5k-50k-recovery!
It was both a busy and successful weekend for the BERC's.
It started with the Spire 50k ultra. As once again Nick and Claire took on the challenge. Nick who managed to fall from the top of a stile which he said 'really rung his bell'. Managed to recover well and put in another solid display, to get 12th as he prepares for 'THE WALL' in just a few weeks time. Next up was Claire who is improving all the time and put in a solid performance following her fell race in Cumbria. Where she took Gold in the V45's. As she came home in 7:45:38 hours. WELL DONE the pair of you. Plus special mention goes to Priya! Who's support throughout enabled them to keep digging in.
Meanwhile Helen took on the masters 5k county championships at Berry Hill Park. After a few laps Helen found herself at the front of the race alongside one other. She just held in behind her before pulling away with two laps to go, to take the Gold medal and become county masters 45+ champion. CONGRATULATIONS.
After all the exploits at the weekend it was time for a recovery and Claire came up with the idea of having a social run to both recover and see if new runners would be encouraged to come a long? She sorted out a route which was roughly 5k ]and we asked Darren if he could help lead the run [which he happily did] as we carried on with a session. Good time was had and everyone seemed to have fun. Thank you all involved.
Pic 1 - The 5k runners at the group.
Pic 2 - Helen with her gold.
Pic 3 - Claire, Nick and Priya at the spire.
London - boston-mallory.
THE HEAT OF LONDON.
After his exploits in Paris just two weeks earlier we hoped that Andy would have a steady run round London and enjoy it. How wrong could we be. He went for it again but the previous marathon took it's toll in the second half. Yet he still managed to run a brilliant 3:05.
Next up was Jason. Jay can run anything from 5k to ultra's and is always solid in everyone. He ran a cracking 3:11.
Dave was the next in the race and again his training had gone well. He came home in 3:42:59 to once again improve his PB. Getting better each time.
Next was Mike. The KADS coach certainly believes in leading by example. He ran a superb race to run a very impressive 2:59:21. Think it's fair to say the heat was brutal. Great achievement everyone.
Cooking in Boston.
Meanwhile Rich decided to take on the Boston marathon on bank holiday Monday. Once again it was really hot but Rich still dug in and came home with a fab 3:10:53.
Masters Champs in Mallory.
Finally we had two BERC's take on the nationals at Mallory race track. First Steven ran the fourth leg for his team. His first race for many years and was on the time he wanted. Just over 20 mins for 3 miles. While fellow BERC Helen ran in the 10 mile race. Helen ran superbly but found herself in the tough position of being on her own for most of the race. She ran a solid 1:07:12 to finish 6th overall and 4th in her very competitive age group.
WELL DONE EVRYONE!!
Pic 1 Mike celebrating across the line.
Pic 2 Jason and Andy before the start.
Pic 3 Helen after completing the 10 miles.
Cracking month for berc's
Le soleil a Paris!
The end of April was a busy month for the BERC'S. First up we had both Andy and Jamie take on the streets of Paris. It would be Andy's second attempt at the distance while Jamie was taking on the marathon for the first time.
First up was Jamie who had never ran further than 15 miles in training! But thought I'll have a go and he sure did. Hoping to go sub four he ran fantastically well and came home in 3:51. Awesome effort.
Next up was Andy and last year he had not really done all the training he needed too, but this year he had and boy did it show! He had the target of three hours to aim for and came home in a fantastic 2:59:12.
Superb running from both of you and everyone at BERC's salutes you.
Meanwhile four more sensible BERC's [ allegedly] decided to spend the bank holiday break more peacefully. As they took on a steady run around Moorgreen and Annesley. Around 10 miles. Lovely.
Pic 1 Neil, Claire,Laura and Steven.
Pic 2 Andy having a well deserved pint.
Pic 3 Jamie attacking Paris.
ULTRA BERC's
At the weekend we saw three BERC's take on the Rasselbock BYU [back yard ultra] at Sherwood Pines.
The race consists of running one lap [ known as a yard] which consists of 4.17 miles, every hour for as long as you can keep going. So, if you manage 24 you will have completed 100 miles!!! Basically you are running, eating and sleeping whenever you get the chance.
The three hardy BERC's that were taking on the challenge were Claire, Neil and Nick.
First up was Claire. Who thought she may not be able to take part with the recent setbacks she has had with training but got herself to the start line and managed an awesome 10 laps. Just over 41 miles. Next it was Neil. This was Neil's first ultra on his own. He has competed in the Equinox in a team. But this was a whole new ball game. He ran superbly and clocked a mightily impressive 62.5 miles.
Finally it was BERC's very own ultra veteran Nick. After competing and improving in every race he has taken on over the last few years, he continued with that improvement again covering a fantastic 87.5 miles and grabbing a brilliant second place in his age group.
The whole group salutes you all for an unbelievable achievement!! You truly are BERC's. JOG ON!!
Pictured Neil, Claire and Nick.