September 2013 Newsletter

A quick newsletter for the start of the month, it's a busy few weeks so a chance to make sure you don't miss some of the things going on - starting tomorrow!

Saturday 31st August - Eton Manor Centenary Relay - Leyton - 2:30pm start

Local club Eton Manor are holding a relay mob match against local clubs as part of their Centenary celebrations. It will be a fun, sociable event, but with some healthy competition! 

- register by 2pm for 2.30pm start

- teams of 4, each running a 2-mile leg
- male, female and mixed teams those without a team can be put with others on the day
- all participants will receive a bottle of the legendary Eton Manor Centenary Ale
- food and refreshments will be available afterwards

- event takes place at Eton Manor clubhouse, The Cottage, Marsh Lane, Leyton, London E10 7BL

Sunday 1st September - Clubhouse Working Party - 10:30am onwards

Come and spare a few hours to keep your clubhouse in shape.  Please spare one or two hours to help to clear out the old table tennis room to clear out some of the junk and also clearing the garden.  Tea and cake will be provided in return for a little hard work. Please bring working clothes and garden gloves if you have them.

Thursday 5th September - Assembly League Race #6 - Beckenham - 7:15pm Race starts 

Don't forget the last race of the Assembly League season.  There is no session and no bar at the clubhouse on Assembly League nights - we want as many of you there as possible.  It's a nice quick course, around 3 miles held in leafy suburbs on very quiet roads with a dastardly uphill finish to keep it interesting.  Don't worry about whether you think you are good enough to compete for the club - every place a VPH & TH runner takes in front of a runner from another club means potentially more points and a better standing in the results.  The facilities are very good with changing, showers and a bar afterwards.  All the travel details will be on the noticeboard and Facebook later in the week.  Plan to be there!

Saturday 7th September - Middlesex 10k, Victoria Park - 10:30am start

A reminder that we are hosting the annual county 10k championships in the park once again, possibly the most competitive 10k held in the park all year. There is still, just about time to enter but do not delay!  More details at the Middlesex AA website.  We still need a few more helpers on the day, from about 9:45 for two hours if possible.  If you can help out, please contact Major or me.  Failing that, come along and enjoy the race and cheer on your club mates.  The 10k course passes some parts 4 times so you can watch the race unfold.

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Warming down / Recovery Shake / Running Shorts / Pin Pot / Clipboard / Vestages

A new feature for the newsletter (woo!), please feel free to send me on items to include, be they links, photos, recommendations - just needs to be vaguely related to the club, running or athletics - or just funny. I'm also accepting suggestions for a permanent name, too.

Let's start looking at a couple of club member's blogs:

VICTOR:  A club member who has recently completed his MSc in Strength & Conditioning, so eager is he to share his knowledge he's started writing a blog about running, and it's called....  Victor's Running Blog.

JOHN: Many club members will know Dr John McKeane (who competes for the club as a second claim member). His blog is an alternative look at running, sport, competition and the characters that make it interesting - though I've yet to feature :-(  Check out 'Of The Long Distance Runner' when you get a moment.

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OK, look out for another newsletter later in September with news of the AGM and the start of the cross country season - bet you can't wait.

Simeon

Men's Road & XC Director

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Remember, there are many ways to keep in touch with your club:

• Find out what your clubmates are up to on the Club Facebook page
• Get the latest news and updates, follow @VPHTHAC on Twitter
• Get news, updates and race results on the club noticeboard
• Keep an eye out for forthcoming fixtures on the club website

August Newsletter 2013

OK, OK, some of this was in last month's newsletter, I confess.  Still, a reminder won't hurt, surely?  There's loads going on, particularly around the end of the month. So pay attention and get your diaries out.  The first events are this Monday.

Monday 5th August - Athletics Open Meeting - Mile End Stadium, from 4:15pm

A reminder that the club is involved with the open meeting at Mile End on Monday.  There's a full schedule of events from 75m to 3000m, starting at 4:15pm, last event starts at 9pm.  It's cheaper if you sign up in advance but only a few pounds to take part.  More details here. All ages (from U11 to Vet) and abilities are encouraged.

