the London Marathon next April why not enter the club draw for a guaranteed place? All current members who were also members in 07-08, are eligible to take part by sending their name to Kevin Holland (k.holland@aber.ac.uk) by 30th November. At the following Tuesday training session on 2nd December the draw will take place. A reserve name will also be drawn and if not needed to run in London, the club will pay the reserve's entry fee for another marathon at a similar time to London so that the training would not be in vain!

Twin Peaks race featured in the latest Runners World magazine!
In the latest Runners World (January edition) there is an excellent photograph and race report.

Mid Wales Orienteers event on the 6th December (thanks to Bill Marlow)
Mid Wales Orienteers are holding an Orienteering event at Nash Woods (including Knill Woods and Cann Woods). This area is familiar to your members, but how well would they do orienteering through it? Come and Try It on Saturday 6th December, Starts are 10.30am - Noon. William.Marlow@btopenworld.com
More details:
POW’S Local Event (incorporating WREKIN Club Championship) at Nash Woods, near Presteigne on SATURDAY 6th DECEMBER 2008.
Location:1km S.W. of Presteigne adjacent to the B4355/B4362.
Parking:On Car Park at Leisure Centre adjacent to John Beddoe School), directly off B4355/B4362 at Grid Ref: SO 317 639
Facilities:Toilet facilities in Presteigne or at Leisure Centre adjacent to John Beddoe School. Bring your own water as none will be provided at Finish.
Terrain: FC woodland - part of an elongated, mostly wooded, hill which straddles the Welsh/English border. It consists of mixed deciduous & coniferous woodland, which is mostly very runnable. Good forest track/path system. Please don’t interfere with any dormouse boxes on trees that you encounter!
Map:Area new to Orienteering. Map Scale 1:10,000 (A4 map), 5-Colour, 5 metre contours. Pre-marked for all unless you arrive late! Surveyed and mapped by Pete Jones of WRE in winter of 2007.
Punching:Hand punching will be used on all courses.
Fees:Seniors/Groups @ £5-00; Juniors @ £2-00 (POW Members: Seniors £2.00 & Juniors £1.00 each).
Starts:10.30 am – 12 noon. Registration 10.00am – 11.30am by the Leisure Centre CP.
Courses:To suit both the beginner and experienced orienteers.
Short (Yellow/Orange, TD2/3) – 2.58km, 110m climb
Medium (Lt. Green/Green, TD4/5) – 4.62km, 180m
Long (Blue TD5) – 5.71km, 250m
Clothing: Full leg cover is advised; bring a whistle + bring a clear plastic bag or map case (A4) as maps are not waterproof.
Dogs:Permitted, but must be kept on a lead at all times.
Planner/Organiser: Malcolm Reynolds  01686 688454 (7.00pm to 9.00pm only please)
or www.mid-wales-orienteers.org.uk
Additional Information:- At Leisure Centre facilities include toilets and coin operated drink/choc bars machines. Please remove muddy “O” Shoes before going into Leisure Centre afterwards! Further cars could be accommodated along the side of the car park which has white zig-zag lines if the school is closed.
Car Park at the Leisure Centre, SO 317 639. Limited parking, so please share transport.
It is a seven or eight minute walk (0.6k) along a tarmac road + forest road to the Start.
There are public toilets in Presteigne (behind the Police Station but the car park there is pay and display).
Presteigne is worth a visit. It has a number of small quirky shops for browsing; three tea-rooms; The Radnorshire Arms Hotel and The Duke Pub both do real ales and roaring fires. The Radnorshire Arms Hotel is good for meals.
There is a farmers market on the day of our event open 9am to 1pm, also a good whole-food shop, open at the same time.

This Wednesday - Body Shop Christmas Party! (thanks to Bridget)
I am having my annual Christmas Body Shop party at my house on Wednesday the 3rd of December @ 7:30pm.
There will be a makeup demonstration and the chance to sample this year’s Body Shop Christmas range of goodies.
Drinks and snacks provided! If you would like to come please let me know either on a club night or email bsp@aber.ac.uk

Club Christmas Handicap Time Trial – Monday 8th December
Come along and have a go – everybody has equal chance of winning.
Meet at Plascrug Leisure Centre for 6pm.
Flat 5 mile route (email Pete or Anita for map of the route)
Prizes awarded on the night.

Aber 10k post race social – 14th December
Beat the credit crunch with a fantastic Aber AC hot buffet and desert in the recently renovated Academy - only £5 each which you pay on the night. Meet 6.30 for a few drinks before food at 7pm. Friends and family welcome – hopefully see you there!

November/December Races …

Ras Y Mast, Llanybydder – 30th November 2008
1pm start.
Venue – Blaenwern Holiday Centre, Lanybydder, Ceredigion.
Start – Juniors 12.30pm, Seniors 1.00pm.
Race Organiser - Lyn Rees, Tanrhos, Cwrtnewydd, Llanybydder, Ceredigion, SA40 9YN
Tel: 01570 434244 E-mail: rees.tanrhos@tiscali.co.uk
www.sarnhelen.org.uk

Mortimer Forest Hill Race – 14th December 2008
11am start from Moor Park School, Overton, near Ludlow. Approx 10 miles. 520m of ascent. www.ludlowrunners.org

Race Results…

Inter-Schools Cross-Country Championships (thanks to Kevin Holland)
Four of the Club’s juniors represented Penweddig at the recent Welsh Schools’ Inter-Schools Cross-Country Championships, Held at Penlan Arena, Brecon Saturday, November 15th, 2008.
Junior Boys (U14) 2800m 21 place 10:48 Stephen Williams – a very close race with one minute covering the first 27 finishers!
Middle Girls (U16) 3640m 9 place 13:40 Megan Turner
Senior Girls (U19) 4120m 10 place 17:23 Rebecca Ansell
Senior Boys (u19) – 5300m 19 place 19:05 Gethin Holland
Well done to the four who have now been selected to represent Dyfed at the Cardiff X Challenge 2009 - Sunday January 18th 2009.

North Wales Cross Country League, Bangor (thanks to John Evans)
As part of my personal crusade to put Aber A.C. at the forefront of athletic achievement i.e. a club mention in the weekly report in the Liverpool Daily Post, I travelled to the 3rd fixture in the North Wales Cross Country League at the University fields at Bangor. The results of the 1st fixture at Eirias Park Colwyn Bay, confirmed the club’s position at the bottom of league 2( Dai Robs presence sorely missed). As I did not attend the 2nd fixture at the National Sports Centre Lilleshall, the club is no longer mentioned in the division. Will the club name re-appear after this 3rd event?
The course at Bangor is always wet- even when it’s dry! Some sections through the woods particularly tricky avoiding exposed tree roots.
The usual 2 race split, Youths, ladies and over 65 men in the1st race, where the youngster well in the lead during the 1st large lap appeared confused, took a wrong turn and headed off on an incorrect route. The onlooking organiser calmly said they would all need to follow him and run the same route on the 2nd lap.
The men’s race followed, the course had been changed this year, to try and prevent the usual bottlenecks. But I hadn’t realised this would make the race considerably longer -approx 7.25 miles although the more runners I spoke to at the end of the race the longer the distance became. Whatever it was, it took me about an hour.
I now eagerly await the official results -will the club re-appear at the foot of division 2?
For anyone interested 2 fixtures remain, both exotic locations at Wrexham & Oswestry. Friendly races with good facilities, showers, refreshments, no fee.

Elan Valley 10 mile Race (thanks to Anita Worthing)
This year’s race was a joy compared to last year – mainly dry and totally sheltered from the wind. The scenery was glorious, starting with the awe-inspiring walk up the side of the dam to the start line, with water cascading over in full flow. Dave Powell commented on the excellent engineering of the perfectly level top of the dam which enables the water to come through evenly rather than all at one end!

The first mile of the race is downhill back through the visitor centre, then the first hill comes into view – a steepish pull at first, then a long shallow incline which looks fairly flat to the eye but which your legs tell you is still uphill! I’ve lost count of the number of hills but they didn’t seem half as bad as last year as I was prepared for them this time so was able to pace myself more effectively. The long downhill sections provide a welcome break and the scenery is beautiful all the way round. The route is circular and almost entirely on quiet single-track country lanes just outside Rhayader.

Those at the front of the pack apparently had an altercation with a local farmer who tried to block the road to move his cattle. The first runner was grabbed by the throat, Cliff Evans who was nearby tried to calm things down, and I think the cyclist who had been sent to lead the pack eventually got things under control – but I’ve only heard this from those who were there; by the time I came round, everything seemed in order!

The first man, Jamie Loxam, came in at 00:57:68. Phoebe Webster was first lady in 01:06:54. Dave Powell wasn’t far behind in 01:07:44. A bit of a gap then before Cliff Thomas in a brilliant time of 01:16:56 – nearly 5 mins better than his last time last year, and would have got him an age group first prize if he’d been put in the correct group! I didn’t quite manage to catch him up though he was in my sights all the way round, which, combined with being as close to Dawn Kenwright as I’ve ever been, spurred me on to finish in 01:17:59 – nearly 6 minutes better than last year! Glenda Roberts finished in 01:31:41 and looked fresh as a daisy despite saying it was a hard course, and as a bonus got first prize in her age group, so a good day was had by all.

Let’s hope the club can resolve their differences with the local farmer as this race is definitely one to keep in the diary (21st November 2009)!
(Photos from the race can be seen on the club’s photo site: www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/ )

2009 Races…

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 1 – 18th January 2009
Broddyfi Leisure Centre, Machynlleth. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Four Villages Half Marathon (Chester) - January 18th www.helsbyrunningclub.org.uk

Twin Piers 10k – Saturday 24th January 2009
1pm start at Llandudno Pier. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 25th January 2009
Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race)
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 2 – 1st February 2009
Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, Tywyn. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Maldwyn Harriers Rhayader Rant – 8th February 2009
08/02/09 – Rhayader Rant. 8 mile run over open fells. 11am start.
Enquiries to Paul Beeson on 01686 411354 or danny@newtownoaks.freeserve.co.uk

Llandudno Nick Beer 10k Road Race – 8th February 2008
12:00 Noon Start. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
www.nwrrc.co.uk

Village Bakery Half Marathon (Wrexham) - February 15th www.wrexham-athletics.co.uk

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 22nd February 2009
Gnoll Estate, Neath.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 3 – 22nd February 2009
Plascrug Leisure Centre Aberystwyth. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Reverse Ten (Treforest/Pontypridd) - 22nd February 2009
http://www.pontypriddroadentsac.org.uk/roadents-reverse-10-race/

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 1st March 2009
Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 4 – 8th March 2009
Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre Machynlleth. www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Coniston 14 (Lake District) - March 28th www.coniston14.co.uk

Wilmslow Half Marathon - March 29th www.wilmslowhalf.org.uk

Shakespeare Marathon/Half (Stratford) - April 26th www.shakespearemarathon.org.uk

Bristol 10km - May 10th www.bristolhalfmarathon.com

Muller 10km (Market Drayton) - May 10th e-mail for entry: beckett@muller.co.uk

Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon - September 13th 2009. Entry forms available in early 2009 at www.oswestryolympians.co.uk

Club dates for your diaries…

2008
08/12/08 – Club Christmas Handicap Time Trial 6pm @ Plascrug Leisure Centre
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)
14/12/08 – Social post-Aber 10k (Academy 6.30pm for buffet and a few drinks - £5 a head)

20th November 2008

News this week…

Town v Gown shield
The Twin Peaks Town V Gown shield is on display at the Dolphin restaurant. This year the trophy was won by us, Aber AC.

Body Shop Christmas Party! (thanks to Bridget)
I am having my annual Christmas Body Shop party at my house on Wednesday the 3rd of December @ 7:30pm.
There will be a makeup demonstration and the chance to sample this year’s Body Shop Christmas range of goodies.
Drinks and snacks provided! If you would like to come please let me know either on a club night or email bsp@aber.ac.uk

Aber 10k post race social – 14th December
Keep the evening free for food and a couple of drinks.
More details to follow next week!

2009 Events List (thanks to Dave Thomas)
One of the problems with living in Aberystwyth is that it’s two hours off the main road. Hence it takes a lot of effort to front up at the start line at many of the more interesting races. You can only take so much of the Dolgellau 5!!

Here’s a list of some that make take your fancy if you’re looking for a day out, weekend away or just something different in early 2009. Mostly half marathons I’m afraid, but it’s that time of year when all routes lead to London.

January 18th Four Villages Half Marathon (Chester) www.helsbyrunningclub.org.uk

January 24th Twin Piers 10km (Colwyn Bay) Entry forms on Leisure Centre noticeboard or from Anita

February 15th Village Bakery Half Marathon (Wrexham) www.wrexham-athletics.co.uk

March 28th Coniston 14 (Lake District) www.coniston14.co.uk

March 29th Wilmslow Half Marathon www.wilmslowhalf.org.uk

April 26th Shakespeare Marathon/Half (Stratford) www.shakespearemarathon.org.uk

May 10th Bristol 10km www.bristolhalfmarathon.com

May 10th Muller 10km (Market Drayton) e-mail for entry: beckett@muller.co.uk

……And not forgetting the return of the most scenic, flatest, fastest (?) half marathon in the UK…..

September 13th 2009 Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon. Entry forms available in early 2009 at www.oswestryolympians.co.uk

November Races …

Elan 10 mile race - Saturday 22nd November at 1pm.
“the race is billed as “scenic” which of course means lots of steep hills – the sort where you think you’re reaching the crest of the hill but it’s just a bend in the road and the route continues relentlessly upwards.” Anita W’s thoughts on the race she promises she’ll be running again this year!
Entry forms: http://www.rhayaderac.org.uk/

Race Results…

Cliff Thomas (club press officer) unfortunately had his original submission heavily chopped for the Cambrian News.
The original can be read below:

The morning dawned dry and bright, almost a perfect day for running a Marathon... Unfortunately, this is a description of the Friday and Sunday. The Saturday of the 26th Snowdonia Marathon was the intervening day, which dawned late, after a night of storms which presaged the day to come.

Eight members of Aberystwyth Athletic Club travelled North in gale-force conditions to take part in this iconic race, described in Runners' World magazine as "the most demanding road-race marathon in the UK" and voted by their readers in 2006 as the most scenic route in the UK. Whether a poll of this year's entrants would come to quite the same conclusion, is a moot point.

The 26.2 mile race starts from Nant Peris, and a free bus service is provided to carry participants from Registration in Llanberis to the Start. Whilst most other people were content to huddle in the queue wearing bin-bags, Louise Barker and Stephen King nonchalently jogged the two miles up llanberis Pass to the assembly area. It may be significant that, while most people were smiling bravely (with their teeth if not with their eyes), Louise looked as if she meant it, while Stephen was gearing up for his several cameo appearances in the hour-long S4C report on the race, looking suitably gritty and determined in shorts and vest surrounded by other runners mostly wearing hat and full body cover !

1167 runners from all over the UK and Europe started the race at just after 10.30 am, leaving piles of bin-bags and energy drinks bottles to be collected by the organisers.

From Nant Peris, the Llanberis Pass climbs 1100' to Pen y Pass in 3.5 miles. At this stage, the wind, carrying its periodic rainy load, sometimes seemed to come from the front and sometimes from behind, no doubt depending on which way it was being funnelled by the valley sides.

The road from Pen y Pass drops steeply to Pen y Gwryd, and this, combined with a particularly strong blast of wind from behind lifted one runner off his feet. Thereafter, a gentler descent past Llyn Gwynant takes the runners on an undulating route to Beddgelert.

As they started the 500' upward toil from Beddgelert to Rhyd Ddu, the runners endured the full brunt of what the Met Office described as 'heavy rain with winds of 50-60mph' in their severe Weather Warning of the previous day. Rain smashed into their hapless bodies, and in an ironic twist, although the wind came from behind, it veered from side to side, one minute pushing the runner towards the nearside wall, and the next towards the traffic, so it was of little assistance.

Between Rhyd ddu and Waunfawr, the course undulates gently past Llyn Cwellyn where the waves almost reminded one of Aber promenade on a stormy day. By now, the distance-markers were showing comfortingly large numbers, and in the village of Waun Fawr, at mile 21, the route takes a sharp right turn before climbing 700' in about 1.25 miles. Fortunately, much of this section runs between walls or banmks, though the veering rain-laden blasts seemed to dart from any point of the compass. At this point, a glance into the valley showed flooded fields each side of the river Gwyrfai, complementing the streams running back and forth across the course.

Bwlch y Groes, the plateau at the top of Waun Fawr, is the point where the tarmac ends, and runners were given a brief respite while they negotiated a tree which had been blown down across the track. After this, the descent started.

The two-rut track meanders steeply down-hill, and this combined with the conditions underfoot, meant that runners had little control in descent. It was at this stage that one Club member was blown off the path and down a bank, up which he then had to climb ignominiously.

With about 2.5 miles to go, the course rejoins tarmac, and, after negotiating a small hill on the outskirts of the town, runners can enjoy the final 0.2 mile run-in to the Finish.

The Snowdonia Marathon is a remarkable and memorable chip-timed race, and was no less-so this year. The uncompromisingly cheerful and positive volunteers manning the drink-stations at roughly 2-mile intervals and the marshals must have been even colder than the runners, who at least had the benefit of being able to generate some heat by virtue of movement.

There were 1733 recorded entrants this year, of whom 1167 turned up to run on the day. The balance may well have had training problems, injuries, or having opened the curtains that morning and seen the weather displayed more sense than the rest of us. Of the 1167 starters, 33 did not finish.

All AAC members finished in good order, and most who ran in 2007, oddly recorded better times and positions in 2008. Having chosen the most challenging course in the UK, and in the most difficult conditions to make her marathon debut, Helen Williams came through unscathed, and in an excellent time.

Results :
First Male, Martin Cox in 2:44:40, First Female Alison Sedman (1st F40) of Belle Vue Racers in 3:14:55.

AAC Results :
56th Dave Powell 3:20:45 (11th M45), 109 Stephen King 3:31:39 (52nd MSEN), 123 Louise Barker 3:32:39 (5th FSEN) PB, 297 Geoff Oldrid 3:53:20 (19th M50), 420 Pete Foale 4:02:19 (15th M55), Cliff Thomas 4:04:36 (5th M60)PB, 447 Anita Worthing 4:04:07 (2nd F50), 797 Helen Williams 4:38:32 (20th F45) PB

Meanwhile, in Borrowdale, Cumbria, Kate O'Sullivan had started the 41st Original Mountain Marathon at about the same time as the Snowdonia Marathon started.

This two-day event which involves route finding and carrying sufficient provisions and equipment to spend the intervening night en route, started in strong winds and rain, and developed into the debacle which made the Snowdonia Marathon look like the easy option. The organisers aborted the race at a point when recall of the teams was difficult as the 700competitors were now spread all over the landscape, as reported in the news media.

To make matters worse, Kate's companion became injured and had to be stretchered off by Rescue Squad.

However, all competitors were accounted for and should recover to compete another day.

Orienteering at Hafod, Sunday 16th November (thanks to Kate O’Sullivan)
I joined the Mid Wales Orienteers earlier this year and thought I would let you all know how it has been going. I have been taking the kids along to each of the local events, and the boys have been trying out the short courses. Yesterday Daniel tackled the short "score" course, where he had to pick up as many controls (and points) as possible within a 30 minute period. Time penalties for each minute over this would be incurred. I shadowed him, showing him as we went along how to get from A to B using the map, and we ran a cracking pace together through beautiful, autumnal forest glades. He thoroughly enjoyed himself, and I suppose it was a bit like a treasure hunt. The short courses are very do-able with a bit of basic map reading (I have sent Daniel off on the non-timed league courses on his own) and are never more than a couple of miles long. The medium courses are quite different, as Martyn illustrated in his report on Plumlumon earlier in the year! The short courses are great for starting out, and getting the hang of the whole thing without risking getting lost, and I would encourage any of you to come along, as invariably it is an opportunity to have some fun running in some very beautiful locations, on paths or off road. The organisers are always hugely helpful and the whole competitive side very laid-back. There are some local events in Talybont and Pontrhydygroes in February and March, and there will be more throughout the year; follow the link and have a go; you will soon be hooked!
www.mid-wales-orienteers.org.uk

Corndon Classic - Race No 2 In The Maldwyn Harriers Winter Race Series (thanks to Jos Jones)
Conditions - Dry for the race, but very slippy in parts.
The rain and mist had just about cleared for the Aberystwyth Athletes at this years race.
12th Jos Jones - Bloody Nackered!
15th (1st Lady) Phoebe Webster (UWA) - Running well after a recent injury.
16th Dave Powell - Just getting warmed up.
22nd Geoff Oldrid - Beat off the much, much younger Adian Brown of Presteigne Pacers.
25th (2nd Lady) Louise Barker - Went round again!
33rd Helen Marshall - Please with the ups, not so pleased with the downs!
62nd Adriano Evola - Came up with some excuse about getting lost.
64th Steve King - Just there for the chocolate fingers.

British and Irish Masters International Cross Country Championships (thanks to John Evans)
Just a brief report on this years event at Singleton park Swansea on Saturday 15th Nov.
I travelled down as one of the reserve Welsh squad members for age group 60-64;thought it would be interesting to see runners of that quality and I could at least run in the open event for reserves and others. Obviously hoping no team members would drop out as "the standard was very high"-Dic's words, the first person I spoke to on arrival. Spirits further plummeted when I realised someone of Phil Kendricks talent could only make reserve in his age group.
Impressively large contingents of English and Irish team members and the English runners seemed dominant on the day, although haven't seen the official team results yet.
Not a pleasant day weather-wise, wet and misty- typical cross country. The muddy state of the course made it an arduous 8km,over 4 laps, and you can imagine the state by the time the 4th and final open race started. Nasty climb at the start of each lap, but a group of Irish runners in the elite race had the right idea. Not being aware the race had started until the runners passed them ,they just ducked under the barriers and joined the race quite near the front having saved themselves approx. 300 metres and one hill climb.
In the open race, a lot of national vests evident but I was feeling quite confident during the race as there seemed to be quite a few runners behind me..... until I started the final lap and realised most were finishing after 3 laps i.e. all the women and men over 65! Dic had not underestimated the standard even of the lesser mortals!!

Unfortunately my source does not have the junior results, but I do recall strong performances from Megan and Stephen who both finished high up the standings in their respective races.
Senior Results:
Ladies: Helen Marshall coasted round the course to finish effortlessly in 5th place, 3rd in the championships. Her coach later complained that there was little or no suffering on her face and should work a lot harder next time!
Men: Jos Jones 23rd, 17th in championships. Lots of pain and suffering on this face having gone off far to fast and showing extremely poor race craft. Not a vintage performance. Taking of vintage Pete Foale finished 36th, 25th in the championships. A good run by Pete still with heavy legs after the last race he ran in. We are legally not allowed to mention the name of that race and all evidence of his participation in it have been removed from the record books.
As a counter in the West Glamorgan League the results now put Helen in joint top of the standings with the Ladies Team 4th in Division 2. Jos is now in 12th place. The Men's Team League results have yet to be updated.
The next league race is at Corus Sports Club, Margam, Port Talbot, January 25th. Please note that this is a road race, a fast, flat 5 miler. Please turn up to the race and help gain team points. Club Vests must be worn. It's also only a couple of pounds to enter. Bargain!

Junior Results for West Wales Cross Country Championships (thanks to Jos Jones)

U13 Boys - 6th, Stephen Williams
U15 Girls - 7th, Megan Turner
U15 Boys - 11th, Ryan Williams
Well Done All!

Future Races…

Mortimer Forest Hill Race – 14th December 2008
11am start from Moor Park School, Overton, near Ludlow. Approx 10 miles. 520m of ascent. www.ludlowrunners.org

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 1 – 18th January 2009
January 18th - Broddyfi Leisure Centre, Machynlleth.
For further details please contact Pete Jenkins at pvjenks@btinternet.com or 01970 832176
www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Twin Piers 10k – Saturday 24th January 2009
1pm start at Llandudno Pier. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 25th January 2009
Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race)
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 2 – 1st February 2009
February 1st - Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, Tywyn.
For further details please contact Pete Jenkins at pvjenks@btinternet.com or 01970 832176
www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Llandudno Nick Beer 10k Road Race – 8th February 2008
12:00 Noon Start. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
www.nwrrc.co.uk

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 22nd February 2009
Gnoll Estate, Neath.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 3 – 22nd February 2009
February 22nd - Plascrug Leisure Centre Aberystwyth.
For further details please contact Pete Jenkins at pvjenks@btinternet.com or 01970 832176
www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Reverse Ten (Treforest/Pontypridd) - 22nd February 2009
http://www.pontypriddroadentsac.org.uk/roadents-reverse-10-race/

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 1st March 2009
Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon race 4 – 8th March 2009
March 8th - Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre Machynlleth.
For further details please contact Pete Jenkins at pvjenks@btinternet.com or 01970 832176
www.ceristtriathlon.org.uk/

Club dates for your diaries…

2008
08/12/08 – Club Christmas Handicap Time Trial 6pm @ Plascrug Leisure Centre
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)
14/12/08 – Social post-Aber 10k (location to be confirmed shortly)

11th November 2008

News this week…

THIS FRIDAY
Children in Need – Friday 14th November 2008 (thanks to Adriano Evola)
To all club runners. Volunteers are needed for the annual Children in Need Marathon relay which begins at 5:00PM on Friday 14th November.
The course begins at the Bandstand and heads along the promenade to the bottom of Constitution Hill and then back to the Pier before returning to the Bandstand. We will take turns in a relay system, where people running individually or in small groups, will each run the 1 mile course until we complete the full Marathon distance of 26.2 miles carrying Pudsey Bear along the way. Come along on the night and add a mile or so to the total.
This is our fourth year - last year we raised a record total of £965.00 adding to the £950.00 in 2006 and £604.00 in 2005 to give a grand total of £2,519.00 – a fantastic achievement by all.
Sponsorship forms are available so come and see me. Get collecting through family, friends and work.
Many thanks. Adriano

Club League 2009
Many thanks to Tony Wenlock in creating the draft club league for 2009. This has been circulated by email. Please have a look and reply to Tony by the end of November with your thoughts and suggestions.

2009 London Marathon (thanks to Kevin Holland)
If you fancy running the London Marathon next April why not enter the club draw for a guaranteed place? All current members who were also members in 07-08, are eligible to take part by sending their name to Kevin Holland (k.holland@aber.ac.uk) by 30th November. At the following Tuesday training session on 2nd December the draw will take place. A reserve name will also be drawn and if not needed to run in London, the club will pay the reserve's entry fee for another marathon at a similar time to London so that the training would not be in vain,
Best wishes
Kevin

Aber 10k post race social – 14th December
Keep the evening free for food and a couple of drinks. Location to be confirmed shortly!

November Races …

Maldwyn Harriers 3 Peaks Corndon Classic – 16th November 2008
11am start.
Enquiries to Paul Beeson on 01686 411354 or danny@newtownoaks.freeserve.co.uk

Race Results…

Cross Country (thanks to Jos Jones)
On Sunday November the 2nd Aberystwyth had 5 representatives at the West Wales Championships in Pembrey, Llanelli. It was also a counter in the West Glamorgan Cross Country League.
Unfortunately my source does not have the junior results, but I do recall strong performances from Megan and Stephen who both finished high up the standings in their respective races.
Senior Results:
Ladies: Helen Marshall coasted round the course to finish effortlessly in 5th place, 3rd in the championships. Her coach later complained that there was little or no suffering on her face and should work a lot harder next time!
Men: Jos Jones 23rd, 17th in championships. Lots of pain and suffering on this face having gone off far to fast and showing extremely poor race craft. Not a vintage performance. Taking of vintage Pete Foale finished 36th, 25th in the championships. A good run by Pete still with heavy legs after the last race he ran in. We are legally not allowed to mention the name of that race and all evidence of his participation in it have been removed from the record books.
As a counter in the West Glamorgan League the results now put Helen in joint top of the standings with the Ladies Team 4th in Division 2. Jos is now in 12th place. The Men's Team League results have yet to be updated.
The next league race is at Corus Sports Club, Margam, Port Talbot, January 25th. Please note that this is a road race, a fast, flat 5 miler. Please turn up to the race and help gain team points. Club Vests must be worn. It's also only a couple of pounds to enter. Bargain!

Sodbury Slog - Sunday 9th November - http://www.sodburyslog.co.uk/ (thanks to Jos Jones)
A slog it is. Just under 10 miles of ploughed fields, waist high water and the odd tarmac section. Please visit the website to get a full feel of this race.
Results (Total Finishers 1022)
Jos Jones - 28th (Knackered)
Helen Marshall - 83rd (6th Lady) - Did win a spot prize. Jos Jones is now wearing a variety of Marks and Spencer Aftershave!

Margam Park Celtic Tri Off-Road Duathlon 2 November: 5 km run/21km bike/5 km run (Elizabeth Stieler)
This was another great off road event. Running alongside deer, ponies and black pigs was a novelty. The bike ride was confined to forest roads without any single MTB tracks so that was a little disappointing. However, I know there are a number of AAC women who are keen to tackle this type of event and it would be perfect if you are new to mountain biking, or indeed have never ridden off-road before. The only difficulty was the continual descent but the scenic views more than made up for this.

Future Races…

Mortimer Forest Hill Race – 14th December 2008
11am start from Moor Park School, Overton, near Ludlow. Approx 10 miles. 520m of ascent. www.ludlowrunners.org

Twin Piers 10k – Saturday 24th January 2009
1pm start at Llandudno Pier. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 25th January 2009
Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race)
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Llandudno Nick Beer 10k Road Race – 8th February 2008
12:00 Noon Start. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
www.nwrrc.co.uk

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 22nd February 2009
Gnoll Estate, Neath.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 1st March 2009
Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Club dates for your diaries…

2008
14/11/08 – Children in Need Prom Marathon Relay 5pm start.
08/12/08 – Club Christmas Handicap Time Trial 6pm @ Plascrug Leisure Centre
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)
14/12/08 – Social post Aber 10k (location to be confirmed shortly)

2009
25/01/09 - Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race) West Glamorgan League Cross Country Race.
22/02/09 - Gnoll Estate, Neath, West Glamorgan League Cross Country.
01/03/09 - Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot, West Glamorgan League Cross Country.

4th November 2008

News this week…

TONIGHT club meeting – Tuesday 4th November @ Belle Vue 8.15pm
Everyone welcome.

Hidden Histories BBC2 Wales Tuesdays 7.30pm (thanks to Louise Barker)
I’m afraid the only tenuous link to running that this note contains is me but that’s enough for me to shamelessly publicize the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales for whom I work, in hope that it will survive the next 100 years. In celebration of the Royal Commissions centenary, BBC Wales have commissioned a 5 part series titled Hidden Histories which looks at all areas and periods in Welsh History. The five part series starts tomorrow night at 7.30 on BBC 2 Wales, but as this clashes with an Aber AC training night they’ve agreed to repeat the episode on Wednesday nights at 11.25pm and you’ll also be able to see them on playback from the BBC Wales website. You’ll find more information on what’s in each programme by going to http://www.rcahmw.gov.uk/HI/ENG/Heritage+of+Wales/Hidden+Histories/ .
If nothing else you’ll at least be able to have a good laugh at me, no comments thank you!

Children in Need – Friday 14th November 2008 (thanks to Adriano Evola)
To all club runners. Volunteers are needed for the annual Children in Need Marathon relay which begins at 5:00PM on Friday 14th November.
The course begins at the Bandstand and heads along the promenade to the bottom of Constitution Hill and then back to the Pier before returning to the Bandstand. We will take turns in a relay system, where people running individually or in small groups, will each run the 1 mile course until we complete the full Marathon distance of 26.2 miles carrying Pudsey Bear along the way. Come along on the night and add a mile or so to the total.
This is our fourth year - last year we raised a record total of £965.00 adding to the £950.00 in 2006 and £604.00 in 2005 to give a grand total of £2,519.00 – a fantastic achievement by all.
Sponsorship forms are available so come and see me. Get collecting through family, friends and work.
Many thanks. Adriano

Welsh Inter Schools Cross Country Championships:
The Welsh Inter Schools Cross Country Championships are @ Brecon on Saturday 15th November. Pupils may enter as individuals BUT their preliminary entry must be made by their SCHOOL, and the form MUST be signed by a member of the teaching staff of their school. Pupils must be accompanied by a responsible adult who, if he/she is not a member of the teaching staff of the school, has written authorisation to act in such a capacity.
(If you need an entry form email aiv@aber.ac.uk and I’ll forward one to you)

Aber 10k post race social – 14th December
Keep the evening free for food and a couple of drinks. Location to be confirmed shortly!

November Races …

Maldwyn Harriers 3 Peaks Corndon Classic – 16th November 2008
11am start.
Enquiries to Paul Beeson on 01686 411354 or danny@newtownoaks.freeserve.co.uk

30/11/08 - Ras Y Mast
Ras y Mast has been moved from Nov 16th to Sunday Nov 30th. This change is on the WFRA website http://www.wfra.org.uk/ .

Race Results…

The Coed Y Brenin Off Road Duathlon: 5K Trail Run then 20k Mountain Bike then final 5k Trail Run (Elizabeth (Lily) Stieler)
The run was a mixture of fire road and single mountain biking tracks: very picturesque over babbling brooks and slippery wet rocks amongst the stunning autumn forest of Coed Y Brenin. The mountain bike route consisted of 2 laps of a 10km course, again very scenic.

Delor and I both found the race quite tough due to the endless climbs but it wasn’t as technically demanding as we feared so we came away unscathed.

The highlight for me was staying in a very old and very tiny caravan the night before. Mark, the kids and I snuggled up under blankets and watched Lord of the Rings whilst the wind and rain raged around us (it was the same night of the Original Mountain Marathon and the Snowdonia Marathon).

For any keen off road runners, I would highly recommend this race, provided you can find a partner for the MTB leg. It was a great opportunity to run trails normally restricted to cyclists. Then again, you might also be a keen cyclist, in which case I’d keep your eye out for the 50km Coed Y Brenin MTB event on the 8th of March.

West Glamorgan League Cross Country
Nov 2nd - Pembrey, Llanelli (incorporated the West Wales Cross Country Championships)
Hopefully results will be available shortly at: http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Future Races…

Mortimer Forest Hill Race – 14th December 2008
11am start from Moor Park School, Overton, near Ludlow. Approx 10 miles. 520m of ascent. www.ludlowrunners.org

Twin Piers 10k – Saturday 24th January 2009
1pm start at Llandudno Pier. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 25th January 2009
Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race)
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Llandudno Nick Beer 10k Road Race – 8th February 2008
12:00 Noon Start. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
www.nwrrc.co.uk

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 22nd February 2009
Gnoll Estate, Neath.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 1st March 2009
Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Club dates for your diaries…

2008
04/11/08 – Club Meeting @ Belle Vue 8.15pm
14/11/08 – Children in Need Prom Marathon Relay 5pm start.
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)
14/12/08 – Social post Aber 10k (location to be confirmed shortly)

2009
25/01/09 - Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race) West Glamorgan League Cross Country Race.
22/02/09 - Gnoll Estate, Neath, West Glamorgan League Cross Country.
01/03/09 - Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot, West Glamorgan League Cross Country.

27th October 2008

News this week…

TONIGHT - Monday night session 27th October
Tonight will be an informal session – due to illness and holidays. Please feel free to turn up and arrange your own run amongst yourselves. Many thanks.

THIS SUNDAY - The West Wales Cross Country Championships:
Sunday 2nd November (thanks to Helen Marshall)
If there is enough interest I will arrange transport to and from Pembrey, Llanelli. Please can you let me know asap as to whether you wish to attend the event and whether you would like transport. For more information please click on the following link http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html
Thanks in advance!
Helen Marshall (hem@aber.ac.uk)

Next club meeting – Tuesday 4th November @ Belle Vue 8.15pm
Everyone welcome.

Adriano’s Birthday Party (thanks to Adriano Evola)
I would like to say many thanks to you all for sharing with me a wonderful evening recently at the Football Club, and for your kind generosity of money donation and Manchester City football shirt signed by the present players.
Once again many thanks and lots of love to you all.
Adriano

Aber 10k post race social – 14th December
Keep the evening free for food and a couple of drinks. Location to be confirmed shortly!

November Races …

West Glamorgan League Cross Country
Nov 2nd - Pembrey, Llanelli (incorporates the West Wales Cross Country Championships)

30/11/08 - Ras Y Mast
Ras y Mast has been moved from Nov 16th to Sunday Nov 30th. This change is on the WFRA website http://www.wfra.org.uk/ .

Maldwyn Harriers New Winter Mid Wales off Road Series 2008/2009
16/11/08 - 3 Peaks Corndon Classic 11am start.
Enquiries to Paul Beeson on 01686 411354 or danny@newtownoaks.freeserve.co.uk

Race Results…

Original Mountain Marathon, Borrowdale, 25th/26th Oct (thanks to Kate O’Sullivan)
You may already know that this was cancelled (for the first time ever, in 40 yrs of the event) half way through day 1 due to severe weather, and the next 24 hours were spent getting people off the hills and counting competitors back in. The winds were high since Friday, and it started to rain as we headed for our start at 10.15am. We were all running bad weather courses, but it got progressively and rapidly worse, and we kept getting blown over, all of us, on the first climb. It was somewhere between the first and second checkpoint, in a cwm, that Kate my partner slipped and broke her leg. We were helped enormously by several fantastic competitors to get the tent up in the awful rain and wind and get her into the survival bags, sleeping bag and tent, and we are both indebted to the selflessness and hard slog of these people, who then carried the alert to the next radio marshall, about 1/2 hour away. Mountain rescue were with us in about 2 hours and we learned that a second fractured leg had occurred within 1/4 mile of us, so two teams came with stretchers to our location. The descent back to the start point of the race was long and slow as rivers became raging torrents, and the rescue team were amazed themselves at the shear amount of water everywhere. It was quite something to see these guys in action; there were 13 men bringing her down (some RAF lads had been drafted in for the weekend as well as they were inundated with rescues for the OMM competitors that day; 13 were eventually hospitalized) and they had to get over a high wall, under an 8ft fence and sledge down a sheer slope belaying the stretcher on an enormous rope. Everyone was very concerned about the rapidly rising water, and the rescue landrover eventually made it out of the valley with water up over the headlights. The carpark fields were a sea by mid afternoon and none of us could move until Sunday, so everyone who got back to the start slept in cars, those cars that didn't wash away or fill with water. Kate is now in plaster, and reported hearing the hospital staff muttering that none of these fell runners were admitting to pain over 5/10 and they all had broken limbs! Kate herself told mountain rescue her tooth abcess was more painful, tho when it happened she turned white and swore, a clear 10/10 there! All competitors were well and safe by Sunday. Mountain rescue are all volunteers, and are incredible people, to turn out and rescue hapless hill goers in all weathers.

Snowdonia Marathon 2008 (thanks to Louise Barker)
I think that the weather more than the runners performances will be the most talked about element of this year’s marathon. If the gales and lashing rain that we all battled through in the final stages of the race had been with us from the start then you can’t help but think it would have been cancelled, not that as we huddled together at the start the conditions were anything like tropical...but hey we could have been competing in the OMM in Cumbria! The first dilemma of the day was what to wear. The array of gallant Aber AC athletes went from the brave, Steve, in shorts and vest, to the safe, Cliff in full winter woollies, complete with green woolly hat., which was rivalled by Pete’s tea cosy he borrowed from Helen at the start! As we set off up the first climb, Pen y Pass, at first I thought the winds seem to have died down, until I turned the corner and started the descent to Beddgelert when I almost had my legs taken out from under me. Turning back towards Llanberis from the half way point there were times when the gusts did help you up the hill, only to get its own back on the final climb from Waun Fawr when I could hardly stay on the path and wondered how deep the puddles we had to run through were.

So how did we all fare, well in truth any race plan went out the window and it did turn into a survival challenge. Having said that the first man home did it in a staggering 2.44.57 and there were 1133 finishers. Dave Powell was the first Aber Ac athlete home, pirouetting in, in a fantastic 3.20.45,and that was after being struck down with cramp in both legs. I was really happy with my run, being 8 minutes quicker than last year. Anita and Cliff battled it out to within seconds of each other and each recorded impressive positions in their respective age categories. This was Pete, Geoff and Helens first Snowdonia experience, so the question is, will there be another.....it’s probably a good idea to leave it a few weeks before you ask them, or the rest of us come to think of it.

