Bang goes the training regime

 What the hells happened to the training regime.  You start off the new year with all the good intentions in the world and then bang, up in smoke it goes.  Yes I was going to waltz round the Barcelona half in 1:50 ish, but then reality.  Not enough running, too much supping and eating and the result is the silly Buddha to your right.  OK, the sharp eyed amongst you are probably saying "that's not Bob, far too thin" (cheeky monkeys).  However, its now time to plan for the year ahead, what with holidays and races coming up.  Cutting down on food and upping the fitness.

 

Anyway, enough of this self pity, Barcelona was brilliant, with a record number of members being there.  Although I struggled with the run and got in at 2hrs 04minutes, I really enjoyed the weekend.  You HAVE got to see that cathedral to believe it. I have and I still don't believe.  In fact there were a few of us doing Victor Meldrews that day.

 

Supporters, as always were brilliant, although I do hear that one didn't actually get out of bed until we'd finished. Answers on a postcard please. 

 

We are looking ahead to some great events this year, what with MRC being 30 years of age.  Let us know if you have any ideas.

 

Bob

 

 

Neck Knee and Knackered

Well what a year this is turning out to be.  Since turning 60, the wheels have well and truly come off in turns of running.  First, the good doctor informed me I had spondolosis, so it took a time to get over that.  I was just starting to feel a bit better and then decided to split my knee open and had to lay off running for a bit.  The result is that if I now go under 9 minute mile pace I need an oxygen mask.  Yes I know it will make me look better, but that's not the point!

Anyway, this is no excuse for the lengthy delay in blogging, so I apologise for that.  There's plenty happening within the club.  Lindsay, Barbara and Caroline have been trying out Tri-athalon and Jim Brian and Dave T have also tried their hand at biking.  In fact Brian had a stormer at the recent Clowne Duathalon.  I don't think that I will be following suit.  In fact, scrub that.  I can categorically state that you will never, repeat NEVER see me on a bike. I am dangerous enough on 2 legs, let alone 2 wheels.

 

MRC are entering 2 teams (Ladies and Gents) in the Round Rotherham event in a couple of weeks time.  Both teams are preparing and it should be a really good event.  Both teams have a strong look about them and hopefully no-one will get lost.  I can't speak for the ladies, but none of mens team will get lost because they are all doing detailed reconnoitres (honest, they've told me).

 

It'll soon be Christmas (oh don't say that) and the club are putting on another extraveganza at Tickhill Club.  It's on Friday 28th December and I thoroughly recommend that you try and come along to it.  It should be a hoot. 

 

i think that's it for now.  Next blog should be the Bobscars, round about Christmas time. 

 

Oh arrrhhh, Oh arrrhhh

Shiver me timbers me hearty's.  It been ages since me last post, but oi been limping around with Polly on me shoulder, so I ain't had time to speak to you landlubbers.  Anyway Polly's no longer with me cos Kipper (the cat) has eaten her.

Sorry, but I came over all LJS, no not the cr#p boy band but old Long John himself.  It's ever since Jan gave me those crutches to help out with me poorly knee when I joined the (growing) list of Maltby sick lame and lazy. In fact I may paint them yellow and green and make them the club crutches because you can bet that they will get used again.


On a serious note it has been an absolute blast since my last blog , what with the terrific weekends in London and Berlin and the past weekend with our French friends.  We had a great but busy time over a very hectic 3 days with Christian, Jose and the gang.  All those who helped and joined in will know what i mean and I sincerely thank those for the very hard work that they put in.  For those who missed out, all I can say is you missed a terrific time.

Anyway, they are now back in the land of Champagne having once again cemented Anglo french relationships.

Upcoming events are The Abbey Dash and the Bawtry Forest Race, two great events that I hope that you will support in one way or another. 

Time to go.  I won't take as long next time.

Bob

PS FACT. The national "Talk like a Pirate day" is 19th September and is based on the accent that Robert Newton gave in his portrayal of the fictional character in the Disney movie Treasure Island.

It's now official -I'm a fruitcake

OK so it's a spongecake, but that would have killed the headline. This uncanny image was revealed on the cake at my 60th birthday party on Saturday. Not sure whether everybody has stopped laughing yet, but trust Big Tony to spot a mistake. The model is supposed to be yours truly after a marathon. But as the big fellow pointed out I would be blue and not pink at this point in time. Don't you just love him? Answers on a postcard please.

