Roadhoggs Leicester AC
Kim would have been proud! Our inspirational leader might have been helping City secure a point against Pompey but the mudhoggs were out in force. An unseasonably mild day attracted a record field of well over 300, many of them in fancy dress. The famous gorilla was joined by Buzz and Woody, American footballers, mobsters, pirates and more cross-dressers than a season full of pantomimes. Not to be outdone, our Jackie and Clare M were sporting very fetching tutus. Full report to follow. Results and pictures on the Harriers' site.
Congratulations to Tom and Nicola on the birth of Amy Florence Elsie Martin.
After an absence of 4 years, the Gaddesby Gallop made a welcome return. Old hands Dale and Dave managed to persuade a bunch of fellow Roadhogg mud lovers to join them and much fun was had by all. The famed dewpond might have gone (no water) but there was plenty of claggy mud and a good wade through Gaddesby Brook to keep everyone happy. Nick came 4th but we'll have to wait to find out where everyone else came. Sam reckoned it was the best course he's done and he certainly enjoyed a good run. Ruth, who seemed to be the only one not to have been out boozing with their workmates the day before, had a really good run; finishing well up and leading our trio of ladies home. Results
The Turkey Trot is always good for a PB or two and it didn't disappoint. Clare and Valérie both broke the 2 hour mark for the first time. Valérie has been doing plenty of long runs and Clare has added speed sessions to her normal training, so they've both been rewarded for hard work. Miguel made the top 50 and Richard had a good run, too.
It took until the fourth race of the season, but we finally had some mud; even if we did have to go all the way to Derby to find it! Captain Kim was so excited by the prospect that he gave up his preferred role of 'Hospitality Centre Manager' and put his spikes on for a crack at the new Allestree Park course. The course proved to be a real tester with some tough climbs and a rapid descent. The parkland surroundings made for a great event, spoilt only by the 1 mile walk from the car park - luckily for Kim, he'd brought Sam and Hannah to carry his bags for him!
Mike grabbed a magnificent 4th place (rumour has it there was even some show-boating at the end) and Nick came in 6th. Ludo and Ceri were under the weather but Miguel, Dale and Dave went well. Ruth and Jackie had a good battle, both finishing in the 30s, and Valerie took her weekend's mileage to an impressive 21. Kim's report, results.
A foggy day but nice cool conditions and perfect under foot. Mike (7th) continued to show Nick (8th) how it's done (cutting out the Saturday session might be part of it, but what do I know?). Steve W made his cross country debut and Ceri actually admitted to enjoying himself! Ruth led the ladies in, continuing her race-by-race improvement. We were able to enjoy the customary coffee (thanks, Kim) and cakes (thanks, Valerie and Trudy) in the Roadhoggs Hospitality Centre' afterwards. Results. Read Kim's report.
Rain and 30mph winds were not enough to dampen the spirit. Ludo hadn't run further than 8 miles since Nottingham, Rob had only 2 hours sleep (thanks to young Harry) and Jon had completed a Marathon 2 days before but everyone took the conditions in their stride.
Bagworth without mud - it's like an England rugby player without a drink. Once again, road shoes were the choice for many. The major hazard was the rutted ground. In a strong field, Mike was 9th and Nick 10th, Mike have decided to rely on four-wheeled transport this time. Bec (29th) was leading lady and Ruth went well for 40th. Results and full report.
Hoggs out in force and lots of smiles for the camera. Nick was 7th in the half and Miguel bagged 23rd and a new PB. Richard lowered his PB again, Dan missed his by 7 seconds and Sam and Clare went well in the first halves. In the full, Jerry showed he is recovering his form with 3.20.16 and, after doing it all over the country, John Stew finally broke the 4 hour barrier in his home event. Picture gallery.
The cross country season kicked off in sweltering heat and no mud in sight. Water at the end turned out to be a medical necessity rather than an optional extra. Mike probably expended more energy reaching the venue than he did finishing an excellent 10th after he punctured on the way, arriving with just seconds to spare (courtesy of a lift and a borrowed bicycle pump). Jackie's progress was much more serene as she was first lady home in 30th. Read Kim's report.
It seems like Valérie has found the secret to successful race preparation......a heavy session the night before. I understand that Craig and Tom might have had something to do with instructing her in what one could call 'the Chamberlain method'. The result was a big chunk off her Half Marathon PB, the fourth time she's broken it in 8 months, on the demanding Kibworth course. Nick also went well in the half and Jackie had a great run in the third (which tackles Gumley Hill as well as Saddington), coming in 4th lady.
A warm welcome to Harry George Milstead and congratulations to proud parents Charlotte and Rob.
Under 3 hours, how about that for a debut? I think we all thought he had the ability but to deliver in testing conditions with an injury that has restricted his training for the last month was really special. Honourable mentions too for Miguel, Dan, Richard and Valerie who all lowered their PBs in the half.
A nice bit of light rain made for comfortable running and was reflected in some good times. Mike was 12th, Nick 20th (+PB) and Mark 30th. There were also good runs from Mark R (PB), Trudy (PB) and Clare M in her first 10-miler. Provisional results.
