Sam McIndoe was awarded the March Member of the Month for her run in the Salisbury 10 Mile race, for leading Group Runs on Thursdays and for all the charity fund raising that she does.

Of course it would be wet and cold on our first RR10 event. And of course I would need a wee as soon as I arrived at the Queen Victoria Country Park. And of course the toilets were locked. Hmmm.  Thankfully I found a bush of suitable criteria and got my loving husband to stand look-out for me (seriously, how many dog walkers were there??)

Toilet issues aside, it was brilliant to see so many Hedgies turn up for the event and everyone smiling and cheerful despite the rather depressing weather. After warming up, we headed to the start. I decided to position myself fairly near the front (but far enough away from the ‘almost elites’ so that I wouldn’t get laughed at). Jostling elbows with people, we waited.

And then we were off!

Despite telling myself multiple times not to go off too fast, I went off too fast. Splashing away through puddles, trying desperately not to fall over in the crowds of people, I decided not to look at my Garmin and just go with how I felt. Anyway I was too busy looking at my feet and the precariously terrain to navigate my sleeve and watch. But I knew I’d set out too fast. I told myself to just hold on for as long as possible.

A fellow Hedgie (Michelle) was just ahead of me and going a good pace so I decided to stick behind her so I wouldn’t have to think too much. Alas though her shoelace became undone and she had to duck to the side. This meant I had to pace myself, which is never good.

After about a mile a guy I know from Stubbington loped next to me and did a casual “Oh hey Anna” and then loped off ahead seemingly effortlessly. I grimaced at his back, feeling the burn in my legs and lungs already. This was going to be a tough one.

The course had several twists and turns and a thick spread of mud. I cursed my choice of trainers (road shoes) as I slipped and slided about. It was tricky to overtake, it required very careful planning. Snot rockets flew all over the place from various people around me but I kept focused on a) not falling over and b) not dying. Thankfully there were only a few hills. I tried to pretend it was just a slightly longer (and muddier) Parkrun as that voice in my head (you know the voice) told me I should just slow down and take it easy.

I had no awareness of where the course would end (would it ever end? my legs despaired) and only knew vaguely it was 4-5 miles long. My watch had beeped a few times already – surely we must be done soon??

As we ran down to the seafront bit for the second time I thought we could potentially have two more hills as I couldn’t work out where the finish was. I told myself to expect the course to go up to the Bluebell woods so I could prepare myself.

Amazingly it was only one hill. One of the marshals shouted “only 300m left”. I could see the finish (round a few bends yet though). And I could hear Karen shouting in the distance “Come on, Anna!”

Head down, focus on running. Go! Go! Go! [Quick notice of photographer – ack, that’s going to be a bad one…] AND FINISH!

After a moment of respite (read: stop feeling sick) I handed in my number in surprise – was I really 10th female? The hard work was definitely worth it!

But the most important part of the evening? The cakes ;-)

As we are starting to increase in size as a club, this sees the social media side of things start to increase in terms of what we are offering as a club.

We thought it a good idea to give people to chance to have a 'how to use Twitter guide' as this is a social media platform that is really starting to take off.

We are not saying this is something you must use, this is just a slightly more informal social media which many people do like to use.

The guide is available by following the link below.

We hope you find it useful, if you would like to join the Twitter bandwagon #redwhiteandblue

Entries for the Summer version of the Meon Valley Plod are now open.  The 21 mile event takes place on the 6th July.

http://www.runningdiary.co.uk/race/summer-plod

There are many types of stretching but the focus of this article is on dynamic and static stretching, both of which are aimed at injury prevention and increasing performance. 

1 JUNE 2014 – Starts 10am

Purbrook Heath Pavillion ,
Purbrook, Waterlooville,
PO7 5RU 



Online Entries – http://www.runningdiary.co.uk/race/purbrook-ladies-5

www.runnersworld.co.uk

Download Paper Entry Form

The Purbrook Ladies 5mile road race is a single lap course on quiet country lanes, starting and finishing at Purbrook Heath, approximately 3 miles north of Portsmouth.

It’s a very friendly race and although it attracts some very good competitors – it is also an ideal course for beginners seeking race experience. Ages range from under 20 – 70+.

There is ample showering and changing facilities and refreshments will be available after the race.
Prizes will be awarded in all categories with mementos to all finishers. There will be ‘spot prizes’.

Would you like to train with friendly like-minded joggers?

Then why not join us for some FREE evening training sessions? Men are also welcome to join us for the training, though can’t enter the event.

When:             Every Wednesday from 2nd April – 6.30pm prompt

Where:            Purbrook Heath. Park next to tennis courts, just opposite the entrance to The Rowans Hospice in Purbrook Heath Road.

Route:             We will complete the whole 5 mile circular course around the leafy lanes of Purbrook, Sheepwash and Potwell.

Pace:               Any! And we mean ALL  are welcome. We will adapt our run/jog to suit all abilities.

The Brighton Half Marathon we would like to let you know that registration for the 2015 event will go live in 20 days, on Monday 14th April.

Once again we are expecting places to sell quickly, please put the date in the diary as we would love to see you on the start line in our 25th anniversary year!

The WR10K Race Series is back and it’s bigger for 2014, with more venues and locations nationwide to choose from.

Our race series ambassador, Nell McAndrew, says: ‘Women should sign up for the Women’s Running 10K Race Series because it’s a friendly event, so whatever your goal – whether you’re a first timer or looking to set a new PB – everyone is welcome.’

21st June 10am - Southampton Common

http://wr10k.co.uk/21014-races/southampton-common-southampton/

Situated just to the north of the city centre, Southampton Common is a much-loved and well-used green space and is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Our route is gently undulating and offers a fascinating mix of woodland and parkland. It’s largely made up of excellent surfaced pathways, though there are also some short linking sections of trail and grassland.