|
DECEMBER 2006 |
26th December
Milder and dry |
Eager to run off festive excesses, 10 people turned
up under the new lamppost on Boxing night.It was
very strange to see so few faces compared to the
masses we normally have on a Tuesday night. Led
by Peter Amos and Alan, the small group started
off by going up Warren Road. The steady one mile
uphill is a challenge at the best of times but tonight
it was even more so for our mince pie-laden bodies.
After a quick re-group we headed north on the by-pass
towards Barkhart Road, to show some of the group
where the New Year's Day Gold run will start from.
Then onwards to the Knoll area, back towards Tubbenden
Lane, up the last hill on Ashbourne Rise at now
a brisk pace (I can tell, I was out of breath while
talking) before finally heading downhill to the
Buff, rounding off about 7 miles in just under the
hour. As it was the last Tuesday of the month, and
of the year too, we could have gone into the pub.
But a private function was going on and I think
we've all had our fill lately, so we headed home
after a very enjoyable run. (Betty C.) |
19th December
Cold & foggy |
T'was a dark and foggy night just before Christmas
as runners slowly emerged from the mist. In the
end about 60-70 gathered for a few notices and a
reminder about the Mince Pie Run on Sunday. Chris
Marshall shocked everyone by announcing that the
long group would be doing 3-4 miles before retiring
to the pub. In the end four
groups set off with the objective of admiring the
local Christmas light displays. John lead
a larger than usual short group on a five mile route
devised by Helen Amos. Highlights were the houses
just past Crofton School and Pinecrest Gardens before
returning to the Buff as the last team home. We
soon found out where the rest of the usual runners
were hiding - sampling the hospitality of the pub.
The main business of the evening was the ballot
for London Marathon places. We had eight
places on offer, four for the Club, three for Baggage
Handling and one donated from a benevolent local
Club. However we had no less than 18 names in the
hat and so there was inevitable disappointment for
more than half of the hopefuls.
The successful ones were:
Eric Enock, Simon Hawkes, Annette Shrimpton, Kevin
Smith, Francis McPeake, Tracey Johnson, Michael
Bennett, Theresa McMahon. Reserves are Trevor
Delahoy, Emma Shaw and Emma Coe, in that order.
Names were also taken for the Baggage Team with
a good response, including from some of those who
would have preferred to run. However, we still need
another dozen or so so please let John Mackay have
your name if you can help out. |
12th December
Wet and blustery |
Second of this winter's 10k
handicap races. Numbers were expected to
be down tonight with Christmas festivities taking
their toll and a miserable wet night. However we
still had 70 Finishers with Dave Corderoy pulling
up with a pulled muscle and Paula Ferguson unfortunate
to take a nasty tumble on the resurfaced road at
Crofton. Best wishes to both.
Some impressive times from newer runners,
Graham Rogers, Sam Pullen, Jason Bailey and Colette
Gebbett at the head of the field. Alan Tweddle broke
40 mins for the short course and looks ripe for
promotion to the full distance if he can tow Peter
A that far. Simon Collins, Mike Turner and Sam Simpson
all broke 40 mins for 10k which was good going in
the conditions. Some others have obviously been
enjoying the start of the season of eating and drinking
with times down on their usual.
Thanks go to a large squad of helpers this month
which made the finish a bit easier this time despite
the wet weather. Any mistakes in
the results are down to trying to decipher a pile of paper machier,
all appeals to John as usual. |
5th December
Windy and cold |
As Snoopy used to write from the roof of his kennel-
'It was a cold and windy night.............'
The second week under our
new lamppost saw a large gathering in their winter
track suits and bobble hats. Peter Amos reminded
us of the Club's famous Mince Pie Fancy Dress run,
on Sunday 24th of December in High Elms and also
the London Marathon places draw on Tuesday 19th
in The Buff, after that evening's run.
We then split into groups headed by Chris Marshall,
Brian Mead, Betty Chan, John Mackay and Graham Johnson.
Something for everyone , hopefully.
Chris's elite group had an enjoyable run; it was
a ten mile circular route on a clear night under
a full moon along the country lanes to Knockholt
Church. Betty's group however, kept to the well
lit main roads with a 5/6 miler around the Petts
Wood area.
Don't forget that next week is the second of John
ackay's winter 10k and 5 mile handicap series of
races. |
|
NOVEMBER 2006 |
28th November
Dry, cool & moonlit |
Tonight a small piece of history was made when,
for safety reasons, the Club
moved lampposts! We only moved about 30 yards
but hopefully the new gathering place, directly
outside The Buff but the other side of
the hedge, will be much safer as it is away from
the road and entirely on a grassed area.
Tonight was also the first of this winter's fartlek
sessions, led by Peter Amos and Chris Thompson.
Those wanting something a little smoother joined
John's 5 mile 'Orpington Christmas lights' tour
or Graham's shufflers.
Betty Chan also offered another alternative and
attracted 14 runners in her group, which she had
described as 'about 5 miles at 8.5 minute per mile
pace with no stops' before setting off from
The Buff. In fact, they did re-group several
times with the front runners observing running etiquette
by running back to pick up those at the back. After
warming up they ran up Farnborough Hill doing the
'snake ladder' or whatever you call it.
They were in 2 groups of 7 and the last runner sprints
uphill overtaking the group, then the person who
is now last in the group sprints uphill and so on.
Once we got their breath back they went along to
the infamous Newstead Triangle where they jogged
along the top, ran down one side then sprinted up
the third. After three repetitions, no one wanted
another but Betty's group plan on doing more next
month.
This group were the first group back to base after
about 50 minutes, getting served first at the bar
- which was the whole idea! |
21st November
Cold and damp |
Perhaps
the first cold night of the winter kept the numbers
a down a little this week. About eighty runners
split into five groups and set off in different
directions with a good selection of wooly hats and
track suit bottoms in evidence.
