chair update

As we see lockdown restrictions being to relax we at Mickleover Running Club have started to look ahead so that we can begin to put in steps that will allow us to get back together as a club.

Currently the England Athletics guidance to still run in groups of no more than 6 and try and maintain a social distance of two meters at all times.

Under these guidelines the committee and the run leaders met to see if we could start to bring back formal Mickleover Running Club activities in some capacity.

Unfortunately we had to conclude that we could not. There were a number of things we had to consider, where we were to meet up, availability of the leaders to lead more groups and smaller groups, the safety of the general public and also the reputation of the club and how we are perceived in these challenging times.

Whilst I am sure this is very disappointing the health and wellbeing of our members and the general public has to come first.

It was agreed that the club members should continue to do the excellent work that you are all doing. Continue to use Strava and Facebook to promote the runs that you are intending to run where you would like some company and / or support.

I am sure I am not alone in saying that my motivation has hit rock bottom these last few days and to be able to go out with some of you would be a massive boost.

The committee and run leaders will be meeting regularly to assess the current climate and changes and recommendations that are provided by England Athletics. At this point, however, we do not anticipate any changes to the current policy until the end of July, but rest assured should anything change before then we will ensure that you will all be the first to know.

Again a massive thankyou to all of you for supporting each other and the club in the difficult times and hopefully in the not too distant future we will be tearing up Mickleover once again.

Ross

CHAMPION!

Mickleover Running Club's Emma Cull today claimed 1st lady in the Personal Bash 10 mile trail race.

Well done Emma, a lot of hard work has paid off.

MRC 5 MILE FIX

The superstar that is Vicky S has set up a 5-mile segment on Strava that starts at the gate of the track, loops Mickleover, and then back to the gate.

You have the whole of July to run it.

Not sure about the route? please look at Vicky S' Strava (link below) and its the route she ran on the 9th July 2020 named "MRC 5 mile fix" or download the .gpx (link below)

If you appear on the segment... you will be entered into a draw for an awesome prize of not only a £25 gift voucher for the Derby Runner but 12 incredible doughnuts by the legends at Project D and Hairy Helmet Beer!

Vic's run on Strava

DOWNLOAD GPX FILE

photo of the fortnight

Here's a photo of John enjoying the nomad.

It truly was an incredible achievement last Sunday by the whole team.

Well done everyone involved including the support teams.

Really shows what a great club we are members of.

CAMPING & TRAIL RUNNING WEEKEND
12-13th sept. 2020

The MRC social committee is trying to organise a camping trip very similar to the one we had in 2018 involving a Trail run, pub stop, and an evening around a campfire.

It would be a great opportunity to get together and of course, adhering to the guidelines that are in place at the time regarding C19 at all times.

click here to read more...

COVID-19 INFORMATION/RISK ASSESSMENT

Myself and Dai have put together a COVID-19 Information/ Risk Assessment in preperation of the Club Re-opening.

This can be found using the link below.

COVID-19 INFORMATION/RISK ASSESSMENT

Running for Good
The Fiona Oakes Documentary

Documentary following world record marathon runner Fiona Oakes in her attempt not only to set a new global record in endurance racing, but to compete in the “toughest footrace on earth,” the Marathon Des Sables, a 250km race through the Sahara Desert.

Fiona Oakes has made a name for herself as a unique endurance runner. She is the fastest woman in the world to run a marathon on all seven continents, and the north pole, in both cumulative and elap sed time.

Available on Amazon Prime.

HERES THE TRAILER...

on the run with ...
Ewan Mitchell

CLUB
WHEN DID YOU START RUNNING AND WHEN DID YOU JOIN MICKLEOVER RUNNING CLUB?

I joined the club Jan 2018 put I started running when I was a kid, just after getting to secondary school. When we ran cross country at PE I couldn't help myself blazing around the route. Don't think anyone else was bothered to be honest.

I ended up being a pretty good schoolboy running. County champ at 1500m when I lived in Glasgow. I was pretty good. My pb for 1500m was 4.20 when I was 14.

I ran for Bellahouston Harriers in Glasgow.

In 1984 my family moved to Derby and I ran for Derby and County AC.

In 88 I contracted Glandular fever. Running fell off a cliff and I went to University. I fell into smoking, drinking and general student malaise...running didn't get a look in.

I really only picked it up again around 2000.

Since then I've always run but I am doing more than ever now...all due to the great support of MRC.

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING IN A RUNNING CLUB?

It provides me with a real motivation to keep up my running. Whilst I have always run I have drifted in and out love with it. The club has made me focus and has provided a social aspect to my running that I really enjoy. I've made great new friends.

WHEN AND WHO DO YOU RUN WITH THE CLUB?