Man of the moment, Miguel, triumphed in the annual club 10K handicap. The early running was made by Jackie, surprising the handicapper with her pace after a long injury lay off, but Miguel's speed told in the final run down Manor Road. Special mentions too, for Valerie, Mark J and Mark C who all managed to better their handicaps.
An unhelpfully humid evening meant times were generally slower. Not that this stopped Valerie and Ludo (just back from warm weather training), Miguel (South American pedigree) and Clare O showing us all what was possible by bagging PBs. Special mention too, for Lee, Mark J and Janet who all ran their first race for us. Full results.
Well, we just managed to field a team but we're indebted to the Stevely family for contributing 3 members. Fourteen Hoggs (in varying states of repair) were joined by Ruth's husband David and son Billy. Everyone did themselves proud, allowing us to finish 4th out of the nine teams entered. Congratulations to Nick, Sam, Miguel, Ian, Dan, Jerry (who discovered that giving blood does for a runner what a haircut achieved for Samson), Dave, Lianne (her first time on the track), Sally, Ruth, Billy, Trudy, John, Valerie, Ludo and David.
Second claimer Nick Beer made a stunning debut for the Hoggs, grabbing 4th place. Mike (10th), Nick C (20th) and Ludo (24th) all finished well up and we had a record turn out of 37. For the ladies, Clare O was on fire and Clare M and Lianne marked their League debuts with excellent runs. Results.
Congratulations to Aaron Scott of Notts AC, winner of the Glooston 10K. We hope you all enjoyed your run. Results. Pictures are linked from the Glooston page.
A wet Swithland for the third year running. Unfortunately, the extra expenses of road closures and chip timing meant there were no welcoming towels at the finish, this time. We lost one or two to illness and injury but still managed to finish over 30 runners. One definite stand out performance was that of Dan, who targeted David and Hitesh in the race and as a result got towed to a spectacular PB. It also looks like there were PBs for Nick, Ludo, Neil, Miguel, Richard (a big improvement) and Steve W, who has really hit form recently. Full results.
A year ago, Miguel ran his first race in the UK - the Marrowthon 5K in Abbey Park. Last weekend, he returned to pick up an outstanding 3rd place finish in 18.21, knocking 2.17 off his 2010 time.
You've heard of 'Sleepless in Seattle', well you could call this 'Almost in Arnesby'. Nick was narrowly beaten into second place by Rob Pullen. You could put it down to Rob's better knowledge of the course (he's a previous winner) but it truth neither of them knew which way to go and it probably had more to do with Nick having been on the razz the night before (no dedication, these kids)! Dale and Dave were also out to play, on a course turned into a real mudfest by persistent rain. Don't suppose there'll be results anytime soon.
Roadhoggs have just taken Derbyshire by storm. Ludo notched his first podium finish with a magnificent 2nd in the White Peak Half (in a field of 251). All 4 Hoggs recorded their fastest ever times. In the Full, Rob bagged a classy top 10 finish and walked off with the V50 prize as well.
One week after observing the latter stages of the Hinckley Half from a horizontal position, Trudy showed it takes more than a close encounter of the paramedic kind to keep her down. Certainly, the ducks were the only ones who could be accused of waddling at Wymeswold as she recorded 41.10, her fastest 5 miler for nearly 3 years.
Fifteen Hoggs enjoyed the windy weather at the Hinckley Half. Ludo finished in a fantastic 15th place (in an event with nearly 1000 finishers) and both he and Dan lowered their PBs. There were plenty of other good runs, too.
What better way to spend a sunny Bank Holiday than communing with nature in the beautiful Charnwood countryside? OK, so we did run 13.5 miles and the wind was so wicked that witches are consulting their lawyers but charity will be the winner. Ludo only missed out on a 'podium' by one place and Colin mounted a successful assault on the top 20 - uncharted territory for both of them. Dale replicated last year's strong result but Dave's 'Cote du Rhone' sports nutrition strategy looks like it needs a little tinkering. Rob was hampered by a cold but Rex should be running in a black vest with a copper coloured top, because like the famous battery, he just keeps on going
We may have finished 6th of 6 but it would have taken surgery to remove the smile from Kim's face. Not only did we field a full team in every race, we also won our division. The 'National Final' included the champions of Leagues from Hampshire, West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire/Leicestershire. It turns out that we were the only Second Division team there. The course was as hilly as usual but was the driest we've ever encountered, so times were quick. Nick excelled again with 5th and the way our ladies have battled with illness and injury through the season was epitomised by Valerie's determination to make sure we fielded a team in the final. Well done everyone!
We celebrated the advent of Summer training in time honoured fashion by wearing our silliest hat (or in Baz's case, best frock) and showing the good citizens of Leicester that we don't take ourselves too seriously. This was followed by 'rustic' chip butties in the Cow & Plough. The summer schedule continues with some off road running from Manor Road.
The hills were alive - with the sound of Roadhoggs! Even with a handful of regulars missing, we set a new club record of 33 (plus one guest) finishers. Sam made his debut and there were seasonal first starts for Bec (back from injury), Hannah and Steve W. Not content with a managerial record that will soon have Sir Alex looking over his shoulder, Roadhoggs' Cross Country supremo, Kim, came to help us get to grips with this road running lark.
