HH131

THE HARRIERS HERALD

No. 135, May 2004

Editorial

Welcome to May’s edition of the Harriers Herald. We start with Thursday night schedules for May and June, and details of the IAH Relay, and Mo updates us with the latest Website news and forthcoming Fixtures. We have received a ‘thank you’ e-mail from The Charles Clore Macmillan Unit for our donation from the Compton Downland Challenge, which I have reproduced here. Race-wise, Sue P reports on the Paris Marathon, Lucy on the White Horse Half Marathon, and Sue B on April’s Handicap Race. Thanks to all this month’s contributors, and Happy Summer Running!

Sue B

Thursday night schedule for May

Thurs 6th Tom to lead

Thurs 13th Martin to lead

Thurs 20th IAH Relay

Thurs 27th Sue P to lead

Thursday night schedule for June

Thurs 3rd Handicap Race

Thurs 10th Andy to lead

Thurs 17th Susanne to lead

Thurs 24th Boundary Race??

IAH Relay

Sue B

This year’s relay will be held on Thursday 20th May, starting at 5:30 pm from the Cricket Field (each stage will start and finish here). The route will be the same as in 2003 (1.6 miles, or 2530 metres each stage) with teams of four taking part. There are start time advantages depending on the number of ladies and veterans in your team (handicap system yet to be finalised!). As usual, there will be a BBQ, with the Bar open (drinks voucher for all competitors and helpers) and there will be a trophy for the winning team. Can anybody beat ‘The Old Boys’ this year? If you can persuade any colleagues or partners to volunteer for marshalling, it would be a great help.

The Boundary Race will, as usual, be held around the Boundary of the Institute estate and farms (~ 8.5 miles). Provisional date 24^th June.

Website update… http://comptonharriers.cjb.net/

I recently received an email (or is it e-mither?) from one of our recent Downland Challenge competitors who heaped praise on our event, but was puzzled by the age grade percentages provided in the postal results. As I had published results on the website with pace/mile rather than these age grade percentages, I had to carry out some research to find out exactly what they relate to before sending a reply. As a result of this, I thought it would be a good idea to feature this as an article in the website update this month. I will also provide an age-grade calculator on the website so that we can all check out our own individual performance efforts across arrange of race distances. To illustrate these age grading percentages and the effect they could have on an event outcome, I have published the results of the first 20 home in the 20 mile Challenge and immediately below this, the results in age grading order. As it turns out, the first 3 remain exactly the same, confirming they were performing with maximum effort, but it is interesting to note the difference in the remaining places … two ladies showing their efforts would place them much higher in the finish order through their age grade performance.

