How many Liss Runners does it take………

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October 2014 NEWSLETTER

Visit our Website

www.liss-runners.org.ukClub Training

Day & Time LocationSunday 8:30 & 9.30 a.m Triangle Centre, Liss – Long Run

Wednesday 7.00 p.m. Triangle Centre, Liss – Speed Work

Thursday 7.00 p.m. Petersfield Main Car Park – Social Run

Committee

Chairman Helen Smith 01730267270Secretary Yvonne Grayson 01428712876Treasurer Will Purchase 01730 892710Membership Secretary Rose Lewis 01730 26178Ladies’ Captain Marie Appleton 07810641258Men’s Captain & kit Stu Lavalette 07557966808Newsletter Editor Mark Watson 01420477679Committee Member Tom Frost 01730 814098Committee Member Darryl Hornett07768 513174Committee Member Andy Paton 07920544052Committee Member Mark Watson 07810 806072

Next Newsletter Copy Deadline Date Editor January 2015 19th December 2014 Mark Watson

Please continue to e-mail results, articles and especially pictures to me for the next Newsletter via markwatson@apexref.co.uk please put Liss Runners in the title. Over the following pages you can see and read about some of the summer events and exploits undertaken by the club.

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Chairman’s Report

Hello Lovely Liss Runners. It only feels a few moments ago since the last newslet-ter and my feet have hardly touched the ground. So many of you have been do-ing such amazing events. We must be one of the most active clubs “in the world” well maybe not the world.

The pub runs this year have been a triumph!! They were so well attended and the weather was exceptional, we could not have asked for anything better. Of course the success of the evening are purely down to the effort of the members who or-ganise them, so our thanks go to Tom, Lesley, Jez, Tim , Rose, Emma, Marie and Mark. Thank you so much for all the time you put into researching and developing the routes. THANK YOU. They really are a perfect way to spend a Monday evening, so come and join in next year or if you would like to organise a run, please let Tom know in plenty of time.

Our handicap series has now come to an end for this season. Massive congratula-tions to Lucy Mitchell who was this year’s overall winner. Lucy’s improvement since becoming a member has been truly remarkable and her win is a fitting trib-ute to her sustained efforts. She was also a member of this year’s South Downs Relay Team. Well done Lucy. Congratulations to all the winners throughout the series. All details , places and timings are in an article further in the newsletter. Our sincere thanks to Tom, Derek, Ann and Anne who organise these races like clockwork for the club. We could not do it without you. Thank you. An extra thank you to Derek who puts up with all the whinging about placing etc. and cunningly puts us all in the right order at the right time. (It’s all done with mirrors!!) Cheers folks. A record 28 runners turned up for the curry after the last handicap… thanks to Helen P for organising that !! Yummy.

The biggest event for the club, the Harting Trail Race, early in August was once again perfectly orchestrated by Tom with the help of his team of merry men… (and women). I had a tiny insight into the lengths Tom goes to make this race such a success, when I spent a morning with him strimming some of the route. Tom’s attention to detail is astonishing as he strives for perfection for Liss Run-ners. He stays calm, is enthusiastic and carries us all along with him. Thank you Tom and every single one of you who were involved. I know Tom has put in an article with all the facts and figures so I’ll leave that to him, but thank you again for everything.

Some of you have been going the extra mile with your events. You only need to read the Petersfield Post to see some of our members really having some great success. Dave Robbins, Sarah Mathews and Val Greenwood are amongst the many who have been doing rather well recently. Well done folks. Val Greenwood set out in a relay team to swim the Channel. She did all the many, many hours of training come rain or shine. Her commitment to the team was un-shakable. Sadly on the day, after only a few hours, the team were stopped due to bad weather. I cannot begin to imagine the sheer disappointment, after all that training, of not being able to complete the race. I really

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wanted Val to know that she has our complete admiration and she will always be a winner to us. I hope sincerely that you can dust yourself off and go back and compete next year. Well done every one for all those miles of races, up and down every contour, you are all amazing.