The Bash seemed to go OK and it was, for me a blast from the past. Apart from a good number of MRC members there was my siblings, old friends and (former) work colleagues. Indeed, 3 of the band were Council colleagues and the DJ and his brother John go back over 40 years. When Roger (DJ) was 17 and I was 19, we used to perform a ventriloquist act on the last bus back from Whiston to Rotherham. No you are wrong! Roger was the dummy!

The "do" could not have happened without Sheila who worked miracles. Special mention to Gail, Maureen, Lesley, Donna, Clair and Charlotte who worked wonders. Big thank you to the band and Roger. Indeed a big thanks you to everyone who turned up. I am very lucky to have good friends who can put up with my sense of humour. I was bowled over by the number of presents and the Running Club once again amazed me with their kindness.

As this is the first blog of 2012 may I wish everyone a very happy new(ish) year. There's a lot coming this year, what with Berlin, the visist of our good friends ACPI St Quentin, London marathon, and perhaps another trip? The AGM seemed to go extremely well and once again the club looks in good nick. Some of us older members are a bit crocked but what the heck?

Anyroadup, that's it for now

Bob

The Bobscars - the alternative awards ceremony

Well, we are getting to the end of the year and what is traditionally known as the "Awards Season". We have our very own presentation night in the new year for the MRC achievers. However, I thought that it might be a bit of fun to present the "Bobscars" for outstanding achievements by MRC members on feats that would not normally be mentioned. So here they are:

1. The Bob Houghton Falling Over Award goes to Gavin Hamilton - outstanding achievement of 3 falls in one run. (special commendation to Bob H for falling over on two consecutive runs).
   
2. The Jonathan Seagull Fake Bird Poo Award goes to Oz Osborne - copious amounts of sun cream on head whilst in Skye in June.
   
3. The Evil Knievel Stunt Bike Award goes to Jan Sears - bit extreme, but what a recovery!
   
4. The Mark Thatcher Map Reading Award goes to Caroline Southern- Boyd - 10 Round Rotherhams and still doesn't know the way.
   
5. The Human Garmin Mileage Accuracy Award goes to Brian Lowndes - 26th July 2011. Never has six and halfish felt like 9 miles before. (Special festive offer below)
   
6. The Bucket List Award goes to Ray Matthews - Hell knows what's next.
   
7. The Phileas Fogg Travel Award goes to John (The Nomad) Proffitt - More holidays than Judith Chalmers.
   
8. The Henry Kissinger Award For Tact And Diplomacy goes to Jim Rust for actually getting two teams to run the Round Rotherham Race.
   
9. The Hansel and Gretal Lost In The Woods Award goes to Gary Durham. Acting the bear I guess.
   
10. The I Can't Believe He's Not Got An Award Award goes to Mick Barber. No turning up the week before the race, no falling off ladders, Wednesday winning. Mickeylove what went right?
    
11. The Scarlet Pimpernel Award goes to Barbara Rusling. She's a very busy lady - She's here she's there, she's every bl**dy where. And finally,
    
12. The Top People Award goes to all MRC members and families. There's be no club without you. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

Bob

PS Order your Garmin for Christmas now- Let estimation be a thing of the past.

How much?

PRICELESS!

Bring Me Sunshine

Thanks to John and Lynda Proffit, we spent a terriific weekend in Morecombe and Lancaster last week. The trip included members from Clowne, Tickhill, Rotherham Harriers and Maltby.

As usual we found a pretty good watering hole which also included live music. The weather was excellent (apart from Friday night) and as usual we all had a bit of a laugh. That was of course until we had to run the half marathon on Sunday.

Maltby Runners came home in bright sunshine in the following order:-

• Brian Lowndes - 1 hour :40 minutes: 01 second(1st Vet 60)
• Barbara Rusling - 1 :47:18 (1st FV 50)
• Chris Flintham - 1 :48:18 (estimated)
• me - 1 :49:52 (knackered at the end)
• Ray Matthews - 2:21:03(2nd Vet 70)

Also mentioned in dispatches are Maltby second claim members, who ran in their first claim colours of Clowne:-

• Simon Sleney - 1:21:47 (21st overall)
• Paul Sadler -1:29:06 (must have been the speed session the week before the race Paul)
• Roger Fokinther 1:39:52 (welcome to the club Roger)

All in all a splendid , well organised weekend.

Cheers John and Lynda

Next blog is the Bobscars -my special awards to members

Tony Martins

Not the usual banter I am afraid. Some of you are aware that we lost a good friend recently. We first met Tony Martins, when he and Dominique (pictured with him) looked after us on our first trip to St Quentin, France in 2008. Tony was an extremely friendly person and our club soon became enamoured with his smile and mannerisms. He was an excellent ambassador for both his club and country and we enjoyed his company and humour on subsequent visits.

