2 Weeks of Racing

After the excitement of the Beds AAA Cross Country 8th January, individual racing resumed almost immediately as we began 2022. Matthew Ma, after placing well in the cross country on the Saturday, laced up his still damp and muddy trail shoes and took on the Stansted Stagger. As we all know, Matthew does anything but stagger when it comes to racing, and completed the 26 mile trail event in 3 hours and 48 minutes. A great way to start the racing season!

On Sunday 15th January some of you ventured further afield and hit the roads in some longer distance events. Continuing his great form from 2021, Adam Carter jumped on the train and took on the Battersea Half Marathon which took in the iconic power station and dogs home. It looked like a lot of laps?! Adam again got himself a sub 2 hour time at 1:57. I’ll be looking with interest at how your running continues to develop this year Adam!

A little further south of the Thames and to Crystal Palace where Dale Smisson kick started his year with another half marathon PB. Dale knocked a further 4 minutes off of his best time from 2021 with 2:04 as he builds his miles in readiness for the Brighton marathon in April. A great venue and medal Dale.

It won’t surprise you to see that ultra duo Lesley Wes Barnard and Emma Davis were once again joined by Helen Crossland as they ventured to Wales and got straight back into their long distance events. 33 hilly miles and some stunning scenery. Well done ladies!

On Sunday 23rd January some of you donned your trainers and took on the Fred Hughes 10 mile challenge in St Albans. In its 34th year, this is a well established event that many return to year after year. First home for LFR was former chairman Steve Ellerton in a very respectable 1:15. Just behind Steve was VC Andy Stocks who is training for 4 marathons this year, and is very good at sticking to his training plan. Something some of us could learn to be better at!

Also at “The Fred” were Graham Cooper and Paul Thomas. Paul did brilliantly in his age group coming third in a time of 1:33 and Graham who was pictured on social media being chased by a young lady from LBAC finished in 1:38. Wayne Walker completed the quintet of men with an equally impressive 1:23. Flying the flag for the LFR ladies was Lynda Peacock who, having completed the race a few times, noted the course was on a different route this year and much hillier. However Lynda, I’m sure you enjoyed the race all the same?

Running the Greensand Ridge

Away from racing a few of you joined up to take on the Greensands Ridge on Sunday 23rd. Richard Heady, who is captaining a virtual team challenge for runners to complete 1000 miles this year, took on the Greensands with some LFR Friends. Joining on the run from the start in Leighton was Paul Doyle who likes a long distance run and supported Richard the whole 42 miles. Sam Heady, who you may remember completed the 2 day Run Jersey with Richard in the Autumn of last year, was also along for the first 19 miles to Ampthill. It looks like you’ve got the long distance bug now Sam! Sam was joined by Ian Mulry for part of the run and then he peeled off at Woburn. There’ll be more long distance events from Ian as the year progresses.

If you like the sound of the Greensands run, LFR will once again be entering teams into the relay event which is being held on Saturday 18th June. Please add your name to Captain Emily’s Facebook post or send her an email.