The long group, led by Chris Marshall, set off for
the War Memorial, then took a side road up to the
Orpington by-pass and headed out to Hewitt's Roundabout
and down Wheatsheaf Hill. All of this was at a sprightly
pace, but they then eased off as far as Pratts Bottom.
This group, at the sharp end of the Club, accelerated
somewhat with everyone trying to go flat out along
the mile stretch to the Rose and Crown roundabout.
The run continued up to Farnborough Village, along
Tubbenden Lane and included a couple of sprints
back to 'The Buff' They covered just under eight
and a half miles. |
14th November
Dry & cool |
Tonight was the first of
this winter's 10k handicap series - organised
by John Mackay. A staggering
110 finishers last night, 30 more than last
year. Somehow we managed to get more people back
than we thought had started, but better that way
round I suppose!
There were some impressive performances with a mix
of newer runners, Wesley Richards, Neil Stevens
and Stefan Stone over 10k, and well established
Amber, Rachael, Lorraine and Nancy pushing each
other over 5m, at the head of the field. Due note
will be taken and handicaps adjusted accordingly
for next time. Four people broke 40 mins for the
10k, with Ian Hailes fastest in 38.41, Mike Turner
39.10, Simon Collins 39.37 and newcomer Sam Simpson
39.38.
See the full results on the 10k Nights page. Thanks
to you all for participating and John and his team
for the organisation of the event. |
7th November
Chilly and moonlit |
It looked like another
100 plus turnout on this fresh Tuesday evening
- though it's difficult to count you all now! Club
Secretary Peter Amos brought the gathering to attention
and announced the groups tonight, ranging from Graham's
shufflers to Chris's elite pacey nine milers. We
had several new members tonight - welcome to Stefan
who eventually found us outside The Buff,
having come down from London to Orpington Station.
In preparation for next week's 10k handicap the
medium group led by Peter Amos, took us around the
smaller 5 mile route, at the same time guiding proud
new father Allan Tweddle round the variedly lit
roads and pavements.
Don't forget that next Tuesday is the first of this
winter's 10k handicap races organised by
John Mackay. Make sure you have given John your
preferred distance and estimated race time, so he
can ensure the large field get off at the right
time and you all enjoy a close finish! |
|
OCTOBER 2006 |
|
31st October |
A strong turnout for Halloween
night, well done to Bernie
for his skeleton outfit only to find everyone else
was poorly disguised as runners. Before setting
out, due note was
paid to the Club participation in various marathons
over the weekend. There
was a large contingent at Beachy Head with notable
performances from Mike Turner, Lucy Miller and Katrina
Patching, who knocked no less than 53 mins off last
year's time. Dublin also saw a dozen yellow shirts
and a good time was had by all who made the trip.
Notable of course
were the intrepid four - Ray Bennett, Dave Lewis,
Dave King and Peter Amos - who also completed Snowdonia
on route between Beachy Head and Dublin.
A fantastic achievement with times for Dublin which
belie all the standard advice about tapering training
before attempting the 26.2 miles. It was noted however,
that none of the four were running on Tuesday! -
more about family pressures than lack of will.
On the running front, Chris Marshall lead the long
group on a 10-11 mile caper, Brian and Tim split
the medium group between them on about 7 mile routes,
Helen took a 4 mile fartlek session and Graham took
the ever improving "shufflers".
John found himself with a
larger than usual group that included a number of
weekend marathoners and made them all suffer with
a speed play session around Chelsfield Park.
These sessions often get a bit confused and it was
not helped by getting mixed up with various trick
or treat groups. It is a bit disconcerting to find
that on your sprint phase you are overtaken by a
youth in cloak & face mask complete with scythe.
The pub was a welcome refuge to continue to muse
over the weekend exploits.
(J.Mc) |
24th October
Chilly & damp |
Another landmark in the Club's development tonight.
A blue balloon tied to our
famous lamppost celebrated the Club's 200th member
Jaqui Dale, who joined us recently. A belated
prizegiving to Annie for her recent success at the
Maidstone Half Marathon - third in age category
in the Kent championship. Congratulations also to
Allan & Claire Tweddle, on the birth of their 9lb
10oz baby girl last Monday. We wished 'good luck'
to all our marathoners, who will be participating
in their 26 mile events at Eastbourne, Dublin and
Snowdonia this weekend. There were two or three
new runners tonight who decided to join Graham Johnson's
'shufflers' group. They were going to run the 10k
short course, if that's not a contradiction in terms!
It was an opportunity to
show those who have joined since last winter, the
Club's 10k, 5 and 3 mile handicap course in preparation
for the first of the John Mackay's winter series
on Tuesday November 14th. Graham patiently
showed our new runners the outline of the course
and ensured that those who could only manage the
three mile version, were kept safely in touch with
the main group.
At the other end of the ORR running group spectrum
Chris Marshall's 'long group'
of ten runners ran a circle via Farnborough, Crofton,
Petts Wood, Poverest and St Mary Cray. The way back
took them up Chelsfield Lane and down Avalon Road
to Spur Road with the finishing sprint in Sevenoaks
Road to the club lamp post. This was a steady run
with no re-grouping and they covered a fraction
under ten miles. |
17th October
Still & cool |
Yet another pleasant autumn
evening with only the briefest of showers
just before we set off. Close
on a hundred runners again with several new
faces. Not too many announcements tonight, so Secretary
Amos quickly outlined the six groups for the evening's
runs. These included Chris Marshall's elite group
with their 9-10 mile chase, culminating in their
famous sprint for the mythical line under the Club's
lamppost. Brian Mead led
his 'long-medium' group around his familiar side
roads and twisty footpaths of the Petts Wood Area.