Also on Monday night, the Sri Chinmoy one mile relays in Battersea Park, starting at 7pm.  Please see the post on the Facebook site.  There's still time to get involved.

Thursday 8th August - Assembly League Fixture #5 - Victoria Park

A reminder about the Assembly League, we host it again THIS WEEK.  We're doing very well in the league as runners, we also need to put on a good show as hosts once again.

- Before the race: Rob has asked if he can have 2-3 volunteers around about 6pm to help with sandwiches for hungry finishers - that will allow you to run as well.

- During the race: I need, if possible 5-6 volunteers from 7pm to help as marshals on the course.  Please do let me know via email, in person or on the noticeboard.  

- After the race: If a few folks can commit to help out on the bar that would be useful also.

It would be great to some new faces volunteering also, remember the club needs people to help once in a while as everything done by folk who kindly give their time.

Saturday 10th August - Track & Field Southern Womens League - Abingdon

Ladies, want a change of scene from plain old road running?  We're still looking for women for the final fixture of the season.  See this post on the noticeboard for more details. Or contact Emily - I'm sure she would love to hear from you.  Transport to the event will be provided. 

Saturday 17th August - Pride 10k - Victoria Park - 11am mass start / 10:55 AM 

Once again we will host this 10k, as we have done for many years now. It's the tenth anniversary run, traditionally many club members run or help out on a flat traffic-free course that gives you a good finish time. Entries are open at their website here.  The organisers have agreed to keep back a number of places for club members who wish to enter, this event often reaches capacity.  Let me know if you are interested in helping out or need a place (only if the entries have sold out).

Thursday 29th August - Monthly 5 mile - 7:15 start

As is tradition, the August 5 mile will be held in conjunction with the London Business Houses. Instead of a handicap, it will be a straight race over the usual course.  As usual there will be a good atmosphere, plenty of competition and a chance to enjoy a drink with others afterwards.  If anyone can help out to marshall or time this race, assistance is always appreciated.

Saturday 31st August - Eton Manor Centenary Relay - Hackney Marshes - 2:30pm start

Local club Eton Manor will be holding a relay mob match against local clubs as part of their Centenary celebrations. It will be a fun, sociable event, but with some healthy competition!   - register by 2pm for 2.30pm start

- teams of 4, each running a 2-mile leg
- male, female and mixed teams those without a team can be put with others on the day
- all participants will receive a bottle of the legendary Eton Manor Centenary Ale
- food and refreshments will be available afterwards

- event takes place at Eton Manor clubhouse, The Cottage, Marsh Lane, Leyton, London E10 7BL

Sunday 1st September - Working Party Planned - mid-morning onwards

About time for another working party at the club house.  We need some help to clear out the old table tennis room to clear out some of the junk and also clearing the garden.  Please spare one or two hours. Tea and cake will be provided in return for a little hard work. More details nearer the time.

Saturday 7th September - Middlesex 10k, Victoria Park - 10:30 start

We will host the annual county 10k championships in the park once again, possibly the most competitive 10k held in the park all year.  Anyone can enter the event but you have to have been resident in the county for 9 months prior to the event in order to compete for county prizes (some club members live outside the 'county' of Middlesex).  This is always well-attended by club members, either supporting or running.  If you want to enter, there's more details at the Middlesex AA website.  If you can help out, please contact Major or me.

Provisional - Thursday 19th September - Flowers Mile - Victoria Park - Start 7pm sharp

The annual one mile race held on the classic course in the park. Traditionally this is a good opportunity for road and track athletes to compete together.  Please keep this date in your diaries, more details to follow soon.

Right, that's it for now.

Simeon

Men's Road & XC Director

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Remember, there are many ways to keep in touch with your club:

• Find out what your clubmates are up to on the Club Facebook page
• Get the latest news and updates, follow @VPHTHAC on Twitter
• Get news, updates and race results on the club noticeboard
• Keep an eye out for forthcoming fixtures on the club website