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So far Carrie Hudson has created 45 blog entries.

Brighton Half 2020 race review

Having run this race in 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2013, it is safe to say it is one of my favourites!

Of course, February in Brighton can mean unpredictable weather, but whether it’s a balmy 17c (2019) or howling gale-force winds (2020) there is always huge crowd support and a great atmosphere.

The race starts at the seafront and for around two-and-a-half miles you head gently uphill towards Ovingdean. It’s the only hill of a fairly flat and fast race, and this year the wind was behind us on the way up! You turn and run back down towards the town centre again, with lovely views out to sea the whole way. Just before the five-mile marker you’re back near the start and head inland to run past the Pavilion.

At six-and-a-half miles, you’re back on the seafront, this time heading west towards Hove, on the road. There are always loads of people supporting, often there are some performers outside the big seafront hotels and as you get closer to Hove, more people will be blasting music from their windows to cheer you around (which this year was definitely needed – did I mention the wind?).

At Hove Lagoon (around the 10-mile point – just a parkrun to go) you turn and head back along the seafront, this time running along the promenade past all the pretty beach huts, with the i360 and piers insight (and the wind behind). The crowd support gets even better along here, and the final miles always seem to fly by.

Once you crossed the line, there were foil blankets, water (in recyclable cans), bananas, cereal bars and of course the all-important medal.

You are then spoilt for choice as to where to go to refuel after all that running. Even with the horrendous winds, I enjoyed it and I am sure I will be back again!

– Maria Wicks

Maria Wicks
2020-07-08T08:53:41+01:00April 11th, 2020|Categories: News|

Keep on (virtual) Running

These are unprecedented times and the priority is very much on looking after yourselves and each other.

Our club ethos is: Inspire, Enable, Support, so, with that in mind please continue to use our Facebook page to share your inspiring reads, your enabling podcasts and your supportive comments.

Lots of us are still trying to stay active, even if it’s just a stroll around the garden.

Leader Shahinara has come up with a great way to do this and stay in contact with your running club buddies.

Running during a pandemic… is it possible? Do we even want to?!? How can we do it together?! – the answer is yes, yes and keep reading!

These past few weeks have been nothing short of a nightmare for many of us. The fear of getting COVID-19 is real. Many of us have extra childcare responsibilities, others have extra stress at work or no work, some of us are on the frontline, fearing for our families but still going to work for the good of the community.

On the running front, those who had races booked have faced the disappointment of cancellations or postponements – no London Landmarks, no Manchester, no Brighton, no London Marathon. Months of training in cold and miserable weather to be told at the last hurdle, there’s no victory lap! Well, for now anyway!

So how does one get over this knockdown? First thing I did was sign up like a crazy person to any race that had the potential to go ahead. However, it was apparent after I’d signed up, that these would not happen.

Next, sign up to some virtual races. Not quite the same as running in a race – no cheers, no high fives, no jelly babies but what you did get was the support of an online community. Your name on a virtual leaderboard perhaps a medal. For now, this would have to do! And it kind of works if you have a particular race distance in mind. Though bear in mind virtual races often have costs.

What about normal, weekly running? How do I do that? To be honest, I didn’t know. I had no motivation. Going out running on my own seemed such a chore, not the experience I enjoyed with my fellow OH Ladies

To get myself out, I asked one of my friends if they’d join me for a virtual run. This meant we both left our own house at the same time, took a selfie and sent it to the other, then off we went! Respecting all social distancing rules and government guidelines for exercise.

The first one was just two of us but then I thought we could get more people involved. Friday we had six people on our virtual run. We had great support from each other over messages so even when the face-to-face support is missing, the online messages of support and encouragement has been great!

What else can we do? I’ve also borrowed RED January from Mind and am doing RED April. Run or exercise once a day for the whole of April to lift your mood and improve your mental health. I started on April 3 so you can start now too. Any form of exercise inside or outside will do!

So ladies, lace up your trainers, put on your favourite T-shirt, wear your bling, but let’s keep getting out there to help us get through this with better mental health. See you on our virtual run!

– Shahinara Craveiro

2020-12-06T17:45:18+00:00April 11th, 2020|Categories: News|

Coronavirus Statement – 17/03/2020

The UK government has advised that everyone in the UK should now avoid “non-essential” travel and contact with others to fight coronavirus.  Whilst it has not issued any ban on public gatherings of any size either indoors or outdoors at this stage, the advice is to avoid non-essential contact with others, including going to sporting events, pubs, clubs, theatres and social venues.

