Sunday 5 January 2014

January 2014 Newsletter

The monthly round-up for Road and XC fixtures and events starts here.  All you have to do is read, then run. Simples.

This Tuesday 7th January 2014 - Mob Match with Eton Manor - 7:45pm start
This is the annual 'mob match' race against local club and great rivals Eton Manor AC which has been taking place since the 1930's and is a great start to the New Year. Held on the Well St common handicap course, but as an all-starter race instead.  Please get to the club house by 7:15 to register, warm up and get to the start.  It's completely free and the bar will be open afterwards for the awards. No coached session on Tuesday due to the race. Wear your club top!

HELPERS NEEDED - For the event to take place we still need helpers timekeeping, marshals and in the bar afterwards - please contact me to offer your services. Thanks.

From Mon 13th Jan - Pilates Classes at the club 
The old gym area at the club has been transformed to a space ideal for small classes, with new flooring, heating and painted throughout. Local instructor Sam White of My Local Pilates is offering, initially,  courses of 6 Pilates classes, suitable for clients of all ages and levels of fitness.  The exercises target small postural muscles to improve core stability and posture, alleviating areas of tightness in the body and gradually realigning misaligned joints. Calm your mind and re-energise your body. Feel longer, leaner and more defined! Sign up by 5th Jan and get a 15% discount! 

Plus look out for details of Yoga classes in the future, too.  Remember that we are already working withVictor and Leevan providing classes for individuals or small groups based at the clubhouse, in addition to the usual club and circuit sessions.

Saturday 11th January - Metropolitan League Race #4 - HORSEnden Hill near Perivale
Despite awful weather and mud at Ally Pally there was a great turnout for race #3.  The senior women 'A' team came first in Division 2 on the day (and are now vying for promotion to the prestigious division 1), whilst the Women's B team were second in the Division 3: great work ladies. 

The strong turnout for the men meant 7th place Men's 'A' team on the day, taking us to 7th in the league and out of the relegation zone for now...   There was also some great results for our terrific Juniors as well - do look them up in the results section of the Met League website.

This shows what we can achieve with a good turn out, but also what happens without plenty of members running.  As usual, all the fixture details are on the Met League website.

Saturday 18th January - Chingford League  Race #5 - Hackney Marshes 2:30pm Start
Another great turn out for the return trip to Ally Pally. Some great on-the-day results including 2nd place team in the Men's A,  and first Women's team and first Vet Women's team. As a result the Women's and Vet Women's team top their leagues.  The mens team are third in their respective leagues. Full results here.

So, no excuses for not turning at the remaining two races in the Chingford league, the first being a repeat of last year's Hackney Marshes fixture, and the second a few weeks later in Victoria Park, you won't even need spikes for that one.  More details nearer the time on the Noticeboard and Facebook page.

Saturday 25th January - South of England XC Champs - Parliament Hill
All those registered should have received an email from me as confirmation of entry - contact me if you have not.  For anyone not competing on the day, do come along to Hampstead Heath to support your fellow club members. It's always an exciting event with clubs and colours from all over the south of England in a picturesque setting, usually with a drink or two afterwards.

Thursday 30th January - Monthly 2.9 mile Handicap - Well St Common
After all the excitement and disruption of Christmas time, normality returns with the monthly handicap in the usual slot on the last Thursday of the month. More details nearer the time.

Also starting in January...
Time to say good morning to organised Sunday runs from the clubhouse once again from 12th Jan.  New Women's captain Laura has agreed to start coordinating some sessions on a Sunday which is great news for those of you marathon training and in need of a companion for those long runs which are essential to marathon success.  Look out for more details on the noticeboard in the coming days.  Your Saturday nights will never be the same again.

19th April - Victoria Park Open 5 - Entries now open
Lastly time to give you plenty of warning about the Open 5, our fabulous annual 5 mile open race held in Victoria Park. Entries are now open at Runners World and RunBritain websites.  As many club members as possible are encouraged either to enter or come along and help out.  Lots more information and plenty of reminders to follow!

Simeon
Men's Road & XC Director

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Remember, there are many ways to keep in touch with your club:
  • Find out what your clubmates are up to on the Club Facebook page
  • Get the latest news and updates, follow @VPHTHAC on Twitter
  • Get news, updates and race results on the club noticeboard
  • Keep an eye out for forthcoming fixtures on the club website