Peter Amos guided Alan and a pack of about 12 up
Warren Road, then breathlessly along the Highway
until he had to retire, with Alan having a little
calf trouble: Peter C. and Martyn took over the
group and headed for the Knowle area, to complete
a trip of about six miles. Other groups were led
by Betty 'Toronto' Chan and Graham Johnson with
his famous shufflers. Don't
forget that the winter 10k series starts on November
14th. If you are new to this event then please
give your anticipated handicap time to John Mackay.
|
10th October
Mild & clear |
It seemed like a summer's evening when the eighty
plus crowd of runners gathered on this most pleasant
October night - apart from the fact the sky was
pitch black of course! After a few notices
from the Club Secretary we set off in our various
groups. Once again there were one or two new faces
trying out the Club for the first time. Chris Marshall's
long group were living up to their name, with a
promised nine or ten mile pacey run, finishing with
their famous last half mile sprints.
Brian Mead led the next group
around his favourite side roads and footpaths of
Petts Wood. Peter 'no re-grouping'
Amos took the medium group on a six miler towards
St. Paul's Cray only stopping for a long red light
to cross the constant traffic of Sevenoaks Way.
For the first time this season
you could see the steam coming off some of our runners
as by then, the moonlit evening had turned
a little cooler. The lights turned green and off
they went again.......... |
3rd October
Damp & chilly |
Another good turnout tonight, perhaps a few short
of last week's hundred, but still lot of runners
for Peter Amos to organise into about six groups.
Welcome to Richard who joined us for the first time
tonight. Despite not being
with us this evening, there was a round of applause
for Betty Chan, who recently completed the Toronto
Waterfront Marathon in 3hr 48m.
Peter Amos led a medium group of about twenty runners
in the direction of Keston, keeping up a good pace
with very few stops to re-group. Chris Marshall's
'long' group of twenty five, ventured no further
than just beyond Orpington Station, and spent an
entertaining evening on four different steep hills
and steps. Each set was tackled seven times (to
match the Seven Sisters in the forthcoming 'Beachy
Head Marathon') and they finished with a long run
back to The Buff. The total distance run
by this elite group was slightly under seven miles
and by the end everyone was suitably exhausted. |
|
SEPTEMBER 2006 |
26th September
Cool and clear |
Congratulations to all ORR members!
100 up - yes we topped
the hundred Tuesday attendance mark for the first
time. Club secretary Peter Amos addressed the gathering
and thanked everybody for their participation and
help in last Sunday's very successful mob match
with New Eltham Joggers in High Elms.
The committee are very much aware of the problems
that the popularity of the club can bring, with
so many runners to organise into compatible groups.
Tonight we had no less than eight groups ranging
from Chris Marshall's elite group to Graham Johnson's
shufflers.
Chris's group ventured over the Greenwich Meridian
and into the Western Hemisphere.pan> Their course
took them over Hayes Common and past the Blackheath
Harriers HQ to Coney Hall roundabout, which is skirted
by the 'line'. They then crossed and almost immediately
re-crossed, the line and made their way back by
much the same route. All twenty had a good finish
and covered ten and a quarter miles.
Hopefully the club offered a range of distances
and pace to give everyone the kind of run they wanted.
If we didn't then let us have your complaints or
comments! |
19th September
Mild & dry |
Dark at 8 o'clock now as about ninety runners gathered
for this Tuesday's meeting of our famous club.
Peter Amos gave the final
details of next Sunday's mob match with New Eltham
Joggers in High Elms. The five groups then
set off in their various directions.
Chris Marshall's 'fast' group
was running to Badgers Mount and other groups led
by Brain Mead, Peter Amos, Graham Johnson and Linda
Kemp went mostly in the Orpington direction.
Peter's group had very few stops and covered both
the Crofton and St.Paul's Cray area. On the way
back on the long run in down Warren Road, one of
our newer runners had a nasty fall and had to be
helped by several pack members. A timely reminder
in these dark evenings to be very sure of your footfall
and concentrate just that little bit more than perhaps
you have to do in the bright summer nights. Allan
Carey went back to The Buff and brought
his car back to the incident and then ferried our
injured runner back to base. Hopefully it is only
a strain as the ankle certainly swelled up; nature's
way of protecting the affected area. A 'frozen peas'
ice pack was recommended! |
12th September
Cool & clear |
Well it seems that we have had the
last of the daylight running
on a Tuesday evening for another year, but
it hasn't affected the number of runners under the
lamppost. About ninety runners listened to Peter
Amos's notices about the Hash Run on Sunday 24th
and the famous HEROS Round Westerham training run
next Sunday. We then split into about five groups
and set off for our various routes on this lovely
night for running. The medium-fast group was led
by Brian Allen and was described as a tour of 'the
posh houses on Farnborough Park' The group of about
twelve enjoyed a pacey run of about six miles including
some 'ladder' sessions on the side roads on the
way back to The Buff. |
6th September
Moonlit & dry |
Only about forty minutes
of daylight this evening; just enough time
for Club Secretary Amos's notices, then off in five
groups of differing pace and distance. What a beautiful
evening for running! A little warm perhaps, but
so still and peaceful as we set off in our variuos
directions. Brian Mead's medium-fast group set off
towards Petts Wood, only to be traversed by Chris
Marshall's elite group in Crofton Lane!
