Race Reports

Pre-Race: Weather forecasts predicted heavy rain and high winds, so few people expected fast times. It seemed the end of Brighton's charmed run of consistently great weather for every marathon.

Race-Day: Mild, cloudy weather with moderate wind and sunshine for the finish. Several international athletes graced the start-line and an impressive course record of 2:09:25 was set by William Chebor (despite having to stop mid-race to re-tie a shoe-lace!).

New PB's for Emma, Helen and Jim. Not sure if Anthony, Ben, Robin, Dean and Jean got PB's but the finish times were excellent anyhow.

Thanks to everyone giving support. Such a boost to hear "Go Mid-Sussex".

Helen Graham                                    3:36:04

Emma Goodhead                                3:43:01

Jean Fish                                           5:50:08

Jim Graham                                       2:52:09

Anthony Vince                                    3:20:53

Ben Stepney                                      3:41:26

Robin Monaghan                                3:47:29

Dean Allen                                         4:48:33

Post-Race: Terrific party atmosphere with huge crowds on the beach in sunshine. Music, beer and fast-food. A great advert for the city. Lots of MSTC signed up for Brighton Marathon 2015 already.

Jim Graham

Please send in your Race reports

Bright sunshine and a crisp wind greeted the 73 entrants in Balcombe's first Bull Run - a circular, 7.3km cross-country run over the fields, lanes, styles and footpaths of our beautiful village.  We even had a bit of hail thrown in to give it that tougher feel!

Dave Jones (an ex-pupil of the school and successful triathete) and I had laid out the course the night before with reflective signs. The day started early with the PTA cooking up bacon sandwiches and refreshments for the gathering runners and supporters. Then we briefed the 18 marshals, who had offered to keep a watchful eye over the runners, and gave the runners a race briefing. Harriet Record got everyone in the mood with a warm-up before I called the runners to the start line.

Looking over to it I could see a wonderful mix of runners - from the young (12) to the older (60+), from the experienced to the fun runner. There was fancy running kit on show and one competitor who I'm sure was wearing surf shorts! It is so rewarding to see people raring to go and getting stuck in. Jackie Stone blew the air horn to start and the race was off. It's amazing that even before they reached the top of Westup Lane the runners were strung out - from the gazelles to the steam engines....

They continued along Rowhill Lane, passed Spicers Farm (where David Vickerstaff had set up a water table) before going onto Postman's Walk and across the fields to Westup Farm and back home. This was a muddy, hilly and tough course - not to mention the added hail. I was astounded at the pace of Rob Watts (mens winner in 28m 14sec), Rachel Baker (ladies winner 36.14), Eleanor Stoner (girls winner 37.15) and James Greetham (boys winner 44.28). Well done to you all.

A big crowd had assembled at the finish and the noise was awesome. Everyone was given a cow bell medal, bananas and water. And the winners got some lovely hats. The cakes and bacon "sardines" (as my Facebook entry said - damn autocorrect!) were laid on by the PTA - perfect recovery food after a race.

My thanks to everyone who ran, helped and supported on the day. We made over £500 for the school and also secured a regular event in Balcombe's diary. Bring on Balcombe Bull Run 2015!

Mat Record

As I had not done this race since 2005 I was a little apprehensive to say the least. My time then was 1hr 37 mins but now that I am in my late 60's I knew that I wasn't going to beat that!!! Although it was a respectable start time, 10.30 am, I was up early as usual and had my porridge like a good "boy". I left home about 8.00 and arrived at the designated car park with no problems at 9.00 giving me plenty of time to chill out before the start and of course my warm up, a walk to the loo and back!!
           

On arrival at the start, which was approximately 10 mins walk from the car park I met up with Kevin [James]. The weather was reasonably warm and dry with a slight wind, so was probably ideal running conditions. Just before we lined up Steve [Birchall] and Pippa [ Crouch] turned up.
             

Then it was gun time and there was no turning back! We all know Hastings is a hilly course but exactly how hilly I had forgotten as it was 9yrs ago the last time I did this race! Obviously another C.R.A.F.T. moment!!! The first 5 miles is basically up hill, so there is got to be a "down" somewhere!! The crowds were very encouraging along the way, which always helps, plenty of jelly babies being given out! Once I got to mile 7 I thought well there is only 6 miles to go!!
               

Dropping down out of Hastings Old town you then find yourself at mile 11 on the seafront and that always seems like a lot further than 2 miles to the finish! With just under a mile to go you can see the finish but it feels like someone keeps moving it further away!! I ran the whole way round and even had some left in the tank for those last two miles. With about half  a mile to go Jules Stuart- Colwill] came up alongside me and we were nip and tuck til just before this finish line when Jules had that extra bit in her tank and crossed over just before me, well done Jules!!
                 My race time was 2hrs 2 mins 36 secs
                 My personal time was 2hrs.1 min 48secs

Will I do it next year, maybe if I have another C.R.A.F.T. moment!!!

