IVANHOE RUNNERS’
WORLD
Early Summer Newsletter, 2016
INSIDE THIS
EDITION
Ivanhoe Marathon
Trivia
Captains’ Round-up:
Nick and Victoria
report on the Club
Teams’ exploits and
successes over the
Spring & early
Summer season
2016 Race Fixtures:
what’s on for the
remainder of the
year
Flaming June?
So here we are supposedly approaching the middle of summer, and the last few weeks
have seen one of the wettest Junes on record. That hasn’t deterred either training or
racing, seeing an amazing turnout of over 60 members at the re-organised Washlands
Relays, the weather thankfully holding out for the beer & cheese event that followed.
We’ve had a great few months of racing, from Parkruns right up to Marathon and Ultra
distances, seeing some wonderful team and individual achievements, many of which are
highlighted in the Captains’ Updates.
Thank you to all of you who responded to the Club Survey – we want to make sure we
get input regularly from our members as to how the Club operates - your feedback is
greatly appreciated. If you didn’t get the chance to respond, and have a view, then please
let a member of the Club Committee know.
Finally, if you haven’t already made arrangements for the annual Club Trip - an event
that sees us race, train and play hard! - details can be found on the last page of this
newsletter. Until next time, Happy Running!
Marathon debuts:
race reports from a
couple of firsttimers
Ivanhoe Club
Survey: Results
30 years and still
going strong: we
hear from Martin
Yeomans & Kevin
Sanders
Ivanhoe Washlands Relays Team 2016
Club Trip to Palma
Ivanhoe Marathon Trivia
Over the 2-month “Spring Marathon” period from the end of March to the end of May,
36 Ivanhoe Runners ran 50 marathons (several people ran more than one, Richard
and Ange Bebbington ran an amazing 4 in 4 weeks!) at 12 different venues covering a
total of 1310 miles in a total time of 200 hours, 20 minutes, 32 seconds. The
fastest marathons were run in London, with Ramzi Sidani and Clare Fowell clocking
2:52:12 and 3:16:50 respectively. The “average” spring marathon time across the
club was 4:00:25
Team Updates
The Men (by Nick Rowles, Men’s Captain)
In April there were some excellent marathon performances at
Manchester, Richard Martin running under 3hrs for the first time,
Steve Rundell setting a PB and Kev Brown debuting at the distance.
Barry Alldread flew the flag at Blackpool. I had a good run to qualify
for London with Good for Age at Brighton. Andy Lindley followed on
from the Caythorpe Canter marathon with a great performance in
preparation for Edinburgh, at which he qualified for London with a
Good for Age time. Not to be outdone the team that ran London
surpassed themselves with PB’s for Ramzi Sidani, Ian Bolton and
Alastair Chambers all going under three hours. We also saw debuts
for Pav Mazur, Simon Hall and a PB for Nick Lee-Smith. The
performance of the day has to go to Andy Jeyes who clocked a time
2 minutes faster than last year to finish 5th in his age category. A special mention has to go to Richard
Bebbington along with his wife Angela who ran four marathons in four weeks finishing at London raising
a pot of cash for the “wishes for Kids” charity. Tim Sturla and Ian Kirk continue to complete marathons
at a fast rate of knots.
In the midst of the marathon season saw the start of the BDSL league with the Run in the Forest which
saw a good team out to finish behind SDRR in the team standings. This was followed by a creditable
performance at the Uttoxeter 1/2M by a small team. At the Burton 10 some individual performances
ensured the team finished on the heels of SDRR, but with a big strong team at the relays allowed us to
get one over them.
The LRRL continues to be supported well with good teams at Gaddesby 7, West End 8 with Tom Smith
certainly making up for his disappointment in Majorca with a great performance and Swithland 6 with
Craig Hinds again showing what a great addition to the men’s team he is. Early season performances
have seen PBs from Phil Stevenson, Matt Joyce, Mark Parker, Louis Barnes at various distances and
club debuts for Matt Brocklehurst, Matt Pleass, Matt Dumelow, Tim Moore and Patrick Horn.
James Cubitt has continued his swift improvement in the multisport world representing GB at the World
Duathlon Championship in Spain finishing well in his age category. We wish him well for the Europeans
later in the year. Closer to home don’t forget we need to keep the pressure on SDRR in the BDSL with
three races left the title is still up for grabs. Make sure you have the Worthington 5 in your diary for the
12th July and Burton 10K (21st Aug) and the Tamworth 5 (18th Sept).