As a result, England Athletics advises that all face-to-face activity such as club training sessions, events, competitions, club committee and face-to-face meetings, athlete camps, running groups and social events should be suspended until at least the end of April.

As a result of the latest England Athletics advise we will suspend all group sessions including our New to/Back to Running course which is due to start on Saturday, March 21st. 

Anyone who has paid for the course will be entitled to either a refund or to re-book the course later in the year when it will go ahead.  We are sad that we are not able to meet and run with you at this time, but are confident that we will be delivering the course later in the year.

The current schedule of group runs will be collapsed until further notice and the proposed club trips to the Hogsmill 5 and the Bournemouth Running festival are currently paused.

The risk of people feeling isolated both physically and mentally will be challenging so please do continue to use our social channels to interact and share your news, ingenious ideas, thoughts and feelings.

We are a community of women who care for, inspire and support each other and just because the running and walking together is on hold doesn’t mean the rest of what we offer has to stop.  Spread only positivity, light and kindness.

Oh Ladies run safe

From England Athletics:

The decision has been taken in the interests of athletes, runners, officials, coaches, volunteers, supporters and the wider athletics and running communities. This decision is also in alignment with actions taken by the home country athletics federations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and is similar to action taken by other sports.

Where possible, athletes and runners at all levels are encouraged to maintain their own personal fitness and keep active during this time while following government guidelines about safe distance and safe exercise environments.

England Athletics will continue to review and monitor government advice and will provide detailed updates on the impact of our sport in the coming weeks. We appreciate that the current situation will undoubtedly place our member clubs in a difficult situation and we are working with UKA and the other Home Country Athletics Federations on the best way to help alleviate the situation and will update you as plans evolve.

Social distancing and advice

Social distancing measures (as defined by Public Health England as spending more than 15 minutes and within a 2-metre distance talking to someone) are now advised not only if we test positive or have symptoms, but in day to day life.  As well as current travel advice, the current UK government is advising anyone with a “new, continuous” cough or high temperature and those they live with need to self-isolate for 14 days.

At-Risk groups

The latest advice from the government’s chief medical adviser is that those over 70 currently do not need to be self-isolating. However, in the coming days, every Briton over the age of 70 and those in at-risk groups over the age of 70 will be advised to be “largely shielded from social contact” for 12 weeks to help protect themselves. Those with underlying medical issues such as high blood pressure, lung complaints and weakened or compromised immune systems are more likely to develop a serious illness as a result of the disease.

Anyone with a higher risk from viruses such as cold or flu should take sensible steps to reduce the risk of picking up infections. Click here for NHS advice on infection control – it is summarized below:

  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • always wash your hands when you get home or into work
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
  • avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus
  • use a phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services

Click here for the government’s advice if you have symptoms

2020-12-06T19:51:15+00:00March 17th, 2020|Categories: News|

Wodson Park Youth Open Meet 400m

Sunday, March 15th 400 m Race Results – Wodson Park

Race 1 – 400m 1
Pos Race No Athlete Age M/F Perf.
1 29 Ethan Page U19 M 59.24
2 27 Jack Offord U17 M 1:01:96
3 32 Liam Hoey U17 M 1:08:77
4 30 Oli Parsbey U16 M 1:09:02
5 28 Archie Clark U16 M 1:14:62
2020-12-06T17:58:35+00:00March 15th, 2020|Categories: News|

New Session Plan

 Day          Time Meeting location Leader Session description
Monday

Starting May 15th.

9:15am Football pitches entrance, at Uni of Herts de Haviland Campus, just opposite Club de Haviland. Enmma Knight All welcome, varied distance between 3-5 miles, great start to the week!
Tuesday Fun Club 6 am Hatfield Station steps

(toilets available)

Sarah Badger All welcome – out and back routes to suit all, bring lights! Confirm on facebook if you are attending.
Tuesday

Starting May 9th.