Jim, Judith, Sheila and I met with Tony in May this year and it was plain that he was suffering. However, his smile was still there and we all hoped that he would pull through from the cancer that plagued him.

It was not to be and our thoughts go to his wife, family and all at ACPI.

Bob

Retirement, summertime and the running

Don't worry. All that retirement time and additional training has not lead to me turning into the Adonis to the left. more like adenoid I hear you say!

Anyway the additional time during the day has lead to a little more runs but there's still along way to go both physically and metaphorically before I start turning the clock back. The photo incidentally was taken in Funchal last September and is obviously a physique to aim for. mind you I bet he wasn't tempted by John Smith's and chip butties.

As I said in my last post, we have had a very busy summer and are now preparing for a busy autumn. We have the Bawtry Forest Trail Run, which requires all hands to the deck, a Half marathon in Lancaster to contend with and preparation for Christmas.

Further ahead lays the Berlin Big 25 event in May, that we are attending.

That's all for now folks

Bob

Bonjour, och aye the noo and sausage swapping in the dales

Well what a couple of months its been for Maltby Running Club members.

First of all there was the trip to France that Jim, Judith, Sheila and I undertook. Purely business, you understand, as we helped out at an event held in St Quentin, where we were welcomed by our friends at ACPI.

Next it was a trip to Scotland where some of us took part in the Edinburgh half marathon. Raymondo Sahara did the full marathon just to rub sand in our wounds, but there again couldn't spot a Premier Inn to save his life (only joking Ray). Jim did us proud on that race, quickly followed by Sarah Attwood (Osborne).

A quick rest for the Memorial Run and then onto Skye where Sarah took the shortcake this time by finishing in 1.46 with Jimbo and Bobbo coming soon after. What a weekend! Mrs H and I went onto Harris. What a fantastic place (see photo opposite) whilst young Jim, Sarah and Hubby Chris decided to climb Ben Nevis (that girl shows promise).

As if that wasn't enough we then went to the Yorkshire Dales and completed the 3 peaks (see photo of the 3 of us on Ingleborough) in 10 hours and 51 minutes.

Many thanks to our friends at Clowne who organised a fantastic event - Andy (x2) Jed, Les, Brian, Judy, you did us proud!

Breakfast had been ordered the night before, en block as some of us took an early night. You should have seen the sausage swapping at breakfast (among other things). Everyone eventually got what they wanted.

Finally the Abey Dash took place on Wednesday when 113 turned up. Many thanks to the marshals, raffle prize providers, and food makers.

I think that's it. oh, one last thing. I retired on 30th June, just in case I hadn't mentioned it before.

Bob

Hard Rockin' in Lisboa

Yes its the "Symbolics" grooving away in Lisbon's Hard Rock Cafe on the recent half marathon bash. You can make your own mind up about who's Sym and who are the, well anyway, moving on we had a fantastic time in a fantastic city. Oh and we ran ran a race as well, which was rather hot. There are stacks of pics on the website that give you a flavour of the race and the weather. The race itself was quite boring as, apart from the first 4 kilometres on the bridge , took place on one road. OK it was flat, but there was very little variation. Plenty of drink stations though, thank goodness. Once again, MASSIVE respect to the supporters who once again played a fantastic role in cheering us all on and, well, BEING there. There's upcoming trips to Edinburgh and one with Clowne in November, but that will probably be it in terms of trips for this year, unless of course someone has different ideas. Keep on Running Bob

Mash Full Pie Signs

Bloatin' in the wind (an ode to OFS)

How many roads must a man run down

before you can call him a man?

How many pints should a runner knock back

before they go down the pan?

yes, n' how many chips should he eat till he knows

that too many spuds have been fried?

The answer my friend is bloatin' in the wind

The answer is bloatin' in the wind

How many times must a runner look down

before he can see his feet?

How many pies must that runner have

before he's had too much to eat?

Yes, n' how many breaths will take till he knows

that too many pounds have arrived?

The answer, my friend, is lyin' round the waist

The answer is lyin' round the waist

How many puds will that runner consume

before it starts to show?

How many chins will that runner have

before he starts to get slow?

Yes, n' how many times can he turn his head

till nobody else is behind?