56. Dave Powell 3.20.45 (11th M45)

109 Steve King 3.31.39 (52nd MSEN)

123 Louise Barker 3.32.39 (5th FSEN)

297 Geoff Oldrid 3.53.20 (19th M50)

420 Pete Foale 4.02.19 (15th M55)

442 Cliff Thomas 4.04.36 (5th M60)

447 Anita Worthing 4.04.07 (2nd F50)

797 Helen Williams 4.38.32 (20 F45)

Snowdonia Marathon
I opened the curtains at the beautiful YHA Idwal Cottage in the Ogwen valley, where we stayed overnight, and the weather was perfect. The high winds and driving rain made it perfect for sitting in front of the TV with tea and crumpets watching sport, certainly not for running a marathon.
But unfortunately that was what was on the agenda for this grim Saturday morning.
1200 other people, who I’m sure would also prefer to have been watching a sport on TV, assembled at the start in a field at Nant Perris.
The run up to Pen Y Gwryd wasn’t too bad and the wind wasn’t full in our faces, Dave Powell, Geoff Oldrid and Steve King were long gone out of sight by that time and Louise who sensibly took it very easy at the start caught up with me and we ran together for several miles before I was dropped.
The wind and rain became much worse from Beddgelert which coincided with my legs deciding that they had had enough for one day. For me it was over and it was nothing more than a struggle to complete the rest of the course recording a PW enroute but for Louise and Dave Powell they positively thrived in the conditions. Louise ran a PB by more than 8 minutes and was 5th lady overall in 3.32 whilst Dave did 3.20 which is a very fine time for that course in those conditions. Cliff Thomas, Anita Worthing and Helen Williams also ran very well. But for Geoff Oldrid who also struggled a bit (running under Tony Wenlock’s name) we live to fight another day!
All the results can be found on www.tdl.ltd.uk
http://www.snowdoniamarathon.com/

Amsterdam Marathon
As we have all experienced, races don’t always go to plan – you can put in all the hard work and something out of our control stop us achieving our goals.
Unfortunately for Rachel after 7 months of training she was unable to make the start line of the race due to a bout of flu which has laid her up in bed for a week and on antibiotics.
We look forward to seeing Rachel feeling better and back running soon.

Future Races…

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 2nd November 2008
Pembrey, Llanelli (incorporates the West Wales Cross Country Championships)
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Maldwyn Harriers 3 Peaks Corndon Classic – 16th November 2008
11am start.
Enquiries to Paul Beeson on 01686 411354 or danny@newtownoaks.freeserve.co.uk

Mortimer Forest Hill Race – 14th December 2008
11am start from Moor Park School, Overton, near Ludlow. Approx 10 miles. 520m of ascent. www.ludlowrunners.org

Twin Piers 10k – Saturday 24th January 2009
1pm start at Llandudno Pier. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 25th January 2009
Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race)
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Llandudno Nick Beer 10k Road Race – 8th February 2008
12:00 Noon Start. Entry forms will be available on the club notice board at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
www.nwrrc.co.uk

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 22nd February 2009
Gnoll Estate, Neath.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

West Glamorgan League Cross Country – 1st March 2009
Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot.
http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html

Club dates for your diaries…

2008
02/11/08 - Pembrey, Llanelli, West Glamorgan League Cross Country (incorporates the West Wales Cross Country Championships)
04/11/08 – Club Meeting @ Belle Vue 8.15pm
14/11/08 – Children in Need Prom Marathon Relay 5pm start.
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)
14/12/08 – Social post Aber 10k (location to be confirmed shortly)

22nd October 2008

News this week…

The West Wales Cross Country Championships are fast approaching:
Sunday 2nd November (thanks to Helen Marshall)
If there is enough interest I will arrange transport to and from Pembrey, Llanelli. Please can you let me know asap as to whether you wish to attend the event and whether you would like transport. For more information please click on the following link http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/3.html
Thanks in advance!
Helen Marshall (hem@aber.ac.uk)

Next club meeting – Tuesday 4th November @ Belle Vue 8.15pm
Everyone welcome.

Congratulations to our three new Level 1 coaches
On Saturday Bridget, Elizabeth and Carys made the trip to Cardiff. They are now Level 1 Club coaches.

Club Photo Site
Thanks to everyone that has sent their photos from the Twin Peaks race and other events. These have all now been uploaded and can be viewed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets/

Aber AC on Wikipedia (thanks to Ian Evans)
I created a page for Aber AC on Wikipedia a while ago, but always forgot to mention it to anyone. If anyone with more knowledge of the club than me and wants to add to it, then they would be more than welcome.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberystwyth_a.c.

Aber AC weekend in Brecon
Really good weekend! We all arrived on the Friday night to a lovely meal cooked by Helen Stretch, followed by some very tasty desserts from Bridget. Saturday involved various runs, walks in the Brecons (and some leisurely Saturday afternoon shopping and coffee stops by others!) The evening meal was enjoyed out in Brecon with a few drinks afterwards. Sunday morning involved rope and riding activities at the Llangorse Activity Centre.
While we were at Brecon Alison enjoyed her 22nd birthday on Sunday!
Plenty of video clips and photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets/
Ideas for 2009 weekend to aiv@aber.ac.uk and in the meantime I’ll find a willing organiser to arrange a club weekend away for next year!

Aber 10k post race social – 14th December
Keep the evening free for food and a couple of drinks. Location to be confirmed shortly!

Duathlon Races (thanks to Elizabeth Stieler)
www.vlaevents.co.uk ... Coed y Brenin duathlon (Sunday 26th Nov)
http://www.endurancelife.co.uk/ ... Coastal Trail Series and MTB Orienteering (Dec & March in the Gower & Pembs. respectively)
http://www.celtictri.com/ ... Port Talbot duathlon on 2/11

Notes and PowerPoint slides - from the Endurance Coaching Day held in Rhayader
For anyone interested these are all available at:
http://www.welshathletics.org/news/october-news/endurance-day/

Races this month…

25th Oct – Snowdonia Marathon
http://www.snowdoniamarathon.com

Race Results…

Cardiff Half Marathon
Aber AC were well represented by our newer club members in the annual Half Marathon in Cardiff on Sunday. There were over 5000 runners taking part in this event.
The results are available at: http://www.cardiffmarathon.org/index/results.htm
I found it difficult to spot the Aber AC runners in the results because the clubs are not listed. Drop me an email if I have missed you out! Names I spotted in the results so far:
Bethan Lewis, Medi Jones-Jackson, Catherine Tudor-Jones and Carys Prytherch.

Amsterdam Marathon
Rachel ran this race at the weekend – hopefully we’ll hear how her race went once she returns.

Future Races…

West Glamorgan League Cross Country Dates
2008:
Nov 2nd - Pembrey, Llanelli (incorporates the West Wales Cross Country Championships)
2009:
Jan 25 - Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race)
Feb 22 - Gnoll Estate, Neath.
Mar 1 - Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot.

Elan 10 mile race - Saturday 22nd November at 1pm.
“the race is billed as “scenic” which of course means lots of steep hills – the sort where you think you’re reaching the crest of the hill but it’s just a bend in the road and the route continues relentlessly upwards.” Anita W’s thoughts on the race she promises she’ll be running again this year!
Entry forms: http://www.rhayaderac.org.uk/

30/11/08 - Ras Y Mast
Ras y Mast has been moved from Nov 16th to Sunday Nov 30th. This change is on the WFRA website http://www.wfra.org.uk/ .

14/12/08 Mortimer Forest Hill Race
11am start from Moor Park School, Overton, near Ludlow. Approx 10 miles. 520m of ascent. www.ludlowrunners.org

Maldwyn Harriers New Winter Mid Wales off Road Series 2008/2009
16/11/08 - 3 Peaks Corndon Classic 11am start.
08/02/09 – Rhayader Rant. 8 mile run over open fells. 11am start.
Enquiries to Paul Beeson on 01686 411354 or danny@newtownoaks.freeserve.co.uk

Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon series
January 18th - Broddyfi Leisure Centre, Machynlleth.
February 1st - Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, Tywyn.
February 22nd - Plascrug Leisure Centre Aberystwyth.
March 8th - Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre Machynlleth.
For further details please contact Pete Jenkins at pvjenks@btinternet.com or 01970 832176

Club dates for your diaries…

2008
02/11/08 - Pembrey, Llanelli, West Glamorgan League Cross Country (incorporates the West Wales Cross Country Championships)
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)
14/12/08 – Social post Aber 10k (location to be confirmed shortly)

13th October 2008

News this week…

Twin Peaks - Team Work (thanks to Pete Foale)
Just a note about the Twin Peaks race. The first thing I’d like to express is an apology. I’d like to apologise to all 30 of the Aberystwyth AC runners for not getting a goody bag at the end of the Twin Peaks race. It was a difficult decision to make but we had only 100 bags thinking that would easily be enough, how wrong we were! Some people travelled long distance to support the race so we thought it only right that they should come first. I hope everyone understands.

I’d like to think that the day was a resounding success this year and the reason for that was because everyone played their part with an ‘all hands to the pumps’ attitude. 134 runners entered the main Twin Peaks race with 19 in the children’s event – fantastic!

No doubt the best weather in the last six months probably made a lot of competitors dust off their running shoes to meet the challenge.

The promenade was very busy with people enjoying the late summer-like sunshine and we thought it would cause real problems for the runners but like Moses parting the red sea Mark Stieler and Steve King emulated that magnificent feat with the busy crowds as Adam Bitchell raced towards the bandstand with Carwyn Thomas from Sarn Helen in hot pursuit. Carwyn subsequently hauled Adam in on the climb up Constitution hill to win by almost a minute.

Thirty runners competing for Aber AC must be a record turn out too, I don’t think that many has run for us in any race, anywhere before.

Twin Peaks Results and League Points
The results will shortly be available on the club website. The club league points for the Twin Peaks race have been updated and can be viewed using ‘Tony’s Tracker’ www.aberystywthac.org.uk

Twin Peaks Lost Property
A small compact mirror has been handed in. If it’s yours email aiv@aber.ac.uk

Town v Gown challenge 2008
The town v gown challenge was calculated with the first six runners from the University Harriers and the first six Aber AC runners. Aber AC won the town v gown challenge shield and our 6 fastest runners enjoyed the alcoholic refreshments. Well done to Gethin Holland, Daniel Davies, Norman Biggs, Will Mahon, Helen Marshall and Frank Thomas.

Photographs from the Twin Peaks?
If anyone has any photos they would like to share from this years Twin Peaks – please email them or send on a disc
They will then be uploaded onto the club flickr website: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets/

Adriano’s Birthday
Thanks to Adriano for inviting Aber AC along to share his 50th birthday celebrations on Friday night at the Football Club. It was a great evening and enjoyed by all!

Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend this weekend
The Brecon bunkhouse weekend is happening this Friday. Further details will be emailed in the next couple of days. If anyone else would like to come along it’s not too late – just let me know ASAP by phone 01970 832013 or email aiv@aber.ac.uk .

Aber 10k post race social – 14th December
Keep the evening free for food and a couple of drinks. Location to be confirmed shortly!

West Wales Endurance Coaching Workshop – 26th October 2008, Swansea University
If you would like to attend please pass your name to Kevin Holland K.Holland@aber.ac.uk .

Provisional Timetable:
"You can't take a backseat to your athletics future……Face it…you're driving!!"

10.15-10.30 Arrive and Register
10.30-11.00 Introduction - Indoors – PowerPoint –30mins
11.00-12.30 Warm up – jog to Singleton Park – Hilly circuits – cool down
12.30-13.00 Lunch
13.00-13.45 Presentation – “Improving Your Running Economy” PowerPoint –45min
13.45-14.30 Drills and Exercises to improve - Indoor Track Area – 45mins
14.30-15.00 Putting it into Practice + Outdoor Grass or Track Continuous Relay
15.00-15.15 Closing Remarks

• The workshop is primarily coaching focused and open to any interested coach.
• The workshop is only open to athletes in the U13 to U20 age groups competing in 800m and above.
• Don’t forget to bring your UKA coaching licenses so you can record your CPD with the tutor.
• Can coaches please indicate how many of their athletes will be attending by returning the booking sheet by no later than Friday 24th October so organizers and tutor can be more prepared. Coaches don’t have to bring an athlete to be able to attend and observe.
• Athletes and coaches should bring a change of clothes in case of bad weather and their own lunch too.
• The coach delivering the session will be Phil Banning of the Welsh Athletics National Coaching Team whose athletics and coaching experience includes:
 Former European, Commonwealth and UK Indoor 1500m Record Holder, Former British Junior Mile and 1500m Record Holder. Former British International at Track, Cross Country and Road.
 Coach for the GB team at Olympic Games, World Champs, European Champs, World Junior and European Junior Champs.
 Head Coach for Wales at Commonwealth Games 1998, 2002 and 2006
 Coached over 25 GB Internationals
• Coaches will have the opportunity to ask the tutor questions throughout the day.

Looking for extra space over the New Year? (thanks to Helen Stretch)
Have you got friends or family coming to stay over New Year but could do with more space for them? My house, on the Buarth, a quiet area near town, is available, in return for looking after Millie, my easygoing Collie. All she needs is 2 walks a day, some company and her food. Please contact me if you might be interested. Friends around to help if needed. Thank you Helen. helenstretch@hotmail.co.uk 01970 617704

Dates announced for the Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon series
January 18th - Broddyfi Leisure Centre, Machynlleth.
February 1st - Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, Tywyn.
February 22nd - Plascrug Leisure Centre Aberystwyth.
March 8th - Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre Machynlleth.
For further details please contact Pete Jenkins at pvjenks@btinternet.com or 01970 832176
Also further information at: http://users.aber.ac.uk/haf/cerist/

Snowdonia Marathon place available (thanks to Tony Wenlock)
I have re-injured my left ankle and am going to pull out of the Snowdon Marathon - would anyone be interested in the place? tony.wenlock@bt.com

London Marathon (Thanks to Dave Thomas)
It's a sure sign that Christmas is just around the corner when Postman Pat starts delivering London Marathon acceptance magazines. Anyone thinking of a trip to participate at LM2009, the last Flora sponsored run before Richard Branson's mob of money grabbers take over, may like to visit the WRP Tours site for weekend deals at various locations in the capital.
http://www.wrptours.co.uk/london/lm_main.htm

Weakest Link
Cliff received this email. If anyone would like to be involved the details are below:

I found your contact email on the internet while researching Aberystwyth and I believe you are in charge in the local athletics club? I work for the quiz show, Weakest Link at the BBC and we are hoping to come down to your area and hold auditions for the show. Currently we are ringing local companies, clubs, schools and the such to ask if they would not mind displaying some of our posters in their staffrooms looking for people interested in applying to be on our show. I could not find a number to call you directly on but if this is something which you would be interested in and willing to do, I would very much appreciate you getting in contact with me; either via this email address or my direct line provided below.
Thank you for your time,
Hayley
Hayley Briggs
Production Runner
Weakest Link Series 10
-' 020 857 68711
-:hayley.briggs@bbc.co.uk
Room 3121 | BBC Television Centre | Wood Lane | London | W12 7RJ

Races this month…

Sunday 19 October - Ron Skilton Half-Marathon
Powys
http://www.green-events.co.uk

25th Oct – Snowdonia Marathon
http://www.snowdoniamarathon.com

Race Results…

Twin Peaks results
These will be available on the Club website shortly www.aberystywthac.org.uk .

Future Races…

West Glamorgan League Cross Country Dates
2008
Nov 2nd - Pembrey, Llanelli (incorporates the West Wales Cross Country
Championships)
2009
Jan 25 - Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race)
Feb 22 - Gnoll Estate, Neath.
Mar 1 - Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot.

30/11/08 - Ras Y Mast
Ras y Mast has been moved from Nov 16th to Sunday Nov 30th. This change is on the WFRA website http://www.wfra.org.uk/ .

14/12/08 Mortimer Forest Hill Race
11am start from Moor Park School, Overton, near Ludlow. Approx 10 miles. 520m of ascent. www.ludlowrunners.org

Maldwyn Harriers New Winter Mid Wales off Road Series 2008/2009
16/11/08 - 3 Peaks Corndon Classic 11am start.
08/02/09 – Rhayader Rant. 8 mile run over open fells. 11am start.
Enquiries to Paul Beeson on 01686 411354 or danny@newtownoaks.freeserve.co.uk

Club dates for your diaries…

2008
17/10/08 - 19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
02/11/08 - Pembrey, Llanelli, West Glamorgan League Cross Country (incorporates the West Wales Cross Country
Championships)
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)
14/12/08 – post Aber 10k social (location to be confirmed shortly)

6th October 2008

News this week…

TONIGHT - New start time for Monday session - 6pm start
From tonight we will meet every Monday for 6pm start from Plascrug Leisure Centre.

TOMORROW -Tuesday 7th October Club Meeting 8pm start.
All welcome at the Belle Vue Hotel. Everyone welcome. Come along with ideas or to raise any issues.

Friday 10th October – Social Run Change of Venue for this night only
Meet 6pm at the bandstand for the Friday night social run.

THIS SUNDAY - Next League Race is the club’s own Twin Peaks Race
To save you time on the day enter online via the Runners World website: www.abertwinpeaks.co.uk .

Coaches and athletes training day in Rhayader
Bridget, Daniel and myself travelled up to the Endurance Day organised by Welsh Athletics on Saturday. There were coaches and athletes from North, South and mid Wales and for once we had the shortest journey!
The day began with an easy 3-4 mile steady run followed by the main sessions led by Steve Brace and Tim Hutchings.
Tim Hutchings gave two really informative sessions on the key elements of training, and what worked for him. Tim is currently a Eurosport commentator and has competed at international level, achieving 4th place in the Los Angeles Olympic final for the 5,000m.
A few tips that can apply to all of us runners:

• Be organised with your training.
• Establish a routine
• At least 8 hours sleep a night
• Healthy diet ie. cut out the rubbish foods!
• Be sensible with your socialising!

The day ended at the Elan Valley visitor centre making a very scenic backdrop for the afternoon, with different sessions for the athletes and a chance to observe the coaching techniques and training.

Dates announced for the Cerist Earlybird winter aquathlon series
January 18th - Broddyfi Leisure Centre, Machynlleth.
February 1st - Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, Tywyn.
February 22nd - Plascrug Leisure Centre Aberystwyth.
March 16th - Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre Machynlleth.
For further details please contact Pete Jenkins at pvjenks@btinternet.com or 01970 832176
Also further information at: http://users.aber.ac.uk/haf/cerist/

Tour of Pembrokeshire Cycle Sportive - 7th June 2009
Online entries now open. Choice of 100k or 200k route around the scenic county of Pembrokeshire.

Races this month…

12/10/08 – Twin Peaks Race (club league race).
1pm start for Twin Peaks Race
11.30am start for Junior Race
Enter our own race online via Runners World: www.abertwinpeaks.co.uk or enter on the day.
Entries will be taken at the Bandstand on the promenade from 10am.

12/10/08 - The first Gwent Cross Country. If anyone wishes to compete in Bridgend please email Helen Marshall asap. Remember only allocated team managers can register athletes, you are not allowed to register individually. Helen (hem@aber.ac.uk)

Race Results…

Excellent results for Aber AC in first Cross Country League of the season (thanks to Jos Jones)
Two hardy Aberystwyth runners braved the conditions to run the first fixture in this seasons West Glamorgan Cross Country League.
Ladies Race: 3rd (1st Senior Lady) - Helen Marshall
Mens Race: 24th - Jos Jones
Helen continued her resent good form by going straight from the gun. Comfortably beating last years overall senior lady league winner Eryllois Davies (Team Wecori) by 3mins and 29s.
As for me, well.... After 3 weeks now of feeling under the weather it was more of a case of get round and try not to embarrass myself. 2 cans of Red Bull managed to keep the legs turning but that was about it. Any hopes of getting into the top 10 were still at home tucked up in bed, my usual kick for the finish didn't turn up, choosing instead to stay in the car.
A very friendly league this one and only £2.00 per person a race. Aberystwyth have entered the league this year. Helen and I will be going to all the fixtures, so If anybody requires a lift......Let Us Know!!!!

Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
Excellent times were posted by Aber AC runners. All the times have been entered into the Club League and points awarded.
Glenda Roberts 2.01.32
Helen Stretch 2.09.55
Shan Breese 2.13.59
Results now available at: http://www.onlineraceresults.co.uk/main1.htm

4th October ‘Penmaenpool 10’ (thanks to Pete Foale)
The awful weather conditions didn’t deter 16 members of Aberystwyth AC from supporting this local very flat ten mile race on the Mawddach trail. It was great to see so much support for Graeme Stringer, the race organiser for Meirionnydd Running club, who organisers so many local races over the fells and on the roads.
It was also a very welcome surprise to see Ffion Morgan turn up and run for us (our latest member). Ffion still holds the Junior record of 1:12:27 for this race, a time she set back in 2003.
There’s not even the slightest little nip on this course it really is very flat so theoretically it should be conducive to fast times and PBs.
No way.
A gale force wind and driving rain smack in our faces for the first five miles put paid to that theory as everyone battled for survival.
The race started largely sheltered from the worst of the weather under a canopy trees lining the start of the trail then after about half a mile the full force of the October gale hit everyone. At that point I was in half a mind whether to go chasing after Steve King when he drew away but thought that may be a foolish thing to do so I snuggled in behind a group of five including Dave Powell.
At four and a half miles the course then goes off road for half a mile and after all the rain we’ve had recently it was a quagmire in parts. But this was a home from home for the likes of Dave Powell who seemed to skip across the heavy, sticky surface like a nimble ballet dancer. Up to that point I was with Dave and a group of four others who had kindly sheltered me from the worst of the wind on the way out. I looked more like a drunken Saturday night reveller trying to slip and slither my way across that nuisance half mile than a runner and in no time the pack, led by Dave, drew away from me. Once back on the flat trail and the wind on my back I picked up speed and eventually caught and passed two of those blighters from the pack but I just couldn’t haul that ballet dancer in and he beat me by a good 50 seconds in a very respectable time indeed.
Close on our heels was Louise Barker who was, yet again, claiming 1st lady overall and leading the first three Aberystwyth ladies home to win 1st ladies team prize.
Aberystwyth AC scooped quite a few age category prizes on the day too: Anita Worthing 1st lady 0/50, Glenda Roberts 1st lady 0/55, Steve King 1st male 0/35, Peter Foale 1st male 0/55 and John Evans 1st male 0/60.
Full results at: www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk
Note: The results have been added to the club league.

Xtreme Triathlon (thanks to Elizabeth Stieler)
Xtreme Terrain Triathlon: 750m swim, 12k MTB, 5k run (Hawley Lake, Camberley, Surrey). The open water swimming in Hawley Lake was just stunning. The 12k MTB with both open tracks and single trails through scenic woodland was challenging but so, so much fun. The 5k run was all multi terrain so no boredom there either. This type of event is just fantastic. As off road triathlons are a relatively new sport there are loads of first timers and lots of friendly competitors. I really couldn't recommend it more highly. Mark was supposed to compete alongside me but he had an ear infection on top of an Achilles injury so he helped me set up and fetch coffee instead ... perhaps that why I enjoyed myself so much??!!

A race report for the Black Mountains, Sat 27th Sept; 17 miles and 5,200ft ascent (thanks to Kate O’Sullivan)
Some of you know this race well, and I am glad I availed of that knowledge before Saturday; without Dave's map mentoring I would never have been seen again, especially in the forest! The weather for Saturday was glorious, and this area of the world on such a day is a paradise, so beautiful that words fail me ( a rare thing). I clutched map and compass in my hand the whole way round, and twice went off the route, watching (twice) in dismay as all the people I had worked hard to get up the hills ahead of were charging down the correct line ahead of me. There were 57 runners, including about 10 women. Jackie Lee won the women's race in 2.59, her sixth successive win on this race, with 2nd lady Ruth Pickvance in at 3.16, and 3rd lady 3.49. It took me 4 hrs 8 mins and I think I was 5th woman. I'm afraid I don't recall the men's results, but it should eventually pop up on the WFRA website. By the end everything hurt and I was desperate for a beer, but hey, sanity apart, I was intact.

Future Races…

West Glamorgan League Cross Country Dates
2008
Nov 2nd - Pembrey, Llanelli (incorporates the West Wales Cross Country Championships)
2009
Jan 25 - Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race)
Feb 22 - Gnoll Estate, Neath.
Mar 1 - Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot.

30/11/08 - Ras Y Mast
Ras y Mast has been moved from Nov 16th to Sunday Nov 30th. This change is on the WFRA website http://www.wfra.org.uk/ .

14/12/08 Mortimer Forest Hill Race
11am start from Moor Park School, Overton, near Ludlow. Approx 10 miles. 520m of ascent. www.ludlowrunners.org

Club dates for your diaries…

2008
06/10/08 – New time of 6pm for Ladies Session
07/10/08 – Club Meeting 8pm at the Belle Vue Hotel
10/10/08 – Social Run 6pm at the Bandstand
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks race (club league race)
17/10/08 - 19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
02/11/08 - Pembrey, Llanelli, West Glamorgan League Cross Country (incorporates the West Wales Cross Country
Championships)
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

29th September 2008

News this week…

This Saturday 4th October – training day in Rhayader for Level 1 and Level 2 coaches.
I will be travelling to Rhayader to attend and if anyone else is going and would like a lift let me know aiv@aber.ac.uk . It looks a good day planned with various sessions including theory and practicals. The course is free and lunch is provided. Email Steve Brace if you plan to attend steve.brace@welshathletics.org.

First Cross Country – this Sunday 5th October
First West Glamorgan Cross Country League - Ystradgynlais, Swansea Valley.
If you are interested in running or need to arrange a lift - contact Helen Marshall hem@aber.ac.uk . League website: http://westglamleague.co.uk/

13 days to the Twin Peaks Race!!
To save you time on the day enter online via the Runners World website: www.abertwinpeaks.co.uk .

Aberystwyth A.C. versus the University Harriers!
Continuing the tradition at the Twin Peaks Race we will have our own town v gown competition. There is a Challenge Shield up for grabs and lots of alcohol! Last year the University won the title so this year we’ll be looking to win it back!!

Proposed new start time for Monday Night Ladies
It has been suggested that 6pm would be a much better time to meet for the Ladies training night on a Monday. This would allow more daylight hours and means the session would finish earlier. The new training start time is proposed from Monday 6th October.

Friday 10th October – Social Run Change of Venue for this night only
Meet 6pm at the bandstand for the Friday night social run.

Five spaces left on the Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend 17-19th October 2008
Club members have had first pick of the spaces - the last five spaces are open to family, friends, partners etc. Cost is £30 per person for the two night’s accommodation.
Contact: Anita aiv@aber.ac.uk 01970 832013.

Organised spin class for Ystwyth Cycle Club members
This will be of interest to many of the running club members that are also Ystwyth CC members.
(If you are interested in joining Ystwyth CC contact Martyn Saycell ays@aber.ac.uk )
Ystwyth CC Wednesday night spin classes, open to Ystwyth CC members only.
The class starts on 8th Oct at 7.00pm
10 sessions
Cost £20 for the ten sessions. Payable on the first session.
Location – Aberystwyth University Sports Centre Gym.
Instructor - Alastair Rhodes
If successful, another 10 sessions are planned after Christmas.

Races this month…

04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

05/10/08 - West Glamorgan Cross Country League
Ystradgynlais, Swansea Valley. For more information click on: http://westglamleague.co.uk/
Or contact Helen Marshall hem@aber.ac.uk .

12/10/08 – Twin Peaks Race (club league race).
Enter our own race online via Runners World: www.abertwinpeaks.co.uk or enter via the post using the entry form on our club website.

12/10/08 - The first Gwent Cross Country.
If anyone wishes to compete in Bridgend please email Helen Marshall asap. Remember only allocated team managers can register athletes, you are not allowed to register individually. Helen (hem@aber.ac.uk)

Race Results…

Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
Results should be available shortly at: http://www.pembrokeshire-tri.org.uk/

Future Races…

West Glamorgan League Cross Country Dates
2008
Oct 5th - Ystradgynlais, Swansea Valley.
Nov 2nd - Pembrey, Llanelli (incorporates the West Wales Cross Country
Championships)
2009
Jan 25 - Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race)
Feb 22 - Gnoll Estate, Neath.
Mar 1 - Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot.

30/11/08 - Ras Y Mast
Ras y Mast has been moved from Nov 16th to Sunday Nov 30th. This change is on the WFRA website http://www.wfra.org.uk/ .

14/12/08 Mortimer Forest Hill Race
11am start from Moor Park School, Overton, near Ludlow. Aprrox 10 miles. 520m of ascent. www.ludlowrunners.org

Club dates for your diaries…

2008
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
05/10/08 - Ystradgynlais, Swansea Valley, West Glamorgan League Cross Country
06/10/08 – New time of 6pm for Ladies Session
10/10/08 – Social Run 6pm at the Bandstand
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks race (club league race)
17/10/08 - 19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
02/11/08 - Pembrey, Llanelli, West Glamorgan League Cross Country (incorporates the West Wales Cross Country
Championships)
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

24th September 2008

News this week…

Cross Country Season Update (thanks to Helen Marshall)
I hope you've all managed to find your off road shoes, because the cross country season is almost upon us! I can now confirm the dates for the West Glamorgan Cross Country League are:
2008
Oct 5th - Ystradgynlais, Swansea Valley. **TWO WEEKS TIME!!** Nov 2nd - Pembrey, Llanelli (incorporates the West Wales Cross Country
Championships)
2009
Jan 25 - Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race) Feb 22 - Gnoll Estate, Neath.
Mar 1 - Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot.
We have been accepted into the league and therefore runners are able to compete for trophies in their respective age groups. This is a lovely league for people who are not be experienced cross country runners. I will be participating in every event and can therefore provide a lift for a few people who wish to participate. The first fixture is run along a disused railway line, thus cross country shoes are not necessary (except for the muddy field at the beginning and end!). If anyone is interested in competing please email me or see me during club nights. For more information click on: http://westglamleague.co.uk/
The first Gwent Cross Country also looms! The first fixture (unfortunately) clashes with the Twin Peaks on Sunday 12th October. If anyone wishes to compete in Bridgend please email me asap. Remember only allocated team managers can register athletes, you are not allowed to register individually.
Happy (off-road) training!
Helen (hem@aber.ac.uk )

17 days to the Twin Peaks Race
Runners World Magazine will be featuring our race so don’t get left out! Come along and take part in the club’s annual event. Enter online at: www.abertwinpeaks.co.uk

Aberystwyth A.C. are taking on the University Harriers!
Continuing the tradition at the Twin Peaks Race we will have our own town v gown competition. There is a Challenge shield up for grabs and lots of alcohol! Last year the University won the title so this year we’ll be looking to win it back!!

Friday 10th October – Social Run Change of Venue
Meet 6pm at the bandstand for the Friday night social run

Five spaces left on the Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend 17-19th October 2008
Club members have had first pick of the spaces - the last five spaces are open to family, friends, partners etc. Cost is £30 per person for the two nights accommodation.
Contact: Anita aiv@aber.ac.uk 01970 832013.

Aber AC British Masters Champion!
A special mention to Marj Griffiths one of our newer members that ran in the Anglesey Marathon at the weekend and came 2nd in the British Masters Championship. Marj’s thoughts on the day are below.

There is such a thing as a Free Lunch!
Invite to all Level 1 and Level 2 coaches in Aberystwyth A.C.
Information and opportunity for all Endurance coaches in Wales
All endurance coaches in Wales are invited to Rhayader, Mid Wales on Saturday
4th October 2008 for a day of discussion, debate and lectures with Tim Hutchins.
The day will be introduced by Steve Brace, where there will be opportunities to discuss the current state of endurance in Wales and the UK, and planning a way forward.
Leading Welsh athletes from cross country, road and mountain running will be invited, and all endurance coaches level 2 and above will be formally invited in the coming days, however level 1 coaches with an interest in endurance are very welcome.
If you would like to attend please email Steve Brace. The course is FREE just email Steve on steve.brace@welshathletics.org to confirm.

Races this month…

Dale Half Marathon – 28th September 2008 (club league race)
THIS RACE IS NOW FULL!
For more info please visit http://www.pembrokeshire-tri.org.uk/

Race Results…

Anglesey Marathon (thanks to Marj Griffiths)
“Survived Anglesey marathon on Sunday, time about 5hr 5mins. Too hot, too hilly and TOO FAR!!! However, had 2nd in the British Masters Champs over 60 and a handshake from Colin Jackson! I enjoyed it when it was over, and the first 10 miles were fine.”

Dublin Half Marathon
Debbie Nash joined hundreds of Irish to run her first half marathon last weekend in an excellent time of 2.07.28. It sounded a tough race with a rare appearance of the sun for the whole race and a mile uphill to the finish line!

Anglesey 10k
Two of our new runners took part in the Anglesey 10k both achieving PB’s. Bethan Lewis and Catherine Tudor-Jones made the journey up North to take part in this 10k annual race.

Dyfi 8 Pantperthog 14th Sept (thanks to Marj Griffiths)
It was lovely weather for a race, a bit of a breeze, lots of sun and some shady bits among the trees. The race was all on forestry tracks, uphill to start with, but then levelling out, lovely views and plenty of downhill for the fast-finishers. A very enjoyable, small and friendly race.
First man was Steve Gilliland (Bro Dysynni) 54.51
First lady Joanne Stokes (Oswestry Olympians) 59.12
Helen Stretch 1.20.03 1st FV 55
Menna Stephens 1.24.35 1st SL
Shan Breese 1.26.00 1st FV 45
Marjorie Griffiths 1.33.45 1st FV60
So a successful morning, (and nice cakes too)

Bala Triathlon (thanks to Emma Smith)
For the first time this season, we all finished a triathlon a bronzer shade than when we started! The race start was postponed for a while because of a really dense mist (you never know what loch ness wanabes might be out there!). Finally we were off on our 1500m Swim which was literally up-and-down the lake. With the water a refreshing 13oC and the threat of a male tidal wave coming behind us, the ladies got a move on!

Subsequently we all hopped (ungraceful clamber in my case!) onto the bikes to start the 39km ride which is a nice relatively flat course down and back the A494. Then came the 10km run which was a completely flat out and back course (yes former Bala triathletes you heard correctly – there’s no hill!). On the run, I passed a very comfortable-looking John Evans running at break-neck speed towards me (on the other side of the road fortunately!) whilst Lily and I were trying our hardest to do ourselves an injury when we rather too enthusiastically slapped hands past each other (we clearly were going a lot faster than we thought ;-)).

Good fun, times and results were had all round with a special mention to John Evans with that fantastic 2nd place finish!

Future Races…

West Glamorgan League Cross Country Dates
2008
Oct 5th - Ystradgynlais, Swansea Valley. **TWO WEEKS TIME!!**
Nov 2nd - Pembrey, Llanelli (incorporates the West Wales Cross Country Championships)
2009
Jan 25 - Corus, Port Talbot (5 mile road race)
Feb 22 - Gnoll Estate, Neath.
Mar 1 - Pontrhydyfen, north of Cwmafan, Port Talbot.

04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

12/10/08 – Twin Peaks Race (club league race).
NEW! Enter our own race online www.abertwinpeaks.co.uk or enter via the post using the entry form on our club website.

Ras Y Mast 30th November
Ras y Mast has been moved from Nov 16th to Sunday Nov 30th. This change is on the WFRA website http://www.wfra.org.uk/ .

Maldwyn Harriers New Winter Mid Wales off Road Series 2008/2009
3 PEAKS CORNDON CLASSIC Sunday 16th November 2008
A tough approx 6 mile sprint over Corndon Hill to Rownton Hill and back over Lon Fawr from Priest Weston to revive this forgotten gem and put it back on the map. Starts at 11am at The Miners Arms Priestweston.
*RHAYADER RANT* Sunday 8th February 2009
A fabulous approx 8 mile run over open fells on a circular route from Rhayader over the majestic Elan Valley moors. Starts at 11am from Carndeyddr Hall, Rhayader.
* In conjunction with Rhayader Athletic Club
Entries on the day Club £5.00 Unattached £7.00
Enquiries to Paul Beeson on 01686 411354 or danny@newtownoaks.freeserve.co.uk

Club dates for your diaries…

28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race) RACE IS FULL.
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
05/10/08 - Ystradgynlais, Swansea Valley, West Glamorgan League Cross Country
06/10/08 – New time of 6pm for Ladies Session
10/10/08 – Social Run 6pm at the Bandstand
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17/10/08 - 19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
02/11/08 - Pembrey, Llanelli, West Glamorgan League Cross Country (incorporates the West Wales Cross Country
Championships)
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

17th September 2008

News this week…

Welcome to New Members
There are a number of new or returning members that have joined the club for 2008/9 season. A warm welcome to everyone below.

Alison Bennetts-Brown
Norman Biggs
Shan Breese
Daniel Burgess
Teri Davis
Marjorie Griffiths
Delor Harvey
Margaret Holliday
Jos Jones
Eleri Jones
Christiane Kloos
Bethan Lewis
Michael Lovell
Karen Lucas
Helen Marshall
Jeff Saycell
Menna Stephens

12th October – Twin Peaks Race (club league race).
NEW! Enter our own race online via Runners World: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?en=45771 or enter via the post using the entry form on our club website.
• Goody bag for all finishers
• Prize Fund for winners
• Children’s events provided on the day
For more info visit: http://www.abertwinpeaks.co.uk

Dale Half Marathon is now FULL. (Club League Race)
For more info please visit http://www.pembrokeshire-tri.org.uk/

Change of Date for Ras y Mast
Ras y Mast has been moved from Nov 16th to Sunday Nov 30th. This change is on the WFRA website http://www.wfra.org.uk/ .

Something interesting for the newsletter….. (thanks to Shelley Childs)
I met this physio at the Tour of Britain – some interesting info on shoe manufacturers and the varying quality of running shoes, not so much by brand, but by model. Here is a link to an organization that tests shoes and offers a video on how to check when buying new shoes. http://www.aapsm.org/crishoe.html

Invite to give ideas for the Welsh Lady run (thanks to Oliver Morys)
Annwyl Gyfeillion - Hello All,
I am writing this short e-mail to invite you - and anyone else you feel would be interested in getting involved - to an informal meeting to discuss next year’s ‘Welsh Lady Fun Run’. We would love to develop this event into an all-inclusive flag-ship event for the town that could become as central to the Aberystwyth calendar as the ‘Santa Run’ is to Newtown’s calendar. Please see below link.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/mid/sites/newtown/04santarun.shtml
It could become a mega-event that would not only encourage visitors to the town and help to develop a stronger sense of community but also be a lot of fun!!!!
To start with we need to knock some ideas around – the run could even be the starting point for a whole day of events based across Aberystwyth. So, at 5.30pm on Tuesday 30th September we’ll be meeting at the Arts Centre bar (upstairs) to discuss things over a complimentary drink. I sincerely hope to see as many of you there as possible. Please e-mail me to let me know if you can make it, or, if you would have been interested but find the time and/or venue awkward. We’ll try to take any comments into consideration for next time.
Just in case you missed it, there’ll also be a complimentary drink for all that attend!
Thanks for your time,
Yours,
Oliver Morys, (New) Aberystwyth Development Officer.
eluned.lewis@menter-aberystwyth.org.uk

New Adult Swim Sessions at University Sports Centre
The Sports Centre are offering Adult Swim Fit sessions on a Tuesday 7.15pm-8.15pm.
The session is described as “A progressive swim programme that develops quality stroke technique whilst increasing fitness”.
£35 for 11 weeks.
Registration week to sign up is 22nd-26th September.
Classes commence week beginning 29th September.

Races this month…

Dale Half Marathon – 28th September 2008 (club league race)
THIS RACE IS NOW FULL!
For more info please visit http://www.pembrokeshire-tri.org.uk/

Race Results…

Club League 5k Timetrial (thanks to Pete Foale)
What a good turn-out! 26 started and 25 finished. Mark Stieler still suffering with an Achilles tendon injury pulled out just before the football club. Good to see Gethin and Daniel improving so much.

Gethin Holland 17.38 (PB)
Daniel Davies 17.44 (PB)
Pete Foale 19.34
Dafydd Dylan 19.59
Dave Powell 20.13
Ian Evans 20.19
Geoff Oldrid 21.05
John Evans 21.56
Bridget Parkinson 22.01 (PB)
Tony Wenlock 22.17
Catherine Tudor Jones 22.48 (PB)
Rachel Tod 23.10 (PB)
Helen Williams 23.17 (PB)
Annwen James 23.32
Glenda Robert 23.40
Menna Stephens 25.11
Marion Garson 25.47 (PB)
Bethan Lewis 26.10 (PB)
Helen Stretch 26.32
Andrea Whitney 26.34
Shan Breese 27.05 (PB)
Medi Jones-Jackson 28.50 (PB)
Rosemary Rhys 29.18
Terri Davies 29.45
Christine Grey 38.23 (PB)

The times and points have been updated on the Club League. Visit Tony’s Tracker on the website to view the current league positions www.aberystywthac.org.uk .

Ras Llyn Y Fan, Sat 13th Sept (thanks to Kate O’Sullivan)
This is 5.5 miles long with 2, 000ft ascent. The weather was glorious and the setting rather fabulous; Bannau Sir Gaer are a series of dramatic escarpments that are visible in dramatic outline for quite a distance, and draw you in. At the foot of these escarpments are two fine lakes, and there is a wonderful tale about a woman who comes out of the lake and marries a farmer. Of course, disaster follows, but I won't spoil the ending for you; suffice to say, it adds to the magical beauty of the place, and I urge anyone who has not yet been there to go, visit. The race field was small, 25 in all, and we had a lot of fun, running like hell up, over the edge of the escarpment and steeply down again, with a final hurtle over lovely sloping hillside, and there was a bottle of beer each at the end. I came in 14th, 1st FV40 but beaten by the 1st FV50 by over a minute!

