Hi All,

Attached to this notice is the application form for this year's Deviock Bounder on the 9th October. Note the start time has been brought forward one hour from previous years.

Many thanks,

Dave Marshall

Hi,

I have an online sports watch shop which sells an extensive range of Timex watches, and other brands.

The direct link to my site which is: http://www.sportswatchonline.co.uk

I can offer a 5% discount on purchases where your members quote "Club Discount: Club Name {ref no}" in the comments box when placing an order. I will give a 5% discount on the price of the item including VAT; the discount will not apply to the postage or any special offers.

The discount will be refunded to the members credit card after the purchase when it is processed. In the case of cheques I will reduce the amount they need to make the cheque out for.
 
If you are an ECH member and wish to purchase a watch from this site then contact the Mark Davidson (mdavidson@plymouth.ac.uk) for the discount reference number.

Thanks

Darren Whittington
SportsWatchOnline

I posted a new photo to Photos.

Sherborne Ironman Triathlon 2005 (Swim 2.4miles, Bike 112, Run 26.2 miles) report by Pete Nash

 

The race was due to start at 6 am – which meant a very early rise and breakfast at 4am. Thank you to Andrew Lord for the welcome cup of tea. Obviously it was still dark when we crawled from our tents, but the sky was clear and it promised to be a fine day. After packing our bags for the swim (The cycling and run gear had been left the previous day in the transition) we set off for the event centre (SherborneCastle) to begin the 2.4 mile swim with the other 1499 competitors. With a few exceptions most of them looked fitter than we looked, at least that’s what I thought! Having changed and toileted for the 3^rd time we walked over to the edge of the scenic lake for the 2 lap course, unfortunately there was a deep mist surrounding the lake, which delayed the start for over 2 hours!! It was warm, however, but by the time we eventually entered the water we had been up for 4 hours and had not taken any further food or drink.

 

The crowds were enormous and the cheer that went up when we were eventually called to enter the water was deafening. We had a short warm up swim to the start line, but a false start held us up some more; the elite start was meant to be first but the whole field went with them in error and were eventually called back. When we did get underway, the wake from 1500 swimmers was amazing, it was like swimming in the sea, with an actual wave being created. It was very congested and at times felt a little like a rugby game – those nearer the front actually came to blows! The water was warm and the inflated large buoys made it easy to follow the correct line. For me the most difficult aspect of the swim was maintaining concentration, it can be a little boring and one can easily find oneself slowing up or veering offline. However, this time I had one of my best open water swims ever! Though it was nothing compared to Mark Blatchford’s sub 1hr swim.

Unfortunately on leaving the water (yanked out by a strong marshal) I cramped up and managed to hop/hobble to the transition. The transition was helped by the numerous strippers (mainly female) who helped you undress and see you on to your bike. In an Ironman it is essential that you are suitably dressed for the distance, so this involved proper cycling gear (not the lighter all purpose tri gear), sun cream, Vaseline, heart monitor and of course race number. My transition time was 7.40 min and was one of the fastest out of our group – maybe I had forgotten something or they were better prepared!

Out on the bike ride it was very busy as we hit the first hill. The first part of the bike was pretty fast and furious all the way to Dorchester (14 miles) then back up north and back down to Dorchester to complete the first of two loops. The feed stations were every 12 miles and were well set up with toilets, various drinks, power bars, bananas and gels. It was a little scary trying to pick up what you wanted, get rid of spent bottles, whilst negotiating race litter on the road and manage to steer the right line at the correct speed with one hand!! It was gloriously hot, so this meant one had to drink lots, which I did, but it also meant pee stops! I tried something new to save time – I cut out the pee stop and just did the pee!! No unpleasant after effects until I pulled my cycling shorts out of the bag 2 days later!!!!!!! On the bike Mark Blatchford was leading the Liskeard contingent, followed by Ian Crocker, Pete Nash, Lawrence Watkins, Jim Rogers, Graham Kirby and Lisa Picton, though this was to change as the race went on. I suffered crippling back pain on the bike which lasted for 60 miles, I’d given some advice to Lisa before the race to carry some Iboprufen, which she did, unfortunately, I did not follow my own advice. It was eased a little when I eventually stopped and lowered my seat position. By this time I had reached the northern part of the bike course which involved 2 loops around a fifteen mile circuit. This was the sting in the tail as the first half of the course had been relatively flat, this in stark contrast was very up and down. Strangely though, with by back feeling better and my spirits lifting I began to feel good and started attacking the hills and overtaking a few people – my luck wasn’t to last. At the start of the second loop I misunderstood the marshall and cut out the whole second loop. His ‘straight on first lap, second lap turn right’ was misunderstood and it was entirely my fault as I should have familiarised myself with the route beforehand and not relied on a marshall. So, whilst I was busy making my way back to the finish, the rest of Liskeard’s best were out on the proper route. By this time the order had changed and was now Mark, Lawrence, Ian, Jim, Graham and Lisa.

