Trent Park Running Club Quarterly Review
Park Life
26th Edition – April 2017
January to March 2017
Email: [email protected]
www.trentparkrc.org
Guest Editor: Jessica Prior
Publisher – Chas Taylor
Cross Country Glory and Team Successes
During this quarter we completed the 2016/17 cross country season in the various leagues in which we compete and
ended up with another good haul of trophies. The standout result was the overall win in the Sunday League. This is
particularly pleasing because it recognises the contribution of both the men and the women.
In the other leagues we also had some
outstanding results with the vet men picking
up the division 2 title in the Met League and
yet again we won the Chingford League
relays. Individually, Jessica Prior was the
star among the women, winning the senior
ladies title in the Sunday League and was
the top senior in the Chingford League
but the title went to a vet. The same thing
happened to Ricky Owers in the men’s
senior competition.
Our entries for the various leagues had
to be carefully managed, partly because,
with 3 leagues races come thick and fast,
but also there was a large contingent of
marathon trainers. This was very well
managed by the guys and for the ladies it
tended to be the same hardcore runners
who turned out for every race.
Championship races played a big part
in our winter programme with a large
contingent at Parliament Hill Fields for the
Southerns. The outstanding championship
races came at the Middlesex masters where
Scott Aiken took the vet 40 title and Steve
Dodd 3rd vet 60. The best thing was all our
teams were placed. Scott was particularly
pleased having delayed his hernia operation
to complete the cross country season with
April 2017 - Trent Park Running Club
this race.
Outside of the cross country races we had
some great success. Half Marathons played
a big part in the marathon preparation.
We had strong performances at Watford,
Roding Valley, Reading, Welwyn and
Headcorn to name a few. There were strong
team performances at many of these. Paul
Brennan revelled in being a vet 40 winning
the age group at Roding Valley where Foulla
Green was 2nd vet 50. Alex Baird and Jen
swept the board at Headcorn. We also
had strong performances over 20 miles at
Finchley, Milton Keynes and Oakley. Ricky
Owers missed the Royston cross country
and had a great 2nd place in the Welwyn
10k. Paul Ward kicked off the marathon
season by going off to Seville to celebrate
his birthday and had a strong run in the
Seville Marathon.
The Handicap continued to produce
interesting results. The feature of the
Handicap over this quarter has been strong
performances from the Transformers and
some great runners who have recently
joined the Club. Let’s keep it going.
The Juniors have had another good period
and have even been able to add a few new
members. In the cross country season they
have performed well in the Met League but
have really shown their class in the North
West London League with an overall win.
The outstanding runner was Roisin Keohane
winning her age group in the Met League,
which really takes a class athlete. The
Junior Handicap continues to be a ‘must
see’ event with big numbers and everyone
trying their absolute hardest. Peter Ley ran
a superb course for the Junior coaches
which I am sure will show benefits as we
move forward.
The triathlon activity has been fairly low key
in the off-season but we did host/manage
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a very successful duathlon at the Lee
Valley Velopark with the catchy name
of Mince Pie Revenge and we also
used the Velopark for a cycle training
session which will be followed up
with another in April. The Furzefield
swimming session continues to go
well and as we move into the triathlon
season we are expecting great things.
On the social front the major event has
been the Motown Madness bash at
the Enfield Golf Club. Another fantastic
success masterminded by John Rose.
Like most other social events it was
stressful for the organisers because
attendees leave it to the last minute
before they commit to attending but in
the end it was a sell out and loved by
all. As if organising the social calendar
wasn’t enough for John he organised
an extremely useful seminar on the
subject of nutrition. There is lots more
to come from the social team as we
move on through the year.
We have done very well with people
volunteering to assist in a range of
events. This was particularly well seen
at the Met League race in Trent Park,
where although Barnet were taking
the lead in organising we had the
majority of the marshals and they were
all much appreciated by the runners.
Geoff Harris continues to do a superb
job managing the volunteers for the
Handicap.
The standing down from the position
of Team Manager of Malcolm Allen
has been covered very well by various
members of the sub 20s covering the
various leagues and may provide a
blueprint for the future. Jessica Prior
has agreed to share the responsibility
of team captain for the ladies with
Melissa. Hopefully between them they
can get a strong performance from
the women. Following the decision at
the AGM we now have two honorary
members in Peter Ley and Jan
Bowman. They have done a fantastic
job over many years in building our
Junior Section, which is the envy of all
other local clubs.
The other big feature of this quarter
has been the Trent Park Running Club
baby boomer period which is lovely
but plays havoc with our lady’s team.
Come back soon mums.
New Members
January to March
Seniors: Roland Albert, Richard Allen,
James Baird, Luke Barker, Andy
Betton, Dom Brazier, Eren Buruncuk.
Emily Clarke, Jon Davies, Susanna
Leung, Nikolett Listar, Brendan
Maclean, Oliver Mendelsohn, Steven
Murdoch, Jeremy Newton, Nancy
O’Mahoney, Andrew Ramage, Mark
Topham, Rob Whittington, Daniela
Zanini.
Page 2
EDITORIAL
By Jessica Prior
What a fantastic season Trent Park Running Club has had.
Some outstanding performances in all THREE (are we crazy?)
of the cross country leagues, and now onto some smashing
marathon performances, as well as a huge turnout of beginners
who are looking strong! Everyone has done so brilliantly, and it’s
a real pleasure to be back and part of it all.