Results for All Competitors in finish order. Age Race Race

Place Time Name Team Age Category Grading

1 2:04:18 ALDRIDGE, Sam Reading A.C. M23 75.88% 103 1

2 2:07:30 SHEPLEY, Seb Tarden Hendae M36 73.97% 142 2

3 2:11:51 BURBIDGE, Duncan Highgate Harriers M32 71.53% 228 3

4 2:12:20 JEGOU, Paul White Horse Harriers M29 71.27% 90 4

5 2:12:24 STREET, Reece Bearbrook Joggers M37 71.24% 32 5

6 2:12:38 DODWELL, Henry Highgate Harriers M28 71.11% 230 6

7 2:15:39 GOULDING, Stephen Pewsey Vale RC M41 71.47% 236 7

8 2:17:14 COOKE, Jason White Horse Harriers M32 68.73% 268 8

9 2:17:29 RACKMAN, Nigel Metros M41 70.52% 198 9

10 2:18:25 BOWERING, Michael Marlborough RC M40 69.55% 176 10

11 2:19:48 WHITE, Ian Eastleigh Running Club M40 68.86% 97 11

12 2:19:59 GREEN, Joseph Nailsea RC M44 70.77% 244 12

13 2:21:32 KETTERIDGE, Sean Colchester Harriers M34 66.64% 172 13

14 2:23:59 BROWN, Robert Windsor, Slough, Eton & M40 66.86% 251 14

Hounslow

15 2:25:51 TURNER, Peter Reading Road Runners M46 68.95% 266 15

16 2:26:01 CARRUTHERS, Andrew Halesowen AC M43 67.37% 249 16

17 2:26:33 COTTIS, John Colchester Harriers M40 65.69% 141 17

18 2:29:56 RICHARDS, Gary Abingdon Amblers M48 68.11% 200 18

19 2:30:06 TARKANYI, John Nailsea RC M46 67.00% 243 19

20 2:30:40 MACASKIL, Andy Wargrave Runners M25 62.60% 67 20

Results for All Competitors in age grading order. Age Race Race

Place Time Name Team Age Category Grading

1 2:04:18 ALDRIDGE, Sam Reading A.C. M23 75.88% 103 1

2 2:07:30 SHEPLEY, Seb Tarden Hendae M36 73.97% 142 2

3 2:11:51 BURBIDGE, Duncan Highgate Harriers M32 71.53% 228 3

4 2:15:39 GOULDING, Stephen Pewsey Vale RC M41 71.47% 236 7

5 2:12:20 JEGOU, Paul White Horse Harriers M29 71.27% 90 4

6 2:12:24 STREET, Reece Bearbrook Joggers M37 71.24% 32 5

7 2:12:38 DODWELL, Henry Highgate Harriers M28 71.11% 230 6

8 2:19:59 GREEN, Joseph Nailsea RC M44 70.77% 244 12

9 2:17:29 RACKMAN, Nigel Metros M41 70.52% 198 9

10 2:35:52 WHILEY, Lesley Reading Road Runners F43 70.15% 23 26

11 2:35:44 ALDRIDGE, Philip Reading A.C. M56 70.00% 128 25

12 2:18:25 BOWERING, Michael Marlborough RC M40 69.55% 176 10

13 2:25:51 TURNER, Peter Reading Road Runners M46 68.95% 266 15

14 2:40:03 BOWKER, Carol Reading Road Runners F44 68.88% 188 33

15 2:19:48 WHITE, Ian Eastleigh Running Club M40 68.86% 97 11

16 2:17:14 COOKE, Jason White Horse Harriers M32 68.73% 268 8

17 2:29:56 RICHARDS, Gary Abingdon Amblers M48 68.11% 200 18

18 2:31:14 TAYLOR, Robert Newbury Athletic Club M49 68.04% 190 22

19 2:26:01 CARRUTHERS, Andrew Halesowen AC M43 67.37% 249 16

20 2:48:12 BROWN, Peter West Four Harriers M60 67.19% 169 49

So, how does it all work? The explanation is that the percentage is worked out according to the world record for a particular distance, taking into account the competitor's age and sex. Based on a whole range of statistical information over a period of time, the various factors required have been calculated so that a comparison can be made for all runners on their individual performances. In this way, each individual's percentage value for an event can be used to judge performance against the standard for age both now and in the future, so keeping track of performance over time.

The percentages are based on the current tables compiled by the World Association of Veteran Athletes (WAVA), the world governing body for masters (veterans) track and field, long distance running and race walking.

For timed events, generally speaking running and walking races, age grading percentage is calculated as follows: -

Age graded % = world record time / (Time x age related factor) x 100

The "age related factor” is the adjustment factor unique to every age, gender and event, which appropriately adjusts the performance to make a valid comparison with the world’s best. This factor will by definition NEVER be more than 1.000 for a timed event.

It is useful for making comparisons between ages and genders in a given event and can be used to monitor whether an individual is maintaining a certain standard as he or she ages. It is also less susceptible to ambiguities when comparing similar events. For instance you could probably establish your best running distance by applying age-graded calculations to all your PBs over a range of distances.

The other interesting point is how the age grading factor varies according to age in a range of different events. Broadly speaking (but with a few exceptions) it is well known that an athlete's gradual decline starts around the age of 30. However if we take running as an example, at the age of 31 men and women are both already declining in the 400m and 800m whereas for a marathon, the decline often doesn't start until around age 38.

I have suggested to our editor that it might be worth considering the application of age grading percentages to the next short course handicap race series and provide points based on performance to determining the overall series winner.