By missing the second loop I entered Sherbourne Castle first from the Liskeard group, the local (Liskeard) spectators were surprised to see me and must have wondered what kind of miracle performance I had done.  No one mentioned I was first back, so I set out on the marathon course still not knowing for sure. My milometre read 103 miles, but it had stopped functioning earlier on in the day, I was hoping that this was the explaination. I  set out on the marathon course expecting to make some ground on those I thought were ahead of me, Mark, Lawrence and Ian. The weather was scorching but the crowds supporting really did lift the spirits. My strategy for completing the marathon was to feed and drink at every feed station (on the move) and to walk any serious hills. I managed to stick to the strategy and managed to keep going at 71% of my maximum heart rate for most of the course. The course was billed as being fairly flat, which I suppose it was but the hills on this out and back course were in the wrong place. Being at the start when you hadn’t really warmed up and at the finish when you were worn out! I turned around at Montacute House (half way), not having passed anyone I knew. The rest of the run was depressing as I realised I must have missed some out on the bike. At around 16 miles it was confirmed as I saw Mark Blatchford running towards me, FROM THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. I let him know what I had done, so that my large lead over him would not dishearten him.  A few miles later I bumped into Lawrence, and eventually saw all our crowd in the following order: Ian, Jim, Graham and Lisa.

I met some home supporters at the foot of the mile long hill at 20 miles, I’d met them earlier coming out on the run but didn’t recognise them, but they clearly knew me as they high fived me and called me by name. I decided to stop briefly and ask them who they were. So apologies to Gary HERBERT and crew, I promise I’ll be more communicative next time we meet and thanks for the robust cheering – really needed it at the point. The funny thing about marathons is that whenever you do them you reach a point when you know you will finish and you just relax into getting the job done – no matter how painful. At the top of this hill, I felt euphoric knowing that I would COMPLETE this stage of the leg and it wouldn’t be a bad time. I entered the packed Castle grounds to cheers and my youngest lad Joel ran the last few hundred yards to the finish and across the line with me.

Having messed up my own race I was keen to see how the others had done. I had time to have something to eat and drink, meet the family and get my stuff from transition and into the car before the others started to arrive. First home was Mark Blatchford as I expected, but the second home Lisa, really surprised me as I last saw her way down the field with many a mile between her and the rest of our crew. Graham similarly, had made up terrific ground and came in next followed by Lawrence, Ian and Jim. It had been a great event and everyone was pleased to have finished, there was a little discussion about how we all faired but the overwhelming desire was to eat and rest, especially sleep. I would recommend an Ironman to those seeking a fresh challenge, it is certainly tough, but it is not as uncomfortable as some of the shorter races I’ve done (marathons) as you should never be flat out or even  near to it. The biggest obstacle I would find to doing another is the costs- £225!!!!

 

Results       Swim      Bike   Run       Overall

 

Mark Blatchford 59:40      7.00:30   5.04:34     13.22:19

Lisa Picton        1.21:18   7.43:21  4.09:54     13.32:06

Graham  Kirby    1.24:24  7.16:38   4.30.22      13.33.51                    

Lawrence Watkins

                      1.14:48   6.44:40   5.16:58      13.36:01

Ian Crocker       1.07:39   7.04:15   5.27:14      13.52:17

Jim Rogers       1.15:24    7.13:45  5.07:36     13.54:50         

Pete Nash       1.13:16    6.10:09   4.18:40     11.57:12 (DNF)

 

Other Results: Ella Blatchford winner of the Junior Duathlon – 8 and under

This is just to wish all those taking part in the Sherbourne Ironman this Sunday the very best of luck!! Good luck to:

Pete, Ian, Lisa, Mark, Graham and Jim

You should have a few supporters. All thats left now afeter all the long hard training is to enjoy the race! 

As requested, the suggested dates for Club La Santa are 13-20 April 2006. Schools break up on Friday 7 April and return on Monday 24 April. The Club La Santa week runs Thursday to Thursday so the only week possible for those who wish to go at Easter is 13-20 April. Climate-wise, this is a lovely time of year to go, but IT IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE TIME! So for those of you who are not teachers or don't have children, you may well opt for a different week! This is simply an open invitation for those who would like to come during the Easter hols and train together. If interested, please go ahead and book your own holiday. It would be great to get a group together.

