Next Rave Run Join Rob at Portscatho on 27th May 2012
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Hmmm, a challenge on our own turf? Who’s in? Cornwall Orienteering
Whilst most TRCers were getting down and dirty at Boconnoc this weekend, one lone soldier went further afield to find some quality mud, Diane tells all!
Honiton Hippo 6th May 2012
 Diane and the Hippo Around a week ago I made an amazing discovery in RW, it was as a result of an opportune purchase as I don’t buy it religiously, however, it has changed everything! As a consequence of this I found myself departing Truro at 7.30am on Sunday, destination – Devon for the Honiton Hippo!
The race was organised by Honiton Running Club and more details can be found on their website.
It was a small gathering for the main Hippo Race in addition to a decent number of children for the ‘Hippo Calf’ race. There were about 112 finishers. In RW it was billed as a ‘tough seven-miler…..expect the odd climb and a couple of river crossings too’ and the images on the HRC website beautifully illustrated the river action. Anyway, the race started at 10.30 and we headied down the hill (tarmac) away from the school and it was not too long till we turned off into the woods. The woodland path reminded me of Trellisick 10k, it was undulating, muddy and with a couple of logs to jump over. Once out of the woods it was back onto the highway, heading down a massive descent then it was a sharp right all the way back up through a private estate/woodland, walking was the only option on the menu for me at this point, the path consists of a near vertical 4×4 track ruts filled with stones. Once I had got to the top it was up – down- up-down etc – very similar to the XC at Bovey Tracey, mud and puddles were in abundance. While navigating this XC style terrain I could hear ‘yelps’ and ‘screams’ somewhere below in the forest, yes, before I knew it I was upon the first river crossing, which had a piece of scaffolding and some netting across it. It was time to get on the hands and knees and crawl through….hmmmm attractive…
 Get in!! (Image copyright of Andrew Rowe, click image to go to the website) It was cold and very muddy, then just around the corner was the biggest puddle ever, which was up to bum cheek level. The route continued through the woods and fields, an equestrian centre, farmyard thing and then some tarmac. I appeared to miss the ‘mile 5′ marker and at 6 miles it was another river crossing, about 10 metres across if not more, before you got to the river though you had to jump across mounts of aggregate. Again the river was cold. Then it was through muddy fields (a la Bideford XC) where I lost a trainer momentarily, I decided to go shoeless until I could find some ‘clean grass’ to wipe my foot, however, none available so needs must shoe was back on. The final river crossing had a rope to drag yourself with and also make sure you didn’t get washed away! Once up onto the muddy bank it was through the field and back up the hill to the school to the finish line!
It was an amazing race, it was also about 7.5 miles! The marshals kept saying only half a mile, I was thinking what the hell? However, this is clearly karma from the time I marshaled schools XC and told the kids ‘nearly there!’, lies all lies as I had no idea how far they had to go. I took the pace slow as I wasn’t sure what was coming up next so didn’t want to die on route, which would have spoilt Colin’s win.
 In action: Colin Snook (CAC) Honiton Hippo winner - and Diane's other half! I have to say this was one of the few races where I wasn’t thinking ‘omg, what the hell am I doing?’ it was really good fun and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn’t mind mud! It was hard in places and I would say the winter XC season definitely paid off, as did my recent hill rep action from St Clements.
I’ll definitely be back next year!
- The toilets were great but no showers (this information is for Hana).
- Cheap entry fee – best £7 I’ve ever spent!
- Water bottle memento – with a Hippo on it!
- Colin won £20, bottle of wine and trophy, unfortunately he didn’t win the cuddly hippo we had our photographs with!
- Venue – school, so good, with cakes!
- marshals really nice, friendly and encouraging
- Amazing photos!
In summary a super race by Honiton Running Club, who were very welcoming! Thanks guys!
p.s it’s called the Honiton Hippo because Hippototami remains were found when they were excavating for the bypass!
Results
Open Competition
Men
- 0:49:42, Colin Snook, CAC
- 0:51:17 Sam Hopton, Exeter Triathlon Club
- 0:51:28 Tim Lenton (unaffiliated)
Women
- 1:00:44 Niki Morgan, Chepstow
- 0:1:03:54 Eleanor Wood, Axe Valley Runners
- 1:09:48 Alison Ramsey, Hogweed Trotters
Overall Results
TRC Results
Diane finished in 1:29:12
Gallery
to follow 
If you read the race results, you’ll recognise the name: Dan Nash from East Cornwall Harriers is always at the top! This year he’ll be getting on his bike and riding solo and unsupported to raise money for WaterAid. If you’d like to show your support for a fellow runner click on the poster below to go to his fundraising page. Good luck Dan, from us all at TRC!