I started running at the club
a number of years ago as
part of the juniors section
with Jan coaching. I was
pretty average, fit from my
competitive swimming,
which meant I did ok in the
school cross countries. I
then went off to uni to study
engineering, and while I was
away I caught the running
bug. It is mainly down to
watching my incredible
parents Mike and Judy Prior
achieve so much in their
sport. It has always inspired
myself and my sisters, and
all my friends think they are
mad.
I have returned to TP’s
neck of the woods currently
while I am on my placement
year, and I have had a blast
so far. I finally feel like a
runner. Somehow over
the cross country season
I have surpassed all my
expectations and even
gone on to bring some
trophies home. It is down
to dedication, hard work
and all those hours put in,
and it really does make a
difference. I’m lucky enough
to have my mum to drag
me to the pool at 6am in the mornings,
and my dad to drag me through the sub
20’s ‘easy runs’ – I have learnt how to
block out male talk, and also how to give
Jason Dodd relationship advice.
My return was also topped off by being
asked by Melissa to join her as ladies
captain, I am honoured to do so! I am
super excited for the MWLs to begin,
we have some brilliant ladies coming
through who have been going from
strength to strength. I really look up to
Adam and what he has done with the
men’s team over the years, and hope to
start to duplicate this success with our
awesome women.
What a fab Park Life issue we have this
quarter. Thank you to everyone who
put ideas forward, it’s fantastic to hear
about so many interesting experiences
and achievements. To look forward to
in the following pages: a really special
article about the Nightingale Trust (one of
the chosen charities for the Triffic Trail).
It’s so important to hear about some of
the lives we can make a difference to
through this club. Paul Ward’s birthday
marathon he kept rather quiet! (What
else would one do on their birthday).
A great piece from Jill Atkins to inspire
those who are keen to start racing! After
the success of ‘Getting to know the
Sub 20s’ we have a fun version for the
Transformers. This could not have been
a special GIRL POWER Park Life issue
without a fashion piece, thank you to
Jane and Melissa. Paul Hart is going
to convince you to start running ultradistances, and the classic men’s and
women’s race reports for this season are
included. Some recipes to try out after
that tough cross country season, and of
course, the issue is not complete without
a special ‘Dear Del’ column.
A huge thanks to Chas for tirelessly
sorting this out. He does so much for
the club and we should be very grateful
to him.
April 2017 - Trent Park Running Club
The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre (CSC)
By Alan Collingbourne
You may well ask “What has The Nightingale CSC got to do with Trent Park Running Club?”
Well, in 2015 they were the first nominated charity for the Triffic Trail. They remain a nominated
charity and are a charity very close to me. I wanted to explain how I got involved, my
experiences and what they do for the local community in and around Enfield.
A while ago my father and both my
in-laws suffered and passed away from
different forms of cancer. The burden
of their illness fell almost totally on the
close family and there didn’t seem to be
any help or assistance around to offer
any advice.
When I took early retirement, over 5
years ago, and had some free time
I decided to do some volunteering.
I looked around a number of local
charities and a cancer related one
seemed most appropriate to me after all
we had been through. I eventually found
and settled on The Nightingale CSC
based in Baker Street, Enfield. After my
application, an interview and passing
(phew!) a CRB background check I
started volunteering as a driver. My
responsibilities were to pick up clients
(they are not referred to as patients)
from home and take them to and from
their hospital appointments. These
appointments are planned in advance
and regular, but could be anywhere
from North Middlesex and Chase Farm
to Barnet and beyond. They could also
need transport for therapy treatments at
their offices in Lancaster Road. It was
quite daunting first of all taking a client,
who you don’t know, to/from hospital
for their chemo treatment etc. You have
to be reliable, punctual, compassionate
and patient. Every client is different and
you never know whether they want to
talk about their cancer, keep quiet or
discuss politics, the weather or sport.
April 2017 - Trent Park Running Club
But a definite
attribute is to be a good listener.
After a while you get to know the clients
and you do feel a great sense of pride
helping these people at a time when
they need help the most. Without my
car, I was often told, hospital transport
would pick them up early morning and
get them home late at night. This only
added to their stress and tiredness
and an average treatment of 1-2 hours
could mean an 8+ hour day. Hard to
do after treatment in your 40’s but
unacceptable in your 50’s or 60’s. For
many their income had fallen or stopped
completely. The Nightingale does not
provide financial support but it can offer
invaluable advice on how to get some
benefit payments or reduce household
bills. It also recognises that cancer
affects close family members
as well as the client and offers support
and advice to them all.
My grandchildren babysitting duties
now mean that I cannot do as much
driving as before. I do still drive but I
mainly now help out frequently at their
various fundraising events. You may not
even realise that The Nightingale are
behind these local fundraising events.
They organise The Enfield Night Hike,
It’s a Knockout & Family Fun Day at
Enfield Town Park, Towie 50k bike
ride and Teddy Bears Picnic at Capel
Manor just to name a few. These events
take time to plan and are some of the
happiest events I have attended.
One of my most stressful afternoons
was not taking a client to hospital but
refereeing a football match! I am a
qualified referee and usually referee
juniors on Saturday mornings. Last July
The Nightingale managed to persuade
the Spurs Legends to play a charity
match against a Nightingale XI at the
New River Stadium. Unfortunately, the
referee dropped out a week before the
match and I offered to stand in. This
would be fun, I thought! How naïve
was I? In front of a full stadium of
2000+ spectators I proudly led out both
teams on to the pitch. Spurs legends
included many players I had watched
play at White Hart Lane including Justin
Edinburgh, Stuart Nethercott, Gareth
Howells and Mark Falco. They were
very confident having been unbeaten
all season. From the very first whistle
the Spurs players directed their (what I
would call) “feedback” at me whenever
they didn’t get a decision or if I gave
anything for the opposition. The
situation got worse as they were losing
4-1 at half time. It was all my fault, or
so they said. They came storming back
in the second half with some great play
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continued from front page
as the other team tired to win 5-4. A
fantastic match to watch if you were a
spectator but not if you were the referee.
