Nerves eased after hitting the trail

Golden fields and blue skies add to trail appeal.

Event: Trails, Tales and Ales
Guest speaker: Lauren Gregory
Location: Chruch Farm Brewery, Budbrooke CV35 8QL
Date: Friday July 15, 2022

I CONFESS, I was a little nervous about my first Trails, Tales and Ales (TTA) event organised by Big Bear Events. While I love being out on the trails, I haven’t done so for some time.

As with many others, I’m cautiously easing back into running after lockdown.

I was unsure about what to expect: ‘What was it all about? ‘Was I ‘up to it,’ ‘Would I be able to keep up (and not get lost somewhere in the wilds of Warwickshire?)’

But, as is usually the case with this kind of thing, I needn’t have worried.

It was fantastic - delightful, energizing, satisfying, refreshing. And that was only the beer!

Cool delight after a warm run

I’d initially registered for Big Bear’s night-time run – the Gato Sports Head Torch 10k, around Salcey Forest, Northampton - in February.

Unfortunately, I was ‘grounded’ by Covid, and had to pull out.

But last Friday’s event, in the TTA series, with ultra-runner guest Lauren Gregory, sounded fun.

So I signed up.

The TTA event is a social run, not a race. You're not charging around the countryside battling it out for a medal and bragging rights.

There is no medal - but there's lovely ale!

What I want to praise straight off, is the brilliant organisation by Paul Albon, Race Director of the Warwickshire-based Big Bear Events Ltd. And, no I'm not getting a free pint to say this!

Regular emails ahead of the event not only act as a reminder, but tell you everything you need to know. They are friendly, but not bogged down in waffle.

For example, you are left in no doubt that you need to get there on time.

‘We won’t be waiting for late comers,’ writes Paul. ‘Please arrive at 17:45 ready to be running at 18:00. If you are late feel free to sit and wait for us at the brewery, or if you’re a bit rapid and have the route, catch one of the groups up.’

Great!

Nobody can argue that they ‘didn’t know.’

You’re also advised to bring your bank card as well, if you want to buy beer and burgers at the end of the run. Again, something that’s not always spelled out.

LOCATION

The event is held at Church Farm Brewery, in Budbrooke, near Warwick. Having allowed for possible traffic hold-ups, I turned up the bumpy, dusty track to the venue and arrived in good time.

Others were already there.

Sporting their running vests, it looked like they knew what they were about.

Uh oh!

Race director Paul - ready for the trail

Turns out some had tackled this year’s Race To The Tower, the 52.4 ultra-marathon along the Cotswold Way finishing at the 65-foot Broadway Tower.

Hmmm. Yes, they did know what they were about! As one member from the Nuneaton-based Bermuda Striders I chatted to en route pointed out (with the authentic voice of experience): ‘It’s a loooong way!’

Impressive turn out, by the way, Striders!

Luckily, our route on Friday was only nudging 6 miles, so I reckoned that was manageable!

ROUTE

Paul divided us into two groups - 4.5-mile and 5.5-mile (give or take a yard or two) – with the 4.5 group setting off first. The aim was that the groups should finish at about the same time. It worked. They did!

And what a delightful route. After about a mile of running through fields, we followed the Grand Union canal towpath, gently undulating alongside the distinctive locks at Hatton, for a couple of miles.

Sunlight sparkled off the water.

There were occasional stops for photos and people to catch up.

Along the towpath

The return route included a glorious trail through a cornfield.

Running in single file at a steady pace through the golden crop, with blue sky and sun shining, was magic. Uplifting! The sort of thing that makes you want to, well, get back out on the trails!

On returning to base, you have the opportunity to buy a burger and beer – beautifully brewed on site! – hence the need to take your bank card!

A marquee and picnic tables create a lively al fresco buzz.

A cautionary note. It might be an idea to let your partner know the name of the burger company before you go.

Bag that burger!

When my wife noticed on our account that I’d spent money at a ‘strip club,’ eyebrows were raised.

After a bit of coughing and spluttering, I explained that the burger company’s name was . . . Stripclub Streetfood!

