For the first time in this season’s cross country season the sun didn’t shine, but the calm, relatively mild weather offered good running conditions. The course was certainly a breeze compared to last week, though there were a couple of tricky narrow sections to negotiate which made overtaking challenging.

First counter for Heaton Ladies was Katie Maxwell who is getting increasingly stronger in cross country; Katie gained promotion to medium pack-well done! The other counters were Kelly, who had a great run, and Nadia, who despite not being particularly chuffed with the concept of medium pack at the start, ran through the field really well. Jenny and Judith were home shortly after – great performances by the two J’s. Next in was Lisa, who looked much happier (or least less wracked with pain) than last week. I was pleased Alison had not been the least bit daunted by her baptism by fire (or mud) at her first fixture at Aykley Heads and came back for more fun this time. It was good to see Helena, Alex and Fiona T-M (with some fab socks) back in action this week.

As more of us are promoted each time, we do need more people to come out and run in the New Year. Thanks to all who have turned out so far this season. We are now at the half way point with the next fixture at Jarrow on January 17th. Have a happy Christmas everyone!

It was another mild Autumnal day that greeted our youngsters at the new Harrier League venue near Durham city centre. Most runners seemed to agree that this was a “proper” cross country course, with lots of mud, some steep descents, plenty of twists and turns and of course a couple of nasty climbs.

After record numbers in the opening Under 11 races of the season the League made the sensible decision to split the race into separate girls and boys races. First to sample the new format and the new course was Olivia Katory running in the Under 11 girl’s race. She continued her fine form finishing in 10^th place out of a field of nearly 80 girls.

Next up for the club was Kevin de Sousa in the under 13 boy’s race. Resplendent in his new pair of spikes, Kevin ran a blinder from the slow pack finishing in 8^th place from a field of 52 runners. Finishing in the top 10 earns Kevin a promotion up to the fast pack for all future races in the under 13 age category.

Ellie Phillipson enjoyed a strong run in the under 13 girl’s race producing her best performance of the season and she was followed home by Nicole Robinson who despite suffering from a stitch for most of the race still managed a smile when informed that she had been entered in for the North Eastern XC Championships in December. A nice early Christmas present from her Uncle, Ian “Robbo” Robinson.

Holly Matheson also found the tough course to her liking in the under 15 girl’s race, steadily moving through the field from the fast pack to finish in 6^th place and recording the third fastest time in the field.

Congratulations to everyone that turned up and competed for the club. It would be great to finish the year on a high with a big junior turnout for the last Harrier League fixture of 2014 at Wallington Hall this coming Saturday 29^th November. Hopefully see you there for some mud and cakes!

First things first, this was not my first marathon neither will it be my last but it was my first abroad. This can cause problems but gives you a greater chance to explore. So why Venice? In short, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and it has a reputation of being a top marathon for overseas runners. Being more overseas friendly was key considering I do not speak a word of any other language other than Geordie and broken queens English.

With getting there on the Thursday, it gave Jo and I a chance to get the tourist bit out of the way first. Best to this before or after the run because trust me, you miss some of Venice’s best bits on the marathon route. Flying is the best way, the public transport from Marco Polo airport is first class and puts the UK to shame. A word to the wise, purchase a rolling Venice 2 or 3 day pass for the transport network, ACTV. Saves you money and you can use the boats and buses at will. Easy for the post-race get back to the hotel trip.

Then you arrive at a question. Where to stay? Either Mestre or Venice itself. Why is this important? For a few reasons.  Firstly, on race day, there is a bus service which takes you to the start area and the fact this is point to point race. The buses run from Mestre station. You finish right in the centre of Venice.  So do you plump for the easy morning start or the easy post-race digs? I would recommend the first option. Furthermore, as with any big city marathon, there is an expo. Basically an excuse to sell you races and sell you tat. More importantly though, to get your kit bag, number and chip. This is based in a park close to Mestre town centre. It is easily accessible from either Mestre or Venice. The transport links are excellent. To summarise, on reflection, Mestre was by far the better choice (which we went for). There was no mad queues on race day taking the stress out of it. It would have been a mega early start if you travelled from Venice. No lugging heavy cases round the tight streets of Venice in the forlorn hope that you find your hotel. Was laughable seeing some tourists trying to do it. Finally, actually getting back from Venice was reasonably easy. Took longer but not that long.  Just increased traffic that’s all.

So to the morning of the race. After an early coffee, we walked the short distance to the buses waiting outside the Mestre Railway Station. It’s not that long on the bus, about 20 mins.  Once you get there, there is limited facilities.  Rap up warm and pack everything you are going to need pre-race as well as post-race. The back drop is an old country estate about 20k outside Mestre.

After an over enthusiastic Italian MC, and the Italian national anthem being played we were off. The handy thing about this race is that there were plenty of pacers. 3 per goal time. They are nuts!!!!. The first 10k you pass through small villages and totally pan flat.  Holland has steeper slopes. Be careful and learn from my mistake. The pacers go out hard and for a good reason. The last 12k kills you. All to get some time in the bank.

