Barrie Roberts, Katie Roberts along with Martin and Marie Foster have recently returned from warm weather/pre-season training in the Algarve, Portugal. Barrie and Martin competed in 3 races.
Barrie report on the results:-
Falesia Annual 5k Road Race held on 13th March, 2012
A strong international field of runners. Two clockwise laps (including two uphill stretches per lap). Finishing line/funnel threequarters of the way around a 400m running track.
Martin Foster 23:15
Barrie Roberts 23:32
Falesia Annual 6k XC Handicap (held on an established international XC course)
Multi-terraine (watered grass, hard dry ground, `blankets` of pine needles, sand). 3x2km laps incl. hills and tight turns. Wooded and open areas. Weather: Warm and
Martin Foster 29:26
Barrie Roberts 29:41 PB (on that particular XC Course)
Falesia Annual 8k XC Handicap. Organised by www.209events.com (Mike Gratton`s Warm Weather Training Camp)
Mike Gratton, former London Marathon winner, kindly invited me and Martin to participate. Same course as the 6k XC but with an additional lap. Just before I set off MG reminded me that it was a tough XC Course. I suppose `when the going gets tough the tough get going!`
Barrie Roberts 39:09 PB (on that particular XC Course)
Martin Foster 39:39
It was great to be first across the line, with Martin in `hot pursuit.` We had both run well but have to acknowledge that the handicapping was more than generous! Having said that, I have run my fastest XC ever since joining Birmingham Rowheath/Bournville Harriers back in the last Century.
Katie and Marie gave welcome back-up and support during the above mentioned races. Furthermore, both Marie and Katie trained hard most days running/walking across a range of surfaces eg. road,off-road,cross-country, beach. I ran a total of 10 times in 2 weeks, 3 of which were races. Martin ran in excess of 30 times and must have run twice on most days, including long runs. He is training hard for the Brighton Marathon – 1st Marathon for 7 years. As long as he can avoid injury, and doesn`t experience bad luck, he should run well in Brighton.
It would be great to have a larger BvH Party next year.It is a wonderful place to run, walk, swim, eat, drink and relax, and meet fellow athletes/sportsmen/women from all over the world. Put it in your diary for next year.
Yes, the sunshine is tempting for next year
Well done all of you, on two weeks of intense training… Martin I think you deserve a sit down…congratulations Barrie on your fastest ever XC and two pb’s as well… By the the way you’ve dropped your ice creams.