It soon got dark but tonight,
we had the benefit of a bright, three quarters moon
to guide us around the peaceful and prosperous
roads in the Willets Estate and Knowle areas. It
wasn't long before we were high stepping along dark,
narrow footpaths at quite a good pace, as we expect
from Brian's group. Soon we were all back under
the lamppost - the various groups returning, one
after the other. We counted them all out (about
90) and we counted them all in! |
|
AUGUST 2006 |
29th August
Mild & clear |
Close to 90 runners tonight
as we met under the Club's famous lamppost. Several
newcomers trying us for the first time. A slightly
hamstrung Peter Amos addressed us in 'civies' and
confirmed the return Mob
Match date with New Eltham Joggers as Sunday 24th
September in High Elms at 11:00am. Plenty
of ORR runners and marshals required on the day
please, so we can match the enthusiasm and hospitality
of the NEJ's.
Five groups were required tonight to handle the
various paces and distances required by such a large
turnout. Brian Mead and Nigel Webb's 'fast-medium'
group sped off towards Crofton, using up the last
of the daylight to scamper up the Tubbenden Recreation
hill. They then went on towards the long Crofton
Path which runs parallel to Crofton Lane towards
Petts Wood. Finally as night fell they made their
way back via Bromley Common and Keston Park. A run
of about 6-7 miles at a good pace with only a few
re-grouping stops.
It being the last Tuesday in the month, there was
the customary re-hydration session in The Buff
afterwards. |
22nd August
Warm & dry |
With the light fading fast John Mackay took a few
people by surprise by announcing groups on the stroke
of 8pm! Those who arrived LATE (and who should know
better!) were taken by surprise.
As Chris Marshall’s long
group headed off Peter Amos was still trying to
present Pat Dorrell’s age category prize from the
Eltham Park 5, held earlier in the year.
He finally succeeded once Pat had emerged from a
last minute comfort break in the Buff! Brian Mead
led a fast medium group, Peter led a slower medium
group and John and Graham their usual groups.
Tonight the 'long group' ventured over the fields
at Farnborough, including about 400 yards of 'Stubble
Crunching' (which is simply the energetic
and enjoyable act of running through corn stubble).
They continued to Holwood Farm and the Wiberforce
Oak to Keston and Hayes Village, then on to Bromley
Common, near Crown Lane. The return to Green St
Green along the the A21 was broken up with 'leapfrogging'
and the run culminated with a long sprint to the
lamppost. This long group covered the nine miles
or so with minimal regrouping, and at the end everyone
appeared to be cheerfully exhausted.
It was good to see Warren
Chan join in after years of waving Betty off! It
was also good to see Suzanne Rhule and Juliet Trew
back after an absence. As always there were
a couple of new faces – we hope you enjoyed your
runs. Although it was a warm and relatively clear
night the gathering gloom in Sparrows Woods signalled
the end of the summer off-road excursions. Not to
worry there’s always HEROS – every Sunday at 9am. |
15th August
Breezy & clear |
When everybody gets back from their holidays, it's
going to be pretty crowded under the lamppost!
Just under seventy runners
gathered and listened to John Mackay as he described
the runs on offer tonight. Chris Marshall's
elite group went on a brisk eight mile run, apparently
without any stops to re-group - so be warned if
you want to run with the 'top' group! Brian Mead
and Nick Kasper led the two more modest medium groups.
They both used the hour or so of daylight, to explore
the many paths of High Elms and then the fields
surrounding Farnborough Church. John took his slowish
group, which included a few first timers, while
Linda and Graham were in charge of the 'shufflers'
this week. In the medium
group there was much talk about preparation and
training for this Autumn's marathons. There
are certainly going to be quite a few 'yellow shirts'
on the start line in Dublin this year! |
8th August
Warm & dry |
With many people on holiday, including Secretary
Amos, we still had almost 70 runners tonight. John
brought the gathering to order at about five past
eight and announced the groups.
Chris Marshall's 'long group'
was going to do the famous 'Cudham Circular'
while Michael Turner took
the medium group on the Warren Road, Chelsfield,
Pratts Bottom circuit of about seven miles.
Alan, our visually impaired runner, was guided by
Michael tonight in Peter Amos's absence. John and
Linda led the shorter groups on this very pleasant
evening when ominously, the daylight seemed to fade
away rather quickly. We were saddened to hear of
the death of Ashley Smith's grandfather this week.
Many of you will remember Walter's participation
in the 2004 and 2005 Darrick Wood fun runs in his
nineties, when four generations of Ashley's family
took part. Members should visit the Bulletin Board
to read a wonderful tribute letter from Ashley. |
1st August
Breezy & cool |
Much cooler than previous weeks and right in the
middle of the holiday season, but we still had
just under 70 gathered around
the Club's lamppost tonight. One or two new
potential members tonight - welcome to Paul from
Sidcup, who usually runs with his dog and decided
to join a bigger pack tonight. Chairman John Mackay
announced the groups - ranging from a 'sharp eight'
to a 'gentle four' miles. Peter Amos led the off
the medium group up the long Warren Road ascent
and then on towards Goddington Park. The group then
went out into the country via Lilley's Wood. They
stopped to re-group whilst
looking at the fine sunset
on this cool evening and noted that the nights were
beginning to draw in. They returned via the
Rock & Fountain and Chelsfield Village, then across
the golf course and finally along the 'old' A21
past Knockholt Station and the famous final 'timed
mile' back to The Buff. |
|
JULY 2006 |
25th July
Humid & warm |
The heat wave continues,
but it didn't deter the Club's 'all-weather' runners
turning out in good numbers. About 70 tonight,
mostly in vests with water bottles in hand. Peter
Amos brought us all to attention, welcomed one new
member and then announced the groups for the evening.