As we are a club that likes to mix our running with food we had a BBQ in QE Park in the middle of August. 11 runners turned out early for the training runs. 5 miles,10 miles and hill training. Thank you to Yvonne, Sarah W and Tom for lead-ing these groups. The weather was mostly kind with the exception of one almighty down pour which had us all running for cover for a few minutes. We didn’t let a little damp weather put us off having a great time. Nearly 40 people arrived to share in the BBQ and silly games throughout the afternoon. I have to say my sides ached from laughing, watching grown adults doing a wheel barrow race, three legged race and egg and spoon to mention just a few. Everyone was such a great sport. It was a real family affair with quite a few children joining in with the fun. I really think it is worth a mention that they were a complete pleas-ure, enthusiastic and fun. Nice to see them all eagerly enjoying some very old fashioned games. Thanks kids!!!

We also ran a silly competition where we had to vote for people most likely too…. It was just a bit of fun but I thought you may like to see the results from the day. The person most likely to become a politician? Mark Watson The person most likely to become a beauty queen? Laura Armstrong Most likely to become Prince Charming? Steve Armstrong Most likely to win Mastermind? John CollisMost likely to become Pope? Mark Watson To win an Olympic medal? Tom Frost To trek through the jungle? Wadey Boots To become a nun? Pai To become famous? Blakey (Pai’s Dog) Become an agony Aunt? Alison Strudwick.

Well that still makes me giggle!! All in all, a good day.

So folks, sadly the summer must leave us soon, it’s been one of the best for a few years and we will be sad to see it go. Yet it is not all bad news!! It means the cross country season is almost upon us. All the dates and venues are in this magazine, so pop the dates in your diaries, on your calendars, post it notes on your foreheads, but whatever you do come and run for your club. It’s only an hour out of your Sunday morning and we need you all!! Happy running, stay safe out there!!

Helen TNO

The Summer Handicap Race Series.4

April-September 2014Derek

Our Club annual six race summer series started as always, in April, with ‘Trevor’s Challenge’ (Named after our Club’s founder member). A monster turnout of fifty-three runners took part in this traditional mass start race, with Tom gaining first place and Rosalind Smith first lady. All runners, regardless of their finish placing’s, were awarded ninety points each towards their Handicap score.The subsequent five races, held on the second Wednesday of each month, were true Handicap events inasmuch as the start times were used from the first race, having worked out everyone’s running pace (and modified as the summer went on) so that the not so fast runners started first and the faster runners later. The grand idea being that if the handicap times are right, then everyone will cross the finish line together. Twice I came close to achieving a mass finish (and it’s a nightmare from the recorders point of view). After each of these five races all runners are awarded points; 100pts for first place, 99pts for second place, 98pts for third place and so on. After the last race I add up the total points (those runners who have run in all six races have their lowest score discarded) and the runner with the highest number of points is the overall winner – easy peasey. At this point I would like to thank Harry Houdini for the use of his smoke and mirrors and Heath Robinson for the loan of his manual on making anything work!

The winners of each Handicap race were:

May: Stephen Bubb. June: Lesley Evans.July: Ali Mary. August: Jo Statham.September: Debbie Band.

The winner of the entire series was: Lucy Mitchell.

The final scores of the top fifty are: Lucy Mitchell 464pts David Brown 259ptsAlan Hall/Andy P 447pts Mark Bailey 257ptsPeter Digby 444pts Helen Murphy 256ptsSandra Humphrey 434pts Sue Cullum 251ptsSarah wade 430pts Bill Allcock 249ptsEmma Pike 427pts Marie Appleton 243ptJames Staley 426pts David Auger 238ptsRose/Chris Wilson423pts Stewart Roberts 236ptsJohn Collis 420pts Steve Cliff 197ptsRob Fleming 413pts David Read 192ptsAndy Statham 411pts Jess Lee 190ptsStuart Knight 406pts Victoria Llewellyn 186ptsHelen Smith 390pts Katie Parnell 182pts

Alan Kiff 364pts Rosalind Smith 181ptsStephen Bubb 363pts Debbie Band 177ptsKate Gardner-Cliff358pts Paul Hawes 173pts

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Gary Lomas 346pts David Little 171ptsJo Statham 332pts Ali Mary 167ptsLorna Richard 320pts Alasdair McGregor 165ptsTom/Yvonne 315pts Laura Cullum 159ptsLaura Armstrong 307pts Colin Bales 158ptsStu/Jamie Cartwright 278pts Anne Parnell 151ptsAndrew James 273pts Oliver Reed 144ptsSteve Armstrong 262pts Kirsten Russell 141pts

Throughout this series a total of eighty-three runners took part in one or more of the races. Given that our membership is about one hundred and ten, that’s not a bad turnout. (That is eighty-three times I was informed that I’d got the start times wrong!)