Rugby Clubhouse, 8.15 for 8.30pm start
Dear TRC members,
Some of you have confirmed that you’ll be attending the Developing and Implementing a Club Development Plan workshop/supper this evening at the Rugby Club after our training session, and for those who still want to come along, there’s still time to book a place on it.
If you wish to book a place on the workshop please contact me at rcockings@cornwall.gov.uk / 07973813550
Supper will be provided – Thank you.
Rob Cockings
Saturday 28th April 10am – 3pm
If you’re curious about barefoot running and what it’s all about, why not visit Trizone this Saturday for a free introduction? (It’s above Clive Mitchell Cycles in the centre of Truro.)
Trizone VIVOBAREFOOT certified coach Jonno Gibbins will be running a free introduction into barefoot running technique.
Get an analysis of your current run technique and loads of advice on barefoot running and biomechanics. There will be a range of sample shoes to look through and free DVDs and information books for anyone that attends.
You can also enter Trizone’s prize draw on the day to win a pair of VIVOBAREFOOT shoes.
Pop in anytime on Saturday between 10am-3pm. It is an informal set up so there is no need to book any appointments. Great for all levels of interest in forefoot running and minimal footwear.
For further info contact:
Matt Pullen
www.trizonestore.co.uk
01872 858242
Marathon RelayGB
Read on to find out how you can be involved.
Hi, my name is John Stanford,and I was on Radio Cornwall this afternoon to make people aware of Marathon RelayGB and also to ‘recruit’ runners. If you are unaware, this is a world record attempt for distance relay running, starting in London near Buckingham Palace and working our way clockwise around the coast of Great Britain.
We’ll be coming through Cornwall on Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th May but I am very short of runners. Maximum of 6 per leg for daytime runs and 3 per leg for night-time runs – running on the roads but with full safety vehicles and support. Individuals can go for a full marathon distance if they like or alternatively we’re looking for team entries (any size from 2 to 26!) to ‘relay within the relay’.
Please take a look at www.relaygb.org and check out the Route page for information about Cornwall and Truro in particular (in between Stage 2 and Stage 3). I would really welcome your support and would love your runners to take part. Please do drop me a line on john@relaygb.org or call 07734 681882.
Many thanks for your time.
John Stanford
Director and Organiser, Marathon Relay GB
 Foot rest! It all started with my Achilles hurting when wearing walking boots, then a few twinges after a run. It then travelled downwards and into the left heel and instep bypassing the right foot altogether, making it very painful to walk, let alone run. I think I may have Plantar Fasciitis and it hurts. What a bl—dy pain when I have organised myself this year and entered, in advance, quite a few races.
At six miles it really hurts and when that 6 miles is exactly halfway on your planned route with 6 miles to return home, it’s a case of grin and bear it.
A week’s rest was called for, well when I say rest I mean no running. I still did a 4 to 7 mile walk most days and the pain eased a little bit. I tried a 6 mile run, which was OK after the first 100 yards, but then that afternoon and evening the left instep felt like it was being cut open, followed by discomfort a bit like toothache.
So, I read Andy’s report on insoles in one of his product reviews, googled the product and I am now awaiting the delivery of a pair through the post. Will this save my day, and get me back out running 3 times a week?
I’m starting to get tetchy. I need my rush of feel good hormones, that you only get after a good sweat and physical exertion. Time to wipe the dust off the bike!
My trusty steed, well I have two trusty steeds actually, one I describe as my Cob, ( if you are into horses you’ll know what I mean) a Cannondale Mountain bike, and then the Thoroughbred, a Cannondale “Pavement bike” as my kids describe it. It’s tall and sleek-ish with narrower tyres and flat handle bars to make life more comfortable for an old croc like me. It’s lightweight, well when the panniers aren’t full of Veg that I buy on one of my many trips around the Cornish countryside. And takes me anywhere I want to go without protesting. Neither bike has a name, unlike my car “Sidney”, but occasionally I do christen them, (unprintable names), should their chains come off, or the gearing not be quite right on the hills we have around here. Really it isn’t their fault when this happens, but it helps, when you take the blame away from the rider making a hash of things.