9:15 am start Hatfield Cycles, Hatfield Carrie Hudson All welcome, social run with distance to suit everyone and coffee and cake at the end!
Tuesday 6:30 pm

 

 

 

Hatfield Station Steps

(toilets available)

 

Donna Staughton O’Toole 4 to 8 miles varied routes through Hatfield or Welwyn.  Including hill training, interval and group runs.  No one gets left behind.
Wednesday 6:30 pm June 7th – July 12th

September 13th – October 18th

Lisa and Denise New to/Back to running 6 week courses as advertised.
Thursday Fun Club 6:00 am Hatfield Station steps

(toilets available)

Sarah Badger All welcome – out and back routes with intervals to suit all.  Confirm on facebook if you are attending.
Thursday

Starting from May 11th.

6:30 pm Hatfield Station steps

(toilets available)

Paula Mummery

 

Suitable for those who wish to work towards and improve on a 5 km
Friday

Starting May 19th.

7:15 pm Hatfield Station steps

(toilets available)

Andrea Halliwell, Sarah Bailey or Paula Mummery This is an improvers group for those who have complete a new to running course and would like to develop themselves further.  The group can be divided in two to accommodate all runners so is suitable for all.
Saturday 9 am

(arrive 8:50)

Ellenbrook Fields (other parkruns are available!) Free timed

5 k

parkrun, free timed 5 k, run or volunteer
Sunday 8 am Hatfield Station steps (toilets available) Various leaders All welcome, social group run with pace, time and distance for everyone.

 

New to Running sessions starting on June 7th and September 13th 2017 with Denise and Lisa.

Ad-hoc group runs also take place in WGC so please contact Kim for details via joinus@ohladies.co.uk

Contact joinus@ohladies.co.uk for more information or to book your place.

During school holidays and on Bank holidays there may be some adjustment to sessions depending on leader availability so please check our facebook and twitter or email oh@ohladies.co.uk for details.

The next training plan will run from October 2017.

2017-05-02T23:41:47+01:00May 2nd, 2017|Categories: News|

Spring Newsletter

Hello and Happy Spring time to all Oh Ladies!

I hope you are all keeping well and enjoying the spring warmth, sunshine and lighter evenings!  This is the time of year to think about sunscreen, shorts, hats and pre-hydration.  Make sure you drink plenty of water the days before you run as well as after.

Welcome to our new members who will soon have completed their New to/back to Running course with Denise and Lisa, their graduation parkrun will be at Ellenbrook Fields on April 22nd – usual time of 9 am start, 8:45 meet. It will be great to have plenty of support there for them and of course its the day before London Marathon – so an incredibly exciting weekend of running!

The next New to/Back to running group will start on June 7th so please do share with friends and family who may be interested. The course is limited to 10 so get in quick!

Of course Brighton Marathon is this Sunday and we wish all our runners the very best of luck over the 26.2 miles!  remember the marathon itself is fun, you’ve already done all the hard work!

The summer running schedule will start the first week of May so keep an eye for changes to leader running sessions and times.  We plan to take advantage of the lighter evenings and the post marathon shorter runs.  Up until the new schedule starts in May please keep an eye on social media or ask your leader to confirm runs as its the school holidays and marathon season.

Subs are soon due for existing members, which will remain at £27 for the year with £15 going to UKAthletics. There is a new online tool being set up to make payment easier for you and our volunteers – details to follow in a dedicated membership renewal email towards the end of April.

Dates for your diary:
Sunday April 9th – Brighton marathon & group run departing Hatfield Station at 8 am, all welcome
Saturday April 22nd – New runners graduation parkrun at Ellenbrook Fields
Sunday April 23rd – London marathon – there will be an Oh Cheer squad going into London to support our runners – more details to follow on facebook and twitter
May 1st – new session plan kicks in
Sunday May 7th – 10 mile training walk for the St Albans walking half marathon, all welcome 8 am start
Friday May 12th – all welcome to join in a celebration of this years marathoners at The Turkish Kitchen in Hatfield from 8 pm, drink from & at Harpsfield Hall.  Please RSVP via email or facebook so we can book spaces.  Its a great chance to get to know people without having to catch your breath all the time!
Saturday May 20th – Ellenbrook Fields parkrun 1st birthday – there will be cake!
Sunday May 21st – 12 mile training walk 8 am start
Wednesday June 7th – New to Running group starts

Sunday June 11th – St Albans Half marathon, 5k, 10k, kids race and walking half marathon – plenty of places available for all events – get booked in!

Events still in the planning include an Oh weekend away, breakfast run and brunch – Runch – and new club vest official reveal!

Please email oh@ohladies.co.uk with any questions or see our twitter @0h_runners and facebook page.