After the match they did apologise to me
saying that their competitive spirit took
over. It was a learning experience but
the whole day went really well and The
Nightingale made over £9000. I would
call that a win-win.
The Nightingale receives no Government
money, is mostly run by volunteers and
must raise all its funds. It requires over
£325k a year to offer the same level of
services as last year. They raise this
through a number of ways including
donations, fundraising events and the
3 shops it has at Enfield, Oakwood
and Waltham Cross. You might notice
one in the parade almost opposite
Snakes Lane. I am helping them raise
money by climbing Ben Nevis on 28th
May. I am part of a group of 18 from
The Nightingale. Some are volunteers,
but there are 5 former clients currently
training to climb it as well. How inspiring
is that? My Just Giving Page is slowly
nearing its target. We pay for our flights
and accommodation so all money raised
goes directly to the Nightingale.
The TPRC committee has also kindly
agreed charity donations for the
Nightingale, Chickenshed and The
Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service
from Triffic Trail surplus. Long may this
continue and it gives me a good reason
to make it a successful event for the
Club and local charities.
The donations we have given to
The Nightingale these last two
years has gone towards the cost of
complementary therapies that clients
receive, such as massages, reflexology
and chiropody. All of these help them
feel better at a time of need. It would
also help towards the Nightingale’s
telephone bill. They keep in touch with
the clients that cannot make it into the
Lancaster Centre on a regular basis and
check on their wellbeing.
Cancer does not discriminate, it can
affect anyone whatever your age. It is
sad that I have lost a few clients since
I started but many are in remission and
thriving after their treatment. Many of
these become volunteers themselves.
However, The Nightingale and all the
fantastic work they do make it easier
to cope with cancer at the time when
clients and their families most need it.
They are trying to get noticed and it’s
precisely events like the Triffic Trail that
help get them recognised.
I hope that this explains how I got
involved with The Nightingale and why
they are one of our nominated charities
for the Triffic Trail. If you would like to
help them or raise any money please let
me know.
Page 4
My Secret Race
By Paul Ward
In August last year I was looking for a challenge and casually
reading an article on European Marathons. Sevilla may not
spring to mind for most people, but as Anne had lived there
as a student it attracted my attention.
Flattest marathon in Europe was an
even bigger attraction and then as I
connected to the 2017 Race Website
the challenge was set. The race was on
February 19th, Anne’s birthday and 2
days after mine!
I signed up and decided to keep it
a secret. If I became injured again I
wouldn’t have to run and we could
enjoy a long weekend of Tapas and
Sangria…..
Training in secret was less stressful
than previous marathons and I was
able to flex around leading training
sessions at the club and work. 6 mile
runs on Thursdays were actually 11
miles with 2-3 miles run either side of
the club sessions. Overall training went
well, with a lot of easy running to avoid
injuries.
The Sevilla Marathon is the 2nd most
popular marathon in Spain and rated
IAAF Silver and attracts over 13,000
entries.
Without boring you with too many
details of my effort I really enjoyed
this race and would recommend it to
anyone looking for a PB. The course
is flat and the majority of roads offer
some shade with buildings and Orange
trees. They have designed the route
to go past the majority of sporting and
historic sites so you are never far out
of the centre, but able to run freely. The
last 3 miles are run through the City
centre, which includes some cobbled
areas, but the crowds are noisy and
without barriers they encroach onto the
course like the Tour de France.
The finish is in the 60,000 seater
Olympic stadium. Weather wise it was
perfect with a light breeze and approx.
8-12 degrees throughout the run
(Colder than normal).
I may not have run a PB but it was my
best marathon as I gained redemption
for the agony incurred in New York.
What else did I learn about the
Sevilla Marathon?
The start was at 8.30am. With over
10,000 runners I arrived at 8.00am.
Where was everyone else??
Manana!!
Don’t worry about the Toilet facilities.
There may have only been 30 for
10,000+ runners but as there is no
flush or water of any kind everyone
just goes by the fence….. This was
repeated after approx. 8 miles on a
dual carriageway with cars streaming
down the opposite side.
At the start of every major marathon
there is music to inspire you and get
the adrenalin flowing
* New York, New York in ….. New York
* Chariots of Fire in ….. London
* Zorba the Greek…. Athens
And in Sevilla? Highway to Hell……!!!
Only 10% of runners are female but
the men run in large groups and natter
more than my Thursday night group!
Their club vests are designed to catch
the eye!
And the best thing of all? You don’t
have to be injured to enjoy Tapas and a
few jugs of Sangria!
April 2017 - Trent Park Running Club
A View from The Back!
By Jill Atkins
12th March 2017 I drove out of Royston town centre towards the golf course, oh my goodness,
I thought I had arrived in the Alps with all the hills covered in snow. It’s always a biting wind at
Royston and I have to be honest, I nearly turned round and stayed in my nice warm car.