It was good to see John Mackay back from his holiday
in Scotland and taking over the reins of the 'slow
medium' group. There was
a round of applause to recognise Dave Kings 100th
marathon, which he completed last Sunday
at the Fairlands Marathon in Hertfordshire. We then
set off towards High Elms and some cooling shade
in the Country Park. Peter Amos's very large 'medium'
group soon got a little fragmented, so much so that
a couple of back markers, who were struggling somewhat,
decided to join John's slower group as they passed
them going in the opposite direction! |
18th July
Very warm |
After a very hot and dry day we didn't expect a
large turnout but we got one! Over 70 runners, lightly
clad, sped off mostly towards High Elms in groups
led by Chris, Brian, Nigel, Peter A., Helen and
Graham. It was not a night
for long distance or fast pace but sensible running
with frequent stops for a breather and perhaps a
drink. Standing in for John Mackay Peter
Amos offered a “genuine” 5 mile cool run in the
woods to a group of 21, unlike last weeks 5 miler
that actually measured 6.75 miles!
The cool shade of High Elms
was welcome after the searing heat of the day
although it was quite dark causing one runner
to take a tumble. After climbing back up the hill
they emerged onto the soft surface of the golf course
to a back drop of a pink setting sun. Reaching the
Buff at 40 metres over 5 miles no one was more surprised
than the leader at the accuracy of the predicted
distance!
Chris Marshalls' elite group's first stop was for
water at Downe churchyard followed by a few
moments to pay homage to at the grave of Charles
Darwin's gardener. Then they went to the rear of
Down House and had a peek into the vegetable garden
itself, which is very well tended and a credit to
English Heritage. Adjacent to the garden back gate
is the start of Darwin's 'Sandwalk' which is a 'P'
- shaped path where he used to walk and do his thinking.
As their group had done in previous years, they
ran it, and thought! With history behind them they
continued their run --- down into Cudham Valley,
up again, down again, up yet again and into Cacket's
Lane, New Years Wood and along to Fairtrough and
Charmwood Farm. From here they split the group and
ran the last one-and-a-half to two miles at 'our
own pace'. This mystery run (when they set off Chris
didn't know where he would go) turned out to be
quick-paced, little re-grouping, very hilly, enjoyable
and ten miles long. |
11th July
Sunny & still |
A beautiful summer's evening
brought out about 80 runners - an impressive
sight as they gathered, mostly in Club yellow, outside
The Buff.
John Mackay was on holiday this week, so Peter Amos
made the announcements and also welcomed several
more new runners. Helen Amos led the 'Shufflers'
and Peter led John Mackay's normal 'steady 5' group.
Brian Mead led the medium
group of about 18 strong, off on an 8-9 miler, around
the Cudham Circular. Taking in Downe Village
and Down House before setting off across fields
and meadows with freshly cut hay, on this wonderful
evening for running. They had a spectacular sunset
to look at which took their minds off the tough
climb out of Cudham Valley. Chris Marshall's long
group was both large and long!
They went out towards Layham
Farm on a 10+ mile jaunt which ended in some
confusion and merriment as the group fragmented.
Unfortunately some runners got a little lost, then
found themselves again! Don't forget the mob-match
against New Eltham Joggers on Friday night. |
4th July
Warm & sunny |
At last we had some classic summer evening's weather
- bright and warm after a very hot day. About sixty
runners gathered, including two or three new members.
John Mackay outlined the four groups available.
Chris Marshall was taking
the long group up to High Elms for some 'quality'
circuits of the country park. John went in
the same direction for his medium group of about
5 miles. Helen and Graham led the 'Shufflers' on
a gentle 3-4 miler on this very warm evening.
The main feature run was
Nigel Webb's Chelsfield Circular which is
really the fourth of ORR's classic trilogy of mid-summer
runs! Nigel was soon in for some flack as once we
got out into the country, we encountered overgrown
footpaths cutting through thigh-high rape fields.
This strong prickly crop proved quite uncomfortable
to run through, so we had to walk for a while and
then rub down our sore legs. After a while the paths
improved and we had a delightful summer run, with
the setting sun as a beautiful backdrop. Thanks
Nigel for this eventful nine and a half mile classic
run. |
|
JUNE 2006 |
27th June
Overcast & cool |
Close on 70 runners gathered
to hear the ORR 10k Race Director, Peter Amos, thank
the many club members who helped to make last Sunday's
event such a success. The feedback we have
recieved so far, has been overwhelmingly positive.
We then moved on to the evening's runs. The main
group led by Michael Turner set of on the
third of this summer's classic
runs - to Lullingstone; a round trip of just
over 10 miles. Through the orchards, cornfields,
country paths, past some forgotten country pubs
and then into the Lullingstone Country Park and
public golf course. The scenery was delightful and
the run very challenging. We were very pleased to
see Chris and June Marshall who had driven to the
visitors' centre to provided a 'drinks station'
before the major climb back towards Chelsfield. |
20th June
Cloudy & breezy |
Despite clashing with the England v Sweden match,
we had a 40 plus turnout for the
classic Chevening mid-summer run. Those
hardy souls who wanted to run the full distance
of over 12 miles left at 7:30 - while the rest
met as usual at The Buff at 8 o'clock,
then drove up to the Three Horseshoes at Knockholt.
We were then led by Chris Marshall on this most
scenic of runs. As we descended into the hamlet
of Chevening, the church bells were pealing.
We took a refreshing drink of water at the church
tap and then made our way back home using a
different route, fiendishly devised by Chris.
Chevening House is used
by the Foreign Secretary for selective meetings
and conferences. We couldn't get close
enough to see if the present incumbent, Margaret
Beckett, has put her new curtains up yet or
where she has parked her caravan. |
13th June
Overcast & humid |
The weather was a little disappointing for the first
of this summer's classic runs.. Peter Clinch was
to lead us all off in the direction of the 'Nash
Run', but not before Secretary Amos had made the
announcements. Last Sunday
the ORR women's team had come first in the Eltham
Park 5 mile race. The trophy they received
was displayed to the 70 plus gathering. Once these
formalities were over we all set off together towards
High Elms to regroup at the start of Bogey Lane.