Dyfi 8 - Sunday 14th September
Well done to Helen Stretch, Menna Stephens and Shan Breese in completing this new trail race at Tan-y-coed, Pantperthog. The route sounded very scenic with some tough climbs. Hopefully we can include as one of our league trail races next year.
Results should hopefully be available soon at: http://www.brodysynniac.co.uk/

Bala Triathlon - Sunday 14th September
Three brave Aber AC members headed up to Bala to take part in the annual standard distance triathlon along with another 500 competitors.
Hopefully we’ll hear how they found it once they have recovered!
This was Emma and Elizabeth’s first attempt at this distance. Not ones to shy away from a challenge both completed the scenic course in excellent times.

24th female senior - Emma Smith
Swim 27.18, bike 1.13.52, run 51.32 overall time: 2.32.42 (1st in age category)

2nd male vintage vet – John Evans
Swim 37.56, bike 1.12.47, run 45.30 overall time: 2.36.03 (2nd in age category)

43rd female senior – Elizabeth Stieler
Swim 37.06, bike 1.19.45, run 47.59 overall time: 2.44.50 (9th in age category)

Trans Cambria Sportive (thanks to Martyn Saycell)
On Sunday 7th September, myself, Jeff, Euros and Leif Skot (Ystwyth CC) set off to Rhayader to compete in the Trans Cambria Sportive. This event is an 87 (138km) mile bike ride through and around - and as I found out on the day ‘up and down’ the Cambrian Mountains.

Once we registered and got our timing chips zapped we set off from Rhayader to Llanidloes. There was no gentile, flat, warm up sections out of Rhayader it was straight into a leg burning hill climb. The views were amazing as the mist steadily lifted. Once in Llanidloes we then rode out towards the Clywedog Reservoir and over to Staylittle before making the decent down to Machynlleth. This was the first feed station and with over 55km completed it was a welcome sight to much on some energy bars.

We then got our first flat stage to Talybont before starting the 10km climb up to Nant Y Moch. At this point I got dropped by the other 3 and snail paced my way to the summit. Then it was over to Ponterwyd and Devils Bridge before the next climb up to the Arch above Cwm Ystwyth (2nd Feed station). From here it was only 40km of flatish road with a tail wind back to the Rhayader lakes before picking up the familiar route of the Rhayader 5 mile road running race back to the market town.

I think Jeff and Euros finished in approx 5 hours 50min, Leif’s time I don’t know, and I finished in 6hours 29mins with a smile on my face for the first time that day!!

Future Races…

04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

12/10/08 – Twin Peaks Race (club league race).
NEW! Enter our own race online via Runners World: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?en=45771 or enter via the post using the entry form on our club website.

Ras Y Mast 30th November
New date.

Club dates for your diaries…

28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

10th September 2008

News this week…

This Monday Club League 5k Timetrial (Monday 15th September)
Open to everyone.
Chance to see how your running is improving and gain club league points. Meet 6.30pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

This Sunday 14th September - Dyfi 8
11am start from Tan Y Coed picnic site, Pantperthog on the A487 north of Machynlleth.
“A Challenging hilly race of approximately 8 miles run solely over gravelled forest roads”
Entries accepted on the day. Queries to Brenda Jones 01341 421407.

12th October – Twin Peaks Race (club league race).
NEW! Enter our own race online via Runners World or via the post using the entry form on our club website.

Will you be travelling to a race/running event over the next few weeks?
Please can you take some Twin Peaks entry forms/flyers with you to any race you attend? If you let me know a few days in advance I can arrange to drop off a few forms for you that can be left on an entry table/near the finish. The Twin Peaks entry form is available on the web or contact Anita 01970 832013. Many Thanks.

Twin Peaks Marshalls needed
Please give your name to Dai James if you are able to Marshall for this event and won’t be running. Many thanks. Dai James 01970 615789 (work).

Just to remind you all that the next POW event takes place on Sunday 14th September @ Bwlch Nant Yr Arian (Thanks to Bill Marlow)
Follow this link to see where it is:-
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=271750&y=281250&z=3&sv=271750,281250&st=4&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf&dn=612&ax=271750&ay=281250
Further details can be seen shortly at the link below:-
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/swnygwy/events.htm
However, here are the Courses details:-
Short course 1.9km 70 metres 7 controls
Medium course 3.52 km 225 metres 9 controls
Long course 6.25 km 360 metres 13 controls

A Letter from our very own Will Mahon
Dear Fellow Aber AC Members,
On more than one occasion I have heard someone say that we take the beautiful scenery and natural running terrain around Aberystwyth for granted. I came across the following letter while flying across to Newark, New Jersey, on Tuesday.

Letter to the Irish Times (02/09/08) entitled 'Denial of rights to walkers'

Madam, -- John G. O'Dwyer is right to mention the access problems in Irish upland areas (Go, August 30th). The legal right to responsible access on footpaths is the norm over much of Europe and carefree walking over private land is enjoyed by hill walkers and casual strollers alike.
Less than 100 kilometres from Dublin there is an area with a dense network of footpaths, complete with stiles, gates, steps on steep sections, footbridges and suitable maps. Landowners are paid nothing for allowing access to their land and seem happy enough about it. This area is called Wales and it is far from unique in Europe and farther afield.
Nothing like this exists in Ireland and we are all the poorer for its absence. The relevant Minister has spent over four weary years trying to cajole the farming organisations to grant access to the countryside, with predictable results: not sn in without lots of cash.
The time has come to remind them where their income comes from -- the taxpayers of Europe and increasingly Ireland -- and to force them to act with some regard for the common good. -- Yours, etc,
Roger Garland,
Chairman,
Keep Ireland Open,
Butterfirld Drive, Dublin 14.

It's hot and sunny here in New Jersey. I will be getting up to run at 6.00 am.
Will Mahon

Races this month…

Autumn Club League 5k 15th September 2008 – 6.30pm @ Plascrug

Dale Half Marathon – 28th September 2008 (club league race)
For more info please visit http://www.pembrokeshire-tri.org.uk/

Race Results…

The Source of the Severn (Club League Race)
Thanks to Brian and Julian there are some snapshots from the race at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets/

It was great to see so many Aber AC runners. This was a tough race with plenty of climbing as well as downhill sections. The tea, coffee and homemade cakes seemed to go down very well at the end!

Results:

7th Jos Jones 64.04
14th Dave Powell 67.04
19th Geoff Oldrid 69.07
21st Louise Barker 70.04 (1st Lady)
23rd Helen Marshall 70.18 (2nd Lady)
25th Pete Foale 70.33
33rd John Evans 72.44 (1st MV60)
46th Adriano Evola 76.25
48th Clive Evans 82.26
49th Pete Garson 82.33
51st Anita Worthing 83.04
53rd Tony Wenlock 85.15
54th Elizabeth Stieler 85.21
57th Helen Williams 87.45
60th Bridget Parkinson 92.00 (managed to add a mile onto the route!)
62nd Brian Ashton 97.11
63rd Helen Stretch 98.13
64th Shan Breese 102.36

The league has been updated with the results – visit the club website to see the league positions so far! www.aberystywthac.org.uk
Next chance for league points this Monday 15th September – Club 5k. Meet 6.30pm at Plascrug.

Llanrwst Sprint Triathlon (thanks to Emma Smith)
Last weekend I ventured up to Llanrwst in North Wales to compete in their annual sprint triathlon. Needless to say the weather left alot to be desired! The swim was followed by an interesting bike whereby the centre of Llanrwst was "race neutral". For a few of us this meant waiting at a pedestrian crossing for a couple of sweet old ladies busily putting the world to rights and towing their trolleybags to make their way to the other side of the road! Then a juggernaut-type lorry decided to get stuck around a sharp bend in the middle of the town leading to one of the triathletes suffering some fairly serious bike rage by this point (but I think he soon realised the juggernaut had a significant advantage in the size department)! Thereafter the bike route was a nice undulating course with only one major hill half way round. After the bike, there was a very steep hill on the start of the run which brought most of us to a stand still but it materialised into a nice trail run and of course the way home was all DOWNHILL! Overall an interesting but very enjoyable triathlon! I completed the 400m Swim, 25km bike and 5km run in a total of 1 hour and 24 minutes.

Future Races…

04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

12/10/08 – Twin Peaks Race (club league race).
NEW! Enter our own race online via Runners World or via the entry form on our club website.

Club dates for your diaries…

15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

1st September 2008

News this week…

Tuesday 2nd September – Club Meeting
8.30pm in the Belle View. Come along to have your say and bring ideas.

Can you help? – Children’s Activities during the Twin Peaks Race
We are looking at providing some children’s activities during the Twin Peaks race. Do you know anybody that could provide Face Painting, balloon modelling or any other children’s activities based at the bandstand for the race? Any thoughts or suggestions please send to aiv@aber.ac.uk . Many thanks.

Will you be travelling to a race/running event over the next 8 weeks?
Please can you take some Twin Peaks entry forms with you to any race you attend? If you let me know a few days in advance I can arrange to drop off a few forms for you that can be left on an entry table/near the finish. The Twin Peaks entry form is available on the web or contact Anita 01970 832013. Many Thanks.

Official Race the train photos (thanks to Dave Thomas)
Pictures have appeared on the RTT website through the link to Mick Hall Photos. Time consuming to trawl through all the way, but page numbers for Aber AC 10km runners - 2/36/37/38/52/88. http://www.mickhallphotos.com/eos/galleries/racethetrain2008/index.htm

Maldwyn Harriers New Winter Mid Wales off Road Series 2008/2009
SOURCE OF THE SEVERN Sunday 7th September 2008
An established approx 9 miles race through the multi terrain of the Hafren Forest to find the Source of the UKs longest river. Starts at 11am at Picnic Area Hafren Forest Llanidloes GR 858869
3 PEAKS CORNDON CLASSIC Sunday 16th November 2008
A tough approx 6 mile sprint over Corndon Hill to Rownton Hill and back over Lon Fawr from Priest Weston to revive this forgotten gem and put it back on the map. Starts at 11am at The Miners Arms Priestweston.
*RHAYADER RANT* Sunday 8th February 2009
A fabulous approx 8 mile run over open fells on a circular route from Rhayader over the majestic Elan Valley moors. Starts at 11am from Carndeyddr Hall, Rhayader.
* In conjunction with Rhayader Athletic Club
Entries on the day Club £5.00 Unattached £7.00
Enquiries to Paul Beeson on 01686 411354 or danny@newtownoaks.freeserve.co.uk

Have your say on plans to open up sections of the Cambrian Mountains to motor vehicles…
Cambrian Mountains Pilot Project for Motorised Vehicles
(For background, see http://www.cambrian-mountains.co.uk/issues/offroadvehicles.htm )
Forwarded message, received from Ceredigion County Council
The consultants to the project - Exegesis SDM Ltd – have now produced the draft strategy and action plan for the Cambrian Mountains.
The partnership is now seeking comments on the draft strategy and action plan. To assist in this process a series of informal ‘drop-in’ meetings have been arranged where you will be able to discuss the report and the management recommendations with officers of the three local authorities and CCW.
The meetings are to be held at:
Tuesday, 2nd September Hafod Arms Hotel, Devil’s Bridge, Ceredigion
Wednesday, 3rd September Brynafon Country House Hotel, South Street, Rhayader, Powys
Thursday 4th September Castle Hotel, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire
Drop in at any time between 2.00pm and 7.00pm at one of these venues to find out more about the project and for an opportunity to discuss the draft strategy. We look forward to seeing you at one of these meetings.
The draft strategy and accompanying plans will also be available in the near future on the County Council’s web site - www.ceredigion.gov.uk (go to the environment section of the site and follow the link).
It includes an interactive web mapping site (the mapping site can also be accessed at www.cambrianmountains.org ) that gives the opportunity to review the mapped results in more detail. Individual route reference numbers can be obtained by clicking on the route on the map.
Please note that there is a six week consultation period on the draft strategy - from 1st September to 13th October 2008. Comments can be submitted:
In writing to:
Ian Dutch
Principal Planner - Coast and Countryside
Department of Environmental Services and Housing
Ceredigion County Council
Penmorfa
Aberaeron
SA46 0PA
By email to:
countryside@ceredigion.gov.uk
Please mark your communication ‘CMPP – Draft Strategy’. It would be helpful if you could reference your comments to a page number. In the case of a comment on a route, please note the path reference number (path reference numbers can be obtained from the interactive mapping site referred to above).
At the end of the consultation period the partnership will produce a report on the comments received on the draft strategy – this report will also include their response to the matters raised during the consultation. Please note that the report will be made available on the web site in due course.
We look forward to receiving your views.
Please forward this email to other groups and individuals who would be likely to be interested in the draft strategy and the forthcoming meetings.
Ian Dutch
Principal Planner - Coast and Countryside
Ceredigion County Council

Chance to save money on running shoes and donate money to charity (thanks to Cliff Thomas for forwarding)
Email from Carl Austin:
“This is just a quick email to introduce you to www.ransacker.co.uk . The UK's only running shoe comparison website. Being a runner myself, I set-up Ransacker to help fellow runners save money and raise money for charity.
I believe that Ransacker could help your members save a considerable amount of money. Typically you will save £5-10 instantly and every time a pair of running shoes is purchased via Ransacker £3.00 (on average) is donated to charity.
I look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions that you may have. If you would like to promote your club or website on our blog please just send me your contact details.
All the best,
Carl Austin”

Races this month…

The Source of the Severn - Sunday 7th September @ 11am (club league race)
http://uk.geocities.com/newtownac/MaldwynHarrriersfixtureslist2008.htm

Autumn Club League 5k 15th September 2008 – 6.30pm @ Plascrug

Dale Half Marathon – 28th September 2008 (club league race)
For more info please visit http://www.pembrokeshire-tri.org.uk/

Race Results…

4.5 mile Neil Howell's Memorial Race (thanks to Helen Stretch)
Two carloads headed North on Friday 15th August for the 4th and final race of the Maldwyn Harrier's Summer season. Gethin drew the short straw and travelled with the ladies but at least we didn't get lost on the way!
The 4.5 mile Neil Howell's Memorial Race started from Montgomery Showground. It was a hilly scenic route with climbs up to the Fort and Castle and eventually a steep descent to the finish in the town.
Presentations were made afterwards in the Dragon Hotel. Refreshments were provided and all runners made very welcome by the Maldwyn Club.
Gethin Holland 30:52
Martyn Jenkins 33:31
Gwilym Jones 33:52
Clive Evans 35:53
Adriano Evola 36:25
Helen Stretch 44:18
Shan Breese 46:39
Marjorie Griffiths 50:49
Series trophies were awarded to Shan, Marj and Helen. [Could we have
been the only ones to turn up for all 4 races?!]

Slieve Bearnagh, Mournes, N Ireland Aug 16th (thanks to Kate O’Sullivan)
Thought I would benefit from the babysitting opportunity afforded by visiting my parents, and popped out for a short fell run last Saturday. The average rainfall for the entire month of August fell onto the north east of the province on this one day, and conditions were the worst I have ever experienced for a run. The 4 mile, 2,700 ft race taking in 3 sharp peaks was altered to a bad weather course to ensure that we would all find our way, as visibility was zilch, and I suspect the marshalls didn't want to be scouring the bog for us well into Sunday. The bad weather course involved running up to the bizarre structure known as the Mourne Wall, a sort of Irish-sized version of the Great Wall of China (the race instructions advise that we would be disqualified if we ran on the wall; its that big), and following it over three peaks, then coming back down the valley. I was disappointed not to see anything with the low cloud base, and spent the entire time looking hard at the ground as this was steep, gritty fell terrain, and the bog ranged from very greasy to riverine. There were 51 runners, of which 6 were women, and I was the last of these (47th overall) to finish in 1 hr 11 mins sthg seconds.... These Mourne fell boys are a tough breed, and as this was a championship race, they meant business, so I saw little of them after the first 5 mins as they disappeared into the mist. A few days later the clouds lifted and I took my wee boys hiking in the area; I was staggered at the toughness of the terrain, particularly the peak we missed on account of the weather. Very beautiful, though. I will definitely be back to do it next year, with, hopefully, fell legs to better compete with my sure-footed fellow countrymen. One of them knew our Lou (Bob says hello, Louise!); is she famous EVERYwhere?

Future Races…

04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

12/10/08 – Twin Peaks Race (club league race).
NEW! Enter our own race online via Runners World: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/findevent.asp?sp=&v=2 or enter via the post using the entry form on our club website.

Club dates for your diaries…

02/09/08 – Club Meeting 8.30pm @Belle View
07/09/08 – Source of the Severn (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

18th August 2008

News this week…

CROSS COUNTRY FIXTURES 2008-2009 (thanks to Helen Marshall)
With the cross country season fast approaching, it’s time to dust off those cross trainers/spikes and get some off road training into your schedule!! This season there are two South Wales leagues which are open to Aberystwyth AC members, the Gwent Cross Country League and the West Glamorgan Cross Country League.

The Gwent Cross Country League is the largest cross country league in Wales. The competitors are divided according to gender and age. It is fairly competitive (not for the easily intimidated!). Unfortunately you cannot just “turn-up-and-run” you need to register prior to your race using the official documentation. If you’re interested in running please let me know (preferably before the day!), I will be attending all of the fixtures and will take responsibility for registering all competitors. It costs £4 adults £2-3 for children. Senior women run 5 km, senior men run 10 km. All competitors must be members of the Welsh Athletics Association. For more details click on http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

Dates for the Gwent Cross Country League:
Sunday 12 October 2008 - Newbridge Fields, Bridgend
Sunday 9 November 2008 - University of Bath
Saturday 6 December 2008 - Blaise Castle, Bristol (subject to change)
14/15 February 2009 - Penlan Leisure Centre, Brecon
Saturday 14 March 2009 - United Counties Showground, Carmarthen

The West Glamorgan Cross Country League is organised by Kevin Corcoran of the Swansea Harriers. It is a great little league, ideal for runners who may be new to cross country. The league is based in locations in and around South Wales. The average attendance is 50-150 men and 15-30 women – far less intimidating! Everyone starts together, the men run two laps (10 km) and the women run one lap (5 km) – with the exception of the Port Talbot 5 mile road race. Registration starts one hour before the start (at 11 am) of the race, and anyone can turn up and run. It costs £2-3 per person. For more details click on http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/index.html

Dates for the West Glamorgan Cross Country League:
Sunday 5 October 2008 – Penrhos, Ystradgynlais.
Sunday 2 November 2008 – Pembrey Country Park incorporating the West Wales Cross Country Championships.
Other fixture dates to be confirmed.

If the interest is good (more than 7 people) I will arrange transportation (minibus) to the fixtures. However, I need notice so I can book the minibus in advance.

Note, the second West Glamorgan fixture incorporates the West Wales Cross Country Championships. This fixture is used for selection for the Welsh Cross Country Championships, and ultimately the Inter-Regions Cross Country Championships in Nottingham. If you run well, you are likely to be selected to run for West Wales!!

Happy training!!
Helen Marshall ( hem@aber.ac.uk )

Club League updated (thanks to Tony Wenlock)
The men's league is beginning to look interesting. John Evans is the first to qualify after beating the train this weekend. The competition between the top three looks set to a tight one, Clive Evans is running well this year and putting in some very good times - especially in Dolgellau. But Peter Foale has made some significant leaps over the last couple of months as he piles in the training for Snowdonia. The challenges will come to a head in the last two long races and in the off road.
Ladies also sees some big challenges ahead - Anita Worthing, recovering from ankle injury, has to set her sights on a good off road to beat Louise. The resolve that Helen Stretch, Helen Williams and Shan Breese are showing is inspiring. The have already tackled the difficult off road and now only need to set their ambition on their final tally. Individually, Helen S and Shan lead the entire club in terms of the number of races run this year - and that includes the men - and Helen, seems to be improving with almost every race.

Latest Aber AC photos added to Flickr
Visit: www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets for Borth 10k, Dolgellau 5 mile and Race the Train snapshots.

Races this month…

Ras Beca 5 (miles) Crymych, Pembrokeshire - Saturday, 23 August 2008 http://www.onlineraceresults.co.uk

TROT St Clears 10k Sunday 24th August – St Clears, Carmarthen http://www.trots.org.uk

Machen Mountain Run 10K Caerphilly - Monday, 25 August 2008
http://www.machenwelfare.com

Caernarfon 10k Sunday 31st August
http://eryriharriers.org.uk

Campus2Campus 7 (miles) - 10:00am, Sunday 31 August 2008
http://sports-centre.newport.ac.uk/campus2campus

Race Results…

Race the Train Results 2008 (thanks to Dave Thomas)
Results link: http://www.ukresults.net/2008cal.html#aug

Tynllwynhen Challenge 3.5 miles
Stephen Williams M12 Aberystwyth AC 00:18:28 Y
Quarry Challenge 10km
John Evans M60 Aberystwyth AC 00:47:47 Y Dave Thomas M55 Aberystwyth AC 00:48:32 Y
Tony Wenlock M50 Aberystwyth AC 00:54:29 Y
Elizabeth Stieler F Aberystwyth AC 00:54:30 Y
Christiane Kloos F35 Aberystwyth AC 01:17:20 N
14 mile Rotary Challenge
80th Phoebe Webster 1:39: 40 (1st lady)
150th Dave Powell M45 Aberystwyth AC 01:44:06 Y
300th Peter Garson M40 Aberystwyth AC 01:55:36 N
636th Marion Garson F40 Aberystwyth AC 02:22:40 N
692nd Glenda Roberts F55 Aberystwyth AC 02:29:24 N
812th Marjory Griffiths 3:01:58 N

Y= Beat the train
N= Train beat the runner

10km event
JE won the V60 category (business as usual!)
DT second in the V55 category
The rain, wind, pestilence and plague promised for Saturday morning didn’t materialise despite the biblical blackness of the clouds. The course was surprisingly ‘dry’ (a relative term) given the heavy rains of the last seven days.
Alterations to the course at the start (a longer run in to the first big hill) and finish (a return to the ice cream factory route into town) made for a shorter run than in the last few years when the distance was nearer 11km than 10km. Noticeably more runners beat the train time of 55 minutes.
Strong rumours in the Tywyn business community that this year’s event may have been the last due to spiralling insurance costs and restrictive H&S measures. A very sad thought for the 1200 runners or so that took part in the day’s events – and not least for the economic health of the town’s small businesses that rely on Race the Train weekend to be their main earner of the year, whatever the weather.

Tynllwynhen Challenge 3.5 miles (thanks to Stephen Williams)
I ran in the 3 mile Tynllwynhen Challenge of "Race the Train" on Saturday up in Tywyn. All 180 of us kids plus some adults were on the 10.50 train to the start. That was the horrible bit going up to the start on my own and having to wave goodbye to Mum and Dad. When the whistle went it was a mad rush to be at the front as we all had to fit through a muddy gateway. For the first 2 miles we had to run through long wet grass, muddy tracks and through a ford (that was the best bit!!!), then the last mile was back through the town and to the finish line. I came in 6th overall in a time of 18.28 and I was the 2nd 12 year old to cross the line.

Race the Train, Tywyn, 16th August (thanks to Peter Garson)
There was a good turn out from Aberystwyth this year. Although the forecast was for similar monsoon conditions to last year, it actually stayed dry for most of the day. Tony and Lily entered the 10k Quarry Challenge in the morning. Tony caught up with Lily and snook ahead at the finish. It was too late for Lily to respond before the line so she gave him a slap afterwards instead. (We’ll see who has the last laugh when the chip times come out.)

The Rotary Challenge was slightly shorter than last year at 14 miles but this was quite long enough for those of us, like me, who had not done enough training recently. Out of 821 finishers, Phoebe was 1st lady and 80th overall in 1:39. Dave Powell came in 5 minutes later, but still ahead of the train. They were probably enjoying a hot shower, (separately of course and not the train,) by the time I came in at 1:55.

In her first race since her marathon in May, Marion found the first half tough. However, when the rain started and the course hit the muddy, slopey ground, she perked up and started to overtake the road runners, finishing in 2:22. Glenda had a mellow, sociable run in 2:29 and Marjory followed up in just over 3 hours.

All in all this is a very good fund-raising event with most of the town turning out to marshall or support well over a thousand runners. Good marketing seems to be doing a great job of attracting runners from across the country and abroad to this unique, cross-country running event.

Race the Train - Quarry Challenge - 10km - 16 August 2008 (thanks to Elizabeth Stieler)
This was a well organised race with 372 participants (112 women, 259 men and 1 train). There was copious mud, water, sloping fields, bogs, rocks, congestion and steps to keep the easily bored interested. The results were:
35.24 First Male, Christopher Rainsford from Heanor RC (Male Open);
40.59 First Female, Gemma Steel from Hermitage Harriers (Female Open);
47.47 John Evans (1st in his category .... again!);
48.32 Dave Thomas (2nd in his category);
54.29 Tony Wenlock (the bugger overtook me utterly by surprise in the last few metres ... I gave him a great big slap on the finishing line for his cunning tactics);
54.30 Lily Stieler (1 second after Tony and 15th female);
55.16 THE TRAIN!; and
77.20 Christiane Kloos; and
97.30 Last finisher.
All in all a great effort by all and a fabulous race.

Future Races…

The Source of the Severn - Sunday 7th September @ 11am (club league race)
http://uk.geocities.com/newtownac/MaldwynHarrriersfixtureslist2008.htm

28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
For more info please visit http://www.pembrokeshire-tri.org.uk/

04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

12/10/08 – Twin Peaks Race (club league race). NEW! Enter our own race online via Runners World: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/findevent.asp?sp=&v=2 or enter via the post using the entry form on our club website.

Club dates for your diaries…

07/09/08 – Source of the Severn (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

15th August 2008

News this week…

Marshalls needed for the Aberysywth Autumn road bike race – 31st August
If anyone can spare a few hours to marshall for the bike race organised by Ystwyth CC please contact Leif Skot lfs@aber.ac.uk . Many thanks.

Race the Train 10k entry available
Mark Stieler has a spare entry for anyone interested.

Chance for testing at the Sports & Exercise Department
Here's the second study of 2008, with Les Tumilty (PhD student, Sports and Exercise Dept.) The nutritional supplement being investigated is the amino acid Tyrosine which apparently affects Dopamine synthesis in the brain which in turn is implicated in heat tolerance during exercise:
The department of Sport and Exercise Science at Aberystwyth University are looking for men who are fit and healthy, and who exercise regularly to take part in an investigation commencing in August 2008. We will be looking at the effects of a nutritional supplement during prolonged cycling exercise in a warm environment.
What do you get for participating?
We will give you an accurate measurement of your aerobic fitness level ( O2max) as well as the opportunity to ask advice on sports nutrition and training, if you want.
If you’re interested in taking part, or want to find out more, contact Les Tumilty by telephone on 01970 622306 or 07855024771 (M), or by e-mail at llt07@aber.ac.uk .

Regular Saturday morning training rides
Gail from Ystwyth CC has the following message:
“I was wondering if there was any interest for regular saturday morning training rides through the winter for the women and slower men who are not up to the chain gang rides. I am happy to arrange a few of the initial ones maybe from mid September onwards. We would start off with shorter rides with hopefully a tea stop some where and then build it up as we progress through the winter, being based just north of Machynlleth i would hope to run some from there as I know this area better and maybe from Aber but might need some help with routes and t stops.
Post on my wall (facebook) if you are interested in joining me and i will set up some firm dates, times etc.
Gail’s contact email is: gpb@aber.ac.uk

Races this month…

Neil Howells Memorial Race Friday 15th August @ 6.15pm
Approx 4.5miles - The second to last race in the Maldwyn Harriers 2008 Series

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Rhayader Mountain Trail 30 Saturday 16th August

Ingli Runners 10k Sunday 17th August - Fishguard Penbrokeshire

TROT St Clears 10k Sunday 24th August – St Clears, Carmarthen

Caernarfon 10k Sunday 31st August

Race Results…

Brecon 10 – 3rd August
'Last year, I finished 26 secs behind the 1st VM 60 Male, and was determined to be at least 1 sec ahead this year !
In the event, although I beat my last year's effort by 2:33 with a PB, I came in 4thVM60 ! This was probably because the race was part of the East Wales Championships this year and had consequently drawn in a better standard of runner.
It was the 25th Annual Brecon race 10 this year - and the last - so theres no point dwelling on the usual race details. (Do I smell the dead hand of joyless beaurocracy killing off yet another popular race ?) However, its considered a hard and hilly race with a bit of a brute at mile 8.
Time 1:16:40 (PB) in a field of over 386, in warm conditions and a slight breeze.
Incidentally, there was a chap on a 'blade' hurting up and down the Penlan track warming up before the race. I was interested as I'd never been so close to a blade in action before.... I should have had a better look, as he simply disappeared ahead when the race started, and I did'nt see him again ! '

Cymmer Off Road Triathlon, Aug 2008 (Lily Stieler)
600m swim; 21km mountain bike ride; 6km trail run. I have never experienced anything like the thrill of swimming, mountain biking and trail running in close succession. I recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind getting completely filthy. The conditions were ridiculously wet but that is always preferable to a hot, sunny day in my opinion. I was first female in a time of 1 hr 50 mins. Approx. 50 competitors in this full distance category. Looking forward to next year.

Xterra Off Road Triathlon, Neath, June 2008 (Mark Stieler)
Self-belief, meticulous preparation, supreme fitness: none of these applied when Lily and I took part in our first Xterra off-road triathlon near Neath recently. Comments in the Race Information Pack like “the first three miles are horrendous” (run) and “once committed there’s no way to scrub speed” (bike) were a little off putting but our desperation for child-free time made us throw caution to the wind.
Xterra is a franchise that has come from the US of A and adds a grunge factor to conventional triathlon – open-water swim, mountain biking and a trail run. Lily and I took part in the shorter Sport distance (thank God) which was a 750m swim, 15km MTB and a 5km trail run. The Championship distance (double everything) attracted professionals from across the globe who compete (alongside local mortals) in an international ‘circuit’ for good prize money.
The day was miserable, grey and very wet (it was summer after all). The first 500m of the swim was in one lake and then it was a short jog across a causeway into another lake for the last 250m. We were warned that the second lake was colder than the first but even with suitably placed neoprene my testicles disappeared faster than any rat up a drainpipe I know of. At this stage I could feel Lily breathing down my neck (when in fact what I needed was for her to breath down my trunks) and we were only seconds apart getting out of the water.
The first transition saw Lily have her only real difficulty of the day – cramp getting out of her wetsuit. Had I been more sympathetic, perhaps I would not have got cramp as soon as I tried to pedal my bike. Eventually my hamstrings relaxed and I was able to continue safe in the knowledge that my testicles were tucked up nicely and away from danger.
The first 6km of the bike ride was a steep uphill section and then the fun began. The weather made the going soft and muddy to put it mildly. In the falling-off stakes, I lost to Lily 3:0 but managed to put a few minutes between us nevertheless. The faster down-hill sections would have been more fun had we been able to see; with no mudguards, the spray off the front wheels was blinding (but great for the completion).
We both thoroughly enjoyed the trail run which included a wade across a river and ropes to assist the scramble up some very steep and slippery slopes.
Approx. 50 competitors finished the Sport distance. Lily wasn’t able to share in the £15,000 prize pool the professional were competing for but she did get a £50 Wiggle voucher for being first female and 18th overall in a time of 2hrs 31min. Yours truly was 11th overall in 2hrs 20min. The winner was a chap from Holland in 1hr 59min.

Future Races…

The Source of the Severn - Sunday 7th September @ 11am (club league race)
http://uk.geocities.com/newtownac/MaldwynHarrriersfixtureslist2008.htm

28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
For more info please visit http://www.pembrokeshire-tri.org.uk/

04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Club dates for your diaries…

16/08/08 – Race the Train 10k (club league race)
07/09/08 – Source of the Severn (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

6th August 2008

News this week…

Gwilym’s social run for Aber AC– 10th August 2008 Annual Trip into the unknown!
Gwilym has mapped out an impressive 11 mile local run – in part on hitherto unknown tracks – the highlight of which is the breathtaking scenic climb past ‘Craig-y-Pistyll’. Gwilym guarantees that this year’s run will be at least as intrepid (but not as long) as the 2005 Rhayader half marathon and (in scenic terms) as stunning as the 2006 Mawddach Estuary Epic. Members and non-members are welcome.

Details as follows:-

1 Date – Sunday 10 August 2008
2 Start time – 1300 hours
3 Start location – Cwrt Garage Penrhyncoch – where cars can be parked on the garage forecourt.
4 Race Terminal – Bontgoch
5 Two cars available at Bontgoch to ‘shuttle’ runners back to Cwrt Garage
6 Changing and showering facilities as well as drinks and food then available at the White Lion Hotel, Talybont.

Please confirm your place to Gwilym by NOON on SATURDAY 9th AUGUST so that he can inform the White Lion Hotel with details of the approximate number attending and wanting food.

For further information please contact Gwilym:-
Home – 01970 626374
Mobile – 07854 094 542

Next Twin Peaks Marketing Meeting
9th August @ 10am in Varsity – Please come along if you would like to be involved in the organisation and marketing of this year’s event.

Club meeting - Thanks to everybody
who made it to the club meeting last night – date of the next meeting will be announced in due course.

Only 3 days left until the Beijing Olympics 2008!
The opening Ceremony will be on Friday August 8th 2008 – Full Coverage will be available from the BBC – For further details See http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/default.stm

Races this month…

Cymmer Triathlon – Saturday 9th August, Afan Park
Adult and Novice distances and also Various junior age category races. For more details please visit http www.the-multisport.org

Neil Howells Memorial Race Friday 15th August @ 6.15pm
Approx 4.5miles - The second to last race in the Maldwyn Harriers 2008 Series

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Rhayader Mountain Trail 30 Saturday 16th August

Ingli Runners 10k Sunday 17th August - Fishguard Penbrokeshire

TROT St Clears 10k Sunday 24th August – St Clears, Carmarthen

Caernarfon 10k Sunday 31st August

Race Results…

Borth Beach Race Sunday 3rd of August (Thanks to Pete)
Despite the embarrassing confusion with the start time of the race owing to the banner in Borth displaying incorrect information there was an encouraging turnout in both the Children’s 1 mile race and the 10K race for the seniors.
68 competitors entered the 10K race and 21 children the 1 mile race, including girl 7 year old triplets! It was heartening and bodes well for the future.
With a sigh of relief I watched the tide slip away from shortly after 1pm when I arrived at Borth and set up shop. Unfortunately there were already a lot of people hanging around waiting for the 1.30pm start (as displayed on the banner) and understandably took their frustration out on the nearest Aberystwyth AC official..... me!
The day was rather breezy and quite warm, not unpleasant at all, especially for running. Having said that the south westerly breeze coming straight from the mid-Atlantic did make the going tough for all competitors, all, it would seem, apart from the James brothers who made light work of the 1 mile beach race finishing first and second, Richard just beating his younger brother Gareth into second place and claiming the tasty first prize. Stephen Williams wasn’t far behind in third place and it was really good to see Emily Thomas powering home to be first girl and making it a 1st to 4th place all Aberystwyth AC members.
So the juniors had set the standard and showed the seniors just how it should be done. How did they respond?
Fighting a headwind all the way back from Ynyslas Gethin Holland pulled a fine performance out of the bag finishing in third place overall and no doubt wishing Daniel Davies had also run. Daniel had run a very fine race in the Dolgellau 5 last Saturday recording a pb of 29.29.
Shelley Childs just got the better of Louise Barker at the finish but Louise, perhaps unknowingly inspired by young Emily Thomas, had fought off Marrian Hensman from Bournville harriers to claim first lady, no doubt she would have enjoyed her cocoa with a little more satisfaction that evening!
Anita Worthing and Helen Stretch also both won their respective age groups making it a very credible performance overall for the ladies section.
Despite recently spending 10 weeks trekking across Canada and the USA Clive Evans had lost non of his competitive spirit beating off fierce competition from Mark Steiler, nor had he lost his taste for that fine beer ‘Butty Bach’ that was served afterwards in some quantity in the Sea Horse Inn at the prize giving!

Aber AC results:
3rd – Gethin Holland 40:43
12th – Shelley Childs – 43:58
13th – Louise Barker – 44:01
17th – Clive Evans – 44:50
18th – Mark Steiler – 45:34
24th – John Evans – 47:04
29th – Adriano Evola – 48:28
32nd – Clive Williams – 49:12
35th – Anita Worthing – 50:22
39th – Helen Williams – 52:35
44th – Debbie Nash – 55:26
48th – Helen Stretch – 57:24
49th – Menna Stevens – 58:21
53rd – Shan Breese – 60:31
57th – Marjorie Griffiths – 63:34

Full results of both the 1 mile and 10K races are available on the club website.

Dolgellau 5mile Saturday 26th of July
Full results now available at www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk
Aber AC results:

14th – Daniel Davies – 29:29
17th – Pete Foale – 30:41
22nd – Louise Barker – 31:33
27th – Gwilym Jones – 32:29
29th – Clive Evans – 32:38
33rd – John Evans – 33:52
36th – Cliff Thomas – 34:34
42nd – Anita Worthing – 35:18 (1st LV50)
44th – Bridget Parkinson – 36:02
71st - Helen Stretch – 42:32 (1st LV55)
74th – Shan Breese – 43:47
75th – Menna Stephens – 43:56
86th – Marjorie Griffiths – 45:57 (1st LV60)

As this is a club league race the points will soon be updated on Tony’s Tracker!

Future Races…

The Source of the Severn - Sunday 7th September @ 11am (club league race)
http://uk.geocities.com/newtownac/MaldwynHarrriersfixtureslist2008.htm

28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
For more info please visit http://www.pembrokeshire-tri.org.uk/

04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Club dates for your diaries…

29th July 2008

News this week…

Online Entry for the Twin Peaks now Open on Runner’s World Website!
For more details see http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/defaultevents.asp?sp=&v=2

Are you able to help marshal the Borth Beach 10k on the 3rd August?
Please arrive at 3pm at ‘It’s a Gift’. Pete Foale peterf@ceredigion.gov.uk will be coordinating marshals. Please bring a GPS watch if you have one – this will help to measure the kilometre markers on the beach. Many thanks.

Next Club Meeting 5th August – Belle View 8.30pm Come along to have your say, give ideas, and help make decisions to ensure Aber AC is providing what you would like to see.

Next Twin Peaks Marketing Meeting 9th August @ 10am in Varsity

Gwilym’s social run for Aber AC– 10th August 2008 Gwilym very kindly organises an annual scenic social run every year for the club. This year’s run will be about 10-12 miles and will start at Penrhyncoch and finish in Bontgoch. Transport will be arranged and more details to follow shortly. Photos from Gwilym’s 2006 Blue Lake Run can be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets/72157603506974899/

Last Tuesday coaching session tonight at 6pm! Pete will be taking a well deserved holiday until September. There are usually people still meeting informally on a Tuesday at 6pm if you fancy a run. Tuesday sessions will resume on 2nd of September. Note: Monday sessions will continue to run as normal throughout August

Races this month…

Borth Beach 10k – 3rd August Entry forms online www.aberystywthac.org.uk - 16.45 start. Entries accepted on the day.

Brecon 10mile – 3rd August http://www.brecon10.com/

Cymmer Triathlon – Saturday 9th August, Afan Park Adult and Novice distances and also Various junior age category races. For more details please visit http www.the-multisport.org

Neil Howells Memorial Race Friday 15th August @ 6.15pm Approx 4.5miles - The second to last race in the Maldwyn Harriers 2008 Series

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race) http://www.racethetrain.com/

Rhayader Mountain Trail 30 Saturday 16th August

Ingli Runners 10k Sunday 17th August - Fishguard Penbrokeshire

TROT St Clears 10k Sunday 24th August – St Clears, Carmarthen

Caernarfon 10k Sunday 31st August

Race Results…

Ras yr Wyddfa Saturday 26th July
I watched the highlights of this race on S4C on Sunday – and think I can safely say I will stick to road running for the time being! I haven’t heard from the Aber AC participants but from what I saw many of the runners suffered with the heat, some even collapsing meters from the finish line! Definitely not one for the faint hearted - massive congratulations to everybody who took part!
First Man back for the third year in a row was Andi Jones from Salfard Harriers in a time of 1:06:01 and first lady was Katie Ingram who finished with a chip time of 1:20:44.

