Andy Lawrence looking pretty pleased with himself having broken his own marathon club record in Boston.
Marathon season is well and truly upon us, with more, much more to come next week.
In the Boston Marathon last weekend, Andy Lawrence lowered his own pb of 2:29.36 by 3 minutes to 2:26.40. Simply superb. Also in Boston, Sarie Weaving achieved her goal of going sub 3 hours by running a time of 2:59.59 ! I think that’s called cutting it fine. Well done Sarie. I also saw that Amelia Giles completed the Manchester marathon. Well done Amelia.
We don’t get many Triathlon reports which is a shame as the Tri group is an important part of our club but this week we have Fin Hutchinson’s wonderful report on his Stratford Sprint Triathlon last weekend. Truly he is an inspirational young man, with knee surgery some 16 months ago failing to deter him from doing what he loves to do and what he does so well. Super well done Fin.
Lucia gives us her weekly advice column, this week on the importance of sleep. As someone who arrived home at 11:45pm on Wednesday night after a thoroughly boring football match and still awoke at 6:20, I think I might give her advice some serious consideration.
There was a wonderful victory for Harry Jolly in last weekend’s Coventry 10k, a race in which Angela Mclean finished 2nd in her age category. Well done both.
5 of our talented junior T&Fers competed with assurance at the iconic Alexander Stadium recently. A wonderful experience for them I am sure.
Simon Penson has been doing what Simon Penson does, competing in long and hilly stuff. Very long and very hilly. He made me smile when he commented on the length of his race been 26ish miles. True Sky Blue Sarah Odell had a weekend to remember. Her beloved football team securing promotion, running the Shropshire Half Mammathon and then celebrating hubby’s 60th birthday. As she says in her report – If Carlsberg did weekends ! Also competing in Shropshire was the indefatigable Emma Davis running the 10k.
To say this weekend is a biggie would be something of an understatement, with 15 of our members’ competing in the London Marathon, junior members’ running in the London Mini Marathon 24 hours earlier and competitors running in Stratford. Good luck to them all and don’t forget to send in your reports.
By the skin of her teeth indeed.
In just her second marathon, Sarie Weaving’s aim in Boston was to run sub 3 hours. Her time 2:59.59 ! Phew. Super well done.
Boston Marathon
2:26:40
Report – Andy Lawrence
This marathon major is truly unique and it is well known for its downhills and uphills, making it a very difficult course to get right.
On the buses out to the start line I was thinking of last time out at this distance where I had fallen apart in Chicago. I promised myself I’d come back stronger and now it was nearly showtime.
The goal? A 2:28 marathon.
After a very surreal flyover from a U.S aeroplane whilst on the start line, we were off and straight into an aggressive downhill. People think downhills are your friend but too many of them and they will destroy your legs.
They were relentless for the first 5 miles. I was enjoying them though and making sure I didn’t overcook them.
The crowd was electric and soon I was through halfway in 1:12:54 feeling smooth. By far the quickest I’ve hit halfway in a marathon but I knew the Newton Hills were coming.
I flew through to 27k and that’s when the three uphills come at you. First one up and I was telling myself ‘effort, effort, effort’ and not to worry about the pace dropping. I got to the top of the first one and thought ‘ if the other 2 are like that I’m in trouble’.
Second one came and went pretty easy and then the big one, ‘Heartbreak Hill’ where this notoriously derails peoples’ marathons. It felt like the crowd pushed me up it. It was hard but I just kept my eyes on the top and got there feeling fairly undamaged.
That’s when I knew this was possible. That I was on for something special.
Downhill into Boston and the pace and belief were flowing through every kilometre.
Right on Hereford. Left on Boylston. The finish line came into sight and just like that, I became a 2:26 marathoner. An absolute pinch me moment
I said I would come back stronger from Chicago and I had the best time doing it. This was the redemption run 👊
London’s Calling
London here we come!