2017-04-14T09:58:53+01:00April 4th, 2017|Categories: News|

New to Running/Back to Running Group – starting March 8th

Happy Spring everyone!  Its a great time to start running!

Congratulations to Denise Hill and Lisa Duncan on becoming New Running Leaders and completing their first aid training.

This dynamic pair are wasting no time in getting started and are offering a New to Running/Back to Running Beginners Group starting on Wednesday March 8th at 6:30 pm, meeting outside the deHavilland Sports Bar behind the Uni Sports Village.  Parking is available at the Uni for free for 2 hours.

If you would like to start with the basics again or you know someone who would like some help and encouragement please forward this information to them.  Spaces are limited to 10 ladies so don’t delay. Please email joinus@ohladies.co.uk to book your place on our New to Running/Back to Running course.

 

The course is free to members and for new ladies the first session is free and then £27 covers you for the course and the rest of the year as an Oh Lady, including access to all other sessions and UKA membership.

Please email joinus@ohladies.co.uk with any questions.

Happy running!

2017-03-02T12:34:51+00:00March 2nd, 2017|Categories: News|

New Run Leaders in training

Runner of the Year Denise Hill and fellow Oh! Lady Lisa Duncan are off to Ware tomorrow to attend the LiRF course and become fully fledged Oh! Leaders.

 

The pair will be taking on the Leadership in Running Fitness 1 day course alongside other trainees under the watchful eyes of England Athletics which qualifies and insures leaders to deliver safe and fun running sessions.

 

We are delighted to be welcoming Denise and Lisa to the group leaders team already at Oh! Ladies Running Club particularly with their wealth of experience in the gym as well as running.  They have also opted to extend their knowledge with an exercise based first aid qualification at Herts Uni later this month.

 

Lisa and Denise have already planned a New to Running/Back to Running Group which will start on March 8th at 6:30 pm and meet opposite Hatfield Station.

 

Welcome to the LiRF team, have a great day on the course and thank you!

2017-02-10T19:38:23+00:00February 10th, 2017|Categories: News|

And the winners are…

Huge congratulations to all the nominees of the annual Oh! Awards celebration evening and thank you to all who attended and joined in the celebrations!

Much fun was had once the flat tire, the delayed Cava and the missing awards were sorted out.  It seemed that nothing was going to go smoothly until the lights went up and guests started arriving.  Or was that until the cava arrived and started flowing?  Either way – it was alright on the night as they say!

Not only were the 2016 winners announced but the new design club vest was also revealed and rigorous testing has started!  We hope to have these on general sale by the end of February.

And our 2016 winners are…

Best New Oh Lady – Lisa Duncan, Kirsty Lemare-North, Denise Hill, Rachel Andrews, Catherine Ried and Aanjla Sengupta

WINNER – Rachel Andrews

Most Improved Oh Lady – Louise Sopp, Milena Nuti, Zoe Clark, Jan Haydon, Denise Hill, Aanjla Sengupta and Rachel Andrews

WINNER- Milena Nuti with special mention to Louise Sopp

Perseverance of Oh – Mandy Tait, Melanie Lynch, Kirsty Lemare-North, Tracey Ede and Catherine Ried

WINNER – Kirsty and Mandy both

Runner of the Year and Runner-up Runner of the Year – Denise Hill Runner of the Year and Melanie Lynch Runner–up Runner of the Year

 

Fastest times:

5K

Melissa Mileham          23:02    Verulam 17/12/2016

Jan Haydon                  24:03    Ellenbrook 13/08/2016

Alison Newberry           24:56    Ellenbrook 03/09/2016

 

10K

Melissa Mileham          49:56    Love Welwyn 14/02/2016

Jan Haydon                  53:12    Love Welwyn 14/02/2016

Kim Brewer                53:40    Herts 10K 09/10/2016

 

Half

Jan Haydon                  1:52:49 Luton Half 30/10/2016

Paula Mummery           1:56:00 Bournemouth 02/10/2016

Maria Blythe                1:59:09 Brighton Half 28/02/2016

 

Full

Paula Mummery           4:36:08 London Marathon 24/04/2016

Donna O’Toole             5:04:30 London Marathon 24/04/2016

Melanie Lynch             5:25:51 London Marathon 24/04/2016

 

2017-02-14T15:44:29+00:00February 1st, 2017|Categories: News|
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