Fixtures

Our fixtures secretary has moved on to other challenges so, as an interim measure, I will continue to provide information on forthcoming events which are likely to whet your appetite. Most events have a website address with full entry details provided.

Info on forthcoming events for May and June: -

Sunday, 2 May 2004 Fordingbridge Fire Station 10K Fordingbridge, Hampshire http://www.fordingbridgefirestation.com/

Monday, 3 May 2004 Henley-on-Thames May Day 5.2 Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

http://haods.com/funrun2004.htm

Monday, 3 May 2004 Shinfield 10K Reading, Berkshire - Includes 3K for Under 15s

http://www.readingroadrunners.org/Events/Shinfield.html

Sunday, 9 May 2004 Marlow 5 Marlow, Buckinghamshire

http://www.handycrossrunners.freeserve.co.uk

Sunday, 16 May 2004 Hairy Legs Challenge X-Country 5k Run - 20k Bike -5k Run

http://www.mountainhigh.co.uk (Closing date for entry 7^th May - No Entries on the day!)

Sunday, 16 May 2004 Oxford Mail Town & Gown 10K Oxford, Oxfordshire

http://oxfordtownandgown.org/

Sunday 16th May 2004 Woodley 10K & 3K Road Races Headley Road, Woodley, Berkshire http://www.woodley10k.co.uk

Wednesday, 26 May 2004 Finchcoasters Woodland Series 5 Crowthorne, Berkshire

http://www.finchcoasters.org.uk/

Saturday, 29^th May 2004 Grand Union Canal 145M Birmingham, West Midlands

Contact Dick for information … helpers don't forget!!

Monday, 31^st May 2004 Kintbury 5 Mile Run 10.30am start (Organised by Dave Wright of Newbury AC)

Entry forms on Harriers notice board - a must to do … Sue B was 2^nd last year … should be 1^st this year!!

Saturday 5th June 2004 Wincle Trout Run (9Km fell also including 3Km fell) Mellor Knowl Farm, Wincle, Macclesfield, SK11 0QE (in Cheshire)

http://www.ukresults.net/04jun.html

Sunday 20^th June 2004 Ridgeway Relay ... keep this one in mind!

http://freespace.virgin.net/alan.joslin/mrc_home.htm

Mo - May 2004

Thanks from the Charles Clore Macmillan Unit

The chosen charity for the 2004 Compton Downland Challenge was the Charles Clore Macmillan Unit, in Newbury, which provides respite care and occupational therapy for the terminally ill. We recently sent them the cheque for £1500, and I also sent a short article and some photographs that I hope might provide some interest for the ‘patients’. Vicki Bradford, Charles Clore Unit Secretary, sent me the following e-mail last week:

‘Dear Sue,

Thank you so much for the small report/photographs and cheque you raised for our unit. Well done - it was lovely of you to think of our unit and the money will help to support what we do here and in turn benefit the patients. With your permission we would like to put a small article in the local paper (Newbury Weekly News) describing what your runners did to raise the money.

Thanks again.

Regards, Vicki’

Paris in the springtime (2^nd – 4^th April 2004)

Sue P

A romantic weekend for two in Paris, this was not! Annette (an ex-Compton Harrier) and myself, along with better halves and faithful supporters had decided to have a few days in the city of love – some of us to run the Paris marathon, and some of us to sample as much fine French cuisine and wine as possible. So it was that six eager people arrived at Gare du Nord station on Friday night in anticipation of a good weekend. With a little more than 36 hours to go, I felt just about ready to tackle the marathon, although I knew that Annette would not be starting with me due to the recurrence of an old heel injury. She did however plan to run the last few miles, which I knew would be when I would most appreciate the moral support.

Sunday arrived, and my spirits were not so good – probably due to an over indulgence in rich food, and maybe a tad too much wine. However, having mentally prepared myself (and the rest of my party) to feel like a sardine on the Metro for at least an hour, it was a pleasant surprise how easy it was to get to the start at the Champs Elysees. Here was a problem though, as runners were being herded into metal cages (according to time expectation) and in typical laid back French manner, there was no rush to check people in. So having found my correct cage, I then had to watch as runners scaled these huge structures (and risked great personal injury) to make it inside for the starting gun.