From Aber AC:
Dave Powell – 1:40:14
Kate O’Sullivan – 1:58:49

I couldn’t spot anybody else from the club so I’m sorry If I have missed anyone else out! The highlights show can be seen here until the 31st of August: http://www.s4c.co.uk/c_watch_level2.shtml?programme_id=335874394

Dolgellau 5mile Saturday 26th July
Full results still not available for the League race on Saturday but I can report that despite the sweltering heat Louise came home first lady in a fantastic time of 31:33. Anita Worthing and Helen Stretch both won their age group categories and there were pbs all round with Daniel Davies going under the 30min barriers for the first time. The AC ladies also managed to scoop the first team prize. Full list of results will be available soon at http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Future Races…

The Source of the Severn - Sunday 7th September @ 11am (club league race) http://uk.geocities.com/newtownac/MaldwynHarrriersfixtureslist2008.htm

28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race) For more info please visit http://www.pembrokeshire-tri.org.uk/

04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race) http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Club dates for your diaries…

03/08/08 – Borth 10k 16.45 start.
05/08/08 – Next Club Meeting 8.30pm in the Belle View
16/08/08 – Race the Train 10k (club league race)
07/09/08 – Source of the Severn (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

21st July 2008

News this week…

How To Look After your Kit – Some good advice Thanks to Runners World!
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/news/article.asp?UAN=3521

Only 18 days until the Beijing Olympics!!
The opening Ceremony will be on August 8th 2008 – Full Coverage will be available from the BBC – For further details See http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/default.stm

Fully qualified Sports Therapist Helen Evans has now begun in the Aberystwyth Sports Injury Clinic
For the latest in diagnoses, treatment and rehabilitation call 0845 177 5006 now for an appointment. Remember you don't have to wait until you are injured, why not have an MOT and prevent those tight muscles from causing an injury!

Next Club League race – Dolgellau 5 mile 26th July 2008 – THIS SATURDAY!
This annual race is yet again upon us – very friendly atmosphere and a good potential pb course!
http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/

Borth Beach 10k – 3rd August
Entry forms online www.aberystywthac.org.uk - 16.45 start.
Entries accepted on the day.

Brecon 10mile – 3rd August
http://www.brecon10.com/

Next Club Meeting 5th August – Belle View 8.30pm
Come along to have your say, give ideas, and help make decisions to ensure Aber AC is providing what you would like to see.

Gwilym’s social run for Aber AC– 10th August 2008
Gwilym very kindly organises an annual scenic social run every year for the club.
This year’s run will be about 10-12 miles and will start at Penrhyncoch and finish in Bontgoch. Transport will be arranged and more details to follow shortly.
Photos from Gwilym’s 2006 Blue Lake Run can be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets/72157603506974899/

No coached Tuesday night runs during August
The last coached Tuesday session will take place on Tuesday July 29th before Pete takes a well deserved holiday from coaching for a couple of weeks. There are usually people still meeting informally on a Tuesday at 6pm if you fancy a run.
5th August – no coached session
12th August – no coached session
19th August – no coached session
26th August – no coached session
Tuesday session will resume as normal on the 2nd September .
Note: Monday sessions will continue as normal throughout the summer.

Race Results…

Newtown 5k Results
8th – Gethin Holland – 18:32 (1st M20)
14th – Daniel Davies – 19:05
27th – John Evans – 21:25
36th – Glenda Roberts – 23:36 (1stLv55)
49th – Helen Stretch – 26:44
55th – Sian Breese – 28:08
60th – Marjorie Griffiths – 29:19 (1st LV60)

News from across the pond… (thanks to Cliff)
Clive Evans continues his Canadian Odyssey, though somewhat irritated to find that, on arriving in a new area, there had been a race 'last week' >( ? "Sorry, Clive we held Borth Beach, Twin Peaks and Aber 10 k while you were away...") However, his arrival in Toronto coincided with the Nissan Toronto 10 mile Race.
His second bit of luck was that the race started at 08.00 in light rain - a contrast to the weather of the previous few days when the temperature in the area had been over 35'C with high humidity. He finished in a "lousy time of about 76 min due to...a big gut".
After going for a shower, he returned to where the presentations were to be held and found that they had alredy happened. He asked a 'bossy girl', who fished his 3rd M O/60 trophy out of the 'gash bucket' and his $25 voucher and a tee-shirt out of the back of her car !
In a field of 2000, there were 5 Kenyans in the first 10 runners, and the winner finished in 44:48.
Clive should be home in a few days after the appearance of this note - no doubt sporting an exotic tee-shirt or two, and possibly a mid-Atlantic accent !!

Future Races…

Maldwyn Harriers Races 2008
Neil Howells Memorial Race approx 4.5miles - Friday 15th August @ 6.15pm

The Source of the Severn - Sunday 7th September @ 11am (club league race)
http://uk.geocities.com/newtownac/MaldwynHarrriersfixtureslist2008.htm

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

26/07/08 – Dolgellau 5 mile 1.30pm start (club league race)
03/08/08 – Borth 10k 16.45 start.
05/08/08 – Next Club Meeting 8.30pm in the Belle View
16/08/08 – Race the Train 10k (club league race)
07/09/08 – Source of the Severn (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

14th July 2008

News this week…

Please send any Aber AC news to be included in the newsletter to Bridget
Please email any news/race reports or anything else you would like included in the newsletter to Bridget at: bsp@aber.ac.uk

This TUESDAY Rhayader Carnival Annual Hill Race 2008
The Rhayader Carnival Annual Hill Race will be held on Tuesday 15th July 2008. Juniors 7.15pm seniors 7:30pm, Registration at the Lamb and Flag from 6pm. There is a BBQ and prize giving at the Lamb and Flag after the race. http://www.rhayadercarnival.co.uk/

Fully qualified Sports Therapist Helen Evans starts in Aberystwyth Sports Injury Clinic this week.
For the latest in diagnoses, treatment and rehabilitation call 0845 177 5006 now for an appointment. Remember you don't have to wait until you are injured, why not have an MOT and prevent those tight muscles from causing an injury!

Aberystwyth Golf Club run and meal
Thanks to Clive for arranging the venue and to Dai James for arranging the routes. Having arrived at the Golf Club, Dai had plenty of maps for everyone with the routes marked on. We all stayed together for the start of the route then three of us chose the shorter route back while the others continued on a longer and harder route. The weather held out for us providing fantastic views towards the Dyfi estuary. The water and sweets Dai had hidden at strategic points were very welcomed! Once back at the club house we were spoilt by excellent changing facilities. I can’t speak for the men’s but in the ladies were padded seats, mirrors, hair dryers, showers with doors, plenty of hanging space and even a pile of magazines to flick through!! The evening was finished off with a welcomed meal and a couple of drinks.

Borth Beach 10k – 3rd August Entry forms online www.aberystywthac.org.uk - 16.45 start. Entries accepted on the day.

Brecon 10mile – 3rd August http://www.brecon10.com/

Next Club League race – Dolgellau 5 mile 26th July 2008 26/07/08 – Dolgellau 5 mile 1.30pm start (club league race) http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/

Next Club Meeting 5th August – Belle View 8.30pm Come along to have your say, give ideas, and help make decisions to ensure Aber AC is providing what you would like to see.

No coached Tuesday night runs during August
Pete takes a well deserved holiday from coaching for a couple of weeks. There are usually people still meeting informally on a Tuesday at 6pm if you fancy a run. 5th August – no coached session 12th August – no coached session 19th August – no coached session 26th August – no coached session Tuesday session will resume as normal on the 2nd September . Note: Monday sessions will continue as normal throughout the summer.

Race Results…

Ammanford 10km – 13th July
120 finishers. Representing Aber AC were: 20th Daniel Davies 40min 41 secs 75th Glenda Roberts 50min 02 secs 100th Shan Breese 59 mins 03 secs

Aber AC in Newtown 5k
No results out yet but a number of Aber AC were running in this event. Hopefully results out soon!

John’s World Triathlon experiences in Canada (thanks to John Evans)
Friday 6th June 7.20 a.m.the coldest June day for 50yrs in Vancouver. Water temp. hovering around 10 degrees C,air temp.around 9 degrees and heavy rain. Just not where anybody with sense wanted to be. The approx 1100m swim!(not the usual 750m as advertised on the brochure) saw me exit the water in sound enough state not to require the hot tub! A technical, twisty, hilly 21k 3 lap course in Stanley Park saw plenty of crashes but miraculously I managed to stay upright and not get pulled over despite the extreme cold . At the end of the ride concerned friends could only describe my appearance as "wretched" as I struggled to disengage my feet from the pedals, total numbness having set in, Started to feel human 2 K into the 5K run where I actually overtook a few runners to finish 7th in my group. finished the race feeling a lot happier than I started and shunned the hypothermic wraps and hot tubs! Lots more I could say but the reliving has proved too painful and I feel shades of Sir Steve coming on........If anyone sees me near a wetsuit etc.

Orienteering on Plynlimon (thanks to Martyn Saycell)
Anita and I decided to enter the POW orienteering event held at Plynlimon on Sunday 13th July.
Having successfully navigated our way using a map and GPS to the start grid reference we were both in high spirits about the challenge ahead, after all we had managed to navigate ourselves around the Lake District last year so how hard could it be. (this thought came back to haunt me later) The event was split into 3 levels, easy, medium and hard. Being optimistic and ignoring the advice of the organizer and the man parked next to us we opted for the medium challenge. This was to be over 4km with 8 check points to negotiate and a height gain of some 400m.
So off we set, with map, compass and notes in hand. After 15minutes and only 200m into the event we had already given up trying to find checkpoint 1! By the time we had found check point 2 we were already well behind the rest of the field (note: we started well ahead of the field!) My spirits were lifted when young Daniel O’Sullivan (Kate’s son) came breezing past with a huge smile on his face. If a 9 year old can enjoy this, then so can we!
We did manage to find checkpoint 3, with substantial help from one of the competitors and I fell into checkpoint 4 whilst Anita was walking off in the wrong direction. After over an hour of running through waist high grass, uneven surfaces my knee finally gave in and after some persuasion I managed to get Anita to agree to call it a day and we trudged our way back to the start.
I enjoyed it, Anita loved it. I will swallow my pride and enter the easy option next time and work on my map reading skills. www.mid-wales-orienteers.org.uk

Future Races…

Maldwyn Harriers Races 2008
Neil Howells Memorial Race approx 4.5miles - Friday 15th August @ 6.15pm
The Source of the Severn - Sunday 7th September @ 11am (club league race)
http://uk.geocities.com/newtownac/MaldwynHarrriersfixtureslist2008.htm

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race) http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

7th July 2008

News this week…

Tonight Monday Night runners – meet 6pm at Plascrug for a lift out to mystery location!
A minibus and driver has been booked for tonight Monday 7th July. Meet at Plascrug for 6pm.
We will be driven to our location (10mins from Aber). We will aim to be back at the Leisure Centre for 8pm. A donation of £2 per person will cover the cost of the minibus and post run-refreshments. Many thanks.

This Friday social run and meal at Aberystwyth Golf Club (thanks to Clive Williams)
Our quest to keep Adriano away from Wetherspoons on Friday nights continues...
This Friday (11th July) the social run will move once again from the Leisure Centre - this time to Aberystwyth Golf Club.
Arrangements have been made with the Golf Club for us to use their facilities including showers (ladies & gents) and bar. A bar menu will be available should anyone fancy a bite to eat before going home. The only request from the stewardess is for some indication of numbers dining before we go out. Pre - ordering our meals would help her even more.
Suggested itinerary
- meet at Golf Club ~ 6.15pm.
- study bar menu (optional)
- run at ~ 6.30pm
- return ~ 7.30 - 8.00pm
Our Chairman will have dreamed up 2 alternative routes - so there should be something to suit everyone. Hopefully, both routes will end up back at the Golf Club!
Looking forward to seeing lots & lots of you there.

This Friday - 5k in Newtown
Maldwyn Harriers Newtown BBQ 5k - Friday 11th July @ 7pm
http://uk.geocities.com/newtownac/MaldwynHarrriersfixtureslist2008.htm

Chance to be involved in Twin Peaks marketing group this Saturday!
It would be great to have some help or hear ideas however big or small – first meeting for anyone interested and to get the ball rolling will be over a coffee on Saturday 12th July at 10am in Varsity (opposite Boots in Aber). Thanks. Anita S.

This Sunday Orienteering on Plynlimon – Sunday 13th July
Put the date in your Diary! All Aberystwyth AC members are invited to take part - excellent training for any you contemplating a fell race in the near future. No doubt some members will have done a fell race on there in the past; you'll recognise bits of it then, so how fast can you go? Can you beat the orienteering fraternity? The challenge is laid down!
Check the Mid Wales Orienteers website in the week leading up to the event for confirmation of parking and more details.
www.mid-wales-orienteers.org.uk
Help will be on hand if you need any - just ask at Enquiries.
If you need any more information then you can contact me via the Mid Wales Orienteers website.
Bill Marlow
Secretary/Events Co-ordinator
Extra info: The Grid reference for the event start is SN768875
This is on the eastern side of Nant y Moch reservoir. The shortest approach from Aberystwyth is through Ponterwyd. On A44 go 200 yards past the main river bridge and turn left which is signposted.
Nant y Moch can also be reached from Tal y Bont for those travelling from the north.
Start times will be 10.30 to 11.30 Sunday 13th July.

Course details length (km) height gain (m)
short 1.75 70
medium 4.1 200
long 5.6 300

The medium and long courses go onto the open mountainside. Cagoules and whistles will be compulsory if the weather is not set fine.
I hope to see you all then.
Robert Griffiths
Planner and organiser for the event

This Sunday 13th July the AMMANFORD 10km ROAD RACE
Starting from Ammanford Recreation Ground on Sunday July 13th at 11am.
Entries on the day from 9.30am
Entry Fees - £5 (Athletes registered with Welsh Athletics)/£7 Unregistered athletes
Male & Female team prizes (3 in a team, all to count)
Individual prizes in M40, M50, M60, F35, F45 and F55 categories
Further Details from Rose Fitzgerald on 01792 543563 or Rob Fowler on 01269 595116

Borth Beach 10k – 3rd August
Entry forms online www.aberystywthac.org.uk - 16.45 start.
Entries accepted on the day.

Brecon 10mile – 3rd August
http://www.brecon10.com/

Next Club League race – Dolgellau 5 mile 26th July 2008
26/07/08 – Dolgellau 5 mile 1.30pm start (club league race)
http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/

Next Club Meeting 5th August – Belle View 8.30pm
Come along to have your say, give ideas, and help make decisions to ensure Aber AC is providing what you would like to see.

Gwilym’s social run for Aber AC– 10th August 2008
Gwilym very kindly organises an annual scenic social run every year for the club.
This year’s run will be about 10-12 miles and will start at Penhyncoch and finish in Bontgoch. Transport will be arranged and more details to follow shortly.
Photos from Gwilym’s 2006 Blue Lake Run can be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets/72157603506974899/

We’re looking for a photo that could be used in the marketing of Twin Peaks –can you help?
It may be a photo towards Pen Dinas, a sunset over Consti, or a photo from a previous Twin Peaks race. All possible photos will be loaded onto Flickr and a lucky photo(s) chosen!
If you have any photos you think could be used please send them to aiv@aber.ac.uk . Many Thanks.

Tuesday night runs will not be coached throughout August
Pete takes a well deserved holiday from coaching for a couple of weeks. There are usually people still meeting informally on a Tuesday at 6pm if you fancy a run.
5th August – no coached session
12th August – no coached session
19th August – no coached session
26th August – no coached session
Tuesday session will resume as normal on the 2nd September with Pete training the club to run faster and further!
Note: Monday sessions will continue as normal throughout the summer.

Race Results…

None this week!

Future Races…

Rhayader Carnival Annual Hill Race 2008
The Rhayader Carnival Annual Hill Race will be held on Tuesday 15th July 2008. Juniors 7.15pm seniors 7:30pm, Registration at the Lamb and Flag from 6pm. There is a BBQ and prize giving at the Lamb and Flag after the race.
http://www.rhayadercarnival.co.uk/

Maldwyn Harriers Races 2008
Newtown BBQ 5k - Friday 11th July @ 7pm
Neil Howells Memorial Race approx 4.5miles - Friday 15th August @ 6.15pm
The Source of the Severn - Sunday 7th September @ 11am
http://uk.geocities.com/newtownac/MaldwynHarrriersfixtureslist2008.htm

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Chance to run in the 2009 Connemara Marathon
They also offer a half marathon and an Ultra marathon.
This 2009 April marathon in Connemara (Co. Galway) looks very scenic. http://www.connemarathon.com/about

Club dates for your diaries…

11/07/08 – Social run and meal at Aberystwyth Golf Club. Meet 6.15pm at the Golf Club.
12/07/08 – Twin Peaks Marketing Group. Meet 10am in Varsity (opposite Boots in Aber)
26/07/08 – Dolgellau 5 mile 1.30pm start (club league race)
03/08/08 – Borth 10k 16.45 start.
05/08/08 – Next Club Meeting 8.30pm in the Belle View
16/08/08 – Race the Train 10k (club league race)
07/09/08 – Source of the Severn (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

4th July 2008

News this week…

Monday Night runners – meet 6pm at Plascrug for a lift out to mystery location!
A minibus and driver has been booked for this Monday 7th July. Meet at Plascrug for 6pm.
We will be driven to our location (10mins from Aber). We will aim to be back at the Leisure Centre for 8pm. A donation of £2 per person will cover the cost of the minibus and post run-refreshments. Many thanks.

Chance to be involved in Twin Peaks marketing group!
It would be great to have some help or hear ideas however big or small – first meeting for anyone interested and to get the ball rolling will be over a coffee on Saturday 12th July at 10am in Varsity. Thanks. Anita S.

Next Club League race – Dolgellau 5 mile 26th July 2008
26/07/08 – Dolgellau 5 mile 1.30pm start (club league race)
http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/

Female participants are needed for a sport and exercise science study.
Must be between 18 and 40 years of age
Female
Regularly active on at least two occasions per week
Participants will be required to attend laboratory sessions on six separate occasions and will be required to exercise on a treadmill for around 30 minutes, during the exercise participants will be required to fill out a number of questionnaires.
For more information or how to become part of this study please contact Rebecca Harwood, Thank you: reh6@aber.ac.uk

New 24 hour mountain bike race - Staffordshire, 18th and 19th of April 2009 (Chris Buttler)
I am organising a New 24 Hour Mountain Bike Race and Festival at Weston Park the details can be found at www.rideallnight.co.uk .

Mid Wales Orienteers are putting on an Orienteering event on Pumlumon (Plynlimon) on Sunday 13th July. (thanks to Bill Marlow)
Put the date in your Diary! All Aberystwyth AC members are invited to take part - excellent training for any you contemplating a fell race in the near future. No doubt some members will have done a fell race on there in the past; you'll recognise bits of it then, so how fast can you go? Can you beat the orienteering fraternity? The challenge is laid down!
Check the Mid Wales Orienteers website in the week leading up to the event for confirmation of parking and more details.
www.mid-wales-orienteers.org.uk
Help will be on hand if you need any - just ask at Enquiries.
If you need any more information then you can contact me via the Mid Wales Orienteers website.
Bill Marlow
Secretary/Events Co-ordinator

Extra info: The Grid reference for the event start is SN768875
This is on the eastern side of Nant y Moch reservoir. The shortest approach from Aberystwyth is through Ponterwyd. On A44 go 200 yards past the main river bridge and turn left which is signposted.
Nant y Moch can also be reached from Tal y Bont for those travelling from the north.
Start times will be 10.30 to 11.30 Sunday 13th July.

Course details length (km) height gain (m)
short 1.75km 70m
medium 4.1km 200m
long 5.6km 300m

Thanks to Anita W for the club BBQ
On behalf of everyone that came along to the BBQ I think Anita W deserves a really big thank you. The three routes had been carefully marked up for us and we were all supplied with maps and emergency numbers. It was a really excellent surprise finding drinks stops along the way thanks to Anita W, Julian and his sister! As well as the drinks stops we also had jelly babies and chocolate! The setting for the BBQ was excellent and the food and drink top notch! The weather did not stop Aber AC enjoying themselves!

BBQ (thanks to Anita Worthing)
Aberystwyth AC runners were lured into the hills above Capel Bangor on Friday night having been promised spectacular scenery, stunning views and no mud. Dense low cloud and the previous day’s torrential rain put paid to all that, but an intrepid group nonetheless set off in good spirits, setting a good pace up the hill to the first drinks and jelly-babies station. At this point the Aberystwyth Ladies group took the sensible option of the 5-mile circular route, while the rest continued onwards and upwards into the mist.

Most of the rest of the route was off-road on good firm tracks, though the hills seemed harder without the distraction of the views. Dave Powell collected up most of the fluorescent markers on his way past – thanks Dave! The long downhill back to the clubhouse was most welcome, as was the Pimms – a fantastic post-exercise pick-me-up – provided by Kevin in celebration of his 50th birthday. Thanks Kevin! Back at the clubhouse, conditions were more reminiscent of a November bonfire night barbecue than a midsummer one, but runners are hardy souls and we stoically spent most of the evening outside on the windswept balcony. The combination of running up hills, cold weather and the smell of food cooked outdoors works up a tremendous appetite, keeping the chef busy cooking burgers and the kitchen staff running back and forth with extra supplies.

Thanks to everyone who supported the event, and I hope that if you enjoyed it a little bit under those conditions, you could imagine how enjoyable it would have been on a fine day - especially the 11-mile route which needs the views to do it justice.

On Saturday afternoon I went back up to collect the remaining fluorescent markers from the forestry track. It was still breezy but the sun was shining, the larks were singing and the views were spectacular – as they normally are! The newborn foal we saw on Friday was on its feet this time, all long-legged and gangly. All was well with the world and it was summer again.

Race Results…

Torbay Half Marathon 22 June 08 (thanks to Cliff Thomas)
I again took part in the Torbay Half Marathon at Paignton, Devon, coinciding as it does with my daughter's wedding anniversary, my late spring visit to baby-sit, and grandsons' school Summer Fayre !
In 2006, my memory is of the sound of ambulance sirens ferrying heat-exhaustion victims away, and of limping back when my hamstring tore (again), while my daughter finished in good order.
In 2007, they arranged more water-stations and started the race an hour earlier to avoid the heat. In the event, it poured constantly for 36 hours before the race, and rained steadily throughout. I got a PB and 6th VM 60.
I was rather apprehensive about what the elements might arrange for this year (plague of frogs ?), but in the event, it was moderately warm without being cooking, and with a little wind, however, as the course is more or less 'out and back twice' (to Torquay), any wind effect was cancelled out.
Apart from the recent 5mi Championships, this was my first race since Aber 10k, so when I found myself in the second row on the start line behind 3 invited Kenyan elite athletes, I decided to burrow my way back a little into the mass of bodies.
Lets say that I found the race hard, however, speed intervals in training and snarling on the day seemed to pay off, and, although I missed my goal-time of a 100 min HM (again), I knocked over a minute off my PB with 1:41:50 (Chip), and was 254th in a field of 1215 finishers. I also got the 3rd VM60 Prize voucher (No, Clive and John weren’t there...)
The 2nd VM60 was only 16 secs ahead, which irritated me somewhat, until my son-in-law's researches on the internet revealed that he was clearly having an off-day, having done a marathon and two HMs during the previous 5 weeks ! Now thats a lesson for the wise !
The organisers must have recognised the efforts I had made - when I got home and unpacked my goody-bag, I found TWO finishers' medals ! Apart from that, the organisation was flawless....except that the elite male Kenyan runner in first place in the closing stages of the race was misdirected by a Marshall and subsequently came in 7th. The local paper reports that he is launching an Official Protest.

Future Races…

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

26/07/08 – Dolgellau 5 mile 1.30pm start (club league race)
03/08/08 – Borth 10k 16.45 start.
16/08/08 – Race the Train 10k (club league race)
07/09/08 – Source of the Severn (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

25th June 2008

News this week…

THIS FRIDAY - Club BBQ on Friday 27th June at Capel Bangor Golf Club (thanks to Anita Worthing)
Just a reminder about the BBQ – meet at 6.30 pm at Capel Bangor Golf Club to start the run. There may be 2 or 3 groups of runners, depending on who wants to do what distance (and depending on the weather!) with water stops on the way. Maps / directions provided on the night, and I’ll go round and put some markers up on Friday. The BBQ will be OK whatever the weather – on the balcony if fine, under the restaurant if wet. Forecast so far, somewhat undecided…..
anita.worthing@wales.nhs.uk or text/phone 07968 636082.

Next Club Meeting - Tuesday July 1st 8.30pm Belle View.
Come along and have your say, share ideas or suggestions. All club members welcome.

Snowdonia Marathon (thanks to Steve King)
Snowdonia Marathon entries have hit 1200. I'm not sure what the ceiling is but I think it might be 1500. Can you let our runners know please, so far Anita W, Helen, Lou and I have entered.

The challenge in aid of the Welsh cancer charity Tenovus took place on 7 June 2008 (thanks to Laura Jones)
Aberystwyth's "Aber Deg" ("Aber 10") team of 8 walkers and 2 drivers climbed the UK’s 3 highest peaks in a demanding 24-hour endurance test! The challenge started at 8.30am on Saturday 7th June at Snowdon in North Wales (3560ft). The second stage was Scafell Pike in the Lake District (3205ft). We then drove through the night (not much sleep!) to be at Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands. We successfully completed the 3 Peaks 24 hour Challenge when we reached the summit of Ben Nevis (4406ft) at approx 6am on Sunday 8th June. We managed to complete the challenge well within the 24 hours despite a few injuries the whole team finished in more or less one piece!

Note: Laura is too polite to ask but If anyone would like to donate there is still a chance at:
http://www.justgiving.com/tenovus3peaks2008 Thanks, Anita.

Good Luck to Laura
Laura has been with us nearly a year and has improved her running in leaps and bounds achieving a recent PB for the Rhayader 5k. She will be leaving us to chase the big lights of Cardiff. On behalf of the club we wish you all the best for the future and we have all enjoyed your company over the last year.

Borth 10k entry forms at local races.
If you are taking part in any races before the 3rd August please can you take a couple of entry forms for our club Borth 10k run and leave on an entry table or near the finish. If you need any copies of the entry form let me know aiv@aber.ac.uk Thanks.

Extra info: The Grid reference for the event start is SN768875
This is on the eastern side of Nant y Moch reservoir. The shortest approach from Aberystwyth is through Ponterwyd. On A44 go 200 yards past the main river bridge and turn left which is signposted.
Nant y Moch can also be reached from Tal y Bont for those travelling from the north.
Start times will be 10.30 to 11.30 Sunday 13th July.

Course details length (km) height gain (m)

short 1.75km 70m

medium 4.1km 200m

long 5.6km 300m

City of Manchester 10k
9.30 a.m. Start - Sunday 6th July 2008
No entries accepted on the day. You can enter online at: www.runnersworld.co.uk

Race Results…

Man (and Lady!) V Horse (14th June 2008: 22 miles) (Thanks to Louise Barker)
Some 500 runners and 44 horses turned out for this year’s battle over the hills around Llanwrtyd Wells. Included in the line up were 4 thoroughbreds, Dave Powell, Louise Barker, Pete Garson and Kate O’Sullivan, trained by Pete Foale of Aberystwyth AC. ‘Breed Characteristics’ of a thoroughbred include refined head, long neck, sloping shoulders, deep body, muscular hindquarters and fine long legs –I’ll say no more…….

The course is broken into 3 sections, each one just over 7 miles in length, and can be run as an individual or as a relay team. Runners set off 15mins ahead of the horses and it was nearing the end of the first section when the first horses caught up with us. It was also at this point that Dave and I at last found stardom, having our photograph taken which would appear in the Telegraph and Times http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2130968/Horse-outruns-man-in-marathon%2C-but-only-just.html .

Dave and I ran together for the first half of the race, after which I managed to pull away, although only because my legs were much fresher as I’d not done the Welsh 1000m peaks the weekend before! I was feeling strong until the last section, when the tiredness set in and the final hills suddenly felt like mountains – however I crossed the line 10mins quicker than last year, (as did Dave), and also managed to retain my title of 1st Lady (which Dave didn’t!). Kate had a strong race and is now in the relatively unique position- having taken part on horseback a few years ago- of knowing whether your legs feel worse having run or rode the course. Poor Pete probably wished he was a horse when the cramp set in over the last 7 miles, at least then he could have seen the vet and been pulled from the race. He gallantly hobbled his way to the finish where a post-race massage, together with the delightful jam and cheese sandwiches helped raise the spirits.

In the end the horse beat the runner by just 30secs, finishing in 2.18.13.

47 Louise Barker 2.57.57
56 Dave Powell 2.59.53
185 Pete Garson 3.31.00
189 Kate O’Sullivan 3.31.29

(A couple of photos have been added to the club photo site: www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/ )

Cerist Sprint Triathlon 22nd June 2008 (thanks to Martyn Saycell)
Having spent the evening eating far too much and not been able to sleep I suddenly felt like going into a coma state sleep as soon as the alarm radio blasted out the Boo Radley’s classic “Wake up Boo it’s a beautiful morning” – unfortunately it wasn’t a beautiful morning.

A quick glance outside confirmed that houses were still standing and the house hadn’t been Dr Who style transported into an RAF wind tunnel.

However, by the time Anita and I, along with Jeff in convoy got to Mach things didn’t look so grim and the prospect of racing got the nerves going. The distances on the day were 400m pool swim, 19km bike ride up to Corris and back and then a 5km flatish run.

Aber AC were well represented in the race with 2 Thorogood relay teams, Jeff, Anita and Martyn Saycell, Emma Smith, John Evans and Bridget Parkinson’s relay team with Sion Williams on the bike. It was also really nice to see a number of Aber based people competing in the event notably Pip Williamson who is training up for the London Triathlon in August. The Stielers by this time had already thrown themselves around the South Wales mud fest in what turned out to be a fantastic challenging race (more news next week).

The bike leg was the first tester with the wind conditions but luckily a strong tail wind pushed the competitors up to Corris with the descent back down being slightly more challenging. On the run I experienced my first ever tree slap, full oak leaf slap on the nose! The run was pretty much flat on an out and back course with all the athletes having a strong tail wind on the return.

Full results are on the Cerist Website. http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/

Verdict on the race; brilliant, there are not many local triathlon races and this race will have a much bigger field than 80 next year. Pencil it into your race calendar and it’s also a fab race to do as a relay.

But remember, if you are going to warm up in transition on your turbo, make sure it’s connected! (you know who you are!!!)

Llanelli Waterside 10K Road Race
If you ran in this race let us know how you got on and if you’d recommend for next year.
More details at: http://www.10k.org.uk/

Red Kite Challenge Sialens Y Barcud Coch Race 1 – Sat 21st June (Club League Race)
Dave Powell 1.32.04
Louise Barker 1.34.39
Geoff Oldrid 1.38.06
Kevin Holland 1.43.56
Dai James 1.54.37
Bridget Parkinson 1.56.55
Helen Williams 2.00.01
Helen Stretch 2.14.02
Rhian Breese 2.18.28
Shan Breese 2.18.39
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk
The League has been updated on the club website.
(Thanks to Will Mahon and his son - there are photos at: www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/ )

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
If you ran the 18 miles let us know how it went – I know some people ran in both races over the weekend!
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Brecon Triathlon (thanks to Elizabeth Stieler)
Date: Sat 14th June 2008
Swim 800m / Bike 33k / Run 8.5k
The weather was beautiful. The kids were with the babysitter. Mark and I were in triathlon heaven. My swim was fantastic and I jumped out of the pool into transition to see my husband's bike still on the rack. I was elated. I thought I was well and truly ahead of him so I zipped off on my bike praying that he wouldn't catch me. In fact, Mark had started his swim after me so my elation was misplaced! The bike ride started off well but half way through I missed a vital turn. I was oblivious to this, as were a few others who repeated the same mistake. Towards the end of the cycle leg I realised my mistake and was truly disappointed as I was enjoying the race immensely. I decided to view the event as a training session and so completed the run. I ended up completing a much shorter cycle route so if I had kept quiet I would have appeared much faster than I in fact was. As it happens, I was terribly anxious that people might think I had deliberately cheated. I was expecting to be pulled aside by the marshals throughout the run. As soon as I crossed the line I quickly explained my mistake and had to be persuaded to accept the goodie bag which I didn't feel entitled to. All of the above was worth it just to see the horror on Mark's face when I clapped him over the finish line in a manner which suggested I'd finished ages before him. Afterwards I shared my disappointment about my aborted effort and I swear his face lit up at the realisation that I hadn't beat him after all. John Evans also took part and got a bit lost on the run. Apparently there were less marshals this year which perhaps explains our confusion. Nonetheless, I would highly recommend this triathlon. There was a small field of 120 odd and the atmosphere was supportive and friendly. Mark came 36th overall and John was 50th (bearing in mind that he got lost on the run and competed in a World Championship event in Canada less than a week ago). We all had similar swim times (Mark 18.58, myself 19.08 and John 19.30 ... this is the time taken to complete the swim, run to transition, change your gear and cycle off). John and Mark had remarkably similar cycle times (1.03.49 John and 1.03.46 Mark). Mark's run took 39.23 and John 43.09 (incl. his unplanned detour!). We're taking part in a difficult off road triathlon this weekend in Neath. The run is officially described in the race pack as "horrendous" so wish us luck!

Future Races…

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th (Entries close on July 1st)
http://snowdonrace.com/

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

27/06/08 – Club run and BBQ from Capel Bangor Golf Club.
01/07/08 – Club Meeting @ Belle View 8.30pm
26/07/08 – Dolgellau 5 mile 1.30pm start (club league race)
03/08/08 – Borth 10k 16.45 start.
16/08/08 – Race the Train 10k (club league race)
07/09/08 – Source of the Severn (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

16th June 2008

News this week…

TONIGHT Monday Night runners –16th June Borth to Aberystwyth run
Tonight (16th June) we will meet on the platform at Aberystwyth Railway Station.
We will catch the 17.27 out to Borth and then run back. It’s about 6 miles.
Martyn has offered to be at Clarach with drinks and the car in case anyone has tired legs!
You will need to purchase your own train ticket to Borth. It should be about £2.20.

Red Kite Challenge Sialens Y Barcud Coch Race 1 – Sat 21st June (Club League Race)
This weekend come along and run the trail race described as ‘tough and challenging 11 plus miles. Starting from Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre’. Taking part in this event will count towards the club league. Entries accepted on the day. There is also an 8mile walk for anybody that doesn’t fancy the run.
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
The run on the Sunday is about 18miles long and registration is at Woodland’s Caravan Park at Devil’s Bridge. More information at: www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Thanks to everyone that helped out or ran in the Race For Life
Thanks to everyone that was able to support the Aberystwyth Race for Life and in the process support the money raising efforts of Cancer Research UK.

Club BBQ on Friday 27th June at Capel Bangor Golf Club (thanks to Anita Worthing)
There are 22 names already for the Capel Bangor Run & BBQ so it should be a good night. Most seem interested in running the shorter routes, with more emphasis on eating and drinking!
There is a lovely 5-mile circular route – like the others, it starts with 1 mile uphill, best taken slowly as a walk/jog warm-up. No problem as we’re all training so hard for the League trail races….. then a mile or so on undulating farm track with spectacular views, then almost 2 miles downhill at a gradient just right for toning the quads without jarring, followed by a short sharp little hill which turns your legs to jelly after all that downhill, finishing with the last easy mile back to the club. A good all-round workout for the legs (not to mention buttocks & abs!).

If there are any takers for longer routes, my all-time favourite Rave Run is 11 miles according to the GPS. At my pace (with a good few walk breaks) it takes 1 hour 45 mins – maybe quicker at the thought of everyone scoffing the burgers! It’s hilly but scenic, with lots of off-road, the farthest point being Llyn Pendam. Another option with this route is to take a short cut along the bridleway above Cwmerfyn, shortening it to 8 miles.

Anyone wanting to leave the car at home and have a lift / taxi back - the 525 bus leaves Aberystwyth bus station at 5.40 pm and gets to Capel Bangor, Penllwyn estate just before 6pm. From the bus stop walk up the hill from the crossroads, then at the next crossroads turn left to the Golf Club – takes 10 – 15 mins.

Hopefully that’s something for everyone, and if you’d like to be added to the list e-mail me at anita.worthing@wales.nhs.uk or text/phone 07968 636082.

LLANELLI WATERSIDE 10K ROAD RACE and Family Fun Day
Festival Fields, Millennium Coastal Park, Llanelli
22nd June 2008
No entries accepted on the day.
More details at: http://www.10k.org.uk/

Next Club Meeting - Tuesday July 1st 8.30pm Belle View.
Come along and have your say, share ideas or suggestions. All club members welcome.

Race Results…

Man V Horse 2008
Apparently our very own Lou and Dave Powell (and a horse) have appeared in this week’s Sunday Times. (Thanks to Kevin Holland for spotting!)
Hopefully we’ll here more about how the race went for them and any other Aber A.C. runners that took part.

Last Rhayader 5k in the series (thanks to Kate O’Sullivan)
Not as many in Rhayader from Aber this time, what with Race for Life and John being away.... but good racing conditions, with the usual breeze turning a bit gale force on the first corner, and a thick cloud of midges a 1/2 mile long in the forest (and back again) filling our lungs, eyes and indeed every orifice, biting as they clung to sweat (now who's glad they were marshalling in the rain in Aber??). But we acquitted ourselves in style, with a number of pbs.
Junior (mile) race:
Stephen Williams 5.58; PB, 1st senior boy and second overall in race; and 1st senior boy in series
Daniel Elwyn Thomas 10.49
5K race
Gethin Holland 17.58 (joint PB)
Ioan Isaac Richards 18.15 PB
Daniel Davies 19.06 PB
Kate O'Sullivan 22.10
Sian Breeze 26.01 PB
Helen Stretch 26.01 PB

In addition, 2nd series woman went to Louise Barker and 1st series MV60 went to John Evans.
The league has been updated with the points.
http://www.rhayaderac.org.uk/5km.htm

Club Handicap 5 mile Championships –Friday 13th June
This was a fun evening with your start time being allocated depending on your approximate time for 5 miles. The first six runners to cross the line were the winners. 13 runners braved the sunshine and stiff breeze to run the flat 5miles around town. The overall winner Dai James held off the other club runners to take the win. The top six winners received prizes on the night and for everybody else we enjoyed Cadbury’s chocolates and water!
Many thanks to Louise and Martyn for organising and timekeeping the event.

1st Dai James (39.15)
2nd Kevin Holland (34.45)
3rd Mark Stieler (33.51)
4th Gethin Holland (30.54)
5th Clive Williams (37.08)
6th = Cliff Thomas (37.42) and Helen Williams (39.42)
7th Anita Saycell (37.45)
8th Ian Evans (34.58)
9th Emma Smith (41.11)
10th Steve King (31.12)
11th Shelley Childs (36.08)
12th Glenda Roberts (42.32)

Brecon Triathlon
Hopefully we’ll hear from Mark and Elizabeth how they got on in the Brecon Triathlon on Saturday. Hopefully Mark would have been warmed up well having run the 5 mile Handicap race the day before and coming second!

Future Races…

Red Kite Challenge Sialens Y Barcud Coch Race 1 – Sat 21st June (Club League Race)
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Llanelli Waterside 10k and Family Fun Day - 22nd June 2008
http://www.10k.org.uk/

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th (Entries close on July 1st)
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

16/06/08 – Borth to Aberystwyth. Monday Night runners. Meet at Aberystwyth Train Station to catch the 17.27 to Borth.
21/06/08 - Red Kite Challenge (club league race) 1pm start @Nant Yr Arian
22/06/08 - Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2
27/06/08 – Club run and BBQ from Capel Bangor Golf Club.
01/07/08 – Club Meeting @ Belle View 8.30pm
26/07/08 – Dolgellau 5 mile 1.30pm start (club league race)
03/08/08 – Borth 10k 16.45 start.
16/08/08 – Race the Train 10k (club league race)
07/09/08 – Source of the Severn (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

11th June 2008

News this week…

Tonight Wednesday 11th - Race For Life Marshalling
Anyone who wants to marshal to be at the event HQ near the Bandstand on the
promenade at 5.45 tonight to receive marshalling instructions.

Tonight last 5k race in the series at Rhayader – Wednesday 11th June
Entries accepted from 6.30pm. There is also a 1mile race for juniors.
http://www.rhayaderac.org.uk/5km.htm

Thursday night session reminder of new start time – 6pm
The Thursday night sessions now start at 6pm.
These sessions are designed to help improve your race pace. It doesn’t matter what speed you are - the main session is done at each individuals own pace.
Meet for 6pm in the foyer at Plascrug. There is no charge for these sessions.

Club Handicap 5 mile Championships – This Friday 13th June
Meet 6.45pm at the south end of the prom in front of the boat club. Cost is £2 each. Everybody will be given a start time and the first people across the line will win the prizes on the night and be recognised as the club 5 mile champions for 2008.
Everybody has equal chance of winning due to the handicap start – so come along and give it a go!

Monday Night runners – next Monday 16th June Borth to Aberystwyth run
This Monday (16th June) we will meet on the platform at Aberystwyth Railway Station.
We will catch the 17.27 out to Borth and then run back. It’s about 6 miles.
Martyn has offered to be at Clarach with drinks and the car in case anyone has tired legs!
You will need to purchase your own train ticket to Borth. It should be about £2.20.

This Sunday 15th June - Invite to Aberystwyth A.C. runners:
You are all invited to the next Mid Wales Orienteering (POW) event which takes place on Sunday 15th June, near Ponterwyd (the competition area is north of Nant Yr Arian). The area to be used (Blaenmelindwr) is an open area with some fast running in places (but there will be some bracken to slow you down!).