The answer my friend is prayin' on the mind

The answer is prayin' on the mind

AGM -A Good Meeting

Well it was the annual bear baiting session again, er I mean the Maltby Running Club Annual General Meeting and Presentation Night and it went well -meaning the committee got out alive (not that you'd notice the difference).

In all seriousness it was really well attended and, given that we proposed a couple of rule changes, went without much controversy at all. It was great to see some new (and young) faces there as well and it really helps the club keep going when we can add new blood. The young'uns have brought the average age of the club down dramatically to seventy two (It's a joke Ray) and I think that all looks well.

Lisbon is looming on the horizon and we are all looking forward to a bit of FADO (Portugese folk music). OK I am looking forward top a bit of FADO and will try and find a bar that plays it. Obviously Tony R can't wait to come along as well because he loves the music that I listen to.

As I mentioned previously, the last few months have been hard for some members of the club, what with injury and illness. However, one thing really hits home and that is that whenever anyone of us is not quite right the others chip in with their support and well wishes. Its good to be part of a set up that cares.

Bob

When they meet it'll be moirder! (see note below)

Forget Ali /Foreman, forget Nicklaus/Watson, Borg/McEnroe forget even Beatles/Stones. We have a new duel about to start and its in your very own running club. A member of the club, who shall remain nameless (Brian) once famously stated when the age of our runners was mentioned, "We'll soon have more vets that members'. Well that was over 20 years ago and now most of us are approaching the very vet stage.

Newcomer to the 60's category is a certain Mr James Rust, obviously a very good friend of Brian, but very competitive nonetheless. Now Jim has been injured over the months and put on loads of weight (I have seen suitcases at airport check ins heavier), so he's obviously going for the power approach.

No-ones actually made any comments, but we (Jim, Brian, Big Tony and me) were relaxing after a particularly hard run on Sunday, when talk of the upcoming season came up and obviously Brian, who of course is South Yorkshire Cross Country Champion is in the same category as Jim.

Now far be it from me to say that the mind games have started, but I find it rather strange that Brian suddenly turns up for training on Tuesday unable to run with a twisted ankle, and to prove the point, he rolled his trouser leg up to display a white bandage. Now anyone who knows Brian will tell you that when he has got a bandage on he is a very dangerous animal indeed. With two its watch out.

I think its a case of watch this space.

Bob

Note

All our members under 40 (Lindsey and Susan) will remember the truly terrible American TV series Hart to Hart. The saving grace was the very wonderful (and very late) Lionel Stander, who played butler Max. The saying at the start of each episode was "when they met it was murder" with the strange pronunciation of murder.

The year ahead (and the year behind)

I have been trawling through my photos to send through to our website guru (that's Steve to you and me) and came across this lovely photo from Edinburgh last year.

Most of the people on this photo are going back up again this year (to run the half marathon this time though). This was taken on the glorious Saturday before the race with the wonderful castle as a backdrop.

However, what resonated with me was the fact that on this photo , yes there are some runners, but there's also the backbone of the club, our wonderful supporters (that's wives to you and me). I suspect that they do enjoy these trips, but really they give an awful lot of time putting up with the moans, groans, wails and whinging. And that's before the race.

Before Edinburgh, it's Lisbon soon and, you guessed it, our supporters will be there and we runners will be doing the same thing - drinking the first night, saying that we are going to run rubbish on the Sunday (but not really believing it), and our supporters will do what they always do. They will be there, cheering us on, putting up with our moans, and, most importantly being there at the end, and if one supporter is really lucky (Sheila), I may even find my way back to her at the end of the race.

Thank you ladies.

We could not do it without you.

2011 Here We Come

Happy New Year everyone!

I have finally got off my Harris and decided to send another enthralling blog to everyone. What a start to the year with Brian completing a South Yorkshire double in the Cross Country Championships as both league winner and the championship in his age group (over 60's). He did all this without the aid of support stockings, Kendal mint cake, porridge, paracetamols or any other pharmaceuticals. what a man! Well done Brian!

Special mention too to Barbara who picked up third in her age group (over 20's). yes I am still as diplomatic as ever.

Hope that you can all make the AGM/presentation at the 3 TUNS, Stainton on 9th February at 7pm prompt. it should be a good night with one or two surprises.

Just in case you were wondering about the David Bellamy impression above, its from our trip to Madiera in September, when Mrs H and I decided to have a quiet holiday (if that's possible with me in it).

It will soon be Lisbon and I hope everyone is training hard. We are really looking forward to it, as it should be great.

Anyroadup

That's it for now

More Blogs soon

Bob

Sick, lame and lazy

This is the last "official photo" of Mltby Running Club in the old kit. It was taken at the Tickhill 10mile Race in My.