Keep up the good work lads, big teams make a difference, so get those dates on your calendar over the
coming months
………and the Ladies (by Victoria Smith, Ladies’ Captain)
I can’t believe we are halfway through the summer league season as it
doesn’t seem long since the ladies were celebrating their spring marathon
successes. Ange Bebbington certainly had something to celebrate as she
completed her four marathons in four weeks challenge. At the London
marathon there were PBs for Emily Partridge, Heather Swan and Ruth
Cousin. Clare Fowell had a day to remember as not only did she get a PB
she ran most of the race alongside Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes!
Amanda Bradbury and Mel Ferrie both ran their fastest London times.
Battling injury Laura Graves managed a very respectable finish time.
It was a hot and sunny day in Brighton for Teresa Talbot as she completed
the Brighton marathon. Running a marathon isn’t a decision you take
lightly, so it was great see marathon debuts from Lindsay Tilbury at London,
Hannah Knowles at Stratford and Lisa Hughes at Manchester.
Karen Hartland’s training paid off as she had an outstanding run at Edinburgh earning herself a fantastic
marathon PB, and Karen Bell has been clocking up the miles this year completing marathons at Stratford,
Manchester and Belvoir plus 3 half marathons. Francesca Sinclair and Fiona McKean went international
as they ran the Copenhagen marathon in May.
There have been some excellent half marathon debuts and performances already this year. At
Loughborough Sophie Cooper made her debut and Emily Wideman came in as 9th lady as well as getting
a PB. Cass Bray made her debut at Stratford, also running at Stratford was Chrissy Betteridge and Helen
Thurogood, both achieving PBs. Emma Kirtland-Kennedy clocked a new PB at Belvoir knocking four
minutes off her previous time. We’ve also seen Sonia Hoult debut at the Swansea half, and well done
also to Judith Webster-Sanders who has been picking up prizes galore whilst running on her holidays in
Ireland.
We are going great guns in the summer leagues: The Burton league kicked off with the 5 mile race at
Conkers, at which we had a big turnout recording top times. The tough Uttoxeter half was next on the
calendar, here Andrea Trickett set a new PB and came away with the 3rd vet35 prize. Following this was
the Burton 10 at which Grania Towle made her debut at the 10 mile distance, cheered on by her family
who are always out on support, you’ll hear them shouting ‘Go Go Ivanhoe!’ At last week’s relay event
we had strong team performances and hopefully everyone found it fun!! Well done to new member
Jane Connell as the relays were her debut event with us. There wasn’t much recovery time as on Sunday
it was the Gate Gallop 10k; well done to Andrea Trickett and Karen Bell picking up age category prizes,
and also to the ladies’ team coming first, firmly securing our number 1 BDSL League spot, and also to
Emily Partridge who went straight from completing the Gate Gallop to running the Donington 10k in a
very respectable time
In the LRRL we’ve had the hilly Gaddesby 7 and the West End 8. At Gaddesby Lynda Revill picked up first
vet60 prize and at West End Lindsay Tilbury set a new PB taking 2 minutes off her previous time.
Some of the newer members may not be aware of the club Standards scheme (details on the Stats tab
on the website). Aiming towards a particular Standard helps keep you motivated and gives you
something to aim for; you still have time this year to achieve your goals. If you have any questions on
Standards just ask me or any of the Committee members.
It’s definitely been a busy and successful few months for everyone so keep up the good work and enjoy
your running.
Race Calendar for the remainder of 2016
Marathon Debuts:
Hannah Knowles and Lindsay Tilbury share their experiences of their first marathons at
London (Lindsay) and Stratford (Hannah)
What prompted you to run a marathon?
Hannah: Ever since I started running my goal has been to complete a marathon.
I really wanted to complete one before I turned 30. After running for a number
of years, I decided to take the plunge, sign up and give it a go.
Lindsay: I enjoyed my first half at Nottingham. I felt really strong and wanted to
go to the next level and do a marathon.
How long have you been running for?
Hannah: I have been running for 9 years.
Lindsay: I ran for 6 months in 2012 then started again in February 2015
How did training with Ivanhoe help?
Hannah: For me Ivanhoe is all about community, meeting up with like-minded
runners once or twice a week to talk about upcoming races and training plans
has been fantastic. Everyone is so supportive of each other and incredibly
encouraging.
