Saturday 18th December
Westbury Harriers – Weekly News
Editors Piece
I’ve recently bought myself a better quality headtorch and I’m now enjoying some off-road trail running in the dark and would recommend the experience to others.
During the week I only get the opportunity to go running after work and normally by that time it’s pitch black outside. Although I can go running on the road it gets a little boring so trail running in the dark is a little more adventurous and makes my running more enjoyable.
I’ve been running routes that I’m very familiar with, such as around Leigh Woods or Blaise because in the dark it’s quite easy to get disorientated, so by running a route I know well there’s fewer chances of becoming lost! Even with a very bright head torch I take it easy, running at a moderate pace so I can look out for obstacles.
A head torch rather than a chest mounted running light is much better for trail running as it’s always pointing in the direction you’re looking. Chest mounted lights tend to have that annoying habit of swinging from left to right as you run which is fine on the streets, but not great in the woods. I’ve purchased a ledlenser and at 400 lumens is perfect for my needs but they do a massive range, some a lot brighter. Silva and Petzl are some of the other main brands.
If you really enjoy it why not try an off road race in the dark? The next RogueRuns Night Race is at Chepstow Racecourse on January 20th 7:30pm following some of the Wye Valley and Piercefield Park or perhaps Beechenhurst Lodge in the Forest of Dean on February 11th at 7:30pm. This event is is advertised as a beginners course along forest trails with no mud. https://sites.google.com/site/roguerunsevents/home/our-events/night-runs
Yate Track Sessions
We have the final track session of 2021 on Tuesday. I’m not sure exactly what we’re doing but I’m sure Nicola will post something on facebook nearer the time.
There will not be a formal Thursday intervals session although keep an eye on facebook in case a run leader offers an informal session.
RunTogether
Just because it’s the run up to Christmas next week that does not mean running has to stop. We have a few group runs being offered, please just check the date, time and location on the RunTogether site. https://groups.runtogether.co.uk/WestburyHarriersRunningClub/Runs
Brailsford Lights
Last week every group had the opportunity to run out to Brailsford and enjoy the spectacular Christmas lights. The evening was finished off with a very enjoyable buffet at the Black Swan and Santa even made a surprise appearance to hand out some boxes of chocolates.
It was nice to see everybody got in the spirit and dressed up in a festive outfit. Pictured above and below a few photos from the evening including one of Steve, who could be heard telling all the ladies that if they gave Santa’s nose a rub all their Christmas wishes would come true!
Social Run from Blaise Club House
Don’t forget there’s the social run taking place from the Blaise clubhouse for all groups on Tuesday 28th December. Mulled wine and minced pies after the run. Booking via the RunTogether site.
Save Kingsdown Sports Centre
Some of you may be interested to learn Bristol City council is planning to close Kingsdown Sports Centre. If you would like to learn more please use the link below. There’s also an opportunity to sign a petition which is on the same link. https://tinyurl.com/2p8mze5a
Help Needed for Promotional Video
Alex Hayward, who’s family have run for the club, has requested that as part of his level 3 course at SGS college he has been asked to produce a video to help promote a company or sporting organisation.
The task is for work experience and no payment is sought, with the end goal having a professional looking promotional video for the club to use if they wanted to.
Alex wonders if Westbury Harriers would be interested in supporting the project or if you know anyone else who would be interested. If you would like to help Alex out please let me know and I’ll pass on your details.
Congratulations
Well done to Finn Goodhew (pictured below)on another impressive result, coming home in 6th place on the Skirrid Fell Race. Apparently, the run along the ridge was fantastic although the descent was very challenging with Finn suffering a few grazes on the way down but as we all know, fell runners are made of tough stuff!
Strava Segment of the Week
Well done to Clive Attwood who achieved two personal records on Strava segments ‘Parkrun second hill’ in a time of 4 minutes and ‘Parkrun finish’ in a time of fifty seconds. Clive was also 3rd in his age group, a very impressive result.
Diary Dates
Sunday 19th December Tri Counties XC Championships, Bath
Sunday 19th December Weston’s Christmas Cracker 10k.
Sunday 26th December Clevedon AC Boxing Day Race. A great event to work off the Christmas excesses. https://www.clevedonac.co.uk/races/2-boxing-day-race
Tuesday 28th December Bank Holiday Festive Run, starting from the Blaise Clubhouse
Sunday 2nd January 2022, South West XC Championships RNAS Merryfield, Ilminster
Sunday 16th January Riverbank Rollick, Thornbury
Thursday Jan 20th 7:30 pm. Off Road Night Race 2 Wye Valley and Piercefield Park, Chepstow Race Course. Wye Valley and Piercefield Park. Easy access, good parking and a cosy event base at Chepstow Race Course … plus our usual quality course.
Sunday 23rd January Doynton Hard Half Marathon, a ‘horrible’ cross country. https://www.doyntonhardhalfmarathon.co.uk
Sunday 23rd Jan Speedway 10k. Beachley. https://tinyurl.com/2p8f7nf7
11th February 7:30pm Beechenhurst Lodge FoD Night Race. A beginners course totally on forest trails with no mud. Road shoes may be suitable (depending on weather conditions in the days leading up to the event). This is a fast course with a ‘hard- pack’ gravel surface throughout.
Saturday 19th February Gwent League Cross Country, Blaise Castle
Saturday 19th March Gwent League Cross Country, Singleton Park, Swansea
Saturday 19th March 20 & 1/2 Fission ,fast flat 20 miler starting at Berkeley Power Station. Half marathon option too. Now in its 7th year, this event has sold out every year.
Sunday 7th July Tintern Trot, 10k trail run along the Wye Valley.
Saturday 30th July Magor 10K, fast, flat and furious.
Editor this Week
Ian Gawinowski is Westbury Harriers Communications Officer and can be contacted via communication@westburyharriers.co.uk
