February and March Newsletter

Before February turns in to March, I better update you on all the latest news and events.  There's loads of it, so best get the kettle on first.

Saturday 2nd March - Chingford League Relays - CLUB PRIORITY - Highams Park PM

After six races in the season, there's just one to go, the relays.  We've had an incredible season and are very close to winning some silverware, but it is still very close: a poor show at Highams Park and defeat could be snatched from the jaws of victory.  We lead Men's A, Men's B, Women's and Women's Vets teams, that's FOUR potential trophies folks on top of the one we have already won - congratulations to Tom Heslop who has won the men's individual trophy, which was decided after race 6..  This is no time for complacency.  I expect as many of you as possible to make the effort to attend this event and assure our victory. 

Wed 25th Feb / Wed 20th March - Meet Mara Yamauchi, Bud Buldaro, Nick Anderson and Richard Nerurkar

Club President Peter McHugh also runs the young but succesful Run-Fast sports management company.  Run-Fast are putting on some great-looking seminars at a venue in the City of London.  These seminars offer a unique opportunity to learn from the experts so reserve your place now at both events.  Tickets cost £15 for each event, or £25 if you book for both.  More details here: http://www.run-fast-seminars.net.  (See you there - I've already bought my tickets!)

Saturday 23rd February - Club 10 mile - 10:30AM start +

Saturday 9th March - Club 20 mile - 10:30AM start

The last two Club Championship events of the season, including the big one, the 20.  Both events are held on a Saturday morning, there is usually tea and cake in the bar afterwards.  Come and race in a fast, flat, traffic-free environment.  As always, we could use some time keepers to help recording the lap and finish times, please contact me if you can help. Get to the club by around 10am to register, we set out around 10:15 in order to start on time.  More details will be on the noticeboard nearer the time.

Also on Saturday 9th March - Officials Course - Mile End Stadium 9am start

For those of you interested in some of the other side of athletics, in terms of organising, judging/starting event.  This is a great chance for budding timekeepers/track judges / field judges to learn some new skills - further information please contact Alf or Major (or via me if you don't have details). It will last a half day, the club will cover the cost of this course for members wishing to take part.

Saturday 16th March - Mike Penman 10k - Victoria Park, 2pm Start

The annual event generously put on by the Roche family in memory of club member Mike Penman who was taken from us suddenly some years ago (the elegant wooden bench outside the clubhouse entrance is in his memory).  This free-to-enter event is always a great event and a mob-match against other local clubs, and there is usually some food and drink laid on afterwards.  Come along and race, support, and soak up the atmosphere.

Sunday 24th March - 12-stage relays Milton Keynes - Afternoon

It's that time of year again.  Tom Heslop has kindly agreed to pull together a men's team for this event.  Please see his post on the noticeboard for more details.  I hope to soon post news on the Women's 6-stage event which takes place at the same time/venue.

Saturday 6th April - Open 5 mile - Victoria Park - 2:30pm

The main event that we put on in the season.  Please put this crucial date in your diary, club members are expected to either run or come and help out at this event which helps us raise vital funds to fund club activities and maintain the buildings/equipment.  We are currently looking for someone to help  with publicity amongst local clubs, media outlets, shops and gyms.  Please contact me or Major Carr

Athletics: Women's Southern League date confirmed

We remain in the Premier Division and need to get a full team out for each of the four meets this coming season. We particularly struggle with the distance events: 800m, 1500m and 3000m. However, Alf and Emily are always keen to hear from anyone that wants to get involved - your club needs you at the track!  Please see Emily's post on the noticeboard for more details.

Track training:

With the upcoming Track and Field season fast approaching, Robb Birchley is holding weekly speed sessions every Thursday night, at Mile End Stadium track.  Unlike the Tuesday night sessions - but the perfect complement to them - the purpose of these is to focus on 800m pace and quicker.  Suitable for anyone (Men or Women) who wants to develop their top speed - whether for Middle Distance track races, or to gain a few valuable seconds/places in their road races.  Jog warm-up starts at 1815; with drills commencing at 1830.  Contact Robb for more details.

If you've read this far, well done!  Now the weather is improving let's look forward to another great year of training and competition.

Simeon

Men's Captain, Road and XC.

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• Get news, updates and race results on the club noticeboard
• Keep an eye out for forthcoming fixtures on the club website