So today, a nice dry Sunday, where joining the Devoran 2hr plus group is not an option the foot can take, it’s time to wipe the dust from the Thoroughbred and hit the roads!
Ah, dust is one thing, but my rear end has been cosseted for 4 months and riding a bike involves sitting on a saddle for an hour or more. I normally like to season my rear end with some short rides to get it use to the discomfort of a saddle. It’s a bit like buying a new frying pan, you need to season it, to get it into the best shape for cooking pancakes! My rear end was not in the best shape for a bike ride. Oh well another case of grin and bear it.
Husband at home has a matching pair of trusty steeds, so on with the Lycra and we head out the door and down hill towards the town centre, up Tregolls Road and then a great ride down to Tresillian. We pass at least 6 cyclists, who all wave and say “Hello”. They are on “Real” bikes, the ones with drop handle bars, the sort my kids have and want me to invest in. Birthday coming up, could the garage cope with even more bikes?????
We turn left at the Mercedes garage and head out along the Ladock Valley. It is so quiet, hardly any cars, just another bunch of Cyclists in Lycra who all say “hello” and some lift a hand…..in a friendly gesture.
It’s a bit of a drag all the way out to Fraddon, on a road that is dead flat when you drive it, but slightly up hill when you cycle it. We pass the “Blue Anchor” public house, without calling in for a drink and turn left down a lovely country lane covered in a film of mud and other farm yard byproducts, that makes the roses grow well.
I’m in heaven, my foot doesn’t hurt, I have the wind in my hair, I’m doing vigorous exercise and at mile 18 we come upon our version of a drinks station “Trerice House” with tea rooms open. So it is time for a spot of lunch and a brew, maybe even a sticky of some sort, something I could never contemplate whilst running.
Once refuelled it’s time to put another layer on, the body feels chilled but a hill soon removes anymore thoughts of feeling cold. More muddy lanes, St Newlyn East and then a “Take your life in your hands” crossing of the A30 before we cycle through St Allen, then Idless and hey back to Truro and home.
So my first ride of 2012 is only 30 miles but it is sheer pleasure. My rear end has survived, my left foot feels remarkably good, maybe I will be able to run again soon, or should I just become an outrider at GP races instead? That racing bike in Clive Mitchell’s window is looking really good……….I am 50 this year…..what do you think?
Hana
Remember that poll in the right hand column, the one about the forum? It’s gone – and so has the forum!!
We discussed it at the committee meeting last night and decided that as we have a great (active!) Facebook group, which is open to anyone to join, we could do without the (inactive) forum .
You may wonder what difference it makes if it’s there or not, but unfortunately, even if we don’t use it, it still needs monitoring for spam so it’s never ‘work-free’.
So come on over to our Fb group and have a chat – there are over 65 members who share running news, help each other out with queries (Garmin help anyone?!), invite members to events (races, social, etc), post photos, whatever you want to talk about!
Stephie
Richard, TRC’s organiser of the New Year’s Day Brown Willy Run, gives us the latest update of what turned out to be another memorable New Year’s Day event in more ways that one this year!
 Helen and David on top of the world - well, Cornwall! When Helen Jordan accepted Gary Caunter’s marriage proposal on the summit of the highest hill in Cornwall, on New Year’s Day, it was the icing on the cake for another brilliant Brown Willy Run, in which Gary and Helen were running. They celebrated with a bottle of bubbly supplied by Truro Running Club, who hosted the annual 7 mile moorland charity run, which takes in some very testing terrain between Jamaica Inn and Brown Willy. This year 315 people registered at Jamaica Inn, although an informal count on the moor tallied 327 runners.
The first man home was Dan Nash, from the moorland village of Minions, a member of East Cornwall Harriers, in an incredible time of 48:02. Dan is no stranger to the event. A few years back, as a young boy, he beat all but a handful of top quality runners in his debut.
Second man home was Dan Rodgers, of Callington, in 51:16, a superb time, given the very boggy and slippery conditions, yet still over 3 minutes behind Dan Nash. Third home was another Dan, Daniel Hooper, all the way from Carmarthenshire, in Wales, in a time of 53:21.
The first lady home was Isobel Wykes, from Probus, in a very fast 58:39. She is a member of Truro Running Club, and a rising star on the Cornwall running scene. Although more accustomed to road running, Isobel dealt superbly with the very challenging muddy conditions. Isobel was followed by Clare Donovan, who turned in a brave run.
