CHAIR UPDATE

After the insanity of the last few weeks’ with four races in 5 week, which has left me pretty much, broken, things should start to get back to normal again for the next few weeks, however not before the Hairy Helmet on the 14th of June.

For those who have not attended the Hairy Helmet before it’s basically and opportunity for some alfresco drinking where a relay race breaks out.

If your’re not taking part don’t let that put you off making the trip down to Darley Park to take part in the festivities.

See the Mickleover Running Club website for more details.

Over the next few weeks Mickleover Running Club will be heading out to pastures new to take the opportunity to run some new routes.

We’ll be holding a 5k Handicap on the Sustrans and in August we’ll be holding the second annual MRC –Pub-a-Thon.

Also Alan and Myself will be taking a look at the schedule and looking to organize a few more structured runs and sessions as feedback on these have been very positive and now that there is a break in the racing calendar we think we can get some good quality sessions lined up for you all.

Keep a look out on Strava and the MRC website for more details over the coming days and weeks.

Trail and Ultra Running

This year we’ve seen a few of our members taking on longer and longer distances (when I say a few it’s clear there’s a small bunch of crazies who can’t seem to help themselves….you all know who you are 😊 ).

Most of those take part in these events are doing so because it provides something different to the road running events. Most are off road/trails and typically have a mixture of runners and walkers taking part. The environment and atmosphere is quite relaxed, friendly and supportive (not that road running isn’t that…but there is a different feel to it). It’s an opportunity to see and experience lovely landscapes and eat lots of cake, ideally with a good running buddy! The ethos and approach by most is very much about finishing, running slowly/walking where needed, maybe sitting down and changing your sox/top (depending on distance); snacking (did I mention cake) and chatting away to others taking part and the lovely marshalls.

There are plenty of events out there – some offering multiple distances and run / walk / cani cross options. Anyone can do them (and you can start off small); just ensure you’re well prepared for the day! If you want to know about fuelling / approaches then I’d recommend chatting to Phil Scope. My approach to the Hathersage Hurtle (20 miles up and around Stanage Edge) was less than appropriate (as ever) but I had a great day with my two ever present running buddies so it didn’t matter as the emphasis was on having fun with mates (normal people go to the pub don’t they…) but we got around we had a laugh…and we had cake 😊.

Big thumbs up and huge kudos to the following people who have this year ran ridiculously far at some local events! There’s still some spaces in the Summer events too… 😊

Wilmot Wander (January) John, Vicky, Kel and Adrian

Nomad (June) John, Vicky, Steve, Rowan, Keren and Marion (‘only’ the 50k) and Phil (50mile)

PeakDistrict100 (Aug) Alan

Equinox (Sept) Marion

Oh…and some of you Thunderunners might pass the 26.2 mile distance too in late July!

Run Fest Run 2019

When my lovely other half; Richard, said that he had booked us as family to weekend of camping which included lots of running and live music – I was hooked!

Most of us have heard about Car Fest organised and hosted by Chris Evans but when he mentioned that he would be creating a running festival, I was intrigued.

So race weekend, we got there and set up camp for the weekend of running and fun family time at Bowood House and Gardens. We queued up for our registration details, which we hideous long (so maybe next year, if they do again they would have ironed out any issues!) we enjoyed a pleasant walk around the interesting stalls of food, drink and all things fitness and running. The Friday evening commenced with a 5k shuffle suitable for all ages and abilities to have the chance to run before sunset. There was also the chance of finishing with Coral playing live on stage! Before bed Rowan and I (the Chamberlains also attended) tackled the night time run – a 5k route around the grounds. I finished the evening by running around a 5k night time run which was pretty awesome and the fact that Rowan and I managed to race with Jo Pavey was an absolute treat.

After a fairly peaceful night’s sleep, Saturday morning commenced with a half marathon which I chose not to run but enjoy the delights of the festival site along with listening to inspirational speakers. For the runners who did run the half, apparently it was scenic route which consisted of many hills in the sunshine! Steve Chamberlain took on, what sounds like a gruelling challenge so make sure you give him a ‘high 5’ when you see him next. On Saturday I completed the 2.5k race with my little girl Shivani and then a 3K road race. By the way a 3k is nice and short HOWEVER you have to run really fast! After a lovely day running and cheering people on we, ended the evening with a drink (or three) dancing in the field to Sister Bliss and later Olly Murs.