Finally, BIG Thank You’s to:Tom: for signing the routes and making sure no one got lost.Ann Carty: for recording the race times.Anne Parnell: for warning runners of their start times (taking the pressure off me – I’m a guy and can only do one thing at a time!), and helping identify runners as they crossed the finish line.

MAYBE next year will see a different route each month or do we keep it as it is, using the same route? Let a committee member know your thoughts or come along to the AGM next year.

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Harting Trail 10 Race ReportAfter the success of the inaugural race last year, Liss Runners put on the second 10 mile Harting Trail Race. The event is based in the lovely village of South Harting in the South Downs in West Sussex, closer to the Hampshire border. The race route takes runners over the Downs following bridleways and paths with plenty of ups and downs before a final steep downhill mile back to South Harting. On race morning the weather was warm but changeable with ominous dark clouds on the horizon. The heavy showers did not materialise and that left a good running temperature compared to earlier days. Last years’ winner: Denmead Strider Julian Manning gained a quick lead up the

first hill. He maintained this as he stormed around the course to complete the undulating 10 miles in a superb 57’46”. Second in was Hugh Aggleton of Cardiff Harequins a minute behind Manning with third man, Haywards Heath Harrier Paul Tomlinson another minute behind.For the veteran men (40-54) fellow strider member Pete Turrell took the honours in 1h and 4”, also with a fine 5th place overall. Second veteran man was Tony Randell in 1h 02’ 25” and third was Lee Weeks in 1h 05’ 02”In the super veteran men’s category Portsmouth Jogger Tony Conway was first in with 1 h 05’55” also taking 16th overall position. Second was Don Doe from Poole Runners in 1h 09’03”Clear winner for the ladies was Stubbington Green Runner Daisy Hall in 1h 10’56” with the second lady Lynne Whittaker from Winchester and District AC in 1h 11’18”, also winning the Super veterans prize (50+). Horsham Jogger Lucinda Potton was third lady in 1h 13’24” also winning the Veterans ladies prize (35-49). Second and third senior ladies were Melissa Panter (1h 17’39”) and Catherine Durkin (1h 22’52”).

Julian on his own at 9 miles.

Second and third veteran ladies were Julie Humphries (1h 17’46”) and Helen Hoyle (1h 22’31”).Second super veteran lady was Joanna Curtis from Winchester and District AC (taking 1h 17’30”).

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Top three finishers this year: Paul, Julian and Hugh.

There were some lovely messages on the Runners World web forums, with the race getting a superb 96% rating and 98% of runners wanting to take part in a future year. This was all down to the magnificent help from club members. Tim and Val on entries and results were the main support with the usual sorter outers Derek and Julia on the finish funnel and taking the times down, back up as provided by Sarah Wade and son with the finisher’s placing. Marie sorted out the baggage and key storage with nothing going missing this year. They were kept very busy in the kitchen of the club house selling cake and drinks; many thanks to Helen Smith and her band of merry helpers. Stuart Lavalette and Bob Broadhead got all the cars safely parked. Chris Wilson and Dave Auger were along the main road keeping runners safely in single file and helping out at the end. Annette and Nicola gave medals out to the tired runners. Out on the course it was a big, big thank you to the sweep marshals John Collis and Andy Paton, doing the course along with taking all the signage down. Also out around the course we had a multitude of cheerful help: Bill and Julie Allcock, Andrew James, Alan Kiff, Peter Digby, Lorna Richard, Emma Pike, James White, David Robbins, Alison Strudwick, Sean Denny, Ann Carty, Pat Humphrey, Jenny and Bob Broadhead, Sarah and Mark Watson, Andy Statham, Mellisa, Laura and Steve Armstrong, Sue Cullum and Norman and Rose. Sorry if I’ve missed anybody out. The club owes you all a big debt of gratitude. Same again next year?