Hannah Knowles
Lindsay: Everyone was so supportive and gave me confidence that I could keep
(Stratford)
going and achieve the distance. Andy Lindley took me a numerous long training runs which I know I
wouldn't have done by myself
Did you follow a training plan, and if so where did you get this? Or who gave
you advice?
Hannah: I got my training plan from Runners World. I started off following it
pretty religiously and then after sustaining an injury the structured training went
out of the window and I just went along with my own training from that point.
The day before I spoke to some friends who have ran numerous marathons and
they were giving me some last minute advice - this was incredibly helpful.
Lindsay: Brian Gough would send me my training plan for each week and kept
me on track
What was the best moment of the marathon?
Hannah: Completing it under 4 hours!
Lindsay Tilbury
Lindsay: I loved high fiving a row of kids and seeing all the sights
And the worst?
Hannah: Mile 18 was pretty dark, I really started to question myself. I always knew I would finish it but
I just didn't know what state I would do it in. I desperately wanted to walk at mile 18 but I knew I would
struggle to get going again if I did.
Lindsay: I started off strong but a reoccurring injury flared up at mile 4 and kept coming and going
throughout
Did anything happen that you didn’t expect (good or bad?)
Hannah: Yes! Other than mile 18, mile 21 was pretty grim - this is where I really considered just
forgetting about my time and just to get over the finish line was enough. Thankfully another Ivanhoe
runner (Karen Bell) started running with me. She set the pace, told me if I carried on at the current pace
I would get my sub 4. She gave me hope when I didn't think there was any, she honestly kept me going.
Crossing the finish line with her in under 4 hours was the best feeling of the whole day.
Lindsay: How big the crowds were (running and supporting)
Would you do it again, and would you do anything differently?
Hannah: I would love to do another marathon, I am hoping for London next year. I am also looking at
some marathons abroad to sign up for. In terms of doing things differently, I am really picking apart
my training at the moment, focusing more on interval training and really testing myself with different
styles of training with the ultimate goal of running a faster marathon.
Lindsay: Definitely, but I want to get my injury sorted but I try again. Everyone should experience at
least once - it's amazing!
Club Survey Results
There was a fantastic response to the Club survey: just over 70 responses, which is around 50 % of the
current membership – a huge thanks to all of you who completed this, and a summary of the results
appears on the pages below:
94% of you run at least once a week with the club, with 25% of you running twice or more.
Wednesday evening is the most popular of the sessions, followed by Friday
Which days do you run with the Club?
When asked which evenings best suited you to run, Wednesday and Fridays evenings were the most
popular choice, so the current Club nights fit well with this. The most popular times for runs were
between 6.30-8.30pm, with many of you saying that although the 7-8pm option wasn’t there and that
you were happy with the times we currently have sessions.
Which evenings best suit you to run?
The next question asked about Racing: if you take part in races, what are your main reasons for doing so.
The most popular responses are summarised in a “Word Cloud” below (the bigger the size of the word, the
more of you said this in response to the question), and great to see that it’s the “being part of a team” and
the “Fun” element that are the reasons many of you, as well as the challenge and competition and of course
the CAKES!
We also asked “Would you be interested in attending workshops?”
Other suggestions for workshops included: Pilates, Training plans, Core strength/stability, Stretching
Given the amount of interest in the “Injury Prevention & Management” workshop, the Committee will be
sourcing someone to provide this in near future, and if there is sufficient interest and attendance we will
look to run additional sessions in the future
Looking at additional sessions and social events we could offer, the suggestions (in order of
popularity) are listed below. It will be discussed at the next committee meeting as to the feasibility of
trialling or including these sessions.
Additional Sessions
Track sessions
Circuits (during winter months)
Running technique/Injury prevention
Organised long runs (on weekends)
Recovery/rehab sessions
Intermediate group (following on from beginners’ group)
Cycling nights
Swimming
Social Events
BBQ
Weekend social runs/weekend coffee-stop runs
Quiz night/Meeting in pub
Orienteering
Items of kit that you requested we think about. Quite a few people listed “hoody” – note that these
are currently available from the Club Captains at a cost of £20. We will take the top 4 suggestions and
get quotes for these and circulate details to members
Waterproof jacket
Vests in a nice material (old design material with new design)
Headband
Beanie hat/buffs
Long sleeved t-shirt/technical top
Running gilet
Hi-vis tops/Cycling jersey
Communication
We’re aware that we use several means of communication within the Club, and wanted to look at
preferences: Facebook and email are the preferred means, and we will continue to utilise both forms as
the primary communication method, with these being supplement by the website information and the
Newsletter, the latter we aim to get out on a regular basis of at least 4 times per year
Which type of communication do you prefer?