I gave myself a good talking to, and
braved the elements to look for the
familiar club banner. Quite sensibly
Malcolm and Tom had set up our ‘camp’
gathering around one of the picnic tables
outside the club house trying to keep out
of the wind and to keep warm. Tom and
Jane normally bring the groundsheet for
our bags so a picnic table was a luxury!
No going back now then, went for a
jog and decided on wearing my studs
based on the surface of hard chalk, a
muddy layer and then covered in snow.
I normally run in vest and shorts but it
was far too cold so long sleeves, hat and
gloves were required. – Am I selling this
so far?!
As per normal I take my place at the
back of the race, now I am not being
defeatist before the race starts, but I
have to be realistic about my age and
running pace these days, but the other
lovely thing is you get to meet your fellow
runners that turn up like me regularly to
try our best, and enjoy being part of our
club teams. I’m always really pleased
to see them as I know we will keep each
other going when we are still on our first
circuit and we cheer on our best runners
going past us on their second!
When I first started running in this league,
the ladies used to run half the distance
and we started at a separate time, thank
goodness equality kicked in and we
January 2016 - Trent Park Running Club
now all start at the same time and run
the same distance. The distances on
Sunday vary between 5 and 6 ½ miles so
you get a good run!
So I would like to encourage all ladies
whatever your age or ability to set
yourselves a challenge and aim, like me,
to complete all the Sunday league cross
country races. You don’t need to worry
about how fast you are going to be, there
are quite a few of us ‘at the back’ so you
don’t have to worry about coming last.
That place goes to George from Welwyn
Garden City who I believe is 85! Also you
may find the more you do, the fitter you
get and can move up the field. We can
all make a difference to the team scores
by finishing in front of other club runners
in our age groups and wherever you
finish you are given a finishing position.
You are also placed within your age
categories (there is no hiding place for
age in running!) but this means you can
see how you are running against the
same age band as you. I find this very
encouraging and inspiring and it really
helps to keep you motivated. We also
now have our own internal cross country
trophies as an added incentive and I was
thrilled to win the first Women’s Vet 55
trophy last year and delighted that Chris
Savage who only started cross country
this year, is now totally converted and
has won it this year. If I keep going they
might have to start a Women’s Vet 65
trophy!
So what does motivate me to get up
early Sunday morning and drive to a
Sunday Cross Country league race and
what are the advantages?
• Running cross country really builds
your stamina and fitness
• It’s great to be part of the Trent Park
team, everyone supports each other on
the way round
• Your work colleagues think you are
really hard core changing in a field in
winter!
• There are normally biscuits/sweets at
the end or if you are really lucky Malcom
has made cake
• You can lie on the sofa Sunday
afternoon watching Midsummer Murders
without feeling guilty
• You can cheer on our top runners as
they pass you on their second lap
• The achievement of finishing and yes,
there is always someone there from Trent
Park waiting at the end.
• It’s warmer to run than marshal or
collecting numbers at the end
• I can always find my rucksack as the
boys are long gone!
• The sheer satisfaction at having
completed a tough run.
I was battling up one of the many hills
of Royston and trying to work out how
many of these I have completed. I’ve
been running with the club for 33
years, Royston has always been on
the schedule, I think I missed a couple
for London marathon training and one
through injury, otherwise I’ve run them
all. I don’t run 8 minute mil-ing anymore,
but I can re-set my goals which includes
aiming to complete all the Sunday Cross
Country races.
Royston is the most challenging of the
courses, but they do vary and each one
has its own unique selling points! So
come on ladies think about giving it a go,
you won’t be alone, no one will laugh at
you, everyone is very supportive.
Jill Atkins (age 62 and ¾!)
Page 5
GET TO KNOW...
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CHRISTINE DREW
What made you join Trent Park Running
Club?
I joined because I wanted a way to be fitter
and to have the encouragement and support
of other people to do that as I knew I’d give up
if I tried to do it alone.
Since becoming a full member,
how has the Club helped your
running improve?
My running improved because the beginners
course was just the beginning, there are so
many opportunities in the club if you want to
do more, but no pressure if you don’t.
PHIL COOPER
What made you join Trent Park Running
Club?
Christine Drew’s encouragement.
Since becoming a full member,
how has the Club helped your
running improve?
I can keep going for much longer without
stopping. The running’s improved as well.
How has running with the Club affected the
rest of your life?
I have more energy and strength.
BERNIE CONWAY
Have you learned any other new skills with
the Club?
I’m better at squats… I think!
What made you join Trent Park
Running Club?
I joined because I was trying to motivate my
daughter to do more sport, so I joined to try to
encourage her.
Have you got one achievement that you are
particularly proud of?
Running the handicap in 27.51 in 2016.
What do you like most about being part of
the Transformers?
Running in the beauty of Trent Park with a
great bunch of people.
Since becoming a full member, how has
the Club helped your running improve?
Before I joined I couldn’t run continuously
for a minute, now I can run for 36 minutes
continuously, even if it is done very slowly.
How has running with the Club affected
the rest of your life?
I don’t get to read the Saturday Guardian until
about midday. I’m learning to cope.
How has running with the Club affected
the rest of your life?
I’ve lost weight, I’ve got fitter, I’ve made new
friends and I now exercise regularly. It’s good for
me mentally and physically.
Have you learned any other new
skills with the Club?
Smiling at Chas’s camera lens while
in pain.
Have you learned any other new skills
with the Club?
How to talk and run.
Have you got one achievement that you
are particularly proud of?
See above, plus getting round the Triffic Trail
without stopping and not being put off when
certain marshals reminded me that Christine
was still in front of me!