Anyway,we are in the middle of summer and we should all be fighting fit, but what do i hear. Bad knee, shin splints, eye ache, metatarsal, bad back, stiff shoulder, hamstring, calf, elbow strain. And that's only Brian "The Running Miracle" Lowndes. Most of us have suffered in the last six months through some sort of injury mostly from running (take a bow Mick Barber). Jim's had an ankle injury, Dave a knee job, Ray, broken toe, Karen a hamstring, Alice fell off a bridge! It's enough to make you think about retirement. But where would we be without running? In one piece I hear you say

Anyway, I think most of us are getting through the pain barrier now and some of us are looking forward to the Conway Half in November. speaking of that particular month, and thoughts inevitably start to meander towards the dreaded Ball Inn runs. But before that we have the little matter of the magnificent Bawtry Forest event in September. Its a really good event and once again it's down to the hard work from the club members who work extremely hard to get the race on. Another thing I do like about the race is that we always go up and run round a few times before the day of the race to check out the course.

Anyway, I think that that's for it now. keep visiting and reading and take care.

Keep tuned for exiting news of an overseas run!

Bob

Edinburgh Marathon - The LOST POST

This post is alittle late and was originally scheduled for the end of May. However it got lost and i have only just found it. A new blog will follow in days.


UNBELIVABLE! Red hot last year and red hot this year. Great last year cos I was only doing the hairy haggis relay and not hanging around in 23degrees for 4 hours and ONE second.



Talking of red hot take a bow Barbara Rusling and Lindsay Rust clocking PB's at 3.21.09 and 3.46.10 respecively. Babs finished as 7th best runner in her age group which was fantastic. This is no mean feet, although all our feet felt pretty mean at the end of 26 miles and none went faster than Brian Lowndes in the half marathon finishing 6th best runner in his age group in 1.38.49.



Well done also to Jim, Mickeylove, Dave, Tony, Laura, Nigel, Dave, Ray and Lynne for doing great in the heat and Gav and Chris for flying round the half.



As for moi, I have promised Mrs H that I will never do a marathon again (4th time It think), but this time I mean it (3rd Time). After all pale white face and purple lips is not a good look. Not that I ever really have a good look you understand.



Anyway it was a great weekend and Edinburgh really is a fab event, apart from the daft b#g#@rs starting the event at 10.00. Too late I hear you say. Too right I reply.



Anyway TTFN



Bobster

Here we go into the future

This is me and my "twin brother" Big Tony with Mrs Oz at the Dambusters Challenge event a couple of weeks ago. an absolute cracker, but tough.

Anyway, absolutely everything is happening at the moment, marathon training, new kit, website working, races galore, but most importantly, "Sandra's Gate" erected after what seems a long struggle.

Thanks to Jim, Dave T, Ben Slade and Paul Leonard at RMBC for making this happen.

We now have a lasting memorial to a very special person, who is and will continue to be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Ray of the Desert

No thats not me, but club member Ray Matthews who last month completed the Del Sahara 100 kilometre Race. Now there's a clue in there somewhere if you can spot it. OK I will make this simple.

Ray, who it has to be said was born at a time when A Hitler was dropping bombs on England, COMPLETED the 65 mile race over 4 days in the Sahara Desert despite a broken toe. The Race was actually 108 kilometres and consisted of 4 legs of 18, 25, 44 and 21k.

I did question Ray's sanity before the race, but there was no need. He is MAD! However, for guts, never say die attitude and sheer ebullience he is a shining light to us all. I even think that he threatened the Doctor with death if he pulled him out of the race when he broke his toe after 5 kilometres. For Ray it was merely a case of Dune but not out!

So well done mate and good luck in that sprint coming up this weekend -The London Marathon!

Those long run blues!

It doesn't seem 5 mins since a few of us were up in the Scottish capital city last year. But here we are again, Jim,Lynne, Big T, Laura, Dave, Jan, Nigel, Judith, Sheila and this time about 20 others!

Yes I am talking about the Edinburgh Marathon and hopefully we won't be frying in 80degrees heat this time. Mind you it was OK for us doing the tichy relay event, but for Jim, Nige and Big T it wasn't funny. Well I didn't see em laugh anyway.

Quite a few of us are doing the marathon so I'll keep you posted.

It's been mentioned before but we had a fantastic time in France (that's me finishing the race)and we really have made friends for life.

anyway as the say in russia musgow! Ouch!