The Balcombe Bull Run, a 7km cross-country run, is being held at 10.30am on Sunday 23rd March.  The event is being organised by Balcombe School PTA and Mid Sussex Triathlon Club.  It goes over the fields, paths, lanes and tracks of Balcombe Estate.  It is a fully marshalled event and refreshments are available in the school hall.
 
Here is a map of the course http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6141126
 
For application form and instructions for runners Click Here, and a flyer.  Adults are £8, juniors/U16 £5 (all runners must be over 12 on 31/8/14).  Race numbers should be collected on the day from registration in the school hall.  There is a maximum field of 150 runners, so apply early to avoid disappointment.
 
If you would like to help marshal on the day (between 9.30am and 11.30am) please get in touch with Mat Record at mcrecord@hotmail.com or 07811 325.  You'll get to wear a lovely flourescent jacket!
 
Mat Record
Race Director

On behalf of my wife and I, the time has come (allowing for mental and physical healing)  to provide an update on the NDW 100 (or what turned out to be NDW103).  

I assert that this is quite problematic as those looking in can't understand it and those looking out can't explain it.  For that I reason I feel the best way to provide insight into the event is through an explanation of the psychology behind Ultradistance running with the added benefit of providing an indication of your propensity to partake in the sport.  

If you answer yes in more than:

•   50% of the questions then it is considered a positive response
• >70% and you should seek counselling or drop me a line about what races the MidSussex UltraDistance & Cake Appreciation Society (AKA MUCAS) will be partaking in over the next 12 months.
• > 90% then consider yourself an honorary member of the club and come to our next "meeting"!

1. When you see 100 miles to go on a motorway, do you think that would be a good run but could you do it in 24hrs?
2. Would you consider the additional 3 miles in the NDW100 as bonus miles?             
3. When people mention cake, do you have a Pavlovian response?
4. Do you have an unhealthy obsession with socks?
5. Do you think Chris Froome looks healthy?
6. Do people give you a wide birth when you explain what you did on the weekend?
7. Are you a little embarrassed by what you got up to on the weekend?
8. Does everything on your body hurt?
9. Do you believe your body will self-heal anything?
10. Do you carry a head torch when you go out at night (even to the pub)?
11. Do you think it would be better to run and meet your family on a day out rather than drive?
12. Do you own more shoes than your significant other - or at least compete on the number of trainers you have?
13. When you go for a run, do you see things that you should not see?
14. Do you take more medication than an 80 year old stroke sufferer?
15. Do you know your physiotherapist by their first name?
16. Do you go to a masseur for a massage?
17. Do you respect athletes that no one else has heard of?
18. Do you carry toilet paper when you leave the house?
19. Does is disturb you to relieve yourself outdoors?
20. Are Portaloos posh?
21. Do you feel people who think about barefoot running, forefoot running, pronation and supination are interesting people?
22. Have you purchased a pair of  barefoot running shoes and live with the injuries to show for it?
23. Do you know what a salt tablet looks like?
24. Do you consider Unltradistance running as a sport?
25. Do you consider Football as a sport? (yes = no, no = yes)
26. Have you considered removing your toenails to stop them falling off?
27. Is there any part of your feet that has not had a blister?
28. Do you know where the Vaseline is in your house?
29. Do you know what calf cards are?
30. Do you own but not use calf cards?
31. Do you think walking up hills is cheating?  (yes = no, no = yes)
32. Do you think walking down hills is cheating?  (yes = no, no = yes)
33. Do you think walking is cheating?  (yes = no, no = yes)
34. Can you eat a Big Mac Meal Deal with onion rings, mozzarella dippers and a shake and still go for a run?
35. Can you sleep?
36. Can you not sleep?
37. Do you know how to read a map?
38. Do you know how to carry a map without letting go - regardless of logic?
39. Do you feel you can judge where you are on the planet by your awareness of the earths magnetic fields?
40. Can you see through time or do you have other "special" powers?
41. Do you think alcohol is a performance enhancing?
42. Is Born To Run a book by Michael Morpurgo?  (yes = no, no = yes)
43. Do you recognise or use any of the following acronyms?  UTMB, MDS, C2C, A2A, NDW, SDW, TTP.
44. Have you ever had an energy gel that tasted good?
45. Is Icecream racing food?
46. Have you ever done a race where there were 2 or less people to greet you at the finish?
47. Do you feel lucky or unlucky that you live in a country where distance are measured in miles not kilometers?
48. Do you have a nick name that would be out of place in polite society?
49. Do you consider anything over 5 hours duration as a race?  (yes = no, no = yes)
50. If someone offered you a place in a Marathon the day before would you think 

        a) What a great day out?
        b) What a circus?
        c) All of the above or
        c) As "c" is statistically the correct answer and you can't be bothered reading the other options
        d) None of the above
Answer; "c" = yes

Jamie & Emma Goodhead