Cobra Running Club NEWSLETTER Christmas
2001
Welcome to the TENTH ANNIVERSITY year of Cobra RC!
Copy of Press Release - Uffmoor Wood
Cobra running club proudly donated £100 to the Woodland
Trust, a charity dedicated to safeguarding and protecting woodland in the
UK. Cobra runners use the woods for training purposes and hold an annual closed
handicap race every December. Cobra press officer, Paul Smith stated "that
the club enjoy many hours of running the various paths within the wood and
wanted to contribute something to its care and maintenance".
Chair's Chat
Well, it doesn't seem possible but we are ten years old! Last Christmas we celebrated the start of our anniversary with the tenth annual Christmas Cracker Race and it is appropriate that we finish with this years. As always organised by Clive Murch it doesn't matter how may 'fibs' you make on your entry form, Clive will find some excuse to handicap you especially if you won it last year! A special thank you is due to all of those members who made the presentation evening on the Black Country Night Out organised by Paul Chaddock. It was a memorable occasion.
See pictures below (click on thumbnails to enlarge):
In celebration of the Club's birthday we now have an Hon President and Vice Presidents and the Club goes from strength to strength. I would especially praise the work of the Committee in managing the Club and a special thank you to Marion Bailey who has been raising the profile of the Women's section on Wednesday nights.
May I also remind you that the Annual General Meeting will take place on 22nd January 2002 at 8.00pm venue to be confirmed.
In wishing you a Happy Christmas remember to give a donation to Liz Tilley's charity 'Warley Leisure and Enabling Service who will be providing Christams lunches for those less fortunate than ourselves, rather than sending cards to each other.
Chair's Chat
Well, it doesn't seem possible but we are ten years old! Last Christmas we celebrated the start of our anniversary with the tenth annual Christmas Cracker Race and it is appropriate that we finish with this years. As always organised by Clive Murch it doesn't matter how may 'fibs' you make on your entry form, Clive will find some excuse to handicap you especially if you won it last year! A special thank you is due to all of those members who made the presentation evening on the Black Country Night Out organised by Paul Chaddock. It was a memorable occasion.
See pictures below (click on thumbnails to enlarge):
In celebration of the Club's birthday we now have an Hon President and Vice Presidents and the Club goes from strength to strength. I would especially praise the work of the Committee in managing the Club and a special thank you to Marion Bailey who has been raising the profile of the Women's section on Wednesday nights.
May I also remind you that the Annual General Meeting will take place on 22nd January 2002 at 8.00pm venue to be confirmed.
In wishing you a Happy Christmas remember to give a donation to Liz Tilley's charity 'Warley Leisure and Enabling Service who will be providing Christams lunches for those less fortunate than ourselves, rather than sending cards to each other.
John Lloyd Chair
"COBRAS GET ALTITUDE"
"COBRAS GET ALTITUDE"
Well after all that preparation I didn't need the crampons,
ice axe and survival bag after all, because you couldn't have picked a better
day to climb Mount Snowdon and savour those breathtaking views. On Saturday
27th of October, the 7am start and 3 hour plus drive were soon forgotten as
9 COBRA members set off to find the start of the Pyg track at Pen-y-pass car
park. Also forgotten was the earlier stop at the Little Chef, where some were
treated to an over priced breakfast with less than inspiring service. This
only served to delay two thirds of the party by almost an hour before we
met up with Adrian, Jane and Rob on the A4086 roadside.
Pauls Westwood and Cottom, John Sidaway, Dave Daniels, Lloydy and Carolyn hastily kitted up before romping half a mile up the road to the start, and then stripping off again for the last visit to the toilet. Suitably refreshed we set off up the well defined track just as most people were coming down - only joking. At the front Jane was setting a determined, steady pace that had those following gasping and sweating up in the warm conditions. Was it the pace set in those trainers or those black lycra tights and tunic she was wearing? Who can say?
"Onwards and upwards" someone called as the path zigged and then zagged, but oh what peace and tranquillity it was with old Fletcher still back in Halesowen. "Car" came the call from the back and everyone turned round as a natural reaction and then laughed. On a higher level we could see small mountain goat-like figures picking their way along the ridges of Crib Goch, while we were content to follow our own route in single file and pass slower walkers who had cracked under the strain of carrying a flask and Mars bar.