As a run leader I run with lots of different people. Typically the 8.30 group but I can (just about) do the 7.30s. I try to go on both Tuesdays and Thursdays to help where possible. It provides the discipline I need and the opportunity to catch up. Over lock down I have run with James Upton, Malcolm Gatenby and Ross Bennett at different times...all with social distancing.

YOU

WHAT HAS BEEN YOU BEST RUNNING ACHIEVEMENT?

In 2000 I wasn't well...lots has been said about how running can improve your mental health and I can vouch for that.

Work was incredibly difficult, I was ill- but didn't realise at the time. I had drifted out of running. I wasn't myself and it was impacting on my family. Things were very miserable.

On a whim I went for the London Marathon lottery...and got in 😖.

I started training on Jan 1st 2001 and on marathon day in April ran 3.03 at London. Going into it I had no idea how well I would run...I trained on my own, rained in feel with no GPS etc.

I was an emotional wreck at the end. I cried and cried. I can still feel the emotion now writing this. I had achieved something and this was the catalyst for my recovery.

WHAT IS YOUR RUNNING AMBITION?

I love marathons. I haven't done as many as I would have liked so I think it is reasonable to run at least a marathon a year....ideally a different one every year.

I'd like to be good for my age for London qualification again...that will take some doing but completely possible- albeit it doesn't guarantee a run at London.

I don't race much now. I might only race 4 or 5 times a year and this helps me with focus. I admire those you can run race after race. My body won't put up with it...and I am injury prone...which is incredibly frustrating.

WHY DO YOU RUN?

Primarily mental health and physical. I look at running as a kind of health insurance.

Love the chat as well.

FAVOURITE PLACE TO RUN?

I love to run along the coast. When we go on holiday I love getting up early, putting the running shoes on and running alongside the sea. It's like nothing else and provides me with a real level of happiness and joy.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORST RUN?

I did the Derby 10k a few years ago and my calf muscle popped after 5k. Bloody sore but I finished. I tend not to do 5 and 10k races as this is now pretty much how things go. Just getting old.

BEST RUNNING PHRASE?

When I was as Derby and County our coach used to always shout "DIG IN!". I always use this mantra in my head. It's short, snappy and takes me to times when I was actually pretty good at running.

FAVOURITE RUNNING PHOTO?

Please see photo above.

HAVE YOU EVER LOST YOUR RUNNING MOJO AND HOW DID YOU GET IT BACK?

Numerous times...university, first job, young family, post grad qualifications all helped me lose focus. I've always come back to running due to its simplicity and the joy I get from it. It's just sometimes I have forgotten about it.

BEST ROUTE AROUND MICKLEOVER/DERBY?

This summer I have run much more on trail. My favourite is along the canal from Shardlow back to Mickleover. It's flat, lots of wildlife, simple running, away from the suburban stuff.

WHO WOULD BE ON YOUR WISH LIST TO RUN WITH?

My hero as a kid was Steve Jones. He was an incredible athlete, and was world marathon record holder in 1984 at Chicago. Gritty, bold and courageous.

Love to have a jog with him.

WORST/BEST RUNNING ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

Best advice is my own and it probably only suits me...I can't stick to a strict training programme. I run on feel. It's not technically clever but it makes me happy. I know what I need to do and I generally do it.

Worst...probably forgotten it. Probably something about speedwork. Not a fan of anything faster than 6.30 min miles in training.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU RUN?

I like to listen to podcasts. Favourite at the moment is "Jon Ronson On". He's a clever guy and a great journalist. Available from BBC Sounds or your podcast provider.

RUN TO TIME OR DISTANCE?

Distance. Pace takes care of itself for me. Even on marathons I don't look at time until second half of a race.

RACE/EVENTS
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE RACE AND WHY?

I loved the Barcelona marathon last year. I saw Ross at the start too. Great city...saw the sites and went see Barcelona play at the Camp Nou.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRE-RACE RITUALS AND FOOD AND DRINK.

Pretty traditional...pasta, potatoes, rice on lead up. Try to stay off the beer. Porridge and a banana on the day.

I always take on too much liquid before the start of a race and have to queue up for a wee (or sneak one in a bush).

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD TO RUN, WHERE WOULD IT BE?

I was in San Francisco a few years back and by coincidence saw the marathon there. Love to do that over the Golden Gate Bridge.

WHAT’S YOUR ONE RACE ESSENTIAL?

The right shoes. I love my running shoes and have a pair for almost every running eventuality. If I feel I have chosen the wrong ones for my event it stresses me out.

WOULD YOU RUN A MARATHON WITHOUT GETTING A MEDAL?

As long as it's on Strava 😂