ERR 1 Hour Report by Simon Walker
The ‘1 Hour Challenge’ has been a total new running concept for me – not knowing where the finish line is but knowing when the finish is.
...Read more
Read more
Virtual Motavation No. 2 Report, by Jen Lanksford
Last year was my first experience of taking part in the Mota-vation Summer Road Race Series, a series of five road races, each approximately four miles, held monthly at various venues in Oxfordshire on Thursday nights.
...Read more
ERR Virtual Parkrun Report by Graham Bridges
The virtual parkrun has become almost as much of a ritual as the real one used to be for some of us, although unfortunately I don't think I will be able to claim any of them in my quest to reach the elusive 250 runs.
...Read more
Banbury 15 Report by Nick Sheard
The ‘Eynsham 13’ were among a field of 250 runners for the ‘Banbury 15’ 2020, run over a 15-mile course in challenging and wet conditions.
...Read more
Buckingham Parkrun Report by Mark Tyrrell
59:59 slowest 3rd place parkrun ever!!
After a few years of inconsistency due to injuries 2020 has been planned for sensible training and planned races, with 2 maybe 3 big Ironman and half Ironman races planned injury is something I wanted to steer clear of!
Read more
Ascott 10k Report by Adrian Pinnock
Race Report: Ascot-under-Wychwood Multi-Terrain 10K
The race is set in a picturesque village in the Evenlode Valley, organised by a band of very dedicated people who put on a well organised event to raise money for their local village charities.
...Read more
Runfestrun report by Sandra Jinks
RUNFESTRUN 22 – 24 May 2020 www.runfestrun.co.uk
Return of this event organised by Chris Evans and well known athletes, Colin Jackson, Steve Cram, Paula Radcliffe & Natasha Evans confirmed as Team leaders over this weekend also accompanied by live bands tbc.
...Read more
Woodstock 12 Report by Jacky Pinnock
Woodstock 12 (The Golden Loo Heist)
A lovely sunny September morning as we set off from Eynsham to Woodstock.
...Read more
Hooky 6 Report by Alison Craggs
All I can remember about this race was the booze.
Ian’s plan had me down for 15 miles that day, but I had entered the Hooky 6, so went for a long warm up and stumbled across the Hook Norton Brewery, before finding my way back to the start line. It was a two lap course and 6 miles later we ended up back where we started.
The race, which is in the Club Champs and is the reason why I had entered, sells out quickly and unfortunately quite a few people were not able to get a place. There was a bar at the finish and although Adrian and other Eynsham Road Runners had missed out on getting a place they did not miss out on getting a pint ready for the presentations.
Kate finished second lady overall and won a box of 3 Hook Norton beers and a beer glass. She didn’t like beer so promptly gave the beer away to Jackie and Adrian, but kept the beer glass – because having won the race last year she now has a matching set. Top tip, if you like beer make sure you are near Kate at the presentations.
Jackie was then declared second in her age category and won more beer.
Jackie and Adrian had kindly given me a lift and on the way home talk was about the Hooky Christmas Canter, which again sells out. Adrian was telling us that he enjoys that race because as you run round you pop into the church and get mulled wine and mince pies. Jackie didn’t know of this, as she’d always sprinted past the church to win the race!
I did not win any beer that day, but did complete the 15 miles and won the wine 3 weeks later.
...Read more
Race to the Stones Report by Tess Evans
Racing to the stones – Avebury that is, not to some gig somewhere.
Ok, its an ultra of sorts, an ultra with options. I had been looking at this event for some time, picking it up and putting it down like some kind of ornament I had no use for. I had my reasons for dithering, these were significant, so when Colin, whilst walking his dog said he didn’t know what sock to wear for this event he signed up to, I decided.
It wasn’t about the socks, or even Colin. It was about getting back on the event waggon.
After running my first and very enjoyable marathon in October; I hadn’t been my usual active self. Maybe I needed to recover longer than I did. Possibly, it is said you need to have more of a break than you think, but not stop completely. Well, I didn’t quite do that.
I had a few medical issues and health scare which slowed me down, likely at the point I should have picked up. I fully understand what it is like to wait for a diagnosis, mulling over uncertainty and possibilities. In the end I decided to keep busy, I called the problem ‘Jeff’, as anything would be an assumption which could embody misdirected fears; I went on holiday and did a few nice things I wanted to do. Jeff is still with me as a passenger and is not too disruptive, although a concern. I wont bore people with the detail, but learning you have a benign tumour in your lung doesn’t relieve you, or excite you. Just exhale (metaphorically, because actually it effects breathing) that ‘it could be worse’.
So. I’m doing this event and others to push against Jeff. Unwanted passenger who seems harmless who might get me in the future. I should currently be struggling to breathe going up stairs, but I’m not. Why – because I have been active most of my life, and I’m little. Fortunate still.
Enough about me and why.
The event – a well organised machine, very accessible to all abilities. Weather for some was good, a little on the warm side for me. We had more snacks available than was sensible, drink possibilities that were endless, and; So. Many. Stops.
Colin valiantly declared he would follow me as he had not done something like this before (I don’t remember being a) an expert, b) er, likewise?). Never mind. I hope he understands how I operate…
An hour into the event walk/ jogging to get out the way of people and chatting – I realised that it would have been better to do the whole thing in one go, especially as I was talking to walkers who were saying my pace was good walking speed and they were going to go through the night. Haha.
Lesson no 6. This is a different race to other events, and it will be down to technique as well as endurance and speed.
Lesson no 7. No matter how bright your t-shirt is, some t*@* will step on you.
Lesson no 8. The food at the stations is free to help yourself, but don’t eat 4 times as much, or you’ll look like that person who is shamelessly building another camel hump.
Lesson no 9. This might be a trail path, but the sun has packed it hard like concrete, trail shoes not needed (ouch!)
Lesson no 10. Feet swell, they keep swelling and want to escape the shoe.
Lesson no 10b. running uphill is better for you and was easier (tiny hills)
Lesson no 11. Ibrobufen gel is a mistake. My hand was numb from applying it, but it didn’t help with issue I had, haha.
Lesson no 12. This is a tough event, but you need to suit yourself; being polite to someone will fail for the 5th time they want a nice cup of tea and a sit down, and you are in agony.
Lesson 13. You have to physically do this event, but unless you tell yourself you can, you won’t. Psychology against yourself is a mean battle.
Lesson 14. It was a great event, well organised, beautiful timing, beautiful route; I have another chapter in my physical achievements.
Lesson 15. How can anyone wear flipflops after an event like that?
Thanks to Colin for the company, the lift and the distraction. I hope you understand that you are a better athlete than you think, because you are competitive, although stamina is your enemy.
Lesson 16. Do it once, you can then decide to regret it, or realise what you really can do.
...Read more