I was given ‘that look.’

Thank goodness for photographic evidence and Strava!

TALK

Following refreshment, we were ushered into the brewery itself.

Surrounded by gleaming steel vats, Paul introduced ultra-runner Lauren.

Mum-of-two Lauren, who lives near Leamington Spa, South Warwickshire, is a keen ultra-marathon athlete, having competed in various distances from 50km up to 100 miles in one go.

In October 2021 she took part in the brutal Marathon Des Sables - a 250km multi-stage race, regarded as the toughest footrace on earth, completed over 7 days across the Sahara Desert.

She finished as 1st British Lady and 8th Overall Lady.

And only this month, she took part in the inaugural Snowdon 24 event, where you ‘simply’ have to run up and down Snowdon ( 1085m / 3560 ft) as many times as you can in 24 hours!

Oh, and the last lap only counts if you cross the finish line before midday.

Lauren is also an award-winning fitness instructor and founder of Run Like A Girl (RLAG), promoting women’s running. 

Despite her accolades and status in the running community, Lauren is down to earth and approachable.

The format was Paul and Lauren in ‘discussion,’ with the audience asking questions, as and when.

Lauren told it ‘as it was’ – including revealing some of the more ‘basic’ elements encountered while running, and techniques used in certain situations!

It was good to hear not only how ‘great’ and satisfying running was, but also about some of the realities of long-distance endurance challenges.

Of course, that includes plenty of training. Lauren has an ‘understanding husband’ – a cyclist – and they plan their training and family commitments together.

You can’t take on this kind of challenge without that self-belief and determination.

As RLAG members will testify, Lauren’s gift is to inspire and make the ‘impossible,’ whatever that may be, eminently achievable.

Audience view - members listen to Paul and Lauren

Her friendly but no-nonsense approach has set people on the path – or countryside trail! – to personal development and undreamed of achievement.

For me, the Big Bear Event has re-ignited my enthusiasm for trail running, with Lauren’s talk acting as confirmation and support for experienced runners, and inspiration for newbies.

And I was able to keep up after all!

FOOTNOTE: Would I do it again? . . . Why, all signed up for the next event!

There are two other sessions this year in Big Bear TTA events at Church Farm Brewery. They are:

·        Friday, July 29, 5:45pm- 8:30pm, with ultra-runner, endurance coach and mental health advocate, Allie Bailey

·        Friday August 26, 5:45pm- 8:30pm, with GB-level endurance athlete and Asics Frontrunner, Sarah Booker

Click the links below for further details:

·         TTA and other Big Bear Events

·         Church Farm Brewery, CV35 8QL

·         Run Like A Girl

·         Lauren’s running blog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uplifting spirit at the marvellous Monty

Runners' motorway! The athletics track at Edmonscote

Event: Monty 5k
Location: Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Date: Sunday July 21, 2019

MY first experience of the Monty 5k in Leamington Spa was a little daunting. The run starts and ends at Edmonscote Athletics Track.

If you’ve never been on a ‘real’ running track before, it can take your breath away – it’s like stepping into a vast eternal space; a motorway for runners.

The flat, soft, brick-red surface feels distinctively different to any other. I imagined elite athletes powering along at breakneck speed – and shuddered at the thought of my own huff  ‘n’ puff performance.

I envisaged runners disappearing in a cloud of smoke, while I was left standing wondering what the heck just happened.

However, I soon met up with club-mates, and the sense of anticipation thankfully outweighed any uncertainty. The race has since become one of my favourites – a regular fixture - and today’s was my fourth.

The Monty 5 is a low-cost competitive race in the Warwickshire Road Race League (WRRL) – just £5 for WRRL club members and £7 for unattached athletes and members of clubs not affiliated to Warwickshire County Athletics Association.

There are no medals or awards. You just get out there and do your best!

The course is described as ‘very flat and very fast.’