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Photographs from the day

The Good, the bad and the…

Tail runner

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South Downs MarathonExactly five weeks after The China Marathon (sorry I mentioned it again, but I can’t help myself!!) Derek and I were persuaded by Wadey Boots to run the South Downs Marathon to keep her company. Sadly on the day Sarah was unable to run due to illness. So as we are never known to shy away from a challenge we went ahead with the plan and started on another “lumpy” marathon.We met up at the start with our fellow “Lissers” John Collis, Steve Armstrong and Yvonne Grayson. To start with it was a perfect day for a marathon and expectations were high. After consuming the obligatory bacon butty we were off and running. Derek and I stayed with the boys for quite a few miles and were very pleased with our progress reaching the halfway point at 2.02 which is quicker than we have run many half marathons. It may be worth mentioning at this point that Derek had hoped to complete the race in under 5 hours. Now we all know that Derek never puts anyone under pressure when he runs, so I felt it must mean a lot to him and we were well underway to easily finishing within his preferred time. I don’t really know what went wrong, I’d like to blame the blistering hot day, the steepest hills in Southern England, lack of water stations, cramp and even asthma but truly it was just my lack of talent. We had masses of support along the route; I cannot tell you folks how much it helped seeing you all out there cheering for us. You were fantastic!!! The scenery was as beautiful as always, breath taking views, magnificent rolling country side unspoilt in every direction. It’s a must for any marathon runner. I loved it. Honestly a great marathon. Derek kept us going with his unique sense of humour, encouragement and jolly nature. We finally jogged home in 5 .09. Well done to John, Steve and Yvonne who all had very respectable times, brilliant.

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Liss Runners Summer BarbequeThis new event was a slight departure for Liss Runners: Out in the fresh air, a little running, a lot of food and drink, normal thus far? O.K. so then Helen informed us of the races and the pictures tell it all….

A slight height adjustment needed for John’s team I think?

These Liss Ladies know how to put a man in his place.

And, these plainly have the right technique. Thumb on egg I think!

There was a lot of effort put in behind the scenes to make it happen, whether training

runs, food, barbeque or logistics, it was all made possible by a few very committed club members, so thank you all for a wonderful day.

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Trophy CabinetYes! The trophy cabinet is now in pride of place at the Triangle:

Captain’s diaryOver the next few months there are lots of events happening that Marie and Stuie would like to make you aware of:

Liss Runners Parkrun Take OverFirstly we have the Liss Runners Parkrun take overs on October 11 at Queen Elizabeth and Alice Holt on October 25. This will follow the same pattern as last year where all the volunteer roles are covered by Liss Runners and we make our presence known by having a large amount of runners on the course. It’s a good PR event for the club and we might get some new member in the process, due to handing out our club info leafletsEvery Parkrun is free, it’s a 5km course, it starts at 9am and the only requirement if you want a time to be recorded is to register with Parkrun. The registration provides you with a barcode that lasts a life time. This is not a requirement to take part, so if you are happy to be an unknown runner on the results list then this is fineThe only club requirement is that you come along wearing your Liss Runners kit, so we get our club colours recognized, so please contact Stuie if you need any kit. Also please bring loud voices and whistles so we can shout and cheer on the runners.

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Southern Cross Country LeagueThe league is a series of seven races from October through to March when Liss Runners race against 21 other local running clubs, scoring points at each race. They all start at 11am, and the requirement is to have a minimum of 5 men and 3 ladies to finish from each club to score any points. These races are free, very sociable event between the teams and each race is hosted by a running club who also provide a buffet type foods for the price of £2 per person after each raceAgain you will need to run in Liss Runners colours so please see Stuie for your kit and the runners normally make arrangements to meet at a central place and car share where possible

Stuie and Marie will be asking for confirmation of your taking part closer to each race. So we have provided a list below of the dates and venues so you can organize your weekends October 12, 2014 at Pamber Forest Tadley hosted by Basingstoke & Mid Hants November 9, 2014 at QE Country Park hosted by Portsmouth JoggersDecember 7, 2014 at the Bourne Woods Farnham hosted by Farnham RunnersDecember 28, 2014 at Lord Wandsworth College Odiham hosted by Hart RunnersJanuary 25, 2015 at Manor Farm Country Park hosted by Stubbington Green RunnersFebruary 15 or 22, 2015 (dates to be confirmed) at Chawton Wood hosted by Alton Runners March 1, 2015 at Staunton Country Park hosted by Denmead Striders

Devils punch bowl 10Km race, 14 th September What a fantastic day, sunny and bright with a warm temp for the morning. Well organisation, plenty of parking with helpful direction signs. Very handy to have use of the Hotel for registration & ‘pre-race conveniences’

The start was on the old A3 road, opposite Baron Car sales garage. After speeches by Hindhead mayor and the local town crier “Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah” the race headed up the road on to the heath land. It looped around past the Devils punch bowl viewing point then along the south side of the bowl edge.

