Newsletter May ‘16
Still spaces for the 1st aid course contact Jim
"On Saturday 21st May we have booked a short emergency response first aid course with St John's Ambulance.
If you would like to attend on 21st May please contact Jim on 07912 791708 or thin the next couple of weeks. We will ensure a couple of reserves are held in case of acceptedapplicants not able to attend but the maximum number is fixed by St John's".
Hi Everyone
Remember from Tuesday 3rd Maywe will be meeting at the back of the ‘Crown’ (Harvester Pub) Westley Heights on Thursdays as well as Tuesdays. Usual time.
Welcome to new members Trudy Root, Samantha Coutts, John Robson, Bola Okenla, Philippe Morel, Nisha Chama and Steven Healey.
Please can you let me know if any of your details have changed e.g. emergency contact, email address etc.
London Marathon
We woke up to a rather miserable morning for our 8 London marathon runners this year, with cloud and drizzle for those setting up the mile 4 water station. Fortunately it dried up which actually made for very good running weather especially for that distance.While they were heading for the start at Greenwich, 18 other club members, with 6 members’ relations/friends, were up at the crack of dawn to catch the 6.30am bus in Dagenham taking them to the second water station at 4miles, where they spent the next hour sorting out 35,000+ bottles of water in readiness for runners. There was time before the main race to go to MacDonalds for breakfast and then to watch the wheel chair athletes, the Paralympic runners and the elite women runners come through. Once the elite men had gone past the masses descended on the water station and life got rather hectic!! If you’re not a runner and have no interest or inclination in taking part in the race itself, helping at the water station is a great way to get involved in one of the world’s greatest sporting events. It’s also really good fun, ask any of the following!! Nick B, Judy, Jim, Tony and grand-daughter Poppy, Nicola H and son Rhys, Natalie, Jackie B and boyfriend Nathaniel, Amanda C, Brian, Nelson, Lynsey G, Heather, Carl and Diana, Beryl, Eddie, John W, ex members Sherrie with daughter Charley and Lisa Goldsmith. A heartfelt ‘Thank you’ to these people and others like them, because, without them the race could not take place and it’s great that our club can help in this way. Also a big ‘thank you’ to the drivers Nick, Jim, Tony, Eddie and Nicola H.
Now for the runners; after months of hard training 8 PS members hit the tarmac and at the end of 26.2 gruelling miles Dan C (2nd claim member) was first PS to cross the line in 3:10:53, he was followed soon after by Rob V 3:18:09 and then Trevor 3:30:52. Lewis was next in 4:07:43 followed by Daisy 4:23:04, Sue V 5:01:12, Adele (recovering from a broken fibula) 5:20:11 and Josie 5:51:02. Congratulations to all of them. The last man (39,045th) crossed the line in 8:17:35 with the last woman 8:15:57. If you haven’t ever tried to run 26.2 miles you will have no idea just how hard it is!! Hope I haven’t missed anyone.
If anyone is interested or wants to be depressed first male 2:03:05 and first female 2:22:58. It’s not natural!!
Members Out and About at Races
**Sunday 3rd April 5 members travelled to Paris for the weekend to take part in the Paris Marathon. What a great experience. Unfortunately Amanda C didn’t run, not enough training since her return from Oz!!! First runner covered the course in 2hrs 07mins 11secs, brilliant running but couldn’t possibly have enjoyed the scenery!!! Dan C was first PS in 3:38:00. He was followed by Pip 4:26:31, Jackie B 4:50:30 and Natalie (recovering from illness) 5:44:08. Number 41,708 came in at 8:11:31. Well done all.
**Jim wrote:- On a gloriously sunny Sunday, 3rd April, Diane C and Chris O from the Walking Group, Jan’s daughter Chris, Rick G and Jim K took part in the Long Distance Walking Association 8th Essex Walker Challenges. This event was organised by the Essex & Herts Branch of the LDWA
Given that it was the first long yomp of the year for our group we decided to do the short challenge of 14.7 miles rather than the marathon distance walk or run available. Scope here for the hardened cross country or marathon runners of Phoenix Striders to combine their strange pleasures into a cross country marathon
At 10am, after registration we set off from the village hall in Stock towards Downham village in a far from straight forward route using roads, footpaths, bridle ways, open fields and field edges guided by a comprehensive set of instructions; “TR on Rd, X to pavement, SA to “Nags Head Pub” on R, where TL on FP/WM over ST” – Straight forward no problems (full glossary on instructions!). At 5.1 miles we ended up at our first checkpoint to find hot and cold drinks, buttered scones, cake and fruit waiting for us. Sort out kit, essential pits stop and off we went again.
The route took us alongside Hanningfield Reservoir and more rural routes. As in the first section some of the route was dry and firm underfoot and some wasn’t (really wasn’t). There was a good atmosphere, as you would expect with other walkers and runners. Combine this with the wonderful “Real Ways of Essex” and the great weather, the time flew past. At 11.1 miles we found ourselves at the second checkpoint at West Hanningfield, this time adding a range of sandwiches to the fayre.
Off again, into the wild and urban routes within yards of each other. At 14.7 miles we returned to the hall at Stock and handed in our checkpoint cards. But the day was not finished even at this stage; a plate of beans on toast followed by apple pie and custard before picking up a certificate of completion.