That’s all relative, of course. It is a fast course, and there are some super-fit fast runners. Finishing times for the impressive first two across the line, for example, were: Ian Allen (Spa Striders) - 16:24 and Rob Michaelson-Yeates (Knowle and Dorridge RC) at 16:30. Stanley Doxey (Kenilworth Runners) came a close third at 16:33.

For others, as one participant pointed out, it’s more or less usual parkrun times, with hopefully a sprinkling of PBs.

It’s an enjoyable, multi-surface route - track, grass, shale and tarmac - starting with a lap and a half around the all-weather track then heading towards Leamington town centre though Victoria Park. At the edge of the town you return alongside the river Leam for a second lap before heading for what is described as an ‘Olympic-style’ finish, with a lap of the track.

I like the ‘Olympic-style’ touch. Allows you to feel very Mo Farah – even if your performance isn’t quite on a par!

After leaving the athletics track, you run on grass before entering the next section for the double lap through a wooded walkway in the park and road/pavement surface over the River Leam. The varied environment breaks up the route and adds interest, making it seem to go quite quickly.

You run across the grass again at the end – quite draining – before that final Olympic lap.

It was pleasantly warm for this year’s event. I love the pre-race atmosphere, registering, pinning your number to your top, meeting your running buddies, chatting to other club members. It’s a thrill to see a ‘gathering of the clubs,’ especially on a gorgeous sunny day.

A problem with any run is setting off too fast. Sometimes it’s difficult to resist that energetic surge forward, spearheaded by the top runners. ­ On a purpose-built track, this can become even more difficult, as the surface helps you with that speedy getaway – especially when the crack of the pistol startles you into action!

I heard more than a couple of runners report that their start had been too quick, and they later had to adjust their pace.

Even for someone in the middle-ish range, the run was soon over and the battle was on to the complete that remaining lap of the track, with its 10-lane home straight.

A demonstration of club spirit and mutual respect came when inspirational Massey Ferguson member Sara ‘Sally’ Slevin, in the L75 age category, crossed the line as the final runner, to rapturous applause and encouragement from an appreciative crowd.

As always, the Monty 5, hosted by Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club, was brilliantly organised, with plenty of marshals and support. Water is provided at the end of the race and you can buy refreshments. A big thanks to all involved.

This is a friendly, welcoming event, with uplifting atmosphere and attractive course.

When I stepped on to that track at my first Monty, my breath was taken away in a heady mix of awe and wonder.

It still takes my breath away, but now even more with the delight, excitement – and privilege – (not to mention simply gasping for air at the end!) of taking part.

Perhaps I could shave just a little off my time for next year – ready for that glorious Olympic-style final lap!

And for some fast times, the first three men and women finishers:

Men:

1) Ian Allen, Spa Striders - 16:24

2) Rob Michaelson-Yeates, Knowle and DorridgeRC - 16:30

3) Stanley Doxey, Kenilworth Runners -16:33

Women:

1) Natalie Banghal, LeamingtonC&AC - 18:35

2) Laura Fuller, Leamington C&AC - 19:04

3) Marie Matthews, Kenilworth Runners - 19:15

Below, snaps from the day:

Final lap: The inspirational Sara 'Sally' Slevin about to cross the finish line at the Monty 5K.

A little refreshment: Above, first male to cross the line, Ian Allen. Below, first female, Natalie Bhangal.

 

Delight at another 10k mug on the shelf!

Event: Northbrook 10k
Location: Coventry

Date: Sunday July 14, 2019

WHEN I received a mug as a memento at my first Northbrook 10k in 2017, I felt it was, well, ‘different.’

This year's new-look mug.

‘Useful for my office coffee,’ I thought.

It never actually reached the office, as I popped it on a shelf at home. 

And there it stayed.

Then I gained another in my second Northbrook run last year (2018). I now had a pair and I became quite protective towards them. The first mug had a companion. I quite liked the fact that there were two of them. 

A bit like twins, they sort of belonged together.

And, yes, I have actually used them.

As this year’s 10k approached, I began to look forward not just to the event, but my third mug, and the possibility of collecting a set. (I know. I need to get out more!).