Claire

Several members of ECH have expressed an interest in going to Club La Santa, the fantastic sports club in Lanzarote, next Easter. A few members of the club have been to La Santa before. It has an amazing array of sports facilities and activities on offer. For those who wish to be competitive, there are many races from 10k to half marathon to duathlon to triathlon. You can train with instructors and other people or do your own thing. The open air Olympic size swimming pool is gorgeous, and there's also a family pool for those with children. There are also many other sports on offer and the 'Stretch and Relax' class is highly recommended as well as the Pilates! Accommodation is no frills and absolutely adequate as you're out and about a lot of the time. It's self-catering but there are restaurants too. It's fantastic for kids as they're really well catered for. The prices include accommodation and all the sports except a few excursions and extras. Attached is a brochure and price list. Look for April 2006. The club plans to get a group together for the Easter hols- one week. The week runs Thursday to Thursday. The plan is that everyone will book their own trip but go the same week. Date to be confirmed. For more info speak to Claire, Mark or Amanda who have been there before. It would be lovely to train out there as a club.

Check out our new ECH Handicap Race male champion!  Photos.

Congratulations to Mary and John on their excellent wins last night and also to those in silver and bronze position : Jenny Nash(2nd), Claire Davison (3rd), Ian Crowle (2nd) and Paul Arrowsmith (3rd).

 

It was fantastic to see so many runners this year; a record number of starters, 31.  To run to win, it had to be possible for me to calculate a handicap time for you from a selection of recent local races.  Everyone else was welcome to join in for fun, and the run times for those who ran without a handicap are listed below as well (and gives you a course PB for next year!). It was great to see Andrea and Carole once again, running as guests of ECH.

 

A big thanks to everyone involved: Sue and Len, Revis, Hilary, Jane, all the marshals, helpers, (and the weather!)  for making it such a successful evening.

 

Kerry

 

 

Ladies Race                                           

 

Position                               Run Time     Over/Under

1st           Mary Bowers       1:17:07      -3:23

2nd         Jenny Nash             58:02      –2:08

3rd         Claire Davidson       57.25     –1:05

4th         Amanda Erith        1:06:02     –0:08

5th         Sharon Daw             56.33      +0:13

6th         Hilda McKinley      1:16:00      +1:00

7th         Carol Pollard         1:14:24     +2:44

8th         Pat Parritt              1:09:50     +3:50

9th        Ellen Loopstra        1:18:21     +4:31

 

 

 

 

Mens Race

 

Position                            Run Time          Over/Under

1st         John McKinley         58:27            –2:33

2nd        Ian Crowle               58:35            –1:55

3rd        Paul Arrowsmith   1:05:02           –0:38

4th        Garry Player             56:54            –0:06

5th        Dan Charman          54:57            +0:27

6th        Alan Green               57:08            +0:38

7th        Adam Purvis         1:00:33            +1:33

8th        Kevin Smith           1:08:52            +2:22

9th       John Brady             1:06:42            +4:12

10th     Nigel Bowers         1:19:19            +4:39

 

 

Runners for whom a handicap couldn’t be calculated:

 

Pete Nash               55:25

Will Garnier             59:44

Becky Wall           1:05:08

Dawn McKay       1:05:33

Ian Littlewood      1:06:58

Carole Sutton      1:13:46

Louise England   1:16:36

Andrea Smyth     1:16:58

Debbie Smith      1:18:43

Dawn Holgate      1:25:55

 

 

DNF Tim Brighton and Lynda Jones

Race entries

I have the following registered to run to win (anyone who ran in the qualifying races as an ECH member can run to win)

Mary and Nigel Bowers,Hilda and John McKinley,Ellen Loopstra, Kevin Smith, Claire and Mark Davison, Oliver Jones, Garry Player, Carol Pollard,Lorraine Perryman, Jenny Nash, Sharon Daw,Amanda Erith, Pat Parritt, Dan Charman, Ian Crowle, Alan Green, Adam Purvis, John Brady.

I have the following running for fun (if there is an asterisk by your name please email me a guide of your latest 10k/half marathon time so I can calculate a time for you to leave Merrymeet)

Dawn Holgate, Debbie Smith, Moira McInicus, Louise England, Will Garnier, Ian Littlewood *, Paul Arrowsmith *, Pete Nash *, Lynda Jones *

and running as Guests ...

Andrea Smyth, Carol and Danny Daniels.

If you are not on any of the lists and would like to run please let me know on kerry.mordan@which.net

Offers to help marshall, or if you want to attend the social after, please pass your name to Revis asap.

Change to the start procedure

Its wonderful to see so many running this year. As I (and our starter/finishers Sue and Len) haven't met many of you I have begged some race numbers from Hilary to use this year. If at all possible, please be at the start promptly to help me administer your numbers and also to support the runners leaving at 6.30. I will be at Merrymeet from 6 o'clock.

See you there!

Kerry