Time for another newsletter, the first of 2018 in fact. Plenty of events this month, plus LOTS of baby news to share as well.
This Saturday 3rd Feb - Club 10 Mile Champs - 10am for 10:30am start - Victoria Park
The penultimate event in our own Winter series, and a nice break from XC running for those who need it. 10 miles of fast, flat, traffic-free running against yourself or your fellow club members. Please get to the club house by 10am as we will depart the club house at 10:15 for a prompt start. The course is a measured straight + five '2 mile' loops, finishing in front of the White Lodge. There are cups for the winners + tea, cakes and glory in the clubhouse bar afterwards. What's not to like? Club members may bring a guest to run, please wear your club top if possible and DON'T FORGET YOUR GREEN NUMBER if you have one.
We already have a few kind volunteers but we could always use a few more to help out. Otherwise, maybe bring or make a cake for afterwards? Please get in touch with Cheryl or I.
Saturday 10th Feb - Metropolitan XC League - Race 5 - Trent Park - Seniors 1:55pm / 2:35pm
Can you believe the finale of the Met League is almost upon us? What a great season it has been. After four races, our incredible Senior women's team are in 4th place in Division 1 - such results were unheard of in recent years. So well done women, please cement your highest-ever place in the league by remembering to turn up and run on the 10th! Meanwhile the women's B team are poised for promotion to League 2 - I'm almost breathless now - again, missing one race and we could lose a lot, so race 5 is the opportunity not to be missed.
A similar story for our amazing men who sit 5th in Div 1, again, another first for us. A big push and we could steal another position, that means ALL of our first men need to TAKE ACTION. You have no excuse now. Meanwhile our Men's B has a chance of promotion, but this means EVERYONE needs to get out to run, not only to score points in their own right but to diminish other clubs. Get to it Men.
Trent Park is easy to get to on the Picadilly Line, a pleasant countryside Tube ride and a fantastic modernist station awaits you at Cockfosters, followed by a short walk to Trent Park. All the fixture details are here.
Saturday 17th February - Chingford League - 5 Mile Race - Victoria Park - 2:30pm start
Runners Needed: It's our turn to host in this fantastic mix-terrain league. So with a race on home turf there's no excuse not to shuffle down to the park on Saturday afternoon. You won't even get muddy as all five miles are on tarmac! As usual, bring your trainers, your club top and a desire to run as fast as possible. No pre-registration required.
Helpers Needed: As usual, I'll need help to stage the event, either before, during or after the event. Either helping to set out the course, marshalling during the races, or afterwards clearing away or helping with the tea/cake stall. Even if you'd like to run your help will still be valid, you can even bake a cake if you like. Please get in touch or look out on Facebook nearer the time.
Saturday 24th February - English National XC Championships - Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath - from 1pm
The 'Nationals' are back in London this year, and we have a good strong entry or seniors and juniors running once again. Entries are closed and complete now but even if you don't plan to run, why not get yourself down to the Heath for some fresh air, shouting and the possibility of a cheeky drink afterwards.
Other news:
VPH & TH in print
Club member and advocate Helen Croydon has written another book, this time about the transformation in her life when she discovered endurance sports. The club gets a mention or two within its pages; I'm sure Helen would happily sign your copy next time she's down at the club. The book is available to buy here (and other places) and you can find out more about Helen here.
Babies!
Typical, you wait for months for a club member to have a baby and then three turn up at once. January has been a fertile and productive month.
Firstly Congratulations to former women's captain Laura Morgan and running demigod Sam Humphrey (who met at the club) who welcomed baby Josie Lea to the world on 17th Jan after entering this world via Homerton Hospital. Congratulations to you all, we hope to meet Josie very soon.
Secondly Congratulations to club stalwart and 'oldie' inspiration Paul Gaimster and his partner Helen, who welcomed a beautiful baby girl in to the world on 16th January, announced via the magic of Strava. Hopefully a name will be revealed soon and Paul will take a minute out of his busy diary to come down and say hello!
Thirdly, big congratulations to long-time club member Erica Brown-Vasey and her partner Lee who welcomed their baby son, Berry in to the world on January 9th. Erica maintained contact with the club helping out whenever she could all through her pregnancy, and brought him for his first visit to the club just last week. She's unstoppable. Welcome to the world Berry and best wishes to you all.
That's it for February news but loads more news to come soon, so keep your eyes peeled for more news in a month. In the meanwhile keep your eye on the channels below for updates in the meanwhile.
Simeon
Men's Road & XC Captain
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 - handicap results are here: tinyurl.com/HandicapResults
Keep an eye out for forthcoming fixtures on the club website
No comments:
Post a Comment