Great North Run Report

11 MRC members made the way ooop north to run the Great North Run.

For some it was the first time, for others it was another opportunity to experience the worlds biggest half marathon event.

Dotted across the city we all stayed in a variety of hotels, b and b’s and camp sites. Some even drove up that morning.

Myself, Emma, Robert and Kathryn camped at the National Trust Lighthouse at a temporary site.

It could have been a disaster but the weather was kind, the views were beautiful and it was almost tempting to crack open the wine and forget the run the next morning!

We were up ridiculously early to catch the bus to the start line – the start of a very long day and a lot of miles about to cover.

Plans to meet up were somewhat thwarted by the need to queue for toilets, drop off bags and finding your place in the correct colour of the start line – a start line that goes on for about a mile.

On the large screens the front runners were off at 10.40am – and being midpack meant I knew from previous experience I wouldn’t be crossing that line for at least another 20minutes.

It’s weird as whilst watching the screens you feel like you’re watching a completely different event.

Finally at 11.05am I started, making sure I got a high five with Ingrid Christianson. The Red Arrows flew over, then it’s the Oggy Oggy Oggy in the tunnels and then the iconic run over the Tyne Bridge.

The start lines merge and suddenly there’s even more people than before and your ability to get any decent running rhythm disappears. At mile 5 we were stopped completely as a fellow runner was carried off the course in need of urgent medical attention – a very sobering moment.

I opted to take it steady, enjoy the run, walk through the ‘showers’ (it was warm) and water stations.

More ambulances came through and then at mile 9 I high fived Dame Tanni Grey Thompson whilst the Red Arrows started to perform their display over the finish area.

Finally I was able to get a decent mile in – mile 12! Running along towards the finish line I couldn’t help but then think of the long slog back to the tent – which needed packing away. I should have enjoyed the finish line more but I was shattered - my slowest half ever.

Amongst the crowd I found Emma and after collecting bags (another trek – the wrong way to our camp) we started the walk to along the coastal path (which was lovely) but exhausting.

We got packed away, and began the journey home. Stopping at the services on the M1 was funny, mainly as it was utter carnage! So many people walking like John Wayne but all giving each other a smile and that look of ‘…I know your pain…but well done’.

Catching up on our MRC GNR WhatsApp group it’s clear that some had ‘fast’ runs (starting nearer the front) and most of us appeared to have covered around 18-20miles that day.

But we did it, some will do it again, some won’t.

If you fancy entering the ballot (opens in January) then there’s a reminder service which you can sign up to here:

GNR Official Website

And if you want to borrow my tent you’re more than welcome 😊

MRC AT PARKRUN THE TOUR continues

Next Tour date is 22nd September 2018, at Conkers Parkrun.

Conkers Parkrun is in the National Forest. You'll start and finish at the Conkers Waterside, and cross trails in the Donisthorpe Woodland Park, a former coal mine that has been lovingly restored.

A mixture of woodland, gravel, tarmac and stone paths means there's plenty of variety.

Conkers Waterside,
Bath Yard,
Moira,
Swadlincote,
Derbyshire,
DE12 6BA

Car share encouraged. 

click here for more info.

New ‘Base’ for MRC

A few months ago the Club started to look at options for a potential new base for the Club runs to start from.

This has something we have considered for a while and with the increasing number of members (parking), as well as the darker colder nights, we want to find somewhere that can better suit our needs (ie indoor meeting space pre-run).

Not an easy task!

However we think we have found a new ‘partner’ in the Royal British Legion on Western Drive. It’s location means we have good access to all of our ‘normal’ routes and can still access the trails over Summer with minimal additional distance.

It’s located slightly more centrally in the village than the Honeycomb. Most importantly, it has toilet facilities we can use as well as access to the bar !

The Royal British Legion are keen to enter a partnership with us but would like to embark on a trial period first, which is fine with us.

So…from Tuesday 18th September we will run from the RBL for the next 2 weeks and we review it with the RBL.

mickleoverrblclub.org

IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION

We have been given access to a piece of land close to the RBL buildings.

The driveway is off Western Road (indicated by the X on the map) NOT the main Poppyfields drive, but further along passed the butchers (if approaching from Derby).

Parking spaces are also available on the main Western Road and down the small roadway (indicated in yellow).

NEW qualified Run Leader

Your club membership subscription fees help fund our Run Leaders to attend the EA running courses.

Recently Raj Todd attended Leader in Run Fitness course and is now a formally qualified Run Leaders – well done Raj!

MRC look-alike

It’s the Berlin Marathon this weekend – and no, it’s not our very own Ross running it it’s his doppelganger, comedian Mark Watson 😊

Second Year Anniversary Dinner

Thursday 20th September. 7pm at the Cinnamon Tree.

No Club Run

MICKLEOVER RUNNING CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY & AWARDS NIGHT 2018

We are very excited to announce the date of this years Christmas Party and Awards night.

We have chosen the same venue again - the Great Northern pub on Station Road. There will be a DJ and Christmas inspired buffet food.

To find out more and buy tickets please visit the link below.