Those not wishing to run the full 10 miles of the
Nash circular, split off at this point for a more
modest route. This left a
pack of about 40 runners for the long run.
The torrential rain earlier in the day had left
the narrow footpaths smelling sweet and had also
reduced the impact of the stinging nettles! The
glorious scenery of this run was especially appreciated
by a guest American runner who joined us this week.
It's quite a tough run with plenty of challenging
hills. Thankfully on this humid evening, we found
a tap at the Nash Stables and were able to slake
our thirsts before the final push back towards Keston
Ponds. |
6th June
Dry and sunny |
A beautiful evening for cross country running! Sunlit
and not too warm, so the tracks and trails of High
Elms, Downe and Knockholt were at their best. The
large turnout was split into five groups led by
Chris Marshall (fast 11), Brian Mead (sharpish 8),
Nick Kasper (sprightly 6), John Mackay (steady 5)
and Graham Johnson (gentle 4). Welcome to Jason
who joined us for the first time tonight and seemed
to really enjoy his hilly tour with Brian's group.
This took in some wonderful scenery as well as Charles
Darwin's 'thinking path'. We also also had a spectacular
sunset as we stepped over stile after stile. Next
week we start the first of this summer's famous
trilogy of runs with the 'Nash Dash' - to be followed
with those other classics Chevening and Lullingstone. |
|
MAY 2006 |
30th May
Cool and Dry |
Chairman Mackay brought the 80 plus gathering to
attention at about five past eight.
The focus is now on the Orpington
10k on June 25th with batches of entry forms
being given to ORRs running at next weekend's local
events. The idea is to enable them to distribute
to local runners who have yet to sign up to the
race. This evening's groups were led by Chris M.
- Brian M. - John Mc. & Graham J. Brian's medium
run of about seven miles was through some delightful
countryside in the Knockholt and Halstead area.
A challenging run with plenty of hills, paths, stiles
and horses! |
23rd May
Wet after a storm |
A heavy storm at 7.30 may have put a few people
off but a good sized crowd meet under the lamppost
at 8 o'clock and were rewarded by a break in the
weather. The objective for
the evening was to run the route of the Orpington
10k, so that everyone would have an idea of the
new course (and be so impressed that they
would offer to help on the day). Chris Marshall
lead the fast team on a full recce running up to
Darrick Wood to start from Lovibonds Ave. While
the rain held off, it was pretty muddy underfoot.
The fast group clearly enjoyed themselves judging
by the amount of mud they brought back with them.
It was described by some as the unofficial ORR 10k
championship with few prisoners taken! Several other
groups joined the route at convenient places. It
is probably fair to say that various routes were
taken that approximated to the actual course but
that shows how important it is to have a strong
marshal squad on the day to keep everyone on course.
Apologies to Sharon who dropped off one group expecting
to join the following group but they never materialised.
Peter A. led Helen's group (in between Graham's
and John's) without Helen who thought, as we all
did, that the Heavens would open once again and
drown us all. Fortunately we did not need an ark
and Alan, Linda, Hilary, Katy and Peter followed
everyone else to where the Orpington 10k route crosses
the A21 from Tubbenden rec. Leaving out the circuit
of Darrick Woods meant that we cut about 2.5km off
the full route giving us a run of around 5 miles.
The fast group overtook us as we re-crossed Shire
Lane that gave the impression of actually being
part of a race! |
16th May
Damp & Fresh |
Lot's of gossip and stories under the lamppost about
last Saturday's annual ORR social event at Broke
Hill Golf Club. Eventually
the 80 plus field was sorted into groups and set
of in a variety of directions. Chris and
his 'long' group off towards Keston, Brian and John
with their medium-fast and slow groups towards High
Elms and Nick K. towards Goddington Park. It turned
out to be a lovely running evening with the sun
breaking through and the country paths smelling
so sweet, after the heavy rain in the afternoon.
There were several new members who were running
with the Club for the first time. After all the
runs returned to base there was some concern over
Sarah R. who had pulled up with a leg injury on
Chris's 'fast' run and had to walk rather gingerly
back to our 'Clubhouse' Hopefully Sarah will be
back running with us again very soon. |
9th May
Mild & Sunny |
Too many to count! Must have
been over ninety runners gathered outside
The Buff tonight on this lovely spring evening.
John Mackay addressed the group and once again issued
a safety warning - as one of our runners had been
knocked over and injured on his way to last Sunday's
HEROS run. So we all need to be reminded that we
must be careful, especially when we are running
in a group and always pay attention to the vehicles
we often have to share our routes with.
Having split into five groups
we all made our way towards High Elms and
enjoyed some splendid running through the country
park, looking its magnificent best in the early
spring! Chris Marshall's 'long' group of 19 runners
ran cross-country for almost all of their hour and
a half outing. They set off from Pratts Bottom,
from where footpaths and bridleways led them to
Downe and Farnborough. They covered the ten miles
in the usual cheerful fashion. Tonight they were
especially cheered by the sight of bluebells, in
their thousands. |
2nd May
Still dry & overcast |
Another big turnout as we gain some new members
inspired by the London Marathon : welcome to Valentine
who was one of the runners trying ORR for the first
time tonight. Apparently Nigel recognised him as
being a Walnut's gym nut! Chris was back to lead
the long group. Nick led the very large medium group,
which seemed to split into two half way round!
Daylight virtually all the way as we sped over the
glorious countryside around Downe Village.
Later we were running through North Kent Golf Club
just as dusk was descending - delightful! |
|
APRIL 2006 |
25th April
Dull but daylight |
There seemed to be a record gathering tonight -
too many to count but about eighty or so. Excited
by the light evening we didn't spend too long talking
about last Sunday's London Marathon; more of that
later. We split into four groups,
Michael Turner taking the
long group as Chris was still away on holiday.