The guide said 3 hours to the top, but we entered the final mist in 1 hour 50 minutes (thanks to Jane) only to find the world and it's mother huddled behind the café and surrounding rocks to shield from the wind. It was amazing how different the weather was at the summit, whereas 50 metres down the track there were glorious views of the mountain range and it's pathways, with the clear blue waters of Glaslyn and Llyn Llydaw in the Gwynant Valley below.
The summit was also home to some loose sheep, and I mean loose, as one took a fancy to Rob when he tried to buy favours with his Kendal mint cake and other goodies. "You're just the same as all the other ramblers that walk in and out of a girl's life" we imagined she would say as we slipped off into the mist to start our decent down the Miners' track. Rob called her Dolly but we reckon they still write to each other, but that's another story (ask Rob).
The downward route was much less arduous and offered superb views of mined rockfaces and the disused miner's buildings scattered around the clear pools that reportedly contained brown trout. Before you knew it we were back at the start and after cheekily changing on the side of the road we were ready for a bite to eat and a pint. Up and down in 4 ¼ hours, boy are we fit or what?
We decided to stop in Betws-y-coed on the way home where many tourists were making up for lost time thanks to the foot and mouth epidemic. Using our initiative we constructed a table for 9 in the pub (much to the annoyance of the staff) huddled together, and ordered traditional lamb and leek pie and chips. "Just shear it and I'll eat it" said Paul Cottom before someone else disclaimed "what no Banks's?
The exhilaration of the day was felt by everyone and we have now made a pact to do more walks each year under the banner of Cobra Runners and Perambulators (CRAP). Watch this space, we will try anything. Well maybe once eh?
Cheers Westy
Pauls Westwood and Cottom, John Sidaway, Dave Daniels, Lloydy and Carolyn hastily kitted up before romping half a mile up the road to the start, and then stripping off again for the last visit to the toilet. Suitably refreshed we set off up the well defined track just as most people were coming down - only joking. At the front Jane was setting a determined, steady pace that had those following gasping and sweating up in the warm conditions. Was it the pace set in those trainers or those black lycra tights and tunic she was wearing? Who can say?
"Onwards and upwards" someone called as the path zigged and then zagged, but oh what peace and tranquillity it was with old Fletcher still back in Halesowen. "Car" came the call from the back and everyone turned round as a natural reaction and then laughed. On a higher level we could see small mountain goat-like figures picking their way along the ridges of Crib Goch, while we were content to follow our own route in single file and pass slower walkers who had cracked under the strain of carrying a flask and Mars bar.
The guide said 3 hours to the top, but we entered the final mist in 1 hour 50 minutes (thanks to Jane) only to find the world and it's mother huddled behind the café and surrounding rocks to shield from the wind. It was amazing how different the weather was at the summit, whereas 50 metres down the track there were glorious views of the mountain range and it's pathways, with the clear blue waters of Glaslyn and Llyn Llydaw in the Gwynant Valley below.
The summit was also home to some loose sheep, and I mean loose, as one took a fancy to Rob when he tried to buy favours with his Kendal mint cake and other goodies. "You're just the same as all the other ramblers that walk in and out of a girl's life" we imagined she would say as we slipped off into the mist to start our decent down the Miners' track. Rob called her Dolly but we reckon they still write to each other, but that's another story (ask Rob).
The downward route was much less arduous and offered superb views of mined rockfaces and the disused miner's buildings scattered around the clear pools that reportedly contained brown trout. Before you knew it we were back at the start and after cheekily changing on the side of the road we were ready for a bite to eat and a pint. Up and down in 4 ¼ hours, boy are we fit or what?
We decided to stop in Betws-y-coed on the way home where many tourists were making up for lost time thanks to the foot and mouth epidemic. Using our initiative we constructed a table for 9 in the pub (much to the annoyance of the staff) huddled together, and ordered traditional lamb and leek pie and chips. "Just shear it and I'll eat it" said Paul Cottom before someone else disclaimed "what no Banks's?