What do you like most about being part of
the Transformers?
Seriously, meeting some great people and
being part of an inclusive and supportive
club.
Page 6
Have you got one achievement that you are
particularly proud of?
The fact that I haven’t given up, and at the start I
didn’t think that I would be able to complete the
10-week course.
What do you like most about being part
of the Transformers?
The group is great, very supportive and
encouraging. The leaders are inspiring,
motivating and have endless enthusiasm and
patience with the runners chatting at the back.
April 2017 - Trent Park Running Club
LINDA HALL
What made you join Trent Park
Running Club?
After recovering from Cancer, I decided I wanted
to get fitter. Also, lots of evidence that regular
exercise prevents you getting Dementia. I saw
the details of the beginner’s course and decided
it would be good for me.
Since becoming a full member, how has
the Club helped your running improve?
Running three times a week has made me a
much stronger runner. I sometimes imagine
that I may even be getting a bit faster! I’m even
beginning to like running up hills!
BELEN BALTASAR
What made you join Trent Park
Running Club?
My husband Brian had joined the previous year
through Des Denning, one of his best friends;
he did the beginners course, and kept going
on about how good Trevor was. I on the other
hand kept stubbornly claiming that I would
never be one of “them”. The following year I
joined the beginner’s course on a whim, and
was amazed by how helpful and friendly, and
generous with their own time people in the club
could be. Also found a lovely group of friends to
run with which truly made all the difference to
continue running and helped me carry on.
Since becoming a full member, how has
the Club helped your running improve?
I must say that the beginner’s course set
very good principles in terms of technique for
someone completely new to running like me.
After being a full member I think the opportunity
of training different aspects of running around
the park and surroundings helped me become
a better runner, for example, if I run 3 times a
week with the club, doing hills one day, efforts
another day, and longer distances the third,
will make us stronger than simply jumping on
a treadmill. Also being a member allows you
to be up-to-date with races and activities that
encourage you to take part and challenge
yourself.
How has running with the Club affected
the rest of your life?
It has stopped me from drinking on Friday
nights, which I suppose it’s a good thing. It also
encourages me to leave work on time at least
Tuesdays and Thursdays, which I suppose it’s
an even better thing.
How has running with the Club affected
the rest of your life?
Running with the Club has now become part of
my routine, my family and friends know that’s
what I am doing on Tuesday and Thursday
evenings and Saturday mornings. The people
around me say I am calmer and less stressed
when I am running regularly. I didn’t think I was
stressed before but my children just give me a
knowing look when I point this out.
Have you learned any other new skills
with the Club?
Not particularly, however, marshalling at the
London Marathon was an amazing experience.
Answering the same questions from spectators
at the marathon 100 times has taught me
patience.
Have you got one achievement that you are
particularly proud of?
Running the Triffic Trail 10k and not stopping!
What do you like most about being part
of the Transformers?
I like the camaraderie. I like knowing that when
I attend the club there will always be someone
to run with who is at my level. I like the way that
we always know what we are going to be doing.
I like the way that we all have a common goal
of improving our running. It’s a great group of
friendly people with excellent leaders! Definitely
to be recommended.
KATHLEEN SINNOTT
What made you join Trent Park
Running Club?
I had made several attempts at running by
myself. I was bemoaning my latest attempt at a
BBQ when a friend Mick O’Sullivan, who’s a bit
of a runner himself, suggested joining the Trent
Park Beginners Course.
Since becoming a full member, how has the
Club helped your running improve?
It has helped build my confidence in what I can
do even when I’m telling myself I can’t.
How has running with the Club affected the
rest of your life?
I’ve always been pretty active but now, instead
of finding excuses not to exercise, nothing gets
in the way of my running. My family and friends
have been really supportive. My grown up kids
deal with my running chat with admiration and
derision in equal amounts, which keeps me
grounded. My parents are pretty bemused by
it all. My mum thinks I just dress up in the gear
and stand around chatting which is painfully true
some of the time. My dad, when told I had just
completed a half marathon, just asked, “Did she
win?”!
Have you learned any other new skills with
the Club?
I have somehow had the opportunity to be a
Leader which I am really enjoying – I have always
been the chatty one at the back who looked
out the window when the “teacher” asked a
question.
Have you got one achievement that you are
particularly proud of?
They are all minor and on a personal level, but I
guess I will always remember my first 10k and
the first time I run 5k in under 30 minutes.
Have you got one achievement that you are
particularly proud of?
I have really enjoyed taking on new challenges
and earning PB’s along the way at both 5k and
10k including two wins in a row in the Handicap.
However, I must say, I got the greatest sense
of achievement when I paced one of our
Transformers ladies to a Personal Best – the
euphoria at the end from both of us together
would be hard to emulate on my own.
What do you like most about being part of
the Transformers?
It is hard to pick one thing here, and I would
go as far as to say that I don’t think I would
have carried on running for long if it wasn’t
for this group after the beginner’s course.
This is because, again, for more that there are
some amazing people in the club, it is quite
important to feel like you belong in a group,
not just having people at a similar level, who
are actually growing at the same time as you
are, but also the support and encouragement I
find there, to the point of putting the communal
progress before personal bests, pacing each
other and making sure everyone finishes
whatever target of the day we have set.
What do you like most about being part of the
Transformers?