Mark took a 20 strong medium
group up along the path by Cudham Lane and
then up to the Mace Farm and Norsted Manor area
through the delightful scenic vale just before the
descent back towards the A21.
After tonight's run there
was the traditional post 'London' gathering in The
Buff were medals were worn and 'wall' stories
were told. Congratulations to all our Club's 32
finishers. According to our club statistician (Peter
A.) the average finishing time was the best since
our records began back in 2002. |
18th April
Breezy and Cool |
We wished our 32 entries in next Sunday's London
Marathon, good luck as the large gathering split
into five groups. Chris Marshall is away running
in Carolina, so Michael Turner
led the 'long' group. There was about twenty
minutes of good daylight tonight so that enabled
all groups to sample the new entry paths to High
Elms. Don't forget to reserve your ORR Disco tickets
from Linda Kemp on May 13th at Broke Hill Golf Club |
11th April
Damp after downpour |
A few noticeable absences this week as organisers
Amos and Marshall were taking Easter breaks.It was
left to John Mackay to make the notices, welcome
a couple of new members and organise the running
groups. Michael turner took Chris's long striders
and Brian Mead led the medium group on asix mile
run, taking in some daylight country footpaths before
returning to the Keston and Farnborough Park estates.
John Mackay's 'steady' group christened the new footpath at the side of Old Hill at the
start of their 5 mile route tonight. They then cut
back along Ted's path in Shire Lane before heading
for Farnborough and Crofton. The new path is wide,
bright and handsome but as someone said 'It's a
pity they built it over the elephants graveyard
as the hills are a bit steep!' |
4th April
Chilly and moonlit |
It took a while to bring the large gathering to
attention to listen to Club Secretarys Peter Amos's
notices. We had about fifteen
minutes of daylight running then we settled
down to our respective tours of well lit roads and
darker footpaths. Chris Marshall led his elite group
off on his last Tuesday run for a few weeks as he
is off on holiday to Carolina.
Peter's Amos and Clinch led
the medium groups in the direction of Petts
Wood. PC's chatty group of about a dozen enjoyed
a medium pace five or six miles, taking in plenty
of off-road footpaths including the moonlit Crofton
path which runs parallel to Crofton Lane for a quiet
and secluded mile and a half. They eventually came
out into the street lights and then scampered into
another narrow footpath heading back towards Newstead
Woods and back to The Buff. |
|
MARCH 2006 |
28th March
Cool and Windy |
What seemed like a bumper
turnout of about 70 runners took a while
to come to attention to hear Peter Amos's Club notices
at five past eight. News of next Sunday's Pre London
21 mile training run and Eric Enock's triumph in
the recent Rome marathon were well received. Welcome
to David Kennedy who was 'trying us out' for the
first time tonight. We then split into four groups
and sped off into the first bit of 'daylight' of
the summer. It only lasted about five minutes but
it promised much for the weeks to come.
Peter and Nick's medium groups
took a five to six mile tour, taking in Farnborough
village and the splendid properties of the Keston
Park and Farnborough estates. Chris Marshall's
elite group stayed very local to Green Street Green
taking in the steepest hills they could find, then
ventured to Pratts Bottom and back in one minute
'speed sessions'. In all they clocked up eight and
a half miles of energetic running. |
21st March
Dry and Cold |
Despite the lingering
low temperatures there was a
60 plus turnout
again, so we had to split into
five groups led by Chris M. - Peter A. - Nick K.
- John Mc. and Graham J. Chris's long group headed
off for a ten and a half mile scenic run to Sidcup!
Nick led his medium group on a tour of Chelsfield
whilst keeping in touch with his beloved Gillingham
F.C. on his radio headphones. There was plenty of
chat under the lamppost about
last Sunday's 17 mile pre
London Marathon training run around the borders
of Westerham. The clocks
go forward next weekend, so hopefully it won't be
too long before we can get some daylight running
in as we venture into High Elms again.
|
14th March
Cold and Damp |
Last in this winter's handicap
races organised by John Mackay. An impressive
77 finishers
tonight which has only once been beaten,
back in November when 80 crossed the
line. Apologies for the delay in getting
underway as everyone had to book in. The
organisation was a chapter of hiccups
but I hope that we have managed to get a
reasonably accurate set of results ogether. All appeals should
be accompanied by a large pint to John. There were
some excellent performances by some of our newer
members who are obviously benefiting from running
with the Club on a regular basis. Of the longer
standing runners, Bill
Fitzgerald broke 43.00 for the first
time taking over 2 minutes off his previous best.
Lucy Miller, Alan Carey
and Katrina Patching also did really well
with PB's well over 1 minute better than the
last time. Prabh Riat learned from getting lost
last month and stormed home this time with a fine
run on the 5m route.
Well done to one and all and special thanks to Graham,
Peter and Linda for once again keeping the whole
show on the road. |
7th March
Clear and Damp
|
Just over
60 under the lamppost
on this chilly late winter's night - Barcelona and
Chelsea around the fire might have kept a few from
their Tuesday run as well! Chris Marshall led the
elite group off on a 'just under ten miler' around
the Hayes area. Peter Amos took the fast medium
group on a 6.2 mile (GPS accredited) tour of the
footpaths and side roads of the Knowle and Chelsfield
area. Other groups were led by Julian, Karen and
John. Good luck to the large ORR contingent
going down to the Hastings Half Marathon next Sunday.
|
|
FEBRUARY 2006 |
28th February
Starlit & very cold |
Wonderful turnout of over
80 runners for another of our 'fartlek' evenings.
