Newsletter No 89 (aka 2017-15) – 11 Apr 2017

Last weekend:
Well, what a weekend, blue skies could only mean one thing – fun in the sun! Hounds were out and about covering a whole variety of distances. Sorry if I’ve missed anyone – remember RWBH!
At parkrun, Andy Pitts, Mark Singleton, Bob Stephens and Claire Brownson all picked up PBs.
Simon Rawlings (1:14:04.2) and Jon Weedon (2:08:50.8) took on an old club favourite, the Chedworth 10miler.
Just down the road, at the Devizes Half: Tim Purvey 1:29:18, Chris Bunce 1:41:51, Hazel Anderson 1:42:37, Dawn McCafferty 1:53:25, Dave Worthy 1:57:40, Emma Dickson 2:16:23, Sue Bridgman 2:17:19, Fiona Matthews 2:17:21, Philip Davis 2:17:46.
And, on the South Coast, a pack of five completed the Brighton Marathon: Ben Gregory 2:56:58, Marc Bennett 3:26:06, Spesh Ryder 4:00:03, Daf Marion 4:39:56, Jillian Holloway 4:50:44. And Sue Corrigan completed the 10k event in 48:50 – obviously keen to join the cocktail party!
A massive ‘well done’ to all of you for taking part, and let’s not forget our thanks to all supporters!
This week(end)…
14 Apr – CC: Good Friday 10 mile

Pre-marathon paranoia and how to solve it

“Maranoia (n): Mental anxiety found in marathon runners, characterized by the irrational belief that last-minute disaster is imminent”.
This article popped up on my Runners World news feed last week, a few minutes too late for #88 and those running in Brighton - though as a few of you have been working towards an extended stroll around the capital in a couple of weeks’ time, it’s arrival is timely. Chances are you’ll have seen this already but if not…
Marlborough Bluebell Run
Marlborough Running Clubs annual Bluebell Run through West Woods takes place on Wednesday, 26th April. If you are planning to join in and want to stay for food afterwards, please let your friendly newsletter writer know byFriday 21st. More details in last week’s edition.
“101 Dalmatians Royal Wootton Bassett Hounds”
Hounds participation in the RWB Carnival on the afternoon of Saturday May 20th remains at 35. This will be a walking event, maybe a bike or two as well. Please vote on the poll link so that Karen Ferris knows who to look out for. The only dress code is Hounds vests or, perhaps, your coveted Broad Town 5 finisher’s shirt.
Future Club Events
14 Apr – CC: Good Friday 10 mile
28 May – CC: Dauntsey 10k
17 Jun – Broad Town 5 – now open!!
/ 21 Jun – CC: Chippenham Longest Day 10k
06 Aug – Stur Half (Jolly Hounds outing)
More to come….
parkrun – May 27th
Last edition it was suggested that we Hounds might collectively take on the job of marshalling at Swindon parkrun one Saturday. We have approached the Race Director suggesting that May 27th would work best for us – the Dauntsey 10k club champs race is the following day.
We have yet to hear back from parkrun, but please put this date in your diaries as we will be looking for volunteers nearer the time. More info on parkrun volunteering may be found here.
Thank you to those of you who have already offered your services.
CCIN bike repairs
Firstly a massive thank you to everyone who has used my bicycle repair service raising money for the Hounds London Marathon CCIN charity.
There are a few services still to be completed/in the pipeline and along with these the servicing will raise over £650 pounds for the charity.
I am now fully booked until the end of April so I won’t be taking anymore bookings but I’m more than happy to assist Hounds with any cycling advice/niggles with their bikes.
Happy cycling,
Howard

Sodbury SlogThe ever popular Slog opens on 1st May, so make a note in your diaries. Last year all 1300 places went in under 40 hours – so put a note in your diary now!

From Realbuzz…
An interesting read, hands up all those of us guilty of at least two of these?
And how much should we be drinking? Btw, an evening in the Five Bells is not the answer - not even close, Jason Parr! J
UKA Rules
This was found on the Devizes Running Club website and is taken, as written, from their Jan 17 newsletter. There are some important messages here that I’m sure we already know about but, just in case:
As from 1st April, UKA have changed some rules, here is a summary:
1. More spot checks are being made at races, so it’s important you know your URN/Licence Number. If you are unsure of your URN/ Licence, please visit http://livemyathletics.uka.org.uk/LicenceCheck
If you are a new member this year, we will be registering you in April.
2. As more spot check are being made at races, please do not pass bib number on to other Athletes if transfers are not available, this could result in bans for all UKA races.
3. If you are registering for races as an affiliated runner (obtaining a discount) you must run in the club vest/ T-Shirt of the club. I think this rule has caused a bit of confusion (including myself!!). The problem is UKA rules are written for Elite races and clubs like us have to follow suit. UKA have stated “In team events you must wear the colours of your team UNLESS the race referee has given permission otherwise”. At most races that permission is taken as granted unless you're threatening to win a category or team prize”. So if you are hoping to win something (either a category or team prize) or score points in league races, please wear a club Vest/T-Shirt.
4. Other changes can be found at the following site http://www.englandathletics.org/athletes/athlete-registration/athlete-registration
Hounds Triathlon Series 2017
Herewith the events making up this year’s series, from the mind that brings you your weekly update service…
Btw, the last entry – Iron Man – means the full 140.6 distance, not the shorter Half 70.3.
Marathon des Sables
As you may be aware, Mat Griffiths is taking part in this legendary event in the Moroccan desert, 250km over six days.
At this time of writing, he has completed the first three stages. Stage 1 (30.6km) took him 3:13:48, placing 86st, and Stage 2 (39km) 4:50:19, in 71st place. Stage 3 (31.6km) took 3:50:47, 62nd place.
If I’m reading the website correctly, there were 1287 on the start line, and Mat is currently 70th overall.
Whilst he might be doing the MdS for ‘fun’, there is also a serious side to his efforts as Mat is raising funds for the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton.
If you are interested in tracking him, you will need to log in to http://www.marathondessables.com/
using Google or Facebook – his bib number is 805.
Seen on Facebook…
…and worth repeating (thanks Sara):
Little rant, something to note about running/cycling on Binknoll Lane (& any country road I guess!):
1.  Wear something BRIGHT! Even when it's sunny. When you run in to a shaded area you might as well be wearing camo clothing if you are in dark clothes.
2.  Don't have your music on so loud that you cannot hear me behind you beeping to get you to move over.
3.  When approaching a horse from behind, call out in advance and check that it's safe to pass. Bikes and runners are silent and can easily spook the most sane, safe horse if we don't know you're approaching from behind us!
It's mostly not Hounds, but worth mentioning as lots of us do use Binknoll!
Finally…
Thanks, as ever, to this week’s contributors. To those of you who haven’t, see how easy it is? Just cobble something together and I’ll do the rest.
See you next time.
Den
RWBHRC Webmaster
http://www.royalwoottonbassetthounds.co.uk/