Mike Masters Magnificent Seven
Harrier Mike Hughes tackled one of the toughest off road marathon courses and was first Harrier home on what was to be an ideal day for running.
Eight Harriers travelled to Eastbourne to take part in the Beachy Head Marathon. The circular route follows part of the South Downs way and is a hilly and challenging course.
The Harriers based themselves at Ash Farm, a warm and welcoming B+B, and adjourned to the local Pub to discuss the next days event. By a tragic coincidence it turned out that every Harrier except Mike, was carrying an injury which was to restrict them to walking the route and solace was sought in Pints of Old Speckled Hen for the injured, ( and Orange juice for Mike, because he was running.)
After a Hearty Full English Fry Up ( and scrambled egg on toast for Mike, because he was running ) we all ambled along to the start, and as Ros and Teresa ( and Mike, because he was running ) waved a tearful farewell, the Harriers Elite walking team headed up over the Hill and past the lone piper in the general direction of the first checkpoint, and nearest pub
Pausing only to cheer on Mike as he ran past, the Harriers Elite walkers pushed themselves hard, surviving on a meagre diet of fruit cake, Mars bars, Hot Cross Buns, Soup, and bananas, all of which were available at the checkpoints, and the odd Pint in the occasional Pub, we all crossed the finish line together ( except for Mike as he had been running )
Back at Ash Farm we all sat down to a magnificent evening meal and several bottles of wine before falling asleep in front of match Of The Day.
A truly fun, enjoyable and rewarding week end away.
Fi Finds Weather the Foe and Fumbles
Harrier Pete Lemon was one of four Harriers to compete in this years London Marathon.
On what was to turn out to be an eventful day, Pete ran an excellent race and maintained a steady pace going through the half way mark in a time of 1:36 and hung on well to finish in a time of 3:39. A really good first Marathon and a sign of great things to come.
Further down the field the warmth of the day was to prove its toll on many runners. Despite many months of structured training, John McClelland in his first Marathon as an over 60, was unable to find his rhythm and battled on to the half way mark before retiring to fight another day.
Fiona Whittaker in her first attempt at the Marathon, was also to fall victim to things just not going right on the day. Although things were not going well, Fiona just kept on pushing hard, and despite the best efforts of Kevin Dwyer who was pacing her around the course Fiona had to pull out just 800 Metres from the finish line.
After being reassured by the Doctors that Fiona was going to be ok, Kevin rejoined the race and went from the finish to alert the waiting Harriers to the situation.
After returning to the medical tent with Ros and Colin, Kevin rejoined the race again, this time with Fiona's race number and crossed the line for a second time that day to collect Fiona's kit bag!
Many thanks to the Doctors and the St John Ambulance people who looked after her so well. Fiona is determined to go back and finish the Job in the 2008 Marathon
On what was to turn out to be an eventful day, Pete ran an excellent race and maintained a steady pace going through the half way mark in a time of 1:36 and hung on well to finish in a time of 3:39. A really good first Marathon and a sign of great things to come.
Further down the field the warmth of the day was to prove its toll on many runners. Despite many months of structured training, John McClelland in his first Marathon as an over 60, was unable to find his rhythm and battled on to the half way mark before retiring to fight another day.
Fiona Whittaker in her first attempt at the Marathon, was also to fall victim to things just not going right on the day. Although things were not going well, Fiona just kept on pushing hard, and despite the best efforts of Kevin Dwyer who was pacing her around the course Fiona had to pull out just 800 Metres from the finish line.
After being reassured by the Doctors that Fiona was going to be ok, Kevin rejoined the race and went from the finish to alert the waiting Harriers to the situation.
After returning to the medical tent with Ros and Colin, Kevin rejoined the race again, this time with Fiona's race number and crossed the line for a second time that day to collect Fiona's kit bag!
Many thanks to the Doctors and the St John Ambulance people who looked after her so well. Fiona is determined to go back and finish the Job in the 2008 Marathon