Two groups led by Peter Amos and Chris Thompson
sped off for a series of fast and slow sessions,
hill climbs and 'ladder sets'; There were a few
sore limbs after last Sunday's Tunbridge Wells Half
Marathon but the varied sessions were well received
by all those who took part. There were also three
other orthodox groups led by John, Karen and Graham.
It being the last Tuesday of the month there was
a 'gathering' in The
Buff afterwards, which
prompted the landlord to offer a modest buffet when
ORR next provide him with a boost to his customer
base! Welcome to Adela and one or two others who
joined us for the first time tonight. |
21st February
Biting wind & thin rain
|
Despite the chill wind (and footy on the TV) a sizeable
group (I've given up counting!) huddled under the
lamppost for tonight's offerings. With Chris Marshal
sampling the music of the legendary Jonny Coppin,
Simon Fenner volunteered to lead the "long" group for a 10 miler. Peter
Amos led a "Medium" group under the pretence of
a 7 mile run that turned out to be almost 9!
Halfway round Nick Kasper led off a slower group
whilst the rest ploughed on to Petts Wood passing
the long group going in the opposite direction with
a suitable barrage of "banter".
About 20 went with John on
a tour of Chelsfield Park and Court Road
jointly lead for much of the way by Katie fresh
from her first Half Marathon in Brighton. Graham's
group put the others to shame by coming home well
after the short group well satisfied by their efforts
out and around Crofton. |
14th February
Chilly and damp
|
Penultimate Handicap race
night in the 2005/06 winter series, organised
by John Mackay. Not a bad turnout considering it
was St Valentines Day, what a sad bunch we must
be! Run with three official distances to cover the
range (and at least one person who invented a new
route on the night), the calibration of the 3 mile
route needs a bit of working on for next time. Still
it was good to see Paula and friends leading the
field with the exception of young Alex Russell who
powered round the 5m route to win on the night.
Simon Collins followed up
his impressive time at the Sidcup 10m with a PB
here of 37.36, the best we have seen for
three years. Thanks to the usual crew of Peter,
Graham, Linda, Ted and Helen for helping to keep
order. |
7th February
Cold, windy and moonlit |
The 70 plus attendance
responded well to the recent safety warnings
issued by the committee and gathered
under the Club's lamppost
- not on the road! After a few announcements
from Secretary Amos we split into five groups of
varying distances and running ability and set off
in various directions on this chilly night.
John Mackay's 'medium slow'
group ran a steady 5-6 miles taking in Knockolt
Station and Court Road and The Highway. Next week
is the penultimate 10k & 5mile handicap event. |
|
JANUARY 2006 |
31st January
Cloudy, dry and cold |
Last Tuesday in the month so there was the traditional
gathering in The Buff
afterwards, but before that we had
80 plus runners to organise
into groups. Unfortunately Duncan P. was
unable to take his long/steady group due to injury
but most of his followers probably joined Chris's
long 10 miler. Brian Mead
led a large 'medium group' on his famous 'railway
bridges and paths' run while other slightly
shorter groups were led by Philippa, Graham and
John Mac. With such large numbers gathering at the
beginning now, we made a special effort tonight
to keep off the the road and stay under the famous
lamppost on the grass verge. |
24th January
Dry but very cold |
With over 70 runners on this
'fartlek' night we needed to provide plenty
of groups to keep everyone happy. Duncan agreed
to lead a long/steady group specifically designed
for the 'London' squad who wanted to pile up the
miles. Chris Thompson led
the 'fartlek group' with the now famous combinations
of sprints, hills and drills. John Mackay
had his medium/slow group and Karen led a 'steady
four miler' as well. Duncan
reported on his 'London Marathon Squad' saying
'I was very pleased with last night's run with a
long group.......we actually ran at a quicker pace
than planned - mostly under 8m/m but that was fine
for the group and everyone stayed together. We did
9.6 miles and everyone enjoyed it and said it was
a good route.' |
17th January
Damp and chilly |
We are pretty sure tonight's
attendance was a record. With so many runners,
it gets quite difficult to count without asking
everybody to stand still!
There seemed to be close to 90 runners under the
lamppost where we split into four groups,
the largest of which the medium group, led by Peter
Amos had 59 people in it. They climbed up Warren
Road then on to Court Road and on to Badgers Mount
and then back along the curiously quiet old Sevenoaks
Road near Knockholt. Chris
Marshall's 'long group' went on their rock heritage
run which stops for a few choruses of 'Major
Tom' at David Bowie's childhood home in Sundridge
Park! |
10th January
Cold and windy |
Third in the series of John
Mackay's winter handicap races. A large group
of runners gathered under the lamppost just before
eight, to register with John. These two popular
informal races give you an opportunity to have your
preferred distance timed and at the same time enjoy
a measured run with other runners of your standard.
Seventy seven finishers tonight
(with one DNF) and some good times considering the
impact of the festive season. Nice to welcome Karen
Samuels as a guest from Kent AC and relieved that
she got safely round on unfamiliar territory. No
fewer than 11 new runners
signed up on the night for a baptism of fire.
Many thanks to those who came down to help once
again. (J.M.) |
3rd January
Damp and cool |
Well it must be New year resolution time! We counted 83 runners at 8 o'clock outside The Buff for this first ORR Tuesday run in 2006. Club Secretary Peter Amos was unable to participate due to a calf injury, but he was kept busy selling the last of the ORR 2006 calendars! Chairman John Mackay brought us all to order and wished everybody a happy New Year and then announced tonight's running groups. Chris Marshall had devised a 10 and a half mile run to Bickley for the 'fast' group. John and Graham Johnson took two of the slower groups but the largest 'medium' group went on Peter Clinch's 10 churches of Orpington pilgrimage! This challenging run of just under seven miles, passes 10 churches starting with two in Green St. Green. and then progressing to Chelsfield, Knowle and the St.Joseph's estate. |