I am so proud of being part of the Transformers
and love working with the other Transformer
leaders, Miranda and Michele. I like the vibe
that I think we bring to the Club – I think we have
shown that Trent Park Running Club is brilliant for
beginners to develop in their own time, in their
own way but never wavering in commitment
to running and having fun. As a group we love
discussing our next challenges – we play our
part in the Handicap and I think many of our
group are building their confidence to get
involved in the Club races.
Have you learned any other new skills
with the Club?
Not that I can think of, but I guess I might give
baking a go one of these days, seems to be
popular in the club.
April 2017 - Trent Park Running Club
Page 7
Trent Park
Fashion
Trent Park runners pride themselves on
the way they are turned out, and that is
not only the ladies. The latest example of
fashion in action is the green Nike jackets
that have been introduced by the men’s
team captain Adam Bowman. They are
very smart and when we turn up for races
and we are seen arriving very well turned
out in our uniforms the opposition know
we mean business. There are now an
amazing array of colours and designs
around the Club and we have picked a few
out and included a little competition on
your ability to spot the sock wearers. The
focus this time is socks but look out next
time for another focus item.’
Can
TP Fashion Watch It’s all about the...
With manufacturers claiming compression
socks increase oxygen delivery, decrease lactic
acid, prevent cramps, and minimize muscle
fatigue, the wonder garments have been the
hottest new item in running circles.
TP members demonstrate how this is done in
the most stylish way.
Bright colours are all the rage for this season, if
you want to stand out.
Black seems to be the most popular its practical
when it comes to washing all that dirt out.
Or you can go for the classic look and wear
pure white -simply elegant, although not
recommended for muddy races.
One of our ladies pioneered hers back in 2012.
Can you guess who?
The TP men are strong contenders for fashion
leaders. One member has the biggest collection
in North London.
Whatever takes your fancy when it comes
to socks there is a style and colour to suit
everyone.
A
n you match the socks to their TP owners?
B
C
D
E
F
Answers on page 13
Going Long
By Paul Hart
As I write club members will be busy putting the final touches to their Spring marathon preparations.
Whether it be London, Brighton or Blackpool those last long runs are being logged and thoughts turn
to the logistics of transport, kit, sleep, nutrition, fundraising, nipple protection etc. etc.
if you are at the back of the pack in an
average 100 mile race. A few gels won’t
cut it. Learning how to take in more
complicated foodstuffs whilst moving
forward is an art in ultramarathons and
even with training you can’t be sure
how your stomach will hold up on the
day. Whilst the aid stations in ultras are
heavens of respite they are also your
worst enemy too – it’s oh so easy to sit
down and not start again. Enjoy the
smiles and the encouragement and grab
what you can, as quick as you can, and
get out of there.
All in all, getting match fit for a marathon
is a long and tiring process. So once
the race itself is done and dusted
and (hopefully) without injury, what
then? Many will take their medal and
congratulations and retire to the sidelines and a well-deserved rest. This need
not be the case for all though – why stop
there? Why not run another marathon?
Or… Why not run further? Why not try
an ultramarathon? Whilst technically
any distance over 26.2 miles in length,
standard ultramarathon race distances
tend to be 50km, 50 miles, 100km and
100 miles in length. At first glance
those numbers look frightening and
indeed should be treated with caution
and respect as they will present new
and demanding challenges but they are
entirely achievable for any marathon
runner and can often be more fun and
indeed more appropriate for many. I’ve
highlighted some points to consider
should you contemplate taking the
plunge:
You’ll fall in love with nature (again)
Clearly whilst all marathons aren’t held
on industrial estates in Luton it is only
by taking it off road that you can find the
space to hold most ultras and this opens
a world of potential for exploring nature
whether it be in the UK or abroad. I’d
never visited the Alps in Summertime
until I ran an ultra and closer to home I’d
never experienced the North and South
Downs ways until I did more than 26.2
miles.
Page 10
Speed is relative
There are only so many marathons you
can run eyeballs out before you say
“Bugger this for a Breaking Bad box set”.
Your 2:05 marathon pace isn’t going to
last for double the distance so the good
news is that you’ll have to slow down to
complete an ultra. This will give you time
to smell the roses and enjoy the views.
Given the distances involved the goal for
many is just to complete the race and
you will hear much less of “What time did
you do?”. In fact, the longer you are out
there the more respect you will get!
Time the Avenger
The bad news is that slowing down
means the additional time on feet is
your new enemy. Your body and mind
will experience new challenges as you
encounter longer distances, variable
terrain/elevation, blisters and a different
fuelling strategy (more of that later). It’s
here that walking comes into play. Yep
..The longer the distances the more
walking there will be. Walking is the new
running in a 100 mile race – once you’ve
done one your view of walking and your
ego will have been changed forever.
Eat to win
Some people gravitate to ultras like
pigs to the trough. Literally. Forget
aid stations with some cups of water,
a battered sponge and a boy scout
- ultras have sandwiches, chocolate,
biscuits, fruit, soup, tea and coffee to
get you through what could be 30 hours
Older is better
The average competitor age in ultras
is higher than in any other events and
there’s a reason for it. Mental strength.
The longer the distance the more chance
there is of getting lost, having GI distress
and sleep deprivation and experiencing
a multitude of unforeseen minor events
that may induce a mental breakdown at
3 AM, all alone in the woods. You can
be fit as a fiddle from the neck down but
it counts for very little if you don’t have
willpower, determination and know-how
to get through the tough times whilst
keeping a ‘bigger picture’ mentality and a
positive attitude. You’re a parent? You’re
overqualified.