Alan Hall from the club was a close 3rd as the leaders headed off down the valley. They came to a marshal point at a fork in the track. They all went left. After a few hundred yards later they realised it was the 5Km course. They doubled back, quizzed the marshal, who thought the faster sprinting runners would be doing the 5Km ahead of the 10Km runners. Much further back I was in a long thin line of runners just before that fork in the track. A big scream come from ahead. The 3 rd

place women runner was holding her leg in pain. Whoops, a walker’s English

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Bull Terrier (terror) dog had bitten her. Not too bad (leg was still attached and no blood), but the runner was shocked the dog had taken a nibble. The marshal nearby came quickly to her aid.

The course was very dry, with lots of sand and loose gravel, tricky running down to the valley bottom, over the footbridge at the stream. There was a ford next to the bridge.

The marshal said the fast, lead runners where going through the ford. Up the hill now, told to beware of cows. At the next marshal point they were keeping several big woolly and massive horned Highland cattle at bay. Gouged by cows another risk? No, they were friendly and just curious. Next run-ning up another steep climb, some walking now for the not super fit runners at this place on the route. Up to the hill to the Devils punch bowl east rim, only a mile to go. Then an easier run to the finish line. With Stuie & Maria shouting on encouragement to Liss run-ners to keep the legs going.

Everyone received a nice medal and T- shirt, water re-freshments and the odd freebie bit of homemade multi grain flapjack – tasting extra yummy after the run.

Liss runners all did very well, everyone will be pleased with their times. Those tuff Wednesday reps where good preparation. What a great location, stunning views and epic race over “challenging” terrain + animal obstacles’. The sun was still shining as recovery mode kicked in. PS the hotel there does a nice Sunday roast carvery. A good day was had by club and all.

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Emsworth to Basingstoke RelayThis year unfortunately only one team from Liss Runners was represented, Rose’s Rebels, consisting of Sarah Wade, Marie Appleton, Heather Green, Mark Bailey, Bill Peters and yours truly, not forgetting of course our chief timer and quiet supporter Stuie Lavalette! Tom Frost was replacing my son though in another team.

The relay is run over 18 legs, leg one done by everyone, and covers roughly 50 miles, in aid of charity. This year it was Meningitis Now.

Saturday 17th May dawned lovely and sunny and warm, but luckily a bit cloudy which kept it slightly cooler. We all met up at the car park in Emsworth, and with Kevin’s (Sarah’s husband) help managed to get the two cars to Warblington Church which is the end of leg one. Many thanks to Kevin for giving up his time.

Off we all set at 10.30 running along the Mill Pond, trying to avoid people and dogs out walking, and then along the shore line to Warblington Church. Sarah then went on to do the second leg carrying the purple baton, whilst we all piled into the cars and raced off to West Leigh playing fields to meet her at the other end.

A lot of jostling of cars takes place on the first few changeovers until the teams get more spread out. Heather was off on leg three, but was suffering with a lack of voice, this did improve by the end of the day though!

Not sure if it was the running or the drink on the way home!

The legs wind their way, mostly off road, via Rowlands Castle (Mark), Finchdean (Marie) this leg unfortunately starts off uphill, Charlton (Bill), Buriton (me), Petersfield (Heather), Steep (Sarah).

Here we had even more chaos with cars and people, as for the last few years Steep School seem to have decided to hold their school fete on the same day. Trying to get the outgoing runner to the church before the incoming runner appears is a major feat, we went up via Sheet, but then you are parking all over the show, and the outgoing runner has to manoeuvre around people, animals and stalls all set out on the field opposite the church. The unlucky person on our team was Sarah, who was running via Poet’s Stone (well not sure you can run up that bit, more like crawl) to Hawkley.

