Sarah Richards did the poppy half marathon on 10.11.18 and sent in this race report.  Well done to Sarah.

​decided that I really wanted to run this race this year as it is 100 years since the WW1 armistice. With the proceeds going to the British Legion, this was enough inspiration to register for it. 
 
Race HQ was easy to find, located at the De La Warr Pavilion with plenty of free on-street parking on nearby residential roads. 
 
Typically I was running late, so I arrived there to pick up my race number with the queues having already disappeared! The baggage drop was also close by so all within easy reach of the start of the race. A last minute toilet stop and I was ready to go.
 
The start of the race was right outside the De La Warr Pavilion, where members of the armed forces were standing on a stage introducing the race and led everyone in singing the National Anthem which added to the atmosphere of the remembrance weekend. A two minute silence was observed just before the countdown to the start of the race and then everyone was off which proved to be a tough part of the race.
 
Although warm, the wind proved to be really strong and it felt like I was fighting against it all the way to the first turning point. A constant wind of around 20mph meant that after the first couple of miles I felt almost out of energy. I was relieved to head back eastwards with the wind behind me, hoping it would give me a push back the other way. 
 
The Poppy half marathon is two big laps and then one shorter lap to the finish which meant each time you had to head west you were up against the strength of the wind. At points along the promenade there was a light covering of shingle which proved tricky to negotiate in Cloud shoes, notorious for getting stones stuck in them! 
 
As laps go this wasn’t a bad race to do! Three long laps with the sea next to you helps you get in your zone. You can let your mind wander and gaze out to sea if need be! After the final turning point I was glad there was only a mile and a half to go. Exhausted after fighting against the wind, I headed back east towards the finish line. With a slight uphill sprint to the end I was done! 
 
I was ushered through the pens to a tent where i was handed my medal, a banana milkshake, water and also a choice of pic a mix sweets. Exactly what I needed!
 
The medal is one the best I have, really chunky and with the fact it is 100 years since the armistice marked on it, quite poignant. Definitely really pleased I ran this one for such a good cause and a really unique medal.
 

Well done to Keith Fowler on completing the NYC marathon

​From everything I had read about the race and everyone I had spoken to beforehand, I knew this was going to be a special run.  The moment the NYPD helicopters buzzed overhead, the national anthem finished and cannons fired to start I wasn't disappointed.
 
Pretty much the whole city came out to cheers the runners on.  The route was jam-packed with people cheering, high-fiving (not just the kids) and music every mile.  I’d heard a lot about the crowds on First Avenue, but for me, the neighbourhoods along the Brooklyn section had the best atmosphere.
 
I’m more used to running marathons in cities like London and Manchester or off road over the downs.  So the miles-long straight avenues with steam billowing up from the manholes, with no twists and turns gave a unique view on where you had been and where you had to get to.  The long straight sections were only really broken up by bridges. And as these bridges were the only place where the crowd couldn't access they were the only place where there wasn’t any cheering and shouts of ‘you got this’.  
 
The final few miles along Fifth Avenue, although on paper was only a gentle climb was brutal on tired legs.  I suffered, but the view of Central Park and my family cheering kept me going to the end.
 
It was a pretty hard marathon, what marathon isn’t.  I, without doubt, picked up a PB on the number of high fives during a marathon but struggled to speed the legs up in the final section. That’s two ticked off on the marathon majors list so far

Congratulations to Kevin Valentine, Liz Crockford and Sam Morfee for completing the Great South Run on Sunday.

Striders at the Roundhill Romp

Striders, together with friends and family, gathered at Goring Gap on Sunday 1st July for a handicap 10k race followed by a BBQ. In sweltering conditions the race was won by Dawn, pictured receiving her prize from Tim.  Also pictured are the runners who braved the hot conditions.  Thanks to Tim, who had the idea and did most of the organising for the event, and to the chefs Austin and Barrie.

Saturday 16th June 2018 saw the running of the 100th Worthing park run.  A number of Striders took part in the run and were rewarded with a meeting with Dame Kelly Holmes.

Anita completing the Cheltenham Challenge Half Marathon on Sunday 17th June.

Striders enjoyed a structured training session with Andy Ward, a qualified coach with the  Tuff Fitty Triathlon club, on Tuesday night.  All enjoyed the session and pushed themselves that little bit harder!  Thanks to Andy and to Steve for organising the evening.