4 of the 15 of our club members’ listed as competing in the London Marathon on Sunday collect their numbers for the big day.
L to R: Jennifer Cockayne. Kate Sergent, Pip Bell and Kim Lee.
Good luck ladies
Proud parents indeed and rightfully so.
Jo and Tim Hutchinson with son and sprint triathlete Fin Hutchinson.
Fin Hutchinson
Job done!
Stratford Sprint Triathlon
Report – Fin Hutchinson
After undergoing knee surgery in December 2024, my road to recovery was filled with hours in the pool. I decided to turn that rehabilitation into a new challenge: my first triathlon. Conveniently, a local race on home turf provided the perfect benchmark for my post-op progress.
Writing this now with surprisingly fresh legs and a huge sense of accomplishment, I’m thrilled to have completed the Stratford Sprint Triathlon in 1:09:28. That time placed me 79th out of 381 overall and 6th out of 12 in my age category.
I had originally put my swim time down for 8.45, to then update it to 8 mins. I managed to paddle the 400m in 7.32 – so a great start to the race. I won’t mention how long it took at transition, but after 22 years of getting dressed – I thought I would be able to get some shoes and socks on quicker!
With blue skies and a gentle breeze the 18km bike went by quickly in a time of 35.45. So with jelly legs and a better second transition; I set off on my 5km run. I was quite suprised to see that I had managed a time of 20.54.
Huge credit to the support crew of various friends and family members that came out to cheer me on over the line.
The adrenaline was incredible and most importantly the knee held up with no complaints until understandably being slightly achy afterwards.
While my transitions definitely leave room for improvement (my clear weakness!), I’m already looking forward to the next one.
A massive thank you to everyone who supported me through the rehab process—I refuse to let my knees have the final say!
Hi everyone,
It’s Lucia and this week my section is about sleep.
Here is this week’s thought, action, and fact.
Thought:
Many people know that sleep is important, yet they still go to bed late and then complain about feeling tired throughout the day. Instead of complaining they should fix their routine, so they wake up feeling well rested and ready for the day.
Action:
Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day – even on weekends. This routine helps your body to know when to be asleep and when to be awake. Also, you could try having a nap after lunch to re-energise you for the rest of the day.
Unusual Fact:
You can’t “catch up” on sleep like most people think. Sleeping in on weekends might feel good but it doesn’t fully rebalance the effects of not having enough sleep. This can actually confuse your body clock even more!
Come back next week where we see how to put food, exercise and sleep altogether.
Thank you for reading!
Lucia
Harry Jolly (20162).
Coventry 10k
Report – Harry Jolly
A few months back some colleagues decided to take on the Coventry 10k in support of University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire.
As the “regular runner” in the group I thought I’d really no choice but to get involved, especially given such a worthy cause. Not ideal a week before the Stratford Half that was pencilled in but oh well.
My initial plan to run with the team and make it a sociable one was kiboshed when they unanimously decided that wasn’t allowed.
Having recently taken advantage of Sarah’s excellent Monday night track sessions I then decided to have a pop at a PB and a target time was engrained.
Come race morning everything looked promising to run well in Carlsberg conditions, a perfect 8°C, clear skies and no more than a gentle breeze.
I set off on pace and found myself in a group of three a little back from the leading Godiva pair. It was soon apparent that the course was lumpier than expected and I slipped behind target pace, with this in mind and the front two not going away, I decided to abandon the clock and focus on position.
I didn’t really look at the watch after that and concentrated on gradually reeling them in drawing level after about the 5k.
In the second half I picked up the pace a little and slowly moved away for an unexpected victory.
Having (again) forgotten to stop my watch I didn’t know my time, but the results came through at 34.01 – two seconds behind the target but very content all the same.
A couple of photos with the Mayor and a microphone shoved under my nose by BBC C&W and it was time to start the race to Villa Park, made it, what a game.
The event organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All was superbly delivered bar the glaring and unfortunate well documented Half Marathon distance error. Great atmosphere, full road closures, well marshalled, lead motorbikes, decent water stations, bag drops etc.