Community spirit
One of the things that is often said by
new runners is that they really like the
‘community’ of ultramarathons. What
does that mean? Well… people are
very friendly, not least because they are
spending more time together! The paces
are slower and more conversational and
you can really bond with someone if
you’ve spent the whole day and possibly
night with them (cough). There’s also the
sense that you are going into something
dark and difficult with your fellow runners
that’s going to take a lot longer than 4
hours. You’ll rely on other people (other
runners, aid stations and your crew) and
they will rely on you. You may be called
upon to turn into a medic, psychologist,
motivational speaker or a sergeant major.
So, in summary, I hope I’ve painted
an honest picture that there won’t be
thousands of people cheering your
name and crowds at the finish lines
will be sparse but, on the flip side your
character and strengths will be tested to
their limits and as a result the finish line
feeling will be ultra-marvellous too. Any
takers?
April 2017 - Trent Park Running Club
Season Review Men’s Team
By Adam Bowman
The 15/16 season was slightly disappointing for me. We went
from a record breaking trophy haul the previous year, to
entering a new league and being far too stretched to compete
competitively on all fronts. We
entered the 16/17 season with
a much stronger team, with the
aim of being able to challenge
well in all 3 leagues.
Met League
We entered the Met League with both
excitement and apprehension this year.
It’s an incredibly tough league with
some of the best runners in the county
racing each week, but at the same time
it has an unrivalled atmosphere at each
event. It truly is a great watch and for
anybody who hasn’t ran a Met League
race before, I’d encourage you to do so
because it’s a brilliant league.
Last year we were promoted to Division
2 in both the Overall and Vet men’s.
This season the main highlight in this
league was the Vet’s storming to victory
of Division 2 and gaining promotion
to Division 1. The Men’s Overall team
narrowly missed out on promotion by
the smallest of margins. In hindsight, we
should have had a stronger team out at
the final fixture, but you live and learn
and we come out of this wiser and more
experienced for next time.
Chingford League
The Chingford fixture list this season
was a little disappointing in my opinion,
with three tarmac races and not enough
‘proper cross county courses’. When you
compare the races to the Met, the gulf in
difference between the two is obvious.
We ended the season 2nd overall in the
Men’s A team, 2nd in the Vets and 3rd
in the B team. In truth, we were well
beaten this year but will come back with
renewed hunger and determination to
succeed next season.
A few highlights included the Men’s
team winning the Relay Trophy for an
incredible 6th year in succession. Well
done to the scoring team of Ricky
Owers, Tom McArdle, Tom Cursley
and Nick Sturge. Ricky also came 2nd
Overall in the Senior Men’s (he was
actually the first official Senior, but a Vet
won the overall prize) and Del was 3rd in
the Men’s Supervet category.
Sunday League
This has always been a good league for
us and this year showed no difference.
After losing a few titles last season, we
were more determined than ever to win
them back. What’s also worth noting is
that all the Sunday League fixtures were
double headers this season, meaning a
punishing Met or Chingford race the day
before, which makes our results even
more impressive.
The Sunday League races are always
over good cross country courses with a
friendly atmosphere throughout the race,
which is no wonder why they’re the most
popular for the club as a whole.
This year we won the Men’s Overall
A team, Men’s Overall B team, came
2nd in the Vet’s team and the club won
the Combined Title with help from the
April 2017 - Trent Park Running Club
women. The only individual prize was
Robin Tremaine 3rd overall in the Men’s
60+ category.
Thanks to everybody who has scored,
ran, cheered, marshalled or helped out
in any way during the cross country
season. The Men’s team appreciate
the time and effort everyone puts into
making the club a success.
We also had a great bit of help from the
juniors who stepped up to join the Men’s
team this year. Well done Tom Mcardle,
Will Mcardle and Raul Simmons-Perez,
the future looks very bright for the club.
Also, a special mention to Paul, Carl,
Des and Tom Cursley who help bridge
the gap left by Malcolm stepping down
and each managing one of the leagues
for the club. Thanks for all your help this
year.
We head into the Midweek League
season with the biggest and strongest
squad we’ve ever had, and will be hoping
to retain our title once again.
Sub 20 End of Season
Awards
Team Player: Tom Cursley passed the
trophy onto Mike Prior
Clubman: Luke Bowie passed the
trophy onto Jason Dodd
Athlete: Tom Cursley passed the
trophy onto Ricky Owers
‘Oops!’ Moment: I passed the
trophy onto Des Denning (for various
offences while being Chingford
League manager)
Sub 20 Ballon d’Or (voted by the
group): Ricky Owers
Page 11
Season Review Women’s Team
By Melissa O’Hare
As the evenings become brighter and the summer appears to be within our reach, the cross
country season seems like a life time ago, and I’ve had to delve through photographs and results to
remember who… where... why... what...
We had a brilliant season and looking
back through the results I can confirm we
did have a great many of our members
present at various races. A small core of
us consistently ran in most events and
this is understandable as we lead busy
lives. But I do hope our ladies aren’t put
off by the unknown or travelling alone to
a venue as this is something as a group
we can change by spreading the word or
by being even more inclusive, and then
we should experience more success
in the seasons to follow. And for me it
was sharing journeys to races with a
supportive and fun group of our ladies
that I always remember.
Here I share a summary of the women’s
team in this year’s XC... Trent Park was
incredibly fortunate this year to have
Jessica Prior step up and lead us in
every race. She stormed to the top of the
Sunday League results to win 1st place
overall in the Sunday League’s senior
women’s age category and 2nd place in
the Chingford League. This is a brilliant
result to achieve in her first year of these
leagues. Well done Jess!