The event was really well organised and is heartily recommended for those looking for something a bit different.
**Sunday 17th April Lee wrote, ‘Just to let you know Michelle and myself ran in the Derby 10k last weekend. Our finish times were a respectable 44:13 (for myself) and 1:13:18 for Michelle.’ Well done both.
**On the same day 5 members travelled to Brighton to take part in the annual marathon. Danielle Hu led the PS contingent, crossing the finish line with a sub 4hr run, 3:56. She was followed by Pip and Clare K 4:10, Steve B 4:39 and Matt R 4:40. Excellent running guys. The winner crossed the finish line in 2:09:56 and the last 9:37:26.
‘Summer Series’
At Langdon Visitor Centre 3rd Tuesday in May, June, July and August at 7.30pm. This is an approx 5.2K, 2 lap course, off road in the reserve. £2 to enter on the night, £1 under 16. A good one for beginners as you can bail out half way if you want to. I’ll be looking for marshals to help so if you don’t want to have a go at the run you can stand looking attractive, giving encouragement and pointing the runners or walkers in the right direction!! The down side of not running is you have to wear a sexy high visibility bib!!
Half the money raised goes to Essex Wildlife Trust and the other half to our charity for this year ‘Basildon MIND’
CLUB KIT
It would be great to see more members in a club vest or T-shirt at races. If anyone would like a vest or T-shirt for the summer, £13.50 and £16.00 respectively, contact Sue Vine ASAP on 07909 778695 or <>
Walks and Runs Dates for your Diaries
Sunday 1st May‘Pedal for the J’s’ Chelmsford. Cycle 15,35or 50 miles
Sunday 8th May‘Bluebell 5’ (miles) lovely run, great cakes!!! Castle Point Joggers
Sunday 8th MayColchester 10K
Wednesday11th MayCrown to Crown Westley Heights 7.30pm
Sunday 15th MayEdmond Carr Great Baddow 10miles
Tuesday 17th May‘Summer Series’ see
Sunday22nd MaySpecially for our walkers but open to all
‘Walk for Life’ Farleigh Hospice 22K or 10.5K
Wednesday 8th JuneCrown to Crown Westley Heights 7.30pm
Sunday 12th JuneThe Thames Chase 10K
Sunday 12th JuneSouthend Half Marathon
Tuesday 21st June‘Summer Series’ see
Sunday 2nd JulyColourthon Walk in aid of SNAP Special Needs And Parents
Google SNAP Charity, Click on Fundraising,
Moonlight and Twilight Colourthon
Sunday 10th JulyBritish 10K London Run
Wednesday 13th JulyCrown to Crown Westley Heights 7.30pm
Tuesday 19th July‘Summer Series’ see
Wednesday 20th JulySkylarks 3K
Wednesday 10th AugCrown to Crown Westley Heights 7.30pm
Tuesday 16th Aug‘Summer Series’ see
Sunday 21st AugStanford le Hope Community 5K see PS website
Wednesday 7th SeptCrown to Crown 7.00pm
Sunday 11th SeptBelfairs 5mile Trail Run
Sunday 11th SeptLangham 10K
Sunday 18th SeptFiducia Dedham 10K
Sunday 25th Sept‘Dunton Demon 5’ see PS website
Sunday 23rd OctChelmsford Marathon in aid of ‘The J’s Hospice’
For local runs and races Google Endurance Running in Essex and click on running calendar
2nd Wednesday in the month is the ‘Crown to Crown’ off road run organised by Pitsea running club 7.30pm £2 entry on the night. Back of the Crown, Westley Heights.
Very Important Date
Sunday 3rd July
Phoenix Striders AGM 7pm at The Langdon Visitor Centre
Our AGM is very short (15/20mins max) this is followed by a BBQ in the gardens of the centre. We are looking for members who would be willing to give up a little of their time to serve on the committee, if you are one of those please let me know.
We hope that as many members as possible will come and bring families and/or friends for a lovely evening. There will be a £2 charge towards the food and a ‘Lucky Number’ draw, but we will need to know how many are coming for catering purposes.
Bring your own beer!! All the official reports will be sent to you with the next newsletter to read at your leisure or not!! This saves valuable eating and drinking time!! It is also membership renewal time. Annual subscription remains at £10
Please note
"Club members can take out Individual Affiliation to England Athletics which normally gives an entry discount of a couple of pounds to accredited races. Thisruns from April to March annually. Please note that the cost for 2015/16 has been increased to £13. If you wish to apply or renew please let Eddie have the money and the Club will submit the application on your behalf.
It is a requirement that anyone looking to run in the County cross country races in the Autumn/Winter must have an Individual Affiliation.
Also, because of changes in the allocation of club placesby the London Marathon organisers based upon numbers of affiliated members, it is fair to onlypermit individually affiliated club members who have not been successful in the normal London Marathon ballotinto the draw for any places allocated."
Finally ‘Birthday Greetings’ for this month to Paul Ag, Bob B, Helen B, Marion Bu, Mark C, Edith, Carl, Joe E, Rebecca, Chris F, Fae, Nad, Philippe and Jan O’N.
Judy