The exhilaration of the day was felt by everyone and we have now made a pact to do more walks each year under the banner of Cobra Runners and Perambulators (CRAP). Watch this space, we will try anything. Well maybe once eh?
Cheers Westy
Member Interview - President
Clive Murch
What is your favourite race?
The Bells of Pattingham and the old Phaseley Roof Raiser (up over Barr Beacon)
What are you best tip for successful running?
Put one foot in front of the other and keep doing it. No, my one tip would be to remember that shoes wear out (about 500/600 miles per pair). I change mine at least once per year, makes a good birthday present.
What are your Personal Bests for the; Mile, 5K, 10K, ½ Marathon and Marathon?
Personal Bests (what are they?). Mile 6.02 Cannon Hill Park (1990), 10Km 46.45 Kiddy (1991), Half Marathon 1.46 Sandwell, 20 Mile 2.57.33 Hereford (1993), Marathon 4.43.20 London (1993).
What was your worst running experience?
The old Halesowen 10 miler on a hot day. No water at drink station and me in last place. We now reach Shut Mill Lane on a guy on a bike who kept asking "Did I want assistance".
"No. The heart is willing but the flesh is weak". He still went on and so did I. Anyway at the top of the lane is chain broke, and I passed him. He then passed me by the Hunnington garage at the rate of knots, but you should have seen the look of fear on his face, could he stop?
What was your most enjoyable running moment?
More Like non-running moment.
I've only been 1st twice and that's about it. Once as Chairman and once as president. To see 10 years up, I remember Bud Buldaro saying "If you get 5 years the club will survive". 10 years on and we are still at it. Well done COBRA all, past, present and future, good, bad, fast and slow.
The club as its members, one and all good friends. Thank you ALL. Back to 'Clive the Elder' for 2002.
What is your favourite race?
The Bells of Pattingham and the old Phaseley Roof Raiser (up over Barr Beacon)
What are you best tip for successful running?
Put one foot in front of the other and keep doing it. No, my one tip would be to remember that shoes wear out (about 500/600 miles per pair). I change mine at least once per year, makes a good birthday present.
What are your Personal Bests for the; Mile, 5K, 10K, ½ Marathon and Marathon?
Personal Bests (what are they?). Mile 6.02 Cannon Hill Park (1990), 10Km 46.45 Kiddy (1991), Half Marathon 1.46 Sandwell, 20 Mile 2.57.33 Hereford (1993), Marathon 4.43.20 London (1993).
What was your worst running experience?
The old Halesowen 10 miler on a hot day. No water at drink station and me in last place. We now reach Shut Mill Lane on a guy on a bike who kept asking "Did I want assistance".
"No. The heart is willing but the flesh is weak". He still went on and so did I. Anyway at the top of the lane is chain broke, and I passed him. He then passed me by the Hunnington garage at the rate of knots, but you should have seen the look of fear on his face, could he stop?
What was your most enjoyable running moment?
More Like non-running moment.
I've only been 1st twice and that's about it. Once as Chairman and once as president. To see 10 years up, I remember Bud Buldaro saying "If you get 5 years the club will survive". 10 years on and we are still at it. Well done COBRA all, past, present and future, good, bad, fast and slow.
The club as its members, one and all good friends. Thank you ALL. Back to 'Clive the Elder' for 2002.
Members Interview - Cynthia Botfield
What is your favourite race?
The Cracker. It involves all club members, there is a great atmosphere and feeling of camaraderie and it takes in Uffmoor Wood. There's also alcohol involved, what else to you need?
What is your best tip for successful running?
Always run for yourself and listen to your body. Whether training or in a race, only do what you are comfortable with. We all have days when we could run for England or we should have stayed in bed. Don't do the first when you should be doing the second.
What are your Personal Bests for the; Mile, 5K, 10K, ½ Marathon and Marathon?
Crikey this took some working out! A good mile for me would be 8.30. I haven't run a 5k, my best 5 mile is approx. as it was the 1998 Boxing Day Run, 4.7 miles in 38.08. I finished the 1999 Dudley Kingswinford 10K in 51.00. I have no desire to run ½ or full marathon and if I ever get a time, let alone a personal best for either, I'd hope to wake up and find it had all been a horrible dream.