Once you pass the villages you come into the most picturesque part of the run. About 5 mile of industrial estates, topped off by a chemical plant. Pass this, and you are now entering Mestre and half way. At this point I knew sub 3 wasn’t on. Fuel was low and the energy drink the run provides was not doing the trick. Hang in there and enjoy it approach was now adopted.

On the entry to Mestre there are long never ending roads until you reach the town centre where it gets a little twisty. The support in this area is something to be experienced.  Blows the hell out of London in that regard.  The Italians embrace the run with complete vigour. There was even a dodgy looking fella on the mic in the town square which was a complete looky likey from happy days.  Yes I am old enough to know what that is.

On exiting Mestre via the underpass beneath the railway station you encounter the first hill. Which as a coincidence, was when it became less about time more about survival for me. The engine and tank was drained and the reserves were on empty. Well I say hill, the underpass on chilly road is steeper.  That’s about it for gradients.

As clearly stolen from an excellent blog about the race by Tony Carter (TBH fame and yes rivalries aside, this was a real help on race day), you enter the ‘parkrun’ section.  Same length, with a bit of an uphill stretch but nothing to raise any skirts about. By this point, the wheels had come off and the progress was tough. Time to zip up the man suit and get it over and done with.

Thus arrives the hardest bit of the run, the bridge of pain, torture and hell.  This bridge is 2.5 miles long and brings you to the last 10k of the run. It is never ending. Just ask anyone who has done it. Run /walk strategy was adopted.  Had nothing left. You can see Venice in the distance like a mirage in the desert.  Not helped by the passing cars and trains on the other parts of the bridge. At least its flat.

Once that is done you have finally reach Venice. The home stretch and 5k to go. Crowds are fantastic here. They even erect a pontoon bridge for the runners and just for the runners. It’s only there on race day. Can’t remember much of this bit. A bit of a blur. More that I would like to completely forget about it. Saying that, the very last bit around St Marks Squares will stay with me for a very long time. Definitely one off the bucket list and must do. The noise and surroundings definitely make it. Now only 5 or so bridges to get over and its done. Oh by this point, I was done too. Legs and engine done in but least it was over. The feeling on the line was more relief mixed with dejection. It was weird to feel that way at the end of the marathon but that’s the way I felt. Almost failure. After months of training not to achieve my goal time is pretty soul destroying. The finishing area staff were great and could not be more helpful. I was in a bad way. Threw up twice. A word to the wise, use the other water bus stations rather than the one at the finish area. You get home quicker with less queues. After a cold beer and rest. The tea went down a treat. Italian of cause. When in Venice……

On reflection, marathons can be like that. You prepare for everything and sometimes it just doesn’t happen. Things to look into are my fuelling for the race. Never get that drained when I do long runs in the UK. Don’t even take water and I am fine. Old school. Will have to find one of those things that is the devils work and try them to find which one works for me. Energy gels!!!! Usually upset my stomach but will have to try. On the race as a whole, would definitely recommend it. Organisation is first class. Great course and the locals coupled with the surroundings make this run a must do for any marathon runner. Would I do it again…..never say never!!!! Next stop Paris and hopefully I can dispel the demons.

A good turn-out again from Heaton Ladies for this year’s Davison Shield. 13 runners competed in a record field of 314 runners. The conditions were good, if a bit blustery, especially around that interminable football field at the end of the course.

Nicola had a storming run, finishing in 25th position overall. The seniors finished in an excellent 5th place, with Cristina and Ellen being the 2nd and 3rd counters – well done! It was great to have Beth along for her first XC outing with Heaton and a welcome return for Faye. I hope to see both of you out at some future fixtures.

The Heaton vets were out in their droves. Our counters were Heaton stalwarts, Kelly and Jenny. The vets finished as 8th placed team.

It is a strength of Heaton that we have so many ladies willing to turn out week after week. Thanks and well done to Helena, Caroline, Linda, Lisa and Alex (in addition to those already mentioned). It is testament to the strength of the talent at Heaton Harriers that they all finished in the top two thirds of the field.

A strong U13 team meant that Heaton finished 7th placed team in the Davison Shield. There was some great performances in the other junior categories and it’s lovely to see club represented in all age categories, but they need to bring their friends along next year, so that they have the requisite 3 runners to make a team!

Next fixture 22th November.

At the Annual General Meeting on 15th October 2014, members agreed that 2015 renewal membership fees will increase to:
• £25 for renewals by the end of January;
• £30 for renewals during February;
• £35 for renewals during March.

New member or repeat membership fees will increase on January 1st 2015 from £32 to £35 and, for first time members, will continue to include a complimentary club vest.

Membership Secretary
Email: heatonharrierssubs@virginmedia.com