The other day, someone asked ‘how many make a set?’ Good question! I reckon six would be a nice round number.

I think Northbrook Athletic Club, who organise the event, are onto something here. They're tapping into the collecting instinct. I have to enter another three Northbrook 10k’s to make up the six mugs. After that, who knows? Start on the second ‘set’ perhaps? Incentive, or what?

There was a brighter new design this year. So it looks as though I'm going to be running not so much for a 'gold cup,' but another mug on the shelf!

The bling's appealing, too – a good-sized weighty medal!

There's always that buzz before a run, and I lined up with my Massey Ferguson Running Club team-mates in a turnout of nearly 600, for the 2019 Northbrook 10k.

Heading for the start - bright colours on a grey day.

It’s the city's longest-standing event of its kind, and a fixture in the Warwickshire Road Race League.

In contrast to the two previous events, held under scorching sunshine, it was a grey, cool day with intermittent drizzle.

The Northbook 10k is a circular route on the North-West outskirts of Coventry, in the Allesley to Corley area, starting on the residential Brown’s Lane, and winding along scenic country roads.

Arrangements are made to ensure the route is traffic free. Although there’s no absolute guarantee on this, on the three runs I’ve completed, this hasn’t been a problem. 

The course is officially described as ‘undulating’ - some prefer the word ‘hilly!’ - with the highest point at 6k and the lowest at the finish line, a difference, in height, of 80 metres. The course is marked and signed at each kilometer.

Waiting for the start.

In reality, it isn’t too hilly, if you’re expecting steep hills, but it is quite a long, uphill slog for most of the way. There are one or two welcome downhills, and a fairly level section around the 2-to-5k mark, but up until around 6 to 7k, it’s a more or less ‘gentle’ but continuous climb.

The last 3k, however, apart from a slight incline, is downhill, and you can finish fairly fast.

I had the pleasure of running alongside Keith Whitehead, from Knowle and Dorridge Running Club, in the same age category. In the second half especially, we kept passing each other at an evenly matched pace.

While we waited for the off, Keith had said he liked a sprint finish. I was up for that – a nice strong, adrenaline rush for the finish line provides a satisfying conclusion.

What I didn’t account for was the timing of Keith’s sprint, which was much earlier than I anticipated. As he pulled away, I was behind two other runners, and was unable to make up any ground.

Nice weighty medal.

Despite my frantic dash to the finish line, at 51:32 Keith beat me to the post by a good six seconds. Nice one! Well done, Keith! Next time, I’ll watch out for that early sprint!

Further into the run, the drizzle became heavier.

It wasn’t too bad if you were running but, as ever in this kind of weather, all credit must go to the marshals who had to stand in it for the duration, and still managed a cheery smile and hearty support and encouragement!

Big thanks, also, to Northbrook AC and all involved - including local Scouts - for this brilliantly-organised, delightful run.

Already looking forward to next year - I’ll just have to make sure I leave space for another mug!

 

My Northbrook mugs so far - half way towards my first 'set?'

  

Massey Ferguson club at the start of the Northbrook 10k. Below, Massey members with some of
nearly 600 runners who took part.

  

Surprise turnout a winner for Nepal run

Event: Run for Nepal 2019 (R4N19)

Location: Sandon Park, Nuneaton, North Warwickshire.

Date: Sunday June 23, 2019

IF ever there was an event with a difference, this was it – the Run for Nepal 2019 (R4N19) at Sandon Park, Nuneaton. I hadn’t even heard of it until a recent post by a fellow runner on the My Running Club app. So glad he did, because this was brilliant.

Four of us from our running club (Massey Ferguson) took part.

We rolled up into the sizeable field on a warm Sunday morning, to be greeted by a family-friendly scene, with a cluster of stalls, mobile Nepalese food outlet, colourful bunting and flags, a striking figure in traditional Lakhe costume and a bag piper from the Queen’s Gurkha Signals.

Traditional Lakhe costume at
the Run for Nepal.

The run was scheduled to start at 11.00am – but actually set off at about 11.45am. I learned later this was because far more people turned up than expected; more like 300 than the anticipated 200!