The Brown Willy Run started many years ago, as a bunch of friends blowing away the New Year’s Eve cobwebs, under the guidance of Frank Squibb, to whom we owe an immense debt of gratitude. It’s now grown to over 300 runners, but it remains an informal event, where like minded people can enjoy a friendly run in beautiful surroundings, welcoming the New Year in with the same spirit as Frank and his friends intended.
We also need to thank the landowners and tenant farmers, and the staff and management of Jamaica Inn, without whose generous spirit, the event could not take place.
This year, well over £800.00 was raised, to be divided between Cornwall Hospice Care, and the Cornwall Search & Rescue Team, who turn out in force to ensure our safety every year, and always perform to the highest standards of professionalism, and always with a friendly smile.
Thanks also to the gallant volunteers who man registration and marshal the event, with such willingness.
Richard Willson
It’s that time of year already when we get a bit nostalgic perhaps, or look to the future for new opportunities. Hana’s no exception and in this post she takes a wry look back on her busy racing year.
Hana’s Hoard
Well the running year is over for me, and I have managed to get through it without too many niggles to my aging body, plus I have amassed a large collection of “Stuff”. Some of this Stuff is actually useful and some of it is not.
I counted up the number of races entered and they totalled 22. I had better hide the cheque stubs from husband at home, as I keep reminding him that running IS cheaper than GOLF. Well at least the membership is.
- 8 of these races were run on multi terrain courses.
- 6 were 10 miles in distance.
- 5 were Half Marathons.
- O marathons, and long may that last.
I managed a couple PB’s with the Plymouth Half being my best Half Marathon to date, time wise and with male in lycra to run behind….steady girl, pulse rate needs to stay steady! My worst race was the 10 mile race at Launceston. Heat on full blast and hills every which way you looked……Not a pleasant day spent running.
The furthest I travelled to run a race, was to the Czech republic which provided lots of lasting memories and unseasonable heat. Prague should still have had traces of snow not scorching 80 degrees. It is also the only race to serve hot tea at the drink stations. Careful selection was required when choosing something to tip over your head to cool down.
 Hana's Hoard! Now as for the “stuff” collected at these races, I mean the memento’s provided to each runner for taking part. Some were great, with me amassing a large collection of T-shirts. The best ones being made of technical fibres, but I have to say that the cotton T-Shirt provided at the Eden Half was really good. The Marazion 10K Hoodie was fab, but I must choose Small next time. The medium size one I have does have a bonus, and that is that it allows for over indulgence at Christmas. I’ve had a Micro fibre towel, a couple bags, 2 mugs a Buff, a year’s entry to the Eden Project and the terrible Plymouth 10 beanie hat……The hat isn’t that terrible, it’s just that I couldn’t be seen dead in a beanie hat! Husband at home has had at least 3 pints of beer and I also had a can of Strong Bow which I cooked with, but no garden chairs or umbrellas this year.
The one memento I would like to see next year is running gloves or something high viz, so if any clubs other than Truro are reading, please bear this request in mind!
My running shoes have done me proud, but they must now go into the gardening section on the shoe rack and a new pair must come to the fore. I only have 3 useable pairs on the rack, but I can feel the need to buy a fourth. I’m not interested in Jimmy choo’s or expensive handbags, my need is running and cycling kit….does this make me a high maintenance woman?
2012 isn’t too far away, 4 races already entered and marked on my calendar. I’m booked in for Storm Force and the Marazion 10k….small hoodie please. The Plymouth and Leeds Half Marathon’s are booked too and my darling daughter, who hates running and thinks I’m barking, has entered the Leeds Half as well….her words being “I can’t have my mother beating me”. She is almost 23 and I’m almost the big 50…who will you put your money on?
Steph has kept me on my toes all this season and is partly the cause of all my ramblings and running blogs. Should you be getting bored of these ramblings, please email her and maybe start a new one yourself!
And TRC you have been great. Being part of a team and having friendly encouragement and companionship at all the races has been fantastic. I only wish work allowed me to make it to training sessions these days.
Lastly, if it wasn’t for my dearest friend Julie, I would never have started running or even have entered a race. We have shared moans and groans, coffees and milkshakes, hotel rooms and miles covered by car, but we’ve survived the year and come through it still the best of friends.
2012 here we come!
Hana
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