Follow this link to get more information on Car Parking, Start Times, Course Lengths and Costs etc:- www.mid-wales-orienteers.org.uk
Don't worry if you haven't done any Orienteering before, experienced members will be on hand to help you, just ask. I suggest you bring Trainers, tracksuit, a compass (the Club will have some spare compasses if you haven't got one), a biro + a clear plastic bag to put the A4 map (pre-marked for your course) into.
Bill Marlow
Secretary/Events Co-ordinator

Club BBQ on Friday 27th June at Capel Bangor Golf Club
Please give your names in advance to Anita W. If you are vegetarian Anita W. will need to know. Contact: anita.worthing@wales.nhs.uk or text/phone on 07968 636082.

John Evans in the World Sprint Triathlon Championships…
Hopefully we’ll get more news from John when he returns. According to the website it sounds like the athletes were racing on the coldest day in June since 1954! The triathlon had to be changed to a duathlon for many athletes because the water was so cold. Hopefully this worked out in John’s favour with running being one of his stronger disciplines.
The event will be televised on Sunday 15th June at 12:30 for 80mins. BBC2 Wales will feature last week's Triathlon World Championships in Vancouver.
Apparently Clive managed to catch up with John and Mary in Canada – just when they were beginning to enjoy their holiday!!

LLANELLI WATERSIDE 10K ROAD RACE and Family Fun Day
Festival Fields, Millennium Coastal Park, Llanelli
22nd June 2008
No entries accepted on the day.
More details at: http://www.10k.org.uk/

Trans Cambrian Cyclo Sportive 7th September 2008
This will be of interest to anyone that enjoys a cycle challenge.
The route is 87 miles long and takes in the Cambrian mountains starting and finishing in Rhayader.
The cost is only £17. The route is marked out with signs and food and drink stops are provided on the route.
Follow this link www.clivepowell-mtb.co.uk and click on the Trans Cambrian logo. You can enter online or download an entry form and send it in the post.

Race Results…

Aberystwyth A.C. runners in Dyfed Schools Competition
Megan Turner and Stephen Williams ran for Penweddig on Saturday in the Dyfed Schools Athletics Championships at Carmarthen. Both ran in the 1500m, Megan for the Junior girls in a time of 5.21 and Stephen in the Lower Junior boys in a time of 5.14.

Dambuster 10k multi terrain course held at Llys-y-Fran, Pembrokeshire (thanks to Adriano Evola)
Two late arrivals delayed the start - it was already hot hanging around with little shade.
A quick brief and off. As the run went on I felt really good – (maybe because I didn’t go clubbing the night before).
Hardly any shade. The course was undulating and muddy in parts, but it was ok. The scenery around the lakes was outstanding with the woods and the sun.
I held onto my pacing and positioning all the way and as I heard in the distance the sound of clapping and cheering I sprinted to the finish 43.13 - my position was 45th out of 99 overall.
I was well pleased because it meant I was flying the only flag for Aberystwyth A.C. I didn’t hang around to collect my winning trophy again.
The race was won by a 17 year old 32.22 and first lady 37.57.

Sarn Helen Ras y Llychau Talley 5K
Two Aberystwyth A.C. runners made the journey down to Talley on the 30th May to take part in this 5k.
19th Daniel Davies 20.14
66th Eleri Connor 26.33
Full Results available at: http://www.sarnhelen.org.uk/results1.htm

Rhayader Junior 1 mile Race Wednesday 28th May
As the only representative for Aberystwyth Stephen had his work cut out keeping away from the other 22 runners. He proved he was up to the challenge with 3rd place overall and first boy across the line in 6.11.

Rhayader 5km last Wednesday 28th May (Club League Race)
Aber AC was well represented at the last Rhayader 5k with every runner comfortably under the 30min.
Gethin Holland 17.58
Ioan Isaac-Richards 18.47
Daniel Davies 19.30
Tim Broome 19.33
Louise Barker 19.46
Gwilym Jones 20.01
Kevin Holland 20.18
Rachel Mafflee 20.32
John Evans 20.54
Brian Ashton 22.44
Sian Thomas 22.45
Helen Williams 23.34
Debbie Nash 24.42
Alison Brown 24.42
Karen Williams 25.01
Eleri Connor 25.14
Laura Jones 25.15
Helen Stretch 26.27
Shan Breese 26.27
The club league has been updated with these times and the points awarded.
Thanks to Anita W. photos are available at: www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets
Full results available at:
http://www.rhayaderac.org.uk/5km.htm

Potters 'Arf Marathon, Staffs.
Aberystwyth A.C. was represented in this race by Rachel on the 8th June. The race sounded a tough hilly course made more challenging by the heat.
Rachel Tod 1.48.49

Future Races…

Red Kite Challenge Sialens Y Barcud Coch Race 1 – Sat 21st June (Club League Race)
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Llanelli Waterside 10k and Family Fun Day - 22nd June 2008
http://www.10k.org.uk/

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th (Entries close on July 1st)
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

11/06/08 – Race For Life, Aberystwyth. Meet 5.45pm at the bandstand if marshalling.
11/06/08 – Rhayader 5k Race 3 (Club League Race)
13/06/08 – Club 5 mile Championship, Aberystwyth.
16/06/08 – Borth to Aberystwyth. Monday Night runners. Meet at Aberystwyth Train Station to catch the 17.27 to Borth.
21/06/08 - Red Kite Challenge (club league race) 1pm start @Nant Yr Arian
27/06/08 – Club run and BBQ from Capel Bangor Golf Club.
26/07/08 – Dolgellau 5 mile 1.30pm start (club league race)
03/08/08 – Borth 10k 16.45 start.
16/08/08 – Race the Train 10k (club league race)
07/09/08 – Source of the Severn (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

2nd June 2008

News this week…

Good Luck to John Evans in the World Sprint Triathlon Championships…
From everyone in the club we would like to wish John a good trip over and all the best for his race in Vancouver, Canada this weekend. John is representing Great Britain in the World Sprint Triathlon Championships for his age group.

TOMORROW Club meeting - Tuesday 3rd June 9pm at the Belle View
All club members welcome to come along and have their say in decisions or to suggest ideas.

This Wednesday - Monday night runners – come and celebrate Bridget’s engagement
Orangery - Wednesday 4 June 7.30pm - Meeting for drinks and/or meal to celebrate Bridget's engagement.

New training time for Thursday night sessions
Starting from this week (Thursday 5th June) the Thursday night sessions will start at 6pm.
These sessions are designed to help improve your race pace. It doesn’t matter what speed you are - the main session is done at each individuals own pace.
Meet for 6pm in the foyer at Plascrug. There is no charge for these sessions.

Club BBQ on Friday 27th June at Capel Bangor Golf Club
Please give your names in advance to Anita W. If you are vegetarian Anita W. will need to know. More details below. Contact: anita.worthing@wales.nhs.uk or text/phone on 07968 636082.

Newtown Carnival 5k - Friday 6th June @ 7pm
http://uk.geocities.com/newtownac/MaldwynHarrriersfixtureslist2008.htm

BBQ at the Golf Club - Friday 27th June
Menu:
Burgers
Hot dogs
Spicy chicken wings
Quorn burgers and Quorn sausages
Coleslaw
Mixed bean salad
Grated cheese
Green leaf salad
Jacket potato
…………………
Cheesecake
Fruit salad

Cost £7.95 per person paid on the night, but approximate numbers in advance please.

We can have the BBQ on the balcony if it’s fine or underneath it if it’s wet! The cooking will be done by Golf Club staff.

As for the run, the route is all on single-track country lanes and good trails or bridleways. There is a long route (12 miles) which goes past Llyn Blaemelindwr and Pendam, or it can be shortened to 8 miles by looping round Cwmerfyn, or shorter options still for those who want to get their noses in the feeding trough before everyone else! There will be a drinks station (courtesy of Julian) at the highest point of the run, approx 3.5 miles from the start, with fantastic views. All the routes are suitable for mountain bikes, and at the moment there is NO MUD anywhere!

We’d need to set off fairly promptly at 6.30pm if anyone is interested in doing the full 12 miles (I hope so because it’s well worth it). I’ll do some maps & directions for all the options but quite a few of our runners know this area well and should be able to act as guides, and the routes are not complicated. Yes there are hills, but they are a brilliant way to build fitness – and there is plenty of scenery to enjoy when you slow down to catch your breath!

If the weather is really bad, there are more sheltered routes we could use in the woods between the A44 and the Cwmrheidol road.

There are showering facilities at the Golf Club to freshen up before the BBQ. Non-running partners and supporters are welcome to enjoy the landscaped surroundings of the Golf Club with a drink or a coffee while the runners are out working up an appetite.

Please could I have names of those who would like to book for the BBQ, either to anita.worthing@wales.nhs.uk or text/phone me on 07968 636082.

PS. could people say whether they prefer vegetarian.

Thanks,
Anita W

Race Results…

Brecon Adventure Race (thanks to Kate O’Sullivan)
Delor Harvey, Maggie Collingborn and myself (Kate) did our first adventure race on Saturday, with Questars, in Brecon. We had such a good time! The format is; navigating a trail run, mountain bike section and a kayak section, the latter on the Brecon canal, 3ft deep in the middle so my swimming practice was a total waste! The total time allotted in the novice class is 5 hrs, and there is an array of points to be won or lost on finding checkpoints en route or being late respectively. Maggie had, as you all know, ran the Edinburgh marathon 6 days previously, so we weren't expecting that she would fancy running much. However it turned out to be our strongest section on points, covering over 11 miles in all. Piled in the cake and energy drink at the bike transit, then pedalled up and down a few scenic hills and mixed terrain, breaking this section once to get onto the canal for our kayak slot; here Maggie's rowing expertise came into its own as she expertly covered the water solo, with Delor and I flailing hopelessly in her wake as a pair (we had to always stay together or else we would have watched from the shore!); anyone would have been forgiven for thinking we were doing an invisible slalom course, the amount of bouncing of north and south shores we did in that half hour on the canal! The paddle, folks, is not for pushing water, rather it is how you get yourself extracted from bramble bushes..... Not our most glorious moment, and without Maggie we would have stacked up penalties as she was the only one of the three of us able to extract herself from her boat in time to clock us out through the transition. At least the navigation was easy, the canal being straight... Then, in very wet shorts, on to complete our mountain biking with some tough off -road routes that kept us on the course for longer than our allotted time.... but in such stupendously beautiful countryside, who could care? As it happens, we won our category (Ladies novice teams, 12 in all), beating the Mad Old Tarts by only 4 points, and overall 20th out of 61 in the Novice class. Not bad for Adventure Virgins, and we will definitely be doing more of it; what a great experience!

Edinburgh marathon report (thanks to Bridget Parkinson)
After a disappointing experience in the London Marathon I was very nervous and excited about the Edinburgh Marathon – a race that I saw as my second chance at attempting the distance.
After a rare, hassle free train journey all the way up to Edinburgh I joined Glenda and her friend Barry at our Hotel just outside the city for a lovely day and a half of wandering around the shopping and sight seeing. By Saturday evening we were all ready for our slap up carb loading meal at the local Italian down the road.
Sunday morning soon came and despite still feeling full from our previous night’s feast we managed to squeeze in a few bites of porridge + weetabix before heading off to the start of the race.
After being stuck behind 20,000 people at the start of the London Marathon last year I wasn’t taking any chances this time around! I soon said goodbye to Glenda and Barry who had planned to run together and took advantage of the relaxed approach of the Edinburgh Marathon organisers by pushing myself to the front of the 3:30 – 4hr pen. 5 mins later we were off!
The course takes you down and around Hollyrood park for the first few miles before hitting the coast at about 5miles in, this is where we first got a taste of the on coming wind which would stay with us for the next 13miles. After a quick loop around a track past a stately home at the far end of the Edinburgh coast it was then a double back along the straight all the way down to Musselburgh Racecourse and the Finish line. The support from the crowds was great, enough to keep you going but not too annoying! There were also plenty of water and energy stations and lots of people handing out sweets in the latter miles. I thoroughly enjoyed the race and despite cramp in my calves between 21-24 miles the legs didn’t feel too bad at all!
Following the race I met back up with Glenda and Barry and Maggie and Paul and we went for a fantastic meal and a few wines in one of Edinburgh’s best real Ale bars. All in all a great weekend and I would certainly recommend this Marathon to any runner!
A special well done (and HAPPY BIRTHDAY) to Glenda who, on her birthday was running her 5th Marathon in total, 4th in 13 months and 2nd in 6 weeks – a fantastic achievement!

Results:

Paul Scullion – 3:17:07
Bridget Parkinson – 3:50:00
Maggie Collingborn – 3:50:02
Glenda Roberts – 4:17:01 (12th L55)
Barry James – 4:19:06

Full results can be found at www.edinburgh-marathon.com

Rhayader 5km last Wednesday 28th May (Club League Race)
Hopefully the results should be available shortly on the web. Once available the club league will be updated.
http://www.rhayaderac.org.uk/5km.htm

Sporting Notes from our North American Correspondent, Clive Evans.
Clive ran his first race 2 weeks ago, soon after his arrival in Canada. The 10k race, held in Vancouver's Central Park, was a rather one-sided affair, as the field consisted of about 100 Japanese....and Clive. In the event, however, only one was Nippier than Clive, who came second. There was no formal prize-giving ceremony, all participants receiving a T-shirt ...and 7 packs of suchi with chopsticks.

By 25th May, Clive had travelled to Whistler, the venue of the next Winter Olympics in 2010, and also famous for its large population of Brown Bears living cheek by jowl(!) with their human counterparts, with general mutual tolerance.

In the Whistler 10k Trail Race, Clive came 1st VM60 and was in the first 20 overall, in a field of about 150, claiming a pair of socks and (another) woolly hat. "The course passed through a fantastic landscape of forests, streams and mountains - to see it was even better than sex" said Clive, showing that his memory is at least as good as his running.

A few days previously, he had been enjoying a Long Run along forest-trails to the ski-slopes, recently re-opened for mountain bikes. On his way home, he heard a noise ahead which he assumed to be some of the many grouse he had seen previously. As he rounded the bend, he found himself bearing down on a Brown Bear cub, which took one look at Clive before running back to its Mum in the undergrowth. Meanwhile, Clive was doing a PB in a different direction in case an angry Mum came to investigate !

Accommodation is good. Until he moves on to Jasper and Banff in the Rockies, Clive is staying in a chalet which, until a month ago was rented to skiing parties, but is now run as a hostel at Can$28 per night. Such are the laws of supply and demand that during the Olympics, it will be let en bloc for Can$150 000 per month !

Further exploits will, no doubt follow.

(Thanks to Cliff Thomas in patiently noting all this information on the phone from Clive)

Future Races…

Maldwyn Harriers Races 2008
Newtown Carnival 5k - Friday 6th June @ 7pm
Newtown BBQ 5k - Friday 11th July @ 7pm
Neil Howells Memorial Race approx 4.5miles - Friday 15th August @ 6.15pm
The Source of the Severn - Sunday 7th September @ 11am
http://uk.geocities.com/newtownac/MaldwynHarrriersfixtureslist2008.htm

Red Kite Challenge Sialens Y Barcud Coch Race 1 – Sat 21st June (Club League Race)
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Llanelli Waterside 10k and Family Fun Day - 22nd June 2008
http://www.10k.org.uk/

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th (Entries close on July 1st)
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

03/06/08 – Club meeting 9pm at the Belle View.
11/06/08 - Rhayader 5km Race (club league race) arrive 6.30pm
13/06/08 – Club 5 mile Championship, Aberystwyth.
21/06/08 - Red Kite Challenge (club league race) 1pm start @Nant Yr Arian
27/06/08 – Club run and BBQ from Capel Bangor Golf Club.
26/07/08 – Dolgellau 5 mile 1.30pm start (club league race)
03/08/08 – Borth 10k 16.45 start.
16/08/08 – Race the Train 10k (club league race)
07/09/08 – Source of the Severn (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

28th May 2008

News this week…

TONIGHT - Wednesday 28th May - Rhayader 5km (Club League Race)
Entry is £3 for club members. Entries are taken on the race day only from 6.30pm.
There is also a 1 mile road race for juniors.
http://www.rhayaderac.org.uk/5km.htm

Marshals needed for the Race For Life
Pete Foale is looking for marshals for the Race for Life. If you are able to spare a Wednesday evening (11th June) for a good cause please get in contact with Pete. Many Thanks. peterf@ceredigion.gov.uk

Club meeting Tuesday 3rd June 9pm at the Belle View
All club members welcome to come along and have their say in decisions or to suggest ideas.

Monday night runners – come and celebrate Bridget’s engagement
Orangery - Wednesday 4 June 7.30pm - Meeting for drinks and/or meal to celebrate Bridget's engagement.

Places still available for the Aberystwyth Race for Life
Wednesday 11th June 2008. 7pm start. No entries on the day. Entries available online at: http://www.raceforlife.org/

Club BBQ Friday 27th June
Please give your names to Anita W. if you would like to come along. If you are vegetarian Anita will need to know. More details below. Anita W. can be contacted at: anita.worthing@wales.nhs.uk or text/phone 07968 636082.

Cost £7.95 per person paid on the night, but approximate numbers in advance please.

We can have the BBQ on the balcony if it’s fine or underneath it if it’s wet! The cooking will be done by Golf Club staff.

If the weather is really bad, there are more sheltered routes we could use in the woods between the A44 and the Cwmrheidol road.

Please could I have names of those who would like to book for the BBQ, either to anita.worthing@wales.nhs.uk or text/phone me on 07968 636082.

PS. could people say whether they prefer vegetarian.

Thanks,
Anita W

Race Results…

Edinburgh Marathon
Four Aber AC members - Paul Scullion, Maggie Collingborn, Glenda Roberts and Bridget Parkinson successfully completed the Edinburgh Marathon on Sunday - full story to follow next week...

Cader Fell race 24/5/08 (thanks to Pete Foale)
(Photos from the race can be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets/ )

The day’s proceedings started with the under 12s short course hill race. Stephen Williams running for the first time at Cader finished in a fantastic 2nd place in a time of 8.01, just 11 seconds behind the winner. Is this a future Cader winner? Watch this space!

Arguably the most beautiful mountain in Wales, Cader Idris, played host to the rather demanding annual 10.5 mile fell race from Dolgellau square and back.
‘Rather demanding’ being a euphemism!
200 people who had nothing better to do on a Bank holiday weekend than punish themselves over this tough but beautiful course lined up at the start on a lovely dry, clear Saturday afternoon with a warm breeze that made for excellent conditions. Nervous and apprehensive were just two of the emotions that most were feeling beforehand and were the cause of frequent trips to the loo before the start!
Herded to the start line, like cattle going to market, to the beat of the fantastic samba band felt like natives going to war or going into battle, and we were! Runners made small talk and joked in an effort to take their mind off what was in front of them.
Standing not too far from Dave Powell and Louise I gave a wave. Louise responded with a wry knowing grin that said something, there was an air of purpose, of determination in that grin that rather unnerved me. It truly was an indication of what was about to unfold on the mountain and what carnage was in store for all Aberystwyth AC male ‘fell runners’.
Apart from the first and last 200 metres there’s no easy part to this course. The leaders were gone and out of sight after a short distance but I was running steady and within touching distance of Geoff Oldrid most of the way up. Just over half way we hit the steep meandering path before the gate and a sudden surge of energy saw me ease past Dave Powell, Louise and Phoebe Webster.
I was leading the Aber AC field and was confident of becoming first home.
It didn’t last long.
Half a mile later Pete Garson flew passed me looking really strong followed by Louise and Phoebe in hot pursuit. Just managing to hang in I was right with them when we eventually reached the top, but I was planning to blow them all away on the descent.
It didn’t happen. I’d forgotten what it was like to descend off Cader at full pelt, a frightening experience!
Pete Garson, Louise and Phoebe, much braver than me, left me for dead closely followed by Geoff and later Dave Powell. The way Geoff was running I was certain he would take Louise and Pete, I don’t know anyone who can run downhill off-road as well as Geoff.
Kate O’Sullivan running up (and looking too fresh for my liking) called ‘she’s going to beat you again’, ‘no way’ I replied but I knew there was no way back.
Warming up to defend her title in the Man versus Horse in a couple of weeks time Louise had the bit between her teeth. Geoff, Pete Garson, Dave Powell, me and Mark Stieler lay in her wake as she battled for 2nd lady overall and only just missed but settled for a well deserved 3rd and a new PB for the course.
Pete Garson wasn’t all that far behind and was having a fantastic run with notable scalps and a PB on the day.
Mark Stieler finishing his 1st Cader race looked like a man who knew he’d been in a proper fell race: pale, drawn but with a look of pure satisfaction.
Kate O’Sullivan on the other hand initially looked very satisfied when she finished in a time slower than last year, but still a great run. Easing up in the final stages of the race annoyingly cost Kate first place in her age category by 15 seconds.

Results:
Louise Barker 1:52:46 PB (3rd lady)
Pete Garson 1:53:19 PB
Geoff Oldrid 1:54:38
Dave Powell 1:59:02
Pete Foale 2:00:39
Mark Stieler 2:06:38
Kate O’Sullivan 2:13:52 (2nd lady 0/40)

Future Races…

Red Kite Challenge Sialens Y Barcud Coch Race 1 – Sat 21st June (Club League Race)
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Llanelli Waterside 10k and Family Fun Day - 22nd June 2008
http://www.10k.org.uk/

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th (Entries close on July 1st)
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

28/05/08 – Rhayader 5km Race (club league race) arrive 6.30pm
03/06/08 – Club meeting 9pm at the Belle View.
11/06/08 - Rhayader 5km Race (club league race) arrive 6.30pm
13/06/08 – Club 5 mile Championship, Aberystwyth.
21/06/08 - Red Kite Challenge (club league race) 1pm start @Nant Yr Arian
27/06/08 – Club run and BBQ from Capel Bangor Golf Club.
26/07/08 – Dolgellau 5 mile 1.30pm start (club league race)
03/08/08 – Borth 10k 16.45 start.
16/08/08 – Race the Train 10k (club league race)
07/09/08 – Source of the Severn (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

22nd May 2008

News this week…

Membership Reminder (thanks to Tony Wenlock)
A reminder to all people who have not yet sent forward their membership renewal forms.
Membership renewals for the 08/09 year are due from 1st April 2008. There are still a good many people who have to send their forms and this needs to done urgently.
All forms received to date will be sent to Welsh Athletics next week and it would be really useful if you could submit your forms before the weekend so that they can be included.
The forms may be downloaded from the Club webpage or obtained from Tony Wenlock. Completed forms should be sent to Tony Wenlock - (address details on form)
Fees are £15 for Seniors and £10 for Juniors - this includes the £5 registration fee with Welsh Athletics.
Remember, the WA registration is important as it allows you to get reduced entry fees at many races and provides you with 3rd party insurance.

New Off Road League (thanks to Tony Wenlock)
The last grip of winter now seems to be behind us and this marks a change in the league as the summer off road races approach. The Off Road element has been introduced this year, bringing (for the many of us) the challenge of new terrain and new pain. - You only have to complete one of these as part of the league qualification.
But for some, off road is where the real action is. For this reason we are now introducing an Off Road league as an extension to the main league.
The league will be based on the four race options in the main league - but to qualify you have to complete at least three of the four races. Scoring will follow the same method as we use in the main league - it will be based on an age related performance relative to a notional "World's Best" time that has been assessed for each course.
So come on!! Fly the Kite, put some strain on the Train, make the Source your course, and make the Peaks squeak.

Monday night runners – come and celebrate Bridget’s engagement
Orangery - Wednesday 4 June 7.30pm - Meeting for drinks and/or meal to celebrate Bridget's engagement.

Bank Holiday Run – 26th May (thanks to Helen Williams)
A group of us are planning to meet next Monday, 26th May at 9.30am at the Leisure Centre for a social run.

Next Club League Race Wednesday 28th May – Rhayader 5km
Entry is £3 for club members. Entries are taken on the race day only from 6.30pm.
Wed 28th May 2008 (club league race)
Wed 11th June 2008 (club league race)
http://www.rhayaderac.org.uk/5km.htm

Next club meeting Tuesday 3rd June 9pm at the Belle View
All club members welcome to come along and have their say in decisions or to suggest ideas.

Club vests for sale
If anyone would like to buy a club vest for racing or training they are available in men’s and ladies cut. Only £15 each. I also have some sale vests priced at only £10 because the print has faded on the front. Pictures of the club vests can be seen by the club runners in the recent Newtown 10k http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets . Any enquiries to Anita: aiv@aber.ac.uk or 01970 832013.

Llanelli Waterside 10k and Family Fun Day - 22nd June 2008
Festival Fields, Millennium Coastal Park, Llanelli
“There are just over 5 weeks to this year's race so visit the event website for details. Remember there are NO entries on the day
Come along to enjoy one of the top 10k events in the UK. The course is flat, fast, traffic free and is ideal for setting a PB and what better place to set one than on the beautiful and scenic Millennium Coastal Path.
Bring the family; the "Family Fun Day" kicks off at 9:30 am and continues to 3:00 pm. Activities include kid's rides, bouncy castles, face painting, refreshments, and look out for a special appearance by S4C's Super Ted and Sali Mali. We look forward to seeing you in June“.
http://www.10k.org.uk/

This Saturday 24th May – Cader Idris Fell Race
Entries accepted on the day. 10.5 miles with 3000’ ascent. 2pm start at Dolgellau.
More information at: http://www.cader-race.co.uk/

BBQ at the Golf Club - Friday 27th June

Menu:
Burgers
Hot dogs
Spicy chicken wings
Quorn burgers and Quorn sausages
Coleslaw
Mixed bean salad
Grated cheese
Green leaf salad
Jacket potato
…………………
Cheesecake
Fruit salad

Cost £7.95 per person paid on the night, but approximate numbers in advance please.

We can have the BBQ on the balcony if it’s fine or underneath it if it’s wet! The cooking will be done by Golf Club staff.

If the weather is really bad, there are more sheltered routes we could use in the woods between the A44 and the Cwmrheidol road.

Please could I have names of those who would like to book for the BBQ, either to anita.worthing@wales.nhs.uk or text/phone me on 07968 636082.

PS. could people say whether they prefer vegetarian.

Thanks,
Anita W

Intro to Orienteering (thanks to Bill Marlow - Mid Wales Orienteers Secretary)
Mid Wales Orienteers (Cyfeiriannwyr Canolbarth Cymru) covers North Ceredigion, Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire and is affiliated to both the Welsh Orienteering Association (WOA) and British Orienteering (BO). We hold 10 “Local” events during the year for our League competition, alternating between the 3 counties and at each event there are 3 courses to choose from (Short, Medium or Long) to suit the differing skill and fitness levels.

Non Members are always welcome and the cost to Non-members at each event is £2.00 for Juniors and £4.00 for Seniors (Members £1.00 and £2.00 respectively).

Details about our Fixture List and other topics can be found at:-
www.mid-wales-orienteers.org.uk

Orienteering is a challenging outdoor adventure sport that exercises both the mind and the body. The aim is to navigate in sequence between control points marked on a unique orienteering map and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course and progress at your own pace.

Orienteering can take place anywhere from remote forest or moorland to urban parks and school playgrounds. It’s a great sport for runners, joggers and walkers who want to improve their navigation skills or for anyone who loves the outdoors. Orienteering - The adventure sport for all!

More Information:
It is often described as "cunning running" or the "thought sport". Orienteering is a sport where participants navigate their way around a course at their own pace between features (known as controls) marked on a special coloured map (usually on a 1:10,000 or 1:15,000 scale) using map and compass. The courses vary in length from about 2km (technically and physically easy), with 6 to 1O control points for beginners and children, to over 12km (technically and physically hard) for experienced adults. Orienteering can take place on different types of terrain such as town parks, forests, woodlands and moorlands.
There is normally a course to suit everyone, from the "family" wanting a stroll around paths together in the countryside (with their dog) to the good athlete and map—reader who wants the unique challenge of finding his/her way while running at speed over complex and rough terrain. Orienteering is the sport for everyone. The youngest recognised age group is for 1O and under, the oldest for 7O and over. Newcomers often tackle a course in pairs or groups. Bigger events offer a string course, so that toddlers and younger children can safely follow a marked course. Fortunately, at the bigger events (Regional/National Events) you compete in a 5—year age/sex band, so are not running against some sprightly 21—year old (unless you are 21!)!
You do not need anything special to start with. Jeans and T-shirt or an old tracksuit, together with a good pair of walking shoes or training shoes will suffice. You will also need a red biro for marking your course onto your map (although at POW events we try to provide ready-printed maps) and clear polythene bag to use as a map case (to protect the map in wet weather). A protractor compass can be useful, but is not essential on the Short ("beginner") course.

Having registered at an event, you are given a control description sheet for your course and a Control Card. You will be given a map after you pass through the start line and then you are off! You find your way between the marked features (controls). At each control, which is identified by a unique code, you use a patterned needle punch to clip your control card, which shows that you have visited that control, and then it is off to the next control at your own pace. Choosing your own route and going at your own pace means that whatever your level of fitness (from the overweight person wanting some exercise to the good athlete) all can get enjoyment from participating on the course of their choice. Everyone has a separate start time on their course (with a 1 hour start band), the winner will be the person with the fastest time — but this is not known until all the individual times have been worked out. Results will posted on the Club website.

Race Results…

Lakes running week-end (thanks to Peter Garson)
I ran my first marathon around Windermere - the Brathay Windermere Marathon on 18th May. Conditions were great - dry and bright but not hot and sunny - and I ran the first 20 miles very happily enjoying the wonderful scenery. The lack of enough long training runs caught up with me and I really slowed down after that to finish in 4 hours 18 minutes. This is a great marathon route and highly recommended but you have to like running up hill. It is classified as undulating and it really is undulating nearly all the way round. It was very well organised and while I was running round the lake Pete and the kids were enjoying activities in the grounds of Brathay Hall, eating food from the barbecue and listening to a live jazz band. Another aspect of this event was the 10 in 10 - some very committed runners completed their 10th marathon in 10 days with one of them breaking the world record for this feat of endurance with a cumulative running time of 35 hours.

The week-end in the lakes gave me an opportunity to race on the Saturday before Marion’s marathon on the Sunday. When I lived in Cumbria, the Fairfield Horseshoe used to be on the first week-end in May and I remember some wild extremes of weather from a heavy dump of snow one year to a heat-wave the next. This year it was on the 17th May and the conditions were pretty well ideal: dry ground, a cool breeze and only the top 500 feet or so of the summits in the cloud. With nearly 300 runners in the race there was plenty of competition over the 9 mile course with the steady 3000’ of ascent in the first half followed by a fast descent over varied terrain, finishing among wonderful parkland trees in the valley.

The winning time was 1:20. I was happy with my race and returned in 1:48, coming 106th out of 290. The kids gave me a great welcome afterwards, especially when they realised that I had not eaten any of my jelly babies.

Later in the evening, while Marion was preparing for her marathon, I took them for a bit of a scramble near where we were camping in Langdale, returning via the pub. As we sat outside on the terrace looking across the valley in the evening light I enjoyed a pleasant pint while watching the pairs come trotting down on weary legs to the finish of the Old County Tops. I remembered how tired I was when I did it some 15 years ago and told the children that they had been running since 8am and covered 37 miles on the fells with 10,000’ of ascent. Ben was impressed enough to pause briefly from making slurping noises with his straw. Isobel was reminded about something that had been puzzling her. “Dad earlier today at the race, how come some really old people were much faster than you?” I found this a more comforting question than you might think. Ever since I started fell racing in my mid twenties I was impressed by the runners in their 40s and 50s – especially on the longer endurance events. Many of these people are now in their 50s and 60s and are still doing really well, inspiring me to keep running and racing too.

Sarn Helen Hill Race 16.5 miles/3000ft (thanks to Louise Barker)
Perfect weather enticed Dave, Lou and Geoff south to Lampeter for the annual race up, over, down, along and around the hills which surround the town. A mixture of tarmac and offroad make this an interesting race – you either suffer wearing fell shoes or suffer wearing road shoes. A tough run but great views almost make up for it. Definitely one to recommend for all you budding fell runners who like the longer distances. 67 runners took part, with the winner, Steve Rees of Port Talbot completing the course in 1.48.56. As for the rest of us…

3rd John Atyeo 1.52.51 (John was a member of Aber AC in 1990)
13th Dave Powell 2.10.13
17th Lou Barker 2.12.14 (2nd F)
28th Geoff Oldrid 2.24.13 (2nd MV50)

Rhayader 5k – club league race (thanks to Pete Foale)
A great turnout last night in summery conditions though there was a strong breeze on the way back. Gethin had a cracker of a run and a PB by a long way as did Louise and Daniel Burgess. Anita Worthing got 1st over 45 and Helen Stretch was 1st over 55. John Evans was 1st over 60. There's so much improvement on a regular basis that it's not going to be long before a lot of club runners start passing me by, but they'll have to fight for it!
Roll on the next one and let battle commence.

Gethin Holland 18:22
Pete Foale 19:06
Daniel Burgess 19:26
Louise Barker 19:49
Mark Stieler 19:57
Daniel Davies 20:10
Paul Rose 20:18
John Evans 20:31
Gwilym Jones 20:33
Anita Worthing 21:34
Adam Foale 22:33
Kate O'Sullivan 22:49
Debbie Nash 24:52
Alison Brown 24:54
Laura Jones 25:45
Helen Stretch 27:21
Marjorie Griffiths27:54

Future Races…

Red Kite Challenge Sialens Y Barcud Coch Race 1 – Sat 21st June (Club League Race)
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th (Entries close on July 1st)
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

12th May 2008

News this week…

This Wednesday 14th May – Rhayader 5km (Club League Race)
This is the first in a series of three 5km races.
Entry is £3 for club members. Entries are taken on the race day only from 6.30pm.
The other two races in the series are:
Wed 28th May 2008 (club league race)
Wed 11th June 2008 (club league race)
http://www.rhayaderac.org.uk/5km.htm

Sarn Helen 16.5 mile Hill Race this Sunday 18th May
Start and finish at Lampeter Rugby Club, North Road, Lampeter, Ceredigion.
Start - Juniors 10.30am, Seniors 11.00am.
Race Organiser - Lyn Rees, Tanrhos, Cwrtnewydd, Llanybydder, Ceredigion, SA40 9YN
Tel: 01570 434244
http://www.sarnhelen.org.uk/events.htm

Borth 10k forms now available
The Borth 10k will be on Sunday 3rd August 2008 at 16.45pm. There will also be a 1 mile race for under 16’s. The entry form is now available on the club website www.aberystywthac.org.uk .

Next club meeting Tuesday 3rd June 9pm at the Belle View
All club members welcome to come along and have their say in decisions or to suggest ideas.

Club run and BBQ starting and finishing at Capel Bangor Golf Club – Friday 27th June
Add the date in your diary - more details to follow shortly.

Dale Half Marathon
If you are thinking of taking part please note that entries are not being accepted on the day. If you plan to run please enter early. The closing date is the 31st August.
http://www.pembrokeshire-tri.org.uk/dale_08.htm

Race Results…

Newtown 10k (Club League Race)
12 Aber AC runners turned out for the annual Newtown 10k. It was really hot and humid but with the encouragement of the marshals and supporters it helped to keep us going to the end.
Despite the agreement that the heat and course were not the quickest – Anita Worthing managed to power through the field to a PB, 5th lady overall and 1st in her age group. Debbie ran her first 10k and posted a fantastic 57.28 comfortably breaking the magic hour for her first 10k race. Gethin Holland and Helen Stretch ran a strong race to finish 1st in their age groups.
Young Daniel also had a strong race to finish 2nd Aber AC runner leaving the other club runners in his wake.
The points have been added to the club league which can be viewed on the club website.
Photos from the race can be seen on the Aber AC flickr website: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets/

Gethin Holland 41.27 (1st MU20)
Daniel Davies 44.17
Gwilym Jones 45.07
Kevin Holland 45.09
Anita Worthing 46.58 (1st LV50)
Tony Wenlock 47.04
Adriano Evola 47.21
Anita Saycell 50.12
Helen Williams 54.04
Debbie Nash 57.28
Helen Stretch 58.48 (1st LV55)
Sian Breese 59.37

Muller 10km May 11th 2008 (thanks to Dave Thomas)
Last Sunday, along with 730 others, I spent the morning plodding the picturesque streets, canal sides and yoghurt factories of Market Drayton in the Muller 10km. This is a great family event featuring fun runs, beer (optional), barbies (all varieties), a chance to meet the Muller cow and an awful lot of yoghurt. A tray of Muller product goes to all runners, as does a lurid yellow t-shirt (great for being seen on Aber prom on those murky training nights), and an excellent goody bag. Given the stifling heat, all this was very welcome indeed – as were the gallons of water available at the finish. Full results are at http://www.ukresults.net/ and follow the results menu.
Amongst the many clubs present were the Stone Master Marathoners. They were formed not that many years ago by a Midland couple who had returned to land after some adventures at sea. The following extract is from an internet article about them:
They started “this running lark” when they hit 40 — when, again, people told them that they were too old. Instead they formed a veteran marathoners’ club. On the windscreen of their people-carrier is a sticker of a flying fox bat, the club’s emblem. It was chosen, they say, because the creature symbolises what they think mature runners are about — “old people who race are very cunning and fly fast”, as Terry puts it. The sticker also bears a legend in Latin that reads “Sapientia atque levitas”, which he translates as, “wisdom and lightness of heart” or “cunning and low body weight”. Their personal motto could be “Brave but never foolhardy”.

Harlech Triathlon
A number of Aber AC athletes joined the 300 other competitors and took part in the Harlech Triathlon. The race began with a 400m swim, 30k cycle towards Barmouth and 6k run along the beach and a cruel finish up a 1:4 climb up to Harlech Castle.

Jeff Saycell 1.26.21
John Evans 1.36.32
Elizabeth Stieler 1.46.02

Future Races…

Cadair Idris Fell Race – Saturday 24th May
www.cader-race.co.uk

Red Kite Challenge Sialens Y Barcud Coch Race 1 – Sat 21st June (Club League Race)
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th (Entries close on July 1st)
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

14/05/08 – Rhayader 5km Race (club league race) arrive 6.30pm.
28/05/08 – Rhayader 5km Race (club league race) arrive 6.30pm
03/06/08 – Club meeting 9pm at the Belle View.
11/06/08 - Rhayader 5km Race (club league race) arrive 6.30pm
13/06/08 – Club 5 mile Championship, Aberystwyth.
21/06/08 - Red Kite Challenge (club league race) 1pm start @Nant Yr Arian
27/06/08 – Club run and BBQ from Capel Bangor Golf Club.
26/07/08 – Dolgellau 5 mile 1.30pm start (club league race)
03/08/08 – Borth 10k 16.45 start.
16/08/08 – Race the Train 10k (club league race)
07/09/08 – Source of the Severn (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
28/09/08 – Dale Half Marathon (club league race)
04/10/08 – Penmaenpool 10 mile 12 noon start (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks (club league race)
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k (club league race)

8th May 2008

News this week…

This Sunday 11th May - Newtown 10k 11am start (Club League Race).
Meet 9am at Plascrug Leisure Centre to lift share up.

Thursday night training sessions
These sessions have really helped to improve race speed and fitness. The remaining sessions on the 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th May will be at the usual time of 6.30pm at Plascrug.
From Thursday 5th June these sessions will start at the earlier time of 6pm.

Club run and BBQ starting and finishing at Capel Bangor Golf Club – Friday 27th June
More details to follow shortly.

Next club meeting Tuesday 3rd June 9pm at the Belle View
All club members welcome to come along and have their say in decisions or to suggest ideas.

Castell Rock Saturday May 31st 2008
Volunteers are needed to give a few hours to help out on the food stall, selling t-shirts, helping with children’s activities, stewarding, erecting marquees etc.
For those who haven't been to previous events, Castell Rock is a free, one day community festival in the Castle grounds, with non stop bands from 1 - 10 pm and lots of activities for children. ( www.castellrock.co.uk )
Please contact Rosemary if you are able to offer a few hours of your time (if possible get in touch by May 13th)
Thanks.
Rosemary
01974 202877(home)
01545 572127 (work)
rosemaryrhys@tiscali.co.uk

Aberystwyth Race For Life 2008 – Marshals needed
This will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 11 June. 18 marshals will be needed. If you are able to help - please let Pete know. peterf@ceredigion.gov.uk
Many Thanks.