The final day started with a mass warm up for all runners to enjoy and to get into the competitive spirit. We were given a team name and captain (which was given earlier in the year) and the mission was the run around a 5K route full of surprises and obstacles where each person needed to bring back objects to increase their overall team points. We were part of the buzzing bees and were initially in the lead but somehow lost it to the dragon flys! It was a great team effort with lots of fun all the way around a beautiful course where you witnessed woodlands and waterfalls.

To summarise the weekend for me, it encouraged and capture team spirit in a fun way where ability didn’t matter but finishing did. Sometimes we all get carried away and too focused on time and position so for a weekend where the taking part really matter, reminded me running is fun. I got the opportunity to share my running passion with some incredible women who inspire me daily and the fact that I got to share that with my little lady makes it a lovely memory.

THUNDERUN

Just over one month to go to Thunderun 2019.

There are 7 MRC teams taking part, with over 40 runners in total. The team Captains recently met up and shared stories/experiences/plans which will be (or have been) filtered to the team members.

Supporters are welcome to come along at any point over the weekend so if you’re at a loose end 21/22 July we’d love to see you there. We should have quite the mini event village set up for ourselves!! More to follow in future newsletters.

‘Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June.’
– Al Bernstein

Let me get this out of the way! Well done to LFC for the win in Madrid, ok the game was not brilliant (it was dire tbh), but we came home with old Big Ears!

Sessions

Somehow, I seem to have now added a few notes on session coming up – and why not, it all helps to keep you, the members, updated. As you are aware, I will be continuing the structured sessions during June & early July as I venture on towards my CiRF assessment. As well, as these sessions, Ross has added onto Strava a ‘booking’ system for our sessions that we offer on a Tuesday. This is to give the Leaders an idea to the numbers/who is planning to attend which session but don’t worry if you haven’t got Strava or if you register and then can’t turn up. It’s not binding or a formal system – it’s just a tool just to help us and given 90% of our members use it we thought we’d try it out! . Of course, on the day, you can also swap runs depending upon how you are feeling. The only limiting issue are the sessions I will be leading in the short term as it is part of my assessment.

Can I thank all who have helped out so far in leading the runs, but as ever, it would be nice to add a few more volunteers onto our rota, so if you are interested please feel free to talk to Ross or myself.

Park Run Takeover

As I mentioned in the last newsletter I am working with Sinfin Running Club to try and arrange a Markeaton Park Run Take over in the next few weeks.

I have had some positive feedback from several members who would love to help out, but if out would like to help out please do let me know as we can never have too many volunteers.

Hopefully we can get something arranged and we can help out the Markeaton Park run team in putting on an excellent day.

WELL FEST EAST MIDLANDS 2019

Lykke Events are bringing its Feel Good Festival back to the iconic Roundhouse in Derby for its second year on Saturday, 28th September 2019, 10-5pm.

Health, fitness and wellness are at the heart of this festival for all ages.

Yoga, Pilates, gong bath, educational and inspirational talks and workshops, outdoor food plaza, indoor feel good marketplace where you can browse and buy many natural and ethical products as well as learn about the inspiring local businesses supporting us to look after our mind, body and soul.

Join them and create your day of self care whilst meeting lots of wonderful people.

To follow the event and to book classes when they become available please visit their website lykkeevents.co.uk.

Venue:
Roundhouse Derby

Date:
28 September 2019

Time:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Cost:
£3.00

Race Results

26th May

The Rock n Roll Marathon and Half Marathon. 7 members ventured to the football capital of England (Editor: arguable!)….and a chance to see the greatest and most atmospheric stadium in the UK (no, the world) Anfield :D – oh, and a visit to Goodison Park :S – see report for more info.

Derby Half

It’s the Derby Half this weekend, I dare say a few of us will be out and about, update on how it all went in the next issue!

It has been a really busy start to the road racing season, with many achieving excellent runs over the weeks. On behalf of Vicky (my Co-Capt), Ross and all the members of the Committee, I want to want to congratulate you all on your achievements -whatever they maybe. Yes, it is great to see results like Mark L gaining the GFA time for Boston, numerous members gaining a PB over 10k, or simply enjoying a day round the Spire Ultra. Each one of you have achieved a goal, and so you should be proud of this.