We had 4 in the top 50 courtesy of Mike (11th), Nick (16th), Ludo (38th) and Peter (47th) and the rest of the men's team responded to the perfect conditions with impressive performances. Clare led the ladies with an excellent 14th and there were a string of good finishes to back her up. Results. Report.
Congratulations to Paul, who has just smashed his PB and recorded his first sub-4 hour Marathon in sunny Barcelona. Look out London!
Roadhoggs, perpetual cross country Cinderellas are finally going to the ball (well, the National Final). At the beginning of the day the aim was to keep hold of second place in the combined Division 2. So well did everyone work to defend our slim advantage that we ended coming first! There was a great showing from our men with the counting 8 all in the first 85 places, but the real heroics came from the ladies. Our small loyal band of lady mud lovers has been decimated by injury and illness, so it was really in the balance whether we'd have a team. In the event, Jackie and Trudy were joined by Clare and Anita. Anita deserves special praise for answering the call and slogging through all that mud and water to make everyone else's efforts actually count. With that sort of team spirit, it's no wonder we won! Read Kim's full report.
What with the distractions of half-term and enough injuries to keep MASH fully stretched, we were a little depleted at Desford. Fortunately we had our own 'Hawkeye' (Keith) to make sure spirits remained high. It was one of those cold and wet days that are fine for racing but not so good for the waiting around bit. Nick seems to still have a bit of that Budapest beer in his legs but Ludo is flying. Neil bagged a PB, Craig is starting to get his sharpness back, and Jon and Martin keep on raising the bar. Only three ladies made it to the start, so hats off to Jackie, Trudy and Alison L. Full report and results.
Bagworth is not a course for speed merchants; there are tricky little gradients, adverse cambers and above all, MUD! We managed 15 runners, including the all important 4 ladies (thanks to Sumina running with an injury). Nick marked his return from holiday with 13th, Ludo was in the 30s, and Jerry and Colin in the 60s. Jackie ran well and was ably supported by Trudy, Hannah and Sumina. Read Kim's report. Results.
A wet and windy morning wasn't enough to dampen the Roadhogg spirit. On a day when even healthy people would favour staying in bed, Jackie Jackie defied "a throat like barbed wire" to do her bit for the team. There was another classy performance from Mike and Ludo broke the top 50 for the first time. Dale finally made the counting eight but had to battle Mark R for the honour. Craig and Roger started the journey back to full fitness and Ian made his league debut. Jon and Martin had a right old scrap and Dan looks a more accomplished runner with every race. Results and full report.
The trip to Marrakech could have left us under-strength but fortunately, the cavalry came to our rescue; the man they call Zorro, Jerry and Mark R all made their first appearances of the season and we were able to field another strong team. Many of our ladies were otherwise engaged but Jackie led the team with a great performance and most improved on their runs at Barrow.
Baz inspects Mark's new coaching aid.
Early news from Marrakech: Ludo and Valerie set new PBs, Mark's hamstring only makes it as far as the first bar.
Another huge field (over 500) and another great turn out for Roadhoggs. Amy, Alison, Colin B, Dan and Richard all made their debuts and Rob M made his comeback after a year's sabbatical. Nick and Clare (25th and 20th, respectively) led us home and there were lots of great performances, including a few PBs. Ludo and Valerie showed what a difference a year (and some speed work) can do, taking huge chunks (5 minutes and 4 minutes) off their times from last year. Colin made a storming start to his racing career, Peter showed he's coming back to form, Ceri carried on where he left off last year and Miguel must have been doing a spot of altitude training back in his native Chile! Full report and Results.
Nick Cobley won the popular vote, being crowned 'Athlete of the Year' for the second year in succession. He also walked off with the Cross Country Award - reward for a string of top 10 finishes. Other winners were; Angela Ladkin and Jerry Wilkes (Road Running Captains' Awards), Ceri Davies (Most Improved Athlete), Steve Martin (Services to Roadhoggs), Alison & Dave Lodwick (Chairman's Award). There was also a special presentation made to Pat Martin.
There was a howling gale but conditions underfoot were nigh on perfect. It may be very technical but this has got to be one of the best cross country courses around. We had a decent turnout, with complete teams in all competitions and there were plenty of good performances. Nick was 7th, Ludo and Jerry both made the top 100, Bec and Jackie finished well for the ladies. Full results and Kim's report.
It is with sadness that we report the passing of Ed (Ted) Toft. Familiar to all in his role as race referee for the LRRL and many other local races, he was an unstinting supporter of our sport, giving freely of his time, his no nonsense common sense and his wealth of knowledge. The sympathies of the entire Leicestershire running community go to his family.
Hannah wasted no time in putting her new year's resolution, to assist the elderly, into action when she helped this old boy across the line at the Huncote Hash. Kim would have been delighted at the growing popularity of the muddy stuff among the Hoggs. We had 12 finishers and one guest (welcome back, Kelley) and some great performances. Nick bagged his now customary top ten finish and Ludo out-sprinted Jerry to gain revenge for his defeat at Seagrave.