Start problem aside, the race was wonderfully well organised, the streets were very wide making overtaking of runners no problem (a great contrast to London where you are forever weaving in and out of walkers and very slow runners), the food and water stations were well equipped with a wide selection of goodies and the route was stunning. It was a great combination of running through, and past, all the main tourist sights of a beautiful historic city with the complete peace and quiet (apart from 35,000 runners) of the lovely Bois du Vincennes wooded area to the east of the city. The second half of the race ran parallel with the Seine for about 10K before weaving out to more parkland to the west of the city and back to the finish close to the Arc du Triomphe. Annette joined me at around 14 miles and ran with me to the finish. This was great company for me (as several attempts to converse with fellow runners had ended with ‘pardon je suis Anglaise!) and meant that Annette got an injury free run, a chance to enjoy part of the course and a finisher’s medal! (together with disqualification as she was not chipped at the start).

Despite my initial lack of eagerness, I felt really good all the way around, but I was let down by a recurring knee problem (not helped by all the cobbled streets) which was apparent from around 14 miles. This meant that I had to walk for about two minutes every couple of kilometres, but despite this, I finished in 4hr:15min. I was happy with this as I had no time expectations before the race – just to finish and enjoy the run. Our better halves and supporters were also happy as they were easily able to travel around on the Metro to cheer us on (being a sardine with a hang over is no fun) - again, a huge contrast from London!

Overall, I would definitely recommend this marathon – well organised, scenic and in true French style, the last few water points also had optional wine and cake available for runners who wanted that quick fix before the end of the run!

Sue P

White Horse Half Marathon (4^th April)

Lucy

The White Horse half marathon was held on Sunday 4^th April, the week after the Compton 40, in Grove, Wantage. This was a pleasant spring day, which dissolved into a rainstorm the minute we lined up at the start. I tried to ignore the rows of sensible people wearing jackets or bin-bags, and resolutely stood near the front of the field in short sleeves and goose bumps. As soon as the crowds moved off I was pleased with my decision, as the rain stopped and a tailwind made running fairly warm.

I don’t remember much about the route, except it was similar in content to the Goring 10k and just as pretty. It was pretty hilly too, so I was glad of an excuse to stop and chat with ‘Mick & Phil’ one of whom was being pushed by his dad in his wheelchair. Since they had also run the Coniston 14 the previous week I was impressed by their stamina, also by the speed they overtook me.

By the halfway point, which I made in a good 10k time for me, I was paying the price of the tail wind, and took about an hour over the second half. My finish time was 1:48:26, a mere two minutes over my PB. The memento was a mug, which though splendid had no bunnies on and wasn’t remotely black, so will only be my second favourite! No cups were required at the finish water station – we just dipped our mugs in. This was a nice, well-organised race, with plenty of facilities, and made a good wind-down after all the excitement of the previous week.

Handicap Race (Long Crossing)

Sue B

Five runners took part in the first Summer Handicap Race around the 5K Long Crossing route, while the others played ‘trudant’ and went for a run over the Downs. It was cool and rather blowy, so there were no exceptional times. First to set off was Mo, along with new runner Chris, who has just started training for triathlons with Team Kennet Club. Martin, whose injury is considerably better since he borrowed Tom’s vibrator, set off with Vicky to show her the route on her first summer handicap. Sue B set off last, with a lot of catching up to do! Although Martin crossed the line first, Vicky was the official winner (having set off at her correct start time) and retained the trophy. Sue came in next, with Mo and Chris finishing together, before Chris headed off for his swimming training. Well done to Vicky (and pacemaker Martin!) and thanks to Jan for timing. The next handicap race is scheduled for Thursday 3rd June. Martin suggested that the June and August handicap races could be held over the Village Lap course, giving time for a short run over the Downs afterwards. What does everyone else think? Is it really only me who enjoys the monthly handicap?!

Pos	Name	Start time	Finish time	Actual time	Handicap Beaten?
1	Martin	2:28	25:38	23:10	-
2	Vicky	2:28	27:10	24:42	+0:10
3	Sue B	document.write('');