As Sarah came into Hawkley looking fairly exhausted I took over and ran around the hanger to Vanns Farm. This is quite a short route and was nice and shady under the trees, the down side being that the mud hadn’t entirely dried and was a bit slippery in places. Marie then ran to Selborne, Bill to East Worldham, Mark to Holyborne, me to Shalden, Heather to Lasham Nurseries. Marie then ran to Herriard and over took one of the Pompey runner teams, their ladies team being behind us anyway. Sarah was off again on leg 17 handing over to Mark who

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gallantly agree to do the last leg this year, as in all the years I have run it, except when my son was twice in the team, it always seems to be down to me to do, so I was only too glad to give it to Mark.

There were 21 teams this year and we came 17th and the team Tom was in came 7th. It took us 7.03 from start to finish, but we weren’t last. Tom’s team finished in 5.41. The last team actually was the team from Cobra, who basically had got lost very early on and kept missing out legs in order to finish about the same time as us. Reccying is a very important thing to do!!

Anyway as usual there was some lovely food and tea/coffee at the end whilst we waited for the presentations.

This is a fabulous day out and the legs are quite doable ranging from 2.2K to 6.2K. I really hope that Liss Runners can get together more teams next year. The date will be Saturday 16th May, 2015

As has become tradition we stopped at the Selborne Arms on the way home for a much needed drink and were joined by Bill and Julie Allcock.

Rose

COTSWOLD TRI – HALF IRONMAN – 31 st Aug 2014 – 6 hours 32 min’s

OK only the last 13.1 miles was running but thought in case the Newsletter was short for light reading I would contribute. If you have ever thought of doing a half this is the one to do…very, very friendly atmosphere, superb organisation, fairly flat cycle apart from two short hills and a lovely flat run….bliss.The swim was a little confusing for me (should have set the alarm earlier than 5 am) as I thought we were heading for buoys not little boats…nevertheless when I say I am a slooooooooow swimmer I do mean it…completed the 1.9 k swim in 54 minutes with a further 2 minutes wondering where the transition mat was!Made sure I had a snack and a quick drink before heading off for a fairly lonesome ride – a double lap course but extremely well marshalled – unlike most this was slightly short and measured at 53.65 miles which I completed in 3 hours 19 minutes.Run was a little dull as it was 3 laps of the lake and quite a bit of straight road section …..lots of support from marshals and crowds – calf muscle cramped and Achilles was not too happy so had a little walk here and there but all said I done finished in 2 hours 7 minutes.So not bad for an old bird and next year I shall return to see if I can achieve a placement in the over 50’s so if you have ever wanted to spice up your training try a tri and if you want a slightly longer one can recommend this one. What a nice touch: Having your name on your number – brilliant idea!!!

Thanks for reading…………..Yvonne Grayson

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Portsmouth Triathlon Challenge

Derek, Sarah, Bill Peters and I braved the Solent one Sunday morning at the start of this event with a 3k kayak. As it was the sea was as calm as a mill pond, warm and not at all challenging. Derek and I were out of the kayak and on to the 6k run in first place!!!! Don’t be too impressed , we immediately took the wrong path and lost our lead within a few seconds. ( felt good while it lasted ). But this pretty much set the tone for the rest of the event. We seemed destined to take the toughest route possible at every turn, however that did mean we saw parts of Hampshire that have not yet been explored by man. Trying to follow a map, we had to collect clues from questions, most of which we didn’t know the answers! However, we persevered with the 24k bike ride. Once back at the finish we pooled resources with Sarah and Bill and still failed to win any of the massive array of prizes.As you can tell from the photos, the weather was kind, we had a great time, masses of fun and we were ,indeed, completely useless.Helen

Pace, Pedal and Paddle17

So… there are some races that we train months for, push hard for, feel pain for, reach our limits for, even raise money for and then there’s PPP Winchester. What can I say? The weather was perfect on the morning of July 20th . Three bikes loaded into Robbie McIntosh’s faithful Land Rover and along with Derek and myself ( Team name United Oldies) we were on our way to adventure. It was a first for us all , but we are tough troopers and chatted excitedly about the event. We arrived far too early but that gave us time to look over the opposition. AND THEN WE WAITED. Three hours later we were off on our 12 mile bike ride, which was accompanied by Robbie shouting helpful cycling hints to me about how I could go faster and expletives from Derek to “ take your hands off those…… brakes” Oh how I giggled !! Then came the run, which is where the advice was steeped on Robbie this time. Then we queued again for the kayaks, now it was at this point I was beginning to feel the day lacked a little excitement and decided to wade out into the river and tip Robbie out of his boat, which meant he has to swim to the finish line .Well the water was warm and I knew he could swim. Needless to say we did have a good time, as always we laughed a lot and struggled to take any part of the race seriously. Good day fellas. Thank you.