CHRISTMAS PARTY & AWARDS NIGHT 2018

Dovedale Dash 2018

THE NEXT DASH IS ON SUNDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 2018
RACE STARTS AT 11 AM, SIGN ON FROM 9 AM ON THE DAY ONLY

The Dovedale Dash is a cross country race of 4 3/4 mile, run by 1200 to 1400 people of all abilities.

The venue is the picturesque area around the village of Thorpe near Ashbourne and Dovedale in the south of the Derbyshire Peak District.

The course is mainly along field paths and open ground in the valleys of the river Dove and Manifold.

One of the excitements is the crossing of the rivers Dove at the well known Stepping Stones.

Official DDD Website

Club Champs

With the Men, Jamie is in a strong position, ahead of Ross on points – with both having done 5 races.

However, it is still possible for Steve R to catch or match Jamie – so it is still all to play for. In the Battle of Paul v James – James is now only 2 points ahead of Paul.

Other interesting battles – on the ‘Classic’ or ‘Masters’ group – James S has secured 39 points after 5 evets, whilst I am on 31 after 4 – it’s going to be close!

As for the ladies, it seems that Emma now has an unassailable lead(unless I do very dodgy maths), with the ‘fight’ on for second between Vicky & Beckie who only 1 point between them.

Following those three is a really interesting set of score between Katie, Nic & Lucy – all very close!

Click Here for to view Club Championship page.

Race Results and Events

Derby Runner Cross Country (DRXC)

Yes it is back, the XC season is back and after a recent meeting I can confirm the following information.

Number of races has increase by 1, so it is now 5 races over the autumn and winter. The dates and venues are as follows:

Sun 21st October
Anslow Equestrian Centre (hosted by Dave Mann)

Sun 11th November
Foremark (hosted by Dave Mann)

Sun 20th January
Allestree Park (hosted by Derwent Runners)

Sun 10th February
Sinai Park (Hosted by Hatton/Washland)

Sunday 10th March
Tamworth (Hosted by Peel) TBC

There will be more clubs taking part in this season including Derwent Runners & Hatton Darts, other changes include the race start has been brought forward to 10.30am (the exception is the race on the 11th Nov, which will start just after 11am to allow time to show our respect for Armistice Day).

Cost: £4 per race, bu there maybe changes due to charges but I will try and confirm fees as and when for each event. It is ‘enter and pay’ on the day, but Vicky & I would like to know who is going in advance, just to make sure we have enough members for the teams. Parking is limited at the various host sites, so car sharing is advised and we will post prior to each race where and when to meet up for this.

These events are team events: Men, Ladies & Mixed. For the Men – 8 to count, but must include 2 Vets (40+), Ladies – 4 to count and to include 1 Vet (40+), for the Mixed it is 7 Men (2 Vet), and 3 Ladies (1 Vet). However, there are individual prizes as well which are awarded at the end of the season.

For these races, any number of club members can run, we are not limited to the number I have said above, so the more the merrier! Don’t worry about who scores what and in which team – that’s my job (what fun I have!) These are on tough courses, but they are rare in that one is running for the club and not individually – and you will be supported/cheered and once you have finished, and with a sense of pride and achievement!

We, MRC, will not be hosting an event this year, but I do feel as thou we should offer to help out – certainly with the event at Allestree Park – our local event. Therefore, I will be asking if people can offer to marshal at this event in the New Year – I will post reminders nearer the time.

General Rules of the DRXC League:

• Open only to clubs who are EA affiliated. Non EA individual members of MRC can run, but will have to pay the £2 levy – in line with other events.
• Club Kit MUST be worn – Blue Vest or T Shirt - on sale via the club shop or speak to James S
• No earphones
• Off road shoes are highly advisable, if uncertain what type – please ask myself, visit the Derby Runner or Running Form.

If you have any questions, please do ask Vicky (Ladies Capt) or myself!

Results

Firstly: Massive congrats to all who ran the GNR, looked warm and tough out there with 55,000 others.

Although I am very disappointed that you let that upstart Mo get a head of all of you! Someone else, I am sure will add more on this event.

Wilne 10k

Another warm day for race 6 in the Club Champs, but it was good to see 20+ members out on the road, and welcoming back Steve R (post injury) and a farewell to Lucinda as she moves onto Leeds.

All members ran well, with Jamie again leading the Men home. Ross, taking steps forward on his speed finishing ahead of Steve R on his return. In the Paul v James K ‘war’, victory was with Paul who ran another solid race, while James was struggling with injury.

Special shout out to Sharon F and Julian for getting round – they both felt it on the road, but that did not stop them.

24Hr Conti Thunder Run 2019

Team MRC at the 24Hr Conti Thunder Run 2019

Run for MRC at next years Thunder Run.

If you are interested in running in this incredible event next year (20-21st July) please contact Tracey.

For more information please visit the official site using the link below...

Official 24Hr Conti Thunder Run Website

MRC ON TOUR

The famous blue and orange has been globe trotting again this year...