It was the first time I’d run a city race and the support throughout was superb. Being so local it’s certainly one I’d recommend if you’ve not given it a go.
Editor’s note:
As well as Harry’s magnificent performance, I note that Angela Mclean finished 2nd in her age category. Well done Angela.
Lara (254) and Annabel (253) Ryan-Gill at Alexander Stadium.
Birchfield Harriers Young Athletes Open.
Alexander Stadium – Birmingham.
Report – Jon Ryan-Gill
5 of our junior athletes competed at this meeting. U14’s Lara and Annabel Ryan-Gill, Maggie Silvers, U16 Jasmine Mothershaw (3000m) and U18 Arthur Mansbridge.
Lara competed in 4 events, 75m hurdles (15:51 PB), 100m (15.11 PB – albeit she has run faster than this as a non qualifying PB), High Jump (1.20m) and Long Jump (3.37m). She won a gold for finishing 1st in her U14 age range.
Annabel competed in 3 events, 800m (2:56.79 PB), 100m (15.27 PB) and Long Jump (3.50m)
Maggie competed in 800m (2:30.93 PB) and won a silver medal for the U14 age range. A particularly good effort as she had competed in the Moulton Easter Open the day before.
Jasmine Mothershaw competed in U16 3,000m (12:44.15) and Arthur Mansbridge in U18 100m (11.83).
It was typical April weather with mixed sun and showers but that certainly didn’t dampen the atmosphere at this wonderful stadium.
Simon Penson
Mammathon 2026
43.3km, 1,432m
Report – Simon Penson
The Mammathon is a 26ish mile circuit with nearly 1,500m of climbing.
It starts and finishes at the Secret Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms, Shropshire and takes in the very best of the local countryside, including climbing onto the Long Mynd. It is self-guided which always adds a certain spice to events (thank goodness for GPS!).
I joined the start line with 250 other runners and walkers on a beautiful bright Saturday morning and a bit of a party atmosphere.
Once we were off and I realised that the going was a bit tougher than anticipated (especially the very muddy descents around Wenlock Edge), I decided not to worry about a time target and focused on enjoying the running (as well as eating and drinking properly-fortunately the feed stations did not disappoint).
The run through the woods on Wenlock Edge and the steep climb up Ragleth Hill gave great views but the best part off the route was the climb up Ashes Hollow from Little Stretton onto the Long Mynd. The effort was rewarded with a beautiful skyline run and views far into Wales.
In the end I was pleased with a disciplined run which meant finishing with a bit of gas in the tank and a smile on my face.
All in all a grand day out in the ‘ills!
Sarah Odell looking pretty pleased with herself. I’m surprised she wasn’t wearing a Sky Blue scarf!
Emma David and Sarah Odell indulging in a bit of low impact training.
Mammathon
Report – Sarah Odell
If Carlsberg did weekends.
What a weekend.
Sky Blues being promoted on Friday night meant a very late night, not ideal when you’ve got an early start the next morning to drive up to Shropshire.
Needless to say when Emma David picked me up I was still on cloud 9.
Arriving at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre to meet the others, Simon Penson had already set off on the marathon. Us half mammothoners were starting at 9am.
The route was a figure of 8 starting from the centre to the hamlet of Whettleton. Those historians among us will know that this is were fierce battles took place in the civil war.
You then run through the woods up to Clee Hills before back down to the centre. Along the way you have to collect stamps at each checkpoint.
At the half way point Emma made the sensible decision to do the 10k option, the second loop got a whole lot hiller and muddier. You then climb up to the tower known as Flouders Folly, then dropping down to Wenlock edge. The run down was challenging due to the depth of the mud and uneven steps, then it was back alongside the river to the finish, still singing Coventry songs to myself.
2243 feet of climbing over 14 miles, stunning weather and great company.
Home for more celebrations due to hubby turning 60.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