Judy Prior ran every race on offer in every
league, what an amazingly strong woman.
Judy came 4th in the Sunday League
45+ age category and 3rd in the supervet
Chingford League; congratulations Judy.
Also to note is that we had 17 women in
this category who did really well including
Michele Watters and Sue Bartlett who
challenged themselves to many races and
are both relatively new to running. Michele
even took on Parliament Hill’s legendary
course in the XC championships. Truly
inspiring.
Page 12
Can you believe this was the first year for
Christine Savage to run in a XC league? I
assumed Christine was fully experienced
in such matters and was so surprised
she had never run in XC races previously.
I’m happy to report Christine came 4th
overall in the Women’s 55+ category in
the Sunday League! What a superb result
and what an amazing runner. Every race
we went to, Christine was concerned
she would be cold running in shorts and
a vest but as these races accumulated
she shed more items of clothing and
finally we saw the bright pink socks and
shorts! Rosemary Bains and Jill Atkins
also scored highly coming 6th and 14th
respectively in this category. Well done to
everyone for all your determination and
commitment.
Jointly with the men’s team we came 1st
in the Sunday League. Well deserved and
huge congratulations and many thanks
to everyone involved whether a scorer,
runner or marshal.
April 2017 - Trent Park Running Club
JESSICA'S
RECIPE
Banana bread
I’m not going to claim to be the next Mary
Berry, if you Google the above you’ll get
pretty much what is below in the first result.
But I have made this a number of times, and
it’s super easy, especially for busy athletes,
and tastes incredibly yummy. Also it has
banana in it so it sounds healthier....
Ingredients:
Method:
• 140g softened butter
• Heat the oven to 180C/160C
• 140g caster sugar
fan/gas mark 4. Butter/line
• 2 large eggs
a bread/cake tin with baking
• 140g self-raising flour
paper.
• 2 very ripe bananas – mashed
• Walnuts – roughly chopped –
as many as you like
• A few teaspoons of honey
• Cream the butter and sugar
together.
• Mix in the eggs, bananas and
walnuts, and fold in the flour.
MALCOLM'S RECIPE
Mincemeat turnover triangles
Ingredients:
Method:
Butter and base line a 19cm (7.5
in) square shallow tin.
Beat the butter and mincemeat
together and spread over the
base of the tin.
For the cake, rub the butter into
the flour and salt, then stir in
April 2017 - Trent Park Running Club
BREAD
PUDDING CLUB
In the first quarter of 2017 we
have made donations of £30
to the Royal National Institute
of the Blind, £30 to the Noah’s
Ark Children’s Hospice
Many thanks to all who have
shared with us in supporting
various good causes.
For the topping
• 25g (1oz) butter
• 6 tablespoons fruit mincemeat
For the cake
• 75g (3oz) butter
• 225g (8oz) wholemeal
self-raising flour
• salt, a pinch
• 75g (3oz) brown sugar
• juice and finely grated rind of ½
a lemon
• milk 150ml (¼ pint)
• 1 large egg
• Pour into the baking tin and
bake for about 30 mins, or until
a knife comes out clean.
• After 5/10 mins, pierce the
top with a fork and cover with
honey.
• Enjoy warm/cooled and with a
dollop of ice cream!
Jan & Pete
Keep Running • Keep Eating • Keep Giving
the sugar and lemon rind. Make
the lemon juice up to 150ml (¼
pint) with the milk, then beat
the egg into it and stir into the
mixture. Spread evenly over the
mincemeat. Bake at 350F/180c/
gas mark 4 for about 30 minutes
until golden brown. Cool slightly
in the tin before turning out on
to a plate. Cool and cut into 8
triangles.
Many thanks to Cranks cake &
biscuit book for this old (1988!)
recipe.
Answers to...
Whose Socks
Are They?
A
B
C
D
E
F
Melissa O’Hare
Melissa O’Hare
Mick Green
Alison Ball
Foulla Green
Paul Ward
Page 13
AT THE BAFTAS & OSCARS
Who needs Hollywood when you have Oakwood!
Following my recent trip down the red carpet at the BAFTA’s
and OSCAR’s - I now give you TPRC’s very own in house
celebrities. Special thanks to my press photographer
PB for catching the evening.
MOST POPULAR COMEDY
POLICE FILM AWARD
BEST MOMENT OF
INCOMPETENCE AWARD
BEST CAKE BAKING
COUPLE AWARD
BEST RUNNING DOUBLE
ACT AWARD
WHERE ALL YOUR ISSUES ARE DEALT
WITH DISCREETLY AND WITH
EMPATHY AND COMPASSION’
BEST BRITISH
ROMANTIC COMEDY
BEST BRITISH CLASSIC
‘TRACK’ AWARD
BEST SUAVE & SOPHISTICATED
TRAVEL FILM AWARD
MOST SATISFYING
MOMENT AWARD
COMEDY RUNNING LIFETIME
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
TRENT PARK LADIES PIN UP
HERO AWARD
TRENT PARK SCRUPULOUS
VILLAIN AWARD
NEW UP & COMING
ACT AWARD
Trent Park Photoboard
Thank you everyone for your contributions. We hope you enjoyed reading this edition of Park Life. Any comments, good or bad,
to Chas Taylor. Please let Chas have any input for the next issue by the end of March 2017. Next edition Guest Editor Jason Dodd.