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The Lovely Lesley says Goodbye

So after many great years of service to Liss Runners Lesley has run off to pastures new in deepest Wales. We gave her a good send off at one of our social gatherings at the Spread Eagle in Liss. Lots of old members turned out to wish her well and plenty of present members were also there to wave her off. We had a lovely evening , sharing lots of great memories and planning new adventures. Lesley has offered to organise a pub run up there in the summer for those who don’t mind a bit of a journey one weekend and maybe camp over in her back garden !!!! Never a dull moment. We wish Lesley and Alun every happiness , love and peace in their new home. I have a feeling Liss Runners have not heard the last of her yet !!!

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China and Battersea Dogs HomeJust wanted to thank all those people who sponsored me for The Great Wall of China Marathon. (I promise not to talk about it anymore) Battersea Dogs Home received £630.00 in sponsorship which is pretty good going when there are so many great causes out there. Thank you every one.

The Famous FiveI know this photo is out of date but I felt it was still worthy of publication. Our five London Marathon runners sporting their shinny medals. Anne, Sandra, Sean, Sarah and Pai. We are so proud of you all….still.

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FUTURE LOCAL RACE DATESOctober 2014Sunday 5th: Alton Downland 10/5km Challenge. Sunday 5th: Basingstoke Half Marathon Road Race.Sunday 5th: Julian Farrell 10km Road Race, Camberley.Sunday 5th: Portsmouth RNLI 10km Race & “Pieces of 8” 8 mile fun run.Saturday 11th: Hants. X-Country League: Farley Mount, Winchester.Sunday 12th: Southern X-Country League: Pamber Forest, Basingstoke.Sunday 12th: Chichester Half Marathon MT race.Sunday 12th: Guildford Riverside 5/10km trail race.Sunday 12th Denbies 10 mile Trail Race, Dorking.Saturday 18th: Run or Dye 5km “fun race”, Southampton. Sunday 19th: Charterhouse 5/10/15km trail fun runs, Godalming.Sunday 19th: Denmead 10km Road Race.Sunday 19th: Tadley Runners 10km Road Race.Sunday 19th: Worthing Sea Front 10km Road Race.Saturday 25th: Nightfright 8.5km fun run, Guildford.Sunday 26th: Alf Shrubb Memorial 5 mile X-country, Slinford.Sunday 26th: Great South Run, Portsmouth. Sunday 26th: Fleet 10km Road Race.Sunday 26th: Greensand Marathon and Half trail race, Dorking.Friday 31st: Ghost Race 3, Portsmouth.

November 2014Saturday 1st: “MoRun” 10km/10 mile muddy race, Bracknell.Sunday 2nd: Lordshill 10 mile Road Race, Southampton.Saturday 8th: Hants. X-Country League: Goodwood, Chichester.Sunday 9th: Southern X-Country League: QE Country Park, Petersfield.Sunday 16th: Camberley Cross Country Race.Sunday 16th: Gosport Half Marathon Road Race.

Sunday 16th: “Muscle Acre” 10km: mud slog challenge race, Bordon.Sunday 23rd: “Judgement day 10 mile challenge race, Bordon.Sunday 23rd: “Run-forest-run”, 11km challenge trail race, Chiddingfold.Sunday 23rd: “The Three Mole Hills” 15 mile trail race, Dorking.Sunday 30th: Hayling 10 mile Road Race.Sunday 30th: Jigsaw 10km race, Dunsfold.

December 2014Saturday 6th: Hants. X-Country League: Popham Airfield, Basingstoke.Sunday 7th: Southern X-Country League: Bourne Woods, Farnham.Sunday 7th: “Downland Devil” 11.7km trail race, Steyning.Sunday 14th: RNLI 10/5km “Santa fun run”, Portsmouth.Sunday 14th: “Gordon’s Christmas Dash” 5.2 mile trail race, Woking.Sunday 21st: Portsmouth Coastal trail Marathon. Bank Holiday Friday 26th: Liss Runners Boxing Day Hash, Rogate Common. Sunday 28th: Southern X-Country League, Lord Wandsworth College, Odiham.

