London marathon

[jimbo]

Well Folks, I'm in for London 2009, I know Mel, Ana, Ian G, Tash, Sue, Steve, Jane, Smithy, Hienrick are also in. There will be the club places (four) too so we should have a few training options and good distance partners and squad for the long races.
Besides the Essex 20 has anyone looked at a good half to run as I have "done" Brentwood a good few times before?
I wont pick up my long runs to above 13/13 miles until the new year.
best regards Jimbo :

[Rioja Lover]

Jim, I believe that Glen also has a place in the Marathon.

[gloveri]

Yep - Glen got a place through the ballot too...which is great news.

The challenge we have next year as always is the diversity of the group and the targets they have. From sub 2hrs 25 up to 4 hrs + means that those wanting to do long runs together will invariably not be able to run at their own target pace, as the group invariably trains at the pace of the slowest person. Some suggestions;

As the London Marathon has pacing groups, perhaps we should think about long run groups based on target time ie 4hrs plus, 3.30 - 4 hrs, 3 - 3.30 and under 3. I know there is still a big difference but it does mean that there is more chance of meeting group goals. This is relaint of course on people to volunteer to lead these groups...

Also, there is a heavy reliance on the group long runs, which benefits everyone, but doesn't instill the self confidence and discipline needed when things get tough. Would suggest building 'solo' days into the training schedule on occasion to get people used to running on their own.

[Rioja Lover]

Ian, we should wait until the club places have been issued and then talk to check what everyone's target is going to be and come up with workouts that will benefit all targets as well as non-marathon runners.

In my usual style, I dear suggest meeting at Garon's bar after a session on Tuesday or Thursday to discuss over a glass or two of vino??

[jimbo]

Come christmas we will see who is in and who gets the club places ( may be interesting!) and then also we should have some runners prepared to run at short notice if a place becomes available. I like the idea of discussing it over a beer and its a shame we haven''t got a club house (wasn't the facility at the old track/Southend Manor FC fit for purpose!) that would be more welcoming that Garon's bar. How about the golf club bar? Or the Angel? both are not far.
The period up to christmas is too early for London Training and excellent for base fitness, speed and hill work with XC.

[Fi]

Speak for yourself....there are some of us training already for the Hastings Marathon .....are there any other takers out there for this one.....come on..hther are only 2, yes 2 of us from the club running this one!!!

[GrahamH]

Well, I did start to post a reply; pressed preview and lost the **** thing. Anybody seen my preview, or could give a clue as to where I should look for it? If not, I'll try to do it again later Jimbo!

[GrahamH]

Jimbo, As my "preview" went AWOL yesterday and nobody (yet) has given an indication as to where it went, or how I could recover it, I'll do my best to recollect my intended reply. Although I was "rejected" I SHALL run the FLM 2009 one way or the other. Can you please say when we should hand in (and to whom) our rejection slips, and when shall they be pulled out of the hat - if that is how the selection for the four places will be made again this year? As to decent Halfs, I can tell you that the Tunbridge Wells Half if pretty good even though somewhat hilly. They tell you about it, "....and then there is Spring Hill which tends to interrupt conversation..." Draw your own conclusions! I think it is on 15th February, 2009. If Tunbridge is considered hilly and you enjoy that, then you must look at Hastings (which I have done several times) as the first section is steeply out of the Town, followed by a very long, never ending, drag up to the 5 mile marker (!). It is flattish along the "top" of the loop, but there are several steep inclines on the way back down into the (Old part of the )Town - if that makes any sense, before a 3 mile beat (generally) into the wind along the Sea Front to the finish. Mick Smith will know about it too. It generally clashes with the Brentwood Half, and does so again on the 15th March, 2009. I shall, most likely, do both in my run-up (literally)to the FLM!

[jimbo]

I dont know when the club places draw will be and I hope it will be open equally to all "rejects" although I understand that there may be a case for a deserved cause to get a place but at present I cant think who might easily fall under that umbrella.
Thanks for the half suggestions, I dont really want to do Brentwood again.
Some good news is that Mich Jefferies has also got a ballot spot.
And John Wright has been spotted running along the seafront; now we want a sighting of Jane!

[gloveri]

Yep - saw John - he did say he'll try and get down the club to say hello - he's still got his knee problem so not running competitively

Re other halves - Milton Keynes was OK - pretty well organised but as it is through the pathways around the town it can be a bit narrow - maybe something further afield - Kent / Suffolk / Norfolk way may be a nice change

[milleri]

Hi not in 2009, but still have knee problems. NHS are cr..... They still cannot find problem.
I will try and get down soon to see everyone.

[Fi]

Glad you're still alive Milleri

Have em chopped off and start again!!!!

[gloveri]

Hi Ian

Did you ever get round to the Level 1 course?

Shame the NHS can't find the problem - has it eased up any?

[StephenMiddleton]

I'm very pleased to announce that I've received my entry confirmation to the 2009 London Marathon also! Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

[jimbo]

Smashing stuff! the 20 mile runs will be fun few hours, and we could have a class entry for the essex 20 race in 2009. Plus its one less for the club places.