Any budding graphic designers?
The club are looking at marketing the Twin Peaks race to a wider audience and need a logo/design to capture the essence of the race. If you are able to help please let Anita know before the next club meeting (3rd June). aiv@aber.ac.uk

New Ladies Asics Running Shoes for Sale (thanks to Elizabeth Stieler)
Size 6 UK. Gel Nimbus IX / 9 (replaces the Nimbus 8). Description: “Updated version of Asics' flagship cushioning model. Designed for high mileage running for the neutral or under pronating runner.” Weight 285g. 2007 Colour. Selling for £50 (RRP £99.99). Upper: Air Mesh, Synthetic leather, Biomorphic Fit, Personal Heel Fit, 3M Reflective. Sole: I.G.S. , Solyte midsole, Visible Rearfoot GEL, Visible Forefoot GEL, Space Trusstic, AHAR+ heel, DuraSponge rubber Forefoot. Features: Solyte 45 lasted, Removable ComforDry sockliner, Gender specific midfoot design. Worn once for half an hour before I realised I’d chosen the wrong shoes! Contact Elizabeth on 07769957099 or see me on a Monday night at training.

Future Races…

Maldwyn Harriers Races 2008
Newtown 10K - Sunday 11th May @ 11am (Club League Race)
Newtown Carnival 5k - Friday 6th June @ 7pm
Newtown BBQ 5k - Friday 11th July @ 7pm
Neil Howells Memorial Race approx 4.5miles - Friday 15th August @ 6.15pm
The Source of the Severn - Sunday 7th September @ 11am
http://uk.geocities.com/newtownac/MaldwynHarrriersfixtureslist2008.htm

Cadair Idris Fell Race – Saturday 24th May
www.cader-race.co.uk

Red Kite Challenge Sialens Y Barcud Coch Race 1 – Sat 21st June (Club League Race)
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th (Entries close on July 1st)
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

11/05/08 – Newtown 10k (club league race) 11am start
14/05/08 – Rhayader 5km Race (club league race) arrive 6.30pm.
28/05/08 – Rhayader 5km Race (club league race) arrive 6.30pm
03/06/08 – Club meeting 9pm at the Belle View.
11/06/08 - Rhayader 5km Race (club league race) arrive 6.30pm
13/06/08 – Club 5 mile Championship, Aberystwyth.
21/06/08 - Red Kite Challenge (club league race) 1pm start @Nant Yr Arian
27/06/08 – Club run and BBQ from Capel Bangor Golf Club.
03/08/08 – Borth 10k 16.45 start.
16/08/08 – Race The Train 10k (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k

1st May 2008

News this week…

This Monday 5th May – alternative session due to Bank Holiday
Helen Williams and a few others will be meeting at 9am at Plascrug Leisure Centre for a social run. This leaves the rest of day free for everybody.

Club Meeting this Tuesday 6th May – Belle View 9pm
An open invite to any club members that would like to come along and have a say in the clubs activities.

Next Club League Race – 11th May Newtown 10k 11am start.
Meet 9am at Plascrug Leisure Centre to lift share up.

Lance Armstrong’s marathon build up (thanks to Shelley Childs)
An ‘interesting’ interviewee – his ex-wife! Asking questions about Lance’s Boston marathon build up.
He ended up with a 2.40 something time I believe.
http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/microsite/video/0,8034,s6-239-420-20,00.html?bcpid=1439819617&bclid=1463300967&bctid=1515771737

Free to good home (thanks to Cliff Thomas)
I have a steady supply of heavy-duty opaque plastic bottles, square x-section and 0.5 and 1.0 L capacity, approx 65x65x130mm and 80x80x155mm respectively. I currently put them in the recycling bag, but suspect that this type of plastic goes to landfill in this area.
I'm offering them ##FREE## to AAC members, possibly for home brew, tho' when cut they make GTi poop scoops, disposable small-batch cement-mixing trowels etc etc
Previous use was organic herbal medicines. I'm assured that the contents cannot leach into the plastic and leave residues (and the amount involved would anyway be miniscule).
Contact via cliffthomasherbalist@yahoo.co.uk

Machynlleth - Cerist Sprint Triathlon 22nd June 2008 and Kidz Triathlon 21st June 2008
400m swim 19k cycle 5k run
Race HQ - Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre Machynlleth
http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/

Brand New event – Pembrokeshire Duathlon (Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club)
The first ever Pembrokeshire Duathlon takes place at Neyland, on the
Milford Haven Waterway, on Sunday 25th May. It is a sprint format, with a
5k run, 22k bike, and 2.5k run. The race is open to competitive athletes
and novices alike, and we have a relay category for teams of 2 or 3.
Fancy dress is encouraged! The main aim is to raise money for our chosen
charity, Adam's Bucketful of Hope Appeal.
All of the race information can be found on our web-site at
www.pembrokeshire-tri.org.uk/pembrokeshireduathlon2008.htm , and this
includes a link to on-line entries through Active Europe. Paper entries
are equally welcome. All entries receive a race t-shirt and goody bag.
The final closing date for entries is Saturday 3rd May. We hope to see
you at the event!
Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club

Swansea Harriers present the 11th running of the Whitford Point Multi-Terrain Race (approximately 5.8 miles)
Wednesday 14th May 2008 at 7.30pm
Start and finish at the Britannia Inn, Llanmadoc Gower
Entry Fee - £5/£6 which includes entry to raffle. Goody Bag to first 60 finishers.

Tour of Pembrokeshire Cycle Sportive – 8th June 2008
There are two routes - a 116 mile route with in excess of 10,500 ft of climbing and secondly a less challenging 64 mile route.
http://www.tourofpembrokeshire.co.uk/

Race Results…

John Evans wins Welsh Duathlon Championship title in Newport
Congratulations to John Evans – he had an excellent race in Newport on the 20th April to win his category in the Welsh Duathlon Championship.
The race involved a 4km hilly road run, 18k undulating cycle and then another 4km hilly run. John completed the event in – 01:20:00.

Chepstow Harriers Offa's Orror (thanks to Jos Jones)
On Sunday, 27th April, 2 Aber AC Athletes headed down towards Chepstow to run The Offa's Orror 20K Race. This is a challenging muti-terrain race with long climbs and sharp descents. A must for off road fans. Perhaps a team mini bus trip next year?
29th - Jos Jones - Running conservatively due to lack of fitness (enjoying the scenery for a change) after a virus came home in a time of 1:39:14
129th - Adriano Evola - A gritted performance gave delighted Adriano a strong run, narrowly missing out on the scalp of the much younger Dan Parsonage of Serpentine Running Club. Time: 1:56:26

Three peaks (World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge) – Yorkshire 2008
“The Three Peaks Race, which traverses the famous Yorkshire Dales Mountains of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside, is one of the oldest, most famous and best organised fell races in Britain”.
This tough race covers 24 miles while taking in the three peaks – no wonder Steve and Louise have taken a holiday straight after!
262nd Dave Powell 04.04.01
307th Louise Barker 04.12.37
534th Steve King 04.46.54

Future Races…

Cadair Idris Fell Race – Saturday 24th May
www.cader-race.co.uk

Red Kite Challenge Sialens Y Barcud Coch Race 1 – Sat 21st June (Club League Race)
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th (Entries close on July 1st)
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

06/05/08 – Club Meeting at 9pm in the Belle View (open to all club members)
11/05/08 – Newtown 10k (club league race) 11am start
14/05/08 – Rhayader 5km Race (club league race) arrive 6.30pm.
28/05/08 – Rhayader 5km Race (club league race) arrive 6.30pm
11/06/08 - Rhayader 5km Race (club league race) arrive 6.30pm
13/06/08 – Club 5 mile Championship, Aberystwyth.
21/06/08 - Red Kite Challenge (club league race) 1pm start @Nant Yr Arian
03/08/08 – Borth 10k
16/08/08 – Race The Train 10k (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k

21st April 2008

News this week…

Help save Harlech Swimming Pool…
Message from Harlech Triathlon Team:
“We would like you to help with our campaign to save Harlech Swimming Pool. As a cost cutting measure Gwynedd Council propose to close the pool some time after April 2009 and sell the land to a developer. This means that that the 2009 event could be our last triathlon.
Please help us by going to our web site http://www.harlechtriathlon.org.uk and following the link to our petition. We plan to print the list of signatures after this year’s race and present this to the council. If other members of your family / household would like to support us, please ask them to sign as well.
For those of you who plan to race on May 11th but have not yet entered, we have a few spaces left so please enter soon.
With best wishes,
The Harlech Triathlon Team.”

Lecture on the Influence of Nutrition on Recovery from Exercise
Department of Sport & Exercise Science
Annual Lecture
Presented by: Professor Clyde Williams
Tuesday, April 22 6.45 pm, A12 Hugh Owen
http://www.aber.ac.uk/sportexercise/

Race Results…

None to include this week!

Races happening this week…

Chepstow Harriers Offa's Orror
Sunday 27th April 2008 10.30am
multi terrain race 20k.
Start at the Anchor Inn NP16 6TE by the ruins of Tintern abbey between Chepstow and Monmouth.
The race takes place entirely in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The course will be signed and marshalled.
Free drink in the anchor Inn and goody bag for all finishers.
www.chepstowharriers.org.uk

Future Races…

Cadair Idris Fell Race – Saturday 24th May
www.cader-race.co.uk

Red Kite Challenge Sialens Y Barcud Coch Race 1 – Sat 21st June (Club League Race)
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th (Entries close on July 1st)
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

11/05/08 – Newtown 10k (club league race) 11am start
14/05/08 – Rhayader 5km Race (club league race) arrive 6.30pm.
28/05/08 – Rhayader 5km Race (club league race) arrive 6.30pm
11/06/08 - Rhayader 5km Race (club league race) arrive 6.30pm
13/06/08 – Club 5 mile Championship, Aberystwyth.
21/06/08 - Red Kite Challenge (club league race) 1pm start @Nant Yr Arian
03/08/08 – Borth 10k
16/08/08 – Race The Train 10k (club league race)
15/09/08 – Autumn Club League 5k 6.30pm @ Plascrug
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k

16th April 2008

News this week…

Rhayader 5km Race Series 2008 – Club League Races
This is a friendly 3 race series held on Wednesdays at the Caban Coch Reservoir Dam, Nr Rhayader. Runners of all levels are welcome and refreshment and results are available at Rhayader Leasure Centre after each race.
Entries on race day only from 6:30pm. Attached: £3. Unattached: £4
There is a 1 mile road race for children at 7pm. £1
The dates for the series of three 5K races:
Wed 14th May 2008
Wed 28th May 2008
Wed 11th June 2008
For more information: http://www.rhayaderac.org.uk/5km.htm

Level Two UK Athletics Course - Swansea
Note: You need to hold a Level 1 to be able to do the Level 2.
Dates: 17th and 18th May 2008 and day 3 event modules Sunday 29th June.
For more information please get back to either Anita, Brian, Louise Pete or Kevin.

More photos loaded onto club photo site
Visit the Aberystwyth A.C. flickr site to see the latest photos from the Arrans: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets/
If you have any club photos send them to aiv@aber.ac.uk to include on the site.

Race Results…

Club League 5k – Tuesday 15th April
An excellent turn out of 28 runners including the juniors - with some personal best times being set on the night. The league points have been updated on the club website.

Gethin Holland 18.42
Pete Foale 19.10
Jeff Saycell 19.45
Shelley Childs 19.59
Mark Stieler 20.18
Clive Evans 20.24
Kevin Holland 20.40
Gwylim Jones 20.41
Jon Bell 20.42
Megan Turner 20.54 (junior)
Paul Rose 21.01
John Evans 21.16
Adriano Evola 21.20
Anita Worthing 21.36
Arwel James 22.13
Geraint Evans 22.55
Gareth James 22.55 (junior)
Dai James 23.18
Paul Arnold 24.21
Emily 26.51 (junior)
Rhys 27.11 (junior)
Carys 27.16 (junior)
Glyn Rhys 27.17 (junior)
Megan Dafis 28.26 (junior)
Megan Williams 28.26
Ben & Peter Garson (started from half way) 28.49
Rosemary Rhys 30.10

Doing the Time Warp…. (thanks to Dave Thomas)
It’s that time of year again – Doctor Who’s on the TV and there’s a large charity fundraiser being held on the streets of London. To escape the onslaught of Wombles, Rupert Bears and cross-dressing Pink Panthers, I jumped into my Tardis and ended up at the Presteigne 10km. They really don’t make ‘em like this anymore! Race HQ was the village hall complete with homemade cakes, tea and WI notices. The entry can’t have been more than seventy. The distance markers were 21st century for the first time i.e. in kilometres. They guided runners around a very user friendly course that followed a muddy, cow-shitty circuit of the local country roads. At the end nobody seemed to be moaning about slow times, wrong shoes and bad weather - it did hail and sleet at about 7km. As today’s correspondent on the Runners World website comments “Small races like this are good for the soul - just a few dozen entrants and no hassle…..The prune cake in the Memorial Hall afterwards was better than a medal!” Winning time? Don’t know - Presteigne Pacers don’t have a website. But I do know that the winner of the V70 category seemed pretty happy with a 44.07!

WFRA Welsh Champs Race 1 - Pen Cerrig Calch AS ( Nr Crickhowell )
(thanks to Jos Jones and apologies for not publishing in the last newsletter)
Well everybody I'm still a bit p***** off about this one so I'm going to keep it brief.
Took 2 hours to get there due to Easter drivers.
Race was cut short for no reason. Yes it was windy and wet (but not dangerous) and I do appreciate that the marshal's have to stand around for a long time (without whom there wouldn't be a race at all) but isn't that why we have to carry all the kit? I feel the Nanny State may be creeping into fell running.
Ended up 30th (expecting a top 10 finish) due to the fact I went off slow at the start. Partially my own fault this one as I had intended to make a big push towards the top. Before I knew it they were turning us around for the (too short to catch anybody up) descent.
Thanks for letting me have a moan!

Adam’s London Marathon (thanks to Adam Foale)
As I lined up at the Blackheath Start, the blue skyes that had provided a lovely morning on the journey towards Greenwich park were filling up with some rather ominous looking clouds. I crossed the starting line seven minutes after the elite athletes had set off, and was enjoying the sights and sounds that you can only get at such a massive event. At the three mile mark, I passed a pair dressed as an egg and a chicken, perhaps trying to discover the answer to the age old question, though i didn't find out which came first myself! I was a little concerned when, at the ten kilometer mark, a runner dressed as a giant cornish pasty came into sight, I overtook him going around the Cutty Sark Tarpaulin Display. By now I'd settled into a comfortable pace, if a little slower than i'd hoped for. Between the eight and nine mile markers, the heavens opened, and we were all treated to a thorough soaking. My next majour concern happened at around ten miles, when I was overtaken by Uncle Bulgaria, I wasn't happy with this, but couldn't keep up with the ageing Womble as he disappeared into the distance at the half way mark.

I was still feeling quite strong until the eighteen mile mark when my legs started to feel so much heavier, my hamstrings felt tighter and each step was suddenly so much more difficult. The main encouragement I was taking at this point was that the costumes people around me were wearing were far less cumbersome, and I found several Batmen, Supermen and Spidermen among the nearby runners! Between twenty three and twenty four miles, the course goes through a tunnel, and as I approached the exit of the tunnel, I could see a torrential downpour waiting for me, but this close to the finish line, I wasn't really worried about getting my hair wet!

About half a mile from the finish line, Bananaman tried to edge past me, but I was having none of it this time! After a final push, I managed to beat him to the finish line, and finished my first marathon in 4:41:13 (just 2:35:58 behind Martin Lel) and placed 22,242 of over 34,000 finishers. But more importantly, I made it round in one piece (and I beat Bananaman)!

Kate’s London Marathon (thanks to Kate O’Sullivan)
A BIG thanks to the club for my place in the London Marathon this yr; I was proud to run with Aber AC plastered onto the back of my MDC vest, and radically changed my mental approach to the task that nearly broke me this time last year, facing the demon city marathon. This time I determined to enjoy the run, look around me, and not worry about the time. Apart from looking at my watch religiously on crossing every mile marker, I pretty much achieved that. I had the excitement of seeing, in real life, the elite women start (specks at the far end of Blackheath common at the start line, from my vantage point in the toilet queue; well, I wasn't going to lose my place...), and of knowing that, however briefly, I was in the same pack as Martin Lel and co!!!! Actually, word has it that he had won the race by the time my pen reached the start line.... It was all carnival, and a cacophony of noise, from there in, with a lot of smelly armpits in the respiration zone (the first runner I met, at 7.30am, was the rhino). I ran the second half with another MD runner, who by chance was the right pace to push me on, and the last 8 miles consisted mostly of screaming thigh muscles, but the atmosphere was electric and, oddly, a lot of people seemed to know my name........ This was a lot harder than Snowdonia, (explain that one) but I loved it this year, and it looks like the AC runners all had a good one, with Glenda leading the pack (her third marathon in a calendar year and all within 5 minutes of each other). Well done to Glenda, Emma Andy and Adam!

Aberystwyth Local Athlete cracks London (thanks to Kate O’Sullivan)
Mike ran with the club once or twice when visiting his mother at home here, last year, with his partner Sophie (herself a major track talent athlete in the army); some of you may remember them.
Michael Lovell, of Llanbadarn, Aberystwyth, ran a fantastic time of 2 hrs 45 minutes and 20 seconds, as part of the British Army AA, coming in 322nd place overall (and 90th in his age category (M30). This was Mike's first marathon!!!

Aberystwyth A.C. Marathon Results
Glenda Roberts 3.51.14
Andy Eden 3.54.33
Kate O’Sullivan 3.59.34
Adam Foale 4.41.13
Emma Smith 4.45.47

Races happening this week…

Have a rest this weekend!

Future Races…

Cadair Idris Fell Race – Saturday 24th May
2pm start in Dolgellau. 10.5 miles. 3000’ ascent. Entries accepted on the day. Also various junior races from 11am. www.cader-race.co.uk

Red Kite Challenge Sialens Y Barcud Coch Race 1 – Saturday 21st June (Club League Race)
About 11 miles. Start time 1pm. Described as ‘Multi terrain, demanding, scenic route’. Registration at Nant Yr Arian Visitor Centre, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth.
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
18 mile run. Start time 10am. Registration at Woodlands Caravan Park, Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth.
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th
£12 entry. No entry on the day. Entries close on July 1st
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

8th April 2008

News this week…

2008/09 Membership Fees
Membership fees for 2008/09 are now due.
You need to complete both a club membership form and a Welsh Athletics membership form*. Please complete both and return to Tony Wenlock, Brian, Anita or Louise with a single cheque made payable to Aberystwyth AC for £15 (seniors) or £10 under 18s. The cheque covers both the club fee and the Welsh Athletics fee of £5.
Alternatively, forms can be obtained directly from Tony Wenlock.
*The forms are available on the club website under the membership heading. www.aberystywthac.org.uk

Club League 5k – Tuesday 15th April
Meet 6pm at Plascrug. Your time will be recorded and points awarded towards the club league.

Charity Band night 2008 – THANKS!! (thanks to Bridget)
Thanks to everybody who came along to support the 2008 Charity Band night on Friday. Thanks also to everybody who donated food for the buffet – we had a fantastic spread and I don’t think I saw a single plate come back that wasn’t empty!!
With everybody’s support we managed to raise £1156 which will be split between the 4 charities:
Wales Air Ambulance
Marie Curie cancer Care
Muscular Dystrophy Campaign
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (Sands)
Thanks also to the bands and the football club who provided us with an excellent venue and brilliant entertainment.
I think I can safely say a great night was had by all!
If you think you were unfortunate enough to be snapped by Brian in an embarrassing pose – please also check out the photos which are now on Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets/
Diolch yn fawr!
Kate, Glenda, Emma + Bridget

Race Results…

News just in from Tony…
Tony Wenlock ran the Bungay Marathon in Suffolk on Sunday and stormed his way to a Personal Best.
58th Tony Wenlock 3:33:48
“If you like blizzards, sub zero temperatures, blinding sleet, mud, ice in the drinks and a slippery finish that gives you a better than even chance of hitting the deck just as you're getting into your finishing sprint - then this was the race for you.
The Bungay Black Dog Marathon is like doing Tregaron twice. The race starts with a quick tour around the town and then heads into the country to take in six miles of hills before dropping down onto a section of road and track. The race is over two laps and is generally considered to be quite tough.
If you've done Tregaron in the last two years you'll know the spring like conditions we've enjoyed - well, the wintery conditions we should have had for those came to Bungay this year. Two laps that began and ended in thick snow falls and sleet , with temperatures below zero
My time on the hills around Aber have paid off though! The hills here were not as tough as I remembered and I passed the first half in sub 1:40 feeling in pretty good shape and wondering if I wasn't going a tad too fast. The second half was going pretty well and as I went through the hill section at 20 miles the thought occurred to me - this could be a PB - I decided to go for it. Encouraged by a sprinkling of spectators and by the marshals - who all recognised that Aberystwyth was a long way away and so gave me lots of cheers, I settling down onto the final quarter and managed to pick off a few runners in front of me. The only people who passed me were the Half marathon runners. (Something to note here - the front runner was being paced by a cyclist and was 5 minutes ahead of the next two)
Coming through to 23 miles my legs were really beginning to hurt and so I settled into Cliff Morris ' gait - just keep them moving. At 24 miles my first twinge of cramp - I had to conserve myself - some changes in stride pattern helped to break up the feeling. The last two miles is run on a cycle path - and with driving sleet this was now breaking down into muddy sections that made the running more challenging as people jockeyed for the best line. Finally into the finishing area - this was now all mud and had developed a dangerously slippery bend where a few people were taking a tumble - then into the funnel with something I will call a sprint - and it was over. 3:33:48. a PB. A cold shower - and a five hour drive home. Bliss.
First across the line finished in 2:48:55 - and I managed 58th position.
Would I recommend this race? I'd recommend any race when you feel this good when you finish.”

Edale Skyline 30th March (21 miles, 4,500 feet) (thanks to Dave Powell)
Just a few years ago articles in ‘The Fellrunner’ were predicting the death of the long distance fellrace as numbers of competitors dwindled. Thankfully, for a range of reasons, this is now all changed and entry lists for many of the long classics now fill up months in advance. Geoff and I applied early in the New Year for the peak district classic, the Edale Skyline, neither of us having done this race before but Geoff’s entry sent a couple of days after mine saw him put on the ’reserve list’. A quick check of the website the Wednesday before race day and I noticed Geoff’s name on the entry list so it was a quick phone call to let him know he was in and he had two days to get in some long distance training! The Saturday saw pouring rain topping up the peat bogs but race day itself was glorious, strong cold winds brought clear skies, and a field of 300 lined up facing a very steep hillside. Most of the climbing comes in the first half of the race but there is also some wonderful fast (too fast, too soon!) running along grassy tracks across the moors to Win Hill, Lose Hill and MamTor. At one point I thought I was hallucinating as we turned a corner to see Bertie Bassett dancing a jig and handing out jelly babies. Eventually you pass through the ‘cut-off point’ at Mam Nick about 14 miles into the race, drinks and more jelly babies and ominous comments from the marshals “race starts now lads”, oh how right they were, a long runnable climb takes you up onto Brown Knoll and Kinder Scout and the infamous mile upon mile of energy sapping peat bog dissected by deep peat groughs into which you fall and out of which you climb using at least six points of contact (I’ll leave you to work out what they all are but you get a grip the best way you can). A final few miles of gritstone boulder hopping and you arrive semi-delirious up Ringing Roger (no comments, Clive – it’s a hill!), finally it’s a tumble down the descent path and into the finish field where Bertie Bassett was waiting (if I ever see another jelly baby . . . .). It really was a toughie but a great event to be a part of and with a ‘reet’ good spread in the village hall after. We got round in about 4 hours, how the hell the winner Lloyd Taggart covers that distance over that terrain in 2.45 is beyond me.

Escapade in Taunton (Thanks to Steve King)
Lou Barker and Steve King made the trek down to Taunton to compete in the half and full marathon on Sunday. Conditions were breezy with brief snow flurries but the sun did shine (Steve has the marks to prove it!). The course was undulating and the majority was run along relatively quiet country lanes, with a few busy main road stretches – two loops for the marathon and just the one for the half. Lou started at the back of the field with those in fancy dress after not getting closer to the front in time, luckily all runners had chips so that your accurate time was recorded. It was a PB for Lou who finally managed to get under 1.30 and came home in 1.29.12.
The ½ marathoners disappeared at ½ way and the now thinly spread marathoners disappeared from the finish area to do battle with the last lap. Its amazing how you don’t notice the gradients on fresh legs but the undulations and long gradients seemed much longer and harder on tap two. After hitting ½ way at 1.28 Steve was holding together OK but the ups and downs and the growing headwind ganged up to deaden the pace. The long hill at mile 23 was very tough and the name of the game was getting tired legs back to the burger stand (did I say that) in one piece. Happily 3.04.11 (16th) was a pb and the burger was right up there with some of the best. Now getting over the chafe marks from my aber AC vest (Steve).
So in all this is a very worthy alternative to London with none of the hassle of a big city marathon (field 250). The race was well supported around the course - well marshalled and watered and runners were well catered for with massages and refreshments at the end. Both ½ and full Marathon cost £13 to enter so why run London when you can do Taunton?

Llanbedr to Blaenavon 5th April (15 miles, 4,500 feet) (thanks to Dave Powell)
Another cracking race, again blessed by cold, fine weather with wonderful visibility. This is unusual as it is a point to point race starting north of Crickhowell and finishing in the rugby club of the old coal mining town of Blaenavon. We managed to just make it to the start although the need for the customary last minute pit stop meant I was sprinting head on towards the lined up runners as the starter shouted “get set” while Geoff was dashing towards them from the rear. The route goes over Crug Mawr, Sugar Loaf and straight up the steep face of the Blorenge that towers above Abergavenny with spectacular views and some lovely runnable terrain, at one point you even run through a cave like tunnel beneath the canal. After all that I managed to take a ‘scenic’ detour through the backstreets of Blaenavon and approached the finish line from behind. There followed a great buffet and generous prize giving, UWA Phoebe was 1st lady, I was 3rd old sod and Geoff was 2nd very old bugger.

Chirk 10K (thanks to Jos Jones)
This years race started at 9.30am. This meant that I had to brave the partially snow covered A44. A couple of slides but no major worries!
For those of you that haven't done this before, this race is bit tough. Undulating with most of the miles (except mile 2) being hard graft. Especially the very muddy fields that you have to cross twice, made even worse this year with the slippy snow.
I ended up in 7th or 8th in 40.45mins. I'm reliably informed that this course puts on at least two and a half minutes on your normal 10K time. I will let you know if this is right after my next 10K. (That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it)
I good workout this one. Well worth the trip.

Chase Race Duathlon – 6th April
This was the final race in the winter series and I wasn’t looking forward it – knowing the distances meant over 3 hours of racing. Having left home at 5am and battling the snow showers in the dark on the way to Cannock Chase - we finally arrived at the very cold (minus 1 degree) but picturesque and sunny snow covered forest! With snow still on the roads the race organiser gave the competitors 3 choices, to either cancel, or have a running race only or delay the start and shorten the distances. Luckily the distances were shortened to 5k off road run, 20k cycle and 2.5k off road run.
The run sections were really enjoyable but the cycle was cold and needed a lot of concentration in places to stay in the car tyre groves to avoid the snow slush. I was glad of the final run to warm up again! Many competitors decided not to race due to the conditions which meant I managed 3rd female overall on the day and came third overall in the series!
22nd Anita Saycell 1.21.22 (3rd female)
http://www.chaserace.co.uk/

Races happening this week…

London Marathon – 13th April
8.30am-2pm BBC 1 – Live commentary.
6.40pm BBC2 – Highlights
(Watch out for one of the Aberystwyth A.C. support crews – probably be around the 19/20 mile point!)

Future Races…

Cadair Idris Fell Race – Saturday 24th May
2pm start in Dolgellau. 10.5 miles. 3000’ ascent. Entries accepted on the day. Also various junior races from 11am. www.cader-race.co.uk

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
18 mile run. Start time 10am. Registration at Woodlands Caravan Park, Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth.
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th
£12 entry. No entry on the day. Entries close on July 1st
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

15/04/08 – Club League 5k meet 6pm @ Plascrug
11/05/08 – Newtown 10k (club league race) 11am start
13/06/08 – Club 5 mile Championship, Aberystwyth.
21/06/08 - Red Kite Challenge (club league race) 1pm start @Nant Yr Arian
03/08/08 – Borth 10k
16/08/08 – Race The Train 10k (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k

31st March 2008

News this week…

Aberystwyth A.C. AGM Tuesday 1st April 6.00pm - Plascrug Leisure Centre
If you have any views on how the club is being run please come along to the AGM on Tuesday (before the usual training session).
Any items for the agenda please give to Kevin (k.holland@aber.ac.uk ) by Tuesday lunchtime.

Bring your £10 along tonight or tomorrow in exchange for a golden ticket
The entire price of the ticket is going to four chosen charities*. A raffle will be held on the night and prizes include a meal for two in Capel Bangor Golf Club - along with some other great prizes, such as a Physiotherapy session, hire of double kayak for a weekend, Gym induction & Personal Training session and a Wellness key for the Uni Gym plus a large basket of fruit.
Your ticket will entitle you to a good night out (more details below), quality buffet and a chance to help raise money for the charities being supported by our runners running the gruelling 26.2 miles in a couple of weeks.
*Muscular Dystrophy, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society, Marie Curie Cancer Care + Wales Air Ambulance.

THIS FRIDAY - Aberystwyth A.C. 2008 Charity Band Night – 8pm Friday 4th April @ Aberystwyth Town Football Club
With Bands ‘Stix’ and ‘Namaste’ and Buffet
Ticket Price - £10
(Tickets available from Bridget, Anita, Glenda, Emma or Kate)
For more info please contact any one of us - Bridget – bsp@aber.ac.uk Kate - philnkate@btopenworld.com Glenda – grr@aber.ac.uk or Emma – els45@tiscali.co.uk

Easter Egg Hunt tonight – Monday night 31st March training session (ladies only!)
What a better way to get back into training with the promise of chocolate!! New runners welcome!! 6.30pm at Plascrug.

Next Club League Race…
Tuesday night 5k - 15th April meet 6pm at Plascrug.

Thanks for the flowers (Message from Beth Holland)
Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers and everyone’s good wishes. I really miss the running club and your companionship. Hopefully, I will be running before long. Love Beth.

Race Results…

Carmarthen 5K Easter Sunday (thanks to Kevin Holland)
Sole Aberystwyth representatives at the Carmarthen’s Easter Monday 5K were Gethin Holland (15th) in 19:16 followed “closely” by Kevin Holland (29th) in 20:25. Gethin enjoyed the walk home.

Races happening this week…

Fishguard Sea Cadets 10k – Sunday 6th April
11am start at The Parrog, Goodwick, Fishguard. Entries accepted on the day. Undulating course.
http://www.onlineraceresults.co.uk

Chirk Castle 10k – Sunday 6th April
Entries on the day accepted. 9.30am start.
Entry forms on the club notice board.

Chase Race Duathlon – Sunday 6th April
Middle distance 2.5km off road run - 60km bike - 15km off road run.
Birches Valley Visitor Centre on Cannock Chase.
Entries accepted on the day.
http://www.chaserace.co.uk/

Future Races…

Cadair Idris Fell Race – Saturday 24th May
2pm start in Dolgellau. 10.5 miles. 3000’ ascent. Entries accepted on the day. Also various junior races from 11am. www.cader-race.co.uk

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
18 mile run. Start time 10am. Registration at Woodlands Caravan Park, Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth.
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th
£12 entry. No entry on the day. Entries close on July 1st
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

01/04/08 – Club AGM at Plascrug 6pm start.
04/04/08 – Charity Band Night 2008 8pm at Aberystwyth Football Club
15/04/08 – Club League 5k meet 6pm @ Plascrug
11/05/08 – Newtown 10k (club league race) 11am start
13/06/08 – Club 5 mile Championship, Aberystwyth.
21/06/08 - Red Kite Challenge (club league race) 1pm start @Nant Yr Arian
03/08/08 – Borth 10k
16/08/08 – Race The Train 10k (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k
24/01/09 – Annual Awards Dinner

26th March 2008

News this week…

Come on everyone get your friends and family along for a good night out!!

“Covering Songs By: stones, queen, bowie, free, beatles, blondie, jet,mac, floyd. From past to present artists”

Tickets only £10 each with all the money going to four very worthy charities…

Aberystwyth A.C. 2008 Charity Band Night – 8pm on Friday 4th April at the Aberystwyth Town Football Club

In aid of Muscular Dystrophy, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society, Marie Curie Cancer Care + Wales Air Ambulance
With Bands ‘Stix’ and ‘Namaste’ + Buffet

Preview Stix playing at: http://uk.youtube.com/profile?user=stixmusic
“Covering Songs By: stones, queen, bowie, free, beatles, blondie, jet,mac, floyd. From past to present artists”

Ticket Price - £10

(Tickets available from Bridget, Anita, Glenda, Emma or Kate)

For more info please contact any one of us - Bridget – bsp@aber.ac.uk Kate - philnkate@btopenworld.com Glenda – grr@aber.ac.uk or Emma – els45@tiscali.co.uk

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Buffet donations very welcome… (thanks to Kate O’Sullivan)
I have had great offers from about 10 of you for preparing food so far. However, I would like a couple more volunteers if possible, and I have a feeling there are a lot more budding cooks out there in our club! So now's your chance to shine, or even to grab something last-minute from the Co-op....... please let me know asap if you are a willing accomplice, and I will coordinate the menu this weekend.
Meanwhile, get your tickets, this is going to be a great night's eating and dancing!!
philnkate@btopenworld.com

Easter Egg Hunt – Monday night 31st March training session (ladies only!)
When we return to training on the 31st March an Easter Egg Hunt around town has been organised. What a better way to get back into training with the promise of chocolate!! New runners welcome to come along too.

Congratulations to Bridget and Gareth…
On behalf of the club we wish Bridget and Gareth all the best on news of their engagement.

We're on e-bay. Tell your friends. (thanks to Brian Ashton)
I've got 300 odd to get rid of and I'll be able to see under my bed again!!
Hwyl - Bash
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=150227503625&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=005

Teifi 10 results added to Tony’s Tracker…
The league has been updated on the club website to reflect the Teifi 10 results.
Use Tony’s Tracker to view the club league so far: http://www.aberystwythac.org.uk/
NEXT CLUB LEAGUE RACE – Tuesday night 5k 15th April meet 6pm at Plascrug.

Free Mountain Bike lessons for women
Thanks to Kate for spotting this. Free mountain bike lessons are available for women. There is a one day free course on 11th May in Nant Yr Arian or 3 free lessons in Llanbrynmair.
See http://dirtdemo.singletrackworld.com/ for 1 day free course on 11 May.

Novice Lady Riders Required in the Dyfi Valley!
“If you're new to mountain biking, female and live within the Dyfi valley, read on. Forest Freeride are conducting a FREE 3 day mountain bike training course. The course is been run on behalf of Mentro Allan to help with their research into exercise and its benefits. There's no catch, you will be asked to fill out a couple of forms and give some feedback but thats all.

The course will be run over 3 Sundays in May and June and will be held at Forest Freeride's base near Llanbrynmair. You don't have to be 'bike fit' and no previous mountain bike experience is required, we'll even supply a bike, helmet, etc if required. If you fit the required criteria and would like £160 of training for nothing then email forestfreeride@aol.com or phone Stuart on 01650 521301 for full details.”
http://www.mtb-wales.com

Rhayader race amendments
20 mile results should have included:
198th Andy Eden 2.56.21
The 5 mile results should have included:
Anita Worthing 36.25 (3rd Female)

Race Results…

Ras Yr Aran – Fell Race - Saturday 22nd March 2008 (thanks to Kate O’Sullivan)
Well, this, my first fell race in a very long time proved a worthy day out. The weather was dramatic with high winds and sharp, dry air blasting occasional powdery snow at us. As a consequence the summit was off limits; so, we ran to Aran Benllyn, about 7 miles of the 10. The air was fantastically sharp and clear, and very cold with a wind that stopped my eylids closing the whole way down, so I couldn't blink away the tears; either that or they froze..... We went high enough, running thru new snow, and over a lot of ice, so picking our way down was even more fun than usual. I was concentrating on not doing something stupid to count me out for the marathon and not embarrassing myself by landing arsewise on a sharp rock (at this point I had some men behind me, tho that didn't last); managed to avoid both, the descent was quite tricky, and really good fun. Mostly I remember the uphills on the way down last year, there are about 4 summits in this race! But this year the shortened route got rid of 2 of those, so only a climb at about the second last mile, and then a leg-wobbling charge across a couple of fields and along a flat road to the end.... my legs were like jelly and I had been going for just under 1 and 1/2 hrs; honestly, the time just flew. Geoff was 1st Aber AC in at 1 hr 15m57s, then there was a bit of a rush on with Pete Garson 1hr 17min 43s, Dave Powell 1hr 17m55s and Louise 1hr 23m 56s, then finally me at 1 hr 29m 27s. There were others behind me, phew, not last, then.
www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Teifi 10 – Welsh Championships and Club League Race (thanks to Pete Foale)
It was a gloriously warm sunny Easter Sunday and not a breath of wind, the race started and all Aber AC runners took to the front leading the high quality field all the way. At the 9th mile there was just Peter Foale and the eventual winner battling it out for first place and looking to break 50 minutes and the course record, then....then.....then I woke up from that dream again!

But dreams can come true and reality has a habit of following dreams if you are dedicated enough to work at it, just ask Tracey Morris.

Anyway, Aber AC did have two Gold medal winners in their respective age groups in the 10 mile Welsh championships on Easter Sunday: Anita Worthing and Helen Stretch carrying the flag for Aber AC.

For the rest of us it was just battling against the odds and the elements to finish as high as possible and to try to beat our respective peers in the race within a race to gain as many league points as possible. The eventual winner Richard Gardiner, Cardiff AC, destroyed the field and broke the course record by almost 2 minutes.

Steve King was first Aber AC runner home in just over 62 minutes closely followed by Jos Jones in 63.54 and some further 3 minutes behind were Dave Powell then Peter Foale. Next in was Clive Evans seeing league points before his eyes (but inexplicably taking a wrong turn in the finishing straight!) hotly pursued by Louise.

How Dave Powell and Louise did this race after the Aran Fawr fell race the previous day is beyond me.

Just another minute adrift there was a gigantic battle taking place in the last mile between John Evans and Tony Wenlock, Tony just getting the better of John in the last 100 metres and beating him for the first time ever with a PB in the process! Does it get any better Tony?!

Anita Worthing just clipped under 76 minutes with her PB and that treasured Gold medal.

Clive Williams, preferring to stay on course this time, clocked 78.40 with Glenda Roberts just behind in 79.48. Next home was Helen Williams in 84.25 with Eleri Connor in her first ever 10 mile race doing very well in 88.06. Also running 10 miles for the first time and improving every time she runs was Shan Breese in 91.10 followed home by Helen Stretch, gold medal winner in her category, in 95.05.

Full results at http://www.onlineraceresults.co.uk/teifi10-08.htm

(The club league has been updated with these race results)

Races happening this week…

Spring Polaris Challenge (Mountain Biking)
8:00am, Saturday 29 March 2008
South Wales, Brecon
The Polaris Challenge is a two-day event, combining mountain biking with navigation and touring. Teams of two (or solo) ride between checkpoints scattered over a large area of rugged country. Each checkpoint has a value and the aim of the challenge is to accumulate as many points as possible within each day's time limit. Distance and 'difficult to access' checkpoints carry higher values and there are tough penalties for exceeding the time limits. The Polaris Challenge is an opportunity for a great weekend's riding through some wild country on trails and tracks- each event is very different. Who takes the Challenge? 'Anyone who loves mountain biking.' You can take the Polaris Challenge seriously and go for maximum scores or treat it as a good excuse for a fun weekend of adventurous riding.
http://www.polarischallenge.com

Future Races…

Chirk Castle 10k – Sunday 6th April
Entries on the day accepted. 9.30am start.
Entry forms on the club notice board.

Cadar Idris Fell Race – Saturday 24th May
2pm start in Dolgellau. 10.5 miles. 3000’ ascent. Entries accepted on the day. Also various junior races from 11am. www.cader-race.co.uk

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
18 mile run. Start time 10am. Registration at Woodlands Caravan Park, Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth.
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th
£12 entry. No entry on the day. Entries close on July 1st
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

01/04/08 – Club AGM at Plascrug 6pm start.
04/04/08 – Charity Band Night 2008
15/04/08 – Club League 5k meet 6pm @ Plascrug
11/05/08 – Newtown 10k (club league race) 11am start
13/06/08 – Club 5 mile Championship, Aberystwyth.
21/06/08 - Red Kite Challenge (club league race) 1pm start @Nant Yr Arian
03/08/08 – Borth 10k
16/08/08 – Race The Train 10k (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k
24/01/09 – Annual Awards Dinner

18th March 2008

News this week…

Come on everyone get your friends and family along for a good night out!! Only £10 each with all the money going to four very worthy charities…

Aberystwyth A.C. 2008 Charity Band Night – 8pm on Friday 4th April at the Aberystwyth Town Football Club

In aid of Muscular Dystrophy, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society, Marie Curie Cancer Care + Wales Air Ambulance

With Bands ‘Stix’ and ‘Namaste’ + Buffet

Ticket Price - £10

• Tickets - now on sale – please see Bridget, Anita, Glenda or Kate on Monday and Tuesday training nights or contact any one of us via email below:

• Raffle - We will be holding a raffle on the night with a chance to win some fantastic prizes. If you would like to donate a prize for the raffle please contact Glenda grr@aber.ac.uk

• ‘Donate a dish’ - This year we will also be providing our own buffet – would all voluntary members of the club who would like to contribute to the cold buffet then please email Kate O’Sullivan indicating the name of the dish you would like to bring along – sweet or savoury!