30 Years and still going Strong!
The last month has seen Martin Yeomans and Kevin Sanders both celebrate 30 years with the Club,
and we caught up with them recently to talk about their experiences over the years
Martin Yeomans
I first started running (x-country) whilst at boarding school. When I first
left school in 1982 was working, doing day release so didn't get a lot of
leisure time, but in 1986 I changed my job and found I had more free
time. I noticed an advert for a run in Ashby put on by Ivanhoe Runners
"Sports Aid Run the World". I had 3 weeks to train up to do this 4 mile
run, and I started going out most nights on my own, doing around 2
miles each time, gradually increasing it. Sunday 25th May 1986 3.00pm
I think I turned up at Hood Park, entered on the day, did this 4 mile run, can't remember my time.
Afterwards I went and made enquiries about coming down for a run with a view to joining the club, I spoke
to a man called Bob (he was apparently club captain and also treasurer). I was told I would be very welcome
to come down the next Friday (30th May 1986). I went down to Hood Park for 7.00 p.m., captain Bob took
me in hand and he asked me if I thought I could manage 6 miles, I replied probably but I hadn't run that far
yet but I was sure I'd be o.k. Bob replied that some were doing Coalville half that Sunday so were just doing
6. Next thing he introduced me to these 2 other runners Brian and Adrian, he said these 2 are doing 4 you
might be better going with them. I did just that.
What are the memorable moments with the Club?
Over the years I have had some lovely moments with the club difficult to pick one out. I’ve been on endless
trips, including London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Poland, Eastbourne, New York and Coast to Coast just to name
a few, but there are many more.
PBs
My 20-mile PB is 2.06.54 done on the old Ashby 20 race in March 1998.My Half Marathon PB is 1.18.49
done on the old course at Reading again in early March 1998. My 10k PB was done in the Adrian Smith
handicap final race of the 1992 series on the old Ashby 10k course in September 1992, in 36.48.
Marathons
I ran my 1st Marathon on 28th September 1986 at Nottingham, how I finished I never know to this day. I
set off thinking I'll do at least half and then see, I felt good so carried on, felt good until around 19 miles
then really started to suffer, finished in around 5.10. My best Marathon was at London in April 1998 where
I ran 2.53.42 on my stopwatch, 2.54.03 Official, which is on my finishers photo. Have ran 2 sub 3-hour
Marathons both at London and several just over 3 hours. My 1st London Marathon was in May 1987 where
I ran 3.52.22.
Favourite Race
My favourite race would probably be Beachy Head Marathon at Eastbourne, a very tough run but wonderful
views across the Seven Sister Cliffs, I also had some memorable races at the famous Tough Guy Event.
Kevin Sanders
When did you join Ivanhoe Runners?
In checking my diaries I have discovered that contrary to Martin’s
assertion, I actually joined Ivanhoe Runners on Friday 20th June 1986
(….pause while half the readers say “I was not born then / I was in year 5
at Burton Road School / I thought he was much older than that”).
Why did you join?
I had run a bit before joining Ivanhoe, a couple of slow half marathons
(anyone remember the Bellshire half?) and the odd fun run etc., but then
as a concerted effort due to a new job in November 1985. I joined Bass in
Burton from Rolls-Royce in Derby, and at that time Bass was still a staunch brewing and pub company,
where it was custom to partake of a free beer at lunchtime and then “staff house” in the evening! After
eight weeks and plus one stone in weight, I decided enough was enough and started running with people
from work as an alternative. I was also inspired by seeing the London Marathon on T.V.
Also at that time my (then) wife and I thought we could play badminton (we couldn’t – we were shite)
….. One evening after another thrashing at Hood Park, the couple we were playing – Paul and Irene
Boddington – told me that along with a few others they had founded a running club at the Leisure Centre
and I should come along. The rest is history! My first race with Ivanhoe was the Tatenhill 10k a week
later, where among other were Bob White, Martin Yeomans and Brian Gough…
What was your first marathon?
It was the Potteries Marathon in 1988. It was on a hilly course and on a very hot day in June. I was
pleased with a debut time of 3.58.27 but it was hard work. The other highlight from that day was beating
several club-mates (that is always a highlight!) although to be fair one of them was also beaten by a full
Viking longship and a bloke carrying a full set of ladders!