If you have access to the internet www.runnersworld.co.uk is excellent for details of most races coming up.

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Hampshire LeagueMany of you will be familiar with the Southern League XC Championships, but did you know we also have a club entry into Hampshire League XC? This differs in being a Saturday event, incorporates individual races for males and females within different age groups from juniors right through to veterans. The race distances for us are, senior/veteran ladies up to 6km starting at 13:35, and, senior/veteran men up to 10k starting at 14:30. These are contested over five meetings at various venues hosted by the larger clubs within the league, please see details below.The rules are similar to Southern League, i.e. you must run in a club top, and you will be allocated a position token at the finish which counts towards the team total. The league is divided into divisions which we, Liss, are currently in the third tier of, meaning we compete at the lower (slower?) levels, and are therefore not racing directly against the quicker clubs and runners. The courses are usually multi lap around park land or similar, so are good under foot and suitable for either spikes or studs. So if you fancy a run out on a Saturday afternoon against (or maybe some way behind!) the elite of Hampshire, please speak to any of the regulars, that is Andy Paton, John Collis, or, Steve Hardy.Further details and previous results can be found at www.hampshireathletics.org.uk/events/hxcl.html

2014/2015 FixturesSaturday 11th October 2014 – Farley Mount, WinchesterSaturday 8th November 2014 – Goodwood, ChichesterSaturday 6th December 2014 – Popham Airfield, BasingstokeSaturday 10th January 2015 – Prospect Park, ReadingSaturday 7th February 2015 – Kings Park, Bournemouth

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Dates for your diary over ChristmasChristmas Pizza night in Petersfield on Dec 11, then January 14 in LissBut the big one we all enjoy is:

Liss Runners Annual Boxing Day Hash: Rogate Common 10am

The annual hash is going to take place over Rogate Common on Boxing Day. Please meet just before 10am, on the lane going from Hill Brow to Rogate,

halfway down the hill to the north of Rogate, where there is a marked footpath (old timers, where we used to meet for the cross country).If you have not done a hash before it’s a social type of running event where runners follow sawdust trails laid out on the ground. The fastest runners run the most looking for new trails where ones end, allowing the slowest runners to catch up. So in theory, everyone should just about stay together, if the trail setter gets it right. Our hashes last around an hour

with plenty of opportunities to take a breather as need. Then back to the car park for mince pies and drink.Don’t forget to bring your voice for the “on-ons”, “are you?” and “checking”!

We wish all members a happy and safe end to the running year so please remember to stay visible and take a torch when out running in the dark.Besides the social events already planned during the Christmas period others may well crop up so keep an eye on Facebook, if you use it, for social gatherings in the run up to Christmas.

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Training eventsWednesday Training Runs29th October: Derek5th November: Bill Allcock12th November: Tom19th November: Helen Smith26th November: Yvonne3rd December: Helen Purchase10th December: David Brown17th December: Derek24th December: Bill31st December: Helen Smith7th January 2015: Yvonne14th January: Helen Purchase21st January: David Brown28th January: Derek

Thursday evening training runs (19:00 Waitrose car park, Petersfield)30th October: Industrial Estate (ACW)6th November: Heath Road (ACW)13th November: Bell Hill (CW) Note: Drinks at pub after the run.20th November: Industrial Estate (CW)27th November: Heath Road (CW)4th December: Bell Hill (ACW)11th December: Industrial (ACW) Pizza Night18th December: Heath Road: (ACW) 25th December: Happy Christmas.26th December: Boxing Day Hash1st January 2015: Bell Hill (CW) 8th January: Industrial Est (CW)15th January: Heath Road (CW)22nd January: Bell Hill: (ACW)29th January: Industrial Est (ACW)

Sunday Long Runs (including the cross country series)12th October: Southern Cross Country - Pamber Forest, Basingstoke.19th October: Rogate26th October: Steep2nd November: Yelkwah9th November: Southern Cross Country-Queen Elizabeth CP, Petersfield.16th November: Nedrob23rd November: Tohspme30th November: Rake7th December: Southern Cross Country - The Bourne, Farnham14th December: Ekar21st December: Etagor28th December: Sotuhern Cross Country – Lord Wandsworth4th January 2015: Peets11th January: Hawkley18th January: Borden25th January: Southern Cross Country - Manor Farm Country park

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