For more info please contact any one of us - Bridget – bsp@aber.ac.uk Kate - philnkate@btopenworld.com Glenda – grr@aber.ac.uk or Emma – els45@tiscali.co.uk

Aberystwyth A.C. win first ladies team at the Rhayader 20
Congratulations to Aberystwyth A.C. ladies on winning the ladies team prize for the Rhayader 20. For a race report and results see below.

No ladies training on Monday 24th March
There will be no training this Monday because it’s a Bank Holiday – Monday night training will resume again on the 31st March.

Club League so far…
The league has been updated on the club website to reflect the 20mile and 5mile results.
Use Tony’s Tracker to view the club league so far: http://www.aberystwythac.org.uk/
NEXT CLUB LEAGUE RACE - Teifi 10 mile – 23rd March. Lampeter Rugby Club 12 noon start.

Aberystwyth Angela Davies Memorial Road Race (cycling)
Thanks to everybody that was able to help out or spectate.
Photos from the race and results should be up shortly on the Ystwyth CC website: http://www.ystwythcc.org.uk/

Ystwyth Cycle Club membership
If anybody would like to join Ystwyth CC or hasn’t yet renewed their membership for this year contact Martyn Saycell ays@aber.ac.uk

For Sale Boatain 125cc Motorbike (thanks to Martyn Saycell)

Year: 2004
MOT: January 2009.
Tax: January 2009
Price: £450.00
Telephone: 01970 832013

Race Results…

Uk Inter Regions Cross Country Championships March 15th (thanks to Jos Jones)

Conditions - Dry, Mild
Course - The ground was hard and dry.
Aber AC had 4 representatives running for West Wales.

Girls Under 13
146th: Megan Turner - West Wales Team 4th On Day
Women Under 17
90th: Elinor Thorogood - West Wales Team 26th On Day
Senior Ladies
218th: Helen Marshall - Only Runner From West Wales!!!! ( 6 To Count )
Senior Men
260th: Jos Jones - Only 4 Runners From West Wales ( 6 To Count )
Retired Injured - Danny Thorogood

I found this race a real step up in class. It has made me only want to train harder, to try and get myself further up the field if selected next year!

Rhayader 20 – club league race (thanks to Pete Foale)

Wet and breezy it was and the longer the race went the wetter it became, so the poor unfortunate soles near the back finished forlorn and bedraggled.
It’s good to report that there were some very fine performances and PBs to boot with a lot of the many Aber AC athletes who supported this event.
Steve King was first home in a very fine time with a new PB of 2.13 and Mr consistent, Dave Powell, was second Aber AC runner home in 2.28.
But the battle for third place was a bit more intriguing. I ran shoulder to shoulder with Louise for the first six miles feeling very comfortable before deciding to burn her off and show her who is boss! A big healthy lead was established by 8 miles and of course it was going to be plain sailing to the finish, perhaps even scalp Dave Powell in the process but I thought that may be difficult in more ways than one!
Firing on all four cylinders I was just 70 metres behind Dave at 13 miles when the engine started to splutter. I tried to hang in but Dave wasn’t weakening and the gap widened.
The rain started to fall heavier as we made our way down the Elan valley and just before the 19 mile mark there was a welcome water station. I stopped very briefly to take a gulp of water and look behind. Damn, it was that Barker girl bearing down on me looking strong, composed and relaxed as she ran. Not a moment to lose I sped away but she glided passed me like I was standing still, I tried to pull the gap back but she was too strong, too fit and on to smashing her PB by 8 minutes. She showed me who was boss!
Later in the leisure centre a gang of us swapped stories over tea and coffee, it was good to hear so many had good runs. Tony, Glenda and Kate running really well and looking good for their respective marathons. Bridget had a stormer running 2.52 but I had my doubts if she really ran it at all, she looked as if she’s been relaxing all afternoon with a Pina Colada in her hand rather than running 20 miles in the rain!
Last Aber AC runner home was Adam (who finished looking as if he could have run another 6 miles, which is good news because that’s exactly what he’ll have to do in a month’s time) in 3.35, an excellent preparation run for the London Marathon.

Club Results:

14th Steve King 2.13.40
49th Dave Powell 2.27.32
72nd Louise Barker 2.33.12
87th Pete Foale 2.35.25
124th Tony Wenlock 2.43.22
172nd Bridget Parkinson 2.51.59
198th Andy Eden 2.56.21
200th Glenda Roberts 2.56.53
201st Kate O’Sullivan 2.56.55
248th Marion Garson 3.07.22
309th Adam Foale 3.35.31

Full results at: http://www.ukresults.net/2008/rhayader20.html

Rhayader 5 mile race (club league race)

All the runners below have been given league points for this race. Tony’s Club League Tracker has been updated on the club website: http://www.aberystwythac.org.uk/

Gethin Holland 31.27
Jeff Saycell 32.44
Will Mahon 33.27
Daniel Burgess 33.37
Kevin Holland 33.58
Clive Evans 34.12
John Evans 35.43
Anita Worthing 36.25
Eleri Connor 41.50
Shan Breese 43.33
Helen Stretch 44.41

Cerist Aquathlon in Machynlleth 400m swim and 5k run

9th Louise Barker swim: 8.06 run: 20.24 total: 28.30 (1st in category)
13th Mark Stieler swim: 8.41 run: 20.18 total: 28.59 (4th in category)
19th John Evans swim: 9.20 run: 21.09 total: 30.29 (1st in category)

Aberystwyth AC series winners:
Louise Barker 1st female and 1st female senior
Elizabeth Stieler 3rd female senior
John Evans 1st MVV

Full results at: http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/

Races happening this week…

Ras Yr Aran – Fell Race - Saturday 22nd March 2008,
10 Miles Ascent 2500’
Start 1300, Eagles Inn, Llanuwchllyn, Nr.Bala (OS 124 – SH880297)
Entry on day only - £4.00
The lower reaches of the race are run on a mixture of well marked tracks and footpaths,
but the open fells above are unmarked. The high mountain terrain can be featureless and is
susceptible to varied and often adverse weather conditions. Navigational skills may be
necessary. Minimum age 18 years. Entry limit 250.
ALL competitors must carry wind/waterproof full body cover, map, compass and
whistle.
www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Plus a junior/short Fell Race Saturday 22nd March 2008
"Ras Garth Fawr", 2 miles, 500ft ascent
13:15 Start. Suitable for 10 year olds and upward (no upper limit!) - so also a good introductory race for adults who haven't fell run before! Well marked and marshalled route.
www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Teifi 10 Road Race (Club League Race) – 23rd March 2008
12 noon start at Lampeter Rugby Club. Described as a ‘flat, fast and scenic 10 mile route’.
Entry forms on the club notice board.

Future Races…

Chirk Castle 10k – Sunday 6th April
Entries on the day accepted. 9.30am start.
Entry forms on the club notice board.

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
18 mile run. Start time 10am. Registration at Woodlands Caravan Park, Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth.
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th
£12 entry. No entry on the day. Entries close on July 1st
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

23/03/08 – Teifi 10 (club league race) 12 noon start @ Lampeter Rugby Club
01/04/08 – Club AGM at Plascrug 6pm start.
04/04/08 – Charity Band Night 2008
11/05/08 – Newtown 10k (club league race) 11am start
13/06/08 – Club 5 mile Championship, Aberystwyth.
21/06/08 - Red Kite Challenge (club league race) 1pm start @Nant Yr Arian
03/08/08 – Borth 10k
16/08/08 – Race The Train 10k (club league race)
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k
24/01/09 – Annual Awards Dinner

10th March 2008

News this week…

Aberystwyth A.C. 2008 Charity Band Night – 8pm on Friday 4th April at the Aberystwyth Town Football Club
In aid of Muscular Dystrophy, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society, Macmillan Cancer Support + Wales Air Ambulance
With Bands ‘Stix’ and ‘Namaste’ + Buffet
Ticket Price - £10

• Tickets - now on sale – please see Bridget, Anita, Glenda or Kate on Monday and Tuesday training nights or contact any one of us via email below:

• Raffle - We will be holding a raffle on the night with a chance to win some fantastic prizes. If you would like to donate a prize for the raffle please contact Glenda grr@aber.ac.uk

For more info please contact any one of us - Bridget – bsp@aber.ac.uk Kate - philnkate@btopenworld.com Glenda – grr@aber.ac.uk or Emma – els45@tiscali.co.uk

Chance to get some more club league points this weekend…
This Saturday is the 5 mile Rhayader race and the 20mile race. Both of these races will earn you points for the club league. Entries are taken on the day and registration is in the Leisure Centre at Rhayader.
5mile race 1.30pm start
20mile race 1.00pm start
There is also a 1mile novice boys and girls event 11.20am start.

Marshals needed for the Aberystwyth Angela Davies Memorial Road Race this Sunday March 16th - 2pm start.
This is the annual 80k bike race organised by Ystwyth CC.
If you are able to marshal please be at Plascrug Leisure Centre at 1pm for 2pm start. Race should take 2 hours.
Contact Shelley for any further information shelley@cambriantyres.co.uk .

Special Offer (thanks to Danny Thorogood)
Enter this event (National Duathlon Champs, 13th April, Milton Keynes, see http://www.pgix.net/bigcow/ ) and you are offered the opportunity of travelling down on the Saturday before the race with me and sharing a room in the luxury surroundings of the Toddington Service Area Travel Lodge. There are two places on offer although I have offered Shelley first shout. All-in price £10 + petrol share (not including race entry). I will personally select the lucky winners of this not be missed special offer.

Race Results…

West Glamorgan Cross Country League (5) - Fairwood Common - Final Fixture (thanks to Jos Jones)
Conditions - Muddy!!!
In the ladies race a delighted Helen Marshall running as a Guest (Aber not registered in the League this season) gained her second League victory. Her first was also at Fairwood, in 2006 when representing Swansea University. Helen fought off stiff competition from 29 other Ladies to win with over a minute between her a second place runner Stephanie Mason (3M's Gorseinon R.R.).

San Domenico 20m – Merthyr (thanks to Jos Jones)
Not a bad 20 if anybody fancies it next year. I cant make Rhayader as I'm racing for West Wales in the Uk Inter Regions Cross Country on the same day. The course is undulating but mainly flat with 3 short but sharp hills. Well organised with a good atmosphere.

This was my first 20 miles in a few years and my lack of really long runs got the better of me on this occasion. At the start of the race I was confident of a good time. All was going well at 13miles arriving in 1:26. I thought a sub 2.20 was on the cards. Unfortunately may day began to take a turn for the worse. I started to slow down, the lack of big long runs kicked in and it started to get really hard. I struggled on to 18 miles where I really hit the wall. I began to get dizzy and my arms went numb. From there I walked and trotted, just trying to get to the finish. I eventually made it with a time of 2:33. Everybody was very nice at the end, making sure I was alright. I got a load of food and water down me and recovered enough to get showered and ready for the drive home.

Will now be extending the length of my long runs ready for next year. I will be back!

Final Gwent League Cross Country Event at Blaise Castle, Bristol (thanks to Jos Jones)
Our only runner in the final fixture at Blaise Castle, Bristol, was Helen Marshall. 34th out of 109 in the Senior Ladies section.

North Wales League (thanks to Jos Jones)
Not much of a turn out this season for Aber AC, but with so many races around, we can’t be everywhere.

DIVISION TWO MEN
1 Tattenhall Runners 1781 pts
2 Menai T+F 2129 pts
3 Bangor University AAC 2405 pts
4 Oswestry Olympians AAC 2508 pts
5 Wrecsam Tri Club 2512 pts
6 Denbigh Harriers 2808 pts
7 Vale Royal AAC 3049 pts
8 West Cheshire AAC 3848 pts
9 Deeside AAC 3906 pts
10 Bridgnorth AAC 4264 pts
11 Maldwyn Harriers 4427 pts
12 Clwydian Range Runners 4649 pts
13 Bro Dysynni AAC 4655 pts
14 Aberystwyth AAC 4716 pts
15 Meirionnydd RC 4914 pts
16 BS Deestriders 4915 pts

DIVISION TWO LADIES
1 Abergele Harriers 560 pts
2 Bangor University AAC 601 pts
3 Prestatyn RC 615 pts
4 Denbigh Harriers 712 pts
5 Bro Dysynni AAC 731 pts
6 Vale Royal AAC 800 pts
7 Menai T+F 943 pts
8 Deeside AAC 984 pts
9 Shrewsbury AAC 1012 pts
10 West Cheshire AAC 1101 pts
11 Aberystwyth AAC 1260 pts
12 Meirionnydd RC 1277 pts
13 Clwydian Range Runners 1288 pts
14 Wrecsam Tri Club 1306 pts

Gwent League 2007/2008 (thanks to Jos Jones)
Not a bad turn out for the Ladies this season narrowly missing out on promotion. With a few extra faces next year promotion would defiantly be on the cards.
Top 2 Are Promoted

Senior Ladies Division 3
1st - 1200pts - Wells & Yeovil
2nd - 1133pts - Cleavdon AC
3rd - 758pts - Aberystwyth AC
4th - 673pts - Amman Valley Harriers
5th - 605pts - Sarn Helen
6th - 514pts - San Domenico
7th - 483pts - Caerlon RC
8th - 394pts - Carmarthen Harriers
9th - 372pts - Bristol Uni
10th - 286pts - Club 69
11th - 204pts - Gloucestershire Uni
12th - 186pts - Llanelli AC
13th - 158pts - Port Talbot
14th - 90pts - Cwmbran Harriers
15th - 78pts - Pembrokeshire Harriers
16th - 72pts - Fairwater Runners
17th - 42pts - Neath Harriers
18th - 40pts - Hereford AC
19th - 26pts Penarth & Dinas Runners

In the individual standings Helen Marshall finished 27th overall from 4 races. If she had completed the full 5 a top 20 place could have been possible.

Not such a good turn out for the Men but, as with the Ladies, a few extra faces would defiantly give us a chance of promotion.

Senior Men Division 4
1st - 4106pts - Wells and Yeovil
2nd - 1430pts - Llanelli Amateur Athletic Club
3rd - 1347pts - Cwmbran Harriers
4th - 999pts - Bristol University
5th - 969pts - Clwb Triathlon Llanelli
6th - 786pts - Griffithstown Harriers A. A. C.
7th - 764pts - Aberystwyth Athletic Club
8th - 369pts - Carmarthen & District Harriers A.C.
9th - 357pts - North Devon Athletic Club
10th - 291pts - Rhondda A.C.
11th - 207pts - Aldershot Farnham and District
12th - 160pts - Gloucester Athletic Club
13th - 83pts - Pembrokeshire Harriers
14th - 73pts - Hereford & County Athletic Club
15th - 63pts - University of Gloucestershire
16th - 46pts - Penarth and Dinas Runners

Juniors - We didn't have any juniors featuring in the final standings this year but I do recall some excellent performances in a couple of races. Perhaps one of them will challenge for honours next season?

Cross country is excellent for building strength in the legs over the winter. For those wishing to improve their times I would recommend it. We managed to fill a mini bus a couple of times this year. I'm sure you would agree this is far better for the environment as well as being a good laugh. As the races are from Novice Girls & Boys to Over 70 Seniors there is fun for all the family....... well.... a lot of dirty kit to wash afterwards!

Remember. There are all standards of runners in the League. Even if you think you might be battling it out near the back please try and make at least one fixture. Every point counts!

Races happening this week…

Rhayader Round the Lakes 20 mile and separate 5 mile race - Saturday 15th March (Club League Races)
Entries accepted on the day. Registration at Leisure Centre, North Street, Rhayader.
5mile race 1.30pm start
20mile race 1.00pm start
There is also a 1mile novice boys and girls event 11.20am start.

Cerist Aquathlon in Machynlleth 400m swim and 5k run – Sunday 16th March
More details at: http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/

Future Races…

Plus a junior/short Fell Race Saturday 22nd March 2008
"Ras Garth Fawr", 2 miles, 500ft ascent
13:15 Start. Suitable for 10 year olds and upward (no upper limit!) - so also a good introductory race for adults who haven't fell run before! Well marked and marshalled route.
www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Teifi 10 Road Race (Club League Race) – 23rd March 2008
12 noon start at Lampeter Rugby Club. Described as a ‘flat, fast and scenic 10 mile route’.
Entry forms on the club notice board.

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
18 mile run. Start time 10am. Registration at Woodlands Caravan Park, Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth.
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th
£12 entry. No entry on the day. Entries close on July 1st
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

01/04/08 – Club AGM at Plascrug 6pm start.
04/04/08 – Charity Band Night 2008
13/06/08 – Club 5 mile Championship, Aberystwyth.
03/08/08 – Borth 10k
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k
24/01/09 – Annual Awards Dinner

3rd March 2008

News this week…

Aberystwyth A.C. 2008 Charity Band Night – 4th April at the Football Club

• Tickets will be going on Sale on Friday

• Tickets are £10 each

• Contact Glenda for raffle donations grr@aber.ac.uk

• Contact Kate for ‘donate a dish’ philnkate@btopenworld.com

Thanks for voting for Aberystwyth AC!
A very big thanks to everyone that individually voted and to Bridget in submitting the main nomination document for our club. It’s now left to the judges to decide. The winning club will be announced after 10th April at www.runnersworld.co.uk

Races last week…

Aberystwyth A.C. Winter Handicap Race – 2nd March (thanks to Pete Foale)

Perhaps it was because of other races or perhaps it was because some mums were being spoilt on Mother’s day and were full of ‘breakfast in bed’ but just ten people braved the gusty cold wind at Bwlch Nant yr Arian for the testing Winter handicap 4.6 mile trail race.

Each person was started with a handicap time penalty according to their ability and recent form, the first three to finish being the prize winners. The theory being that if the handicap is worked out perfectly then everyone will cross the finish line at the same time. An absolute nightmare for the timekeeper! But as with a lot of theories the proof of the pudding is in the eating and it would seem that the only pudding at Bwlch Nant yr Arian on Sunday 2 March was the organiser Peter Foale because only two people had a battle at the finish!

First over the line and running very strong with a handsome winning margin was Daniel Burgess in 34.54 followed by John Evans in second place in 36.47 who pipped Marion Garson to the line in the last 50 metres. Marion ran a very fine 42.53.

Clive Williams was the only one to go off course properly by missing the main path (perhaps he should have gone to Specsavers?!) but eventually finished in 43.09.

The full results in order of finishing and with actual time (the handicapped time in brackets) are as follows:

Daniel Burgess 34.53 (7 min)
John Evans 42.47 (6 min)
Marion Garson 42.53 (off scratch)
Steven King 31.22 (11.40 min)
Adriano Evola 38.32 (5 min)
Louise barker 35.34 (8.30 min)
Phoebe Webster 33.30 (11 min)
Dave Powell 34.46 (10 min)
Adam Foale 45.03 (2 min)
Clive Williams 43.09 (4 min)

The race was followed by the longest warm down in history led by Dave Powell and Phoebe Webster. Perhaps it was my punishment for giving Dave a big handicap time? It was a long route where we traversed a bog, crossed streams and climbed mountains! Fortunately the visitors centre café was still open when we returned to the car park and a very welcome and well earned pot of tea and a hot cross bun was enjoyed by all!!

Quantocks Fell Race 7miles/1900feet - Sun Feb 24th (thanks to Jos Jones)

4th Overall - Jos Jones: 56mins
1st Lady - Helen Marshall: 64mins

Llanelli Waterside Half Marathon – March 2nd 2008 (thanks to Jos Jones)

Rather blustery conditions faced the Aber AC athletes at the Llanelli Half Marathon with the wind swirling about the athletes on a flat but sometimes twisty course. Yet, undeterred, there was PB's galore!

Jos Jones - 30th - 1:24:15 PB
Bridget Parkinson 263rd - 1:41:40 PB
Rachel Tod - 288th - 1:42:35 PB
Annwen James - 390th - 1:49:09 PB
Glenda Roberts - 546th - 1:57:08 (I'm assuming this would have ended up being a PB if it wasn't for the fact that Glenda had run 6 miles BEFORE the start of the race as preparation for the Marathon!!!!)

Total Runners - 845

So a good day was had by all, but the training was not over. The Aber AC runners ended up push starting Bridget's car due to a flat battery!

Full Results at: www.HalfMarathon.org.uk

Cardinghill Canter 6 mile fell race – Saturday 1st March (thanks to Stephen King)

20th Phoebe Webster AU Harriers SL 0:50:53
23rd Stephen King Aberystwyth AC SM 0:51:32
27th Dave Powell Aberystwyth AC M40 0:53:34

Two dashing AC runners made the trip to the Cardinghill Canter, a 6 mile fell race on Saturday (along with the all singing and dancing Webster from AU Harriers). The race started and finished close to Church Stretton in Shropshire where there was a plentiful supply of cakes and buns. Conditions were good with two wicked accents on a course that resembled the wings of a butterfly - now that’s' arte moderne. Phoebe fed the sheep hot cross buns, Steve pulled on the farmers fence when he shouldn't have done as he glided up the insanely steep accent, Dave put up with Steve and Phoebe for the day (Well done Dave) and we all stopped at Harry Tuffins to use the loos (again).

Chase Race Duathlon 2.5k run/40k cycle/10k run (thanks to Martyn Saycell)

Having spent Saturday afternoon watching Ystwyth CC riders at the Shrewsbury Crits I was looking forward to the short trip to Cannock and in the process avoiding the 4am start of the previous race. Unfortunately, a sleepless night in a rubbish Hotel resulted in both Anita and I looking like extras’ from ‘Night of the living Dead’. Only Anita raced this time so my role was just to provide support and the comforting words (“don’t take too long it’s a long drive back does not equal comforting words!)

This time the race involved a 2.5km run / 40 km bike and a 10km run. This was split into a 4 lap bike route and laps of 2.5km on the run. In blustery conditions all the athletes found the bike leg challenging.

No official times are out, but I clocked Anita in 2hr 28min and 5th position overall. Official results will be on the website this week.

Next Race in the series is 2.5k run/60k cycle/15k run on the 6th April in Cannock Chase
http://www.chaserace.co.uk/

Races happening this week…

San Domenico 20 (Merthyr Tydfil) - Sunday 9th March 2008
10am start. 20 mile course. Entries accepted on the day.
http://www.sandomenico.org.uk/

Future Races…

Rhayader Round the Lakes 20 mile and separate 5 mile race - Saturday 15th March (Club League Races)
Entries accepted on the day. Registration at Leisure Centre, North Street, Rhayader.
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=2&EN=37164

Ras Yr Aran – Fell Race - Saturday 22nd March 2008,
10 Miles Ascent 2500’
Start 1300, Eagles Inn, Llanuwchllyn, Nr.Bala (OS 124 – SH880297)
Entry on day only - £4.00
The lower reaches of the race are run on a mixture of well marked tracks and footpaths,
but the open fells above are unmarked. The high mountain terrain can be featureless and is
susceptible to varied and often adverse weather conditions. Navigational skills may be
necessary. Minimum age 18 years. Entry limit 250.
ALL competitors must carry wind/waterproof full body cover, map, compass and
whistle.
www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Teifi 10 Road Race (Club League Race) – 23rd March 2008
12 noon start at Lampeter Rugby Club. Described as a ‘flat, fast and scenic 10 mile route’.
Entry forms on the club notice board.

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
18 mile run. Start time 10am. Registration at Woodlands Caravan Park, Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth.
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th
£12 entry. No entry on the day. Entries close on July 1st
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

25th February 2008

News this week…

THIS SUNDAY…Aberystwyth A.C. Winter Handicap Race – 2nd March, Bwlch Nant-Yr-Arian car park
4.5 mile signposted route. 1pm start.
The same format will follow as the previous club handicap race. Everybody will be allocated a start time depending on their previous race times. The runners across the finish line first will win the prizes!
£2 to enter.

Charity Band Night 2008 in aid of Muscular Dystrophy, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society + others (thanks to Bridget Parkinson)
This year’s band night to support the club’s London and Edinburgh Marathon runners will take place on Friday April 4th at the Aberystwyth town football club.

Following the same line up as last year bands Stix and Namaste will be providing top quality entertainment for the evening. We will also be holding a raffle on the night with a chance to win some fantastic prizes.

Would you like to ‘Donate a dish’? (thanks to Bridget Parkinson)
This year we are also hoping to also provide our own buffet. The idea is that all voluntary AC members ‘donate a dish’ to the cold buffet table so that between us we can hopefully put on a really good spread. If you are interested in contributing to the cold buffet then please email Kate O’Sullivan – philnkate@btopenworld.com with the item/s you would like to bring – just so we don’t end up with 30 chocolate fudge cakes!!

More information to follow next week but if you have any questions in the meantime please feel free to email Glenda grr@aber.ac.uk Bridget bsp@aber.ac.uk Emma els45@tiscali.co.uk or Kate philnkate@btopenworld.com

If you are running the London, Edinburgh or any other Marathon and would like take part in helping with the band night please let one of us know as soon as possible.
Thanks!!
Bridget

Constitution Hill
Will has discovered that the path up Constitution Hill has been resurfaced – making it easier and therefore quicker to run up!

Aberystwyth A.C. Annual General Meeting – Tuesday 1st April @ 6pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre
All club members are encouraged to come along. A run will be planned after the AGM.
If you have anything to be added on the agenda let Kevin Holland know at the latest a week before the AGM.

Races last week…

Club League Race Ras Gŵyl Dewi 10k – 24th February 2008 (thanks to Martyn Saycell)

Aber AC runners descended on the iconic village of Llanddewi Brefi (made famous by ‘Little Britain’) on Sunday 24th February to compete in the inaugural 10km race.

The course, a reversal of the previous years Tregaron 10k started in the friendly community village hall and set off on the undulating road to Tregaron and back.

13 Aber AC, 2 Aberystwyth University Harriers and a sprinkling of Aberystwyth based runners created the ideal mix for a quick, competitive small field.

As the runners set off, on cue the heavens opened and supporters dispersed knowing that at least 30 minutes were in the offering to find a warm drink before the pace setters returned. Disappointingly, ‘Costa Fortune’ or ‘Starquids' Chief Executives have yet to secure the franchise agreements!

As the clock hit 33mins the first Sarn Helen runner hit the home straight and crossed the line in 33min 45sec, followed by a second Sarn Helen club runner in 34:28.

Local Aber and UWIC student Danny Evans came in 3rd with a 36:56 followed closely by the first female Phoebe Webster of AU Harriers.

The flood gates then opened with a legion of Aber AC runners finishing in quick succession, first over the line was a legs pumping and arms swinging Gethin Holland in 37: 37 (PB) followed by Dave Powell in 38:30 and Pete Foale in 39:00.

Other Aber AC runners were (provisional times):

Jeff Saycell 39:18
Kevin Holland 41:18
Clive Evans 42:50
Anita Saycell 43:18
Adriano Evola 44:57
Annwen James 47:40
Sian Breese 51:44
Carys Prytherch 51:52
Eleri Connor 52:09
Helen Stretch 53:25

An enjoyable bowl of free cawl, with bread and cheese concluded a good friendly race (free to enter) which had an enthusiastic team of organisers. I’m sure this will become a regular league fixture.

Photos from the day at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets and the club league has been updated with the provisional finish times.

Cerist Aquathlon 400m swim/10k run in Tywyn – 24th February 2008 (thanks to Steve King)
The club was once again strongly represented at the latest event in the Earlybird Winter Aquathlon at Tywyn on Sunday. In the men’s race Danny was close on the heels of eventual winner James Thomas (AU Harriers) with a strong 10K clawing back nearly all of James' swim lead by the end. Lou Barker added to her growing trophy haul by winning the ladies race by just over four minutes with a solid 10K run to pull away from Caroline John (Sarn Helen) who matched her stroke for stroke in the pool. John wrapped up the men’s VV cat with another strong performance and Mark completed the AC contingent with 6th in the MVV. The weather was breezy and the 10K course was a twisty out and back along the prom - mainly flat but tough into the wind. Once again Cerist Machynlleth were excellent hosts with a well organised and marshalled event.

16 lengths of the pool and 10K run.

2nd (1st M Vet) Danny Thorogood 44.29
8th (1st Female) Louise Barker 49.19
15th (1st MVV) John Evans 52.33
16th (6th MV) Mark Stieler 52.41

1st Relay team Stephen King (did the running bit with a nice bloke from Tywyn who did the swim)

Full Results at: http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/

West Glamorgan Cross Country League Fourth Fixture at Penrhos, Ystradgynlais – 17th February
Senior Ladies 6km Approx
3rd Helen Marshall 25:25
Senior Men 8Km Approx
37th Jos Jones 35:28

Tregaron Half Marathon Aberystwyth AC results - 17th February 2008

14th Dave Powell 1.28.13
25th Pete Foale 1.32.37
26th Shelley Childs 1.33.06
31st Daniel Burgess 1.34.28
34th Jeff Saycell 1.35.09
39th Geoff Oldrid 1.37.23
40th John Evans 1.38.03
43rd Ian Evans 1.40.16
50th Tony Wenlock 1.41.20
56th Anita Saycell 1.44.28
57th Anita Worthing 1.44.40
59th Kate O'Sullivan 1.45.30
63rd Clive Williams 1.47.24
64th Delor Harvey 1.47.24
69th Helen Williams 1.48.50
84th Marion Garson 1.55.26
85th Glenda Roberts 1.56.04
90th Adam Foale 1.58.19
95th Emma Smith 1.59.33
102nd Paul Arnold 2.05.25

Photos from the day at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets

Races happening this week…

Gwent Cross Country League 2008
Last event in the league - Saturday 1 March 2008 Bristol
More details at: http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

Aberystwyth A.C. Winter Handicap Race – Sunday 2nd March, Bwlch Nant-Yr-Arian car park
4.5 mile signposted route. 1pm start.
The same format will follow as the previous club handicap race. Everybody will be allocated a start time depending on their previous race times. The runners across the finish line first will win the prizes!
£2 to enter.

Chase Race Duathlon 2.5k off road run/40k cycle/10k off road run – 2nd March
Entries accepted on the day. Event based at Birches Valley Visitor Centre on Cannock Chase.
More Details at: http://www.chaserace.co.uk/

Llanelli Waterside Half Marathon – March 2nd 2008
11.30am start. There are no entries taken on the day.
Good luck to all the Aberystwyth AC runners taking part!
www.HalfMarathon.org.uk

Future Races…

Rhayader Round the Lakes 20 mile and separate 5 mile race - Saturday 15th March (Club League Races)
Entries accepted on the day. Registration at Leisure Centre, North Street, Rhayader.
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=2&EN=37164

Teifi 10 Road Race (Club League Race) – 23rd March 2008
12 noon start at Lampeter Rugby Club. Described as a ‘flat, fast and scenic 10 mile route’.
Entry forms on the club notice board.

Llandovery Triathlon 2008 – Saturday 10th May at 2.00pm
Pool Swim 400 metres, Bike 14miles, Run 3miles
Entry £12.00 - Day membership fee as required by BTA (£2).
Email: daviesluned@yahoo.co.uk

Brecon Triathlon – 14th June 2008
800m swim, 33k cycle, 8.5km run. Closing Date 23rd May 2008.
For entry form email: Email: breconlc@powys.gov.uk

Red Kite Challenge Râs Y Diafol Race 2 – Sunday 22nd June
18 mile run. Start time 10am. Registration at Woodlands Caravan Park, Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth.
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th
£12 entry. No entry on the day. Entries close on July 1st
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

The Gower Peninsula Triathlon - 2nd August 2008
750m open water swim, 24km bike ride, 5km Run.
www.gowertriathlon.co.uk

Race the train Quarry Challenge 10k – Saturday 16th August (Club League Race)
http://www.racethetrain.com/

Club dates for your diaries…

01/03/08 - Gwent League Cross Country, Bristol.
02/03/08 – Club winter handicap race 1pm start at Bwlch Nant-Yr-Arian car park (4.7miles)
01/04/08 – Club AGM at Plascrug 6pm start.
04/04/08 – Charity Band Night 2008
13/06/08 – Club 5 mile Championship, Aberystwyth.
03/08/08 – Borth 10k
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k
24/01/09 – Annual Awards Dinner

18th February 2008

News this week…

IMPORTANT - 10k race this weekend will be a club league race
The usual 10k held in Tregaron (one of our 2008 league races) later in the year has had a change of format and is being held this Sunday 24th February. The route is the same but will start from Llanddewi Brefi with the turnaround at Tregaron hospital.
Registration at 11am and race start at 12.30pm in Llanddewi Brefi.

Last Gwent League of the season (thanks to Helen)
Hello all,
It’s nearly Gwent time again! The last Gwent of the season will be held in Bristol on 1st March. It’s a lovely course which is run in front of Blaise castle. It is guaranteed to be muddy. There is one long climb which leads into a little track through some woods, the course then turns left to bring you round in front of the castle. If I have enough interest I can organise transport, however, due to the distance it will be an early start!! There is a possibility that the women could get promoted to division two, please ladies, don those cross country trainers for your club and compete! Please can you let either Anita or myself know (hem@aber.ac.uk ) if you are able to come along.
Thanks, Helen.

2008 Club League so far…
Tony’s Tracker has been updated with the latest league results and positions. Check out the club league page on the club website: http://www.aberystwythac.org.uk/

Great club support for runners on Sunday…
Thanks to everyone along the course supporting Aberystwyth A.C. runners during the very sunny Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon. It really makes a difference to hear your name shouted and encouragement given. I think the Aber AC supporters equalled the large number of us running!!

Any runners running the London Marathon and looking to raise money for their chosen charity?
If you would like to be involved with the organisation of the club Charity Band Night - contact Glenda in person or by email: grr@aber.ac.uk .

Club 5 mile 2008 Road Championship – Friday 13th June.
Open to all club members. £2 entry. More details to follow.

Date announced for annual Awards Dinner - Saturday 24th Jan 2009
This will be the awards dinner to celebrate achievements during 2008.

Photos from Brecon Cross Country and Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon…
These are in the process of being loaded onto the club photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets/
If you have any photos you would like to share - you can email them to aiv@aber.ac.uk or if easier pop onto a CD which I can return to you. Thanks.

Races last week…

Tregaron Half Marathon - 17th February 2008 (Thanks to Tony Wenlock)
An excellent turnout from Aberystwyth AC with 20 club members turning out for this half marathon. Weather conditions were perfect as the last clutches of a winter’s frost gave way to bright sunshine and the sort of temperature that is ideal for not standing around in.

The men’s race was run won by Stephen Paterson from San Domenico (1.17.02) and the women’s going to Phoebe Webster from UWA Runners (1:26:08 – a personal best)

From the club the top three male runners were Dave Powell (1:28:13 – 14th place overall), Peter Foale (1:32:37 – 25th overall) and Shelley Childs (1:33:06 – 26th overall – and his first half marathon). Peter was also second in the MV Over 50 category.

On the women’s side the first three runners were Anita Saycell (1:44:28 – 9th Female overall) just ahead of huge run by Anita Worthing (1:44:40 - 10th Female ) and then Kate O’Sullivan (1:45:30 – 12th Female). Anita Worthing and Glenda Roberts took 2nd & 3rd prize in Female Veterans.

Some notable first time half marathon runs alongside Shelley include Ian Evans (1:41:06 – next time sub 1:40?), whilst London Marathon first time trainees Adam Foale (1:58:19) and Emma Smith (1:59:33) prepared themselves for the run of their lives.

Hugely improved times were seen from Anita Worthing ( 4m 5s faster than last year) and Clive Williams (6m 26s faster) giving them what must surely be personal bests. Helen Williams also achieved a staggering 13m 47s improvement on her time at last year’s Lake Vrynwy . Tony Wenlock also achieved a 2m 9s improvement. – The Thursday night sessions must be working !!

From a league perspective Peter & Adam Foale have established the early lead on the men’s side whilst Anita Worthing has thrown down the gauntlet for the women. But it’s early yet and there are plenty of races and lots of time for everyone else to mount their campaign.

On this the Ras Ddau Sant 10k is not being run this year and is being replaced by Ras Gŵyl Dewi This race is run on the same course as Ras Ddau Sant but begins and ends in Llanddewi- Brefi. The advantage? Its downhill on the way back. So get on your running shoes on and make a quick points killing!!!

The Dursley Dozen (12 miles and 1600 feet of descent)
Two Aberystwyth A.C. runners not content with a Cross Country on the Saturday headed over to Gloucestershire for the annual Dursley Dozen multi terrain race the following day.

Advertised as “A multi-terrain race of 12 miles over hillsides, roads, woodland, open country, mud and solid rock. Very tough and scenic.”

The race started and finished at Dursley after climbing and descending the Cotswold hills several times.

With 403 finishers Jos and Helen both had excellent races with Jos finishing 47th overall and Helen arriving home 7th female.

47th 1:33:47 Jos Jones
145th 1:45:22 Helen Marshall (7th female)

Races for this week…

Ras Gŵyl Dewi 10k – 24th February 2008 (league race) 12.30pm start.
Registration opens at 11am in Llanddewi Brefi. The 10k route is from Llanddewi Brefi to Tregaron Hospital and back. The race has advertised free cawl and refreshments.

Cerist Aquathlon 400m swim/10k run in Tywyn – 24th February 2008
More details will be posted this week at: http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/

Future Races…

Gwent Cross Country League 2008
Last event in the league - Saturday 1 March 2008 Bristol
More details at: http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

Ras Yr Aran – Fell Race - Saturday 22nd March 2008,
10 Miles Ascent 2500’
Start 1300, Eagles Inn, Llanuwchllyn, Nr.Bala (OS 124 – SH880297)
Entry on day only - £4.00
The lower reaches of the race are run on a mixture of well marked tracks and footpaths, but the open fells above are unmarked. The high mountain terrain can be featureless and is susceptible to varied and often adverse weather conditions. Navigational skills may be necessary. Minimum age 18 years. Entry limit 250.
ALL competitors must carry wind/waterproof full body cover, map, compass and
whistle.
www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Maldwyn Harriers Races 2008
Newtown 10K - Sunday 11th May @ 11am
Newtown Carnival 5k - Friday 6th June @ 7pm
Newtown BBQ 5k - Friday 11th July @ 7pm
Neil Howells Memorial Race approx 4.5miles - Friday 15th August @ 6.15pm
The Source of the Severn - Sunday 7th September @ 11am
http://uk.geocities.com/newtownac/MaldwynHarrriersfixtureslist2008.htm

Brecon Triathlon – 14th June 2008
800m swim, 33k cycle, 8.5km run. Closing Date 23rd May 2008.
For entry form email: Email: breconlc@powys.gov.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th
£12 entry. No entry on the day. Entries close on July 1st
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Club dates for your diaries…

24/02/08 – Ras Gŵyl Dewi 10k, Llanddewi Brefi (league race)
01/03/08 - Gwent League Cross Country, Bristol.
02/03/08 – Club winter handicap race 1pm start at Bwlch Nant-Yr-Arian car park (4.7miles)
01/04/08 – Club AGM at Plascrug 6pm start.
13/06/08 – Club 5 mile Championship, Aberystwyth.
03/08/08 – Borth 10k
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k
24/01/09 – Annual Awards Dinner

11th February 2008

News this week…

2008 Club League Announced…
Everybody should have received by email the 2008 league races. There will also be a copy on the club notice board. The league points will be updated on Tony’s Tracker - available on the club website shortly.

Committee meeting this Wednesday 13th February
All club members welcome. 5.30pm at David James & Partners Office, Eastgate Street. If you would like anything discussed or have any ideas for the club let someone on the committee (Brian, Pete, Kevin, Louise, Dai, Cliff, Anita) know before Wednesday.

fetcheveryone.com (thanks to Ian)
Not sure if you have heard of this website, but I came across it the other week. You can put in all your times from races you have done in the past and the site keeps a record of it for future reference. So I was thinking it might be something useful to put in the newsletter.
The site is at: http://www.fetcheveryone.com/
The site is totally free and also includes advice on injuries, training and lots of other useful information.

Races last week…

Gwent League Cross Country in Brecon
With five Aberystwyth A.C. members braving the early spring sunshine in Brecon we arrived to find the course mostly flat with a lots of twists and bends and mostly firm grass (only a tiny bit of mud!). On the start line for the ladies team were Louise, Helen and myself and running for the men’s team were Jos and Steve.

Individual Mens Results (202 starters):
78th Steve King 43.32 (125 points)
105th Jos Jones 45.08 (98 points)

Individual Ladies Results (103 starters):
7th Louise Barker 26:50 (97 points)
23rd Helen Marshall 28:23 (81 points)
48th Anita Saycell 30:19 (56 points)

Senior Men Team Results:
Aberystwyth Athletic Club 2nd in Division 4 with 223 points.