MRC does Iceland with Jake

MRC Book club
Running with the Kenyans

Discovering the secrets of the fastest people on earth...

After years of watching Kenyan athletes win the world's biggest races, Adharanand Finn set out to discover just what it was that made them so fast.

Packing up his family, he moved to Iten, in Kenya, home to hundreds of the country's best athletes.

Amazon link

Upcoming Running Events

Parkrun on tour

22nd Sept. 2018
Conkers Parkrun up next Click Here for more info.

Run Denby Dash - 10K or 3K

23rd Sept. 2018
To enter Click Here.

Robin Hood Half

30th Sept. 2018
To enter Click Here.

Shelton 10K
(DRS and Club Champs)

7th Oct. 2018

Chester Marathon

7th Oct. 2018

To enter Click Here.

Leicester Half & Full Marathon

14th Oct. 2018

To enter Click Here.

Yorkshire Marathon

14th Oct. 2018

To enter Click Here.

Manchester Half Marathon

14th Oct. 2018

To enter Click Here.

Clubs Autumn 5K TT

16th Oct. 2018

For more info Click Here.

DRXC Race 1 (Anslow)

21st Oct. 2018

Shipley Country Park Parkrun

27th Oct. 2018

For more info Click Here.

DRXC Race 2 (Foremark)

11th Nov. 2018

Derby 10 Mile – NEW DATE!!!
(DRS and Club Champs)

25th Nov. 2018

To enter Click Here.

Discounts for Club members

The Club has negotiated a host of discounts for members from a range of dealers & retailers

Visit the new page today to see what you could save...

click here for more info.

MRC Film club
Spirit of the Marathon

The movie follows six runners, some fabled and some not, as they prepare for the 2005 Chicago Marathon.

How can you not be moved when one of the six tells us: “I had really reached a point in my life where I didn’t think that I could ever be happy again,” and then finds, “I can pretty much do anything.”

Spirit of the Marathon got expert wisdom about the marathon from people who really are experts and can think and express themselves.

Watch the trailer below...

MRC Club records

Emma has been working hard collecting lots of results, if you havent let please do so following the info. below...

If you have any amendments to the records please email the club using the email address results@mickleoverrunningclub.co.uk stating the following information.

• Your full Name
• Name of event
• Distance (must be one of: 10k, 10 mile, Half Marathon, Marathon)
• The date of the event (since Sept 2016 only)
• The chip time
• The age category at the time of running

click here to view tables

Sunday Long Runs with Ross…

Check out the schedule and join Ross as he trains for his first marathon!

click here

CLUB SHOP

New lightweight rain jacket available now.

James has done it again with this great new jacket, only £20.00. Visit the club shop for more info.

click here

on the run with...

We go on the run with our members and we find out a bit more about them – which we thought would be great to share, this time it is with..Andy Foulds

When did you start running and when did you join Mickleover Running Club?

I joined Mickleover Running Club in March this year. I guess I have always been a runner, but I started running more frequently about 3 years ago.

What’s the best thing about being in a running club?

Running can be quite lonely sometimes, so it’s nice to go out and run with other people. It’s also nice to talk to people about running and know they love it just as much as me.

When and who do you run with the club?

I run most Thursday and try to make the odd Tuesday every now and again and I like running with everyone.

YOU

Tell us your history of running?

I ran my first ever race in 2007 which was the derby 10k. From 2007 – 2016 I didn’t really run a lot, properly once every month. In 2016 I ran in the derby 10k the ramathon and the derby 10mile. After that I kind of got the bug for it.

What has been your best running achievement?

Finishing each race has been achievement for me but my best has to be London Marathon in April 2009, which was my first marathon.

Who doesn't love their first marathon?! It really is a special moment, one that I will never ever forget.

What is your running ambition?

I Really want to run a sub 1.30 half marathon but the dream would be a sub 1.15

Why do you run?

I simply run because it makes me happy :D

Favourite place to run?

Anywhere and everywhere.

Tell us about your worst run?

I have never had a bad run…… theirs time yet.

Best running phrase?

Worry less run more.

Favourite running photo?

Please see above.

Have you ever lost your running mojo?

I have always lost it around this time of year and find it hard to get out there but this year I have you lot encourage me.

Best route around Mickleover/Derby?

You’ve got to love the hollow.

Who would be on your wish list to run with?

Mo Farah

Worst/Best advice you’ve ever been given?

Beer is the best thing for recovery after a run.

What do you think about when you run?

I don’t really think about anything I just try to relax and enjoy it.

Run to time or distance?

Daily runs – distance

Race - time

RACE/EVENTS

What was your favourite race and why?

Derby 10k because it’s the first race I ever ran.

Tell us about your pre-race rituals and food and drink.

I like to get up jump in the shower, have a coffee and some toast with peanut butter. Bit of a stretch, then about 1hur before the race I’ll have a banana and sip on water.

If you could choose anywhere in the world to run, where would it be?

Kenya.

What’s your one race essential?

Water, energy gel, banana, and I always wear an elastic band around my right wrist……. It’s for luck.

Would you run a marathon without getting a medal?

NO.!