Kathryn’s hen run and fun!

Calling all MRC ladies

As the men are all attending Rob’s stagathon, we thought the ladies should do something equally civilised for Kathryn!

The plan is to run markeaton park run on Saturday 7th September, then go for a champagne breakfast (at Hackwood or Gilbert’s).

All ladies welcome - please let me know if you can come and I’ll book us in for breakfast! A £5 deposit is required payable to myself (Nic).

Contact me for more details.

Facebook Event Page

Club Championships

The official results from the Sinfin Classic have been released and I have done the data bashing, and the top three are:

Points/ Position	Men	Ladies
1	Ross (3pts)	Emma (2pts)
2	Andy F (6pts)	Raj (4pts)
3	Lee (7pts)	Rowan (7pts)

Club Champs. full tables

Most Improved

As you know we now have a new category in the Clubs Awards: ‘Most Improved’ – a chance to see which member has, over the year improved the most. This is based on performance race data from last year to this year (have to be EA affiliated to enable tracking), based on the events in our championships, and so far, this year:

The official results from the Sinfin Classic have been released and I have done the data bashing, and the top three are:

Runner	Points
Nick C	33 points
Clive	33 points
Emma	25 points
Ross	25 points
Raj	23 points
Richard E	23 points

Its early days, as they say, and with the Derby Half results to look at, it will change I am sure.

DRS: Derby Run Series

The first table from the DRS has been published which only covers the Sinfin results (Carsington to be finalised), and Team MRC are 4th, behind Smalley (1st), Long Eaton (2nd) and Beeston (3rd), but ahead of Derwent, Shelton, TDR, and South Derbys.

This is fantastic, Smalley may have amassed 9500+ points with MRC only having 3300+, but our above points per runner is far higher at 176 points per runner, compared to 93. So it is a fantastic all round result for the club, and it should prove interesting when the Carsington results to be added.

If you can, please enter some of the DRS events, all your points will count towards the MRC total. We have a couple of months off, as the 4th race is the Wilne 10k in early Sept.

MRC Away Day

MRC will be getting the camper van out and heading out to pastures new for a day trip to Dalbury Lees.

On the 18th of June instead of starting from the Royal British Legion we shall be running from the Cow in Lees. Starting at the usual time of 7:00pm you will have the option of taking in part in either a 5 mile or 7 mile run at the usual paces on offer on a normal club night.

This is a great opportunity to get out and see a different part of the area and then finish the evening off in the Cow for a drink.

Car sharing is recommended with pick ups planned from the RBL from 6:30pm and there will be no runs taking place from the RBL on the 18th of June.

Future Events & Races

June is a quiet month for racing in and around Derby after a hectic May. There’s the ‘small’ Nomad Event which some of our members are running in (see the ‘Ultra’ Section in this newsletter).

July presents us with:

5th July – Colin Potter: Link

7th July – Ashbourne Half: Link

19th July – Tara Kinder: Link

20th/21st July – Thunder Run!

Keep an eye out on the club’s Facebook page for details of the Piggs 10k, it is usually early August, as this is very local event and race 4 in our championships.

Good luck to all who will be running in whatever event and wherever it may be.

Away from racing...

there are other events planned for the club and the members over the next few weeks:

11th June – the 3rd and final session that will be led by EA Coach Chris Hollinshead – these have proved to be very different and enjoyable by the members.

14th June: Hairy Helmet Relay – we have 5 teams in this popular event at Darley Abbey. Please come along and support them. As well as the race, there is a band playing, beer & food. It is a great social evening and there’s a Fun Run (book online) which starts at 6pm.

18th June – ‘Away Day’ 2 runs from the Cow in Lees, as well as the session I will be leading at the RBL.

25th June - Heartwize, a charity providing CPR for runners, will be attending the club for a session. This will take place at 8pm, so there will only be 4mile runs on offer that evening. This session is an ideal chance to gain basic knowledge of a life saving technique, however, there are limited places so please use the link to book a place: eventbrite.co.uk (Will be on Facebook as well).

So, a busy month for the club!

Alan & Vicky Capt

And finally...

ASICS Made of Sport: I am made of belief not barriers

It's not just the distances he runs that makes ultra runner Simon Wheatcroft extraordinary. Here, he describes how running to him is more than just exercise.