Senior Ladies Team Results
Aberystwyth Athletic Club 2nd in Division 3 with 234 points.

Overall in the Gwent League so far the men continue their 6th place in Division 4 and the ladies have moved up a position and are now 3rd overall in Division 3 and only 22 points behind Clevedon Athletic Club.

Last chance to score some points will be the last cross country at Bristol on the 1st March.
http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

Nick Beer 10k, Llandudno
A bunch of Aberystwyth A.C. runners travelled up to compete in this hilly 10k with excellent individual results and also earning 7th in the team result overall. There were 600 finishers.

52nd Gethin Holland 39.39 (5th Junior Male)
66th Peter Foale 40.31 (3rd V55 Male)
113th Kevin Holland 42.58
293rd Adam Foale 49.26
411st Helen Stretch 53.38 (4th V55 Female)

http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2008/index.htm

Races for this week…

Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon – 17th February 2008 (league race) 11am start.
As well as a club league race - this is a really good local event. There is welsh cawl for all runners in the rugby club afterwards and a race memento mug for finishing.
Further Details: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=2&EN=37648

Future Races…

Gwent Cross Country League 2008
Last event in the league - Saturday 1 March 2008 Bristol
More details at: http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

Ras Yr Aran – Fell Race - Saturday 22nd March 2008
10 Miles Ascent 2500’
Start 1300, Eagles Inn, Llanuwchllyn, Nr.Bala (OS 124 – SH880297)
Entry on day only - £4.00
The lower reaches of the race are run on a mixture of well marked tracks and footpaths,
but the open fells above are unmarked. The high mountain terrain can be featureless and is
susceptible to varied and often adverse weather conditions. Navigational skills may be
necessary. Minimum age 18 years. Entry limit 250.
ALL competitors must carry wind/waterproof full body cover, map, compass and
whistle.
www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Llandovery Triathlon 2008 – Saturday 10th May at 2.00pm
Pool Swim 400 metres
Bike 14miles to Rhandirmwyn
Run 3miles
This event is open to all levels of competitor
Awards in these categories Male, Female, Junior, Vet, Relay Teams.
Max entry 80. Minimum age 16yrs.
Entry £12.00 - Day membership fee as required by BTA (£2).
Email: daviesluned@yahoo.co.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th
£12 entry. No entry on the day. Entries close on July 1st
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Club dates for your diaries…

13/02/08 – Committee meeting at David James & Partners 5.30pm start
17/02/08 – Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon (first league race) 11am start.
01/03/08 - Gwent League Cross Country, Bristol.
02/03/08 – Club winter handicap race 1pm start at Bwlch Nant-Yr-Arian car park (4.7miles)
03/08/08 – Borth 10k
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k

4th February 2008

News this week…

Aberystwyth A.C. Winter Handicap Race – Sunday 2nd March, Bwlch Nant-Yr-Arian car park
4.5 mile signposted route. 1pm start.
The same format will follow as the previous club handicap race. Everybody will be allocated a start time depending on their previous race times. The runners across the finish line first will win the prizes!
£2 to enter.

Races last week…

Pontypridd Reverse 10mile Road Race (thanks to Bridget)
Despite the awful weather forecast for Sunday Glenda and I ventured down to the Treforrest Industrial Estate in Pontypridd for a second year running to have a go at the Reverse 10. It seemed to be a bit chilly but after a quick warm up (in my new Club Tracksuit!) I realised it wasn’t going to be too cold. The light rain and slight wind actually made it quite nice running conditions (although I think Glenda might disagree!!) The route is flat and quick and once again the event was very well marshalled with lots of encouragement from spectators.
Glenda and her friend Barry had spent the whole of the previous day at a dancing event in Cardiff but still managed to impressively complete the ten mile race together on what must have been very tired legs!
Having resisted the urge to celebrate Wales’s victory on Saturday with a few drinks I started the race fresh and was very pleased to finish with a new pb of 1:16:59 (according to my watch!).
Full results should be out soon at http://www.pontypriddroadentsac.org.uk/

Tarren Hendre Fell Race– 6miles and 2000’ ascent (thanks to Louise)
Following previous years, the annual hike up Tarren Hendre was once again blessed with great weather, stunning views and the much needed post-race soup; not forgetting the killer climb and great descent. 64 runners took part, 5 (+1 adopted) from Aber AC. Extra points for style were awarded to John Evans who felt that the downhill wasn't treacherous enough and performed a spectacular double somersault with pike......rumours are he's now decided to take up high board diving!

1st Stephen Gilliland 52.53
2nd Matthew Roberts 53.29 (Training with Aber AC is obviously paying off!)
21st Dave Powell 1.02.33
22nd Geoff Oldrid 1.03.17
25th Pete Garson 1.04.33
27th Louise Barker 1.04.49
42nd John Evans 1.11.27

Full Results at: www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Earlybird Winter Aquathlon (500m swim and 5k run) in Aberystwyth (thanks to Louise)
Race 2 of the Cerist Tri Clubs Earlybird Winter Aquathlon Series took place on Sunday. A 500m swim was followed by a rather cold and blustery 5km run. Husband and wife rivalry was strong with the Stielers drawing the same swim lane and matching each other stroke for stroke up and down the 20 lengths. New girls on the circuit Helen, Annwen and Carys put in great performances and Aber AC once again came away with a host of medals, including first 3 places in the FS category.

2nd Danny Thorogood: Swim 09.24, Run 18.45 Total: 28.09 (and 1st MV)

6th Louise Barker: Swim 09.58 Run 20.22 Total 30.20 (1st SF)

14th Mark Stieler: Swim 11.24 Run 22.15 Total 33.39

16th John Evans: Swim 11.39 Run 22.38 Total 34.17 (1st MVV)

21st Elizabeth Stieler: Swim 11.28 Run 24.38 Total 36.06 (2nd FS)

22nd Annwen James: Swim 12.59 Run 24.38 Total 37.37 (3rd FV)

23rd Helen Williams: Swim 14.12 Run 23.30 Total 37.42

31st Carys Prytherch Swim 13.54 Run 27.19 Total 41.13 (3rd FS)

Full Results at: http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/

Race report – Cannock Chase race 1 (2.5km/20km/2.5km) race 2 (2.5km/40km/10km) race 3 (2.5km/60km/15km) (thanks to Martyn)
When Anita announced in September 07 that she wanted to enter the Cannock Chase series I agreed that the races would be fun as we’d both spoken to people at races who had done the series and said they were challenging. I didn’t know at that time the following facts; bike course would be hilly; it would be absolutely freezing and more importantly there would be an England v Wales game the night before and Wales would be victorious!
We left Talybont at 4.45am and I was already beginning to regret my fuelling strategy of several beers and a takeaway the night before! Anita provided the in-car entertainment of snoring and occasionally mumbling route instructions. On arrival, everything from registration to bike racking had to be done quickly whilst wearing as many layers as possible. Once that was done a quick warm up was the order of the day ready for the start.
The first run-leg involved a 2.5km 1 lap of the park which was pretty flat but did include a couple of sharp corners. On one of these corners Anita almost became the races first victim with an impressive slip which was reminiscent of ‘Bambi on ice’. At the first transition it was then a case of bike shoes and helmet on and away into a very blustery wind. The 2 lap 20km bike route had some long dragging climbs; some short sharp climbs and some brilliant straight and technical down-hills. My bike computer showed a speed of 65kph on one of the longer downhill sections.
Back into transition for a second time the next obstacle was trying to tie your shoe laces whilst your hands by this point had lost total feeling. The 2nd run involved two laps of the 2.5km course before a swift downhill finish.
Overall, a brilliant race, even with the strong winds, cold conditions and the trek to get there.
http://www.chaserace.co.uk/

Races for this week…

Saturday 9th February – Brecon cross country (thanks to Helen)
It’s Gwent League time again, and this time it’s only a stones throw away in Brecon!! I cannot tell you much about the course as I’ve never run there before, all I know is that the course is around the field next to the track. I’m sure there will be some mud and a few minor hills (but nothing too steep). Please can all those interested in competing (especially women, as we are very close to being promoted!) in Brecon contact either myself (hem@aber.ac.uk ) or Anita (aiv@aber.ac.uk ) asap. Hopefully, if I have enough interest we can arrange a minibus to take us down.
Thanks in advance!
Helen
http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

Saturday 9th February - North Wales Cross Country League 2008
9th February – Oswestry (last event in the league)
Further details from Brian, Pete or Kevin. Ages groups from under 17 to Veterans.

Sunday 10th February – Nick Beer 10k, North Wales Conference Centre, Promenade, Llandudno. 12 noon start.
Entries on the day accepted.
More details: Kay Hatton
Day telephone: 07967 119 601
Email: Kay@Hatton410.fsnet.co.uk

Future Races…

Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon – 17th February 2008 (first league race) 11am start.
As well as the first club league race - this is a really good local event. There is welsh cawl for all runners in the rugby club afterwards and a race memento mug for finishing.
Further Details: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=2&EN=37648

Gwent League 2008
The Club has entered the Cross Country Gwent League.
Saturday 1 March 2008 Bristol
http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th
£12 entry. No entry on the day. Entries close on July 1st
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Club dates for your diaries…

09/02/08 – Gwent League Cross Country in Brecon.
13/02/08 – Committee meeting at David James & Partners 5.30pm start
17/02/08 – Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon (first league race) 11am start.
01/03/08 - Gwent League Cross Country, Bristol.
02/03/08 – Club winter handicap race 1pm start at Bwlch Nant-Yr-Arian car park (4.7miles)
03/08/08 – Borth 10k
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k

31st January 2008

Saturday 9th February – Brecon cross country (thanks to Helen)
It’s Gwent League time again, and this time it’s only a stones throw away in Brecon!! I cannot tell you much about the course as I’ve never run their before, all I know is that the course is around the field next to the track. I’m sure there will be some mud and a few minor hills (but nothing too steep). Please can all those interested in competing (especially women, as we are very close to being promoted!) in Brecon contact either myself (hem@aber.ac.uk ) or Anita (aiv@aber.ac.uk ) asap. Hopefully, if I have enough interest we can arrange a minibus to take us down.
Thanks in advance!
Helen
http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

Aberystwyth Sports Injury Clinic Welcomes New Sports Therapist Catherine Tuvey (thanks to Kristy)
Running is a great way to keep fit but sometimes can come accompanied with injury. If you have any injuries or just feel you could benefit from a good Sports Massage (prevention is always better than cure!) then please call 0845 177 5006 to book an appointment or for further information.

Club Web Site – technical difficulties (thanks to Kevin)
Due to technical difficulties the Club’s web site is temporarily off line – hopefully it will be up and running again very shortly.

Level 2 Training Courses (thanks to Kevin)
The club is keen for any existing level 1 coach to obtain the level 2 training qualification. In return for the club paying the fees and associated costs, you would be expected to work along side the club’s existing level three, Brian and Pete, and level 2, Anita and Louise coaches. Please contact Brain, Pete, Anita, Louise or Kevin if interested.

The course last three days – an initial weekend “core” followed by a one day module. Details of the content can be found at www.welshathletics.org/coaching/level-2-course-content and Anita or Louise will be happy to pass on their recent experiences of the course.

If you are interested in running the juniors’ sessions the club is particularly interested in hearing from you.

February 08
Sat 23rd N.W.I.A.C. Deeside UKA Level 2 Core Day 1
Sat 24th N.W.I.A.C. Deeside UKA Level 2 Core Day 2

March 08
Sat 29th W.W.I.A.C. Swansea UKA Level 2 Core Day 1
Sat 30th W.W.I.A.C. Swansea UKA Level 2 Core Day 2

April 08
Sat 5th N.W.I.A.C. Deeside UKA Level 2 Modules
Sat 12th W.W.I.A.C. Swansea UKA Level 2 Modules

Aberystwyth A.C. on Facebook (thanks to Helen)
I have set up a group for Aberystwyth AC on Facebook. The security settings are set high so you need to request to join the group. Feel free to add or post comments on the site!

Return Train ticket to London for sale – only £10
I bought the following two single tickets but now unable to use.

Aberystwyth - London Euston
Wednesday 6th Feb 2008
07.27 from Aberystwyth
12.00 arrive London Euston

London Euston - Aberystwyth
Saturday 9th February 2008
14:38 from London Euston
19:22 arrive in Aberystwyth

Many thanks,
Anita
aiv@aber.ac.uk

Nine spaces left on the Brecon Bunkhouse weekend 17th October – 19th October 2008
To ensure you get a space on the bunkhouse weekend contact Anita aiv@aber.ac.uk or ring 01970 832013.
The cost will be £30 this year for the accommodation (2 nights). It will be very informal with options of walks, runs and any other activities you fancy in the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons.

What’s going on this week…

Tarren Hendre Fell Race this Saturday 2nd Feb – 6miles and 2000’ ascent
Start 12.00, Railway Inn, Abergynolwyn, Nr.Tywyn (OS 124; SH677069)
Prizes in all categories (subject to entries).
Entry on day only - £4.00
Minimum age 16 years.
ALL competitors must carry wind/waterproof full body cover, map, compass and whistle.
No Dogs
Further Information from:
Graeme Stringer 07917 001173
www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Pontypridd Reverse 10 - Sunday 3rd February 10am
10 miles road race. Entries accepted on the day.
http://www.pontypriddroadentsac.org.uk/

Earlybird Winter Aquathlon @ Plascrug Leisure Centre, Aberystwyth Sunday 3rd Feb
500m swim and 5k run.
Registration will open at Plascrug Leisure Centre, Aberystwyth at 9 o'clock and close at 10 o'clock Prompt. Swim start times will be a first come first serve basis as in Machynlleth.
Please note: All BTF/WTA members to bring there membership cards with them as they need to produce them or pay the extra £2.
If you have or are thinking of volunteering for marshalling please contact Pete Jenkins at pvjenks@btinternet.com or ring him on 01970 832176 or please turn up at the leisure centre at 9-15 to 9-30.

Chase Race Road Duathlon, Cannock Chase – Sunday 3rd February
2.5k run 20k cycle 5k run.
Entries accepted on the day.
http://www.chaserace.co.uk/

Future Races…

Gwent League 2008
The Club has entered the Cross Country Gwent League. There are two fixtures remaining:
Saturday 9 February 2008 at Brecon
Saturday 1 March 2008 venue TBC (Bristol)
http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

North Wales Cross Country League 2008
The club have entered the North Wales League – dates (all Saturday’s) and venues as follows:
9th February - Oswestry
Further details from Brian, Pete or Kevin. Ages groups from under 17 to Veterans.

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th
£12 entry. No entry on the day. Entries close on July 1st
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Club dates for your diaries…

09/02/08 – Gwent League Cross Country in Brecon.
13/02/08 – Committee meeting at David James & Partners 5.30pm start
17/02/08 – Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon (first league race)
01/03/08 - Gwent League Cross Country location TBC (probably Bristol).
03/08/08 – Borth 10k
10/10/08 – Adriano’s 50th birthday party, football club 7pm.
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
17-19/10/08 – Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k

28th January 2008

The League and How to Win it. (written by Tony Wenlock – club league guru)

The people at the top of the league all have one thing in common - their names will be found in the top three for their age category in almost any race they run, but the magic of the league is the way it evens out the age differences to bring people up against each other on an equal footing.

So what can we learn? And in the time honoured way of all sports …What if?

0.53 of a point separated Pete and John – 0.16% difference!! – Pete excelled in the 5k’s and his consistency rating of 1.4 for this area hides a significant improvement in time in each of the Rhayader races. In the Medium range John played his trump card in the Dolgellau 5 to take a slight lead of 0.17points. So it was the long race that decided it – and at Vrynwy Pete found the 6m:36s difference in finishing time that provided the final points advantage.

But what, if Pete were a year younger - or John a year older? John would have won by 3 points. John is the only person to have run every League race physically possible (Rhayader 5Mile and 20 – you just can’t be in two places at the same time!!) – could he find more trump cards by focusing on less races?

And what about Clive? Only 5 points behind John yet in race after race they were only separated by seconds. In this case its down to the age levelling – if Clive were two years older he would have won the league outright – A case of too young and too pretty? ….

And Dave Powell – the most consistent runner in the club. With every one of the long races under his belt, and just enough of the others to qualify – does this tell us we should understand our specialty and stick with it? Or does it show that the strength built up by long distances can pay back in the shorter races too?

Coming back from early season injury Cliff Thomas held up Kevin Holland with a last push in the Autumn 5k. The age weighting was a factor here but should not hide a whole series of PB’s that Cliff picked up along the way.

At the top of the Ladies table one of the things that really stands out is the amount of medium to long distances races that people are covering – both in and out of the league. Another indication of the value of strength and endurance?

Acknowledging Louise’s capability, the age weighting has played its part in Ladies table by balancing out the points performances of Anita Worthing, Louise and Glenda. Based on the points performances Louise would need to be 7 years older to have topped Anita – they would have tied if Anita had been 5 years younger. And if Glenda and Louise had been 7 years older they would have shared the honours.

Kate O’Sullivan ran relatively few league races but achieved her strongest results in the short section – Are the big marathons and off road races she enjoys supplying the strength for the lung bursting 5k’s?

Age weighting and consistency were the separating factors between Helen Williams and Anwen James who are generally pretty well matched. The age weighting has played to Helen’s advantage. Putting aside an apparent glitch for Helen at Lake Vrynwy, they show the most consistent ladies points performances in the club with Anwen being just ahead.

A top 6 position in the League is real indication of the commitment of the people that get there but there are people who could have made very strong challenges – Anita Saycell, Paul Scullion, Adriano and Martin Saycell who were held up by form, injury and illness. Then there are the new members and impovers who could come through next year - Shelley Childs, Bridget Parkinson, Daniel Burgess, Emma Jones, Arwel James, Gethin Holland, Stephen King and the Stielers - if they can get a sitter.

The secret to winning a place is based squarely in performance and consistency, but it’s worth checking some other - more obscure scientific factors.

1. Being older. We will all be older next year and will carry the weighting advantage together. This can be manipulated - of course - by time travel. All you need to do is capture the people you think will offer you the greatest competition – pop them into a space craft and fire them away from earth a speeds approaching the speed of light. When they return they will not have aged as much as you and hey presto you have the age weighting advantage. It not an exact science but documentary evidence featuring Charlton Heston showed that when he returned from just such a journey he had grown only a very wispy beard whilst everyone one else was virtually covered in hair. Cynics suggest that this was actually staged on a Hollywood back lot just like the moon landings. My advice - the beardies are coming - watch your backs.

2. Line straightening. There is a view that cutting corners will help improve overall times. Not so. The effects of the earth’s gravity will naturally bend space and time and so by trying to run straight lines around bends you’re actually fighting against gravity. This will inevitably cause you to expend more energy and slow down. Those people who are proved to have tried line straightening generally incur a time penalty.

3. Adjust the league calculations to compensate for being fat. This is a fallacy, fat people already have the advantage of being a couple of inches closer to the finish than everyone else anyway. If you’re old and fat you should be unbeatable – ask this question – Am I really trying? A recent paper on this suggested a method for weight adjustments. I tried substituting the formula into the league and found that at the age of 24 I would have a predicted Marathon time of 1:38:22. This suggests that as you get fatter you get your own microgravity to warp space and time – so come on how much more advantage do you need? Play fair –lose weight!!

4. Being someone else. This is by far the best way to win anything. In my experience its always someone else who wins in races. How do you do this? … Become a superhero. Superheroes are good examples of people who become someone else, and they are always fitter, stronger and faster than their normal selves. Many runners try this method – and generally look super in the lycra. One thing, its important to get a good name – Superman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman – these work, - Milkman and Dinner Lady – not really.

Realistically we all have to run the best race we can and the League in 2008 will provide lots of challenges with some new races and terrains. My advice is to simply enjoy it.

What’s going on this week…

Club Tracksuits for club juniors and seniors (thanks to Bridget)
For those of you who came along to the Club dinner on Saturday you hopefully had a chance to see+ take home the new tracksuits that I ordered before Christmas. Most of the people who had pre-ordered managed to take theirs away with them on Saturday but there are still a few people who haven’t picked them up. I will be at training Monday and Tuesday training. If you can’t make training for the next few weeks and would like to pick up your suit from me either at home one evening or at work (Uni Sports centre) then please let me know so it can be arranged!

The prices are:

Top £22.50
Bottoms £15.00
Whole Tracksuit £35.00

This is a picture of the top – the bottoms are the same colour as the royal in the top panel and have a non elastic zip up bottom.

Sizes are as follows:

Tops (Inch Chest)
XS (32/34)
S (34/36)
M (38/40)
L (42/44)
XL (46/48)

Bottoms (Inch Waist)
XS (28/30)
S (30/32)
M (32/34)
L (36/38)
XL (40)

If you took home your tracksuit on Saturday but didn’t pay on the night could I please ask you to pass on your money to either myself, Louise or Anita.

Juniors/Parents – I haven’t yet ordered any smaller sizes for the juniors but if you are interested could you please let me know by emailing bsp@aber.ac.uk I’m not sure what the smaller sizes cost but I’m thinking the whole tracksuit will probably be about £5 -£10 or so cheaper than the adult sizes so approx £25-£30. The junior sizes are:

Tops (inch Chest)
SY (26/28)
MY (28/30)
LY (30/32)

Bottoms (inch waist)
XSY (20/22)
SY (22/24)
MY (24/26
LY (26/28)

Already half filled! Brecon Bunkhouse weekend 17th October – 18th October 2008
To ensure you get a space on the bunkhouse weekend contact Anita aiv@aber.ac.uk or ring 01970 832013.
The cost will be £30 this year for the accommodation (2 nights). It will be very informal with options of walks, runs and any other activities you fancy in the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons.

The Dyfi Enduro 2008 Mountain Bike Event - entry form is now online
“Our maximum capacity this year is 600 riders, so to avoid disappointment get your entry sorted soon…”
http://www.summitcycles.co.uk/enduro_08/index.html

UK Athletics major UK events
Tickets now available for Glasgow, Sheffield & Birmingham.
http://www.ukathletics.net/uka-major-events

Success for Aberystwyth A.C. Juniors in the inter district cross country match in Cardiff…
Megan and Stephen ran in the Cardiff challenge & schools inter district cross country match at a very wet, windy and muddy Blackweir Cardiff last Sunday. Megan finished 19th in the middle girls age group and was the 5th Dyfed runner in. Stephen finished 13th in year 7 boys age group and was the first Dyfed runner in.

Future Races…

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th
£12 entry. No entry on the day. Entries close on July 1st
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Club dates for your diaries…

22nd January 2008

Brecon Bunkhouse weekend 17th October – 18th October 2008
In response to the requests - I have booked the same bunkhouse again for a similar weekend.
There are only 24 places. E-mail me aiv@aber.ac.uk your name only at this stage if you would like to come along.

The cost will be £30 this year for the accommodation (2 nights). It will be very informal with options of walks, runs and any other activities you fancy in the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons.

Club Tracksuits (thanks to Bridget)
For those of you who came along to the Club dinner on Saturday you hopefully had a chance to see+ take home the new tracksuits that I ordered before Christmas. Most of the people who had pre-ordered managed to take theirs away with them on Saturday but there are still a few people who haven’t picked them up. I will be at training tonight just before six or at Monday and Tuesday training next week. If you can’t make training for the next few weeks and would like to pick up your suit from me either at home one evening or at work (Uni Sports centre) then please let me know so it can be arranged!

The prices are:

Top £22.50
Bottoms £15.00
Whole Tracksuit £35.00

This is a picture of the top – the bottoms are the same colour as the royal in the top panel and have a non elastic zip up bottom.

Sizes are as follows:

Tops (Inch Chest)
XS (32/34)
S (34/36)
M (38/40)
L (42/44)
XL (46/48)

Bottoms (Inch Waist)
XS (28/30)
S (30/32)
M (32/34)
L (36/38)
XL (40)

If you took home your tracksuit on Saturday but didn’t pay on the night could I please ask you to pass on your money to either myself, Louise or Anita.

Juniors/Parents – I haven’t yet ordered any smaller sizes for the juniors but if you are interested could you please let me know by emailing bsp@aber.ac.uk I’m not sure what the smaller sizes cost but I’m thinking the whole tracksuit will probably be about £5 -£10 or so cheaper than the adult sizes so approx £25-£30. The junior sizes are:

Tops (inch Chest)

SY (26/28)
MY (28/30)
LY (30/32)

Bottoms (inch waist)

XSY (20/22)
SY (22/24)
MY (24/26
LY (26/28)

Club Awards Night
I really enjoyed Saturday evening! Our guests Steve and Jacquie Brace were excellent and it was amazing to hear their wins and times they have achieved between them. 2.10.35 for Steve’s marathon PB and 2.39.26 for Jacquie’s! Plus a raft of fantastic PB’s for all distances below that. It was really inspirational to hear their achievements and was great that they were able to join us on Saturday.
Thanks also to Will Mahon and the other musicians that entertained us throughout the evening with their excellent foot tapping tunes and to Helen and Clive for all their hard work before and during the event, and to everybody that came along to make the night a success.

Summary of the award winners:
League Winners:

1st male – Pete Foale
2nd male – John Evans
3rd male – Clive Evans
4th male – Dave Powell
5th male – Cliff Thomas
6th male – Kevin Holland

1st female – Anita Worthing
2nd female – Louise Barker
3rd female – Glenda Roberts
4th female – Kate O’Sullivan
5th female – Helen Williams
6th female – Annwen James

Club Trail Championships
1st male – Dave Powell
2nd male – Clive Evans
3rd male – Adriano Evola

1st female – Louise Barker
2nd female – Helen Marshall
3rd female – Anita Saycell

Sport and Exercise Department - Runner of the Year 2007 (voted for by club members)
Gethin Holland & John Evans
Louise Barker

Photos from the Awards night have been loaded up to the club photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets/

Message from Pete:
I would like to thank everyone in the club for the very kind words that were said and the lovely bottle of whiskey that was given to me at Saturday’s annual club dinner and awards ceremony at St David’s Club.

I really was taken aback!

Any organisation is only as good as its members and I believe that the great strength in our club is a genuine desire by everyone to want to make Aberystwyth AC succeed and to have some fun along the way. It’s not down to me, it’s everyone around me who are filled with a relentless enthusiasm that is making our club stronger and more successful. I feel proud to be a part of it.

The club has a very bright future and I really do believe that it’s only a matter of time before we start fostering some very fine athletes who will be able to compete at the highest level.

Cheers
Pete

Message from Anita & Louise:
We’d just like to say a very big thank you to everybody for the really kind gift of vouchers for the running shop Northern Runner and my framed photo given to me Saturday night. It was very kind and very much appreciated. Thank you very very much!! I’ve decided to buy a pair of trail shoes with the vouchers (I’ve been wanting a pair for a while!) so I’ll be after people to come running in the mud with me as soon as they arrive… and there are rumours Lou will be upgrading her cut off Ron Hills and buying some new smart clothing! Thanks again to everybody.
Anita & Lou x

Next committee meeting – 13th Feb 5.30 at David James & Partners Office
All club members welcome – come along to have a say in any decisions or new ideas. If you would like anything discussed or have any ideas/suggestions feel free to pass onto Brian, Dai, Louise, Kevin, Cliff or Pete.

Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile – Machynlleth
16th March 2008
As well as the mile run there is also a 3 mile and 6 mile race for people to take part in.
http://www2.sportrelief.com/machynlleth-mile

Cross Country in Brecon – chance to show the other teams that Aberystwyth A.C. are a team not to be ignored!
Saturday 9th February in Brecon – keep the date in your diaries. This is one of the nearer cross country events and it would be great to see as many runners as possible.
(ps. The more ladies we can get running the better - we are 4th at the moment in division 3 and only 80 points behind the second placed team Sarn Helen. With a good turn out…)

Children In Need 2007 (thanks to Adriano)
Children in Need 2007 marathon run raised a record £965.00 and a grand total £2,519.00 to now.
Well done to everyone who took part and many thanks for kind sponsorship.
I hope to see you taking part again later in the year.

Diary Dates (thanks to Adriano)
10 October 2008 Friday
Adriano’s 50th birthday party
Football club
Disco and buffet
Time 7pm - ?

Junior 2mile time trial results – 15th January (thanks to Karen)
Megan Turner 13.27
Stephen Williams 13.41
Timothy Ansell 14.47
Steffan Prytherch 15.42
Emily 17.16
Catrin Ansell 18.16
Megan Davis 18.26

FOR SALE Brand new - New Balance studs
Size 9 never worn. £25.
Similar style to the picture below but a different colour.
If you are interested contact Martyn ays@aber.ac.uk or 01970 832013.

Cerist Triathlon club are still in need of marshals for their Aberystwyth aquathlon event being held 3rd Feb…
If you are able to help out for an hour either counting lengths or marshalling for the 5k run please contact Pete Jenkins at pvjenks@btinternet.com or 01970 832176. The event is being held at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

As advertised in last week’s newsletter - Volunteers for the Sport and Exercise Department - no over 55’s as Dave Thomas found out…
“Student help - I contacted the student mentioned in last week's newsletter who's looking for research guinea pigs. He tells me that Aber Uni ethics committee will not allow him to 'use' people who are over 55 years of age. To allow Team SuperSaga on to the research, he would have to get special permission from the local NHS trust's own ethic committee. However at some point in the near future, another student in Sport Science is hoping to do research involving older athletes and will be looking for volunteers.”

Shopping (thanks to Dave Thomas)
Given that we live in a wasteland as far as sports shops are concerned, it was a pleasure to visit Run and Become in Cardiff over the weekend. A bit further than the Up and Running outlets in Swansea or Shrewsbury, but well worth the effort if you're in South Wales in search of new daps. Whilst at the shop (near the Millennium Stadium), very friendly advice and service was given to a host of beginners of all ages, shapes and sizes. It's not everywhere that'll
let a customer trot off down the road in a pair of £80 trainers in the hope they'll come back!
http://www.runandbecome.com/html/cardiff.htm

Future Races…

North Wales Cross Country League 2008
The club have entered the North Wales League – dates (all Saturday’s) and venues as follows:
9th February Oswestry
Further details from Brian, Pete or Kevin. Ages groups from under 17 to Veterans.

Provisional Dates for Maldwyn Harriers Race Series 2008 (thanks to Jos)
Newtown 10K Sunday 11th May,
Carnival Friday 6th June,
BBQ Friday 11th July and
Neil Howells Friday 15th August.
The Source of the Severn will be held on Sunday 7th September

Chepstow Harriers promote Offa's Orror
Sunday 27th April 2008 10.30am
multi terrain race 20k.
Start at the Anchor Inn NP16 6TE by the ruins of tintern abbey between Chepstow and Monmouth.
The race takes place entirely in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The course will be signed and marshalled.
Free drink in the anchor Inn and goody bag for all finishers.
www.chepstowharriers.org.uk

Snowdon International Fell Race - July 26th
£12 entry. No entry on the day. Entries close on July 1st
http://snowdonrace.com/home/index.php

Club dates for your diaries…

15th January 2008

This Saturday 19th January – Club Awards Night
2pm - Bwlch Nant yr Arian for 2pm prompt - for an easy run to suit everyone!
6.30pm for 7pm – St. David’s Club (blue entrance door on Eastgate street next to the cabin cafe).

We will be meeting for 2pm at Bwlch Nant yr Arian visitor centre for about an hour run. We are hoping our evening guests Steve and Jacqui Brace will join us to sample some of our best run routes in the area! It would be great to have as many runners as possible.

Steve Brace according to wikipedia “is a former long-distance runner from Wales, who represented the United Kingdom in the men's marathon at the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics. He finished in 27th (2:17:49) and in 60th (2:23.28) place respectively. Brace twice triumphed at the Paris Marathon: in 1989 and 1990.”

First race in the 2008 club league is announced
The first league race is the Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon on 17th February
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=2&EN=37648
The remainder of the league races will be announced shortly.

Are you able to sign in to Runners World?
If you are able to sign in to Runners World - feel free to review the clubs races (only positive comments welcome!!!) save the constructive comments for the organisers!!!

Cerist Triathlon club are in need of marshals for their Aberystwyth aquathlon event being held 3rd Feb…
If you are able to help out for an hour either counting lengths or marshalling for the 5k run please contact Pete Jenkins at pvjenks@btinternet.com or 01970 832176. The event is being held at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

Volunteers wanted for testing in the Sports Science Department
This seems to involve a VO2 max test and a moderate 2.5 hour cycle to look into markers of immune function in saliva. If you are interested in taking part please contact: Glen Davison
Tel: (01970) 62 8425
e-mail: gdd@aber.ac.uk

January Elan Valley Challenge Ride
The first of this year's series of Elan Valley Challenge Rides is just around the corner. The date is Sunday Jan 27th. You can enter by downloading an entry form from the website, or by entering on the day.
The route will be a 40km mix of terrain types with plenty of good climbing and descending, a great way to start getting the miles in.

See you soon,

Clive Powell
Clive Powell Mountain Bikes
www.clivepowell-mtb.co.uk
Tel: 01597 811343

West Glamorgan Cross Country League Race Report (thanks to Jos)
West Glamorgan Cross Country League record 171 runners took part in the third fixture of the season at Corus Sports Club, Margam, Port Talbot.

Conditions: Flat course, road. (I know its supposed to be cross country but apparently this fixture is older than the league and has been incorporated into it) Blustery conditions. (More like blowing a gale!!!!)

Aberystwyth AC Runners
Senior Men - 45th Jos Jones - 31.26
Senior Ladies - 4th Helen Marshall - 33.57

Cerist Tri Club: Earlybird Winter Aquathlon, Machynlleth (thanks to Louise)
Yesterday was the first of the Winter Aquathlon Series run by Cerist Triathlon Club. 32 people took part in the race swimming 400m before setting out on a 5km run. 6 Aber AC runners donned their arm bands and then braved the elements, taking home with them a number of prizes.

3 Daniel Thorogood; Swim 07: 20 Run: 18:13 Total: 25:33 (1st MV)
6 Jeff Saycell: Swim 07:00 Run: 19:16 Total 26:16 (3rd MS)
7 Louise Barker: Swim 07:48 Run: 19:03 Total 26:51 (2nd FS)
11 Mark Stieler Swim: 08:53 Run: 19:54 Total 28:47
17 John Evans Swim 09:56 Run: 20:56 Total 30:52 (1st MVV)
20 Elizabeth Steiler Swim: 09:34 Run 23:49 Total 33:23 (3rd FS)

This was the first of 4 races, the rest are Feb 3rd Plas Crug Leisure Centre, Aberystwyth (500m swim + 5km run); Feb 24th Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre Tywyn (400m swim + 10km run) and March 16th Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre Machynlleth (400m swim + 5km run)…….go on you know you want to…..more info can be found at http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/index.htm

Future Races…

Gwent League 2008
The Club has entered the Cross Country Gwent League. There are two fixtures remaining:
Saturday 9 February 2008 at Brecon
Saturday 1 March 2008 venue TBC (either Bristol or Bridgend)
http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

Club dates for your diaries…

19/01/08 – Bwlch Nant yr Arian Run - 2pm at the visitor centre (Pre Awards Dinner)
19/01/08 – Annual Club Awards Dinner at St. David’s Club, Aberystwyth @ 6.30pm.
09/02/08 – Gwent League Cross Country in Brecon.
13/02/08 – Committee meeting at David James & Partners 5.30pm start
01/03/08 - Gwent League Cross Country location TBC.
03/08/08 – Borth 10k
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k

7th January 2008
“Happy New Year!!”

Deadline this Friday 12th January to ensure you get a place on the awards night…
Awards presented will include the new club shields presented to the male and female club athletes as voted for by the club members - as well as the top six male and female league winners and the club trail championship winners.

Excellent way to celebrate 2007 and to start 2008
Saturday January 19th 2008
Evening for all club members, friends, partners etc.
Fantastic buffet, awards and live music
St. David’s Club, Aberystwyth
To book a place contact Helen Williams or Anita Saycell with your name and payment
£20 per person.
(closing date is the 12th January 2008)

Brand new Thursday senior training session starts this week (10th Jan)…
Every Thursday (starting this week) meet at Plascrug Leisure Centre ready to start running at 6.30pm. The session is ideal to improve your race speed and endurance and provide an additional session to Monday/Tuesday nights. The sessions have been carefully planned up to the end of May by Pete Foale our UK Athletics Level 3 coach. The schedule will be on the club notice board and will be organised by those that turn up on the night. The first session will be this Thursday 10th January – see you there!

Pete’s intro for the new Thursday training session:
The Thursday session should, generally, not be as intense or run as hard as the ‘eye balls out, lungs bursting’ Tuesday session. There’s more emphasis on building up stamina at a decent pace that will ultimately help to improve race times over all distances. It is important to try hard to keep to an even pace: don’t start at a faster pace than you intend to maintain. Start at a pace that you personally are confident you can maintain fairly comfortably with a bit of grit and determination, but not finishing fit to collapse!
Every session to start with a 15 minute warm up jog and perhaps a bit of stretching, then a 10 to 15 min gentle warm down as a minimum.

West Glamorgan Cross Country League – 13th January
I (Helen Marshall) will be going down to Port Talbot on the 13th January for the third race in the West Glamorgan Cross Country League. This time, however, it should appeal to all road runners in the club as there is no mud, I promise! Both women and men start together and we all run one lap of the Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir (right next to the M4 opposite Margam Park); there is only one disadvantage, it is very exposed and the wind can be quite a challenge! If anyone is interested in running a fast, flat, five miler around the Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir please email me (hem@aber.ac.uk ) or Anita (aiv@aber.ac.uk ). If there is enough interest I will arrange to book a mini-bus. Please see http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/4.html for more details.

Cerist Triathlon club are looking for marshals for their Aberystwyth aquathlon event being held 3rd Feb…
If you are able to help out for an hour either counting lengths or marshalling for the 5k run please contact Pete Jenkins at pvjenks@btinternet.com or 01970 832176. The event is being held at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

Second club place for the London Marathon was drawn from the hat at Nant Yr Arian on the 27th Dec…
The name out the hat was Pete Foale – congratulations!

A big thank you from Macmillan to all the helpers at the Aberystwyth 10k
“Would you please be kind enough to thank all of the marshals from this years race.
We had very positive feedback once again this year about how professional the race is and how well organised and marshalled it is.
We really could not hope to continue with an event of this size without the support of volunteers and we do appreciate the time that they devote to the Aber 10k and especially this year, with the dreadful weather conditions.
I would like to wish them all a very Happy and peaceful Christmas and hope that they won't mind if we call upon them again for the BIG ONE next year! Our 10th anniversary.
With sincere thanks and best wishes
Kathryn

Kathryn Morgan / Jo Greenslade
Fundraising Manager
Macmillan Cancer Support
Gorseinon Hospital
Bryanawel Road
Gorseinon
Swansea
SA4 4UU”

Heart Rate Monitors (thanks to Pete Foale)
For those good girls and boys who have been lucky enough to have had a heart rate monitor from Santa on Christmas day, then lucky you! Wearing a heart rate monitor is like having your own personal trainer with you every time you go out for a run. It tells you, irrespective of pace, whether you are pushing yourself really hard or taking it easy. It will tell you when you are fatigued or you are overtraining by indicating a fast heart rate that doesn't settle down when you are jogging; it will tell you are not pushing yourself hard enough during a speed/hill session; and it will tell you to slow down during a long run otherwise you'll run out of steam. A heart rate monitor used properly is a fantastic aid to your training, if you have one you must read the instructions to gain understanding and subsequent benefit! There are also decent books on the market specifically aimed at training using a HRM.

If you haven't received one then there's always the January sales.

Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon cancelled for 2008
The Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon will not be held in 2008. Oswestry Olympians hope it will be back in 2009.

Bird Rock Half Marathon in Tywyn will no longer be run this year
This is due to escalating safety costs imposed by the council. They are trying to organise an 8 mile trail race in the Forestry near Machynlleth, to be run in September. Thanks to Jos for finding this out.

Future Races…

North Wales Cross Country League 2008
The club have entered the North Wales League – dates (all Saturday’s) and venues as follows:
12th January Wrexham
9th February Oswestry
Further details from Brian, Pete or Kevin. Ages groups from under 17 to Veterans.

Club dates for your diaries…
07/01/08 - First Monday training session of the year (ladies only) meet for 6.30pm.
08/01/08 – First Tuesday training session of the year meet for 6pm.
10/10/08 – First Thursday training session meet Plascrug Leisure Centre ready to start running at 6.30pm.
19/01/08 – Annual Club Awards Dinner at St. David’s Club, Aberystwyth.
09/02/08 – Gwent League Cross Country in Brecon.
13/02/08 – Committee meeting at David James & Partners 5.30pm start
01/03/08 - Gwent League Cross Country location TBC.
03/08/08 – Borth 10k
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k

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If there's anything you would like posted just e-mail me at: aiv@aber.ac.uk

The information provided on this and other pages by me, Anita Saycell aiv@aber.ac.uk, is under my own personal responsibility and not that of the Aberystwyth University. Similarly, any opinions expressed are my own and are in no way to be taken as those of A.U.