But it didn’t matter. The relaxed, informal atmosphere eased the waiting time. And the surprise turn-out was a boost for the cause – raising money for the Alzheimer's Society UK, and the Newa Charity (Dharan), which supports education for underprivileged children in Nepal.

If you felt up to it, you could test your strength and stamina with a workout on pull-up apparatus. Pull-up is one of the physical tests for Nepalese in Nepal during Gurkha Selection to join the British Army. There were also other challenges, such as sit-ups and doko (traditional basket) carry.

After announcements, there was a mass warm-up, where we were put through our paces with walking, stretches, squats etc. It felt like a big club training session.

We also crossed a narrow footbridge into a nearby field – part of the route – to scatter wildflower seeds. How lovely! Never done that at a run before. Should be an eye-catching blaze of colour once the flowers are in full bloom.

Crossing the bridge to plant
 wildflower seeds.

Oh, and there was a display of Khukuri skills in a marshal-arts type dance by a group of energetic youngsters, and music by the piper.

And all before the start!

There were two routes – 5k and 10k. Two of us took the 10k, two the 5k. The run was officially started by the worshipful mayor, Mrs June Tandy, of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.

Part of the route is shared, before splitting for the different distances and then merging again in the run-up to the finish.

We started in the field and again crossed the narrow bridge over the River Anker, before following the Weddington trail through a field of near waist-high corn.

The 10k route veered off along a gravelly surface towards a short but quite steep hill climb – I suppose you could call it ‘undulating’ – which most people walked up.

Once past the water station at the top, it was back down again before eventually turning on to the Coventry Canal and then easing along the back of Weddington’s Church Lane to finish. A ‘nice and gentle rolling route,’ as the organisers put it.

It was such a lovely route, it didn’t actually feel like 10k!

Race director was the charming Vinod Shrestha supported, thankfully, by an enthusiastic army of marshals! I’m glad they were there. Although a route map was on display, at first glance it looked rather baffling, with arrows pointing this way and that.

Unique touch - planting wildflower seeds.

In the event, it was actually quite straightforward – although without guidance, I could imagine it would be easy to go ‘off track!’

Medals were presented by local dignitaries, and there was plenty of water and post-run bananas and apples.

The youngest runner was aged just three, and the oldest 74! Fantastic!

Entry cost – an amazing £6.00 (online or on the day), although naturally you could make a donation.

There were more runners than expected this year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this event grows as more people get to hear about it. The organisers say they have learned lessons from this year's event, and will put their 'heart and soul' into something even grander next year - R4N20.

A huge thanks to all involved - organisers, volunteers, stall-holders, marshals, sponsors and supporters. 

  

All-in-all, a great way to kickstart Sunday, and a little gem of a run that's already in my calendar for next year.

Category results:

• Fastest Male 5K – Jason Nicholson 00:22:00
• Fastest Female 5K – Tina Thick-Broom 00:228:15
• Fastest Male 10K – Robert Faulkner 00:41:03
• Fastest Female 10K – Melanie Hill 00:52:04
• Senior Citizen – Ted Cotterill 74 Yrs Old, Completed 10K in 01:00:50
• Gurkha Selection Male Leader – Subin Limbu (60 Sec Score: Pullups -18, Situps – 55, Doko 15kg/15Mtr- 17Laps)
• Gurkha Selection Female Leader – Prapti Shrestha (60 Sec Score: Pullups – 3, Situps – 42, Doko Carry 15kg/15Mtr – 14 Laps)
• Youngest Runner – Miss Suzie Shrestha 3 Yrs Old, Completed 5K in 01:27:43 

 More pictures:

 

Lovely route through the cornfields on the R4N19 run.

Local dignitaries presenting medals.

Flags and bunting give a colourful touch.

With their medals, Massey Ferguson Running Club members, from left to
right: Richard Pearce, Ian Cameron, Julie McCormick and Dave Adams.

Yours truly with organiser Vinod Shrestha,
of the NCN committee. Below: Bib and medal.