Stubbington Green Runners

On board the overnight ferry to St Malo it was a chance to indulge in some last minute “carbo loading”. Tim and Paul took charge of the kitty and lead this session, even managing to pack away some extra fluid, whilst watching the "Brittany Ferries got talent(?)" competition. Woken early the next morning by the sound of a fog horn, which was so loud it sounded like it was actually in the cabin, we disembarked and headed south. After a ten minute drive the chairman ordered that we stop, he’d had enough. So out we all got and he proceeded to instruct us on how to assemble a bike, whilst he changed into his specialist training gear, Aldi spandex. A quick glance at the map and he was peddling south. Leaving the rest of us to tidy up and get back in the car. We overtook him and agreed to meet enroute on the 86 miles between St Malo and Vannes.

Just to be sure that we didn’t get too far ahead we stopped in the next town for coffee and croissants, and a stroll around the medieval walled town of Dinnan. Back on the road after an hour an half and we realised that we had missed the first rendezvous point. Never mind we said, he will be fine, and we soon overtook Chris again and arranged to meet for lunch. Pizza, pasta and beer were the order of the day, and Chris quickly finished to head off into the afternoon sun. The rest of us took our time, probably still full from the croissants. We headed on to Vannes on the main road, leaving Chris to the back roads, and got checked in to the hotel in time to get our heads down for an hour before he arrived. Once we got Chris checked in he realised that he had forgotten something, his cat. It was probably just as well, because he was soon complaining that there was not enough room to swing a cat in his broom cupboard of a room.

Once suitably refreshed and regrouped we walked over to marathon HQ to get registered for our races. As per last year Marathon HQ had a large number of stands promoting other marathons around France. One in particular caught our eye (again), which was the Caen event next June. A combination of 5k ladies race on the Saturday evening, a 10k, half marathon and full marathon all taking place on the Sunday and finishing at the memorial in Caen. This all takes place on the weekend of June 19th 2011, and we are hoping to organise a club trip, so watch this space.

Off in to town to a little sports bar we found last year, we indulged in another liquid carbo loading session, whilst watching the rugby and football, before heading into the old town for something to eat.

After an early breakfast we headed up to the old ramparts area of the town to set Tim off on his 13k adventure. Due to ongoing injuries, lack of training, and too much carbo loading, Tim decided to swap his half marathon place for a 13k run. Slightly nervous as he hadn't run even that distance (non stop) since March Tim set off. We crowded at the start to cheer him away, once the fireworks had died away, and completely missed him. Perhaps he was wearing the Mr Blobby suit after all. Within half an hour it was the turn to the Marathon runners to listen to the fireworks and watch the sky light up.

Having swapped his Duo marathon place for the 13k run with Chris,  the teams lined up for the head to head race, Paul and Chris vs Graham and Ray. You can only guess at the mind games, and banter that had been the main topic of conversation on Saturday night. Being deceptively quick, I placed my self at the front of the pack, about five rows from the line, and Paul was only a few rows further back. As we set off the four rows immediately in front seemed to stop!  Quickly regaining my composure and carefully side stepping the tripping joggers I made my way in to town and off on the 12 mile journey around Vannes.

The race conditions were perfect and the race was again well supported by the locals. Tim duly completed his run in a very respectable time of 56:26 , which he was delighted with.

Returning to the handover point, it was time for Ray to take over. The wind ups had continued, and by the time Ray took over, Chris's mind games had taken effect! Ray took over the chip and set off on the 14 miles. Paul came into view 9 minutes later and handed over to Chris. 9 minutes over 14 miles, a challenge. Dashing back out to the course Paul, Tim and myself were keen to see if Chris was up for the challenge. Ray was obviously struggling, and we soon realised that it would be close. Chris meanwhile was picking off runners with ease and making progress to the 3 hour pacemaker group. Heading back into town and around the port, Chris could see Ray on the opposite side of the canal. He duly shouted words of encouragement to his club mate on the other side of the water, "Oi Ray, I'm coming to get you", at the top of his voice. The locals didn't quite know what to make of it, and Ray began to feel the effects of missing out on those long runs.

Approaching the finish the race organisation allows the first runner of the Duo team to finish the race with the second, and the team to cross the line together. Teams are reunited at the 1km to go point. Paul and I waited at the top of the hill, peering down a long straight road for the sight of and approaching Green vest.  After a few minutes we got the first sight, and it wasn't the one I wanted!  Paul duly joined Chris for the last 1km whilst I waited for Ray. Ray came in to view a few minutes later, clearly struggling, and we ran in together.

Walking back across town to the hotel Chris hardly mentioned the race! We rested up and then headed back out to the sports bar for more football/rugby, and on into town to replenish those depleted liquid reserves. Ray and I drowned our sorrows, and listened as Chris and Paul relived there victory. A great evening was still had by all;-)

Thanks again guys for another great weekend with running friends, lots of laughs, jokes and rib taking, as you would expect, but all in good fun.

Next year we are definitely going to plan a trip the Caen Marathon/half/10k, it does look like a fantastic event and if you are interested more details can be found here http://www.lescourantsdelaliberte.com/en/index.php. (yes there is full English translation). It would be great to see a few more Stubbies on tour, and we think that with the range of events on offer that there could be something for everyone that weekend. So make a note now Sunday 19th June 2011, and watch this space. Graham Bell.

Race results 13k

Winning time - 43:36

Tim Sullivan - 56.26 128th (out of 1,080 finishers)

Duo Marathon

Winning time - 2:32:04

Paul Hammond 19k - 1:25:46 Chris Hall 23k - 1:32:23 Total - 42k - 2:58:20 - 30th (out of about 380 Duo teams, I think)

Graham Bell - 19k - 1:16:32 Ray Gunner - 23k - 1:45:39 Total - 42k - 3:02:17 - 39th (out of about 380 Duo teams, I think)

Marathon

First Man - 2:33:50

First Lady - 2:59:32

Photos: Paul Hammond | Chris Hall