And your best marathon?
Depends what you mean by “best”. My PB is 3.08.35 set in Rotterdam in 1992. That came a bit out of
the blue as my previous best was 3.16.39 in London the year before, but I had been training well. Believe
it or not, I travelled to Rotterdam (along with my “batman” Bob White) as part of a British Coal Opencast
Executive team, complete with a team Land Rover with orange flashing lights on, and fetching tracksuits!
I think I had the best run for the team, as before the race several of the others seemed to disappear into
the “docks” area and came back tired.
London though remains my favourite marathon. The week after Rotterdam I did London in 3.26.34 but
my best time at London was 3.11.46 in 1994. 1994 was my biggest mileage year as I ran 1,959.1 miles
that year. That included the 3 marathons in 3 days similar to Tim, Ian and Martin’s adventure last year.
We did the Seven Sisters Marathon (off road – 4.13.52), the Snowdonia Marathon (bloody hilly –
4.10.06) and rounded off in Dublin (3.51.57).
Second favourite marathon would have to be New York, but Judith and I have also enjoyed Tromso
(northern Norway, run in daylight through the night), Stockholm, Berlin and others.
What about your other personal bests?
Yawn…. Really? Oh, ok then. My half marathon PB is 1.22.48 set at Chellaston in 1990. That year I also
set my 10 mile PB of 63.55 in the Windermere to Kendal race – that was a hilly blighter as well! My 10k
best is 38.02 set in 1991, five miles 30.25 (Belton 5 – that used to be a great mid-week 5 miler), and 5k
is 19 minutes dead (on the track though, at Moorways in 1991).
Or were they all a dream ?
How has the Club changed over the years?
I have been involved in the Club, either on the committee or close to it, for most of the clubs history and
it is very different today. We are obviously much bigger in number now than we were then, but the mix
has changed hugely. Many of our female members back in the early days were spouses of male club
members, whereas today we have more female than male members.
Training was different then – the main club night was Friday, and most Fridays after running, the bar at
Hood Park would be buzzing until about 10pm, then we would repair to a local hostelry to continue. The
Friday run would be “sociable” but often quite a long run – in marathon training season we would often
do 9 or 11 miles on a Friday night, followed by a long run on Sunday. Tuesdays some of us did a hard
run, and Sunday’s was usually an 8am long steady run, off road. Anything between 10 and 20 miles
depending on the season. We raced a lot less than we do today, with really only the cross-country league
as a “commitment”. And maybe we had less injuries?
This is not to say that the Club has changed for the better or worse. I think the Club today is in a great
position with a large, vibrant membership, strong teams, professional committee, great reputation as
race organisers thanks to the Ashby 20 and those that have made that great, and a good standing in the
community. parkrunning, beginners programmes, structured Wednesday sessions, social media, etc
have all helped to encourage and motivate the membership and are all positives in bringing running to
a wider audience.
What have been your highlights over the years?
Wow…. Too many to mention, and Martin may have covered most of them in his piece! We have had
some legendary club trips to places far and wide – Eastbourne most years for the Seven Sisters, Den
Haag, Warsaw…. From a personal perspective, there are a few biggies. In 1996 I finished the London
Marathon with a broken metatarsal, but hobbled in the last few miles with a club member doing her
first marathon, who was struggling towards the end. We both finished in 3.50, and two years later we
married! (Her name is Judith, just to be clear). And running New York together in 2008 was special.
In 2012 I was selected by a group of people at work to take part in the Torch Relay and carry the Olympic
Torch as it came through Burton on Trent. That was a day I will never forget (June 30 th 2012) – as I
stepped off the bus to be greeted by cheering crowds including many family, friends, work colleagues
and club members. Amazing. And then being voted Ivanhoe’s Club member of the year in 2014 was
special – it meant a lot to me. The Club has been a big part of my life and I have made – and retained
outside running – many friends through the Club.
Any final thoughts?
Well, being an (ex) accountant, let me leave you with a few (boring) stats. Since I started keeping a
running log (on paper – we didn’t have Garmin’s back then), from January 1st 1986 until last Sunday, I
have:
- run 32,259.5 miles (that is about 1.3 times round the world)
- done 5,155 runs (average 6.3 miles per run)
This is not meant to be interesting, merely to point out why my knees are knackered and I am reduced
to parkruns and the odd (short) league race !