Important Training Announcement
This Tuesday, 12th June, we will be happy to welcome back our guest 'Coach of the Month' Ironman triathlete and running coach, Andy Ward at the Lower Highdown Field, 6:45pm start. 
Please meet at the club at 6:30 pm as usual if you want to run over the hill as a group to the training area, or meet on the field.
Andy has previously attended a running seminar with Jon Bigg, an Elite runner and husband of GB Gold Medallist, Sally Gunnell.
Jon Bigg is also “Head of distance running” for England Athletics and has been involved with training Mo Farah in Addis Ababa.
This is a “bring a friend opportunity” so if you know any runner that might be interested in joining our running club then please bring them along, hear the latest coaching techniques and ideas and participate in group training after a warm-up and some drills.
From beginners to experienced, all are welcome.

Congratulations to Vicky who was second lady in the Tenterden 5k race yesterday [Sunday 10th June]

.On Sunday [3rd June] 18 Striders ran the Worthing 10K.  In very hot conditions and with a large field, (over 2300 finishers) Striders were led home by Keith Fowler in a time of 42:32, closely followed by Steve Fryer in a time of 42:36.  All enjoyed the challenge! Special thanks to all the non-running Striders and friends that turned out to cheer everyone on – much appreciated on such a hot day.

A group of more than 40 Striders enjoyed a tough training session with Emma Macready on Tuesday 22nd May.  Pictured above is a tired bunch of Striders!

Worthing Striders are privileged to have back top local runner Emma MaCready for another expert coaching session on Tuesday 22nd May  starting at 6:40pm on Highdown field.

Many of you know Emma, and her partner Martin Footman, from “YMN” … Your Next Move, Fitness Training,   www.ynmfitness.com They run popular Saturday morning “High Intensity” interval running sessions at Goring seafront which could complement your Striders running.

Please bring a friend and we can all look forward to an exciting and motivational evening of fitness based exercises and running.

Worthing Striders enjoyed a great, although tough at times, evening with guest coach Jo Meaney last Tuesday [24th April].  Check out these photos to see how much we enjoyed the evening.  Thanks to Jo and Ben for the photos.

“Guest Coach of the Month” is  …  Jo Meaney
on Tuesday 24th April.

Worthing Striders are privileged to have Jo Meaney
along as “Guest Coach of the Month” on Tuesday 24th April
starting at 6:45pm, Highdown field.
Please wear your Striders running top for the group photo.
 
Many of you will remember Jo as a member of Striders in the past.
Jo is a personal trainer with the “SussexFit” team. She lives her life through sport and fitness having worked in the industry for over 10 years.
Please bring a friend and we can all look forward to an exciting evening of running based fitness exercises etc.                                       Worthing Striders

THINKING OF TAKING UP OR GETTING BACK INTO RUNNING?
What?               A beginners’ running course, using the  
                                   “Couch to 5K” principle.
Where?           “The West Worthing (Tennis & Squash) Club”
                            Titnore Way, Worthing,   BN13 3RT.
When?              Starts Tuesday 17th April at 6:30pm for 8 to 10 weeks.
Who?                This beginners’ group will be led by a
                           qualified Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF).
Cost?                 £20    …   (£10 Reimbursed if you join Worthing Striders).
To register your interest, and for more information,     
please e-mail us     striders2017@gmail.com
                                                                                          
                                             Sponsored by
                                   Jacobs Steel Estate Agents                                                                                           

Worthing Striders on Tour – Barcelona Half Marathon race report
 [Report by Jo Turner]
On Sunday 11th February, 17 members of Worthing Striders Running Club took to the streets of Barcelona to take part in the Mitja Marató de Barcelona, better known as the Barcelona Half Marathon.
 
Despite snow fall two days before and torrential rain the day after, the day itself presented perfect racing conditions; a cool temperature, clear blue skies and a very light wind. With the race being at 8.30am, an early start was required and following a short metro ride to the start line, all of the Striders stood on the start line with 16,000 other participants.
 
The race began in waves with confetti and cheers of ‘Bravo’ as the Striders began to pick up pace and head to the “Monument a Colon” at the end of “Las Ramblas”. The 21km route continued to “Place Espanya”, past the “Forum”, “Port Olimpic” and along the seafront, finishing at the iconic “Arc de Triomf”.
 
The race saw a new course record of 59mins 44 Secs by Ethiopian Mule Wasihun followed by the first Strider home, Steve Fryer, in a fantastic time of 1:30:33. He was followed by the youngest Strider, Sam Scrimgour who was completing his first ever half marathon and finished in 1:38:53.
 