The Roc fencing 8 miler this year. I ran the first 5 miles with stitch and the whole 8 with a blister. It wasn't as scenic as I thought it would be and I didn't like running on the paths. Bit of a disappointment all round!
I've also been bitten by dogs on two separate occasions. It was a very scary experience especially as one of them was on a lead.
What was your most enjoyable running moment?
Taff took us on a fabulous Clent run December 31st last year, my birthday. It had snowed previously but was perfect to run on. The combination of, sun, scenery and company was a delight. In the summer, he was also responsible for leading a lovely canal run (on the towpath not the water!)
I have recently been on a Clent training run that incorporated proper loos. Bliss! Taff again .
Editors Note
This is your club newsletter, so please forward any news, results and funny running antidotes to the editor Paul Smith. Do you have any old stories or race results from any point in the clubs history, particularly in the mid 1990's, if so let me know ASAP. I am planning to publish a newsletter four times next year. Next issue is due in March 2002.Tel: (0121) 559 3942 - Email Address: pj@totalise.co.uk Christmas Issue, Dec 2001
The 2001 Christmas Cracker was held on Sunday 16 December at Uffmoor Wood. Thanks to Clive for the handicaps and I was able to take some photos on the day. Full results will be posted on the club notice board for your information.
Marion Bailey was the first member home, followed by Ray Bates with Tim Bailey being the fastest runner making the cracker a truly family affair! Please note that Paul Westwood and Adrian Marchant forgot to change from the night before (sorry I couldn't resist saying that!)
What is your favourite race?
The Cracker. It involves all club members, there is a great atmosphere and feeling of camaraderie and it takes in Uffmoor Wood. There's also alcohol involved, what else to you need?
What is your best tip for successful running?
Always run for yourself and listen to your body. Whether training or in a race, only do what you are comfortable with. We all have days when we could run for England or we should have stayed in bed. Don't do the first when you should be doing the second.
What are your Personal Bests for the; Mile, 5K, 10K, ½ Marathon and Marathon?
Crikey this took some working out! A good mile for me would be 8.30. I haven't run a 5k, my best 5 mile is approx. as it was the 1998 Boxing Day Run, 4.7 miles in 38.08. I finished the 1999 Dudley Kingswinford 10K in 51.00. I have no desire to run ½ or full marathon and if I ever get a time, let alone a personal best for either, I'd hope to wake up and find it had all been a horrible dream.
What was your worst running experience?
The Roc fencing 8 miler this year. I ran the first 5 miles with stitch and the whole 8 with a blister. It wasn't as scenic as I thought it would be and I didn't like running on the paths. Bit of a disappointment all round!
I've also been bitten by dogs on two separate occasions. It was a very scary experience especially as one of them was on a lead.
What was your most enjoyable running moment?
Taff took us on a fabulous Clent run December 31st last year, my birthday. It had snowed previously but was perfect to run on. The combination of, sun, scenery and company was a delight. In the summer, he was also responsible for leading a lovely canal run (on the towpath not the water!)
I have recently been on a Clent training run that incorporated proper loos. Bliss! Taff again .
Editors Note
This is your club newsletter, so please forward any news, results and funny running antidotes to the editor Paul Smith. Do you have any old stories or race results from any point in the clubs history, particularly in the mid 1990's, if so let me know ASAP. I am planning to publish a newsletter four times next year. Next issue is due in March 2002.Tel: (0121) 559 3942 - Email Address: pj@totalise.co.uk Christmas Issue, Dec 2001
The 2001 Christmas Cracker was held on Sunday 16 December at Uffmoor Wood. Thanks to Clive for the handicaps and I was able to take some photos on the day. Full results will be posted on the club notice board for your information.
Marion Bailey was the first member home, followed by Ray Bates with Tim Bailey being the fastest runner making the cracker a truly family affair! Please note that Paul Westwood and Adrian Marchant forgot to change from the night before (sorry I couldn't resist saying that!)