The race also saw a first half marathon for both club Treasurer, Karen Thomas who had a fantastic race despite suffering from tonsillitis and Sarah Baker who finished in 2:16:02. All club members enjoyed the experience and have started planning for another international race next year. Celebrations with Sangria, Tapas and Paella commenced whilst the Striders reflected on their achievements. Results for Barcelona Half Marathon were:
 
Steve Fryer 1:30:33; Sam Scrimgour 1:38:53; Neil Terry 1:40:52; Jo Turner 1:43:33; Neil Rabone 1:46:31; Kevin Valentine 1:51:35; Rod Baker 1:52:00; Tony Pearce 1:54:07; Helen Black 1:56:56; Liz Crockford 2:03:44; Sarah Baker 2:16:02; Jacky Brown 2:16:02; Craig Hawkins 2:16:08; Karen Godfrey 2:23:31; Dave Godfrey 2:24:10; Carla Tullett 2:26:00
 
Left to right, Kevin Valentine, Sarah Baker, Dave Godfrey, Jacky Brown, Tony Pearce, Karen Thomas, Rod Baker, Steve Fryer, Jo Turner, Craig Hawkins,, Sam Scrimgour, Liz Crockford, Karen Godfrey, Neil Rabone (also ran, not in picture, Helen Black, Neil Terry and Carla Tullett).
 

“Guest Coach of the Month” is Emma Macready
on Tuesday 12th September.​
 
Worthing Striders are privileged to have top local runner Emma coming back for another expert Coaching session on Tuesday 12th September starting at 6:40pm, Highdown field.
Many of you have got to know Emma over recent weeks at her popular Saturday morning “High Intensity” interval running sessions that she runs with her partner Martin Footman at Goring seafront.
“YMN” … Your Next Move, Fitness Training at www.ynmfitness.com
www.ynmfitness.com
Please bring a friend and we can all look forward to an exciting evening of running based fitness exercises etc.
Worthing Striders
​

Happy smiling Striders before the race - little did we know how tough the race would be!

Any Worthing Striders Fancy a Running Trip in Europe?
 BarcelonaHalf Marathon Sunday 11 February 2018 
Barcelona Half Marathon, next year takes place on the morning of Sunday 11 February 2018.  Barcelona is perhaps one of the most vibrant of European Cities. There is so much to do. The course is a flat one (ladies World Record) and takes in many of the sights of the City.

Tony and Jacky are booked and plan to arrive on Friday 9th February and depart on Monday 11th - we have yet to book flights. The Course The Barcelona Half Marathon course offers the perfect opportunity for a new Personal Best Time. Indeed the Women’s World Record was set here in 2014 and again in 2015. Flat, and on wide boulevards, with buildings providing shade for the first loop, this is a fast course. It can best be described as a figure of 8 – great for spectators and supporters. 
What to do next: Please go on the website for the Half Marathon and see if you would like to go!  Just google Half Marathon Barcelona 2018.  It is the Mitja Marato de Barcelona.
 
Entries are open now at a cost of 28 Euros for the first 12,000 after that the cost is 32 Euros.
 
Flights can be booked through Easyjet although many other airlines fly to Barcelona and there are many options to choose depending on what day and time you would like to arrive and depart.  Cost is around £85 to £120 per person return to Gatwick.
 
Barcelona International Airport – the closest to the City at approximately 15 KM from the City Centre. Most Low Cost Flyers arrive at this airport.
 Insurance: 
Insurance is NOT included, but of course is a pre-requisite for any trip abroad. If you do not have your own policy then please search for suitable cover. Premiums are very competitive. It would be wise to also obtain an EHIC Card (Health Service Reciprocal arrangements). See the leaflet ‘Health Advice for Travellers’ available from major Post Offices, or visit www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or phone 0845 605 0707.
 
Accommodation: 
There are many hotel or apartment options available in the City at variable prices.  Tony and I have found that whenever we go to a City in Europe for a running event it is more cost effective to book an apartment.  These have small kitchenettes and dining areas as well as a sofa to relax and watch TV – obviously bed and bathroom are included!  This gives you the freedom to shop cheaply at local markets and choose when you want to eat out or cook for yourselves.
I have provisionally booked through Booking.com with free cancellation – at the Feelathome Poblenou Beach Apartments from the 9th to 12th February at a cost of £182.00
 
This is a free cancellation cost but you can buy the same apartment cheaper if you don’t want the cancellation free option.
 
These apartments offer a shuttle service to and from the airport so if a few of us go we could share a shuttle.
 
Shuttle service is:
Up to 3 people = £32.70
8 people = £53.15
14 people = £73.85
 
 
If you decide to join us please add your name to the list on the Club Noticeboard or e mail me: jacky.brown33@hotmail.com so I can send out e mails re Sunday long run training sessions and arrangements for who is on which flights and staying where etc.  Who might want to share accommodation and anything else you can think of over the next few months.  Hopefully, we can get together in Barcelona for a meal or a sightseeing trip, pre or post race drink/party etc.

Come - it will be FUN!!! :-)